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DCC plc

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FY2012 Annual Report · DCC plc
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1

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

Annual Report and Accounts 

2012

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

DCC iS A SALES, mARkETiNg, DiSTRibUTiON 
AND bUSiNESS SUPPORT SERviCES gROUP, 
ORgANiSED AND mANAgED ACROSS fivE 
DiviSiONS wiTh REvENUES Of OvER €10 
biLLiON AND EmPLOyiNg OvER 8,800 PEOPLE  
iN 15 COUNTRiES.

DCC’S ObjECTivE iS TO bUiLD A gROwiNg, 
SUSTAiNAbLE AND CASh gENERATivE 
bUSiNESS whiCh CONSiSTENTLy PROviDES 
RETURNS ON TOTAL CAPiTAL EmPLOyED 
SigNifiCANTLy AhEAD Of iTS COST Of CAPiTAL.

DCC iS hEADqUARTERED iN DUbLiN, iRELAND 
AND iS LiSTED UNDER SUPPORT SERviCES ON 
ThE iRiSh AND LONDON STOCk ExChANgES.

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

01 Financial Highlights
02 Group At A Glance
04 Business Model And Strategy
06 Chairman’s Statement
08 Chief Executive’s Review

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
12 Group KPIs
14 Energy Review
20 SerCom Review
26 Healthcare Review
32 Environmental Review
36 Food & Beverage Review
40 Financial Review
47 Sustainability Report

GOVERNANCE
56 Board Of Directors
58 Senior Management
60 Report Of The Directors
62 Principal Risks And Uncertainties
64 Corporate Governance
74  Report On Directors’ 

Remuneration And Interests

84  Statement Of Directors’ 

Responsibilities

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
85  Report Of The Independent 

Auditors

87 Financial Statements

INFORMATION
158 Group Directory
163 Shareholder Information
165 Corporate Information
166 Index
168 Five Year Review

01

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Revenue
Revenue

2012

2011

Operating profit*

€10,690.3m
€8,680.6m

2012

2011

€185.0m
€229.6m

Reported: +23.2% 
Constant currency†: +24.9%

Reported: -19.4% 
Constant currency†: -18.3%

Adjusted earnings per share*

Dividend per share

2012

2011

163.51 cent
203.15 cent

2012

2011

 77.89 cent
74.18 cent

Reported: -19.5% 
Constant currency†: -18.4%

Reported: +5.0%

Operating cash flow

Return on total capital employed

2012

2011

€277.3m
€269.6m

2012

2011

14.2%
19.9%

*  excluding net exceptionals and amortisation of intangible assets
† constant currency figures quoted are based on retranslating 2011/12 figures at prior year translation rates

02

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

GROUP AT A GLANCE 

DCC Energy
Sales, marketing and distribution of oil 
and liquefied petroleum gas (LPg).

Revenue
(% of Group)

Operating profit 
(% of Group)

Customers

Commercial, retail, domestic, 
industrial, agricultural, 
aviation and marine.

 for more information 
  see pages 14 to 19

73.2%

45.1%

DCC SerCom
SerCom Distribution: Sales, marketing 
and distribution of iT, communications 
and home entertainment products.

SerCom Solutions: Supply chain 
management services.

Revenue
(% of Group)

Operating profit 
(% of Group)

 for more information 
  see pages 20 to 25

20.4%

28.8%

Customers

SerCom Distribution:
iT and mobile resellers, dealers, retailers, 
etailers, grocers and catalogue retailers.
SerCom Solutions: 
iT equipment manufacturers, 
outsourced equipment manufacturers, 
consumer electronics companies 
and telecommunications equipment 
manufacturers.

DCC Healthcare
hospitals Supplies & Services: medical 
device and pharma products sales, 
marketing and distribution and value 
added logistics services to hospitals.

health & beauty Solutions: Outsourced 
services to brand owners in the health and 
beauty sector.

 for more information 
  see pages 26 to 31

DCC Environmental
Provider of a broad range of 
recycling, waste management and 
resource recovery services.

Revenue
(% of Group)

Operating profit 
(% of Group)

Customers

hospitals, retail pharmacy, pharma 
wholesalers, homecare channel, brand 
owners, mail order companies, specialist 
health and beauty retailers and private 
label suppliers.

3.1%

12.7%

Revenue
(% of Group)

Operating profit 
(% of Group)

Customers

industrial, commercial, 
construction and public sector, 
in the hazardous and non-
hazardous markets.

 for more information 
  see pages 32 to 35

1.2%

7.7%

DCC Food & Beverage
Sales, marketing and distribution of food 
and beverage products.

Revenue
(% of Group)

Operating profit 
(% of Group)

Customers

grocery multiples, symbol and 
independent retailers including 
pharmacies, off-licenses, hotels, 
restaurants and cafes.

 for more information 
  see pages 36 to 39

2.1%

5.7%

Principal 
operating 
locations
britain, ireland, 
Sweden, Denmark 
and Austria.

Principal 
operating 
locations
britain, ireland, 
france, Spain, 
Portugal, belgium, 
the Netherlands, 
Luxembourg, 
Poland, China, 
mexico and the USA.

Principal 
operating 
locations
britain and ireland.

Principal 
operating 
locations
britain and ireland.

Principal 
operating 
locations
britain and ireland.

 
 
 
 
 
03

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

Employees

Market leadership positions

4,174 

DCC Energy is the largest oil distributor in britain and in 
Sweden and a leading oil distributor in ireland, in Denmark 
and in Austria. it is also one of the leading sales and 
marketing businesses for branded fuel cards in britain.

DCC Energy is the second largest LPg sales, marketing and 
distribution business in britain and in ireland.

Employees

Market leadership positions

1,743

in the Uk, SerCom Distribution is the largest distributor in home 
entertainment products (including games consoles and software, 
consumer electronics and Av accessories and peripherals) and a 
leading distributor of iT and communications products (including 
PCs, printers, smartphones, peripherals, consumables and 
networking products).

in ireland, it is the largest distributor of home entertainment 
products and a leading distributor of iT products. in france, it 
is also a leading distributor of iT products. 

Employees

Market leadership positions

SerCom Distribution is now the fifth largest distributor of iT 
and home entertainment products in Europe.

SerCom Solutions is a strategic supply chain partner for some 
of the world’s leading technology and telecommunications 
companies.

1,169

DCC healthcare is the largest distributor of medical devices 
and pharma products in ireland with a developing presence 
in britain and is also the largest provider of outsourced 
compounding services in ireland. 

it is a leading provider of value added logistics services in 
britain. 

DCC healthcare is the leading british based outsourced 
provider to the health and beauty sector.

Employees

Market leadership positions

896

DCC Environmental is the leading recycling, waste 
management and resource recovery services provider 
in Scotland. it owns the largest material recycling facility 
in the East midlands at Nottingham. it also owns the 
leading national waste oil and hazardous waste collection, 
processing and recycling business in britain.

Employees

Market leadership positions

886

in ireland, DCC food & beverage is the leading supplier 
of healthy foods and beverages, fine foods and vitamins, 
minerals and supplements. it is also a leading value added 
distributor of indulgence products in the grocery, impulse 
and food service sectors. it is also a leading distributor of 
wine in ireland to both the on and off-trade.

DCC Environmental is the largest hazardous waste 
treatment business in ireland.

in britain, DCC food & beverage is a leading supplier of 
branded and exclusive retail solutions to the multiple off-
trade sector of the Uk wine market.

04

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

BUSINESS MODEL AND STRATEGY

OUR BUSINESS MODEL

DCC iS A SALES, mARkETiNg, 
DiSTRibUTiON AND bUSiNESS 
SUPPORT SERviCES gROUP. 
ThE gROUP iS ORgANiSED 
AND mANAgED iN fivE 
SEPARATE DiviSiONS, EACh 
fOCUSED ON SPECifiC 
mARkET SECTORS.

DIVISION 

MARKET SECTOR

DCC ENERGY 

•  Oil and LPG sales, marketing and 

DCC SERCOM 

distribution

•  IT, communications and home 
entertainment products sales, 
marketing and distribution

•  Supply chain management 

services

DCC HEALTHCARE 

•  Medical device and pharma 

products sales, marketing and 
distribution and value added 
logistics services to hospitals

•  Outsourced services to brand 
owners in the health & beauty 
sector

DCC ENVIRONMENTAL •  Waste management and 

recycling services to commercial, 
industrial and public sector 
customers

DCC FOOD & BEVERAGE •  Food & beverage product sales, 

marketing and distribution

OUR OBjECTIVE

TO bUiLD A gROwiNg, 
SUSTAiNAbLE AND CASh 
gENERATivE bUSiNESS whiCh 
CONSiSTENTLy PROviDES 
RETURNS ON TOTAL CAPiTAL 
EmPLOyED SigNifiCANTLy AhEAD 
Of iTS COST Of CAPiTAL.

 
 
05

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

OUR STRATEGY

CREATING AND SUSTAINING 
LEADING POSITIONS IN EACH 
OF THE MARKETS IN WHICH WE 
OPERATE

MAINTAINING FINANCIAL 
STRENGTH THROUGH A 
DISCIPLINED APPROACH TO 
BALANCE SHEET MANAGEMENT

DCC aims to be the number 1 or 2 operator in 
each of its markets. This is achieved through a 
consistent focus on increasing market shares 
organically and via value enhancing acquisitions. 
DCC has a long and successful track record of 
bolt-on acquisitions which have strengthened our 
market positions and generated attractive returns 
on capital invested.

It is core to our strategy that in pursuing our 
objectives, we will only do so in the context of 
maintaining relatively low levels of financial 
risk in the Group. We believe that this not only 
provides the greatest likelihood of generating 
value for shareholders in the long term but also 
leaves the Group best placed to react quickly to 
commercial opportunities as they arise. 

ATTRACTING AND EMPOWERING 
ENTREPRENEURIAL 
LEADERSHIP TEAMS, CAPABLE 
OF DELIVERING OUTSTANDING 
PERFORMANCE, THROUGH THE 
DEPLOYMENT OF A DEVOLVED 
MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

DCC strives to attract, motivate and empower 
entrepreneurial leadership teams across 
the Group. Given the diverse market sectors 
which we operate in, we believe that providing 
appropriate short and long term incentives to 
these leaders, based on the performance of the 
businesses which they manage, is the best way 
to drive returns for shareholders. Very often 
post-acquisition, we retain entrepreneurial 
managers who have sold their businesses to 
DCC and through our devolved management 
structure we ensure they are empowered to 
continue to develop those businesses. We then 
overlay this with both the close involvement of 
our small divisional teams with the businesses 
and strong Group financial and capital 
allocation controls.

CONTINUOUSLY 
BENCHMARKING AND 
IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY 
OF OUR OPERATING MODEL IN 
EACH OF OUR BUSINESSES

DCC strives to be the most efficient business 
in each of the sectors in which it operates. 
We continuously benchmark our businesses 
against those specific KPIs which we judge are 
important indicators in our drive for superior 
returns on capital in the short, medium and 
longer term.

CAREFULLY ExTENDING OUR 
GEOGRAPHIC FOOTPRINT, 
THEREBY PROVIDING NEW 
HORIzONS FOR GROWTH

In the year ended 31 March 2012, 68% of DCC’s 
operating profits were derived from the UK and 
14% from Ireland. In recent years we have been 
expanding certain of the Group’s businesses 
into other European markets which we believe 
will provide good opportunity for growth going 
forward. In the year ended 31 March 2012, 17% 
of operating profits were from Continental 
Europe, up from 12% last year and 3% five 
years ago. We will look to further extend our 
business in these markets and to enter new 
geographic markets in the coming years.

06

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

DEAR SHAREHOLDER, 
AfTER 17 CONSECUTivE yEARS Of gROwTh, iT iS DiSAPPOiNTiNg TO 
REPORT TO yOU A fALL Of 18.4% iN ADjUSTED EARNiNgS PER ShARE 
ON A CONSTANT CURRENCy bASiS iN ThE fiNANCiAL yEAR ENDED 31 
mARCh 2012. hAviNg hAD A vERy STRONg PERfORmANCE fROm DCC 
ENERgy OvER A TEN yEAR PERiOD, wiTh AN ExCEPTiONAL UPLifT 
iN OUR OiL AND LPg bUSiNESSES fROm COLDER ThAN NORmAL 
wEAThER iN ThE PRECEDiNg TwO yEARS, TEmPERATURES wERE 
ExCEPTiONALLy wARm ThROUghOUT ThE fiNANCiAL yEAR  
jUST ENDED. high OiL PRiCES ExACERbATED ThE wEAk TRADiNg 
CONDiTiONS ThROUghOUT ThE yEAR. AS A RESULT, DCC ENERgy’S 
OPERATiNg PROfiT fELL by 38.3%. AS AgAiNST ThAT, wE hAD A 
RObUST OvERALL PERfORmANCE fROm ThE OThER DiviSiONS, 
NOTAbLy DCC SERCOm, whERE OPERATiNg PROfiT wAS UP by 17.0%.

Our overall return on capital employed, 
at 14.2%, while lower than recent years, 
remained exceptional and well above 
the cost of capital. Our free cash flow, 
at €146.0 million, was higher than in 
the previous year and our balance sheet 
remained very robust, with net year 
end borrowings of only €128.2 million, 
compared with shareholder equity of 
over €1 billion. 

Dividend
The board is recommending a final 
dividend of 50.47 cent per share, making 
a total annual dividend of 77.89 cent 
per share, a 5% increase over the prior 
year. The total dividend for the year is 
covered 2.1 times by adjusted earnings 
per share. The board’s policy is to 
grow dividends over time in line with 
what we believe to be the long term 
sustainable trend in underlying earnings 
per share. it also seeks to balance the 
income needs of shareholders with the 
needs of the group to invest both in the 
business we have and in future growth 
opportunities through acquisition, where 
we believe that we can continue to make 
high returns on capital employed, as we 
have consistently done.

07

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

Dividend (cent)
- years ended 31 March

2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003

CAGR 10yrs 12.3%, CAGR 5yrs 9.6%

Development
2011/12 was a good year for development 
activity. in all, we deployed €169.1 million 
on acquisitions during the year, the most 
substantial of which was for part of the 
Total business in the Uk. we sold our 
enterprise iT distribution business, which 
we had concluded was not core to our 
future strategy, for a good price. 

we saw strong organic growth and 
consolidated leadership positions in 
the Uk and in ireland in a number of 
our businesses across the divisions. 
Approaching one-fifth of our operating 
profit now comes from Continental 
Europe.

A number of acquisition opportunities 
are under review at present across our 
divisions, to which we will apply our 
normal disciplined approach. 

we made a number of key new senior 
management appointments during the 
year so that we will be well equipped to 
deal with future growth and to continue to 
build sustainable, scale businesses.

On behalf of the board, i want to thank 
DCC’s Chief Executive, Tommy breen, his 
management team and all 8,800 or so 
DCC employees for their very hard work, 
discipline, persistence and effectiveness 
in meeting all of the challenges and 
pursuing all of the opportunities that 
presented themselves during the year. 

77.89
74.18
67.44
62.34
56.67
49.28
42.85
37.26
32.40
28.18

in addition to board focus on strategy 
and operational performance, a 
detailed review of risk management 
and compliance policies, practices and 
structures was completed, with external 
assistance, in the light of the substantial 
growth we have experienced in recent 
years and the diversified nature of the 
group. The board is happy that what 
we have in place is appropriate from 
a commercial point of view and in the 
context of best practice.

i am happy with our progress on our 
sustainability agenda. we have more to 
do. but i believe that at all levels there 
is an appropriate focus on ensuring 
the resilience of DCC’s business over 
time, by maintaining an appropriate 
balance between economic, social and 
environmental dimensions in the way 
we look at cost management, revenue 
enhancement, customers, our people 
management and our reputation. 

Board and Governance
The board believes that DCC meets all 
of the current requirements of the latest 
corporate governance standards as set 
out in the Uk Corporate governance Code 
and in the irish Corporate governance 
Annex.

There were no changes in the composition 
of the board during the year under review. 
The average service of the non-executive 
Director cadre at 31 march 2012 was 
4 years and 8 months. The significant 
diversification of experience and expertise 
brought to the table as a result of new 
appointments over the past three years 

has paid substantial dividends in terms 
of the quality of board discussion and 
contribution to decision-making. The 
effectiveness of the board was underlined 
by the positive results of an external 
evaluation of board performance which 
was undertaken by Towers watson in the 
final quarter of the financial year. The 
board has incorporated learnings from 
the evaluation into an action plan which 
will be implemented in the current year.
i continue to spend a significant amount 
of time on ensuring that we will continue 
to have available top class candidates for 
future non-executive appointments, as 
vacancies arise.

further detail on governance is set out in 
the Corporate governance statement on 
pages 64 to 73.

Outlook
Economic conditions in the Uk, ireland 
and Europe generally, on which our 
business is focused, are unlikely to 
improve materially in the year ahead. 
but a return to something like more 
average winter temperatures should 
lead to a material resumption in DCC 
Energy’s profit growth path. On that key 
assumption and with the benefit of our 
continuing development activities across 
all divisions, i would anticipate strong 
overall growth in group operating profit 
and another year of excellent returns on 
capital employed in the year ahead.

Michael Buckley
Chairman
14 may 2012

08

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

CHIEF ExECUTIVE’S REVIEW

KEY FEATURES OF RESULTS 
ThE OPERATiNg PROfiT Of ThE gROUP DECLiNED by 18.3% ON A 
CONSTANT CURRENCy bASiS iN ThE yEAR ENDED 31 mARCh 2012. 
AS SigNALLED DURiNg ThE yEAR, ThE gROUP’S RESULTS wERE 
ADvERSELy imPACTED by TRADiNg iN DCC ENERgy DUE TO miLD 
wEAThER, highER OiL PRiCES AND ThE CONTiNUiNg DiffiCULT 
ECONOmiC bACkgROUND, PARTiCULARLy iN ThE Uk. hOwEvER, ThE 
yEAR wAS ALSO ONE Of SigNifiCANT DEvELOPmENT ACTiviTy, wiThiN 
DCC ENERgy AND ACROSS ThE wiDER gROUP, wiTh TOTAL CAPiTAL 
DEPLOyED ON ACqUiSiTiONS AND NET CAPiTAL ExPENDiTURE Of €235 
miLLiON. wiTh ThE bENEfiT Of ThiS ACTiviTy AND ThE PROSPECT Of A 
mORE NORmAL wiNTER, DCC LOOkS fORwARD TO A RESUmPTiON Of 
STRONg gROwTh iN ThE yEAR AhEAD. 

while operating profit in DCC Energy in 
the year ended 31 march 2012 declined 
by 38.3% on a constant currency basis, 
reflecting the factors already referred 
to, operating profit in the group’s other 
four divisions combined increased by 
11.3% on a constant currency basis. 

This was driven primarily by DCC 
SerCom, DCC’s second largest division, 
which increased its operating profit by 
17.0% on a constant currency basis. 
DCC healthcare increased its operating 
profit on continuing activities by 5.3% 
on a constant currency basis, while 
DCC Environmental’s operating profit 
advanced 24.9%, also on a constant 
currency basis, driven primarily by 
acquisition activity during the year. 
Operating profit declined by 7.0% in 
DCC’s smallest division, DCC food & 
beverage. 

Despite the challenging trading result 
in the year, the group continued to drive 
strong cash generation with operating 
cash flow of €277.3 million (€269.6 
million in the prior year) and free cash 
flow of €146.0 million (€123.6 million 
in the prior year). A major factor in this 
was a working capital reduction of €46.6 
million in the year despite a €2.0 billion 

09

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

Results Highlights

Revenue 
Operating profit* 
Profit before net exceptional items, 
 amortisation of intangible assets and tax 
Adjusted earnings per share* 
Dividend per share 
Operating cash flow 
free cash flow** 
Net debt  
Total equity 
Return on total capital employed 

% Change on Prior Year
Constant
Currency†

Reported 

+23.2% 
-19.4% 

 -22.2% 
-19.5% 
+5.0% 

+24.9%
-18.3%

-21.1%
-18.4%

€ 

10,690.3m 
185.0m 

 167.1m 
163.51 cent 
77.89 cent 

 277.3m 
146.0m 
128.2m 
1,014.0m 
 14.2% 

(2011: €269.6m)
(2011: €123.6m)
(2011: €45.2m)
(2011: €931.9m)
(2011: 19.9%)

†  all constant currency figures quoted in this report are based on retranslating 2011/12 figures at prior year translation rates
*  excluding net exceptionals and amortisation of intangible assets
**  after net capital expenditure, interest and tax payments

increase in revenue with overall working 
capital days reducing to 2.5 days at  
31 march 2012 from 4.9 days at 31 
march 2011.

Reflecting the strong cash generation 
and confidence in the future 
development of the group, it is proposed 
to increase the final dividend for the 
year by 5% to 50.47 cent per share, 
resulting in a 5% increase for the full 
year to 77.89 cent per share.

while return on total capital employed 
declined to 14.2% (19.9% in the prior 
year), reflecting the result in DCC 
Energy, this is well above the group’s 
cost of capital.

Delivering against Strategy
Despite a challenging year, we 
continued to make excellent progress 
against each of our key strategic 
objectives.

we have grown our market positions in 
many of our businesses. During the year 
we further strengthened our position as 
the leading distributor of oil products 
in the Uk through the completion of the 
acquisition of Pace fuelcare, certain 
oil distribution assets of Total in britain 

and a number of other smaller oil 
distributors. DCC Energy’s strategy is to 
develop its business in the retail petrol 
station, marine, aviation and other value 
added product sectors which along with 
other initiatives will, over time, reduce 
the impact of weather on its business. 

Our iT distribution businesses have 
consolidated their number 1 or 2 
positions in the irish and Uk markets 
through strong organic growth and the 
integration of Advent Data which was 
acquired just before the end of the prior 
financial year.

in DCC healthcare we have reinforced 
our position as the market leader in the 
medical device and pharma products 
sector in ireland and in the provision of 
outsourced services to brand owners in 
the health and beauty sector. Through 
the acquisition of Neolab and the forth 
medical group, we have grown our 
developing market presence in britain 
in the generic pharma and medical 
device markets. Similarly, in DCC 
Environmental we added to our british 
waste management business through the 
acquisitions of Oakwood and maxi waste.

we maintained our focus throughout 
the year on the continuous drive to 
improve the operating efficiency of our 
businesses. we aim to be the most 
efficient business within each of the 
sectors in which we operate, consistent 
always with providing optimal value 
and service to both our customers and 
suppliers. A most notable achievement 
during the year was the reduction in 
working capital days from 4.9 days last 
year to 2.5 days at 31 march 2012, our 
lowest ever level.

in the year ended 31 march 2012, 17% 
of operating profit was derived from 
businesses in Continental Europe, 
up from 12% in the prior year and 3% 
just five years ago. During the year, 
we acquired our first businesses in 
Sweden – Swea Energi, the leading 
oil distributor in Sweden, and Ztorm 
Ab, a small company providing digital 
media distribution services to global 
customers. Our development strategy, 
which resulted in committed acquisition 
expenditure during the year of €169.1 
million, remains focused on not just 
each of the geographic markets 
we operate in today, but also new 
markets where we believe attractive 
opportunities exist for the group.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

CHIEF ExECUTIVE’S REVIEW (continued)

Adjusted earnings per share (cent)
- years ended 31 March
Adjusted earnings per share (cent)
- years ended 31 March

CAGR 10yrs 5.6%, CAGR 5yrs 2.6%

CAGR 10yrs 5.6%, CAGR 5yrs 2.6%

Group operating profit (€m)
- years ended 31 March
Group operating profit (€m)
- years ended 31 March

2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003

2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003

2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003

2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003

CAGR 10yrs 7.3%, CAGR 5yrs 5.7%

we are very pleased to have 
CAGR 10yrs 7.3%, CAGR 5yrs 5.7%
strengthened our senior management 
teams in a number of areas at group, 
divisional and subsidiary levels. A 
number of these appointments have 
been made with a view to expanding our 
management resource to better position 
the group for future development 
opportunities.

Our financial position remains very 
strong – the group is well funded and 
highly liquid. At 31 march 2012, the 
group had net debt of €128.2 million 
and total equity of just over €1.0 billion. 
The group net debt to EbiTDA ratio 
was 0.5. The significant majority of our 
debt has been raised in the US private 
placement market with relatively long 
term maturities, at 31 march 2012 an 
average maturity of 5.5 years.

Sustainability
good progress has been made in raising 
our awareness and understanding 
of sustainability and how, by having 
a wider and deeper perspective of 
the environmental and social trends 
that impact our business over the 
longer term, we can more effectively 
identify both risks and opportunities 
for our businesses. Notwithstanding 
the challenges to national economies, 
global social pressures continue to 
place greater demands on energy 
availability, natural resources and food 
production. The business community 
has a role to play in addressing these 
challenges by creating more sustainable 
business models that deliver shared 
value to our shareholders, society and 
the environment. 

GOOD PROGRESS HAS 
BEEN MADE IN RAISING 
OUR AWARENESS AND 
UNDERSTANDING OF 
SUSTAINABILITY AND HOW, 
BY HAVING A WIDER AND 
DEEPER PERSPECTIVE 
OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL 
AND SOCIAL TRENDS 
THAT IMPACT OUR 
BUSINESS OVER THE 
LONGER TERM, WE CAN 
MORE EFFECTIVELY 
IDENTIFY BOTH RISKS AND 
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR 
BUSINESSES. 

163.5
203.2
178.0
169.1
165.1
143.5
124.0
115.1
106.0
101.5

163.5
203.2
178.0
169.1
165.1
143.5
124.0
115.1
106.0
101.5

185.0
229.6
192.8
180.4
185.0
167.2
229.6
140.1
192.8
121.0
180.4
109.3
167.2
101.6
140.1
97.2
121.0
109.3
101.6
97.2

11

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

DCC RETAINS A 
STRONG EqUITY BASE, 
RELATIVELY LONG TERM 
DEBT MATURITIES AND 
SIGNIFICANT CASH 
RESOURCES WHICH 
LEAVE IT WELL PLACED 
TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF 
FURTHER ACqUISITION 
AND DEVELOPMENT 
OPPORTUNITIES.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

The completion of all divisional 
sustainability workshops during the 
year has engaged senior executive 
management teams in the sustainability 
agenda and forms a starting point 
for cascading sustainability into each 
subsidiary. while engagement with 
stakeholders (for example investors, 
employees, customers and suppliers) 
is ongoing, sustainability has not 
always been explicitly or systematically 
addressed. This is a challenge for DCC 
and we are committed to improving our 
sustainability engagement processes in 
the coming year. 

The DCC Climate Change Strategy was 
issued in 2011 and included carbon 
intensity reduction targets to be met 
by each subsidiary in 2015 and 2020, 
using metrics that are appropriate to 
their operations. The Climate Change 
Strategy is discussed more fully in the 
Sustainability Report at page 50. 

DCC’s overall commitment to reporting 
carbon emissions data and policies 
was independently recognised by our 
inclusion in the Carbon Disclosure 
Project’s (CDP) irish Climate Leaders 
index, based on DCC’s response to the 
CDP’s investor questionnaire.

Safety performance improved in terms 
of the number of lost time injuries 
sustained by employees but the 
number of days lost as a result of those 
injuries increased, i.e. on average more 
days lost per accident. Our objective 
is to have no lost time injuries and 
management systems are in place to 
identify, control and monitor health 
and safety risks to employees and 
others. in those subsidiaries with higher 
injury rates, additional resource will be 
focused on preventing incidents in the 
first instance and, in the event of an 
accident, fully supporting the recovery of 
injured parties and their return to work. 

This is the second year that we have 
reported in line with the global 
Reporting initiative (gRi) level C 
standard. As sustainability reporting 
standards develop and become 
increasingly more complex and 
demanding in terms of disclosure 

requirements, a review of how we 
measure and report sustainability 
will be completed in the coming year 
to ensure that we focus resources on 
material issues that add value and 
contribute to the long term success 
of our business. we will include 
international standards such as the 
greenhouse gas Protocol, the gRi 
and the CDP and the work of the 
international integrated Reporting 
Council as part of this review.

DCC has made a positive start on the 
sustainability journey but we recognise 
that we have more to do. Our priority 
is to develop and embed sustainability 
concepts into business processes to 
ensure that our customers, people and 
investors continue to benefit from their 
association with DCC. 

Outlook 
The outlook for the year to 31 march 
2013 is set against a continued 
uncertain economic environment 
and the important assumption that 
there will be a return to more normal 
winter temperatures compared to 
the extremely mild winter last year, 
which should give rise to a strong 
recovery in DCC Energy’s operating 
profit. Consequently, at this very early 
stage, the group anticipates that its 
operating profit and adjusted earnings 
per share on continuing activities, both 
on a constant currency basis, will be 
approximately 15% ahead of the prior 
year. This would result in approximately 
a 20% increase in operating profit and in 
adjusted earnings per share compared 
to the prior year on a reported basis, 
assuming an exchange rate of  
Stg£0.81 = €1.

DCC retains a strong equity base, 
relatively long term debt maturities 
and significant cash resources which 
leave it well placed to take advantage 
of further acquisition and development 
opportunities.

Tommy Breen
Chief Executive
14 may 2012

12

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

MEASURING OUR PROGRESS 
- GROUP KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 

The Group employs financial and non-financial key performance indicators (‘KPIs’) which signify progress towards the 
achievement of our strategy. Each division has its own KPIs which are in direct alignment with those of the Group and are 
included in the divisional operating reviews on pages 14 to 39.

FINANCIAL KPIs

Strategic objective

KPI

KPI definition

Deliver superior 
shareholder returns

Return on capital 
employed (‘ROCE’)

ROCE is defined as the operating profit before amortisation and 
exceptional items as a percentage of the total average capital 
employed.

Drive for enhanced 
operational 
performance

Operating profit 
growth on a 
constant currency 
basis

Measures the change in operating profit before amortisation 
and exceptional items achieved in the current year (based on 
retranslating current year sterling figures at prior year exchange 
rates) compared to operating profit before amortisation and 
exceptional items reported in the prior year.

Deliver superior 
shareholder returns

Generate cash flows 
to fund organic and 
acquisition growth
and dividends 

Adjusted earnings 
per share (‘eps’) 
growth on a 
constant currency 
basis

Operating cash 
flow

Extend our business 
and geographic 
footprint

Committed 
acquisition 
expenditure

Measures the change in adjusted eps achieved in the current year 
(based on retranslating current year sterling figures at prior year 
exchange rates) compared to adjusted eps reported in the prior 
year.

Measures cash generated from operations.

Measures cash spent and future deferred and contingent 
consideration amounts for acquisitions completed during the year.

NON-FINANCIAL KPIs

Strategic objective

KPI

KPI definition

Grow a sustainable 
business

Carbon emissions

Total scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions expressed in tonnes of CO2e.

Health and safety

Lost time injury 
rates

Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (‘LTIFR’) measures the number 
of lost time injuries per 200,000 hours worked. Lost Time Injury 
Severity Rate (‘LTISR’) measures the number of calendar days lost 
per 200,000 hours worked.

13

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

FY12 performance

FY12 comment

FY13 outlook

Link to other disclosures

2012
2011
2010

Notwithstanding the excellent 
working capital management 
in the year, the decline in ROCE 
primarily reflects the decline in 
operating profit in DCC Energy.

14.2%
19.9%
18.4%

The group anticipates an 
improvement in ROCE, driven 
by a recovery in operating 
profits in DCC Energy.

2012
2011
2012 v 2011: -18.3%

€187.5m
€229.6m

2012
2011
2012 v 2011: -18.4%

165.79c
203.15c

Operating profit was adversely 
impacted by trading in DCC Energy 
due to very mild weather, higher 
oil prices and a continuing difficult 
economic background. Operating 
profit in the group’s other four 
divisions combined increased by 
11.3% on a constant currency basis.

The decline in adjusted eps was 
primarily driven by the factors 
mentioned under the operating 
profit kpi.

The group anticipates that 
operating profit on continuing 
activities, on a constant currency 
basis, will be approximately 15% 
ahead of the prior year.

The group anticipates that 
adjusted eps on continuing 
activities, on a constant currency 
basis, will be approximately 15% 
ahead of the prior year.

2012
2011
2010

2012
2011
2010

€277.3m
€269.6m
€297.8m

Despite the challenging trading 
environment, the group 
generated excellent operating 
cash flow of €277.3m during the 
year, driven by a reduction in 
working capital of  
€46.6 million. 

Cash generation and working 
capital management will remain a 
key focus of the group.

Significant acquisition activity 
across the group during the 
year, particularly in DCC Energy 
(€110.9m), DCC Environmental 
(€30.8m) and DCC healthcare 
(€20.5m). 

€169.1m
€130.7m
€165.3m

The group will continue to pursue 
attractive opportunities in our 
traditional markets as well as 
looking to extend our business 
into new geographic markets.

 Chief Executive’s Review 
  see pages 8 to 11 

 financial Review 
see pages 40 to 46

 Chief Executive’s Review 
  see pages 8 to 11 

 financial Review 
see pages 40 to 46

 Chief Executive’s Review 
  see pages 8 to 11 

 financial Review 
see pages 40 to 46

 financial Review 
see pages 40 to 46

 Chief Executive’s Review 
  see pages 8 to 11 

FY12 performance

FY12 comment

FY13 outlook

Link to other disclosures

2012
2011
2010

LTIFR

2012
2011
2010

LTISR

2012
2011
2010

116.9tns
116.3tns
100.1tns

No significant change from prior year. 
increased emissions from acquisitions 
in DCC Energy and DCC Environmental 
were offset principally by less 
transport activity in DCC Energy due to 
the mild winter and reduced electricity 
demand in Allied foods following the 
business restructuring. 

with the introduction of emission 
reduction targets and an increasing 
focus on energy efficiency initiatives 
around the group, relative carbon 
emissions are expected to fall. 
Absolute emissions may increase 
with a return to more normal winter 
weather patterns.

Continued improvement in the 
frequency of lost time injuries was 
driven by good performances in DCC 
Energy and DCC Environmental. 

2.3
2.5
2.8

53 days
48 days
42 days

The increase in the LTiSR was driven 
by a relatively small number of 
accidents which resulted in very long 
periods of absence.

The group is targeting an 
improved performance in both 
kPis, through a continued focus 
on prevention and active case 
management to facilitate the full 
recovery of injured parties.

 Sustainability Report 
  see pages 47 to 55 

 Sustainability Report 
  see pages 47 to 55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

OPERATING REVIEW – 
DCC ENERGY

DCC ENERgy iS ThE LEADiNg OiL AND LiqUEfiED PETROLEUm 
gAS (LPg) SALES, mARkETiNg AND DiSTRibUTiON bUSiNESS iN 
bRiTAiN AND iRELAND AND ONE Of ThE LEADiNg OiL DiSTRibUTiON 
bUSiNESSES iN AUSTRiA AND DENmARk. iN fEbRUARy 2012, ThROUgh 
ThE ACqUiSiTiON Of SwEA, DCC ENERgy bECAmE ThE mARkET 
LEADER iN OiL DiSTRibUTiON iN SwEDEN. iN ThE yEAR ENDED 31 
mARCh 2012, DCC SOLD 7.9 biLLiON LiTRES Of PRODUCT fROm iTS 
ExTENSivE NETwORk Of 320 fACiLiTiES TO iTS CUSTOmER bASE Of 
APPROximATELy ONE miLLiON CUSTOmERS. 

Markets and Market Position
Oil
DCC Energy’s oil distribution business 
supplies transport fuels, heating oils, 
and fuel oils to commercial, retail, 
domestic, agricultural, industrial, 
aviation and marine customers in 
britain, ireland, Sweden, Denmark and 
Austria. in britain, DCC Energy sells oil 
under a portfolio of brands including 
bayford, butler fuels, brogan, Carlton 
fuels, CPL Petroleum, gulf, Pace 
fuelcare, Scottish fuels, Shell and 
Texaco. Outside of britain, DCC Energy 
sells oil under the leading brands of 
Emo Oil (ireland), Swea (Sweden), 
DCC Energi (Denmark), Energie Direct 
(Austria) and Top Oil (Austria).

DCC Energy is one of the leading sales 
and marketing businesses for branded 
fuel cards in britain. The business 
sells in excess of 500 million litres of 
transport fuels annually through its 
portfolio of fuel cards under the bP, 
Esso, Shell, Texaco and Diesel Direct 
brands. fuel cards are now an essential 
tool for commercial organisations to 
manage their transport fuel costs. DCC 
Energy provides its customers with 
access to the breadth of the british 
retail petrol station and bunker network 
through its portfolio of branded fuel 
cards, while giving them detailed 
information on fuel utilisation to assist 
in minimising their spend on transport 
fuels. 

britain
DCC Energy has acquired a number of 
companies in the highly fragmented 
oil distribution market in britain 
having first entered the market in 
September 2001 with the acquisition of 
bP’s business in Scotland and is now 
the largest oil distributor in britain. 
DCC’s addressable market in britain 
has been for transport fuels and 
heating oils to commercial, industrial, 
domestic, agricultural and the smaller 
independent petrol stations. This 
market is a total of circa 32 billion 
litres and DCC will sell circa 5.3 billion 
litres of product to this market, giving 
a market share of approximately 16%. 
in addition, with the acquisition of the 
Total assets, which included supply to 
larger independent dealers, DCC has 
now entered the market to supply the 
broader retail petrol station market 
which comprises approximately 9,000 
retail sites selling circa 35 billion litres 
of fuel. On a combined basis DCC is now 
supplying circa 1,350 sites throughout 
the country with a total volume of 
circa 1.3 billion litres, giving DCC 
approximately 4% of the overall retail 
petrol station market. 

ireland
Emo Oil is one of the leading oil 
distributors in ireland with a market 
share of 9%. DCC’s addressable oil 
market in ireland is estimated at 9 
billion litres.

Continental Europe
The newly acquired Swedish oil 
distribution business (Swea) is the 
market leader in Sweden with a share 

of circa 17% of the addressable market 
which is estimated at 3 billion litres. The 
addressable oil distribution market in 
Denmark is estimated at 2 billion litres 
of which DCC Energi Danmark has a 
market share of 13% and is the number 
two oil distributor. The addressable 
oil distribution market in Austria is 
estimated at 5 billion litres and DCC’s 
business Energie Direct is the number 
two in this market with a share of 12%. 
with the oil majors continuing to divest 
oil distribution assets, DCC Energy is 
well placed to continue its growth by 
acquisition. 

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 both bulk and cylinders to domestic, 
commercial, agricultural and industrial 
customers for heating, cooking, 
transport and industrial processes. in 
britain, the business operates from a 
nationwide infrastructure comprising 
45 facilities, while in ireland the 
infrastructure comprises 5 depots 
throughout the country. The LPg 
business also distributes a wide range 
of LPg fuel appliances, such as mobile 
heaters and barbeques. 

britain represents DCC Energy’s largest 
LPg market at approximately 1.0 million 
tonnes. Trading under the flogas 
brand, DCC Energy is the number two 
LPg distributor in britain and ireland 
with market shares of approximately 
19% and 37% respectively. Unlike the 
oil distribution market, which remains 
highly fragmented, the LPg market in 
both britain and ireland is relatively 
consolidated.

New Energy
DCC Energy made its first step in 
developing a presence in the renewable 
energy sector through the acquisition 
of Ufw in November 2011. Ufw is a 
distributor of innovative renewable 
energy solutions (including solar 
panels, biomass, geothermal heating 
and underfloor heating) in britain with a 
broad supplier and customer base. 

15

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

Revenue

Operating profit

€7,823.0m

2011: €6,129.8m
Change on prior year
Reported: +27.6%
Constant currency: +29.5%

€83.5m

2011: €137.3m
Change on prior year
Reported: -39.2%
Constant currency: -38.3%

Return on total capital employed

Brands

14.0%

2011: 26.9%

Oil - bayford, brogan*, butler fuels*,Carlton 
fuels*, CPL Petroleum, Emo Oil*, gulf, Pace 
fuelcare, Scottish fuels*, Shell, Texaco.
LPG - flogas*.
Fuel card - bP, Diesel Direct, Esso, fastfuels, 
Shell.

* DCC owned brands

IN OIL DISTRIBUTION, DCC 
ENERGY’S STRATEGY IN 
BRITAIN IS TO ACHIEVE 
A 20% MARKET SHARE 
(CURRENTLY 16%) OF ITS 
ADDRESSABLE MARKET. 

16

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

OPERATING REVIEW – 
DCC ENERGY (continued)

CASE STUDY 

GB OILS RETAIL GROWTH  
It has been DCC Energy’s strategy to expand the business in non heating dependent 
areas with a specific focus on supply into the retail service station sector in Britain. 
Through its depot infrastructure across the country, robust supplier portfolio and fleet 
in excess of 1,000 trucks, GB Oils is exceptionally well positioned to supply the retail 
sector throughout the country. Over the past year, GB Oils has significantly grown the 
number of retail sites to which it delivers, both organically and through acquisition, 
from 804 to 1,350, making GB Oils the largest distributor to dealer owned dealer 
operated sites in the country. The portfolio of customers now includes almost 300 Gulf 
branded sites, a similar number of Total branded sites, and, through the acquisition of 
Pace Fuelcare, 120 Pace branded stations. GB Oils now supplies circa 1.3 billion litres of 
product to retail stations across Britain. 

Strategy and development
DCC Energy’s vision is to be the leading 
oil and LPg sales, marketing and 
distribution business in Europe:
•  with strong local market shares;
•  operating under multiple brands;
• generating high levels of ROCE;
•  expanding into new geographic 
regions with attractive market 
characteristics; and

•  continuing the development of its 
presence in the green/renewable 
energy sector. 

Oil
in oil distribution, DCC Energy’s 
strategy in britain is to achieve a 20% 
market share (currently 16%) of its 
addressable market. key to achieving 
this target is growth in non heating 
dependent segments of the market 
with a particular focus on retail petrol 
stations and the marine and aviation 
sectors. DCC Energy is now the largest 

supplier to independent dealer owned 
retail petrol stations in britain, selling 
to approximately 1,350 sites across 
the country. The business has been 
actively rolling out the gulf brand 
across this network and currently 
has approximately 300 sites under 
the gulf brand. following on from the 
completion of the acquisition in October 
2011 of certain Total distribution assets, 
the business distributes to a similar 
number of Total branded sites and also 
has sites under a range of other brands 
including Pace, Power, Scottish fuels, 
Texaco and Regent. 

The business also made good progress 
in developing its marine and aviation 
offering during the year, strengthening 
the management team and increasing 
its customer base. DCC Energy is 
also focused on selling differentiated 
products and cross selling add-
on products and services such as 

17

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

lubricants and boiler maintenance 
services to its extensive customer base. 

DCC Energy continued to expand its 
business in continental Europe during 
the year through the acquisition of 
Top Oil and a bio-fuels distribution 
business in Austria. DCC Energy 
took a further important step in the 
development of its business into 
new geographic areas through the 
acquisition of Swea (announced in 
December 2011). The acquisition of 
Swea significantly strengthens DCC’s 
business in Scandinavia. The scale of 
Swea has since been increased through 
the acquisition of two small distribution 
businesses in Sweden (Lantmannen and 
malardalen). 

in fuel cards, DCC Energy is continuing 
to target high levels of organic growth 
through its extensive telesales team 
and cross selling fuel cards to its broad 
oil distribution customer base. The 
fuel cards business has expanded its 
customer offering through providing 
innovative products to customers 
such as CO2Count (which is set out 
in further detail in the Sustainability 
Report at pages 47 to 55) and mileage 
Capture, providing customers with 
key information on fuel consumption 
and emissions to allow them to better 
manage their businesses. 

Approximately 50% of DCC Energy’s 
margin is generated from the sale 
and distribution of heating dependent 
product. A key element of DCC Energy’s 
strategy is to grow its business in 
areas outside of the heating dependent 
sectors to ensure diversification from, 
and to reduce the reliance on, the 
margin generated by heating products. 
Demand for heating volumes, as DCC 
Energy has experienced with the swing 
in demand between the years ended 31 
march 2011 and 2012, is much more 
volatile than the demand for other 
oil products. DCC Energy will aim to 
increase the flexibility in its cost base 
by aligning overheads more closely with 
demand. 

LPG 
DCC Energy will continue to leverage 
its strong LPg market positions to drive 
organic profit growth on a sector by 
sector basis in both britain and ireland. 
Similar to the oil business, the LPg 
business is targeting growth in the 
non heating dependent segments of 
the market, primarily through organic 
volume growth with commercial and 
industrial customers. in April 2012, DCC 
Energy expanded its cylinder business 
into the medical gas sector in britain 
through the acquisition of medical 
gas Solutions Limited, a distributor of 
specialist medical gasses to ambulance 
trusts. 

Customers
DCC Energy has a very broad customer 
base with approximately 1 million 
customers across the geographies 
in which the businesses operate. 
Customers are primarily spread over the 
commercial, retail, industrial, domestic, 
agricultural and marine markets. 

The volume split by customer type for 
the year ended 31 march 2012 is as 
follows.

Customer Split

53%
Commercial  
16%
Retail 
12%
Industrial 
11%
Domestic 
Customer Split
5%
Agricultural 
2%
Marine 
53%
Commercial  
1%
Other 
16%
Retail 
12%
Industrial 
11%
Domestic 
The volume split by type of product for 
Product Split
5%
Agricultural 
the year ended 31 march 2012 is as 
2%
Marine 
OIL
follows.
1%
Other 
49%
Transport 
24%
Heating 
21%
Fuel 

Product Split

LPG 
OIL
Transport 
Heating 
Fuel 

LPG 

6%
49%
24%
21%

6%

Suppliers
As with its customer base, DCC 
Energy’s supplier portfolio is broadly 
based. The top five suppliers represent 
63% of total volumes supplied with no 
one individual supplier accounting for 
more than 20% of volumes supplied in 
the year to 31 march 2012. 

Our People
DCC Energy has strong management 
teams with an in depth knowledge and 
years of experience in the markets in 
which the businesses operate. As our 
businesses have grown we have looked 
to augment the existing management 
teams with strong personnel in senior 
roles. most recently we appointed a 
managing Director for DCC Energy’s oil 
businesses, a Chief Operating Officer 
in gb Oils, a managing Director for 
DCC Energy’s oil business in ireland 
and a Compliance manager for DCC 
Energy. we will continue to develop the 
management teams as the businesses 
grow. 

DCC Energy currently employs 4,174 
people. 

Key Risks
DCC Energy, like all the businesses 
within the group, faces a number of 
strategic, operational, compliance and 
financial risks. while the division has a 
broad customer base across a number 
of geographies, further economic 
downturn and its impact on demand and 
consumer confidence is a key risk faced 
by the division. 

A significant proportion of DCC Energy’s 
volumes are generated through the 
sale of heating dependent product 
and, accordingly, the division can be 
impacted by extreme movements in 
weather conditions. As discussed 
earlier in this report, there have been 
significant developments in the non-
heating segments of the business and 
a continuation of this development and 
growth underpins the strategy to reduce 
the dependence on heating products. 

 
THE BUSINESS STRATEGY 
FOR DCC ENERGY 
RECOGNISES THAT IT IS 
IMPORTANT TO OUR LONG 
TERM SUCCESS THAT WE 
DIVERSIFY BY GROWING 
THE NON-HEATING 
DEPENDENT SECTORS OF 
THE BUSINESS, INCLUDING 
THE DEVELOPMENT OF 
RENEWABLES BUSINESS 
THROUGH DCC NEW 
ENERGY. 

18

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

OPERATING REVIEW – 
DCC ENERGY (continued)

DCC Energy distributed 7.9 billion litres 
of oil products during the year ended 31 
march 2012 and the businesses operate 
with inherent risks to the environment 
and people. Ensuring that our 
businesses maintain rigorous health, 
safety and environmental standards is 
one of our core business principles. 

DCC Energy has been highly acquisitive 
over the last number of years and 
ensuring the smooth integration 
of these acquisitions is critical to 
the success of the division. This is 
achieved through close monitoring of 
the acquired businesses and ongoing 
management development.

Sustainability
Climate change presents challenges 
in physical (extreme weather events), 
regulatory (carbon levies and taxes) 
and commercial (changing demand 
from customers) terms. The business 
strategy for DCC Energy recognises 
that it is important to our long term 
success that we diversify by growing the 
non-heating dependent sectors of the 
business, including the development of 
renewables business through DCC New 
Energy. 

from an operational perspective it is 
pleasing to record that gb Oils achieved 
the Carbon Trust Standard during the 
year and flogas Uk was re-certified 
to the same standard for another two 
years. This independently verified 
standard confirms the reduction in 
relative emissions by the businesses 
and the efforts which they are making 
to reduce carbon emissions through 
greater efficiencies and optimisation. 
we are confident that this standard will 
provide our customers with assurance 
of our commitment to address the 
challenge of climate change. 

health, safety and environmental 
(‘hSE’) performance is a key priority 
and responsibility for all line managers 
and directors who are supported by 
experienced hSE functions in each 
business. Occupational safety and 
process safety (relating to the larger 
terminals which have the potential for 
a major accident) is managed through 
hSE systems and processes which 
identify, control and monitor hSE 
risks. monthly kPis are reviewed by the 
DCC Energy board which sets annual 
objectives to drive improvements in 
near miss reporting, safety awareness, 
competence and overall safety culture.

The potential for oil spills to impact 
on the environment is a risk that 
is managed on a daily basis. from 
domestic deliveries to large storage 
facilities in coastal locations, a range of 
controls are in place to minimise this 
potential becoming a reality. Controls 
include the design and maintenance of 
vehicles and depots, the implementation 
of effective hSE procedures and, 
critically, the engagement of competent, 
trained employees who are moving 
product every day. 

while no significant spills occurred 
in the period, detailed investigations 
following all spill events have identified 
areas where we can and will improve 
our performance. in the event of any 
spill occurring, immediate action is 
taken to contain and recover the product 
to minimise impact to the surrounding 
environment.

Performance for the Year Ended 31 
March 2012
DCC Energy had a very difficult year with 
operating profit declining by 38.3% on a 
constant currency basis, as a result of 
the very mild weather, higher oil prices 
and the continuing difficult economic 
background particularly in the Uk, its 
largest market. 

DCC ENERGY: KEY FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Strategic objective

KPI

Performance

Drive for enhanced 
operational performance

Revenue growth 
(constant currency)

Drive for enhanced 
operational performance

Operating profit 
growth (constant 
currency)

Deliver superior 
shareholder returns

Return on capital 
employed (‘ROCE’)

Drive increase in sales 
volumes

Volumes

Grow operating profit  
per litre

Generate cash flows to fund 
organic and acquisition 
growth and dividends

Operating profit 
per litre (constant 
currency)

Operating cash flow

Deliver superior 
shareholder returns

10 year operating 
profit CAGR

2012

2011
2012 v 2011: +29.5%

2012
2011
2012 v 2011: -38.3%

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

19

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

€7,940.4m
€6,129.8m

€84.8m
€137.3m

14.0%
26.9%
26.5%

7.9bn litres
7.1bn litres
6.2bn litres

1.08 cent
1.86 cent

€216.5m
€147.1m
€178.8m

9.8%
19.9%
19.3%

Outlook
The outlook for DCC Energy for the 
year to 31 march 2013 is set against 
the important assumption that there 
will be a return to more normal 
winter temperatures compared to the 
extremely mild winter last year which 
should give rise to a strong recovery in 
DCC Energy’s operating profit. 

The average temperature in the Uk in 
the quarter to 31 December 2011 was 
the mildest on record. in contrast the 
same quarter in the prior year was 
the coldest on record. The average 
temperature in the other important 
heating quarter to 31 march 2012 was 
also significantly milder than the prior 
year. The substantially weaker demand 
for heating oil products created excess 
capacity across a very competitive 
market which resulted in reduced gross 
margins on all product grades. This 
reduction in gross margins, combined 
with the effect of a predominantly fixed 
operating cost base, had a significant 
impact on DCC Energy’s operating profit 
for the year.

Overall DCC Energy sold 7.9 billion litres 
of product during the year, an increase 
of 10.8% over the prior year. Like for 
like volumes declined by 5.9% on the 
prior year with heating related volumes 
declining by approximately 15% and non 
heating related volumes declining by 
approximately 2%. 

The performance of the oil distribution 
business in britain and ireland was 
significantly impacted by the factors 
outlined above and while the business 
in Continental Europe was also affected 
by the weather, it benefited from its 
substantially outsourced infrastructure 
and from the first time contribution of 
Swea. 

The LPg business in britain and ireland 
was also impacted by the weak demand 
for heating products and the difficult 
economic environment with overall 
volumes down 10.5%. 

20

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

OPERATING REVIEW – 
DCC SERCOM

DCC SERCOm COmPRiSES SERCOm DiSTRibUTiON, whiCh iS A LEADiNg 
DiSTRibUTOR Of iT, COmmUNiCATiONS AND hOmE ENTERTAiNmENT 
PRODUCTS iN bRiTAiN, iRELAND AND fRANCE, AND SERCOm 
SOLUTiONS, whiCh PROviDES OUTSOURCED PROCUREmENT AND 
SUPPLy ChAiN mANAgEmENT SERviCES iN iRELAND, POLAND, ChiNA, 
mExiCO AND ThE USA. ON 3 APRiL 2012, DCC ANNOUNCED ThAT 
iT hAD REAChED AgREEmENT TO DiSPOSE Of iTS ENTERPRiSE iT 
DiSTRibUTiON bUSiNESS. 

Markets and Market Position
SerCom Distribution
SerCom Distribution sells a broad range 
of iT and communications products 
into both the SmE and retail markets, 
to a very wide customer base of iT and 
mobile resellers, dealers, retailers 
and e-tailers in britain and ireland. 
The products distributed include PCs, 
printers, smartphones, peripherals, 
consumables and networking products. 
The business is a distribution partner of 
many of the leading brands in the iT and 
communications market, such as Acer, 
Asus, Cisco, Dell, huawei, ibm, Lenovo, 
microsoft, Netgear, Nokia, Plantronics, 
Samsung, Sony, Toshiba and western 
Digital. 

SerCom Distribution also sells a range 
of home entertainment and consumer 
products including games consoles and 
software, DvDs, consumer electronics, 
Av accessories and peripherals 
which are sold into the retail channel, 
including large e-tailers, grocers, 
catalogue retailers, specialist retailers 
and small independent retailers. 
SerCom Distribution represents many 
of the leading brands in the computer 
games, home entertainment and 
consumer electronics markets such 
as Altec Lansing, belkin, Devolo, 
D-Link, Electronic Arts, ihome, 
Logitech, microsoft, Netgear, Nintendo, 
Paramount, Seagate, Take-Two, 
TomTom and warner brothers. 

SerCom Distribution provides its 
partners with an exceptionally broad 
customer reach and proactively markets 
its vendors’ products through product 
and customer focused sales teams. 
SerCom Distribution provides a range 
of value-added services to the retail and 
reseller channels, to both its customers 
and suppliers, including end-user 
fulfillment, digital distribution, third 
party logistics, web site development 
and management, category 
management and merchandising, 
kitting, product customization, security 
tagging and cross vendor bundling. 

During the year, the business extended 
its range of customer services in the 
home entertainment and gaming 
markets through the acquisition of 
Ztorm Ab, a provider of digital media 
distribution services to retail customers 
throughout Europe, which is based 
in Sweden. in addition, the business 
in britain has significantly expanded 
its market position in the mobile 
communications market in the past year 
and has developed its product offering 
to take advantage of the growing 
convergence of the iT and mobile 
communications markets and channels.

in the Uk, SerCom Distribution is 
number 1 in home entertainment 
products, number 2 in iT products and 
number 4 in communications products. 
in ireland, it is number 1 in home 
entertainment products and number 2 
in iT products. in france, it is number 
7 in iT products. SerCom Distribution 
is now the fifth largest distributor of iT 
and home entertainment products in 
Europe.

SerCom Distribution’s revenue* for the 
year ended 31 march 2012 by product 
type is as follows:

IT Products
30%
PCs & servers  
Consumables  
10%
Consumer electronics  10%
Printers & 
IT peripherals  
Networking  
Storage  
Business software  

9%
8%
4%
3%

Communications  

6%

Home entertainment
Games consoles &
peripherals  
Games software  
DVD  

10%
6%
4%

*based on continuing activities, excluding Altimate

SerCom Distribution’s principal markets 
are the distribution of iT products and 
home entertainment products in the 
Uk, france and ireland. The value of 
the iT distribution market in those 
three territories is estimated to be €20 
billion, and we estimate that this market 
grew by 3% in the twelve months 
to 31 December 2011. The home 
entertainment market in the Uk and 
ireland is valued at €7 billion of which 
we estimate €1.5 billion is supplied 
through the distribution channel and 
we further estimate that this market 
declined by 6% in the year to 31 
December 2011, including a decline of 
11% in the video games market.

On 3 April 2012, DCC announced that 
it had reached agreement to dispose 
of its enterprise distribution business, 
subject to European Commission 
competition approval. The enterprise 
distribution segment of the market 
in Europe has undergone significant 
consolidation in recent years, with 
the result that it would have been 
difficult to achieve a leading position 
in this market over the medium term. 
The decision to sell the business is 
consistent with DCC’s strategy and will 
allow SerCom Distribution to focus 
on its iT, communications and home 
entertainment products businesses. 

21

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

Revenue

Operating profit

€2,181.2m

2011: €1,868.9m
Change on prior year
Reported: +16.7%
Constant currency: +18.0%

€53.2m

2011: €46.0m
Change on prior year
Reported: +15.7%
Constant currency: +17.0%

Return on total capital employed

Brands

15.7%

2011: 16.2%

SerCom Distribution - Acer, Asus, Cisco, Dell, huawei, ibm, Lenovo, microsoft, 
Netgear, Nokia, Plantronics, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, western Digital, Altec 
Lansing, belkin, Devolo, D-Link, Electronic Arts, ihome, Logitech, microsoft, 
Netgear, Nintendo, Paramount, Seagate, Take-Two, TomTom, warner brothers. 
SCM - SerCom Solutions*

* DCC owned brands

22

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

OPERATING REVIEW – 
DCC SERCOM (continued)

SerCom Solutions
SerCom Solutions, DCC SerCom’s 
supply chain management business, 
provides a range of specialist 
procurement and sourcing services 
from its operations in ireland, Poland, 
China, the United States and mexico, 
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. 

SerCom Solutions 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. 

SerCom Solutions operates in the 
market for global outsourced supply 
chain management services, excluding 
the provision of logistics services. 

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. 

SerCom Distribution’s principal medium 
term objectives are:
•  to establish its consumer facing 

distribution business as the leading 
specialist service provider to the 
European retail sector, with a 
particular focus on online, catalogue 
and supermarket channels, by 
extending its market and service 
coverage; and

•  to become the leading SmE facing 

iT and communications distribution 
business in the Uk and ireland, and a 
growing player in Europe, through the 
continued expansion of its product and 
customer base, including expansion 
into complementary sectors such as 
audio visual, communications and 
mobile.

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. 

Customers
SerCom Distribution has a very broad 
customer base, dealing with in excess of 
15,000 customers each year. The largest 
customer accounted for approximately 
10% of revenues in the year ended 
31 march 2012 and the ten largest 
customers accounted for 30% of total 
revenues in that year.

SerCom Distribution seeks to provide 
the highest possible standard of 
customer service combining an 
unrivalled range of services with a 
commitment to identify the most cost 
effective and flexible solutions to our 
customers’ requirements. we also seek 
to provide our suppliers with access to 
the broadest possible customer base for 
their products.

SerCom Solutions deals with 
approximately ten customers, 
including iT equipment manufacturers, 
outsourced equipment manufacturers, 
consumer electronics companies 
and telecommunications equipment 
manufacturers. Customer relationships 
tend to be long term in nature and 
several of our customers have been 
dealing with the company for over ten 
years.

SerCom Distribution
Analysis of revenue by customer type*

Britain

     SME reseller  36%
     Consumer 
     retail /etail  

64%

France

     SME reseller 
     Consumer 
     retail /etail 

5%

95%

Ireland

     SME reseller  54%
     Consumer 
     retail /etail 

46%

 * based on continuing activities, excluding Altimate

 
  
 
  
 
  
23

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

Suppliers
SerCom Distribution has a diverse 
supplier base and deals with hundreds 
of vendors including the leading global 
suppliers of iT, communications and 
home entertainment products such as 
Acer, Altec Lansing, Asus, belkin, Cisco, 
Dell, Devolo, D-Link, Electronic Arts, 
huawei, ibm, ihome, Lenovo, Logitech, 
microsoft, Netgear, Nintendo, Nokia, 
Paramount, Plantronics, Samsung, 
Seagate, Sony, Take-Two, TomTom, 
Toshiba, warner brothers and western 
Digital. The largest supplier accounted 
for 11% of total purchases in the year to 
31 march 2012 and the top ten suppliers 
represented 46% of total purchases. 

SerCom Distribution adopts a proactive 
approach to the identification and 
recruitment of new suppliers and 
technologies and seeks to position 
itself as the obvious choice for growing 
vendors to access the retail and reseller 
channels in the markets it services. in 
addition, it seeks to ensure that it has a 
position of strategic relevance with its 
principal suppliers.

SerCom Solutions deals with a 
broad range of suppliers including 
manufacturers of electronic 
components, print suppliers, original 
design equipment manufacturers and 
iT distributors. A core element of the 
services provided by SerCom Solutions 
is the identification of appropriate 
supply chain partners for its customers 
and carrying out the quality assurance 
on those suppliers to ensure that they 
conform to necessary quality, regulatory 
and ethical standards.

Our People
DCC SerCom employs 1,743 people 
in 10 countries and recognises that 
they are fundamental to the ongoing 
success of the business. At all levels 
employees are encouraged to adopt a 
flexible service orientated approach to 
meeting the demands of suppliers and 
customers.

CASE STUDY 

SERCOM DISTRIBUTION CONTINUES TO ExPAND ITS SERVICE OFFERING
SerCom Distribution recognises that to maintain the leadership position it holds in 
its principal markets demands constant evolution in the suite of services it offers to 
both its customers and suppliers. A number of new services were launched recently 
which will ensure that we continue to be viewed as a best in class participant in the 
industry. Following the acquisition of ztorm AB, SerCom Distribution can now offer to 
customers a suite of tailor-made digital media distribution services which can include 
the full outsourcing of a web based offering or a solution which is fully integrated 
into the customer’s existing retail web offering. This ensures that the business can 
offer all retailers (including etailers and catalogues) a full service offering for both 
physical and digital products. During the year SerCom Distribution also significantly 
expanded its capability within the mobile communications distribution area and the 
launch of a number of mobile vendors during last year was facilitated by the addition 
of a range of new services, including the ability to kit and flash individual mobile 
devices for customers, the recruitment of a number of specialist mobile technical 
and sales professionals and bringing the flexibility and ambition shown in our IT and 
home entertainment distribution activities to the mobile distribution marketplace. 

At senior management level, our 
operating businesses are run by some 
of the strongest management teams 
in the industry. DCC SerCom seeks to 
foster and maintain an entrepreneurial 
culture, coupled with a commitment 
to ensuring that the highest ethical 
standards in business conduct are 
maintained.

DCC SerCom fully supports the 
DCC graduate Programme and 
operates a variety of employee 
training programmes within individual 
businesses to promote the ongoing 
development of staff.

DCC SERCOM EMPLOYS 
1,743 PEOPLE IN 10 
COUNTRIES AND 
RECOGNISES THAT THEY 
ARE FUNDAMENTAL TO 
THE ONGOING SUCCESS OF 
THE BUSINESS. 

24

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

OPERATING REVIEW – 
DCC SERCOM (continued)

DCC SERCOM IS COMMITTED 
TO CONDUCTING 
ITS BUSINESS IN A 
SUSTAINABLE MANNER 
AND THIS COMMITMENT 
IS REFLECTED IN HOW 
IT INTERACTS WITH 
CUSTOMERS, SUPPLIERS, 
EMPLOYEES AND THE 
COMMUNITIES IN WHICH IT 
OPERATES. 

Key Risks
DCC SerCom faces a number of 
strategic, operational, compliance 
and financial risks. The business 
supplies end users in the business and 
consumer markets in western Europe 
and further economic downturn and 
disruption in these markets is a key risk 
for the business. 

in addition, the business would be 
significantly impacted by the loss of 
a small number of key suppliers and 
customers. 

Sustainability
DCC SerCom is committed to 
conducting its business in a sustainable 
manner and this commitment is 
reflected in how it interacts with 
customers, suppliers, employees and 
the communities in which it operates. in 
common with the rest of the DCC group, 
the business has processes to assess 
and control health and safety risks, 
reduce carbon emissions and uphold 
the highest standards of business 
ethics. 

DCC SerCom is also focused on 
enabling our ultimate customers to 
behave in a more sustainable manner by 
reducing energy usage and inefficiency, 
through, for example, the use of 
video conferencing or home working 
opportunities. 

Performance for the Year Ended 31 
March 2012
DCC SerCom increased operating 
profit by 17.0% on a constant currency 
basis, reflecting another excellent 
performance in SerCom Distribution, 
which accounted for 94% of operating 
profit in the division and achieved 
constant currency operating profit 
growth of 20.0%. good organic growth 
in SerCom Distribution of 10.9% was 
complemented by the contribution from 
acquisitions completed in the prior year. 

On 3 April 2012, DCC announced 
that it had reached agreement to 
dispose of Altimate group SA, SerCom 
Distribution’s Enterprise business, 
subject to competition clearance from 
the European Commission. The decision 
to dispose of Altimate (which accounted 
for approximately 10% of DCC SerCom’s 
profits during the year) reflects the 
strategy to focus SerCom Distribution 
on the supply of iT, communications 
and home entertainment products to 
retail and reseller customers who in 
turn service consumers and small and 
medium sized businesses. This is a 
business where DCC has strong market 
positions in britain, france and ireland 
and the potential for expansion, both 
within these markets and further afield.

SerCom Distribution (excluding 
Altimate) achieved excellent constant 
currency profit growth in the year of 
17.5%. This was driven by good organic 
growth of 8.4% and by the full year 
contributions from the acquisitions in 
the prior year of Comtrade in france 
and Advent Data in britain.

The business in britain, which 
accounted for 79%* of revenues, 
achieved very strong growth driven by 
significant new vendor additions in PC 
and mobile communications products 
complemented by excellent growth in 
consumables. in addition, the business 
achieved good growth in its networking, 
components and tablet product 
categories as it continued to grow its 
market share in these areas. 

The market for home entertainment 
products in britain was weak and 
the games market was particularly 
affected by the games console market 
being at a mature stage in its current 
product cycle, disruption in high street 
retail and the rise of mobile gaming. 
Recognising the changing nature of the 
games market, SerCom Distribution 
acquired Ztorm Ab, a leading provider 
of digital media distribution services, 
in December 2011 to complement its 
existing service offering. 

*  based on continuing activities, excluding Altimate.

DCC SERCOM: KEY FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Strategic objective

KPI

Performance

Drive for enhanced 
operational performance

Revenue growth 
(constant currency)

Drive for enhanced 
operational performance

Operating profit 
growth (constant 
currency)

Grow operating margin

Operating margin

Deliver superior 
shareholder returns

Return on capital 
employed (‘ROCE’)

Generate cash flows to fund 
organic and acquisition 
growth and dividends

Operating  
cash flow

Deliver superior 
shareholder returns

10 year operating 
profit CAGR

2012

2011
2012 v 2011: +18.0%

2012

2011
2012 v 2011: +17.0%
2010

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

25

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

€2,205.0m
€1,868.9m

€53.9m
€46.0m

2.4%
2.5%
2.5%

15.7%
16.2%
16.1%

€15.0m
€60.7m
€51.8m

5.7%
3.1%
5.4%

in france, which accounted for 15%* 
of revenues, excellent operating profit 
growth was achieved, reflecting very 
good organic growth and a full year 
contribution from Comtrade. The french 
business was successful in broadening 
its vendor portfolio in accessories 
and peripherals and also benefited 
from increased sales of higher margin 
products and good cost control.

in ireland, which accounted for 6%* 
of revenues, SerCom Distribution 
achieved strong growth in both iT and 
home entertainment products and has 
continued to broaden its customer base.

Operating profit in SerCom Solutions, 
the supply chain management business, 
declined during the year reflecting a 
very weak first half, although the second 
half benefited from a new contract with 
an OEm customer.

Outlook
The breadth of DCC SerCom’s supplier 
and customer relationships across a 
wide range of products and markets 
leaves it well placed to continue to 
develop its business in the year to 
31 march 2013, notwithstanding an 
anticipated further decline in demand 
for certain home entertainment 
products.

DCC SERCOM IS ALSO 
FOCUSED ON ENABLING 
OUR ULTIMATE CUSTOMERS 
TO BEHAVE IN A MORE 
SUSTAINABLE MANNER 
BY REDUCING ENERGY 
USAGE AND INEFFICIENCY, 
THROUGH, FOR ExAMPLE, 
THE USE OF VIDEO 
CONFERENCING OR HOME 
WORKING OPPORTUNITIES. 

*  based on continuing activities, excluding Altimate.

26

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

OPERATING REVIEW – 
DCC HEALTHCARE

DCC hEALThCARE COmPRiSES hOSPiTAL SUPPLiES & SERviCES, whiCh 
PROviDES SALES, mARkETiNg, DiSTRibUTiON AND OThER SERviCES 
TO mEDiCAL DEviCE AND PhARmA COmPANiES iN ThE iRiSh AND 
bRiTiSh hOSPiTAL AND hOmECARE mARkETS, AND hEALTh & bEAUTy 
SOLUTiONS, whiCh PROviDES OUTSOURCED PRODUCT DEvELOPmENT, 
mANUfACTURiNg, PACkiNg AND OThER SERviCES TO hEALTh AND 
bEAUTy bRAND OwNERS, PRiNCiPALLy iN ThE AREAS Of NUTRiTiON 
AND bEAUTy PRODUCTS.

Markets and Market Position
Hospital Supplies & Services
DCC healthcare has a market leading 
position in the sales, marketing and 
distribution of medical devices into 
irish hospitals with an extensive, 
highly trained field sales force and 
strong relationships with senior 
management, clinicians and 
procurement professionals. The 
business has a developing position in 
the medical devices sector in britain 
which was significantly enhanced 
during the year by the acquisition 
of the forth medical group. 

DCC healthcare sells and markets 
a broad range of medical devices 
and consumables in areas such as 
woundcare, urology, procedure packs, 
critical care (anaesthesia, endovascular, 
cardiology, iv access), diagnostics, 
orthopaedics and neurology. Products 
are typically single use/consumable in 
nature. Capital equipment represents 
a small element of total sales 
and typically relates to generating 
sales of consumable products, for 
example the sale (or placing) of 
diagnostic testing equipment in order 
to drive sales of the consumable 
test kits used in the equipment. 

DCC healthcare sells, markets and 
distributes innovative and generic 
pharma products in ireland and britain 
through the hospital, pharmacy and 
homecare channels. DCC healthcare’s 
portfolio of pharmaceuticals 
encompasses a range of therapy 
areas including oncology, antibiotics, 

anaesthesia, pain management, 
haematology, respiratory, addiction and 
emergency medicine. The business is 
now developing its product portfolio 
and sales network in the retail 
pharmacy channel and this process 
was accelerated during year through 
the acquisition of the trade and assets 
of Neolab Limited, a supplier of 
generic pharmaceuticals to the british 
retail pharmacy channel, with its own 
local market authorisations (product 
licences). DCC’s current modest market 
share in this channel in both britain 
and ireland provides the business with 
significant scope for continued growth.

DCC healthcare also provides 
outsourced pharma compounding 
services to hospitals in ireland, 
through its licensed compounding 
facility in Dublin, which is involved in 
the aseptic filling of oncology, pain 
management, antibiotic and paediatric 
nutrition products into patient ready 
dosage forms i.e. syringes or iv bags. 
The compounding facility services 
the national contract for paediatric 
nutrition in ireland in partnership with 
fresenius kabi. DCC healthcare has 
leveraged its compounding capability 
to expand its service offering into 
the provision of pharma homecare 
services, an underdeveloped area in 
ireland. During the year DCC launched 
a home antibiotics service for cystic 
fibrosis patients on behalf of one of 
Dublin’s major teaching hospitals.

DCC healthcare is also a leading 
provider of value added logistics 
services in britain, providing innovative 
stock management and distribution 
services to hospitals and healthcare 
brand owners/manufacturers focused 
principally on theatre products.

DCC healthcare operates in the medical 
device and pharma markets which 
are primarily government funded. 
fiscal budgets in ireland and britain 
have tightened and, in common with 
the majority of developed economies, 
the burden of care, particularly 
to support ageing populations, is 
growing. As a result healthcare 
providers are increasing their focus 
on cost saving opportunities and 
value for money. Public and private 
healthcare payers and providers are 
leveraging procurement scale through 
increased use of tendering, framework 
agreements, reference pricing and 
pharma formularies. They are switching 
to equivalent quality, lower cost 
medical and pharma products as well 
as outsourcing activities deemed to 
be non-core. DCC healthcare is well 
placed to benefit from these trends.

Health & Beauty Solutions
DCC healthcare is the leading british 
based outsourced service provider 
to the health and beauty sector, 
including operating the only soft gel 
encapsulation facility in britain. its 
range of outsourced services is focused 
principally in the areas of nutrition 
(vitamin and health supplements) and 
beauty products (skin care and bath 
and body care). The service offering 
encompasses contract manufacturing 
in 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 manufacturing 
facilities in britain. The business is 
building its reputation and market 
share in continental Europe especially 
in benelux and Scandinavia.

 
27

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

Revenue

Operating profit

€330.0m

2011: €311.1m*
Change on prior year
Reported: +6.1%
Constant currency: +7.5%

€23.4m

2011: €22.5m*
Change on prior year
Reported: +4.1%
Constant currency: +5.3%

Return on total capital employed

Brands

15.4%

2011: 16.3%*
*  based on continuing activities excluding 

mobility and Rehabilitation

Hospital Supplies & Services - biorad, 
boston Scientific, Cipla, Diagnostica Stago, 
fannin**, fresenius kabi, grifols, hikma, 
iCU medical, martindale Pharma, molnlycke, 
Neolab**, Oxoid, Sandoz, Smiths medical. 
Health & Beauty Solutions’ Customers -
The body Shop, Elder Pharmaceuticals, 
forest Labs, gSk, healthspan, merck (Seven 
Seas, Natures best, Lamberts), Omega 
Pharma, Reckitt benckiser, Space Nk, 
Unilever, vitabiotics.

** DCC owned brands

28

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

OPERATING REVIEW – 
DCC HEALTHCARE (continued)

Revenue for the year 
ended 31 March 2012 
by product/service area 

27%
Devices 
Pharma 
15%
Distribution Services  30%
28%
Health & Beauty 

Consumer demand for nutrition and 
beauty products has been robust 
through the current economic downturn 
with continued demand for product 
innovation. The trend for health and 
beauty brand owners to outsource 
non-sales and marketing activities 
(including product development) and to 
streamline their supply chains is a more 
important factor in driving demand 
in the contract manufacturing sector. 
There is also a trend towards increased 
regulation and higher manufacturing 
standards in the health and beauty 
sector. These trends will favour well 
funded contract manufacturers 
like DCC healthcare which has the 
resources to invest in regulatory 
expertise and high quality facilities.

Strategy and Development
DCC healthcare’s strategy is to 
build a substantial healthcare 
business principally focused on the 
provision of value added services 
to the medical device, pharma 
and health and beauty sectors.

in medical devices, DCC healthcare is 
continually seeking to strengthen its 
market positions and expand its product 
portfolio organically and through bolt 
on acquisitions. The medical market is 
increasingly polarising between high 
tech products in specialist therapy 
areas and commodity products. 
DCC healthcare seeks to attract 
quality specialist agencies while also 
selectively launching commodity 
products under its own brand. 
DCC healthcare’s increased sales 
and marketing capability in britain 
following the forth medical acquisition 
will provide an enhanced platform 
for development of our medical 
device portfolio in this territory.

in pharma, DCC is also seeking to 
strengthen its market positions and 
expand its product portfolio and service 
offering organically and through bolt 
on acquisitions. DCC healthcare 
has a strong regulatory capability in 
the pharma area including product 

in-licensing, quality control and 
assurance and pharmacovigilance. 
This capability, together with strength 
in sourcing and the uniformity of 
European Union product licensing 
regulations, will open up opportunities 
for the business to extend its pharma 
activities into new geographic 
markets over the coming years. 

in britain, DCC healthcare is also 
building a growth platform in the 
provision of stock management and 
distribution services. During the 
year DCC healthcare strengthened 
its management team in this area 
and invested in a new state of the 
art distribution centre in Derbyshire 
which has created significant scope 
for growth and operating efficiencies. 
This is a potentially interesting 
growth sector as british acute care 
hospitals seek cost savings and 
operating efficiencies from customised 
just-in-time distribution solutions 
which reduce stock obsolescence 
and improve product availability. 

in health & beauty, the high quality 
of DCC’s facilities, together with the 
strength and depth of DCC’s related 
business development, product 
development and technical resources, 
has enabled DCC to build a reputation 
for providing a highly responsive and 
flexible service to its customers and 
for assisting customers in rapidly 
bringing new products from marketing 
concept through to finished, shelf-
ready products. This service typically 
involves product development, 
formulation, stability and other 
testing and regulatory compliance, as 
well as manufacturing and packing. 
DCC will continue to leverage this 
capability across a broader customer 
base by expanding its European 
customer base both organically and 
by acquisition. DCC will also seek to 
expand its service offering into related 
areas such as sports nutrition and 
OTC pharma. During the year DCC 
enhanced its manufacturing capability 
in the creams and liquids area through 

 
29

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

an investment in a small pharma 
suite and has already secured new 
business on the strength of this.

Customers
DCC healthcare has deep market 
coverage in the sales and marketing 
of medical devices into the hospital 
sector in ireland and britain. 

in pharma, DCC healthcare’s market 
coverage extends beyond the hospital 
sector and into retail pharmacy, 
pharma wholesalers and the homecare 
channel. following the Neolab 
acquisition in may 2012, DCC now 
has key account relationships with 
major retail and wholesale pharmacy 
groups including Alliance boots, 
Lloyds, Phoenix and The Co-op. 

DCC’s british value added distribution 
services business services a broad 
customer base of brand owners 
and hospitals including guys & St 
Thomas’s hospital in London and 
the Sheffield hospital Trust. 

DCC health & beauty Solutions 
principally focuses on brand owners 
in the areas of nutrition (vitamin and 
health supplements) and beauty 
products (skin care and bath and body 
care). in addition to leading premium 
brand owners, DCC’s customers 
include mail order companies, 
specialist health and beauty retailers 
and private label suppliers in britain, 
continental Europe and other markets 
- in fact the ultimate consumers of 
approximately half of the output from 
DCC’s facilities are in international 
markets. As the lines between pharma 
and consumer healthcare become 
increasingly blurred in the market 
place, DCC health & beauty Solutions 
is strengthening its relationships 
within blue chip companies such as 
merck, gSk, Unilever and L’Oreal. 

DCC healthcare has a broad 
customer base with its ten 
largest customers accounting for 
approximately 16% of revenue in 
the year ended 31 march 2012.

CASE STUDY 

MAKING AN IMPACT ON LIFE
DCC’s subsidiary Fannin Pharma is making a very real and positive impact on 
people lives, for example in their role with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients. CF is a 
critical disease affecting patients’ respiratory tract and digestive system from a 
very young age. Patients need specialist treatment and infection is always a serious 
risk. Often patients are required to attend hospital just to receive IV antibiotics 
when they would be safer at home avoiding hospital acquired infections.

Fannin Pharma’s compounding and home delivery service means that patients 
do not need to travel to hospital to receive therapy. Individual prescriptions 
of IV antibiotics are compounded by Fannin in its state-of-the-art aseptic 
filling unit in Dublin and sent to patients’ homes where they are administered 
by a local district nurse. This avoids patients’ exposure to other potential 
infections as well as allowing more time with family and friends.

Fannin produces thousands of such prescriptions for patients all over the 
country for CF and other illnesses so that patients can get their treatment 
safely in their own homes and without filling hospital beds, which is 
good for both the patient and for the overall healthcare system.

Suppliers
DCC healthcare represents leading 
medical, surgical and scientific 
device brands including bioRad, 
boston Scientific, Diagnostica 
Stago, iCU medical, molnlycke, 
Oxoidand Smiths medical. 

DCC healthcare works with leading 
innovative and generic pharma 
companies like Cipla, fresenius kabi, 
grifols, hikma, martindale Pharma, 
medac, Rosemont and Sandoz. 

DCC healthcare’s british value 
added distribution services business 
services has a very broad supplier 

base including baxter, Covidien, 
gambro, j&j and molnlycke.

in health & beauty, DCC healthcare 
sources from high quality raw materials 
and ingredient suppliers across the 
globe in order to provide its customers 
with high quality and cost effective 
solutions and is increasingly focused 
on sourcing sustainability-certified 
raw materials, such as fish oils.

The supplier portfolio is broadly based 
with the top ten suppliers representing 
approximately 14% of revenue in 
the year ended 31 march 2012.

DCC HEALTHCARE EMPLOYS 
1,169 PEOPLE PRINCIPALLY 
BASED IN BRITAIN AND 
IRELAND, LED BY STRONG, 
ENTREPRENEURIAL 
MANAGEMENT TEAMS.

30

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

OPERATING REVIEW – 
DCC HEALTHCARE (continued)

Our People
DCC healthcare employs 1,169 people 
principally based in britain and 
ireland, led by strong, entrepreneurial 
management teams. in pharma, DCC 
healthcare strengthened its senior 
management team during the year 
reflecting the increased scale of its 
activities in this sector and the range 
of growth opportunities available to it. 
Training and education is critical in the 
healthcare sector and DCC healthcare 
continually invests in ensuring that its 
people are experts in their respective 
product or service areas and are 
fully conversant with the relevant 
regulatory frameworks within which the 
business operates. DCC healthcare’s 
businesses are actively participating 
in the DCC graduate Programme.

Key Risks
DCC healthcare operates in geographic 
markets where healthcare spending 
is predominantly funded (directly 
or indirectly) by governments. 
The economic downturn is clearly 
influencing governments’ healthcare 
budgets. DCC healthcare’s competitive 
product portfolio and outsourced 
service offering mitigates this risk and 
indeed is providing DCC healthcare 
with new growth opportunities 
in the current environment. 

DCC healthcare trades with a very 
broad supplier and customer base 
and a constant focus on providing a 
value added service ensures excellent 
commercial relationships. in the case of 
a very small number of key suppliers/
principals and customers, their loss 
could have a serious operational and 
financial impact on the business. 

Product quality and regulatory 
compliance are critical matters 
for DCC healthcare - poor product 
quality could have consequences 
for customer or public safety. DCC 
healthcare continually invests in its 
technical and regulatory resources, 
quality systems, staff training and 
facilities to ensure quality standards 
are consistently maintained and the 

requirements of the relevant regulatory 
authorities are met or surpassed.

Sustainability
DCC healthcare strives to improve 
sustainability for the benefit of 
all stakeholders. by minimising 
waste, reducing water consumption, 
optimising energy efficiency and 
procuring sustainable ingredients such 
as fish oils certified by the marine 
Stewardship Council, DCC healthcare 
is reducing the environmental 
impacts from its operations. 

DCC healthcare’s customers are 
increasingly interested in understanding 
its approach to sustainability and 
many request information on DCC 
healthcare’s sustainability policies 
and procedures. we are focused on 
exceeding customers expectations in 
this regard, including the provision of 
carbon metrics to our NhS customers, 
as highlighted in the Squadron medical 
case study in the Sustainability Report 
on pages 47 to 55. DCC healthcare 
is also engaging with the Carbon 
Disclosure Project Supply Chain 
programme to report carbon emissions 
data and carbon management 
initiatives to participating customers. 

Performance for the Year 
Ended 31 March 2012
DCC healthcare achieved growth 
in operating profit from continuing 
activities of 5.3% on a constant currency 
basis despite a challenging market 
background, particularly in ireland.

DCC hospital Supplies & Services 
which operates in medical 
devices, pharma and value added 
logistics, had a good year.

in medical devices, modest revenue 
growth was achieved and the scale of 
activities in britain was significantly 
increased through the acquisition 
in february 2012 of the forth 
medical group. forth is a specialist 
distributor of neurology, orthopaedic 
and niche surgical devices and has 
strong relationships with clinicians 
in the british hospital sector.

31

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

€334.5m
€311.1m

€23.7m
€22.5m

7.1%
7.2%
7.1%

15.4%
16.3%
14.6%

€19.1m
€30.5m
€23.3m

7.5%
8.5%
11.6%

DCC HEALTHCARE : KEY FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Strategic objective

KPI

Drive for enhanced 
operational performance

Revenue growth 
(constant currency)

Drive for enhanced 
operational performance

Operating profit 
growth (constant 
currency)

Grow operating margin

Operating margin

Deliver superior 
shareholder returns

Return on capital 
employed (‘ROCE’)

Generate cash flows to fund 
organic and acquisition 
growth and dividends

Operating  
cash flow

Deliver superior 
shareholder returns

10 year operating 
profit CAGR

*  based on continuing activities excluding mobility & Rehabilitation 

Performance*

2012

2011
2012 v 2011: +7.5%

2012

2011
2012 v 2011: +5.3%

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

strong development with existing 
customers and the expansion of its 
European customer base. Overall profit 
in DCC health & beauty Solutions 
was held back by the impact on its 
beauty operations of a reduction in 
contribution from one of its important 
customers due to destocking and an 
unfavourable change in sales mix.

Outlook
DCC healthcare is well placed for 
the year to 31 march 2013, which 
will have the full year benefit of 
recent development activity in 
pharma and medical devices and an 
expected recovery in the performance 
of its beauty operations.

BY MINIMISING WASTE, 
REDUCING WATER 
CONSUMPTION, OPTIMISING 
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND 
PROCURING SUSTAINABLE 
INGREDIENTS SUCH AS 
FISH OILS CERTIFIED BY 
THE MARINE STEWARDSHIP 
COUNCIL, DCC 
HEALTHCARE IS REDUCING 
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 
FROM ITS OPERATIONS. 

in pharma, strong revenue growth 
was achieved and good progress 
was made in the development of the 
product portfolio, regulatory capability 
and market coverage in britain and 
ireland. important in this regard 
was the acquisition in may 2011 of 
the business and certain assets of 
Neolab Limited, a british generic 
pharma business. The Neolab product 
range, where DCC healthcare is the 
product licence holder, has opened up 
valuable new customer and supplier 
relationships. DCC healthcare also 
achieved strong pharma sales growth 
in the british hospital sector driven 
by a number of NhS contract wins. 

good progress was made in value 
added logistics services in britain 
and the business has recently moved 
into a newly built state of the art 
distribution centre in Derbyshire. 

DCC health & beauty Solutions which 
provides outsourced solutions to 
nutrition and beauty brand owners, 
generated strong revenue and profit 
growth in nutrition driven by continued 

32

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

OPERATING REVIEW – 
DCC ENVIRONMENTAL

DCC ENviRONmENTAL iS A LEADiNg bRiTiSh AND iRiSh 
PROviDER Of RECyCLiNg, wASTE mANAgEmENT AND 
RESOURCE RECOvERy SERviCES TO ThE iNDUSTRiAL, 
COmmERCiAL, CONSTRUCTiON AND PUbLiC SECTORS, 
OPERATiNg iN bOTh ThE NON-hAZARDOUS AND 
hAZARDOUS SEgmENTS Of ThE mARkET. iN ThE LAST 
yEAR DCC ENviRONmENTAL hANDLED APPROximATELy 
1.5 miLLiON TONNES Of wASTE ThROUgh iTS 
TwENTy ONE fACiLiTiES iN bRiTAiN AND iRELAND. 

Markets and Market Position
Britain
DCC Environmental collects and 
processes a broad range of non-
hazardous and hazardous waste. 

its market leading Scottish business 
owns one of the most comprehensive 
waste infrastructures in Scotland, which 
includes material recycling facilities 
across the central belt of Scotland. These 
facilities seek to divert as much waste as 
possible away from landfill through the 
extraction of valuable commodities from 
waste streams which are sold to paper 
mills, steel mills and plastic and glass 
reprocessors as raw materials. wood chip 
is also produced from waste wood which 
can be used by either the panel board or 
biomass industries or for animal bedding, 
arena surfacing and ground cover. finally, 
construction aggregate is produced from 
waste demolition material which can 
be used as a substitute for virgin quarry 
aggregate. 

DCC Environmental owns the largest 
material recycling facility in the East 
midlands at Nottingham. in addition to 
providing a similar range of services to 
that offered by the Scottish facilities, this 
facility produces refuse derived fuel, a 
substitute to fossil fuels utilised by the 
cement industry. During the year, DCC 
Environmental expanded its geographic 
footprint in the East midlands region 
with the acquisition of maxi waste, which 
operates two material recycling facilities 
in Leicester. 

At its three hazardous facilities in 
Scotland and the North East of England, 
DCC Environmental provides innovative 
solutions to customers for a broad range 
of both solid and liquid hazardous waste. 

During the year, DCC Environmental 
significantly expanded its hazardous 
waste management activities with the 
acquisition of Oakwood fuels Limited 
(‘Oakwood’), a national waste oil and 
hazardous waste collection, processing 
and recycling business. Oakwood collects 
waste lubricant oil and hazardous waste 
from businesses in a variety of sectors 
(the largest of which is the automotive 
services sector) and converts the waste 
oil to processed fuel oil, which is sold 
to customers for use in a variety of 
applications including road surfacing 
operations, aggregate drying, industrial 
and agricultural drying, power stations, 
large boilers and furnaces. 

Overall, the british business handles 1.5 
million tonnes of material, the majority of 
which is collected by its own fleet of 261 
vehicles, and 74% of all waste volumes 
are diverted from landfill. 

The Uk government has valued the 
british waste management market at 
Stg£7.5 billion. The six largest british 
waste management companies account 
for approximately 50% of this market but 
below this level the market is relatively 
fragmented. 

The british business, with its 
comprehensive non-hazardous recycling 
infrastructure (the business does not 
operate any active waste landfill sites), 
is ideally positioned to benefit from 
society’s drive to reduce waste and to 
conserve natural resources. Strong 
legislative backing is being provided to 
support the shift to resource recovery 
from waste products, the most significant 
of which is the commitment by the Uk 
government to increase landfill tax from 
Stg£64 per tonne to Stg£80 per tonne 
over the next two years. Other examples 
of the movement towards a more efficient 
management of scarce resources was 
the publication by the Uk government 
in june 2011 of its waste Review which 
includes plans to consult on material-
specific landfill bans and the Scottish 
government’s own plans for a ‘Zero 
waste’ Scotland, which aims to reach a 
70% recycling rate (currently circa 40%) 
for all waste by 2025.

Ireland
Enva is ireland’s largest hazardous waste 
treatment company, providing technically 
innovative solutions to a wide range 
of customers in the commercial and 
industrial sectors. Operating from six 
EPA/EA licensed sites throughout ireland, 
Enva has an unrivalled national presence. 
The six Enva facilities process a broad 
range of hazardous wastes including 
waste oil, contaminated soils, bulk 
chemicals and contaminated packaging. 
Enva also continues to invest in new and 
innovative solutions for hazardous waste. 
in addition to treating a broad range of 
hazardous waste at its own facilities in 
ireland, Enva also works with a network 
of European based companies to provide 
a comprehensive range of solutions for 
hazardous waste.

Enva’s water treatment division provides 
specialty chemicals, equipment and 
professional services to the drinking, 
industrial and waste water sectors. The 
water treatment division operates an 
in-house manufacturing facility as well as 
an iNAb accredited laboratory to support 
these services.

33

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

Revenue

Operating profit

€132.7m

2011: €106.4m
Change on prior year
Reported: +24.7%
Constant currency: +26.7%

€14.2m

2011: €11.6m
Change on prior year
Reported: +22.6%
Constant currency: +24.9%

Return on total capital employed

Brands

10.2%

2011: 10.0%

Enva*, wastecycle*, Tracey*, Oakwood*.

* DCC owned brand

34

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

OPERATING REVIEW – 
DCC ENVIRONMENTAL (continued)

The customer base is quite fragmented, 
with the ten largest customers 
accounting for approximately 16% of 
total revenue in the year ended 31 
march 2012. many of the customers 
have been with DCC Environmental 
for a long time and the business has 
developed a deep understanding of their 
requirements.

Our People
DCC Environmental is proud of the 
fact that its management teams have 
deep industry knowledge, combined 
with strong operational capability. in 
particular, the former owners of william 
Tracey, wastecycle and Oakwood all 
occupy senior executive positions 
within DCC Environmental. DCC 
Environmental seeks to develop its own 
employees by promoting from within the 
organisation and each business seeks 
to develop a challenging but enjoyable 
working environment. Each company 
has a dedicated human resources 
department.

DCC Environmental currently employs 
896 people.

Key Risks
DCC Environmental, like all businesses 
within the group, faces a number of 
strategic, operational, compliance and 
financial risks. 

The construction sector is an important 
market for DCC Environmental and 
this sector is particularly sensitive to 
changes in the economic backdrop. 

DCC Environmental has an exposure 
to movements in both recyclate and oil 
commodity prices. 

The interaction of heavy plant and 
people, in particular employees, at 
the facilities gives rise to the risk of 
accidents. 

Sustainability
The environmental sector is at the 
centre of society’s move to a more 
sustainable future by ensuring that 
the life of material is extended by 
either reusing it or recycling into a 

CASE STUDY 

OAKWOOD FUELS ACqUISITION
The acquisition of Oakwood Fuels Limited (‘Oakwood’) was immediately synergistic 
both with DCC Environmental companies and with the wider DCC Group. Oakwood 
was planning the creation of a satellite depot in Scotland but rather than invest 
in a new greenfield site, Oakwood were able to locate vehicles at existing Tracey 
facilities. Similarly, prior to the investment, Wastecycle planned to develop a new 
facility to manage hazardous waste but the acquisition allowed them to utilise 
Oakwood’s existing infrastructure. Finally, DCC Energy sells significant volumes 
of lubricant oil in Britain and is now in a position to offer Oakwood’s oil collection 
services to its customers.

The irish waste market is valued 
at approximately €1 billion. The 
recession, and the collapse in activity 
in the construction sector, has seen 
significant contraction particularly in 
the non-hazardous market but DCC 
Environmental’s irish business has 
been protected through its focus on the 
niche hazardous sector and through 
developing innovative solutions for 
hazardous waste.

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 resource 
recovery and recycling. The strategy 
includes delivering superior value 
adding services to all its customers 
by way of a deep understanding of 
its customers’ requirements and the 

development of innovative solutions 
to their problems. furthermore, DCC 
Environmental is aligning its business 
to support the transition to a low 
carbon economy through a focus on 
resource rather than waste, developing 
internal climate change expertise and 
continually improving its recycling 
capability. 

Customers
DCC Environmental provides recycling, 
waste management and resource 
recovery services to the industrial and 
commercial, construction and public 
sectors. 

Revenue split
by customer

Industrial and 
commercial  
Construction 
and demolition 
Public sector 

69%

21%
10%

DCC ENVIRONMENTAL: KEY FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Strategic objective

KPI

Drive for enhanced 
operational performance

Revenue growth 
(constant currency)

Drive for enhanced 
operational performance

Grow operating 
margin

Operating profit 
growth (constant 
currency)

Operating margin

Deliver superior 
shareholder returns

Return on capital 
employed (‘ROCE’)

Drive for enhanced 
margins

Recycling %

Generate cash flows to fund 
organic and acquisition 
growth and dividends

Operating cash flow

Deliver superior 
shareholder returns

10 year operating 
profit CAGR

Performance

2012

2011
2012 v 2011: +26.7%
2010

2012

2011
2012 v 2011: +24.9%
2010

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

35

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

€134.9m
€106.4m

€14.5m
€11.6m

10.7%
10.9%
12.0%

10.2%
10.0%
9.7%

74%
69%
71%

€21.7m
€19.8m
€15.8m

22.3%
26.1%
30.6%

new product. Significant developments 
during the year included the production 
of processed fuel oil, which is used 
as a substitute for virgin fuel oil, 
in both britain and ireland and the 
commencement of the full upgrade of 
the recyclable processing line at the 
Nottingham facility. 

in November 2011, wastecycle was 
awarded the Carbon Trust Standard 
(‘CTS’), a rigorous independent 
verification of the business’s efforts 
to reduce carbon emissions from 
both its own operations and on behalf 
of customers. The CTS confirms 
wastecycle’s commitment to meeting 
increasing demand for businesses to 
address the challenges arising from 
climate change. 

All DCC Environmental sites are 
regulated by either the EA in England, 
SEPA in Scotland, the EPA in the 
Republic of ireland or the Northern 

ireland Environment Agency in Northern 
ireland. During the year there were 44 
inspections. No major non compliances 
were identified and all minor non 
conformances or observations were 
addressed in full. 

Performance For The Year Ended 31 
March 2012
DCC Environmental generated an 
increase in operating profit of 24.9% on 
a constant currency basis, benefitting 
from the first time contribution of 
Oakwood, which has performed strongly 
since its acquisition in june 2011. 
Oakwood is a british waste oil and 
hazardous waste collection, processing 
and recycling business based in 
Nottinghamshire. 

while operating profit grew strongly 
in britain driven by the acquisition of 
Oakwood, trading conditions in the non 
hazardous waste management and 
recycling business were impacted by a 

decline in waste volumes in the market 
and a reduction in recyclate commodity 
prices in the second half of the financial 
year. The business consolidated its 
strong position in the East midlands 
through the acquisition of maxi waste 
which operates two material recycling 
facilities in Leicester. The hazardous 
waste management and recycling 
business performed satisfactorily and 
the scale and range of its activities was 
significantly increased by the acquisition 
of Oakwood. 

The business in ireland performed 
well driven by the development of new 
innovative solutions for hazardous waste 
and the continued tight control of costs. 

Outlook
DCC Environmental is well placed for 
the year to 31 march 2013 to benefit 
from the full year contribution of 
acquisitions completed in the prior year.

36

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

OPERATING REVIEW – 
DCC FOOD & BEVERAGE

DCC fOOD & bEvERAgE iS PRiNCiPALLy fOCUSED ON 
ThE DiSTRibUTiON Of fOOD AND bEvERAgE PRODUCTS 
iN iRELAND AND ON RETAiL AND OUTSOURCED 
CATERiNg ThROUgh A jOiNT vENTURE COmPANy.

Markets and Market Position
DCC food & beverage’s irish 
distribution business markets, sells 
and distributes a range of its own 
and third party agency brands and 
provides category management and 
merchandising services to a broad 
range of customers including grocery 
multiples, symbol and independent 
retailers including pharmacies, off-
licenses, hotels, restaurants and cafes.

in britain, the business markets 
and sells wines to multiple 
retailers, wholesale and cash 
and carry customers.

The majority of DCC food & beverage’s 
operations are focused on the irish 
grocery market which has shown 
some contraction over the last number 
of years due to price deflation and 
the general economic downturn. 
As economic conditions remain 
challenging, consumers continue to 
search for value and to reduce their 
discretionary spending both in grocery 
and out of home. Recent market data 
has shown that while the average spend 
per household has remained broadly 
flat, consumers are engaging in more 
frequent shopping trips while spending 
slightly less on each trip they make. 

while private label now accounts for 
approximately 35% of all sales by 
value, brands continue to be important 
to the irish consumer. DCC food & 
beverage continues to develop its 
own branded offering and company 
owned brands now account for 
approximately 36% of total revenue. 

DCC food & beverage’s businesses 
enjoy a number of leading market 
positions in the categories 
in which they operate.

in ireland, the business is the leading 
and most comprehensive supplier 
of healthy foods and beverages, fine 
foods and vitamins, minerals and 
supplements (’vmS’), selling owned 
and agency brands directly to both the 
grocery and pharmacy sectors. DCC 
food & beverage’s healthfood brand, 
kelkin, is recognised as the leading 
brand in the ambient health/’better for 
you’ food sector and offers a healthy 
choice in many food categories. The 
kelkin brand is also a strong and 
developing brand in the vmS sector. 

Also in ireland, the business is a leading 
value added distributor of indulgence 
products in the grocery, impulse and 
food service sectors with a strong, 
complementary range of company 
owned and agency brands, specialising 
in wine, snacks, hot beverages, home 
cooking (herbs, spices and colourings), 
confectionery and soft drinks. 

DCC food & beverage is a leading 
distributor of wine in ireland to both 
the on and off-trade, providing an 
extensive portfolio of international 
wine brands, and is focused on further 
developing its spirits portfolio and 
offers its principals the largest on-
trade reach in the irish marketplace. 

in britain, the business is a leading 
supplier of branded (both company 
owned and agency) and exclusive 
retail solutions to the multiple off-
trade sector of the Uk wine market. 

DCC food & beverage is also a 
leading temperature controlled 
distributor in ireland. 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.

kylemore Services group (50% 
owned by DCC) is a leading operator 
of retail restaurants and contract 
catering services in ireland, serving 
approximately 8 million customer 
meals annually throughout ireland.

Strategy and Development
The group’s strategy is to develop 
DCC food & beverage into a leading 
added value sales, marketing and 
distribution business, building number 
1 or number 2 branded positions in 
focused segments and delivering 
an above average return on capital. 
This will be achieved by building on 
current positions in the healthfood, 
indulgence and logistics markets, both 
organically and through acquisition. 

The business will continue to increase 
its focus on brands, building on the 
progress that has been made to date 
with the company owned brands of 
kelkin healthy foods and beverages, 
Robert Roberts coffee and speciality 
teas and Lemon’s confectionery, as 
well as developing the goodall’s and yR 
brands. The business will also continue 
to actively develop its extensive range 
of third party agency brands across its 
healthfoods and indulgence categories. 

Our wine and spirits business in ireland 
will continue to develop its range and 
grow its market share, particularly 
in the on-trade sector. The Uk wine 
business remains focused on developing 
its own range of brands, in particular 
french Connection and Andrew Peace, 
along with selected agency brands.

37

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

Revenue

Operating profit

€223.4m

2011: €252.2m
Change on prior year
Reported: -11.4%
Constant currency: -11.0%

€10.7m

2011: €11.5m
Change on prior year
Reported: -7.2%
Constant currency: -7.0%

Return on total capital employed

Brands

13.7%

2011: 14.9%

Healthfood - Alpro, biofreeze, Celtic Chocolates, filippo berio, fry Light, hipp, 
jakemans, kallo, kalms, kelkin*, Nairns, Nanny Care, Ocean Spray, Olbas, Ortis, 
Pomegreat, Popz, St Dalfour, vitabiotics, whole Earth.
Indulgence - Andrew Peace, Antinori, bollinger, Chapoutier, Cono Sur, Elizabeth 
Shaw, french Connection*, freixenet, glenfiddich, goodalls*, hula hoops, kP, 
Lemons*, Lindemans, Louis jadot, mcCoys, masi, mateus, meanies, moreau, 
Oatfield, Rancheros, Ritter, Robert Roberts*, Sacla, Sea Dog*, Skips, Stolichnaya, 
Sutter home, Topps, Torres, Tullamore Dew, wakefield, wilton Candy*, yR*.
Logistics - Allied foods*, mr. food*.
Other - kylemore.

* DCC owned brand

38

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

OPERATING REVIEW – 
DCC FOOD & BEVERAGE (continued)

Suppliers
DCC food & beverage deals with a 
broad base of approximately 1,800 
suppliers. The supply base is quite 
fragmented and the top ten suppliers 
account for only approximately 28% 
of total revenues. A key to success in 
our businesses is remaining close to 
new trends and developments in the 
categories in which we operate, and 
as a result, DCC food & beverage 
remains in constant contact with its 
supply base to ensure that it brings the 
best of what is new to its customers.

Our People
DCC food & beverage employs 
management teams with deep category 
and industry knowledge, combined 
with strong operational capability. 
This depth of knowledge is continually 
enhanced by a focus on product training 
particularly in wine, hot beverages 
(coffee and tea) and healthfoods/vmS. 

DCC food & beverage currently 
employs 886 people. 

Key Risks
DCC food & beverage, like all the 
businesses within the group faces 
a number of strategic, operational, 
compliance and financial risks. The 
division is made up of a number of 
consumer focused businesses and 
further economic downturn and its 
impact on consumer spending remains 
a key risk faced by the division. Product 
quality is central to our success and 
remains under constant review with 
focused quality assurance undertaken 
within each of our businesses. 

Sustainability 
Sustainability within DCC food & 
beverage is aimed at creating long 
term shareholder value by generating 
economic, environmental and social 
value. During the year the division 
broadened its sustainability agenda 
from health and safety and climate 
change to include product stewardship 
(local sourcing, packaging, responsible 
advertising and trends such as fair 
trade), business ethics and improved 
communication with employees across 
the businesses. The welfare of our 

CASE STUDY 

INNOVATION
Innovation in products, packaging and branding provide growth opportunity for 
the Kelkin brand. Following the very successful development and launch of the 
Kelkin Granola range of wholesome cereals, Kelkin has extended this offering into 
a convenient ‘on the go’ breakfast and snacking format of Granola bars that is now 
widely available throughout the Irish grocery trade. Granola is high in fibre, which 
is important for both heart and digestive health. A range of various formulations 
were tested before the final products were agreed and throughout the development 
process the Kelkin values of ‘good for you’ and ‘nutrition’ were maintained. A key 
focus was also placed on the choice of packaging where quality of presentation and 
ease of consumer use were the priority elements as part of our mission ’to make 
the healthy choice the easy choice for consumers’. All these products are produced 
in Ireland using only the finest quality ingredients, giving Kelkin consumers in 
Ireland another reason to feel good about themselves.

Revenue split by 
customer type 2012

Multiples 
Symbols 
Food Service 
Wholesale 
Independents 

37%
22%
21%
11%
9%

Revenue split by 
category 2012

40%
13%
11%
11%

Wine 
Health Foods 
Snack Foods 
Frozen Traded 
Hot & Cold Beverages
10%
 /Equipment 
Logistics Services 
9%
Confectionery & Other 6%

Customers
DCC food & beverages’ business 
is primarily based in ireland, with 
a modest wine business in britain 
which is focused on selling wines to 
the multiple off-trade and growing a 
presence in the on trade sector. The 
ten largest customers accounted for 
approximately 56% of total revenue 
in the year ended 31 march 2012. 

DCC food & beverage’s different 
operating companies each have 
their own focused sales teams 
that regularly interact with our 
customers on developing joint 
business plans that focus on sales, 
marketing, category management, 
advertising, promotions, new product 
development and product quality. 

DCC FOOD & BEVERAGE: KEY FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Strategic objective

KPI

Performance

Drive for enhanced 
operational performance

Revenue growth 
(constant currency)

Drive for enhanced 
operational performance

Operating profit 
growth (constant 
currency)

Grow operating margin

Operating margin

Deliver superior 
shareholder returns

Return on capital 
employed (‘ROCE’)

Generate cash flows to fund 
organic and acquisition 
growth and dividends

Operating  
cash flow

Deliver superior 
shareholder returns

10 year operating 
profit CAGR

2012

2011
2012 v 2011: -11.0%

2012

2011

2012 v 2011: -7.0%

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

39

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

€224.5m
€252.2m

€10.7m
€11.5m

4.8%
4.6%
3.1%

13.7%
14.9%
10.2%

€5.0m
€12.6m
€21.9m

0.4%
4.3%
0.3%

SUSTAINABILITY WITHIN 
DCC FOOD & BEVERAGE IS 
AIMED AT CREATING LONG 
TERM SHAREHOLDER VALUE 
BY GENERATING ECONOMIC, 
ENVIRONMENTAL AND 
SOCIAL VALUE. 

employees remains very important to 
DCC food & beverage. Unfortunately, 
there has been an increase in the 
number of lost time accidents across 
the division. management focus has 
identified areas of weakness in our 
systems and steps have been taken 
which we are confident will improve 
our performance in this area.

Performance for the Year 
Ended 31 March 2012
DCC food & beverage experienced 
a decline in revenue and operating 
profit primarily due to the loss 
of a major contract in the frozen 
and chilled logistics business in 
the second half of the year.

The branded distribution activities 
delivered good growth in operating 
profit driven by strong growth in 
company owned brands. The business 
benefited from the development of its 
goodall’s and yR brands as well as 
growth in its Robert Roberts coffee and 
tea brands. DCC food & beverage’s 
healthfood brand, kelkin, continued 
to grow, particularly in the areas of 

cereals and gluten free products, 
although this was offset by a decline 
in sales of third party agency brands.

The frozen and chilled logistics business 
was negatively impacted by the loss of a 
major contract resulting in a significant 
decline in operating profit. A major 
restructuring has been undertaken 
and this will lead to improvements in 
competitiveness as the business seeks 
to win new customers over time.

The group’s joint venture, kylemore 
Services group, delivered a very good 
result due to a very strong performance 
in its contract services business. 
A number of large new customer 
contracts were won during the year.

Outlook
it is anticipated that operating profit 
in the year to 31 march 2013 will 
decline due to the full year impact 
of the contract loss in the frozen 
and chilled logistics business.

40

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

FINANCIAL REVIEW

whiLST OvERALL iT wAS A DiffiCULT yEAR fOR ThE gROUP wiTh 
OPERATiNg PROfiTS DECREASiNg by 18.3% ON A CONSTANT CURRENCy 
bASiS, OPERATiNg CASh fLOw iNCREASED TO €277.3 miLLiON, fREE 
CASh fLOw iNCREASED TO €146.0 miLLiON AND wE DEPLOyED AN 
iNCREmENTAL €234.7 miLLiON ON ACqUiSiTiONS AND NET CAPiTAL 
ExPENDiTURE.

As the key financial performance 
indicators set out in Table 1 show, 
whilst the performance of DCC 
Energy impacted the overall group 
profit and return on capital employed 
performance in 2012, working capital 
management, cash flow and the 
deployment of capital was good and 
the group still retains a strong, well 
funded and highly liquid balance sheet. 

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 on pages 95 to 105

Revenue
group revenue increased by 24.9% on a 
constant currency basis to €10.7 billion 
primarily as a result of acquisitions, the 
impact of higher oil prices and strong 
organic growth in DCC SerCom. DCC 
Energy increased its sales volumes by 
10.8%, however, like for like volumes 
declined by 5.9%. Average selling 
prices in DCC Energy increased by 
16.9% due to the higher oil prices. 
Excluding DCC Energy, group revenue 
was 13.6% ahead of the prior year on a 
constant currency basis; approximately 
half of this growth was organic. 

Table 1: Key Financial Performance Indicators 

Revenue growth - constant currency 
Operating profit* (decrease)/increase - constant currency 
EbiT: net interest (times) 
EbiTDA: net interest (times) 
Net debt as a percentage of total equity 
Net debt/EbiTDA (times) 
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 total capital employed 
Acquisition capital deployed (€’m) 

* excluding exceptionals and amortisation of intangible assets.

2012 

24.9% 
(18.3%) 
10.4 
13.5 
12.6% 
0.5 
0.9% 
2.5 
34.6 
277.3 
146.0 

14.2% 

169.1 

2011

25.4%
15.5%
15.8
19.3

4.9%
0.2
1.6%
4.9
36.8
269.6
123.6

19.9%

130.7

 
41

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

Overview of Results

2012 
€’m 

2011 
€’m 

Change on prior year

Reported 

Constant
currency

Revenue 

10,690.3 

8,680.6 

+23.2% 

+24.9%

Operating profit 
DCC Energy 
DCC SerCom 
DCC healthcare 
DCC Environmental 
DCC food & beverage 
Group operating profit 
Share of associates’ loss after tax 
finance costs (net) 
Profit before exceptional items, amortisation of intangible assets and tax 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Exceptional charge (net) 
Profit before tax 
Taxation 
Non-controlling interests 
Net earnings  

Adjusted earnings per share (cent) 

 * continuing activities excluding mobility & Rehabilitation

83.5 
53.2 
23.4 
14.2 
10.7 
185.0 
- 
(17.9) 
167.1 
 (11.3) 
 (22.8) 
133.0 
(30.0) 
(0.6) 
102.4 

137.3 
46.0 
23.2 
11.6 
 11.5 
229.6 
(0.2)
(14.6) 
214.8 
(10.9) 
 (14.3) 
189.6 
(43.8) 
(0.7)
145.1 

-39.2% 
+15.7% 
+4.1%* 
+22.6% 
-7.2% 
-19.4% 

-38.3%
+17.0%
+5.3%*
+24.9%
-7.0%
-18.3%

-22.2% 

-21.1%

-29.8% 

-28.6%

-29.4% 

-28.1%

163.51 

203.15 

-19.5% 

-18.4%

Operating Profit
As signalled during the year, the 
results for the group were adversely 
impacted by trading in DCC Energy, 
which suffered from the effects of the 
very mild weather, higher oil prices 
and the continuing difficult economic 
background, particularly in the Uk, DCC 
Energy’s largest market. Operating 
profit in DCC Energy declined by 38.3% 
on a constant currency basis as the 
impact of the sustained period of 
extremely mild temperatures on both 
volumes and margins was exacerbated 
by its comparison to the extremely 
cold weather conditions of the prior 
year. The average temperature in the 
Uk in the very important quarter to 
31 December 2011 was the mildest 
on record, in contrast to the same 
quarter in the prior year which was 
the coldest on record. The other key 
quarter to 31 march 2012 was also 
significantly milder than the prior year. 

DCC Energy’s total heating related 
volumes declined by approximately 
15% on a like for like basis compared 
to the prior year. The substantially 
weaker demand for heating oil 
products gave rise to considerable 
excess capacity, even during the 
normally busy winter months, which 
in a very competitive market resulted 
in reduced gross margins across all 
product grades. This reduction in gross 
margins, combined with the effect of 
a predominantly fixed operating cost 
base, had a significant impact on DCC 
Energy’s operating profit for the year.

Operating profit in the group’s other 
four divisions combined increased 
by 11.3% on a constant currency 
basis. DCC SerCom, DCC’s second 
largest division, increased operating 
profit by 17.0%, also on a constant 
currency basis. This reflected 
another excellent performance in 

SerCom Distribution, where revenue 
and operating profit, on a constant 
currency basis, were 16.5% and 20.0% 
ahead of the prior year respectively. 

DCC healthcare increased its operating 
profit on continuing activities by 
5.3% on a constant currency basis, 
while DCC Environmental’s operating 
profit advanced by 24.9%, also on 
a constant currency basis, driven 
primarily by acquisition activity 
during the year. Operating profit 
declined by 7.0% on a constant 
currency basis in DCC’s smallest 
division, DCC food & beverage. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
42

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)

Overall operating profit in the group 
declined by 18.3% on a constant 
currency basis. Approximately 70% 
of the group’s operating profit in the 
year was denominated in sterling. The 
average exchange rate at which sterling 
profits were translated during the 
year was Stg£0.8684 = €1, compared 
to an average translation rate of 
Stg£0.8522 = €1 for the prior year, a 
weakening of 2% which resulted in a 
modest negative translation impact on 
group operating profit of €2.5 million. 
Consequently on a reported basis 
operating profit decreased by 19.4%. 

Although DCC’s operating margin 
(excluding exceptionals) was 1.7% 
(2.6% in 2011), 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. Excluding DCC 
Energy, the operating margin (excluding 
exceptionals) for the group’s other 
divisions was 3.5% (3.6% in 2011).

Increasingly Difficult Trading 
Conditions in DCC Energy
Overall, trading conditions, driven by 
the factors in DCC Energy referred to 
above, became increasingly difficult 
during the year. An analysis of the 
performance on a constant currency 
basis for the first half, the second 
half and the full year ended 31 march 
2012 is set out in Tables 2 and 3.

A detailed review of the operating 
performance of each of DCC’s divisions 
is set out on pages 14 to 39.

Finance Costs (net) 
Net finance costs increased to 
€17.9 million (2011: €14.6 million) 
primarily due to higher average net 
debt of €248 million during the year, 
compared to €167 million during 
the prior year. interest was covered 
10.4 times by group operating profit 
before amortisation of intangible 
assets (15.8 times in 2011). 

Profit Before Net Exceptional 
Items, Amortisation of 
Intangible Assets and Tax
Profit before net exceptional items, 
amortisation of intangible assets and 
tax of €167.1 million decreased by 
21.1% on a constant currency basis 
(by 22.2% on a reported basis). 

Net Exceptional Charge and 
Amortisation of Intangible Assets
The group incurred a net 
exceptional charge before tax 
of €22.8 million as follows:

2012

€’m
14.0

Taiwanese legal claim 
Restructuring of  
pension arrangements 
3.6
Reorganisation and other costs  (19.4)
(14.4)
Asset impairments 
(6.6)
Acquisition costs 

Total 

(22.8)

The cash effect of the net exceptional 
charge was €2.8 million.

Table 2: Revenue - Constant Currency

H1 
€’m 

2012 
H2 
€’m 

FY 
€’m 

h1 
€’m 

2011 
h2 
€’m 

fy 
€’m 

H1 
% 

Change
H2 
% 

FY
%

DCC Energy 

3,242.2 

4,698.2 

7,940.4 

2,808.6 

3,321.2 

6,129.8 

+15.4% 

+41.5% 

+29.5%

DCC SerCom 

933.9 

1,271.1 

2,205.0 

799.2 

1,069.7 

1,868.9 

+16.9% 

+18.8% 

+18.0%

DCC healthcare 

158.6 

175.9 

334.5 

166.3 

157.0 

323.3 

-4.6% 

+12.1% 

+3.5%

DCC Environmental  

67.8 

67.1 

134.9 

53.4 

53.0 

106.4 

+27.1% 

+26.3% 

+26.7%

DCC food & beverage 

133.4 

91.1 

224.5 

138.3 

113.9 

252.2 

-3.5% 

-20.0% 

-11.0%

Total 
weighting % 

4,535.9 
41.8% 

6,303.4  10,839.3 
100.0% 
58.2% 

3,965.8 
45.7% 

4,714.8 
54.3% 

8,680.6 
100.0%

+14.4% 

+33.7% 

+24.9%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
43

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

in january 2004 the London high Court 
awarded Stg£10.2 million in damages 
and interim costs of Stg£2.0 million 
(in both cases together with interest) 
to DCC’s british based mobility and 
rehabilitation subsidiary for breach of 
an exclusive supply agreement by a 
Taiwanese supplier. further amounts 
in respect of costs of Stg£2.9 million 
were subsequently determined by the 
London high Court to be payable. in 
order to enforce the London high Court 
judgements, it has been necessary to 
pursue the collection of all outstanding 
amounts through the Taiwanese courts. 
in march 2012, DCC received the initial 
Stg£12.2 million referred to above. 
The recovery of accumulated interest 
on this amount and the additional 
costs referred to above continue to 
be pursued through the Taiwanese 
courts. DCC has not accrued the 
amount of the outstanding claim. 

Restructuring of certain of the 
group’s pension arrangements 
during the year gave rise to an 
exceptional gain of €3.6 million.

The group incurred an exceptional 
charge of €19.4 million primarily 
in relation to restructuring 
costs and the cost of integrating 
recently acquired businesses.

There was a non-cash charge of €14.4 
million relating to the impairment 
of subsidiary goodwill and an 
associate company investment and 
the write-down of certain property 
assets. included in this charge is an 
impairment charge in relation to the 
carrying value of a company within the 
DCC food & beverage division, Allied 
foods, following the loss of a major 
distribution contract during the year. 
in addition, on 3 April 2012 the group 
announced that it had agreed to dispose 
of Altimate group SA, DCC SerCom’s 
Enterprise distribution business, which 
is expected to give rise to a loss of 
approximately €8.0 million, primarily 
resulting from the non-recovery of a 
portion of the goodwill arising since 
the acquisition of Altimate in 2000. 

ifRS 3 requires that professional 
fees and tax costs (such as stamp 
duty) relating to the evaluation and 
completion of acquisitions are expensed 

in the income Statement and these 
costs amounted to €6.6 million.

The charge for the amortisation 
of intangible assets was €11.3 
million (2011: €10.9 million)

Profit Before Tax
Profit before tax of €133.0 
million decreased by 28.6% on 
a constant currency basis (by 
29.8% on a reported basis).

Taxation
The effective tax rate for the group 
decreased to 18% compared to 21% in 
the previous year, the reduction being 
primarily due to a lower proportion 
of Uk taxable profits and a reduction 
in the Uk corporation tax rate. 

Adjusted Earnings Per Share
Adjusted earnings per share of 163.51 
cent decreased by 18.4% on a constant 
currency basis (a decrease of 19.5% on 
a reported basis). The decrease was 
14.7% in the first half and 19.9% in the 
seasonally more important second half.

Table 3: Operating Profit - Constant Currency

H1 
€’m 

2012 
H2 
€’m 

FY 
€’m 

h1 
€’m 

2011 
h2 
€’m 

fy 
€’m 

H1 
% 

Change
H2 
% 

FY
%

DCC Energy 

19.5 

65.3 

84.8 

30.1 

107.2 

137.3 

-35.1% 

-39.1% 

-38.3%

DCC SerCom 

15.8 

38.1 

53.9 

14.3 

31.7 

46.0 

+10.3% 

+20.0% 

+17.0%

DCC healthcare 

10.7 

13.0 

23.7 

11.1 

12.1 

23.2 

-3.9% 

+7.7 % 

+2.1%

DCC Environmental 

DCC food & beverage 

8.2 

6.0 

6.2 

4.7 

14.4 

10.7 

7.0 

5.4 

4.6 

6.1 

11.6 

+17.0% 

+36.8% 

+24.9%

11.5 

+11.5% 

-23.3% 

-7.0%

Total 
weighting % 

60.2 
32.1% 

127.3 
67.9% 

187.5 
100.0% 

67.9 
29.6% 

161.7 
70.4% 

229.6 
100.0%

-11.4% 

-21.3% 

-18.3%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
44

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)

The compound annual growth rate in 
DCC’s adjusted earnings per share 
over the last 20, 15, 10 and 5 years is as 
follows: 

20 years (i.e. since 1992)  
15 years (i.e. since 1997)  
10 years (i.e. since 2002)  
5   years (i.e. since 2007)  

CAGR %

12.1%
10.3%
5.6%
2.6%

Dividend 
The total dividend for the year of 77.89 
cent per share represents an increase 
of 5.0% over the previous year. The 
dividend is covered 2.1 times (2.7 times 
in 2011) by adjusted earnings per share. 
Over the last 18 years (i.e. since DCC’s 
flotation on the irish and London stock 
exchanges), DCC’s dividend has grown 
at a compound annual rate of 14.9%.

Return on Capital Employed
The creation of shareholder value 
through the delivery of consistent, long 
term returns well in excess of the cost 
of capital is one of DCC’s core strengths. 
Notwithstanding the excellent working 
capital management, the group’s return 
on total capital employed reduced from 
19.9% to 14.2% primarily reflecting 
the decline in operating profit in DCC 
Energy (as detailed in Table 4). 

Table 4: Return on Total Capital Employed

2012 
ROCE 

2011
ROCE

14.0% 
DCC Energy 
15.7% 
DCC SerCom 
15.4% 
DCC healthcare* 
DCC Environmental 
10.2% 
DCC food & beverage  13.7% 
14.2% 
group 
* continuing activities

26.9%
16.2%
16.3%
10.0%
14.9%
19.9%

Table 5: Summary of Cash Flows

Operating profit 

Decrease/(increase) in working capital 
Depreciation and other 

Operating cash flow 

Capital expenditure (net) 
interest and tax paid 

Free cash flow 

Acquisitions 
Disposals 
Dividends 
Exceptional items 
Share issues 

Net (outflow)/ inflow 
Opening net debt 
Translation 

2012 
€’m 

2011
€’m

185.0 

229.6

46.6 
45.7 

(10.8)
 50.8

277.3 

269.6

(65.6) 
(65.7) 

(77.2)
(68.8)

146.0 

123.6

(168.1) 
(1.3) 
(63.2) 
(2.8) 
2.4 

(87.0) 
(45.2) 
4.0 

(78.3)
28.4
(58.3)
(8.9)
3.8

10.3
(53.5)
(2.0)

Closing net debt 

(128.2) 

(45.2)

Cash Flow
Despite the challenging trading 
environment, the group generated 
excellent operating and free 
cash flow during the year, as 
summarised in Table 5.

Operating cash flow in 2012 was €277.3 
million compared to €269.6 million in 
2011. working capital days reduced 
from 4.9 days at 31 march 2011 to 2.5 
days at 31 march 2012 and this gave 
rise to a net reduction in working 
capital of €46.6 million, despite a 
€2.0 billion increase in revenue, with 
debtor days reducing to 34.6 days 
from 36.8 days in the prior year. 

This excellent operating cash flow 
performance generated increased 
free cash flow for the group which, 
after interest and tax payments and 
net capital expenditure, amounted 
to €146.0 million compared to 
€123.6 million in the prior year. 

Net capital expenditure in the year 
of €65.6 million (2011: €77.2 million) 
compares to a depreciation charge of 
€55.4 million (2011: €52.9 million). 

with a cash impact of acquisitions 
in the year of €168.1 million and 
dividend payments to shareholders 
of €63.2 million, overall there was 
a net outflow of €83.0 million in the 
year leaving net debt at 31 march 
2012 at a modest €128.2 million.

Balance Sheet and Group Financing
DCC’s financial position remains very 
strong, well funded and highly liquid. 
At 31 march 2012 the group had net 
debt of €128.2 million (2011: €45.2 
million) and total equity of just over 
€1.0 billion (2011: €931.9 million). DCC 
has significant cash resources and 
relatively long term debt maturities. 
Substantially all of the group’s debt 
has been raised in the US private 
placement market with an average 
credit margin of 1.23% over floating 
Euribor/Libor and an average maturity 
of 5.5 years from 31 march 2012.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
45

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

Table 6: Funding and Liquidity Position

Table 7: Analysis of Net Debt

Cash and short term bank deposits 
Overdrafts 
Cash and cash equivalents 

bank debt repayable within 1 year 
US Private Placement debt repayable*: 
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 
y/e 31/3/2022 

Other 
Debt 
Net debt 

* inclusive of related swap derivatives 

2012 
€’m 

670.8 
(70.7) 
600.1 

2011
€’m

700.3
(34.2)
666.1

(0.5) 

(0.5)

- 
(66.9) 
(219.2) 
(15.4) 
(113.2) 
(56.2) 
(215.4) 
(44.9) 

3.4 
(728.3) 
(128.2) 

(5.3)
(62.9)
(216.2)
(14.4)
(112.5)
(52.9)
(205.2)
(43.1)

1.7
(711.3)
(45.2)

Non-current assets: 
Derivative financial instruments 

Current assets: 
Derivative financial instruments 
Cash and short term deposits 

Non-current liabilities: 
borrowings  
Derivative financial instruments 
Unsecured Notes due 2013 to 2022 

Current liabilities: 
borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Unsecured Notes due 2011 

Net debt 
Cash and short term deposits attributable
to asset held for sale 
Net debt including asset held for sale 

2012 
€’m 

2011
€’m

134.5 

84.4

4.3 
630.0 
634.3 

3.5
700.3
703.8

(0.3) 
(17.5) 
(848.0) 
(865.8) 

(0.7)
(30.1)
(761.5)
(792.3)

(71.0) 
(1.0) 
- 
(72.0) 
(169.0) 

(35.3)
(0.5)
(5.3)
(41.1)
(45.2)

40.8 
(128.2) 

-
(45.2)

The group’s strong funding and 
liquidity position at 31 march 2012 is 
summarised in Table 6.  

key financial ratios (at 31 march 2012), 
including those covenants included in 
the group’s various lending agreement 
are as follows: 

2012 
Actual 

2011 

Actual  Covenant

0.5 
 n/a*
Net debt: EbiTDA 
EbiTDA: net interest  13.5 
 3.0
10.4 
EbiTA: net interest 
 3.0
Total equity (€’m)  1,014.0  931.9  300.0

0.2 
19.3 
15.8 

*the group does not have any net debt: EbiTDA
 lending covenants

The group retains significant financial 
capacity to support its future growth 
plans. 

The composition of net debt at 31 march 
2012 and 2011 is analysed in Table 7. 
further analysis of DCC’s cash, debt 
and financial instrument balances at 
31 march 2012 is set out in notes 28 
to 31 in the financial statements.

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 strengthened by 5.6% from 
0.8837 at 31 march 2011 to 0.8339 at 
31 march 2012. The average rate at 
which the group translates its Uk 
operating profits weakened by 1.9% 
from 0.8522 in 2011 to 0.8684 in 2012.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
46

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)

Approximately 70% of the group’s 
operating profit for the year ended 31 
march 2012 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 
profits of foreign currency subsidiaries 
on the basis and to the extent that they 
are not intended to be repatriated. 
The 1.9% weakening in the average 
translation rate of sterling, referred to 
above, negatively impacted the group’s 
reported operating profit by €2.5 million 
in the year ended 31 march 2012. 

DCC has investments in sterling 
operations which are highly cash 
generative and cash generated from 
these operations is 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 5.6% strengthening 
in the value of sterling against the 
euro during the year ended 31 march 
2012, referred to above, gave rise to 
a translation gain of €46.7 million 
on the translation of DCC’s sterling 
denominated net asset position 
at 31 march 2012 as set out in the 
group Statement of Changes in 
Equity in the financial statements.

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 which 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.

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 three 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.

Investor Relations
DCC’s senior management team are 
committed to interacting with the 
international financial community 
to ensure a full understanding of 
DCC’s strategic plans and current 
trading performance. During the 
year, the executive management 
team hosted a Capital markets Day 
in London, presented at 9 capital 
market conferences and met over 
150 institutional investors at one-
on-one and group meetings.

Share Price and Market Capitalisation
The Company’s shares traded in the 
range €16.70 to €23.07 during the 
year. The share price at 30 march 
2012 was €18.56 (31 march 2011: 
€22.47) giving a market capitalisation 
of €1.55 billion (2011: €1.87 billion). 
based on the Company’s share price 
at 31 march 2012, Total Shareholder 
Return since the group’s flotation 
in may 1994 was 855.4%. 

47

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

Stakeholder Engagement
investor input is important to our 
sustainability strategy and we welcome 
all opportunities to engage with 
investors. we have responded positively 
to feedback received and implemented 
actions to improve our communication 
and reporting. 

One of our key stakeholder groups are 
the senior executives who lead and 
develop our businesses. As part of our 
engagement with this group, over 100 
senior executives from all divisions 
participated in a series of one day 
sustainability workshops, each tailored 
to their specific business sectors. The 
purpose of these workshops was to 
establish a clear understanding of 
sustainability and determine actions 
that could realise value from social 
and environmental trends. The 
workshops greatly benefited from the 
experience and insights of speakers 
from companies who are sustainability 
leaders in their respective sectors, 
including marks & Spencers, Carillion, 
bT and bodyshop international. 

Employee issues are reported up 
through DCC’s devolved structure 
by continuous interaction between 
subsidiary, divisional and group 
management. Employee forums and 
communications channels within 
our subsidiaries already include 
sustainability issues, including health & 
safety, energy efficiency and community 
involvement. One of the outcomes from 
the workshops is a recognition that 
employee engagement on sustainability 
could be more systematic. 

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

fOLLOwiNg ThE iNTRODUCTiON by ThE ChiEf ExECUTivE ON PAgE 10, 
DETAiLS Of OUR SUSTAiNAbiLiTy APPROACh AND ACTiviTiES ARE SET 
OUT iN ThiS REPORT. 

Profile, Boundary and Scope of 
Sustainability Reporting
This Sustainability Report follows 
the same reporting cycle and fiscal 
year as the Annual Report, i.e. to 31 
march 2012, and includes all group 
subsidiaries. joint ventures are not 
included in the carbon emissions or LTi 
data, except where they are under the 
operational control of a DCC subsidiary. 
There are no significant changes 
from previous reporting periods in the 
scope, boundary, or measurement 
methods applied in the report. There is 
no restatement of data from the 2011 
Sustainability Report. 

The content of the report is the same as 
the prior year, with the material aspects 
having been initially identified by the 
Corporate Sustainability working group 
and developed to include additional 
areas relevant to investors and other 
stakeholders. Engagement with senior 
executives at sustainability workshops 
held during the year confirmed the 
importance of the material aspects 
included in this Report.

There is an increasing trend towards 
integrating sustainability information 
and analysis into mainstream annual 
reports to provide stakeholders with 
a clear and concise representation of 
how a company creates and sustains 
value over the long term. The issues 
highlighted in the sections below are 
reflected in the operating reviews as 
appropriate to those businesses and we 
expect to continue this process until, 
ultimately, a fully integrated report 
becomes our practice.

This report meets the requirements 
of the global Reporting initiative 
level C+ standard, as identified in the 
content table on page 54. feedback 
on this report is welcome and should 
be addressed to john barcroft, head 
of group Sustainability or David 
byrne, Deputy Chairman and Senior 
independent Director.

Governance, Structures and Processes
good progress has been made in 
introducing sustainability into existing 
business processes. Sustainability is 
now a formal agenda item at subsidiary 
and divisional board meetings and a 
number of subsidiaries are formally 
reporting on the sustainability issues 
that are material to their businesses. 
internal sustainability reporting is 
evolving and will become a standard 
process in the short term.

in November 2011, the Corporate 
Sustainability working group (CSwg), 
established in 2009, was replaced by a 
new high level Sustainability Committee 
which meets quarterly. it is chaired 
by the Chief Executive and includes 
divisional and subsidiary managing 
directors and senior group executives. 
The Committee’s purpose is to provide 
strategic oversight and direction to 
sustainability initiatives. it is focused 
on ensuring that sustainability delivers 
tangible value to the businesses 
and continues to be integrated into 
existing management processes, 
rather than being a stand alone 
function. The Committee has begun the 
process of developing a medium term 
sustainability strategy for DCC, setting 
out clear objectives at both group and 
subsidiary level. 

48

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT (continued)

Material Aspects
four aspects of sustainability – our 
people, direct economic value, 
environment and health & safety - are 
considered to be material at group 
level. These were determined in 2010 by 
the CSwg, following consultations with 
senior executives around the group. 
A materiality matrix, with levels of 
importance to stakeholders and to DCC 
forming the two axes, was used to rate a 
wide spectrum of sustainability issues, 
allowing those issues that ranked 
highly on both axes to be prioritised for 
reporting. Over time these aspects will 
develop, for example climate change is 
now included in a wider commentary 
on the environment, and we will review 
them to take account of feedback from 
investors, customers, employees and 
other stakeholders. 

individual subsidiaries and divisions 
have additional aspects that are of 
particular relevance to them, for 
example customer engagement, 
supply chains, employee training and 
development, waste reduction, water 
conservation and resource scarcity, 
which were identified and explored 
in more detail at the sustainability 
workshops.

Our People
At 31 march 2012, DCC employed 
8,868 people across the group, 
approximately 90% of whom are in 
permanent employment. This figure 
has increased by approximately 10% 
from the prior year due to a number of 
recent acquisitions, in particular the 
acquisitions by DCC Energy of maxol 
Direct, Pace and butler fuels in the Uk 
and Swea Energi in Sweden and the 
acquisition by DCC Environmental of 
Oakwood fuels in the Uk. 

An analysis of DCC employment by 
division and by geography is as follows: 

Employee numbers by division

     DCC Energy 
     DCC SerCom 
     DCC Healthcare 
     DCC Environmental 

4,174  
1,743
1,169 
896
DCC Food & Beverage  886

Employee numbers by geography 

     UK 
     Ireland 
     Continental Europe 
     Other 

6,134  
1,739
834 
161

Graduate Recruitment Programme 
The DCC graduate Programme was put 
in place to support the development 
of a pipeline of senior executives who 
can grow and develop into international 
business leaders in the future. This 
two year programme commenced in 
September 2011 with the first intake 
of graduates. The 2011 graduates 
are currently progressing through 
the rotations within the programme 
which are designed to expose them to 
diverse sectors and businesses. To date 
feedback on the 2011 programme has 
been very positive, from the perspective 
of both the participating companies 
and the graduates. Projects which the 
graduates have been involved in include: 

•  research and review of a warehouse 

picking technology product to 
evaluate its potential business value 
and benefits, including the ease and 
viability of implementation;

•  marketing and sales support 
activities, including depot and 
stakeholder engagement and 
creation of marketing materials and 
campaigns; 

•  management of 15 networking 

vendors by creating and executing 
marketing plans based on specific 
budgets. 

given the success of the 2011 
programme we have hired 
another tranche of graduates for 
commencement in September 
2012, also on a two year rotational 
programme.

Business Ethics
DCC published business Conduct 
guidelines in 2011. These record the 
values of openness, honesty, trust, 
respect and accountability that are vital 
to the success of any organisation and 
provide more detailed guidelines for 
our employees on specific aspects of 
business ethics. The guidelines have 
been circulated to employees across the 
group and are available on our website. 
we will be taking further steps during 
the current year, including as part of our 
group compliance programme, to ensure 
that awareness and use of the guidelines 
remains strong across the group. 

The DCC whistleblowing Policy provides 
a clear mechanism for employee 
reporting of malpractice or misconduct 
within the organisation.

following the enactment of the 
bribery Act 2010 in the Uk, training 
workshops were held in August and 
September 2011 for all Uk subsidiaries. 
Subsequently all group subsidiaries 
completed a standard risk assessment 
to provide information on existing 
bribery policies and procedures, which 
were used to finalise anti bribery and 
corruption policies for each subsidiary. 
gifts and hospitality registers were 
also put in place at both subsidiary 
and corporate level. The DCC group 
Anti bribery and Corruption Policy was 
approved by the board in November 
2011 and is on our website.

Total Income
€10,739m
(2011: €8,742m)

Goods and 
Services
€10,177m
(2011: €8,150m)

Value 
Added
€562m
(2011: €592m)

Corporate Taxes
€28m
(2011: €42m)

Interest
€50m
(2011: €51m)

Employees
€345m
(2011: €327m)

Retained
€74m
(2011: €111m)

Dividends to 
Shareholders
€65m
(2011: €62m)

49

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

Direct Economic Value Added
A key measure of our sustainability is 
the economic value generated from 
our activities over the long term. 
Other sections of the Annual Report 
present detailed financial information, 
which is summarised in the graphic to 
represent the principal value added to 
stakeholders.

in the year ended 31 march 2012, €562 
million of added value was created, 
taking account of the cost of inputs 
from suppliers of €10,177 million 
and total income of €10,739 million 
(€10,690 million revenue as per the 
group income Statement, €32 million 
finance income and €17 million other 
operating income). This value added is 
distributed in the form of remuneration 

to employees of €345 million, corporate 
taxes of €28 million, interest to lenders 
of €50 million and dividends1 to 
shareholders of €65 million. €74 million 
is retained in the business to fund 
further growth. 

Community Support
Across the DCC group, subsidiaries are 
involved in activities to support local 
communities and local and national 
charities. Employees are actively 
involved in fund raising and giving their 
time and effort to these campaigns, 
supported by direct financial 
contributions from subsidiaries. These 
financial contributions are managed at 
local level and are not collated at group 
level.

Naomi House
iN EARLy 2011, miCRO P, A SUbSiDiARy Of 
DCC SERCOm, TOOk ThE DECiSiON TO fOCUS 
iTS SUPPORT fOR wORThwhiLE CAUSES ON 
SPECifiC ChARiTiES bASED wiThiN ThE LOCAL 
COmmUNiTy. EmPLOyEES wERE ASkED TO 
NOmiNATE A ChARiTy AND ThEy ChOSE NAOmi 
hOUSE, A hAmPShiRE bASED hOSPiCE fOR 
ChiLDREN. OvER ThE NExT yEAR miCRO P  
EmPLOyEES ACTivELy UNDERTOOk A hOST 
Of iNiTiATivES RANgiNg fROm PhySiCAL 
UNDERTAkiNgS, SUCh AS SCALiNg ThREE Uk 
PEAkS, hOLDiNg AUCTiONS AND giviNg UP 
ThEiR TimE TO UNDERTAkE gARDENiNg AND 
mAiNTENANCE PROjECTS, bOTh iN wORk AND 
PERSONAL TimE. 

The relationship with this specific charity has developed 
in a genuine and mutually beneficial way where micro P  
has been able to share its most valuable asset, time, 
and in return feel that it is adding value to the 
communities in which it operates. An additional benefit 
has been micro P’s ability to involve key suppliers and 
customers in the various activities to create a sense of 
purpose and community.

50

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT (continued)

fighTiNg wORDS iS A CREATivE wRiTiNg CENTRE ThAT iS ThE 
bRAiNChiLD Of SEáN LOvE, fORmER DiRECTOR Of AmNESTy iRELAND, 
AND wRiTER RODDy DOyLE. STAffED mAiNLy by vOLUNTEERS, fighTiNg 
wORDS RUNS fREE CREATivE wRiTiNg AND STORyTELLiNg wORkShOPS 
fOR STUDENTS Of ALL AgES TO ENhANCE ThEiR CREATivE wRiTiNg 
SkiLLS AND bUiLD ThEiR CONfiDENCE iN wRiTiNg AbiLiTy AND SELf-
ExPRESSiON. 

in just three years the centre has hosted over 32,000 students of all ages in 
workshops in fiction writing, film-making, song writing and graphic novels. The 
centre is booked out a year in advance and Social Entrepreneurs ireland is working 
with Seán Love to examine models to scale fighting words to enable much greater 
numbers of people to benefit from these workshops. 

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland
following a review in 2010, DCC is 
focusing its corporate giving resources 
more strategically and consistently. 
2011 was the first year of a three year 
partnership with Social Entrepreneurs 
ireland, an organisation that enables 
high potential social entrepreneurs to 
maximise their potential impact. in 2011, 
DCC contributed management time and 
direct funding of €120,000 to support 
the awardee selection process which 
culminated in an awards ceremony last 
October, addressed by An Taoiseach, 
Enda kenny. 

Seán Love, profiled above, is an example 
of an awardee who is creating real 
social change using an entrepreneurial 
business model. 

Environment
Climate Change Strategy
Climate change continues to remain 
high on our agenda. in 2011 we 
substantially reviewed and updated the 
DCC Carbon management Plan to a new 
DCC Climate Change Strategy designed 
to identify and prepare for the risks 
and opportunities arising from climate 
change. The strategy also introduces 
a requirement for all subsidiaries to 
develop a business specific carbon 
intensity metric (for example kg of CO2e 
emissions per 1,000 units delivered or 
manufactured) and establish a target 
to reduce intensity by 15% in 2015 and 
20% in 2020 against performance in 
the base year to 31 march 2011. we 
will report on progress towards these 
targets in subsequent reports. initiatives 
to reduce carbon emissions focus on 
transport emissions and include the 
continuing roll out of engine monitoring 
systems, routing software and fuel 
efficient driver training. Projects such 
as the installation of heating controls 
and energy efficient lighting reduce 
emissions arising from the use of 
heating fuels and electricity.

Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy 
Efficiency Scheme
DCC’s Uk subsidiaries fall within 
the scope of the Carbon Reduction 
Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme 
(CRC) and a subset of our Uk carbon 
emissions (emissions from transport 
fuels are not included) for the year 
ended 31 march 2011 was reported to 
the Environment Agency in july 2011. 

in the second year (to 31 march 2012), 
a levy of Stg£12 per tonne of relevant 
carbon emissions generated will be 
charged resulting in a cost to DCC of 
approximately Stg£250,000. following 
announcements by the Uk Chancellor in 
April 2012, the CRC will be substantially 
reformed to reduce administrative costs 
for businesses or will be replaced by an 
alternative environmental tax by 2014. 
in either case the incentive remains 
for our businesses to minimise carbon 
emissions through energy efficiency 
measures across all operational areas.

 
51

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

Carbon Trust Standard
The Carbon Trust Standard (CTS) is 
a leading certifier of organisational 
carbon footprint reductions, 
providing stakeholders with credible 
and independent validation of an 
organisation’s performance. Three 
subsidiaries were newly certified to 
the CTS in the past year - wastecycle, 
gb Oils and Squadron medical - and 
flogas Uk successfully passed the CTS 
recertification process for a further two 
year period. 

Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Details of our energy use and 
greenhouse gas emissions are set 
out in the tables on page 52. The 
DCC Energy and Carbon Reporting 
guidelines, based on the greenhouse 
gas Protocol, set out in detail the 
scope and sources included in the DCC 
group carbon footprint3. Total carbon 
emissions were flat compared to the 
prior year. within the total, however, 
there were a number of significant 
movements in carbon emissions as 
follows:
•  Reduced transport emissions in the 
Energy division as a result of lower 
activity due to the mild winter.

•  The acquisitions of butler fuels (DCC 
Energy) and Oakwood fuels (DCC 
Environmental) increased emissions 
by 2,713 and 2,558 tonnes CO2e 
respectively and bolt on acquisitions 
by gb Oils (Pace, Severn fuels) and 
wastecycle (maxi waste) further 
increased emissions.

•  Reduced warehouse and office heating 
demand as a result of the mild winter.
•  Reduced emissions (4,218 tonnes CO2e) 
in the food & beverage subsidiary 
Allied foods, driven by the loss of a 
significant contract in the logistics 
business which reduced demand for 
transport fuels and for electricity to 
maintain cold storage units. 

SqUADRON mEDiCAL wORkS wiTh 
NUmEROUS hEALThCARE SUPPLiERS TO 
PROviDE NhS hOSPiTALS AROUND ThE Uk 
wiTh A CONSOLiDATED LOgiSTiCAL SERviCE, 
DiRECT fROm A CENTRAL LOCATiON iN 
ChESTERfiELD. 

As part of their commitment to reducing carbon 
emissions and providing customers with credible 
supply chain carbon metrics, Squadron achieved 
Carbon Trust Standard certification in 2011. As Terry 
barnett, Transport manager explains, “Efficiency 
measures save energy, cut costs and reduce 
carbon emissions, delivering real benefits to our 
business, our customers and the environment. 
Current initiatives include vehicle telemetry, fuel 
efficient driver training, introduction of routing 
software, backhauling and the completion of our new 
warehouse facility built to a BREEAM2 rating of Very 
Good.”

fUEL CARD SERviCES (fCS), A DCC ENERgy 
SUbSiDiARy, iS ONE Of ThE LARgEST 
iNDEPENDENT AgENTS Of fUEL CARDS iN 
ThE Uk, wORkiNg ON bEhALf Of mOST Of 
ThE mAjOR OiL COmPANiES. 

Anticipating an increasing demand for carbon 
emissions data associated with fuel use, fCS 
developed an innovative new service for their 
customers. CO2Count provides a comprehensive 
greenhouse gas emissions report with each invoice, 
detailing emissions data per vehicle and fuel type. 
At a glance, the user can see their entire fleet’s 
production of greenhouse gases, use the online 
reporting tool and, month by month, evaluate their 
emission reduction initiatives. 

Uk fleet managers have welcomed CO2Count’s 
accurate emissions reporting. “Absolutely sold on 
the idea, think it’s great, will be a real benefit to 
our company as we need to know this information 
for when we tender, and when we deal with other 
companies.” heather Stone, keith walton brickwork 
Ltd. 

Steve Clarke, fuel Card Services head of marketing, 
says: “Whether running vans, cars or trucks, 
customers all face growing pressure to reduce 
carbon footprints. That has to start with measuring 
emissions.”

 
 
 
52

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT (continued)

CO2e emissions (tonnes) by source

2012

2011

Scope 1 

2012*  % 
9,020  8% 
     On site fuel use 
     Company transport  85,187  73% 

 %
2011 
9,070       8% 
82,968  71% 

Scope 2 
     Electricity 
     Total 

22,657  19% 

24,268  21% 

116,864 

116,306 

CO2e emissions (tonnes) by division

2012

2011

2012*  % 
62,334  53% 
     DCC Energy 
     DCC SerCom4 
6,227  5% 
     DCC Healthcare 
11,220  10% 
     DCC Environmental  27,700  24% 
DCC Food & Beverage  9,383   8% 

2011 

6,313 

 %
62,427  54% 
5%
11,340  10%
22,502  19%
13,724  12%

     Total 

116,864 

116,306 

There were no internal structural 
changes, for example outsourcing of 
emitting activities, site openings or 
closures or new business developments, 
which had significant impact on the 
group’s carbon emissions.

Transport and heating fuels from non 
renewable sources make up the direct 
sources of primary energy purchased 
within the group. in total they 
represented 1,127,780 gigajoules (gj) 
of energy. indirect energy consumption 
amounted to 159,855 gj from electricity 
purchased. green tariff electricity 
accounts for less than 1% of indirect 
energy purchased.

Scope 3 emissions are indirect 
emissions outside of our immediate 
control, for example business travel, 
extraction of raw materials, supplier 
emissions, consumption of products 

and waste disposal. while we have 
not systematically quantified Scope 3 
emissions, the use of products sold 
within the Energy division is a significant 
source of carbon emissions. The use 
of oil, LPg and natural gas sold by 
DCC Energy subsidiaries accounted 
for approximately 21 mtonnes of CO2e 
emissions, an increase from 19 mtonnes 
in the prior year. Acquisitions by gb Oils 
lead to an increase in sales of forecourt 
diesel and petrol, offset by a decrease in 
the sale of kerosene heating oil. 

Carbon Disclosure Project
in 2011, DCC’s response to the 
investor led Carbon Disclosure Project 
achieved a score of 83%, placing DCC 
in the ireland Carbon Leaders index 
and in 4th place out of 33 responding 
companies. The CDP is a global 
initiative, funded by the investment 
community, to encourage companies to 
measure carbon emissions and disclose 
information on carbon management. 
we will work to maintain our excellent 
position on disclosure rankings and, 
furthermore, demonstrate progress 
against our carbon reduction targets. 
in addition to responding to the CDP 
investor questionnaire, there are early 
signs that a number of our subsidiaries 
will be impacted by the CDP Supply 
Chain Programme as customers 
increasingly look for carbon data from 
their suppliers. 

by the regulatory authorities. Physical 
control measures, such as bunding 
and tank gauges/alarms, operational 
controls, such as tank integrity testing, 
training and detailed procedures are 
in place to prevent loss of containment 
of products. No significant spills were 
recorded in the reporting period6.

Ozone Depleting Substances
Allied foods, a DCC food & beverage 
subsidiary, operates chilled and frozen 
storage warehouses and as such is 
the most significant user of refrigerant 
gases, including R22/hCfC22, an ozone 
depleting substance (ODS)7, within the 
DCC group. Smaller quantities of R22 
are also used for cooling in Sharptext 
and Thompson & Capper. 

in 2011 a release of 0.208 tonnes of R22 
occurred in Allied foods’ Cork facility. 
This is equivalent to 0.0114 tonnes of 
CfC-11. following the release, the 
remaining R22 was recovered and the 
unit was refilled with R404A, in advance 
of the ultimate ban on R22 in 2015. No 
releases of R22 occurred in Sharptext or 
Thompson & Capper.

The Allied foods’ Dublin facility uses 
ammonia as the plant refrigerant gas 
and small quantities of R404A are used 
in vehicle chilling units. These gases 
have an ozone depletion potential of 
zero. 

Compliance and Spills
No fines or non-monetary sanctions 
for non-compliance with environmental 
laws and regulations (for example in 
relation to waste packaging, waste 
electronic and electrical equipment, 
pollution, or environmental licencing) 
have been incurred in the reporting 
period and no environmental cases have 
been brought through dispute resolution 
mechanisms.

Health & Safety
health and safety is a key priority for 
all divisional and subsidiary managing 
directors, in particular in the Energy 
and Environmental divisions where 
the potential impacts are significant 
given the nature of the businesses and 
the products handled. Line managers 
are responsible for health and safety 
performance, supported by experienced 
health and safety professionals. 

Potential for significant environmental 
impact from loss of containment of 
products arises principally in our oil 
businesses, specifically from sea fed 
oil terminals. These terminals are 
regulated under COmAh5 legislation in 
the Uk and subject to regular inspection 

Near Miss Reporting
A near miss is any situation, behaviour 
or condition that has the potential 
to cause an actual incident. As part 
of our effort to reduce accidents or 
other losses, employees are actively 
encouraged to recognise and report 

      
 
 
53

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

near misses. in the past year over 8,000 
near misses were reported, including 
unsafe work practices, substandard 
housekeeping, defective equipment and 
unsafe deliveries. Near miss reports are 
appropriately reviewed and actioned as 
every report is an opportunity to improve 
standards and prevent an incident 
occurring. Over time we believe that this 
focus, in addition to other health and 
safety risk management processes, will 
reduce injury rates, minimise losses 
and contribute positively to the overall 
performance of our businesses.

Health and Safety Performance
health and safety performance is 
reported monthly to divisional boards 
and quarterly to the DCC plc board. 
individual subsidiaries use a range of 
indicators to measure health and safety 
performance, including both lagging 
indicators, which measure failures of 
management systems, for example 
lost time injury rates, and leading 
indicators, which monitor the successful 
implementation of safety management 
processes, for example performance of 
safety critical equipment when tested. 

Lost time injury rates are recorded at 
group level for the operations within 
the scope of this report. in the reporting 
period, the lost time injury frequency 
rate (LTifR) decreased from 2.5 per 
200,000 hours worked to 2.39. At the 
same time the lost time injury severity 
rate (LTiSR) increased from 48 to 53 
days lost per 200,000 hours worked 
reflecting, on average, more days lost 
per accident. The improvement in the 
LTifR was primarily driven by good 
performance from the Energy and 
Environmental divisions. The increase 
in the LTiSR is driven by a relatively 
small number of accidents resulting 
in very long periods of time off. in the 
current year, active case management 
to facilitate the full recovery of injured 
parties and their timely return to 
work will be a focus at a number of 
subsidiaries, in addition to a renewed 
focus on the prevention of accidents in 
the first instance.

Process Safety
Process safety focuses on preventing 
unintentional releases of products 
resulting in fire and/or explosion 
causing a major accident. The 
provision of an effective process 
safety management system is a key 
requirement to minimise the likelihood 
of a major incident and to meet the 
safety and environmental standards 
for fuel storage sites as determined 
by the Process Safety Leadership 
group, which was established to 
complete the implementation of the 
buncefield major incident investigation 
board’s recommendations. gb Oils 
is implementing a competence 
improvement plan for its staff involved 
with major hazards. in addition, a 
programme of upgrades has been 
agreed with the regulator to further 
reduce the risk and /or consequence 
of the major hazards at oil terminals, 
in particular by improving bunding and 
overspill protection. 

Safety Auditing 
The international Safety Rating System 
(iSRS) tool, developed by DNv, a leading 
risk management company, is used 
in the EhS audits carried out at our 
Energy and Environmental subsidiaries, 
which present a higher EhS risk 
profile than other subsidiaries. iSRS 
addresses a range of management 
processes, driving continuous review 
of current policies and procedures 
to develop efficient and effective 
management systems. The iSRS audit 
identifies opportunities to further 
improve processes and quantitatively 

KPI - LTIFR

Number of lost time injuries8 per 
200,000 hours worked

2012*
2011
2010

KPI - LTISR

Number of calendar days lost per 
200,000 hours worked

2012*
2011
2010

2.3 
2.5
2.8

53  
48
42

measures progress over time. with 
an increased emphasis on leadership, 
communication and employee 
involvement, our expectation is that our 
safety culture will improve and deliver 
tangible business benefits. 

The Safety Climate Tool, developed by 
the health and Safety Laboratory10, has 
been used at a number of subsidiaries 
to objectively assess employees views 
on safety culture. These surveys 
provide a measure of the degree to 
which company management has been 
successful in raising safety awareness 
and communicating their commitment 
to high safety standards. Opportunities 
for improvement have been identified 
from the feedback received.

1  

2   

 Paid and proposed for the year ended 31 march 
2012 
 bREEAm is one of the most comprehensive 
and widely recognised measure of a building’s 
environmental performance and sets a standard 
for best practice in sustainable building design, 
construction and operation. 

3     Carbon dioxide emissions make up over 98% of 
the groups greenhouse gas emissions. Other 
greenhouses gases emissions include fugitive 
refrigerant gases (e.g. R404A and R407C) from 
our chilled foods logistics business (860 tonnes 
CO2e) and fugitive landfill gas emissions from 
a closed landfill in Scotland where 80% of the 
methane is captured to generate renewable 
energy (872 tonnes CO2e). 

4    including DCC head office emissions (<100 

tonnes CO2e)

5   Control of major Accident hazards
6     Significant is defined as a major environmental 
event which exceed EC reporting thresholds 
under COmAh regulations. 

7    R22/hCfC22 is a Class ii ozone-depleting 
substances regulated under the montreal 
Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone 
Layer and has an ozone depleting potential 
of 0.055 compared to CfC11, the standard 
reference. 

8    A Lost Time injury is defined as any injury that 

results in at least one day off work following the 
day of the accident.

9     Company employees only, contractors are not 

included in lost time injury rates.

10   The health and Safety Laboratory is an in-house 
agency of the Uk health and Safety Executive 
with a mission to directly help organisations 
become healthier, safer and therefore, more 
productive places in which to work.

54

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT (continued)

s
e
r
u
s
o
l
c
s
i
D
d
r
a
d
n
a
t
S

Report Application Level

C

C+

B

B+

A

A+

G3 Profile
Disclosures

G3 Management
Approach
Disclosures

Report on:
1.1
2.1 - 2.10
3.1- 3.8,3.10 - 3.12
4.1 - 4.4, 4.14 - 4.15

Not Required

Report on all criteria lsted 
for level C plus:
1.2
3.9, 3.13
4.5 -4.13, 4.16 - 4.17

Same as requirement for 
Level B

Management Approach 
Disclosures for each 
Indicator Category

Management Approach 
Disclosures for each 
Indicator Category

G3 Performance 
Indicators & Sector 
Supplement 
Performance 
Indicators

Report on a minimum of 10 
Performance Indicators, 
including at least one from 
each of Economic, Social and 
Environmental

Report on a minimum of 20 
Performance Indicators, at 
least one from each of 
Economic, Environmental, 
Human Rights, Labor, Society, 
Product Responsibility

Report on each core G3 and 
Sector Supplement* 
Indicator with due regard to 
the Materiality Principle by 
either: a)reporting on the 
Indicator or b) explaining the 
reason its omission

*Sector supplement in final version

CONTENT TABLE FOR GRI LEVEL C

GRI Section No. 

Standard Disclosure 

Reported  Page(s)

1.1 

2.1 – 2.10 

3.1 – 3.8 

3.10 – 3.12 

4.1 – 4.4 

4.14 – 4.15 

EC1 

EN3 

EN4 

EN16 

EN17 

EN19 

EN23 

EN28 

LA1 

LA7 

SO2 

SO6 

Statement from Chief Executive 

Organisational Profile 

Profile, boundary and Scope  

Restatement 

governance 

Stakeholder Engagement 

Direct Economic value 

Direct Energy Consumption 

indirect Energy Consumption 

greenhouse gases 

Other indirect Sources 

Ozone Depleting Substances 

Spillage 

Non-Compliance 

workforce 

Rates of injury 

Corruption 

Political Contributions 

fully 

fully 

fully 

fully 

fully 

fully 

fully 

fully 

fully 

fully 

fully 

fully 

fully 

fully 

Partially 

Partially 

fully 

fully 

10-11

2-5

47

47

64-73

47

49

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

53

53

48

61

INDEPENDENT ASSURANCE 
REPORT TO THE  
DIRECTORS OF DCC PLC
wE hAvE bEEN ENgAgED by ThE 
DiRECTORS Of DCC PLC (DCC) 
TO PERfORm AN iNDEPENDENT 
ASSURANCE ENgAgEmENT iN 
RESPECT Of SELECTED ASPECTS 
Of DCC’S SUSTAiNAbiLiTy 
PERfORmANCE, DiSCLOSED iN iTS 
SUSTAiNAbiLiTy REPORT fOR ThE 
yEAR ENDED 31 mARCh 2012  
(‘ThE REPORT’).

What we did and our conclusions
we planned and performed our work, 
summarised below, to obtain the evidence 
we considered necessary to reach our 
assurance conclusions on the Selected 
Sustainability Data.

What we are assuring (Selected 
Sustainability Information)
•  The selected sustainability data for the 
year ended 31 march 2012 marked with 
the symbol * presented in the Report 
(the Selected Sustainability Data).

•  DCC’s declared global Reporting 

initiative (gRi) application level of C+ of 
the gRi “g3” guidelines as stated on 
page 47 of the Report.

The scope of our work was restricted to 
the Selected Sustainability information for 
the year ended 31 march 2012 and does 
not extend to information in respect of 
earlier periods or to any other information 
in the Report.

How the information is assessed 
(Reporting Criteria )
DCC’s Reporting Criteria at http://www.
dcc.ie/~/media/files/D/DCC-group-Plc/
pdfs/carbon-LTi-reporting-criteria.pdf 
and the gRi g3 guidelines at https://www.
globalreporting.org/reporting/guidelines-
online/g3Online/Pages/default.aspx set 
out how the Selected Sustainability Data 
is measured, recorded and reported.

 
55

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

Assurance standard applied1
iSAE 3000.

Level of assurance2
Limited Assurance.

Understanding DCC’s reporting and 
measurement methodology
There is not yet an established practice for 
evaluating and measuring sustainability 
performance information. The range of 
different, but acceptable, techniques used 
can result in materially different reporting 
outcomes which may affect comparability 
with other organisations. it is therefore 
important to read and understand the 
Reporting Criteria at http://www.dcc.
ie/~/media/files/D/DCC-group-Plc/pdfs/
carbon-LTi-reporting-criteria.pdf and 
the gRi g3 guidelines at https://www.
globalreporting.org/reporting/guidelines-
online/g3Online/Pages/default.aspx that 
DCC has used to evaluate and measure 
the Selected Sustainability Data.

Limited assurance work performed on 
the Selected Sustainability Information 
we performed the following activities:
•  Evaluated the design and 

implementation of key processes and 
controls over the Selected Sustainability 
Data;

•  Assessed the source data used to 

prepare the Selected Sustainability Data 
for the period 1 April 2011 to 31 march 
2012, including re-performing a sample 
of calculations;

•  Carried out analytical procedures over 

the Selected Sustainability Data;

•  Examined on a sample basis the 

preparation and collation of the Selected 
Sustainability Data, as well as making 
inquiries of management and others;

•  Performed site visits to ten sites to 
review systems and processes in 
place for managing and reporting on 
sustainability activities, and examined 
source documentation on a sample 
basis;

•  with respect to the carbon figures 

disclosed and marked with the symbol * 
on page 52 of the Report, we evaluated 
the methodology and basis of converting 
the original reported unit into carbon 
emission equivalent tonnes. we agreed 

a sample of emission factors back to 
the stated source (as detailed in the 
Reporting Criteria);

•  Reviewed the Selected Sustainability 

Data disclosures; and

•  Assessed the gRi index on page 54 of 

the Report for compliance with the gRi 
application level requirements for C+. 
This consisted of examining supporting 
documentation, on a sample basis, 
where relevant.

Our conclusions
As a result of our procedures nothing has 
come to our attention that indicates:

•  The Selected Sustainability Data for 
the year ended 31 march 2012 is not 
prepared in all material respects with 
the Reporting Criteria; and

•  DCC’s declared gRi application level of 
C+ on page 47 of the Report is not fairly 
stated in all material respects.

DCC’s responsibilities
The directors of DCC are responsible for:
•  designing, implementing and 

maintaining internal controls over 
information relevant to the Selected 
Sustainability information;

•  establishing objective assessment and 
Reporting Criteria for preparing the 
Selected Sustainability Data;

•  measuring DCC’s performance based 

on the Reporting Criteria; and
• the content of the Annual Report.

Our responsibilities
we are responsible for:

•  forming independent conclusions, 
based on our limited assurance 
procedures;

•  reporting our conclusions to the 

directors of DCC; and

•  reading the other information 

included in the Report as well as the 
Chief Executive’s Review, group at a 
glance, business model and Strategy, 
Corporate governance Statement and 
Report of the Directors of the DCC plc 
Annual Report, and considering the 
consistency of that other information 
with the understanding gained from our 
work, and considering the implications 
for our report if we become aware 

of any material inconsistencies. Our 
responsibilities do not extend to any 
information other than the Selected 
Sustainability information in the Report.

This report, including our conclusions, 
has been prepared solely for the 
directors of DCC as a body in accordance 
with the agreement between us, to 
assist the directors in reporting DCC’s 
sustainability performance and activities. 
we permit this report to be disclosed 
in the Annual Report for the year 
ended 31 march 2012, to enable the 
directors to show they have addressed 
their governance responsibilities by 
obtaining an independent assurance 
report in connection with the Selected 
Sustainability information. To the fullest 
extent permitted by law, we do not accept 
or assume responsibility to anyone other 
than the directors as a body and DCC plc 
for our work or this report except where 
terms are expressly agreed between us in 
writing.

PricewaterhouseCoopers
Chartered Accountants
Dublin, ireland
14 may 2012

Notes
1.  international Standard on Assurance Engagements 
3000 (Revised) – ‘Assurance Engagements other 
than Audits and Reviews of historical financial 
information’ issued by the iAASb.

2.  Assurance, defined by the international Auditing and 
Assurance Standards board (iAASb), gives the user 
confidence about the subject matter (“Sustainability 
information”) assessed against the Reporting 
Criteria. Reasonable assurance gives more 
confidence than limited assurance. The evidence 
gathered to support a reasonable assurance 
conclusion is greater than that gathered to support a 
limited assurance conclusion.

3.  we comply with the applicable independence 

and competency requirements of the Chartered 
Accountancy Regulatory board (CARb) Code of 
Ethics.

56

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Michael Buckley MA, LPh, MCSI 
(age 67) Non-executive Chairman; Chairman, 
Nomination and Governance Committee; 
Member, Remuneration Committee
joined Board: mr. buckley joined the board in 
September 2005 and was appointed non-executive 
Chairman in may 2008. 
Key strengths: mr. buckley has senior 
management and board level experience over 25 
years in stockbroking, mergers and acquisitions, 
banking, enterprise software, internationally 
traded services and healthcare businesses, in 
ireland and internationally. 
Previous board and management experience: he 
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. he was previously a non-executive director 
of m and T bank Corporation, listed on the New 
york Stock Exchange, and of Enterprise ireland.
Current external commitments/relevant 
qualifications: he is a non-executive director of 
Uk Asset Resolution Limited and Senior Advisor to 
a number of privately owned companies. he is an 
adjunct professor and chairs the Advisory board 
at the Department of Economics in the National 
University of ireland, University College Cork, and 
chairs the board of the irish Chamber Orchestra.

Tommy Breen B Sc (Econ), FCA
(age 53) Chief Executive
joined Board: mr. breen joined the board in 
february 2000.
Key strengths: he joined DCC in 1985, having 
previously worked with kPmg, and has held a 
number of senior management positions within 
the group, including managing Director of the 
Energy, SerCom and Environmental divisions. 
he was appointed Chief Operating Officer of DCC 
in march 2006 and subsequently became group 
managing Director in july 2007. he was appointed 
Chief Executive in may 2008. 
Previous management experience: As detailed 
above, mr. breen has gained broad experience and 
knowledge of the DCC group, during his 26 years 
with DCC.
Relevant qualifications: he is an economics 
graduate of queens University belfast and a 
chartered accountant.

Róisín Brennan BCL, FCA
(age 47) Non-executive Director; Member, 
Nomination and Governance Committee; 
Member, Remuneration Committee
joined Board: ms. brennan joined the board in 
September 2005. 
Key strengths: ms. brennan has over 20 years 
experience advising companies on mergers and 
acquisitions, takeovers, disposals, fundraisings 
and initial public offerings. 
Previous board and management experience: 
She is a former Chief Executive of ibi Corporate 
finance where she worked from 1990 until 2011. 
She is a former non-executive director of The irish 
Takeover Panel.
Current external commitments/relevant 
qualifications: She sits on the finance, 
Remuneration and Asset management Committee 
of University College Dublin. She qualified as a 
chartered accountant with Arthur Andersen.

David Byrne SC 
(age 65) Non-executive Deputy Chairman 
and Senior Independent Director; Member, 
Nomination and Governance Committee; 
Member, Remuneration Committee
joined Board: mr. byrne joined the board and 
was appointed Deputy Chairman and Senior 
independent Director in january 2009.
Key strengths: mr. byrne has practised at the 
top of the legal profession. 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. his international 
commercial experience at board and advisory 
level ranges across the food, healthcare and 
construction materials sectors.
Previous board and management experience: 
he has previously been a member of the boards 
of public and private companies, including The 
National Concert hall (chairman), irish Life & 
Permanent plc and Alltech (ireland) Limited.
Current external commitments/relevant 
qualifications: he is a non-executive director 
and chairman of the remuneration committee 
of kingspan group plc and serves on a number 
of commercial international advisory boards. 
mr. byrne also chairs the National Treasury 
management Agency Advisory Committee.

Kevin Melia FCMA, jDipMA 
(age 64) Non-executive Director; Member, Audit 
Committee
joined Board: mr. melia joined the board in 
December 2008. 
Key strengths: mr. melia has long experience 
across the iT sector, including hardware 
manufacturing and distribution and software 
development, as a corporate executive, an 
entrepreneur and as a non-executive director in 
listed companies. Additionally, he has experience 
as a principal in the private equity sector, and as 
a non-executive director in the financial services 
sector. 
Previous board and management experience: he 
is a former non-executive Chairman of vette Corp, 
iona Technologies and Authorize.Net and was the 
Co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 
of manufacturers Services Ltd. Previous positions 
held include Chief financial Officer and Executive 
vice President of Operations of Sun microsystems 
and President of its computer hardware 
division. mr. melia also held a number of senior 
management positions at Digital Equipment 
Corporation. 
Current external commitments/relevant 
qualifications: he is a joint managing Director 
of boulder brook Partners, a private investment 
company and is non-executive director of 
merrion Capital, Newtide Acquisitions, Analogic 
Corporation, greatbatch inc, RadiSys Corp and a 
member of the advisory board of C&S wholesale 
grocers and Distributors.

john Moloney B.Agr.Sc., MBA 
(age 57) Non-executive Director; Member, Audit 
Committee
joined Board: mr. moloney joined the board in 
february 2009.
Key strengths: mr. moloney has extensive 
top management and board level experience 
internationally and domestically in the dairy, meat 
and nutritionals sectors, covering processing, 
manufacturing and distribution. 
Previous board and management experience: 
he worked with the Department of Agriculture, 
food and forestry as well as in the meat industry 
in ireland.
Current external commitments/relevant 
qualifications: he is group managing Director of 
glanbia plc where he has been a board member 
since 1997. he is a director of the irish Dairy board 
Co-operative Limited and a council member of the 
irish business and Employers Confederation.

57

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

Board

Name 

Length  
of service  
on Board

michael buckley (Non-executive Chairman) 

6 years

Tommy breen (Chief Executive) 

Róisín brennan (Non-executive Director) 

David byrne (Non-executive Deputy Chairman  
and Senior independent Director) 

kevin melia (Non-executive Director) 

john moloney (Non-executive Director) 

Donal murphy (Executive Director) 

fergal O’Dwyer (Executive Director) 

bernard Somers (Non-executive Director) 

12 years

6 years

3 years

3 years

3 years

3 years

12 years

8 years

Leslie van de walle (Non-executive Director) 

1.5 years

Audit Committee

Name 

bernard Somers (Chairman) 

kevin melia 

john moloney 

Length 
 of service  
on Committee 

6 years

3 years

3 years

Nomination and Governance Committee

Name 

michael buckley (Chairman) 

Róisín brennan  

David byrne 

Leslie van De walle 

Remuneration Committee

Name 

Leslie van De walle (Chairman) 

Róisín brennan 

michael buckley 

David byrne 

Length  
of service  
on Committee 

6 years

1 year

3 years

1 year

Length  
of service  
on Committee

1.5 years

6 years

6 years

3 years

Donal Murphy B Comm, BFS, MBA 
(age 46) Executive Director
joined Board: mr. murphy joined the board in 
December 2008.
Key strengths: mr. murphy has been managing 
Director of DCC Energy since 2006. he was 
previously managing Director of DCC SerCom 
having been appointed in 2004. he joined DCC plc 
as head of group iT in 1998. 
mr. murphy has extensive experience in managing 
businesses in diverse industry sectors and 
in leading the acquisition and integration of 
numerous businesses, particularly in the Energy 
sector.
Previous management experience: he previously 
worked with Allied irish banks plc.
Relevant qualifications: he is a commerce 
graduate and a bfS graduate of University College 
Dublin and has also completed an mbA with the 
Smurfit business School, Dublin.

Fergal O’Dwyer FCA 
(age 52) Executive Director 
joined Board: mr. O’Dwyer joined the board in 
february 2000.
Key strengths: mr. O’Dwyer joined DCC in 1989 
and was appointed Chief financial Officer in 1994, 
having worked in that role in the lead up to DCC’s 
flotation in that year.
he has worked in DCC in senior management 
positions for over 22 years and during that time 
he has worked closely with all of the group’s 
material operating companies on a range of 
financial management, treasury and strategic and 
development matters.
Previous management experience: Prior to 
joining DCC in 1989, he previously worked 
with kPmg and Price waterhouse in audit and 
corporate finance.
Relevant qualifications: he qualified as a 
chartered accountant in 1982.

Bernard Somers B Comm, FCA 
(age 63) Non-executive Director; Chairman, Audit 
Committee
joined Board: mr. Somers joined the board in 
September 2003. 
Key strengths: mr. Somers has long experience 
both as a principal and as an advisor in corporate 
advisory and restructuring projects. he has 
been for many years an investor in and advisor 
to start-up companies. he also brings extensive 
experience as a non-executive director in listed 
companies in the transport and financial sectors. 
Previous board and management experience: 
he is a former director of public and private 
companies in ireland and the USA and is former 
executive chairman of eTel group Limited.
Current external commitments/relevant 
qualifications: he is founder of Somers & 
Associates, which specialises in debt and 
corporate restructuring. he is a non-executive 
director of eircom Limited, irish Continental group 
plc and is non-executive chairman of Escher 
group holdings plc.

Leslie Van De Walle 
(age 56) Non-executive Director; Chairman, 
Remuneration Committee; Member, Nomination 
and Governance Committee
joined Board: mr. van de walle joined the board 
in November 2010. 
Key strengths: mr. van de walle has a very wide 
range of international senior management 
business experience, as well as experience as a 
non-executive director, in the oil and gas sector, in 
the food and drinks industry, in manufacturing, in 
building materials and in the insurance sector. 
Previous board and management experience: 
he is a former non-executive director of Aviva plc 
and former Chief Executive Officer of Rexam plc. 
he previously held a number of senior executive 
roles in Royal Dutch Shell plc, including Executive 
vice President of Retail for Oil Products and head 
of Oil Products, Shell Europe. he has also held 
a number of senior management positions with 
Cadbury Schweppes plc and United biscuits plc 
where he was CEO. he was also a non-executive 
director of Aegis group plc from 2003 to 2009.
Current external commitments/relevant 
qualifications: he is non-executive Chairman of 
Sig plc and is a non-executive director of La Seda 
de barcelona S.A.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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SENIOR MANAGEMENT

GROUP AND DIVISIONAL 

Chief Executive 
Chief financial Officer 

Tommy breen
fergal O’Dwyer

DCC Energy 
managing Director  
managing Director - Oil 
finance Director 
Development Director 

Donal murphy
Eddie O’brien
Conor murphy
Clive fitzharris

DCC SerCom 
managing Director  
finance & Development Director 

Niall Ennis
kevin Lucey

DCC Healthcare 
managing Director  
finance & Development Director 

Conor Costigan
ian O’Donovan

DCC Environmental
finance & Development Director 

Thomas Davy

DCC Food & Beverage 
managing Director  
finance & Development Director 

frank fenn
Redmond mcEvoy

group Secretary & head of  
Enterprise Risk management  

ger whyte

managing Director, DCC Corporate finance  michael Scholefield

head of group Accounting  

gavin O’hara

head of group Compliance 

Darragh byrne

head of group hR  

Ann keenan

head of internal Audit  

Stephen johnston

head of group iT  

Cormac watters

head of group Sustainability 

john barcroft 

head of group Tax  

yvonne Divilly

head of group Treasury  

Daphne Tease

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5959

OVERVIEW
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GOVERNANCE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION

managing Director  
managing Director 
managing Director 
managing Director 
group CEO 
Chief Operations Officer   ben jordan
managing Director  
managing Director  

Paul vian
Tom walsh
Christian heise
hans-Peter hintermayer
Lennart hannson

henry Cubbon
Richard martin

Raj Advani
managing Director 
Patrice Arzillier
Directeur général  
Claude Dupont
Directeur général  
Stefan Riesser
President 
Chris Peacock
managing Director 
gerry O’keeffe
managing Director  
jim morgan
managing Director 
managing Director  
john Dunne
Chief Executive Officer   kevin henry

PRINCIPAL BUSINESSES AND jOINT VENTURE

DCC ENERGY 
Oil 

LPG 

DCC SERCOM 
SerCom Distribution 

SCM 

DCC HEALTHCARE

gb Oils  
Oil ireland 
DCC Energi Danmark  
Energie Direct - Austria 
Swea 
fuel Card Services 
flogas Uk  
flogas ireland  

Advent Data 
Altimate 
banque magnetique 
Comtrade 
gem Distribution 
micro P 
mSE 
Sharptext 
SerCom Solutions  

hospital Supplies & Services and fannin  
managing Director  
health & beauty Solutions and Thompson & Capper  managing Director  
managing Director 
EuroCaps 
managing Director 
Laleham healthcare 

Andrew O’Connell
Stephen O’Connor
Adrian williams
Tim O’Connor

DCC ENVIRONMENTAL

DCC FOOD & BEVERAGE 

DCC Environmental britain and william Tracey 
Enva ireland  
Oakwood 
wastecycle  

managing Director 
managing Director  
managing Director 
managing Director  

michael Tracey
Declan Ryan
Steve Tooley
Paul Needham

kelkin 
Robert Roberts 
bottle green 
Allied foods 
kylemore foods group* 

* joint venture 

frank fenn
managing Director 
Tom gray
managing Director 
jon Eagle
managing Director 
managing Director 
john Raleigh
Chief Executive Officer   brian hogan

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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RepoRt of the DiRectoRs

The Directors of DCC plc present their 
report and the audited financial statements 
for the year ended 31 March 2012. 

Results and Review of Activities
Revenue for the year amounted to 
€10,690.3 million (2011: €8,680.6 million). 
The profit for the year attributable to 
owners of the Parent amounted to €102.4 
million (2011: €145.1 million). Adjusted 
earnings per share amounted to 163.51 
cent (2011: 203.15 cent). Further details of 
the results for the year are set out in the 
Group Income Statement on page 87. 

The Chairman’s Statement on pages 
6 to 7, the Chief Executive’s Review on 
pages 8 to 11, the Operating Reviews on 
pages 14 to 39 and the Financial Review 
on pages 40 to 46 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 2012, 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 included in these sections and 
in note 49 on page 157. 

Dividends 
An interim dividend of 27.42 cent per 
share, amounting to €22.90 million, 
was paid on 2 December 2011. The 
Directors recommend the payment of 
a final dividend of 50.47 cent per share, 
amounting to €42.16 million. Subject to 
shareholders’ approval at the Annual 
General Meeting on 20 July 2012, this 
dividend will be paid on 26 July 2012 to 
shareholders on the register on 25 May 
2012. The total dividend for the year ended 
31 March 2012 amounts to 77.89 cent 
per share, a total of €65.06 million. This 
represents an increase of 5% on the prior 
year’s total dividend per share. 

The profit attributable to owners of the 
Parent, which has been transferred to 
reserves, and the dividends paid during 
the year ended 31 March 2012 are shown 
in note 40 on page 145. 

share capital and treasury shares 
DCC’s authorised share capital is 
152,368,568 ordinary shares of €0.25 each, 
of which 83,528,497 shares (excluding 
treasury shares) and 4,700,907 treasury 
shares were in issue at 31 March 2012. 
All of these shares are of the same class. 
With the exception of treasury shares which 
have no voting rights and no entitlement to 
dividends, they all carry equal voting rights 
and rank for dividends. 

The number of shares held as treasury 
shares at the beginning of the year (and the 
maximum number held during the year) 
was 4,911,407 (5.57% of the issued share 
capital) with a nominal value of €1.228 
million. 

A total of 210,500 shares (0.24% of the 
issued share capital) with a nominal value 
of €0.053 million were re-issued during 
the year at prices ranging from €10.25 to 
€19.50 consequent to the exercise of share 
options under the DCC plc 1998 Employee 
Share Option Scheme, leaving a balance 
held as treasury shares at 31 March 2012 
of 4,700,907 shares (5.33% of the issued 
share capital) with a nominal value of 
€1.175 million. 

At the Annual General Meeting held on 
15 July 2011, the Company was granted 
authority to purchase up to 8,822,940 of 
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 20 July 2012, 
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. 

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 and 
Uncertainties report on pages 62 to 63. 

Directors 
The names of the Directors and a short 
biographical note on each Director appear 
on pages 56 to 57. 

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 notice 
period of twelve months, none of the 
other 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 74 to 83. 

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substantial shareholdings
The Company has been notified of the following shareholdings of 3% or more in the 
issued share capital (excluding treasury shares) of the Company as at 14 May 2012: 

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

Prudential plc group of companies* 

Invesco* 

UBS Investment Bank* 

Bestinver Gestión SGIIC * 

Setanta Asset Management* 

Franklin Templeton Investment* 

T. Rowe Price Associates Inc.* 

Jim Flavin 

* 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 158 to 162. 

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. 

No. of €0.25 

% of issued
ordinary shares   share capital
(excluding
 treasury shares)

10,454,119 

12.52%

7,147,938 

6,083,677 

4,919,707 

3,760,890 

3,002,226 

2,796,831 

2,742,356 

2,532,850 

8.56%

7.28%

5.89%

4.50%

3.59%

3.35%

3.28%

3.03%

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 long term incentive plans 
contain change of control provisions 
which can allow for the acceleration of the 
exercisability of share options or awards 
in the event that a change of control 
occurs with respect to the Company. 

Auditors 
Following the conclusion of a formal 
audit tender process during the year, the 
Board approved the re-appointment of 
PricewaterhouseCoopers as auditors to 
the Company. 

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 determine their remuneration 
will be proposed at the Annual General 
Meeting.

Michael Buckley, tommy Breen 
Directors
14 May 2012 

corporate Governance 
DCC has complied, throughout the 
year ended 31 March 2012, with the 
provisions set out in the UK Corporate 
Governance Code (issued in May 2010) 
and in the Irish Corporate Governance 
Annex (issued in December 2010), 
which applied to the Company for the 
year ended 31 March 2012. 

The Corporate Governance statement 
on pages 64 to 73 sets out the 
Company’s appliance of the principles 
and compliance with the provisions of 
the UK Corporate Governance Code and 
the Irish Corporate Governance Annex, 
the Group’s system of risk management 
and internal control and the adoption 
of the going concern basis in preparing 
the financial statements. The Corporate 
Governance statement shall be treated 
as forming part of the Report of the 
Directors.

For the purposes of the European 
Communities (Takeover Bids (Directive 
2004/25/EC)) Regulations 2006, 
details concerning the appointment 
and the re-election of Directors and 
the amendment of the Company’s 
Articles of Association are set out in the 
Corporate Governance statement. 

transparency Rules
As required by the Transparency Rules 
published by the Central Bank of Ireland 
under Section 22 of the Investment 
Funds, Companies and Miscellaneous 
Provisions Act 2006, the following 
sections of the Annual Report shall be 
treated as forming part of this report: 
the Chairman’s Statement on pages 6 
to 7, the Chief Executive’s Review on 
pages 8 to 11, the Operating Reviews 
on pages 14 to 39, the Financial Review 
on pages 40 to 46, the Principal Risks 
and Uncertainties on pages 62 to 63, 
the earnings per ordinary share in note 
18 on page 123, the key performance 
indicators on page 12 and the derivative 
financial instruments in note 29 on page 
132.

 
 
 
 
 
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pRiNcipAL RisKs AND UNceRtAiNties 

The Board of DCC is responsible for the Group’s risk management systems and the approval of the Risk Management Policy, 
Risk Appetite and the Group Risk Register which are designed to identify, manage and mitigate potential material risks to 
the achievement of the Group’s strategic and business objectives. The Group’s risk management process was subject to a 
comprehensive review during the current financial year, including a benchmark review by Ernst & Young. Details of the Group’s 

Risk and impact 

change in likelihood 

Risk mitigation

strategic risks and uncertainties

economic downturn

 Economic recovery remains fragile and the effect on customer demand can be difficult 
to predict. Prolonged economic downturn, particularly in Britain, could impact on:

• Demand for the Group’s goods and services; 
• Counterparty failure; and 
• The Group’s ability to access capital markets.

Acquisitions 

 Growth through acquisition is an integral part of DCC’s strategy. A failure to  
identify, execute and properly integrate acquisitions could lead to operational  
and financial issues.

operational risks and uncertainties

extreme weather impacts  
on trading

 Significant variations in temperatures have been experienced in the UK over  
the last two winters significantly impacting demand for energy products. 

Managing talent

The Group’s devolved management structure has been fundamental to the 
Group’s success. A failure to attract, retain or develop high quality entrepreneurial 
management throughout the Group will impede its strategic objectives.

Key supplier 

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

Major health & safety  
or environmental incident 

A major fire, explosion, multiple vehicle accident or environmental incident could 
result in multiple fatalities, breach of regulatory compliance and significant 
disruption to operations. Failure to react appropriately to an incident or the publicity 
generated by such incidents may negatively impact on the Group’s reputation. 

compliance risks and uncertainties

Regulation and  
compliance 

product quality 

fraud 

DCC has operations in 15 countries. Failure to comply with statutory obligations or react 
appropriately where non-compliance is identified could result in regulatory action, legal 
liability and damage to the Group’s reputation.

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.

Technological advances and austerity measures have increased the risk of 
cybercrime fraud in particular.

financial risks and uncertainties

commodity price 
fluctuations 

The Group is exposed to commodity cost price risk in its oil distribution and  
LPG business.

Details of the internal controls in place for the financial risks facing the Group are addressed in detail under ‘Financial Risk Management’  
in the Financial Review on pages 40 to 46.

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Risk and impact 

change in likelihood 

Risk mitigation

risk management systems and internal controls are set out under ‘Risk Management and Internal Control’ in the Corporate 
Governance statement on pages 64 to 73. 

The top 10 risks facing the Group in the short to medium term are set out below. Longer term risks, such as climate change,  
are discussed in the Sustainability Report on pages 47 to 55.

Sensitivity analysis is applied to our planning and budgeting models to prepare for further economic changes. There is a continued focus on 
working capital management, cash generation and ROCE.

The Group transacts with a variety of high credit rated functional institutions for the purpose of placing deposits and entering into derivative 
contracts. The credit exposure to counterparties is actively monitored to ensure compliance with limits approved by the Board.

The Group’s financial position remains strong with significant cash resources and relatively long term debt maturities.

 Acquisitions are subject to an assessment of their ability to generate ROCE in excess of the cost of capital and their strategic fit within the 
Group. The Group conducts a stringent internal evaluation process and external due diligence prior to completing an acquisition. Group and 
subsidiary management have significant expertise in and experience of integrating acquisitions.

The Group continues to expand into new geographical regions with attractive market characteristics and continues to focus on the retail 
petrol station, marine, aviation and other value added product sectors.

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

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.

All Group subsidiaries operate EHS management systems appropriate to the nature and scale of their EHS risk profile. 

Internal and external monitoring, measurement and review of the control measures ensure a continuous improvement cycle is maintained. 
Insurance cover is in place for all significant insurable risks and major catastrophes.

Business Continuity Plans are in place to reduce the potential impact of any significant incidents.

The Group compliance function has recently been enhanced following a Group wide review of compliance structures and resources. 
Compliance with all legal and statutory requirements is primarily managed by subsidiary management and is subject to formal review by the 
Head of Group Compliance. 

All manufacturing and processing facilities operate quality management systems, which are subject to regulatory review and licence 
requirements. Quality assurance processes are in place to ensure finished products are produced in accordance with specifications. 

IT and banking system security measures are subject to both external and internal review and are continuously updated and improved. 

Commodity cost price movements are immediately reflected in oil commodity sales prices and within a short period in LPG commodity  
sales prices. Approved matching forward contracts and hedges are used where price movement exposures exist.

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coRpoRAte GoVeRNANce 

The Board and management of DCC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance. This 
statement describes DCC’s governance principles and practices and details the Group’s risk management, internal control  
and compliance systems. 

This statement also describes how DCC has applied the principles set out in the 2010 UK Corporate Governance Code (‘the 2010 
Code’), which was issued by the UK’s Financial Reporting Council (‘FRC’) in June 2010 and a new Irish code of practice, the Irish 
Corporate Governance Annex (‘the Irish Annex’), which was issued by the Irish Stock Exchange in December 2010. A copy of the 2010 
Code can be obtained from the Financial Reporting Council’s website, www.frc.org.uk. The Irish Annex is available on the Irish Stock 
Exchange’s website, www.ise.ie.

the Board of Directors
Role
The Board of DCC is collectively responsible for the long term success of the Group. Its role is essentially threefold - to provide 
leadership, to oversee management and to ensure that the Company provides its stakeholders with a balanced and understandable 
assessment of the Group’s current position and prospects.

The Board’s leadership responsibilities involve working with management to set corporate values and to develop strategy, 
including deciding which risks it is prepared to take in pursuing its strategic objectives. Its oversight responsibilities involve it in 
providing constructive challenge to the management team in relation to operational aspects of the business, including approval 
of budgets, and probing whether risk management and internal controls are sound. Its responsibility to ensure that accurate, 
timely and understandable information is provided about the Group is not only focused on the contents of the Annual Report, 
the Interim Report at the half year and other statements, for instance in the context of the Annual General Meeting, but also 
in deciding whether it is appropriate at any given time to make a statement to the market, as well as in communications with 
regulators or in respect of other statutory obligations. 

The Board has delegated responsibility for management of the Group to the Chief Executive and his executive management 
team. The main areas where decisions remain with the Board include approval of the annual strategy statement, the financial 
statements, budgets (including capital expenditure), acquisitions and dividends. The Board is also responsible for setting the 
Group’s risk management policy and risk appetite.

The Board has delegated some of its responsibilities to Committees of the Board, whose activities are described under ‘Board 
Committees’ on page 67. The Board receives reports at its meetings from the chairmen of each of the Committees on their 
current activities.

A clear division of responsibility exists between the Chairman, who is non-executive, and the Chief Executive. It is set out in writing 
and has been approved by the Board.

There is an established procedure for Directors to take independent professional advice in the furtherance of their duties, if they 
consider this necessary.

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. The latter 
responsibility was given increased emphasis in the 2010 Code.

Before the beginning of the financial year, having consulted with the other Directors and the Company Secretary, the Chairman sets a 
schedule of Board and Committee meetings to be held in the following twelve months, which includes the key agenda items for each 
meeting. Further details on these agenda items are outlined under “Board Meetings” on page 66.

Deputy chairman and senior independent Director
The duties of the Deputy Chairman (who is also the Senior Independent Director) are set out in writing and formally approved by the 
Board. The Deputy Chairman chairs meetings of the Board if the Chairman is unavailable or is conflicted in relation to any agenda 
item. He also leads the annual Board review of the performance of the Chairman. 

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The Senior Independent Director is available to shareholders who may have concerns that cannot be addressed through the 
Chairman or Chief Executive.

company secretary
The Company Secretary’s responsibilities include ensuring that Board procedures are followed, assisting the Chairman in relation to 
corporate governance matters and ensuring compliance by the Company with its legal and regulatory requirements. 

Membership and composition
The Board currently consists of three executive and seven non-executive Directors. The composition of the Board and the principal 
Board Committees and brief biographies of the Directors, which highlight the range of experience they bring to the Board table, are 
set out on pages 56 to 57.

The Board, with the assistance of the Nomination and Governance Committee, keeps Board composition under review to ensure that 
it includes the necessary mix of relevant skills and experience required to perform its role. 

The Board is satisfied that it has the appropriate mix of skills, knowledge and experience, from a wide range of industries, regions 
and backgrounds, necessary to address the major challenges for the Company. In that regard, significant new and relevant 
experience has been added in the period since the end of 2008.

The Board is satisfied that its size is right. There is a clear majority of non-executive Directors and of independent non-executive 
Directors. The Chairman devotes a significant amount of time to ensuring that, when the retirement date for an existing non-
executive Director is approaching, suitable replacement candidates are available. 

Diversity
A key criterion in appointing new Board members is to increase diversity in the DCC boardroom and in particular to increase 
the number of female Directors. As there is not a case for increasing the overall size of the Board, the aim is to achieve this 
by prioritising the appointment of suitable female candidates whenever a Board vacancy arises. This is the approach being 
adopted at present as the current Chairman of the Audit Committee is due to retire during the year to 31 March 2013. At the 
same time, the Board’s renewal agenda also includes the continuing objective of increasing the number of Directors with 
substantial direct senior experience in U.K. and/or Continental European businesses, in line with the fact that over 85% of 
DCC’s profits come from these geographies. The combination of these criteria poses a significant challenge as many FTSE 100 
and FTSE 250 companies are also seeking to appoint similar candidates.

Appointment
The process for making new appointments to the Board, which is detailed below, has been in place since 2009.

The Nomination and Governance Committee formally agrees criteria for new non-executive director appointments, including 
experience of the industry sectors and geographies in which the Group operates, professional background, nationality and gender. 
An international professional search firm is employed to carry out a wide ranging, international search. At least two members of the 
Nomination and Governance Committee formally interview prospective candidates to arrive at a short list, which is reviewed by the 
Committee. Before any preferred candidate is proposed to the Board, he/she will have been met by each Director individually. If any 
Director has reservations about a candidate, the matter is reviewed again by the Committee with a view to deciding if an alternative 
should be found. When an agreed candidate is identified, a formal proposal is put to the Board.

In relation to the appointment of executive directors, following discussion and agreement between the Chairman and Chief Executive, 
a proposal from the Chief Executive is put to the Nomination and Governance Committee, which may decide formally to interview the 
proposed candidate, before making a recommendation to the Board.

Following appointment by the Board, all Directors are, in accordance with the Articles of Association, subject to re-election at the next 
Annual General Meeting. Since 2008, 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, generally not extending beyond nine years in total. After three years’ service, and again after six years’ service, each 
non-executive Director’s performance is reviewed by the Nomination and Governance Committee, with a view to recommending to 
the Board whether a further period of service is recommended, subject to the usual annual approval by shareholders at the Annual 
General Meeting.

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coRpoRAte GoVeRNANce 
(continued)

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.

training and Development
New Directors undertake a rigorous induction process which includes a series of meetings with Group and divisional management, 
detailed divisional presentations and visits to key subsidiary locations.

The Chairman invites external experts to attend certain Board meetings to address the Board on developments in corporate 
governance, risk management and executive remuneration and on relevant industry and sectoral matters. 

The Chairman and Company Secretary review Directors’ training needs, in conjunction with individual Directors, and match those 
needs with appropriate external seminars. The Chairman also discusses individual training and development requirements for each 
Director as part of the annual evaluation process. 

Non-executive Directors are expected to meet individually during the year, outside of Board meetings, with members of senior 
management throughout the Group and to visit a number of subsidiaries to familiarise themselves with the business in more detail 
than is possible during Board meetings.

All Directors are encouraged to avail of opportunities to hear the views of and meet with the Group’s shareholders and analysts. 
The section on “Relations with Shareholders” on page 72 gives further information on opportunities for Directors to meet with 
the Group’s shareholders.

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 2010 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 2010 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 Code. Thereafter, as noted in the Code, the test of independence is not appropriate in relation 
to the Chairman.

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

Board Meetings
The Board holds eight scheduled meetings each year and additional meetings are held on specific issues as necessary. There is 
regular contact as required between meetings in order to progress the Group’s business. Before the beginning of the financial year, 
having consulted with the other Directors and the Company Secretary, the Chairman sets a schedule of Board and Committee 
meetings to be held in the following calendar year, which includes the key agenda items for each meeting. 

The key recurrent Board agenda themes are divided into normal business (which includes budgets, financial statements, 
acquisitions, investor relations, human resources and governance, risk and compliance) and developmental issues, (which include 
strategy, sectoral and divisional reviews, succession planning and Directors’ education). Strategy and three-year planning are the 
subject of a two-day Board meeting each December.

The Board schedule includes a significant succession planning item once a year. Against a template agreed by the Chief Executive 
and the Nomination and Governance Committee, the Chief Executive brings a detailed plan for review by that Committee. At an 
immediately subsequent Board meeting the plan is presented to the Board, discussed and approved.

Each year, a number of the Board meetings are held at subsidiary locations, particularly in the UK, which allows Directors to meet 
with the subsidiary management teams.

The non-executive Directors meet a number of times each year without executives being present. 

During the year ended 31 March 2012, the Board held ten meetings. Individual attendance at these meetings is set out in the table on 
page 70. 

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Remuneration
Details of remuneration paid to the Directors are set out in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration and Interests on pages 74 to 
83. It has been the Company’s practice since 2009 to put the Report to an advisory, non-binding shareholder vote at the Annual 
General Meeting. 

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 74 to 83. 

During the year, the Board adopted a revised DCC Share Dealing Policy which applies to dealings in DCC shares by the Directors and 
Company Secretary of DCC, directors of all Group companies and all DCC Head Office employees. The revised Policy incorporated the 
Company’s existing rules on share dealing and is based on the Model Code, as set out in the Listing Rules of the Irish Stock Exchange 
and the UK Listing Authority. Under the Policy, directors and relevant executives 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.

The revised Policy introduces the concept of ‘preferred periods’ for share dealing by Directors and relevant executives, being the four 
21 day periods following the updating of the market on the Group’s trading position through the preliminary results announcement 
in May, the Interim Management Statement in July (at the Annual General Meeting), the interim results announcement in November 
and the Interim Management Statement in January/February.

Board committees
The principal Committees of the Board are the Audit Committee, the Nomination and Governance Committee and the 
Remuneration Committee. 

Audit committee
The Audit Committee comprises three independent non-executive Directors, Bernard Somers (Chairman), Kevin Melia and John 
Moloney. All of the Committee’s members have recent and relevant financial and business experience arising from the senior 
positions they hold or held in other organisations as can be seen from the Directors’ biographical details on pages 56 to 57. 

The Committee met seven times during the year ended 31 March 2012. Individual attendance at these meetings is set out in the table 
on page 70. The Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer, Head of Enterprise Risk Management, Head of Internal Audit, 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 a number of times each year with the external auditors and with the Head of Internal Audit, without other executive 
management being present.

The role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee are set out in its written terms of reference, which are reviewed annually and are 
available on the Company’s website www.dcc.ie. They 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, re-appointment 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;
• reviewing the Group’s risk management and internal control systems and making recommendations to the Board thereon;
•  reporting to the Board on its annual assessment of the operation of the Group’s system of risk management and internal control 

and reviewing the Company’s statements on risk management and internal control 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. 

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(continued)

These responsibilities of the Committee are discharged as detailed below.

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 in particular on any changes in accounting policy and practices, major 
judgmental areas and compliance with stock exchange, legal and regulatory requirements. The Committee reviews the external audit 
plan in advance of the audit and meets with the external auditors to review the findings from the 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, seeking confirmation from the external auditors that in their professional judgment they are independent 
from the Group and providing that the Chief Executive will consult with the Chairman of the Audit Committee prior to the appointment 
to a senior financial reporting position, to a senior management role or to a Company officer role of any employee or former 
employee of the external auditor, where such a person was a member of the external audit team in the previous two years.

The Committee has approved a policy on the engagement of the external auditors to provide non-audit services, which 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. The policy also provides that the aggregate of non-audit 
fees paid to the external auditor must not exceed 50% of annual audit fees. 

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 113.

The Committee makes recommendations to the Board in relation to the appointment of the external auditor. During the year, the 
Committee engaged in a formal tender process for the external audit of the Group’s financial statements with effect from the year 
ended 31 March 2012. Following the conclusion of this process, the Board approved the re-appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers 
as auditors to the Company. 

The Committee receives regular reports from the Group Internal Audit, Group Environmental, Health and Safety and Group 
Compliance functions, which include summaries of the key findings of each audit in the period and the planned work programme. 
On an ongoing basis the Committee ensures that these functions are adequately resourced and have appropriate standing within the 
Group. The Committee ensures co-ordination between Group Internal Audit and the external auditors.

The Committee conducts, on behalf of the Board, an annual assessment of the operation of the Group’s system of risk management 
and 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. Further details in relation to the Committee’s work in this area are set out under ‘Risk 
Management and Internal Control’ below.

Risk Management and Internal Control 
The Board is responsible for the Group’s system of risk management and internal control and has delegated responsibility for the 
ongoing monitoring of its effectiveness to the Audit Committee. 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 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; 

• independent Group Internal Audit, Group Environmental, Health and Safety and Group Compliance functions; and 
• a formally constituted Audit Committee. 

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The consolidated financial statements are prepared subject to the oversight and control of the Group Chief Financial Officer, ensuring 
correct data is captured from Group locations and all required information for disclosure in the consolidated financial statements is 
provided. A control framework has been put in place around the recording of appropriate eliminations and other adjustments. The 
consolidated financial statements are reviewed by the Audit Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.

The Board has reviewed the results of an annual assessment, conducted by the Audit Committee, of the operation of the Group’s 
system of risk management and internal control up to and including the date of approval of the financial statements. This 
assessment was based on a detailed review carried out by Group Internal Audit. Where areas for improvement have been identified 
the necessary actions in respect of the relevant control procedures have been or are being taken. 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 the procedures in place to monitor them.

Review of Risk Management Structures
During the year, a review of the structures, processes and resources in place to manage risk in the DCC Group was carried out 
with the objective of ensuring that these meet the highest standards while being appropriate to DCC’s structure and business 
model. This review included an external assessment by Ernst & Young against their internal risk management model and best 
practice in FTSE 250 companies. Following the review, a number of changes to the risk management framework were agreed 
with the Board including:

•  Enhancing the top down governance structures including an increased focus on risk management at the Board and Audit 

Committee meetings; 

•  Developing a Group Risk Management Policy and a Risk Appetite Statement which have been approved by the Board; 
•  Re-modelling the Group risk register, which is focussed on the key risks across the Group, and developing an Integrated 

Assurance Report;

• Enhancing reporting from assurance providers to the Audit Committee and from the Audit Committee to the Board; and 
• Enhancing the operation of the Risk Committee. 

Review of Compliance Structures
During the year, the Board completed a review of the structures in place to ensure compliance by the Group’s subsidiaries with 
applicable laws and regulations in the countries in which they operate. Following this review, additional resources have been put in 
place at Group and divisional level, including the appointment of a Head of Group Compliance, who reports to the Group Secretary 
and to the Audit Committee.

Nomination and Governance committee 
The Nomination and Governance Committee comprises Michael Buckley (Chairman) and three independent non-executive Directors, 
Róisín Brennan, David Byrne and Leslie Van De Walle. The Committee met four times during the year ended 31 March 2012. 
Individual attendance at these meetings is set out in the table on page 70. 

The role and responsibilities of the Nomination and Governance Committee are set out in its written terms of reference, which are 
reviewed annually, and are available on the Company’s website www.dcc.ie. The principal responsibilities of the Committee in relation 
to the composition of the Board are to keep Board renewal, structure, size and composition under constant review, including the 
skills, knowledge and experience required, taking account of the Group’s businesses, strategic direction and diversity objectives. 
The Committee also actively manages the open and transparent process for appointment of new Directors as outlined under 
‘Appointment’ on page 65. 

The Committee has particular regard to the leadership needs of the organisation and gives full consideration to succession planning 
for Directors and senior management, in particular the Chairman and Chief Executive, taking into account the challenges and 
opportunities facing the Group and the skills and expertise required. 

The Committee’s duties in relation to corporate governance include advising the Board of significant developments in the law and 
practice of corporate governance, monitoring the Company’s compliance with corporate governance best practice and with applicable 
legal, regulatory and listing requirements and the review and approval of the Corporate Governance statement and any other material 
information being made public in respect of the Company’s corporate governance.

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Remuneration committee 
The Remuneration Committee comprises three independent non-executive Directors, Leslie Van De Walle (Chairman), Róisín 
Brennan and David Byrne, and the Chairman of the Board, Michael Buckley. The members of the Committee have relevant financial 
and business experience, including in the area of executive remuneration. 

The Committee met six times during the year ended 31 March 2012. 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 reviewed 
annually, and are available on the Company’s website www.dcc.ie. The Committee is responsible for determining the policy for the 
remuneration of the Chief Executive, the other executive Directors and certain senior Group executives. In this regard the Committee 
gives full consideration to legal and regulatory requirements, to the principles and provisions of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code and to related guidance. The Committee also ensures that risk is properly considered in the setting of remuneration policy, by 
ensuring that targets are appropriately stretched but do not lead to the taking of excessive risk.

The Committee determines the remuneration packages of the Chairman, the Chief Executive, the other executive Directors and 
certain senior Group executives, including salary, bonuses, pension rights and compensation payments.

The Remuneration Committee consults with the Chief Executive on remuneration for the other executive Directors and for senior 
Group executives. 

The Remuneration Committee maintains regular access to independent professional advice to keep up to date with market best 
practice and remuneration trends.

Details of the activities of the Remuneration Committee during the year are set out in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration and 
Interests on pages 74 to 83. 

Attendance at Board and committee meetings during the year ended 31 March 2012:

Director 

Board 

Audit 
committee 

Michael Buckley 
Tommy Breen 
Róisín Brennan² 
David Byrne 
Maurice Keane¹ 
Kevin Melia 
John Moloney 
Donal Murphy 
Fergal O’Dwyer 
Bernard Somers 
Leslie Van De Walle² 

A 

10 
10 
10 
10 
1 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 

B 

10 
10 
10 
9 
1 
10 
9 
10 
10 
10 
10 

A 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
7 
7 
- 
- 
7 
- 

B 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
7 
6 
- 
- 
7 
- 

 Nomination and  
Governance 
committee 
B 
A 

4 
- 
3 
4 
1 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
3 

4 
- 
3 
3 
1 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
3 

Remuneration
committee

A 

6 
- 
6 
6 
1 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
6 

B

6
-
6
4
1
-
-
-
-
-
6

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.

Note 1  Retired on 5 April 2011
Note 2  Appointed to Nomination and Governance Committee on 5 April 2011

   
 
   
 
 
   
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performance evaluation 
The Board conducts an annual evaluation of its own performance, that of each of its principal committees, the Audit, Nomination and 
Governance and Remuneration Committees, and that of individual Directors. 

This year, the entire performance evaluation process was externally defined and conducted by Towers Watson in accordance with 
Provision B.6.2 of the UK Corporate Governance Code. Towers Watson also act as remuneration consultants to the Company.

The process covered a variety of aspects associated with board effectiveness, including the composition of the Board, the content 
and running of Board and Committee meetings, corporate governance, risk and crisis management, succession planning and the 
Directors’ continuing education process.

The process commenced with a questionnaire being circulated to all Directors by Towers Watson. The questionnaire was designed to 
obtain Directors’ comments regarding the performance of the Board including any recommendations for improvement. Completed 
questionnaires were returned directly to Towers Watson who held brief follow up discussions with each of the Directors individually to 
clarify any points raised in the questionnaire. 

Towers Watson then prepared two separate summary reports of matters raised during the questionnaire and follow up telephone 
call phases, one for the Chairman comprising a summary of individual Directors’ self-assessment and training needs to support his 
discussion with each Director in respect of their own performance and a second report for the Senior Independent Director to assist 
in the evaluation of the Chairman.

With the assistance of the Towers Watson report, the Chairman, on behalf of the Board, conducted evaluations of performance 
individually with each of the non-executive and the executive Directors and also enquired if they had any views they wished to express 
on the performance of any other Director.

With the assistance of the Towers Watson report, the Senior Independent Director conducted an evaluation of performance of the 
Chairman by firstly speaking with each of the Directors individually and then meeting with the non-executive Directors, without the 
Chairman present, to formally evaluate the Chairman’s performance, having taken into account the views of the executive Directors. 

The non-executive Directors also evaluated the performance of each executive Director.

Finally, Towers Watson prepared summary reports on the performance of the Board, of the three Committees and of the Chairman. 
Each Board Committee, with the participation of the Towers Watson representative, considered the summary report as part of its 
annual review of its own performance and terms of reference and recommended any changes it considered necessary to the Board 
for approval. 

During the Board meeting in April, and with the participation of the Towers Watson representative, the non-executive Directors, led by 
the Senior Independent Director, concluded on the performance evaluation of the Chairman. 

The Board then considered the Towers Watson report on its own performance and formally concluded on its own performance, on the 
performance of its Committees and on the performance of individual Directors.

The main conclusion from the evaluation process was that the Board, its Committees and individual Directors are performing 
well. Many of the areas identified as excellent in the assessment were further supported by comments and examples from Board 
members, both during the assessment and in the follow up discussions. Comparative analysis was conducted where the same 
questions were asked of Board members to identify trends and it was noted that progress had been made during the year since the 
2011 process. The process in respect of the year under review was concluded at the May 2012 Board meeting, with a number of next 
steps being agreed, with particular reference to succession planning, crisis management, Directors’ continuing education and Board 
meeting format and agenda items.

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(continued)

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, typically in January/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. The Chairman and the Senior Independent Director are available to communicate directly 
with shareholders on any specific issue on which discussion is required. If major shareholders request meetings with new non-
executive Directors, this is also facilitated. If any of the non-executive Directors wishes to attend meetings with major shareholders, 
arrangements are made accordingly. 

During the year, an Investor Day took place in London which was attended by the Chairman, the Senior Independent Director and 
Róisín Brennan. Most of DCC’s top shareholders as well as various brokers, analysts and fund managers were present at this 
Investor Day.

Business conduct Guidelines
DCC’s Business Conduct Guidelines were first issued in 2011. The Guidelines set out the Group’s commitment to the highest 
standards of integrity and honesty. They have been circulated to employees across the Group and are also available on the Company’s 
website www.dcc.ie.

General Meetings 
The Company’s Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) affords shareholders the opportunity to question the Chairman and the Board. 
The chairmen of the Audit, Nomination and Governance and Remuneration Committees are also available to answer questions at 
the AGM. The Chief Executive presents at the AGM on the Group’s business and its performance during the prior year and answers 
questions from shareholders. 

Notice of the AGM, the Form of Proxy and the Annual Report are sent to shareholders at least 20 working days before the Meeting. At 
the Meeting, resolutions are voted on by a show of hands of those shareholders attending, in person or by proxy. 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. 

If validly requested, resolutions can be voted by way of a poll. In a poll, the votes of shareholders present and voting at the Meeting 
are added to the proxy votes received in advance of the Meeting and the total number of votes for, against and withheld for each 
resolution are announced. 

All other general meetings are called Extraordinary General Meetings (‘EGM’). An EGM called for the passing of a special resolution 
must be called by at least twenty one clear days’ notice. Provided shareholders have passed a special resolution to that effect at the 
immediately preceding AGM and the Company continues to allow shareholders to vote by electronic means, an EGM to consider an 
ordinary resolution may be called at fourteen clear days’ notice. 

A quorum for an AGM or an EGM of the Company is constituted by three shareholders, present in person, by proxy or by a duly 
authorised representative in the case of a corporate member. The passing of resolutions at a general meeting, other than special 
resolutions, requires a simple majority. To be passed, a special resolution requires a majority of at least 75% of the votes cast. 

Shareholders have the right to attend, speak, ask questions and vote at general meetings. In accordance with Irish company law, the 
Company specifies record dates for general meetings, by which date shareholders must be registered in the Register of Members of 
the Company to be entitled to attend. Record dates are specified in the notes to the Notice convening the meeting. 

Shareholders may exercise their right to vote by appointing a proxy/proxies, by electronic means or in writing, to vote some or all of 
their shares. The requirements for the receipt of valid proxy forms are set out in the notes to the Notice convening the meeting. 

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A shareholder or a group of shareholders, holding at least 5% of the issued share capital of the Company, has the right to requisition 
a general meeting. A shareholder or a group of shareholders, holding at least 3% of the issued share capital, has the right to put an 
item on the agenda of an AGM or to table a draft resolution for an item on the agenda of a general meeting. 

The 2012 AGM will be held at 11 a.m. on 20 July 2012 at The Four Seasons Hotel, Simmonscourt Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland. 

Memorandum and Articles of Association 
The Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association sets out the objects and powers of the Company. The Articles of Association 
detail the rights attaching to shares, the method by which the Company’s shares can be purchased or re-issued, the provisions which 
apply to the holding of and voting at general meetings and the rules relating to the Directors, including their appointment, retirement, 
re-election, duties and powers. 

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. 

A copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association can be obtained from the Company’s website www.dcc.ie. 

Report of the Directors 
For the purposes of the European Communities (Directive 2006/46/EC) Regulations 2009, details of substantial shareholdings in 
the Company and details in relation to the purchase of the Company’s own shares are set out in the Report of the Directors on 
pages 60 to 61. 

Going concern 
The Company’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set 
out in the Chief Executive’s Review on pages 8 to 11. 

The financial position of the Company, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the Financial Review 
on pages 40 to 46. In addition, note 47 to the financial statements include the Company’s objectives, policies and processes for 
managing its capital, its financial risk management objectives, details of its financial instruments and hedging activities and its 
exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk. 

The Company has considerable financial resources and a broad spread of businesses with a large number of customers and 
suppliers across different geographic areas and industries. As a consequence, the Directors believe that the Company is well placed 
to manage its business risks successfully. 

The Directors have 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.

compliance statement 
DCC has complied, throughout the year ended 31 March 2012, with the provisions set out in 2010 Code and the Irish Annex.

Michael Buckley, tommy Breen 
Directors
14 May 2012

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RepoRt oN DiRectoRs’ ReMUNeRAtioN AND iNteRests 

composition and Role of the Remuneration committee
The Remuneration Committee comprises three independent non-executive Directors, Leslie Van de Walle (Chairman), 
Róisín Brennan and David Byrne, and the Chairman of the Board, Michael Buckley. Mr. Van de Walle became Chairman on 
5 April 2011, following Mr. Maurice Keane’s retirement from the Committee. Further details regarding the members of the 
Remuneration Committee, including their biographies and length of service are set out on pages 56 to 57. The Company 
Secretary acts as secretary to the Committee. 

The Chief Executive and the Head of Group Human Resources may be invited to attend meetings of the Committee, except 
when their own remuneration is being discussed. No Director is involved in consideration of their own remuneration. 

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 Committee is responsible for determining the policy for the remuneration of the Chief Executive, the other executive 
Directors and certain senior Group executives. In this regard the Committee gives full consideration to legal and regulatory 
requirements, to the principles and provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code and to related guidance. The Committee 
also ensures that risk is properly considered in the setting of remuneration policy, by ensuring that targets are appropriately 
stretched but do not lead to the taking of excessive risk.

The Committee determines the remuneration packages of the Chairman, the Chief Executive, the other executive Directors and 
certain senior Group executives, including salary, bonuses, pension rights and compensation payments.

While the Remuneration Committee’s specific oversight of individual executive remuneration packages extends only to the Chief 
Executive, the other executive Directors and a number of senior Group executives, it aims to create a broad policy framework, to 
be applied by management to senior executives throughout the Group, through its oversight of remuneration structures for other 
Group and subsidiary senior management and of any major changes in employee benefits structures throughout the Group.

The Committee is responsible for the granting of awards under the Company’s long term incentive schemes, determining 
whether the criteria for the vesting of options or awards have been met and making any necessary amendments to the rules of 
these schemes.

The Remuneration Committee seeks independent advice when necessary from external remuneration consultants. During the 
year, the Committee received independent external advice from Towers Watson on remuneration matters and from Mercer on 
pension matters.

The Committee met six times during the year ended 31 March 2012. The main agenda items included remuneration policy, 
remuneration trends and benchmarking, the remuneration packages of the Chairman, the Chief Executive, the other executive 
Directors and certain senior Group executives, pension matters, grants of share options under the Company’s long term 
incentive plan and approval of this Report. Individual attendance at these meetings is set out in the Corporate Governance 
statement on page 70.

Group Remuneration policy
principles
DCC’s remuneration policy is designed and managed to support a high performance and entrepreneurial culture, taking 
into account relevant benchmarking. The Board seeks to align the interests of executive Directors and other senior Group 
executives with those of shareholders, within the framework set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code. Central to this 
policy is the Group’s belief in long-term, performance based incentivisation and the encouragement of share ownership. 

The Remuneration Committee seeks to ensure: 

• that the Group will attract, motivate and retain individuals of the highest calibre; 
• that executives are rewarded in a fair and balanced way for their individual and team contribution to the Group’s performance; 
• that executives receive a level of remuneration that is appropriate to their scale of responsibility and individual performance;
•  that the overall approach to remuneration has regard to the sectors and geographies within which the Group operates and 

the markets from which it draws its executives; and

• that risk is properly considered in setting remuneration policy and in determining remuneration packages.

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DCC’s strategy of fostering entrepreneurship requires well designed incentive plans that reward the creation of shareholder 
value through organic and acquisitive growth while maintaining high returns on capital employed, strong cash generation and 
a focus on good risk management. The typical elements of the remuneration package for executive Directors and other senior 
Group executives are base pay, pension and other benefits, annual performance related bonuses and participation in long term 
performance plans which promote the creation of sustainable shareholder value. 

The Company recognises that share ownership is important in aligning the interests of management with those of shareholders 
and has fostered a culture under which executive Directors and other senior Group executives hold long term, significant 
holdings in the Company’s shares. Details of the executive Directors’ interests in shares and share options are set out on pages 
81 to 83.

The Remuneration Committee supports the objectives of the EU Commission’s recommendations on “fostering an appropriate 
regime for the remuneration of directors of listed companies” which were issued in December 2004 and supplemented 
by additional recommendations in April 2009. This is reflected in the disclosures in this Report in relation to the Group’s 
remuneration policy, the remuneration of individual Directors and share-based remuneration. 

Review of policy and structures
Following a detailed review, which was facilitated by external remuneration consultants, Towers Watson, the Remuneration 
Committee established a framework for remuneration policy in respect of the senior executive cadre in the DCC Group, which 
was set out in full in last year’s Annual Report.

Certain elements of this policy framework have been implemented as follows:

(i)   The key reference group for overall remuneration purposes is the market capitalisation comparison group and three other 
comparator groups are used as secondary reference points. These groups are defined fully under ‘Benchmarking and 
Market Trends’ below;

(ii)   In the setting of basic pay rates and the short term element of incentive payments, the objective is to place these at the 

median of the market capitalisation comparator group;

(iii)  A formal bonus clawback policy is in place for the executive Directors and other senior Group, divisional and subsidiary 

management; and

(iv)  A formal shareholding policy is in place for the Chief Executive, other executive Directors and other senior Group executives. 

Further details of this policy are set out under ‘Share Ownership Guidelines’ on page 79. 

The Committee remains committed to implementation of the other elements of the framework in the medium term. 

Benchmarking and Market trends
The Remuneration Committee uses annual benchmarking to ensure that remuneration structures continue to support the key 
remuneration policy objectives. 

The primary comparator group for benchmarking is a group of 60 FTSE companies, 30 of whom have market capitalisations 
just below DCC’s and 30 of whom have market capitalisations just above DCC’s (‘the market capitalisation comparator group’). 

The Remuneration Committee also considers it useful to use a set of other comparators as secondary references to ensure 
rigorous and comprehensive benchmarking, being:

• the FTSE 250;
• the peer group for the DCC plc Long Term Incentive Plan 2009; and
•   a group of Irish listed industrial companies which can be taken to be broadly comparable to DCC, though in this group there are 

limitations on the amount of relevant information available, for instance on the definition of “target” and “maximum” bonus levels.

The Remuneration Committee may modify the composition of these key reference points from time to time with a view to 
ensuring their relevance.

The Committee is advised by Towers Watson in relation to benchmarking of remuneration structures, market trends and 
competitive positioning.

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(continued)

shareholder Vote
Since 2009, the Report on Directors’ Remuneration and Interests is put to a shareholder ‘advisory’ vote at the Annual General 
Meeting. While there is no legal obligation to put such a resolution to shareholders, DCC believes that it is an appropriate 
acknowledgement of a shareholder’s right to have a ‘say on pay’. 

executive Directors’ and senior Group executives’ Remuneration 
The current remuneration package for executive Directors and senior Group executives consists of fixed remuneration (base 
salary), performance related remuneration (annual bonus and long term incentives), pension and other benefits.

fixed Remuneration 
Base salaries 
With effect from 1 April 2012, the salaries of executive Directors and senior Group executives are reviewed annually on 1 April, 
rather than on 1 January as was the practice, in order to align them with the Group’s financial year.

The reviews take account of personal performance, Company performance and competitive market practice.

There were no increases in the salaries of executive Directors for the year commencing on 1 April 2012, the salaries of two 
of the executive Directors having been increased by 9.6% on 1 January 2011, in the light of the substantial growth in and 
increasing complexity of their job roles.

No fees are payable to executive Directors. 

With a small number of exceptions as a result of benchmarking and role changes, there were no increases in the salaries of 
senior Group executives for the year commencing on 1 April 2012. 

performance Related Remuneration
Annual bonuses 
Annual bonuses are payable to the executive Directors and to other senior Group executives in respect of the financial year to  
31 March, subject, inter alia, to the achievement of performance targets. 

The maximum bonus potential, as a percentage of basic salary, for each executive Director and senior Group executive is 
reviewed and set annually. It ranged between 40% and 100% of base salary for the year ended 31 March 2012, unchanged from 
the prior year.

The performance targets for each executive Director and senior Group executive, which are set annually, are based on growth 
in Group earnings and (apart from the Chief Executive, the Chief Financial Officer, the Company Secretary and the Managing 
Director, Corporate Finance) on growth in divisional operating profit, measured on a constant currency basis, against a pre-
determined range, and on overall contribution and personal performance. The weighting of the performance targets varies 
according to the role of each individual and for the year ended 31 March 2012 were within the range of 60% to 75% of bonus 
potential for profit performance and 25% to 40% of bonus potential for overall contribution and personal performance. The 
Remuneration Committee can apply appropriate discretion in respect of determining the bonuses to be awarded based on 
actual performance achieved. 

In the case of the executive Directors, the Group earnings and divisional operating profit targets for the year ended 31 March 
2012 were not met and therefore no bonus payments will be made in respect of this element. The personal performance and 
contribution targets were met and the bonuses payable reflect performance in respect of this element only. The total bonus 
payments in respect of the years ended 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2011 are as follows:

Executive Director 

Tommy Breen 
Donal Murphy 
Fergal O’Dwyer 

  2012 

2011

Bonus 
€ 

% of  

base salary 

Bonus 
€ 

% of 
base salary

245,000 
75,000 
90,000 

35.0% 
18.7% 
22.5% 

434,000 
126,000 
227,000 

62.0%
33.7%
60.7%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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For the year to 31 March 2013, the general approach and parameters in respect of annual bonuses, as detailed above in respect 
of the year ended 31 March 2012, will remain in place.

Long term incentives 
Executive Directors and other senior Group executives are eligible to participate in the Company’s long term incentive schemes. 

DCC plc Long Term Incentive Plan 2009
The DCC plc Long Term Incentive Plan 2009 (‘the Plan’) was approved by shareholders at the 2009 Annual General Meeting, 
following the termination of the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme in 2008. The Plan reflects the Group’s culture 
of long term performance based incentivisation and seeks to align the interests of executives with those of the Group’s 
shareholders. 

The Plan provides for the Remuneration Committee to grant nominal cost options to acquire ordinary shares in the Company or 
to make contingent share awards only to those employees, including executive Directors, of the Company and its subsidiaries 
whose contribution can have a direct and significant impact on Group value or whom the Company wishes to retain in 
anticipation of direct and significant contribution to Group value in the future and to a small number of key support staff. 

The percentage of share capital which can be issued under the Plan, the phasing of the grant of awards and the limit on 
the value of awards which can be granted to any individual comply with guidelines published by the institutional investment 
associations. The Plan provides for the making of awards, up to a maximum of 10% of the Company’s issued share capital over 
a 10 year period, taking account of any other share award or share option plan operated by the Company. 

The market value of the shares which are the subject of any contingent award granted in any period of 12 months may not, at 
the date of the grant of award, in the case of the Chief Executive exceed 120% of annual base salary and in the case of other 
participants exceed a lower percentage, as determined by the Committee. 

Awards will normally vest no earlier than the third anniversary of the award date and in the case of options cannot be exercised 
later than the seventh anniversary of the award date. 

An award will not vest (and in the case of an award in the form of an option, the option will not be exercisable) unless the 
Committee is satisfied that the Company’s underlying financial performance has shown a sustained improvement in the period 
since the award date. If this condition is met, the extent of vesting for awards granted to participants will be determined by the 
performance conditions set out below. 

(a) TSR performance condition: 

Up to 60% of the shares subject to the award will vest depending on the Company’s total shareholder return (‘TSR’) over a 
three-year performance period, starting on 1 April in the year in which the award is granted, compared with the TSR of a 
designated peer group. The peer group in respect of each award comprises the FTSE 250 on the first day of the performance 
period excluding financial services type companies and a small number of other companies that are not comparable to the 
Company, as determined by the Remuneration Committee. 

The extent of vesting will be determined according to the following table:

company’s tsR ranking 

Below median 
Median 
Between median and 75th percentile 
75th percentile or above 

proportion of the total award vesting

0%
25%
25%-60% pro rata
60%

TSR shall mean the return that a company has provided for its ordinary shareholders, reflecting share price movements and 
assuming reinvestment of dividends.

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(continued)

The Remuneration Committee may from time to time and at their discretion modify the composition of the peer group with the 
agreement of the Irish Association of Investment Managers if by reason of any change in the business of any such company, or 
if any such company ceases to be publicly listed, they consider that it would no longer properly form part of such comparison 
group for the business of the Company or that any one or more other or additional companies would properly form part of such 
comparison group.

(b) EPS performance condition: 

Up to 40% of the shares subject to the award will vest depending on the growth in the Company’s consolidated adjusted 
earnings per share (‘EPS’) over a three-year performance period starting on 1 April in the year in which the award is granted 
compared with the change in the Irish Consumer Price Index (‘CPI’), determined according to the table below. EPS growth year 
on year will be calculated on a constant currency basis, as set out in the Company’s annual report. 

company’s annualised eps growth in excess of annualised cpi change 

proportion of the total award vesting

Below 3 percentage points 
3 percentage points 
Between 3 and 7 percentage points 
7 percentage points or more 

0%
15%
15%-40% pro rata
40%

Vesting under the EPS performance condition is also contingent on: 

(i)   the Company’s average share price over the 30 day period following the annual or half yearly results announcement date 

prior to vesting being higher than the average share price over the 30 day period following the annual or half yearly results 
announcement date prior to the award date (subject to any adjustment in accordance with Rule 11 of the Plan to reflect a 
variation in the Company’s share capital); and 

(ii)  the Company’s cumulative annualised EPS growth over the three year performance period being positive. 

No re-testing of the performance conditions is permitted. 

The total number of awards granted under the Plan, in the form of nominal cost options, net of options lapsed, currently 
amounts to 0.81% of issued share capital. 

Details of awards, in the form of nominal cost options, held by the executive Directors under the DCC plc Long Term Incentive 
Plan 2009, are set out in the table on page 81.

DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme 
Executive Directors and other senior executives participated in the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme. The ten year 
period during which share options could be granted under this Scheme expired in June 2008. 

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 1.6% 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. 

Details of options held by the executive Directors under the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme are set out in the 
table on page 82.

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Share Ownership Guidelines
DCC’s remuneration policy has at its core a recognition that the spirit of ownership and entrepreneurship is essential to the 
creation of long term high performance and that share ownership is important in aligning the interests of executive Directors 
and other senior Group executives with those of shareholders.

A set of share ownership guidelines is in place, effective from 1 April 2011, under which the Chief Executive, other executive 
Directors and other senior Group executives are encouraged to build, over a five year period, a shareholding in the Company 
with a valuation relative to base salary as follows: 

Chief Executive  
3 times annual base salary

Other executive Directors 
2 times annual base salary

Senior Group executives
1 times annual base salary

The existing shareholdings held by the executive Directors, as shown in the table on page 83, are substantially in excess of 
these guidelines.

pension Benefits 
A small number of senior Group executives, including the executive Directors, are participants in a defined benefit pension 
scheme which aims 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. 

The Irish Finance Act 2006 established a cap on pension assets by introducing a penalty tax charge on pension assets in excess 
of the higher of €5 million or the value of individual accrued pension entitlements as at 7 December 2005. The Irish Finance 
Act 2011 reduced these thresholds to the higher of €2.3 million or the value of individual accrued pension entitlements as at 
7 December 2010. As a result of this change the Remuneration Committee decided that the executive Directors and the other 
senior Group executives, who are members of the defined benefit scheme, would have the option of continuing to accrue 
pension benefits as previously or to cap their benefits in line with the Irish Finance Act 2011 limits. The executive Directors and 
the other senior Group executives elected to cap their benefits and receive a taxable non-pensionable cash allowance in lieu of 
pension benefits foregone. All cash allowances have been calculated based on independent actuarial advice from Mercer, the 
scheme actuaries, as the equivalent of the cost to the Group of the pension benefits foregone. The cash allowances payable to 
the executive Directors for the year ended 31 March 2012 are set out in the table on page 80.

Other senior Group executives participate in a defined contribution pension scheme.

Non-executive Directors’ Remuneration 
The remuneration of the Chairman is determined by the Remuneration Committee for approval by the Board. The Chairman 
absents himself from the Committee meeting while this matter is being considered. 

The remuneration of the other non-executive Directors is determined by the Chairman and the Chief Executive for approval 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. The fees are reviewed annually, taking account of any changes in responsibilities and benchmarking advice 
from external remuneration consultants on the level of fees in a range of comparable Irish and UK companies.

The basic non-executive Director fee amounts to €60,000 per annum and additional fees are paid to members and the 
Chairmen of Board committees. There have been no increases in these fees since 1 April 2009 with the exception of the fee for 
the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee which increased from €5,000 to €7,500 with effect from 1 January 2012.

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(continued)

The Chairman, Michael Buckley, received a total fee of €190,000 for the year ended 31 March 2012, inclusive of the basic fee 
and committee fees. This fee is unchanged since 1 April 2010, when it was reduced from the previous level of €225,000.

The Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director, David Byrne, received a total fee of €103,000, again inclusive of the 
basic fee and committee fees. This fee is unchanged since 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. 

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

executive and Non-executive 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 
2012 
2011 
€’000 
€’000 

Bonus 

 Benefits2 

 expense3 

total

2012 
€’000 

2011 
€’000 

2012 
€’000 

2011 
€’000 

2012 
€’000 

2011 
€’000 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

Retirement Benefits

Executive Directors 
Tommy Breen 
Donal Murphy 
Fergal O’Dwyer 

700 
400 
400 

700 
374 
374 

245 
75 
90 

434 
126 
227 

58 
39 
39 

55 
36 
37 

334 
130 
190 

221 
115 
115 

1,337 
644 
719 

1,410
651
753

Total for executive Directors 

1,500 

1,448 

410 

787 

136 

128 

654 

451 

2,700 

2,814

Non-executive Directors 
Michael Buckley 
Róisín Brennan  
David Byrne 
Maurice Keane4  
Kevin Melia 
John Moloney 
Bernard Somers 
Leslie Van de Walle5 

190 
68 
103 
- 
68 
68 
80 
74 

190 
65 
103 
73 
68 
68 
80 
26 

Total for non-executive Directors 

651  

673 

Ex gratia pension to dependant of retired Director  

Total    

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

190 
68 
103 
- 
68 
68 
80 
74 

651 

10 

190
65
103
73
68
68
80
26

673

10

3,361 

3,497

Notes
1. Fees are payable only to non-executive Directors and include Board Committee fees.
2. In the case of the executive Directors, benefits relate principally to the use of a company car and life/disability cover.
3.  The Irish Finance Act 2006 established a cap on pension assets by introducing a penalty tax charge on pension assets in excess of 
the higher of €5 million or the value of individual accrued pension entitlements as at 7 December 2005. The Irish Finance Act 2011 
reduced these thresholds to the higher of €2.3 million or the value of individual accrued pension entitlements as at 7 December 
2010. As a result of this change the Remuneration Committee decided that the executive Directors and the other senior Group 
executives, who are members of the defined benefit scheme, would have the option of continuing to accrue pension benefits as 
previously or to cap their benefits in line with the Irish Finance Act 2011 limits. The executive Directors and the other senior Group 
executives elected to cap their benefits and receive a taxable non-pensionable cash allowance in lieu of pension benefits foregone. 
All cash allowances have been calculated based on independent actuarial advice approved by the Remuneration Committee as 
the equivalent of the cost to the Group of the pension benefits foregone. Retirement Benefits Expense comprises an amount of 
€334,000 for Tommy Breen, being a cash allowance of €468,000 less the value of a reversal of previously funded benefits; an amount 
of €130,300 for Donal Murphy, being a cash allowance of €85,000 and an accrual of benefits of €45,300; and a cash allowance of 
€190,000 for Fergal O’Dwyer. 

4. Maurice Keane resigned as a Director on 5 April 2011.
5. Leslie Van de Walle was appointed as a Director on 8 November 2010.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 2012 and the transfer value of the increase in accrued benefit, under the Company’s defined benefit 
pension scheme:

executive Directors
Tommy Breen  
Donal Murphy 
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

(10) 
18 
- 

8 

(134) 
120 
- 

(14) 

338
115
162

615

Notes
1. Increases are after adjustment for inflation over the year, if applicable, and reflect additional pensionable service and salary.
2.  The transfer value equivalent to the increase in accrued pension benefit has been calculated on the basis of actuarial advice in 
accordance with Actuarial Statement of Practice ASP PEN-2. 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 2012.

executive Directors’ and company secretary’s Long term incentives
Dcc plc Long term incentive plan 2009 
Details of the executive Directors’ and the Company Secretary’s awards, in the form of nominal cost options, under the DCC plc 
Long Term Incentive Plan 2009 are set out in the table below:

At 31 
March 2011 

  Number of options 
Granted 
in year 

At 31 
March 2012 

executive Directors 
Tommy Breen 

Donal Murphy 

Fergal O’Dwyer 

company secretary 
Gerard Whyte 

53,743 
39,529 
- 

93,272 

21,113 
18,894 
- 

40,007 

23,353 
18,894 
- 

42,247 

11,756 
8,647 
- 

20,403 

- 
- 
48,000 

48,000 

- 
- 
22,857 

22,857 

- 
- 
22,857 

22,857 

- 
- 
10,500 

10,500 

53,743 
39,529 
48,000 
141,272 

21,113 
18,894 
22,857 
62,864 

23,353 
18,894 
22,857 
65,104 

11,756 
8,647 
10,500 
30,903 

performance period 

earliest exercise date  Market price
on award
€

20 August 2012 
1 April 2009 – 31 March 2012 
1 April 2010 – 31 March 2013  15 November 2013 
1 April 2011 – 31 March 2014  15 November 2014 

1 April 2009 – 31 March 2012 
20 August 2012 
1 April 2010 – 31 March 2013  15 November 2013 
1 April 2011 – 31 March 2014  15 November 2014 

1 April 2009 – 31 March 2012 
20 August 2012 
1 April 2010 – 31 March 2013  15 November 2013 
1 April 2011 – 31 March 2014  15 November 2014 

15.63
21.25
17.50

15.63
21.25
17.50

15.63
21.25
17.50

1 April 2009 – 31 March 2012 
20 August 2012 
1 April 2010 – 31 March 2013  15 November 2013 
1 April 2011 – 31 March 2014  15 November 2014 

15.63
21.25
17.50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
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(continued)

Dcc plc 1998 employee share option scheme 
Details as at 31 March 2012 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 

At 
31 March 
2011 

exercised 
in year 

Lapsed 
in year 

At 
31 March 
2012 

Weighted
average 
option price 
at 31 March 
2012 
€ 

Normal 
exercise 
period 

options exercised
in year

Market
price at
date of
exercise
€

exercise 
price 
€ 

executive Directors 

tommy Breen 
Basic Tier 
Second Tier 

Donal Murphy 
Basic Tier 
Second Tier  

fergal o’Dwyer 
Basic Tier 
Second Tier 

company secretary 

Gerard Whyte 
Basic Tier 
Second Tier 

170,000 
95,000 

(50,000) 
- 

- 
(50,000) 

120,000 
45,000 

17.73 
10.38 

Nov 2005 – May 2018 
Nov 2007 – Nov 2012 

10.25 
- 

17.63
-

60,000 
30,000 

(10,000) 
- 

- 
(10,000) 

50,000 
20,000 

17.44 
10.38 

Nov 2005 – May 2018 
 Nov 2007 – Nov 2012 

10.25 
- 

17.63
-

117,500 
70,000 

(30,000) 
- 

- 
(30,000) 

87,500 
40,000 

17.13 
10.38 

Nov 2005 – May 2018 
 Nov 2007 – Nov 2012 

10.25 
- 

17.63
-

60,000 
30,000 

(10,000) 
- 

(10,000) 

50,000 
20,000 

17.19 
10.38 

 Nov 2005 – May 2018 
 Nov 2007 – Nov 2012 

10.25 
- 

17.63
-

The market price of DCC shares on 30 March 2012 was €18.56 and the range during the year was €16.70 to €23.07.

Additional information in relation to the DCC plc Long Term Incentive Plan 2009 and the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option 
Scheme appears in note 10 on page 115.

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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executive and Non-executive 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 2012 (together with their interests at 31 March 2011) are set out below:

Directors 
Michael Buckley 
Tommy Breen 
Róisín Brennan 
David Byrne 
Kevin Melia 
John Moloney 
Donal Murphy 
Fergal O’Dwyer 
Bernard Somers 
Leslie Van de Walle 

company secretary 
Gerard Whyte  

No. of ordinary shares  No. of ordinary shares
At 31 March 2011

At 31 March 2012 

10,000 
290,000 
- 
1,200 
1,250 
2,000 
84,313 
260,889 
1,000 
670 

10,000
279,395
-
-
1,250
2,000
82,313
254,889
1,000
-

144,400 

142,200

All of the above interests were beneficially owned. 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 2012.

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

The information commencing with the Executive and Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration Details table on page 80 
and continuing to page 83 forms an integral part of the audited financial statements and is covered by the Report of the 
Independent Auditors. 

Leslie Van de Walle
Chairman, Remuneration Committee
14 May 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
84

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

stAteMeNt of DiRectoRs’ RespoNsiBiLities 

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 Company financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) 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 judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

• state that the financial statements comply with IFRS 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 

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.

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 2009 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 56 and 57, confirms that, to the best of each person’s 
knowledge and belief:

•  the financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRS 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 that they face.

On behalf of the Board

Michael Buckley 
Non-executive Chairman 

tommy Breen
Chief Executive

 
 
 
85

oVeRVieW
BUsiNess peRfoRMANce
GoVeRNANce
fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
iNfoRMAtioN

RepoRt of the iNDepeNDeNt AUDitoRs
for the year ended 31 March 2012

to the Members of Dcc plc
We have audited the Group and Company financial statements (the ‘financial statements’) of DCC plc for the year ended 31 
March 2012 which comprise the Group Income Statement, the Group and Company Balance Sheets, the Group and Company 
Cash Flow Statements, the Group and Company Statements of Comprehensive Income, the Group and Company Statements of 
Changes in Equity 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 Irish 
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 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 2009. We also report to you whether the financial statements have been properly prepared in 
accordance with Irish statute comprising the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2009 and, as regards the Group financial statements, 
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 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 Report of the Directors 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 are required by law to report to you our opinion as to whether the description in the Corporate Governance Statement of the 
main features of the internal control and risk management systems in relation to the process for preparing the Group financial 
statements is consistent with the Group financial statements. In addition, we review whether the Corporate Governance Statement 
reflects the Company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code and the two provisions of the 
Irish Corporate Governance Annex 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 Financial Highlights, Group at a Glance, Business Model and Strategy, 
Chairman’s Statement, Chief Executive’s Review, Group KPIs, Energy Review, SerCom Review, Healthcare Review, Environmental 
Review, Food & Beverage Review, Financial Review, Sustainability Report, Report of the Directors, Principal Risks and 
Uncertainties, Corporate Governance, Report on Directors’ Remuneration and Interests, Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 
and all other information listed on the contents page. 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.

 
 
 
86

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

RepoRt of the iNDepeNDeNt AUDitoRs
for the year ended 31 March 2012 (continued)

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 judgements 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 2012 and of its profit and cash flows for the year then ended;

•  the 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 2009, of the state of the Company’s affairs as at 31 
March 2012 and cash flows for the year then ended; and

•  the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2009 and, as regards 

the Group financial statements, 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 Report of the Directors is consistent with the financial statements and the 
description in the Corporate Governance Statement of the main features of the internal control and risk management systems 
in relation to the process for preparing the Group financial statements is consistent with the Group 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 2012 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.

paul hennessy
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm
Dublin, Ireland
14 May 2012

 
GRoUp iNcoMe stAteMeNt
for the year ended 31 March 2012

87

oVeRVieW
BUsiNess peRfoRMANce
GoVeRNANce
fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
iNfoRMAtioN

2012 

2011 

  exceptionals 
€’000 

pre  exceptionals 
(note 11) 
€’000 

Note 

total 
€’000 

exceptionals 
€’000 

Pre  Exceptionals 
(note 11) 
€’000 

Total
€’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’ loss after tax 
profit before tax 
Income tax expense 

4  10,690,341 
  (9,934,168) 
756,173 
(266,950) 
(317,281) 
16,583 
(3,499) 

5 
5 

-  10,690,341  8,680,573 
-  (9,934,168)  (7,925,798) 
- 
- 
- 
17,676 
(40,033) 

756,173 
(266,950) 
(317,281) 
34,259 
(43,532) 

754,775 
(257,899) 
(289,748) 
25,423 
(2,931) 

4 
4 

12 
12 
14 

15 

185,026 
(11,379) 

173,647 
(50,447) 
32,578 
(40) 

155,738 
(27,703) 

(22,357) 
- 

(22,357) 
- 
670 
(1,068) 

(22,755) 
(2,234) 

162,669 
(11,379) 
151,290 
(50,447) 
33,248 
(1,108) 
132,983 
(29,937) 

229,620 
(10,962) 

218,658 
(50,517) 
35,939 
(239) 

203,841 
(42,417) 

-  8,680,573
(7,925,798)
- 

- 
- 
- 
7,177 
(19,827) 

(12,650) 
- 

(12,650) 
(1,623) 
- 
- 

(14,273) 
(1,354) 

754,775
(257,899)
(289,748)
32,600
(22,758)

216,970
(10,962)

206,008
(52,140)
35,939
(239)

189,568
(43,771)

Profit after tax for the financial year 

128,035 

(24,989) 

103,046 

161,424 

(15,627) 

145,797

profit attributable to: 
Owners of the Parent 
Non-controlling interests 

earnings per ordinary share 
Basic 

Diluted 

18 

18 

Michael Buckley, tommy Breen, Directors

102,428 
618 
103,046 

122.78c 
122.46c 

145,109
688

145,797

174.48c

173.90c

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
88

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

GRoUp stAteMeNt of coMpReheNsiVe iNcoMe
for the year ended 31 March 2012

Group profit for the financial year 

other comprehensive income: 
Currency translation effects 
Group defined benefit pension obligations: 
- actuarial loss 
- movement in deferred tax asset 
Gains relating to cash flow hedges 
Movement in deferred tax liability on cash flow hedges 

other comprehensive income for the financial year, net of tax 

total comprehensive income for the financial year   

Attributable to: 
Owners of the Parent 
Non-controlling interests 

Michael Buckley, tommy Breen, Directors

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

103,046 

145,797

46,711 

4,636

(8,791) 
1,178 
189 
11 
39,298 

(2,590)
336
1,623
(341)

3,664

142,344 

149,461

141,726 
618 
142,344 

148,773
688

149,461

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GRoUp BALANce sheet
As at 31 March 2012

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 

Assets classified as held for sale 

total assets 

eQUitY 
capital and reserves attributable to owners of the parent 
Share capital 
Share premium 
Other reserves - share options 
Cash flow hedge reserve 
Foreign currency translation reserve 
Other reserves 
Retained earnings 

Non-controlling interests 
total equity 

LiABiLities 
Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deferred income tax liabilities 
Post employment benefit obligations 
Provisions for liabilities and charges 
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration 
Government grants 

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

Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale 

total liabilities 
total equity and liabilities 

Michael Buckley, tommy Breen, Directors

89

oVeRVieW
BUsiNess peRfoRMANce
GoVeRNANce
fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
iNfoRMAtioN

Note 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

20 
21 
22 
32 
29 

451,097 
785,205 
1,173 
6,397 
134,531 

395,485
636,114
2,281
9,328
84,376
  1,378,403  1,127,584

338,170 

4,294 
630,023 

24 
248,129
25  1,291,698  1,034,275
3,562
29 
700,340
28 
  2,264,185  1,986,306
-
  2,406,799  1,986,306
  3,785,202  3,113,890

142,614 

19 

37 
38 
39 
39 
39 
39 
40 

22,057 
124,687 
11,086 
1,187 
(78,425) 
1,400 
929,331 
  1,011,323 
2,656 
  1,013,979 

41 

22,057
124,687
10,537
987
(125,136)
1,400
895,108
929,640
2,234
931,874

30 
29 
32 
33 
35 
34 
36 

848,365 
17,493 
32,011 
14,745 
15,438 
85,271 
2,458 
  1,015,781 

762,244
30,142
25,434
19,335
14,256
65,188
2,864
919,463

30 
29 
35 
34 

38,813 
70,999 
1,020 
9,966 
13,428 

26  1,533,882  1,149,786
59,427
40,542
533
3,109
9,156
  1,668,108  1,262,553
-
  1,755,442  1,262,553
  2,771,223  2,182,016
  3,785,202  3,113,890

87,334 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
90

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

GRoUp stAteMeNt of chANGes iN eQUitY

for the year ended 31 March 2012 

 Attributable to owners of the parent 

share 
capital 
€’000 

share 
premium 
€’000 

Retained 
earnings 
€’000 

other 
reserves 
(note 39) 
€’000 

Non- 
controlling 
interests 
€’000 

total 
€’000 

total
equity
€’000

At 1 April 2011 

22,057 

124,687 

895,108 

(112,212) 

929,640 

2,234 

931,874

Profit for the financial year 

other comprehensive income/(expense): 
Currency translation 
Group defined benefit pension obligations: 
- actuarial loss 
- movement in deferred tax asset 
Gains relating to cash flow hedges 
Movement in deferred tax liability  
on cash flow hedges 
total comprehensive income 

Re-issue of treasury shares  
Share based payment 
Dividends 
Other movements in non-controlling interests 
At 31 March 2012 

22,057 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

102,428 

- 

102,428 

618 

103,046

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

46,711 

46,711 

(8,791) 
1,178 
- 

- 

- 
- 
189 

11 

(8,791) 
1,178 
189 

11 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

46,711

(8,791)
1,178
189

11

94,815 

46,911 

141,726 

618 

142,344

2,372 
- 
(62,964) 
- 

- 
549 
- 
- 

2,372 
549 
(62,964) 
- 

- 
- 
- 
(196) 

2,372
549
(62,964)
(196)

124,687 

929,331 

(64,752)  1,011,323 

2,656  1,013,979

For the year ended 31 March 2011 

  Attributable to owners of the Parent 

Share 
capital 
€’000 

Share 
premium 
€’000 

Retained 
earnings 
€’000 

Other 
reserves 
(note 39) 
€’000 

Non- 
controlling 
interests 
€’000 

Total 
€’000 

Total
equity
€’000

At 1 April 2010 

22,057 

124,687 

806,452 

(119,519) 

833,677 

3,249 

836,926

Profit for the financial year 

Other comprehensive income/(expense): 
Currency translation 
Group defined benefit pension obligations: 
- actuarial loss 
- movement in deferred tax asset 
Gains relating to cash flow hedges 
Movement in deferred tax liability on  
cash flow hedges 

Total comprehensive income 

Re-issue of treasury shares  
Share based payment 
Dividends 
Other movements in non-controlling interests 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

145,109 

- 

145,109 

688 

145,797

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

4,636 

4,636 

(2,590) 
336 
- 

- 
- 
1,623 

(2,590) 
336 
1,623 

- 

(341) 

(341) 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

4,636

(2,590)
336
1,623

(341)

142,855 

5,918 

148,773 

688 

149,461

3,835 
- 
(58,034) 
- 

- 
1,389 
- 
- 

3,835 
1,389 
(58,034) 
- 

- 
- 
- 
(1,703) 

3,835
1,389
(58,034)
(1,703)

At 31 March 2011 

22,057 

124,687 

895,108 

(112,212) 

929,640 

2,234 

931,874

Michael Buckley, tommy Breen, Directors

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GRoUp cAsh fLoW stAteMeNt
for the year ended 31 March 2012

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

investing activities 
Inflows 
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Government grants received 
Disposal of subsidiaries 
Interest received 

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

Net cash flows from investing activities 

financing activities 
Inflows 
Re-issue of treasury shares 
Increase in interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Outflows 
Repayment of interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
Repayment of finance lease liabilities 
Dividends paid to owners of the Parent 
Dividends paid to non-controlling 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 
Cash and short term bank deposits attributable to asset held for sale 

Michael Buckley, tommy Breen, Directors

91

oVeRVieW
BUsiNess peRfoRMANce
GoVeRNANce
fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
iNfoRMAtioN

Note 

42 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

277,322 
(2,774) 
(43,056) 
(49,829) 
181,663 

269,572
(8,935)
(43,276)
(56,343)

161,018

4,614 
13 
(1,285) 
27,155 
30,497 

5,586
626
28,431
30,809

65,452

(70,229) 
(160,076) 
(8,063) 
(238,368) 
(207,871) 

(83,381)
(74,614)
(3,709)

(161,704)

(96,252)

2,372 
- 
2,372 

(6,091) 
(397) 
(62,964) 
(196) 
(69,648) 
(67,276) 

3,835
658

4,493

(21,157)
(1,234)
(58,034)
(219)

(80,644)

(76,151)

(93,484) 
27,435 
666,128 
600,079 

(11,385)
2,552
674,961

666,128

630,023 
(70,758) 
40,814 
600,079 

700,340
(34,212)
-

666,128

36 

46 

17 
41 

31 

28 
31 
19 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
92

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

coMpANY stAteMeNt of coMpReheNsiVe iNcoMe
for the year ended 31 March 2012

Profit for the financial year 
total comprehensive income for the financial year   

Attributable to: 
Owners of the Parent 

coMpANY BALANce sheet
As at 31 March 2012

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 owners of the parent
Share capital 
Share premium 
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 

16 

2012 
€’000 

40,444 
40,444 

2011
€’000

10,284

10,284

40,444 

10,284

Note 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

22 
23 

25 
28 

37 
38 
39 
40 

26 

250 
168,065 
168,315 

409,656 
867 
410,523 
578,838 

1,244
168,065

169,309

414,314
30

414,344

583,653

22,057 
124,687 
344 
89,580 
236,668 

22,057
124,687
344
109,728

256,816

43,694 
43,694 

10,387

10,387

298,476 
298,476 
342,170 
578,838 

316,450

316,450

326,837

583,653

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
93

oVeRVieW
BUsiNess peRfoRMANce
GoVeRNANce
fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
iNfoRMAtioN

coMpANY stAteMeNt of chANGes iN eQUitY
for the year ended 31 March 2012

for the year ended 31 March 2012 

share 
capital 
€’000 

share 
premium 
€’000 

Retained 
earnings 
€’000 

other 
reserves 
(note 39) 
€’000 

total
equity
€’000

At 1 April 2011 

22,057 

124,687 

109,728 

344 

256,816

Profit for the financial year 

total comprehensive income 

Re-issue of treasury shares  
Dividends 

At 31 March 2012 

For the year ended 31 March 2011 

At 1 April 2010 

Profit for the financial year 

Total comprehensive income 

Re-issue of treasury shares  
Dividends 

At 31 March 2011 

Michael Buckley, tommy Breen, Directors

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

40,444 

40,444 

2,372 
(62,964) 

- 

- 

- 
- 

40,444

40,444

2,372
(62,964)

22,057 

124,687 

89,580 

344 

236,668

Share 
capital 
€’000 

Share 
premium 
€’000 

Retained 
earnings 
€’000 

Other 
reserves 
(note 39) 
€’000 

Total
equity
€’000

22,057 

124,687 

153,643 

344 

300,731

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

10,284 

10,284 

3,835 
(58,034) 

- 

- 

- 
- 

10,284

10,284

3,835
(58,034)

22,057 

124,687 

109,728 

344 

256,816

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
94

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coMpANY cAsh fLoW stAteMeNt
for the year ended 31 March 2012

cash generated from operations 
Interest paid 
Net cash flows from operating activities 

investing activities 
Inflows 
Interest received 
Dividend received from subsidiary 
Net cash flows from investing activities 

financing activities 
Inflows 
Re-issue of treasury shares 

Outflows 
Dividends paid to owners of the Parent 

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 

Michael Buckley, tommy Breen, Directors

Note 

42 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

19,977 
(2,417) 
17,560 

34,756
(1,052)

33,704

13,869 
30,000 
43,869 

14,293
-

14,293

2,372 
2,372 

3,835

3,835

17 

(62,964) 
(62,964) 
(60,592) 

(58,034)

(58,034)

(54,199)

837 
30 
867 

(6,202)
6,232

30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
95

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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 2009 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. 
IFRS as adopted by the EU differ in certain respects from IFRS as issued by the IASB. Both the Parent Company and the Group 
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU and references to IFRS hereafter 
should be construed as references to 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. 

The Going Concern Statement on page 73 forms part of the Group financial statements.

DCC plc, the parent company, is a publicly traded limited company incorporated and domiciled in the Republic of Ireland.

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-based payments, post employment benefit 
obligations and certain financial assets and liabilities including 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 2012 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 judgement in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. The 
areas involving a high degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the 
consolidated financial statements are documented in note 3.

Adoption of IFRS and International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (‘IFRIC’) Interpretations
The Group has adopted the following standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards during the financial year:
•  Improvements to IFRSs 2010. These improvements include changes in presentation, recognition and measurement plus 

terminology and editorial changes. These improvements did not have a significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.

•  Amendment to IFRIC 14 Prepayments of a Minimum Funding Requirement. This amendment corrected an unintended 
consequence of IFRIC 14. Without the amendment entities were not permitted to recognise as an asset some voluntary 
prepayments for minimum funding contributions. This was not intended when IFRIC 14 was issued and the amendment 
corrects this. This amendment did not have a significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.

•  IFRIC Interpretation 19 Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments. This interpretation addresses the 
accounting by an entity when the terms of a financial liability are renegotiated and result in the entity issuing equity 
instruments to extinguish all or part of the liability. This IFRIC did not have an effect on the Group’s financial statements.

•  Amendment to IAS 24 Revised Related Party Disclosures. This amendment simplifies the definition of related parties and 

provides a partial exemption from the disclosure requirements for government-related entities. This amendment did not have 
a significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.

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Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

1. summary of significant Accounting policies (continued)

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:

•  Amendment to IFRS 7 Disclosures - Transfer of financial assets (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2012). The 
amendment addresses disclosures required to help users of financial statements evaluate the risk exposures relating to the 
transfer of financial assets and the effect of those risks on an entity’s financial position. This amendment will not have a significant 
impact on the Group’s financial statements.

•  Amendment to IAS 12 Recovery of underlying assets (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2012). The amendment 
provides a practical approach for measuring deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets when investment property is measured 
using the fair value model in IAS 40 Investment Property. The amendment is subject to EU endorsement. This amendment will not 
have a significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.

•  Amendment to IAS 19 Employee benefits (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2013). This amendment is still subject 
to EU endorsement. The amendment makes significant changes to the recognition and measurement of defined benefit pension 
expense and termination benefits, and significantly increases the volume of disclosures. This amendment will have an impact on 
the Group’s financial statements due to changes in the measurement of the defined benefit expense, however management has not 
yet determined the impact this will have on the Group’s financial statements. 

•  Amendment to IAS 1 Presentation of items of other comprehensive income (OCI) (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 

1 April 2013). This amendment is still subject to EU endorsement. The amendment introduces a requirement for entities to group 
items of OCI on the basis of whether they are potentially re-classifiable to profit or loss subsequently. This amendment will result in 
some presentation changes but is not expected to have a significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.

•  IFRS 10 Consolidated financial statements (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2013). This standard is still subject 
to EU endorsement. IFRS 10 replaces all of the guidance on control and consolidation in IAS 27 and SIC 12. IFRS 10 changes the 
definition of control so that the same criteria are applied to all entities to determine control. The core principle that a consolidated 
entity presents a parent and its subsidiaries as if they are a single entity remains unchanged, as do the mechanics of consolidation. 
IAS 27 is renamed ‘Separate financial statements’ and is now a standard dealing solely with separate financial statements. This 
standard is not expected to have a significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.

•  IFRS 11 Joint arrangements (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2013). This standard is still subject to EU 

endorsement. IFRS 11 eliminates the existing accounting policy choice of proportionate consolidation for jointly controlled entities. 
IFRS 11 makes equity accounting mandatory for participants in joint ventures. Changes in definitions also mean that the types 
of joint arrangements have been reduced from three to two; joint operations and joint ventures. IFRS 11 also made a number of 
consequential amendments to IAS 28 Investments in associates and joint ventures. This standard will impact the Group financial 
statements as the Group currently has adopted an accounting policy of proportionate consolidation for jointly controlled entities. On 
adoption of IFRS 11 the Group will be required to equity account for its interests in jointly controlled entities. 

•  IFRS 12 Disclosure of interests in other entities (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2013). This standard is still 
subject to EU endorsement. IFRS 12 sets out the required disclosures for entities reporting under IFRS 10 and IFRS 11. IFRS 
12 requires entities to disclose information about the nature, risks and financial effects associated with the entity’s interests in 
subsidiaries, associates, joint arrangements and unconsolidated structured entities. This standard will not have a significant impact 
on the Group’s financial statements.

•  IFRS 13 Fair value measurement (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2013). This standard is still subject to EU 
endorsement. IFRS 13 explains how to measure fair value and enhances fair value disclosures. This standard will not have a 
significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.

•  Amendment to IFRS 7 Disclosures - Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 
1 April 2013). The amendment is still subject to EU endorsement. The amendment enhances current disclosures about offsetting 
financial assets and financial liabilities. This amendment will not have a significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.

•  IFRIC 20 Stripping costs in the production of a surface mine (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2013). This IFRIC 
is still subject to EU endorsement. IFRIC 20 sets out the accounting for overburden waste removal costs in the production phase 
of a mine. The interpretation may require mining entities to write off existing stripping assets to opening retained earnings if the 
assets cannot be attributed to an identifiable component of an ore body. This interpretation will have no impact on the Group’s 
financial statements.

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•  Amendment to IAS 32 Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 
2014). The amendment is still subject to EU endorsement. The amendment clarifies some of the requirements for offsetting 
financial assets and financial liabilities on the balance sheet. This amendment will not have a significant impact on the Group’s 
financial statements.

•  IFRS 9 Financial instruments (effective date: DCC financial year beginning 1 April 2015). This standard is still subject to EU 

endorsement. IFRS 9 is the first step in the process to replace IAS 39 Financial instruments: recognition and measurement. IFRS 
9 introduces new requirements for classifying and measuring financial assets and is likely to affect the group’s accounting for its 
financial assets. IFRS 9 replaces the multiple classification models in IAS 39 with a single model that has only two classification 
categories: amortised cost and fair value. Classification under IFRS 9 is driven by the entity’s business model for managing 
financial assets and the contractual characteristics of the financial assets. IFRS 9 removes the requirement to separate embedded 
derivatives from financial asset hosts. IFRS 9 removes the cost exemption for unquoted equities. The impact of the standard on the 
Group’s financial statements has not yet been determined.

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.

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Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

1. summary of significant Accounting policies (continued)

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.

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 
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision 
maker who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments. The Group has 
determined that it has five reportable operating segments: DCC Energy, DCC SerCom, DCC Healthcare, DCC Environmental 
and DCC Food & Beverage.

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 or 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.

99

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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 together with gains or losses arising from currency swaps offset by gains or losses 
on related fixed rate debt, acquisition costs, profit or loss on defined benefit pension scheme restructuring and impairment of 
assets. Judgement 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.

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
Business combinations from 1 April 2010
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and 
contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The 
cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, measured at acquisition date fair value. 
For each business combination, the acquirer measures the non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the 
proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.

When the Group acquires a business it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and 
designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date. 

 
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Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

1. summary of significant Accounting policies (continued)

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest 
in the acquiree is re-measured to fair value at the acquisition date through the Income Statement.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. 
Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration which is deemed to be an asset or liability will be 
recognised in accordance with IAS39 in the Income Statement. 

Goodwill is initially measured at cost being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount 
recognised for non-controlling interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If this consideration 
is lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired in the case of a bargain purchase, the difference is 
recognised in the Income Statement.

Business combinations prior to 1 April 2010
Business combinations were accounted for using the purchase method. Transaction costs directly attributable to the 
acquisition formed part of the acquisition costs. The non-controlling interest (formerly known as minority interest) was 
measured at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets.

Business combinations achieved in stages were accounted for as separate steps. Any additional acquired share of interest did 
not affect previously recognised goodwill.

Contingent consideration was recognised if the Group had a present obligation, the economic outflow was more likely than not and a 
reliable estimate was determinable. Subsequent adjustments to the contingent consideration were recognised as part of goodwill.

Non-current Assets held for sale
Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as assets held for sale if their carrying amounts will be recovered 
principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the sale 
is highly probable and the asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Management must be 
committed to the sale, which should be expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year from the date of 
classification. The assets held for sale are stated at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell.

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 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.

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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.

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Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

1. summary of significant Accounting policies (continued)

trade and other 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 and other 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.

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 at 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. 

Changes in the fair value of currency swaps that are hedging borrowings and for which the Group have not elected to apply 
hedge accounting, along with changes in the fair value of derivatives hedging borrowings, that are part of designated fair value 
hedge relationships, are reflected in the Income Statement in ‘Finance Costs’ and presented in note 12. 

Changes in the fair value of other derivative financial instruments for which the Group have not elected to apply hedge accounting 
are reflected in the Income Statement, in ‘Other Operating Income’ or ‘Other Operating Expenses’ and presented in note 5. 

hedging
For the purposes of hedge accounting, hedges are designated either as fair value hedges (which hedge 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 are disclosed in note 29 and the movements on the hedging reserve in 
shareholders’ equity are shown in note 39. The full fair value of a derivative is classified as a non-current asset or non-current 
liability if the remaining maturity of the derivative is more than twelve months, and as a current asset or current liability if the 
remaining maturity of the derivative is less than twelve months.

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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, together with any changes in 
the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk. As a result, the gain or loss on interest 
rate swaps and cross currency interest rate swaps that are in hedge relationships with borrowings are included within 
‘Finance Income’ or ‘Finance Costs’. In the case of the related hedged borrowings 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’ . The gain or loss on commodity derivatives that are fair value hedges of 
firm commitments are recognised in revenue. Any change in the fair value of the firm commitment attributable to the hedged 
risk is recognised as an asset or liability on the balance sheet with a corresponding gain or loss in Revenue.

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 in 
‘Other Operating Income’ or ‘Other Operating Expenses’. 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 in Revenue or Costs of Sales (depending on whether the 
hedge related to a forecasted sale or purchase). 

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.

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. 

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Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

1. summary of significant Accounting policies (continued)

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 have been enacted or 
substantially enacted by the balance sheet date 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 profits would be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised.

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.

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1. summary of significant Accounting policies (continued)

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 Group Statement of Comprehensive Income.

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.

Settlements and curtailments trigger immediate recognition of the consequent change in obligations and related assets or 
liabilities 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 Monte Carlo simulation technique for 
the DCC plc Long Term Incentive Plan 2009 and a binomial model for the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme. 

The DCC plc Long Term Incentive Plan 2009 contains market based vesting conditions and accordingly, the fair value assigned 
to the related equity instrument on initial application of IFRS 2 Share-based Payment is adjusted to reflect the anticipated 
likelihood at the grant date of achieving the market based vesting conditions.

The DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme contains non-market based vesting conditions which 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.

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Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

2. financial Risk Management

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.

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.

Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests represent the portion of the equity of a subsidiary not attributable either directly or indirectly to the 
Parent Company and are presented separately in the Group Income Statement and within equity in the Group Balance Sheet, 
distinguished from shareholders’ equity attributable to owners of the Parent. Acquisitions of non-controlling interests are 
accounted for as transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders and therefore no goodwill is recognised as 
a result of such transactions. On an acquisition by acquisition basis, the Group recognises any non-controlling interest in the 
acquiree either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s net assets.

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. 

The fair value of interest rate and cross currency 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 
fair value of forward commodity contracts is determined using quoted forward commodity prices at the balance sheet date. The fair 
values of borrowings (none of which are listed) are measured by discounting cash flows at prevailing interest and exchange rates. 

The nominal value less impairment provision of trade receivables and payables approximate to their fair values, largely due to 
their short-term maturities.

Fair values of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities are summarised in note 47.

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3. critical Accounting estimates and Judgements

The Group’s main accounting policies affecting its results of operations and financial condition are set out on pages 95 to 105. 
In determining and applying accounting policies, judgement 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 judgements:

Goodwill
The Group has capitalised goodwill of €723.4 million at 31 March 2012. 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 value in use, 
management judgement is required in forecasting cash flows of cash generating units, in determining terminal growth values 
and in selecting an appropriate discount rate. Sensitivities to changes in assumptions are detailed in note 21.

post employment 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 €116.3 million at 31 March 2012. At 
31 March 2012 the Group also has plan assets totalling €101.6 million, giving a net pension liability of €14.7 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 33.

taxation
The Group is subject to income taxes in a number of jurisdictions. Provisions for tax liabilities require management to 
make judgements 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
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method which requires that the assets and liabilities assumed 
are recorded at their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. The application of this 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. 

environmental provisions
The Group has provisions for environmental remediation costs at 31 March 2012 of €9.9 million as disclosed in note 35. The 
main component of this provision relates to restoration liabilities at the Group’s landfill sites. Future remediation costs are 
affected by a number of uncertainties, the most significant of which is the estimation of the ongoing costs of treating the 
by-products of bio-degrading waste. Management believes that the total provision is adequate based on currently available 
information. However, given the inherent difficulties in estimating liabilities in this area, it cannot be guaranteed that additional 
costs will not be incurred in excess of the amounts accrued. The effect of the resolution of environmental matters on the 
results of the Group cannot be predicted due to the uncertainty concerning both the amount and the timing of future costs. 
Such changes that arise could impact the provisions recognised in the Balance Sheet in future periods.

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Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

3. critical Accounting estimates and Judgements (continued)

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 operating segment and by geography
DCC is a sales, marketing, distribution and business support services group headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Operating 
segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker. The 
chief operating decision maker has been identified as Mr. Tommy Breen, Chief Executive. The Group is organised into five 
operating segments: DCC Energy, DCC SerCom, DCC Healthcare, DCC Environmental and DCC Food & Beverage.

Dcc energy markets and sells oil products for transport, commercial/industrial, marine, aviation and home heating use in 
Britain, Ireland and Continental Europe. DCC Energy markets and sells liquefied petroleum gas for similar uses in Britain and 
Ireland. DCC Energy also includes a fuel card services business.

Dcc sercom is a distributor of IT, communications and home entertainment products in Britain, Ireland and France primarily 
to retail and business customers. DCC SerCom also includes a supply chain management business.

Dcc healthcare provides sales, marketing, distribution and other services to medical device and pharma companies in 
the Irish and British hospital and homecare markets. DCC Healthcare also provides outsourced product development, 
manufacturing, packing and other services to health and beauty brand owners in Europe.

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 food & Beverage markets and sells food and beverages in Ireland to a broad range of customers and wine in Britain. DCC 
Food & Beverage is also a provider of frozen food distribution in Ireland.

The chief operating decision maker monitors the operating results of segments separately in order to allocate resources 
between segments and to assess performance. Segment performance is predominantly evaluated based on operating profit 
before amortisation of intangible assets and net operating exceptional items. Net finance costs and income tax are managed 
on a centralised basis and therefore these items are not allocated between operating segments for the purpose of presenting 
information to the chief operating decision maker and accordingly are not included in the detailed segmental analysis below.

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

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4. segment information (continued)

The segment results for the year ended 31 March 2012 are as follows:

income statement items

 Year ended 31 March 2012

Dcc  
energy 
€’000 

Dcc 
sercom 
€’000 

Dcc 

Dcc food
healthcare  environmental  & Beverage 
€’000 

€’000 

€’000 

Dcc 

total
€’000

segment revenue 

  7,822,971  2,181,212 

330,022 

132,702 

223,434  10,690,341

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

83,493 
(5,835) 
(14,960) 

53,235 
(2,348) 
(11,083) 

23,428 
(1,090) 
12,311 

14,211 
(1,206) 
(252) 

10,659 
(900) 
(8,373) 

185,026
(11,379)
(22,357)

operating profit 

Finance costs 
Finance income 
Share of associates’ loss after tax 

Profit before income tax 
Income tax expense 

Profit for the year 

62,698 

39,804 

34,649 

12,753 

1,386 

151,290

(50,447)
33,248
(1,108)

132,983
(29,937)

103,046

DCC Food
& Beverage 
€’000 

Total
€’000

 Year ended 31 March 2011

DCC  
Energy 
€’000 

DCC 
SerCom 
€’000 

DCC 

DCC 
Healthcare  Environmental 
€’000 

€’000 

Segment revenue 

  6,129,786  1,868,877 

323,291 

106,442 

252,177  8,680,573

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

137,307 
(7,145) 
(6,475) 

46,029 
(944) 
(2,120) 

23,203 
(800) 
(2,129) 

11,589 
(2,073) 
(6) 

11,492 
- 
(1,920) 

229,620
(10,962)
(12,650)

Operating profit 

Finance costs 
Finance income 
Share of associates’ loss after tax 

Profit before income tax 
Income tax expense 

Profit for the year 

123,687 

42,965 

20,274 

9,510 

9,572 

206,008

(52,140)
35,939
(239)

189,568
(43,771)

145,797

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

4. segment information (continued)

Balance sheet items

As at 31 March 2012

Dcc  
energy 
€’000 

Dcc 
sercom 
€’000 

Dcc 

Dcc food
healthcare  environmental  & Beverage 
€’000 

€’000 

€’000 

Dcc 

total
€’000

segment assets 

  1,666,993 

656,212 

233,358 

197,999 

111,608  2,866,170

Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Group Balance Sheet
Investments in associates 
Derivative financial instruments (current and non-current) 
Deferred income tax assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Assets classified as held for sale 
total assets as reported in the Group Balance sheet 

1,173
138,825
6,397
630,023
142,614

  3,785,202

segment liabilities 

  1,088,048 

326,338 

74,249 

34,652 

50,677  1,573,964

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 and contingent acquisition consideration (current and non-current)  
Government grants (current and non-current) 
Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale 
total liabilities as reported in the Group Balance sheet 

DCC  
Energy 
€’000 

DCC 
SerCom 
€’000 

919,364
18,513
70,824
98,699
2,525
87,334

  2,771,223

DCC Food
& Beverage 
€’000 

Total
€’000

As at 31 March 2011

DCC 

DCC 
Healthcare  Environmental 
€’000 

€’000 

Segment assets 

  1,170,278 

674,449 

191,136 

151,474 

126,666  2,314,003

Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Group Balance Sheet 
Investments 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  

2,281
87,938
9,328
700,340

  3,113,890

Segment liabilities 

666,423 

366,487 

61,102 

29,091 

63,256  1,186,359

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 and contingent acquisition consideration (current and non-current)  
Government grants (current and non-current) 

Total liabilities as reported in the Group Balance Sheet 

802,786
30,675
84,861
74,344
2,991

  2,182,016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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4. segment information (continued)

other segment information

 Year ended 31 March 2012

Dcc  
energy 
€’000 

Dcc 
sercom 
€’000 

Dcc 

Dcc food
healthcare  environmental  & Beverage 
€’000 

€’000 

€’000 

Dcc 

total
€’000

Capital expenditure 

48,163 

3,086 

8,840 

11,741 

3,295 

75,125

Depreciation 

32,585 

5,815 

4,213 

9,289 

3,533 

55,435

Intangible assets acquired 

125,670 

6,800 

16,771 

28,512 

41 

177,794

Impairment of goodwill 

- 

5,500 

- 

- 

5,869 

11,369

 Year ended 31 March 2011

DCC  
Energy 
€’000 

DCC 
SerCom 
€’000 

DCC 

DCC 
Healthcare  Environmental 
€’000 

€’000 

DCC Food
& Beverage 
€’000 

Total
€’000

Capital expenditure 

44,645 

20,389 

4,910 

11,556 

2,523 

84,023

Depreciation 

30,858 

5,141 

4,526 

8,427 

3,954 

52,906

Intangible assets acquired 

19,025 

35,230 

1,743 

797 

5,063 

61,858

Impairment of goodwill 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

4. segment information (continued)

Geographical analysis
The Group has a presence in 15 countries worldwide. The following represents a geographical analysis of the segment 
information presented above in accordance with IFRS 8, which requires disclosure of information about the country of domicile 
(Republic of Ireland) and countries with material revenue and non-current assets. 

 Republic of ireland  
2012 
2011 
€’000 
€’000 

 UK 

2012 
€’000 

2011 
€’000 

 Rest of the World 
2012 
€’000 

2011 
€’000 

total

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

Year ended 31 March

income statement items

Revenue 

957,831 

919,966  7,883,888  6,388,742  1,848,622  1,371,865  10,690,341  8,680,573

Operating profit* 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Net operating exceptionals 

Segment result 

26,526 
(1,571) 
(13,102) 
11,853 

34,236 
(470) 
(3,076) 

30,690 

125,349 
(7,689) 
(29) 
117,631 

164,541 
(8,773) 
(8,582) 

147,186 

33,151 
(2,119) 
(9,226) 
21,806 

30,843 
(1,719) 
(992) 

185,026 
(11,379) 
(22,357) 

229,620
(10,962)
(12,650)

28,132 

151,290 

206,008

Balance sheet items  

Segment assets 

409,698 

393,223  2,093,840  1,600,302 

362,632 

320,478  2,866,170  2,314,003

Segment liabilities 

184,489 

177,859  1,140,857 

778,365 

248,618 

230,135  1,573,964  1,186,359

other segment information 

Non-current assets** 

230,596 

247,947 

917,913 

705,853 

88,966 

80,080  1,237,475  1,033,880

Capital expenditure 

9,999 

9,641 

61,197 

70,672 

3,929 

3,710 

75,125 

84,023

Depreciation 

12,892 

14,091 

39,669 

36,391 

2,874 

2,424 

55,435 

52,906

Intangible assets acquired 

3,654 

5,848 

133,017 

45,739 

41,123 

10,271 

177,794 

61,858

Impairment of goodwill 

5,869 

- 

- 

- 

5,500 

- 

11,369 

-

*   Operating profit before amortisation of intangible assets and net operating exceptionals
**  Non-current assets comprise intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and investments in associates

Revenue and operating profit are derived almost entirely from the sale of goods and are disclosed based on the location of 
the entity producing the goods. There are no material dependencies or concentrations on individual customers which would 
warrant disclosure under IFRS 8. The Balance Sheet and other segment information presented above are disclosed based on 
the location of the assets. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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5. other operating income/expense

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

Other income 
Fair value gains on non-hedge accounted derivative financial instruments - commodities   
Fair value gains on non-hedge accounted derivative financial instruments - forward exchange contracts 
Throughput 
Haulage 
Rental income 
Other operating income 

Other operating income included in net exceptional items 

Total other operating income 

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

Other operating expenses included in net exceptional items 

Total other operating expenses 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

40 
995 
6,648 
53 
3,483 
5,364 
16,583 
17,676 
34,259 

-
206
6,612
7,139
3,675
7,791

25,423
7,177

32,600

(549) 
(857) 
(2,093) 
(3,499) 
(40,033) 
(43,532) 

(1,389)
(742)
(800)

(2,931)
(19,827)

(22,758)

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 
Foreign exchange loss 
Amortisation of government grants (note 36) 

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 
Tax compliance and advisory services  
Other non-audit services 

2012 
€’000 

1,830 
2,151 
268 
(604) 

14,749 
788 
11,559 
27,096 

1,454 
623 
102 
2,179 

2011
€’000

5,317
2,121
106
(730)

13,247
873
11,390

25,510

1,378
1,118
58

2,554

Auditor statutory disclosure
The audit fee for the Parent Company is €16,000 (2011: €20,000). This amount is paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ireland, the 
statutory auditor.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

7. Directors’ emoluments and interests

Directors’ emoluments (which are included in operating costs) and interests are presented in the Report on Directors’ 
Remuneration and Interests on pages 74 to 83.

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 

Operating profit 
Finance costs (net) 

Profit before income tax 
Income tax expense 

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 increase in cash and cash equivalents 
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 

Net cash at 31 March 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

19,550 
(12,339) 
7,211 
(5,789) 
- 
1,422 
8 
1,430 
(195) 
1,235 

2012 
€’000 

7,096 
3,890 
10,986 

6,592 
15 
4,379 
4,394 
10,986 

2012 
€’000 

1,165 
(1,031) 
134 
1,603 
1,737 

15,119
(9,311)

5,808
(4,693)
159

1,274
(1)

1,273
(179)

1,094

2011
€’000

6,828
3,171

9,999

6,508

8
3,483

3,491

9,999

2011
€’000

1,000
(536)

464
1,139

1,603

1,737 
1,737 

1,603

1,603

The Group’s share of its joint ventures’ capital commitments for property, plant and equipment at 31 March 2012 is €0.584 
million (2011: €0.371 million).

Details of the Group’s principal joint ventures are shown in the Group directory on pages 158 to 162. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 Environmental 
DCC Food & Beverage 

The employee benefit expense (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 33) 

2012 
Number 

2011
Number

3,687 
1,735 
1,137 
893 
903 
8,355 

2012 

€’000 

3,513
1,554
1,131
759
968

7,925

2011

€’000

298,705 
36,581 
549 
7,773 
1,477 
345,085 

284,042
32,132
1,389
6,884
2,383

326,830

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 €0.549 million (2011: €1.389 million) has been arrived at by applying a Monte 
Carlo simulation technique for share awards issued under the DCC plc Long Term Incentive Plan 2009 and a binomial model, 
which is a lattice option-pricing model, for options issued under the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme.

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

10. employee share options (continued)

The total share option expense is analysed as follows:

Date of grant 

Dcc plc Long term incentive plan 2009 
20 August 2009 
15 November 2010 
15 November 2011 

Dcc sharesave scheme 2001 
10 December 2004 

Grant 
price 
€ 

Minimum 
duration of 

Number of 
share awards/ 
vesting period  options granted 

Weighted 
average 
fair value 
€ 

expense in
income statement
2011
€’000

2012 
€’000 

15.63 
21.25 
17.50 

3 years 
3 years 
3 years 

255,406 
212,525 
252,697 

8.97 
12.00 
9.17 

746 
850 
257 
1,853 

742
283
-

1,025

12.63 

3 and 5 years 

716,010 

4.67 

- 

(161)

Dcc plc 1998 employee share option scheme 
12 November 2002 
22 December 2003 
18 May 2004 
9 November 2004 
23 June 2006 
23 July 2007 
20 December 2007 
20 May 2008 

10.38 
10.70 
12.75 
15.65 
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 years 
3 years 
3 years 
3 years 

609,500 
132,500 
162,500 
219,500 
223,500 
323,000 
25,000 
315,500 

Total expense 

share options and awards

2.81 
2.76 
3.42 
4.15 
4.54 
6.35 
5.22 
4.32 

(748) 
(192) 
(212) 
(220) 
- 
- 
- 
68 
(1,304) 
549 

(6)
-
(7)
-
(9)
126
33
388

525

1,389

Dcc plc Long term incentive plan 2009
At 31 March 2012, under the DCC plc Long Term Incentive Plan 2009, Group employees hold options to subscribe for 714,755 
ordinary shares.

The general terms of the DCC plc Long Term Incentive Plan 2009 are set out in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration and 
Interests on pages 74 to 83.

 A summary of activity under the DCC plc Long Term Incentive Plan 2009 over the year is as follows:

At 1 April 
Granted 
Lapsed 

At 31 March 

2012 
Number of 

2011
Number of
  share awards  share awards

462,058 
252,697 
- 
714,755 

251,887
212,525
(2,354)

462,058

The share awards outstanding at the year end have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 5.6 years (2011: 6.0 years).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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10. employee share options (continued)

The weighted average fair values assigned to share awards granted under the DCC plc Long Term Incentive Plan 2009, which 
were computed in accordance with the Monte Carlo valuation methodology, were as follows:

Granted during the year ended 31 March 2012 
Granted during the year ended 31 March 2011 
Granted during the year ended 31 March 2010 

€

9.17
12.00
8.97

The fair values of share awards granted under the DCC plc Long Term Incentive Plan 2009 were determined taking account of 
peer group total share return volatilities and correlations together with the following assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate (%) 
Dividend yield (%) 
Expected volatility (%) 
Expected life in years 

2012 

1.88 
2.50 
30.0 
5.0 

2011

1.91
2.50
30.0
5.0

The expected volatility is based on historic volatility over the past 5 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.

Analysis of closing balance - outstanding at end of year

Date of grant 

20 August 2009 
15 November 2010 
15 November 2011 

Total outstanding at 31 March 

Date of expiry   

20 August 2016 
15 November 2017 
15 November 2018 

2012 
Number of 

2011
Number of
  share awards  share awards

249,533 
212,525 
252,697 
714,755 

249,533
212,525
-

462,058

Analysis of closing balance - exercisable at end of year
As at 31 March 2012, none of the outstanding share awards under the DCC plc Long Term Incentive Plan 2009 were exercisable.

Dcc plc 1998 employee share option scheme
At 31 March 2012, under the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme, Group employees hold basic tier options to 
subscribe for 1,024,500 ordinary shares and second tier options to subscribe for 418,500 ordinary shares. 

The general terms of the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme are set out in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration 
and Interests on pages 74 to 83.

The DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme contains non-market based vesting conditions which 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. 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 vesting conditions for second tier share options granted 
between 12 November 2002 and 9 November 2004 are highly unlikely to be achieved and, on that basis, amounts previously 
charged to the Income Statement in relation to these share options have been reversed in the current year. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

10. employee share options (continued)

A summary of activity under the DCC plc 1998 Employee Share Option Scheme over the year is as follows:

At 1 April 
Exercised 
Lapsed 

At 31 March 

2012 

2011

Average 
exercise 
price in € 
per share 

Average 
exercise 
price in € 
per share 

options 

Options

14.42  1,896,000 
(210,500) 
11.27 
(242,500) 
10.70 
15.51  1,443,000 

14.14  2,213,000
(279,000)
12.21 
(38,000)
14.01 

14.42  1,896,000

Total exercisable at 31 March 

17.29  1,024,500 

16.44 

953,500

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 €18.61 (2011: €20.15). The share options outstanding at the year end have a weighted 
average remaining contractual life of 3.4 years (2011: 3.8 years).

Analysis of closing balance - outstanding at end of year

2012 

2011

Date of grant 

Date of expiry 

exercise 
price in € 
per share 

Exercise 
price in € 
per share 

options 

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 

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 

Total outstanding at 31 March 

Analysis of closing balance - exercisable at end of year

Date of grant 

Date of expiry 

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 exercisable at 31 March 

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 

10.25 
10.38 
10.70 
12.75 
15.65 
16.70 
18.05 
23.35 
19.50 
15.68 

- 
332,000 
84,000 
119,500 
120,500 
120,000 
162,000 
226,000 
12,500 
266,500 
  1,443,000 

Options

395,500
339,500
84,000
119,500
140,500
122,500
162,000
226,000
25,000
281,500

10.25 
10.38 
10.70 
12.75 
15.65 
16.70 
18.05 
23.35 
19.50 
15.68 

  1,896,000

2012 

2011

exercise 
price in € 
per share 

Exercise 
price in € 
per share 

options 

10.25 
10.38 
10.70 
12.75 
15.65 
16.70 
18.05 
23.35 
19.50 
15.68 

- 
70,500 
16,500 
60,000 
90,500 
120,000 
162,000 
226,000 
12,500 
266,500 
  1,024,500 

10.25 
10.38 
10.70 
12.75 
15.65 
16.70 
18.05 
23.35 
19.50 
15.68 

Options

173,000
78,000
16,500
60,000
90,500
122,500
162,000
226,000
25,000
-

953,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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2012 
€’000 

14,089 
(1,770) 
- 
3,587 
(2,000) 
(6,568) 
(18,326) 
(11,369) 
(22,357) 

670 
(1,068) 
(22,755) 

2011
€’000

-
894
(3,145)
4,976
(6,074)
(3,566)
(5,735)
-

(12,650)

(1,623)
-

(14,273)

(2,234) 
(24,989) 

(1,354)

(15,627)

11. exceptionals

Gain arising from Taiwanese legal claim 
Net (loss)/profit on disposal of subsidiaries 
Cumulative foreign exchange translation losses relating to subsidiaries disposed of 
Restructuring of Group defined benefit pension schemes 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment 
Acquisition related fees 
Restructuring costs and other 
Impairment of goodwill 

Operating exceptional items 

Mark to market gains/(losses) (included in interest)   
Impairment of associate company investment 

Net exceptional items before taxation 

Exceptional taxation charge 

Net exceptional items after taxation 

In January 2004 the London High Court awarded Stg£10.2 million in damages and interim costs of Stg£2.0 million (in both 
cases together with interest) to DCC’s British based mobility and rehabilitation subsidiary for breach of an exclusive supply 
agreement by a Taiwanese supplier. Further amounts in respect of costs of Stg£2.9 million were subsequently determined by 
the London High Court to be payable. In order to enforce the London High Court judgements, it has been necessary to pursue 
the collection of all outstanding amounts through the Taiwanese courts. In March 2012, DCC received the initial Stg£12.2 
million referred to above. The recovery of accumulated interest on this amount and the additional costs referred to above 
continue to be pursued through the Taiwanese courts. DCC has not accrued the amount of the outstanding claim and will 
account for it as an exceptional credit when it is virtually certain that the amount will be received. 

Restructuring of certain of the Group’s pension arrangements during the year gave rise to an exceptional gain of €3.587 million.

The Group incurred an exceptional charge of €18.326 million in relation to restructuring costs and the cost of integrating 
recently acquired businesses. 

There was a non-cash charge of €14.437 million relating to the impairment of both subsidiary goodwill and an associate 
company investment and the write-down of certain property assets. Included in this charge is an impairment charge in relation 
to the carrying value of Allied Foods, a subsidiary of DCC Food & Beverage, following the loss of a major distribution contract 
during the year. In addition, on 3 April 2012 the Group announced that it had agreed to dispose of Altimate Group SA, DCC 
SerCom’s Enterprise distribution business, which is expected to give rise to a loss of approximately €8.0 million, primarily 
resulting from the non-recovery of a portion of the goodwill arising since the acquisition of Altimate in 2000. 

IFRS 3 (revised) requires that the professional fees and tax costs (such as stamp duty) relating to the evaluation and completion 
of an acquisition are expensed in the Income Statement and these costs amounted to €6.568 million.

Most of the Group’s debt has been raised in the US Private Placement market and swapped, using long term interest, currency 
and cross currency derivatives, to floating rate sterling and euro. The level of ineffectiveness calculated under IAS 39 by marking 
to market swaps designated as fair value hedges and the related fixed rate debt, together with gains or losses arising from 
marking to market swaps not designated as fair value hedges offset by gains or losses on that related fixed rate debt, is charged 
or credited as an exceptional item. In the year to 31 March 2012 this amounted to a total exceptional gain of €0.670 million.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

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 
Facility fees 
Other interest 

Other finance costs: 
Interest on defined benefit pension scheme liabilities (note 33)   
Unwinding of discount applicable to deferred and contingent acquisition consideration (note 34) 
Mark-to-market of swaps and related debt* (note 11) 

finance income 
Interest on cash and term deposits 
Net income on interest rate and currency swaps 
Mark-to-market of swaps and related debt* (note 11) 
Other income 
Expected return on defined benefit pension scheme assets (note 33) 

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 

Mark-to-market of designated swaps and related debt 

Currency movements on fixed rate debt not designated as hedged 
Currency swaps not designated as hedges 

Mark-to-market of undesignated swaps and related debt 

Total mark-to-market of swaps and related debt 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

(22,252) 
(1,106) 
(19,576) 
(41) 
(86) 
(739) 
(949) 
(44,749) 

(5,632) 
(66) 
- 
(50,447) 

4,525 
22,314 
670 
1,378 
4,361 
33,248 

(16,950)
(87)
(26,174)
(30)
(122)
-
(861)

(44,224)

(5,347)
(946)
(1,623)

(52,140)

4,306
26,813
-
129
4,691

35,939

(17,199) 

(16,201)

4,714 
48,738 
(53,165) 
287 

(8,969) 
9,352 
383 

(986)
(19,821)
19,097

(1,710)

7,636
(7,549)

87

670 

(1,623)

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) 

2012 
€1=stg£ 

2011
€1=Stg£

0.834 
0.868 

0.884
0.852

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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14. share of Associates’ Loss after tax

The Group’s share of associates’ loss after tax is equity-accounted and is presented as a single line item in the Group Income 
Statement. The loss after tax generated by the Group’s associates is analysed as follows: 

Group share of: 
Revenue 

Operating loss 
Impairment of associate company investment (note 11) 

Loss before finance costs 
Finance costs (net) 

Loss before income tax 
Income tax credit 

Loss after tax 

15. income tax expense

(i) income tax expense recognised in the income statement 

current taxation 
Irish corporation tax at 12.5% 
Manufacturing relief 
Exceptional taxation charge (note 11) 
United Kingdom corporation tax at 26% (2011: 28%)   
Other overseas tax 
Under/(over) provision in respect of prior years 

Total current taxation 

Deferred tax 
Irish at 12.5% 
United Kingdom at 24% (2011: 26%)  
Other overseas deferred tax 
Under provision in respect of prior years 

Total deferred tax charge/(credit) 

total income tax expense 

(ii) Deferred tax recognised directly in equity 

Defined benefit pension obligations 
Cash flow hedges 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

5,732 

10,977

(32) 
(1,068) 
(1,100) 
(14) 
(1,114) 
6 
(1,108) 

(225)
-

(225)
(45)

(270)
31

(239)

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

4,514 
- 
2,234 
11,402 
10,187 
175 

28,512 

(1,373) 
2,696 
88 
14 
1,425 

4,395
(113)
1,354
29,153
9,444
(401)

43,832

(3,329)
1,797
(1,140)
2,611

(61)

29,937 

43,771

(1,178) 
(11) 
(1,189) 

(336)
341

5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

15. income tax expense (continued)

(iii) Reconciliation of effective tax rate 

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 
Share of associates’ loss 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’
loss after tax, amortisation of intangible assets and net exceptionals 
Impact of net exceptionals 

Taxation as a percentage of profit before share of associates’
loss after tax and amortisation of intangible assets 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

132,983 
1,108 
11,379 

145,470 

189,568
239
10,962

200,769

29,937 
2,385 
32,322 

18.0% 
4.2% 

43,771
2,742

46,513

21.0%
2.2%

22.2% 

23.2%

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   

2012 
% 

12.5 
(0.0) 
9.7 
22.2 

2011
%

12.5
(0.1)
10.8

23.2

(iv) factors that may affect future tax rates and other disclosures
No significant change is expected to the standard rate of corporation tax in the Republic of Ireland which is currently 12.5%. 
The standard rate of corporation tax in the UK reduced from 26% to 24% on 1 April 2012 and will reduce by a further 1% per 
annum up to April 2014 when the tax rate will be 22%.

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 €40.444 million (2011: €10.284 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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
123

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GoVeRNANce
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iNfoRMAtioN

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

40,061 

36,296

22,903 

21,738

62,964 

58,034

17. Dividends

Dividends paid per Ordinary Share are as follows: 

Final - paid 48.07 cent per share on 21 July 2011 
(2011: paid 43.70 cent per share on 22 July 2010)  
Interim - paid 27.42 cent per share on 2 December 2011 
(2011: paid 26.11 cent per share on 3 December 2010)  

The Directors are proposing a final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 March 2012 of 50.47 cent per ordinary share  
(€42.157 million). This proposed dividend is subject to approval by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting.

18. earnings per ordinary share

Profit attributable to owners of the Parent 
Amortisation of intangible assets after tax 
Exceptionals after tax (note 11) 

Adjusted profit after taxation and non-controlling 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) 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

102,428 
8,994 
24,989 
136,411 

145,109
8,220
15,627

168,956

2012 
cent 

2011
cent

122.78c 
10.78c 
29.95c 
163.51c 

174.48c
9.88c
18.79c

203.15c

83,427 

83,167

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to owners of the Parent 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.

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) 

2012 
cent 

2011
cent

122.46c 
10.75c 
29.88c 
163.09c 

173.90c
9.85c
18.73c

202.48c

83,639 

83,445

The earnings used for the purposes of the diluted earnings per share calculations were €102.428 million (2011: €145.109 
million) and €136.411 million (2011: €168.956 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 2012 was 83.639 million (2011: 83.445 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: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
124

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

18. earnings per ordinary share (continued)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 
Dilutive effect of options 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for diluted earnings per share   

2012 
€’000 

83,427 
212 
83,639 

2011
€’000

83,167
278

83,445

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.

19. Assets classified as held for sale
On 3 April 2012 the Group announced that it had reached agreement to dispose of Altimate Group SA (‘Altimate’), DCC SerCom’s 
Enterprise distribution business, subject to competition clearance from the European Commission. The decision to dispose of 
Altimate is consistent with the Group’s strategy to focus SerCom Distribution on the supply of IT, communications and home 
entertainment products to retail and reseller customers who in turn service consumers and small and medium sized businesses. 

As at 31 March 2012, Altimate was classified as a disposal group held for sale. The fair value less costs to sell of the major 
classes of assets and liabilities held for sale as at 31 March 2012 are as follows:

Assets 
Property, plant and equipment (note 20) 
Intangible assets (note 21) 
Deferred income tax assets  
Inventories (note 27) 
Trade and other receivables (note 27) 
Cash and cash equivalents (note 28) 

Assets classified as held for sale 

Liabilities 
Deferred income tax liabilities  
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration (note 34) 
Trade and other payables (note 27) 
Current income tax liabilities 
Provisions for liabilities and charges (note 35) 

Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale 

Net assets of the disposal group 

2012
€’000

2,962
29,509
2,493
4,147
62,689
40,814

142,614

(1,036)
(7,153)
(77,436)
(802)
(907)

(87,334)

55,280

The disposal is expected to give rise to a non-cash goodwill impairment loss for the Group of approximately €5.5 million 
resulting from the non-recovery of a portion of the goodwill arising since the acquisition of Altimate in 2000. Consequently,  
an impairment charge of €5.5 million has been recognised in the year ended 31 March 2012 (note 11).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
125

oVeRVieW
BUsiNess peRfoRMANce
GoVeRNANce
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iNfoRMAtioN

plant & 
machinery 
& cylinders 

fixtures & 
fittings & 
office 
equipment 

€’000 

€’000 

Motor 
vehicles 

€’000 

total

€’000

150,980 
7,836 
11,500 
- 
30,493 
(1,131) 
(24,737) 
- 
(3) 
(1,547) 

35,963 
1,475 
1,905 
(127) 
8,914 
(424) 
(10,154) 
- 
(2,957) 
266 

63,180 
3,666 
4,445 
- 
26,355 
(2,115) 
(17,137) 
- 
- 
1,004 

395,485
18,563
26,224
(127)
75,125
(3,776)
(55,435)
(2,000)
(2,962)
-

Land & 
buildings 

€’000 

145,362 
5,586 
8,374 
- 
9,363 
(106) 
(3,407) 
(2,000) 
(2) 
277 

163,447 

173,391 

34,861 

79,398 

451,097

199,731 
(36,284) 

445,096 
(271,705) 

112,061 
(77,200) 

164,003 
(84,605) 

920,891
(469,794)

163,447 

173,391 

34,861 

79,398 

451,097

138,740 
(134) 
1,281 
(3,445) 
15,929 
(783) 
(3,097) 
(5,401) 
2,272 

138,665 
(54) 
13,778 
(719) 
28,984 
(1,583) 
(25,036) 
(673) 
(2,382) 

145,362 

150,980 

27,751 
(125) 
6,378 
(383) 
12,332 
(325) 
(9,849) 
- 
184 

35,963 

52,940 
(60) 
1,271 
(674) 
26,778 
(2,077) 
(14,924) 
- 
(74) 

358,096
(373)
22,708
(5,221)
84,023
(4,768)
(52,906)
(6,074)
-

63,180 

395,485

173,732 
(28,370) 

392,678 
(241,698) 

106,014 
(70,051) 

135,954 
(72,774) 

808,378
(412,893)

145,362 

150,980 

35,963 

63,180 

395,485

20. property, plant and equipment

Group 

Year ended 31 March 2012
Opening net book amount 
Exchange differences 
Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 46) 
Disposal of subsidiaries 
Additions 
Disposals 
Depreciation charge 
Impairment charge (note 11) 
Assets classified as held for sale (note 19) 
Reclassifications 

Closing net book amount 

At 31 March 2012 
Cost 
Accumulated depreciation 

Net book amount 

Year ended 31 March 2011 
Opening net book amount 
Exchange differences 
Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 46) 
Disposal of subsidiaries 
Additions 
Disposals 
Depreciation charge 
Impairment charge (note 11) 
Reclassifications 

Closing net book amount 

At 31 March 2011 
Cost 
Accumulated depreciation 

Net book amount 

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 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

58,465 
(57,626) 

839 

881 

54,712
(53,215)

1,497

607

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
126

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

21. intangible Assets

Group 

Year ended 31 March 2012 
Opening net book amount 
Exchange differences 
Arising on acquisition (note 46) 
Disposal of subsidiaries 
Impairment charge (note 11) 
Other movements (note 34) 
Amortisation charge 
Assets classified as held for sale (note 19) 

Closing net book amount 

At 31 March 2012 
Cost 
Accumulated amortisation 

Net book amount 

Year ended 31 March 2011 
Opening net book amount 
Exchange differences 
Arising on acquisition (note 46) 
Disposal of subsidiaries 
Other movements (note 34) 
Amortisation charge 

Closing net book amount 

At 31 March 2011 
Cost 
Accumulated amortisation 

Net book amount 

Goodwill 

€’000 

customer 
related 

€’000 

total

€’000

597,597 
24,392 
143,658 
(2,381) 
(11,369) 
(441) 
- 
(28,067) 

38,517 
1,984 
34,136 
- 
- 
- 
(11,379) 
(1,442) 

636,114
26,376
177,794
(2,381)
(11,369)
(441)
(11,379)
(29,509)

723,389 

61,816 

785,205

747,562 
(24,173) 

114,993 
(53,177) 

862,555
(77,350)

723,389 

61,816 

785,205

561,077 
2,170 
46,783 
(9,394) 
(3,039) 
- 

34,013 
391 
15,075 
- 
- 
(10,962) 

595,090
2,561
61,858
(9,394)
(3,039)
(10,962)

597,597 

38,517 

636,114

624,397 
(26,800) 

81,143 
(42,626) 

705,540
(69,426)

597,597 

38,517 

636,114

Customer related intangible assets principally comprise contractual and non-contractual customer relationships arising from 
business combinations and are amortised over their estimated useful lives. The average remaining amortisation period is 4.0 years 
(2011: 3.8 years).

cash generating units
Goodwill acquired in business combinations is allocated, at acquisition, to the cash-generating units (CGUs) that are expected to 
benefit from that business combination. The CGUs represent the lowest level within the Group at which the associated goodwill 
is monitored for internal management purposes and are not larger than the operating segments determined in accordance with 
IFRS 8 Operating Segments. A total of 24 CGUs (2011: 24 CGUs) have been identified and these are analysed between the five 
operating segments below together with a summary of the allocation of the carrying value of goodwill by segment.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
127

oVeRVieW
BUsiNess peRfoRMANce
GoVeRNANce
fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
iNfoRMAtioN

 cash generating units 
2011 
number 

2012 
number 

Goodwill (€’000)

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

6 
5 
4 
4 
5 
24 

6 
6 
4 
3 
5 
24 

426,481 
79,260 
101,372 
91,779 
24,497 
723,389 

312,460
105,003
86,296
63,865
29,973

597,597

21. intangible Assets (continued)

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

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 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

298,283 
83,557 

214,120
68,924

The remaining goodwill balance of €341.549 million is allocated across 22 CGUs (2011: €314.553 million over 22 CGUs), none of 
which are individually significant.

impairment testing of goodwill
Goodwill acquired through business combinations has been allocated to CGUs for the purpose of impairment testing. Goodwill 
is tested for impairment by review of profit and cash flow forecasts and budgets.

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 that has been formally approved by the Board of Directors and specifically 
excludes 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 (2012: 2.5%; 2011: 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 (2012: 8.0%; 2011: 8.0%), adjusted to reflect risks associated with each CGU. 

Key assumptions include management’s estimates of future profitability, capital expenditure requirements, working capital 
investment and tax considerations. Cash flow forecasts and key assumptions are generally determined based on historical 
performance together with management’s expectation of future trends affecting the industry and other developments and 
initiatives in the business. The prior year assumptions were prepared on the same basis.

Sensitivity analysis was performed using a discount rate of 10.0% and a terminal growth rate of 1.5% and resulted in an excess 
in the recoverable amount of all CGUs over their carrying amount. Management believes that any reasonable change in any of 
the key assumptions would not cause the carrying value of goodwill to exceed the recoverable amount.

Applying these techniques, an impairment charge of €5.869 million arose in 2012 (2011: nil). The impairment charge arose 
in a CGU in the Food & Beverage segment following the loss of a major distribution contract during the year. In addition, the 
Group announced that it has agreed to dispose of Altimate Group SA, part of DCC SerCom’s distribution business. The disposal 
is conditional on competition clearance from the European Commission and is expected to give rise to a non-cash goodwill 
impairment loss of €5.5 million which has been provided for in the current year (note 19).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
128

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

22. investments in Associates

At 1 April 
Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 46) 
Share of loss after tax (note 14) 

At 31 March 

2012 
€’000 

2,281 
- 
(1,108) 
1,173 

2011
€’000

2,393
127
(239)

2,281

Investments in associates at 31 March 2012 include goodwill of €0.422 million (2011: €0.534 million).

The Group’s geographical share of the assets (including goodwill) and liabilities of its associates is as follows:

As at 31 March 2012 
Ireland 
France 

As at 31 March 2011 
Ireland 
France 

  Non-current 
assets 
€’000 

current  Non-current 
liabilities 
€’000 

assets 
€’000 

current 
liabilities 
€’000 

516 
7 

523 

787 
7 

794 

1,296 
449 

1,745 

3,338 
769 

4,107 

- 
(126) 

(126) 

(1,808) 
(534) 

(2,342) 

(751) 
(218) 

(969) 

(148) 
(130) 

(278) 

Net
assets
€’000

1,061
112

1,173

2,169
112

2,281

Details of the Group’s associates are as follows:

Name and Registered office 

Nature of Business 

financial Year end 

% shareholding 

Relevant share capital

John Hinde International Limited, 
IDA Business Park, Southern Cross Road, 
Bray, Co Wicklow. 

Lee Oil (Cork) Limited, 
Clonminam Industrial Estate, 
Portlaoise, Co Laois. 

Sale of tourism, gift 
and novelty products. 

31 December 

32.6% 

10,726 ordinary
  shares of €1.25 each.

Sale and distribution 
of oil products. 

31 March 

50.0% 

100 ordinary
  shares of €1.26 each.

SAS Blue Stork Industry 
300, rue du Président Salvador Allende, 
92700 Colombes, France. 

Sales and distribution of  
computer hardware,  
software and peripherals. 

31 March 

20.0% 

740 ordinary
shares of €10 each.

company 

At 1 April 
Impairment of investment in associate company 

At 31 March 

2012 
€’000 

1,244 
(994) 
250 

2011
€’000

1,244
-

1,244

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
129

oVeRVieW
BUsiNess peRfoRMANce
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iNfoRMAtioN

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

168,065 

168,065

23. investments in subsidiary Undertakings

company 

At 31 March 

Details of the Group’s principal operating subsidiaries are shown on pages 158 to 162. Non-wholly owned subsidiaries 
comprises DCC Environmental Britain Limited (70%) (which owns 100% of Wastecycle Limited, Oakwood Fuels Limited and 
William Tracey Limited) where put and call options exist to acquire the remaining 30%, Comtrade SA (83%) where a deferred 
purchase agreement is in place to acquire the remaining 17% and Virtus Limited (51%).

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 Hill House, 1 Little New Street, London EC4A 3TR, England. The 
registered office of DCC International Holdings B.V. is Teleport Boulevard 140, 1043 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

24. inventories

Group 

Raw materials 
Work in progress 
Finished goods 

25. trade and other Receivables

Group 

Trade receivables 
Provision for impairment of trade receivables (note 47) 
Prepayments and accrued income 
Loan to associate company 
Value added tax recoverable 
Other debtors 

company 

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings 
Prepayments and accrued income 
Loan to associate company 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

11,831 
1,953 
324,386 
338,170 

9,601
1,842
236,686

248,129

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

  1,219,841 
(26,217) 
53,129 
100 
21,099 
23,746 

979,553
(31,202)
43,708
-
19,410
22,806
  1,291,698  1,034,275

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

409,554 
2 
100 
409,656 

414,312
2
-

414,314

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
130

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

26. trade and other payables

Group 

Trade payables 
Other creditors and accruals 
PAYE and National Insurance 
Value added tax 
Government grants (note 36) 
Interest payable 
Amounts due in respect of property, plant and equipment 

company 

Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings 
Other creditors and accruals 

27. Movement in Working capital

Group 

Year ended 31 March 2012 
At 1 April 2011 
Translation adjustment 
Arising on acquisition (note 46) 
Disposal of subsidiaries 
Exceptional items, interest accruals and other 
Increase/(decrease) in working capital (note 42) 
Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale (note 19) 

At 31 March 2012 

Year ended 31 March 2011 
At 1 April 2010 
Translation adjustment 
Arising on acquisition (note 46) 
Disposal of subsidiaries 
Exceptional items, interest accruals and other 
Increase/(decrease) in working capital (note 42) 

At 31 March 2011 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

  1,278,255 
168,588 
12,590 
62,148 
67 
6,643 
5,591 

934,004
156,628
15,240
38,142
127
4,950
695
  1,533,882  1,149,786

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

297,798 
678 
298,476 

315,322
1,128

316,450

trade 
and other 
receivables 
€’000 

trade 
and other 
payables 
€’000 

inventories 
€’000 

total
€’000

248,129  1,034,275  (1,149,786) 
(56,883) 
49,740 
(131,960) 
111,106 
1,238 
(219) 
(12,142) 
666 
(261,785) 
158,819 
77,436 
(62,689) 

10,611 
27,205 
- 
- 
56,372 
(4,147) 

132,618
3,468
6,351
1,019
(11,476)
(46,594)
10,600

338,170  1,291,698  (1,533,882) 

95,986

234,898 
926 
19,214 
(11,578) 
- 
4,669 

922,019 
1,130 
47,272 
(12,147) 
439 
75,562 

(1,039,641) 
(2,202) 
(44,224) 
7,436 
(1,792) 
(69,363) 

117,276
(146)
22,262
(16,289)
(1,353)
10,868

248,129  1,034,275 

(1,149,786) 

132,618

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
131

oVeRVieW
BUsiNess peRfoRMANce
GoVeRNANce
fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
iNfoRMAtioN

trade 
and other 
receivables 
€’000 

trade 
and other 
payables 
€’000 

total
€’000

414,314 
(4,658) 

(326,837) 
(15,333) 

87,477
(19,991)

409,656 

(342,170) 

67,486

421,462 
(7,148) 

(296,272) 
(30,565) 

125,190
(37,713)

414,314 

(326,837) 

87,477

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

241,336 
388,687 
630,023 

185,106
515,234

700,340

27. Movement in Working capital (continued)

company 

Year ended 31 March 2012 
At 1 April 2011 
Decrease in working capital (note 42) 

At 31 March 2012 

Year ended 31 March 2011 
At 1 April 2010 
Decrease in working capital (note 42) 

At 31 March 2011 

28. cash and cash equivalents

Group 

Cash at bank and in hand 
Short-term bank deposits 

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 
Cash and short-term bank deposits attributable to assets held for sale 

Bank overdrafts are included within current borrowings (note 30) in the Group Balance Sheet.

company 

Cash at bank and in hand 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

630,023 
(70,758) 
40,814 
600,079 

700,340
(34,212)
-

666,128

2012 
€’000 

867 

2011
€’000

30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
132

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

29. Derivative financial instruments

Group 

Non-current assets 
Interest rate swaps - fair value hedges 
Cross currency interest rate swaps - fair value hedges 

current assets 
Forward contracts - cash flow hedges 
Commodity contracts - cash flow hedges 
Commodity contracts - fair value hedges 
Forward contracts - not designated as hedges 
Commodity contracts - not designated as hedges 

total assets 

Non-current liabilities 
Currency swaps - not designated as hedges 
Cross currency interest rate swaps - fair value hedges 
Interest rate swaps - fair value hedges 

current liabilities 
Forward contracts - cash flow hedges 
Commodity contracts - cash flow hedges 
Forward contracts - not designated as hedges 

total liabilities 

Net asset arising on derivative financial instruments  

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

24,070 
110,461 
134,531 

1,650 
1,726 
878 
11 
29 
4,294 
138,825 

(17,493) 
- 
- 
(17,493) 

(389) 
(614) 
(17) 
(1,020) 
(18,513) 
120,312 

19,778
64,598

84,376

161
3,076
319
6
-

3,562

87,938

(26,845)
(2,875)
(422)

(30,142)

(375)
(38)
(120)

(533)

(30,675)

57,263

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 2012 total US$200.0 million, Stg£55.0 million and €20.0 million. At 31 March 2012, the fixed interest rates vary from 
4.58% to 6.18% and the floating rates are based on US$ LIBOR, sterling LIBOR and EURIBOR.

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$683.0 million into 
floating rate sterling debt of Stg£306.967 million and floating rate euro debt of €110.051 million. At 31 March 2012 the fixed 
interest rates vary from 4.37% to 6.19%. These swaps are designated as fair value hedges under IAS 39.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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29. Derivative financial instruments (continued)

forward foreign exchange contracts
The notional principal amounts of outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts at 31 March 2012 total €91.631 million 
(2011: €33.841 million). Gains and losses recognised in the cash flow hedge reserve in equity (note 39) at 31 March 2012 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 2012 total €19.444 million (2011: 
€12.879 million). Gains and losses recognised in the cash flow hedge reserve in equity (note 39) at 31 March 2012 on forward 
commodity 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.

30. Borrowings

Group 

Non-current 
Bank borrowings 
Finance leases* 
Unsecured Notes due 2013 to 2022 

current 
Bank borrowings 
Finance leases* 
Loan notes 
Unsecured Notes due 2011 

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 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

- 
287 
848,078 
848,365 

70,758 
241 
- 
- 
70,999 
919,364 

350
413
761,481

762,244

34,668
475
120
5,279

40,542

802,786

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

76,792 
360,429 
411,144 
848,365 

317
297,940
463,987

762,244

Bank borrowings and finance leases
Interest on bank borrowings is at floating rates set in advance for periods ranging from overnight to six months by reference 
to inter-bank interest rates (EURIBOR, sterling LIBOR and US$ LIBOR) and consequently fair value approximates carrying 
amounts. The majority of finance leases are at fixed rates.

In January 2012, the Group put in place a five year committed revolving credit facility with four relationship banks: Barclays, 
HSBC, JP Morgan and RBS. The Group had various other uncommitted bank facilities available at 31 March 2012.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

30. Borrowings (continued)

Unsecured Notes due 2013 to 2022
The Group’s Unsecured Notes due 2013 to 2022 is comprised of 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’), fixed rate debt of US$120.0 million issued in 2008 and maturing in 
2013 and 2015 (the ‘2013/15 Notes’) and fixed rate debt of US$363.0 million and €20.0 million issued in 2010 and maturing in 
2015, 2017, 2020 and 2022 (the ‘2015/17/20/22 Notes’). 

The 2013/15 Notes which are all 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 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.

Of the 2015/17/20/22 Notes denominated in US$, $213.0 million has been swapped (using cross currency interest rate swaps 
designated as fair value hedges under IAS 39) from fixed US$ to floating sterling rates, repricing quarterly based on sterling 
LIBOR and $150.0 million has been swapped (using cross currency interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges under 
IAS 39) from fixed US$ to floating euro rates, repricing quarterly based on EURIBOR. The 2015/17/20/22 Notes denominated in 
euro have been swapped from fixed to floating euro rates (using an interest rate swap designated as a fair value hedge under 
IAS 39), repricing quarterly based on EURIBOR.

The maturity and interest profile of the Unsecured Notes is as follows:

Average maturity 

Average fixed interest rates* 
- US$ denominated 
- sterling denominated 
- euro denominated 

Average floating rate including swaps 
- sterling denominated  
- euro denominated 
*Issued and repayable at par

2012 

2011

  5.0 years 

6.0 years

5.54% 
5.95% 
4.58% 

5.56%
5.95%
4.58%

2.39% 
2.73% 

2.08%
2.24%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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31. 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 2012 is as follows:

Cash and short term bank deposits 
Overdrafts 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Bank loans and loan notes 
Finance leases 
Unsecured Notes due 2013 to 2022 
Derivative financial instruments (net) 

At 1 
April 2011 
€’000 

700,340 
(34,212) 

666,128 
(926) 
(888) 
(766,760) 
57,263 

cash flow 
€’000 

(59,622) 
(33,862) 

(93,484) 
929 
397 
5,386 
(224) 

fair value 
adjustment 
€’000 

translation 
At 31
adjustment  March 2012
€’000

€’000 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
(62,134) 
62,804 

30,119 
(2,684) 

27,435 
(3) 
(37) 
(24,570) 
469 

670,837
(70,758)

600,079
-
(528)
(848,078)
120,312

Group net debt (including share of net cash in joint ventures) 

(45,183) 

(86,996) 

670 

3,294 

(128,215)

Group net debt (excluding cash attributable to 
assets classified as held for sale) 

Group net debt (excluding share of net cash in joint ventures
and cash attributable to assets classified as held for sale) 

(71,649) 

(101,344) 

670 

3,294 

(169,029)

(73,252) 

(101,478) 

670 

3,294 

(170,766)

The reconciliation of opening to closing net debt for the year ended 31 March 2011 is as follows:

Cash and short term bank deposits 
Overdrafts 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Bank loans and loan notes 
Finance leases 
Unsecured Notes due 2011 to 2022 
Derivative financial instruments (net) 

Group net debt (including share of net cash in joint ventures) 

Group net debt (excluding share of net cash in joint ventures) 

currency profile

The currency profile of net debt at 31 March 2012 is as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents  
Borrowings 
Derivatives 

The currency profile of net debt at 31 March 2011 is as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents  
Borrowings 
Derivatives 

At 1 
April 2010 
€’000 

714,917 
(39,956) 

674,961 
(18,648) 
(2,073) 
(791,155) 
83,376 

(53,539) 

(54,678) 

Cash flow 
€’000 

Fair value 
adjustment 
€’000 

At 31
Translation 
adjustment  March 2011
€’000

€’000 

(17,536) 
6,151 

(11,385) 
18,168 
1,234 
- 
2,331 

10,348 

9,884 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
26,733 
(28,356) 

(1,623) 

(1,623) 

2,959 
(407) 

2,552 
(446) 
(49) 
(2,338) 
(88) 

(369) 

(369) 

700,340
(34,212)

666,128
(926)
(888)
(766,760)
57,263

(45,183)

(46,786)

euro 
€’000 

sterling 
€’000 

Us Dollar 
€’000 

other 
€’000 

total
€’000

82,025 
(325,953) 
12,150 

520,543 
(592,509) 
106,291 

(231,778) 

34,325 

8,108 
(902) 
1,871 

9,077 

19,347 
- 
- 

630,023
(919,364)
120,312

19,347 

(169,029)

Euro 
€’000 

Sterling 
€’000 

US Dollar 
€’000 

199,599 
(287,803) 
(16,073) 

482,660 
(509,523) 
71,732 

(104,277) 

44,869 

17,708 
(5,460) 
1,604 

13,852 

Other 
€’000 

373 
- 
- 

373 

Total
€’000

700,340
(802,786)
57,263

(45,183)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

31. Analysis of Net Debt (continued)

interest rate profile
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2011 have maturity periods up to three months (note 28).

Bank borrowings are at floating interest rates for periods less than six months while the Group’s Unsecured Notes due 2013 
to 2022 have been swapped to floating rates which reset on a quarterly or semi-annual basis (note 30). The majority of finance 
leases are at fixed rates.

32. 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 
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 
Arising on acquisition 
Disposal of subsidiaries 
Income Statement charge/(credit) (note 15) 
Tax recognised directly in equity (note 15) 
Deferred tax attributable to assets classified as held for sale (note 19) 

At 31 March 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

2,569 
515 
3,313 
6,397 

14,110 
17,665 
236 
32,011 

3,180
515
5,633

9,328

12,070
13,154
210

25,434

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

16,106 
107 
7,710 
(2) 
1,425 
(1,189) 
1,457 
25,614 

11,313
(248)
4,536
561
(61)
5
-

16,106

33. post employment Benefit obligations

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

The Group operates eight defined benefit pension schemes in the Republic of Ireland and four 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 2009 and 1 April 2011. 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 2012 for IAS 19 by a qualified actuary. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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2012 

2011

2.00% - 3.25% 
0.00% - 2.50% 
4.50% 
2.25% 

2.25% - 4.00%
0.00% - 3.00%
5.50%
2.25%

0.00% - 4.30% 
3.40% 
5.05% 
3.40% 

3.60% - 4.60%
3.60%
5.45%
3.60%

2012 

2011

7.00% 
3.10% 
5.50% 
2.00% 

7.00% 
3.50% 
6.00% 
0.50% 

7.25%
3.75%
5.75%
2.00%

7.85%
4.35%
6.85%
0.50%

33. post employment 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 

The expected rate of return for equities and property has been calculated assuming that equities and property will outperform 
bonds by 3.9% and 2.4% 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.

2012 

23.4 
25.0 

26.5 
27.6 

2011

23.2
25.0

26.3
27.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

33. post employment Benefit obligations (continued)

The net pension liability recognised in the Balance Sheet is analysed as follows:

Equities 
Bonds 
Property 
Cash 

Total market value at 31 March 2012 
Present value of scheme liabilities 

Net pension liability at 31 March 2012 

Equities 
Bonds 
Property 
Cash 

Total market value at 31 March 2011 
Present value of scheme liabilities 

Net pension liability at 31 March 2011 

Roi 
€’000 

27,520 
49,039 
921 
3,628 

2012 

UK 
€’000 

7,977 
10,783 
1,082 
598 

total
€’000

35,497
59,822
2,003
4,226

81,108 
(90,400) 

20,440 
(25,893) 

101,548
(116,293)

(9,292) 

(5,453) 

(14,745)

ROI 
€’000 

27,273 
37,719 
1,691 
3,523 

70,206 
(83,885) 

(13,679) 

2011 

UK 
€’000 

5,168 
7,051 
1,064 
234 

Total
€’000

32,441
44,770
2,755
3,757

13,517 
(19,173) 

83,723
(103,058)

(5,656) 

(19,335)

The amounts recognised in the Group Income Statement in respect of defined benefit pension schemes is as follows:

Current service cost (note 9) 

Total, included in employee benefit expenses  

Exceptional curtailment and settlement gains  

Total, included in exceptional items (note 11) 

Interest cost, included in finance costs (note 12) 
Expected return on plan assets, included in finance income (note 12) 

Total 

2012 
€’000 

(1,477) 
(1,477) 

3,587 

3,587 

(5,632) 
4,361 
(1,271) 

2011
€’000

(2,383)

(2,383)

4,976

4,976

(5,347)
4,691

(656)

Based on the assumptions employed for the valuation of assets and liabilities at 31 March 2012, the net charge in the Group 
Income Statement in the year ending 31 March 2012 is expected to be marginally lower than the current year figures.

The actuarial gain recognised in Other Comprehensive Income 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 Other Comprehensive Income 

2012 
€’000 

1,222 
1,849 
(11,862) 
(8,791) 

2011
€’000

(2,030)
1,344
(1,904)

(2,590)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

83,723 
4,361 
1,222 
8,971 
480 
(1,964) 
3,712 
1,043 
101,548 

79,953
4,691
(2,030)
5,080
468
(4,551)
-
112

83,723

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

103,058 
1,477 
5,632 
10,013 
480 
(1,964) 
3,857 
(3,587) 
(2,673) 
116,293 

103,643
2,383
5,347
560
468
(4,551)
-
(4,976)
184

103,058

33. post employment Benefit obligations (continued)

The movement in the fair value of plan assets is as follows:

At 1 April 
Expected return on assets 
Actuarial gain/(loss) 
Contributions by employers 
Contributions by members 
Benefits paid 
Acquisition of subsidiary 
Exchange  

At 31 March 

The actual return on plan assets was a gain of €5.583 million (2011: gain of €2.661 million).

The movement in the present value of defined benefit obligations is as follows:

At 1 April 
Current service cost  
Interest cost 
Actuarial loss 
Contributions by members 
Benefits paid 
Acquisition of subsidiary 
Curtailment and settlement gains 
Exchange and other* 

At 31 March 

*  Includes a reduction in the defined benefit pension obligation of €4.031 million in respect of the establishment of a cap on 

pension assets by the Irish Finance Act 2006 as described in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration and Interests on page 80. 

Employer contributions for the forthcoming financial year are estimated at €5.5 million. The difference between the actual 
employer contributions paid in the current year of €8.971 million and the expectation of €5.0 million included in the 2011 
Annual Report was primarily due to accelerated funding requirements in certain of the Group’s pension schemes which could 
not have been anticipated at the time of preparation of the 2011 financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

33. post employment 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 

2012 
€’000 

2011 
€’000 

2010 
€’000 

2009 
€’000 

2008
€’000

101,548 
(116,293) 

83,723 
(103,058) 

79,953 
(103,643) 

52,265 
(81,763) 

67,907
(89,758)

(14,745) 

(19,335) 

(23,690) 

(29,498) 

(21,851)

Difference between the expected and actual return on scheme assets 
As a percentage of scheme assets 

1,222 
1.2% 

(2,030) 
(2.4%) 

13,178 
16.5% 

(21,904) 
(41.9%) 

(13,935)
(20.5%)

Experience gains and losses on scheme liabilities 
As a percentage of the present value of the scheme liabilities 

Total recognised in Other Comprehensive Income 
As a percentage of the present value of the scheme liabilities 

1,849 
(1.6%) 

(8,791) 
7.6% 

1,344 
(1.3%) 

2,231 
(2.2%) 

(589) 
0.7% 

(2,590) 
2.5% 

(1,595) 
1.5% 

(9,517) 
11.6% 

(3,737)
4.2%

(9,086)
10.1%

Cumulatively since transition to IFRS on 1 April 2004, €35.966 million has been recognised as a charge in the Group Statement 
of Comprehensive Income as follows:

Recognised in the financial year ended 31 March 2005 
Recognised in the financial year ended 31 March 2006 
Recognised in the financial year ended 31 March 2007 
Recognised in the financial year ended 31 March 2008 
Recognised in the financial year ended 31 March 2009 
Recognised in the financial year ended 31 March 2010 
Recognised in the financial year ended 31 March 2011 
Recognised in the financial year ended 31 March 2012 

€’000

(7,742)
1,779
1,576
(9,086)
(9,517)
(1,595)
(2,590)
(8,791)

(35,966)

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 

change in assumption 

impact on irish plan liabilities 

impact on UK plan liabilities 

Discount rate 
Price inflation 
Mortality 

Increase/decrease by 0.25% 
Increase/decrease by 0.25% 
Increase/decrease by one year 

Decrease/increase by 5.4% 
Increase/decrease by 3.1% 
Increase/decrease by 2.3% 

Decrease/increase by 5.3%
Increase/decrease by 4.7%
Increase/decrease by 2.4%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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34. Deferred and contingent Acquisition consideration

Group
The Group’s deferred and contingent acquisition consideration of €98.699 million (2011: €74.344 million) as stated on the Balance 
Sheet consists of €10.998 million of Euro floating rate provisions (2011: €14.797 million), €9.999 million of Swedish Krona floating 
rate provisions (2011: nil) and €77.702 million of Sterling floating rate provisions (2011: €59.547 million) payable as follows:

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

Analysed as: 
Non-current liabilities 
Current liabilities 

The movement in the Group’s deferred and contingent acquisition consideration is as follows:

At 1 April 
Arising on acquisition 
Unwinding of discount applicable to deferred and contingent acquisition consideration 
Disposal of subsidiaries 
Amounts no longer required (note 21) 
Paid during the year 
Exchange and other 
Deferred and contingent consideration attributable to assets classified as held for sale (note 19) 

At 31 March 

2012 
€’000 

13,428 
8,186 
77,085 
98,699 

85,271 
13,428 
98,699 

2011
€’000

9,156
9,843
55,345

74,344

65,188
9,156

74,344

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

74,344 
37,595 
66 
- 
(441) 
(8,063) 
2,351 
(7,153) 
98,699 

54,209
27,050
946
(1,106)
(3,039)
(3,709)
(7)
-

74,344

35. provisions for Liabilities and charges

The reconciliation of the movement in provisions for liabilities and charges for the year ended 31 March 2012 is as follows:

Group 

At 1 April 2011 
Provided during the year 
Utilised during the year 
Arising on acquisition (note 46) 
Provisions for liabilities and charges attributable  
to assets classified as held for sale (note 19) 
Exchange and other 

At 31 March 2012 

Analysed as: 
Non-current liabilities 
Current liabilities 

 environmental 
and 
remediation 
€’000 

 Rationalisation, 
  restructuring 
and 
redundancy 
€’000 

insurance 
and other 
€’000 

8,258 
245 
(1,817) 
2,769 

- 
429 

4,705 
604 
(497) 
438 

(232) 
76 

total
€’000

17,365
8,731
(3,409)
3,207

4,402 
7,882 
(1,095) 
- 

(675) 
(88) 

(907)
417

9,884 

5,094 

10,426 

25,404

9,884 
- 

9,884 

1,683 
3,411 

5,094 

3,871 
6,555 

10,426 

15,438
9,966

25,404

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
142

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

35. provisions for Liabilities and charges (continued)
The reconciliation of the movement in provisions for liabilities and charges for the year ended 31 March 2011 is as follows:

Group 

At 1 April 2010 
Provided during the year 
Utilised during the year 
Arising on acquisition (note 46) 
Disposal of subsidiaries 
Exchange and other 

At 31 March 2011 

Analysed as: 
Non-current liabilities 
Current liabilities 

  Environmental 
and 
remediation 
€’000 

 Rationalisation, 
restructuring 
and 
redundancy 
€’000 

Insurance 
and other 
€’000 

8,545 
300 
(655) 
- 
- 
68 

8,258 

7,955 
303 

8,258 

4,220 
698 
(259) 
36 
(52) 
62 

4,705 

4,158 
547 

4,705 

Total
€’000

17,801
3,117
(3,315)
70
(400)
92

17,365

5,036 
2,119 
(2,401) 
34 
(348) 
(38) 

4,402 

2,143 
2,259 

4,402 

14,256
3,109

17,365

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 
(2011: 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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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2012 
€’000 

2,991 
(604) 
13 
- 
125 
2,525 
(67) 
2,458 

2011
€’000

3,853
(730)
626
(788)
30

2,991
(127)

2,864

36. Government Grants

Group 

At 1 April 
Amortisation in year 
Received in year 
Disposal of subsidiaries 
Exchange and other adjustments 

At 31 March 
Disclosed as due within one year (note 26) 

Government grants relate to capital grants received and are amortised to the Income Statement over the estimated useful lives 
of the related capital assets.

37. share capital

Group and company 

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

issued 
88,229,404 ordinary shares (including 4,700,907 ordinary shares held as Treasury Shares)  
of €0.25 each, fully paid (2011: 88,229,404 ordinary shares (including 4,911,407 ordinary 
shares held as Treasury Shares) of €0.25 each, fully paid) 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

38,092 

38,092

22,057 

22,057

As at 31 March 2012, the total authorised number of ordinary shares is 152,368,568 shares (2011: 152,368,568 shares) with a 
par value of €0.25 per share (2011: €0.25 per share).

During the year the Company re-issued 210,500 Treasury Shares for a consideration (net of expenses) of €2.372 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 74 to 83.

38. share premium

Group and company 

At 31 March 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

124,687 

124,687

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

39. other Reserves

Group 

At 31 March 2010 
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 
Share based payment 

At 31 March 2011 
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 
Share based payment 

At 31 March 2012 

company 

At 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2011 

cash flow 
hedge 
reserve2 
€’000 

foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve3 
€’000 

other 
reserves4 
€’000 

total
€’000

(295) 
- 

(129,772) 
4,636 

1,400 
- 

(119,519)
4,636

9,038 
(1,935) 
(116) 
(7,299) 
1,594 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

9,038
(1,935)
(116)
(7,299)
1,594
1,389

share 
options1 
€’000 

9,148 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,389 

10,537 
- 

987 
- 

(125,136) 
46,711 

1,400 
- 

(112,212)
46,711

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
549 

820 
(103) 
494 
(1,125) 
114 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

820
(103)
494
(1,125)
114
549

11,086 

1,187 

(78,425) 

1,400 

(64,752)

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.

3  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.

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

895,108 
102,428 

806,452
145,109

(8,791) 
1,178 
2,372 
(62,964) 
929,331 

(2,590)
336
3,835
(58,034)

895,108

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

109,728 
40,444 
2,372 
(62,964) 
89,580 

153,643
10,284
3,835
(58,034)

109,728

40. 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 
Re-issue of treasury shares (net of expenses) 
Dividends 

At 31 March 

company 

At 1 April 
Total comprehensive income for the financial year 
Re-issue of treasury shares (net of expenses) 
Dividends 

At 31 March 

The cost to the Group and the Company of €62.272 million to acquire the 4,700,907 shares held in Treasury has been deducted 
from the Group and Company Retained Earnings. These shares were acquired at prices ranging from €10.80 to €17.90 each 
(average: €13.25) between 27 November 2003 and 19 June 2006.

41. Non-controlling interests

Group 

At 1 April 
Share of profit for the financial year 
Dividends to non-controlling interests 
Disposal of subsidiaries 
Exchange and other adjustments 

At 31 March 

2012 
€’000 

2,234 
618 
(196) 
- 
- 
2,656 

2011
€’000

3,249
688
(219)
(1,457)
(27)

2,234

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
146

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

42. cash Generated from operations

Group 

Profit for the financial year 
Add back non-operating expenses 
- tax (note 15) 
- share of loss from associates (note 14) 
- net operating exceptionals (note 11) 
- net finance costs (note 12) 
operating profit before exceptionals 
- share-based payments expense (note 10) 
- depreciation (note 20) 
- amortisation (note 21) 
- profit on sale of property, plant and equipment 
- amortisation of government grants (note 36) 
- other 
Changes in working capital (excluding the effects of acquisition and exchange differences on consolidation):

- inventories (note 27) 
- trade and other receivables (note 27) 
- trade and other payables (note 27) 
cash generated from operations 

company 

Profit for the financial year 
Add back non-operating (income)/expense 
- impairment of associate company investment 
- net finance income  
- dividend income 
operating loss 
Changes in working capital: 
- trade and other receivables (note 27) 
- trade and other payables (note 27) 
cash generated from operations 

43. contingencies

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

103,046 

145,797

29,937 
1,108 
22,357 
17,199 
173,647 
549 
55,435 
11,379 
(838) 
(604) 
(8,840) 

43,771
239
12,650
16,201

218,658
1,389
52,906
10,962
(818)
(730)
(1,927)

(56,372) 
(158,819) 
261,785 
277,322 

(4,669)
(75,562)
69,363

269,572

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

40,444 

10,284

994 
(11,452) 
(30,000) 
(14) 

4,658 
15,333 
19,977 

-
(13,241)
-

(2,957)

7,148
30,565

34,756

Guarantees
The Company and certain subsidiaries have given guarantees of €1,390.175 million (2011: €1,173.393 million) in respect of 
borrowings and other obligations arising in the ordinary course of business of the Company and other Group undertakings. 

other
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 17, Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986, the Company has guaranteed the liabilities of the 
following subsidiaries; Alvabay Limited, DCC Business Expansion Fund Limited, DCC Corporate Partners Limited, DCC Energy 
Limited, DCC Finance Limited, DCC Funding 2007 Limited, DCC Healthcare Limited, DCC Management Services Limited, DCC 
Nominees Limited, DCC SerCom Limited, Emo Oil Limited, Energy Procurement Limited, Fannin Limited, Fannin Compounding 
Limited, Flogas Ireland Limited, Great Gas Petroleum (Ireland) Limited, Lotus Green 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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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44. capital expenditure commitments

Group 

Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment that has been contracted for but has not been  
provided for in the financial statements 
Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment 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 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

3,541 

4,109

61,614 
65,155 

75,024

79,133

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

26,059 
59,449 
91,999 
177,507 

12,962
41,050
77,094

131,106

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 2012, €27.096 million (2011: €25.510 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 

 2012 

2011

Minimum 
payments 
€’000 

present 
value of 
payments 
€’000 

Minimum 
payments 
€’000 

Present
value of
payments
€’000

243 
295 

538 
(10) 

528 

241 
287 
528 
- 
528 

478 
423 

901 
(13) 

888 

475
413

888
-

888

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
148

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

46. Business combinations

The principal acquisitions completed by the Group during the year, together with percentages acquired were as follows:
•  the acquisition of the business, product licences and certain other assets of Neolab Limited, a British generic 

pharmaceuticals business, completed in May 2011;

•  the acquisition of Oakwood Fuels Limited (100%), a British waste oil and hazardous waste collection, processing and recycling 

business, completed in June 2011;

•  the acquisition of Pace Fuelcare Limited (100%), a British oil distribution business, completed in September 2011;
•  the acquisition of certain oil distribution assets previously owned by Total in Britain, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands 

(‘Total UK,IOM,CI’), completed in October 2011; and

•  the acquisition of Swea Energi Holding AB (100%), a Swedish based distributor of heating oils and transport fuels, completed 

in February 2012.

There have been no acquisitions completed subsequent to the balance sheet date which would be individually material to the 
Group, thereby requiring disclosure under either IFRS 3 or IAS 10. The carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities acquired 
(excluding net cash/debt 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 20) 
Intangible assets - other intangible assets (note 21)   
Investments in associates (note 22) 
Deferred income tax assets  

Total non-current assets 

current assets 
Inventories (note 27) 
Trade and other receivables (note 27) 

Total current assets 

Liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Deferred income tax liabilities  
Post employment benefit obligations 
Provisions for liabilities and charges (note 35) 
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration 

Total non-current liabilities 

current liabilities 
Trade and other payables (note 27) 
Current income tax liabilities 

Total current liabilities 

Identifiable net assets acquired 
Intangible assets - goodwill (note 21) 
total consideration (enterprise value) 

satisfied by: 
Cash 
Net (cash)/debt acquired 

Net cash outflow 
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration 
total consideration 

2012 
€’000 
 total UK,ioM,ci 

2012 
€’000 
others 

2012 
€’000 
total 

2011
€’000
Total

17,181 
8,117 
- 
- 

25,298 

9,043 
26,019 
- 
81 

35,143 

26,224 
34,136 
- 
81 
60,441 

17,510 
4,540 

9,695 
106,566 

22,050 

116,261 

27,205 
111,106 
138,311 

22,708
15,075
127
47

37,957

19,214
47,272

66,486

(2,110) 
(145) 
(2,769) 
- 

(5,024) 

(5,681) 
- 
(438) 
(940) 

(7,059) 

(7,791) 
(145) 
(3,207) 
(940) 
(12,083) 

(4,583)
-
(70)
-

(4,653)

(11,649) 
- 

(120,311) 
(1,636) 

(11,649) 

(121,947) 

(131,960) 
(1,636) 
(133,596) 

(44,224)
(685)

(44,909)

30,675 
34,745 

22,398 
108,913 

65,420 

131,311 

53,073 
143,658 
196,731 

54,881
46,783

101,664

71,007 
(5,587) 

65,420 
- 

128,505 
(33,849) 

94,656 
36,655 

65,420 

131,311 

199,512 
(39,436) 
160,076 
36,655 
196,731 

73,503
1,111

74,614
27,050

101,664

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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46. Business combinations (continued)

The acquisition of the Total oil distribution business in Britain, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands 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:

total UK,ioM,ci 

Non-current assets (excluding goodwill) 
Current assets 
Non-current liabilities  
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  
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  
Current liabilities 

Identifiable net assets acquired 
Goodwill arising on acquisition 

Total consideration (enterprise value) 

Book 
value 
€’000 

fair value 
adjustments 
€’000 

17,181 
22,418 
(145) 
(11,649) 

27,805 
37,615 

65,420 

8,117 
(368) 
(4,879) 
- 

2,870 
(2,870) 

- 

fair
value
€’000

25,298
22,050
(5,024)
(11,649)

30,675
34,745

65,420

Book 
value 
€’000 

fair value 
adjustments 
€’000 

fair
value
€’000

9,124 
117,223 
(2,267) 
(121,947) 

2,133 
129,178 

131,311 

26,019 
(962) 
(4,792) 
- 

35,143
116,261
(7,059)
(121,947)

20,265 
(20,265) 

22,398
108,913

- 

131,311

Book 
value 

€’000 

fair value 
adjustments 

€’000 

fair
value

€’000

26,305 
139,641 
(2,412) 
(133,596) 

29,938 
166,793 

196,731 

34,136 
(1,330) 
(9,671) 
- 

60,441
138,311
(12,083)
(133,596)

23,135 
(23,135) 

53,073
143,658

- 

196,731

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 transactions. Any amendments to these fair values 
within the twelve month timeframe from the date of acquisition will be disclosable in the 2013 Annual Report as stipulated by IFRS 3.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

46. Business combinations (continued)

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.

€38.936 million of the goodwill recognised in respect of acquisitions completed during the financial year is expected to be 
deductible for tax purposes.

Acquisition related costs included in the Group Income Statement amounted to €6.568 million.

No contingent liabilities were recognised on the acquisitions completed during the financial year or the prior financial years.

The gross contractual value of trade and other receivables as at the respective dates of acquisition amounted to €112.436 million. 
The fair value of these receivables is €111.106 million (all of which is expected to be recoverable) and is inclusive of an aggregate 
allowance for impairment of €1.635 million.

The fair value of contingent consideration recognised at the date of acquisition is calculated by discounting the expected future 
payment to present value at the acquisition date. In general, for contingent consideration to become payable, pre-defined profit 
thresholds must be exceeded. On an undiscounted basis, the future payments for which the Group may be liable for acquisitions in 
the current year range from nil to €92.102 million.

There were no adjustments processed during the year to the fair value of business combinations completed during the year ended 31 
March 2011 where those fair values were not readily determinable as at 31 March 2011.

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 profit 
Finance costs (net) 

Profit before tax 
Income tax expense 

Profit for the financial year 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

  1,238,936 
  (1,175,091) 
63,845 
(49,827) 
14,018 
341 
14,359 
(3,322) 
11,037 

255,142
(234,710)

20,432
(9,560)

10,872
(54)

10,818
(2,943)

7,875

The revenue and profit of the Group for the financial year 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 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

  12,112,182  8,867,654

105,158 

150,412

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 Group includes borrowings in its measure of capital. The Group’s borrowings are subject to covenants. Further details on 
this are outlined in the Liquidity Risk Management section of this note.

The policy for net debt is to ensure a structure of longer term debt funding and cash balances with deposit maturities up to 
three months.

The capital structure of the Group (including assets classified as held for sale), which comprises capital and reserves 
attributable to the owners of the Parent, net debt and deferred and contingent acquisition consideration, may be summarised 
as follows:

Group 

Capital and reserves attributable to the owners of the Parent 
Net debt (note 31) 
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration (note 34) 

At 31 March 

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

  1,011,323 
128,215 
105,852 

929,640
45,183
74,344
  1,245,390  1,049,167

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 December 2011. 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 receivables, cash and cash equivalents including deposits with banks and 
financial institutions and derivative 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 2012 
of €630.023 million, 42.9% (€270.453 million) was with financial institutions with a minimum rating in the P-1 (short-term) 
category of Moody’s and 91.7% (€577.478 million) was with financial institutions with a minimum rating in the P-2 (short-term) 
category of Moody’s. In the normal course of business, the Group operates notional cash pooling systems, where a legal right 
of set-off applies. As at 31 March 2012 derivative transactions were with counterparties with ratings ranging from A- to BB 
(long-term) with Standard and Poors or Ba2 to Aa3 (long-term) with Moody’s. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
152

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

47. financial Risk and capital Management (continued)

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 2012 are balances of €106.031 million (2011: €96.191 
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 movement 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 
Disposal of subsidiaries 
Provision for impairment attributable to assets classified as held for sale 
Exchange 

At 31 March 

2012 
€’000 

80,620 
19,069 
4,823 
1,519 
106,031 

2011
€’000

63,213
27,940
3,173
1,865

96,191

2012 
€’000 

2011
€’000

31,202 
1,830 
(1,118) 
(7,105) 
1,635 
- 
(1,205) 
978 
26,217 

30,590
5,317
237
(6,159)
1,523
(392)
-
86

31,202

company
There were no past due or impaired trade receivables in the Company at 31 March 2012 (31 March 2011: 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 
three 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 debt covenants is monitored continually 
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 2012 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 tables below show the projected contractual undiscounted total cash outflows (principal and interest) arising from the 
Group’s trade and other payables, gross debt and derivative financial instruments. The tables also include the gross cash 
inflows projected to arise from derivative financial instruments. These projections are based on the interest and foreign 
exchange rates applying at the end of the relevant financial year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
153

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Less than 

Between 

Between 
1 year  1 and 2 years  2 and 5 years 
€’000 
€’000 
€’000 

over 
5 years 
€’000 

total
€’000

  (1,533,882) 
(70,999) 
(43,225) 
(13,428) 
(14,881) 
(1,018) 

- 
(73,288) 
(39,414) 
(8,186) 
(80,824) 
- 

- 
(331,882) 
(80,327) 
(77,085) 
(319,621) 
- 

-  (1,533,882)
(818,368)
(213,488)
(98,699)
(721,933)
(1,018)

(342,199) 
(50,522) 
- 
(306,607) 
- 

  (1,677,433) 

(201,712) 

(808,915) 

(699,328)  (3,387,388)

3,182 
36,621 

3,182 
107,570 

5,555 
347,834 

398 
362,223 

12,317
854,248

39,803 

110,752 

353,389 

362,621 

866,565

Less than 

Between 

Between 
1 year  1 and 2 years  2 and 5 years 
€’000 
€’000 
€’000 

Over 
5 years 
€’000 

Total
€’000

(1,149,786) 
(40,542) 
(40,117) 
(9,156) 
(14,896) 
(533) 

- 
(317) 
(39,061) 
(9,843) 
(14,896) 
- 

- 
(278,640) 
(89,959) 
(55,345) 
(292,480) 
- 

- 
(425,569) 
(68,357) 
- 
(391,456) 
- 

(1,149,786)
(745,068)
(237,494)
(74,344)
(713,728)
(533)

(1,255,030) 

(64,117) 

(716,424) 

(885,382)  (2,920,953)

3,070 
34,428 

37,498 

3,070 
34,428 

37,498 

6,582 
324,135 

357 
444,249 

13,079
837,240

330,717 

444,606 

850,319

47. financial Risk and capital Management (continued)

Group 

As at 31 March 2012 

Financial liabilities - cash outflows 
Trade and other payables  
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Interest payments on interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration 
Cross currency swaps - gross cash outflows 
Other derivative financial instruments 

Derivative financial instruments - cash inflows  
Interest rate swaps - net cash inflows 
Cross currency swaps - gross cash inflows 

Group 

As at 31 March 2011 

Financial liabilities - cash outflows 
Trade and other payables  
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Interest payments on interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration 
Cross currency swaps - gross cash outflows 
Other derivative financial instruments 

Derivative financial instruments - cash inflows  
Interest rate swaps - net cash inflows 
Cross currency swaps - gross cash inflows 

The Group has sufficient cash resources and liquid assets to enable it to meet its current borrowing obligations and trade and 
other payables. The Group has a well balanced profile of debt maturities over the coming years which will be serviced through a 
combination of cash and cash equivalents, cash flows, committed bank facilities and the raising of additional long term debt.

company 

As at 31 March 2012 

Financial liabilities - cash outflows 
Trade and other payables  

Company 

As at 31 March 2011 

Financial liabilities - cash outflows 
Trade and other payables  

Less than 

Between 

Between 
1 year  1 and 2 years  2 and 5 years 
€’000 
€’000 
€’000 

over 
5 years 
€’000 

total
€’000

298,476 

- 

43,694 

- 

342,170

Less than 

Between 

Between 
1 year  1 and 2 years  2 and 5 years 
€’000 
€’000 
€’000 

Over 
5 years 
€’000 

Total
€’000

316,450 

- 

10,387 

- 

326,837

The Company has sufficient cash resources and liquid assets to enable it to meet its trade and other payables.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
154

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

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. Although the Group holds significant 
borrowings denominated or swapped into sterling, these sterling borrowings have been offset by the strong ongoing cash flow 
generated by the Group’s sterling operations leaving the Group with a net position in sterling assets. The increase of 5.6% in the 
value of sterling against the euro during the year ended 31 March 2012 gave rise to a gain of €46.7 million on the translation of 
the Group’s sterling denominated net asset position at 31 March 2012 as set out in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. 
Included in this figure is €26.4 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 fifteen 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 €10.4 million (2011: €14.7 million) impact on the 
Group’s profit before tax, would change the Group’s equity by €76.1 million and change the Group’s net debt by €6.3 million (2011: 
€65.2 million and €6.0 million respectively). These amounts include an insignificant amount of transactional currency exposure.

company
The Company does not have any material assets or liabilities denominated in any currency other than euro at 31 March 2012 or 
at 31 March 2011 and consequently has no exposure to currency movements at 31 March 2012 (31 March 2011: nil).

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 2012 a one percentage point (100 basis points) change in average floating 
interest rates would have a €3.0 million (2011: €1.5 million) impact on the Group’s profit before tax.

Further information on Group borrowings and the management of related interest rate risk is set out in notes 29 and 30.

company
The Company holds negligible levels of cash and consequently the interest earned on cash at bank does not give rise to any 
significant market risk. Finance income principally comprises guarantee fees charged at fixed rates on intergroup loans. 
Finance costs comprise interest on intergroup loans payable at variable market rates.

155

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iNfoRMAtioN

47. financial Risk and capital Management (continued)

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 and in the resale prices of recycled oil products. 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 which are designated as hedges under IAS 39. 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.

Sensitivity to commodity price movements
Group
Due to pricing dynamics in the oil distribution market and the recycled oil product market, 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 (2011: nil) and a nil impact on the 
Group’s equity (2011: 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.

fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities
The fair values of borrowings (none of which are listed) and derivative financial instruments are measured by discounting cash 
flows at prevailing interest and exchange rates. The carrying value of non-interest bearing financial assets and financial liabilities 
and cash and cash equivalents approximates their fair values, largely due to their short-term maturities. The following is a 
comparison by category of book values and fair values of the Group’s and Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities:

Group 

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

financial liabilities 
Borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Trade and other payables 

company

financial assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

financial liabilities 
Trade and other payables 

2012 

2011

Book value 
€’000 

fair value 
€’000 

Book value 
€’000 

Fair value
€’000

138,825 

138,825 

87,938
  1,291,698  1,291,698  1,034,275  1,034,275
700,340
  2,060,546  2,060,546  1,822,553  1,822,553

630,023 

630,023 

700,340 

87,938 

919,364 
18,513 

897,084 
18,513 

778,222
30,675
  1,533,882  1,533,882  1,149,786  1,149,786
  2,471,759  2,449,479  1,983,247  1,958,683

802,786 
30,675 

409,656 
867 

410,523 

409,656 
867 
410,523 

414,314 
30 

414,314
30

414,344 

414,344

(342,170) 

(342,170) 

(342,170) 
(342,170) 

(326,837) 

(326,837)

(326,837) 

(326,837)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
156

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

Notes to the fiNANciAL stAteMeNts
(continued)

47. financial Risk and capital Management (continued)

Group

The Group has adopted the following fair value measurement hierarchy in relation to its financial assets and financial liabilities 
that are carried in the Balance Sheet at fair value as at the year end:

-  Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
-   Level 2: inputs, other than quoted prices included within level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability either directly (as 

prices) or indirectly (derived from prices); and

-  Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

Group 

fair value measurement as at 31 March 2012 

financial assets 
Derivative financial instruments  

financial liabilities 
Derivative financial instruments  

Group 

Fair value measurement as at 31 March 2011

Financial assets 
Derivative financial instruments  

Financial liabilities 
Derivative financial instruments  

Level 1 
€’000 

Level 2 
€’000 

Level 3 
€’000 

total
€’000

- 

- 

- 

- 

138,825 

138,825 

18,513 

18,513 

- 

- 

- 

- 

138,825

138,825

18,513

18,513

Level 1 
€’000 

Level 2 
€’000 

Level 3 
€’000 

Total
€’000

- 

- 

- 

- 

87,938 

87,938 

30,675 

30,675 

- 

- 

- 

- 

87,938

87,938

30,675

30,675

company
As at 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2011 the Company had no financial assets or financial liabilities which were carried at fair value.

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 95 to 105. A listing of the principal subsidiaries, joint ventures 
and associates is provided in the Group Directory on pages 158 to 162 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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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48. Related party transactions (continued)

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 74 to 83 of this Annual 
Report.

company
Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates
During the year the Company received dividends of €30.0 million from its subsidiary company Fannin (Ireland) Limited (2011: 
nil). Details of loan balances to/from subsidiaries are provided in the Company Balance Sheet on page 92, in note 25 ‘Trade and 
Other Receivables’ and in note 26 ‘Trade and Other Payables’.

49. events after the Balance sheet Date

On 3 April 2012, DCC announced that it had reached agreement to dispose of Altimate Group SA (‘Altimate’), SerCom 
Distribution’s Enterprise business, subject to competition clearance from the European Commission. The decision to dispose 
of Altimate (which accounted for approximately 10% of DCC SerCom’s profits during the year) reflects the strategy to focus 
SerCom Distribution on the supply of IT, communications and home entertainment products to retail and reseller customers 
who in turn service consumers and small and medium sized businesses. This is a business where DCC has strong market 
positions in Britain, France and Ireland and the potential for expansion, both within these markets and further afield. As 
detailed in note 19, Altimate was classified as a disposal group held for sale at 31 March 2012.

50. Approval of financial statements

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 14 May 2012.

158

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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 

principal activity 

contact details

Holding and divisional management 
company 

Procurement, sales, marketing and 
distribution of petroleum products 

Procurement, sales, marketing and  
distribution of petroleum products 

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

Great Gas petroleum (ireland) Limited  Procurement, sales, marketing and 
Market House, 
Churchtown, Mallow, 
Co Cork, Ireland 

distribution of petroleum products 

Tel: +353 22 23 989
Fax: +353 22 23 980
Email: info@greatgas.com
www.greatgas.com

Dcc energy Limited 
Airport Road West, 
Sydenham,  
Belfast BT3 9ED, Northern Ireland 

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 petroleum products 

Procurement, sales, marketing and 
distribution of liquefied petroleum gas 

Procurement, sales, marketing and 
distribution of liquefied petroleum gas 

Tel: +44 28 9073 2611
Fax: +44 28 90736167
Email: enquiries@emooil.com
www.emooil.com

Tel: +45 7010 2010
Fax: +45 4558 0190
Email: info@kundeservice.dccenergi.dk
www.dccenergi.dk

Tel: +43 316 210
Fax: +43 316 210 20
Email: info@energiedirect.at
www.energiedirect.at

Tel: +46 300 687000
Fax: +46 300 687050
Email: info@sweaenergi.se
www.sweaenergi.se

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 and administration of petroleum 
products through the use of fuel cards 

Tel: +44 113 384 6264
Fax: +44 844 870 9827
Email: info@fuelcardservices.com
www.fuelcardservices.com

Dcc energi Danmark A/s 
Naerum Hovedgade 8, 
2850 Naerum, Danmark 

energie Direct  
Mineralölhandelsgesmbh 
Alte Poststraße 400, 
A-8055 Graz, 
Austria 

swea energi AB 
Storgatan 35, 
434 32 Kungsbacha, 
Sweden 

LpG 
flogas UK Limited 
81 Rayns Way, Syston,  
Leicester LE7 1PF, England 

flogas ireland Limited 
Knockbrack House, 
Matthews Lane,  
Donore Road,  
Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland

fuel card
fuel card services Limited 
Alexandra House, 
Lawnswood Business Park, 
Redvers Close, Leeds LS16 6QY,  
England 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
159

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principal activity 

contact details

Holding and divisional management 
company 

Tel: +353 1 2799 400
Fax: +353 1 2831 017
Email: sercom@dcc.ie
www.sercomdistribution.com

Dcc sercom 
company name & address 

sercom Distribution Limited 
DCC House, Brewery Road, 
Stillorgan, Blackrock, 
Co. Dublin, Ireland 

sercom Distribution
Gem Distribution Limited 
St. George House, Parkway,  
Harlow Business Park, Harlow, 
Essex CM19 5QF, England 

Procurement, sales, marketing and  
distribution of computer software 
and peripherals 

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
www.msegroup.ie

Multichannel solutions  
for entertainment (Mse) Limited 
Unit 2, Loughlinstown Industrial Estate,  products and accessories 
Ballybrack, Co. Dublin, Ireland

Procurement, sales, marketing and 
distribution of home entertainment 

Banque Magnetique sAs 
Paris Nord 2, Parc des Reflets,  
99 Avenue de la Pyramide, 
95700, Roissy en France 

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

comtrade sAs 
300 rue du Président Salvador Allende,   distribution of audio visual and 
consumer electronics products
92700 Colombes, France 

Procurement, sales, marketing and 

Tel: +33 1 56 47 04 70
www.comtrade.fr

Micro p Limited 
Shorten Brook Way,  
Altham Business Park, Altham,  
Accrington, Lancashire BB5 5YJ,  
England

Procurement, sales, marketing and 
distribution of computer and mobile 
phone products 

Tel: +44 1282 776 776
Fax: +44 1282 770 001
Email: enquiries@micro-p.com
www.micro-p.com

Advent Data Limited 
Unit H4 Premier Way,  
Lowfields Business Park,  
Elland HX5 9HF, England 

sharptext Limited 
M50 Business Park, 
Ballymount Road Upper,  
Dublin 12, Ireland 

Altimate Group sAs 
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 

Procurement, sales, marketing and 
distribution of electronic office supplies 

Procurement, sales, marketing and 
distribution of computer products 

Distribution of enterprise infrastructure 
products in France, Iberia, Benelux & UK 

Tel: +44 871 222 3844
Fax: +44 871 222 3855
 Email: sales@adventdata.co.uk
www.adventdata.co.uk

Tel: +353 1 4087 171
Fax: +353 1 4193 111
Email: sharptext@sharptext.com
www.sharptext.com

Tel: +33 1 34 58 47 00
Fax: + 33 1 34 58 47 27
Email: info@altimate-group.com
www.altimate-group.com

Provision of supply chain management 
and procurement services 

Tel: +353 1 4056 500
Fax: +353 1 4056 555
Email: kevin.henry@sercomsolutions.com
www.sercomsolutions.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
160

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

GRoUp DiRectoRY
principal subsidiaries and Joint Ventures (continued)

Dcc healthcare
company name & address 

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 

principal activity 

contact details

Holding and divisional management 
company 

Tel: +353 1 2799 400
Fax: +353 1 2831 017
Email: healthcare@dcc.ie
www.dcc.ie

Sales, marketing, distribution and other 
services to healthcare providers and 
medical and pharma brand owners/ 
manufacturers 

Tel: +353 1 2907 000
Fax: +353 1 2954 777
Email: information@fannin.ie
www.fannin.ie

fannin (UK) Limited 
42-46 Booth Drive, Park Farm South, 
Wellingborough, 
Northamptonshire NN8 6GT, England  manufacturers 

Sales, marketing, distribution and other 
services to healthcare providers and 
medical and pharma brand owners/ 

Tel: +44 1189 305333
Fax: +44 1189 305111
Email: enquiries@fanninuk.com
www.fanninuk.com

squadron Medical Limited 
Greaves Close, 
Markham Vale, Chesterfield, 
Derbyshire S44 5FB, England 

the tps healthcare Group Limited 
27-35 Napier Place, 
Wardpark, North Cumbernauld, 
Glasgow G68 0LL, Scotland 

Virtus inc. 
1896 Lammers Pike, Batesville,  
IN 47006-8637, United States 

health & Beauty solutions  
Dcc health & Beauty solutions 
9-12 Hardwick Road, 
Astmoor Industrial Estate, Runcorn, 
Cheshire WA7 1PH, England 

thompson & capper Limited 
9-12 Hardwick Road, 
Astmoor Industrial Estate, Runcorn, 
Cheshire WA7 1PH, England 

eurocaps Limited 
Crown Business Park, 
Dukestown, Tredegar, 
Gwent NP22 4EF, Wales 

Provision of value-added distribution 
services to healthcare providers and 
brand owners/manufacturers 

Provision of value-added distribution 
services to healthcare providers and 
brand owners/manufacturers 

Tel: +44 1246 470 999
Fax: +44 1246 284 030
Email: orders@squadronmedical.co.uk
www.squadronmedical.co.uk

Tel: +44 1236 739 668
Fax: +44 1236 738 376
Email: corporate@tpshealthcare.com
www.tpshealthcare.com

Manufacture of fabric health care 
products, primarily mattresses 

Tel: +1 812 933 1121

Outsourced solutions for the health 
and beauty industry 

Tel: +44 1928 573 734
Fax: +44 1420 566 566
Email: enquiries@dcchealthandbeauty.com
www.dcchealthandbeauty.com

Development, contract manufacture and 
packing of tablet and hard gel capsule 
nutraceuticals 

Tel: +44 1928 573 734
Fax: +44 1928 580 694
Email: enquiries@tablets2buy.com
www.tablets2buy.com

Development and contract manufacture 
of soft gel capsule nutraceuticals 

Tel: +44 1495 308 900
Fax: +44 1495 308 990
Email: info@softgels.co.uk
www.softgels.co.uk

Laleham healthcare Limited 
Sycamore Park, 
Mill Lane, Alton, 
Hampshire GU34 2PR, England 

Development, contract manufacture and 
packing of liquids and creams for the 
beauty and consumer healthcare sectors 

Tel: +44 1420 566 500
Fax: +44 1420 566 566
Email: reception@laleham-healthcare.com
www.laleham-healthcare.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 Industrial Estate, Linwood,  
Renfrewshire, PA3 3BD, Scotland 

oakwood fuels Limited 
Brailwood Road, 
Bilsthorpe, Newark  
Nottinghamshire, NG22 8UA, England 

principal activity 

contact details

Holding and divisional management 
company 

Specialist waste treatment/ 
management services 

Recycling and waste management 

Recycling and waste management 

Specialist waste treatment/ 
management services 

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

Tel: +44 1623 871 964
Fax: +44 1623 871 905
Email: mail@oakwoodgroup.uk.com
www.oakwoodfuels.co.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

GRoUp DiRectoRY
principal subsidiaries and Joint Ventures (continued)

Dcc food & Beverage
company name & address 

Dcc food & Beverage Limited 
DCC House, Brewery Road, 
Stillorgan, Blackrock, 
Co. Dublin, Ireland 

principal activity 

contact details

Holding and divisional management 
company 

Kelkin Limited 
Unit 1, Crosslands Industrial Park, 
Ballymount Cross,  
Dublin 12, Ireland 

Procurement, sales, marketing and 
distribution of branded healthy foods,  
beverages and vms products 

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

Allied foods Limited 
Second Avenue, 
Cookstown Industrial Estate, 
Dublin 24, Ireland

Kylemore foods Group* 
McKee Avenue,  
Finglas, 
Dublin 11, Ireland 

*50% owned joint venture

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 

Tel: +353 1 2799 400
Fax: +353 1 2831 017
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 4047 311
Email: info@robert-roberts.ie
www.robert-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 4047 311

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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2011
€

2012 
€ 

19.90
1,662m

18.56 
1,550m 

22.40
1,866m

23.07 
16.70 

24.20
17.30

  Number of accounts  % of accounts  Number of shares¹  % of shares

53 
34 
199 
2,686 

2,972 

1.8 
1.1 
6.7 
90.4 

100.0 

67,555,280 
5,500,243 
7,433,083 
3,039,891 

83,528,497 

80.9
6.6
8.9
3.6

100.0

  Number of shares¹  % of shares

25,808,701 
23,559,830 
9,636,647 
6,868,788 
17,654,531 

83,528,497 

30.9
28.2
11.5
8.2
21.2

100.0

shARehoLDeR iNfoRMAtioN

share price Data 

Share price at 14 May 
Market capitalisation at 14 May 

Share price at 30 March 
Market capitalisation at 30 March 

Share price movement during the year
- High 
- Low 

shareholdings as at 31 March 2012
Range of shares held 

Over 250,000 
100,001 – 250,000 
10,000 – 100,000 
Less than 10,000 

Total 

Geographic division² 

North America 
UK 
Europe/Asia 
Ireland 
Retail³ 

Total 

1 Excludes 4,700,907 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 plc is an Irish registered company whose shares are traded on the Irish Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. 

cRest
DCC is a member of the CREST share settlement system. Shareholders have the choice of holding their shares in electronic form or 
in the form of paper share certificates. Shareholders should consult their stockbroker if they wish to hold shares in electronic form. 

Dividends
DCC normally pays dividends twice yearly, in July and in December. Dividends are paid in euro to all shareholders although 
shareholders, who hold a sterling bank account, have the option to elect to receive their dividends in 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 of these options.

The Company is obliged to deduct Dividend Withholding Tax (“DWT”) 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 (for 
example 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. 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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
164

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

shARehoLDeR iNfoRMAtioN (continued)

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.

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 information concerning the Company (such as the Annual Report, Interim 
Report and Notice of Annual General Meeting) 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 receive information electronically 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.

financial calendar
• Preliminary results announced – 15 May 2012
• Ex-dividend date for the final dividend – 23 May 2012
• Record date for the final dividend – 25 May 2012
• Interim Management Statement – 20 July 2012
• Annual General Meeting - 20 July 2012
• Proposed payment date for final dividend – 26 July 2012
• Interim results to be announced – 6 November 2012
• Proposed payment date for the interim dividend – December 2012
• Interim Management Statement – February 2013

Annual General Meeting, electronic proxy Voting and cRest Voting
The 2012 Annual General Meeting will be held at The Four Seasons Hotel, Simmonscourt Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland 
on Friday 20 July 2012 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.

Shareholders may lodge a Form of Proxy for the 2012 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.eproxyappointment.com 
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.

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.

Tel: + 353 1 247 5698
Fax: + 353 1 216 3151
www.investorcentre.com/ie/contactus

investor Relations
For investor enquiries please contact Redmond McEvoy, 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

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coRpoRAte iNfoRMAtioN

Registered and head office
DCC House
Brewery Road
Stillorgan
Blackrock
Co. Dublin
Ireland 

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 
Deutsche Bank
HSBC
ING Bank N.V.
J.P. Morgan
KBC Bank
Lloyds Banking Group
National Westminster Bank plc
Rabobank
Royal Bank of Scotland
Ulster Bank

stockbrokers
Davy
49 Dawson Street
Dublin 2
Ireland

Goodbody Stockbrokers
Ballsbridge Park
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ireland

JPMorgan Cazenove Limited
10 Aldermanbury
London 
EC2V 7RF
England

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 

 
 
D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

166

iNDeX

Accounting Policies 
Accounting Records  
Adjusted Earnings per Share  
Analysis of Net Debt  
Annual General Meeting 
Appointment of Directors  
Approval of Financial Statements  
Assets Classified as Held for Sale 
Attendance at Meetings  
Audit Committee 
Auditors  

Balance Sheet and Group Financing  
Basis of Consolidation  
Basis of Preparation  
Board Committees 
Board Diversity  
Board Meetings  
Board Membership and Composition 
Board of Directors 
Board Training and Development 
Borrowings 
Business Combinations  
Business Conduct Guidelines  
Business Ethics  
Business Model 

Capital Expenditure Commitments  
Cash and Cash Equivalents  
Cash Flow  
Cash Generated from Operations  
Chairman  
Chairman’s Statement  
Chief Executive’s Review  
Climate Change Strategy 
Commitments Under Operating and Finance Leases 
Commodity Price Risk Management  
Community Support 
Company Balance Sheet  
Company Cash Flow Statement  
Company Secretary 
Company Statement of Changes in Equity 
Company Statement of Comprehensive Income 
Compliance Risks and Uncertainties 
Compliance Statement  
Contingencies  
Corporate Governance  
Corporate Information  
Credit Risk Management  
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments  

40, 95
61
43
135
164
65
157
124
70
67
61

44
97
95
67
65
66
65
56, 64
66
133
148
72
48
4

147
131
44
146
64
6
8
50
147
46
49
92
94
65
93
92
62
73
146
64
165
46
107

Deferred and Contingent 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 
Dividends  

141
136
64
132
49
56
83
114
80
80

84
6, 60, 123

Earnings per Ordinary Share 
Electronic Communications  
Employee Share Options  
Employment  
Environmental Provisions  
Events After the Balance Sheet Date 
Exceptional Items  

Fair Value Estimation  
Finance Costs and Finance Income  
Financial Calendar 
Financial Highlights 
Financial Review  
Financial Risk and Capital Management  
Financial Risk Factors  
Financial Risk Management  
Financial Risks and Uncertainties 
Five Year Review  
Foreign Currency Translation  
Foreign Exchange Risk Management  
Free Cash Flow 

General Meetings 
Going Concern  
Goodwill  
Government Grants  
Graduate Recruitment Programme 
Group at a Glance  
Group Balance Sheet  
Group Cash Flow Statement  
Group Directory  
Group Income Statement  
Group Operating Profit  
Group Statement of Changes in Equity 
Group Statement of Comprehensive Income  

Health & Safety 
Hedging  

123
164
115
115
107
157
99 

106
120
164
1
40
151
106
45
62
168
98
45
44

72
73
100
143
48
2
89
91
158
87
113
90
88

52
102

 
 
 
 
167

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Registrar 
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 
Results Highlights  
Retained Earnings  
Return on Capital Employed  
Revenue Recognition  
Review of Remuneration Policy and Structures 
Risk Management and Internal Control  

Segment Information  
Segment Reporting  
Senior Management  
Share-Based Payment Transactions 
Share Capital 
Share Capital and Treasury Shares  
Share of Associates’ Loss after Tax  
Shareholder Information  
Shareholders’ Equity  
Share Ownership and Dealing 
Share Premium 
Share Price and Market Capitalisation 
Statement of Compliance  
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities  
Strategic Risks and Uncertainties 
Strategy  
Substantial Shareholdings  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  
Sustainability Report  

Takeover Regulations  
Trade and Other Payables  
Trade and Other Receivables  
Transparency Rules 

Useful Lives for Property, Plant and Equipment 
   and Intangible Assets 

Website  

164
156
72
70
74
60
85
74
9
145
44
98
75
68

108
98
58
105
143
60
121
163
106
67
143
46
95
84
62
5
61
95
47

61
102
102
61

108

164

Income Tax  
Independence of Non-Executive Directors  
Intangible Assets  
Intangible Assets (other than Goodwill)  
Interest-Bearing Loans and Borrowings  
Interest Rate Risk and Debt/Liquidity Management 
Inventories  
Investments In Associates  
Investments In Subsidiary Undertakings  
Investor Relations 

Key Performance Indicators 
   Group 
   DCC Energy 
   DCC Environmental 
   DCC Food & Beverage 
   DCC Healthcare 
   DCC SerCom 

Leases  

Memorandum and Articles of Association 
Movement in Working Capital  

Nomination and Governance Committee  
Non-Controlling Interests 
Non-Current Assets Held for Sale 
Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration  
Notes to the Financial Statements  

Operating Reviews  
   DCC Energy 
   DCC Environmental 
   DCC Food & Beverage 
   DCC Healthcare 
   DCC SerCom 
Operational Risks and Uncertainties 
Other Operating Income/Expense  
Other Reserves  
Outlook  
Overview of Results  

Performance Evaluation  
Post Employment Benefit Obligations 
Principal Risks and Uncertainties  
Profit Attributable to DCC plc  
Profit before Net Exceptional Items, 
   Amortisation of Intangible Assets and Tax 
Property, Plant and Equipment  
Proportionate Consolidation of Joint Ventures 
Provision for Impairment of Trade Receivables 
Provisions for Liabilities and Charges  

104
66
126
101
103
46
101
128
129
46

12
19
35
39
31
25

101

73
130

69
145
100
79
95

14
32
36
26
20
62
113
144
7, 11
41

71
136
62
122

42
125
114
108
141

168

D C C   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 1 2

5 YeAR ReVieW

Group income statement 
Year ended 31 March 

Revenue 
Operating profit before exceptional items and  
amortisation of intangible assets 
Exceptional items 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Operating profit 
Finance costs (net) 
Share of associates’ profit/(loss) after tax 
Profit before tax 
Income tax expense 
Minority interests 
Profit attributable to owners of the Parent 

Earnings per share
- basic (cent) 
- basic adjusted (cent) 

Dividend per share (cent) 
Dividend cover (times) 
Interest cover (times)* 
* excludes exceptional items 

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 

2008 
€’m 

2009 
€’m 

2010 
€’m 

2011 
€’m 

2012
€’m

5,532.0  

6,400.1  

6,725.0  

8,680.6  

10,690.3

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  

192.8  
(9.8) 
(6.1) 
176.9  
(12.2) 
0.2  
164.9  
(33.2) 
(0.9) 
130.8  

229.6  
(12.6) 
(11.0) 
206.0  
(16.2) 
(0.2) 
189.6  
(43.8) 
(0.7) 
145.1  

185.0 
(22.3)
(11.4)
151.3 
(17.2)
(1.1)
133.0 
(29.9)
(0.6)
102.5 

204.28 
165.06 

142.36 
169.13 

158.76 
177.98 

174.48 
203.15 

122.78
163.51

56.67 
2.9  
9.4  

62.34 
2.7  
8.5  

67.44 
2.6  
17.7  

74.18 
2.7  
15.8  

77.89
2.1 
10.4 

2008 
€’m 

2009 
€’m 

2010 
€’m 

2011 
€’m 

2012
€’m

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  

358.1  
595.1  
2.4  
818.2  
1,169.0  
2,942.8  

395.5  
636.1  
2.3  
788.3  
1,291.7  
3,113.9  

451.1 
785.2 
1.2 
768.8 
1,778.9 
3,785.2 

742.4  

726.2  

836.9  

931.9  

1,014.0 

636.4  
21.9  
908.0  
1,566.3  
2,308.7  

646.1  
29.5  
809.3  
1,484.9  
2,211.1  

871.7  
23.7  
1,210.5  
2,105.9  
2,942.8  

833.5  
19.3  
1,329.2  
2,182.0  
3,113.9  

937.9 
14.7 
1,818.6 
2,771.2 
3,785.2 

Net debt included above 

(123.7) 

(90.7) 

(53.5) 

(45.2) 

(128.2)

Group cash flow 
Year ended 31 March 

Operating cash flow 
Capital expenditure 
Acquisitions 

other information 

Return on total capital employed (%) 
Working capital (days) 
Average number of employees 

2008 
€’m 

129.0  
87.5  
176.6  

2009 
€’m 

304.9  
57.0  
101.7  

2010 
€’m 

297.8  
47.3  
133.6  

2011 
€’m 

269.6  
83.4  
78.3  

2012
€’m

277.3 
70.2 
168.1 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012

17.5% 
16.4  
6,638 

17.8% 
11.9  
7,182 

18.4% 
4.6  
7,396 

19.9% 
4.9  
7,925 

14.2%
2.5 
8,355

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
e

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.

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s
e
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e
c
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o
s
.
w
w
w

DCC plc
DCC House, Brewery Road,
Stillorgan, Blackrock,
Co. Dublin, Ireland.
Tel: + 353 1 279 9400
Fax: + 353 1 283 1017
Email: info@dcc.ie
www.dcc.ie