J Sainsbury plc is a leading UK and US food retailer with interests in financial services. The Group comprises Sainsbury's Supermarkets and Sainsbury's Bank in the UK and Shaw's Supermarkets including Star Market in the US. Group turnover in 2003 was £18.5 billion, operating profit before tax was £695 million and underlying earnings per share before amortisation of goodwill and exceptional items was 24.2 pence. The Group employed 172,900 people at the end of the year.

J Sainsbury plc 2003 Analysis

	2003	2002
Sales1	£18,495m	£18,198m
Underlying profit before tax2	£695m	£627m
Number of stores	683	648
Sales area (000 sq ft)	21,529	20,610
Full-time colleagues	54,100	53,700
Part-time colleagues	118,800	120,100
1 Includes VAT at Sainsbury's Supermarkets and sales tax at Shaw's 2 Profit before amortisation of goodwill and exceptional items

Scope:

This report covers the environmental performance for the financial year ended 29 March 2003 (except where indicated) of Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited, Shaw’s Supermarkets Inc., and Sainsbury’s Bank plc. These represent the major businesses in J Sainsbury plc.

Conversion factors:

We have used a range of recognised conversion factors for data. They are stated adjacent to the relevant Key Performance Indicator chart.

Abbreviations and glossary:

To save space we have used acronyms and abbreviations throughout this report. For a fuller explanation of many of the terms used, please refer to the glossary.

As well as environmental issues, we fully recognise our impact on social issues and those that relate to our other key stakeholders – customers, colleagues, shareholders and suppliers. Further information on our approach to corporate social responsibility can be found at www.j-sainsbury.co.uk and from our Customer Careline freephone 0800 636262.