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DCC plc

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Industry Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing
Employees 10,000+
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FY2001 Annual Report · DCC plc
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Contents

Adding Value in Marketing and Distribution
DCC is a value added marketing and distribution group, which operates principally in growth

segments of the IT, energy and healthcare markets.  DCC holds strong market positions in

the UK and Ireland and is expanding its IT and healthcare activities in Continental Europe.

The Company's shares are quoted on the Irish and London stock exchanges.

Contents

Financial Highlights

inside front cover

Group at a Glance

inside front flap

DCC is diversified in the
markets we address. We are
highly focused in what we do -
adding value in marketing 
and distribution.

Procurement
DCC  builds enduring 
relationships with key 
suppliers and leading 
brand owners, driving 
superior volume growth.

High quality operations
DCC  develops skilled 
management teams who 
drive consistent strong 
growth through:
• Product focused sales teams
• Excellent technical support
• Effective use of IT
• Focus on working capital
• Strong cash generation  

Directors

Chairman’s Statement

Chief Executive/

Deputy Chairman’s Review

Operating Review

Financial Review

Management

Corporate Governance

Report of the Directors

Report on Directors’ Remuneration

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

Report of the Auditors

Accounting Policies

Financial Statements

Notes to the Financial Statements

Market penetration
DCC's deep distribution 
reach penetrates a broad 
range of customers across 
market sectors.

Group Directory

Shareholder Information

Corporate Information

Index

2

4

6

10

20

24

26

28

30

34

35

37

40

45

74

77

79

80

Five Year Summary and Key Ratios

inside back cover

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

1

Directors

Board of Directors

Alex Spain: Chairman
Alex Spain, B.Comm., F.C.A. (aged 68),
is non-executive Chairman of DCC and
is a director of a number of other
companies.  He was Managing Partner
of KPMG in Ireland from 1977 to 1984.
He is a former President of the Institute
of Chartered Accountants in Ireland
and a former Chairman of the Financial
Services Industry Association in
Ireland.  Mr Spain joined the Board and
became Chairman in 1976.
Chairman of the Audit, Remuneration and
Nomination committees

Jim Flavin: Chief Executive/Deputy Chairman
Jim Flavin, B.Comm., D.P.A., F.C.A. (aged 58), founded DCC
in 1976 and is Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman.  He has
extensive experience in the areas of business development
and corporate acquisitions.  Prior to founding DCC, he
worked as head of AIB Bank’s venture capital unit.  Mr Flavin
is also Deputy Chairman of Eircom plc.
Member of the Nomination committee

Tommy Breen
Tommy Breen, B.Sc. (Econ), F.C.A.,
(aged 42), executive Director, joined
DCC in 1985, having previously worked
with KPMG.  He is Managing Director
of DCC SerCom.  Mr Breen joined the
Board in 2000.

Tony Barry
Tony Barry, Chartered Engineer (aged 66), non-executive
Director, is a member of the Court of Bank of Ireland,
Chairman of Greencore Group plc and a director of Ivernia
West plc.  He was Chairman of CRH plc from 1994 to May
2000, having previously been Chief Executive.  He is a past
President of The Irish Business and Employers’
Confederation.  Mr Barry joined the Board in 1995.
Member of the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination
committees

2

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

Directors

Morgan Crowe
Morgan Crowe, Dip. Eng., M.B.A.
(aged 56), executive Director, joined
DCC in 1976, having previously worked
with the Boeing Company in Seattle
and with IBM in Dublin.  He is
Managing Director of DCC Healthcare.
Mr Crowe joined the Board in 1979.

Paddy Gallagher
Paddy Gallagher, B.L., D.P.A. (aged 61), non-executive
Director, retired as Head of Legal and Pensions
Administration at Guinness Ireland Group in 2000. He
previously worked with Aer Lingus, the Irish national airline,
and is a former Chairman of the Irish Association of Pension
Funds. He is a member of the Committee of Management of
Irish Pension Fund Property Unit Trust. Mr Gallagher joined
the Board in 1976.
Member of the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination
committees

Kevin Murray
Kevin Murray, B.E., F.C.A. (aged 42),
executive Director, joined DCC in 1988,
having previously worked with Shell
Chemicals in London and Arthur
Andersen in Dublin.  He is Managing
Director of DCC Energy and DCC
Foods.  Mr Murray joined the Board 
in 2000.

Fergal O’Dwyer
Fergal O’Dwyer, F.C.A. (aged 41), executive Director, joined
DCC in 1989 having previously worked with KPMG in
Johannesburg and Price Waterhouse in Dublin.  He was
appointed Chief Financial Officer in 1994. Mr O’Dwyer joined
the Board in 2000.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

3

Chairman’s Statement

Chairman’s Statement

Results

DCC again achieved excellent growth in the year to 31 March 2001. Turnover grew by

42.1% to s1.87 billion and operating profit increased by 24.3% to s91.7 million. Adjusted

earnings per share increased by 23.1% to 84.7 cent. The return on tangible capital

employed increased to 48.1% from 40.6% and inclusive of acquisition goodwill the return

increased to 23.7% from 20.9%.

Dividend

The Directors are recommending a final dividend of 13.38 cent

per share which, added to the interim dividend of 7.74 cent per

share, gives a total dividend for the year of 21.12 cent per

share.  This represents an increase of 20.0% on the dividend

of 17.60 cent per share paid in respect of the year ended 31

March 2000. The dividend for the year is covered 4.0 times by

adjusted earnings per share (2000: 3.9 times). The final

dividend will be paid on 10 July 2001 to shareholders on the

register at the close of business on 25 May 2001.

4

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

Chairman’s Statement

Financial strength & share buy back

operates throughout Britain and Ireland, is now the largest

DCC has achieved excellent growth since its listing in 1994.

distributor of fuel oils and distillates in Northern Ireland.

Adjusted earnings per share have increased at a compound

rate of 19.7% per annum over this period. Reflecting the high

Corporate governance

quality of the Group's earnings, DCC has also been strongly

DCC is committed to pursuing best practice in relation to

cash generative and had net cash at 31 March 2001 of D83.2

corporate governance matters. Following publication of the

million. In light of this position, DCC availed of the opportunity

Turnbull guidance for directors on internal control, Internal

during the year to buy back 2.56 million of its own shares

Control: Guidance for Directors on the Combined Code, the

(representing 2.9% of its issued share capital) at D9.50 per

Board is satisfied that the Group has effective ongoing

share, costing D24.7 million in total. The share buy back was

processes for identifying, evaluating and managing risks faced

by the Group.

The future

The Group will continue to seek opportunities to invest both

organically and by acquisition to exploit growth opportunities

in its markets.

Alex Spain

Chairman

11 May 2001

earnings enhancing and has had a minimal impact on DCC's

financial capacity. Selective share buy backs are intended to

complement, rather than substitute for, the Group's capital

investment and acquisition programmes.

Development

During the year a total of D74.2 million was invested in

organic growth and acquisitions (2000: D52.3 million). The

expenditure was incurred across the Group and included the

extension of SerCom Distribution's UK warehousing and

distribution hub. DCC's principal acquisition during the year

was Fuel Services which has been successfully integrated with

the Group‘s existing energy operations in Northern Ireland. As

a result of the acquisition, DCC's energy division, which

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

5

Chief Executive/Deputy Chairman’s Review

Chief Executive/
Deputy Chairman’s Review

Strong, consistent and high quality earnings growth

DCC is committed to creating shareholder value through delivering consistent, long-term

quality returns well in excess of our cost of capital.  Compound annual growth in adjusted

earnings per share over the last five years of 21.5% reflects well on DCC’s focus on

growth markets and its disciplined and rigorous operating and financial controls. The

"quality" of DCC’s earnings growth record is underscored by high and increasing returns on

capital employed and excellent cash generation.

It is interesting to note that since the listing of DCC in 1994 the

growth and development of operations outside of the Republic of

Ireland have generated the greater proportion of DCC’s earnings

growth over that period. The table below sets out the

geographical split of operating profit for the years ended 31 March

2001 and 2000.

UK

Other areas

Republic of Ireland

2001

48%

6%

54%

46%

2000

44%

1%

45%

55%

100%

100%

6

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

Chief Executive/Deputy Chairman’s Review

Core strengths and values

internationally, both organically and by acquisition.  Other

Our core strengths and values are:

activities in food, supply chain management services and

•  Organic growth – we are focused on recurring revenue 

house building generated 18% of DCC’s operating profit.  While

businesses operating in growth market sectors.

smaller than the Group’s principal core divisions, these

•  Bolt-on acquisitions  – we seek to augment organic growth 

businesses are of significant importance to DCC and we will

with bolt-on acquisitions which can be integrated with or 

continue to strive for cost effective growth in each.

complement existing operations, and which extend DCC’s 

reach in markets we know.

DCC remains robust in the view that the ongoing pace of

•  High returns on capital employed – we like low working 

technological advances will continue to drive above average

capital intensity businesses and we constantly focus on 

growth in the IT market into the long term.  Furthermore,

achieving high and increasing returns on capital employed.

particular segments of the IT market, including storage and

•  Market sector diversity – we see our market sector diversity 

networking, will grow very strongly.  This will benefit DCC’s

as a great strength.

specialist storage distributor Distrilogie, which has a strong

• Focused activity – we apply our core skills and 

presence in Southern Europe, and the growing storage and

competencies in value added marketing and distribution – 

networking business of DCC’s UK and Irish IT distribution

focused sales teams, deep market knowledge, distribution 

operations.  DCC’s business-to-business IT distribution model,

reach, high quality service to vendors and customers and 

which is based on an excellent reputation with its vendors

after sales service – in each of our market sectors. 94% of 

and reseller customer base, has consistently delivered

Group revenues in the past year were generated through 

superior profit growth and returns.  With a modest share of a

business-to-business trading.

large, fragmented European market, DCC’s proven strategy

• Commercially adventurous but financially prudent – finally, 

leaves the Group well placed for continued strong growth.

DCC seeks to be commercially adventurous while at the 

DCC has achieved consistently excellent returns on tangible

same time financially prudent – financial prudence 

capital employed in its IT distribution business – 67.5% in the

engenders corporate poise and stability and facilitates 

past year.

appropriate risk taking.

The recurring nature of profit and cash flows in the oil and LPG

Focus on IT, energy and healthcare

distribution sector have underpinned DCC’s energy division.  In

In the past year 82% of DCC’s operating profit was generated

addition to a strong LPG distribution business in Ireland and

from the Group’s activities in the IT, energy and healthcare

the UK, DCC has, in recent years, built a significant presence in

markets – up from 65% five years ago.  Each of these markets

the oil distribution sector in Ireland by developing excellent

has good growth characteristics, which are discussed further

supply relationships with oil majors and by identifying and

below, and provide the opportunity for DCC to expand

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

7

Chief Executive/Deputy Chairman’s Review

successfully integrating value enhancing bolt-on acquisitions.

Quality and best practice

The expansion of the Group’s oil distribution operations into

DCC promotes a quality culture through consistent

the UK is now a key strategic aim of DCC’s energy business.

improvement in all aspects of its business.  A continuous focus

Building on a strong relationship with BP, a key supplier in

on key areas such as procurement, management development,

Northern Ireland, DCC recently entered into a Heads of

information technology, financial management and

Agreement to acquire part of its commercial, agricultural and

acquisitions contributes to improvements in operational and

domestic oil business in Scotland and Northern England.  The

financial performance.  

UK oil distribution market is fragmented and this planned

acquisition will establish a strong base from which DCC will

In procurement, for example, DCC’s scale and group

grow both organically and through bolt-on acquisitions in the

purchasing expertise generates cost savings across many key

British oil distribution market.  DCC achieves high returns on

overhead areas.  In addition, DCC is leveraging the Group’s

tangible capital employed and strong cash generation in its

scale, financial strength and track record in securing new

Energy division – return on tangible capital employed in the

agencies and products for business units.

past year was 44.8%.

The healthcare market has excellent long-term growth

best practice in all aspects of our business, is a perpetual one

characteristics.  It continues to benefit from a number of

which drives continuous improvement in all areas of 

The ambition to be world class, through the achievement of

significant underlying trends.  These include an ageing

DCC’s business.

population in the developed world and increased government

spending on healthcare.  In addition, there is an increasing

Information technology

awareness of health issues among the general population.

The effective use of information technology is an essential part

DCC’s healthcare businesses in hospital supplies, mobility

of DCC’s strategy to drive cost effective growth and maximise

products and nutraceuticals should benefit from these key

competitive advantage.  The intelligent use of technology,

trends.  In this area also, DCC achieved an excellent return on

including the selective implementation of Enterprise

tangible capital employed in the past year of 43.3%.

Resource Planning systems, is generating significant benefits

for DCC’s businesses.

8

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

Chief Executive/Deputy Chairman’s Review

Human resources

corporate websites.  The new website provides users with a

Sustainability of superior performance depends more than

flexible and easily navigable information resource on all

anything on the quality of leadership and the engagement

aspects of DCC.  It incorporates an interactive share price

and contribution of employees. DCC employs over 3,000

monitor, audio and video investor presentations and an

people, led by entrepreneurial management teams and,

extensive library of historical information which is constantly

through its group leadership development processes, is

updated with news releases and announcements.

focused on optimising and developing DCC’s uniquely

diverse talent bank of people. The fact that many employees

Looking forward

have equity interests in DCC motivates them to take an

In these more uncertain times, DCC’s application of its core

interest in the performance not just of their own business but

skills in value added marketing and distribution in diverse

that of the DCC Group as a whole.

growth markets, combined with an immensely strong balance

sheet, leaves DCC well positioned to continue its consistent

Investor relations

record of strong growth and excellent long-term 

DCC has a substantial international shareholder base which

shareholder returns.

is continuing to expand.  Significant senior management

resources are committed to communicating with the

Jim Flavin

investment community and DCC’s Investor Relations function

Chief Executive/Deputy Chairman

strives to ensure that the support the company provides is

11 May 2001

consistent with best international practice.  

Corporate websites are an increasingly important platform for

communicating with the investment community.  During the

year, DCC’s website (www.dcc.ie)was redesigned following

benchmarking against many of the best European and US

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

9

Operating Review

10

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

Operating Review

SerCom Distribution’s

specialised telesales

teams provide a

proactive, product-

focused service to it’s

8,000 customers

across Europe.

Operating Review

(IT) SerCom Distribution

This was another excellent year for SerCom Distribution with very strong

Marketing and distributing a broad range of

computer hardware and software products.

• Britain: SerCom Distribution is a leading 

distributor of computer hardware, including 

performances in all operating subsidiaries. Distrilogie, the Continental

European specialist storage equipment distributor, achieved excellent

growth in its first full year of contribution.

PCs, peripherals, consumables, networking 

The British hardware distribution business continued to

and storage products, to its extensive 

computer reseller customer base.  It is also 

the leading distributor of consumer software, 

produce excellent results in a highly competitive marketplace.

Its key strengths of proactive, product-focused sales teams

marketing and distributing business and 

and the breadth of its customer base contributed to good

leisure software to retail outlets, mail order 

businesses and computer resellers.

growth and consolidated its position as one of the leading

distributors in Britain.  A new specialist division in the high

• Ireland: SerCom Distribution is one of the 

growth area of computer storage products was established

country's leading IT distributors selling a

broad range of major hardware and 

software brands.

during the year.

• Continental Europe:  SerCom Distribution is 

the leading specialist distributor of high and 

The British software distribution business benefited from its

focused strategy of specialising in consumer software

mid-range storage solutions in France, with 

distribution and generated excellent profit growth.

expanding operations in Spain and Portugal.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

11

Operating Review

SerCom Distribution is constantly expanding its product portfolio. In the

past 12 months it has broadened its offering in Personal Digital Assistant

(PDA), mobile computing and storage products.

The extension of the warehousing and distribution hub in

Distrilogie had a strong performance in the year and will

Altham, near Manchester, completed during the year,

continue to benefit from the increasing demand for storage

increased the logistics capacity of SerCom Distribution in

products.  The specialist service offered by Distrilogie is

Britain by a factor of 2.5 times.  

valued by major vendors such as IBM and Sun and has

enabled Distrilogie to attract additional suppliers such as

The Irish business again produced excellent growth during the

Compaq and Network Appliance.

year.  The company benefited from the significant investment

in its new and larger distribution facility in Dublin which was

SerCom Distribution

completed in the previous year. This facilitated a further

broadening of its product range, including the introduction of

new server and storage products.

Turnover
Operating profit 
Operating margin
Return on capital employed

- excluding goodwill
- including goodwill

2001

2000

E753.9m
E31.2m
4.1%

a542.3m
a20.5m
3.8%

+39.0%
+52.5%

67.5%
33.9%

62.3%
33.6%

12

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

Operating Review

Flogas has a 24%

share of the 

fast growing UK

autogas market.

Energy

Energy achieved strong organic growth and enhanced its position in the

Marketing and distributing oil and liquefied

petroleum gas (LPG) products in Ireland and

Britain under DCC’s own Emo, Flogas and other

local brands.

Northern Ireland market through the acquisition of Fuel Services in July 2000.

The increase in turnover reflects strong volume growth and

higher selling prices, which were due to increases in the cost

• Oil: DCC is a substantial and the fastest 

of oil and LPG - crude oil prices remained high throughout the

growing player in the Irish oil 

distribution market (heating and transport 

oils); it has nationwide access to 

importation facilities.

• LPG: DCC markets and distributes propane and 

butane products, including autogas; it has a 

leading market position in Ireland and a 

nationwide distribution network in Britain.

year, exacerbated by the strength of the dollar.  Extreme

volatility in refined oil product prices at certain times in the

year had a somewhat negative impact on the growth of oil

profits. However, the volume increases drove excellent

operating profit growth overall.

Oil volumes grew substantially to in excess of 1 billion litres

• Environmental Services: DCC is a waste 

with continued strong organic growth in the Republic of Ireland

management services provider, principally to 

the Irish petrol retailing sector and to the 

industrial sector.

and Northern Ireland. Fuel Services was acquired in July 2000

and was successfully integrated into DCC's existing operations

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

13

Operating Review

Emo Oil is Ireland’s fastest growing independent oil distributor and is a

leading supplier of home heating oil in Dublin.

in Northern Ireland, making DCC the leading marketer of fuel

oil and distillates in this region.  The continuing roll-out of the

new Emo logo is generating increased brand awareness,

particularly in the Republic of Ireland where DCC has a modest

presence in the retail petrol market.

LPG volumes showed satisfactory growth and margins

improved as sales price increases were implemented in

Energy

response to increased product costs and the strengthening of

the dollar.  The use of LPG autogas as a transport fuel in

Britain continues to develop as a result of government policy

to promote its use as a more environmentally friendly fuel;

DCC has a significant market share in this small but fast-

growing market segment.

Turnover
Operating profit 
Operating margin
Return on capital employed

- excluding goodwill
- including goodwill

2001

2000

E610.3m
E23.6m
3.9%

a369.8m
a20.0m
5.4%

+65.0%
+17.8%

44.8%
21.0%

38.6%
19.0%

14

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

Operating Review

Healthcare

Marketing and distribution of mobility and
rehabilitation equipment, hospital supplies 
and nutraceuticals.

• Mobility and rehabilitation: DCC has a strong 
position in the UK mobility and rehabilitation 
market, with a growing presence in Continental 
Europe and the US, particularly in electrically 
powered scooters and powerchairs.

• Hospital supplies: DCC is the leading supplier of 
medical, surgical and laboratory equipment and 
consumables to Irish healthcare sector.

Fannin Healthcare’s highly trained and qualified sales teams provide extensive technical support to

its customers in Irish hospitals and laboratories

Healthcare had another year of excellent growth, all of which was
organically generated.

In mobility and rehabilitation, DCC increased its share of the

British and German markets for powered mobility products. In

order to exploit the opportunities presented by the continuing

growth of the mobility and rehabilitation market, DCC has

significantly augmented its management team in this area.

DCC's British based nutraceuticals business achieved excellent

• Nutraceuticals: DCC is a leading full-service 

sales and profit growth.  DCC has increased the level of

supplier of private label and branded 
nutraceuticals (vitamins and supplements) in 
Britain with a growing export customer base.  
DCC provides marketing, category management 
and contract manufacturing (tablets, hard-gel and 
soft-gel capsules) services.

integration of the tablet manufacturing and soft gel

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

15

Operating Review

encapsulation businesses.  This will provide a better platform

supplies) was completed.  This has consolidated Fannin

from which to penetrate further the British and European

Healthcare's leadership position both in the scale of its

nutraceuticals markets. The loss of an important customer, with

business and in the breadth of its product offering to

effect from September next, will adversely impact the

customers.  The company is at an advanced stage in

nutraceuticals business in the shorter term, but the longer term

developing an e-commerce system, tailored to meet the

outlook for the business and the sector continues to be positive.

particular needs of Irish hospitals.

DCC's Irish hospital supply business performed satisfactorily.

During the year the integration of Fannin (medical and

surgical supplies) and BM Browne (hospital laboratory

Healthcare

Turnover
Operating profit 
Operating margin
Return on capital employed

- excluding goodwill
- including goodwill

DCC’s nutraceuticals

operations provide a

‘one-stop shop’

service to its

customers, from

product development

and manufacture,

through to marketing

and distribution.

2001

2000

E182.7m
E20.3m
11.1%

a155.6m
a16.0m
10.3%

+17.4%
+27.4%

43.3%
19.1%

41.3%
16.8%

DCC is the exclusive

European distributor 

of the leading 

Shoprider range of

powered scooters 

and powerchairs.

Other Activities

Other activities, including the food businesses and supply chain

DCC's principal other activities comprise its

management services, showed a modest reduction in profitability,

food, supply chain management services and

principally reflecting significant developmental investment in IT systems,

house building businesses.

skilled personnel and management resources in SerCom Solutions.

• Food: DCC markets and distributes leading 

own and third party branded food and 

beverage products, focused on growth 

segments of the Irish food market, to 

an extensive retail and food-service 

customer base.

Food - DCC's focus on higher growth segments of the Irish

food market - including healthy foods, soft drinks, wine and

snacks - generated sales growth of 13.7% to d182.4 million,

• Supply Chain Management Services: SerCom

with particularly good growth in the food service sector. DCC

has a deep distribution reach, supplying a broad retail and

food service customer base. During the year, this distribution

reach was extended through investment in additional sales

Solutions provides outsourced supply chain 

management solutions to leading global 

manufacturers in the IT and 

telecommunications sectors.

• Other interests: DCC's principal other 

interest is its 49% shareholding in Manor 

Park Homebuilders, one of Ireland's leading 

house builders, which has a substantial land 

bank available for future development.

16

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

Operating Review

KP, whose products have been successfully marketed in Ireland for many

years by DCC, grew its market share further during the year.

and marketing resources, including an expanded van sales

force, which contributed to the strong sales performance.

Operating profits were d8.5 million compared with d8.9

million in the prior year.  Operating margins reduced due 

to the increased euro cost of sterling purchases, together

with planned investment in additional sales and 

marketing resources.

DCC’s product portfolio includes many leading food and beverage brands.

Following the acquisition of the Robinsons agency last year, DCC is

strengthening its share of the growing soft drinks market.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

17

Operating Review

DCC markets and distributes an excellent range of wines including leading

names such as Torres, Brown Brothers and Bollinger.

Supply Chain Management Services - DCC's supply chain

management services business, SerCom Solutions, continued

to invest in the development of its business.  This has included

®
the installation of a new SAP

system and a significant

strengthening of the management team across all disciplines.

Sales grew by 68.2% to d103.6 million. Operating profit was

d2.8 million compared with d3.8 million in the prior year,

reflecting the significant developmental investment in IT

systems, skilled personnel and management resources.

Other - Operating profit from other interests increased by

16.4% to d5.3 million.

The principal other interest is DCC’s 49% shareholding in

Manor Park Homebuilders, which has commenced operations

on a major housing development at Clonee, west Dublin.

Manor Park has a substantial land bank, which has been

acquired at a very attractive cost relative to current market

values, leaving it well placed for continued profit growth in 

the future.

Other Activities

Turnover
Operating profit 
Operating margin
Return on capital employed

- excluding goodwill
- including goodwill
* continuing activities

2001

2000*

E323.3m
E16.6m
5.1%

a248.4m
a17.3m
7.0%

+30.2%
-4.2%

37.1%
21.8%

41.6%
23.7%

SerCom Solutions manages the online sale and worldwide fulfillment of

certain software upgrades for IBM.

18

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

Operating Review

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

19

Financial Review

Financial Review

Delivering superior performance

DCC is committed to creating shareholder value through delivering consistent, long-term

returns in excess of our cost of capital.  An investment of d1,000 in DCC on 1 April 1996,

when combined with the reinvestment of dividends in DCC, grew to a value of  d3,953 over

the five years to 31 March 2001.  This represents a compound annual increase of 31.6%,

compared with compound annual growth in the ISEQ index of 18.1% over the same period.

DCC’s focus on shareholder value aligns corporate and

shareholder goals and drives decision making processes

across the Group.  The commitment to long-term value

creation is reflected in DCC’s focus on driving organic growth

and seeking complementary acquisition and 

development opportunities.

Strong growth

Excellent organic profit growth and a further increase in DCC’s

high return on capital employed are the key features of DCC's

results for the year ended 31 March 2001.

Turnover of continuing activities grew by 42.1% to d1,870.1

million, while operating profit of continuing activities

increased by 24.3% to d91.7 million.  The chart below shows

the breakdown of operating profit by division and a detailed

Operating Review is set out on pages 10 to 19.

20

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

Financial Review

Operating profit - Divisional analysis

was 20.8 times (2000: 12.1 times).  Profit before net

exceptional gains, goodwill amortisation and tax rose by

IT 34%

Energy 26%

22.4% to d87.3 million.

Dividend

The total dividend for the year of 21.12 cent per share

represents an increase of 20.0% over the previous year.  The

dividend is covered 4.0 times (2000: 3.9 times) by adjusted

earnings per share. 

Taxation

Other Activities 18%

Healthcare 22%

The Group's taxation charge on ordinary activities for the year

represents an effective tax rate of 15.0%, unchanged from last

The Group's operating margin of 4.9% compared with 5.6% in

year.  The effective tax rate reflects the impact of Irish

the prior year. However, the main reason for the change was a

manufacturing relief and the international spread of DCC's

substantial increase in oil product costs and in the downstream

profits. Manufacturing relief results in an effective tax rate of

energy market profitability is driven by a contribution per litre

10% being applied to manufacturing profits in Ireland and this

of product sold and not a percentage margin.

arrangement will continue until 2010.  The standard rate of

corporation tax in Ireland, set at 20% on 1 January 2001, will be

The Group's return on tangible capital employed increased to

reduced on a phased basis to 12.5% by 1 January 2003.  An

48.1% from 40.6% in 2000, while the return inclusive of

analysis of the taxation charge is contained in note 11 to the

acquisition goodwill increased to 23.7% from 20.9%.

financial statements.

The net interest charge reduced to d4.4 million from d6.4

million, reflecting strong operating cash flow generation and

disposals made in the second half of last year.  Interest cover

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

21

Financial Review

Cash flow

Balance sheet

DCC focuses on increasing operating cash flow to maximise

DCC has a very strong balance sheet with shareholders’ funds

shareholder value over the long-term.  Operating cash flow is

of d354.7 million at 31 March 2001 and net cash of d83.2

used to fund investment in existing operations,

million.  The composition of net cash at 31 March 2001 is

complementary bolt-on acquisitions and dividend payments.

shown in the following table.

Cash flow from operating activities was excellent at d83.4

Balance Sheet

million, compared with operating profits from subsidiaries of

d82.8 million.  Strong organic sales growth resulted in an

increased investment in working capital of d19.9 million.

Cash and term deposits

Bank and other debt repayable 

2001
E’m

2000
E’m

454.6

551.3

within one year

(200.6)

(191.8)

Working capital efficiency remained excellent and equated to

Bank and other debt repayable 

13.2 days’ sales at the year end.

after more than one year

(65.8)

(161.7)

Unsecured notes due 2008/11

(105.0)

(108.6)

The table below sets out a summary of cash flows.

Net cash

83.2

89.2

The Group's cash is analysed in note 22 to the financial

statements.  An analysis of DCC's debt at 31 March 2001,

including currency, interest rates and maturity periods, is

shown in notes 23 to 26 to the financial statements.

Cash Flow Summary

Inflows

Operating cash flow

Disposal proceeds

Share issues (net)

Outflows

Capital expenditure (net)

Acquisitions

Acquisition of own shares

Interest paid

Taxation paid

Dividends paid

Net cash (outflow)/inflow

Translation adjustment

Movement in net cash/(debt)

Opening net cash/(debt)

Closing net cash

2001
E’m

2000
E’m

83.4

16.0

1.9

96.3

109.7

-

101.3

206.0

29.5

26.0

24.7

2.6

9.1

16.4

108.3

24.7

37.6

-

5.6

9.4

13.7

91.0

(7.0)

115.0

1.0

(5.5)

(6.0)

109.5

89.2

83.2

(20.3)

89.2

22

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

Financial Review

Treasury policy and management

are sterling denominated.  In order to protect shareholders'

The principal objective of the Group's treasury policy is the

funds from material variations due to sterling exchange

minimisation of financial risk at reasonable cost.  This policy is

movements, a proportion of the Group’s sterling net

reviewed and approved annually by the Board.  The Group

operating assets are hedged by an equivalent amount of

does not take speculative positions but seeks, where

sterling denominated borrowings.

considered appropriate, to hedge underlying trading and

asset/liability exposures by way of derivative financial

Interest rate risk management: The Group finances its

instruments (such as interest rate and currency swaps and

operations through a mixture of retained profit, cash and

forward contracts).  DCC's Group Treasury function centrally

borrowings.  The Group borrows in certain currencies at 

manages the Group’s funding and liquidity requirements.

both fixed and floating rates of interest and utilises interest

Divisional and subsidiary management, in conjunction with

rate swaps to manage the Group's exposure to interest 

Group Treasury, manage foreign currency and commodity

rate fluctuations.

price exposures within approved guidelines.  An analysis of the

Group's hedging positions is contained in note 27(b) to the

Credit risk management: DCC transacts with a variety of

financial statements.

financial institutions for the purpose of placing deposits and

entering into derivative contracts.  The Group actively

Currency risk management: DCC's reporting currency and

monitors its credit exposure to each counterparty within

that in which its share capital is denominated is the euro.

guidelines approved by the Board.

Due to the nature of the Group's activities, exposures arise

in the course of ordinary trading to other currencies,

Commodity price risk management: Commodity forwards,

principally sterling and the US dollar. Trading foreign

swaps and options are used to hedge potential price

currency exposures are generally hedged by using forward

movements in liquefied petroleum gas products and oil

contracts to cover specific or estimated purchases and

products purchased by the Group's energy businesses in

receivables.  Approximately half of the Group's operating

Britain and Ireland.  All such contracts are entered into with

profits are sterling denominated and, where appropriate,

counterparties approved by the Board and hedge projected

hedges are put in place to minimise the related exchange

future purchases or sales of the commodity in question,

rate volatility.  However, certain natural hedges also exist

usually for a period not exceeding two months.

within the Group as a proportion of the Group's interest

payments and of purchases by certain of its Irish businesses

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

23

Management 

Senior GroupManagement

Jim Flavin

Chief Executive/  

Deputy Chairman

Tommy Breen

Morgan Crowe

Kevin Murray

Fergal O'Dwyer

Managing Director

Managing Director

Managing Director

Chief Financial Officer

SerCom

Healthcare

Energy & Food

Ann Keenan
Head of Group
Human Resources

Donal Murphy

Colman O’Keeffe 

Head of Group IT  Deputy Managing Director 

Healthcare  

Michael Scholefield
Finance Director
Energy & Food

Gerard Whyte
Group Secretary and Head 
of Group Risk Management

Senior Subsidiary Company Management

IT

Patrice Arzillier

Directeur General

Distrilogie

Gordon McDowell

Managing Director

Micro Peripherals

Healthcare

Mike Davies

Managing Director

Primacy Healthcare

Barry Leonard

Managing Director

Virtus

Barry O’Neill

Managing Director

Days Medical Aids

Energy

Paul Donnelly

Managing Director

Gem Distribution

Sam Chambers

Managing Director

Paddy Kilmartin

Managing Director

DCC Energy Northern Ireland Flogas UK

Paul White

Pat Mercer

Daniel Murray

Managing Director

Managing Director

Managing Director

Sharptext

Flogas Ireland

Emo Oil

Declan Ryan

Managing Director

Atlas Environmental

Other Activities

Richard Godfrey
Managing Director Designate Ken Peare
DCC Nutraceuticals

Food

Managing Director

Bernard Rooney

Managing Director

Processing

Robt. Roberts

Kelkin

Stephen O’Connor

General Manager

EuroCaps

Michael Scanlon

Managing Director

Broderick Bros.

Dan Teeters

President

Supply Chain Management Services

Kevin Henry and Ultan Reilly

DCC Shoprider Inc

Joint Managing Directors

SerCom Solutions

Frank Tiemann

Reg Witheridge

Managing Director Designate Managing Director

CasaCare

Thompson & Capper

Peter Woods

Chief Executive
Fannin Healthcare
& Deputy Managing Director
DCC Healthcare

24

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 25

Directors’ Report & Financial Statements

Directors' Report & Financial Statements 2001

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

25

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 26

Corporate Governance 

The Board of Directors
Directors: The Board of DCC consists of five executive and three non-executive Directors and the roles of the
Chairman and Chief Executive are separate.  The Board has appointed Tony Barry as the senior independent
Director.  Brief biographies of the Directors are set out with their photographs on pages 2 and 3.  All of the
Directors bring independent judgement to bear on issues of strategy, risk, performance, resources, key
appointments and standards.  Directors are subject to re-election at least every three years.

Board Procedures: The Board holds regular meetings (normally at least six per annum) and there is contact
between meetings as required in order to progress the Group’s business. The Directors receive regular and
timely information in a form and quality appropriate to enable the Board to discharge its duties.   The Board
has a formal schedule of matters specifically reserved to it for decision, which covers key areas of the
Group’s business including approval of financial statements, budgets (including capital expenditure),
acquisitions and dividends. Certain additional matters are delegated to Board Committees.  There is an
established procedure for Directors to take independent professional advice in the furtherance of their duties
if they consider this necessary.  All Directors have access to the advice and services of the Company
Secretary who is responsible to the Board for ensuring that Board procedures are followed and that
applicable rules and regulations are complied with. The Board gives consideration as to whether new
Directors require additional training for their role.

Board Committees: There are three Board Committees with formal terms of reference: the Audit Committee,
the Remuneration Committee and the Nomination Committee.  The Audit Committee and the Remuneration
Committee comprise the three non-executive Directors. The Nomination Committee comprises the non-
executive Directors and the Chief Executive/Deputy Chairman.  All of the non-executive Directors are
considered by the Board to be independent of management and free of any relationships which could
interfere with the exercise of their independent judgement.

Directors’ Remuneration
The Board’s report on Directors’ Remuneration is set out on pages 30 to 33.

Relations with Shareholders
DCC attaches considerable importance to shareholder communications and has a well established investor
relations function.  There is regular dialogue with institutional investors and shareholders as well as
presentations after the interim and preliminary results.  Results announcements are sent promptly to all
shareholders and published on the Company’s web site at www.dcc.ie.  The website contains additional
information for investors which is regularly updated.

At the Company’s Annual General Meeting the Chief Executive/Deputy Chairman makes a presentation and
answers questions on the Group’s business and its performance during the prior year. 

The 2000 Annual Report and Notice of AGM were sent to shareholders 20 working days before the meeting
and the level of proxy votes cast on each resolution, and the numbers for and against, were announced at the
meeting.  Similar arrangements have been made for the 2001 Annual Report and AGM.  The 2001 AGM will
be held on 6 July 2001 at 11am at the Burlington Hotel, Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4.

Accountability and Audit
Audit Committee
The written terms of reference of the Audit Committee deal clearly with its authority and duties which
include, inter alia, consideration of the appointment of the external auditors and their fees and review of the
scope and results of the work performed by the DCC Risk Committee and by both the Group Risk
Management function (incorporating Internal Audit) and the external auditors.

Internal Control
The Board is ultimately responsible for the Group’s system of internal control and for reviewing its
effectiveness. However, such a system is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to
achieve business objectives, and can provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance against material
misstatement or loss.

26

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 27

Corporate Governance 

In accordance with the Turnbull guidance for directors on internal control, Internal Control: Guidance for
Directors on the Combined Code, the Board confirms that there is an ongoing process for identifying,
evaluating and managing the significant risks faced by the Group, that it has been in place for the year under
review and up to the date of approval of the financial statements, and that this process is regularly reviewed
by the Board.

The key risk management and internal control procedures, which are supported by detailed controls and
processes, include:

• 
• 

• 

• 
• 

an organisation structure with clearly defined lines of authority and accountability;
a comprehensive system of financial reporting involving budgeting, monthly reporting and variance 
analysis;
a Risk Committee, comprising Group senior management, whose main role is to keep under review and 
report to the Audit Committee of the Board on the principal risks facing the Group, the controls in place 
to manage those risks and the monitoring procedures;
an independent Group Risk Management function (incorporating Internal Audit); and 
a formally constituted Audit Committee which reviews the operation of the Risk Committee and the 
Group Risk Management function, liaises with the external auditors and reviews the Group’s internal 
control systems.

The Board has reviewed the effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal control. This review covered all
controls including financial, operational and compliance controls and risk management.

Going Concern
After making enquiries, the Directors have formed a judgement, at the time of approving the financial
statements, that there is a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group as a whole have
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.  For this reason, they
continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.  The Directors’ responsibility
for preparing the financial statements is explained on page 34 and the reporting responsibilities of the
auditors is set out in their report on pages 35 and 36.

Compliance
DCC has complied, during the year ended 31 March 2001, with all of the Principles of Good Governance and
Code of Best Practice set out in the Combined Code.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

27

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 28

Report of the Directors
For the year ended 31 March 2001

The Directors present their report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2001.

Principal Activities 
DCC is a value added marketing and distribution group which operates principally in the IT, energy and
healthcare markets.  DCC holds strong positions in growth market sectors in the UK and Ireland and is
expanding its IT and healthcare activities in Continental Europe.  A summary of the Group’s activities is set
out on pages 10 to 18.

Subsidiary and Associated Companies
Details of the Company’s principal subsidiaries are set out on pages 74 to 76.  Details of its principal
associated undertakings are set out on page 56, in note 18 to the financial statements.

Results and Business Review
The profit for the financial year attributable to Group shareholders amounted to €68.1 million as set out in
the Consolidated Profit and Loss Account on page 40.

The Chairman’s Statement on pages 4 and 5, the Chief Executive/Deputy Chairman’s Review on pages 6 to 9,
the Financial Review on pages 20 to 23 and the Operating Review on pages 10 to 19 contain a review of the
development of the Group’s business during the year, of the state of affairs of the business at 31 March 2001,
of recent events and of likely future developments.

Dividends
An interim dividend of 7.74 cent per share, amounting to €6.7 million was paid on 8 December 2000. The
Directors recommend the payment of a final dividend of 13.38 cent per share, amounting to €11.4 million.
Subject to shareholders’ approval at the Annual General Meeting on 6 July 2001, this dividend will be paid on
10 July 2001 to shareholders on the register on 25 May 2001. The total dividend for the year ended 31 March
2001 amounts to 21.12 cent per share, a total of €18.1 million.

The balance of profit attributable to Group shareholders, which is retained in the business, amounts to €49.9
million.

Research and Development
Certain Group companies carry out development work aimed at improving the quality, competitiveness and
range of their products.  This expenditure is not material in relation to the size of the Group and is written off
to the profit and loss account as it is incurred.

Substantial Shareholdings
At 11 May 2001, the Company had been advised of the following interests in its issued share capital:

No. of €0.25
Ordinary Shares

% of Issued
Share Capital

FMR Corp. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries*
Bank of Ireland Asset Management Limited**
Merril Lynch Investment Managers Limited
Allied Irish Banks plc and its subsidiaries**
3i Group plc
Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited

9,402,894
9,208,877
4,599,678
4,408,253
3,340,796
2,706,475

10.7%
10.4%
5.2%
5.0%
3.8%
3.1%

Under Irish and UK law the shares are held by non-beneficial holders.

*
** Notified as non-beneficial interests.

Apart from these holdings, the Company has not been notified of any other interest of 3% or more in its
issued ordinary share capital.

28

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 29

Report of the Directors
For the year ended 31 March 2001

Directors
There was no change in the Directors of the Company during the year. The names of the Directors and a
short biographical note on each Director appear on pages 2 and 3. In accordance with Article 80 of the
Articles of Association, Alex Spain, Jim Flavin and Paddy Gallagher retire by rotation at the 2001 Annual
General Meeting and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election.  None of the retiring Directors has a
service contract with the Company or any member of the Group with a notice period in excess of one year or
with provisions for predetermined compensation on termination which exceeds one year’s salary and
benefits in kind.

Details of the Directors’ interests in the share capital of the Company are set out in the Board’s Report on
Directors’ Remuneration on pages 30 to 33.

Health and Safety
It is the policy of the Group to ensure the safety, health and welfare of employees by maintaining safe places
and systems of work.  This policy is based on the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act,
1989.  Safety statements have been prepared by each of the relevant companies in the Group and the policies
set out in these statements are kept under regular review.

Euro
DCC’s preparation for euro changeover is proceeding satisfactorily with most companies in the Group
already in a position to engage in dual currency trading.  Costs of preparation for the euro are not expected
to have a significant impact on the Group’s financial position or its trading activities.

Political Contributions
There were no political contributions which would require disclosure under the Electoral Act, 1997.

Auditors
The auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, will continue in office in accordance with the provisions of Section
160(2) of the Companies Act, 1963.

Alex Spain, Jim Flavin, Directors

DCC House, Stillorgan,
Blackrock, Co. Dublin
11 May 2001

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

29

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 30

Report on Directors’ Remuneration

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee comprises the three independent non-executive Directors - Alex Spain
(Chairman), Tony Barry and Paddy Gallagher.

The terms of reference of the Remuneration Committee are to determine the remuneration packages of the
executive Directors and to approve the grant of share options.  The Chief Executive is consulted about
remuneration proposals for the other executive Directors and the Remuneration Committee is authorised to
obtain access to professional advice if deemed desirable.

Executive Directors’ Remuneration
The Company’s remuneration policy recognises that employment and remuneration conditions for the
Group’s senior executives must properly reward and motivate them to perform in the best interests of the
shareholders. 

The typical elements of the remuneration package for executive Directors are basic salary, performance
related remuneration consisting of annual performance related bonuses and share options, pension benefits
and a company car.

Salaries
The salaries of executive Directors are reviewed annually on 1 January having regard to personal
performance, Company performance and competitive market practice. No fees are payable to executive
Directors.

Performance Related Bonuses
Performance related bonuses are paid, in respect of the financial year to 31 March, to executive Directors as
to a maximum of one half based on trading performance and to a maximum of one half based on corporate
development in their areas of responsibility. The total bonus potential for the year ended 31 March 2001 for
individual Directors ranged from 5% to 33% of basic salary.

Share Options
Executive Directors and other senior executives participate in the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option
Scheme, which was approved by shareholders in 1998.  The Scheme encourages identification with
shareholders’ interests by enabling senior management to build, over time, a shareholding in the Company
which is material to their net worth. 

The percentage of share capital which can be issued under the Scheme, the phasing of the grant of options
and the individual grant limits comply with guidelines published by the institutional investment associations.
The Scheme provides for the grant of both basic and second tier options, in each case up to a maximum of
5% of the Company’s issued share capital.  Basic tier options may not normally be exercised earlier than
three years from the date of grant nor second tier options earlier than five years from the date of grant. 

Basic tier options may normally only be exercised if there has been growth in the adjusted earnings per
share of the Company equivalent to the increase in the Consumer Price Index plus 2%, compound, per
annum over the period following the date of grant.

Second tier options may normally only be exercised if the growth in the adjusted earnings per share over the
previous five years is such as would place the Company in the top quartile of companies on the ISEQ index in
terms of comparison of growth in adjusted earnings per share and if there has been growth in the adjusted
earnings per share of the Company equivalent to the increase in the Consumer Price Index plus 10%,
compound, per annum in that period.

Additional information in relation to the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme appears in note 32 on
page 66 of the financial statements. 

Directors are encouraged to hold their options beyond the earliest exercise date.  Information on share
options held by each Director and details of exercise prices and dates are set out on page 33.

Pension Benefits
Pensions for executive Directors are calculated on pensionable salary (being salary plus 5% bonus) - no
benefit elements are included - and aim to provide for two thirds of pensionable salary at normal retirement
date.

30

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 31

Report on Directors’ Remuneration

Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration
The remuneration of the non-executive Directors is determined by the Board.  The fees paid to non-executive
Directors reflect their experience and ability and the time demands of their Board and Board Committee
duties.

A pension is funded for the Chairman, based on his annual fee, to provide a 1/60th accrual for each year of
pensionable service.

Directors’ Service Agreements
Other than for the Chief Executive, there are no service agreements between any Director of the Company
and the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The Chief Executive’s service agreement provides for one year’s
notice of termination by the Company.

Directors’ Remuneration
The remuneration payable in respect of Directors who held office for any part of the financial year is as
follows:

Salary and Fees1

Bonus 

2000
2001
€’000 €’000

2000
2001
€’000 €’000

Benefits2

2000
2001
€’000 €’000

Pension
Contribution3
2000
2001
€’000 €’000

Total

2000
2001
€’000 €’000

Executive Directors
Jim Flavin
Morgan Crowe
Tommy Breen *
Kevin Murray *
Fergal O’Dwyer *

Total for executive 
Directors

538
230
198
198
197

473
214
28
28
28

25
29
57
57
45

-
-
4
4
3

30
17
17
17
15

31
16
2
2
2

161
72
62
62
64

135
61
7
7
8

754
348
334
334
321

639
291
41
41
41

1,361

771

213

11

96

53

421

218

2,091 1,053

Non-executive Directors
Alex Spain
Tony Barry
Paddy Gallagher

79
32
32

73
29
29

Total for non-executive 
Directors

143

131

Pension payment to
retired Director

Total 

-
-
-

-

-
-
-

-

-
-
-

-

-
-
-

-

22
-
-

22
-
-

101
32
32

95
29
29

22

22

165

153

15

15

2,271 1,221

* In respect of the year ended 31 March 2000, remuneration for Tommy Breen, Kevin Murray and Fergal
O’Dwyer is included only for the period from the date of their appointment to the Board, on 7 February 2000,
to 31 March 2000.

Notes
1 Fees are only payable to non-executive Directors and include Chairman’s and Board Committee fees.
2 Benefits relate principally to the use of a company car.
3 Pension contributions represent payments to a defined benefit pension scheme, in accordance with actuarial

advice, to provide pension benefits.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

31

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 32

Report on Directors’ Remuneration

Directors’ Pensions
The table below shows the increase in the accrued pension benefits to which the Directors have become
entitled during the year ended 31 March 2001 and the transfer value of the increase in accrued benefit:

Increase in 
accrued pension 
benefit (excl 
inflation) during
the year
€’000

Transfer value
equivalent to the
increase in accrued
pension benefit
€’000

Accumulated
accrued pension
benefit at year end
€’000

48
14
11
11
10

94

4

715
189
67
62
56

1,089

50

334
127
51
46
42

600

36

Executive Directors
Jim Flavin
Morgan Crowe
Tommy Breen
Kevin Murray
Fergal O’Dwyer

Total
Non-executive Chairman
Alex Spain

The transfer value has been calculated on the basis of actuarial advice in accordance with Actuarial Guidance
Note GN11. The transfer value represents a liability of a pension scheme operated by the Group and not a
sum paid to or due to the Director noted.

Directors’ and Company Secretary’s Interests
The interests of the Directors and the Company Secretary (including their respective family interests) in the
share capital of DCC plc at 31 March 2001, together with their interests at 31 March 2000 (or date of
appointment, if later), were:

Alex Spain
Jim Flavin
Tony Barry
Tommy Breen
Morgan Crowe
Paddy Gallagher
Kevin Murray
Fergal O’Dwyer

Gerard Whyte (Secretary)

* At date of appointment – 28 August 2000

No. of Ordinary Shares

At 31 March 2001

At 31 March 2000

15,634
2,456,033
7,000
211,512
807,640
2,540
212,306
212,506

124,667

15,634
2,284,355
7,000
173,362
731,339
1,040
164,618
113,765

124,667*

All of the above interests were beneficially owned.  There were no changes in the interests of the Directors
and the Company Secretary between 31 March 2001 and 11 May 2001.

Apart from the interests disclosed above neither the Directors nor the Company Secretary were interested at
any time in the year in the share capital or loan stock of the Company or other Group undertakings.

32

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 33

Report on Directors’ Remuneration

Directors’ Share Options
The following are details of share options granted to Directors under the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share
Option Scheme:

Executive Directors

At 31 March
2000 and 2001

Weighted Average
Exercise Price
€

Normal Exercise
Period

Jim Flavin
Basic Tier
Second Tier
Basic Tier
Second Tier

Morgan Crowe
Basic Tier
Second Tier
Basic Tier
Second Tier

Tommy Breen
Basic Tier
Second Tier
Basic Tier
Second Tier

Kevin Murray
Basic Tier
Second Tier
Basic Tier
Second Tier

Fergal O’Dwyer
Basic Tier
Second Tier
Basic Tier
Second Tier

200,000
200,000
75,000
75,000
550,000

50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
200,000

45,000
45,000
50,000
50,000
190,000

45,000
45,000
50,000
50,000
190,000

45,000
45,000
50,000
50,000
190,000

7.206
7.206
7.000
7.000

7.004
7.009
7.000
7.000

7.091
7.096
7.000
7.000

7.091
7.096
7.000
7.000

7.091
7.096
7.000
7.000

June 2001 - Nov 2008
June 2003 - Nov 2008
Nov 2002 -  Nov 2009
Nov 2004 -  Nov 2009

June 2001 - Nov 2008
June 2003 - Nov 2008
Nov 2002 -  Nov 2009
Nov 2004 -  Nov 2009

June 2001 - Nov 2008
June 2003 - Nov 2008
Nov 2002 -  Nov 2009
Nov 2004 -  Nov 2009

June 2001 - Nov 2008
June 2003 - Nov 2008
Nov 2002 -  Nov 2009
Nov 2004 -  Nov 2009

June 2001 - Nov 2008
June 2003 - Nov 2008
Nov 2002 -  Nov 2009
Nov 2004 -  Nov 2009

No options were granted to, exercised by or allowed to lapse by Directors under the DCC plc 1998 Employee
Share Option Scheme during the year.

The market price of DCC shares on 31 March 2001 was €10.55 and the range during the year was €9.00 to
€12.35.

The Company’s Register of Directors’ Interests (which is open to inspection) contains full details of Directors’
shareholdings and share options.

The following are details of share options exercised during the year which had been granted to Directors
under the terminated 1986 DCC Executive Share Option Scheme which applied before DCC became a public
company:

Executive
Directors

31 March
2000

Jim Flavin
Morgan Crowe
Tommy Breen
Kevin Murray
Fergal O’Dwyer

225,000
100,000
50,000
62,500
137,500

No. of Options
Exercised

31 March
2001

Exercise price
€

Expiry date

(225,000)
(100,000)
(50,000)
(62,500)
(137,500)

-
-
-
-
-

2.539
2.539
2.539
2.539
2.539

14 February 2001
14 February 2001
14 February 2001
14 February 2001
14 February 2001

All of the above options were exercised on 23 May 2000 when the market price was €10.80.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

33

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 34

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

The following statement, which should be read in conjunction with the statement of auditors’ responsibilities
set out within their report on pages 35 and 36, is made with a view to distinguishing for shareholders the
respective responsibilities of the Directors and of the auditors in relation to the financial statements.

The Directors are required by company law to ensure that the Company prepares financial statements for
each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and the Group and
of the profit or loss of the Group for that year.

Following discussions with the auditors, the Directors consider that in preparing the financial statements on
pages 37 to 73, which have been prepared on the going concern basis, the Company has used appropriate
accounting policies, consistently applied and supported by reasonable and prudent judgements and
estimates, and that all accounting standards which they consider applicable have been followed (subject to
any explanations or material departures disclosed in the notes to the financial statements).

The Directors are required to take all reasonable steps to secure compliance by the Company with its
obligations in relation to the preparation and maintenance of proper books of account and financial
statements which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and to
enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Acts, 1963 to 1999 and the
European Communities (Companies: Group Accounts) Regulations, 1992.  The Directors have a general duty
to act in the best interests of the Company and must, therefore, take such steps as are reasonably open to
them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

34

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 35

Report of the Auditors
for the year ended 31 March 2001

To the Members of DCC plc
We have audited the financial statements on pages 37 to 73 and the detailed information on Directors’
emoluments, pensions and interests in shares and share options on pages 30 to 33.

Respective Responsibilities of Directors and Auditors
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report.  As described on page 34, this includes
responsibility for preparing the financial statements in accordance with Accounting Standards generally
accepted in Ireland.  Our responsibilities, as independent auditors, are established in Ireland by statute, the
Auditing Practices Board, the Listing Rules of the Irish Stock Exchange and our profession’s ethical guidance.

We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and are
properly prepared in accordance with Irish statute comprising the Companies Acts, 1963 to 1999, and the
European Communities (Companies: Group Accounts) Regulations, 1992.  We state whether we have
obtained all the information and explanations we consider necessary for the purposes of our audit and
whether the Company balance sheet is in agreement with the books of account.  We also report to you our
opinion as to:

•

•

•

whether the Company has kept proper books of account;

whether the Directors’ report is consistent with the financial statements; and

whether at the balance sheet date there existed a financial situation which may require the Company to 
convene an extraordinary general meeting; such a financial situation may exist if the net assets of the 
Company, as stated in the Company balance sheet, are not more than half of its called-up share capital.

We also report to you if, in our opinion, information specified by law or the Listing Rules regarding Directors’
remuneration and transactions is not disclosed.

We read the other information contained in the Annual Report and consider the implications for our report if
we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial statements.

We review whether the statement on page 27 reflects the Company’s compliance with the seven provisions
of the Combined Code specified for our review by the Irish Stock Exchange, and we report if it does not.  We
are not required to consider whether the Board’s statements on internal control cover all risks and controls or
to form an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s or Group’s corporate governance procedures or its
risk and control procedures.

Basis of Audit Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Auditing Standards issued by the Auditing Practices Board.  An
audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements.  It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by
the Directors in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are
appropriate to the Company’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we
considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the
financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or
error.  In forming our opinion, we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in
the financial statements.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

35

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 36

Report of the Auditors
for the year ended 31 March 2001

Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and
the Group at 31 March 2001 and of the profit and cash flows of the Group for the year then ended and have
been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts, 1963 to 1999, and the European
Communities (Companies: Group Accounts) Regulations, 1992.

We have obtained all the information and explanations we consider necessary for the purposes of our audit.
In our opinion, proper books of account have been kept by the Company.  The Company balance sheet is in
agreement with the books of account.

In our opinion, the information given in the Report of the Directors on pages 28 and 29 is consistent with the
financial statements.

The net assets of the Company, as stated in the balance sheet on page 43, are more than half of the amount
of its called up share capital and, in our opinion, on that basis there did not exist at 31 March 2001 a financial
situation which, under Section 40(1) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983, would require the convening
of an extraordinary general meeting of the Company.

PricewaterhouseCoopers
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
Dublin
11 May 2001

36

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 37

Accounting Policies

Accounting Convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with
applicable accounting standards.  The currency used in these financial statements is the euro, denoted by the
symbol €.

Comparative amounts have been regrouped and restated, where necessary, on the same basis as the
amounts for the current year.

Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting standards generally accepted in
Ireland and Irish statute comprising the Companies Acts, 1963 to 1999.  Accounting standards generally
accepted in Ireland in preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view are those published by the
Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and issued by the Accounting Standards Board.

Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the Company and all its subsidiaries. 

The results of subsidiary and associated undertakings acquired or disposed of during the year are included in
the consolidated profit and loss account from the date of their acquisition or up to the date of their disposal.

Goodwill
Goodwill comprises the excess of consideration paid to acquire new businesses over the fair value of the net
assets acquired.

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries prior to 1 April 1998 was eliminated from the balance
sheet through reserves in the year in which it arose.  Goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries since
1 April 1998 is capitalised on the balance sheet and amortised on a straight line basis over its estimated
useful economic life.  On disposal of an undertaking acquired prior to 1 April 1998, goodwill eliminated
against reserves in respect of that undertaking is included in the determination of the profit or loss on
disposal.

In the case of interests acquired by the Group in associated undertakings, goodwill is capitalised as part of
their carrying value and amortised over its expected useful economic life.  In the case of similar interests
acquired by associated undertakings of the Group, the accounting treatment followed in respect of goodwill
is that adopted by that associated undertaking.

The useful economic life of capitalised goodwill arising on acquisitions since 1 April 1998 is estimated to be
20 years.

Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are included in the Company balance sheet at cost less provision for any impairment in value.

Associated Undertakings
Associated undertakings are companies other than subsidiaries in which the Group holds, on a long-term
basis, a participating interest in the voting equity share capital and exercises significant influence.

Associated undertakings are included in the Company balance sheet at cost less provision for any
impairment in value.  Income from associated undertakings included in the Company profit and loss account
comprises dividends received and receivable.

The appropriate share of results of associated undertakings is included in the consolidated profit and loss
account by way of the equity method of accounting.   Associated undertakings are stated in the consolidated
balance sheet at cost plus the attributable portion of their retained reserves from the date of acquisition less
goodwill amortised.  Provision is made, where appropriate, where the Directors consider there has been an
impairment in value.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

37

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 38

Accounting Policies

Turnover
Turnover comprises the invoiced value, including excise duty and excluding value added tax, of goods
supplied and services rendered.

Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Cost is determined on a first in first out basis and in the case of raw materials, bought-in goods and expense
stocks, comprises purchase price plus transport and handling costs less trade discounts and subsidies.  Cost,
in the case of products manufactured by the Group, consists of direct material and labour costs together with
the relevant production overheads based on normal levels of activity.

Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price less costs to completion and appropriate selling
and distribution costs.

Provision is made, where necessary, for slow moving, obsolete and defective stocks.

Tangible Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation is provided on a straight line basis at the rates stated below, which are estimated to reduce the
assets to their residual level values by the end of their expected working lives:

Freehold and Long Term Leasehold Buildings 
Plant and Machinery
Cylinders
Motor Vehicles
Fixtures, Fittings and Office Equipment

Annual Rate
2%
5% - 33⅓%
6⅔%
10% - 33⅓%
10% - 33⅓%

Land is not depreciated.

Leased Assets
Tangible fixed assets, acquired under a lease which transfers substantially all of the risks and rewards of
ownership to the Group, are capitalised as fixed assets.  Amounts payable under such leases (finance leases),
net of finance charges, are shown as short, medium or long term lease obligations, as appropriate.  Finance
charges on finance leases are charged to the profit and loss account over the term of the lease on an
actuarial basis.

The annual rentals under operating leases are charged to the profit and loss account as incurred.

Capital Grants
Capital grants received and receivable by the Group are credited to capital grants and are amortised to the
profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the expected useful lives of the assets to which they
relate.

Deferred Consideration
Where acquisitions involve further payments which are deferred or contingent on levels of performance
achieved in the years following the acquisition, a discounted deferred acquisition creditor is accrued.
Notional interest is charged to the profit and loss account over the relevant period by reference to the period
of deferral, current interest rates and the amount of the likely payments.

Deferred Taxation
Full provision under the liability method is made for deferred taxation on timing differences to the extent
that, in the opinion of the Directors, it is probable that a liability will crystallise in the foreseeable future.

Timing differences are temporary differences between profit as computed for taxation purposes and profit as
stated in the financial statements which arise because certain items of income and expenditure in the
financial statements are dealt with in different periods for taxation purposes.

38

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 39

Accounting Policies

Foreign Currencies
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into euro at the exchange rates ruling
at the balance sheet date or at contracted rates, where appropriate.

The trading results of overseas subsidiaries are translated into euro at the average rate of exchange for the
year.

Profits and losses arising on transactions in foreign currencies during the year are included in the profit and
loss account at the exchange rate ruling on the date of the transactions.

Exchange differences arising from a re-translation of the opening net investment in subsidiary and
associated undertakings are dealt with in retained profits net of differences on related currency borrowings.

Derivative Financial Instruments
The Group is a party to derivative financial instruments (derivatives), primarily to manage its exposure to
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates and to manage its exposure to changes in
the prices of certain commodity products.

Gains and losses on derivative contracts used to hedge foreign exchange and commodity price trading
exposures are recognised in the profit and loss account when the hedged transactions occur.

As part of exchange rate risk management, foreign currency swap agreements are used to convert US dollar
borrowings into sterling borrowings.  Gains and losses on these derivatives are deferred and will be
recognised on the maturity of the underlying debt, together with the matching gain or loss on the debt.

Interest rate swap agreements and similar contracts are used to manage interest rate exposures.  Amounts
payable or receivable in respect of these derivatives are recognised as adjustments to interest expense over
the period of the contracts.

Pension Costs
Pension costs are accounted for on the basis of charging the expected cost of providing pensions over the
period during which the Group benefits from the employees’ services. The effect of variations from regular
cost are spread over the expected average remaining service lives of the members in the schemes. The basis
of contributions are determined on the advice of independent qualified actuaries.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

39

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 40

Consolidated Profit and Loss Account
For the year ended 31 March 2001

Notes

€’000

€’000

€’000

€’000

2001

2000

Turnover
Subsidiary undertakings
Share of turnover of associated undertakings
Total turnover - continuing activities
Discontinued activities
Total turnover

Turnover - subsidiary undertakings
Continuing activities 
Acquisitions

Discontinued activities

Cost of sales
Gross profit
Net operating costs
Operating profit before goodwill amortisation 

- parent and subsidiary undertakings
Share of operating profit before goodwill 

amortisation of associated undertakings
Operating profit before goodwill amortisation
Continuing activities 
Acquisitions

Discontinued activities

Goodwill amortisation
Operating profit 
Net exceptional gains on sale of associated and
subsidiary undertakings - discontinued activities
Net interest payable and similar charges
- parent and subsidiary undertakings

Share of net interest payable and similar charges

- associated undertakings

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation
Continuing activities
Acquisitions

Discontinued activities

Taxation
Profit after taxation
Minority interests
Profit for the financial year attributable to 
Group shareholders
Dividends paid
Dividends proposed
Profit retained for the year

Earnings per ordinary share

- basic (cent)
- diluted (cent)

Adjusted earnings per ordinary share

- basic (cent)
- diluted (cent)

1
1
1

1
2
2
2

2

1
1

6
1

7

8

9
10

3

11

12

13
14
14

15
15

15
15

1,712,402
157,739
1,870,141
-
1,870,141

1,643,194
69,208
1,712,402
-
1,712,402
(1,452,786)
259,616
(176,829)

82,787

8,950
91,737

(4,923)
86,814

-

(3,121)

(1,281)
82,412

(13,100)
69,312
(1,230)

68,082
(6,691)
(11,449)
49,942

78.98c
78.28c

84.69c
83.94c

90,659
1,078
91,737
-
91,737

81,342
1,070
82,412
-
82,412

1,203,758
112,353
1,316,111
210,889
1,527,000

1,154,860
48,898
1,203,758
16,480
1,220,238
(1,005,720)
214,518
(152,654)

61,864

15,879
77,743

(3,535)
74,208

71,365

(6,132)

(268)
139,173

(18,701)
120,472
(631)

119,841
(5,631)
(9,735)
104,475

137.39c
133.43c

68.80c
66.89c

73,187
598
73,785
3,958
77,743

63,333
306
63,639
75,534
139,173

Alex Spain, Jim Flavin, Directors

40

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 41

Profit for the financial year
Other movements on associated company reserves
Exchange adjustments 
Total recognised gains for the financial year

Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses
For the year ended 31 March 2001

2001
€’000

68,082
(25)
(2,356)
65,701

2000
€’000

119,841
2,307
4,968
127,116

Note of Historical Cost Profits and Losses
For the year ended 31 March 2001

There is no difference between the profit on ordinary activities before taxation and the profit retained for the
year on an historical cost basis and the amounts shown in the consolidated profit and loss account on page
40.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

41

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 42

Consolidated Balance Sheet
As at 31 March 2001

Fixed Assets
Intangible assets - goodwill
Tangible fixed assets
Financial assets - associated undertakings

Current Assets
Stocks
Debtors
Cash and term deposits

Creditors:  Amounts falling due within one year
Bank and other debt
Trade and other creditors
Corporation tax
Proposed dividend

Net Current Assets

Total Assets less Current Liabilities

Financed by:

Creditors:  Amounts falling due after more than one year
Bank and other debt
Unsecured Notes due 2008/11
Deferred acquisition consideration

Provisions for Liabilities and Charges

Capital and Reserves
Called up equity share capital
Share premium account
Other reserves
Profit and loss
Equity Shareholders’ Funds
Equity minority interests
Capital grants

Alex Spain, Jim Flavin, Directors

Notes

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

16
17
18

20
21
22

23
28

23
23

29

32
33
34
35
36
37
38

84,447
135,241
38,458
258,146

93,063
296,804
454,582
844,449

200,621
328,328
18,959
11,449
559,357

75,559
123,094
34,598
233,251

76,016
248,401
551,276
875,693

191,781
266,133
17,937
9,735
485,586

285,092

390,107

543,238

623,358

65,753
104,977
11,464
182,194

1,801
183,995

22,034
124,450
1,400
206,802
354,686
3,493
1,064
359,243

161,725
108,611
17,569
287,905

2,090
289,995

21,827
121,987
1,400
183,909
329,123
3,274
966
333,363

543,238

623,358

42

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 43

Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets
Financial assets
- associated undertakings
- subsidiary undertakings

Current Assets
Debtors:  Amounts falling due within one year
Debtors:  Amounts falling due after more than one year
Cash and term deposits

Creditors:  Amounts falling due within one year
Bank and other debt
Trade and other creditors
Corporation tax
Proposed dividend

Net Current Assets

Total Assets less Current Liabilities

Financed by:

Creditors:  Amounts falling due after more than one year
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings

Provisions for Liabilities and Charges

Capital and Reserves
Called up equity share capital
Share premium account
Other reserves
Profit and loss
Equity Shareholders’ Funds

Alex Spain, Jim Flavin, Directors

Company Balance Sheet
As at 31 March 2001

Notes

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

17

18
19

21
21
22

23
28

29

32
33
34
35

1,077

733

1,522
82,715
85,314

1,233
70,860
72,826

7,138
203,084
3,178
213,400

1,359
1,331
4
11,449
14,143

3,396
226,944
4,792
235,132

644
1,176
4
9,735
11,559

199,257

223,573

284,571

296,399

117,773

107,104

4
117,777

4
107,108

22,034
124,450
344
19,966
166,794

21,827
121,987
344
45,133
189,291

284,571

296,399

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

43

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 44

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
For the year ended 31 March 2001

Cash flow from operating activities
Returns on investments and servicing of finance
Taxation paid
Capital expenditure
Acquisitions and disposals
Equity dividends paid
Cash inflow before management of
liquid resources and financing
Increase in liquid resources
Financing

(Decrease)/increase in cash for the year 

Reconciliation of Net Cash Flow to Movement in Net Cash/(Debt)
For the year ended 31 March 2001

(Decrease)/increase in cash for the year
Increase in liquid resources
Net loans repaid/(drawn down)
Capital element of finance lease payments
Changes in net cash resulting from cash flow
Exchange movements
Net (outflow)/inflow in the year 
Net cash/(debt) at start of year

Net cash at end of year

Notes

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

40
41

41
41

42
41

42

83,369
(2,587)
(9,073)
(29,506)
(9,943)
(16,426)

15,834
(165,894)
(137,704)

96,297
(5,635)
(9,400)
(24,736)
72,170
(13,701)

114,995
(46,231)
95,255

(287,764)

164,019

Notes

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

42
42
42
42

42

42

42

(287,764)
165,894
110,853
4,113
(6,904)
976
(5,928)
89,159

164,019
46,231
(99,116)
3,870
115,004
(5,548)
109,456
(20,297)

83,231

89,159

44

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 45

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

1.  Segmental Information

(a)  Segmental Analysis by Class of Business
An analysis by class of business of turnover, profit before taxation and net assets is set out below:

2001
Profit
Before
Taxation
€’000

31,203
23,617
20,313
16,604
91,737
-
91,737
(4,923)
-
(4,402)

(i)  Summary

IT
Energy
Healthcare
Other Activities
Continuing activities
Discontinued activities

Turnover
€’000

753,887
610,257
182,657
323,340
1,870,141
-
1,870,141

Goodwill amortisation
Net exceptional gains
Interest (net)
Net cash
Amounts due in respect of acquisitions
Investments
Disposal proceeds receivable
Capitalised goodwill - subsidiaries
Capitalised goodwill - associates
Minority interests
Proposed dividend

Net
Assets
€’000

53,775
57,447
49,728
46,994
207,944
-
207,944

83,231
(21,976)
7,128
-
84,447
8,854
(3,493)
(11,449)

Turnover
€’000

542,298
369,812
155,555
248,446
1,316,111
210,889
1,527,000

2000
Profit
Before
Taxation
€’000

20,458
20,053
15,951
17,323
73,785
3,958
77,743
(3,535)
71,365
(6,400)

Net
Assets
€’000

38,645
48,044
44,207
42,449
173,345
-
173,345

89,159
(28,569)
7,128
16,100
75,559
9,410
(3,274)
(9,735)

1,870,141

82,412

354,686

1,527,000

139,173

329,123

(ii)  Split between Subsidiary Undertakings and Associated Undertakings

Subsidiary

2001
Associated

Undertakings Undertakings
€’000

€’000

2000
Associated
Total Undertakings Undertakings
€’000
€’000

Subsidiary

€’000

Total
€’000

Turnover

- continuing activities
- discontinued activities

1,712,402
-
1,712,402

157,739
-
157,739

1,870,141
-
1,870,141

1,203,758
16,480
1,220,238

112,353
194,409
306,762

1,316,111
210,889
1,527,000

Operating profit before goodwill

amortisation
- continuing activities
- discontinued activities

Goodwill amortisation
Operating profit
Net  exceptional gains
Interest (net)

82,787
-
82,787
(4,367)
78,420
-
(3,121)

8,950
-
8,950
(556)
8,394
-
(1,281)

91,737
-
91,737
(4,923)
86,814
-
(4,402)

66,256
(4,392)
61,864
(2,710)
59,154
10,365
(6,132)

7,529
8,350
15,879
(825)
15,054
61,000
(268)

73,785
3,958
77,743
(3,535)
74,208
71,365
(6,400)

Profit before taxation

75,299

7,113

82,412

63,387

75,786

139,173

Net assets (including 
capitalised goodwill)

316,228

38,458

354,686

294,525

34,598

329,123

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

45

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 46

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

1.  Segmental Information continued

(iii)  Other Activities

Other Activities are analysed as follows:

2001
Profit
Before
Taxation
€’000

Turnover
€’000

Net
Assets
€’000

Turnover
€’000

2000
Profit
Before
Taxation
€’000

Net
Assets
€’000

Food
Supply Chain
Management Services
Other Interests

182,367

8,464

17,483

160,372

8,916

15,489

103,558
37,415

2,791
5,349

15,915
13,596

61,551
26,523

3,812
4,595

16,035
10,925

323,340

16,604

46,994

248,446

17,323

42,449

(iv)  Acquisitions

Acquisitions in the year contributed turnover of €69.208 million (2000: €48.898 million) and operating profit
before goodwill amortisation of €1.078 million (2000: €0.598 million).

46

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 47

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

1.  Segmental Information continued

(b)  Segmental Analysis by Geographical Area
An analysis by geographical area of turnover, profit before taxation and net assets is set out below:

(i)  Summary

Ireland
Rest of the World

Associated undertakings
Continuing activities
Discontinued activities

Turnover
by Origin
€’000

709,425
1,002,977
1,712,402
157,739
1,870,141
-
1,870,141

Goodwill amortisation
Net exceptional gains
Interest (net)
Net cash
Amounts due in respect of acquisitions
Investments
Disposal proceeds receivable
Capitalised goodwill - subsidiaries
Capitalised goodwill - associates
Minority interests
Proposed dividend

2001
Profit
Before
Taxation
€’000

36,130
46,657
82,787
8,950
91,737
-
91,737
(4,923)
-
(4,402)

Net
Assets
€’000

Turnover
by Origin  
€’000

61,964
116,376
178,340
29,604
207,944
-
207,944

515,921
687,837
1,203,758
112,353
1,316,111
210,889
1,527,000

2000
Profit
Before
Taxation 
€’000

35,451
30,805
66,256
7,529
73,785
3,958
77,743
(3,535)
71,365
(6,400)

83,231
(21,976)
7,128
-
84,447
8,854
(3,493)
(11,449)
354,686

1,527,000

139,173

Net
Assets
€’000

47,155
101,002
148,157
25,188
173,345
-
173,345

89,159
(28,569)
7,128
16,100
75,559
9,410
(3,274)
(9,735)
329,123

1,870,141

82,412

(ii)  Turnover by Destination - Continuing Activities

Ireland
United Kingdom
Rest of Europe
USA
Other
Share of associated undertakings

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

681,722
872,860
127,795
24,807
5,218
157,739
1,870,141

502,875
636,394
44,883
15,259
4,347
112,353
1,316,111

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

47

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 48

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

2.  Cost of Sales and Net Operating Costs

2001

2000

Continuing

Continuing

Discontinued

Activities Acquisitions
€’000

€’000

Total
€’000

Activities Acquisitions
€’000

€’000

Activities
€’000

Total
€’000

Cost of sales

(1,390,624)

(62,162)

(1,452,786)

(953,410)

(41,153)

(11,157)

(1,005,720)

Gross profit

252,570

7,046

259,616

201,450

7,745

5,323

214,518

Operating  costs
Distribution

Administrative

Other operating expenses

(83,295)

(90,394)

(212)

(3,640)

(2,328)

-

(86,935)

(92,722)

(212)

(72,163)

(67,307)

(214)

(5,143)

(2,024)

(8)

-

(9,312)

(403)

(77,306)

(78,643)

(625)

(173,901)

(5,968)

(179,869)

(139,684)

(7,175)

(9,715)

(156,574)

Other operating income

3,040

-

3,040

3,920

-

-

3,920

Net operating costs

(170,861)

(5,968)

(176,829)

(135,764)

(7,175)

(9,715)

(152,654)

Operating profit before 

goodwill amortisation

- parent and subsidiaries

81,709

1,078

82,787

65,686

570

(4,392)

61,864

3.  Acquisitions

The profit on ordinary activities before taxation arising from acquisitions represents the aggregate of net
incremental profit resulting from the acquisition of subsidiary and associated undertakings in the relevant
financial year.

4.  Employee Information

The average weekly number of persons (including executive Directors) employed by subsidiaries of the Group
during the year analysed by class of business was:

IT
Energy
Healthcare
Other Activities

The staff costs for the above were:

Wages and salaries
Social welfare costs
Pension costs

2001
Number

2000
Number

737
620
832
867
3,056

2001
€’000

97,717
10,321
4,228
112,266

704
515
759
955
2,933

2000
€’000

86,114
8,408
3,875
98,397

5.  Directors’ Emoluments and Interests

Directors’ emoluments and interests are given in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on pages 30 to 33.

48

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

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Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

6.  Goodwill Amortisation

Amortisation of capitalised goodwill arising on the acquisition 

of subsidiaries after 1 April 1998 (note 16)

Amortisation of goodwill included in the carrying value of

associated undertakings (note 18)

7.  Net Exceptional Gains on Sale of Associated and Subsidiary Undertakings

Profit on sale of associated undertaking
Profit on sale of subsidiary net tangible assets
Other

Goodwill previously eliminated against reserves

8.  Net Interest Payable and Similar Charges - Parent and Subsidiary Undertakings

Interest receivable and similar income
Interest on cash and term deposits
Other interest and similar income receivable

Interest payable and similar charges
On bank loans, overdrafts and Unsecured Notes due 2008/11
- repayable within 5 years, not by instalments
- repayable within 5 years, by instalments
- repayable wholly or partly in more than 5 years
On loan notes 
- repayable within 5 years, not by instalments
- repayable wholly or partly in more than 5 years
On finance leases
Notional interest

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

4,367

2,710

556
4,923

825
3,535

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

-
-
-
-
-
-

2001
€’000

25,010
512
25,522

(14,150)
(54)
(9,352)

(48)
(1,694)
(2,891)
(454)
(28,643)

76,000
18,000
(1,902)
92,098
(20,733)
71,365

2000
€’000

19,496
4
19,500

(11,968)
(73)
(9,042)

(50)
(1,551)
(2,637)
(311)
(25,632)

(3,121)

(6,132)

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

49

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 50

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

9.  Share of Net Interest Payable and Similar Charges - Associated Undertakings

This comprises the Group’s share of the net interest payable and similar charges of its associated
undertakings.

10.  Profit on Ordinary Activities Before Taxation

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation is stated after charging/(crediting):

Auditors’ remuneration
Revenue grants 
Amortisation of capital grants
Operating leases
- land and buildings
- plant and machinery
- motor vehicles
Depreciation
- owned assets
- leased assets

11.  Taxation

Irish Corporation Tax at 23% (2000: 27%)
- current
- deferred
- less: manufacturing relief
United Kingdom Corporation Tax at 30%
- current 
- deferred
Other overseas tax
Capital gains tax
Tax on net exceptional gains
(Over)/under provision in respect of prior years
- current
- deferred

Associated undertakings

2001
€’000

470
(264)
(327)

1,791
62
1,173

13,989
6,777

2001
€’000

7,931
(107)
(2,062)

5,635
102
1,610
98
-

(1,535)
(280)
11,392
1,708
13,100

2000
€’000

444
(79)
(296)

2,316
12
988

13,655
5,235

2000
€’000

5,368
(244)
(2,625)

4,003
40
947
-
8,000

(202)
26
15,313
3,388
18,701

Manufacturing relief is scheduled to expire in the year 2010.

The standard rate of corporation tax in Ireland will be reduced on a phased basis to 12.5% by 1 January 2003.

50

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 51

12.  Minority Interests

Subsidiary undertakings
Associated undertakings

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

2001
€’000

489
741
1,230

2000
€’000

3
628
631

13.  Profit for the Financial Year Attributable to Group Shareholders

As permitted by Section 3(2) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986, a separate profit and loss account for
the holding company has not been included in these financial statements. The profit for the financial year
attributable to DCC shareholders dealt with in the financial statements of the holding company amounted to
€17,641,000 (2000: €15,502,000).

14.  Dividends

Per Ordinary Share

Interim dividend of 7.74 cent per share 

(2000: 6.45 cent per share)

Proposed final dividend of 13.38 cent per share 

(2000: 11.15 cent per share)

Additional dividend

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

6,619

5,631

11,449
72
18,140

9,735
-
15,366

The additional dividend of €72,000 is in respect of shares issued after the date of approval of the 31 March
2000 financial statements but qualifying for receipt of the final dividend declared.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

51

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 52

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

15.  Earnings per Ordinary Share and Adjusted Earnings per Ordinary Share

Profit after taxation and minority interests
Net exceptional gains (net of taxation)
Goodwill amortisation
Adjusted profit after taxation and minority interests

Basic earnings per ordinary share

Basic earnings per ordinary share 
Net exceptional gains
Goodwill amortisation 
Adjusted basic earnings per ordinary share 

2001
€’000

68,082
-
4,923
73,005

cent
78.98
-
5.71
84.69

2000
€’000

119,841
(63,365)
3,535
60,011

cent
137.39
(72.64)
4.05
68.80

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year (’000)

86,202

87,225

Diluted earnings per ordinary share

Diluted earnings per ordinary share
Net exceptional gains
Goodwill amortisation
Adjusted diluted earnings per ordinary share

cent
78.28
-
5.66
83.94

cent
133.43
(70.46)
3.92
66.89

Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares (’000)

87,030

89,925

The adjusted figures for basic earnings per ordinary share and diluted earnings per ordinary share are
intended to demonstrate the results of the Group after eliminating the impact of goodwill amortisation and
net exceptional items which are not expected to recur regularly.

The weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating the diluted earnings per ordinary share
for the year ended 31 March 2001 was 87.030 million (2000: 89.925 million). A reconciliation of the weighted
average number of ordinary shares used for the purpose of calculating the diluted earnings per share
amounts is as follows:

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue used for the calculation 

of basic earnings per ordinary share amounts
Dilutive effect of options and partly paid shares
Dilutive effect of ordinary shares potentially issuable under deferred

contingent consideration arrangements

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue used for the 

2001
’000

86,202
601

2000
’000

87,225
943

227

1,757

calculation of diluted earnings per ordinary share amounts

87,030

89,925

The earnings used for the purpose of the diluted earnings per ordinary share calculations were €68.131
million (2000: €119.989 million) and €73.054 million (2000: €60.159 million) for the purpose of the adjusted
diluted earnings per ordinary share calculations.

52

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 53

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

16.  Intangible Assets - Goodwill 

The movement in goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries is as follows:

Cost
At 1 April
Additions (note 39)
At 31 March

Amortisation
At 1 April
Amortisation for the year (note 6)
At 31 March

Net Book Value
At 31 March

17.  Tangible Fixed Assets

(a)  Group

Cost
At 1 April 2000
Acquisitions (note 39)
Additions
Reclassifications
Disposals
Exchange adjustments
At 31 March 2001

Depreciation
At 1 April 2000
Charge for year
Disposals 
Exchange adjustments
At 31 March 2001

Net Book Value
At 31 March 2001
At 31 March 2000

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

79,099
13,255
92,354

3,540
4,367
7,907

46,858
32,241
79,099

830
2,710
3,540

84,447

75,559

Freehold &

long term

Fixtures

Plant &

& fittings

leasehold land machinery &

& office

& buildings
€’000

cylinders
€’000

equipment
€’000

Motor

vehicles
€’000

49,840
558
5,464
-
(504)
(504)
54,854

8,245
1,242
(144)
(94)
9,249

157,513
1,129
13,633
(84)
(3,848)
(2,785)
165,558

98,664
11,405
(3,090)
(1,670)
105,309

27,124
-
8,031
84
(1,367)
(351)
33,521

16,875
3,622
(860)
(190)
19,447

26,873
1,807
6,934
-
(3,874)
(493)
31,247

14,472
4,497
(2,735)
(300)
15,934

Total
€’000

261,350
3,494
34,062
-
(9,593)
(4,133)
285,180

138,256
20,766
(6,829)
(2,254)
149,939

45,605
41,595

60,249
58,849

14,074
10,249

15,313
12,401

135,241
123,094

The net book value of tangible fixed assets includes an amount of €15,101,000 (2000: €20,361,000) in respect
of assets held under finance leases.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

53

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 54

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

17.  Tangible Fixed Assets continued

(b)  Company

Cost
At 1 April 2000
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2001

Depreciation
At 1 April 2000
Charge for year
Disposals
At 31 March 2001

Net Book Value
At 31 March 2001
At 31 March 2000  

18.  Financial Assets - Associated Undertakings

(a)  Group

At 1 April  
Additions
Disposals/transfer to investments
Retained profits less dividends
Other movements in reserves
Amortisation of goodwill (note 6)
At 31 March

Fixtures &
fittings & office
equipment
€’000

Motor
vehicles
€’000

1,142
283
(22)
1,403

898
93
(22)
969

434
244

740
342
(148)
934

251
173
(133)
291

643
489

Total
€’000

1,882
625
(170)
2,337

1,149
266
(155)
1,260

1,077
733

2001
€’000

34,598
325
-
4,116
(25)
(556)
38,458

2000
€’000

56,844
726
(34,144)
9,505
2,492
(825)
34,598

54

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 55

18. Financial Assets - Associated Undertakings continued

The carrying value of associated undertakings is analysed as follows:

Interest in net assets
Share of post acquisition reserves

Goodwill (net of amortisation)

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

2001
€’000

7,404
22,200
29,604
8,854
38,458

2000
€’000

7,079
18,109
25,188
9,410
34,598

At 31 March 2001 the Group’s aggregate share of its associated undertakings’ fixed assets, current assets,
liabilities due within one year and liabilities due after more than one year was as follows:

Fixed assets
Current assets
Liabilities due within one year
Liabilities due after more than one year and minority interests

The movement in goodwill of associated undertakings is as follows:

Cost
At 1 April 
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 

Amortisation
At 1 April
Amortisation for the year
Disposals
At 31 March

Net Book Value
At 31 March

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

20,765
69,721
(40,600)
(20,282)
29,604

17,155
62,586
(35,942)
(18,611)
25,188

2001
€’000

10,680
-
-
10,680

1,270
556
-
1,826

2000
€’000

16,137
685
(6,142)
10,680

2,272
825
(1,827)
1,270

8,854

9,410

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

55

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 56

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

18.  Financial Assets - Associated Undertakings continued

Details of the Group’s principal associated undertakings at 31 March 2001 are set out below.  All of these
companies are incorporated and operate principally in their country of registration.

Name and Registered Office

Nature of Business

Shareholding

Healthcare
Merits Health Products Company Limited,

Manufacture of mobility aids.

45.0%

9 Road 36, 

Taichung Industrial Park, 

Taichung, Taiwan. 

Other Activities
KP (Ireland) Limited,

79 Broomhill Road, Tallaght, 

Dublin 24, Ireland.

Manufacture of snack foods.

50.0%

Kylemore Foods Holdings Limited,

Holding company for the Kylemore group of 

50.0%

DCC House,

Stillorgan, Blackrock,

Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Millais Investments Limited,

Kinsale Road, Cork, Ireland.

companies whose principal activities are the

baking, wholesale and retailing of bakery 

products and the operation of restaurants.

Holding company for Allied Foods 

Limited, a distributor of frozen and 

chilled foods.

51.5% *

* The Group holds 50% of the voting share capital of Millais Investments Limited.

Manor Park Homebuilders Limited,

Residential house building.

49.0%

“The Gables”, Torquay Road,

Dublin 18, Ireland.

(b)  Company

At April 1
Additions
At 31 March

2001
€’000

1,233
289
1,522

2000
€’000

1,233
-
1,233

56

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 57

19.  Financial Assets - Subsidiary Undertakings

Company

At 1 April
Additions
At 31 March

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

2001
€’000

70,860
11,855
82,715

2000
€’000

67,385
3,475
70,860

The Group’s principal operating subsidiary undertakings are shown on pages 74 to 76. All of these
subsidiaries are wholly owned except Broderick Holdings Limited (82.5%), Virtus Limited (51.0%), EuroCaps
Limited (85.0%) where put and call options exist to acquire the remaining 15.0%, Distrilogie SA (55.0%) where
put and call options exist to acquire the remaining 45.0% and Fannin Limited (88.0%), where put and call
options exist to acquire the remaining 12.0%.

The Group’s principal overseas holding company subsidiaries are DCC Holdings (UK) Limited, a company
operating, incorporated and registered in England and Wales and DCC International Holdings B.V., a
company operating, incorporated and registered in the Netherlands. The registered office of DCC Holdings
(UK) Limited is at Days Medical Aids Limited, Litchard Industrial Estate, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan CF31 2AL,
Wales. The registered office of DCC International Holdings B.V. is Drentestraat 24, 1083 HK Amsterdam, the
Netherlands.

20. Stocks

Group

Raw materials and consumables
Work in progress
Finished goods and goods for resale

2001
€’000

7,825
1,280
83,958
93,063

2000
€’000

6,873
1,852
67,291
76,016

The replacement cost of stocks is not considered to be materially different from the amounts shown above.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

57

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 58

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

21.  Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Disposal proceeds receivable 
Corporation tax recoverable
Value added tax recoverable
Prepayments and accrued income
Other debtors

Amounts falling due after more than one year:
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Investments
Other debtors

22.  Cash and Term Deposits

Cash in hand and at bank
Term deposits

2001
€’000

259,327
-
-
-
3,263
16,283
6,950
285,823

-
7,128
3,853
10,981

Group

Company

2000
€’000

201,816
-
16,100
1,492
2,413
12,771
3,043
237,635

2001
€’000

1,591
2,453
-
-
-
3,094
-
7,138

2000
€’000

866
1,812
-
-
11
707
-
3,396

-
7,128
3,638
10,766

203,084
-
-
203,084

226,944
-
-
226,944

296,804

248,401

210,222

230,340

Group

Company

2001
€’000

127,972
326,610
454,582

2000
€’000

389,247
162,029
551,276

2001
€’000

-
3,178
3,178

2000
€’000

85
4,707
4,792

For the purposes of the consolidated cash flow statement, cash in hand and at bank comprises cash on
demand.  The movements in cash in hand and at bank and term deposits are set out in note 42.

58

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 59

23.  Bank and Other Debt

Bank loans and overdrafts (note 24)
Loan notes (note 25)
Obligations under finance leases (note 26)

Unsecured Notes due 2008/11 (note 24)

Bank and other loans and leases:
- repayable within one year
- repayable after more than one year
Unsecured Notes due 2008/11 

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

Group

Company

2001
€’000

198,764
32,013
35,597
266,374
104,977
371,351

200,621
65,753
104,977
371,351

2000
€’000

279,271
33,205
41,030 
353,506
108,611
462,117

191,781
161,725
108,611 
462,117

2001
€’000

846
513
-
1,359
-
1,359

1,359
-
-
1,359

2000
€’000

-
644
-
644
-
644

644
-
-
644

In September 1996 the Group raised US$100 million of senior unsecured notes in a private placement with
US institutional investors.  Of this amount US$92.5 million is due in 2008 and US$7.5 million is due in 2011.
The funds have been swapped to sterling at a margin over LIBOR.

24.  Bank Loans, Overdrafts and Unsecured Notes due 2008/11

Repayable as follows:
Within one year
Between one and two years
Between two and five years
After five years

2001
€’000

195,217
2,413
542
105,569
303,741

Group

2000
€’000

186,324
79,652
12,675
109,231
387,882

Company

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

846
-
-
-
846

The above amounts are further analysed as follows:
Wholly repayable within one year
Repayable by instalments:
-  between one and two years
-  between two and five years
-  after five years
Repayable other than by instalments:
-  between one and two years
-  after five years

195,217

186,324

846

2,413
542
592

-
104,977
303,741

630
12,675
620

79,022
108,611
387,882

-
-
-

-
-
846

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

59

-
-
-
-
-

-

-
-
-

-
-
-

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 60

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

25.  Loan Notes

The loan notes are repayable as follows:
Within one year
After five years

Loan notes are further analysed as follows:
Wholly repayable within one year
Repayable other than by instalments:
-  after five years

Group

2000
€’000

1,251
31,954
33,205

2001
€’000

1,128
30,885
32,013

1,128

1,251

30,885
32,013

31,954
33,205

Company

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

513
-
513

513

-
513

644
-
644

644

-
644

The above loan notes are unsecured and €10,911,000 (2000: €33,152,000) are supported by bank guarantees.
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have guaranteed the obligations of the relevant banks in respect
of the loan notes which are guaranteed by the banks.

26.  Finance Leases

The net finance lease obligations to which the Group is committed are: 

Within one year

Between one and two years
Between two and five years
After five years

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

4,276

4,206

5,135
14,469
11,717
31,321

4,418
14,900
17,506
36,824

35,597

41,030

27.  Derivative and Other Financial Instruments

The Group’s treasury activities are designed to finance its operations and to reduce or eliminate the financial
risks arising from those operations.

A number of the Group’s operating and financial revenues and costs are exposed to movements in the
financial and commodity markets which are outside the Group’s control.  In particular, interest rates can
fluctuate, affecting the cost of borrowings, and commodity price movements can impact on the cost of
certain raw materials purchased.

Furthermore, foreign exchange movements can impact on the cost of products sourced and revenues
generated from overseas markets and can also impact on the translation of the results and net operating
assets or operating liabilities of the Group’s overseas operations save to the extent that they are hedged by
borrowings or deposits in the same currency.  In order to reduce these exposures and to bring both stability
and more certainty to the Group’s revenues and costs, the Group uses various derivative financial
instruments to hedge its positions going forward.

All transactions in derivatives (which are mainly interest rate swaps, forward foreign currency and
commodity contracts and purchased currency and commodity options) are designed to manage risks without
engaging in speculative transactions.

60

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 61

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

27.  Derivative and Other Financial Instruments continued

(a)  Interest Rate Risk Profile of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
The following tables analyse the currency and interest rate composition of the Group’s gross cash and debt
portfolio, as stated on the balance sheet, after taking cross currency and interest rate swaps into account:

2001
€ equivalent
Financial
Liabilities
€’000

(1,655)
(33,232)
(34,887)

(98,759)
(236,982)
(335,741)

-
(723)
(723)

Financial
Assets
€’000

-
135,765
135,765

98,517
213,069
311,586

-
7,231
7,231

Net
€’000

(1,655)
102,533
100,878

(242)
(23,913)
(24,155)

-
6,508
6,508

Financial
Assets
€’000

-
201,792
201,792

101,921
241,584
343,505

-
5,979
5,979

2000
€ equivalent
Financial
Liabilities
€’000

(1,983)
(77,979)
(79,962)

(101,929)
(279,697)
(381,626)

-
(529)
(529)

Net
€’000

(1,983)
123,813
121,830

(8)
(38,113)
(38,121)

-
5,450
5,450

€ Fixed
€ Floating
€ Total

Stg£ Fixed
Stg£ Floating
Stg£ Total

US$ Fixed
US$ Floating
US$ Total

Total

454,582

(371,351)

83,231

551,276

(462,117)

89,159

The Group’s deferred acquisition consideration of €21,976,000 as stated on the balance sheet, comprises
€20,102,000 of € floating rate financial liabilities and €1,874,000 of Stg£ floating rate financial liabilities
(2000: €28,569,000 of € floating rate financial liabilities) payable as follows:

Within one year
Between one and two years
Between two and five years

2001
€’000

10,512
7,428
4,036
21,976

2000
€’000

11,000
7,166
10,403
28,569

The Group’s floating rate financial assets and financial liabilities primarily bear interest rates based on:
• 1 - 6 month EURIBOR
• 1 - 12 month LIBOR
• US$ prime rate 
At 31 March the interest rate profile of the Group’s fixed rate financial assets and financial liabilities was as
follows:

2001
Weighted average interest rate
Fixed rate
Fixed rate
financial liabilities
financial assets

2000
Weighted average interest rate 
Fixed rate
Fixed rate
financial liabilities
financial assets

n/a
8.0%

4.7%
8.8%

n/a
8.0%

5.2%
8.8%

2001
Weighted average period
for which rate is fixed

2000
Weighted average period 
for which rate is fixed

Fixed rate
financial assets

Fixed rate
financial liabilities

Fixed rate
financial assets

Fixed rate
financial liabilities

n/a
7.5 years

8.3 years
7.5 years

n/a
8.5 years

6.9 years
8.5 years

€

Stg£

€

Stg£

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

61

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 62

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

27.  Derivative and Other Financial Instruments continued

The maturity profile of the Group’s financial liabilities is set out in notes 24 to 26 and can be summarised as
follows:

Within one year
Between one and two years
Between two and five years
After five years

2001
€’000

200,621
7,548
15,011
148,171
371,351

2000
€’000

191,781
84,070
27,575
158,691
462,117

(b)  Gains and Losses on Hedges
The Group enters into forward foreign currency contracts to eliminate the currency exposures that arise on
revenues and costs denominated in foreign currencies.  The Group also enters into commodity swap
contracts in order to eliminate the exposure to price movements of oil and LPG.  Changes in the fair value of
instruments used as hedges are not recognised in the financial statements until the hedged position matures.
An analysis of these unrecognised gains and losses is as follows:

At 1 April 
Portion recognised in current year
Arising in current year 
At 31 March

Of which, expected to be recognised:
-  within one year
-  after one year

Gains
€’000

429
(429)
5,100
5,100

2,650
2,450
5,100

2001
Losses
€’000

(6,393)
5,898
(490)
(985)

Total 
€’000

(5,964)
5,469
4,610
4,115

(673)
(312)
(985)

1,977
2,138
4,115

Gains
€’000

356
(356)
429
429

429
-
429

2000
Losses
€’000

(3,332)
1,879
(4,940)
(6,393)

(5,898)
(495)
(6,393)

Total 
€’000

(2,976)
1,523
(4,511)
(5,964)

(5,469)
(495)
(5,964)

The above table does not include cross currency interest rate swaps where unrecognised gains or losses on
the swaps are matched by equal and opposite gains or losses in the fair value of Unsecured Notes due
2008/11 as described in the accounting policy for derivative financial instruments.

(c)  Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the financial assets and financial liabilities of the Group
are as follows:

Assets:
Cash and short term deposits
Liabilities:
Deferred acquisition consideration
Short term debt
Medium and long term debt
Unsecured Notes due 2008/11
Derivative financial instruments:
Commodity swaps
Forward exchange rate contracts
Interest rate contracts

2001

2000

Carrying
amount
€’000

Fair
value
€’000

Carrying
amount
€’000

Fair
value
€’000

454,582

454,582

551,276

551,188

(21,976)
(200,621)
(65,753)
(104,977)

(21,976)
(200,621)
(65,682)
(104,977)

(28,569)
(191,781)
(161,725)
(108,611)

(28,569)
(191,781)
(161,637)
(108,611)

-
-
-
61,255

575
3,540
-
65,441

-
-
-
60,590

(1,199)
(4,765)
-
54,626

62

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 63

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

27.  Derivative and Other Financial Instruments continued

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Group in estimating its fair value disclosures for
financial instruments:

Cash, short term deposits and short term debt:
The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet generally approximates to fair value because of the short
maturity of these instruments.

Deferred acquisition consideration:
The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet approximates to fair value because the future amounts
payable are discounted back to their present value.

Medium and long term debt:
The fair value of the Group’s medium and long term debt generally approximates to fair value because these
instruments re-price frequently at market rates.

Unsecured Notes due 2008/11:
The fair value of the Group’s Unsecured Notes due 2008/11 is shown net of the gain or loss on the sterling
cross currency interest rate swap used to hedge these loan notes (note 23).  At 31 March 2001 the cross
currency interest rate swap had a fair value equating to a profit of €19,821,000 (2000: loss of €3,338,000) and
the fair value of the Unsecured Notes 2008/11 was lower than the book value by the same amount.

Commodity and forward exchange rate contracts:
The fair value of these instruments is based on the estimated replacement cost of equivalent instruments at
the balance sheet date.

Interest rate contracts:
The fair value of these instruments is based on the estimated replacement cost of equivalent instruments at
the balance sheet date.  The Group uses interest rate contracts to swap floating rate assets and liabilities into
fixed rate assets and liabilities. The fair value of the interest rate contracts attributable to financial assets is
offset by the fair value of the interest rate contracts attributable to financial liabilities.

(d)  Undrawn Bank Borrowing Facilities
The Group has various borrowing facilities available to it.  At 31 March 2001 the Group has no undrawn
committed bank borrowing facilities (2000: €4,250,000).

(e)  Short Term Debtors and Creditors
Short term debtors and creditors are not included in the above disclosures of financial assets and financial
liabilities.

(f)  Currency Exposures
At 31 March 2001, after taking into account the effects of foreign currency contracts, the Group had no
material currency exposures.

(g)  Treasury Policy
The Group’s treasury policy and management of derivatives and of financial instruments is discussed in the
Financial Review on pages 20 to 23.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

63

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 64

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

28.  Trade and Other Creditors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade creditors
Other creditors and accruals
Deferred acquisition consideration
PAYE and PRSI
Value added tax
Capital grants (note 38)
Interest payable
Amounts due in respect of fixed assets
Amounts due to associated undertakings

29.  Provisions for Liabilities and Charges

(a)  Group

At 1 April
Credited to profit and 

loss account

Exchange adjustments 
At 31 March

(b)  Company

Deferred taxation at 31 March (note 30) 

30.  Deferred Taxation

Group

Company

2001
€’000

254,278
38,099
10,512
2,535
14,939
305
2,744
1,163
3,753
328,328

2000
€’000

199,454
34,900
11,000
2,450
12,049
235
2,401
905
2,739
266,133

2001
€’000

155
1,002
-
-
174
-
-
-
-
1,331

2000
€’000

73
941
-
162
-
-
-
-
-
1,176

Total
€’000

2,244

(179)
25
2,090

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

4

4

2001
Pension
Deferred and similar
taxation obligations
(note 31)
(note 30)
€’000
€’000

2000
Pension
Deferred and similar
taxation obligations
(note 31)
(note 30)
€’000
€’000

Total
€’000

2,047

(285)
(4)
1,758

43

-
-
43

2,090

2,200

(285)
(4)
1,801

(178)
25
2,047

44

(1)
-
43

Deferred taxation provided in the financial statements and the full potential liability are as follows:

(a)  Group

Tax effect of timing differences due to:
Excess of accelerated capital allowances over depreciation
Other short term timing differences

Amount Provided
2000
2001
€’000
€’000

Full Potential Liability
2000
€’000

2001
€’000

2,112
(354)
1,758

2,097

(50) 

2,047

2,577
(354)
2,223

2,204
(50)
2,154

No provision is made for potential taxation liabilities amounting to €465,000 (2000: €107,000) arising from
accelerated capital allowances as it is considered that the related taxation will not become payable in the
foreseeable future.

No provision is made for taxation liabilities which would arise on the distribution of profits retained by
overseas subsidiaries as there is no intention in the foreseeable future to remit such profits.

64

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 65

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

30.  Deferred Taxation continued

(b)  Company

Tax effect of timing differences due to:
Excess of accelerated capital allowances over depreciation 
Other short term timing differences

Amount Provided
2000
2001
€’000
€’000

Full Potential Liability
2000
€’000

2001
€’000

3
1
4

3
1
4

3
1
4

3
1
4

31. Pension and Similar Obligations

The Group operates defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes in the parent and subsidiary
undertakings.  The pension scheme assets are held in separate trustee administered funds.

Total pension costs for the year amounted to €4,228,000 (2000: €3,875,000) of which €1,493,000 
(2000: €1,332,000) was paid in respect of defined contribution schemes.

The pension costs relating to the Group’s defined benefit schemes are assessed in accordance with the
advice of independent qualified actuaries.  Either the attained age or the projected unit benefits method are
used to assess pension costs.  The most recent actuarial valuations range from 1 April 1997 to 1 April 2000.

The assumptions which have the most significant effect on the results of  the actuarial valuations are those
relating to the rates of return on investments and the rates of increase in remuneration and pensions.  It was
assumed that the rates of return on investments would, on average, exceed annual remuneration increases
by 2% and pension increases by 3% per annum.

At the dates of the most recent actuarial valuations, the market value of the assets of the Group’s defined
benefit schemes totalled €33,220,000 (2000: €24,643,000).

After allowing for expected future increases in earnings and pension payments, the actuarial values of the
various schemes’ assets were sufficient to cover between 84% and 110% (Group weighted average cover:
100%) of the benefits that had accrued to the members of the individual schemes.  Any actuarial deficits are
being spread over the average remaining service lives of current employees.

At 31 March 2001, €48,000 (2000: €71,000) was included in creditors in respect of pension liabilities and
€2,486,000 (2000: €566,000) was included in debtors in respect of pension prepayments.

In general, actuarial valuations are not available for public inspection, although the results of valuations are
advised to the members of the various pension schemes.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

65

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 66

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

32.  Called up Equity Share Capital

Group and Company

Authorised
152,368,568 ordinary shares of €0.25 each

Issued
88,134,404 ordinary shares (including 2,563,045 ordinary shares
held as Treasury Shares) of €0.25 each, fully paid 
(2000: 87,306,376 ordinary shares of €0.25 each, fully paid)

90,000 ordinary shares of €0.25 each, €0.0025 paid 
(2000: 205,000 ordinary shares of €0.25 each, €0.0025 paid)

Movements during year
Ordinary shares of €0.25 each

At 1 April 2000
Exercise of share options
Acquisition issues
Payment up of partly paid shares
At 31 March 2001

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

38,092

38,092

22,034

21,827

-
22,034

-
21,827

No of shares (’000)

87,511
650
63
-
88,224

€’000

21,827
162
16
29
22,034

During the year the Group purchased 2,563,045 of its own ordinary shares of €0.25 each at a total cost of
€24,668,000.  These shares are held as Treasury Shares and they are not included in the calculation of
earnings per share from the date they were purchased by the Group.

Under the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme, employees hold basic tier options to subscribe for
2,095,500 ordinary shares and second tier options to subscribe for 1,913,500 ordinary shares.  The number of
shares in respect of which basic tier and second tier options may be granted under this scheme may not
exceed 5% of all numbers of shares in issue in each case.

Under the terminated DCC Employee Partly Paid Share Scheme, at 31 March 2001, 90,000 shares 
(2000: 205,000 shares) remain partly paid. 

All shares, whether fully or partly paid, carry equal voting rights and rank for dividends to the extent to which
the total amount payable on each share is paid up.

66

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 67

33.  Share Premium Account

Group and Company

At 1 April
Premium on issue of shares
Share issue expenses
At 31 March

34.  Other Reserves

(a)  Group

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

121,987
2,493
(30)
124,450

120,796
1,203
(12)
121,987

Capital
Conversion
Reserve
Fund
€’000

Other
Reserves
€’000

Total
€’000

At 31 March 2001 and 31 March 2000

344

1,056

1,400

(b)  Company

At 31 March 2001 and 31 March 2000

35.  Profit and Loss

(a)  Group

At 1 April 2000
Profit retained for the year
Share buyback (note 32)
Movement on other reserves - associated undertakings
Exchange adjustments
At 31 March 2001

Capital
Conversion
Reserve 
Fund
€’000

344

Profit
and Loss
Account
€’000

183,909
49,942
(24,668)
(25)
(2,356)
206,802

In accordance with the Group’s accounting policy, goodwill arising on the acquisition of the subsidiaries prior
to 1 April 1998, eliminated from the balance sheet through reserves, amounts €100.079 million.

(b)  Company

At 1 April 2000
Profit retained
Share buyback (note 32)
At 31 March 2001

Profit
and Loss
Account
€’000

45,133
(499)
(24,668)
19,966

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

67

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 68

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

36.  Reconciliation of Movements in Equity Shareholders’ Funds

Profit for the financial year
Dividends

Movement on associated undertaking reserves
Goodwill realised previously eliminated against reserves (note 7)
Equity share capital issued (net of expenses) 
Share buyback (note 32)
Exchange adjustments 
Net movement in shareholders’ funds
Opening equity shareholders’ funds 
Closing equity shareholders’ funds

37.  Equity Minority Interests

At 1 April
Acquisitions
Acquisition of minority interest in subsidiary undertakings 
Disposal of minority interest in subsidiary undertaking
Share of profit for the financial year (note 12)
Dividends to minorities
Exchange adjustments
At 31 March

38.  Capital Grants

At 1 April
Received in year
Amortisation in year
Exchange adjustments
At 31 March
Disclosed as due within one year (note 28)

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

68,082
(18,140)
49,942
(25)
-
2,670
(24,668)
(2,356)
25,563
329,123
354,686

119,841
(15,366)
104,475
2,492
20,733
1,234
-
4,968
133,902
195,221
329,123

2001
€’000

3,274
-
(61)
-
489
(173)
(36)
3,493

2001
€’000

1,201
502
(327)
(7)
1,369
(305)
1,064

2000
€’000

3,902
326
-
(947)
3
(86)
76
3,274

2000
€’000

1,426
62
(296)
9
1,201
(235)
966

68

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 69

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

39.  Acquisitions of Subsidiary Undertakings

The principal acquisition completed during the year was Fuel Services.  A number of smaller oil and LPG
distributors were also acquired.

A summary of the effect of these acquisitions is as follows:

Tangible fixed assets
Stocks
Debtors
Net debt
Creditors
Net assets acquired
Goodwill
Cost

Satisfied by:
Cash
Shares
Deferred consideration and deferred contingent consideration

Acquisition
of subsidiary
undertakings
€’000

3,494
922
3,777
(3,140)
(2,001)
3,052
13,255
16,307

10,726
740
4,841
16,307

Acquisition accounting has been adopted in respect of the above acquisitions.  No fair value adjustments
were made to the assets acquired.

An analysis of the net outflow of cash in respect of the acquisition of subsidiary undertakings is as follows:

Cost
Net debt acquired
Shares issued
Deferred consideration and deferred contingent consideration
Net outflow of cash

2001
€’000

16,307
3,140
(740)
(4,841)
13,866

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

69

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 70

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

40.  Reconciliation of Operating Profit to Net Cash Inflow from Operating Activities

Operating profit before goodwill amortisation
Operating profit of associated undertakings
Dividends received from associated undertakings
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Increase in stocks
Increase in debtors
Increase in creditors
Other
Cash flow from operating activities

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

91,737
(8,950)
1,896
20,766
(17,650)
(66,961)
64,682
(2,151)
83,369

77,743
(15,879)
2,768
18,890
(11,081)
(45,941)
72,845
(3,048)
96,297

41.  Analysis of Cash Flows for Headings netted in the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

(a)  Returns on Investments and Servicing of Finance
Interest received and similar receipts
Interest paid and similar payments
Dividends paid to minority interests
Net cash outflow from returns on investments and servicing of finance

(b)  Capital Expenditure
Expenditure on tangible fixed assets
Proceeds on sale of tangible fixed assets
Grants received
Net cash outflow from capital expenditure

(c)  Acquisitions and Disposals
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings (net of debt/cash acquired) (note 39)
Investment in associated undertakings (note 18)
Purchase of minority interests
Sale of subsidiary
Sale of associated undertaking
Payment of deferred consideration in respect of acquisitions
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from acquisitions and disposals

(d)  Financing
Issues of share capital (including share premium)
Share buyback
Capital element of finance lease payments 
Loans (repaid)/drawn down
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

25,432
(27,846)
(173)
(2,587)

(33,804)
3,796
502
(29,506)

(13,866)
(325)
(61)
16,026
-
(11,717)
(9,943)

1,930
(24,668)
(4,113)
(110,853)
(137,704)

19,432
(24,981)
(86)
(5,635)

(28,815)
4,017
62
(24,736)

(28,427)
(726)
-
3,456
106,289
(8,422)
72,170

9
-
(3,870)
99,116
95,255

70

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 71

42.  Analysis of Movement in Net Cash

Cash in hand and at bank
Overdrafts

Term deposits
Bank loans and loan notes
Unsecured Notes due 2008/11
Finance leases
Total

43.  Capital Commitments

Group

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

At
1 April
2000
€’000

389,247
(33,763)
355,484
162,029
(278,713)
(108,611)
(41,030)
89,159

Cash
Exchange
flow movements
€’000
€’000

(251,321)
(36,443)
(287,764)
165,894
110,853
-
4,113
(6,904)

(9,954)
767
(9,187)
(1,313)
6,522
3,634
1,320
976

At
31 March 
2001
€’000

127,972
(69,439)
58,533
326,610
(161,338)
(104,977)
(35,597)
83,231

Capital expenditure that has been contracted for 
but has not been provided for in the financial statements
Capital expenditure that has been authorised by the 
Directors but has not yet been contracted for

2001
€’000

2000
€’000

5,264

4,248

18,037

12,707

44.  Operating Lease Commitments

At 31 March 2001 the Group had annual commitments under operating leases as follows:

Expiring within one year
Expiring between two and five years
Expiring after five years

Land and
Buildings
€’000

155
460
1,339
1,954

2001

Other
€’000

434
519
11
964

Land and
Total Buildings
€’000
€’000

589
979
1,350
2,918

178
173
1,547
1,898

2000

Other
€’000

73
648
-
721

Total
€’000

251
821
1,547
2,619

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

71

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 72

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

45.  Contingent Liabilities

(a)  Bank and Other Loans
The parent undertaking and certain subsidiaries have given guarantees of up to €339,776,000 (2000:
€454,280,000) in respect of borrowings by the parent undertaking itself and other group undertakings.

(b)  Grants
In certain circumstances capital grants amounting to a maximum of €84,000 (2000: €4,759,000) may become
repayable.

(c)  Other
Included in trade creditors is an amount of approximately €14,193,000 (2000: €8,909,000) due to creditors
who have reserved title to goods supplied.  Since the extent to which these creditors are effectively secured
at any time depends on a number of conditions, the validity of some of which is not readily determinable, it
is not possible to indicate how much of the above amount was effectively secured by reservation of title.
However, the amount referred to above is matched in terms of net book value of fixed assets and stocks of
raw materials in the possession of the Group which were supplied subject to reservation of title and
accordingly the creditors referred to could be regarded as effectively secured to the extent of at least this
amount.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 17, Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986, the Company has guaranteed
the liabilities of Alvabay Limited, Atlas Oil Refining Company Limited, Classic Fuel & Oil Limited, DCC Energy
Limited, DCC SerCom Limited, Emo Oil Limited and Flogas Ireland Limited and, as a result, these companies
have been exempted from the filing provisions of Section 7, Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986.

46.  Reporting Currency

The primary currency used in these financial statements is the euro which is denoted by the symbol €. The
exchange rates used in translating sterling balance sheets and profit and loss account amounts were as
follows:

Balance sheet (closing rate)
Profit and loss (average rate)

2001
€1=Stg£

2000
€1=Stg£

0.619
0.613

0.599
0.643

72

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 73

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2001

47.  Transactions with Related Parties

On 3 July 2000, DCC acquired 3.7% of the share capital of SerCom Distribution Limited from the management
of that company at a cost of €7,298,000.  These shareholdings arose from the exercise of options by
management over 4.7% of the share capital of SerCom Distribution Limited.  Put and call options exist over
the remaining shares, exercisable up to 2004.

On 16 August 2000, the Company increased its shareholding in EuroCaps Limited to 85.0% through the
acquisition of 5.0% of the issued share capital from the minority shareholders.  The total value of the
consideration amounted to Stg£412,000 which was satisfied in cash.  The remaining 15.0% is also subject to
put and call options exercisable up to 2002.

On 26 September 2000, the Company increased its shareholding in Fannin Limited to 88% by acquiring 6% of
the issued share capital from the minority shareholders in Fannin Limited, which was subject to put and call
options exercisable by DCC and the Fannin minority shareholders.  The total value of the consideration
amounted to €3,277,000 of which €3,276,000 was satisfied in cash and €1,000 in shares. The remaining 12%
shareholding is also subject to put and call options exercisable up to 2003.

On 26 February 2001, the Company acquired the remaining 10% shareholding held by minority shareholders
in BM Browne (UK) Limited for a consideration of Stg£463,000 satisfied through the issue of shares.

48.   Approval of Financial Statements

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 11 May 2001.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

73

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 74

Group Directory

Name and Registered Office Address

Principal Activity

Holding and divisional management

company

Holding and divisional management

company

Distribution of computer products and

office equipment

Distribution of computer products

Distribution of computer software

IT (SerCom Distribution)
DCC SerCom Limited
DCC House, Stillorgan, 

Blackrock, Co. Dublin, 

Ireland

SerCom Distribution Limited
DCC House, Stillorgan, 

Blackrock, Co. Dublin, 

Ireland

Sharptext Limited
M50 Business Park, 

Ballymount Road Upper, 

Dublin 12, Ireland

Micro Peripherals Limited *
Shorten Brook Way, 

Altham Business Park, Altham, 

Accrington, Lancashire BB5 5YJ,

England

Gem Distribution Limited *
Lovet Road, The Pinnacles,

Marlow, Essex CM19 5TB, 

England

Distrilogie SA
12, Rue des Frères Caudron,

78147 Vélizy Cedex,

France

Energy
DCC Energy Limited
DCC House, Stillorgan, 

Blackrock, Co. Dublin, 

Ireland

Flogas Ireland Limited
Dublin Road, Drogheda, 

Manufacture and distribution of liquified

petroleum gas

Co. Louth, 

Ireland

DCC Energy (NI) Limited
Airport Road West, 

Sydenham, Belfast BT3 9ED, 

Northern Ireland

Flogas (UK) Limited *
Merrylees,

Leicestershire LE9 9FE,

England

Marketing and distribution of petroleum

products

Processing and distribution of liquified

petroleum gas

Atlas Environmental Ireland Limited
Clonminam Industrial Estate,

Provision of environmental services

including recycling of oils

Portlaoise, Co. Laois,

Ireland

74

Telephone/Fax/email 

and website if applicable

Tel: + 353 1 2799 400

Fax: + 353 1 2831 017

email: sercom@dcc.ie

www.dcc.ie

Tel: + 353 1 2799 400

Fax: + 353 1 2831 017

email: sercom@dcc.ie

www.dcc.ie

Tel: + 353 1 4087 171

Fax: + 353 1 4599 421

email: info@sharptext.com

www.sharptext.com

Tel: + 44 1282 776 776

Fax: + 44 1282 770 001

email: info@micro-p.com

www.micro-p.com

Tel: + 44 1279 822 800

Fax: + 44 1279 416 228

email: info@gem.co.uk

www.gem.co.uk

Tel: + 353 1 2799 400

Fax: + 353 1 2831 017

email: energy@dcc.ie

www.dcc.ie

Tel: + 353 41 9831 041

Fax: + 353 41 9834 652

email: info@flogas.ie

www.flogas.ie

Tel: + 44 28 9073 2611

Fax: + 44 28 9073 2020

email: enquiries@emooil.com

www.emooil.com

Tel: + 44 1530 230 352

Fax: + 44 1530 230 253

email: info@flogas.co.uk

www.flogas.co.uk

Tel: + 353 502 747 47

Fax: + 353 502 747 57

email: info@atlasireland.com

www.atlasireland.com

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

Distribution of computer storage

products

Tel: + 33 1 34 58 47 00

Fax: + 33 1 34 58 47 27

email: distrilogie@distrilogie.com

www.distrilogie.com

Holding and divisional management

company

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 75

Name and Registered Office Address

Principal Activity

Emo Oil Limited
Clonminam Industrial Estate,

Portlaoise, Co. Laois, 

Ireland

Healthcare
DCC Healthcare Limited
DCC House, Stillorgan, 

Blackrock, Co. Dublin, 

Ireland

Marketing and distribution of petroleum

products

Holding and divisional management

company

Days Medical Aids Limited *
Litchard Industrial Estate, Bridgend, 

Manufacture and distribution of

rehabilitation and mobility products

Mid Glamorgan CF31 2AL, 

Wales

DCC Shoprider Inc.
3540 Northwest 56th Street, Suite 206,

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309, 

USA

Fannin Limited
Blackthorn Road, 

Sandyford Industrial Estate,

Foxrock, Dublin 18, 

Ireland

Virtus Limited
Adamstown, 

Lucan, Co. Dublin, 

Ireland

Healthilife Limited *
Charleston House, Otley Road, 

Baildon, Shipley, 

West Yorkshire BD17 7JS, 

England

EuroCaps Limited *
Crown Business Park,

Dukestown, Tredegar,

Gwent NP22 4EF,

Wales

Distribution of mobility scooters and

power chairs

Distribution of medical and scientific

equipment and consumables

Manufacture and distribution of vitamin

and mineral supplements

Manufacture and distribution of soft

gelatine capsules

CasaCare GmbH & Co KG
Gewerbestraße 13,

Manufacture and distribution of

rehabilitation and mobility products

32584 Löhne,
Germany

Primacy Healthcare Limited *
9-12 Hardwick Road, 

Astmoor Industrial Estate,

Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1PH,

England

Manufacture and distribution of tablets

and capsules

Group Directory

Telephone/Fax/email 

and website if applicable

Tel: + 353 502 747 00

Fax: + 353 502 747 50

email: emo@iol.ie

www.emo.ie

Tel: + 353 1 2799 400

Fax: + 353 1 2831 017

email: healthcare@dcc.ie

www.dcc.ie

Tel: + 44 1656 657 495

Fax: + 44 1656 767 178

email: sales@daysmedical.com

Tel: + 1 954 535 0781

Fax: + 1 954 535 0956

email: sales@dcc-shoprider.com

www.dcc-shoprider.com

Tel: + 353 1 294 4500

Fax: + 353 1 295 3818

email: info@fanninhealthcare.com

Tel: + 44 1274 595 021

Fax: + 44 1274 581 515

email: enquiries@healthilife.com

www.healthilife.com

Tel: + 44 1495 308 900

Fax: + 44 1495 308 990

email: enquiries@softgels.co.uk

www.softgels.co.uk

Tel: + 49 5731 786 50

Fax: + 49 5731 786 520

email: sales@casacare.de
www.casacare.de

Tel: +44 1928 573734 

Fax: +44 1928 580694

email: enquiries@tablets2buy.com

www.tablets2buy.com

Manufacture and distribution of

pneumatic healthcare appliances

Tel: + 353 1 628 0571

Fax: + 353 1 628 0572

email: info@virtus.ie

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

75

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 76

Group Directory

Name and Registered Office Address

Principal Activity

Other Activities
DCC Foods Limited
DCC House, Stillorgan, 

Blackrock, Co. Dublin, 

Ireland

Robt. Roberts Limited
79 Broomhill Road,

Tallaght, Dublin 24,

Ireland

Holding and divisional management

company

Marketing and distribution of branded

food and beverage products

Kelkin Limited
Unit 1, Crosslands Industrial Park,

Marketing and distribution of branded

healthy foods

Ballymount Cross, 

Dublin 12,

Ireland

Telephone/Fax/email 

and website if applicable

Tel: + 353 1 2799 400

Fax: + 353 1 2831 017

email: foods@dcc.ie

www.dcc.ie

Tel: + 353 1 4047 300

Fax: + 353 1 4599 369

email: info@robt-roberts.ie

Tel: + 353 1 4600 400

Fax: + 353 1 4600 411

email: info@kelkin.ie

Broderick Holdings Limited
JFK Industrial Estate, Naas Road, 

Marketing, distribution and service of

equipment for the food processing and

Tel: + 353 1 4509 083

Fax: + 353 1 4509 570

Dublin 12, 

Ireland

SerCom Solutions Limited
Cloverhill Industrial Estate, 

Clondalkin, Dublin 22, 

Ireland

catering industries

email: broderickbros@eircom.net

Provision of manufacturing services to

the computer industry

Tel: + 353 1 405 6500

Fax: + 353 1 405 6555

email: info@sercomsolutions.com

www.sercomsolutions.com

All  of  the  above  companies  are  incorporated  and  operate  principally  in  the  Republic  of  Ireland  except  those
indicated  with  *  which  are  incorporated  and  operate  principally  in  England  and  Wales,  Distrilogie  SA
incorporated and operating principally in France, DCC Energy (NI) Limited incorporated and operating principally
in Northern Ireland, DCC Shoprider Inc. incorporated and operating principally in the United States of America
and CasaCare GmbH & Co KG incorporated and operating principally in Germany.

A full list of subsidiary and associated undertakings will be annexed to the Annual Return of the Company to be
filed with the Irish Registrar of Companies.

76

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 77

Shareholder Analysis at 11 May 2001

Number
of accounts

% of
accounts

1 – 1,000 
1,001 – 10,000
10,001 – 50,000
50,001 – 100,000
100,001 – 250,000
Over 250,000
Total

Share Price Data (€)

Year ended 31 March 2001
Year ended 31 March 2000

1,626
1,127
95
26
33
39
2,946

55.2
38.3
3.2
0.9
1.1
1.3
100.0

High

12.35
13.00

Shareholder Information

Number of
shares

867,038
3,055,114
2,176,395
1,888,070
5,350,526
72,234,216
85,571,359

% of
shares

1.0
3.6
2.5
2.2
6.3
84.4
100.0

Low

9.00
6.55

31 March

10.55
11.15

The market capitalisation of DCC plc at 31 March 2001 was €904 million (2000: €976 million) and at 11 May
2001 was €890 million (€10.40 per share).

Website
DCC’s website address is www.dcc.ie.

DCC’s website provides comprehensive corporate and financial information to the investment community
and other interested parties.  It incorporates a variety of useful features which enable users to access and
analyse current and archived financial data, download this and archived annual reports, register for news and
other announcements and view interactive audio and video investor presentations.

Investor Relations
For investor enquiries please contact:

Conor Costigan, 
Investor Relations Manager, 
DCC plc, DCC House, 
Brewery Road, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin, Ireland.
Tel:  +353 1 2799 400.
Fax:  +353 1 2831 018.
email: investorrelations@dcc.ie

Registrar
Administrative enquiries about the holding of DCC shares should be directed in the first instance to the
Company’s Registrar:

Computershare Investor Services (Ireland) Limited,
Heron House, Corrig Road,
Sandyford Industrial Estate,
Dublin 18, Ireland.
Tel: +353 1 2163 100.
Fax: +353 1 2163 151. 
email: web.queries@computershare.ie

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

77

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 78

Shareholder Information

Amalgamation of Accounts
Shareholders who receive duplicate sets of Company mailings owing to multiple accounts in their names
should write to the Company’s Registrar to have their accounts amalgamated.

Dividends 
Shareholders are offered the option of having dividends paid in euro or pounds sterling. Shareholders may
also elect to receive dividend payments either by cheque or by electronic funds transfer directly into their
bank accounts. Shareholders should contact the Company’s Registrar for details.

Dividend Withholding Tax ("DWT")
The Company is obliged to deduct tax at the standard rate of income tax in Ireland (currently 20%) from
dividends paid to its shareholders, unless a particular shareholder is entitled to an exemption from DWT and
has completed and returned to the Company’s Registrar a declaration form claiming entitlement to the
particular exemption. Exemption from DWT may be available to shareholders resident in another EU
Member State, or in a country with which the Republic of Ireland has a double taxation agreement in place,
and to certain non-individual shareholders resident in Ireland (e.g. companies, pension funds, charities). 

An explanatory leaflet entitled "Dividend Withholding Tax Information Leaflet" has been published by the
Irish Revenue Commissioners and can be obtained by contacting the Company’s Registrar. This leaflet can
also be downloaded from the Irish Revenue Commissioners website at
http://www.revenue.ie/pdf/dwtinfv2.pdf.  Declaration forms for claiming an exemption are available from the
Company’s Registrar.

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held at the Burlington Hotel, Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4 on Friday 6
July 2001 at 11.00 a.m.  The Notice of Meeting together with an explanatory letter from the Chairman and a
Proxy Card accompany this Report.

CREST
DCC is a member of the CREST share settlement system.  Shareholders may continue to hold paper share
certificates or hold their shares in electronic form.

Share Listings
DCC’s shares are traded on the Irish Stock Exchange (symbol: DCC.I) and the London Stock Exchange
(symbol: DCC.L).  DCC’s shares are quoted on the official lists of both the Irish Stock Exchange and the UK
Listing Authority.

Financial Calendar

Preliminary results announced 
Ex-dividend date for the final dividend
Record date for the final dividend
Annual Report posted
Annual General Meeting
Proposed final dividend payment date
Interim results announced
Payment date for the interim dividend

14 May 2001
23 May 2001
25 May 2001
7 June 2001
6 July 2001
10 July 2001
early November 2001
early December 2001

78

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 79

Solicitors
William Fry
Fitzwilton House
Wilton Place
Dublin 2

Stockbrokers
Davy Stockbrokers
49 Dawson Street
Dublin 2

Cazenove
12 Tokenhouse Yard
London EC2R 7AN

Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Chartered Accountants
& Registered Auditors
Wilton Place
Dublin 2

Corporate Information

Registered and Head Office
DCC House
Stillorgan
Blackrock
Co. Dublin

Registrar and Transfer Office
Computershare Investor Services (Ireland) Limited
Heron House
Corrig Road
Sandyford Industrial Estate
Dublin 18

Bankers
ABN AMRO Bank
Allied Irish Banks
Bank of Ireland
IIB Bank
KBC Bank
Royal Bank of Scotland
Ulster Bank

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

79

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 80

Index

Page

Financial Review

20

Accounting Convention

Accounting Policies

Acquisitions

37

37

5

Five Year Summary and Key Ratios 

1997 - 2001

Fixed Assets (note 17)

Inside Back Cover

Acquisitions of Subsidiary Undertakings (note 39) 69

Forward Contracts - currency and commodity

78

73

54 

26 

35 

59

8

71 

5 

68 

58 

4

6 

43 

42 

44

40 

72

7

5,26 

79

64 

23,60

23,60

78 

23,60 

58

50,64 

50,53 

23,60

7

32 

2 

30 

28 

33 

21 

Annual General Meeting

Approval of Financial Statements (note 48)

Associated Undertakings (note 18)

Audit Committee

Auditors' Report

Bank and Other Debt (notes 23)

Best Practice

Capital Commitments (note 43)

Capital Expenditure

Capital Grants (note 38)

Cash and Term Deposits (note 22)

Chairman's Statement

Chief Executive/Deputy Chairman's Review

Company Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

Consolidated Profit and Loss Account

Contingent Liabilities (note 45)

Core Strengths and Values

Corporate Governance

Corporate Information

Creditors, Trade and Other (note 28)

Credit Risk Management

Commodity Price Risk Management

CREST

Currency Risk Management

Debtors (note 21)

Deferred Tax (note 30)

Depreciation

Derivative Financial Instruments (note 27)

Development Focus

Directors' and Company Secretary's Interests

Directors of the Company

Directors' Remuneration

Directors' Report  

Directors' Share Options

Dividend Cover

Dividends (note 14)

Dividend Withholding Tax

Earnings Per Share (note 15)

Employee Information (note 4)
Euro

Exceptional Gains on Sale of Associated and 

Subsidiary Undertakings (note 7)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Finance Leases (note 26)

Financial Assets (note 18)

Financial Calendar

Financial Highlights

Financial Strength

Going Concern

Goodwill

Group at a Glance

Group Directory

Growth Strategy

Health and Safety

Human Resources

Inside Front Flap

Interest Payable & Similar Charges (note 8)

Interest Rate Risk Management

Internal Control

Investor Relations

Information Technology

Minority Interests (note 12)

Net Cash/(Debt) (note 43)

Note of Historical Cost Profits

and Losses

Notes to the Financial Statements

Operating Cash Flow

Operating Lease Commitments (note 44)

Operating Profit - geographical split

Operating Reviews

IT (SerCom Distribution)

Energy

Healthcare

Other Activities

Pension and Similar Obligations (note 31)

Pensions - Directors

Provisions for Liabilities and Charges (note 29)

Quality and Best Practice

Reconciliation of Movements in Equity 

Shareholders' Funds (note 36)

53 

62 

27 

49,53 

74

7

29

9 

49 

23,61 

26 

9,77

8

51 

22,44,71 

41

45

22,70 

71

6 

11

13

15   

16

65

32 

64 

8

68

44 

77

73 

30 
72 

67 

21 

45 

24

66

78 

67 

28,51

Reconciliation of Net Cash Flow to 

78 

52

48 
29

49

62

60 

54 

78

Movement in Net Cash/(Debt)

Registrar

Related Party Transactions (note 47)

Remuneration Committee
Reporting Currency (note 46)

Reserves (note 34)

Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)

Segmental Information (note 1)

Senior Group and Subsidiary Company

Management

Share Capital (note 32)

Inside Front Cover 

Share Listings

5 

Share Premium (note 33)

80

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

DCC 2001 Accounts - Final  28/5/01  11:58 AM  Page 81

Index

Share Price Data

Shareholder Information

Shareholders' Funds

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses

Stocks (note 20)

Subsidiary Undertakings (note 19)

Substantial Shareholdings

Taxation (note 11)

Treasury Policy and Management

Undrawn Bank Borrowing Facilities

77

77

68 

34

41 

57 

57 

28 

50

23

63

Website

9,77

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2001

81