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Henkel

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Employees 10,000+
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FY2016 Annual Report · Henkel
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Annual Report 2016

Creating sustainable value

 
 
 
Contents

Our business units

  The Company

  2  Foreword
  6  Report of the Supervisory Board 
  12  Henkel 2020+
  14  Management Board

  Combined management report

  28  Management report subindex 
  29  Corporate governance 
  52  Shares and bonds 
  57  Fundamental principles of the Group
  63  Economic report
  88  Business units
 100 

 Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (condensed 
 version according to the German 
 Commercial Code [HGB])
 104  Risks and opportunities report 
 112  Forecast

 Consolidated financial  

  statements

 114 

 116 

 Consolidated financial statements 
 subindex 
 Consolidated statement of financial 
 position 

 118  Consolidated statement of income 
 Consolidated statement of  
 118 
comprehensive income
 Consolidated statement of changes  
in equity 

 119 

 120  Consolidated statement of cash flows 
 121 

 Notes to the consolidated financial 
 statements
179  Subsequent events
 180 
 183 

 Independent Auditor’s Report
 Responsibility statement by the 
Personally Liable Partner
 Corporate management bodies of  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

 184 

  Further information

 188  Quarterly breakdown of key financials 
 189  Multi-year summary
 190  Index of tables and graphs
 192  Glossary 
 194  Credits
 195 

 Contacts 
Financial calendar

Adhesive Technologies

Our top brands

Beauty Care

Our top brands

Laundry & Home Care

Our top brands

Sales

+ 2.8 %

organic  
sales growth

Sales

+ 2.1 %

organic  
sales growth

Sales

+ 4.7 %

organic  
sales growth

 
 
 
 
 
Key financials Adhesive Technologies 

4  

Sales Adhesive Technologies 
in million euros

5  

2015

2016

+/–

2012

8,256

in million euros

Sales

Operating profit (EBIT)

Adjusted 1 operating profit (EBIT)

8,992

1,462

1,534

8,961

1,561

1,629

Return on sales (EBIT)

Adjusted 1 return on sales (EBIT)

16.3 %

17.1 %

17.4 %

18.2 %

pp = percentage points
1  Adjusted for one-time charges/gains and restructuring expenses.

– 0.3 %

6.8 %

6.2 %

1.1 pp

1.1 pp

2013

8,117

2014

8,127

2015

8,992

2016

8,961

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

Key financials Beauty Care 

6  

Sales Beauty Care 
in million euros

7  

in million euros

Sales

Operating profit (EBIT)

Adjusted 1 operating profit (EBIT)

3,833

3,838

561

610

526

647

2015

2016

+/–

Return on sales (EBIT)

Adjusted 1 return on sales (EBIT)

14.6 %

15.9 %

13.7 %

16.9 %

pp = percentage points
1  Adjusted for one-time charges/gains and restructuring expenses.

0.1 %

– 6.2 %

6.1 %

– 0.9 pp

1.0 pp

2012

3,542

2013

3,510

2014

3,547

2015

3,833

2016

3,838

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

Key financials Laundry & Home Care 

8

Sales Laundry & Home Care 
in million euros

9

2015

2016

+/–

2012

4,556

in million euros

Sales

Operating profit (EBIT)

Adjusted 1 operating profit (EBIT)

5,137

786

879

5,795

803

1,000 

Return on sales (EBIT)

Adjusted 1 return on sales (EBIT)

15.3 %

17.1 %

13.9 %

17.3 %

pp = percentage points
1  Adjusted for one-time charges/gains and restructuring expenses.

12.8 %

2.2 %

13.7 %

– 1.4 pp

0.2 pp

2013

4,580

2014

4,626

2015

5,137

2016

5,795

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

 
 
 
Highlights 2016

Sales

EBIT

EPS

Dividend

+ 3.1 %

16.9 %

5.36 euros

1.62 euros

organic 
sales growth

adjusted 1 return on sales (EBIT): 
up 0.7 percentage points

adjusted 1 earnings per preferred 
share (EPS): up 9.8 percent

dividend per  
preferred share 2

Key financials

in million euros

Sales

Operating profit (EBIT)

Adjusted 1 operating profit (EBIT)

Return on sales (EBIT) in %

Adjusted 1 return on sales (EBIT) in %

Net income

Attributable to non-controlling interests

Attributable to shareholders of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Earnings per preferred share in euros

Adjusted 1 earnings per preferred share in euros

Adjusted 1 earnings per preferred share in euros 
(2012 before IAS 19 revised)

Return on capital employed (ROCE) in %

Dividend per ordinary share in euros

Dividend per preferred share in euros

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

16,510

16,355

16,428

18,089

18,714

2,199

2,335

2,285

2,516

2,244

2,588

2,645

2,923

2,775

3,172

13.3

14.1

14.0

15.4

13.7

15.8

14.6

16.2

14.8

16.9

1,526

46

1,480

1,625

36

1,589

1,662

34

1,628

1,968

47

1,921

2,093

40

2,053

3.42

3.63

3.70

18.7

0.93

0.95

3.67

4.07

4.07

20.5

1.20

1.22

3.76

4.38

4.38

19.0

1.29 

1.31

4.44

4.88

4.88

18.2

1.45 

1.47 

4.74

5.36

5.36

17.5

1.60 2 

1.62 2

1

+/–
2015 – 2016

3.5 %

4.9 %

8.5 %

0.2 pp

0.7 pp

6.4 %

– 14.9 %

6.9 %

6.8 %

9.8 %

9.8 %

– 0.7 pp

10.3 %

10.2 %

pp = percentage points
1 Adjusted for one-time charges/gains and restructuring expenses. 
2  Proposal to shareholders for the Annual General Meeting on April 6, 2017.

Sales by business unit

2

Sales by region

3

Beauty Care 

20 %

Corporate 

1 %

 Japan / Australia /  
New Zealand 

3 %

North America 

22 %

Corporate 

1 %

2016

2016

Laundry &  
Home Care 

31 %

 Adhesive  
Technologies 

48 %

Western Europe 

32 %

Emerging  
markets 1 

42 %

Corporate = sales and services not assignable  
to the individual business units.

1  Eastern Europe, Africa / Middle East, Latin America,  
Asia (excluding Japan).

Ou r p urpos e 

Creating  
sustainable 
value

Ou r v isio n 

Our values

Leading with our innovations, 
brands and  technologies.

We put our customers and 
 consumers at the center of  
what we do.

Ou r m iss ion 

Serving our customers and 
 consumers worldwide as the 
most trusted partner with 
 leading positions in all relevant 
markets and categories – as  a 
passionate team united by 
shared values.

We value, challenge and reward 
our people.

We drive excellent sustainable 
financial performance.

We are committed to leadership 
in sustainability.

We shape our future with a 
 strong entrepreneurial spirit 
based on our family business 
tradition.

2

Henkel Annual Report  2016

“ Our ambition is to generate more profitable growth 
and to become more customer-focused, innovative, 
agile and digital.”

Ha ns Van By le n

C hai rm an  of th e   
Man agem ent  Board

Henkel Annual Report 2016

3

2016 was a very special year for Henkel. We celebrated our 140th birthday, agreed and closed the 
second-largest acquisition in our company’s history, achieved new record levels of sales and 
earnings, met our financial targets for the year – and at the end of 2016, we announced our 
ambitions and strategic priorities for 2020 and beyond. 

We are committed to continue our successful development and create sustainable value based 
on a strong foundation: We hold top positions with our different businesses  in key markets, 
 categories and industry segments around the world and a well-diversified portfolio with strong 
brands and leading technologies. We have an excellent track record of financial performance 
and a strong reputation in the financial markets. As a recognized leader in sustainability, we 
drive progress along the entire value chain – from our suppliers to our customers and consumers. 
All of this is only possible thanks to a highly engaged and  passionate global team, united by a 
common purpose and strong values.

Strong performance in 2016

In fiscal 2016, we achieved new record levels for sales and earnings and met our financial 
 targets for the year in a challenging and volatile market environment. Our shares again out-
performed the DAX.

Henkel Group sales grew to 18,714 million euros compared to 18,089 million euros in the previous 
year. Organic sales growth was 3.1 percent. Adjusted ¹ earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) 
grew by 8.5 percent to 3,172 million euros compared to 2,923 million euros. Adjusted  return on 
sales improved to 16.9 percent compared to 16.2 percent. Adjusted earnings per  preferred share  
grew to 5.36 euros, an increase of 9.8 percent compared to 4.88 euros in the previous year. 

All three business units again delivered solid organic growth and further improved their results 
in 2016. Emerging markets generated total sales of 7,814 million euros and strong organic 
growth of 6.8 percent. We also achieved positive organic sales growth in our mature markets. 

At our Annual General Meeting on April 6, 2017, we will propose to our shareholders a dividend 
payment of 1.62 euros per preferred share. This represents an increase of 10.2 percent compared 
to the 1.47 euros paid out in 2016. 

+ 3.1 %

organic sales growth.

16.9 %

adjusted 1 return  
on sales.

+ 9.8 %

adjusted 1 earnings  
per preferred share.

In summary, 2016 was a very important and successful year for Henkel: We delivered a strong 
business performance, strengthened our company and laid the foundation to continue our 
 successful development in the future. 

2016 was also a special year for me, personally. In January, the Shareholders’ Committee decided 
to name me as new Chairman of the Management Board of Henkel. After more than 30 years with 
the company and more than 10 years on the Management Board, I was honored by the trust 
expressed through this appointment. On May 1, 2016, I took on my new role, committed to continue 
the successful development of our company in the future together with our strong global team. 

At this point, I would also like to thank Kasper Rorsted, Chairman of the Management Board 
of Henkel from 2008 until 2016, for his significant contribution to Henkel’s successful evolution 
during this period. Under his leadership, our company has become more competitive, more 
efficient and more successful. 

1  Adjusted for one-time 
charges/gains and 
 restructuring expenses.

4

Henkel Annual Report  2016

Strategy cycle 2013 – 2016

The fiscal year 2016 also marks the end of our strategy cycle 2013 – 2016. For this period, Henkel 
had defined ambitious financial targets of 20 billion euros in total sales, 10 billion euros of 
which in emerging markets, and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10 percent in 
adjusted earnings per preferred share. 

Henkel delivered a strong business performance over the past four years. We delivered good 
organic sales growth in key markets, gaining market share thanks to our strong brands and 
innovations. However, we faced substantial negative currency impacts over the four-year 
period, mostly in emerging markets. The translation to our reporting currency, the euro, had a 
net negative effect in excess of 1 billion euros on our global sales and of around 1.5 billion euros 
on our emerging markets sales ambition. 

As we continuously improved efficiency, we were able to deliver 9.7 percent adjusted earnings 
per preferred share CAGR over the period 2013 – 2016 despite significant negative currency 
impacts on our earnings. This is a very strong performance which differentiates Henkel from its 
key competitors in both the consumer and the industrial businesses.

Strengthening Henkel

In June 2016, we announced the acquisition of The Sun Products Corporation, based in Wilton, 
Connecticut, USA, for a total value of around 3.2 billion euros. This is the second-largest acqui-
sition in our company’s history. On September 1, we closed the transaction and started the 
 integration process, which is now well underway. The acquisition of The Sun Products Corpora-
tion marks a step change for our Laundry & Home Care business, adds highly attractive and 
established brands to our portfolio and propels Henkel to a strong number 2 position in the 
United States, the world’s largest laundry and home care market, as well as in Canada.

Shaping our successful future: Henkel 2020+

We are proud of our unique company culture, expressed by our purpose, vision, mission and 
values, which create a clear framework for how we do business, run our company and act 
responsibly in everything we do. 

We want to create sustainable value – for all our stakeholders. This purpose unites our employees 
and is complemented by a set of strong values: customers and consumers, people, financial 
 performance, sustainability, and family business.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

5

Through to 2020 and beyond, our ambition for Henkel is to generate more profitable growth 
and to become more customer-focused, innovative, agile and digital. In addition, we will pro-
mote sustainability in our  business activities along the entire value chain, reinforcing our 
long-standing commitment to  leadership in sustainability.

Over the next four years, we aim to generate average organic sales growth of between 2 and 
4 percent. For adjusted earnings per preferred share, our target is a compound annual growth 
rate (CAGR) of 7 to 9 percent. This ambition for EPS growth includes the impact of currency 
developments but excludes major acquisitions and share buy-backs. In addition, we will strive to 
improve our adjusted EBIT margin. We are also aiming for further expansion of our free cash flow. 

In order to achieve our ambitions, we have defined four clear strategic priorities: drive growth, 
accelerate digitalization, increase agility and fund growth. Together with our values, these 
 priorities define our focus areas through to 2020. 

We thank you for your continued trust and support

On behalf of the Management Board, I would like to thank all our employees around the world 
for their passion and relentless focus on driving business success, engaging with our customers 
and consumers, developing innovative solutions and strengthening our brands. Their commit-
ment makes the difference for our success.

We are grateful to our supervisory bodies for their valuable advice and would also like to thank 
you, our shareholders, for your continued trust and support. And finally, we would like to thank 
our customers and consumers around the world for their confidence in our company, our 
strong brands and leading technologies. 

We are fully committed to creating sustainable value for you. 

Düsseldorf, January 30, 2017

Sincerely,

Hans Van Bylen

Chairman of the Management Board

6

Report of the Supervisory Board

Henkel Annual Report  2016

“ Given our successful business performance and 
clear strategic priorities, we believe that Henkel 
is well equipped to face the future.”

D r. Simone  Ba gel-Trah

Chairwoman of  
the Shareholders’ Committee 
and the Supervisory Board

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Report of the Supervisory Board

7

The economic and political environment in which 
Henkel operates again proved to be challenging 
in 2016, with widespread uncertainty prevailing. 
Global economic growth was no more than moderate 
overall, and some emerging markets lost momentum. 
Fluctuations on the currency markets were again 
severe. In spite of these general conditions, we are 
very satisfied with developments in fiscal 2016. 
Henkel’s business performance was again strong, 
with both sales and profits reaching new all-time 
highs. All of our business units contributed to this 
success with organic sales growth and a marked 
improvement in earning power. 

In the 140th year since it was founded, Henkel is 
extremely well placed with its diversified portfolio, 
leading positions in its markets and categories, and 
its strong brands and innovative technologies.

On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to 
thank all of our employees at Henkel for their dedicated 
commitment and help in securing the continuing 
successful development of our company. My thanks 
are equally due to the members of the Management 
Board who have steered the company successfully 
through these challenging times. I am also grateful to 
our employees’ representatives and works councils 
for their unwavering constructive support in growing 
the company. 

Last but not least, I extend my special thanks to you, 
our shareholders, for your continued confidence in 
our company, its management and employees, and 
our brands and technologies over this past fiscal year.

Ongoing dialog with the Management Board 

In fiscal year 2016, the Supervisory Board continued 
to discharge its duties diligently in accordance with 
the legal statutes, Articles of Association and rules of 
procedure governing our actions. In particular, we 
consistently monitored the work of the Management 
Board, advising and supporting it in its stewardship, 
in the strategic development of the corporation, and 
in decisions relating to matters of major importance.

In 2016, the Management Board and Supervisory Board 
continued to cooperate through extensive dialog 
founded on mutual trust and confidence. The Man-
age ment Board kept us regularly and extensively 
informed of all major issues affecting the corporation’s 
business and our Group companies with prompt 
written and oral reports. Specifically, the Management 
Board reported on the business situation, operational 
development, business policy, profitability issues, 
our short-term and long-term corporate, financial 
and personnel plans, as well as capital expenditures 
and organizational measures. Quarterly reports 
focused on the sales and profits of Henkel Group as 
a whole, with further analysis by business unit and 
region. The members of the Supervisory Board 
 consistently had sufficient opportunity to critically 
review and address the issues raised by each of these 
reports and to provide their individual guidance in 
both the Audit Committee and in plenary Supervisory 
Board meetings. 

Outside of Supervisory Board meetings, the Chairman 
of the Audit Committee and I, as Chairwoman of the 
Supervisory Board, remained in regular contact with 
individual members of the Management Board or  
with the Management Board as a whole. This procedure 
ensured that we were constantly aware of current 
business developments and significant events. The 
other members were informed of major issues no 
later than by the next Supervisory Board or committee 
meeting.

8

Report of the Supervisory Board

Henkel Annual Report  2016

The Supervisory Board and the Audit Committee 
each held four regular meetings in the reporting year. 
One extraordinary meeting of the Supervisory Board 
was also convened. Attendance at the Supervisory 
Board and committee meetings was around 95 per-
cent and around 83 percent respectively. 

There were no indications of conflicts of interest 
involving Management Board or Supervisory Board 
members that required immediate disclosure to  
the Supervisory Board and reporting to the Annual 
General Meeting.

Major issues discussed at Supervisory Board 
meetings 

In each of our meetings, we discussed the reports 
submitted by the Management Board, conferring 
with it on the development of the corporation and on 
strategic issues. We also discussed the overall eco-
nomic situation and Henkel’s business performance. 

In our meeting on February 23, 2016, we focused on 
approving the annual and consolidated financial 
statements for 2015, including the risk report and 
corporate governance report. We also discussed the 
findings from the Supervisory Board efficiency audit, 
and approved both the 2016 Declaration of Compli-
ance and our proposals for resolution by the 2016 
Annual General Meeting. A detailed report of this 
was included in our last Annual Report. At the same 
meeting, we discussed the performance of our busi-
ness units, the initiatives of our Finance division, 
and personnel management in Western Europe.

Key items on the agenda for our meeting on April 11, 
2016 included the constitution of the Supervisory 
Board and general business performance in the first 
few months of the year, together with the status of 
our ONE!Global Supply Chain project and the initia-
tives and actions that were put in place in the indi-
vidual regions to strengthen our global team, such as 
improved recruitment concepts, flexible work time 
models, job rotations and training programs. We also 
addressed the integration of our newly acquired 
companies. 

Our meeting on September 23, 2016 included a 
detailed discussion of the acquisition and integra-
tion of The Sun Products Corporation, a laundry and 
home care company based in Wilton, Connecticut, 
USA, and of business performance and market trends 
in North America. We also addressed issues relating 
to Henkel’s future strategic direction.

In an extraordinary meeting on November 16, 2016, 
we concentrated specifically on our new strategic 
priorities that will shape the company up to 2020 
and beyond, on the implementation of these priori-
ties in the individual business units and on our 
financial ambition for the period between 2017 and 
2020.

Our meeting on December 9, 2016 focused on the 
expected results for 2016 and our assets and financial 
planning for fiscal 2017. We also discussed in detail 
the associated budgets of our business units based 
on comprehensive documentation. The challenges 
that our people face as a result of increasing digitali-
zation formed a further topic for discussion. 

Supervisory Board committees 

In order to enable us to efficiently comply with the 
duties incumbent upon us according to legal statute 
and our Articles of Association, we have established 
an Audit Committee and a Nominations Committee. 
The Audit Committee was chaired in the year under 
review by Prof. Dr. Theo Siegert, who complies with 
the statutory requirements of impartiality and exper-
tise in the fields of accounting or auditing and brings 
experience in the application of accounting principles 
and internal control procedures. For more details on 
the responsibilities and composition of these com-
mittees, please refer to the corporate governance 
report on pages 29 to 38 and the membership lists 
on page 185 of this Annual Report. 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Report of the Supervisory Board

9

Committee activities

Following the appointment of the external auditor by 
the 2016 Annual General Meeting, it was mandated 
by the Audit Committee to audit the annual financial 
statements and the consolidated financial state-
ments, and to review the interim financial reports 
for 2016. The audit fee and focus areas of the audit 
were also established. The Audit Committee again 
obtained the necessary validation of auditor inde-
pendence for the performance of these tasks. The 
auditor has informed the Audit Committee that 
there are no circumstances that might give rise to  
a  conflict of interest in the execution of its duties.

The Audit Committee met four times in the year 
under review. The Chairman of the Audit Committee 
also remained in regular contact with the auditor 
outside of the meetings. The meetings and resolu-
tions were prepared through the provision of reports 
and other information by the Management Board. 
The Chair of the Committee reported promptly and 
in full to the plenary Supervisory Board on the con-
tent and results of each of the Committee meetings.

The company and Group accounts, including the 
interim (quarterly and half-year) financial reports 
were discussed at all Audit Committee meetings, 
with all matters arising being duly examined with 
the Management Board. The three meetings at which 
we discussed and approved the interim financial 
reports were attended by the auditor. The latter 
reported on the results of the reviews and on the 
main issues and occurrences relevant to the work 
of the Audit Committee. There were no objections 
raised in response to these reports.

The Audit Committee also focused in greater detail 
on the accounting process and the efficacy and fur-
ther development of the Group-wide Internal Control 
and Risk Management systems. The efficiency of the 
risk management system was reviewed, based on 

the risk reports of previous years. In addition, the 
Audit Committee received the report of the General 
Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer regarding major 
litigations and compliance within the Group, as well 
as the status report of the Head of Internal Audit, and 
approved the audit plan prepared and submitted by 
Internal Audit. This extends to examining the func-
tional efficiency and efficacy of the Internal Control 
System and our compliance organization. Another 
key item on the agenda was implementation of the 
EU Audit Reform: We revised the catalog of permissi-
ble non-audit-related services that an auditor may 
provide, and defined relevant approval processes, 
including monetary caps. The Audit Committee like-
wise discussed treasury risks and their management. 

At its meeting on February 20, 2017, attended by the 
auditor, the Audit Committee discussed the annual 
and consolidated financial statements for fiscal 
2016, including the audit reports, the associated pro-
posal for appropriation of profit, and the risk report, 
and prepared the corresponding resolutions for the 
Supervisory Board. It also recommended that the 
Supervisory Board should propose to the Annual 
General Meeting the election of KPMG as auditor for 
fiscal year 2017. A declaration from the auditor 
asserting its independence was again duly received, 
accompanied by details pertaining to non-audit ser-
vices rendered in fiscal 2016 and those envisioned 
for fiscal 2017. There was no evidence of any bias or 
partiality on the part of the auditor. 

As in previous years, other members of the Supervi-
sory Board took part as guests in this specifically 
accounting-related meeting of the Audit Committee.

As already reported, the members of the Nomina-
tions Committee prepared the resolution for the 
Supervisory Board relating to its recommendations 
for the election of new shareholder representatives 
at the 2016 Annual General Meeting. 

10

Report of the Supervisory Board

Henkel Annual Report  2016

Corporate governance and declaration of 
compliance

The Supervisory Board again dealt with questions of 
corporate governance in the reporting year. Details of 
Henkel’s corporate governance can be found in the 
management report on corporate governance (pages 
29 to 38 of this Annual Report), with which we fully 
acquiesce. 

At our meeting on February 21, 2017, we discussed 
and approved the joint Declaration of Compliance 
for 2017 to be submitted by the Management Board, 
Shareholders’ Committee and Supervisory Board, as 
specified in the German Corporate Governance Code 
[DCGK]. The full wording of the current and previous 
declarations of compliance can be found on the com-
pany website.

Annual and consolidated financial  
statements / Audit

In its capacity as auditor appointed for 2016 by the 
Annual General Meeting, KPMG examined the annual 
financial statements prepared by the Management 
Board in accordance with the provisions of the Ger-
man Commercial Code [HGB], and the consolidated 
financial statements, together with the consolidated 
management report, which has been combined with 
the management report for Henkel AG & Co. KGaA for 
2016. The consolidated financial statements were 
prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS) as endorsed by the Euro-
pean Union (EU), and in accordance with the supple-
mentary German statutory provisions pursuant to 
Section 315a (1) of the HGB. The consolidated financial 
statements in their present form exempt us from the 
requirement to prepare consolidated financial state-
ments in accordance with German law.

KPMG conducted its audits in accordance with Sec-
tion 317 of the HGB and German generally accepted 
standards for the audit of financial statements pro-
mulgated by the Institute of Public Auditors in 
 Germany [Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer, IDW]. 
Unqualified audit opinions were issued for both the 
annual and the consolidated financial statements. 

The annual financial statements, consolidated finan-
cial statements and combined management report, 
the audit reports of KPMG and the recommendations 

by the Management Board for the appropriation of 
the profit made by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA were pre-
sented in good time to all members of the Super-
visory Board. We examined these documents and 
discussed them at our meeting on February 21, 2017. 
This was attended by the auditor, which reported on 
its main audit findings. We received and approved 
the audit reports. The Chair of the Audit Committee 
provided the plenary session of the Supervisory 
Board with a detailed account of the treatment of the 
annual financial statements and the consolidated 
financial statements by the Audit Committee. Having 
received the final results of the review conducted by 
the Audit Committee and concluded our own exam-
ination, we see no reason for objection to the afore-
mentioned documents. We have agreed to the results 
of the audit. The assessment by the Management 
Board of the position of the company and the Group 
coincides with our own appraisal. At our meeting 
on February 21, 2017, we concurred with the recom-
mendations of the Audit Committee and therefore 
approved the annual financial statements, the con-
solidated financial statements and the combined 
management report as prepared by the Management 
Board.

Additionally, we discussed and approved the proposal 
by the Management Board to pay out of the unappro-
priated profit of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA a dividend of 
1.60 euros per ordinary share and of 1.62 euros per 
preferred share, and to carry the remainder and the 
amount attributable to the treasury shares held by 
the company at the time of the Annual General 
Meeting forward to the following year. This proposal 
takes into account the financial and earnings posi-
tion of the corporation, its medium-term financial 
and investment planning, and the interests of our 
shareholders. 

In our meeting on February 21, 2017, we also ratified 
our proposal for resolution by the Annual General 
Meeting relating to the appointment of the external 
auditor for the next fiscal year, based on the recom-
mendations of the Audit Committee. Neither the 
 recommendation by the Audit Committee nor the 
Supervisory Board’s proposal to elect KPMG as auditor 
for 2017 were unduly influenced by any third party; nor 
were agreements reached that might have restricted 
the choice of possible auditors.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Report of the Supervisory Board

11

Risk management

Risk management issues were examined not only by 
the Audit Committee but also the plenary Supervisory 
Board, with emphasis on the risk management system 
in place at Henkel and any major individual risks of 
which we needed to be notified. There were no iden-
tifiable risks that might jeopardize the continued 
existence of the corporation as a going concern. 
The structure and function of the risk early warning 
system were also integral to the audit performed by 
KPMG, which found no cause for reservation. It is 
also our considered opinion that the risk management 
system corresponds to the statutory requirements 
and is fit for the purpose of early identification of 
developments that could endanger the continuation 
of the corporation as a going concern.

Changes in the Supervisory Board and 
 Management Board

A number of changes took place in the composition 
of the Supervisory Board and Management Board, 
some of which we already reported on last year. 

Béatrice Guillaume-Grabisch resigned from the 
Supervisory Board effective end of business on 
March 31, 2016. Boris Canessa and Ferdinand Groos 
left the Supervisory Board following the routine 
 election of new shareholder representatives by the 
2016 Annual General Meeting. Johann-Christoph 
Frey, Benedikt-Richard Freiherr von Herman and 
Timotheus Höttges were newly appointed to the 
Supervisory Board; all other shareholder represen-
tatives were re-elected. 

During its constituent meeting, I was elected to chair 
the Supervisory Board, and Winfried Zander was  
confirmed as Vice Chair. We also made new appoint-
ments to the Audit and Nominations Committees.

Effective January 1, 2017, Mayc Nienhaus, employee 
representative, left the Supervisory Board and was 
replaced by Angelika Keller.

Kasper Rorsted left the company on April 30, 2016, at 
his own request. Hans Van Bylen was appointed new 
Chairman of the Management Board with effect from 
May 1, 2016. 

Hans Van Bylen started his successful career at Henkel 
back in 1984 and has many years of experience man-
aging different businesses of Henkel at international 
level. Prior to his appointment as Chairman of the 
Management Board, he had held responsibility on 
the Management Board for our Beauty Care business 
unit since 2005.

Pascal Houdayer, who had previously held the position 
of Corporate Senior Vice President in the Laundry & 
Home Care business unit since 2011, was appointed 
to the Management Board effective March 1, 2016, 
and succeeded Hans Van Bylen as Executive Vice 
President with lead responsibility for the Beauty Care 
business unit as of May 1, 2016.

We thanked the departing members of the Super-
visory Board and Management Board – some of 
whom had been members for many years – for their 
successful dedication to the interests of the company. 
Our particular thanks go to Kasper Rorsted, who spent 
eight of his eleven years on the Management Board 
as Chairman, for driving Henkel’s successful business 
performance.

We are delighted to close fiscal 2016 on a successful 
note. At the same time, we expect 2017 and beyond to 
pose further challenges for both our employees and 
the company’s management. Given our successful 
business performance and clear strategic priorities, 
we believe that Henkel is well equipped to face the 
future. 

We thank you for your ongoing trust and support.

Düsseldorf, February 21, 2017

On behalf of the Supervisory Board

D r. Simone  Ba gel-Tra h

(Chairwoman)

12

Henkel 2020+

Henkel 2020+

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Clear priorities  
for the future

We shape our future guided by a clear, long-term strategy based on our 
purpose, our vision, our mission and our values.

Fund
 Growth

Increase
 Agility

Drive 
Growth

Accelerate 
Digitalization

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Henkel 2020+

13

Drive growth

Driving growth in mature and emerging markets will 
be a key strategic priority for Henkel. In order to 
achieve this, we will focus on targeted initiatives to 
create superior customer and consumer engagement, 
strengthen our leading brands and technologies, 
develop exciting innovations and services, and capture 
new sources of growth.

Accelerate digitalization

Accelerating digitalization will help us to  successfully 
grow our business, strengthen the relationships with 
our customers and consumers, optimize our processes 
and transform the entire company. By 2020, we will 
implement a range of initiatives to drive our digital 
business, leverage Industry 4.0, and eTransform the 
organization. 

Increase agility

In a highly volatile and dynamic business environ-
ment, increasing the agility of the organization will 
be a critical success factor for Henkel in the future. 
This will require energized and empowered teams, 
fastest time-to-market as well as smart and simplified 
processes.

Fund growth

In order to fund growth, we will implement new 
approaches to optimize resource allocation, focus on 
net revenue management, further increase efficiency 
in our structures, and continue to expand our Global 
Supply Chain organization. Together, these  initiatives 
will contribute to further improving profitability and 
enable us to fund our growth ambitions for 2020 and 
beyond. 

We want to create sustainable value – for our customers 
and consumers, for our people, for our shareholders 
as well as for the wider society and communities in 
which we operate. 

We have a clear ambition for our future: We want to 
generate sustainable profitable growth through to 
2020 and beyond. To achieve this, we want to become 
more customer-focused, more innovative, agile and 
digital. In addition, we aim to promote sustainability 
in all our business activities, reinforcing our leading 
positions in the future.

Over the next four years, we are aiming to achieve aver-
age organic sales growth of between 2 and 4 percent. 
For adjusted earnings per preferred share, we are 
 targeting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 
7 to 9 percent. This ambition for EPS growth includes 
the impact of currency developments but excludes 
major acquisitions as well as share buy-backs. In 
addition, we are aiming for continued improvements 
of our EBIT margin and free cash flow expansion.

In order to achieve our ambitions, we will be focusing 
on four strategic priorities over the coming years: 
drive growth, accelerate digitalization, increase agility 
and fund growth.

We are also pursuing ambitious sustainability targets. 
We want to reinforce our commitment to sustain-
ability and improve our resource efficiency. With 
this goal in mind, we have set challenging interim 
targets through to 2020: Compared to the base 
year 2010, we are aiming for an overall efficiency 
improvement of 75 percent by 2020. In addition, we 
want to train all employees worldwide to become 
sustainability ambassadors.

14

Management Board

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Henkel 2020+

Fully engaged

In a series of employee meetings around the world at the end of 2016, the Manage-
ment Board presented and discussed in detail the ambition and strategic direction 
of Henkel through to 2020 and beyond. This has laid the foundation for all our 
 people worldwide to fully engage with our strategic priorities. 

In Düsseldorf, Germany

In Vienna, Austria

In Santa Fe, Mexico City, Mexico

Hans Van Bylen

Carsten Knobel

Kathrin Menges

Chairman of the  
Management Board 

Born in Berchem, Belgium 
on April 26, 1961; 
with Henkel since 1984.

Executive Vice President  
Finance (CFO) / Purchasing / 
Integrated Business Solutions 

Born in Marburg / Lahn, Germany 
on January 11, 1969; 
with Henkel since 1995.

Executive Vice President  
Human Resources /  
Infra structure Services

Born in Pritzwalk, Germany 
on October 16, 1964; 
with Henkel since 1999.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Management Board

15

In Shanghai, China

In Moscow, Russia

In Milan, Italy

Jan-Dirk Auris

Pascal Houdayer

Bruno Piacenza

Executive Vice President  
Adhesive Technologies 

Born in Cologne, Germany 
on February 1, 1968; 
with Henkel since 1984.

Executive Vice President  
Beauty Care 

Born in Eaubonne, France 
on July 5, 1969; 
with Henkel since 2011.

Executive Vice President  
Laundry & Home Care 

Born in Paris, France 
on December 22, 1965; 
with Henkel since 1990.

17

Adhesive Technologies

Global 
leader

Modern adhesive technologies 
make a difference in virtually all 
areas of business activity and our 
everyday lives: from smartphones 
to food packaging, from cars 
to airplanes, from construction to 
 industrial plants. Around the world, 
we offer high-impact solutions 
and products as the leading sup-
plier of  adhesive technologies.

Together with our customers, our experts develop 
pioneering innovations and customized products 
that generate competitive advantages and create 
sustainable value.

For example, Henkel has been a partner in the avia-
tion and aerospace industry for more than 40 years, 
predominantly for its high- performance adhesives 
and system solutions for surface treatment applica-
tions.

Our compound and structural adhesives allow 
increased use of lightweight construction materials 
made of carbon and glass fibers in aircraft engi-
neering. They enable wings, tail components and 
fuselage segments to bear loads ten times greater 
than the capacity of equivalent conventional metal 
structures.

We have, for example, a long-standing partnership 
with Airbus built on our exceptional technological 
expertise and innovative strengths. The photo taken 
in the Airbus assembly hall in Hamburg shows Guido 
Adolph from Henkel (right) discussing the optimal 
application of our 2C adhesive, Loctite EA 9394, with 
Andre Aldag, who heads up the Manufacturing Engi-
neering team at Airbus.

   www.annualreport.henkel.com/stories/ 
adhesive-technologies

19

Beauty Care 

Passion 
for hair

Our mega-brand Schwarzkopf 
generates more than 2 billion 
 euros in sales per year and is the 
core of our Beauty Care business 
unit. For almost 120 years, 
Schwarzkopf has been setting 
trends, defining new looks and 
developing successful innova-
tions for millions of consumers 
around the world as well as for 
 professional hairdressers.

Schwarzkopf Professional, the Hair Salon business 
of our Beauty Care business unit, works with more 
than 500,000 clients globally. With our strong 
 “passion for hair,” we support our partners, the hair-
dressers, in successfully running and growing their 
salon business – with our innovative products but 
also with inspiration for new creations, technical 
training and business advice. The world of hair-
dressing is constantly evolving and successfully 
developing with new global techniques, trends and 
innovations.

The Berendowicz & Kublin salon in Warsaw, Poland, 
has been working with Schwarzkopf Professional 
since 2013. In our photo, salon owner Emil Zawisza 
(left) is discussing the new BC Fibre Force product 
range with Magdalena Wieczorek and Jaroslaw 
Szendera from Schwarzkopf Professional after 
applying it to his client’s hair. Schwarzkopf Profes-
sional’s Bonding Technology instantly recreates 
the function of missing bonds in the hair matrix, 
deeply reconstructing and sealing each individual 
hair strand for superior hair quality and resistance 
to breakage.

   www.annualreport.henkel.com/stories/
beauty-care

21

Laundry & Home Care

Attractive 
brands

Our Laundry & Home Care  business 
unit has been considerably 
strengthened by the acquisition 
of The Sun Products Corporation 
in 2016. As a result of this acquisi-
tion, Henkel is the second-largest 
laundry products supplier in 
North America – the world’s 
 biggest laundry care market.

North America is Henkel’s largest market. We 
 generate around 25 percent of our Group sales 
there. The acquisition of Sun Products marks an 
important step forward for Henkel in North Amer-
ica and is, moreover, of significant strategic impor-
tance for our Laundry & Home Care business unit. 

The strong and attractive brands of Sun Products 
such as All and Snuggle as well as laundry deter-
gent brands for leading retail chains complement 
and strengthen our attractive product portfolio in 
the world’s biggest laundry care market. By com-
bining our businesses, we will be able to better 
leverage our capacity for innovation and further 
improve the services we offer our customers and 
consumers. 

During the course of 2017, the consumer goods 
businesses of Henkel and Sun Products will 
be merged into a new  shared site in Stamford, 
 Connecticut, USA. 

At our research facility in Trumbull, Connecticut, 
USA, Jens-Martin Schwärzler (second from right), 
 President Henkel Consumer Goods in North America, 
discusses innovations in our joint portfolio with 
Bibie Wu, Marketing, and Charles Crawford, Ph. D. 
(left), Product Development. Right: Senior scientist 
Michael Crisanti.

   www.annualreport.henkel.com/stories/ 
laundry-and-home-care

23

Finance

Excellence 
in Finance

Excellent financial performance 
is essential to  securing our ongo-
ing success. It allows us to con-
tinue to effectively fund growth. 
We have ambitious targets for the 
future, and we want to further 
 improve all our key financials.

In September 2016, Henkel placed bonds with a total 
value of 2.2 billion euros on the capital market to 
fund the acquisition of The Sun Products Corporation. 
Henkel was the first DAX corporation in Germany to 
issue bonds with negative yields, which reflects 
the confidence that the market has in our financial 
strength, profitability and credit quality. Henkel has 
excellent “Single A” ratings, and we aim to maintain 
them going forward. 

Financial KPIs are essential tools in successfully 
steering our business. Our Treasury department 
analyzes and assesses relevant key ratios in real 
time in order to make the right decisions in a vola-
tile market environment. This requires both effi-
cient processes and agile structures. Standardizing 
and digitalizing the workflows of our global pur-
chasing and supply chain activities and throughout 
the entire Finance function will reduce complexity, 
accelerate processes and increase efficiency.

The photo shows Dr. Michael Reuter (standing), Head 
of Treasury, discussing the latest performance of 
key international financial market indicators with 
his team. From the left: Renate Ohmen,  Wenwen 
Liao and Derk Wetzold.

  www.annualreport.henkel.com/stories/finance

25

People

Proud 
team

Henkel employees around the 
world continuously demonstrate 
their great commitment and pas-
sion for the company. Our shared 
values, a strong entrepreneurial 
spirit and long-term strategic 
 orientation have been shaping 
the culture at Henkel for more 
than 140 years. We are very proud 
of this heritage.

To celebrate “Henkel Day” on September 26, 2016, a 
broad range of events were organized for our people 
at Henkel sites around the world – exactly 140 years 
to the day after Henkel was founded in 1876. Photo 
and video initiatives on Yammer, our internal 
social network, team activities and fund-raising 
events for social projects – these are just some of 
the numerous ways in which our employees 
demonstrated their pride in our company’s unique 
history and the passion they put into bringing our 
values to life. In Shanghai, China, where our Asia- 
Pacific region is headquartered, Jeremy Hunter, 
President  Henkel China, Louise Cheung (left), 
Head of Corporate Communications Asia-Pacific, 
and Cynthia Yang, Head of Shared Service Center 
Shanghai, take a 140 years celebration photo.

We also prepared a digital record of our company’s 
history to mark its anniversary. It features our most 
important brands, technologies and innovations, 
together with the people who have steered the 
company through the decades. 

  www.timeline.henkel.com

  www.annualreport.henkel.com/stories/people

27

Sustainability

New  
ways

For us, acting sustainably is more 
than just a duty; it is a passion. 
We want to make processes 
along our entire value chain more 
sustainable – together with our 
suppliers, in our supply chain, and 
with our customers and consum-
ers. To do this, we are constantly 
seeking new ways to further 
 increase our performance in all 
dimensions.

In 2016, we started partnering with TerraCycle in 
North America. The company provides recycling 
solutions for materials for which there are currently 
no collection systems or which are typically non- 
recyclable – due to product residue in packaging, 
for example. Customers of our Adhesive Technologies 
business unit can now recycle their used adhesives 
packaging. Empty Loctite specialty adhesive bottles 
are collected in dedicated recycling boxes and sent 
to TerraCycle. Any residual adhesive is then removed 
using a special process developed jointly with Henkel. 
The cleaned bottles are melted down and processed 
into pellets that are used to manufacture new 
 products such as garbage cans, watering cans or 
yard furniture. Plans are underway to introduce 
this recycling method in Europe. 

The photo taken at TerraCycle headquarters in 
Trenton, New Jersey, USA, shows TerraCycle’s 
Rhandi Goodman demonstrating how to handle 
the recyc ling boxes to her project partners from 
Henkel, Simon Mawson (left) and Chris Stanford.

   www.annualreport.henkel.com/stories/ 
sustainability

28

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

  69  Net assets and financial position
  69  Acquisitions and divestments
  70  Capital expenditures
  71  Net assets
  72  Financial position
  72   Financing und capital management
  73  Key financial ratios

  74  Employees
  77  Procurement
  79  Production
  81  Research and development
  86  Marketing and distribution
  88  Business units

  88   Adhesive Technologies 
  92  Beauty Care
  96  Laundry & Home Care

100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 

(condensed version according to the 
German Commercial Code [HGB])

 104  Risks and opportunities report
 104   Risks and opportunities
 104   Risk management system
 106   Presentation of major risk categories
 110   Major opportunity categories
 111   Risks and opportunities in summary

 112  Forecast
 112   Macroeconomic development
 112   Sector development
 113   Outlook for the Henkel Group 2017

  29  Corporate governance
  29    Corporate governance  report / 

Statement on corporate governance

  38   Statutory and regulatory situation
  39  Remuneration report

  52  Shares and bonds
  54  Henkel represented in all major indices
  54  International shareholder structure
  55  Employee share program
  55  Henkel bonds
  56  Pro-active capital market communication

  57  Fundamental principles of the Group
  57  Operational activities

  57  Overview
  57   Organization and business units
  58  Strategy and financial targets 2016
  59   Henkel 2020+ – our ambition and  

strategic priorities
  59  Our ambition
  60   Strategic priorities in summary

  60  Sustainability strategy
  62   Management system and performance indicators
  62  Cost of capital

  63  Economic report
  63   Macroeconomic and industry-related  conditions
  64  Review of overall business performance
  64  Results of operations
  64  Sales and profits
  67   Comparison between actual business  

performance and guidance

  68  Expense items
  68   Other operating income and expenses
  68  Financial result
  68   Net income and  

earnings per share (EPS)

  69  Dividends
  69  Return on capital employed (ROCE)
  69  Economic Value Added (EVA®)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

29

t
r
o
p
e
r

t
n
e
m
e
g
a
n
a
m
d
e
n

i

b
m
o
C

Corporate governance  
at  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

The Management Board, the Shareholders’ Commit-
tee and the Supervisory Board are committed to 
ensuring that the management and stewardship of 
the corporation are conducted in a responsible and 
transparent manner aligned to achieving a long-term 
increase in shareholder value. With this in mind, 
they have pledged themselves to the following three 
principles: 
•  Value creation as the foundation of our 

 management approach

•   Sustainability achieved through the application 
of socially responsible management principles
•   Transparency supported by an active and open 

information policy 

Corporate governance report /  
Statement on corporate governance

The German Corporate Governance Code [DCGK] was 
introduced in order to promote confidence in the man-
agement and oversight of listed German corporations. 
It sets out the nationally and internationally recognized 
regulations and standards of responsible corporate gov-
ernance applicable in Germany. The DCGK is aligned to 
the statutory provisions applicable to a German joint 
stock corporation (“Aktien gesellschaft” [AG]). It is 
applied analogously by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (the cor-
poration). For a better understanding of Henkel’s situa-
tion, this report describes the principles underlying the 
management and control structure of the corporation. It 
also outlines the special features distinguishing us from 
an AG which derive from our specific legal form and our 
Articles of Association. The primary rights of sharehold-
ers of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA are likewise explained. The 
report takes into account the recommendations of the 
DCGK and contains all disclosures and explanations 
required according to Sections 289 (4), 289a and 315 (4) 
and (5) of the German Commercial Code [HGB]. 

Legal form / Special statutory features of 
 Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
Henkel is a “Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien” 
[KGaA]. A KGaA is a company with a legal identity 
(legal entity) in which at least one partner has 
unlimited liability with respect to the company’s 
creditors (personally liable partner). The other part-
ners’ liability is limited to their shares in the capital 
stock and they are thus not liable for the company’s 
debts  (limited partners per Section 278 (1) German 
Stock Corporation Act [AktG]).

In terms of its legal structure, a KGaA is a mixture of 
a joint stock corporation [AG] and a limited partner-
ship [KG], with a leaning toward stock corporation 
law. The differences with respect to an AG are pri-
marily as follows: The duties of the executive board 
of an AG are performed at Henkel AG & Co. KGaA by 
Henkel Management AG – acting through its Man-
agement Board – as the sole Personally Liable Partner 
(Sections 278 (2) and 283 AktG in conjunction with 
Art. 11 of our Articles of Association). 

The rights and duties of the supervisory board of a 
KGaA are more limited compared to those of the 
supervisory board of an AG. Specifically, the supervi-
sory board is not authorized to appoint personally 
liable partners, preside over the partners’ contractual 
arrangements, impose procedural rules on the man-
agement board, or rule on business transactions. 
A KGaA is not required to appoint a director of labor 
affairs, even if, like Henkel, the company is bound to 
abide by Germany’s Codetermination Act of 1976.

The general meeting of a KGaA essentially has the 
same rights as the shareholders’ meeting of an AG. 
For example, it votes on the appropriation of earn-
ings, elects members of the supervisory board 
(shareholder representatives), and formally approves 
the supervisory board’s actions. It appoints the audi-
tor and also votes on amendments to the articles of 
association and measures that change the company’s 
capital, which are implemented by the management 
board. Additionally, as stipulated by the legal form, 
it also votes on the adoption of the annual financial 
statements of the company, formally approves the 
actions of the personally liable partner(s), and elects 
and approves the actions of the members of the share-
holders’ committee as established under the articles of 
association. Resolutions passed in general meeting 
require the approval of the personally liable partner(s) 
where they involve matters which, in the case of a 
partnership, require the authorization of the person-
ally liable partners and also that of the limited part-
ners (Section 285 (2) AktG) or relate to the adoption of 
annual financial statements (Section 286 (1) AktG).

According to our Articles of Association, in addition 
to the Supervisory Board, Henkel also has a standing 
Shareholders’ Committee comprising a minimum of 
five and a maximum of 10 members, all of whom are 
elected by the Annual General Meeting (Art. 27 of the 
Articles of Association). The Shareholders’ Committee 
is required in particular to perform the following 
functions (Section 278 (2) AktG in conjunction with 
Sections 114 and 161 HGB, and Articles 8, 9 and 26 of 
the Articles of Association):  

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast 
 
30

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

•    It acts in place of the Annual General Meeting in 
guiding the business activities of the corporation.
•   It decides on the appointment and dismissal of the 

Personally Liable Partner(s).

•   It holds both the power of representation and 
executive powers over the legal relationships 
 prevailing between the corporation and Henkel 
 Management AG, the Personally Liable Partner.
•   It exercises the voting rights of the corporation in 
the Annual General Meeting of Henkel Manage-
ment AG, thereby choosing its three-member 
Supervisory Board which, in turn, appoints and 
dismisses the members of the Management Board. 

•   It issues rules of procedure incumbent upon 

 Henkel Management AG.

Capital stock denominations / Shareholder rights /
Amendments to the Articles of Association
The capital stock of the corporation amounts to 
437,958,750 euros. It is divided into a total of 
437,958,750 bearer shares of no par value, of which 
259,795,875 are ordinary bearer shares (nominal pro-
portion of capital stock: 1 euro per ordinary share or 
a total of 259,795,875 euros, representing 59.3 percent) 
and 178,162,875 are preferred bearer shares (nominal 
proportion of capital stock: 1 euro per preferred 
share or a total of 178,162,875 euros, representing 
40.7 percent). All shares are fully paid in. Multiple 
share certificates for shares may be issued. In accor-
dance with Art. 6 (4) of the Articles of Association, 
there is no right to individual share certificates. 

Each ordinary share grants to its holder one vote 
(Art. 21 (1) of the Articles of Association). The pre-
ferred shares grant to their holders all shareholder 
rights apart from the right to vote (Section 140 (1) AktG). 
The preferred shares carry the following preferen-
tial right in the distribution of profit (Section 139 (1) 
AktG in conjunction with Art. 35 (2) of the Articles 
of Association) unless otherwise resolved by the 
Annual General Meeting: 
•   The holders of preferred shares receive a preferred 
dividend in the amount of 0.04 euros per preferred 
share. If the profit to be distributed in a fiscal year 
is insufficient for payment of a preferred dividend 
of 0.04 euros per preferred share, the arrears are 
paid without interest from the profit of the follow-
ing years, with older arrears to be paid in full 
before more recent arrears and the preferred divi-
dend from the profit of a particular fiscal year paid 
only after the clearance of all arrears. The holders 
of ordinary shares then receive a preliminary divi-
dend from the remaining unappropriated profit of 
0.02 euros per ordinary share, with the residual 
amount being distributed to the holders of ordi-
nary and preferred shares in accordance with the 

proportion of the capital stock attributable to 
them. 

•   If the preferred dividend is not paid out either in 
part or in whole in a year, and the arrears are not 
paid off in the following year together with the full 
preferred share dividend for that second year, the 
holders of preferred shares are accorded voting 
rights until such arrears are paid (Section 140 (2) 
AktG). Cancellation or limitation of this preferred 
dividend requires the consent of the holders of 
preferred shares (Section 141 (1) AktG). 

The shareholders exercise their rights in the Annual 
General Meeting as per the relevant statutory provi-
sions and the Articles of Association of Henkel AG & 
Co. KGaA. In particular, they may exercise their right 
to vote (ordinary shares only) – either personally, by 
postal vote, through a legal representative or through 
a proxyholder nominated by the corporation (Section 
134 (3) and (4) AktG in conjunction with Art. 21 (2 and 
3) of the Articles of Association) – and are also enti-
tled to submit motions on the resolution proposals 
of management, speak on agenda items, and raise 
pertinent questions and motions (Sections 126 (1) 
and 131 AktG in conjunction with Art. 23 (2) of the 
Articles of Association). The ordinary Annual Gen-
eral Meeting usually takes place within the first four 
months of the fiscal year.

Shareholders whose shares jointly represent at least 
one twentieth of the capital stock – corresponding to 
21,897,938 ordinary or preferred shares or a combina-
tion of both – may request that a general meeting of 
shareholders be called. If their proportionate amount  
of the capital stock jointly amounts to 500,000 euros – 
corresponding to 500,000 ordinary or preferred shares 
or a combination of both – they may request that  
items be placed on the agenda and published (Section 
122 (1 and 2) AktG). In addition, shareholders whose 
 combined share of the capital stock amounts to 
100,000 euros or more may,  subject to certain condi-
tions, request that a special auditor be appointed by the 
court to examine certain matters (Section 142 (2) AktG).

Through the use of electronic communications, par-
ticularly the internet, the corporation makes it easy 
for shareholders to participate in the Annual General 
Meeting. It also enables them to be represented by 
proxyholders nominated by the corporation for exer-
cising their voting rights. The reports, documents 
and information required by law for the Annual Gen-
eral Meeting, including the financial statements and 
annual reports, are made available on the internet, as 
are the agenda for the Annual General Meeting and 
any countermotions or nominations for election by 
shareholders that require publication.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

31

Unless otherwise mandated by statute or the Articles 
of Association, the resolutions of the Annual General 
Meeting are adopted by simple majority of the votes 
cast. If a majority of capital is required by statute, 
 resolutions are adopted by simple majority of the 
voting capital represented (Art. 24 of the Articles of 
Association). This also applies to changes in the Arti-
cles of Association. However, modifications to the 
object of the corporation require a three-quarters’ 
majority (Section 179 (2) AktG). The Supervisory 
Board and Shareholders’ Committee have the author-
ity to resolve purely formal modifications of and 
amendments to the Articles of Association (Art. 34 
of the Articles of Association). By resolution of the 
Annual General Meeting, the Supervisory Board is 
also authorized to amend Articles 5 and 6 of the Arti-
cles of Association with respect to each use of the 
Authorized Capital and upon expiration of the term 
of the authorization.

Authorized Capital / Share buy-back /   
Treasury shares
According to Art. 6 (5) of the Articles of Association, 
there is an Authorized Capital. The Personally Lia-
ble Partner is authorized, with the approval of the 
Shareholders’ Committee and of the Supervisory 
Board, to increase the  capital stock of the corpora-
tion until April 12, 2020, by up to a nominal total 
of 43,795,875 euros through the issue of up to 
43,795,875 new preferred shares with no voting 
rights against cash and/or payment in kind. The 
authorization can be used in full or also in one or 
several partial amounts. The proportion of capital 
stock represented by shares issued against payment 
in kind on the basis of this authorization must not 
exceed a total of 10 percent of the capital stock 
existing at the time the authorization takes effect. 

The Personally Liable Partner is authorized, with 
the approval of the Shareholders’ Committee and of 
the Supervisory Board, to set aside the pre-emptive 
rights of shareholders in the case of a capital 
increase against payment in kind, particularly for 
the purpose of business combinations or the (direct 
or indirect) acquisition of entities, operations, 
parts of businesses, equity interests or other assets, 
including claims against the corporation or compa-
nies dependent upon it within the meaning of 
 Section 17 AktG.

tors/holders of bonds with warrants or conversion 
rights or a conversion obligation issued by the cor-
poration or one of the companies dependent upon it, 
pre-emptive rights corresponding to those that 
would accrue to such creditors/bondholders follow-
ing exercise of their warrant or conversion rights or 
on fulfillment of their conversion obligations; or (3) 
if the issue price of the new shares is not signifi-
cantly below the quoted market price at the time of 
issue price fixing.

In addition, the Personally Liable Partner is authorized 
to purchase ordinary and/or preferred shares of the 
corporation at any time until April 12, 2020, up to a 
maximum nominal proportion of the capital stock of 
10 percent. This authorization can be exercised for any 
legal purpose. To the exclusion of the pre-emptive 
rights of existing shareholders, treasury shares may, in 
particular, be transferred to third  parties for the pur-
pose of acquiring entities or participating interests of 
entities. Treasury shares may also be sold to third par-
ties against payment in cash, provided that the selling 
price is not significantly below the quoted market 
price at the time of share disposal. Treasury shares 
may likewise be used to satisfy warrants or conversion 
rights granted by the corpo ration. The Personally 
 Liable Partner has also been authorized, with the 
approval of the Shareholders’ Committee and of the 
Supervisory Board, to cancel treasury shares without 
the need for further resolution by the Annual General 
Meeting.

Insofar as shares are issued or used to the exclusion 
of pre-emptive rights, the proportion of capital 
stock represented by such shares shall not exceed 
10 percent. 

Concerning the number of treasury shares and their 
use, please refer to the disclosures provided in the 
notes to the consolidated financial statements under 
Note 10 on pages 139 and 140.

Restrictions with respect to voting rights or the 
transfer of shares
Treasury shares held by the company do not convey 
any rights, including voting rights (Section 71b AktG). 
Voting rights conveyed by the relevant shares are 
also excluded by law in the instances listed in Sec-
tion 136 AktG.

If capital is increased against payment in cash, all 
shareholders are essentially assigned pre-emptive 
rights. However, these may be set aside in three 
cases, subject to the approval of the Shareholders’ 
Committee and of the Supervisory Board: (1) in order 
to dispose of fractional amounts; (2) to grant to credi-

A share-pooling agreement has been concluded 
between members of the families of the descendants 
of company founder Fritz Henkel, pursuant to which 
the members agree on how to exercise the voting 
rights conveyed by their relevant ordinary shares in 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA. The agreement also contains 

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast32

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

61.02 %

of voting rights are 
held by members 
of the Henkel 
 family share-pool-
ing agreement.

restrictions with respect to transfers of the ordinary 
shares covered (Art. 7 of the Articles of Association). 

Henkel preferred shares acquired by employees 
through the Employee Share Program, including 
bonus shares acquired without additional payment, 
are subject to a company-imposed contractual 
lock-up period of three years, which begins on the 
first day of the respective participation period. 
Essentially, the shares should not be sold before the 
end of this period. If employee shares are sold during 
the lock-up period, the bonus shares are forfeited.

Contractual agreements also exist with members of 
the Management Board governing lock-up periods 
for Henkel preferred shares which they are required 
to purchase out of their variable annual cash remu-
neration (for additional information, please see the 
remuneration report on pages 39 to 51).

Major shareholders
According to notifications received by the corpora-
tion on December 17, 2015, a total of 61.02 percent of 
the voting rights are held by members of the Henkel 
family share-pooling agreement. (For additional 
information, please see the disclosures provided in 
the notes to the consolidated financial statements 
under Note 40 on page 177.) No other direct or indi-
rect investment in capital stock exceeding 10 percent 
of the voting rights has been reported to us or is 
known to us.

Shares with special rights
There are no shares carrying multiple voting rights, 
preference voting rights, maximum voting rights or 
special controlling rights.

Management Board
The Supervisory Board of Henkel Management AG 
is responsible for the appointment and dismissal 
of members of the Management Board of Henkel 
 Management AG (Management Board). The appoint-
ments are for a maximum tenure of five years. A 
reappointment or extension of the tenure is permit-
ted for a maximum period of five years in each case 
 (Section 84 AktG). 

The Management Board is composed of at least two 
members in accordance with Art. 7 (1) of the Articles 
of Association of Henkel Management AG. The 
Supervisory Board of Henkel Management AG is also 
responsible for determining the number of members 
on the Management Board. The Supervisory Board of 
Henkel Management AG can appoint a member of 
the Management Board as Chairperson. 

As the executive body of the Group, the Management 
Board is bound to uphold the interests of the busi-
ness and is responsible for ensuring a sustainable 
increase in shareholder value. The members of the 
Management Board are responsible for managing 
Henkel’s business operations in their entirety. The 
individual Management Board members are assigned, 
in accordance with a business distribution plan, areas 
of competence for which they bear lead responsibil-
ity. The members of the Management Board cooperate 
closely as colleagues, informing one another of all 
major occurrences within their areas of competence 
and conferring on all actions that may affect several 
such areas. Further details relating to cooperation and 
the division of operational responsibilities within the 
Management Board are regulated by the rules of pro-
cedure issued by the Supervisory Board of Henkel 
Management AG. The Management Board reaches its 
decisions by a simple majority of the votes cast. In the 
event of a tie, the Chairperson has the casting vote.

It is the duty of the Management Board to prepare 
the annual financial statements of Henkel AG & Co. 
KGaA, the consolidated and interim financial state-
ments and also the corresponding management 
reports. The Management Board is responsible for 
management of the overall business including plan-
ning, coordination, allocation of resources, financial 
control, and risk management. It must also ensure 
compliance with legal provisions, regulatory require-
ments and internal company guidelines, and take steps 
to ensure that Group  companies also observe them.

Supervisory Board and Shareholders’ Committee; 
other committees
It is the responsibility of the Supervisory Board to 
advise and supervise the Management Board in the 
performance of its business management duties. The 
Supervisory Board regularly discusses business per-
formance and planning with the Management Board. 
It reviews the annual financial statements of Henkel 
AG & Co. KGaA and the Group’s consolidated financial 
statements as well as the associated management 
reports, taking into account the reviews and audit 
reports submitted by the auditor. It also votes on the 
proposal of the Management Board regarding the 
appropriation of profit and submits to the Annual 
General Meeting a proposal indicating its recommen-
dation for the appointment of the external auditor. 

As a general rule, the Supervisory Board meets four 
times per year. It passes resolutions by a simple 
majority of the votes cast. In the event of a tie, the 
Chairperson has the casting vote. The Supervisory 
Board has established an Audit Committee and a 
Nominations Committee. 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

33

The Audit Committee is made up of three share-
holder and three employee representative members 
of the Supervisory Board. Each member is elected by 
the Supervisory Board based on nominations of their 
fellow shareholder or fellow employee representa-
tives on the Board. The Chairperson of the Audit 
Committee is elected based on a proposal of the 
shareholder representative members. It is a  statutory 
requirement that at least one independent member 
of the Supervisory Board has expertise in the fields of 
accounting or auditing. The Chairperson of the Audit 
Committee in 2016, Prof. Dr. Theo Siegert, who is 
not the Chairperson of the Supervisory Board nor 
a present or former member of the Management 
Board, satisfies these requirements. 

The Audit Committee, which generally meets four 
times a year, prepares the proceedings and resolu-
tions of the Supervisory Board relating to the adop-
tion of the annual financial statements and the con-
solidated financial statements, and also the auditor 
appointment proposal to be made to the Annual 
 General Meeting. It issues audit mandates to the 
auditor and defines the focal areas of the audit as 
well as deciding on the fee for the audit and other 
advisory services provided by the auditor. It moni-
tors the independence and qualifications of the audi-
tor, requiring the latter to submit a declaration of 
independence which it then evaluates. Furthermore, 
the Audit Committee monitors the accounting pro-
cess and assesses the effectiveness of the Internal 
Control System, the Risk Management System and 
the Internal Auditing and Review System. It is like-
wise involved in compliance issues. The Group’s 
Internal Audit function reports regularly to the Audit 
Committee. It discusses with the Management Board 
– with the external auditor in attendance – the 
 quarterly reports and the financial report for the 
half year, prior to their publication. 

The Nominations Committee comprises the Chair-
person of the Supervisory Board and two further 
shareholder representatives elected by the Supervi-
sory Board based on nominations of the sharehold-
ers’ representatives. The Chairperson of the Super-
visory Board is also Chairperson of the Nominations 
Committee. The Nominations Committee prepares 
the resolutions of the Supervisory Board on election 
proposals to be presented to the Annual General 
Meeting for the election of members to the Supervi-
sory Board (shareholder representatives). 

The Shareholders’ Committee generally meets six 
times per year and holds a joint conference with the 
Management Board lasting several days. The Share-
holders’ Committee reaches its decisions by a simple 

majority of the votes cast. It has established Finance 
and Human Resources Subcommittees that likewise 
meet six times per year, as a rule. Each subcommittee 
comprises five of the members of the Shareholders’ 
Committee. 

The Finance Subcommittee deals primarily with 
financial matters, questions of financial strategy, 
financial position and structure, taxation and 
accounting policy, as well as risk management 
within the corporation. It also performs the neces-
sary preparatory work for decisions to be made by 
the Shareholders’ Committee in matters for which 
decision authority has not been delegated to it. 

The Human Resources Subcommittee deals primar-
ily with personnel matters relating to members of 
the Management Board, with issues pertaining to 
human resources strategy, and with remuneration. 
It performs the necessary preparatory work for deci-
sions to be made by the Shareholders’ Committee in 
matters for which decision authority has not been 
delegated to it. The Subcommittee also addresses 
issues concerned with succession planning and 
management potential within the individual busi-
ness units, taking into account relevant diversity 
aspects.

At regular intervals, the Supervisory Board and the 
Shareholders’ Committee hold an internal review to 
determine the efficiency with which they and their 
committees/subcommittees carry out their duties. 
This self-assessment is performed on the basis of an 
extensive checklist, whereupon points relating to 
corporate governance and improvement opportuni-
ties are also discussed. 

Conflicts of interest must be disclosed in an appro-
priate manner to the Supervisory Board or Share-
holders’ Committee, particularly those that may arise 
as the result of a consultancy or committee function 
performed in the service of customers, suppliers, 
lenders or other business partners. Members 
encountering material conflicts of interest that are 
not of a merely temporary nature are required to 
resign their mandate.

Some members of the Supervisory Board and of the 
Shareholders’ Committee are or were in past years 
holders of senior managerial positions in other com-
panies. If and when Henkel pursues business activi-
ties with these companies, the same arm’s length 
principles apply as those applicable to transactions 
with and between unrelated third parties. In our 
view, such transactions do not affect the impartiality 
of the members in question. 

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast34

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Interaction between Management Board, 
 Supervisory Board and Shareholders’ Committee
The Management Board, Supervisory Board and 
Shareholders’ Committee work in close cooperation 
for the benefit of the corporation.

The Management Board agrees the strategic direction 
of the corporation with the Shareholders’ Committee 
and discusses with it the status of strategy imple-
mentation at regular intervals.

In keeping with good corporate governance, the Man-
agement Board informs the Supervisory Board and the 
Shareholders’ Committee regularly, and in a timely 
and comprehensive fashion, of all relevant issues con-
cerning business policy, corporate planning, profit-
ability, the business development of the corporation 
and our major affiliated companies, and also matters 
relating to risk exposure and risk management.

For transactions of fundamental significance, the 
Shareholders’ Committee has established a right of 
veto in the procedural rules governing the actions 
of Henkel Management AG in its function as sole 
 Personally Liable Partner (Art. 26 of the Articles of 
Association). This covers, in particular, decisions 
or measures that materially change the net assets, 
financial position or results of operations of the 
 corporation. The Management Board complies with 
these rights of consent of the Shareholders’ Commit-
tee and also duly submits to the decision authority 
of the corporation’s Annual General Meeting.

Principles of corporate governance / Compliance
The members of the Management Board conduct the 
corporation’s business with the care of a prudent and 
conscientious business director in accordance with 
legal requirements, the Articles of Association of 
Henkel Management AG and the Articles of Associa-
tion of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, the rules of procedure 
governing the actions of the Management Board, the 
provisions contained in the individual contracts of 
employment of its members, and also the compliance 
guidelines and resolutions adopted by and within 
the Management Board. 

Corporate management principles which go beyond 
the statutory requirements are derived from our pur-
pose, our vision, our mission and our values. For our 
corporation to be  successful, it is essential that we 
share a common approach to entrepreneurship. We 
have defined a clear strategic framework with a long-
term horizon. It guides us in making the right deci-
sions and helps us to concentrate on our strategic 
priorities and focus strictly on our ambition for the 
future.

We want to create value – for our customers and  
our consumers, for our people, for our shareholders 
as well as for the wider society and communities in 
which we operate.    

Our purpose: 
•  Creating sustainable value. 

Our vision: 
•  Leading with our innovations, brands and 

 t echnologies. 

Our mission: 
•  Serving our customers and consumers worldwide 
as the most trusted partner with leading positions 
in all relevant markets and categories – as a pas-
sionate team united by shared values. 

Our values:
•   We put our customers and consumers at the 

 center of what we do.

•   We value, challenge and reward our people.
•   We drive excellent sustainable financial 

 performance.

•   We strive to continually extend our leadership 

in sustainability.

•   We shape our future with a strong entrepreneurial 

spirit based on our family business tradition.

The corporate management bodies of Henkel and our 
employees worldwide are guided by this purpose, 
this vision, this mission, and these values. They 
 reaffirm our ambition to meet the highest ethical 
standards in everything we do. And they guide our 
employees in all the day-to-day decisions they make, 
providing a compass for their conduct and actions.

Henkel is committed to ensuring that all business 
transactions are conducted in an ethically irre-
proachable, legal fashion. Consequently, Henkel 
expects all our employees not only to respect the 
 corporation’s internal rules and all relevant laws, but 
also to avoid conflicts of interest, to protect Henkel’s 
assets and to respect the social values of the coun-
tries and cultural environments in which the corpo-
ration does business. The Management Board has 
therefore issued a series of Group-wide codes and 
standards with precepts that are binding worldwide. 
These regulatory instruments are periodically 
reviewed and amended as appropriate, evolving in 
step with the changing legal and commercial condi-
tions that affect Henkel as a globally active corpora-
tion. The Code of Conduct supports our employees 
in ethical and legal issues. The Leadership Principles, 
for example, define the scope of responsibilities 
for managers. The Code of Corporate Sustainability 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

35

describes the principles that drive our sustainable, 
socially responsible approach to business. This code  
also enables Henkel to meet the commitments 
derived from the United Nations Global Compact.

trust violations and corruption. We do not tolerate 
such violations in any way. For Henkel, bribery, 
anticompetitive agreements, or any other violations 
of laws are no way to initiate or conduct business.

Ensuring compliance in the sense of adherence to 
laws and regulations is an integral component of 
our business processes. Henkel has established a 
Group-wide compliance organization with locally 
and regionally responsible compliance officers led 
by a globally responsible General Counsel & Chief 
Compliance Officer (CCO). The General Counsel & 
CCO, supported by the Corporate Compliance Office 
and the interdisciplinary Compliance & Risk Com-
mittee, manages and controls compliance-related 
activities undertaken at the corporate level, coordi-
nates training courses, oversees fulfillment of both 
internal and external regulations, and takes appro-
priate action in the event of compliance violations. 

The local and regional compliance officers are 
responsible for organizing and overseeing the train-
ing activities and implementation measures tailored 
to the specific requirements of their locations. They 
report to the Corporate Compliance Office. The Gen-
eral Counsel & CCO reports regularly to the Manage-
ment Board and to the Audit Committee of the Super-
visory Board on identified compliance violations.

The issue of compliance is also a permanent item in 
the target agreements signed by all managerial staff 
of Henkel. Due to their position, it is particularly 
incumbent on them to set the right example for 
their subordinates, to effectively communicate the 
compliance rules and to ensure that these are 
obeyed through the implementation of suitable 
organizational measures.

The procedures to be followed in the event of com-
plaints or suspicion of malpractice also constitute 
an important element of the compliance policy. In 
addition to our internal reporting system and com-
plaint registration channels, employees may also, 
for the purpose of reporting serious violations to 
the Cor porate Compliance Office, anonymously use 
a  compliance hotline operated by an external ser-
vice provider. The Head of the Corporate Compli-
ance Office is mandated to initiate the necessary 
follow-up  procedures.

Our corporate compliance activities are focused on 
antitrust law and the fight against corruption. In 
our Code of Conduct, the corporate guidelines based 
upon it, and other publications, the Management 
Board clearly expresses its rejection of all violations 
of the principles of compliance, particularly anti-

A further compliance-relevant area relates to capital 
market law. Supplementing the legal provisions, 
internal codes of conduct have been put in place to 
regulate the treatment of information that has the 
potential to affect share prices. The corporation has 
an Ad Hoc Committee comprised of representatives 
from various departments. In order to ensure that 
all insider information is handled as required by law, 
this Committee reviews developments and events 
for their possible effect on share prices, determin-
ing the need to issue reports to the capital markets 
on an ad hoc basis. There are also rules that go beyond 
the legal requirements, governing the behavior of 
the members of the Management Board, the Super-
visory Board and the Shareholders’ Committee, and 
also employees of the corporation who, due to their 
 function or involvement in projects, have access to 
insider information.  

Transparency / Communication
An active and open communication policy ensuring 
prompt and continuous information dissemination 
is a major component of the value-based manage-
ment approach at Henkel. Hence shareholders, 
shareholder associations, participants in the capital 
market, financial analysts, the media and the public 
at large are kept informed of the current situation 
and major business changes relating to the Henkel 
Group. All stakeholders are treated equally in this 
respect. All such information is also promptly made 
available on the internet.

Up-to-date information is likewise incorporated in 
the regular financial reporting undertaken by the 
corporation. The dates of the major recurring publi-
cations, and also the dates for the press conference 
on the preceding fiscal year and the Annual General 
Meeting, are announced in our financial calendar, 
which is also available on the internet.

The corporation’s advancements and targets in rela-
tion to the environment, safety, health and social 
responsibility are published annually in our Sustain-
ability Report. Shareholders, the media and the 
 public at large are further provided with comprehen-
sive information through press releases and infor-
mation events, while occurrences with the potential 
to  materially affect the price of Henkel shares are 
communicated in the form of ad hoc announce ments.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast36

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Further information on corporate governance can 
be found in the section “Principles of corporate 
governance / Compliance” on pages 34 and 35. The 
composition of the Management Board is shown on 
page 187. For more details on the composition of the 
Supervisory Board and the Shareholders’ Committee 
or the (sub)committees established by the Supervi-
sory Board and Shareholders’ Committee, please 
refer to pages 184 to 186. Details of the compensation 
of the Management Board, the Supervisory Board and 
the Shareholders’ Committee can be found in the 
remuneration report on pages 39 to 51.

Targets for the proportion of women on the 
 Management Board and in the first two manage-
ment levels below the Management Board 
In accordance with Sections 76 (4) and 111 (5) AktG, 
targets must be set for the proportion of women on 
the Management Board and in the first two manage-
ment levels below the Management Board. If the pro-
portion of women is below 30 percent at the time the 
targets are set, the targets may not be below the pro-
portion already achieved. Deadlines for achievement 
of the targets must be established at the same time. 
Each deadline must be within five years and the first 
deadline can be no later than June 30, 2017.

Proportion of women on the Management Board
In September 2015, for the first time, the Supervisory 
Board of Henkel Management AG established a target 
for the proportion of women on the Management 
Board of 17 percent in agreement with the recommen-
dations of the Shareholders’ Committee and its Human 
Resources Subcommittee. This target applied until 
December 31, 2016.

The proportion of women on the Management Board 
at December 31, 2016 was 17 percent; as such, the tar-
get was met.

The Supervisory Board of Henkel Management AG 
has again established a target, as recommended by 
the Shareholders’ Committee and its Human 
Resources Subcommittee, for the proportion of 
women on the Management Board of 17 percent, 
taking into account the current composition and an 
appropriate Management Board size for the corpora-
tion. This proportion will apply, and the target will 
be met, in the period through to December 31, 2021.

Proportion of women in the management levels 
below the Management Board
In September 2015, for the first time, the Management 
Board established the following targets for the first 
two levels of  management below the Management 
Board in consideration of the current personnel mix. 

In accordance with the legal requirements, the point 
of reference for the definition of the management 
 levels was based exclusively on Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
and not the Henkel Group – regardless of  Henkel’s 
globally aligned management organization. As a 
result, the figures include only employees of 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA with management responsi-
bility who report directly to the Management Board 
(management level 1) and those who report to 
 management level 1 (management level 2).

Separately from the targets for the first two levels of 
management below the Management Board of 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA – and mindful of our globally 
aligned management organization – it is our goal to 
increase our ratio of women at all levels of manage-
ment at Henkel in the long term. In 2016, we were 
again able to raise the proportion of women in man-
agement worldwide – to around 34 percent overall at 
December 31, 2016.

The following targets were set for achievement by 
December 31, 2016:
•  First management level: Proportion of 17 percent 

women

•  Second management level: Proportion of 28 per-

cent women 

As of December 31, 2016, the target of 17 percent for 
the first management level of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
had been exceeded by around 5 percentage points 
and the target of 28 percent for the second manage-
ment level had been met.

Since our organization is globally structured, and we 
promote career opportunities internationally, some 
management executives were assigned from Henkel 
AG & Co. KGaA to other Group companies, and vice 
versa, during the reporting period. This may also 
cause shifts in the proportion of women in the rele-
vant management levels at Henkel AG & Co. KGaA. 
Equally, the result is not dependent on whether the 
proportion of women in management overall has 
changed or, as explained above, even increased at the 
global level.

Based on the current personnel mix, the Manage-
ment Board has established new targets for the first 
two levels of management below the Management 
Board. These targets are expected to be achieved by 
December 31, 2021:
•  First management level: Proportion of 25 percent 

women

•  Second management level: Proportion of 30 per-

cent women 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

37

no more than two former members of the Manage-
ment Board, no persons who perform board or 
committee functions or act as consultants for 
major competitors, and no persons whose business 
or personal relationship with the corporation or 
members of the Management Board could give rise 
to material conflicts of interest that are not of a 
merely temporary nature. Assuming that the exer-
cise of their Supervisory Board mandate by the 
employee representatives as such cannot be the 
basis for doubt as to whether the independence 
criteria as defined by Item 5.4.2 of the DCGK are 
fulfilled, the Supervisory Board should include at 
least 13 members who are independent as defined 
by the DCGK. Consistent with the corporation’s tra-
dition as an open family business, possession of a 
controlling interest or attribution of a controlling 
interest due to membership in the Henkel family 
share-pooling agreement is not viewed as a cir-
cumstance that creates a conflict of interest in the 
meaning above. However, irrespective of this, at 
least three of the shareholder representatives on 
the Supervisory Board should, as a rule, be neither 
members of the  Henkel family share-pooling 
agreement nor members of  the Shareholders’  
Committee nor members of the Supervisory Board 
of Henkel Management AG. 

•   No persons shall be proposed for election at the 
Annual General Meeting who, at the time of the 
election, have already reached their 70th birthday. 
Also, as a rule, no persons should be proposed 
who, at the time of the election, have already 
served more than two full terms of office on the 
Supervisory Board. However, to ensure continuity, 
members may also serve on the Supervisory Board 
for longer periods of time in individual cases. 
 Consistent with the tradition of Henkel AG & Co. 
KGaA as an open family business, this applies 
 particularly to members of the Henkel family 
share- pooling agreement.

In accordance with the legal requirements, the point 
of reference for the definition of the management lev-
els was based exclusively on Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
and not the Henkel Group. As a result, the figures 
include only employees of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
with management responsibility who report directly 
to the Management Board (management level 1) and 
those who report to management level 1 (manage-
ment level 2).

Objectives regarding Supervisory Board  
composition
Given Henkel’s position as a listed corporation 
 subject to the Codetermination Act, the Supervisory 
Board of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA must consist of at 
least 30 percent women and at least 30 percent men 
(Section 96 (2) AktG).  

In consideration of the specific situation of the 
 corporation, the Supervisory Board has, in addition 
to the statutory requirements listed above, estab-
lished the objectives described below with respect 
to its composition in accordance with Item 5.4.1 of 
the German Corporate Governance Code [DCGK]. 
These objectives will be taken into account by the 
Supervisory Board when proposing election candi-
dates to the Annual General  Meeting for all re-elect-
able and ad hoc replacement Supervisory Board 
positions:
•    The members of the Supervisory Board should, 

generally speaking, offer the knowledge, skills and 
relevant experience necessary in order to properly 
perform their duties. In particular, experience 
and expertise are required in one or several of the 
fields of corporate management, accounting, 
financial control/risk management, corporate gov-
ernance/compliance, research and development, 
production/engineering, and marketing/sales/ 
distribution, as is knowledge of the industrial or 
consumer businesses and of the primary markets 
in which Henkel is active. Members of the Super-
visory Board should also have sufficient time at 
their disposal in order to carry out their mandate.

•   The international activities of the corporation 

should be appropriately reflected in the composi-
tion of the Supervisory Board. Thus, it aims to 
include several members with an international 
background. The mix of candidates proposed for 
election should also contain an appropriate num-
ber of women. Efforts will therefore be made for 
upcoming new and ad hoc replacement elections 
to achieve a proportion higher than the minimum 
30 percent required by law.

•   In addition, the Supervisory Board should have an 
appropriate number of independent members. 
Specifically, the Supervisory Board should contain 

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast38

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Around

38 %

female member-
ship on the Super-
visory Board.

The statutory minimums listed above, or objectives 
within the meaning of the DCGK, were achieved in 
the year under review. 

Among the 16 members of the Supervisory Board are 
ten men and six women. Shareholder representatives 
consist of six men and two women, while the 
employee representatives consist of four men and 
four women. This represents an overall ratio on the 
Supervisory Board of around 62 percent men and 
38 percent women. Throughout the entire year under 
review, each gender was represented by at least 
30 percent among both the shareholder representa-
tives and the employee representatives.

Overall, the Supervisory Board has at its disposal the 
knowledge, skills and technical abilities needed to 
properly and effectively perform its duties. In addi-
tion, several members of the Supervisory Board offer 
international business experience or other interna-
tional expertise. No individual on the Supervisory 
Board exceeds the specified maximum age. 

None of the Supervisory Board members elected by 
the Annual General Meeting is a former Management 
Board member, or performs board or committee func-
tions or acts as a consultant for major competitors, 
and none are persons whose business or personal 
relationship with the corporation or members of the 
Management Board could give rise to material con-
flicts of interest that are not of a merely temporary 
nature. Four of the eight shareholder representatives 
are not members of the Henkel family share- pooling 
agreement, and seven of the eight shareholder repre-
sentatives are neither members of the Shareholders’ 
Committee nor members of the Supervisory Board of 
Henkel Management AG.

Application of the German Corporate  
Governance Code
Taking into account the special features arising from 
our legal form and Articles of Association, Henkel AG 
& Co. KGaA complies with the recommendations 
(“shall” provisions) of the DCGK, latest edition, with 
one exception: So as to protect the legitimate interests 
and privacy of those members of the corporate man-
agement bodies who are also members of the Henkel 
family, in deviation from Item 6.3 of the DCGK as 
amended on May 5, 2015, the shareholdings of those 
members exceeding one percent of the shares issued 
by the corporation have not been and will not be dis-
closed unless required by law. The DCGK requires 
disclosure of shareholdings upward of one percent. 
In accordance with the Declaration of Compliance, 
the following information is reported concerning 
the aggregate shareholdings of all members of a 

 corporate body, taking the relevant provisions for attri-
bution into account: The aggregate holdings of the 
members of the Supervisory Board and of the members 
of the Shareholders’ Committee exceed in each case 
one percent of the shares issued by the  corporation. 
The members of the Management Board together hold 
less than one percent of the shares issued by the 
corporation.

Henkel also complies with all non-compulsory 
 suggestions (“may/should” provisions) of the DCGK, 
in keeping with our legal form and the special stat-
utory features anchored in our Articles of Association. 

The corresponding declarations of compliance 
together with the reasons for deviations from 
 recommendations can be found on our website at 

  www.henkel.com/ir

Managers’ transactions
In accordance with Article 19 (1) of the Market Abuse 
Regulation, members of the Management Board, the 
Supervisory Board and the Shareholders’ Committee, 
and parties related to same, are obliged to disclose 
notifiable transactions involving shares in Henkel AG 
& Co. KGaA or their derivative financial instruments 
where the value of such transactions by the member, 
or a party related to the member, attains or exceeds 
5,000 euros in a calendar year. The transactions 
reported to the corporation in the past fiscal year were 
properly disclosed and can be seen on the  website 

  www.henkel.com/ir

Statutory and regulatory situation

As a globally active corporation, our business is sub-
ject to various national rules and regulations, includ-
ing relevant trade regulations governing imports and 
exports, customs provisions and price or currency 
restrictions, as well as – within the European Union 
(EU) – increasingly to harmonized laws applying 
throughout the EU. Trade restrictions, such as export 
controls, embargoes or economic sanctions, must 
also be observed in some countries. In addition, 
some of our activities are subject to rules and regula-
tions derived from approvals, licenses, certificates or 
permits.

Our manufacturing operations are bound by rules 
and regulations with respect to the registration, eval-
uation, usage, storage, transportation and handling of 
certain substances and also in relation to emissions, 
wastewater, effluent and other waste. The construc-
tion and operation of production facilities and other 
plant and equipment are governed by framework 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

39

rules and regulations – including those relating to 
legacy remediation.

Product-specific regulations of relevance to us relate 
in particular to ingredients and input materials, 
safety in manufacturing, the handling of products 
and their contents, and the packaging and marketing 
of these items. The control mechanisms include 
 statutory material-related regulations, usage prohibi-
tions or restrictions, procedural requirements (test 
and inspection, identification marking, provision of 
warning labels, etc.), and product liability law.

Our internal standards are geared to ensuring compli-
ance with statutory regulations and the safety of our 
manufacturing facilities and products. The associated 
requirements have been incorporated within, and 
implemented throughout, our management  systems, 
and are subject to a regular audit and review regime. 
This includes monitoring and evaluating  relevant 
statutory and regulatory requirements and changes 
in a prompt and timely fashion.

Remuneration report

This remuneration report provides an outline of the 
compensation system for the Management Board, 
Henkel Management AG as the Personally Liable 
 Partner, the Supervisory Board and the Sharehold-
ers’ Committee of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, and the 
Super visory Board of Henkel Management AG; it 
also explains the level and structure of the remu-
neration paid.

The report takes into account the recommendations 
of the German Corporate Governance Code [DCGK] 
and contains all disclosures and explanations pur-
suant to the provisions of the German Commercial 
Code [HGB] and the appropriate principles of Ger-
man Accounting Standards [DRS], and as required 
by International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS). The remuneration report forms part of the 
combined management report for Henkel AG & Co. 
KGaA and the Group; the associated information 
has not therefore been additionally disclosed in the 
notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

1.  Remuneration of members of the  

Management Board

Regulation, structure and amounts
The compensation for members of the Management 
Board of Henkel Management AG is set by the Super-
visory Board of Henkel Management AG in consulta-
tion with the Human Resources Subcommittee of the 

Shareholders’ Committee. The Supervisory Board of 
Henkel Management AG is comprised of three mem-
bers of the Shareholders’ Committee. 

The structure and amounts of Management Board 
remuneration are aligned to the size and interna-
tional activities of the corporation, its economic and 
financial position, its performance and future pros-
pects, the normal levels of remuneration encoun-
tered in comparable companies, and also the general 
compensation structure within the corporation. The 
compensation package is further determined on the 
basis of the functions, responsibilities and personal 
performance of the individual executives, and the 
performance of the Management Board as a whole. 
The variable annual remuneration components have 
been devised such that they take into account both 
positive and negative developments. The overall 
remuneration mix is designed to be internationally 
competitive while also providing an incentive for 
sustainable business development and a sustainable 
increase in shareholder value in a dynamic 
environment. 

The Supervisory Board of Henkel Management AG 
regularly reviews the compensation system as well 
as the appropriateness of the compensation, based 
on the aforementioned criteria. In doing so, Manage-
ment Board remuneration is analyzed relative to the 
compensation paid to senior management and the 
staff as a whole, both overall and over time, whereby 
the Supervisory Board of Henkel Management AG 
determines the boundaries between senior manage-
ment and relevant staff members. 

Members of the Management Board receive remu-
neration consisting of non-performance-related 
components and variable, performance-related 
 components. The non-performance-related compen-
sation is made up of their fixed salary together with 
various in-kind and other benefits (other emol-
uments). The performance-related compensation 
has two parts. The first is a variable annual cash pay-
ment (short-term incentive or “STI”), 65 percent of 
which is short-term variable cash remuneration and 
35 percent of which is long-term variable cash remu-
neration in the form of an investment financed by 
the recipient in Henkel preferred shares (share defer-
ral). The second is a variable cash payment based on 
the long-term performance of the business (long-
term incentive or “LTI”). The remuneration targeting 
long-term performance thus consists of the share 
deferral and the LTI. 

If all performance targets are met in full (“at target”), 
around 21 percent of the remuneration (excluding 

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast40

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Remuneration structure

10

Long-term incentive
Performance parameter: Increase in adjusted EPS

Variable annual cash remuneration (STI)
Performance parameters: ROCE, EPS,  
adjusted in each case; individual targets

Fixed salary and other emoluments

Share deferral (35 % of STI)

Short-term variable cash remuneration (65 % of STI)

 Non-performance- 
related components

  Performance-related 
components, short-term

 Performance-related 
components, long-term

other emoluments and pension benefits) is paid as 
the fixed component, while the STI and share defer-
ral account for around 56 percent, and the LTI for 
around 23 percent.

Pension benefits also form part of the remuneration 
package. In addition, the Supervisory Board of  
Henkel Management AG may, at its discretion and 
after due consideration, grant a special payment 
in recognition of exceptional achievements. 

The components in detail:

Non-performance-related compensation

Fixed salary
The fixed remuneration takes into account the 
assigned function and responsibility and the market 
conditions. It is paid out monthly as salary and 
amounts to 1,200,000 euros per year for the Chair-
man of the Management Board and 750,000 euros 
per year for the other Management Board members.

Other emoluments
The members of the Management Board also receive 
other emoluments, primarily in the form of costs 
associated with, or the cash value of, in-kind  
benefits and other fringe benefits such as standard 
 commercial insurance policies, reimbursement of 
accommodation/moving costs, provision of a com-
pany car or use of a car service, including any taxes 
on same, and the costs of preventive medical exam-
inations. All members of the Management Board are 
entitled, in principle, to the same emoluments, 
whereby the amounts vary depending on personal 
situation.

Performance-related compensation

Variable annual cash remuneration
The performance criteria governing the variable 
annual cash remuneration (STI) are return on capital 
employed (ROCE) and earnings per preferred share 
(EPS) in the relevant fiscal year (“year of payment”), 
adjusted in each case for exceptional items, together 
with separate targets for each individual member.

The ROCE targets are derived from a strategic target 
yield. EPS performance is measured on the basis of 
actual-to-actual comparison, i.e. the EPS in the year 
of payment is compared to the EPS from the previous 
year.

Thresholds have been defined for both key finan-
cials; payment is withheld if the minimum targets 
are not met. If adjusted EPS in the year of payment is 
more than 25 percent above or below the comparable 
prior-year figure as a result of extraordinary events, 
the Supervisory Board of Henkel Management AG 
may, at its discretion and after due consideration, 
decide to adjust the target within this corridor, or 
may  determine a new reference value for measuring 
 performance in the following year. 

The STI is calculated on the basis of a 40-percent 
weighting each of ROCE and EPS performance in the 
year of payment, and a 20-percent weighting of indi-
vidual targets. The following factors play a key role in 
measuring individual performance: the Group results 
and the results of the relevant business unit, the 
 quality of management demonstrated in those busi-
ness units, and the individual contribution made by 
the Management Board member concerned. The 

  
 
 
Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

41

application of these performance parameters ensures 
that profitable growth is duly rewarded by Henkel.

In determining the STI, the Supervisory Board of 
Henkel Management AG also takes into account the 
apparent sustainability of the economic performance 
delivered in the course of the year, and the perfor-
mance levels of the Management Board members.

The total amount of the STI is subject to a cap of 
150 percent of the target amount. 

Short-term and long-term components of the 
variable annual cash remuneration 
The STI is paid annually in arrears in the full amount 
in cash once the corporation’s annual financial state-
ments have been approved by the Annual General 
Meeting. The recipients can dispose of around 65 per-
cent of this payment as they wish. This constitutes 
their short-term variable cash remuneration. The 
members of the Management Board invest the 
remainder of the relevant payment amount, corre-
sponding to around 35 percent, in Henkel preferred 
shares. This constitutes their long-term variable cash 
remuneration, known as the share deferral. These 
shares are placed in a blocked custody account with a 
drawing restriction. The company transfers the rele-
vant investment amount of each individual directly 
to the bank responsible for settling the investment 
transactions and managing the blocked custody 
account. On the first trading day of the month fol-
lowing payout, this bank invests the relevant invest-
ment amount on behalf and for the account of the 
relevant member of the Management Board on the 
stock exchange in Henkel preferred shares at the 
price prevailing at the time of purchase, and credits 
the acquired shares to the blocked custody account. 
The lock-up period in each case expires on Decem-
ber 31 of the fourth year following the year of payment. 
This share deferral ensures that the members of the 
Management Board participate through a portion of 
their compensation in the long-term performance of 
the corporation. 

Long-term incentive (LTI)
The long-term incentive is a variable cash payment 
based on the long-term performance of the corpora-
tion, the amount payable being dependent on the 
future increase registered in EPS over three consecu-
tive years (the performance period). 

On completion of the performance period, target 
achievement is ascertained by the Supervisory 
Board of Henkel Management AG on the basis of the 
increase in EPS attained. The EPS of the fiscal year 
preceding the year of payment is compared to the 
EPS of the second fiscal year following the year of 
payment. The figures used for the calculation of the 
increase are, in each case, the earnings per preferred 
share adjusted for exceptional items, as disclosed in 
the certified and approved consolidated financial 
statements of the relevant fiscal years.

The total amount of the LTI is subject to a cap of 
150 percent of the target amount. 

Special payments
In addition to the remuneration components described 
above, the Supervisory Board of Henkel Management 
AG may, at its discretion and after due consideration, 
grant a special payment in recognition of exceptional 
achievements. Such special  payment is limited to an 
amount equating to the respective Management 
Board member’s fixed salary; the maximum compen-
sation level – as determined by remuneration for a 
fiscal year if the caps on STI and LTI are reached – 
may not be exceeded as a result of such payment.

Caps on remuneration
Taking into account the above-mentioned caps for the 
variable performance-related components of remu-
neration, the following minimum and maximum 
remuneration amounts result for a full fiscal year 
(excluding other emoluments and  pension benefits).

Caps on remuneration* 

11

Fixed salary

Short-term 
variable cash 
remuneration

Long-term  
variable cash 
remuneration 
(share deferral)

Long-term 
incentive,  
conditional 
entitlement

Total  
compensation 
minimum

Total 
 compensation 
maximum

1,200,000

0 to 3,315,000

0 to 1,785,000

0 to 2,100,000

1,200,000

8,400,000

750,000

0 to 1,950,000

0 to 1,050,000

0 to 1,200,000

750,000

4,950,000

in euros

Chairman of the   
Management Board

Ordinary member of the 
 Management Board

* At January 2017.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast42

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Pension benefits (retirement pensions and 
 survivors’ benefits)
The company has been operating a purely defined 
contribution system since January 1, 2015. Accord-
ingly, members of the Management Board now receive 
a superannuation lump-sum payment comprised of 
the total contributions to the plan  during their time in 
office. The annual contributions – based on a full fis-
cal year – are 750,000 euros for the Chairman and 
450,000 euros each for the other members of the 
Management Board. 

An entitlement to pension benefits arises on retire-
ment, on termination of the employment relationship 
on or after attainment of the statutory retirement age, 
in the event of death, or in the event of permanent 
complete incapacity for work. If a member of the Man-
agement Board has received no pension benefits prior 
to their death, the superannuation lump sum accu-
mulated up to time of death is paid out to the surviv-
ing spouse or surviving children. 

Provisions governing termination of position on 
the Management Board
If an active member of the Management Board who 
was first appointed prior to 2009 retires, or dies while 
still in office, payment of their fixed remuneration 
continues for a further six months, but not beyond 
their 65th birthday. In the event of death in service, 
the payments are made to the surviving spouse or 
entitled dependent children. 

In the event that a member’s position on the Manage-
ment Board is terminated prematurely by mutual 
agreement, the executive contract provides for a sev-
erance settlement amounting to the remuneration for 
the remaining contractual term (fixed remuneration 
plus variable annual remuneration) in the form of a 
 discounted lump-sum payment. These severance 
payments are limited to a maximum of two years’ 
compensation (severance payment cap) and may not 
extend over a period that exceeds the residual term of 
the executive contract. Members are not entitled to 
severance payment if an executive contract is termi-
nated by mutual agreement at the request of the 
member or because that member has been dismissed 
by the corporation for good cause or reason. In the 
event that the sphere of responsibility/executive 
function is altered or restricted to such an extent 
that it is no longer comparable to the position prior 
to the change or restriction, the affected members of 
the Management Board are  entitled to resign from 
office and request premature  termination of their 
contract. In such case, members are entitled to sever-
ance payments amounting to not more than two 
years’ compensation.

Upon an executive’s departure from the Management 
Board, the STI is paid on a time-proportion basis on 
the ordinary payment date after the end of the fiscal 
year in which the appointment ends. If not already 
expired, lock-up periods for the share deferral end six 
months after departure. This applies accordingly to 
entitlements under the LTI. However, entitlements 
from any tranche whose performance period has not 
yet ended at the date of departure are forfeited with-
out replacement if the departure is based on good 
cause or reason that would have justified revocation 
of the appointment or termination of the employ-
ment contract.

In addition, the executive contracts include a post- 
contractual non-competition clause with a term of 
two years. Members of the Management Board are 
entitled to a discretionary payment totaling 50 per-
cent of the annual compensation after allowing for 
any severance payments, which is payable in 
24 monthly installments unless the Supervisory 
Board of Henkel Management AG waives the 
non-competition clause. Similarly, any earnings from 
new extra-contractual activities  during the non-com-
petition period shall be offset against this discretion-
ary payment to the extent that such earnings and dis-
cretionary payment together exceed the actual 
compensation paid in the last fully ended fiscal year 
by 10 percent or more. No entitlements exist in the 
event of premature termination of executive duties 
resulting from a change in control.

Other provisions
The corporation maintains directors and officers insur-
ance (D&O insurance) for directors and officers of the 
Henkel Group. For members of the Management Board 
there is a deductible amounting to 10 percent per loss 
event, subject to a maximum for a fiscal year of one and 
a half times their annual fixed remuneration.

Remuneration of the members of the  
Management Board for fiscal 2016 
Excluding pension entitlements, the total compensa-
tion paid to members of the Management Board for 
the performance of their duties for and on behalf of 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and its subsidiaries during the 
year under review amounted to 26,503,197 euros (pre-
vious year: 25,804,019 euros). Fixed salaries accounted 
for 5,075,000 euros (previous year: 4,950,000 euros), 
other emoluments for 422,137 euros (previous year: 
360,477 euros), short-term variable cash remunera-
tion for 10,143,939 euros (previous year: 9,810,801 euros), 
long-term variable cash remuneration – share deferral 
– for 5,462,121 euros (previous year: 5,282,741 euros), 
and the long-term incentive for 5,400,000 euros 
(previous year: 5,400,000 euros). In accordance with 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

43

legal regulations, the value of the long-term incen-
tive granted for 2016, which is payable in 2019 con-
tingent on the achievement of performance objec-
tives, is  recognized here based on the target amount 
that would be paid assuming a 30-percent increase in 
EPS within the performance period. 

Compensation for the reporting period granted to 
members of the Management Board serving in 2016, 

separated into the above-mentioned components, 
is shown in the following table.

The amounts in this table and the tables that follow 
have been rounded up or down to full euros. As a 
result, the rounded figures in some of the rows in the 
tables may not add up to the totals as indicated.

Remuneration of Management Board members who served in 2016 

12

in euros

Hans Van Bylen 
(Chairman) 
(since 5/1/2016)

Member of the  
Management Board 
since 7/1/2005

Kasper Rorsted 
(Chairman) 
(until 4/30/2016)

Member of the  
Management Board  
4/1/2005 – 4/30/2016

Jan-Dirk Auris 
(Adhesive Technologies)

Member of the  
Management Board 
since 1/1/2011

Pascal Houdayer 
(Beauty Care)

Member of the  
Management Board 
since 3/1/2016

Carsten Knobel 
(Finance)

Member of the  
Management Board 
since 7/1/2012

Kathrin Menges 
(Human Resources)

Member of the  
Management Board 
since 10/1/2011

Bruno Piacenza 
(Laundry & Home Care)

Member of the  
Management Board 
since 1/1/2011

Total

1. Fixed 
salary 1

2. Other 
emoluments 1

3. Short-term 
variable cash 
remuneration1

Single-year  
remuneration 
(Total of 1  
to 3)

4. Long-term 
variable cash 
remuneration 
(share 
deferral) 1

5. Long-term  
incentive 2

Multi-year  
remuneration 
(Total of 4 
and 5)

Total remune-
ration (Total 
of 1 to 5)

2016

1,050,000

119,576

2,046,007

3,215,583

1,101,696

1,066,667

2,168,363

5,383,946

2015

750,000

43,786

1,494,121

2,287,907

804,527

800,000

1,604,527

3,892,434

2016

400,000

32,173

806,282

1,238,455

434,152

466,667

900,819

2,139,274

2015

1,200,000

79,206

2,418,846

3,698,052

1,302,456

1,400,000

2,702,456

6,400,508

2016

750,000

45,208

1,511,755

2,306,963

814,022

800,000

1,614,022

3,920,985

2015

750,000

47,361

1,375,171

2,172,532

740,477

800,000

1,540,477

3,713,009

2016

625,000

90,504

1,192,629

1,908,134

642,185

666,667

1,308,852

3,216,985

2015

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2016

750,000

53,903

1,563,755

2,367,658

842,022

800,000

1,642,022

4,009,680

2015

750,000

50,806

1,527,921

2,328,727

822,727

800,000

1,622,727

3,951,454

2016

750,000

36,151

1,459,755

2,245,906

786,022

800,000

1,586,022

3,831,928

2015

750,000

40,285

1,466,821

2,257,106

789,827

800,000

1,589,827

3,846,933

2016

750,000

44,622

1,563,755

2,358,377

842,022

800,000

1,642,022

4,000,399

2015

750,000

99,033

1,527,921

2,376,954

822,727

800,000

1,622,727

3,999,681

2016

2015

5,075,000

4,950,000

422,137

10,143,939

15,641,075

5,462,121

5,400,000

10,862,121

26,503,197

360,477

9,810,801

15,121,278

5,282,741

5,400,000

10,682,741

25,804,019

1 The payout is reported pursuant to HGB/IFRS.
2  Target amount pursuant to HGB/IFRS, based on a 30-percent increase in adjusted earnings per preferred share within the performance period of three years.  

LTI payout for 2016 occurs in 2019; LTI payout for 2015 occurs in 2018.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast44

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

As contractually agreed, Kasper Rorsted, who left the 
company at his own request effective April 30, 2016, 
was paid 1,240,434 euros gross in consideration of his 
entitlements under the Short Term Incentive 2016 (pro 
rata) and a further total amount of 2,266,167 euros 
gross representing the target amounts of his vested 
entitlements under the Long Term Incentive in 2014, 
2015 and 2016 (pro rata). In addition, compensation 
of 413,910 euros gross was paid to Kasper Rorsted for 
the period from May 1, 2016, until July 31, 2016, under 
the contractually agreed non-competition clause 
(with a term of two years).

In the year under review, no member of the Manage-
ment Board was granted non-standard benefits by 
the company in connection with premature termina-
tion of their tenure, nor were any such entitlements 
or arrangements modified. No member of the Man-
agement Board was pledged payments from third 
parties in respect of their duties as executives of 
the company, nor were any such payments granted 
in the reporting period. 

Structure of Management Board remuneration 

13

Components of  
single-year remuneration 

Components of  
multi-year remuneration

Fixed salary

Other  
emoluments

Short-term 
variable cash 
remuneration

Long-term  
variable cash 
remuneration 
(share deferral) 

Long-term 
incentive

Total  
remuneration

2016

5,075,000

422,137

10,143,939

5,462,121

5,400,000

26,503,197

19.1 %

1.6 %

38.3 %

20.6 %

20.4 %

100 %

2015

4,950,000

360,477

9,810,801

5,282,741

5,400,000

25,804,019

19.2 %

1.4 %

38.0 %

20.5 %

20.9 %

100 %

in euros

Total

Total

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

45

Pension benefits 
The figures calculated in accordance with the  
German Commercial Code [HGB] and International 
Accounting Standard (IAS) 19 for service cost for 
 entitlements acquired in the reporting year and the 
present value of total pension benefits accruing to the 
end of the fiscal year are shown in the following table:

Service cost / Present value of pension benefits 

14

in euros

Hans Van Bylen

Kasper Rorsted 
(until 4/30/2016)

Jan-Dirk Auris

Pascal Houdayer
(since 3/1/2016)

Carsten Knobel

Kathrin Menges

Bruno Piacenza

Total

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

HGB

IAS

Service cost for   
pension benefits 
in the reporting year

Present value of  
pension benefits  
as of December 31

Service cost for  
pension benefits 
in the reporting year

Present value of  
pension benefits  
as of December 31

664,026

460,637

302,133

791,760

458,482

456,041

379,457

–

457,974

455,659

457,067

454,902

456,353

454,174

3,175,492

3,073,173

6,319,207

5,506,250

7,138,814

7,057,239

3,147,578

2,628,382

623,140

–

2,492,714

1,994,619

2,557,853

2,051,174

2,555,923

2,045,361

24,835,229

21,283,025

664,043

460,637

306,093

798,237

458,996

456,927

379,457

–

459,243

457,887

457,533

455,704

456,400

454,174

3,181,765

3,083,566

6,958,733

5,937,632

7,295,824

7,116,328

3,325,032

2,746,697

623,496

–

2,658,267

2,103,255

2,652,810

2,113,541

2,562,467

2,049,561

26,076,629

22,067,014

For pension obligations to former members of the 
Management Board and the former management 
of Henkel KGaA, as well as the former management 
of its legal predecessor and surviving dependents, 
100,771,135 euros (previous year: 98,729,434 euros) 
is deferred. Amounts paid to such recipients during 
the year under review totaled 7,127,205 euros (previ-
ous year: 7,163,382 euros).

Disclosures in accordance with the German  
Corporate Governance Code [DCGK]
In accordance with the recommendations of the 
DCGK, the following tables show 
a)      the benefits granted for fiscal 2016, including 
the maximum and minimum achievable 
 compensation for variable remuneration 
 components, and 

b)      the allocation for fiscal 2016.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast46

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Pursuant to DCGK, payments / benefits granted for the reporting year  
to members of the Management Board serving in 2016 

1. Fixed 
salary 1

2. Other 
emolu-
ments 1

Total  
(1 and 2)

3. Short-
term  
variable 
cash 
remu-
neration 2

4. Long-
term vari-
able cash 
remunera-
tion (share 
deferral) 2

5. Long-
term  
incentive 3

Total  
(1 to 5)

6. Service 
cost 4

15

Total remu-
neration 
pursuant to 
DCGK  
(Total of  
1 to 6)

2016

1,050,000

119,576

1,169,576

1,944,260

1,046,909

1,066,667

5,227,413

664,043

5,891,456

2016 (min)

1,050,000

119,576

1,169,576

0

0

0

1,169,576

664,043

1,833,619

2016 (max)

1,050,000

119,576

1,169,576

2,600,000

1,400,000

1,600,000

6,769,576

664,043

7,433,619

2015

2016

750,000

43,786

793,786

1,461,449

786,934

800,000

3,842,169

460,637

4,302,806

400,000

32,173

432,173

807,894

435,020

466,667

2,141,753

306,093

2,447,846

2016 (min)

400,000

32,173

432,173

0

0

0

432,173

306,093

738,266

2016 (max)

400,000

32,173

432,173

1,105,000

595,000

700,000

2,832,173

306,093

3,138,266

2015

2016

1,200,000

79,206

1,279,206

2,484,464

1,337,788

1,400,000

6,501,458

798,237

7,299,695

750,000

45,208

795,208

1,425,695

767,682

800,000

3,788,585

458,996

4,247,581

2016 (min)

750,000

45,208

795,208

0

0

0

795,208

458,996

1,254,204

2016 (max)

750,000

45,208

795,208

1,950,000

1,050,000

1,200,000

4,995,208

458,996

5,454,204

2015

2016

750,000

47,361

797,361

1,461,449

786,934

800,000

3,845,744

456,927

4,302,671

625,000

90,504

715,504

1,188,079

639,735

666,667

3,209,985

379,457

3,589,442

2016 (min)

625,000

90,504

715,504

0

0

0

715,504

379,457

1,094,961

2016 (max)

625,000

90,504

715,504

1,625,000

875,000

1,000,000

4,215,504

379,457

4,594,961

2015

2016

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

750,000

53,903

803,903

1,425,695

767,682

800,000

3,797,280

459,243

4,256,523

2016 (min)

750,000

53,903

803,903

0

0

0

803,903

459,243

1,263,146

2016 (max)

750,000

53,903

803,903

1,950,000

1,050,000

1,200,000

5,003,903

459,243

5,463,146

2015

2016

750,000

50,806

800,806

1,461,449

786,934

800,000

3,849,189

457,887

4,307,076

750,000

36,151

786,151

1,425,695

767,682

800,000

3,779,528

457,533

4,237,061

2016 (min)

750,000

36,151

786,151

0

0

0

786,151

457,533

1,243,684

2016 (max)

750,000

36,151

786,151

1,950,000

1,050,000

1,200,000

4,986,151

457,533

5,443,684

2015

2016

750,000

40,285

790,285

1,461,449

786,934

800,000

3,838,668

455,704

4,294,372

750,000

44,622

794,622

1,425,695

767,682

800,000

3,787,999

456,400

4,244,399

2016 (min)

750,000

44,622

794,622

0

0

0

794,622

456,400

1,251,022

2016 (max)

750,000

44,622

794,622

1,950,000

1,050,000

1,200,000

4,994,622

456,400

5,451,022

2015

750,000

99,033

849,033

1,461,449

786,934

800,000

3,897,416

454,174

4,351,590

in euros

Hans Van Bylen 
(Chairman) 
(since 5/1/2016)

Member of the 
Management Board 
since 7/1/2005

Kasper Rorsted 5 
(Chairman) 
(until 4/30/2016)

Member of the 
Management Board 
from 4/1/2005 to 
4/30/2016 

Jan-Dirk Auris 
(Adhesive  
Technologies)

Member of the 
Management Board 
since 1/1/2011

Pascal Houdayer 
(Beauty Care)

Member of the 
Management Board 
since 3/1/2016

Carsten Knobel 
(Finance)

Member of the 
Management Board 
since 7/1/2012

Kathrin Menges 
(Human Resources)

Member of the 
Management Board 
since 10/1/2011

Bruno Piacenza 
(Laundry &  
Home Care)

Member of the 
Management Board 
since 1/1/2011

1 Payment amount.
2 Pursuant to DCGK, expected amount based on an average probability scenario (not the actual amount paid out).
3  Target amount pursuant to DCGK, based on a 30-percent increase in adjusted earnings per preferred share within the performance period of three years.   

LTI payout for 2016 occurs in 2019; LTI payout for 2015 occurs in 2018.

4 Pursuant to DCGK, service cost determined in accordance with IAS.
5  As contractually agreed, Kasper Rorsted, who left the company at his own request effective April 30, 2016, was paid 1,240,434 euros gross in consideration of his 
entitlements under the Short Term Incentive 2016 (pro rata) and a further total amount of 2,266,167 euros gross representing the target amounts of his vested 
entitlements under the Long Term Incentive in 2014, 2015 and 2016 (pro rata). In addition, compensation of 413,910 euros gross was paid to Kasper Rorsted for 
the period from May 1, 2016, until July 31, 2016, under the contractually agreed non-competition clause (with a term of two years).

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

47

Pursuant to DCGK, payments / benefits made for the reporting year  
to members of the Management Board serving in 2016 

16

Total remu-
neration 
pursuant to 
DCGK  
(Total of  
1 to 6)

1. Fixed 
salary 1

2. Other 
emolu-
ments 1

Total  
(1 and 2)

3. Short-
term  
variable 
cash 
remunera-
tion 2

4. Long-
term vari-
able cash 
remunera-
tion (share 
deferral) 2

5. Long-term incentive 3

2014  
tranche  
(term  
1/1/2014 – 
12/31/2016)

2013 
tranche  
(term  
1/1/2013 – 
12/31/2015)

Total  
(1 to 5)

6. Service 
cost 4

2016 1,050,000

119,576

1,169,576

2,046,007

1,101,696

249,410

4,566,690

664,043

5,230,733

2015

750,000

43,786

793,786

1,494,121

804,527

251,081

3,343,515

460,637

3,804,152

2016

400,000

32,173

432,173

806,282

434,152

399,500

2,072,107

306,093

2,378,200

2015 1,200,000

79,206

1,279,206

2,418,846

1,302,456

426,838

5,427,346

798,237

6,225,583

2016

750,000

45,208

795,208

1,511,755

814,022

249,410

3,370,395

458,996

3,829,391

2015

750,000

47,361

797,361

1,375,171

740,477

251,081

3,164,090

456,927

3,621,017

2016

625,000

90,504

715,504

1,192,629

642,185

–

2,550,319

379,457

2,929,776

2015

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2016

750,000

53,903

803,903

1,563,755

842,022

249,410

3,459,090

459,243

3,918,333

2015

750,000

50,806

800,806

1,527,921

822,727

251,081

3,402,535

457,887

3,860,422

2016

750,000

36,151

786,151

1,459,755

786,022

249,410

3,281,338

457,533

3,738,871

2015

750,000

40,285

790,285

1,466,821

789,827

251,081

3,298,014

455,704

3,753,718

2016

750,000

44,622

794,622

1,563,755

842,022

249,410

3,449,809

456,400

3,906,209

2015

750,000

99,033

849,033

1,527,921

822,727

251,081

3,450,762

454,174

3,904,936

in euros

Hans Van Bylen 
(Chairman) 
(since 5/1/2016)

Member of the 
Management 
Board since 
7/1/2005

Kasper Rorsted 5 
(Chairman) 
(until 4/30/2016)

Member of the 
Management 
Board from 
4/1/2005 to 
4/30/2016

Jan-Dirk Auris 
(Adhesive  
Technologies)

Member of the 
Management 
Board since 
1/1/2011

Pascal Houdayer 
(Beauty Care)

Member of the 
Management 
Board since 
3/1/2016

Carsten Knobel 
(Finance)

Member of the 
Management 
Board since 
7/1/2012

Kathrin Menges 
(Human 
Resources)

Member of the 
Management 
Board since 
10/1/2011

Bruno Piacenza 
(Laundry &  
Home Care)

Member of the 
Management 
Board since 
1/1/2011

1 Payment amount.
2  Pursuant to DCGK, based on the payment amount of the remuneration components granted for the relevant fiscal year; actual allocation occurs in the following year.
3  Pursuant to DCGK, based on the payment amount of those tranches for which the plan term of three years ended in the relevant fiscal year; actual allocation occurs 

in the following year.

4  Pursuant to DCGK, service cost determined in accordance with IAS.
5  As contractually agreed, Kasper Rorsted, who left the company at his own request effective April 30, 2016, was paid 1,240,434 euros gross in consideration of his 
entitlements under the Short Term Incentive 2016 (pro rata) and a further total amount of 2,266,167 euros gross representing the target amounts of his vested 
entitlements under the Long Term Incentive in 2014, 2015 and 2016 (pro rata). In addition, compensation of 413,910 euros gross was paid to Kasper Rorsted for 
the period from May 1, 2016, until July 31, 2016, under the contractually agreed non-competition clause (with a term of two years).

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast48

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

2.  Remuneration of Henkel Management AG  
for assumption of personal liability, and 
 reimbursement of expenses to same

For assumption of personal liability and manage-
ment responsibility, Henkel Management AG in its 
function as Personally Liable Partner receives an 
annual payment of 50,000 euros (= 5 percent of its 
capital stock) plus any value-added tax (VAT) due, 
said fee being payable irrespective of any profit or 
loss made.

Henkel Management AG may also claim reimburse-
ment from or payment by the corporation of all 
expenses incurred in connection with the manage-
ment of the corporation’s business, including the 
remuneration and pensions paid to its corporate 
management bodies.

3.  Remuneration of members of the Supervisory 
Board and of the Shareholders’ Committee of  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Regulation, structure and amounts 
The remuneration for the Supervisory Board and 
the Shareholders’ Committee is determined by the 
Annual General Meeting; the corresponding provi-
sions are contained in Articles 17 and 33 of the Arti-
cles of Association. 

Each member of the Supervisory Board and of the 
Shareholders’ Committee receives a fixed fee of 
70,000 euros and 100,000 euros per year respec-
tively. The Chairs of the Supervisory Board and the 
Shareholders’ Committee each receive double this 
amount, and the Vice Chair in each case one and a 
half times the aforementioned amount.

Members of the Shareholders’ Committee who are 
also members of one or more subcommittees of the 
Shareholders’ Committee each receive additional 
remuneration of 100,000 euros; if they chair one or 
more subcommittees, they receive 200,000 euros.

Members of the Supervisory Board who are also 
members of one or more committees each receive 
additional remuneration of 35,000 euros; if they 
chair one or more committees, they receive 
70,000 euros. Activity in the Nominations Commit-
tee is not remunerated separately. 

The higher remuneration allocated to the members 
of the Shareholders’ Committee as compared to the 
Supervisory Board takes into account that, under the 
Articles of Association, the Shareholders’ Committee 
participates in the management of the corporation.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

49

Other provisions
The members of the Supervisory Board or a committee 
receive an attendance fee amounting to 1,000 euros 
for each meeting in which they participate. If several 
meetings take place on one day, the attendance fee 
is only paid once. In addition, the members of the 
Supervisory Board and of the  Shareholders’ Commit-
tee are reimbursed expenses incurred in connection 
with their positions. The members of the Supervisory 
Board are also reimbursed the value-added tax (VAT) 
payable on their total remunerations and reimbursed 
expenses.

Remuneration of members of the Supervisory 
Board and of the Shareholders’ Committee for 
 fiscal 2016
Total remuneration paid to the members of the 
Supervisory Board for the year under review (fixed 
fee, attendance fee, remuneration for committee 
activity) amounted to 1,572,896 euros plus VAT 
 (previous year: 1,546,000 euros plus VAT). Of this 
amount, fixed fees accounted for 1,222,896 euros, 
attendance fees for 85,000 euros, and remuneration 
for committee activity (including associated atten-
dance fees) for 265,000 euros.

The corporation maintains directors and officers 
insurance for directors and officers of the Henkel 
Group. For members of the Supervisory Board and 
Shareholders’ Committee there is a deductible 
amounting to 10 percent per loss event, subject to 
a maximum for the fiscal year of one and a half 
times their annual fixed remuneration.

Total remuneration paid to the members of the 
Shareholders’ Committee for the year under review 
(fixed fee and remuneration for subcommittee 
 activity) amounted to 2,350,000 euros (previous 
year: 2,350,000 euros). Of this amount, fixed fees 
were 1,150,000 euros and remuneration for subcom-
mittee activity 1,200,000 euros. 

In the year under review, no compensation or bene-
fits were paid or granted for personally performed 
services, including in particular advisory or interme-
diation services.

The remuneration of the individual members of the 
Supervisory Board and of the Shareholders’ Commit-
tee, broken down according to the above-mentioned 
components, is presented in the tables on the follow-
ing pages.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast50

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Supervisory Board remuneration

17

in euros

Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah 3, 
Chair

Winfried Zander 3, 
Vice Chair

Jutta Bernicke

Dr. Kaspar von Braun

Boris Canessa 
(until 4/11/2016)

Johann-Christoph Frey  
(since 4/11/2016)

Ferdinand Groos 
(until 4/11/2016)

Béatrice Guillaume-Grabisch 
(until 3/31/2016)

Peter Hausmann 3 

Birgit Helten-Kindlein 3

Benedikt-Richard Freiherr von Herman  
(since 4/11/2016)

Timotheus Höttges 
(since 4/11/2016)

Prof. Dr. Michael Kaschke 3

Barbara Kux

Mayc Nienhaus

Andrea Pichottka

Dr. Martina Seiler

Prof. Dr. Theo Siegert 3

Edgar Topsch

Total

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

Components of total remuneration

Fixed fee

Attendance fee

Fee for commit-
tee activity 1

Total  
remuneration 2

140,000

140,000

105,000

105,000

70,000

70,000

70,000

70,000

19,508

70,000

50,492

–

19,508

70,000

17,404

70,000

70,000

70,000

70,000

70,000

50,492

–

50,492

–

70,000

70,000

70,000

70,000

70,000

70,000

70,000

70,000

70,000

70,000

70,000

70,000

70,000

70,000

5,000

4,000

5,000

4,000

5,000

3,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

4,000

4,000

–

2,000

4,000

0

2,000

5,000

3,000

5,000

4,000

4,000

–

3,000

–

4,000

3,000

6,000

4,000

6,000

4,000

6,000

4,000

6,000

4,000

5,000

4,000

6,000

4,000

1,222,896

1,225,000

85,000

59,000

39,000

38,000

39,000

38,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

37,000

37,000

39,000

38,000

–

–

–

–

37,000

38,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

74,000

73,000

–

–

265,000

262,000

184,000

182,000

149,000

147,000

75,000

73,000

76,000

74,000

21,508

74,000

54,492

–

21,508

74,000

17,404

72,000

112,000

110,000

114,000

112,000

54,492

–

53,492

–

111,000

111,000

76,000

74,000

76,000

74,000

76,000

74,000

76,000

74,000

149,000

147,000

76,000

74,000

1,572,896

1,546,000

1  Remuneration for service on the Audit Committee, including attendance fee;  
there is no separate remuneration payable for service on the Nominations Committee.
2  Figures do not include VAT.
3 Member of the Audit Committee. Audit Committee Chair: Prof. Dr. Theo Siegert.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

51

Shareholders’ Committee remuneration 

18

Components of total remuneration

Fixed fee 

Fee for subcommittee 
activity

Total remuneration 

200,000

200,000

150,000

150,000

100,000

100,000

72,131

–

27,869

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

100,000

100,000

72,131

–

27,869

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

400,000

400,000

350,000

350,000

200,000

200,000

144,262

–

55,738

200,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

1,150,000

1,150,000

1,200,000

1,200,000

2,350,000

2,350,000

As the Supervisory Board of Henkel Management AG 
is only comprised of members who also belong to 
the Shareholders’ Committee, no remuneration was 
paid in respect of this Supervisory Board in the year 
under review.

in euros

Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah, 
Chair (Chair Human Resources 
Subcommittee)

Dr. Christoph  Henkel,  
Vice Chair  
(Chair Finance Subcommittee)

Prof. Dr. Paul Achleitner  
(Member Finance Subcommittee)

Boris Canessa 
(Member HR Subcommittee) 
(since 4/11/2016)

Johann-Christoph Frey  
(Member HR Subcommittee) 
(until 4/11/2016)

Stefan Hamelmann  
(Vice Chair Finance Subcommittee)

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Lehner  
(Member Finance Subcommittee)

Dr. Dr. Norbert Reithofer  
(Member Finance Subcommittee)

Konstantin von Unger  
(Vice Chair HR Subcommittee)

Jean-François van Boxmeer 
(Member HR Subcommittee)

Werner Wenning  
(Member HR Subcommittee)

Total 

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

4.  Remuneration of the members of the Super-
visory Board of Henkel Management AG

According to Article 14 of the Articles of Association 
of Henkel Management AG, the members of the 
Supervisory Board of Henkel Management AG are 
each entitled to receive annual remuneration of 
10,000 euros. However, those members of said 
Supervisory Board who are also and simultaneously 
members of the Supervisory Board or the Share- 
holders’ Committee of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA do 
not receive this remuneration.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast52

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

+ 9.7 %

increase in Henkel 
preferred share 
price.

+ 11.7 %

increase in Henkel 
ordinary share 
price.

€ 45.9 bn

market  
capitalization.

Shares and bonds

Henkel shares posted a positive price performance in 
2016. The price of Henkel preferred shares increased 
by 9.7 percent to 113.25 euros. The gain recorded by 
the ordinary shares was even greater. These closed at 
98.98 euros, 11.7 percent higher year on year. Over the 
course of the year, the DAX rose by 6.9 percent to 
11,481 points. The EURO STOXX® Consumer Goods 
Index closed at 633 points, down 0.1 percent. Henkel 
shares therefore significantly outperformed the DAX 
and other shares representing the consumer goods 
sector.

Henkel shares largely tracked the overall market in 
the course of the year, although their performance in 
the third quarter and at the start of the fourth quarter 
was much better than their benchmarks. Within this 
environment, Henkel preferred shares reached an 
all-time high on October 4, 2016, of 122.90 euros. On 
the same day, the ordinary shares also recorded their 
highest price ever, 105.45 euros. Prices of Henkel 
shares initially decreased at the start of the fourth 
quarter, as did other shares representing the con-
sumer goods sector, while the DAX lost scarcely any 
ground in this environment. Over the course of 
December, prices of Henkel shares increased signifi-
cantly again, as did their benchmarks. The preferred 

shares traded at an average premium of 14.8 percent 
over the ordinary shares in 2016.

Year on year, the trading volume (Xetra) of preferred 
shares declined. Each trading day saw an average of 
around 473,000 preferred shares changing hands 
(2015: around 571,000). The average volume for our 
ordinary shares also decreased to around 89,000 
shares per trading day (2015: 104,000). Due to posi-
tive share price developments, the market capitaliza-
tion of our ordinary and preferred shares increased 
from 41.4 billion euros to 45.9 billion euros.

Henkel shares remain an attractive investment for 
long-term investors. Shareholders who invested the 
equivalent of 1,000 euros when Henkel preferred 
shares were issued in 1985, and re-invested the divi-
dends received (before tax deduction) in the stock, 
had a portfolio value of 37,499 euros at the end of 
2016. This represents an increase in value of 
3,650 percent or an average yield of 12.3 percent per 
year. Over the same period, the DAX provided an 
annual yield of 7.7 percent. Over the last five and ten 
years, the Henkel preferred share has shown an aver-
age yield of 20.5 percent and 11.8 percent per year 
respectively, offering a significantly higher return 
than the average DAX returns of 14.2 percent and 
5.7 percent per year for the same periods.

Key data on Henkel shares 2012 to 2016 

19

in euros

Earnings per share

Ordinary share

Preferred share

Share price at year-end 1

Ordinary share

Preferred share

High for the year 1

Ordinary share

Preferred share

Low for the year 1

Ordinary share

Preferred share

Dividends

Ordinary share

Preferred share

Market capitalization 1 in bn euros

Ordinary shares in bn euros

Preferred shares in bn euros

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

3.40

3.42

51.93

62.20

52.78

64.61

37.25

44.31

0.93

0.95

24.6

13.5

11.1

3.65

3.67

75.64

84.31

75.81

84.48

50.28

59.82

1.20

1.22

34.7

19.7

15.0

3.74

3.76

80.44

89.42

80.44

90.45

67.00

72.64

1.29

1.31

36.8

20.9

15.9

4.42

4.44

88.62

103.20

99.26

115.20

76.32

87.75

1.45

1.47

41.4

23.0

18.4

4.72

4.74

98.98

113.25

105.45

122.90

77.00

88.95

1.60 2

1.62 2

45.9

25.7

20.2

1 Closing share prices, Xetra trading system.
2 Proposal to shareholders for the Annual General Meeting on April 6, 2017.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

53

20

Dec. 30, 2016: 
113.25 euros

Performance of Henkel shares versus market  
January through December 2016 

Dec. 30, 2015: 
103.20 euros

in euros

130

120

110

100

90

80

January

February March

April

May

June

July

August

September October November December

Henkel preferred share
Henkel ordinary share (indexed)
EURO STOXX® Consumer Goods Index (indexed)
DAX (indexed)

Performance of Henkel shares versus market  
2007 through 2016 

Dec. 29, 2006: 
37.16 euros

in euros

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

21

Dec. 30, 2016: 
113.25 euros

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Henkel preferred share
Henkel ordinary share (indexed)
EURO STOXX® Consumer Goods Index (indexed)
DAX (indexed)

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast54

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Henkel represented in all major indices

Henkel shares are traded on the Frankfurt Stock 
Exchange, predominantly on the Xetra electronic 
trading platform. Henkel is also listed on all regional 
stock exchanges in Germany. In the USA, investors 
are able to invest in Henkel preferred and ordinary 
shares by way of stock ownership certificates 
obtained through the Sponsored Level I ADR (Ameri-
can Depositary Receipt) program. The number of 
ADRs outstanding for ordinary and preferred shares 
at the end of the year was approximately 1.5 million 
(2015: 1.7 million).

The international importance of Henkel preferred 
shares derives not least from their inclusion in many 
leading indices that serve as important indicators for 
capital markets, and the benchmarks for fund man-
agers. Particularly noteworthy in this respect are the 
MSCI World, STOXX® Europe 600, and FTSE World 
Europe indices. Henkel’s inclusion in the Dow Jones 
Titans 30 Personal & Household Goods Index makes 
it one of the most important corporations in the per-
sonal and household goods sector worldwide. As a 
DAX stock, Henkel is one of the 30 most significant 
exchange-listed companies in Germany.

Share data 

Security code no.

ISIN code

Stock exch. symbol

Number of shares

22

Preferred shares

Ordinary shares

604843

604840

DE0006048432

DE0006048408

HEN3.ETR

HEN.ETR

178,162,875

259,795,875

in the Ethibel Pioneer Investment Register and the 
sustainability indices Euronext Vigeo World 120, 
Europe 120, and Eurozone 120 was also confirmed, as 
was our membership in the MSCI Global Sustainabil-
ity Index series. Henkel is also included in the Dow 
Jones Sustainability Index World, and in the Global 
Challenges Index as one of only 50 companies 
worldwide.

At year-end 2016, the market capitalization of the pre-
ferred shares included in the DAX index was 20.2 bil-
lion euros. Henkel thus again ranked 18th, or 22nd in 
terms of trading volume (2015: 23rd). Our DAX weight-
ing increased to 2.10 percent (2015: 2.05 percent)

International shareholder structure

Our preferred shares are the significantly more liq-
uid class of Henkel stock. Apart from the treasury 
shares, they are entirely in free float. A large majority 
are owned by institutional investors whose portfo-
lios are usually broadly distributed internationally.

According to notices received by the company, mem-
bers of the Henkel family share-pooling agreement 
owned a majority of the ordinary shares amounting 
to 61.02 percent as of December 17, 2015. We have 
received no other notices indicating that a share-
holder holds more than 3 percent of the voting rights 
(notifiable ownership). As of December 31, 2016, trea-
sury stock amounted to 3.7 million shares.

Shareholder structure:  
Institutional investors holding Henkel shares 

24

ADR data 

CUSIP

ISIN code

ADR symbol

23

Preferred shares

Ordinary shares

42550U208

42550U109

US42550U2087

US42550U1097

HENOY

HENKY

Once again our advances and achievements in sus-
tainable management earned recognition from exter-
nal experts in 2016. Henkel’s standing was confirmed 
in a variety of national and international sustainabil-
ity ratings and indices. Henkel has been represented 
in the ethics index FTSE4Good since 2001, and in the 
STOXX® Global ESG Leaders index family since its 
launch by Deutsche Börse in 2011. Our membership 

France 

8 %

Germany 

10 %

Rest of world  11 %

Rest of  
Europe 

17 %

At November 30, 2016
Source: Nasdaq.

USA 

31 %

 UK 

23 %

61.02 %

of voting rights are 
held by members 
of the Henkel fam-
ily share-pooling 
agreement.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

55

Employee share program

Henkel bonds

Since 2001, Henkel has offered an employee share 
program (ESP). For each euro invested in 2016 by an 
employee (limited to 4 percent of salary up to a maxi-
mum of 4,992 euros per year), Henkel added 33 euro-
cents. Around 11,500 employees in 53 countries pur-
chased Henkel preferred shares under this program 
in 2016. At year-end, some 14,800 employees held a 
total of around 2.5 million shares, representing 
approximately 1.4 percent of total preferred shares 
outstanding. The lock-up period for newly acquired 
ESP shares is three years.

Investing in Henkel shares through participation in 
our share program has proven to be very beneficial 
for our employees in the past. Employees who 
invested 100 euros each month in Henkel shares 
since the program was first launched, and waived 
interim payouts, held portfolios valued at 92,866 
euros at the end of 2016. This represents an increase 
in value of around 416 percent or an average yield of 
around 12.4 percent per year.

Henkel successfully issued four fixed-rate bonds in 
three different currencies with a total volume of 
2.2 billion euros in 2016. One of the bonds with a 
volume of 500 million euros has a term of two years, 
and a coupon rate of 0 percent per year with a nega-
tive yield of –0.05 percent. A second bond with a vol-
ume of 700 million euros has a term of five years. 
Both its coupon rate and yield are 0 percent per year. 
A further eurodollar bond with a volume of 750 million 
US dollars was placed with a coupon rate of 1.5 percent 
per year and a term of three years, together with a 
300 million British pound bond issue with a term of 
six years and a coupon rate of 0.875 percent per year. 
The bonds are being used to refinance the short-term 
bank loan for acquiring The Sun Products Corporation. 
The bonds were oversubscribed to a considerable 
extent and aroused great interest among international 
investors. 

Further information can be found on the website: 

  www.henkel.com/creditor-relations

25

Bond data 

Currency

Volume

Coupon

Maturity

Issue price

Issue yield

Tranche 1

EUR

500 million

0 % p. a.

9/13/2018

100.10 %

– 0.05 % p. a.

Tranche 2

EUR

700 million

0 % p. a.

9/13/2021

100 %

0 % p. a.

Tranche 3

USD

750 million

1.5 % p. a.

9/13/2019

99.85 %

1.55 %

Tranche 4

GBP

300 million

0.875 % p. a.

9/13/2022

99.59 %

0.95 %

Interest calculation

Act/Act (ISMA)

Act/Act (ISMA)

30/360 (ISMA)

Act/Act (ISMA)

Denomination

Sec. code no.

1,000 EUR

A2BPAW

1,000 EUR

A2BPAX

2,000 USD

A2BPAY

1,000 GBP

A2BPAZ

ISIN

Listing

XS1488370740

XS1488418960

XS1488419695

XS1488419935

Regulated Market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast56

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

The quality of our capital market communication 
was again evaluated in 2016 by various independent 
rankings. Once again, our Investor Relations team 
gained leading positions compared to other Euro-
pean corporations in the Home & Personal Care sec-
tor and other DAX companies, including third place 
in the Household Products & Personal Care sector in 
the Extel 2016 Awards. In the Institutional Investor 
ranking, Henkel was chosen by financial analysts as 
having the best Investor Relations team in the Euro-
pean Household & Personal Care Products sector.

The quality of our communication and our perfor-
mance with respect to non-financial indicators 
(environmental, social and governance themes) was 
reflected in regular positive assessments by various 
rating agencies and further confirmed by our inclu-
sion in major sustainability indices as described 
above.

A financial calendar with all important dates is pro-
vided on the inside back cover of this Annual Report.

Pro-active capital market communication

Henkel is covered by numerous financial analysts at 
an international level. Around 25 equity and debt 
analysts regularly publish reports and commentaries 
on the current performance of the company.

Henkel places great importance on dialog with inves-
tors and analysts. At 21 capital market conferences 
and roadshows held in Europe and North America, 
institutional investors and financial analysts had an 
opportunity to engage with the company and, in 
many instances, directly with senior management. 
We also conducted regular telephone conferences 
and numerous one-on-one meetings.

One highlight was our Investor and Analyst Day for 
the Adhesive Technologies business unit, held on 
June 6 and 7, 2016. Under the theme “Lead to Outper-
form,” the business unit provided information about 
its strategy and financial performance, and also spot-
lighted its engineering and commercial potential at 
its facility in Heidelberg. 

Retail investors can obtain all relevant information 
on request or via the Investor Relations website at 

  www.henkel.com/ir. This also serves as the portal for 
the live broadcast of telephone conferences and parts 
of the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM 
offers all shareholders the opportunity to obtain 
extensive information about the company directly.

Analyst recommendations 

26

Sell 

4 %

Buy 

48 %

Hold 

48 %

At December 31, 2016 
Basis: 27 equity analysts.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

57

1876

Year of foundation.

Fundamental principles  
of the Group

Operational activities

Overview
Henkel was founded in 1876. Therefore, the year 
under review marks the 140th in our corporate his-
tory. Today, Henkel employs around 51,350 people 
worldwide, and we occupy globally leading market 
positions in our consumer and industrial businesses.

Our purpose is to create sustainable value – for our 
customers and consumers, for our people, for our 
shareholders, as well as for the wider society and 
communities in which we operate. 

Organization and business units 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA is operationally active as well 
as being the parent company of the Henkel Group. As 
such it is responsible for defining and pursuing 
Henkel’s corporate objectives and also for the man-
agement, control and monitoring of Group-wide 
activities, including risk management and the allo-
cation of resources. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA performs 
its tasks within the legal scope afforded to it as part 
of the Henkel Group, with the affiliated companies 
otherwise operating as legally independent entities.

Operational management and control is the respon-
sibility of the Management Board of Henkel Manage-
ment AG in its function as sole Personally Liable 
Partner. The Management Board is supported in this 
by the corporate functions.

Henkel is organized into three business units: Adhesive 
Technologies, Beauty Care and Laundry & Home Care.

The Adhesive Technologies business unit provides 
customer-specific solutions worldwide with adhe-
sives, sealants and functional coatings in two busi-
ness areas: Industry, and Consumers, Craftsmen and 
Building. The portfolio of the Beauty Care business 
unit encompasses hair cosmetics, products for body, 
skin and oral care, and products for the hair salon 
business. Our product range in the Laundry & Home 
Care business unit comprises primarily heavy-duty 
and specialty detergents, and dishwashing and 
cleaning products. We also offer air fresheners and 
insect control products for household applications.

Henkel leads the global market in the field of Adhe-
sive Technologies. In our consumer businesses, we 
also hold top positions in numerous markets and 
categories.

Adhesive Technologies, Beauty Care and Laundry & 
Home Care are managed on the basis of globally 
responsible strategic business units. These are sup-
ported by the corporate functions of Henkel AG & Co. 
KGaA, our shared services, and our globally inte-
grated supply chain organization in order to ensure 
optimum utilization of corporate network synergies. 
Implementation of the strategies at the country and 
regional level is the responsibility of the national 
affiliated companies whose operations are supported 
and coordinated by regional centers. The executive 
bodies of these national affiliates manage their busi-
nesses in line with the relevant statutory regulations, 
supplemented by their own articles of association, 

Henkel around the world: Regional Centers 

27

Düsseldorf, Germany 
Global Headquarters

Vienna, Austria
Regional Center

Shanghai, China 
Regional Center

Rocky Hill, 
Connecticut, USA 
Regional Center

Scottsdale,  
Arizona, USA  
Regional Center

Mexico City, Mexico 
Regional Center

São Paulo, Brazil
Regional Center

Dubai, United 
Arab Emirates 
Regional Center

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast58

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

+ 9.7 %

average annual 
growth in adjusted 
earnings per pre-
ferred share (CAGR 
2012 – 2016).

internal procedural rules and the principles incorpo-
rated in our globally applicable management stan-
dards, codes and guidelines.

to strengthen our position in the global competitive 
and market environment. 

Strategy and financial targets 2016

The past four years have been very successful for 
Henkel. This success was founded on our strategy 
and financial targets for 2013 through 2016, which we 
consistently advanced under challenging conditions. 

Over the four-year strategy cycle from 2013 through 
2016, Henkel continuously increased its organic 
sales, growing by 3.3 percent on average. Emerging 
markets contributed to this solid performance with 
organic growth of 7.2 percent on average. Due to 
 negative foreign exchange effects, however, we did 
not fully meet our absolute sales targets for 2016. 

Over the course of the strategy cycle, adjusted earn-
ings per preferred share developed very well, grow-
ing by an annual average (CAGR) of 9.7 percent. 
Despite the difficult environment, we thus nearly 
achieved our target of 10 percent.

Achievement of financial targets 2016 

28

Sales  

in bn euros

Sales in emerging markets  in bn euros

Average annual growth in adjusted 
earnings per preferred share 1

Target

Achieve-
ment  

20.0

10.0

10 %

18.7

7.8

9.7 %

1 Compound annual growth rate/CAGR 2012 – 2016.

The implementation of our four strategic priorities – 
Outperform, Globalize, Simplify, Inspire – has enabled 
us to successfully move the corporation forward and 

Our “Outperform” priority focused on leveraging 
the growth potential in our product categories even 
further. One key objective in this respect was to 
strengthen our 10 top brands, which we achieved by 
increasing their share of sales from 44 percent in 
2012 to 61 percent in 2016. 

In pursuing our “Globalize” priority, we drove the 
further globalization of the corporation and grasped 
opportunities for growth in both emerging and 
mature markets. Above-average organic sales growth 
has enabled us to expand our position in emerging 
markets. In addition, we have strengthened our 
portfolio worldwide through attractive acquisitions 
(for details of acquisitions in 2016, please refer to 
table 29 below). Our most important acquisition was 
The Sun Products Corporation, which elevated Henkel 
to 2nd place in the North American laundry market.

As part of our priority “Simplify,” we significantly 
improved our operational excellence, enabling us to 
effectively respond to the increasing speed and per-
sisting volatility of our markets. We have success-
fully expanded our shared service centers, with more 
than 3,000 employees now working at seven sites. 
We are also integrating our production, logistics and 
purchasing activities across all business units in one 
integrated Global Supply Chain organization. 

We advanced the development of our global team 
through our “Inspire” priority: by strengthening our 
leadership team and encouraging high potentials, 
and through our clear performance orientation and 
greater diversity in all areas of the corporation. 
Within our globally standardized system of annual 
management assessment, we are increasingly align-
ing career plans to individual interests. 

Acquisitions signed and closed in fiscal 2016 

29

Business 

Key brands 

Key  
countries 

Contract 
signed on 

Comple-
tion on 

Annual 
sales in 
million 
euros

Purchase 
price 1 in 
million 
euros

For further  
information,  
see pages

57.5 % of the shares in 
Expand Global Industries UK 
Ltd. (Detergents)

Hair care business in  
Africa/Middle East & Eastern 
Europe

Waw, Nittol

Nigeria

5/31/2016 5/31/2016

~ 50

110 

69, 80, 123 – 126

Pert, Shamtu, 
Blendax

Russia / 
Saudi Ara-
bia / Turkey

3/2/2016

6/1/2016

~ 75

212

69, 93, 123 – 126

Tile adhesive business in 
Colombia

Alfalisto, 
Pegalisto

Colombia

4/4/2016

6/30/2016

~ 10

17

69, 90, 91, 123 – 126

Detergent business in Iran

Tage

Iran

4/30/2016 8/21/2016

~ 70

1412

69, 80, 123 – 126

The Sun Products Corporation All, Sun, Snuggle USA, Canada 6/24/2016 9/1/2016

~ 1,450 

~ 3,200

69, 80, 97, 123 – 126

1 Excluding contingent purchase price components.
2 Provisional purchase price.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

59

Fund
 Growth

Increase
 Agility

Drive 
Growth

Accelerate 
Digitalization

Henkel 2020+ – our ambition and strategic 
priorities

Henkel has defined four strategic priorities to con-
tinue its sustainable profitable growth through to 
2020 and beyond: drive growth, accelerate digitaliza-
tion, increase agility and fund growth. Our balanced 
and broadly diversified portfolio with strong brands, 
innovative technologies and leading positions in 
attractive markets and categories provides a strong 
foundation. Our passionate global team is united in 
a strong corporate culture with shared values. 

Building on its strong foundation, Henkel intends 
to continue its path of profitable growth. On Novem-
ber 17, 2016, we presented the ambition and strategic 
priorities that will drive the company through to 
2020 and beyond.

Our ambition
We have defined our ambition in a very volatile mar-
ket environment characterized by increasing global-
ization, accelerating digitalization, rapidly changing 
markets, and an increasing relevance of resource 
scarcity and social responsibility. 

We want to become more customer-focused and 
make the company even more innovative, agile and 
digital, in both our internal processes and our cus-

tomer-facing activities. In addition, we are aiming 
to  further promote sustainability in all our business 
activities. 

Henkel has defined the following financial ambition 
for the period until 2020:
•  We are aiming to achieve organic sales growth of  
2 to 4 percent on average over the next four years. 

•  For adjusted earnings per preferred share, we are 

targeting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) 
of 7 to 9 percent. This ambition for EPS growth 
includes the impact of currency developments, 
and minor and mid-sized acquisitions. It excludes 
major acquisitions as well as share buy-backs.
•  We are aiming for continued improvement in 

adjusted EBIT margin. In addition, we will main-
tain our focus on free cash flow expansion.

Financial ambition 2020 

30

Organic growth

2 – 4 % 
(average 2017–2020)

Adjusted EPS growth

7 – 9 % 
(CAGR 1 2016 – 2020, per preferred share)

Adjusted EBIT margin

Free cash flow

1  Compound annual growth rate.

Continued improvement 
in adjusted EBIT margin

Continued focus  
on free cash flow expansion

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast60

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Alongside organic growth, acquisitions will continue 
to be an integral part of our strategy. Our assessment 
of potential acquisitions is based on whether the 
 targets are available, fit Henkel’s strategy, and are 
financially attractive. The focus in the Adhesive 
Technologies business unit is on expanding techno-
logy leadership, whereas in the Beauty Care and 
Laundry & Home Care business units, we will be 
striving to strengthen our categories.

Strategic priorities in summary

Drive growth

Driving growth in mature and emerging markets 
will be a key strategic priority for Henkel. In order 
to achieve this, we will focus on targeted initiatives 
to create superior customer and consumer engage-
ment, strengthen our leading brands and technolo-
gies, develop exciting innovations and services, and 
capture new sources of growth.

Accelerate digitalization

Accelerating digitalization will help us to successfully 
grow our business, strengthen the relationships with 
our customers and consumers, optimize our processes 
and transform the entire company. By 2020, we will 
implement a range of initiatives to drive our digital 
business, leverage Industry 4.0, and eTransform the 
organization. 

Increase agility

In a highly volatile and dynamic business environment, 
increasing the agility of the organization will be a 
critical success factor for Henkel in the future. This 
will require energized and empowered teams, fastest 
time-to-market as well as smart and simplified 
processes. 

Fund growth

In order to fund growth, we will implement new 
approaches to optimize resource allocation, focus 
on net revenue management, further increase effi-
ciency in our structures, and continue to expand   
our Global Supply Chain organization. Together, these 
 initiatives will contribute to further improving profit-
ability and enable us to fund our growth ambitions 
for 2020 and beyond.

Sustainability strategy

Sustainability as one of our corporate values
Our commitment to leadership in sustainability is 
anchored in our corporate values. We want to create 
more value – for our customers and consumers, for 
the communities we operate in, and for our company 
– while, at the same time, reducing our environmen-
tal footprint. We aim to pioneer new solutions for 
sustainable development while continuing to shape 
our business responsibly and increasing our eco-
nomic success. Our sustainability strategy provides 
a clear framework for this aim and reflects the high 
expectations of our stakeholders. 

Our focal areas
We are concentrating our activities on six focal areas 
that reflect the key challenges of sustainable devel-
opment as they relate to our operations. Three of 
them describe how we want to deliver more value – 
for our customers and consumers, our shareholders 
and our company – for example, by enhancing occu-
pational health and safety, and encouraging social 
progress. The three other focal areas describe the 
ways in which we want to reduce our environmental 
footprint, for instance through reduced water and 
energy use and less waste. 

Key drivers for the coming years
We are convinced that our focus on sustainability is 
more important than ever before, and that it sup-
ports our growth, improves our cost efficiency, and 
reduces risks. We already have a strong foundation 
on which to build, and can demonstrate a successful 
track record. To reflect the growing importance of 
sustainability for our stakeholders and our long-term 
economic success, we defined three key drivers in 
2016 that will help us to advance sustainability at 
Henkel over the coming years. 

Strengthen foundation
In order to reconcile people’s desire to live well with 
the resource limits of the planet, and to allow us to 
build on our economic success, we will have to sig-
nificantly improve our efficiency. In light of the 
global challenges of sustainable development, 
Henkel has set itself a long-term goal: Taking 2010 
as the base year, our aim by 2030 is to triple the value 
we create through our business operations in rela-
tion to the environmental footprint of our products 
and services. We call this goal “Factor 3.”

To reach this goal by 2030, we will have to improve 
our efficiency by an average of 5 to 6 percent each 
year. We managed to meet and even exceed some of 
the interim targets for the first five years through to 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

61

Sustainability Report

2016

More details and back-
ground reading on the 
subject of sustainability 
can be found in our 
 Sustainability Report on 
the internet.

   www.henkel.com/
sustainabilityreport

2015. On the road to our long-term goal of “Factor 3,” 
we intend to improve our performance in these areas 
still further over the coming years. To this end, we 
have defined medium-term targets through to 2020 
(see chart below). For the period up to 2020, we 
intend to improve the relationship between the value 
we create and our environmental footprint by 75 per-
cent overall, taking 2010 as the base year.

At the same time, we are going to further improve 
our reporting and measurement systems to enable 
an integrated approach to assessing and managing 
progress toward our 20-year target for 2030 across 
our entire company and value chain. Our ongoing 
dialog with stakeholders and experts, as well as per-
formance benchmarking, are part of the underlying 
basis of our work.  

Boost engagement
When it comes to implementing our sustainability 
strategy, our people play a key role – through their 
dedication, skills and knowledge. They make their 
own contributions to sustainable development, both 
in their daily business lives and as members of soci-
ety. They interface with our customers and drive 
innovation – and give Henkel its unique identity. 

This is why we have set ourselves the goal of engag-
ing all of our employees as sustainability ambassa-
dors. The program was launched in 2012 to encour-
age our employees to become even more involved in 
the issue of sustainability. Since then, Henkel has 
trained more than 10,000 sustainability ambassa-
dors in 79 countries. At the same time, we want to 
encourage our people to make a contribution as 
ambassadors at our sites, as well as by engaging with 
our customers, in schools and in our communities.

Maximize impact
We want to strengthen our contribution toward over-
coming major global challenges, and to maximize 
the impact we can achieve through our operations, 
our brands, and our technologies. 

In light of the Paris agreement on climate change 
from December 2015 and the clear need to reduce 
emissions, Henkel is striving to become a climate- 
positive company. As a first step, we are aiming – by 
2030 – to reduce the CO2 footprint of our production 
by 75 percent, and to help our customers and con-
sumers save 50 million metric tons of CO2 by 2020.

Equally, Henkel is striving to encourage social prog-
ress and work with partners to create shared value 

Our focal areas and targets 

31

Deliver more value

Achieved 2016 1

Targets 2020 1

Social 
Progress

Performance

Safety and
Health

F A C T O R

Energy and 
Climate

Materials 
and Waste

Water and 
Wastewater

at a reduced 
footprint

+ 8 %

+ 22 %

more net sales per ton of product

+ 17 %

+ 40 %

safer per million hours worked

– 22 %

– 30 %

less energy / CO2 emissions  
per ton of product

– 26 %2

– 30 %

less waste per ton of product

– 23 %

– 30 %

less water per ton of product

+ 42 %

+ 75 %

overall efficiency

1 Compared to 2010 as the base year.
2 Waste generated by our production sites, excluding construction and demolition waste.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast62

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

along the entire value chain. This includes improv-
ing income opportunities, chances for development 
for girls and women, and labor standards for the 
workforce in our supply chains.

comparison of these plans with current develop-
ments and expected figures enables focused man-
agement of the company based on the described per-
formance indicators.

Our brands and technologies are used a million 
times over, every day, in households and industrial 
processes. For this reason, we want to expand their 
contributions to sustainability by focusing more 
strongly on pioneering innovations and engaging 
our customers and consumers.

Moreover, we report further key performance indica-
tors, such as net working capital as a percentage of 
sales, return on capital employed (ROCE) and free cash 
flow, which we are aiming to further expand, as 
described in our financial ambition for 2020.

Management system and performance 
 indicators

Henkel plans to continue generating sustainable pro-
fitable growth to 2020 and beyond. To this end, we 
have defined four strategic priorities: drive growth, 
accelerate digitalization, increase agility and fund 
growth. To enable efficient management of the 
Group, we align our actions to these strategic priori-
ties and have translated them into strategy plans for 
our three business units Adhesive Technologies, 
Beauty Care and Laundry & Home Care, and their 
respective business areas.

Our management system and key performance indi-
cators are derived from our ambition to continue 
generating sustainable profitable growth. The key 
performance indicators are organic sales growth, 
adjusted return on sales development, and growth in 
adjusted earnings per preferred share.

Over the coming four years, Henkel is aiming to 
achieve  organic sales growth of 2 to 4 percent on 
average. For adjusted earnings per preferred share, 
Henkel is targeting a compound annual growth rate 
(CAGR) of 7 to 9 percent. We are also aiming for a con-
tinued improvement of the adjusted EBIT margin.

The key performance indicators are represented in 
both the year and the medium-term plans. A regular 

Cost of capital

The cost of capital is calculated as a weighted average 
of the cost of equity and debt capital (WACC). 

We regularly review our cost of capital in order to 
reflect changing market conditions. In addition, we 
apply different WACC rates depending on the busi-
ness unit involved. These are based on business 
unit-specific beta factors determined from a peer 
group benchmark. 

The following two tables indicate the WACC rates 
before and after tax for the Henkel Group and each 
business unit. 

WACC before tax by business unit 

Adhesive Technologies

Beauty Care

Laundry & Home Care

Henkel Group

WACC after tax by business unit 

Adhesive Technologies

Beauty Care

Laundry & Home Care

Henkel Group

2016

10.75%

9.00 %

9.00 %

8.25 %

2016

7.50 %

6.25 %

6.25 %

5.75 %

32

2017

10.25 %

9.00 %

9.00 %

7.75 %

33

2017

7.00 %

6.25 %

6.25 %

5.50 %

8.25 %

Group WACC 
before tax in fiscal 
2016.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

63

Economic report

  Macroeconomic and industry-related 
 conditions

The general economic conditions described here are 
based on data published by IHS Global Insight. 

Overview: 
moderate growth under persistently difficult 
underlying conditions 
In 2016, the global economy achieved only moderate 
growth. Gross domestic product expanded by 
approximately 2.5 percent worldwide. The mature 
markets grew by approximately 1.5 percent, while 
the emerging markets achieved an increase of 
approximately 4 percent.

Industry and consumption:  
expansion at prior-year level
In 2016, private consumption increased by approxi-
mately 2.5 percent, while industrial production 
expanded by around 2 percent. Growth was stronger 
in export-dependent industries in particular and 
more subdued in consumer-related sectors. 

Regions: 
emerging markets at prior-year level
Over the year as a whole, the North American economy 
grew by 1.5 percent. Western Europe showed moderate 
growth of around 2 percent, while the economy in 
Japan exhibited weaker growth of approximately 
1 percent. Economic growth in Asia (excluding Japan) 
was approximately 5.5 percent, with China coming in 
slightly higher. The Africa/Middle East region recorded 
growth of approximately 2.5 percent. Growth in East-
ern Europe was only moderate, at around 1 percent, 
impacted by the persisting difficult conditions in 
 Russia. Economic performance in Latin America was 
negative, declining by around 1 percent.

Unemployment: 
global level unchanged year on year
Global unemployment was on a par with the prior 
year at around 7 percent. The unemployment rates in 
North America and Western Europe improved slightly 
year on year, coming in at approximately 5 percent 
and around 9 percent respectively. At approximately 
6 percent, the unemployment rate in Germany was 
slightly lower than in the previous year. In Latin 
America, it rose to approximately 8.5 percent. The 
unemployment rate in Eastern Europe, Africa/Middle 
East and Asia (excluding Japan) declined slightly year 
on year. 

Inflation: 
significant rise in global price levels
Global inflation was approximately 5 percent and 
thus higher year on year. Consumer prices increased 
by around 11 percent in the emerging markets, with 
only a slight rise being registered in the mature 
 markets. The overall trend differed by region and 
country. Inflation rose slightly in Western Europe – 
including Germany – and in North America, but 
decreased slightly in Japan. Prices rose moderately in 
Asia, and significantly in Eastern Europe and Africa/
Middle East. In Latin America, inflation was well into 
the double digits, due to developments in Venezuela. 

Direct materials: 
slightly below prior-year level
In 2016, prices for direct materials (raw materials, 
packaging, and purchased goods and services) were 
slightly below the level of the prior year. This devel-
opment was driven by lower prices for relevant input 
materials, particularly crude oil. In contrast, the price 
of palm kernel oil increased significantly in 2016 ver-
sus prior year. In our expectations for 2016, we had 
assumed that prices for direct materials would be more 
or less on a par with the prior-year level.

Currencies: 
devaluation in emerging markets
Currencies in the emerging markets of relevance to 
Henkel trended downward on average for the year, as 
expected. The US dollar remained relatively stable 
over the first nine months of the year, before appre-
ciating toward the end of the fourth quarter. It 
closed at 1.05 US dollars to the euro at year-end. On 
average for the year as a whole, the US dollar 
remained stable against the euro, as expected.

Changes in the exchange rates of the currencies of rel-
evance to Henkel are indicated in the following table:

Average rates of exchange versus the euro 

Chinese yuan

Mexican peso

Polish zloty

Russian ruble

Turkish lira 

US dollar

2015

6.97

17.61

4.18

68.05

3.02

1.11

Source: ECB daily foreign exchange reference rates.

34

2016

7.36

20.67

4.36

74.07

3.34

1.11

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Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Development by sector:
moderate rise in global consumption
Private consumer spending grew moderately at a rate 
of approximately 2.5 percent. Consumer spending in 
mature markets increased by approximately 2 per-
cent year on year. Consumers in North America 
increased their spending by around 3 percent. In 
Western Europe, consumer spending grew by 
approximately 2 percent compared to the previous 
year. Consumers in emerging markets spent around 
3 percent more. 

Industrial production increase at prior year level
Industrial production grew by around 2 percent in 
2016 and was thus more or less on a par with the pre-
vious year. 

A particularly important customer sector for Henkel, 
the transport industry, saw production expand by 
around 3 percent. Output in the electronics sector 
rose by around 4 percent and in the metal industry 
by around 2 percent. Growth was subdued in con-
sumer-related sectors, such as the global packaging 
industry which recorded an increase of around 1 per-
cent. The construction industry grew by approxi-
mately 3 percent.

Developments in industrial production differed from 
one region to the next. Manufacturing increased in 
North America and Western Europe by approxi-
mately 1 percent. At approximately 4 percent, growth 
in industrial production in the emerging markets 
was slightly higher year on year. Industrial produc-
tion increased by approximately 3 percent in Africa/
Middle East and by approximately 5 percent in Asia 
(excluding Japan), while continuing to decline in 
Latin America. Eastern Europe recorded an increase 
of around 2 percent in industrial production.

Review of overall business performance

In a challenging economic environment, Henkel 
continued the success of the previous year with a 
solid business performance and increased sales to 
18,714 million euros.

Organically we achieved a sales increase of 3.1 per-
cent. Our businesses in the emerging markets 

showed strong organic growth, with sales increasing 
by 6.8 percent. Organic sales growth in the mature 
markets was positive. 

We increased adjusted ¹ gross margin by 0.1 percent-
age points to 48.4 percent. Savings from cost reduc-
tion measures and efficiency improvements, selec-
tive price increases and slightly lower prices for 
direct materials (raw materials, packaging, and pur-
chased goods and services) more than offset the neg-
ative impact of foreign exchange rate movements 
and acquisition effects.  

As a result of our cost discipline and the adjustment 
of our structures to our markets and customers, 
we were able to further improve our profitability 
once again year on year. Adjusted return on sales 
increased by 0.7 percentage points in 2016, reaching 
a new all-time high of 16.9 percent (2015: 16.2 percent). 

Adjusted earnings per preferred share grew to 
5.36 euros, a significant increase of 9.8 percent over 
the 2015 figure of 4.88 euros.

We were able to improve net working capital as a 
percentage of sales by 0.3 percentage points to 
3.5 percent.

We generated free cash flow of 2,205 million euros. 
We closed the year with a net financial position of 
–2,301 million euros (2015: 335 million euros). 

Results of operations

Sales and profits
Sales in fiscal 2016 increased year on year to 18,714 mil-
lion euros. The development of currency move-
ments had a negative effect on sales of 3.6 percent. 
Adjusted for foreign exchange effects, sales grew by 
7.1 percent. Acquisitions/divestments contributed to 
this performance with a 4.0-percent increase in 
sales, mainly as a result of our purchase of The Sun 
Products Corporation.  

With growth of 3.1 percent, organic sales, i.e. sales 
adjusted for foreign exchange and acquisitions/
divestments, showed a solid increase. This was 
mainly driven by volume.

1  Adjusted for one-time charges/gains and restructuring expenses.

+3.1%

organic sales 
growth.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

65

Key financials by region 1 

in million euros

Sales 2 2016

Sales 2 2015

Western 
Europe

Eastern 
Europe

Africa/ 
Middle East

North 
America

Latin 
America

Asia- 
Pacific

Total 
Regions

Corporate

Henkel 
Group

5,999

6,045

2,713

2,695

1,378

1,329

4,202

3,648

1,055

1,110

3,246

3,134

18,593

17,961

121

128

18,714

18,089

35

0.7 %

7.4 %

7.0 %

15 %

15 %

328

356

– 7.9 %

– 0.8 %

12.1 %

13.2 %

3.7 %

12.2 %

5.6 %

7 %

7 %

111

141

– 21.2 %

– 14.0 %

8.1 %

10.6 %

15.2 %

15.2 %

1.7 %

22 %

20 %

505

544

– 7.1 %

– 7.1 %

12.0 %

14.9 %

– 5.0 %

15.9 %

13.8 %

6 %

6 %

3.6 %

6.0 %

3.2 %

17 %

17 %

3.5 %

7.2 %

3.2 %

99 %

99 %

–

–

–

1 %

1 %

126

110

485

434

2,890

2,809

– 115

– 164

14.2 %

66.9 %

11.9 %

9.9 %

11.5 %

15.0 %

14.9 %

13.9 %

2.9 %

7.1 %

15.5 %

15.6 %

–

–

–

–

3.5 %

7.1 %

3.1 %

100 %

100 %

2,775

2,645

4.9 %

8.2 %

14.8 %

14.6 %

Change from previous year

Adjusted for foreign exchange

Organic

Proportion of Group sales 2016

Proportion of Group sales 2015

– 0.8 %

0.1 %

– 0.1 %

32 %

34 %

Operating profit (EBIT) 2016

Operating profit (EBIT) 2015

1,335

1,223

Change from previous year

Adjusted for foreign exchange

Return on sales (EBIT) 2016

Return on sales (EBIT) 2015

9.2 %

9.9 %

22.3 %

20.2 %

1 Calculated on the basis of units of 1,000 euros.
2 By location of company.

Sales development 1 

in percent

Change versus previous year

Foreign exchange 

Adjusted for foreign exchange

Acquisitions/divestments

Organic

of which price

of which volume

1 Calculated on the basis of units of 1,000 euros.

Sales 
in million euros

2012

16,510

2013

16,355

2014

16,428

2015

18,089

2016

18,714

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

We achieved a solid increase in organic sales in each 
of our business units. Organic sales grew by 2.8 per-
cent in the Adhesive Technologies business unit, by 
2.1 percent in Beauty Care, and by 4.7 percent in 
Laundry & Home Care.

36

2016

3.5

– 3.6

7.1

4.0

3.1

0.2

2.9

37  

Price and volume effects 

38

in percent

Adhesive 
Technologies

Beauty Care

Laundry & Home 
Care

Henkel Group

Organic sales 
growth

of which  
price

of which  
volume

2.8

2.1

4.7

3.1

0.3

0.4

0.0

0.2

2.5

1.7

4.7

2.9

In a market environment that continues to be highly 
competitive, sales in the Western Europe region, at 
5,999 million euros, were slightly down year on year. 
Organic sales were on a par with the previous year. 
The positive performance in Southern Europe did not 
entirely compensate for the decline in Germany and 
France. The share of sales from the region decreased 
to 32 percent.

We were able to increase sales in Eastern Europe by 
0.7 percent to 2,713 million euros. Organically, sales 
grew by 7.0 percent. This very strong organic sales 
growth was primarily driven by the performance of 
our businesses in Russia and Turkey. The share of 
sales from the region remained unchanged at 
15 percent.

Our sales in the Africa/Middle East region increased 
nominally by 3.7 percent to 1,378 million euros. 
Despite the political and social unrest in some coun-
tries, we were able to grow organic sales by 5.6 per-
cent. The share of sales from the region remained 
unchanged at 7 percent. 

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast66

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

16.9 %

adjusted return on 
sales, up 0.7 per-
centage points.

Sales in the North America region increased substan-
tially by 15.2 percent to 4,202 million euros. Organi-
cally, the region posted sales growth of 1.7 percent. In 
addition, the acquisition of The Sun Products Corpo-
ration also contributed substantially to the increase 
in nominal sales. The share of sales from the region 
increased to 22 percent.

Year on year, sales in Latin America declined by 
–5.0 percent to 1,055 million euros due to foreign 
exchange effects. Organically, sales grew by 13.8 per-
cent. Double-digit organic sales growth by our busi-
nesses in Mexico made an especially important con-
tribution to this performance. The share of sales 
from the region remained unchanged at 6 percent.

Sales in the Asia-Pacific region increased year on 
year by 3.6 percent to 3,246 million euros. Organi-
cally, we were able to increase regional sales by 
3.2 percent. The share of sales from the Asia-Pacific 
region remained stable at 17 percent.

Sales in the emerging markets of Eastern Europe, 
Africa/Middle East, Latin America and Asia (exclud-
ing Japan) were slightly higher year on year at 
7,814 million euros. Organically, we increased sales 
by 6.8 percent, driven by all business units. Thus the 
emerging markets again made an above-average con-
tribution to organic sales growth. The share of sales 
from emerging markets was 42 percent, which was 
slightly lower year on year due to foreign exchange 
and acquisition effects. 

In order to adapt our structures to our markets and 
customers, we spent 277 million euros on restructur-
ing (previous year: 193 million euros). A substantial 
portion of this amount was used to reorganize our 
business in North America following the acquisition 
of The Sun Products Corporation. We also progressed 
with the combination of our supply chain and sourc-
ing activities into one integrated Global Supply Chain 
organization, and continued to integrate newly 
acquired entities and brands.

The following explanations relate to results adjusted 
for one-time charges/gains and restructuring 
expenses, in order to provide a more transparent pre-
sentation of operational performance.

Adjusted operating profit (EBIT) 

in million euros

EBIT (as reported)

One-time gains

One-time charges

Restructuring 
expenses

Adjusted EBIT

2015

2,645

– 15

100

193

2,923

2016

2,775

– 1

121

277

3,172

39

+/–

4.9 %

8.5 %

We were able to increase adjusted operating profit 
(adjusted EBIT) to 3,172 million euros, a rise of 
8.5 percent on the prior-year figure of 2,923 million 
euros. All three business units contributed to this 
positive development. We improved adjusted return 
on sales (adjusted EBIT margin) for the Group by 
0.7 percentage points to 16.9 percent. 

Adjusted return on sales in the Adhesive Technolo-
gies business unit showed an increase of 1.1 percent-
age points, reaching a new all-time high of 18.2 per-
cent for the year. The Beauty Care business unit was 
also again able to increase its adjusted return on 
sales, reaching 16.9 percent for the first time (2015: 
15.9 percent). Adjusted return on sales of the Laundry 
& Home Care business unit, excluding the acquisi-
tions completed in 2016, showed a very strong 
increase. Taking the acquisitions in 2016 into 
account, adjusted return on sales showed a solid 
increase, reaching a new all-time annual high of 
17.3 percent (previous year: 17.1 percent).

In all business units, we benefited from our success-
ful innovations together with ongoing measures to 
reduce costs and improve efficiency. Slightly lower 
prices for direct materials also had a positive impact. 

Further explanations relating to our business perfor-
mance can be found in the description of the busi-
ness units starting on page 88.  

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

67

Guidance versus performance 2016 

40

Organic sales growth

Henkel Group: 2–4 percent

Henkel Group: 2–4 percent

Henkel Group: 3.1 percent

Guidance for 2016

Updated guidance for 2016*

Performance in 2016

All business units within this range 

All business units within this range

Adhesive Technologies: 2.8 percent 
Beauty Care: 2.1 percent
Laundry & Home Care: 4.7 percent

Percentage of sales from 
emerging markets

Slight increase compared  
to prior-year level

Slight decrease compared  
to prior-year level

Slight decrease compared  
to prior-year level

Adjusted return on sales 
(EBIT)

Adjusted earnings per 
preferred share

Increase to around 16.5 percent

Increase to more than 16.5 percent

Increase to 16.9 percent

Increase of 8–11 percent

Increase of 8–11 percent

Increase of 9.8 percent

* Updated on August 11, 2016.

Comparison between actual business  
performance and guidance 
We updated our guidance for fiscal 2016 in August 2016:
We expected Henkel Group to generate organic sales 
growth of 2 to 4 percent. We also anticipated a slight 
decrease in the share of sales from our emerging 
 markets due to foreign exchange effects. For adjusted 
return on sales (EBIT), we forecasted an increase to 
more than 16.5 percent for fiscal 2016 and anticipated 
that the adjusted return on sales of each individual 
business unit would be above the level of the previ-
ous year. We expected an increase in adjusted earn-
ings per preferred share of between 8 and 11 percent. 

With organic growth of 3.1 percent, we achieved our 
sales growth forecast of 2 to 4 percent. Organic sales 
growth in the Adhesive Technologies and Beauty Care 
business units was within this range, as expected. The 
Laundry & Home Care business unit achieved organic 
sales growth of 4.7 percent, not least due to a solid 
fourth quarter. This was somewhat stronger than 
forecasted. 

As anticipated, the share of sales from emerging 
markets was slightly lower year on year at 42 percent, 
due to both the effect of exchange rate movements 
and the acquisition of The Sun Products Corporation.

42 %

of our sales gene-
rated in emerging 
markets.

Adjusted return on sales of the Henkel Group 
increased by 0.7 percentage points to 16.9 percent. 
This growth was in line with our updated guidance 
of more than 16.5 percent. 

The significant increase in adjusted earnings per 
preferred share of 9.8 percent to 5.36 euros (2015: 
4.88 euros) is consistent with our forecast of growth 
expected in a range of 8 to 11 percent.  

€ 5.36

adjusted earnings 
per preferred 
share.

Our restructuring expenses totaled 277 million euros 
and were thus within the expected bandwidth that 
we revised to 250 million to 300 million euros in 
November 2016. Capital expenditures on property, 
plant and equipment and intangible assets totaled 
543 million euros in fiscal 2016. In November 2016, 
we had expected capital expenditures of between 
550 million and 600 million euros.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast 
 
 
68

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Reconciliation from sales to adjusted operating profit 1 

in million euros

Sales

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Marketing, selling and distribution expenses

Research and development expenses

Administrative expenses

Other operating income/expenses

Adjusted operating profit (EBIT)

2015

18,089

– 9,350

8,739

– 4,521

– 464

– 878

47

2,923

%

100.0

– 51.7

48.3

– 25.0

– 2.6

– 4.8

 0.3

16.2

2016

18,714

– 9,665

9,049

– 4,543

– 460

– 868

– 6

3,172

%

100.0

– 51.6

48.4

– 24.4

– 2.5

– 4.6

0.0

16.9

1 Calculated on the basis of units of 1,000 euros; figures commercially rounded.

41

Change

3.5 %

3.4 %

3.5 %

0.5 %

– 0.9 %

– 1.1 %

–

8.5 %

Expense items
The following explanations relate to our operating 
expenses adjusted for one-time charges/gains and 
restructuring expenses. The reconciliation statement 
and the allocation of the restructuring expenses 
between the various expense items of the consolidated 
statement of income can be found on page 171.

The cost of sales increased by 3.4 percent to 9,665 mil-
lion euros. Gross profit increased by 3.5 percent to 
9,049 million euros. Savings from cost reduction 
measures and efficiency improvements, selective 
price increases and slightly lower prices for direct 
materials (raw materials, packaging, and purchased 
goods and services) more than offset the negative 
impact of foreign exchange rate movements as well 
as acquisition effects, and enabled us to improve 
gross margin by 0.1 percentage points to 48.4 percent.  

At 4,543 million euros, marketing, selling and distri-
bution expenses slightly exceeded the prior-year 
 figure of 4,521 million euros. Compared to fiscal 2015, 
the ratio to sales decreased to 24.4 percent. We spent 
a total of 460 million euros for research and develop-
ment. The ratio to sales, at 2.5 percent, was on a 
par with the prior year. Administrative expenses 
decreased to 868 million euros (2015: 878 million 
euros). At 4.6 percent, administrative expenses as 
a percentage of sales were slightly lower year on year.

Other operating income and expenses
At –6 million euros, the balance of adjusted other 
operating income and expenses decreased year on 
year (2015: 47 million euros), arising mainly from 
lower gains on disposals of non-current assets.

Financial result
The financial result improved from –42 million 
euros to –33 million euros. The financing costs relat-
ing to the acquisition of The Sun Products Corpora-
tion were more than offset by the positive effects 
from redeeming the hybrid bond. 

Net income and earnings per share (EPS)
Income before tax increased by 139 million euros to 
2,742 million euros. Taxes on income amounted to 
649 million euros. The tax rate of 23.7 percent was 
slightly lower year on year (2015: 24.4 percent). The 
adjusted tax rate decreased year on year by 0.3 per-
centage points to 24.7 percent. Net income increased 
by 6.4 percent from 1,968 million euros to 2,093 mil-
lion euros. After taking into account 40 million 
euros attributable to non-controlling interests, net 
income attributable to shareholders of Henkel AG & 
Co. KGaA amounted to 2,053 million euros, 6.9 per-
cent higher than the prior-year figure (2015: 1,921 
million euros). Adjusted net income after deducting 
non-controlling interests was 2,323 million euros 
compared to 2,112 million euros in fiscal 2015. A con-
densed version of the annual financial statements of 
the parent company of the Henkel Group – Henkel 
AG & Co. KGaA – can be found on pages 100 to 103.

42  

Net income 
in million euros

2012

1,526

2013

1,625

2014

1,662

2015

1,968

2016

2,093

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

€ 2,093 m

net income.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

69

Earnings per preferred share rose from 4.44 euros 
to 4.74 euros. Earnings per ordinary share increased 
from 4.42 euros to 4.72 euros. Adjusted earnings per 
preferred share rose by 9.8 percent to 5.36 euros 
(2015: 4.88 euros).

Return on capital employed (ROCE)
At 17.5 percent, return on capital employed (ROCE) 
decreased year on year, mainly due to the capital 
effect of acquisitions.  

Adjusted earnings per preferred share 
in euros

43  

Economic Value Added (EVA®)
Economic Value Added (EVA®) increased to 1,463 mil-
lion euros.

+ 9.8 %

increase in 
adjusted earnings 
per preferred 
share.

2012

3.63

2013

4.07

2014

4.38

2015

4.88

2016

5.36

0.0

1.5

3.0

4.5

6.0

Dividends
According to our dividend policy, dividend payouts 
of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA shall, depending on the 
company’s asset and profit positions as well as its 
financial requirements, amount to 25 percent to 
35 percent of net income after non-controlling inter-
ests and adjusted for exceptional items. We will pro-
pose to the Annual General Meeting an increased 
dividend compared to the previous year: 1.62 euros 
per preferred share and 1.60 euros per ordinary 
share. The payout ratio would then be 30.3 percent. 

Net assets and financial position

Acquisitions and divestments 
Effective May 31, 2016, we acquired 57.5 percent of 
the shares of Expand Global Industries UK Limited, 
London, UK. Expand Global Industries UK Limited 
holds nearly 100 percent of the shares of Expand 
Global Industries Ltd. headquartered in Ibadan, Nige-
ria, which has a strong presence in the detergent 
market in Nigeria. With this acquisition, the Laundry 
& Home Care business unit has expanded its deter-
gent business.

Effective June 1, 2016, we completed the acquisition 
of a range of hair care brands and the associated hair 
care business of Procter & Gamble in the Africa/Mid-
dle East and Eastern Europe regions. 

Effective June 30, 2016, we acquired the tile adhe-
sives business and the associated brands of the 
Colombian company Alfagres S.A. With this, the 
Adhesive Technologies business unit has expanded 
its business in the segment Adhesives for Consum-
ers, Craftsmen and Building. 

Preferred share dividend 
in euros

2012

0.95

2013

1.22

2014

1.31

2015

1.47

2016

1.62 1

44  

Effective August 15, 2016, we completed the acquisi-
tion of all shares of Zhejiang Golden Roc Chemicals 
JSC, China, expanding our superglue business in the 
Adhesive Technologies business unit. 

Effective August 21, 2016, we completed the acquisi-
tion of the detergent business and the associated 
brands of Behdad Chemical Company PJSC in Iran. 

Effective September 1, 2016, we completed the acqui-
sition of all shares of The Sun Products Corporation, 
a laundry and home care company based in Wilton, 
Connecticut, USA. 

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

1   Proposal to shareholders for the Annual General Meeting  
on April 6, 2017.

Effective December 8, 2016, we completed the acqui-
sition of all shares of Jeyes Group Limited, UK.

Additional disclosures relating to the acquisitions 
and divestments can be found on pages 123 to 126 of 
the notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

30.3 %

proposed dividend 
payout ratio.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast70

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Financial structure 
in million euros

45  

Assets 
of which in %

Equity and liabilities 
of which in %

22,323

27,917

27,917

22,323

Non-current assets
thereof: Intangible assets / property, 
plant and equipment

69

 64

Current assets   
thereof: Cash and  
cash equivalents

31

 5

71

66

29

 5

54

62

Equity

21
4
12

25
2

10
4
0

28
4

Non-current liabilities
thereof: Pension obligations
thereof: Borrowings

Current liabilities
thereof: Borrowings

2015

2016

2016

2015

€ 543 m

investments in 
property, plant and 
equipment and 
intangible assets.

Neither the acquisitions and divestments nor other 
measures undertaken resulted in any material 
changes in our business and organizational struc-
ture. For detailed information on our organization 
and business activities, please refer to the disclo-
sures on pages 57 and 58.

Our long-term ratings remain at “A flat” (Standard & 
Poor’s) and “A2” (Moody’s). We intend to maintain a 
solid “A” rating to ensure our continued unrestricted 
access to the money and capital markets and to 
favorable financing terms and conditions.

Capital expenditures
In the reporting period, capital expenditures (excluding 
acquisitions) amounted to 543 million euros. Invest-
ments in property, plant and equipment for existing 
operations totaled 460 million euros, following 
514 million euros in 2015. We invested 83 million euros 
in intangible assets (2015: 111 million euros). Around 
two-thirds of the expenditures were channeled into 
expansion projects, innovations and streamlining mea-
sures, which included increasing our production capac-
ity, introducing innovative product lines, and optimiz-
ing our production structure and business processes.

The major projects of 2016 were as follows:
•  Consolidation of our production footprint and 
expansion of production capacities in China 
(Adhesive Technologies)

•  Expansion of warehousing and logistics capacities 

in Germany (Laundry & Home Care)

•   Expansion of production capacity and optimiza-

tion of the logistics structure in Russia (Laundry & 
Home Care)

•    Global optimization of our supply chain and con-
solidation and optimization of our IT system 
architecture for managing business processes 

In regional terms, capital expenditures focused primar-
ily on Western Europe, Eastern Europe and North 
America.

The acquisitions resulted in additions to intangible 
assets and property, plant and equipment in the 
amount of 3,866 million euros. Details of these addi-
tions can be found on pages 131 to 136 of the notes to 
the consolidated financial statements.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

71

Capital expenditures 2016 

in million euros

Intangible assets

Property, plant 
and equipment

Total

Existing 
operations

Acquisitions

83

460

543

3,589

277

3,866

Capital expenditures by business unit 1 

46

Total

3,672

737

4,409

47

  Adhesive  
Technologies 

44 %

Corporate 

1 %

Beauty Care 

13 %

 Laundry &  
Home Care 

42 %

Corporate = sales and services not assignable to the individual 
 business units. 
1 Existing operations.

Net assets
Compared to year-end 2015, total assets rose by 
5.6 billion euros to 27.9 billion euros. 

Under non-current assets, intangible assets increased 
by 3,861 million euros, and property, plant and 
equipment by 226 million euros. The increase was 
mainly due to acquisitions. Capital expenditures of 
460 million euros on assets in property, plant and 
equipment were partially offset by depreciation of 
364 million euros.

Current assets increased from 6.9 billion euros to 
8.2 billion euros. This was attributable in particular 
to higher trade accounts receivable and an increase 
in inventories. Cash and cash equivalents also 
increased by 213 million euros in the reporting 
period.

Compared to year-end 2015, equity including 
non-controlling interests increased by 1.4 billion 
euros to 15.2 billion euros. The individual compo-
nents influencing equity development are shown in 
the consolidated statement of changes in equity on 
page 119. Equity rose with the addition of net income 
amounting to 2,093 million euros. The dividend dis-
tribution in April 2016 and the adjustment of –138 mil-
lion euros resulting from the remeasurement of the 
net liability from defined benefit pension plans led 
to a reduction in equity. Compared to year-end 2015, 
the equity ratio decreased by 7.5 percentage points to 
54.4 percent due to the debt-financed acquisition of 
the shares of The Sun Products Corporation. 

Non-current liabilities increased by 3.5 billion 
euros to 5.7 billion euros, mainly as a result of higher 
borrowings following  the acquisition of the shares 
of The Sun Products Corporation, and a rise in other 
financial liabilities.

Current liabilities increased by 0.7 billion euros to 
7.0 billion euros. The increase was substantially 
attributable to higher trade accounts payable and 
other provisions, partially offset by lower 
borrowings. 

Effective December 31, 2016, our net financial posi-
tion ¹ amounted to –2,301 million euros (December 
31, 2015: 335 million euros). The change compared to 
the end of the previous year was primarily due to 
payments for acquisitions. 

€ –2,301 m

net financial 
position.

Net financial position 

in million euros

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

48

– 85

959

– 153

335

– 2,301

1   Cash and cash equivalents plus readily monetizable financial 
instruments classified as “available for sale” or using the “fair 
value option,” less borrowings, plus positive and less negative 
fair values of hedging transactions.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast 
72

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Net financial position 
in million euros

49

335

2,205

– 666

– 185

– 3,829 1

– 161 2

–2,301

€ 2,205 m

free cash flow.

At Dec. 31, 2015

Free cash flow

Dividends 
paid

Allocation to 
pension funds

Payments  
for acquisitions

Other

At Dec. 31, 2016

1 Including purchase of non-controlling interests with no change of existing control.
2 Primarily foreign exchange effects.

Financial position
At 2,850 million euros, cash flow from operating 
activities in 2016 was significantly higher versus the 
previous year (2,384 million euros). Apart from the 
higher operating profit, this increase was due to 
higher inflows from trade accounts payable and 
other liabilities, and provisions compared to 2015. 

Net working capital ¹ as a percentage of sales 
improved by 0.3 percentage points to 3.5 percent year 
on year, despite acquisitions.

The cash outflow in cash flow from investing 
activities (–4,250 million euros) was substantially 
higher compared to prior year (–893 million euros). 
The increase is primarily attributable to acquisitions 
resulting in higher investments in subsidiaries and 
other business units compared to 2015.

The cash inflow in cash flow from financing activ-
ities of 1,678 million euros (2015: –1,555 million euros) 
resulted mainly from the debt capital obtained to 
fund acquisitions. Higher dividend  payments and 
allocation to pension funds reduced this figure.

Cash and cash equivalents rose compared to 
December 31, 2015 by 213 million euros to 1,389 mil-
lion euros.

The increase in free cash flow to 2,205 million euros 
in 2016 (2015: 1,690 million euros) resulted from 
higher cash flow from operating activities.

Financing and capital management
Financing of the Group is centrally managed by 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA. Funds are, as a general rule, 
obtained centrally and distributed within the Group. 
Our financial management is based on the financial 
ratios defined in our financial strategy (see table of 
key financial ratios on page 73). We pursue a conser-
vative and flexible investment and borrowings policy 
with a balanced investment and financing portfolio. 
The primary goals of our financial management are 
to secure the liquidity and creditworthiness of the 
Group, together with ensuring access at all times to 
the capital market, and to generate a sustainable 
increase in shareholder value. Measures deployed in 
order to achieve these aims include optimization of 
our capital structure, adoption of an appropriate div-
idend policy, equity management and debt reduc-
tion. Our capital needs and capital procurement 
activities are coordinated to ensure that require-
ments with respect to earnings, liquidity, security 
and independence are taken into account and prop-
erly balanced. 

1  Inventories plus payments on account, receivables from suppliers 
and trade accounts receivable, less trade accounts payable, liabilities 
to customers, and current sales provisions.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

73

In fiscal 2016, Henkel paid a higher dividend for both 
ordinary and preferred shares compared to 2015. 
Cash flows not required for capital expenditures, div-
idends and interest payments were used for alloca-
tions to pension funds and to finance acquisitions. 
We covered our short-term financing requirement 
primarily through commercial paper. Our multi- 
currency commercial paper program is additionally 
secured by a syndicated credit facility.

Our credit rating is regularly assessed by the rating 
agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. As in the 
previous year, our ratings remain within the “single 
A” target corridor, at “A”/“A–1” (Standard & Poor’s) and 
“A2”/“P1” (Moody’s). Even after the acquisition of The 
Sun Products Corporation, both Standard & Poor’s 
and Moody’s continue to rate Henkel as investment 
grade, which is the best possible category.

Credit ratings 

50

Standard & Poor’s Moody’s

Long-term

Outlook

Short-term

A

Stable

A–1

At December 31, 2016

A2

Stable

P1

We financed the acquisition of The Sun Products 
Corporation by taking out a three-year syndicated 
bank loan of 1.1 billion US dollars and issuing four 
fixed-rate bonds in September 2016 with a total vol-
ume of 2.2 billion euros.

As of December 31, 2016, our borrowings totaled 
3,725 million euros and mainly comprised the bonds 
we had issued, the syndicated bank loan and com-
mercial paper.

Henkel’s financial risk management activities are 
explained in the risks and opportunities report on 
pages 104 to 111. Further detailed information on our 
financial instruments can be found in the financial 
instruments report on pages 153 to 165 of the notes to 
the consolidated financial statements.

Key financial ratios
Our operating debt coverage in the reporting period 
was above the minimum of 50 percent, as it was at 
year-end 2015. The reduction in operating debt cov-
erage is primarily due to the lower net financial posi-
tion following the financing of the acquisitions 
made in the current year. The interest coverage ratio 
improved further in 2016.

Key financial ratios 

Operating debt coverage 
(net income + amortization and depre-
ciation, impairment and write-ups + 
interest element of pension obliga-
tions) / net borrowings and pension 
obligations

Interest coverage ratio 
EBITDA / interest result  
including interest element  
of pension obligations

Equity ratio  
equity / total assets

51

2015

2016

375.2 %

80.8 %

75.7

107.9

61.9 %

54.4 %

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast74

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Left: HR manage-
ment is supporting 
the digital transfor-
mation process and 
strengthening digi-
tal forms of learning 
and cooperation. 
Right: Internships 
and shadowing 
allow refugees to 
learn more about 
professions and 
career opportunities 
– here at  Henkel’s 
“Forscherwelt” young 
researcher facility in 
Düsseldorf.

Employees

At the end of 2016, Henkel employed around 
51,350 people worldwide (annual average: around 
49,950). The headcount as of December 31, 2016, was 
above the figure at year-end 2015 (around 49,450). 
The increase was primarily due to the acquisitions in 
our Laundry & Home Care business unit. Personnel 
expenses amounted to 3,001 million euros.

The commitment, skills and experience of all of our 
employees are the foundations on which we build our 
international success. We focused on the following 
areas to strengthen our global team in fiscal 2016:
•  We further strengthened our performance culture. 
One of the characteristics of our globally standard-
ized management assessment system is a feedback 
culture that is specifically tailored to the personal 
development of each individual.

•  We actively promote work-life flexibility. We 

encourage our managers to set an example and 
promote flexible work models.

•  We support the digital transformation of our entire 
organization and are strengthening digital forms 
of learning and cooperation. We make it possible 
for our employees to access various in-house and 

external sources of knowledge on a flexible basis, 
and support their ongoing personal development. 

•  The diversity of our team is a key driver of our 
business success. We increased the share of 
women in management versus the previous year 
by more than 1 percentage point to around 
34 percent. 

•   We have successfully expanded the channels of 

communication we use to recruit new members of 
staff. Increasingly, we actively approach potential 
candidates through digital networks and on the 
basis of staff recommendations.

•  In 2016, as part of our social engagement activities, 
we continued to provide comprehensive support 
for the volunteering activities of our employees 
and assistance to people facing challenging 
circumstances.

Promoting and committing to our performance 
culture
We hold regular assessment meetings and provide 
open and fair feedback to specifically promote the 
development of our people. Our Development Round 
Table forms the basis for the annual assessment and 
development meetings for about 11,000 managers 
and around 1,300 selected non-managerial talents. 

Employees by region 

52

Employees by organizational unit 

53

Africa/ 
Middle East 

10 %

 North America  16 %

Eastern Europe  19 %

Latin America 

7 %

Beauty Care 

13 %

 Western Europe  28 %

Functions 

14 %

Asia-Pacific 

20 %

Laundry &  
Home Care 

21 %

At December 31, 2016

At December 31, 2016

Adhesive  
Technologies 

52 %

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

75

Employees by activity 

54

Employees by age group 

55

Research and 
development 

5 %

 Administration  14 %

Marketing, selling  
and distribution  27 %

Production  
and engineering  54 %

16–29 years 

17 %

30–39 years 

33 %

50–65 years 

22 %

40–49 years 

28 %

At December 31, 2016

At December 31, 2016

Apart from providing feedback on performance and 
potential, our managers discuss development plans 
and possible career opportunities with their staff. In 
addition to this globally established assessment sys-
tem, we also ensure we pay competitive wages and 
salaries. We have established an internationally stan-
dardized incentive system for managers that takes 
account of the personal performance of staff and 
reflects our medium-term financial ambition. It 
serves to highlight the personal contribution made 
by each individual and offers incentives for out-
standing performance. 

In assessing performance, we avoid focusing on 
employees having to be at a certain place at certain 
times. For us, it is the result that counts. Supported 
by digitalization, our employees can approach their 
work flexibly. We encourage our managers to pro-
mote flexible work models and to actively help in 
the reconciliation of career with a person’s private 
sphere. This not only raises the satisfaction of our 
existing team; it is also a decisive factor in the com-
petition for future employees.

Employees 

(At December 31)

Western Europe

Eastern Europe

Africa/Middle East

North America

Latin America

Asia-Pacific

2012

14,600

9,150

5,100

5,200

3,650

8,900

%

31.3

19.7

11.0

11.1

7.8 

19.1

2013

14,400

9,600

4,800

5,150

3,750

9,150

%

30.7

20.5

10.2

11.0

8.0 

19.6

Total

46,600

100.0

46,850

100.0

Basis: permanent employees excluding apprentices. Figures rounded.

Digital working environment
We take full advantage of the opportunities offered 
by digitalization. It starts with our approach to 
potential job applicants and continues through the 
company: how we communicate with our employ-
ees, how we actively engage them and network them 
with one another, in the design of flexible work mod-
els, and in the automation of processes. Indeed, the 
entire daily work routine is being increasingly 
shaped by digital forms of cooperation. Modern com-
munication and network technologies enable us to 
give our workforce more independence to choose 
where and when to work, which also makes it easier 
to virtually manage international teams comprising 
members from different sites.

Some 24,500 members of staff now use Yammer, our 
digital network, to learn from and to work with one 
another on a more efficient basis. There are more 
than 850 topic-specific groups for staff to exchange 
ideas, and this has now become part of the everyday 
routine for many of them. Members of staff from 
entirely different parts of the company who would 
not necessarily have any dealings with one another 
in their everyday work are able to use the network to 
contact each other. Through this, we encourage an 
interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving and 

2014

14,900

10,000

4,850

6,200

3,650

10,150

49,750

%

30.0

20.1

9.7

12.5

7.3

20.4

100.0

2015

14,900

9,800

4,700

6,250

3,500

10,300

49,450

%

30.2

19.8

9.4

12.7

7.1

20.8

100.0

2016

14,450

9,500

5,250

8,300

3,550

10,300

51,350

56

%

28.1

18.5

10.2

16.2

6.9

20.1

100.0

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast76

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Around

34 %

of our managers 
are women.

to make better use of existing knowledge by promot-
ing the exchange of ideas throughout the company.

Digital platforms give our employees fast and flexi-
ble access to general training content. We encourage 
our workforce to integrate knowledge-building exer-
cises into their everyday work routines. 2016 marked 
the first year in which we offered management- 
related Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and 
webinars in collaboration with IESE Business School 
for live attendance by our employees around the 
globe. More than 200 people took advantage of this 
service.

Developing employees and providing specific 
training
Henkel offers 25 apprenticeship and dual-track 
study programs in Germany. In 2016, we welcomed 
159 new apprentices and students. Currently, close 
 to 500 apprentices and students are working toward 
a professional qualification at Henkel in Germany. 

We use different learning formats in providing 
 training opportunities around the world so as to 
strengthen our global team. Based on their individ-
ual needs and development plans, employees can 
choose general or function-specific seminars. One of 
the new modules added this year focuses on career 
orientation, training our staff to assess how they can 
best leverage their potential. We enhance the Henkel 
Global Academy with content from external provid-
ers to give us more flexibility in offering the training 
content we need. One pilot project focuses primarily 
on video-based training sessions covering current 
digital issues such as digital marketing. Through this 
approach, we are able to help our employees to 
 navigate the digital world efficiently and to grasp the 
opportunities associated with it.

Valuing diversity
The success of our business is driven by the diversity 
and individuality of our people. We are proud of our 
strong global team. We place great value on encour-
aging diversity in an inclusive environment. The 
approach we adopt is holistic, embracing individual 
characteristics together with personal experience, 
knowledge and skills. 

Promoting women in management is key to strength-
ening the diversity within our company. In 2016, we 
were able to increase the share of women in manage-
ment by more than 1 percentage point versus the 
previous year. 

Women in management 

57

Henkel

Managers

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

32.6 %

32.9 %

33.2 %

33.6 %

33.1 %

30.5 %

31.6 %

32.5 %

33.1 %

34.3 %

Top managers 1

18.6 %

19.8 %

20.6 %

21.1 %

22.5 %

1 Corporate Senior Vice Presidents, management circles I and IIa.

The inclusive attitude of our staff is key to our suc-
cessful international and intercultural collaboration. 
In their everyday dealings with colleagues from all 
over the world, our employees learn to adapt to one 
another. Hence Henkel also provides opportunities 
for international experience along an individual’s 
career path as a means of promoting new ways of 
thinking and the acceptance and adoption of new 
perspectives. It also enables us to nurture the perfor-
mance capabilities of our people.

We place great importance on all employees behav-
ing inclusively and making every personal effort to 
promote an inclusive work environment. During our 
global Diversity Weeks, we again organized numer-
ous activities to highlight the diversity of our global 
team. 

Recruiting top talent for Henkel
We compete internationally for the most talented 
professionals. The established channels of commu-
nication used to recruit new members of staff have 
been successfully extended. We are making more use 
of digital networks to actively approach potential 
candidates. We are thus able to reach them directly 
and inspire them to work for Henkel through fast, 
personalized communication.

In many countries, we also make successful use of 
staff recommendations of potential candidates. Our 
staff know best which sort of people fit us and can 
enhance the performance capabilities of our company. 

We remain in contact with highly qualified students 
and graduates whom we meet at our university 
events or whom we get to know during internships. 
We use our digital platforms to inform selected tal-
ents about career opportunities and the latest news 
at our company. In 2016, our public social media 
channels focusing on career topics had more than 
750,000 fans and followers.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

77

Acting sustainably and responsibly
For Henkel, it is a matter of course that, beyond our 
business operations, we accept our responsibility 
toward society around the world. The volunteer work 
of our employees and retirees in numerous social 
projects also makes a substantial contribution in this 
regard. We have been supporting these activities for 
many years.

Overall, we donated around 8 million euros through-
out the world in 2016 to sponsor more than 2,000 proj-
ects that reached more than 1.2 million people.

Educational initiatives are a key focus of our social 
engagement. Education is an essential foundation 
on which to build both the personal development of 
each individual and a functioning society. We focus 
primarily on projects and initiatives that allow the 
involvement of our employees. 

Throughout Europe, helping refugees was a key 
area of focus in 2016. Henkel’s efforts to help in this 
respect were concentrated on integration in the labor 
market. We offered some 100 refugees who had fled 
to Germany the opportunity to prepare for working 
life in a range of projects which included work- 
oriented language courses and internships.

We also depend on the commitment of our staff to 
successfully implement our sustainability strategy. 
Sustainability issues therefore form a large part of 
our internal communications and are specifically 
integrated into our current training and education 
programs. In 2012, we launched our Sustainability 
Ambassadors program to offer our people additional 
qualifications and to give them opportunities for 
social engagement. By the end of 2016, more than 
10,000 employees had successfully taken part in the 
program, including the entire Management Board. 
As part of the program, these employees have mean-
while also passed on their knowledge to around 
84,000 elementary school children in 47 countries.

Procurement

We use externally sourced materials (raw materials, 
packaging and purchased goods) and services to 
produce our finished products. These items all fall 
under the general category of direct materials. 
Examples include washing-active substances (sur-
factants), adhesive components, cardboard boxes 
and external filling services.

Aside from supply and demand, the prices of direct 
materials are mainly determined by the prices of the 
input materials used to manufacture them. At the start 
of 2016, prices for input materials were much lower by 
year-on-year comparison, gradually rising as the year 
progressed. As a result, prices overall were higher in 
the fourth quarter than in the first quarter. The situa-
tion differed by both region and type of input mate-
rial. Despite increasing over the course of the year, 
the average price of crude oil – and with it the prices 
of other petrochemicals such as ethylene – was lower 
year on year. Prices for corrugated paper and card-
board also declined slightly. In contrast, the price of 
palm kernel oil increased significantly in 2016 versus 
the previous year. Overall, prices for direct materials 
in 2016 were slightly below the level of the prior year.

Direct material expenditures amounted to 8.0 billion 
euros and were therefore higher than 2015. Savings 
from cost-reduction measures, improvements in 
production and supply chain efficiency, and slightly 
declining prices were offset by foreign exchange and 
acquisition effects, among others.

Our five most important groups of raw materials 
within the direct materials category are washing- 
active substances (surfactants), raw materials for use 
in hotmelt adhesives, inorganic raw materials, water- 
and acrylic-based adhesive raw materials, and raw 
materials for polyurethane-based adhesives. These 
account for around 38 percent of our total direct 
material expenditures. Our five largest suppliers 
account for around 11 percent of purchasing volume 
in direct materials.

Purchases made in the general category of indirect 
materials and services are not directly used in the 
production of our finished products. Examples 
include maintenance materials, and logistics, mar-
keting and IT services. We were able to more than 
compensate for the marginal increases in gross 
prices in these areas in 2016 through our global pro-
curement strategy and structural cost-reduction 
measures. At 4.7 billion euros, expenditure on indi-
rect materials and services in 2016 was lower year 
on year.

€8.0 bn

expenditures on 
direct materials.

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Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

In order to improve efficiency and secure material 
supplies, we continuously optimize our value chain 
while ensuring that we maintain our level of quality. 
In addition to negotiating new, competitive contract 
terms, our ongoing initiative to lower total procure-
ment expenses is a major factor in the success of our 
purchasing strategy. Together with the three busi-
ness units, Purchasing works continuously on reduc-
ing product complexity, optimizing the raw materi-
als mix and further standardizing packaging and raw 
materials. We enter into long-term business relation-
ships with selected suppliers to encourage the devel-
opment of innovations, and to optimize manufactur-
ing costs and logistics processes. At the same time, 
we ensure the risk of supply shortages is minimized. 
We also agree on individual targets with our strategic 
suppliers to strengthen our negotiating position and 
give us greater flexibility in consolidating our sup-
plier base. In 2016, we succeeded in reducing the 
number of suppliers by approximately 9 percent.

We were able to increase the efficiency of our pur-
chasing activities by further standardizing, automat-
ing and centralizing our procurement processes. In 
addition to again making greater use of eSourcing 
tools to support our purchasing operations, we have 
also pooled large portions of our purchasing admin-
istration activities such as order processing, price 
data maintenance, and reporting activities within 
our shared service centers. We are also integrating 
our production, logistics and purchasing activities 
across all business units in one integrated global 
supply chain organization. This organization is man-
aged from its head office in Amsterdam and from a 
branch office in Singapore. Following successful 
completion of the first implementation stage in 
2015, we achieved on-schedule introduction in a 
further 11 European countries in 2016. We also made 
progress with the digitalization of our purchasing 
activities. For example, we launched digital commu-
nication platforms to optimize collaboration with 

our strategic suppliers and rolled out new digital 
applications to raise the transparency of our value 
chain.  

Given the uncertainties with respect to raw material 
price changes and ensuring supply in the procure-
ment markets, risk management is an important part 
of our purchasing strategy. The emphasis here is on 
reducing price and supply risks while maintaining 
consistently high quality. As part of our active price 
management approach, we employ strategies to safe-
guard prices over the longer term. These are imple-
mented both by means of contracts and, where 
appropriate and possible, through financial hedging 
instruments. In order to minimize the risk of sup-
plier default, we stipulate supplier default clauses 
and perform detailed risk assessments of suppliers 
to determine their financial stability. With the aid of 
an external, independent financial services provider, 
we continuously monitor important suppliers whose 
financial situation is seen as critical. If a high risk of 
supplier default is identified, we systematically pre-
pare back-up plans in order to ensure uninterrupted 
supply.

We expect our suppliers and contractual partners to 
conduct themselves in a manner consistent with our 
own corporate ethics and values. The basic require-
ments in this regard are set out in our purchasing 
standards, valid across the Group, and our safety, 
health and environmental standards, initially formu-
lated in 1997, through which we have long acknowl-
edged our responsibility for the entire supply chain. 
Consequently, in selecting our suppliers and con-
tractual partners, we take into account their perfor-
mance in terms of sustainable development. We use 
the cross-industry Code of Conduct published by the 
German Federal Association of Materials Manage-
ment, Purchasing and Logistics (BME) as a globally 
applicable supplier code, and the basis for our multi-
stage Responsible Supply Chain Process. The objec-

Material expenditures by business unit 

58

Material expenditures by type 

59

Beauty Care 

17 %

Adhesive  
Technologies 

49 %

Purchased goods  
and services 

18 %

Raw materials 

62 %

Laundry &  
Home Care 

34 %

At December 31, 2016

Packaging 

20 %

At December 31, 2016

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

79

tive of this process is to ensure supplier compliance 
with these standards and to improve the sustain-
ability levels of our supply chain in tandem with 
our strategic suppliers. A global training program 
ensures that the requirements regarding the sustain-
ability profile of our suppliers are understood and 
properly applied by our employees in Purchasing.

The evaluation of our suppliers with respect to sus-
tainability is based on a comprehensive assessment 
and audit program which we developed as a common 
standard in 2011 together with five other companies 
in the chemical industry under the initiative 
“Together for Sustainability.” The results of audits 
and assessments are shared among the members of 
the initiative, producing valuable synergies when 
evaluating what are – in many cases – common 
 suppliers. The Together for Sustainability initiative 
continued to grow in the past year and now includes 
19 members. Global implementation of the assess-
ment and audit program was continued through 
various events including a supplier conference in 
Mumbai, India, and a supplier training program in 
Shanghai, China. The initiative again received recog-
nition last year when Together for Sustainability and 
EcoVadis, which is a partner to the initiative, were 
awarded the Market Transformation Award 2016 by 
the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC).

171

production sites.

Production

In 2016, Henkel manufactured products of a total 
weight of 8.5 million metric tons at 171 sites in 
57 countries. Our largest production facility is in 
Düsseldorf, Germany. Here we manufacture not only 
laundry detergents and household cleaners but also 
adhesives for consumers and craftsmen, and prod-
ucts for our industrial customers. 

Cooperation with toll manufacturers is an integral 
component of our production strategy, enabling us 
to optimize our production and logistics structures 
when entering new markets or when volumes are 
still small. We currently purchase around 10 percent 
in additional production tonnage from toll manufac-
turers each year.

Number of production sites 

Adhesive Technologies

Beauty Care

Laundry & Home Care

Total

60

2016

134

7

30

171

2015

135

7

28

170

The global production network in the Adhesive 
Technologies business unit spans 134 sites and is 
strictly aligned to demand in its sales markets. Capi-
tal expenditures are used to expand capacities, pre-
dominantly in emerging markets. At the same time, 
we invest in the implementation of customer-spe-
cific requirements and continuous production opti-
mization in the mature markets. Other focus areas 
include the leveraging of cutting-edge manufactur-
ing technologies, exploiting cost and quality advan-
tages in the manufacture of our products, and 
improving our production and warehousing network 
to suit our needs.

Our multi-technology sites play a particularly 
important role as they combine various manufactur-
ing technologies with a shared infrastructure to 
exploit economies of scale. In addition to expansions 
in China and the ongoing development of our plant 
in India, we also further expanded our Eastern Euro-
pean multi-technology site in Hungary and laid the 
foundation for a further plant in Turkey. These sites 
help us provide the best possible service within a 
growing and dynamic market environment. With the 
opening of our plant in Georgia, we are also driving 
growth in building material products in Eastern 
Europe.  

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80

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Henkel Annual Report 2016

Optimized structures and workflows in our plants 
and the production network are key elements in an 
integrated and optimized supply chain. Our lean 
teams have not only put numerous optimization 
measures in place at our production sites; they have 
also improved integration into the overall process.

Again in 2016, our focus in the Beauty Care business 
unit was on further enhancing our agility and on 
delivering excellent customer service. In order to 
respond more quickly and flexibly to market changes, 
we are also driving forward implementation of Indus-
try 4.0. The integration of our production, logistics 
and purchasing activities in our new Global Supply 
Chain organization has boosted the optimization and 
further development of our global processes. We have 
achieved a substantial improvement in our service 
level through increased integration of the planning 
processes across the entire supply chain as far as the 
interface with our customers. We have also focused on 
complexity control to raise efficiency when managing 
the product diversity that Beauty Care offers to meet 
the various needs of its global customer base.

In addition to capital expenditures at European sites, 
we also invested extensively in emerging markets to 
support organic growth. In particular, Eastern Europe 
saw further expansion of the factory in Russia and an 
increase in production capacities enabling us to sup-
ply local markets with even greater speed and effi-
ciency. Another focal point of our activity was the 
 strategic further development of our production net-
work in order to ensure long-term growth in emerging 
markets. 

The motivation of our people, supported by the con-
sistent implementation of our continuous improve-
ment process HPS (Henkel Production System) has 
led to enhancements in both quality and productivity. 
Tailored to Henkel’s requirements, the “Lean Manage-
ment Program” is serving to harmonize our cross- 
business systems with ever-increasing effect.

We further optimized the production network in  
our Laundry & Home Care business unit over the 
course of the year. This included the sale of our 
plants at Nemours in France and Ain Temouchent in 
Algeria. New sites were added through acquisitions 
in both emerging markets (Qazvin, Iran, and Ibadan, 
Nigeria) and in mature markets (Salt Lake City and 
Bowling Green, both USA). As a result, the produc-
tion network spanned 30 plants in total as of the end 
of 2016.

Our solid organic growth brought about another 
increase in production volume. We are responding 
to this by carefully expanding our manufacturing 
capacities, with a particular eye on innovations and 
emerging markets. In 2016, we also continually 
enhanced the performance capabilities of our plants 
by rolling out the Henkel Production System to more 
countries as a means of further improving produc-
tion organization and efficiency.

We successfully renewed the external certification of 
Group headquarters and all our existing plants, con-
firming our compliance with international quality, 
environmental, safety and energy management stan-
dards. Continuous improvements in sustainability 
enabled us to make significant progress in our focal 
areas of safety and resource conservation, aided in 
particular by the further expansion of our centralized 
real-time system for measuring and evaluating total 
resource use around the world. The business unit is 
also investing systematically in expanding the digital 
infrastructure of its production and warehousing 
systems.

As an important aspect in our promise of quality, our 
optimization efforts in all three business units aim 
to reduce the environmental footprint of our produc-
tion activities. We focus in particular on cutting 
energy use, thereby contributing to climate protec-
tion, on reducing material input and waste volume, 
and on lowering water usage and wastewater pollu-
tion. New warehousing concepts and the production 
of packaging materials directly on-site where filling 
takes place reduce transport mileage and thus also 
contribute to climate protection.

Overall, our global programs in 2016 resulted in 
44 percent of our sites reducing their energy use, 
53 percent lowering their water usage, and 54 percent 
decreasing their waste footprint (excluding construc-
tion and demolition waste).

Keeping our “Factor 3” goal in mind for the year 2030, 
we set concrete interim targets for our production 
sites for the five years from 2011 through 2015, which 
we managed to exceed. We are continuing our efforts 
to further improve our performance in these areas 
over the coming years, as we move toward our long-
term goal of “Factor 3.” To this end, we have set medi-
um-term targets for completion by 2020: Compared 
to the base year 2010, we want to raise occupational 
safety by 40 percent, and to reduce the direct and 
indirect carbon dioxide emissions of our production 
sites, the water we use and the waste we generate by 
30 percent per ton of product in each case.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

81

Sustainability targets 2020 

61

Research and development

Environmental indicators 
per ton of production 
volume

Occupational safety 1

Direct and indirect carbon 
dioxide emissions

Water used

Waste generated 2

Target

+ 40 %

– 30 %

– 30 %

– 30 %

Status

+ 17 %

– 22 %

– 23 %

– 26 % 

1  Fewer occupational accidents per million hours worked.
2  Waste from our production sites (excluding construction and 

demolition waste). 4 percent increase in 2016 including construc-
tion and demolition waste due to extensive infrastructure 
projects.

Base year 2010.

We have also defined other areas of program focus, 
including more concerted efforts to save water in 
regions where it is scarce, to reduce landfill waste, to 
increase the use of renewable energies, and to lower 
carbon dioxide emissions associated with the trans-
portation of our products.

For further details on our sustainability targets, 
please see pages 60 to 62 and our Sustainability 
Report on the internet: 

  www.henkel.com/sustainabilityreport

Our standards for safety, health and the environ-
ment, and the Henkel Social Standards, apply to all 
our sites worldwide. Using a clearly defined process 
consisting of communication, training and audits, 
we ensure compliance with these standards, espe-
cially at the production level.

We have the environmental management systems at 
our sites externally certified wherever this is recog-
nized by our partners in the respective markets. By 
the end of 2016, around 90 percent of our production 
volume came from sites certified to ISO 14001, the 
internationally recognized standard for environmen-
tal management systems.

2.5 %

R&D expenditures 
in percent of sales.

Expenditures by the Henkel Group for research and 
development (R&D) in fiscal 2016 amounted to 
463 million euros (adjusted for restructuring expenses: 
460 million euros), following 478 million euros 
(adjusted: 464 million euros) in 2015. As a percentage 
of sales, we spent 2.5 percent (adjusted: 2.5 percent) 
on research and development (2015: 2.6 percent, 
adjusted: 2.6 percent).

In 2016, internal personnel expenses accounted for 
around 60 percent of total R&D spending. Our 
research and development costs were fully expensed; 
no product- or technology-related development 
costs were capitalized in accordance with Interna-
tional Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

R&D expenditures 1 
in million euros 

62

2012

408

2013

415

2014

413

2015

478

2016

463

0

100

200

300

400

500

1  Including restructuring expenses of 2 million euros (2012),  
1 million euros (2013), 3 million euros (2014), 14 million euros 
(2015), 3 million euros (2016).

R&D expenditures by business unit 

63

Beauty Care 

15 %

Adhesive  
Technologies 

62 %

Laundry &  
Home Care 

23 %

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Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Selected research and development sites 

64

Madison Heights, USA
Bridgewater, USA 
Trumbull, USA
Rocky Hill, USA 

Irvine, USA 
Scottsdale, USA

Toluca, Mexico

Bogotá, Colombia

Düsseldorf, Germany 
Hamburg, Germany
Heidelberg, Germany

Moscow, 
Russia

Dublin,  
Ireland

Barcelona, 
Spain

Dubai, United 
Arab Emirates

Shanghai, China
Seoul, South Korea 
Tokyo, Japan

Pune, India

São Paulo, 
Brazil

Johannesburg,  
South Africa

Sydney, Australia

On an annual average, around 2,700 employees 
worked in research and development (2015: around 
2,800). This corresponds to around 5 percent of the 
total workforce. Our teams are composed of natural 
scientists – predominantly chemists – as well as 
material scientists, engineers and technicians.

Our capital expenditures and the capabilities of our 
highly qualified employees form the foundation on 
which the success of our R&D activities is built. 
Moreover, our Group-wide cooperation models, 
 successful project outsourcing as part of our Open 
Innovation strategy, and the relocation of resources 
in the direction of emerging markets all demonstrate 
our ongoing focus on innovation and our concerted 
efforts to continuously reduce our resource consump-
tion while maintaining or improving performance.

Key R&D figures 

65

R&D expenditures 1 
(in million euros)

R&D expenditures 1 
(in % of sales)

Employees 2 
(annual average)

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

406

414

410

464

460

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.6

2.5

2,650

2,600

2,650

2,800

2,700

1  Adjusted for restructuring expenses.
2  Figures rounded.

Strengthening research and development together
The research and development experts in the three 
business units align their project portfolios to the 
specific needs of their individual businesses. They 
work together on fundamental processes, basic inno-
vation, evaluating partners for innovation, and on 
sustainability. The Research and Development Com-
mittee is responsible for Group-wide coordination.

One example of the joint approach is our technology 
scouting and screening procedure for startups. The 
research experts in the business units update one 
another regularly about their search criteria, activities, 
and any technology partners they have identified. 
This further accelerates the continuous exchange of 
knowledge and research activities, and increases the 
likelihood of successful disruptive innovations. The 
business units also continually update one another 
on innovations in common areas of knowledge. 
This is particularly relevant to all surface-modifying 
technologies such as surfactants, multifunctional 
polymers and silicones. In a joint initiative, docu-
mentation of advances in sustainability made within 
the development projects is being standardized 
throughout the Group.

Open Innovation
As our innovations come from both internal and 
external sources, the concept of Open Innovation 
continues to hold great significance for us. Accord-
ingly, we have intensified our efforts to involve 
external partners such as universities, research insti-
tutes and suppliers in many of our development 
projects.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

83

The following examples demonstrate the success 
achieved with our Open Innovation concept:
•  The Adhesive Technologies business unit pre-

sented its Supplier Innovation Award 2016 to US 
company NuSil, which specializes in innovative 
silicone technologies. NuSil has been a partner for 
many years, supplying customized polymers for 
numerous new customer solutions to various stra-
tegic business units. These solutions range from 
thermally-conductive adhesives and gap fillers 
with a low volatile organic compound content, to 
transparent liquid adhesives for use in the auto-
motive and electronics sectors and in medical 
technology.

•  The Beauty Care business unit presented its Best 

Innovation Contributor Award 2016 to Innospec, a 
partner of many years, for its successful collabora-
tion in the field of innovative shampoos that avoid 
the use of the standard surfactant, ether sulfate. 
Optimized combinations of surfactants have made 
it possible to formulate shampoos with very caring 
and, at the same time, good foaming properties. 
This technology was first used in some of our US 
salon brands before being adapted in 2016 for 
global use in hair-cleaning products marketed 
under the Bonacure brand in our Hair Salon busi-
ness, and the Gliss Kur brand in our Branded Con-
sumer Goods business.

•  For the first time ever in 2016, the Laundry & 

Home Care business unit presented its Best Inno-
vation Contributor Award and its Sustainability 
Award to one and the same development partner: 
BASF received both accolades in recognition of its 
special contribution to substituting phosphates in 
Somat, Henkel’s global brand of automatic dish-
washing products. Up to 40 percent of the formu-
las containing phosphates have been intelligently 
revised. The innovative formulas combine stan-
dard ingredients with new phosphate substitutes 
and high-performance polymers. The latter have 
been tailored to specific needs in collaboration 
with Henkel’s research experts and guarantee 
superior performance in all respects: 100 percent 
performance and zero percent phosphate. 

Research and development worldwide
In addition to its central research laboratories, 
Henkel maintains regional research and develop-
ment sites in all regions around the world as hubs 
for innovative problem-solving. Worldwide research 
and development activity is managed globally by the 
business units. Research-intensive basic technolo-
gies are developed at a central location with optimal 

access to external resources. These basic technologies 
are applied in the regional research and development 
sites to customer- and market-specific innovations. 
At the same time, the research and development staff 
in the regional sites obtain information about specific 
problems for the next generation of innovations, 
working in close contact with markets and customers. 
The new basic technologies needed for the relevant 
solutions are again developed centrally.

The following examples illustrate the contribution 
made by our regional research and development 
laboratories:
•  The Adhesive Technologies business unit offers its 
customers cutting-edge technology development 
and comprehensive design and application sup-
port. A global network of regional research and 
development centers combined with local devel-
opment and technology laboratories enables cus-
tomers to access innovations in a wide range of 
applications. Building on a broad portfolio of tech-
nologies, products are quickly adapted to specific 
customer applications. Strategic global innovation 
programs effectively drive future growth.

•  The increasing importance of the emerging mar-
kets is also reflected in the R&D strategy of the 
Beauty Care business unit. In the regional testing 
and development centers in Shanghai, China, in 
Johannesburg, South Africa, and in Bogotá, Colom-
bia, individual products are developed that take 
account of local distinctions and specific customer 
needs. Air pollution caused by particulate matter 
is a huge problem, especially in emerging mega 
cities. A range of hair care products under the Extra 
Care brand was developed specifically for the 
Asian market to reduce particulate deposits on 
hair and protect affected hair from damage.
•  The Innovation Center of the Laundry & Home 
Care business unit in Dubai has succeeded in 
developing, for the first time, innovative liquid 
detergents with particularly effective, thermally 
stable enzymes for the Africa/Middle East region. 
Transport and storage in extreme temperatures 
cause classic enzymes to lose some of their perfor-
mance capability, making them less effective at 
removing stains. The patent-pending, unique 
high-performance formulas contain tailored 
enzymes that remain stable, even at the higher 
temperatures that are common in the region. Our 
consumers thus benefit from superior effective-
ness and optimum stain removal. 

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Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Contributing to sustainability
Worldwide, growth and quality of life need to be 
decoupled from resource use and emissions. Our 
contribution here lies in the development of innova-
tive products and processes that consume less 
resources while offering the same or better perfor-
mance. It is therefore both our duty and our desire to 
ensure that all new products contribute to sustain-
able development in at least one of our six defined 
focal areas. These are systematically integrated 
within our innovation process. Early on, our research-
ers must demonstrate the specific advantages of their 
project in regard to product performance, added 
value for our customers, resource efficiency, and 
social progress. We thus aim to combine product 
performance and quality with social and environ-
mental responsibility. Our focus in this respect is on 
two goals. The first is to continuously improve the 
sustainability profile of the raw materials we use, in 
collaboration with our suppliers. The second is to 
help our customers and consumers reduce energy 
use and carbon dioxide emissions through our 
innovations.

Life cycle analyses, profiles of potential raw materi-
als and packaging options, and our many years of 
experience in sustainable development help us to 
identify and evaluate improvement opportunities 
right from the start of the product development pro-
cess. A key tool in this respect is our Henkel Sustain-
ability#Master®. This evaluation system centers 
around a matrix based on the individual steps in our 
value chain and on our six focal areas. It shows 
which areas are most relevant from a sustainability 
perspective, and allows a transparent and quantifi-
able comparison to be made between two products 
or processes.

Our scientists again made valuable contributions to 
the company’s success through their innovations in 
2016. A selection of particularly outstanding research 
projects is provided in the examples below:
•  For Adhesive Technologies, a leading role in sus-
tainability constitutes a strategic competitive 
advantage: Groundbreaking product innovations 
and high-impact solutions offer our customers 
added value. Automotive manufacturers, for exam-
ple, use our sprayable sound deadeners. The liq-
uid material is sprayed onto the floor, doors or 
roof of a car body and weighs as much as 20 per-
cent less than the bitumen mats otherwise used to 
dampen noise and vibrations. As robotic automa-
tion allows pinpoint precision when applying the 

material, the technology accelerates production 
processes and reduces waste. Our portfolio of 
sprayable sound deadeners also includes materials 
based on renewable oils, and has been extended to 
include a water-based acrylate system that is cur-
rently being developed through to series produc-
tion on a pilot system operated by BMW Group for 
the new BMW 3 series.

•  In 1987, the first hairspray to be manufactured 
without chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) was intro-
duced on the German market under the Drei  
Wetter Taft brand. Since then, we have been striv-
ing continuously to further improve the sustain-
ability profile of such products. The tinplate used 
to make our Taft aerosol spray cans is derived from 
steel. A new method of manufacturing the cans, 
which we developed in partnership with our sup-
plier Ardagh, now enables the manufacture of a 
stiffer type of tinplate which has made it possible 
to reduce the wall thickness and thus the weight of 
the cans by 18 percent. The new tin cans are thus 
bringing us considerably closer to our sustainabil-
ity targets: They allow us to save up to 3,500 metric 
tons of CO2 and to use around 900,000 cubic 
meters less water each year. We plan to succes-
sively translate the resulting reduction in material 
and water usage during the production phase to 
other formats in the future. Ardagh was nominated 
for the Sustainability Award 2016 for this contribu-
tion to sustainability.

•  The use of renewable raw materials is a key aspect 
of sustainable laundry detergents and household 
cleaners. In an exclusive cooperation project 
between Henkel and Aachen University – the 
Henkel Innovation Campus for Advanced Sustain-
able Technologies, or HICAST for short –,  we were 
able to make promising progress in the field of 
sustainable base raw materials. This work builds 
on cellulose, which is the most common organic 
compound on Earth. Intermediate products made 
from biomass serve as basic modules from which 
to develop innovative and sustainable ingredients 
for laundry detergents and household cleaners. We 
have managed to convert these intermediate prod-
ucts into innovative surfactants with property pro-
files that can be put to good commercial use. We 
have already applied for patent protection of sev-
eral substances. This constitutes a key contribu-
tion toward ensuring that the laundry detergents 
and household cleaners of the future use less 
resources and are properly sustainable. 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

85

Fritz Henkel Award for Innovation 2016

   www.henkel-adhesives.com/ 
aluminum-wheels

   www.glisskur.de 
   www.schwarzkopf-professional.de

  www.persilproclean.com

Fritz Henkel Award for Innovation
Each year we select a number of outstanding devel-
opments for our Fritz Henkel Award for Innovation. 
In 2016, the innovation award went to three interna-
tional, interdisciplinary project teams for the 
 realization and successful commercialization of 
the following concepts:
•  The trend toward lightweight construction in the 

automobile industry is leading to increasing usage 
of light metals. Aluminum, particularly, offers 
manufacturers and suppliers new scope for 
 functionality and design, as well as saving weight. 
Adhesive Technologies has developed a new 
 generation of coatings for aluminum applications 
under its Bonderite brand. Pre-treating aluminum 
wheels – which are increasingly becoming standard 
even in smaller vehicle classes – is hugely import-
ant to ensuring optimum corrosion protection. 
Bonderite M-NT 4595 is a tailored chrome-free 
hybrid coating offering optimum adhesion to the 
light metal. With improved process characteristics, 
it also reduces the overall process cost and the 
quantity of waste products. Bonderite M-NT 4595 
thus enables the development of new aluminum 
wheels with improved properties and less weight, 
and is used by the world’s leading manufacturers.
•  Many years of researching the structure of the hair 
matrix and hair keratins provided the basis for 
developing our patent-pending pH4.5 technology 
combining dual metal ions with specific organic 
acids to strengthen the keratin in the hair matrix. 
As a result, color pigments are locked inside the 
hair, giving users particularly long-lasting color-
ation. In our Hair Care business, this technology 

was first used in the Bonacure Color Freeze salon 
range before being successfully launched onto the 
retail market in the Gliss Kur Ultimate Color range. 
Users benefit from outstanding hair care combined 
with long-lasting glossy color.

•  Persil ProClean has successfully established the 

Persil brand in the North American market. A spe-
cial cold wash formula was developed to cater to 
the American preference for short cycles and low 
temperatures. The product is built around an inno-
vative and unique blend of enzymes and surfac-
tants that guarantees superior stain removal, even 
in these special conditions. Together with its spe-
cific scent, the overall formula – which has also 
been tailored to American preferences – guaran-
tees fiber-deep clean, brilliantly white and notice-
ably fresh laundry. Persil’s superior performance 
has also been confirmed by external sources: On 
the first-time inclusion of the top variant, Persil 
ProClean Liquid 2in1, in annual assessments 
 conducted by a leading US test journal – which 
was in 2015 following the product’s launch – it was 
ranked the best laundry detergent ever trialed in 
the USA. 

We hold nearly 8,100 patents to protect our technolo-
gies around the world. Approximately 5,400 patents 
are currently pending. And we have registered just 
over 1,450 design patents to protect our intellectual 
property.

Further information on our research and develop-
ment activities can be found on our website 

  www.henkel.com/brands-and-businesses

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast86

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Marketing and distribution

We put our customers and consumers at the center 
of what we do. We offer them maximum benefit, 
quality and service, together with attractive innova-
tions, brands and technologies to create sustainable 
value.

As a market leader, Adhesive Technologies creates 
high-impact solutions worldwide through ground-
breaking innovations and close partnerships with its 
customers. The portfolio is aligned to the globally 
specialized markets for adhesives, sealants and func-
tional coatings.

We develop the marketing strategies for our strong 
brands and leading technologies at both the global 
and regional level. The measures derived from our 
planning are then implemented locally. Within our 
branding strategy, we consistently leverage our five 
global technology cluster brands in the industrial 
markets and our four brand platforms in the con-
sumer business.

Our relationships with around 130,000 direct indus-
try and retail customers are managed primarily by 
our own sales teams, while our retail customers 
 service the needs of private users, craftsmen and 
smaller industrial customers.

We foster long-term relationships with our custom-
ers through our team of around 6,500 technical 
experts. We therefore have an in-depth understand-
ing of the various applications. In light of the signifi-
cant complexity of many of our solutions and tech-
nologies, technical customer service and thorough 
user training are of key importance. Our global pres-
ence enables us to provide technical services to cus-
tomers worldwide as well as in-depth product train-
ing on site. 

As part of our worldwide digitalization strategy, we 
have rolled out a global process for further improving 
the efficiency of our digital customer relationship 
management. This lead management system enables 
us to reach existing and potential customers very 
quickly to provide them with relevant technical and 
commercial information. In addition, we already offer 
our industrial customers a successful eCommerce 
platform in the shape of our Henkel POD. In future, we 
plan to further develop this approach, based on an 
integrated concept that focuses on our customers.

In addition to digital communications, we strive to 
optimize our approach to consumers and craftsmen 
through the continued use of conventional advertis-
ing coupled with measures to attract our target 
groups at the point of sale. Leveraging our close cus-
tomer relationships and our comprehensive techni-
cal expertise, we continue to offer tailored solutions 
and innovative branded products that provide sus-
tainable added value for our customers.

Within the Beauty Care business unit, our focused 
portfolio of brands with unique, distinct brand equi-
ties forms the basis for leading, consumer-relevant 
innovations in our Branded Consumer Goods and 
Hair Salon business. We develop new products and 
launch strategies with as much global synergy as is 
possible, while implementing them as locally as is 
necessary. Through our customer and consumer 
proximity, we are able to identify global trends at an 
early stage and quickly respond to these on an indi-
vidual basis with innovative products. In consumer 
marketing, advancing digitalization alongside classic 
advertising and point of sale activities enables a sig-
nificant increase in media efficiency. With personal-
ized 1:1 experiences, we target the right consumer 
group with the right message in the right environ-
ment and also accelerate efficient re-targeting. 

We not only specifically choose which consumers 
we communicate with and by what means, but also 
which sales channels are of strategic relevance for 
us. We leverage our category leadership positions 
both in brick and mortar retail and in the field of 
eCommerce, also adding value for our online cus-
tomers through our shopper knowledge and our 
expertise. 

Having hosted more than 200 customer visits in our 
“Beauty Care Lighthouse,” which opened in Düssel-
dorf in 2012, we have been able to consistently 
intensify our customer focus. The Lighthouse was 
thoroughly revamped in 2016 and now offers our 
customers from around the world an interactive 
experience of all our beauty competences with 
stronger focus on digitalization.

We are also committed in our Hair Salon business to 
close partnership and cooperation with our custom-
ers. With our globally established Schwarzkopf Acad-
emies, we offer value-adding services in the form of 
state-of-the-art seminars and ongoing further train-

Around

130,000

direct industry and 
retail customers.

Around

6,500

specialists serving 
our Adhesive  
Technologies  
customers.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

87

domain. Moreover, the credible implementation of 
our sustainability strategy strengthens both our 
brands and the reputation of our company in the 
marketplace.

With decades of experience in aligning our activities 
to sustainable development, we are able to position 
ourselves as a leader in the field and as a partner able 
to offer our customers future-capable solutions. 
And we cooperate closely with our customers in 
trade and industry in the development and imple-
mentation of viable concepts.

In order to convey to our customers and consumers 
the added value of our innovations – best possible 
performance combined with responsibility toward 
people and the environment – we use direct product 
communication supported by more detailed infor-
mation provided in new media such as electronic 
newspapers and online platforms, as well as events 
and campaigns implemented together with our 
partners.

We have combined these approaches in a joint pro-
gram for our three business units: “Say yes! to the 
future” provides sales training for our employees and 
strengthens our cooperation with our trade 
customers.

We intend to increase our involvement in the devel-
opment of appropriate measurement and assessment 
methods in order to facilitate effective, credible com-
munication of our contributions to sustainability.  
To this end, we have developed a variety of tools, 
which are integrated within our Henkel Sustainabili-
ty#Master®. We have launched various projects in 
collaboration with selected partners to improve and 
standardize measurement and assessment methods.

For further information on the products and brands 
of our three business units, please go to our website 

  www.henkel.com/brands-and-businesses

ing opportunities, with the focus on the professional 
hairdresser’s role as an entrepreneur. 

In the Laundry & Home Care business unit, we 
develop our marketing strategies and product inno-
vations for our strong brands on a global scale, adapt-
ing them to regional consumer needs and market 
conditions, and implementing them at the local 
level. We thus ensure central, efficient management 
of our brands and an innovation process that enables 
us to both recognize global consumer trends early on 
and implement new products quickly while at the 
same time remaining closely attuned to local needs. 
We are steadily increasing the use of digital media 
communication – particularly social media – to 
develop our media strategies and engage our con-
sumers in the most effective way possible.

More than 150 customers have already visited our 
Global Experience Center, which opened in 2015, 
keen to learn more about the latest Laundry & Home 
Care concepts. Offering a basis for future partner-
ships, the innovative platform brings together cus-
tomers from a wide range of global and local spheres. 
Customized solutions are developed to match spe-
cific partner requirements and to identify opportuni-
ties to create value together. Offering various experi-
ence stations, this customer center showcases the 
business unit’s expertise and innovative concepts – 
from new product offerings and digitalization to 
 sustainability and shopper marketing. Each station 
is designed to be interactive, allowing visitors to 
explore the world of laundry and home care with all 
of their senses. The business unit uses its 360 Degree 
Customer Collaboration concept to ensure each cus-
tomer relationship develops in as many areas as 
possible. 

We have continued to expand our expertise in the 
areas of shopper intelligence and shopper marketing 
as a key strength in both traditional sales and 
eCommerce. 

The importance of sustainability in our relationships 
with customers and consumers continues to grow in 
all three business units. Our customers expect 
their suppliers to ensure compliance with global 
environmental, safety, and social standards. Our 
standards and management systems, our many years 
of experience in sustainability reporting, and excel-
lent appraisals by external rating agencies all help us 
to convince our audience of our credentials in this 

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast88

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Adhesive Technologies

Highlights

Sales growth

+ 2.8 %

organic sales  
growth

Adjusted 1  
operating profit

Adjusted 1  
return on sales

€ 1,629 m 18.2 %

adjusted 1 operating profit (EBIT):  
up 6.2 percent

adjusted 1 return on sales (EBIT):  
up 1.1 percentage points

Pattex Re-New
Pattex Re-New makes bathroom 
joints look as good as new – with-
out any need to replace the old seal-
ant. The inno vative special silicone 
comes in a practical tube with an 
integrated smoothing tool for quick 
and easy single-step application on 
top of the old joints. It also stops 
mildew spreading. 

   www.pattex.de

Automotive electronics
Our broad portfolio of products 
under the Loctite brand supports a 
wide range of digital innovations in 
automotive construction. Manufac-
turers and suppliers around the 
world rely on our high-performance 
 solutions to overcome their network, 
eMobility and autonomous driving 
challenges – whether in sensors for 
assistance systems, camera modules, 
digital instruments, battery technolo-
gies or printed electronics.  

Metal packaging 
Our new lubricants and cooling 
agents in the Bonderite L-FM series 
enable our Metal Packaging custom-
ers to raise both their productivity 
and sustainability. With an improved 
biostable formulation, the products 
increase machine capacities to as 
many as 3,000 cans per minute. At 
the same time, their use reduces 
scrap rates, which means less waste.   

   www.henkel-adhesives.com/
metal-packaging-solutions

Key financials * 

in million euros

Sales

66

Sales development * 

2015

2016

+/–

in percent

8,992

8,961

– 0.3 %

Change versus previous year

Proportion of Henkel sales

50 %

48 %

1,462

1,534

1,561

1,629

–

6.8 %

6.2 %

Foreign exchange

Adjusted for foreign exchange

Acquisitions/divestments

Operating profit (EBIT)

Adjusted operating profit (EBIT)

Return on sales (EBIT)

Adjusted return on sales (EBIT)

Return on capital employed 
(ROCE)

16.3 %

17.1 %

17.4 %

1.1 pp

Organic

18.2 %

1.1 pp

of which price 

of which volume

18.4 %

19.9 %

1.5 pp

Economic Value Added (EVA®)

626

719

15.0 %

pp = percentage points 
*  Calculated on the basis of units of 1,000 euros;  

figures commercially rounded.

* Calculated on the basis of units of 1,000 euros.

1  Adjusted for one-time charges/gains and restructuring expenses.

67

2016

– 0.3

– 3.5

3.2

0.4

2.8

0.3

2.5

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

89

Economic environment

The economic environment for the Adhesive Tech-
nologies business unit was characterized by subdued 
growth in the relevant markets, with expansion in 
the key industrial sectors lower than initially fore-
casted due to continuing political and economic 
uncertainties. Although growth in emerging markets 
was only moderate, it continued to drive global eco-
nomic development.

Despite this difficult market environment, the Adhe-
sive Technologies business unit continued to grow, 
with overall sales outperforming market expansion, 
supported by its globally leading positions, active 
portfolio management and innovative product 
solutions.

Business activity and strategy

As a market leader, the Adhesive Technologies busi-
ness unit creates high-impact solutions worldwide 
through groundbreaking innovations and close part-
nerships with its customers. With our leading tech-
nologies, strong brands and the competence of our 
global expert teams, we supply tailor-made products 
that create competitive advantages and sustainable 
value for our customers. 

Our market leadership and global presence enable us 
to offer solutions and systems across all business 
areas and regions for adhesives, sealants and func-
tional coatings. Our products are an essential part of 
industrial products and consumer goods, and make 
them better, safer and more sustainable. The acquisi-
tion of leading technologies that complement our 
portfolio and offer synergy potential represents an 
additional attractive option for further profitable 
business expansion. Our acquisitions to date demon-
strate our ability to consistently integrate newly 
acquired businesses quickly and successfully on the 
basis of our standardized business processes.

bution to creating more value and helping our cus-
tomers to both satisfy the manifold needs of con-
sumers and comply with regulations.

Top brands

In the Transport and Metal business area, we provide 
our customers in the automotive, aircraft and aero-
space, and metal processing industries with out-
standing system solutions, a comprehensive tech-
nology portfolio, and specialized technical services. 
We work closely with major international manufac-
turers and their suppliers. Through our early involve-
ment in design and development processes, we are 
able to create innovative, customized solutions to 
new challenges – for example, in lightweight con-
struction or eMobility. 

In the General Industry business area, we offer our 
customers a comprehensive portfolio of products for 
the manufacture and maintenance of durable goods. 
Our customers range from household appliance 
manufacturers through to operators of large-scale 
industrial plants, and service specialists operating in 
all branches of industry. In addition to providing 
direct support for our customers from industry, we 
can also tap into a global network of trained distribu-
tion partners. We raise the value added for our cus-
tomers while securing competitive advantages and 
growth by working with industrial clients on the 
development of high-impact adhesive solutions, and 
by regularly and systematically training users.

Our Electronics business area offers customers from 
the electronics industry a specialized portfolio of 
innovative high-technology adhesives and materials 
for the manufacture of microchips, electronic assem-
blies and thermal management systems. We com-
bine our expertise with targeted investments in our 
technology portfolio to develop new solutions for 
the growing challenges encountered in the fields of 
digital networking and the Internet of Things. Our 
global presence enables us to collaborate closely 
with development centers of major electronics firms 
and provide support for their production processes.

In the Packaging and Consumer Goods Adhesives 
business area, we work with major brand manufac-
turers and international customers to develop inno-
vative and sustainable solutions for food packaging 
and consumer goods. Our technical customer service 
makes comprehensive applications expertise glob-
ally available. Strategically cooperating with partners 
along the value chain also makes a significant contri-

Our Adhesives for Consumers, Craftsmen and Build-
ing business area markets an extensive range of 
brand-name products for private, trade and construc-
tion users. We offer innovative products and specific 
system solutions based on our globally strong 
brands, and secure competitive advantages by 
quickly and efficiently translating the latest techno-
logical developments from our industrial business 

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast90

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Around

30 %

innovation rate 1.

+ 2.8 %

organic sales 
growth.

into corresponding products for consumers, crafts-
men and the building industry. Our distribution net-
works are aligned to the different target groups.

Active portfolio management plays a central role in 
continuing our profitable and sustainable growth. We 
manage our businesses guided by specific business 
plans to take the best possible advantage of market 
opportunities, and we invest our resources with a 
 targeted, differentiated approach. We aim primarily 
to strengthen organic growth and therefore invest in 
attractive growth markets and advancing our technol-
ogy expertise.

The ongoing expansion of our innovation leadership 
is a further key component of our growth strategy. In 
2016, the proportion of sales from products success-
fully launched onto the market in the last five years 
was around 30 percent. This is achieved through 
consistent implementation of our innovation strat-
egy that uses especially developed programs, innova-
tion processes and employee initiatives to drive our 
profitable growth. We focus our research and devel-
opment activities on top innovation programs, and 
on tailor-made high-impact customer solutions in 
attractive markets. We further focus on strategic 
innovations by systematically searching for profit-
able new technologies and business opportunities in 
promising adjacent markets. To further develop new 
business ideas, we cooperate with innovative start-
ups and invest in venture capital funds with specific 
expertise in material sciences and digitalization. 
Collaborating with strategic suppliers and focusing 
strictly on sustainability are further key drivers of 
innovation and growth. 

We invest continually in expanding and strengthen-
ing our top brands. In 2016, we generated more than 
80 percent of all sales with our five technology clus-
ter brands in the industrial business, and four strong 
brand platforms in the consumer business. We are 
focusing on expanding the leading position of Loctite 
as the world’s largest adhesive brand through a regu-
lar flow of innovations and high-performance solu-
tions for both industrial customers and consumers.

In line with our acquisition strategy, we strength-
ened our portfolio in 2016 with the acquisition of 
the tile adhesives business and associated brands of 
Colombian company Alfagres S.A. We also completed 
the acquisition of all shares in Zhejiang Golden Roc 
Chemicals JSC, thus expanding our portfolio of 
superglues in China.

1  Percentage share of sales generated with new products launched 
onto the market within the last five years.

Sales and profits

Sales Adhesive Technologies 
in million euros 

68

2012

8,256

2013

8,117

2014

8,127

2015

8,992

2016

8,961

0

2,500

5,000

7,500

10,000

In 2016, the Adhesive Technologies business unit 
recorded solid organic growth while raising adjusted 
return on sales to 18.2 percent. 

Organically (i.e. adjusted for foreign exchange and 
acquisitions/divestments), sales grew by 2.8 percent, 
thus outperforming the market. Growth was driven 
primarily by increased volumes.  

In the following, we comment on our organic sales 
performance in the regions.

Year on year, sales growth was strong in the emerging 
markets, with double-digit increases in the Latin 
America region and strong growth in the Eastern 
Europe region. The Asia (excluding Japan) region 
recorded a solid increase in sales. Sales performance 
in the Africa/Middle East region was positive, despite 
the difficult ongoing political situation and subse-
quent deterioration in the economic conditions 
prevailing in parts of the region. 

Our sales in the mature markets were on a par with 
the previous year. Sales performance in North Amer-
ica was positive, while sales in the Western Europe 
region reached the prior-year level. The mature mar-
kets in the Asia-Pacific region recorded lower sales 
growth year on year.

Adjusted operating profit increased to 1,629 million 
euros, its highest level ever. Adjusted return on sales, 
at 18.2 percent, was higher year on year. The Adhe-
sive Technologies business unit was again able to 
increase gross margin and offset negative transac-
tional currency effects through ongoing measures to 
optimize organizational and administrative struc-

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

91

Sales development in the Electronics business area 
was positive year on year, driven mainly by our busi-
ness with consumer electronics manufacturers and 
by thermal management products for the electronics 
industry. We are stimulating new growth with our 
high-impact solutions for the rapidly expanding 
automotive electronics market, to which we can sup-
ply a broad portfolio of products that manufacturers 
and components suppliers are increasingly using in 
sensors, assistance systems, displays, and battery 
technology, enabling the development of new digital 
networks and driverless vehicle systems.

Adhesives for Consumers, Craftsmen and Building
Sales performance in the Adhesives for Consumers, 
Craftsmen and Building business area was positive. 
The increase was based in part on our construction 
industry business. Here we further strengthened our 
portfolio with the acquisition of the tile adhesives 
business and associated brands of Alfagres S.A. in 
Colombia. We also strengthened our position with 
respect to DIY products by strategically cooperating 
with one of our key European retail customers. 
This is enabling us to tap new local growth potential, 
especially in Eastern Europe.

Capital expenditures

Investment in property, plant and equipment totaled 
187 million euros in 2016 (2015: 227 million euros), 
with the focus on expanding production capacity, 
mainly in the emerging markets, and building manu-
facturing facilities aligned to specific customer 
requirements.

€ 187 m

investments in 
 property, plant  
and equipment.

tures and by enhancing production and supply chain 
efficiency. Lower prices for direct materials also had 
a positive impact.

At 11.0 percent, net working capital as a percentage  
of sales was below the already low level of the prior 
year. Return on capital employed (ROCE) increased 
year on year to 19.9 percent. Economic Value Added 
(EVA®) increased by 93 million euros versus the pre-
vious year, to 719 million euros. 

Business areas

In the following, we comment on the organic sales 
performance of our business areas.

Industrial Adhesives
Sales in the Packaging and Consumer Goods Adhe-
sives business area showed positive performance 
versus the previous year. Packaging adhesives for use 
in the food and beverage industries, and especially 
our leading food safety products, were an important 
contributor to this growth. We work closely in this 
field with international customers, globally active 
brand manufacturers, institutes and the authorities 
to enhance consumer safety around the globe. Our 
innovations are always tailored to growing consumer 
needs – for more convenience, for example – thereby 
strengthening the products and brands of our cus-
tomers. New applications for our structural adhe-
sives for furniture and building components enabled 
us to tap further growth potential.

We posted a strong increase in sales in our Transport 
and Metal business area. Our growth in this business 
area was driven primarily by our business with auto-
motive manufacturers and their suppliers. Our broad 
product and technology portfolio enables us to pro-
vide customized solutions for assemblies such as 
drive trains. In doing so, we enable our customers to 
develop lightweight construction, downsizing and 
eMobility innovations for both conventional and 
electric drive trains.

The General Industry business area posted a positive 
sales performance, again mainly due to activities 
involving customers in various industrial markets 
and the vehicle repair and maintenance sector. 
Working closely with our key accounts, we develop 
customized integrated solutions to reduce noise and 
improve thermal performance – in household appli-
ances and consumer goods, for example. In addition 
to the improved performance capabilities of their 
products, our customers also benefit from greater 
automation, process efficiency and sustainability.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast92

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Beauty Care

Highlights

Sales growth

+ 2.1 %

organic sales  
growth

Adjusted 1   
operating profit

Adjusted 1  
return on sales

€ 647 m

16.9 %

adjusted 1 operating profit (EBIT):  
up 6.1 percent

adjusted 1 return on sales (EBIT):  
up 1.0 percentage points

Gliss Kur Magnificent Strength
Innovation from the Hair Repair 
Expert: Gliss Kur Magnificent 
Strength for weak, depleted hair. 
The range featuring powerful 
Tri-Protein Complex gives the hair 
an effective protein kick, strength-
ening hair and protecting the hair 
cuticle – for beautiful hair that  
is up to 20 times stronger.   

  www.gliss.com

Fa Dry Protect
New Fa Dry Protect has been specif-
ically developed for reliable protec-
tion to give increased confidence 
in the face of everyday challenges. 
Its innovative Micro-Absorber Tech-
nology absorbs perspiration for 
48 hours of wetness protection. For 
an immediately fresh feeling accom-
panied by a delicate, powdery-fresh 
scent of Cotton Mist or Linen Touch. 

Taft Fullness
The first Taft range for up to four 
times fuller hair: Taft Fullness with 
Biotin & Boost Complex for tangibly 
fuller hair and visible texture – 
developed specifically for women 
with fine or thinning hair. The inno-
vative formula increases the dis-
tance between the individual hair 
fibers, while guaranteeing long- 
lasting 48-hour hold. 

  www.int.fa.com

  www.taft.de

Key financials * 

in million euros

Sales

2015

2016

3,833

3,838

Proportion of Henkel sales

21 %

20 %

Operating profit (EBIT)

Adjusted operating profit (EBIT)

Return on sales (EBIT)

Adjusted return on sales (EBIT)

561

610

14.6 %

15.9 %

526

647

Return on capital 
employed (ROCE)

20.4 %

18.2 %

– 2.2 pp

69

Sales development * 

+/–

0.1 %

–

– 6.2 %

6.1 %

in percent

Change versus previous year

Foreign exchange

Adjusted for foreign exchange

Acquisitions / divestments

13.7 %

– 0.9 pp

Organic

16.9 %

1.0 pp

of which price

of which volume

Economic Value Added (EVA®)

328

266

– 18.7 %

pp = percentage points 
*  Calculated on the basis of units of 1,000 euros;  

figures commercially rounded. 

* Calculated on the basis of units of 1,000 euros.

1  Adjusted for one-time charges/gains and restructuring expenses.

70

2016

0.1

– 3.4

3.5

1.4

2.1

0.4

1.7

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

93

Top brands

Over 45 %

innovation rate 1.

Economic environment 

In 2016, growth in the world cosmetics sector contin-
ued to slow down in markets of key relevance, with 
developments in some major markets recessionary. 
Despite a difficult and highly competitive environ-
ment, the Beauty Care business unit was able to out-
pace market growth. 

In our Branded Consumer Goods business, the 
mature markets in particular showed weak develop-
ment. In Western Europe especially, the environ-
ment was characterized by a further intensification 
of promotional activities, with rising price pressure 
and declining average prices. However, the markets 
in the North America region posted positive growth.

Within the emerging markets, the Africa/Middle East 
region exhibited continuing growth, although the 
rate was once again lower year on year. Business 
growth in Asia (excluding Japan) also slowed due 
 t o weaker developments in relevant markets in 
China. The markets in Latin America showed a posi-
tive development. The markets of the Eastern Europe 
region exhibited moderate growth under persistently 
difficult trading conditions.

The professional hairdressing market remained 
under pressure in 2016 as customers continued to 
exhibit restraint. Despite this difficult market environ-
ment overall, we were again able to exceed the sales 
level of the previous year and to further extend our 
position as the world number 3 in the hair salon field.

Business activity and strategy

Worldwide, the Beauty Care business unit is success-
fully active in the Branded Consumer Goods business 
area with Hair Cosmetics, Body Care, Skin Care and 
Oral Care, as well as in the professional Hair Salon 
business.

To further drive the growth of our Beauty Care busi-
ness, we place the customer and the consumer at the 
center of everything we do. At the focus of our growth 
strategy are specific choices regarding customers 

and channels, category prioritization and the   
central management of our global brands portfolio. 
This enables us to pursue targeted investments in 
 segments offering above-average growth and 
profitability.

We strengthen our brand investments on a global 
scale through strict cost management, an improved 
portfolio structure, complexity reduction and 
premiumization. 

At the center of our strategy is our drive for organic 
growth, supported in particular by innovations and 
our strong brands. Our innovation approach focuses 
on fewer but bigger, better and more margin-accre-
tive innovations, with early recognition and identi-
fication of relevant consumer trends, a conscious 
commitment to game-changing offerings and rapid 
international rollouts all key contributors to suc-
cess. Again in 2016, we achieved an innovation rate 
of more than 45 percent. 

By continuously strengthening our top brands, we 
were able to further boost the sales generated by our 
top 10 brands, with disproportionate growth in those 
segments of most importance to us. In 2016, our top 
10 brands again contributed over 90 percent of our 
sales revenues. In addition to strengthening our 
brands, we focus particularly on the growth potential 
available in our key accounts. 

We also intend to further leverage the potential of 
digitalization. With determined acceleration of the 
digital transformation process across all areas, we 
can better interact with consumers, transfer our 
shopper knowledge and category captaincies to 
digital channels, and organize manufacturing and 
logistics more efficiently.

We supplement organic growth with carefully 
selected acquisitions. In line with our strategy,  we 
have expanded our portfolio in attractive categories 
through the acquisition of a range of leading hair care 
brands in Africa/Middle East and Eastern Europe.

1  Percentage share of sales generated with new products launched 
onto the market within the last three years.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast94

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Sales and profits

Sales Beauty Care 
in million euros 

2012

3,542

2013

3,510

2014

3,547

2015

3,833

2016

3,838

measures to reduce costs and enhance production 
and supply chain efficiency enabled us to exten-
sively offset the effects on gross margin exerted by 
negative foreign exchange movements and sustained 
promotional intensity. 

71

Compared to the already low level of the previous 
year, net working capital as a percentage of sales 
improved further to 0.6 percent. At 18.2 percent, 
return on capital employed (ROCE) was lower com-
pared to the 2015 figure. Economic Value Added 
(EVA®) decreased by 62 million euros to 266 million 
euros. 

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

Business areas

The Beauty Care business unit achieved solid organic 
sales growth and an excellent increase in adjusted 
return on sales in the reporting period, thus continu-
ing to build on the profitable growth of previous years. 

+ 2.1%

organic sales 
growth.

Organically (i.e. adjusted for foreign exchange and 
acquisitions/divestments), sales increased by 2.1 per-
cent. Organic growth was again higher than the rate 
of expansion in our relevant markets, with sales 
being driven by both price and volume.

In the following, we comment on our organic sales 
performance in the regions.

From a regional perspective, business performance 
was very strong in the emerging markets. The Latin 
America region posted double-digit sales growth. Sales 
development in the region of Asia (excluding Japan) 
was positive. In the Africa/Middle East region the 
business unit matched its success of previous years, 
recording a positive growth. Driven by business 
development in Russia, we achieved double-digit 
growth in the Eastern Europe region.

The mature markets continue to be impacted by 
fierce crowding-out competition and intense price 
and promotional pressures. In this challenging mar-
ket environment, sales declined slightly year on 
year. While in the Western Europe region and in the 
mature markets of the Asia-Pacific region, sales were 
lower year on year, we were able to increase revenues 
in the North America region, achieving solid growth 
there versus the previous year. 

Adjusted operating profit increased in the reporting 
period to 647 million euros. Adjusted return on 
sales rose by 1.0 percentage points to a new high of 
16.9 percent. Our innovation initiatives and ongoing 

In the following, we comment on the organic sales 
performance of our two business areas.

Branded Consumer Goods
Our Branded Consumer Goods business posted 
another solid increase in sales in 2016. Growth was 
driven, in particular, by successful innovations 
under the brands Schwarzkopf, Syoss and Dial, and 
by the introduction of our Schwarzkopf brand 
throughout North America. The Hair Cosmetics 
business performed especially well, with above- 
average sales growth and success in generating 
 market momentum. 

We introduced a number of compelling innovations 
in the strategically important Hair Colorants busi-
ness. Syoss Gloss Sensation, the first ammonia-free 
intensive tint under the Syoss brand, offers a gentle 
alternative to classic coloring. Schwarzkopf Palette 
Intensive Color Creme with its intensive, caring 
hair mask with Keratin Complex provides long-last-
ing color intensity and healthy looking hair. New 
Schwarzkopf Brillance contains a highly effective 
technology for the prevention of colorant fade, 
ensuring particularly long-lasting color intensity. 
The formulation with Diamond Gloss Serum also 
gives the hair up to three times more color gloss 
compared to untreated hair.

We strengthened our Hair Care business with the 
launch of new Gliss Kur Magnificent Strength with 
Tri-Protein Complex. The range with its Express 
Repair Conditioner provides for beautiful hair that is 
up to 20 times stronger. Positive momentum was 
also generated by the Syoss line Ceramide Complex 
formulated especially for weak and brittle hair. The 
innovative Ceramide Keratin Complex gives hair up 
to ten times more strength. With Schauma 7 Blossom 
Oil, we have launched a new line offering a formula 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

95

Hair Salon business
The professional hairdressing market remained 
under pressure in 2016 as customers continued to 
exhibit restraint. Nevertheless, our sales figures 
experienced positive development, with major con-
tributions coming from, in particular, Schwarzkopf 
Professional and the brands Sexy Hair, Alterna and 
Kenra that we acquired in North America in 2014.

Within the Hair Care category, Schwarzkopf Profes-
sional generated strong momentum with the BC 
Bonacure brand. New Schwarzkopf Professional BC 
Bonacure Repair Rescue with patented Reversilane 
technology durably restores hair fibers while sealing 
the hair surface with a protective shield. In the Colo-
rants category, Schwarzkopf Professional launched 
new Igora Royal Highlifts with Fibre Bond technol-
ogy onto the market. These products minimize hair 
breakage while producing the coolest blond tones 
from Igora of all time. In the Styling category, the 
brand Osis+ with its slogan “Made to Create” offers a 
complete product range for the creation of uniquely 
individual hair styles whenever required. 

Capital expenditures

Investments focused on efficiency improvements 
and optimization in our production and distribution 
processes and the further expansion of our manufac-
turing capacities, especially the scheduled expansion 
of our plant in Russia. Further capital expenditures 
went into the environmental sphere with the refur-
bishment of the wastewater treatment facilities 
located at our factories in Slovenia and the USA. In 
all, we invested 54 million euros in property, plant 
and equipment compared to 61 million euros in the 
previous year. 

€ 54 m

investments in 
 property, plant 
and equipment.

that penetrates deep into the hair structure and 
repairs the hair at every layer. The Hair Care business 
was additionally boosted by the innovation Schwarz-
kopf Men ZincPT, an anti-dandruff treatment for the 
male market. Used regularly, this offers men’s hair 
a reduction in visible dandruff of up to 100 percent 
combined with an immediate freshness kick.

Within the Hair Styling business, the Taft brand was 
able to further expand its leading market position. 
The new line, Taft Fullness, leaves hair noticeably 
fuller with visible texture and good manageability. 
The new Taft Power Electro series offers the strongest 
Taft hold ever. And within our trendsetting brand 
Got2b, we developed a new line of products under 
the name Glam Force, which offers 48 hours of ultra-
strong, glamorous hold with protection against 
flyaways.

In Body Care, we profited from the success of the 
new Fa shower gels Coconut Water and Coconut Milk 
with coconut extract for a perfect combination of 
care and a refreshed feeling for the skin. The innova-
tive antiperspirant Fa Dry Protect continued to show 
positive development. The formula based on Micro- 
Absorber technology offers an immediate feeling of 
dryness and 48 hours of protection from underarm 
wetness. North America saw the launch of the body 
care series Dial Soothing Care. The body wash with 
collagen is pH-neutral on the skin and imparts a 
soothing effect. Also launched onto the market was 
the deodorant stick Right Guard Xtreme Odor Com-
bat, which successfully combats body odor for up to 
96 hours.

The Skin Care business was expanded through the 
introduction of Diadermine Lift+ Super Corrector, 
our first anti-aging innovation capable of combating 
both existing and future pigmentation spots. We also 
offer a series especially formulated for mature dry skin 
in the form of the innovation Diadermine Nutrition 
Expert 3D. 

Within the Oral Care business we have strengthened 
the freshness variants of the Theramed 2in1 line with 
improved formulations. The new technology creates 
a three times fresher feel while also ensuring a thor-
ough antibacterial clean. We continue to set new 
standards for our Denivit brand: After just 10 days, 
the innovation Pro-Laser White removes up to 
90 percent of stains discoloring the teeth.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast96

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Laundry & Home Care

Highlights

Sales growth

+ 4.7 %

organic sales  
growth

Adjusted 1 
operating profit

Adjusted 1 
return on sales

€ 1,000 m

17.3 %

adjusted 1 operating profit (EBIT):  
up 13.7 percent

adjusted 1 return on sales (EBIT):  
up 0.2 percentage points

Perwoll Renew 3D
New and unique fine fabric deter-
gent formula with color renewal 
effect: Perwoll Renew 3D rejuvenates 
fabric colors in three dimensions –
intensity, color accuracy and bright-
ness. The innovative formula has 
been introduced in more than 25 coun-
tries in Eastern and Western Europe 
and Latin America, and reinforces 
Perwoll’s global leadership in our 
active markets. 

  www.perwoll.de

Somat Phosphate-free
Henkel’s first automatic dishwashing 
product that is free of phosphates 
yet offers 100-percent performance. 
Somat Phosphate-free has a new, 
 patented formula that delivers the 
ideal combination of environmental 
compatibility and gleaming clean 
results. Innovative Somat Phos-
phate-free has been introduced in 
Germany and in more than 20 coun-
tries in Western and Eastern Europe. 

  www.somat.de

Bref Power Aktiv
Bref Power Aktiv is the global num-
ber one in the WC rim block segment 
of our active markets. Its tried and 
trusted combination of four active 
agents is coupled with a longer-last-
ing fragrance. The formula has been 
enriched with a “power core.” New 
Bref Power Aktiv with “fragrance 
boost” has been launched in more 
than 60 countries across the world.  

  www.breftoiletcare.com.au

Key financials * 

in million euros

Sales

72

Sales development * 

2015

2016

+/–

in percent

5,137

5,795

12.8 %

Change versus previous year

Proportion of Henkel sales

28 %

31 %

–

Foreign exchange

Operating profit (EBIT)

Adjusted operating profit (EBIT)

Return on sales (EBIT)

Adjusted return on sales (EBIT)

Return on capital employed 
(ROCE)

786

879

803

1,000

2.2 %

13.7 %

Adjusted for foreign exchange

Acquisitions/divestments

15.3 %

17.1 %

13.9 %

– 1.4 pp

Organic

17.3 %

0.2 pp

of which price 

21.1 %

15.7 %

– 5.4 pp

of which volume

Economic Value Added (EVA®)

469

344

– 26.8 %

pp = percentage points 
*  Calculated on the basis of units of 1,000 euros;  

figures commercially rounded.

* Calculated on the basis of units of 1,000 euros.

73

2016

12.8

– 4.0

16.8

12.1

4.7

0.0

4.7

1  Adjusted for one-time charges/gains and restructuring expenses.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

97

Top brands

43 %

innovation rate 1.

Economic environment

In 2016, the relevant world market for laundry and 
home care showed moderate growth. Despite 
renewed fierce price and promotional competition 
in our relevant markets, our growth again signifi-
cantly outpaced the relevant global market in 2016. 
Both the sustained success of our strong brands and 
the successful global introduction of our innovations 
contributed to this solid performance.

Market performance in the mature markets was 
slightly positive. In Western Europe, the relevant 
market for laundry and home care products remained 
flat, while growth in North America was moderate. 

Developments in the emerging markets varied. Our 
relevant markets in the Africa/Middle East region 
declined as a result of the challenging market envi-
ronment. The market in Eastern Europe recorded 
solid growth. In Latin America, performance in the 
relevant market for laundry and home care products 
was also solid. 

Business activity and strategy

Prioritizing categories and centrally steering our 
global brand portfolio helps us to direct our invest-
ments specifically toward those segments that offer 
growth and profitability, enabling us to generate 
above-average sales increases with our top brands 
and in our most important market segments. Invest-
ments in our brands are also strengthened by further 
optimizing our use of resources. 

In 2016, we generated more than 80 percent of our 
sales with our top 10 brand clusters. A brand cluster 
comprises individual global and local brands that 
share a common brand positioning internationally. 
By adopting this approach, we generate synergies in 
our marketing mix.

Our efficient marketing and distribution processes 
enable us to identify consumer trends at an early 
stage and bring a number of relevant innovations to 
market. Accordingly, successful product launches 
again contributed substantially to our positive finan-
cial performance in the year under review. Our inno-
vation rate in 2016 was 43 percent. Looking ahead, 
we plan to further strengthen our differentiation and 
increase our agility in a fiercely competitive 
environment. 

The Laundry & Home Care business unit sells laun-
dry detergents and household cleaners around the 
globe. The Laundry Care business includes not only 
heavy-duty and specialty detergents but also, in 
particular, fabric softeners, laundry additives, and 
other fabric care products. The product portfolio of 
our Home Care business encompasses hand and 
automatic dishwashing products, household clean-
ers for the bathroom and WC, and surface, glass and 
specialty cleaners. We also offer air fresheners and 
insect control products for household applications.

Our global strategy builds on both organic growth 
and acquisitions. Our aim is to invest in attractive 
category positions so as to accelerate our growth in 
profitable segments. In 2016, we strengthened our 
business through attractive acquisitions in both 
emerging and mature markets, most importantly 
through that of The Sun Products Corporation, as  
a result of which we now rank number 2 in the 
North  American laundry and home care market. 
 Integration of our acquired businesses is proceeding 
successfully and according to plan.

Our aim is to continue generating profitable growth 
in the future through ongoing expansion of our cur-
rent business and targeted acquisitions. 

Our strategy of profitable growth is supported partic-
ularly by our leading brands and technologies, and 
builds on winning innovations that offer added value 
for consumers. Key elements of our strategy also 
include our strategic partnerships with customers 
and the expansion of our digital business activities. 

1  Percentage share of sales generated with new products launched 
onto the market within the last three years.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast98

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Sales and profits

Sales Laundry & Home Care 
in million euros

annual high of 17.3 percent (previous year: 17.1 per-
cent). Gross margin was lower year on year due to 
acquisitions. 

74  

2012

4,556

2013

4,580

2014

4,626

2015

5,137

2016

5,795

Excluding the acquisitions in 2016, we were able  
to significantly improve net working capital as a 
percentage of sales. Taking the acquisitions into 
account, net working capital as a percentage of sales 
was above the previous year’s level, but still low at 
–5.4 percent. Return on capital employed (ROCE) was 
15.7 percent. As a result of acquisitions, Economic 
Value Added (EVA®) decreased by 125 million euros to 
344 million euros.

0

1,500

3,000

4,500

6,000

Business areas

The Laundry & Home Care business unit achieved 
sales of 5,795 million euros in the year under review, 
while also recording solid organic growth. Adjusted 
operating profit showed double-digit growth. 
Excluding acquisitions in 2016, adjusted return on 
sales increased very strongly. Taking account of the 
acquisitions, the figure showed a solid increase. The 
business unit therefore continued its path of profit-
able growth again in 2016.

+ 4.7 %

organic sales 
growth.

Organically (i.e. adjusted for foreign exchange and 
acquisitions/divestments), sales increased by 4.7 per-
cent. This was significantly above the growth rate of 
the relevant markets. Sales performance was driven 
by volume.

In the following, we comment on our organic sales 
performance in the regions.

The emerging markets registered a very strong 
increase in sales and were once again the biggest 
driver of organic growth in Laundry & Home Care. 
The Asia (excluding Japan) region recorded dou-
ble-digit growth, and the Africa/Middle East region 
contributed very strong sales growth. Sales in the 
Eastern Europe and Latin America regions showed a 
strong increase.

Performance in the mature markets was solid, with 
solid sales growth in the North America region. Our 
sales performance in Western Europe was positive. 

Adjusted operating profit (EBIT) rose by 13.7 percent 
from 879 million euros to 1,000 million euros. 
Excluding acquisitions in 2016, adjusted return on 
sales increased very strongly. Taking account of the 
acquisitions in 2016, adjusted return on sales 
recorded solid growth, reaching a new all-time 

In the following, we comment on the organic sales 
performance of our two business areas.

Laundry Care
The Laundry Care business area posted a strong sales 
performance, driven mainly by the continued expan-
sion of our leading positions in heavy-duty deter-
gents, especially with our core brand Persil, and by 
the introduction of successful innovations.

In the premium detergent category, we further 
strengthened Persil ProClean in North America by 
expanding distribution. We also enhanced our range 
by adding a liquid detergent variant with “Fresh 
Linen” scent. In the Africa/Middle East region, we 
launched an improved formula for all Persil liquid 
detergents. The innovative formulation features 
thermostable enzymes that ensure top performance 
even in warm conditions and after lengthy product 
storage. We also launched Persil Black Abaya in fur-
ther countries in the Africa/Middle East region; this 
contains a UV-absorbing formula that protects black 
garments from fading under sunlight. We extended 
Persil’s leadership in the liquid detergents market in 
South Korea by launching a new variant: Persil 
Hygiene Gel with the power of eucalyptus removes 
not only the most stubborn stains but also dust mite 
residue, which has been known to cause allergies. 
We also launched an improved formula of Persil 
Sensitive around the globe. 

In the category of value-for-money detergents, we 
launched the Aromatherapy series in Australia and 
New Zealand. This new range under the Fab brand 
features intense, sensual fragrances.

In the fine fabric detergent category, we further 
strengthened the market leadership position of the 
Perwoll brand and launched an improved formulation: 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

99

Perwoll Renew 3D. The new formula rejuvenates 
 colors in three dimensions: intensity, color accuracy 
and brightness. New Perwoll Renew 3D has been 
introduced in more than 30 countries throughout 
Europe and Latin America.

We also introduced a new Somat dishwasher cleaner, 
the first and only one of its kind in the marketplace 
that can be used during a dishwashing cycle. This 
innovation saves both water and energy, thus con-
tributing to sustainability. 

In the hand dishwashing category, we launched an 
improved formula under the Pril brand in Europe. 
For the first time, new Pril Double Decruster features 
two enzymes and impressively removes even the 
most stubborn residue. The product is also fitted 
with an innovative flip-top cap that can be opened 
and closed with just one hand. 

In the household cleaners category, we launched 
our successful spray surface cleaners in the countries 
around the Persian Gulf and in South Korea. Their 
innovative formulas act immediately on even stub-
born stains, removing them effortlessly without leav-
ing any residue. The products also have a pleasantly 
fresh smell.

In the insect control category, we launched two prod-
ucts under the licensed Vape brand in Italy which are 
formulated with up to 90-percent natural ingredi-
ents: one plug-in and one insect control lotion.

In our air fresheners category, we introduced a new 
range of sensitive fragrances featuring three different 
variants and types of product under the Renuzit 
brand in the USA. 

Capital expenditures

In 2016, our capital expenditures for property, plant 
and equipment amounted to 210 million euros fol-
lowing 217 million euros in 2015. Investments 
focused on expanding production capacity, enhanc-
ing plant safety and quality systems, on innovations, 
and on optimizing our production processes. The 
biggest single investment was at our site in Düssel-
dorf where Henkel expanded its largest automatic 
high bay warehouse.

€ 210 m

investments in 
 property, plant  
and equipment.

In the fabric softeners category, we improved the for-
mulations of the variants available under the Vernel 
and Silan brands. As a result, the concentrates now 
keep laundry fresh and fragrant for up to ten weeks. 
The formula and fragrant appeal of the successful 
Soft & Oils range were further improved. We also 
added a new variant – Inspiring Orange Oil featuring 
a seductive fragrance – to the Soft & Oils range. 

The pre-wash category provided further growth stim-
ulus. For example, we started marketing Dylon – our 
internationally leading brand for fabric dyes – in 
additional countries. We also introduced our Colour 
Catcher sheets with their new 6 Protect formula in 
various European countries. Colour Catcher sheets 
have a water-soluble layer containing active stain 
removers to enhance washing performance even at 
30 degrees Celsius. 

Home Care
Sales in the Home Care business area were solid in 
2016, driven mainly by the sustained success of our 
WC products. Hand dishwashing products also made 
an important contribution.

In WC products, we optimized the formula of our 
products sold under the Bref Power Aktiv brand. Bref 
Power Aktiv is number one in the WC rim block 
 segment of our active markets. The products in the 
range are now available with an innovative “power 
core” loaded with 40 percent more perfume than the 
outer layer – for a longer-lasting, fresh fragrance 
boost. The new formula has been introduced in more 
than 60 countries worldwide. We also launched a 
new Power Aktiv variant in Eastern and Western 
Europe, and in South Korea, with Odor Stop technol-
ogy. This special technology minimizes unpleasant 
odors to ensure a fresh, fragrant smell. 

Nine months before a corresponding EU Regulation 
became applicable at the start of 2017, we introduced 
new Somat Phosphate-free in the automatic dish-
washing category throughout Europe – with no phos-
phates but with the usual top Somat performance. 
The new, patented formula is remarkable for its opti-
mal combination of environmental compatibility 
and powerful cleaning performance.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast100

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
 (condensed version according 
to the German Commercial 
Code [HGB])*

The annual financial statements of Henkel AG & Co.
KGaA have been prepared in accordance with the rules 
and regulations of the German Commercial Code 
[HGB] and the German Stock Corporation Act [AktG]. 
The provisions of the German Accounting Directive 
Implementation Act [BilRUG] were applied for the 
first time in 2016. Deviations from the International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) applicable to the 
Group arise particularly with respect to the methods 
of recognition and measurement of intangible assets, 
financial instruments and provisions.

Operational activities 

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA is operationally active in the 
three business units Adhesive Technologies, Beauty 
Care and Laundry & Home Care, as well as being the 
parent company of the Henkel Group. As such it is 
responsible for defining and pursuing Henkel’s 
 corporate objectives and also for the management, 
control and monitoring of Group-wide activities, 
including risk management and the allocation of 
resources. As of year-end 2016, some 8,000 people 
were employed at Henkel AG & Co. KGaA.

The operating business of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
 represents only a portion of the business activity of 
the entire Henkel Group and is managed across the 
Group by the business units, particularly on the basis 
of the performance indicators organic sales growth, 
adjusted return on sales (EBIT) and adjusted earnings 
per preferred share. Only the Group approach can 
provide complete insight into these key financials 
(see the discussion of the management system and 
performance indicators applicable to the Henkel 
Group on page 62). 

The net assets, financial position and results of oper-
ations of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA are influenced both 
by its own operating activity and by the operating 
activity of its subsidiaries on the basis of their divi-
dend distributions. Thus the financial situation of 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA generally corresponds to that 
of the Group as a whole, which is discussed in the 
section “Review of overall business performance”  
on page 64.

*  The full financial statements of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA with the 

auditor’s unqualified opinion are filed with the commercial regis-
ter and accessible on the internet at www.henkel.com/reports.

Results of operations

Sales and profits
Business performance at Henkel AG & Co. KGaA was 
solid in fiscal 2016, characterized by the reorganiza-
tion of our supply chain activities within one glob-
ally active corporation, and by a high level of com-
petitive intensity.  

At 3,676 million euros, sales of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
in 2016 were 8.0 percent lower year on year. As indi-
cated in our guidance, the reorganization of our sup-
ply chain activities into one globally active company 
resulted in a strong decline in sales with Group com-
panies. In addition the sales figure for 2015 included 
258 million euros from the sale of inventories to the 
global supply chain company that was not repeated 
in 2016. The negative effects on sales were, however, 
partly offset by application of the BilRUG regula-
tions, which resulted in licensing income of 456 mil-
lion euros being reclassified from other operating 
income to sales in 2016. In terms of financial result 
and unappropriated profit, we exceeded our forecast 
for 2016 of merely flat development. This improve-
ment was mainly due to the lower interest expense for 
pension obligations and higher income from the 
financial assets held in the plan assets.

In fiscal 2016, the Adhesive Technologies business 
unit generated sales of 1,032 million euros, below the 
figure of the previous year. This decline in sales was 
driven in particular by the decrease in sales to affili-
ated companies following the reorganization of the 
supply chain activities. In addition, the sales figure 
for 2015 includes a one-time gain of 114 million 
euros from the sale of inventories to the global 
 supply chain company. The merger with Novamelt 
GmbH at the start of 2016 resulted in positive exter-
nal sales growth. 

The Beauty Care business unit achieved sales of 
540 million euros in 2016, representing a decrease 
versus 2015. The main driver of this decline in sales 
was the relocation of export business with affiliated 
companies to the global supply chain company. In 
addition, the sale of inventories to the global supply 
chain company accounted for 75 million euros of 
sales in 2015, while there were no such transactions 
in fiscal 2016. 

The Laundry & Home Care business unit generated 
sales of 928 million euros in 2016, which is below the 
figure for 2015. Positive domestic sales performance 
only partially offset the decline in sales relating to the 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

101

Condensed income statement in accordance with the German Commercial Code [HGB] 

in million euros

Sales

Cost of sales 

Gross profit

Marketing, selling, distribution and administrative expenses

Research and development expenses

Other operating income / expenses

Operating profit

Financial result

Income before tax

Taxes on income

Net income 

Profit brought forward

Unappropriated profit

reorganization of the supply chain activities. In addi-
tion, the figure for 2015 includes 69 million euros for 
the sale of inventories to the global supply chain 
company, while there were no such transactions in 
fiscal 2016. 

Sales in the Corporate segment increased from 
685 million euros in 2015 to 1,176 million euros in 
2016. This figure includes licensing income that has 
been recognized under sales for the first time fol-
lowing application of the BilRUG regulations. In 
2015, the item was included under other operating 
income.

The operating profit of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
improved by 34 million euros to 163 million euros, 
mainly due to additional costs charged on to affili-
ated companies.

Expense items

Cost of sales decreased compared to 2015 by 326 mil-
lion euros to 2,444 million euros, primarily as a 
result of reorganizing our supply chain activities into 
one globally active company. Gross margin increased 
by 2.8 percentage points to 33.5 percent. Following 
application of the BilRUG regulations, licensing fees 
of 206 million euros were recognized under cost of 
sales for the first time in 2016. In 2015, these fees 
were included in an amount of 156 million euros 
under other operating expenses.

At 678 million euros, marketing, selling and distribu-
tion expenses were below the prior-year figure of 
842 million euros. The ratio to sales was 18.4 percent, 
which is slightly below the level of 2015. 

75

2016

3,676

– 2,444

1,232

– 911

– 312

154

163

911

1,074

– 179

895

133

1,028

2015

3,994

– 2,770

1,224

– 1,121

– 327

353

129

578

707

– 91

616

150

766

The expenses attributable to the administrative 
functions decreased compared to 2015 by 46 mil-
lion euros to 233 million euros, which mainly 
reflected lower overheads and payroll costs. Their 
ratio to sales declined by 0.7 percentage points to 
6.3 percent.

Expenditures for research and development in the 
reporting period decreased by 15 million euros to 
312 million euros. At 8.5 percent, the ratio to sales 
was higher than the figure of 8.2 percent in 2015. 

Restructuring expenses of 33 million euros, included 
in the expense items mentioned, were lower com-
pared to 2015 (44 million euros). 

Other operating income / expenses

Other operating result decreased in 2016, by 199 mil-
lion euros compared to the previous year.

Year on year, other operating income declined in 
2016 by 372 million euros to 247 million euros. This 
was primarily attributable to the reclassification of 
licensing fees to sales, while higher costs charged on 
to affiliated companies had a countervailing effect. 

At 93 million euros, other operating expenses in 2016 
were significantly lower than the prior-year figure of 
266 million euros, mainly as a result of changes in 
recognition of some of the licensing fees following 
application of the BilRUG. 

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast102

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Financial result

Taxes on income

The financial result improved from 578 million euros 
in 2015 to 911 million euros in 2016.

In 2016, taxes on income amounted to –179 million 
euros following –91 million euros in 2015.

The increase is mainly attributable to higher unit 
prices and the resulting higher earnings generated by 
the financial assets held in the pension fund. The 
interest expense was, moreover, lower as a result of 
changes to the discount rate for pension obligations. 
Pursuant to the legislation implementing the Mort-
gage Credit Directive and amending commercial 
regulations, the underlying discount rate increased 
in 2016. 

Result for the year

Net income amounted to 895 million euros and was 
therefore above the result for 2015 of 616 million 
euros. The increase was mainly attributable to the 
improved financial result in 2016.

Condensed balance sheet in accordance with the German Commercial Code [HGB] 

76

in million euros

Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

Financial assets

Non-current assets

Inventories

Receivables and miscellaneous assets

Marketable securities

Liquid funds

Current assets

Deferred income

Assets arising from the overfunding of pension obligations

Total assets

Equity

Special accounts with reserve element

Provisions

Liabilities / deferred charges

Total equity and liabilities 

December 31, 2015 December 31, 2016

884

9,171

10,055

14

2,043

4

289

2,350

22

187

12,614

6,144

104

694

5,672

12,614

1,045

11,032

12,077

13

3,335

4

485

3,837

19

392

16,325

6,406

94

781

9,044

16,325

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

103

Net assets and financial position  

Risks and opportunities

As of December 31, 2016, the total assets of Henkel AG 
& Co. KGaA increased compared to year-end 2015 by 
3,711 million euros to 16,325 million euros.

Non-current assets increased by 2,022 million 
euros compared to 2015, to 12,077 million euros. The 
increase in financial assets is primarily due to our 
acquisitions and various capital measures involving 
affiliated companies. In addition, a loan was issued 
to a US subsidiary in 2016.

Current assets increased in 2016 from 2,350 million 
euros to 3,837 million euros, primarily as a result of 
higher receivables from affiliated companies.

The business performance of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
is essentially subject to the same risks and opportu-
nities as that of the Henkel Group. With respect to 
the risks of its subsidiaries, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA is 
generally exposed in proportion to its shareholding 
in each case. 

Due to the different discount rates for pension obli-
gations under the German Commercial Code [HGB] 
and IFRS, the conclusion drawn from the risk assess-
ment for the separate financial statements of Henkel 
AG & Co. KGaA differs from that of the Group. We 
assess the potential financial impact of this risk for 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA as “major.”

At 392 million euros, overfunding from offsetting the 
plan assets against the pension obligations was sig-
nificantly higher year on year.

Additional information regarding risks and opportu-
nities and the risk management system can be found 
on the following pages 104 to 111.

Equity increased from 6,144 million euros to 
6,406 million euros. Provisions increased by 87 mil-
lion euros to 781 million euros. The balance of pen-
sion obligations and plan assets is reported in assets 
due to overfunding. 

For details of issued capital and treasury stock, 
please refer to the disclosures in the notes to the con-
solidated financial statements of Henkel AG & Co. 
KGaA.

Liabilities and deferred charges rose overall in 
2016 by 3,372 million euros compared to 2015, 
mainly due to increased borrowings used to fund 
our acquisitions. 

For an overview of the financing and capital man-
agement of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, please refer to 
the information about the Henkel Group on pages 
72 and 73.

Forecast

The performance of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA in its 
function as an operating holding company is influ-
enced primarily by the development and dividend 
distributions of the companies in which it has 
 shareholdings. We expect sales in 2017 to be on a par 
with the figure for 2016. The positive performance 
reported for the Group also impacts Henkel AG & 
Co. KGaA through dividend payments from subsid-
iaries. Assuming continued positive development of 
the financial result, we expect the unappropriated 
profit generated in 2017 by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA to 
be flat or to increase slightly. This will enable our 
shareholders to participate to a reasonable extent in 
the Group’s net income, with retained earnings also 
available for utilization if necessary.

The forecast for the Henkel Group can be found on 
pages 112 and 113.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast104

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Risks and opportunities report

Risks and opportunities

In the pursuit of our business activities, Henkel is 
exposed to multiple risks inherent in the global mar-
ket economy. We deploy an array of effective moni-
toring and control systems aligned to identifying 
risks at an early stage, evaluating the exposure, and 
introducing effective countermeasures. We have 
incorporated these instruments within a risk man-
agement system as described below. 

Entrepreneurial activity also involves identifying 
and exploiting opportunities as means of securing 
and extending the corporation’s competitiveness. 
The reporting aspect of our risk management system, 
however, does not encompass entrepreneurial 
opportunities. Early and regular identification, anal-
ysis and exploitation of opportunities are performed 
at the Group level and within the individual business 
units. This is a fundamental component of our strat-
egy. We perform in-depth analysis of the markets and 
our competitors, and study the relevant cost vari-
ables and key success factors. 

Risk management system 

The risk management system at Henkel is integrated 
into the comprehensive planning, controlling, and 
reporting systems used in the subsidiaries, in the 
business units, and at Group level. Our early warning 
system and Internal Audit function are also import-
ant components of our risk management system. 
Within the corporate governance framework, our 
internal control and compliance management sys-
tems support our risk management capability. The 
risk reporting system encompasses the systematic 
identification, evaluation, documentation and com-
munication of risks. We have defined the principles, 
processes and responsibilities relating to risk man-
agement in a corporate standard that is binding on 
the Henkel Group. With the continuous development 
of our corporate standards and systems, we take into 
account updated findings. 

Within our risk strategy framework, the assumption 
of calculated risk is an intrinsic part of our business. 
However, risks that endanger the existence of the 
company must be avoided. When it is not possible to 
avoid these critical risks, they must be reduced or 
transferred, for example through insurance. Risks are 

controlled and monitored at the level of the subsid-
iaries, the business units, and the Group. Risk man-
agement is thus performed with a holistic, integra-
tive approach to the systematic handling of risks. 

We understand risks as potential future develop-
ments or events that could lead to negative devia-
tions from our guidance. Risks with a probability of 
occurrence of over 50 percent are taken into account 
in our guidance and short-term planning. As a rule, 
we estimate risks for the one-year forecast period. 

The annual risk reporting process begins with identi-
fying material risks using checklists based on 
defined operating (for example procurement and 
production) and functional (for example information 
technology and human resources) risk categories. 
We evaluate the risks in a two-stage process accord-
ing to the probability of occurrence and potential 
loss. Included in the risk report are risks with a loss 
potential of at least 1 million euros or 10 percent of 
the net external sales of a country, where the proba-
bility of occurrence is considered greater than zero. 

The first step entails determining gross risk to the 
extent that this is possible. We then calculate the net 
risk, taking countermeasures into account. Initially, 
risks are compiled on a decentralized, per-country 
basis, with the assistance of regional coordinators. 
The locally collated risks are then analyzed by 
experts in the business units and corporate func-
tions. In particular areas such as Corporate Treasury, 
risks are determined with the support of sensitivity 
analyses including value-at-risk computations. Risk 
analyses are then prepared for the respective execu-
tive committees of the business units and corporate 
functions, and finally assigned to an area-specific 
risk inventory. The risk situation is subsequently 
reported to our Compliance & Risk Committee, the 
Management Board and the various supervising 
boards. Material unforeseen changes are reported 
immediately to the CFO and the Compliance & Risk 
Committee. Corporate Accounting is responsible for 
coordinating the overall process and analyzing the 
inventoried exposures. 

The risk reporting process is supported by an 
intranet-based database which ensures transparent 
communication throughout the entire Group. Our 
Internal Audit function regularly reviews the quality 
and function of our risk management system. 
Within the framework of the 2016 audit of our 
annual financial statements, our external auditor 
examined the structure and function of our risk early 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

105

ensures that important tasks – such as the reconci-
liation of receivables and payables on the basis of 
account balance confirmations – are clearly assigned. 
Additionally, binding authorization regulations exist 
governing the approval of contracts, credit notes and 
the like, with strict adherence to the principle of dual 
control as a mandatory requirement. This is also 
stipulated in our Group-wide corporate standards.

The significant risks for Henkel and the correspond-
ing controls with respect to the regulatory prepara-
tion of our annual and consolidated financial state-
ments are collated in a central documentation pack. 
This documentation is reviewed and updated annu-
ally by the respective process owners. The estab-
lished systems are regularly reviewed with regard to 
their improvement and optimization potential. We 
consider these systems to be appropriate and 
effective. 

The accounting activities for subsidiaries included in 
the consolidated financial statements are performed 
either locally by the subsidiary or through a shared 
service center, taking the corporate standards into 
account. The individual subsidiaries’ financial state-
ments are transferred to our central consolidation 
system and checked at corporate level for correct-
ness. After all consolidation steps have been com-
pleted, the consolidated financial statements are 
prepared by Corporate Accounting in consultation 
with the specialist departments. Preparation of the 
combined management report is coordinated by 
Investor Relations in cooperation with each business 
unit and corporate function. The Management Board 
then compiles the consolidated financial statements 
and annual financial statements of Henkel AG & Co. 
KGaA, and the combined management report for the 
Group, and subsequently presents these documents 
to the Supervisory Board for approval.

warning system in accordance with Section 317 (4) of 
the German Commercial Code [HGB] and confirmed 
its compliance.

The following describes the main features of the 
internal control and risk management system in 
relation to our accounting processes, in accordance 
with Section 315 (2) no. 5 HGB. Corresponding with 
the definition of our risk management system, the 
objective of our accounting processes lies in the 
identification, evaluation and management of all 
risks that jeopardize the regulatory preparation of 
our annual and consolidated financial statements. 
Accordingly, the internal control system’s function is 
to implement relevant principles, procedures and 
controls so as to ensure the financial statement clos-
ing process is regulatory compliant. Within the orga-
nization of the internal control system, the Manage-
ment Board assumes overriding responsibility at 
Group level. The duly coordinated subsystems of the 
internal control system lie within the responsibility 
of the Corporate Accounting, Controlling, Corporate 
Treasury, Compliance and Regional Finance func-
tions. Within these functions, there are a number of 
integrated monitoring and control levels. These are 
assessed by regular and comprehensive effectiveness 
tests performed by our Internal Audit function. Of 
the multifaceted control processes incorporated into 
the accounting process, several are important to 
highlight. 

The basis for all our accounting processes is pro-
vided by our corporate standard “Accounting,” which 
contains detailed accounting and reporting instruc-
tions covering all material circumstances, including 
clear procedures for inventory valuation or how 
transfer prices applicable for intra-group transac-
tions should be determined. This corporate standard 
is binding on the entire Group and is regularly 
updated and approved by the CFO. The local Presi-
dents and Heads of Finance of all consolidated sub-
sidiaries must confirm their compliance with this 
corporate standard on an annual basis.

Further globally binding procedural instructions 
affecting our accounting practice are contained in 
our corporate standards “Treasury” and “Invest-
ments.” Through appropriate organizational mea-
sures in conjunction with restrictive access to our 
information systems, we ensure segregation of 
duties in our accounting systems between trans-
action entry on the one hand, and checking and 
approval on the other. Documentation relating to 
the operational accounting and closing processes 

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Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Overview of major risk categories 

Risk category

Operating risks

Procurement market risks

Production risks

Probability

Low

Moderate

Macroeconomic and sector-specific risks

High

Functional risks

Financial risks

Credit risk

Liquidity risk

Currency risk

Interest rate risk

Risks from pension obligations

Legal risks

IT risks 

Personnel risks

Risks in connection with brand image or 
reputation of the company 

Environmental and safety risks

Low

Low

Moderate

Moderate

High

Low

Low

High

Low

Low

77

Potential financial impact

Major

Major

Major

Major

Minor

Major

Minor

Minor

Major

Major

Minor

Major

Major

Business strategy risks

Moderate

Moderate

Classification of risks in ascending order 

78

Probability

Low

Moderate

High

Potential financial impact

Minor

Moderate

Major

1 – 9 %

10 – 24 %

≥ 25 %

1 – 49 million euros

50 – 99 million euros

≥ 100 million euros

Major risk categories

Risks are presented from a net perspective, i.e. where 
their respective mitigation measures are taken into 
account.

Operating risks 

Procurement market risks
Description of risk: We expect prices for direct 
materials in our procurement markets to increase 
moderately overall in 2017 compared to 2016. This 
increase will be driven primarily by higher antici-
pated prices for input materials, and especially crude 
oil and petrochemicals. However, due to geopolitical, 
global economic, and climatic uncertainties, we 
expect prices to fluctuate in the course of the year. 
As a result of this uncertainty as it relates to the 
development of raw material prices that cannot 
always be passed on in full, we see risks arising 

beyond the forecasted moderate increase in relation 
to important raw materials and packaging materials.

The segments in the industrial goods sector are 
affected to a greater extent by these price risks than 
the individual segments in the consumer goods sec-
tor. Additional price and supply risks exist due to 
possible demand- or production- related shortages in 
the procurement markets. Furthermore, continued 
major volatility can be expected from global eco-
nomic, geopolitical and climate risks, which could 
lead to rising material prices and supply shortages. 

Measures: The measures taken include active sup-
plier portfolio management through our globally 
engaged, cross-divisional sourcing capability, 
together with strategies aimed at securing price and 
volume both through contracts and, where appropri-
ate and possible, through financial hedging instru-
ments. Furthermore, we work in interdisciplinary 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

107

teams within Research and Development, Supply 
Chain Management and Purchasing on devising 
alternative formulations and packaging forms so as 
to be able to respond flexibly to unforeseen fluctua-
tions in raw material prices. We also avoid becoming 
dependent on individual suppliers to better secure 
the constant supply of the goods and services that we 
require. Finally, close collaboration with our strate-
gic suppliers plays an exceptionally important role in 
our risk management. Further details regarding the 
assessment of supplier financial stability can be 
found in the section on “Procurement” on pages 77 to 
79. The basis for our risk management approach is a 
comprehensive procurement information system 
aimed at ensuring permanent transparency with 
respect to our purchasing volumes.

Impact: Low probability rating, possible major 
impact on our earnings guidance.

Production risks
Description of risk: Henkel faces production risks 
in the event of low capacity utilization due to vol-
ume decreases and unplanned operational interrup-
tions, especially at our single-source sites. 

Measures: We can offset the negative effects of pos-
sible production outages through flexible production 
control and, where economically viable, insurance 
policies. Such production risks are minimized by 
ensuring high employee qualification, clearly 
defined safety standards, and regular plant and 
equipment maintenance. Capital expenditure deci-
sions on property, plant and equipment are made in 
accordance with defined, differentiated responsibil-
ity procedures and approval processes. They incor-
porate all relevant specialist functions and are regu-
lated in an internal corporate standard. Investments 
are analyzed in advance on the basis of detailed risk 
aspects. Further audits accompanying projects pro-
vide the foundation for project management and risk 
reduction.

Impact: Moderate probability rating, possible major 
impact on our earnings guidance.

Macroeconomic and sector-specific risks
Description of risk: We remain exposed to macro-
economic risks emanating from the uncertainties of 
the current geopolitical and economic environment. 
We currently see geopolitical risk arising in connec-
tion with the increased number of conflict zones. A 
decline in the macroeconomic environment poses a 
risk to the industrial sector in particular. A downturn 
in consumer spending is relevant for the consumer 
goods segments. A further significant risk is posed 
by an increasingly competitive environment, as this 
could result in stronger price and promotional pres-
sures in the consumer goods sector. As consolidation 
in the retail sector continues and private labels 
occupy a growing share of the market, crowding-out 
competition in the consumer goods sector could 
intensify. The risk of product substitution inherent 
in this could, in principle, affect all business units. 
Technological change associated with digitalization 
may involve risks for the success of our products and 
processes. 

Measures: We focus on continuously strengthening 
our brands (see separate risk description on page 110) 
and consistently developing further innovations. We 
consider innovative products and processes to be a 
significant success factor for our company, enabling 
us to differentiate ourselves from the competition. 
We also pursue specific sales and marketing initia-
tives, for example advertising and promotional activ-
ities. In addition, we have the capability to react 
quickly to potential sales declines through flexible 
production control.

Impact: High probability rating, possible major 
impact on our sales and earnings guidance.

Functional risks 

Financial risks
Description of risk: Henkel is exposed to financial 
risk in the form of credit risks, liquidity risks, cur-
rency risks, interest rate risks, and risks arising from 
pension obligations.

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Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

For the description of credit risks, liquidity risks, 
currency risks and interest rate risks, please refer to 
the notes to the consolidated financial statements on 
pages 160 to 165. For the risks arising from our pen-
sion obligations, please see pages 147 to 149.

Measures: Risk-mitigating measures and the man-
agement of these risks are also described in the notes 
to the consolidated financial statements on the 
pages mentioned.

Impact: We classify financial risks as follows:
•   Credit risk with a low probability of a major impact 

on our earnings guidance 

•   Liquidity risk with a low probability of a minor 

impact on our earnings guidance

•   Currency risk with a moderate probability of a 

major impact on our earnings guidance

•   Interest rate risk with a moderate probability of a 

minor impact on our earnings guidance

•   Risks arising from our pension obligations with a 

high probability of a minor impact on our earnings 
guidance, and with a moderate probability of a 
major impact on our equity 

Legal and regulatory risks
Description of risk: As a globally active corporation 
we are exposed, in the course of our ordinary busi-
ness activities, to a range of risks relating to litiga-
tions and other actions, including government 
agency proceedings in which we are currently 
involved or may become involved in the future. 
These risks arise, in particular, in the fields of prod-
uct liability, product deficiency, competition and 
cartel law, infringement of proprietary rights, patent 
law, tax law, environmental protection and legacy 
remediation. We cannot rule out the likelihood of 
negative rulings on current litigations and further 
litigations being initiated in the future. Legal uncer-
tainty in some regions could also limit our ability to 
assert our rights. 

Our business is subject to various national rules and 
regulations and – within the European Union (EU) 
– increasingly to harmonized laws applicable 
throughout the EU. In addition, some of our opera-
tions are subject to rules and regulations derived 
from approvals, licenses, certificates or permits. Our 
manufacturing operations are bound by rules and 
regulations with respect to the registration, evalua-
tion, usage, storage, transportation and handling of 
certain substances and also in relation to emissions, 
wastewater, effluent and other waste. The construc-
tion and operation of production facilities and other 
plant and equipment are governed by framework 
rules and regulations, including those relating to leg-

acy remediation. Violation of such regulations may 
lead to legal proceedings or compromise our future 
business activities.

Changes to the regulatory environment in our rele-
vant markets could influence our business activities, 
and thus adversely affect our assets, financial posi-
tion and results of operations. Such changes might 
involve import and export controls, customs or other 
trade regulations, or pricing and foreign exchange 
restrictions.

Equally, as a globally active company, we maintain 
business relations with customers in countries that 
are subject to export control legislation, embargoes, 
economic sanctions or other forms of trade restric-
tion. Changes to these regulations, new or extended 
sanctions, or corresponding initiatives by institu-
tional investors or non-governmental organizations 
may result in restrictions being imposed on our busi-
ness activities in these countries or, indirectly, in 
other countries, or may prevent us from acquiring or 
keeping customers and suppliers.

Measures: Our internal standards, guidelines, codes 
of conduct, and training measures are geared to 
ensuring compliance with the aforementioned statu-
tory requirements and, for example, safeguarding 
our manufacturing facilities and products. These 
requirements have also been incorporated into our 
management systems and are regularly audited. 
Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations is an 
integral component of our business processes. This 
includes the early monitoring and evaluation of rele-
vant statutory and regulatory requirements and 
changes. Henkel has further established a Group-
wide compliance organization with locally and 
regionally responsible compliance officers led by a 
globally responsible General Counsel & Chief Com-
pliance Officer (details can be found in the corporate 
governance report on pages 29 to 38). In addition, our 
corporate legal department maintains constant con-
tact with local counsel. Current proceedings and 
potential risks are recorded in a separate reporting 
system. For certain legal risks, we have concluded 
insurance policies that are standard for the industry 
and that we consider to be appropriate. However, the 
outcome of proceedings is inherently difficult to 
foresee, especially in cases in which the claimant is 
seeking substantial or unspecified damages. In view 
of this, we are unable to predict what obligations 
may arise from such litigations. Consequently, major 
losses may result from litigations and proceedings 
that are not covered by our insurance policies or pro-
visions. Potential damage to our reputation is not 
covered by insurance, nor is there any guarantee that 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

109

Henkel will acquire adequate insurance cover at rea-
sonable terms and conditions in future.

cally updated to their latest version on a continual 
basis. 

Impact: Low probability rating, possible major 
impact on our earnings guidance. 

Information technology risks
Description of risk: Information technology has 
strategic significance for Henkel. Our business pro-
cesses rely to a great extent on internal and external 
IT services, applications, networks, and infrastruc-
ture systems. The failure or disruption of critical IT 
services and the manipulation or loss of data consti-
tute material risks for Henkel. The failure of com-
puter networks or disruption of important IT appli-
cations can impair critical business processes. The 
loss of confidential data, for example formulations, 
customer data or price lists, could benefit our com-
petition. Henkel’s reputation could also be damaged 
by such loss.

Measures: The technical and organizational safe-
guards for protecting information at Henkel are 
based on the international standards ISO 27001 and 
27002. Major components include the classification 
of information, business processes, IT applications, 
and IT infrastructure safeguards with respect to con-
fidentiality, availability, integrity, and data protec-
tion requirements, as well as measures for avoiding 
risk. In addition, Henkel has put technical and orga-
nizational measures in place to prevent, discover and 
defeat cyber attacks. As a member of Cyber Security 
Sharing and Analytics (CSSA) e.V., Henkel also main-
tains regular contact with other major corporations 
to enable the early detection of threats and imple-
mentation of effective countermeasures.

Our critical business processes operate through 
redundantly configured systems designed for high 
availability. Our data backup procedures reflect state-
of-the-art technology and practice. We regularly 
review our restore and disaster recovery processes. 
We develop our systems using proven project man-
agement and program modification procedures. 

Access to buildings and areas containing IT systems, 
access to computer networks and applications, as 
well as user authorizations for our information sys-
tems, are strictly limited to the minimum level nec-
essary. For critical business processes, the required 
segregation of duties is enforced by technological 
means.

We inform and instruct our employees in the proper 
and secure use of information systems as part of 
their regular duties.

The implementation of our security measures is con-
tinually reviewed by our Internal Audit function, 
other internal departments, and independent third 
parties.

Impact: Low probability rating, possible major 
impact on our earnings guidance. 

Personnel risks
Description of risk: The motivation and the qualifi-
cation of our employees are key drivers of Henkel’s 
business success. Therefore, it is strategically 
important to attract highly qualified professionals 
and executives and ensure they stay with the com-
pany. In selecting and employing talent, we compete 
globally for qualified professionals and executives. 
In many of our markets, we see clear signs of increas-
ingly tough competition for the most talented pro-
fessionals and the impacts of demographic change. 
These developments expose us to the risk of losing 
valuable employees or of being unable to recruit rele-
vant qualified professionals and executives.

Measures: We combat the risk of losing valuable 
employees through specifically devised personnel 
development programs and incentive systems. Sup-
porting this is an established, thorough annual 
review process from which we derive individually 
tailored and future-viable qualification programs as 
well as performance-related remuneration systems. 
Further areas of our HR management focus include a 
global health management system and support for 
flexible work models to ensure better work-life 
flexibility.

We reduce the risk of not being able to recruit quali-
fied professionals and executives by expanding our 
employer branding initiatives and through targeted 
cooperation with colleges and universities in all 
regions where we conduct business. Our attractive-
ness as an employer is reinforced by our focus on 
promoting talent and specialized development 
programs.

Further information relating to our employees can 
be found on pages 74 to 77.

Our networks are protected against unauthorized 
external access where economically viable. Operat-
ing systems and anti-virus software are automati-

Impact: High probability rating, possible minor 
impact on our earnings guidance.

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Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Risks in connection with brand image or 
 reputation of the company
Description of risk: As a globally active corporation, 
Henkel is exposed to potential damage to its image 
in the event of negative reports in the media – 
including social media – regarding Henkel’s corpo-
rate brand or individual product brands, particularly 
in the consumer goods sector. These could lead to a 
negative impact on sales.

Business strategy risks
Description of risk: Business strategy risks can arise 
from our expectations for internal projects, acquisi-
tions and strategic alliances failing to materialize. 
The associated capital expenditures may not gener-
ate the originally anticipated value added due to 
internal or external influences. Individual projects 
could also be delayed or even halted by unforeseen 
events. 

Measures: We minimize these risks through the 
measures described under legal and regulatory risks 
(see pages 108 and 109). These are designed to ensure 
that our production facilities and products are safe. 
We also pursue a policy of pro-active public relations 
management that serves to reinforce the reputation 
of our corporate brand and individual product 
brands. These measures are supported by a global 
communication network, and international and 
local crisis management systems with regular train-
ing sessions and crisis response planning.

Measures: We combat these risks through compre-
hensive project management. We limit exposure 
through financial viability assessments in the review, 
decision, and implementation phases. These assess-
ments are performed by specialist departments, 
assisted by external consultants where appropriate. 
Project transparency and control are supported by our 
management systems. 

Impact: Moderate probability rating, possible mod-
erate impact on our earnings guidance.

Impact: Low probability rating, possible major 
impact on our sales and earnings guidance.

Major opportunity categories

Environmental and safety risks
Description of risk: Henkel is a global manufactur-
ing corporation and is therefore exposed to risks per-
taining to the environment, safety, health, and social 
standards, manifesting in the form of personal 
injury, physical damage to goods, and reputational 
damage. Soil contamination and the associated 
remediation expense, as well as leakage or other 
technical failures, could give rise to direct costs for 
the corporation. Furthermore, indirect costs such as 
fines, claims for compensation or reputational dam-
age may also be incurred.

Measures: We minimize these risks through the 
measures described under legal and regulatory risks 
(see pages 108 and 109), and through our auditing, 
advisory and training activities. We update these pre-
ventive measures continuously in order to properly 
safeguard our facilities, assets and reputation. We 
ensure compliance with high technical standards, 
rules of conduct, and relevant statutory require-
ments as a further means of preserving our assets, 
and that our corporate values – one of which is sus-
tainability – are put into practice.

Impact: Low probability rating, possible major 
impact on our earnings guidance.

Entrepreneurial opportunities are identified and 
evaluated at Group level and in the individual busi-
ness units, and duly incorporated into the strategy 
and planning processes. We understand the opportu-
nities presented in the following as potential future 
developments or events that could lead to a positive 
deviation from our guidance. We also assess the 
probabilities of price-related procurement market 
and financial opportunities.

Procurement market opportunities
Description of opportunities: Countervailing the 
procurement market risks listed on pages 106 and 
107, opportunities may also arise in which the influ-
encing factors described in this section develop in a 
direction that is advantageous to Henkel. 

Impact: Low probability rating, possible major 
impact on our earnings guidance.

Macroeconomic and sector-specific opportunities
Description of opportunities: Additional business 
opportunities would arise if the uncertain geopoliti-
cal and macroeconomic situation in some regions,  
or the economic conditions in individual sectors, 
develop substantially better than expected. 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

111

Impact: The opportunities described could have a 
major impact on our sales and earnings guidance.

Risks and opportunities in summary

At the time this report was prepared, there were no 
identifiable risks related to future developments that 
could endanger the existence either of Henkel AG & 
Co. KGaA, or a material subsidiary included in the 
consolidation, or the Group, as a going concern. As 
we have no special-purpose vehicles, there is no risk 
that might originate from such a source.

Compared to the previous year, our expectation of 
the likelihood and/or of the possible financial 
impact of individual risk and opportunity categories 
has changed slightly. Overall, however, the risk and 
opportunities situation has not altered to any signifi-
cant degree. 

The system of risk categorization adopted by Henkel 
continues to indicate that the most significant expo-
sure currently relates to the impact of macroeco-
nomic and sector uncertainty together with financial 
risks, to which we are responding with the counter-
measures described above. The Management Board 
remains confident that the earning power of the 
Group forms a solid foundation for future business 
development and provides the necessary resources 
to leverage our opportunities.

Financial opportunities
Description of opportunities: Countervailing the 
currency and interest rate risks indicated under 
financial risks, and the risks arising from pension 
obligations as described on pages 107 and 108, 
opportunities may also arise in which the influenc-
ing factors described in this section develop in a 
direction that is advantageous to Henkel. 

Impact: We classify financial opportunities as 
follows:
•   Currency opportunities with a high probability of a 

major impact on our earnings guidance

•   Interest rate opportunities with a moderate proba-
bility of a minor impact on our earnings guidance

•   Opportunities arising from our pension obliga-

tions with a low probability of a minor impact on 
our earnings guidance, and with a moderate proba-
bility of a major impact on our equity 

Acquisition opportunities
Description of opportunities: Acquisitions are a 
key component of our strategy. 

Impact: Large acquisitions could have a major 
impact on our earnings guidance. 

Research and development opportunities
Description of opportunities: Opportunities aris-
ing from our largely continuous innovation process 
are a key component of our strategy and are already 
accounted for in our guidance. There are additional 
opportunities in the event of product introductions 
that exceed our expectations of market acceptance, 
and in the development of exceptional innovations 
that have not yet been taken into account.

Impact: Innovations arising from future research 
and development could have a major impact on our 
sales and earnings guidance.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast112

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Sector development

Consumption and the retail sector: growth of 
around 3 percent
IHS predicts that global private consumption will 
increase by around 3 percent in 2017. Consumers in 
mature markets are likely to spend approximately 
2 percent more than in the previous year. The emerg-
ing markets should again demonstrate a somewhat 
higher propensity to spend, with a rise of approxi-
mately 3.5 percent in 2017. 

Industrial production index: growth of  
approximately 2.5 percent
Starting in fiscal 2017, we will be using the industrial 
production index (IPX) as a reference for describing 
the market environment in which our Adhesive 
Technologies business unit operates. The index cov-
ers the manufacturing, mining, utilities and con-
struction sectors and is therefore an appropriate 
indicator for the market environment in which our 
industrial business operates.

Year on year, the industrial production index is 
expected to gain approximately 2.5 percent world-
wide, with growth slightly below that of the world 
economy as a whole. Industrial production is fore-
casted to expand by approximately 1.5 percent in the 
mature markets, and by approximately 4 percent in 
emerging markets. 

Forecast

Macroeconomic development

Our assessment of future world economic develop-
ment is based on data provided by IHS Global 
Insight. 

Overview: moderate gross domestic product 
growth of approximately 3 percent
Global economic growth is expected to remain no 
more than moderate in 2017. IHS expects gross 
domestic product to rise by approximately 3 percent.

The mature markets should grow by approximately 
2 percent. The North American economy is expected 
to grow by approximately 2 percent, while Japan’s 
economy is forecasted to expand by approximately 
1 percent. For Western Europe, IHS anticipates 
growth of approximately 1.5 percent.

The emerging markets are forecasted to achieve 
robust economic growth of approximately 4.5 per-
cent in 2017, but developments are expected to vary 
widely between individual regions and countries. 
Economic output should increase by approximately 
5.5 percent in Asia (excluding Japan), and by around 
3 percent in the Africa/Middle East region. IHS expects 
positive performance of approximately 1 percent in 
Latin America in 2017. An increase of approximately 
2 percent is forecasted for the Eastern Europe region.

Inflation: rise in global price levels
Global inflation of approximately 3.5 percent is 
 predicted in 2017. While IHS expects a high degree 
of price stability for mature markets with a rise 
of approximately 2 percent, the inflation rate in 
emerging markets is forecasted to average around 
5 percent.

Direct materials: increase in price levels
We expect prices for raw materials, packaging and 
purchased goods and services to increase moderately 
compared to the previous year.

Currencies: continued high volatility
We expect continued high volatility in the currency 
markets. We anticipate a slightly stronger average US 
dollar rate for 2017 compared to 2016. Conversely, 
major currencies in emerging markets could weaken.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Combined management report

113

Furthermore, we have the following expectations for 
2017:
•   Restructuring expenses of 200 to 250 million euros
•   Investments in property, plant and equipment and 
intangible assets of between 750 and 850 million 
euros 

Dividends
In accordance with our dividend policy and depend-
ing on the company’s asset and profit positions as 
well as its financial requirements, we expect a divi-
dend payout by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA in the range of 
25 percent to 35 percent of net income after non-con-
trolling interests, and adjusted for exceptional items. 

Capital expenditures
In fiscal 2017, we plan to increase our investments in 
property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 
to approximately 750 to 850 million euros. We intend 
to allocate our budget to expanding our businesses 
in emerging markets and mature markets in approxi-
mately equal proportions. In line with our strategic 
priorities, considerable investments are planned in 
strengthening our innovation capabilities, and in 
expanding and further streamlining our production. 
Specific investments in IT infrastructure will drive 
the digitalization of our processes.

Outlook for the Henkel Group in 2017 

We expect the Henkel Group to generate organic 
sales growth of 2 to 4 percent in fiscal 2017. Our 
expectation is that each business unit will generate 
organic sales growth within this range. 

The starting point for our forecasted organic sales 
growth is our strong competitive position. We have 
consolidated and further developed this in recent 
years through our innovative strength, strong brands 
and leading market positions, as well as the quality 
of our portfolio. 

We expect the contribution to the nominal sales 
growth of the Henkel Group from our acquisitions in 
2016 to be in the mid-single-digit percentage range. 
The translation of sales in foreign currencies is 
expected to have a neutral or slightly negative effect. 

In recent years we have introduced a number of mea-
sures that have had a positive effect on our cost 
structure. Again this year, we intend to continue 
adapting our structures to constantly changing mar-
ket conditions, and to maintain our strict cost disci-
pline. Through optimization and standardization of 
processes, we can further improve our efficiency 
while simultaneously enhancing the quality of our 
customer service. Moreover, the optimization of our 
production and logistics networks will contribute to 
improving our cost structures. 

These factors, together with the expected increase in 
sales, will have a positive effect on our earnings per-
formance. For adjusted return on sales (EBIT), we 
anticipate an increase year on year to more than 
17.0 percent. All three business units are expected to 
contribute to this positive development. We antici-
pate an increase in adjusted earnings per preferred 
share of between 7 and 9 percent.

29 Corporate governance52 Shares and bonds57  Fundamental principles  of the Group63 Economic report100   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according to the German Commercial Code [HGB])104   Risks and opportunities report112  Forecast114

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Consolidated financial statements

116   Consolidated statement of  

131   Notes to the consolidated financial 

statements – Notes to the consolidated  
statement of financial position

131   Intangible assets
135   Property, plant and equipment
137   Other financial assets
137   Other assets
138   Deferred taxes
138   Inventories
138   Trade accounts receivable
139   Cash and cash equivalents
139   Assets and liabilities held for sale
139   Issued capital
140   Capital reserve
140   Retained earnings
140   Other components of equity
140   Non-controlling interests
141   Provisions for pensions and similar obligations
149   Income tax provisions and other provisions
151   Borrowings
152   Other financial liabilities
152   Other liabilities
152   Trade accounts payable
153   Financial instruments report

financial position

118  Consolidated statement of income

118   Consolidated statement of  
comprehensive income

119   Consolidated statement of  

changes in equity

120  Consolidated statement of cash flows

121   Notes to the consolidated financial 

statements – Group segment report by 
business unit

122    Notes to the consolidated financial 

statements – Key financials by region

123     Notes to the consolidated financial 
statements – Accounting principles  
and methods applied in preparation  
of the consolidated financial 
statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Consolidated financial statements

115

179   Notes to the consolidated financial 
statements – Subsequent events

180   Independent Auditor’s Report

182    Recommendation for the approval of  
the annual financial statements and  
the appropriation of the profit of  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

183    Responsibility statement by the  

Personally Liable Partner

184    Corporate management bodies of 

 Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

166   Notes to the consolidated financial 

statements – Notes to the consolidated 
statement of income

166   Sales and principles of income recognition 
166   Cost of sales
166   Marketing, selling and distribution expenses
166   Research and development expenses
166   Administrative expenses
167   Other operating income
167   Other operating expenses
167   Financial result
168   Taxes on income
170   Non-controlling interests

171   Notes to the consolidated financial 
statements – Other disclosures
171   Reconciliation of adjusted net income
171   Payroll cost and employee structure
172   Share-based payment plans
172   Group segment report
175   Earnings per share
176   Consolidated statement of cash flows
176   Contingent liabilities
176    Lease and other unrecognized financial 

commitments

177     Voting rights / Related party disclosures
177   Exercise of exemption options
178    Remuneration of the corporate  

management bodies

178    Declaration of compliance with the  Corporate 

 Governance Code [DCGK]

178   Subsidiaries and other investments
178    Auditor’s fees and services 

s
t
n
e
m
e
t
a
t
s

l

a
i
c
n
a
n

i
f

d
e
t
a
d

i
l

o
s
n
o
C

 
 
 
116

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Consolidated statement of financial position

Assets 

in million euros

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Other financial assets

Income tax refund claims

Other assets

Deferred tax assets

Non-current assets

Inventories

Trade accounts receivable

Other financial assets 

Income tax refund claims

Other assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Assets held for sale

Current assets 

Total assets 

 Note

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

3

4

8

9

2015

11,682

2,661

63

7

177

816

15,406

1,721

2,944

540

196

330

1,176

10

6,917

%

52.3

11.9

0.3

–

0.8

3.7

69.0

7.7

13.2

2.4

0.9

1.5

5.3

–

31.0

2016

15,543

2,887

95

7

155

1,017

19,704

1,938

3,349

734

274

434

1,389

95

8,213

79

%

55.7

10.3

0.3

–

0.7

3.6

70.6

6.9

12.0

2.6

1.0

1.6

5.0

0.3

29.4

22,323

100.0

27,917

100.0

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Consolidated financial statements

117

Equity and liabilities 

in million euros

Issued capital

Capital reserve

Treasury shares

Retained earnings 

Other components of equity

Equity attributable to shareholders of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Non-controlling interests

Equity

Provisions for pensions and similar obligations 

Income tax provisions

Other provisions

Borrowings

Other financial liabilities 

Other liabilities 

Deferred tax liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Income tax provisions

Other provisions

Borrowings

Trade accounts payable

Other financial liabilities 

Other liabilities 

Income tax liabilities

Liabilities held for sale

Current liabilities

Note

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

16

17

18

19

5

16

16

17

20

18

19

9

2015

438

652

– 91

12,984

– 322

13,661

150

13,811

988

89

396

4

1

16

670

2,164

263

1,564

880

3,176

109

351

5

–

6,348

%

2.0

2.9

– 0.4

58.1

– 1.4

61.2

0.7

61.9

4.4

0.4

1.8

–

–

0.1

3.0

9.7

1.2

7.0

3.9

14.2

0.5

1.6

–

–

28.4

2016

438

652

– 91

14,234

– 188

15,045

138

15,183

1,007

106

347

3,300

114

25

833

5,732

358

1,966

425

3,665

164

395

16

13

7,002

80

%

1.6

2.3

– 0.3

51.0

– 0.7

53.9

0.5

54.4

3.6

0.4

1.2

11.8

0.4

0.1

3.0

20.5

1.3

7.0

1.5

13.1

0.6

1.5

0.1

–

25.1

Total equity and liabilities 

22,323

100.0

27,917

100.0

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events118

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Consolidated statement of income

in million euros

Sales

Cost of sales 

Gross profit

Marketing, selling and distribution expenses 

Research and development expenses 

Administrative expenses 

Other operating income

Other operating expenses

Operating profit (EBIT)

Interest income

Interest expense

Other financial result

Investment result

Financial result

Income before tax

Taxes on income 

Tax rate in % 

Net income 

Attributable to non-controlling interests

Attributable to shareholders of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Earnings per ordinary share – basic and diluted 

Earnings per preferred share – basic and diluted 

 in euros

 in euros

Note

2015 

%

2016

%

22 18,089

23 – 9,368

8,721

24 – 4,608

25

– 478

26 – 1,012

27

28

29

30

31

127

– 105

2,645

28

– 45

– 24

– 1

– 42

2,603

– 635

24.4

1,968

47

1,921

4.42

4.44

100.0

– 51.8

48.2

18,714

– 9,742

8,972

– 25.5

– 4,635

– 2.6

– 5.6

0.7

– 0.6

14.6

0.2

– 0.2

– 0.2

–

– 0.2

14.4

– 3.5

10.9

0.3

10.6

– 463

– 1,062

109

– 146

2,775

20

– 25

– 26

– 2

– 33

2,742

– 649

23.7

2,093

40

2,053

4.72

4.74

100.0

– 52.1

47.9

– 24.7

– 2.5

– 5.7

0.6

– 0.8

14.8

0.1

– 0.1

– 0.2

–

– 0.2

14.6

– 3.4

11.2

0.2

11.0

81

+/–

3.5 %

4.0 %

2.9 %

0.6 %

– 3.1 %

4.9 %

– 14.2 %

39.0 %

4.9 %

– 28.6 %

– 44.4 %

8.3 %

– 

– 21.4 %

5.3 %

2.2 %

6.4 %

– 14.9 %

6.9 %

6.8 %

6.8 %

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

See Notes 15 and 21 for further explanatory information

in million euros

Net income

Components to be reclassified to income:

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Gains/losses from derivative financial instruments (Hedge reserve per IAS 39)

Gains/losses from financial instruments in the available-for-sale category (Available-for-sale reserve) 

Components not to be reclassified to income:

Remeasurement of net liability from defined benefit pension plans (net of taxes)

Other comprehensive income (net of taxes) 

Total comprehensive income for the period 

Attributable to non-controlling interests

Attributable to shareholders of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 

82

2016

2,093

141

–

–

– 138

3

2,096

47

2,049

2015 

1,968

593

– 17

–

265

841

2,809

58

2,751

 
 
Henkel Annual Report 2016

Consolidated financial statements

119

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

See Notes 10 to 14 for further explanatory information

Issued capital

Ordinary 
shares 

Preferred 
shares 

Capital 
reserve 

Treasury 
shares 

Retained 
earnings 

Other components of equity

Currency 
transla-
tion 

Hedge 
reserve 
per  
IAS 39

Available 
for sale

Non-con-
trolling 
interests 

Share-
holders 
of Henkel 
AG & Co. 
KGaA

83

Total

in million euros

At January 1, 2015 

Net income

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income 
for the period 

Dividends

Sale of treasury shares

Changes in ownership interest 
with no change in control

Other changes in equity

260

178

652

– 91

11,396

– 723

– 167

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,921

265

2,186

– 564

–

– 34

–

– 

582

–

– 17

582

– 17

–

–

–

– 

–

–

–

– 

At Dec. 31, 2015/Jan. 1, 2016

260

178

652

– 91

12,984

– 141

– 184

Net income

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income 
for the period

Dividends

Sale of treasury shares

Changes in ownership interest 
with no change in control

Other changes in equity

At December 31, 2016

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,053

– 138

1,915

– 633

–

– 70

38

– 

134

134

–

–

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

260

178

652

– 91

14,234

– 7

– 184

3

–

–

0

–

–

–

–

3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3

11,508

136

11,644

1,921

830

2,751

– 564

– 

– 34

–

13,661

2,053

– 4

2,049

– 633

– 

– 70

38

47

11

58

– 33

– 

– 11

–

1,968

841

2,809

– 597

– 

– 45

–

150

13,811

40

7

47

– 33

– 

– 26

–

2,093

3

2,096

– 666

– 

– 96

38

15,045

138

15,183

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
120

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Consolidated statement of cash flows

See Note 37 for further explanatory information

in million euros

Operating profit (EBIT)

Income taxes paid

Amortization/depreciation/impairment/write-ups of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment 1

Net gains/losses on disposal of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, and from divestments

Change in inventories

Change in trade accounts receivable

Change in other assets

Change in trade accounts payable

Change in other liabilities and provisions

Cash flow from operating activities

Purchase of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, including payments on account

Acquisition of subsidiaries and other business units

Purchase of associated companies and joint ventures held at equity

Proceeds on disposal of subsidiaries and other business units

Proceeds on disposal of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

Cash flow from investing activities

Dividends paid to shareholders of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders

Interest received

Interest paid

Dividends and interest paid and received

Repayment / Issuance of bonds

Other changes in borrowings

Allocation to pension funds

Other changes in pension obligations

Purchase of non-controlling interests with no change of control

Other financing transactions 2

Cash flow from financing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

Change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at January 1

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31

1  Of which: Impairment in fiscal 2016: 68 million euros (fiscal 2015: 16 million euros).
2  Other financing transactions in fiscal 2016 include payments of –34 million euros for the purchase of short-term  
securities and time deposits as well as for the  provision of financial collateral (fiscal 2015: –472 million euros). 

Additional voluntary information  
Reconciliation to free cash flow 

in million euros

Cash flow from operating activities

Purchase of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, including payments on account

Proceeds on disposal of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

Net interest paid

Other changes in pension obligations

Free cash flow 

84

2016

2,775

– 769

570

– 7

10

– 240

– 108

341

278

2,850

– 557

– 3,727

– 

–

34

– 4,250

– 633

– 33

20

– 26

– 672

2,221

519

– 185 

– 116

– 102

 13

1,678

278

– 65

213

1,176

1,389

85

2016

2,850

– 557

34

– 6

– 116

2,205

2015

2,645

– 715

460

– 26

– 25

– 140

– 79

77

187

2,384

– 625

– 322

– 6

25

35

– 893

– 564

– 33

130

– 155

– 622

– 1,300

275

– 60 

– 79

– 52

 283

– 1,555

– 64

12

– 52

1,228

1,176

2015

2,384

– 625

35

– 25

– 79

1,690

 
Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

121

Group segment report by business unit 1

Beauty  
Care

Laundry & 
Home Care

Operating 
business 
units total

Corporate

86

Henkel 
Group

Industrial 
Adhesives

Total 
Adhesive 
Techno-
logies

Adhesives 
for Con-
sumers, 
Craftsmen 
and 
Building

1,822

7,139

8,961

3,838

5,795

18,593

121

18,714

10 %

38 %

48 %

20 %

31 %

99 %

1 %

100 %

1,869

7,123

8,992

3,833

5,137

17,961

128

18,089

0.2 %

3.5 %

3.1 %

– 0.3 %

3.2 %

2.8 %

1,284

1,179

1,561

1,462

8.9 %

18.0 %

16.5 %

6.8 %

17.4 %

16.3 %

1,336

1,256

1,629

1,534

6.3 %

18.7 %

17.6 %

6.2 %

18.2 %

17.1 %

0.1 %

3.5 %

2.1 %

526

561

– 6.2 %

13.7 %

14.6 %

647

610

6.1 %

16.9 %

15.9 %

12.8 %

16.8 %

4.7 %

3.5 %

7.2 %

3.2 %

– 6.1 %

–

–

3.5 %

7.1 %

3.1 %

803

786

2,890

2,809

– 115

– 164

2,775

2,645

2.2 %

13.9 %

15.3 %

2.9 %

15.5 %

15.6 %

–

–

–

4.9 %

14.8 %

14.6 %

1,000

879

3,276

3,023

– 104

– 100

3,172

2,923

13.7 %

17.3 %

17.1 %

8.4 %

17.6 %

16.8 %

7,054

7,068

7,833

7,967

2,882

2,743

5,104

3,726

15,819

14,436

– 0.2 %

18.2 %

16.7 %

– 1.7 %

19.9 %

18.4 %

5.1 %

18.2 %

20.4 %

37.0 %

15.7 %

21.1 %

9.6 %

18.3 %

19.5 %

223

7

–

207

2

6

191

294

8,698

2,145

6,553

8,535

1,982

6,553

266

8

–

250

2

6

280

377

10,096

2,805

7,291

9,976

2,566

7,410

97

23

–

73

–

–

274

142

4,233

1,537

2,696

4,041

1,484

2,557

194

37

–

126

14

–

3,846

450

7,752

2,380

5,372

5,928

2,005

3,923

557

68

–

449

16

6

4,400

969

22,082

6,722

15,359

19,945

6,055

13,890

–

–

–

77

75

–

–

–

13

–

–

11

–

–

9

10

459

382

77

456

381

75

8.5 %

16.9 %

16.2 %

15,895

14,511

9.5 %

17.5 %

18.2 %

570

68

–

460

16

6

4,409

979

22,540

7,104

15,436

20,401

6,435

13,965

in million euros

Sales 2016

Proportion of Henkel sales

Sales 2015

Change from previous year

Adjusted for foreign exchange

Organic

EBIT 2016

EBIT 2015

Change from previous year

Return on sales (EBIT) 2016

Return on sales (EBIT) 2015

Adjusted EBIT 2016

Adjusted EBIT 2015

Change from previous year

Adjusted return on sales (EBIT) 2016

Adjusted return on sales (EBIT) 2015

Capital employed 2016 2

Capital employed 2015 2

Change from previous year

Return on capital employed (ROCE) 2016

Return on capital employed (ROCE) 2015 

Amortization / depreciation / impairment / write-ups of 
intangible assets and property, plant and equipment 2016

of which impairment losses 2016

of which write-ups 2016

Amortization / depreciation / impairment / write-ups of 
intangible assets and property, plant and equipment 2015

of which impairment losses 2015

of which write-ups 2015

Capital expenditures (excl. financial assets) 2016

Capital expenditures (excl. financial assets) 2015

Operating assets 2016 3

Operating liabilities 2016

Net operating assets 2016 3

Operating assets 2015 3

Operating liabilities 2015

Net operating assets 2015 3

– 2.5 %

2.0 %

1.7 %

278

283

– 2.1 %

15.2 %

15.2 %

293

278

5.6 %

16.1 %

14.9 %

779

898

– 13.3 %

35.7 %

31.6 %

43

1

–

43

–

–

89

83

1,399

660

739

1,441

585

856

1  Calculated on the basis of units of 1,000 euros.
2  Including goodwill at cost prior to any accumulated impairment in accordance with IFRS 3.79 (b).
3  Including goodwill at net book value.

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events 
122

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Key financials by region 1

in million euros

Sales 2 2016

Sales 2 2015

Change from previous year

Adjusted for foreign exchange

Organic

Proportion of Group sales 2016

Proportion of Group sales 2015

Operating profit (EBIT) 2016 

Operating profit (EBIT) 2015

Change from previous year

Adjusted for foreign exchange

Return on sales (EBIT) 2016

Return on sales (EBIT) 2015

87

Western 
Europe

Eastern 
Europe

Africa/ 
Middle 
East

North 
America

Latin 
America

Asia- 
Pacific

Total 
Regions

Corporate

Henkel 
Group

5,999

6,045

2,713

2,695

1,378

1,329

4,202

3,648

1,055

1,110

3,246

3,134

18,593

17,961

121

128

18,714

18,089

– 0.8 %

0.1 %

– 0.1 %

32 %

34 %

1,335

1,223

9.2 %

9.9 %

22.3 %

20.2 %

0.7 %

7.4 %

7.0 %

15 %

15 %

328

356

– 7.9 %

– 0.8 %

12.1 %

13.2 %

3.7 %

12.2 %

5.6 %

7 %

7 %

111

141

– 21.2 %

– 14.0 %

8.1 %

10.6 %

15.2 %

15.2 %

1.7 %

22 %

20 %

505

544

– 7.1 %

– 7.1 %

12.0 %

14.9 %

– 5.0 %

15.9 %

13.8 %

6 %

6 %

126

110

14.2 %

66.9 %

11.9 %

9.9 %

3.6 %

6.0 %

3.2 %

17 %

17 %

3.5 %

7.2 %

3.2 %

99 %

99 %

–

–

–

1 %

1 %

485

434

2,890

2,809

– 115

– 164

11.5 %

15.0 %

14.9 %

13.9 %

2.9 %

7.1 %

15.5 %

15.6 %

–

–

–

–

3.5 %

7.1 %

3.1 %

100 %

100 %

2,775

2,645

4.9 %

8.2 %

14.8 %

14.6 %

1 Calculated on the basis of units of 1,000 euros.
2 By location of company.

In 2016, the affiliated companies domiciled in Germany, 
including Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, generated sales of 2,339 mil-
lion euros (previous year: 2,345 million euros). Sales realized 
by the affiliated companies domiciled in the USA amounted to 
3,943 million euros in 2016 (previous year: 3,422 million 
euros). In fiscal 2015 and 2016, no individual customer 
accounted for more than 10 percent of total sales.

Of the total non-current assets disclosed for the Henkel Group 
at December 31, 2016 (excluding financial instruments and 
deferred tax assets) amounting to 18,599 million euros (previ-
ous year: 14,539 million euros), 1,964 million euros (previous 
year: 1,842 million euros) was attributable to the affiliated 
companies domiciled in Germany, including Henkel AG & Co. 
KGaA. The non-current assets (excluding financial instru-
ments and deferred tax assets) recognized in respect of the 
affiliated companies domiciled in the USA amounted to 
10,735 million euros at December 31, 2016 (previous year: 
7,308 million euros).

 
Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

123

Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the 
 consolidated financial statements

General information

The consolidated financial statements of Henkel AG & Co. 
KGaA (Düsseldorf Regional Court, HRB 4724), Düsseldorf, as 
of December 31, 2016, have been prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the rel-
evant interpretations of the International Financial Reporting 
Interpretations Committee (IFRIC), as adopted per Regulation 
number 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and the Coun-
cil, on the application of international accounting standards, 
in the European Union, and in compliance with Section 315a of 
the German Commercial Code [HGB]. The consolidated finan-
cial statements are published in the electronic federal gazette.

The individual financial statements of the companies included 
in the consolidation are drawn up on the same accounting date, 
December 31, 2016, as that of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA.

Members of the KPMG organization or other independent 
firms of auditors instructed accordingly have audited the 
financial statements of the material companies included in 
the consolidation. The Management Board of Henkel Manage-
ment AG – which is the Personally Liable Partner of Henkel AG 
& Co. KGaA – compiled the consolidated financial statements 
on January 30, 2017, and approved them for forwarding to the 
Supervisory Board and for publication. 

The consolidated financial statements are based on the princi-
ple of historical cost with the exception that certain financial 
instruments are accounted for at their fair values, and pension 
obligations are measured using the projected unit credit 
method. The functional currency of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and 
the reporting currency of the Group is the euro. Unless other-
wise indicated, all amounts are shown in million euros. In order 
to improve the clarity and informative value of the consolidated 
financial statements, certain items are combined in the consoli-
dated statement of financial position, the consolidated state-
ment of income and the consolidated statement of comprehen-
sive income, and then shown separately in the notes. 

Scope of consolidation

In addition to Henkel AG & Co. KGaA as the ultimate parent 
company, the consolidated financial statements at December 
31, 2016, include eight German and 199 non-German compa-
nies in which Henkel AG & Co. KGaA has a dominating influ-
ence over financial and operating policies, based on the con-
cept of control. The Group has a dominating influence on a 
company when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns 

from its involvement with the company and has the ability to 
affect those returns through its power over the company. Com-
panies in which the stake held represents less than half of the 
voting rights are fully consolidated if Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
controls them, as defined in IFRS 10, through contractual 
agreements or the right to appoint corporate bodies.

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA prepares the consolidated financial 
statements for the largest and the smallest groups of compa-
nies to which Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and its subsidiaries 
belong.

The following table shows the changes to the scope of consoli-
dation in fiscal 2016:

Scope of consolidation 

At January 1, 2016

Additions

Mergers

Disposals

At December 31, 2016

88

202

17

– 8

– 3

208

Further details can be found in the section “Acquisitions and 
divestments” below.

Subsidiaries which are of secondary importance to the Group 
and to the presentation of a true and fair view of our net 
assets, financial position and results of operations due to their 
inactivity or low level of activity are generally not included in 
the consolidated financial statements. The total assets of these 
companies represent less than 1 percent of the Group’s total 
assets; their total sales and income (net of taxes) are also less 
than 1 percent of the Group totals. 

Acquisitions and divestments

Acquisitions
Effective May 31, 2016, we acquired 57.5 percent of the shares 
of Expand Global Industries UK Limited, London, UK. Expand 
Global Industries UK Limited holds nearly 100 percent of 
the shares of Expand Global Industries Ltd. headquartered in 
Ibadan, Nigeria, which has a strong presence in the detergent 
market in Nigeria. With this acquisition, the Laundry & Home 
Care business unit has expanded its detergent business. The 
acquisition is part of our strategy to further strengthen our 
presence in emerging markets. The purchase price was 
110 million euros, settled in cash. With regard to the remain-

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events124

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

ing 42.5 percent of shares, put and call contracts have been 
entered into between Henkel and the seller. Henkel has 
decided to apply the anticipated acquisition method to 
account for the acquisition in the financial statements. 
Accordingly, acquisition of the outstanding non-controlling 
shares is already included as part of the first-time consolida-
tion in the form of a contingent purchase price liability of 
113 million euros. The purchase price of the outstanding 
non-controlling interests is based on the market value of the 
shares less net financial debt. Please refer to the details on 
pages 156 and 157 for Henkel’s estimated bandwidth of poten-
tial fluctuations arising from changes in valuation parameters. 
A maximum payment was not agreed. Because the acquisition 
is  recognized using the anticipated acquisition method, 
non-controlling interests from the acquired business are not 
disclosed in the statement of comprehensive income. Effects 
from foreign exchange and measurement of the contingent 
purchase price liability are recognized directly in equity and 
disclosed as other changes in the statement of changes in 
equity. Provisional goodwill was recognized in the amount of 
199 million euros. Because the acquisition was completed in 
the course of the year, the allocation of the purchase price to 
the acquired assets and liabilities in accordance with IFRS 3 
“Business combinations” is provisional. Tax-deductible good-
will is not expected. 

Effective June 1, 2016, we completed the acquisition of a range 
of hair care brands and the associated hair care business of 
Procter & Gamble in the Africa/Middle East and Eastern 
Europe regions. The acquisition is part of our strategy to fur-
ther strengthen our presence in emerging markets. The pur-
chase price was 212 million euros, settled in cash. Provisional 
goodwill was recognized in the amount of 160 million euros. 
Because the acquisition was completed in the course of the 
year, the allocation of the purchase price to the acquired assets 
and liabilities in accordance with IFRS 3 “Business combina-
tions” is provisional. Goodwill of 54 million euros was recog-
nized for tax purposes.

Effective June 30, 2016, we acquired the tile adhesives business 
and the associated brands of the Colombian company Alfagres 
S.A. With this, the Adhesive Technologies business unit has 
expanded its business in the segment Adhesives for Consum-
ers, Craftsmen and Building. The acquisition is part of our 
strategy to further strengthen our presence in emerging mar-
kets. We do not expect any material impact from this acquisi-
tion on the net assets, financial position and results of opera-
tions of Henkel.

Effective August 15, 2016, we completed the acquisition of all 
shares of Zhejiang Golden Roc Chemicals JSC, China, expand-
ing our superglue business in the Adhesive Technologies busi-
ness unit. The acquisition is part of our strategy to further 
strengthen our presence in emerging markets. We do not 

expect any material impact from this acquisition on the net 
assets, financial position and results of operations of Henkel.

Effective August 21, 2016, we completed the acquisition of 
the detergent business and the associated brands of Behdad 
Chemical Company PJSC in Iran. The acquisition is part of our 
strategy to further strengthen our presence in emerging mar-
kets. The provisional purchase price of 5,436 billion Iranian 
rials (around 141 million euros) was settled in cash. Provi-
sional goodwill was recognized in the amount of 100 million 
euros. Because the acquisition was recently completed, the 
allocation of the purchase price to the acquired assets and lia-
bilities in accordance with IFRS 3 “Business combinations” is 
provisional. We do not expect any material impact from this 
acquisition on the net assets, financial position and results of 
operations of Henkel.

Effective September 1, 2016, we completed the acquisition of 
all shares of The Sun Products Corporation, a laundry and 
home care company based in Wilton, Connecticut, USA. The 
transaction had a purchase price of around 3.6 billion US dol-
lars including debt redeemed at closing of 1.7 billion US dol-
lars, and is fully debt-financed. In fiscal 2015, the company 
generated sales of around 1.6 billion US dollars in the USA and 
Canada. Acquisition-related costs amounted to 17 million 
euros. This acquisition is part of our strategy to invest in 
attractive country category positions in mature markets. Provi-
sional goodwill was recognized in the amount of 2.1 billion 
euros. This goodwill represents the offensive and defensive 
synergies that Henkel expects to gain by integrating The Sun 
Products Corporation into its organization, and reflects the 
growth potential of the acquired business. Because the acqui-
sition was recently completed, the allocation of the purchase 
price to the acquired assets and liabilities in accordance with 
IFRS 3 “Business combinations” is provisional. If the acquired 
company had been included from January 1, 2016, sales for the 
Henkel Group for the reporting period January 1 to December 31, 
2016, would be higher by 1,457 million euros and income (net 
of taxes) would be lower by 98 million euros, taking restruc-
turing and integration costs into account. The actual contribu-
tions of the company were 475 million euros to sales and 
–77 million euros to income (net of taxes). Tax- deductible 
goodwill is not expected. 

Effective December 8, 2016, we completed the acquisition of 
all shares of Jeyes Group Limited, UK, thus expanding our 
business with WC products and household detergents in the 
Laundry & Home Care business unit. As specified in IFRS 10 
“Consolidated financial statements,” the acquired business 
has not yet been consolidated as control has not yet passed to 
Henkel. First-time consolidation is expected for the second 
quarter of 2017. We do not expect any material impact from 
this acquisition on the net assets, financial position and 
results of operations of Henkel.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

125

In 2016, we spent around 62 million euros for the acquisition 
of the outstanding non-controlling shares in Henkel Pakvash 
PJSC based in Tehran, Iran, increasing our ownership interest 
to 97.98 percent.

In the third quarter of 2016, we spent around 10 million euros 
for the acquisition of the outstanding non-controlling shares 
in Henkel Industrie AG based in Tehran, Iran, increasing our 
ownership interest to 100 percent.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, we spent around 22 million 
euros for the acquisition of the outstanding non-controlling 
shares in Henkel (Siam) Adhesive Technologies Ltd. based in 
Samut Prakan, Thailand, increasing our ownership interest to 
100 percent.

The carrying amounts of the acquired assets and liabilities are 
determined by the contracts and our opening balances on each 
respective acquisition date. The recognition and measurement 
principles adopted by the Henkel Group were applied. If the 
acquisition of the shares of Expand Global Industries UK Lim-
ited and of the range of hair care brands and the associated 
hair care business of Procter & Gamble – and thus their busi-
ness activities – had been included from January 1, 2016, sales 
for the Henkel Group for the reporting period January 1 to 
December 31, 2016, would be higher by 126 million euros and 
income (net of taxes) would be higher by 2 million euros, tak-
ing acquisition-related costs into account. The actual contri-
butions of the companies were 61 million euros to sales and 
–2 million euros to income (net of taxes). 

Acquisitions 

in million euros

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Other non-current assets

Non-current assets

Inventories

Trade accounts receivable

Liquid funds

Other current assets 

Current assets

Total assets

Net assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Other current provisions / liabilities

Trade accounts payable

Current liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Detergent business 
in Nigeria,  
effective May 31, 2016

Hair care business 
in Africa/Middle East 
and Eastern Europe, 
effective June 1, 2016

The Sun Products 
 Corporation, effective 
September 1, 2016

Fair value

Fair value

Fair value

213

13

–

226

9

1

2

2

14

240

223

6

5

6

11

240

205

1

11

217

3

–

–

–

3

220

219

1

–

–

–

220

3,016

245

127

3,388

185

134

11

14

344

3,732

3,200

308

90

134

224

3,732

89

Total

3,434

259

138

3,831

197

135

13

16

361

4,192

3,642

315

95

140

235

4,192

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events126

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Reconciliation of the purchase price to provisional goodwill 

in million euros

Detergent business in Nigeria, effective May 31, 2016

Purchase price

Contingent purchase price

Fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities

Provisional goodwill

Hair care business in Africa/Middle East and Eastern Europe, effective June 1, 2016

Purchase price

Contingent purchase price

Fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities

Provisional goodwill

The Sun Products Corporation, effective September 1, 2016

Purchase price

Adjustment based on purchase agreement

Fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities

Provisional goodwill

90

2016

110

113

24

199

212

7

59

160

3,197

3

1,137

2,063

Divestments
We did not conclude the sale of any businesses in fiscal 2016.

Consolidation methods 

The financial statements of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and of the 
subsidiaries included in the consolidated financial statements 
were prepared on the basis of uniformly valid principles of 
recognition and measurement, applying the standardized 
year-end date adopted by the Group. Such entities are included 
in the consolidated financial statements as of the date on 
which the Group acquired control.

All receivables and liabilities, sales, income and expenses, as 
well as intra-group profits on transfers of non-current assets 
or inventories, are eliminated on consolidation. 

The purchase method is used for capital consolidation. With 
business combinations, therefore, all hidden reserves and hid-
den charges in the entity acquired are revalued at the time of 
acquisition, and all identifiable intangible assets are sepa-
rately disclosed if they are clearly separable or if their recogni-
tion arises from a contractual or other legal right. Any differ-
ence arising between the acquisition cost and the (share of) 
net assets after purchase price allocation is recognized as 
goodwill. The goodwill of subsidiaries is measured in the 
functional currency of the subsidiary. 

Entities acquired are included in the consolidation for the first 
time as subsidiaries by offsetting the carrying amount of the 
respective parent company’s investment in them against their 
assets and liabilities. Contingent consideration is recognized 
at fair value as of the date of first-time consolidation. Subse-
quent changes in value do not result in an adjustment to the 
valuation at the time of acquisition. Acquisition-related costs 
are not included in the purchase price. Instead, they are recog-
nized through profit or loss in the period in which they occur. 

In the recognition of acquisitions of less than 100 percent, 
non-controlling interests are measured at the fair value of the 
share of net assets that they represent. Contingent futures 
contracts on non-controlling interests are recognized using 
the anticipated acquisition method. Accordingly, the acquisi-
tion of the outstanding non-controlling interests is already 
included as part of the first-time consolidation in the form of 
a contingent purchase price liability.

In subsequent years, the carrying amount of the Henkel AG & 
Co. KGaA investment is eliminated against the current (share 
of) equity in the subsidiary entities concerned.

Changes in the shareholdings of subsidiary companies result-
ing in a decrease or an increase in the participating interests of 
the Group without loss of control are recognized within equity 
as changes in ownership without loss of control.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

127

As soon as the control of a subsidiary is relinquished, all the 
assets and liabilities and the non-controlling interests, and 
also the accumulated currency translation gains or losses, are 
derecognized. In the event that Henkel continues to own 
non-controlling interests in the non-consolidated entity, these 
are measured at fair value. The result of deconsolidation is 
recognized under other operating income or expenses.

Companies recognized by the equity method

Associated companies and joint ventures are recognized by 
the equity method.

An associated company is a company over which the Group 
can exercise material influence on the financial and operating 
policies without controlling it. Material influence is generally 
assumed when the Group holds 20 percent or more of the vot-
ing rights. Where a Group company conducts transactions 
with an associated company or a joint venture, the resulting 
profits or losses are eliminated in accordance with the share of 
the Group in that company. 

The Group consolidates Dekel Investment Holdings Ltd. and 
Vitriflex, Inc. using the equity method. The carrying amount 
of the shareholdings recognized using the equity method as of 
December 31, 2016, was 7 million euros (previous year: 12 mil-
lion euros).

Currencies 

Chinese yuan

Mexican peso

Polish zloty

Russian ruble

Turkish lira

US dollar

ISO code

CNY

MXN

PLN

RUB

TRY

USD

Associated companies that are less relevant for the Group and 
for the presentation of a fair view of its net assets, financial posi-
tion and results of operation, are never recognized using the 
equity method. They are always recognized at amortized cost.

Currency translation

The annual financial statements of the consolidated compa-
nies, including the hidden reserves and hidden charges of 
Group companies recognized by the purchase method, good-
will arising on consolidation, and the consolidated statement 
of cash flows, are translated into euros using the functional 
currency method outlined in International Accounting Stan-
dard (IAS) 21 “The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange 
Rates.” The functional currency is the currency in which a 
 foreign company predominantly generates funds and makes 
payments. As the functional currency for all the companies 
included in the consolidation is generally the local currency of 
the company concerned, assets and liabilities are translated at 
closing rates, while income and expenses are translated at the 
average rates for the year as an approximation of the actual 
rates at the date of the transaction. Equity items are recognized 
at historical exchange rates. The differences arising from using 
average rather than closing rates are taken to equity and shown 
as other components of equity or non-controlling interests, 
and remain neutral in respect of net income until the shares 
are divested.

In the subsidiaries’ annual financial statements, transactions 
in foreign currencies are converted at the rates prevailing at 
the time of the transaction. Financial assets and liabilities in 
foreign currencies are measured at closing rates through profit 
or loss. For the main currencies in the Group, the following 
exchange rates have been used based on 1 euro:

Average exchange rate

Exchange rate on December 31

2015

6.97

17.61

4.18

68.05

3.02

1.11

2016

7.36

20.67

4.36

74.07

3.34

1.11

2015

7.06

18.91

4.26

80.67

3.18

1.09

91

2016

7.32

21.77

4.41

64.30

3.71

1.05

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events128

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Recognition and measurement methods

Summary of selected measurement methods 

Financial statement figures

Measurement method

92

Assets

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

with indefinite useful lives

with definite useful lives

Property, plant and equipment

Financial assets (categories per IAS 39)

“Loans and receivables”

“Available for sale”

“Held for trading”

“Fair value option”

Other assets

Inventories

Assets held for sale

Lower of carrying amount and recoverable amount (“impairment only” method)

Lower of carrying amount and recoverable amount (“impairment only” method)

(Amortized) cost less any impairment losses

(Depreciated) cost less any impairment losses

(Amortized) cost using the effective interest method

Fair value with gains or losses recognized directly in equity 1

Fair value through profit or loss

Fair value through profit or loss

(Amortized) cost

Lower of cost and fair value less costs to sell

Lower of cost and fair value less costs to sell

1 Apart from permanent impairment losses and effects arising from measurement in a foreign currency.

Liabilities

Provisions for pensions and similar obligations

Present value of future obligations (projected unit credit method)

Other provisions

Settlement amount 

Financial liabilities (categories per IAS 39)

“Measured at amortized cost”

(Amortized) cost using the effective interest method

“Held for trading”

Other liabilities

Fair value through profit or loss

Settlement amount

The methods of recognition and measurement, which are 
basically unchanged from the previous year, are described in 
detail in the notes relating to the individual items of the state-
ment of financial position on these pages. Also provided as 
part of the report on our financial instruments (Note 21 on 
pages 153 to 165) are the disclosures relevant to International 
Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 7 showing the breakdown 
of our financial instruments by category, our methods for fair 
value measurement, and the derivative financial instruments 
that we use.

Changes in the methods of recognition and measurement 
 arising from revised and new standards are applied retrospec-
tively, provided that the effect is material and there are no 
alternative regulations that supersede the standard concerned. 
The consolidated statement of income from the previous year 
and the opening balance of the consolidated statement of 
financial position for this comparative period are adjusted as 
if the new methods of recognition and measurement had 
always been applied.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

129

Accounting estimates, assumptions  
and discretionary judgments

New international accounting regulations according 
to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) 

Preparation of the consolidated financial statements is based on 
a number of accounting estimates and assumptions. These have 
an impact on the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and 
 contingent liabilities at the reporting date and the disclosure 
of income and expenses for the reporting period. The actual 
amounts may differ from these estimates.

The accounting estimates and their underlying assumptions are 
based on past experience and are continually reviewed. Changes 
in accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which 
the change takes place where such change exclusively affects 
that period. A change is recognized in the period in which it 
occurs and in later periods where such change affects both the 
reporting period and subsequent periods. The judgments of the 
Management Board regarding the application of those IFRSs 
which have a significant impact on the consolidated financial 
statements are presented in particular in the explanatory notes 
on taxes on income (Note 30 on pages 168 to 170), intangible 
assets (Note 1 on pages 131 to 134), provisions for pensions and 
similar obligations (Note 15 on pages 141 to 149), income tax pro-
visions and other provisions (Note 16 on pages 149 and 150), 
financial instruments (Note 21 on pages 153 to 165) and share-
based payment plans (Note 34 on page 172).

Material discretionary judgments are made in respect of the 
demarcation of the cash-generating units as explained in Note 1 
on pages 131 to 134 and the segment reporting as explained in 
Note 35 on pages 172 to 174. Contingent forward contracts for 
acquired minority interests are recognized using the anticipated 
acquisition method. 

Accounting methods applied for the first  
time in the year under review 

IFRS 11 (Amendment) “Acquisition of an Interest in a 
Joint Operation”

IAS 1 (Amendment) “Notes”

IAS 16 and IAS 38 (Amendment) “Clarification of 
Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation”

IAS 19 (Amendment) “Defined Benefit Plans: Employee 
Contributions”

93

Mandatory for fiscal 
years  beginning on 
or after

January 1, 2016

January 1, 2016

January 1, 2016

February 1, 2015

General standard “Improvements to IFRS 2010 – 2012”

February 1, 2015

General standard “Improvements to IFRS 2012 – 2014”

January 1, 2016

IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 28 (Amendment) “Investment 
Entities: Applying the Consolidation Exception”

January 1, 2016

•  IFRS 11 governs the procedure for recognizing joint ventures 
and joint operations in both the statement of financial posi-
tion and in profit or loss. Joint ventures must be recognized 
using the equity method, whereas the treatment of joint 
operations is comparable to proportionate consolidation, 
pursuant to IFRS 11. With its amendment of IFRS 11, the 
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has regu-
lated the accounting procedure for acquisitions of interests 
in joint operations in which the activity constitutes a busi-
ness, as defined in IFRS 3 “Business Combinations.” In the 
case of such operations, the acquirer is required to apply the 
principles of business combinations accounting in IFRS 3. 
The disclosure requirements specified in IFRS 3 also apply 
in such instances. 

•   The amendments relating to IAS 1 affect various reporting 
issues. The standard now clarifies that disclosures in the 
notes are only necessary if their content is not immaterial, 
which is explicitly the case if an IFRS specifies a list of mini-
mum disclosures. Explanations on the procedure for aggre-
gating and disaggregating items on the statements of finan-
cial position and comprehensive income have also been 
included. The standard further requires contributions to 
other comprehensive income by companies that are recog-
nized using the equity method to be reported in the state-
ment of comprehensive income. 

•   In its amendments of IAS 16 and IAS 38, the IASB has pro-

vided further guidance for determining acceptable methods 
of depreciation and amortization.

•   The amendments to IAS 19 clarify the requirements govern-
ing the allocation of contributions by employees or third 
parties to periods of service if the contributions are linked to 
the period of service. In addition, it permits a practical expe-
dient if the amount of the contributions is independent of 
the number of years of service.

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events130

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

•   As part of the annual improvement project “Improvements 
to IFRS 2010 – 2012,” amendments were made to seven stan-
dards. Adjustments to the wording of individual IFRSs are  
intended to clarify existing regulations. Amendments affect-
ing disclosures in the notes have also been implemented. 
The following standards are affected: IFRS 2, IFRS 3, IFRS 8, 
IFRS 13, IAS 16, IAS 24 and IAS 38.

•   As part of the annual improvement project “Improvements 
to IFRS 2012 – 2014,” amendments were made to four stan-
dards. Adjustments to the wording of individual IFRSs/IASs 
are intended to clarify existing regulations. The following 
standards are affected: IFRS 5, IFRS 7, IAS 19 and IAS 34.
•  The amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 28 serve to 

 clarify various issues relating to the application of the con-
solidation exception under IFRS 10 if the parent company 
complies with the definition of an “investment entity.” 

The first-time application of the amended standards had no 
material impact on the presentation of our consolidated 
financial statements.

Accounting regulations not applied in advance of their 
effective date
The following standards and amendments to existing stan-
dards of possible relevance to Henkel, which have been 
adopted into EU law (endorsement mechanism) but are not 
yet mandatory, have not been applied early: 

Accounting regulations not applied  
in advance of their effective date 

IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments”

IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”

Mandatory for fiscal 
years  beginning on 
or after

January 1, 2018

January 1, 2018

These standards and amendments to existing standards will 
be applied by Henkel starting in fiscal 2018. We are currently 
examining what impact IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers” will have on the consolidated financial statements. 
Given the current situation, we expect a minor impact on sales 
and on cost of sales in the year of implementation due to the 
recognition of rights of return in the financial statements. 
A conclusive assessment of the effects is not possible at present. 
We are also currently examining what impact IFRS 9 “Financial 
Instruments” will have on the consolidated financial state-
ments. A conclusive assessment of the effects is not possible.

Accounting regulations not yet adopted into EU law
In fiscal 2016, the IASB issued the following standards and 
amendments to existing standards of relevance to Henkel, 
which still have to be adopted into EU law (endorsement 
mechanism) before they become applicable:

Accounting regulations not yet adopted into EU law 

95

IFRS 16 “Leases”

IFRS 2 (Amendment) “Classification and Measurement 
of Share-Based  Payment Transactions”

IFRS 10 and IAS 28 (Amendment) “Sale or Contribution 
of Assets  between an Investor and its Associate or Joint 
Venture”

IFRS 15 (Amendment) “Clarifications to IFRS 15”

94

IAS 7 (Amendment) “Disclosure Initiative”

IAS 12 (Amendment) “Recognition of Deferred Tax 
Assets for Unrealised Losses”

Mandatory for fiscal 
years  beginning on 
or after

January 1, 2019

January 1, 2018

outstanding

January 1, 2018

January 1, 2017

January 1, 2017

IAS 40 (Amendment) “Transfers of Investment Property”

January 1, 2018

IFRIC 22 “Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance 
Consideration”

Improvements to IFRS 2014 – 2016 “Amendments to 
IFRS 12”

Improvements to IFRS 2014 – 2016 “Amendments to 
IFRS 1 and IAS 28”

January 1, 2018

January 1, 2017

January 1, 2018

These new standards and amendments to existing standards 
will be applied by Henkel starting in fiscal 2017 or later. A con-
clusive assessment of the effects is not possible.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

131

96

3 to 20

50

40

25 to 33

10 to 25

7 to 10

10

5 to 20

2 to 5

97

Notes to the consolidated statement of financial position

The measurement and recognition policies for financial statement items are described in the relevant note.

Non-current assets

The following unchanged, standardized useful lives are 
applied:

All non-current assets with definite useful lives are depreci-
ated or amortized exclusively using the straight-line method 
on the basis of estimated useful lives. The useful life estimates 
are reviewed annually. If facts or circumstances indicate the 
need for impairment, the recoverable amount is determined. 
It is measured as the higher of the fair value less costs to sell 
(net realizable value) and the value in use. Impairment losses 
are recognized if the recoverable amounts of the assets are 
lower than their carrying amounts. They are charged to the 
 relevant functions.

Useful life 

in years

Intangible assets with definite useful lives

Residential buildings

Office buildings

Research and factory buildings, workshops,  
stores and staff buildings

Plant facilities

Machinery

Office equipment

Vehicles

Factory and research equipment

1   Intangible assets

Cost 

in million euros

At January 1, 2015

Acquisitions

Divestments

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications to assets held for sale

Reclassifications

Translation differences

At December 31, 2015/January 1, 2016

Acquisitions

Divestments

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications to assets held for sale

Reclassifications

Translation differences

At December 31, 2016

Trademarks and other rights

Assets  
with indefinite 
useful lives

Assets  
with definite 
useful lives

Internally  
generated  
intangible assets 
with definite 
useful lives

Intangible assets 
in development

Goodwill

Total

1,820

101

– 1 

–

–

–

–

159

2,079

1,012

– 

–

–

– 

– 101

77

3,067

1,506

18

–

12

– 9

– 

– 

71

1,598

26

–

6

– 30

– 8 

101 

29

1,722

220

–

–

35

– 

–

 11

4

270

12

–

8

– 8 

–

105

4

391

64

–

–

64

–

–

– 11

–

117

–

–

69

–

–

– 105

–

81

8,085

224

– 1

–

– 

– 

–

553

8,861

2,539

– 

–

– 

– 3 

–

240

11,695

343

– 2

111

– 9

– 

–

787

12,925

3,589

–

83

– 38

– 11 

–

350

11,637

16,898

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events132

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Accumulated amortization / impairment 

98

Trademarks and other rights

Assets  
with indefinite 
useful lives

Assets  
with definite 
useful lives

Internally  
generated  
intangible assets 
with definite 
useful lives

Intangible assets 
in development

Goodwill

Total

921

157

in million euros

At January 1, 2015

Divestments

Write-ups

Scheduled amortization

Impairment losses

Disposals

Reclassifications to assets held for sale

Reclassifications

Translation differences

16

–

– 5 

–

–

–

–

1

–

–

–

91

–

– 7

– 

– 1

35

At December 31, 2015/January 1, 2016

12

1,039

Divestments

Write-ups

Scheduled amortization

Impairment losses

Disposals

Reclassifications to assets held for sale

Reclassifications

Translation differences

At December 31, 2016

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

– 4

8

–

–

104

–

– 28

– 5 

–

16

1,126

–

–

19

 –

–

–

–

5

181

–

–

34

 1

– 8

–

–

2

210

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

11

–

–   

–

–

–

– 

–

–

1,105

–

– 5

110

–

– 7 

– 

– 

40

11

1,243

–

–   

–

–

–

– 

–

–

–

–

138

1

– 36 

– 5 

– 

14

11

1,355

99

Net book values 

in million euros

At December 31, 2016

At December 31, 2015

Trademarks and other rights

Assets  
with indefinite 
useful lives

Assets  
with definite 
useful lives

Internally  
generated  
intangible assets 
with definite 
useful lives

Intangible assets 
in development

Goodwill

Total

3,059

2,067

596

559

181

89

81

117

11,626

8,850

15,543

11,682

Goodwill represents the future economic benefit of assets that 
are acquired through business combinations and not individu-
ally identifiable and separately recognized, as well as expected 
synergies, and is recognized at cost. Trademarks and other 
rights acquired for valuable consideration are stated at pur-
chase cost, while internally generated software is stated at 
development cost.

Additions to internally generated intangible assets mostly 
reflect investments in consolidating and optimizing our IT 
system architecture for managing business processes.

The change in goodwill resulting from acquisitions and divest-
ments made in the fiscal year is presented in the section 
“Acquisitions and divestments” on pages 123 to 126.

Goodwill as well as trademarks and other rights with indefi-
nite useful lives are subjected to an impairment test at least 
once a year and also when indicators of impairment are pres-
ent (“impairment only” approach).

Amortization and impairment of trademarks and other rights 
are recognized as selling expenses. Amortization and impair-
ment of other intangible assets are allocated to the relevant 
functions in the consolidated statement of income.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

133

In the course of our annual impairment test, we reviewed the 
carrying amounts of goodwill. The following table shows the 
cash-generating units together with the associated goodwill 

at book value at the reporting date. The description of the 
cash-generating units can be found in the notes to the consoli-
dated financial statements, Note 35 on page 172 and in the 
combined management report on pages 88 to 99.

Book values – Goodwill 

Cash-generating units 
in million euros

Packaging and Consumer Goods 
Adhesives

Transport and Metal

General Industry

Electronics

Adhesives for Consumers,  
Craftsmen and Building

Total Adhesive Technologies

Branded Consumer Goods

Hair Salon Business

Total Beauty Care

Laundry Care

Home Care

Total Laundry & Home Care

At December 31, 2015

At December 31, 2016

Goodwill

Terminal 
growth rate

Weighted average 
cost of capital

Goodwill

Terminal 
growth rate

Weighted average 
cost of capital

100

2,005

462

385

1,473

373

4,698

1,294

305

1,599

1,286

1,267

2,553

1.50 %

1.50 %

1.00 %

1.50 %

1.00 %

1.00 %

1.00 %

1.00 %

1.00 %

7.50 %

7.50 %

7.50 %

7.50 %

7.50 %

6.25 %

6.25 %

6.25 %

6.25 %

2,012

476

416

1,513

404

4,821

1,461

314

1,775

3,727

1,303

5,030

1.50 %

1.50 %

1.00 %

1.50 %

1.00 %

1.00 %

1.00 %

1.00 %

1.00 %

7.00 %

7.00 %

7.00 %

7.00 %

7.00 %

6.25 %

6.25 %

6.25 %

6.25 %

We assess goodwill impairment according to the fair-value-
less-costs-to-sell approach on the basis of future estimated 
cash flows which are obtained from the business budgets 
approved by the appropriate corporate management bodies. 
The determination of fair value (before deduction of costs to 
sell) is allocated to valuation level 3 of the fair value hierarchy 
(see Note 21 on pages 153 to 165). The assumptions upon which 
the essential planning parameters are based reflect experience 
gained in the past, aligned to current information provided by 
external sources. Budgets are prepared on the basis of a finan-
cial planning horizon of four years. For the period after that, 
a growth rate in a range between 1 and 2 percent in the cash 
flows is assumed for the purpose of impairment testing. 
The euro to US dollar exchange rate applied is 1.08. Taking into 
account specific tax effects, the cash flows of the various 
cash-generating units are discounted at different rates reflect-
ing the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) in each busi-
ness unit: 6.25 percent after tax for both Laundry & Home Care 
and Beauty Care, and 7 percent after tax for Adhesive 
Technologies. 

In the Laundry & Home Care business unit, we have assumed 
an increase in sales during the four-year detailed forecasting 
horizon of 4 percent per year, with a slight increase in market 
share. Sales growth in the Beauty Care business unit over the 
four-year forecasting horizon is budgeted at between 2 and 
4 percent per annum. Here, too, we expect a slight increase in 
market share. Sales in the Adhesive Technologies business 
unit are expected to grow by between 3 and 5.5 percent per 
annum on average over the detailed four-year forecasting 
 horizon, thus exceeding the market average. 

In all the business units, we assume that a future increase in 
the cost of raw materials can be extensively offset by cost 
reduction measures in purchasing and by passing the increase 
on to our customers, as well as through the implementation 
of efficiency improvement measures. Given our continued 
pro-active management of the portfolio, we anticipate achiev-
ing at least stable gross margins in all our business units.

The impairment tests revealed sufficient impairment buffers 
so that, as in the previous year, no impairment of goodwill was 
required.

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events134

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Trademarks and other rights with indefinite useful lives are 
presented in the following table.

Book values – Trademarks and other rights 

101

At December 31, 2015

At December 31, 2016

Trademarks and 
other rights  
with indefinite 
useful lives

Terminal  
growth rate

Weighted average 
cost of capital

Trademarks and 
other rights  
with indefinite 
useful lives

Terminal  
growth rate

Weighted average 
cost of capital

Cash-generating units  
(summarized)  
in million euros

Packaging and Consumer Goods 
Adhesives

Transport and Metal

General Industry

Electronics

Adhesives for Consumers,  
Craftsmen and Building

Total Adhesive Technologies

Branded Consumer Goods

Hair Salon Business

Total Beauty Care

Laundry Care

Home Care

51

14

0

90

68

223

572

121

693

779

372

1.50 %

1.50 %

1.00 %

1.50 %

1.00 %

7.50 %

7.50 %

7.50 %

7.50 %

7.50 %

0.20 – 1.80 %

0.20 – 1.80 %

6.25 – 9.50 %

6.25 – 9.80 %

1.00 – 1.80 %

6.25 – 12.30 %

1.00 – 1.80 %

6.25 – 11.50 %

51

18

–

90

67

226

603

124

727

1,745

361

2,106

1.50 %

1.50 %

1.00 %

1.50 %

1.00 %

7.00 %

7.00 %

7.00 %

7.00 %

7.00 %

0.20 – 1.80 %

0.20 – 1.80 %

6.25 – 9.00 %

6.25 – 7.80 %

1.00 – 2.00 %

6.25 – 14.40 %

1.00 – 2.00 %

6.25 – 14.30 %

Total Laundry & Home Care

1,151

We assess impairment of trademarks and other rights with 
indefinite useful lives according to the fair-value-less-costs-
to-sell approach at the level of the cash-generating unit, which 
consists of either global business units (Adhesive Technolo-
gies) or regional strategic business units. We base the 
approach on future estimated cash flows which are obtained 
from business budgets. The determination of fair value (before 
deduction of costs to sell) is allocated to valuation level 3 of 
the fair value hierarchy (see Note 21 on pages 153 to 165). The 
assumptions upon which the essential planning parameters 
are based reflect experience gained in the past, aligned to cur-
rent information provided by external sources. Budgets are 
prepared on the basis of a financial planning horizon of 
four years. For the period after that, a growth rate in a range 
between 0.2 and 2 percent in the cash flows is assumed for the 
purpose of impairment testing. The euro to US dollar exchange 
rate applied is 1.08. Taking into account specific tax effects, 
the cash flows of the various cash-generating units are dis-
counted at different rates, with a range between 6.25 and 
14.40 percent applied as the applicable weighted average cost 
of capital (WACC) to each cash-generating unit. The impair-
ment tests revealed sufficient impairment buffers so that – as 
in the previous year – no impairment of trademarks and other 
rights with indefinite useful lives was required.

The trademarks and other rights with indefinite useful lives 
with a net book value of 3,059 million euros (previous year: 
2,067 million euros) are established in their markets and will 
continue to be intensively promoted. Moreover, there are no 
other statutory, regulatory or competition-related factors that 
limit our usage of our brand names. 

Our annual impairment tests on trademarks and other rights 
with indefinite useful lives required impairment losses of 
0 million euros (previous year: 0 million euros). Following the 
acquisition of The Sun Products Corporation and the associ-
ated integration and restructuring measures, trademark book 
values with indefinite useful lives were reclassified to trade-
marks with finite useful lives in an amount of 101 million 
euros. The scheduled amortization ends in December 2017. In 
2016, amortization of around 14 million euros was recognized.

The company also intends to continue using the brands 
 disclosed as having definite useful lives. No impairment 
losses were registered with respect to trademarks and other 
rights with definite useful lives in 2016.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

135

2   Property, plant and equipment

Cost 

in million euros

At January 1, 2015

Acquisitions

Divestments

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications to assets held for sale 

Reclassifications

Translation differences

At December 31, 2015/January 1, 2016

Acquisitions

Divestments

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications to assets held for sale 

Reclassifications

Translation differences

At December 31, 2016

Accumulated depreciation / impairment 

in million euros

At January 1, 2015

Divestments

Write-ups

Scheduled depreciation

Impairment losses

Disposals

Reclassifications to assets held for sale 

Reclassifications

Translation differences

Land, land 
rights and 
buildings

2,088

3

– 

45

– 16

– 

62

46

2,228

85

– 

44

– 41

– 155 

41

12

2,214

Land, land 
rights and 
buildings

1,008

–  

– 

62

2

– 10

1

– 1

19

At December 31, 2015/January 1, 2016

1,081

2,181

Divestments

Write-ups

Scheduled depreciation

Impairment losses

Disposals

Reclassifications to assets held for sale 

Reclassifications

Translation differences

At December 31, 2016

–  

– 

65

50

– 27

– 75

– 4

4

– 

–

192

13

– 129

– 9

4 

8

1,094

2,260

Plant and 
machinery

Factory and 
office 
equipment

Assets in the 
course of 
construction

2,872

6

– 

136

– 94

 1

153

51

3,125

160

– 

142

– 137

– 10

179

20

3,479

973

2

– 

77

– 75

3

65

2

1,047

11

– 

68

– 83

–

51

1

1,095

310

–

–

256

– 

–

– 282

18

302

21

–

222

– 

–

– 271

– 10

264

Plant and 
machinery

Factory and 
office 
equipment

Assets in the 
course of 
construction

102

Total

6,243

11

– 

514

– 185

 4

– 2

117

6,702

277

– 

476

– 261

– 165

–

23

7,052

103

Total

2,042

– 

– 1

182

12

– 86

– 1

– 3

36

733

– 

– 

96

2

– 73

2

3

19

782

– 

– 

107

4

– 81

–

– 3

2

811

– 1

3,782

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

– 2

– 3

–

– 

–

–

–

–

3

–

–

– 

– 1

340

16

– 169

2

– 1

72

4,041

– 

–

364

67

– 237

– 84

–

14

4,165

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events136

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Net book values 

in million euros

At December 31, 2016

At December 31, 2015

Land, land 
rights and 
buildings

1,120

1,147

Plant and 
machinery

Factory and 
office 
equipment

Assets in the 
course of 
construction

1,219

944

284

265

264

305

104

Total

2,887

2,661

Additions are stated at purchase or manufacturing cost. The 
latter includes direct costs and appropriate proportions of 
 necessary overheads. Interest charges on borrowings are not 
included, as Henkel does not currently hold any qualifying 
assets in accordance with International Accounting Standard 
(IAS) 23 “Borrowing Costs.” Cost figures are shown net of 
investment grants and allowances. Acquisition-related costs 
incurred in order to make the asset ready for the intended use 
are capitalized. An overview of the primary investment proj-
ects undertaken during the fiscal year can be found on page 70 
in the combined management report.

At December 31, 2016, property, plant and equipment with a 
carrying amount of 0 million euros had been pledged as collat-
eral for existing liabilities. The periods over which the assets 
are depreciated are based on their estimated useful lives as 
set out on page 131. Scheduled depreciation and impairment 
losses recognized are allocated to the relevant functions in 
the consolidated statement of income. 

Of the impairment losses amounting to 67 million euros, 
46 million euros are attributable to the site in Scottsdale, 
 Arizona, USA, due to the merger of administrative functions 
as part of the process of integrating The Sun Products 
Corporation. 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

137

3   Other financial assets

Analysis 

105

in million euros

Non-current

Current

Total

Non-current

Current

Total

At December 31, 2015

At December 31, 2016

Receivables from associated companies

Financial receivables from third parties

Derivative financial instruments

Investments accounted for using the equity 
method

Other investments 

Receivable from Henkel Trust e.V.

Securities and time deposits

Financial collateral provided

Sundry financial assets  

Total  

–

15

–

12

21

–

–

–

15

63

1

24

72

–

–

349

5

10

79

540

1

39

72

12

21

349

5

10

94

603

4

13

–

7

56

–

–

–

15

95

1

25

103

–

–

501

2

7

95

734

5

38

103

7

56

501

2

7

110

829

With the exception of investments, derivatives, securities 
and time deposits, other financial assets are measured at 
amortized cost.  

The receivable from Henkel Trust e.V. relates to pension pay-
ments made by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA to retirees, for which 
reimbursement can be claimed from Henkel Trust e.V. 

Included under securities and time deposits are monies 
deposited as part of our short-term financial management 
arrangements. The monies involved are primarily time 
deposits. 

Sundry non-current financial assets include, among others, 
receivables from employees. The sundry current financial 
assets include the following:
•  Receivables from sureties and guarantee deposits amount-
ing to 37 million euros (previous year: 32 million euros)
•   Receivables from suppliers amounting to 21 million euros 

(previous year: 14 million euros)

•   Receivables from employees amounting to 14 million euros 

(previous year: 15 million euros).

4   Other assets

Analysis 

in million euros

Tax receivables

Payments on account

Overfunding of pension obligations 

Reimbursement rights related to employee 
benefits 

Accruals

Sundry other assets

Total 

At December 31, 2015

At December 31, 2016

Non-current

–

–

58

100

18

1

177

Current

202

28

–

11

72

17

330

Total

202

28

58

111

90

18

507

Non-current

–

–

24

102

21

8

155

Current

242

55

–

13

88

36

434

106

Total

242

55

24

115

109

44

589

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events138

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

5   Deferred taxes

Deferred taxes are recognized for temporary differences between 
the valuation of an asset or a liability in the financial statements 
and its tax base, for tax losses carried forward, and for unused tax 
credits. This also applies to temporary differences in valuation 
arising through acquisitions, with the exception of goodwill.

Deferred tax liabilities on taxable temporary differences related 
to shares in subsidiaries are recognized to the extent that a 
reversal of this difference is expected in the foreseeable future.

Changes in the deferred taxes in the statement of financial 
 position result in deferred tax expenses or income unless the 
underlying item is directly recognized in other comprehensive 
income. For items recognized directly in other comprehensive 
income, the associated deferred taxes are also recognized in 
other comprehensive income.

The valuation, recognition and breakdown of deferred taxes  
in respect of the various items in the statement of financial 
position are disclosed under Note 30 (“Taxes on income”) on 
pages 168 to 170.

6   Inventories

In accordance with IAS 2, reported under inventories are those 
assets that are intended to be sold in the ordinary course of 
business (finished products and merchandise), those in the 
process of production for such sale (work in progress) and 
those to be utilized or consumed in the course of manufacture 
or the rendering of services (raw materials and supplies). Pay-
ments on account made for the purpose of purchasing inven-
tories are likewise disclosed under the inventories heading.

Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realiz-
able value. 

Inventories are measured using either the “first in, first  
out” (FIFO) or the average cost method. Manufacturing  
cost includes not only the direct costs but also appropriate 
 portions of necessary overheads (for example goods inward 
department, raw material storage, filling, costs incurred 
through to the finished goods warehouse), production- 
related administrative expenses, the costs of the pensions 
of people who are employed in the  production process, and 
production- related amortization /depreciation. The overhead 
add-ons are calculated on the basis of average capacity 
 utilization. Not included, however, are interest expenses  
incurred during the manufacturing period. 

The net realizable value is determined as an estimated  selling 
price less costs yet to be incurred through to completion, and 
necessary selling and distribution costs. Write-downs to the 
net realizable value are made if, at year-end, the carrying 
amounts of the inventories are above their realizable fair val-
ues. The resultant valuation allowance amounted to 142 mil-
lion euros (previous year: 120 million euros). The carrying 
amount of inventories recognized at fair value less costs to 
sell amounted to 359 million euros. The carrying amount of 
inventories pledged as security for liabilities amounted to 
0 million euros.

Analysis of inventories 

in million euros

Raw materials and supplies

Work in progress

Finished products and merchandise

Payments on account for merchandise

Total

107

December 
31, 2015

December 
31, 2016

483

69

1,157

12

1,721

544

95

1,290

9

1,938

7   Trade accounts receivable

Trade accounts receivable amounted to 3,349 million euros  
(previous year: 2,944 million euros). They are all due within 
one year. Valuation allowances have been recognized in 
respect of specific risks as appropriate. Overall, we recognized 
total valuation allowances of 25 million euros (previous year: 
21 million euros).

Trade accounts receivable 

in million euros

Trade accounts receivable, gross

less: cumulative valuation allowances on  trade 
accounts receivable

Trade accounts receivable, net

108

December 
31, 2015

December 
31, 2016

3,056

3,467

112

2,944

118

3,349

Development of valuation allowances  on trade 
accounts receivable 

109

in million euros

Valuation allowances at January 1

Additions

Derecognition of receivables

Currency translation effects

Valuation allowances at December 31

2015

2016

108

15

– 12

1

112

112

22

– 15

– 1

118

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

139

8   Cash and cash equivalents

Assets and liabilities held for sale 

110

Recognized under cash and cash equivalents are liquid funds, 
sight deposits and other financial assets with an original term 
of not more than three months. In accordance with IAS 7, also 
recognized under cash equivalents are shares in money mar-
ket funds which, due to their first-class credit rating and 
investment in extremely short-term money market securities, 
undergo only minor value fluctuations and can be readily con-
verted within one day into known amounts of cash. Utilized 
bank overdrafts are recognized in the statement of financial 
position as liabilities to banks.

The volume of cash and cash equivalents increased compared 
to the previous year from 1,176 million euros to 1,389 million 
euros. Of this figure, 1,259 million euros (previous year: 950 mil-
lion euros) relates to cash and 130 million euros (previous 
year: 226 million euros) to cash equivalents. The change is 
shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows. 

9     Assets and liabilities held for sale

Assets held for sale are assets that can be sold in their current 
condition and whose sale is very probable. Disposal must be 
expected within one year from the time of reclassification as 
held for sale. Such assets may be individual assets, groups of 
assets (disposal groups) or business operations (discontinued 
operations). Assets held for sale are no longer subject to sched-
uled depreciation and amortization and are instead recog-
nized at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs 
to sell (level 3), which is determined by current price negotia-
tions with potential buyers.

Compared to December 31, 2015, assets held for sale increased 
by 85 million euros to 95 million euros. This increase is pri-
marily due to the merger of administrative functions as part of 
the process of integrating The Sun Products Corporation. As a 
result, the office in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, will probably be 
sold in the first half of 2017. The impairment of 41 million 
euros resulting from measurement of the assets at the lower of 
fair value and carrying amount has been recognized as a loss in 
administrative expenses. Liabilities held for sale also exist in 
an amount of 13 million euros (December 31, 2015: 0 million 
euros), mainly due to the signed agreement governing the sale 
of Henkel’s Western European flooring, tiling and waterproof-
ing business.

in million euros

Intangible assets and property, plant and 
equipment

Inventories and trade accounts receivable

Cash and cash equivalents

Other assets

Provisions

Borrowings

Other liabilities

Net assets

10   Issued capital

Issued capital 

in million euros

Ordinary bearer shares

Preferred bearer shares

Capital stock

At December 
31, 2015

At December 
31, 2016

6

3

–

1

–

–

–

10

92

2

–

1

13

–

–

82

111

At December 
31, 2015

At December 
31, 2016

260

178

438

260

178

438

Comprising: 
259,795,875 ordinary shares, 178,162,875 non-voting preferred shares.

All shares are fully paid in. The ordinary and preferred shares 
are bearer shares of no par value, each of which represents a 
nominal proportion of the capital stock amounting to 1 euro. 
The liquidation proceeds are the same for all shares. The num-
ber of ordinary shares issued remained unchanged year on 
year. The number of preferred shares in circulation was also 
unchanged year on year, at 174,482,323 as at December 31, 2016.

According to Art. 6 (5) of the Articles of Association, there is 
an authorized capital. Under Authorized Capital 2015, the Per-
sonally Liable Partner is authorized, with the approval of the 
Shareholders’ Committee and of the Supervisory Board, to 
increase the capital of the corporation at any time until April 12, 
2020, by up to a nominal amount of 43,795,875 euros in total by 
issuing up to 43,795,875 new non-voting preferred shares for 
cash and/or in-kind consideration. The authorization may be 
utilized to the full extent allowed or once or several times in 
installments. The proportion of capital stock represented 
by shares issued against payment in kind on the basis of this 
authorization must not exceed a total of 10 percent of the capi-
tal stock existing at the time the authorization takes effect. 

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events140

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

The Personally Liable Partner is authorized, with the approval 
of the Shareholders’ Committee and of the Supervisory Board, 
to set aside the pre-emptive rights of shareholders in the case 
of a capital increase against payment in kind, particularly for 
the purpose of business combinations or the (direct or indi-
rect) acquisition of entities, operations, parts of businesses, 
equity interests or other assets, including claims against the 
corporation or companies dependent upon it within the mean-
ing of Section 17 of the German Stock Corporation Act [AktG].

If capital is increased against payment in cash, all sharehold-
ers are essentially assigned pre-emptive rights. However, these 
may be set aside where necessary, subject to the approval of 
the Shareholders’ Committee and of the Supervisory Board, in 
order to dispose of fractional amounts or to grant to holders of 
bonds with warrants or conversion rights issued by the corpo-
ration, or one of the companies dependent upon it, pre-emp-
tive rights corresponding to those that would accrue to such 
bondholders following the exercise of their warrant or conver-
sion rights or on fulfillment of their conversion obligations, or 
if the issue price of the new shares is not significantly below 
the quoted market price at the time of issue price fixing.

In addition, the Personally Liable Partner is authorized to pur-
chase ordinary and/or preferred shares of the corporation at 
any time until April 12, 2020, up to a maximum nominal pro-
portion of the capital stock of 10 percent. This authorization 
can be exercised for any legal purpose. To the exclusion of the 
pre-emptive rights of existing shareholders, treasury shares 
may, in particular, be transferred to third parties for the pur-
pose of acquiring entities or participating interests of entities. 
Treasury shares may also be sold to third parties against pay-
ment in cash, provided that the selling price is not signifi-
cantly below the quoted market price at the time of share dis-
posal. The shares may likewise be used to satisfy warrants or 
conversion rights granted by the corporation. The Personally 
Liable Partner has also been authorized, with the approval of 
the Shareholders’ Committee and of the Supervisory Board, to 
cancel treasury shares without the need for further resolution 
by the Annual General Meeting.

Insofar as shares are issued or used to the exclusion of pre- 
emptive rights, the proportion of capital stock represented by 
such shares shall not exceed 10 percent. 

Treasury shares held by the corporation at December 31, 2016 
amounted to 3,680,552 preferred shares (December 31, 2015: 
3,680,552). This represents 0.84 percent of the capital stock 
and a proportional nominal value of 3.7 million euros.

See also the explanatory notes on pages 31 and 32 of the com-
bined management report.

11   Capital reserve

The capital reserve comprises the amounts received in previ-
ous years in excess of the nominal value of preferred shares 
and convertible warrant bonds issued by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA.

12   Retained earnings

Recognized in retained earnings are the following:
•   Amounts allocated in the financial statements of Henkel AG 

& Co. KGaA in previous years

•   Amounts allocated from consolidated net income less those 

amounts attributable to non-controlling interests

•   Buy-back of treasury shares by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA at cost 

and the proceeds from their disposal

•   Actuarial gains and losses recognized in equity
•   The acquisition or disposal of ownership interests in 

 subsidiaries with no change in control

•  Valuation effects following application of the anticipated 

acquisition method

For details on the acquisition of ownership interests in subsid-
iaries with no change in control in fiscal 2016, please see the 
section “Acquisitions and divestments” on pages 123 to 126.

13   Other components of equity

Reported under this heading are differences reported in equity 
arising from the currency translation of annual financial state-
ments of foreign subsidiaries and also the effects arising from 
the valuation in total comprehensive income of financial assets 
in the “Available for sale” category and of derivative financial 
instruments for which hedge accounting is used. The latter are 
derivatives used in connection with cash flow hedges or hedges 
of a net investment in a foreign entity. Due in particular to the 
appreciation of the US dollar versus the euro, the negative differ-
ence attributable to shareholders of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA aris-
ing from currency translation decreased compared to the figure 
at December 31, 2015, by 134 million euros to –7 million euros.

14   Non-controlling interests

Recognized under non-controlling interests are equity shares 
held by third parties measured on the basis of the proportion 
of net assets.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

141

15   Provisions for pensions and similar obligations

Description of the pension plans
Employees in companies included in the consolidated finan-
cial statements have entitlements under company pension 
plans which are either defined contribution or defined benefit 
plans. These take different forms depending on the legal, 
financial and tax regimes of each country. The level of benefits 
provided is based, as a rule, on the length of service and on the 
income of the person entitled. Details of pension benefits for 
members of the Management Board are provided in the 
 remuneration report on pages 39 to 51.

To provide protection under civil law of the pension entitle-
ments of future and current pensioners of Henkel AG & Co. 
KGaA against insolvency, we have transferred the proceeds of 
the bond issued in 2005 and certain other assets to Henkel 
Trust e.V. The trustee invests the cash with which it has been 
entrusted in the capital market in accordance with investment 
policies laid down in the trust agreement. In addition, we also 
subsidize medical benefits for retired employees resident 
mainly in the USA. Under these programs, retirees are reim-
bursed for a certain percentage of their medical expenses.  
We build provisions during the employees’ service period 
and pay the promised benefits when they are claimed.

The defined contribution plans are structured in such a way 
that the corporation pays contributions to public or private sec-
tor institutions on the basis of statutory or contractual terms or 
on a  voluntary basis and has no further obligations regarding 
the payment of benefits to employees. The contributions for 
defined contribution plans, excluding multi-employer plans, 
for the reporting period amounted to 103 million euros (previ-
ous year: 82 million euros). In 2016, we paid 47 million euros 
to public sector institutions (previous year: 46 million euros) 
and 56 million euros to private sector institutions (previous 
year: 36 million euros).

No extraordinary events occurred in the reporting period.

In defined benefit plans, the liability for pensions and other 
post-employment benefits is calculated at the present value 
of the future obligations (projected unit credit method). This 
actuarial method of calculation takes future trends in wages, 
 salaries and retirement benefits into account. 

The majority of the  recipients of pension benefits are located 
in Germany and the USA. The pension obligations are primar-
ily financed via various external trust assets that are legally 
independent of Henkel. 

Active employees of Henkel in Germany participate in a defined 
contribution system, “Altersversorgung 2004  (AV 2004),” 
which was newly formed in 2004. AV 2004 is an employer- 
financed pension plan that reflects the personal income devel-
opment of employees during their career at  Henkel and thus 
provides a performance-related pension. Henkel guarantees a 
minimum return on the company’s contributions. The benefit 
essentially consists of an annuity payable upon attainment 
of the retirement age plus a lump-sum payment if the annuity 
threshold is exceeded in the employee’s service period. In 
addition to age and disability pensions, the plan benefits include 
surviving spouse and surviving child benefits. 

Employees who started at Henkel after April 1, 2011, partici-
pate in the pension plan “Altersversorgung 2011 (AV 2011).” 
AV 2011 is an employer-financed, fund-linked retirement plan 
funded by contributions based on the income development of 
the employee. Henkel ensures its employees that a lump-sum 
amount is available upon retirement which is at least equiva-
lent to the level of principal contributions made by Henkel. 
Henkel makes the pension contribution to an investment fund 
established for the purpose of the company pension plan. 
Upon attaining retirement age, the employee can choose 
between an annuity through transfer of the superannuation 
lump-sum to a pension fund, or a one-time payment. 

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events142

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Multi-employer plans
Henkel provides defined pension benefits that are financed by 
more than one employer. The ensuing multi-employer plans 
are treated as defined contribution plans because, due to the 
limited share of the contribution volume in the plans, the 
information available for each of the financing companies is 
insufficient for defined benefit accounting. In the Henkel 
Group, benefits from multi-employer plans are provided for 
employees primarily in the USA and Japan. Withdrawal from 
our multi- employer plans at the present time would incur a 
one-time expense of around 29 million euros (previous year: 
around 30 million euros). Payments into multi-employer 
plans in fiscal 2016 amounted to 2 million euros (previous 
year: 2 million euros). We expect contributions of around 
2 million euros in fiscal 2017.

Actuarial assumptions 

in percent

Discount rate

Income trend

Expected increases in costs for medical benefits

in years

Life expectancy at age 65 as of the valuation date for a person  currently 

65 years old

40 years old

1  Weighted average.

Assumptions
Group-wide, the obligations from our pension plans are 
 valued by an independent external actuary at the end of the 
fiscal year. The calculations at the end of the fiscal year are 
based on the actuarial assumptions below. These are given as 
the weighted average. The mortality rates used are based on 
published statistics and experience relating to each country. In 
Germany, the assumptions are based on the “Heubeck 2005G” 
mortality table. In the USA, the assumptions are based on the 
modified “RP 2014” mortality table. The valuation of pension 
obligations in Germany was based essentially on the assump-
tion of a 1.9 percent increase in retirement benefits (previous 
year: 2 percent).

The discount rate is based on yields in the market for high- 
ranking corporate bonds on the respective date. The currency 
and term of the underlying bonds are aligned with the cur-
rency and expected maturities of the post-employment pen-
sion obligation.

Germany

USA

Other countries 1

2015

2.20

3.25

–

2016

1.60

3.25

–

2015

4.30

2.85

7.10

2016

4.10

3.00

6.80

2015

2.85

2.50

3.80

112

2016

2.10

2.85

3.60

21.0

24.2

21.2

24.4

22.0

23.0

22.0

23.0

24.0

26.0

24.0

26.0

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

143

Development of defined benefit obligation at December 31, 2015 

in million euros

At January 1, 2015

Changes in the Group

Translation differences

Actuarial gains (–)/losses (+)

of which: from changes in demographic assumptions 

of which: from changes in financial assumptions

of which: from experience adjustments

Current service cost

Employee contributions

Gains (–)/losses (+) arising from the termination and curtailment of plans

Interest expense

Retirement benefits paid out of plan assets 

Employer’s payments for pension obligations

Other changes

At December 31, 2015

of which: obligations not covered by plan assets

of which: obligations covered by plan assets

of which: obligations covered by reimbursement rights

Development of plan assets at December 31, 2015 

in million euros

At January 1, 2015

Changes in the Group

Translation differences

Employer contributions

Employee contributions

Retirement benefits paid out of plan assets

Planned income on plan assets

Remeasurements in equity

Other changes

At December 31, 2015

Development of asset ceiling at December 31, 2015 

in million euros

At January 1, 2015

Interest cost for asset ceiling

Remeasurements in equity

At December 31, 2015

Germany

3,254

USA  Other countries

1,174

1,137

5

–

– 251

–

– 246

– 5

46

11

– 1 

54

– 144

– 8

–

2,966

87

2,879

–

Germany

2,646

3

–

25

11

– 144

49

– 13

 –

2,577

–

124

– 68

– 36

– 27

– 5

18

–

– 5

50

– 69

– 26

–

1,198

298

789

111

–

34

– 89

2

– 74

– 17

26

1

– 2 

28

– 35

– 9

–

1,091

94

997

–

USA Other countries

815

–

93

–

–

– 69

34

– 39

–

834

867

–

29

35

1

– 35

22

2

–

921

113

Total

5,565

5

158

– 408

– 34

– 347

– 27 

90

12

– 8

132

– 248

– 43

–

5,255

479

4,665

111

114

Total

4,328

3

122

60

12

– 248

105

– 50

–

4,332

115

Germany

USA Other countries

Total

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1

–

6

7

1

–

6

7

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events144

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Development of the net obligation at December 31, 2015 

in million euros

Net obligation at January 1, 2015

Recognized through profit or loss

Current service cost

Gains (–)/losses (+) arising from the termination and curtailment of plans

Interest expense

Recognized in equity in other comprehensive income

Actuarial gains (–)/losses (+)

Remeasurements in equity

Change in the effect of the asset ceiling

Other items recognized in equity

Employer’s payments

Changes in the Group

Translation differences

Net obligation at December 31, 2015

Overfunding of pension obligations

Recognized provision at December 31, 2015

Development of defined benefit obligation at December 31, 2016 

in million euros

At January 1, 2016

Changes in the Group

Translation differences

Actuarial gains (–)/losses (+)

of which: from changes in demographic assumptions

of which: from changes in financial assumptions

of which: from experience adjustments

Current service cost

Employee contributions

Gains (–)/losses (+) arising from the termination and curtailment of plans

Interest expense

Retirement benefits paid out of plan assets 

Employer’s payments for pension obligations

Other changes

At December 31, 2016

of which: obligations not covered by plan assets

of which: obligations covered by plan assets

of which: obligations covered by reimbursement rights

Germany

608

46

–  1

5

– 251

13

–

– 33

2

–

389

–

389

USA Other countries

359

18

– 5

16

– 68

39

–

– 26

–

31

364

23

387

270

26

–  2

6

– 89

– 2

6

– 43

–

5

177

35 

212

Germany

2,966

USA Other countries

1,198

1,091

– 7

–

224

–

233

– 9

43

16

– 9 

64

– 173

– 6

2

3,120

98

3,022

–

1

46

30

– 

26

4

16

–

– 

48

– 69

– 33

–

1,237

182

940

115

–

– 63

177

– 4

164

17

26

1

– 4 

25

– 38

– 10

– 1

1,204

115

1,089

–

116

Total

1,237

90

– 8

27

– 408

50

6

– 102

2

36

930

58

988

117

Total

5,255

– 6

– 17

431

– 4

423

12 

85

17

– 13

137

– 280

– 49

1

5,561

395

5,051

115

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

145

Development of plan assets at December 31, 2016 

in million euros

At January 1, 2016

Changes in the Group

Translation differences

Employer contributions

Employee contributions

Retirement benefits paid out of plan assets

Planned income on plan assets

Remeasurements in equity

Other changes

At December 31, 2016

Development of asset ceiling at December 31, 2016 

in million euros

At January 1, 2016

Interest cost for asset ceiling

Changes directly recognized in equity

At December 31, 2016

Development of the net obligation at December 31, 2016 

in million euros

Net obligation at January 1, 2016

Recognized through profit or loss

Current service cost

Gains (–)/losses (+) arising from the termination and curtailment of plans

Interest expense

Recognized in equity in other comprehensive income

Actuarial gains (–)/losses (+)

Remeasurements in equity

Change in the effect of the asset ceiling

Other items recognized in equity

Employer’s payments

Changes in the Group

Translation differences

Net obligation at December 31, 2016

Overfunding of pension obligations

Recognized provision at December 31, 2016

Germany

2,577

–

–

98

16

– 173

66

132

2

2,718

USA Other countries

834

–

28

27

–

– 69

34

17

–

871

921

–

– 62

60

1

– 38

21

95

– 1

997

118

Total

4,332

–

– 34

185

17

– 280

121

244

1

4,586

119

Germany

USA Other countries

Total

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7

–

1

8

Germany

389

USA Other countries

364

177

43

–  9

– 2

224

– 132

–

– 104

– 7

–

402

–

402

16

–

14

30

– 17

–

– 60

1

18

366 

18

384

26

– 4

4

177

– 95

1

– 70

–

– 1

215

6 

221

7

–

1

8

120

Total

930

85

– 13

16

431

– 244

1

– 234

– 6

17

983

24

1,007

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events146

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Analysis of reimbursement rights 

in million euros

At January 1

Changes in the Group

Translation differences

Employer contributions

Employee contributions

Retirement benefits paid

Interest income

Remeasurements in equity

At December 31

121

2016

111

–

5

3

–

– 8

5

– 1

115

2015

105

–

10

3

–

– 7

5

– 5

111

The total present value (defined benefit obligation – DBO) 
is comprised of:
•  1,960 million euros for active employees, 
•   930 million euros for former employees with  

vested  benefits, and 

•  2,671 million euros for retirees. 

The average weighted duration of pension obligations is 
16 years for Germany, 9 years for the USA and 20 years for other 
countries.

In determining net liability, we take into account amounts 
that are not recognized due to asset ceiling restrictions. If the 
fair value of the plan asset item exceeds the obligations arising 
from the pension benefits, an asset is recognized only if the 
reporting entity can also derive economic benefit from these 

assets, for example in the form of return flows or a future 
reduction in contributions (“Asset Ceiling” per IAS 19.58 ff.). 
In the reporting period, we recorded an amount of 8 million 
euros as an asset ceiling (previous year: 7 million euros).

Within our consolidated statement of income, current service 
costs are allocated on the basis of cost of sales to the respec-
tive function. Only the net of interest expense for the present 
value of obligations and interest income from plan assets is 
reported in the interest result. All gains/losses from the termi-
nation and curtailment of plans have been recognized in other 
operating income/expenses. The employer’s contributions in 
respect of state pension provisions are included as “Social 
security contributions and staff welfare costs” under Note 33, 
page 171. In 2016, allocations to the pension fund amounted to 
185 million euros (previous year: 60 million euros).

The reimbursement rights covering a portion of the pension 
obligations in the USA are assets that do not fulfill the defini-
tion of plan assets as stated in IAS 19.

The reimbursement rights indicated are available to the  
Group in order to cover the expenditures required to fulfill 
the respective pension obligations. Reimbursement rights and 
the associated pension obligations must, according to IAS 19, 
be shown unnetted in the statement of financial position.

Payments into pension funds in fiscal 2017 are expected to 
total 52 million euros.

Analysis of plan assets 

in million euros

Shares

Europe

USA

Others

Bonds and hedging  instruments

Government bonds

Corporate bonds

Derivatives

Alternative investments

Cash

Liabilities 1

Other assets

Total

December 31, 2015

December 31, 2016

Quotation  
on  active 
 markets

No quotation  
on active  
markets

Total

Quotation  
on  active  
markets

No quotation  
on active 
 markets

1,274

555

223

496

2,891

994

1,897

–

–

–

–

–

4,165

–

–

–

–

11

–

–

11

214

78

– 349

213

167

1,274

1,407

555

223

496

2,902

994

1,897

11

214

78

– 349 

213

4,332

646

229

532

3,086

1,048

2,038

–

–

–

–

–

4,493

–

–

–

–

5

–

–

5

275

104

– 501

210

93

122

Total

1,407

646

229

532

3,091

1,048

2,038

5

275

104

– 501 

210

4,586

1  Liability to Henkel AG & Co. KGaA from the assumption of pension payments for Henkel Trust e.V.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

147

Plan assets by country 2016 

123

Classification of bonds by rating 2016 

124

USA 

19 %

Germany 

59 %

Non-Investment Grade  4 %

Investment Grade 

96 %

Other countries  22 %

The objective of the investment strategy for the global plan 
assets is the long-term security of pension payments. This is 
ensured by comprehensive risk management that takes into 
account the asset and liability portfolios of the defined benefit 
pension plans. Henkel pursues a liability-driven investment 
(LDI) approach in order to achieve the investment objective. 
This approach takes into account the structure of the pension 
obligations and manages the cover ratio of the pension plans. 
In order to improve the funding ratio, Henkel invests plan 
assets in a diversified portfolio for which the expected long-
term yield is above the interest costs of the pension obligations.

In order to cover the risks arising from trends in wages, sala-
ries and life expectancies, and to close the potential deficit 
between plan assets and pension obligations over the long 
term, additional investments are made in a return-enhancing 
portfolio as an add-on instrument that contains assets such as 
equities, private equity and real estate. The target portfolio 
structure of the plan assets is essentially determined in 
asset-liability studies. These studies are conducted regularly 
with the help of external advisors who assist Henkel in the 
investment of plan assets. They examine the actual portfolio 
structure, taking into account current capital market condi-
tions, investment principles and the obligation structure, and 
can suggest adjustments be made to the portfolio. 

The expected long-term yield for individual plan assets is 
derived from the target portfolio structure and the expected 
long-term yields for the individual asset classes. 

Major plan assets are administered by external fund managers 
in Germany and the USA. These countries pursue the above 
investment strategies and are monitored centrally. At Decem-
ber 31, 2016, other assets making up the plan assets included 
the present value of a non-current receivable of 64 million 
euros (previous year: 60 million euros) relating to claims per-
taining to a hereditary building lease assigned by Henkel AG & 
Co. KGaA to Henkel Trust e.V. Also shown here is a claim of 
115 million euros (previous year: 123 million euros) against 
BASF Personal Care & Nutrition GmbH (formerly Cognis 

GmbH) for indemnification of pension obligations. This claim 
represents the nominal value, which is equivalent to the mar-
ket price. In the reporting year, as in the previous year, we held 
no direct investments and no treasury shares in respect of 
plan assets in the portfolio.

Risks associated with pension obligations

Our internal pension risk management monitors the risks of 
all pension plans Group-wide in compliance with local legal 
regulations. As part of the monitoring process, guidelines on 
the control and management of risks are adopted and continu-
ously developed; these guidelines mainly govern external 
funding, portfolio structure and actuarial assumptions. The 
objective of the financing strategy within the Group is to 
ensure that plan assets cover 90 to 100 percent of the present 
value of the funded pension obligations. The contributions 
and investment strategies are intended to ensure nearly com-
plete coverage of the plans for the duration of the pension 
obligations.

Henkel’s pension obligations are exposed to various market 
risks. These risks are counteracted by the degree of external 
funding and the structure of pension benefits. The risks relate 
primarily to changes in market interest rates, inflation, and life 
expectancy, as well as general market fluctuations. Pension 
obligations based on contractual provisions in Germany gen-
erally entail lifelong benefits payable in the event of death or 
disability or when the employee reaches retirement age.

In order to reduce the risks arising from the payment of lifelong 
benefits as well as inflation, pension benefits have been gradu-
ally converted since 2004 to what are known as modular bene-
fits with a pension option in which the benefit is initially 
divided into an annuity and lump-sum benefit portion. Newly 
hired employees since 2011 receive a commitment based pri-
marily on the lump-sum benefit. Generally, lump-sum benefits 
may also be paid out as an annuity through a pension fund. All 
benefits in Germany are financed through a provident fund 

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events148

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

(Vorsorgefonds) established for the purpose of the occupational 
pension plan. Benefits for new employees since 2011 as well as a 
portion of the entitlements vested since 2004 are linked to the 
performance of this provident fund, resulting in a reduction in 
overall risk to the Group. The described adjustments within the 
pension structure reduce the financial risk arising from pension 
commitments in Germany. By linking the benefit to the capital 
investment, the net risk is also largely eliminated. An increase 
in the long-term inflation assumption would mainly affect the 
expected increase in pensions and the expected trend in pen-
sion-eligible  salaries.

The pension obligations in the USA are based primarily on 
three retirement plans that are all closed to new employees. 
New employees receive pension benefits based on a defined 
contribution plan. The pension benefits generally have a 
lump-sum option which is usually exercised. When a pension 
becomes payable, the amount of the annuity granted is deter-
mined on the basis of current market interest rates. As a result, 
the impact of a change to the interest rate used in the calcula-
tion is low compared to pension commitments entailing life-
long benefits. Additionally, in the USA, pensions paid once are 
not adjusted by amount, thus there are no direct risks during 
the pension payment period arising from pending annuity 
adjustments. Inflation risks therefore result mainly from the 
salary adjustments awarded.

In addition to the pension obligation risks already presented, 
there are specific risks associated with multi-employer plans. 
In the Henkel Group, these essentially relate to the USA. The 
contributions to these plans are raised mainly through an allo-
cation process based on the pension-eligible income of active 
employees. Restructuring contributions may also be made in 
order to close gaps in coverage. The risks of such plans arise 
largely from higher future contributions to close coverage gaps 
or through discontinuation by other companies obligated to 
make contributions.

The impact of changes to assumptions in medical benefits for 
employees and retirees in the USA is shown in the sensitivities 
analysis.

The analysis of our Group-wide pension obligations revealed 
no extraordinary risks.

Cash flows and sensitivities
In the next five financial years, the following payments from 
 pension plans are expected:

Future payments for pension benefits 

in million 
euros

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Germany

USA

Other  
countries

137

127

127

128

133

125

102

102

100

100

36

33

34

37

37

125

Total

298

262

263

265

270

The future level of the funded status and thus of the pension 
obligations depends on the development of the discount rate, 
among other factors. Companies based in Germany and the 
USA account for 78 percent of our pension  obligations. The 
medical costs for employees of our subsidiaries in the USA 
which are incurred after retirement are also recognized in 
the pension obligations for defined benefit plans. A rate of 
increase of 6.8 percent (previous year: 7.1 percent) was assumed 
for the medical costs. We expect this  rate of increase to fall 
gradually to 4.5 percent by 2037 (previous year: 4.5 percent by 
2037). The effects of a change in material actuarial assumptions 
for the present value of pension obligations are as follows:

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

149

Sensitivities – Present value of pension obligations at December 31, 2016 

in million euros

Present value of obligations

in the event of

Increase in the discount rate by 0.5 pp

Reduction of the discount rate by 0.5 pp

Rise in future income increases by 0.5 pp

Reduction of future income increases by 0.5 pp

Rise in retirement benefits increases by 0.5 pp

Reduction of retirement benefits increases by 0.5 pp

Rise in medical costs by 0.5 pp

Reduction of medical costs by 0.5 pp

pp = percentage points

Germany

3,120

2,903

3,364

3,119

3,118

3,280

2,970

3,118

3,118

USA

1,237

1,187

1,293

1,242

1,230

1,235

1,235

1,238

1,232

Other countries

1,204

1,091

1,338

1,232

1,180

1,287

1,140

1,205

1,205

126

Total

5,561

5,181

5,995

5,593

5,528

5,802

5,345

5,561

5,555

The extension of life expectancy in Germany by one year 
would increase the present value of pension obligations by 
4 percent. This would have a more limited effect in the USA 
because a significant share of the pension plans is based on 
lump-sum benefits.

It should be noted with respect to the sensitivities presented 
that, due to mathematical effects, the percentage change is not 
and does not need to be linear. Thus the percentage increases 
and decreases do not vary with the same absolute amount. 
Each sensitivity is independently calculated and is not subject 
to scenario analysis.

16   Income tax provisions and other provisions

Development in 2016 

in million euros

Income tax provisions

of which: non-current

of which: current

Restructuring provisions

of which: non-current

of which: current

Sundry provisions

of which: non-current

of which: current

Total

of which: non-current

of which: current

Initial balance 
January 1, 2016

Acquisitions

Utilized

Released

Added

352

89

263

225

72

153

1,735

324

1,411

2,312

485

1,827

2

2

0

1

0

1

62

1

61

65

3

62

– 137

– 1

– 136

– 126

– 15

– 111

– 1,172

– 32

–  1,140

– 1,435

– 48

– 1,387

– 20

0

– 20

– 12

– 2

– 10

– 93

– 4

– 89

– 125

– 6

– 119

285

24

261

172

19

153

1,502

53

1,449

1,959

96

1,863

127

Other  
changes

End balance 
December  
31, 2016

– 18

– 8

– 10

 5

– 16

21

14

– 53

67

1

– 77

78

464

106

358

265

58

207

2,048

289

1,759

2,777

453

2,324

Provisions are recognized for obligations toward third parties 
where the outflow of resources is probable and the expected 
obligation can be reliably estimated. Provisions are measured 
to the best estimate of the expenditures required in order to 
meet the current obligation as of the reporting date. Price 
increases expected to take place prior to the time of perfor-
mance are included in the calculation. Provisions in which the 
interest effect is material are discounted to the reporting date 

at a pre-tax interest rate. For obligations in Germany, we have 
applied interest rates of between –0.1 and 2.3 percent. 

The income tax provisions comprise accrued tax liabilities and 
amounts set aside for the outcome of external tax audits.

Other provisions include identifiable obligations toward third 
parties. They are measured at total cost. 

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events150

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Other changes in provisions include changes in the scope of 
consolidation, movements in exchange rates, compounding 
effects, and adjustments to reflect changes in maturity as time 
passes.

Provisions are recognized in respect of restructuring mea-
sures, provided that work has begun on the implementation of 
a detailed, formal plan or such a plan has already been com-
municated. Additions to the restructuring provisions are 
related to the closure of the administrative office in Scottsdale, 
Arizona, USA, as part of the integration of The Sun Products 
Corporation in North America, and to the further optimization 
of production and process structures in all business units.

The provisions for obligations arising from our sales activities 
cover expected burdens in the form of subsequent reductions 
in already generated revenues, and risks arising from pending 
transactions.

Provisions for payroll obligations essentially cover expendi-
tures likely to be incurred by the Group for variable, perfor-
mance-related remuneration components.

Provisions for obligations in the production and engineering 
sphere relate primarily to provisions for warranties.

Analysis of sundry provisions by function 

128

Risks arising from legal disputes and proceedings
Provisions have been made for individual risks arising from 
civil disputes in the amount of probable claims plus associ-
ated procedural costs. The amount accrued for claims arising 
from product liability actions in the USA was adjusted to 
reflect the latest information. Overall, the total amount in 
euros is in the double-digit millions. In accordance with IAS 
37.92, further disclosures with respect to the proceedings and 
their related risks to Henkel have not been made in order to 
refrain from interference with their outcome.

On December 18, 2014, in an action relating to infringements 
between 2003 and 2006, the French antitrust authorities 
imposed fines amounting to around 951 million euros in total 
against various international companies in the cosmetic and 
detergent industries. Henkel received a fine of 109 million 
euros, which was paid provisionally on May 15, 2015. A final 
decision on the appeal filed by Henkel with regard to the 
amount of the fine is still pending.

Henkel and its Group companies are also defendants in or 
 parties to other judicial, arbitrational, and official proceed-
ings. The course and outcomes of legal disputes are inherently 
uncertain and unpredictable. Based on the knowledge cur-
rently available, no negative future impact, material or other-
wise, on the net assets, financial position and results of opera-
tions of the corporation is expected.

in million euros

Sales

of which: non-current

of which: current

Payroll

of which: non-current

of which: current

Production and engineering

of which: non-current

of which: current

Various sundry obligations

of which: non-current

of which: current

Total

of which: non-current

of which: current

At December 
31, 2015

At December 
31, 2016

817

14

803

638

228

410

37

20

17

243

62

181

1,735

324

1,411

977

10

967

691

199

492

45

20

25

335

60

275

2,048

289

1,759

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

151

17   Borrowings

Borrowings 

in million euros

Bonds

Commercial paper 1

Liabilities to banks 2

Other borrowings

Total

At December 31, 2015

At December 31, 2016

Non-current

Current

Total

Non-current

Current

–

–

–

4

4

–

811

69

–

880

–

811

69

4

884

2,254

–

1,042

4

3,300

4

381

40

–

425

1  From the euro and US dollar commercial paper program (total volume 2 billion US dollars and 1 billion euros).
2  Obligations with floating rates of interest or interest rates pegged for less than one year.

129

Total

2,258

381

1,082

4

3,725

130

Bonds 

Issuer

Type

Nominal value Carrying amounts 
excluding accrued 
interest

Market values 
excluding accrued 
interest 1

Market values 
including accrued 
interest 1

Interest rate 

Maturity

in million euros

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Bond

500 million euros

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Bond

700 million euros

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Bond

750 million US dollars

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Bond 300 million GB pounds 2

Total bonds

–

–

–

–

–

499

698

709

348

2,254

–

–

–

–

–

501

699

707

344

2,251

–

–

–

–

–

501

699

710

345

2,255

–

–

–

0 % p.a.

0 % p.a.

1.5 % p.a.

– 0.875 % p.a.

September 
13, 2018 

September 
13, 2021

September 
13, 2019

September 
13, 2022

1 Market value of the bonds derived from the stock market price at December 31. 
2 A cross-currency swap is in place to convert the interest and principal payments on the bond denominated in British pounds into euro payments. 

Henkel issued four fixed-rate bonds with a volume of 2.2 bil-
lion euros in September 2016 to finance the acquisition of The 
Sun Products Corporation. Additionally, Henkel took out a 
three-year floating-rate syndicated bank loan of 1.1 billion US 
dollars (based on the interest rate for 1M US dollar LIBOR plus 
0.55 percent  spread), which is recognized under liabilities to 
banks. 

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events152

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

18   Other financial liabilities

Analysis 

131

in million euros

Non-current

Current

Total

Non-current

Current

Total

At December 31, 2015

At December 31, 2016

Liabilities to non-consolidated affiliated 
 companies and associated companies

Liabilities to customers

Derivative financial instruments

Sundry financial liabilities

Total 

–

–

–

1

1

8

42

44

15

109

8

42

44

16

110

–

–

13

101

114

7

58

64

35

164

Of the liabilities to non-consolidated affiliated companies 
and associated companies, 7 million euros is attributable to 
non-consolidated affiliated companies. Included in the sun-
dry financial liabilities are the contingent purchase price lia-
bility relating to our acquisition in Nigeria (75 million euros) 
and liabilities from finance leases (17 million euros).

 19   Other liabilities

Analysis 

in million euros

Other tax liabilities

Liabilities to employees 

Liabilities relating to employee deductions

Liabilities in respect of social security

Sundry other liabilities

Total 

At December 31, 2015

At December 31, 2016

Non-current

Current

–

–

–

1

15

16

174

28

70

22

57

351

Total

174

28

70

23

72

367

Non-current

–

6

–

–

19

25

Current

211

41

62

23

58

395

7

58

77

136

278

132

Total

211

47

62

23

77

420

The sundry other liabilities primarily comprise various 
income deferrals for other accounting periods amounting to 
29 million euros (previous year: 14 million euros) and pay-
ments on account received in the amount of 10 million euros 
(previous year: 3 million euros).

20    Trade accounts payable

Trade accounts payable increased from 3,176 million euros to 
3,665 million euros. In addition to purchase invoices, they also 
relate to accruals for invoices outstanding in respect of goods 
and services received. They are all due within one year.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

153

21   Financial instruments report 

133

Financial instruments

Financial assets

Financial liabilities

Equity

Amortized cost

Fair value

Amortized cost

Fair value

Cost

Statement of income

Other comprehen-
sive income

Fair value option

Held for trading

Loans and 
receivables

Held to maturity

Fair value option

Held for trading

Available for sale 

  Categories used by Henkel

Different valuation categories are allocated to these two 
classes. Financial instruments assigned to the valuation cate-
gories “Available for sale” and “Held for trading” are generally 
measured at fair value. Other securities and time deposits as 
well as other investments which are not measured using the 
equity method, both part of other financial assets in the state-
ment of financial position, are categorized as “Available for 
sale.” Only the derivative financial instruments held by the 
Henkel Group which are not included in hedge accounting are 
designated as “Held for trading.” We recognize all other finan-
cial instruments including the financial assets categorized as 
“Loans and receivables” at amortized cost using the effective 
interest method. The measurement categories “Held to matu-
rity” and “Fair value option” are not currently used within the 
Henkel Group.

Financial instruments explained by category
A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a 
financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity 
instrument of another entity.

Within the Henkel Group, financial instruments are reported 
under trade accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, bor-
rowings, other financial assets, other financial liabilities, and 
cash and cash equivalents within the statement of financial 
position.

Financial instruments are recognized once Henkel becomes a 
party to the contractual provisions of the financial instru-
ment. The recognition of financial assets takes place at the set-
tlement date, with the exception of derivative financial instru-
ments, which are recognized on the transaction date. All 
financial instruments are initially reported at their fair value. 
Transaction costs are only capitalized if the financial instru-
ments are not subsequently remeasured to fair value through 
profit or loss. For subsequent remeasurement, financial 
instruments are divided into the following classes in accor-
dance with IAS 39:
•   Financial instruments measured at amortized cost
•   Financial instruments measured at fair value

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events154

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

The derivative financial instruments that are not included in 
a designated hedging relationship are categorized as “Held 
for trading” and recognized at their fair value. All fair value 
changes are recognized through profit or loss. Hedge account-
ing is applied in individual cases – where possible and eco-
nomically sensible – in order to avoid profit and loss varia-
tions arising from fair value changes in derivative financial 
instruments. Fair value and cash flow hedges are designated 
within the Group depending on the type of underlying and the 
risk being hedged. Details relating to the hedging contracts 
transacted within the Group and how the fair values of the 
derivatives are determined are provided on pages 157 to 159.

All financial liabilities – with the exception of derivative 
financial instruments and the contingent purchase price lia-
bility relating to our acquisition in Nigeria – are essentially 
recognized at amortized cost using the effective interest 
method.

Borrowings for which a hedging transaction has been con-
cluded that meets the requirements of IAS 39 with respect to a 
designated hedging relationship are recognized according to 
hedge accounting rules.

The financial instruments in the measurement category 
“Loans and receivables” are non-derivative financial instru-
ments. They are characterized by fixed or determinable pay-
ments and are not traded in an active market. Within the 
Henkel Group, this category is mainly comprised of trade 
accounts receivable, cash and cash equivalents, and other 
financial assets with the exception of investments, deriva-
tives, securities and time deposits. The carrying amounts of 
the financial instruments categorized as “Loans and receiv-
ables” closely approximate their fair value due to their pre-
dominantly short-term nature. If there are doubts as to the 
realizability of these financial instruments, they are recog-
nized at amortized cost less appropriate valuation allowances.

Financial instruments in the category “Available for sale” are 
non-derivative financial assets and are recognized at fair 
value, provided that this is reliably determinable. If the fair 
value cannot be reliably determined, they are recognized at 
cost. Value changes between the reporting dates are essentially 
recognized in equity through comprehensive income (avail-
able-for-sale reserve) without affecting profit or loss, unless 
the cause lies in permanent impairment. Impairment losses 
are recognized through profit or loss. When the asset is 
derecognized, the amounts recognized in the revaluation 
reserve are released through profit or loss. In the Henkel 
Group, the securities and time deposits recognized under 
other financial assets are categorized together with other 
investments as “Available for sale.” The fair values of the secu-
rities and time deposits are based on quoted market prices, or 
derived from market data. As the fair values of other invest-
ments cannot be reliably determined, they are measured at 
amortized cost. Henkel is currently not planning to sell any of 
the financial instruments recognized under other investments.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

155

Carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments 

134

At December 31, 2015
in million euros

Assets

Loans and receivables

Trade accounts receivable

Other financial assets

Receivables from associated companies

Financial receivables from third parties

Receivables from Henkel Trust e.V.

Sundry financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Financial assets available for sale

Other financial assets

Other investments

Floating-interest securities and time deposits (level 1)

Floating-interest securities (level 2)

Fixed-interest securities (level 1)

Financial collateral provided (level 1)

Financial assets held for trading (level 2)

Derivative financial instruments not included in a designated hedging 
relationship

Derivative financial instruments included in a designated hedging 
 relationship (level 2)

Total

Liabilities

Amortized cost

Trade accounts payable

Borrowings not included in a designated hedging relationship

Borrowings included in a designated hedging relationship

Other financial liabilities

Financial liabilities held for trading (level 2)

Derivative financial instruments not included in a designated  
hedging relationship

Derivative financial instruments included in a designated  
hedging relationship (level 2)

Other financial liabilities (level 3)

Sundry financial liabilities

Total 

Valuation according to IAS 39

Carrying 
amount 
December 31

Amortized  
cost

Fair value,  
through other 
comprehen-
sive income

Fair value,  
through profit 
or loss

Fair value 
December 31

4,603

2,944

483

1

39

349

94

4,603

2,944

483

1

39

349

94

1,176

1,176

36

36

21

3

2

–

10

60

60

12

21

21

21

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4,711

4,624

4,126

3,176

884

–

66

34

34

10

–

–

4,126

3,176

884

–

66

–

–

–

–

–

4,170

4,126

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

15

15

–

3

2

–

10

–

–

12

27

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

10

–

–

10

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

60

60

–

60

–

–

–

–

–

34

34

–

–

–

34

4,603

2,944

483

1

39

349

94

1,176

36

36

21

3

2

–

10

60

60

12

4,711

4,126

3,176

884

–

66

34

34

10

–

–

4,170

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events156

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments 

135

At December 31, 2016
in million euros

Assets

Loans and receivables

Trade accounts receivable

Other financial assets

Receivables from associated companies

Financial receivables from third parties

Receivables from Henkel Trust e.V.

Sundry financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Financial assets available for sale

Other financial assets

Other investments

Floating-interest securities (level 2)

Financial collateral provided (level 1)

Financial assets held for trading (level 2)

Derivative financial instruments not included in a designated  
hedging relationship

Derivative financial instruments included in a designated  
hedging  relationship (level 2)

Total

Liabilities

Amortized cost

Trade accounts payable

Borrowings not included in a designated hedging relationship

Other financial liabilities

Financial liabilities held for trading (level 2)

Derivative financial instruments not included in a designated  
hedging relationship

Derivative financial instruments included in a designated  
hedging relationship (level 2)

Other financial liabilities (level 3)

Sundry financial liabilities

Total

Valuation according to IAS 39

Carrying 
amount 
December 31

Amortized  
cost

Fair value,  
through other 
comprehen-
sive income

Fair value,  
through profit 
or loss

Fair value 
December 31

5,392

3,349

654

5

38

501

110

5,392

3,349

654

5

38

501

110

1,389

1,389

65

65

56

2

7

72

72

31

56

56

56

–

–

–

–

–

5,560

5,448

7,516

3,665

3,725

126

68

68

9

75

75

7,516

3,665

3,725

126

–

–

–

–

–

7,668

7,516

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

9

9

–

2

7

–

–

31

40

–

–

–

–

–

–

9

75

75

84

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

72

72

–

72

–

–

–

–

68

68

–

–

–

68

5,392

3,349

654

5

38

501

110

1,389

65

65

56

2

7

72

72

31

5,560

7,513

3,665

3,722

126

68

68

9

75

75

7,665

The following hierarchy is applied in order to determine and 
disclose the fair value of financial instruments:
•  Level 1: Fair values which are determined on the basis of 

quoted, unadjusted prices in active markets.

•   Level 2: Fair values which are determined on the basis of 
parameters for which either directly or indirectly derived 
market prices are available.

•   Level 3: Fair values which are determined on the basis of 

parameters for which the input factors are not derived from 
observable market data.

The fair value of securities and time deposits classified as 
level 1 is based on the quoted market prices on the reporting 
date. Observable market data are used to measure the fair value 

of level 2 securities. If bid and ask prices are available, the mid 
price is used to determine the fair value.

The fair value of the contingent purchase price liability 
reported under other financial liabilities that resulted from 
our acquisition in Nigeria is classified as level 3. The fair value 
of the contingent purchase price liability on the date of the 
acquisition was 113 million euros. As a result of remeasure-
ment as of December 31, 2016, this figure was adjusted to 
75 million euros.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

157

The measurement effects were recognized directly in equity 
and reported in the statement of changes in equity as other 
changes in equity. The fair value was determined using the 
discounted cash flow method, taking into account the key 
financial figures of the acquired company based on a detailed 
planning horizon up to 2025. A discount rate was applied as 
derived from the capital costs in euros. A further material val-
uation parameter – in addition to the long-term growth rate 
reflected in the perpetual annuity of 1.5 percent and the 
weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of 6.2 percent that was 
used as the discount rate – is the exchange rate of the Nigerian 
naira. A rise in interest rates or a depreciation of the naira 
would result in a lower negative fair value of the liability. An 
interest rate reduction or an appreciation of the naira would 
result in a higher negative fair value.

We did not perform any reclassifications between the valua-
tion categories or transfers within the fair value hierarchy 
either in fiscal 2016 or in the previous year.

Net gains and losses from financial instruments by 
category
The net gains and losses from financial instruments can be 
allocated to the following categories:

Net results of the measurement categories and  
reconciliation to financial result 

136

in million euros

Loans and receivables

Financial assets available for sale

Financial assets and liabilities held for trading  
including derivatives in a designated hedging 
relationship

Financial liabilities measured  
at amortized cost

Total net results

Foreign exchange effects

Interest expense of pension provisions  
less interest income from plan assets and 
 reimbursement rights

Other financial result (not related to financial 
instruments)

Financial result

2015 

2016

57

2

64

– 77

46

– 60

– 22

– 6

– 42

19

0

65

– 29

55

– 74

– 11

– 3

– 33

The net result of “Loans and receivables” is attributable in full 
to interest income. Net expenses arising from additions and 
releases of valuation allowances amounting to –25 million 
euros (previous year: –21 million euros) and income from 
 payments on financial instruments already written off and 
derecognized amounting to 1 million euros (previous year: 
1 million euros) were recognized in operating profit. 

The net result from securities and time deposits classified as 
“Available for sale” amounts to 0 million euros (previous year: 
1 million euros) for interest income, 0 million euros (previous 
year: 1 million euros) for income from sales and 0 million 
euros (previous year: 0 million euros) for income from other 
investments. As was also the case in 2015, the measurement of 
these financial instruments at fair value did not result in rec-
ognition of a gain or loss in equity. 

The net result from “Held for trading” financial instruments 
and derivatives in a designated hedging relationship includes, 
in addition to the outcome of measurement of these deriva-
tives at fair value amounting to 66 million euros (previous 
year: 17 million euros), an expense of –2 million euros arising 
from additions to the valuation allowance made for counter-
party credit risk (previous year: 0 million euros). Moreover, 
1 million euros of interest income and expenses from interest 
rate and currency derivatives and amounts recycled from cash 
flow hedges recognized in equity are also included under this 
heading (previous year: 47 million euros).

The net result from “Financial liabilities measured at amor-
tized cost” is essentially derived from the interest expense for 
borrowings amounting to –25 million euros (previous year: 
–116 million euros). Fees amounting to –4 million euros for 
procuring money and loans were also recognized under this 
heading (previous year: –4 million euros). 

The realization and valuation of financial assets and liabilities 
in foreign currencies (without derivative financial instru-
ments) resulted in an expense of –74 million euros (previous 
year: –60 million euros).

Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments are measured at their fair 
value at the reporting date. Recognition of the gains and losses 
arising from fair value changes of derivative financial instru-
ments is dependent upon whether the requirements of IAS 39 
are fulfilled with respect to hedge accounting. 

Hedge accounting is not applied to the large majority of deriv-
ative financial instruments. We recognize through profit or 
loss the fair value changes in these derivatives which, in eco-
nomic terms, represent effective hedges within the framework 
of Group strategy. These are largely compensated by fair value 
changes in the hedged items. In hedge accounting, derivative 
financial instruments are qualified as instruments for hedging 
the fair value of a recognized underlying (“fair value hedge”), 
as instruments for hedging future cash flows (“cash flow 
hedge”) or as instruments for hedging a net investment in a 
foreign entity (“hedge of a net investment in a foreign entity”). 

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events158

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

The following table provides an overview of the derivative 
financial instruments utilized and recognized within the 
Group, and their fair values:

Derivative financial instruments 

At December 31 
in million euros

Forward exchange contracts 1

(of which: for hedging loans within the Group)

(of which: designated as cash flow hedge)

Foreign exchange options

Cross-currency swaps

Equity forward contracts

(of which: designated as cash flow hedge)

Total derivative financial instruments

137

Nominal value

Positive fair value 2

Negative fair value 2

2015

5,879

2016

4,000

(4,277)

(2,433)

(696)

(657)

5

–

–

(–)

5,884

1

359

167

147

4,527

2015

72

(51)

(12)

–

–

–

(–)

72

2016

80

(53)

(11)

–

–

23

20

103

2015

– 44

(– 29)

(– 10)

–

– 

–

(–)

– 44

2016

– 64

(– 44)

(– 9)

–

– 13 

–

–

– 77

1 Maturity less than 1 year. 
2  Fair values including accrued interest and excluding valuation allowance for counterparty credit risk of 2 million euros (previous year: 0 million euros).

We determine the fair value of forward exchange contracts and 
cross-currency swaps on the basis of the reference rates issued 
by the European Central Bank for the reporting date, taking 
into account forward premiums/forward discounts for the 
remaining term of the respective contract versus the con-
tracted foreign exchange rate. Foreign exchange options are 
measured using price quotations or recognized models for the 
determination of option prices. The fair value of equity for-
ward contracts is measured on the basis of the closing price 
of Henkel preferred shares on the reporting date, taking into 
account forward premiums/forward discounts for the remain-
ing term of the respective contract versus the contracted for-
ward share price. Interest rate hedges are measured on the 
basis of discounted cash flows expected in the future, taking 
into account market interest rates applicable for the remain-
ing term of the contracts. These are indicated for the two most 
important currencies in the following table. It shows the 
 interest rates quoted on the interbank market in each case 
on December 31.

Interest rates in percent p.a. 

138

At December 31
Term

1 month

3 months

6 months

1 year 

2 years

5 years 

10 years

Euro

US dollar

2015

– 0.21

– 0.13

– 0.04

0.06

– 0.03

0.33

1.00

2016

2015

2016

– 0.37 

– 0.32

– 0.22

– 0.08

– 0.16

0.08

0.66

0.43

0.61

0.85

1.18

1.18

1.74

2.19

0.77

1.00

1.32

1.69

1.46

1.96

2.32

In measuring derivative financial instruments, counterparty 
credit risk is taken into account with an adjustment to the fair 
values concerned, determined on the basis of credit risk pre-
miums. The adjustment relating to fiscal 2016 amounts to 
2 million euros (previous year: 0 million euros). The addition 
is recognized in profit or loss under financial result.

Depending on their fair value and their maturity on the report-
ing date, derivative financial instruments are included in 
financial assets (positive fair value) or in financial liabilities 
(negative fair value).

Most of the forward exchange contracts serve to hedge risks 
arising from trade accounts receivable and payable, and those 
pertaining to Group financing.

Fair value hedges: A fair value hedge hedges the fair value of rec-
ognized assets and liabilities. The change in the fair value of 
the derivatives and the change in the fair value of the underly-
ing relating to the hedged risk are simultaneously recognized 
in profit or loss.

The Henkel Group did not use any fair value hedges in fiscal 
2016. In 2015, receiver interest rate swaps used to hedge the 
fair value risk of the hybrid bond issued by Henkel AG & Co. 
KGaA were designated as fair value hedges. They expired when 
the hybrid bond was redeemed in November 2015. 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

159

The following table provides an overview of the gains and 
losses arising from fair value hedges (valuation allowance 
made for the counterparty credit risk not included):

Gains and losses from fair value hedges 

in million euros

Gains (+)/losses (–) from hedged items

Gains (+)/losses (–) from hedging instruments

Net 

2015

43

– 45

– 2

139

2016

–

– 

– 

Cash flow hedges: A cash flow hedge hedges fluctuations in 
future cash flows from recognized assets and liabilities, and 
also transactions that are either planned or highly probable, or 
firmly contracted unrecognized financial commitments, from 
which an interest-rate, currency, or share price risk arises. 
The effective portion of a cash flow hedge is recognized in the 
hedge reserve in equity. The ineffective portion arising from 
the change in value of the hedging instrument is recognized 
through profit or loss in the financial result or operating 
profit, depending on the item hedged. The gains and losses 
recorded in equity are subsequently recognized through profit 
or loss in the period in which the results are affected by the 
hedged transaction.

Cash flow hedges (after tax) 

140

End balance

Initial  
balance 

Addition 
(recognized 
in equity)

Disposal  
(recognized 
through 
profit or loss)

– 215

– 202

31

1

– 31

– 14

– 215

– 215

in million 
euros

2016

2015

The initial value of the cash flow hedges recognized in equity 
reflects the fair values of the payer interest swaps that were 
used in previous years to hedge the cash flow risks of the float-
ing-interest US dollar liabilities at Henkel of America, Inc., 
and of currency hedges for acquisitions.

An addition of 11 million euros after tax relates to currency 
hedges of planned inventory purchases against fluctuations in 
spot rates. Of the gains recognized in equity, 11 million euros 
was reclassified to operating profit in the reporting period. 
The positive and negative fair values of the derivatives con-
tracted as a currency hedge of planned inventory purchases 
amounted to 11 million and –9 million euros respectively. The 
cash flows from the currency derivatives and the cash flows 
from the hedged inventory purchases are expected to occur 
and affect profit or loss in the next fiscal year. 

An addition of 20 million euros resulted from the hedges to 
protect planned payments relating to our long-term incentive 
(LTI) scheme – some of which were effected in the course of 
the fiscal year just ended – against fluctuations in Henkel 
share prices. All of the gains recognized in equity were reclas-
sified to operating profit in the reporting period. The positive 
fair values of the equity forward contracts totaled 20 million 
euros. The cash flows relating to these derivatives will occur 
during the next fiscal year, as will the cash flows from the 
hedged LTI payments. The ineffective portions recognized in 
operating profit amounted to 1 million euros.

Hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity: The accounting 
treatment of hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity 
against translation risk is similar to that applied to cash flow 
hedges. The gain or loss arising from the effective portion of 
the hedging instrument is recognized in equity through other 
comprehensive income; the gain or loss of the ineffective por-
tion is recognized directly through profit or loss. The gains 
or losses recognized directly in equity remain there until dis-
posal or partial disposal of the net investment. 

The items recognized in equity relate essentially to translation 
risks arising from net investments in Swiss francs and US dol-
lars for which the associated hedges were entered into and 
 settled in previous years. Henkel did not hedge any net invest-
ments in foreign entities in fiscal 2016.

Hedges of a net investment  
in a foreign entity (after tax) 

141

End balance

Initial 
balance

Addition 
(recognized 
in equity)

Disposal 
(recognized 
through 
profit or 
loss)

31

35

–

– 4

–

–

31

31

in million euros

2016

2015

Risks arising from financial instruments, and risk 
management
As a globally active corporation, Henkel is exposed in the 
course of its ordinary business operations to credit risks, 
liquidity risks and market risks (currency translation, interest 
rate and commodity price risks). The purpose of financial risk 
management is to restrict the exposure arising from operating 
activities through the use of selective derivative and non-de-
rivative hedges. Henkel uses derivative financial instruments 
exclusively for the purposes of risk management. Without 
these instruments, Henkel would be exposed to higher finan-
cial risks. Changes in exchange rates, interest rates or com-
modity prices can lead to significant fluctuations in the fair 

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events160

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

values of the derivatives used. These variations in fair value 
should not be regarded in isolation from the hedged items, as 
derivatives and the underlying constitute a unit in terms of 
countervailing fluctuations.

Management of currency, interest rate and liquidity risks is 
based on the treasury guidelines introduced by the Manage-
ment Board, which are binding on the entire corporation. They 
define the targets, principles and competences of the Corporate 
Treasury organizational unit. These guidelines describe the 
fields of responsibility and establish the distribution of these 
responsibilities between Corporate Treasury and Henkel’s sub-
sidiaries. The Management Board is regularly and comprehen-
sively informed of all major risks and of all relevant hedging 
transactions and arrangements. A description of the objectives 
and fundamental principles adopted in capital management 
can be found in the combined management report on pages 72 
and 73. There were no major risk clusters in the reporting 
period.

Credit risk
In the course of its business activities with third parties, the 
Henkel Group is exposed to global credit risk arising from both 
its operating business and its financial investments. This risk 
derives from the possibility of a contractual party not fulfilling 
its obligations.

The maximum credit risk is represented by the carrying value 
of the financial assets recognized in the statement of financial 
position (excluding financial investments recognized using 
the equity method), as indicated in the following table:

Maximum risk position 

in million euros

Trade accounts receivable

Derivative financial instruments not included in  
a designated hedging relationship

Derivative financial instruments included in  
a designated hedging relationship

Other financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Total carrying values

142

2016

3,349

72

31

719

1,389

5,560

2015

2,944

60

12

519

1,176

4,711

In its operating business, Henkel is confronted by progressive 
concentration and consolidation on the customer side, as 
reflected in the receivables from individual customers.

A credit risk management system operating on the basis of a 
globally applied credit policy ensures that credit risks are con-
stantly monitored and bad debts minimized. This policy, 
which applies to both new and existing customers, governs 
the allocation of credit limits and compliance with those lim-
its, individual analyses of customers’ creditworthiness based 
on both internal and external financial information, risk clas-
sification, and continuous monitoring of the risk of bad debts 
at the local level. We also monitor our key customer relation-
ships at the regional and global level. In addition, safeguard-
ing measures are implemented on a selective basis for particu-
lar countries and customers inside and outside the eurozone. 

Collateral received and other safeguards include country- 
specific and customer-specific protection afforded by credit 
insurance, confirmed and unconfirmed letters of credit in the 
export business, and guarantees, warranties, and cover notes.

We make valuation allowances with respect to financial assets 
so that the assets are recognized at their fair value at the 
reporting date. In the case of impairment losses that have 
already occurred but have not yet been identified, we make 
global valuation allowances on the basis of empirical evi-
dence, taking into account the overdue structure of the trade 
accounts receivable. As a rule, the impairment test on loans 
and receivables that are more than 180 days overdue results in a 
valuation allowance of 100 percent.

The decision as to whether a credit risk is accounted for 
through a valuation allowance account or by derecognition 
of the impaired receivable depends upon the probability of 
incurring a loss. For accounts receivable classified as irrecov-
erable, we report the credit risk directly through derecognition 
of the impaired item or entry of the relevant amount in the 
valuation allowance account. If the basis for the original 
impairment is eliminated, we recognize a reversal through 
profit or loss.

In all, we recognized valuation allowances on loans and 
receivables in 2016 in the amount of 25 million euros (previ-
ous year: 21 million euros).

The carrying amount of loans and receivables, the term of 
which was renegotiated because they would have otherwise 
fallen overdue or been impaired, was 0 million euros (previ-
ous year: 0 million euros).

Based on our experience, we do not expect the necessity for 
any further valuation allowances, other than those described 
above, on non-overdue, non-impaired financial assets.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

161

Age analysis of non-impaired overdue loans and receivables 

Analysis

in million euros

At December 31, 2016

At December 31, 2015

Less than 30 days

30 to 60 days

61 to 90 days More than 91 days

235

194

73

67

35

32

7

6

143

Total

350

299

Credit risks also arise from financial investments such as cash 
at banks, securities and the positive fair value of derivatives. 
Such exposure is limited by our Corporate Treasury specialists 
through the selection of counterparties with strong credit rat-
ings, and limitations on the amounts allocated to individual 
investments. In financial investments and derivatives trading 
with German and international banks, we only enter into 
transactions with counterparties of high financial standing. 
We invest exclusively in securities from issuers with an invest-
ment grade rating. Our cash deposits can be liquidated at short 
notice. Our financial investments are broadly diversified 
across various counterparties and various financial assets. To 
minimize the credit risk, we agree netting arrangements to 

offset bilateral receivables and obligations with counterpar-
ties. We additionally enter into collateral agreements with rel-
evant banks, on the basis of which reciprocal sureties are 
established twice a month to secure the fair values of con-
tracted derivatives and other claims and obligations. The net-
ting arrangements only provide for a contingent right to offset 
transactions conducted with a contractual party. Accordingly, 
associated amounts can be offset only under certain circum-
stances, such as the insolvency of one of the contractual par-
ties. Thus, the netting arrangements do not meet the offsetting 
criteria under IAS 32 “Financial Instruments: Presentation.” 
The following table provides an overview of financial assets 
and financial liabilities from derivatives that are subject to 
netting, collateral, or similar arrangements:

Financial assets and financial liabilities from derivatives subject to netting,  
collateral, or similar arrangements 

At December 31
in million euros

Financial assets

Financial liabilities

Gross amount recog-
nized in the statement 
of financial position 1

2015

72

44

2016

103

77

Amount eligible for 
offsetting

Financial collateral  
received / provided

Net amount

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

35

35

76

76

35

10

21

7

2

– 1

1 Fair values excluding valuation allowance of 2 million euros made for counterparty credit risk (previous year: 0 million euros).

144

2016

6

– 6

In addition to netting and collateral arrangements, investment 
limits are set, based on the ratings of the counterparties, in 
order to minimize credit risk. These limits are monitored and 
adjusted regularly. When determining the limits, we also apply 
certain other indicators, such as the pricing of credit default 
swaps (CDS) by banks. A valuation allowance of 2 million 
euros exists to cover the remaining credit risk from the posi-
tive fair values of derivatives (previous year: 0 million euros).

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events162

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is defined as the risk of an entity failing to meet 
its financial obligations at any given time. 

We minimize this risk by deploying financing instruments in 
the form of issued bonds and commercial paper. With the help 
of our existing debt issuance program in the amount of 6 bil-
lion euros, this is also possible on a short-term and flexible 
basis. In order to ensure the financial flexibility of Henkel at 
any time, the liquidity within the Group is largely centralized 
and managed through the use of cash pools. We predomi-
nantly invest cash in financial assets traded in a liquid market 
in order to ensure that they can be sold at any time to procure 
liquid funds. In addition, the Henkel Group has at its disposal 

confirmed credit lines of 1.5 billion euros. These credit lines 
have terms until 2019. The individual subsidiaries additionally 
have at their disposal committed bilateral loans of 0.1 billion 
euros with a revolving term of up to one year. Our credit rating 
is regularly assessed by the rating agencies Standard & Poor’s 
and Moody’s.

Our liquidity risk can therefore be regarded as very low.

The maturity structure of the original and derivative financial 
liabilities within the scope of International Financial Report-
ing Standard (IFRS) 7 based on cash flows is shown in the fol-
lowing table.

Cash flows from financial liabilities 

in million euros

Bonds 

Commercial paper 1

Liabilities to banks

Trade accounts payable

Sundry financial instruments 2

Original financial instruments

Derivative financial instruments

Total

December 
31, 2015 
Carrying 
amounts

–

811

69

3,176

70

4,126

44

4,170

Remaining term

Up to  
1 year

Between  
1 and 5 
years

More than  
5 years

–

811

70

3,176

65

4,122

44

4,166

–

–

–

–

1

1

–

1

–

–

–

–

4

4

–

4

1 From the euro and US dollar commercial paper program (total volume 2 billion US dollars and 1 billion euros).
2 Sundry financial instruments include amounts due to customers, and finance bills.

Cash flows from financial liabilities 

in million euros

Bonds 

Commercial paper 1

Liabilities to banks

Trade accounts payable

Sundry financial instruments 2

Original financial instruments

Derivative financial instruments

Total

December 
31, 2016 
Carrying 
amounts

2,258

381

1,082

3,665

205

7,591

77

7,668

Remaining term

Up to  
1 year

Between  
1 and 5 
years

More than  
5 years

14

385

53

3,665

100

4,217

64

4,281

1,946

–

1,071

–

96

3,113

–

3,113

353

–

–

–

11

364

13

377

1 From the euro and US dollar commercial paper program (total volume 2 billion US dollars and 1 billion euros).
2  Sundry financial instruments include amounts due to customers, and finance bills.

145

December 
31, 2015 
Total cash 
flow

–

811

70

3,176

70

4,127

44

4,171

146

December 
31, 2016 
Total cash 
flow

2,312

385

1,124

3,665

207

7,693

77

7,770

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

163

Currency risk
The global nature of our business activities results in a huge 
number of cash flows in different currencies. The resultant 
currency exposure breaks down into two categories, namely 
transaction and translation risks. 

Transaction risks arise from possible exchange rate fluctua-
tions causing changes in the value of future foreign currency 
cash flows. The hedging of the resultant exchange rate risks 
forms a major part of our central risk management activity. 
Transaction risks arising from our operating business are 
 partially avoided by the fact that we largely manufacture our 
products in those countries in which they are sold. Residual 
transaction risks on the operating side are proactively man-
aged by Corporate Treasury. This includes the ongoing assess-
ment of the specific currency risk and the development of 
appropriate hedging strategies. The objective of our currency 
hedging is to fix prices based on hedging rates so that we are 
protected from future adverse fluctuations in exchange rates. 
Because we limit our potential losses, any negative impact on 
profits is restricted. The transaction risk arising from major 
financial payables and receivables is, for the most part, hedged. 
In order to manage these risks, we primarily utilize forward 
exchange contracts and currency swaps. The derivatives are 
designated as cash flow hedges or “Held for trading” and mea-
sured accordingly. The currency risk that exists within the 
Group in the form of transaction risk initially affects equity in 
the case of cash flow hedges, while all changes in the value of 
derivatives designated as “Held for trading“ are recognized 
directly in income.

The value-at-risk pertaining to the transaction risk of the 
Henkel Group as of December 31, 2016 amounted to 99 million 
euros after hedging (previous year: 102 million euros). The val-
ue-at-risk shows the maximum expected risk of loss in a year 
as a result of currency fluctuations. Starting in fiscal 2013, our 
value-at-risk analysis has been extended to one year in our 
internal risk reports as it provides a more comprehensive rep-
resentation of the risk associated with a fiscal year. The risk 
arises from imports and exports by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and 
its foreign subsidiaries. Due to the international nature of its 
activities, the Henkel Group has a portfolio with more than 
50 different currencies. The following table shows the value-
at-risk for Henkel’s major currencies. 

Market risk
Market risk exists where the fair value or future cash flows of a 
financial instrument may fluctuate due to changes in market 
prices. Market risks primarily take the form of currency risk, 
interest rate risk and various price risks (particularly the com-
modity price risk, and the share price risk arising from our 
long-term incentive [LTI]). Henkel uses equity forward con-
tracts to hedge against the share price risk. 

The Corporate Treasury department manages currency expo-
sure and interest rates centrally for the Group and is therefore 
responsible for all transactions with financial derivatives and 
other financial instruments. Trading, Treasury Controlling and 
Settlement (front, middle and back offices) are separated both 
physically and in terms of organization. The parties to the con-
tracts are German and international banks which Henkel mon-
itors regularly, in accordance with Corporate Treasury guide-
lines, for creditworthiness and the quality of their quotations. 
Financial derivatives are used to manage currency exposure 
and interest rate risks in connection with operating activities 
and the resultant financing requirements, again in accordance 
with the Corporate Treasury guidelines. Financial derivatives 
are entered into solely for hedging purposes.

The currency and interest rate risk management of the Group 
is supported by an integrated treasury system which is used to 
identify, measure and analyze the Group’s currency exposure 
and interest rate risks. In this context, “integrated” means that 
the entire process from the conclusion of financial transac-
tions to their entry in the accounts is covered. Much of the 
currency trading takes place on internet-based, multibank 
dealing platforms. These foreign currency transactions are 
automatically transferred into the treasury system. The cur-
rency exposure and interest rate risks reported by all subsid-
iaries under standardized reporting procedures are integrated 
into the treasury system by data transfer. As a result, it is pos-
sible to retrieve and measure at any time all currency and 
interest rate risks across the Group and all derivatives entered 
into to hedge the exposure to these risks. The treasury system 
supports the use of various risk concepts. 

Market risk is monitored on the basis of sensitivity analyses 
and value-at-risk computations. Sensitivity analyses enable 
estimation of potential losses, future gains, fair values or cash 
flows of instruments susceptible to market risks arising from 
one or several selected hypothetical changes in foreign 
exchange rates, interest rates, commodity prices or other 
 relevant market rates or prices over a specific period. We use 
sensitivity analyses in the Henkel Group because they enable 
reasonable risk assessments to be made on the basis of direct 
assumptions (e.g. an increase in interest rates). Value-at-risk 
computations reveal the maximum potential future loss of 
a certain portfolio over a given period based on a specified 
probability level.

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events164

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

derivative financial instruments that can be modeled, moni-
tored and assessed in the risk management system may be 
used to hedge the interest rate risk.

Henkel’s interest management strategy is essentially aligned 
to optimizing the net interest result for the Group. The deci-
sions made in interest management relate to the bonds and 
commercial paper issued to secure Group liquidity, the securi-
ties and time deposits used for cash investments, and the 
other financial instruments. The financial instruments 
exposed to interest rate risk are primarily denominated in 
euros and US dollars.

Depending on forecasts with respect to interest rate develop-
ments, Henkel enters into derivative financial instruments, 
primarily interest rate swaps, in order to optimize the interest 
rate lock-down structure. In the event of an expected rise in 
interest rate levels, Henkel protects its positions by transact-
ing additional interest rate derivatives as an effective means of 
hedging against interest rates rising over the short term. In 
addition to the two fixed-rate euro-denominated bonds, Henkel 
entered into a cross-currency swap to convert the bond denom-
inated in British pounds into a fixed-rate euro obligation. 
A fixed-rate bond denominated in US dollars was also issued. 
The interest on all other financial instruments is floating. Our 
exposure (after hedging) to interest rate risk at the reporting 
dates was as follows:

Interest rate exposure 

in million euros

Fixed-interest financial instruments

Euro

US dollar

Others

Floating-interest financial instruments

Euro

US dollar

Chinese yuan

Russian ruble

Others

148

Carrying amounts

2015

2016

–

–

–

–

– 1,546

– 712

–

– 2,258

254

357

– 1,036

– 1,797

474

16

627

335

511

26

860

– 43

Currency exposure 1 

in million euros

Russian ruble

Egyptian pound

Iranian rial

Chinese yuan

US dollar

Others

1  Transaction risk.

147

2015

2016

23

8

3

12

– 4

60

102

19

17

11

9

– 14

57

99

The value-at-risk analysis assumes a time horizon of one year 
and a unilateral confidence interval of 95 percent. We adopt 
the variance-covariance approach as our basis for calculation. 
Volatilities and correlations are determined using historical 
data. The value-at-risk analysis is based on the operating book 
positions and budgeted positions in foreign currency, nor-
mally with a forecasting horizon of nine months. 

Translation risks emanate from changes caused by foreign 
exchange fluctuations to items on the statement of financial 
position and the income statement of a subsidiary, and the 
effect these changes have on the translation of individual 
company financial statements into Group currency. However, 
unlike transaction risk, translation risk does not necessarily 
impact future cash flows. The Group’s equity reflects the 
changes in carrying values resulting from foreign exchange 
influences. The risks arising from the translation of the earn-
ings results of subsidiaries in foreign currencies and from net 
investments in foreign entities are only hedged in exceptional 
cases.  

Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk encompasses those potentially negative 
influences on profits, equity or cash flow in current or future 
reporting periods arising from changes in interest rates. In the 
case of fixed-interest financial instruments, changing capital 
market interest rates result in a fair value risk, as the attribut-
able fair values fluctuate depending on those capital market 
interest rates. In the case of floating-interest financial instru-
ments, a cash flow risk exists because the interest payments 
may be subject to future fluctuations.

The Henkel Group obtains and invests the majority of the cash 
it requires from and in the international money and capital 
markets. The resulting financial liabilities and our cash depos-
its may be exposed to the risk of changes in interest rates. The 
aim of our centralized interest rate management system is to 
manage this risk through our choice of interest commitments 
and the use of derivative financial instruments. Only those 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

165

The calculation of the interest rate risk is based on sensitivity 
analyses. The analysis of cash flow risk examines all the main 
floating-interest financial instruments as of the reporting 
date. Net financial position is defined as cash and cash equiva-
lents plus readily monetizable financial instruments classified 
as “Available for sale” or according to the “Fair value option,” 
less borrowings, and plus positive and less negative fair values 
of hedging transactions. The interest rate risk figures shown in 
the table are based on this calculation at the relevant reporting 
date. When analyzing fair value risk, we assume a parallel shift 
in the interest curve of 100 basis points and calculate the 
hypothetical loss or gain of the relevant interest rate deriva-
tives at the reporting date. 

The risk of interest rate fluctuations with respect to the earn-
ings of the Henkel Group is shown in the basis point value 
(BPV) analysis in the following table.

Interest rate risk 

in million euros

Based on an interest rate change of  
100 basis points 

of which:

Cash flow through profit and loss

Fair value recognized in equity through  
comprehensive income

149

2015

2016

– 3

– 3

–

– 

– 

–

Other price risks (commodity price risk)
Uncertainty with respect to commodity price development 
impacts the Group. Purchase prices for raw materials can 
affect the net assets, financial position and results of opera-
tions of Henkel. The risk management strategy put in place by 
the Group management for safeguarding against procurement 
market risk is described in more detail in the risk and opportu-
nities report on pages 106 and 107.

As a small part of the risk management strategy, cash-settled 
commodity futures may be entered into on the basis of fore-
casted purchasing requirements in order to hedge future 
uncertainties with respect to commodity prices. Cash-settled 
commodity derivatives are only used at Henkel where there is 
a direct relationship between the hedging derivative and the 
physical underlying. Henkel does not practice hedge account-
ing and can therefore be exposed to temporary price risks 
when holding commodity derivatives. Such price risks arise 
due to the fact that the commodity derivatives are measured at 
fair value whereas the purchasing requirement, as a pending 
transaction, is not measured or recognized. This can lead to 
losses being recognized in profit or loss and equity. Develop-
ments in fair values and the resultant risks are continuously 
monitored.

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events166

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated statement of income

22   Sales and principles of income recognition 

24   Marketing, selling and distribution expenses

Sales increased year on year to 18,714 million euros. Revenues 
and their development by business unit and region are sum-
marized in the Group segment report and in the key financials 
by region on pages 121 and 122. A detailed explanation of the 
development of major income and expense items can be found 
in the combined management report on pages 64 to 69.

Sales comprise sales of goods and services less direct sales 
deductions such as customer-related rebates, credits and other 
benefits paid or granted. Sales are recognized once the goods 
have been delivered or the service has been performed. In the 
case of goods, this coincides with the physical delivery and 
 so-called transfer of risks and rewards. Henkel uses different 
terms of delivery that contractually determine the transfer of 
risks and rewards. It must also be probable that the economic 
benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Group, 
and the costs incurred with respect to the transaction must be 
reliably measurable.

Services are generally provided in conjunction with the sale of 
goods, and recorded once the service has been performed. No 
sale is recognized if there are significant risks relating to the 
receipt of the consideration or it is likely that the goods will be 
returned. 

Interest income is recognized on a time-proportion basis that 
takes into account the effective yield on the asset and the inter-
est rate in force. Dividend income from investments is recog-
nized when the shareholders’ right to receive payment is legally 
established.

23   Cost of sales

The cost of sales increased from 9,368 million euros to 
9,742 million euros.

Cost of sales comprises the  cost of products and services sold 
and the purchase cost of merchandise sold. It consists of the 
directly attributable cost of materials and primary production 
cost, as well as indirect production overheads including the 
production-related amortization/depreciation and impair-
ment of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment.

Marketing, selling and distribution expenses amounted to 
4,635 million euros (previous year: 4,608 million euros). 

In addition to marketing organization and distribution 
expenses, this item comprises, in particular, advertising, sales 
promotion and market research expenses. Also included here 
are the expenses of technical advisory services for customers, 
valuation allowances on trade accounts receivable and valua-
tion allowances and impairment losses on trademarks and 
other rights. 

25   Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses decreased year on year 
to 463 million euros (previous year: 478 million euros). Expen-
ditures directly attributable to research and development 
activities amounted to 460 million euros (previous year: 
464 million euros). 

The capitalization of research expenses is not permitted. 
Development expenditures are recognized as an asset if all 
the criteria for recognition are met, the research phase can be 
clearly distinguished from the development phase, and the 
expenditures can be attributed to distinct project phases. 
 Currently, the criteria set out in International Accounting 
Standard (IAS) 38 “Intangible Assets” for recognizing develop-
ment expenditures are not all met in regard to product and 
technology developments, due to a high level of interdepen-
dence within these developments and the difficulty of assess-
ing which products will eventually be marketable.

26   Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses amounted to 1,062 million euros 
 (previous year: 1,012 million euros). 

Administrative expenses include personnel and material costs 
relating to the Group management, Human Resources, Pur-
chasing, Accounting and IT functions, as well as the costs of 
managing and administering the business units.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

167

27   Other operating income

29   Financial result

152

2016

– 5

– 26

– 2

– 33

153

2016

20

– 25

– 5

2015

– 17

– 24

– 1

– 42

2015

28

– 45

– 17

154

2016

– 15

5

– 118

102

– 26

2015

– 27

5

– 71

69

– 24

Other operating income 

in million euros

Release of provisions 1

Gains on disposal of non-current assets

Insurance claim payouts

Write-ups of non-current assets

Payments on derecognized receivables

Impairment reversal on assets held for sale

Sundry operating income

Total

150

Financial result 

2015

2016

in million euros

11

34

4

1

2

–

75

127

37

13

2

–

1

–

56

109

Interest result

Other financial result

Investment result

Total

Interest result 

in million euros

1   Including income from the release of provisions for pension obligations 
 (curtailment gains) of 13 million euros in 2016 (2015: 2 million euros).

Sundry operating income relates to a number of individual 
items arising from ordinary operating activities, such as grants 
and subsidies, tax refunds for indirect taxes, and similar 
income.

Interest and similar income from third parties 1

Interest to third parties 1

Total

1  Including interest income and interest expense, both in the amount of  
0 million euros in 2016 (2015: 26 million euros) with respect to mutually 
 offset deposits and liabilities to banks, reported on a net basis.

28   Other operating expenses

Other operating expenses 

Other financial result 

in million euros

151

Interest result from net obligation (pensions)

Interest income from reimbursement rights (IAS 19)

Other financial expenses

Other financial income

Total

in million euros

2015

2016

Losses on disposal of non-current assets

Other taxes

Amortization, depreciation of other assets

Sundry operating expenses

Total

– 8

– 1

–

– 96

– 105

– 7

– 1

– 1

– 137

– 146

Sundry operating expenses include a number of individual 
items arising from ordinary operating activities, such as fees, 
provisions for litigation and third party claims, sundry taxes, 
and similar expenses.

Other financial expenses include –106 million euros (previous 
year: –60 million euros) from currency losses. Other financial 
income includes 98 million euros (previous year: 63 million 
euros) for currency gains. Please see page 157 of the financial 
instruments report for information on the net results of the 
valuation categories under International Financial Reporting 
Standard (IFRS) 7, and the reconciliation to financial result.

Investment result
The investment result includes 2 million euros for expenses 
from the valuation of companies that are recognized using the 
equity method (2015: 2 million euros).

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events168

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

30   Taxes on income

Income tax expense/income breaks down as follows:

Income before tax and analysis of taxes 

155

in million euros

Income before tax

Current taxes

Deferred taxes

Taxes on income

Tax rate in percent

2015

2016

2,603

708

– 73

635

2,742

830

– 181

649

24.4 %

23.7 %

Main components of tax expense and income 

in million euros

Current tax expense/income in the reporting year

Current tax adjustments for prior years

Deferred tax expense/income from  
temporary differences

Deferred tax income from unused tax losses

Deferred tax expense from tax credits

Deferred tax expense/income from  
changes in tax rates

Increase/decrease in valuation allowances on  
deferred tax assets

Deferred tax expense by items  
on the statement of financial position 

in million euros

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Financial assets

Inventories

Other receivables and other assets

Special tax items

Provisions

Liabilities

Tax credits

Unused tax losses

Valuation allowances

Financial statement figures

2015

688

20

– 77

– 13

2

– 4

19

2015

– 140

– 8

82

– 9

– 17

– 2

1

8

2

– 9

19

– 73

156

2016

816

14

– 164

– 8

– 4

– 8

3

157

2016

16

– 38

– 1

8

14

– 2

– 66

– 104

 – 4

– 7

3

– 181

We have summarized the individual company reports – pre-
pared on the basis of the tax rates applicable in each country 
and taking into account consolidation procedures – in the 
statement below, showing how the expected tax charge, based 
on the tax rate applicable to Henkel AG & Co. KGaA of 31 per-
cent, is reconciled to the effective tax charge disclosed.

Tax reconciliation statement 

in million euros

Income before tax

Tax rate (including trade tax) 
of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Expected tax charge

Tax reductions due to differing tax rates abroad

Tax increases/reductions for prior years

Tax increases/reductions due to  
changes in tax rates

Tax increases/reductions due to the recognition  
of deferred tax assets relating to unused tax losses 
and temporary differences

Tax reductions due to tax-free  
income and other items

Tax increases/reductions arising from additions 
and deductions for local taxes

Tax increases due to withholding taxes

Tax increases due to non-deductible expenses

Tax charge disclosed

Tax rate

158

2015

2016

2,603

2,742

31 %

31 %

807

– 100

850

– 122

– 2

– 4

19

6

– 8

3

– 216

– 208

4

43

84

635

– 1

43

86

649

24.4 %

23.7 %

Deferred taxes are calculated on the basis of tax rates that 
apply in the individual countries at the year-end date or which 
have already been legally decided. In Germany, there is a uni-
form corporate income tax rate of 15 percent plus a solidarity 
surcharge of 5.5 percent. After taking into account trade tax, 
this yields an overall tax rate of 31 percent.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are netted where they 
involve the same tax authority and the same tax creditor.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

169

The deferred tax assets and liabilities stated on the reporting 
date relate to the following items of the consolidated state-
ment of financial position, unused tax losses and tax credits:

Allocation of deferred taxes 

159

in million euros

Intangible assets

Property, plant  
and equipment

Financial assets

Inventories

Other receivables  
and other assets

Special tax items

Provisions

Liabilities

Tax credits

Unused tax losses

Amounts netted

Valuation allowances

Financial statement 
figures

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

December 
31, 2015

December 
31, 2016

December 
31, 2015

December 
31, 2016

341

360

16

1

50

39

–

704

58

3

60

– 427

– 29

18

1

50

38

–

822

169

7

164

– 550

– 62

749

75

167

1

37

35

26

7

– 

–

1,037

73

168

3

48

33

9

12

– 

–

– 427

–

– 550

–

816

1,017

670

833

The deferred tax assets of 822 million euros (previous year: 
704 million euros) relating to provisions in the financial state-
ment result primarily from recognition and measurement dif-
ferences with respect to pension obligations. The deferred tax 
liabilities of 1,037 million euros (previous year: 749 million 

euros) relating to intangible assets are mainly attributable to 
business combinations such as the acquisition of the National 
Starch businesses in 2008, Spotless Group SAS in 2014, and 
The Sun Products Corporation in 2016.

An excess of deferred tax assets is only recognized insofar as it 
is likely that the company concerned will achieve sufficiently 
positive taxable profits in the future against which the deduct-
ible temporary differences can be offset and tax loss carryfor-
wards can be used. Deferred taxes have not been recognized 
with respect to unused tax losses of 269 million euros (previ-
ous year: 146 million euros), as it is not probable that suffi-
cient taxable profit will be available against which they may be 
utilized. Of these tax losses carried forward, 190 million euros 
(previous year: 62 million euros) expire after more than three 
years. Thereof 58 million euros (previous year: 53 million 
euros) are attributable to state taxes of our US subsidiaries 
(tax rate around 2 percent). Of the tax losses carried forward, 
73 million euros are non-expiring (previous year: 76 million 
euros). Deferred tax liabilities of 62 million euros (previous 
year: 42 million euros) relating to the retained earnings of for-
eign subsidiaries have been recognized due to the fact that 
these earnings will be distributed in 2017. 

We have summarized the expiry dates of unused tax losses and 
tax credits in the following table, which includes unused tax 
losses arising from losses on the disposal of assets of 10 mil-
lion euros (previous year: 10 million euros) which may be car-
ried forward without restriction. In addition to the unused tax 
losses listed in the table, an interest expense of 5 million euros 
(previous year: 8 million euros) is available which may be car-
ried forward in full with no expiration.

Expiry dates of unused tax losses and tax credits 

160

in million euros

Expire within

1 year

2 years

3 years

more than 3 years

May be carried forward without restriction

Total

Unused tax losses

Tax credits

December 
31, 2015

December  
31, 2016

December  
31, 2015

December  
31, 2016

3

3

6

180

103

295

12

2

7

674

107

802

1

–

–

2

–

3

1

–

–

6

–

7

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events170

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

In many countries, different tax rates apply to losses on the 
disposal of assets than to operating profits, and in some cases 
losses on the disposal of assets may only be offset against 
gains on the disposal of assets. 

Tax loss carryforwards in the amount of 353 million euros are 
attributable to our US subsidiaries. Of this amount, 112 million 
euros relate to federal and state tax loss carryforwards, and 
231 million euros (previous year: 101 million euros) relate 
exclusively to state taxes. 

Equity-increasing deferred taxes of 55 million euros were 
 recognized (previous year: equity-decreasing deferred taxes 
of 82 million euros). Within this figure, income of 55 million 
euros (previous year: expense of 88 million euros) results 
from actuarial gains and losses on pension obligations, while 
income of 0 million euros (previous year: income of 2 million 
euros) is attributable to hedges of net investments in foreign 
entities and an expense of 1 million euros (previous year: 
0 million euros) is attributable to foreign exchange effects.

31   Non-controlling interests

The amount shown here represents the proportion of net 
income and losses attributable to other shareholders of con-
solidated affiliated companies.

Their share of net income was 41 million euros (previous year: 
49 million euros) and that of losses was 1 million euros (previ-
ous year: 2 million euros).

The non-controlling interests included in the Henkel Group 
at the end of fiscal 2016 had no material impact on our net 
assets, financial position and results of operations. The Group 
has no joint operations or unconsolidated structured entities.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

171

Other disclosures

32   Reconciliation of adjusted net income

in million euros

EBIT (as reported)

One-time gains 

One-time charges

Restructuring expenses

Adjusted EBIT

Adjusted return on sales 

Financial result

Taxes on income (adjusted)

Adjusted tax rate 

Adjusted net income

Attributable to non-controlling interests

Attributable to shareholders of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Adjusted earnings per ordinary share 

Adjusted earnings per preferred share  

The one-time gains recognized in fiscal 2016 and in 2015 
stemmed from performance-related purchase price 
components.

Of the adjusted charges in fiscal 2016, 33 million euros is 
attributable to provisions for litigations (2015: 18 million 
euros), 26 million euros to the optimization of our IT system 
architecture for managing business processes (2015: 60 mil-
lion euros), 42 million euros to costs relating to the integra-
tion of The Sun Products Corporation (2015: 0 million euros), 
and 20 million euros to acquisition-related costs (2015: 8 mil-
lion euros).

Of the restructuring expenses in fiscal 2016, 47 million euros 
is attributable to cost of sales (2015: 18 million euros) and 
77 million euros to marketing, selling and distribution 
expenses (2015: 87 million euros). A further 3 million euros is 
attributable to research and development expenses (2015: 
14 million euros), and 150 million euros to administrative 
expenses (2015: 74 million euros).

2015

2016

2,645

2,775

– 15 

100 

193

– 1 

121 

277

2,923

3,172

in %

16.2

16.9

– 42

– 720

– 33

– 775

in %

25.0

24.7

2,161

49

2,112

2,364

41

2,323

in euros

in euros

4.86

4.88

5.34

5.36

161

+/–

4.9 %

–

–

–

8.5 %

0.7 pp

– 21.4 %

7.6 %

– 0.3 pp

9.4 %

– 16.3 %

10.0 %

9.9 %

9.8 %

33   Payroll cost and employee structure

Payroll cost 1 

in million euros

Wages and salaries

Social security contributions  
and staff welfare costs

Pension costs

Total

162

2016

2,427

410

164

2015

2,464

404

179

3,047

3,001

1  Excluding personnel-related restructuring expenses of 137 million euros 
 (previous year: 104 million euros).

Number of employees per function 1 

Production and engineering

Marketing, selling and distribution

Research and development

Administration

Total

163

2016

26,550

13,600

2,700

7,100

2015

25,400

14,650

2,800

7,000

49,850

49,950

1  Basis: annual average headcount of full-time employees, excluding apprentices 
and trainees, work experience students and interns; figures rounded.

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events 
172

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

34   Share-based payment plans

lion euros), of which 97.6 million euros (December 31, 2015: 
52.3 million euros) is vested.

Global Long Term Incentive Plan (Global LTI Plan) 2013
In fiscal 2013, the general terms and conditions of the previ-
ously implemented Global CPU Plan 2004 were amended and 
replaced by the Global LTI Plan 2013, which is a share-based 
remuneration scheme with cash settlement. Since 2013, Cash 
Performance Units (CPUs) are granted on condition that the 
member of the Plan is employed for four years by Henkel AG & 
Co. KGaA or one of its subsidiaries in a position senior enough 
to qualify to participate and that he or she is not under notice 
during that period. This minimum period of employment per-
tains to the calendar year in which the CPUs are granted and 
the three subsequent calendar years. In addition, an Outper-
formance Reward, which awards CPUs based on the achieve-
ment of target figures established in advance, may be set at the 
beginning of a four-year medium-term plan.

The total value of the cash remuneration payable to senior 
management personnel is recalculated on each reporting 
date and on the settlement date, based on the fair value of the 
CPUs, and recognized through an appropriate increase in 
 provisions as a payroll cost that is spread over the period of 
service of the beneficiary. All changes to the measurement 
of this provision are reported under payroll cost.

Due to the extension of the cycle, one tranche with a three-
year term and another with a four-year term were issued in 
2013. The number of CPUs granted depends not only on the 
seniority of the officer but also on the achievement of set tar-
get figures. For the cycles issued from 2013 onward, the target 
is based on growth in adjusted earnings per preferred share. 
The value of a CPU in each case is the average price of the 
Henkel preferred share as quoted 20 stock exchange trading 
days after the Annual General Meeting following the perfor-
mance period. As of the reporting date, the calculation of the 
provision was based on a fair value of 113.25 euros (closing 
price of Henkel preferred shares on December 30, 2016; on 
December 30, 2015: 103.20 euros) per CPU. The overall payout 
of the long-term incentive is subject to a cap.

The tenth three-year cycle, which was issued in 2013, became 
due for payment in 2016. At December 31, 2016, the CPU Plan 
worldwide comprised 505,750 CPUs (December 31, 2015: 
537,431 CPUs) from the four-year tranche issued in 2013, 
516,200 CPUs (December 31, 2015:  542,998 CPUs) from the 
tranche issued in 2014, 576,746 CPUs (December 31, 2015: 
673,099 CPUs) from the tranche issued in 2015, and 
560,687 CPUs from the tranche issued in the reporting year. 
The Outperformance Reward comprised 361,375 CPUs (Decem-
ber 31, 2015: 511,098 CPUs). This resulted in an additional 
expense in the reporting year of 61.8 million euros (Decem-
ber 31, 2015: 101.8 million euros). The corresponding provision 
amounted to 189.5 million euros (December 31, 2015: 178.9 mil-

35   Group segment report

The format for reporting the activities of the Henkel Group by 
segment is by business unit and reportable segments; selected 
regional information is also provided. The segment report cor-
responds to the way in which the Group manages its operating 
business, and the Group’s reporting structure. 

The assignment of operating segments to individual report-
able segments is based on the economic characteristics of the 
business, the nature of products and production processes, 
the type of customer groups, and the characteristics of the 
sales and distribution structure and of the regulatory 
environment.

Reportable segments

Adhesives for Consumers, Craftsmen and Building
In the Adhesives for Consumers, Craftsmen and Building oper-
ating segment, we market a comprehensive range of brand-
name products for private users, craftsmen and the construc-
tion industry. Based on our four international brand platforms, 
namely Loctite, Pritt, Pattex and Ceresit, we offer target-group-
aligned system solutions for applications in the household, 
in schools and in offices, for do-it-yourselfers and craftsmen, 
and also for the building industry.

Industrial Adhesives
The Industrial Adhesives reportable segment covers four oper-
ating segments: Packaging and Consumer Goods Adhesives, 
Transport and Metal, General Industry, and Electronics. 

The Packaging and Consumer Goods Adhesives operating 
 segment serves major international customers as well as 
medium- and small-sized manufacturers of the consumer 
goods and furniture industries. Our economies of scale allow 
us to offer attractive solutions for standard and volume 
applications. 

The Transport and Metal operating segment serves major 
international customers in the automotive and metal-process-
ing industries, offering tailor-made system solutions and spe-
cialized technical services that cover the entire value chain – 
from steel strip coating to final vehicle assembly. 

In the General Industry operating segment, our customers 
comprise manufacturers from a multitude of industries, rang-
ing from household appliance producers to the wind power 
industry. Our portfolio here encompasses Loctite products for 
industrial maintenance, repair and overhaul, a wide range of 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

173

sealants and system solutions for surface treatment applica-
tions, and specialty adhesives. 

Our Electronics operating segment offers customers from the 
worldwide electronics industry a broad spectrum of innova-
tive high-technology adhesives and soldering materials for the 
manufacture of microchips and electronic assemblies. 

Beauty Care
The Beauty Care reportable segment covers our globally active 
Branded Consumer Goods operating segment with Hair Care, 
Hair Colorants, Hair Styling, Body Care, Skin Care and Oral 
Care, as well as the professional Hair Salon operating segment.

Laundry & Home Care
This reportable segment covers the global activities of Henkel in 
laundry and home care branded consumer goods. The Laundry 
Care operating segment includes not only heavy-duty and spe-
cialty detergents but also fabric softeners, laundry performance 
enhancers, and other fabric care products. Our Home Care oper-
ating segment encompasses hand and automatic dishwashing 
products, cleaners for bathroom and WC applications, and 
household, glass and specialty cleaners. We also offer air fresh-
eners and insect control products for household applications in 
selected regions.

Principles of Group segment reporting
In determining the segment results, assets and liabilities, we 
apply essentially the same principles of recognition and mea-
surement as in the consolidated financial statements. We have 
valued net operating assets in foreign currencies at average 
exchange rates.

The Group measures the performance of its segments on the 
basis of a segment income variable referred to by Internal Con-
trol and Reporting as “adjusted EBIT.” For this purpose, operating 
profit (EBIT) is adjusted for one-time charges and gains and also 
restructuring expenses. 

Of the restructuring expenses, 61 million euros (previous year: 
77 million euros) is attributable to Adhesive Technologies, 
94 million euros (previous year: 43 million euros) to Beauty Care 
and 119 million euros (previous year: 66 million euros) to 
 Laundry & Home Care. 

For reconciliation with the figures for the Henkel Group, Group 
overheads are reported under Corporate together with income 
and expenses that cannot be allocated to the individual business 
units.

Proceeds transferred between the segments only exist to a 
 negligible extent and are therefore not separately disclosed.

Operating assets, provisions and liabilities are assigned to the 
segments in accordance with their usage or origin. Where usage 
or origin is attributable to several segments, allocation is effected 
on the basis of appropriate ratios and keys. 

For regional and geographic analysis purposes, we allocate sales 
to countries on the basis of the country-of-origin principle, and 
non-current assets in accordance with the domicile of the inter-
national company to which they pertain.

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events174

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Reconciliation between net operating assets / 
capital employed and financial statement figures 

in million euros

Goodwill at book value

Other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment 
(including assets held for sale)

Deferred taxes

Inventories

Trade accounts receivable from third parties

Intra-group accounts receivable

Other assets and tax refund claims 2

Cash and cash equivalents

Operating assets/Total assets

Operating liabilities

of which:  

 Trade accounts payable to third parties

 Intra-group  
accounts payable

 Other provisions and other liabilities 2 
(financial and non-financial)

Net operating assets

– Goodwill at book value

+ Goodwill at cost 3

Capital employed

Net operating assets

Annual 
average1 
2015

8,605

5,266

–

1,836

3,171

1,018

505

20,401

6,435

3,242

1,018

2,175

13,965

8,605

9,151

14,511

December  
31, 2015 

8,850

5,503

–

1,721

2,944

1,246

440

20,704

6,716

3,176

1,246

2,294

13,988

–

–

–

Financial 
 statement 
figures

December  
31, 2015 

Net operating assets

Annual 
average 1 
 2016

December  
31, 2016 

164

Financial  
statement 
figures

December  
31, 2016

8,850

5,503

816

1,721

2,944

–

1,313

1,176

22,323

–

3,176

–

2,437

–

–

–

–

9,742

11,626

11,626

5,833

–

1,818

3,326

1,291

530

22,540

7,104

3,382

1,291

2,431

15,436

9,742

10,201

15,895

6,899

–

1,938

3,349

1,311

617

25,740

7,815

3,665

1,311

2,839

17,925

–

–

–

6,899

1,017

1,938

3,349

–

1,699

1,389

27,917

–

3,665

–

3,011

–

–

–

–

1 The annual average is calculated on the basis of the 12 monthly figures.
2 We take only amounts relating to operating activities into account in calculating net operating assets.
3 Before deduction of accumulated impairment pursuant to IFRS 3.79 (b).

 
 
 
Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

175

36   Earnings per share

Earnings per share 

2015

2016

165

in million euros (rounded)

Reported

Adjusted

Reported

Adjusted

Net income attributable to shareholders of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

1,921

2,112

2,053

2,323

Dividends, ordinary shares

Dividends, preferred shares

Total dividends

Retained earnings, ordinary shares

Retained earnings, preferred shares

Retained earnings

Number of ordinary shares

Dividend per ordinary share in euros

Of which preliminary dividend per ordinary share in euros 1

Retained earnings per ordinary share in euros

EPS per ordinary share in euros

Number of outstanding preferred shares 2

Dividend per preferred share in euros

Of which preferred dividend per preferred share in euros 1

Retained earnings per preferred share in euros

EPS per preferred share in euros

Number of ordinary shares

Dividend per ordinary share in euros

Of which preliminary dividend per ordinary share in euros 1

Retained earnings per ordinary share in euros (after dilution)

Diluted EPS per ordinary share in euros

377

256

633

771

517

377

256

633

885

594

416

283

699

810

544

416

283

699

972

652

1,288

1,479

1,354

1,624

259,795,875

259,795,875

259,795,875

259,795,875

1.45

0.02

2.97

4.42

1.45

0.02

3.41

4.86

1.60 3

0.02

3.12

4.72

1.60 3

0.02

3.74

5.34

174,482,312

174,482,312

174,482,323

174,482,323

1.47

0.04

2.97

4.44

1.47

0.04

3.41

4.88

1.62 3

0.04

3.12

4.74

1.62 3

0.04

3.74

5.36

259,795,875

259,795,875

259,795,875

259,795,875

1.45

0.02

2.97

4.42

1.45

0.02

3.41

4.86

1.60 3

0.02

3.12

4.72

1.60 3

0.02

3.74

5.34

Number of potentially outstanding preferred shares 2

174,482,312

174,482,312

174,482,323

174,482,323

Dividend per preferred share in euros

Of which preferred dividend per preferred share in euros 1

Retained earnings per preferred share in euros (after dilution)

Diluted EPS per preferred share in euros

1.47

0.04

2.97

4.44

1.47

0.04

3.41

4.88

1.62 3

0.04

3.12

4.74

1.62 3

0.04

3.74

5.36

1  See combined management report, Corporate governance, Capital stock denominations/Shareholder rights/Amendments to the Articles of Association  
on pages 30 and 31.
2 Weighted annual average of preferred shares.
3 Proposal to shareholders for the Annual General Meeting on April 6, 2017.

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events176

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

37   Consolidated statement of cash flows

We prepare the consolidated statement of cash flows in accor-
dance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 7 “State-
ment of Cash Flows.” It describes the flow of cash and cash 
equivalents by origin and usage of liquid funds, distinguishing 
between changes in funds arising from operating activities, 
investing activities, and financing activities. Financial funds 
include cash on hand, checks and credit at banks, and other 
financial assets with a remaining term of not more than three 
months. Securities are therefore included in financial funds, 
provided that they are available at short term and are only 
exposed to an insignificant price change risk. The computa-
tion is adjusted for effects arising from currency translation. 
In some countries, there are administrative hurdles to the 
transfer of money to the parent company. 

Cash flows from operating activities are determined by ini-
tially adjusting operating profit for non-cash variables such as 
amortization/depreciation/impairment/write-ups on intangi-
ble assets and property, plant and equipment – supplemented 
by changes in provisions, changes in other assets and liabili-
ties, and also changes in net working capital. We disclose pay-
ments made for income taxes under operating cash flow. 

Cash flows from investing activities occur essentially as a 
result of outflows of funds for investments in intangible assets 
and property, plant and equipment, subsidiaries and other 
business units, as well as investments accounted for using the 
equity method, and joint ventures. Here, we also recognize 
inflows of funds from the sale of intangible assets and prop-
erty, plant and equipment, subsidiaries and other business 
units. In the reporting period, cash flows from investing activ-
ities mainly involved outflows for the acquisition of subsidiar-
ies and other business units in the amount of –3,727 million 
euros (previous year: –322 million euros), as well as outflows 
for investments in intangible assets, and property, plant and 
equipment, including payments on account, in the amount of 
–557 million euros (previous year: –625 million euros). Out-
flows for the acquisition of subsidiaries and other business 
units relate to the acquisitions as described in the section 
“Acquisitions and divestments” on pages 123 to 126.  

In cash flow from financing activities, we recognize interest 
and dividends paid and received, the change in borrowings 
and in pension provisions, and also payments made for the 
acquisition of non-controlling interests and other financing 
transactions. In fiscal 2016, the change in borrowings was 
influenced by the acquisition-related issuance of four fixed-
rate bonds with a total volume of 2.2 billion euros, a floating- 
rate syndicated bank loan of 1.1 billion US dollars that was 
taken out, and outflows from the repayment of commercial 
paper.

Free cash flow shows how much cash is actually available for 
acquisitions and dividends, reducing debt and/or contribu-
tions to pension funds.

38   Contingent liabilities

Analysis 

in million euros

Liabilities under guarantee and  
warranty agreements

166

December 
31, 2015

December 
31, 2016

12

5

39    Lease and other unrecognized financial 

commitments

Operating leases as defined in IAS 17 comprise all forms of 
rights of use of assets, including rights of use arising from rent 
and leasehold agreements. Payment commitments under 
operating lease agreements are shown at the total amounts 
payable up to the earliest date of termination. The amounts 
shown are the nominal values. At December 31, 2016, they 
were due for payment as follows:

Operating lease commitments 

167

in million euros

Due in the following year

Due within 1 to 5 years

Due after 5 years

Total

December 
31, 2015

December 
31, 2016

72

139

17

228

162

98

144

404

Within the Group, we primarily lease office space and equip-
ment, automobiles, and IT equipment. Some of these contracts 
contain extension options and price adjustment clauses. In the 
course of fiscal 2016, 75 million euros became due for payment 
under operating leases (previous year: 66 million euros). 

Finance lease commitments 

in million euros  
At Dec. 31, 2016

Due in the following year

Due within 1 to 5 years 

Due after 5 years 

Total

Future 
 payments 
relating to 
finance lease 
commitments

2

10

7

19

168

Interest 
portion

Present value 
of future lease 
installments

0

2

1

3

2

9

6

17

 
 
Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

177

No party to the share-pooling agreement is obliged to notify 
that it has reached or exceeded 3 percent or more of the total 
voting rights in Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, even after adding 
 voting rights expressly granted under the terms of usufruct 
agreements.

Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah, Germany, is the authorized representa-
tive of the parties to the Henkel family share-pooling agree-
ment. (Latest notification November 5, 2014.) 

Financial receivables from and payables to other investments 
in the form of non-consolidated affiliated entities and associ-
ated entities are disclosed in Notes 3 and 18.

Henkel Trust e.V. and Metzler Trust e.V., as parties to relevant 
contractual trust arrangements (CTA), hold the assets required 
to cover the pension obligations in Germany. The claim on 
Henkel Trust e.V. for reimbursement of pension payments 
made is shown under other financial assets (Note 3 on page 
137). The receivable does not bear interest.

41   Exercise of exemption options

As was also the case in 2015, the following German companies 
included in the consolidated financial statements of Henkel 
AG & Co. KGaA exercised exemption options in fiscal 2016:
•   Schwarzkopf Henkel Production Europe GmbH & Co. KG, 

Düsseldorf (Section 264b German Commercial Code [HGB])

•   Henkel Loctite-KID GmbH, Hagen (Section 264 (3) HGB)
•   Henkel IP Management and IC Services GmbH, Monheim 

(Section 264 (3) HGB)

•   The Bergquist Company GmbH, Halstenbek  

(Section 264 (3) HGB) 

The Dutch company Henkel Nederland B.V., Nieuwegein, 
 exercised the exemption option afforded in Article 2:403 of the 
Civil Code of the Netherlands.

At December 31, 2015, the company had no finance lease 
commitments. 

As of the end of 2016, commitments arising from orders for 
property, plant and equipment amounted to 68 million euros 
(previous year: 65 million euros). 

As of the reporting date, payment commitments under 
the terms of agreements for capital increases and share pur-
chases contracted prior to December 31, 2016 amounted 
to 4 million euros (previous year: 0 million euros).

40     Voting rights / Related party disclosures

Related parties as defined by IAS 24 “Related Party Disclosures” 
are legal entities or natural persons who may be able to exert 
influence on Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and its subsidiaries, or be 
subject to control or material influence by Henkel AG & Co. 
KGaA or its subsidiaries. These mainly include all members of 
the Henkel family share-pooling agreement, the non-consoli-
dated affiliated companies in which Henkel holds shares, the 
associated companies, and the members of the corporate bod-
ies of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, whose remuneration is explained 
in the remuneration report in the combined management 
report (pages 39 to 51). Related parties as defined in IAS 24 also 
include Henkel Trust e.V. and Metzler Trust e.V.

Information required by Section 160 (1) no. 8 of the German 
Stock Corporation Act [AktG]:

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Düsseldorf, has been notified that on 
December 17, 2015 the proportion of voting rights held by the 
members of the Henkel family share-pooling agreement repre-
sented in total a share of 61.02 percent of the voting rights 
(158,535,741 votes) in Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (International Secu-
rities Identification Number [ISIN]: DE0006048408), held by
•   131 members of the families of the descendents of Fritz 

 Henkel, the company’s founder,

•   four foundations set up by members of those families,
•   three trusts set up by members of those families,
•   two private limited companies (GmbH) set up by members 
of those families, 13 limited partnerships with a lim ited 
company as general partner (GmbH & Co. KG), and one 
 limited partnership (KG),

under the terms of a share-pooling agreement per Section 
22 (2) of the German Securities Trading Act [WpHG], whereby 
the shares held by the two private limited companies, by the 
13 limited partnerships with a limited company as general 
partner, and by the one limited partnership, representing a 
percentage of 16.97 percent of the voting rights (44,081,965 
votes), are attributed (per Section 22 (1) no. 1 WpHG) to the 
family members who control those companies.

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events178

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

42    Remuneration of the corporate  

45    Auditor’s fees and services 

management bodies

The total fees charged to the Group for services provided by 
the auditor KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft and 
other companies of the worldwide KPMG network in fiscal 
2015 and 2016 were as follows:

Type of fee 

in million euros

Audits

Other audit-related services 

Tax advisory services

Other services

Total

169

2015

8.4

1.7

0.8

1.1

12.0

of which 
Germany

2016

of which 
Germany

1.8

0.6

0.1

1.0

3.5

9.6

1.6

1.2

0.2

12.6

2.3

0.6

0.2

0.1

3.2

The item “Audits” includes fees and disbursements with 
respect to the audit of the Group accounts and the legally pre-
scribed financial statements of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and its 
affiliat ed companies. The fees for “Other audit-related services” 
relate  primarily to the quarterly reviews. The item  “Tax advisory 
services” includes fees for advice and support on tax issues 
and the performance of tax compliance services on behalf of 
affiliated companies outside Germany. “Other services”  comprise 
fees predominantly for project-related consultancy services.

The total remuneration of the members of the Supervisory Board 
and of the Shareholders’ Committee of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
amounted to 1,572,896 euros plus value-added tax (previous 
year: 1,546,000 euros) and 2,350,000 euros (previous year: 
2,350,000 euros), respectively. The total remuneration  (Section 
285 no. 9a and Section 314 (1) no. 6a HGB) of the  Management 
Board and members of the Management Board of Henkel 
 Management AG amounted to 26,503,197 euros  (previous year: 
25,804,019 euros). 

For pension obligations to former members of the Manage-
ment Board and the management of Henkel KGaA, as well as 
the former management of its legal predecessor and surviving 
dependents, 100,771,135 euros (previous year: 98,729,434 euros) 
is deferred. The total remuneration for this group of persons 
(Section 285 no. 9b and Section 314 (1) no. 6b HGB) in the 
reporting year amounted to 7,127,205 euros (previous year: 
7,163,382 euros). For further details regarding the compensa-
tion of the corporate management bodies, please refer to the 
audited remuneration report on pages 39 to 51.

43    Declaration of compliance with the  Corporate 

 Governance Code [DCGK]

In February 2016, the Management Board of Henkel Manage-
ment AG and the Supervisory Board and Shareholders’ Com-
mittee of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA approved a joint declaration 
of compliance with the recommendations of the German Cor-
porate  Governance Code [DCGK] in accordance with Section 
161 of the German Stock Corporation Act [AktG]. The declara-
tion has been made permanently available to shareholders on 
the company website: 

  www.henkel.com/ir

44   Subsidiaries and other investments

Details relating to the investments held by Henkel AG & Co. 
KGaA and the Henkel Group, which are part of these financial 
statements, are provided in a separate schedule appended to 
these notes to the consolidated financial statements but not 
included in the printed form of the Annual Report. Said  
schedule is included in the accounting record submitted for 
publication in the electronic Federal Gazette and can be 
viewed there and at the Annual General Meeting. The schedule 
is also published on our website: 

  www.henkel.com/reports

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

179

Subsequent events

After December 31, 2016, there were no reportable events of 
particular significance for the net assets, financial position 
and results of operations of the Henkel Group.

Düsseldorf, January 30, 2017

Henkel Management AG, 
Personally Liable Partner  
of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Management Board
Hans Van Bylen, 
Jan-Dirk Auris, Pascal Houdayer, Carsten Knobel,  
Kathrin Menges, Bruno Piacenza

116  Consolidated statement of financial position118  Consolidated statement of income118  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income119   Consolidated statement    of changes in equity120  Consolidated statement  of cash flows121   Group segment  report  by business unit122  Key financials by region123  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements131  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position166  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income171  Other disclosures179  Subsequent events180

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Independent Auditor’s Report

To Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Düsseldorf

Report on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial 
statements of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Düsseldorf, and its subsid-
iaries, which comprise the consolidated statement of financial 
position, the consolidated statement of income, the consoli-
dated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated 
statement of changes in equity, the consolidated statement of 
cash flows, and notes to the consolidated financial statements 
for the business year from January 1 to December 31, 2016.

Responsibility of the Personally Liable Partner  
of the Company for the Consolidated Financial Statements
The personally liable partner of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA is 
responsible for the preparation of these consolidated financial 
statements. This responsibility includes preparing these con-
solidated financial statements in accordance with Interna-
tional Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU, and 
the supplementary requirements of German law pursuant to 
§ [Article] 315a Abs. [paragraph] 1 HGB [Handelsgesetzbuch: 
German Commercial Code], to give a true and fair view of the 
net assets, financial position and results of operations of the 
Group in accordance with these requirements. The personally 
liable partner of the company is also responsible for the inter-
nal controls that management determines are necessary to 
enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements 
that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud 
or error.

the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the 
consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or 
error. In assessing those risks, the auditor considers the inter-
nal control system relevant to the entity’s preparation of the 
consolidated financial statements that give a true and fair 
view. The aim of this is to plan and perform audit procedures 
that are appropriate in the given circumstances, but not for the 
purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the 
Group’s internal control system. An audit also includes evalu-
ating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the 
reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the compa-
ny’s personally liable partner, as well as evaluating the overall 
presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is suffi-
cient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Audit Opinion
Pursuant to § 322 Abs. 3 Satz 1 HGB, we state that our audit 
of the consolidated financial statements has not led to any 
 reservations.

In our opinion, based on the findings of our audit, the consoli-
dated financial statements comply in all material respects with 
IFRSs as adopted by the EU and the supplementary require-
ments of German commercial law pursuant to § 315a Abs. 1 HGB 
and give a true and fair view of the net assets and financial 
position of the Henkel Group as at December 31, 2016, as well 
as the results of operations for the business year then ended, 
in accordance with these requirements. 

Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consoli-
dated financial statements based on our audit. We conducted 
our audit in accordance with § 317 HGB and German generally 
accepted standards for the audit of financial statements pro-
mulgated by the Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer [Institute of 
Public Auditors in Germany] (IDW). Accordingly, we are 
required to comply with ethical requirements and plan and 
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether the consolidated financial statements are free from 
material misstatement.

An audit involves performing audit procedures to obtain audit 
evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consoli-
dated financial statements. The selection of audit procedures 
depends on the auditor’s professional judgment. This includes 

Report on the Combined Management Report

We have audited the accompanying Group management report 
of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, which is combined with the manage-
ment report of the company, for the business year from 
 January 1 to December 31, 2016. The personally liable partner 
of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA is responsible for the preparation of 
the combined management report in compliance with the 
applicable requirements of German commercial law pursuant 
to § [Article] 315a Abs. [paragraph] 1 HGB [Handelsgesetzbuch: 
German Commercial Code]. We conducted our audit in accor-
dance with § 317 Abs. 2 HGB and German generally accepted 
standards for the audit of combined management reports pro-
mulgated by the Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer [Institute of Pub-
lic Auditors in Germany] (IDW). Accordingly, we are required to 
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance 

Henkel Annual Report 2016

181

about whether the combined management report is consistent 
with the consolidated financial statements and the audit find-
ings, complies with the German statutory requirements, and 
as a whole provides a suitable view of the Group’s position 
and suitably presents the opportunities and risks of future 
development. 

Pursuant to § 322 Abs. 3 Satz 1 HGB, we state that our audit of  
the combined management report has not led to any 
reservations. 

In our opinion, based on the findings of our audit of the con-
solidated financial statements and combined management 
report, the combined management report is consistent with 
the consolidated financial statements, complies with the 
 German statutory requirements, and as a whole provides a 
suitable view of the Group’s position and suitably presents 
the opportunities and risks of future development.

Düsseldorf, January 30, 2017

KPMG AG 
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft 

Prof. Dr. Kai C. Andrejewski 
Wirtschaftsprüfer 
(German Public Auditor) 

Simone Fischer
Wirtschaftsprüferin 
(German Public Auditor) 

182

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Recommendation for the approval of the annual 
financial statements and the appropriation of the 
profit of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

It is proposed that the annual financial statements of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA be approved 
as presented and that the unappropriated profit of 1,027,893,701.02 euros for fiscal 2016 
be applied as follows:
a) 

Payment of a dividend of 1.60 euros per ordinary share  
(259,795,875 shares) 

b) 

Payment of a dividend of 1.62 euros per preferred share  
(178,162,875 shares) 

c) 

Carried forward as retained earnings 

= 415,673,400.00 euros

= 288,623,857.50 euros

= 323,596,443.52 euros

1,027,893,701.02 euros

According to Section 71b German Stock Corporation Act [AktG], treasury shares do not 
qualify for a dividend. The amount in unappropriated profit which relates to the shares 
held by the corporation (treasury shares) at the date of the Annual General Meeting will 
be carried forward as retained earnings. As the number of such treasury shares can 
change up to the time of the Annual General Meeting, a correspondingly adapted proposal 
for the appropriation of profit will be submitted to it, providing for an unchanged payout 
of 1.60 euros per ordinary share qualifying for a dividend and 1.62 euros per preferred 
share qualifying for a dividend, with corresponding adjustment of the payout totals and 
of retained earnings carried forward to the following year.

Düsseldorf, January 30, 2017

Henkel Management AG, 
Personally Liable Partner  
of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Management Board

 
 
 
 
Henkel Annual Report 2016

183

Responsibility statement by the  
Personally Liable Partner

To the best of our knowledge, and in accordance with the applicable accounting princi-
ples, the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the net assets, 
financial position and results of operations of the Group, and the management report of 
the Group, which is combined with the management report of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, 
includes a fair review of the development, performance and results of the business and 
the position of the Group, together with a cogent description of the principal opportu-
nities and risks associated with the expected development of the Group.

Düsseldorf, January 30, 2017

Henkel Management AG

Management Board 
Hans Van Bylen, 
Jan-Dirk Auris, Pascal Houdayer, Carsten Knobel,  
Kathrin Menges, Bruno Piacenza

184

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Corporate management bodies of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Boards / memberships as defined by Section 125 (1) sentence 5 of the German Stock Corporation Act [AktG] as at January 2017 

Honorary Chairman of the Henkel Group: Dipl.-Ing. Albrecht Woeste

Supervisory Board of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Dr. rer. nat. Simone Bagel-Trah 
Chair,  
Private Investor, Düsseldorf

Born in 1969 
Member since: April 14, 2008

Memberships: 
Henkel Management AG (Chair) 1 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Shareholders’  
Committee, Chair) 2 
Bayer AG 1 
Heraeus Holding GmbH 1

Winfried Zander * 
Vice Chair, 
Chairman of the General Works Council of  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and Chairman of the 
Works Council of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA,  
Düsseldorf site

Born in 1954 
Member since: May 17, 1993

Jutta Bernicke * 
Member of the Works Council of  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Düsseldorf site

Born in 1962 
Member since: April 14, 2008

Dr. rer. nat. Kaspar von Braun 
Astrophysicist, Pasadena

Born in 1971 
Member since: April 19, 2010

Boris Canessa 
(until April 11, 2016)  
Private Investor, Düsseldorf

Born in 1963 
Member from: April 16, 2012

Johann-Christoph Frey 
(since April 11, 2016)  
Private Investor, Klosters

Born in 1955 
Member since: April 11, 2016

Birgit Helten-Kindlein * 
Member of the Works Council of  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Düsseldorf site

Born in 1964 
Member since: April 14, 2008

Benedikt-Richard Freiherr von Herman 
(since April 11, 2016)  
Private Investor, Wain

Born in 1972 
Member since: April 11, 2016

Ferdinand Groos 
(until April 11, 2016)  
Managing Partner, Cryder Capital Partners LLP, 
London

Timotheus Höttges 
(since April 11, 2016)  
Chairman of the Executive Board,  
Deutsche Telekom AG, Bonn

Born in 1965 
Member from: April 16, 2012

Béatrice Guillaume-Grabisch 
(until March 31, 2016)  
Chairwoman of the Executive Board,  
Nestlé Deutschland AG, Frankfurt am Main 

Born in 1964 
Member from: April 16, 2012

Peter Hausmann * 
Member of the Executive Board of  
IG Bergbau, Chemie, Energie and responsible  
for Wages / Finance, Hannover

Born in 1954 
Member since: April 15, 2013

Memberships: 
Continental AG 1 
Covestro Deutschland AG 1 
Vivawest Wohnen GmbH (Vice Chair) 1  
50 Hertz Transmission AG (Vice Chair) 1

Born in 1962 
Member since: April 11, 2016

Memberships: 
BT Group plc, Great Britain 2 
FC Bayern München AG 1 
Telekom Group: 
Telekom Deutschland GmbH (Chair) 1 
T-Mobile US, Inc. (Chair), USA 2

Prof. Dr. sc. nat. Michael Kaschke 
Chairman of the Executive Board,  
Carl Zeiss AG, Oberkochen

Born in 1957 
Member since: April 14, 2008

Memberships: 
Deutsche Telekom AG 1 
Robert Bosch GmbH 1 
Carl Zeiss Group: 
Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH (Chair) 1 
Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (Chair) 1 
Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH (Chair) 1 
Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH (Chair) 1 
Carl Zeiss Australia Pty. Ltd. (Chair), Australia 2 
Carl Zeiss Far East Co. Ltd. (Chair), China / Hong Kong 2  
Carl Zeiss Inc. (Chair), USA 2 
Carl Zeiss India (Bangalore) Private Ltd., India 2 
Carl Zeiss Pte. Ltd. (Chair), Singapore 2 
Carl Zeiss (Pty.) Ltd., South Africa 2

*  Employee representatives.
1  Membership of statutory supervisory and administrative boards in Germany.
2  Membership of comparable oversight bodies.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

185

Angelika Keller*
(since January 1, 2017)

Mayc Nienhaus * 
(until December 31, 2016)

Member of the General Works Council of  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and  
Chairwoman of the Works Council of  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Munich site

Member of the General Works Council of  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and  
Chairman of the Works Council of  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Unna site

Born in 1965 
Member since: January 1, 2017

Born in 1961 
Member from: January 1, 2010

Barbara Kux 
Private Investor, Zurich

Born in 1954 
Member since: July 3, 2013

Memberships: 
Engie S.A., France 2 
Firmenich S.A., Switzerland 2 
Pargesa Holding S.A., Switzerland 2 
Total S.A., France 2 
Umicore N.V., Belgium 2

Andrea Pichottka * 
Managing Director, IG BCE Bonusagentur GmbH, 
Hannover 
Managing Director, IG BCE Bonusassekuranz GmbH, 
Hannover

Born in 1959 
Member since: October 26, 2004

Dr. rer. nat. Martina Seiler * 
Chemist, Duisburg 
Chairwoman of the General Senior Staff  
Representative Committee and of the Senior Staff 
Representative Committee of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Born in 1971 
Member since: January 1, 2012

Prof. Dr. oec. publ. Theo Siegert 
Managing Partner of  
de Haen-Carstanjen & Söhne, Düsseldorf

Born in 1947 
Member since: April 20, 2009

Memberships: 
E.ON SE 1 
Merck KGaA 1 
DKSH Holding Ltd., Switzerland 2 
E. Merck OHG 2

Edgar Topsch * 
Member of the General Works Council of  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and  
Vice Chairman of the Works Council of  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Düsseldorf site

Born in 1960 
Member since: August 1, 2010

Supervisory Board committees

Nominations Committee

Audit Committee

Functions 
The Nominations Committee prepares the resolutions of the Supervisory 
 Board on election proposals to be presented to the Annual General Meeting 
for the election of members of the Supervisory Board (representatives of the 
share holders).

Members 
Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah, Chair 
Dr. Kaspar von Braun  
Prof. Dr. Theo Siegert

Functions  
The Audit Committee prepares the proceedings and resolutions of the Supervi-
sory Board relating to the approval of the annual financial statements and the 
consolidated financial statements, and relating to ratification of the proposal to 
be put before the Annual General Meeting regarding appointment of the audi-
tor. It also deals with accounting, risk management and compliance issues.

Members 
Prof. Dr. Theo Siegert, Chair  
Prof. Dr. Michael Kaschke, Vice Chair 
Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah  
Peter Hausmann 
Birgit Helten-Kindlein 
Winfried Zander

186

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Shareholders’ Committee of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Dr. rer. nat. Simone Bagel-Trah 
Chair,  
Private Investor, Düsseldorf

Born in 1969 
Member since: April 18, 2005

Memberships: 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Chair) 1 
Henkel Management AG (Chair) 1 
Bayer AG 1 
Heraeus Holding GmbH 1

Johann-Christoph Frey 
(until April 11, 2016)  
Private Investor, Klosters

Born in 1955 
Member from: April 16, 2012

Stefan Hamelmann 
Private Investor, Düsseldorf

Born in 1963 
Member since: May 3, 1999

Dr. rer. pol. h.c. Christoph Henkel 
Vice Chair, 
Founding Partner, Canyon Equity LLC, London

Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Ulrich Lehner 
Former Chairman of the Management Board  
of Henkel KGaA, Düsseldorf

Born in 1958 
Member since: May 27, 1991

Prof. Dr. oec. HSG Paul Achleitner 
Chairman of the Supervisory Board,  
Deutsche Bank AG, Munich

Born in 1956 
Member since: April 30, 2001

Memberships: 
Bayer AG 1 
Daimler AG 1 
Deutsche Bank AG (Chair) 1

Boris Canessa 
(since April 11, 2016)  
Private Investor, Düsseldorf

Born in 1963 
Member since: April 11, 2016

Born in 1946 
Member since: April 14, 2008

Memberships: 
Deutsche Telekom AG (Chair) 1 
E.ON SE 1 
Porsche Automobil Holding SE 1 
ThyssenKrupp AG (Chair) 1

Dr.-Ing. Dr.-Ing. E.h. Norbert Reithofer 
Chairman of the Supervisory Board  
of Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, 
Munich

Born in 1956 
Member since: April 11, 2011

Memberships: 
Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft  
(Chair) 1 
Siemens AG 1

Konstantin von Unger 
Managing Director, CKA Capital Limited, London

Born in 1966 
Member since: April 14, 2003

Membership: 
Henkel Management AG 1

Jean-François van Boxmeer 
Chairman of the Executive Board  
of Heineken N.V., Amsterdam

Born in 1961 
Member since: April 15, 2013

Membership: 
Mondelez International Inc., USA 2

Werner Wenning 
Chairman of the Supervisory Board  
of Bayer AG, Leverkusen

Born in 1946 
Member since: April 14, 2008

Memberships: 
Bayer AG (Chair) 1 
Henkel Management AG 1 
Siemens AG 1

Subcommittees of the Shareholders’ Committee

Finance Subcommittee

Human Resources Subcommittee

Functions 
The Finance Subcommittee deals principally with financial matters, accounting 
issues including the statutory year-end audit, taxation and accounting policy, 
internal auditing, and risk management in the company.

Functions  
The Human Resources Subcommittee deals principally with personnel matters 
relating to members of the Management Board, issues pertaining to human 
resources strategy, and with remuneration.

Members 
Dr. Christoph Henkel, Chair 
Stefan Hamelmann, Vice Chair 
Prof. Dr. Paul Achleitner 
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Lehner  
Dr. Dr. Norbert Reithofer

Members 
Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah, Chair 
Konstantin von Unger, Vice Chair 
Boris Canessa (since April 11, 2016) 
Johann-Christoph Frey (until April 11, 2016) 
Jean-François van Boxmeer 
Werner Wenning

1 Membership of statutory supervisory and administrative boards in Germany.
2 Membership of comparable oversight bodies.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

187

Management Board of Henkel Management AG *

Hans Van Bylen 
Chairman of the Management Board 
(since May 1, 2016)

Born in 1961 
Member since: July 1, 2005 3

Kasper Rorsted 
(until April 30, 2016)  
Chairman of the Management Board

Born in 1962 
Member since: April 1, 2005 3

Memberships: 
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA, Belgium 2 
Bertelsmann Management SE 1 
Danfoss A/S, Denmark 2

Jan-Dirk Auris 
Adhesive Technologies

Born in 1968 
Member since: January 1, 2011

Membership: 
Henkel Corporation (Chair), USA 2

Pascal Houdayer 
(since March 1, 2016)  
Beauty Care

Born in 1969 
Member since: March 1, 2016

Membership: 
The Dial Corporation (Chair), USA 2

Carsten Knobel 
Finance / Purchasing / Integrated Business Solutions

Born in 1969 
Member since: July 1, 2012

Memberships: 
Henkel Central Eastern Europe GmbH (Chair),  
Austria 2 
Henkel (China) Investment Co. Ltd., China 2 
Henkel & Cie AG, Switzerland 2 
Henkel Consumer Goods Inc. (Chair), USA 2 
Henkel Ltd., Great Britain 2 
Henkel of America Inc. (Chair), USA 2

Kathrin Menges 
Human Resources / Infrastructure Services

Born in 1964 
Member since: October 1, 2011

Memberships: 
Adidas AG 1 
Henkel Central Eastern Europe GmbH, Austria 2 
Henkel Nederland BV, Netherlands 2 
Henkel Norden AB, Sweden 2 
Henkel Norden Oy, Finland 2

Bruno Piacenza 
Laundry & Home Care

Born in 1965 
Member since: January 1, 2011

Membership: 
GfK SE, Nuremberg 1

Supervisory Board of Henkel Management AG *

Dr. rer. nat. Simone Bagel-Trah 
Chair,  
Private Investor, Düsseldorf

Born in 1969 
Member since: February 15, 2008

Memberships: 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Chair) 1 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Shareholders’  
Committee, Chair) 2 
Bayer AG 1 
Heraeus Holding GmbH 1

Konstantin von Unger 
Vice Chair 
Managing Director, CKA Capital Limited, London

Werner Wenning 
Chairman of the Supervisory Board  
of Bayer AG, Leverkusen

Born in 1966 
Member since: April 17, 2012

Born in 1946 
Member since: September 16, 2013

Membership: 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Shareholders’ Committee) 2 

Memberships: 
Bayer AG (Chair) 1 
Siemens AG 1 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Shareholders’ Committee) 2

* Personally Liable Partner of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA.
1 Membership of statutory supervisory and administrative boards in Germany.
2 Membership of comparable oversight bodies.
3 Including membership of the Management Board of Henkel KGaA.

188

Further information

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Quarterly breakdown of key financials

1st quarter

2nd quarter

3rd quarter

4th quarter

Full year

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

170

in million euros

Sales

Adhesive Technologies

Beauty Care

Laundry & Home Care

Corporate

Henkel Group

2,160

940

1,298

32

4,430

2,144

950

1,333

30

4,456

2,343

1,006

1,314

31

4,695

2,290

988

1,345

31

4,654

2,279

964

1,314

33

4,590

2,272

968

1,479

29

4,748

2,209

922

1,211

32

4,374

2,255

932

1,638

31

4,856

8,992

3,833

5,137

128

18,089

– 9,368

8,721

8,961

3,838

5,795

121

18,714

– 9,742

8,972

Cost of sales

Gross profit

– 2,264

– 2,293

– 2,439

– 2,373

– 2,361

– 2,453

– 2,304

– 2,623

2,166

2,163

2,256

2,281

2,229

2,295

2,070

2,233

Marketing, selling and  distribution 
expenses

Research and development 
expenses

Administrative expenses

Other operating expenses and 
income

EBIT

Adhesive Technologies

Beauty Care

Laundry & Home Care

Corporate

Henkel Group

Interest result

Other financial result

Investment result

Financial result

Income before tax

Taxes on income

Net income

  Attributable to non-controlling 
interests

  Attributable to shareholders 
of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

– 1,166

– 1,092

– 1,185

– 1,167

– 1,158

– 1,171

– 1,099

– 1,205

– 4,608

– 4,635

– 119

– 245

– 114

– 225

– 122

– 241

– 118

– 240

– 120

– 278

– 116

– 232

– 117

– 248

– 115

– 365

– 478

– 463

– 1,012

– 1,062

12

–15

7

1

– 7

–1

10

–22

22

–37

345

133

192

– 22

648

– 3

– 6

–

– 9

639

– 157

482

12

470

364

143

236

– 25

717

2

– 9

–

– 7

710

– 172

538

13

525

388

158

198

– 29

715

– 3

– 7

– 1

– 11

704

– 173

531

10

521

403

162

218

– 26

757

2

– 2

– 1

– 1

756

– 184

572

11

561

367

142

211

– 54

666

– 8

– 3

–

– 11

655

– 161

494

10

484

423

155

228

– 31

775

– 4

– 11

–

– 15

760

– 176

584

8

576

362

128

186

– 58

616

– 3

– 8

–

– 11

605

– 144

461

15

446

371

67

121

– 33

526

– 5

– 4

– 1

– 10

516

– 117

399

1,462

1,561

561

786

– 164

2,645

– 17

– 24

– 1

– 42

2,603

– 635

1,968

526

803

– 115

2,775

– 5

– 26

– 2

– 33

2,742

– 649

2,093

8

47

40

391

1,921

2,053

Earnings per  
preferred share  

in million euros

EBIT (as reported)

One-time gains

One-time charges

Restructuring expenses

Adjusted EBIT

Adjusted earnings  
per preferred share  

in euros

1.09

1.21

1.20

1.30

1.12

1.33

1.03

0.90

4.44

4.74

1st quarter

2nd quarter

3rd quarter

4th quarter

Full year

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

648

717

715

–

5

54

707

–

7

27

751

– 

24

29

768

757

– 1 

22

41

819

666

–

34

78

778

775

–

27

35

837

616

– 15

37

32

670

526

–

65

174

765

2,645

2,775

– 15

100

193

– 1

121

277

2,923

3,172

in euros

1.18

1.27

1.29

1.40

1.30

1.42

1.11

1.27

4.88

5.36

The quarterly figures are specific to the quarter to which they refer and have been rounded for commercial convenience.  
Calculated on the basis of units of 1,000 euros.

 
Henkel Annual Report 2016

Further information

189

Multi-year summary

in million euros

Results of operations

Sales

Adhesive Technologies
Beauty Care
Laundry & Home Care
Corporate

Gross margin
Research and development expenses
Operating profit (EBIT)

Adhesive Technologies
Beauty Care
Laundry & Home Care
Corporate
Income before tax
Tax rate  
Net income

Attributable to shareholders  
of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Net return on sales 2 
Interest coverage ratio 

Net assets

Total assets
Non-current assets 
Current assets
Equity
Liabilities
Equity ratio  
Return on equity 3 

Financial position

Cash flow from operating activities
Capital expenditures
Investment ratio  

Shares

2010

2011  
restated 1

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

171

15,092
7,306
3,269
4,319
199

15,605
7,746
3,399
4,304
156

16,510
8,256
3,542
4,556
155

16,355
8,117
3,510
4,580
148

16,428
8,127
3,547
4,626
128

18,089
8,992
3,833
5,137
128

18,714
8,961
3,838
5,795
121

46.5

45.3

46.8

47.7

47.0

48.2

47.9

391
1,723
878
411
542
– 108
1,552

410
1,765
1,002
471
419
– 127
1,610

408
2,199
1,191
483
621
– 97
2,018

415
2,285
1,271
474
682
– 141
2,172

413
2,244
1,345
421
615
– 137
2,195

478
2,645
1,462
561
786
– 164
2,645

463
2,775
1,561
526
803
– 115
2,742

in %

26.4

1,143

26.0

1,191

24.4

1,526

25.2

1,625

24.3

1,662

24.4

23.7

1,968

2,093

1,118

1,161

1,480

1,589

1,628

1,921

2,053

in %

7.6
12.8

7.6
14.0

9.2
14.3

9.9
23.9

10.1
48.4

10.9
75.7

11.2
107.9

17,525
11,590
5,935
7,950
9,575

in %
in %

45.4
17.5

18,487
11,848
6,639
8,670
9,817

46.9
15.0

91.6

1,851
260

1,562
443

19,525
11,927
7,598
9,511
10,014

48.7
17.6

>500

2,634
516

19,344
11,360
7,984
10,158
9,186

52.5
17.1

not 
relevant 4

20,961
14,150
6,811
11,644
9,317

22,323
15,406
6,917
13,811
8,512

55.6
16.4

61.9
16.9

274.8

375.2

27,917
19,704
8,213
15,183
12,734

54.4
15.2

80.8

2,116
465

1,914
2,214

2,384
979

2,850
4,409

as % of sales

1.7

2.8

3.1

2.8

13.5

5.4

23.6

Operating debt coverage ratio 

in %

71.4

Dividend per ordinary share  
Dividend per preferred share  

in euros
in euros

0.70
0.72

0.78  
0.80 

0.93 
0.95

1.20
1.22

1.29
1.31

Total dividends
Payout ratio 
Share price, ordinary shares, at year-end 
Share price, preferred shares, at year-end 
Market capitalization at year-end 

310 

345

411

529

 569 

in %
in euros
in euros
in bn euros

25.5
38.62
46.54
18.3

25.5
37.40
44.59
17.6

25.6 
51.93
62.20
24.6

30.0
75.64
84.31
34.7

30.0 
80.44
89.42
36.8

1.45
1.47

 639

30.2
88.62
103.20
41.4

1.60 5
1.62 5

 704 5

30.3 5
98.98
113.25
45.9

Employees
Total 6 

Germany 
Abroad 

(at December 31) 47,850
8,600
39,250

47,250
8,300
38,950

46,600
8,000
38,600

46,850
8,050
38,800

49,750
8,200
41,550

49,450
8,350
41,100

51,350
8,250
43,100

1  Application of IAS 8 “Accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates and errors” (see notes on pages 116 and 117 of the 2012 Annual Report).
2  Net income divided by sales.
3  Net income divided by equity at the start of the year.
4  Figure not relevant due to the positive balance of net financial position and pension obligations.
5  Proposed.
6  Basis: permanent employees excluding apprentices.

188  Quarterly breakdown of key financials189 Multi-year summary190 Index of tables and graphs192  Glossary194 Credits195 Contacts 
190

Further information

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Index of tables and graphs

The Company

Operational activities

Procurement

Highlights 2016 (inside cover) 

1   Key financials  

2   Sales by business unit 

3   Sales by region 

4   Key financials Adhesive Technologies 

5   Sales Adhesive Technologies 

6   Key financials Beauty Care 

7   Sales Beauty Care 

8   Key financials Laundry & Home Care 

9   Sales Laundry & Home Care 

Combined management report

Remuneration report

10   Remuneration structure 

11   Caps on remuneration 

12    Remuneration of Management Board  

members who served in 2016 

13    Structure of Management Board  

remuneration 

14    Service cost /  

Present value of pension benefits 

15    Pursuant to DCGK, payments / 

 benefits granted for the reporting  
year to members of the Management  
Board serving in 2016 

16    Pursuant to DCGK, payments /  
benefits made for the reporting  
year to members of the Management  
Board serving in 2016 

17   Supervisory Board remuneration 

40

41

43

44

45

46

47

50

18    Shareholders’ Committee remuneration  51

Shares and bonds 

19    Key data on Henkel shares  

2012 to 2016 

20    Performance of Henkel shares  
versus market January through  
December 2016  

21    Performance of Henkel shares  

versus market 2007 through 2016 

22   Share data 

23   ADR data 

24    Shareholder structure: Institutional  
investors holding Henkel shares 

25    Bond data 

26   Analyst recommendations 

52

53

53

54

54

54

55

56

27    Henkel around the world:  

Regional Centers 

Strategy and financial targets 2016

28    Achievement of financial targets  

2016 

29    Acquisitions signed and closed  

in fiscal 2016 

Henkel 2020+ – our ambition and  
strategic priorities

30   Financial ambition 2020 

Sustainability strategy

31   Our focal areas and targets 

Cost of capital

32    WACC before tax by business unit 

33    WACC after tax by business unit 

Economic report

Macroeconomic and industry-related 
conditions

34    Average rates of exchange versus  

the euro 

Results of operations

35   Key financials by region 

36   Sales development 

37   Sales 

38   Price and volume effects 

39    Adjusted operating profit (EBIT) 

40   Guidance versus performance 2016 

41    Reconciliation from sales to adjusted  

operating profit 

42   Net income 

43    Adjusted earnings per preferred 

share 

44   Preferred share dividend 

Net assets and financial position

45   Financial structure 

46   Capital expenditures 2016 

47    Capital expenditures by business  

unit 

48   Net financial position 2012 to 2016 

49   Net financial position 

50   Credit ratings 

51   Key financial ratios 

Employees

52   Employees by region 

53   Employees by organizational unit 

54   Employees by activity 

55   Employees by age group 

56   Employees 

57   Women in management 

57

58

58

59

61

62

62

63

65

65

65

65

66

67

68

68

69

69

70

71

71

71

72

73

73

74

74

75

75

75

76

58   Material expenditures by business unit  78

59   Material expenditures by type 

Production 

60   Number of production sites 

61   Sustainability targets 2020 

Research and development

62   R&D expenditures 

63    R&D expenditures by business unit 

64    Selected research and development  

sites 

65   Key R&D figures 

Adhesive Technologies

66   Key financials 

67   Sales development 

68   Sales Adhesive Technologies 

Beauty Care

69   Key financials 

70   Sales development 

71   Sales Beauty Care 

Laundry & Home Care

72   Key financials 

73   Sales development 

74   Sales Laundry & Home Care 

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
(condensed version according to the  
German Commercial Code [HGB])

75    Condensed income statement in  
accordance with the German  
Commercial Code [HGB] 

76    Condensed balance sheet in  
accordance with the German  
Commercial Code [HGB] 

Risks and opportunities report

78

79

81

81

81

82

82

88

88

90 

92

92

94

96

96

98

101

102

77    Overview of major risk categories 

106

78    Classification of risks in ascending  

order 

106

Consolidated financial statements

79    Consolidated statement of financial  

position – Assets 

80    Consolidated statement of financial  
position – Equity and liabilities 

81    Consolidated statement of income 

82    Consolidated statement of  
comprehensive income 

83     Consolidated statement of  

changes in equity 

116

117

118

118

119

84   Consolidated statement of cash flows  120

85    Additional voluntary information  
Reconciliation to free cash flow 

120

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Further information

191

Notes to the consolidated financial 
statements

Provisions for pensions and similar 
obligations

86    Group segment report by  

business unit 

87   Key financials by region 

88   Scope of consolidation 

Acquisitions and divestments

89   Acquisitions 

90    Reconciliation of the purchase price  

to provisional goodwill 

Currency translation

91   Currencies 

Recognition and measurement methods

92    Summary of selected measurement 

methods 

121

122

123

125

126

127

128

New international accounting regulations 
according to International Financial  
Reporting Standards (IFRSs)

93     Accounting methods applied for the  
first time in the year under review 

94    Accounting regulations not applied in 

advance of their effective date 

95    Accounting regulations not yet  

adopted into EU law 

Non-current assets

96   Useful life 

Intangible assets

97   Cost 

98    Accumulated depreciation /  

impairment 

99   Net book values 

100   Book values – Goodwill 

101    Book values – Trademarks and  

other rights 

Property, plant and equipment

102   Cost 

103    Accumulated depreciation /  

impairment 

104   Net book values 

105   Other financial assets 

106   Other assets 

Inventories

107   Analysis of inventories 

Trade accounts receivable

108    Trade accounts receivable 

109     Development of valuation  

allowances on trade accounts 
receivable 

129

130

130

131

131

132

132

133

134

135

135

136

137

137

138

138

138

110   Assets and liabilities held for sale 

139

162

162

164

164

165

167

167

167

167

167

168

168

168

168

169

169

171

171

171

142

143

143

143

144

144

112    Actuarial assumptions 

113    Development of defined benefit  
obligation at December 31, 2015 

114    Development of plan assets at  

December 31, 2015 

115     Development of asset ceiling at  

December 31, 2015 

116     Development of the net obligation at  

December 31, 2015 

117     Development of defined benefit  
obligation at December 31, 2016 

118     Development of plan assets at  

December 31, 2016 

119     Development of asset ceiling at  

December 31, 2016 

120     Development of the net obligation at  

December 31, 2016 

143    Age analysis of non-impaired  
overdue loans and receivables 

161

144    Financial assets and financial liabilities  
from derivatives subject to netting, 
collateral, or similar arrangements 

161

145    Cash flows from financial liabilities 

at December 31, 2015 

146    Cash flows from financial liabilities 

at December 31, 2016 

147    Currency exposure 

148    Interest rate exposure 

149   Interest rate risk 

150   Other operating income 

145

151   Other operating expenses 

Financial result

152   Financial result 

153   Interest result 

145

145

121   Development of reimbursement rights  146

122    Analysis of plan assets 

123    Plan assets by country 2016 

124   Classification of bonds by rating 2016 

146

147

147

Risks associated with pension obligations

125    Future payments for pension benefits  148

126    Sensitivities – Present value of pension  

obligations at December 31, 2016 

149

154   Other financial result 

Taxes on income

155    Income before tax and analysis  

of taxes 

156    Main components of tax expense  

and income 

157    Deferred tax expense by items on  
the statement of financial position 

158    Tax reconciliation statement 

Income tax provisions and other provisions

159   Allocation of deferred taxes 

127    Development in 2016 

149

160    Expiry dates of unused tax losses  

128    Analysis of sundry provisions  

by function 

Borrowings

129   Borrowings 

130   Bonds 

131    Other financial liabilities 

132   Other liabilities 

Financial instruments report

133    Financial instruments report 

134    Carrying amounts and fair values  

of financial instruments 

135    Carrying amounts and fair values  

of financial instruments 

136    Net results of the measurement  
categories and reconciliation to  
financial result 

137    Derivative financial instruments 

138   Interest rates in percent p.a. 

139    Gains and losses from fair value  

hedges 

140    Cash flow hedges (after tax) 

and tax credits 

161    Reconciliation of adjusted net  

income 

Payroll cost and employee structure

162    Payroll cost 

163   Number of employees per function 

Group segment report

164    Reconciliation between net operating 

assets / capital employed and financial  
statement figures 

174

165    Earnings per share 

166   Contingent liabilities 

Lease and other unrecognized financial 
commitments

167   Operating lease commitments 

168    Finance lease commitments 

Auditor’s fees and services

169   Type of fee 

175

176

176

176

178

Further information

170   Quarterly breakdown of key financials  188

171   Multi-year summary 

189

150

151

151

152

152

153

155

156

157

158

158

159

159

159

160

111   Issued capital 

139

141    Hedges of a net investment in a  

foreign entity (after tax) 

142    Maximum risk position 

188  Quarterly breakdown of key financials189 Multi-year summary190 Index of tables and graphs192  Glossary194 Credits195 Contacts192

Further information

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Glossary

Adjusted EBIT
Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) adjusted 
for exceptional items in the form of one-time charges, 
one-time gains and restructuring expenses.

Capital employed
Capital invested in company assets and operations. 
Equity + interest-bearing liabilities.

Compliance
Acting in conformity with applicable regulations;  
ad herence to laws, rules, regulations and in-house  
or corporate codes of conduct.

Compound annual growth rate
Year-over-year rate of growth, e.g. of an investment.

Corporate governance
System of management and control, primarily within 
listed companies. Describes the powers and authority 
 of corporate management, the extent to which these 
need to be monitored and the extent to which structures 
should be put in place through which certain interest /
stakeholder groups may exert influence on the corporate 
management.

Corporate Governance Code 
The German Corporate Governance Code (abbreviation: 
DCGK) is intended to render the rules governing corpo-
rate management and control for a stock corporation 
in Germany transparent for national and international 
investors, engendering trust and confidence in the 
 corporate management of German companies. 

Credit default swap
Instrument used by Henkel to evaluate the credit risks of 
banks.

Credit facility
Aggregate of all loan services available on call from  
one or  several banks as cover for an immediate credit 
requirement.

Declaration of conformity
Declaration made by the management / executive board 
and supervisory board of a company according to  
Section 161 of the German Stock Corporation Act [AktG], 
confirming implementation of the recommendations  
of the Governmental Commission for the German 
 Corporate Governance Code.

Defined contribution plans
Post-employment benefit plans under which an entity 
pays fixed contributions into a separate entity (a fund) 
and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay 
further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient 
assets to pay all employee benefits relating to employee 
service in current and prior periods.

Derivative
Financial instrument, the value of which changes in 
 res ponse to changes in an underlying asset or an index, 
which will be settled at a future date and which initially 
requires only a small or no investment.

Earnings per share (EPS)
Metric indicating the income of a joint stock corporation 
divided between the weighted average number of its shares 
outstanding. The calculation is performed in accordance 
with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 33.

EBIT
Abbreviation for Earnings Before Interest and Taxes. 
Standard profit metric that enables the earning power 
of the operating business activities of a company to 
be assessed independently of its financial structure, 
facilitating comparability between entities where these 
are financed by varying levels of debt capital. 

EBITDA
Abbreviation for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, 
 Depreciation and Amortization.

Economic Value Added (EVA®)
The EVA concept reflects the net wealth generated by 
a company over a certain period. A company achieves pos-
itive EVA when the operating result exceeds the weighted 
average cost of capital. The WACC corresponds to the 
yield on capital employed expected by the capital market. 
EVA is a registered trademark of Stern Stewart & Co.

Equity ratio
Financial metric indicating the ratio of equity to total 
capital. It expresses the share of total assets financed out 
of equity (owners’ capital) rather than debt capital (pro-
vided by lenders). Serves to assess the financial stability 
and independence of a company.

Free cash flow
Cash flow actually available for acquisitions, dividend 
payments, the reduction of borrowings, and contribu-
tions to pension funds.

Gross margin
Indicates the percentage by which a company’s sales 
exceed cost of sales, i.e. the ratio of gross profit to sales.

Gross profit
Difference between sales and cost of sales.

Hedge accounting
Method for accounting for hedging transactions where by 
the compensatory effect of changes in the fair value of 
the hedging instrument (derivative) and of the underlying 
asset or liability is recognized in either the statement of 
income or the statement of comprehensive income.

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Further information

193193

Return-enhancing portfolio
Contains investments in equities and alternative invest-
ments, and serves to improve the overall return of the 
pension plan assets over the long term in order to raise 
the coverage ratio of pension funds. In addition, a 
 broader investment horizon increases the level of 
 investment diversification.

Return on capital employed (ROCE)
Profitability metric reflecting the ratio of earnings before 
interest and taxes (EBIT) to capital employed. 

Return on sales (EBIT)
Operating business metric derived from the ratio of EBIT 
to revenues. Also known as EBIT margin.

Swap
Term given to the exchange of capital amounts in differ-
ing currencies (currency swap) or of different interest 
obligations (interest swap) between two entities. 

Value-at-risk
Method, based on fair value, used to calculate the maxi-
mum likely or potential future loss arising from a portfolio.

Weighted average cost of capital (WACC)
Average return on capital, expressed as a percentage and 
calculated on the basis of a weighted average of the cost 
of debt and equity. WACC represents the minimum return 
expected of a company by its lenders for financing its 
assets.

KGaA
Abbreviation for “Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien.” 
 A KGaA is a company with a legal identity (legal entity) 
 in which at least one partner has unlimited liability with 
respect to the company’s creditors (personally liable 
 partner), while the liability for such debts of the other 
partners participating in the share-based capital stock 
 is limited to their share capital (limited shareholders).

Long-term incentive (LTI)
Bonus aligned to long-term financial performance. 

Net financial position
Net financial position is defined as cash and cash equiv-
alents plus readily monetizable financial instruments 
classified as “availa ble for sale” or in the “fair value 
option,” less borrowings, and plus positive and less neg-
ative fair values of hedging transactions.

Net working capital
Inventories plus payments on account, receivables from 
suppliers and trade accounts receivable, less trade 
accounts payable, liabilities to customers, and current 
sales provisions.

Non-controlling interests 
Proportion of equity attributable to third parties in sub-
sidiaries included within the scope of consolidation. 
 Previously termed “minority interests.” Valued on a pro-
portional net asset basis. A pro-rata portion of the net 
income of a corporation is due to shareholders owning 
non-controlling interests.

Operational excellence
A comprehensive program to structure and optimize all 
Henkel’s business processes based on customer needs, 
quality and efficiency.

Organic sales growth
Growth in revenues after adjusting for effects arising 
from acquisitions, divestments and foreign exchange 
 differences – i.e. “top line” growth generated from within. 

Payout ratio
Indicates what percentage of annual net income (ad-
justed for exceptional items) is paid out in dividends to 
shareholders, including non-controlling interests. 

188  Quarterly breakdown of key financials189 Multi-year summary190 Index of tables and graphs192  Glossary194 Credits195 Contacts194

Further information

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Credits

Published by 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA   
40191 Düsseldorf, Germany 
Phone: +49 (0) 211-797-0

© 2017 Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Edited by: Corporate Communications, Investor Relations,  
Corporate Accounting and Subsidiary Controlling

Coordination: Renata Casaro, Dr. Hannes Schollenberger,  
Wolfgang Zengerling

English translation: Donnelley Language Solutions, London

Pre-print proofing: Paul Knighton, Cambridge;  
Thomas Krause, Krefeld

Design and typesetting:  
MPM Corporate Communication  Solutions, Mainz

Photographs: Ralph Belfiglio, Tobias Ebert, Owen Gao,  
Anne Großmann, Claudia Kempf, Nils Hendrik Müller; Henkel

Printed by: Druckpartner, Essen

Date of publication of this Report: 
February 23, 2017

PR No.: 02 17 3,000 
ISSN: 0724-4738 
ISBN: 978-3-941517-70-7

The Annual Report is printed on LuxoArt Silk FSC. The paper is made from pulp 
bleached without chlorine. It has been certified and verified in accordance with 
the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The printing inks contain no 
heavy metals. This publication was cover-finished and bound with these Henkel 
products: Cellophaning with Aquence GA 6080 HGL laminating adhesive, 
bound using Technomelt PUR 3400 ME COOL and Technomelt GA 3960 Ultra 
for the highest occupational health and safety standards.

Except as otherwise noted, all marks used in this publication are trademarks 
and/or registered trademarks of the Henkel Group in Germany and elsewhere.

This document contains forward-looking statements which are based on the 
current estimates and assumptions made by the corporate management of 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA. Forward-looking statements are characterized by the 
use of words such as expect, intend, plan, predict, assume, believe, estimate, 
anticipate, forecast and  similar formulations. Such statements are not to be 
understood as in any way guaranteeing that those expectations will turn out to 
be accurate. Future performance and the results actually achieved by Henkel AG 
& Co. KGaA and its affiliated companies depend on a number of risks and 
uncertainties and may therefore differ materially from forward-looking state-
ments. Many of these factors are outside  Henkel’s control and cannot be accu-
rately estimated in advance, such as the future economic environment and the 
actions of competitors and others involved in the marketplace. Henkel neither 
plans nor undertakes to update forward-looking statements. This document has 
been issued for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute an 
investment advice or an offer to sell securities, or a solicitation of an offer to 
buy securities. 

 
Henkel Annual Report 2016

Further information

195195

Contacts

Corporate Communications 
Phone: +49 (0) 211-797-3533 
Fax: +49 (0) 211-798-2484 
E-mail: corporate.communications@henkel.com

Investor Relations 
Phone: +49 (0) 211-797-3937 
Fax: +49 (0) 211-798-2863 
E-mail: investor.relations@henkel.com

188  Quarterly breakdown of key financials189 Multi-year summary190 Index of tables and graphs192  Glossary194 Credits195 Contacts196

Further information

Henkel Annual Report 2016

Henkel app available  
for iOS and Android:

Henkel in social media:

www.facebook.com/henkel
www.twitter.com/henkel
www.linkedin.com/company/henkel_2
www.instagram.com/henkelglobal/
www.youtube.com/henkel

www.henkel.com/annualreport

www.henkel.com/sustainabilityreport

Financial calendar

Annual General Meeting  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 2017: 
Thursday, April 6, 2017

Publication of Report 
for the First Quarter 2017: 
Thursday, May 11, 2017

Publication of Report 
for the Second Quarter / Half Year 2017: 
Thursday, August 10, 2017

Publication of Report 
for the Third Quarter / Nine Months 2017: 
Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Publication of Report 
for Fiscal 2017: 
Thursday, February 22, 2018

Annual General Meeting  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 2018: 
Monday, April 9, 2018

Up-to-date facts and figures on Henkel also  
available on the internet: 

  www.henkel.com

 
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Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  
40191 Düsseldorf, Germany  
Phone: +49 (0) 211-797-0 
www.henkel.com