John Lewis Partnership plc annual report and accounts 2012

Notes to the accounts continued

1 Accounting policies (continued)

Intangible assets

Intangible assets, comprising both purchased and internally developed computer software, are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairments. The cost of internally developed software, including all directly attributable costs necessary to create, produce and prepare the software for use, is capitalised where the development meets the criteria for capitalisation required by IAS 38. Internally developed software assets that are not yet in use are reviewed at each reporting date to ensure that the development still meets the criteria for capitalisation, and is not expected to become impaired or abortive. Once available for use, the purchased or internally developed software is amortised on a straight line basis over its useful economic life, which is deemed to be between 3 and 7 years.

Financial instruments

The group uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. Derivative financial instruments used by the group include interest rate swaps, forward currency contracts and foreign currency swaps. Hedge accounting has been adopted for derivative financial instruments where possible. Such derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value. The fair value of a derivative financial instrument represents the difference between the value of the outstanding contracts at their contracted rates and a valuation calculated using the forward rates of exchange and interest rates prevailing at the balance sheet date.

In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the relationship between the item being hedged and the hedging instrument is documented in advance of entering into the hedge, and assessed to show that the hedge will be highly effective on an ongoing basis. This effectiveness testing is reperformed at each period end to ensure that the hedge remains highly effective.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument matures, is sold, terminated or exercised, the designation is revoked or it no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. For derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting, any gains or losses arising from changes in fair value are taken directly to the income statement.

A fair value hedge is a hedge of the exposure to changes in fair value of a recognised asset or liability. Derivative financial instruments qualifying for fair value hedge accounting are principally interest rate swaps.

A cash flow hedge is a hedge of the exposure to variability of cash flows that are either attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability, or a highly probable forecast transaction. The effective portion of changes in the intrinsic fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recognised in equity. All other changes in fair value are recognised immediately in the income statement with other gains or losses. Amounts accumulated in equity are recycled to the income statement in the periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss. Derivative financial instruments qualifying for cash flow hedge accounting are principally forward currency contracts.

Borrowings

 Borrowings are measured at amortised cost. Where there is an effective related fair value hedge, the movement in the fair value attributable to the hedged risk is separately disclosed.

Loan arrangement costs in respect of debt are capitalised and amortised over the life of the debt at a constant rate. Finance costs are charged to the income statement, based on the effective interest rate of the associated borrowings.

Insurance

The group’s captive insurance company, JLP Insurance Limited, provides reinsurance of the group’s employer’s, public and vehicle third party liability insurances, and of the group’s healthcare insurance cover. It also insures ServicePlan Limited, and reinsures Landmark Insurance Company Limited, third party providers of extended warranty products to customers of John Lewis. For the liability insurances, the results of each underwriting year are estimated at the year end using independent actuarial assessments, when any profits or losses arising are recognised. Other classes are also accounted for on an annual basis, with unearned premiums attributed to unexpired periods of insurance at the year end.

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