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DCC plc

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FY2009 Annual Report · DCC plc
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DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

1

Annual Report and Accounts 2009

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

DCC is a broadly based Group, operating across five focused 
divisions:

- DCC Energy
- DCC SerCom (IT & entertainment products) 
- DCC Healthcare
- DCC Food & Beverage 
- DCC Environmental 

85% of DCC’s profits are derived from procurement, sales, 
marketing and distribution businesses, with 15% from business 
support service activities.

DCC Energy 

DCC SerCom 

DCC Healthcare 

DCC Food & Beverage 

DCC Environmental

Procurement, sales, 
marketing and 
distribution businesses

• Oil 
• LPG 
• Fuel cards  

Business support 
services

SerCom Distribution 
IT & entertainment  
products to 
• Retailers 
• Resellers 
• Enterprise markets

SerCom Solutions 
• Outsourced  
  procurement and 
  supply chain 
  management 
  services 

• Hospital supplies 
• Mobility & Rehab  
   products 

• Healthfoods 
• Indulgence foods 

• Outsourced  
  solutions to the 
  health & beauty 
  sector 

• Chilled and frozen 
  logistics 

• Waste management  
  and recycling 
  services

DCC currently employs approximately 7,200 people and is listed under Support Services on 
the Irish and London stock exchanges.

DCC’s strategy is to generate sustainable, superior returns on capital through 

•  growing as a diversified Group in its two broad business activities:
  - procurement, sales, marketing and distribution
  - business support services;

•  seeking, over time, to concentrate its focus on those businesses in which it has already 
established, or has the opportunity in the medium term to establish, leadership positions 
(typically No. 1 or No. 2 in their respective markets);

•   focusing its acquisition activity on strengthening existing market positions and on carefully 
extending its geographic footprint where it believes that leadership positions can be built;

• attracting and empowering leaderships teams;

•  maintaining a strong balance sheet and a prudent capital structure.

strength through diversity

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Highlights
for the year ended 31 March 2009

Revenue

€6,400.1m

Operating profit*

€180.4m

Adjusted earnings per share*

169.13 cent

Dividend per share

62.34 cent

Operating Cash Flow

€304.9m

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

1

Reported 
Constant Currency†  

+15.7%
+31.0%

Reported  
Constant Currency† 

 +7.9%
 +22.4%

Reported  
Constant Currency† 

 +2.5%
 +17.0%

Reported  

+10.0%

(2008: €129.0 million)

† Constant currency figures quoted are based on retranslating 2008/09 figures at prior year rates
* excluding net exceptionals and amortisation of intangible assets 

Operating profit (€m)
10 year CAGR 12.9%

Operating profit 
geographic split

Operating profit 
sector split

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Contents
Highlights 
Group at a Glance  
Board of Directors  
Chairman’s Statement  
Chief Executive’s Review  
Strategy Review 
Business Review  
Financial Review  
Sustainability Report  
Report of the Directors  
Principal Risks & Uncertainties 

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34
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44
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Corporate Governance  
Report on Directors’ Remuneration and Interests  
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities  
Report of the Independent Auditors  
Financial Statements  
Group Directory  
Shareholder Information  
Corporate Information  
Senior Management  
Index  
Five Year Review 

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52
56
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58
112
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117
118
119
120

strength through performance

 
Strong brands (*DCC owned) 

Market position

2

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

DCC Group at a Glance

DCC Energy

DCC Energy is the leading oil and liquefied 
petroleum gas (LPG) procurement, sales, 
marketing and distribution business in Britain 
and Ireland.

DCC SerCom

SerCom Distribution markets and sells IT  
and entertainment products to the Retail, 
Reseller and Enterprise markets.
SerCom Solutions provides outsourced 
procurement and supply chain management 
services in Ireland, Poland, China and the USA. 

DCC Healthcare

DCC Healthcare is a broadly based 
healthcare products and services group.

% of Group operating profit

Volume split

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DCC Food & Beverage 

DCC Food & Beverage markets and sells a 
wide range of owned and agency branded 
food and beverage products in Ireland and 
has a wine business in Britain. 

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DCC Environmental

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DCC Environmental provides a broad range 
of waste management and recycling services 
to the industrial, commercial, construction 
and public sectors in Britain and Ireland. 

 
DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

3

Strong brands (*DCC owned) 

Market position

• Oil  
  Carlton Fuels*, CPL*, Emo Oil*, Scottish Fuels*, Shell, Texaco.
• Gas 
  Flogas*.
• Fuel card 
  BP, Esso, Diesel Direct, Fastfuels, ReD, Shell.

• Oil  
  No. 1 oil distributor in Britain.
   No. 1 oil distributor in Northern Ireland and a leading oil distributor in the 

Republic of Ireland.

• Gas
  No. 2 LPG distributor in Britain and Ireland.
• Fuel card
  No. 1 in the “agency” fuel card business in Britain.

• Retail
    Disney, EA, Entertainment in Video, Exspect*, Garmin, Linx*, Logitech, 

• Retail
   The No.1 specialist distributor of consumer IT & entertainment products to a 

Microsoft, Nintendo, Paramount, Symantec, Take Two, Warner. 

broad range of retailers in Britain, Ireland and France. 

• Reseller
   Acer, Canon, D-Link, Fujitsu Siemens, IBM, Lenovo, Netgear, Samsung, 

• Reseller
   A leading distributor of IT products to a broad range of resellers in Britain and 

Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Western Digital.

• Enterprise 
   EMC2, Fortinet, HP, IBM, Network Appliance, Oracle, Red Hat, SonicWall, 

Sun, Symantec and VMware. 
• Supply Chain Management 
  SerCom Solutions*.

Ireland.
• Enterprise
   The No.1 specialist distributor of enterprise products to resellers and 

independent software vendors in France, Iberia, Belux and Ireland, with a 
developing presence in Britain. 

• Supply Chain Management
   A leading provider of outsourced procurement and supply chain management 

services.

• Hospital Supplies and Services
   Cardinal, Diagnostica Stago, Diamed, Ebewe, Fannin*, Fresenius, Grifols, 

• Hospital Supplies and Services 
   The No.1 hospital supply business in Ireland.  

Molnlycke, Oxoid, Smiths Medical, Synthes.

• Health & Beauty Solutions
   Body Shop#, Healthspan#, Merck (Seven Seas, Natures Best, Lamberts)#, 

Nutrahealth plc#, Sara Lee#, Vitabiotics#.

• Mobility & Rehab 
  Ausmedic*, Biofreeze, Chattanooga, Days Healthcare*, Metron*,  
  Physio-Med*, Thera-Band. 

A leading provider of value-added distribution services to the hospital sector 
in Britain.

• Health & Beauty Solutions
   A leading European provider of outsourced solutions to health & beauty 

companies.

• Mobility & Rehab
   The No.1 provider of physiotherapy products in Britain, Australia and New 

Zealand.  
A leading provider of rehabilitation products in Britain.

 # Customers of DCC Health & Beauty Solutions.

• Healthfood
   Alpro, Baxters, Biofreeze, Filippo Berio, Hipp, Kallo, Kelkin*, Nairns, Olbas, 

Ortis, Pomegreat, St Dalfour, Vitabiotics, Whole Earth.

• Indulgence
   Andrew Peace, Antinori, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Bollinger, Chapoutier, 

Cono Sur, Elizabeth Shaw, French Connection*, Freixenet, Hula Hoops, 
KP, Lemons*, Louis Jadot, McCoys, McVities / Mars Cakes, Masi, Mateus, 
Moreau, Phileas Fogg, Ritter, Robert Roberts*, Sacla, Sutter Home, Topps, 
Torres, Wakefield.

• Logistics 
  Allied Foods*.
• Other 
  Brodericks*, Kylemore.

Enva* Wastecycle*, Tracey.

• Healthfood
  The No.1 ambient healthfood business in Ireland.
• Indulgence
  A leading independent wine distributor in Ireland.
  No.2 brand in freshly ground coffee in Ireland.
  No.3 supplier in savoury snacks in Ireland.
• Logistics
   No.1 in frozen food logistics in Ireland with a developing chilled food 

business.

• No.1 recycling and waste management business in Scotland.
• A leading Nottingham based recycling and waste management business.
• No.1 hazardous waste treatment business in Ireland.

 
 
 
4

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Board of Directors

Michael Buckley 
Non–executive Chairman

Michael Buckley, MA, LPh, MSI, (64) was 
appointed non-executive Chairman on 27 
May 2008. He is a non-executive director of 
M and T Bank Corporation, listed in the USA, 
and of Bramdean Alternatives Limited, listed 
in the UK. Mr. Buckley is a non-executive 
director of Enterprise Ireland and of Bradford 
and Bingley, the nationalised UK mortgage 
bank, and is senior adviser to a number 
of privately owned Irish and international 
companies. He is an adjunct professor at the 
Department of Economics in UCC and chairs 
the Board of the Irish Chamber Orchestra. 
Mr. Buckley was Group Chief Executive of 
Allied Irish Banks plc from 2001 to 2005 
having served as Managing Director of AIB 
Capital Markets and AIB Poland. Previously, 
he was Managing Director of NCB Group and 
a senior public servant in Ireland and the EU. 
Mr. Buckley joined the Board in 2005. 

Róisín Brennan 
Non-executive Director

Róisín Brennan, BCL, FCA, MSI, (44) is 
Executive Chairman of IBI Corporate Finance, 
where she has had extensive experience 
advising public companies in Ireland, 
principally in relation to strategy and mergers 
& acquisitions. Ms. Brennan also served as a 
non-executive director of The Irish Takeover 
Panel during 2000/2001. Ms. Brennan joined 
the Board in 2005.

David Byrne 
Non-executive Deputy Chairman 
and Senior Independent Director

David Byrne, SC, (62) joined the Board 
and was appointed non-executive Deputy 
Chairman and Senior Independent Director 
on 1 January 2009. He is a non-executive 
director of Kingspan plc and serves on a 
number of commercial international advisory 
boards. Mr. Byrne is also Chancellor of Dublin 
City University, chairs the National Treasury 
Management Agency Advisory Committee 
and is Chairman of the National Concert Hall. 
Following 27 years of practice as a barrister, 
he was Attorney General of Ireland from 
1997 to 1999. Mr. Byrne served as the first 
EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer 
Protection from 1999 to 2004. Following this, 
he served as Special Envoy of the Director-
General of the World Health Organisation. 

John Moloney  
Non Executive Director

Donal Murphy 
Executive Director

Donal Murphy, B Comm, BFS, MBA, (43) 
joined DCC in 1998 having previously 
worked with Allied Irish Banks plc. He was 
appointed Managing Director of DCC Energy 
in 2006 having been Managing Director of 
DCC SerCom for a number of years. Prior to 
this Mr. Murphy was Head of Group IT. Mr. 
Murphy joined the Board in December 2008. 

John Moloney, B.Agr.Sc., MBA, (54) is Group 
Managing Director of Glanbia plc where he 
has been a board member since 1997. He 
joined Glanbia in 1987 and held a number 
of senior management positions including 
Chief Executive of the Food Ingredients and 
Agricultural Trading divisions. Previously, Mr. 
Moloney worked with the Department of 
Agriculture, Food and Forestry as well as in 
the meat industry in Ireland. He is a director of 
the Irish Dairy Board Co-operative Limited and 
a council member of the Irish Business and 
Employers Confederation. Mr. Moloney joined 
the Board in February 2009. 

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

5

Maurice Keane 
Non-executive Director

Kevin Melia 
Non Executive Director

Maurice Keane, B Comm, M Econ Sc, (67) 
was a member of the Court of Directors of 
Bank of Ireland from 1983 to 2005, and Chief 
Executive from 1998 to 2002. In January 
2009 he was appointed a director of Anglo 
Irish Bank Corporation Limited after it was 
nationalised. He is a director of Axis Capital 
Holdings Limited, listed in the USA, and is 
a member of the National Pension Reserve 
Fund Commission. Previously, Mr. Keane was 
Chairman of BUPA Ireland and of Bristol & 
West plc. Mr. Keane joined the Board in 2002. 

Kevin Melia, FCMA, JDIPMA, (61) is a former 
Non-executive Chairman of Iona Technologies 
and Authorize.Net and was the Co-founder, 
Chairman and CEO of Manufacturers Services 
Ltd. Previous positions held include Chief 
Financial Officer and Executive Vice President 
of Operations of Sun Micro Systems and 
President of its computer hardware division. 
Mr. Melia also held a number of senior 
management positions at Digital Equipment 
Corporation. He is Co Managing Director of 
Boulder Brook Partners, a private investment 
company and is non-executive director 
of Analogic Corporation, Greatbatch Inc, 
RadiSys Corp and C&S Wholesale Grocers 
and Distributors. Mr. Melia joined the Board in 
December 2008.

Tommy Breen 
Chief Executive

Tommy Breen, B Sc (Econ), FCA, (50) was 
appointed Chief Executive on 27 May 2008 
having been Group Managing Director 
since July 2007. He was previously Chief 
Operating Officer having held a number of 
senior management positions in the Group, 
including those of Managing Director of DCC’s 
Energy and SerCom divisions and he retains 
responsibility for DCC Environmental. Mr. 
Breen joined DCC in 1985, having previously 
worked with KPMG. Mr. Breen joined the 
Board in 2000.

Fergal O’Dwyer 
Executive Director 

Bernard Somers 
Non-executive Director

Fergal O’Dwyer, FCA, (49) has been Chief 
Financial Officer since 1994. He joined DCC 
in 1989 having previously worked with KPMG 
in Johannesburg and Price Waterhouse in 
Dublin. Mr. O’Dwyer joined the Board in 2000.

Bernard Somers, B Comm, FCA, (60) is 
the founder of Somers & Associates, which 
has built a substantial practice in corporate 
restructuring. He is a non-executive director  
of Irish Continental Group plc and has been 
an investor in and a director of several start-
up companies. Mr. Somers joined the Board 
in 2003.

Audit Committee
Bernard Somers (Chairman)

Kevin Melia

John Moloney

Nomination Committee
Michael Buckley (Chairman)

David Byrne

Maurice Keane

Remuneration Committee
Maurice Keane (Chairman)

Róisín Brennan

Michael Buckley

David Byrne

6

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Chairman’s Statement

“ In the year ended March 2009, DCC 
extended its track record of unbroken 
operating profit growth to 15 years, 
completed a thorough strategic review and 
undertook a substantial Board renewal 
programme.”

On behalf of the Board, I am happy to report 
a strong set of results for the year ended 31 
March 2009. DCC has extended to 15 years 
its track record of unbroken operating profit 
growth. Its balance sheet, funding and liquidity 
are in very good shape. A thorough strategic 
review has been brought to a conclusion 
by year end, as promised. A substantial 
Board renewal programme has also been 
successfully undertaken during the year.

Results Highlights
The year ended 31 March 2009 has seen 
DCC deliver strong revenue, operating profit 
and earnings per share growth. There was 
a good balance between organic growth 
and acquisition elements and an excellent 
return on capital employed was achieved 
against the backdrop of extremely disruptive 
economic and trading conditions, including 
a dramatic decline in the value of sterling 
against the euro. Highlights of the financial 
results include:
•  31% growth in revenue, in constant 

currency terms

•  22.4% growth in operating profit in 

constant currency terms and 7.9% growth 
in reported terms

•  17% growth in earnings per share on a 

constant currency basis and 2.5% growth 
on a reported basis

•  Net debt of €90.7 million at year end, 
compared with equity of €726.2 million
•  Free cash flow after interest and tax of 

€218.5 million

Financial performance is analysed in much 
more detail in the Chief Executive’s Review, 
the Business Review and Financial Review 
sections of this Annual Report.

Dividend Increase
The Board is recommending a final dividend 
of 39.73 cent per share which, when 
added to the interim dividend of 22.61 cent 

per share, gives a total dividend of 62.34 
cent for the year. This represents a 10% 
increase over the prior year. The dividend 
is covered 2.7 times by adjusted earnings 
per share (2.9 times in 2008). It is proposed 
to pay the final dividend on 23 July 2009 to 
shareholders on the register at the close of 
business on 29 May 2009.

Board
On Jim Flavin’s resignation as Executive 
Chairman and Chief Executive on 27 May 
2008, I was appointed Non-Executive 
Chairman. Board renewal was a major 
agenda item during the year. Three new 
non-executive directors and one new 
executive director were co-opted to the 
Board. Two non-executive directors retired. 
The Board now consists of seven non-
executive directors and three executive 
directors. On becoming Chairman, I 
ceased, under the Combined Code, to be 
defined as independent. The Board has 
determined that each of the other non-
executive directors meets the criteria for 
independence.

The Board is fortunate in the personal 
qualities, wide ranging capabilities and 
highly relevant experience that our new 
non-executive directors, David Byrne (who 
has been appointed Deputy Chairman and 
Senior Independent Director), Kevin Melia 
and John Moloney bring to the table. I 
warmly welcome them to DCC.

Donal Murphy, who joined the Board as 
an executive Director, has management 
responsibility for DCC’s Energy division and 
has extensive previous experience in other 
parts of the Group. DCC Energy is by far 
the largest division in the Group and has in 
recent years established a clear leadership 
position in Britain and Ireland.

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

7

Dividend - years ended 31 March

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CAGR 10yrs 15.6%
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CAGR 5yrs 14.0%
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to the periods between early February 
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1995 and end September 1995, and early 
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November 1999 to end April 2000). The 
High Court Order does not relate to the 
ongoing business of the Group.

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As the Inspector’s work is still under way, it 
would be inappropriate for me to comment 
any further on this matter, other than to 
say that DCC’s focus is to facilitate a 
timely conclusion of the inspection, given 
the very specific issues and timeframe 
involved in the inspection. The Inspector, 
in presenting an interim report to the High 
Court on 28 January 2009, said that “I wish 
to record and acknowledge that to date 
the companies, their directors, officers and 
advisers have been providing me with the 
utmost cooperation and have responded 
promptly to my requests for assistance.” 
The Group continues to cooperate fully with 
the Inspector. 

Outlook
All current indications are that, in the year 
to 31 March 2010, a troubled economic 
and business environment will continue 
to create headwinds. At best, operating 
conditions may begin to show signs of 
improvement towards the end of the period. 
But we are well prepared, and will continue 
to focus on, operating efficiencies and cash 
generation. Those same conditions will 
bring to us opportunities for acquisition and 
development at good value levels. We are 
better positioned than most to capitalise on 
them when they arise.

Micheal Buckley
Chairman
18 May 2009

Dividend

62.34 cent 

+10%

Tony Barry and Paddy Gallagher retired from 
the Board during the year. They each made 
a major contribution to the development of 
the Group and to robust Board discussion 
over the years. In last year’s annual report, I 
paid tribute to the outstanding contribution  
Jim Flavin made as founder and leader of 
DCC over a 32 year period and I would 
once again like to reaffirm those sentiments. 

At year-end I conducted a formal evaluation 
of the performance of all Directors and 
can confirm that each Director performed 
effectively during the period and continues 
to show strong commitment.

In line with the practice I initiated last year, 
all directors will offer themselves for re-
election at the Annual General Meeting.

Management and Staff
Tommy Breen was appointed Chief Executive 
on 27 May 2008. I said in last year’s Annual 
Report, which was written shortly after that 
event, that I had been struck by the quality, 
focus and cohesiveness of the management 
team. Those qualities continue to be strikingly 
evident today. The results achieved in the year 
just ended demonstrate just how smoothly the 
succession process has worked.

DCC operates a highly devolved 
management system within a framework 
of very specific performance measures. 
This ensures that both the small Group-
level team and operating management 
in individual businesses remain focussed 
on operational improvements and cost 
efficiencies, while staying very close to 
opportunities that might arise for valuable 
acquisitions. There are approximately 
7,200 people employed by the Group 
in 15 countries. I want to thank each of 
them warmly for their contribution to the 
continued success of DCC. 

Strategic Review
The extensive strategic review of the 
business, which was undertaken over the 
past year, occupied a very considerable 
amount of Board and management time. 
The conclusions reached by the Board are 
set out on page 12.

Corporate Sustainability
DCC established a new Corporate 
Sustainability Working Group in 2008 
comprising senior group, divisional and 
subsidiary executives. The group decided 
to focus in the period immediately ahead 
on the following four aspects of Corporate 
Sustainability as they have a high business 
value to DCC as well as a high economic, 
environmental or social value: Direct 
Economic Value Added, Climate Change, 
Occupational Health & Safety and Business 
Ethics. Specific objectives and KPIs will be 
implemented in respect of these aspects. 
Further detail is provided in the Sustainability 
Report on pages 40 to 43.

Appointment of Inspector/Fyffes Case
In last year’s Annual Report I gave a detailed 
account of developments arising from 
the Fyffes case, including the intention 
expressed by the Director of Corporate 
Enforcement to apply to the High Court 
for the appointment of Inspectors, under 
Section 8 of the Companies Act 1990, to 
investigate and report on whether certain 
provisions of the Companies Acts were 
breached in the transactions relating to 
the intra-group transfer of the Fyffes’ 
shares by DCC in 1995 and their ultimate 
disposal in 2000. On 29 July 2008 the High 
Court appointed Mr Bill Shipsey SC as an 
Inspector to examine specific issues relating 
to the legal and beneficial interests of DCC 
and two of its subsidiaries S&L Investments 
Limited and Lotus Green Limited, in the 
shares of Fyffes plc between February 1995 
and April 2000 (with particular reference 

8

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Chief Executive’s Review

“ DCC achieved excellent constant currency 
growth of 22.4% in operating profit to 
€180.4 million in a year characterised by a 
rapidly deteriorating economic and business 
climate. The Group’s strong financial 
position has been reinforced through a year 
of record cash generation.”

Results highlights

Revenue 
Operating profit* 
Profit before exceptional items, amortisation of intangible assets and tax  
Adjusted earnings per share* 
Dividend per share 
Free cash flow** 
Net debt at 31 March 2009  
Return on capital employed 

€ 

6,400.1m 
180.4m 
159.5m 
169.13 cent 
 62.34 cent 

218.5m (2008: €12.4m)
90.7m (2008: €123.7m)
17.8% (2008: 17.5%)

† all constant currency figures quoted in this report are based on retranslating 2008/09 figures at prior year translation rates
* excluding net exceptionals and amortisation of intangible assets
** after interest and tax payments

Change on prior year
Constant 
currency†

Reported 

+15.7% 
+7.9% 
+6.3% 
+2.5% 
+10.0% 

+31.0%
+22.4%
+21.3%
+17.0%

DCC achieved another year of excellent 
underlying growth despite the rapidly 
deteriorating economic and business 
climate. Group operating profit of €180.4 
million represented growth, on a constant 
currency basis, of 22.4% over the prior year 
of which approximately half was organic. On 
a reported basis, operating profit was up 
7.9%, reflecting the fact that approximately 
76% of the Group’s operating profit in the 
year was denominated in sterling and that 
there was a 15% adverse movement in the 
average sterling translation rate . Adjusted 
earnings per share of 169.13 cent was 
17.0% ahead of the prior year on a constant 
currency basis and 2.5% ahead on a 
reported basis.

Dividend per share is up 10% to 62.34 cent 
with dividend cover at 2.7 times (2.9 times 
in 2008).

As the year progressed there was a 
heightened focus throughout the Group 
on cash generation and, in particular, on 
the quality of the Group’s working capital 
profile. It is pleasing to note that free cash 
flow in the year was a record €218.5 million 
and that a reduction in debtors days to 
41.3 compared to 45.7 in the prior year, 
resulted in an overall reduction in working 
capital days to 11.9 from 16.4 last year. The 
Group’s strong financial position has been 
reinforced with debt declining by €33.0 
million in the year to €90.7 million at 31 
March 2009 which left gearing at 12.5% 
and a net debt/EBITDA ratio of 0.4%.

Return on capital employed (including 
intangibles) was 17.8% compared to 17.5% 
in the prior year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

9

Adjusted earnings per share
- years ended 31 March

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CAGR 10yrs 11.8%
CAGR 5yrs 9.8%

Adjusted earnings per share

169.13 cent  +2.5%

Free cash flow

€218.5m 

(2008: €12.4m)

Divisional Highlights
Detailed business reviews for each of the 
five divisions are set out on pages 14 to 
33. Some of the key features of the year 
include:

DCC Energy had an exceptional year in 
terms of profit growth, cash generation 
and development across each of its 
business areas. The business sold 5.3 
billion litres of product throughout Britain 
and Ireland and, aided by the successful 
integration of a number of acquisitions, a 
more favourable product cost environment 
than in recent years and a very cold winter, 
grew its operating profit by 59.3% on 
a constant currency basis. Substantial 
progress was achieved in the pursuit of a 
number of strategic objectives, including the 
acquisition, in August 2008, of Chevron’s 
UK oil distributor business, the impact of 
which was to increase DCC Energy’s annual 
oil volumes in the UK by approximately 30% 
on a full year basis. DCC Energy now has 
an approximate 12% share of the UK oil 
distribution market and continues to target 
the achievement of a 20% market share 
in the medium term. We are also pleased 
to have announced that we have reached 
conditional agreement with Shell Denmark 
to acquire the trade, assets and goodwill of 
Shell’s oil distribution business in Denmark, 
which distributes heating oils and transport 
fuels to domestic and small commercial 
and industrial companies throughout 
Denmark. This is an initial modest step for 
DCC Energy in expanding its oil distribution 
business beyond Britain and Ireland.

DCC SerCom achieved strong profit growth 
in the year of 9.2%, on a constant currency 
basis, despite challenging conditions in 
some of its markets. This result continues 
the business’s long track record of 
outperforming almost all of its industry 
peers. The growth was achieved in large 
part due to the success of DCC SerCom’s 
strategic focus on expanding its product 
range (including its own brand) and market 
coverage in the Retail market and through 
further progress in the development of a 
pan-European presence in the Enterprise 
market. Continued expansion of the product 
portfolio across the businesses is targeted 
for the current financial year.

DCC Healthcare experienced difficult 
market conditions across its businesses 
and was particularly impacted by budgetary 
constraints in the Irish Health Service 
Executive and by significant raw material 
price increases in its Health & Beauty and 
Mobility & Rehab businesses. The German 
mobility and rehabilitation market has 
proved particularly difficult over a number 
of years and led to DCC taking the decision 
to close its subsidiary there. International 
customers who have been dealing with our 
German business will now be serviced from 
our British subsidiary. Other initiatives have 
been taken to address the trading issues 
experienced in DCC Healthcare, including 
cost reductions and the implementation of 
price increases in the Health & Beauty and 
Mobility & Rehab businesses.

10

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Chief Executive’s Review 
(continued)

DCC Food & Beverage experienced a 
particularly challenging market environment 
in the second half of the financial year. The 
economic downturn in Ireland has led to 
changes in both consumer buying patterns 
and in the procurement strategy by one 
of the business’s major retail customers. 
Action to adapt the cost base in the 
business to new activity levels is ongoing. 
During the year DCC Food & Beverage 
acquired Findlater Grants, a leading Irish 
wine and spirits distribution business. The 
integration of this business has gone well 
and we are confident of achieving the twin 
objectives of creating a powerful new force 
in wine and spirits distribution in Ireland 
and of realising significant commercial and 
operating synergies.

DCC Environmental’s profits were impacted 
by the deteriorating economic environment 
and the dramatic decline in recyclate prices. 
Cost reductions have been implemented in 
those parts of the division where volumes 
have reduced and our businesses are 
focussed on maintaining their respective 
market leading positions. While activity 
levels are lower, the momentum towards 
more sustainable waste management 
solutions leaves DCC Environmental, with its 
particular focus on recycling, well placed for 
future development.

Exceptional Charge
DCC incurred a net exceptional charge 
before tax in the year of €15.9 million, 
principally relating to:
•  redundancy costs incurred both in relation 

to the integration of recently acquired 
businesses and the implementation of a 
number of cost reduction programmes 
across the Group;

Acquisition and capital expenditure

DCC Energy 
DCC SerCom 
DCC Healthcare 
DCC Food & Beverage 
DCC Environmental 
Total 

•  the costs associated with the closure of 
DCC Healthcare’s German subsidiary; 
•  a non cash goodwill impairment charge in 
relation to certain Food & Beverage and 
Healthcare subsidiaries; and

•  the profit on the sale of a US associate 

company.

Acquisition and Capital Expenditure
Acquisition and capital expenditure in the 
year amounted to €154.5 million as set out 
below.

Acquisition expenditure in the year 
amounted to €98.4 million. Acquisition 
activity levels slowed throughout the year 
which is a reflection of a shift in the short 
term focus of many potential vendors in 
reacting to the impact of the economic 
downturn on their businesses as well as a 
period of adjustment required for valuation 
expectations. DCC’s strong financial 
position leaves the Group well placed to 
take advantage of an increased flow of 
opportunities which is likely to arise in the 
current environment.

During the year DCC spent €56.1 million 
on capital expenditure down from €87.6 
million in the prior year. A further reduction 
in capital expenditure is anticipated in the 
current year.

Financial Strength
At 31 March 2009 DCC had net debt 
of €90.7 million (2008: €123.7 million) 
and total equity of €726.2 million (2008: 
€742.4 million). The Group’s net debt levels 
averaged €236 million compared to €242 
million in the prior year. Interest cover in the 
year amounted to 8.5 times. 

  Acquisitions 
€’m 
65.3 
10.9 
7.0 
12.0 
 3.2 
98.4 

 Capex 
€’m 
31.5 
3.9 
6.7 
4.1 
 9.9 
56.1 

Total
€’m
96.8
14.8
13.7
16.1
 13.1
154.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

11

“ DCC’s diversified 
business model, 
strong financial 
position and 
excellent cash 
generation leave the 
Group in a strong 
position to benefit 
from acquisition 
and development 
opportunities that 
are likely to arise 
in the current 
environment.”

Strategy Review
The Board and management have carried 
out a detailed review of DCC’s overall 
strategic direction over the last year. An 
extensive analysis was carried out of the 
current performance and future potential of 
all material aspects of the Group’s business. 
A review was also undertaken, with the 
benefit of external independent advice, to 
consider whether any significant changes 
in the current composition or structure of 
the Group are warranted at this time. The 
outcome of the Strategy Review is set out 
on page 12.

Outlook
The outlook for the current financial 
year is set against the background of an 
exceptionally difficult economic environment 
which it is anticipated will continue 
throughout the year. 

In particular, while the first half of the 
Group’s financial year is seasonally much 
less significant (33.6% of operating profit 
last year), results for this period will be 
challenged by the continuing impact of 
the marked economic slowdown which 
particularly affected some of the Group’s 
businesses in the second half of last year. 
In addition, DCC Energy, DCC’s largest 
division, achieved exceptional profit growth 
in the first half last year (82.3% in constant 
currency terms) benefiting from particularly 
cold weather conditions in April (seasonally 
DCC Energy’s most important trading 
month in the first half), which were not 
repeated in April 2009.

For the full year to 31 March 2010, it is 
currently anticipated that Group operating 
profit, on a constant currency basis, will be 
modestly behind to broadly in line with last 
year. However, the impact of the translation 
into euro of the significant proportion of 
DCC’s profit which is earned in sterling 
(2009: 76%) at the approximate current 
exchange rate of Stg£0.90 = €1 (compared 
to an average translation rate last year of 
Stg£0.8262 = €1) would result in reported 
operating profit being approximately 5% to 
10% behind last year.

The Group will benefit from a significant 
reduction in its net finance costs as a result 
of lower prevailing interest rates although 
this will be largely offset by a higher tax 
charge due to lower available interest 
deductions in the UK against the Group’s 
taxable profits.

Consequently, at this early stage DCC 
anticipates adjusted earnings per share, 
on a constant currency basis, will be 
modestly behind to broadly in line with the 
year ended 31 March 2009, resulting in 
reported adjusted earnings per share being 
approximately 5% to 10% behind.

DCC’s diversified business model, strong 
financial position and excellent cash 
generation leave the Group in a strong 
position to benefit from acquisition and 
development opportunities that are likely to 
arise in the current environment.

Tommy Breen
Chief Executive
18 May 2009

12

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Strategy Review

Background and Business Environment
In its preliminary announcement on 19 May 2008, DCC stated that it would undertake a 
reappraisal of the overall strategic direction of the Group so that it is best positioned for 
sustainable, long term growth and to maximise shareholder value. Accordingly, DCC has 
carried out an extensive analysis of the current performance and future potential of all 
material aspects of the Group’s business. A review was also undertaken, with the benefit 
of external independent advice, to consider whether any significant changes in the current 
composition or structure of the Group are warranted at this time. This work has been 
carried out against the backdrop of severe turmoil in financial markets and the worst 
recession in decades. 

DCC’s Historical and Recent Performance
Since DCC’s shares were listed on the Irish and London Stock Exchanges in 1994, the 
Group has delivered strong earnings growth and returns to shareholders. The Group’s strong 
cash flows have allowed it to increase dividends to shareholders, to buy back 11.6% of its 
shares and to maintain a strong balance sheet. 

Having operated in recent years against a background of strong economic growth in 
its principal markets, the resilience of DCC’s business model has been tested by the 
deteriorating economic environment in its most recent financial year. Despite this more 
difficult background, DCC has generated excellent constant currency growth in operating 
profits, maintained its return on capital employed and again increased its dividend. The 
Group’s financial position remains very strong as a result of its excellent cash flow, low 
gearing and well managed debt maturity profile. 

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

13

Outcome of the Strategy Review

The strategy review has concluded as follows:-

The Board believes that DCC’s diversified business model, strong balance sheet, 
financial discipline and acquisition skills have been significant factors in the Group’s 
robust performance and management of risk over an extended period. Given the scale 
and composition of the Group today and the current market environment, the Board has 
concluded that a material change to the structure or composition of the Group at this 
point would not enhance shareholder value.

The management of diversity is a core competence of the DCC Group and will remain 
integral to DCC’s strategy. However, DCC will seek, over time, to concentrate its focus 
on those businesses in which it has already established, or has the opportunity in the 
medium term to establish, leadership positions (typically no. 1 or 2 in their respective 
markets) and which are most likely to generate attractive and sustainable returns on 
capital, through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions. 

  DCC will focus its acquisition activity on strengthening existing market positions and on 
carefully extending its geographic footprint where it believes that leadership positions 
can be built. DCC has extensive experience in identifying value enhancing acquisitions, 
in structuring transactions to retain management incentive post acquisition and in the 
integration of bolt-on acquisitions with existing businesses.

A devolved management structure and the experience and quality of its people have 
been key to DCC’s success. The Group will continue to place significant emphasis on 
attracting and empowering leadership teams capable of delivering superior performance 
in each of its businesses. 

 DCC will maintain a strong balance sheet and a prudent capital structure, both of which 
have been key strengths of the Group in developing relationships with key customers, 
suppliers and vendors of businesses. The Board believes that DCC’s strong financial 
position leaves it well placed to take advantage of the increased level of acquisition 
opportunities which are likely to arise in the current environment.

The Board will keep the Group’s structure and strategic direction under periodic review in 
order to ensure that value continues to be maximised for shareholders.

14

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Business Review
DCC Energy

DCC Energy is the leading oil and liquefied petroleum gas 
(LPG), sales, marketing and distribution business in Britain 
and Ireland. DCC sold 5.3 billion litres of product to 
c.600,000 domestic, commercial, industrial and agricultural 
customers from its extensive network of 230 depots 
throughout Britain and Ireland. 

DCC Energy currently employs 2,960 people. 

Revenue
€4,130.8m

Operating profit
€100.7m

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Revenue 
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2008 

€4,130.8m  €3,420.0m 
€74.3m 
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Change on prior year
Constant 
Currency

Reported 

+20.8% 
+35.5% 

+39.9% 
+59.3%

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DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

15

billion litres 

of product sold during the year

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16

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Business Review
DCC Energy

Business and Markets
Oil
DCC Energy’s oil distribution business 
supplies heating oils, transport fuels and fuel 
oils to domestic, commercial, agricultural 
and industrial customers in Britain and 
Ireland. DCC is the largest distributor in 
Britain, selling c. 4 billion litres of product 
per annum, which gives DCC approximately 
12% of the market*. DCC has been a 
consolidator of the highly fragmented 
oil distribution market in Britain, having 
first entered the market in 2001 with the 
acquisition of BP’s oil distribution business 
in Scotland. DCC significantly increased 
the scale of its oil distribution business 
through the acquisition of Chevron’s UK oil 
distributor business in September 2008. 
The Chevron business has now been fully 
integrated into DCC’s existing oil distribution 
business in Britain. DCC Energy sells oil 
under a portfolio of strong brands including 
Carlton Fuels, CPL Petroleum, Shell and 
Texaco. 

In Northern Ireland, DCC Energy is the 
largest oil distributor, with a market share of 
approximately 20%, while in the Republic of 
Ireland, DCC Energy has approximately 6% 
of the market. 

DCC Energy announced on 19 May 2009 
that it has reached conditional agreement 
with Shell Denmark to acquire the trade, 
assets and goodwill of Shell’s oil distribution 
business in Denmark, which distributes 
heating oils and transport fuels to domestic 
and small commercial and industrial 
customers throughout Denmark.

LPG
DCC Energy is the second largest LPG 
sales, marketing and distribution business 
in Britain and Ireland. The LPG business 
supplies propane and butane in bulk and 
in cylinders to domestic, commercial, 
agricultural and industrial customers for 
heating, cooking, transport and industrial 

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Volume Split

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having established 
leading market 
positions in Britain 
and Ireland, DCC 
Energy is seeking to 
extend its business into 
continental Europe

 
DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

17

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Performance Management - key performance indicators 
Volumes  
Organic volume growth 
Operating profit per litre 
Operating cash flow  
Working capital  
ROCE incl. tangible assets 
ROCE excl. tangible assets 
10 year CAGR 

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2009  
5.3bn litres 
-2.8% 
1.90 cent 
€200.7m 
1.5 days 
24.9% 
63.7% 
18.7% 
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2008
4.3bn litres
6.2%
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20.6%
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18.9%

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processes. Trading under the Flogas brand, 
DCC has approximately 20% of the market 
in Britain and 37% of the market in Ireland. 
Unlike the oil market, which remains highly 
fragmented, the LPG market in both Britain 
and Ireland is relatively consolidated. The 
LPG business also distributes a range of 
LPG fuel appliances such as mobile heaters, 
barbecues and patio heaters. 

DCC Energy sold 5.3 billion litres of product, 
an increase of 24.9% on the prior year, 
further strengthening its position as the 
leading oil and LPG distribution business 
in Britain and Ireland. Organic volumes 
declined by 2.8% due to both the weaker 
economic environment and management 
taking a more prudent approach towards 
the extension of credit. 

Fuel Cards
DCC Energy is one of the leading sales and 
marketing businesses for branded fuel cards 
in Britain. The business now sells in excess 
of 500 million litres of motor fuel annually via 
its portfolio of fuel cards under the BP, Esso, 
Shell, Texaco, Diesel Direct and ReD brands. 
Fuel cards have become an essential tool for 
commercial organisations to manage their 
transport fuel costs. DCC Energy provides its 
customers with access to the breadth of the 
UK retail petrol station and bunker networks 
through its portfolio of branded fuel cards and 
with detailed information on their fuel utilisation 
to enable them to minimise their spend on 
transport fuels.

The oil business in Britain benefited from 
continued operating cost efficiencies 
derived from the growth of its extensive 
infrastructure. The Chevron UK oil 
distributor business, acquired during the 
year, performed well ahead of expectations. 
The Irish oil business was impacted by the 
particularly weak economic environment 
and action is being taken to significantly 
reduce the cost base of this business.

The LPG distribution business in Britain 
and Ireland generated good sales volume 
growth as it benefited from the colder 
weather conditions and the more favourable 
product cost environment. 

DCC Energy purchases its oil and LPG 
from the major oil companies with which 
it has established excellent long standing 
relationships. DCC Energy’s supply strategy 
is to maintain a portfolio approach to 
sourcing of its oil and LPG products. DCC’s 
significant financial strength enables DCC 
Energy to obtain more favourable credit 
terms to manage its working capital. 

Performance for the Year Ended  
31 March 2009
DCC Energy achieved exceptionally strong 
constant currency operating profit growth of 
59.3% in the year, of which approximately 
two thirds was organic. Each of the 
division’s businesses generated excellent 
operating profit growth. The overall result 
benefited from the successful integration of 
a number of acquisitions, a more favourable 
product cost environment than in recent 
years and a particularly cold winter. The 
temperatures during the key weather 
dependent months of April and from 
October through March were below the 30 
year average and significantly colder than 
the prior year. 

The Fuel Card business had an excellent 
year driven by strong organic growth and 
the first time contribution from the Cooke 
Fuel Cards business, which performed in 
line with expectations. 

Strategy and Development
DCC Energy’s strategy is to continue 
to grow and develop its business both 
organically and through acquisition in each 
of the sectors in which it operates.

In oil distribution, DCC’s strategy is to 
achieve a 20% share of the British market. 
DCC Energy will continue to leverage 
its extensive nationwide operational 
infrastructure to drive high levels of organic 
growth with a particular focus on the non 
heating dependent segments of the market 
and on national accounts. DCC Energy 
is also focused on cross-selling add-on 
products and services such as lubricants 
and boiler maintenance services to its 
extensive customer base. 

In the LPG market, DCC Energy will 
continue to leverage its strong market 
positions to drive organic growth on a 
sector by sector basis in both Britain and 
Ireland.

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In fuel cards, DCC will continue to target 
high levels of organic growth through its 
extensive portfolio of branded fuel cards 
by investing in new telesales teams and 
cross selling fuel cards to its extensive oil 
distribution customer base. DCC Energy 
will continue to position itself as the partner 
of choice for all the providers of branded 
fuel cards in both the retail and bunker card 
networks. 

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Having established strong market positions 
in both Britain and Ireland, DCC Energy 
is seeking to extend its business into 
continental Europe. The acquisition of 
Shell’s oil distribution business in Denmark, 
while modest, is an important step in this 
strategic development. 

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Outlook
After an exceptionally strong performance 
in the year to 31 March 2009, DCC Energy 
currently expects operating profit, on a 
constant currency basis, to be broadly in 
line with the prior year, as it is anticipated 
that the weather pattern and the product 
cost environment will not be as favourable. 

*  The market is defined as fuels sold to the domestic, commercial, agriculture, industrial and 
haulage sectors of the transport fuels market (i.e. excluding the retail petrol station market).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Business Review
DCC SerCom

SerCom Distribution markets and sells IT and entertainment 
products to the Retail market, the Reseller market and the 
Enterprise market. SerCom Solutions provides outsourced 
procurement and supply chain management services in 
Ireland, Poland, China and the USA.

DCC SerCom currently employs 1,340 people.

Revenue
€1,551.3m

Operating profit
€40.1m

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Change on prior year
Constant 
Currency

Reported 

+9.0% 
+0.2% 

+18.7% 
+9.2%

2009 

2008 

€1,551.3m  €1,423.4m 
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2.6% 

2.8%

Revenue 
Operating profit 

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DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

19

m i l l i o n   e u r o  
  o p e r a t i n g   c a s h   fl o w   a c h i e v e d   i n   t h e   y e a r

20

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Business Review
DCC SerCom

Business and Markets
Retail 
DCC SerCom’s Retail business distributes 
a broad range of consumer products, 
including games consoles and software, 
consumer electronics and home 
entertainment products, to retailers, e-tailers 
and catalogue resellers in Britain, Ireland 
and France. DCC SerCom represents 
many of the leading brands in the computer 
games, entertainment and consumer 
electronics markets such as Electronic 
Arts, Entertainment in Video, Garmin, 
Logitech, Microsoft, Nintendo, Paramount, 
Seagate, Symantec, Take Two and Warner 
Brothers. The business is the leading 
specialist distributor of home entertainment 
products in Ireland, the leading specialist 
distributor of games hardware, software 
and accessories, consumer electronics and 
software in Britain and the leading specialist 
distributor of IT peripherals and consumer 
electronics in France. The Retail business 
provides a range of value added services to 
its customers and suppliers including end-

user fulfillment, third party logistics, category 
management and merchandising, security 
tagging and cross vendor bundling.

Reseller 
DCC SerCom’s Reseller business distributes 
a broad range of IT products focused on 
the SME and home markets to a very wide 
customer base of IT resellers, dealers and 
retailers in Britain and Ireland. The products 
distributed include PCs, peripherals, 
printers, and network products. The 
Reseller business is a distribution partner of 
many of the leading brands in the IT market 
such as Acer, Canon Cisco, IBM, Lenovo, 
Microsoft, Netgear, Samsung, Sony and 
Toshiba. The business provides its partners 
with an exceptionally broad customer reach 
and proactively markets IT products to the 
channel through product focused sales 
teams with strong technical expertise. DCC 
SerCom’s Reseller business has strong 
market positions in its core markets in 
Britain and Ireland and is typically the No. 1 
distributor for the brands it represents.

Niall Ennis - Managing Director 

extending product 
and market coverage 
in the Retail market, 
including the further 
development of 
own brand 
products

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DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

21

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Performance Management - key performance indicators 
Revenue growth (constant currency) 
Organic revenue growth (constant currency) 
Operating cash flow 
Working capital 
ROCE including intangible assets 
ROCE excluding intangible assets 
10 year CAGR 

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2009  
+18.7% 
+8.7% 
 €46.0m 
 32.9 days 
15.5% 
26.2% 
7.0% 

2008
+18.8%
+9.6%
 €64.5m
 34.9 days
15.3%
24.2%
9.2%

Enterprise
DCC SerCom’s Enterprise business 
distributes a range of data management, 
security and virtualisation software, 
servers and storage products which are 
typically utilised in medium-sized and large 
organisations. The business’s customers 
are value added resellers, large account 
resellers and independent software vendors 
in France, Iberia, Benelux and Britain. 
The Enterprise business has developed a 
supplier portfolio of the leading hardware 
and software vendors in the industry 
including Adobe, Appliance EMC, Fortinet, 
HP, IBM, Network, Oracle, Red Hat, 
SonicWall, Sun, Symantec and VMware. 
This allows its highly trained sales teams 
to offer integrated IT solutions and related 
services to its customers. The business 
is the leading specialist distributor of 
enterprise and mid-market products in its 
core markets of France, Spain, Portugal, 
Belgium and Luxembourg and has a 
developing presence in Britain and the 
Netherlands. 

Supply Chain Management
DCC SerCom’s supply chain management 
business, SerCom Solutions, provides 
a range of specialist procurement and 
sourcing services from its operations in 
Ireland, Poland, China and the United 
States, employing state of the art IT 
systems and procurement processes. The 
business is a strategic supply chain partner 
for some of the world’s leading technology 
and telecommunications companies. The 
business delivers global supply chain 
solutions encompassing vendor hubbing, 
consignment stock programmes, supplier 
identification and qualification, quality 
assurance and compliance and supplier and 
customer fulfillment to effectively reduce 
its partners’ cost of production and reduce 
obsolescence and wastage. SerCom 
Solutions has developed partnerships 
with leading logistics firms to enable the 
business to deliver its services in a flexible, 
cost effective manner in its core markets in 
Europe, North America and the Far East.

Revenue split 2009

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SerCom Distribution’s principal medium 
term objectives are:
•  to extend its product and market 

coverage in the Retail market, providing 
an integrated multi-country service, 
including the further development of own 
brand products;

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•  to extend its pan-European presence in 
the Enterprise market with an increased 
focus on software and security products;
•  to expand the Reseller business in Britain 
and Ireland in complementary product 
markets, such as mobile telephony and 
communications.

SerCom Solution’s primary strategic 
objectives are to expand its customer base 
in East Asia, Europe and North America 
through strategic partnership arrangements 
and the extension of its procurement and 
sourcing services and capability. 

Outlook
For the year to 31 March 2010, DCC 
SerCom anticipates that operating profit 
will be broadly in line with the prior year 
on a constant currency basis. While it is 
expected that SerCom Distribution will 
achieve good constant currency operating 
profit growth, operating profit in the Supply 
Chain Management business is likely to 
decline. 

Performance for the year ended  
31 March 2009
DCC SerCom achieved strong constant 
currency operating profit growth of 9.2%, 
despite challenging trading conditions in 
some of its markets. This strong growth 
was driven primarily by excellent growth 
from the Retail business in Britain, a full year 
contribution from Banque Magnetique (the 
French Retail business) and the successful 
integration of a number of small bolt-on 
acquisitions in the Enterprise business. 

The Retail business had a strong year, 
achieving good operating profit growth. The 
business performed particularly well in Britain, 
increasing its share of the games market 
and benefiting from the continuing strong 
demand for games consoles, software and 
associated products. The business also saw 
very good growth in its own brand product 
range, which continues to develop well. 
The French business performed in line with 
expectations, despite weakening consumer 
demand. In Ireland, the business suffered from 
a significant decline in consumer demand, 
which resulted in a reduction in profits. 

The Reseller business had a good year 
driven by strong sales growth in Britain, 
achieved through market share gains, 
particularly in PCs. Operating profit declined 
in the Irish business, with market conditions 
deteriorating throughout the year; significant 
restructuring has been implemented in this 
business to appropriately align its cost base 
with current revenue levels. 

The Enterprise business achieved excellent 
operating profit growth. The business 
grew its market share and strengthened its 
product portfolio particularly in software. 
The business also benefited from the 
successful integration of a number of 
modest bolt-on acquisitions completed in 
the current year. 

Although operating profit declined in DCC 
SerCom’s Supply Chain Management 
business, trading was ahead of 
expectations, due to the slower than 
anticipated change in the procurement 
strategy of a major customer. 

Strategy and Development
DCC SerCom’s strategy is to deliver 
consistent long-term profit growth and 
industry leading returns on capital employed 
by building strong commercial and market 
positions in each of its focused business units. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Business Review
DCC Healthcare

DCC Healthcare is a broadly based healthcare products and 
services business focused on:

•  Sales and marketing of healthcare products and provision 

of services to the hospital sector in Ireland and Britain;

•  Provision of outsourced product development, 

manufacturing and packing services to the health and 
beauty industry in Europe;

•  Sales and marketing of mobility and rehabilitation products 

in Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and other 
markets.

DCC Healthcare currently employs 1,350 people.

Revenue
€331.2m

Operating profit
€17.3m

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Change on prior year
Constant 
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Reported 

+15.5% 
-26.2% 

+27.9% 
-20.5%

2009 

2008 

€331.2m 
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DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

23

record 
sales of

million euro

were achieved during the year

24

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Business Review
DCC Healthcare

Business and Markets
Hospital Supplies & Services 
In Ireland, DCC’s subsidiary, Fannin, is the 
market leader in sales and marketing of 
healthcare products to the hospital sector 
– intravenous (IV) pharmaceuticals, medical, 
surgical and laboratory products – and also 
provides a range of complementary value 
added services. Fannin markets and sells a 
broad range of leading brands – including 
Cardinal, Grifols, Molnlycke, Oxoid and 
Synthes – through its extensive field sales 
force of highly trained professionals. Products 
are typically single use/consumable in nature. 
Fannin is increasingly focused on developing 
its range of value-added services; for 
example, it has built a growing business in the 
provision of IV pharmaceutical compounding 
services to Irish hospitals. The compounding 
activities involve the aseptic filling of oncology, 
pain management, antibiotic and paediatric 
nutrition products into patient ready dosage 
forms, i.e. syringes or IV bags, within a 
licensed facility. 

In Britain, following the acquisition of 
Squadron Medical and TPS Healthcare in 
the last eighteen months, DCC is building 
a growth platform in the provision of value 
added distribution services to British hospitals 
and leading healthcare brand owners. This 
is a developing sector as British acute care 

hospitals increasingly look for customised just-
in-time distribution solutions to deliver cost 
savings, free up space currently occupied 
by stores and ultimately to contribute to 
the delivery of better service levels to their 
patients. 

Health & Beauty Solutions 
DCC Health & Beauty Solutions is a leading 
provider of “source to shelf” outsourced 
solutions to the health and beauty industry, 
principally in the areas of nutraceuticals 
(vitamin and health supplements), skin 
care and hair care. Customers include 
leading premium brand owners, mail order 
companies, specialist health and beauty 
retailers and private label suppliers in Britain, 
continental Europe and other markets. 
DCC provides a wide range of product 
formats (tablets, soft gel and hard shell 
capsules, creams and liquids), packing 
and other services from its three MHRA 
licensed facilities in Britain. The quality of 
these facilities, together with the strength 
and depth of DCC’s business development 
and technical resources, enables DCC to 
assist its customers in rapidly bringing new 
products from marketing concept through 
to finished, shelf-ready product. DCC’s 
key strength is the highly responsive and 
flexible service it provides to its customers. 
This service typically involves product 

Conor Costigan - Managing Director

increasingly 
focusing on the 
provision of  
value-added 
services  
to hospitals

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Performance Management - key performance indicators 
Revenue growth (constant currency) 
Revenue per employee (constant currency)  
Operating cash flow 
Working capital  
ROCE incl. tangible assets 
ROCE excl. tangible assets  
10 year CAGR 

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2009  
 +27.9% 
€272k 
 €23.3m 
39.8 days 
9.4% 
31.9% 
6.8% 

2008
+24.5%
€247k
€22.4m
47.4 days
13.9%
48.8%
13.2%

development, formulation, stability and other 
testing and regulatory compliance, as well as 
manufacturing and packing.

Mobility & Rehab 
DCC Mobility & Rehab is involved in the 
design, development, procurement, sales 
and marketing of mobility and rehabilitation 
products with operations in Britain, Ireland, 
Australia, and New Zealand as well as a 
network of international distributors. DCC 
is the market leader in the physiotherapy 
product sector in Britain, Australia and New 
Zealand. DCC has a broad product portfolio 
principally marketed under its own Days 
Healthcare, Physio-Med and Metron brands, 
along with leading third party international 
physiotherapy brands including Thera-Band, 
Biofreeze and Chattanooga. Own brand 
products are designed and developed in-
house, with manufacturing mainly outsourced 
to partners in Asia, who are managed by 
DCC’s procurement and quality control team 
based in Shenzhen, China. DCC Mobility & 
Rehab’s extensive customer base of hospitals, 
community loan stores, specialist retailers, 
private practitioners and nursing homes is 
serviced through field and telesales teams and 
supported by a range of product catalogues 
and websites.

Performance for the Year Ended  
31 March 2009
DCC Healthcare’s constant currency 
operating profits declined by 20.5% due to 
the impact of difficult trading conditions across 
its businesses.

DCC’s Hospital Supplies & Services business 
had a challenging year. The Irish Health 
Service Executive’s budgetary constraints 
have significantly reduced demand in 
the marketplace. This has led to a more 
competitive operating environment for the 
business with sales in the non-acute sector 
particularly impacted. Significant headcount 
reductions were implemented over the course 
of the year to address this. DCC achieved 
continued good growth in the provision of 
intravenous pharma compounding services to 
Irish hospitals. DCC’s value added distribution 
services business in Britain grew its sales 
strongly and invested in its operational 
infrastructure, leaving it well placed in this 
developing sector of the British market.

DCC Health & Beauty Solutions’ profits 
declined due to a reduction in contribution 
from the beauty sector. While strong growth 
in sales into the sector was achieved, margins 
were impacted by a lag in the recovery of 
significant input cost increases (raw materials 
and currency). Sales price increases were 
achieved in the last quarter of the financial 
year. In the nutraceuticals sector, good 
sales and profit growth was achieved and 
operational capability was further enhanced by 
the expansion of DCC’s tabletting facility and 
by the development of new products, which 
have resulted in a number of material new 
business wins for the current year. 

DCC Mobility & Rehab suffered from a 
deterioration in the trading environment in 
each of its geographic markets. This was most 
pronounced in the German market and led to 
DCC Healthcare taking the decision to close 
its German subsidiary. Margins in all areas 
were significantly impacted by unfavourable 
currency movements and price increases from 
Far Eastern suppliers. Sales price increases, 
sourcing of product from alternate suppliers and 
cost price reductions have now been achieved 
in order to recover margins.

Strategy and Development
DCC Healthcare’s strategy is to build a 
substantial, broadly based, healthcare 
business focused on the sales and marketing 
of healthcare products and the provision 
of value added services to the healthcare 
industry, including the health & beauty sector.

DCC Healthcare is increasingly focusing on 
developing its activities in the value-added 
services area. In the markets in which DCC 
Healthcare operates, healthcare provision is 
primarily funded by governments. As fiscal 
budgets tighten and the burden of ageing 
populations increases, public healthcare 
systems are increasingly looking to the 
private sector for cost effective value added 
solutions. In addition, individual hospitals and 
hospital trusts are reviewing their activities 
and increasingly outsourcing those activities 
deemed to be non-core. DCC Healthcare is 
working to meet this demand by providing a 
range of value added services to hospitals, 
including IV pharmaceutical compounding 
services and distribution services.

Revenue by Activity

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Similar outsourcing trends are visible in the 
health and beauty sector, where brand owners 
are increasingly outsourcing more of their 
non-sales and marketing activities (including 
product development) and streamlining their 
supply chains. With its high quality licensed 
facilities and its technical, regulatory and 
financial strengths, DCC Health & Beauty 
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DCC Healthcare’s primary focus is the 
generation of strong organic profit growth 
and superior returns in its existing businesses 
by continually developing and expanding 
its product and service offering through 
more effective development, sourcing and 
procurement. In addition to driving continuing 
growth through existing channels to market, 
the business is also focused on growing in 
new and developing channels, leveraging the 
expertise of its sales teams and the reach of 
its comprehensive product catalogues.

Outlook
The trading environment for DCC Healthcare 
remains challenging given that the majority of 
its revenues are derived from public healthcare 
spending in Ireland and Britain. However the 
unprecedented changes in input costs which 
impacted results in the year under review 
are not expected to recur. As a result, DCC 
Healthcare anticipates a strong recovery in 
constant currency operating profit in the year 
to 31 March 2010.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Business Review
DCC Food & Beverage

DCC Food & Beverage markets and sells a wide range of 
company owned and third party branded food and beverage 
products in Ireland and has a wine business in Britain. It is 
a market leader in a number of niche market segments in 
healthfoods, indulgence foods and frozen & chilled logistics.

DCC Food & Beverage currently employs 1,060 people.

Revenue
€305.0m

Operating profit
€12.1m

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Constant 
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Reported 

-1.7% 
-21.3% 

+2.1% 
-20.4%

2009 

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DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

27

million

bottles of wine sold
during the year

28

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Business Review
DCC Food & Beverage

Business and Markets
DCC Food & Beverage’s businesses have 
a strong track record in brand building 
and offer deep distribution reach with 
extensive customer service to the retail 
and foodservice sectors throughout 
Ireland. Services provided include 
marketing, category management, selling 
(key account management, direct sales 
representation and van sales), distribution 
and merchandising. Principal customers 
include multiples, symbol and independent 
retailers, pharmacies, off licences, hotels, 
restaurants and cafes. In Britain, wines are 
sold to multiple retailers and wholesale cash 
and carry customers.

Healthfoods
In Ireland, Kelkin is the leading and most 
comprehensive supplier of owned and 
agency brands of healthy foods and 
beverages, fine foods and vitamins, minerals 
& supplements (“VMS”), selling directly to 
both the grocery and pharmacy sectors. 

The Kelkin brand is recognised as the 
leading brand in the ambient health / “better 
for you” food sector and offers a healthy 
choice in many food categories. It is also a 
strong brand in the VMS sector. 

Indulgence Foods
Robert Roberts is a value-added distributor 
of indulgence products in the grocery, 
impulse and food service sectors. The 
business has a strong, complementary 
range of owned and agency brands, 
specialising in wine, snacks, hot beverages, 
confectionery, cakes and soft drinks. In 
the Irish market, Robert Roberts is the 
number two supplier of freshly ground 
coffee to both the retail and foodservice 
sectors, the number three supplier of 
savoury snacks (through the KP range) 
and a leading independent distributor of 
sugar confectionery products. Through its 
wine distribution business, Findlater Wine 
& Spirit Group, Robert Roberts is a leading 
distributor of wine in Ireland providing an 

satisfying customer and 
consumer needs 
in the health and 
indulgence sectors

Frank Fenn - Managing Director

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DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

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Performance Management - key performance indicators 
Operating cash flow 
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Working capital 
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2009  
€13.7m 
€300k 
12.5 days 
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35.8% 
7.1% 

2008
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18.6%
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extensive portfolio of international wine 
brands. This business was developed 
following the integration of its well 
established wine business, Woodford 
Bourne, with Findlater Grants, which was 
acquired during the second half of the year. 
Findlater Wine & Spirit Group offers its 
principals the largest on trade reach in the 
Irish marketplace.

In Britain, Bottle Green is a leading supplier 
of branded (owned and agency) and 
exclusive retail solutions to the multiple off 
trade sector of the UK wine market. 

shopping in Northern Ireland. The decision 
by a major retailer to source third party 
agency brands directly from Britain has 
also had a negative impact. DCC Food 
& Beverage’s Indulgence and Healthfood 
businesses in Ireland were impacted by 
these changes and consequently operating 
profit declined in both businesses. The 
Findlater Wine & Spirit Group performed in 
line with expectations. 

The frozen and chilled logistics business 
performed satisfactorily and continues to 
achieve operational efficiencies. 

Logistics/Other
Allied Foods is the number one frozen food 
distributor in Ireland, with a developing 
chilled food distribution business. It offers 
a full range of temperature controlled 
supply chain solutions (procurement, brand 
management and selling, warehousing and 
distribution) to major retailers, manufacturers 
and food service customers.

Strategy and Development
The Group’s strategy is to develop DCC 
Food & Beverage into a leading business 
that satisfies consumer and customer needs 
in the health and indulgence sectors and 
delivers an above average return on capital. 
This will be achieved by building organically 
and through acquisition. 

Kylemore Foods Group (50% owned 
by DCC) is a leading operator of retail 
restaurants and contract catering services 
in Ireland.

Performance for the Year Ended  
31 March 2009
As anticipated, DCC Food & Beverage 
experienced a deterioration in trading in 
the second half of the year and as a result 
operating profit declined in the year by 
20.4% on a constant currency basis. 

The economic downturn in Ireland has 
led to changes in buying patterns in the 
food and beverage sector with consumers 
spending less and seeking greater value 
offerings, including increased cross border 

The business will continue to increase its 
focus on brands, building on the progress 
that has been made to date with Kelkin 
(healthy foods and beverages), Robert 
Roberts (coffee & speciality teas), Lemon’s 
confectionery, and its extensive range 
of third party agency brands across its 
healthfoods and indulgence categories. 
The UK wine business remains focused 
on developing its own range of brands 
including French Connection and Andrew 
Peace.

Outlook
The trading environment for DCC Food & 
Beverage is likely to remain difficult and it is 
anticipated that operating profit will decline 
in the current year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Business Review
DCC Environmental

DCC Environmental is a leading UK and Irish provider of 
recycling and waste management services to the industrial, 
commercial, construction and public sectors, operating in both 
the non-hazardous and hazardous segments of the market.

•  DCC owns 50% of the William Tracey Group, Scotland’s 

leading recycling and waste management business.

•  DCC’s subsidiary, Wastecycle, is a leading recycling and 

waste management business in the East Midlands region of 
the UK.

•  DCC’s subsidiary, Enva, is the leading hazardous waste 

management business in Ireland. 

DCC Environmental currently employs 490 people.

Revenue
€81.8m

Operating profit
€10.2m

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-10.8% 
-27.2% 

-0.1% 
-17.6%

2009 

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DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

31

c.
of waste diverted 

from landfill in Britain 

32

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Business Review
DCC Environmental

Business and markets
Britain
Britain is making significant strides in 
reducing the volume of waste sent to 
landfill in an effort to match best practice in 
continental Europe. The British Government 
is actively encouraging the development 
of a sustainable waste infrastructure in a 
number of ways. The development of new 
technologies for the treatment and ultimate 
disposal of waste is being promoted 
through traditional grant funding. In addition, 
initiatives are in place to ensure that energy 
produced from waste receives a premium 
price. Simultaneously, landfill, the traditional 
end disposal outlet, is being rendered less 
competitive through increased taxation. As 
of 1 April 2009 landfill tax now amounts to 
£40 per tonne (up from £24 per tonne two 
years ago) and it has been indicated that it 
will continue to increase by £8 per tonne per 
annum until 2013, when it will amount to 
£72 per tonne. Currently approximately 35% 
of waste is recycled but the Government’s 

target is to increase this to at least 50% with 
suggestions that this target may be pushed 
as high as 75%. This gives significant 
impetus to DCC’s strategy to further 
develop as a leading player in the British 
waste management and recycling industry. 

Both William Tracey’s and Wastecycle’s 
focus is on the industrial, commercial and 
construction waste segments of the market, 
while also handling waste arising on behalf 
of local authorities, including domestic 
recyclables. Together, these businesses 
handle approximately one million tonnes of 
waste of which c.70% is currently diverted 
from landfill. 

Operating from nine sites, William Tracey 
is recognised as Scotland’s leading waste 
management company with a reputation 
for innovation and creativity in the recycling 
and management of a wide range of both 
non hazardous and hazardous waste 
products. The business operates a number 

Tommy Breen  
- Acting Managing Director

taking advantage of the 
trend towards more 
sustainable waste 
management with a 
particular emphasis on 
recovery and recycling

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DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

33

Performance Management - key performance indicators 
Tonnages* 
Recycling % 
Operating cash flow 
Working capital 
ROCE incl. tangible assets 
ROCE excl. tangible assets 

2009  
720k 
64% 
€21.2m 
23.9 days 
12.9% 
29.5% 

63.7% 

2008
810k
58%
€18.1m
38.3 days
17.4%
40.4%

79.1%**

** 9 year

Revenue split

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Outlook
While each of its businesses has reacted 
to the current market conditions through 
operating cost reductions and there is some 
evidence of the market stabilising in Britain, 
DCC Environmental anticipates a decline 
in constant currency operating profit for 
the year principally reflecting the full year 
impact of the slowdown in activity levels 
experienced in the second half of last year. 

of fully integrated facilities to treat, recover 
and dispose of waste and recycles a wide 
range of materials. William Tracey has an 
extensive fleet of specialist vehicles which 
collect waste from industrial and commercial 
customers and it also processes waste on 
behalf of local authorities and other third 
parties. 

Wastecycle is a leading recycling and 
waste management company, based in 
Nottingham in England. Operating from 
a fifteen acre site, the company provides 
a comprehensive waste collection and 
recycling service to industrial, commercial 
and local authority customers. Through 
some of the most innovative techniques 
in the industry, using both automated and 
semi-automated equipment, Wastecycle 
separates waste and recovers recyclable 
materials such as cardboard, metals, timber, 
plastics, paper, aggregates, soils, glass and 
plasterboard. In the past year, Wastecycle 
has increased the proportion of waste 
diverted from landfill by processing certain 
waste streams to create a fuel which can be 
used as a direct substitute for fossil fuels. 

The importance given to health and 
safety in DCC Environmental is reflected 
in Wastecycle recently being awarded a 
second Royal Society for the Prevention 
of Accidents (RoSPA) medal for health and 
safety. 

DCC Environmental is dedicated to helping 
its customers reduce the impact of their 
businesses on the environment. This is 
being achieved through investment in new 
technologies to broaden the scope of its 
re-processing services as well as developing 
sustainable markets for secondary 
materials.

Ireland
Hazardous waste in Ireland is generated 
by a wide range of industries such as 
the pharmaceutical/chemicals sector, 
power generation and utilities. Ireland has 
historically exported approximately 50% of 
its hazardous waste but is now seeking to 
become more self sufficient in dealing with 
this waste. Given its extensive infrastructure 
of hazardous waste facilities, DCC 
Environmental is ideally positioned to benefit 
from this trend. 

Enva is a leading-edge company providing 
innovative, efficient and cost-effective 
solutions for the treatment and disposal 
of a diverse range of hazardous wastes. 

10 year CAGR 

* only 50% of Traceys 

Operating from six licensed sites, Enva 
has the most comprehensive waste 
infrastructure in Ireland, providing a range 
of services including oil recycling, chemical 
treatment, water treatment, metal recovery 
and soil remediation. 

Performance for the Year Ended  
31 March 2009
DCC Environmental was impacted by the 
deteriorating economic environment and, in 
particular, the slowdown in the construction 
sector in both Britain and Ireland. This was 
further compounded by a dramatic decline 
in recyclate prices in the second half of the 
financial year. Constant currency operating 
profit declined by 17.6%. 

William Tracey was impacted by a decline 
in waste volumes in the Scottish market 
as a result of the general economic 
slowdown and by lower recyclate prices. 
While Wastecycle was also impacted by 
the difficult trading environment, it achieved 
increased recycling rates thereby diverting a 
greater proportion of waste from landfill and 
maintained operating profit in line with the 
prior year. 

In Ireland, Enva was impacted by the 
deterioration in the economy in the second 
half, leading to a reduction in demand 
from customers and considerable margin 
pressure. 

Strategy and Development
DCC Environmental’s strategy continues to 
be to grow its position as a leading broadly 
based waste management and recycling 
business in Britain and Ireland by positioning 
the business to take advantage of the 
trend towards more sustainable waste 
management with a particular emphasis 
on recovery and recycling. This growth 
strategy will be driven both organically and 
by acquisition. 

Despite the current difficult market 
environment, DCC Environmental has 
maintained its strong market positions. 
While activity levels have reduced, longer-
term Government policy remains unaltered; 
in fact, recent measures introduced in both 
Britain and Ireland reinforce the commitment 
to reducing landfill activities and to driving 
improved rates of recovery and recycling. 
Against this background, DCC believes its 
strategy continues to offer the prospect of 
excellent returns to its shareholders. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
34

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Financial Review

Excellent Growth in Profits and Cash Flow 
– Strong Well Funded and Liquid Balance 
Sheet
DCC achieved an excellent profit and cash flow result, in 
what were very challenging economic conditions, benefiting 
from its diversified business model. The DCC balance sheet is 
strong, well funded, liquid and lowly geared leaving the Group 
well placed to take advantage of acquisition and development 
opportunities that will arise. 

Excellent Growth in Profits
On a constant currency basis operating profit grew by 22.4% 
(7.9% on a reported basis). 

Fergal O’Dwyer  
- Chief Financial Officer

... and Cash Flow
Operating cash flow of €304.9 million was 136.3% higher 
than the €129.0 million in the prior year and free cash flow of 
€218.5 million was €206.1 million higher than the €12.4 million 
generated in the prior year.

Strong Balance Sheet
At 31 March 2009 the Group had net debt of €90.7 million 
and total equity of €726.2 million which equates to gearing of 
12.5%.

...which is well Funded and Liquid
The Group’s strong funding and liquidity position at 31 March 
2009 can be summarised as follows:

Cash and short term bank deposits 
Overdrafts 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Bank debt repayable within 1 year   
US Private Placement debt repayable: 

Other debt 
Debt  

Net debt 

 Y/e 31/3/2012 
 Y/e 31/3/2014 
 Y/e 31/3/2015 
 Y/e 31/3/2016 
 Y/e 31/3/2017 
 Y/e 31/3/2018 
 Y/e 31/3/2020 

€’m 
426.8 
 (51.3) 

(49.6)
 (5.6) 
(58.9) 
 (163.5) 
(13.4) 
(36.7) 
(50.1) 
(84.4)  

(412.6)
(4.0) 

€’m

375.5

(466.2)

(90.7)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

35

“ Net finance costs 
for the year 
increased by €3.3 
million to €21.1 
million (€17.8 million 
in 2008) primarily 
due to the increase 
in interest rates, 
which reduced 
significantly during 
the second half.”

Accounting Policies
The Group financial statements have been 
prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 
as adopted by the European Union and 
their interpretations as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board 
(IASB) and the International Financial 
Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC), 
applicable Irish law and the Listing Rules 
of the Irish and London Stock Exchanges. 
Details of the basis of preparation and the 
significant accounting policies of the Group 
are included in pages 64 to 72.

Overview of Results
Revenue of €6.4 billion grew by 31.0% 
on a constant currency basis. (15.7% on 
a reported basis) and operating profit of 
€180.4 million increased by 22.4% on 
a constant currency basis (7.9% on a 
reported basis) as set out in Tables 1 and 2. 

The growth in revenue and operating profit, 
analysed as between organic growth, 
growth from acquisitions and the impact of 
currency, is as follows:-

Organic 
Acquisitions 
Constant currency 
Currency impact 
on translation 
Reported 

Revenue  Operating  

7.1% 
23.9% 
31.0% 

Profit
10.7%
11.7%
22.4%

( 15.3%) 
 15.7% 

(14.5%)
7.9%

The average Stg£/€ exchange rate for the 
year ended 31 March 2009 was Stg£0.8262 
= €1 compared to Stg£0.7021 = €1 in the 
previous year. This 15% weakening of the 
sterling exchange rate adversely impacted 
operating profits in the year ended 31 March 
2009 by €24.2 million. 

Although DCC’s operating margin (excluding 
exceptionals) was 2.8% (3.0% in 2008), it 
is important to note that this measurement 
of the overall Group margin is of limited 
relevance due to the influence of changes in 
oil product costs on the percentage. While 
changes in oil product costs will change 
percentage operating margins, this has little 
relevance in the downstream energy market 
in which DCC Energy operates, where 
profitability is driven by absolute contribution 
per litre (or tonne) of product sold and not 
by a percentage margin. 

A detailed review of the operating 
performance of each of DCC’s divisions is 
set out on pages 14 to 33. 

Finance Costs (net)
Net finance costs for the year increased by 
€3.3 million to €21.1 million (€17.8 million 
in 2008) primarily due to the increase in 
interest rates, which reduced significantly 
during the second half. The Group’s average 
net debt was €236 million during the year, 
a modest decline from the average of €242 
million in the prior year. Interest was covered 
8.5 times by Group operating profit before 
amortisation of intangible assets (9.4 times 
in 2008). 

Profit before Net Exceptionals, 
Amortisation of Intangible Assets and Tax 
Profit before net exceptionals, amortisation 
of intangible assets and tax of €159.5 
million increased by 21.3% on a constant 
currency basis. On a reported basis the 
increase was 6.3%. 

Exceptional Charge (net)
The Group incurred a net exceptional 
charge before tax of €15.9 million as 
follows:

€’m
(13.0)

Restructuring costs 
Closure of DCC Healthcare’s  
German subsidiary 
(9.1)
(2.4)
Goodwill impairments 
Profit on sale of US associate company  6.2
 2.4
Other  
(15.9)
Net exceptional charge 

The restructuring costs were incurred 
in relation to the integration of 
recently acquired businesses and 
the implementation of cost reduction 
programmes across the Group. The non-
cash goodwill impairment charge related 
to certain DCC Food & Beverage and DCC 
Healthcare subsidiaries. 

Amortisation of Intangible Assets
The charge for the amortisation of intangible 
assets decreased from €7.9 million to €5.7 
million as a result of the weakening of the 
Stg£/€ exchange rate and certain intangible 
assets having been fully amortised.  

 
 
 
 
 
36

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Financial Review
(continued)

Taxation
The effective tax rate for the Group was 
13.0% compared to 11.0% in the prior year. 

The compound annual growth rate in DCC’s 
adjusted earnings per share over the last 
15, 10 and 5 years is as follows;

Adjusted earnings per share 
Reported adjusted earnings per share 
of 169.13 cent increased by 2.5%. On a 
constant currency basis the increase was 
17.0%. 

15 years 
10 years 
 5 years 

(i.e. since 1994) 
(i.e. since 1999) 
(i.e. since 2004) 

CAGR %
13.6%
11.8%
 9.8%

Dividend
The total dividend for the year of 62.34 
cent per share represents an increase of 
10% over the previous year. The dividend 
is covered 2.7 times (2.9 times in 2008) by 
adjusted earnings per share. Over the last 
10 years DCC’s dividend has grown at a 
compound annual rate of 15.6%.

Table 1: Revenue - constant currency

2009 

2008 

Change

H1 
€’m 

H2 
€’m 

FY 
€’m 

H1 
€’m 

H2 
€’m 

FY 
€’m 

H1 
% 

H2 
% 

FY
%

  DCC Energy 

2,412.1 

2,370.8 

4,782.9 

1,343.4  2,076.6 

3,420.0  +79.5%  +14.2%  +39.9%

  DCC SerCom 

750.1 

939.6 

1,689.7 

575.6 

847.8 

1,423.4 

+30.3% 

+10.8% 

+18.7%

  DCC Healthcare 

190.4 

176.3 

366.7 

132.3 

154.5 

286.8 

+43.9% 

+14.1% 

+27.9%

  DCC Food & Beverage 

175.0 

141.8 

316.8 

161.5 

148.6 

310.1 

+8.3% 

-4.6% 

+2.1%

  DCC Environmental 

52.7 

38.9 

91.6 

45.9 

45.8 

91.7 

+14.9% 

-15.1% 

-0.1%

  Total 
  Weighting % 

3,580.3 
49.4% 

3,667.4 
50.6% 

7,247.7 
100.0% 

2,258.7  3,273.3 
59.2% 
40.8% 

5,532.0  +58.7%  +12.0%  +31.0%
100.0%

Table 2: Operating profit - constant currency

2009 

2008 

Change

H1 
€’m 

H2 
€’m 

FY 
€’m 

H1 
€’m 

H2 
€’m 

FY 
€’m 

H1 
% 

H2 
% 

FY
%

  DCC Energy 

26.5 

92.0 

118.5 

14.5 

59.8 

74.3  +82.3%  +53.8%  +59.3%

  DCC SerCom 

14.6 

29.1 

43.7 

12.5 

27.6 

40.1 

+17.1% 

+5.6% 

+9.2%

  DCC Healthcare 

  DCC Food & Beverage 

  DCC Environmental 

10.6 

7.4 

8.2 

8.0 

4.8 

3.4 

18.6 

10.4 

13.1 

23.5 

+2.1% 

-38.4% 

-20.5%

12.2 

11.6 

7.0 

7.2 

8.3 

15.3 

+5.6% 

-42.1% 

-20.4%

6.8 

14.0 

+12.8% 

-50.1% 

-17.6%

  Total 
  Weighting % 

67.3 
32.9% 

137.3 
67.1% 

204.6 
100.0% 

51.6 
30.9% 

115.6 
69.1% 

167.2  +30.3%  +18.9%  +22.4%

100.0%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

37

“ DCC again achieved 
excellent returns on 
capital employed, 
generating a return 
of 17.8% including 
intangible assets 
and 41.6% excluding 
intangible assets 
(17.5% and 38.0% 
respectively in 
2008).”

Return on Capital Employed
The creation of shareholder value through 
the delivery of consistent, long-term returns 
well in excess of cost of capital is one of 
DCC’s core strengths. DCC again achieved 
excellent returns on capital employed (as 
detailed in Table 3), generating a return 
of 17.8% including intangible assets and 
41.6% excluding intangible assets (17.5% 
and 38.0% respectively in 2008). 

DCC’s return on capital employed has 
remained consistently high through a 
combination of good organic growth, 
well executed acquisitions and excellent 
integration synergies. 

Cash Flow
A summary of DCC’s cashflow is set out in 
Table 4.

Operating cash flow is principally used to 
fund investment in existing operations, 
complementary bolt-on acquisitions, 
dividend payments and selective share 
buybacks. 

Operating cash flow was exceptionally 
strong at €304.9 million, compared to 
€129.0 million in 2008, benefiting from the 
significant reduction in working capital of 
€80 million which was due to the decline in 
the price of oil and, as the year progressed, 

a heightened focus on cash generation 
throughout the Group. As set out in Table 5, 
working capital days reduced to 11.9 from 
16.4 driven by a reduction in debtor days 
of 4.4 days to 41.3 from 45.7. Free cash 
flow was €218.5 million compared to €12.4 
million in 2008. 

DCC’s ongoing acquisition programme 
resulted in a number of acquisitions 
being completed during the year at a 
total committed cost of €98.4 million, of 
which €8.7 million was deferred. The cash 
impact of acquisitions in the year was 
€101.7 million when payments of deferred 
acquisition consideration of €12.0 million 
are taken into account. Capital expenditure 
was €56.1 million, significantly below the 
€87.6 million spent in the previous year 
and compares to a depreciation charge of 
€45.5 million. Net of fixed asset disposals 
and grants received the cash outflow from 
capital expenditure was €50.4 million. The 
disposal of a small US associate company 
gave rise to a receipt of €8.5 million. The 
exceptional cash outflow of €60.9 million 
primarily relates to the settlement of the 
Fyffes case in April 2008 and restructuring 
costs. 

Table 3: Return on capital employed

2009 

2008

ROCE 
(incl intangible assets) 

ROCE 
(excl intangible assets) 

ROCE 
(incl intangible assets) 

ROCE
(excl intangible assets)

  DCC Energy 

  DCC SerCom 

  DCC Healthcare 

  DCC Food & Beverage 

  DCC Environmental 

  Group 

24.9% 

15.5% 

 9.4% 

14.1% 

12.9% 

17.8% 

63.7% 

26.2% 

31.9% 

35.8% 

29.5% 

41.6% 

20.6% 

15.3% 

13.9% 

18.6% 

17.4% 

17.5% 

45.8%

24.2%

48.8%

51.2%

40.4%

38.0%

 
 
 
38

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Financial Review
(continued)

Table 4: Summary of cash flows

Operating Profit 
Decrease/(increase) in working capital: 
DCC Energy  
DCC Sercom  
DCC Healthcare  
DCC Food & Beverage  
DCC Environmental  

 2009 
 €’m 

72.3 
4.1 
1.3 
(1.9) 
4.2  

Depreciation  
Other  

Cash generated from operations 
Capital expenditure (net) 
Interest and tax paid 

Free cash flow 

Dividend received from an associate 
Proceeds on disposal of associates 
Share issues (net) 
Acquisitions 
Dividend paid 
Exceptionals  

Net cash inflow/(outflow) 
Translation adjustments and other 
Net debt at start of year 

Net debt at end of year 

Table 5: Working capital days

Stocks 
Debtors 
Creditors 

Table 6: Analysis of net debt

Non-current assets: 
Derivative financial instruments 

Current assets: 
Derivative financial instruments 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings  
Derivative financial instruments 
Unsecured Notes due 2011 to 2019 

Current liabilities: 
Borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Unsecured Notes due 2008  

 2009 
€’m 
 180.4 

80.0 
45.5 
(1.0) 

304.9 
(50.4) 
(36.0) 

218.5 

- 
 8.5 
10.2 
 (101.7) 
(48.7) 
(60.9) 

 25.9 
 7.1  
 (123.7) 

(90.7) 

 2008  
€’m 

(101.6)
 20.5
 (6.3)
 5.2
 (2.2) 

2009 
Days 
 12.8 
 41.3 
 (42.2) 

 11.9 

2009 
€’m 

128.3 

0.3 
426.8 
427.1 

(1.8) 
(17.4) 
(523.6) 
(542.8) 

(101.6) 
 (1.7) 
- 
(103.3) 

2008
 €’m
167.2

 (84.4)
 45.4
 0.8

 129.0
 (79.7)
 (36.9)

 12.4

 172.0
 8.9
 4.1
 (176.6)
 (44.5)
 (4.2)

 (27.9)
 4.7
 (100.5)

 (123.7)

2008
Days
 12.4
 45.7
 (41.7)

 16.4

2008
€’m

25.4

1.5
485.8
487.3

(4.5)
(43.6)
(353.6)
(401.7)

(157.7)
(17.2)
(59.8)
(234.7)

Net debt 

(90.7) 

(123.7)

Balance Sheet and Group Financing
DCC has a very strong balance sheet with 
total equity of €726.2 million at 31 March 
2009 and net debt at the same date of €90.7 
million. Net debt as a percentage of total 
equity was 12.5% compared to 16.7% at 31 
March 2008. The composition of net debt at 
31 March 2009 and 2008 is analysed in Table 
6. Further analysis of DCC’s cash, debt and 
financial derivative instrument balances at 31 
March 2009 is set out in Notes 27 to 30 to the 
financial statements.

At a time of increased focus on funding and 
liquidity, DCC has significant cash resources 
and relatively long term debt maturities. 
Approximately 90% of the Group’s debt has 
been raised in the US Private Placement 
market where longer term maturities are 
available. 

Financial Risk Management
Group financial risk management is 
governed by policies and guidelines which 
are reviewed and approved annually by 
the Board of Directors. These policies and 
guidelines primarily cover foreign exchange 
risk, commodity price risk, credit risk, 
liquidity risk and interest rate risk. The 
principal objective of these policies and 
guidelines is the minimisation of financial 
risk at reasonable cost. The Group does 
not trade in financial instruments nor 
does it enter into any leveraged derivative 
transactions. DCC’s Group Treasury function 
centrally manages the Group’s funding 
and liquidity requirements. Divisional and 
subsidiary management, in conjunction with 
Group Treasury, manage foreign exchange 
and commodity price exposures within 
approved policies and guidelines. Further 
detail in relation to the Group’s financial risk 
management and its derivative financial 
instrument position is contained in Note 47 
to the financial statements.

Foreign Exchange Risk Management
DCC’s reporting currency and that in which 
its share capital is denominated is the euro. 
Exposures to other currencies, principally 
sterling and the US dollar, arise in the 
course of ordinary trading. 

A significant proportion of the Group’s 
profits and net assets are denominated in 
sterling. The sterling:euro exchange rate 
weakened by 14.5% from 0.7953 at 31 
March 2008 to 0.9299 at 31 March 2009. 
The average rate at which the Group 
translates its UK operating profits declined 
by 15.0% from 0.7021 in 2008 to 0.8262 in 
2009.

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

39

Interest Rate Risk and Debt/Liquidity 
Management
DCC maintains a strong balance sheet with 
long-term debt funding and cash balances 
with deposit maturities up to six months. 
In addition, the Group maintains both 
committed and uncommitted credit lines 
with its relationship banks. DCC borrows 
at both fixed and floating rates of interest. 
It has swapped its fixed rate borrowings 
to floating interest rates, using interest rate 
and cross currency interest rate swaps 
which qualify for fair value hedge accounting 
under IAS 39. The Group mitigates interest 
rate risk on its borrowings by matching, to 
the extent possible, the maturity of its cash 
balances with the interest rate reset periods 
on the swaps related to its borrowings. 

Summary
As the key financial performance indicators 
set out in Table 7 show, the Group 
performed strongly in 2009 delivering an 
improvement in revenues and operating 
profits and excellent cash flow and returns 
on capital employed. After total acquisition 
and capital expenditure, dividends and other 
exceptional expenditure of €261.6 million, 
DCC ended the year with reduced net debt 
levels and a conservatively geared balance 
sheet. This will facilitate the Group in its 
development plans, both organic and by 
way of acquisitions.

Approximately 76% of the Group’s operating 
profit for the year ended 31 March 2009 
was denominated in sterling and this is 
offset to a limited degree by certain natural 
economic hedges that exist within the 
Group, for example, a proportion of the 
purchases by certain of its Irish businesses 
are sterling denominated. DCC does not 
hedge the remaining translation exposure 
on the translation of the profits of foreign 
currency subsidiaries on the basis and to 
the extent that they are not intended to 
be repatriated. The 15% reduction in the 
average translation rate of sterling, referred 
to above, adversely impacted the Group’s 
reported operating profit by €24.2 million in 
the year ended 31 March 2009.

DCC has investments in sterling operations 
which are highly cash generative and 
cash generated from these operations 
are reinvested in sterling denominated 
development activities rather than being 
repatriated into euro. The Group seeks 
to manage the resultant foreign currency 
translation risk through borrowings 
denominated in or swapped (utilising 
currency swaps or cross currency interest 
rate swaps) into sterling, although this 
hedge is offset by the strong ongoing 
cash flow generated from the Group’s 
sterling operations leaving DCC with a net 
investment in sterling assets. The 14.5% 
reduction in the value of sterling against the 
euro during the year ended 31 March 2009, 
referred to above, gave rise to a translation 
loss of €85.8 million on the translation 
of DCC’s sterling denominated net asset 
position at 31 March 2009 as set out in the 
reconciliation of the Group’s Total Equity in 
note 41 to the financial statements. €34.6 
million of this amount related to DCC’s 
sterling denominated intangible assets. 

Where sales or purchases are invoiced 
in other than the local currency, and 
there is not a natural hedge with other 
activities within the Group, DCC generally 
hedges between 50% and 90% of those 
transactions for the subsequent two 
months. 

Commodity Price Risk Management
The Group is exposed to commodity cost 
price risk in its oil distribution and LPG 
businesses. Market dynamics are such that 
these commodity cost price movements 
are immediately reflected in oil commodity 
sales prices and, within a short period, in 
LPG commodity sales prices. Fixed price oil 
supply contracts are occasionally provided 
to certain customers for periods of less 
than one year. To manage this exposure, 
the Group enters into matching forward 
commodity contracts, not designated as 
hedges under IAS 39. While LPG price 
changes are being implemented, the Group 
hedges a proportion of its anticipated 
LPG commodity exposure, with such 
transactions qualifying as ‘highly probable’ 
forecast transactions for IAS 39 hedge 
accounting purposes. In addition, to cover 
certain customer segments for whom it 
is commercially beneficial to avoid price 
increases, a proportion of LPG commodity 
price and related foreign exchange 
exposure is hedged. All commodity hedging 
counterparties are approved by the Board.

Credit Risk Management
DCC transacts with a variety of high credit 
rated financial institutions for the purpose of 
placing deposits and entering into derivative 
contracts. The Group actively monitors its 
credit exposure to each counterparty to 
ensure compliance with limits approved by 
the Board.

 Table 7: Key financial performance indicators 

Revenue growth – constant currency 
Operating profit growth* – constant currency 
Interest cover (times) 
Net debt as a percentage of total equity 
Working capital as a percentage of total revenue 
Working capital – days  
Debtors – days 
Operating cash flow (€’m) 
Free cash flow after interest and tax (€’m) 
Return on capital employed 
- Including intangible assets 
- Excluding intangible assets 

*excluding exceptionals and amortisation of intangible assets.

2009 
 31.0% 
 22.4% 
 8.5 
 12.5% 
 3.0% 
11.9 
 41.3 
 304.9 
 218.5 

 17.8% 
41.6% 

2008
39.9%
21.8%
 9.4
 16.7%
 5.2%
 16.4
 45.7
 129.0
 12.4

17.5%
38.0%

 
 
“ The key first step 
undertaken by the 
Working Group was 
the identification 
of sustainability 
aspects that are 
material, i.e. have a 
high business value 
to DCC and have 
a high economic, 
environmental or 
social value”

40

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Sustainability Report

Structures and Processes
In 2008, DCC established a Corporate 
Sustainability Working Group comprising 
senior Group, divisional and subsidiary 
executives, which reports directly to the Chief 
Executive.

The key first step undertaken by the Working 
Group was the identification of sustainability 
aspects that are material, i.e. have a high 
business value to DCC and have a high 
economic, environmental or social value. 
Following from this, four sustainability aspects 
were prioritised, namely direct economic value 
added, climate change, health and safety and 
business ethics. The Working Group intends 
to focus on additional sustainability aspects as 
the process is developed.

Specific objectives have been established 
in respect of the four aspects selected and 
progress on those objectives will be monitored 
by the Working Group using appropriate KPIs. 

The Working Group will continue to refine 
and develop our management approach to 
sustainability at all levels throughout DCC. 

Stakeholders
At a corporate level we have identified two 
key stakeholder groups – investors and 
employees. Other stakeholder groups, such 
as customers, suppliers, regulators and 
local communities, are specific to individual 
businesses and so are engaged with at 
subsidiary level. 

Consultations will be undertaken with 
members of both of the key stakeholder 
groups identified. 

DCC defines Corporate Sustainability as 
a business strategy to create long term 
shareholder value by generating economic, 
environmental and social value. In order 
to sustain our business, it is critical that 
our activities have a positive impact on 
the wider community; business success 
and sustainable development are mutually 
supportive ambitions. 

Our complex interactions with the 
economy, the environment and society 
are already governed by a combination 
of legislative compliance, best practice, 
reporting requirements, customer demand, 
risk management and company culture. 
However, we have now formally committed 
to implementing a more systematic internal 
management process to identify and focus 
on those aspects of sustainability which 
are material to DCC, using the structure 
provided by the GRI1 Sustainability Reporting 
Guidelines. 

This Sustainability Report sets out our evolving 
management approach and reports on a 
number of sustainability aspects of material 
importance to the DCC Group. We intend to 
develop our internal processes and reporting 
and, through clearly defined key performance 
indicators (KPIs), we will demonstrate how 
DCC is implementing sustainable business 
practices, thereby delivering value to our 
shareholders and to society as a whole. As we 
live in a time of global economic and climate 
crises it is even more critical to ensure that 
our activities visibly contribute to the goal of 
sustainable development. 

Strategy
DCC will implement its sustainability  
strategy by: 
•  raising internal awareness and 

understanding of what corporate 
sustainability means to our businesses,
•  integrating sustainability processes into 

existing business structures,

•  actively engaging with our stakeholders, and
•  regularly communicating our progress. 

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

41

“ DCC is focused 
on value creation 
within the supply 
chain which is 
then passed on to 
various stakeholders 
including investors, 
employees, suppliers, 
governments and 
lenders”

2. Climate Change
Our energy businesses sell LPG and oil to 
customers who rely on these products for 
heating, cooking and transportation, in most 
cases where there are no viable alternative 
energy sources. While we believe that a mix of 
energy sources will continue to be necessary 
in the future, we are conscious of the need to 
reduce carbon emissions and consequently 
we promote, both internally and externally, the 
efficient use of energy products.

In August 2008 a Group wide Carbon 
Management Plan (CMP) was initiated. Its 
purpose is to increase understanding and 
awareness of climate change impacts and to 
develop a range of operational and strategic 
measures in response to the emergence of a 
low carbon economy. 

The CMP has two operational objectives. 
The first is to measure carbon emissions, in 
accordance with the methodology provided 
by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol2. In the 
year ended 31 March 2009 our transport 
fleet contributed over 70% (approximately 
60,000 tonnes CO2) of our carbon emissions. 
Electricity consumption accounted for 21% of 
total emissions with heating and on-site fuel 
use making up the remaining 9%. 

The second operational objective is to carry 
out a detailed analysis of the data in order to 
develop a range of energy saving initiatives 
focusing on the major sources of emissions in 
the first instance. This is already being done 
to a significant extent, driven by financial 
savings. For example, Allied Foods and Flogas 
UK have invested in new technologies to 
monitor vehicle use and establish efficient 
routing systems and Wastecycle has trained 
its drivers in fuel efficient driving techniques to 
reduce fuel consumption, so reducing costs 
and carbon emissions simultaneously. 

During the year we will improve our 
measurement systems and identify 
appropriate KPIs and targets to increase 
energy efficiency and reduce carbon 
emissions.

Material Aspects
1. Direct Economic Value Added
DCC is focused on value creation within 
the supply chain which is then passed on 
to various stakeholders including investors, 
employees, suppliers, governments and 
lenders. In economic terms these are the 
most significant contributions we make to 
society.

In the year ended 31 March 2009, DCC 
generated revenue of €6,400m in return for 
the goods and services it provided. Once the 
cost of inputs from suppliers totaling €5,913m 
is taken into account the remaining value 
added of €487m was distributed to various 
stakeholders. 

During the year a total of €306m was 
expended on payroll costs in respect of DCC’s 
approximately 7,200 employees across 16 
countries. 

Governments received corporate taxes of 
€19m and €21m in value was distributed 
to banks and other lenders. As a return for 
the capital they provide to the business, 
shareholders, including many employees, 
will receive €51m in the form of dividends. 
The remaining €90m will be retained in the 
business to fund further growth.

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1. The Global Reporting Initiative is a not for profit organisation which has developed the most commonly used sustainability reporting framework.
 2.The Greenhouse Gas Protocol is a corporate reporting standard developed by the World Resources Institute and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. 

“ The health and 
safety of our 
employees, 
contractors and 
members of the 
public with whom 
we interact is 
paramount and is 
a responsibility we 
take very seriously.”

42

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Sustainability Report
(continued)

Every subsidiary compiles an annual health 
and safety report for divisional management, 
the detail of which reflects the hazard profile 
of that subsidiary. All reports include a review 
of health and safety policies and procedures, 
an assessment of performance against prior 
year objectives and the establishment of new 
objectives. 

Reflecting the higher hazard profile of the 
LPG, oil and environmental businesses, 
management meet in respective fora at least 
three times annually to review legislation, share 
best practice and develop common technical, 
health and safety standards. Two committees 
of the Energy and Environmental boards, 
chaired by the respective divisional Managing 
Director, meet bi-annually to review health and 
safety performance.

All subsidiaries have in place formal health 
and safety management systems which are 
appropriate to the nature and scale of the 
hazards within those businesses. In the LPG 
businesses, safety management systems 
have been developed in line with guidance 
from the UK Health and Safety Executive 
and are contained within the COMAH4 Safety 
Reports. In most other businesses, health and 
safety management systems are based on 
the OHSAS180015 standard with a number of 
sites achieving formal certification. 

An objective has been set to have all health 
and safety management systems within the 
DCC Environmental businesses certified to the 
OHSAS18001 standard by end March 2011.

DCC’s energy and environmental businesses 
already report a wide range of health and 
safety KPIs, for example, lost time injury 
rates. We will extend this requirement to 
other divisions and report on Group wide 
performance next year.

The CMP also has a strategic objective, 
which requires each subsidiary to formally 
identify and assess the regulatory, physical 
and commercial risks and opportunities for 
their businesses arising from the transition 
towards a low carbon economy. For example, 
by recycling waste streams into new products, 
our environmental businesses make a 
significant contribution to the conservation of 
natural resources and the reduction of carbon 
emissions.

From a regulatory perspective, DCC’s UK 
based subsidiaries will be included in the 
UK’s Carbon Reduction Commitment 
scheme commencing in April 2010. 
The implementation of the CMP has 
already prepared us for the measurement 
requirements of this scheme and additional 
actions are being taken to ensure that we not 
only fully comply with its requirements but 
also benefit from the process by reducing our 
emissions and costs. 

3. Health & Safety
The health and safety of our employees, 
contractors and members of the public with 
whom we interact is paramount and is a 
responsibility we take very seriously.

The profile of health and safety hazards 
varies considerably across the Group with 
businesses in the Energy and Environmental 
divisions at the higher end due to the nature 
of the material they handle and the degree 
of interaction between equipment and 
individuals. 

Health and safety is clearly established as 
a line management function and is a fixed 
agenda item at management meetings.  
Senior executives are expected to 
demonstrate personal leadership, continually 
improving health and safety culture by their 
individual actions. In May and June 2008 thirty 
senior managers and directors from across 
DCC Energy participated in a bespoke health 
and safety leadership workshop delivered 
by DNV3. As a direct result of this initiative, 
subsidiary directors in the energy division now 
complete a minimum of two site visits per 
annum to inspect, observe and listen to local 
HSE concerns or suggestions.

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

43

“ Our intention is 
to publish annual, 
concise and relevant 
Sustainability 
Reports which 
address the 
economic, 
environmental and 
social aspects 
which are material 
to our business and 
important to our 
stakeholders”

Reporting
Our intention is to publish annual, concise and 
relevant Sustainability Reports which address 
the economic, environmental and social 
aspects which are material to our business 
and important to our stakeholders. We will 
report openly on our management approach 
to sustainability, our progress against past 
objectives and the determination of new 
objectives. The report will have the same 
reporting cycle as the Annual Report and 
will be integrated where appropriate to avoid 
repetition of information. 

We accept the need to adopt a consistent 
and credible reporting structure. The Working 
Group has reviewed the G3 Sustainability 
Report Guidelines, developed by the Global 
Reporting Initiative, and it is our intention to 
achieve a GRI application level of at least C for 
the Sustainability Report for the year ended 31 
March 2010. 

We recognise that this report is only a first 
step and we would welcome any feedback 
and suggestions for improvement.

4. Business Ethics
DCC is diversified both by sector and by 
geography. Freedom to manage and make 
decisions locally has been critical to our 
success. This has been possible because the 
business has always had at its core a culture 
built on openness, honesty, trust, respect 
and accountability. When acquisitions are 
made, a key part of the integration process 
is the extension of this culture into the newly 
acquired business.

Wherever we operate, we strive to be fully 
compliant with the laws and regulations 
that apply to our business. In addition, each 
subsidiary has articulated its own internal 
standards of business conduct, as well as 
policies and processes to ensure compliance 
with them. 

In light of DCC’s substantial expansion in 
recent years, the Working Group has now 
decided to embark on a comprehensive 
Group wide review of best practices in the 
conduct of business. We will approach this 
in a practical way by examining, for instance, 
best practices within the Group in areas 
such as the business conduct modules 
in employee induction processes and the 
ethical selling modules in sales training 
programmes. We will also look afresh at the 
way we measure performance in respect of 
each area of business conduct. We will also 
carry out external benchmarking. Out of this 
work, we will articulate a set of guidelines for 
all subsidiaries and at corporate level, in a way 
that is relevant and practical for our business 
environment and the ever more complex 
world in which we live and work. This will then 
become a key governing document for all our 
businesses.

3. Det Norske Veritas is a leading provider of safety risk management solutions.
4. Control of Major Accident Hazards.
 5. Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series.

44

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Report of the Directors 

The Directors of DCC plc present their 
report and the audited financial statements 
for the year ended 31 March 2009.

Results for the Year
The results of the Group for the year are 
set out in the Group Income Statement on 
page 58. The profit for the year attributable 
to equity holders of the Company 
amounted to €116.3 million.

Dividends
An interim dividend of 22.61 cent per share, 
amounting to €18.56 million, was paid on 5 
December 2008. The Directors recommend 
the payment of a final dividend of 39.73 
cent per share, amounting to €32.63 
million. Subject to shareholders’ approval 
at the Annual General Meeting on 17 July 
2009, this dividend will be paid on 23 July 
2009 to shareholders on the register on 29 
May 2009. The total dividend for the year 
ended 31 March 2009 amounts to 62.34 
cent per share, a total of €51.19 million.

The profit attributable to equity holders of 
the Company, which has been transferred 
to reserves, and the dividends paid during 
the year ended 31 March 2009 are shown 
in note 39 on page 102.

Share Capital and Treasury Shares
DCC’s authorised share capital is 
152,368,568 ordinary shares of €0.25 
each, of which 82,139,005 shares 
(excluding treasury shares) were in issue 
and 6,090,399 shares were held in  
Treasury at 31 March 2009.

The number of shares held in Treasury 
at the beginning of the year (and the 
maximum number held during the year) 
was 7,414,239 (8.40% of the issued share 
capital) with a nominal value of €1.854 
million. 

A total of 1,323,840 shares (1.50% of the 
issued share capital) with a nominal value 
of €0.331 million were re-issued during the 
year at prices ranging from €6.22 to €15.65 
consequent to the exercise of share options 
under the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share 
Option Scheme and the DCC Sharesave 
Scheme 2001, leaving a balance held in 
Treasury at 31 March 2009 of 6,090,399 
shares (6.90% of the issued share capital) 
with a nominal value of €1.523 million. 

its own shares (10% of the issued share 
capital) with a nominal value of €2.206 
million. This authority has not been 
exercised and will expire on 17 July 2009, 
the date of the next Annual General Meeting 
of the Company. A special resolution will be 
proposed at the Annual General Meeting to 
renew this authority. 

At each Annual General Meeting, in addition 
to the authority to buy back shares referred 
to above, the Directors seek authority to 
exercise all the powers of the Company to 
allot shares up to an aggregate amount of 
€7,352,400, representing approximately 
one third of the issued share capital of the 
Company. 

The Directors also seek authority to allot 
shares for cash, other than strictly pro-rata 
to existing shareholdings. This proposed 
authority is limited to the allotment of shares 
in specific circumstances relating to rights 
issues and other issues up to approximately 
5% of the issued share capital of the 
Company.

Review of Activities and Events since  
the Year End
The Chairman’s Statement on pages 6 to 7, 
the Chief Executive’s Review on pages 8 to 
11, the Business Reviews on pages 14 to 
33 and the Financial Review on pages 34 
to 39 contain a review of the development 
and performance of the Group’s business 
during the year, of the state of affairs of 
the business at 31 March 2009, of recent 
events and of likely future developments. 
Information in respect of events since the 
year end as required by the Companies 
(Amendment) Act, 1986 is also included in 
these sections.

Principal Risks and Uncertainties 
Under Irish Company law (Regulation 37 of 
the European Communities (Companies: 
Group Accounts) Regulations 1992, 
as amended), DCC is required to give 
a description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties facing the Group. These 
are addressed in the Principal Risks & 
Uncertainties report on pages 46 to 47.

Directors
The names of the Directors and a short 
biographical note on each Director appear 
on pages 4 to 5. 

At the Annual General Meeting held on 
18 July 2008, the Company was granted 
authority to purchase up to 8,822,940 of 

Jim Flavin resigned from his position as 
Executive Chairman and Director on 27 
May 2008. On the same date, Michael 

Buckley was appointed Chairman and 
Tommy Breen, previously Group Managing 
Director, was appointed Chief Executive. 

Paddy Gallagher and Tony Barry retired 
from the Board with effect from 1 
December 2008 and 28 February 2009 
respectively.

Kevin Melia and Donal Murphy were 
appointed to the Board with effect from 
1 December 2008, David Byrne was 
appointed to the Board with effect from 
1 January 2009 and John Moloney was 
appointed to the Board with effect from 2 
February 2009.

The Board has adopted the practice that all 
Directors will submit to re-election at each 
Annual General Meeting. 

With the exception of Tommy Breen, who 
has a service agreement with a minimum 
notice period of twelve months, none of 
the other retiring Directors has a service 
contract with the Company or with any 
member of the Group. 

Details of the Directors’ interests in the 
share capital of the Company are set out in 
the Report on Directors’ Remuneration and 
Interests on pages 52 to 55.

Corporate Governance
The Corporate Governance statement on 
pages 48 to 51 sets out the Company’s 
appliance of the principles and compliance 
with the provisions of the Combined Code 
on Corporate Governance, the Group’s 
system of internal control and the adoption 
of the going concern basis in preparing the 
financial statements.

Specific details concerning the appointment 
and the re-election of Directors are 
contained in the Corporate Governance 
statement.

 
Report of the Directors (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

45

Substantial shareholdings
The Company has been advised of the following interests in its share capital as at 18 May 2009:

FMR LLC on behalf of certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries *  

12,200,800 

14.85%

No. of €0.25 
Ordinary Shares  

% of Issued
Share Capital
(excluding 
treasury shares)

7,699,992 

5,334,803 

2,700,000 

2,630,815 

9.37%

6.49%

3.29%

3.20%

Prudential plc group of companies* 

Invesco Limited * 

Jim Flavin 

Irish Life Investment Managers * 

* Notified as non-beneficial interests

Principal subsidiaries and joint ventures
Details of the Company’s principal operating 
subsidiaries and joint ventures are set out 
on pages 112 to 114.

Research and development
Certain Group companies are involved 
in ongoing development work aimed at 
improving the quality, competitiveness, 
technology and range of their products. 

Political contributions
There were no political contributions which 
require to be disclosed under the Electoral 
Act, 1997.

Accounting records
The Directors are responsible for ensuring 
that proper books and accounting 
records, as outlined in Section 202 of the 
Companies Act, 1990, are kept by the 
Company. The Directors believe that they 
have complied with this requirement by 
providing adequate resources to maintain 
proper books and accounting records 
throughout the Group including the 
appointment of personnel with appropriate 
qualifications, experience and expertise. 
The books and accounting records of the 
Company are maintained at the Company’s 
registered office, DCC House, Brewery 
Road, Stillorgan, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, 
Ireland.

Articles of Association
The Company’s Articles of Association 
may be amended by a special resolution 
passed by the shareholders at an annual 
or extraordinary general meeting of the 
Company. 

Takeover regulations
The Company has certain banking facilities 
which may require repayment in the event 
that a change in control occurs with respect 
to the Company. In addition, the Company’s 
share option scheme contains change of 
control provisions which can allow for the 
acceleration of the exercisability of share 
options in the event that a change of control 
occurs with respect to the Company.

Auditors
The auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, 
will continue in office in accordance 
with the provisions of Section 160(2) of 
the Companies Act, 1963. A resolution 
authorising the Directors to fix their 
remuneration will be proposed at the 
Annual General Meeting.

Michael Buckley, Tommy Breen
Directors
18 May 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
46

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Principal Risks & Uncertainties

The Board of DCC is responsible for the Group’s risk management 
systems, which are designed to identify, manage and mitigate 
potential material risks to the achievement of the Group’s strategic 
and business objectives. Details of the Group’s risk management 
systems and internal controls are set out under ‘Internal Control’ in 
the Corporate Governance statement on pages 48 to 51.

Further detail on the principal risks facing the Group is set out 
below.

Strategic Risks

Impact

Mitigation

Global economic downturn

Demand for goods and services in the 
Group’s businesses will be impacted by the 
current economic downturn.

Competitor activity

Acquisitions

The Group’s businesses face strong 
competition in their relevant markets. Failure to 
compete successfully will lead to a decline in 
market share and profitability.

Poor acquisition selection could lead to a 
loss of value. In addition a failure to properly 
integrate acquisitions could lead to operational 
and financial difficulties.

The Group has operations across a number 
of different markets. Whilst the current 
economic downturn will affect all businesses 
the impact will vary according to the markets 
in which they operate. The Group will focus 
on operating efficiencies and business 
development.

Competitor activity is formally discussed at 
regular divisional board meetings. Subsidiary 
management are constantly focused on 
providing an efficient value added service to 
meet the demands of both customers and 
suppliers.

The Group conducts a stringent internal 
evaluation process prior to completing an 
acquisition. Only acquisitions which add value 
and are a strategic fit are considered. Group 
and subsidiary management have significant 
expertise in and experience of integrating 
acquisitions.

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

47

Operational Risks

Impact

Mitigation

Key supplier

The loss of a key supplier could have a 
serious operational and financial impact on the 
Group’s business.

The Group trades with a broad supplier base. 
Excellent commercial relationships exist with 
suppliers and there is a constant focus on 
providing a value added service.

Environmental, Health & Safety incident

A serious environmental, health & safety 
incident, particularly in the Energy or 
Environmental divisions, could endanger 
the lives of employees and seriously disrupt 
operations.

Loss of major site

The loss or serious destruction of any one of 
the Group’s key sites would present significant 
financial and operational difficulties for the 
Group. 

Management resources

Strong and effective management has been 
fundamental to the Group’s success. The 
continued attraction, retention and motivation 
of high quality management throughout the 
Group is critical if this success is to continue.

Product quality

The Group has certain subsidiaries which 
operate manufacturing or processing facilities. 
Poor product quality could have significant 
consequences for customer or public 
safety and lead to financial, operational and 
reputational difficulties for the Group.

All Group subsidiaries operate EHS 
management systems appropriate to the 
nature and scale of their EHS risk profile. 
Identification of hazards, assessment of the 
risks and the introduction of control  
measures form the basis of these systems. 
Furthermore, monitoring, measurement and 
review of the control measures ensures a 
continuous improvement cycle is maintained.

All Group subsidiaries have implemented 
business continuity plans to manage 
disruptions. An insurance cover programme 
is in place for all significant insurable risks and 
major catastrophes to mitigate the financial 
consequences. 

The Group maintains a constant focus 
on succession planning, remuneration 
programmes, including long and short 
term incentive initiatives and management 
development. This focus is maintained 
through a structured review process in which 
Group Human Resources supports divisional 
management and the Chief Executive. 

All manufacturing and processing facilities 
operate quality management systems 
appropriate and specific to the nature of the 
products they manufacture or process.

Compliance Risks

Impact

Mitigation

Regulation

Financial Risks

DCC has operations in 15 countries. Failure to 
comply with statutory obligations could result 
in regulatory action, legal liability and damage 
to the Group’s reputation. 

All statutory requirements are managed by 
local management. Formal confirmation 
of compliance with statutory and other 
obligations is received by the Compliance 
Officer of DCC plc twice a year.

The principal financial risks facing the Group are addressed in detail under ‘Financial Risk Management’ in the Financial Review on  
pages 34 to 39.

48

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Corporate Governance

This statement describes how DCC has 
applied the principles set out in Section 
1 of the Combined Code on Corporate 
Governance (‘Combined Code’) published 
by the Financial Reporting Council in the UK.

The Board of Directors
Roles
The Board of DCC is responsible for the 
leadership, strategic direction and overall 
management of the Group. It has a formal 
schedule of matters specifically reserved to 
it for decision, which covers key areas of 
the Group’s business including approval of 
the annual strategy statement, the financial 
statements, budgets (including capital 
expenditure), acquisitions and dividends.

The Board has delegated responsibility for 
the management of the Group to the Chief 
Executive and executive management. 

Chairman
The Chairman’s primary responsibility is 
to lead the Board, to ensure that it has a 
common purpose, is effective as a group 
and at individual director level and that it 
upholds and promotes high standards of 
integrity, probity and corporate governance. 

The Chairman is the link between the 
Board and the Company. He is specifically 
responsible for establishing and maintaining 
an effective working relationship with the 
Chief Executive, for ensuring effective 
and appropriate communications with 
shareholders and for ensuring that 
members of the Board develop and 
maintain an understanding of the views of 
shareholders.

Deputy Chairman and Senior 
Independent Director
The Deputy Chairman (who is also the 
Senior Independent Director) chairs 
meetings of the Board if the Chairman is 
unavailable or is conflicted in relation to 
any agenda item. The Senior Independent 
Director is available to shareholders who 
have concerns that cannot be addressed 
through the Chairman or Chief Executive 
and leads the annual Board review of the 
performance of the Chairman.

Membership
The Board consists of three executive 
and seven non-executive Directors. Brief 
biographies of the Directors are set out 
on pages 4 to 5. The Board, with the 
assistance of the Nomination Committee, 
keeps Board composition under review to 

ensure that it includes the necessary mix 
of relevant skills and experience required to 
perform its role.

Jim Flavin resigned from his position as 
Executive Chairman and Director on 27 May 
2008. On the same date, Michael Buckley 
was appointed Chairman and Tommy Breen, 
previously Group Managing Director, was 
appointed Chief Executive. On 4 June 2008, 
Bernard Somers replaced Michael Buckley 
as Senior Independent Director. Kevin 
Melia and Donal Murphy were appointed 
to the Board with effect from 1 December 
2008. Paddy Gallagher and Tony Barry 
retired from the Board with effect from 1 
December 2008 and 28 February 2009 
respectively. David Byrne was appointed 
to the Board with effect from 1 January 
2009 as Deputy Chairman and Senior 
Independent Director. Bernard Somers 
resigned as Senior Independent Director 
on the same date. John Moloney was 
appointed to the Board with effect from 2 
February 2009.

Appointment
Non-executive Directors are appointed by 
the Board and following appointment are, in 
accordance with the Articles of Association, 
subject to re-election at the next Annual 
General Meeting. The Board has adopted 
the practice that all Directors will submit to 
re-election at each Annual General Meeting.

The expectation is that non-executive 
Directors would serve for a term of six 
years and may also be invited to serve an 
additional period thereafter. 

The terms and conditions of appointment of 
non-executive Directors are set out in their 
letters of appointment, which are available 
for inspection at the Company’s registered 
office during normal office hours and at the 
Annual General Meeting of the Company.

Independence
The Board has carried out its annual 
evaluation of the independence of each of 
its non-executive Directors, taking account 
of the relevant provisions of the Combined 
Code, namely, whether the Directors are 
independent in character and judgment and 
free from relationships or circumstances 
which are likely to affect, or could appear to 
affect, the Directors’ judgment. Each of the 
current non-executive Directors fulfilled the 
independence requirements of the Code.

Michael Buckley has been Chairman of 
the Company since May 2008. On his 
appointment as Chairman, Mr Buckley met 
the independence criteria as set out in the 
Combined Code. Thereafter, as noted in 
the Code, the test of independence is not 
appropriate in relation to the Chairman. 

While Mr Buckley holds a number of other 
directorships outside of the DCC Group, the 
Board considers that these do not interfere 
with the discharge of his duties to DCC.

Board Procedures
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 recognises the need for 
Directors, in particular new Directors, to 
be aware of their legal responsibilities 
as directors and, in addition, the Board 
ensures that Directors are kept up to 
date on the latest corporate governance 
guidance and best practice. There is a 
full, formal and tailored induction process 
for new non-executive Directors, which 
includes detailed presentations on the 
Group’s operations.

Meetings
The Board holds regular meetings and 
there is contact as required between 
meetings in order to progress the Group’s 
business. At the beginning of the financial 
year, the Chairman sets a schedule of 
Board meetings to be held in the following 
twelve months, which includes the key 
agenda items for each meeting, having 
consulted with the other Directors and the 
Company Secretary. The current schedule 
envisages seven Board meetings each year 
but additional meetings are arranged as 
necessary.

During the year ended 31 March 2009, the 
Board held thirteen meetings. Individual 
attendance at these meetings is set out in 
the table on page 50.

The non-executive Directors meet 
periodically without executives being 
present.

Corporate Governance (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

49

Remuneration
Details of remuneration paid to the Directors 
are set out in the Report on Directors’ 
Remuneration and Interests on pages 52 to 
55.

Share Ownership and Dealing
Details of the Directors’ interests in DCC 
shares are set out in the Report on Directors’ 
Remuneration and Interests on pages 52 to 
55. The Board has adopted The Model Code, 
as set out in the Listing Rules of the Irish 
Stock Exchange and the UK Listing Authority, 
as the code of dealings applicable to dealings 
in DCC shares by Directors and relevant 
Group employees. Under the policy, Directors 
and relevant Group employees are required 
to obtain clearance from the Chairman or 
Chief Executive before dealing in DCC shares 
and are prohibited from dealing in the shares 
during prohibited periods as defined by the 
Listing Rules. 

Board Committees
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee comprises three 
independent non-executive Directors, 
Bernard Somers (Chairman), Kevin 
Melia and John Moloney. The Board has 
determined that Bernard Somers is the 
Committee’s financial expert. Maurice 
Keane resigned from the Committee on 
1 December 2008 and was replaced by 
Kevin Melia. Roisin Brennan resigned from 
the Committee on 30 March 2009 and was 
replaced by John Moloney. The Committee 
met four times during the year ended 31 
March 2009. Individual attendance at these 
meetings is set out in the table on page 50.

The Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer, 
Head of Enterprise Risk Management, Group 
Internal Auditor, other Directors and executives 
and representatives of the external auditors may 
be invited to attend all or part of any meeting. 
The Committee also meets separately at least 
once a year with the external auditors and with 
the Group Internal Auditor without executive 
management being present.

The role and responsibilities of the Audit 
Committee are set out in its written terms 
of reference, which are available on the 
Company’s website www.dcc.ie, and include:

•  monitoring the integrity of the financial 
statements of the Company and any 
formal announcements relating to the 
Company’s financial performance and 
reviewing significant financial reporting 
judgments contained in them;

•  reviewing the half-year and annual financial 
statements before submission to the Board;
•  considering and making recommendations 
to the Board in relation to the appointment, 
reappointment and removal of the external 
auditors;

•  approving the terms of engagement of the 

external auditors; 

•  approving the remuneration of the external 

auditors, whether fees for audit or non-audit 
services, and ensuring that the level of fees 
is appropriate to enable an adequate audit 
to be conducted;

•  assessing annually the independence and 
objectivity of the external auditors and the 
effectiveness of the audit process, taking 
into consideration relevant professional 
and regulatory requirements and the 
relationship with the external auditors as a 
whole, including the provision of any non- 
audit services;

•  reviewing the operation and the 

effectiveness of the Group Internal Audit 
function;

•  reporting to the Board on its annual 

assessment of the operation of the Group’s 
system of internal control, making any 
recommendations to the Board thereon and 
reviewing the Company’s statements on 
internal control and risk management prior 
to endorsement by the Board; and

•  reviewing the Group’s arrangements for its 

employees to raise concerns, in confidence, 
about possible wrongdoing in financial 
reporting or other matters and ensuring that 
these arrangements allow proportionate and 
independent investigation of such matters 
and appropriate follow up action.

These responsibilities of the Committee are 
discharged in the following ways:

•  The Committee reviews the interim and 
annual reports as well as any formal 
announcements relating to the financial 
statements before submission to the Board. 
The review focuses particularly on any 
changes in accounting policy and practices, 
major judgmental areas and compliance 
with stock exchange, legal and regulatory 
requirements;

•  The Committee regularly reviews reports 

from the Risk Committee and the Enterprise 
Risk Management function (incorporating 
Group Internal Audit and Group 
Environmental, Health and Safety);
•  The Committee conducts an annual 

assessment of the operation of the Group’s 
system of internal control based on a 
detailed review carried out by Group Internal 
Audit. The results of this assessment are 
reviewed by the Committee and are reported 
to the Board;

•  The Committee makes recommendations 
to the Board in relation to the appointment 
of the external auditor. Each year, the 
Committee meets with the external auditor 
and reviews their procedures and the 
safeguards which have been put in place to 
ensure their objectivity and independence in 
accordance with regulatory and professional 
requirements; 

•  The Committee reviews the external audit 

plan and the findings from the external audit 
of the financial statements;

•  The Committee has a process in place 
to ensure that the independence of the 
audit is not compromised, which includes 
monitoring the nature and extent of services 
provided by the external auditors through 
its annual review of fees paid to the external 
auditors for audit and non-audit work. Details 
of the amounts paid to the external auditors 
during the year for audit and other services 
are set out in note 6 on page 78; and

•  The Committee has approved a policy on 
the engagement of the external auditors 
to provide non-audit services. The policy 
provides that the external auditor is 
permitted to provide non-audit services that 
are not, or are not perceived to be, in conflict 
with auditor independence, providing they 
have the skill, competence and integrity to 
carry out the work and are considered to 
be the most appropriate to undertake such 
work in the best interests of the DCC Group.

Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee comprises 
Michael Buckley (Chairman) and two 
independent non-executive Directors, 
David Byrne and Maurice Keane. Jim Flavin 
resigned from the Committee on 27 May 
2008. Bernard Somers resigned from the 
Committee on 30 March 2009 and was 
replaced by David Byrne. The Committee 
met four times during the year ended 31 
March 2009. Individual attendance at these 
meetings is set out in the table on page 50.

The role and responsibilities of the 
Nomination Committee are set out in 
its written terms of reference, which are 
available on the Company’s website www.
dcc.ie. The principal responsibilities of the 
Committee are to keep Board renewal, 
structure, size and composition under 
constant review, including the skills, 
knowledge and experience required.

The Committee has particular regard to the 
leadership needs of the organisation, both 
executive and non-executive.

50

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Corporate Governance
(continued)

During the year, upon the recommendations 
of the Nomination Committee, the Board 
appointed David Byrne, Kevin Melia and 
John Moloney to the positions of non-
executive Directors and Donal Murphy 
to the position of executive Director. This 
followed a thorough process undertaken by 
the Nomination Committee which carefully 
considered the Board’s requirements, 
identified suitable candidates, in terms of 
quality of individual, age profile, qualification 
and business background, and made 
recommendations to the Board. 

The Nomination Committee did not use 
an external search consultancy or open 
advertising in the appointment of the 
new non-executive Directors. Rather, 
the Committee utilised industry and 
professional contacts to identify suitable 
candidates and, as such, did not require 
the additional assistance that an external 
search consultancy or open advertising 
might offer.

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee comprises 
three independent non-executive Directors, 
Maurice Keane (Chairman), Róisín Brennan 
and David Byrne, and the Chairman of the 
Board, Michael Buckley. Bernard Somers 
resigned from the Committee on 1 January 
2009 and was replaced by David Byrne. 
The Committee met nine times during the 
year ended 31 March 2009. Individual 
attendance at these meetings is set out in 
the table below.

The role and responsibilities of the 
Remuneration Committee are set out in 
its written terms of reference, which are 
available on the Company’s website www.
dcc.ie. The principal responsibilities of the 
Committee are determining the policy for 
the remuneration of the Chairman, the Chief 
Executive, the other executive Directors 
and certain senior Group management and 
determining their remuneration packages, 
including salary, bonuses, pension rights 
and compensation payments, and the 
granting of awards under the Company’s 
long term incentive schemes. 

The Remuneration Committee consults with 
the Chief Executive on remuneration for 
the other executive Directors and for senior 
Group management. The Remuneration 
Committee is authorised to obtain access 
to professional advice if deemed desirable.

The Committee has engaged Mercer to 
make recommendations in relation to and 
assist in the implementation of a proposed 
new long term incentive plan which will 
be put before the 2009 Annual General 
Meeting.

Oversight Committee
In August 2007, the Board established 
an ad hoc Committee of non-executive 
Directors to oversee issues arising from 
the Supreme Court judgment in the Fyffes 
case and the subsequent Inspectorship 
process. Meetings are held as required. 
The Committee comprises Michael Buckley, 
David Byrne and Maurice Keane. Bernard 
Somers resigned from the Committee on  
1 January 2009 and was replaced by  
David Byrne.

Attendance at Board and Committee meetings during the year ended 31 March 2009:

Director  

Board 

Audit 
Committee 

Nomination 
Committee 

Remuneration
Committee 

Michael Buckley 
Tommy Breen 
Tony Barry1 
Róisín Brennan 
David Byrne2 
Jim Flavin3 
Paddy Gallagher4 
Maurice Keane 
Kevin Melia5 
John Moloney6 
Donal Murphy7 
Fergal O’Dwyer 
Bernard Somers 

A 

13 
13 
12 
13 
2 
4 
10 
13 
3 
2 
3 
13 
13 

B 

13 
13 
12 
13 
2 
4 
10 
13 
3 
2 
3 
13 
13 

A 

- 
- 
- 
4 
- 
- 
2 
1 
1 
- 
- 
- 
4 

B 

- 
- 
- 
4 
- 
- 
2 
1 
1 
- 
- 
- 
4 

A 

4 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1 
- 
4 
- 
- 
- 
- 
4 

B 

4 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1 
- 
4 
- 
- 
- 
- 
4 

A 

9 
- 
2 
9 
2 
- 
- 
9 
- 
- 
- 
- 
4 

B

9
-
2
9
2
-
-
9
-
-
-
-
2

Column A indicates the number of meetings held during the period the Director was a member of the Board and/or Committee.
Column B indicates the number of meetings attended during the period the Director was a member of the Board and/or Committee.

1  Tony Barry retired on 28 February 2009.
2 

 David Byrne was appointed to the Board and to the Remuneration Committee on 1 January 2009 and to the Nomination Committee on 
30 March 2009.
Jim Flavin resigned on 27 May 2008.

3 
4  Paddy Gallagher retired on 1 December 2008.
5  Kevin Melia was appointed to the Board and to the Audit Committee on 1 December 2008.
6 
7  Donal Murphy was appointed to the Board on 1 December 2008.

John Moloney was appointed to the Board on 2 February 2009 and to the Audit Committee on 30 March 2009.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Governance (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

51

Performance Evaluation
The Board undertakes a formal annual 
evaluation of its own performance, that of 
each of its principal committees, the Audit, 
Nomination and Remuneration committees, 
and that of individual directors, using the 
‘Performance Evaluation Guidance’ set out 
in the Higgs Suggestions for Good Practice. 

As part of the Board evaluation of its own 
performance, a questionnaire is circulated 
to all Directors. The questionnaire is 
designed to obtain Directors’ comments 
regarding the performance of the Board 
including any recommendations for 
improvement.

The Chairman, on behalf of the Board, 
conducts evaluations of performance with 
each of the non-executive Directors on an 
annual basis.

The non-executive Directors, led by the 
Senior Independent Director, meet annually 
without the Chairman present to evaluate 
his performance, having taken into account 
the views of the executive Directors. The 
non-executive Directors also evaluate the 
performance of each executive Director.

These evaluations are designed to 
determine whether each Director continues 
to contribute effectively and to demonstrate 
commitment to the role.

The Audit, Nomination and Remuneration 
committees carry out annual reviews of their 
own performance and terms of reference 
to ensure they are operating at maximum 
effectiveness and recommend any changes 
they consider necessary to the Board for 
approval.

The Board considers the results of the 
evaluation process and any issues identified.

Relations with Shareholders
DCC recognises the importance of 
communications with shareholders. 
Presentations are made to both existing 
and prospective institutional shareholders 
principally after the release of the interim 
and annual results. DCC issues an Interim 
Management Statement twice yearly in 
February and July. Major acquisitions 
are also notified to the market and the 
Company’s website www.dcc.ie provides 
the full text of all press releases. The 
website also contains annual and interim 
reports and incorporates audio and slide 
show investor presentations. 

The Board is kept informed of the views of 
shareholders through the executive Directors’ 
attendance at investor presentations and 

results presentations. Furthermore, relevant 
feedback from such meetings, investor 
relations reports and brokers notes are 
provided to the entire Board on a regular 
basis. In addition, the Board determines, on 
a case by case basis, specific issues where 
it would be appropriate for the Chairman 
and/or Senior Independent Director to 
communicate directly with shareholders 
or to indicate that they are available to 
communicate if shareholders so wish. If any 
of the non-executive Directors wishes to 
attend meetings with major shareholders, 
arrangements are made accordingly. If major 
shareholders request meetings with new non-
executive Directors, this is also facilitated.

The Company’s Annual General Meeting 
affords shareholders the opportunity to 
question the Chairman and the Board. 
The chairmen of the Audit, Nomination 
and Remuneration Committees are also 
available to answer questions at the Annual 
General Meeting. The Chief Executive 
presents at the Annual General Meeting on 
the Group’s business and its performance 
during the prior year and answers questions 
from shareholders. Shareholders can 
meet with the Chairman or the Senior 
Independent Director on request. 

Notice of the Annual General Meeting, the 
Form of Proxy and the Annual Report are 
sent to shareholders at least 20 working 
days before the meeting. At the Meeting, 
after each resolution has been dealt with, 
details are given of the level of proxy votes 
cast on each resolution and the numbers 
for, against and withheld. 

The 2009 Annual General Meeting will be 
held at 11 a.m. on 17 July 2009 at The 
Four Seasons Hotel, Simmonscourt Road, 
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland.

Internal Control
The Board is responsible for the Group’s 
system of internal control and for reviewing 
its effectiveness. 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.

In accordance with the revised FRC 
(Turnbull) guidance for directors on internal 
control published in October 2005, ‘Internal 
Control: Revised Guidance for Directors 
on the Combined Code’, the Board 
confirms that there is an ongoing process 
for identifying, evaluating and managing 
any 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:

•  skilled and experienced Group and 

divisional management;

•  an organisation structure with 

clearly defined lines of authority and 
accountability;

•  a comprehensive system of financial 

reporting involving budgeting, monthly 
reporting and variance analysis;
•  the operation of approved risk 

management policies (including treasury 
and IT);

•  a Risk Committee, comprising senior 

Group management, whose main role is 
to keep under review and report to the 
Audit Committee on the principal risks 
facing the Group, the controls in place to 
manage those risks and the monitoring 
procedures;

•  an independent Enterprise Risk 

Management function, which incorporates 
Group Internal Audit and Group 
Environmental, Health and Safety; and
•  a formally constituted Audit Committee 
which reviews the operation of the Risk 
Committee and the Enterprise 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 took account of the principal 
business risks facing the Group, the controls 
in place to manage those risks (including 
financial, operational and compliance 
controls and risk management) and the 
procedures in place to monitor them.

Going Concern
After making enquiries, the Directors have 
formed a judgment, 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 56 and the reporting 
responsibilities of the auditors are set out in 
their report on page 57.

Compliance Statement
DCC has complied, throughout the year 
ended 31 March 2009, with the provisions 
set out in Section 1 of the Combined Code 
on Corporate Governance. 

52

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Report on Directors’ Remuneration 
and Interests

The basic non-executive Director fee 
amounts to €60,000 per annum. Additional 
fees are paid to members and the 
Chairmen of Board committees. 

The Chairman of the Board receives a total 
fee of €225,000 and the Deputy Chairman/
Senior Independent Director receives a total 
fee of €103,000, in both cases inclusive of 
the basic fee and committee fees. 

There have been no increases in the fees 
of non-executive Directors for the year 
commencing on 1 April 2009.

Non-executives Directors do not participate 
in the Company’s long term incentive 
schemes and do not receive any pension 
benefits from the Company.

An office is provided for the use of the 
Chairman.

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee comprises 
three independent non-executive Directors, 
Maurice Keane (Chairman), Róisín Brennan 
and David Byrne, and the Chairman of the 
Board, Michael Buckley. 

The role and responsibilities of the 
Remuneration Committee are set out in 
its written terms of reference, which are 
available on request and on the Company’s 
website www.dcc.ie. The principal 
responsibilities of the Committee are:
•  determining the policy for the 

remuneration of the Chairman, the Chief 
Executive, the other executive Directors 
and certain senior Group management, 
•  determining their remuneration packages, 
including salary, bonuses, pension rights 
and compensation payments, and 

•  the granting of awards under the 

Company’s long term incentive schemes. 

The Remuneration Committee consults with 
the Chief Executive on remuneration for 
the other executive Directors and for senior 
Group management. The Remuneration 
Committee is authorised to obtain 
access to professional advice if deemed 
desirable. It has engaged Mercer to make 
recommendations in relation to and assist in 
the implementation of a proposed new long 
term incentive plan, as detailed on page 55. 

Remuneration Policy
The Company’s policy in relation to 
remuneration is to ensure that employment 
and remuneration conditions for the 
Group’s senior executives properly reward 
and motivate them to perform in the best 
interests of the shareholders in the long 
term, within the framework set out in the 
Combined Code on Corporate Governance.

The typical elements of the remuneration 
package for senior executives are basic 
salary, performance related annual bonuses, 
pension benefits and other taxable benefits 
(principally the use of a company car) and 
participation in the Company’s long term 
incentive schemes. 

Directors’ Remuneration
Executive Directors’ Remuneration
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.

There have been no increases in the 
salaries of executive Directors for the year 
commencing on 1 January 2009.

Performance related annual bonuses
Performance related annual bonuses 
are payable to the executive Directors 
in respect of the financial year to 31 
March. The maximum bonus potential, 
as a percentage of basic salary, for each 
executive Director is reviewed and set 
annually and ranged between 60% and 
100% of basic salary for the year ended 31 
March 2009. 

The performance targets, which are set 
annually, are based on growth in Group 
earnings and in divisional operating 
profit, measured on a constant currency 
basis, against a pre-determined range, 
and the overall contribution and personal 
performance of each executive Director, 
including Group development. The 
approximate weighting of the performance 
targets is 60% to 80% for profit and 20% to 
40% for personal contribution.

Pension benefits
The Company funds pension schemes for 
executive Directors which aim to provide, 
on the basis of actuarial advice, a pension 
of two thirds of pensionable salary at 
normal retirement date. Pensionable salary 
is calculated as 105% of basic salary and 
does not include any performance related 
bonuses or benefits.

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.

 
Report on Directors’ Remuneration and Interests (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

53

Directors’ Remuneration Details
The table below sets out the details of the remuneration payable in respect of Directors who held office for any part of the financial year. 

Salary and 
Fees1 

Bonus 

Benefits2 

2009 
€’000 

2008 
€’000 

2009 
€’000 

2008 
€’000 

2009 
€’000 

2008 
€’000 

Pension 
Contribution3
2009 
€’000 

2008 
€’000 

Total

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

Executive Directors 
Tommy Breen 
Donal Murphy4 
Fergal O’Dwyer 
Jim Flavin5 

677 
100 
365 
133 

514 
- 
347 
832 

642 
180 
246 
- 

411 
- 
240 
- 

Total for executive Directors 

1,275 

1,693 

1,068 

651 

Non-executive Directors 
Michael Buckley6 
Tony Barry7 
Róisín Brennan  
David Byrne8 
Paddy Gallagher9 
Maurice Keane  
Kevin Melia4 
John Moloney10 
Bernard Somers 
Alex Spain11 

201 
56 
73 
25 
41 
77 
23 
10 
93 
- 

69 
61 
69 
- 
64 
69 
- 
- 
79 
41 

Total for non-executive Directors 

599 

452 

Ex gratia pension to dependant of retired Director 

Total  

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

25 
7 
22 
5 

59 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

22 
- 
21 
38 

81 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

189 
34 
123 
20 

149 
- 
116 
119 

1,533 
321 
756 
158 

1,096
-
724
989

366 

384 

2,768 

2,809

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

201 
56 
73 
25 
41 
77 
23 
10 
93 
- 

69
61
69
-
64
69
-
-
79
41

599 

452

10 

10

3,377 

3,271

Notes
1  Fees are payable only to non-executive Directors and include Board Committee fees.
2 
3 

In the case of the executive Directors, benefits relate principally to the use of a company car.
 Executive Director pension contributions in the year ended 31 March 2009 were made to a defined benefit scheme for Tommy Breen, 
Donal Murphy and Fergal O’Dwyer and to a defined contribution arrangement for Jim Flavin.

Jim Flavin resigned as a Director on 27 May 2008.

4  Kevin Melia and Donal Murphy were appointed as Directors on 1 December 2008.
5 
6  Michael Buckley was appointed Chairman on 27 May 2008.
7  Tony Barry retired as a Director on 28 February 2009.
8  David Byrne was appointed as a Director on 1 January 2009.
9  Paddy Gallagher retired as a Director on 1 December 2008. 
10  John Moloney was appointed as a Director on 2 February 2009. 
11  Alex Spain retired as a Director on 30 June 2007.

Executive Directors’ Defined Benefit Pensions
The table below sets out the increase in the accrued pension benefits to which executive Directors have become entitled during the year 
ended 31 March 2009 and the transfer value of the increase in accrued benefit, under the Company’s defined benefit pension scheme:

Executive Directors 
Tommy Breen  
Donal Murphy4 
Fergal O’Dwyer 

Total 

Increase in accrued pension 
 benefit (excl inflation) 
 during the year1  
€’000 

Transfer value equivalent
to the increase in 
 accrued pension benefit2 
€’000 

Total accrued pension
 benefit at year end3
€’000

64 
2 
16 

82 

761 
17 
168 

946 

255
70
145

470

Notes
1 
2 

Increases are after adjustment for inflation over the year and reflect additional pensionable service and salary.
 The transfer value equivalent to the increase in accrued pension benefit has been calculated on the basis of actuarial advice in 
accordance with Actuarial Guidance Note GN11. The transfer values do not represent sums paid to or due to the Directors named, but 
are the amounts that would transfer to another pension scheme in respect of the increase in accrued pension benefit during the year.

3  Figures represent the total accrued pension payable from normal retirement date, based on pensionable service at 31 March 2009.
4 

 The increase in accured pension benefit and the transfer value in the case of Donal Murphy relate to the period from his appointment as 
a Director on 1 December 2008.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
54

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Report on Directors’ Remuneration 
and Interests
(continued)

Share Options
DCC plc 1998 Employee Share
Option Scheme
Executive Directors and other senior 
executives participated in the DCC plc 
1998 Employee Share Option Scheme. 
As the ten year period during which share 
options could be granted under this 
Scheme expired in June 2008, no further 
grant of such options will be made.

The percentage of share capital which 
could be issued under the Scheme, the 
phasing of the grant of options and the 
limit on the value of options which could 
be granted to any individual complied with 
guidelines published by the institutional 
investment associations. The Scheme 
provided 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. 

Over the life of the Scheme, the total 
number of basic and second tier options 
granted, net of options lapsed, amounted 
to 7.1% of issued share capital, of which 
3.4% is currently outstanding. 

Basic tier options may not normally be 
exercised earlier than three years from 
the date of grant and second tier options 
not earlier than five years from the date of 
grant. Basic tier options may normally be 
exercised only 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 a period of at least three 
years following the date of grant.

Second tier options may normally be 
exercised only if the growth in the adjusted 
earnings per share over a period of at 

least 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. 

Directors are encouraged to hold their 
options beyond the earliest exercise date. 

Details as at 31 March 2009 of the 
executive Directors’ and the Company 
Secretary’s options to subscribe for shares 
under the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share 
Option Scheme are set out in the table 
below.

Number of options 

Options exercised
in year

At 31 

March   Granted  Exercised 
in year 
in year 

2008 

Lapsed 
in year 

  Weighted 
average 
option 
price 
at 31 
2009  March 2009 
€ 

At 31  
March 

  Weighted
  average
  Weighted  market
average  price at
 date of
exercise 
price  exercise
€

€ 

Normal Exercise Period 

Executive Directors 
Tommy Breen 
Basic Tier 
Second Tier 

Donal Murphy1 
Basic Tier 
Second Tier 

Fergal O’Dwyer 
Basic Tier 
Second Tier 

Jim Flavin2 
Basic Tier 
Second Tier 

Company Secretary 
Gerard Whyte 
Basic Tier 
Second Tier 

245,000 
190,000 

20,000 
- 

45,000 
45,000 

-  220,000 
-  145,000 

13.59 
9.17 

June 2001 – May 2018 
June 2003 – Nov 2012 

7.09 
7.10 

13.52
13.52

85,000 
45,000 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

85,000 
45,000 

13.77 
9.70 

Aug 2001 – May 2018 
Aug 2003 – Nov 2012 

- 
- 

-
-

197,500 
165,000 

15,000 
- 

45,000 
45,000 

-  167,500 
-  120,000 

12.87 
8.94 

June 2001 – May 2018 
June 2003 – Nov 2012 

7.09 
7.10 

13.52
13.52

428,416 
395,000 

-  333,416 
95,000 
-  275,000  120,000 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

8.60 
7.15 

15.53
15.44

100,000 
80,000 

10,000 
- 

14,000 
14,000 

- 
- 

96,000 
66,000 

13.13 
9.22 

June 2001 – May 2018 
June 2003 – Nov 2012 

7.21 
7.21 

13.74
13.74

1 

2 

  Donal Murphy was appointed as a Director on 1 December 2008. The opening balances above relate to the position at the date 
of his appointment.
Jim Flavin resigned as a Director on 27 May 2008. 

The market price of DCC shares on 31 March 2009 was €11.40 and the range during the year was €10.05 to €17.00.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report on Directors’ Remuneration and Interests (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

55

DCC Sharesave Scheme 
The Group established a Revenue approved save as you earn scheme, the DCC Sharesave Scheme, in 2000. On 15 June 2001, options 
were granted under the Scheme to those Group employees, including executive Directors, who entered into associated savings contracts. 
The options were granted at an option price of €8.79 per share, which represented a discount of 20% to the then market price as provided 
for by the rules of the Scheme. There are no options outstanding under the June 2001 grant. On 10 December 2004, a second grant of 
options under this Scheme was made to Group employees, not including executive Directors, at an option price of €12.63 per share, which 
represented a discount of 20% to the then market price. These options are exercisable between December 2007 and March 2011. At 31 
March 2009, Group employees held options to subscribe for 223,398 ordinary shares under the DCC Sharesave Scheme.

Details of the executive Directors’ and the Company Secretary’s options to subscribe for shares under the DCC Sharesave Scheme are set 
out below:

Executive Directors 
Tommy Breen 
Donal Murphy 
Fergal O’Dwyer 

Company Secretary 
Gerard Whyte 

* or date of appointment if later.

No. of options 
At 31 March 2009  

 No. of options
At 31 March 2008*

- 
653 
- 

815 

-
653
-

815

Additional information in relation to the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme and the DCC Sharesave Scheme appears in note 10 
on page 80. 

Review of Long Term Incentive Arrangements
Following the termination of the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme in 2008, the Remuneration Committee undertook a review 
of long term incentive arrangements for executive Directors and senior management, in which it was advised by independent consultants 
Mercer. Arising from the review, it was concluded that the Company should introduce a new long term incentive plan. Accordingly, following 
consultation with the Irish Association of Investment Managers and other significant shareholders, the DCC plc Long Term Incentive Plan 2009 
(‘the Plan’) will be put to shareholders for approval at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. Executive Directors will be eligible to participate 
in the Plan if approved. Further details of the proposed Plan are set out in the Notice of Annual General Meeting and explanatory letter from the 
Chairman.

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 2009 (together with their interests at 31 March 2008 or date of appointment, if later) were:

Directors 
Michael Buckley 
Tommy Breen 
Róisín Brennan 
David Byrne 
Maurice Keane 
Kevin Melia 
John Moloney 
Donal Murphy 
Fergal O’Dwyer 
Bernard Somers 

Company Secretary 
Gerard Whyte  

* or date of appointment if later.

All of the above interests were beneficially owned.

No. of Ordinary Shares 
At 31 March 2009 

No. of Ordinary Shares
At 31 March 2008*

10,000 
279,395 
- 
- 
5,000 
- 
- 
70,460 
254,889 
1,000 

137,200 

10,000
214,395
-
-
5,000
-
-
70,460
214,889
1,000

126,544

Apart from the interests disclosed above, the Directors and the Company Secretary had no interests in the share capital or loan stock of the 
Company or any other Group undertaking at 31 March 2009.

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

Directors’ Service Agreements
With the exception of Tommy Breen, Chief Executive, who has a service agreement with a minimum notice period of twelve months, none of 
the other Directors has a service contract with the Company or with any member of the Group. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
56

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for keeping 
proper books of account which disclose 
with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Company and the 
Group and to enable them to ensure that 
the financial statements comply with the 
Companies Acts 1963 to 2006 and, as 
regards the Group financial statements, 
Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. They are 
also responsible for safeguarding the 
assets of the Company and the Group 
and for taking reasonable steps for the 
prevention and detection of fraud and other 
irregularities. 

The Directors are responsible for the 
maintenance and integrity of the corporate 
and financial information included on 
the Company’s website. Legislation in 
the Republic of Ireland governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial 
statements may differ from legislation in 
other jurisdictions.

Directors’ Statement Pursuant to the 
Transparency Regulations
Each of the Directors, whose names 
and functions are listed on pages 4 to 5, 
confirms that, to the best of each person’s 
knowledge and belief:

•  the financial statements, prepared in 

accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 
European Union, give a true and fair view 
of the assets, liabilities, financial position 
and profit of the Company and the Group; 
and

•  the Report of the Directors includes 
a fair review of the development and 
performance of the Group’s business and 
the position of the Company and Group, 
together with a description of the principal 
risks and uncertainties facing the Group.

The Directors are responsible for preparing 
the Annual Report and the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable 
laws and regulations. 

Irish company law requires the Directors 
to prepare financial statements for 
each financial year. Under that law the 
Directors have prepared the Group and 
Parent Company financial statements in 
accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted 
by the European Union. The financial 
statements are required by law to 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.

In preparing these financial statements the 
Directors are required to: 

•  select suitable accounting policies and 

then apply them consistently; 

•  make judgments and estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent; 

•  state that the financial statements comply 
with IFRSs as adopted by the European 
Union; and

•  prepare the financial statements on 
the going concern basis unless it is 
inappropriate to presume that the Group 
and the Parent Company will continue in 
business. 

The Directors confirm that they have 
complied with the above requirements in 
preparing the financial statements.

The Directors are also required by 
applicable law and the Listing Rules issued 
by the Irish Stock Exchange, to prepare 
a Report of the Directors and reports 
relating to Directors’ remuneration and 
corporate governance. In accordance with 
the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) 
Regulations 2007 (‘the Transparency 
Regulations’), the Directors are required to 
include a management report containing a 
fair review of the business and a description 
of the principal risks and uncertainties 
facing the Group.

On behalf of the Board

Michael Buckley 
Non-executive Chairman 

Tommy Breen
Chief Executive 

Report of the Independent Auditors
For the year ended 31 March 2009

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

57

To the Members of DCC plc
We have audited the Group and Parent 
Company financial statements (the ‘financial 
statements’) of DCC plc for the year ended 
31 March 2009 which comprise the Group 
Income Statement, the Group and Parent 
Company Balance Sheets, the Group and 
Parent Company Cash Flow Statements, 
the Group and Parent Company Statement 
of Recognised Income and Expense 
and the related notes. These financial 
statements have been prepared under the 
accounting policies set out therein. 

Respective Responsibilities of Directors 
and Auditors
The Directors’ responsibilities for 
preparing the Annual Report and the 
financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted 
by the European Union, are set out in the 
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities.

Our responsibility is to audit the financial 
statements in accordance with relevant 
legal and regulatory requirements and 
International Standards on Auditing (UK 
and Ireland). This report, including the 
opinion, has been prepared for and only 
for the Company’s members as a body 
in accordance with Section 193 of the 
Companies Act, 1990 and for no other 
purpose. We do not, in giving this opinion, 
accept or assume responsibility for any 
other purpose or to any other person to 
whom this report is shown or into whose 
hands it may come save where expressly 
agreed by our prior consent in writing.

We report to you our opinion as to whether 
the Group financial statements give a true 
and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as 
adopted by the European Union. We report 
to you our opinion as to whether the Parent 
Company financial statements give a true 
and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs 
as adopted by the European Union, as 
applied in accordance with the provisions 
of the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2006. We 
also report to you whether the financial 
statements have been properly prepared 
in accordance with Irish statute comprising 
the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2006 and 
Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. We state 
whether we have obtained all the information 
and explanations we consider necessary 
for the purposes of our audit, and whether 
the Parent 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 of the 
Company; 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, any 
information specified by law or the Listing 
Rules of the Irish Stock Exchange regarding 
Directors’ remuneration and Directors’ 
transactions is not disclosed and, where 
practicable, include such information in our 
report.

We review whether the Corporate 
Governance statement reflects the 
Company’s compliance with the nine 
provisions of the Financial Reporting 
Council’s 2006 Combined Code specified 
for our review by the Listing Rules of 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 
form an opinion on the effectiveness of the 
Group’s corporate governance procedures 
or its risk and control procedures.

We read the other information contained in 
the Annual Report and consider whether 
it is consistent with the audited financial 
statements. The other information comprises 
only the Chairman’s Statement, the Chief 
Executive’s Review, the Operating and 
Financial Review, the Sustainability Report, the 
Corporate Governance Statement, the Report 
on Directors’ Remuneration and Interests 
and the Directors’ Report. We consider the 
implications for our report if we become aware 
of any apparent misstatements or material 
inconsistencies with the financial statements. 
Our responsibilities do not extend to any other 
information.

Basis of Audit Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with 
International Standards on Auditing (UK and 
Ireland) 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 judgments 
made by the Directors in the preparation 
of the financial statements, and of whether 
the accounting policies are appropriate to 
the Group’s and 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.

Opinion
In our opinion:
•  the Group financial statements give a true 
and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs 
as adopted by the European Union, of the 
state of the Group’s affairs as at 31 March 
2009 and of its profit and cash flows for 
the year then ended;

•  the Parent Company financial statements 
give a true and fair view, in accordance 
with IFRSs as adopted by the European 
Union as applied in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Acts, 1963 to 
2006, of the state of the Parent Company’s 
affairs as at 31 March 2009 and cash flows 
for the year then ended; and

•  the financial statements have been 

properly prepared in accordance with 
the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2006 and 
Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

We have obtained all the information and 
explanations which 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 
Directors’ Report is consistent with the 
financial statements.

The net assets of the Company, as stated 
in the Company Balance Sheet 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 2009 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
18 May 2009

 
58

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Group Income Statement
For the year ended 31 March 2009

Pre 
exceptionals 
€’000 

Note 

2009 
Exceptionals 
(note 11) 
€’000 

Total 
€’000 

Pre 
exceptionals 
€’000 

2008 
Exceptionals

(note 11) 
€’000 

Revenue 
Cost of sales 
Gross profit 
Administration expenses 
Selling and distribution expenses 
Other operating income  
Other operating expenses  
Operating profit before 
amortisation of intangible assets 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Operating profit 
Finance costs 
Finance income 
Share of associates’ profit after tax 
Profit before tax 
Income tax expense 

4 

5 
5 

4 
4 

12 
12 
14 

15 

6,400,126 
(5,735,419) 
664,707 
(244,227) 
(252,307) 
14,320 
(2,097) 

180,396 
(5,719) 
174,677 
(41,262) 
20,152 
168 
153,735 
(19,436) 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
6,176 
(26,015) 

(19,839) 
- 
(19,839) 
- 
3,919 
- 
(15,920) 
(1,500) 

6,400,126 
(5,735,419) 
664,707 
(244,227) 
(252,307) 
20,496 
(28,112) 

5,531,962  
(4,940,247) 
591,715 
(205,118) 
(230,470) 
14,564 
(3,511) 

160,557 
(5,719) 
154,838 
(41,262) 
24,071 
168 
137,815 
(20,936) 

167,180 
(7,928) 
159,252 
(44,912) 
27,120 
639 
142,099 
(14,774) 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
94,763 
(55,158) 

39,605 
- 
39,605 
- 
- 
- 
39,605 
(1,756) 

Total 
€’000

5,531,962
(4,940,247)
591,715
(205,118)
(230,470)
109,327
(58,669)

206,785
(7,928)
198,857
(44,912)
27,120
639
181,704
(16,530)

Profit after tax for the financial year 

134,299 

(17,420) 

116,879 

127,325 

37,849 

165,174

Profit attributable to: 
Equity holders of the Company 
Minority interest 

Earnings per ordinary share 
Basic 
Diluted   

18 
18 

Michael Buckley, Tommy Breen, Directors

116,314 
565 
116,879 

142.36c 
141.36c 

164,491
683
165,174

204.28c
200.31c

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Statement of Recognised  
Income and Expense
For the year ended 31 March 2009

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

59

Items of income and expense recognised directly within equity: 
Currency translation effects 
Group defined benefit pension obligations: 
- actuarial loss 
- movement in deferred tax asset 
Deferred tax on share based payment 
(Losses)/gains relating to cash flow hedges 
Movement in deferred tax liability on cash flow hedges 
Net expense recognised directly in equity 
Profit after tax for the financial year 
Total recognised income and expense for the financial year 

Attributable to: 
Equity holders of the Company 
Minority interest 
Total recognised income and expense for the financial year 

Note 

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

32 
15 
15 

15 

(85,812) 

(64,310)

(9,517) 
911 
- 
(1,600) 
204 
(95,814) 
116,879 
21,065 

(9,086)
1,200
25
385
(46)
(71,832)
165,174
93,342

20,500 
565 
21,065 

92,659
683
93,342

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Group Balance Sheet
As at 31 March 2009

ASSETS 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Investments in associates 
Deferred income tax assets 
Derivative financial instruments 

Current assets 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Derivative financial instruments 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

EQUITY 
Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the Company 
Equity share capital 
Share premium account 
Other reserves - share options 
Cash flow hedge reserve 
Foreign currency translation reserve 
Other reserves 
Retained earnings 

Minority interest 
Total equity 

LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deferred income tax liabilities 
Retirement benefit obligations 
Provisions for liabilities and charges 
Deferred acquisition consideration 
Government grants 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Current income tax liabilities 
Borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Provisions for liabilities and charges 
Deferred acquisition consideration 

Total liabilities 
Total equity and liabilities 

Michael Buckley, Tommy Breen, Directors

Note 

19 
20 
21 
31 
28 

23 
24 
28 
27 

36 
37 
38 
38 
38 
38 
39 

40 
41 

29 
28 
31 
32 
34 
33 
35 

25 

29 
28 
34 
33 

2009 
€’000 

319,301 
443,188 
2,208 
9,435 
128,313 
902,445 

2008
€’000

337,058
416,883
4,678
10,199
25,347
794,165

208,759 
672,782 
322 
426,789 
1,308,652 
2,211,097 

219,752
807,433
1,523
485,840
1,514,548
2,308,713

22,057 
124,687 
7,807 
(1,174) 
(153,036) 
1,400 
720,909 
722,650 
3,581 
726,231 

22,057
124,687
6,651
222
(67,224)
1,400
650,871
738,664
3,771
742,435

525,405 
17,372 
15,827 
29,498 
5,309 
15,057 
1,995 
610,463 

696,294 
54,948 
101,657 
1,660 
13,754 
6,090 
874,403 
1,484,866 
2,211,097 

358,119
43,558
11,706
21,851
5,399
16,155
1,941
458,729

796,902
53,895
217,546
17,206
7,964
14,036
1,107,549
1,566,278
2,308,713

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Cash Flow Statement
For the year ended 31 March 2009

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

61

Cash generated from operations 
Exceptionals 
Interest paid 
Income tax paid 
Net cash flows from operating activities 

Investing activities 
Inflows  
Dividends received from associates 
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Government grants received 
Proceeds on disposal of associate 
Interest received 

Outflows 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Acquisition of subsidiaries  
Deferred acquisition consideration paid 

Net cash flows from investing activities 

Financing activities 
Inflows  
Re-issue of treasury shares 
Increase in finance lease liabilities 
Increase in interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Outflows 
Repayment of interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
Repayment of finance lease liabilities 
Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company 
Dividends paid to minority interests 

Net cash flows from financing activities 

Change in cash and cash equivalents 
Translation adjustment 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  

Cash and cash equivalents consists of: 
Cash and short term bank deposits 
Overdrafts 

Note 

42 

35 

17 
40 

30 

27 
30 
30 

2009 
€’000 

304,874 
(60,940) 
(38,274) 
(14,147) 
191,513 

- 
5,484 
1,130 
8,481 
16,417 
31,512 

(56,970) 
(89,725) 
(11,987) 
(158,682) 
(127,170) 

10,267 
- 
84,348 
94,615 

(92,938) 
(1,129) 
(47,937) 
(766) 
(142,770) 
(48,155) 

16,188 
(36,717) 
396,046 
375,517 

2008
€’000

129,043
(4,168)
(38,541)
(21,902)
64,432

172,000
7,781
92
8,880
23,560
212,313

(87,526)
(166,584)
(9,987)
(264,097)
(51,784)

4,060
873
202,049
206,982

(43,490)
(6,523)
(41,813)
(2,725)
(94,551)
112,431

125,079
(39,220)
310,187
396,046

426,789 
(51,272) 
375,517 

485,840
(89,794)
396,046

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Company Balance Sheet
As at 31 March 2009

ASSETS 
Non-current assets 
Investments in associates 
Investments in subsidiary undertakings 

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

EQUITY 
Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the Company 
Equity share capital 
Share premium account 
Other reserves 
Retained earnings 
Total equity 

LIABILITIES 
Non-current liabilities 
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 

Total liabilities 
Total equity and liabilities 

Michael Buckley, Tommy Breen, Directors

Note 

21 
22 

24 
27 

36 
37 
38 
39 
41 

25 

2009 
€’000 

1,244 
161,065 
162,309 

452,817 
815 
453,632 
615,941 

22,057 
124,687 
344 
194,317 
341,405 

10,387 
10,387 

264,149 
264,149 
274,536 
615,941 

2008
€’000

1,244
161,065
162,309

494,630
2,664
497,294
659,603

22,057
124,687
344
230,285
377,373

10,387
10,387

271,843
271,843
282,230
659,603

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Statement of Recognised
Income and Expense
For the year ended 31 March 2009

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

63

Profit after tax for the financial year 
Total recognised income and expense for the financial year 

Attributable to: 
Equity holders of the Company 

Company Cash Flow Statement
For the year ended 31 March 2009

Cash generated from operations 
Interest paid 
Income tax received/(paid) 
Net cash flows from operating activities 

Investing activities 
Inflows  
Proceeds on disposal of associate 
Interest received 

Outflows 
Capital contribution to subsidiary undertaking 

Net cash flows from investing activities 

Financing activities 
Inflows  
Re-issue of treasury shares 

Outflows 
Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company 

Net cash flows from financing activities 

Change in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  

Note 

16 

Note 

42 

17 

2009 
€’000 

1,702 
1,702 

2008
€’000

221,280
221,280

1,702 

221,280

2009 
€’000 

31,207 
(1,069) 
1 
30,139 

- 
5,682 
5,682 

- 
- 
5,682 

10,267 
10,267 

(47,937) 
(47,937) 
(37,670) 

(1,849) 
2,664 
815 

2008
€’000

46,156
(1,868)
(1,750)
42,538

8,880
4,991
13,871

(16,000)
(16,000)
(2,129)

4,060
4,060

(41,813)
(41,813)
(37,753)

2,656
8
2,664

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
64

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Statement of Compliance 
The consolidated financial statements of DCC plc have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) and their interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as adopted by the European Union (EU) 
and those parts of the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. Both the Parent Company and the 
Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU. In presenting the Parent Company financial 
statements together with the Group financial statements, the Company has availed of the exemption in Section 148(8) of the Companies 
Act 1963 not to present its individual Income Statement and related notes that form part of the approved Company financial statements. 
The Company has also availed of the exemption from filing its individual Income Statement with the Registrar of Companies as permitted by 
Section 7(1A) of the Companies (Amendment) Act 1986.

Basis of Preparation
The consolidated financial statements, which are presented in euro, rounded to the nearest thousand, have been prepared under the 
historical cost convention, as modified by the measurement at fair value of share options and derivative financial instruments. The carrying 
values of recognised assets and liabilities that are hedged are adjusted to record changes in the fair values attributable to the risks that are 
being hedged.

The accounting policies applied in the preparation of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2009 are set out below. These 
policies have been applied consistently by the Group’s subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates for all periods presented in these 
consolidated financial statements.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. In addition, it 
requires management to exercise judgment in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. The areas involving a high 
degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are 
documented in note 3.

Standards, interpretations and amendments to published standards that are not yet effective 
The Group has not applied certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards that have been issued but are not 
yet effective. These include the following:

•  Improvements to IFRSs (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2009). The improvements include changes in presentation, 

recognition and measurement plus terminology and editorial changes. These improvements are not expected to have a significant impact 
on the Group’s accounts.

•  IFRS 1 Revised First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 

2010). This revised standard clarifies the requirements for first-time adoption of new and amended IFRSs. This standard will not have a 
significant impact on the Group’s accounts.

•  Amendment to IFRS 2 Share-based Payments: Vesting Conditions and Cancellations (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 

2009). This amendment clarifies the accounting treatment of cancellations and vesting conditions. This amendment will have no impact on 
the Group’s accounts.

•  IFRS 3 Revised Business Combinations (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2010). This standard establishes principles for 
how an acquirer recognises, measures and discloses in its financial statements the goodwill acquired in the business combination and the 
identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. The impact on the Group’s accounts 
will be dependent on future acquisitions.

•  IFRS 8 Operating Segments (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2009). IFRS 8 replaces IAS 14 and uses a ‘management 

approach’ under which segment information is presented on the same basis as that used for internal reporting purposes. Whilst the 
application of IFRS 8 will result in amendments to the segment information note, this amendment will not be of a recognition and 
measurement nature.

•  Amendment to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements (Revised) (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2009). This 

amendment sets overall requirements for the presentation of financial statements, guidelines for their structure and minimum requirements 
for their content. IAS 1 will have an impact on the presentation of the financial statements of the Group, however, this is not expected to 
be significant.

•  Amendment to IAS 23 Borrowing Costs (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2009). This amendment requires an entity to 
capitalise borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset, as part of the 
cost of that asset. This amendment will not have any effect on the Group’s financial statements.

•  Amendment to IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2010). The 

objective of this amendment is to enhance the relevance, reliability and comparability of the information that a parent entity provides in its 
separate financial statements and in its consolidated financial statements for a group of entities under its control. The introduction of this 
amendment will impact on Group reporting but this is not expected to be significant.

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

65

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
•  Amendment to IAS 32 Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations Arising on Liquidation (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 

April 2009). This amendment will have no effect on the Group’s financial statements.

•  Amendment to IAS 39 Eligible Hedged Items (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2010). This amendment clarifies how the 
principles that determine whether a hedged risk (or portions of cash flows) is eligible for designation should be applied. This amendment 
will not have a significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.

•  IFRIC Interpretation 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2009). This interpretation gives 

guidance on accounting for customer loyalty award credits. This IFRIC will have no effect on the Group’s financial statements.

•  IFRIC Interpretation 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2009). This 

interpretation gives guidance on determining the recognition of revenue among real estate developers. This IFRIC will have no effect on the 
Group’s financial statements.

•  IFRIC Interpretation 16 Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2009). This 
interpretation provides guidance on accounting for the hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation in an entity’s consolidated financial 
statements. This IFRIC will have no effect on the Group’s financial statements.

•  IFRIC Interpretation 17 Distributions of Non-cash Assets to Owners (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2010). This 

interpretation gives guidance on measuring the distribution of assets, other than cash, when paying a dividend to the owners of the entity. 
This IFRIC will have no effect on the Group’s financial statements.

•  IFRIC Interpretation 18 Transfers of Assets from Customers (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2010). This interpretation 
gives guidance for utility companies on receipt from customers of property, plant and equipment that must be used to connect those 
customers to a utilities network. This IFRIC will have no effect on the Group’s financial statements.

Basis of Consolidation
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities that are controlled by the Group. Control exists where the Group has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the 
financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that are 
currently exercisable or convertible are taken into account.

The results of subsidiary undertakings acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the Group Income Statement from the date 
of their acquisition or up to the date of their disposal. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to 
bring their accounting policies into line with those used by the Group.

Joint ventures 
In accordance with IAS 31 Interests in Joint Ventures, the Group’s share of results and net assets of joint ventures, which are entities in 
which the Group holds an interest on a long-term basis and which are jointly controlled by the Group and one or more other venturers 
under a contractual arrangement, are accounted for on the basis of proportionate consolidation from the date on which the contractual 
agreements stipulating joint control are finalised and are derecognised when joint control ceases. All of the Group’s joint ventures are jointly 
controlled entities within the meaning of IAS 31. The Group combines its share of the joint ventures’ individual income and expenses, assets 
and liabilities and cash flows on a line-by-line basis with similar items in the Group’s financial statements.

Associates
Associates are all entities over which the Group has significant influence but not control, generally accompanying a shareholding of between 
20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are initially 
recognised at cost. The Group’s investment in associates includes goodwill identified on acquisition, net of any accumulated impairment 
loss. Goodwill attributable to investments in associates is treated in accordance with the accounting policy for goodwill.

The Group’s share of its associates’ post-acquisition profits or losses is recognised in the Group Income Statement, and its share of post-
acquisition movements in reserves is recognised in reserves. The cumulative post-acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying 
amount of the investment. When the Group’s share of losses in an associate equals or exceeds its interest in the associate, including any 
other unsecured receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of 
the associate.

The results of associates are included from the effective date on which the Group obtains significant influence and are excluded from the 
effective date on which the Group ceases to have significant influence.

Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised gains arising from such transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated 
financial statements. Unrealised gains arising from transactions with joint ventures and associates are eliminated to the extent of the 
Group’s interest in the entity. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same manner as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no 
evidence of impairment.

66

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Revenue Recognition
Revenue comprises the fair value of the sale of goods and services to external customers net of value added tax, rebates and discounts. 
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods are transferred to the buyer, 
which generally arises on delivery, or in accordance with specific terms and conditions agreed with customers. Revenue from the rendering 
of services is recognised in the period in which the services are rendered. 

Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable.

Dividend income from investments is recognised when shareholders’ rights to receive payment have been established.

Segment Reporting 
A segment is a distinguishable component of the Group that is engaged either in providing products or services (business segment), or 
in providing products or services within a particular economic environment (geographical segment), which is subject to risks and rewards 
that are different from those other segments. Arising from the Group’s internal organisational structure and its system of internal financial 
reporting, segmentation by business is regarded as being the predominant source and nature of the risks and returns facing the Group and 
is thus the primary segment. Geographical segmentation is the secondary segment.

Foreign Currency Translation
Functional and presentation currency
The consolidated financial statements are presented in euro which is the Company’s functional and the Group’s presentation currency. Items 
included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in 
which the entity operates. 

Transactions and balances 
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Currency translation differences on 
monetary assets and liabilities are taken to the Group Income Statement except when cash flow and net investment hedge accounting is applied. 

Group companies
Results and cash flows of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates which do not have the euro as their functional currency are translated 
into euro at average exchange rates for the year. Average exchange rates are a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of 
the rates on the transaction dates. The related balance sheets are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. 
Adjustments arising on translation of the results of such subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates at average rates, and on the restatement 
of the opening net assets at closing rates, are dealt with in a separate translation reserve within equity, net of differences on related currency 
instruments designated as hedges of such investments.

On disposal of a foreign operation, such cumulative currency translation differences are recognised in the Income Statement as part of the 
overall gain or loss on disposal. In accordance with IFRS 1, cumulative currency translation differences arising prior to the transition date to 
IFRS (1 April 2004) have been set to zero for the purposes of ascertaining the gain or loss on disposal of a foreign operation. 

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition of a foreign operation are regarded as assets and liabilities of the foreign 
operation, are expressed in the functional currency of the foreign operation and are recorded at the exchange rate at the date of the 
transaction and subsequently retranslated at the applicable closing rates.

Exceptional Items
The Group has adopted an Income Statement format which seeks to highlight significant items within the Group results for the year. Such 
items may include restructuring, profit or loss on disposal or termination of operations, litigation costs and settlements, profit or loss on 
disposal of investments, profit or loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, IAS 39 ineffective mark to market movements and 
impairment of assets. Judgment is used by the Group in assessing the particular items, which by virtue of their scale and nature, should be 
presented in the Income Statement and disclosed in the related notes as exceptional items.

Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is 
provided on a straight-line basis at the rates stated below, which are estimated to reduce each item of property, plant and equipment to its 
residual value level by the end of its useful life:

Freehold and long term leasehold buildings 
Plant and machinery  
Cylinders 
Motor vehicles 
Fixtures, fittings & office equipment 

Annual Rate
2%
5 - 331/3%
62/3%
10 - 331/3%
10 - 331/3%

Land is not depreciated. The residual values and useful lives of property, plant and equipment are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at 
each balance sheet date.

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

67

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
In accordance with IAS 36 Impairment of Assets, the carrying amounts of items of property, plant and equipment are reviewed at each 
balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying 
amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount.

Impairment losses are recognised in the Income Statement. Following the recognition of an impairment loss, the depreciation charge 
applicable to the asset or cash-generating unit is adjusted prospectively in order to systematically allocate the revised carrying amount, net 
of any residual value, over the remaining useful life.

Subsequent costs are included in an asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable 
that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the replaced item can be measured reliably. All 
other repair and maintenance costs are charged to the Income Statement during the financial period in which they are incurred. 

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the construction of property, plant and equipment are capitalised as part of the cost of those assets.

Business Combinations
The purchase method of accounting is employed in accounting for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group. The Group elected to avail 
of the exemption under IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards, whereby business combinations prior to 
the transition date of 1 April 2004 are not restated. IFRS 3 Business Combinations was therefore applied with effect from the transition date 
of 1 April 2004 and goodwill amortisation ceased from that date.

The cost of a business combination is measured as the aggregate of the fair value at the date of exchange of assets given, liabilities incurred 
or assumed and equity instruments issued in exchange for control together with any directly attributable expenses. Where acquisitions 
involve further payments which are deferred or contingent on levels of performance achieved in the years following the acquisition, the fair 
value of the deferred component is determined through discounting the amounts payable to their present value. The discount component 
is unwound as an interest charge in the Income Statement over the life of the obligation. When the initial accounting for a business 
combination is determined provisionally, any adjustments to the provisional values allocated to assets and liabilities are made within twelve 
months of the acquisition date and reflected as a restatement of the acquisition balance sheet.

Minority Interests
The interest of minority shareholders is stated at the minority’s proportion of the fair values of the assets and liabilities recognised. 
Subsequently, any losses applicable to the minority interest in excess of the minority interest are allocated against interests of the parent.

The Group applies a policy of treating transactions with minority interests as transactions with parties external to the Group. Disposals to 
minority interests result in gains and losses for the Group that are recorded in the Income Statement. Purchases from minority interests 
result in goodwill, being the difference between any consideration paid and the relevant share acquired of the carrying value of the net 
assets of the subsidiary.

Goodwill
Goodwill arising in respect of acquisitions completed prior to 1 April 2004 (being the transition date to IFRS) is included at its carrying 
amount, which equates to its net book value recorded under previous GAAP. In accordance with IFRS 1, the accounting treatment of 
business combinations undertaken prior to the transition date (1 April 2004) was not reconsidered and goodwill amortisation ceased with 
effect from the transition date. 

Goodwill on acquisitions is initially measured at cost being the excess of the cost of the business combination over the acquirer’s interest 
in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities. Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated, 
from the acquisition date, to the cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the business 
combination in which the goodwill arose.

Following initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment 
annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired.

The carrying amount of goodwill in respect of associates, net of any impairment, is included in investments in associates under the equity 
method in the Group Balance Sheet.

Goodwill is subject to impairment testing on an annual basis and at any time during the year if an indicator of impairment is considered to 
exist; the goodwill impairment tests are undertaken at a consistent time in each annual period. Impairment is determined by assessing the 
recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the goodwill relates. Where the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is 
less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognised. Impairment losses arising in respect of goodwill are not reversed following 
recognition.

68

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Where a subsidiary is sold, any goodwill arising on acquisition, net of any impairments, is included in determining the profit or loss arising on 
disposal. 

Where goodwill forms part of a cash-generating unit and part of the operations within that unit are disposed of, the goodwill associated 
with the operation disposed of is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal of the 
operation. Goodwill disposed of in this circumstance is measured on the basis of the relative values of the operation disposed of and the 
proportion of the cash-generating unit retained.

Intangible Assets (other than Goodwill)
Intangible assets acquired separately are capitalised at cost. Intangible assets acquired in the course of a business combination are 
capitalised at fair value being their deemed cost as at the date of acquisition. 

Following initial recognition, intangible assets which have a finite life are carried at cost less any applicable accumulated amortisation 
and any accumulated impairment losses. Where amortisation is charged on assets with finite lives this expense is taken to the Income 
Statement.

The amortisation of intangible assets is calculated to write-off the book value of intangible assets over their useful lives on a straight-line 
basis on the assumption of zero residual value. In general, finite-lived intangible assets are amortised over periods ranging from two to six 
years, depending on the nature of the intangible asset.

The carrying amount of finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date and are subject to 
impairment testing when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable. For the purposes of 
assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units).

Leases
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the 
asset to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are capitalised as assets of the Group at the inception of the lease at the lower of the fair value of the 
leased asset and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the Balance 
Sheet as a short, medium or long term lease obligation as appropriate. Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and 
reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are 
recognised in the Income Statement.

Rentals payable under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the Income Statement on a straight 
line basis over the term of the relevant lease. 

Inventories
Inventories 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 inventories 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 inventories.

Trade Receivables
Trade and other receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest 
method less provision for impairment.

A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all 
amounts due according to the original terms of receivables. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter 
bankruptcy or financial reorganisation, and default in payments are considered indicators that the trade receivable is impaired. The amount 
of the provision is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows. The amount of 
the provision is recognised in the Income Statement.

Trade Payables
Trade and other payables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost, which approximates to fair 
value given the short-dated nature of these liabilities.

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

69

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand and short term deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. 

For the purpose of the Group Cash Flow Statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above net 
of bank overdrafts.

Derivative Financial Instruments 
The Group uses derivative financial instruments (principally interest rate, currency and cross currency interest rate swaps and forward 
foreign exchange and commodity contracts) to hedge its exposure to interest rate and foreign exchange risks and to changes in the prices 
of certain commodity products arising from operational, financing and investment activities.

Derivative financial instruments are recognised on inception at fair value, being the present value of estimated future cash flows. The method 
of recognising the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of 
the item being hedged.

Hedging
For the purposes of hedge accounting, hedges are designated either as fair value hedges (which entail hedging the exposure to movements 
in the fair value of a recognised asset or liability or a firm commitment that are attributable to hedged risks) or cash flow hedges (which 
hedge exposure to fluctuations in future cash flows derived from a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability or a highly 
probable forecast transaction).

The Group documents at the inception of the transaction the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its 
risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedging transactions. The Group also documents its assessment, both at 
hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting 
changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.

The fair values of various derivative instruments used for hedging purposes are disclosed in note 28 and the movements on the hedging 
reserve in shareholders’ equity are shown in note 38. The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability 
if the remaining maturity of the hedged item is more than twelve months, and as a current asset or liability if the remaining maturity of the 
hedged item is less than twelve months.

Fair value hedge
In the case of fair value hedges which satisfy the conditions for hedge accounting, any gain or loss arising from the re-measurement of the 
fair value of the hedging instrument is reported in the Income Statement within ‘Finance Costs’ or ‘Finance Income’. 

In addition, any gain or loss on the hedged item which is attributable to the hedged risk is adjusted against the carrying amount of the 
hedged item and reflected in the Income Statement within ‘Finance Costs’ or ‘Finance Income’. 

If a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the adjustment to the carrying amount of the hedged item is amortised to the 
Income Statement over the period to maturity.

Cash flow hedge
Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the variability in cash flows of a recognised asset or liability or a highly 
probable forecasted transaction, the effective part of any gain or loss on the derivative financial instrument is recognised as a separate 
component of equity with the ineffective portion being reported in the Income Statement. When a forecast transaction results in the 
recognition of an asset or a liability, the cumulative gain or loss is removed from equity and included in the initial measurement of the asset 
or liability. Otherwise, the associated gains or losses that had previously been recognised in equity are transferred to the Income Statement 
in the same reporting period as the hedged transaction. 

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain 
or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in the 
Income Statement. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in equity is 
immediately transferred to the Income Statement.

Interest-Bearing Loans and Borrowings
All loans and borrowings are initially recorded at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Loans and borrowings are subsequently stated 
at amortised cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the Income 
Statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method.

70

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Provisions
A provision is recognised in the Balance Sheet when the Group has a present obligation (either legal or constructive) as a result of a 
past event, and it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are measured at the 
Directors’ best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the balance sheet date and are discounted to present value 
where the effect is material. 

A provision for restructuring is recognised when the Group has approved a detailed and formal restructuring plan and announced its main 
provisions.

Provisions arising on business combinations are only recognised to the extent that they would have qualified for recognition in the financial 
statements of the acquiree prior to the acquisition.

A contingent liability is not recognised but is disclosed where the existence of the obligation will only be confirmed by future events or 
where it is not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation or where the amount of the obligation cannot 
be measured with reasonable reliability. Contingent assets are not recognised but are disclosed where an inflow of economic benefits is 
probable. 

Environmental Provisions
The Group’s waste management and recycling activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the 
environment. Full provision is made for the net present value of the Group’s estimated costs in relation to restoration liabilities at its landfill 
sites. The net present value of the estimated costs is capitalised as property, plant and equipment and the unwinding of the discount 
element on the restoration provision is reflected in the Income Statement.

Finance Costs
Finance costs comprise interest payable on borrowings calculated using the effective interest rate method, gains and losses on hedging 
instruments that are recognised in the Income Statement and the unwinding of discounts on provisions. The interest expense component of 
finance lease payments is recognised in the Income Statement using the effective interest rate method. The finance cost on defined benefit 
pension scheme liabilities is recognised in the Income Statement in accordance with IAS 19.

Finance Income
Interest income is recognised in the Income Statement as it accrues, using the effective interest method. The expected return on defined 
benefit pension scheme assets is recognised in the Income Statement in accordance with IAS 19. 

Income Tax
Current tax
Current tax represents the expected tax payable or recoverable on the taxable profit for the year using tax rates enacted or substantively 
enacted at the balance sheet date and taking into account any adjustments stemming from prior years.

Deferred tax
Deferred tax is provided using the liability method on all temporary differences at the balance sheet date which is defined as the difference between 
the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not subject to 
discounting and are measured at the tax rates that are anticipated to apply in the year in which the asset is realised or the liability is settled.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences with the exception of the following:
(i) 

 where the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or the initial recognition of an asset or a liability in a transaction 
that is not a business combination and affects neither the accounting profit nor the taxable profit or loss at the time of the transaction; and

(ii)   where, in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, the 

timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is subject to control by the Group and it is probable that reversal will not occur in the 
foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets are recognised in respect of all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax credits and unused tax 
losses to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which to offset these items except:
(i) 

 where the deferred tax asset arises from the initial recognition of an asset or a liability in a transaction that is not a business combination 
and affects neither the accounting profit nor the taxable profit or loss at the time of the transaction; and 

(ii)   where, in respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investment in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, a 

deferred tax asset is recognised only if it is probable that the deductible temporary difference will reverse in the foreseeable future and 
that sufficient taxable profits will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilised.

The carrying amounts of deferred tax assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer 
probable that sufficient taxable profit would be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised.

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

71

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Pension and Other Post Employment Obligations
The Group operates defined contribution and defined benefit pension schemes.

The costs arising in respect of the Group’s defined contribution schemes are charged to the Income Statement in the period in which they 
are incurred. The Group has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions after payment of fixed contributions.

The Group operates a number of defined benefit pension schemes which require contributions to be made to separately administered 
funds. The liabilities and costs associated with the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes are assessed on the basis of the projected 
unit credit method by professionally qualified actuaries and are arrived at using actuarial assumptions based on market expectations at 
the balance sheet date. The Group’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit pension schemes is calculated separately for each plan by 
estimating the amount of future benefits that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods. That benefit 
is discounted to determine its present value, and the fair value of any plan asset is deducted. Plan assets are measured at bid values.

The discount rate employed in determining the present value of the schemes’ liabilities is determined by reference to market yields at the 
balance sheet date on high quality corporate bonds of a currency and term consistent with the currency and term of the associated post-
employment benefit obligations.

The net surplus or deficit arising in the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes are shown within either non-current assets or liabilities 
on the face of the Group Balance Sheet. The deferred tax impact of pension scheme surpluses and deficits is disclosed separately within 
deferred tax liabilities or assets as appropriate. In accordance with IAS 19 Employee Benefits the Group recognises actuarial gains and 
losses immediately in the Statement of Recognised Income and Expense.

When the benefits of a defined benefit plan are improved, the portion of the increased benefit relating to past service by employees is 
recognised as an expense in the Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the average period until the benefits become vested. To the 
extent that the benefits vest immediately, the expense is recognised immediately in the Income Statement.

Share-Based Payment Transactions
Employees (including Directors) of the Group receive remuneration in the form of share-based payment transactions, whereby employees 
render service in exchange for shares or rights over shares.

The fair value of share entitlements granted is recognised as an employee expense in the Income Statement with a corresponding increase 
in equity. The fair value at the grant date is determined using a binomial model for the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme and 
the Black Scholes option valuation model for the DCC Sharesave Scheme. 

Non-market based vesting conditions are not taken into account when estimating the fair value of entitlements as at the grant date. The 
expense in the Income Statement represents the product of the total number of options anticipated to vest and the fair value of those 
options. This amount is allocated on a straight-line basis over the vesting period to the Income Statement with a corresponding credit to 
‘Other Reserves - Share Options’. The cumulative charge to the Income Statement is only reversed where entitlements do not vest because 
non-market performance conditions have not been met or where an employee in receipt of share entitlements relinquishes service before 
the end of the vesting period.

The proceeds received by the Company on the exercise of share entitlements are credited to Share Capital (nominal value) and Share 
Premium when the share entitlements are exercised. When the share-based payments give rise to the re-issue of shares from treasury 
shares, the proceeds of issue are credited to shareholders equity. 

The measurement requirements of IFRS 2 have been implemented in respect of share options entitlements granted after 7 November 
2002. In accordance with the standard, the disclosure requirements of IFRS 2 have been applied to all outstanding share-based payments 
regardless of their grant date. The Group does not operate any cash-settled share-based payment schemes or share-based payment 
transactions with cash alternatives as defined in IFRS 2.

Government Grants
Grants are recognised at their fair value when there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and all attaching conditions 
have been complied with.

Capital grants received and receivable by the Group are credited to government grants and are amortised to the Income Statement on a 
straight-line basis over the expected useful lives of the assets to which they relate.

Revenue grants are recognised as income over the periods necessary to match the grant on a systematic basis to the costs that it is 
intended to compensate.

72

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Shareholders’ Equity
Treasury Shares
Where the Company purchases the Company’s equity share capital, the consideration paid is deducted from total shareholders’ equity and 
classified as treasury shares until they are cancelled. Where such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received is 
included in total shareholders’ equity.

Dividends
Dividends on Ordinary Shares are recognised as a liability in the Group’s financial statements in the period in which they are approved by the 
shareholders of the Company. Proposed dividends that are approved after the balance sheet date are not recognised as a liability at that 
balance sheet date, but are disclosed in the dividends note.

2. Financial Risk Management
Financial Risk Factors
The Group uses derivative financial instruments (principally interest rate, currency and cross currency interest rate swaps and forward 
foreign exchange and commodity contracts) to hedge certain risk exposures, as detailed below, arising from operational, financing and 
investment activities. The Group does not trade in financial instruments nor does it enter into any leveraged derivative transactions. 

Financial risk management within the Group is governed by policies and guidelines reviewed and approved annually by the Board of 
Directors. These policies and guidelines primarily cover foreign exchange risk, commodity price risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and interest rate 
risk. Monitoring of compliance with the policies and guidelines is managed by the Group Risk Management function.

The Group’s financial risks are detailed in note 47.

Fair Value Estimation
The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets is based on quoted market prices at the balance sheet date. The quoted 
market price used for financial assets held by the Group is the current bid price. 

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over-the-counter derivatives) is determined by 
using valuation techniques. The Group uses a variety of techniques and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions existing 
at each balance sheet date. Quoted market prices or dealer quotes for similar instruments are used for long-term debt. Other techniques, 
such as estimated discounted cash flows, are used to determine fair value for the remaining financial instruments. The fair value of interest 
rate swaps is calculated as the present value of the estimated future cash flows. The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is 
determined using quoted forward exchange rates at the balance sheet date.

The nominal value less impairment provision of trade receivables and payables approximate to their fair values. 

3. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments
The Group’s main accounting policies affecting its results of operations and financial condition are set out on pages 64 to 72. In determining 
and applying accounting policies, judgment is often required in respect of items where the choice of specific policy, accounting estimate or 
assumption to be followed could materially affect the reported results or net asset position of the Group should it later be determined that a 
different choice would be more appropriate. Management considers the accounting estimates and assumptions discussed below to be its 
critical accounting estimates and judgments:

Goodwill
The Group has capitalised goodwill of €429.3 million at 31 March 2009. Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment at least annually or 
more frequently if changes in circumstances or the occurrence of events indicating potential impairment exist. The Group uses the present 
value of future cash flows to determine recoverable amount. In calculating the fair value, management judgment is required in forecasting 
cash flows of reporting units, in determining terminal growth values and in selecting an appropriate discount rate. Sensitivities to changes in 
assumptions are detailed in note 20.

Post-Retirement Benefits
The Group operates a number of defined benefit retirement plans. The Group’s total obligation in respect of defined benefit plans is 
calculated by independent, qualified actuaries, updated at least annually and totals €81.8 million at 31 March 2009. At 31 March 2009 the 
Group also has plan assets totalling €52.3 million, giving a net pension liability of €29.5 million. The size of the obligation is sensitive to 
actuarial assumptions. These include demographic assumptions covering mortality and longevity, and economic assumptions covering price 
inflation, benefit and salary increases together with the discount rate used. The size of the plan assets is also sensitive to asset return levels 
and the level of contributions from the Group. Sensitivities to changes in assumptions are detailed in note 32.

 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

73

3. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments (continued)
Taxation
The Group is subject to income taxes in a number of jurisdictions. Provisions for tax liabilities require management to make judgments and 
estimates in relation to tax issues and exposures. Amounts provided are based on management’s interpretation of country specific tax laws 
and the likelihood of settlement. Where the final tax outcome is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will 
impact the current tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the unused tax 
losses and unused tax credits can be utilised. The Group estimates the most probable amount of future taxable profits, using assumptions 
consistent with those employed in impairment calculations, and taking into account applicable tax legislation in the relevant jurisdiction. 
These calculations require the use of estimates.

Business Combinations
The Group uses the purchase method of accounting for acquisitions which requires that the assets and liabilities assumed are recorded at 
their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. The application of the purchase method requires certain estimates and assumptions 
particularly concerning the determination of the fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. 

For intangible assets acquired, the Group bases valuations on expected future cash flows. This method employs a discounted cash flow 
analysis using the present value of the estimated after-tax cash flows expected to be generated from the purchased intangible asset using 
risk adjusted discount rates and revenue forecasts as appropriate. The period of expected cash flows is based on the expected useful life of 
the intangible asset acquired. 

Provision for Impairment of Trade Receivables
The Group trades with a large and varied number of customers on credit terms. Some debts due will not be paid through the default of a 
small number of customers. The Group uses estimates based on historical experience and current information in determining the level of 
debts for which a provision for impairment is required. The level of provision required is reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Useful Lives for Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets
Long-lived assets comprising primarily of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets represent a significant portion of total 
assets. The annual depreciation and amortisation charge depends primarily on the estimated lives of each type of asset and, in certain 
circumstances, estimates of residual values. Management regularly review these useful lives and change them if necessary to reflect current 
conditions. In determining these useful lives management consider technological change, patterns of consumption, physical condition and 
expected economic utilisation of the assets. Changes in the useful lives can have a significant impact on the depreciation and amortisation 
charge for the period.

4. Segment Information
Analysis by Business Segment and by Geography
The Group is analysed into five main business segments: DCC Energy, DCC SerCom, DCC Healthcare, DCC Food & Beverage and DCC 
Environmental.

DCC Energy markets and sells liquefied petroleum gas and oil products for commercial/industrial, transport and domestic use in Britain and 
Ireland. DCC Energy also includes a fuel card services business.

DCC SerCom markets and sells a broad range of IT and consumer electronic products in Britain, Ireland and Continental Europe to 
computer resellers, high street retailers, computer superstores, on-line retailers and mail order companies. DCC SerCom also includes a 
supply chain management business.

DCC Healthcare markets and sells medical, surgical, laboratory, intravenous pharmaceutical, rehabilitation and independent living products 
to the acute care, community care and laboratory sectors in Britain and Ireland. DCC Healthcare is also a leading provider of contract 
manufacturing services to the health and beauty industry in Europe.

DCC Food & Beverage markets and sells food and beverages in Ireland and wine in Britain. These include healthy foods, snackfoods, 
fresh coffee and wine to a broad range of catering, convenience store, food service and multiple grocer customers. DCC Food & Beverage 
is also a leading provider of frozen food distribution in Ireland.

DCC Environmental provides a broad range of waste management and recycling services to the industrial, commercial, construction and 
public sectors in Britain and Ireland.

Intersegment revenue is not material and thus not subject to separate disclosure. 

 
74

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

4. Segment Information (continued)
The segment results for the year ended 31 March 2009 are as follows: 

Income Statement items 

Year ended 31 March 2009

DCC 
 Energy 
€’000 

DCC 
SerCom 
€’000 

DCC 
Healthcare 
€’000 

DCC Food 
& Beverage  Environmental  
€’000 

€’000 

 DCC

Segment revenue 

4,130,842 

1,551,316 

331,223 

304,973 

81,772 

Operating profit* 
Amortisation of  
intangible assets 
Net operating  
exceptionals (note 11) 

100,694 

40,138 

17,300 

12,040 

10,224 

(2,830) 

(882) 

(704) 

(496) 

(5,803) 

(2,768) 

(6,077) 

(3,974) 

(807) 

(467) 

Unallocated 
€’000 

Total
€’000

- 

- 

- 

6,400,126

180,396

(5,719)

(750) 

(19,839)

92,061 

36,488 

10,519 

7,570 

8,950 

(750) 

Operating profit 
Finance costs 
Finance income 
Share of associates’ profit after tax 
Profit before income tax 
Income tax expense 
Profit for the year 

154,838
(41,262)
24,071
168
137,815
(20,936)
116,879

* Operating profit before amortisation of intangible assets and net operating exceptionals 

Year ended 31 March 2008

DCC 
 Energy 
€’000 

DCC 
SerCom 
€’000 

DCC 
Healthcare 
€’000 

DCC Food 
& Beverage   Environmental  
€’000 

€’000 

 DCC

Segment revenue 

3,420,026 

1,423,357 

286,782 

310,119 

91,678 

Operating profit* 
Amortisation of  
intangible assets 
Net operating  
exceptionals (note 11) 

Operating profit 
Finance costs 
Finance income 
Share of associates’ profit after tax 
Profit before income tax 
Income tax expense 
Profit for the year 

74,339 

40,062 

23,440 

15,301 

14,038 

(2,389) 

(2,216) 

(1,586) 

(986) 

(751) 

(4,807) 

(1,260) 

(665) 

3,538 

(1,392) 

44,191 

39,605

67,143 

36,586 

21,189 

17,853 

11,895 

44,191 

198,857
(44,912)
27,120
639
181,704
(16,530)
165,174

Unallocated 
€’000 

Total
€’000

- 

- 

- 

5,531,962

167,180

(7,928)

* Operating profit before amortisation of intangible assets and net operating exceptionals 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

75

4. Segment Information (continued)
Balance Sheet items 

As at 31 March 2009

DCC 
Energy 
€’000 

DCC 
SerCom 
€’000 

DCC 
Healthcare 
€’000 

DCC
DCC Food  
& Beverage  Environmental 
€’000 

€’000 

Total
€’000

Segment assets 

732,332 

466,079 

204,628 

144,877 

96,114 

1,644,030

Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Group Balance Sheet 
Investment in associates 
Derivative financial instruments (current and non-current) 
Deferred income tax assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total assets as reported in the Group Balance Sheet 

2,208
128,635
9,435
426,789
2,211,097

Segment liabilities 

370,951 

227,801 

56,305 

72,779 

17,019 

744,855

Reconciliation to total liabilities as reported in the Group Balance Sheet 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (current and non-current) 
Derivative financial instruments (current and non-current) 
Income tax liabilities (current and deferred) 
Deferred acquisition consideration (current and non-current)   
Government grants 
Total liabilities as reported in the Group Balance Sheet 

627,062
19,032
70,775
21,147
1,995
1,484,866

As at 31 March 2008

DCC 
Energy 
€’000 

DCC 
SerCom 
€’000 

DCC  
Healthcare 
€’000 

DCC Food 
& Beverage 
€’000 

DCC
Environmental 
€’000 

Total
€’000

Segment assets 

814,025 

502,010 

213,207 

142,596 

109,288 

1,781,126

Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Group Balance Sheet 
Investment in associates 
Derivative financial instruments (current and non-current) 
Deferred income tax assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total assets as reported in the Group Balance Sheet 

4,678
26,870
10,199
485,840
2,308,713

Segment liabilities 

411,721 

260,290 

59,302 

76,581 

24,222 

832,116

Reconciliation to total liabilities as reported in the Group Balance Sheet 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (current and non-current) 
Derivative financial instruments (current and non-current) 
Income tax liabilities (current and deferred) 
Deferred acquisition consideration (current and non-current)   
Government grants 
Total liabilities as reported in the Group Balance Sheet 

575,665
60,764
65,601
30,191
1,941
1,566,278

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
76

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

4. Segment Information (continued)
Net tangible capital employed
The denominator in the Group’s return on tangible capital employed calculations is the average of the Group’s opening and closing net 
tangible capital employed. The following tables provide an analysis of the net tangible capital employed positions at 31 March 2009 and 31 
March 2008.

As at 31 March 2009

DCC 
Energy 
€’000 

DCC 
SerCom 
€’000 

DCC  
Healthcare 
€’000 

DCC Food 
DCC
& Beverage  Environmental 
€’000 

€’000 

Total
€’000

Segment assets 
Intangible assets 
Deferred income tax assets 
Assets employed 

Segment liabilities 
Income tax liabilities (current and deferred) 
Government grants 
Liabilities employed 

732,332 
(211,436) 
2,144 
523,040 

370,951 
31,407 
- 
402,358 

466,079 
(73,178) 
1,492 
394,393 

227,801 
18,097 
183 
246,081 

204,628 
(89,018) 
3,684 
119,294 

56,305 
9,052 
1,385 
66,742 

144,877 
(31,128) 
1,930 
115,679 

72,779 
5,573 
- 
78,352 

96,114 
(38,428) 
185 
57,871 

1,644,030
(443,188)
9,435
1,210,277

17,019 
6,646 
427 
24,092 

744,855
70,775
1,995
817,625

Net tangible capital employed 

120,682 

148,312 

52,552 

37,327 

33,779 

392,652

As at 31 March 2008

DCC 
Energy 
€’000 

DCC 
SerCom 
€’000 

DCC  
Healthcare 
€’000 

DCC Food 
& Beverage 
€’000 

DCC
Environmental 
€’000 

Total
€’000

Segment assets 
Intangible assets 
Deferred income tax assets 
Assets employed 

Segment liabilities 
Income tax liabilities (current and deferred) 
Government grants 
Liabilities employed 

814,025 
(183,952) 
3,368 
633,441 

411,721 
26,473 
- 
438,194 

502,010 
(68,207) 
1,140 
434,943 

260,290 
16,218 
228 
276,736 

213,207 
(90,512) 
4,076 
126,771 

59,302 
10,579 
1,022 
70,903 

142,596 
(32,736) 
1,376 
111,236 

76,581 
4,683 
- 
81,264 

109,288 
(41,476) 
239 
68,051 

1,781,126
(416,883)
10,199
1,374,442

24,222 
7,648 
691 
32,561 

832,116
65,601
1,941
899,658

Net tangible capital employed 

195,247 

158,207 

55,868 

29,972 

35,490 

474,784

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

77

4. Segment Information (continued)
Other segment information 

Year ended 31 March 2009

DCC 
Energy 
€’000 

DCC 
SerCom 
€’000 

DCC 
Healthcare 
€’000 

DCC
DCC Food  
& Beverage  Environmental 
€’000 

€’000 

Total
€’000

Capital expenditure 

31,447 

3,952 

6,737 

4,108 

9,876 

56,120

Depreciation 

25,391 

3,745 

5,071 

4,601 

6,601 

45,409

Intangible assets acquired 

54,181 

10,586 

8,689 

2,266 

2,085 

77,807

Impairment of goodwill 

- 

- 

3,346 

2,115 

- 

5,461

Year ended 31 March 2008

DCC 
Energy 
€’000 

DCC 
SerCom 
€’000 

DCC 
Healthcare 
€’000 

DCC Food 
& Beverage 
€’000 

DCC 
Environmental 
€’000 

Total
€’000

Capital expenditure 

38,246 

3,182 

15,084 

17,094 

14,010 

87,616

Depreciation 

25,558 

3,457 

4,861 

4,719 

6,850 

45,445

Intangible assets acquired 

90,124 

11,272 

18,465 

Impairment of goodwill 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,166 

121,027

- 

-

Geographical analysis
The following is a geographical analysis of the segment information presented above. 

Republic of Ireland 
2008 
2009 
€’000 
€’000 

UK 

2009 
€’000 

2008 
€’000 

Rest of the World 
2009 
€’000 

2008 
€’000 

Total

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

Year ended 31 March

Income Statement items

Revenue 

1,004,169 

1,112,936 

4,819,165 

3,982,215 

576,792 

436,811 

6,400,126 

5,531,962

Operating profit* 
44,277 
Amortisation of intangible assets  (1,741) 
Net operating exceptionals 
(4,867) 
Segment result 
37,669 

61,999 
(3,009) 
45,404 
104,394 

121,580 
(3,887) 
(11,145) 
106,548 

95,521 
(4,646) 
(5,331) 
85,544 

14,539 
(91) 
(3,827) 
10,621 

9,660 
(273) 
(468) 
8,919 

180,396 
(5,719) 
(19,839) 
154,838 

167,180
(7,928)
39,605
198,857

Balance Sheet items

Segment assets 

424,271 

537,000 

1,050,120 

1,126,567 

169,639 

117,559 

1,644,030 

1,781,126

Segment liabilities 

190,961 

265,645 

456,414 

515,793 

97,480 

50,678 

744,855 

832,116

Other segment information

Capital expenditure 

14,955 

33,525 

39,476 

52,915 

1,689 

1,176 

56,120 

87,616

Depreciation 

14,986 

14,573 

29,470 

30,152 

953 

720 

45,409 

45,445

Intangible assets acquired 

7,953 

8,935 

62,485 

110,841 

7,369 

1,251 

77,807 

121,027

Impairment of goodwill 

115 

- 

2,318 

- 

3,028 

- 

5,461 

-

* Operating profit before amortisation of intangible assets and net operating exceptionals

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
78

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

5. Other Operating Income/Expenses

Other operating income and expenses comprise the following charges/(credits): 

Other income 
Fair value gains on non-hedge accounted derivative financial instruments 
- forward foreign exchange contracts 
Other operating income 

Other expenses 
Expensing of employee share options (note 10) 
Fair value losses on undesignated derivative financial instruments 
- forward foreign exchange contracts 
Other operating expenses 

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

(1,245) 
(13,075) 
(14,320) 

-
(14,564)
(14,564)

1,156 

1,844

- 
941 
2,097 

495
1,172
3,511

6. Group Operating Profit
Group operating profit has been arrived at after charging/(crediting) the following amounts (including the Group’s share of joint ventures 
accounted for on the basis of proportionate consolidation):

Provision for impairment of trade receivables (note 47) 
Directors’ fees and salaries 
Amortisation of government grants (note 35)   
Operating lease rentals 
- land and buildings 
- plant and machinery 
- motor vehicles 

During the year the Group obtained the following services from the Group’s auditors (PricewaterhouseCoopers): 

Audit fees 
Acquisition related due diligence and litigation support 
Tax compliance and advisory services 

2009 
€’000 

18,996 
 1,874 
(830) 

11,457 
513 
8,228 
20,198 

1,351 
303 
2,186 
3,840 

2008
€’000

5,638
 2,145
(288)

8,388
774
4,907
14,069

1,476
338
1,902
3,716

7. Directors’ Emoluments and Interests
Directors’ emoluments and interests (which are included in operating costs) are presented in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration and 
Interests on pages 52 to 55.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

79

8. Proportionate Consolidation of Joint Ventures
Impact on Group Income Statement 

Year ended 31 March 
Group share of: 

Revenue 
Cost of sales 
Gross profit 
Operating costs 
Exceptional items 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Operating profit 
Finance income (net) 
Profit before income tax 
Income tax expense 
Group profit for the financial year 

Impact on Group Balance Sheet 
As at 31 March 
Group share of: 

Non-current assets 
Current assets 
Total assets 

Total equity 
Non-current liabilities 
Current liabilities 
Total liabilities 
Total equity and liabilities 

Impact on Group Cash Flow Statement

Year ended 31 March 
Group share of:

Net cash flow from operating activities 
Net cash flow from investing activities 
Net cash flow from financing activities 
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 
(Overdraft)/cash acquired on acquisition  
Translation adjustment 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents to net cash  
Cash and cash equivalents as above 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (current and non-current) 
Net cash at 31 March 

2009 
€’000 

43,510 
(30,125) 
13,385 
(9,206) 
(336) 
(428) 
3,415 
199 
3,614 
(1,237) 
2,377 

23,745 
9,574 
33,319 

20,423 
5,440 
7,456 
12,896 
33,319 

(2,206) 
(4,511) 
69 
(6,648) 
(15) 
(339) 
9,040 
2,038 

2,038 
(61) 
1,977 

2008
€’000

48,026
(31,592)
16,434
(8,874)
3,628
(157)
11,031
183
11,214
(1,960)
9,254

24,800
19,094
43,894

26,401
6,582
10,911
17,493
43,894

11,491
(7,329)
-
4,162
204
(569)
5,243
9,040

9,040
-
9,040

The Group’s share of the capital commitments of its joint ventures at 31 March 2009 is €2.858 million (2008: €3.798 million).

Details of the Group’s principal joint ventures are shown in the Group directory on pages 112 to 114.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
80

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

9. Employment
The average weekly number of persons (including executive Directors and the Group’s share of employees of joint ventures, applying 
proportionate consolidation) employed by the Group during the year analysed by class of business was:

DCC Energy 
DCC SerCom 
DCC Healthcare 
DCC Food & Beverage 
DCC Environmental 

The employee benefit expenses (excluding termination payments - note 11) for the above were: 

Wages and salaries 
Social welfare costs 
Share based payment expense (note 10) 
Pension costs - defined contribution plans 
Pension costs - defined benefit plans (note 32) 

2009 
Number 

2008
Number

2,833 
1,403 
1,347 
1,055 
544 
7,182 

2009 
€’000 

264,585 
29,905 
1,156 
7,570 
3,090 
306,306 

2,392
1,513
1,183
1,044
506
6,638

2008
€’000

246,114
27,385
1,844
6,645
3,246
285,234

10. Employee Share Options
The Group’s employee share options are equity-settled share-based payments as defined in IFRS 2 Share-based Payment. The IFRS 
requires that a recognised valuation methodology be employed to determine the fair value of share options granted. The expense reported 
in the Income Statement of €1.156 million (2008: €1.844 million) has been arrived at through applying the binomial model, which is a lattice 
option-pricing model, for options issued under the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme and the Black Scholes option valuation 
model for options issued under the DCC Sharesave Scheme 2001.

Impact on Income Statement
In compliance with IFRS 2 Share-based Payment, the Group has implemented the measurement requirements of the IFRS in respect of 
share options that were granted after 7 November 2002 and had not vested by 1 April 2004.

The total share option expense is analysed as follows:

Date of grant 

  Grant 
price 
€ 

Duration of  

Number of  
vesting period  options granted 

Weighted 
average 
fair value  
€ 

 Expense in 
Income Statement

2009 
 €’000  

2008
 €’000

DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme
12 November 2002 
22 December 2003 
18 May 2004 
9 November 2004 
15 December 2005 
23 June 2006 
23 July 2007 
20 December 2007 
20 May 2008 

10.38 
10.70 
12.75 
15.65 
16.70 
18.05 
23.35 
19.50 
15.68 

3 and 5 years 
3 and 5 years 
3 and 5 years 
3 and 5 years 
3 and 5 years 
 3 years 
 3 years 
 3 years 
 3 years 

609,500 
132,000 
162,500 
219,500 
215,000 
223,500 
323,000 
25,000 
315,500 

2.81 
2.76 
3.42 
4.15 
4.52 
4.54 
6.35 
5.22 
4.32 

DCC Sharesave Scheme 2001
10 December 2004 
Total expense 

12.63 

3 and 5 years 

716,010 

4.67 

(213) 
29 
33 
19 
181 
222 
419 
43 
379 
1,112 

44 
1,156 

81
35
64
179
261
326
456
11
-
1,413

431
1,844

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

81

10. Employee Share Options (continued)
Share options

DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme
At 31 March 2009, under the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme, Group employees hold basic tier options to subscribe for 
1,902,000 ordinary shares and second tier options to subscribe for 1,131,000 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 the total number of shares in issue in each 
case.

Basic tier options may normally be exercised only 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 a period of at least three years following the date of grant.

Second tier options may normally be exercised only if the growth in the adjusted earnings per share over a period of at least 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.

A summary of activity under the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme over the year is as follows:

At 1 April 
Granted 
Exercised 
Lapsed  
At 31 March 

2009 

2008

Average  
exercise  
price in €  
per share 

11.12 
15.68 
7.54 
14.83 
12.75 

Options 

4,262,128 
315,500 
(1,267,128) 
(277,500) 
3,033,000 

Average
exercise
price in € 
 per share 

10.00 
23.07 
8.44 
11.24 
11.12 

 Options

4,172,712
348,000
(202,584)
(56,000)
4,262,128

Total exercisable at 31 March 

10.45 

1,520,000 

8.65 

2,632,628

The weighted average share price at the dates of exercise for share options exercised during the year under the DCC plc 1998 Employee 
Share Option Scheme was €14.73 (2008: €19.39). The share options outstanding at the year end have a weighted average remaining 
contractual life of 4.4 years (2008: 3.8 years).

The weighted average fair values assigned to options granted under the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme, which were 
computed in accordance with the binomial valuation methodology, were as follows:

Granted during the year ended 31 March 2009 
Granted during the year ended 31 March 2008 

The fair values of options granted under the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme were determined using the following 
assumptions:

Weighted average exercise price (in €) 
Risk-free interest rate (%) 
Dividend yield (%) 
Expected volatility (%) 
Expected life in years 

2009 

3 year 
15.68 
4.60 
2.50 
25.0 
8.0 

3 year 
€

4.32
6.26

2008

3 year
23.07
4.70
2.50
25.0
8.0

The expected volatility is based on historic volatility over the past 8 years. The expected life is the average expected period to exercise. The 
risk free rate of return is the yield on zero coupon government bonds of a term consistent with the assumed option life.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
82

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

10. Employee Share Options (continued)
Analysis of closing balance - outstanding at end of year

Date of grant 

Date of expiry 

26 June 1998 
27 July 1998 
4 August 1998 
6 August 1998 
10 November 1998 
9 November 1999 
16 May 2000 
21 November 2000 
13 November 2001 
12 November 2002 
22 December 2003 
18 May 2004 
9 November 2004 
15 December 2005 
23 June 2006 
23 July 2007 
20 December 2007 
20 May 2008 
Total outstanding at 31 March 

26 June 2008 
27 July 2008 
4 August 2008 
6 August 2008 
10 November 2008 
9 November 2009 
16 May 2010 
21 November 2010 
13 November 2011 
12 November 2012 
22 December 2013 
18 May 2014 
9 November 2014 
15 December 2015 
23 June 2016 
23 July 2017 
20 December 2017 
20 May 2018 

Analysis of closing balance - exercisable at end of year

Date of grant 

Date of expiry 

26 June 1998 
27 July 1998 
4 August 1998 
6 August 1998 
10 November 1998 
9 November 1999 
16 May 2000 
21 November 2000 
13 November 2001 
12 November 2002 
22 December 2003 
18 May 2004 
9 November 2004 
15 December 2005 
Total exercisable at 31 March 

26 June 2008 
27 July 2008 
4 August 2008 
6 August 2008 
10 November 2008 
9 November 2009 
16 May 2010 
21 November 2010 
13 November 2011 
12 November 2012 
22 December 2013 
18 May 2014 
9 November 2014 
15 December 2015 

Exercise  
price in € 
per share 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
7.00 
10.65 
11.25 
10.25 
10.38 
10.70 
12.75 
15.65 
16.70 
18.05 
23.35 
19.50 
15.68 

Exercise 
price in €  
per share 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
7.00 
10.65 
11.25 
10.25 
10.38 
10.70 
12.75 
15.65 
16.70 

2009 

2008

Options 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
557,500 
50,000 
166,500 
494,500 
374,000 
119,500 
142,500 
166,500 
183,000 
190,500 
248,000 
25,000 
315,500 
3,033,000 

Exercise
 price in €
per share 

8.19 
8.13 
7.43 
7.43 
6.22 
7.00 
10.65 
11.25 
10.25 
10.38 
10.70 
12.75 
15.65 
16.70 
18.05 
23.35 
19.50 
- 

Options

391,160
53,000
60,000
11,052
492,916
707,500
50,000
166,500
654,500
451,000
122,500
149,500
199,500
189,500
215,500
323,000
25,000
-
4,262,128

2009 

2008

Options 

-  
- 
- 
- 
- 
557,500 
50,000 
166,500 
241,000 
95,500 
52,000 
76,000 
113,500 
168,000 
1,520,000 

Exercise
price in € 
per share 

8.19 
 8.13 
 7.43 
 7.43 
 6.22 
 7.00 
10.65 
11.25 
10.25 
10.38 
10.70 
12.75 
15.65 
- 

 Options

391,160
53,000
60,000
11,052
492,916
707,500
50,000
166,500
321,000
102,500
55,000
79,500
142,500
-
2,632,628

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

83

10. Employee Share Options (continued)
DCC Sharesave Scheme 2001
Under the DCC Sharesave Scheme 2001, Group employees hold options to subscribe for 223,398 ordinary shares. Options are granted at 
a discount of 20% to the market price as provided for by the rules of the Scheme. Movements in the number of share options outstanding 
and their related weighted average exercise prices are as follows:

At 1 April 
Exercised 
Lapsed  
At 31 March 

2009 

2008

Average 
exercise 
price in € 
per share 

12.63 
12.63 
12.63 
12.63 

Average
 exercise
 price in €
 per share 

12.63 
12.63 
12.63 
12.63 

Options 

328,679 
(57,452) 
(47,829) 
223,398 

Options

563,635
(199,433)
(35,523)
328,679

The weighted average share price at the dates of exercise for share options exercised during the year under the DCC Sharesave Scheme 
2001 was €15.62 (2008: €16.01). The share options outstanding at the year end have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.9 
years (2008: 2.4 years).

Analysis of closing balance - outstanding at end of year

Date of grant 

Date of expiry 

10 December 2004 
10 December 2004 
Total outstanding at 31 March 

1 March 2009 
1 March 2011 

2009 

2008

Exercise 
 price in €  
per share 

12.63 
12.63 

Exercise
 price in €  
per share 

12.63 
12.63 

Options

86,891
241,788
328,679

Options 

- 
223,398 
223,398 

Analysis of closing balance - exercisable at end of year
As at 31 March 2009, none (2008: 86,891) of the outstanding options under the DCC Sharesave Scheme 2001 were exercisable.

11. Exceptionals

Restructuring costs and other 
Closure of Days Healthcare Germany 
Impairment of goodwill 
Legal fees 
Profit on disposal of associate 
Profit on disposal of Manor Park Homebuilders 
Costs of legal actions with Fyffes plc  
Operating exceptional items 

Mark to market gains (included in interest) 
Net exceptional items before taxation 

Exceptional taxation charge 
Net exceptional items after taxation 

2009 
€’000 

(13,045) 
(9,046) 
(2,433) 
(1,491) 
6,176 
- 
- 
(19,839) 

3,919 
(15,920) 

(1,500) 
(17,420) 

2008
€’000

(5,158)
-
-
-
-
94,763
(50,000)
39,605

-
39,605

(1,756)
37,849

Exceptional restructuring costs, mainly comprising redundancy costs, were incurred in relation to recently acquired and existing Group 
businesses. 

DCC Healthcare closed its subsidiary in Germany at a cost of €9.046 million, which includes redundancies and other exit costs, asset write 
offs and an impairment of acquisition goodwill of €3.028 million. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
84

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

11. Exceptionals (continued)
There was a non-cash goodwill impairment charge. An impairment review is performed annually for each cash-generating unit to which a 
carrying amount of goodwill has been allocated. The Group has written down the carrying value of goodwill amounts in relation to certain 
Healthcare and Food & Beverage subsidiaries and accordingly a charge of €2.433 million has been taken in the year ended 31 March 2009. 

The disposal of a small US associate company gave rise to an exceptional profit of €6.176 million and a cash inflow of €8.481 million.

Most of the Group’s debt has been raised in the US Private Placement debt market and swapped, using long term interest, currency and 
cross currency derivatives to floating rate sterling and euro. Under IAS 39, after ‘marking to market’ swaps designated as fair value hedges 
and the related fixed rate debt, the level of ineffectiveness is taken to the Income Statement. The recent volatility in capital markets has 
given rise to a mark to market ineffectiveness gain of €3.919 million. This significant gain will unwind as a loss over the remaining life of the 
relevant swaps and the Group regards this gain and similar movements in the future as exceptional in nature. 

An exceptional deferred tax charge of €1.500 million arises in relation to a recent change in UK tax legislation providing for the withdrawal of 
industrial building allowances. 

12. Finance Costs and Finance Income

Finance costs 
On bank loans, overdrafts and Unsecured Notes

- 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 
On finance leases 
Other interest 

Other finance costs: 
Interest on defined benefit pension scheme liabilities (note 32) 
Unwinding of discount applicable to deferred acquisition consideration 
Mark-to-market of swaps and related debt*   

Finance income 
Interest on cash and term deposits 
Other income receivable 
Expected return on defined benefit pension scheme assets (note 32) 
Mark-to-market of swaps and related debt* (note 11) 

Net finance cost 

* Mark-to-market of swaps and related debt   
- interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges 
- cross currency interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges 
- adjusted hedged fixed rate debt 
- currency swaps not designated as hedges   
- interest rate swaps not designated as hedges 

13. Foreign Currency
The exchange rates used in translating sterling Balance Sheets and Income Statement amounts were as follows:

Balance Sheet (closing rate) 
Income Statement (average rate) 

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

(13,116) 
(165) 
(21,373) 

(74) 
(157) 
(946) 
(35,831) 

(5,006) 
(425) 
- 
(41,262) 

15,724 
156 
4,272 
3,919 
24,071 

(18,880)
(72)
(19,727)

(3)
(532)
(547)
(39,761)

(4,405)
(648)
(98)
(44,912)

21,886
245
4,989
-
27,120

(17,191) 

(17,792)

15,649 
104,431 
(140,928) 
24,744 
23 
3,919 

15,056
18,140
(9,043)
(24,301)
50
(98)

2009 
 €1=Stg£ 

2008
 €1=Stg£

0.930 
0.826 

0.795
0.702

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

85

14. Share of Associates’ Profit after Tax 
The Group’s share of associates’ profit after tax is equity-accounted and is presented as a single line item in the Group Income Statement. 
The profit after tax generated by the Group’s associates is analysed as follows: 

Group share of: 
Revenue 

Profit before finance costs 
Finance (costs)/income (net) 
Profit before income tax 
Income tax expense 
Profit after tax 

15. Income Tax Expense

(i) Income tax expense recognised in the Income Statement 

Current taxation 
Irish Corporation Tax at 12.5% 
Less manufacturing relief 
Exceptional taxation charge (note 11) 
United Kingdom Corporation Tax at 28% (2008: 30%) 
Other overseas tax 
Total current taxation 

Deferred tax 
Irish at 12.5% 
United Kingdom at 28%  
Exceptional taxation charge (note 11) 
Other overseas deferred tax 
Under/(over) provision in respect of prior years 
Total deferred tax charge/(credit) 

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

9,725 

14,609

340 
(52) 
288 
(120) 
168 

1,041
2
1,043
(404)
639

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

5,589 
(308) 
- 
2,353 
5,869 
13,503 

(555) 
4,990 
1,500 
(158) 
1,656 
7,433 

10,859
(251)
1,756
6,973
2,708
22,045

(2,080)
(444)
-
(91)
(2,900)
(5,515)

Total income tax expense 

20,936 

16,530

(ii) Deferred tax recognised directly in Equity 

Defined benefit pension obligations 
Share based payments 
Cash flow hedges 

(iii) Reconciliation of effective tax rate 

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 
Share of associates’ profit after tax 
Amortisation of intangible assets 

Total income tax expense 
Deferred tax attaching to amortisation of intangible assets 

Taxation as a percentage of profit before share of associates’ 
profit after tax, amortisation of intangible assets and net exceptionals 
Impact of net exceptionals 
Taxation as a percentage of profit before share of associates’
profit after tax and amortisation of intangible assets 

2009 
€’000 

(911) 
- 
(204) 
(1,115) 

2009 
€’000 

137,815 
(168) 
5,719 
143,366 

20,936 
1,271 
22,207 

13.0% 
 2.5% 

2008
€’000

(1,200)
(25)
46
(1,179)

2008
€’000

181,704
(639)
7,928
188,993

16,530
1,659
18,189

11.0%
 (1.4%)

15.5% 

9.6%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
86

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

15. Income Tax Expense (continued)
The following table relates the applicable Republic of Ireland statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate of the Group:

Irish corporation tax rate 
Manufacturing relief 
Effect of earnings taxed at different rates and other 

2009 
% 
 12.5 
(0.1) 
3.1 
15.5 

2008
%
 12.5
(0.1)
(2.8)
9.6

(iv) Factors that may affect future tax rates and other disclosures
The standard rate of corporation tax in Ireland is 12.5% and in the UK the standard rate of corporation tax is 28%. 

No provision for tax has been recognised in respect of the unremitted earnings of subsidiaries as there is no commitment to remit earnings. 
Similarly, no deferred tax assets or liabilities have been recognised in respect of temporary differences associated with investments in 
subsidiaries.

16. Profit Attributable to DCC plc
Profit after taxation for the year attributable to equity shareholders amounting to €1.702 million (2008: €221.280 million) has been 
accounted for in the financial statements of the Company. In accordance with Section 148(8) of the Companies Act 1963, the Company is 
availing of the exemption from presenting its individual Income Statement to the Annual General Meeting. The Company has also availed of 
the exemption from filing its individual Income Statement with the Registrar of Companies as permitted by Section 7(1A) of the Companies 
(Amendment) Act 1986.

17. Dividends

Dividends paid and proposed per Ordinary Share are as follows: 

Final - paid 36.12 cent per share on 24 July 2008 

(2008: paid 31.41 cent per share on 26 July 2007)  
Interim - paid 22.61 cent per share on 5 December 2008 

(2008: paid 20.55 cent per share on 7 December 2007)   

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

29,373 

25,258

18,564 

16,555

47,937 

41,813

The Directors are proposing a final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 March 2009 of 39.73 cent per ordinary share (€32.634 million). 
This proposed dividend is subject to approval by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting.

18. Earnings per Ordinary Share

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company 
Amortisation of intangible assets after tax 
Exceptionals after tax (note 11) 
Adjusted profit after taxation and minority interests 

Basic earnings per ordinary share 

Basic earnings per ordinary share 
Amortisation of intangible assets after tax 
Exceptionals after tax 
Adjusted basic earnings per ordinary share 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (thousands) 

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

116,314 
4,448 
17,420 
138,182 

164,491
6,269
(37,849)
132,911

2009 
cent 

2008
cent

142.36c 
5.45c 
21.32c 
169.13c 

204.28c
 7.79c
 (47.01c)
 165.06c

81,704 

80,522

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number 
of ordinary shares in issue during the year, excluding ordinary shares purchased by the Company and held as treasury shares. The 
adjusted figures for basic earnings per ordinary share are intended to demonstrate the results of the Group after eliminating the impact of 
amortisation of intangible assets and net exceptionals.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

87

18. Earnings per Ordinary Share (continued)

Diluted earnings per ordinary share 

Diluted earnings per ordinary share 
Amortisation of intangible assets after tax 
Exceptionals after tax 
Adjusted diluted earnings per ordinary share   

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (thousands) 

2009 
cent 

2008
cent

141.36c 
5.40c 
21.17c 
167.93c 

200.31c
7.63c
 (46.09c)
161.85c

82,284 

82,119

The earnings used for the purpose of the diluted earnings per share calculations were €116.314 million (2008: €164.491 million) and 
€138.182 million (2008: €132.911 million) for the purposes of the adjusted diluted earnings per share calculations.

The weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating the diluted earnings per share for the year ended 31 March 2009 
was 82.284 million (2008: 82.119 million). A reconciliation of the weighted average number of ordinary shares used for the purposes of 
calculating the diluted earnings per share amounts is as follows: 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 
Dilutive effect of options and partly paid shares 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for diluted earnings per share   

2009 
‘000 

81,704 
580 
82,284 

2008
‘000

80,522
1,597
82,119

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume conversion of 
all dilutive potential ordinary shares. Share options are the Company’s only category of dilutive potential ordinary shares.

Employee share options, which are performance-based, are treated as contingently issuable shares because their issue is contingent upon 
satisfaction of specified performance conditions in addition to the passage of time. These contingently issuable shares are excluded from 
the computation of diluted earnings per ordinary share where the conditions governing exercisability have not been satisfied as at the end of 
the reporting period. 

The adjusted figures for diluted earnings per ordinary share are intended to demonstrate the results of the Group after eliminating the impact 
of amortisation of intangible assets and net exceptionals.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
88

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

19. Property, Plant and Equipment

Group   

Year ended 31 March 2009 

Opening net book amount 
Exchange differences 
Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 46) 
Additions 
Disposals 
Depreciation charge 
Reclassifications 
Closing net book amount 

At 31 March 2009 

Cost 
Accumulated depreciation 
Net book amount 

Year ended 31 March 2008 

Opening net book amount 
Exchange differences 
Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 46) 
Additions 
Disposals 
Depreciation charge 
Reclassifications 
Closing net book amount 

At 31 March 2008 

Cost 
Accumulated depreciation 
Net book amount 

Land & 
buildings 
€’000 

Plant & 
machinery 
& cylinders 
€’000 

Fixtures &
 fittings &
office 
equipment 
€’000 

Motor
vehicles 
€’000 

Total
€’000

122,851 
(9,625) 
4,864 
4,241 
(1,088) 
(2,891) 
- 
118,352 

125,198 
(13,901) 
3,954 
26,716 
(1,904) 
(20,073) 
(66) 
119,924 

33,595 
(3,104) 
370 
7,992 
(254) 
(9,303) 
68 
29,364 

55,414 
(6,414) 
153 
17,171 
(1,519) 
(13,142) 
(2) 
51,661 

337,058
(33,044)
9,341
56,120
(4,765)
(45,409)
-
319,301

135,610 
(17,258) 
118,352 

315,171 
(195,247) 
119,924 

85,457 
(56,093) 
29,364 

106,776 
(55,115) 
51,661 

643,014
(323,713)
319,301

106,002 
(9,337) 
6,599 
24,640 
(2,861) 
(2,189) 
(3) 
122,851 

126,283 
(14,693) 
3,072 
32,530 
(1,887) 
(21,584) 
1,477 
125,198 

34,186 
(3,807) 
998 
11,148 
(142) 
(8,788) 
- 
33,595 

53,150 
(5,997) 
5,461 
19,298 
(2,140) 
(12,884) 
(1,474) 
55,414 

319,621
(33,834)
16,130
87,616
(7,030)
(45,445)
-
337,058

139,419 
(16,568) 
122,851 

324,381 
(199,183) 
125,198 

85,162 
(51,567) 
33,595 

115,601 
(60,187) 
55,414 

664,563
(327,505)
337,058

Assets held under finance leases
The net carrying amount and the depreciation charge during the year in respect of assets held under finance leases and accordingly 
capitalised in property, plant and equipment are as follows:

Cost 
Accumulated depreciation 
Net book amount 

Depreciation charge for the year 

2009 
€’000 

49,225 
(47,296) 
1,929 

2008
€’000

57,525
(53,999)
3,526

1,461 

2,252

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

89

20. Intangible Assets 

Group   
Year ended 31 March 2009 
Opening net book amount 
Exchange differences 
Arising on acquisition (note 46) 
Revisions to prior year acquisitions (note 46)   
Impairment charge 
Other movements  
Amortisation charge 
Closing net book amount 

At 31 March 2009 
Cost 
Accumulated amortisation 
Net book amount 

Year ended 31 March 2008 
Opening net book amount 
Exchange differences 
Arising on acquisition (note 46) 
Revisions to prior year acquisitions 
Other movements  
Amortisation charge 
Closing net book amount 

At 31 March 2008 
Cost 
Accumulated amortisation 
Net book amount 

Goodwill 
 €’000 

403,269 
(33,206) 
69,896 
(754) 
(5,461) 
(4,445) 
- 
429,299 

Customer
relationships 
€’000 

13,614 
(1,409) 
7,911 
- 
- 
(508) 
(5,719) 
13,889 

Total
€’000

416,883
(34,615)
77,807
(754)
(5,461)
(4,953)
(5,719)
443,188

456,917 
(27,618) 
429,299 

40,413 
(26,524) 
13,889 

497,330
(54,142)
443,188

307,405 
(15,091) 
112,545 
(1,000) 
(590) 
- 
403,269 

13,964 
(904) 
8,482 
- 
- 
(7,928) 
13,614 

321,369
(15,995)
121,027
(1,000)
(590)
(7,928)
416,883

430,887 
(27,618) 
403,269 

34,419 
(20,805) 
13,614 

465,306
(48,423)
416,883

Goodwill acquired in business combinations is allocated, at acquisition, to the cash-generating units (CGUs) that are expected to benefit 
from that business combination. A summary of the allocation of the carrying value of goodwill by segment is as follows:

DCC Energy 
DCC SerCom 
DCC Healthcare 
DCC Food & Beverage 
DCC Environmental 

2009 
€’000 

201,470 
72,285 
87,583 
30,999 
36,962 
429,299 

2008
€’000

177,259
66,873
88,112
32,103
38,922
403,269

In accordance with IAS 36 Impairment of Assets, the cash generating units to which significant amounts of goodwill have been allocated are 
as follows: 

GB Oils Group 
Fannin Healthcare Group 

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

126,817 
64,154 

121,734
59,321

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
90

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

20. Intangible Assets (continued)
Impairment testing of goodwill
Goodwill acquired through business combinations is monitored for impairment by review of the underlying performance of each individual 
acquisition compared to pre-acquisition objectives and budgets. Goodwill is tested for impairment by review of profit and cash flow 
forecasts and budgets.

Goodwill acquired through business combinations has been allocated to cash-generating units (CGUs) for the purpose of impairment 
testing. The CGUs represent the lowest level within the Group at which the associated goodwill is monitored for management purposes and 
are not larger than the primary and secondary segments determined in accordance with IAS 14 Segment Reporting.

The recoverable amount of each CGU is based on a value in use computation. The cash flow forecasts employed for this computation 
are extracted from a three year plan and specifically exclude future acquisition activity. Cash flows for a further two years are based on the 
assumptions underlying the three year plan. A terminal value reflecting inflation (2009: 2.5%; 2008: 2.5%) is applied to the year five cash 
flows. A present value of the future cash flows is calculated using a before-tax discount rate representing the Group’s estimated before-tax 
average cost of capital (2009: 8.0%; 2008: 7.2%). 

Applying these techniques, an impairment charge of €5.461 million arose in 2009 (2008: nil). The impairment charge arose in the Group’s 
Healthcare division primarily on the closure of the Days Healthcare Germany operation, and in Food & Beverage, due to competitive 
pressures in the UK wine market. 

Key assumptions include management’s estimates of future profitability, capital expenditure requirements, working capital investment and 
tax considerations. Forecasts are generally based on historical performance together with management’s expectation of future trends 
affecting the industry and other developments and initiatives in the business.

A sensitivity analysis was performed using a discount rate of 10.0% and resulted in an excess in the recoverable amount of all CGUs over 
their carrying amount after the impairment charge noted above.

21. Investments in Associates

Group   

At 1 April 
Share of profit less dividends 
Disposals 
Exchange adjustments and other 
At 31 March 

2009 
€’000 

4,678 
168 
(2,194) 
(444) 
2,208 

2008
€’000

90,332
419
(85,617)
(456)
4,678

Investments in associates at 31 March 2009 includes goodwill of €0.534 million (2008: €1.201 million).

The Group’s geographical share of the assets (including goodwill) and liabilities of its associates is as follows:

Non-current  
assets 
€’000 

Current 
assets 
€’000 

Non-current 
liabilities 
€’000 

Current 
liabilities 
€’000 

As at 31 March 2009 

Ireland   
USA 

As at 31 March 2008 

Ireland   
USA 

1,002 
- 
 1,002 

1,096 
760 
 1,856 

3,399 
- 
3,399 

3,974 
1,904 
5,878 

(504) 
- 
(504) 

(264) 
- 
(264) 

Net 
assets
€’000

2,208
-
2,208

(1,689) 
- 
(1,689) 

(2,093) 
(699) 
(2,792) 

2,713
1,965
4,678

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

91

21. Investments in Associates (continued)

Company 

At 1 April 
Disposal 
At 31 March 

22. Investments in Subsidiary Undertakings

Company 

At 31 March 

2009 
€’000 

1,244 
- 
1,244 

2008
€’000

1,300
(56)
1,244

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

161,065 

161,065

Details of the Group’s principal operating subsidiaries are shown on pages 112 to 114. Non-wholly owned subsidiaries include Broderick 
Bros. Limited (93.8%), Virtus Limited (51.0%), Ausmedic Australia Pty Limited (60.0%), Metron Medical Australia Pty Limited (60.0%), 
Aukbritt International Pty Limited (60%), Wastecycle Limited (90%), Physio-Med Services Limited (94.0%) where put and call options exist to 
acquire the remaining 6.0% and SerCom Holdings Limited (98.5%) where put and call options exist to acquire the remaining 1.5%.

The Group’s principal overseas holding company subsidiaries are DCC 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 Limited is at Days Healthcare UK Limited, North Road, Bridgend Industrial Estate, Bridgend, CF31 3TP, Wales. The 
registered office of DCC International Holdings B.V. is Teleport Boulevard 140, 1043 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

23. Inventories

Group   

Raw materials 
Work in progress 
Finished goods 

24. Trade and Other Receivables

Group   

Trade receivables 
Provision for impairment of trade receivables (note 47) 
Prepayments and accrued income 
Value added tax recoverable 
Other debtors 

Company 

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings 
Prepayments and accrued income 
Value added tax recoverable 

2009 
€’000 

8,287 
2,104 
198,368 
208,759 

2008
€’000

9,224
1,560
208,968
219,752

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

643,470 
(30,753) 
39,547 
5,447 
15,071 
672,782 

2009 
€’000 

452,582 
111 
124 
452,817 

747,044
(15,624)
50,099
14,903
11,011
807,433

2008
€’000

494,175
351
104
494,630

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
92

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

25. Trade and Other Payables

Group   

Trade payables 
Other creditors and accruals 
PAYE and National Insurance 
Value added tax 
Government grants (note 35) 
Interest payable 
Amounts due in respect of property, plant and equipment 

Company 

Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings 
Other creditors and accruals 

26. Movement in Working Capital

Group   

Year ended 31 March 2009 
At 1 April 2008 
Translation adjustment 
Arising on acquisition (note 46) 
Exceptional items, interest accruals and other 
(Decrease)/increase in working capital (note 42) 
At 31 March 2009 

Year ended 31 March 2008 
At 1 April 2007 
Translation adjustment 
Arising on acquisition (note 46) 
Exceptional items, interest accruals and other 
Increase/(decrease) in working capital (note 42) 
At 31 March 2008 

Company 

Year ended 31 March 2009 
At 1 April 2008 
(Decrease)/increase in working capital (note 42) 
At 31 March 2009 

Year ended 31 March 2008 
At 1 April 2007 
Increase/(decrease) in working capital (note 42) 
Other 
At 31 March 2008 

2009 
€’000 

548,098 
116,159 
8,749 
15,271 
141 
7,484 
392 
696,294 

2009 
€’000 

262,887 
1,262 
264,149 

Trade 
and other 
receivables 
€’000 

Trade
and other
payables 
€’000 

Inventories 
€’000 

219,752 
(22,841) 
16,125 
126 
(4,403) 
208,759 

177,450 
(17,454) 
48,244 
100 
11,412 
219,752 

807,433 
(82,889) 
113,140 
(519) 
(164,383) 
672,782 

597,257 
(66,175) 
139,071 
(6,573) 
143,853 
807,433 

(796,902) 
79,327 
(118,362) 
50,858 
88,785 
(696,294) 

(601,404) 
60,746 
(140,828) 
(44,531) 
(70,885) 
(796,902) 

Trade 
and other 
receivables 
€’000 

Trade
and other
payables 
€’000 

2008
€’000

584,778
175,407
8,376
17,034
129
9,926
1,252
796,902

2008
€’000

270,607
1,236
271,843

Total
€’000

230,283
(26,403)
10,903
50,465
(80,001)
185,247

173,303
(22,883)
46,487
(51,004)
84,380
230,283

Total
€’000

494,630 
(41,813) 
452,817 

(282,230) 
7,694 
(274,536) 

212,400
(34,119)
178,281

296,303 
198,327 
- 
494,630 

(264,830) 
(17,520) 
120 
(282,230) 

31,473
180,807
120
212,400

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

93

27. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Group   

Cash at bank and in hand 
Short-term bank deposits 

2009 
€’000 

152,182 
274,607 
426,789 

2008
€’000

180,627
305,213
485,840

Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. The short-term deposits are for periods up to three months 
and earn interest at the respective short-term deposit rates.

Cash and cash equivalents include the following for the purposes of the Group Cash Flow Statement:

Cash and short-term bank deposits 
Bank overdrafts 

Bank overdrafts are included within current borrowings (note 29) in the Group Balance Sheet.

Company 

Cash at bank and in hand 

28. Derivative Financial Instruments

Group   

Non-current assets 
Interest rate swaps - fair value hedges 
Cross currency interest rate swaps - fair value hedges 

Current assets 
Interest rate swaps - not designated as hedges 
Forward contracts - cash flow hedges 
Commodity contracts - cash flow hedges 
Forward contracts - not designated as hedges 

Total assets 

Non-current liabilities 
Currency swaps - not designated as hedges  
Cross currency interest rate swaps - fair value hedges 

Current liabilities 
Interest rate swaps - not designated as hedges 
Cross currency interest rate swaps - fair value hedges 
Forward contracts - cash flow hedges 
Commodity contracts - cash flow hedges 
Forward contracts - not designated as hedges 

Total liabilities 
Net asset/(liability) arising on derivative financial instruments    

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

426,789 
(51,272) 
375,517 

485,840
(89,794)
396,046

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

815 

2,664

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

24,304 
104,009 
128,313 

- 
215 
- 
107 
322 
128,635 

(17,372) 
- 
(17,372) 

- 
- 
(1,100) 
(451) 
(109) 
(1,660) 
(19,032) 
 109,603 

8,655
16,692
25,347

985
41
350
147
1,523
26,870

(42,116)
(1,442)
(43,558)

(1,008)
(15,672)
(127)
-
(399)
(17,206)
(60,764)
(33,894)

The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability if the remaining maturity of the hedged item is more 
than twelve months and as a current asset or liability if the maturity of the hedged item is less than twelve months.

Interest rate swaps
The notional principal amounts of the outstanding interest rate swap contracts designated as fair value hedges under IAS 39 at 31 March 
2009 total US$200.0 million and Stg£55.0 million. At 31 March 2009, the fixed interest rates vary from 5.12% to 6.18% and the floating 
rates are based on US$ LIBOR and sterling LIBOR.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
94

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

28. Derivative Financial Instruments (continued)
Currency swaps
The Group utilises currency swaps in conjunction with interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges (as noted above) to swap fixed 
rate US$ denominated debt into floating rate euro debt. The currency swaps (which swap floating US$ denominated debt based on US$ 
LIBOR into floating euro denominated debt based on EURIBOR) have notional principal amounts of US$200.0 million/€167.113 million and 
are not designated as hedges under IAS 39.

Cross currency interest rate swaps 
The Group utilises cross currency interest rate swaps to swap fixed rate US$ denominated debt of US$320.0 million into floating rate 
sterling debt of Stg£170.341 million. At 31 March 2009 the fixed interest rates vary from 5.67% to 6.19%. These swaps are designated as 
fair value hedges under IAS 39.

Forward foreign exchange contracts
The notional principal amounts of outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts at 31 March 2009 total €34.322 million (2008: €21.366 
million). Gains and losses recognised in the cash flow hedge reserve in equity (note 38) at 31 March 2009 on forward foreign exchange 
contracts designated as cash flow hedges under IAS 39 will be released to the Income Statement at various dates up to twelve months 
after the balance sheet date.

Commodity price forward contracts
The notional principal amounts of outstanding forward commodity contracts at 31 March 2009 total €1.5 million (31 March 2008: €0.5 million). 
Gains and losses recognised in the cash flow hedge reserve in equity (note 38) at 31 March 2009 on forward commodity contracts designated 
as cash flow hedges under IAS 39 will be released to the Income Statement at various dates up to six months after the balance sheet date.

29. Borrowings

Group   

Non-current: 
Bank borrowings 
Finance leases* 
Unsecured Notes due 2011 to 2019 

Current: 
Bank borrowings 
Finance leases* 
Loan notes 
Unsecured Notes due 2008 

Total borrowings 

*Secured on specific plant and equipment

The maturity of non-current borrowings is as follows: 

Between 1 and 2 years 
Between 2 and 5 years 
Over 5 years 

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

1,029 
799 
523,577 
525,405 

100,854 
800 
3 
- 
101,657 
627,062 

2009 
€’000 

1,361 
84,334 
439,710 
525,405 

3,040
1,508
353,571
358,119

156,165
1,426
127
59,828
217,546
575,665

2008
€’000

1,459
7,939
348,721
358,119

Bank borrowings, finance leases and loan notes
Interest on bank borrowings, finance leases and loan notes is at floating rates set in advance for periods ranging from overnight to less than 
three months by reference to inter-bank interest rates (EURIBOR, sterling LIBOR and US$ LIBOR) and consequently fair value approximates 
carrying amounts.

The Group had various bank borrowing facilities available at 31 March 2009, including an undrawn committed bank facility.

Unsecured Notes due 2011 to 2019
The Group’s Unsecured Notes due 2011 to 2019 is comprised of fixed rate debt of US$7.5 million issued in 1996 and maturing in 2011 
(the ‘2011 Notes’), fixed rate debt of US$200.0 million and Stg£30.0 million issued in 2004 and maturing in 2014 and 2016 (the ‘2014/16 
Notes’), fixed rate debt of US$200.0 million and Stg£25.0 million issued in 2007 and maturing in 2017 and 2019 (the ‘2017/19 Notes’) and 
fixed rate debt of US$120.0 million issued in 2008 and maturing in 2013 and 2015 (the ‘2013/15 Notes’). 

The 2013/15 Notes denominated in US$ have been swapped (using cross currency interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges 
under IAS 39) from fixed US$ to floating sterling rates, repricing quarterly based on sterling LIBOR.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

95

29. Borrowings (continued)
The 2014/16 Notes denominated in US$ have been swapped from fixed to floating US$ rates (using interest rate swaps designated as 
fair value hedges under IAS 39) and further swapped (using currency swaps not designated as hedges under IAS 39) from floating US$ 
to floating euro rates, repricing semi-annually based on EURIBOR. The 2014/16 Notes denominated in sterling have been swapped from 
fixed to floating sterling rates (using an interest rate swap designated as a fair value hedge under IAS 39), repricing semi-annually based on 
sterling LIBOR. 

The 2017/19 Notes denominated in US$ have been swapped (using cross currency interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges 
under IAS 39) from fixed US$ to floating sterling rates, repricing quarterly based on sterling LIBOR. The 2017/19 Notes denominated in 
sterling have been swapped from fixed to floating sterling rates (using an interest rate swap designated as a fair value hedge under IAS 39), 
repricing quarterly based on sterling LIBOR.

The maturity and interest profile of the Unsecured Notes is as follows:

Average maturity 

Average fixed interest rates* 
- US$ denominated 
- sterling denominated 

Average floating rate including swaps 
- euro denominated 
- sterling denominated  

* Issued and repayable at par

2009 

2008

6.9 years 

7.2 years

5.70% 
5.95% 

5.96% 
3.91% 

6.09%
5.95%

5.41%
6.36%

30. Analysis of Net Debt
Reconciliation of opening to closing net debt 
The reconciliation of opening to closing net debt for the year ended 31 March 2009 is as follows:

Group    

Cash and short term bank deposits  
Overdrafts 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Bank loans and loan notes 
Finance leases  
Unsecured Notes due 2011 to 2019 
Derivative financial instruments (net)  
Group net debt (including share of net cash in joint ventures)   

At 1  
April 2008 
€’000 

485,840 
(89,794) 
396,046 
(69,538) 
(2,934) 
(413,399) 
(33,894) 
(123,719) 

Cash flow 
€’000 

Fair value 
adjustment 
€’000 

Translation 
adjustment 
 €’000 

At 31
March 2009
 €’000

(17,330) 
33,518 
16,188 
19,376 
1,129 
(9,632) 
(1,154) 
25,907 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(140,928) 
144,847 
3,919 

(41,721) 
5,004 
(36,717) 
(452) 
206 
40,382 
(196) 
3,223 

426,789
(51,272)
375,517
(50,614)
(1,599)
(523,577)
109,603
(90,670)

Group net debt (excluding share of net cash in joint ventures)   

(132,759) 

32,639 

3,919 

3,554 

(92,647)

The reconciliation of opening to closing net debt for the year ended 31 March 2008 is as follows:

Group    

Cash and short term bank deposits  
Overdrafts 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Bank loans and loan notes 
Finance leases  
Unsecured Notes due 2008 to 2019 
Derivative financial instruments (net)  
Group net debt (including share of net cash in joint ventures)  

At 1  
April 2007 
€’000 

337,079 
(26,892) 
310,187 
(92,954) 
(9,249) 
(265,462) 
(43,038) 
(100,516) 

Cash flow 
€’000 

195,269 
(70,190) 
125,079 
21,727 
5,650 
(180,286) 
187 
(27,643) 

Fair value 
adjustment 
€’000 

Translation 
adjustment 
 €’000 

At 31
March 2008
 €’000

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(9,043) 
8,957 
(86) 

(46,508) 
7,288 
(39,220) 
1,689 
665 
41,392 
- 
4,526 

485,840
(89,794)
396,046
(69,538)
(2,934)
(413,399)
(33,894)
(123,719)

Group net debt (excluding share of net cash in joint ventures) 

(105,759) 

(32,009) 

(86) 

5,095 

(132,759)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
96

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

30. Analysis of Net Debt (continued)
Currency profile

The currency profile of net debt at 31 March 2009 is as follows: 

Cash and cash equivalents  
Borrowings 
Derivatives 

The currency profile of net debt at 31 March 2008 is as follows: 

Cash and cash equivalents  
Borrowings 
Derivatives 

Euro 
€’000 

Sterling 
€’000 

US Dollar 
€’000 

143,924 
(240,082) 
(709) 
(96,867) 

265,707 
(377,848) 
110,235 
(1,906) 

16,658 
(7,049) 
77 
9,686 

Euro 
€’000 

Sterling 
€’000 

US Dollar 
€’000 

199,113 
(239,616) 
(35,542) 
(76,045) 

278,550 
(332,652) 
1,908 
(52,194) 

7,837 
(1,059) 
(260) 
6,518 

Other 
€’000 

500 
(2,083) 
- 
(1,583) 

Other 
€’000 

340 
(2,338) 
- 
(1,998) 

Total
€’000

426,789
(627,062)
109,603
(90,670)

Total
€’000

485,840
(575,665)
(33,894)
(123,719)

Interest rate profile
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2009 and 31 March 2008 have maturity periods up to three months (note 27).

Bank borrowings and finance leases are at floating interest rates for periods less than three months while the Group’s Unsecured Notes due 
2011 to 2019 have been swapped to floating rates which reset on a quarterly or semi-annual basis (note 29).

31. Deferred Income Tax
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax 
liabilities and when the deferred income taxes relate to the same fiscal authority. The offset amounts are as follows:

Group   

Deferred income tax assets (deductible temporary differences): 
Deficits on Group defined benefit pension obligations 
Employee share options 
Other deductible temporary differences 

Deferred income tax liabilities (taxable temporary differences): 
Accelerated tax depreciation and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition 
Rolled-over capital gains 

The gross movement on the deferred income tax account is as follows: 

At 1 April 
Exchange differences 
Acquisition of subsidiary (note 46) 
Income Statement charge/(credit) (note 15) 
Tax credited to equity (note 15) 
At 31 March 

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

4,109 
515 
4,811 
9,435 

15,607 
220 
15,827 

2009 
€’000 

1,507 
(303) 
(1,130) 
7,433 
(1,115) 
6,392 

3,610
785
5,804
10,199

11,453
253
11,706

2008
€’000

6,443
193
1,565
(5,515)
(1,179)
1,507

32. Retirement Benefit Obligations
Group
The Group operates eight defined benefit pension schemes in the Republic of Ireland and three in the UK. The projected unit credit method 
has been employed in determining the present value of the defined benefit obligation arising, the related current service cost and, where 
applicable, past service cost.

Full actuarial valuations were carried out between 31 December 2005 and 31 March 2009. 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. Actuarial valuations 
have been updated to 31 March 2009 for International Accounting Standard 19 by a qualified actuary. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

97

32. Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)
The principal actuarial assumptions used were as follows:

Republic of Ireland Schemes 
Rate of increase in salaries 
Rate of increase in pensions in payment 
Discount rate 
Inflation assumption 

UK Schemes 
Rate of increase in salaries 
Rate of increase in pensions in payment 
Discount rate 
Inflation assumption 

The expected long term rates of return on the assets of the schemes were as follows:

Republic of Ireland Schemes 
Equities 
Bonds   
Property 
Cash 

UK Schemes 
Equities 
Bonds   
Property 
Cash 

2009 
 3.75% - 4.00% 
 2.00% - 3.00% 
5.95% 
2.00% 

2009 
4.40% 
3.40% 
6.90% 
3.40% 

2009 
8.00% 
4.00% 
7.00% 
3.00% 

2009 
7.50% 
4.00% 
6.50% 
0.50% 

2008
 3.75% - 4.25%
 2.50% - 3.00%
5.60%
2.50%

2008
4.50%
 3.50% - 4.50%
5.85%
3.50%

2008
7.40%
3.90%
6.40%
3.00%

2008
8.10%
4.60%
7.10%
3.50%

The expected rate of return for equities and property has been calculated assuming that equities and property will outperform bonds by 
4.0% and 3.0% per annum respectively over the long term in the Republic of Ireland schemes and 3.5% and 2.5% per annum respectively 
over the long term in the UK schemes. The expected rate of return for bonds has been based on bond indices as at 31 March.

Assumptions regarding future mortality experience are set based on advice from published statistics and experience in both geographic 
regions. The average life expectancy in years of a pensioner retiring at age 65 is as follows:

Current Pensioners 
Male 
Female  

Future Pensioners 
Male 
Female  

The Group does not operate any post-employment medical benefit schemes. 

The net pension liability recognised in the Balance Sheet is analysed as follows:

Equities 
Bonds   
Property 
Cash 
Total market value at 31 March 2009 
Present value of scheme liabilities 
Net pension liability at 31 March 2009 

2009 

21.5 
24.5 

22.5 
25.5 

ROI 
€’000 

25,086 
12,317 
2,167 
2,485 
42,055 
(68,843) 
(26,788) 

2008

21.1
24.1

22.1
25.1

 Total
 €’000

30,234
16,601
2,194
3,236
52,265
(81,763)
(29,498)

2009 

UK 
€’000 

5,148 
4,284 
27 
751 
10,210 
(12,920) 
(2,710) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
98

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

32. Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)

Equities 
Bonds   
Property 
Cash 
Total market value at 31 March 2008 
Present value of scheme liabilities 
Net pension liability at 31 March 2008 

The amounts recognised in the Group Income Statement 
in respect of defined benefit pension schemes is as follows:   

Current service cost 
Total, included in employee benefit expenses (note 9) 

Interest cost, included in finance costs (note 12) 
Expected return on plan assets, included in finance income (note 12) 
Total 

The actuarial gain recognised in the Group Statement of 
Recognised Income and Expense is as follows: 

Actual return less expected return on pension scheme assets 
Experience gains and losses arising on the scheme liabilities  
Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of the scheme liabilities 
Total, included in the Group Statement of Recognised Income and Expense  

The movement in the fair value of plan assets is as follows: 

At 1 April 
Expected return on assets 
Actuarial loss 
Contributions by employers 
Contributions by members 
Benefits paid 
Exchange  
At 31 March 

The actual return on plan assets was a loss of €17.632 million (2008: loss of €8.946 million).

The movement in the present value of defined benefit obligations is as follows: 

At 1 April 
Current service cost  
Interest cost 
Actuarial gain 
Contributions by members 
Benefits paid 
Exchange  
At 31 March 

ROI 
€’000 

37,515 
12,393 
3,084 
1,944 
54,936 
(70,989) 
(16,053) 

2008 

UK 
€’000 

7,415 
4,323 
171 
1,062 
12,971 
(18,769) 
(5,798) 

2009 
€’000 

3,090 
3,090 

(5,006) 
4,272 
(734) 

2009 
€’000 

(21,904) 
(589) 
12,976 
(9,517) 

2009 
€’000 

67,907 
4,272 
(21,904) 
5,137 
384 
(1,766) 
(1,765) 
52,265 

2009 
€’000 

89,758 
3,090 
5,006 
(12,387) 
384 
(1,766) 
(2,322) 
81,763 

Total
€’000

44,930
16,716
3,255
3,006
67,907
(89,758)
(21,851)

2008
€’000

3,246
3,246

(4,405)
4,989
584

2008
€’000

(13,935)
(3,737)
8,586
(9,086)

2008
€’000

74,980
4,989
(13,935)
5,269
393
(1,604)
(2,185)
67,907

2008
€’000

91,352
3,246
4,405
(4,849)
393
(1,604)
(3,185)
89,758

The level of contributions for the forthcoming financial year are expected to be in line with the current year amounts.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

99

32. Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)
History of scheme assets, liabilities and actuarial gains and losses

The five-year history in respect of assets, liabilities and actuarial gains and losses for the Group are as follows:

Fair value of assets 
Present value of liabilities  
Net pension liability 

Difference between the expected and
actual return on scheme assets 
As a percentage of scheme assets 

2009 
€’000 

2008 
€’000 

2007 
€’000 

2006 
€’000 

52,265 
(81,763) 
(29,498) 

67,907 
(89,758) 
(21,851) 

74,980 
(91,352) 
(16,372) 

67,294 
(87,973) 
(20,679) 

(21,904) 
(41.9%) 

(13,935) 
(20.5%) 

904 
 1.2% 

884 
 (1.0%) 

8,697 
 12.9% 

(383) 
 0.4% 

2005
€’000

54,659
(80,039)
(25,380)

1,277
 2.3%

(1,598)
 2.0%

Experience gains and losses on scheme liabilities 
As a percentage of the present value of the scheme liabilities  

(589) 
 0.7% 

(3,737) 
 4.2% 

Total recognised in the Group Statement of
Recognised Income and Expense 
As a percentage of the present value of the scheme liabilities   

(9,517) 
 11.6% 

(9,086) 
 10.1% 

1,576 
 (1.7%) 

1,779 
 (2.0%) 

(7,742)
 9.7%

Cumulatively since 1 April 2004, €22.990 million has been recognised as a charge in the Group Statement of Recognised Income and 
Expense.

Sensitivity analysis for principal assumptions used to measure scheme liabilities
There are inherent uncertainties surrounding the financial assumptions adopted in calculating the actuarial valuation of the Group’s defined 
benefit pension schemes. The following table analyses, for the Group’s Irish and UK pension schemes, the estimated impact on plan 
liabilities resulting from changes to key actuarial assumptions, whilst holding all other assumptions constant. 

Assumption 

Discount rate 
Price inflation 
Mortality 

Change in assumption 

Impact on Irish plan liabilities 

Impact on UK plan liabilities

Increase/decrease 0.25% 
Increase/decrease 0.25% 
Increase/decrease by one year 

Increase/decrease by 5.6% 
Increase/decrease by 3.6% 
Increase/decrease by 2.3% 

Increase/decrease by 6.0%
Increase/decrease by 5.5%
Increase/decrease by 2.0%

33. Deferred Acquisition Consideration 
Group
The Group’s deferred acquisition consideration of €21.147 million (2008: €30.191 million) as stated on the Balance Sheet consists of 
€8.223 million of € floating rate financial liabilities (2008: €3.237 million) and €12.924 million of Stg£ floating rate financial liabilities (2008: 
€26.954 million) payable as follows:

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

Analysed as: 
Non-current liabilities 
Current liabilities 

2009 
€’000 

6,090 
3,165 
11,892 
21,147 

15,057 
6,090 
21,147 

2008
€’000

14,036
8,691
7,464
30,191

16,155
14,036
30,191

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
100

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

34. Provisions for Liabilities and Charges   
The reconciliation of the movement in provisions for liabilities and charges for the year ended 31 March 2009 is as follows:

Group 

At 1 April 2008 
Provided during the year 
Utilised during the year 
Exchange and other 
At 31 March 2009 

Analysed as: 
Non-current liabilities 
Current liabilities 

  Environmental 
 and remediation 
€’000 

  Rationalisation,
restructuring 
and 
 redundancy 
€’000 

Insurance 
and other 
€’000 

5,399 
(194) 
- 
(974) 
4,231 

4,028 
203 
4,231 

3,463 
354 
(426) 
777 
4,168 

707 
3,461 
4,168 

Total
€’000

13,363
19,321
(13,499)
(122)
19,063

4,501 
19,161 
(13,073) 
75 
10,664 

574 
10,090 
10,664 

5,309
13,754
19,063

The reconciliation of the movement in provisions for liabilities and charges for the year ended 31 March 2008 is as follows:

Group   

At 1 April 2007 
Provided during the year 
Utilised during the year 
Arising on acquisition (note 46) 
Exchange 
At 31 March 2008 

Analysed as: 
Non-current liabilities 
Current liabilities 

Environmental 
  and remediation 
€’000 

Insurance
 and other 
€’000 

6,122 
285 
(93) 
- 
(915) 
5,399 

5,399 
- 
5,399 

4,807 
4,684 
(2,015) 
553 
(65) 
7,964 

- 
7,964 
7,964 

Total
€’000

10,929
4,969
(2,108)
553
(980)
13,363

5,399
7,964
13,363

Environmental and remediation
This provision relates to obligations governing site remediation and improvement costs to be incurred in compliance with environmental 
regulations. The net present value of the estimated costs is capitalised as property, plant and equipment. The unwinding of the discount 
element on the provision is reflected in the Income Statement. Provision is made for the net present value of post closure costs based on 
the quantity of waste input into the landfill during the year. Ongoing costs incurred during the operating life of the sites are written off directly 
to the Income Statement and are not charged to the provision. The majority of the obligations will unwind over a 30-year timeframe. 

Insurance and other
The insurance provision relates to employers liability and public and products liability and reflects an estimation of the excess not 
recoverable from insurers arising from claims against Group companies. A significant element of the provision is subject to external 
assessments. The claims triangles applied in valuation indicate that these provisions have an average life of four years (2008: four years). 

Rationalisation and redundancy
This provision relates to various rationalisation and restructuring programs across the Group. The majority of this provision falls due within 
one year.

35. Government Grants

Group   

At 1 April 
Amortisation in year 
Received in year 
Arising on acquisition (note 46) 
Exchange and other adjustments 
At 31 March 
Disclosed as due within one year (note 25) 

2009 
€’000 

2,070 
(830) 
1,130 
6 
(240) 
2,136 
(141) 
1,995 

2008
€’000

2,632
(288)
92
-
(366)
2,070
(129)
1,941

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

101

36. Equity Share Capital 

Group and Company 

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

Issued  
88,229,404 ordinary shares (including 6,090,399 ordinary shares held as Treasury Shares) 
of €0.25 each, fully paid (2008: 88,229,404 ordinary shares (including 7,414,239 ordinary 
shares held as Treasury Shares) of €0.25 each, fully paid) 

Ordinary shares of €0.25 each 

At 31 March 2009 and 31 March 2008 

2009 
€’000 

2008 
€’000

38,092 

38,092

22,057 

22,057

  No. of shares
‘000 

88,229 

€‘000

22,057

As at 31 March 2009, the total authorised number of ordinary shares is 152,368,568 shares (2008: 152,368,568 shares) with a par value of 
€0.25 per share (2008: €0.25 per share).

During the year the Company reissued 1,323,840 Treasury Shares for a consideration (net of expenses) of €10.267 million.

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.

Details of share options granted under the Company’s share option schemes and the terms attaching thereto are provided in note 10 to the 
financial statements and in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration and Interests on pages 52 to 55.

37. Share Premium Account 

Group and Company 

At 31 March 2009 and 31 March 2008 

38. Other Reserves 

Group 

At 1 April 2007 
Currency translation 
Cash flow hedges 
- fair value gains in year 
- tax on fair value gains 
- transfers to sales 
- transfers to cost of sales 
- tax on transfers to income tax expense 
Share based payment 
At 31 March 2008 
Currency translation 
Cash flow hedges 
- fair value losses in year 
- tax on fair value losses 
- transfers to sales 
- transfers to cost of sales 
- tax on transfers to income tax expense 
Share based payment 
At 31 March 2009 

Company 

At 31 March 2009 and 31 March 2008 

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

124,687 

124,687

 Share  
 options1 
€’000 

 Cash flow 
hedge 
reserve2 
€’000 

4,807 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,844 
6,651 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,156 
7,807 

(117) 
- 

1,665 
(374) 
(306) 
(943) 
297 
- 
222 
- 

(7,023) 
1,217 
707 
4,716 
(1,013) 
- 
(1,174) 

Foreign
currency
translation 
reserve3 
€’000 

(2,914) 
(64,310) 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(67,224) 
(85,812) 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(153,036) 

Other
 reserves4 
€’000 

1,400 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,400 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,400 

Total
€’000

3,176
(64,310)

1,665
(374)
(306)
(943)
297
1,844
(58,951)
(85,812)

(7,023)
1,217
707
4,716
(1,013)
1,156
(145,003)

Other
reserves5
€’000

344

1   The share option reserve comprises the amounts expensed in the Income Statement in connection with share based  payments.
2  

 The cash flow hedge reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow  hedging instruments related to 
hedged transactions that have not yet occurred.
 The foreign currency translation reserve represents all foreign exchange differences from 1 April 2004 arising from the  translation of the net assets of the 
Group’s non-euro denominated operations, including the translation of the profits and  losses of such operations from the average rate for the year to the 
closing rate at the balance sheet date.

3  

4   The Group’s other reserves comprise a capital conversion reserve fund and an unrealised gain on the disposal of an associate.
5   The Company’s other reserves is a capital conversion reserve fund. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
102

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

39. Retained Earnings

Group   

At 1 April 
Net income recognised in Income Statement  
Net income recognised directly in equity 
- actuarial loss on Group defined benefit pension schemes 
- deferred tax on actuarial loss 
Deferred tax on employee share options 
Re-issue of treasury shares (net of expenses)  
Dividends 
At 31 March 

Company 

At 1 April 
Total recognised income and expense for the financial year 
Re-issue of treasury shares (net of expenses)  
Dividends 
At 31 March 

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

650,871 
116,314 

531,994
164,491

(9,517) 
911 
- 
10,267 
(47,937) 
720,909 

(9,086)
1,200
25
4,060
(41,813)
650,871

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

230,285 
1,702 
10,267 
(47,937) 
194,317 

46,758
221,280
4,060
(41,813)
230,285

The cost to the Group and the Company of €82.358 million to acquire the 6,090,399 shares held in Treasury has been deducted from the 
Group and Company Retained Earnings. These shares were acquired at prices ranging from €9.25 to €17.90 each (average: €11.23) 
between 28 July 2000 and 19 June 2006.

40. Minority Interest

Group   

At 1 April 
Arising on acquisition of subsidiary (note 46)   
Share of profit for the financial year (less attributable to associates) 
Dividends to minorities 
Exchange and other adjustments 
At 31 March 

41. Movement in Total Equity

Group   

At 1 April 
Re-issue of treasury shares 
Share based payment (note 10) 
Dividends (note 17) 
Movement in minority interest 
Total recognised income and expense for the financial year 
At 31 March 

Company 

At 1 April 
Re-issue of treasury shares 
Dividends (note 17) 
Total recognised income and expense for the financial year 
At 31 March 

2009 
€’000 

3,771 
12 
565 
(766) 
(1) 
3,581 

2008
€’000

5,816
-
683
(2,725)
(3)
3,771

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

742,435 
10,267 
1,156 
(47,937) 
(190) 
20,500 
726,231 

687,730
4,060
1,844
(41,813)
(2,045)
92,659
742,435

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

377,373 
10,267 
(47,937) 
1,702 
341,405 

193,846
4,060
(41,813)
221,280
377,373

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

103

42. Cash Generated from Operations

Group   

Profit for the financial year 
Add back non-operating (income)/expense 
- Tax (note 15) 
- Share of profit from associates (note 14) 
- Net operating exceptionals (note 11) 
- Net finance costs (note 12) 
Operating profit 
- Share-based payments expense (note 10)   
- Depreciation (note 19) 
- Amortisation (note 20) 
- Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment 
- Amortisation of government grants (note 35) 
- Dividends received from associates 
- Other  
Changes in working capital (excluding the effects of acquisition and exchange differences on consolidation): 

- Inventories (note 26) 
- Trade and other receivables (note 26) 
- Trade and other payables (note 26) 
Cash generated from operations 

Company 

Profit for the financial year 
Add back non-operating (income)/expense 
- Tax 
- Net operating exceptionals 
- Net finance costs  
Operating profit 
Changes in working capital: 
- Trade and other receivables (note 26) 
- Trade and other payables (note 26) 
Cash generated from operations 

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

116,879 

165,174

20,936 
(168) 
19,839 
17,191 
174,677 
1,156 
45,409 
5,719 
(719) 
(830) 
- 
(539) 

16,530
(639)
(39,605)
17,792
159,252
1,844
45,445
7,928
(751)
(288)
220
(227)

4,403 
164,383 
(88,785) 
304,874 

(11,412)
(143,853)
70,885
129,043

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

1,702 

221,280

(1) 
- 
(4,613) 
(2,912) 

41,813 
(7,694) 
31,207 

1,750
7,056
(3,123)
226,963

(198,327)
17,520
46,156

43. Contingencies
Guarantees
The Company and certain subsidiaries have given guarantees of €724.802 million (2008: €707.548 million) in respect of borrowings and 
other obligations arising in the ordinary course of business of the Company and other Group undertakings. It is not anticipated that any 
material liabilities will arise from these contingent liabilities.

Other
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 17, Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986, the Company has guaranteed the liabilities of the following 
subsidiaries; Alvabay Limited, Classic Fuel & Oil Limited, DCC Business Expansion Fund Limited, DCC Corporate 2007 Limited, DCC 
Corporate Partners Limited, DCC Energy Limited, DCC Finance Limited, DCC Financial Services Holdings Limited, DCC Funding 2007 
Limited, DCC Healthcare Limited, DCC Management Services Limited, DCC Nominees Limited, DCC SerCom Limited, Emo Oil Limited, 
Fannin Limited, Fannin Compounding Limited, Flogas Ireland Limited, SerCom (Holdings) Limited, SerCom Property Limited, Shannon 
Environmental Holdings Limited and Sharptext Limited. As a result, these companies will be exempted from the filing provisions of Section 
7, Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
104

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

44. Capital Expenditure Commitments

Group   

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 

45. Commitments under Operating and Finance Leases
Group

Operating leases
Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases at 31 March are as follows:

Within one year 
After one year but not more than five years 
More than five years 

2009 
€’000 

3,048 
37,833 
40,881 

2008
€’000

5,113
58,269
63,382

2009 
€’000 

12,219 
36,727 
84,354 
133,300 

2008
€’000

5,759
14,319
29,499
49,577

The Group leases a number of properties under operating leases. The leases typically run for a period of 10 to 25 years. Rents are generally 
reviewed every five years.

During the year ended 31 March 2009, €20.198 million (2008: €14.069 million) was recognised as an expense in the Income Statement in 
respect of operating leases.

Finance leases
Future minimum lease payments under finance leases together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments are as follows:

Within one year 
After one year but not more than five years 

Less: amounts allocated to future finance costs 
Present value of minimum lease payments 

2009 

2008

Minimum 
Payments 
€’000 

Present 
value of 
payments 
€’000 

807 
832 
1,639 
(40) 
1,599 

800 
799 
1,599 
- 
1,599 

Minimum 
Payments 
€’000 

1,469 
1,755 
3,224 
(290) 
2,934 

Present
 value of
payments
€’000

1,426
1,508
2,934
-
2,934

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

105

46. Business Combinations
The principal acquisitions completed by the Group during the year, together with percentages acquired were as follows:
- the acquisition of the trade, assets and goodwill of Chevron’s UK oil distributor business (‘Chevron’) announced on 15 August 2008;
- Findlater Grants (100%): an Irish based wine and spirits distributor, announced on 15 September 2008;
- Cooke Fuel Cards business (100%): a UK based fuel card sales and marketing business, announced on 5 January 2009; and
- Mambo Technology (100%): a Spanish based enterprise distribution business, announced on 3 February 2009.

The carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities acquired (excluding net cash acquired), determined in accordance with IFRS before 
completion of the business combinations, together with the fair value adjustments made to those carrying values were as follows:

Assets  
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment (note 19) 
Intangible assets - goodwill (note 20) 
Intangible assets - other intangible assets (note 20) 
Deferred income tax assets (note 31) 
Total non-current assets 

Current assets 
Inventories (note 26) 
Trade and other receivables (note 26) 
Total current assets 

Equity   
Minority interest (note 40) 
Total equity 

Liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Deferred income tax liabilities (note 31) 
Provisions for liabilities and charges (note 34)  
Government grants (note 35) 
Total non-current liabilities 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables (note 26) 
Current income tax liabilities 
Total current liabilities 

2009 
€’000 
Chevron 

2009 
€’000 
Others 

2009 
€’000 
Total 

2008
€’000
Total

5,776 
23,383 
2,120 
- 
31,279 

6,105 
84,994 
91,099 

3,565 
46,513 
5,791 
3,415 
59,284 

10,020 
28,146 
38,166 

9,341 
69,896 
7,911 
3,415 
90,563 

16,130
112,545
8,482
479
137,636

16,125 
113,140 
129,265 

48,244
139,071
187,315

- 
- 

(12) 
(12) 

(12) 
(12) 

-
-

(593) 
- 
- 
(593) 

(1,692) 
- 
(6) 
(1,698) 

(2,285) 
- 
(6) 
(2,291) 

(2,044)
(553)
-
(2,597)

(85,183) 
- 
(85,183) 

(33,179) 
(734) 
(33,913) 

(118,362) 
(734) 
(119,096) 

(140,828)
(1,971)
(142,799)

Total consideration (enterprise value) 

36,602 

61,827 

98,429 

179,555

Satisfied by: 
Cash 
Net (cash)/debt acquired 
Net cash outflow 
Deferred acquisition consideration 
Total consideration 

36,602 
- 
36,602 
- 
36,602 

63,432 
(10,309) 
53,123 
8,704 
61,827 

100,034 
(10,309) 
89,725 
8,704 
98,429 

156,859
9,725
166,584
12,971
179,555

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
106

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

46. Business Combinations (continued)
The acquisition of Chevron has been deemed to be a substantial transaction and separate disclosure of the fair values of the identifiable 
assets and liabilities has therefore been made. None of the remaining business combinations completed during the year were considered 
sufficiently material to warrant separate disclosure of the fair values attributable to those combinations. The carrying amounts of the assets 
and liabilities acquired, determined in accordance with IFRS, before completion of the combination together with the adjustments made to 
those carrying values disclosed above were as follows:

Chevron 

Non-current assets (excluding goodwill) 
Current assets 
Non-current liabilities and minority interest 
Current liabilities 
Identifiable net assets acquired 
Goodwill arising on acquisition 
Total consideration (enterprise value) 

Other acquisitions 

Non-current assets (excluding goodwill) 
Current assets 
Non-current liabilities and minority interest 
Current liabilities 
Identifiable net assets acquired 
Goodwill arising on acquisition 
Total consideration (enterprise value) 

Total 

Non-current assets (excluding goodwill) 
Current assets 
Non-current liabilities and minority interest 
Current liabilities 
Identifiable net assets acquired 
Goodwill arising on acquisition 
Total consideration (enterprise value) 

Book 
value 
€’000 

Fair value 
adjustments 
€’000 

5,776 
93,250 
- 
(85,183) 
13,843 
22,759 
36,602 

2,120 
(2,151) 
(593) 
- 
(624) 
624 
- 

Book 
value 
€’000 

Fair value 
adjustments 
€’000 

6,980 
38,586 
(88) 
(33,913) 
11,565 
50,262 
61,827 

5,791 
(420) 
(1,622) 
- 
3,749 
(3,749) 
- 

Book 
value 
€’000 

Fair value 
adjustments 
€’000 

Fair
value
€’000

7,896
91,099
(593)
(85,183)
13,219
23,383
36,602

Fair
value
€’000

12,771
38,166
(1,710)
(33,913)
15,314
46,513
61,827

Fair
value
€’000

12,756 
131,836 
(88) 
(119,096) 
25,408 
73,021 
98,429 

7,911 
(2,571) 
(2,215) 
- 
3,125 
(3,125) 
- 

20,667
129,265
(2,303)
(119,096)
28,533
69,896
98,429

The initial assignment of fair values to identifiable net assets acquired has been performed on a provisional basis in respect of a number of 
the business combinations above given the timing of closure of these deals. Any amendments to these fair values within the twelve month 
timeframe from the date of acquisition will be disclosable in the 2010 Annual Report as stipulated by IFRS 3.

The principal factors contributing to the recognition of goodwill on business combinations entered into by the Group are the expected 
profitability of the acquired business and the realisation of cost savings and synergies with existing Group entities.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

107

46. Business Combinations (continued)
The total adjustments processed during the year to the fair value of business combinations completed during the year ended 31 March 
2008 where those fair values were not readily determinable as at 31 March 2008 were as follows:

Non-current assets (excluding goodwill) 
Current assets 
Non-current liabilities and minority interest 
Current liabilities 
Identifiable net assets acquired 
Goodwill arising on acquisition 
Total consideration (enterprise value) 

  Initial fair value 
 assigned 
€’000 

Adjustments
to provisional 
fair values 
€’000 

25,091 
187,315 
(2,597) 
(142,799) 
67,010 
112,545 
179,555 

- 
377 
- 
377 
754 
(754) 
- 

Revised
fair value
€’000

25,091
187,692
(2,597)
(142,422)
67,764
111,791
179,555

The post-acquisition impact of business combinations completed during the year on Group profit for the financial year was as follows:

Revenue 
Cost of sales 
Gross profit 
Operating costs 

Operating exceptional items 
Operating profit 
Finance costs (net) 
Profit before tax 
Income tax expense 
Group profit for the financial year 

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

624,717 
(588,184) 
36,533 
(26,574) 
9,959 
(766) 
9,193 
(86) 
9,107 
(2,199) 
6,908 

618,957
(576,804)
42,153
(28,826)
13,327
(1,705)
11,622
81
11,703
(3,245)
8,458

The revenue and profit of the Group for the financial period determined in accordance with IFRS as though the acquisition date for all 
business combinations effected during the year had been the beginning of that year would be as follows:

Revenue 

Group profit for the financial year 

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

7,016,264 

6,237,843

117,019 

170,668

47. Financial Risk and Capital Management
Capital risk management
The Group’s objectives when managing its capital structure are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order 
to provide returns to shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders, while maintaining a strong balance sheet to support the continued 
organic and acquisitive growth of its businesses and to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence. 

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, issue new shares or 
buy back existing shares, increase or reduce debt or sell assets.

The policy for net debt is to ensure a structure of longer term debt funding and cash balances with deposit maturities up to six months.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
108

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

47. Financial Risk and Capital Management (continued)
The capital structure of the Group, which comprises capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equity holders, net debt and 
deferred acquisition consideration, may be summarised as follows:

Group   

Capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equity holders 
Net debt (note 30) 
Deferred acquisition consideration (note 33)   
At 31 March 

2009 
€’000 

722,650 
90,670 
21,147 
834,467 

2008
€’000

738,664
123,719
30,191
892,574

Financial risk management
Group financial risk management is governed by policies and guidelines which are reviewed and approved annually by the Board of 
Directors, most recently in February 2009. These policies and guidelines primarily cover credit risk, liquidity risk, foreign exchange risk, 
interest rate risk and commodity price risk. The principal objective of these policies and guidelines is the minimisation of financial risk at 
reasonable cost. The Group does not trade in financial instruments nor does it enter into any leveraged derivative transactions. DCC’s 
Group Treasury function centrally manages the Group’s funding and liquidity requirements. Divisional and subsidiary management, in 
conjunction with Group Treasury, manage foreign exchange and commodity price exposures within approved policies and guidelines.

There are no significant concentrations of risk and there has been no significant change during the financial year, or since the end of the 
year, to the types of financial risks faced by the Group or the Group’s approach to the management of those risks.

(i) Credit risk management
Credit risk arises from credit exposure to trade debtors, cash and cash equivalents including deposits with banks and financial institutions, 
derivative and financial instruments.

Trade receivables arise from a wide and varied customer base spread throughout the Group’s operations and as such there is no significant 
concentration of credit risk. The Group’s credit risk management policy in relation to trade receivables involves periodically assessing the 
financial reliability of customers, taking into account their financial position, past experience and other factors. The utilisation of credit limits 
is regularly monitored and a significant element of credit risk is covered by credit insurance. 

Risk of counterparty default arising on cash and cash equivalents and derivative financial instruments is controlled within a framework of dealing 
with high quality institutions and, by policy, limiting the amount of credit exposure to any one bank or institution. DCC transacts with a variety of 
high credit quality financial institutions for the purpose of placing deposits and entering into derivative contracts. The Group actively monitors its 
credit exposure to each counterparty to ensure compliance with the counterparty risk limits of the Board approved treasury policy. Of the total 
cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2009 of €426.789 million, a minimum of 97.3% (€415.256 million) was with financial institutions in the 
A-1 (short-term) category of Standard and Poors and in the P-1 (short-term) category of Moodys. As at 31 March 2009 derivative transactions 
were with counterparties with ratings ranging from A- to A+ (long-term) with Standard and Poors or Baa2 to Aa1 (long-term) with Moodys. In 
the normal course of business, the Group operates notional cash pooling systems, where a legal right of set-off applies.

Management does not expect any significant counterparty to fail to meet its obligations. The maximum exposure to credit risk is 
represented by the carrying amount of each asset. 

Included in the Group’s trade and other receivables as at 31 March 2009 are balances of €98.421 million (2008: €131.477 million) which 
are past due at the reporting date but not impaired in the majority of cases. The aged analysis of these balances is as follows:

Group   

Less than 1 month overdue 
1 - 3 months overdue 
3 - 6 months overdue 
Over 6 months overdue 

The movements in the provision for impairment of trade receivables during the year is as follows:

Group   

At 1 April 
Provision for impairment recognised in the year 
Amounts recovered during the year 
Amounts written off during the year 
Arising on acquisition 
Exchange differences 
At 31 March 

2009 
€’000 

62,428 
25,639 
8,207 
 2,147 
98,421 

2009 
€’000 

15,624 
18,996 
930 
(6,238) 
3,357 
(1,916) 
30,753 

2008
€’000

76,336
26,532
20,494
8,115
131,477

2008
€’000

13,343
5,638
(805)
(4,762)
3,723
(1,513)
15,624

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

109

47. Financial Risk and Capital Management (continued)
Company
There were no past due or impaired trade receivables in the Company at 31 March 2009 (31 March 2008: none).

(ii) Liquidity risk management
The Group maintains a strong balance sheet with long term debt funding and cash balances with deposit maturities up to six months. 
Wherever possible, surplus funds in the Group are transferred to the centralised treasury department through the repayment of borrowings, 
deposits and dividends. These are then lent to Group companies or contributed as equity to fund Group operations, used to retire external 
debt or invested externally. The Group does not use off-balance sheet special purpose entities as a source of liquidity or for other financing 
purposes. In addition, the Group maintains significant committed and uncommitted credit lines with its relationship banks. Compliance with the 
Group’s biannual debt covenants is monitored continuously based on the management accounts. Sensitivity analyses using various scenarios 
are applied to forecasts to assess their impact on covenants and net debt. During the year to 31 March 2009 all covenants have been 
complied with and based on current forecasts it is expected that all covenants will continue to be complied with for the foreseeable future.

The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period to contractual 
maturity at the balance sheet date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows.

Group   

As at 31 March 2009 

Trade and other payables  
Borrowings (principal repayments) 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deferred acquisition consideration 
Future finance charges 

Less: future finance charges 

Group   

As at 31 March 2008 

Trade and other payables  
Borrowings (principal repayments) 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deferred acquisition consideration 
Future finance charges 

Less: future finance charges 

Less than 

Between 

Between 
1 year  1 and 2 years  2 and 5 years 
€’000 
€’000 
€’000 

696,294 
101,657 
1,660 
6,151 
13,023 
818,785 
 (13,023)  
805,762 

- 
1,361 
- 
3,261 
10,673 
15,295 
 (10,673) 
4,622 

- 
66,108 
- 
12,746 
29,744 
108,598 
 (29,744) 
78,854 

Less than 
1 year 
€’000 

Between 
1 and 2 years 
€’000 

Between 
2 and 5 years 
€’000 

796,902 
233,161 
1,534 
14,407 
33,999 
1,080,003 
(33,999) 
1,046,004 

- 
1,459 
- 
9,392 
22,506 
33,357 
(22,506) 
10,851 

- 
9,376 
- 
8,941 
66,423 
84,740 
(66,423) 
18,317 

Over 
5 years 
€’000 

- 
349,425 
- 
- 
14,649 
364,074 
 (14,649) 
349,425 

Over 
5 years 
€’000 

- 
364,086 
- 
- 
73,022 
437,108 
(73,022) 
364,086 

Total
€’000

696,294
518,551
 1,660
 22,158
68,089
1,306,752
 (68,089)
1,238,663

Total
€’000

796,902
608,082
 1,534
 32,740
195,950
1,635,208
(195,950)
1,439,258

The Group has sufficient cash resources and liquid assets to enable it to meet its current borrowing obligations and trade and other 
payables.

Company 

As at 31 March 2009 

Less than 

Between 

Between 
1 year  1 and 2 years  2 and 5 years 
€’000 
€’000 
€’000 

Over 
5 years 
€’000 

Total
€’000

Trade and other payables 

264,149 

- 

10,387 

- 

274,536

Company 

As at 31 March 2008 

Less than 
1 year 
€’000 

Between 
1 and 2 years 
€’000 

Between 
2 and 5 years 
€’000 

Over 
5 years 
€’000 

Total
€’000

Trade and other payables 

271,843 

- 

10,387 

- 

282,230

The Company has sufficient cash resources and liquid assets to enable it to meet its trade and other payables.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
110

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Notes to the Financial Statements
(continued)

47. Financial Risk and Capital Management (continued)
(iii)  Market risk management
Foreign exchange risk management
DCC’s reporting currency and that in which its share capital is denominated is the euro. Foreign exchange risk arises from future commercial 
transactions, recognised assets and liabilities and net investments in foreign operations giving rise to exposure to other currencies, primarily 
sterling and the US dollar.

Divisional and subsidiary management, in conjunction with Group Treasury, manage foreign currency exposures within approved policies 
and guidelines using forward currency contracts.

The portion of the Group’s operating profits which are sterling denominated are offset to a limited degree by certain natural economic 
hedges that exist within the Group in that a proportion of the purchases by certain of its Irish businesses are sterling denominated. The 
Group does not hedge the remaining translation exposure on the translation of the profits of foreign currency subsidiaries on the basis that 
they are not intended to be repatriated. 

The Group has investments in sterling operations which are highly cash generative. The Group seeks to manage the resultant foreign 
currency translation risk through borrowings denominated in or swapped (utilising currency swaps or cross currency interest rate swaps) 
into sterling, although this hedge is offset by the strong ongoing cash flow generated by the Group’s sterling operations leaving the Group 
with a net investment in sterling assets. The 14.5% reduction in the value of sterling against the euro during the year ended 31 March 2009 
gave rise to a translation loss of €85.8 million on the translation of the Group’s sterling denominated net asset position at 31 March 2009 
as set out in the Statement of Recognised Income and Expense. Included in this figure is €34.6 million relating to the Group’s sterling 
denominated intangible assets. 

The Group has a moderate level of transactional currency exposure arising from sales or purchases by operating units in currencies other 
than their functional currencies. Where sales or purchases are invoiced in other then the local currency and there is not a natural hedge 
with other activities within the Group, DCC generally hedges between 50% and 90% of those transactions for the subsequent two months. 
The Group also hedges a proportion of anticipated transactions in certain subsidiaries for periods ranging up to twelve months with such 
transactions qualifying as ‘highly probable’ forecast transactions for IAS 39 hedge accounting purposes.

Sensitivity to currency movements:
Group
A change in the value of other currencies by 10% against the euro would have a €11.2 million (2008: €8.3 million) impact on the Group’s 
profit before tax, would change the Group’s equity by €45.5 million and change the Group’s net debt by €0.6 million (2008: €42.6 million 
and €4.8 million respectively). These amounts include an insignificant amount of transactional currency exposure.

Company
The Company does not have significant levels of non-functional currency assets and liabilities at 31 March 2009 or at 31 March 2008.

Interest rate risk management
On a net debt basis, the Group is exposed to changes in interest rates, primarily changes in EURIBOR and sterling LIBOR. Having borrowed 
at both fixed and floating rates of interest, DCC has swapped its fixed rate borrowings to floating interest rates, using interest rate and cross 
currency interest rate swaps. Overall interest rate risk on gross borrowings is mitigated by matching, to the extent possible, the maturity of 
its cash balances with the interest rate reset periods on the swaps related to its borrowings. 

Sensitivity of interest charges to interest rate movements:
Group
Based on the composition of net debt at 31 March 2009, a one percentage point (100 basis points) change in average floating interest rates 
would have a €1.5 million (2008: €1.2 million) impact on the Group’s profit before tax.

Company
The effective interest rates earned during the year on cash at bank ranged from 0.1% to 3.7%. 

Commodity price risk management
The Group is exposed to commodity cost price risk in its oil distribution and LPG businesses. Market dynamics are such that these 
commodity cost price movements are immediately reflected in oil commodity sales prices and, within a short period, in LPG commodity 
sales prices. Fixed price oil supply contracts are occasionally provided to certain customers for periods of less than one year. To manage 
this exposure, the Group enters into matching forward commodity contracts, not designated as hedges under IAS 39. While LPG price 
changes are being implemented, the Group hedges a proportion of its anticipated LPG commodity exposure, with such transactions 
qualifying as ‘highly probable’ forecast transactions for IAS 39 hedge accounting purposes. In addition, to cover certain customer segments 
for whom it is commercially beneficial to avoid price increases, a proportion of LPG commodity price and related foreign exchange exposure 
is hedged. All commodity hedging counterparties are approved by the Board.

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

111

47. Financial Risk and Capital Management (continued)
Sensitivity to commodity price movements:
Group
An increase or decrease of 10% in the commodity cost price of oil would have a nil impact on the Group’s profit before tax and on the 
Group’s equity (2008: nil). 

The impact on the Group’s profit before tax and on the Group’s equity of an increase or decrease of 10% in the commodity cost price of 
LPG would be dependant on seasonal variations, competitive pressures and the underlying absolute cost of the commodity at the time and, 
as such, is difficult to quantify but would not be material.

Company
The Company has no exposure to commodity price risk.

48. Related Party Transactions
The principal related party relationships requiring disclosure in the consolidated financial statements of the Group under IAS 24 Related 
Party Disclosures relate to the existence of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates and transactions with these entities entered into by 
the Group and the identification and compensation of key management personnel as addressed in more detail below:

Group
Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates as 
documented in the accounting policies on pages 64 to 72. A listing of the principal subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates is provided in 
the Group Directory on pages 112 to 114 of this Annual Report. 

Transactions are entered into in the normal course of business on an arm’s length basis.

Sales to and purchases from, together with outstanding payables and receivables to and from subsidiaries and joint ventures are eliminated 
in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. 

Compensation of key management personnel
For the purposes of the disclosure requirements under IAS 24, the term ‘key management personnel’ (i.e. those persons having authority 
and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company) comprises the Board of Directors which manages the 
business and affairs of the Company. Full disclosure in relation to the compensation entitlements of the Board of Directors is provided in the 
Report on Directors’ Remuneration and Interests on pages 52 to 55 of this Annual Report.

Company
Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates
During the year the Company did not receive dividends from its subsidiaries or associates (2008: received €230.000 million). Details of loan 
balances to/from subsidiaries are provided in the Company Balance Sheet on page 62, in note 24 ‘Trade and Other Receivables’ and in 
note 25 ‘Trade and Other Payables’.

During the year the Company was charged a management fee of €2.352 million (2008: €2.209 million) by its subsidiary, DCC Management 
Services Limited.

49. Approval of Financial Statements
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 18 May 2009.

 
 
112

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Group Directory

Principal Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures

DCC Energy
Company name & address 

DCC Energy Limited 
DCC House, Brewery Road, 
Stillorgan, Blackrock, 
Co. Dublin, Ireland 

Oil   
GB Oils Limited  
302 Bridgewater Place, 
Birchwood Park, 
Warrington WA3 6XG, England 

Emo Oil Limited 
Clonminam Industrial Estate, 
Portlaoise,  
Co. Laois, Ireland 

DCC Energy Limited 
Airport Road West, 
Sydenham,  
Belfast BT3 9ED, Northern Ireland 

LPG 
Flogas UK Limited 
81 Raynsway, 
Syston,  
Leicester LE7 1PF, England 

Flogas Ireland Limited 
Dublin Road, 
Drogheda,  
Co. Louth, Ireland 

Fuel Cards 
Fuel Card Services Limited 
Alexandra House, 
Lawnswood Business Park, 
Redvers Close, 
Leeds LS16 6QY, England 

DCC SerCom

Principal activity 

Holding and divisional management company 

Procurement, sales, marketing and distribution 
of petroleum products 

Procurement, sales, marketing and distribution 
of petroleum products 

Procurement, sales, marketing and distribution 
of petroleum products 

Procurement, sales, marketing and distribution 
of liquefied petroleum gas 

Procurement, sales, marketing and distribution 
of liquefied petroleum gas 

Contact details

Tel: +353 1 2799 400
Fax: +353 1 2831 017
Email: energy@dcc.ie
www.dcc.ie  

Tel: +44 1925 858 500
Fax: +44 1925 858 501
Email: info@gb-oils.co.uk
www.gb-oils.co.uk 

Tel: +353 578 674 700
Fax: +353 578 674 775
Email: info@emo.ie
www.emo.ie 

Tel: +44 28 9073 2611
Email: info@flogasni.com
Email: enquiries@emooil.com
www.emooil.com  

Tel: +44 116 2649 000
Fax: +44 116 2649 001
Email: enquiries@flogas.co.uk
www.flogas.co.uk 

Tel: +353 41 9831 041
Fax: +353 41 9834 652
Email: info@flogas.ie
www.flogas.ie 

Sale of motor fuels through fuel cards 

Tel: +44 113 384 6264
Fax: +44 871 598 0010
Email: info@fuelcardservices.com
www.fuelcardservices.com

Company name & address 

Principal activity 

Contact details

SerCom Distribution Limited 
DCC House, Brewery Road, 
Stillorgan, Blackrock, 
Co. Dublin, Ireland 

Retail 
Gem Distribution Limited 
St. George House, Parkway,  
Harlow Business Park, Harlow, 
Essex CM19 5QF, England 

Holding and divisional management company 

Procurement, sales, marketing and distribution of 
computer software and peripherals 

Pilton Company Limited 
Unit 2, Loughlinstown Industrial Estate,  DVDs and computer games and accessories 
Ballybrack, Co. Dublin, Ireland 

Procurement, sales, marketing and distribution of 

Tel: +353 1 2799 400
Fax: +353 1 2831 017
Email: sercom@dcc.ie
www.sercomdistribution.com 

Tel: +44 1279 822 800
Fax: +44 1279 416 228
Email: info@gem.co.uk
www.gem.co.uk 

Tel: +353 1 2826 444
Fax: +353 1 2826 532

Banque Magnetique SAS 
Paris Nord 2, Parc des Reflets, 
99 Avenue de la Pyramide, 
95700 Roissy en France 

Reseller 
Micro Peripherals Limited 
Shorten Brook Way, Altham Business  
Park, Altham, Accrington, 
Lancashire BB5 5YJ, England 

Sharptext Limited 
M50 Business Park, 
Ballymount Road Upper,  
Dublin 12, Ireland 

Procurement, sales, marketing and distribution of 
computer peripherals and accessories 

Tel: +33 1 49 90 93 93
Fax: + 33 1 49 90 93 07
Email: c.dupont@banquemagnetique.fr
www.banquemagnetique.fr

Procurement, sales, marketing and distribution of 
computer products 

Procurement, sales, marketing and distribution of 
computer products  

Tel: +44 1282 776 776
Fax: +44 1282 770 001
Email: enquiries@micro-p.com
www.micro-p.com 

Tel: +353 1 4087 171
Fax: +353 1 4193 111
Email: sharptext@sharptext.com
www.sharptext.com    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Group Directory (continued)

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

113

DCC SerCom (continued)
Company name & address 

Enterprise 
Distrilogie SA  
Energy Park IV,  
34 Avenue de l’Europe, 
78140 Velizy, France 

Supply Chain Management 
SerCom Solutions Limited 
M50 Business Park,  
Ballymount Road Upper,  
Dublin 12, Ireland 

DCC Healthcare

Principal activity 

Contact details

Distribution of enterprise infrastructure products in   Tel: +33 1 34 58 47 00
France, Iberia & Benelux 

Fax: + 33 1 34 58 47 27
Email: info@distrilogie.com
www.distrilogie.com   

Provision of supply chain management and 
procurement services 

Tel: +353 1 4056 500
Fax: +353 1 4056 555
Email: kevin.vaughan@sercomsolutions.com
www.sercomsolutions.com 

Company name & address 

Principal activity 

Contact details

DCC Healthcare Limited 
DCC House, Brewery Road, 
Stillorgan, Blackrock, 
Co. Dublin, Ireland 

Hospital Supplies & Services 
Fannin Limited 
Fannin House, South County  
Business Park, Leopardstown, 
Dublin 18, Ireland 

Squadron Medical Limited 
Unit A, Griffen Close, 
Ireland Industrial Estate, Staveley,
Chesterfield S43 3LJ, England

The TPS Healthcare Group Limited 
27-35 Napier Place, 
Wardpark, North Cumbernauld, 
Glasgow G68 0LL, Scotland 

Health & Beauty Solutions  
DCC Health & Beauty Solutions 
9-12 Hardwick Road, 
Astmoor Industrial Estate, Runcorn, 
Cheshire WA7 1PH, England 

Laleham Healthcare Limited 
Sycamore Park, 
Mill Lane, Alton, 
Hampshire GU34 2PR, England 

Thompson & Capper Limited 
9-12 Hardwick Road, 
Astmoor Industrial Estate, Runcorn, 
Cheshire WA7 1PH, England 

EuroCaps Limited 
Crown Business Park, 
Dukes Town, Tredegar, 
Gwent NP22 4EF, Wales 

Mobility & Rehab 
Days Healthcare UK Limited 
North Road, 
Bridgend Industrial Estate, 
Bridgend CF31 3TP, Wales 

Physio-Med Services Limited 
7-23 Glossop Brook Business Park, 
Surrey Street, Glossop, 
Derbyshire SK13 7AJ, England 

Ausmedic Australia Pty Limited 
Unit 4, 37 Leighton Place,  
Hornsby,  
NSW 2077, Australia 

Holding and divisional management company 

Tel: +353 1 2799 400
Fax: +353 1 2831 017
Email: healthcare@dcc.ie
www.dcc.ie  

Procurement, sales and marketing of  
pharmaceutical, medical and laboratory products  
and provision of related value-added services 

Tel: +353 1 2907 000
Fax: +353 1 2954 777
Email: information@fannin.ie
www.fannin.ie

Provision of value-added distribution services to 
hospitals and healthcare providers 

Tel: +44 1246 470 999
Fax: +44 1246 284 030

Provision of value-added distribution services to 
hospitals and healthcare providers 

Outsourced solutions for the health and 
beauty industry 

Contract manufacture and packing of  
nutraceuticals and cosmetics (liquids and creams) 

Development, contract manufacture and packing 
of tablet and hard gel capsule nutraceuticals 

Development and contract manufacture of soft 
gel capsule nutraceuticals 

Development, procurement, sales and marketing 
of mobility and rehabilitation products 

Procurement, sales and marketing of 
rehabilition products 

Procurement, sales and marketing of mobility 
and rehabilitation products 

Tel: +44 1236 739 668
Fax: +44 1236 738 376
Email:corporate@tpshealthcare.com
www.tpshealthcare.com 

Tel: +44 1928 573 734
Fax: +44 1420 566 566
Email: enquiries@dcchealthandbeauty.com
www.dcchealthandbeauty.com    

Tel: +44 1420 566 500
Fax: +44 1420 566 566
Email: reception@laleham-healthcare.com
www.laleham-healthcare.com  

Tel: +44 1928 573 734
Fax: +44 1928 580 694
Email: enquiries@tablets2buy.com
www.tablets2buy.com

Tel: +44 1495 308 900
Fax: +44 1495 308 990
Email: info@softgels.co.uk
www.softgels.co.uk 

Tel: +44 1656 664 700
Fax: +44 1656 664 750
Email: info@dayshealthcare.com
www.dayshealthcare.com 

Tel: +44 1457 860 444
Fax: +44 1457 860 555
Email: sales@physio-med.com
www.physio-med.com 

Tel: +61 2 94773422
Fax: +61 2 94773522
Email: sales@ausmedic.com
www.ausmedic.com    

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
114

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Group Directory
(continued)

DCC Food & Beverage

Company name & address 

Principal activity 

DCC Food & Beverage Limited 
79 Broomhill Road, 
Tallaght,  
Dublin 24, Ireland 

Healthfoods 
Kelkin Limited 
Unit 1, Crosslands Industrial Park, 
Ballymount Cross,  
Dublin 12, Ireland 

Indulgence  
Robert Roberts Limited 
79 Broomhill Road, 
Tallaght,  
Dublin 24, Ireland 

Bottle Green Limited 
19 New Street, 
Horsforth,  
Leeds LS18 4BH, England 

KP (Ireland) Limited*  
79 Broomhill Road, 
Tallaght, 
Dublin 24, Ireland 

Logistics 
Allied Foods Limited 
Second Avenue, 
Cookstown Industrial Estate, 
Dublin 24, Ireland

Other 
Kylemore Foods Group*  
McKee Avenue,  
Finglas,  
Dublin 11, Ireland 

DCC Environmental
Company name & address 

DCC Environmental Limited 
DCC House, Brewery Road, 
Stillorgan, Blackrock, 
Co. Dublin, Ireland 

Enva Ireland Limited 
Clonminam Industrial Estate, 
Portlaoise,  
Co. Laois, Ireland 

Wastecycle Limited 
Enviro Building, Private Road No. 4, 
Colwick Industrial Estate, 
Nottingham NG4 2JT, England 

William Tracey Limited* 
49 Burnbrae Road, Linwood,  
Paisley, Renfrewshire  
PA3 3BD, Scotland 

* 50% owned joint venture

Holding and divisional management company 

Procurement, sales, marketing and  
distribution of branded healthy foods,  
beverages and vms products 

Procurement, sales, marketing and  
distribution of food and beverages 

Procurement, sales, marketing and 
distribution of wine  

Manufacture of snack foods 

Chilled and frozen food distribution 

Operation of restaurants and contract catering  

Contact details

Tel: +353 1 4047 300
Fax: +353 1 4599 369
Email: foods@dcc.ie
www.dcc.ie  

Tel: +353 1 4600 400
Fax: +353 1 4600 411
Email: info@kelkin.ie
www.kelkin.ie 

Tel: +353 1 4047 300
Fax: +353 1 4599 369
Email: info@robt-roberts.ie
www.robt-roberts.ie 

Tel: +44 113 2054 500
Fax: +44 113 2054 501
Email: info@bottlegreen.com
www.bottlegreen.com 

Tel: +353 1 4047 300
Fax: +353 1 4599 369

Tel: +353 1 466 2600
Fax: +353 1 466 2688
Email: info@alliedfoods.ie

Tel: +353 1 814 0600
Fax: + 353 1 814 0601
Email: info@kylemore.ie
www.kylemore.ie 

Principal activity 

Contact details

Holding and divisional management company 

Specialist waste treatment/management services 

Recycling and waste management company 

Recycling and waste management company 

Tel: +353 1 2799 400
Fax: +353 1 2831 017
Email: environmental@dcc.ie
www.dcc.ie  

Tel: +353 578 678 600
Fax: +353 578 678 699
Email: info@enva.ie
www.enva.ie 

Tel: +44 115 9403 111
Fax: +44 115 940 4141
Email: enquiries@wastecycle.co.uk
www.wastecycle.co.uk 

Tel: +44 1505 321 000
Fax: + 44 1505 335 555 
Email: info@wmtracey.co.uk
www.wmtracey.co.uk  

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder Information

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

115

Share Price Data 

Share price movement during the year  
- High 
- Low 

Share price at 31 March 
Market capitalisation at 31 March 

Share price at 18 May 
Market capitalisation at 18 May 

Shareholder Analysis as at 31 March 2009

2008
€

26.48
14.78

14.95
1,208m

2009 
€ 

17.00 
10.05 

11.40 
936m 

14.50 
1,191m 

Range of shares held 

Number of accounts 

% of accounts 

Number of shares1  

% of shares

Over 250,000 
100,001 – 250,000 
10,001 – 100,000 
Less than 10,000 

Total 

Geographic division2 

Ireland 
UK 
North America 
Europe/Other 
Retail3 

Total 

48 
45 
180 
3,052 

3,325 

1.4 
1.4 
5.4 
91.8 

65,652,538 
6,948,735 
6,157,901 
3,379,831 

100.0 

82,139,005 

79.9
8.5
7.5
4.1

100.0

Number of shares1  

% of shares

11,085,527 
22,495,121 
23,886,652 
7,597,579 
17,074,126 

82,139,005 

13.5
27.4
29.1
9.2
20.8

100.0

1 Excludes 6,090,399 shares held as Treasury Shares
2 This represents the best estimate of the number of shares controlled by fund managers resident in the relevant geographic regions
3 Retail includes private shareholders, management and broker holdings

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

Registrar
All administrative queries about the holding 
of DCC shares should be addressed to 
the Company’s Registrar, Computershare 
Investor Services (Ireland) Limited, Heron 
House, Corrig Road, Sandyford Industrial 
Estate, Dublin 18, Ireland.

ISIN: IE0002424939
ISE Xetra: DCC plc
Bloomberg: DCC ID, DCC LN

Website 
Through DCC’s website, www.dcc.ie, 
stakeholders and other interested parties 
can access information on DCC in an 
easy-to-follow and user-friendly format. 
As well as information on the Group’s 
activities, users can keep up to date on 
DCC’s financial results and share price 
performance through downloadable reports 
and interactive share price tools. The site 
also provides access to archived financial 
data, annual reports, stock exchange 
announcements and investor presentations.

Tel: + 353 1 247 5698
Fax: + 353 1 216 3151
www.investorcentre.com/ie/contactus

Dividends
Shareholders are offered the option 
of having dividends paid in euro or 
pounds sterling. Shareholders may also 
elect to receive dividend payments by 
electronic funds transfer directly into 
their bank accounts, rather than by 
cheque. 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 non-individual shareholders resident in 
Ireland (e.g. companies, pension funds and 
charities).

An explanatory leaflet entitled “Dividend 
Withholding Tax – General Information 
Leaflet” has been published by the Irish 
Revenue Commissioners and can be 
obtained by contacting the Company’s 
Registrar at the above address. This leaflet 
can also be downloaded from the Irish 
Revenue Commissioners’ website at www.
revenue.ie. Declaration forms for claiming 
an exemption are available from the 
Company’s Registrar.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
116

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Shareholder Information (continued)

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. 
Shareholders should consult their 
stockbroker if they wish to hold shares in 
electronic form.

Annual General Meeting
The 2009 Annual General Meeting will 
be held at The Four Seasons Hotel, 
Simmonscourt Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 
4, Ireland on Friday 17 July 2009 at 11.00 
a.m. The Notice of Meeting together with 
an explanatory letter from the Chairman and 
a Form of Proxy accompany this Report.

Financial Calendar
•  Preliminary results announced  

19 May 2009

•  Ex-dividend date for the final dividend 

27 May 2009

•  Record date for the final dividend 

29 May 2009

•  Interim Management Statement 

17 July 2009

•  Annual General Meeting 

17 July 2009

•  Proposed payment date for final dividend 

23 July 2009

•  Interim results to be announced 

November 2009

•  Proposed payment date for the interim 

dividend  
December 2009

Electronic communications
Following the introduction of the 
Transparency Regulations 2007, and in 
order to adopt a more environmentally-
friendly and cost-effective approach, the 
Company provides the Annual Report 
to shareholders electronically via DCC’s 
website, www.dcc.ie, and only sends a 
printed copy to those shareholders who 
specifically request a copy. Shareholders 
who choose to receive the Annual Report 
electronically will also receive other 
information electronically (such as interim 
reports, notices of annual general meeting 
and shareholder circulars) but will continue 
to receive certain communications by 
post (such as share certificates, dividend 
cheques, dividend payment vouchers and 
tax vouchers). Shareholders who wish to 
alter the method by which they receive 
communications should contact the 
Company’s Registrar.

Electronic proxy voting and 
CREST voting
Shareholders may lodge a Form of Proxy 
for the 2009 Annual General Meeting via 
the internet. Shareholders who wish to 
submit their proxy in this manner may do 
so by accessing the Company’s Registrar’s 
website at www.computershare.com/ie/
voting/dcc and following the instructions 
which are set out on the Form of Proxy. 

CREST members who wish to appoint a 
proxy or proxies via the CREST electronic 
proxy appointment service should refer to 
the notes in the Notice of Annual General 
Meeting or on the Form of Proxy.

Investor relations
For investor enquiries please contact Conor 
Murphy, Investor Relations Manager, DCC 
plc, DCC House, Brewery Road, Stillorgan, 
Blackrock, Co Dublin, Ireland.

Tel: + 353 1 2799 400
Fax: + 353 1 2831 017
email: investorrelations@dcc.ie

Corporate Information

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

117

Auditors 
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Chartered Accountants
& Registered Auditors 
One Spencer Dock
North Wall Quay
Dublin 1
Ireland

Bankers
Allied Irish Banks
Bank of Ireland
Barclays
BNP Paribas
Danske Bank A/S trading as National Irish Bank
Deutsche Bank
ING Bank N.V. 
KBC Bank
Royal Bank of Scotland 
Ulster Bank 

Registered and Head Office 
DCC House
Brewery Road
Stillorgan
Blackrock
Co. Dublin
Ireland

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

Solicitors
William Fry 
Fitzwilton House
Wilton Place
Dublin 2
Ireland 

Stockbrokers
Davy
49 Dawson Street 
Dublin 2
Ireland 

JPMorgan Cazenove Limited
20 Moorgate 
London EC2R 6DA 
England

 
118

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

Senior Management

Group and Divisional

DCC Energy 

DCC SerCom 

DCC Healthcare 

DCC Food & Beverage 

Chief Executive 
Chief Financial Officer 

Managing Director  
Deputy Managing Director 

Managing Director 
Finance & Development Director 

Managing Director 
Finance & Development Director 

Managing Director 
Finance & Development Director 

DCC Environmental 

Finance & Development Director 

Group Secretary & Head of Enterprise Risk Management 
Managing Director, DCC Corporate Finance 
Head of Group EHS 
Head of Group Tax 
Head of Group HR 
Head of Group Accounting 
Group Internal Auditor 
Head of Group IT 
Head of Group Treasury 

Subsidiary and Joint Venture 

Oil   

LPG 

Retail 

Reseller 

Enterprise 
SCM 

Hospital Supplies & Services 

Health & Beauty Solutions 

Mobility & Rehab 

Healthfoods 
Indulgence 

Logistics 
Other 

* Joint ventures

DCC Energy
GB Oils  
Emo Oil 
DCC Energy NI - Oil 
Flogas Ireland 
Flogas UK 
Fuel Card Group 

DCC SerCom
Gem Distribution 
Pilton 
Banque Magnetique 
Micro Peripherals 
Sharptext 
Distrilogie 
SerCom Solutions 

DCC Healthcare
(and Fannin) 
Squadron Medical 
TPS Healthcare 
(and Thompson & Capper) 
Eurocaps 
Laleham 
DCC Mobility & Rehab 
Ausmedic Australia 
PhysioMed Services 
Days Healthcare UK 

DCC Food & Beverage
Kelkin 
Robert Roberts 
Bottle Green 
Allied Foods 
Broderick Bros 
Kylemore Foods Group * 

DCC Environmental 
William Tracey * 
Wastecycle 

Enva Ireland 

Managing Director 
Managing Director 
Managing Director 
Managing Director 
Managing Director 
Chief Operations Officer 

Managing Director 
Managing Director 
Directeur Général 
Managing Director 
Managing Director 
Directeur Général 
Chief Executive Officer 

Managing Director 
Managing Director 
Managing Director 
Managing Director 
Managing Director 
Managing Director 
Managing Director 
Managing Director 
Managing Director 
General Manager 

Managing Director 
Managing Director 
Managing Director 
Managing Director 
Managing Director 
Managing Director 

Managing Director 
Executive Chairman 
Managing Director 
Managing Director 

Tommy Breen
Fergal O’Dwyer

Donal Murphy
Colman O’Keeffe

Niall Ennis
Conor Murphy

Conor Costigan
Ian O’Donovan

Frank Fenn
Redmond McEvoy

Thomas Davy

Ger Whyte
Michael Scholefield
John Barcroft
Yvonne Divilly
Ann Keenan
Gavin O’Hara
Val O’Sullivan
Peter Quinn
Daphne Tease

Sam Chambers
Gerry Wilson
Pat O’Neill
Richard Martin
Henry Cubbon
Ben Jordan

Chris Peacock
Jim Morgan
Claude Dupont
Gerry O’Keeffe
John Dunne
Patrice Arzillier
Kevin Henry

Andrew O’Connell
Peter Wyslych
Catherine McCallum
Stephen O’Connor
Adrian Williams
Tim O’Connor
Graham White
Ashley Williams
Jamie Burles
Steve Holton

Frank Fenn
Tom Gray
Jon Eagle
John Casey
Richard Kieran
Brian Hogan

Michael Tracey
Mike Shearstone
Paul Needham
Declan Ryan

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Index

Accounting Policies 
Accounting Records 
Acquisitions and Capital Expenditure 
Adjusted Earnings per Share 
Amortisation of Intangible Assets  
Analysis of Net Debt 
Appointment of Directors 
Appointment of Inspector/Fyffes Case   
Approval of Financial Statements  
Articles of Association 
Attendance at Meetings 
Audit Committee 
Auditors 

35
45
10
36
36
95
48
7
111
45
50
5, 49
45

Balance Sheet and Group Financing 
Basis of Consolidation 
Basis of Preparation 
Board  
Board Committees 
Board Meetings 
Board Membership 
Board of Directors 
Board Procedures 
Borrowings 
Business Combinations 
Business Ethics 
Business Reviews 

38
65
64
6
49
48
48
4,48
48
94
 67, 73, 105
43
14

104
69, 93
37
103
48
6
8
41

Capital Expenditure Commitments 
Cash and Cash Equivalents 
Cash Flow 
Cash Generated from Operations  
Chairman 
Chairman’s Statement 
Chief Executive’s Review 
Climate Change 
Commitments Under Operating and  
Finance Leases 
Commodity Price Risk Management 
Company Balance Sheet 
Company Cash Flow Statement   
Company Statement of Recognised Income  
63
and Expense 
47
Compliance Risks 
51
Compliance Statement 
1
Contents 
103
Contingencies 
44, 48
Corporate Governance 
117
Corporate Information 
7
Corporate Sustainability 
Credit Risk Management 
39
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments  72

104
39
62
63

14
30
26
22
18
99
96

DCC Energy 
DCC Environmental 
DCC Food & Beverage 
DCC Healthcare 
DCC SerCom 
Deferred Acquisition Consideration 
Deferred Income Tax 
Deputy Chairman and Senior  
Independent Director 
Derivative Financial Instruments 
Direct Economic Value Added 
Directors 
Directors’ and Company Secretary’s Interests 
Directors’ Emoluments and Interests 
Directors’ Remuneration 
Directors’ Service Agreements 
Directors’ Statement pursuant  
to the Transparency Regulations   
Dividend 
Dividend Increase 
Dividends 
Divisional Highlights 

48
69, 93
41
44
54
78
52, 53
55

56
36
6
44, 86
9

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

119

Occupational Health & Safety 
Operational Risks 
Other Operating Income/Expenses 
Other Reserves 
Outcome of the Strategy Review   
Outlook 
Oversight Committee 
Overview of Results 

Pension and Other Post Employment  
Obligations 
Performance Evaluation 
Political Contributions 
Post-Retirement Benefits 
Principal Risks and Uncertainties   
Principal Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures 
Profit Attributable To DCC plc 
Profit before Net Exceptionals,  
Amortisation of Intangible Assets and Tax 
Property, Plant and Equipment 
Proportionate Consolidation of  
Joint Ventures 
Provision for Impairment of  
Trade Receivables 
Provisions 
Provisions for Liabilities and Charges 

42
47
78
101
13
7, 11
50
35

71
51
45
72
44, 46
45,112
86

35
66, 88

79

73
70
100

111
51
  5, 50, 52
52
44
57

Related Party Transactions 
Relations with Shareholders 
Remuneration Committee 
Remuneration Policy 
Report of The Directors 
Report of The Independent Auditors 
Report on Directors’ Remuneration  
and Interests 
Research and Development 
Results Highlights 
Retained Earnings 
Retirement Benefit Obligations 
Return on Capital Empoyed 
Revenue Recognition 
Review of Activities and Events  
Since Year End 
Review of Long Term Incentive Arrangements 
Roles of Board of Directors 

52
45
6, 8
102
96
37
66

44
54
48

Segment Information 
Segment Reporting 
Senior Management 
Share Capital and Treasury Shares 
Share of Associates’ Profit after Tax 
Share Options 
Share Premium Account 
Share-Based Payment Transactions 
Shareholder Information 
Shareholders’ Equity 
Statement of Compliance 
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities  
Strategic Risks 
Strategy Review 
Substantial Shareholdings 
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 
Sustainablity Report 

73
66
118
44
70, 85
54
101
71
115
72
64
56
46
  7, 11, 12
45
64
40

Takeover Regulations 
Taxation 
Trade and Other Payables 
Trade and Other Receivables 
Trade Payables 
Trade Receivables 

Useful Lives for Property, Plant and  
Equipment and Intangible Assets  

45
36, 73
92
91
68
68

73

Earnings per Ordinary Share 
Employee Share Options 
Employment 
Environmental Provisions 
Equity Share Capital 
Exceptional Charge 
Exceptional Charge (Net) 
Exceptional Items 
Exceptionals 

Fair Value Estimation 
Finance Costs  
Finance Costs (Net) 
Finance Costs and Finance Income 
Finance Income 
Financial Review 
Financial Risk and Capital Management 
Financial Risk Factors 
Financial Risk Management 
Financial Risks 
Financial Strength 
Five Year Review 
Foreign Currency 
Foreign Currency Translation 
Foreign Exchange Risk Management 

Going Concern 
Goodwill 
Government Grants 
Group at a Glance 
Group Balance Sheet 
Group Cash Flow Statement 
Group Directory 
Group Income Statement 
Group Operating Profit 
Group Statement of Recognised Income  
and Expense 

Hedging 
Highlights 

Income Tax  
Income Tax Expense 
Independence of Non-Executive Directors 
Intangible Assets 
Intangible Assets (other than Goodwill)   
Interest-Bearing Loans and Borrowings  
Interest Rate Risk and Debt/ 
Liqudity Management 
Internal Control 
Inventories 
Investments In Associates 
Investments In Subsidiary Undertakings 

Key Performance Indicators 

DCC Energy 
DCC Environmental 
DCC Food & Beverage 
DCC Healthcare 
DCC Sercom 

Leases 

Management and Staff 
Minority Interest 
Minority Interests 
Movement in Total Equity 
Movement in Working Capital 

Nomination Committee 
Nomination Committee 
Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

86
80
80
70
101
10
35
66
83

72
70
35
84
70
34
107
72
38
47
10
120
84
66
38

51
67,72
71, 100
2
60
61
112
58
78

59

69
1

70
85
48
89
68
69

39
51
68
90
91

17
33 
29
25
21

68

7
102
67
102
92

5
49
52
64

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
120

DCC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2009

5 Year Review

Group Income Statement 
Year ended 31 March 

2005 
€’m 

2006 
€’m 

2007 
€’m 

2008 
€’m 

2009
€’m

Revenue 

2,644.7  

3,436.3  

4,046.1  

5,532.0  

6,400.1 

Operating profit before operating exceptional
items and amortisation of intangible assets 
Operating exceptional items 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Operating profit 
Finance costs (net) 
Share of associates’ profit after tax 
Non-operating exceptional items 
Profit before tax 
Income tax expense 
Minority interests 
Profit attributable to Group shareholders 

Earnings per share 
- basic (cent) 
- basic adjusted (cent) 

109.3  
(16.0) 
(1.2) 
92.1  
(5.7) 
19.3  
(4.8) 
100.9  
(12.1) 
(1.0) 
87.8  

121.0  
2.8  
(4.9) 
118.9  
(7.0) 
28.1  
(1.2) 
138.8  
(13.5) 
(1.5) 
123.8  

140.1  
24.5  
(6.7) 
157.9  
(10.8) 
14.7  
-  
161.8  
(20.7) 
(0.9) 
140.2  

167.2  
39.6  
(7.9) 
198.9  
(17.8) 
0.6  
-  
181.7  
(16.5) 
(0.7) 
164.5  

180.4 
(19.9)
(5.7)
154.8 
(17.2)
0.2 
- 
137.8 
(20.9)
(0.6)
116.3 

109.68 
137.22 

153.92 
157.23 

174.59 
160.02 

204.28 
165.06 

142.36
169.13

Dividend per share (cent) 

37.26 

42.85 

49.28 

56.67 

62.34

Dividend cover (times) 

Interest cover (times) 

* excludes exceptional credit of €3.9 million   

3.7  

3.7  

3.2  

19.2  

17.2  

12.9  

2.9  

9.4  

2.7 

8.5* 

Group Balance Sheet 
As at 31 March 

Non-current and current assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Investments in associates 
Cash/derivatives 
Other assets 
Total assets 

Equity   
Non-current and current liabilities 
Borrowings/derivatives 
Retirement benefit obligations 
Other liabilities 
Total liabilities 
Total equity and liabilities 

Net debt included above 

Group Cash Flow 
Year ended 31 March 

Operating cash flow 
Capital expenditure 
Acquisitions 

Other Information 

2005 
€’m 

2006 
€’m 

2007 
€’m 

2008 
€’m 

2009
€’m

254.8  
208.1  
51.4  
353.3  
541.1  
1,408.7  

267.5  
248.5  
76.8  
354.4  
665.4  
1,612.6  

319.6  
321.4  
90.3  
340.2  
783.1  
1,854.6  

337.1  
416.9  
4.7  
512.7  
1,037.3  
2,308.7  

319.3 
443.2 
2.2 
555.4 
891.0 
2,211.1 

492.2  

585.4  

687.7  

742.4  

726.2 

362.2  
25.4  
528.9  
916.5  
1,408.7  

387.1  
20.7  
619.4  
1,027.2  
1,612.6  

440.7  
16.4  
709.8  
1,166.9  
1,854.6  

636.4  
21.9  
908.0  
1,566.3  
2,308.7  

646.1 
29.5 
809.3 
1,484.9 
2,211.1 

(8.9) 

(32.7) 

(100.5) 

(123.7) 

(90.7)

2005 
€’m 

116.4  
43.6  
81.2  

2006 
€’m 

142.9  
57.7  
54.7  

2007 
€’m 

127.4  
60.7  
105.7  

2008 
€’m 

129.0  
87.5  
176.6  

2009
€’m

304.9 
57.0 
101.7 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009

Return on total capital employed (%) 
Return on tangible capital employed (%) 

20.4% 
44.9% 

19.1% 
43.0% 

17.9% 
38.9% 

17.5% 
38.0% 

17.8%
41.6%

Working capital (days) 

10.2  

9.5  

14.0  

16.4  

11.9 

Average number of employees 

4,746 

5,109 

5,653 

6,638 

7,182