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Dechra Pharmaceuticals
Annual Report 2019

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FY2019 Annual Report · Dechra Pharmaceuticals
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Annual Report and Accounts 
for the year ended 30 June 2019

SUSTAINING 
GROWTH 
THROUGH  
EXPERTISE

Company Number: 3369634

About Dechra 
Pharmaceuticals PLC

Dechra is a global specialist veterinary pharmaceuticals and related products 
business. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, and sales and 
marketing of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide.

It is our mission to develop products sustainably to improve the welfare of  
animals globally. 

Our Products 
Our products can be divided into four categories: Companion 
Animal Products (CAP), Food producing Animal Products (FAP), 
Equine, and Nutrition. All are targeted at providing veterinary 
professionals with solutions for their customers’ needs.

Revenue Split by Product

CAP 

Equine 

FAP 

Nutrition 

Other 

70.7%

7.1%

11.9%

6.0%

4.3%

Companion Animal Products (CAP)

Food producing Animal Products (FAP)

Species: Dogs and cats.

Key therapeutic sectors: 
Endocrinology, dermatology, 
analgesia and anaesthesia, 
antibiotics, cardiovascular and 
critical care.

Equine

Species: Horses and ponies. 

Key therapeutic sectors: Lameness and 
pain management.

Species: Poultry, pigs and an 
increasing presence in cattle.

Key therapeutic sectors: Water 
soluble antibiotics, poultry vaccines, 
locomotion (lameness) and pain 
management.

Nutrition

Species: Dogs and cats.

Key therapeutic sectors: Supporting the 
wellbeing of cats and dogs with numerous 
therapeutic conditions, such as allergies, 
obesity, heart and kidney disease. 

Our Product Pipeline
A key strategic priority for the Group is the delivery and strength of the pipeline. We currently have 56 projects in the product development process.

1

Feasibility

12

2

Research

16

3

Development

19

4

Registration

9

Read more about our 
Product Development  
on pages 40 to 43

Growing Our  
Geographical Footprint

We currently have sales and marketing organisations in 25 countries and market our products in 68 other countries worldwide  
through distributors or marketing partners.

North America 
Dechra Veterinary Products markets  
and sells Dechra’s products via its own  
sales and marketing organisations or via  
distributors across Canada, Mexico and USA, 
 the latter being the world’s largest animal health 
market. In addition, there are manufacturing  
sites in Florida and Mexico. Product Development  
and Regulatory Affairs are also located in  
the three countries.

Major geographies: 
United States

68

Countries in which 
our products are sold 
via a distributor

25

Countries in which our 
sales and marketing 
teams are based

7

Manufacturing  
sites

Europe 
Dechra Veterinary Products markets  
and sells Dechra’s products in 42  
countries either via its own sales and  
marketing organisations or via distributors.  
Its main distribution centre is in Denmark.  
There are manufacturing sites and Product 
Development and Regulatory Affairs teams 
in Croatia, the Netherlands and the UK.

Major geographies: 
France, Germany,  
The Netherlands and UK

Key to Map

Manufacturing Sites

Established Markets (Sales and Marketing)

Logistics Sites

Developing Markets (Sales and Marketing)

Emerging Markets (Distribution Partners)

Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains certain forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements reflect the knowledge and information available to the Company during preparation 
and up to the publication of this document. By their very nature, these statements depend upon circumstances and relate to events that may occur in the future and thereby 
involve a degree of uncertainty. Therefore, nothing in this document should be construed as a profit forecast by the Company.

Rest of World
Dechra has manufacturing facilities and  
a Product Development and Regulatory  
Affairs presence in Australia and Brazil. Dechra 
Veterinary Products markets and  
sells Dechra’s products in 34 countries  
either via its sales and marketing  
organisations (ANZ and Brazil) or  
via distributors.

Major geographies: 
ANZ, Asia, LATAM

Global Market Opportunity
Dechra is underweight in geographical 
diversity compared to the wider market. 

Dechra – Group Revenue by Region

North America  36.3%

Europe 

55.6%

Rest of World 

8.1%

Revenue
£481.8m
Growth
18.3%

2018 to 2019

Our strategic growth drivers ensure sustainable growth 

Pipeline 
Delivery 

Portfolio 
Focus

Geographical 
Expansion 

Acquisition

Read more about Our Marketplace 
on pages 8 to 10

a

b

c

Read more about Our Strategy on pages 16 to 19

Europe 

Dechra Veterinary Products markets  
and sells Dechra’s products in 42  
countries either via its own sales and  
marketing organisations or via distributors.  
Its main distribution centre is in Denmark.  
There are manufacturing sites and Product 
Development and Regulatory Affairs teams 
in Croatia, the Netherlands and the UK.

Major geographies: 

France, Germany,  

The Netherlands and UK

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                             
 
 
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
    
   
     
   
Dechra’s Strengths

Well Recognised 
Brand
We are recognised 
as a global animal 
healthcare company 
with a strong and 
growing reputation as  
a provider of high 
quality, specialist 
veterinary medicines 
and related products.

Expertise in Key 
Therapeutic 
Areas 
We support our 
customers in our key 
therapeutic areas with 
technical helplines, 
continued education 
through online learning, 
webinars and lectures 
by key opinion leaders.

Market Leading 
Positions
We are a global leader  
in veterinary endocrinology 
and topical dermatology,  
have the broadest portfolio 
of pain and analgesia 
pharmaceuticals, and 
we are also recognised 
as innovators in other 
specialisations such as 
equine lameness, nutrition 
and differentiated generics 
(generic plus).

Read more in the 
Corporate Social 
Responsibility 
report on pages  
46 to 61

Balance Sheet 
Strength/Group’s 
Cash Generative 
Power 
The Group targets 
100% cash generation 
and this strong cash 
generation allows us 
to pay down debt 
quickly, resulting in a 
strong balance sheet 
which enables us to 
fund internally the 
majority of our strategic 
opportunities.

Successful 
Acquisition 
History
In January 2008 we 
made our first major 
acquisition which, 
at the time, was 
transformational to our 
EU Pharmaceuticals 
business. We have 
successfully replicated 
the model since then 
on several occasions 
and have consistently 
delivered pre-acquisition 
strategic and financial 
expectations on 
significant transactions.

New Product 
Development 
Pipeline
We have a strong 
pipeline of novel 
pharmaceuticals, 
generic pharmaceuticals 
and a specialist nutrition 
range with a track record 
of pipeline delivery. 
We are proactive in 
recognising and bringing 
new development 
opportunities into the 
portfolio.

Read more on 
New Product 
Development on 
pages 42 and 43

03

Manufacturing
Our manufacturing 
sites offer a wide range 
of dosage forms and 
packaging capabilities 
which can be produced 
in small to large-scale 
production batches. 
This flexibility is a 
key requirement in 
producing our varied 
product portfolio.

Skilled People
We have attracted 
and retained a 
qualified and skilled 
workforce throughout 
the organisation. This 
stable and motivated 
team has many years’ 
experience within the 
markets we serve. 
Our people strategy 
is underpinned by the 
Dechra Values.

Read more in Our 
Business Model 
on pages 12 to 14

Our Global 
Footprint
Our historic strength 
was developing a 
strong position in the 
key companion animal 
markets of Western 
Europe and North 
America. However, 
over recent years we 
have extended our 
geographical footprint 
through greenfield start 
ups and acquisition 
in targeted new 
countries. We are 
also looking to further 
extend our footprint, as 
international expansion 
is one of our four key 
strategic objectives.

Key 
Relationships 
Our relationships with 
all key stakeholders 
are very important to 
the Group. Our sales 
approach revolves 
around partnership  
with key practice 
groups, individual 
veterinarians, key 
opinion leaders and 
distributors. The 
relationship with our 
supply chain partners 
is also important to 
establish continuity of 
supply. Furthermore, 
our networking within 
the industry is a key 
driver in finding new 
product development 
and acquisition 
opportunities. 

Overview

Highlights

Financial Performance
•  Revenue growth of 17.5% to £481.8 

Total  
Revenue

million.

•  Underlying operating profit growth  

of 27.3% to £127.4 million.

•  Underlying EBIT margin expansion  

of 200 bps to 26.4%.

•  Underlying diluted EPS increased  

by 16.6% to 90.01 pence.

•  Reported operating profit growth  

of 13.5%.

•  Full year dividend increased by 23.9%  

to 31.60 pence.

£481.8m

Underlying 
Operating Profit

£127.4m

Underlying Diluted 
Earnings Per Share

90.01p

2018: £407.1m
AER: +18.3%  CER: +17.5%

2018: £99.2m
AER: +28.4%  CER: +27.3%

2018: 76.45p
AER: +17.7%  CER: +16.6%

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All of the above measures are at CER unless 
otherwise stated.

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Read the Financial Review 
on pages 25 to 31

Strategic Progress
•  Recent acquisitions performing ahead  

of expectations.

•  CAP outperformance in all key markets;

•  FAP growth continuing.

•  Numerous product registrations 
achieved, and new development 
opportunities secured.

Read about Our Strategy 
on pages 16 to 19

Dividend  
Per Share

31.60p

Reported  
Operating Profit

£39.0m

Reported Diluted 
Earnings Per Share

30.07p

2018: 25.50p
AER: +23.9%  CER: +23.9%

2018: £34.1m
AER: +14.4%  CER: +13.5%

2018: 37.04p
AER: (18.8%)  CER: (19.6%)

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04

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

CER is defined as Constant Exchange Rate against prior year, whilst £ is at reported, Actual Exchange Rate 
(AER). A reconciliation of underlying to reported measures can be found on page 26.

Chairman’s View

We continued to execute 
our strategy in relation to our 
pipeline delivery, portfolio focus, 
geographic expansion and 
acquisition.

Tony Rice 
Non-Executive Chairman

Welcome to the 2019 Annual Report in 
which you will read about another year  
of strategic and financial progress across 
the business.

Summarising the year, I can report that 
the business has delivered a strong 
performance as we continued to execute 
our strategy in relation to our pipeline 
delivery, portfolio focus, geographic 
expansion and acquisition. 

The Board is confident in the long term 
prospects of the global animal health 
market. We see Companion Animal 
Products (CAP) continuing to be the 
main driver of growth, although we are 
encouraged by the opportunity that Equine 
and Food producing Animal Products (FAP) 
offer. We have strengthened our product 
development portfolio to which we expect 
to add further products to and global 
registrations over the coming years.

As the Group continues to go from strength 
to strength, I take this opportunity on behalf 
of all stakeholders, to sincerely thank all our 
people (who now total 1,753 working across 
25 countries) for their ongoing commitment 
and dedication which continues to underpin 
the success of Dechra.

More detail can be read as part of the 
Strategic Report that follows my letter.   
I hope that you will find this document 
interesting and informative and, as always, 
we welcome feedback or questions from 
shareholders.

We look forward to keeping you and the 
market updated on our positive progress 
over the coming year.

Tony Rice 
Non-Executive Chairman

Read about our Corporate 
Governance on pages 70 to 82

Stock Code: DPH

Overview

Contents

Overview

About Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC
Growing Our Geographical Footprint
Dechra’s Strengths
Highlights
Chairman’s View

Strategic Report

Our Marketplace
Our Business Model 
Creating Value for Our Stakeholders
Delivering Our Strategy
Chief Executive Officer’s Statement
Q&A with Ian Page
Financial Review
Key Performance Indicators
Strategy in Action
Product Development
International Product Offering
Corporate Social Responsibility
How the Business Manages Risk
Understanding Our Key Risks

Governance

Letter from the Chairman on Governance
Corporate Governance
Audit Committee Report
Nomination Committee Report
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Directors’ Report – Other Disclosures
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

Financial Statements

Independent Auditors’ Report
Consolidated Income Statement
Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statement of 
Financial Position
Consolidated Statement of  
Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to the Consolidated  
Financial Statements
Company Statement of Financial Position
Company Statement of  
Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Notes to the Company Financial 
Statements
Financial History

Company Information

Glossary
Shareholder Information
Advisers

IFC
01
03
04
05

08
12
15
16
20
24
25
32
34
40
44
46
62
64

70
71
83
90
93
111
113

116
123

124

125

126
127
128

171

172
173

181

184
186
IBC

05

 
 
 
 
STRATEGIC  
REPORT

Contents

Our Marketplace
Our Business Model
Creating Value for Our Stakeholders
Delivering Our Strategy
Chief Executive Officer’s Statement
Q&A with Ian Page
Financial Review
Key Performance Indicators
Strategy in Action
Product Development
International Product Offering
Corporate Social Responsibility
How the Business Manages Risk
Understanding Our Key Risks

08
12
15
16
20
24
25
32
34
40
44
46
62
64

CLEAR 
STRATEGIC 
FOCUS AND 
CONSISTENT 
DELIVERY

06

07

Strategic Report

Our Marketplace

Global Market Dynamics

The Animal Health Market
Animal health is generally described as comprising two segments:  
Food producing Animal Products (FAP) and Companion Animal 
Products (CAP). FAP continues to show global growth due to an 
increased demand for high quality protein production, whereas CAP 
growth (a sector in which horses are generally included) is driven by  
the pet owners’ compassion for their animals, improved nutrition and  
a wider range of medical products and treatments.

c.£33.5bn

+3%

Market Size
Source: Vetnosis Health for Animals (2018)

Real Market Growth

The Animal Health Market by Species

CAP/Other 

FAP  

38%

62%

Source: Vetnosis Health for Animals (2018)

Market Share by Competitor

Our Position in the Animal Health Market
There are few international businesses in our market, five of which have 
59.2% of the world’s market share. Dechra’s objective is to continue 
to outperform the market, increasing its market share, through the 
execution of its strategy.

Animal Pharmaceuticals vs. Human Pharmaceuticals
The business of developing and marketing animal pharmaceuticals 
shares a number of characteristics with human pharmaceutical 
businesses. These similarities include the need to conduct clinical 
trials to prove product safety and efficacy, obtain regulatory approval 
for new products, adhere to complex and highly regulated product 
manufacturing, and market products based on approved clinical claims. 
However, there are also significant differences between animal and 
human pharmaceutical businesses, including:

•  Product development is generally faster, cheaper, more 

predictable and sustainable: Development of animal medicines 
typically requires fewer clinical studies with fewer subjects and is 
conducted directly in the target species. Decisions on product 
safety, efficacy and likelihood of success can therefore be made 
more quickly.

•  Diversified product portfolios: Animal pharmaceutical businesses 

are generally less reliant on a small number of ‘blockbuster’ 
products. Animal health products are sold across different regions 
which may have distinct product requirements. As a result, 
animal health products often have a smaller market size and the 
performance of any single product typically has less impact on 
overall business performance.

•  Stronger customer relationships and brand loyalty: Companion 
Animal Products are directly prescribed and often dispensed and 
sold by veterinarians helping to build brand loyalty, which often 
continues after the loss of patent protection  
or regulatory exclusivity.

•  Lower pricing pressure: Livestock producers and pet owners 

generally pay for animal healthcare themselves. Pricing decisions  
are not influenced by government payors that are involved in 
product and pricing decisions for human medicines.

•  Less price erosion by generic competition: Generic competition 

in animal healthcare, whilst playing an important role, has a lower 
impact on prices compared to human pharmaceuticals because 
of the smaller average market size of each product opportunity, 
stronger customer relationships and brand loyalty.

17.39%
Zoetis 
Boehringer Ingelheim  13.96%
12.57%
Merck 
9.16%
Elanco 
16.17%
Idexx Laboratories 

5.29%
Bayer Animal Health 
4.05%
Ceva Sante Animal 
Virbac 
3.06%
Phibro Animal Health  2.45%
1.64%
Dechra 

08

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                         
 
Strategic Report

Types of veterinary practices 
The majority of our sales are made into veterinary practices that 
tend to specialise in either companion animal or food producing 
animal treatment; however, there are numerous practices that are 
classified as mixed and who service all species. 

There is also an increasing number of equine practices and 
referral hospitals that provide high levels of specialisation. 
The veterinary profession is going through huge change as 
incorporated practice groups are consolidating practices at an 
increasing rate. 

With the ongoing integration of professional farming units, 
our FAP sales efforts are now often focused on these major 
integrators; however, the integrators themselves employ 
veterinarians who remain responsible for the prescribing and 
administration of our products.

Veterinary practices – Europe

Independents 

Buying Groups 

Corporates 

58%

27%

15%

Source: DVP EU Sales Data March 2019

Veterinary practices – North America

Independents 

Corporates 

80%

20%

Source: Cleveland Research 30 June 2019

Key Trends and Our Response

Recent market trend: The development of Covetrus 
in the USA reflects the recent trend of the distributors 
looking to change their historic veterinary supply route to 
provide a direct to consumer (dog and cat owner) model. 

Our response
The final route to the pet owner is not a major issue to 
Dechra. Our products are predominantly Prescription 
Only Medicines (POMs), so our ultimate partner in the 
supply chain will remain the veterinarian who will continue 
to write a prescription. Through education, technical 
support and innovation we endeavour to ensure that the 
prescription continues to be for a Dechra brand.

Ongoing market trend: The veterinary profession 
has been going through a period of change for several 
years as incorporated practice groups are consolidating 
practices at an increasing rate. 

Our response
Our relationship with these groups is very important; we 
are increasingly focused on key account management. 
We have modified our sales and marketing approach to 
focus on building relationships with our corporate and 
buying group customers and to understand better their 
needs and expectations. We have dedicated corporate 
account teams in Europe and North America.

Ongoing market trend: We have seen growth in 
the companion animal market for many years due to 
veterinarians’ capabilities, improved nutrition, increased 
longevity of pets and the owner’s willingness to continue 
to increase spending on pets. This trend has historically 
been in Western Europe, North America and other 
selected markets; however, in the developing world  
we are now seeing the status of pets increase, creating 
new markets.

Our response
We will continue to innovate in specialist medicine and 
increase our portfolio in our key areas of therapeutic 
specialisations. We are also expanding our geographical 
footprint and investing money in product registration in 
new developing markets.

Long term market trend: With the global increase 
in the population and the improvement in developing 
countries’ economies, there is a huge increase in demand 
for high quality poultry and fish protein.

Our response
We are consistently strengthening our FAP business both 
with new products and by international expansion. We are 
enhancing our range which includes our market leading 
pig and poultry water soluble antibiotics with vaccines and 
are increasing our registration activity to obtain marketing 
authorisations in new markets. We also own the global 
marketing rights to Animal Ethics’ ethical pain treatment 
for farm animals, Tri-Solfen®, which we are registering for 
sheep, cattle and pigs in numerous global markets.

Stock Code: DPH

09

Strategic Report

Our Marketplace

continued

Product Market Dynamics
Our products can be divided into four categories: Companion Animal Products (CAP), Food producing Animal Products (FAP), Equine, and Nutrition. 
All are targeted at providing veterinary professionals with solutions for their customers’ needs.

CAP

70.7%

% of Group Revenue

Species: Dogs and cats 

Key therapeutic sectors: Endocrinology, 
dermatology, analgesia and anaesthesia, 
cardiovascular and critical care. 

Products: The majority of products in our 
portfolio are Prescription Only Medicines 
(POMs); prescribed, administered and 
dispensed by veterinarians working in 
companion animal practices. We also have 
a range of associated non-prescription 
products which complement the licensed 
pharmaceuticals, such as ear cleaners, 
dermatologically active shampoos and other 
topical and nutritional supplements.

FAP

11.9%

% of Group Revenue

Species: Poultry, pigs and an increasing 
presence in cattle.

Key therapeutic sectors: Water soluble 
antibiotics, poultry vaccines, locomotion 
(lameness) and pain management. 

Products: Our products are predominately 
POMs that are prescribed by veterinarians 
who work in either specialist veterinary 
practices or professional farming units.

Market Description
The principal driver of growth in companion 
animal markets is the pet owners’ 
compassion for their animals. The market 
has historically been orientated around 
developed countries such as Western 
Europe, North America, Australia and 
Japan. However, with increasing wealth in 
several developing regions, the companion 
animal market is now also expanding.

Key Trends Shaping our Markets
Expenditure on companion animals continues 
to grow due to increasing pet ownership, 
advances in better nutrition, increased 
competence in managing complex conditions 

by veterinarians, preventative healthcare and 
wellness and by increasing availability of more 
specialist pharmaceuticals.

Our Market Position
This is the basis upon which Dechra 
established its market position and 
continues to be our strongest sector. 
Dechra has developed a strong position in 
providing specialist and clinically necessary 
novel products. We also supply a range of 
products which complement these products 
in key therapeutic sectors where we are 
seen as the company of choice by many 
veterinarians.

Market Description
As over 60% of all global animal health sales 
are FAP, Dechra is underweight relative to 
the market and our competitors and it is an 
increasing area of focus. 

Key Trends Shaping our Markets
The key driver for growth in this sector is a 
huge increase in the global demand for high 
quality animal protein and dairy products. 
Vaccines are the biggest growth sector of 
the veterinary market and are anticipated to 
continue to outgrow therapeutic treatments.

There is also a growing awareness to the 
need for better animal welfare standards, 
including pain control during procedures 
such as pig castration and tail docking. 

Our Market Position
Dechra entered the FAP sector through the 
acquisition of Eurovet in 2012; it currently 
represents 11.9% of revenue. The majority of 
our sales are currently antibiotics which are sold 
mainly into Western Europe. This market has 
been extremely proactive over the last five years 
in reducing antibiotic use due to concerns over 
antimicrobial resistance and ‘super bugs’. 

Dechra’s portfolio is positioned to 
match current best practice prescribing 
habits; additionally, our recent move into 
poultry vaccines should provide growth 
opportunities in future years as we seek 
global registrations.

10

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

Equine

7.1%

% of Group Revenue

Species: Horses and ponies. 

Key therapeutic sectors: Lameness and 
pain management. 

Products: Dechra offers a wide range of 
products supporting the equine veterinarian, 
from pain management to products for 
anaesthesia, dermatology, critical care, 
reproduction and euthanasia. 

Nutrition

6.0%

% of Group Revenue

Species: Dogs and cats.

Key therapeutic sectors: Our pet diets 
are available to support the wellbeing of 
cats and dogs with numerous therapeutic 
conditions. 

Products: Our range of pet foods is 
predominantly focused on high quality 
nutrition to support therapeutic conditions 
in dogs and cats such as allergies, joint 
disorders, obesity, heart and kidney disease. 

Market Description
Veterinarians that specialise in horses 
operate out of either mixed practices or, 
increasingly, specialist equine centres. The 
horse is classed as a minor species as there 
are relatively few of them, even in major 
countries such as the USA where current 
estimates are only seven million and the UK 
at approximately one million. The market 
can be divided roughly into performance 
sports horses and leisure horses and 
ponies.  

Key Trends Shaping our Markets
The market is variable and can be linked to 
the economy; however, high value sports 
horses will be treated at almost any cost. 

Our Market Position
This is a sector in which few animal health 
companies specialise due to the relatively 
small number of horses in the world and 
the fact that in the majority of European 
countries the horse is classed as a food 
producing species which adds complexity  
to the licensing process. 

Dechra has developed a strong position 
in lameness and pain management with 
unique products that have superior efficacy 
compared to historic treatments.

Market Description
Premium quality products for both everyday 
pet nutrition and special therapy needs sold 
through veterinary channels.

Key Trends Shaping our Markets
Expenditure on companion animals continues 
to grow due to increasing pet ownership, 
advances in nutrition, increased competence 
in managing complex conditions by 
veterinarians, preventative healthcare and 
wellness and by increasing availability  
of more specialist diets.

Our Market Position
Dechra’s focus is predominantly therapeutic 
diets which are not available for self-selection 
through supermarkets, and require advice 
from the veterinarian. There are very few 
competitors in this specialist sector of the pet 
food market and although we compete with 
huge global multinational companies, we are 
able to differentiate our position through the 
use of higher quality ingredients and through 
innovation. 

The ability to offer our wide range of 
products, branded Specific®, is necessary  
to remain competitive in this sector.

Stock Code: DPH

11

Strategic Report

Our Business Model

Our objectives are to innovate, develop, register, manufacture, sell and market high quality products to the veterinary profession worldwide. We also 
offer high levels of service, technical support and educational training to promote the Dechra brand and to develop a strong relationship with, and be 
recognised as an important partner to, veterinarians.

1

Our Key Resources 
and Relationships

2

Innovation, Development 
and Registration

Values
Our culture and Values are important and have helped 
drive the Group’s success.

People
Our people strategy underpins everything we do in the 
business. We have a well defined plan to build talent, 
develop people and strengthen the Dechra culture.

Relationships and Partnerships 
Our sales approach revolves around partnerships 
with key practice groups, individual veterinarians, key 
opinion leaders and distributors. The relationship with 
our supply chain partners is also important to establish 
continuity of supply.

Financial Resources
Our strong cash generation allows us to pay down 
debt quickly, resulting in a strong balance sheet which 
allows us to fund internally the majority of our strategic 
opportunities.

Technology 
We are implementing a strong technology platform 
to enable us to operate efficiently. We also offer CPD 
training via our e-learning system to veterinarians and 
veterinary nurses.

Read Corporate Social Responsibility 
on pages 46 to 61

Strategic Enablers

Technology

People

Manufacturing and 
Supply Chain

Read Delivering Our Strategy 
on pages 16 to 19

Product Development Portfolio

Novel 
Entities

Generics

Differentiated 
Generics 

Lifecycle 
Management

Read more about our Product Development 
on pages 40 to 43

Product development ideas are generated in numerous ways, 
including:

• 

regular cross functional meetings where all senior staff are 
encouraged to bring new ideas from their experience in the 
marketplace;

•  networking with key opinion leaders, especially in our focus 

therapeutic areas, to identify and develop ideas; and

•  employing talented veterinary scientists who extensively 

screen scientific papers looking for new technologies that 
might have an application in our marketplace. 

In addition, our profile gives us exposure to human pharmaceutical 
and biotech companies that are developing technologies, usually 
for human medicine, but often with a veterinary application. 
We spread our development portfolio across novel entities, 
differentiated generics, generics and lifecycle management 
projects across multiple species.

Our formulation and development laboratories are located at our 
manufacturing sites which allows manufacturing and product 
development to work closely together to scale up to commercial 
production, which is a key expertise for in-house product 
development. After opportunities have been identified we have 
an evaluation phase where we assess opportunities and ideas to 
determine whether we can technically manufacture the product 
and whether it is commercially viable to do so. Once a product has 
been classed as suitable for development it will be allocated to an 
internal development team who will be responsible for taking the 
product all the way through feasibility, research and development 
to regulatory submission. Once all the studies are concluded, if the 
product reaches the required safety, efficacy and stable chemical 
criteria, regulatory dossiers are prepared for registration and filing 
with the relevant regulatory authorities.

Read Pipeline Delivery Case Study 
on page 35

12

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

3

Manufacturing

4

Supply Chain

Range of competencies

Tablets and 
Capsules

Creams

Liquids

Ointments

Powders

Vaccines

Sterile 
Injections

s
e
t
i
s

s
c
i
t
s
g
o
L

i

Veterinary 
distributors & 
wholesalers

Direct supply of products

Manufacturing is a key competency of the Group; the 
prime objective is to deliver safe, efficacious, cost-
effective, quality products. Veterinary products come in 
many dosage forms, and often, batch runs for veterinary 
medicines are relatively small compared to human 
production; therefore outsourcing can prove difficult 
and expensive. We have a wide range of competencies 
across our seven sites including tablets, creams, liquids, 
ointments, powders, vaccines and sterile injections that 
can be packed in a multitude of different presentations.

We do however outsource approximately 50% of our 
products. There are numerous active pharmaceutical 
ingredient types and dosage forms that we are unable 
to manufacture in-house and we also have numerous 
historical long term supply agreements with contract 
manufacturing organisations (CMO) which have been 
evolved due to historic agreements with businesses 
we have acquired. Therefore our CMO network is an 
important part of our business.

Our products are distributed to wholesalers and distributors 
through two major logistics sites. Our European and 
International markets are serviced from our own logistics 
facility based in Uldum, Denmark, and North America is 
supplied out of a third party logistics supplier in Kentucky. 
The principal objective is to deliver a customer’s order on 
time and in full every time.

The majority of veterinary practices are supplied through 
specialised veterinary distribution companies that operate as 
one-stop shops. They stock the majority of items veterinary 
practices need and offer high levels of service, often with 
a next day delivery. These distributors, on the whole, are 
not proactive in selling product; they predominantly supply 
to demand where the demand is driven by Dechra’s own 
sales activities within veterinary practices. There are a few 
markets where we offer direct supply, such as Germany and 
the Netherlands that are not fully supported by veterinary 
distributors or where legislation enforces all pharmaceuticals 
to be sold through pharmacies, such as Denmark, Italy, 
Norway and Sweden.

Stock Code: DPH

13

 
Strategic Report

5

Our Customers

Sales and Marketing

6

Veterinary 
practices & 
professional 
farming 
units

Veterinary 
professionals

All of our products and sales and marketing activities 
are targeted at veterinary professionals. The majority of 
veterinarians prescribe and dispense the drugs, although 
there are a few territories in the world where the veterinarian 
writes a prescription and the drugs are purchased by the 
animal owner at a pharmacy. 

The majority of our products are POMs, however we have 
a range of complementary non-prescription products. Our 
product range includes both novel and generic products 
in key therapeutic areas, in particular endocrinology, and 
anaesthesia and analgesia.

Generating Demand for our Customers

Telephone 
sales 
representatives 

Field based 
representatives 

Educational 
programmes 

Technical 
support 
helplines 

Dechra operates its own sales force and provides  
in-house marketing and technical support in 25 countries, 
predominantly in Europe and North America. In almost 
all these countries we have highly skilled field based 
representatives who make regular calls with all major 
veterinary practices. The representatives’ brief is to sell 
the product on a technical basis, outlining the beneficial 
aspects of our products and to provide educational 
support on how best to treat animals in our key therapeutic 
areas. We also provide high levels of technical support and 
pharmacovigilance through helplines in every country in 
which we operate. These helplines provide veterinarians 
with support on how best to use our products and with 
free advice on any difficult or complex cases that may be 
encountered.

The relationship with veterinarians is key and, to this 
end, we provide added value services. We offer high 
level educational programmes focused on the treatment 
of conditions in our key therapeutic areas. We deliver 
this education through many channels, including major 
conferences, regional groups, individual practices and 
increasingly through digital channels.

These programmes are certified to offer veterinarians  
and veterinary nurses the continuing professional 
education hours they require to maintain their  
professional qualification.

Stock Code: DPH

14

Strategic Report

Creating Value for Our Stakeholders

The Board appreciates that wider engagement with stakeholders is a key component of long term sustainability and success and 
believes that by engaging effectively with stakeholders, it will in turn strengthen the business, promoting long term success to the 
benefit of stakeholders and shareholders alike. Some examples of the ways in which the Board and/or the Group have engaged 
with stakeholders are detailed below: 

Shareholders

Suppliers

The Board’s principal role is to promote the long term success 
of the Company on behalf of its shareholders.

•  A rolling programme of meetings between institutional 
shareholders and the Chief Executive Officer and Chief 
Financial Officer have been held throughout the year. 

•  The Board reviewed and considered feedback, collated by the 
Company’s brokers, after Investor Presentations by the Board.  

•  The Board is provided with market summary reports which 

detail share price and share register movements.

•  All members of the Board attended the 2018 Annual 

General Meeting. This provided an opportunity for informal 
communications between shareholders and Directors.

•  Board approval of significant announcements.

Employees

The Board believes that the Group’s employees are its greatest 
asset. Our ongoing objective is to continue to be a high 
performing business driven by highly skilled and committed 
teams. A key element of our People Plan is that we want  
Dechra to be a great and safe place to work.

•  Results of the employee engagement survey have been 

presented and action planning sessions have taken place 
with employee groups to determine areas of focus to 
maintain and improve employee engagement.

•  The Group HR Director provided an update to the Board 
in June 2019 on the actions taken by teams throughout 
the Group on the agreed key areas of focus from the 2018 
employee engagement survey.  

•  Three scheduled Board meetings were held at business 
units, which provided the Board the opportunity to walk 
around the facilities with senior employees, to engage with 
employees at the sites and to experience the values and 
culture of the Company. In addition, they attended dinner 
with senior managers from the sites.

•  The Board met formally and informally with the Senior 

Executive Team (SET).

•  Twice a year a comprehensive health and safety report is 

provided to the Board for its review.

•  Senior Leaders held regular functional and cross functional 
Town Hall meetings to keep employees informed and 
updated.

•  Formal communications with Works Council employee 

representatives.

•  Group-wide newsletter published twice a year along with 

other Group news via the Company intranet.

•  16 new courses added to our e-learning platform and 1,803 

courses have been completed by our employees.

•  The appointment of Lisa Bright as the Non-Executive 

Director designated for employee engagement.

The Company is committed to acting responsibly and with 
integrity, respecting the laws, regulations, traditions and cultures 
of the countries within which it operates. It expects its suppliers 
to trade with honesty and integrity. 

•  The Board reviewed and approved the Anti-Bribery and 

Anti-Corruption (ABC) training course for Dechra’s third party 
network, which has been rolled out, and the updated internal 
ABC policies and procedures. 

•  The Board reviewed and approved the Modern 

Slavery Statement.

•  The Manufacturing and Supply Director presented to the 
Board and this included a discussion on the contract 
manufacturing organisation strategy.

Customers

Our objectives are to innovate, develop, register, manufacture, 
supply and market high quality products to the veterinary 
profession worldwide. We provide high levels of service, technical 
support and educational training to develop a strong relationship 
with, and be recognised as an important partner to, veterinarians. 

•  Each of the SET members for DVP EU, NA, and 

International have provided in-depth presentations on 
their markets, customer requirements and customer 
consolidation. 

•  Approval of licensing arrangements which will bring new 
technologies and products into our pipeline and product 
portfolios. 

•  A presentation from the DVP International Managing 

Director which included a distribution strategy discussion.

•  Launch of Dechra Cat and Dog App, an anaesthesia 

education and support tool.

•  40 new courses have been created this year in the strategic 
therapy areas of Endocrinology and Dermatology in the 
Dechra Academy, our continuous professional development 
platform.

•  A total of 676 CPD presentations to an aggregate total of 

18,680 attendees in North America and Mexico.

Communities

The Board encourages the business units to contribute to the 
social and economic welfare of the local communities in which 
they operate. It recognises that by taking voluntary action in this 
area it is helping to protect and develop its own business. 

•  878 hours in the Community, working on a variety of 

projects, including beach clean ups in the Netherlands  
and supporting animal shelters in the US.

•  The lease of land, free of charge, in Zagreb for use by the 

local community as a children’s playground. 

•  The provision of training to local residents and students  

in Denmark and Brazil.

15

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

Delivering Our Strategy

Since 2013, our priorities for each Strategic Growth Driver and Enabler have been clearly defined and communicated and are outlined  
in the table on pages 18 and 19. In this section of the Annual Report we describe the progress we have made towards achieving our  
strategic objectives.

1

Dechra Values

2

Strategic Enablers

Technology

People

Manufacturing 
and Supply 
Chain

2013

Number of product 
registrations 

1,327

Number of countries 
distributed to

40

Number of countries with 
own sales and marketing 
organisations

13

Number of 
manufacturing sites

3

Number of employees

1,287

Commenced 
trading in 

Italy 

a

b

c

Acquired  
PSPC 

US product

Acquired  
Apex 

Access to 
Australian 
CAP market

Acquired  
Putney

Transformational 
US deal

2013

2014

2015

2016

a

b

c

Acquired  
Genera 

Entry into poultry 
vaccines

Acquired  
Brovel 

Access to 
Mexican market

Commenced 
trading in 

Canada  
and Poland

16

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

3

Strategic Growth Drivers

a

b

c

Pipeline 

Delivery

Portfolio 

Geographical 

Acquisition

Focus

Expansion

Read about our Strategic Growth 
Drivers on page 34 to 39

Acquired AST Farma 

Strengthens Dutch market 
position and provides 
direct-to-vet relationship

a

b

c

Acquired Le Vet 

Adds to EU 
product portfolio

2017

2018

Acquired 
RxVet

Access to 
New Zealand

Acquired  
33% of  
Medical Ethics 

Access to novel product 
development

Acquired 
trade and 
assets of 
Caledonian

Access to 
equine products

International 
specialist veterinary 
pharmaceuticals 
and related 
products business

Generate long term 
value for 
shareholders

2019

Number of product 
registrations 

5,407

Number of countries 
distributed to

68

a

b

c

Acquired  
Venco 

Access to Brazil and South 
American markets

2019

Number of countries with 
own sales and marketing 
organisations

25

Acquired  
a further 15% of 
Medical Ethics 

Number of 
manufacturing sites

7

Number of employees

1,753

Stock Code: DPH

17

Strategic Report

Delivering Our Strategy

continued

Our Strategic Growth 
Drivers

Pipeline Delivery

2014
•  Dossiers submitted in USA and EU for  

2015
•  Seven new projects started in 

Our Achievements

a novel canine endocrinology product

•  Pivotal clinical trial commenced for 

• 

Deliver our pipeline on time, 
at the right costs and with 
the expected returns. Refill 
the pipeline so that we get 
a constant flow of new 
products in future years

canine endocrinology opportunity
•  Ongoing characterisation studies for 
canine dermatological and canine 
ophthalmology products

•  A number of generic and range 

extension dossiers submitted in EU
•  Osphos® submitted in Australia and 

Canada

Portfolio Focus

•  Delivered growth in almost all target 

therapeutic sectors

•  Cardisure® exceptional growth of 

32% across European markets, while 
Comfortan® grew by 40%

•  Brought in house a number of products 

acquired through Eurovet enabling the 
Group to retain full margin and enhance 
sales focus

•  Updated Dechra Online Academy tool,  
a platform for CPD for all veterinarians  

Feasibility
Two product approvals: Osphos 
in EU (April 2015) and TAF Spray® 
(December 2014)

August 2014 and in the UK in 
September 2014, with dedicated 
sales representatives recruited to 
support the launch
TAF Spray launched in several EU 
countries

• 

Vetoryl® grew by 24% globally
• 
•  Dechra Academy was updated and 

launched successfully in 11 countries 
with 5,000 new users 

•  All core therapeutic areas in CAP, 
including dermatology, as well as 
Equine growing at double digit in 
Europe

•  Started trading in Italy – the first 

•  Strengthening of distributor 

greenfield start up since the USA  
in 2004

•  Sales office established in Canada
•  Recruiting additional regulatory support 
to accelerate product registrations in 
other territories

relationships

•  New start up in Poland
•  Commenced trading from  

Canadian entity

•  Osphos launched in the USA in 

•  Several FAP approved, notably 

•  Acquisition of trade and assets of PSPC 

Inc. and PSPC facility in USA

•  Purchase of new Levothyroxine product 
to be launched in first half of 2015 
financial year

•  Successful integration of the assets 
of PSPC with sales exceeding 
expectations 

• 

Three acquisitions completed:  
Genera, Brovel and Putney

•  Putney integration helped strengthen 

•  Conditional offer for Genera d.d., 

our USA presence

a Croatian animal health company, 
announced post year end on  
3 August 2015

•  Genera integration on plan, new 
business structure defined
•  Registration process of Dechra  
products commenced in Mexico

Strategic Enablers

•  Significant investments in the liquids, 

•  On time first order delivery to new 

•  Good progress in our Oracle roll out  

creams and ointments suite, tablet 
compression machines and the 
encapsulation production line in Skipton

country operations in Italy and Poland

•  Completed transition of dry diets 

manufacturing to new third party site

•  Brought production of Cardisure and 

•  Completed investments in Dechra 

Forthyron® in house – improving margin 
and giving greater flexibility and control 
over production of these key CAP 
products
€2 million investment in our new 
enlarged central European distribution 
centre in Uldum

• 

•  New supplier of Specific pet diets identified 

and transfer of production started

Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing 
(DPM) to improve yield and capacity

•  Successful FDA pre-approval 

in 16 countries

inspection at Skipton to manufacture 
Zycortal®

•  Completed implementation of Group 
Finance Oracle consolidation module
•  Personal Development Review (PDR) 
rolled out to all Dechra employees

•  Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) 
process implemented in DVP EU  
and DPM

See our Key Performance Indicators 
on pages 32 and 33

See the Understanding Our Key Risks 
section on pages 64 to 67

18

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

a

b

c

Maximise our revenue 
by increasing market 
penetration, focusing on 
targeted therapeutic  
sectors within CAP,  
Equine, FAP and Nutrition

Geographical 
Expansion

Leverage our product 
portfolio into new 
geographic regions through 
distribution partners, in-
country presence and  
new country product  
registrations
Acquisition

Expand our geographical  
footprint and/or enhance  
our product portfolio 
through acquisition

Our strategic enablers, 
Manufacturing and 
Supply Chain, People and 
Technology, support the 
execution of our strategy

2016
• 

Zycortal approved and launched in the 
USA in March 2016 and in 14 European 
markets

•  Osphos launched in 17 additional 

European countries

Phenocillin® and Solamocta® (for turkeys 
and ducks) launched in Germany and 
launch planned for 17 other territories

•  Amoxi-Clav tablet development 

including Redonyl® Ultra, Vetradent® 

rest of world

Read about our Pipeline Delivery 

and BioEquin®

• 

15 product launches from Le Vet 

on page 35

•  A number of minor FAP market 

•  Progress in co-development licensing 

pipeline

authorisations gained

opportunities

•  Double digit growth in key therapeutic 

•  Strong CAP and Equine growth 

•  Resolution of Nutrition supply and 

•  Moved key Le Vet products from 

areas

•  Roll out of digital technologies  
progressed to plan, with the 
implementation of our Learning 
Management System, Delta, enabling 
product training to be disseminated to  
sales representatives

•  Regulatory approvals were obtained in 
several countries such as Brazil, Egypt 
and Sri Lanka

•  New start up in Austria

Our Achievements

2018

• 

• 

•  Signed Animal Ethics licensing 

Two further poultry vaccines registered 

• 

Entered into a number of licensing 

agreement, and building pipeline of 

in EU: Avishield® IBH120 and ND B1

agreements, including a novel  

other in-licensing opportunities

Launch of further Amoxi-Clav dose 

canine sedative and an equine  

• 

Vaccines development strategy 

sizes to complete range for the USA 

gastric product

defined and new opportunities 

market

•  A number of novel and generic 

• 

In-licensing of major new products 

registrations in EU, Mexico and  

2017

identified

completed 

Our  

Progress

2019

Links

Link to KPIs and Risks

     2      3      4

     3      4      5

     1

     5

     2

     9

continuing across the Group,   

palatability issues, and launch of 

FAP returned to growth

refreshed cat diets

Increased effective use of CRM tools 

•  Strong growth in European FAP 

distributors to Dechra marketing 

companies to generate significant 

synergies through retention of full 

following antibiotic product alignment 

margin and enhancing sales focus

Expanded sales force effectiveness 

and range additions

•  Development and launch of Dechra 

• 

• 

in EU and NA

training

•  Unblocking of distribution channels 

increase penetration across Group

• 

FAP growth accelerating against 

on page 37

for Putney products in the US 

•  Continued growth in Equine, with 

a backdrop of declining antibiotic 

• 

Leveraging CAP product success to 

Dog & Cat Anaesthesia App

Read about our Portfolio Focus 

Link to KPIs and Risks

     1

     5

     2      3      4

     3      4      5

     1

     7

     9

opened up market for enlarged NA 

stronger growth in Europe from 

markets

business growth

market penetration and range 

additions

•  Several international product 

•  Over 80 new country registrations of 

• 

Expanded into Latin America via 

registrations achieved

existing portfolio products

the acquisition of Laboratorios 

• 

Established Dechra Veterinary 

•  Acquisition of RxVet expanded our 

Vencofarma do Brasil Ltda (Venco)

Link to KPIs and Risks

     1      2      3      4

     4      5      6      7

Products (DVP) International business

presence in New Zealand

• 

43 Product registrations across Israel, 

•  Commenced appointment of the DVP 

•  Successful establishment of the DVP 

South Korea, Macau, Macedonia, 

International team

International team

Malaysia, Malta, Namibia, Serbia, 

Read about our Geographical 

Expansion on page 39

•  Development of international 

Ukraine, UAE and Zambia

registrations strategy and 

•  ANZ business leveraged by 

prioritisation plan

Caledonian bolt-on

•  Successful integration and operation 

•  Acquisition and successful integration 

• 

Acquisition and successful integration 

Link to KPIs and Risks

of Genera, Brovel, Putney and Apex

of RxVet, expanding our presence in 

of Venco

•  Acquisition of Apex, opening up  

New Zealand

•  Acquisition of trade and assets of 

     1      2      3      5

     6      8

new bridgehead into Australasia  

First full year of Apex

• 

• 

Acquisition and successful initial 

integration of AST Farma and Le 

Vet, providing transformation in EU 

Pharmaceuticals’ portfolio and pipeline

Caledonian Holdings Ltd in New 

Zealand strengthening market 

position in Equine

Read about our Acquisition 

on page 39

and South East Asia

•  Acquisition of 33.0% of Medical 

Ethics Pty Ltd provides the 

Group with secure access to 

novel therapeutic areas/product 

development

•  Developed new Manufacturing and 

• 

Progress in execution of Manufacturing 

•  Appointment of additional  

Supply Chain strategy

remodelling strategy, in Zagreb 

Non-Executive Director and Group 

•  Ongoing progress in Oracle 

(inbound transfers) and Bladel (FDA) 

Manufacturing and Supply Director

deployment

• 

12 months without a lost time 

•  Strengthened Manufacturing 

Link to KPIs and Risks

     1

     5

     2

     6

     3

     7

     4

     3      6      9

• 

IT user hardware standardised  

accident

Leadership team

across the Group

•  Completion of employee engagement 

• 

Investments in manufacturing and 

survey, providing valuable feedback

packing at Skipton, a new solid dose 

•  Successful implementation of 

facility in Zagreb and an upgrade to 

the European Oracle project and 

the sterile facility in Bladel

completion of Hyperion suite

•  Oracle ERP now embedded and 

Phase II completed in DVP EU

Read about our People 

on pages 49 to 55

with DVP US live in April 2016
•  Commencement of a new Group 
Intranet platform for improved 
communication and information sharing 
with all employees 

•  HR Cloud based IT system implemented 

  
  
 
 
 
Our Achievements

Our Achievements

2017
•  Signed Animal Ethics licensing 

2018
• 

• 

agreement, and building pipeline of 
other in-licensing opportunities
Vaccines development strategy 
defined and new opportunities 
identified

• 

• 

•  Amoxi-Clav tablet development 

completed 

Two further poultry vaccines registered 
in EU: Avishield® IBH120 and ND B1
Launch of further Amoxi-Clav dose 
sizes to complete range for the USA 
market
In-licensing of major new products 
including Redonyl® Ultra, Vetradent® 
and BioEquin®

•  A number of minor FAP market 

•  Progress in co-development licensing 

authorisations gained

opportunities

Strategic Report

Our  
Progress
2019
• 

Entered into a number of licensing 
agreements, including a novel  
canine sedative and an equine  
gastric product

•  A number of novel and generic 
registrations in EU, Mexico and  
rest of world
15 product launches from Le Vet 
pipeline

• 

Links

Link to KPIs and Risks

     2      3      4

     1

     5

     3      4      5

     2

     9

Read about our Pipeline Delivery 
on page 35

•  Strong CAP and Equine growth 
continuing across the Group,   
FAP returned to growth
Increased effective use of CRM tools 
in EU and NA
Expanded sales force effectiveness 
training

• 

• 

•  Unblocking of distribution channels 
for Putney products in the US 
opened up market for enlarged NA 
business growth

•  Resolution of Nutrition supply and 

palatability issues, and launch of 
refreshed cat diets

•  Strong growth in European FAP 

• 

following antibiotic product alignment 
and range additions
Leveraging CAP product success to 
increase penetration across Group
•  Continued growth in Equine, with 

stronger growth in Europe from 
market penetration and range 
additions

•  Moved key Le Vet products from 
distributors to Dechra marketing 
companies to generate significant 
synergies through retention of full 
margin and enhancing sales focus

•  Development and launch of Dechra 

• 

Dog & Cat Anaesthesia App
FAP growth accelerating against 
a backdrop of declining antibiotic 
markets

Link to KPIs and Risks

     2      3      4

     1

     5

     1

     7

     3      4      5

     9

Read about our Portfolio Focus 
on page 37

•  Several international product 

•  Over 80 new country registrations of 

• 

• 

registrations achieved
Established Dechra Veterinary 
Products (DVP) International business
•  Commenced appointment of the DVP 

existing portfolio products

•  Acquisition of RxVet expanded our 

presence in New Zealand

• 

•  Successful establishment of the DVP 

International team

International team

•  Development of international 
registrations strategy and 
prioritisation plan

Expanded into Latin America via 
the acquisition of Laboratorios 
Vencofarma do Brasil Ltda (Venco)
43 Product registrations across Israel, 
South Korea, Macau, Macedonia, 
Malaysia, Malta, Namibia, Serbia, 
Ukraine, UAE and Zambia

Link to KPIs and Risks

     1      2      3      4

     4      5      6      7

Read about our Geographical 
Expansion on page 39

•  ANZ business leveraged by 

Caledonian bolt-on

•  Acquisition of trade and assets of PSPC 

•  Successful integration of the assets 

• 

Three acquisitions completed:  

•  Successful integration and operation 

•  Acquisition and successful integration 

• 

of Genera, Brovel, Putney and Apex

•  Acquisition of Apex, opening up  
new bridgehead into Australasia  
and South East Asia

•  Acquisition of 33.0% of Medical 
Ethics Pty Ltd provides the 
Group with secure access to 
novel therapeutic areas/product 
development

• 
• 

of RxVet, expanding our presence in 
New Zealand
First full year of Apex
Acquisition and successful initial 
integration of AST Farma and Le 
Vet, providing transformation in EU 
Pharmaceuticals’ portfolio and pipeline

Acquisition and successful integration 
of Venco

•  Acquisition of trade and assets of 

Caledonian Holdings Ltd in New 
Zealand strengthening market 
position in Equine

Link to KPIs and Risks

     1      2      3      5

     6      8

Read about our Acquisition 
on page 39

Strategic Enablers

•  Significant investments in the liquids, 

•  On time first order delivery to new 

•  Good progress in our Oracle roll out  

•  Developed new Manufacturing and 

• 

Supply Chain strategy
•  Ongoing progress in Oracle 

• 

deployment
IT user hardware standardised  
across the Group

Progress in execution of Manufacturing 
remodelling strategy, in Zagreb 
(inbound transfers) and Bladel (FDA) 
12 months without a lost time 
accident

• 

•  Completion of employee engagement 
survey, providing valuable feedback

• 

•  Successful implementation of 

the European Oracle project and 
completion of Hyperion suite

•  Appointment of additional  

Link to KPIs and Risks

Non-Executive Director and Group 
Manufacturing and Supply Director

•  Strengthened Manufacturing 

     1

     5

     2

     6

     3

     7

     4

     3      6      9

Leadership team
Investments in manufacturing and 
packing at Skipton, a new solid dose 
facility in Zagreb and an upgrade to 
the sterile facility in Bladel

Read about our People 
on pages 49 to 55

•  Oracle ERP now embedded and 
Phase II completed in DVP EU

Key to KPIs

     1

     2

     3

     4

     5

     6

     7

Revenue Growth
Underlying Diluted EPS Growth
Return on Capital Employed
Cash Conversion
New Product Revenue
Lost Time Accident Frequency Rate (LTAFR)
Employee Turnover

Stock Code: DPH

     3

     2

     1

Key to Risks
Market Risk
Product Development and Launch Risk
Supply Chain Risk
Competitor Risk
Regulatory Risk
People Risk
Antibiotic Regulatory Risk

     6

     7

     5

     4

     8

     9

Acquisition Risk
Retention of People Risk

19

2014

2015

2016

Pipeline Delivery

•  Dossiers submitted in USA and EU for  

•  Seven new projects started in 

• 

Zycortal approved and launched in the 

a novel canine endocrinology product

Feasibility

USA in March 2016 and in 14 European 

Portfolio Focus

•  Delivered growth in almost all target 

• 

Vetoryl® grew by 24% globally

•  Double digit growth in key therapeutic 

•  Pivotal clinical trial commenced for 

• 

Two product approvals: Osphos 

markets

canine endocrinology opportunity

in EU (April 2015) and TAF Spray® 

•  Osphos launched in 17 additional 

•  Ongoing characterisation studies for 

(December 2014)

European countries

canine dermatological and canine 

•  Osphos launched in the USA in 

•  Several FAP approved, notably 

ophthalmology products

•  A number of generic and range 

extension dossiers submitted in EU

August 2014 and in the UK in 

September 2014, with dedicated 

sales representatives recruited to 

Phenocillin® and Solamocta® (for turkeys 

and ducks) launched in Germany and 

launch planned for 17 other territories

•  Osphos® submitted in Australia and 

support the launch

Canada

• 

TAF Spray launched in several EU 

countries

therapeutic sectors

•  Dechra Academy was updated and 

areas

•  Cardisure® exceptional growth of 

launched successfully in 11 countries 

•  Roll out of digital technologies  

32% across European markets, while 

with 5,000 new users 

progressed to plan, with the 

Comfortan® grew by 40%

•  All core therapeutic areas in CAP, 

implementation of our Learning 

•  Brought in house a number of products 

including dermatology, as well as 

Management System, Delta, enabling 

acquired through Eurovet enabling the 

Equine growing at double digit in 

product training to be disseminated to  

Group to retain full margin and enhance 

Europe

sales representatives

sales focus

•  Updated Dechra Online Academy tool,  

a platform for CPD for all veterinarians  

•  Started trading in Italy – the first 

•  Strengthening of distributor 

•  Regulatory approvals were obtained in 

greenfield start up since the USA  

relationships

several countries such as Brazil, Egypt 

in 2004

•  New start up in Poland

and Sri Lanka

•  Sales office established in Canada

•  Commenced trading from  

•  New start up in Austria

•  Recruiting additional regulatory support 

Canadian entity

to accelerate product registrations in 

other territories

Our Strategic Growth 

Drivers

Deliver our pipeline on time, 

at the right costs and with 

the expected returns. Refill 

the pipeline so that we get 

a constant flow of new 

products in future years

a

b

c

Maximise our revenue 

by increasing market 

penetration, focusing on 

targeted therapeutic  

sectors within CAP,  

Equine, FAP and Nutrition

Geographical 

Expansion

Leverage our product 

portfolio into new 

geographic regions through 

distribution partners, in-

country presence and  

new country product  

registrations

Acquisition

Inc. and PSPC facility in USA

of PSPC with sales exceeding 

Genera, Brovel and Putney

•  Purchase of new Levothyroxine product 

expectations 

•  Putney integration helped strengthen 

to be launched in first half of 2015 

•  Conditional offer for Genera d.d., 

our USA presence

financial year

Expand our geographical  

footprint and/or enhance  

our product portfolio 

through acquisition

a Croatian animal health company, 

•  Genera integration on plan, new 

announced post year end on  

business structure defined

3 August 2015

•  Registration process of Dechra  

products commenced in Mexico

creams and ointments suite, tablet 

country operations in Italy and Poland

with DVP US live in April 2016

compression machines and the 

•  Completed transition of dry diets 

•  Commencement of a new Group 

encapsulation production line in Skipton

manufacturing to new third party site

Intranet platform for improved 

Our strategic enablers, 

Manufacturing and 

Supply Chain, People and 

Technology, support the 

execution of our strategy

•  Brought production of Cardisure and 

•  Completed investments in Dechra 

communication and information sharing 

Forthyron® in house – improving margin 

Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing 

with all employees 

and giving greater flexibility and control 

(DPM) to improve yield and capacity

•  HR Cloud based IT system implemented 

over production of these key CAP 

•  Successful FDA pre-approval 

in 16 countries

products

inspection at Skipton to manufacture 

•  Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) 

• 

€2 million investment in our new 

Zycortal®

process implemented in DVP EU  

enlarged central European distribution 

•  Completed implementation of Group 

and DPM

centre in Uldum

Finance Oracle consolidation module

•  New supplier of Specific pet diets identified 

•  Personal Development Review (PDR) 

and transfer of production started

rolled out to all Dechra employees

  
  
 
 
 
Strategic Report

Chief Executive Officer’s Statement

The Group has delivered another strong 
performance throughout the financial year.  
We have continued to outperform in almost all 
markets in which we operate and strategically  
it has also been an excellent year.

Ian Page 
Chief Executive Officer

the end of the period we were beginning to see real traction from new, 
core product introductions and from the additional expertise added 
through the recently appointed, experienced management team.

Product Group Performance
In the commentary which follows, all references will be to CER 
movement unless otherwise stated.

CAP
Companion Animal Products (CAP), which represent 70.7% of Group 
turnover, grew by 23.1% (14.6% organically) in the Period with all 
therapeutic categories performing well. We have developed a broad 
portfolio, especially in internal medicine and critical care products such 
as anaesthesia and analgesia, where we have a wide range providing 
the veterinarian with an optimal solution for every case. We recently 
developed a mobile application by which a veterinarian can evaluate the 
optimum anaesthetic or analgesic protocol for many species of animals 
in numerous clinical conditions.

FAP
Food producing Animal Products (FAP), which represent 11.9% of 
Group turnover, grew by 19.1% (4.2% organically). This growth was 
driven by a strong organic performance in our EU business (as we are 
not in the FAP sector in NA) and by the acquisition of Venco, whose 
product portfolio is mainly FAP vaccines. Whilst the overall market in 
Europe is still seeing a decline in antibiotic usage, we are no longer 
being affected as our range is aligned to best prescribing practice.

15.4%

18.7%

Revenue Growth in NA

Revenue Growth in EU

Read the Financial Review 
on pages 25 to 31

I am pleased to report that the Group has delivered another strong 
performance throughout the financial year (the Period). Financially 
we have continued to outperform in almost all markets in which we 
operate, especially in the USA where we have delivered another year of 
exceptional organic growth. Strategically it has also been an excellent 
year; our pipeline has delivered new products and has been significantly 
enhanced with new technology; geographically we have extended our 
footprint through the acquisition of Laboratorios Vencofarma do Brasil 
Ltda (Venco) and we have successfully integrated the acquisitions 
completed in the previous financial year.

Portfolio Focus
EU Pharmaceuticals Segment
In the Period our European (EU) Pharmaceuticals Segment reported 
revenues increased by 18.7% at CER (17.5% at AER). Excluding third 
party contract manufacturing and acquisitions, revenues increased 
by 7.8% at CER (6.9% at AER). This growth was partly offset by the 
ongoing decline in non-core business, such as agrochemicals. Although 
market growth in European countries has been very slow or flat, all of 
Dechra’s major markets outperformed and delivered solid growth on the 
previous year.

International Business
Our Australian, New Zealand and recently acquired Brazilian businesses 
are outperforming our expectations. Sales through third party 
marketing partners have been marginally slower than expected; clearly 
demonstrating our ability to drive products under our control and under 
the Dechra brand to a higher level. This supports our international 
expansion strategy which can be demonstrated through the acquisitions 
in Australia, New Zealand and Brazil over the last few years.

NA Pharmaceuticals Segment
Total North America (NA) Pharmaceuticals Segment revenues increased 
by 15.4% at CER (19.8% at AER). This strong performance was driven 
by further market penetration of our key, unique brands such as Vetoryl 
and Zycortal and also by increased market share of our generics 
portfolio. We continue to benefit from the full year effect of the sales 
team that was significantly enlarged in the prior financial year. As the 
team is now the correct scale relative to our size, new headcount will 
only be added commensurate to growth. The USA is the main driver 
of this sales growth; however, we have also had a solid performance in 
Canada. Whilst not material to the Group, the strategic restructuring and 
repositioning of our Mexican business is behind schedule; however, at 

20

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

•  Equibactin® Oral Powder, an antibiotic for horses, approved in  

20 EU territories;

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 EquiShield® EHV Vaccine, a herpes virus vaccine for horses,  
approved in 15 EU territories;

 Intubeaze® Oromucosal Spray, an anaesthetic pre-treatment  
for cats, approved in 14 additional EU territories;

 Laxatract® Syrup, a laxative for cats and dogs, approved in  
28 EU territories;

 Rominervin Injection, a sedative for horses, approved in 27 EU 
territories;

 Solacyl® Powder, an antibiotic for cattle and pigs, approved in six 
additional EU territories;

 Solupam® Solution, for the management of convulsion disorders and 
skeletal muscle spasm or sedation for dogs and cats, approved in 
28 EU territories;

 Sympagesic® Injection, an analgesic and for the treatment of 
smooth muscle spasms in horses, cattle, pigs and dogs, approved 
in 28 EU territories; 

• 

 Domidine® Solution, a sedative for horses, approved in Canada;

•  Sedator® Solution and Atipam® Solution, a sedative and a reversal 
agent for dogs, Domidine, a sedative for horses, HY-50® for equine 
lameness and Felimazole® for hyperthyroidism, approved in Mexico; 
and

•  Panapex Ear Ointment for dogs, Intubeaze Oromucosal Spray  

an anaesthetic pre-treatment for cats, Meloxicam Oral Suspension 
an anti-inflammatory for dogs and Pimobendan Oral Solution a 
cardiovascular treatment for dogs, approved in Australia.

Also, the International Regulatory Affairs team achieved 43 product 
registrations across Israel, South Korea, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, 
Malta, Namibia, Serbia, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and Zambia.

Glossary 

Terms used within this section:

CER: Constant Exchange Rates

AER: Actual Exchange Rates

CAP: Companion Animal Products

ERP: Enterprise Resource Planning

EU Pharmaceuticals: European Pharmaceuticals Segment 
comprising DVP EU, DVP International and Dechra 
Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing

FAP: Food producing Animal Products

NA Pharmaceuticals: North American Pharmaceuticals 
Segment comprising DVP US, Canada and Dechra-Brovel

Equine
Equine, which represents 7.1% of Group turnover, grew by 21.1% 
(3.1% organically). This growth was mainly driven by the EU and by 
acquisition. Performance in NA was a little disappointing, predominantly 
due to some concerns about the risk of bisphosphonates (Osphos) 
when administered incorrectly and off-label. We have reinforced the 
need to use medicines as directed and have run an extensive marketing 
campaign and believe we have now addressed all concerns.

Nutrition
Nutrition represents 6.0% of Group turnover. Sales on the year were flat; 
however, we have arrested the decline seen last year and in the first half 
of this financial year. We have changed the management structure of 
this business unit to provide better focus. Following on from the launch 
of the refreshed cat diets, the dog diets are about to be relaunched in 
improved livery, new pack sizes and improved formulations.

Product Development
Achievements
We have restructured the global clinical department with a new 
organisational strategy into which we have integrated the vaccine 
development team and the regulatory control of the recent acquisitions: 
AST Farma, Le Vet and Venco.

We have implemented and rolled out a new project management 
software platform utilising Microsoft Project Server which will improve 
transparency, planning and delivery of our product pipeline.

Product Approvals
There have been numerous marketing authorisations received 
throughout the year, which included:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Carbifusion® Solution for Infusion, an electrolyte solution for cattle  
and horses, approved in four EU territories;

 Cardisure Liquid, a cardiovascular treatment for dogs, approved  
in 23 EU territories; 

 Clindabactin® Flavoured Tablets, an antibiotic for dogs and cats, 
approved in 28 EU territories;

 Cyclosporine Soft Gel Capsules, for allergic dermatitis in dogs, 
approved in the US;

 Dormazolam® Injection, a sedative for horses, approved in  
18 EU territories;

Stock Code: DPH

21

Strategic Report

Chief Executive Officer’s Statement

continued

which provide a better focus on sales and we capture the full margin 
chain. To date we have terminated approximately two thirds of these 
distribution agreements where there were change of ownership clauses; 
synergies from the remaining third are expected to be delivered over the 
next two years.

Caledonian Holdings Ltd
In October 2018 we acquired the trade and assets of a small bolt-on 
business, Caledonian Holdings Ltd (Caledonian) for a cash consideration 
of £4.4 million. The business, which had sales of £1.8 million to the 
end of June 2017, was entirely equine products, which are sold across 
Australia and New Zealand and also in Hong Kong. The acquisition was 
made to strengthen our market position in the equine sector in these 
territories and to complement our existing equine product portfolio  
and pipeline.

Laboratorios Vencofarma do Brasil Ltda
In December 2018 we acquired Laboratorios Vencofarma do Brasil Ltda 
(Venco) for a consideration of £34.8 million. This acquisition gives us a 
foothold within the third largest FAP market in the world, Brazil. It is also 
an important expansion to our FAP vaccine portfolio, the fastest growth 
sector of the global market. As with all of our acquisitions, we had a 
clear vision and strategic plan of how to integrate the business into 
Dechra which we shared with the management team on the first day of 
ownership. We have subsequently strengthened the team with a new 
Finance Director, a new HR Manager and a new Regulatory Manager.  
The team have integrated well with our culture and Values and to date 
have outperformed our expectations. Over the next two years we will 
invest in the manufacturing facility and in new product registrations to 
extend our presence in Brazil and will look at opportunities to increase 
further our presence in the wider South American market.

Animal Ethics Pty Ltd
Post the year end we acquired an additional 15% of the shares of 
Medical Ethics Pty Ltd, the parent company of Animal Ethics Pty Ltd, 
for a consideration of AUD$13.5 million (£8.0 million). Following the 
acquisition of 33% for AUD$18 million in 2017 this takes our total holding 
to 48%. The strong progress made on the global development of Tri-
Solfen® for pigs, cattle and sheep and the ongoing trials for its application 
for debriding of venous leg ulcers in humans has resulted in separate 
independent valuations of the business, both in excess of AUD$100 
million. Following recent trials in South-East Asia, Tri-Solfen® has also 
been found to be highly effective in alleviating the clinical signs of Foot 
and Mouth Disease in cattle. Given the effectiveness in the trials and the 
catastrophic problem that this disease causes, the government in Laos 
has already approved the product for use in their country. We anticipate 
that other countries in South-East Asia will shortly follow suit. This could 
represent a significant revenue opportunity as the disease is endemic in 
many parts of the world and affects millions of cattle annually.

Strategic Enablers
Manufacturing and Supply Chain
At the half-year we announced the appointment of Simon Francis, 
formerly of Novartis, as our new Director of Manufacturing and Supply 
Chain. Simon immediately undertook and completed a full review of 
our facilities and capabilities to make improvements, including the 
strengthening of the Manufacturing and Supply Chain management 
team. The improvements needed to be implemented as we were 
experiencing a number of supply issues from our own sites and contract 
manufacturers. These issues are now in the process of being mitigated.

Filling the Pipeline
We consider that it is important to our market position, as an innovative 
company, that we retain a balance of both novel and generic products 
in our portfolio and are conscious that as a consequence of the 
acquisitions we have made over the last two years, the balance of our 
pipeline has a greater generic and generic plus weighting than we have 
had historically. We have therefore increased resources and placed 
greater emphasis into screening opportunities, and have subsequently 
secured numerous development agreements for new technologies, the 
most significant of which are detailed below:

•  Post year-end we are delighted to have completed a significant 

agreement with Akston Biosciences who have developed a unique 
version of insulin with a sustained duration of activity;

• 

• 

• 

 We have entered into three agreements to evaluate two products  
for equine lameness and one product for equine gastric ulcers;

 We have signed a licensing agreement with Vetcare Ltd for a 
combination, novel canine sedative; and

 We have also entered into multiple agreements to evaluate new 
vaccine technologies against viral and bacterial diseases in pigs; 
proof of concept studies are commencing with these vaccines.

Acquisitions
AST Farma B.V. and Le Vet Beheer B.V.
AST Farma B.V. and Le Vet Beheer B.V., which were acquired in the 
previous financial year, are both performing well. AST Farma has 
significantly increased our presence in the Dutch market where we now 
offer a wider range of products, both existing Dechra and AST Farma, 
on a direct to vet basis. The commercial teams and product ranges of 
both Dechra and AST Farma have been combined with both businesses 
benefiting from the leverage of the enlarged company. Le Vet has 
started to deliver significant growth to Dechra in the second half of the 
financial year following the disintermediation of their previous distribution 
agreements which were held by a number of Dechra’s competitors. 
Significant synergies are now being realised as Dechra branded 
products are sold through our own sales and marketing organisations 

22

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

Brexit
In preparation for a potential hard Brexit, we have changed the 
ownership of all UK marketing authorisations to a newly established 
subsidiary in the Netherlands. We have also transferred all the analytical 
testing methods for products manufactured at our Skipton site to a new 
laboratory in Zagreb, Croatia, and to our existing laboratory at our Bladel 
manufacturing site; this will allow us to perform batch release within the 
EU in the likely event that there will be no mutual recognition of quality 
standards. We have increased inventory in the supply chain to mitigate 
the potential delays at ports. We do not expect any material effect from 
the potential import or export tariffs.

Dividend
The Board is proposing a final dividend of 22.10 pence per share (2018: 
18.17 pence per share). Added to the interim dividend of 9.50 pence per 
share, this brings the total dividend for the financial year ended 30 June 
2019 to 31.60 per share, representing 23.9% growth over the previous year.

Subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting to be  
held on 18 October 2019, the final dividend will be paid on 15 November 
2019 to shareholders on the Register at 25 October 2019. The shares  
will become ex-dividend on 24 October 2019.

Outlook
Our strong growth, both organic and through acquisition, and our 
broadening product portfolio and increasing geographic reach 
positions us well for continued growth in this new financial year and 
beyond. Despite the challenges from the supply chain issues, outlined 
earlier in this report, the outlook for the year ahead remains in line 
with management expectations. We continue to identify and deliver 
opportunities for growth in line with our strategy and remain confident in 
our current and future prospects.

Ian Page 
Chief Executive Officer 
2 September 2019

As planned within our strategic capital expenditure programme we 
have made infrastructure improvements at our three main European 
sites. In Skipton, UK, we have completely upgraded the packaging, 
manufacturing and washing facilities. In Zagreb, Croatia, we have built 
and commissioned a new solid dose facility and in Bladel, Netherlands, 
we are close to completing an upgrade of our sterile facility hopefully to 
achieve FDA status in 2020. In conjunction with grants from the Croatian 
government, we have implemented the largest green solar energy 
installation in the country at our Zagreb facility which will provide the site 
with 30% of its energy requirements from this natural resource.

Technology
Following the successful roll out of Oracle across DVP EU in May 2018, 
we have subsequently implemented and completed phase two of the 
project which deals with new legislation changes, improved reporting 
and post go-live system efficiencies. We have commenced a number 
of development projects and interfaces to deal with recent logistics 
changes to Oracle in the USA.

The IT team has also implemented numerous other IT developments, 
including improvements to the Group network, overseeing the 
installation of the project management software in Product 
Development, a regulatory information system for Regulatory Affairs, 
the deployment of a new AI-based cyber defence solution and the 
support of a pilot for a new cash management solution for our Treasury 
Department. Our Digital team has also been very productive with new 
modules in the Dechra Academy for veterinarians and veterinary nurses, 
new training courses in Delta, the in-house educational programme, and 
an upgrade and relaunch of Insite, the Group’s intranet.

People
In April 2019 we announced the resignation of Richard Cotton, Group 
Chief Financial Officer. The process to identify a suitable replacement is 
continuing. Since April, Paul Sandland, who has been with the Group for 
nine years, and has demonstrated strong financial and commercial skills 
as both Group Financial Controller and DVP EU Finance Director, has 
been Acting Chief Financial Officer.

In February 2019 we announced the appointment of Lisa Bright 
as a new Non-Executive Director to complement the strong skills 
already in existence on the Board. Lisa’s appointment strengthens the 
Board through her strategic and operational leadership knowledge 
in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies; her experience 
and strong interpersonal skills will be invaluable in our international 
expansion strategy and the development of our employee engagement 
programme.

Operationally we have developed a pilot for a new approach to 
performance management that is currently being trialled in  
North America.

For a number of years we have offered a Save As You Earn scheme in 
the UK which has proved very successful in providing additional reward 
and retention of UK employees. We will soon be rolling out similar 
schemes across the Group, with the first launch being in North America 
in 2019 prior to further roll out in 2020.

On behalf of the Board I would like to thank all employees for their hard 
work, determination, skill and ambition. They are the main driving force 
behind Dechra’s success.

Stock Code: DPH

23

Strategic Report

Ian Page 
Chief Executive Officer

Q  How are the recent acquisitions progressing and is 

Q  You have had a number of significant management 

there anything else in the pipeline?

A  I will start with the acquisitions made in the previous financial year 
to the year being reported which would be AST/Le Vet. AST now 
has been completely amalgamated with our Dutch commercial 
business and we are now beginning to see revenue synergies from 
the enlarged product offering. The most significant part of this 
acquisition was Le Vet. The Le Vet products, to remind you, were 
sold through Dechra but also about 80% of them were sold through 
our competitors. We have now disintermediated about two thirds 
of those distribution agreements and have now started to bring the 
products back in-house to sell through our own sales organisations 
in Dechra livery and, clearly, there is a big uplift to margin by us 
doing that. We are actually delivering everything that we promised 
shareholders at the time of acquisition and that can be seen within 
the growth that we are starting to deliver within our European 
Segment in the second half of the financial year being reported 
and from which we will start to realise a greater benefit in the next 
financial year. So, all in all, it has been a terrific acquisition. The more 
recent significant acquisition has been Venco, a vaccine business in 
Brazil. A great step forward into what is now the third largest animal 
health country in the world, an excellent product portfolio and since 
working with the management team since we owned it, we have 
realised that we have got a great management team there as well. 
We will continue to develop the business, particularly looking at Brazil 
in the short term because there is a little bit of investment required 
over the next few years in the facility, particularly the upstream facility, 
the way that the vaccines are actually produced needs a little bit of 
investment to improve the quality systems and then we will hopefully 
get to expand the product sales into other South American markets. 
In terms of the pipeline, yes, we always have companies that we 
can talk to that we see as being ideal acquisition opportunities. 
Unfortunately, it is not an exact science; you are never entirely sure 
whether a business is going to sell or if they do sell, whether you will 
be considered the right partner. We do win more than our fair share 
of deals and we hope that that will continue, but we cannot rely on 
acquisitions because it is not a certainty, but to caveat that, we do 
and to repeat, we do have a decent pipeline and I would be very 
disappointed if we cannot bring more companies into the Group  
over the next few years.

Watch the video at dechra.annualreport2019.com

changes recently; does this suggest some underlying 
issues?

A  No, absolutely categorically not. As you are aware Dechra has grown 
rapidly over the last few years. Commensurate with that growth 
you have to develop your sales team and add new skills into the 
Senior Executives. We did lose the Chief Financial Officer, Richard, 
recently, but that was nothing to do with the business in terms of 
disagreements or performance, but was entirely a personal decision. 
We have also appointed recently to the Senior Executive Team a 
new Manufacturing and Supply Chain Director which will add new 
skills into an ever expanding supply chain and complexity within our 
Manufacturing organisation. So, no, there is absolutely no reflection 
in the performance or issues within the business at all, it is all about 
strengthening the team to make us suitable for the future growth that 
is going to come.

Q  Can you provide the background and any more detail 

on the Akston licensing deal?

A  The first thing I would like to say is that we are really delighted to 
have completed this deal. We have been working hard for a long 
time now to convince Akston that we are the right partners from 
a sales perspective, from our market reach, but also because we 
are a good company to work with, we make decisions quickly and 
also, of course, because our key area of focus is endocrinology. The 
product is extremely exciting; it is the last major step that we need 
to complete our endocrine portfolio; it could be by far the biggest 
product in our portfolio once approved; it could change the welfare 
of pets with diabetes, both dogs and eventually cats; and could be 
a major product for veterinarians to dispense. Currently, insulins are 
given on a daily basis which you can imagine giving an injection to a 
dog every day is not a simple process, so to change that to a weekly 
injection is a major step forward for compliance; it makes it easier 
for the pet and it makes it easier for the pet owner. Whilst there is a 
big step up in our development costs over the next few years, the 
returns on this product could be huge and, as I said at the outset, it 
could become the biggest product in our portfolio and could help to 
drive the novel products within our portfolio.

24

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Review

Strategic Report

Our existing business performed strongly this  
year and was further enhanced by the realisation 
of significant revenue synergies. The Group’s 
balance sheet is strong and we continue  
to invest both organically and through  
acquisitions to deliver shareholder value.

Ian Page 
Chief Executive Officer

Overview of Reported Financial Results
To assist with understanding our reported financial performance, the 
consolidated results below are split between existing and acquired 
businesses; acquisition includes the incremental effect of those 
businesses acquired in the current and prior year, reported on a ‘like-for-
like’ basis. Additionally, the table below shows the growth at both reported 
actual exchange rates (AER), and constant exchange rates (CER) to 
identify the impact of foreign exchange movements. The acquisition loss 
includes underlying operating profit of £14.6 million and non-underlying 

items of £38.9 million. These non-underlying items are comprised of 
amortisation of acquired intangibles of £30.1 million, non-cash uplift on 
acquired inventory of £5.1 million and acquisition costs of £3.7 million. 

Including non-underlying items, the Group’s consolidated operating 
profit increased by 13.5% at CER (14.4% at AER) whilst consolidated 
profit before tax decreased by 4.8% at CER (3.8% at AER) due to the 
increased finance charges arising from the financing of prior and current 
year acquisitions. 

As Reported

Revenue
Gross profit
Gross profit %
Operating profit/(loss)
EBIT %
Profit/(loss) before tax
Diluted EPS (p)

2019
Existing
£m

2019
Acquisition
£m

2019
Consolidated
£m

447.6
258.8
57.8%
63.3
14.1%
53.7

34.2
14.3
41.8%
(24.3)
(71.1%)
(25.9)

481.8
273.1
56.7%
39.0
8.1%
27.8
30.07

Growth at 
AER

Growth at 
CER

2018
£m

 Consolidated
%

Consolidated
%

407.1
222.4
54.6%
34.1
8.4%
28.9
37.04

18.3%
22.8%
210bps
14.4%
(30bps)
(3.8%)
(18.8%)

17.5%
21.9%
200bps
13.5%
(30bps)
(4.8%)
(19.6%)

Glossary 

Terms used within this section:

IFRSs: International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the EU

CER: Constant Exchange Rates

AER: Actual Exchange Rates

CAP: Companion Animal Products

FAP: Food producing Animal Products

bps: basis points

Read the Geographical Expansion and Acquisition 
case study on page 39

Stock Code: DPH

25

Strategic Report

Financial Review

continued

Overview of Underlying Financial Results
When presenting our financial results, we use a number of adjusted measures which are considered by the Board and management in reporting, 
planning and decision making. Underlying results reflect the Group’s trading performance excluding non-underlying items. A reconciliation of 
underlying results to reported results in the year to 30 June 2019 is provided in the table below. In the commentary which follows, all references  
will be to CER movement unless otherwise stated.

Non-underlying Items

Amortisation 
and related 
costs of 
acquired 
intangibles
£m
–
–
(70.0)
(6.8)
(76.8)
–
(0.2)
(77.0)
17.4
(59.6)
–

Acquisition, 
impairments 
and 
restructuring 
costs
£m
–
–
(6.5)
–
(6.5)
–
–
(6.5)
1.5
(5.0)
–

Non-cash 
uplift on 
acquired 
inventory
£m
–
(5.1)
–
–
(5.1)
–
–
(5.1)
1.5
(3.6)
–

Tax rate 
changes 
and finance 
expenses
£m
–
–
–
–
–
(1.0)
–
(1.0)
7.6
6.6
–

2019 
Reported 
Results
£m
481.8
273.1
(202.2)
(31.9)
39.0
(10.8)
(0.4)
27.8
3.1
30.9
30.07

2019
Underlying 
Results
£m
481.8
278.2
(125.7)
(25.1)
127.4
(9.8)
(0.2)
117.4
(24.9)
92.5
90.01

Revenue
Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative expenses
R&D expenses
Operating profit
Net finance costs
Share of associate loss
Profit before tax
Taxation
Profit after tax
Diluted EPS (p)

In the year, Dechra delivered consolidated revenue of £481.8 million, representing an increase of 17.5% on the prior year. This included £447.6 million 
from its existing business, an increase of 8.9%, and a £34.2 million contribution from acquired businesses.

Consolidated underlying operating profit of £127.4 million, represents a 27.3% increase on the prior year. This included £112.8 million from Dechra’s 
existing business, an increase of 12.2% on a like-for-like basis, and a £14.6 million contribution from acquired businesses.

Underlying EBIT margin increased by 200 bps to 26.4%, with the accretion coming from both the existing and acquired businesses in EU 
Pharmaceuticals.

Underlying diluted EPS grew by 16.6% to 90.01 pence reflecting the profit growth from the existing and acquired businesses, partially offset by 
higher finance charges from the increase in debt and equity issuance to fund the 2018 and 2019 acquisitions, adjusted by the change in mix of the 
applicable tax rates.

Underlying
Revenue
Gross profit
Gross profit %
Underlying Operating profit
Underlying EBIT %
Underlying EBITDA
Underlying Diluted EPS (p)
Dividend per share

2019
Existing
£m
447.6
258.8
57.8%
112.8
25.2%
122.2
–
–

2019
Acquisition
£m
34.2
19.4
56.7%
14.6
42.7%
15.0
–
–

2019
Consolidated
£m
481.8
278.2
57.7%
127.4
26.4%
137.2
90.01
31.60

2018
£m
407.1
227.5
55.9%
99.2
24.4%
106.6
76.45
25.50

Growth at CER

Existing
%
8.9%
12.7%
190bps
12.2%
80bps
13.2%
–
–

Consolidated
%
17.5%
21.5%
180bps
27.3%
200bps
27.7%
16.6%
23.9%

26

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

Reported Segmental Performance
Reported segmental performance is presented in note 2 on pages 136 to 138. The effect of acquisitions in the year was material; the reported 
segmental performance is analysed between existing and acquired businesses, and at AER and CER in the table below. The acquisition elements 
capture the additional base business coming into the Group up to the first anniversary of their acquisition, including the growth Dechra generated 
in them during the year, and the synergies that have already been realised by the Group since acquisition. This analysis becomes less definitive the 
further in time from the completion of the acquisition, as the acquired business is progressively integrated with the existing business. 

Reported
Revenue by segment
  EU Pharmaceuticals
  NA Pharmaceuticals
Total

Operating profit/(loss) 
by segment
  EU Pharmaceuticals
  NA Pharmaceuticals
  Pharmaceuticals Research  
  and Development
Segment operating profit
Corporate and unallocated 
costs
Underlying operating profit
Non-underlying operating 
items
Reported operating profit

2019
Existing
£m

2019
Acquisition
£m

2019
Consolidated
£m

269.8
177.8
447.6

84.5
59.2

(23.9)
119.8

(7.0)
112.8

(49.5)
63.3

34.2
–
34.2

15.8
–

(1.2)
14.6

–
14.6

(38.9)
(24.3)

304.0
177.8
481.8

100.3
59.2

(25.1)
134.4

(7.0)
127.4

(88.4)
39.0

2018
£m

258.7
148.4
407.1

77.0
48.3

(18.3)
107.0

(7.8)
99.2

(65.1)
34.1

Growth at AER

Growth at CER

Existing
%

Consolidated
%

Existing
%

Consolidated
%

4.3%
19.8%
9.9%

17.5%
19.8%
18.3%

5.2%
15.4%
8.9%

18.7%
15.4%
17.5%

9.7%
22.6%

(30.6%)
12.0%

10.3%
13.7%

30.3%
22.6%

(37.2%)
25.6%

10.3%
28.4%

10.6%
17.8%

31.7%
17.8%

(30.1%)
10.6%

(36.6%)
24.6%

10.3%
12.2%

10.3%
27.3%

–

14.4%

–

13.5%

Underlying Segmental Performance 
European Pharmaceuticals
Revenue in European (EU) Pharmaceuticals grew by 18.7%. The existing business grew by 5.2% including like-for-like year-on-year RxVet Limited 
revenue, and AST Farma B.V. and Le Vet Beheer B.V. revenue; excluding third party contract manufacturing, which is being reduced in line with our 
strategy and replaced with own product manufacturing, revenues increased by 7.8%. This growth was achieved through the robust performance of 
our core business and through the realisation of significant synergies from Le Vet. The acquisitions of RxVet, AST Farma and Le Vet, Laboratorios 
Vencofarma do Brasil Ltda (Venco) and the trade and assets of Caledonian Holdings Ltd (Caledonian) contributed a combined £34.2 million to 
revenue for the period where there is no comparative and are reported within EU Pharmaceuticals.

Underlying Diluted  
Earnings Per Share

90.01p

p
1
0
0
9

.

p
5
4
6
7

.

p
3
3
4
6

.

EU Pharmaceuticals  
Revenue

£304.0m

.

m
0
4
0
3

EU Pharmaceuticals  
Operating Profit

£100.3m

.

m
7
8
5
2

m
9
.
6
2
2

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

Stock Code: DPH

.

m
3
0
0
1

m
0
7
7

.

m
7

.

0
6

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

27

Strategic Report

Financial Review

continued

Operating Profit from existing business grew 10.6%, with operating margin expanding to 31.3% and consolidated operating margin increasing to 
33.0%. This was principally due to operating leverage, the accretive operating margin of Le Vet and the curtailment of our Dutch defined benefit 
pension scheme which resulted in a £3.5 million non-cash credit (presented on a consistent basis as underlying given previous curtailments and 
current service costs which substantially gave rise to this balance).

Underlying
Revenue
EBITDA
EBITDA %
Operating Profit
Operating Profit %

2019
Existing
£m
269.8
92.4
34.2%
84.5
31.3%

2019
Acquisition
£m
34.2
16.2
47.4%
15.8
46.2%

2019
Consolidated
£m
304.0
108.6
35.7%
100.3
33.0%

2018
£m
258.7
82.9
32.0%
77.0
29.8%

Growth at CER

Existing
%
5.2%
12.3%
220bps
10.6%
150bps

Consolidated
%
18.7%
32.3%
370bps
31.7%
320bps

North American Pharmaceuticals
Revenue from North American (NA) Pharmaceuticals grew by 15.4% to £177.8 million. All of the growth was in the existing business, with 
no acquisitions in NA Pharmaceuticals within the current or prior year. The growth was driven by our CAP portfolio and represents strong 
outperformance of the market. This was partially offset by a reduction in Equine as there was confusion in the market about the use of 
bisphosphonates and the discontinuation of a human product which was non-core and a legacy of the Putney business acquired in April 2016. 

Operating Profit from the business grew by 17.8% with the operating margin growing 70 bps to 33.3% as further investments were made in the 
commercial team to drive future growth.

Underlying
Revenue
EBITDA
EBITDA %
Operating Profit
Operating Profit %

2019
Existing
£m
177.8
60.0
33.7%
59.2
33.3%

2019
Acquisition
£m
–
–
–
–
–

2019
Consolidated
£m
177.8
60.0
33.7%
59.2
33.3%

2018
£m
148.4
49.1
33.1%
48.3
32.5%

Growth at CER

Existing
%
15.4%
17.5%
60bps
17.8%
70bps

Consolidated
%
15.4%
17.5%
60bps
17.8%
70bps

Pharmaceuticals Research and Development
Pharmaceuticals Research and Development (R&D) expenses increased by 36.6% from £18.3 million to £25.1 million, with existing business 
research and development increasing by 30.1%. R&D activities of the acquisitions of AST Farma and Le Vet, and Venco added £1.2 million. Overall 
R&D expenses as a percentage of revenue increased from 4.5% to 5.2%, excluding the acquired R&D expenses, the increase was from 4.5% to 
5.3%. This was in line with the previously communicated strategic intent to expand the Group’s product pipeline and to increase investment in more 
novel opportunities to drive enhanced future growth.

R&D expenses
% of Revenue

2019
Existing
£m
(23.9)
5.3%

2019 
Acquisition
£m
(1.2)
3.5%

2019 
Consolidated
£m
(25.1)
5.2%

2018
£m
(18.3)
4.5%

Growth at CER

Existing
%
(30.1%)

Consolidated
%
(36.6%)

NA Pharmaceuticals 
Revenue

£177.8m

.

m
8
7
7
1

.

m
4
8
4
1

.

m
4
2
3
1

NA Pharmaceuticals 
Operating Profit

£59.2m

m
2
9
5

.

m
3
8
4

.

m
2

.

3
4

Research and Development 
Spend

£25.1m

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

m
1
5
2

.

m
3
8
1

.

m
0
.
5
1

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

28

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

Revenue by Product Category
CAP revenue continues to be the largest proportion of Dechra’s 
business at 70.7%, up from 67.0% in the prior year. CAP grew 23.1% 
in the year from market penetration, product launches and the addition 
of the AST Farma and Le Vet portfolio. Equine revenue grew strongly by 
21.1% in the year, with growth driven by the EU and by acquisition. FAP 
revenue accelerated by 19.1% driven by strong core growth in the EU 
and the acquisition of Venco. Nutrition revenue was broadly flat on the 
prior year; however, performance in the second half of the year improved 
with increased focus and the relaunch of the cat diet range.

Other revenue reduced by 25.1% to £20.8 million, now representing  
only 4.3% of the business as we continue our planned exit from third 
party contract manufacturing in line with our manufacturing strategy,  
to improve the production efficiency of Dechra’s own products. 

CAP
Equine
FAP
Subtotal Pharmaceutical
Nutrition 
Other
Total

2019
£m
340.2
34.4
57.3
431.9
29.1
20.8
481.8

% 
% 
Change 
Change 
at AER
at CER
24.8% 23.1%
21.1% 21.1%
17.7% 19.1%
23.5% 22.4%
(1.0%)
0.0%
(25.4%)
(25.1%)
18.3% 17.5%

2018
£m
272.7
28.4
48.7
349.8
29.4
27.9
407.1

Revenue by Product Category (at AER)

CAP 

Equine 

FAP 

Nutrition 

Other 

70.7%

7.1%

11.9%

6.0%

4.3%

Underlying Gross Profit
Underlying Gross Margin for the existing business increased by 190 bps 
to 57.8% and the consolidated Underlying Gross Margin grew by  
180 bps to 57.7%, reflecting the greater proportion of CAP sales and 
also the realisation of accretive Gross Margin in the acquired AST Farma 
and Le Vet business.

Underlying Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 
(SG&A)
SG&A costs at AER grew from £110.0 million in the prior year to  
£125.7 million in the current year, an increase of 14.3% (at AER). This  
represents growth from both acquired and the existing businesses,  
and infrastructure cost added to manage the acquisitions and drive 
further growth.

We also benefited from a £3.5 million non-cash credit through the 
income statement as a result of the curtailment of our Dutch defined 
benefit pension scheme. 

SG&A as a percentage of revenue contracted in the year from 27.0% in 
2018 to 26.1% (26.8% excluding the pension credit) in 2019. 

Non-underlying Items
Non-underlying items incurred in the year are fully described in note 5  
on page 139. In summary, they relate to the following:

•  Amortisation of acquired intangibles of £76.8 million – the 

amortisation of the acquired intangibles has grown significantly in 
the year from £54.1 million following the acquisitions in the 2018 
and 2019 financial years;

•  Remeasurement of contingent consideration gain of £0.1 million 

– this relates to the excess release to the income statement of the 
contingent consideration on remeasurement of milestone and sales 
performance liabilities;

•  Non-cash inventory adjustment of £5.1 million – the non-cash 
inventory adjustment which increases the value of acquisition 
inventory sold relates to the acquisitions of AST Farma and  
Le Vet, Caledonian and Venco. It is the result of the fair value 
exercise carried out in accordance with IFRS 3 ‘Business 
Combinations’ on acquisition; 

•  Expenses relating to acquisition and subsequent integration 

activities of £3.7 million – this includes the transaction and 
integration costs associated with the acquisitions of AST Farma  
and Le Vet, Caledonian and Venco;

•  Rationalisation of manufacturing organisation of  

£2.0 million – this comprises the costs associated with this strategic 
programme;

•  Brexit preparation costs of £0.9 million – this represents regulatory 

and technology transfer costs incurred in advance of Brexit;

•  Finance expense of £1.0 million – this represents the unwinding of 
the present value discounts relating to deferred consideration due 
and associated foreign exchange;

•  Taxation credit of £28.0 million – this represents the tax impact of 
the above, as well as the revaluation of deferred tax balance sheet 
items following changes in corporate tax rates, most notably the 
reduction in the Netherlands tax rate from 25.0% to 22.5% in 2020 
and 20.5% in 2021. 

Taxation
The reported effective tax rate (ETR) for the year is a credit of 11.2%   
(2018: credit of 24.9%), primarily reflecting the one-off impact of the 
reduction in the Netherlands tax rates on deferred tax balances; this 
includes both the underlying and non-underlying business. On an 
underlying basis the ETR is 21.2% (2018: 20.5%); the main differences  
to the UK corporation tax rate applicable of 19.0% (2018: 19.0%) relate  
to patent box allowances, and differences in overseas tax rates, 
particularly in NA Pharmaceuticals.

The underlying ETR is expected to remain broadly similar in the current 
year, due to the anticipated mix of profits from different countries.

We continue to monitor relevant tax legislation internationally as it may 
affect our future ETR. Further details can be found in Understanding  
Our Key Risks on pages 64 to 67. 

Reported Profit
Reported profit before tax decreased by 3.8% at AER reflecting the 
reported operating profit growth of 14.4% at AER offset by the increase 
in the finance charges arising from the financing of prior and current  
year acquisitions.

Stock Code: DPH

29

Strategic Report

Financial Review

continued

Earnings per Share and Dividend
Underlying diluted EPS for the year was 90.01 pence, a 16.6% growth 
on the prior year. The EBIT growth of 27.3% was partially offset by 
higher interest costs from the increase in debt and the impact of the 
shares issued to fund the acquisitions of Venco, AST Farma and Le Vet. 
The weighted average number of shares for the year was 102.8 million 
(2018: 97.5 million).

The reported diluted EPS for the year was 30.07 pence (2018: 37.04 
pence). This 18.8% reduction (at AER) in reported EPS reflects significantly 
higher intangible amortisation as a result of recent acquisitions.

The Board is proposing a final dividend of 22.10 pence per share  
(2018: 18.17 pence), added to the interim dividend of 9.50 pence,  
the total dividend per share for the year ended 30 June 2019 is  
31.60 pence. This represents 23.9% growth over the prior year.  
Dividend cover based on underlying diluted EPS is 2.8 times (2018:  
3.0 times). The Board continues to operate a progressive dividend  
policy recognising investment opportunities as they arise.

Currency Exposure 
The average rate for £/€ increased by 0.5%, and the £/$ rate has 
decreased by 3.9% during the financial year. The effect in the 
Consolidated Income Statement and Statement of Financial Position  
is analysed in the above paragraphs of this review between performance 
at AER and CER. CER analysis compares the performance of the 
business on a like-for-like basis applying constant exchange rates.

£/€
£/$

Average rates

2019
1.1345
1.2945

2018
1.1286
1.3465

% Change
0.5%
(3.9%)

Currency Sensitivity
Euro €: a 1% variation in the £/€ exchange rate affects underlying diluted 
EPS by approximately +/- 0.8%.

US Dollar $: a 1% variation in the £/$ exchange rate affects underlying 
diluted EPS by approximately +/- 0.5%.

Current exchange rates are £/€ 1.1010 and £/$ 1.2203 as at 28 August 
2019. If these rates had applied throughout the year, the underlying 
diluted EPS would have been approximately 5.6% higher.

Statement of Financial Position
The Statement of Financial Position is summarised in the table below.

•  Non-current assets decreased from £765.6 million to £755.5 million 
mainly due to the acquisition of Venco and Caledonian being more 
than offset by amortisation of acquired intangibles, most notably AST 
Farma and Le Vet.  

Total non-current assets
Working capital
Net debt
Current and deferred tax
Other liabilities
Total net assets

2019
£m
755.5
108.4
(227.8)
(89.0)
(38.0)
509.1

2018
£m
765.6
92.5
(211.4)
(98.9)
(42.8)
505.0

Cash Flow, Financing and Liquidity
The Group enjoyed strong cash generation during the year, with the 
EBITDA margin strengthening from 26.2% to 28.5%. However, as 
mentioned above, working capital has increased by £19.5 million, 
mainly due to increases in inventory as a result of Brexit and growth of 
the Group’s trading activities. This resulted in net cash generated from 
operations of £108.3 million, representing cash conversion of 85.0%. 
It is expected that the increased working capital levels will unwind to a 
certain extent during the forthcoming year.

Underlying operating profit
Depreciation and amortisation

Underlying EBITDA
Underlying EBITDA %
Working capital movement
Other
Cash generated from operations 
before interest, taxation and non-
underlying items
Non-underlying items
Cash generated from operations 
before interest and taxation
Cash conversion (%)

2019
£m
127.4
9.8

137.2
28.5%
(19.5)
(2.0)

115.7
(7.4)

108.3
85.0%

2018
£m
99.2
7.4

106.6
26.2%
(23.4)
2.4

85.6
(4.4)

81.2
81.9%

•  Working capital has increased from £92.5 million to £108.4 million 

partly due to a planned increase in inventory to support the potential 
disruption arising as a result of Brexit and also the growth of the 
Group. 

Net Assets

£509.1m 

•  Net Debt has increased in the year by £16.4 million from £211.4 million 
to £227.8 million; this includes cash generation from operations at 
£108.3 million and £39.7 million of outflows relating to the acquisitions 
of Venco and Caledonian. Exchange rate variations adversely affected 
the Net Debt position by £5.4 million.

•  Current and deferred tax has reduced from £98.9 million to  

£89.0 million principally due to the reduction in deferred tax liabilities 
following the reduction in the Netherlands rate and also the release 
relating to the amortisation of acquired intangibles. 

.

m
1
9
0
5

.

m
0
5
0
5

m
6

.

2
0
3

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

30

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

Net Debt Bridge
Notable cash items are listed below in the Net Debt reconciliation table:

•  Net capital expenditure on tangible and intangible assets increased to 
£22.2 million (2018: £12.6 million), representing 2.3 times depreciation 
and amortisation. 

•  Acquisition of subsidiaries of £39.7 million includes the acquisition of 
Caledonian and Venco. Further details are provided in note 32 to the 
Accounts on pages 166 and 167.

Net Debt 30 June 2018
Net cash generated from operations before  
non-underlying items
Non-underlying items
Net capital expenditure
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Acquisition of subsidiary borrowings
Interest and tax
Net equity issued
Dividend paid
Other non-cash movements
Foreign exchange on net debt
Net Debt 30 June 2019

£m
(211.4)

115.7
(7.4)
(22.2)
(39.7)
(2.8)
(26.5)
1.2
(28.4)
(0.9)
(5.4)
(227.8)

•  The Net Debt/underlying EBITDA leverage ratio per the borrowing 

facilities’ leverage covenant, which includes the proforma adjustment 
to full year EBITDA for the acquisitions, was 1.64 times (2018: 1.75 
times) versus a covenant of 3 times. 

Borrowing Facilities
Revolving Credit Facility
The Group has committed facilities to July 2024 under a Revolving Credit 
Facility (RCF) for £235.0 million, through seven banks: Bank of Ireland, 
BNP Paribas, Fifth Third, HSBC, Lloyds, Raiffeisen and Santander. The 
RCF has an Accordion facility of a further £125.0 million. The total drawn 
at 30 June 2019 is £128.8 million.  

There are two covenants governing the RCF:

•  Leverage: Net Debt to underlying EBITDA not greater than 3:1  

(30 June 2019: 1.64); and

Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)
ROCE grew to 15.5% in the year (2018: 15.4%) as the Group continues 
to benefit from consolidation of the acquisitions and by further leveraging 
the asset base. 

Acquisitions 
The Group has made several acquisitions in recent years. Performance 
of the acquisitions made during the 2018 and 2019 financial years 
is separately summarised compared to the existing business in the 
sections above.

In October 2018, the Group acquired the trade and assets of Caledonian, 
an equine veterinary pharmaceuticals sales and distribution company 
based in New Zealand and Australia for a total consideration of £4.4 
million. The business has been successfully integrated into the Group  
and is outperforming our expectations. The acquisition was financed  
from the Group’s existing working capital resources.

In December 2018, the Group completed the acquisition of Venco  
for a total consideration of £34.8 million. The business has been 
successfully integrated into the Group and is outperforming our 
expectations. The acquisition was financed from an additional draw 
down from the Group’s RCF.

Accounting Standards 
The accounting policies adopted are outlined in note 1 to the Accounts. 
There are no accounting policy changes which have materially impacted the 
2019 financial year.

Note 1 to the Accounts outlines the impact of adopting IFRS 9  
(financial instruments) and IFRS 15 (revenue recognition) in 2019 and 
also the Group’s impact assessment of IFRS 16 (leases) which will be 
adopted in 2020.

Summary
Our existing business performed strongly this year and was further 
enhanced by the realisation of significant Le Vet revenue synergies which 
have resulted in improved operating leverage.

We have increased our R&D expenditure enabling us to expand the 
number of pipeline projects, novel opportunities and overseas product 
registrations we invest in and our acquisitions of Caledonian and Venco 
strengthen both our geographical and market presence. 

• 

Interest Cover: underlying EBITDA to Net Finance Charges not less 
than 4:1 (30 June 2019: 13:1).  

The Group’s balance sheet is strong, enabling us to continue to consider 
further relevant acquisition and investment opportunities as they arise.

The current RCF is committed and has a non-utilisation fee of 35.0% 
of the applicable margin. The margin over LIBOR (or equivalent) ranges 
from 1.3% for leverage below 1.0 times, up to 2.2% for leverage above 
2.5 times.

Ian Page 
Chief Executive Officer 
2 September 2019

Term Loan Facility
On 24 January 2018, the Group put in place a Term Loan facility of 
£350.0 million to provide funding for acquisitions. The committed facility 
has an availability period to 31 December 2019 and a termination date of 
31 December 2020. A sum of €150.0 million was drawn on 12 February 
2018 to fund part of the consideration paid for the AST Farma and Le Vet 
acquisition and further drawings were made to finance the acquisition of 
Venco. The total drawn at 30 June 2019 is £179.3 million.

The facility has the same covenants as the RCF above.

Stock Code: DPH

31

Strategic Report

Key Performance Indicators

KPI and Definition 

Performance 

Commentary

Relevance to Strategy 

1

Revenue Growth 
Year-on-year CER sales growth 
including new products and 
excluding revenue from acquired 
businesses.

 8.9%

m
6

.

7
4
4

m
1

.

7
0
4

m
3

.

9
5
3

Dechra’s existing business grew by 7.8%  
in EU Pharmaceuticals (excluding third party 
contract manufacturing which declined), and 
by 15.4% in NA Pharmaceuticals.

a

b

c

A key driver of our strategy is to 
deliver sustainable sales growth 
through delivering our pipeline, 
maximising our existing portfolio  
and expanding geographically.

2 

Underlying Diluted EPS Growth 
Underlying profit after tax divided 
by the diluted average number of 
shares, calculated on the same 
basis as note 11 to the Accounts.

£

3

Return on Capital Employed
Underlying operating profit
expressed as a percentage of the 
average of the opening and closing 
operating assets (excluding cash/ 
debt and net tax liabilities). 

£

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

 16.6%

p
1
0
.
0
9

p
5
4
.
6
7

p
3
3
.
4
6

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

This includes a 27.3% increase in underlying 
operating profit partially offset by higher 
finance costs from the increase in debt  
and equity issuance to fund acquisitions.

a

b

c

Underlying diluted EPS is a key 
indicator of our performance 
and the return we generate for 
our stakeholders. It is one of the 
performance conditions  
of the LTIP.

 10bps

There was a small improvement in ROCE 
during the year as we continue to consolidate 
acquisitions and leverage the asset base.

a

b

c

%
7

.
7
1

%
5
.
5
1

%
4

.
5
1

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

As we look to grow the business, 
it is important that we use our 
capital efficiently to generate returns 
superior to our cost of capital in the 
medium to long term. It underpins the 
performance conditions of the LTIP.

Key to Strategic Growth Drivers:

Key to Strategic Enablers:

Pipeline Delivery

a

b

c

Portfolio Focus

Technology

People

Key:

£

Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 
performance condition

Geographical Expansion

Manufacturing and Supply Chain

Acquisition

32

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

KPI and Definition 

Performance 

Commentary

Relevance to Strategy 

4

Cash
Conversion
Cash generated from operations 
before tax and interest payments 
as a percentage of underlying 
operating profit.

%
9

.

5
1
1

 310bps

Cash conversion improved during the year 
despite the increase in inventory as a result of 
Brexit and also the growth of the Group.

a

b

c

%
0
5
8

.

%
9
1
8

.

Our stated aim is to be a cash 
generative business. Cash generation 
supports investment in the pipeline, 
acquisition and people.

5

New Product Revenue
Revenue from new products as a 
percentage of total Group revenue. 
A new product is defined as any 
molecule launched in the last five 
financial years.

6

Lost Time Accident
Frequency Rate (LTAFR)
All accidents resulting in the 
absence or inability of employees 
to conduct the full range of their 
normal working activities for a 
period of more than three working 
days after the day when the 
incident occurred, normalised  
per 100,000 hours worked.

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

 480bps

%
7
.
6
1

%
9
.
1
1

%
9
.
7

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

6
2
.
0

*
1
2
.
0

*
0

8
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

*  excludes AST Farma and  

Le Vet

7

Employee Turnover
Number of leavers during the 
period as a percentage of the 
average total number of employees 
in the period.

 230bps

*

%
9
5
1

.

%
7
5
1

.

†

%
6
3
1

.

New product revenues reflect the strong 
market penetration of products launched  
in the year to 30 June 2019 and the previous 
four years.

a

b

c

The LTAFR increased from nil to 0.21. None 
of these incidents resulted in a work-related 
fatality or disability.

This measure shows the delivery 
of revenue in each year from new 
products launched in the prior five 
years, on a rolling basis. It shows the 
performance of our R&D and sales 
and marketing organisations when 
launching newly developed or  
in-licensed products.

The safety of our employees is 
core to everything we do. We are 
committed to a strong culture of 
safety in all our workplaces.

Read more about Corporate 
Social Responsibility 
on pages 46 to 61

We saw a decrease in employee turnover in 
the period despite operating in competitive 
markets.

Attracting and retaining the best 
employees is critical to the successful 
execution of our strategy.

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

*  excludes RxVet, AST Farma and Le Vet
† excludes Venco

Stock Code: DPH

33

Strategy in Action

Pipeline  
Delivery

Delivering our pipeline on time, at the right 
costs and with the expected returns

34

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Delivering our pipeline 
through licensing 
opportunities

Increasing our novel product pipeline

£25.1m 19

Development Spend

New Products in Development

Dechra’s pipeline is, and will remain, one of 
the key organic strategic growth drivers. It is 
important that the pipeline is the correct scale 
with a complementary portfolio of novel and 
generic products to reflect the current size of 
the business, enabling it to continue to make a 
meaningful contribution in the future. We have 
therefore invested additional time and effort over 
the last few years licensing new technologies to 
strengthen our in-house development capabilities. 
We have a business development group 
that screens products developed by outside 
innovators to determine the suitability and quality 
of the science and the strategic fit with our core 
therapeutic areas. This group attends external 
meetings and conferences to keep up-to-date 
with current cutting edge science and to meet with 
biotechnology companies, human pharmaceutical 
companies and educational establishments to 
propose Dechra as a future partner. Over the 
last two years we have been very successful 
in securing numerous agreements, the most 
significant of which are outlined below:

•  A liquid formulation of pimobendan, a 

cardiovascular treatment for dogs. The new 
product was recently approved in 23 EU 
territories. Dechra will be responsible for the 
marketing and distribution and will sell the 
product under the Cardisure trademark;  

•  With a goal to help reduce the development 

of antimicrobial resistance in food animals, 
Dechra has been evaluating alternative 
therapies for prevention of disease in pigs and 
chickens. In the last year, we have entered 
into multiple agreements to evaluate new 
vaccine technologies against viral and bacterial 
diseases in pigs. By preventing the diseases 
there will be less use of prophylactic and 
therapeutic antimicrobials. Proof of concept 
studies are ongoing with these vaccines;  

•  We have entered into agreements to evaluate 
two products for equine lameness. One 
product, licensed from Glasgow University,  
is still in the proof of concept phase; 
the other, licensed from Anzac, is in full 
development. Both will contribute to our 
position as a market leader in equine 
medicine. Additionally, we are evaluating  
an equine ulcer treatment;

•  One of our most recent licensing deals is with 
Vetcare Ltd for a patented canine sedative. 
This novel combination product provides 
greater cardiovascular safety as compared 
to other products of a similar class. The 
development programme is complete, and 
with our licensing partner, Vetcare, we expect 
to launch the new sedative into the first market 
in early 2021 with other territories to follow;

•  As global market leaders in endocrinology, 
we have been looking for several years to 
complete the portfolio with the inclusion of 
insulin products for dogs and cats. Post 
the year-end, we are delighted to have 
completed a significant agreement with 
Akston Biosciences who have developed 
a unique version of insulin with a sustained 
duration of activity. If we are able to prove 
that we can deliver a weekly injection, as 
opposed to the current insulin products for 
dogs and cats that are daily, it will become 
one of Dechra’s most significant products in 
its portfolio. Studies are ongoing to further 
prove the concept and to optimise dosing 
options prior to moving the product into full 
development. 

Stock Code: DPH

35

Strategy in Action

a

b

c

Portfolio 
Focus
Maximise our revenue by increasing market penetration focusing  
on targeted therapeutic sectors

3

22,000

Languages

Downloads

36

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Dechra Dog & Cat App

Anaesthesia Education and Support Tool

Although anaesthesia and sedation are 
performed daily in small animal practices, 
it can be a daunting decision for both 
veterinarians and nurses to decide what 
products to use. The extensive range of 
medications available, varying procedures, 
and the relative safety risk of each 
treatment, need to be considered for each 
individual patient. Additionally, as new 
scientific anaesthetic research is being 
published continually, retaining this volume 
of information can be overwhelming.

Dechra, already well known for our 
comprehensive anaesthesia product 
range, recognised the need to support 
veterinarians and veterinary nurses by 
providing them with a timely and easily 
accessible means to access the most  
up-to-date anaesthetic protocols for 
different types of patients undergoing 
varying treatments.

As a result, the Dechra Dog & Cat 
Anaesthesia App was developed. It was 
launched at the Association of Veterinary 
Anaesthetists (AVA), Spring Meeting in 
March 2019.

Developed in collaboration with two 
leading European Specialists in Veterinary 
Anaesthesia and Analgesia and endorsed  
by the Association of Veterinary 
Anaesthetists (AVA), the App provides 
specialist information in a format that 
is periodically updated to reflect new 
products, any changes in practice and 
new research findings.

Matt Gurney BVSc, CertVA, DipECVAA, 
MRCVS, one of the authors of the App and 
an RCVS and EBVS European Veterinary 
Specialist in Anaesthesia and Analgesia 
commented “The Dechra Anaesthesia App 
fills a clear gap in the market in the age 
of instant information. The App provides 
reassurance to veterinary practitioners that 
the recommendations provided are up to 
date and delivered by specialists in the 
field of anaesthesia and pain management. 
This is a clear benefit to the patients being 
treated.”

The App is an intuitive tool. It is designed 
to assist veterinarians in developing 
appropriate anaesthetic protocols for 
different types of patients and their unique 
circumstances. It contains information on 
the full range of relevant and commonly 
used molecules. It assists veterinarians in 
choosing the most appropriate product 
for each procedure and it has an in-built 
dose calculator that helps to simplify the 
process and save time for busy vets. 

Potential medication doses and 
combinations suggested in the App are 
based on the extensive expertise and 
clinical experience of the authors. In 
addition to providing routine protocols 
which are up-to-date with current 
opinion, the App is particularly valuable to 
veterinarians who will frequently be asked 
to treat challenging patients; from paediatric 
to geriatric, aggressive to moribund, across 
a wide range of procedures varying from 
non-painful imaging to severely painful 
orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery.  
orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery.  
orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery.  
orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery.  

Many of these situations are not covered 
in individual product data sheets (SPCs) 
or textbooks. The App is therefore 
unique in providing this up-to-date expert 
knowledge at veterinarians’ fingertips.

The App also contains the AVA Anaesthetic 
Safety Checklist, a pre-anaesthetic checklist 
designed to improve veterinary patient 
safety. This follows a similar checklist 
developed and used in human medicine 
which has been shown to almost halve the 
anaesthetic death risk.

This is an innovative and unique way to 
provide veterinarians with useful, practical 
anaesthesia support. It will make the 
day-to-day life of veterinarians in practice 
easier, improve patient safety and provide 
more animals with an optimal anaesthetic 
experience. 

In turn, our investment in the development 
and launch of this important service 
reinforces Dechra’s reputation as leaders 
in veterinary anaesthesia. 

The Dechra Dog & Cat Anaesthesia App, 
which is already immensely popular with 
veterinarians, is freely available on both 
iOS and Android operating systems and 
can also be downloaded directly from the 
Dechra and AVA websites.  

Stock Code: DPH

37

Strategy in Action

Geographical  
Expansion
Leverage our product portfolio 
into new geographical regions 
through in-country presence

Acquisition

Expand our geographical footprint 
and enhance our product portfolio 
through acquisition

38

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Laboratorios Vencofarma  
do Brasil Ltda, Brazil

Bringing an acquisition into the Dechra organisation

60

3rd

Registered Vaccines

Largest World Animal Health Market

Successful integration of an acquired business is a 
key skill that Dechra has developed over numerous 
transactions. When we buy a business we have an in 
depth understanding of its products, its markets and 
where it will fit strategically within the Dechra Group. 
We believe it is important that we implement a strategic 
plan from day one of ownership and outline to our new 
employees a very clear vision of what our objectives 
are. People do not like uncertainty, therefore an honest, 
straightforward and up front approach is always well 
received and also helps us to retain the key people  
who are one of the key strengths of any business.

With our most recent acquisition of Laboratorios 
Vencofarma do Brasil Ltda (Venco), we implemented 
swift change that has had a positive impact on the new 
team. By investing up front in our integration plan, we 
relieved some of the pressures on the management to 
allow them to focus on the employees, customers and 
driving sales. Over our first six months since acquiring 
Venco we have made ‘excellence in communication’ a 
key goal to obtain engagement and collaboration.

On day one a presentation was given to all staff, the 
majority of whom were on site, with others watching via 
a video stream. The purpose of this presentation was to 
highlight who Dechra are, where we have come from, 
and what the benefits would be for Venco being part 
of the Dechra Group. We also outlined the values we 
aspire to both as a Company and as individuals. Over 
the subsequent days we held mini group meetings with 
every department to provide an opportunity for questions 
and to clarify points that directly affected them.

This was only the start of the communication process 
which was followed up with a major conference 
where every single person in the Venco business 
attended. The presentations included a celebration 
of the past performance, expectations for the future, 
the importance of brand and an outline of the 
integration plan that was to be rolled out over the 
next 18 months. This conference was a high tempo 
and professionally organised event that generated a 
great atmosphere and a desire to embrace change. 
It was explained that visually the business will look 
different but, more importantly, culturally it will behave 
differently. Fundamentally, we were asking people to 
take responsibility for their own actions, decisions and 

ambitions. For some this change was a frightening 
experience, for others a chance to express themselves 
and put forward their own ideas on how to change, 
improve and grow. The majority of the team responded 
extremely positively and have embraced the transition 
to Dechra. 

We have worked hard to strengthen the team with  
the appointment of key management positions;  
a new Finance Director started within four weeks,  
a HR Manager within eight weeks and a Regulatory  
Manager within 12 weeks.  

In the early days, the excitement and anticipation 
provided good momentum within the team, which 
has continued with the delivery of our promises and 
implementation of the integration plan. We have 
maintained regular communication to drive an informed, 
open and honest culture.

We have taken a number of key engagement actions, 
which includes:

• 

implementing a programme of English lessons 
which has had an uptake of over 70 people. This 
was seen as an opportunity for everyone in the 
business to grow their skills and enable them to 
engage better with the parent company and new 
colleagues;

• 

starting the “Great Place to Work” survey where we 
can listen to people’s views and ideas;

•  planning the site investments and the initiation of 

some early essential projects. It is important to start 
these as this is seen as a tangible expression of our 
commitment to developing the business; and

• 

introducing the change of corporate brand with 
new uniforms, site signage and website changes. 

Ultimately, we want our employees to live and breathe 
our Values because it is important they share the same 
beliefs and culture.

In Brazil we have just started on this exciting journey; 
while there is a great deal to do, we know the team 
will enjoy delivering Dechra’s goal of becoming a major 
animal health player in the South American market.

Stock Code: DPH

39

Strategic Report

Product Development

Although some products may have a slightly different path, most novel and generic products follow a fairly standard process containing 
six phases, defined as:  Evaluation ,  Feasibility ,  Research ,  Development ,  Registration  and  Launch .

12

16

19

9

Projects in Feasibility

Projects in Research

Projects in Development

Projects in Registration

Dechra employs a structured process in its pharmaceutical and 
vaccine development pipeline while retaining an opportunistic and 
entrepreneurial approach. Focus is given to the Group’s therapeutic 
sectors and new development opportunities and in-license opportunities 
are evaluated for strategic fit within these sectors. Therapies outside of 
the key areas are considered for inclusion in the pipeline if they are novel 
and address medical needs in the veterinary market.

A product’s return on investment can vary: novel developments tend to 
have medium to long term realisation with attractive high value returns; 
while generic developments generally have shorter time scales with 
returns dependent upon the number of other entrants and speed to 
market relative to competition.

In addition to developing new products, Dechra is also looking 
continuously to improve existing commercial products to retain and 
grow market share. Lifecycle activities are varied but may include 
changing primary packaging or dose form for improving convenience  
for the user or adding claims or species to widen the addressable 
market. These lifecycle projects can lead to substantial growth, even  
for established products.

Dechra’s current development pipeline is a mixture of short, medium  
and long term new opportunities and lifecycle projects.

Generating and Prioritising Ideas 
Ideas are usually generated by our Marketing and Business 
Development functions, but Dechra encourages all employees to share 
ideas for new or existing products. Ideas will be prioritised by Marketing 
and the most attractive ones will be evaluated by a small cross 
functional Evaluation team. During the  Evaluation  phase, the team 
defines the scope of the project and assesses whether the cost benefit 
ratio is favourable considering market need, market value, strategic fit 
and the probability of technical and regulatory success. The team also 
defines the work required to be completed in the Feasibility phase.

Making the Chemistry Work 
In the second phase of the development process,  Feasibility , proof 
of concept level data is generated for pharmaceutical development 
(formulation and manufacturing process), efficacy and safety, and a 
regulatory pathway is identified. The purpose of this phase is to eliminate 
projects with low probability of success as early as possible.

All the necessary pilot data is generated in the   Research  phase to:

•  understand the efficacy and safety profile (innovation) or the 

likelihood of establishing bioequivalence (generics);

•  enable high quality pharmaceutical development; and

•  establish the best strategy to maximise the probability of technical 

and regulatory success.

The main purpose of the Research phase is to de-risk the expensive, 
long and resource intensive Development phase. In addition, during 
the Research phase the formulation and manufacturing process are 
finalised, and the dose that is both safe and effective is determined. 
For some projects, this phase can be relatively straightforward, while 
for others it can be iterative, for example finding a formulation that gives 
the desired safety and efficacy profile.

Entering the Development Phase 
The  Development  phase is the longest part of the process, 
potentially taking between two to four years. After the formulation has 
been demonstrated to be stable, up to three registration batches are 
manufactured for use in safety studies, efficacy studies and stability 
testing. For generic products, the batches are used in one or more 
bioequivalence studies to demonstrate that activity will replicate the 
pioneer product. If the studies conducted during Development phase 
demonstrate the required safety, efficacy and chemical stability of the 
product, regulatory dossiers are prepared for  Registration .

The whole process from beginning to end can take between three and 
ten years before  Launch , depending on the complexity and nature of 
the product. 

Stage Gate Process
The Pipeline Review Committee analyses each project after each phase 
for technical or regulatory risks and issues, and for any changes to the 
business case. Project decisions are endorsed by the Strategic Portfolio 
Prioritisation Committee which also prioritises projects based on their 
overall commercial and strategic value within resource constraints.

Read about the Product Pipeline 
on pages 42 and 43

40

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

Strategic Portfolio Prioritisation Committee (SPCC)

Senior Management of Commercial, PDRA,  
DPM and Finance

Prioritisation considering resource availability, commercial value,  
pipeline balance, risk and Company strategy

Recommendations

Approvals and Prioritisation 
Decisions

Experts and stakeholders from all relevant departments

Project recommendations based on technical feasibility,  
valid business case and commercial need

Pipeline Review Committee (PRC)

GO/ 
NO GO

GO/ 
NO GO

GO/ 
NO GO

GO/ 
NO GO

GO/ 
NO GO

Evaluation

Feasibility

Research

Development

Registration

Launch

Preliminary 
Evaluation 
of Ideas

Proof of  
Concept  
to Identify  
Early Kill Points

Pilot Studies  
to De-risk  
Development
Programme

Pivotal  
Development 
Programme

Dossier 
Submission 
and Evaluation

Launch 
Campaign

Output 
Initial Target 
Profile and 
Feasibility Plan

Output 
Feasibility 
Report and 
Research Plan

Output 
Research Report 
and Development 
Plan

Output 
Pivotal Data 
Dossier

Approvals/
Authorisation 
and Launch Plan

Product 
Launch

s
a
e
d

I

e
s
i
t
i
r
o
i
r
P

:
l

e
n
n
u
F
a
e
d

I

Stock Code: DPH

41

 
 
 
Strategic Report

Product Development

continued

Product Pipeline
A key strategic priority for the Group is 
the delivery and strength of the pipeline. 
The chart outlines the status of the major 
projects. Owing to the nature of product 
development, the content of our pipeline will 
change over time as new projects progress 
from Evaluation to market or as projects are 
terminated. For competitive reasons, exact 
project details are not disclosed.

Key to Product Pipeline 
Our Key Therapeutic Sectors

Analgesic, Anaesthesia, 
Anti-inflammatory 

Antimicrobial 

Antiparasitic 

Cardiology 

Dermatology 

Endocrinology 

Gastrointestinal 

Vaccines 

Locomotion 

Urology 

1

Evaluation

2

Feasibility

CAP/Equine

FAP

CAP/Equine

FAP

CAP/Equine

FAP

CAP/Equine

FAP

CAP/Equine

FAP

New opportunities are 
constantly being evaluated 
and will move into Feasibility 
quickly if of interest

Analgesic 
therapy for dogs 
and cats

Anti-inflammatory  
for horses

Gastrointestinal 
therapy for horses

Endocrine therapy 
for dogs

Swine vaccines

Antibiotic for pigs

Antibiotic for  

Antibiotic for dogs 

Poultry vaccines

Dermatological 

therapy for dogs

Endocrine 

diagnostic

cattle

and cats

Swine vaccines

Swine vaccines

Swine vaccines

Analgesic therapy 

Paraciticide  

for dogs

for poultry

Dermatological 

therapy for dogs

Analgesic therapy 

Poultry vaccines

for dogs

Antibiotic for pigs

Lameness therapy 

Anaesthetic for 

Poultry vaccines

Antibiotic for 

cattle, dogs,  

cats, horses

Antibiotic for  

cattle and pigs

for horses

Antibiotic for 

Lameness therapy 

cattle, pigs and 

for horses

poultry

Read about the Evaluation process 
on page 40

Anaesthetic for 
dogs

Poultry vaccines

Anti-inflammatory 
for horses

Poultry vaccines

Endocrine therapy 

dogs

dogs

Paraciticide for 

Cardiovascular 

therapy for cats

Urological therapy 

for dogs

Dermatological 

therapy for dogs

Dermatological 

therapy for dogs

Endocrine therapy 

for horses

for cats

Ocular  

for dogs

anti-inflammatory 

Gastrointestinal 

therapy for dogs

Dermatological 

therapy for dogs

Antibiotic for dogs 

and cats

Anaesthetic for 

dogs and cats

Antibiotic for dogs 

and cats

Analgesic therapy 

for horses

Analgesic therapy 

for horses

Endocrine therapy 

for dogs

Gastrointestinal 

therapy for dogs

Gastrointestinal 

therapy for dogs

Dermatological 

therapy for dogs

Anti-inflammatory 

for dogs

Gastrointestinal 

therapy for dogs

Anti-inflammatory 

for horses

Anaesthetic for 

dogs

Antibiotic for dogs 

and cats

Anti-inflammatory 

for cats

42

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

New opportunities are 

constantly being evaluated 

and will move into Feasibility 

quickly if of interest

Analgesic 

therapy for dogs 

and cats

Swine vaccines

Anti-inflammatory  

Swine vaccines

for horses

Gastrointestinal 

therapy for horses

Swine vaccines

Endocrine therapy 

Swine vaccines

for dogs

dogs

Anaesthetic for 

Poultry vaccines

Anti-inflammatory 

Poultry vaccines

for horses

Strategic Report

CAP/Equine

FAP

CAP/Equine

FAP

CAP/Equine

FAP

CAP/Equine

FAP

CAP/Equine

FAP

3

Research

4

Development

5

Registration

Dermatological 
therapy for dogs

Antibiotic for pigs

Endocrine 
diagnostic

Antibiotic for  
cattle

Antibiotic for dogs 
and cats

Poultry vaccines

Analgesic therapy 
for dogs

Paraciticide  
for poultry

Dermatological 
therapy for dogs

Antibiotic for 
cattle, dogs,  
cats, horses

Analgesic therapy 
for dogs

Poultry vaccines

Poultry vaccines

Anaesthetic for 
dogs

Paraciticide for 
dogs

Cardiovascular 
therapy for cats

Urological therapy 
for dogs

Dermatological 
therapy for dogs

Dermatological 
therapy for dogs

Endocrine therapy 
for horses

Endocrine therapy 
for cats

Ocular  
anti-inflammatory 
for dogs

Gastrointestinal 
therapy for dogs

Dermatological 
therapy for dogs

Antibiotic for dogs 
and cats

Anaesthetic for 
dogs and cats

Antibiotic for dogs 
and cats

Antibiotic for pigs

Lameness therapy 
for horses

Antibiotic for  
cattle and pigs

Antibiotic for 
cattle, pigs and 
poultry

Lameness therapy 
for horses

Analgesic therapy 
for horses

Analgesic therapy 
for horses

Endocrine therapy 
for dogs

Gastrointestinal 
therapy for dogs

Gastrointestinal 
therapy for dogs

Dermatological 
therapy for dogs

Anti-inflammatory 
for dogs

Gastrointestinal 
therapy for dogs

Anti-inflammatory 
for horses

Anaesthetic for 
dogs

Antibiotic for dogs 
and cats

Anti-inflammatory 
for cats

Stock Code: DPH

43

Strategic Report

International Product Offering

The tables below show the key products in our focus therapeutic areas in territories where we have sales and marketing organisations.

Endocrinology

Dermatology  
and Care

Anaesthesia  
and Analgesia

Cardiovascular

Opthalmology

Key Product

Felimazole
Forthyron
Vetoryl
Zycortal

Key Product

Canaural
DermaPet
Isaderm
Malaseb

Key Product
Alfaxan
Atipam
Comfortan
Phycox
Sedator
Vetivex

Key Product
Cardisure

Key Product

Isathal

Antibacterial and 
Antibiotics

Key Product

Amoxi-Clav
Clavubactin
Cefpodoxime Proxetil
Enroquin/Enrofloxacin

Metrobactin

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44

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

e
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Equine 
Medicine

Food producing  
Animal Products

Nutrition

Key Product
Domidine
Equipalazone
HY-50
Osphos

Key Product
Cyclospray
Methoxasol
Octacillin
Rapidexon
Soludox
Centidox
Altidox

Key Product
Specific

Vaccines

Key Product
Avishield ND

Companion  
Animal Products

Key Product
Phenoleptil
Prevomax

a
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Stock Code: DPH

45

Strategic Report

Corporate Social Responsibility

Tony Griffin 
Managing Director, Dechra  
Veterinary Products EU

Melanie Hall 
Company Secretary

Katy Clough 
Group HR Director

The Board takes ultimate responsibility for Corporate Social Responsibility 
and is committed to developing and implementing appropriate policies 
that create and maintain long term value for all stakeholders.

Dechra Values and Culture
Everything we do is underpinned by our culture and Values. They are 
important to us and have helped to drive the Group’s success. We 
believe that our Values encapsulate our business ethics and set the 
standards that we wish to achieve and ultimately exceed. They outline 
the type of people we are, the services we provide and the way we 
aim to do business. Our businesses deliver high quality products and 
services to veterinarians worldwide through our employees and the 
network of third parties that we work with.  

We are committed to acting responsibly and with integrity, respecting the 
laws, regulations, traditions and cultures of the countries within which 

we do business. This is reflected in our Values, which define the  
core principles by which we operate.

Throughout this report you will find examples of how our Values guide 
our behaviours and actions.

Our Values are supported by our Code of Conduct, originally established 
in August 2009 and subsequently revised in 2018. This sets out the 
standards of conduct to be adopted by all employees worldwide. The 
Code of Conduct incorporates a number of our policies and standards 
to enable us to act with integrity and honesty, and includes Anti-Bribery 
and Anti-Corruption (ABC), Sanctions, Data Protection, Modern Slavery, 
Health and Safety and Donations. 

Our Code of Conduct sets the standard of how we interact with our 
stakeholders and wider community, and is based around four pillars:  
Our People, Our Community, Our Environment and Our Business.

Non-Financial Information Statement
We aim to comply with the Non-Financial Reporting requirement as detailed in Sections 414CA and 414CB of the UK Companies Act 2006. 
The table below sets out where you can find the non-financial matters within our Strategic Report that, taken together, comprises the  
Non-Financial Information Statement.

Reporting requirement
Environmental Matters*

Employees*

Social Matters*

Respect for Human 
Rights*
Anti-Bribery and Anti-
Corruption*
Business Model
Principal Risks 
Non-Financial KPIs

Where to read more
Corporate Social Responsibility: Our 
Environment
Creating Value for Our Stakeholders
Chief Executive Officer’s Statement
Understanding our Key Risks
Creating Value for Our Stakeholders

Creating Value for Our Stakeholders

15

Page 
number Where to read more
58 and 59

Page 
number

15
20 to 23
64 to 67
15

39

Case Study: Bringing an acquisition into the 
Dechra organisation
Corporate Social Responsibility: Our People
Corporate Social Responsibility: Our 
Community
Corporate Social Responsibility: Our Business 60 and 61

49 to 55
56 and 57

Creating Value for Our Stakeholders
Corporate Social Responsibility: Our Business
Our Business Model
How the Business Manages Risk
Key Performance Indicators

Audit Committee Report

15
60 and 61
12 to 14 Creating Value for Our Stakeholders
62 and 63 Understanding our Key Risks
32 and 33

83 to 89

15
64 to 67

*  References to our polices, due diligence processes and information on how we are performing on various measures in these areas are contained throughout  

the Strategic Report.

46

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

Dedication

Enjoyment

Courage

We are dedicated 
to delivering 
products and 
services that meet 
the highest level of 
service and quality 
to our customers. 
We take pride in 
and are committed 
to our jobs within Dechra. Through the 
ownership of our responsibilities we 
will contribute to the competitiveness 
of our business in the marketplace. 
We constantly look for better ways 
to do things, resulting in a culture 
of continuous improvement. We 
encourage people to make decisions 
and accept there may be mistakes 
that will form part of our learning 
experience. 

We will provide 
challenge for our 
people within their 
roles to help them 
stay motivated 
and engaged. We 
will endeavour 
to create an 
environment 

where our people want to come to 
work and feel a part of Dechra. We 
will develop ourselves personally 
and professionally. We want an 
environment that encourages learning 
and development and will achieve 
ever-increasing personal competence. 
We will generate enthusiasm and 
energy through positive thinking and 
actions.

We want a 
business where 
we dare to 
challenge each 
other, creating 
better cross-
organisational 
solutions. We want 
an environment 
where innovation and creativity can 
flourish. We encourage each person 
to be pro-active and to take initiatives. 
We will encourage everyone to have 
confidence in themselves and have the 
strength and character to question the 
status quo. We will nurture individuality 
and free thinking, thereby creating a 
strong and competitive spirit.

Honesty

Relationships

Ambition

We will act with 
integrity and 
fairness and treat 
everyone with 
respect. We are 
honest and open 
in all interactions. 
Openness is 
supported at 
all levels of the organisation. In our 
business every job is important. We 
value each person’s contributions to the 
business as much as we value our own.

We see our 
customers and 
suppliers as 
business partners 
and thereby work 
together to ensure 
common success. 
We know that 
success is 

We are goal 
oriented and 
shall deliver solid 
results through 
our energetic and 
resilient approach 
throughout the 
organisation. Our 
ambitions shall 

not built on the performance of an 
individual, therefore we encourage 
co-operation and cross-organisational 
team working to produce better results 
together.

ensure that we at all times deliver 
the highest possible levels of quality 
and services to our customers and 
to each other. We are determined to 
do our best and to celebrate as many 
successes as possible.

Stock Code: DPH

47

Strategic Report

Corporate Social Responsibility

continued

Our  
People

Our  
Community

Our  
Environment

•  Employees

•  Local Community

•  Employees

Pillar 

Stakeholder(s)
Involved

Key Focus 
Areas

•  Attracting, retaining and 

developing talent 

•  Diversity

•  Culture and Values

•  Employee engagement 

and productivity

•  Safe working practices

Policy

•  A great and safe place  

to work

•  We value difference and 

believe diversity of people, 
skills and abilities is a 
strength that helps us  
to achieve our best

•  Charities and non-profit 

•  Local Community

organisations

•  Community investment 
through charitable 
donations and  
volunteering

•  Energy use

•  Greenhouse gas  

emissions

•  Waste disposal

•  Sustainable raw materials

•  To engage in community 
activities focussing on 
animal welfare, human 
service and environmental 
stewardship 

•  To contribute to the social 

and economic welfare of 
the local communities in 
which we operate

•  We are committed to 
minimising the impact 
of our operations on 
the environment by 
adopting responsible 
environmental practices and 
complying with applicable 
environmental legislation

Objectives

•  Leverage the Dechra 
Values and culture

•  Maintain high levels of 
employee engagement

•  Reinforce a culture of safe 

working practices

•  Contribute towards 

•  Minimise our environmental 

charitable causes through 
the donation of time, 
products and skills

footprint

•  Optimise the energy  

we use

•  To utilise the most  

eco-friendly and financially  
cost effective distribution  
system

•  Wherever practicable, 
to use sustainable raw 
materials in our nutrition 
range

Our  
Business
• 

 Veterinary Professionals

• 

• 

 Universities

 Suppliers and Distributors

•  Animal welfare 

•  Anti-bribery and  
anti-corruption

•  Education of veterinary 

professionals

•  Compliance of suppliers 
with Code of Conduct

•  We are committed to 

acting responsibly and with 
integrity. We comply with 
the laws and regulations 
and respect the traditions 
and cultures of the countries 
within which we operate

•  We expect our third parties 

to trade with honesty and 
integrity

•  Maintain and improve the 
knowledge and skills of 
veterinarians who prescribe 
and use our products

•  To act honestly and with 

integrity

•  To develop products to 
improve animal welfare 

• 

 To work with third parties 
who comply with our Code 
of Conduct

Read more about  
Our People on pages  
49 to 55

Read more about  
Our Community on 
pages 56 and 57

Read more about  
Our Environment on 
pages 58 and 59

Read more about  
Our Business on pages 
60 and 61

48

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

Our People
Key Facts:

•  74% of employees returned to work after 

parental leave

•  14% of current DSC employees have been 
recruited via the apprenticeship programme

•  2 of our manufacturing facilities have had  

24 months of no LTA

13.6%

Employee Turnover

52%

of workforce is female

We now employ 1,753 people in 25 different countries and in a wide 
range of working environments. We have increased our cultural diversity 
even further in the last year with the addition of the team in Brazil. At 
Dechra, we have always acknowledged that our people are our greatest 
asset and know that an inclusive culture is beneficial for our business’s 
performance. Our ongoing objective is to continue to be a high performing 
business driven by highly skilled and committed teams. Accordingly, we 
are committed to: 

We were delighted that 84% of our employees responded positively to 
the statement regarding diversity in the workplace in our first employee 
engagement survey (2018 Engagement Survey) which took place in 
March 2018. We firmly believe that our Dechra Values support the 
culturally diverse business that we have become, and although we are 
separated by time zones, geographically and by language we share 
common goals and ways of working that are underpinned by our Values.

• 

strengthening and communicating the Dechra culture and striving to 
ensure our Values encompass our business ethics and standards; 

Age Range  
Split

•  attracting, retaining and developing talent to build and maintain a 

top quality team; and 

•  developing effective succession plans to enable business continuity. 

In delivering these aims, it is the Group’s policy to recruit and promote 
people on the basis of their personal ability, contribution and potential, 
regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, 
ethnicity, disability, religion, political affiliation or union membership.  
We are committed to seeing that everywhere across our Group we 
promote, support and maintain a culture of fairness, respect and  
equal opportunity for all.

The Group gives full consideration to applications from disabled people, 
where they adequately fulfil the requirements of the role. Where existing 
employees become disabled, it is the Group’s policy, whenever practicable, 
to provide continuing employment under the Group’s terms and conditions 
and to provide training and career development whenever appropriate.  
The Group does not tolerate bullying or harassment.

We are committed to fair employment practices and comply with national 
legal requirements regarding wages and working hours. In the UK, only one 
of our subsidiaries is required to report under Gender Pay Gap regulations, 
and we are pleased to report that our gender pay median gap has reduced 
from 17.7% in 2017 to 9.2% in 2018. This reduction is largely driven by an 
increase in the number of women in senior and technical roles. 

Headcount Per Country

1,753 
employees

6
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Stock Code: DPH

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Gender  
Split

Female 

Male 

52%

48%

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49

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l

 
 
 
Strategic Report

Corporate Social Responsibility

continued

Accelerate 
Performance

Our original people plan was developed five years ago to support 
the delivery of the Group’s five year plan. Following significant 
progress, we adapted the people plan in the 2017 financial year 
to support the delivery of the evolving business goals and the 
continuous expansion of the Group.

Grow Our  
Own Talent

Accelerate Performance: 
Align employee efforts and drive productivity through effective 
goal setting, feedback and focus on development.

Creation 
of Shared 
Services

Healthy 
Workplace

Strong 
Culture and 
Values

Engaged and 
Committed 
Workforce

Grow Our Own Talent
Dechra is committed to enhancing the skills of our workforce, planning 
for a successful future and creating a sustainable talent pipeline.

Delta
Since July 2016, we have been utilising a learning management 
system, Delta, which hosts e-learning materials ranging from induction, 
compliance training such as pharmacovigilance, and software skills. 
There are 147 internal modules available on Delta to enable Dechra 
employees to continue to be the best partners to the veterinary 
profession. During the year, we have launched 16 new courses. 

Dechra Veterinary Products North America (DVP NA)
The US Commercial sales team offers an extensive training programme 
for its new territory sales managers and inside sales representatives. A 
team of 18 recently spent two full weeks in Kansas City onboarding and 
building their product knowledge, equipping them to be productive from 
the first visit or the first call they make. Veterinary Professional Services, 
Veterinary Technical Services, and Marketing Managers facilitate the 
training workshops, which allows the field team to learn from our own 
internal experts. Additionally, regional managers continue their education 
with sales operations training offered during their first six months, at 
regional meetings, and during the national sales meeting.    

Apprentices and Interns
We believe that offering internships and apprenticeships is a great way 
to attract new employees to Dechra. We have a small number of intern 
opportunities each year both in the UK and the US. We have successfully 
supported student interns at our Sansaw and Northwich offices and 
have an annual programme running. We have been delighted with the 
quality of the young people who have worked with us and we hope that 
the experiences of working with Dechra will support them in their future 
careers. We currently have nine apprentices in Europe in a variety of roles, 
including administration and logistics. In 2018 we had ten apprentices 
join our site in Croatia through a government sponsored scheme of which 
eight have been retained on a permanent basis. 

Grow Our Own Talent: 
Attract, retain and develop the right talent in the right place at the 
right time.

Strong Culture and Values: 
How we do things around here.

Engaged and Committed Workforce: 
A great place to work.

Healthy Workplace: 
Improving the working lives of our people.

Creation of Shared Services: 
Efficient infrastructure supporting commercial operations.

Case Study

A series of four webinars on 
the New EU Regulations for the 
Registration of Veterinary Medicines

Product Development has recently run a series of four, one hour 
training webinars for PDRA colleagues globally to alert them to 
the major changes in the EU regulations for the registration and 
maintenance of veterinary medicines, which have been approved 
by the European Commission and will come into EU law on  
22 January 2022. These new regulations are very wide ranging 
and include a total of 97 objectives with major impacts on our 
business. The webinars were delivered by Dr Julian Braidwood, 
MD of the international CRO Triveritas Ltd., and have proved 
very popular and thought provoking, with an audience of over 70 
Dechra colleagues listening from their desks and asking a wide 
range of questions. Not only is this training format convenient 
and user friendly for our employees, but it is also an extremely 
cost effective way of delivering a bespoke and high quality 
training session on a key topic for our business. The webinars are 
recorded so that those unable to attend are still able to participate 
at a time which suits them.

In addition, the Product Development’s global clinical team 
members attended an advanced Word training class for technical 
report writing. This programme complimented the basic training 
provided in Delta; geared more toward their job requirements.  
22 team members from the US, the Netherlands and the UK 
participated in the training.

50

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

Case Study

Case Study

Apprentices in the Dechra Service 
Center (DSC), Uldum 

There is a long running tradition of having apprentices at the DSC, 
primarily in the offices but also in the warehouse. The apprentices 
follow a formal education scheme and during the two year 
apprenticeship, they also attend 8 to 12 weeks of training courses 
at one of the local business colleges. They start with simpler 
tasks working alongside their colleagues, and as their skills evolve 
through on-the-job training, they ultimately perform the same 
role as their colleagues. In the final part of their training, the office 
trainees write a report on a project that is relevant to their work 
at Dechra. This report will often contain efficiency or cost savings 
proposals, and as such we have found that apprentices are of 
great value to both the Company and the employees. Out of the 
current employees in Uldum, 14% have been recruited through 
the apprentice programme, two of whom have been employed for 
over 20 years.

Sales and 
Marketing 
Assistant/
Placement 
Student

Katy Mellor joined the UK 
marketing team last July for 
a one year placement from 
Harper Adams University as part of her BSc Agriculture course. 
Katy has enjoyed learning about the veterinary industry and 
Dechra’s vast and growing range of products whilst being part 
of a team working in a fast paced environment. She has been 
integral to the implementation of the Le Vet product launches 
within the UK, being involved in product forecasting, positioning, 
pricing and promotion of the products. All of which has furthered 
her understanding of commercial and marketing business 
practices. During the last year, Katy has embraced all of the 
Dechra Values and was formally recognised at a recent UK sales 
meeting for her contribution and support of her colleagues.

Case Study

Ben Poulter, 
Placement 
Student

“Working at Dechra as the 
Finance Placement Student 
I have gained invaluable 
experience which I will be taking 
forward into my future career. 

Throughout the year I have learnt a lot about working life and working 
within a finance team. I have gained a deeper understanding of 
how the different sections of a finance team function within a large 
company. Dealing with foreign currencies and the different situations 
created in an international company has expanded my knowledge 
beyond what I had at university. 

The thing that attracted me to Dechra is the opportunity to work 
within a relatively small Head Office finance team for the size of 
the Company. This has allowed me to feel like an integral part of 
the team and it is clear to see the results of my work. I was also 
interested in the opportunities available within this placement to 
help with different parts of the finance function and also experience 
different aspects of the Company. Having the opportunity to have 
a tour around the factory at Skipton and spending a day with a 
salesperson provided a new perspective on Dechra which was 
different to what I had experienced at Head Office. The experience 
that I have gained working within Dechra will not be forgotten.”

Martin Thimes Henriksen 
“On a search of the job market, I found the apprentice role at 
Dechra logistics. After a very nervous job interview, my first ever 
actually, I was sold. Luckily, Dechra thought the same of me. I 
started my two years as an apprentice in September 2016, and 
my first few months was quite calm, and I learned the processes 
piece by piece, which was very nice. Along the way, I got more 
and more responsibility, and learned a lot from it. I personally 
think this is the way to train apprentices, I liked it that way. 
On my training courses, I both shared experiences with fellow 
apprentices, as well as learned the basics of logistics. I really 
liked the two years as a trainee, and I do recommend this kind 
of education to friends and family. As I am now a regular full time 
employee in the Logistics department in Denmark, I am now 
the one trying to pass on my knowledge to the new apprentices 
arriving. If I follow in the footsteps of my boss, Anders, I will enjoy  
a long and successful time with the Company, and I sincerely strive 
to do so.”

Stock Code: DPH

51

Strategic Report

Corporate Social Responsibility

continued

Case Study

Rachel Gilroy, Product Development 
Intern Testimonial

“Coming to the end of your PhD marks a time when you need to make 
decisions on how you want to progress your future career. Making the 
move from academia to a career in industry is undeniably daunting, and 
with no industry connections, it can be difficult to take that first step.  
For me, I was keen to explore the veterinary pharmaceutical industry,  
and when I attended a talk given by Dechra at Durham University  
about career options of veterinarians in industry with focus on R&D, 
it provided me with an invaluable opportunity to approach Dechra 
regarding an internship in R&D. Having a long established history within 
the animal health market alongside a fundamental values system,  
Dechra represented a growing global market brand able to offer  
a unique internship experience. 

Funded as part of the fully integrated BBSRC DTP PhD Internship 
programme, my three month placement was based primarily in the 
Product Development offices in Shrewsbury, UK.

During the initial phase of my internship, tasks were mainly focused on 
exploring published research to generate a comprehensive literature 
review which would determine subsequent clinical trial protocols. 
Moreover, I was involved in the creation of a technical training 
presentation which would be used for the roll out of a referencing 
software throughout the Group. Importantly it was during this early stage 
of my internship that great effort was made by all members of the Dechra 
team, both UK and international, to introduce themselves, their role 
and their wealth of previous experience. Not only did this make me feel 
particularly welcome but was valuable in illustrating how different industry 
roles are not defined by a single career path. 

With a clinical team based largely in the US, Dechra allowed me 
the opportunity to visit teams in both Maine and Kansas. Working 

closely with the clinical team in this way gave me tangible experience 
with procedures and software that formed the basis of clinical 
operations. Having one-to-one discussions with colleagues working 
in areas including regulatory affairs, safety and marketing gave me 
an appreciation of the multi-faceted nature of drug discovery and 
development, and how each role interlinks with another. 

Most notably, I was heavily involved in the formation of a final study report 
for the submission of pilot clinical trial data to the FDA. Not only did this 
allow me to assess critically and interpret clinical data, but also present 
this in a way that complies with current guidelines. Dechra gave me the 
independence of being able to approach tasks in a manner that suited 
my skill set, while offering continued mentorship and encouragement 
during processes with which I was particularly unfamiliar. Being able to 
participate in clinical operations review meetings highlighted fundamental 
drug development milestones and challenges, but more importantly, how 
these are handled. 

The ability to overlap my internship with my PhD has allowed me to 
apply some of the project management and trial protocol techniques 
to my ongoing research. Furthermore, I was able to present my 
current PhD research to teams in both the Netherlands and Croatia, 
sharing knowledge and feedback that could develop my research to 
application in both academia and industry.  

Before working with Dechra, I had little sense of product development 
processes in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry. Thanks to 
the dedicated team at Dechra, I now have first-hand industrial 
experience relating to pharmaceutical research and development, 
alongside a strong network of industry professionals that have 
already contributed greatly in my future career. It is with both the 
confidence and knowledge foundation gained through this internship 
that I can decisively progress my career toward a role in veterinary 
pharmaceutical product development.”

Engagement and Committed Workforce
Informing and engaging our employees through internal channels of 
communication is of utmost importance to the Group. We have multiple 
channels of communication to provide both formal and informal updates 
including a Group newsletter that is issued twice a year (following the 
half-yearly and year end results), intranets, management and team 
meetings at the respective business units. These keep our employees 
informed of the financial performance of the Group, as well as the 
sharing of updates which are relevant to all Group employees such 
as management and team changes, progress in relation to strategic 
objectives and updates on corporate social responsibility objectives. 

At Dechra, people are our greatest asset. In order to continue to retain 
our qualified and skilled employees, and to attract new employees we 
conducted an Employee Engagement Survey in March 2018 using the 
Great Place to Work (GPTW) survey. The results of the survey were 
disclosed in the 2018 Annual Report.

Given the diverse nature of our workforce, due to the geographical 
spread and the differing roles and segments in which our employees 
operate, we were very pleased with the overall results of our first survey.

Since the survey took place we have spent time communicating the 
results to our employees. Initially, we produced a short video with the 
overall highlights of the survey, and this was followed with feedback of 
the results at a business unit, department, site or country level utilising 
any key meetings with employees or team briefings.

Action planning took place with employee groups across the Group 
where employees had the opportunity to identify areas that they 
wanted to address as a result of the survey and we built a database 
of plans, predominantly led by the employee groups. A huge variety of 
approaches has been taken depending on the size of the teams and 
their types of issues.

We have scheduled a second Group-wide survey for March 2020 where 
we hope to see maintained or improved scores.

During the year, Lisa Bright has been appointed as the Non-Executive 
Director designated for employee engagement. She is currently 
investigating, along with the Group HR Director, the most effective 
way in which the Board can engage with our employees to readily 
understand their views. During the forthcoming year, an employee 
engagement forum will be piloted.

52

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

Engagement Survey

Announcing the engagement survey
A number of communications were shared with 
our employees globally to inform them that the 
engagement survey would be launched in March 
2018. The communications asked our employees 
to provide open and honest feedback.

Aiding the understanding of the survey
Managers also held briefing sessions with their 
teams to share the GPTW presentation to build an 
understanding of why Dechra was launching the 
survey. We also used posters across our sites as a 
reminder to our teams of the importance of their input.

Employee participation
Following the completion of the engagement 
survey, videos were posted to thank our teams  
for their input.

Case Study

DVP EU

The EU team had a strong set of 
results with an overall response 
rate of 88% of their employees 
and a trust index of 76% (+9% 
higher than the Dechra Average 
score). The strengths of the 
EU survey were Culture (85%), 
Engagement (83%) Job Security 
(81%), Teamwork (80%) and 
Wellbeing (74%).

Following the feedback of the 
results,the DVP EU Senior 
Management team chose to 
focus on improving the area of 
Communication and Involvement 
(66%) across their region. Several 
work streams were created to 
focus on improving the level and 
frequency of communication both 
formal and informal. These include 
more focused use of the intranet 
for sharing news, creation of a 
monthly newsletter, regular sales 

updates to all staff, updates on 
the strategy from Tony Griffin and 
communication of the new EU 
marketing plan. More frequent 
conference calls have been put 
in place to allow Tony to talk 
directly to the EU teams, and the 
team has been utilising external 
social media such as Linkedin to 
promote our employee brand.

In addition to this, each of 
the Country and Functional 
managers within DVP EU has 
also undertaken the same 
action planning process with 
the support of the HR team 
and had their own action plan 
documented. Activities vary 
from additional training sessions, 
creation of dashboards to keep 
teams informed, bi-weekly town 
hall meetings and arranging 
cross-functional meetings on a 
quarterly basis to promote better 
alignment.

Stock Code: DPH

53

Strategic Report

Corporate Social Responsibility

continued

Culture of Safe Working Practices
Tony Griffin is the nominated Director responsible for health, safety and 
environmental matters. The Group attaches great importance to the 
health and safety of its employees and the public. The safety of our 
employees is paramount and that means continuing to reinforce good 
safety management practices as well as raising awareness of improved 
ways of working. Management are responsible for, and committed to, 
the maintenance, monitoring and promotion of a policy of health and 
safety at work to nurture the care and wellbeing of our employees, 
contractors and on-site visitors.

We have seven manufacturing facilities worldwide, employing 748  
people representing 42.7% of our total workforce. Due to the nature of 
their roles, we have identified these as our higher risk employees with 
regards to health and safety. We have recently appointed a Group Dechra 
Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing (DPM) Health and Safety Manager who 
will initially be overseeing four of the main manufacturing facilities with the 
remit of standardising our procedures and working to ensure that high 
standards of health and safety are maintained.

To continue to improve the safety performance across both existing and 
newly acquired facilities, and to reflect the priority that is given across 
the business to safety, a proactive hazard awareness reporting initiative 
is in place in DPM.

Risk assessments are undertaken at our DPM sites to identify hazards 
and apply control measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of injury. 
Risk assessments may be conducted internally for routine activities or 
external specialists may be requested to conduct risk assessments 
for safety critical tasks. Where hazards are identified, these are scored 
according to the likelihood of an injury or incident occurring and the 
potential severity of this. Control measures are applied to reduce the risk 
of injury according to a hierarchy of control. We would firstly assess if a 
task was necessary and look for other safer ways to do a task before 
progressively applying other control measures. 

All employees, contractors and visitors across the DPM sites are 
requested to remain vigilant at all times and to report any non-routine 
hazards they see using the local reporting procedures. We encourage 
employees to act immediately to warn others and control immediate 
risks whilst a more permanent solution may then be required to prevent 
the hazard from recurring. Because we work in a dynamic environment, 
we believe an increase in hazard reporting is an important leading 
indicator of the maturity of our safety culture.

DPM encourages local hazard reporting by both employees and 
contractors. The purpose of each report is to capture information about 
hazards and to track each hazard to an effective closure. It also allows 
us to provide feedback to the employees who have raised the hazards 
that action has been taken.

Each site periodically reviews any hazards raised and looks for trends. 
In addition to tackling each individual hazard, trend analysis allows each 
site to focus safety interventions on particular topics. This may include 
targeted safety training or safety communications. 

For a number of years the Group has reported Lost Time Accident 
Frequency Rate (LTAFR) as a non-financial key performance indicator (see 
page 33). A LTA is any absence or the inability of workers to conduct their 
full range of their normal working activities for a period of more than three 
working days after the day when the incident occurred. Any acquisitions 
during the year are included from the first full month that they become part 
of the Dechra Group. Despite maintaining a rigorous focus on health and 
safety, over the course of the last 12 months the number of incidents has 

increased from nil to six. All six incidents occurred in our manufacturing 
facilities; there were no fatalities. Two of the manufacturing facilities, Bladel 
and Melbourne, have now had over 24 months without a LTA.

All accidents and incidents are investigated by Line Managers with 
the cooperation of safety representatives or other employees who 
are aligned to an area. When an accident occurs, each site conducts 
an investigation which aims to identify the root cause of the incident 
including any workplace hazards, system or behavioural errors. 
Corrective and preventative actions are then implemented.

Any material health and safety issues or incidents that occur are 
discussed in detail at both business unit senior management meetings, 
and PLC Board meetings. Discussions include details of incidents and 
any remedial action taken to mitigate or prevent recurrence. Twice a year 
a comprehensive health and safety report is presented to the PLC Board 
meeting for discussion and review by the Directors.

We are routinely investing in safety, and during the 2019 financial year 
this has included:

•  Refurbishment of floors in our Melbourne facility to reduce the risks 

of slips and falls; 

•  The purchase of new equipment to reduce the risk from manually 

handling heavy drain covers in Zagreb and the installation of a mist 
shower for personal decontamination; 

•  The installation of three defibrillators at our Skipton facility, along with 

the provision of first aid training to 40 employees; and

•  An independent health and safety report was conducted at our site 

in Sydney, Australia with findings being implemented.

Group Causality 

DPM Hazards (Bladel, Florida,  
Skipton, Zagreb)

2

2

200

1

1

1

1

1

100

0

0

1

32

4 5

1

32

4 5

1. Slipped/tripped or fell on the same level
2. Ergonomic injury
3. Contact with moving machinery or material
    being machined
4. Contact with a hot/cold surface or substance
5. Hit something fixed or stationary

1. Reportable >7 days
2. LTA
3. Investigated accidents
4. Investigated (damage only)
5. Minor or First Aid accidents

54

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

Health and Safety Theme of the Month was introduced at 
Skipton in 2019 and is an opportunity to build awareness and 
competence around safety topics that are likely to be relevant to 
everyone working at a site. Topics such as Fire Safety, Manual 
Handling, Personal Protective Equipment and Workplace 
Transport and Pedestrian Safety are just some of the topics which 
have been covered. 

 Subject Matter Experts – Across the Group there are many 
employees who are trained in specialist health and safety roles. 
These roles support the overall health and safety management 
system to enable risks to be controlled on a day-to-day basis. 
Examples of such roles are first aiders, fire wardens, and spillage 
responders. For each of these roles training is provided and this is 
refreshed according to the required frequency.

• 

 Post-accident reviews – following any accident the need 
for retraining is reviewed as part of the accident or incident 
investigation.

Case Study:

Health and Safety Training

Working to ensure that our employees understand their health and 
safety obligations is critical to maturing and stabilising our safety 
culture. Employees receive general health and safety training at 
various stages:

• 

• 

Induction – all new employees receive a health and safety 
induction on day one of their employment. This means that they 
understand the site emergency procedures, key health and safety 
rules and any welfare arrangements. This is supplemented in their 
departments with a local area induction.

• 

 Job Training – Employees receive regular health and safety 
training according to their role and any hazards that exist in the 
work they are conducting. Role specific training, for example safe 
use of equipment, is delivered as part of operator training within 
their departments. 

• 

 General Health and Safety Training – General Health and Safety 
training is sometimes delivered to whole employee populations. 

Stock Code: DPH

55

Strategic Report

Corporate Social Responsibility

continued

Our Community

•  Committed to give every employee one day  

in the community

•  Provided work experience and educational 

£322,894

£60,123

programmes to local community

Product donations

Cash donations

Local Community Engagement
We believe that it is important to give back to the communities in which 
we live and operate. Our community ethos is aligned with our business 
purpose and Values, in particular, our Relationships and Enjoyment 
Values. We encourage our employees to engage in community  
activities, in particular, in the fields of animal welfare, human service  
and environmental stewardship. There is a particular focus on animal 
welfare. Below are examples of the community activities, financial and  
non-financial donations and areas of community employment that we 
have been involved in: 

Community Activities
We have committed to giving our employees one day in the community, 
preferably as a team activity; and whilst this is in its infancy, we have 
seen teams in Brazil, the Netherlands, UK and USA engage in a variety 
of activities. In the US, 80 employees served two animal shelters local 
to our Portland and Kansas City offices. Employees dedicated their time 
to physical projects supporting the shelters, enabling shelter staff to 
dedicate more time to serving the animals in need. Both shelters are the 
respective area’s largest shelters and have programmes that support 
elementary students on the necessary care and compassion for animals. 
In addition, the Veterinarian Technical Services simulated a well visit to 
minimise potential stress or triggers of veterans suffering from PTSD  
or brain injuries.

Community Service Hours by Type

Animal Welfare 

57.2%

Human Service 

17.8%

Environmental 

25.0%

Community Service Hours by Country

USA 

UK 

Brazil 

Netherlands 

362

140

4

80

56

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Case Study

Head Office Community Activity

The Northwich Head Office team embarked on a CSR activity 
day in June, volunteering at a local Wildlife Reserve known as 
Lower Moss Wood, which is an educational nature reserve 
and wildlife hospital. It provides a place for schools, disabled 
visitors, environmental groups and others to go and learn about 
conservation and the environment. The wildlife hospital on site 
takes in any orphaned, sick or injured wild animals or birds and 
provides around the clock care. It is also a private nature reserve.

Twenty employees volunteered at the reserve across two days and 
collectively worked on digging out and restoring a natural peat bog. 
The aim was to allow the surrounding wildlife, most specifically 
dragonflies, to reach the water so they could survive and flourish.

Strategic Report

Community Donations
For the last eight years we have operated a Group Donations scheme, 
whereby we encourage all employees to nominate a charity or  
non-commercial organisation for a charitable donation. This year  
we donated to eleven charities each receiving £2,500.

Group Annual Charitable Giving

Animal 

Human 

£17,500

£10,000

In addition to the annual Group donation, each business unit has the 
discretion to allocate funds and/or products to local community charities 
and/or animal welfare charities.

Business Unit Donations by Type

Product 

Cash 

£322,894

£32,623

The majority of the above product donations are short dated product 
which otherwise would have had to be destroyed.

At our Zagreb site, we have provided some land to the local community 
for use as a children’s playground for ten years.

Community Employment
Our IT and Finance teams located in the Uldum office supported three 
work readiness and retraining efforts for members of the greater Uldum 
community. This effort was another way to give back to the communities 
in which we live and work. Community members with special needs and 
circumstances were able to apply their skills and interests with a work 
assignment and work schedule that helped them build their confidence 
and transition back into productive members of the working community. 
Dechra team members who had the opportunity to learn about their 
circumstances and goals and watched their progress were also rewarded 
by the positive experience.     

Similarly, our Brazilian business employed eleven apprentices, all of which 
were students working part-time to allow them to gain practical work 
experience, in both administrative areas such as Human Resources and 
also in production and maintenance. They worked four hours a day, 
over a period of either one or two years, in the business and attended 
a complementary qualification programmes for the remaining part of 
the day. The aim of the scheme was to help young people gain work 
experience prior to joining the labour market. 

Stock Code: DPH

57

Strategic Report

Corporate Social Responsibility

continued

Our Environment

•  5,540 photovaltic panels installed in Zagreb

•  Reduce CO2 emissions per DSC Shipment 4.9%

Reduction in CO2 per kg 
(DSC shipments)

100%

Certified fish in  
dry cat diets

Minimise our Environmental Footprint
The Group recognises the importance of good environmental controls. It is the Group’s policy to comply with environmental legislation currently in 
place, to adopt responsible environmental practices and to give consideration to minimising the impact of its operations on the environment. 

Annual Waste Disposal Performance at DPM

Recovered, recycled 
and reused
Landfill
Waste & Controlled 
Drugs

Bladel

Florida

Skipton

Zagreb

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

100%
–

100%*
–

31.0%
69.0%

32.0%
68.0%

–

–

–

–

100%**

–

–

83.5%
–

44.0%
41.0%***

95.8%
–

16.5%

15.0%

4.2%

*  Recycled.
**  47.7% is recovered and 52.3% is recycled.
*** The increase was due to the removal of asbestos from the majority of the roofs at the Zagreb facility.

Our central logistics hub for Europe (the DSC) has continued with its annual contribution of DKK15,000 to Energreen ApS for the construction of 
new green energy production facilities within Denmark.

Optimise the Energy Used
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In order to determine our carbon emissions, we have used the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard and have reported on 
emissions arising from those sources over which we have operational control (the exception being the inclusion of a third party manufacturer who 
leases part of our facility in Uldum, Denmark). Any acquisitions during the year are included from the first full month that they become part of the 
Dechra Group. The disclosures below encompass:

•  Scope 1: includes emission from combustion of fuel and operation of facilities (excluding combustion of fuel from company cars);

•  Scope 2: includes emissions from purchased electricity, heat, steam and cooling; and

•  Vehicle emissions.

Dechra has selected ‘Tonnes of CO2e per total £ million sales revenue’ as the intensity ratio as this is a relevant indicator of the Group’s growth.

Scope 1
Scope 2 
Vehicle emissions
Total Carbon Footprint (tonnes of CO2e) 
Intensity ratio (tonnes of CO2e per £m)

1 July 2018 
to 30 June 
2019
5,554
3,712
2,209
11,475
23.8

1 July 2017 
to 30 June 
2018
3,819
3,463
1,703
8,985
22.1

1 July 2016 
to 30 June 
2017 
4,018
3,890
1,618
9,526
26.5

As reported in last year’s report, the main contributor to Scope 1 is the production of the nutrition supplement that is manufactured at Genera. This 
was explained in a case study in the 2016 Annual Report. This site has plans to reduce its carbon footprint by installing solar panels as detailed in 
the case study on the following page.

The intensity ratio has increased by 1.7 tonnes of CO2e per total £ million sales revenue. The increase is partially due to the increase in vehicle 
emissions (0.4 tonnes of CO2e per total £ million sales revenue), and mainly due to the additional manufacturing facility in Brazil. During the 
forthcoming year, the Brazilian business will assess its emissions and identify equipment or processes that could be replaced or improved. 

58

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

The Group has continued with its policy of replacing all non-LED lighting 
within its control over the next four years, and has installed 450 LED 
lighting units at the Zagreb facility, which represents 15% of the internal 
lighting units. The Northwich Head Office has moved to green tariff energy.

The majority of the pharmaceutical products received by DSC are 
supplied from our manufacturing sites in Bladel, the Netherlands and 
Skipton, the UK. The products from Bladel are transported by road, 
whereas the products from UK are shipped by sea and road.

As reported in last year’s Annual Report, the installation of the 5,540 
photovoltaic (PV) panels have been fitted onto the existing roof 
structures across the Zagreb site. This is the largest installation of its  
type in Croatia, and has been in full operation since 28 June 2019.  
Any surplus electricity is distributed to the municipal electrical grid.

Sustainable Raw Materials in Our Nutrition Range
The raw materials of our dry diets are reviewed on a yearly basis for 
scarcity, and, if scarce, we endeavour to find an alternative raw material. 
Our focused action on the fish raw materials has resulted in the use of 
100% certified fish in the dry cat diets from January 2018. In addition, as 
part of our environmental road map, we have rationalised our pack sizes 
which has reduced our use of plastic.

Eco-friendly and Financially Cost-Effective Distribution Systems
The transportation of goods is the largest activity for DSC. They handled 
79,300 orders this year, an increase of 28.8%, to customers worldwide 
as well as receiving and storing approximately 1,500 full truck deliveries. 
Although the cost of transport is the predominant factor for choice of 
transportation, DSC has reviewed the method of transportation to find  
a form of transportation with the lowest carbon footprint.

Products are shipped to our customers by road, air and sea. As the 
majority of the customers are based in Europe, road transportation  
is the main method. The following table shows the CO2 emission for  
this form of transportation: 

Shipments
Total Weight (GRT)
CO2 Outlet (kg)
CO2 per kg

2019
36,905
19,399,330
1,670,037
11.6

2018
30,409
16,665,247
1,393,046
12.2

The increase in shipments, 36,905 in 2019 compared to 30,409 in 
2018, is mainly due to the increase in inventory following the Le Vet 
acquisition and the transfer of products from distributors to Dechra 
marketing companies. This has resulted in an increase in the CO2 gross 
outlet figure, however, the CO2 per kg is lower as the size of each 
shipment was larger. In addition, the optimisation of the pack sizes for 
the Nutrition products and the packing into cartons has resulted in the 
pallets being more stable and therefore can be double-stacked. We 
have implemented more efficient packing methods which enables us to 
include more products in each delivery and therefore reduce our CO2 
emissions per delivery. 

Reduction in Packaging Materials and Pallets
Historically, pallets of products received have been split for onward 
delivery which has meant additional packaging being required. However, 
recently whole pallets of products have been shipped out of DSC 
reducing the requirement to repackage the pallets and leading to a 
reduction in packaging costs per order as detailed in the table below:

Packaging Costs Per Order
Reused Pallets

2019
£3.05
68.0%

2018
£4.40
64.5%

2017
£4.25
67.1%

68% of all pallets used in DSC are reused, and any damaged pallets  
are sold.  

Stock Code: DPH

59

Strategic Report

Corporate Social Responsibility

continued

Our Business

•  168 hours accredited content across  

11 countries in our Academy

•  676 CPD presentations to an aggregate total 
of 18,680 attendees in North America and 
Mexico

317

Customers and Suppliers 
provided with ABC course 

63%

Increase in Academy  
courses completed

Improve the Knowledge and Skills of Veterinarians
Our relationship with veterinarians is key to our business and therefore, 
we provide added value services in the form of educational programmes 
focused on our key therapeutic areas. We deliver this education through 
many channels, including conferences and our digital e-learning 
environment, the Dechra Academy.

Dechra Academy
Dechra’s dedication and commitment to enhancing the health of animals 
goes beyond the supply of high quality pharmaceuticals and includes 
vital education for animal health professionals. The Dechra Academy 
provides information that will help them better diagnose, monitor and 
treat conditions, aiding the appropriate use of Dechra products.

The Dechra Academy offer is internationally oriented and provides 
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) recognition by individual 
countries’ authorities. 

There are 189 courses available in our Dechra Academy, offering 168 
hours of accredited content across 11 markets in 13 languages. 40 new 
courses have also been created this year in the strategic therapy areas 
of Endocrinology and Dermatology. 

13,140 courses have been completed by veterinarians during the year,  
a 63% increase over last year.

As Dechra grows globally, more CPD content is becoming available to 
more countries all the time, with recognition approval obtained during 
the year for Canada, and plans are in progress to launch in Mexico, 
Australia and New Zealand during the forthcoming year.

Case Study

Webinar: Comfortan

Analgesia for ovariohysterectomy in dogs and cats and the role  
of Comfortan was presented by Dr Jo Murrell BVSc. (Hons), PhD, 
Dipl ECVAA, MRCVS and had the highest registration rate in 
Dechra history.

There was a staggering 3,122 registrations from across the EU  
and even further afield, including Saudi Arabia and Peru. The 
success of the webinar is a result of everyone pulling together to 
engage with their customers and promote the event. As a follow up 
to the webinar we invited everyone who registered to “watch again” 
on the Academy. Within the first week we had 88 new enrolments 
and 29 completions of the recording.

Seminar: Specific

27 delegates from Turkey, Estonia, Lithuania, Greece, Hungary, 
Czech Republic, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Romania, Russia  
and Ukraine as well as most of the International sales team took  
the chance to participate in the training programme.

The seminar started with lectures on recent developments in diabetes 
mellitus by Dr. Eric Zini (PD, PhD, Dipl. ECVIM-CA, Internal Medicine) 
on the first day to set the scene for the new diabetic cat diet, followed 
by presentations on the second day from Philip Wells, Dominic Ebery, 
Francis Pastoor and David Southey that focused more on the technical 
and marketing aspects of our Specific cat range.

The seminar provided an ideal opportunity to learn all about the 
Specific brand, the formulation improvements to the cat range, 
benchmarking against competition and to be informed about the 
support material available for the whole Specific range. It was 
also an excellent opportunity for all participants to exchange 
experiences as well as for Dechra to demonstrate our expertise  
in nutrition and to connect with our customers.

60

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

Case Study:

Collaboration with Industry

The combination of the skills and expertise of academic organisations 
and industry can lead to positive and practical outcomes. We work 
with academia to support the development of new drugs and 
techniques as well as educational programmes. An example of this 
type of collaboration was when PhD student Alice Denyer from the 
Royal Veterinary College recently spent three months at Sansaw. 
After initial familiarisation with the existing Dechra Academy modules 
and understanding the history of development of the Specific 
Endocrine Support Diets, she carried out small-scale research into 
what veterinarians find most challenging about dealing with diabetes 
mellitus (DM) in practice. Alice subsequently developed the content 
for the canine and feline DM Academy modules, as well as additional 
downloadable resources for owners and veterinarians. The modules 
were completed on-time and both went live in the UK in June.

The placement formed an important part of Alice’s career 
development, offering insight into the veterinary pharmaceutical 
industry and providing an opportunity to learn about marketing, project 
management and cross-functional teamwork. The EU team were 
welcoming, ensuring Alice was fully involved and providing a highly 
enjoyable three months. Not to be underestimated was the positive 
impact Alice had on the wider team during her time at Sansaw due to 
her personality, professionalism and dedication to animal welfare. To 
date, Alice has won the 2018 Postgraduate Student Inspiration Award, 
an International Canine Health Award and was recently awarded first 
place at the RVC Postgraduate day for her impact statement.

Alice is a member of the Canine Diabetes Genetics Partnership 
(CDGP), a multi-disciplinary group of expert clinicians and scientists 
from a range of UK institutions, sharing a special interest in the 
genetics of diabetes mellitus in dogs. The Partnership was formed 
in 2017 with the aim of using Whole Genome Sequencing to 
explore the genetic risk of canine diabetes in breeds considered 
to be at low risk (e.g. Boxer) and high risk (e.g. Samoyed) of 
developing the disease. Alice’s placement at Dechra has provided 
an excellent opportunity to understand the potential impact of 
this research, as an ideal complement to the PhD training she has 
received in laboratory techniques and bioinformatics. The CDGP 
is supported by the PetPlan Charitable Trust and sponsored by 
Dechra Veterinary Products.

To Act with Honesty and Integrity 
We are committed to acting responsibly and with integrity, respecting 
the laws, regulations, traditions and cultures of the countries within 
which we operate. This is reflected through our Values. We expect 
our third parties to trade with honesty and integrity. Therefore we have 
introduced a Third Party Code of Conduct, which communicates what 
we expect from our trading partners in relation to health, safety and 
environmental standards, internationally accepted standards of workers’ 
rights, use of child and forced labour, ethical standards, anti-bribery and 
anti-corruption, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Our 
Modern Slavery Statement can be found at www.dechra.com.

Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption
It is our policy to conduct all business in an honest and ethical manner. 
We take a zero tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and 
are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all 
our business dealings and relationships wherever we operate, and 
to implement and enforce effective systems to counter bribery and 
corruption.

During the year, we have successfully rolled out an ABC training course 
for Dechra’s third party network, updated and published internal ABC 
policies and procedure, and have developed a new internal ABC training 
programme which will be rolled out during the forthcoming year across 
the business as compulsory training.

Human Rights
Dechra is committed to upholding and respecting human rights both 
within our business and from our suppliers. However, Dechra does not 
currently have a separate human rights policy.

Animal Welfare
It is our mission to develop products to improve animal welfare. We are 
committed to the responsible use and humane treatment of animals. We 
carefully consider the use of animals in research. However, occasionally 
it is necessary to conduct toxicology testing to achieve product 
registrations. The majority of the toxicology information can be derived 
from existing bibliographic data. When additional data is required by 
the regulators a third party Contract Research Organisation (CRO) will 
undertake the study on a minimum number of animals.

The following principles are applied in any trials which involve animals:

• 

• 

 animals should be treated humanely with greatest consideration 
given to their health and welfare and consistent with meeting the 
necessary scientific objectives; and

 all animal studies should only be performed after considering 
whether the numbers of animals can be reduced, replaced or  
the procedures refined to minimise distress.

All employees, except manufacturing shop floor workers, receive  
pharmacovigilance training within one month of joining Dechra. This 
is then verified by the pharmacovigilance e-learning module on Delta.  
These employees undertake an annual pharmacovigilance refresher 
training. The pharmacovigilance training outlines the procedure that 
should be followed by all Dechra personnel if they are informed of a 
product complaint.

Any time that Dechra receives a report of an adverse event occurring 
after the administration of one of its products, the Company treats the 
report seriously and believes that it is Dechra’s obligation to review the 
case to determine whether its product may have caused or contributed 
to the adverse event. All suspect adverse reactions are reported to the 
appropriate regional regulatory authority.

Stock Code: DPH

61

Strategic Report

How the Business Manages Risk

Effective risk management and control is key to the delivery of our business  
strategy and objectives.

Our risk management and control processes are designed to identify, assess, mitigate and monitor significant risks, and provide reasonable  
but not absolute assurance that the Group will be successful in delivering its objectives. 

Board 
Oversight of the 
Group’s risk management 
and internal controls

  IDENTIFY

Management 
Structure

Policies and Procedures

Business Planning

Operational Level Controls 
• Product Portfolio Reviews  • Lifecycle Management  
• Pricing Policies • Financial Controls 
• Quality Assurance • Pharmacovigilance

Dechra Values

A
S
S
E
S
S

Senior 
Executive Team 
Owners of the risk 
management process 
and responsible 
for embedding risk 
management into 
business units

Audit Committee 
Review the effectiveness 
of the risk management 
and internal audit 
framework

R
O
T
I
N
O
M

Internal Audit 
Independent assurance 
on the design and 
operation of the internal 
control framework

MITIGATE

Business Units 
Identification, mitigation 
and monitoring of risks

Risk Management Process
Our strategy informs the setting of objectives across the business and is 
widely communicated. Strategic risks and opportunities are identified as 
an integral part of the strategy setting process.

The Board oversees the risk management and internal control 
framework and the Audit Committee reviews the effectiveness of the risk 
management process and the internal control framework.

Our Senior Executive Team (SET) owns the risk management process 
and is responsible for managing specific Group risks. The SET members 
are also responsible for embedding sound risk management in strategy, 
planning, budgeting, performance management, and operational 
processes within their respective Operating Segments and business units.

The Board and the SET together set the tone and decide the level of risk 
and control to be taken in achieving the Group’s objectives.

SET members present their risks, controls and mitigation plans to the 
Board for review on a rolling programme throughout the year. The SET 
is responsible for conducting self-assessments of their risks and the 
effectiveness of their control processes. Where control weaknesses are 
identified, remedial action plans are developed, and these are included 
in the risk reports presented to the Board.

Internal Audit co-ordinates the risk reporting process and provides 
independent assurance on the internal control framework.

62

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

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Strategic Report

Dechra Culture
The Dechra Values are the foundation of our entire business culture 
including our approach to risk management and control. The Board 
expects that these Values should drive the behaviours and actions of 
all employees. We encourage an open communication style where it is 
normal practice to escalate issues promptly so that appropriate action 
can be taken quickly to minimise any impact on the business.

Internal Control Framework
Our internal control framework is designed to ensure:

•  proper financial records are maintained;

• 

the Group’s assets are safeguarded;

•  compliance with laws and regulations; and

•  effective and efficient operation of business processes.

Management Structure
Our management structure has clearly defined reporting lines, accountabilities 
and authority levels. The Group is organised into business units. Each 
business unit is led by a SET member and has its own management team.

Policies and Procedures
Our key financial, legal and compliance policies that apply across the 
Group are:

•  Code of Business Conduct and How to Raise a Concern;

•  Delegation of Authorities;

•  Dechra Finance Manual, including Tax and Treasury policies;

•  Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption;

•  Data Protection;

•  Sanctions; and

•  Charitable Donations.

Strategy and Business Planning
We have a five year strategic plan which is developed by the SET and 
endorsed by the Board annually. Business objectives and performance 
measures are defined annually, together with budgets and forecasts. 
Monthly business performance reviews are conducted at both Group 
and business unit levels.

Operational Controls
Our key operational control processes are as follows:

•  Product Pipeline Reviews: We review our pipeline regularly to identify 
new product ideas and assess fit with our product portfolio, review 
whether products in development are progressing according to schedule; 
and assess the expected commercial return on new products.

•  Lifecycle Management: We manage and monitor lifecycle 

management activities for our key products to meet evolving 
customer needs.

•  Pricing Policies: We manage and monitor our national and 

European pricing policies to deliver equitable pricing for each 
customer group.

•  Quality Assurance: Each of our manufacturing sites have an 
established Quality Management System. These systems are 
designed to ensure that our products are manufactured to a 
high standard and in compliance with the relevant regulatory 
requirements.

•  Pharmacovigilance: Our regulatory team operates a robust system 
with a view to ensuring that any adverse reactions related to the use 
of our products are reported and dealt with promptly.

•  Financial Controls: Our controls are designed to prevent and 

detect financial misstatement or fraud and operate at three levels:

•  Entity Level Controls performed by senior managers at Group  

and business unit level;

•  Month-end and year-end procedures performed as part of our 
regular financial reporting and management processes; and

•  Transactional Level Controls operated on a day-to-day basis.

The key controls in place to manage our principal risks are described in 
further detail on pages 65 to 67.

Internal Audit provides independent and objective assurance and advice 
on the design and operation of the Group’s internal control framework. 
The internal audit plan seeks to provide balanced coverage of the Group’s 
material financial, operational and compliance control processes.

Improvements in 2019
We have continued to strengthen and improve our governance and 
control processes and the following changes have been implemented:

•  a Strategic Portfolio Prioritisation Committee has been established 
to prioritise better our product development projects and new 
project management tools have been implemented to improve the 
planning and delivery of our product pipeline;

• 

• 

 a Treasury management system and Zero Balancing processes have 
been implemented to enable more effective cash pooling;

 our Third Party Code of Conduct and online training have been 
communicated to our higher risk third parties as part of our ongoing 
Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption (ABC) compliance programme;

•  changes to the leadership team in our Manufacturing and Supply 

organisation and additional investments to strengthen our 
manufacturing and supply capabilities; and

•  we are in the process of embedding our financial control framework 
and have implemented our ABC compliance programme in Venco, 
our recent acquisition in Brazil.

Plans for 2020
We will continue to refine and strengthen our internal control framework 
where required in response to changes in our risk profile and 
improvement opportunities identified by business management, quality 
assurance and internal audit. Our Manufacturing and Supply processes 
are the primary focus area for 2020. 

Our business growth and the continued expansion of our product 
portfolio through acquisition, has contributed to increased complexity 
in our Manufacturing and Supply network. We have experienced 
challenges with the production and supply of some products from both 
our internal and external network in 2019, but these have not had a 
material impact on the Group’s performance. The majority of issues have 
now been remedied with all but two products to be back in supply in the  
first six months of the year.

We are committed to maintaining a robust network that complies with 
rigorous product quality and regulatory standards, in order to provide a 
reliable supply of high quality products to our worldwide customer base. 

To continue to meet this commitment, we plan to make further investments 
in our people, manufacturing, quality and supply processes, and production 
facilities. We are also making improvements to the governance and 
oversight processes and the performance measures to monitor our  
internal and external network.

Stock Code: DPH

63

Strategic Report

Understanding Our Key Risks

Principal Risks
The SET has identified and agreed key risks with the Board. Of these, a 
number are deemed to be generic risks facing every business, including 
failure to comply with financial reporting regulation, foreign exchange, 
IT systems failure and non-compliance with legislation. The risk profile 
opposite, therefore, details the nine principal risks that are specific to our 
business and provides information on:

• 

their prioritisation; 

•  how they link to Group strategy;

• 

their potential impact on the business; and

•  what controls are in place to mitigate them.

The risk profile is shown post mitigation.

h
g
H

i

t
c
a
p
m

I

      3

         2

         1

         6

         5

         9

         8

         4

         7

w
o
L

Low

Likelihood

High

Risk increasing

Risk stable

Risk decreasing

Emerging Risks
Given current geopolitical uncertainty we have identified three emerging risks as detailed below:

Taxation 

•  The Group’s effective tax rate (ETR) is subject to taxation policy in the territories in which it operates. The Group 
has benefited in the year from the reduction in corporate tax rate in the USA for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and 
is expected to benefit from the reduction in the Netherlands corporate tax rate in 2020. We continue to monitor 
developments in the tax reform globally which may cause future movements in the Group’s ETR.

•  The EU is currently challenging the legality of the UK Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) tax legislation from which  

the Group benefits. We continue to monitor developments.

•  The Group currently benefits from patent and innovation box tax incentives. The Group’s ETR will increase as 

qualifying patents expire.

Brexit 

•  The decision by the UK to leave the European Union (EU) has created volatility in markets and uncertainty about how 
future trading relationships, regulatory processes and supply chains will operate. Our priority is to maintain continuity 
of supply of our products to our customers in the UK and the EU, and we have increased inventory accordingly.  

•  We have established a cross-functional team to assess and monitor the situation and have completed the 

implementation of a hard Brexit mitigation plan as outlined below:

• 

 We have transferred our UK registered Marketing Authorisations for products that are sold in the EU to a 
subsidiary in the Netherlands; and

•  We have transferred the analytical testing methods for products manufactured at our Skipton facility to our 

laboratories in Bladel and Zagreb.

•  These changes will enable us to batch release UK manufactured products within the EU in the event that there  

will be no mutual recognition of quality standards.

Iran 

•  We continue to monitor the potential impact of US sanctions on our existing business with Iran, the world’s fourth 

largest poultry market, where we currently sell approximately £1.0 million per annum of products that are on the UN 
exempt sanctions list.

64

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

   
   
   
Strategic Report

Link to 
Strategic 
Growth 
Driver and 
Enabler

a

b

c

Risk

Potential Impact

Control and Mitigating Actions

Trends

   1  Market Risk:  

The emergence of veterinary buying groups 
and corporate customers.

We sell and promote primarily to veterinary 
practices and distribute our products 
through wholesaler and distributor networks 
in most markets.

In a number of mature markets, veterinarians 
are establishing buying groups to consolidate 
their purchasing, and corporate customers 
are also emerging.

The emergence of corporate 
customers and buying groups 
represents an opportunity to 
increase sales volumes and 
revenue but may result in  
reduced margins.

We manage and monitor our national and European 
pricing policies to deliver equitable pricing for each 
customer group.

Our relationships with larger customers are managed 
by key account managers.

Our marketing strategy is designed to support 
veterinarians in retaining customers by promoting 
the benefits of our product portfolio in our major 
therapeutic areas.

Continuing 
customer 
consolidation 
in our EU 
markets

   2  Product Development and 
Launch Risk:  

Failure to deliver major products either 
due to pipeline delays or newly launched 
products not meeting revenue expectations.

A succession of clinical trial failures 
could adversely affect our ability to 
deliver shareholder expectations 
and could also damage our 
reputation and relationship with 
veterinarians.

The development of pharmaceutical 
products is a complex, risky and lengthy 
process involving significant financial, R&D 
and other resources.  

Our market position in key 
therapeutic areas could be 
affected, resulting in reduced 
revenues and profits.

Products that initially appear promising may 
be delayed or fail to meet expected clinical 
or commercial expectations or face delays 
in regulatory approval.

It can also be difficult to predict whether 
newly launched products will meet 
commercial expectations.

Where we are unable to recoup 
the costs incurred in developing 
and launching a product this 
would result in impairment of any 
intangible assets recognised.

a

b

c

3  Supply Chain Risk:

Inability to maintain supply of key products 
due to manufacturing, quality or product 
supply problems in our own facilities or  
from third party suppliers.

We rely on third parties for the supply 
of all raw materials for products that we 
manufacture in-house. We also purchase 
many of our finished products from third 
party manufacturers.

Raw material supply failures may 
cause:

• 

• 

• 

increased product costs due 
to difficulties in obtaining 
scarce materials on 
commercially acceptable 
terms;

product shortages due to 
manufacturing delays; or

delays in clinical trials due to 
shortage of trial products.

Shortages in manufactured 
products and third party supply 
failures on finished products may 
result in lost sales.

Delay in 
delivery 
of some 
projects

Growth in 
our product 
portfolio 
and 
increased 
complexity 
in our 
supply 
network

Potential new development opportunities are assessed 
from a commercial, financial and scientific perspective 
by a multi-functional team to allow senior management 
to make decisions on which ones to progress.

The pipeline is discussed regularly by senior 
management, including the Chief Executive Officer 
and Chief Financial Officer. Regular updates are also 
provided to the Board.

Each development project is managed by co-project 
leaders who chair project team meetings.

Before costly pivotal studies are initiated, smaller proof of 
concept pilot studies are conducted to assess the effects 
of the drug on target species and for the target indication.

In respect of all new product launches a detailed 
marketing plan is established and progress against that 
plan is regularly monitored.

The Group has a detailed market knowledge and 
retains close contact with customers through its 
management and sales teams which are trained to  
a high standard.

We monitor the performance of our key suppliers 
and act promptly to source from alternative suppliers 
where potential issues are identified.

The top ten Group products are regularly reviewed 
in order to identify the key suppliers of materials or 
finished products.

We maintain buffer stocks and/or dual sourcing 
arrangements of key products.

Contracts with suppliers are reviewed from both 
a commercial and legal perspective to enable 
reassignment of the contract should there be a 
change of control of any of the contracting parties.

Processes are in place to monitor and improve 
product robustness, including Quality and Technical 
analyses of key products and engagement with 
internal and external Regulatory stakeholders.

A business continuity plan is in place at Skipton and 
similar plans are being developed for other sites.

A project is in progress to review and improve our 
supply planning processes.

Stock Code: DPH

65

Strategic Report

Understanding Our Key Risks

continued

Link to 
Strategic 
Growth 
Driver and 
Enabler

a

b

c

a

b

c

   4  Competitor Risk:  

Competitor products launched against one 
of our leading brands (e.g. generics or a 
superior product profile).

We depend on data exclusivity periods or 
patents to have exclusive marketing rights 
for some of our products.

Although we maintain a broad portfolio of 
products, our unique products like Vetoryl 
and Felimazole have built a market which 
may be attractive to competitors.

   5  Regulatory Risk:  

Failure to meet regulatory requirements.

We conduct our business in a highly 
regulated environment, which is designed 
to ensure the safety, efficacy, quality, 
and ethical promotion of pharmaceutical 
products.

Failure to adhere to regulatory standards 
or to implement changes in those 
standards could affect our ability to register, 
manufacture or promote our products. 

Brexit presents uncertainty regarding 
the regulatory standards and transitional 
arrangements between the UK and the EU.

Risk

Potential Impact

Control and Mitigating Actions

Trends

Revenues and margins may 
be adversely affected should 
competitors launch a novel or 
generic product that competes 
with one of our unique products 
upon the expiry or early loss of 
patents. 

Costs may increase due to 
defensive marketing activity.

We focus on lifecycle management strategies for 
our key products such that they can fulfil evolving 
customer requirements.

Product patents are monitored and defensive 
strategies are developed towards the end of the 
patent life or the data exclusivity period.

We monitor market activity prior to competitor 
products being launched, and develop a marketing 
response strategy to mitigate competitor impact.

Impact of 
competitor  
launches 
on our key 
products 
reduced

Delays in regulatory reviews and 
approvals could impact the timing 
of a product launch and have 
a material effect on sales and 
margins.

Any changes made to the 
manufacturing, distribution, 
marketing and safety surveillance 
processes of our products may 
require additional regulatory 
approvals, resulting in additional 
costs and/or delays.

Brexit transition may result 
in additional regulatory and 
quality control requirements and 
associated costs. 

Non-compliance with regulatory 
requirements may result in delays 
to production or lost sales. 

The Group strives to exceed regulatory requirements 
and ensure that its employees have detailed 
experience and knowledge of the regulations.

Manufacturing and Regulatory teams have 
established quality systems and standard operating 
procedures in place.

Regular contact is maintained with all relevant 
regulatory bodies in order to build and strengthen 
relationships and facilitate good communication lines.

The Regulatory and Legal teams keep updated in 
respect of changes with a view to ensuring that the 
business is equipped to deal with, and adhere to, 
such changes.

Where changes are identified which could affect 
our ability to market and sell any of our products, a 
response team is created in order to mitigate the risk.

We have appointed a new Global Quality Director 
with additional resources to improve oversight and 
performance monitoring across our end-to-end 
supply chain.

External consultants are used to audit our 
manufacturing quality systems.

The Group HR Director reviews the organisational 
structure with the SET and the Board twice a year to 
aim to ensure that the organisation is fit for purpose 
and to assess the resourcing implications of planned 
changes or strategic imperatives.

A development programme is in place to identify 
opportunities to recruit new talent and develop 
existing potential. 

   6  People Risk:

Failure to resource the business to achieve 
our strategic ambitions, particularly on 
geographical expansion and acquisition.

As Dechra expands into new markets 
and acquires new businesses or science, 
we recognise that we may need new 
people with different skills, experience and 
cultural knowledge to execute our strategy 
successfully in those markets and business 
areas.

Failure to recruit or develop good 
quality people could result in:

• 

• 

capability gaps in new 
markets;

challenges in integrating new 
acquisitions; or

• 

overstretched resources.

This could delay implementation of 
our strategy and we may not meet 
shareholders’ expectations.

In the UK, the uncertainty created by Brexit 
could impact the hiring and retention of staff 
in some areas. 

66

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Strategic Report

Link to 
Strategic 
Growth 
Driver and 
Enabler

a

b

c

Risk

Potential Impact

Control and Mitigating Actions

Trends

   7  Antibiotic Regulatory Risk:

Continuing pressure on reducing antibiotic 
use.

The issue of the potential transfer of 
antibacterial resistance from food producing 
animals to humans is subject to regulatory 
discussions.

In some countries this has led to government 
recommendations on reducing the use of 
antibiotics in food producing animals.

8  Acquisition Risk:  

Identification of acquisition opportunities 
and their potential integration.

Identification of suitable opportunities and 
securing a successful approach involves a 
high degree of uncertainty.

Acquired products or businesses may fail 
to deliver expected returns due to over-
valuation or integration challenges.

Reduction in sales of our 
antimicrobial product range.

Our reputation could be adversely 
impacted if we do not respond 
appropriately to government 
recommendations.

Regular contact is maintained with relevant veterinary 
authorities to enable us to have a comprehensive 
understanding of regulatory changes.

We strive to develop new products and minimise 
antimicrobial resistance concerns.

Antibiotic 
sales are 
stable or 
growing in 
most EU 
markets

Failure to identify or secure 
suitable targets could slow the 
pace at which we can expand into 
new markets or grow our portfolio.

Acquisitions could deliver lower 
profits than expected or result in 
intangible assets impairment.

We have defined criteria for screening acquisition 
targets and we conduct commercial, clinical, financial 
and legal due diligence.

The Board reviews acquisition plans and progress 
regularly and approves all potential transactions.

The SET manages post acquisition integration and 
monitors the delivery of benefits and returns.

Implementation 
of standard 
integration 
planning, 
resourcing 
and execution 
processes

a

b

c

   9  Retention of People Risk:

Failure to retain high calibre, talented 
senior managers and other key roles in the 
business.

Loss of key skills and experience 
could erode our competitive 
advantage and could have an 
adverse impact on results.

Our growth plans and future success are 
dependent on retaining knowledgeable and 
experienced senior managers and key staff.

Inability to attract and retain key 
personnel may weaken succession 
planning.

The Nomination Committee oversees succession 
planning for the Board and the SET.

Succession plans are in place for the SET together 
with development plans for key senior managers. 

Remuneration packages are reviewed on an annual 
basis in order to help ensure that the Group can 
continue to retain, incentivise and motivate its 
employees.

Challenges 
in attracting 
talent for key 
roles in some 
geographies 
and specialist 
functions

Key to Strategic Growth Drivers:

Key to Strategic Enablers:

Key to Risk Trend:

Pipeline Delivery

a

b

c

Portfolio Focus

Technology

People

Increased risk

  Decreased risk

  No change

Geographical Expansion

Manufacturing and Supply Chain

Acquisition

Stock Code: DPH

67

 
GOVERNANCE

Contents

Letter from Chairman on Governance
Corporate Governance
Audit Committee Report
Nomination Committee Report
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Directors’ Report – Other Disclosures
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

70
71
83
90
93
111
113

A STRONG, 
BALANCED AND 
ACCOUNTABLE 
BOARD

68

69

Governance

Letter from the Chairman on Governance

recruitment process can be found in the Nomination Committee report 
on page 91; however, in the meantime the Dechra Veterinary Products 
EU Finance Director, Paul Sandland, has stepped in as the Acting 
Chief Financial Officer in accordance with our emergency succession 
planning. 

The Senior Executive Team (SET) has the responsibility for the overall 
leadership of the Group, driving the successful implementation and 
execution of the strategy. 

Learn more about the Directors’ skills and experience on 
pages 72, 75 and 91

Board Effectiveness
As Chairman, I am responsible for the leadership of the Board and 
driving its effectiveness in all aspects of its role. During the 2019 
financial year we undertook an internal evaluation of the Board, its 
Committees and individual Directors. I am delighted to report that the 
overall outcome from the evaluation was that the Board and its individual 
Directors are performing effectively, and that the Board is dynamic and 
consistent with the organisational culture of openness. 

Read more about the Board’s Effectiveness on pages 79 and 80

During the year the Board undertook the annual review of the Diversity 
Policy. I am pleased to report that the female representation of our Board 
has increased from 14.3% to 28.6%. The Board is proud of the diversity 
within the Group and monitors and reviews our position in this area. 

Read more about the Board Diversity on pages 90 and 91

Accountability
We are required by the Code to include an assessment of the viability of 
the Group. This is covered on pages 81 and 82. The Audit Committee 
Report contains further details on how it has assisted the Board in 
reviewing the financial reporting and internal financial control effectiveness, 
and managing the relationship with the external auditor.

Read more about our approach to Risk Management on 
page 87

Remuneration
Our Remuneration Policy is designed to promote the long term success of 
the Group and to reward the creation of long term value for shareholders. 
During the year, work has commenced on our Global SAYE Plan and 
preparations are in place for the initial launch to our USA employees.

Read more on our Remuneration Policy on pages 106 to 110

Relations with Shareholders
The Annual General Meeting will be held in Northwich on 18 October 
2019 and I would like to invite our shareholders to attend. It will provide 
you with an opportunity to meet the Board and ask any questions that 
you may have in respect of the Group’s activities.

Finally, should you have any questions in relation to this report, please 
feel free to contact me or the Company Secretary.

Tony Rice 
Non-Executive Chairman 
2 September 2019

Tony Rice 
Non-Executive Chairman

Dear Shareholder
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present Dechra’s Governance 
report for the year ended 30 June 2019.

Our Values 
Dechra has a Code of Conduct which sets out the standards of conduct 
to be adopted by all employees. The Board is committed to the highest 
possible standards of openness, integrity and accountability and 
encourages any individual who has genuine concerns about any form  
of malpractice, including any breaches of the Dechra Values, to raise 
those concerns.  

For further details on our Values please refer to page 47

Managing Governance
The Board recognises that excellence in corporate governance is 
important in order to generate and protect value for our investors. 
Our governance structure is designed to maintain effective control 
and oversight of our business whilst at the same time promoting the 
entrepreneurial spirit that has underpinned Dechra’s success to date.

In our Corporate Governance report we aim to provide a clear and 
meaningful explanation of how the Board leads the Group and 
discharges its governance duties, including how we apply the provisions 
of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2016 (the Code). During the 
year, we have reviewed the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the 
New Code) and assessed its impact on our Governance structure.  
We have put in place an action plan in readiness to enable us to  
comply with the New Code, which will apply from 1 July 2019.

Leadership
We have a strong and balanced Board with a range of complementary 
skills to support the strategic and operational direction of the Group. 
During the year there were two membership changes to the Board. 
We welcomed Lisa Bright as Non-Executive Director in February 2019. 
Lisa’s biographical details can be found on page 75. She will act as the 
Employee Engagement Designated Non-Executive Director, working 
closely with the Group HR Director. Lisa has been appointed as a 
member of the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees. 
Richard Cotton stood down in April 2019 as the Chief Financial 
Officer. We are currently looking for his successor (further details of the 

70

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

 
Corporate Governance

Governance

Compliance with the Code
The UK Corporate Governance Code 2016 (the Code) establishes the principles of good governance for companies; the following report describes 
how the Company has applied these principles to its activities and where it has applied the principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 
(the New Code). The Board remains committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance. In the opinion of the Directors, the Company 
has complied with the Code throughout the period. The Code can be found at www.frc.org.uk.

Leadership
The Board oversees the effective delivery of our strategy which is developed and implemented by the Senior Executive Team (SET). Further details of the 
Board and SET can be found on pages 72 to 75.

Non-Executive Chairman

Senior Independent Non-Executive Director

Chief Executive Officer

•  Leads the Board in the determination 
of Group strategy and achievement 
of its objectives.

•  Drives the effectiveness of the Board 

in all aspects of its role.

•  Facilitates the effective contribution 
of the Non-Executive Directors, 
ensuring that all decisions are subject 
to constructive debate and supported 
by sound decision making processes.

•  Arranges for shareholder views to be 
brought to the attention of the Board.

•  Provides a sounding board for 

•  Manages day-to-day operations of the 

the Chairman and is available to 
shareholders if they have concerns 
that have failed to be resolved through 
the normal channels. 

•  Carries out the annual evaluation of 

the performance of the Chairman, 
and chairs the Nomination Committee 
when it is considering the succession 
of that role.

Group and leads the SET.

•  Drives performance and results of the 

Group.

•  Proposes strategy.

•  Executes strategy agreed by the 

Board.

Non-Executive Director

Role of the Board

Chief Financial Officer

All of the Non-Executive Directors: 

• 

 are considered independent;

•  are free of any business or other 

relationship which could materially 
interfere with, or compromise, their ability 
to exercise independent judgement; 

•  are considered to have a breadth of 
experience which adds value to the 
decision making of the Board, as well 
as the formulation and progression of 
the Dechra strategy;

•  provide independent and constructive 

challenge;

• 

 evaluate strategy and risks.

•  The Board’s primary responsibility is 
to promote the long term success 
of the Company by the creation and 
delivery of sustainable shareholder 
value. 

•  The Board’s strategy has four drivers 

to promote growth:

a

b c

•  KPIs have been designed to measure 
progress and delivery of the strategic 
plan and our four growth drivers. 
Further details are provided on  
pages 32 and 33.

Company Secretary

Senior Executive Team

•  Advises the Board on matters of 
procedure and governance.

•  Provides all required information to the 

Board on a timely basis. 

•  Leads the development and 

implementation of the business 
strategy.

•  Responsible for financial planning and 

reporting for the Group.

•  Manages financial risk.

•  Develops and executes the strategic 
plan in conjunction with the Chief 
Executive Officer.

•  Secures funding as required.

Managing Director Dechra Veterinary 
Products (DVP) EU

•  Management of the segment which 
contributes the majority of Group 
revenue.

•  Nominated Director for health, safety 

and environmental matters.

•  Development and execution of 

strategy in the EU.

Stock Code: DPH

71

Governance

Board

Executive Directors

Ian Page: Chief Executive Officer

Committee Membership: Disclosure (Chairman).

Skills and Experience: Ian has gained detailed 
knowledge and experience through various positions 
he has held within the pharmaceutical and veterinary 
arena. He has a solid understanding of business 
development both in the UK and globally. In 
particular he has extensive experience in M&A and  
in the successful delivery of strategic plans.

Background: Ian joined NVS, Dechra’s former 
services business, at its formation in 1989 and was 
an integral part of the management buyout in 1997, 
becoming its Managing Director in 1998. He joined 
the Board in 1997 and became Chief Executive 
Officer in 2001. Ian has played a key role in the 
development of the Group’s growth strategy.

External Appointments: None.

Pets: 

Tony Griffin: Managing Director, Dechra Veterinary Products EU

Committee Membership: Not applicable.

Skills and Experience: Tony has over 30 years’ 
experience in the animal health business and has 
substantial international experience as a result of 
living and working outside the UK since 1993. He 
gained broad experience of running an international 
animal health business with teams in different 
European countries as Chief Executive Officer 
of the AUV Group. Tony is the Board nominated 
Director responsible for health, safety and 
environmental matters.

Background: Tony was appointed Managing 
Director of DVP EU in May 2012 following the 
acquisition of Eurovet Animal Health BV from AUV 
Holding B.V. He joined the AUV Group in 1993 as 
Director of Exports, having previously worked at 
Norbrook Laboratories and Moy Park. Tony was 
promoted to Managing Director of Eurovet in 1996, 
becoming the Chief Executive Officer of the AUV 
Group in 2006. 

External Appointments: None.

Pets: 

Tony Rice: Non-Executive Chairman

Committee Membership: Nomination (Chairman), 
Remuneration.

Skills and Experience: Tony has extensive 
board level experience across a range of 
sectors, including aerospace, healthcare, 
telecommunications and retail in both UK and 
international markets.

Background: Tony joined the Board in May 
2016 and was appointed Chairman in October 
2016. He served as Chief Executive Officer at 
Cable & Wireless and Tunstall Holdings, and 
prior to that held various roles at BAE Systems 

including Managing Director of Commercial 
Aircraft and Group Managing Director of Business 
Development. He has also served as a Non-
Executive Director at Punch Taverns, Spirit 
Pub Company, Cable & Wireless, Telewest 
Communications and Saab Technologies, and 
Chairman of Alexander Mann Solutions.

External Appointments: Tony is currently the 
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director and 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee at Halma 
plc and Chair at Ultra Electronics Holdings plc.

Pets: None

Non-Executive  
Chairman

Non-Executive Director

Ishbel Macpherson: Senior Independent Non-Executive Director

Committee Membership: Audit, Nomination, 
Remuneration (Chairman).

Skills and Experience: Ishbel has a broad 
range of PLC Board experience in a variety of 
roles, including Chairman, Audit Committee and 
Remuneration Committee Chairman. She has 
knowledge and understanding of City matters 
gained over 20 years’ experience as an investment 
banker, specialising in UK mid-market corporate 
finance. 

Background: Ishbel joined the Group as a Non-
Executive Director in February 2013.  

Prior to this she was Head of UK Emerging 
Companies Corporate Finance at Dresdner 
Kleinwort Benson from 1999 to 2005, having 
previously worked at Hoare Govett and Barclays  
de Zoete Wedd.  

External Appointments: Ishbel is Non-Executive 
Director at Workspace Group PLC (appointed 
January 2019) and Lloyd’s Registrar Group Limited  
(appointed August 2018).

Pets: 

72

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Senior Executive Team

The Senior Executive Team comprises the Executive Directors, the Acting Chief Financial Officer and the following:

Governance

Dr Susan Longhofer: Business Development and Regulatory Affairs Group Director

Background: Susan joined the Group in June 
2005. A veterinarian with 30 years’ experience in the 
industry, she leads a team of approximately 50 staff 
around the globe responsible for registering new 
products and maintaining the registrations of our 
existing products. She has assumed the Business 
Development role in 2015, searching out new 
products to continue to fill our product development 
pipeline. 

Prior to joining Dechra, Susan worked for Virbac 
Corporation, Heska Corporation and Merck 
Research Laboratories. Susan holds an MS and 
a DVM in Veterinary Science and is a Diplomate, 
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 
She is located in Kansas, USA.

Pets: 

Dr Anthony Lucas: Group Product Development Director

Background: Anthony joined Dechra in 2016 
following the acquisition of Putney Inc. where 
he was Senior Vice President of R&D. Anthony 
is originally a veterinarian from Australia with five 
years in clinical practice including a residency in 
emergency and critical care. Following a Masters 
in veterinary pharmacology, PhD in human 
pharmacology and post-doc at the University of 
Kansas, he spent six years at Elanco in early drug 
development, technology acquisition and has a Six 
Sigma blackbelt. 

In his six years at Putney, Anthony built the R&D 
team, which delivered ten FDA product approvals. 

As the Group Product Development Director, 
Anthony leads a team of around 50 scientists 
across five global research centres, to efficiently 
deliver the pipeline of products to meet Dechra’s 
growth needs. He is located in Maine, USA.

Pets: 

Mike Eldred: President North America

Background: Mike joined Dechra in 2004 and is 
responsible for Dechra Veterinary Products’ North 
American business. Mike has more than 20 years’ 
experience in the animal health sector, having held 
senior positions in business development, sales 
and operations at Virbac Corporation, Fort Dodge 
Animal Health and Sanofi Animal Health. 

As our first employee in the USA, he has built 
the USA and Canadian team to 181 people and 
has grown sales revenue to £177.8 million. Mike 
has also been involved in several commercial 
agreements and acquisitions for the Group including 
Pharmaderm, DermaPet, Phycox Animal Health and 
Putney. Mike has a BA in Business, and an MBA. 
He is located in Kansas, USA.

Pets: 

Giles Coley: Dechra Veterinary Products International Group Director

Background: Giles joined Dechra in January 
1999 as sales and marketing manager for Arnolds 
Veterinary Products having previously spent 14 
years primarily involved in dairy farming business 
consultancy. During his time at Dechra he has been 
responsible for the launch and market development 
of our leading brand Vetoryl, as well as a number of 
our other key brands. Giles has also been an integral 
member of the teams that ensured fast and smooth 
integrations of several of our acquisitions, and in 
particular as lead in the integration of Apex in 2016 
and Venco in 2019. 

In his role of Dechra Veterinary Products International 
Group Director, his responsibilities are extremely 
varied and involve managing and growing our 
existing business through ANZ and Latin American 
business and distribution partners, as well as further 
developing our Dechra International strategy through 
product registrations and market development. Giles 
has a BSc degree in Agricultural Technology. He is 
located in Sansaw, UK.

Pets: 

Stock Code: DPH

73

Governance

Katy Clough: Group HR Director

Background: Katy joined Dechra in April 
2014 from AppSense Ltd where she was 
the Vice President of HR Europe and Rest 
of the World. With over 15 years operating 
at Director level within Software, Health, 
Travel and Finance industries, Katy brings 
with her a wealth of HR expertise gained 
in both blue chip corporates and smaller 
entrepreneurial companies. 

She has strong international, leadership 
and M&A experience and has taken 
responsibility for driving the global people 
agenda for the Dechra Group. She is 
located at Head Office, Northwich, UK.

Pets: None

Allen Mellor: Group IT Director

Background: Allen joined Dechra in 
April 2012 and has developed and 
implemented the Group IT strategy during 
this time. During the last 25 years, Allen 
has gained a breadth of experience from 
the implementation of diverse business 
solutions across multiple industry sectors 
including Justice, Education, Energy, 
Distribution and Retail. He has held 
several senior management positions 
encompassing software development, 

IT service provision and IT departmental 
management. His last role was as Head 
of IT for the BSS Group PLC, a leading 
plumbing and heating distribution company. 
Allen is currently responsible for all Group 
IT support to a multitude of internal 
customers. He is located at Head Office, 
Northwich, UK.

Pets: 

Simon Francis: Group Manufacturing and Supply Director

Background: Simon joined Dechra in 2019. 
He has over 20 years’ experience in various 
senior roles within the Pharmaceutical 
industry. After completing a chemistry 
degree, Simon started his career with 
Bayer in Quality Control. He had a variety 
of UK pharmaceutical roles within quality, 
supply chain, production and operations, 
before moving to China as the site head for 
Boehringer Ingelheim. He then moved to 
their German headquarters, subsequently 
joining Sandoz (Novartis) as a Managing 

Director covering three German generic 
manufacturing sites. Latterly, Simon was 
the Head of Strategy Global Solids and a 
Novartis Senior Executive Team member 
based in Switzerland, responsible for 
product strategy, supply chain and product 
lifecycle across 35 manufacturing sites. 

Simon is responsible for our manufacturing 
sites in Europe and the USA.

He is located at Head Office, Northwich, 
UK.

Pets:

Melanie Hall: Company Secretary

Committee Membership: Disclosure

Background: Melanie joined Dechra in 
January 2010 as the Assistant Company 
Secretary, and was promoted to Deputy 
Company Secretary in May 2015 and 
Company Secretary in July 2017. Prior 
to joining Dechra she has gained over 25 
years’ experience in various company 

secretarial roles including at GKN plc, TRW 
Automotive Inc and Pendragon PLC. Melanie 
is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered 
Secretaries and Administrators. She is 
located at Head Office, Northwich, UK.

Pets: 

Stock Code: DPH

74

Governance

Non-Executive Directors

Julian Heslop: Non-Executive Director

Committee Membership: Audit 
(Chairman), Nomination, Remuneration.

Skills and Experience: Julian has 
considerable financial experience as a result 
of the senior finance roles he has held in the 
pharmaceutical, food, property and brewing 
sectors over the last 30 years.

Background: Julian joined the Board in 
January 2013. He served as Chief Financial 
Officer of GlaxoSmithKline PLC (GSK) 
between 2005 and 2011, having previously 
been appointed its Senior Vice President, 

Operations Controller between 2001 and 
2005 and as Financial Controller of Glaxo 
Wellcome PLC between 1998 and 2000. 
Prior to this, Julian held senior finance roles 
at Grand Metropolitan PLC and Imperial 
Brewing and Leisure. He is a Fellow of 
the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 
England and Wales.

External Appointments: None.

Pets: 

Dr Lawson Macartney: Non-Executive Director

Committee Membership: Audit, Nomination and 
Remuneration.

Skills and Experience: Lawson is a veterinarian 
and, in addition to spending several years in 
veterinary practice, has held a range of senior 
roles in pharmaceutical R&D, sales and marketing 
over the past 30 years.

Background: Lawson joined the Board in December 
2016. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Ambrx 
Inc. between 2013 and 2015, and prior to that led 
emerging business for Shire PLC. Lawson was with 
GSK from 1999 to 2011 in positions of increasing 
seniority. His final role at GSK was to lead the 
strategic marketing, outcomes and reimbursement, 

project management and portfolio teams. In addition 
to his veterinary degree, Lawson has a PhD in viral 
pathobiology and is a pathologist, holding Fellowship 
of the Royal College of Pathologists as well as 
Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary 
Surgeons.

External Appointments: Lawson has been the 
Chairman of Viking Therapeutics Inc. since 2015, 
as well as the Chairman of the Nomination and 
Corporate Governance and a member of the 
Audit Committees. He is also a strategic adviser 
to several investment and private equity groups in 
both Europe and USA.

Pets: 

Lisa Bright: Non-Executive Director

Committee Membership: Audit, 
Nomination and Remuneration.

Skills and Experience: Lisa has strategic 
and operational leadership experience in 
global market leading pharmaceutical and 
emerging biotech companies gained over 
her 30 year career in the industry.

Background: Lisa joined the Board in 
February 2019. She is currently President 
International, and previously Chief 
Commercial and Corporate Affairs Officer 
of Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a global 
biopharmaceutical company focused on 

the development and commercialisation 
of novel therapeutics. Prior to this, Lisa 
held various Vice President roles at 
Gilead Sciences, Inc and GlaxoSmithKline 
plc, in Regional General Management, 
Government Affairs, and sales and 
marketing.

External Appointments: Lisa is also a  
Non-Executive Director at Ascendis 
Pharma A/S.

Pets: 

Board Attendee

Paul Sandland: Acting Chief Financial Officer

Committee Membership: Not applicable.

Skills and Experience: Paul qualified as 
a Chartered Certified Accountant in 2005. 
He spent five years post qualification at 
KPMG, during which time he was part of 
the team which advised the Group on its 
acquisition of VetXX in 2008.

Background: Paul was appointed as 
Acting Chief Financial Officer on 3 April 
2019. Prior to this he was the Dechra 
Veterinary Products EU Finance Director. 
He was the Group Financial Controller of 
Dechra and Finance Director of Dechra 
Laboratory Services and Dechra Specialist 
Laboratories between January 2010 and 
April 2015.

External Appointments: None.

Pets: 

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Governance

Corporate Governance

continued

Main Responsibilities 
The Board is responsible, under section 172 of the Companies Act 2006, for the long term success of the Company for the benefit of its 
shareholders, having regard for its stakeholders. Further details on how the Board considers key stakeholders can be found on pages 15 and 78.

Shareholders

The Dechra Board

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities 
Strategy and  
performance

Actions 
Bi-annual strategy review. Strategic decisions are made after reports and recommendations are received 
from management on markets, potential growth areas including acquisitions, product development and risk 
analysis, including execution risks

Risk management and
internal controls

Ongoing review of key risks and material internal control processes. Review of stress tests on the Group’s 
forecasts to support the viability statement. Receipt of Audit Committee reports on the risk management 
process and internal controls

Oversight of the Group’s
operations

Approval of the annual budget and capital expenditure projects. Site visits to factories and offices in the UK 
and abroad. Review progress through Group and business unit reports and detailed financial result reports

Governance

Receive governance reviews from external advisers, the Company Secretary and internal audit. Review 
of Board skills, performance, composition and succession planning. Approval of Annual and Half-Year 
Reports

Audit Committee

Disclosure Committee

Remuneration Committee

Nomination Committee

•  To develop and maintain 
adequate procedures, 
systems and controls to 
enable the Company to 
comply with its obligations 
regarding identification 
and disclosure of inside 
information.

•  To verify that all significant 

regulatory announcements, 
the Annual Report and 
other documents issued by 
the Company comply with 
applicable requirements.

•  To determine the 

remuneration, bonuses, 
long term incentive 
arrangements, contract 
terms and other benefits 
in respect of the Executive 
Directors and the 
Chairman.

•  To oversee any major 
changes in employee 
benefit structures.

•  To approve the design 
of any employee share 
scheme.

•  To oversee the plans for 
management succession.

•  To recommend 

appointments to the 
Board.

•  To evaluate the 

effectiveness of the  
Non-Executive Directors.

•  To review and oversee 
the Group’s financial 
and narrative reporting 
processes and to monitor 
the integrity of the financial 
statements, and advises 
the Board on whether the 
Annual Report, taken as a 
whole, is fair, balanced and 
understandable.

•  To review the effectiveness 
of the Group’s internal 
financial control systems 
as described on page 
87 and the work of the 
internal audit function.

•  To oversee the relationship 

with, and review the 
effectiveness of, the 
external auditor, monitor 
their independence and 
objectivity, and set the 
policy for non-audit work.

•  To review and approve 

the significant accounting 
policies.

See pages 83 to 89

See page 77

See pages 93 to 110

See pages 90 to 92

76

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Governance

Board Membership
Details of the Directors together with details of their respective Committee membership, skills and experience, backgrounds and external 
appointments can be found on pages 72 to 75. In line with the Code, at least half the Board, excluding the Chairman, is determined by the 
Company to be independent.

The Board has determined that the Non-Executive Directors have sufficient time to meet their Board responsibilities and any proposed new 
appointments are disclosed to enable the Board to assess whether there are any conflicts of interest or time. 

Matters Reserved for the Board
There is a formal schedule of matters reserved for the Board. The schedule of matters covers a number of areas including strategy, approval of 
acquisitions and business development proposals, the dividend policy, budget, internal controls and risk management and Group policies. The 
Board has formally delegated specific responsibilities to Committees, namely the Audit, Remuneration, Nomination and Disclosures Committees.  
The Disclosure Committee members are the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Corporate Development Director and the 
Company Secretary. The full terms of reference for each of these Committees are available on the Company’s website (www.dechra.com) or on 
request from the Company Secretary. Other matters have been delegated to the SET and other committees such as the Data Protection Committee 
and Treasury Committee.

The schedule of matters are reviewed periodically and were last reviewed in November 2018 along with the Delegation of Authority Policy. The 
Delegation of Authority Policy defines who is authorised to make decisions on behalf of the Group and their authority limits for both monetary  
and non-monetary decisions.

Board Meetings
The Board is scheduled to meet seven times per year. Attendance at the Board meetings during the year to 30 June 2019 is set out in the table 
below:

Tony 
Rice
5 May 
2016

Ian  
Page
13 June 
1997

Tony 
Griffin
1 November
2012

Richard
Cotton†
3 January
2017

Lisa 
Bright‡
1 February 
2019

Julian  
Heslop
1 January
2013

           Lawson
      Macartney
1 December 
2016

Ishbel 
Macpherson
1 February 
2013

7

7

7

4

4

7

7

7

Appointment 
Date 
Board 
Met 7 times

Meetings attended

†   Richard Cotton resigned as a Director of Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC on 3 April 2019, he attended all meetings prior to his resignation.
‡ 

Lisa Bright has attended all meetings since her appointment.

The Non-Executive Directors met informally before every meeting, and they also met twice with the SET on an informal basis during the year.

Where Directors cannot attend a meeting, the Board papers are still provided allowing the Director to raise any queries or discussion points through 
the Chairman. Should Directors have concerns of any nature which cannot be resolved within the Board meeting, they have the right to have their 
view recorded in the minutes.

In the months where there is no Board meeting scheduled, an update is provided on the business. In addition, arrangements are in place should 
Board approval be required outside of the scheduled meeting dates.

Director Insurance and Indemnities 
The Company maintains an appropriate level of Directors’ and Officers’ insurance in respect of legal action against Directors as permitted under 
the Company’s Articles of Association and the Companies Act 2006. The Company also indemnifies the Directors under an indemnity deed with 
each Director in respect of legal action to the extent allowed under the Company’s Articles of Association and the Companies Act 2006. As at the 
date of this report, qualifying third party indemnity provisions are in force. A copy of the indemnity provisions will be available for inspection at the 
forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Stock Code: DPH

77

Governance

Corporate Governance

continued

Board Activities
At each meeting the Board receives trading, financial and strategic updates from the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. During the 
year each SET member will present to the Board, providing the Board the opportunity to take a deep dive into the operations and strategic plans 
of the respective businesses as well as reviewing their specific risks. In addition to its routine business, the table below details the other matters 
discussed during the year and the respective key stakeholders affected.

Topic

Key activities and discussions in 2018/2019

Stakeholder

Strategy and 
performance

• 

• 

• 

• 

Interim and full Strategy Review

 Approval of five year plan

 Bi-annual update on product pipeline and product development

 Various acquisition and licensing agreements approvals, including the acquisition of Venco

Risk management 
and internal controls

•  Approval of Half Year and Full Year principal risks and emerging risks 

• 

• 

• 

 Presentations from the SET on their respective risks

 Risk Assessment Review and Viability Statement review

 Review of Schedule of Matters and Delegation of Authority

Governance 

•  Review of Disclosure Terms of Reference

•  Review of 2019 Internal Board Evaluation

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Approval of 2019 Half-Yearly Results and interim dividend

 Approval of 2019 Full Year Results and final dividend recommendation

 Approval of Non-Executive Director appointment and Committee membership

 Review of the bi-annual Health and Safety Report

•  Review of Diversity Policy and Modern Slavery Statement

• 

 Review of How To Raise Concern Policy and Reports

Oversight of the 
Group’s operations 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Functional presentations from the SET and Head of Legal

 Report from Quality Director

 Approval of the 2019/2020 budget and capital expenditure projects

 Site visits to Sansaw, Skipton and Uldum

 Review of people strategy and employee engagement

Key: 

 Customers  

 People  

 Shareholders  

 Suppliers

Case Study

Board Site Visits: 
Skipton Facility/Denmark Facility

Following the recent investment at the Skipton Manufacturing site, 
the May Board meeting was held in Skipton. This gave the Board the 
opportunity to have a tour of the manufacturing facility, in particular the 
recently refurbished tablets suite. At this meeting the Group Manufacturing 
Director and Quality Director gave presentations to the Board.

The June Board meeting was held in Uldum, Denmark, which was the 
Board’s first visit to the main EU distribution centre of the Group. Anders 
Rasmussen, the Logistics Manager, conducted a tour of the facility which 
enabled the Board to gain a better understanding of the EU distribution 
of Dechra products. They also had the opportunity to have their lunch in 
the staff canteen facility which gave the Danish employees the chance to 
interact directly with the Board members in a relaxed setting. 

Both Board visits were scheduled over two days which enabled the 
Board to meet and interact with senior managers during the evening 
before the meetings, on a more informal basis.

Skipton site visit

Uldum site visit

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Governance

Effectiveness
Board Structure, Size and Composition
The Board seeks to ensure that the Board and the Committees have 
an appropriate composition to manage their duties effectively and to 
manage succession issues. It supports diversity in its broadest sense 
and considers it an essential driver of Board effectiveness. The Board 
recognises it is important that its composition is sufficiently diverse 
and reflects a wide range of knowledge, skills and experience. The 
Nomination Committee Report on pages 90 to 92 provides further 
information on the diversity of the Board in terms of gender and skills.

Board Composition as at 30 June 2019

Non-Executive Chairman 

Executive Directors 

Non-Executive Directors 

14%

29%

57%

Board Balance and Independence
The Board understands the importance of balance and refreshment in 
terms of its composition and keeps these matters under review. There 
have been the following changes at Board level over the past 12 months:

•  Lisa Bright (Non-Executive Director) joined the Board on 1 February 

2019; and

•  Richard Cotton (Executive Director) resigned on 3 April 2019. Until 
a successor is appointed, Paul Sandland is Acting Chief Financial 
Officer during this interim period.

As disclosed in the 2018 Annual Report, the Nomination Committee 
retained an independent recruitment consultancy, Dzaleta Consulting, 
to assist in the appointment of Lisa Bright. Further details relating to the 
recruitment process and appointment can be found in the Nomination 
Committee Report on page 91.

The Nomination Committee Report on page 92 provides further 
information on succession planning measures taken by the Company, 
together with how we are developing the talent pool internally.

Conflicts of Interest and External Board Appointments
Under the Companies Act 2006 (the Act), all Directors have a duty to 
avoid a situation in which they have, or could have, a direct or indirect 
conflict of interest with the Company. As permitted under the Act, the 
Articles of Association of the Company enable the Directors to consider 
and, if appropriate, authorise any actual or potential conflict of interest 
which could arise.

The Board has established procedures for the disclosure by Directors of 
any such conflicts, and also for the consideration and authorisation of 
these conflicts. Directors are required to submit any actual or potential 
conflicts of interest they may have with the Company to the Board. The 
non-conflicted Directors are able to impose limits or conditions when 
giving or reviewing authorisation. The Board reviews the Conflicts of 
Interest register annually and on an ad hoc basis when necessary. Any 
potential conflicts of interest are considered by the Board prior to the 
appointment of new Directors. During the financial year under review  
no actual conflicts have arisen.

None of the Executive Directors have external Board appointments.

Induction and Training
In order to assist the Board to maintain its knowledge and familiarity with 
the Group’s operations, at least one Board meeting per year is held at 
one of the Group’s operational sites. This year, Board meetings were 
held at Sansaw and Skipton, UK and Uldum, Denmark (see case study 
on page 78 for further details). 

Any newly appointed Directors are provided with comprehensive 
documentation in relation to the remit and obligations of the role, current 
areas under consideration for the Board and the latest equity research 
reports. New Directors visit the various business units in order to allow 
them to meet with the management teams and to be shown around the 
operations. An introduction to Remuneration Committee responsibilities 
was provided to Lisa Bright by our remuneration advisers, Deloitte LLP. 
Lisa Bright has visited Uldum, and plans have been made for her to 
attend a field visit and one manufacturing site, as well as meet key Head 
Office employees during the forthcoming year.

Regular briefings are provided to the Directors, which cover a number 
of legal and regulatory changes and developments relevant to each 
Director’s areas of responsibility. In addition, the Company Secretary 
informs the Directors of any external training courses which may be of 
relevance, and all Directors are encouraged to raise any training needs 
with the Company Secretary.

Each Director is entitled, upon request, to receive information to enable 
him or her to make informed judgements in order to discharge their 
duties adequately. In addition, all Directors have access to the advice 
and services of the Company Secretary and senior managers, and may 
take independent professional advice at the Company’s expense in 
connection with their duties.

Induction Process

Understanding the Business
Key documentation is provided such as a schedule 
of Board and Committee dates, Schedule of Matters 
and Delegation of Authority, Programmes of Business, 
Articles of Association, and Group Policies and 
Procedures  

One to one with the CEO

Meeting the Management Team
Meet the SET informally and formally

Meet key management at Head Office and leadership 
teams at the main sites

Director and Committee Responsibilities
Receive induction/training on Director and Committee 
responsibilities (if applicable)

Market Abuse Regulations online training course

Visit the Business
Visit a key site for each function (PDRA, 
Manufacturing, Sales and Marketing, and Head Office)

Stock Code: DPH

79

Governance

Corporate Governance

continued

Board Evaluation 
The Chairman manages the Board and oversees the operation of its Committees with the aim of ensuring that they operate effectively by utilising the 
diverse range of skills and experience of the various Board members. The effectiveness of the Board is important to the success of the Group and the 
Board undertakes an annual evaluation of its performance and that of its Committees to ensure that they remain fit for purpose.

The 2018 External Board Evaluation 
An external evaluation of the Board and its Committees was completed during 2018 by Independent Audit Limited. The findings of the external 
evaluation were discussed at the June 2018 Board meeting. Overall, the review indicated that the Board operates effectively and is robust and 
challenging, but noted some areas for improvement. The actions which were taken are shown in the table below:

Action
Increase the diversity of the Board

Continue to develop the organisational design to meet future  
growth requirements
Concise Operational and Functional Board reports

Bi-annual update on product pipeline and product development

Progress
Female representation at Board level increased to 25% following the 
appointment of Lisa Bright on 1 February 2019 
Ongoing

A standard operational and functional Board paper format has been  
adopted
An update on the product pipeline and product development was presented 
to the meetings in November 2018 and May 2019

The 2019 Internal Board Evaluation
Following the external evaluation last year, it was agreed to undertake an internal evaluation for the 2019 financial year, focusing on the following areas:  
(i) Board composition; (ii) strategy review and delivery process; (iii) the format of Board meetings and the decision process; (iv) training and development;  
(v) the performance of the Board and the individual Directors; (vi) Corporate Governance; (vii) leadership and culture; and (viii) risk assessment.

The internal evaluation process is detailed below and took the format of a questionnaire which was distributed to all of the Board, with the survey results 
presented on an anonymous basis. The responses were received in April, and were discussed with the individual directors. In addition, the Senior 
Independent Director discussed the performance of the Chairman with the Directors in April and the Chairman in May.

Internal Board Evaluation Process
The process of the Internal Evaluation of the Board and its Committees were as follows:

The survey results were presented on an anonymous 
basis to the Chairman and the Senior Independent 
Director for discussion with the individual directors. 
The Senior Independent Director discussed the 
performance of the Chairman with the Directors in April 
and the Chairman in May

Please see below

1

Preparation

2

Questionnaire

3

Interviews

4

Review

5

Outcomes

Two questionnaires were made available electronically 
for online completion and submission. One was 
in relation to the effectiveness of the Committees, 
and was forwarded to both the members of the 
Committees and the regular attendees which included 
Group HR Director, Head of Risk and Assurance and 
the Company Secretary. The other related to the Board 
and was sent to the Board members only.

A presentation was provided to:

•  each of the Committees, to allow them 
to discuss their effectiveness; and 

• 

the Board in relation to the various 
findings and suggested actions.

Outcomes of the 2019 Internal Board Evaluation
Following an initial review of the responses, the Chairman discussed with the Executive and Non-Executive Directors at the June 2019 Board 
meeting the general themes raised by the survey, and any other survey-related points they wished to discuss. 

Overall, the review once again indicated that the Board operates effectively but noted the following focus areas:

•  Succession Planning; and 

• 

 Employee Engagement.

The Board will perform a further external evaluation in two years’ time. Internal evaluations will be completed during the intervening period.

80

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Governance

Accountability 
Financial Reporting
The Board seeks to present a fair, balanced and understandable 
assessment of the Group’s position and prospects.

The responsibilities of the Directors and the external auditor in connection 
with the Financial Statements are explained in the Statement of Directors’ 
Responsibilities and the Independent Auditor’s Report on pages 113 and 
116 to 122 respectively.

Preservation of Value
The basis on which the Group generates and preserves value over the 
longer term and the strategy for delivering the objectives of the Group 
can be found in the Strategic Report.

Going Concern 
The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. 
Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting 
in preparing these annual financial statements.

In reaching this conclusion the Directors have given due regard to the 
following:

Assessment of Prospects
Dechra has consistently delivered on its strategic objectives resulting in a 
strong track record of growth. The Group’s strategy remains unchanged 
and is set out on pages 16 to 19 of the Strategic Report. The key factors 
supporting the Group’s prospects are explained throughout the Annual 
Report and are summarised below:

•  a clear strategic focus;

•  a growing global animal health market;

•  a clear portfolio focus with strong market positions in a number of 

key therapeutic areas;

•  a strong development pipeline and a track record of pipeline 

delivery;

•  manufacturing flexibility, with a wide range of dosage forms, small 

and large scale production batches;

•  an entrepreneurial and experienced management team;

•  a recognised brand with a strong reputation for providing high 

quality products with technical support;

•  an expanding international focus;

• 

talented people and expertise; and

 the Group’s business activities together with factors likely to impact 
the future growth and operating performance;

•  a sound track record of successful acquisitions to expand our 

product portfolio and geographic reach.

• 

• 

• 

 the financial position of the Group, its cash flows, available debt 
facilities and compliance with the financial covenants associated 
with the Group’s borrowings, which are described in the financial 
statements; and

 the cash generated from operations, available cash resources 
and committed bank facilities and their maturities, which taken 
together provide confidence that the Group will be able to meet its 
obligations as they fall due.

As at 30 June 2019 the Group had cash balances of £80.3 million and 
net borrowings of £227.8 million (2018: cash balances of £79.7 million 
and net borrowings of £211.4 million). Further information on available 
resources and committed bank facilities is provided in notes 18 and 21 
to the financial statements.

As reported in preceding Annual Reports, the Group completed a 
refinancing and entered into a facilities agreement in July 2017 (the 
Facility Agreement) with a group of banks comprising Bank of Ireland (UK) 
plc, BNP Paribas, Fifth Third Bank, HSBC Bank plc, Lloyds Bank plc, 
Raiffeisen Bank International AG and Santander UK plc (the Banks). The 
Facility Agreement includes a committed revolving credit facility of  
£235.0 million, together with an ‘Accordion’ facility of £125.0 million. The 
RCF is committed for five years until July 2022 with two optional one year 
extensions, both of which were exercised. The RCF is now committed 
until July 2024.

In January 2018, the Group entered into a £350.0 million multi-currency 
term loan facility (Term Loan) with BNP Paribas Fortis SA/NV, Fifth Third 
Bank, HSBC Bank plc, Santander UK plc and Lloyds Bank plc, with the 
loans made or to be made under the Term Loan to be applied towards the 
acquisition of AST Farma and Le Vet and any other permitted acquisitions. 
All parties terms and conditions are the same as the existing £235.0 million 
Facility Agreement. The maturity date on the Term Loan is 31 December 
2020. The Term Loan had an initial drawdown period expiring on 30 June 
2018; this has been subsequently extended to 31 December 2019.

The Board believes that the Group has adequate resilience due to its 
diversified product portfolio, its geographic footprint, a strong balance sheet, 
healthy cash generation and access to external financing, which includes 
committed facilities.

The Assessment Process and Key Assumptions
The Group’s prospects are assessed primarily through its strategic and 
financial planning processes over a five year time period. The strategic 
plan is supported by a five year financial plan, both of which are updated 
annually by the SET and reviewed by the Board. The Board also reviews 
the Group’s principal risks on a rolling basis throughout the year, based on 
updates from SET members.

The planning process considers risks to sales and cost forecasts for 
each part of the Group, the Group’s consolidated income and cash 
flow forecasts, and includes key assumptions to support longer term 
projections. The financial plans are reviewed to confirm that adequate 
financing facilities are in place. This review is based on the reasonable 
assumption that the Group will be able to refinance its revolving credit 
facility and its term loan facility which are currently committed to 25 July 
2024 and 31 December 2020 respectively.

Progress against financial budgets, forecasts and key business objectives 
are reviewed through monthly business performance reviews at both 
Group and business unit levels. Mitigating actions are taken to address 
under performance. The latest updates to the plans were reviewed in June 
2019 and considered the Group’s current position, its future prospects 
and reaffirmed the Group’s stated strategy.

Assessment of Viability and Time Period 
The Board has determined that a three year period to 30 June 2022 
is an appropriate period over which to provide its viability statement. 
This time period is supported by the Group’s budget process, which 
includes detailed projections for the next two financial years, and 
broader projections from the third year of the five year strategic planning 
process. The Board believes this provides a sound framework for 
providing reasonable assurance on the Group’s viability given the inherent 
uncertainty associated with longer term forecasts.

Stock Code: DPH

81

Governance

Corporate Governance

continued

The Board’s assessment has considered the Group’s current position, its 
future prospects, adequacy of financing facilities, the strategic plan and 
the management of the Group’s principal risks. The viability assessment 
takes account of all the committed expenditure of the Group. 

Although the output of the Group’s strategic and financial planning 
processes reflects the Board’s best estimate of the future prospects of 
the business, the Group has also conducted stress testing to assess the 
liquidity impact of a range of alternative scenarios.

These scenarios have been developed by considering those principal 
risks that could have a material impact on viability. The potential impact of 
each principal risk is described on pages 64 to 67 of the Strategic Report. 
A number of severe but plausible stress tests have been conducted 
on these areas including a significant pipeline delay; significant profit 
reduction on top ten products, and loss of key high margin products. A 
combination of the individual scenarios and an overall reverse stress test 
on the Group’s borrowing facilities and covenant commitments have also 
been considered.

Relations with Shareholders
Dialogue with Institutional Shareholders
Relationships with shareholders receive high priority and a rolling 
programme of meetings between institutional shareholders and the Chief 
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have been held throughout 
the year (a summary of the main events is shown below).

Investor Presentations
Full Year: London and Edinburgh
Half Year: London and Edinburgh

September 2018
February/March 2019

Investor Roadshows
USA: New York 

Investor Conferences 
UK
USA
UK

October 2018

November 2018
December 2018
March 2019

December 2018 and 
March 2019

The Board believes the results of the stress testing demonstrate that the 
Group should be able to withstand the impact in each case due to its strong 
cash generation, strong balance sheet, and existing financing arrangements.  

Site Visits
UK

Viability Statement 
Based on the results of this analysis and the assumptions used in the 
Group’s planning process, the Board has a reasonable expectation that 
the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as 
they fall due over the three year period from 30 June 2019.

Internal Control and Risk Management
The Board retains overall responsibility for determining the nature and 
extent of the risks it is willing to take in achieving its strategic objectives.

In accordance with the Code, the Board is responsible for reviewing 
the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management and internal control 
systems, and confirms that:

• 

• 

• 

there is an ongoing process for identifying, assessing, managing  
and monitoring the Group’s principal risks;

the SET’s assessment of the principal risks is considered to be 
robust and those risks that have the potential to impact liquidity 
have been considered in the assessment of the Group’s viability;

the principal risks and internal control processes have been 
monitored by the SET throughout the year and reviewed by the 
Board on a rolling programme throughout the year; and

•  no significant failings or weaknesses in internal control processes 

have been identified.

Based on its review throughout the year, the Board is satisfied that the  
risk management and internal control systems in place remain effective 
and provide reasonable but not absolute assurance that the Group will  
be successful in delivering its objectives.

Further information on how the business manages risk can be found in  
the Strategic Report on pages 62 and 63.

How to Raise a Concern
The Board is committed to the highest possible standards of openness, 
integrity and accountability and encourages any individual who has 
genuine concerns about any form of malpractice, including any breaches 
of the Values, within Dechra (or in relation to its business) to raise those 
concerns at an early stage via its How to Raise a Concern procedure.

A summary of any reported concerns is provided to the Board. 

These meetings are in addition to the Annual General Meeting and 
seek to foster a mutual understanding of both the Company’s and 
shareholders’ objectives. Such meetings are conducted in a format 
to protect price sensitive information that has not already been made 
generally available to all the Company’s shareholders. Similar guidelines 
also apply to other communications between the Company and other 
parties, such as financial analysts, brokers and the media.

Feedback is collated by the Company’s brokers after Investor Presentations. 
The feedback is circulated to the Board for review and consideration. In 
addition, the Board is provided with market summary reports which detail 
share price and share register movements. Where material changes in 
respect of remuneration or governance are proposed, the Board seeks to 
consult with its major shareholders before implementing such changes.

The Chairman and Senior Independent Director are available to meet 
shareholders upon request.

Constructive use of the Annual General Meeting
All members of the Board are scheduled to attend the Annual General 
Meeting (the Meeting) and the Chairmen of the Audit, Remuneration 
and Nomination Committees will be available to answer shareholders’ 
questions at the Meeting. Notice of the Meeting is dispatched to 
shareholders at least 20 working days before the Meeting. The 
information sent to shareholders includes a summary of the business 
to be covered, with a separate resolution prepared for each substantive 
matter. When a vote is taken on a show of hands, the level of proxies 
received for and against the resolution and any abstentions are 
disclosed at the Meeting. The results of votes lodged for and against 
each resolution are announced to the London Stock Exchange and 
displayed on the Company’s website. At the Meeting there will be an 
opportunity, following the formal business, for informal communications 
between shareholders and Directors.

Tony Rice 
Non-Executive Chairman 
2 September 2019

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www.dechra.com

Letter from the Audit Committee Chairman

Governance

Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy
The Committee approved an amendment to the policy to give further 
information and guidance to the policy audience on the relevance of this 
area of law to them, and reviewed the third party e-learning course.

Committee Membership
We have welcomed Lisa Bright to the Committee and look forward 
to the additional perspective she will bring given her international 
pharmaceutical background.

Annual Report 2019
The judgements and factors that the Committee considered in reviewing 
the Annual Report and Accounts for 2019 (2019 Annual Report) are set 
out in its report on page 86.

The report also outlines significant accounting matters which received 
particular focus during the period. It explains why the issues were 
considered significant and how the Committee satisfied itself on the 
validity of the judgements made.

The Committee has reviewed the viability statement, which clearly 
distinguishes the assessment of long term prospects from the viability 
assessment, with a five year time frame for long term prospects and a 
three year time frame for viability.

Finally, we specifically reviewed, at the request of the Board, whether 
the 2019 Annual Report was fair, balanced and understandable and 
concluded that it was. The basis supporting our conclusion is set out  
on page 87.

I will be available at the Annual General Meeting to answer any questions 
about our work.

Julian Heslop 
Audit Committee Chairman

4

Audit Committee 
Meetings Held

Areas of Focus this Year
• 

Impact of New Accounting Standards

•  Venco Compliance and Controls Implementation

•  Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy

Committee membership and attendance

Julian Heslop 
Date Joined:1 January 2013

Ishbel Macpherson 
Date Joined: 1 February 2013

4/4

4/4

Lawson Macartney 
Date Joined: 1 December 2016

4/4

Lisa Bright 
Date Joined: 1 February 2019

2/2

Julian Heslop 
Audit Committee Chairman 
2 September 2019

Dear Shareholder
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present this year’s Audit 
Committee (the Committee) report. During the year in addition to 
our regular duties, we focused on the impact of a number of new 
accounting standards, compliance and control implementation in our 
newly acquired business in Brazil and Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption 
compliance.

Impact of New Accounting Standards
The Committee endorsed the amendments to the Group accounting 
policies following the adoption of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 from 1 July 2018 
and reviewed the impact assessment and adoption approach for IFRS 
16 from 1 July 2019.

Venco Compliance and Controls Implementation
The acquisition of Laboratorios Vencofarma do Brasil Ltda (Venco) in 
December 2018 has been a key focus area for this year given the higher 
risk inherent in doing business in Brazil. Internal Audit has designed 
a compliance and financial controls improvement plan to implement 
Dechra’s global standards in the Brazilian business, and are providing 
updates to the Committee on its implementation.

Stock Code: DPH

83

Governance

Audit Committee Report

The Purpose and Function of the Audit Committee (the Committee)
Purpose
The Committee’s key role is to review and report to the Board on financial reporting and internal financial control effectiveness, and to oversee the 
relationship with the external auditor. The main responsibilities are summarised on page 76 of the Corporate Governance Report.

Membership, Meetings and Attendance 
The membership of the Committee, together with appointment dates and attendance at meetings, are detailed on page 83. Lisa Bright joined the 
Committee on her appointment to the Board in February 2019. All Committee members are Non-Executive Directors.

The Board considers that all members of the Committee are independent and have competences relevant to the sector in which the Company operates.  
Julian Heslop has recent and relevant financial experience as a result of his financial background and qualification. Ishbel Macpherson, Lawson Macartney 
and Lisa Bright provide different but relevant skills and experience which support the Committee in meeting its objectives. The biographies of all Committee 
members are detailed on pages 72 and 75. 

The Company Secretary attends each meeting and acts as its secretary assisting the Chairman in ensuring that all papers are provided prior to each 
meeting in a timely manner and providing advice on all governance related matters. Other members of the Board normally attend each meeting together 
with the PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) Lead Audit Partner, the Group Financial Controller and the Head of Internal Audit and Risk Assurance. In 
addition, the Committee Chairman meets with the Chief Financial Officer, the Head of Internal Audit and Risk Assurance and the Lead Audit Partner outside 
of the Committee meetings in order to understand fully the key topics to enable these subjects to be discussed meaningfully at the meetings.

The Committee meets with the external and internal auditors without management being present, after each scheduled meeting, to discuss their respective 
areas and any issues arising from their audits.

Neither the Company nor its Directors have any relationships that impair the external auditor’s independence.

Effectiveness of the Committee
The Committee’s performance was evaluated as part of the 2019 Board and Committee Internal Evaluation (further details of which can be found on 
page 80 of the Corporate Governance Report). The Committee considered the results of the evaluation and it was agreed that the Committee remained 
effective. The structure and content of the papers and quality of discussions held gave the Committee further assurance of its effectiveness.

Role and Responsibilities
The main role and responsibilities of the Committee are set out in the written terms of reference which are available on the Company’s website at 
www.dechra.com. The Board reviewed the Committee’s terms of reference at the November 2018 meeting and amended them to reflect the 2018 
UK Corporate Governance Code requirements.

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Governance

Major Activities of the Committee during the Year
The Committee met four times since the last Annual Report was issued. These meetings were scheduled meetings, and are generally timed 
to coincide with the financial reporting timetable of the Company. The Committee Chairman and the Company Secretary have developed an annual 
programme of business. This allows the Committee to consider standing items of business alongside any exceptional matters that may arise during 
the course of the year. 

At each meeting the Committee reviews the following items routinely:

• 

status of statutory audits, global tax management and compliance support;

•  non-audit fees (including actual and projected spend); and

• 

the internal audit progress and assurance report.

The table below shows the other key areas of the Committee activities:

Purpose and 
Function  
(see page 84) 

Financial and 
Narrative 
Reporting  
(see pages 86 
and 87)

Internal Controls 
and Risk 
Management 
(see page 87)

External Audit 
(see pages 88 
and 89)

•  Review of the Committee’s terms of reference

•  Review of the effectiveness of the Committee

•  Review of the implication of the 2018 Corporate 
Governance Code on the Committee’s activities

•  Review and approval of Accounting Policy amendments 

due to the adoption of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 from 1 July 
2018

•  Review of impact assessment and proposed adoption 

•  Review of the Group’s preliminary statement, draft Annual 
Report (including the Audit Committee Report) for the year 
ended 30 June 2019 and management presentation to 
investors

approach for IFRS 16 from 1 July 2019

•  Consideration of the Audit Memorandum prepared by the 

•  Review of year end accounting treatment for acquisitions, 
non-underlying items and new accounting standards

external auditor, including: 

• 

review of accounting treatment of non-underlying items

•  Review and endorsement of key judgements made by 

•  assessment of acquired intangible assets and goodwill 

management in determining half-year and full year results

including impairment assessments undertaken

•  Review of the Group’s Half-Yearly Report and supporting 

•  commentary on the general control environment across 

papers

the Group

•  Consideration of the Half-Year Review Memorandum 

•  Review of viability statement process

prepared by the external auditor

•  Review and commend the going concern and viability 

•  Review of the dividend policy and interim and final dividend 

statements

proposals

•  Review of Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption and How to  

Raise a Concern Policies

•  Fair, balanced and understandable recommendation  

of the Annual Report
•  GDPR compliance update 

•  Review and approval of the internal control and risk 

•  Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption and Sanction progress 

management statements

update

•  Review of Internal Audit Plan and effectiveness of  

•  Half-year and full year review of internal financial controls

Internal Audit

•  Review of tax strategy and policy framework

•  Review of Internal Audit Charter

•  Review of treasury policy and practice
•  Review and approval of PwC Half-Yearly review plan

•  Review and approval of PwC full year external audit  

•  Review of the external audit effectiveness, external auditor’s 

independence and level of non-audit fees

strategy (including timetable, scope and fees) 

•  Review of the non-audit fee policy

•  Discussion in relation to the Company’s expectations  

•  Review of findings from the external audit

of the external auditor and audit process 

Stock Code: DPH

85

Governance

Audit Committee Report

continued

Financial and Narrative Reporting
All significant matters under consideration by the Committee during the year were supported by relevant justification papers and were fully discussed 
so that due and appropriate consideration was given before any decision was approved. Further detail in relation to a number of the matters is 
provided below.

Financial Judgements
The Committee reviewed both the half-year and the annual financial statements. This process included an analysis by management of key 
judgements made in determining the results. The Committee reviewed this in detail and endorsed management’s judgements.

The Committee gave particular attention to significant matters where judgement was involved, which were complex in nature, or where alternative 
performance measures (APMs) were provided to enhance investors’ understanding of the underlying performance. The Group uses various  
non-GAAP APMs within internal management reporting, the Half-Yearly Report and the Annual Report. The objective of these APMs is to isolate 
the impact of exceptional, one-off or non-trading related items to allow the Board and investors to understand better the underlying performance of 
the business. The Group also uses constant exchange rate growth percentages to eliminate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations and show the 
underlying business growth. These matters were well supported by briefing papers provided by management and were specifically reviewed and 
agreed by the external auditor in their reports to the Committee and in related discussions. 

The key matters reviewed are shown in the table below:

Significant risks considered by the Committee in relation  
to the financial statements

Corresponding actions taken by the Committee 
to address the issues

Review of the carrying value of intangible assets and goodwill of  
£687.0 million, which represents 65.5% of total Group assets. 

The Committee reviewed management’s process for reviewing and 
testing goodwill and other intangible assets for potential impairment. 
In respect of assets not subject to amortisation, it reviewed the papers 
provided by management and noted the headroom between the value 
in use and the carrying value of goodwill. In addition, it considered the 
ongoing viability of capitalised R&D projects compared to their carrying 
value. Finally it reviewed the process adopted by management to review 
amortised assets for impairment. It endorsed management’s conclusion 
that no impairment of these assets had taken place. The Committee 
considered PwC’s report on these matters.

Review of the remeasurement of the intangibles and associated 
contingent consideration for the licensing transactions which were 
remeasured during the year.

The Committee reviewed the accounting basis of the adjustments which 
supported the remeasurement and considered the appropriateness of 
the accounting treatment.

Valuation of the acquired intangible assets and goodwill acquired during 
business combinations in the year, which total £37.5 million.

Valuation and accounting for the acquired commercial licensing 
agreement intangibles of £7.9 million together with the related  
deferred consideration.

Review of the corporate tax rate for the year being a credit of 11.2% 
(21.2% on underlying operations).

In order to assist investors with a better understanding of the underlying 
performance of the business, management present within the financial 
statements figures for underlying profit and earnings.

This is reconciled to the figures provided in the financial statements 
and excludes matters such as impairment and amortisation of acquired 
intangible assets and related deferred consideration, acquisition costs, 
manufacturing rationalisation restructuring costs, and the fair value uplift 
on inventory acquired through business combinations. 

The Committee reviewed the calculations and assumptions provided 
by management and third party experts which support the valuation 
of these acquired assets and these valuations were assessed for 
completeness. The Committee reviewed the useful economic lives of 
the identifiable intangible assets and the future growth rate assumptions 
applied in the valuations.

The Committee discussed the key risks in respect of corporate tax  
and reviewed that appropriate controls were in place to confirm that 
taxation calculations were not materially misstated. Areas where 
significant judgements, such as uncertain tax positions, had been  
applied were reviewed and challenged and external audit work and 
conclusions were considered. 

The Committee reviewed the basis for calculating the underlying 
figures and its consistency with previous year’s figures. It also sought 
confirmation from the external auditor, PwC, that they were satisfied  
that the application of the accounting policy was appropriate.

The Committee also reviewed any material one-off income and costs 
within the underlying results, and ensured these were clearly disclosed 
within the financial statements and notes. 

86

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www.dechra.com

 
Governance

Going Concern and Viability Statements
The Committee reviewed the Group’s going concern and viability statements set out on pages 81 and 82 of the Corporate Governance Report. In 
considering the viability statement the Committee paid particular attention to the robustness of the stress testing scenarios, the cash flows forecast 
by the business and the committed bank facilities available to the Group. The external auditor reviewed management’s assessment and discussed 
this review with the Committee.

Fair, Balanced and Understandable Assessment of the Annual Report 
At the request of the Board, the Committee considered whether the 2019 Annual Report was fair, balanced and understandable and whether it 
provided the necessary information for shareholders to assess the Group’s performance (pages 25 to 31), business model (pages 12 to 14) and 
strategy (pages 16 to 19). 

The Committee based its assessment on a review of the processes and controls put in place by management. This included:

• 

• 

the relevant senior management providing information on their own business units and their confirmation that it was fair, balanced and 
understandable; and

 the Executive Directors and Company Secretary providing confirmation that each section of the report has been subject to a rigorous review 
process built around four tiers:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 ongoing internal review by members of the Annual Report project team;

 Board review of a full printed draft copy of the Annual Report with all comments received being considered by the owners of the  
respective reports;

 external review by advisers including the external auditor; and

 a final review by all members of the Senior Executive Team (SET).

The above is an integral part of the process and each tier is invited to comment so that issues could be debated and a final assessment made.  
The Annual Report project team concluded that the Annual Report 2019 met the fair, balanced and understandable test. In addition, the final draft 
document was reviewed by all members of the SET who also concluded that it met the fair, balanced and understandable test. 

An integral part of the process was the Committee’s final review; other Board members and the external auditor were invited to comment so that 
issues could be debated and a final assessment made. 

The external auditor confirmed that in their opinion the Annual Report 2019 was fair, balanced and understandable, which can be found on pages  
116 to 122.

This assessment was carried out by the Committee on 27 August 2019, following which the Committee reported to the Board that it was satisfied 
that, taken as a whole, the Annual Report 2019 is fair, balanced and understandable.

Internal Controls and Risk Management
The Board retains overall responsibility for the management of the Group’s risk management and internal control framework. The Committee monitors and 
reviews the effectiveness of the Group’s internal financial controls.

The Committee has also reviewed the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management and internal control processes. This includes:

•  confirmation that the rolling programme of risk and control reviews by the Board has been completed; 

•  a review of the SET’s assessment of material internal control effectiveness; 

•  a review of the going concern and viability statements together with the financial stress testing conducted to support these statements; and

•  a review of baseline financial controls and management representations on their effectiveness across the Group.

Further details in respect of the Group’s risk management and internal control processes are provided on pages 62 and 63 of the Strategic Report and 
the Board’s statements on the effectiveness of these processes are provided on page 82 of the Corporate Governance Report.

Review of Policies and Procedures
During the year the Committee reviewed the following policies:

•  Finance Policies

The Committee endorsed amendments to three Accounting Policies (Receivables, Intercompany and Revenue) which had been impacted by the 
adoption of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15. In addition, the Committee undertook the annual review of the Group Tax Policy and Strategy and Treasury Policy.

•  Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy

This policy was amended to give further information and guidance to the policy audience on the relevance of this area of law to them, and 
included the newly developed Third Party Risk Identification Questionnaire and guidance.

Stock Code: DPH

87

Governance

Audit Committee Report

continued

Internal Audit
The Head of Internal Audit and Risk Assurance provides objective assurance and advice on the management of the Group’s risks and its systems of internal 
control. Internal Audit operates a resourcing arrangement with KPMG LLP (KPMG) with a mix of seconded and specialist resources to provide a flexible 
resource model and access to specialist expertise and language skills in worldwide geographies.

Internal Audit operates a three year assurance plan which seeks to provide balanced coverage of the Group’s material financial, operational and compliance 
control processes. It consists of a rolling programme of core assurance activities together with initial controls reviews on new acquisitions and reviews of 
major business process and systems changes. The annual delivery plan, which defines the specific assurance projects to be delivered each calendar year, 
is developed from the three year plan. The annual plan for the year to June 2020 was approved by the Committee in May 2019.

The acquisition of Laboratorios Vencofarma do Brasil Ltda (Venco) in December 2018 has been a key focus area for this year given the higher risk inherent 
in doing business in Brazil.  A compliance and financial controls improvement plan to implement Dechra’s global standards in the Brazilian business has 
been designed by Internal Audit, who are also monitoring its implementation by the Venco management team. This plan includes:

• 

implementation of Dechra’s standard financial control framework;

•  communication and training on the Group’s compliance policies with a significant focus on the Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption (ABC) Policy; 

• 

 implementation of Dechra’s ABC third party compliance programme to complete a risk assessment of Venco’s customer and suppliers,  
communicate Dechra’s Third Party Code of Conduct to higher risk parties and conduct due diligence on these higher risk relationships; and

•  a review and assessment of the internal controls in the recently implemented ERP system.

Internal Audit recommendations are communicated to relevant business leaders, appropriate control improvements agreed with them, and 
implementation of agreed actions is monitored monthly. Audit reports are provided to the Committee together with regular progress reports on 
management’s implementation of control improvements.

During the year the Committee reviewed and approved an Internal Audit Charter and, based on an assessment of its work, concluded that Internal 
Audit continued to be effective.

External Auditor 
Following a competitive tender in 2015, PwC were appointed as the Company’s external auditor effective from the 2016 audit. The Company 
complies with the Competition and Markets Authority Order 2014 relating to audit tendering and the provision of non-audit services.

Audit Plan
PwC agreed their audit plan with the Committee, which included their audit scope, key audit risk areas and materiality. The Committee discussed  
the audit plan with PwC and approved it, together with the fees proposed.

Independence, Effectiveness and Objectivity of the Audit Process
The Committee conducted a review of the external auditor’s independence, effectiveness and objectivity based on:

• 

the Committee’s own assessment of the quality of the audit plan, the rigour of the audit findings and conclusions, the extent to which the Lead 
Audit Partner understands the business and constructively challenges management and the quality and clarity of the technical and governance 
advice provided;

• 

the results of a questionnaire on external auditor effectiveness and efficiency (further detail on which is provided below);

•  a report prepared by PwC setting out its processes to ensure independence and its confirmation of compliance with them; and

• 

the level of non-audit fees as a percentage of the audit fees paid to the external auditor, which were 6.7% (2018: 70.0% in relation to services 
rendered by PwC).

Responses to the questionnaire have been received from all finance directors across the Group who provided information and assistance to the 
external auditor. The questionnaire covered a number of areas, including:

•  quality of the audit team; 

•  knowledge and understanding of the Group; 

•  appropriateness of the areas of audit focus;

• 

• 

interaction with audit specialists; and

timeliness and adequacy of communication by the external auditor.

The results of the questionnaire were reported to the Committee at the meeting on 27 August 2019. 

Based on the review set out above, the Committee is satisfied with the external auditor’s independence, effectiveness and objectivity.

88

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Governance

Re-Appointment of External Auditor
At the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, a resolution to re-appoint PwC as the external auditor and to authorise the Committee to set their 
remuneration will be proposed. 

In recommending the re-appointment of the external auditor at the Annual General Meeting, the Committee also takes into account EU guidance and 
the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) Order on mandatory audit tendering. Dechra will be required to retender its audit no later than for 2026 
financial year and we also note that the next regular PwC partner rotation will take place after the 2020 audit. The Committee has therefore started 
to consider the factors that would be taken into account during the tender process to enable access to an appropriate pool of external auditors for 
consideration. 

External Audit Engagement Partner Rotation
In line with the ethical standards of the Audit Practices Board, the Lead Audit Partner will be rotated every five years. The current Lead Audit Partner  
was appointed during the 2016 financial year and consequently will stand down at the latest after the completion of the audit of the 2020 financial year.

Non-Audit Assignments
With respect to non-audit services undertaken by the external auditor, the Company’s policy is that the provision of such services does not impair 
their independence or objectivity.

The 2018 fee was higher than in previous years, and was due to the external auditor providing the services of reporting accountant with respect to 
the acquisition of AST Farma B.V. and Le Vet Beheer B.V. in February 2018. The Committee fully considered this engagement and concluded that the 
performance of this non-audit work did not affect or impair the external auditor’s integrity for the reasons outlined in the 2018 Audit Committee Report.

As previously disclosed, in May 2018 the Committee amended its policy for the use of the auditors, PwC, for non-audit work, by agreeing a cap of 
30% for the ratio of non-audit fees to the audit fee and reconfirmed the underlying principle that the external auditor should never be used where 
another professional firm can provide the same or similar service. This principle is stricter than the FRC guidance as it is expected that non-audit 
work performed by the external auditor will be limited to the review of the half-year accounts and any other work required to be carried out by the 
auditor in accordance with legislation. The annual review of the policy was undertaken in May 2019 with no major changes being made. 

The approval of the Committee must be obtained before the external auditor is engaged to provide any permitted non-audit services. Should another 
professional firm be unable to provide the same or similar service the Committee will continue to approve in advance any non-audit work carried out 
by the external auditor. In all instances the Committee will assess the qualification, expertise, independence and objectivity of the external auditor 
prior to granting approval. Safeguards are in place to provide for continued external auditor independence, including the use of separate teams to 
undertake the non-audit work and the audit work. As such, non-audit fee spend is a standing item on the agenda for every Committee meeting. 

A summary of audit and non-audit fees in relation to the year is provided in note 7 to the Group’s financial statements. This shows that non-audit 
work carried out by the external auditor represented 6.7% (2018: 70.0%) of the annual audit fee. The 2019 non-audit fees relate to the engagement 
of PwC to provide an annual attestation to NOMA (the regulator in Norway), an attestation in respect of the Mexican Social Security Institute filings 
and an expert’s opinion in relation to the capital reduction of the Group’s Irish subsidiary, as such the services were permitted under the non-audit  
fee policy.  

Audit fees including related assurance services (£m)
Non-audit fees (£m):
Review of Half-Yearly Report
Other work
Ratio of non-audit fees to audit fees

* The 2018 Audit Committee Report sets out the reasons for the engagement of PwC.

Julian Heslop 
Audit Committee Chairman 
2 September 2019

2019
PwC
0.89

0.04
0.02
6.7%

2018 
PwC
0.80

0.04
0.52*
70.0%

2017
PwC
0.57

0.04
0.05
15.8%

2016
PwC
0.50

0.04
0.02
12.0%

Stock Code: DPH

89

Governance

Nomination Committee Report

The following report provides an overview of the work carried out during 
the year under review.

Should you have any questions in relation to this report or the 
Committee, please contact me or the Company Secretary.

Tony Rice 
Nomination Committee Chairman 
2 September 2019

Committee Membership and Attendance
The membership of the Committee, together with appointment dates and 
attendance at meetings during the year, is set out above. Other attendees 
at the meetings include the Chief Executive Officer, the Group HR Director 
and the Company Secretary (who acts as secretary to the Committee).

The Chairman does not chair the Committee meeting if it is dealing with 
the appointment of his successor. The Senior Independent Director, 
Ishbel Macpherson, takes the chair when required.

Role and Responsibilities
The role and responsibilities of the Committee are set out in the written 
terms of reference, which are available on the Company’s website at 
www.dechra.com. The Committee’s terms of reference are reviewed 
on an annual basis. During the 2019 financial year this took place at 
the February meeting and they were amended to reflect the 2018 UK 
Corporate Governance Code requirements. An overview of the terms of 
reference is detailed on page 76 of the Corporate Governance Report.

Principal activities of the Committee during the year included:

•  Diversity

The Board reviews its policy on diversity and its implementation every 
year and during 2019 this review took place in February. The Group 
recognises that the diversity of teams and an inclusive culture is 
beneficial for the Dechra business, its processes, and its performance. 
Our objective is to continue to be a high performing business driven 
by highly skilled and committed teams. In the context of the market 
in which we compete, we believe that the diversity of our workforce 
contributes significantly to developing strong relationships with 
veterinarians, a significant and growing proportion of which are women, 
in the many markets and cultures in which we trade.

The Board believes that everyone should be recruited and promoted 
on the basis of their personal ability, contribution and potential. The 
Board is committed to promoting and supporting a culture of fairness, 
respect and equal opportunity across the Group. 

The Board is generally opposed to the idea of stated gender quotas; 
however, it acknowledged in the 2018 Annual Report that there was 
a low representation of female Directors (14.3%) on the Board, and 
it committed to restoring the balance. Following the appointment of 
Lisa Bright in February 2019, the female representation at Board level 
increased to 25%. Following Richard Cotton’s resignation this has 
increased to 28.6%. Female representation below Board level is 27.3% 
of the Senior Executive Team and 52% of the overall workforce.

Tony Rice 
Nomination Committee 
Chairman

4

Nomination Committee 
Meetings Held

Areas of Focus this Year
•  Diversity

•  Board Appointments and Succession Planning

•  SET Succession Planning and Leadership needs of the Group

•  Board Evaluation and Committee Effectiveness

Committee membership and attendance

Tony Rice 
Date Joined: 5 May 2016

Julian Heslop 
Date Joined: 1 January 2013

Ishbel Macpherson 
Date Joined: 1 February 2013

4/4

4/4

4/4

Lawson Macartney 
Date Joined: 1 December 2016

4/4

Lisa Bright 
Date Joined: 1 February 2019

1/1

Dear Shareholder
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Nomination 
Committee (the Committee) report.

During the year there was one additional meeting which dealt with the 
appointment of Lisa Bright as a Non-Executive Director and her role as 
the designated director for employee engagement. In last year’s report 
we made a commitment to improve our diversity balance on the Board 
and I am pleased to report that with the appointment of Lisa this is now 
at 28.6%.

The Committee regularly considers succession and emergency planning 
both for the Executive Directors and the Senior Executive Team (SET). 
Following the resignation of Richard Cotton, Executive Director and 
Chief Financial Officer, Paul Sandland, our DVP EU Finance Director,  
was appointed to the post of Acting Chief Financial Officer in line 
with our emergency succession planning. The Committee believes 
that the Board continues to have the appropriate skills, knowledge 
and experience to oversee the effective delivery of our strategy. The 
Committee also believes that the Group has an experienced SET  
to lead the development and implementation of this strategy.

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The Board
as at 30 June 2019

Senior Executive Team
as at 30 June 2019

Female 

Male 

29%

71%

Female 

Male 

27%

73%

Overall Workforce
as at 30 June 2019 

Management Team below 
the Senior Executive Team
as at 30 June 2019

Female 

Male 

52%

48%

Female 

Male 

43%

57%

Board Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Industry knowledge/experience

Industry experience

Knowledge of sector

Understanding of regulatory process

Skills/experience of the Board

Strategic thinking

Governance

Risk management

Financial

5

6

5

7

7

7

6

•  Board Appointments

During the 2018 financial year, the Committee commenced the 
recruitment for an additional Non-Executive Director which resulted  
in the appointment of Lisa Bright in February 2019.

Governance

Nomination 
Committee

One of the criteria was that the candidates should 
have Human Resources background which would be 
beneficial in light of the new Corporate Governance 
requirements around engagement with the workforce 
and oversight of the wider Group remuneration 
principles by the Remuneration Committee. In 
addition, they were required to have a broad 
business experience and be a good fit with the 
culture of the Company

Engage

Dzaleta Consulting (Dzaleta) was appointed

Meet

To assist Dzaleta with the understanding of the 
requirements of the role, they met with the Group  
HR Director, Chief Executive Officer and the 
Chairman

Consider

The long list of candidates was circulated to the 
Committee for comments before a short list was 
agreed

Select

All of the candidates had a broad range of experience 
from a wide range of different backgrounds including 
executives in blue chip FTSE organisations, partners 
in consulting firms and a number of candidates with 
an established portfolio career

Interview

The first interviews were with the Chief Executive 
Officer and Group HR Director, the second interviews 
were held with the Chairman, and successful 
interviewees met with the remaining Non-Executive 
Directors prior to appointment

Select

Following a rigorous recruitment process, Lisa 
Bright was selected. Lisa’s other appointments were 
considered to check there was no conflict of interest 
or time. References were taken

Appoint

Lisa Bright was appointed to the Board on 1 February 
2019. Further details relating to her background and 
experience can be found on page 75

Induct

See page 79

We are currently assessing our options in relation to a replacement 
for Richard Cotton, who resigned as Executive Director and 
Chief Financial Officer on 3 April 2019, which may include the 
appointment of an external recruitment consultant as well as the 
consideration of internal candidates.

Stock Code: DPH

91

 
Governance

Nomination Committee Report

continued

•  Board Succession Planning

The Committee has reviewed the Board succession plans during the 
year, which have, in particular, taken into account the key dates of the 
Non-Executive Directors’ terms of appointment. This has highlighted 
that over the next two years at least one Non-Executive Director will 
need to be recruited in order to have orderly succession.

Ian Page

Tony Griffin

Tony Rice

Lisa Bright

Julian Heslop

Lawson Macartney

Ishbel Macpherson

0

5

10
Number of years

15

20

25

•  SET Succession Planning and Leadership Needs of the Group 

Two of our key risks are people focused and they are: 

• 

• 

the failure to retain high calibre, talented senior managers and 
other key roles in the business; and 

failure to recruit or develop good quality people to achieve our 
strategic aims.

To assist with this, the Group HR Director regularly presents to the 
Committee on the Group’s succession planning. The Committee 
discusses the succession plan for the SET, which includes the 
Executive Directors, at least annually. Plans are in place for sudden, 
unforeseen absences, for medium term orderly succession and for 
longer term succession as well as supporting significant acquisitions 
that require full time Dechra leadership during the integration 
phase. For each SET member, we have either identified an internal 
candidate or have identified roles that would benefit from bringing 
new experience into the team. In addition, the Committee has 
reviewed the emergency succession planning, which clearly identified 
individuals capable of covering key management roles on an interim 
basis whether this be due to an unanticipated absence, secondment 
of a key resource into a different role for a defined period or assume 
a key role until a successor can be identified and appointed. All these 
individuals will receive, or have received, the necessary coaching 
to assist them in obtaining the required skills to provide any critical 
support when needed. This planning has facilitated the DVP EU 
Finance Director, Paul Sandland, being appointed as the Acting 
Chief Financial Officer, with his post being backfilled by the DVP 
International Finance Director.

In addition to this, a forward looking review of the future anticipated 
shape of the organisation has been undertaken to identify any 
potential gaps that may emerge and plans have been outlined to 
enable the organisation’s structure to remain fit for purpose.

One of the elements of our People Plan has focused on the continual 
development of the SET to provide world class leadership to the 
Group. In order to support this plan, it has been agreed that the SET 
will undertake a development programme, which will focus on each 
individual SET member, their behavioural traits and preferences, 
leadership styles and contribution to the team.

We encourage regular contact between members of the SET and the 
Board, with all SET members presenting to the Board at least once 
a year, leading site visits of their respective businesses and attending 
one-to-one sessions with Non-Executive Directors to discuss specific 
issues when applicable.

During the year Simon Francis was appointed as Group Manufacturing 
and Supply Director to continue the evolution of the team. 

•  Effectiveness of Committee and Directors 

The Committee’s performance was evaluated as part of the 2019 
Board and Committee Internal Evaluation (further details of which 
are provided on page 80 of the Corporate Governance Report). The 
Committee considered the results of the evaluation and it was agreed 
that the Committee remained effective and was covering all areas 
within its remit. The findings of the internal evaluation were presented 
to the Committee for its discussion at the June 2019 meeting and it 
was agreed that more work on succession planning was required as 
well as implementing employee engagement initiatives.

Following the internal evaluation, which concluded that the Board 
is dynamic, robust and challenging (further details of which, 
including the outcomes and actions, are provided on page 80 of 
the Corporate Governance Report), the Committee has concluded 
that each of the Directors continue to perform effectively and 
demonstrate commitment, not only in respect of their roles and 
responsibilities, but also in relation to the Group and its shareholders. 
At the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, Lisa Bright, who was 
appointed to the Board on 1 February 2019, will offer herself for 
election, and  all of the remaining Directors will retire and offer 
themselves for re-election.

Tony Rice 
Nomination Committee Chairman 
2 September 2019

92

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Letter from the Remuneration Committee Chairman

Governance

No changes to the Policy are proposed for the forthcoming year. The 
performance metrics for the bonus and LTIP awards for 2020 are set 
out on page 104. An annual review of Executive salaries is undertaken in 
September along with all employees. This allows us to optimise the link 
between performance and reward for all employees. It is our expectation 
that any increases to the Executive Directors’ salaries will be in line with 
the range of increases for the wider workforce.

Executive Director Remuneration Decisions in 2019
The table below summarises the implementation of the Policy for Executive 
Directors in respect of the 2019 financial year.

Element

Implementation

Salary

Richard Cotton’s and Tony Griffin’s salaries were 
increased by 3.0%, which was broadly in line with  
the average range of increases awarded to 
employees throughout the Group. Ian Page notified 
the Committee that he did not wish to be considered 
for a salary increase in 2019 and, accordingly, his 
salary for 2019 was not increased

Ishbel Macpherson 
Remuneration Committee Chairman

4

Remuneration Committee 
Meetings Held

Retirement 
Benefit

Pension contribution of 14%

Annual Bonus Maximum opportunity of 100% of base salary

Areas of Focus this Year
•  2019 Salary and Bonus review

•  Review and approval of grant of share options/awards and vesting 

of share awards

•  Review of Employee Stock Purchase Plan

• 

Implications of 2018 Corporate Governance Code

Committee membership and attendance

Ishbel Macpherson 
Date Joined: 1 February 2013

Tony Rice 
Date Joined: 5 May 2016

Julian Heslop 
Date Joined: 1 January 2013

4/4

4/4

4/4

Lawson Macartney 
Date Joined: 1 December 2016

4/4

Lisa Bright 
Date Joined: 1 February 2019

2/2

Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to present the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year 
ended 30 June 2019.

The report is divided into two sections: the Annual Report on 
Remuneration, followed by an abbreviated form of our Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy (the full version can be found at www.dechra.com). 
The Annual Report on Remuneration provides details of the amounts 
earned in respect of the 2019 financial year and how the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy (the Policy) will be implemented in the 2020 
financial year.

The Directors’ Remuneration Report (excluding the Policy) will be subject 
to an advisory vote at the 2019 Annual General Meeting.

Our Directors’ Remuneration Policy
The Policy was approved by shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting on 20 October 2017, with 98.88% of all votes cast in favour, 
and will remain in force until 2020. We review the application of this 
Policy regularly, with a view to ensuring it remains appropriate, linked to 
strategy and reflective of developing market practices. 

Long Term 
Incentive  
Plan 

We have delivered underlying profit before tax during 
the year of £117.4 million at AER, an improvement 
of 24.1% at constant exchange rates (25.3% at 
actual exchange rates) on the prior year. Reflecting 
the performance of the Group in relation to profit 
targets and the performance of Executive Directors 
against personal objectives as described on page 
97, bonuses for the year equal to 72% of salary have 
been earned by Ian Page and Tony Griffin. Richard 
Cotton resigned from the Company in the year and 
consequently did not earn a bonus for the year. 

The annual bonus is subject to malus and clawback 
provisions

Awards of 200% for Ian Page, 150% for Richard 
Cotton, and 100% for Tony Griffin were granted 
during the year. These awards are subject to a two 
year holding period. Richard Cotton’s award lapsed 
in connection with his resignation from the Company.

LTIP awards granted to Ian Page and Tony Griffin  
in September 2016 are scheduled to vest on  
16 September 2019:

•  as to 100% of the TSR element (50% of the total 
award) reflecting upper quartile performance; and

•  as to 100% of the underlying diluted EPS 

element (50% of the total award) reflecting that 
the compound annual growth in the underlying 
diluted EPS at 28.3% was above the maximum 
threshold of 25%.

In aggregate, taking into account the ROCE underpin 
(reflecting that the ROCE at 15.5% had not fallen below 
15.0%), the LTIP awards vested as to 100%.

See page 98 for further details.

Awards made under the LTIP are subject to malus  
and clawback provisions

Stock Code: DPH

93

Governance

Letter from the Remuneration Committee Chairman

continued

Directorate Changes
As previously announced, Richard Cotton resigned as an Executive Director on 3 April 2019 and left the business on 28 June 2019. In accordance with the 
rules of the Company’s LTIP, all of his LTIP awards lapsed. In addition, he was not entitled to a bonus for the year ended 30 June 2019.

Global SAYE
The Committee recognises the benefits of employee share ownership and following shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting in October 
2018 the Directors have adopted a qualifying Employee Stock Purchase Plan for USA employees. We are proposing to make an initial offer to our 
USA employees in October 2019.

Forward Looking
This is the final year under the current remuneration framework as we will seek approval for a new Directors’ Remuneration Policy at the 2020 Annual 
General Meeting. Therefore, the Committee will be reviewing the current remuneration framework with its advisers during the forthcoming year with a 
view to ensuring that the remuneration package continues to:

•  promote the long term success of Dechra;

•  provide appropriate alignment between Dechra’s strategic goals, shareholder returns and executive reward; and

•  have a competitive mix of base salary and short and long term incentives, with appropriate performance conditions attached to variable 

remuneration.

The Committee will also look to revise the Policy to continue the alignment between remuneration and the evolving strategic direction of our 
business, as well as to align with the new UK Corporate Governance Code (2018 Code). In particular, it will seek to ensure that the Remuneration 
policy and practices are clear, simple, predictable, proportionate, identify and mitigate against risk, and are aligned to the Company’s purpose, 
Values and strategy.

The 2018 Code and new regulations on the reporting of directors’ remuneration were published during the year, and have introduced a number of 
remuneration reporting reforms. Compliance with the 2018 Code and new regulations is effective for Dechra’s financial year beginning 1 July 2019, 
and will be reported on in Dechra’s 2020 Annual Report. However, the Company has already adopted the following:

New Regulations 2018
Chief Executive Pay Ratio

See page 103

2018 UK Corporate Governance Code
Requirement for the Committee chair to have previously served on a 
remuneration committee for at least a year

The Committee complies with this requirement and the terms of reference 
have been amended accordingly

Minimum vesting and post-vesting holding periods for executive share 
awards extended to five years

The LTIP awards are subject to a three year vesting period and, in respect 
of awards granted from 2018 onwards, a two year holding period

Remuneration schemes and policies should enable the use of discretion 
to override formulaic outcomes

The performance conditions for the LTIP awards to be made in respect of 
the year ending 30 June 2020 and future years will include discretion to 
override formulaic outcomes, as described on page 104

The Board/Committee will address the following in the forthcoming year:

•  Review of workforce remuneration and related policies, and the alignment of incentives and rewards with culture when setting the policy for 

Executive Director remuneration;

•  Formal policy for post-employment shareholding requirements;

•  The requirement to align pension arrangements to those of the wider workforce;

•  Engagement with the workforce to explain how executive remuneration aligns with wider Group pay policy;

•  The review of the Senior Executive Team’s remuneration; and

•  Share price impact and scenario reporting.

The Committee will also be considering the remuneration arrangement for the Chief Financial Officer once an appointment has been made.

Shareholder Views 
We consult with shareholders on policy and on any significant events and take shareholders’ views into account before finalising our proposals. The 
Committee and I believe that ongoing dialogue with our major shareholders is of key importance. Should you have any queries in relation to this 
report, please contact me or the Company Secretary.

Ishbel Macpherson 
Remuneration Committee Chairman 
2 September 2019

94

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Remuneration at a Glance

Governance

Remuneration Philosophy
The Link between our Directors’ Remuneration Policy and our Strategy
Dechra’s Policy is designed to promote the long term success of the Group and to reward the creation of long term value for shareholders. The 
performance targets for all incentive elements are designed to reward high performance, whilst not encouraging inappropriate business risk taking.

The table below describes how certain remuneration elements are linked to our strategy.

Remuneration Element

Annual Bonus
Our annual bonus incentivises the delivery of the long term strategy through the achievement of  
short term objectives.

90% of the opportunity is based on a stretching profit target which requires performance above 
budget and market expectations to trigger the payment of a maximum bonus.

Link to our Key 
Performance Indicators

Strategic 
Growth  
Driver and 
Enabler

Sales Growth

Strong sales performance is 
required to maximise profit

a

b

c

The balance of the bonus is based on the achievement of personal objectives which reflect the 
priorities of the business, achievement of which is necessary to deliver the longer term strategy.  
Long Term Incentive Plan
The LTIP is designed to reward the generation of long term value for shareholders. Performance 
measures reflect our long term objectives including sustainable profit growth and the enhancement 
of shareholder value. Awards are based on growth in EPS and the delivery of shareholder returns. 
For the 2019 and 2020 financial year awards, the weightings are two thirds EPS and one third total 
shareholder return.

a

b

c

The application of a ROCE underpin focuses Executives on using capital efficiently and appropriately 
to allow the business to capitalise on growth opportunities in new territories and  
markets whilst maintaining returns.

The post vesting holding period aligns management with the long term interests of shareholders  
and the delivery of sustained performance. 

Underlying Diluted EPS 
Growth

Return on Capital  
Employed

New Product Sales

This measure encourages 
innovation, growth and 
sustainability

The performance conditions for the LTIP awards to be made in respect of the year ending 30 June 
2020 and future years will include discretion to override formulaic outcomes.
Generation of Long Term Value for Shareholders/Alignment of Interests
The Policy is designed to promote long term Group success and to reward the generation of shareholder value. A significant proportion of the 
remuneration opportunity is linked to the achievement of stretching performance targets.

The interests of shareholders and executives are further aligned by formal shareholding guidelines. Executive Directors are required to retain half of 
any shares acquired under the LTIP and, if relevant, any recruitment award (after sales to cover tax) until such time as their holding has a value equal 
to 200% of their base salary.

Executive Director Total Remuneration
Ian Page
2019

  2018

Tony Griffin
2019

  2018

How Did We Perform 
During 2019?

£117.4m

Underlying Profit  
Before Tax

16.6%

Underlying Diluted EPS 
Growth (CER)

15.5%

ROCE

Stock Code: DPH

Fixed

Salary 

Benefits 

Pension 

2018  2019

16.4%  16.8%

2.1%  2.0%

2.5%  2.4%

Performance-linked

Bonus 

LTIP 

Fixed

Salary 

Benefits 

Pension 

12.4%  12.1%

66.6%  66.7%

2018  2019

28.2%  27.1%

0.9%  0.9%

3.0%  3.0%

Performance-linked

Bonus 

LTIP 

20.7%  19.5%

47.2%  49.5%

95

 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance

Directors’ Remuneration Report

2019 Annual Report on Remuneration
The following section provides detail of remuneration earned by the Directors during the year in line with the Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
approved by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on 20 October 2017, along with details of how the Policy will be applied  
in the 2020 financial year. The sections of the 2019 Annual Report on Remuneration that are audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) are 
indicated on pages 96 to 102.

Executive Directors’ Remuneration (Audited)
Single Total Figure of Remuneration
The table below sets out the total remuneration for each person who has served as an Executive Director in the period ended 30 June 2019. The 
table shows the remuneration for each such person in respect of the year ended 30 June 2019 and the year ended 30 June 2018:

Ian Page
Richard Cotton
Tony Griffin
Total

Salaries

Benefits

2019
£000
500
275
309
1,084

2018
£000
500
356
303
1,159

2019
£000
60
26
10
96

2018
£000
65
29
10
104

Annual Bonus
2018
2019
£000
£000
380
360
272
–
223
223
875
583

Long Term 
Incentive

2019
£000
1,984
–
565
2,549

2018
£000
2,036
906
508
3,450

Pension

Total

2019
£000
70
38
34
142

2018
£000
77
40
32
149

2019
£000
2,974
339
1,141
4,454

2018
£000
3,058
1,603
1,076
5,737

Please note the following methodologies have been used in respect of the above table:

Salaries – this is the cash paid or received in respect of the relevant period. 

1. 
2.  Benefits – this represents the taxable value of all benefits paid or received in respect of the relevant period. The benefits provided include the use of a fully expensed 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

car, medical cover and life assurance. SAYE options granted in the year have also been included in the benefits column in respect of any year in which there was a 
grant. These have been valued using the fair value as per note 28 to the Group’s financial statements. 
Annual Bonus – this is the amount of cash bonus paid in respect of the financial year.
Long Term Incentives – this is the value of any long term incentives vesting where the performance period ended in the relevant period.
Pension – this is the cash value of the employer contribution to the Group stakeholder personal pension scheme or, in the case of Tony Griffin, defined contribution 
pension plan plus the value of any salary supplement paid. 
The 2018 value assigned to the long term incentives for Ian Page and Tony Griffin was shown in last year’s Annual Report as an estimate, with the value determined by 
reference to a share price of £27.707 (being the average market value of a share over the last quarter of the Company’s financial period ended on 30 June 2018). This 
has been restated to show the actual value determined by reference to a price of £22.44 (being the market value of a share on 22 October 2018, the date of vesting). 
The 2018 value for Richard Cotton in last year’s Annual Report was based on the value of his recruitment awards which vested half on 3 January 2018 and half on  
22 October 2018. The value included in last year’s Annual Report (£1,404,000) has been updated for the latest available information, including, in the case of the 
second half of the awards, a price of £22.44 (being the market value of a share on 22 October 2018, the date of vesting).  

7.  Richard Cotton resigned as an Executive Director on 3 April 2019 and left the business on 28 June 2019. The salary and pension figure disclosed in the table relates 

8. 

to the period to 3 April 2019. Payments made to Richard Cotton after this date are set out on page 100.  
Tony Griffin’s remuneration is paid in Euros but reported in Sterling for the purpose of this table. The exchange rate used for this purpose was 1.1286 for 2018 and 
1.1345 for 2019. His salary was €351,100 for 2019 (reflecting two months at a salary of €342,537 and ten months at a salary of €352,813) and €341,144 for 2018 
(reflecting two months at a salary of €334,182 and ten months at a salary of €342,537).

96

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Governance

Additional Disclosures in Respect of the Single Figure Table
Salaries and Fees
As disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report in the 2018 Annual Report, the Executive Directors’ base salaries were reviewed in September 
2018, in alignment with the Group’s performance development review calendar to provide a clearer link between performance and reward. Following 
that review, Richard Cotton’s and Tony Griffin’s salaries were increased by 3.0%, to £369,513 and €352,813 respectively, with effect from 1 September 
2018, broadly in line with the average range of increases awarded to employees in the wider Group. Ian Page notified the Remuneration Committee (the 
Committee) that he did not wish to be considered for a salary increase in 2019.

The Committee’s approach to Executive Directors’ salaries for the year ending 30 June 2020 is summarised on page 104.

Benefits
The Company provides benefits in line with market practice and each Executive Director has the use of a fully expensed car, medical cover and life 
assurance.

Annual Bonus
The Company operates an annual cash incentive scheme for the Executive Directors. Annual bonuses were awarded by the Committee in respect of 
the 2019 financial year having regard to the performance of the Group and personal performance objectives for the year.

The amount achieved for the year ended 30 June 2019 against targets for the 2019 financial year is as follows:

Measure
Underlying profit before tax

Threshold 
(10% of 
salary)
£99,920,050

Target (50% of 
salary)
£105,179,000

Maximum 
(90% of 
salary)
£115,696,900

Actual (at 
budgeted 
rates)
£107,866,933

Ian Page
62%

Tony Griffin
62%

Personal Objectives  
(see table below)

Up to 10% of salary.  The objectives are based on key aspects of 
delivering the Group’s strategy1 

10%

10%

1. 

The Committee considers that the objectives for the forthcoming financial year (2020) are commercially sensitive as they give our competitors insight into our 
business plans and therefore are not detailed in this report. They will be disclosed in the 2020 Annual Report.

2.  Richard Cotton resigned as an Executive Director on 3 April 2019 and left the business on 28 June 2019 and therefore was not entitled to receive a bonus.

The personal objectives of each Executive Director for the year ended 30 June 2019 are set on an individual basis and are closely linked to the 
corporate, financial, strategic and other non-financial objectives of the Company. This enables the Committee to reward the Executive Directors’ 
contribution to both the annual financial performance and the achievement of specific objectives. A summary of the objectives is set out below along 
with a description of the performance against them. The Committee reviewed the performance of each Executive Director against their specific 
objectives based on a report by the Chief Executive Officer and, with respect to the Chief Executive Officer, a report by the Chairman.

Director
Ian Page

Link to Strategic Enabler Objective
Acquisition

Build the pipeline of M&A opportunities;  
and ensure strategic value is derived  
from the 2018 financial year acquisitions

Product Pipeline

People

Manufacturing

Tony Griffin

Acquisition
People

Customers

Manufacturing

Expand new product pipeline through 
acquisition, investment or partnering 
arrangements
Recruit and onboard a new  
Non-Executive Director
Review the Group Manufacturing and  
Supply organisation and develop future  
proof structure to deliver strategic goals

Integration of AST Farma and Le Vet
Support the development of the global  
marketing approach in key therapeutic  
areas
Develop Corporatisation Plan

Support Manufacturing and Supply Chain  
to ensure improved processes and more  
robust Sales and Operations planning

Performance
Completed the acquisition of Laboratorios 
Vencofarma do Brasil Ltda (Venco) and derived 
significant value from the AST Farma and Le Vet 
acquisition
Completion of licensing agreements and the 
launch of the Le Vet pipeline 

Lisa Bright joined on 1 February 2019

Recruited Simon Francis to lead the 
Manufacturing and Supply organisation. 
restructured Quality and Supply Chain, adding 
key personnel 
Achieved key milestones
Key global roles implemented for CAP and 
Equine

Defined and communicated plan; milestones  
on track
Restructured Supply and Demand teams 
preparing to implement Integrated Business 
Planning

Stock Code: DPH

97

Governance

Directors’ Remuneration Report

continued

Long Term Incentive Plan
The LTIP awards granted on 19 September 2016 are due to vest on 19 September 2019. Ian Page and Tony Griffin were granted LTIP Awards 
on 19 September 2016, the performance targets for which are as follows: 50% of the award is subject to a performance condition based on the 
Company’s total shareholder return (TSR) performance relative to the constituent companies of the FTSE 250 index (excluding investment trusts) 
over the performance period as follows:

TSR performance
Below median
Median
Between median and upper quartile

Upper quartile

Vesting percentage
0%
25% of the TSR portion will vest
Pro rata vesting between 25% and 100% based on the Company’s ranking in 
the comparator group
100% of the TSR portion will vest

50% of each award is subject to a performance condition based on the growth in the Group’s underlying diluted earnings per share (EPS) over the 
performance period as follows:

EPS compound annual growth rate (CAGR)
<8% CAGR
8% CAGR
CAGR between 8% and 25%
>25% CAGR*

Vesting Percentage
0%
25% of the EPS portion will vest
Pro rata vesting between 25% and 100%
100% of the EPS portion will vest

*  This reflects the EPS performance requirement for maximum vesting as increased by the Committee from the original level of 20%, to reflect the acquisition of AST 

Farma B.V. and Le Vet Beheer B.V., as disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the 2018 financial year.

Both the TSR element and the EPS element are subject to an additional return on capital employed (ROCE) performance measure. Unless the 
Group’s ROCE is 10% or more in the final year of the performance period, the awards will lapse in full regardless of TSR and EPS performance.  
The percentage vesting will be reduced by 10% for every 1% that ROCE falls below 15%.

The Company’s TSR performance was over 148.2% compared with a 55.8% TSR for the upper quartile company in the comparator group (FTSE 
250 Index (excluding investment trusts)). Therefore, 100% of the TSR element will vest. In addition, the compound annual growth in the Group’s 
underlying diluted EPS for the performance period was 28.3%. Accordingly, 100% of the EPS element will vest. Overall, taking into account that 
ROCE performance for 2019 was 15.5%, the LTIP awards will vest as to 100% of the maximum opportunity. In the single figure table on page 96,  
the value attributable to this award is calculated by multiplying the number of shares in respect of which the award is expected to vest by £27.085 
(being the average market value of a share over the last quarter of the Company’s financial period ended on 30 June 2019).

SAYE
There were no exercises under the SAYE Scheme by Executive Directors during the year.

The aggregate gain made by the Executive Directors on share options and LTIP awards exercised during 2019 was £2,897,470 (2018: £3,497,837).

Pension
Ian Page and Richard Cotton were both members of the Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Group Stakeholder personal pension scheme throughout the 
year. Richard Cotton elected to receive a salary supplement in lieu of the employer contribution over and above £10,000 and Ian Page elected to 
receive his entire pension contributions as a salary supplement.

Tony Griffin was a member of the Basispensioen, a defined benefit pension plan established in the Netherlands up to 31 December 2018. The table 
below sets out the arrangements for Tony Griffin for the period under review.

Accrued benefit at 1 July 2018
Increase in accrued benefit excluding inflation allowance
Increase in accrued benefit including inflation allowance
Transfer value of benefit accrued during the period less member contributions
Transfer value at 1 July 2018
Transfer value at 31 December 2018
Increase in transfer value over the period after member contribution

€274,000
€6,000
€9,000
€282,000
€274,000
€283,000
€8,000

The defined benefit pension plan was capped at €50,000. Pensionable salary over this cap was paid into a defined contribution plan. From 1 January 
2015 there has been a cap on maximum amount of pensionable income set by the Dutch government, which for the period to 31 December 2018 
was €105,075 and for the period to 30 June 2019 was €107,583. Tony Griffin elected to receive a salary supplement in lieu of the pension premium 
entitlement for earnings above this cap. The earliest date that a non-reduced pension is payable is 10 February 2040. From 1 January 2019, Tony Griffin 
has received contributions to a defined contribution pension scheme in the Netherlands in respect of earnings up to the cap and a salary supplement in 
respect of earnings above the cap.

Contributions made by Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC on behalf of the Executive Directors during the year equated to no more than 14% of 
pensionable salary for each Executive Director.

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Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Governance

Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration (Audited)
Single Total Figure of Remuneration
The table below sets out the total remuneration for each person who has served as a Non-Executive Director in the period ended 30 June 2019. The 
Chairman and the other Non-Executive Directors are paid a fee for their role. The table shows the remuneration for each such person in respect of 
the year ended 30 June 2019 and the year ended 30 June 2018:

Tony Rice 

Additional responsibilities
Chairman and Nomination 
Committee Chair

Ishbel Macpherson Senior Independent Director and 

Julian Heslop
Lawson Macartney
Lisa Bright*

Total

Remuneration Committee Chair
Audit Committee Chair

Employee Engagement Designated 
Non-Executive Director

* Lisa Bright was appointed on 1 February 2019.

Base fee
£000

Additional fee
£000

Total
£000

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

126

126

50
50
50

21
297

50
50
50

–
276

5

13
10
–

2
30

–

8
5
–

–
13

131

126

63
60
50

23
327

58
55
50

–
289

The Senior Independent Director and the chairmen of the Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee receive an additional fee for those roles. 
From 1 July 2018, the Nomination Committee Chairman also received an additional fee for this role and on the appointment of the Employee 
Engagement Designated Non-Executive Director it was agreed that an additional fee should be paid for this role due to the additional time 
commitment required. As disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report in the 2018 Annual Report, it had been agreed that there would be no 
changes to the base fees (£126,000 for the Chairman and £50,000 for the Non-Executive Directors); however, there would be an increase to the 
additional fees as disclosed in the table below. 

Office
Audit Committee Chairmanship additional fee
Nomination Committee Chairmanship additional fee
Remuneration Committee Chairmanship additional fee
Senior Independent Director additional fee
Employee Engagement Designated Non-Executive additional fee

2019
Fee
£000
10
5
8
5
5

2018
Fee
£000
5
–
5
3
–

The Committee’s approach to the Chairman’s and Non-Executive Directors’ fees for the year ending 30 June 2020 is summarised on page 104.

Stock Code: DPH

99

Governance

Directors’ Remuneration Report

continued

Further Information on Directors’ Remuneration
Long Term Incentive Arrangement and Share Scheme awards during the financial year
Long Term Incentive Awards (Audited)
Awards were made under the Dechra 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan on 26 October 2018, as set out in the table below. 

Ian Page
Richard Cotton1
Tony Griffin

Maximum 
opportunity
Type of award
200% of salary
Nil cost option under the LTIP
Nil cost option under the LTIP
150% of salary
Conditional award under the LTIP 100% of salary

Number of 
shares
46,168
25,589
14,444

Face value 
at grant
£999,999
£554,258
£312,857

% of award 
vesting at 
threshold

Performance Period
25% 1 July 2018 – 30 June 2021
25% 1 July 2018 – 30 June 2021
25% 1 July 2018 – 30 June 2021

1.  Richard Cotton’s award lapsed on 28 June 2019 when he left the Company 

One third of each award is subject to a performance condition based on the Company’s TSR performance over the performance period relative to 
the constituent companies of the FTSE 250 index (excluding investment trusts) as follows:

TSR performance
Below median
Median
Between median and upper quartile

Upper quartile

Vesting percentage
0%
25% of the TSR portion will vest
Pro rata vesting between 25% and 100% based on the Company’s ranking  
in the comparator group
100% of the TSR portion will vest

Two thirds of each award is subject to a performance condition based on the growth in the Group’s underlying diluted EPS over the performance 
period. As disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report in the 2018 Annual Report, the Committee concluded that the EPS growth target 
required for maximum vesting should be the same as for the March 2018 grant. Accordingly, the EPS target is as follows:

EPS compound annual growth rate (CAGR)
<8% CAGR
8% CAGR
CAGR between 8% and 18%
>18% CAGR

Vesting Percentage
0%
25% of the EPS portion will vest
Pro rata vesting between 25% and 100%
100% of the EPS portion will vest

Both the TSR element and the EPS element are subject to an additional ROCE performance measure. Unless the Group’s ROCE is 10% or more in 
the final year of the performance period, the awards will lapse in full regardless of TSR and EPS performance.

Each award is subject to a two year holding period. Other than shares sold to satisfy tax liabilities arising in connection with the acquisition of shares, 
no shares acquired may be sold before the second anniversary of vesting.

SAYE (Audited)
There were no SAYE options granted to Executive Directors during the year ended 30 June 2019.

Payments to Past Directors (Audited)
Richard Cotton resigned as an Executive Director on 3 April 2019; he remained employed by the Company until 28 June 2019. The following 
payments were made during the period 3 April to 28 June 2019:

•  £103,000 in relation to his salary; and

•  £13,000 in relation to his pension.

Richard Cotton continued to receive private medical cover for him and his family and a fully insured car up to the last day of his employment with the 
Company. The value of these benefits for the full year is included in the Single Total Figure of Remuneration table on page 96.  

He was not entitled to receive a bonus for the year ended 30 June 2019 and his outstanding LTIP and SAYE awards lapsed on 28 June 2019.

Payments for Loss of Office (Audited)
There were no payments for loss of office made to Directors during the period.

100

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Governance

Shareholding Guidelines and Statement of Directors’ Shareholdings and Interests:
Executive Directors Interest under Share Schemes (Audited)
Awards held under the Long Term Incentive Plan by each person who was a Director during the year ended 30 June 2019 are as follows:

Ian Page

Award date
15 September 2015

19 September 2016
2 March 20182
26 October 2018
7 March 20173

Richard Cotton

2 March 20182
26 October 2018
15 September 2015

Tony Griffin

19 September 2016
2 March 2018 
26 October 2018

Number 
of shares 
at 30 June 
2018
90,721

Granted 
during the 
year
–

Lapsed 
during the 
year
–

Exercised 
during the 
year
90,721

Number 
of shares 
at 30 June 
2019
–

73,260
39,904
–
21,033

21,473
–
22,641

20,858
12,099
–

–
–
46,168
–

–
25,589
–

–
–
14,444

–
–
–
–

21,473
25,589
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
21,033

–
–
22,641

73,260 
39,904
46,168
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

20,858
12,099
14,444

Status
Vested and 
exercised in 
the year
Unvested1
Unvested
Unvested
Vested and 
exercised in 
the year
Lapsed
Lapsed
Vested and 
exercised in 
the year
Unvested1
Unvested
Unvested

Performance 
Period
2015–2018

2016–2019
2017–2020
2018–2021
2015–2018

2017–2020
2018–2021
2015–2018

2016–2019
2017–2020
2018–2021

1.  Will vest on 19 September 2019 as to 100%.

2. 

3. 

Each of Ian Page and Richard Cotton was granted a tax qualifying option over 1,197 shares at an exercise price of £25.06 as part of their LTIP award. These tax 
qualifying options are linked to the nil cost option such that, at the time of exercise, to the extent that there is a gain in the tax qualifying option, the nil cost option  
will be forfeited to the value of that gain.
This award was a Recruitment Award granted to Richard Cotton as referred to on page 87 of 2018 Annual Report. This was granted outside the rules of the LTIP.

Executive Directors may participate in the SAYE Scheme on the same basis as other employees. Awards held under the SAYE Scheme by each 
person who was a Director during the year ended 30 June 2019 are as follows:

Ian Page
Richard Cotton

* These options lapsed on 28 June 2019.

Number of 

Date of grant
12 October 2017
12 October 2017

options Option price
£16.46
£16.46

1,093
1,093*

Exercise date
December 2020
December 2020

Dilution Limits
Awards granted under Company LTIP, Executive Share Option Schemes and SAYE Schemes are met by the issue of new shares when the awards/
options are exercised. The Committee monitors the number of shares issued under each of these schemes and their impact on dilution limits. The 
Company’s usage of shares compared to the Investment Association dilution limits as at 30 June 2019 is as follows:

Executive Share Plans 
Limit: 5%
Usage: 2.3%

All Share Plans
Limit: 10%
Usage: 3.1%

Stock Code: DPH

101

Governance

Directors’ Remuneration Report

continued

Shareholdings (Audited)
Executive Directors
In respect of the financial year ended 30 June 2019, the Company’s shareholding guidelines required Executive Directors to have acquired and retained 
half of any shares acquired under the LTIP and, if relevant, any recruitment award (after sales to cover tax) until such time as their holding has a value 
equal to 200% of salary. Unvested share based incentives will not be allowed to count towards the holding requirements. Shares which are vested, but 
which remain subject to a holding period and/or clawback, may count towards the holding requirement on a net of assumed tax basis.

The holdings of each person who served as an Executive Director during the period ended 30 June 2019 and their families as at 30 June 2019 are as follows:

Name
Ian Page
Tony Griffin
Richard Cotton

* Calculated using the share price as at 28 June 2019.

Appointment date
13 June 1997
1 November 2012
3 January 2017

Ordinary 
shares
Number
786,650
70,606
63,384

Ordinary 
shares
£000* % of salary
4320
21,601
626
1,939
471
1,741

Non-Executive Directors
By the third anniversary of their appointment to the Board, Non-Executive Directors are required to have acquired and retained a holding of Dechra 
shares equivalent to the value of at least 50% of their annual base fee. The holdings of the Non-Executive Directors and their families as at 30 June 
2019 are as follows:

Name
Tony Rice
Ishbel Macpherson
Julian Heslop
Lawson Macartney
Lisa Bright

Appointment date
5 May 2016
1 February 2013
1 January 2013
1 December 2016
1 February 2019

* Calculated using the share price as at 28 June 2019.

Ordinary 
shares
number
40,000
5,848
10,000
5,880
–

Ordinary 
shares
£000*
1,098
161
275
161
–

% of base 
fee
872
321
549
323
–

There have been no changes in the holdings of the Company’s continuing Directors between 30 June and 2 September 2019.

Performance and Chief Executive Remuneration
TSR
The graph below shows the TSR performance of the Company over the past ten financial years compared with the TSR over the same period for the 
FTSE 250 Total Return Index. Throughout the financial year ended 30 June 2019 the Company has been a constituent member of the FTSE 250; for 
this reason it is considered that the TSR performance of the FTSE 250 Index is the appropriate comparator for this report.

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

)
0
0
1
o
t
d
e
s
a
b
e
r
(

n
r
u
t
e
R
r
e
d
o
h
e
r
a
h
S

l

l

a
t
o
T

0
2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Dechra

FTSE 250

102

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer Remuneration for Ten Previous Years

Year ended
30 June 2019
30 June 2018
30 June 2017
30 June 2016
30 June 2015
30 June 2014
30 June 2013
30 June 2012
30 June 2011
30 June 2010

Governance

Total single
figure
remuneration
£000
2,974
3,058
3,420
2,480
1,934
1,589
1,201
682
984
768

Annual
bonus
payout (%
of maximum
opportunity)
72
76
92
72
80
80
36
60
60
44

LTIP vesting
(% of
maximum
number of
shares)
100.0
100.0
100.0
96.25
93.1
100.0
100.0
0
71.1
100.0

Percentage Change in Chief Executive Officer Remuneration
The table below sets out in relation to salary, taxable benefits and annual bonus the percentage change in pay for Ian Page and the average percentage 
change for all UK based employees, comparing pay in respect of the year ended 30 June 2018 and the year ended 30 June 2019. For these purposes,  
UK employees were chosen as a comparator group reflecting that Ian Page is UK based and the number of UK employees was sufficiently large to provide 
a robust comparison. Employees outside the UK were not included in the comparator group since country specific differences could distort the comparison.

Chief Executive Officer
Average per all UK based employees

1. 

Excludes SAYE options granted during the year.

% change (2018–2019)

Salary

–
8.3%

Taxable 
benefits1
(7.7%)
16.7%

Annual 
Bonus
(5.3%)
(8.5%)

Chief Executive Officer’s Pay Ratio
The table below shows the ratio of the Chief Executive Officer’s remuneration for 2019 and 2018 using the Single Total Figure as disclosed on page 96 to 
the full time equivalent remuneration of the UK employee whose remuneration was ranked at the 25th percentile, median and 75th percentile. Employees’ 
pay was calculated on the same basis as the Single Total Figure Remuneration except that anyone who joined or left the business part way through the year 
has been excluded from the calculations along with anybody on reduced pay for illness, maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave. Although 
we are not required to include this disclosure as the applicable regulations apply only for financial years starting on or after 1 January 2019, we have 
chosen to do so on a voluntary basis.  

Year
2018
2019

25th 
percentile 
pay ratio
137:1
136:1

Median pay 
ratio
109:1
105:1

75th 
percentile 
pay ratio
58:1
55:1

Method
Option A1
Option A1

1. 

The applicable regulations provide for three methods of calculating the pay ratio. We have chosen Option A and have calculated the pay and benefits of all of the 
Group’s UK employees in order to identify the employees at the 25th, median and 75th percentile. We have chosen this approach reflecting that guidance recognises 
this as the most statistically accurate method.  

Chief Executive Officer
25th percentile employee
Median employee
75th percentile employee

20191
Total pay 
and benefits
£000
2,974
22
28
54

20182
Total pay 
and benefits
£000
3,058
22
28
53

1. 

2. 

The 2019 figure includes share options and awards, which have been valued by reference to £27.085 (being the average market value of a share over the last quarter 
of the Company’s financial period ended 30 June 2019). SAYE options granted in 2018 and 2019 financial years have also been included in the benefits column in 
respect of any year in which there was a grant. These have been valued using the fair value as per note 28 to the Group’s financial statements.
The 2018 figure includes share options and awards, which have been valued by reference to the actual value for the LTIP of £22.44 and the value at the exercise 
date for the Approved and Unapproved Share Options (£25.00). 

In 2019, there were a total of 380 UK employees (2018: 357 UK employees), 87 of which have been excluded for the above stated reasons  
(2018: 77), leaving 293 employees in the data set (2018: 280). Of these 178 worked in our Manufacturing business which is predominately shop 
floor workers (2018: 178). We believe that the final figures detailed above are representative of the majority of the data set. 

Stock Code: DPH

103

Governance

Directors’ Remuneration Report

continued

Relative Importance of Spend on Pay
The following table sets out the percentage change in distributions to shareholders (by way of dividend and share buyback) and total remuneration 
paid to or receivable by all Group employees comparing the year ended 30 June 2018 and the year ended 30 June 2019. The significant increase in 
the distributions to shareholders is directly attributable to the 8.8 million new shares issued at the time of the AST Farma and Le Vet acquisition.

Distributions to shareholders by way of dividend and share buyback
Overall expenditure on pay

Year ended 
30 June 2019
£000
28,400
92,700

Year ended 
30 June 2018
£000
21,810
88,200

% change
30.3%
5.1%

Implementation of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy in the Year Ending 30 June 2020 
The Directors’ Remuneration Policy outlined on pages 106 to 110 will be implemented in the year ending 30 June 2020, as set out below.

Salary and Fees
The next review of Executive Directors’ salaries will be undertaken in September 2019. It is planned that the Executive Directors’ salaries for 2020 
will increase in line with the range of increases proposed for the wider workforce.

Following a review of the Non-Executive Directors’ base and additional fees, it was agreed that no changes will be made to the additional fees for the year 
ending 30 June 2020, with the exception of the Remuneration Committee Chair additional fee which will increase form £8,000 to £10,000. With regards to 
the base fees, subject to shareholder approval of the resolution at the 2019 Annual General Meeting to amend Article 99 of the Articles of Association which 
will increase the cap on Non-Executive fees to £0.75 million, the fees will increase as follows: 

Office
Chairman
Non-Executive Director

2019
Fee
£000
126
50

2020
Fee
£000
130
52

It is proposed that the base fee increases and the increase in the additional fee for Remuneration Committee Chair will apply with effect from 1 July 2019.

Annual Bonus
No changes have been made to the bonus structure. Consequently, Executive Directors will have a bonus opportunity of 100% of salary for the 
year ending 30 June 2020, on the same basis as for the year ended 30 June 2019. Details of the bonus structure can be found on page 97. In the 
opinion of the Board, the performance targets applying to the annual bonus are commercially sensitive, and prospective disclosure could provide 
competitors with insight into the Group’s business plans and expectations. However, the Company will disclose how any bonus earned relates to 
performance against targets on a retrospective basis when the targets are no longer considered commercially sensitive, as shown on page 97 in 
respect of bonuses for the Group’s 2019 financial year.

LTIP
The Committee proposes that LTIP awards for the year ending 30 June 2020 (the 2020 Grant) will be made at the level of 200% of salary for Ian 
Page and 100% of salary for Tony Griffin. The performance measures remain as per the grant of LTIP awards made on 26 October 2018, details 
of which can be found on page 100. In setting the EPS growth targets for the 2020 Grant, the Committee recognised that the base year for those 
awards will include a full year of AST Farma and Le Vet and also took into account the impact of the Akston licensing agreement on the R&D 
spend, and have reduced the maximum target from 18% to 16%  but have maintained the minimum target recognising that significant growth is still 
forecast. The Committee will be considering the impact of this licensing agreement on the awards granted on 2 March 2018 (the 2018 Grant) and 
the awards granted on 26 October 2018 (the 2019 Grant) during the forthcoming year and will disclose any adjustments to the targets for those 
awards and the Committee rationale in the 2020 Directors’ Remuneration Report.

Having regard to the provisions of the 2018 Code, the performance conditions for the 2020 Grant and future awards will include an ability on the 
part of the Committee to adjust the vesting outcome where the formulaic outcome is inappropriate in the context of underlying performance or other 
factors considered by the Committee to be relevant.

The awards will ordinarily be subject to a two year post vesting holding period.

Consideration by the Directors of Matters relating to Directors’ Remuneration
Governance
The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s Remuneration Policy and the setting of the Non-Executive Directors’ fees, although the task of 
determining and monitoring the remuneration packages of the Executive Directors and agreeing the Chairman’s fee level has been delegated to the 
Committee. The task of determining and monitoring the remuneration packages for the SET has been delegated to the Committee in relation to the 
2020 financial year onwards.

Membership
Details of each member’s attendance at the Committee’s meetings is detailed on page 93. The Chief Executive Officer and Group HR Director both 
attended all meetings held during the financial year in order to assist on matters concerning remuneration of other senior executives within the 
Group. However, neither was present during the part of the meetings where their own remuneration was discussed. 

104

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Governance

Responsibilities
The Committee has its own terms of reference, which are approved by the Board. These are reviewed on an annual basis so that they continue to 
adhere to best practice. During the 2019 financial year this review took place at the June 2019 meeting and they were amended to reflect the 2018 UK 
Corporate Governance Code requirements. Copies can be obtained via the Company website at www.dechra.com. The Committee Chairman and the 
Company Secretary are available to shareholders to discuss the Remuneration Policy. An overview of the Committee’s terms of reference is provided on 
page 76.

Service Contracts and Letters of Appointment
Details of Executive Directors’ service contracts and Non-Executive Directors’ letters of appointment are set out below:

                          Notice Period

Name
Tony Rice
Ian Page
Tony Griffin
Lisa Bright
Julian Heslop
Lawson Macartney
Ishbel Macpherson

Commencement date
5 May 2016
1 September 2008
1 November 2012
1 February 2019
1 January 2013
1 December 2016
1 February 2013

Director
3 months
6 months
6 months
3 months
3 months
3 months
3 months

Company
3 months
12 months
12 months
3 months
3 months
3 months
3 months

There are no expiry dates applicable to either Executive or Non-Executive Directors’ service contracts/letters of appointment. The Non-Executive 
Directors are entitled to compensation on termination of their appointment confined to three months’ remuneration.

Policy on External Appointments
The Company recognises that Executive Directors may be invited to become Non-Executive Directors of other companies and that this can help 
broaden the skills and experience of a Director. Executive Directors are only permitted to accept external appointments with the approval of the Board. 
No Executive Directors currently hold external appointments.

Advisers
The following have provided advice to the Committee during the year in relation to its consideration of matters relating to Directors’ remuneration: 

•  Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Group HR Director and Company Secretary; and

•  Deloitte LLP (Deloitte).

Deloitte is retained to provide independent advice to the Committee as required. Deloitte is a member of the Remuneration Consultants Group and, 
as such, voluntarily operates under the Code of Conduct in relation to executive remuneration consulting in the UK. Deloitte’s fees for providing 
remuneration advice to the Committee were £9,000 for the year ended 30 June 2019. The Committee assesses from time to time whether this 
appointment remains appropriate or should be put out to tender and takes into account the Remuneration Consultants Group Code of Conduct 
when considering this. Deloitte was appointed by the Committee and has provided share scheme advice and general remuneration advice to the 
Company. During the year Deloitte also performed tax advisory work for Dechra.

Alignment of Wider Workforce Pay
The Committee takes into account the general base salary increases for the wider employee population when determining the Executive Directors 
pay increases. The Committee also reviews, and from the 2020 financial year will determine, the pay increases awarded to the Senior Executive 
Team and approves the Long Term Incentive awards to this group as well as the share options granted to the senior employees below the SET.

Statement of Voting at Previous Annual General Meeting
The Company remains committed to ongoing shareholder dialogue and takes an active interest in voting outcomes. The following table sets out 
actual voting in respect of the advisory vote on the Directors’ Remuneration Report at the Annual General Meeting on 19 October 2018, the binding 
vote on the Company’s new SAYE scheme at that meeting, and the binding vote on the Remuneration Policy at the Company’s Annual General 
Meeting on 20 October 2017:

Resolution
To approve Remuneration Report
To approve Remuneration Policy
To approve the SAYE Scheme

Ishbel Macpherson 
Remuneration Committee Chairman 
2 September 2019

Votes 
for
76,045,670
72,932,631
76,738,556

% of vote
98.58
98.88
99.45

Votes 
against
1,092,914
823,955
423,701

% of vote
1.42
1.12
0.55

Votes 
withheld
25,330
8,619
1,658

Stock Code: DPH

105

Governance

Directors’ Remuneration Report

continued

Directors’ Remuneration Policy
The Remuneration Policy was approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on 20 October 2017 and became effective from this date.  
The full Remuneration Policy as approved by shareholders is available at www.dechra.com. We have set out a summary below of those parts of the  
Remuneration Policy which we consider shareholders will find most useful.

Policy Table for Executive Directors:

Element

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Base Salary

Core element of fixed remuneration 
reflecting the individual’s role and 
experience

Retirement Benefits

Provide a competitive means of saving 
to deliver appropriate income in 
retirement

Salaries are ordinarily reviewed annually taking into account a number of factors 
including the value of the individual, their skills and experience and performance

Whilst there is no maximum salary, increases will normally be within the range of salary 

While no formal performance conditions apply, an individual’s 

increases awarded (in percentage of salary terms) to other employees in the Group. 

performance in role is taken into account in determining any 

The Committee also takes into consideration:

•  pay increases within the Group more generally; and

•  Group organisation, profitability and prevailing market conditions

The Company operates a Group Stakeholder personal pension scheme

The Company contributes up to 14% of salary to a pension scheme on behalf 

Not applicable

Tony Griffin participated in a defined benefit pension plan which has 
been established in the Netherlands. This is a funded career average pay 
arrangement, where pensionable salary is subject to a €50,000 cap. Pension 
contributions over this cap are paid into a defined contribution pension plan.

In appropriate circumstances, an Executive Director may receive a salary 
supplement in lieu of contributions to a pension scheme

However, higher increases may be awarded in certain circumstances, such as:

salary increase

•  on promotion or in the event of an increase in scope of the role or the 

individual’s responsibilities;

•  where an individual has been appointed to the Board at a lower than typical 

market salary to allow for growth in the role, in which case larger increases 

may be awarded to move salary positioning to a typical market level as the 

individual gains experience;

•  change in size and complexity of the Group; and/or

• 

significant market movement

Such increases may be implemented over such time period as the Committee 

deems appropriate

of the Executive Directors, and/or as a salary supplement in lieu of pension 

contributions where appropriate

Benefits

Provided on a market competitive basis The Company provides benefits in line with market practice and includes the 

Whilst the Committee has not set an absolute maximum on the level of benefits 

Not applicable

use of a fully expensed car (or car allowance), medical cover and life assurance 
scheme

Other benefits may be provided based on individual circumstances, which may 
include relocation costs and expatriate allowances

Executive Directors may receive, the value is set at a level which the Committee 

considers to be appropriately positioned taking into account relevant market levels 

based on the nature and location of the role and individual circumstances

Annual Bonus

The executive bonus scheme rewards 
Executive Directors for achieving 
financial and strategic targets in 
the relevant year by reference to 
operational targets and individual 
objectives

Targets are reviewed annually and any pay-out is determined by the Committee 
after the year end based on targets set for the financial period

The maximum bonus opportunity for Executive Directors is 100%  

Operational targets (which may be based on financial or 

of base salary

strategic measures) and individual objectives are determined to 

The Committee has discretion to amend the pay-out should any formulaic output 
not reflect the Committee’s assessment of overall business performance

Recovery provisions apply, as referred to below

reflect the Company’s strategy

The personal objectives for:

• 

the Chief Executive Officer are set by the Chairman;

•  other Executive Directors are set by the Chief Executive 

The personal objectives are reviewed and endorsed by the 

Officer

Committee

At least 75% of the bonus opportunity is based on financial 

measures (such as profit before tax)

For financial measures, up to 15% of the maximum is earned for 

threshold performance, rising to up to 50% of the maximum for 

target performance and 100% of the maximum for maximum 

performance

Vesting of the bonus in respect of strategic measures or 

individual objectives will be between 0% and 100% based on 

the Committee’s assessment of the extent to which the relevant 

metric or objective has been met

106

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Governance

Directors’ Remuneration Policy

The Remuneration Policy was approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on 20 October 2017 and became effective from this date.  

The full Remuneration Policy as approved by shareholders is available at www.dechra.com. We have set out a summary below of those parts of the  

Remuneration Policy which we consider shareholders will find most useful.

Policy Table for Executive Directors:

Element

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Base Salary

Core element of fixed remuneration 

Salaries are ordinarily reviewed annually taking into account a number of factors 

reflecting the individual’s role and 

including the value of the individual, their skills and experience and performance

experience

The Committee also takes into consideration:

Whilst there is no maximum salary, increases will normally be within the range of salary 
increases awarded (in percentage of salary terms) to other employees in the Group. 
However, higher increases may be awarded in certain circumstances, such as:

While no formal performance conditions apply, an individual’s 
performance in role is taken into account in determining any 
salary increase

•  on promotion or in the event of an increase in scope of the role or the 

individual’s responsibilities;

•  where an individual has been appointed to the Board at a lower than typical 
market salary to allow for growth in the role, in which case larger increases 
may be awarded to move salary positioning to a typical market level as the 
individual gains experience;

•  change in size and complexity of the Group; and/or

• 

significant market movement

Such increases may be implemented over such time period as the Committee 
deems appropriate

Retirement Benefits

Provide a competitive means of saving 

The Company operates a Group Stakeholder personal pension scheme

to deliver appropriate income in 

retirement

The Company contributes up to 14% of salary to a pension scheme on behalf 
of the Executive Directors, and/or as a salary supplement in lieu of pension 
contributions where appropriate

Not applicable

Benefits

Provided on a market competitive basis The Company provides benefits in line with market practice and includes the 

Whilst the Committee has not set an absolute maximum on the level of benefits 
Executive Directors may receive, the value is set at a level which the Committee 
considers to be appropriately positioned taking into account relevant market levels 
based on the nature and location of the role and individual circumstances

Not applicable

•  pay increases within the Group more generally; and

•  Group organisation, profitability and prevailing market conditions

Tony Griffin participated in a defined benefit pension plan which has 

been established in the Netherlands. This is a funded career average pay 

arrangement, where pensionable salary is subject to a €50,000 cap. Pension 

contributions over this cap are paid into a defined contribution pension plan.

In appropriate circumstances, an Executive Director may receive a salary 

supplement in lieu of contributions to a pension scheme

use of a fully expensed car (or car allowance), medical cover and life assurance 

scheme

Other benefits may be provided based on individual circumstances, which may 

include relocation costs and expatriate allowances

Annual Bonus

The executive bonus scheme rewards 

Targets are reviewed annually and any pay-out is determined by the Committee 

Executive Directors for achieving 

after the year end based on targets set for the financial period

The maximum bonus opportunity for Executive Directors is 100%  
of base salary

financial and strategic targets in 

the relevant year by reference to 

operational targets and individual 

The Committee has discretion to amend the pay-out should any formulaic output 

not reflect the Committee’s assessment of overall business performance

objectives

Recovery provisions apply, as referred to below

Operational targets (which may be based on financial or 
strategic measures) and individual objectives are determined to 
reflect the Company’s strategy

The personal objectives for:

• 

the Chief Executive Officer are set by the Chairman;

•  other Executive Directors are set by the Chief Executive 

Officer

The personal objectives are reviewed and endorsed by the 
Committee

At least 75% of the bonus opportunity is based on financial 
measures (such as profit before tax)

For financial measures, up to 15% of the maximum is earned for 
threshold performance, rising to up to 50% of the maximum for 
target performance and 100% of the maximum for maximum 
performance

Vesting of the bonus in respect of strategic measures or 
individual objectives will be between 0% and 100% based on 
the Committee’s assessment of the extent to which the relevant 
metric or objective has been met

Stock Code: DPH

107

Governance

Directors’ Remuneration Report

continued

Element
Long Term Incentive 
Plan (LTIP)

Purpose and link to strategy
The LTIP provides a clear link between 
the remuneration of the Executive 
Directors and the creation of value 
for shareholders by rewarding the 
Executive Directors for the achievement 
of longer term objectives aligned to 
shareholders’ interests

All Employee Share 
Plans

Provision of the Save As You Earn 
Scheme (SAYE) to Executive Directors 
creates staff alignment with the Group 
and provides a sense of ownership. 
Executive Directors may participate in 
such other all employee share plans as 
may be introduced from time to time

Operation
Under the LTIP 2017, the Committee may grant awards as:
•  conditional shares;

•  nil (or nominal cost) options;

• 

forfeitable shares; 

•  market value share options with a per share exercise price equal to the 

market value of a share at the date of grant; or 

•  cash settled equivalents (or may settle in cash a share award) 

Other than in the case of ‘Qualifying LTIP awards’ as referred to below, market 
value share options will not be granted to Executive Directors

Awards will usually vest following the assessment of the applicable performance 
conditions, and will either:

•  not be released until the end of a holding period of two years beginning on 

the vesting date; or

•  be released at vesting so that the participant is entitled to acquire shares, 
but on the basis that he is not able to dispose of those shares (other than  
as regards sales to cover tax liabilities) until the end of the holding period

An additional payment (in the form of cash or shares) may be made in respect of 
shares which vest under the LTIP to reflect the value of dividends which would 
have been paid on those shares during the period beginning with the date of 
grant and ending with the release date (this payment may assume that dividends 
had been reinvested in Dechra shares on a cumulative basis)

Market value options may be granted under the LTIP as tax-advantaged 
Company Share Option Plan (CSOP) options, offering tax savings to the  
Group and the participant

The Committee may at its discretion structure awards as Qualifying LTIP Awards, 
consisting of a CSOP option and an ordinary nil-cost LTIP award, with the 
ordinary award scaled back at exercise to take account of any gain made on 
exercise of the CSOP option

Recovery provisions apply, as referred to below

Tax qualifying monthly savings scheme facilitating the purchase of shares  
at a discount

Any other all employee share plan would be operated for Executive Directors 
in accordance with its rules and on the same basis as for other qualifying 
employees

Maximum opportunity

200% of salary

The maximum award level under the LTIP in respect of any financial year is  

Performance measures under the LTIP will be based on financial 

Performance measures

measures (such as, earnings per share growth, relative total 

shareholder return, return on capital employed and free  

If a Qualifying LTIP award is granted, the value of shares subject to the  

CSOP option will not count towards the limits referred to above, reflecting  

cash flow)

the provisions for the scale back of the ordinary LTIP award

Awards will vest as to 25% for threshold performance, 

increasing to 100% for maximum performance

The limit on participation and the permitted discount under the SAYE scheme 

There are no performance conditions attached to awards under 

will be those set in accordance with the applicable tax legislation from time to 

the SAYE

time. The limit on participation under and other relevant terms of any other all 

employee share plan would be determined in accordance with the plan rules 

(and, where relevant, applicable legislation) and would be the same for the 

Executive Directors as for other relevant employees

Policy Table for Non-Executive Directors:

Element

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Fees and benefits

To provide fees within a market 
competitive range reflecting the 
experience of the individual, 
responsibilities of the role and the 
expected time commitment

The Chairman’s fees are determined by the Committee and the Non-Executive 
Directors’ fees are determined by the Board following a recommendation from 
both the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman

Non-Executive Directors: 

•  are not eligible to participate in any of the Company’s share schemes, 

incentive schemes or pension schemes; 

•  may be eligible to receive benefits such as travel and other reasonable 

expenses

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Fees are set taking into account the responsibilities of the role and expected  

Not applicable

time commitment. Non-Executive Directors are paid a basic fee with additional 

fees paid for:

• 

• 

• 

circumstances

the chairing of Committees; 

the role of Senior Independent Director; and 

the role of Employee Engagement Designated Non-Executive Director

Where benefits are provided to Non-Executive Directors they will be provided 

at a level considered to be appropriate taking into account the individual 

108

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www.dechra.com

Element

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Long Term Incentive 

The LTIP provides a clear link between 

Under the LTIP 2017, the Committee may grant awards as:

Plan (LTIP)

the remuneration of the Executive 

•  conditional shares;

Directors and the creation of value 

for shareholders by rewarding the 

Executive Directors for the achievement 

of longer term objectives aligned to 

shareholders’ interests

•  nil (or nominal cost) options;

• 

forfeitable shares; 

Maximum opportunity
The maximum award level under the LTIP in respect of any financial year is  
200% of salary

If a Qualifying LTIP award is granted, the value of shares subject to the  
CSOP option will not count towards the limits referred to above, reflecting  
the provisions for the scale back of the ordinary LTIP award

Performance measures
Performance measures under the LTIP will be based on financial 
measures (such as, earnings per share growth, relative total 
shareholder return, return on capital employed and free  
cash flow)

Awards will vest as to 25% for threshold performance, 
increasing to 100% for maximum performance

Governance

•  market value share options with a per share exercise price equal to the 

market value of a share at the date of grant; or 

•  cash settled equivalents (or may settle in cash a share award) 

Other than in the case of ‘Qualifying LTIP awards’ as referred to below, market 

value share options will not be granted to Executive Directors

Awards will usually vest following the assessment of the applicable performance 

conditions, and will either:

the vesting date; or

•  not be released until the end of a holding period of two years beginning on 

•  be released at vesting so that the participant is entitled to acquire shares, 

but on the basis that he is not able to dispose of those shares (other than  

as regards sales to cover tax liabilities) until the end of the holding period

An additional payment (in the form of cash or shares) may be made in respect of 

shares which vest under the LTIP to reflect the value of dividends which would 

have been paid on those shares during the period beginning with the date of 

grant and ending with the release date (this payment may assume that dividends 

had been reinvested in Dechra shares on a cumulative basis)

Market value options may be granted under the LTIP as tax-advantaged 

Company Share Option Plan (CSOP) options, offering tax savings to the  

Group and the participant

The Committee may at its discretion structure awards as Qualifying LTIP Awards, 

consisting of a CSOP option and an ordinary nil-cost LTIP award, with the 

ordinary award scaled back at exercise to take account of any gain made on 

exercise of the CSOP option

Recovery provisions apply, as referred to below

All Employee Share 

Provision of the Save As You Earn 

Tax qualifying monthly savings scheme facilitating the purchase of shares  

Plans

Scheme (SAYE) to Executive Directors 

at a discount

creates staff alignment with the Group 

and provides a sense of ownership. 

Executive Directors may participate in 

such other all employee share plans as 

may be introduced from time to time

employees

Any other all employee share plan would be operated for Executive Directors 

in accordance with its rules and on the same basis as for other qualifying 

The limit on participation and the permitted discount under the SAYE scheme 
will be those set in accordance with the applicable tax legislation from time to 
time. The limit on participation under and other relevant terms of any other all 
employee share plan would be determined in accordance with the plan rules 
(and, where relevant, applicable legislation) and would be the same for the 
Executive Directors as for other relevant employees

There are no performance conditions attached to awards under 
the SAYE

Policy Table for Non-Executive Directors:

Element

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Fees and benefits

To provide fees within a market 

The Chairman’s fees are determined by the Committee and the Non-Executive 

competitive range reflecting the 

Directors’ fees are determined by the Board following a recommendation from 

experience of the individual, 

both the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman

Fees are set taking into account the responsibilities of the role and expected  
time commitment. Non-Executive Directors are paid a basic fee with additional 
fees paid for:

Performance measures

Not applicable

responsibilities of the role and the 

expected time commitment

Non-Executive Directors: 

•  are not eligible to participate in any of the Company’s share schemes, 

incentive schemes or pension schemes; 

•  may be eligible to receive benefits such as travel and other reasonable 

expenses

• 

• 

• 

the chairing of Committees; 

the role of Senior Independent Director; and 

the role of Employee Engagement Designated Non-Executive Director

Where benefits are provided to Non-Executive Directors they will be provided 
at a level considered to be appropriate taking into account the individual 
circumstances

Stock Code: DPH

109

Governance

Directors’ Remuneration Report

continued

Recruitment Remuneration Policy
When hiring a new Executive Director, the Committee will typically align the remuneration package with the above Policy. When determining 
appropriate remuneration arrangements, the Committee may include other elements of pay which it considers are appropriate. However, this 
discretion is capped and is subject to the limits referred to below.

• 

• 

• 

 Base salary will be set at a level appropriate to the role and the experience of the Executive Director being appointed. This may include 
agreement on future increases up to a market rate, in line with increased experience and/or responsibilities, subject to good performance,  
where it is considered appropriate.

 Pension will only be provided in line with the above Policy.

 The Committee will not offer non-performance related incentive payments (for example a ‘guaranteed sign-on bonus’).

•  Other elements may be included in the following circumstances:

•  an interim appointment being made to fill an Executive Director role on a short term basis;

• 

• 

 if exceptional circumstances require that the Chairman or a Non-Executive Director takes on an executive function on a short term basis;

 if an Executive Director is recruited at a time in the year when it would be inappropriate to provide a bonus or long term incentive award 
for that year as there would not be sufficient time to assess performance. Subject to the limit on variable remuneration set out below, the 
quantum in respect of the months employed during the year may be transferred to the subsequent year so that reward is provided on a fair 
and appropriate basis;

• 

if the Director will be required to relocate in order to take up the position, it is the Company’s policy to allow reasonable relocation, travel and 
subsistence payments. Any such payments will be at the discretion of the Committee.

• 

 The Committee may also alter the performance measures, performance period, vesting period and holding period of the annual bonus or LTIP, 
subject to the rules of the LTIP, if the Committee determines that the circumstances of the recruitment merit such alteration. The rationale will be 
clearly explained in the next Directors’ Remuneration Report.

• 

 The maximum level of variable remuneration which may be granted (excluding ‘buyout’ awards as referred to below) is 300% of salary.

The Committee may make payments or awards in respect of hiring an employee to ‘buyout’ remuneration arrangements forfeited on leaving a 
previous employer. In doing so, the Committee will take account of relevant factors including any performance conditions attached to the forfeited 
arrangements and the time over which they would have vested. The Committee will generally seek to structure ‘buyout’ awards or payments on 
a comparable basis to the remuneration arrangements forfeited. Any such payments or awards are excluded from the maximum level of variable 
remuneration referred to above. ‘Buyout’ awards will ordinarily be granted on the basis that they are subject to forfeiture or ‘clawback’ in the event 
of departure within 12 months of joining Dechra, although the Committee will retain discretion not to apply forfeiture or clawback in appropriate 
circumstances.

Any share awards referred to in this section will be granted as far as possible under Dechra’s ordinary share plans. If necessary and subject to the 
limits referred to above, recruitment awards may be granted outside of these plans as permitted under the Listing Rules which allow for the grant  
of awards to facilitate, in unusual circumstances, the recruitment of an Executive Director.

Where a position is filled internally, any ongoing remuneration obligations or outstanding variable pay elements shall be allowed to continue in 
accordance with their terms.

Fees payable to a newly appointed Chairman or Non-Executive Director will be in line with the policy in place at the time of appointment.

Policy on Service Contracts:
Details of the Executive Directors’ service contracts and Non-Executive Directors’ letters of appointment are set out on page 105.

Whilst the Committee’s policy is for the service contract of any newly appointed Executive Director to have a notice period of not more than 12 
months, the Committee retains discretion to set an initial notice period of up to 24 months, reducing to 12 months after the initial 12 months of 
employment.

Ishbel Macpherson 
Remuneration Committee Chairman 
2 September 2019

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www.dechra.com

Directors’ Report – Other Disclosures

Governance

The Directors present their annual report on the affairs of the Group, together with the audited Group financial statements for the year ended 30 June 
2019. Certain disclosure requirements which form part of the Directors’ Report are included elsewhere in this Annual Report. Therefore, this report 
should be read in conjunction with the Strategic Report (which includes the Corporate Social Responsibility Report) on pages 8 to 67 along with the 
Corporate Governance Report and Board Committee Reports. They are incorporated by reference into this Directors’ Report and include:

•  Details in respect of the Board of Directors;

•  Details in respect of Directors’ Indemnities;

•  Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities;

•  Review of the Group’s business during the year and any likely future developments;

•  Details of acquisitions and disposals during the year;

•  Going concern and viability statements;

•  Approach to employees with disabilities and employee involvement; and

•  Details in respect of Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Information in relation to financial risk management (including the exposure to price, credit and liquidity risk) and post-balance sheet events can be 
found in notes 24 and 38 respectively to the Financial Statements.

Amendment of the Articles of Association
The Company’s Articles of Association may be amended by a special resolution of its shareholders. A resolution will be put to shareholders at the 
forthcoming Annual General Meeting to adopt new Articles of Association in order to increase the cap on the Non-Executive Director’s fees to  
£0.75 million and to update the Company’s existing Articles of Association with regards to the utilisation of hybrid meetings.

Significant Agreements/Change of Control
As detailed in the Going Concern Statement on page 81, the Group has bank facilities with a group of banks comprising Bank of Ireland (UK) plc, 
BNP Paribas, Fifth Third Bank, HSBC Bank plc, Lloyds Bank plc, Raiffeisen Bank International AG and Santander UK plc (the Banks); these facilities 
include change of control provisions. Under this provision, a change of control of the Company could result in withdrawal of facilities. No other 
agreements that take effect, alter or terminate upon a change of control of the Company following a takeover bid are considered to be significant in 
terms of their potential impact on the business as a whole.

The Company does not have agreements with any Director or employee that provide compensation for loss of office or employment resulting from 
a takeover, other than the Company share schemes. Under such schemes outstanding options and awards normally vest and become exercisable 
on a change of control, subject to the satisfaction of any performance conditions at that time. In the event of a change of control, unvested awards 
under the Long Term Incentive Plan will vest to the extent determined by the Remuneration Committee taking into account the relevant performance 
conditions and, unless the Remuneration Committee determines otherwise, the extent of vesting so determined shall be reduced to reflect the 
proportion of the relevant performance period that has elapsed.

The Directors consider that there are no contracted or other single arrangements, such as those with major suppliers, which are likely to influence, 
directly or indirectly, the performance of the business and its values. Furthermore, there are no contracts of significance subsisting during the 
financial year between any Group undertaking and a controlling shareholder or in which a Director is or was materially interested.

Directors
The Articles of Association state that a Director may be appointed by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders or by the Directors, either to fill a 
vacancy or as an addition to the existing Board but so that the total number of Directors does not exceed the maximum number of Directors allowed 
pursuant to the Articles of Association. The maximum number of Directors currently allowed pursuant to the Articles of Association is ten.

The Articles of Association also state that the Board of Directors is responsible for the management of the business of the Company and in doing so 
may exercise all the powers of the Company subject to the provision of relevant legislation and the Company’s Articles of Association. The powers of 
the Directors set out in the Articles of Association include those in relation to the issue and buy-back of shares.

Overseas Branches
The Company, through its subsidiary Genera d.d., has established branches in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia.

Political Donations and Expenditure
No political donations were made during the year ended 30 June 2019 (2018: nil). The Group has a policy of not making any donations to political 
organisations or independent election candidates or incurring political expenditure anywhere in the world as defined in the Political Parties, Elections 
and Referendums Act 2000.

Stock Code: DPH

111

Governance

Directors’ Report – Other Disclosures

continued

Research and Development
The Group has a structured development programme with the aim of identifying and bringing to market new pharmaceutical products. Investment 
in development is seen as key to strengthen further the Group’s competitive position. Further information in relation to product development can be 
found on pages 40 to 43. The expense on this activity for the year ended 30 June 2019 was £25.1 million (2018: £18.3 million) and a further  
£1.2 million (2018: £1.7 million) was capitalised as development costs.

Results and Dividends
The results for the year and financial position at 30 June 2019 are shown in the Consolidated Income Statement on page 123 and Consolidated 
Statement of Financial Position on page 125. The Directors are recommending the payment of a final dividend of 22.10 pence per share which, if 
approved by shareholders, will be paid on 15 November 2019 to shareholders registered at 25 October 2019. The shares will become ex-dividend 
on 24 October 2019. An interim dividend of 9.50 pence per share was paid on 8 April 2019, making a total dividend for the year of 31.60 pence per 
share (2018: 25.50 pence per share). The total dividend payment is £32.5 million (2018: £26.1 million).

Share Capital
The issued share capital of the Company for the year is set out in note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As at the end of the financial 
year 102,651,602 fully paid ordinary shares were in issue, which included 321,967 ordinary shares issued during the year in connection with the 
exercise of options under the Company’s share option schemes. 

The holders of shares are entitled to receive dividends when declared, to receive the Company’s Report and Accounts, to attend and speak at 
general meetings of the Company, to appoint proxies and to exercise voting rights. There are no restrictions on transfer or limitations on the holding 
of shares in the Company, nor are there any requirements to obtain prior approval in respect of any transfer of shares. The Directors are not aware of 
any agreements which limit the transfer of shares or curtail voting rights attached to those shares. 

At the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 19 October 2018, the Company was authorised to purchase up to 10,232,963 of its 
ordinary shares, representing 10% of the issued share capital of the Company as at 7 September 2018. No shares were purchased under this 
authority during the financial year. A resolution will be put to shareholders at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting to renew this authority for a 
further period of one year. Under the proposed authority shares purchased may be either cancelled or held in treasury.

The Directors require authority from shareholders to allot unissued share capital to the Company and to disapply shareholders’ statutory pre-emption 
rights. Such authorities were granted at the 2018 Annual General Meeting and resolutions to renew these authorities will be proposed at the 2019 
Annual General Meeting.

Substantial Interests in Voting Rights
In accordance with the requirements in the Listing Rules and the Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority, the 
Company had been notified of the following interests exceeding the 3% notification threshold as at the end of the financial year and a date not more 
than one month before the date of the notice of the Annual General Meeting.

Standard Life Aberdeen
Fidelity Management & Research
BlackRock Inc
Royal London Mutual Assurance Society
The Vanguard Group, Inc
Aviva plc

30 June 2019

14 August 2019

Aggregate 
voting 
rights
11,686,914
9,251,752
5,685,115
4,445,623
3,559,800
3,093,151

Percentage
11.39
9.01
5.54
4.33
3.47
3.01

Aggregate 
voting 
rights
11,472,230
9,272,915
5,856,519
4,396,255
3,530,100
3,109,875

Percentage
11.18
9.03
5.71
4.28
3.44
3.03

Auditor
A resolution to re-appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as external auditor and to authorise the Audit Committee to determine their remuneration 
will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Audit Information
Each of the Directors who held office at the date of the approval of the Directors’ Report confirms that, so far as he or she is aware, there is no 
relevant audit information of which the external auditor is unaware, and each Director has taken all steps that he or she ought to have undertaken as 
a Director to make himself or herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the external auditor is aware of that information.

The Directors’ Report has been approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

Melanie Hall 
Company Secretary 
2 September 2019

112

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Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

Governance

Each of the Directors as at the date of the Annual Report, whose names 
and functions are set out on pages 72 and 75, confirm that to the best 
of their knowledge: 

1.  the Company Financial Statements, which have been prepared in 
accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 
101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’, and applicable law), give a 
true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit 
of the Company;

2.  the Group Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with 

IFRSs as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group; and

3.  the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development and 
performance of the business and the position of the Group and 
Company, together with a description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties that it faces.

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

Ian Page 
Chief Executive Officer 
2 September 2019

Tony Rice 
Non-Executive Chairman 
2 September 2019

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in Respect of the 
Annual Report and Financial Statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the 
Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.  

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Financial Statements 
for each financial year. Under that law the Directors are required to 
prepare the Group Financial Statements in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European 
Union (EU) and Company Financial Statements in accordance with 
United Kingdom (UK) Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United 
Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101 ‘Reduced 
Disclosure Framework’, and applicable law).

Under company law, the Directors must not approve the Financial 
Statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view  
of the state of affairs of the Group and Company and of the profit or loss 
of the Group and Company for that period. In preparing the Financial 
Statements, the Directors are required to:  

• 

• 

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;  

state whether applicable IFRSs as adopted by the European 
Union have been followed for the Group Financial Statements and 
United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101, have 
been followed for the Company Financial Statements, subject to 
any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial 
Statements;

•  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

and  

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

The Directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the 
Group and Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the 
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records 
that are sufficient to show and explain the Group and Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Group and Company, and enable them to 
ensure that the Financial Statements and the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report comply with the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group 
Financial Statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.   

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the 
Company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the 
preparation and dissemination of Financial Statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.

The Directors consider that the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a 
whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Group and Company’s 
performance, business model and strategy.

Stock Code: DPH

113

FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

Contents

125

116
123
124

Independent Auditors’ Report
Consolidated Income Statement
Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statement of 
Financial Position
Consolidated Statement of Changes 
in Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
127
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 128
Company Statement of Financial Position
171
Company Statement of Changes in 
172
Shareholders’ Equity
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
Financial History

173
181

126

STRONG 
FINANCIALS 
SUPPORTING 
STRATEGIC 
OPPORTUNITIES

114

115

Financial Statements

Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of  
Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC

Report on the audit of the financial statements
Opinion
In our opinion:

•  Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC’s Group financial statements and Company financial statements (the “financial statements”) give a true and fair 

view of the state of the Group’s and of the Company’s affairs as at 30 June 2019 and of the Group’s profit and cash flows for the year then 
ended;

• 

• 

• 

the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted 
by the European Union;

the Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice 
(United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”, and applicable law); and

the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group 
financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

We have audited the financial statements, included within the Annual Report and Accounts (the “Annual Report”), which comprise: the Consolidated 
and Company Statements of Financial Position as at 30 June 2019; the Consolidated Income Statement and Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income; the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows; and the Consolidated and Company Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ 
Equity for the year then ended; and the notes to the financial statements, which include a description of the significant accounting policies.

Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to the Audit Committee.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under 
ISAs (UK) are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We believe that the audit 
evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence
We remained independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the 
UK, which includes the FRC’s Ethical Standard, as applicable to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities  
in accordance with these requirements.

To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the Group 
or the Company.

Other than those disclosed in note 7 to the financial statements, we have provided no non-audit services to the Group or the Company in the period 
from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019.

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www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

Our audit approach
Overview

•  Overall Group materiality: £3.8 million, based on 3% of underlying operating profit.

• 

In determining overall Group materiality for the prior year, we considered a range of benchmarks that may be 
appropriate in the Group’s circumstances and which are used to assess the performance of the Group. Applying 
our professional judgement, we determined Group overall materiality in the prior year to be £2.3 million.

•  Overall Company materiality: £2.4 million (2018: £2.4 million), based on 0.5% of net assets.
•  Following our assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the Group financial statements we performed 

audits of the complete financial information of 22 reporting units.

• 

In addition the Group engagement team audited the Company and certain centralised functions, including 
those covering the Group treasury operations, corporate taxation, and goodwill and intangible asset impairment 
assessments.

•  The components on which audits of the complete financial information and centralised work was performed 

accounted for 91% of Group revenue, 90% of Group underlying operating profit and 92% of Group profit before tax.

•  As part of our supervision process, the Group engagement team have reviewed the work of significant 

components, in addition to performing the audits of the in scope UK reporting locations.

Our assessment of the risk of material misstatement also informed our views of the areas of particular focus of our 
work which are listed below:

•  Business combinations – assessment of the acquisition accounting in respect of Laboratorios Vencofarma do 

Brasil Ltda, Caledonian Holdings Limited and Caledonian Holdings Distribution Pty Limited;

• 

Impairment of intangible assets – assessment of the carrying value of acquired intangible assets and other 
relevant assets;

•  Licensing agreements – recognition and subsequent remeasurement of acquired intangible assets in respect  

of licensing agreements; and

•  Taxation – assessment of uncertain tax provisions.

The scope of our audit
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. 

Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities, including fraud
Based on our understanding of the Group and industry, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related 
to the Listing Rules, Tax legislation, Employment regulation, Health and Safety legislation, and other legislation specific to the industries in which 
the Group operates, and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also 
considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006. 
We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of 
controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to posting inappropriate journal entries to increase revenue or reduce expenditure  
to manipulate the financial performance of the business, and management bias in accounting estimates. The Group engagement team shared this 
risk assessment with the component auditors so that they could include appropriate audit procedures in response to such risks in their work.  
Audit procedures performed by the Group engagement team and/or component auditors included:

•  Discussions with management, internal audit and the Group’s legal counsel, including consideration of known or suspected instances of  

non-compliance with laws and regulation and fraud;

•  Review of internal audit reports in so far as they related to the financial statements;

•  Assessment of matters reported on the Group’s whistleblowing helpline and the results of management’s investigation of such matters;

•  Reading key correspondence with regulatory authorities, such as the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency;

•  Enquiries with component auditors;

• 

Identifying and testing unusual journal entries which increase revenue or reduce expenditure to manipulate the financial performance of the 
business;

•  Consideration of the policy for the recognition of revenue and performed substantive testing to ensure compliance with this policy, namely  

in respect of the cut-off of revenue recognised in Dechra Veterinary Products NA; and

•  Assessing key judgements and estimates made by management for evidence of inappropriate bias. Key judgements and estimates include the 

business combinations, impairment of intangible assets, licensing agreements, and uncertain tax positions. Details of our procedures in these 
areas are included in our key audit matters below. 

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the 
events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material 
misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for 
example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

Stock Code: DPH

117

Financial Statements

Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of  
Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC

continued

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements of 
the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by the auditors, 
including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the 
engagement team. These matters, and any comments we make on the results of our procedures thereon, were addressed in the context of our 
audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. This  
is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit. 

Key audit matter
Business combinations – assessment of the acquisition 
accounting in respect of Laboratorios Vencofarma do Brasil  
Ltda, Caledonian Holdings Limited and Caledonian Holdings 
Distribution Pty Limited.

How our audit addressed the key audit matter
We read the sale and purchase agreement in order to understand the 
nature of the transaction and ensure that relevant clauses that impact the 
accounting had been considered by the Directors. Additionally we agreed the 
consideration paid back to the terms of the sale and purchase agreement.

Refer to the Audit Committee Report on page 86, the critical accounting 
estimates and judgements in note 1 (b) to the accounts  
on page 128, and note 32 (Acquisitions).

We reviewed and challenged management’s assessment of the  
acquired assets and liabilities to ensure that the identification process  
was complete and accurate.

The Group completed the acquisition of the entire share capital of 
Laboratorios Vencofarma do Brasil Ltda on 17 December 2018 and the 
acquisition of the trade and assets of Caledonian Holdings Limited and 
Caledonian Holdings Distribuition Pty Limited on 8 October 2018.

We focused on this area because the accounting for business 
combinations including the valuation of the opening balance sheet 
position is inherently judgemental.

IFRS 3 (revised) requires that consideration is given to the existence 
and measurement of separately identifiable intangible assets that have 
been acquired as part of each respective acquisition agreement. For 
the acquisitions significant value has been attributed to the developed 
technology, brand, in process research and development, and existing 
product rights, the recognition of which is dependent on cash flow 
forecasts including future business growth, product development 
and the application of an appropriate discount rate, all of which are 
subjective.

The calculation of deferred tax liabilities arising on the separately 
identifiable intangible assets is reliant on the correct application of  
local tax regulations and applicable rates.

Impairment of intangible assets – assessment of the carrying 
value of acquired intangible assets and other relevant assets.

Refer to the Audit Committee Report on page 86, the critical accounting 
estimates and judgements in note 1 (b) to the accounts on page 128, and 
note 12 (Intangible assets).

The directors exercise judgement as to whether impairment triggers, 
which require a full impairment assessment to be performed, have been 
identified in relation to intangible assets.

Where a full impairment assessment is required to support the carrying 
value of the assets held, the directors have prepared a discounted cash 
flow which includes a number of assumptions. The assumption which is 
deemed to be the most significant in these forecasts is in respect of the 
future performance of products. The long term growth and discount rate 
are also considered to be subjective.

We obtained the cash flow forecasts supporting the valuation of those 
intangible assets identified and agreed that these were consistent with 
those approved by the Board as part of the acquisition process. In 
addition, we performed look-back tests to assess the accuracy of the 
Group’s forecasts and assumptions, and performed sensitivity analysis 
over the key assumptions to determine if a reasonable change could  
have a significant impact over the value recorded. 

We engaged our valuation specialists who confirmed that the methodology 
used to value each intangible asset is in line with expectation. Our valuation 
specialists also agreed that the discount rates were consistent with those 
applied by companies of comparable size, geographical spread and within 
the relevant industry.

For the remaining fair values of other assets and liabilities acquired, we 
performed substantive testing, including attending a stock count and 
performing a physical asset verification exercise close to the acquisition 
date where material.

We recalculated the deferred tax liabilities arising on the acquired 
intangibles assets and agreed that relevant tax rates have been used.

Additionally, we reviewed the disclosure note associated with the 
acquisition and confirmed that this was appropriate. 
We reviewed the forecast financial performance of individual intangible 
assets and held discussions with management in respect of future market 
conditions to identify any potential indicators of impairment.

We reviewed management’s impairment model and reperformed all 
calculations within the discounted cash flow. We agreed that the current 
and future cash flow forecasts used as the basis of the model are 
consistent with previous performance. Valuation specialists were utilised 
to benchmark, within a reasonable range, the discount rate assumptions 
and certain growth rates to economic and industry averages and the cost 
of capital for other comparable companies respectively. We assessed the 
sufficiency of headroom through the performance of sensitivity analysis on 
key assumptions, confirming that an impairment is not reasonably possible.

Additionally, we reviewed the disclosure note associated with the 
impairment review and confirmed that this was appropriate. 

118

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Financial Statements

Key audit matter
Licensing agreements – recognition and subsequent 
remeasurement of acquired intangible assets in respect of 
licensing agreements. 

Refer to the Audit Committee Report on page 86, the critical accounting 
estimates and judgements in note 1 (b) to the accounts on page 128, and 
note 33 (Deferred and contingent consideration).

New licensing agreements
On 26 February 2019, a license and distribution agreement to market 
and supply an injectable solution was acquired.

The in-licensing agreement has been recorded at cost and will be 
amortised straight line over the period of the contract of 15 years 
from the date validation studies carried out in respect of the first three 
commercial and full-scale batches of the licensed product have been 
successfully completed.

The milestone and other payments of the contract are forecast to reflect the 
probability of a successful product launch and subsequent performance 
under the contractual terms of the agreement. The future payments are 
contingent on these factors and therefore represent an area of judgement.

On 19 November 2018, a licensing agreement was entered into in the 
equine market. A commercially stable product is yet to be achieved and 
thus in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies set out within note 
1 (g) all milestone payments have been expensed to the Income Statement.

Remeasurement of existing agreements
During the year related liabilities in respect of the exclusive distribution 
agreement for StrixNB and DispersinB with Kane Biotech Inc., the in-licensing 
agreement with Animal Ethics Pty Ltd for Tri-Solfen® and the Injectable 
Solution with Anzac Animal Health LLC were reassessed for the timing and 
quantum of future contingent cash flows. The variability of the timing and 
quantum of the future cash flows represents an area of judgement.
Taxation – assessment of uncertain tax provisions

Refer to the Audit Committee Report on page 86, the critical accounting 
estimates and judgements in note 1 (b) to the accounts on page 129, and 
note 9 (Income Tax Expenses).

The Group operates in a complex multi-national tax environment and there 
are open tax matters and areas of judgement with various overseas tax 
authorities. In addition, from time to time the Group enters into commercial 
transactions with complicated accounting and tax consequences.

Judgement is required in assessing the level of provisions required in 
respect of uncertain tax provisions.

How our audit addressed the key audit matter
•  New in-licensing agreements

We obtained management’s model and reperformed the calculations 
forming the basis of the valuation.

We have performed sensitivities on the expected timing of contractual 
milestones and agreed that those adopted are consistent with those 
approved by the Board. Through the performance of sensitivity analysis, we 
have confirmed that a material misstatement is not reasonably possible.

Our valuation specialists also confirmed that the discount rate was 
consistent to those applied by other companies of comparable size, 
geographical spread and within the relevant industry.

•  Remeasurement of existing agreements

We obtained management’s model and reperformed the calculations 
forming the basis of the valuation.

We have assessed the changes made to the assumptions underpinning 
the licensing agreements with Kane Biotech Inc., Animal Ethics Pty Ltd. 
and Anzac Animal Health LLC.  In doing so we corroborated the revised 
cash flow assumptions to updated forecasts and performed sensitivity 
analysis to take into consideration reasonably possible alternatives.

Additionally, we reviewed the disclosure note associated with licensing 
agreements and confirmed that this was appropriate. 

In conjunction with our UK, US and international tax specialists, we 
evaluated and challenged management’s judgements in respect of 
estimates of tax exposures and contingencies in order to assess the 
adequacy of the Group’s tax provisions. This included obtaining and 
evaluating certain third party tax advice that the Group has obtained to 
assess the appropriateness of any assumptions used.

In understanding and evaluating management’s judgements, we considered 
the status of recent and current tax authority audits and enquiries, the 
outturn of previous claims, judgemental positions taken in tax returns and 
current year end estimates and developments in the tax environment.

Additionally, we reviewed the disclosure note associated with uncertain 
tax provisions and confirmed that this was appropriate. 

We determined that there were no key audit matters applicable to the Company to communicate in our report.

How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, 
taking into account the structure of the Group and the Company, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which they operate.

The Group is structured along three segments being European Pharmaceuticals, North American Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceuticals Research 
and Development, with each division set up to manage operations on both a regional and functional basis, consisting of a number of reporting units.

The Group Financial Statements are a consolidation of 73 active reporting units comprising the Group’s operating businesses and centralised 
functions. These reporting units maintain their own accounting records and controls and report to the head office finance team in the UK.

Accordingly, of the Group’s 73 active reporting units we identified 22 which, in our view, required a full audit of their complete financial information in order to 
ensure that sufficient audit evidence was obtained. The reporting units on which a full audit of their complete financial information was performed accounted 
for 91% of Group revenue, 90% of underlying operating profit and 92% of profit before tax. Of these reporting units, 17 were considered to be significant 
components due to their size or risk characteristics, being those units located in the UK, the USA, Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany.

Stock Code: DPH

119

Financial Statements

Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of  
Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC

continued

The Group consolidation, Financial Statements disclosures and a number of centralised functions were audited by the Group engagement team at 
the head office. These included, but were not limited to, central procedures on treasury operations, corporate taxation and goodwill and intangible 
asset impairment assessments. We also performed Group level analytical procedures on all of the remaining out of scope active reporting units to 
identify any unusual transactions. The Company was also subject to a full scope audit.

Where the work was performed by component auditors, we determined the level of involvement we needed to have in the audit work at those 
reporting component units. As a result, overseas significant components in the USA, Denmark and the Netherlands were visited and the work of all 
significant components reviewed by senior members of the Group audit team, whilst the Group engagement team were responsible for the audit of 
all in scope UK reporting units. In addition, the Group audit team were in contact at each stage of the audit, in line with detailed instructions issued 
and through global planning calls and further regular written communication. Specifically, for all component teams, the Group team discussed 
in detail the planned audit approach at the component level, were in attendance at local audit close meetings and following independent review, 
discussed the detailed reported findings of the audit with each component team.

Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, together with qualitative 
considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures on the individual financial statement 
line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both individually and in aggregate on the financial statements as a whole. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Group financial statements

Overall materiality £3.8 million (2018: £2.3 million).
How we 
determined it

3% of underlying operating profit.

In the prior year, we considered a range of benchmarks that may be 
appropriate in the Group’s circumstances and which are used to assess 
the performance of the Group and applied professional judgement in 
determining Group overall materiality to be £2.3 million.  

Company financial statements
£2.4 million (2018: £2.4 million).
0.5% of net assets.

Rationale for 
benchmark 
 applied

In the current year we have revised our rationale to be based on underlying 
operating profit.
We have revised our rationale as we believe the Group’s principal measure  
of performance and earnings is underlying operating profit. Management 
uses this measure as it believes that it eliminates material non-operational 
items that may obscure the key trends and factors in determining the 
Group’s operational performance. Furthermore it is this measure which 
represents the primary focus for management and key stakeholders.

We took these considerations into account in determining our materiality  
and concluded that this represents an appropriate benchmark for assessing 
the performance of the Group.

The Company is the ultimate holding Company 
of the Dechra Group of Companies and with no 
trading activity, net assets is considered to be 
the primary measure used by the shareholders 
in assessing the performance of the entity, and 
is a generally accepted auditing benchmark.

For each component in the scope of our Group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall Group materiality. The range of materiality 
allocated across components was between £0.02 million and £2.4 million. Certain components were audited to a local statutory audit materiality that 
was also less than our overall Group materiality.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £0.2 million (Group audit) (2018: 
£0.2 million) and £0.2 million (Company audit) (2018: £0.2 million) as well as misstatements below those amounts that, in our view, warranted 
reporting for qualitative reasons.

Going concern
In accordance with ISAs (UK) we report as follows:

Reporting obligation
We are required to report if we have anything material to add or draw attention to 
in respect of the directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether the 
directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting 
in preparing the financial statements and the directors’ identification of any material 
uncertainties to the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern 
over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial 
statements.

We are required to report if the directors’ statement relating to Going Concern 
in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is materially inconsistent with our 
knowledge obtained in the audit.

Outcome
We have nothing material to add or to draw attention to.

However, because not all future events or conditions can be 
predicted, this statement is not a guarantee as to the Group’s and 
Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. For example, 
the terms on which the United Kingdom may withdraw from the 
European Union are not clear, and it is difficult to evaluate all of the 
potential implications on the Group’s trade, customers, suppliers 
and the wider economy.  
We have nothing to report.

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Financial Statements

Reporting on other information 
The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our auditors’ report thereon. The 
directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we 
do not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form of assurance thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other 
information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. 
If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are required to perform procedures to conclude whether there is a material 
misstatement of the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that 
there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report based on these responsibilities.

With respect to the Strategic Report, Directors’ Report and Corporate Governance Statement, we also considered whether the disclosures required 
by the UK Companies Act 2006 have been included.  

Based on the responsibilities described above and our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006 (CA06), ISAs (UK) and 
the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) require us also to report certain opinions and matters as described below (required by ISAs 
(UK) unless otherwise stated).

Strategic Report and Directors’ Report
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report for the year 
ended 30 June 2019 is consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. (CA06)

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we did not 
identify any material misstatements in the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report. (CA06)
Corporate Governance Statement
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Corporate Governance Statement (on pages 
70 to 82) about internal controls and risk management systems in relation to financial reporting processes and about share capital structures in 
compliance with rules 7.2.5 and 7.2.6 of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the FCA (“DTR”) is consistent with the 
financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. (CA06)

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we did not 
identify any material misstatements in this information. (CA06)

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Corporate Governance Statement (on pages 70 
to 82) with respect to the Company’s corporate governance code and practices and about its administrative, management and supervisory bodies 
and their committees complies with rules 7.2.2, 7.2.3 and 7.2.7 of the DTR. (CA06)

We have nothing to report arising from our responsibility to report if a corporate governance statement has not been prepared by the Company. (CA06)
The directors’ assessment of the prospects of the Group and of the principal risks that would threaten the solvency or liquidity of the 
Group
We have nothing material to add or draw attention to regarding:

•  The directors’ confirmation on page 82 of the Annual Report that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the 

Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity.

•  The disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those risks and explain how they are being managed or mitigated.

•  The directors’ explanation on page 82 of the Annual Report as to how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period they 
have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that 
the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any related 
disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

We have nothing to report having performed a review of the directors’ statement that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal 
risks facing the Group and statement in relation to the longer-term viability of the Group. Our review was substantially less in scope than an audit and 
only consisted of making inquiries and considering the directors’ process supporting their statements; checking that the statements are in alignment 
with the relevant provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”); and considering whether the statements are consistent with the 
knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit. (Listing Rules)
Other Code Provisions
We have nothing to report in respect of our responsibility to report when: 

•  The statement given by the directors, on page 87, that they consider the Annual Report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced and understandable, 
and provides the information necessary for the members to assess the Group’s and Company’s position and performance, business model and 
strategy is materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the Group and Company obtained in the course of performing our audit.

•  The section of the Annual Report on page 86 describing the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters 

communicated by us to the Audit Committee.

•  The directors’ statement relating to the Company’s compliance with the Code does not properly disclose a departure from a relevant provision of 

the Code specified, under the Listing Rules, for review by the auditors.

Stock Code: DPH

121

Financial Statements

Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of  
Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC

continued

Directors’ Remuneration
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 
2006. (CA06)

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities set out on page 113, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the 
financial statements in accordance with the applicable framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The directors are also 
responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either 
intend to liquidate the Group or the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a 
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise 
from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Statements is located on the FRC’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/
auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditors’ report.

Use of this report
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 
of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, 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.

Other Required Reporting
Companies Act 2006 Exception Reporting
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not 

visited by us; or

•  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

• 

the Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting 
records and returns. 

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility. 

Appointment
Following the recommendation of the audit committee, we were appointed by the directors on 23 October 2015 to audit the financial statements for 
the year ended 30 June 2016 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is 4 years, covering the years ended 
30 June 2016 to 30 June 2019.

Andrew Hammond (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
Birmingham
2 September 2019

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Consolidated Income Statement

For the year ended 30 June 2019

Financial Statements

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative 
expenses
Research and development expenses
Operating profit
Finance income 
Finance expense
Share of loss of investments accounted 
for using the equity method
Profit before taxation
Income taxes
Profit for the year
Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Profit for the year
Earnings per share
Basic
Diluted
Dividend per share (interim paid 
and final proposed for the year)

Note
2

Underlying
£m
481.8
(203.6)
278.2

(125.7)
(25.1)
127.4
0.7
(10.5)

(0.2)
117.4
(24.9)
92.5

92.5
–

92.5

2
3
4

6
7
9

11
11

10

2019

Non-
underlying*
(notes
4 & 5)
£m
–
(5.1)
(5.1)

(76.5)
(6.8)
(88.4)
–
(1.0)

(0.2)
(89.6)
28.0
(61.6)

(61.6)
–

(61.6)

2018

Non-
underlying*
(notes
4 & 5)
£m
–
(5.1)
(5.1)

(52.0)
(8.0)
(65.1)
–
0.5

(0.2)
(64.8)
26.4
(38.4)

(38.4)
–

(38.4)

Underlying
£m
407.1
(179.6)
227.5

(110.0)
(18.3)
99.2
1.5
(6.9)

(0.1)
93.7
(19.2)
74.5

74.5
–

74.5

Total
£m
481.8
(208.7)
273.1

(202.2)
(31.9)
39.0
0.7
(11.5)

(0.4)
27.8
3.1
30.9

30.9
–

30.9

30.15p
30.07p

31.60p

Total
£m
407.1
(184.7)
222.4

(162.0)
(26.3)
34.1
1.5
(6.4)

(0.3)
28.9
7.2
36.1

36.1
–

36.1

37.24p
37.04p

25.50p

*  The Group presents a number of non-GAAP Alternative Performance Measures (APMs). This allows investors to understand better the underlying performance of the 

Group, by excluding non-underlying items as set out in note 5.

Stock Code: DPH

123

Financial Statements

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 30 June 2019

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/(expense):

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension scheme
Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income/(expense)

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations
Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income/(expense)

Total comprehensive income for the period
Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

2019
£m
30.9

–
–

–

3.8
–
3.8
34.7

34.7
–
34.7

2018
£m
36.1

–
–

–

(0.4)
–
(0.4)
35.7

35.7
–
35.7

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www.dechra.com

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

At 30 June 2019

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments
Deferred tax assets
Total non-current assets
Current assets
Inventories
Current tax receivables
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Borrowings
Trade and other payables
Deferred and contingent consideration
Current tax liabilities
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Deferred income
Deferred and contingent consideration
Employee benefit obligations
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
EQUITY
Issued share capital
Share premium account
Own shares
Foreign currency translation reserve
Merger reserve
Retained earnings
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

* Restated as detailed in note 1

Note

12
13
6
15

16
20
17
18

21
19
33
20

21

33
 23
 22
15

25

26

27

Financial Statements

2019
£m

687.0
58.4
10.1
0.9
756.4

104.0
7.9
99.9
80.3
292.1
1,048.5

(1.2)
(95.5)
(5.1)
(16.3)
(118.1)

(306.9)
–
(30.9)
–
(2.0)
(81.5)
(421.3)
(539.4)
509.1

1.0
277.9
–
21.6
84.4
124.2
509.1
–
509.1

Restated*
2018
£m

709.8
45.3
10.5
3.8
769.4

86.6
–
81.6
79.7
247.9
1,017.3

(1.2)
(75.7)
(8.8)
(5.9)
(91.6)

(289.9)
(0.2)
(28.0)
(3.0)
(2.8)
(96.8)
(420.7)
(512.3)
505.0

1.0
276.7
(0.4)
17.8
84.4
125.5
505.0
–
505.0

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 2 September 2019 and are signed on its behalf by:

Ian Page 
Chief Executive Officer 
2 September 2019

Tony Rice 
Non-Executive Chairman 
2 September 2019

Company number: 3369634

Stock Code: DPH

125

Financial Statements

Consolidated Statement of Changes in  
Shareholders’ Equity

For the year ended 30 June 2019

Attributable to owners of the parent

Issued
share
capital
£m
0.9
–

Share
premium
account
£m
173.4
–

Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
£m
18.2
–

Own 
shares
£m
(0.7)
–

Merger
reserve
£m
1.8
–

Retained
earnings
£m
107.4
36.1

–
–

–
–
0.1
–
–

0.1
1.0

1.0
–
1.0
–

–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
103.3
–
–

103.3
276.7

276.7
–
276.7
–

–
–

–
–
1.2
–

–
1.0

1.2
277.9

–
–

–
–
–
0.3
–

0.3
(0.4)

(0.4)
–
(0.4)
–

–
–

–
–
–
0.4

0.4
–

(0.4)
(0.4)

–
–
–
–
–

–
17.8

17.8
–
17.8
–

3.8
3.8

–
–
–
–

–
—

–
–
82.6
–
–

82.6
84.4

84.4
–
84.4
–

–
–

–
–
–
–

–
36.1

(21.8)
4.3
–
(0.3)
(0.2)

(18.0)
125.5

125.5
(4.9)
120.6
30.9

–
30.9

(28.4)
1.5
–
(0.4)

–
21.6

–
84.4

(27.3)
124.2

Non-
controlling 
interests
£m
1.6
–

Total 
equity
£m
302.6
36.1

–
–

–
–
–
–
(1.6)

(1.6)
–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–

(0.4)
35.7

(21.8)
4.3
186.0
–
(1.8)

166.7
505.0

505.0
(4.9)
500.1
30.9

3.8
34.7

(28.4)
1.5
1.2
–

(25.7)
509.1

Total
£m
301.0
36.1

(0.4)
35.7

(21.8)
4.3
186.0
–
(0.2)

168.3
505.0

505.0
(4.9)
500.1
30.9

3.8
34.7

(28.4)
1.5
1.2
–

(25.7)
509.1

Year ended 30 June 2018
At 1 July 2017
Profit for the period
Foreign currency translation differences for 
foreign operations, net of tax
Total comprehensive income
Transactions with owners:
Dividends paid
Share-based payments
Shares issued (Restated)*
Recycle of own shares to retained earnings
Acquisition of non-controlling interests
Total contributions by and distributions to 
owners
At 30 June 2018 (Restated)*
Year ended 30 June 2019
At 1 July 2018
Change in accounting policy
At 1 July 2018 (Restated)†
Profit for the period
Foreign currency translation differences for 
foreign operations, net of tax
Total comprehensive income
Transactions with owners:
Dividends paid
Share-based payments
Shares issued
Recycle of own shares to retained earnings
Total contributions by and distributions to 
owners
At 30 June 2019

* Restated as detailed in note 1 Accounting Policies. 
† Restated as detailed in note 36 Changes in Accounting Policies.

Foreign Currency Translation Reserve
The foreign currency translation reserve contains exchange differences on the translation of subsidiaries with a functional currency other than Sterling 
and exchange gains or losses on the translation of liabilities that hedge the Company’s net investment in foreign subsidiaries.

Merger Reserve
The merger reserve represents the excess of fair value over nominal value of shares issued in consideration for the acquisition of subsidiaries where 
statutory merger relief has been applied in the financial statements of the Parent Company.

126

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 30 June 2019

Financial Statements

Cash flows from operating activities
Operating profit
Non-underlying items
Underlying operating profit
Adjustments for:
Depreciation
Amortisation and impairment
Release of government grant
Profit on disposal of tangible assets
Gain on curtailment of pension scheme
Equity settled share-based payment expense
Underlying operating cash flow before changes in working capital
Increase in inventories
Increase in trade and other receivables
Increase in trade and other payables
Cash generated from operating activities before interest, taxation and non-underlying items
Cash outflows in respect of non-underlying items
Cash generated from operating activities before interest and taxation
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
Net cash inflow from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from disposal of tangible assets
Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash acquired)
Acquisition of non-controlling interests
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Capitalised development expenditure
Purchase of other intangible non-current assets
Net cash outflow from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from the issue of share capital
New borrowings
Expenses of raising borrowing facilities
Repayment of borrowings
Dividends paid
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at start of period
Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net borrowings
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
New borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Expenses of raising borrowing facilities
Acquisition of subsidiary borrowings
Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents
Retranslation of foreign borrowings
Other non-cash changes
Movement in net borrowings in the period
Net borrowings at start of period
Net borrowings at end of period

Note

13
2

7
23
28

27
13
12
12

10

18

18

29

2019
£m

39.0
88.4
127.4

5.7
4.1
(0.5)
(0.3)
(3.5)
2.3
135.2
(14.1)
(11.7)
6.3
115.7
(7.4)
108.3
(9.2)
(17.3)
81.8

0.3
(39.7)
–
(12.0)
(1.0)
(9.5)
(61.9)

1.2
44.1
(0.2)
(36.8)
(28.4)
(20.1)
(0.2)
79.7
0.8
80.3

(0.2)
(44.1)
36.8
0.2
(2.8)
0.8
(6.2)
(0.9)
(16.4)
(211.4)
(227.8)

2018
£m

34.1
65.1
99.2

4.8
2.6
–
–
–
2.4
109.0
(22.5)
(9.5)
8.6
85.6
(4.4)
81.2
(5.7)
(11.5)
64.0

–
(227.3)
(1.8)
(4.9)
(1.3)
(6.4)
(241.7)

103.3
133.4
(3.9)
(17.2)
(21.8)
193.8
16.1
61.2
2.4
79.7

16.1
(133.4)
17.2
3.9
–
2.4
3.3
(0.9)
(91.4)
(120.0)
(211.4)

Cash conversion is defined as cash generated from operating activities before interest and taxation as a percentage of underlying operating profit.

Stock Code: DPH

127

Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1.  Accounting Policies

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC is a public limited company, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange and incorporated and domiciled in 
the United Kingdom. The address of its registered office is 24 Cheshire Avenue, Cheshire Business Park, Lostock Gralam, Northwich, England. 
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below, these have been 
applied consistently in all years presented with the exception of the adoption of new accounting standards as outlined below.

(a)  Statement of Compliance

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) as adopted by the European Union, and the Companies Act 
2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The Company has elected to prepare its Parent Company financial statements in 
accordance with FRS 101 and they are separately presented on pages 171 to 180.

(b)  Basis of Preparation

The Group’s business activities together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out 
in the Strategic Report on pages 8 to 67. The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and Group have adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting in preparing the annual financial statements. Refer to the Corporate Governance Report on page 81 for details.

The consolidated financial statements are presented in Sterling, rounded to the nearest million. They are prepared on a going concern 
basis and under the historical cost convention, except where IFRSs require an alternative treatment. The principal variations relate to 
derivative financial instruments, cash settled share-based transactions, contingent consideration and assets and liabilities acquired 
through business combinations that are stated at fair value.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires the use of accounting estimates and for 
management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. These judgements and estimates are 
based on historical experience and management’s best knowledge of the amounts, events or actions under review and the actual results 
may ultimately differ from these estimates. Areas involving a high degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and 
estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements, are, where necessary, disclosed separately.

Prior Year Restatement
The comparative amounts for 30 June 2018 have been restated to provide for the statutory merger relief from share premium on shares 
issued by the company when acquiring shares in AST Farma and Le Vet in February 2018. During the measurement period the share 
premium amount has been reclassified to the merger reserve. As a consequence share premium has been reduced by £82.6 million and 
the merger reserve increased by £82.6 million. The impact on net assets is nil.

Critical Judgements in Applying the Group’s Accounting Policies and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty
In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, the Directors have made the following judgements and estimates that have 
the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements. The key sources of estimation uncertainty which may 
cause a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are also discussed below.

(i)   Carrying value of Goodwill and Indefinite Life Intangible Assets 

The Group determines whether goodwill and indefinite life assets are impaired at least on an annual basis or whenever there is an 
indication of impairment. This requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash generating units to which they are allocated. 
Estimating the value in use requires the Group to make an estimate of the expected future cash flows from the cash generating 
unit and also to choose a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. The determination of an 
appropriate discount rate involves estimation, and is based on the advice of third party valuers. Further detail on the assumptions 
used in determining value in use calculations is provided in note 14.

(ii)   Valuation of Assets & Liabilities acquired through Business Combinations

Judgement is required as part of the purchase price allocation of a business combination, specifically around the identification of 
acquired assets and liabilities, such as product rights, commercial relationships, pharmacological processes and brand intangibles. 
The identification is based on the Group’s industry experience and the advice of third party valuers. As part of a business 
combination, fair values are attributed to the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquired business. This requires a number of 
estimates to be made, including future cash flows of the acquired business and the determination of an appropriate discount rate. 
The Group will generally engage an independent valuer to advise on the determination of these fair values.  Further details can be 
found in note 32.

(iii)   Valuation of Licensing Agreements and associated Deferred Considerations

The recognition of intangible assets and associated deferred considerations in respect of licensing agreements are recorded initially 
at fair value.  This is based on management’s best estimate of the timing, likelihood and quantum of future cash flows discounted 
at an appropriate discount rate. The assumptions relating to future cash flows are based on management’s industry expertise and 
assessment of project viability. The determination of an appropriate discount rate also involves estimation and is based on the 
advice of third party valuers.  A range of discount rates between 2.4% and 12.5% have been determined as being appropriate as 
applicable for each specific deferred consideration liability. Further details can be found in note 33.

128

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

1.  Accounting Policies continued
(iv)   Uncertain Tax Positions

Provision is made for any uncertain tax positions that the Group may be exposed to at the statement of financial position date. 
Uncertain tax positions are considered on an individual basis.  Where management considers it probable that an additional outflow 
will result from any given position, a provision is made.  Such provisions are measured using management’s best estimate and 
where appropriate, consideration of external advice.

At 30 June 2019 the Group held a current provision of £3.8 million (2018: £2.6 million) in respect of uncertain tax positions. The 
resolution of these tax matters may take many years.  

(v)   Non-underlying Items

The Group presents a number of non-GAAP measures. This is to allow investors to understand the underlying performance of the 
Group, excluding items associated with areas such as: amortisation of acquired intangibles; remeasurement and accounting for 
the passage of time in respect of contingent considerations; unwind of fair value adjustments to inventory arising from business 
combinations; non-recurring expenses relating to Brexit; expenses relating to acquisition and subsequent integration activities; 
rationalisation of the manufacturing organisation; loss on extinguishment of debt; and the revaluation of deferred tax balances 
following substantial tax legislation changes.  Management utilise this measure to isolate the impact of exceptional, one-off or non-
trading related items and consequently the classification of these items requires judgement. Further details can be found in note 5.

Adoption of New and Revised Standards
The following standards, amendments to standards or interpretations have been adopted for the first time from 1 July 2018. Please refer 
to note 36 for more detail on the impact of adoption on the financial statements. 

• 

• 

IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ provides a single, principles-based approach to the recognition of revenue 
from all contracts with customers, reflecting the transfer of goods and services at a value that the Group expects to be entitled to 
receive. 

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ introduces changes to the classification, measurement and de-recognition of financial assets and 
financial liabilities, provides a new impairment model for financial assets based on expected losses and stipulates a new hedge 
accounting model. 

New Standards and amendments to Standards or Interpretations
The following standards, amendments to standards or interpretations are mandatory for the first time from 1 July 2019;

• 

• 

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’; is effective for accounting periods on or after 1 January 2019 and will replace existing accounting standards. 
The Standard provides a single lessee accounting model, requiring lessees to recognise assets and liabilities for all leases unless 
the lease term is 12 months or less or the underlying asset has a low value. The standard will affect primarily the accounting for the 
Group’s operating leases. As at the reporting date, the Group has non-cancellable operating lease commitments of £16.4 million. 

The Group will adopt IFRS16 from 1 July 2019 using the modified retrospective approach with the right of use asset on transition 
equalling the lease liability. The cumulative effect of initially adopting IFRS16 will be recognised as an increase to assets and 
liabilities at 1 July 2019 with no restatement of comparative information. The Group intends to avail itself of the exemptions for short 
term leases and leases of low value items.

• 

Based on the information currently available the estimated impact of the adoption of IFRS 16 is:

• 

• 

• 

the recognition of additional fixed assets and lease liabilities of approximately £14.0 million on the Consolidated Statement of 
Financial Position at 1 July 2019;

an increase in operating profit of £0.2 million due to the differential between the IAS 17 lease cost and the IFRS 16 
depreciation cost;

a decrease in profit before tax of £0.2 million due to the differential between the IAS 17 lease cost and the IFRS 16 
depreciation and interest cost.

There are no other new standards, amendments to existing standards or interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected 
to have a material impact on the Group.

(c)  Basis of Consolidation

Subsidiary Undertakings
Subsidiary undertakings are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They cease to be consolidated 
from the date that the Group no longer has control. All subsidiary undertakings have been consolidated. Inter-company transactions, 
balances and unrealised gains and losses on transactions between Group companies are eliminated on consolidation. Non-controlling 
interests represent the portion of shareholders’ earnings and equity attributable to third party shareholders. The financial statements of 
all subsidiary undertakings are prepared to the same reporting date as the Company, with the exception of Genera Pharma d.o.o., 
Laboratorios Vencofarma do Brasil Ltda and Dechra-Brovel S.A. de C.V. (all of which prepare local financial statements to 31 December 

each year, in line with local tax authority regulations).

Stock Code: DPH

129

Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

1.  Accounting Policies continued

(c)  Basis of Consolidation continued

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. Under the equity 
method, the investment is initially recognised at cost, and the carrying amount is increased or decreased to recognise the investor’s share 
of the change in net assets of the investee after the date of acquisition. Intangible assets identified as part of the notional purchase price 
allocation are amortised over the useful life of each asset, with the Group’s share recognised as a charge in the income statement.

The Group’s share of post-acquisition profit or loss is recognised in the income statement, and its share of post-acquisition movements 
in other comprehensive income is recognised in other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the carrying amount of 
the investment. Distributions received from an associate reduce the carrying amount of the investment.

The Group determines at each reporting date whether there is any objective evidence that the investment in the associate is impaired.  
If this is the case, the Group calculates the amount of impairment as the difference between the recoverable amount of the associate and 
its carrying value and recognises the amount adjacent to share of profit/(loss) of associates in the income statement.

Gains and losses resulting from upstream and downstream transactions between the Group and its associate are recognised in the 
Group’s financial statements only to the extent of unrelated investors’ interests in the associates. Unrealised losses are eliminated unless 
the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of associates have been changed where 
necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

(d)  Foreign Currency Translation

(i) 

Functional and Presentational Currency
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Sterling, which is the Group’s presentational currency, and are rounded to 
the nearest hundred thousand, except where it is deemed relevant to disclose the amounts to the nearest million. 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 (the functional currency).

(ii)  Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the 
transaction. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of 
monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement, with the exception of 
differences on transactions that are subject to effective cash flow hedges, which are recognised in other comprehensive income.

(iii)  Foreign Operations

The income and expenses are translated to Sterling at the average rate for the period being reported. The assets and liabilities of 
foreign operations are translated to Sterling at the closing rate at the reporting date. Foreign currency differences on all translations 
are recognised in other comprehensive income in the foreign currency translation reserve, a separate component of equity. 

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity 
and translated at the closing rate. On disposal of a foreign entity, accumulated exchange differences previously recognised in other 
comprehensive income are recognised in the income statement in the same period in which the gain or loss on disposal is recognised.

(e)  Accounting for Financial Assets and Liabilities, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

Financial Assets
At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through 
profit or loss (FVPL), transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Transaction costs of financial 
assets carried at FVPL are expensed in profit or loss.

Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition in accordance with IFRS 9, which defines 3 
categories that debt instruments may be classified as, depending on the purpose for which the assets are held. These categories are;

• 

• 

• 

Amortised cost;

Fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI);

Fair value through the profit and loss (FVPL)

Amortised cost relates to assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows. Where those cash flows represent solely payments 
of principal and interest, they are measured at amortised cost. Interest income from these financial assets is included in finance income 
using the effective interest rate method. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition is recognised directly in the income statement. All 
material financial assets of the Group are held at amortised cost.

130

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

1.  Accounting Policies continued

(e)  Accounting for Financial Assets and Liabilities, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities continued

Financial Assets continued
Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the assets have expired or have been transferred and 
the Group has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. Gains and losses (both realised and unrealised) arising from 
changes in the value of financial assets held at fair value through the income statement are included in the income statement in the 
period in which they arise. 

Derivative Financial Instruments
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate risks. In accordance with its treasury policy, the 
Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. However, derivatives that do not qualify for hedge 
accounting are accounted for as trading instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is 
entered into and are remeasured to fair value at each reporting date.

Cash Flow Hedges
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges are recognised in other comprehensive 
income to the extent that the hedge is effective. To the extent that the hedge is ineffective, changes in fair value are recognised 
immediately in the income statement. If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, expires or is sold, 
terminated or exercised, then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. The cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in other 
comprehensive income remains there until the forecast transaction occurs. 

Net Investment Hedge 
For hedges of net investments in foreign operations, where the hedge is effective movements are recognised in other comprehensive 
income. Ineffectiveness is recognised in the income statement. Gains and losses accumulated in equity are included in the income 
statement when the foreign operation is partially disposed of or sold.

Trade Receivables
Trade receivables are recorded at aggregate invoice value (including value added tax or other sales taxes) less loss allowances, which are 
calculated using the expected loss model. Where trade receivables contain a significant financing component, they are then carried at 
amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, less loss allowances. Other receivables are recorded at their transaction value.

The Group assesses, on a forward-looking basis, the expected credit losses associated with its trade and other receivables. The Group 
applies the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, which requires expected lifetime losses to be recognised from initial recognition of 
the receivables. Where there is a specific risk surrounding a receivable then a credit loss allowance of 100% is applied.

Trade and Other Payables
Trade and other payables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost.

Borrowings and Borrowing Costs
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value net of directly attributable transaction costs incurred. 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. Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the 
Group has a right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting date.

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction, or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that take a 
substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets 
are substantially ready for their intended use. All other borrowing costs are recognised in the income statement in the period in which 
they are incurred.

(f)  Property, Plant and Equipment

Owned Assets
Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Leased Assets
Leases under the terms of which the Group assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases.  
Assets acquired by finance leases are stated at an amount equal to the lower of their fair value and the present value of the minimum  
lease payments at inception of the lease, less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Stock Code: DPH

131

 
Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

1.  Accounting Policies continued.

(f)  Property, Plant and Equipment continued

Depreciation
Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of each part of an item of property, 
plant and equipment. Land is not depreciated. Assets in the course of construction are not depreciated until the date the assets become 
available for use. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

freehold buildings

• 
•  short leasehold buildings
•  plant and fixtures
•  motor vehicles

25 years
period of lease
3 to 15 years
4 years

The residual value, where significant, is reassessed annually.

(g) 

Intangible Assets
Goodwill  
All business combinations are accounted for by applying the purchase method. Goodwill represents amounts arising on acquisition of 
subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures. In respect of business acquisitions that have occurred before 1 July 2004, goodwill represents 
the difference between the cost of the acquisition and the fair value of the separable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired.

Acquisitions after this date fall under the provisions of ‘Revised IFRS 3 Business Combinations (2009)’. For these acquisitions, transaction 
costs, other than share and debt issue costs, are expensed as incurred and subsequent adjustments to the fair value of consideration 
payable are recognised in the income statement.

Contingent consideration is measured at fair value based on an estimate of the expected future payments. 

Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is not amortised but is allocated to cash generating units 
and is tested annually for impairment.

Research and Development Costs
Expenditure on research activities, undertaken with the prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding,  
is recognised in the income statement as an expense is incurred.

The Group is also engaged in development activity with a view to bringing new pharmaceutical products to market. Due to the strict 
regulatory process involved, there is inherent uncertainty as to the technical feasibility of development projects often until regulatory 
approval is achieved, with the possibility of failure even at a late stage. The Group considers that this uncertainty means that the criteria 
for capitalisation are not met unless it is highly probable that regulatory approval will be achieved and the project is commercially viable. 
Internally generated costs of development are capitalised, once the criteria are met, in the consolidated statement of financial position 
unless those costs cannot be measured reliably or it is not probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Group, in which case 
the relevant costs are expensed to the income statement as incurred.

Where development costs are capitalised, the expenditure includes the cost of materials, direct labour and an appropriate proportion of 
overheads. Capitalised development expenditure is stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses.

Acquired Intangible Assets
Intangible assets recognised as a result of a business combination are stated at fair value at the date of acquisition less accumulated 
amortisation and impairment losses.

Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets that are acquired by the Group are stated at cost (including future milestone and royalty payments as applicable) 
less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Expenditure on internally generated goodwill and other intangibles is recognised in 
the income statement as an expense is incurred.

(h) 

Intangible Assets Subsequent Expenditure
Subsequent expenditure on capitalised intangible assets is capitalised only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied 
in the specific asset to which it relates or extends the asset life. All other expenditure is expensed as incurred.

Amortisation
Amortisation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets unless such 
lives are indefinite or is otherwise stated below. Goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are systematically tested for 
impairment at each consolidated statement of financial position date. Intangible assets are amortised from the date that they are available 
for use. Assets in the course of construction are not amortised until the date the assets become available for use. 

132

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

1.  Accounting Policies continued

(h) 

Intangible Assets Subsequent Expenditure continued
Amortisation continued
The estimated useful lives are as follows:

•  software
•  capitalised development costs
•  patent rights
•  marketing authorisations
•  product rights
•  commercial relationships
•  brand
•  acquired capitalised development costs
•  pharmacological process

5 to 7 years
5 to 10 years or period of patent
period of patent
indefinite life or period of marketing authorisation
10 to 15 years
7 years
3 to 10 years
5 to 15 years
10 years

The pharmacological process and capitalised developed technology from the acquisitions of Putney Inc. and AST Farma B.V. and Le Vet 
Beheer B.V. respectively are amortised on a reducing balance method at a rate of 20% over a 10 year life based on the expected profile 
of future cash flows. All amortisation on a reducing balance methodology is recognised within selling and general administrative expenses 
with the exception of that in respect of the pharmacological process which is recognised within research and development expenses.

The amortisation of the intangible assets are classified as an administrative expense because they relate to the right to sell and distribute  
the product. Within the acquired intangibles the product rights encompass market authorisations, and the capitalised development  
costs encompass product authorisations subject to regulatory approval. The pharmacological process is classified as a research and  
development expense as it relates to the process of taking a product through to registration.

When considering the basis of amortisation for our acquired intangibles, we consider a number of factors: the different market conditions  
which surround the intangible, the age of the products within developed technology and their corresponding place within the lifecycle of  
the product.

(i) 

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course 
of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses.

The cost of inventories is determined on the first-in, first-out principle and includes expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories and 
bringing them to their existing location and condition. In the case of manufactured inventories and work in progress, cost includes an 
appropriate share of overheads based on normal operating capacity.

(j)  Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an 
integral part of the Group’s cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the 
statement of cash flows.

(k) 

Impairment
The carrying amounts of the Group’s assets are reviewed at each consolidated statement of financial position date to determine whether 
there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated.

The recoverable amount of assets is the greater of their net selling price and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future 
cash flows are discounted to their present value using an appropriate rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of 
money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not generate largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable amount 
is determined for the cash generating unit to which the asset belongs.

For goodwill, assets that have an indefinite useful life and intangible assets that are not yet available for use, the recoverable amount is 
estimated at each consolidated statement of financial position date and when there is an indication that the asset is impaired.

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.

Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill 
allocated to the cash generating units (group of units), and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the units (group of 
units) on a pro rata basis.

An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed.

In respect of other assets, an impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable 
amount.

An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have 
been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

Stock Code: DPH

133

 
 
Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

1.  Accounting Policies continued

(l)  Dividends paid

Dividends are recognised in the period in which they are approved by the Company’s shareholders or, in the case of an interim dividend, 
when the dividend is paid.

(m)  Employee Benefits

Pensions
The Group operates a stakeholder personal pension scheme for certain employees. Obligations for contributions are recognised as an 
expense in the income statement as incurred.

Dechra Veterinary Products SAS and Dechra Veterinary Products BV participate in state-run pension arrangements. These are not 
considered to be material to the Group financial statements and are accounted for as defined contribution schemes, with contributions 
being recognised as an expense in the income statement as incurred.

The Group sponsored defined benefit arrangements in certain countries, the most material being a defined benefit pension plan in the 
Netherlands. This was a funded career average pay arrangement, where pensionable salary was subject to a cap. The arrangement was 
funded through an insurance contract.

From 1 January 2019 the employee pension benefit in the Netherlands is being provided through contributions to a defined contribution 
scheme and the Group’s obligations under the previous pension arrangements ceased.

The Group’s net obligation in previous years in respect of defined benefit pension plans was calculated by estimating the amount of 
future benefit that employees had earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods. 

That benefit was discounted to determine its present value, and the fair value of any plan assets is deducted. The liability discount rate is 
the yield at the Statement of Financial Position date using AA rated corporate bonds that have maturity dates approximating to the terms 
of the Group’s obligations. The calculation was performed by a qualified actuary using the projected unit credit method.

All actuarial gains and losses that arose in calculating the Group’s obligation in respect of a scheme were recognised immediately in 
reserves and reported in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Where the calculation resulted in a benefit to the Group, 
the asset recognised was limited to the present value of any future refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan.

Share-based Payment Transactions
The Group operates a number of equity settled share-based payment programmes that allow employees to acquire shares in the 
Company. The Group also operates a Long Term Incentive Plan for Directors and Senior Executives.

The fair value of shares or options granted is recognised as an employee expense over the vesting period on a straight-line basis in 
the income statement with a corresponding movement to equity reserves. Fair values are determined by use of an appropriate pricing 
model and by reference to the fair value of the options granted. The amount to be expensed over the vesting period is adjusted to reflect 
the number of awards for which the related service and non-market vesting conditions are expected to be met, such that the amount 
ultimately recognised as an expense is based on the number of awards that meet the related service and non-market performance 
conditions at the vesting date.

At each consolidated statement of financial position date, the Group revises its estimates of the number of share incentives that are 
expected to vest. The impact of the revisions of original estimates, if any, is recognised in the income statement, with a corresponding 
adjustment to equity reserves, over the remaining vesting period.

The fair values of grants under the Long Term Incentive Plan have been determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model, as 
performed by a qualified third party valuation expert. 

The fair values of options granted under all other share option schemes have been determined using the Black–Scholes option pricing 
model, as performed by a qualified third party valuation expert.

When the options are exercised, the Company issues new shares. The proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction 
costs are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium.

National Insurance contributions payable by the Company on the intrinsic value of share-based payments at the date of exercise are 

treated as cash settled awards and revalued to market price at each consolidated statement of financial position date.

Bonus and Commission Payments
The Group operates sales incentives schemes for certain employees and third party sales representatives in particular territories. The 
related bonuses and commissions are accrued in line with the related sales revenues. 

134

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

1.  Accounting Policies continued
(n)  Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of goods is measured at the fair value of the consideration and excludes intra-group sales and value added and 
similar taxes. The primary performance obligation is the transfer of goods to the customer. Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised 
when control of the goods is transferred to the customer, at an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be 
entitled in exchange for those goods. Revenue from third party manufacturing consists principally of the production of goods to customer 
specification together with the provision of technical services. Revenues from third party manufacturing are recognised upon completion 
of the work order, either the completion and agreed delivery of the product, or upon full provision of the service.

As sales arrangements differ from time to time (for example by customer and by territory), each arrangement is reviewed to ensure that 
revenue is recognised when control of the goods have passed to the customer. 

This review and the corresponding recognition of revenue encompasses a number of factors which include, but are not limited to the 
following:

• 

• 

reviewing delivery arrangements and whether the buyer has accepted title – we recognise the revenue at the point at which full title 
has passed; and/or

where distribution arrangements are in place, recognising when the goods pass to the third party customer (for example by 
reviewing insurance arrangements) and recognising revenue at the point at which title has passed.

Provision for rebates, returns, discounts and other variable consideration is reflected in the transaction price at the point of recognition to 
the extent that it is highly probable there will not be a significant reversal. The methodology and assumptions used to estimate rebates 
and returns are based on the most likely method of calculation. This is adjusted in light of contractual and legal obligations, historical 
trends, past experience and projected market conditions. Market conditions are evaluated using wholesaler and other third party 
analysis, and internally generated information.

(o)  Leases

Operating Leases
Payments made under operating leases are recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease 
incentives received are recognised in the income statement evenly over the period of the lease, as an integral part of the total lease 
expense.

Finance Leases
Minimum lease payments are apportioned between the finance charge and the reduction of the outstanding liability using the effective 
interest rate method.

(p)  Net Financing Costs

Net financing costs comprise interest payable on borrowings, unwinding of discount on provisions and deferred considerations 
measured at amortised cost, interest receivable on funds invested, gains and losses on hedging instruments that are recognised in the 
income statement (see accounting policy (e)) and gains or losses on the retranslation of financial assets and liabilities denominated in 
foreign currencies. Interest income is recognised in the income statement as it accrues. The Group capitalises borrowing costs directly 
attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset as part of the cost of that asset. The interest expense 
component of finance lease payments is recognised in the income statement using the effective interest rate method.

(q)  Contingent Considerations

The Group has adopted the financial liability model when accounting for contingent consideration in respect of licensing agreements.  
The estimated future amounts payable for contingent consideration are recorded on initial recognition at the present value of the future 
cash flow payable, discounted with an appropriate discount rate, with a corresponding intangible asset recorded.  The unwind of the 
liability, reflecting discounting for the passage of time, is recognised within the income statement as a finance expense and calculated 
using a risk-free discount rate.  Contingent considerations are remeasured at each reporting date and any downward remeasurement of 
the related liability is adjusted against the intangible, with any excess over the carrying value of the intangible recognised in the income 
statement.  Any upwards remeasurement is recognised as an increase to the intangible asset.

(r)  Provisions

Provisions for legal claims, environmental remediation, deferred rent and advanced grants for property, plant and equipment are 
recognised when: the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events; it is probable that an outflow of 
resources will be required to settle the obligation; and the amount can be reliably estimated. Provisions are not recognised for future 
operating losses. Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required on settlement is 
determined by considering the class of obligations as a whole. A provision is recognised even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect 
to any one item included in the same class of obligations may be small.

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax  
rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in  
the provision due to passage of time is recognised as an interest expense.

Stock Code: DPH

135

 
 
Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

1.  Accounting Policies continued
(s)  Basis of Charge for Taxation

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Current and deferred taxes are recognised in the income statement except to the 
extent that it relates to a business combination or items recognised directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the 
consolidated statement of financial position date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is provided using the consolidated statement of financial position liability method and represents the tax payable or 
recoverable on most temporary differences which arise between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting 
purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes (the tax base). Temporary differences are not provided on: goodwill that is not 
deductible for tax purposes; the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit and do not arise 
from a business combination; and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in 
the foreseeable future. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying 
amount of assets and liabilities, and is based upon tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the consolidated statement of financial 
position date.

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset 
can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is not probable that the related tax benefit will be realised against future 
taxable profits. The carrying amounts of deferred tax assets are reviewed at each consolidated statement of financial position date.

In respect of uncertain tax positions, where an outflow of funds is believed to be probable and a reliable estimate of the outcome of the 
dispute can be made, management provides for its best estimate of the liability. In calculating any such liability a risk based approach is  
applied which takes into account, as appropriate, the probability that the Group would be able to obtain compensatory adjustments 
under international tax treaties.

The estimated annual benefit of global intellectual property and innovation incentives is accounted for within current and deferred tax. 

Current and deferred tax credits received in respect of share-based payments are recognised in the income statement to the extent that 
they do not exceed the standard rate of taxation on the income statement charge for share-based payments. Credits in excess of the 
standard rate of taxation are recognised directly in equity.

(t)  Earnings per Share

The Group presents basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit 
attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period. 
Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary 
shares in issue for the effects of all potential dilutive ordinary shares, which comprise share options granted to employees.

The Group has also chosen to present an alternative EPS measure, with profit adjusted for non-underlying items. A reconciliation of this 
alternative measure to the statutory measure required by IFRS is given in the Financial Review on page 26. A breakdown of the non-
underlying items is given in notes 4 and 5.

2.  Operating Segments

The Group has three reportable segments, as discussed below, which are based on information provided to the Board of Directors, which 
is deemed to be the Group’s chief operating decision maker. Several operating segments which have similar economic characteristics have 
been aggregated into the reporting segments. In undertaking this aggregation the assessment determined that the aggregated segments have 
similar products, production processes, customers and overall regulatory environment.

The European Pharmaceuticals Segment comprises Dechra Veterinary Products EU, Dechra Veterinary Products International and Dechra 
Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing. This Segment operates internationally and manufactures and markets Companion Animal, Equine, Food 
producing Animal Products and Nutrition. This Segment also includes third party manufacturing and other non-core activities sales. The 
Segment expanded during the year with the acquisition of Laboratorios Vencofarma do Brasil Ltda (Venco) and the trade and assets of 
Caledonian Holdings Ltd. 

The North American Pharmaceuticals Segment consists of Dechra Veterinary Products US, Putney, Dechra Veterinary Products Canada, and 
Dechra-Brovel, which sells Companion Animal, Equine Products and Food producing Animal Products in those territories. The Segment also 
includes our manufacturing unit based in Melbourne, Florida.

The Pharmaceuticals Research and Development Segment includes all of the Group’s pharmaceutical research and development activities. 
From a Board perspective, this Segment has no revenue income.

136

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

2.  Operating Segments continued

Reconciliation of reportable segment revenues, profit or loss and liabilities and other material items:

Revenue by segment
European Pharmaceuticals 
NA Pharmaceuticals 

– total
– total

Operating profit/(loss) by segment
European Pharmaceuticals
NA Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals Research and Development
Segment operating profit
Corporate and other unallocated costs
Underlying operating profit
Amortisation of acquired intangibles
Remeasurement of contingent consideration
Expenses relating to Brexit
Fair value uplift of inventory acquired through business combinations
Rationalisation of manufacturing organisation
Expenses relating to acquisitions and subsequent integration activities
Total operating profit
Finance income
Finance expense
Share of losses in investment accounted for using the equity method
Profit before taxation 
Total liabilities by segment
European Pharmaceuticals
NA Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals Research and Development
Segment liabilities
Corporate loans and revolving credit facility
Corporate accruals and other payables
Current and deferred tax liabilities

Revenue by product category
CAP*
Equine*
FAP
Nutrition
Other

Additions to intangible non-current assets by segment (including through business combinations)
European Pharmaceuticals
NA Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals Research and Development
Corporate and central costs

* Restated for the reallocation of £6.0 million of revenue from the Equine category to the CAP category in 2018.

Financial Statements

2019
£m

304.0
177.8
481.8

100.3
59.2

(25.1)
134.4
(7.0)
127.4
(76.8)
0.1
(0.9)
(5.1)
(2.0)
(3.7)
39.0
0.7
(11.5)
(0.4)
27.8

(80.9)
(44.0)
(2.1)
(127.0)
(308.1)
(6.5)
(97.8)
(539.4)

340.2
34.4
57.3
29.1
20.8
481.8

48.6
–
0.3
0.5
49.4

Restated*
2018
£m

258.7
148.4
407.1

77.0
48.3

(18.3)
107.0
(7.8)
99.2
(54.1)
0.1
–
(5.1)
(2.9)
(3.1)
34.1
1.5
(6.4)
(0.3)
28.9

(79.6)
(31.0)
(1.4)
(112.0)
(291.1)
(6.5)
(102.7)
(512.3)

272.7
28.4
48.7
29.4
27.9
407.1

370.2
6.9
0.4
0.5
378.0

Stock Code: DPH

137

Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

2.  Operating Segments continued

Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment by segment  
(including through business combinations)
European Pharmaceuticals
NA Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals Research and Development
Corporate and central costs

Depreciation and amortisation by segment
European Pharmaceuticals
NA Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals Research and Development
Corporate and central costs

The total depreciation, amortisation and impairment charge is made up of the following:
Non-underlying
Amortisation – selling, general and administrative expenses
Amortisation – research and development expenditure

Underlying
Amortisation and impairment
Depreciation

2019
£m

2018
£m

17.4
0.3
0.4
0.1
18.2

68.1
17.8
0.3
0.4
86.6

70.0
6.8
76.8

4.1
5.7
9.8

4.9
0.2
0.2
0.2
5.5

41.8
19.0
0.3
0.4
61.5

46.1
8.0
54.1

2.6
4.8
7.4

Geographical Information
The following table shows revenue based on the geographical location of customers and non-current assets based on the country of domicile 
of the entity holding the asset:

UK
Germany
Rest of Europe
USA
Rest of World

3.  Finance Income

Finance income arising from:
– Cash and cash equivalents
– Foreign exchange gains

2019
Non-
current
assets
£m 
20.1
3.7
443.8
175.8
113.0
756.4

2019
Revenue
£m
56.4
48.2
163.5
169.1
44.6
481.8

2018
Non-
current
assets
£m 
18.9
2.4
493.9
180.1
74.1
769.4

2018
£m

0.2
1.3
1.5

2018
Revenue
£m
56.1
40.4
138.3
139.8
32.5
407.1

2019
£m

–
0.7
0.7

138

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

4.  Finance Expense

Underlying
Finance expense arising from:
– Financial liabilities at amortised cost
– Net Interest on net defined benefit obligations
Underlying finance expense

Non-underlying
Loss on extinguishment of debt 
Fair value and other movements on deferred and contingent consideration
Non-underlying finance expense/(income)
Total finance expense

5.  Non-underlying Items

Non-underlying items charged/(credited) comprise:

Amortisation of acquired intangibles
– classified within selling, general and administrative expenses
– classified within research and development expenses
Remeasurement of contingent consideration
Fair value uplift of inventory acquired through business combinations
Expenses relating to Brexit 
Expenses relating to acquisitions and subsequent integration activities
Rationalisation of manufacturing organisation
Non-underlying operating profit items

Amortisation in relation to Medical Ethics Pty Ltd
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Fair value and other movements on deferred and contingent consideration
Non-underlying profit before tax items

Tax on non-underlying profit before tax items
Revaluation of deferred tax balances following the change in Dutch tax rates/US tax rates
Non-underlying profit after tax items

Financial Statements

2019
£m

10.5
–
10.5

2019
£m
–
1.0
1.0
11.5

2019
£m

70.0
6.8
(0.1)
5.1
0.9
3.7
2.0
88.4

0.2
–
1.0
89.6

(20.0)
(8.0)
61.6

2018
£m

6.8
0.1
6.9

2018
£m
0.4
(0.9)
(0.5)
6.4

2018
£m

46.1
8.0
(0.1)
5.1
–
3.1
2.9
65.1

0.2
0.4
(0.9)
64.8

(16.4)
(10.0)
38.4

Amortisation of acquired intangibles reflects the amortisation of the fair values of future cash flows recognised on acquisition in relation to the 
identifiable intangible assets acquired, including a full year impact in 2019 of the amortisation of the acquired intangible relating to AST Farma 
and Le Vet Beheer BV.

The remeasurement of the contingent consideration balance relates to the net credit to the income statement on the reassessment of future 
milestone and royalty payments on a licensing agreement.

The fair value uplift of inventory acquired through business combinations is recognised in accordance with IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’  
to record the inventory acquired at fair value and its subsequent release into the income statement. 

Expenses relating to Brexit represents regulatory and technology transfer costs incurred in advance of Brexit that are not expected to be 
recurring. 

Expenses relating to acquisitions and subsequent integration activities represents costs incurred during the acquisition and integration of  
Venco (£1.3 million), Caledonian (£0.1 million), and AST Farma and Le Vet (£2.1 million).

Rationalisation of manufacturing organisation relates to the income statement cost associated with this strategic programme. Costs since the 
inception of the programme have been £4.9 million. The total planned spend on this project is now £7.6 million.  

Stock Code: DPH

139

Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

Interests in Associate

6. 
(a)   Losses in Associate

Set out below is the summarised financial information of Medical Ethics Pty Ltd for the year ended 30 June, which is accounted for using the 
equity method. This is not Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC’s share of the results.

Revenue
Pre-tax loss from continuing operations
Post-tax loss from continuing operations

Non-current assets
Current assets

Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities

Net assets of associate

(b)  

Interest in Associate

1 July
Share of underlying loss after tax
Share of amortisation of intangible asset identified on acquisition
30 June 

2019
£m

0.4
(1.4)
(0.8)

2019
£m
1.9
4.1
6.0
–
(0.2)
(0.2)
5.8

2019
£m
10.5
(0.2)
(0.2)
10.1

2018
£m

0.8
(0.1)
(0.1)

2018
£m
1.9
5.2
7.1
–
(0.4)
(0.4)
6.7

2018
£m 
10.8
(0.1)
(0.2)
10.5

In 2017 the Group acquired a 33.0% interest in Medical Ethics Pty Ltd, which is the holding company of Animal Ethics Pty Ltd. The company 
is incorporated in Australia, which is also the principal place of business. The registered address is c/o Level 3, 649 Bridge Road, Richmond, 
Victoria 3121, Australia. The company has share capital consisting solely of ordinary shares, which are directly owned by the Group. Medical 
Ethics Pty Ltd is a private company and there is no quoted market price available for its shares. There are no contingent liabilities relating  
to the Group’s interest in the associate. 

The Group’s share of the loss arising from its investment in Medical Ethics includes the effect of amortising the fair value adjustments, which 
are treated as non-underlying.  

On 5 July 2019 the Group acquired a further 15.0% of the issued share capital of Medical Ethics Pty Ltd for a total consideration of  
AUD13.5 million (£8.0 million). Following the acquisition the Group will hold 48.0% of the issued share capital of Medical Ethics. Please  
also refer to note 38.

(c)   Reconciliation of summarised financial information presented to the carrying amount of its interest in associates

Opening interest in associate
Fair value of associate acquired
Post-tax loss from continuing operations
Amortisation of notional intangible asset recognised on acquisition
Interest in associate
Goodwill
Carrying value of investment in associate

2019
£m
1.9
–
(0.2)
(0.2)
1.5
8.6
10.1

140

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

7.  Profit Before Taxation

The following items have been included in arriving at profit before taxation of continuing operations:

Cost of inventories recognised as an expense
Impairment of inventories included in above figure
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
– owned assets
Amortisation of intangible assets
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Impairment of intangible assets – underlying
Recognition/(release) of impairment of receivables
Operating lease rentals payable
Research and development expenditure as incurred
Net pension (credit)/expense in relation to defined benefit pension scheme (see note 23)
Auditors’ remuneration
Analysis of total fees paid to the Auditors:
Audit of these financial statements
Audit of financial statements of subsidiaries pursuant to legislation
Other assurance services – audit related assurance services*
Other assurance services – transaction services
Total fees paid to Auditors

* This includes £0.04 million (2018: £0.04 million) in relation to the review of the Half-Yearly Report.

8.  Employees

The average numbers of staff employed by the Group during the year, which includes Directors, were:

Manufacturing
Distribution
Administration
Total

The costs incurred in respect of these employees were:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Curtailment of defined benefit pension scheme (see note 23)
Share-based payments charge (see note 28)
Total

Related party transactions – the remuneration of key management was as follows:

Short term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Share-based payments charge

Financial Statements

2019
£m
158.8
2.1

5.7
80.9
(0.3)
–
0.6
3.3
25.1
(2.8)
1.0

0.4
0.5
0.1
–
1.0

2018
£m
140.4
2.0

4.8
56.6
–
0.1
(0.1)
2.8
18.3
0.8
1.4

0.4
0.5
–
0.5
1.4

2019
Number

591
151
989
1,731

2018
Number

480
128
829
1,437

2019
£m
78.8
10.5
4.5
(3.5)
2.4
92.7

2019
£m
5.7
0.3
1.4
7.4

2018
£m
72.0
9.2
3.7
–
3.3
88.2

2018
£m
5.5
0.3
1.6
7.4

Key management comprises the Board and the Senior Executive Team. Details of the remuneration, shareholdings, share options, pension 
contributions and payments for loss of office of the Executive Directors are included in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 93 to 105.

The Group operates a stakeholder personal pension scheme for certain employees and contributed between 4% and 14% of pensionable 
salaries. The Group also participates in state-run pension arrangements for certain employees in Dechra Veterinary Products SAS and Dechra 
Veterinary Products BV.  Total pension contributions amounted to £4.5 million (2018: £3.7 million). Contributions to defined benefit pension 
schemes included in the above figures total £0.3 million (2018: £0.7 million).

Stock Code: DPH

141

Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

9. 

Income Tax Expense 

Current tax 

– UK corporation tax
– overseas tax at prevailing local rates
– adjustment in respect of prior years

Total current tax expense
Deferred tax   – origination and reversal of temporary differences
– adjustment in respect of tax rates
– adjustment in respect of prior years

Total deferred tax credit
Total income tax credit in the Consolidated Income Statement

2019
£m
1.0
16.5
1.6
19.1
(14.0)
(8.0)
(0.2)

(22.2)
(3.1)

2018
£m
2.3
11.5
(0.4)
13.4
(9.2)
(11.2)
(0.2)

(20.6)
(7.2)

The tax on the Group’s profit before taxation differs from the standard rate of UK corporation tax of 19.0% (2018: 19.0%). The differences to 
this rate are explained below:

Profit before taxation 
Tax at 19.0% (2018: 19.0%)
Effect of:
– expenses not deductible
– acquisition expenses
– research and development related tax credits
– patent box tax credits
– impact of financing (income not taxable)
– share in results of associates
– effects of overseas tax rates
– movement in unrecognised deferred tax
– adjustment in respect of prior years
– change in tax rates
Total income tax credit in the Consolidated Income Statement

2019
£m

27.8
5.3

1.2
0.4
(0.1)
(2.6)
(0.9)
(0.1)
0.4
–
1.3
(8.0)
(3.1)

Recurring items in the tax reconciliation include: research and development related tax credits and patent box incentives; expenses not 
deductible; and the impact of financing. The effective tax rate is -11.2% (excluding non-underlying items the effective tax rate is 21.2%).

Tax (Charge)/Credit Recognised Directly in Equity

Deferred tax on employee benefit obligations
Tax recognised in Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Corporation tax on equity settled transactions
Deferred tax on equity settled transactions
Total tax recognised in Equity

2019
£m
–
–

0.4
(1.2)
(0.8)

2018
£m

28.9
5.5

0.5
0.7
(0.1)
(2.6)
(0.5)
–
1.0
0.1
(0.6)
(11.2)
(7.2)

2018
£m
–
–

1.0
0.9
1.9

The UK current tax rate used for the period is 19.0% which is the enacted rate from 1 April 2017. Finance Act 2016 which was substantively 
enacted in September 2016 included provisions to reduce the rate of corporation tax to 17.0% with effect from 1 April 2020. Deferred tax has 
been calculated using the rate of 19.0% and 17.0% based on the timing of when each individual deferred tax balance is expected to reverse  
in the future. 

The Dutch current tax rate used for the period is 25.0%, however this rate is reducing to 22.5% in 2020 and to 20.5% in 2021. The tax rate 
applied for deferred tax purposes is based on the timing of when each individual deferred tax balance is expected to reverse in the future. The 
impact of revaluing the deferred tax balances has been included within non-underlying items.

In the results to 30 June 2018 US tax reform gave rise to a transitional one-off non-underlying tax credit of £10.0 million primarily due to the 
revaluation of the US deferred tax assets and liabilities following the reduction in the US Federal rate from 35.0% to 21.0%.

Similarly, deferred tax arising in other overseas jurisdictions has been based on the enacted rate.

142

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

 
 
 
 
Financial Statements

9. 

Income Tax Expense continued
EU CFC Challenge 
In October 2017 the European Commission (the Commission) opened a State Aid investigation into the Group Financing Exemption in the 
UK Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) rules. On 25 April 2019 the Commission issued its decision on the CFC Group Financing Exemption 
concluding that part of the UK measures were unlawful and incompatible instructing the UK Government to recover the State Aid. The UK 
Government filed an annulment appeal on 12 June 2019. In common with other UK-based international companies Dechra have financing 
arrangements in line with the current UK legislation. We have calculated the maximum potential State Aid claimed as £4.0 million excluding 
penalties and interest.

Future Tax Charge
The Group’s future tax charge, and its effective tax rate could be affected by several factors including the impact of the implementation of the OECD’s 
Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (‘BEPS’) actions, and changes in applicable tax rates and legislation in the territories in which it operates.

10.  Dividends

Final dividend paid in respect of prior year but not recognised as a liability in that year:  
18.17 pence per share (2018: 15.33 pence per share)
Interim dividend paid: 9.50 pence per share (2018: 7.33 pence per share)
Total dividend 27.67 pence per share (2018: 22.66 pence per share) recognised as distributions  
to equity holders in the period
Proposed final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2019: 22.10 pence per share  
(2018: 18.17 pence per share)
Total dividend paid and proposed for the year ended 30 June 2019: 31.60 pence per share  
(2018: 25.50 pence per share)

2019
£m

18.6
9.8

28.4

22.7

32.5

2018
£m

14.3
7.5

21.8

18.6

26.1

In accordance with IAS 10 ‘Events After the Balance Sheet Date’, the proposed final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2019 has not been accrued 
for in these financial statements. It will be shown as a deduction from equity in the financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2020. There are no 
income tax consequences. The final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2018 is shown as a deduction from equity in the year ended 30 June 2019.

11.  Earnings per Share

Earnings per ordinary share has been calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the parent after taxation for each financial 
period by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

Basic earnings per share
– Underlying*
– Basic
Diluted earnings per share
– Underlying*
– Diluted

The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share are based upon:

Earnings for underlying basic and underlying diluted earnings per share
Earnings for basic and diluted earnings per share

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for basic earnings per share
Impact of share options
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for diluted earnings per share

* Underlying measures exclude non-underlying items as defined in note 1.

2019
Pence

90.24
30.15

90.01
30.07

2019
£m
92.5
30.9

2018
Pence

76.85
37.24

76.45
37.04

2018
£m
74.5
36.1

Number
102,504,510
257,838
102,762,348

Number
96,942,002
509,209
97,451,211

At 30 June 2019, there are 421,486 options (2018: 231,551) that are excluded from the EPS calculations as they are not dilutive for the period 
presented but may become dilutive in the future.

Stock Code: DPH

143

Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

12.  Intangible Assets

Goodwill
£m

Software
£m

Development
costs
£m

Patent
rights
£m

Marketing
authorisations
£m

Acquired
intangibles
£m

Cost
At 1 July 2017
Additions
Acquisitions through business 
combinations
Remeasurement
Disposals
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 30 June 2018 and 1 July 2018
Additions
Acquisitions through business 
combinations
Remeasurement
Disposals
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 30 June 2019
Accumulated Amortisation
At 1 July 2017
Charge for the year
Acquisitions through business 
combinations
Impairment

Disposals

Foreign exchange adjustments
At 30 June 2018 and 1 July 2018
Charge for the year
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 30 June 2019
Net book value
At 30 June 2019
At 30 June 2018

128.1
–

102.3
–
–
(1.1)
229.3
–

18.8
–
–
4.0
252.1

–
–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

252.1
229.3

12.7
4.2

–
–
–
(0.2)
16.7
2.8

0.1
–
–
0.1
19.7

2.9
0.8

–
0.1

–

(0.1)
3.7
2.5
(0.1)
6.1

13.6
13.0

11.7
1.7

–
–
(0.2)
–
13.2
1.2

–
–
(0.3)
(0.1)
14.0

6.1
1.2

–
–

(0.2)

–
7.1
1.3
0.1
8.5

5.5
6.1

5.3
0.9

(2.1)
–
(0.2)
–
3.9
–

0.4
–
–
–
4.3

3.1
0.5

(0.4)
–

(0.2)

–
3.0
0.3
–
3.3

1.0
0.9

1.0
–

–
–
–
(0.1)
0.9
–

–
–
–
–
0.9

–
–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

0.9
0.9

409.4
8.7

262.3
(3.1)
–
(3.3)
674.0
7.9

18.2
(1.5)
–
11.2
709.8

159.8
54.1

–
–

–

0.5
214.4
76.8
4.7
295.9

413.9
459.6

Total
£m

568.2
15.5

362.5
(3.1)
(0.4)
(4.7)
938.0
11.9

37.5
(1.5)
(0.3)
15.2
1,000.8

171.9
56.6

(0.4)
0.1

(0.4)

0.4
228.2
80.9
4.7
313.8

687.0
709.8

The assets within patent rights comprises the rights to Equidone® (which was launched in the USA during 2011, and has a carrying value of  
£0.3 million with a remaining amortisation period of 2 years), and the in-licensed products within Canada (acquired in 2016 with a carrying 
value of £0.3 million and has a remaining amortisation period of 7.5 years). During the year, £0.4 million was added to patent rights within  
EU Pharmaceuticals Segment from the acquisition of Venco.  

£0.8 million of the marketing authorisations relate to the Vetivex® range of products. Ownership of the marketing authorisations rests with 
the Group in perpetuity. There are not believed to be any legal, regulatory or contractual provisions that limit their useful lives. Vetivex is an 
established range of products which are relatively simple in nature and there are a limited number of players in the market. Accordingly, the 
Directors believe that it is appropriate that the marketing authorisations are treated as having indefinite lives for accounting purposes. 

Goodwill is allocated across cash generating units that are expected to benefit from that business combination. Key assumptions made in this 
respect are given in note 14.

During the year, the contingent consideration in relation to development milestones and sales milestones of the acquired intangibles has been 
remeasured and to the extent possible remeasured against the intangibles.

144

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

12.  Intangible Assets continued

In accordance with the disclosure requirements of IAS 38 ‘Intangible Assets’, the components of acquired intangibles are summarised below:

Commercial 
relationships
£m

Pharmacological 
process
£m

Capitalised 
development
costs
£m

Brand
£m

Product 
rights 
£m

Cost
At 1 July 2017
Additions
Acquisitions through business combinations 
Remeasurement
Foreign exchange adjustments 
At 30 June 2018 and 1 July 2018
Additions
Reclassification*
Acquisitions through business 
combinations
Remeasurement
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 30 June 2019
Accumulated Amortisation
At 1 July 2017
Charge for the year
Foreign exchange adjustments

At 30 June 2018 and 1 July 2018
Charge for the year
Reclassification*
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 30 June 2019
Net book value
At 30 June 2019
At 30 June 2018

1.7
–
4.9
–
0.1
6.7
–
–

–
–
0.1
6.8

0.6
0.7
–

1.3
2.3
–
0.1
3.7

3.1
5.4

50.5
–
–
–
(0.9)
49.6
–
–

–
–
1.8
51.4

12.2
8.0
–

20.2
6.8
–
0.9
27.9

23.5
29.4

13.3
–
2.4
–
(0.3)
15.4
–
–

0.6
–
0.3
16.3

2.3
2.1
–

4.4
1.6
–
0.1
6.1

10.2
11.0

114.5
–
255.0
–
(2.2)
367.3
–
2.9

17.6
–
5.8
393.6

20.4
26.9
0.1

47.4
55.0
0.2
1.7
104.3

289.3
319.9

229.4
8.7
–
(3.1)
–
235.0
7.9
(2.9)

–
(1.5)
3.2
241.7

124.3
16.4
0.4

141.1
11.1
(0.2)
1.9
153.9

87.8
93.9

* Apex IPR&D acquired October 2016 has been reclassified from Patent rights to Capitalised development costs.

Total
£m

409.4
8.7
262.3
(3.1)
(3.3)
674.0
7.9
–

18.2
(1.5)
11.2
709.8

159.8
54.1
0.5

214.4
76.8
–
4.7
295.9

413.9
459.6

Stock Code: DPH

145

Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

12.  Intangible Assets continued

The table below provides further detail on the acquired intangibles and their remaining amortisation period.

Significant assets
Intangible assets arising from the acquisition  
of Dermapet
Intangible assets arising from the acquisition  
of Genetrix
Intangible assets arising from the acquisition  
of Eurovet
Intangible assets arising from the acquisition  
of PSPC Inc
Intangible asset acquired from Pharmaderm  
Animal Health
HY-50 intangible asset acquired from Bexinc 
Limited
Intangible assets arising from the acquisition  
of Genera

Description 
Product, marketing and distribution rights

Product, marketing and distribution rights

Technology, product, marketing and 
distribution rights
Product, marketing and distribution rights

Marketing and distribution rights

Marketing and distribution rights

Product, brand, technology, marketing  
and distribution rights

Intangible assets arising from the acquisition  
of Putney

Product, brand, technology, 
pharmacological process, marketing  
and distribution rights

Intangible asset arising from the acquisition  
of Apex

Product and technology

Intangible asset related to Animal Ethics 
Intangible asset related to a US dental licensing 
agreement
Intangible asset related to Bioveta
Intangible asset related to an injectable solution 
licensing agreement 
Intangible assets arising from the acquisition of 
RxVet
Intangible assets arising from the acquisition
of AST Farma and Le Vet

Marketing and distribution rights
Marketing and distribution rights

Marketing and distribution rights
Marketing and distribution rights

Brand

Product, brand, technology, 
marketing and distribution rights

Intangible asset related to Premune
Intangible assets related to an injectable 
solution licensing agreement
Intangible assets arising from the acquisition  
of Caledonian
Intangible assets arising from the acquisition  
of Venco

Product
Marketing and distribution rights

Product, brand, technology, marketing  
and distribution rights
Product, brand, technology, marketing  
and distribution rights

Carrying value 
£m
20.4

Sub-Total 
carrying value 
£m
20.4

Remaining 
amortisation 
period
6 ½ years

0.8

25.3

3.2

0.5

1.3

0.8
0.4
7.4

6.8
23.9
46.8

13.4

2.1
0.2

27.3
0.6

2.1
6.1

0.1

72.1
108.3
15.3
1.4
1.8

0.1
7.9

3.9

11.9
0.7
0.6
0.4

0.8

1 ½ years

25.3

3 years

3.2

0.5

1.3

5 years

3 years

2 ½ years

3 ½ years
6 ½ years
11 ½ years
8.6 Genera – total
7 years
7 years
9 years
77.5 Putney – total
14 years

11 years
2 years
Apex – total
10 years
8 years

10 years
10 years

½ year

15.7
27.3
0.6

2.1
6.1

0.1

8 ½ years
7 ½ years
9 years
1 ½ years
 3 ½ years
242.198.9 AST Farma and 
Le Vet – total
2 years
15 years

0.1
7.9

3.9

  4 ½ years

   9 ½ years
4 ½ years
7 ½ years
1 ½ years
Venco –total

13.6
413.9

146

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

13.  Property, Plant and Equipment 

Cost
At 1 July 2017 
Additions
Acquired through business combinations
Disposals
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 30 June 2018 and 1 July 2018 
Additions
Acquired through business combinations
Disposals
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 30 June 2019
Accumulated Depreciation

At 1 July 2017 

Charge for the year
Disposals
Foreign exchange adjustments

At 30 June 2018 and 1 July 2018 
Charge for the year
Disposals
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 30 June 2018
Net book value
At 30 June 2019
At 30 June 2018

Contracted capital commitments
Assets in the course of construction included above

Freehold
land and
buildings
£m

Short
leasehold
buildings
£m

Motor
vehicles
£m

Plant and
fixtures
£m

39.2
0.1
–
–
0.1
39.4
2.5
4.5
–
0.4
46.8

12.1

1.2
(0.2)
0.1

13.2
1.2
–
0.1
14.5

32.3
26.2

4.4
–
–
(0.2)
–
4.2
–
–
–
–
4.2

2.7

0.3
(0.3)
–

2.7
0.3
–
–
3.0

1.2
1.5

0.4
0.1
–
–
–
0.5
–
0.2
(0.1)
(0.2)
0.4

0.2

0.1
–
–

0.3
0.1
(0.1)
(0.1)
0.2

0.2
0.2

36.4
5.2
0.1
(1.7)
–
40.0
9.0
2.0
(2.1)
0.5
49.4

20.2

3.2
(1.4)
0.6

22.6
4.1
(2.1)
0.1
24.7

24.7
17.4

2019
£m

0.8
4.7

Total
£m

80.4
5.4
0.1
(1.9)
0.1
84.1
11.5
6.7
(2.2)
0.7
100.8

35.2

4.8
(1.9)
0.7

38.8
5.7
(2.2)
0.1
42.4

58.4
45.3

2018
£m

1.5
0.2

Stock Code: DPH

147

Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

14.  Impairment Reviews

Goodwill and indefinite life assets are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if there are indications that amounts might be impaired. 
The impairment tests involve determining the recoverable amount of the relevant asset or cash generating unit, which corresponds to the higher  
of the fair value less costs to sell or its value in use. In the Group’s case, the recoverable amount is based on the value in use calculations.

Intangible assets that are being amortised are reviewed for indicators of impairment annually, and in the event that impairment indicators exist, 
a full value in use calculation is performed. A review was performed to ensure that the carrying value of individual products capitalised are 
reflective of the projected cash flow generation and that no impairment indicators exist. No impairment was recognised on these assets. 

Value in use calculations are performed by forecasting the future cash flows attributable to the asset being tested (or the relevant cash 
generating unit in respect of goodwill). The forecast cash flows are discounted at an appropriate rate as described below.

The cash flow forecasts are derived as follows:

• 

• 

• 

The latest available Board approved business plan for the first two years;

The business plan is extrapolated by applying a growth rate for years three, four and five of 3% (2018: 3%) for Dechra Veterinary 
Products EU and Dechra Veterinary Products NA and 11% (2018: 3%) for Dechra Veterinary Products International; and

Thereafter, a terminal value is calculated based on year five cash flows, and assuming a long term growth rate of 0% (2018: 0%) for 
Dechra Veterinary Products EU and Dechra Veterinary Products NA and 1.5% (2018: 0%) for Dechra Veterinary Products International.

The projections covered a period of five years as we believe this to be the most appropriate timescale over which to review and consider 
annual performances before applying a fixed terminal value.

Value in use calculations were performed at 30 June 2019 for the following assets:

Cash generating unit
Dechra Veterinary Products EU

Dechra Veterinary Products NA

Dechra Veterinary Products International

Cash generating unit
Dechra Veterinary Products EU

Dechra Veterinary Products NA

Dechra Veterinary Products International

Goodwill 
carrying
value
£m
169.4

54.9

27.8

252.1

2019

Indefinite 
life assets 
carrying 
value 
£m
0.9

–

–

0.9

2018

Goodwill 
carrying
value
£m
167.5

Indefinite  
life assets 
carrying value 
£m
0.9

52.9

8.9

229.3

–

–

0.9

Pre-tax
discount 
rate
%
12.4

12.5

17.1

Pre-tax
discount 
rate
%
11.6

11.2

14.7

Total
value
£m
170.3

54.9

27.8

253.0

Total
value
£m
168.4

52.9

8.9

230.2

148

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

14.  Impairment Reviews continued

Key Assumptions
The key assumptions implicit in the impairment review are those regarding the Board approved business plan, medium and long term growth 
rates and the discount rate.

The Board approved business plan incorporates a number of key input assumptions, most notably regarding market growth expectations, the 
competitive and legislative environments, lifecycle management, selling prices, product margins and direct costs. The assumptions applied in 
the business plan are based on past experience and the Group’s expectation of future market changes and, where applicable, are consistent 
with external sources of information.

The medium and long term growth rates used (as set out above) reflect a cautious estimate of expected future growth in the Group’s markets, 
are no higher than those implicit in the Group’s strategic planning process, and do not exceed the long term growth rates in the countries in 
which each CGU operates.

The pre-tax discount rates have been estimated using a market participant rate, which is adjusted after consideration of market information, 
and risk adjusted dependent upon the specific circumstances of each asset or cash generating unit.

Sensitivity Analysis
We have performed sensitivity analyses around the key assumptions and have concluded that no reasonable changes in key assumptions 
would cause the recoverable amount to be less than the carrying value.

15.  Deferred Taxes
(a)  Recognised Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Receivables/payables
Share-based payments
Losses
R&D tax credits

Employee benefit obligations

(b)  Unrecognised Deferred Tax 

Assets

Liabilities

Net

2019
£m
–
–
1.1
1.4
1.0
1.6
–

0.3
5.4

2018
£m
–
–
0.9
1.2
2.4
2.1
1.2

1.0
8.8

2019
£m
(80.8)
(5.2)
–
–
–
–
–

–
(86.0)

2018
£m
(98.4)
(3.4)
–
–
–
–
–

–
(101.8)

2019
£m
(80.8)
(5.2)
1.1
1.4
1.0
1.6
–

0.3
(80.6)

2018
£m
(98.4)
(3.4)
0.9
1.2
2.4
2.1
1.2

1.0
(93.0)

The aggregate amount of gross temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries for which deferred tax liabilities have not 
been recognised is £1.8 million (2018: £1.8 million). The estimated unprovided deferred tax liability in relation to these temporary differences  
is £0.1 million (2018: £0.1 million). 

Deferred tax assets in relation to losses amounting to £0.7 million (2018: £0.9 million) have not been recognised due to uncertainty over their 
recoverability. Included within unrecognised losses are £0.7 million of losses which expire prior to 2030. Other losses may be carried forward 
indefinitely.  

Stock Code: DPH

149

Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

15.  Deferred Taxes continued
(c)  Movements during the Year 

Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Receivables/payables
Share-based payments
Losses
R&D tax credits
Employee benefit obligations

Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Receivables/payables
Share-based payments
Losses
R&D tax credits
Employee benefit obligations

Balance at
30 June 
2017
£m
(61.3)
(3.8)
0.8
3.5
1.6
8.4
1.3
1.0
(48.5)

Restated* 
Balance at 
30 June 
2018
£m
(98.4)
(3.4)
0.9
2.8
2.4
2.1
1.2
1.0
(91.4)

Acquired 
through 
business 
combinations
£m
(64.6)
–
(2.0)
–
–
–
–
–
(66.6)

Acquired 
through
business
combinations
£m
(5.1)
(1.4)
(0.7)
–
–
–
–
–
(7.2)

Recognised
in income
£m
26.6
0.4
2.0
(2.3)
(0.1)
(6.1)
0.1
–
20.6

Recognised
in income
£m
25.6
(0.3)
1.0
(1.6)
(0.2)
(0.5)
(1.1)
(0.7)
22.2

Recognised
in equity/OCI
£m
–
–
–
–
0.9
–
–
–
0.9

Recognised
in equity/OCI
£m
–
–
–
–
(1.2)
–
–
–
(1.2)

Foreign
exchange
adjustments
£m
0.9
–
0.1
–
–
(0.2)
(0.2)
–
0.6

Foreign
exchange
adjustments
£m
(2.9)
(0.1)
(0.1)
0.2
–
–
(0.1)
–
(3.0)

Balance at
30 June
2018
£m
(98.4)
(3.4)
0.9
1.2
2.4
2.1
1.2
1.0
(93.0)

Balance at
30 June
2019
£m
(80.8)
(5.2)
1.1
1.4
1.0
1.6
–
0.3
(80.6)

* The receivables/payables deferred tax asset at 1 July 2019 has been restated as detailed in note 36 Changes to Accounting Policies.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are analysed in the statement of financial position after offset, to the extent there is a legally enforceable right, 
of balances within countries as follows:

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

16.  Inventories

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

2019
£m
0.9
(81.5)
(80.6)

2019
£m
25.2
8.8
70.0
104.0

2018
£m
3.8
(96.8)
(93.0)

2018
£m
18.0
6.1
62.5
86.6

Included in finished goods and goods for resale £nil (2018: £5.2 million) of inventory held at net realisable value having been acquired through 
business combinations.

17.  Trade and Other Receivables

Trade receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income

2019
£m
91.1
4.9
3.9
99.9

2018
£m
76.0
3.0
2.6
81.6

150

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

18.  Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand

19.  Trade and Other Payables

Trade payables
Other payables
Other taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income

20.  Current Tax Liabilities

Corporation tax receivable

Corporation tax payable

21.  Borrowings 

Current liabilities:
Bank loans

Non-current liabilities:
Bank loans
Arrangement fees netted off

Total borrowings

Financial Statements

2019
£m
80.3

2019
£m
31.9
1.9
5.1
56.6
95.5

2019
£m

7.9

(16.3)

(8.4)

2019
£m

1.2
1.2

309.6
(2.7)
306.9
308.1

2018
£m
79.7

2018
£m
33.0
12.3
4.4
26.0
75.7

2018
£m

–

(5.9)

(5.9)

2018
£m

1.2
1.2

293.3
(3.4)
289.9
291.1

At 30 June 2019, £128.8 million was drawn against the £235.0 million Revolving Credit Facility maturing 25 July 2024. The facility is not 
secured on any specific assets of the Group but is supported by a joint and several cross guarantee structure. Interest is charged on this 
facility at a minimum of 1.30% over LIBOR and a maximum of 2.20% over LIBOR, dependent upon the Leverage (the ratio of Total Net Debt 
to Adjusted EBITDA) of the Group. As at 30 June 2019, interest being charged on this facility is 1.70% above LIBOR. All covenants were met 
during the year ended 30 June 2019.

At 30 June 2019, £179.3 million was drawn against the £350.0 million Term Loan Facility maturing 31 December 2020. The facility is not 
secured on any specific assets of the Group but is supported by a joint and several cross guarantee structure. Interest is charged on this 
facility at a minimum of 1.10% over LIBOR and a maximum of 2.00% over LIBOR, dependent upon the Leverage (the ratio of Total Net Debt 
to Adjusted EBITDA) of the Group. As at 30 June 2019, interest being charged on this facility is 1.50% above LIBOR. All covenants were met 
during the year ended 30 June 2019. The availability period of the Term Loan Facility expires on 31 December 2020.

Arrangement fees of £0.2 million were incurred on the two facilities during the year, these being released to the income statement over the life 
of the facility.

No interest has been capitalised during the year (2018: £nil).

Genera also has borrowing facilities of £5.8 million, of which £2.7 million was drawn down at 30 June 2019. Interest is fixed at 3.1%.

The maturity of the bank loans and overdrafts is as follows:

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

Further information on the interest profile of borrowings is shown in note 24.

Stock Code: DPH

2019
£m

1.2
180.5
129.1
310.8

2018
£m

1.2
1.3
292.0
294.5

151

Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

22.  Provisions

At start of period
Provision recognised
Provision utilised
Foreign exchange differences
At end of period

Provision for 
PPE grant
£m
(1.8)
–
0.5
0.1
(1.2)

Environmental 
Health & 
Safety
£m
(0.5)
–
0.2
–
(0.3)

Deferred Rent
£m
(0.5)
–
–
–
(0.5)

Total
£m
(2.8)
–
0.7
0.1
(2.0)

The Group has received advanced payment for rental income on its facilities in Portland. This has been recognised at amortised cost and is 
being utilised over the period of the rental contract. 

Genera has received advanced funding (PPE grant) for the refurbishment of the manufacturing facility for a third party manufacturing contract. 
The funding has been recognised at amortised cost and is being utilised over the life of the property, plant and equipment. 

On the acquisition of Genera, the Group established a fair value provision to address existing legal and environmental compliance. A provision  
is recognised at the present value of the costs to be incurred for the remediation of the manufacturing site. 

23.   Employee Benefit Obligations

In the prior year and for the period to 31 December 2018 the Group sponsored a defined benefit pension scheme in the Netherlands. This was 
a funded career average pay arrangement, where pensionable salary was subject to a cap and was financed through an insurance contract. 
The scheme ceased on 31 December 2018.

From 1 January 2019 the employee pension benefit in the Netherlands is being provided through contributions to a new defined contribution 
scheme and the Group’s obligations under the previous pension arrangement ceased. Accordingly the Group ceased to recognise assets and 
liabilities in respect of the previous arrangement from 1 January 2019 and recognised a curtailment gain of £3.5 million through the income 
statement.

The other defined benefit pension arrangements operated by the Company are unfunded: Jubilee awards of £0.1 million (2018: £0.1 million) for 
employees in the Netherlands are recognised within other payables in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2019.

The pension cost relating to the defined benefit pension arrangement in the Netherlands was assessed in accordance with the advice of an 
independent qualified actuary using the projected unit method. 

The major actuarial assumptions used by the actuary were:

Discount rate
Inflation assumption
Salary growth
Rate of increase in accrued pensions of active members
Rate of increase in pensions in payment
Rate of increase in pensions in deferment

31 December 
2018
1.90%
1.90%
2.40%
0.34%
0.00%
0.00%

30 June
2018
1.90%
1.90%
2.40%
0.34%
0.00%
0.00%

In valuing the liabilities of the pension scheme at 31 December 2018 and 30 June 2018, mortality assumptions were made as indicated below.

The mortality assumption follows the Prognosetafel AG2016 (2018: Prognosetafel AG2016) mortality tables with an experience adjustment  
in line with the ES-P2 tables as published by the Dutch Alliance of Insurers.

Assumed life expectations on retirement age
Retiring today (age 68)
Retiring in 20 years (age 48)

Male
18.7
20.8

Female
20.6
22.7

The assumptions used by the Group are the best estimates chosen by the Directors from a range of possible actuarial assumptions which, due 
to the timescale covered, may not necessarily be borne out in practice.

Present value of funded defined benefit obligations
Fair value of scheme assets
Net pension scheme deficit

2019
£m
–
–
–

2018
£m
(20.3)
17.3
(3.0)

152

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

23.   Employee Benefit Obligations continued

Movements in Present Value of Defined Benefit Obligations

Defined benefit obligation at beginning of the period
Service cost
Interest cost
Employee contributions
Benefits paid
Remeasurements:
– Loss from change in financial assumptions
– Gain from change in demographic assumptions
– Experience losses 
Settlement
Curtailment
Foreign exchange difference on translation
Defined benefit obligations at end of the period

Movements in Fair Value of Scheme Assets

Fair value of scheme assets at beginning of the period
Interest income
Additional charges
Employer contributions
Employee contributions
Benefits paid
Remeasurements:
– Premium adjustment
– Return on plan assets
Settlement
Foreign exchange difference on translation
Fair value of scheme assets at end of the period

Analysis of the Amount (Credited)/Charged to the Income Statement

Service cost
Net interest cost
Gain on curtailment of pension scheme
Additional charges
Net pension (credit)/expense

Cumulative Analysis of the Amount Charged to the Other Statement of Consolidated Income

Amounts charged in previous periods
Actuarial (gain)/loss on defined benefit pension scheme

Net pension expense

Financial Statements

2019
£m
20.3
0.6
0.2
0.1
–

0.1
(0.3)
–
(17.5)
(3.5)
–
–

2019
£m
17.3
0.2
(0.1)
0.3
0.1
–

0.1
(0.3)
(17.5)
(0.1)
–

2019
£m
0.6
–
(3.5)
0.1
(2.8)

2019
£m
0.5
–

0.5

2018
£m
17.9
1.2
0.4
0.2
–

0.6
–
0.6
–
(0.6)
–
20.3

2018
£m
14.9
0.3
(0.1)
0.7
0.2
–

0.3
0.9
–
0.1
17.3

2018
£m
1.2
0.1
(0.6)
0.1
0.8

2018
£m
0.5
–

0.5

Stock Code: DPH

153

 
 
Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

23.   Employee Benefit Obligations continued

Scheme Assets
The Group’s defined benefit pension scheme in the Netherlands was financed through an insurance contract. Under this contract, a market 
price for the assets in respect of this insurance contract was not available. In accordance with IAS 19 for such insurance policies, an asset 
value was calculated by discounting expected future cash flows. The discount rate used for this calculation reflected the risk associated with 
the scheme assets and the maturity or expected disposal date of those assets.

The fair value of the scheme’s assets was as follows:

Total fair value of assets
Actual return on scheme assets
Discount rate used to value assets

2019
£m
–
–
–

2018
£m
17.3
1.5
1.90%

The long term rate of return on pension plan assets was determined by aggregating the expected return for each asset class over the strategic 
asset allocation as at the year end. This rate of return was then adjusted for any expected profit sharing based on market related returns on 
notional loans.

History of Amounts in the Current Period

Present value of funded defined benefit obligations
Fair value of scheme assets
Deficit in the scheme

2019
£m
–
–
–

2018
£m
(20.3)
17.3
(3.0)

2017
£m
(17.9)
14.9
(3.0)

2016
£m
(17.4)
13.6
(3.8)

2015
£m
(7.2)
5.9
(1.3)

24.  Financial Instruments and Related Disclosures 

The Group’s financial instruments comprise cash deposits, bank loans and overdrafts, finance lease obligations, derivatives used for hedging 
purposes and trade receivables and payables.

Treasury Policy
The Group reports in Sterling and pays dividends out of Sterling profits. The role of the Group’s treasury activities is to manage and monitor  
the Group’s external and internal funding requirements and change to financing risks in support of the Group’s corporate activities.

The Board of Directors has approved a policy which governs all treasury activities.

The Group uses a variety of financial instruments, including derivatives, to finance its operations and to manage market risks from these 
operations. Derivatives, principally comprising forward foreign currency contracts, foreign currency options and interest rate swaps, are 
used to hedge against changes in foreign currencies and interest rates. Hedges of net investments in foreign operations are also used in the 
management of foreign currency risk.

The Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes and the Group’s treasury policy specifically prohibits 
such activity. All transactions in financial instruments are undertaken to manage the risks arising from underlying business activities, not for 
speculation.

During the year the Group has implemented physical cash pooling. This has resulted in increased cash being held in Dechra Pharmaceuticals 
PLC as the Master Account Holder.

154

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

24.  Financial Instruments and Related Disclosures continued 

Capital Management
The capital structure of the Group consists of net borrowings and shareholders’ equity. At 30 June 2019, net borrowing was £227.8 million 
(2018: net borrowing was £211.4 million), whilst shareholders’ equity was £509.1 million (2018: £505.0 million). 

The Group maintains a strong capital base so as to maintain investors’, creditors’ and market confidence and to sustain future development  
of the business.

The Group manages its capital structure to maintain a prudent balance between debt and equity that allows sufficient headroom to finance 
the Group’s product development programme and appropriate acquisitions. There were no changes in the Group’s approach to capital 
management during the year. 

The Group operates globally, primarily through subsidiary companies established in the markets in which the Group trades. The Group’s 
operating subsidiaries are generally cash generative and none are subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

There are financial covenants associated with the Group’s borrowings, which are interest cover, and net debt to underlying EBITDA. The Group 
complied with these covenants in 2019 and 2018. 

Operating cash flow is used to fund investment in the development of new products as well as to make the routine outflows of capital 
expenditure, tax, dividends and repayment of maturing debt.

The Group’s policy is to maintain borrowing facilities centrally which are then used to finance the Group’s operating subsidiaries, either by way 

of equity investments or loans.

Financial Risk Management 
The Group has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:

• 

• 

• 

liquidity risk

market risk

credit risk

This note presents information about the Group’s exposure to each of the above risks, and the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for 
measuring and managing risk.

Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not have sufficient funds to meet liabilities as they fall due. Cash flows and covenants of the Group 
are monitored half-yearly. These are reviewed to ensure sufficient financial headroom exists for at least a 12 month period.

The Group manages its funding requirements through the following lines of credit:

• 

• 

• 

£235.0 million multi-currency revolving credit facility, with an accordion of £125.0 million; 

£350.0 million Term Loan facility; and

£5.8 million bank loans; 

The Group’s revised borrowing facilities at 30 June 2019 are detailed in note 21.

Market Risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates or interest rates, will affect the Group’s income or the 
value of its holding of financial instruments.

Interest Rate Risk Management
The majority of the Group’s borrowings bear interest at floating rates linked to base rate or LIBOR and are consequently exposed to cash flow 
interest rate risk.

Foreign Exchange Risk Management
Foreign currency transaction exposure arising on normal trade flows is not hedged. The Group matches receipts and payments in the relevant 
foreign currencies as far as possible. To this end, bank accounts are maintained for all the major currencies in which the Group trades. 
Translational exposure in converting the income statements of foreign subsidiaries into the Group’s presentational currency of Sterling  
is not hedged.

The Group hedges selectively expected currency cash flows outside normal trading activities. The Group has designated a US Dollar loan  
of $97.0 million as a net investment hedge of US Dollar net assets.

Stock Code: DPH

155

Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

24.  Financial Instruments and Related Disclosures continued

Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual 
obligations.

The Group considers its maximum credit risk to be £96.0 million (2018: £79.0 million), which is the total carrying value of the Group’s financial 
assets excluding cash and cash equivalents.

Cash is only deposited with highly rated banks in line with our treasury policy.

The Group offers trade credit to customers in the normal course of business. Trade and bank references are obtained prior to extending credit. 

Our principal customers are pharmaceutical wholesalers and distributors. The failure of a large wholesaler could have a material adverse 
impact on the Group’s financial results.

The largest customer of the Group sits within the NA Pharmaceuticals segment and accounted for approximately 22.0% of gross trade 
receivables at 30 June 2019 (2018: 21.2%). This customer accounted for 20.4% (2018: 19.8%) of total Group revenues. One other customer 
accounted for more than 10% of total Group revenues (2018: one).

Trade receivables are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Indicators that there is no reasonable expectation of 
recovery include, amongst others, the failure of a debtor to engage in a repayment plan with the Group.

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities
The following table presents the carrying amounts and the fair values of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities at 30 June 2019 and 30 June 
2018. The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair values:

• 

• 

• 

• 

Cash and cash equivalents – approximated to the carrying amount.

Derivatives (Interest rate swaps) – based upon the amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the instrument at the 
balance sheet date, being the market price of the instrument.

Receivables and payables – approximated to the carrying amount.

Bank loans and overdrafts – based upon discounted cash flows using discount rates based upon facility rates renegotiated at the  
year end.

Analysis of Financial Instruments
The financial instruments of the Group measured at amortised cost are analysed as follows:

2019

2018

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Financial assets measured at amortised cost
– trade receivables
– other receivables 

Total financial assets
Financial liabilities
Bank loans and overdrafts
Trade payables
Other payables
Accruals
Deferred and contingent consideration
Total financial liabilities
Net financial liabilities

Carrying
value
£m

80.3
80.3

91.1
4.9
96.0
176.3

(310.8)
(31.9)
(1.9)
(56.6)
(36.0)
(437.2)
(260.9)

Fair
value
£m

80.3
80.3

91.1
4.9
96.0
176.3

(310.8)
(31.9)
(1.9)
(56.6)
(36.0)
(437.2)
(260.9)

Carrying
value
£m

79.7
79.7

76.0
3.0
79.0
158.7

(294.5)
(33.0)
(12.3)
(26.0)
(36.8)
(402.6)
(243.9)

Fair
value
£m

79.7
79.7

76.0
3.0
79.0
158.7

(294.5)
(33.0)
(12.3)
(26.0)
(36.8)
(402.6)
(243.9)

156

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

24.  Financial Instruments and Related Disclosures continued

Fair Value Hierarchy
The table below analyses the Group’s financial instruments carried at fair value, by valuation method. Where possible, quoted prices in active 
markets are used (Level 1). Where such prices are not available, the asset or liability is classified as Level 2, provided all significant inputs to 
the valuation model used are based on observable market data. If one or more of the significant inputs to the valuation model is not based on 
observable market data, the instrument is classified as Level 3. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year.

30 June 2019
Financial instruments held at fair value through the profit and loss
Derivative financial liabilities
Deferred and contingent consideration
Total

30 June 2018
Available for sale financial instruments
Derivative financial liabilities
Deferred and contingent consideration
Total

Level 1
£m
–
–
–
–

Level 1
£m
–
–
–
–

Level 2
£m
–
–
–
–

Level 2
£m
–
–
–
–

Level 3
£m
–
–
(36.0)
(36.0)

Level 3
£m
–
–
(36.8)
(36.8)

Total
£m
–
–
(36.0)
(36.0)

Total
£m
–
–
(36.8)
(36.8)

Deferred and contingent consideration is recorded at fair value based on risk-adjusted future cash flows discounted using appropriate 
interest rates, which are reviewed annually. The inputs relating to future cash flows will include cash flows relating to the relevant contractual 
arrangements. There would be no material effect on the amounts stated from any reasonably probable change in such inputs at 30 June 2019. 
Refer to note 4 for amounts recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement in the year.

Credit Risk
The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance for all 
trade receivables.

To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables have been grouped based on shared credit risk characteristics, and the days 
past due. The expected loss rates are based on the payment profiles of sales over a period of 36 months before 30 June 2019 and the 
corresponding historical losses experienced within this period. The historical loss rates are adjusted to reflect current and forward- looking 
information on macroeconomic factors affecting the ability of the customers to settle the receivables.

The loss allowance provision as at 30 June 2019 is determined as follows:

30 June 2019
Expected loss rate
Gross carrying amount - trade receivables
Loss allowance
Specific loss allowance
Total loss allowance

Past due 
(up to one 
month)
£m
0.03%
4.2
–
–
–

Past due 
(one to three 
months)
£m
0.03%
1.3
–
–
–

Past due 
(over three 
months)
£m
75.0%
0.9
0.2
0.7
0.9

Not due
£m
0.03%
85.8
–
0.2
0.2

Total
£m

92.2
0.2
0.9
1.1

The loss allowance provisions for trade receivables as at 30 June 2018 is not materially different to the balance reported and therefore no 
restatement is necessary through the opening retained earnings for 1 July 2018.

Stock Code: DPH

157

Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

24.  Financial Instruments and Related Disclosures continued

Credit Risk continued
The movement in the loss allowances for trade debtors at 30 June 2019 reconcile to the opening loss allowances as follows:

At start of period
Impairment provision recognised/(released)
Impairment provision utilised
At end of period

2019 
£m
0.6
0.6
(0.1)
1.1

2018
£m
3.2
(0.1)
(2.5)
0.6

Liquidity Risk – Contracted Cash Flows of Financial Liabilities
The following table shows the cash flow commitments of the Group in respect of financial liabilities at 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018. Where 
interest is at floating rates, the future interest payments have been estimated using current interest rates:

At 30 June 2019

Carrying value
Arrangement fees netted off
Future interest
Total committed cash flow
Payable:
Within 6 months
Between 6 months and 1 year
Between 1 and 2 years
Between 2 and 3 years
Between 3 and 4 years
Between 4 and 5 years
Over 5 years

At 30 June 2018

Carrying value
Arrangement fees netted off
Future interest
Total committed cash flow
Payable:
Within 6 months
Between 6 months and 1 year
Between 1 and 2 years
Between 2 and 3 years
Between 3 and 4 years
Between 4 and 5 years
Over 5 years

Deferred and 
contingent
consideration
£m

Bank loans
and 
overdrafts
£m

Trade and 
other 
payables
£m

(36.0)
–
(26.4)
(62.4)

(2.9)
(2.7)
(10.7)
(9.3)
(3.2)
(3.8)
(29.8)
(62.4)

(308.1)
(2.7)
(1.9)
(312.7)

(2.6)
(0.6)
(180.7)
–
–
–
(128.8)
(312.7)

(33.8)
–
–
(33.8)

(33.8)
–
–
–
–
–
–
(33.8)

Deferred and 
contingent
consideration
£m

Bank loans
and 
overdrafts
£m

Trade and 
other 
payables
£m

(36.8)
–
(25.2)
(62.0)

(5.0)
(4.2)
(4.7)
(9.4)
(3.0)
(3.9)
(31.8)
(62.0)

(291.1)
(3.4)
(1.4)
(295.9)

(1.9)
(0.6)
(1.3)
(134.3)
–
(157.8)
–
(295.9)

(45.3)
—
—
(45.3)

(45.3)
–
–
–
–
–
–
(45.3)

Total
£m

(377.9)
(2.7)
(28.3)
(408.9)

(39.3)
(3.3)
(191.4)
(9.3)
(3.2)
(3.8)
(158.6)
(408.9)

Total
£m

(373.2)
(3.4)
(26.6)
(403.2)

(52.2)
(4.8)
(6.0)
(143.7)
(3.0)
(161.7)
(31.8)
(403.2)

158

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

24.  Financial Instruments and Related Disclosures continued

Foreign Currency Exposure
The Sterling equivalents of financial assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 were:

At 30 June 2019
Financial assets
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Cash balances

Financial liabilities
Bank loans and overdrafts
Trade payables
Other payables
Deferred consideration

Net balance sheet exposure

At 30 June 2018
Financial assets
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Cash balances

Financial liabilities
Bank loans and overdrafts
Trade payables
Deferred consideration

Net balance sheet exposure

Australian
Dollar
£m

Danish
Krone
£m

–
–
0.6
0.6

–
–
–
(21.9)
(21.9)
(21.3)

–
–
–
–

(2.2)
–
–
–
(2.2)
(2.2)

Australian 
Dollar 
£m

Danish
Krone
£m

–
–
0.8
0.8

–
–
(24.1)
(24.1)
(23.3)

1.6
–
1.3
2.9

–
–
–
–
2.9

Euro
£m

7.8
0.1
31.7
39.6

(2.7)
(2.7)
(0.7)
(6.7)
(12.8)
26.8

Euro
£m

3.9
–
1.5
5.4

(7.6)
(5.8)
(2.0)
(15.4)
(10.0)

US
Dollar
£m

0.5
–
15.2
15.7

(92.2)
(0.4)
(0.3)
(6.6)
(99.5)
(83.8)

US
Dollar
£m

1.1
0.4
10.3
11.8

(107.9)
(0.2)
(9.6)
(117.7)
(105.9)

Other
£m

1.6
–
15.7
17.3

–
–
–
–
–
17.3

Other
£m

0.1
0.2
4.0
4.3

–
(0.3)
–
(0.3)
4.0

Sensitivity Analysis
Interest Rate Risk
A 2.0% increase in annual interest rates compared to those ruling at 30 June 2019 would reduce Group profit before taxation and equity by 
£6.0 million (2018: £4.4 million).

Foreign Currency Risk
The Group has significant cash flows and net financial assets and liabilities in Danish Krone, US Dollar and Euro. The Group does not hedge 
either economic exposure or the translation exposure arising from the profits of non-Sterling businesses. The Group is hedging certain foreign 
currency translations through the designation of a US Dollar loan as a net investment hedge of US Dollar net assets.

During 2019, we have been exposed to transactional and translational currency risk. In addition to the transactional gain of £0.7 million being 
recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement, £3.8 million foreign exchange gain translational impact was recognised in the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Income in the year.

As part of our acquisition strategy, we seek to balance the foreign exchange debt and related interest payable risk associated with non-Sterling 
acquisitions with the underlying related income and assets in foreign currencies.

The following table shows the impact on the Group’s profit after taxation of a 10% appreciation of Sterling against each of these currencies 
compared to the rates prevailing at the year end date. In this analysis, only financial assets and liabilities held on the balance sheet at the year 
end are assessed and are only considered sensitive to foreign exchange rates where they are not in the functional currency of the entity that 
holds them. There is no impact on other equity reserves. 

Danish Krone
US Dollar
Euro

Stock Code: DPH

Profit after
taxation
£m
(0.2)
–
3.7

159

Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

24.  Financial Instruments and Related Disclosures continued

The sensitivities on the previous page represent the Directors’ view of reasonably possible changes in each risk variable, not worst case 
scenarios or stress tests. The outputs from the sensitivity analysis are estimates of the impact of the effect of changes in market risks assuming 
that the specified changes occur at the year end and are applied to the risk exposures at that date. Accordingly, they show the impact on 
profitability and the balance sheet from such movements.  

Actual results in the future may differ materially from these estimates due to commercial actions taken to mitigate any potential losses from 
such rate movements, to the interaction of more than one sensitivity occurring and to further developments in global financial markets. As 
such, this table should not be considered as a projection of likely future gains and losses.

25.  Share Capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid at start of year
New shares issued
Allotted, called up and fully paid at end of year

Ordinary shares of 1 pence each

2019

Number
102,329,635
321,967
102,651,602

£m
1.0
–
1.0

2018

Number
93,178,756
9,150,879
102,329,635

£m
0.9
0.1
1.0

The Companies Act 2006 abolishes the requirement for a company to have an authorised share capital. At the 2009 Annual General Meeting, 
the shareholders approved a resolution whereby all provisions relating to the Company’s authorised share capital were removed from the 
Company’s constitutional documents. 

During the year, 321,967 new ordinary shares of 1 pence each (2018: 358,302 new ordinary shares of 1 pence each) were issued following 
the exercise of options under the Long Term Incentive Plan, the Approved, the Unapproved and the SAYE share option schemes. The 
consideration received was £1,239,011 (2018: £1,026,837). The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared  
or approved at General Meetings from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at such meetings of the Company.

During the 2018 financial year, the Company issued 5,121,952 shares of 1 pence each by way of a placing at an issue price of 2050 pence 
per share on 30 January 2018. The placing generated net proceeds of £102.3 million after costs of £2.7 million. The placing price of 2050 
pence per share was a 0.6% discount to the closing mid-market price per ordinary share on 24 January 2018, being the last practical date 
prior to the announcement of the placing. The Company issued 3,670,625 shares of 1 pence each to the sellers of AST Farma B.V. and Le Vet 
Beheer B.V. at an issue price of 2031 pence per share on 13 February 2018. The issue price of 2031 pence per share was the average of the 
middle market closing price of an ordinary share for the 30 days up to and including 24 January 2018 (being the last business day prior to the 
announcement of the acquisition), as derived from the Daily Official List.

26.  Own Shares

At start of the period
Recycled to retained earnings
Purchase of own shares
At end of period

2019
£m
0.4
(0.4)
–
–

2018
£m
0.7
(0.3)
–
0.4

The own shares reserve represents the cost of shares in Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC purchased in the market and held by the Group’s 
Employee Benefit Trust to satisfy options under the Group’s share options schemes (see note 28 for details). There were no ordinary shares 
held by the Employee Benefit Trust at 30 June 2019 (2018: 21,033). 

27.  Non-Controlling Interests

Following the acquisition of Genera in October 2015, the following non-controlling interest has been recorded in the Group financial 
statements:

At start of period
Additional consideration paid to non-controlling interests
Loss on acquisition of remaining non-controlling interests
Profit/(loss) for the period
Foreign exchange differences
At end of period

2019
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–

2018
£m
1.6
(1.8)
0.2
–
–
–

On 1 February 2018, the Group completed the buy-out of the remaining minority interest (4.87% of the voting shares) in Genera for  
HRK14.8 million (£1.8 million). 

160

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

28.  Share-based Payments

During the year, the Company operated the Unapproved Share Option Scheme, the Approved Share Option Scheme, the Long Term Incentive 
Plan and the Save As You Earn (SAYE) Share Option Scheme as described below:

Unapproved and Approved Share Option Schemes
Under these Schemes, options are granted to certain Executives and employees of the Group (excluding Executive Directors) to purchase 
shares in the Company at a price fixed at the average market value over the three days prior to the date of grant. For the options to vest, there 
must be an increase in earnings per share of at least 12% above the growth in the UK Retail Prices Index (RPI) over a three year period. Once 
vested, options must be exercised within ten years of the date of grant.

Long Term Incentive Plan 2008
Vesting is dependent on two performance conditions which must be satisfied over a three year performance period commencing from the start 
of the financial year within which the award is granted. 50% of the award will vest dependent on the Company’s TSR performance against an 
appropriate comparator group. 50% of the award will vest subject to a performance condition based on annual earnings per share targets. 
Each of the TSR and EPS elements is subject to an additional ROCE underpin. Unless the Company’s ROCE is 10% or more in the final year  
of the performance period, the award will lapse in full. 

SAYE Option Scheme
This scheme is open to all UK employees. Participants save a fixed amount of up to £500 per month for either three or five years and are 
then able to use these savings to buy shares in the Company at a price fixed at a 20% discount to the market value at the start of the savings 
period. Prior to 16 October 2012, participants were able to save for a seven year period. The SAYE options must ordinarily be exercised within 
six months of the completion of the relevant savings period. The exercise of these options is not subject to any performance criteria.

Long Term Incentive Plan 2017
(a)   Long Term Incentive Plan Awards

Vesting is dependent on three performance conditions which must be satisfied over a three year performance period commencing from 
the start of the financial year within which the award is granted. One third of each award is subject to a performance condition based 
on the Company’s TSR performance over the performance period relative to an appropriate comparator over the performance period. 
Two thirds of each award is subject to a performance condition based on the growth in the Group’s underlying diluted EPS over the 
performance period. Both the TSR element and the EPS element are subject to an additional ROCE performance measure. Unless 
the Group’s ROCE is 10% or more in the final year of the performance period, the awards will lapse in full regardless of TSR and EPS 
performance. For the purposes of this note they are detailed under the heading Long Term Incentive Plan.

(b)   Qualifying LTIP Awards

In addition, awards can be structured as Qualifying LTIP Awards, consisting of a Company Share Option Plan (CSOP) option and a nil-
cost LTIP award, with the ordinary award scaled back at exercise to take account of any gain made on exercise of the CSOP option. The 
Qualifying LTIP Awards are granted to the UK Senior Executive Team which includes the UK resident Executive Directors. The performance 
conditions are the same as those attached to the awards granted under Approved Share Option Schemes and Long Term Incentives Plan 
2017. For the purposes of this note they are detailed under the heading Long Term Incentive Plan (Qualifying LTIP Awards).

(c)   Market Value Options

Market value options may be granted under the LTIP 2017 as tax-advantaged CSOP options and as Unapproved share options. 
These options are granted to certain Executives and employees of the Group (excluding Executive Directors) to purchase shares in 
the Company at a price fixed at the average market value over the three days prior to the date of grant. For the options to vest, there 
must be an increase in earnings per share of at least 12% above the growth in the UK Retail Prices Index (RPI) over a three year period. 
Once vested, options must be exercised within ten years of the date of grant. For the purposes of this note they are detailed under the 
headings Unapproved and Approved Share Option Schemes.

Stock Code: DPH

161

Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

Exercised
Number

Granted
Number

Lapsed
Number

28.  Share-based Payments continued

Year ended 30 June 2019

Unapproved Share Option Scheme
10 October 2008†*
30 March 2009†*
1 March 2010†*
28 February 2011†*
10 September 2012†
16 September 2013†
11 September 2014†
15 September 2015†
18 March 2016†
19 September 2016
2 March 2018
26 October 2018

Approved Share Option Scheme
16 September 2013†
11 September 2014†
15 September 2015†
18 March 2016†
19 September 2016
2 March 2018
26 October 2018

Long Term Incentive Plan
15 September 2015
22 March 2016
19 September 2016
10 October 2016
7 March 2017
2 March 2018
26 October 2018

Exercise
Period

2011–2018
2012–2019
2013–2020
2014–2021
2015–2022
2016–2023
2017–2024
2018–2025
2019–2026
2019–2026
2020–2028
2021–2028

2016–2023
2017–2024
2018–2025
2019–2026
2019–2026
2021–2028
2021–2028

2018–2019
2019
2019–2020
2019–2020
2019
2020–2021
2021–2022

Long Term Incentive Plan (Qualifying LTIP Awards)
2 March 2018
2 March 2018
26 October 2018
26 October 2018
1 March 2019
1 March 2019

2021-2028
2020–2021
2021-2028
2021-2022
2022-2029
2022-2023

SAYE Option Scheme 
7 April 2014
13 October 2014
12 October 2015
13 October 2016
12 October 2017
29 November 2018

Total
Weighted average exercise price*

2017–2019
2017–2020
2018–2021
2019–2022
2020–2023
2021-2024

Exercise
price
per share
Pence

364.63
381.15
418.81
461.97
541.00
721.00
763.00
975.00
1118.00
1369.00
2506.00
2166.00

721.00
763.00
975.00
1118.00
1369.00
2506.00
2166.00

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2506.00
–
2166.00
–
2429.00
–

552.00
614.00
792.00
1095.00
1646.00
1974.00

At
1 July
 2018
Number

2,722
8,709
2,177
3,221
13,000
6,765
14,341
41,255
950
78,352
112,310
–
283,802

500
4,659
13,440
5,050
9,148
9,190
–
41,987

155,834
8,786
149,463
5,319
21,033
28,240
–
368,675

7,530
74,281
–
–
–
–
81,811

–
(6,532)
—
(3,221)
(13,000)
(3,765)
(7,341)
(22,436)
(475)
–
–
–
(56,770)

–
(2,659)
(12,485)
(5,050)
–
–
–
(20,194)

(155,834)
(5,857)
–
–
(21,033)
–
–
(182,724)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

20,101
16,378
79,761
42,484
69,548
–
228,272
1,004,547
759.65p

(18,471)
(431)
(63,536)
(519)
(355)
–
(83,312)
(343,000)
360.10p

At
30 June
2019
Number

–
–
2,177
–
–
3,000
7,000
18,983
475
72,352
98,639
120,036
322,662

500
2,000
955
–
9,148
7,993
2,906
23,502

–
–
143,969
–
–
28,240
98,679
270,888

5,136
49,217
1,350
3,115
1,235
4,940
64,993

–
13,419
15,373
39,192
61,576
33,389
162,949
844,994
994.14p

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
130,209
130,209

–
–
–
–
–
–
4,291
4,291

–
–
–
–
–
–
124,268
124,268

–
–
1,350
3,115
1,235
4,940
10,640

–
–
–
–
–
34,527
34,527
303,935
958.52p

(2,722)
(2,177)
–
–
–
–
–
164
–
(6,000)
(13,671)
(10,173)
(34,579)

–
–
–
–
–
(1,197)
(1,385)
(2,582)

–
(2,929)
(5,494)
(5,319)
–
–
(25,589)
(39,331)

(2,394)
(25,064)
–
–
–
–
(27,458)

(1,630)
(2,528)
(852)
(2,773)
(7,617)
(1,138)
(16,538)
(120,488)
772.84p

*   Adjusted to reflect the bonus element of the Rights Issue — there has been no impact on the overall fair value of options in issue.
†   Total share options exercisable at 30 June 2019 are 35,090.

162

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

28.  Share-based Payments continued

Year ended 30 June 2018

Unapproved Share Option Scheme
2 April 2008†*
10 October 2008†*
30 March 2009†*
1 March 2010†*
28 February 2011†*
10 September 2012†
16 September 2013†
11 September 2014†
15 September 2015
18 March 2016
19 September 2016
2 March 2018

Approved Share Option Scheme
2 April 2008†*
1 March 2010†*
28 February 2011†*
16 September 2013†
11 September 2014†
15 September 2015
18 March 2016
19 September 2016
2 March 2018

Long Term Incentive Plan
15 September 2014
15 September 2015
22 March 2016
19 September 2016
10 October 2016
7 March 2017
7 March 2017
2 March 2018

Exercise
Period

2011–2018
2011–2018
2012–2019
2013–2020
2014–2021
2015–2022
2016–2023
2017–2024
2018–2025
2019–2026
2019–2026
2020–2028

2011–2018
2013–2020
2014–2021
2016–2023
2017–2024
2018–2025
2019–2026
2019–2026
2020–2028

2017–2018
2018–2019
2019–2019
2019–2020
2019–2020
2018
2019
2020–2021

Long Term Incentive Plan (Qualifying LTIP 
Awards)
2 March 2018
2 March 2018

2021–2028
2020–2021

SAYE Option Scheme 
13 December 2010*
16 October 2012
7 April 2014
13 October 2014
12 October 2015
13 October 2016
12 October 2017

Total
Weighted average exercise price*

2013–2017
2015–2018
2017–2019
2017–2020
2018–2021
2019–2022
2020–2023

Exercise
price
per share
Pence

336.15
364.63
381.15
418.81
461.97
541.00
721.00
763.00
975.00
1118.00
1369.00
2506.00

336.15
418.81
461.97
721.00
763.00
975.00
1118.00
1369.00
2506.00

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2506.00
–

375.64
471.00
552.00
614.00
792.00
1095.00
1646.00

At
1 July
 2017
Number

3,266
2,722
8,709
2,177
3,221
26,000
17,765
44,009
48,060
950
88,852
–
245,731

1,088
466
44
3,249
10,991
13,440
5,050
9,148
–
43,476

195,258
155,834
8,786
149,463
5,319
21,033
21,033
—
556,726

–
–
–

4,542
7,576
22,383
100,129
82,804
49,429
–
266,863
1,112,796
430.64p

Exercised
Number

Granted
Number

Lapsed
Number

(3,266)
–
–
–
–
(13,000)
(11,000)
(25,668)
(2,000)
–
–
–
(54,934)

(1,088)
(466)
(44)
(2,749)
(6,332)
–
–
–
–
(10,679)

(195,258)
–
–
–
–
(21,033)
—
—
(216,291)

–
–
–

(4,542)
(7,576)
(2,282)
(82,034)
(997)
–
–
(97,431)
(379,335)
270.69p

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
114,113
114,113

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
10,387
10,387

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
28,240
28,240

7,530
74,281
81,811

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(4,000)
(4,805)
—
(10,500)
(1,803)
(21,108)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(1,197)
(1,197)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
73,108
73,108
307,659
1405.23p

–
–
–
(1,717)
(2,046)
(6,945)
(3,560)
(14,268)
(36,573)
1251.43p

*   Adjusted to reflect the bonus element of the Rights Issue — there has been no impact on the overall fair value of options in issue.
†   Total share options exercisable at 30 June 2018 are 56,094.

Stock Code: DPH

At
30 June
2018
Number

–
2,722
8,709
2,177
3,221
13,000
6,765
14,341
41,255
950
78,352
112,310
283,802

–
–
–
500
4,659
13,440
5,050
9,148
9,190
41,987

–
155,834
8,786
149,463
5,319
–
21,033
28,240
368,675

7,530
74,281
81,811

–
–
20,101
16,378
79,761
42,484
69,548
228,272
1,004,547
759.65p

163

Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

28.  Share-based Payments continued

The weighted average exercise price of options eligible to be exercised at 30 June 2019 was 862.72p (2018: 596.85p). For options exercised 
during the year, the weighted average market price at the date of exercise was 2,365.36p (2018: 2,142.35p). The weighted average remaining 
contractual lives of options outstanding at the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date was 4.3 years (2018: 3.8 years).

Outstanding options on all Long Term Incentive Plan, Approved and Unapproved plans prior to 30 June 2018 were exercisable at 30 June 

2019. No options issued under SAYE plans were exercisable at 30 June 2019 (2018: nil).

The fair values for shares granted under the Unapproved, Approved and SAYE Option Schemes have been calculated using the Black–Scholes 
option pricing model. The fair values of shares awarded under the Long Term Incentive Plan have been calculated using a Monte Carlo 
simulation model which takes into account the market-based performance conditions attaching to those shares. The assumptions used in 
calculating fair value are as follows:

Long Term Incentive Plan
Date of grant
Number of shares awarded
Share price at date of grant
Exercise price
Expected life
Risk-free rate
Volatility
Dividend yield
Fair value per share

Unapproved and Approved Share Option Schemes

07/03/17
21,033
1652p
Nil
2 years
0.12%
22%
1.54%
1500p

26/10/18
& 01/03/19
6,876
2188p
2166p
6.5 years
1.05%
28%
0.90%
596p

10/10/16
5,319
1389p
Nil
3 years
0.12%
22%
1.54%
1108p

02/03/18
17,917
2548p
2506p
6.5 years
1.20%
23%
1.91%
521p

19/09/16
149,463
1379p
Nil
3 years
0.12%
22%
1.54%
1108p

19/09/16
106,000
1379p
1369p
6.5 years
0.47%
26%
1.54%
305p

22/03/16
8,786
1200p
Nil
3 years
0.46%
22%
1.61%
1021p

18/03/16
6,000
1185p
1188p
6.5 years
1.02%
26%
1.62%
273p

15/09/15
220,621
990p
Nil
3 years
0.68%
22%
0.54%
764p

15/09/15
74,000
990p
975p
6.5 years
1.47%
27%
0.54%
284p

26/10/18 & 01/03/19
26/10/18 & 01/03/19
30/09/21
30/09/21

Standalone
Nil-cost options

2 years

Conditional  
share awards

2 years

23,919
2188p
Nil
2.93 years
0.75%
27.95%
0.90%
943p

47,838
2188p
Nil
2.93 years
0.75%
27.95%
0.90%
1939p

4,815
2188p
Nil
2.93 years
0.75%
27.95%
0.90%
943p

9,629
2188p
Nil
2.93 years
0.75%
27.95%
0.90%
1939p

Nil-cost options  
(CSOP linked and  
standalone options)

N/A

15,374
2188p
Nil
2.93 years
0.75%
27.95%
0.90%
1036p

30,748
2188p
Nil
2.93 years
0.75%
27.95%
0.90%
2131p

Market value 
options

N/A
130,209
2188p
2166p
2.93 years
1.05%
27.95%
0.90%
596p

Date of grant
Number of shares awarded
Share price at date of grant
Exercise price
Expected life
Risk-free rate
Volatility
Dividend yield
Fair value per share

Long Term Incentive Plan 2017
Valuation date
Award date
Vesting date
Expected exercise

Type of awards

Holding period restriction
Number of awards at grant
Share price at date of grant
Exercise price
Expected life
Risk-free rate
Volatility
Dividend yield
Fair value per share

164

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

28.  Share-based Payments continued
Long Term Incentive Plan 2017
Valuation date
Award date
Vesting date
Expected exercise

Type of awards

Holding period restriction
Number of awards at grant
Share price at date of grant
Exercise price
Expected life
Risk-free rate
Volatility
Dividend yield
Fair value per share

        Save As You Earn Option Scheme

Date of grant
Number of shares awarded
Share price at date of grant
Exercise price
Expected life
– three year scheme
– five year scheme
Risk-free rate
– three year scheme
– five year scheme
Volatility
– three year scheme
– five year scheme
Dividend yield
Fair value per share
– three year scheme
– five year scheme

Nil-cost options  
(CSOP linked)

2 years

Conditional  
share awards

2 years

20,459
2506p
Nil
 years
0.82%
23.21%
1.91%
1979p

40,918
2506p
Nil
years
0.82%
23.21%
1.91%
22.50p

4,033
2506p
Nil
years
0.82%
23.21%
1.91%
19.79p

8,066
2506p
Nil
years
0.82%
23.21%
1.91%
22.50p

Nil-cost options  
(CSOP linked and  
standalone options)

N/A

9,682
2506p
Nil
years
0.82%
23.21%
1.91%
21.33p

19,363
2506p
Nil
years
0.82%
23.21%
1.91%
24.25p

02/03/18
02/03/18
30/09/20
30/09/20

Market value 
options

N/A
114,113
2506p
Nil
years
1.20%
23.21%
1.91%
522p

29/11/18
34,527
2136p
1974p

12/10/17
73,108
2175p
1646p

13/10/16
52,877
1370p
1095p

12/10/15
101,513
930p
792p

3.4 years
5.4 years

3.25 years
5.25 years

3.25 years
5.25 years

3.25 years
5.25 years

0.77%
0.91%

27.94%
25.09%
0.95%

485p
530p

0.54%
0.79%

21.6%
22.2%
1.91%

551p
587p

0.22%
0.44%

22%
24%
1.51%

302p
346p

0.83%
1.17%

22%
26%
0.53%

215p
283p

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price over its entire trading history.

National Insurance contributions are payable by the Company in respect of some of the share-based payments. These contributions are 
payable on the date of exercise based on the intrinsic value of the share-based payments and are therefore treated as cash settled awards. 
The Group had an accrual at 30 June 2019 of £1.0 million (2018: £1.4 million), of which £0.2 million (2018: £0.2 million) related to vested 
options. The total charge to the Consolidated Income Statement within administrative expenses in respect of share-based payments was:

Equity settled share-based transactions
Cash settled share-based transactions

29.  Changes in Net Debt

Cash and cash equivalents
Bank loans within one year
Bank loans after one year
Net debt

2019
£m
2.3
0.1
2.4

2018
£m
2.4
0.9
3.3

At  
1 July 2018  
£m
79.7
(1.2)
(289.9)
(211.4)

Cash  
flows 
£m
(0.7)
4.0
(11.1)
(7.8)

Acquisitions 
£m
0.5
(2.8)
–
(2.3)

Foreign 
exchange 
movements 
£m
0.8
–
(6.2)
(5.4)

Other 
non-cash 
movements 
£m
–
(1.2)
0.3
(0.9)

At 
30 June 2019 
£m
80.3
(1.2)
(306.9)
(227.8)

Stock Code: DPH

165

Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

30.  Operating Leases

At the balance sheet date the Group had outstanding commitments for future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases 
as follows:

Within one year
Between one and five years
In five years or more

Land and buildings
2019
£m
1.8
4.5
5.7
12.0

2018
£m
1.4
4.1
2.8
8.3

Other assets

Total

2019
£m
1.9
2.5
–
4.4

2018
£m
1.8
2.5
–
4.3

2019
£m
3.7
7.0
5.7
16.4

2018
£m
3.2
6.6
2.8
12.6

The Group leases properties, plant, machinery and vehicles for operational purposes. Property leases vary in length up to a period of 20 years. 
Plant, machinery and vehicle leases typically run for periods of up to five years.

31.  Foreign Exchange Rates 

The following primary exchange rates have been used in the translation of the results of foreign operations: 

Australian Dollar
Danish Krone
Euro
US Dollar

32.  Acquisitions

Average rate 
for 2018
1.7372
8.4010
1.1286
1.3465

Closing rate
at 30 June
2018
1.7817
8.4109
1.1286
1.3157

Average rate 
for 2019
1.8097
8.4651
1.1345
1.2945

Closing rate
at 30 June
2019
1.8118
8.3248
1.1154
1.2693

Acquisition of Venco
On 17 December 2018, Dechra acquired the entire share capital of Laboratorios Vencofarma do Brasil Ltda (Venco), a company with a  
large portfolio of vaccines and other Food producing Animal Products which it sells predominantly in Brazil. The Group paid £34.8 million              
(BRL163.8 million) consideration in cash.

Recognised amounts of identifiable assets acquired 
Identifiable assets
Property, plant and equipment
Inventory
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Cash
Borrowings
Intangible assets
Current tax liabilities
Deferred taxation
Net identifiable assets
Goodwill
Total consideration
Satisfied by:
Cash
Total consideration transferred
Net cash outflow arising on acquisition
Cash consideration
Less cash and cash equivalents
Net cash outflow arising on acquisition

Fair Value
£m

6.7
6.1
4.5
(6.4)
0.5
(2.8)
14.7
(0.5)
(6.0)
16.8
18.0
34.8

34.8
34.8

34.8
(0.5)
34.3

166

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

32.  Acquisitions continued 

The fair values shown above are provisional and may be amended if information not currently available comes to light. The provisional fair 
value adjustments made principally relate to harmonisation with Group IFRS accounting policies, including the application of fair values on 
acquisition, principally the recognition of fair value uplift on acquired inventory and intangibles in accordance with IFRS 3.

The goodwill of £18.0 million arising from the acquisition consists of geographical expansion in the Brazilian and South American markets, 
cross-selling synergies with other Dechra products, and the technical expertise of the assembled workforce.

Acquisition related costs (included in non-underlying operating expenses) amounted to £1.3 million. Venco’s results are reported within the  
EU Pharmaceuticals Segment.

Venco contributed £8.3 million revenue and £2.1 million underlying operating profit for the period between the date of acquisition and the 
balance sheet date. If the acquisition had been completed on the first date of the financial year, the contribution to Group revenues for the 
period would have been £15.7 million and the contribution to Group underlying operating profit would have been £3.8 million. The reported 
operating profit after taking into account non-underlying items for the amortisation of intangible assets and the fair value uplift on inventory 
would be £0.1 million.

The fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired have been reconsidered since the Half Yearly Report at 31 December 2018 as part of the 
measurement period. Hindsight adjustments have been made in relation to consideration for the completion payment (£1.6 million), cash 
(£0.6 million), inventory (£1.5 million), intangibles (£0.1 million), tangible assets (£0.4 million) following an independent valuation of the land and 
buildings acquired, payables predominantly due to the reclassification of other taxes from current tax liabilities (£3.5 million), borrowings (£0.8 
million), current tax liabilities (£3.1 million) and deferred tax (£0.3 million) predominantly due to fair value adjustments.

Acquisition of Caledonian
On 8 October 2018, Dechra acquired the trade and assets of Caledonian Holdings Ltd, an equine veterinary pharmaceuticals sales and 
distribution company based in New Zealand and Australia. The Group paid £4.4 million (NZD8.7 million) consideration in cash. 

Recognised amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Inventory
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Intangible assets
Deferred taxation
Net identifiable assets
Goodwill
Total consideration
Satisfied by:
Cash
Total consideration transferred
Net cash outflow arising on acquisition
Cash consideration
Net cash outflow arising on acquisition

Fair value
£m

0.8
0.3
(0.3)
4.0
(1.2)
3.6
0.8
4.4

4.4
4.4

4.4
4.4

The fair values shown above are provisional and may be amended if information not currently available comes to light. The provisional fair 
value adjustments made principally relate to harmonisation with Group IFRS accounting policies, including the application of fair values on 
acquisition, principally the recognition of fair value uplift on acquired inventory and intangibles in accordance with IFRS 3.

The goodwill of £0.8 million arising from the acquisition consists of continued geographic expansion into Australia and New Zealand, and also 
enables Dechra to grow its market penetration of equine products in the Asian market. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for 
income tax purposes.

Acquisition related costs (included in non-underlying operating expenses) amounted to £0.1 million. Caledonian’s results are reported within the 
EU Pharmaceuticals Segment.

Caledonian contributed £1.5 million revenue and £0.8 million to the Group’s underlying operating profit for the period between the date of 
acquisition and the balance sheet date. If the acquisition had been completed on the first date of the financial year, the contribution to Group 
revenues for the period would have been £2.0 million and the contribution to Group underlying operating profit would have been £1.0 million. 
The reported operating profit after taking into account non-underlying items for the amortisation of intangible assets and the fair value uplift on 
inventory would be £0.2 million.

Prior Year Acquisitions
Following the acquisition of RxVet in December 2017, and AST Farma and Le Vet in February 2018, the disclosure of the final fair values of the 
assets and liabilities acquired has been included in the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2018.

Stock Code: DPH

167

 
Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

33.  Deferred and Contingent Consideration Liabilities 

Deferred consideration – less than one year
Deferred consideration – more than one year

Contingent consideration – less than one year
Contingent consideration – more than one year

2019
£m
–
–
–

5.1
30.9
36.0
36.0

2018
£m
1.8
–
1.8

7.0
28.0
35.0
36.8

The consideration for certain acquisitions and licensing agreements includes amounts contingent on future events such as development 
milestones or sales performance. The Group has provided for the fair value of this contingent consideration as follows:

As at 1 July 2017
Additions
Remeasurement through intangibles
Remeasurement through income 
statement
Cash payments: investing activities
Finance expense
Foreign exchange adjustments
Other movements
At 30 June 2018
Additions
Remeasurement through intangibles
Remeasurement through income 
statement
Cash payments: investing activities
Finance expense
Foreign exchange adjustments
Other movements
At 30 June 2019

Tri-Solfen® 
25.5
–
(0.9)

StrixNB® & 
DispersinB®
3.6
–
(2.2)

Injectable  
Solution 1
–
6.5
–

Injectable  
Solution 2
–
–
–

Phycox®
3.1
–
–

Other
0.5
2.4
–

–
–
–
(1.8)
–
22.8
–
(1.0)

–
–
0.6
(0.4)
–
22.0

(0.1)
–
–
(0.2)
–
1.1
–
(0.3)

(0.1)
(0.1)
0.1
–
–
0.7

–
–
–
0.1
–
6.6
–
(0.3)

–
(2.1)
0.2
–
–
4.4

–
–
–
–
–
–
7.9
–

–
(3.0)
–
0.3
–
5.2

–
(0.6)
0.4
(0.1)
–
2.8
–
–

–
(0.7)
0.1
–
–
2.2

–
(1.1)
0.2
–
(0.3)
1.7
–
0.1

–
(0.4)
–
0.1
–
1.5

Total
32.7
8.9
(3.1)

(0.1)
(1.7)
0.6
(2.0)
(0.3)
35.0
7.9
(1.5)

(0.1)
(6.3)
1.0
–
–
36.0

The consideration payable for Tri-Solfen® is expected to be payable over a number of years, and relates to development milestones and sales 
performance. During the year, the development milestones have been remeasured and consequently are now expected to happen later than 
initially anticipated. A delay in the timing of contingent cash flows of one year would result in a decrease of the liability and intangible asset of 
£3.5 million.  An increase in the discount rate by 1% would result in a decrease of the deferred consideration and associated intangible of  
£1.1 million. 

The consideration payable for StrixNB® and DispersinB® is expected to be payable over a number of years, and relates to development 
milestones and sales performance. During the year the contingent consideration has been remeasured and consequently one of the 
development milestones is no longer expected to be achieved. To the extent possible this has been remeasured through intangibles with  
the excess being credited to the income statement, and treated as non-underlying.

The consideration for two separate licensing agreements for injectable solutions both relate to development milestones, and Phycox relates  
to sales performance. The consideration payable is expected to be payable for these agreements within the next five years.

Where a liability is expected to be payable over a number of years the total estimated liability is discounted to its present value.

168

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

34.  Related Party Transactions

Subsidiaries
The Group’s ultimate Parent Company is Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC. A listing of subsidiaries is shown within the financial statements of the 
Company on pages 178 to 180.

Transactions with Key Management Personnel
The details of the remuneration, Long Term Incentive Plans, shareholdings, share options and pension entitlements of individual Directors are 
included in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 93 to 105. The remuneration of key management is disclosed in note 8.

Non-Controlling Interests
Refer to note 27 for transactions with non-controlling interests, there were no transactions during the year. 

35.  Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Group has no off balance sheet arrangements to disclose as required by S410A of the Companies Act 2006.

36.  Changes in Accounting Policies

This note explains the impact of the adoption of IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ and IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ on the 
Group’s Financial Statements and also discloses the new accounting policies that have been applied from 1 July 2018, where they are different 
to those applied in prior periods.

The table below shows the impact on the opening balance sheet retained earnings as at 1 July 2018, from the adoption of IFRS 15; note only 
the line items affected by the change have been included:

Statement of  Financial Position (extract)
Current Liabilities
Trade and other payables
Non-Current Liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Equity
Retained Earnings

Reported
30.06.18
£m

IFRS 15
£m

Restated 
01.07.18
£m

(75.7)

(96.8)

125.5

(6.5)

1.6

(4.9)

(82.2)

(95.2)

120.6

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The Group has adopted IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ from 1 July 2018 which resulted in changes in accounting policies 
and adjustments to the amounts recognised in the financial statements. In accordance with the transition provisions of IFRS 15, the Group 
has adopted the modified retrospective approach, recognising a cumulative adjustment to decrease equity at 1 July 2018. This adjustment 
represents the earlier recognition of rebates and discounts based on the most likely method of calculation, and the associated tax impact.

Following the clarification IFRS 15 provides over the treatment of variable consideration, the timing of rebates and the deductions and 
discounts recognition has been refined through adoption of the most likely amount method.

The adoption of IFRS 15 has resulted in revenue and profit being £0.2 million higher in the current period compared to IAS 18. There is a 
corresponding deferred tax debit of £0.04 million recognised in relation to this. 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments – Impact of Adoption
IFRS 9 replaces the provisions of IAS 39 that relate to the recognition, classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities, 
derecognition of financial instruments, impairment of financial assets and hedge accounting. The adoption of IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ 
from 1 July 2018 resulted in changes in accounting policies but did not have a material impact on the financial statements for the year to 
30 June 2019, or retained earnings at 1 July 2018. The new accounting policies are set out in note 1. In accordance with the transitional  
provisions in IFRS 9, comparative figures have not been restated.

The Group has trade receivables for sales of inventory that are subject to IFRS 9’s new expected credit loss model. The Group was required to 
revise its impairment methodology under IFRS 9 for this class of asset which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance for all trade receivables. 
To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables have been grouped based on shared credit risk characteristics and the days past 
due. Trade receivables are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Indicators that there is no reasonable expectation 
of recovery include, amongst others, the failure of a debtor to engage in a repayment plan with the Group, and a failure to make contractual 
payments for a period of greater than 120 days past due.

Cash and cash equivalents are also subject to the impairment requirements of IFRS 9; however, the identified impairment loss of this financial 
asset was immaterial.

Stock Code: DPH

169

 
Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

37.  Contingent Liabilities

In October 2017 the European Commission (the Commission) opened a State Aid investigation into the Group Financing Exemption in the 
UK Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) rules. On 25 April 2019 the Commission issued its decision on the CFC Group Financing Exemption 
concluding that part of the UK measures were unlawful and incompatible instructing the UK Government to recover the State Aid. The UK 
Government filed an annulment appeal on 12 June 2019. In common with other UK-based international companies Dechra have financing 
arrangements in line with the current UK legislation. We have calculated the maximum potential State Aid claimed as £4.0 million excluding 
penalties and interest. Given the current position no provision has been recognised in the financial statements.

At 30 June 2019, contingent liabilities arising in the normal course of business amounted to £15.0 million relating to license and distribution 
agreements entered into during the year. The stage of development of the projects underpinning the agreements dictates that a commercially 
stable product is yet to be achieved, and accordingly an intangible asset and contingent liability have not been recognised.

38.  Subsequent Events

On 5 July 2019 the Group acquired a further 15.0% of the issued share capital of Medical Ethics Pty Ltd, the parent company of Animal Ethics, 
for a total consideration of AUD13.5 million (£8.0 million) from the current shareholders. Following this acquisition the Group will hold 48.0% of 
the issued share capital of Medical Ethics Pty Ltd, and this has not resulted in a change of control or accounting treatment of the entity.

On 2 August 2019 the Group announced the signature of a licensing and supply agreement with Akston Biosciences Corporation for a patent 
pending long acting protein for the treatment of diabetes in dogs. Following the initial upfront payment of USD2.0 million there are subsequent 
milestone payments totalling USD14.0 million due on the achievement of major milestones in the development process which should be 
completed within five years.

On 28 August 2019 the Group acquired Ampharmco LLC and its associated holding companies, Dragon Fire Holdings LLC and Black Griffin 
Holdings LLC together with its manufacturing site based in Fort Worth, Texas, for a cash consideration of USD30.0 million (£24.5 million).

39.  Underlying Operating Profit and Profit Before Taxation

Operating profit
Underlying operating profit/EBIT is calculated as follows:
Operating profit
Non-underlying operating expenses (note 5)
Underlying operating profit/EBIT
Depreciation
Amortisation and impairment
Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA)

Profit before taxation
Underlying profit before taxation is calculated as follows:
Profit before taxation
Non-underlying operating expenses
Amortisation of fair value adjustments relating to Medical Ethics
Fair value and other movements on deferred and contingent consideration
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Underlying profit before taxation

2019
£m

39.0
88.4
127.4
5.7
4.1
137.2

27.8
88.4
0.2
1.0
–
117.4

2018
£m

34.1
65.1
99.2
4.8
2.6
106.6

28.9
65.1
0.2
(0.9)
0.4
93.7

170

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Company Statement of Financial Position

At 30 June 2019

Non-current assets
Investments
Intangible assets
Tangible assets

Current assets
Trade and other receivables (includes amounts falling due after more than one year of £1.2 million 
(2018: £2.1 million))
Cash at bank and in hand

Borrowings
Trade and other payables
Net current liabilities
Total assets less current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Net assets
Equity
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Foreign currency translation reserve
Merger reserve
At 1 July
Profit for the year attributable to the owners
Other changes in retained earnings
Retained earnings
Total equity shareholders’ funds

* Restated as detailed in note (i)

Financial Statements

2019
£m

743.6
10.1
0.2
753.9

28.8
50.9
79.7
–
(220.4)
(140.7)
613.2

(114.5)
498.7

1.0
277.9
0.6
82.6
120.4
43.1
(26.9)
136.6
498.7

Restated*
2018
£m

647.2
9.7
0.2
657.1

11.5
–
11.5
(1.3)
(56.4)
(46.2)
610.9

(129.6)
481.3

1.0
276.7
0.6
82.6
66.4
71.5
(17.5)
120.4
481.3

Note

iv
v
vi

vii
 viii

x
ix

x

xii

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 2 September 2019 and are signed on its behalf by:

Ian Page 
Chief Executive Officer 
2 September 2019

Tony Rice 
Non-Executive Chairman 
2 September 2019

Company number: 3369634

Stock Code: DPH

171

Financial Statements

Company Statement of Changes in  
Shareholders’ Equity

For the year ended 30 June 2019

Attributable to owners of the parent

Called up
share
capital
£m

Share
premium
account
£m

Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
£m

Merger
reserve
£m

Retained
earnings
£m

Total 
shareholders’
funds
£m

0.9
–
–

–
–
0.1
0.1
1.0

1.0
–
–

–
–
–
–
1.0

173.4
–
–

–
–
103.3
103.3
276.7

276.7
–
–

–
–
1.2
1.2
277.9

0.6
–
–

–
–
–
–
0.6

0.6
–
–

–
–
–
–
0.6

–
–
–

–
–
82.6
82.6
82.6

82.6
–
–

–
–
–
–
82.6

66.4
71.5
71.5

(21.8)
4.3
–
(17.5)
120.4

120.4
43.1
43.1

(28.4)
1.5
–
(26.9)
136.6

241.3
71.5
71.5

(21.8)
4.3
186.0
168.5
481.3

481.3
43.1
43.1

(28.4)
1.5
1.2
(25.7)
498.7

Year ended 30 June 2018
At 1 July 2017
Profit for the period
Total comprehensive income
Transactions with owners
Dividends paid
Share-based payment charge
Shares issued (Restated)*
Total contributions by and distributions to owners
At 30 June 2018 (Restated)*
Year ended 30 June 2018
At 1 July 2018
Profit for the period
Total comprehensive income
Transactions with owners
Dividends paid
Share-based payment charge
Shares issued
Total contributions by and distributions to owners
At 30 June 2019

* Restated as detailed in note (i) Principal Accounting Policies of the Company.

172

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

Financial Statements

(i)  Principal Accounting Policies of the Company

Accounting Principles
The separate financial statements of the Company have been prepared on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention, in 
accordance with applicable UK accounting standards and the Companies Act 2006.

Basis of Preparation
The Directors opted to prepare the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2019 in accordance with FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure 
Framework’ and the Companies Act 2006. The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out 
below, and have been applied consistently.

No income statement is presented for the Company as permitted by Section 408(2) and (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The profit dealt  
within the accounts of the Company was £43.1 million (2018: £71.5 million).

The following exemptions have been taken in preparing the financial statements;

a. 

b. 

c. 

d. 

e. 

f. 

g. 

The requirements of paragraphs 45(b) and 46 to 52 of IFRS 2 ‘Share-based Payment’, exempting the Company from preparing share 
based payment disclosures.

The requirements of IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’

The following requirements of IAS 1:

 −

 −

 −

 −

 −

Paragraphs 10(d) and 111, exempting the Company from providing a cash flow statement and information;

Paragraph 16, exempting the Company from providing a statement of compliance with all IFRSs;

Paragraph 38A, exempting the Company from the requirement for a minimum of two of each primary statement and the related notes;

Paragraph 38B to D, exempting the Company from the requirement to present additional comparative information; and

Paragraphs 134 to 136, exempting the Company from presenting Capital Management disclosures.

The requirements of IAS 7 ‘ Statement of Cash Flows’, exempting the company from preparing a cash flow statement

The requirements of paragraph 17 of IAS 24 ‘Related Party Disclosures’, exempting the Company from disclosing details of all key 
management compensation.

The requirements in IAS 24 ‘Related Party Disclosures’ to disclose related party transactions with wholly-owned members of the Group.

The requirements of paragraphs 30 and 31 of IAS 8 ‘Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors’ exempting the 
company from disclosing the impact of new accounting standards that have been issued but are not yet effective.

Adoption of New and Revised Standards
The following relevant standards, amendments to standards or interpretations have been adopted for the first time from 1 July 2018.

IFRS 9 replaces the provisions of IAS 39 that relate to the recognition, classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities, 
derecognition of financial instruments, impairment of financial assets and hedge accounting. The adoption of IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ 
from 1 July 2018 resulted in changes in accounting policies but did not have a material impact on the financial statements for the year 30 June 
2019, or retained earnings at 1 July 2018. In accordance with the transitional provisions in IFRS 9, comparative figures have not been restated.

Prior Year Restatement
The comparative amounts for 30 June 2018 have been restated to provide for the statutory merger relief from share premium on shares 
issued by the company when acquiring shares in AST Farma and Le Vet in February 2018. During the measurement period the share premium 
amount has been reclassified to the merger reserve. As a consequence share premium has been reduced by £82.6 million and the merger 
reserve increased by £82.6 million. The impact on net assets is nil. 

Investments
Investments held as fixed assets are stated at cost less any impairment losses. Where the consideration for the acquisition of a subsidiary 
undertaking includes shares in the Company to which the provisions of section 612 of the Companies Act 2006 apply, cost represents 
the nominal value of the shares issued together with the fair value of any additional consideration given and costs. Where investments are 
denominated in foreign currencies, they are treated as monetary assets and revalued at each year end date.

Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation is charged to the income statement on 
a straight line basis over the estimated useful economic life of the asset. The estimated useful lives are:

•  product rights
•  software

10 to 15 years
5 to 7 years

Tangible Assets
Tangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Depreciation is charged to the income statement on 
a straight line basis over the estimated useful economic life of the asset. The estimated useful lives are:

•  plant and fixtures

3 to 15 years

Stock Code: DPH

173

Financial Statements

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

continued

(i)  Principal Accounting Policies of the Company continued

Dividends
Dividends are recognised in the period in which they are approved by the Company’s shareholders or, in the case of an interim dividend, when 
the dividend is paid. Dividends receivable from subsidiaries are recognised when either received in cash or applied to reduce a creditor balance 
with the subsidiary.

Interest-Bearing Borrowings
Interest-bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-
bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised in the income 
statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis.

Employee Benefits
(a)  Pensions

The Company operates a Group stakeholder personal pension scheme for certain employees. Obligations for contributions are 
recognised as an expense in the income statement as incurred.

(b)  Share-based Payment Transactions

The Company operates a number of equity settled share-based payment programmes that allow employees to acquire shares of the 
Company. The Company also operates Long Term Incentive Plans for Directors and Senior Executives.

The fair value of shares or options granted is recognised as an employee expense on a straight-line basis in the income statement with 
a corresponding movement in equity. The fair value is measured at grant date and spread over the period during which the employees 
become unconditionally entitled to the shares or options (the vesting period). The fair value of the shares or options granted is measured 
using a valuation model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the shares or options were granted. The amount 
recognised as an expense in the income statement is adjusted to take into account an estimate of the number of shares or options that 
are expected to vest together with an adjustment to reflect the number of shares or options that actually do vest except where forfeiture 
is only due to market-based conditions not being achieved.

The fair values of grants under the Long Term Incentive Plan have been determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model. The fair 
values of options granted under all other share option schemes have been determined using the Black–Scholes option pricing model.

National Insurance contributions payable by the Company on the intrinsic value of share-based payments at the date of exercise are 
treated as cash settled awards and revalued to market price at each statement of financial position date.

Where the Company grants options over its own shares to the employees of its subsidiaries, it recharges the expense to those 
subsidiaries.

Foreign Currency
Foreign currency transactions are translated into Sterling using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Monetary 
assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate at the reporting date. Foreign exchange gains and losses are recognised in the income 
statement.

Taxation
The charge for taxation is based on the profit for the year and takes into account taxation deferred because of timing differences between the 
treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes. Deferred tax is measured on a non-discounted basis at the tax rates that are 
expected to apply and have been substantively enacted in the periods in which the timing differences reverse and is provided in respect of all 
timing differences which have arisen but not reversed by the balance sheet date, except as otherwise required by IAS 12 ’Income Taxes’. 

Financial Guarantee Contracts
Where the Company enters into financial guarantee contracts to guarantee the indebtedness of other companies within its Group, the 
Company considers these to be insurance arrangements, and accounts for them as such. In this respect, the Company treats the guarantee 
contract as a contingent liability until such time as it becomes probable that the Company will be required to make a payment under the 
guarantee.

Amounts owed by Subsidiary Undertakings
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at this value less loss allowances, 
calculated using the three stage IFRS 9 model.

On transition to IFRS 9, an assessment has been performed of the Company’s loss allowance provision and noted that there is no material 
difference in the carrying amount of the amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings. On this basis no transitional adjustment has been 
recognised.

174

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

(ii)  Directors and Employees

Total emoluments of Directors (including pension contributions) amounted to £4.7 million (2018: £6.0 million). Information relating to Directors’ 
emoluments, share options and pension entitlements is set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 93 to 105. Tony Griffin’s 
remuneration is paid by Eurovet Animal Health B.V. in Euros but reported in Sterling for the purposes of these figures. The exchange rate used 
was 1.1345 (2018: 1.1286).

Administration
Total

The costs incurred in respect of these employees were:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Share-based payments charge (see note 28)
Total

2019
Number
37
37

2018
Number
33
33

2019
£m
4.5
0.6
0.2
2.4
7.7

2018
£m
4.5
0.7
0.2
3.3
8.7

The Group operates a stakeholder personal pension scheme for certain employees and contributed between 4% and 14% of pensionable 
salaries. Total pension contributions amounted to £0.2 million (2018: £0.2 million).

(iii)  Profit Before Taxation

The following items have been included in arriving at profit before taxation of continuing operations:

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
– owned assets
Amortisation of intangible assets
Operating lease rentals payable
Auditor’s remuneration – audit of these financial statements

(iv)  Investments

Cost

At 1 July 2018

Additions
At 30 June 2019
Impairment
At 1 July 2018
Charge for the period
At 30 June 2019
Net book value
At 30 June 2019
At 30 June 2018

2019
£m

0.1
1.9
0.3
0.1

2018
£m

0.1
0.9
0.2
0.1

Shares in 
subsidiary
undertakings
£m

659.4

96.4
755.8

12.2
–
12.2

743.6
647.2

A list of subsidiary undertakings is given in note (xiv). During the year, the Company invested in Dechra Finance Sterling Limited, a wholly 
owned subsidiary. 

Stock Code: DPH

175

Financial Statements

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

continued

(v) 

Intangible Assets

Cost

At 1 July 2018

Additions
At 30 June 2019
Accumulated Amortisation
At 1 July 2018
Charge for the year
Impairment
At 30 June 2019
Net book value
At 30 June 2019
At 30 June 2018

(vi)  Tangible Assets

Cost
At 1 July 2018
Additions
At 30 June 2019

Accumulated Depreciation
At 1 July 2018
Charge for the year
At 30 June 2019
Net book value
At 30 June 2019
At 30 June 2018

(vii)  Trade and Other Receivables

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Group relief receivable
Deferred taxation (see note (xi))
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income

Acquired 
Intangibles
£m

Software
£m

Total Intangible 
assets
£m

5.1

–
5.1

3.3
0.5
–
3.8

1.3
1.8

8.5

2.3
10.8

0.6
1.4
–
2.0

8.8
7.9

2019
£m
25.8
1.4
0.6
0.4
0.6
28.8

13.6

2.3
15.9

3.9
1.9
—
5.8

10.1
9.7

Tangible 
assets
£m

0.6
0.1
0.7

0.4
0.1
0.5

0.2
0.2

2018
£m
8.1
–
2.1
1.0
0.3
11.5

Included in debtors are amounts of £0.6 million (2018: £2.1 million) due after more than one year relating to deferred tax assets.

Of the amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings, £0.6 million is due after more than one year (2018: £nil). The provision for impairment against 
amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings is immaterial and has been considered in accordance with IFRS 9. Amounts owed by subsidiary 
undertakings are primarily unsecured and repayable on demand. £9.3 million attracts interest between 0.85% and 3.04% above LIBOR, the 
balance is interest free. £0.6m of the £9.3 million is repayable in 2023.

(viii) Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand

2019
£m
50.9
50.9

2018
£m
–
–

During the year the Company has implemented physical cash pooling. This has resulted in increased cash being held in the Company as the 
Master Account Holder.

176

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

(ix)  Trade and Other Payables

Trade payables
Other payables
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings
Group relief payable
Current tax liabilities
Other taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income

Financial Statements

2019
£m
1.0
0.8
214.8
–
–
0.2
3.6
220.4

2018
£m
1.0
1.0
47.2
1.6
0.3
0.2
5.1
56.4

Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings are primarily unsecured and repayable on demand. £186.4 million attracts interest between 0.25% 
below LIBOR and 1.8% above LIBOR, the balance is interest free. £96.4 million of the £186.4 million is repayable in 2020.

In accordance with IAS 10 ‘Events after the Balance Sheet Date’, the proposed final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2019 of 22.10 pence 
per share (2018: 18.17 pence per share) has not been accrued for in these financial statements. It will be shown in the financial statements for 

the year ending 30 June 2020. The total cost of the proposed final dividend is £22.7 million (2018: £18.6 million).

(x)  Borrowings

Borrowings due within one year
  Bank overdraft
Borrowings due after more than one year
Aggregate bank loan instalments repayable:
– between two and five years
Arrangement fees netted off

Total borrowings

2019
£m

–

117.2
(2.7)
114.5
114.5

2018
£m

1.3

132.9
(3.3)
129.6
130.9

At 30 June 2019, £117.2 million was drawn against the £235.0 million Revolving Credit Facility maturing 25 July 2024 in the Company. Interest 
is charged on this facility at a minimum of 1.30% over LIBOR and a maximum of 2.20% over LIBOR, dependent upon the Leverage (the ratio 
of Total Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA) of the Group. As at 30 June 2019, interest being charged on this facility is 1.70% above LIBOR. 

At 30 June 2019, £nil was drawn against the £350.0 million Term Loan Facility maturing 31 December 2020 in the Company. Interest is 
charged on this facility at a minimum of 1.10% over LIBOR and a maximum of 2.00% over LIBOR, dependent upon the Leverage (the ratio 
of Total Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA) of the Group. As at 30 June 2019, interest being charged on this facility is 1.50% above LIBOR. The 
availability period of the Term Loan Facility expires on 31 December 2020.

Arrangement fees of £0.2 million were incurred on the two facilities during the year, these being released to the income statement over the life 
of the facility.

No interest has been capitalised during the year (2018: £nil).

The Company guarantees certain borrowings of other Group companies under the above facilities, which at 30 June 2019 amounted to 
£193.6 million (2018: £151.6 million).

(xi)  Deferred Tax

At 1 July 2018 (included in trade and other receivables)
Additions to the income statement
Additions to statement of changes in equity

At 30 June 2019 (included in trade and other receivables)

Deferred tax has been calculated using the rate of 19.0% or 17.0% based on the timing of when each individual deferred tax balance is 
expected to reverse in the future as follows (2018: 19.0% or 17.0%):

Short term timing differences
Accelerated capital allowances

2019
£m
1.0
(0.4)
0.6

Deferred tax assets in relation to losses amounting to £nil (2018: £0.2 million) have not been recognised due to uncertainty over their 
recoverability.

Stock Code: DPH

£m
2.1
(0.3)
(1.2)

0.6

2018
£m
2.5
(0.4)
2.1

177

Financial Statements

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

continued

(xii)  Called up Share Capital

Issued share capital
Allotted, called up and fully paid at 1 July 2018
New shares issued
Allotted, called up and fully paid at 30 June 2019

Ordinary shares 
of 1p each

£m
1.0
–
1.0

Number
102,329,635
321,967
102,651,602

Details of new ordinary shares issued following the exercise of options under the Long Term Incentive Plan and the Approved, Unapproved and 
SAYE Share Option Schemes are shown in notes 25 and 28 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Share Options
Details of outstanding share options over ordinary shares of 1 pence at 30 June 2019 under the various Group share option schemes are 
shown in note 28 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(xiii) Operating Leases

At the balance sheet date the Company had outstanding commitments for future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating 
leases as follows:

Within one year
Between one and five years
In five years or more

Land and buildings
2019
£m
0.1
0.4
0.6
1.1

2018
£m
0.1
0.5
0.7
1.3

Other assets

Total

2019
£m
0.1
0.1
–
0.2

2018
£m
0.1
0.1
–
0.2

2019
£m
0.2
0.5
0.6
1.3

2018
£m
0.2
0.6
0.7
1.5

The Company leases properties, plant, machinery and vehicles for operational purposes. Property leases vary in length up to a period of 20 
years. Plant, machinery and vehicle leases typically run for periods of up to five years.

(xiv) Subsidiary Undertakings
Operating subsidiaries

Name
Dechra Veterinary 
Products Pty Limited

Country of 
Incorporation
Australia

Principal Activity
Developer, regulatory, manufacturer and 
marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals

Registered Address
2 Cal Close, Somersby NSW 2250, 
Australia

AST Farma B.V.

The Netherlands Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals 

Dechra Development 
LLC

USA

and distributor of veterinary 
pharmaceuticals and equipment

Contract regulatory and product 
development services for the Group

Dechra Limited

England and 
Wales

Developer, regulatory, product 
development, manufacturer and 
marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals

Dechra Finance 
Australia Limited

England and 
Wales

Financial Services

Wilgenweg 7, 3421TV Oudewater, The 
Netherlands

Principal Place of Business: 7015 College 
Blvd, Suite 510, Overland Park KS 66211, 
United States

Snaygill Industrial Estate, Keighley Road, 
Skipton, BD23 2RW, United Kingdom

Dechra Finance B.V.

The Netherlands

Financial services and holding company Pettelaarpark 38, 5216PD 

Shareholder
Dechra Holding Australia 
Pty Limited

Dechra Finance B.V.

Dechra Holdings US Inc

Dechra Investments Limited

Dechra Finance Ireland 
Designated Activity 
Company

Dechra Finance Limited

Republic of 
Ireland

England and 
Wales

Financial services

Financial services and holding company

Dechra Finance Sterling 
Limited

England and 
Wales

Financial services

Dechra Holdings Brasil 
Ltda

Brazil

Holding Company

Dechra Regulatory B.V.

The Netherlands

Regulatory

24 Cheshire Avenue, Cheshire Business 
Park, Lostock Gralam, Northwich, CW9 
7UA, United Kingdom

Dechra Limited

‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands

6th Floor, 2 Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2, 
Ireland

24 Cheshire Avenue, Cheshire Business 
Park, Lostock Gralam, Northwich, CW9 
7UA, United Kingdom

24 Cheshire Avenue, Cheshire Business 
Park, Lostock Gralam, Northwich, CW9 
7UA, United Kingdom

Travessa Dalva de Oilveira No. 237, office 
ADM I, Industrias Leves, Londrina, Parana 
86030-370, Brazil

Dechra Pharmaceuticals 
PLC

Dechra Limited

Dechra Pharmaceuticals 
PLC

Dechra Pharmaceuticals 
PLC

AST Farma B.V.

Handelsweg 25, 5531AE Bladel, The 
Netherlands

Dechra Pharmaceuticals 
PLC

Dechra Veterinary 
Products GmbH

Austria

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals 
and pet diets

Hintere Achmhlerstrasse 1a, 6850 Dornbirn, 
Austria

Dechra Limited

178

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Financial Statements

(xiv) Subsidiary Undertakings continued

Name
Dechra Veterinary 
Products N.V.

Dechra Veterinary 
Products, Inc

Dechra Veterinary 
Products A/S

Dechra Veterinary 
Products Limited

Dechra Veterinary 
Products Oy

Dechra Veterinary 
Products SAS

Dechra Veterinary 
Products Deutschland 
GmbH

Dechra Veterinary 
Products S.r.l.

Dechra Veterinary 
Products B.V.

Dechra Veterinary 
Products NZ Limited 

Dechra Veterinary 
Products AS

Dechra Veterinary 
Products Sp. z o.o.

Dechra Veterinary 
Products, S.L. 
Unipersonal

Dechra Veterinary 
Products AB

Country of 
Incorporation
Belgium

Canada

Denmark

Principal Activity
Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals 
and pet diets

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals 
and pet diets

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals 
and pet diets

England and 
Wales

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals 
and pet diets

Registered Address
Achterstenhoek 48 2275 Lille, Belgium

Shareholder
Eurovet Animal Health B.V.

100 King Street West, Suite 6100, 1 First 
Canadian Place, Toronto ON M5X 1B8, 
Canada

Mekuvej 9, DK-7171 Uldum, Denmark

24 Cheshire Avenue, Cheshire Business 
Park, Lostock Gralam, Northwich, CW9 
7UA, United Kingdom

Dechra Limited

Dechra Pharmaceuticals 
PLC

Dechra Veterinary Products 
A/S

Finland

France

Germany

Italy

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals 
and pet diets

Erottajankatu 9 B 3, 00130 Helsinki, Finland Dechra Veterinary Products 

A/S

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals 
and pet diets

60 Avenue du Centre, 78180 Montigny le 
Bretonneux, France

Dechra Veterinary Products 
A/S

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals 
and distributor of veterinary 
pharmaceuticals and equipment

Hauptstr. 6-8, Aulendorf, Germany

Eurovet Animal Health B.V.

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals 
and pet diets

Via Agostino da Montefeltro 2, 10134 
Torino, Italy

Dechra Limited

The Netherlands Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals 

New Zealand

and pet diets

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals 
and distributor of veterinary 
pharmaceuticals and equipment

Wilgenweg 7, 3421TV Oudewater, The 
Netherlands

Dechra Veterinary Products 
A/S

Level 11, 41 Shortland Street, Auckland, 
1010, New Zealand

Dechra Holding Australia 
Pty Limited

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals 
and pet diets

Henrik Ibsens Gate 90, Postboks 2943 Solli, 
0230 Oslo, Norway

Dechra Veterinary Products 
A/S

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals 
and pet diets

1st Floor, 61 Moldlinska Str., 03-199 
Warsaw, Poland

Dechra Limited

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals 
and pet diets

C/Balmes, 202, P.6-08006 Barcelona, 
Spain

Dechra Veterinary Products 
A/S

Norway

Poland

Spain

Sweden

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals 
and pet diets

Dechra Veterinary 
Products, LLC

USA

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals 
and pet diets

Dechra-Brovel, S.A. 
de C.V.

Mexico

Developer, regulatory, manufacturer and 
marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals

Eurovet Animal Health 
B.V.

The Netherlands

Genera d.d.

Croatia

Genera d.o.o Sarajevo

Bosnia and 
Herzegovina

Holding company, developer, regulatory, 
manufacturer and marketer of veterinary 
pharmaceuticals

Holding company, developer, regulatory, 
manufacturer and marketer of veterinary 
pharmaceuticals and crop protection

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals

Genera Sl d.o.o

Laboratorios 
Vencofarma do Brasil 
Ltda

Slovenia

Brazil

Developer, regulatory, manufacturer and 
marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals

Le Vet. Beheer B.V.

The Netherlands

Holding company

Principal Place of Business: Stora Wäsby 
Orangeriet 3 , Upplands Väsby, 194 37 , 
Sweden

Principal Place of Business: 7015 College 
Blvd, Suite 525, Overland Park KS 66211, 
United States

Principal Place of Business: Empresa 
Numero 66, Colonia Mixcoac, Delegacion 
Benito Juarez, Ciudad de Mexico, Distrito 
Federal, Mexico

Dechra Veterinary Products 
A/S

Dechra Holdings US Inc

Dechra Limited

Handelsweg 25, 5531AE Bladel, The 
Netherlands

Dechra Pharmaceuticals 
PLC

Svetonedeljska cesta 2, Kalinovica, 10436 
Rakov Potok , Croatia

Eurovet Animal Health B.V.

Hamdije Cemerlica 2, Sarajevo, Bosnia and 
Herzegovina

Genera d.d.

Travessa Dalva de Oilveira, 237, 
administrative office I, Industrias Leves, 
Londrina, Parana 86030-370, Brazil

Wilgenweg 7, 3421TV Oudewater, The 
Netherlands

Dechra Holdings Brasil Ltda

Dechra Finance B.V.

Genera Pharma d.o.o.

Serbia

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals

Gostivarska 70, Vozdovac, Beograd, Serbia Genera d.d.

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals

Parmova Ulica, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Genera d.d.

Le Vet. B.V.

The Netherlands Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals Wilgenweg 7, 3421TV Oudewater, The 

Le Vet. Beheer B.V.

Putney, Inc

USA

Developer, regulatory and marketer of 
veterinary pharmaceuticals

Netherlands

Principal Place of Business: 7015 College 
Blvd, Suite 525, Overland Park KS 66211, 
United States

Dechra Holdings US Inc

Stock Code: DPH

179

 
Financial Statements

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

continued

(xiv) Subsidiary Undertakings continued

Other subsidiaries

Name
Apex Laboratories N.Z. 
Limited

Country of 
Incorporation
New Zealand

Principal Activity
Non-trading

Arnolds Veterinary 
Products Limited

England and 
Wales

Non-trading

Broomco 4263 Limited

England and 
Wales

Non-trading

Dales Pharmaceuticals 
Limited

England and 
Wales

Non-trading

Dechra Holding 
Australia Pty Limited

Australia

Holding company

Dechra Holdings US Inc USA

Holding company

Dechra Investments 
Limited

England and 
Wales

Holding company

DermaPet, Inc

USA

Non-trading

Farvet Laboratories B.V. The Netherlands

Non-trading

Registered Address
Level 11, 41 Shortland Street, Auckland, 
1010, New Zealand

24 Cheshire Avenue, Cheshire Business 
Park, Lostock Gralam, Northwich, CW9 
7UA, United Kingdom

24 Cheshire Avenue, Cheshire Business 
Park, Lostock Gralam, Northwich, CW9 
7UA, United Kingdom

24 Cheshire Avenue, Cheshire Business 
Park, Lostock Gralam, Northwich, CW9 
7UA, United Kingdom

2 Cal Close, Somersby NSW 2250, 
Australia

Principal Place of Business: 7015 College 
Blvd, Suite 525, Overland Park KS 66211, 
United States

24 Cheshire Avenue, Cheshire Business 
Park, Lostock Gralam, Northwich, CW9 
7UA, United Kingdom

Principal Place of Business: 7015 College 
Blvd, Suite 525, Overland Park KS 66211, 
United States

Handelsweg 25, 5531AE Bladel, The 
Netherlands

Scanimalhealth ApS 
(Liquidated)

Veneto Limited

Denmark

Marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals

Radhustorvet 5 2, 3520 Farum, Denmark

England and 
Wales

Holding company

24 Cheshire Avenue, Cheshire Business 
Park, Lostock Gralam, Northwich, CW9 
7UA, United Kingdom

Shareholder
Apex Laboratories Pty 
Limited

Veneto Limited

Veneto Limited

Veneto Limited

Dechra Limited

Dechra Limited

Dechra Pharmaceuticals 
PLC

Dechra Veterinary 
Products LLC

Eurovet Animal Health 
B.V.

Eurovet Animal Health 
B.V.

Dechra Pharmaceuticals 
PLC

180

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

 
Financial History

Consolidated Income Statement
Revenue
Underlying operating profit
Underlying profit after taxation
Underlying earnings per share 
– basic (pence) 
– diluted (pence)
Dividend per share (pence)

Operating profit
Profit after taxation
Earnings per share 
– basic (pence) 
– diluted (pence)

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Non-current assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Shareholders’ funds

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Net cash inflow from operating activities
Net cash outflow from investing activities

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities

Financial Statements

2019
£m

481.8
127.4
92.5

90.24
90.01
31.60

39.0
30.9

30.15
30.07

2018
£m

407.1
99.2
74.5

76.85
76.45
25.50

34.1
36.1

37.24
37.04

2017
£m

359.3
81.3
60.1

64.68
64.33
21.44

33.2
26.1

28.09
27.93

2016
£m

247.6
52.9
38.4

42.95
42.65
18.46

19.5
12.5

14.00
13.90

756.4
292.1
(118.1)
(421.3)
509.1

769.4
247.9
(91.6)
(420.7)
505.0

453.1
185.0
(66.4)
(269.1)
302.6

393.4
162.4
(66.0)
(213.2)
276.6

81.8
(61.9)

(20.1)

64.0
(241.7)

193.8

77.4
(57.2)

1.6

43.6
(174.0)

125.3

2015
£m

203.5
44.4
35.3

40.17
39.90
16.94

26.0
19.5

22.14
21.99

184.9
108.6
(44.1)
(54.9)
194.5

41.0
(4.7)

(14.8)

Stock Code: DPH

181

COMPANY 
INFORMATION

Contents

Glossary
Shareholder Information
Advisers

184
186
IBC

GENERATING 
AND PROTECTING 
VALUE FOR 
SHAREHOLDERS

182

183

Company Information

Glossary

The following is a glossary of a number of the terms and acronyms 
which can be found within this document:

CSR
Corporate Social Responsibility

ABC
Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption

AER
Actual Exchange Rate

ANZ
Australia and New Zealand

API
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient 

APM
Alternative Performance Measures

Dechra Values or Values
Dedication, Enjoyment, Courage, Honesty, Relationships and Ambition

DPM
Dechra Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing

DSC
Dechra Service Center

DVP
Dechra Veterinary Products

DVP EU
Dechra Veterinary Products EU or Dechra Veterinary Products Europe

AVA
Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists  

BBSRC
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

BEPS
Base Erosion Profit Shifting

DVP International
Dechra Veterinary Products International

DVP NA
Dechra Veterinary Products North America

DVP US
Dechra Veterinary Products US

Bioequivalence
The demonstration that the proposed formulation has the same 
biological effects as the pioneer product to which it is being compared. 
This is usually demonstrated by comparing blood concentrations of the 
active over time, but can be compared using a clinical endpoint (e.g. 
lowering of a worm count) for drugs that are not absorbed or for which 
blood levels cannot be determined

EBIT
Earnings before interest and tax. This is the same as operating profit

EBITDA
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation

EBVS
European Board of Veterinary Specialists

bps
Basis Points

CAGR
Compound Annual Growth Rate

CAP
Companion Animal Products

Capex
Capital Expenditure

CDGP
Canine Diabetes Genetics Partnership

CER
Constant Exchange Rate

CMO 
Contract Manufacturing Organisation  

Code
UK Corporate Governance Code 2016

CRM
Client Relationship Management

CRO
Contract Research Organisation

CSOP
Company Share Option Plan

EPS
Earnings Per Share

ERP
Enterprise Resource Planning

ESPP
Employee Stock Purchase Plan

ETR
Effective Tax Rate

EU Pharmaceuticals
European Pharmaceuticals Segment comprising DVP EU, DVP 
International and DPM

Executive Directors
The Executive Directors of the Company, currently Ian Page and Tony 
Griffin

FAP
Food producing Animal Products

FDA
US Food and Drug Administration; a federal agency of the US 
Department of Health and Human Services

FRC
Financial Reporting Council

FRS
Financial Reporting Standards

184

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Company Information

FTSE
Companies listed on the London Stock Exchange

New Code
UK Corporate Governance Code 2018

FTSE 250/350 Index
An index comprising the 101st to 350th largest companies listed on the 
London Stock Exchange in terms of their market capitalisation

GAAP
Generally Accepted Accounting Practices

GDPR
General Data Protection Regulation

GHG
Greenhouse Gas

GRT
Gross Registered Tonnage

GPTW
Great Place To Work

HR
Human Resources

IAS
International Accounting Standards

IFRSs
International Financial Reporting Standards

IT
Information Technology

KPI
Key Performance Indicator

LATAM
Latin America

Leverage
The ratio of Net Debt to underlying EBITDA

LIBOR
The London Inter-Bank Offered Rate

LTA
Lost Time Accident

LTAFR
Lost Time Accident Frequency Rate

LTIP
Long Term Incentive Plan

M&A
Mergers and Acquisitions

MAT
Moving Annual Total

Non-Executive Directors
The Non-Executive Directors of the Company, currently Tony Rice, Lisa 

Bright, Julian Heslop, Lawson Macartney and Ishbel Macpherson

NA Pharmaceuticals
North American Pharmaceuticals Segment comprising DVP US, Canada 
and Dechra-Brovel

OECD
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development

Ordinary Shares
An ordinary share of 1 pence in the share capital of the Company

Oracle Programme
Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) software

PDRA
Dechra’s Product Development and Regulatory Affairs team

PEA
Palmitoylethanolamide

POMs
Prescription Only Medicines

PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders 

Qualifying LTIP Award
Qualifying LTIP Awards comprises a CSOP option and an ordinary nil-
cost LTIP award, with the ordinary award scaled back at exercise to take 
account of any gain made on exercise of the CSOP option

R&D
Research and Development

RCF
Revolving Credit Facility

RIDDOR
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations

Rights Issue
The three for ten rights issue of 20,040,653 shares, details of which are 
set out in the prospectus of the Company dated 25 April 2012

ROCE
Return On Capital Employed

RPI
Retail Price Index

RCVS
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons 

SAYE
Save As You Earn Share Scheme

SET
Senior Executive Team

SG&A
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

S&OP
Sales & Operations Planning 

TSR
Total Shareholder Return

Stock Code: DPH

185

Company Information

Shareholder Information

Financial Calendar
2019 Annual General Meeting
Final Dividend Ex-Dividend Date
Final Dividend Record Date
Final Dividend Payment Date
Announcement of Half Yearly Results

18 October 2019
24 October 2019
25 October 2019
15 November 2019
24 February 2020*

Dates marked with an asterix are provisional and subject to change

Annual General Meeting
The 2019 Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at  
1.00 pm on 18 October 2019 at Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC,  
6 Cheshire Avenue, Cheshire Business Park, Lostock Gralam, Northwich, 
CW9 7UA. The notice of meeting (the Notice), which includes special 
business to be transacted at the Annual General Meeting together with  
an explanation of the resolutions to be considered at the meeting, is  
made available on the Company website or mailed to shareholders, 
 if they have elected to receive the Notice in paper format.

Share History
Dechra floated on the London Stock Exchange in September 2000 at 
£1.20 per share, with a market capitalisation of £60.0 million.

In relation to the acquisition of VetXX Holdings A/S, on 15 January  2008, 
Dechra undertook a placing and open offer on the basis of 11 Open Offer 
shares for every 50 existing shares held on 10 December 2007 at an issue 
price of 303 pence. On 9 January 2008, 11,624,544 shares were issued.

On 5 April 2012, a Rights Issue was announced on the basis of  
three new ordinary shares for every existing ten shares held on  
23 April 2012 at a subscription price of £3.00 per share. The Rights 
Issue resulted in 20,040,653 shares being issued with dealings 
commencing on 16 May 2012.

On 17 March 2016, 4,398,600 ordinary shares were offered by way of  
a placing at an issue price of £11.00 per share.

On 30 January 2018, 5,121,952 ordinary shares were offered by way  
of a placing at an issue price of £20.50 per share.

Company Website
The Dechra website (www.dechra.com) is the best source of useful 
and up-to-date information about Dechra and its activities, including 
the latest news, financial and product information to help improve 
understanding of our business. Additionally, the terms of reference of  
all our Committees, Articles of Association, our Values and a number  
of our internal policies are published on the website. 

Electronic Communications
Shareholders now have the opportunity to receive shareholder 
communications electronically, e.g. Annual Reports, Notice of the  
Annual General Meeting and Proxy Forms. You can elect to receive  
email notifications of shareholder communications by registering at  
www.shareview.co.uk, where you can also set up a bank mandate 
to receive dividends directly to your bank account and to submit 
proxy votes for shareholder meetings. Receiving the Company’s 
communications electronically allows the Company to communicate  
with its shareholders in a more environmentally friendly, cost effective 
and timely manner.

Registrar
Dechra’s Registrar is Equiniti Limited. 

Equiniti should be contacted for any matters relating to your 
shareholding, including:

•  Notification of change in name and address

•  Enquiries about dividend payments

•  Submission of proxy form for voting at the Annual General Meeting

Shareholders who receive duplicate sets of Company mailings because 
they have multiple accounts should contact Equiniti to have their 
accounts amalgamated.

Equiniti offers a facility whereby shareholders are able to access their 
shareholdings in Dechra via their website (www.shareview.co.uk). 

Alternatively, Equiniti can be contacted at: Equiniti Limited, Aspect 
House, Spencer Road, Lancing, West Sussex BN99 6DA.

Registrars’ Shareholder Helpline for Dechra: 0371 384 2030 or  
+44(0) 121 415 7047, if calling from outside of the UK.

Please have your Shareholder Reference Number to hand whenever you 
contact the Registrar; this can be found on your share certificate or a 
recent dividend tax voucher.

Share Dealing Service
Equiniti Financial Services Limited offer a Share Dealing Service to buy or 
sell shares. Further information can be obtained from  
www.shareview.co.uk/dealing or by telephoning 0345 603 7037.

Fee (on value of transaction)
up to £50,000
Balance over £50,000

Minimum charge
Stamp duty charge  
(purchases only)

Telephone 
share 
dealing

1.5% 
0.25%

£60.00

Internet 
share 
dealing

1.5%
0.25%

£45.00

Postal 
share 
dealing

1.9%
1.9%

£70.00

0.5%

0.5%

0.5%

Equiniti Financial Services Limited and its agents are authorised and 
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Please note that the price of shares can go down as well as up, and you 
are not guaranteed to get back the amount you originally invested. If you 
are in any doubt, you should contact an independent financial adviser.

Warning to Shareholders
Shareholders are advised to be wary of any unsolicited advice, offers 
to buy shares at a discount or offers of free Company Annual Reports. 
If you receive any unsolicited investment advice, whether over the 
telephone, through the post or by email:

•  make sure you get the name of the person and organisation;

•  check that they are properly authorised by the FCA before getting 

involved by visiting https://register.fca.org.uk/; and

• 

report the matter to the FCA by calling 0800 111 6768 or by 
completing the online form at www.fca.org.uk/consumers/report-
scam-unauthorised-firm.

More detailed information and guidance is available on the shareholder 
information pages of our website.

Additionally, feel free to report and/or discuss any shareholder security 
matters with the Company. To do this, please call +44 (0)1606 814 730 
and ask to be put through to a member of the Company Secretarial 
department.

186

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2019

www.dechra.com

Advisers

Auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Cornwall Court 
19 Cornwall Street 
Birmingham 
B3 2DT

Stockbroker & Financial Advisers
Investec Bank plc 
30 Gresham Street 
London 
EC2V 7QN

Lawyers
DLA Piper UK LLP 
Victoria Square House 
Victoria Square 
Birmingham 
B2 4DL

Principal Bankers continued 
HSBC Bank plc 
Midlands Corporate Banking Centre 
120 Edmund Street 
Birmingham 
B3 2QZ

Lloyds Bank plc 
Phase 1, Ground Floor 
Lovell Park 
1 Lovell Park Road 
Leeds 
LS1 1NS

Raiffeisen Bank International AG 
Am Stadtpark 9  
1030 Vienna 
Austria

Santander UK PLC 
2nd Floor 
100 Ludgate Hill 
London 
EC4M 7RE

Registrars
Equiniti Limited 
Aspect House  
Spencer Road 
Lancing 
West Sussex 
BN99 6DA

Financial PR
TooleyStreet Communications 
Regency Court 
68 Caroline Street 
Birmingham 
B3 1UG

Principal Bankers
Bank of Ireland (UK) plc 
40 Mespil Road 
Dublin 
Ireland 
B3 2QZ

BNP Paribas, London Branch 
3rd Floor 
10 Harewood Avenue 
London 
NW1 6AA

Fifth Third Bank 
38 Fountain Square Plaza 
Cincinnati 
Ohio 45263 
USA

Trademarks
Trademarks appear throughout this document in italics. Dechra and the Dechra ‘D’ logo are registered trademarks of Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC. 
The Malaseb® trademark is used under licence from Dermcare-Vet Pty. Ltd. StrixNB® and DispersinB® are trademarks licensed from Kane Biotech 
Inc. Redonyl® is a trademark licensed from Innovet Italia S.r.l.

Designed and published by Jones and Palmer

®

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC  
24 Cheshire Avenue 
Cheshire Business Park  
Lostock Gralam 
Northwich  
CW9 7UA

T: +44 (0) 1606 814730  
F: +44 (0) 1606 814731  
E: corporate.enquiries@dechra.com  
www.dechra.com