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FBD HOLDINGS PLC

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FY2013 Annual Report · FBD HOLDINGS PLC
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Delivering results by investing in 

FBD Holdings plc 
Annual Report 2013

Contents

2 Financial Highlights 

3 Chairman’s Statement 

8 Review of Operations 

20 Corporate Information

21 Report of the Directors 

25 Corporate Governance

35 Report on Directors’ Remuneration

44 Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

45 Independent Auditor’s Report

Financial StatementS:

49 Consolidated Income Statement 

50 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

51 Pro-forma Reconciliation of Consolidated Operating Profit to Profit after Taxation

52 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

54 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

55 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

56 Company Statement of Financial Position

57 Company Statement of Cash Flows

58 Company Statement of Changes in Equity

59 Notes to the Financial Statements

125 Letter from the Chairman in relation to the Annual General Meeting

127 Notice of Annual General Meeting

1

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013Financial Highlights

Continuing operations

Gross premium written

Net premium earned

Operating profit before taxation

Profit for the year

Operating earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Net asset value per share

2013
€000s

351,195

296,387

52,673

44,892

2013
Cent

136

131

823

Restated*
2012
€000s

344,255

300,625

65,354

44,704

2012
Cent

170

131

721

2011
€000s

351,111

300,920

60,221

41,618

2011
Cent

157

123

630

2010
€000s

358,385

299,551

40,107

16,927

2010
Cent

105

50

547

Ordinary dividend per share

49.00

42.25

34.50

31.50

*2012 figures have been restated to reflect changes to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits”.

Calendar:

Preliminary announcement

Annual General Meeting

Final dividend payment date

2

2009
€000s

357,244

309,032

28,002

643

2009
Cent

72

1

576

30.00

3 March 2014

29 April 2014

7 May 2014

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013  
Chairman’s statement

I am very pleased to report another excellent year for 
FBD in 2013 with profit before taxation of €51.5m 
and significant progress on the implementation of 
strategic initiatives. Although the Irish insurance 
market continued to decline during 2013, some 
initial signs of economic recovery were evident in the 
second half of the year. 

Michael Berkery 

Chairman 

FBD’s market share grew again in 2013 as we benefited from the relative 
strength of the agricultural sector and the continued development of our 
multi-channel distribution strategy.

Road deaths increased significantly in 2013, albeit from the historically low 
level recorded in 2012. It is in all our interests that the State’s institutions 
maintain the momentum to ensure that the hard-won progress on road safety 
made over the past number of years is not dissipated.

The industry was heavily impacted by severe weather claims as a result of the 
wind storms and flooding during the 2013/14 winter period. This is the 
business we are in and our role is to support our customers through such 
periods. In this environment, FBD’s underwriting discipline and prudent 
reinsurance policy continue to serve their purpose in protecting the Group’s 
trading result, its capital base and solvency.

3

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013 
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT (continued)

In February this year, both Mr. Johan Thijs and Mr. John 
Bryan resigned as Directors, having served on the Board 
since 2004 and 2010 respectively. Mr. Vincent Sheridan, 
who has also served on the Board since 2004, has indicated 
that he will not be seeking re-election to the Board at the 
AGM on 29 April 2014. I want to thank all three for the 
very significant contribution they have each made to the 
Board and to the Group since their appointments, and to 
wish them every success in the future.

Finally, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the 
Board, the management team and the staff for their hard 
work and dedication. Their combined efforts have delivered 
another excellent performance in difficult market 
circumstances. Together we will focus on maximising 
benefits for all stakeholders and I am confident that FBD 
will continue to outperform its peers in delivering superior 
returns for the shareholders.

Michael Berkery 
Chairman

28 February 2014

As a country we cannot prevent natural catastrophes but 
there are measures that could be taken to minimise the 
damage caused by weather events in the future. Ireland 
needs a concerted, national approach to address issues such 
as improving planning and development to take greater 
account of flood risks, investment in flood defences, and the 
management and maintenance of watercourses and drainage. 
The insurance industry has indicated that it is eager to play a 
collaborative role with the Government and public sector 
agencies to address these issues.

FBD made significant progress on our strategic initiatives 
during 2013. The Group now provides insurance protection 
for more farming customers than at any time in its history. 
FBD continues to devote considerable resources to ensuring 
that we understand the on-going insurance needs of farming 
customers and providing insurance products that matter to 
them. The Group has also made progress on developing 
partnerships with insurance brokers to increase penetration 
of the business insurance market and with the provision of 
products that are suitable for the urban personal lines 
market. During the year, FBD launched a car insurance 
product for the broker market under the “Clan Insurance” 
brand, which will, in time, further increase our penetration 
into the Irish personal lines market.

The Board is recommending a final dividend of 33.25 cent 
per share, bringing the full 2013 dividend to 49 cent, an 
increase of 16% on 2012. The increase follows a 22% 
increase in 2012 and continues the move towards the 
Board’s target pay-out ratio of 40% to 50% of operating 
earnings. It also reflects the Board’s confidence that FBD 
can continue to outperform its peers.

4

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 Michael o’Mahony 
Regional Sales Manager - South West Region

Kieran o’sullivan

West Cork Dairy Farmer with 
father Donal, son Cathal  
and Lass the dog 

“I chose FBD, as my father did four 
decades ago, because they are in 
touch with the business of farming 
and know what’s needed. I like the 
personal touch I get from Mary and 
the staff in the Skibbereen office 
because they know where I live and 
the type of farm I run. 

For me, FBD are in touch, good 
value and have always been there for 
us when we needed them.”

andrew langford

Group Chief Executive 

review of operations

overview

FBD delivered another excellent performance in 2013, with profit before taxation 
of €51.5m. Gross premium written was up 2%, the first increase since 2010.  
While initial signs of economic recovery in Ireland were evident in the second  
half of 2013, industry premium and profitability remain challenging. The Group 
again demonstrated its ability to deliver superior returns to shareholders by 
outperforming peers. 

Gross premium written increased by 2% to €351.2m (2012: €344.3m) while the 
market declined by approximately 4%-5%. By continuing to develop solutions that 
meet the needs of existing and new customers, the Group increased market share 
to approximately 13.4% (2012: 12.6%), its highest ever share while at the same 
time maintaining underwriting discipline within the Group’s risk appetite.  
FBD has grown market share in 12 of the last 13 years whilst also delivering 
market leading combined operating ratios over the same period. 

Diluted earnings per share was 131 cent (2012: 131 cent). The Group further 
strengthened its capital base and balance sheet with net asset value per share 
increasing by 14.1% to 823 cent. FBD Insurance had a solvency level of 78.1%  
of net premium earned at the end of 2013 (2012: 73.8%). From this position  
of strength, the Board has decided to increase the full-year dividend by 16% to  
49 cent (2012: 42.25 cent).

Business review

Underwriting

Premium Income

The Irish property and casualty insurance market contracted by approximately 
4%-5% in 2013, as insurable risk and values reduced further, while rates continued 
to decline. The market combined operating ratio (“COR”) in 2012 was 109%. 
Pressure on market rates suggests further deterioration in industry profitability in 
2013. There were some early signs of industry rate increases in the final quarter of 
2013, particularly in car insurance.

FBD’s gross premium written increased by 2.0% to €351.2m (2012: €344.3m), 
increasing FBD’s market share from 12.6% to approximately 13.4%. Policy volume 
grew by 2.6% for the full year. Average rates were 0.7% lower with a reduction in 
the first six months offset by an improvement during the second half of the year. 
Policy volume and premium income were also stronger in the second half of the 
year. The stabilisation in the economy in 2013 led to a marginal increase in  
FBD customers’ insurable values, which had declined 15% since 2008. 

8

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 FBD delivered this growth by meeting the needs of existing 
and new customers through the following market initiatives;

n	 A key strategic priority for FBD is to deliver on all the 
insurance needs of farming customers. In 2013, FBD 
further increased the number of farms it insured and the 
number of policies per farming customer. FBD now 
protects more farming customers than at any time  
in its history; 

n  The initiative to enter into partnerships with insurance 

brokers to increase penetration of the business insurance 
market progressed positively. Business written through 
Brokers increased by 30.2% over 2012. The increase in 
broker business more than offset the decline in business 
insurance written directly, as the economic challenges 
facing Ireland have had a significant impact on small, 
rural consumer facing businesses. 

n  The Group’s online offerings, FBD.ie and No Nonsense.
ie, continued their managed growth, increasing FBD’s 
share of urban personal lines in 2013. No Nonsense’s 
‘readymade’ motor insurance packages have been 
particularly successful in attracting the cost-conscious 
consumer while its telematics product ‘SmartDriver’, 
aimed at drivers under the age of 30, also helped  
deliver growth. 

  During 2013, the ‘TopDriver’ app was launched to allow 
prospective policyholders gauge their driving behaviours 
prior to taking out a telematics product with No 
Nonsense. This has the added benefit of encouraging 
positive selection where drivers with good habits and 
safe driving styles are more likely to take out a policy.

n	

In the second half of 2013, the Group launched a car 
insurance product for the broker market under the ‘Clan 
Insurance’ brand. This initiative provides the Group with 
access to a large customer segment that was previously 
out of reach, and will enable the Group to increase its 
share of the Irish car insurance market in a controlled 
and sustainable manner.

These initiatives provide the Group with a sustainable 
platform for growth. The gains in premium arising from the 
above were somewhat offset by a decline in the numbers of 
homes insured by FBD. In 2013, market pricing for home 
insurance was insufficient to generate an acceptable return 
and, as a result, FBD maintained its underwriting discipline 
rather than compete with uneconomic rates in the market.

Although gross premium written increased by 2% in 2013, 
net premium earned, which is determined not only by the 
gross premium written in 2013 but also by the lower gross 
premium written in 2012, decreased by 1.4% to €296.4m.

Dividend per share

Market Share 

Cent

50

45

40

35

30

25

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

14.0%

13.5%

13.0%

12.5%

12.0%

11.5%

11.0%

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

9

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013REVIEW OF OPERATIONS (continued)

Claims

Net claims incurred were €201.2m, an increase of 4.9% on 
2012, bringing the loss ratio from 63.8% to 67.9%. 

While the weather was benign for most of 2013, storm and 
flood claims in the last weeks of 2013 cost €4.5m, net of 
reinsurance. The Group also experienced a small number of 
very large accident and liability claims (costing more than 
€1m each) in 2013. The combined cost of severe weather 
and large claims, which will fluctuate from year to year, was 
18.7% of net earned premium, significantly higher than the 
13.1% cost in 2012 and two percentage points higher than 
the seven year average cost of 16.7%. Ultimately, FBD 
provides its customers with certainty when such events arise, 
and therefore an element of variability in the loss ratio is to 
be expected. The Group mitigates this variability through 
reinsurance and its decisions are made based on longer term 
trends rather than short term variations. 

The Group’s attritional loss ratio, which measures the cost of 
routine claims and excludes the combined cost of severe 
weather and large claims, improved again in 2013 to 49.2% 
(2012: 50.7%), the fifth consecutive year of improvement for 
this key performance indicator. 

Further savings were made in reducing those elements of 
claims costs that are within the Group’s control, including 
risk selection, rating, claims management initiatives and 
underwriting improvements. While the weather events 
experienced in Ireland in late 2013 and early 2014 have been 
severe, the Group’s use of risk selection tools have curtailed 
the impact of flood related damage. 

The 17% increase in road deaths in Ireland in 2013 is 
disappointing, albeit this was from a historic low base 
recorded in 2012. While an element of this may relate to 
growth in economic activity, every fatality is a cause for 
concern. A concerted plan needs to be put in place to ensure 
that progress made in previous years does not continue to 
reverse.

Expenses

Net underwriting expenses were €77.6m compared to 
€76.8m in 2012. The net expense ratio was 26.2% in 2013 
compared to 25.5% in 2012, with the increase primarily 
attributable to the lower level of net premium earned in 2013. 
The Group has maintained its competitive cost advantage 
while at the same time investing in a platform for growth. 

10

The Group’s combined operating ratio for 2013 was 94.1% 
(2012: 89.4%) resulting in an underwriting profit of €17.6m, 
compared to €32.0m achieved in 2012.

Investment return

The Group maintained its tactical position of a low 
allocation to long-dated bonds to protect shareholders and 
customers from the risk of rising bond yields. Actual 
investment return for 2013 was €29.4m compared to 
€25.0m in 2012, representing a 3.6% return on underwriting 
investments. This excellent return was delivered despite the 
low interest rates prevalent in the market and was aided by 
the Group’s decision not to invest in long-dated bonds and 
the strong return on the 8% (2012: 7%) of underwriting 
investment assets invested in equities. 

The longer term rate of return was €28.7m, up from €27.8m 
in 2012 resulting in an operating profit for the Group’s 
underwriting business of €46.3m (2012: €59.7m).

Financial services

FBD’s financial services businesses generated an operating 
profit of €6.4m, an improvement over €5.6m in 2012 despite 
challenging economic conditions. 

Financial services include premium instalment services and 
life, pension and investment broking (FBD Financial 
Solutions), net of the costs of the holding company. The 
proportion of insurance customers availing of premium 
instalment facilities continued to increase.

Joint Venture

The trading performance of the property and leisure joint 
venture improved again in 2013, driven by growth in 
occupancy and rates, particularly in the Irish market, where 
revenue per room increased by 9%. The remaining units in 
La Cala in Spain were sold in 2013. The Group’s share of 
the joint venture’s results was a profit of €1.3m (2012: loss of 
€1.7m) of which €0.6m related to an increase in property 
valuations (2012: €1.7m write-down). Encouragingly, the 
market for Irish hotel assets has strengthened during 2013, 
with improving operational performance and higher 
multiples in completed transactions increasing property 
valuations.

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 geraldine Bowe 
Business Intelligence Manager

geraldine Bowe

“All of the managers at FBD have 
taken part in a year-long management 
development programme and as a 
relatively new manager myself, I have 
really benefited from this training. 
Not only has it helped me progress in 
my new role, but it has helped me 
empower all of my team to grow in 
confidence, to show greater initiative 
and to better serve our customers.”

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS (continued)

Profit before taxation

Profit before taxation

Actual investment return was €0.7m higher (2012: €2.8m 
lower) than the longer term rate of return, although this was 
offset by a property downward revaluation charge of €1.1m 
(2012: €1.0m) and restructuring and other costs of €2.1m 
(2012: €7.7m).

Profit before taxation for continuing operations amounted 
to €51.5m (2012: €52.2m). After a taxation charge of €6.6m 
(2012: €7.5m), the profit after taxation was €44.9m  
(2012: €44.7m).

earnings per share

Operating earnings per share based on longer-term 
investment return amounted to 136 cent (2012: 170 cent). 
Diluted earnings per share was 131 cent (2012: 131 cent). 

Return on equity in 2013 was 17.3% (2012: 21.5%), an 
excellent outcome in a low interest rate environment.

€m

55

45

35

25

15

5

dividend

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

The Board believes that it is in the long-term interest of all 
stakeholders to maintain strong solvency and liquidity 
margins and it is determined to ensure that the Group’s 
capital position continues to be robust and its financial 
position well managed. The Group is committed to a 
progressive dividend policy and efficient management of 
capital. 

The Board is recommending a final dividend payment of 
33.25 cent per share (2012: 30.00 cent), an increase of 
10.8%, bringing the full 2013 dividend to 49.00 cent (2012: 
42.25 cent), an increase of 16.0%. This represents a dividend 
payout ratio of 36.0% based on operating earnings and 
37.4% based on diluted earnings per share. This increase in 
dividend continues the Group’s move towards its desired 
pay-out ratio of 40% to 50% of operating profit, while 
maintaining a high dividend cover and providing the 
potential for a progressive dividend in future years. 

Subject to the approval of shareholders at the Annual 
General Meeting to be held on 29 April 2014, this final 
dividend for 2013 will be paid on 7 May 2014 to the holders 
of shares on the register on 14 March 2014.

The dividend is subject to withholding tax (“DWT”) except 
for shareholders who are exempt from DWT and who have 
furnished a properly completed declaration of exemption to 
the Company’s Registrar from whom further details may be 
obtained.

14

stateMent oF FinanCial position

The Group’s financial position further strengthened  
in 2013. Ordinary shareholders’ funds grew to €277.2m 
(2012: €241.3m). Net assets per share increased to 823c 
(2012: 721c) increasing by over 14% for the second year  
in a row. The increase in shareholders’ funds is mainly 
attributable to profit after taxation of €44.9m, a reduction  
in the liability for retirement benefit obligations of €2.2m 
less dividends of €15.7m. 

Table 1 shows how the assets of the Group were invested at 
the beginning and end of the year.

The Group continues to be encouraged by the improvement 
in confidence in the global economy and by policymakers’ 
actions to address the dislocation in the international 
monetary system. As a result, the Group reduced the 
proportion of underwriting assets invested in cash and 
bonds from 90% to 86% during 2013. The average term of 
these assets remains shorter than the Group’s technical 
reserves, with more term deposits and less fixed interest 
securities than the Group’s strategic investment allocation. 

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 Net Asset Value Per Share

Cent

850

800

750

700

650

600

550

500

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

table 1 - asset allocation

Underwriting investment assets

Deposits and cash

Corporate bonds

Government bonds

Equities

Unit trusts

Own land & buildings

Investment property

Underwriting investment assets

Working capital & other assets

Investment in joint venture

Reinsurers’ share of technical provisions

Plant and equipment

Total assets

This tactical asset allocation demonstrates the Group’s desire 
to preserve capital, particularly as the reward available on 
longer dated assets does not justify the additional risk. This 
protects customers and shareholders and positions the 
Group well for a rising yield environment. 

FBD Insurance had a solvency level of 78.1% of net 
premium earned at the end of 2013, up from 73.8% at the 
end of 2012 which represents 387% (2012: 367%) of the 
minimum solvency margin, and a reserving ratio of 235% 
(2012: 232%). FBD had a healthy surplus over best estimate 
and a €46.5m positive run-off of prior-year claims reserves 
in 2013, continuing the Group’s long history of recording 
positive run-offs on its claims reserves. 

In line with all European insurers, FBD Insurance is 
preparing for the introduction of the new Solvency II 
regulations which are to come into effect on 1 January 2016. 
FBD Insurance has calculated its solvency capital 
requirement on the basis that Solvency II, as currently 
proposed, was effective at 31 December 2013. The results 
showed that FBD Insurance had excess capital over the 
expected requirement.

 31 December 2013

 31 December 2012

%

53%

17%

16%

8%

3%

2%

1%

100%

€m

454

144

134

73

24

15

12

856

116

45

44

31

€m

499

152

110

60

0

16

11

848

100

44

55

20

1,092

1,067

%

59%

18%

13%

7%

0%

2%

1%

100%

15

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013REVIEW OF OPERATIONS (continued)

outlooK

There are initial signs of a recovery in the Irish economy, 
and domestic demand, the best indicator of the trend in 
insurable risk available in the market, turned positive in the 
second half of 2013 and is forecast to grow, albeit marginally, 
in 2014. Economic activity turned around faster than 
anticipated by the insurance market and the resulting 
growth will be very positive for FBD in terms of premium 
income, particularly given the Group’s opportunity to 
continue to outperform the market. Increased economic 
activity leads to higher claims frequency and there is 
invariably a time lag before this is reflected in market 
premiums. This will have a short term impact on profitability 
in 2014 and the early part of 2015.

Market rates should rise given the profitability challenges 
already facing the industry, the extent of recent weather 
losses and any impact of increased frequency arising from 
economic activity. Market size in 2014 will depend on the 
speed and extent to which the market chooses to adjust rates 
to deliver an acceptable return. 

During 2013, the combined cost of severe weather and large 
claims were above historic norms. The Group expects that 
these claims costs will revert to normal levels in 2014 and 
that the initiatives on those aspects of claims costs that are 
within the Group’s control will continue to have a positive 
impact on the loss ratio. 

The wind storm that hit Ireland in the middle of February 
2014 is likely to cost the industry up to €130m. The Group 
budgets for catastrophic weather events, net of reinsurance, 
and the February wind storm will not exceed that budget. 
However, the persistent bad weather over the preceding 
month, whilst not amounting to a catastrophic event, will 
lead to an increase in the cost of 2014 claims. 

FBD is committed to achieving profitable growth by 
constantly focussing its business on the needs of customers. 
The Group intends to continue delivering products and 
services that matter to its farming and direct business 
customers. In 2014, FBD expects to increase penetration of 
key urban markets, in particular Dublin, and of the business 
insurance market, in partnership with brokers. The Board is 
confident that these initiatives, along with personal lines 
business written through FBD, No Nonsense and the  
Clan Insurance brands, will enable the Group to outperform 
the market again in 2014 and deliver superior returns to 
shareholders.

Andrew Langford 
Group Chief Executive

28 February 2014

16

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 Brian Fahey 
Sales Systems & Processes Manager

Brian Fahey

“Putting our customers at the centre 
of what we do has always been our 
priority in FBD. That is why we are 
investing in a new technology 
platform that will help us focus 
better on our customers’ needs and 
respond with even greater agility.  
At a cost of over €20 million and 
with over 100 of our people directly 
involved in implementing the new 
system, the scale of this investment 
is unprecedented in FBD and it is a 
real statement of our ambition for 
the future.”

Corporate information

Registered Office and Head Office

Bankers

FBD House

Bluebell

Dublin 12

Ireland

independent auditors

Deloitte & Touche

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm

Deloitte & Touche House

Earlsfort Terrace

Dublin 2

Ireland

Solicitors

Dillon Eustace

33 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay

Dublin 2

Ireland

Registrar

Computershare Investor Services (Ireland) Limited

Heron House

Corrig Road

Sandyford Industrial Estate

Dublin 18

Ireland

Allied Irish Banks plc

Bank of Ireland

Barclays Bank plc

BNP Paribas

Credit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank

Danske Bank

Deutsche Bank AG 

KBC Bank N.V.

Lloyds TSB Bank plc

Permanent TSB plc 

Rabobank International

Ulster Bank Limited

Stockbrokers

Goodbody Stockbrokers

Ballsbridge Park

Ballsbridge

Dublin 4

Ireland

Shore Capital

The Corn Exchange

Fenwick Street

Liverpool L2 7RB

United Kingdom

20

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 report of the directors

The Directors present their report and the audited Financial 
Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013.

prinCipal aCtivities

FBD is one of Ireland’s largest property and casualty 
insurers looking after the insurance needs of farmers, private 
individuals and business owners through its principal 
subsidiary, FBD Insurance plc. The Group also has financial 
services operations including a successful life and pensions 
brokerage, FBD Financial Solutions. The Company is a 
holding company incorporated in Ireland.

Business review

The review of the performance of the Group, including an 
analysis of financial information and the outlook for its 
future development, is contained in the Chairman’s 
Statement on pages 3 and 4 and in the Group Chief 
Executive’s Review of Operations on pages 8 to 16. 
Information in respect of the significant events since the 
year end and a review of the key performance indicators are 
also included in these sections. The key performance 
indicators include gross premium written, operating 
earnings, profit for the year and net asset value per share.

results and dividends

The results for the year are shown in the Consolidated 
Income Statement on page 49. The profit, that was 
transferred to reserves and the dividends paid during the 
year are shown in Note 27 on page 100. The Directors 
propose the payment of a final dividend for the year on the 
€0.60 ordinary shares of 33.25 cent (2012: 30.00 cent). 
During the year an interim dividend of 15.75 cent was paid 
(2012: 12.25 cent). The total dividend for the year amounts 
therefore to 49.00 cent (2012: 42.25 cent). The policy of the 
Board in relation to dividends is outlined in the Chairman’s 
Statement and the Group Chief Executive’s Review of 
Operations. 

suBsequent events

There have been no subsequent events that would have a 
material impact on the Financial Statements.

risK and unCertainties

The Directors consider that the principal risk factors that 
could materially and adversely affect the Group’s future 
operating profits or financial position are as follows:

General insurance Risk

The risk attached to any general insurance policy written is 
the possibility that an insured event occurs and the 
uncertainty of the amount of the resulting claim. The 
frequency and severity of claims can be affected by several 
factors, most notably weather events, the level of awards and 
inflation on settling claims.

When estimating the cost of claims outstanding at year end, 
the principal assumption underlying the estimates is the 
Group’s past development pattern. This includes 
assumptions in respect of certain historic average claims 
costs, claims handling costs and claims inflation factors.

Profitability of general insurance is, by its nature, cyclical 
and can vary because of the actions or omissions of 
competitors, particularly inappropriate pricing decisions.

The extent of the Group’s exposure to general insurance risk 
is controlled within defined parameters by means of strict 
underwriting criteria, analysis of historical underwriting 
experience, formalised pricing structures and appropriate 
reinsurance treaties.

capital management Risk

The Group is committed to managing its capital so as to 
maximise return to shareholders. The risk is that 
inappropriate management of the Group’s capital could 
result in losses, erosion of capital or inadequate solvency. The 
Board reviews the capital structure frequently to determine 
the appropriate level of capital required to pursue the 
Group’s growth plans.

Operational Risk

Operational risk could arise as a result of inadequately 
controlled internal processes or systems, human error or 
from external events. Operational risks are regularly assessed 
against financial, operational and reputational criteria.

21

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS (continued)

liquidity Risk

macro-economic Risk

The Group is exposed to daily calls on its cash resources, 
mainly from claims. The Board sets limits on the minimum 
proportion of maturing funds available to meet such calls.

market Risk

The Group has invested in quoted debt securities, quoted 
shares and investment properties. These investments are 
subject to market risk, whereby the value of the investments 
may fluctuate as a result of changes in market prices, 
changes in market interest rates or changes in the foreign 
exchange rates of the currency in which the investments are 
denominated. The extent of the exposure to market risk is 
mitigated by the formulation of, and adherence to, strict 
investment policies, as approved by the Board of Directors, 
and the employment of appropriately qualified and 
experienced personnel to manage the Group’s investment 
portfolio.

credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk of loss in the value of financial assets 
due to counterparties failing to meet all or part of their 
obligations. 

All of the Group’s current reinsurers have credit ratings of 
A- or better or have provided an alternative satisfactory 
security. The Group has assessed these credit ratings as being 
satisfactory in diminishing the Group’s exposure to the 
credit risk of its reinsurance receivables.

These are the risks faced by the Group as a result of 
macro-economic changes including economic downturn, 
increasing competition, changing market trends and the risk 
associated with changes in the taxation laws in the 
jurisdiction in which the Group operates. The success of the 
Group depends on its ability to react appropriately to these 
changes. 

Other Risks

n	 The risk that the strategy adopted by the Board is 

incorrect or not implemented appropriately resulting in 
sub-optimal performance.

n	 The risk that the loss of a key executive officer or other 

key employee, the adoption of inappropriate HR policies 
or regulatory changes affecting the work force or the 
limited availability of qualified personnel may disrupt 
operations or increase cost structures.

n	 The risk that an interruption or failure of information 
systems may result in a significant loss of business, 
assets, or competitive position.

All of the foregoing risks are dealt with in further detail in 
note 41.

The Group has controls embedded within its systems to 
limit each of these potential exposures. Management and 
the Board regularly review, reassess and proactively manage 
the associated risks.

concentration Risk

suBsidiaries

Concentration risk is the risk of loss due to overdependence 
on a singular entity or category of business. 

While all of the Group’s underwriting business is conducted 
in Ireland, it is spread over a wide geographical area with no 
concentration in any one county or region. 

The Group adheres to a strict investment policy and actively 
manages its investment portfolio to ensure that there is an 
optimum spread and duration of investments and that these 
investments are only with institutions with an acceptable 
credit rating.

The Company’s principal subsidiaries, as at 31 December 
2013, are listed on page 111 (note 35).

direCtors

The present Directors of the Company, together with  
a biography on each, are set out on pages 26 and 27.

The Board has decided that all Directors will submit 
themselves for re-election at each Annual General Meeting.

22

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 annual general Meeting

The notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company 
which will be held at 12.00 noon on 29 April 2014 in the 
Irish Farm Centre, Old Naas Road, Bluebell, Dublin 12,  
is set out on pages 127 to 130.

A letter from the Chairman detailing the business to come 
before the Annual General Meeting is included at pages 125 
to 126.

direCtors’ and CoMpany seCretary’s 
interests

The interests of the Directors and Company Secretary 
(together with their respective family interests) in the share 
capital of the Company, at 31 December 2013 and 1 January 
2013 were as follows:

Directors’ Remuneration on pages 35 to 43 are deemed to be 
incorporated in this part of the Report of the Directors.

suBstantial sHareHoldings

As at 28 February 2014 the Company has been notified of 
the following interests of 3% or more in its share capital:

Ordinary shares of €0.60 each

Farmer Business Developments plc

FBD Trust Company Limited

FMR LLC

%

25.04%

8.76%

6.77%

14% Non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

Farmer Business Developments plc

100%

Beneficial

Michael Berkery

Andrew Langford

Cathal O’Caoimh

Vincent Sheridan

Padraig Walshe

Conor Gouldson  
(Company Secretary)

Number of ordinary shares  
of €0.60 each

31 December 
2013

1 January 
2013

8% Non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

FBD Trust Company Limited

Farmer Business Developments plc

58.38%

41.62%

30,000

75,000

20,179

4,150

1,100

30,000

40,000

1,179

4,150

1,100

sHare Capital

The Company had four classes of shares in issue at the end 
of the year. These classes and the percentage of the total 
issued share capital represented by each are as follows:

Voting shares

Number 
in issue

% of 
Total

9,120

420

Ordinary shares of €0.60 each

34,077,719*

87.5

The interests of the Directors and the Company Secretary in 
share options and conditional awards over the share capital 
of the Company under the shareholder approved share 
schemes are detailed in the Report on Directors’ 
Remuneration on pages 35 to 43.

european CoMMunities (taKeover Bids 
(direCtive 2004/25/eC)) regulations 2006

For the purposes of Regulation 21 of the European 
Communities (Takeover Bids (Directive 2004/25/EC)) 
Regulations 2006, the information on the Board of 
Directors on pages 26 and 27, Share Option Schemes and 
the Performance Share Plan in note 38 and the Report on 

14% Non-cumulative preference 
shares of €0.60 each

8% Non-cumulative preference 
shares of €0.60 each

1,340,000

3,532,292

3.4

9.1

38,950,011

100.0

* excluding 1,383,487 shares held in treasury

The Company’s ordinary shares of €0.60 each are listed on 
the Main Securities Market of the Irish Stock Exchange 
and have a premium listing on the UK Listing Authority. 
They are traded on both the Irish Stock Exchange and the 
London Stock Exchange. Neither class of preference share 
is traded on a regulated market.

23

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS (continued)

Each of the above classes of share enjoys the same rights to 
receive notice of, attend and vote at meetings of the 
Company.

Non-voting shares

Number in issue

‘A’ ordinary shares of €0.01 each

13,169,428

The rights attaching to the ‘A’ ordinary shares are clearly set 
out in the Articles of Association of the Company. They are 
not transferable except only to the Company. Other than a 
right to a return of paid up capital of €0.01 per ‘A’ ordinary 
share in the event of a winding up, the ‘A’ ordinary shares 
have no right to participate in the capital or the profits of 
the Company.

independent auditors

The independent auditors, Deloitte & Touche, Chartered 
Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm, have signified their 
willingness to continue in office in accordance with the 
provisions of Section 160(2) of the Companies Act, 1963.

proper BooKs and reCords

The Directors have taken appropriate measures to ensure 
compliance with Section 202 of the Companies Act 1990 
– the requirement to keep proper books of account – 
through the employment of suitably qualified accounting 
personnel and the maintenance of appropriate accounting 
systems. The books of account are located at FBD House, 
Bluebell, Dublin 12, Ireland.

Corporate governanCe

The Corporate Governance Report on pages 25 to 34 forms 
part of this report and in this the Board has set out how it 
has applied the principles set out in the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, which was adopted by both the Irish 
Stock Exchange and the UK Listing Authority, and the 
Irish Corporate Governance Annex.

going ConCern

The Group’s business activities, together with the factors 
likely to affect its future development, performance and 
financial position are set out in the Chairman’s Statement 
and the Review of Operations, as are the financial position 
of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and 
borrowing facilities. In addition, note 41 of the Financial 
Statements includes the Group’s policies and processes for 
risk management.

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the 
Company and the Group have adequate resources to 
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. 
As a result they continue to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting in preparing the Financial Statements. In 
forming this view, the Directors have reviewed the Group’s 
budget for 2014 and forecast for 2015, which take account 
of reasonably foreseeable changes in trading performance, 
the key risks facing the business and the medium-term plans 
approved by the Board in its review of the Group’s corporate 
strategy.

approval oF FinanCial stateMents

The Financial Statements were approved by the Board on 28 
February 2014.

Signed on behalf of the Board

Michael Berkery 
Chairman

Andrew Langford 
Group Chief Executive

28 February 2014

24

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 Corporate governance

Your Board of Directors is committed to the highest 
standards of corporate governance. Good governance stems 
from a positive culture and well embedded values. FBD’s 
core values of integrity, entrepreneurship, customer focus 
and ambition are central to how the Board conducts its 
business and discharges its responsibilities. Equally, however, 
these values are as relevant to every employee working 
throughout the Group in their interactions with each other, 
and with our customers, shareholders and other 
stakeholders.

uK Corporate governanCe Code and tHe 
irisH Corporate governanCe annex

The UK Corporate Governance Code (“the Code”) and the 
Irish Corporate Governance Annex (“the Annex”) codify 
the governance arrangements which apply to listed 
companies such as FBD. Combined, these represent 
corporate governance standards of the highest international 
level.

Throughout 2013 and to the date of this report, we applied 
the principles of the Code and complied with the provisions 
of both the Code and the Annex.

This section of the Annual Report sets out the governance 
arrangements in place in FBD Holdings plc.

tHe Board oF direCtors and its role

The Group is managed by the Board of Directors.

The primary role of the Board is to provide leadership and 
strategic direction while maintaining effective control over 
the activities of the Group.

The Board has approved a Corporate Governance 
Framework setting out its role and responsibilities. This will 
be reviewed annually as part of the Board’s evaluation of its 
performance and governance arrangements. The Framework 
includes a formal schedule of matters reserved to the Board 
for its consideration and decision, which includes:

n	 maintenance of the appropriate level of capital, the 

allocation thereof and decisions as to the 
recommendation or payment of dividends;

n	 approval of Financial Statements; and
n	

the appointment of Directors and the Company 
Secretary.

This schedule ensures that the skills, expertise and 
experience of the Directors are harnessed to best effect and 
ensures that any major opportunities or challenges for the 
Group come before the Board for consideration and 
decision. The schedule was last reviewed in February 2014.

Other specific responsibilities of the Board are delegated to 
Board appointed Committees, details of which are given 
later in this report.

Board CoMposition and independenCe

During 2013 the Board comprised two executive Directors 
and eight non-executive Directors, including the Chairman.

The Board believes that it should have between 9 and 11 
members and that this size is appropriate, being of sufficient 
breadth and diversity to ensure that there is healthy debate 
and input on the main business to be dealt with by it. While 
it is expected that new Directors will be appointed to the 
Board during 2014, no changes to the Board size or 
structure are anticipated in the immediate future.

Six of the non-executive Directors in office during 2013 
were considered to meet all of the criteria indicating 
independence set out in the Code.

Date first 
elected by 
share-holders

Years from 
first election 
to the 
2014 AGM

Considered 
to be 
independent

J Bryan

S Dorgan

B Horan

Apr 2011

Apr 2008

Apr 2012

3

6

2

2

9

9

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

25

n	

the approval of the Group’s objectives and strategy;

D Mulvihill

Apr 2012

n	 approval of the annual budget including capital 

expenditure and the review of the Group’s systems of 
internal control;

V Sheridan

J Thijs

Apr 2005

Apr 2005

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued)

Neither Mr. Walshe, who is chairman of the Group’s largest 
shareholder, Farmer Business Developments plc, nor the 
Board Chairman Mr. Berkery, were considered to be 
independent.

The skills and experience identified by the Board as critical 
to its composition and that of its Committees at this time 
include expertise in insurance or other financial services, 
general and farming/agri industry experience, corporate 
finance, corporate governance, regulatory and other 
compliance, financial accounting and executive reward 
principles and practice.

Industry and Commerce and of Tourism and Trade and was 
Chief Executive of The Institute of Chartered Accountants 
in Ireland. Mr. Dorgan joined the Board, and the Audit 
Committee, in January 2008. He was appointed as 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee in  
December 2011.

Mr. Dorgan is a very experienced non-executive Director 
and brings to the Board, and to its Committees, substantial 
experience of corporate governance, compliance, accounting, 
HR and executive reward and general industry experience at 
leadership level.

direCtors’ BiograpHies

Brid Horan, independent non-executive Director

Biographical details of the Directors in office on the date of 
this Report are as follows:

michael Berkery, chairman

Michael Berkery (aged 65) was elected Chairman of the 
Company in 1996. He was Chief Executive Officer of the 
Irish Farmers’ Association for 25 years until his retirement 
in March 2009. He served on the National Economic and 
Social Council for over 20 years and was a director of the 
Agricultural Trust (publisher of the Irish Farmers Journal). 
He is chairman of FBD Trust Company Limited and a 
number of other companies. Mr. Berkery joined the Board 
in October 1988.

Mr. Berkery’s extensive career at leadership level in the Irish 
Agriculture and Food Industry brings to the Board deep 
insights into the Irish farming and agri-related community, 
which together comprise a substantial customer base for the 
Group’s underwriting subsidiary, FBD Insurance plc. He 
brings to the Board and to its Committees his facilitation 
and communication skills, business and economic 
knowledge, independence of mind and experience of 
management and motivation of people.

Sean Dorgan, independent non-executive Director

Sean Dorgan (aged 62) is currently non-executive Chairman 
of the Irish Management Institute (IMI) and is a non-
executive Director of Short Brothers plc. He has previously 
served as chairman and non-executive director of a number 
of companies and organisations in the private and public 
sectors. He was Chief Executive of IDA Ireland for nine 
years until his retirement at the end of 2007. Prior to joining 
IDA he was Secretary General of the Departments of 

26

Brid Horan (aged 60) is currently Deputy Chief Executive 
of ESB, Ireland’s leading energy company, having been an 
Executive Director of ESB since 2006.  Before joining ESB 
in 1997 as Group Pensions Manager, Brid Horan headed 
KPMG Pension & Actuarial Consulting. An Actuary and a 
Chartered Director, Ms. Horan was a Commissioner of the 
National Pensions Reserve Fund from its establishment in 
2001 to 2009 and a Board member of IDA Ireland from 
1996 to 2006. Ms. Horan joined the Board, the 
Remuneration Committee and the Nomination Committee 
in December 2011.

Ms. Horan brings to the Board broad strategic and 
commercial experience, an in-depth understanding  
of HR and reward issues and her experience of corporate 
governance and risk management.

andrew langford, Group chief executive

Andrew Langford (aged 44) joined FBD Holdings plc as 
Group Financial Accountant in 1996. In July 2003, he was 
appointed Executive Director – Finance of FBD Insurance 
plc. In December 2004, he was appointed to the Board of 
FBD Holdings plc as Executive Director – Finance. In May 
2008, he was appointed Group Chief Executive. Prior to 
working in FBD, he worked in Deloitte & Touche where he 
qualified as a Chartered Accountant.

Mr. Langford is a director of Insurance Ireland, the industry 
body for insurance companies in Ireland, and is Chairman 
of its non-life council.

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 Dermot mulvihill, independent non-executive 
Director

Dermot Mulvihill (aged 64) is a Chartered Accountant and 
was Group Finance Director of Kingspan Group plc for 26 
years up until his retirement in May 2011. Mr. Mulvihill 
joined the Board and the Audit Committee in August 2011 
and was appointed to the Nomination Committee in 
December 2011.

Mr. Mulvihill brings to the Board and to the Audit and 
Nomination Committees his considerable strategic and 
commercial acumen together with his experience of 
corporate finance, accounting, auditing, corporate 
governance and executive reward and succession issues.

cathal O’caoimh, Group Finance Director

Cathal O’Caoimh (aged 56) joined the Group in October 
2008 and was appointed to the Board as Group Finance 
Director. A Chartered Accountant, he joined FBD from 
Horizon Technology Group plc where he had been Chief 
Financial Officer since 2001. Prior to that Mr. O’Caoimh 
was Group Finance Director of Hibernian Insurance Group, 
having previously been Group Finance Director of Norwich 
Union Insurance Group in Ireland. Mr. O’Caoimh is a 
member of the Council of Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Vincent Sheridan, independent non-executive 
Director, Senior independent Director

Vincent Sheridan (aged 65) retired as Chief Executive of 
Vhi Healthcare during 2008 after seven years in that role. 
Prior to that he was Group Chief Executive of the Norwich 
Union Insurance Group in Ireland for ten years. He is a past 
President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 
Ireland, the Irish Insurance Federation, the Insurance 
Institute of Ireland and the Irish Association of Investment 
Managers. He was a director of the Irish Stock Exchange 
for nine years to June 2004. He is also a former council 
member of the International Federation of Health Plans 
and the Financial Reporting Council in the UK. He serves 
on the Board of Beazley plc, Canada Life Europe, Mercer 
Ireland and a number of other companies. Mr. Sheridan 
joined the Board and was appointed as Chairman of the 
Audit Committee in August 2004, and was appointed to the 
Remuneration Committee in December 2011.

Mr. Sheridan brings to the Board and its Committees his 
extensive experience at a leadership level in the insurance 
industry, his experience as a non-executive Director together 
with his knowledge of corporate governance, compliance, 
HR and executive reward.

Padraig Walshe, non-executive Director

Padraig Walshe (aged 56) is Chairman of Farmer Business 
Developments plc, the Company’s largest shareholder.  
He is a past President of COPA, the European Farmers’ 
Organisation and of the Irish Farmers’ Association.  
Mr. Walshe previously served on the Board of FBD between 
2006 and 2010, and rejoined the Board in December 2011.

Mr. Walshe’s extensive leadership experience at national and 
international level and his deep understanding of Ireland’s 
farming community and the Irish food sector are of 
immense benefit to the Board.

Board diversity

The Board values the major contribution which a mix of 
backgrounds, skills and experience brings to the Group and 
sees merit in increasing diversity at Board level in achieving 
the Group’s strategic objectives. Differences in background, 
skills, experience and other qualities, including gender, will 
continue to be considered in determining the optimal 
composition of the Board, the principal aim being to achieve 
an appropriate balance between them.

While all appointments to the Board will have due regard to 
diversity, they will be made on merit, ensuring that the skills, 
experience and traits noted by the Board as being of 
particular relevance at any time are present on the Board 
and included in any planned refreshment. Over the coming 
years and as opportunities to appoint arise, the Board will 
continue to seek candidates who have both the requisite 
skills and experience and who will help the Board achieve 
greater diversity.

27

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued)

During 2013 the Board comprised individuals with the 
following broad characteristics:

tenure

0 – 2 years

3 – 6 years

7 – 9 years 

Over 9 years

Gender

Male

Female

executive/non-executive

Executive

Non-executive

experience and skills

30%

30%

30%

10%

90%

10%

20%

80%

The percentage of the Board having the requisite skills and 
experience were as follows:

Insurance or financial services

General industry

Agri/farming

Corporate finance

Regulatory and compliance

Financial accounting

Executive reward

60%

70%

30%

60%

80%

60%

60%

Key roles and responsiBilities

chairman

The role of the Chairman is set out in writing in the 
Corporate Governance Framework. He is responsible, inter 
alia, for:

n	

the effective running of the Board, setting its agenda 
and ensuring that it receives accurate, timely and clear 
information;

28

n	 ensuring that the Board as a whole plays a full and 

constructive part in the development and determination 
of the Group’s strategy and overall commercial 
objectives; and

n	 ensuring that the views of shareholders are 

communicated to the Board.

Group chief executive

The role of the Group Chief Executive is set out in writing 
in the Corporate Governance Framework. He is responsible, 
inter alia, for:

n	

running the Group’s business;

n	 proposing and developing the Group’s strategy and 
overall objectives in close consultation with the 
Chairman and the Board; and

n	

implementing the decisions of the Board and its 
Committees.

Senior independent Director

The Senior Independent Director is responsible for:

n	 being available to shareholders if they have concerns 
which they have not been able to resolve through the 
normal channels of the Chairman, the Group Chief 
Executive or the Finance Director, or for which such 
contact is inappropriate; 

n	

conducting an annual review of the performance of the 
Chairman;

n	 acting as a sounding board for the Chairman; and
n	

serving as an intermediary for the other non-executive 
Directors as required.

company Secretary

The Company Secretary acts as Secretary to the Board and 
to its Committees. In so doing, he:

n	 assists the Chairman in ensuring that the Board have 

access, in a timely fashion, to the information necessary 
to enable them to discharge their duties;

n	 assists the Chairman by organising and delivering 

induction and training programmes as required; and

n	

is responsible for ensuring that Board procedures are 
followed and that the Board and that the Directors are 
fully briefed on corporate governance matters.

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 Board eFFeCtiveness and  
perForManCe evaluation

Board effectiveness is reviewed annually as part of the 
Board’s performance evaluation process. The Chairman is 
responsible for ensuring that each Director receives an 
induction on joining the Board and that he or she receives 
any additional training he or she requires. The induction 
itself is organised and delivered by the Company Secretary 
and other members of the management team.

Every year the Board evaluates its performance and that of 
its Committees. Directors are expected to take responsibility 
for identifying their own training needs and to take steps to 
ensure that they are adequately informed about the Group 
and about their responsibilities as a Director. The Board is 
confident that all of its members have the requisite 
knowledge and experience and support from within the 
Company to perform their role as a Director of the 
Company.

Towards the end of 2012, the Board had its evaluation 
process externally facilitated by Praesta Ireland, an 
independent consultancy which has no other connections 
with the Company. The main conclusion from the evaluation 
process was that the Board, its Committees, the Chairman 
and individual Directors are performing very effectively with 
some suggestions made for further improvement.

The evaluation process for 2013 took place in January and 
February 2014. The purpose of the process was to identify 
areas which the Board can identify for improvement and to 
affirm positively those areas where it is playing an effective 
role in leading the Group. This was achieved through a 
combination of direct discussion between the Chairman and 
individual Directors and confidential written evaluation 
submissions which were collated by the Company Secretary 
and reported back to the Board in a non-attributable 
manner. The Board is satisfied that the confidentiality of the 
evaluation process ensured that objectivity was safeguarded. 
The Chairman has reported to the Board that direct 
discussions with individual Directors provided valuable two 
way feedback and were conducted in a professional and 
candid manner.

The output from the evaluation process for 2013 reaffirmed 
that the Board is operating effectively and is fulfilling its 
role. During 2014, the Board will pay particular attention to 
succession planning at Board level, having finalised well 

developed succession plans for executive and senior 
management during the year. In addition the Board will 
further develop more formal feedback processes for 
Directors.

Re-election of Directors

The Board has, since 2011, adopted the practice that all 
Directors will submit themselves for re-election at each 
Annual General Meeting regardless of length of service or 
the provisions of the Company’s Articles of Association.

access to advice

All members of the Board have access to the advice and the 
services of the Company Secretary who is responsible for 
ensuring that Board procedures are followed and that 
applicable rules, regulations and other obligations are 
complied with.

In addition members of the Board may take independent 
professional advice at the Company’s expense if deemed 
necessary in the furtherance of their duties.

attendance at Board and Board committee meetings 
during 2013

Board Audit Nomination Remuneration

M Berkery

J Bryan

S Dorgan

B Horan

A Langford

D Mulvihill

C O’Caoimh

V Sheridan

J Thijs

P Walshe

6/6

6/6

6/6

6/6

6/6

6/6

6/6

6/6

2/6

6/6

-

4/4

4/4

-

-

4/4

-

4/4

-

-

2/2

-

-

2/2

2/2

2/2

-

-

2/2

-

1/1

-

1/1

1/1

-

-

-

1/1

-

-

If a Director is unable for any reason to attend a Board 
meeting, he or she will receive Board papers in advance of 
the meeting and is given an opportunity to communicate 
any views on or input into the business to come before the 
Board to the Chairman.

29

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued)

Board CoMMittees

Key responsibilities delegated to the committee

The Board has established three Committees to assist it in 
the execution of its responsibilities. These are:

n	

n	

n	

the Audit Committee;

the Nomination Committee; and

the Remuneration Committee.

Each of the Committees has written terms of reference 
which were approved by the Board and set out the 
Committees’ powers, responsibilities and obligations. These 
are available on the Group’s website www.fbdgroup.com.

The Company Secretary acts as secretary to the Committees. 
Minutes of all of the Committees’ meetings are either 
circulated to all of the Directors in the case of the Audit 
Committee or are available to any Director on request in the 
case of the other two Committees.

Each of these Committees has provided a report in the 
sections following.

report oF tHe audit CoMMittee

membership

V Sheridan

Committee Chairman, and  
independent non-executive Director

J Bryan

Independent non-executive Director

S Dorgan

Independent non-executive Director

D Mulvihill

Independent non-executive Director

The Committee members have been selected to ensure that 
the Committee has available to it the range of skills and 
experience necessary to discharge its responsibilities.

n	

reviewing the Group’s financial results announcements 
and Financial Statements;

n	 overseeing the relationship with the external auditors 
including reviewing their terms of engagement, 
independence and fees;

n	

reviewing the scope, resources, results and effectiveness 
of the Group’s internal audit function; and

n	 performing detailed reviews of specific areas of financial 
reporting as required by the Board or the Committee.

meetings

The Committee met on four occasions during 2013. 
Meetings are attended by Committee members and, on 
occasion, by invitation, the Finance Director and the Head 
of Group Internal Audit. The statutory auditor, Deloitte & 
Touche, is also invited to attend at least two meetings per 
annum. The Committee regularly meets separately with the 
statutory auditor and with the Head of Group Internal 
Audit, without others being present.

The minutes of Committee meetings are circulated routinely 
to the Board. The Committee chairman also provides a 
verbal report to the Board after each Committee meeting. 
The Committee reports formally to the Board annually on 
the overall work undertaken and the degree to which it 
discharged the responsibilities delegated to it.

activities of the committee during 2013

During the year the following were the main activities 
undertaken:

n	 assessment of financial and other risks facing the Group 

and of the operation of internal controls;

The Board has resolved that each of Mr. Sheridan,  
Mr. Dorgan and Mr. Mulvihill have recent and relevant 
financial experience.

n	

Objective of committee

To assist the Board of the Company in fulfilling its 
oversight responsibilities for such matters as financial 
reporting, the system of internal control and management of 
financial risks, the audit process and the Group’s process for 
monitoring compliance with laws and regulations.

review of all aspects of the relationship with the external 
auditors, including the statutory audit plan, audit 
findings and recommendations and consideration of the 
independence of the external auditors and the 
arrangement in place to safeguard this, including partner 
rotation, prohibition on share ownership and levels of 
fees payable to the statutory auditor for non-audit 
assignments;

30

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 n	

n	

n	

consideration of issues of financial reporting, particularly 
those involving substantial judgment and the risk of 
material misstatement including claims estimates and 
provisions;

review of drafts of Annual Report and Half Yearly 
Report prior to their consideration by the Board;

review of correspondence between the Company and 
IAASA, the Irish financial reporting regulator, in 
relation to the Annual Report;

n	 appraisal of the Internal Audit function, plan, work, 

report and issues arising and monitoring the scope and 
effectiveness of the function;

n	 assessment of compliance with laws, regulations, codes 

and financial reporting requirements; and

n	

reporting to the Board on its activities and confirming 
the degree to which the Committee’s delegated 
responsibilities had been discharged through verbal 
reports to the Board after each meeting and a formal 
written report presented annually.

Having put the provision of audit services out to 
competitive tender in 2010 for an initial three year period, 
the Committee recommended during the year to extend the 
assignment period up to and including the audit of the 
Financial Statements for 2014. The Board was satisfied that 
the Group was obtaining value for the level of fees agreed.

The Committee retains direct oversight over the activities of 
the audit committee of the Group’s principal subsidiary, 
FBD Insurance plc, and routinely receives the minutes of 
that Committee’s meetings once they are approved.

evaluation

report oF tHe noMination CoMMittee

membership

M Berkery 

Committee Chairman,  
non-executive Director, Board chairman 

B Horan 

Independent non-executive Director

A Langford

Group Chief Executive

D Mulvihill

Independent non-executive Director

J Thijs

Independent non-executive Director

Objective of committee

To ensure that the Board and its Committees are made up 
of individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge and 
experience to ensure that the Board is effective in 
discharging its responsibilities.

Key responsibilities delegated to the Committee

n	

n	

reviewing the structure, size and composition of the 
Board and making recommendations to the Board for 
any changes;

recommending changes to the Board’s committees; and

n	 advising the Board in relation to succession planning 
both for the Board and the senior executives in the 
Group.

meetings

The Committee met twice during 2013 to consider potential 
candidates for appointment to the Board to fulfil vacancies 
which are expected to arise during 2014 and to oversee the 
detailed succession planning process undertaken in the 
Group’s principal subsidiary, FBD Insurance plc.

The Committee’s activities formed part of the Board’s 
evaluation process which found the Committee to be 
operating effectively.

Michael Berkery 
On behalf of the Nomination Committee

28 February 2014

Vincent Sheridan 
On behalf of the Audit Committee

28 February 2014

31

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued)

report oF tHe reMuneration CoMMittee

membership

S Dorgan 

Committee Chairman, and  
independent non-executive Director

M Berkery  Non-executive Director, Board chairman 

B Horan 

Independent non-executive Director

V Sheridan 

Independent non-executive Director

Objective of committee

To assist the Board of the Company in ensuring that the 
level of remuneration in the Group and the split between 
fixed and variable remuneration are sufficient to attract, 
retain and motivate executive Directors and senior 
management of the quality required to run the Company in 
a manner which is fair and in line with market norms, while 
not exposing the Company to unnecessary levels of risk.

Key responsibilities delegated to the committee

n	 determining the broad policy for the remuneration of 

the Company’s executive Directors, Company Secretary 
and other senior executives;

n	 determining the total remuneration packages for the 
foregoing individuals, including salaries, variable 
remuneration, pension and other benefit provision and 
any compensation on termination of office;

n	 ensuring that the Company operates to recognised good 
governance standards in relation to remuneration;
n	 making awards of shares or options over shares under 
any of the Group’s approved share schemes; and
n	 preparation of the Report on Directors’ Remuneration.

meetings

The Group Chief Executive may attend meetings of the 
Committee but only by invitation and not at a time when 
his individual remuneration arrangements are discussed.  
The Committee met once during 2013.

activities of the committee during 2013

The principal activities undertaken by the Committee 
during 2013 include:

n	 annual review of remuneration arrangements for 
executive Directors and other senior executives, 
including bonuses paid for performance in 2012  
and the conditions attaching to the 2013 bonus plan;

n	

review and approval of the Report on Directors’ 
Remuneration for 2012; and

n	 making of a conditional award of shares under the FBD 
Performance Share Plan and setting the conditions 
attached.

The executive Directors and senior executives of the Group 
have been on a pay freeze since 2008 and the Committee, 
through myself, was kept informed on the pay philosophy 
and plans for the reintroduction of salary increases in the 
Company when justified by market conditions and 
Company performance.

Full details of Directors’ Remuneration are set out on pages 
35 to 43.

Sean Dorgan 
On behalf of the Remuneration Committee

28 February 2014

sHareHolder engageMent

The Board is committed to ensuring that excellent lines of 
communication exist and are fostered between the Group 
and its shareholders.

A planned programme of investor relations activities is 
undertaken throughout the year which includes:

n	 briefing meetings with all major shareholders after the 

full year and half yearly results announcements;

n	

n	

regular meetings between institutional investors and 
analysts with the Group Chief Executive, Group 
Finance Director and or Head of Investor Relations  
to discuss business performance and strategy and to 
address any issues of concern; and

responding to letters and queries received directly from 
shareholders and from proxy adviser firms.

The Board receives a regular report from the Head of 
Investor Relations which includes details of all meetings 
held, feedback received and issues either of interest or of 
concern raised.

32

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 annual general Meeting

The Company’s Annual General Meeting is held each year 
in Dublin. The 2014 meeting will be held on 29 April.

Who attends?

n	 All of the Directors;
n	 Senior Group executives;
n	 Shareholders; and
n	 Advisers and media.

What business takes place at the meeting?

n	 The Group Chief Executive makes a presentation on the 
results and performance to the meeting prior to the 
Chairman dealing with the formal business of the 
meeting itself;

n	 all shareholders present, either in person or by proxy can 
question the Chairman, the Committee Chairmen and 
the rest of the Board during the meeting and afterwards; 
and

n	

the Chairman then deals with the formal business of the 
meeting.

All shareholders are encouraged to ask questions and to 
raise any issues at the meeting.

When this part of the meeting has concluded, all formal 
resolutions are dealt with on a show of hands. Once the vote 
is declared by the Chairman, the votes lodged with the 
Company in advance of the meeting are displayed 
prominently in the venue for those present to see. 
Immediately after the meeting is concluded the results are 
published on the Group’s website www.fbdgroup.com and 
also via the Irish and London Stock Exchanges.

The notice of the Annual General Meeting is issued  
to shareholders at least 20 working days in advance  
of the meeting.

internal Control

The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s system 
of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. Such a 
system is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk 
of failure to achieve business objectives and can provide only 
reasonable and not absolute assurance against material 
misstatement or loss.

In accordance with the revised FRC guidance for directors 
on internal control published in October 2005, “Internal 
Control Revised Guidance for Directors on the Combined Code”, 
the Board confirms that there is an ongoing process for 
identifying, evaluating and managing any significant risks 
faced by the Group, that it has been in place for the year 
under review and up to the date of approval of the Financial 
Statements and that this process is regularly reviewed by  
the Board.

The key risk management and internal control procedures 
include:

n	

skilled and experienced management and staff;
n	 an organisation structure with clearly defined lines of 

responsibility and authority;

n	 a comprehensive system of financial control 

incorporating budgeting, periodic financial reporting 
and variance analysis;

n	 a Risk Committee of the Board of FBD Insurance plc, 

the Group’s principal subsidiary, and a Risk 
Management Framework comprising a risk function 
headed by a Chief Risk Officer, a clearly stated risk 
appetite and risk strategy supported by approved risk 
management policies and processes in the areas of 
underwriting, reinsurance, claims reserving, investment 
and treasury;

n	 a Solvency II and Risk Steering Committee in FBD 
Insurance plc comprising senior management whose 
main role is to oversee the implementation of the three 
pillars of the Solvency II Risk Management Framework 
throughout FBD Insurance plc and to assist the Risk 
Committee, described earlier, in the discharge of its 
duties between meetings;
n	 an Internal Audit function; and
n	 an Audit Committee whose formal terms of reference 
include responsibility for assessing the significant risks 
facing the Group in the achievement of its objectives 
and the controls in place to mitigate those risks.

33

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (continued)

The Annual Budget, Half-Yearly Report and Annual Report 
are reviewed and approved by the Board. Financial results 
with comparisons against budget are reported to executive 
Directors on a monthly basis and are reported to the Board 
at each Board meeting. Forecasts are updated regularly to 
reflect changes in circumstances.

The Group has established a “Speak Up” Policy for 
employees the purpose of which is to reassure employees 
that it is safe and acceptable to raise any concern that they 
may have about malpractice and to enable them to raise 
such concerns safely and properly. This policy is reviewed by 
the Audit Committee annually and circulated thereafter to 
all Group employees.

The Board has reviewed the effectiveness of the Group’s 
system of internal control. This review took account of the 
principal risks facing the Group, the controls in place to 
manage those risks and the procedures in place to monitor 
them. The Board is satisfied that the controls and procedures 
in place are effective at the end of the period covered by  
this report.

going ConCern

Following a review of the Group’s budget for the next 
financial year and its forecast for 2015, both of which take 
account of reasonably foreseeable changes in trading 
performance, the Board is satisfied that at the time of the 
approval of the Financial Statements it is appropriate to 
adopt the going concern basis in their preparation.

34

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 directors’ remuneration

letter FroM tHe reMuneration CoMMittee

Dear Shareholder,

This section of the Annual Report is intended to inform you, in as transparent a manner as is possible, of the 
remuneration arrangements in place in the Company.

continued Restraint

No increases in base pay were proposed or awarded during 2013 in respect of the executive Directors and no 
increases will be awarded to executive Directors in 2014. A pay freeze has been in place for all senior executives 
effectively since 2008.

external advice

The Group participates in an independent executive reward survey which is published by Towers Watson, the results 
from which are considered by the Committee and help to shape the Committee’s views on market trends, the 
Group’s relative positioning and any developments emerging in remuneration policy. The Committee has access to 
independent professional advisers should it deem appropriate. No such advisers were consulted during 2013.

Share Ownership

The Committee approved a share ownership policy in 2010 for executive Directors, the Company Secretary and 
other senior executives. This policy is intended to align the interests of senior executives with those of shareholders 
by ensuring that executives build up a shareholding in the Group which is material to their income and net worth. 
During 2013, the Group Chief Executive, Group Finance Director and the Company Secretary exercised options 
under the Executive Share Option Scheme and retained all of the shares allotted other than those necessary to fund 
the subscription payable and the income tax liability due.

At 31 December 2013, senior executives owned shares with a value of over €2.1 million (2012: €0.6 million).

Shareholder Support

The Board and the Remuneration Committee listen very carefully to the views of our shareholders and shareholder 
advisers in relation to remuneration arrangements. Not surprisingly, given the continued restraint exercised by 
executive Directors and by the Committee, no serious concerns have been raised with the Company during the year. 
We were pleased to record that some shareholder advisers note a high degree of alignment of interests between 
executive Directors and shareholders.

Despite the fact that there is no strict obligation to do so under Irish law, the Board, on the recommendation of this 
Committee, has tabled the Report on Directors’ Remuneration at the Annual General Meeting each year since 2010 
for an advisory vote. At the 2013 AGM, this report received 100% support compared to 99.4% in 2012. We sincerely 
hope that you will again support the work of the Committee by way of a vote for the Remuneration Report at the 
2014 AGM.

Sean Dorgan 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

28 February 2014

35

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION (continued)

role oF reMuneration CoMMittee

Responsibility for determining the levels of remuneration of the executive Directors, the Company Secretary and senior 
Group executives has been delegated by the Board to the Remuneration Committee whose membership is set out in the 
Corporate Governance Report on page 32.

Policy

It is the policy of the Group to provide all members of executive management, middle management and employees of the 
Group with appropriate remuneration and incentives to encourage high performance and to ensure that they are, in a fair and 
responsible manner, rewarded for individual contributions that are aligned to the success of the Group while also ensuring 
that the principles of sound, prudent risk management are fully reflected and that excessive risk taking is neither encouraged 
nor rewarded.

It is also the policy of the Group to provide a remuneration framework which will attract, reward, motivate and retain 
executives of the highest calibre who can bring experience to the strategic decisions and the management of FBD and will 
perform in the long term interests of the Group and its shareholders.

The following table sets out the key elements of pay policy for executive Directors and senior executives, their purpose and 
how they link to strategy.

Element and link to 
strategy

Base Salary

Policy and operation

Changes to policy

To help recruit and 
retain senior executives

Base salaries are reviewed annually with effect from 
1 April taking the following factors into account:

•	 The	individual’s	role	and	experience

•	 Company	performance

•	 Personal	performance

•	 Market	practice	and	benchmarking

No change to policy.

Reflecting the position in the wider Irish 
economy and in setting the tone for 
continued cost restraint throughout the 
FBD Group, the salaries paid to executive 
Directors have remained at the same level 
since 2010 following cumulative reductions 
of up to 23.1% over 2008 salary levels.

Benefits

To provide market 
competitive benefits

Benefits provided take the form of a motor 
allowance and a fixed percentage contribution to 
health insurance costs.

No change to policy.

36

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 Element and link to 
strategy

Pension Provision

To provide market 
competitive benefits and 
reward performance over 
a long period

Policy and operation

Changes to policy

No change to policy.

The Group closed its defined benefit pension scheme to new 
members from September 2005. A small number of senior 
executives remain members of this scheme which aims to provide 
a pension of up to two thirds of pensionable salary on normal 
retirement date.

Neither of the executive Directors are active members of this 
scheme.

Mr. Langford receives a taxable cash allowance in lieu of pension 
benefits foregone having withdrawn from the defined benefit 
pension scheme in 2010.

Mr. O’Caoimh and other senior Executives who are not members 
of the defined benefit scheme participate in a defined contribution 
pension scheme.

Annual Performance Bonuses

To reward achievement 
of targets, personal 
performance and 
contribution

The performance measures for annual bonuses for the executive 
Directors and other senior executives are based on attainment of 
the profitability targets of combined operating ratio and return on 
equity and also for targets for premium income growth.

There have been no changes 
to either the policy or the 
operation of annual 
performance bonuses.

The maximum bonus potential, as a percentage of base salary for 
executive Directors for 2013, is as follows:

Director

Andrew Langford

Cathal O’Caoimh

%

70%

45%

90% of Mr. Langford’s maximum bonus potential and 100% of 
Mr. O’Caoimh’s is contingent on attainment of the targets 
described above for FBD Insurance plc. 10% of Mr. Langford’s 
bonus potential is contingent on achievement of budgeted 
earnings contribution for the Group’s other operations.

37

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION (continued)

Element and link to 
strategy

Policy and operation

Longer Term Incentives – the FBD Performance Share Plan (“LTIP”)

Changes to policy

To align the interests of 
executive Directors and 
senior executives with 
those of shareholders

The FBD Performance Share Plan (“LTIP”) was approved by 
shareholders in 2007.

No change to policy

Under the LTIP, the Remuneration Committee may, at its sole 
discretion, make conditional awards of shares to executive Directors 
and senior management. Conditional awards of shares under the 
LTIP are limited to 10% of the Company’s issued ordinary shares of 
€0.60 each over a 10 year period.

The market value of the shares which are the subject of a conditional 
award to an individual may not, in any financial year, normally exceed 
100% of the participant’s base salary as at the date of grant.

The period over which the performance conditions applying to a 
conditional award under the LTIP are measured may not be less than 
three years. The extent to which a conditional award may vest in the 
future will be determined by the Remuneration Committee by 
reference to the performance conditions set out below. These 
conditions were designed so as to ensure absolute alignment between 
the interests of the plan participants and those of shareholders. 
Different conditions, or the same conditions in differing proportions, 
can be used by the Remuneration Committee for future awards under 
the LTIP rules, provided that they remain challenging and are aligned 
with the interests of the Company’s shareholders.

No changes are permitted to the conditions attaching to a particular award once they are set by the Remuneration 
Committee. The Performance Conditions attaching to the two most recent awards of shares under the LTIP are as follows:

a) tSR performance condition

Up to 40% of the shares subject to an award may vest depending on the Group’s Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) over the 
performance period commencing on 1 January in the year the award is made compared to the TSR of a designated peer 
group. This peer group comprises the constituent companies of the Irish Stock Exchange ISEQ Overall Index excluding 
companies in the technology, pharmaceutical and exploration sectors. The extent to which an award vests will be determined 
according to the following table:

Company’s TSR Ranking

Below median

Median (50th percentile)

Between median and 75th percentile

75th percentile or higher 

38

Proportion of Award Vesting

2013 
Grant

0%

20%

2011 
Grant

0%

15%

Straight line between  
20% and 40%

Straight line between  
15% and 40%

40%

40%

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 b) ePS performance condition

Up to 40% of the shares subject to an award may vest depending on the Group’s adjusted operating EPS performance over 
the performance period. The extent to which an award vests will be determined according to the following table:

Company’s annualised adjusted operating EPS growth in 
excess of annualised CPI increase

Fewer than 3 percentage points

3 percentage points

Between 3 and 5.5 percentage points

5.5 or more percentage points 

c) market share condition

Proportion of Award Vesting

2013 
Grant

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

2011 
Grant

0%

20%

Straight line between  
20% and 40%

40%

Up to 30% of the shares subject to an award may vest according to the share of the Irish non-life insurance market held by 
FBD Insurance plc in the Financial Year 2015. The extent to which an award vests will be determined according to the 
following table:

Proportion of Award Vesting

FBD Insurance plc’s share of the Irish non-life insurance 
market

Less than 12.5%

12.5%

Between 12.5% and 14.2%

14.2% 

d) combined ratio performance condition

2013 
Grant

0%

15%

Straight line between  
15% and 30%

30%

2011 
Grant

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Up to 30% of the shares subject to an award may vest depending on the combined ratio performance of FBD Insurance plc 
over the performance period (of three financial years) in comparison to the median combined ratio of other European 
non-life insurance companies. The extent to which an award vests will be determined according to the following table:

FBD Insurance plc’s Combined Ratio in comparison with 
median company

Greater than median company

Equal to median company

Proportion of Award Vesting

2013 
Grant

0%

15%

2011 
Grant

0%

10%

Between median company and 4 percentage points below 
median company

Straight line between  
15% and 30%

Straight line between  
10% and 20%

4 or more percentage points below the median company

30%

20%

Details of the conditional share awards made under the LTIP in 2011 and 2013 to the executive Directors, and the Company 
Secretary, are given in the table below. The number of shares is the maximum possible number which could vest for the 
individual concerned if all of the performance conditions previously described are met.

39

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION (continued)

Directors’ and company Secretary’s conditional ltiP awards

At 1 
January 
2013

Granted 
during 
year

Vested 
during 
year

Lapsed 
during 
year

At 31
Dec
2013

Performance Period

Earliest 
vesting 
date

Market 
price on 
award €

Executive Directors

Andrew Langford

35,267

-

-

23,150

Cathal O’Caoimh

27,786

-

-

14,331

Company Secretary

Conor Gouldson

9,343

-

-

4,819

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

35,267

23,150

27,786

14,331

9,343

4,819

01.01.11 – 31.12.13 Mar 2014

01.01.13 – 31.12.15 Mar 2016

01.01.11 – 31.12.13  Mar 2014

01.01.13 – 31.12.15 Mar 2016

01.01.11 – 31.12.13  Mar 2014

01.01.13 – 31.12.15 Mar 2016

6.20

12.70

6.20

12.70

6.20

12.70

The total number of shares subject to conditional awards outstanding under the LTIP amounts to 1.2% of the Company’s 
ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares) at 31 December 2013 (2012: 0.8%).

The aggregate limit over the number of shares over which conditional awards are permitted under the Scheme Rules is 10% of 
the Company’s issued ordinary share capital. Since the establishment of the Scheme in 2007, there have been three conditional 
awards made over an aggregate of 488,268 shares or 1.43% of the Company’s ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares).

tHe FBd Holdings plC exeCutive sHare option sCHeMe (“esos”)

Executive Directors, the Company Secretary and other senior management participated in the FBD Holdings plc Executive 
Share Option Scheme which had been approved by shareholders in 1989. The period during which options could be granted 
under this Scheme expired in September 2009. All outstanding options under the ESOS must be exercised no later than 5 
September 2014.

The exercise of options granted under the ESOS since 18 April 2000 is conditional on growth in earnings per share of at least 
2% per annum, compound, above the increase in the Consumer Price Index over a period of not less than 3 years from the 
date of grant. The percentage of share capital which could have been issued under the Scheme complied with the guidelines of 
the Irish Association of Investment Managers.

40

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 direCtors’ and CoMpany seCretary’s sHare options

Details of options held by executive Directors and the Company Secretary under the ESOS are given below:

At 1
Jan 2013

Exercised 
during year

Granted 
during year

At 31
Dec 2013

Exercise 
Price

€ Normal Exercise Period

Market 
price at date 
of exercise €

Executive Directors

Andrew Langford

Andrew Langford

Cathal O’Caoimh

Company Secretary

30,000

90,000

75,000

(30,000)

(90,000)

(75,000)

Conor Gouldson

35,000

(35,000)

sHare ownersHip poliCy

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2.50

7.45

7.45

Oct 2006 – Oct 2013 

Aug 2012 – Sept 2014 

Aug 2012 – Sept 2014 

15.50

16.60

16.60

7.45

Aug 2012 – Sept 2014

15.50

The Group incentivises its executive Directors and senior executives with equity based awards under the Group’s shareholder 
approved share schemes. Central to the philosophy underlying awards under these schemes is the goal of aligning the 
economic interests of those individuals with those of shareholders. Executive Directors and senior executives are expected to 
maintain a significant long-term equity interest in the Company. The requirement, which is set out in the policy document 
approved by the Remuneration Committee on 23 December 2010, is to build and retain a shareholding with a valuation 
relative to base salary as follows:

Executive

Group Chief Executive

Other executive Directors

Other senior executives 

Share ownership requirement

2 times annual salary

1.5 times annual salary

1 times annual salary

non-exeCutive direCtor reMuneration

The remuneration of the non-executive Directors is determined by the Board, and reflects the time commitment and 
responsibilities of their role. In setting the level of this remuneration, the Board has full regard to the fees payable to the 
non-executive Directors of the other Irish publicly listed companies and also to the developments and policy for the 
remuneration of the management and staff in the wider Group.

The basic non-executive Director fee amounted to €39,600 per annum in 2013. In 2009 the Board reduced the fees of the 
Chairman and the non-executive Directors by 15% and 10% respectively over the levels paid in 2008 and the fees have been 
maintained at this level since.

The Chairman received fees of €126,225 during the year (2012: €126,225) inclusive of the basic non-executive fee. The Senior 
Independent Director received fees of €104,000 during the year (2012: €104,000) inclusive of the basic non-executive 
Director fee. This reflects his additional responsibilities as Chairman of the Audit Committee and as Chairman of FBD 
Insurance plc, a role which he took on during 2011.

Non-executive Directors are not members of the Group’s pension schemes and are not eligible for participation in the Group’s 
long-term incentive scheme or any share option schemes.

41

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION (continued)

serviCe ContraCts

The service contracts for the executive Directors provide for the following periods of notice of termination of employment:

Andrew Langford

Cathal O’Caoimh

From Company

From Director

6 months

3 months

6 months

3 months

exeCutive and non-exeCutive direCtors’ reMuneration details

The following table sets out in detail the remuneration payable in respect of any Director who held office for any part of the 
financial year:

Fees1
€000s

Salary2 
€000s

Performance
Bonus3
€000s 

Benefits4
€000s

Pension
Contribution5
€000s

Other
Award6
€000s

2013
Total
€000s

Executive Directors:

Andrew Langford3

Cathal O’Caoimh

Non-executive Directors:

-

-

420

260

135

100

34

26

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

84

49

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

673

435

126

40

40

40

40

104

40

40

1,578

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

680

235

60

133

Michael Berkery (Chairman)

126

John Bryan 

Sean Dorgan

Brid Horan 

Dermot Mulvihill 

Vincent Sheridan

Johan Thijs

Padraig Walshe 

40

40

40

40

104

40

40

470

42

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 The following table sets out the detail for the previous financial year:

Fees1
€000s

Salary2 
€000s

Performance
Bonus3
€000s 

Benefits4
€000s

Pension
Contribution5
€000s

Other
Award6
€000s

2012
Total
€000s

Executive Directors:

Andrew Langford3

Cathal O’Caoimh

Adrian Taheny6

-

-

-

420

260

271

Non-executive Directors:

Michael Berkery (Chairman)

126

135

88

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

34

26

21

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

84

49

54

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

250

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

673

423

596

126

40

40

40

40

104

40

40

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

40

40

40

40

104

40

40

470

951

223

81

187

250

2,162

John Bryan 

Sean Dorgan

Brid Horan 

Dermot Mulvihill 

Vincent Sheridan

Johan Thijs

Padraig Walshe

notes

1  Fees are payable to the non-executive Directors only.
2  Salaries are paid to executive Directors only.
3  Mr. Langford’s bonus for both 2013 and 2012 is shown net of a voluntary waiver by him of €65,000 and €83,000 

respectively of the bonus awarded to him by the Remuneration Committee, which was properly calculated in accordance 
with the annual performance bonus arrangements described earlier.

4  Benefits relate principally to motor allowance and health insurance subsidy.
5  Pension contributions relate to contributions either to a defined contribution pension scheme or payments to the Director 

concerned on a defined contribution basis in lieu of continued accrual in the Group’s defined benefit pension plan.

6  Mr. Adrian Taheny retired on 5 November 2012 for health reasons. An award of €250,000 was approved by the 
Remuneration Committee in recognition of his very substantial contribution to the Group over many years.

43

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013statement of directors’ responsibilities

Under applicable law and the requirements of the Listing 
Rules issued by the Irish Stock Exchange, the Directors are 
also responsible for preparing a Directors’ Report and 
reports relating to Directors’ remuneration and corporate 
governance that comply with that law and those Rules. The 
Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity 
of the corporate and financial information included on the 
Company’s website. Legislation in Ireland governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge 
and belief:

n	

the Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with 
IFRSs, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities 
and financial position for the Group as at 31 December 
2013 and of the result for the year then ended; and

n	

the Report of the Directors, the Chairman’s Statement 
and the Review of Operations include a fair review of 
the development and performance of the Group’s 
business and the state of affairs of the Group at  
31 December 2013, together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group.
n	 The Annual Report and Financial Statements, taken as a 

whole,  
is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to access the 
performance, strategy and business model of the 
Company.

On behalf of the Board

Michael Berkery 
Chairman

Andrew Langford 
Group Chief Executive 

28 February 2014

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual 
Report and Financial Statements, in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Financial 
Statements for each financial year. Under such law, the 
Directors have prepared the Company and Group Financial 
Statements in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (“IFRSs”) and 
in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Acts, 
1963 to 2013.

The Company and Group Financial Statements are required 
by law and IFRSs to present fairly the financial position and 
performance of the Company and the Group. The 
Companies Acts, 1963 to 2013 provide in relation to such 
Financial Statements that references in the relevant part of 
that Act to Financial Statements giving a true and fair view 
are references to their achieving a fair presentation.

In preparing each of the Company and Group Financial 
Statements, the Directors are required to:

n	

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 
consistently;

n	 make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and 

prudent;

n	

state that the Financial Statements comply with 
applicable IFRSs as adopted by the EU; and

n	 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 responsible for keeping proper books of 
account which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time 
the financial position of the Company and the Group and 
enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements are free 
from material misstatement or error and comply with the 
Companies Acts, 1963 to 2013. The Directors are also 
responsible for taking such steps as are reasonably open to 
them to safeguard the assets of the Company and the Group 
and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are also required by the Transparency 
(Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 to include a 
management report containing a fair review of the business 
and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties 
facing the Group.

44

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 independent auditor’s report 

To the members of FBD Holdings plc

Opinion on Financial 
Statements 

In our opinion:
n 

the Group Financial Statements give a true and fair view in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as adopted by the European Union, of the state 
of the Group’s affairs as at 31 December 2013 and of its profit for the year then ended;

n 

n 

the parent Company Financial Statements give a true and fair view in accordance with 
IFRSs, as adopted by the European Union, as applied in accordance with the provisions of 
the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2013 and of the state of the parent Company’s affairs as at 
31 December 2013; and

the Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts, 
1963 to 2013 and, as regards the Group Financial Statements, Article 4 of the IAS 
Regulation.

The Financial Statements comprise the Group Financial Statements: (Consolidated Income 
Statement, Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, Pro-forma Reconciliation of 
Consolidated Operating Profit to Profit after Taxation, Consolidated Statement of Financial 
Position, Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, Consolidated Statement of Changes in 
Equity) and the Parent Company Financial Statements: (Company Statement of Financial 
Position, Company Statement of Cash Flows, Company Statement of Changes in Equity) 
and the related notes 1 to 41. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their 
preparation is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and, as regards 
the parent Company Financial Statements, in accordance with the provisions of the 
Companies Acts, 1963 to 2013.

Going concern

As required by the Listing Rules we have reviewed the Directors’ Statement contained within 
the Report of the Directors on page 21 that the Group is a going concern. We confirm that:

n  we have concluded that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the 

preparation of the Financial Statements is appropriate; and

n  we have not identified material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast 

significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.

However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this statement is not a 
guarantee as to the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.

45

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (continued)

Our assessment of risks of 
material misstatement

The assessed risks of material misstatement described below are those that had the greatest 
effect on our audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit and directing the efforts of 
the engagement team:

Risk of material 
misstatement

Claims outstanding & 
reinsurance claims 
outstanding
Risk related to the 
estimation of the liability 
for claims outstanding 
under insurance contracts 
written

Revenue recognition
Risk related to the 
recognition of premium 
revenue and the deferral  
of unearned premium.

Joint Venture
The risk related to the 
measurement of the joint 
venture which is accounted 
for under the equity method.

How the scope of our audit responded to the risk

We examined the process used by management to estimate the liabilities for claims outstanding and 
the related reinsurance asset. Our procedures included understanding and testing the controls over 
recording of claims estimates and testing amounts recorded for a sample of claims notified. 

We considered the appropriateness of actuarial techniques used by management in calculating the 
liability and related asset. We evaluated the assumptions used and the results of liability adequacy 
tests.

Our procedures included understanding and testing the controls over premium recording and 
collection. We carried out testing of a sample of policies and used analytical techniques to assess the 
completeness of premium income. In addition we tested the calculation of unearned premium and 
considered the adequacy of the provision for unearned premium.

We evaluated the evidence supporting management’s review of the value of the joint venture asset. 
We reviewed the component auditor’s assessment of judgements made in the valuation of hotel and 
leisure assets.

Our audit procedures relating to these matters were designed in the context of our audit of 
the Financial Statements as a whole, and not to express an opinion on individual accounts or 
disclosures. Our opinion on the Financial Statements is not modified with respect to any of 
the risks described above, and we do not express an opinion on these individual matters.

Our application of 
materiality

We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement that makes it probable that the 
economic decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person relying on the Financial 
Statements, would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning the scope  
of our audit work and in evaluating the results of our work.

We determined planning materiality for the Group to be €5 million, which is below 10% of 
profit before taxation and below 2% of consolidated Shareholder equity.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee any audit 
differences in excess of €250,000, as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, 
warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit Committee on 
disclosure matters that we identified when assessing the overall presentation of the Financial 
Statements. 

46

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 An overview of the scope 
of our audit

Our group audit scope focused on two principal subsidiaries operating in the Republic of 
Ireland and the Joint Venture operating in the Republic of Ireland and Spain. 

The subsidiaries and the Joint Venture were subject to a full scope audit. Audits of these 
components are performed at a materiality level calculated by reference to the size of the 
entity involved.

Matters on which we are 
required to report by the 
Companies Acts 1963 to 
2013

n  We have obtained all the information and explanations which we consider necessary for 

the purposes of our audit;

In our opinion proper books of account have been kept by the parent Company;

n 
n  The parent Company Statement of Financial Position is in agreement with the books of 

account;

n 

In our opinion the information given in the Report of the Directors is consistent with the 
Financial Statements and the description in the Corporate Governance Statement of the 
main features of the internal control and risk management systems in relation to the 
process for preparing the Group Financial Statements is consistent with the Group 
Financial Statements; and

n  The net assets of the parent Company, as stated in the parent Company statement of 

financial position are more than half of the amount of its called up share capital and, in 
our opinion, on that basis there did not exist at 31 December 2013 a financial situation 
which under Section 40 (1) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983 would require the 
convening of an extraordinary general meeting of the parent Company.

Matters on which we are 
required to report by 
exception

Directors’ remuneration and 
transactions

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the six specified elements of disclosures in 
the report to shareholders by the Board on Directors’ remuneration. Under the Companies 
Acts, 1963 to 2013 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion the disclosures of 
Directors’ remuneration and transactions specified by law are not made. We have nothing to 
report arising from our review of these matters.

Corporate Governance 
Statement

Under the Listing Rules of the Irish Stock Exchange we are also required to review the part 
of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Company’s compliance with the nine 
provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code and the two provisions of the Irish 
Corporate Governance Annex specified for our review. We have nothing to report arising 
from our review.

47

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (continued)

Our duty to read other 
information in the Annual 
Report

Under International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland), we are required to report to 
you if, in our opinion, information in the Annual Report is:

n  materially inconsistent with the information in the audited Financial Statements; or
n  apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of 

the Group acquired in the course of performing our audit; or

Respective responsibilities 
of Directors and auditor

Scope of the audit of the 
Financial Statements

n  otherwise misleading.

In particular, we are required to consider whether we have identified any inconsistencies 
between our knowledge acquired during the audit and the Directors’ statement that they 
consider the Annual Report is fair, balanced and understandable and whether the Annual 
Report appropriately discloses those matters that we communicated to the Audit Committee 
which we consider should have been disclosed. We confirm that we have not identified any 
such inconsistencies or misleading statements.

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement, the Directors are 
responsible for the preparation of the Financial Statements and for being satisfied that they 
give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the Financial 
Statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK 
and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s 
Ethical Standards for Auditors.

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with section 
193 of the Companies Act, 1990. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state 
to the Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s 
report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or 
assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members as a 
body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the Financial 
Statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the Financial Statements are free from 
material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: 
whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s and the parent Company’s 
circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness 
of significant accounting estimates made by the Directors; and the overall presentation of the 
Financial Statements. In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in 
the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited Financial Statements 
and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially 
inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we 
become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the 
implications for our report.

Mary Fulton 
For and on behalf of Deloitte & Touche 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm 
Dublin

28 February 2014

48

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 Consolidated income statement

For the year ended 31 December 2013

Continuing Operations

Revenue
Income
Gross premium written
Reinsurance premiums

Net premium written
Change in provision for unearned premiums

Net premium earned
Net investment return
Financial services income
Total income

Expenses
Net claims and benefits
Other underwriting expenses
Financial services expenses
Revaluation of property, plant and equipment
Restructuring and other costs
Write-off of investment
Share of results of joint venture

Profit before taxation
Income taxation charge
Profit for the year from continuing operations

Discontinued operations
Profit for the year from discontinued operations, including the gain on sale
Profit for the year

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Earnings per share
From continuing operations
Basic
Diluted
From continuing and discontinued operations
Basic 
Diluted

Notes
4(a)

4(c)
4(c)

4(c)
4(c)

4(c)
5(a)
4(a)

4(c)
4(c)
4(e)
16
6
7
8(b)

9
12

14(d)

29

15
15

15
15

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements. 
The Financial Statements were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 28 February 2014.

They were signed on its behalf by:

Michael Berkery 
Chairman  

Andrew Langford 
Group Chief Executive

2013
€000s
396,290

351,195
(49,109)

302,086
(5,699)

296,387
29,359
15,289
341,035

(201,222)
(77,565)
(8,893)
(1,121)
(2,050)
-
1,271

51,455
(6,563)
44,892

-
44,892

44,786
106
44,892

2013
Cent

132
131

132
131

Restated
2012
€000s
389,810

344,255
(47,646)

296,609
4,016

300,625
24,979
14,693
340,297

(191,873)
(76,785)
(9,058)
(996)
(5,095)
(2,586)
(1,655)

52,249
(7,545)
44,704

3,748
48,452

48,353
99
48,452
Restated
2012
Cent

133
131

144
142

49

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013 
 
Consolidated statement of Comprehensive income

For the year ended 31 December 2013

Profit for the year

Items that will or may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:

Notes

2013
€000s
44,892

Restated
2012
€000s
48,452

Net (loss)/gain on available for sale financial assets during the year

(654)

1,122

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:

Actuarial gain/(loss) on retirement benefit obligations

Taxation (charge)/credit relating to items not to be reclassified in 
subsequent periods

Other comprehensive income/(expense) after taxation

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interests

31(d)

31(d)

29

2,851

(8,693)

(278)

1,919

46,811

46,705

106

46,811

1,052

(6,519)

41,933

41,834

99

41,933

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements.

The Financial Statements were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 28 February 2014.

They were signed on its behalf by:

Michael Berkery 
Chairman  

Andrew Langford 
Group Chief Executive

50

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013  
 
pro-Forma reconciliation of Consolidated operating 
profit to profit after taxation For the year ended 31 December 2013

Continuing Operations

Operating profit

Underwriting

Financial services

Operating profit before taxation

Investment return – fluctuations

Revaluation of property, plant and equipment

Restructuring and other costs

Share of results of joint venture

Profit before taxation

Income taxation charge

Profit after taxation on continuing operations

Notes

4(a)

4(a)

5(c)

16

6, 7

8(b)

12

Discontinued operations

Profit for the year from discontinued operations including the gain on sale

14(d)

Profit for the year

Operating earnings per share – continuing operations

Diluted earnings per share – continuing operations

15

15

2013
€000s

46,277

6,396

52,673

682

(1,121)

(2,050)

1,271

51,455

(6,563)

44,892

-

44,892

Cent

136

131

Restated
2012
€000s

59,719

5,635

65,354

(2,773)

(996)

(7,681)

(1,655)

52,249

(7,545)

44,704

3,748

48,452

Restated
Cent

170

131

Refer to page 59 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Basis of Preparation for additional information on this pro-forma 
statement, which is supplementary to the primary statements required under International Financial Reporting Standards.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements.

51

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013Consolidated statement of Financial position

Notes

16

17

8(c)

18

19

20(a)

20(a)

20(a)

20(a)

30(e)

30(e)

21

22

23

24

2013
€000s

45,568

11,567

45,237

1,037

3,255

30,288

141,897

210,231

437,977

820,393

19,720

24,550

44,270

4,174

26,429

68,284

21,586

2012
€000s

35,821

10,686

43,966

1,096

4,798

30,850

148,885

142,958

473,874

796,567

20,282

35,095

55,377

4,705

24,652

63,726

25,711

1,091,800

1,067,105

At 31 December 2013

assets

Property, plant and equipment

Investment property

Investment in joint venture

Loans

Deferred taxation asset

Financial assets

Investments held to maturity

Available for sale investments

Investments held for trading

Deposits with banks

Reinsurance assets

Provision for unearned premiums

Claims outstanding 

Current taxation asset

Deferred acquisition costs

Other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets 

52

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 Consolidated statement of Financial position (continued) 

At 31 December 2013

equity and liaBilities

Equity

Ordinary share capital 

Capital reserves

Retained earnings

Shareholders’ funds - equity interests 

Preference share capital 

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Liabilities

Insurance contract liabilities

Provision for unearned premiums 

Claims outstanding 

Retirement benefit obligation

Deferred taxation liability

Payables

Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

Notes

25

26(a)

27

28 

29

30(d)

30(c)

31(f )

32 

33(a)

2013
€000s

21,409

17,812

237,993

277,214

2,923

280,137

463

280,600

175,380

565,611

740,991

28,538

691

40,980

811,200

2012
€000s

21,409

16,835

203,015

241,259

2,923

244,182

477

244,659

170,243

581,132

751,375

30,766

691

39,614

822,446

1,091,800

1,067,105

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements.

The Financial Statements were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 28 February 2014.

They were signed on its behalf by:

Michael Berkery 
Chairman  

Andrew Langford 
Group Chief Executive

53

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013 
 
Consolidated statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 December 2013

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before taxation
Adjustments for: 
Profit on disposal of investments held for trading
Loss on investments held to maturity
Loss on investments available for sale
Interest and dividend income
Interest expense
Profit on loan realisation
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Share-based payment expense
Revaluation of investment property
Revaluation of property, plant and equipment
Write-off of available for sale assets, net of provisions
Decrease/(increase) in insurance contract liabilities
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Gain on sale of subsidiaries
Joint venture trading result
Operating cash flows before movement in working capital
Increase in receivables and deferred acquisition costs
Increase in payables
Cash generated from operations
Interest and dividend income received
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
Net cash from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of investments held for trading
Sale of investments held for trading
Realisation of investments held to maturity
Purchase of available for sale investments
Sale of available for sale investments
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Sale of property, plant and equipment
Investment property acquired on exercise of loan security
Decrease in loans and advances
Decrease/(increase) in deposits invested with banks
Net cash outflow from sale of subsidiaries
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Ordinary and preference dividends paid 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Proceeds of re-issue of ordinary shares
Net cash used in financing activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements.

54

Notes

18
16
38
17
16
7

14(d)
8(b)

16

18
18
20(a)

34
29

24
24

2013
€000s

51,455

(16,165)
562
4,797
(17,265)
-
-
7,675
977
(588)
1,121
-
723
(293)
-
-
(1,271)
31,728
(5,738)
1,950
27,940
16,659
-
(4,719)
39,880

(174,962)
123,854
-
(103,554)
105,091
(18,574)
31
-
59
35,897
-
(32,158)

(15,663)
(120)
3,936
(11,847)
(4,125)
25,711
21,586

Restated
2012
€000s

56,061

(4,963)
998
3,646
(24,793)
4
(4,969)
7,006
908
1,318
996
2,586
(17,563)
569
121
(4,113)
1,655
19,467
(6,834)
7,557
20,190
25,004
(4)
(5,606)
39,584

(217,562)
114,175
374,000
(158,707)
10,703
(10,187)
40
(3,186)
26,391
(168,553)
(4,981)
(37,867)

(12,273)
(80)
689
(11,664)
(9,947)
35,658
25,711

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 Consolidated statement of Changes in equity

For the year ended 31 December 2013

l
a
t
i
p
a
c
e
r
a
h
s
y
r
a
n
i
d
r
O

s
e
v
r
e
s
e
r

l
a
t
i
p
a
C

s
g
n
i
n
r
a
e
d
e
n
i
a
t
e
R

y
r
a
n
i
d
r
o
o
t
e
l
b
a
t
u
b
i
r
t
t

A

s
r
e
d
l
o
h
e
r
a
h
s

l
a
t
i
p
a
c
e
r
a
h
s
e
c
n
e
r
e
f
e
r
P

g
n
i
l
l
o
r
t
n
o
c
-
n
o
N

s
t
s
e
r
e
t
n
i

y
t
i
u
q
e
l
a
t
o
T

Balance at 1 January 2012

21,409

15,927

172,596

209,932

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

€000s

2,923

€000s

€000s

458

213,313

Profit after taxation from continuing operations 
– restated

Profit after taxation from discontinued operations

Other comprehensive expense – restated

Dividends paid and approved on ordinary and 
preference shares

Reissue of ordinary shares

Recognition of share based payments

Dividend paid to non-controlling interests

-

-

-

-

-

-

44,605

44,605

3,748

3,748

(6,519)

(6,519)

-

-

-

99

44,704

-

-

3,748

(6,519)

21,409

15,927

214,430

251,766

2,923

557

255,246

-

-

-

-

-

-

908

-

(12,104)

(12,104)

689

-

-

689

908

-

-

-

-

-

Balance at 31 December 2012

21,409

16,835

203,015

241,259

2,923

Profit after taxation

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

44,786

44,786

1,919

1,919

-

-

21,409

16,835

249,720

287,964

2,923

583

291,470

Dividends paid and approved on ordinary and 
preference shares

Reissue of ordinary shares

Recognition of share based payments

Dividend paid to non-controlling interests

-

-

-

-

-

-

977

-

(15,663)

(15,663)

3,936

3,936

-

-

977

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(120)

(15,663)

3,936

977

(120)

Balance at 31 December 2013

21,409

17,812

237,993

277,214

2,923

463

280,600

55

-

-

-

(80)

477

106

-

(12,104)

689

908

(80)

244,659

44,892

1,919

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company statement of Financial position

At 31 December 2013

assets 

Investments

Investment in subsidiaries 

Financial assets

Deposits with banks

Investment in joint venture

Cash and cash equivalents

Corporation taxation

Other receivables

Total assets

equity and liaBilities

Equity

Ordinary share capital

Capital reserves

Reserves

Shareholders’ funds – equity interests

Preference share capital 

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

Bank overdraft

Payables

Corporation taxation

Total equity and liabilities

Notes

35

25

26(b)

28

33(b) 

2013 
€000s

2012 
€000s

39,109

7,586

18,536

46,088

111,319

83

157

47

111,606

21,409

17,812

64,565

103,786

2,923

106,709

-

4,897

-

46,023

-

10,297

46,088

102,408

-

-

1,225

103,633

21,409

16,835

57,316

95,560

2,923

98,483

136

4,950

64

111,606

103,633

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements.

The Financial Statements were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 28 February 2014.

They were signed on its behalf by:

Michael Berkery 
Chairman  

Andrew Langford 
Group Chief Executive

56

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013  
 
Company statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 December 2013

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit before taxation for the year

Adjustments for

Decrease/(increase) in investments

Share based payment expense

Decrease in receivables

Decrease in payables

Income taxes paid

Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Sale of subsidiary investment

Increase deposits invested in financial institutions

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Dividends paid on ordinary and preference shares

Proceeds from re-issue of ordinary shares

Net cash used in financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

2013
€000s

2012
€000s

18,941

26,172

153

977

20,071

1,159

(35)

(186)

21,009

-

(9,063)

(9,063)

(15,663)

3,936

(11,727)

219

(136)

83

(1,363)

908

25,717

144

(2,620)

(388)

22,853

(6,673)

(4,572)

(11,245)

(12,273)

689

(11,584)

24

(160)

(136)

57

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013Company statement of Changes in equity

For the year ended 31 December 2013

l
a
t
i
p
a
c
e
r
a
h
s
y
r
a
n
i
d
r
O

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v
r
e
s
e
r
n
o
i
t
p
o
e
r
a
h
S

s
g
n
i
n
r
a
e
d
e
n
i
a
t
e
R

s
e
v
r
e
s
e
r

l
a
t
i
p
a
C

y
r
a
n
i
d
r
o
o
t
e
l
b
a
t
u
b
i
r
t
t

A

s
r
e
d
l
o
h
e
r
a
h
s

l
a
t
i
p
a
c
e
r
a
h
s
e
c
n
e
r
e
f
e
r
P

y
t
i
u
q
e
l
a
t
o
T

Balance at 1 January 2012

€000s

21,409

€000s

11,593

€000s

4,334

€000s

€000s

43,280

80,616

€000s

2,923

€000s

83,539

Profit after taxation

Reissue of ordinary shares

Recognition of share based payments

Ordinary and preference  
dividends paid and approved

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

908

25,451

25,451

689

-

689

908

-

(12,104)

(12,104)

-

-

-

-

25,451

689

908

(12,104)

Balance at 31 December 2012

21,409

11,593

5,242

57,316

95,560

2,923

98,483

Profit after taxation

Reissue of ordinary shares

Recognition of share based payments

Ordinary and preference  
dividends paid and approved

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

977

18,976

18,976

3,936

-

3,936

977

-

(15,663)

(15,663)

-

-

-

-

18,976

3,936

977

(15,663)

Balance at 31 December 2013

21,409

11,593

6,219

64,565

103,786

2,923

106,709

58

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the Financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2013

1 

GeneRal inFORmatiOn

FBD Holdings plc is an Irish registered public limited company. The address of the registered office is given on page 20. The 
nature of the Group’s operations and its principal activities are set out in the Report of the Directors on pages 21 to 24 and in 
the Review of Operations on pages 8 to 16.

2 

GOinG cOnceRn

The Directors have, at the time of approving the Financial Statements, a reasonable expectation that the Company and the 
Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the 
going concern basis of accounting in preparing the Financial Statements. Further detail is contained in the Report of the 
Directors on page 21.

3 

SUmmaRy OF SiGniFicant accOUntinG POlicieS

Basis oF preparation

The Group and Company Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (“IFRSs”) adopted by the European Union and therefore the Group Financial Statements comply with Article 4 of 
the EU IAS Regulation. The Group and Company Financial Statements are in compliance with the Companies Acts 1963 to 
2013.

Comparative figures for the full year ended 31 December 2012 in the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and relevant notes as indicated have been 
restated to reflect changes to IAS 19 Employee Benefits. The main amendment impacting the plan is the replacement of the 
interest cost and expected return on Plan Assets elements in the Consolidated Income Statement with a single “Net Interest” 
figure.

An additional statement, produced on page 51, Pro-forma Reconciliation of Consolidated Operating Profit to Profit After 
Taxation is supplementary to the primary statements required under International Financial Reporting Standards. It is 
designed to provide supplementary information to users of the Financial Statements including operating profit, a key 
performance measure monitored by the Board.

Operating profit is reported on the basis of a longer-term investment return. The long-term nature of much of the Group’s 
operations means that, for management decision-making and internal performance management, short-term realised and 
unrealised investment gains and losses are treated as non-operating items. The Group focuses instead on an operating profit 
measure that excludes short-term investment fluctuations. Finance costs and the fluctuation between the longer-term 
investment return and the actual investment return (note 5(c)), which includes realised and unrealised gains and losses and 
profits or losses arising from substantial non-recurring transactions are charged or credited to the Pro-forma Reconciliation of 
Consolidated Operating Profit to Profit after Taxation. As a result, the operating profit is not subject to distortion from 
fluctuations in investment returns.

59

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013 
notes to the Financial statements (continued)

3 

SUmmaRy OF SiGniFicant accOUntinG POlicieS (continued)

The rates of investment return underlying the calculation of the longer-term investment return are set out in note 5(b) and are 
reviewed annually and reflect both historical experience and the Directors’ current expectations for future investment returns. 
The longer-term rate of return is applied to all investment assets held by the Group’s underwriting operations including 
investment properties held for resale, investments held for trading, available for sale investments, investments held to maturity, 
loans and other receivables and bank deposits. A comparison of the longer-term investment return and actual returns for the 
past two years is set out in note 5(c) of the Financial Statements.

adoption oF new and revised international FinanCial reporting standards (“iFrss”)

standards adopted during the period

The Group has adopted the following standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards during the financial 
year which have affected presentation and disclosures reported in these Financial Statements.

n	 Amendment to IAS 1 Presentation of items of other Comprehensive Income.

n	

n	

IAS 19 (revised 2011) Employee Benefits.

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement.

The amendments to IAS 1 require items of other comprehensive income to be grouped by those items that will or may be 
reclassified subsequently to profit or loss and those that will never be reclassified, together with their associated income 
taxation.

IAS 19 (revised 2011) and the related consequential amendments have impacted the accounting for the Group’s defined 
benefit scheme, by replacing the interest cost and expected return on plan assets with a net interest charge on the net defined 
benefit liability. This has resulted in the restatement of the comparative figures in the Consolidated Income Statement and 
corresponding opposite entries in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. The impact of these restatements is 
to reduce profit after taxation by €570,000 for the 12 months to 31 December 2012. This has resulted in the restatement of 
2012 operating earnings per share to 170 cent and diluted earnings per share to 131 cent. There is no change to the 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as the Group has always recognised actuarial gains and losses immediately.

The Group has applied IFRS 13 for the first time in the current year. IFRS 13 establishes a single source of guidance  
for fair value measurements and disclosures about fair value measurements. The scope of IFRS 13 is broad, the fair value 
measurement requirements of IFRS 13 apply to both financial instrument items and non-financial instrument items for 
which other IFRSs require or permit fair value measurements and disclosures about fair value measurements, except for 
share-based payment transactions that are within the scope of IFRS 2 Share-based Payment, leasing transactions that are 
within the scope of IAS 17 Leases, and measurements that have some similarities to fair value but are not fair value. IFRS 13 
defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction in 
the principal (or most advantageous) market at the measurement date under current market conditions. Fair value under 
IFRS 13 is an exit price regardless of whether that price is directly observable or estimated using another valuation technique. 
Other than the additional disclosures, the application of IFRS 13 has not had any material impact on the amounts recognised.

60

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013  
 
3 

SUmmaRy OF SiGniFicant accOUntinG POlicieS (continued)

standards and interpretations adopted with no effect on Financial statements

The following new and revised Standards and Interpretations have been adopted in the current year. Their adoption has not 
had any significant impact on the amounts reported in these Financial Statements but may impact the accounting for future 
transactions or arrangements.

Annual Improvements to IFRSs: 2009-2011 Cycle (May 2012): Annual Improvements to IFRSs: 2009-2011 Cycle (May 2012)

Amendments to IFRS 1 (March 2012): Government Loans

Amendments to IFRS 7 (Dec 2011): Disclosures – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

IFRIC 20: Stripping Costs in the production phase of surface mining

standards and interpretations not yet effective 

At the date of authorisation of these Financial Statements, the following new Standards and Interpretations and amendments 
to existing Standards and Interpretations which have not been applied in the current year were in issue but not yet effective:

IFRS 9 (as amended in 2010)

IFRS 10

IFRS 11

IFRS 12

Amendments to IAS 27

Amendments to IAS 28

IAS 32

Financial Instruments2
Consolidated Financial Statements1
Joint Arrangements1
Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities1
Separate Financial Statements1
Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures1
Financial Instruments: Presentation1

1  Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014.
2  Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018.

The adoption of IFRS 9, which the Group plans to adopt for the year beginning 1 January 2018 if endorsed by the E.U.,  
will impact both the measurement and disclosure of financial instruments.

The Directors anticipate that the adoption of the other Standards and Interpretations listed above will have no material 
impact (other than presentation and disclosure) on the Financial Statements of the Group in future periods.

accOUntinG POlicieS

The principal accounting policies adopted by the Board are:

a)  aCCounting Convention

The Group and Company Financial Statements are prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the 
revaluation of property, investments held for trading, available for sale investments and investment property, which are 
measured at fair value.

61

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013 
 
 
notes to the Financial statements (continued)

3 

SUmmaRy OF SiGniFicant accOUntinG POlicieS (continued)

B)  Basis oF Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the Financial Statements of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings, 
made up to 31 December. In subsidiary undertakings, control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the 
financial and operating policies of an investee entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

All intra Group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

Individual subsidiary accounts are prepared under local GAAP, with relevant adjustments made during preparation of the 
Group Financial Statements to align their accounting policies with those of the Group. The results of subsidiaries acquired or 
disposed of during the year are included in the Consolidated Income Statement from the effective date of acquisition or up to 
the effective date of disposal.

The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the purchase method. The cost of the acquisition is measured as the 
aggregate of the fair values, at the date of exchange, of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments 
issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree, plus any costs directly attributable to the business combination. 
The acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition under IFRS 3 
are recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date, except for non-current assets (or disposal groups), that are classified as 
held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5, Non Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, which are 
recognised and measured at fair value less costs of sale.

Goodwill arising on acquisition is recognised as an asset and initially measured at cost, being the excess of the cost of the 
business combination over the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent 
liabilities recognised. If, after reassessment, the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, 
liabilities and contingent liabilities exceeds the cost of the business combination, the excess is recognised immediately in the 
Consolidated Income Statement.

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries are identified separately from the Group’s equity therein. The interests of non-
controlling shareholders may be initially measured at fair value or at the non-controlling interests’ proportionate share of the 
fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. The choice of measurement is made on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis. 
Subsequent to acquisition, the carrying amount of non-controlling interests is the amount of those interests at initial 
recognition plus the non-controlling interests’ share of subsequent changes in equity. Total comprehensive income is 
attributed to non-controlling interests even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance.

Changes in the Group’s interests in subsidiaries that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions. 
The carrying amount of the Group’s interests and the non-controlling interests are adjusted to reflect the changes in their 
relative interests in the subsidiaries. Any difference between the amount by which the non-controlling interests are adjusted 
and the fair value of the consideration paid or received is recognised directly in equity and attributed to the owners of the 
Company.

62

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 3 

SUmmaRy OF SiGniFicant accOUntinG POlicieS (continued)

B)  Basis oF Consolidation (continued)

When the Group loses control of a subsidiary, the profit or loss on the sale is calculated as the difference between (i) the 
aggregate of the fair value of the consideration received and the fair value of any retained interest and (ii) the previous 
carrying amount of the assets (including goodwill), less liabilities of the subsidiary and any non-controlling interests. 
Amounts previously recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in relation to the subsidiary are 
accounted for (i.e. reclassified to profit or loss or transferred directly to retained earnings) in the same manner as would be 
required if the relevant assets or liabilities are disposed of. The fair value of any investment retained in the former subsidiary  
at the date when control is lost is regarded as the fair value on initial recognition for subsequent accounting under IAS 39 
Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement or, when applicable, costs on initial recognition of an investment in  
an associate or jointly controlled entity.

The Group’s share of the results and net assets of a joint venture are included based on the equity method of accounting.  
A joint venture is an entity subject to joint control by the Group and other parties. Under the equity method of accounting, 
the Group’s share of the post-acquisition profits and losses of joint ventures is recognised in the Consolidated Income 
Statement and its share of post acquisition movements in reserves is recognised directly in the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income. In the Group’s holding company the joint venture is held at cost less provision for impairment.

C)  revenue reCognition

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents gross premiums written, 
broking commissions, fees, other commissions, interest and dividends receivable, rents receivable, net of discounts, levies,  
VAT and other sales related taxes.

Revenue from insurance contracts is accounted for in accordance with Accounting Policy (D).

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

Insurance agency commissions that do not require any further services are recognised as revenue on the effective 
commencement or renewal date of the related policies. If further services are to be rendered, the commission, or part of it,  
is deferred and recognised over the period during which the policy is in force.

Fees for liability claims handling are recognised in the year to which they relate.

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

Rental income is recognised on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

d) 

insuranCe ContraCts

(i)  Premiums written

Premiums written relate to business incepted during the year, together with any difference between booked premiums 
for prior years and those previously accrued, and include estimates of premiums due. Premiums written exclude taxes 
and duties levied on premiums and directly related expenses e.g. commissions.

63

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

3 

SUmmaRy OF SiGniFicant accOUntinG POlicieS (continued)

d) 

insuranCe ContraCts (continued)

(ii)  Unearned premiums

Unearned premiums are those portions of premium income written in the year that relate to insurance cover after the 
year end. Unearned premiums are computed on a 365th of premium written. At 31 December each year, an assessment 
is made of whether the provision for unearned premiums is adequate.

(iii)   Deferred acquisition costs

Deferred acquisition costs represent the proportion of net acquisition costs that are attributable to the unearned 
premiums. Acquisition costs comprise the direct and indirect costs of obtaining and processing new insurance business. 
These costs are recognised as a deferred acquisition cost asset and amortised on the same basis as the related premiums 
are earned, and are tested for impairment at 31 December each year.

(iv)  Unexpired risks

At 31 December each year, an assessment is made of whether the provision for unearned premiums is adequate. Provision 
for unexpired risks is made where the expected claims, related expenses and deferred acquisition costs are expected to 
exceed unearned premiums, after taking account of future investment income.

(v)  Claims incurred

Claims incurred comprise the cost of all insurance claims occurring during the year, whether reported or not, and any 
adjustments to claims outstanding from previous years.

Full provision, net of reinsurance recoveries, is made at the reporting date for the estimated cost of claims incurred but 
not settled, including claims incurred but not yet reported and expenses to be incurred after the reporting date in settling 
those claims. The Group takes all reasonable steps to ensure that it has appropriate information regarding notified claims 
and uses this information when estimating the cost of those claims.

The Group uses estimation techniques, based on statistical analysis of past experience, to calculate the estimated cost of 
claims outstanding at the year end. It is assumed that the development pattern of the current claims will be consistent 
with previous experience. Allowance is made, however, for any changes or uncertainties that may cause the cost of 
unsettled claims to increase or reduce. These changes or uncertainties may arise from issues such as the effects of inflation, 
changes in the mix of business or the legal environment.

Provision is also made in respect of the Group’s share of the estimated liability for outstanding claims of the Motor 
Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (“MIBI”). This provision is based on the estimated current market share and the current 
outstanding claims of the MIBI.

Receivables arising out of direct insurance operations are measured at initial recognition at fair value and are subsequently 
measured at amortised cost, after recognising any revaluation loss to reflect estimated irrecoverable amounts.

64

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 3 

SUmmaRy OF SiGniFicant accOUntinG POlicieS (continued)

d) 

insuranCe ContraCts (continued)

(vi)  Reinsurance

Premiums payable in respect of reinsurance ceded, are recognised in the period in which the reinsurance contract is 
entered into and include estimates where the amounts are not determined at the reporting date. Premiums are expensed 
over the period of the reinsurance contract, calculated principally on a daily pro rata basis.

A reinsurance asset (reinsurers’ share of claims outstanding and provision for unearned premium) is recognised to reflect 
the amount estimated to be recoverable under the reinsurance contracts in respect of the outstanding claims reported 
under insurance liabilities. The amount recoverable from reinsurers is initially valued on the same basis as the underlying 
claims provision. The amount recoverable is reduced when there is an event arising after the initial recognition that 
provides objective evidence that the Group may not receive all amounts due under the contract and the event has a 
reliably measurable impact on the expected amount that will be recoverable from the reinsurer.

The reinsurers’ share of each unexpired risk provision is recognised on the same basis.

(vii)  Liability adequacy test

At each reporting date, the Group reviews its unexpired risks and carries out a liability adequacy test for any overall 
excess of expected claims and deferred acquisition costs over unearned premiums, using the current estimates of future 
cash flows under its contracts after taking account of the investment return expected to arise on assets. If these estimates 
show that the carrying amount of its insurance liabilities (less related deferred acquisition costs) is insufficient in light of 
the estimated future cash flows, the deficiency is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement by setting up a 
provision in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

e)   property, plant and equipMent

(i)  Property

Property held for own use in the supply of services or for administrative purposes is stated at revalued amounts, being 
the fair value at the date of revaluation which is determined either by professional valuers or at a lower amount if, in the 
opinion of the Directors, a lower amount more accurately reflects fair value. Revaluations are performed with sufficient 
regularity such that the carrying amount does not differ materially from that which would be determined using fair 
values at the reporting date. Any revaluation increase arising on the revaluation of such property is credited to the 
revaluation reserve except to the extent that it reverses a revaluation decrease for the same asset previously recognised.  
A decrease on revaluation is charged as an expense to the extent that it exceeds the balance, if any, held in the 
revaluation reserve relating to previous revaluation of that asset.

Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis as owned assets. 
However, when there is no reasonable certainty that ownership will be obtained by the end of the lease term, assets  
are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives.

It is the Group’s policy and practice to maintain all Group properties in a continual state of sound repair. As a result,  
and taking into consideration the regular revaluations undertaken, depreciation is not provided on these properties.

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales 
proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

65

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

3 

SUmmaRy OF SiGniFicant accOUntinG POlicieS (continued)

e)   property, plant and equipMent (continued)

(ii)   Plant and equipment

Plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated revaluation losses. 

(iii)   Depreciation

Depreciation is provided in respect of all plant and equipment, and is calculated in order to write off the cost or 
valuation of the assets over their expected useful lives on a straight line basis over a five to ten year period.

F) 

investMent property

Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is recognised initially at cost and 
stated at fair value at the reporting date being the value determined by qualified independent professional valuers. Gains or 
losses arising from changes in the fair value are included in the Consolidated Income Statement for the period in which they 
arise.

An investment property is derecognised upon disposal or when the investment property is permanently withdrawn from use 
and no future economic benefits are expected. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the property (calculated as the 
difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset) is included in the Consolidated Income 
Statement for the period in which the property is derecognised.

g)  Joint venture

The joint venture is accounted for in accordance with the equity method. Under the equity method, the investment in a joint 
venture is initially recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter for the post acquisition changes in the Group’s share of the net 
assets of the jointly controlled entity.

Joint ventures are ownership interests where a joint influence is obtained through agreement.

The Group’s share of results before taxes is reported in “Share of results of joint venture”, included in profit before taxation in 
the Consolidated Income Statement.

Shares in earnings of joint ventures included in consolidated equity are reported in retained earnings in the Consolidated 
Statement of Financial Position.

The fair value of the share of the net assets of the joint venture at the date of acquisition is reflected in the Company 
Statement of Financial Position. The fair value is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis.

H)  FinanCial instruMents

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position when the Group 
becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows of the asset expire, or when it 
transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of the ownership of the asset to another entity. If the 
Group neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risk and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred 
asset, the Group recognises its retained interest in the asset and an associated liability for amounts it may have to pay. If the 
Group retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Group continues to 
recognise the financial asset.

66

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 3 

SUmmaRy OF SiGniFicant accOUntinG POlicieS (continued)

H)  FinanCial instruMents (continued)

The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Group’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or they 
expire.

(i)  

Investments held for trading at fair value

Investments held for trading are stated at fair value and include quoted shares, unquoted investments and debt securities. 
They are recognised on a trade date basis at fair value and are revalued at subsequent reporting dates at fair value, using 
the closing bid price, with gains and losses being included in the Consolidated Income Statement in the period in which 
they arise.

Investments are held for trading if:
n	 they have been acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the near future; or
n	 they are part of an identified portfolio of financial instruments that the Group manages together and have a recent 

actual pattern of short-term profit-making; or

n	 they are derivatives that are not designated and effective as hedging instruments.

Investments other than investments held for trading may be designated at FVTPL (fair value through profit or loss) 
upon initial recognition if:
n	 such designation eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise 

arise; or

n	 the investment forms part of a group of investments or financial liabilities or both, which is managed and its 
performance is evaluated on a fair value basis, in accordance with the Group’s documented investment policy.

They are derecognised at their carrying amount being the fair value recorded at a previous reporting date.

Financial assets at FVTPL are stated at fair value, with any gains or losses arising on remeasurement recognised in the 
Consolidated Income Statement. The net gain or loss recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement incorporates 
any dividend or interest earned on the financial asset and is included in the ‘other gains and losses’ line item in the 
Consolidated Income Statement.

(ii) 

Investments held to maturity

Held-to-maturity investments are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed 
maturity dates that the Group has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity. Subsequent to initial recognition, 
held to-maturity investments are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method less any impairment.

(iii)  Available for sale investments

Available for sale investments include quoted debt securities and unquoted investments, and are stated at fair value 
where fair value can be reliably measured. Fair value is calculated using prices achieved in most recent transactions. They 
are recognised on a trade date basis at fair value, and are subsequently revalued at each reporting date to fair value, with 
gains and losses being included directly in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income until the investment 
is disposed of or determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, is included in the Consolidated Income Statement for the year.

67

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

3 

SUmmaRy OF SiGniFicant accOUntinG POlicieS (continued)

H)  FinanCial instruMents (continued)

(iv)   Loans and other receivables

Loans 
Loans are recognised on a trade date basis at fair value plus transaction costs and are subsequently measured at amortised  
cost using the effective interest rate method. When it is not possible to estimate reliably the cash flows or the expected life  
of a loan, the projected cash flows over the full term of the loan are used to determine fair value. Loans are stated in the 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position recognising any revaluation loss to reflect estimated irrecoverable amounts.  
Any revaluation loss is recognised on a case-by-case basis after taking into account factors such as the financial condition  
of the borrower, security held and costs of realisation.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a debt instrument and of allocating interest 
income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts 
through the expected life of the debt instrument, or, where appropriate, a shorter period, to the net carrying amount at initial 
recognition.

Other receivables 
Amounts arising out of direct insurance operations and other debtors are measured at initial recognition at fair value and are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost, after recognising any revaluation loss to reflect estimated irrecoverable amounts.

(v)  Deposits with banks

Term deposits with banks comprise cash held for the purpose of investment. Demand deposits with banks are held for 
operating purposes and included in cash and cash equivalents.

i) 

leases

All of the Group’s leases are classified as operating leases.

(i) 

The Group as Lessor

Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Initial 
direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset 
and recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

(ii)  The Group as Lessee

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to income on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. 
Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to enter into an operating lease are also spread on a straight-line basis 
over the lease term.

J)  CasH and CasH equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits held for the purpose of meeting short-term cash 
commitments rather than for investment or other purposes.

68

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SUmmaRy OF SiGniFicant accOUntinG POlicieS (continued)

K)  taxation

Income taxation expense or credit represents the sum of the taxation currently payable or receivable and that element of 
deferred taxation charged or credited to the Consolidated Income Statement. Deferred taxation charged or credited to equity 
is recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

The taxation currently payable or receivable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit or loss differs from profit or 
loss as reported in the Consolidated Income Statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or 
deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current 
taxation is calculated using taxation rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or from 
the initial recognition, other than in a business combination, of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither 
the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.

Deferred taxation is recognised on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the Financial 
Statements and the corresponding taxation bases used in the computation of taxable profit or loss, and is accounted for using 
the balance sheet liability method. Deferred taxation liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences, and 
deferred taxation assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable 
profits will be available against which those deductible temporary differences can be utilised.

Deferred taxation liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries except 
where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary differences 
will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred taxation assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current taxation assets 
against current taxation liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group 
intends to settle on a net basis.

l)  retireMent BeneFits

The Group provides either defined benefit or defined contribution retirement benefit schemes for the majority of its 
employees.

(i)  Defined benefit scheme

A full actuarial valuation of the scheme is undertaken every three years and is updated annually to reflect current 
conditions in the intervening periods for the purposes of preparing the Financial Statements. Scheme assets are valued 
at fair value. Scheme liabilities are measured on an actuarial basis and discounted at the current rate of return on a high 
quality corporate bond of equivalent term and currency to the liability. The projected unit credit method is used to 
calculate scheme liabilities. The surplus or deficit on the scheme is carried in the Consolidated Statement of Financial 
Position as an asset or liability. Any asset resulting from this calculation is limited to past service cost, plus the present 
value of available refunds and reductions to future contributions to the scheme. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised 
immediately in equity through the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

The current service cost and past service cost of the scheme are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement.

Past service cost is recognised immediately to the extent that the benefits are already vested, and otherwise is amortised 
on a straight-line basis over the average period until the benefits become vested.

69

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

3 

SUmmaRy OF SiGniFicant accOUntinG POlicieS (continued)

l)  retireMent BeneFits (continued)

(ii)  Defined Contribution Schemes

Costs arising in respect of the Group’s defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged to the Consolidated 
Income Statement as an expense as they fall due.

M)  CurrenCy

The individual Financial Statements of each Group company are presented in the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which it operates (its functional currency). For the purpose of the Consolidated Financial Statements, the 
results and financial position of each Group company are expressed in euro, which is the functional currency of the Company, 
and the presentation currency for the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In preparing the Financial Statements of the individual companies, transactions in currencies other than the entity’s 
functional currency (foreign currencies) are recognised at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At 
each balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates 
prevailing at that date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at 
the rates prevailing at the date when the fair value was determined.

On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s non Euro-zone operations are translated at exchange rates 
prevailing on the reporting date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period unless 
exchange rates fluctuate significantly, in which case the exchange rates at the date of transactions are used. Exchange 
differences that are classified as equity are transferred to the translation reserve. Such translation differences are recognised as 
income or expense in the period in which the operation is disposed.

n)  sHare-Based payMents and long terM inCentive plans

The Group operates share option schemes and long-term incentive plans based on market and non-market vesting conditions. 
The fair value of the options is determined at the date of grant using either the Black Scholes or Monte Carlo Simulation 
models and expensed in the Consolidated Income Statement over the vesting period at the conclusion of which the 
employees become unconditionally entitled to the options. The corresponding amount to the expense is credited to a separate 
reserve in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. At each period end, the Group reviews its estimate of the 
number of options that it expects to vest and any adjustment relating to current and past vesting periods brought to the 
Consolidated Income Statement. Share options are all equity settled.

o)  treasury sHares

Where any Group company purchases the Company’s equity share capital, the consideration paid is shown as a deduction 
from ordinary shareholders’ equity. Consideration received on the subsequent sale or issue of treasury shares is credited to 
ordinary shareholders’ equity. Treasury shares are excluded when calculating earnings per share.

70

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SUmmaRy OF SiGniFicant accOUntinG POlicieS (continued)

p)  revaluation loss on assets

(i)   Revaluation loss on tangible and intangible assets

At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine 
whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered a revaluation loss. If any such indication exists, the 
recoverable amount of the asset is estimated to determine the extent of the revaluation loss, if any. Where the asset does 
not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash 
generating unit to which the asset belongs.

The recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the 
estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-taxation discount rate that reflects current 
market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash 
flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the 
carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. A revaluation loss is 
recognised as an expense immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the 
revaluation loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

Where a revaluation loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to 
the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying 
amount that would have been determined had no revaluation loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) 
in prior years. A reversal of a revaluation loss, other than in relation to goodwill, is recognised as income immediately, 
unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the revaluation loss is treated as a 
revaluation increase.

(ii)   Revaluation loss on financial assets

Financial assets, other than those at FVTPL (fair value through profit or loss), are assessed for indicators of revaluation 
at each reporting date. Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more 
events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial assets, the estimated future cash flows of the investment 
have been impacted. For listed and unlisted equity investments classified as Available for Sale (“AFS”), a significant or 
prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is considered to be objective evidence of impairment.

For all other financial assets, objective evidence of impairment could include:

n	significant financial difficulty of the issuer or counterparty; or

n	default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; or

n	it becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or financial re-organisation.

For certain categories of financial asset, such as trade receivables, assets that are assessed not to be impaired individually 
are, in addition, assessed for revaluation on a collective basis.

For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of the revaluation is the difference between the asset’s carrying 
amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest 
rate.

71

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

3 

SUmmaRy OF SiGniFicant accOUntinG POlicieS (continued)

p)  revaluation loss on assets (continued)

(ii)   Revaluation loss on financial assets (continued)

The carrying amount of a financial asset is directly reduced by the revaluation loss for all financial assets.

When an AFS financial asset is considered to be impaired, cumulative gains or losses previously recognised in the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income are reclassified to the Consolidated Income Statement in the period.

With the exception of AFS equity instruments, if, in a subsequent period, the amount of the revaluation loss decreases 
and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the revaluation was recognised, the previously 
recognised revaluation loss is reversed through the Consolidated Income Statement, to the extent that the carrying 
amount of the investment at the date the revaluation is reversed does not exceed what the amortised cost would have 
been had the revaluation not been recognised.

In respect of AFS equity securities, revaluation losses previously recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement are 
not reversed through the Consolidated Income Statement. Any increase in fair value subsequent to an revaluation loss is 
recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

q)  Borrowing Costs

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that 
necessarily 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 or sale.

To the extent that variable rate borrowings are used to finance a qualifying asset and are hedged in an effective cash flow 
hedge of interest rate risk, the effective portion of the derivative is recognised in the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income and released to the Consolidated Income Statement when the qualifying asset impacts profit or loss. 
To the extent that fixed rate borrowings are used to finance a qualifying asset and are hedged in an effective fair value hedge 
of interest rate risk, the capitalised borrowing costs reflect the hedged interest rate.

Investment income earned on the temporary investment of specific borrowings pending their expenditure on qualifying assets 
is deducted from the borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation.

All other borrowing costs are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement in the period in which they are incurred.

r)  restruCturing and otHer Costs

The costs of the fundamental restructuring of the Group’s operations, such as redundancy costs, provision for lease 
termination costs or other rationalisation costs, are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement when the decision to 
restructure is irrevocable and has been communicated to the parties involved.

s)  otHer inCoMe

Other income comprises the service charge earned on policyholder receivables, where outstanding premiums are settled by a 
series of instalment payments. The service charge is earned over the period of instalments.

72

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 3 

SUmmaRy OF SiGniFicant accOUntinG POlicieS (continued)

t)  Critical accounting estimates and Judgements in applying accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted by the Group are set out on pages 59 to 75. In the application of these accounting 
policies, the Directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and 
liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical 
experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised 
in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future 
periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

(i)   Critical judgments in applying accounting policies

The following are the critical judgments, apart from those involving estimations (see note T (ii) below) that the 
Directors have made in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies and that have the most significant  
effect on the amounts recognised in the Financial Statements.

Retirement benefit obligations 
The Group’s obligations under its funded defined benefit retirement scheme are determined by an independent qualified 
actuarial advisor, Lane Clark & Peacock (“LCP”). The valuation is updated at least annually and the net obligation 
amounted to €28,538,000 at 31 December 2013. IAS 19 requires that the actuarial assumptions used should be best 
estimates, unbiased and mutually compatible. The scheme’s liabilities are sensitive to fluctuations in the principal 
assumptions, details of which are set out in note 31. Those key assumptions include:

n	 A discount rate of 3.8%, set by reference to the yield on high-quality corporate bonds
n		 General salary increases of 3%
n		 Pension payment increases ranging from 0% - 2%
n		 Price inflation of 2%

The assumptions used for calculating the obligations of the scheme under IAS 19 at 31 December 2013 and 31 
December 2012 have been derived consistently with those adopted by the Group in previous years.

The basis used to calculate the discount rate was reviewed in 2012. There has been considerable volatility in the yields on 
AA corporate bonds in recent years and the number of bonds rated AA or higher in issue at durations beyond 10 years 
has fallen. As a result, a wide variance emerged in the discount rates used to determine the value of liabilities under  
IAS 19.

Having been advised by the pension scheme’s independent and qualified actuary, LCP, the Board selected a discount rate 
of 4% in 2012 and on a consistent basis, 3.8% in 2013. In order to determine an appropriate discount rate, LCP derived 
an AA corporate bond curve from an appropriate universe of AA corporate bonds. Owing to the limited number of data 
points available at longer durations, a government plus spread approach has been adopted by LCP that uses a recognised 
government yield curve and adds a corporate bond spread derived from the AA corporate bond universe as at the 
effective date.

73

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

3 

SUmmaRy OF SiGniFicant accOUntinG POlicieS (continued)

t)  Critical accounting estimates and Judgements in applying accounting policies (continued)

(i)   Critical judgments in applying accounting policies (continued)

Property, plant & equipment 
Property held for own use in the supply of services or for administrative purposes is included in the Statement of 
Financial Position at fair value. Property valuations are affected by general economic and market conditions. The fair 
value of property held for own use is determined by valuations conducted at the reporting date by independent 
professional valuers, CB Richard Ellis, Valuation Surveyors. A decrease in the valuation of the property is charged as an 
expense to the Consolidated Income Statement to the extent that it exceeds the balance, if any, held in the revaluation 
reserve relating to previous revaluation of that asset.

As properties are valued on a regular basis and the Group policy is to maintain them in a state of sound repair, 
depreciation is not provided on them.

Depreciation is provided in respect of all plant and equipment and is calculated to write off the cost or valuation of the 
assets over their expected useful lives. The useful life of plant and equipment is estimated to be five to ten years 
dependent on the asset.

Investment property 
Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is recognised initially at  
cost and stated in the Statement of Financial Position at fair value at the reporting date. The fair value of investment 
property is determined by valuations conducted at the reporting date by qualified independent professional valuers,  
CB Richard Ellis, Valuation Surveyors. Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value are included in the 
Consolidated Income Statement for the period in which they arise.

Recoverability of trade and other receivables 
Receivables arising out of direct insurance operations are considered by the Directors to have a low credit risk and 
therefore no provision for bad or doubtful debts has been made. The Directors consider that the carrying amount of 
receivables approximates to their fair value. All other receivables are due within one year and none are past due.

Reinsurance recoveries 
The Group spends substantial sums to purchase reinsurance protection from third parties and substantial claims 
recoveries from these reinsurers are included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at the reporting date. 
A reinsurance asset (reinsurers’ share of claims outstanding and provision for unearned premium) is recognised to reflect 
the amount estimated to be recoverable under the reinsurance contracts in respect of the outstanding claims reported 
under insurance liabilities. The amount recoverable from reinsurers is initially valued on the same basis as the underlying 
claims provision. The amount recoverable is reduced when there is an event arising after the initial recognition that 
provides objective evidence that the Group may not receive all amounts due under the contract and the event has a 
reliably measurable impact on the expected amount that will be recoverable from the reinsurer. To minimise default 
exposure, the Group’s policy is that all reinsurers should have a credit rating of A- or better or have provided alternative 
satisfactory security.

Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (“MIBI”) 
In determining the estimated liability for outstanding claims of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (“MIBI”) the 
Group uses the estimated current market share and the estimated current total outstanding claims of the MIBI.

74

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 3 

SUmmaRy OF SiGniFicant accOUntinG POlicieS (continued)

t)  Critical accounting estimates and Judgements in applying accounting policies (continued)

(i)   Critical judgments in applying accounting policies (continued)

Deferred taxation 
Deferred taxation is the taxation expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of 
assets and liabilities in the Financial Statements and the corresponding taxation bases used in the computation of 
taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred taxation liabilities are generally 
recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred taxation assets are recognised to the extent that it is 
probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised.

The carrying amount of deferred taxation assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no 
longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred taxation is measured at the taxation rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the temporary 
differences are expected to reverse based on taxation rates and laws enacted or substantially enacted at the reporting date.

Deferred taxation is charged or credited to the Consolidated Income Statement, except when it relates to items charged 
or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred taxation is also dealt with in equity.

(ii)   Key sources of estimation uncertainty

The following are the key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the end 
of the reporting period, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets 
and liabilities within the next financial year.

Claims provisions 
Claims provisions represent the estimation of the cost of claims outstanding under insurance contracts written. Actuarial 
techniques, based on statistical analysis of past experience, are used to calculate the estimated cost of claims outstanding 
at year end. Allowance is made for any changes or uncertainties that may cause the cost of unsettled claims to increase 
or reduce. At each reporting date liability adequacy tests are performed to ensure the adequacy of the liabilities. In 
determining the provision for outstanding claims, the Directors take into consideration the advice of the independent 
reporting actuary, PricewaterhouseCoopers. Any deficiency is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. 
Further details are set out in note 30 to the Financial Statements.

Valuation of financial instruments 
As described in note 20, the Group uses valuation techniques that include inputs that are not based on observable 
market data to estimate the fair value of certain types of financial instruments. Note 20 provides detailed information 
about the key assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of financial instruments. The Directors believe that 
the chosen valuation techniques and assumptions used are appropriate in determining the fair value of financial 
instruments.

Deferred acquisition costs 
Deferred acquisition costs represent the proportion of net acquisition costs which are attributable to the unearned 
premiums. Acquisition costs comprise the direct and indirect costs of obtaining and processing new insurance business. 
These costs are recognised as a deferred acquisition cost asset and amortised on the same basis as the related premiums 
are earned, and are tested for impairment at 31 December each year. 

75

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

4 

SeGmental inFORmatiOn

(a)  

operating segments

The principal activities of the Group are underwriting of general insurance business and financial services.

For management purposes, the Group is organised in two operating segments - underwriting and financial services. These two 
segments are the basis upon which information is reported to the chief operating decision maker, the Group Chief Executive, 
for the purpose of resource allocation and assessment of segmental performance. Discrete financial information is prepared 
and reviewed on a regular basis for these two segments.

2013

Revenue 

Operating profit

Investment return – fluctuations

Revaluation of property

Restructuring and other costs

Share of results of joint venture

Profit before taxation

Income taxation charge

Profit after taxation

Other information

Capital additions

Revaluation of other assets

Depreciation and amortisation

Statement of Financial Position

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

Underwriting 
€000s

381,001

46,277

682

(1,121)

(2,050)

-

43,788

(6,312)

37,476

18,550

1,121

7,549

Financial 
services
€000s

15,289

6,396

-

-

-

1,271

7,667

(251)

7,416

24

-

126

Total 
€000s

396,290

52,673

682

(1,121)

(2,050)

1,271

51,455

(6,563)

44,892

18,574

1,121

7,675

1,022,226

801,089

69,574

10,111

1,091,800

811,200

The investment in the joint venture totalling €45,237,000 (2012: €43,966,000) is included in financial services assets above.

76

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 4 

SeGmental inFORmatiOn (continued)

(a)  

operating segments (continued)

2012

Revenue 

Operating profit

Investment return – fluctuations

Revaluation of property

Restructuring and other costs

Share of results of joint venture

Profit/(loss) before taxation

Income taxation charge

Profit/(loss) after taxation

Other information

Capital additions

Revaluation of other assets

Depreciation and amortisation

Statement of Financial Position

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

Restated
Underwriting 
€000s

375,117

59,719

(2,773)

(996)

(2,095)

-

53,855

(7,435)

46,420

10,118

2,314

6,879

Financial 
services
€000s

14,693

5,635

-

-

(5,586)

(1,655)

(1,606)

(110)

(1,716)

69

-

127

Restated
Total 
€000s

389,810

65,354

(2,773)

(996)

(7,681)

(1,655)

52,249

(7,545)

44,704

10,187

2,314

7,006

1,006,958

810,315

60,147

12,131

1,067,105

822,446

Included above are non-cash revaluation relating to investment property and property held for own use €1,121,000  
(2012: €2,314,000), all of which relate to underwriting.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Group accounting policies. Segment profit represents 
the profit earned by each segment. Central administration costs and Directors’ salaries are allocated based on actual activity. 
Restructuring costs and income taxation are direct costs of each segment. Segment profit is the measure reported to the chief 
operating decision maker, the Group Chief Executive, for the purposes of resource allocation and assessment of segmental 
reporting.

In monitoring segment performance and allocating resources between segments:

n  all assets are allocated to reportable segments. Assets used jointly by reportable segments are allocated on the basis of 

activity by each reportable segment; and

n  all liabilities are allocated to reportable segments. Liabilities for which reportable segments are jointly liable are allocated 

in proportion to segment assets.

77

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

4 

SeGmental inFORmatiOn (continued)

(a)  

operating segments (continued)

An analysis of the Group’s revenue by product is as follows:

Direct insurance – motor

Direct insurance – fire and other damage to property

Direct insurance – liability

Direct insurance – interest and other revenue

Direct insurance – other

Financial services revenue

Total revenue

2013
€000s

157,422

122,303

65,661

29,806

5,809

15,289

2012
€000s 

146,835

127,892

63,974

30,862

5,554

14,693

396,290

389,810

The Group’s customer base is diverse and it has no reliance on any major customer. Insurance risk is not concentrated on any 
one area or on any one line of business.

(b)  

geographical segments

The Group’s operations are located in Ireland.

78

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 4 

SeGmental inFORmatiOn (continued)

(c)  

underwriting result

2013
€000s

2013
€000s

Restated
2012
€000s

Restated
2012
€000s

Earned premiums, net of reinsurance

Gross premium written

Outward reinsurance premiums

Net premium written

Change in provision for unearned premium

Gross amount

Reinsurers’ share

Change in net provision for unearned premium

351,195

(49,109)

302,086

(5,137)

(562)

(5,699)

344,255

(47,646)

296,609

4,119

(103)

4,016

Premium earned, net of reinsurance

296,387

300,625

Claims paid, net of recoveries from reinsurers

Claims paid

Gross amount

Reinsurers’ share

Claims paid, net of recoveries from reinsurers

Change in provision for claims

Gross amount

Reinsurers’ share

Change in insurance liabilities, net of reinsurance

Claims incurred net of reinsurance

Management expenses

Deferred acquisition costs

Gross management expenses

Reinsurers share of expenses

Broker commissions payable

Net operating expenses

Underwriting result

(229,740)

23,542

(206,198)

15,521

(10,545)

4,976

(86,298)

1,777

(84,521)

11,326

(4,370)

(231,006)

32,127

(198,879)

19,223

(12,217)

7,006

(84,838)

2,453

(82,385)

8,692

(3,092)

(191,873)

(201,222)

(77,565)

17,600

(76,785)

31,967

All reinsurance contracts are for no more than one year so have no material effect on the amount, timing and uncertainty of 
cash flows. The Group’s reinsurance policy dictates that all of the Group’s reinsurers must have a credit rating of A- or better, 
or provide appropriate security. The impact of buying reinsurance was a debit to the Consolidated Income Statement of 
€25,348,000 (2012: debit of €19,147,000).

79

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

4 
(d)  

SeGmental inFORmatiOn (continued)
underwriting management expenses

Employee benefit expense

Rent, rates, insurance and maintenance

Depreciation

Other

Total underwriting management expenses

(e)  

Financial services expenses

Employee benefit expense
Rent, rates, insurance and maintenance
Depreciation
Other
Total financial services expenses

5 
(a)  

inVeStment incOme
actual return

Interest and similar income
Income from investment properties
Realised profits on investments 
Dividend income
Revaluation of investment properties 
Gain/(loss) on financial investments
Total investment income 

By Classification of investment
Deposits with banks
Investments held to maturity
Investments held for trading
Secured loans
Investment properties
Available for sale investments
Total investment income 

2013
€000s

54,722

 6,925 

 7,550 

17,101

 86,298 

2013
€000s
4,793
1,670
125
2,305
8,893

2013
€000s
15,140
1,614
1,483
1,676
881
8,565
29,359

6,109
713
19,440
-
2,771
326
29,359

Restated 
2012
€000s

 53,373 

 6,395 

 6,879 

 18,191 

 84,838 

2012
€000s
3,988
1,822
127
3,121
9,058

2012
€000s
23,127
1,175
1,165
989
(1,318)
(159)
24,979

8,739
6,490
5,954
4,156
(143)
(217)
24,979

Interest and similar income received by the Group’s underwriting segment during the period was €14,533,000  
(2012: €25,005,000).

80

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 5 

inVeStment incOme (continued)

(b)  

longer-term investment return

The rates of investment return underlying the calculation of the longer term investment return are set out below. These rates 
are reviewed annually and reflect both historical experience and the Directors’ current expectations for longer-term investment 
returns.

Government bonds

Other quoted debt securities

Quoted shares

Deposits with banks

Investment properties

UCITs

Investments held to maturity

(c)  

Comparison of longer term investment return with actual return

Longer-term investment return

Investment return fluctuation

Actual investment return

6 

ReStRUctURinG anD OtHeR cOStS

Redundancy costs

Provision for termination of lease

Total restructuring and other costs

7 

WRite-OFF OF inVeStment

Write-off of Available for Sale assets, net of provisions

2013
%

3.00

4.00

6.75

2.75

6.25

6.75

2012
%

3.00

4.00

6.75

2.75

6.25

-

Actual

Actual

2013
€000s

28,677

682

29,359

2013
€000s

2,050

-

2,050

2013
€000s

-

2012
€000s

27,752

(2,773)

24,979

2012
€000s

2,095

3,000

5,095

2012
€000s

2,586

The write-off of Available for Sale assets in 2012 followed the appointment of a liquidator to Bloxham Stockbrokers.  
It consisted of Available for Sales assets of €2,877,000 less the accrued provisions of €291,000.

81

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

8 

JOint VentURe

(a)   The property and leisure joint venture is owned 50%/50% by FBD and Farmer Business Developments plc, the Group’s 

largest shareholder. The two joint venture partners hold a combination of equity and convertible loan notes. These loan notes 
are irredeemable and will convert into equity between 2016 and 2021, unless otherwise agreed between the parties.

The ownership of the property and leisure operations following the conversion of the loan notes will be determined according 
to a pre-agreed formula depending on the valuation of the business at the date of conversion. The Group’s ownership of the 
property and leisure operations could vary between 25% and 50% depending on valuation at conversion.

(b)  

share of results of joint venture

The Group’s share of the results of the joint venture is equity accounted and presented as a single line item in the 
Consolidated Income Statement.

Operating profit 

Finance costs

Revaluation of property, plant & equipment

Group’s share of results of joint venture

(c)  

investment in joint venture

At start of year

Share of results of joint venture

Share of net assets of joint venture at year end

9 

PROFit BeFORe taXatiOn

Profit before taxation has been stated after charging:

Depreciation 

2013
€000s

1,697

(1,014)

588

1,271

2013
€000s

43,966

1,271

45,237

2012
€000s

1,122

(1,072)

(1,705)

(1,655)

2012
€000s

45,621

(1,655)

43,966

2013
€000s

2012
€000s

7,675

7,006

The remuneration of the Directors is set out in detail in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on pages 35 to 43.

82

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 10 

inFORmatiOn RelatinG tO aUDitOR’S RemUneRatiOn

Analysis of fees payable to the statutory audit firm, Deloitte & Touche, is as follows:

2013

2012

Company
€000s

Group
€000s

Company
€000s

Group
€000s

Description of service

Audit of individual accounts

Other assurance services

Taxation advisory services

Other non-audit services

Auditor’s remuneration

50

155

31

41

277

205

-

83

41

329

65

160

27

24

276

Fees payable by the Company are included with the fees payable by the Group in each category above.

11 

StaFF cOStS anD nUmBeRS

The average number of persons employed by the Group by reportable segment was as follows:

Underwriting

Financial services

Total

The aggregate employee benefit expense was as follows: 

Wages and salaries 

Social welfare costs 

Pension costs

Share based payments

Total employee benefit expense

2013

856

56

912

2013
€000s

47,448

5,001

6,089

977

59,515

225

-

69

83

377

2012

821

60

881

2012
€000s

46,050

4,885

5,518

908

57,361

83

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

12 

incOme taXatiOn cHaRGe

Irish corporation taxation

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Current taxation charge

Deferred taxation debit

Income taxation charge

2013
€000s

(5,339)

(96)

(5,435)

(1,128)

(6,563)

Restated
2012
€000s

(2,983)

102

(2,881)

(4,664)

(7,545)

The taxation charge in the Consolidated Income Statement is higher than the standard rate of corporation taxation in Ireland. 
The differences are explained below:

Profit before taxation

Corporation taxation charge at standard rate of 12.5% (2012: 12.5%)

Effects of:

Differences between capital allowances for period and depreciation

Non-taxable income/unrealised gains/losses not 

chargeable/deductible for taxation purposes

Higher rates of taxation on other income

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Income taxation charge

Taxation as a percentage of profit before taxation

2013
€000s

51,455

6,432

(78)

102

11

96

6,563

12.75%

Restated
2012
€000s

52,249

6,531

49

934

133

(102)

7,545

14.44%

In addition to the amount charged to the Consolidated Income Statement, the following taxation amounts have been 
recognised directly in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income:

Deferred taxation

Actuarial (gain)/loss on retirement benefit obligations

Total income taxation recognised directly in the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income

2013
€000s

(278)

(278)

Restated
2012
€000s

1,052

1,052

Included in the loss on discontinued operations in 2012 (note 14(a)) is a taxation charge of €64,000.

84

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 13 

PROFit FOR tHe yeaR

The Company’s profit for the financial year determined in accordance with IFRS, as adopted by the European Union,  
is €18,976,000 (2012: €25,451,000).

In accordance with section 148(8) of the Companies Act, 1963 and section 7(1A) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986, 
the Company is availing of the exemption from presenting its individual Income Statement to the Annual General Meeting 
and from filing it with the Registrar of Companies.

14 

Sale OF SUBSiDiaRieS - 2012

On 11 December 2012, the Group sold Abbey Reinsurance S.A. (“Abbey Re”), its Luxembourg-based subsidiary,  
to Groupe PPR, the Paris-based luxury and sports & lifestyle group.

(a)  

results of discontinued operation:

Income

Expenses

Loss before taxation

Taxation

Loss after taxation

(b)  

Consideration received

Total consideration received in cash and cash equivalents

(c)  

analysis of assets and liabilities disposed of

Assets

Other receivables

Liabilities

Payables

Deferred taxation

Total net assets over which control was lost

2012
€000s

369

(670)

(301)

(64)

(365)

2012
€000s

34,864

2012
€000s

38,675

(52)

(8,952)

29,671

85

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

14 

Sale OF SUBSiDiaRieS - 2012 (continued)

(d)  

gain on sale of subsidiary

Consideration received per (b) on page 85

Net assets sold per (c) on page 85

Costs associated with sale

Gain on sale of subsidiary

Loss from discontinued operations during 2012 after taxation per (a) above

Profit on discontinued operation including the gain on sale

15 

eaRninGS PeR €0.60 ORDinaRy SHaRe

2012
€000s

34,864

(29,671)

(1,080)

4,113

(365)

3,748

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to the ordinary shareholders is based on the following 
data:

Earnings

Profit for the year

Non-controlling interests

Preference dividends

Profit for the purpose of basic and diluted earnings per share 

Adjustments to exclude discontinued operations including gain on sale

Earnings from continuing operations for the purpose of basic  
and diluted earnings per share

Number of shares

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of basic  
earnings per share (excludes treasury shares)

Effect of dilutive potential of share options outstanding 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of diluted  
earnings per share

The denominators used are the same as those detailed above for both basic  
and diluted earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations.

From continuing operations 

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share

86

2013
€000s

44,892

(106)

(282)

44,504

-

44,504

2013

Restated
2012
€000s

48,452

(99)

(282)

48,071

(3,748)

44,323

2012

33,697,613

33,443,894

185,728

350,406

33,883,341

33,794,300

Cent

132

131

Restated
Cent

133

131

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 15 

eaRninGS PeR €0.60 ORDinaRy SHaRe (continued)

From continuing and discontinued operations

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share

Cent

132

131

Restated
Cent

144

142

The ‘A’ ordinary shares of €0.01 each that are in issue have no impact on the earnings per share calculation.

The calculation of the operating earnings per share, which is supplementary to the requirements of International Financial 
Reporting Standards, is based on the following:

Earnings

Operating profit after taxation*

Non-controlling interests

Preference dividends

2013
€000s

46,142

(106)

(282)

Restated
2012
€000s

57,090

(99)

(282)

Operating profit for the purpose of operating earnings per share

45,754

56,709

Adjustments to exclude operating loss after taxation for the year from discontinued 
operations

-

160

Operating profit from continuing operations for the purpose of operating  
earnings per share

Operating earnings per share – continuing operations 

Operating earnings per share – continuing and discontinued operations

*2013 effective taxation rate of 12.4% (2012: 12.4%).

45,754

Cent

136

136

56,869

Restated
Cent

170

170

87

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

16 

PROPeRty, Plant anD eQUiPment

Property held 
for own use
€000s

Plant and
equipment
€000s

Total property
plant and
equipment
€000s

21,403

-

(114)

21,289

6

-

74,634

10,187

(137)

84,684

18,568

(31)

96,037

10,187

(251)

105,973

18,574

(31)

21,295

103,221

124,516

-

103,221

21,295

21,295

-

103,221

103,221

21,295

124,516

Property held 
for own use
€000s

Plant and
equipment
€000s

Total property
plant and
equipment
€000s

4,263

-

-

996

5,259

-

1,121

6,380

14,915

16,030

57,977

7,006

(90)

-

64,893

7,675

-

72,568

30,653

19,791

62,240

7,006

(90)

996

70,152

7,675

1,121

78,948

45,568

35,821

Cost or valuation

At 1 January 2012

Additions

Disposals

At 1 January 2013

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2013

Comprising:

At cost

At valuation

At 31 December 2013

Accumulated depreciation and revaluation

At 1 January 2012

Depreciation charge for the year

Elimination on disposal

Revaluations

At 1 January 2013

Depreciation charge for the year

Revaluations

At 31 December 2013

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2013

At 31 December 2012

88

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 16 

PROPeRty, Plant anD eQUiPment (continued)

property held for own use

Property held for own use at 31 December 2013 and 2012 were valued at fair value which is determined by independent external 
professional valuers CB Richard Ellis, Valuation Surveyors. The valuers confirm that the properties have been valued by a valuer 
who is qualified for the purpose of the valuation in accordance with RICS Valuation – Professional Standards 2012 (Red Book).

The valuation report states that the valuations have been prepared on the basis of “Market Value” which is defined in the report 
as “the estimated amount for which the property should exchange on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in 
an arm’s-length transaction after proper marketing wherein parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion”. 
The report also states that the market value “has been primarily derived using comparable recent market transactions on arm’s length 
terms”. It also states that the properties have been valued individually and no account taken of any discount or premium that may 
be negotiated in the market if all or part of the portfolio was to be marketed simultaneously either as lots or as a whole.

The valuers state that they made various assumptions as to tenure, letting and town planning, condition and repair of buildings 
and sites, including ground and groundwater contamination. They have determined market value using a range of capital values 
per square metre ranging from between €743psm - €1,733psm, based on local evidence. The valuer states that they have not 
viewed any tenancy agreements and have assumed for the purposes of valuation that the properties (with the exception of  
FBD House, Naas Road, Dublin 12) are subject to vacant possession. The valuers assumed that FBD House would be a sale  
and leaseback to FBD.

The Directors believe that the market value, determined by independent professional valuers is not materially different to fair 
value.

Had the property been carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated revaluation losses, their carrying 
amount would have been as follows:

Property held for own use

2013
€000s

13,799

2012
€000s

16,030

Assets amounting to €13,765,000 included within plant and equipment have not been depreciated as they are in the course of 
construction.

Fair value hierarchy disclosures required by IFRS13 Fair Value Measurement have been included in Note 20, Financial 
Instruments and Fair Value Measurement.

89

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013 
notes to the Financial statements (continued)

17 

inVeStment PROPeRty

Fair value of investment property

At 1 January

Fair value movement during the year

Effect of movement in foreign exchange

Investment property acquired on exercise of loan security

At 31 December

2013
€000s

10,686

588

293

-

11,567

2012
€000s

8,818

(1,318)

-

3,186

10,686

The investment properties held for rental in Ireland and in the UK were valued at fair value at 31 December 2013 and at  
31 December 2012 by independent external professional valuers, CB Richard Ellis, Valuation Surveyors. The valuation at the 
investment property held for rental in Ireland was prepared in accordance with the RICS Valuation – Professional Standards 
2012 (Red Book), while the valuations of the properties in the UK were prepared in accordance with RICS Valuation – 
Professional Standards (2014) (the Red Book). The valuers confirm that they have sufficient current local and national knowledge 
of the particular property market involved and have skills and understanding to undertake the valuations competently.

The valuation statements received from the external professional valuers state that the valuations have been prepared on the basis 
of “Market Value” which they define as “the estimated amount for which a property should exchange on the date of valuation between a 
willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s-length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, 
prudently and without compulsion”. The valuer also states that landlord’s fixtures such as central heating and other normal service 
installations have been treated as an integral part of the building and are included within the valuation while process plant and 
machinery, tenants’ fixtures and specialist trade fittings have been excluded. Assumptions have been made that the property is not 
contaminated and is not adversely affected by any existing or proposed environmental law. In the absence of any information to 
the contrary, it has been assumed that there are no abnormal ground conditions nor archaeological remains, the property is free 
from rot, infestation, structural or latent defect, no hazardous materials or suspect techniques have been used in the construction 
or alteration and the services are in working order and free from defects.

In accordance with Guidance Note 1 of the RICS Valuation Standards, it also draws attention to comments regarding market 
conditions and, in particular, the impact of the current crisis in the global financial system on the uncertainty in the Irish 
commercial real estate market. The report states that “in the immediate aftermath of the events and whilst the financial crisis continues 
there is a lack of clarity as to the market drivers”. The Directors believe that market value, determined by independent external 
professional valuers, is not materially different to fair value.

There was an increase in the fair value in 2013 of €588,000, while in 2012 there was a revaluation loss of €1,318,000.

The Group acquired two investment properties during 2012 as a result of the exercise of loan security at a cost of €3,186,000.

The rental income earned by the Group from its investment properties amounted to €1,272,000 (2012: €1,391,000). Direct 
operating costs associated with investment properties amounted to €242,000 (2012: €223,000).

Apart from the investment properties acquired in 2012, the Group has one other remaining investment property which is 
currently fully let. The building is split over three floors. The lease was granted over the whole building in December 1999, for a 
25 year lease term, with a break option in December 2014 for the first and third floors, and a break option amended to December 
2020 for the second floor. No contingent rents were recognised as income in the period.

90

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 17 

inVeStment PROPeRty (continued)

The historical cost of investment property is as follows:

Historical cost at 1 January 

Investment property acquired in exercise of loan security

Historical cost at 31 December

Non-cancellable operating lease receivables

Not longer than 1 year

Longer than 1 year and not longer than 5 years

Total non-cancellable operating lease receivables

2013
€000s

23,246

-

23,246

2013
€000s

1,292

1,361

2,653

2012
€000s

20,060

3,186

23,246

2012
€000s

1,256

1,257

2,513

Fair value hierarchy dislcosures required by IFRS13 Fair Value Measurement have been included in Note 20, Financial 
Instruments and Fair Value Measurement.

18 

lOanS

Secured loans

At 1 January

Repayments

Transferred to investment properties following exercise of loan security

Profit on disposal of loan security

Currency translation adjustment

At 31 December

Other loans

Total loans

2013
€000s

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,037

1,037

2012
€000s

21,908

(23,122)

(3,186)

4,969

(569)

-

1,096

1,096

Secured loans with a carrying value at 31 December 2011 of €16,162,000 were repaid during 2012, realising a gain of 
€4,969,000. The Group exercised it’s security over loans with a carrying value of €3,186,000.

Fair value hierarchy dislcosures required by IFRS13 Fair Value Measurement have been included in Note 20, Financial 
Instruments and Fair Value Measurement.

91

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

19  DeFeRReD taXatiOn aSSet

Restated
Retirement
benefit obligation

Unrealised 
losses
on investments 
& loans

€000s

2,711

1,052

82

3,845

(278)

-

3,567

€000s

4,940

-

(4,855)

85

-

(1,131)

(1,046)

Accelerated
capital
 allowances

€000s

697

-

171

868

-

(134)

734

Restated
Total

€000s

8,348

1,052

(4,602)

4,798

(278)

(1,265)

3,255

At 1 January 2012

Credited to the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income

Debited to Consolidated Income Statement

At 31 December 2012

Debited to the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income

Debited to Consolidated Income Statement

At 31 December 2013

A deferred taxation asset of €3,567,000 (2012: €3,845,000) has been recognised in respect of the retirement benefit obligation 
of €28,538,000 (2012: €30,766,000). A deferred taxation liability of €312,000 (2012: asset €953,000) has been recognised in 
respect of unrealised losses on investments and loans and accelerated capital allowances to the extent that it is probable, based 
on management projections, that taxable profits will be available against which the losses can be utilised in the future. All of 
this deferred taxation asset relates to the underwriting operations.

92

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 20 

Financial inStRUmentS anD FaiR ValUe meaSURement

(a)  

Financial assets

(i) At amortised cost

Investments held to maturity

Deposits with banks

(ii) At fair value

Available for sale investments – unquoted investments

Available for sale investments – quoted debt securities

Available for sale investments

Investments held for trading – quoted shares

Investments held for trading – quoted debt securities

Investments held for trading – unquoted debt securities

Investments held for trading – UCITs

Investments held for trading 

(iii) At cost

Cash and cash equivalents

2013
€000s

30,288

437,977

468,265

1,368

140,529

141,897

79,372

103,527

3,809

23,523

210,231

2012
€000s

30,850

473,874

504,724

2,405

146,480

148,885

60,282

78,867

3,809

-

142,958

21,586

25,711

The fair value of investments held to maturity at closing bid prices was €30,600,000 (2012: €31,899,000).

93

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

20 

Financial inStRUmentS anD FaiR ValUe meaSURement (continued)

(a)  

Financial assets (continued)

Fair value measurement

The Group implemented IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement effective 1 January 2013 which requires fair value hierarchy 
disclosures.

The following table compares the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities with their carrying values:

Financial assets

Loans

Financial investments

Other receivables

Cash & cash equivalents

Financial liabilities

Payables

2013
Fair value
€000s

2013
Carrying value
€000s

1,207

820,705

68,284

21,586

1,037

820,393

68,284

21,586

40,978

40,978

The following tables provide an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair 
value, grouped into Levels 1 to 3 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable.

n	 Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or 

liabilities.

n	 Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are 

observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).

n	 Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability 
that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). Among the valuation techniques used are cost, net 
asset or net book value or the net present value of future cash flows based on conservative operating projections.

94

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013  
20 

Financial inStRUmentS anD FaiR ValUe meaSURement (continued)

(a)  

Financial assets (continued)

2013

Assets

Property, plant and equipment

Investment property

Loans

Other receivables

Financial assets

Investments held to maturity

Investments held for trading – quoted  
shares

Investments held for trading – quoted  
debt securities

Investments held for trading – unquoted  
debt securities

Investments held for trading – UCITs

AFS investments – quoted debt securities

AFS investments – unquoted investments

Deposits with banks

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Liabilities

Payables

Total liabilities

Level 1
€000s

-

-

-

-

30,600

79,372

103,527

-

23,523

140,529

-

437,977

21,586

837,114

Level 2
€000s

45,568

11,567

1,207

68,284

-

-

-

3,809

-

-

-

-

-

Level 3
€000s

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,368

-

-

130,435

1,368

-

-

40,978

40,978

-

-

Total
€000s

45,568

11,567

1,207

68,284

30,600

79,372

103,527

3,809

23,523

140,529

1,368

437,977

21,586

968,917

40,978

40,978

95

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

20 

Financial inStRUmentS anD FaiR ValUe meaSURement (continued)

(a)  

Financial assets (continued)

2012

Assets

Property, plant and equipment

Investment property

Loans

Other receivables

Financial assets

Investments held to maturity

Investments held for trading – quoted shares

Investments held for trading – quoted  
debt securities

Investments held for trading – unquoted  
debt securities

AFS investments – quoted debt securities

AFS investments – unquoted investments

Deposits with banks

Cash and cash equivalents

Total Assets

Liabilities

Payables

Total Liabilities

Level 1
€000s

-

-

-

-

31,899

60,282

78,867

-

146,480

-

473,874

25,711

817,113

Level 2
€000s

35,821

10,686

1,271

63,726

-

-

-

3,809

-

-

-

-

Level 3
€000s

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,405

-

-

115,313

2,405

-

-

39,614

39,614

A reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurement of financial assets is shown in the table below:

At 1 January

Additions

Disposals

Unrealised losses recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement

Write-off of available for sale assets

At 31 December

96

-

-

2013
€000s

2,405

348

(385)

(1,000)

-

1,368

Total
€000s

35,821

10,686

1,271

63,726

31,899

60,282

78,867

3,809

146,480

2,405

473,874

25,711

934,831

39,614

39,614

2012
€000s

6,282

-

-

(1,000)

(2,877)

2,405

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 20 

Financial inStRUmentS anD FaiR ValUe meaSURement (continued)

(a)  

Financial assets (continued)

Unquoted debt securities grouped into Level 2 has been valued at Directors’ valuation and will be maturing in July 2014. 
Available for sale investments grouped into Level 3 comprise unquoted securities and consist of a number of small 
investments. The values attributable to these investments are derived from a number of valuation techniques including net 
asset or net book value or the net present value of future cash flows based on conservative operating projections. A change in 
one or more of these inputs could have an impact on valuations. The maximum exposure the Group has in relation to Level 3 
valued financial assets is €1,368,000 (2012: €2,405,000). The Directors’ do not consider it necessary to provide a sensitivity 
analysis on financial investments grouped into Level 3 as they do not consider them material.
Financial liabilities

(b)  

The Group had no financial liabilities at 31 December 2013 or 2012 except for those disclosed in note 33(a).

21 

cURRent taXatiOn aSSet

Income taxation receivable 

This balance relates to corporation taxation refunds due.

22  DeFeRReD acQUiSitiOn cOStS

2013
€000s

4,174

2012
€000s

4,705

The movements in deferred acquisition costs during the year were:

At 1 January

Net acquisition costs deferred during the year

At 31 December

2013
€000s

24,652

1,777

26,429

All deferred acquisition costs are expected to be recovered within one year from 31 December 2013.

23  OtHeR ReceiVaBleS

Policyholders

Intermediaries

Other debtors

Accrued interest and rent

Prepayments and accrued income

Total other receivables

2012
€000s

22,199

2,453

24,652

2012
€000s

40,352

4,594

7,349

4,658

6,773

2013
€000s

45,239

5,475

6,304

3,051

8,215

68,284

63,726

97

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

23  OtHeR ReceiVaBleS (continued)

Receivables arising out of direct insurance operations are considered by the Directors to have low credit risk and therefore no 
provision for bad or doubtful debts has been made. There is no significant concentration of risk in receivables arising out of 
direct insurance operations or any other activities.

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of receivables approximates to their fair value. All receivables are due within 
one year and none are past due.

24 

caSH anD caSH eQUiValentS

Demand deposits*

Cash in hand

Total cash and cash equivalents

*There are no restrictions on the use of demand deposits.

25  ORDinaRy SHaRe caPital

2013
€000s

20,000

1,586

21,586

2012
€000s

25,000

711

25,711

Number

2013
€000s

2012
€000s

(i) Ordinary shares of €0.60 each

Authorised:

At the beginning and the end of the year

51,326,000

30,796

30,796

Issued and fully paid:

At the beginning and the end of the year

35,461,206

21,277

21,277

(ii) ‘A’ Ordinary shares of €0.01 each

Authorised:

At the beginning and the end of the year

120,000,000

1,200

1,200

Issued and fully paid:

At the beginning and the end of the year

13,169,428

Total – issued and fully paid

132

21,409

132

21,409

The ‘A’ ordinary shares of €0.01 each are non-voting. They are non-transferable except only to the Company. Other than a 
right to a return of paid up capital of €0.01 per ‘A’ ordinary share in the event of a winding up, the ‘A’ ordinary shares have no 
right to participate in the capital or the profits of the Company.

98

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 25  ORDinaRy SHaRe caPital (continued)

The holders of the two classes of non-cumulative preference shares rank ahead of the two classes of ordinary shares in the 
event of a winding up (see note 28). Before any dividend can be declared on the ordinary shares of €0.60 each, the dividend 
on the non-cumulative preference shares must firstly be declared or paid.

The number of ordinary shares of €0.60 each held as treasury shares at the beginning (and the maximum number held during 
the year) was 2,017,312. This represented 5.69% of the shares of this class in issue and had a nominal value of €1,210,387. 
There were no ordinary shares of €0.60 each purchased by the Company during the year. A total of 633,825 ordinary shares  
of €0.60 each were re-issued from treasury during the year under the FBD Holdings plc Executive Share Option Scheme. 
Proceeds of €3,936,000 were credited directly to distributable reserves. This left a balance of 1,383,487 ordinary shares of 
€0.60 each in treasury which had a nominal value of €830,092 and represented 3.9% of the ordinary shares of €0.60 each in 
issue.

The weighted average number of ordinary shares of €0.60 each in the earnings per share calculation has been reduced by the 
number of such shares held in treasury.

At 31 December 2013, the total number of ordinary shares of €0.60 each under option amounted to 325,000 (2012: 968,825). 
The related options had been granted under the FBD Holdings plc Executive Share Option Scheme (“ESOS”). 325,000 
(2012: 821,582) of the options outstanding under the ESOS may be exercised prior to September 2014 at a subscription price 
of €7.45 per share conditional on certain performance conditions being met.

All issued shares have been fully paid.

26 

caPital ReSeRVeS

(a)  

group

Share
premium
€000s

Capital
conversion
reserve
€000s

Capital
redemption
reserve
€000s

Balance at 1 January 2012

Recognition of share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2012

Recognition of share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2013

5,540

-

5,540

-

5,540

1,627

-

1,627

-

1,627

4,426

-

4,426

-

4,426

Share 
option
reserve
€000s

4,334

908

5,242

977

6,219

Total
Group
€000s

15,927

908

16,835

977

17,812

99

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

26 

caPital ReSeRVeS (continued)

(b)  

CoMpany

Share
premium
€000s

Capital
conversion
reserve
€000s

Capital
redemption
reserve
€000s

Balance at 1 January 2012

Recognition of share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2012

Recognition of share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2013

5,540

-

5,540

-

5,540

1,627

-

1,627

-

1,627

4,426

-

4,426

-

4,426

Share 
option
reserve
€000s

4,334

908

5,242

977

6,219

Total
Company
€000s

15,927

908

16,835

977

17,812

The capital conversion reserve arose on the redenomination of ordinary, 14% and 8% non-cumulative preference shares from 
IR£0.50 into ordinary or non-cumulative preference shares of 63.4869 cent. Each such share was then renominalised to an 
ordinary or a non-cumulative preference share of €0.60, an amount equal to the reduction in the issued share capital was 
transferred to the capital conversion reserve fund.

Capital redemption reserve arose on the buyback and cancellation of issued share capital.

Share option reserve arose on the recognition of share-based payments.

27  RetaineD eaRninGS

Balance at 1 January 2012

Net profit for the year

Dividends paid and approved

Exercise of share options

Balance at 31 December 2012

Net profit for the year

Dividends paid and approved

Exercise of share options

Balance at 31 December 2013

100

€000s

172,596

41,834

(12,104)

689

203,015

46,705

(15,663)

3,936

237,993

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 28 

PReFeRence SHaRe caPital

Authorised: 

At the beginning and the end of the year

14% Non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

8% Non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

Number

1,340,000

12,750,000

Issued and fully paid: 

At the beginning and the end of the year

14% Non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

8% Non-cumulative preference shares of €0.60 each

1,340,000

3,532,292

2013
€000s

804

7,650

8,454

804

2,119

2,923

2012
€000s

804

7,650

8,454

804

2,119

2,923

The rights attaching to each class of share capital are set out in the Company’s Articles of Association. In the event of the 
Company being wound up, the holders of the 14% non-cumulative preference shares rank ahead of the holders of the 8% 
non-cumulative preference shares, who in turn, rank ahead of the holders of both the ‘A’ ordinary shares of €0.01 each and the 
holders of the ordinary shares of €0.60 each.

29  nOn-cOntROllinG inteReStS

At 1 January

Share of profit for the year

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

At 31 December

2013
€000s

477

106

(120)

463

2012
€000s

458

99

(80)

477

101

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

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102

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103

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the Financial statements (continued)

30 

claimS OUtStanDinG (continued)

(b)   net Claims outstanding 2013 (continued)

Full provision, net of reinsurance recoveries, is made at the reporting date for the estimated cost of claims incurred but not 
settled, including claims incurred but not yet reported and expenses to be incurred after the reporting date in settling those 
claims. The Group takes all reasonable steps to ensure that it has appropriate information regarding notified claims and uses 
this information when estimating the cost of those claims.

The Group uses estimation techniques, based on statistical analysis of past experience, to calculate the estimated cost of claims 
outstanding at the year end. It is assumed that the development pattern of the current claims will be consistent with previous 
experience. Allowance is made, however, for any changes or uncertainties that may cause the cost of unsettled claims to 
increase or reduce. These changes or uncertainties may arise from issues such as the effects of inflation, changes in the mix of 
business or the legal environment.

At each reporting date, liability adequacy tests are performed to ensure the adequacy of the insurance liabilities. In performing 
these tests, current best estimates of future cash flows and claims handling and administration expenses are used. Any 
deficiency is immediately recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Provision is also made in respect of the Group’s share of the estimated liability for outstanding claims of the Motor Insurers’ 
Bureau of Ireland (“MIBI”). This provision is based on our estimated current market share and the current outstanding claims 
of the MIBI.

(c)  

reconciliation of claims outstanding

Balance at 1 January 2012

Change in provision for claims

Balance at 31 December 2012 

Change in provision for claims

Balance at 31 December 2013

(d)  

reconciliation of provision for unearned premium

The following changes have occurred in the provision for unearned premium during the year:

Balance at 1 January

Net premium written

Net premium earned

Changes in provision for unearned premium – reinsurers’ share

Provision for unearned premium at 31 December

104

Gross
€000s

603,190

(22,058)

581,132

(15,521)

565,611

Net
€000s

559,584

(13,547)

546,037

(4,977)

541,060

2013
€000s

170,243

302,086

2012
€000s

174,362

296,609

(296,387)

(300,625)

(562)

(103)

175,380

170,243

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 30 

claimS OUtStanDinG (continued)

(e)  

reconciliation of reinsurance assets

Balance at 1 January 2012

Movement during year

Balance at 31 December 2012

Movement during year

Balance at 31 December 2013

31  RetiRement BeneFit OBliGatiOn

Claims
outstanding

€000s

43,606

(8,511)

35,095

(10,545)

24,550

Unearned 
premium 
reserve

€000s

20,385

(103)

20,282

(562)

19,720

The Group operates a funded defined benefit retirement scheme for qualifying employees. The defined benefit plans are 
administered by a separate Trustee Company that is legally separated from the entity. The Trustee Company is composed of 
representatives from both employers and current and former employees. The Trustees are required by law and by its articles of 
association to act in the interest of the fund and of all relevant stakeholders in the scheme, i.e. active employees, inactive 
employees, retirees, employers. They are responsible for the investment policy with regard to the assets of the fund.

Under the defined benefit plan, qualifying employees are entitled to retirement benefits of 1/60th of final salary for each year of 
service on attainment of a retirement age of 65. A full actuarial valuation was carried out on 1 July 2013, using the projected 
unit credit method, and the minimum funding standard was updated to 31 December 2013 by the schemes’ independent and 
qualified actuary. The long-term investment objective of the Trustees and the Group is to limit the risk of the assets failing to 
meet the liabilities of the scheme over the long term, and to maximise returns consistent with an acceptable level of risk so as 
to control the long-term costs of the scheme. To meet these objectives, the scheme’s assets are invested in a diversified portfolio, 
consisting primarily of equity and debt securities. These reflect the current long-term asset allocation ranges, having regard to 
the structure of liabilities within the scheme. The scheme typically exposes the Group to actuarial risks such as: investment risk, 
interest rate risk, longevity risk and salary risk.

(a)  

assumptions used to calculate scheme liabilities

Inflation rate increase

Salary rate increase

Pension payment increase:

- past service average

- future service

Discount rate

2013
%

2.00

3.00

2.00

0.00

3.80

2012
%

2.00

3.00

2.00

0.00

4.00

The expected rate of return on scheme assets is not relevant due to International Accounting Standards Board amendments to 
IAS 19 which has taken effect from 1 January 2013.

105

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013 
notes to the Financial statements (continued)

31  RetiRement BeneFit OBliGatiOn (continued)

(b)   Mortality assumptions

The average life expectancy of current and future retirees used in the scheme at age 65 
is as follows: 

Male

Female

2013
Years

22.3

24.1

2012
Years

21.8

23.5

The weighted average duration of the expected benefit payments from the scheme is circa 21 years.

The basis used to calculate the discount rate was reviewed in 2012. A detailed description of this review is included in 
Accounting Policy T(i) Critical judgement in applying accounting policies.

During 2011, the Finance (No. 2) Act introduced an annual levy of 0.6% on the market value of assets held in pension 
schemes in Ireland from 2011 to 2014. The levy is payable on the value of assets at 30 June or the previous year end date. The 
levy for 2013 was €700,214 (2012: €627,094) and was paid out of the pension funds on or before September 2013 and will be 
recovered from members’ pensions in future years. The 2012 levy has been reflected in the past service cost in 2013 and the 
2013 levy will be reflected in the 2014 accounts.

The basis used to determine the expected return on plan assets is the money weighted rate of return achieved on the asset 
values used for the purpose of calculating the long-term funding rate. The actual return on the scheme assets for the year was 
a gain of €11,369,000 (2012: €12,237,000).

(c)  

Consolidated income statement

Charged to Consolidated Income Statement:

Service cost: employer’s part of current service cost 

Past service cost

Net interest expense

Charge to Consolidated Income Statement

2013
€000s

3,976

(885)

1,228

4,319

2012
€000s

3,552

(606)

993

3,939

Charges to the Consolidated Income Statement have been included in other underwriting and financial services expenses.

106

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 31  RetiRement BeneFit OBliGatiOn (continued)

(d)  

analysis of amount recognised in group statement of Comprehensive income

Net actuarial (gains)/losses in the year due to:

– Changes in financial and demographic assumptions

– Experience adjustments on benefit obligations

Actual return on plan assets less interest on plan assets

Actuarial (gain)/loss

Deferred taxation debit/(credit)

Actuarial (gain)/loss net of deferred taxation

(e)  

History of experience gains and losses

2013
€000s

7,175

(3,406)

(6,620)

(2,851)

278

(2,573)

Present value of defined benefit obligations

Fair value of plan assets

Net pension liability

Experience gains and losses on scheme 
liabilities

Actuarial gain/(loss)

2013
€000s

158,769

130,231

28,538

3,406

2,851

2012
€000s

149,520

118,754

30,766

2011
€000s

127,620

105,928

21,692

1,660

1,993

(9,345)

(14,323)

2010
€000s

114,367

103,508

10,859

2,270

4,131

2012
€000s

18,288

(1,660)

(7,283)

9,345

(1,134)

8,211

2009
€000s

120,755

97,652

23,103

(1,315)

(8,556)

The cumulative charge to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income is €82,700,000 (2012: €85,551,000).

(f)  

assets in scheme at market value

Equities

Bonds

Property

Managed funds

Cash deposits and other

Scheme assets

Actuarial value of liabilities

Net pension liability

2013
€000s

62,120

13,023

6,512

47,665

911

130,231

(158,769)

(28,538)

2012
€000s

45,441

41,837

1,818

22,402

7,256

118,754

(149,520)

(30,766)

Apart from one property, which makes up less than 1% of the total assets in the scheme as analysed above, the other assets are 
part of unitised funds which have a broad geographical and industry type spread with no significant concentration in any one 
geographical or industry type. These unitised funds are managed by six investment managers.

107

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

31  RetiRement BeneFit OBliGatiOn (continued)

(g)   Movement in deficit during the year

Net deficit in scheme at 1 January

Current service cost

Past service gain

Employer contributions

Interest on scheme liabilities

Interest on scheme assets

Actuarial gain/(loss)

Net deficit at 31 December

(h)   Movement on assets and liabilities

Assets

Assets in scheme at 1 January

Actual return less interest on scheme assets

Employer contributions

Employee contributions

Interest on scheme assets

Benefits paid

Assets in scheme at 31 December

Liabilities

Liabilities in scheme at 1 January

Experience gains and losses on scheme liabilities

Changes in financial and demographic assumptions

Current service cost

Past service gain

Employee contributions

Interest on scheme liabilities

Benefits paid

2013
€000s

(30,766)

(3,976)

885

3,696

(5,977)

4,749

2,851

2012
€000s

(21,692)

(3,552)

606

4,210

(5,947)

4,954

(9,345)

(28,538)

(30,766)

2013
€000s

2012
€000s

118,754

105,928

6,620

3,696

66

4,749

(3,654)

130,231

149,520

(3,406)

7,175

3,976

(885)

66

5,977

(3,654)

7,283

4,210

73

4,954

(3,694)

118,754

127,620

(1,660)

18,288

3,552

(606)

73

5,947

(3,694)

Liabilities in scheme at 31 December

158,769

149,520

108

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 31  RetiRement BeneFit OBliGatiOn (continued)

The sensitivities regarding the principal assumptions used to measure the scheme liabilities are as follows:

n	 A 1% increase in the discount rate would reduce the value of the scheme liabilities by €29.4m. A 1% reduction in the 

discount rate would increase the value of the scheme liabilities by €39.9m.

n	 The effect of inflation and salaries have been analysed together because they are linked. A rise in the long-term inflation 
assumption will increase the long term salary increase assumption and similarly for a fall in the long-term inflation 
assumption.

n	 A 1% increase in inflation/salaries would increase the value of the scheme liabilities by €27.7m. A 1% reduction in 

inflation/salaries would reduce the value of the scheme liabilities by €21.6m.

n	 The effect of assuming all members of the scheme will live one year longer would increase the scheme’s liabilities  

by €4.1m.

n	 The current best estimate of 2014 contributions to be made by the Group to the pension fund is €3,883,000  

(2013: €3,897,000).

The Group also operates defined contribution retirement benefit plans for qualifying employees who opt to join. The assets of 
the plans are held separately from those of the Group in funds under the control of Trustees. The Group recognised an 
expense of €1,770,000 (2012: €1,579,000) relating to these pension schemes.

32  DeFeRReD taXatiOn liaBility

At 1 January 2012 

Arising on sale of subsidiaries

Reclassification

At 31 December 2012 and 31 December 2013

Insurance
contracts
€000s

9,643

(8,952)

(691)

-

Other
temporary
differences
€000s

-

-

691

691

Total
€000s

9,643

(8,952)

-

691

109

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

33 

PayaBleS

(a)  

group

Amounts falling due within one year:

Payables and accruals 

PAYE/PRSI

Proposed dividends on preference shares 

Payables arising out of direct insurance operations

Total payables

(b)  

CoMpany 

Amounts falling due within one year:

Payables and accruals 

Proposed dividends on preference shares 

Total payables

34  DiViDenDS

Paid during year:

2012 final dividend of 30.00 cent (2011: 23.25 cent) per share on ordinary shares of 
€0.60 each

2013 interim dividend of 15.75 cent (2012: 12.25 cent) per share on ordinary shares 
of €0.60 each

Dividend of 4.8 cent (2012: 4.8 cent) per share on 8% non-cumulative preference 
shares of €0.60 each

Dividend of 8.4 cent (2012: 8.4 cent) per share on 14% non-cumulative preference 
shares of €0.60 each

Dividend of nil cent (2011:4.8 cent) per share on 8% non-cumulative preference 
shares of €0.60 each

2013
€000s

24,536

1,895

282

14,267

40,980

2013
€000s

4,615

282

4,897

2013
€000s

10,058

5,323

169

113

-

2012
€000s

28,080

1,785

282

9,467

39,614

2012
€000s

4,668

282

4,950

2012
€000s

7,742

4,080

169

113

169

Total dividends paid

15,663

12,273

110

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013  
34  DiViDenDS (continued)

Proposed:

Dividend of 4.8 cent (2012: 4.8 cent) per share on 8% non-cumulative preference 
shares of €0.60 each

Final dividend of 33.25 cent (2012: 30.00 cent) per share on ordinary shares of €0.60 
each

Total dividends proposed

2013
€000s

2012
€000s

169

169

11,331

11,500

10,033

10,202

The proposed final dividend is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and has not been included 
as a liability in these Financial Statements at the Statement of Financial Position date.

35 

PRinciPal SUBSiDiaRieS anD JOint VentUReS

(a) Subsidiaries 

FBD Insurance plc 

Nature of Operations 

General insurance underwriter 

FBD Life & Pensions Limited

Investment services, pensions and life brokers

(b) Joint Venture

FBD Property & Leisure Limited

Property and leisure

% Owned

100

100

50

The Registered Office of each of the above subsidiaries and the joint venture is at FBD House, Bluebell, Dublin 12.

All shareholdings are in the form of ordinary shares.

The financial year end for the Group’s principal subsidiaries and the joint venture is 31 December.

FBD Holdings plc is an Irish registered public limited company. The Company’s ordinary shares of €0.60 each are listed on 
the Irish Stock Exchange and the UK Listing Authority and are traded on both the Irish Stock Exchange and London Stock 
Exchange.

36 

caPital cOmmitmentS

Capital commitments at 31 December authorised by the Directors

but not provided for in the Financial Statements:

Contracted for

Not contracted for

2013
€000s

387

7,836

2012
€000s

1,300

17,700

The above capital commitments relate to an investment in the underwriting policy administrative system that commenced in 
2013 and is being undertaken over a two to three year period.

111

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

37 

cOntinGent liaBilitieS anD cOntinGent aSSetS

There were no contingent liabilities or contingent assets at either 31 December 2013 or 31 December 2012.

38 

SHaRe BaSeD PaymentS

FBD Holdings plc executive Share Option Scheme

In September 1989, the Group established an equity settled executive share option scheme, the FBD Holdings plc Executive 
Share Option Scheme (“ESOS”) under which options to purchase ordinary shares of €0.60 each (“ordinary shares”) in the 
Company were granted to certain executive Directors and senior management during the life of the scheme. Under the terms 
of the ESOS the options are exercisable at the market price prevailing at the date of the grant of the option (the “option 
price”). Under the terms of an amendment to the ESOS approved by shareholders in April 2006, the option price may be 
reduced by the amount of any special dividends paid to shareholders. Options were granted under the ESOS in September 
1989, September 1995, May 2000, October 2003 and August 2009. The exercise of options granted since 18 April 2000 is 
conditional on growth in earnings per share of at least 2% per annum, compound, over the increase in the consumer price 
index over not less than three years from the date of grant.

A summary of the options outstanding under the ESOS during the year is as follows:

At 1 January

Granted

Exercised

Lapsed

At 31 December

Total exercisable at 31 December

2013
Weighted 
average
exercise price
 in € per share

6.64

-

6.21

7.45

7.45

7.45

2012
Weighted 
average
exercise price 
in € per share

6.38

-

4.69

-

6.64

6.64

2013
Options

968,825

-

(633,825)

(10,000)

325,000

325,000

2012
Options

1,115,825

-

(147,000)

-

968,825

968,825

The fair values of the options granted under the ESOS in October 2003 and August 2009 were calculated at €12.03 and 
€1.62 respectively. These fair values were independently calculated using the assumptions detailed on page 113.

The total share options exercised during year were 633,825 at a weighted average share price at the date of exercise of €14.74.

No further options can be granted under the ESOS.

112

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013  
 
 
38 

SHaRe BaSeD PaymentS (continued)

FBD Group Performance Share Plan

The FBD Group Performance Share Plan (the “LTIP”) was approved by shareholders in May 2007. Conditional awards of 
ordinary shares under the LTIP are dependent on the Group meeting onerous performance targets in terms of EPS growth, 
total shareholder returns and maintenance of the combined operating ratio ahead of peer companies in the European general 
insurance sector. These targets are described in more detail in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration. The extent to which 
these conditions have been met and any award (or part of an award) has therefore vested is determined by the Remuneration 
Committee.

A conditional award was made in November 2011 over 252,077 ordinary shares. 

A conditional award was made in March 2013 over 140,940 ordinary shares. The fair value of the award has been 
independently calculated at €11.54 per share using the assumptions detailed below in a Monte Carlo simulation model.

Fair value calculations

The fair values of the options and conditional share awards noted on page 112 and above have been calculated using the 
following assumptions:

Share price at grant

Initial option/award price

Expected volatility

Expected life in years

Risk free interest rate

Expected dividend yield %

Fair value

ESOS grant
August 2009

LTIP award
November 2011

LTIP award
March 2013

€7.40

€7.45

35%

3

2.5%

4.5%

€1.62

€6.55

€6.55

30%

2.37

1.2%

n/a

€6.18

€12.70

€12.70

30%

3

0.5%

n/a

€11.54

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price over the previous two to 
three years preceding the date of grant.

accounting charge for share based payments

Vesting 
period 
(years)

Number 
of options 
granted

Number
 outstanding
 at 31 
December 
2013

3.00

2.37

3.00

905,000

810,000

252,077

252,077

140,940

140,940

Market
 value at
 grant date
€

Fair value 
at grant 
date
€

7.40

6.55

12.70

1.62

6.18

11.54

Grant 
price
€

7.45

-

-

Grant date

26.08.2009 ESOS

18.11.2011 LTIP

04.03.2013 LTIP

Total

2013
€000s

2012
€000s

-

588

389

977

319

589

-

908

113

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013 
 
 
notes to the Financial statements (continued)

39  GUaRanteeS

n	 The Company has provided a guarantee of €30,142,751 (2012: €30,142,751) to AIB Bank for banking facilities for the 

joint venture, FBD Property & Leisure Ltd. The facility underlying this guarantee was re-financed during 2012.

n	 A guarantee of €7,500,000 (2012: €7,500,000) has been provided to Farmer Business Developments plc in respect of a 

loan to the joint venture.

n	 The Company has guaranteed the interest payment on a €2,900,000 (2012: €2,900,000) loan from a third party to the 

Group’s defined benefit pension scheme.

The guarantees are deemed not to have material value.

40 

tRanSactiOnS WitH RelateD PaRtieS

Farmer Business Developments plc has a substantial shareholding in the Group at 31 December 2013, details of which are set 
out in the Report of the Directors.

Included in the Financial Statements at the year end is €529,895 (2012: €385,183) due from Farmer Business Developments 
plc. This balance is made up of recharges for services provided, recoverable costs and interest. Interest is charged on this 
balance at the market rate. The amount due is repayable on demand.

For the purposes of the disclosure requirements of IAS 24, the term “key management personnel” (i.e. those persons having 
authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company) comprises the Board of 
Directors and Company Secretary of FBD Holdings plc and the Group’s primary subsidiary, FBD Insurance plc and the 
members of the Executive Management Team.

The remuneration of key management personnel (“KMP”) during the year was as follows:

Short term employee benefits1
Post-employment benefits
Termination benefits2
Share based payments

Charge to the Consolidated Income Statement

2013
€000s

2,772

290

-

432

3,494

2012
€000s

2,762

306

250

426

3,744

1  Short term benefits include fees to non-executive Directors, salaries and other short-term benefits to all members of the 

KMP.

2  One executive director retired on 5 November 2012 for health reasons. An award of €250,000 was approved by the 

remuneration committee in recognition of his substantial contribution to the Group over many years.

114

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 40 

tRanSactiOnS WitH RelateD PaRtieS (continued)

Full disclosure in relation to the 2013 and 2012 compensation entitlements and share options of the Board of Directors is 
provided in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration.

In common with all shareholders, Directors received payments/distributions related to their holdings of shares in the 
Company during the year, amounting in total to €36,856 (2012: €30,673).

41  RiSK manaGement

The Group has in place a risk management process the objective of which is to provide a systematic, effective and efficient way 
to manage risk in the organisation and to ensure the risks to which the Group is exposed to is consistent with the overall 
business strategy and the risk appetite of the Group.

Risk appetite is a measure of the amount and type of risks the Group is willing to accept or not accept over a defined period 
of time in pursuit of its objectives. The Group’s risk appetite seeks to encourage measured and appropriate risk-taking to 
ensure that risks are aligned to business strategy and objectives.

The risk appetite in the Group’s underwriting subsidiary is driven by an over-arching desire to protect its solvency at all times. 
Through the proactive management of risk, it ensures that it does not take on an individual risk or combination of risks that 
could threaten its solvency. This ensures that it has and will have in the future sufficient capital to pay its policyholders and all 
other creditors in full as liabilities fall due.

Through its interest in its subsidiaries, the Company is exposed to the same risks as the Group.

(a)  

general insurance risk

The risk attached to any insurance policy written is the possibility that an insured event occurs and the uncertainty of the 
amount of the resulting claim. The frequency and severity of claims can be affected by several factors, most notably economic 
activity, the level of awards and inflation on settling claims. The history of claims development is set out, both gross and net of 
reinsurance in note 30, claims outstanding.

The Group has developed its insurance underwriting and reserving strategy to diversify the type of insurance risks written and, 
within each of the types of cover, to achieve a sufficiently large population of risks to reduce the variability of the expected 
outcome. The principal insurance cover provided by the Group include motor, employers’ and public liability and property.

The Group manages these risks through its underwriting strategy, proactive claims handling and its reinsurance arrangements. 
The Group has developed its insurance underwriting strategy to diversify the type of insurance risks written and to reduce the 
variability of the expected outcome by each risk category. The only significant concentration of insurance risk is that all of the 
Group’s underwriting business is conducted in Ireland. Within Ireland there is no significant concentration risk in any one 
area.

The Group’s underwriting strategy is incorporated in the overall corporate strategy which is approved by the Board of 
Directors and includes the employment of appropriately qualified underwriting personnel; the targeting of certain types of 
business that conform with the Group’s risk appetite and reinsurance treaties; constant review of the Group’s pricing policy 
using up-to-date statistical analysis and claims experience; and the surveying of risks carried out by experienced personnel.  
All risks underwritten are within the terms of the Group’s reinsurance treaties.

115

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

41  RiSK manaGement (continued)

(a)  

general insurance risk (continued)

The Group competes against major international groups with similar offerings. At times, a minority of these groups may 
choose to underwrite for cash flow or market share purposes at prices that sometimes fall short of the break-even technical 
price. The Group is firm in its resolve to reject business that is unlikely to generate underwriting profits. To manage this risk, 
pricing levels are monitored on a continuous basis.

While the Group’s risk appetite is constantly reviewed and managed, there is no certainty that the cost of claims will not rise 
due to abnormal weather events, increased claims frequency, increased severity, change in economic activity or any other 
reason. Such an increase could have a material impact on the results and financial condition of the Group.

The Group establishes provisions for unpaid claims, legal costs and related expenses to cover its ultimate liability in respect of 
both reported claims and incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims. These provisions take into account both the Group’s and 
the industry’s experience of similar business, historical trends in reserving patterns, loss payments and pending levels of 
unpaid claims and awards, as well as any potential changes in historic rates arising from market or economic conditions. The 
provision estimates are subject to rigorous review and challenge by senior management and the reserving committee. The 
provision includes a risk margin to minimise the risk that actual claims exceed the amount provided.

The estimation and measurement of claims provisions is a major determining factor in the Group’s results and financial 
position. The Group uses modern statistical and actuarial methods to calculate the quantum of claims provisions and uses 
independent actuaries to review its liabilities to ensure that the carrying amount of the liabilities is adequate. Where the 
liabilities, net of any related deferred acquisition costs, are deemed to be inadequate, the deficiency is recognised immediately 
in the Consolidated Income Statement. There is no certainty that the amount provided is sufficient – further claims could 
arise or settlement cost could increase as a result, for example of claims inflation, periodic payments or the size of court 
awards. Such an increase could have a material impact on the results and financial condition of the Group.

The Group purchases reinsurance protection to limit its exposure to single claims and the aggregation of claims from 
catastrophic events. For its motor, employers’ liability and public liability business, the Group has in place excess of loss 
reinsurance treaties and for its property business, quota share and catastrophe reinsurance treaties. The Group’s retention on 
all reinsurance treaties is approved by the Board of Directors on an annual basis. The Group only places reinsurance with 
companies that it believes are strong financially and operationally. Credit exposures to these companies are closely managed 
by senior management. All of the Group’s current reinsurers have either a credit rating of A- or better or have provided the 
Group with appropriate security. The Group has assessed these credit ratings and security as being satisfactory in diminishing 
the Group’s exposure to the credit risk of its reinsurance receivables.

(b)  

Capital Management risk

The Group is committed to managing its capital so as to maximise returns to shareholders. The capital of the Group 
comprises of issued capital, reserves and retained earnings as detailed in notes 25 to 27. The Board of Directors reviews  
the capital structure frequently to determine the appropriate level of capital required to pursue the Group’s growth plans.  
The Group’s overall strategy remains unchanged from 2012.

116

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 41  RiSK manaGement (continued)

The Group’s principal subsidiary, FBD Insurance plc, must maintain an adequate regulatory solvency position and must satisfy 
the Central Bank of Ireland that it has done so. The capital position of FBD Insurance plc is reviewed frequently by its Board 
of Directors. To provide protection against material events or shocks, the Group ensures that its insurance subsidiary holds 
sufficient capital to maintain significant regulatory surpluses.

As at 31 December 2013, FBD Insurance plc had admissible assets to cover the required solvency margin of €231,560,000 
(2012: €220,821,000) versus a requirement of €59,806,000 (2012: €60,410,000) as calculated by reference to the European 
Communities (Non-Life Insurance) Framework (Amendment) Regulations 2004. FBD Insurance plc maintained its robust 
capital position and complied with all regulatory solvency margin requirements throughout both the year under review and 
the prior year.

FBD Insurance plc has developed and is in the process of implementing plans to ensure compliance with all aspects of the 
new Solvency II regime and has conducted tests that show it has sufficient capital to meet the Solvency II Capital 
Requirement as determined under the Solvency II standard formula.

FBD Insurance plc has an investment committee, a pricing committee, an audit committee, a compliance committee, a 
reserving committee and a risk committee, all of which assist the Board in the identification and management of exposures 
and capital.

The Group uses a number of sensitivity based risk-analysis tools as part of its decision making and planning processes to 
understand and manage the volatility of earnings and capital requirements more efficiently. The Group measures key 
performance indicators, including compliance with minimum statutory solvency requirements, under a number of economic 
and operating scenarios so as to identify and quantify the risks to which the business and its capital are exposed.

In preparation for the Board’s annual review of the internal control system, senior management carry out a self assessment,  
in compliance with the Turnbull Process, of the significant risks, including capital risks, facing the organisation and the 
controls in place to mitigate or manage such exposures.

The Group regularly benchmarks each of its operating businesses relative to its peers. In this process the Group focuses on its 
capital requirement and efficiency as well as profitability, cost structures and market position.

The Group also devotes considerable resources to managing its relationships with the providers of capital within the capital 
markets, for example, existing and potential shareholders, financial institutions, stockbrokers, corporate finance houses, etc.

(c)  

operational risk

Operational risk could arise as a result of inadequately controlled or failed internal processes or systems, human error, or from 
external events.

This definition is intended to include all risks to which the Group is exposed and that are not considered elsewhere. Hence, 
operational risks include for example, information technology, information security, human resources, project management, 
outsourcing, taxation, legal, fraud and regulatory risks.

In accordance with Group policies, business unit management has primary responsibility for the effective identification, 
management, monitoring and reporting of risks. There is an annual review by executive management of all major risks. The 
Audit Committee review executive management’s risk assessment to ensure that all risks are identified and evaluated. Each 
operational risk is assessed by considering the potential impact and the probability of the event occurring. Impact assessments 
are made against financial, operational and reputational criteria.

117

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

41  RiSK manaGement (continued)

(c)  

operational risk (continued)

The Group is dependent upon the quality, ability and commitment of key personnel in order to sustain, develop and grow its 
business. There can be no assurance that the Group will be able to retain all of its key employees. The success of the Group 
will depend upon its ability to retain, attract, motivate and develop key personnel.

The Group has taken significant steps to minimise the impact of business interruption that could result from a major external 
event. A formal disaster recovery plan is in place for both workspace recovery and retrieval of communications, IT systems 
and data. If a major event occurs, these procedures will enable the Group to move the affected operations to alternative 
facilities within very short periods of time. The disaster recovery plan is tested regularly and includes disaster simulation tests. 
In the event of a loss of staff, for example as a result of a pandemic, a plan is in place to re-assign key responsibilities and 
transfer resources to ensure key business functions can continue to operate.

(d)  

liquidity risk

The Group is exposed to daily calls on its cash resources, mainly for claims payments. The Group manages liquidity risk by 
continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and ensuring that the maturity profile of its financial assets is shorter 
than or equal to the maturity profile of its liabilities and maintaining a minimum amount available on term deposit at all times.

The following tables provide an analysis of assets and liabilities into their relevant maturity groups based on the remaining 
period to contractual maturity.

Assets – 2013

Investment property

Financial assets

Reinsurance assets

Loans and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Carrying 
value
total
€000s

11,567

716,130

44,270

69,321

21,586

Contracted
Value
€000s

11,567

736,000

44,270

69,321

21,586

Cashflow
within
1 year
€000s

11,567

478,715

28,367

68,614

21,586

Cashflow
1-5 years
€000s

-

244,808

13,519

707

-

Cashflow
after
5 years
€000s

-

12,477

2,384

-

-

Total

862,874

882,744

608,849

259,034

14,861

Liabilities - 2013

Insurance contract liabilities

Payables

Total

740,991

40,980

781,971

740,991

40,980

781,971

271,551

40,980

312,531

369,204

100,236

-

-

369,204

100,236

118

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 41  RiSK manaGement (continued)

(d)  

liquidity risk (continued)

Assets – 2012

Investment property

Financial assets

Reinsurance assets

Loans and receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Carrying 
value
total
€000s

10,686

733,880

55,377

64,822

25,711

Contracted
Value
€000s

10,686

750,163

55,377

64,822

25,711

Cashflow
within
1 year
€000s

10,686

658,558

26,711

64,172

25,711

Cashflow
1-5 years
€000s

-

88,035

25,607

650

-

Cashflow
after
5 years
€000s

-

3,570

3,059

-

-

Total

890,476

906,759

785,838

114,292

6,629

Liabilities - 2012

Insurance contract liabilities

Payables

Total

(e)   Market risk

751,375

39,614

790,989

751,375

39,614

790,989

235,519

39,614

275,133

424,157

-

424,157

91,699

-

91,699

The Group has invested in quoted debt securities, investment property and quoted and unquoted shares. These investments 
are subject to market risk, whereby the value of the investments may fluctuate as a result of changes in market prices, changes 
in market interest rates or changes in the foreign exchange rates of the currency in which the investments are denominated. 
The extent of the exposure to market risk is managed by the formulation of, and adherence to, an investment policy 
incorporating clearly defined investment limits and guidelines, as approved annually by the Board of Directors and 
employment of appropriately qualified and experienced personnel to manage the Group’s investment portfolio. The overriding 
philosophy of the investment policy is to protect and safeguard the Group’s assets and to ensure its capacity to underwrite is 
not put at risk.

119

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

41  RiSK manaGement (continued)

(e)   Market risk (continued)

interest rate risk

Interest rate risk arises primarily from the Group’s investments in quoted debt securities and deposits. The level of exposure to 
interest rate risk from trading is reviewed regularly to ensure it is appropriate. Factors taken into consideration are yield, 
volatility and historical returns.

At 31 December 2013, the Group held the following deposits, held to maturity investments and quoted and unquoted debt 
securities:

2013

2012

Weighted
market
value
€000s

466,424

76,068

117,679

39,061

4,799

12,099

716,130

Weighted
average
interest
rate
%

1.29

3.81

3.69

1.12

2.27

2.96

Weighted
average
interest
rate
%

2.10

4.61

4.35

4.54

4.06

3.77

Weighted
market
value
€000s

643,686

56,986

11,845

8,705

7,412

5,246

733,880

Time to maturity

In one year or less

In more than one year, but not more than two years

In more than two years, but not more than three years

In more than three years, but not more than four years

In more than four years, but not more than five years

More than five years

Total

equity price risk

The Group is subject to equity price risk due to daily changes in the market values of its holdings of quoted shares. Equity 
price risk is actively managed using the framework set out in the Group’s investment policy which is approved annually by the 
Board of Directors. The Group places limits on the type of shares held, liquidity of shares, size of share-holding and exposure 
to any one sector. In addition, local asset admissibility solvency regulations require the Group to hold a diversified portfolio of 
assets, thereby reducing exposure to individual sectors. The amounts exposed to equity price risk are set out in note 20(a).

Foreign currency risk

The Group holds investment assets and equities in foreign currencies and therefore is exposed to exchange rate fluctuations. 
The impact of exchange rate fluctuations are monitored regularly. The Group is primarily exposed to Sterling and US dollars.

The Group did not hold any derivative instruments at 31 December 2013 or 31 December 2012.

120

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013  
 
 
41  RiSK manaGement (continued)

The carrying amount of the Group’s foreign currency denominated monetary assets at the reporting date is as follows:

GBP

USD

Other

(f)  

Credit risk

2013
€000s

10,466

8,406

2,890

2012
€000s

11,195

7,195

610

Credit risk is the risk of loss in the value of financial assets due to counterparties failing to meet all or part of their obligations.

Financial assets are graded according to current credit ratings issued. AAA is the highest possible rating. Investment  
grade financial assets are classified within the range of AAA to BBB ratings. Financial assets which fall outside this  
range are classified as speculative grade. All of the Group’s bank deposits are either with financial institutions which have  
a minimum A- rating or have a sovereign guarantee. Quoted debt securities comprise €30,288,000 government bonds  
(2012: €30,850,000) which carry AAA rating, €103,527,000 government bonds (2012: €78,867,000) with investment grade 
and €3,809,000 corporate bonds (2012: €3,809,000) which are unrated. Available for sale investments comprise €140,529,000 
(2012: 146,480,000) of listed corporate bonds with an average duration of 1.9 years and carry an average rating of A or have a 
government guarantee and a number of small investments many of which are unrated. The maximum exposure the Group has 
in relation to any one of these unrated investments is €1,368,000 (2012: €2,405,000).

All of the Group’s current reinsurers either have a credit rating of A- or better or have provided the Group with alternative 
satisfactory security. The Group has assessed these credit ratings and security as being satisfactory in diminishing the Group’s 
exposure to the credit risk of its reinsurance receivables. The maximum balance owed to the Group by an individual reinsurer 
at 31 December 2013 was €2,627,000 (2012: €4,529,000).

The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the Financial Statements, net of any allowances for losses, represents the 
Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk. There are no financial assets past due but not impaired.

Receivables arising out of direct insurance operations are considered by the Directors to have low credit risk and therefore no 
provision for bad or doubtful debts has been made. All other receivables are due within one year and none are past due.

(g)  

Concentration risk

Concentration risk is the risk of loss due to overdependence on a singular entity or category of business. The only 
concentration risks to which the Group is exposed are as follows:

n   Quoted debt securities comprise €30,288,000 (2012: €30,850,000) of government bonds which carry an AAA rating and 
€3,809,000 (2012: €3,809,000) of corporate bonds which are unrated. Given the rating of its government bond portfolio, 
the Group deems any concentration risk to be acceptable.

n   Listed corporate bonds carry an average credit rating of A with 11% of the listed corporate bonds being invested in bonds 

with a rating of BBB+ (the lowest rating allowed within the fund). No more than 2% of the corporate bond fund is 
invested in any one holding. The average duration of the fund is 1.25 years. Given the ratings, spread of investments and 
the duration of the listed corporate bond fund, the Group deems any concentration risk to be acceptable.

121

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

41  RiSK manaGement (continued)

(g)  

Concentration risk (continued)

n   All of the underwriting business is conducted in Ireland over a wide geographical spread with no concentration in any 
county or region. The resultant concentration risk from adverse weather events, i.e. floods, storms or freezes in Ireland,  
are mitigated by a flood mapping solution and an appropriate reinsurance strategy as outlined in note 41(a).

Receivables arising out of direct insurance operations are a low credit risk and there is no significant concentration of risk. 
There is no significant concentration of risk in other receivables.

(h)   Macro-economic risk

economic downturn

Fluctuations in demand or supply of insurance and any downturn in any of the markets in which the Group operates may 
have an adverse effect on the demand for its products and therefore could affect its overall financial condition. A deterioration 
or delay in economic recovery represents a material risk to the operating performance and financial position of the Group.

increasing competition

The Group faces significant competition. Actions by existing competitors or new entrants may place pressure on the Group’s 
margins and profitability. In response to a changing competitive environment or the actions of competitors, the Group may 
from time to time make certain pricing, service or marketing decisions that could have a material effect on the revenues and 
results of their operations.

changing market trends

The Group is exposed to changes in consumer trends. Although demand for insurance cover is expected to remain broadly 
stable, consumers’ purchasing patterns tend to change over time and especially when the economy is weak. To the extent that 
there is a negative shift in consumption, such changes in consumer demand may have materially adverse effects on the 
Group’s financial position.

The Group operates in competitive markets. Success is dependent on anticipating changes in consumer preferences and on 
successful new product development and product launches in response to such changes in consumer behaviour. The Group 
invests in research and development to introduce new products and to position itself well in its chosen markets. The Group’s 
future results will depend on its ability to successfully identify, develop, market and sell new or improved products in these 
changing markets.

The success of the Group depends on its ability to react to changing trends with appropriate innovation to drive growth and 
performance. Failure to do so may result in material adverse effects on the operational performance and financial position of 
the Group.

taxation risk

If taxation laws were to be amended in the jurisdiction in which the Group operates this could have an adverse effect on its 
results. The Group continually takes the advice of external experts to help minimise this risk. Changes in taxation could 
decrease the post-taxation returns to shareholders.

122

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013  
 
 
 
41  RiSK manaGement (continued)

(i)  

sensitivity analysis

The table below identifies the Group’s key sensitivity factors. For each sensitivity test the impact of a change in a single factor 
is shown, with other assumptions left unchanged.

Sensitivity factor

Description of sensitivity factor applied

Interest rate and investment return The impact of a change in the market interest rate by an increase of 1% or a decrease of 

0.25%. For example, if a current interest rate is 2%, the impact of an immediate change to 
3% and 1.75%.

Exchange rates movement

The impact of a change in foreign exchange rates by ± 10%.

Equity market values

The impact of a change in equity market values by ±10%.

Available for sale investments

The impact of a change in corporate bond market values by ±5%.

Property market values

The impact of a change in property market values by ±10%.

Net loss ratios 

The impact of an increase in underwriting net loss ratios by 5%.

The pre-taxation impacts on profit and shareholders’ equity at 31 December 2013 and at 31 December 2012 of each of the 
sensitivity factors outlined above are as follows:

Interest rates

Interest rates

FX rates

FX rates

Equity

Equity

Available for sale investments

Available for sale investments

Investment property 

Investment property

Net loss ratio

2013
€000s

5,028

(1,257)

2,176

(2,176)

7,937

(7,937)

7,095

(7,095)

1,157

(1,157)

2012
€000s

4,609

(1,152)

1,900

(1,900) 

6,028

(6,028)

7,444

(7,444)

1,069

(1,069)

(14,819)

(15,032)

1.0%

(0.25%)

10%

(10%)

10%

(10%)

5%

(5%)

10%

(10%)

5%

123

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notes to the Financial statements (continued)

41  RiSK manaGement (continued)

The sensitivity of changes in the assumptions used to calculate general insurance liabilities are set out in the table below:

Change in
assumptions

+10%

+10%

+10%

+10%

31 December 2013

Injury claims IBNR

Other claims IBNR

Legal fees revert to pre PIAB levels

31 December 2012

Injury claims IBNR

Other claims IBNR

Legal fees revert to pre PIAB levels

limitations of sensitivity analysis

Increase
in gross
technical
reserves
€000s

Increase
in net
technical
reserves
€000s

Impact on
profit
before
taxation
€000s

Reduction
in
 shareholders’
equity
€000s

2,460

616

6,210

2,086

1,255

6,395

2,460

499

5,589

2,086

1,015

5,756

(2,460)

(499)

(5,589)

(2,086)

(1,015)

(5,756)

2,153

437

4,890

1,825

888

5,037

The above tables demonstrate the effect of a change in a key assumption while other assumptions remain unchanged. In 
reality, there is a correlation between the assumptions and other factors. It should also be noted that these sensitivities are 
non-linear, and larger or smaller impacts should not be interpolated or extrapolated from these results. The sensitivity analysis 
does not take into consideration that the Group’s assets and liabilities are actively managed. Additionally, the financial 
position of the Group may vary at the time that any actual market movement occurs.

Other limitations in the above sensitivity analysis include the use of hypothetical market movements to demonstrate potential 
risk. They represent the Group’s view of possible near-term market changes that cannot be predicted with any certainty and 
assume that all interest rates move in an identical fashion.

124

FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013  
FBD Holdings plc

FBD House 
Bluebell 
Dublin 12 
Ireland 

T: +353 1 409 3200 
F: +353 1 455 4303 
www.fbdgroup.com

letter from the Chairman in relation to the annual general Meeting

28 March 2014

Dear Shareholder,

The Notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company, which will be held at 12.00 noon on 29 April 2014 in the Irish Farm 
Centre, Old Naas Road, Bluebell, Dublin 12, follows this letter.

I want to set out in this letter details of the business to come before the meeting.

Ordinary Business (Resolutions 1 to 6)

Resolution 1 deals with the consideration of the Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2013.

Resolution 2 deals with the declaration of a dividend on the 8% non-cumulative preference shares. A dividend cannot be declared on 
the ordinary shares unless and until the dividend on the 8% preference shares has been declared.

Resolution 3 deals with the declaration of a final dividend of 33.25 cent per ordinary share for the year ended 31 December 2013.

Resolution 4 deals with the approval of the Report on Directors’ Remuneration. This Report is set out on pages 35 to 43 of the 
Annual Report and it has been the practice of the Board since 2010 to put the Report on Directors’ Remuneration to a shareholder 
vote. Shareholders should note that there is no legal obligation on the Company to put such a resolution to Shareholders. While it is 
therefore an “advisory” resolution and not binding on the Company, the Board recognises that the tabling of such a resolution is best 
practice in this area and is an acknowledgement of Shareholders’ rights to have a “say on pay”.

Resolution 5 deals with the proposed re-election of all of the Directors. The Board has adopted the practice that all Directors will 
submit themselves for re-election at each Annual General Meeting. This was done for the first time in 2011. Biographies of all the 
Directors are set out on pages 26 to 27 of the Annual Report in the Corporate Governance Section. Each of the Directors brings to 
the Board substantial and relevant business experience.

Resolution 6 is a standard resolution which authorises the Directors to fix the remuneration of the Auditors. Under Irish Company 
Law, the Auditors, Deloitte & Touche, are deemed to be re-appointed in accordance with S.160 of the Companies Act, 1963. The 
Audit Committee last put the provision of audit services to the Company out to tender in 2010.

Special Business (Resolutions 7 to 11)

Resolutions 7 to 10 are the normal resolutions usually considered annually, except in the case of Resolution 7, which relate to the 
share capital of the Company and propose to renew authorities previously approved by Shareholders. I want to assure you that the 
Board will only exercise these authorities if it considers it to be in the best interests of Shareholders generally at that time.

Resolution 11 deals with the fixing of the notice period for the convening of an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company.

Each of these resolutions is described for you in more detail below.

Authority to allot shares (Resolution 7)

Resolution 7 will be proposed as a Special Resolution to renew the authority of the Board to allot the authorised but un-issued shares 
in the capital of the Company. The authority was last renewed in 2009 and can only be granted by shareholders for a maximum period 
of 5 years. The current authority expires on 28 April 2014.

Registered in Ireland, Registration Number: 135882
Registered Office: FBD House, Bluebell, Dublin 12, Ireland.
Directors: M Berkery (Chairman), S Dorgan, B Horan, A Langford (Chief Executive), D Mulvihill, C O’Caoimh, V Sheridan, P Walshe

125

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013 
letter from the Chairman in relation to the annual general Meeting 
(continued)

Disapplication of pre-emption rights (Resolution 8)

Resolution 8 will be proposed as a Special Resolution to renew the Directors’ authority to issue shares for cash other than strictly pro 
rata to existing shareholdings. The proposed authority is limited to the allotment of shares in specific circumstances relating to rights 
issues and other issues up to an aggregate of 5% of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital.

This authority will, if renewed, expire on the earlier of the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or 29 July 2015.

Authority to purchase own shares (Resolution 9)

Resolution 9 will be proposed as a Special Resolution to renew the authority of the Company, or any subsidiary of the Company, to 
make market purchases of the Company’s ordinary shares up to 10% of the aggregate nominal value of the Company’s total issued 
share capital. The text of the resolution sets out the minimum and maximum prices which may be paid for ordinary shares purchased 
in this manner.

The total number of options to subscribe for ordinary shares in the Company outstanding on 20 March 2014 is 713,017 representing 
1.83% of the total issued share capital. If the Directors were to exercise the authority being renewed by this resolution up to the 
maximum allowed and to cancel such shares and all other shares held in treasury, these options would represent 2.13% of the total 
issued share capital.

This authority will, if renewed, expire on the earlier of the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or 29 July 2015.

Reissue price range of treasury shares (Resolution 10)

Resolution 10 will be proposed as a Special Resolution to set the price ranges at which the Company may re-issue treasury shares 
off-market.

This authority will, if renewed, expire on the earlier of the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or 29 July 2015.

Notice period for Extraordinary General Meetings (Resolution 11)

Resolution 11 will be proposed as a Special Resolution to maintain the existing authority in the Company’s Articles of Association 
which permits the convening of an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company on 14 days notice where the purpose of the 
meeting is to consider an Ordinary Resolution only.

Form of Proxy

Those shareholders unable to attend the Meeting may appoint a proxy. Your proxy may be submitted by post by completing the 
enclosed Form of Proxy and returning it to the Company’s Registrar, Computershare Investor Services (Ireland) Limited, PO Box 
954, Heron House, Corrig Road, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin 18, Ireland. Your proxy may also be submitted through the 
internet. Instructions on how to do this are set out on the Form of Proxy. CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies 
via the CREST electronic proxy appointment service should refer to footnote 5 on page 8 of that document.

All proxy votes must be received by the Company’s Registrar not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for the Meeting. The 
submission of a proxy will not prevent you attending and voting at the Meeting should you wish to do so.

Recommendation

The Directors are satisfied that the resolutions set out in the Notice of the Annual General Meeting are in the best interests of 
the Company and its Shareholders. Accordingly the Directors unanimously recommend that you vote in favour of each of the 
resolutions set out in the Notice of Annual General Meeting, as they intend to do in respect of all of the ordinary shares which 
they own or control in the capital of the Company.

Yours faithfully,

Michael Berkery 
Chairman

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FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013 notice of annual general Meeting

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held in the Irish Farm Centre, Old Naas 
Road, Bluebell, Dublin 12, Ireland on Tuesday 29 April 2014, at 12 noon for the following purposes:

as ordinary Business

1  To receive and consider the Report of the Directors and the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013.

2  To declare a dividend on the 8% non-cumulative preference shares.

3  To declare a final dividend of 33.25 cent per ordinary share.

4  To approve the Report on Directors’ Remuneration appearing in the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 

(Advisory Resolution).

5  To re-elect the following persons as Directors of the Company:

(a)  Michael Berkery

(b)  Sean Dorgan

(c)  Brid Horan

(d)  Andrew Langford

(e)  Dermot Mulvihill

(f )  Cathal O’Caoimh

(g)  Padraig Walshe

6  To authorise the Directors to fix the remuneration of the Auditors.

as speCial Business

7  To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following Special Resolution:

  That the general authority of the Directors to allot shares under Section 20 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983 be 

renewed by the deletion of the current Article number 8 (b) and replacing it with the following:

“(b)  The Directors are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot 

relevant securities within the meaning of Section 20 of the Companies (Amendment) Act 1983. The maximum amount of 
relevant securities which may be allotted under the authority hereby conferred shall be the authorised but un-issued shares 
in the capital of the Company now in existence on 29 April 2014. The authority shall expire on 28 April 2019, unless and to 
the extent that such authority is renewed, revoked or extended prior to such date. The Company may before such expiry 
make an offer or agreement which would or might require relevant securities to be allotted after such expiry and the 
Directors may allot relevant securities in pursuance of such offer or agreement, notwithstanding that the authority hereby 
conferred has expired.”

127

FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013notice of annual general Meeting (continued)

8  Subject to the passing of Resolution 7, to consider and, if thought fit, pass the following Special Resolution:

“In accordance with the provisions of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983, the Directors be and are hereby empowered to 
allot “equity securities” (as defined in Section 23 (13) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983) pursuant to the authority 
conferred on them by the Special Resolution of the Company passed on 29 April 2014 as if Section 23 (1) of the Companies 
(Amendment) Act, 1983 did not apply to any allotment made pursuant to the said authority provided that this power shall be 
limited to the allotment of equity securities up to but not exceeding an aggregate nominal value of 5 per cent of the issued 
ordinary share capital as at the date of this Resolution and that the authority hereby conferred shall expire at the close of business 
on the earlier of the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or a date 15 months from the date of passing 
hereof and that the Directors be entitled to make at any time prior to the expiry of the power hereby conferred, any offer or 
agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after the expiry of such power. Provided that such power 
shall, subject as aforesaid, cease to have effect when the said authority is revoked or would, if renewed, expire but if the authority 
is renewed the said power may also be renewed, for a period not longer than that for which the authority is renewed, by a further 
Special Resolution of the Company passed in General Meeting”

and

“that the expiry date noted in Article 8 (c) be amended to read “29 July 2015”, being fifteen months after the date of this Annual 
General Meeting in accordance with the foregoing.”

9  To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following Special Resolution:

“That the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries be and are hereby generally authorised to make market purchases (as defined in 
Section 212 of the Companies Act, 1990) of shares of any class of the Company (“the Shares”) on such terms and conditions and 
in such manner as the Directors may from time to time determine but subject, however, to the provisions of the Companies Act, 
1990, the Articles of Association of the Company and to the following restrictions and provisions:

(a)  the aggregate nominal value of the Shares authorised to be acquired pursuant to the terms of this resolution shall not exceed 
10 per cent of the aggregate nominal value of the issued share capital of the Company as at the close of business on the date 
of the passing of this resolution;

(b)  the minimum price which may be paid for any Share shall be the nominal value of the Share;

(c)  the maximum price which may be paid for any Share (a “Relevant Share”) shall be an amount equal to 105 per cent of the 

average of the five amounts resulting from determining whichever of the following ((i), (ii) or (iii) specified below) in relation 
to the Shares of the same class as the Relevant Share shall be appropriate for each of the five consecutive business days 
immediately preceding the day on which the Relevant Share is purchased, as determined from the information published in 
the Irish Stock Exchange Daily Official List reporting the business done on each of those five business days;

(i)  if there shall be more than one dealing reported for the day, the average of the prices at which such dealings took place; or

(ii)  if there shall be only one dealing reported for the day, the price at which such dealing took place; or

(iii) if there shall not be any dealing reported for the day, the average of the closing bid and offer prices for the day

and if there shall be only a bid (but not an offer) or an offer (but not a bid) price reported, or if there shall not be any bid or 
offer price reported, for any particular day then that day shall not count as one of the said business days for the purposes of 
determining the maximum price. If the means of providing the foregoing information as to dealings and prices by reference to 
which the maximum price is to be determined is altered or is replaced by some other means, then a maximum price shall be 
determined on the basis of the equivalent information published by the relevant authority in relation to dealings on the Irish 
Stock Exchange or its equivalent.

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FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013  
 
 
 
 
  The authority hereby conferred will expire at the close of business on the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the 

Company or the date which is fifteen months after the date on which this resolution is passed or deemed to have been passed 
whichever is the earlier, unless previously varied, revoked or renewed in accordance with the provisions of Section 215 of the 
Companies Act, 1990. The Company or any such subsidiary may before such expiry enter into a contract for the purchase of 
Shares which would or might be wholly or partly executed after such expiry and may complete any such contract as if the 
authority conferred hereby had not expired.”

10  To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following Special Resolution:

“That for the purposes of Section 209 of the Companies Act, 1990 the re-issue price range at which any treasury shares (as 
defined by the said Section 209) for the time being held by the Company may be re-issued off-market shall be as follows:

(a)  the maximum price shall be an amount equal to 120 per cent of the Appropriate Price as defined in paragraph (c); and

(b)  subject to paragraph (c) hereof, the minimum price shall be:

(i)  in the case of an Option Scheme (as defined in paragraph (d) below), an amount equal to the option price as provided for 

in such Option Scheme; or

(ii)  in all other cases and circumstances where treasury shares are re-issued off-market, an amount equal to 95% of the 

Appropriate Price (as defined in paragraph (c)); and

(c)  “Appropriate Price” means the average of the five amounts resulting from determining whichever of the following ((i), (ii) or 
(iii) specified below) in relation to shares of the class of which such treasury shares to be re-issued shall be appropriate in 
respect of each of the five business days immediately preceding the day on which the treasury share is re-issued, as determined 
from information published in the Irish Stock Exchange Daily Official List reporting the business done on each of those five 
business days;

(i)  if there shall be more than one dealing reported for the day, the average of the prices at which such dealings took place; or

(ii)  if there shall be only one dealing reported for the day, the price at which such dealing took place; or

(iii) if there shall not be any dealing reported for the day, the average of the closing bid and offer prices for the day;

and if there shall be only a bid (but not an offer) or an offer (but not a bid) price reported, or if there shall not be any bid or 
offer price reported for any particular day, then that day shall not count as one of the said business days for the purposes of 
determining the Appropriate Price. If the means of providing the foregoing information as to dealings and prices by reference 
to which the Appropriate Price is to be determined is altered or is replaced by some other means, then the Appropriate Price 
shall be determined on the basis of the equivalent information published by the relevant authority in relation to dealings on 
the Irish Stock Exchange or its equivalent; and

(d)  “Option Scheme” means any scheme or plan which involves either the issue of options to acquire ordinary shares in the 
Company or the conditional award of ordinary shares in the Company which has been approved by the Company’s 
shareholders in General Meeting.

  The authority hereby conferred shall expire at the close of business on the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the 

Company, or the date which is fifteen months after the date on which this resolution is passed or deemed to have been passed 
whichever is the earlier, unless previously varied or renewed in accordance with the provisions of Section 209 of the 
Companies Act, 1990”.

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FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013 
 
notice of annual general Meeting (continued)

11  To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following Special Resolution:

“That it is hereby resolved that the provision in Article 50 (a) of the Company’s Articles of Association allowing for the 
convening of an Extraordinary General Meeting by at least fourteen clear days’ notice (where such meeting is not convened for 
the purposes of the passing of a special resolution) shall continue to be effective.”

By order of the Board

Conor Gouldson 
Company Secretary

FBD House, Bluebell, Dublin 12, Ireland

28 March 2014

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FBD HolDings plc Annual Report 2013  
information for shareholders pursuant  
to the shareholders’ rights directive

The following information is provided to Shareholders in accordance with the provisions of the Shareholders’ Rights (Directive 
2007/36/EC) Regulations 2009:

1.  Conditions for Participating in the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”)

  Every shareholder, irrespective of how many FBD Holdings plc shares he/she holds, has the right to attend, speak, ask questions 
and vote at the AGM. Completion of a form of proxy will not affect your right to attend, speak, ask questions and/or vote at the 
meeting in person. The right to participate in the AGM is subject to the registration of the shares prior to the record date for the 
meeting (the “Record Date”) – see note 3 following.

2.  Appointment of Proxy

If you cannot attend the AGM in person, you may appoint a proxy (or proxies) to attend, speak, ask questions and vote on your 
behalf. For this purpose a Form of Proxy has been sent to all registered shareholders. A proxy need not be a member of the 
Company. You may appoint the Chairman of the Company or another individual as your proxy. You may appoint a proxy by 
completing the Form of Proxy, making sure to sign and date the form at the bottom and return it in the pre-paid envelope 
provided to the Company’s Registrar, Computershare Investor Services (Ireland) Limited, P.O. Box 954, Heron House, Corrig 
Road, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin 18, Ireland to be received no later than 12.00 noon on 27 April 2014. If you are 
appointing someone other than the Chairman as your proxy, then you must fill in the details of that person in the box located 
underneath the wording “I/We hereby appoint the Chairman of the Meeting OR the following person” on the Form of Proxy.

  Alternatively, you may appoint a proxy via CREST, if you hold your shares in CREST, or you may do so electronically, by visiting 
the website of the Company’s Registrar at www.eproxyappointment.com. You will need your shareholder reference number, 
control number and your PIN number, which can be found on the Form of Proxy.

If you appoint the Chairman or another person as a proxy to vote on your behalf, please make sure to indicate how you wish your 
votes to be cast by ticking the relevant boxes on the Form of Proxy.

  Completing and returning a Form of Proxy will not preclude you from attending and voting at the meeting should you so wish.

3.  Record Date for AGM

Pursuant to Section 134A of the Companies Act, 1963 and pursuant to Regulation 14 of the Companies Act, 1990 
(Uncertificated Securities) Regulations, 1996, the Company has specified that only those Shareholders registered in the Register 
of Members of the Company as at 6 p.m. on the day which is two days before the date of the meeting shall be entitled to attend 
or vote at the Annual General Meeting in respect of the number of shares registered in their name at that time. Changes in the 
Register after that time will be disregarded in determining the right of any person to attend and/or vote at the meeting or the 
number of votes any Shareholder may have in the case of a poll vote.

4.  How to exercise your voting rights

  As a Shareholder, you have several ways to exercise your right to vote:

n	 By attending the AGM in person;
n	 By appointing the Chairman or some other person as a proxy to vote on your behalf;
n	 By appointing a proxy via the CREST System if you hold your shares in CREST.

In the case of joint holders, the vote of the senior who tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, will be accepted to the 
exclusion of the votes of the other registered holder(s) and, for this purpose, seniority will be determined by the order in which 
the names stand in the register of members.

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FBD HolDings plc AnnualReport2013 
 
 
 
information for shareholders pursuant  
to the shareholders’ rights directive (continued)

5.  Tabling Agenda Items

If you or a group of Shareholders hold 1,168,651 or more ordinary or preference shares of 60 cent each in FBD Holdings plc (i.e. 
at least 3% of the issued share capital of the Company carrying voting rights), you or the group of Shareholders acting together 
have the right to put an item on the agenda for the AGM. In order to exercise this right, written details of the item you wish to 
have included on the agenda for the AGM together with a written explanation setting out why you wish to have the item 
included on the agenda, and evidence of the shareholding, must have been received by the Company Secretary at FBD Holdings 
plc, FBD House, Bluebell, Dublin 12, Ireland or by e-mail to company.secretary@fbd.ie no later than 12.00 noon on Tuesday 18 
March 2014 (i.e. 42 days before the time scheduled for the holding of the AGM). An item cannot be included on the agenda for 
the AGM unless the foregoing conditions are satisfied and it is received by the stated deadline.

6.  Tabling Draft Resolutions

If you or a group of Shareholders hold 1,168,651 or more ordinary or preference shares of €0.60 each in FBD Holdings plc (i.e. at 
least 3% of the issued share capital of the Company carrying voting rights), you or the group of Shareholders acting together have 
the right to table a draft resolution for inclusion on the agenda for the AGM subject to any contrary provision in company law.

In order to exercise this right, the text of the draft resolution and evidence of shareholding must have been received by post by  
the Company Secretary at FBD Holdings plc, FBD House, Bluebell, Dublin 12, Ireland or by email to company.secretary@fbd.ie 
no later than 12.00 noon on Tuesday 18 March 2014 (i.e. 42 days before the time scheduled for the holding of the AGM).  
A resolution cannot be included on the agenda for the AGM unless it is received in either of the foregoing manners by the stated 
deadline. Furthermore, Shareholders are reminded that there are provisions in company law, and otherwise, which impose other 
conditions on the right of shareholders to propose resolutions at a general meeting of a company.

7.  Right to ask questions

Pursuant to section 134C of the Companies Act 1963, shareholders have a right to ask questions related to items on the AGM 
agenda and to have such questions answered by the Company subject to any reasonable measures the Company may take to 
ensure the identification of shareholders.

8.  How to request/inspect documentation relating to the meeting

  The annual Financial Statements, Report of the Auditors and the Report of the Remuneration Committee are contained in the 

Company’s Annual Report which was dispatched to Shareholders on 28 March 2014. The Annual Report is also available on the 
Company’s website www.fbdgroup.com.

Should you not receive a Form of Proxy, or should you wish to be sent copies of any documents relating to the meeting, you may 
request these by telephoning the Company’s Registrar on +353 1 4475 101 or by writing to the Company Secretary either by post 
at FBD House, Bluebell, Dublin 12, Ireland or by e-mail to company.secretary@fbd.ie.

  The Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company together with a copy of the proposed Memorandum and Articles 
of Association of the Company showing the amendments that would be made if all of the Resolutions on the agenda for the 
AGM are approved, are available on the Company’s website www.fbdgroup.com and may also be inspected during usual business 
hours on any weekday (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays excepted) at the Company’s Registered Office at FBD House, 
Bluebell, Dublin 12, Ireland up to and including the date of the Annual General Meeting and at the Annual General Meeting 
itself.

9.  Further Information

  This AGM notice, details of the total number of shares and voting rights at the date of giving this notice, the documents to be 

submitted to the meeting, copies of any draft resolutions and a copy of the Form of Proxy are available on the Company’s website 
at www.fbdgroup.com.

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FBD Holdings plc 
FBD House 
Bluebell 
Dublin 12 
Ireland 

t:   +353 1 409 3200 
W:  www.fbdgroup.com