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Henkel

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Employees 10,000+
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FY2017 Annual Report · Henkel
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Annual Report 2017

Contents

Our business units

  The Company

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

  30  Shares and bonds

  35  Corporate governance

  Combined management report

  58  Management report subindex 
  59  Fundamental principles of the Group
  65  Economic report
  92   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (condensed 

 version according to the German 
 Commercial Code [HGB])
  96  Risks and opportunities report 
 104  Forecast

   Consolidated financial  
  statements

 106   Consolidated financial statements 

 subindex 

 108   Consolidated statement of financial 

 position 

 110  Consolidated statement of income 
 110   Consolidated statement of  
comprehensive income

 111   Consolidated statement of changes  

in equity

 112  Consolidated statement of cash flows 
 113   Notes to the consolidated financial 

 statements
 175  Subsequent events
 176   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 bodies of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

  Further information

 188  Quarterly breakdown of key financials 
 189  Multi-year summary
 190  Index of tables and graphs
 193  Glossary 
 195  Credits
 196   Contacts

  Financial calendar

Adhesive Technologies

Our top brands

Beauty Care

Our top brands

Laundry & Home Care 

Our top brands

Sales

+ 5.0 %

organic  
sales growth

Sales

+ 0.5 %

organic  
sales growth

Sales

+ 2.0 %

organic  
sales growth

 
 
 
 
 
4.8 %

6.1 %

6.4 %

0.3 pp

0.3 pp

0.8 %

1.7 %

2.7 %

0.1 pp

0.3 pp

Key financials Adhesive Technologies 

4

Sales Adhesive Technologies 
in million euros

in million euros

Sales

Operating profit (EBIT)

Adjusted 1 operating profit (EBIT)

8,961

1,561

1,629

9,387

1,657

1,734

2016

2017

+/–

Return on sales (EBIT)

Adjusted 1 return on sales (EBIT)

17.4 %

18.2 %

17.7 %

18.5 %

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

2013

8,117

2014

8,127

2015

8,992

2016

8,961

2017

9,387

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

Key financials Beauty Care 

6

Sales Beauty Care 
in million euros

in million euros

Sales

Operating profit (EBIT)

Adjusted 1 operating profit (EBIT)

3,838

3,868

526

647

535

665

2016

2017

+/–

Return on sales (EBIT)

Adjusted 1 return on sales (EBIT)

13.7 %

16.9 %

13.8 %

17.2 %

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

2013

3,510

2014

3,547

2015

3,833

2016

3,838

2017

3,868

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

Key financials Laundry & Home Care 

8

Sales Laundry & Home Care 
in million euros

in million euros

Sales

Operating profit (EBIT)

Adjusted 1 operating profit (EBIT)

5,795

803

1,000 

6,651

989

1,170

2016

2017

+/–

Return on sales (EBIT)

Adjusted 1 return on sales (EBIT)

13.9 %

17.3 %

14.9 %

17.6 %

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

14.8 %

23.2 %

17.0 %

1.0 pp

0.3 pp

2013

4,580

2014

4,626

2015

5,137

2016

5,795

2017

6,651

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

5

7

9

 
 
 
Highlights 2017

Sales

EBIT

EPS

Dividend

+ 3.1 %

17.3 %

5.85 euros

1.79 euros

organic 
sales growth 

adjusted 1 return on sales 
(EBIT): up 0.4 percentage 
points

adjusted 1 earnings per  
preferred share (EPS):  
up 9.1 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

Return on capital employed (ROCE) in %

Dividend per ordinary share in euros

Dividend per preferred share in euros

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

16,355

16,428

18,089

18,714

20,029

2,285

2,516

2,244

2,588

2,645

2,923

2,775

3,172

3,055

3,461

14.0

15.4

13.7

15.8

14.6

16.2

14.8

16.9

15.3

17.3

1,625

36

1,589

1,662

34

1,628

1,968

47

1,921

2,093

40

2,053

2,541

22

2,519

3.67

4.07

20.5

1.20

1.22

3.76

4.38

19.0

1.29 

1.31

4.44

4.88

18.2

1.45 

1.47

4.74

5.36

17.5

1.60 

1.62

5.81

5.85

16.3

1.77 2 

1.79 2

1

+/–
2016 – 2017

7.0 %

10.1 %

9.1 %

0.5 pp

0.4 pp

21.4 %

– 45.0 %

22.7 %

22.6 %

9.1 %

– 1.2 pp

10.6 %

10.5 %

pp = percentage points
1 Adjusted for one-time charges / gains and restructuring expenses. 
2  Proposal to shareholders for the Annual General Meeting on April 9, 2018.

Sales by business unit 2017

2

Sales by region 2017

3

Beauty Care 

19 %

Corporate 

1 %

 Japan / Australia /  
New Zealand 

3 %

North America 

26 %

Corporate 

1 %

Laundry &  
Home Care 

33 %

 Adhesive  
Technologies 

47 %

Western Europe 

30 %

Emerging  
markets 1 

40 %

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

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

What drives us

Our purpose

Our values

Creating sustainable value.

Our vision

Leading with our innovations, 
brands and  technologies.

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 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 2017

Hans Van Bylen

Chairman of the Management Board

“ 2017 was a successful year for Henkel: We delivered a 
strong business performance, achieved our financial 
targets for the year and made significant progress with 
key strategic initiatives and projects.”

Henkel Annual Report 2017

3

2017 was a very good year for Henkel. Despite challenging and volatile market conditions, we 
achieved our financial targets for the year and reached new record levels in sales and earnings. 
For the first time, we exceeded annual sales of more than 20 billion euros. This is an important 
milestone for our company. We also delivered record margins and new highs in adjusted 1 earn-
ings per share. Our business performance was once again driven by our strong brands, leading 
technologies and winning innovations as well as a clear focus on costs. 

We focused on the implementation of our strategic priorities and made substantial progress 
with many key strategic initiatives and projects. In the course of the year, we also agreed and 
closed several acquisitions which will complement and further strengthen our portfolio in both 
our consumer and our industrial businesses. Our excellent performance in sustainability was 
again confirmed by international rating agencies, and Henkel was recognized as one of the 
global “industry leaders” in sustainability. 

The successful development of our company in 2017 has been achieved thanks to more than 
53,000 creative, passionate and motivated Henkel employees around the world. It is their com-
mitment and entrepreneurial spirit which make the difference in a highly competitive market 
environment. They are united by shared values and inspired by a strong common purpose: to 
create sustainable value for all our stakeholders. 

On behalf of the Management Board and you, our shareholders and friends of the company,  
I would like to thank our employees for their contributions to our business success in 2017.

Strong performance in 2017
In fiscal 2017, we delivered on our financial targets for the year and reported new highs for sales, 
 profitability and earnings. 

Henkel Group sales grew to 20,029 million euros compared to 18,714 million euros in the previous 
year. Organic sales growth was at 3.1 percent. Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) 
rose by 9.1 percent to 3,461 million euros compared to 3,172 million euros. Adjusted return on sales 
increased to 17.3 percent compared to 16.9 percent. Adjusted earnings per preferred share (EPS) 
grew to 5.85 euros, an increase of 9.1 percent compared to 5.36 euros in the previous year.

All three business units contributed to the overall business performance in 2017. Emerging markets 
generated total sales of 8,130 million euros and very strong organic growth of 5.3 percent. We also 
achieved positive organic sales growth in our mature markets.

The development of our share price, however, was mixed. After reaching their highest level to date 
in June, Henkel shares developed weaker than the DAX. Henkel preferred shares closed 2017 
slightly below the prior-year level and the ordinary shares slightly above.

+ 3.1 %

organic sales growth.

17.3 %

adjusted 1 return  
on sales.

+ 9.1 %

adjusted 1 earnings  
per preferred share.

At our Annual General Meeting on April 9, 2018, we will propose to our shareholders a dividend 
payment of 1.79 euros per preferred share. This is a new high and represents an increase of 
10.5 percent compared to the 1.62 euros paid out in 2017.

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

4

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Shaping our future
Through to 2020 and beyond, we will be pursuing clear ambitions for Henkel. We want to generate 
more profitable growth and to become more customer-focused, innovative, agile and digital. In 
addition, we aim to promote sustainability in all business activities along the entire value chain 
and re  inforce our leading position in this field. 

To achieve these ambitions, we have defined four  strategic priorities: drive growth, accelerate 
digitalization, increase agility and fund growth. 

In 2017, we successfully implemented a number of strategic initiatives and projects to drive 
growth in both mature and emerging markets. Specific programs in our industrial and consumer 
businesses helped us to deepen our engagement with customers. This led to more frequent 
exchanges, deeper understanding, more joint projects and an increasing share of sales with our 
top  10 customers in each of our three business units. 

We further strengthened our leading brands and technologies through targeted investments. 
We increased the speed and quality of innovations across all business units through specific 
initiatives. These resulted in shorter innovation cycles and higher first-year sales from innovations. 

To capture new sources of growth, we set up a dedicated Corporate Venture Capital unit, com-
bining all venture activities at Henkel. This unit explores new technologies, applications and 
business models of strategic interest for our company.

We successfully progressed the integration of The Sun Products Corporation acquired in 2016. 
The integration process is well underway and the newly combined North American Laundry & 
Home Care business recorded a very good performance in 2017. 

We also agreed and closed several acquisitions with a total value of around 2 billion euros in our 
industrial and consumer businesses. They will complement our portfolio and strengthen our 
competitiveness. 

Accelerating digitalization is key to successfully growing our business, strengthening the 
 relationships with our customers and consumers, optimizing our processes and transforming 
the entire company. In 2017, we further digitized our interactions with customers, consumers, 
 business partners and suppliers along the entire value chain. Digitally driven sales increased 
double- digit across all our business units. We also focused on leveraging the full potential of 
Industry 4.0 for Henkel and progressed the digitalization of our integrated Global Supply Chain. 

We expanded specific training and development programs for employees to strengthen the 
 digital capabilities of our company. In addition, we established the position of a Chief Digital 
Officer with a dedicated organization to lead and facilitate the digital transformation across all 
business units.

In order to create a more agile organization, we have fostered the entrepreneurial spirit of our 
employees, promoted openness to change and aimed to expand employees’ decision-making 
power. 

As part of our fastest time-to-market initiatives, we reduced innovation lead times and acceler-
ated entries into new markets. We also introduced more flexible business models to better adapt 
to dynamic markets, and further optimized workflows and processes.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

5

As part of our strategic priority to fund growth, we began to implement our ONE!ViEW initiative, 
which aims to optimize cost management through increased global cost transparency and 
improved budget allocation. 

We continued to drive forward expansion of our Global Supply Chain. In addition, we introduced 
net revenue management across all business units and further increased efficiency in our 
 structure, for example through new approaches in our shared service centers focusing on 
 automation and robotics.

Henkel has a long-standing commitment to sustainability. Based on a clear strategy with 
defined targets up to 2020 and 2030, we drive sustainable practice within our own operations as 
well as along the entire value chain – from our suppliers to our customers and consumers. 

Our progress and performance were once again recognized in numerous rankings and ratings in 
2017. For example, Henkel was named “industry leader” in the global Dow Jones Sustainability 
Index. This was only possible thanks to our highly committed employees. In 2017, we enabled 
our employees globally through dedicated engagement and training programs to become Sustain-
ability Ambassadors.

Thank you for your trust and confidence
In summary, 2017 was a successful year for Henkel: We delivered a strong business performance, 
achieved our financial targets for the year and made significant progress with key strategic 
 initiatives and projects. We are building on a strong foundation and will continue our successful 
development in the future.

On behalf of the Management Board, I would like to thank our supervisory bodies for their valuable 
advice and I would also like to thank you, our shareholders, for your continued trust and support. 
In addition, we would like to thank our customers and consumers around the world for their 
confidence in our company, our strong brands and our leading technologies.

We are fully committed to creating sustainable value and to continuing the successful, long-term 
development of our company.

Düsseldorf, January 30, 2018 

Sincerely,

Hans Van Bylen

Chairman of the Management Board

6

Report of the Supervisory Board

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah

Chairwoman of the Shareholders’ 
 Committee and the Supervisory Board

“ We believe that Henkel is well equipped for the future 
and are confident that we will be able to move the 
company further forward.”

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Report of the Supervisory Board

7

The economic and political environment in which 
Henkel operates again proved to be challenging in 2017, 
with widespread economic and political uncertainty 
prevailing. Global economic growth was moderate 
overall. The underlying conditions on the consumer 
goods markets were difficult. Adverse currency effects 
strengthened as the year progressed. In spite of these 
challenges, we are very satisfied with developments 
in fiscal 2017. Henkel’s business  performance was 
again strong, with both sales and profits reaching 
new all-time highs. All of our business units contrib-
uted to this success. 

The implementation of our strategic priorities also 
progressed well in the fiscal year just ended. 

On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to 
thank all of our employees at Henkel for their dedicated 
commitment and help over the past year. My thanks 
are equally due to the members of the Management 
Board who have steered the corporation successfully 
through a difficult market environment. I am also 
grateful to our employees’ representatives and works 
councils for their consistently constructive support 
in growing Henkel. 

To you, our shareholders, I extend my special thanks 
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
The Supervisory Board continued to discharge its 
duties diligently in fiscal 2017 in accordance with the 
legal statutes, Articles of Association and rules of 
procedure governing its 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.

The Management Board and Supervisory Board con-
tinued to cooperate in 2017 through extensive dialog 
founded on mutual trust and confidence. The Man-
agement 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. Reports for the year 
and the half year focused on the sales and profits of 
Henkel Group as a whole, with further analysis by 
business unit and region. All members of the Super-
visory 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 ple-
nary 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.

The Supervisory Board and the Audit Committee each 
held four regular meetings in the reporting year. 
Attendance at the Supervisory Board and committee 
meetings was around 97 percent and around 92 per-
cent 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 stra-
tegic issues. We also discussed the overall economic 
situation and Henkel’s business performance. 

8

Report of the Supervisory Board

Henkel Annual Report 2017

In our meeting on February 21, 2017, we discussed the 
annual and consolidated financial statements for 2016, 
including the combined management report for Henkel 
AG & Co. KGaA and the Group, together with the risk 
report and corporate governance report. We also 
approved both the 2017 Declaration of Compliance and 
our proposals for resolution by the 2017 Annual General 
Meeting. A detailed report of this was included in our 
last Annual Report. At the same meeting, we discussed 
how the implementation of our globally centralized 
and integrated supply chain, including purchasing, 
was progressing, as well as learning more about the 
workflows at ONE!Global Supply Chain headquarters. 

As well as discussing market and competitive condi-
tions and the performance of our business units over 
the first few months of the fiscal year, our meeting 
on April 6, 2017, focused on our Human Resources 
(HR) initiatives and ambitions, together with our HR 
management plans for the coming years. Henkel is 
striving to foster an inspirational and motivational 
corporate culture with agile and innovative teams 
and to expand the digitalization of our organizational 
structure, which will include new digital training 
formats and smart HR system applications. We also 
talked in depth about the innovation strategies of our 
business units, including discussion of the associated 
product launches and research projects.

In addition to discussing the performance of our 
 business units over the first eight months of the year, 
another key item on the agenda for our meeting on 
September 15, 2017, was the non-financial reporting 
regime required under the European Union’s new 
(EU) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Directive, 
and the procedure for auditing the same. We also 
examined in more detail our progress in the field of 
sustainability, and discussed in depth the status of 
implementation of our Henkel 2020+ strategy in the 
individual business units.

Our meeting on December 15, 2017, focused on the 
expected results for 2017 and our assets and financial 
planning for fiscal 2018. We also discussed in detail 
the associated budgets of our business units based 
on comprehensive documentation. 

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 expertise 
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 35 to 46) and the membership lists on page 
185 of this Annual Report. 

Committee activities
Following the appointment of the external auditor by 
the 2017 Annual General Meeting, it was mandated 
by the Audit Committee to audit the annual financial 
statements and the consolidated financial statements, 
including the combined management report for 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and the Group, and to review 
the interim financial reports for 2017. The audit fee 
and focus areas of the audit were also established. 
The Audit Committee again obtained the necessary 
validation of auditor independence for the perfor-
mance 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. Agreement was also reached 
that the auditor will notify the Supervisory Board 
immediately of any findings or incidents discovered 
or occurring during the audit that are material to the 
performance of the Supervisory Board’s duties.  The 
Audit Committee also engaged the external auditor 
to review the contents of the separate, combined 
non-financial statement for Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
and the Group, which was compiled as a separate 
non-financial report on the basis of the former sus-
tainability report and made available in the public 
domain through publication on our website.

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 resolutions 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 content and results 
of each of the Committee meetings.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Report of the Supervisory Board

9

The company and Group accounts, including the 
interim financial reports (quarterly statements and 
financial report for the half year) 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 further 
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 issues 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 functional efficiency and efficacy of 
the internal control system and our compliance orga-
nization. The Audit Committee likewise discussed 
treasury risks and their management. A further key 
item for discussion was the mandatory rotation of 
auditors, which requires a new bidding procedure for 
the contract to audit the financial statements from 
fiscal 2020 onward. An initial assessment of potential 
candidates was performed on the basis of the Audit 
Committee’s definition and weighting of evaluation 
criteria. The selection process consists of multiple 
stages that will culminate in the definitive proposal 
of two candidates to the Supervisory Board at the end 
of 2019. 

At its meeting on February 20, 2018, attended by the 
auditor, the Audit Committee discussed the annual 
and consolidated financial statements, together with 
the combined management report for Henkel AG & 
Co. KGaA and the Group, the separate, combined 
non-financial report for Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and 
the Group for fiscal 2017, as well as the audit reports 
and auditor’s notes, the associated proposal for 
appropriation of profit, and the risk report, and 
 prepared the corresponding resolutions for the Super-
visory Board. It also recommended that the Super-
visory Board should propose to the Annual General 
Meeting the election of KPMG as auditor for fiscal 

year 2018. A declaration from the auditor asserting its 
independence was again duly received, accompanied 
by details pertaining to non-audit services rendered 
in fiscal 2017 and those envisioned for fiscal 2018. 
There was no evidence of any bias or partiality on the 
part of the auditor. 

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

The Nominations Committee submitted a recommen-
dation regarding the planned election of an additional 
shareholder representative in preparation for the 
Supervisory Board’s proposal for resolution by the 
2018 Annual General Meeting. 

Efficiency audit 
The Supervisory Board and Audit Committee regularly 
review the efficiency with which they perform their 
duties, based on a comprehensive, company-specific 
checklist. The checklist covers important aspects 
such as meeting preparation and procedure, the 
scope and content of documents and information – 
particularly with respect to financial reports, compli-
ance and audits – as well as financial control and risk 
management. Such a survey took place in the report-
ing year. The results and assessments were examined 
in detail in the meeting of the Audit Committee on 
February 20, 2018, and the meeting of the Supervisory 
Board on February 21, 2018, where issues of corporate 
governance and opportunities for improvement were 
also discussed. The efficiency with which the Super-
visory Board and Audit Committee carry out their 
duties and the required independence of their mem-
bership were duly confirmed.

Corporate governance and declaration of 
compliance
The Supervisory Board again dealt with questions 
of corporate governance in the reporting year. Our 
meeting on September 15, 2017, focused in particular 
on reviewing and updating our objectives with 
regard to Supervisory Board composition to reflect 
both the diversity requirements specified in the CSR 
Directive Implementation Act and the amendments 
to the German Corporate Governance Code [DCGK]. 
Details of this and of Henkel’s corporate governance 
can be found in the management report on corporate 
governance (pages 35 to 46 of this Annual Report), 
with which we fully acquiesce. 

10

Report of the Supervisory Board

Henkel Annual Report 2017

At our meeting on February 21, 2018, we discussed 
and approved the joint declaration of compliance 
for 2018 to be submitted by the Management Board, 
Shareholders’ Committee and Supervisory Board, as 
specified in the German Corporate Governance Code. 
The full wording of the current and previous declara-
tions of compliance can be found on the company 
website.

Annual and consolidated financial 
statements / Audit
In its capacity as auditor appointed for 2017 by the 
Annual General Meeting, KPMG examined the annual 
financial statements prepared by the Management 
Board, 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 fiscal 2017. The 
annual financial statements and the combined man-
agement report were prepared in accordance with 
German statutory provisions. The consolidated 
financial statements were prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as endorsed by the EU, and in accordance 
with the supplementary German statutory provisions 
pursuant to Section 315 a (1) German Commercial 
Code [HGB]. The consolidated financial statements 
in their present form exempt us from the requirement 
to  prepare consolidated financial statements in 
 accordance with German law.

KPMG conducted its audits in accordance with 
 Section 317 HGB and German generally accepted 
 standards for the audit of financial statements promul-
gated by the Institute of Public Auditors in Germany 
[Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer, IDW]. Unqualified 
audit opinions were issued for the annual and the 
consolidated financial statements, as well as for the 
combined management report. 

KPMG also reviewed the separate, combined non- 
financial statement for Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and 
the Group for fiscal 2017 as compiled by the Manage-
ment Board to ensure its contents included the 

 disclosures required by law. The review was based 
on the International Standard on Assurance Engage-
ments (ISAE) 3000 (Revised): “Assurance Engagements 
other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial 
Information” as published by the International 
Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) for 
the purpose of obtaining limited assurance. Based on 
its audit review and the audit evidence obtained, the 
auditor is not aware of any circumstances that might 
prompt it to believe that the disclosures in the sepa-
rate, combined non-financial report for Henkel AG & 
Co. KGaA and the Group for fiscal 2017 have not been 
prepared in compliance with all material aspects of 
commercial law provisions.

The annual financial statements, consolidated finan-
cial statements, combined management report, and 
separate, combined non-financial report for fiscal 2017 
were presented in good time to all members of the 
Supervisory Board, together with the corresponding 
audit reports and relevant auditor’s notes and the 
recommendations by the Management Board for the 
appropriation of the profit made by Henkel AG & Co. 
KGaA. We examined these documents and discussed 
them at our meeting on February 21, 2018, in the 
presence of the auditor, which reported on its main 
audit findings. We received and approved the audit 
reports. The Chairman of the Audit Committee pro-
vided the plenary session of the Supervisory Board 
with a detailed account of the treatment of the annual 
financial statements, the consolidated financial 
statements, the combined management report and 
the separate, combined non-financial report by the 
Audit Committee. Having received the final results of 
the review conducted by the Audit Committee and 
concluded our own examination, we see no reason 
for objection to the aforementioned documents. We 
have agreed to the results of KPMG’s audits. 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, 2018, 
we concurred with the recommendations of the 
Audit Committee and therefore approved the annual 
financial statements, the consolidated financial 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Report of the Supervisory Board

11

statements, the combined management report and 
the separate, combined non-financial 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 
1.77 euros per ordinary share and of 1.79 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 Meet-
ing forward to the following year. This proposal takes 
into account the financial and earnings position of the 
corporation, its medium-term financial and invest-
ment planning, and the interests of our shareholders. 

In our meeting on February 21, 2018, 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 2018 were unduly influenced by any third party; 
nor were agreements reached that might have 
restricted the choice of possible auditors.

Risk management
Risk management issues were examined not only by 
the Audit Committee but also by the plenary Super-
visory 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 identifiable risks that might jeopardize the con-
tinued 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
As already reported last year, employee representative 
Mayc Nienhaus left the Supervisory Board and was 
replaced by Angelika Keller, effective January 1, 2017.

Pascal Houdayer, responsible for the Beauty Care 
business unit since March 1, 2016, left the Management 
Board by mutual agreement. Effective November 1, 
2017, Jens-Martin Schwärzler was appointed to the 
Management Board as the member responsible for 
the Beauty Care business unit. 

We thanked the departing members of the Supervisory 
Board and Management Board for their dedication to 
the interests of the company. 

We were delighted to be able to fill the vacancy on 
the Management Board internally with an experienced 
executive: Jens-Martin Schwärzler has been working 
for Henkel since 1992. Prior to his appointment to 
the Management Board, he was responsible for 
Henkel’s consumer goods business in North America. 
Under his leadership, Henkel successfully launched 
leading brands such as Persil and Schwarzkopf in the 
North American market and integrated The Sun 
Products Corporation acquired by Henkel in 2016. We 
wish Jens-Martin Schwärzler every success in his 
new role. 

Fiscal 2017 was a very successful year for Henkel. The 
coming year will continue to pose further challenges 
for both our employees and the company’s manage-
ment. Many of the issues and changes we focused on 
in 2017 will continue to occupy us in the coming fiscal 
year. We believe that Henkel is well equipped for the 
future and are confident that we will be able to move 
the company further forward.

We thank you for your ongoing trust and support.

Düsseldorf, February 21, 2018

On behalf of the Supervisory Board

D r. Simone  Ba gel-Tra h

(C h air w om an)

12

Management Board

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Jan-Dirk Auris

Jens-Martin Schwärzler

Bruno Piacenza

Executive Vice President 
Adhesive Technologies 

Executive Vice President
Beauty Care 

Executive Vice President 
Laundry & Home Care 

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

Born in Ravensburg, Germany,  
on August 23, 1963; 
with Henkel since 1992.

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

 
 
 
Henkel Annual Report 2017

Management Board

13

Hans Van Bylen

Chairman of the  
Management Board 

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

Kathrin Menges

Carsten Knobel

Executive Vice President
Human Resources / 
Infrastructure Services

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

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

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

 
14

Henkel 2020+

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Focusing on our 
strategic priorities

We are shaping our future with a strong entrepreneurial spirit based on an 
inspiring purpose and a common vision for the future, which unite everyone 
at Henkel. Our actions are guided by clear values.

For more than 140 years now, Henkel has been 
driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit that is part 
of our company’s DNA. Always starting up – with 
new ideas, new businesses, new markets and new 
ways. And we want to make a difference with what 
we do. We want to create sustainable value – for our 
customers and consumers, our people, our share-
holders and for the wider society and the commu-
nities in which we operate. This is our purpose. 

In a highly volatile and increasingly complex busi-
ness environment, we pursue a long-term strategy 
to sustain our profitable growth. We have defined 
four strategic  priorities to guide our actions through 

to 2020 and beyond: drive growth, accelerate 
 digitalization, increase agility and fund growth. 
In 2017, we successfully implemented and pro-
gressed a number of key strategic initiatives and 
programs.

To ensure that all employees understand our strategic 
direction and how they can actively contribute to 
the  successful implementation of our initiatives, 
we have introduced a wide range of engaging inter-
nal communication formats. A global strategy survey 
among more than 10,000 management employees 
confirmed the high level of understanding and 
commitment to our strategic priorities.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Henkel 2020+

15

Fund
 Growth

Increase
 Agility

Drive 
Growth

Accelerate 
Digitalization

Drive growth

Driving growth in mature and emerging markets is a key strategic priority for Henkel. In order to achieve this, we 
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 helps 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 is a critical success 
factor for Henkel. This requires energized and empowered teams, fastest time-to-market initiatives as well as smart 
and simplified processes.

Fund growth

In order to fund growth, we 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. 

16

Adhesive Technologies

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Lightweight construction

Our material solutions help to compensate the 
added weight of batteries and electronics. This will 
not only increase the  driving range of cars, but also 
improve their sustainability.

Self-driving

Cameras, sensors and radar technology transfer 
data and information to high-performance 
 assistance systems in real time. We offer up to 
10 different applications for one camera.

Intelligence

As many as 100 miniature computers will process the 
 data, making driving safer and more comfortable. Our 
innovative applications protect automotive electronics, 
enabling better performance and a longer service life. 

The automotive industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation: eMobility, new 
 technologies to enable smart mobility and autonomous driving are just some examples. 
Thanks to our leading portfolio of technologies, our capabilities to innovate and develop 
individual  solutions, our global presence and our strong partnerships with manufacturers 
along the entire value chain in the automotive industry, Henkel is well positioned to actively 
contribute to the transformation of this industry.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Adhesive Technologies 

17

Driving innovation

Displays

Our innovations contribute significantly to achieving 
the best image quality and longest service life 
 possible for displays, as well as enabling new 
designs and additional functions.

Battery technology

Our leading solutions, which include thermal 
 compounds, structural adhesives and functional  
coatings, make batteries more effective and also 
 more cost-efficient.

Henkel’s Adhesive Technologies business unit has 
a unique and leading portfolio of technologies to 
make cars safer, more sustainable and smarter. 

The use of new materials makes cars lighter and 
ensures safety and comfort at the same time. These 
lightweight materials can often only be bonded 
together by innovative adhesives, replacing the 
need for traditional welding. 

to the internet. Our adhesives products play an 
important role in the digitalization of the car of 
tomorrow: They insulate sensors and cameras, 
manage the temperature of processors and protect 
the wiring in the car.

Our solutions can also be found in the increasing 
number of displays which support the driver with 
real-time information or entertain passengers.

Cars will also become more intelligent thanks to 
the use of digital devices and permanent connection 

  www.henkel.com/futurecar

18

Beauty Care

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Connecting with  
our customers

Henkel Beauty Care is one of the leading beauty businesses worldwide, serving both 
the  retail and the professional markets. In our Hair Salon business, we partner with our 
customers, professional hairdressers around the world. With our innovations and know ledge, 
we help them to create new styles. We also jointly develop and market new coloring and 
styling products. In 2017, we successfully launched #mydentity haircolor together  with 
 Guy Tang, a leading hairdresser and social media influencer.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Beauty Care

19

Guy Tang is a hairdresser from Los Angeles who has 
a combined online following of more than 4 million, 
most of them hairdressers and hair stylists. With 
his work and social media activities, he inspires his 
online community and provides education on how 
to create unique new hair colors and styles.

#mydentity allows hairdressers to develop custom-
ized colors and exclusive hair styles for their clients. 
The products are marketed entirely via digital 

 channels and have been very successful in the USA, 
the world̓’s leading hair professional market.

Over recent years, Henkel has successfully 
strengthened its position in this market, through 
both organic growth and targeted acquisitions, and 
has become one of the top three hair professional 
businesses in the USA.

  www.mydentitycolor.com

20

Laundry & Home Care

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Persil is an iconic brand – not only in Germany where it was born in 1907, but also in more 
than 50 countries globally, including Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asian 
markets. Excellent performance and constant innovation have always been the drivers of Persil’s 
success. In German we say: “Persil stays Persil, because it never stays Persil.” This  sentence sum-
marizes our promise to constantly deliver premium cleanliness, convenience and innovation 
to  consumers worldwide. In 2017, we were proud to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Persil.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Laundry & Home Care

21

Leveraging  
iconic brands

Persil is one of the top brands for Henkel and the 
biggest brand for our Laundry & Home Care business, 
generating sales of more than 1 billion euros in 2017. 
The successful evolution of this brand is driven by 
a continued commitment to quality,  sustainability 
and innovation.

Over the decades, the brand has consistently set 
the standard with milestones in detergent­related 
research and development. In 2017, we successfully 
launched Persil Clean & Smooth, which helps 
 consumers make ironing easier while protecting 
garments from creasing.

In 2017, we celebrated Persil’s birthday with a success­
ful social media campaign – influencers from 
around the world posted pictures and comments on 
Instagram using the hashtag #persil110years.

  www.instagram.com/persil_de

22

Finance

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Advancing digital  
in Finance 

In our global Finance organization, we enable the successful steering of our businesses 
through transparent financial information and analysis, real-time reports, agile end-to-end 
processes and advanced data analytics. This provides us with deeper insights and enables us 
to better understand our markets, to assess risks and to identify opportunities – helping us 
in turn to further optimize the efficiency of our internal processes.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Finance

23

Digitalization has become the backbone of our 
financial management and our processes. It is a key 
driver of our Finance organization – from Corporate 
Finance to our shared service centers as well as our 
integrated Global Supply Chain, which combines 
global purchasing, production and logistics.

 conclusions makes the difference in today’s com-
petitive environment. In our Integrated Business 
Solutions organization, we have a dedicated team 
for data  analytics providing our businesses with 
 valuable insights to enable better and faster decisions 
based on real-time data.

The amount and complexity of business and market 
data are constantly growing. That is why excellent 
data management has become a driver of competitive 
advantage. The ability to ask the right questions, 
to know how to analyze data and draw the right 

In addition, we are leveraging the potential of 
 software automation and robotics in our shared 
service centers to further optimize our process 
efficiency.

24

People

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Virtual learning

Constant learning, developing new capabilities and sharing knowledge have become 
essential factors for our company’s success. That is why we offer our employees a broad 
range of learning programs and opportunities to acquire new capabilities. Digital 
learning platforms play an increasingly important role in our efforts to constantly train 
and upskill our global organization.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

People

25

Digital learning platforms give our employees fast 
and flexible access to a wide range of training 
 content. The Henkel Global Academy is our central 
learning platform, open to everyone at Henkel to 
learn about business and technologies, improve 
management and leadership skills or refine specific 
capabilities.

A variety of different programs, eLearning modules 
and instructional videos by renowned experts are 
available on the Academy website.

We encourage our workforce to integrate know-
ledge-building exercises into their everyday work 
routines.

In 2017, we further extended our offering through a 
collaboration with Lynda.com, adding more than 
9,500 courses in English, German and Spanish and 
around 150,000 videos. These learning modules are 
updated regularly and can also be used on mobile 
devices. 

  www.henkel.com/careers

26

Digitalization

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Digitalization changes the way we do business and interact with our customers and consumers, 
as well as how we run our company day by day. We are committed to accelerate digitalization 
along the entire value chain – this is one of our strategic priorities. We are doing this by 
driving our digital businesses, by leveraging Industry 4.0 and by promoting the digital trans-
formation of our organization. In 2017, we made substantial progress in all dimensions.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Digitalization

27

Accelerating 
digitalization

By 2020, we aim to double our digital sales com-
pared to 2016, to more than 4 billion euros. In our 
 consumer businesses, we partner with retailers to 
support their transition to omni-channel offerings. 
In our industrial business, we run our own state-of-
the-art eCommerce platform for industrial custom-
ers, offering an integrated user experience.

We also see significant potential in leveraging 
Industry 4.0 in our operations. By fully digitizing 
our value chain – from planning and  purchasing 
via production to logistics – we aim to increase 

 efficiency, improve service quality and contribute 
to sustainability. Already today, more than 500 mil-
lion data points are registered and processed daily 
in our global supply chain.

A key success factor will be the digital transformation 
of our organization. We are supporting this transi-
tion through agile and flexible working, a test and 
learn mentality as well as specific training offerings.

   www.henkel.com/spotlight/industry-4-0

28

Sustainability

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Celebrating our 
ambassadors

When it comes to implementing our sustainability strategy, it is our people around the 
world who make the difference – through their dedication, skills and knowledge. Day by 
day they contribute to sustainable development at Henkel: They engage with multiple 
stakeholders and create more value for our customers, consumers and society. They are 
our Sustainability Ambassadors.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Sustainability

29

Henkel has a long-standing commitment to sustain-
ability and is widely recognized for its performance 
in this field. To engage our employees and drive 
our sustainability strategy, we launched our global 
 Sustainability Ambassador program in 2012. Since 
then, more than 50,000 employees have successfully 
completed the program via eLearning or through 
team training sessions. 

knowledge, they can make a visible contribution 
to sustainability at our sites, by engaging with 
our business partners and consumers, and in the 
 communities in which we operate. 

For example, Henkel’s Sustainability Ambassadors 
are encouraged to volunteer in various social 
 projects or to visit schools to teach children about 
sustainable behavior. 

We want to motivate our employees to become 
involved and lead by example. With their skills and 

  www.henkel.com/sustainability

30

Shares and bonds

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Shares and bonds

Henkel share price performance varied in 2017. Over 
the course of the first six months, Henkel shares 
largely tracked the positive trend of the market as a 
whole. Within this environment, Henkel preferred 
shares reached an all-time high on June 19, 2017, of 
128.90 euros. On the same day, the ordinary shares 
also recorded their highest price ever, 113.70 euros.

From August onward, Henkel share performance 
lagged behind its benchmarks. Henkel preferred 
shares closed the year at 110.35 euros, down 2.6 per-
cent, while the ordinary shares posted a slight gain, 
closing at 100.00 euros or 1.0 percent higher. The 
preferred shares traded at an average premium of 
13.5 percent over the ordinary shares in 2017.

Over the course of the year, the DAX rose by 12.5 per-
cent to 12,918 points. The EURO STOXX® Consumer 
Goods Index closed at 712 points, also up 12.5 per-
cent. Henkel shares therefore underperformed both 
the DAX and the European consumer goods index.

Year on year, the trading volume (Xetra) of preferred 
shares showed a slightly declining trend. Each trad-
ing day saw an average of around 465,000 preferred 
shares changing hands (2016: around 473,000). The 

average volume for our ordinary shares also decreased 
to around 85,000 shares per trading day (2016: 
89,000). The market capitalization of our ordinary 
and preferred shares was virtually unchanged as of 
year-end at 45.6 billion euros. 

Henkel shares have proven to be an attractive invest-
ment 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  dividends received (before tax deduction) in the 
stock, had a portfolio value of 36,539 euros at the 
end of 2017. This represents an increase in value of 
3,554 percent or an average yield of 11.8 percent per 
year. Over the same period, the DAX provided an 
annual return of 7.8 percent. Over the last five and 
ten years, the Henkel preferred share has shown an 
 average yield of 12.1 percent and 11.1 percent per year 
respectively, offering a significantly higher return 
than the average DAX returns of 11.1 percent and 
4.8 percent per year for the same periods.

Key data on Henkel shares 2013 to 2017 

10

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

Dividend

Ordinary share

Preferred share

Market capitalization 1 in bn euros

Ordinary shares in bn euros

Preferred shares in bn euros

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

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

1.62

45.9

25.7

20.2

5.79

5.81

100.00

110.35

113.70

128.90

96.15

110.10

1.77 2

1.79 2

45.6

26.0

19.6

1 Closing share prices, Xetra trading system.
2 Proposal to shareholders for the Annual General Meeting on April 9, 2018.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Shares and bonds

31

11

Dec. 29, 2017: 
110.35 euros

e
c
n
a
n
r
e
v
o
g

e
t
a
r
o
p
r
o
C
/
s
d
n
o
b

d
n
a

s
e
r
a
h
S

Performance of Henkel shares versus market  
January through December 2017 

Dec. 30, 2016: 
113.25 euros

in euros

135

130

125

120

115

110

105

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  
2008 through 2017 

Dec. 31, 2007: 
38.43 euros

in euros

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

12

Dec. 29, 2017: 
110.35 euros

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

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

 
 
 
 
 
32

Shares and bonds

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Henkel represented in all 
major indices

themes) was reflected in regular positive assessments 
by various national and international rating agencies, 
from which sustainability indices are derived. 

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 (American 
Depositary Receipt) program. The number of ADRs 
outstanding for ordinary and preferred shares at the 
end of the year was approximately 1.8 million (2016: 
1.5 million).

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 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 Sustainability Index series. Henkel 
is also included in the Dow Jones  Sustainability Indices 
World and Europe, and in the Global Challenges Index 
as one of only 50 companies worldwide.

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 as benchmarks for fund managers. 
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 personal 
and household goods sector worldwide. As a DAX stock, 
Henkel is one of the 30 most significant exchange-
listed companies in Germany.

13

Preferred shares

Ordinary shares

604843

604840

DE0006048432

DE0006048408

HEN3.ETR

HEN.ETR

178,162,875

259,795,875

International shareholder 
structure

Compared to the ordinary shares, our preferred shares 
are the significantly more liquid class of Henkel stock. 
Apart from the treasury shares, they are entirely in 
free float. A large majority are owned by institutional 
investors whose portfolios are usually broadly distrib-
uted 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, 2017, 
treasury stock amounted to 3.7 million shares.

14

Preferred shares

Ordinary shares

Shareholder structure:  
Institutional investors holding Henkel shares 

15

42550U208

42550U109

US42550U2087

US42550U1097

France 

HENOY

HENKY

Germany 

7 %

9 %

61.02 %

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

Share data 

Security code no.

ISIN code

Stock exch. symbol

Number of shares

ADR data 

CUSIP

ISIN code

ADR symbol

USA 

29 %

 UK 

23 %

At year-end 2017, the market capitalization of the 
preferred shares included in the DAX index was 
19.6 billion euros. Henkel thus ranked 19th (2016: 
18th), or 23rd (2016: 22nd) in terms of trading volume. 
Our DAX weighting decreased to 1.85 percent (2016: 
2.10 percent).

Rest of world  13 %

Rest of  
Europe 

19 %

At November 30, 2017 
Source: Nasdaq.

Once again our advances and achievements in sustain-
able management earned recognition from external 
experts in 2017. The quality of our communication 
and our performance with respect to non-financial 
indicators (environmental, social and governance 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Shares and bonds

33

Employee share program

Henkel bonds

Since 2001, Henkel has offered an employee share 
program (ESP). For each euro invested in 2017 by 
 an employee (limited to 4 percent of salary up to a 
 maximum of 4,992 euros per year), Henkel added 
33 eurocents. Around 11,600 employees in 54 countries 
purchased Henkel preferred shares under this pro-
gram in 2017. At year-end, some 14,600 employees 
held a total of around 2.4 million shares, representing 
approximately 1.4 percent of total preferred shares 
outstanding. The lock-up period for newly acquired 
ESP shares is three years.

Henkel issued fixed-rate bonds with a total volume 
of 2.2 billion euros in 2016: one with a volume of 
500 million euros, a term of two years and a coupon 
rate of 0 percent per year; a second with a volume of 
700 million euros and a term of five years, which 
bears interest of 0 percent per year. A further euro-
dollar 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. 

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 pro-
gram was first launched, and waived interim  payouts, 
held portfolios valued at 93,702 euros at the end of 
2017. This represents an increase in value of around 
388 percent or an average yield of around 11.1 percent 
per year.

Henkel placed a 600 million US dollar bond in the 
eurodollar market in June 2017. The bond has a term 
of three years and a coupon rate of 2.0 percent. The 
proceeds from the issue were used to finance Henkel’s 
acquisitions. The bond was substantially oversub-
scribed and attracted widespread interest among 
international investors. 

Further information can be found on the website: 

  www.henkel.com/creditor-relations

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.

2016

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 %

USD

600 million

2.0 % p.a.

6/12/2020

99.78 %

2.08 %

16

2017

Interest calculation

Act / Act (ISMA)

Act / Act (ISMA)

30 / 360 (ISMA)

Act / Act (ISMA)

30 / 360 (ISMA)

Denomination

Sec. code no.

ISIN

Listing

1,000 EUR

A2BPAW

1,000 EUR

A2BPAX

2,000 USD

A2BPAY

1,000 GBP

A2BPAZ

2,000 USD

A2E4FR

XS1488370740

XS1488418960

XS1488419695

XS1488419935

XS1626039819

Regulated Market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange

34

Shares and bonds

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Pro-active capital market 
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 pub-
lic at large are further provided with comprehensive 
information through press releases and information 
events, while occurrences with the potential to mate-
rially affect the price of Henkel shares are communi-
cated in the form of ad hoc announcements.

Henkel is covered by numerous financial analysts at 
an international level. Around 30 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 23 capital market conferences 
and roadshows held in Europe, North America and 
Asia, 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 of our Investor Relations activities last 
year was our Investor and Analyst Day for the Beauty 
Care business unit, held on June 1, 2017, in Hamburg. 
Headlined as its “Beauty Addict Tour,” the business 
unit used the event to showcase its latest innova-
tions and technologies. The Beauty Care manage-
ment team also provided information about its strat-
egy and business performance. 

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.

The quality of our capital market communication 
was again evaluated in 2017 by various independent 
rankings. In the Institutional Investor ranking, 
Henkel’s Investor Relations program was ranked 
third best in the European Household & Personal 
Care Products sector. We also came second in the two 
categories of Best Website and Best Analyst Day. 

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

Analyst recommendations 

17

Sell 

12 %

Buy 

44 %

Hold 

44 %

At December 31, 2017 
Basis: 32 equity analysts.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Corporate governance

35

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 manage-

ment approach

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

information policy 

The German Corporate Governance Code [DCGK] was 
introduced in order to promote confidence in the 
management and oversight of listed German corpo-
rations. It sets out the nationally and internationally 
recognized regulations of responsible corporate gov-
ernance and standards applicable in Germany. The 
DCGK is aligned to the statutory provisions applica-
ble to a German joint stock corporation (“Aktienge-
sellschaft” [AG]). It is applied analogously by Henkel 
AG & Co. KGaA (the corporation). For a better under-
standing, this report describes the principles under-
lying 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 shareholders 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 289a (1), 315a (1) 
 (disclosures concerning acquisitions), and 289f, 
 315d (corporate governance declaration) German 
Commercial Code [HGB]. 

Accordingly, the disclosures concerning acquisitions 
and the corporate governance declaration form part 
of the combined management report for Henkel AG 
& Co. KGaA and the Group, which has been audited 
by the external auditor. In this respect, Section 317 (2) 
sentence 6 HGB stipulates that any audit of the dis-
closures pursuant to Sections 289f (2) and 315d HGB 
is limited to the question as to whether any infor-
mation has actually been disclosed. 

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 unlim-
ited liability with respect to the company’s creditors 
(personally liable partner). The other partners’ liabil-
ity 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 earnings, 
elects members of the supervisory board (shareholder 
representatives), and formally approves the supervi-
sory board’s actions. It appoints the auditor 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 state-
ments of the company, formally approves the actions 
of the personally liable partner, and elects and 
approves the actions of the members of the sharehold-
ers’ committee as established under the articles of 
association. Resolutions passed in general meeting 

36

Corporate governance

Henkel Annual Report 2017

require the approval of the personally liable partner 
where they involve matters which, in the case of a 
limited partnership, require the authorization of the 
personally liable partners and also that of the limited 
partners (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 ten members, all of whom 
are elected by the General Meeting (Art. 27 of the 
Articles of Association). The Shareholders’ Commit-
tee in particular performs the following functions 
(Section 278 (2) AktG in conjunction with Sections 
114 and 161 HGB, and Articles 8, 9 and 26 of the Arti-
cles of Association): 
•  It participates in place of the General Meeting in 

the management of the corporation.

•  It decides on the appointment and dismissal of the  

Personally Liable Partners.

•  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 General Meeting of Henkel Management AG, 
thereby choosing its three-member Supervisory 
Board which, in turn, appoints and dismisses the 
members of the Management Board. 

•  And it issues rules of procedure incumbent upon 

Henkel Management AG. 

Disclosures concerning 
acquisitions
(Disclosures required under Sections 289a, 
315a HGB and explanations)

Composition of issued capital / Shareholders’ 
rights 
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) with each 
share representing a nominal proportion of the 
 capital stock of 1 euro. Of this total, 259,795,875 are 
ordinary shares (total nominal proportion of capital 
stock: 259,795,875 euros, representing 59.3 percent) 
and 178,162,875 are preferred shares (total nominal 
proportion of capital stock: 178,162,875 euros, repre-
senting 40.7 percent). All shares are fully paid in. 
Multiple share certificates for shares may be issued. 
In accordance with Art. 6 (4) of the Articles of Associ-
ation, 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 (Sections 139 (1) 
and 140 (1) AktG). The preferred shares carry the fol-
lowing preferential 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 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 General 
Meeting as per the relevant statutory provisions and 
the Articles of Association of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA. 
In particular, they exercise the right to vote conveyed 
by the shares with voting rights – 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 entitled 
to submit motions on the resolution proposals of 
management, speak on agenda items, raise pertinent 
questions and propose motions (Sections 126 (1) and 
131 AktG in conjunction with Art. 23 (2) of the Articles 
of Association). The ordinary Annual General 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 and / or preferred shares or a 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Corporate governance

37

combination of both – may request that a general 
meeting of shareholders be called. If their propor-
tionate amount of the capital stock jointly reaches 
500,000 euros – corresponding to 500,000 ordinary 
and / 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 addi-
tion, shareholders whose combined share of the 
 capital stock amounts to 100,000 euros or more may, 
subject to certain conditions, request that a special 
auditor be appointed by the court to examine certain 
matters (Section 142 (2) AktG).

Through the use of electronic communications, 
 particularly the internet, the corporation makes it 
easy for shareholders to participate in the 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 
 General Meeting, including the financial statements 
and annual reports, are made available on the internet, 
as are the agenda for the General Meeting and any 
countermotions or nominations for election by 
shareholders that require publication.

Restrictions with respect to voting rights or 
the transfer of shares
Generally, preferred shares do not convey any voting 
rights (Sections 139 (1), 140 (1) AktG; please refer to 
the discussion above for further details). Voting 
rights attached to treasury shares held by the com-
pany (Section 71b AktG) and to ordinary shares for 
which the statutory notification requirement has not 
been met (Section 28 sentence 1 German Securities 
Trading Act [WpHG]) may not be exercised. The 
 voting rights attached to ordinary shares are also 
excluded by law in the cases cited in Section 136 AktG 
(conflicts of interest surrounding ordinary shares 
held by members of the Management Board, Super-
visory Board or Shareholders’ Committee).

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 
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. The 
shares may not be sold before expiration of this 
lock-up period. If employee shares are sold during 
the lock-up period, the bonus shares are forfeited. 
Henkel preferred shares that will be acquired by 
employees through the Long Term Incentive (LTI) 
Plan 2020+, which was introduced on January 1, 2017, 
are also subject to a company-imposed contractual 
lock-up period and may not be sold before expiration 
of the four-year term of each tranche.

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 46 to 57).

Major shareholders
According to notifications received by the corpora-
tion, as of 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 infor-
mation, please see the disclosures provided in the 
notes to the consolidated financial statements under 
Note 40 on pages 173 and 174.). No other direct or 
indirect 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.

Statutory requirements and provisions in 
the Articles of Association governing the 
appointment and dismissal of members of 
the Management Board and amendment of 
the Articles of Association
Decisions regarding the appointment and dismissal 
of Personally Liable Partners are taken by the General 
Meeting of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA. Henkel Manage-
ment AG is the sole Personally Liable Partner of the 
corporation (Art. 8 (1) of the Articles of Association).

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). 

38

Corporate governance

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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 fur-
ther responsible for determining the number of 
members on the Management Board. The Supervi-
sory Board can appoint a member of the Manage-
ment Board as Chairperson. 

Unless otherwise mandated by statute or the Articles 
of Association, the resolutions of the Annual General 
Meeting of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA are adopted by 
simple majority of the votes cast. If a majority of cap-
ital 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 Articles of Association. 
However, modifications to the object of the corpora-
tion require a three-quarters’ majority (Section 179 
(2) AktG). The Supervisory Board and Shareholders’ 
Committee have the authority to resolve purely for-
mal modifications of and amendments to the Arti-
cles of Association (Art. 34 of the Articles of Associa-
tion). By resolution of the General Meeting, the 
Supervisory Board is also authorized to amend Arti-
cles 5 and 6 of the Articles of Association with 
respect to each use of the authorized capital and 
upon expiration of the term of the authorization. 

Authorization of the Management Board to 
issue or buy back shares 
According to Art. 6 (5) of the Articles of Association, 
there is an authorized capital. The Personally Liable 
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 may be utilized to the full extent 
allowed or in one or several 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 capital stock existing at the time the authori-
zation 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 com-
panies dependent upon it within the meaning of 
 Section 17 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-
tors / holders of bonds with warrants or conversion 
rights or a conversion obligation issued by the corpo-
ration 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 autho-
rized 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 exer-
cised for any legal purpose. To the exclusion of the 
pre-emptive rights of existing shareholders, treasury 
shares may, in particular, be transferred to third par-
ties for the purpose of acquiring entities or partici-
pating interests of entities. Treasury shares may also 
be sold to third parties against payment in cash, pro-
vided that the selling price is not significantly below 
the quoted market price at the time of share disposal. 
The shares may likewise be used to satisfy warrants 
or conversion rights granted by the corporation. The 
Personally Liable Partner is also 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 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 financial statements of Henkel AG & Co. 
KGaA, Note 10, on pages 9 and 10, and in the notes to 
the consolidated financial statements, Note 10, on 
pages 133 and 134. 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Corporate governance

39

Corporate governance 
declaration
(Disclosures required under Sections 289f, 
315d HGB and explanations)

Application of the German Corporate Gover-
nance Code [DCGK]
Taking into account the special features arising from 
our legal form and Articles of Association, Henkel AG 
& Co. KGaA complies with all recommendations 
(“shall” provisions) of the DCGK as amended. Taking 
into account the aforementioned special features 
arising from its legal form, the company has largely 
adopted the discretionary recommendations of the 
DCGK as amended on February 7, 2017. The recom-
mendation in Item 2.3.3 to enable shareholders to 
follow general meetings online has been adopted to 
the extent that general meetings are broadcast pub-
licly on the internet up to the conclusion of the 
address by the Chairman of the Management Board. 
The subsequent discussion of the agenda is not 
broadcast, in keeping with the character of a general 
meeting as an event that people attend in person.

Henkel deviates from the recommendation in Item 
4.2.3 to refrain from premature payment of remuner-
ation components spanning several years insofar as 
all lock-up periods relating to investments in Henkel 
preferred shares that are financed by the recipients 
(share deferral) end if said recipient dies. By the 
same token, LTI entitlements with regard to out-
standing tranches are settled on the basis of budget 
figures and paid to the heirs.

The corresponding declarations of compliance 
together with the reasons for deviations from recom-
mendations 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 instru-
ments 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 transac-
tions reported to the corporation in the past fiscal 
year were properly disclosed and can be seen on the 
website 

  www.henkel.com/ir

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 
 purpose, 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 
decisions 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  

technologies. 

Our mission: 
•  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. 

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 are committed to leadership in sustainability.
•   We shape our future with a strong entrepreneurial 
spirit based on our family business tradition. 

40

Corporate governance

Henkel Annual Report 2017

The corporate 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 cor-
poration’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 not static, but are 
periodically reviewed and amended as appropriate, 
evolving in step with the changing legal and com-
mercial conditions that affect Henkel as a globally 
active corporation. The Code of Conduct supports 
our employees in ethical and legal issues. The Lead-
ership Principles, for example, define the scope of 
responsibilities for managers. The Code of Corporate 
Sustainability describes the principles that drive our 
sustainable, socially responsible approach to busi-
ness. This code also enables Henkel to meet the com-
mitments derived from the United Nations Global 
Compact.

Ensuring compliance with 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 Corpo-
rate Compliance Office and the interdisciplinary 
Compliance & Risk Committee, manages and con-
trols compliance-related activities undertaken at the 
corporate level, coordinates training courses, over-
sees fulfillment of both internal and external regula-
tions, and takes appropriate 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 com-
pliance rules and to ensure that these are obeyed 
through the implementation of suitable organiza-
tional 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 addi-
tion to our internal reporting system and complaint 
registration channels, employees may also, for 
the purpose of reporting serious violations to the 
Corporate Compliance Office, anonymously use a 
compliance hotline operated by an external service 
provider. The Head of the Corporate Compliance 
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 in other publications, the Management 
Board clearly expresses its rejection of all infringe-
ments of the principles of compliance, particularly 
antitrust violations and corruption. We do not toler-
ate such violations in any way. For Henkel, bribery, 
anticompetitive agreements, or any other violations 
of laws are no way to initiate or conduct business.

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 significantly affect share prices. The cor-
poration 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 develop-
ments and events for their possible effect on share 
prices, determining the need to issue reports to the 
capital markets on an ad hoc basis. There are also 
rules that go beyond the legal requirements, govern-
ing the behavior of the members of the Management 
Board, the Supervisory 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. 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Corporate governance

41

Management and control 
structure 

Management Board
As the executive body of the Group, the Management 
Board is bound to uphold the interests of the corpor-
ation 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 
responsibility. 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 respon-
sibilities within the Management Board are regulated 
by the rules of procedure 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 financial statements and correspond-
ing management reports, and the interim financial 
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; (sub)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 together with the associated management 
reports, taking into account the reviews and audit 
reports submitted by the auditor. It also reviews the 
non-financial declaration. It likewise votes on the pro-
posal of the Management Board regarding the appro-
priation of profit, and submits to the General Meet-
ing a proposal indicating its recommendation 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. 

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 2017, 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 resolutions 
of the Supervisory Board relating to the adoption of 
the annual financial statements and the  consolidated 
financial statements, the review of the non-financial 
declaration and also the auditor appointment pro-
posal 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 monitors the independence and quali-
fications of the auditor, requiring the latter to submit 
a declaration of independence which it then evalu-
ates. Furthermore, the Audit Committee monitors 
the accounts and the accounting process and 
assesses the effectiveness of the Internal Control 
 System, the Risk Management System and the Internal 
Auditing and Review System. It is likewise involved 
in compliance issues. The Group’s Internal Audit 
function reports regularly to the Audit Committee. 
Prior to publication, it discusses the quarterly state-
ments and the financial report for the half year with 
the Management Board in a meeting that is also 
attended by the external auditor. 

The Nominations Committee comprises the Chair-
person of the Supervisory Board and two further 
shareholder representatives elected by the Supervisory 
Board based on nominations of the shareholders’ 
representatives. The Chairperson of the Supervisory 
Board is also Chairperson of the Nominations Com-
mittee. The Nominations Committee prepares the 
resolutions of the Supervisory Board on election 

42

Corporate governance

Henkel Annual Report 2017

 proposals to be presented to the Annual General 
Meeting for the election of members to the Super-
visory 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 encoun-
tering 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. 

Interaction between Management Board, Super-
visory 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 
Management Board informs the Supervisory Board 
and the Shareholders’ Committee regularly, and in a 
timely and comprehensive fashion, of all relevant 
issues concerning business policy, corporate plan-
ning, profitability, 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. 

Our Vision and Values, Code of Conduct, Code of Cor-
porate Sustainability and other codes and policies 
governing our stewardship of the corporation can be 
found on our website 

  www.henkel.com

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Corporate governance

43

Targets for the proportion of women on the 
Management Board and in the first two 
management 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 
and must not be longer than five years in each case.

Proportion of women on the Management Board
As part of its responsibility for Management Board 
composition, the Supervisory Board of Henkel 
 Management AG has established a target, as recom-
mended 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.

The proportion of women on the Management Board 
at December 31, 2017 was 17 percent. 

Proportion of women in the management levels 
below the Management Board
Based on the current personnel mix, the Manage-
ment Board has established the following targets for 
the first two levels of management below the Man-
agement 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 

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 man-
agement 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 2017, we were 
again able to raise the proportion of women in man-
agement worldwide – to 34.5 percent at December 31, 
2017.

Statutory gender quota for Supervisory 
Board composition
Given Henkel’s position as a listed corporation sub-
ject 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). 

Throughout the entire year under review, the statu-
tory minimum quota of each gender was represented 
among both the shareholder representatives and the 
employee representatives.

Diversity considerations governing Manage-
ment Board composition
Notwithstanding the key requirements of qualifica-
tion, competence and professional excellence for the 
relevant areas of responsibility on the Management 
Board, the Supervisory Board of Henkel Management 
AG has specified the following criteria – after consul-
tation in the Shareholders’ Committee and its Human 
Resources Subcommittee – that must be considered 
when making Management Board appointments to 
ensure as broad a spectrum as possible of knowledge, 
skills and professional experience (diversity) on the 
Management Board:
•  Education / career experience 

Overall, the members of the Management Board 
must demonstrate knowledge, skills and profes-
sional experience in the following areas in 
particular: 
•  Management / leadership experience: Experience 

with managing globally operating entities, 
involvement of employee representative bodies, 
leading and motivating employees, succession 
planning.

•  Business acumen: Knowledge of / experience in 
industrial / consumer business areas and key 
markets, including the social environment in 
which Henkel operates, as well as knowledge 
of / experience in the fields of marketing, selling 
and distribution, digitalization / eCommerce, 
research and development, production / engi-
neering and sustainable management.

44

Corporate governance

Henkel Annual Report 2017

•  Strategic expertise: Ability to develop and imple-
ment prospects and strategies for the future.
•  Financial expertise: Experience in accounting, 
auditing financial statements, issues surround-
ing funding and capital markets.

•  Financial control / risk management: Experience 
in the fields of internal control and risk manage-
ment systems, as well as internal auditing systems.

•  Governance / compliance / ethics: Experience 

with interaction among corporate bodies (gover-
nance) and in compliance with statutory /  
in-house requirements; modern understanding 
of corporate ethics and how to implement them.

•  Internationality 

The international activities of the corporation in 
both mature and emerging markets should be 
appropriately reflected in the composition of the 
Management Board. Henkel therefore strives to 
ensure that several members of different national-
ities or with international backgrounds (who have 
spent many years working abroad or supervising 
foreign business activities, for example) are 
included on the Management Board. 

•  Gender 

A reasonable proportion of women shall be repre-
sented in the Management Board. Henkel there-
fore strives to ensure that at least one woman is a 
member of the Management Board.

•  Seniority 

Change and continuity are two issues that must be 
taken into reasonable account when composing 
the Management Board. Henkel therefore aims to 
include members with different levels of seniority 
on the Management Board. Irrespective of this 
requirement, members of the Management Board 
should generally not be older than 63. 

We believe that these aforementioned requirements 
were met in full in the reporting period. 

Overall, the Management Board, which includes one 
woman, has the knowledge, skills and professional 
experience needed to properly and effectively per-
form its duties. Several members of the Management 
Board have international business experience with 
both emerging and mature markets. No individual 
on the Management Board exceeds the specified 
maximum age.

Diversity considerations / Objectives  
governing Supervisory Board composition
Bearing in mind the new legal requirements speci-
fied by the CSR Directive Implementation Act and the 
recommendations of the DCGK, and taking into 
account the specific situation and global reach of the 
company’s activities in industrial and consumer 
business areas, the Supervisory Board reviewed and 
updated the objectives governing its composition in 
2017. When proposing candidates to the Annual Gen-
eral Meeting for both routine reelection and replace-
ment election, the Supervisory Board must consider 
the following objectives, whereby the particular reg-
ulations of the Codetermination Act must be observed 
with regard to the elected employee representatives.

•  Education / Career experience 

Overall, the Supervisory Board must demonstrate 
knowledge, skills and professional experience in 
the following areas in particular: 
•  Management / leadership experience: Experience 

with managing globally operating corpora-
tions / companies and with employee manage-
ment.

•   Business acumen: Knowledge of / experience in 
the fields of research and development, pro-
duction / engineering, marketing, selling and 
distribution, digitalization / eCommerce, as well 
as knowledge of / experience in industrial /  
consumer business areas, in the key markets in 
which Henkel operates, and in sustainable 
management.

•  Financial expertise: Experience in the fields of 

accounting / accounting processes or with audit-
ing financial statements, knowledge of financial 
instruments and funding strategies.

•  Financial control / risk management: Experience 
in the fields of internal control and risk manage-
ment systems, as well as internal auditing sys-
tems.

•  Governance / compliance: Experience with inter-
action among corporate bodies (governance) and 
in ensuring compliance with statutory / in-house 
requirements. 

•  Impartiality, integrity  

To ensure the impartiality of its counseling activi-
ties and supervision of the Management Board, the 
Supervisory Board must include a reasonable 
number of impartial members, bearing in mind 
the company’s ownership structure. 
As a rule, the following people should not belong 
to the Supervisory Board: 
•  Close family members of a Management Board 

member.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Corporate governance

45

•  Anyone who, in the past three years, has been 
a partner of or in the employ of the present or 
previous external auditors of the corporation.
•  Anyone who receives or has received over the 
past three years not inconsiderable remunera-
tion of any nature from Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
or one of its affiliates (excluding remuneration 
for Supervisory Board or Shareholders’ Committee 
membership or, in the case of employee repre-
sentatives, their salaries).

•  Anyone with direct or indirect material business 
ties to Henkel AG & Co. KGaA or one of its affili-
ates, whether as partner, shareholder, member 
of the management body or executive of the 
company with which this business relationship 
exists. 

Assuming that the exercise of their Supervisory 
Board mandate by the employee representatives 
as such does not constitute a 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 
impartial as defined by the DCGK. In keeping with 
the ownership structure and the corporation’s tradi-
tion as an open family business to which the Henkel 
family has been committed ever since the company 
was founded in 1876, 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 circumstance that 
 creates a conflict of interest in the meaning above. 
Membership of the Shareholders’ Committee or of 
the Supervisory Board of Henkel Management AG is 
compatible with Supervisory Board membership. As 
a rule, however, at least three of the shareholder repre-
sentatives on the Supervisory Board should be neither 
members of the share-pooling agreement nor members 
of the Shareholders’ Committee nor members of the 
Supervisory Board of Henkel Management AG, and 
they must be named accordingly in the corporate 
governance report.

Moreover, no more than two former members of the 
Management Board should be elected to the Super-
visory Board, nor people

•  who – if members of a Management Board of a 
listed company – exercise more than three 
Supervisory Board mandates in total for non-
Group listed companies or for non-Group com-
panies with similar requirements,

•  or who perform management or advisory tasks 

for material competitors. 

Also, as a rule, nobody should be proposed to the 
Annual General Meeting for election to the Super-
visory Board who, at the time of the election, has 
already served more than two full terms of office on 
the Supervisory Board. However, to ensure continu-
ity, members may also serve on the Supervisory Board 
for longer periods of time in individual cases. In 
keeping with the ownership structure and the corpo-
ration’s tradition as an open family business, this 
applies particularly to members of the Henkel family 
share-pooling agreement. 

Members of the Supervisory Board should, moreover, 
be capable of duly upholding Henkel’s reputation in 
the public domain. 

•  Availability 

When proposing new candidates to the Annual 
General Meeting for election to the Supervisory 
Board, the Supervisory Board must make sure that 
the relevant candidates can devote the anticipated 
time to the task.
•  Internationality 

The international activities of the corporation 
should be appropriately reflected in the composi-
tion of the Supervisory Board. Henkel therefore 
strives to ensure that several members with inter-
national backgrounds (who have spent many years 
working abroad or supervising foreign business 
activities, for example) are included on the Super-
visory Board. 

•  Gender 

A reasonable proportion of women shall be appointed 
to the Supervisory Board. The statutory minimum 
requirement of 30 percent is deemed to be reason-
able. Henkel strives to increase the proportion of 
women when new or replacement members are 
elected.

•  Age 

The Supervisory Board should include representa-
tives from different generations / age groups. 
Henkel therefore aims to include members from 
different generations / age groups on the Supervi-
sory Board. 
Irrespective of the aforementioned, nobody 
should, as a rule, be proposed to the Annual Gen-
eral Meeting for election to the Supervisory Board 
who, at the time of the election, has already 
reached their 70th birthday.

In addition to the statutory minimum quota, we 
believe that these aforementioned requirements 
were met in full in the reporting period. 

46

Corporate governance

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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. 

Overall, the Supervisory Board has the knowledge, 
skills and professional experience needed to prop-
erly and effectively perform its duties. In addition, 
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 
functions or acts as a consultant for major competi-
tors, and none are persons whose business or per-
sonal relationship with the corporation or members 
of the Management Board could give rise to material 
conflicts of interest that are not of a merely tempo-
rary nature. Four of the eight shareholder representa-
tives – Barbara Kux, Timotheus Höttges, Prof. Dr. 
Michael Kaschke and Prof. Dr. Theo Siegert – are not 
party to the Henkel family share-pooling agreement 
and – apart from Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah – none of the 
shareholder representatives in office is a member of 
the Shareholders’ Committee or the Supervisory 
Board of Henkel Management AG.

For more details on the composition of the Manage-
ment Board, Supervisory Board and the Shareholders’ 
Committee or the (sub)committees established by 
the Supervisory Board and Shareholders’ Committee, 
please refer to pages 184 to 187. Details of the com-
pensation of the Management Board, the Supervisory 
Board and the Shareholders’ Committee can be found 
in the remuneration report that follows.

Remuneration report

This remuneration report provides an outline of the 
compensation system for the Management Board, 
Henkel Management AG as the Personally Liable Part-
ner, the Supervisory Board and the Shareholders’ Com-
mittee of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, and the Supervisory 
Board of Henkel Management AG; it also explains the 
level and structure of the remuneration paid.

The report takes into account the recommendations of 
the German Corporate Governance Code [DCGK] and 
contains all disclosures and explanations pursuant to 
the provisions of the German Commercial Code [HGB] 
and the appropriate principles of German Accounting 
Standards [DRS], and as required by International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). The remunera-
tion report forms part of the combined management 
report for Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and the Group, which 
has been audited by the external auditor; the associ-
ated information is not additionally disclosed in  the 
notes to the consolidated financial statements 
 (Sections 289a (2), 315a (2) HGB).

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 consultation 
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 international 
activities of the corporation, its economic and finan-
cial position, its performance and future prospects, the 
normal levels of remuneration encountered in compa-
rable companies, and also the general compensation 
structure within the corporation. The compensation 
package is further determined on the basis of the func-
tions, 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 devel-
opment and a sustainable increase in shareholder 
value in a dynamic environment. 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Corporate governance

47

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, Management 
Board remuneration is analyzed relative to the com-
pensation paid to senior management and the staff 
as a whole, both overall and over time, whereby the 
Supervisory Board of Henkel Management AG deter-
mines the boundaries between senior management 
and relevant staff members.

Members of the Management Board receive remunera-
tion consisting of non-performance-related compo-
nents and variable, performance-related components. 
The non-performance-related compensation is made 
up of their fixed salary together with various in-kind 
and other benefits (other emoluments). The variable 
performance-related compensation has two parts. The 
first is a variable annual cash payment (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 remuneration in the form of 
an investment financed by the recipient in Henkel 
 preferred shares (share deferral). The second is a variable 
cash payment based on the long-term performance of 
the business (long-term incentive or “LTI”). The variable 
remuneration targeting long-term performance thus 
consists of the share deferral and the LTI.

If all performance targets are met in full (“at target”) – 
subject to comparability of the relevant areas of 
responsibility – around 21 percent of the remuneration 
(excluding other emoluments and pension benefits) is 
paid as the fixed component, while the STI and share 
deferral 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 components

Fixed remuneration
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 Chairman 
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 asso-
ciated with, or the cash value of, in-kind benefits and 
other fringe benefits such as standard commercial 
insurance policies, reimbursement of accommoda-
tion / moving costs, provision of a company car or use 
of a car service, including any taxes on same, and the 
costs of preventive medical examinations. All mem-
bers of the Management Board are entitled, in princi-
ple, to the same emoluments, whereby the amounts 
vary depending on personal situation.

Performance-related components

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 financials; 
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 qual-
ity of management demonstrated in those business 
units, and the individual contribution made by the 
Management Board member concerned. The applica-
tion of these performance parameters ensures that 
profitable growth is duly rewarded by Henkel.

 
48

Corporate governance

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Remuneration structure

Target remuneration

Long-term incentive (LTI)
Proportion of target remuneration: around 23 %
Cap: max. 150 % of the target amount

Long-term cash remuneration

Share deferral (35 % STI)

18

Type of remuneration

LTI performance criterion:  
Future increase in adjusted  
EPS over a 3-year period

Variable annual cash remuneration (STI)
Proportion of target remuneration: around 56 %
Cap: max. 150 % of the target amount

Short-term variable cash 
remuneration (65 % STI)

STI performance criteria:  
ROCE, EPS, adjusted in each case,  
weighting of 40 % in each case;  
individual targets, weighted at 20 %

Fixed remuneration
Proportion of target remuneration: around 21 %

 Non-performance- 
related components

 Performance-related  
components, short-term

 Performance-related 
components, long-term

share deferral ensures that the members of the Man-
agement 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. 

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 remain-
der of the relevant payment amount, corresponding to 
around 35 percent, in Henkel preferred shares. This 
constitutes their long-term variable cash remunera-
tion, known as the share deferral. These shares are 
placed in a blocked custody account with a drawing 
restriction. The company transfers the relevant invest-
ment 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 following payout, this 
bank invests the relevant amount on behalf and for the 
account of the member of the Management Board in 
Henkel preferred shares at the price prevailing at the 
time of purchase on the stock exchange, and credits 
the acquired shares to the blocked custody account. 
The lock-up period in each case expires on December 31 
of the fourth year following the year of payment. This 

  
 
 
Henkel Annual Report 2017

Corporate governance

49

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 without cause 
and by mutual agreement, the executive contract 
 provides for a severance settlement amounting to the 
remuneration for the remaining contractual term 
(fixed remuneration plus variable annual remunera-
tion). These severance payments are limited to a maxi-
mum of two years’ compensation (severance payment 
cap) and may not extend over a period that exceeds the 
residual term of the executive contract. Members of 
the Management Board are not entitled to severance 
payment if an executive contract is terminated by 
mutual agreement at the request of the individual or 
because that executive 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 cases, 
members are entitled to severance payments amount-
ing to not more than two years’ compensation.

Special payments
Above and beyond the aforementioned remuneration 
components, the Supervisory Board of Henkel Man-
agement AG may, at its discretion and after due consid-
eration, grant a special payment in recognition of 
exceptional achievements. Such special payment is 
limited to an amount equating to the respective Man-
agement Board member’s fixed salary; the maximum 
compensation 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 remuner-
ation, the minimum and maximum remuneration 
amounts shown below result for a full fiscal year 
(excluding other emoluments and pension benefits).

Pension benefits (retirement pensions and 
survivors’ benefits)
The company has been operating a purely defined 
 contribution pension system since January 1, 2015. 
Accordingly, members of the Management Board  
now receive a superannuation lump-sum payment 
comprised of the total annual contributions to the 
plan during their time in office. The annual contribu-
tions – based on a full fiscal 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 
 Management Board has received no pension benefits 
prior to their death, the superannuation lump sum 
accumulated up to time of death is paid out to the 
 surviving spouse or surviving children. 

Caps on remuneration 

19

in euros

Chairman of the  
Management Board

Ordinary member of the  
Management Board*

Fixed 
remuneration

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 each case, for a factor of 1 for fixed remuneration, STI and LTI.

50

Corporate governance

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Upon an executive’s departure from the Management 
Board, the STI is calculated pro rata and paid out. 
Unless otherwise agreed individually, LTI entitlements 
are calculated at the end of the relevant performance 
period and paid out. However, entitlements from any 
tranche whose performance period has not yet ended 
at the date of departure are forfeited without replace-
ment if the departure is based on good cause or reason 
that would have justified revocation of the appoint-
ment or termination of the employment contract. All 
lock-up periods relating to investments in Henkel pre-
ferred shares that are financed by the recipients (share 
deferral) end if said recipient dies. By the same token, 
LTI entitlements with regard to outstanding tranches 
are settled on the basis of budget figures and paid to 
the heirs.

In addition, the executive contracts include a post-con-
tractual non-competition clause with a term of two 
years. Members of the Management Board are entitled 
to a discretionary payment totaling 50 percent of the 
annual compensation, which is payable in 24 monthly 
installments unless the Supervisory Board of Henkel 
Management AG waives the non-competition clause. 
Any severance payments and any earnings from new 
extra-contractual activities during the non-competi-
tion period are offset against this discretionary pay-
ment. No entitlements exist in the event of premature 
termination of executive duties resulting from a 
change in control.

Miscellaneous
The corporation maintains directors and officers 
insurance (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 the fiscal year 
of one and a half times their annual fixed remuneration.

The company does not grant any loans or advances to 
members of the Management Board.

Remuneration of members of the Manage-
ment Board for fiscal 2017 
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 25,326,382 euros (previ-
ous year: 26,503,197 euros). Fixed salaries accounted 

for 4,950,000 euros (previous year: 5,075,000 euros), 
other emoluments for 390,083 euros (previous year: 
422,137 euros), short-term variable cash remuneration 
for 9,532,967 euros (previous year: 10,143,939 euros), 
long-term variable cash remuneration – share defer-
ral – for 5,133,135 euros (previous year: 5,462,121 euros) 
and the long-term incentive for 5,320,197 euros (previ-
ous year: 5,400,000 euros). In accordance with legal 
regulations, the value of the long-term incentive 
granted for 2017, which is payable in 2020 contingent 
on the achievement of performance targets, is recog-
nized here based on the target amount that would  
be paid assuming a 30-percent increase in EPS per 
 preferred share within the performance period.

Compensation for the reporting period granted to 
members of the Management Board serving in 2017, 
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.

Pascal Houdayer left the company by mutual agree-
ment on October 31, 2017. In connection with the 
 termination of his contract, his entitlements from the 
Short Term Incentive 2017 (pro rata) were settled, as 
contractually agreed, through payment of 1,590,200 
euros gross, and the entitlements accumulated in 
2016 and 2017 (pro rata) from the Long Term Incentive 
were settled through payment of 1,264,640 euros gross 
in total. Furthermore, he received severance pay of 
5,120,400 euros gross in October 2017 in recognition 
of his contractual entitlement to remuneration for the 
remaining term of his contract. In addition, he is 
bound by a post-contractual non-competition clause 
with a term of two years. This entitles him to compen-
sation of 71,095 euros gross per month for the remain-
ing period not already covered by the severance 
 payment; other earnings shall be offset against this 
discretionary payment. 

In the year under review, no member of the Manage-
ment Board was granted non-standard benefits by the 
company in connection with premature termination of 
their tenure, nor were any such entitlements or arrange-
ments modified. No member of the Management 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.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Corporate governance

51

Remuneration of Management Board members who served in 2017 

20

1. Fixed 
salary 1

2. Other 
emoluments 1

3. Short-term 
variable cash 
remunera-
tion 1

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  
remuneration 
(Total of  
1 to 5)

2017

1,200,000

56,648

2,486,755

3,743,403

1,339,022

1,400,000

2,739,022

6,482,425

2016

1,050,000

119,576

2,046,007

3,215,583

1,101,696

1,066,667

2,168,363

5,383,946

2017

750,000

47,540

1,498,165

2,295,705

806,704

800,000

1,606,704

3,902,409

2016

750,000

45,208

1,511,755

2,306,963

814,022

800,000

1,614,022

3,920,985

2017

625,000

50,113

1,033,630

1,708,743

556,570

613,530

1,170,100

2,878,843

2016

625,000

90,504

1,192,629

1,908,133

642,185

651,110

1,293,295

3,201,428

2017

750,000

67,811

1,498,165

2,315,976

806,704

800,000

1,606,704

3,922,680

2016

750,000

53,903

1,563,755

2,367,658

842,022

800,000

1,642,022

4,009,680

2017

750,000

95,165

1,377,915

2,223,080

741,954

800,000

1,541,954

3,765,034

2016

750,000

36,151

1,459,755

2,245,906

786,022

800,000

1,586,022

3,831,928

2017

750,000

47,588

1,449,415

2,247,003

780,454

800,000

1,580,454

3,827,457

2016

750,000

44,622

1,563,755

2,358,377

842,022

800,000

1,642,022

4,000,399

2017

125,000

25,218

188,922

339,140

101,727

106,667

208,394

547,534

2016

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

in euros

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

Member of the Manage-
ment Board since 
7/1/2005

Jan-Dirk Auris 
(Adhesive 
Technologies)

Member of the Manage-
ment Board since 
1/1/2011

Pascal Houdayer 3 
(Beauty Care)

Member of the Manage-
ment Board from 
3/1/2016 to 
10/31/2017

Carsten Knobel 
(Finance)

Member of the Manage-
ment Board since 
7/1/2012

Kathrin Menges 
(Human Resources)

Member of the Manage-
ment Board since 
10/1/2011

Bruno Piacenza 
(Laundry & Home Care)

Member of the Manage-
ment Board since 
1/1/2011

Jens-Martin Schwärzler 
(Beauty Care)

Member of the Manage-
ment Board since 
11/1/2017

Total

2017

4,950,000

390,083

9,532,967

14,873,050

5,133,135

5,320,197

10,453,332

25,326,382

2016

4,675,000

389,964

9,337,656

14,402,620

5,027,969

4,933,334

9,961,303

24,348,366

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 2017 occurs in 2020; LTI payout for 2016 occurs in 2019. 

3  Pascal Houdayer left the company by mutual agreement on October 31, 2017. In connection with the termination of his contract, his entitlements from the Short 
Term Incentive 2017 (pro rata) were settled, as contractually agreed, through payment of 1,590,200 euros gross, and the entitlements accumulated in 2016 and 
2017 (pro rata) from the Long Term Incentive were settled through payment of 1,264,640 euros gross in total. Furthermore, he received severance pay of 
5,120,400 euros gross in October 2017 in recognition of his contractual entitlement to remuneration for the remaining term of his contract. In addition, he is 
bound by a post-contractual non-competition clause with a term of two years. This entitles him to compensation of 71,095 euros gross per month for the remain-
ing period not already covered by the severance payment; other earnings shall be offset against this discretionary payment. 

52

Corporate governance

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Structure of remuneration of Management Board members who served in 2017 

21

Components of  
single-year remuneration

Components of  
multi-year remuneration

Fixed 
remuneration

Other 
emoluments

Short-term 
variable cash 
remuneration

Long-term  
variable cash 
remuneration 
(share deferral)

Long-term 
incentive

Total  
remuneration

2017

4,950,000

390,083

9,532,967

5,133,135

5,320,197

25,326,382

19.6 %

1.5 %

37.6 %

20.3 %

21.0 %

100.0 %

2016

4,675,000

389,964

9,337,656

5,027,969

4,933,334

24,363,923

19.1 %

1.6 %

38.3 %

20.6 %

20.4 %

100.0 %

in euros

Total

Total

Pension benefits 
The figures calculated in accordance with the  
German Commercial Code [HGB] and International 
Accounting Standard (IAS) 19 for service cost in 
respect of 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 

22

in euros

Hans Van Bylen

Jan-Dirk Auris

Pascal Houdayer
(from 3/1/2016 to 
10/31/2017)

Carsten Knobel

Kathrin Menges

Bruno Piacenza

Jens-Martin  
Schwärzler  
(since 11/1/2017)

Total

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

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

767,916

664,026

460,860

458,482

377,418

379,457

460,036

457,974

459,233

457,067

458,647

456,353

173,706

–

3,157,816

2,873,359

7,526,791

6,319,207

3,815,974

3,147,578

1,130,357

623,140

3,120,002

2,492,714

3,188,528

2,557,853

3,181,500

2,555,923

1,111,875

–

23,075,027

17,696,415

767,944

664,043

461,600

458,996

377,480

379,457

461,860

459,243

459,882

457,533

458,721

456,400

179,972

–

3,167,459

2,875,672

8,053,190

6,958,733

3,961,485

3,325,032

1,130,357

623,496

3,256,629

2,658,267

3,267,118

2,652,810

3,186,993

2,562,467

1,258,609

–

24,114,381

18,780,805

For pension obligations to former members of 
the Management Board and the management of 
Henkel KGaA, as well as the former management 
of its legal predecessor and surviving dependents, 
102,214,945 euros (previous year: 100,771,135 euros) 
is deferred. Amounts paid to such recipients during 
the year under review totaled 7,265,411 euros 
 (previous year: 7,127,205 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 2017, including the 
maximum and minimum achievable compensa-
tion for variable remuneration components, and 

b)   the allocation for fiscal 2017.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Corporate governance

53

Pursuant to DCGK, payments / benefits granted for the reporting year to members  
of the Management Board serving in 2017 

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

Total  
(1 to 5)

6. Service 
cost 4

23

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

in euros

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

Member of the 
Management Board 
since 7/1/2005

Jan-Dirk Auris 
(Adhesive  
Technologies)

Member of the 
Management Board 
since 1/1/2011

Pascal Houdayer 5 
(Beauty Care)

Member of the 
Management Board 
from 3/1/2016 to 
10/31/2017

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

Jens-Martin 
Schwärzler 
(Beauty Care)

Member of the 
Management Board 
since 11/1/2017

2017

1,200,000

56,648

1,256,648

2,308,691

1,243,141

1,400,000

6,208,480

767,944

6,976,424

2017 (min)

1,200,000

56,648

1,256,648

0

0

0

1,256,648

767,944

2,024,592

2017 (max)

1,200,000

56,648

1,256,648

3,315,000

1,785,000

2,100,000

8,456,648

767,944

9,224,592

2016

2017

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

750,000

47,540

797,540

1,358,054

731,260

800,000

3,686,854

461,600

4,148,454

2017 (min)

750,000

47,540

797,540

0

0

0

797,540

461,600

1,259,140

2017 (max)

750,000

47,540

797,540

1,950,000

1,050,000

1,200,000

4,997,540

461,600

5,459,140

2016

2017

750,000

45,208

795,208

1,425,695

767,682

800,000

3,788,585

458,996

4,247,581

625,000

50,113

675,113

1,131,712

609,383

666,667

3,082,875

377,480

3,460,355

2017 (min)

625,000

50,113

675,113

0

0

0

675,113

377,480

1,052,593

2017 (max)

625,000

50,113

675,113

1,625,000

875,000

1,000,000

4,175,113

377,480

4,552,593

2016

2017

625,000

90,504

715,504

1,188,079

639,735

666,667

3,209,985

379,457

3,589,442

750,000

67,811

817,811

1,358,054

731,260

800,000

3,707,125

461,860

4,168,985

2017 (min)

750,000

67,811

817,811

0

0

0

817,811

461,860

1,279,671

2017 (max)

750,000

67,811

817,811

1,950,000

1,050,000

1,200,000

5,017,811

461,860

5,479,671

2016

2017

750,000

53,903

803,903

1,425,695

767,682

800,000

3,797,280

459,243

4,256,523

750,000

95,165

845,165

1,358,054

731,260

800,000

3,734,479

459,882

4,194,361

2017 (min)

750,000

95,165

845,165

0

0

0

845,165

459,882

1,305,047

2017 (max)

750,000

95,165

845,165

1,950,000

1,050,000

1,200,000

5,045,165

459,882

5,505,047

2016

2017

750,000

36,151

786,151

1,425,695

767,682

800,000

3,779,528

457,533

4,237,061

750,000

47,588

797,588

1,358,054

731,260

800,000

3,686,902

458,721

4,145,623

2017 (min)

750,000

47,588

797,588

0

0

0

797,588

458,721

1,256,309

2017 (max)

750,000

47,588

797,588

1,950,000

1,050,000

1,200,000

4,997,588

458,721

5,456,309

2016

2017

750,000

44,622

794,622

1,425,695

767,682

800,000

3,787,999

456,400

4,244,399

125,000

25,218

150,218

189,741

102,168

106,667

548,794

179,972

728,766

2017 (min)

125,000

25,218

150,218

0

0

0

150,218

179,972

330,190

2017 (max)

125,000

25,218

150,218

260,000

140,000

160,000

710,218

179,972

890,190

2016

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

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 2017 occurs in 2020; LTI payout for 2016 occurs in 2019.

4 Pursuant to DCGK, service cost determined in accordance with IAS.
5  Pascal Houdayer left the company by mutual agreement on October 31, 2017. In connection with the termination of his contract, his entitlements from the Short 
Term Incentive 2017 (pro rata) were settled, as contractually agreed, through payment of 1,590,200 euros gross, and the entitlements accumulated in 2016 and 
2017 (pro rata) from the Long Term Incentive were settled through payment of 1,264,640 euros gross in total. Furthermore, he received severance pay of 
5,120,400 euros gross in October 2017 in recognition of his contractual entitlement to remuneration for the remaining term of his contract. In addition, he is 
bound by a post-contractual non-competition clause with a term of two years. This entitles him to compensation of 71,095 euros gross per month for the remain-
ing period not already covered by the severance payment; other earnings shall be offset against this discretionary payment. 

54

Corporate governance

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Pursuant to DCGK, remuneration / benefits paid for the reporting year to members of the  
Management Board serving in 2017 

24

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

2015  
tranche  
(term  
1/1/2015 – 
12/31/2017)

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

Total  
(1 to 5)

6. Service 
cost 4

2017 1,200,000

56,648 1,256,648

2,486,755

1,339,022

894,853

5,977,278

767,944

6,745,222

2016 1,050,000

119,576 1,169,576

2,046,007

1,101,696

249,410

4,566,689

664,043

5,230,732

2017

750,000

47,540

797,540

1,498,165

806,704

894,853

3,997,262

461,600

4,458,862

2016

750,000

45,208

795,208

1,511,755

814,022

249,410

3,370,395

458,996

3,829,391

2017

625,000

50,113

675,113

1,033,630

556,570

–

2,265,313

377,480

2,642,793

2016

625,000

90,504

715,504

1,192,629

642,185

–

2,550,318

379,457

2,929,775

2017

750,000

67,811

817,811

1,498,165

806,704

894,853

4,017,533

461,860

4,479,393

2016

750,000

53,903

803,903

1,563,755

842,022

249,410

3,459,090

459,243

3,918,333

2017

750,000

95,165

845,165

1,377,915

741,954

894,853

3,859,887

459,882

4,319,769

2016

750,000

36,151

786,151

1,459,755

786,022

249,410

3,281,338

457,533

3,738,871

2017

750,000

47,588

797,588

1,449,415

780,454

894,853

3,922,310

458,721

4,381,031

2016

750,000

44,622

794,622

1,563,755

842,022

249,410

3,449,809

456,400

3,906,209

2017

125,000

25,218

150,218

188,922

101,727

–

440,867

179,972

620,839

2016

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

in euros

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

Member of the 
Management 
Board since 
7/1/2005

Jan-Dirk Auris 
(Adhesive  
Technologies)

Member of the 
Management 
Board since 
1/1/2011

Pascal Houdayer 5 
(Beauty Care)

Member of the 
Management 
Board from 
3/1/2016 to 
10/31/2017

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

Jens-Martin 
Schwärzler 
(Beauty Care)

Member of the 
Management 
Board since 
11/1/2017

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  Pascal Houdayer left the company by mutual agreement on October 31, 2017. In connection with the termination of his contract, his entitlements from the Short 
Term Incentive 2017 (pro rata) were settled, as contractually agreed, through payment of 1,590,200 euros gross, and the entitlements accumulated in 2016 and 
2017 (pro rata) from the Long Term Incentive were settled through payment of 1,264,640 euros gross in total. Furthermore, he received severance pay of 
5,120,400 euros gross in October 2017 in recognition of his contractual entitlement to remuneration for the remaining term of his contract. In addition, he is 
bound by a post-contractual non-competition clause with a term of two years. This entitles him to compensation of 71,095 euros gross per month for the remaining 
period not already covered by the severance payment; other earnings shall be offset against this discretionary payment.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Corporate governance

55

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 
bodies.

3.  Remuneration of members of the Super-
visory 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 
 Articles of Association. Remuneration is of a purely 
fixed nature commensurate with the responsibility 
 and scope of duties of the Chair, Vice Chair and 
(sub)committee members respectively. 

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 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. 

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.

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.

Miscellaneous
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.

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.

The Chairs of the Supervisory Board and of the Share-
holders’ Committee are provided with an office and 
secretarial support to enable them to perform these 
duties.

The company does not grant any loans or advances to 
members of the Supervisory Board or the Shareholders’ 
Committee.

Remuneration of members of the Supervisory 
Board and of the Shareholders’ Committee 
for fiscal 2017
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 1,565,000 euros plus VAT (pre-
vious year: 1,572,896 euros plus VAT). Of this amount, 
fixed fees accounted for 1,225,000 euros, attendance 
fees for 71,000 euros, and remuneration for commit-
tee activity (including associated attendance fees) 
for 269,000 euros.

Total remuneration paid to the members of the 
Shareholders’ Committee for the year under review 
(fixed fee and remuneration for subcommittee activ-
ity) amounted to 2,215,754 euros (previous year: 
2,350,000 euros). Of this amount, fixed fees were 
1,082,877 euros and remuneration for subcommittee 
activity 1,132,877 euros. 

56

Corporate governance

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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.

Supervisory Board remuneration 

25

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 3/13/2016)

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

Angelika Keller
(since 1/1/2017)

Barbara Kux

Mayc Nienhaus
(until 12/31/2016)

Andrea Pichottka

Dr. Martina Seiler

Prof. Dr. Theo Siegert 3

Edgar Topsch

Total

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

Components of total remuneration

Fixed 
remuneration

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

–

17,404

70,000

70,000

70,000

70,000

70,000

50,492

70,000

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

4,000

5,000

4,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

6,000

–

2,000

5,000

4,000

–

2,000

–

–

4,000

5,000

3,000

5,000

5,000

4,000

4,000

3,000

4,000

4,000

5,000

–

5,000

6,000

–

6,000

4,000

6,000

5,000

6,000

4,000

5,000

5,000

6,000

1,225,000

1,222,896

71,000

85,000

39,000

39,000

39,000

39,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

39,000

37,000

39,000

39,000

–

–

–

–

39,000

37,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

183,000

184,000

148,000

149,000

75,000

75,000

75,000

76,000

–

21,508

75,000

54,492

–

21,508

–

17,404

113,000

112,000

112,000

114,000

75,000

54,492

74,000

53,492

113,000

111,000

75,000

–

75,000

76,000

–

76,000

74,000

76,000

75,000

76,000

74,000

74,000

–

–

269,000

265,000

148,000

149,000

75,000

76,000

1,565,000

1,572,896

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 2017

Corporate governance

57

Shareholders’ Committee remuneration 

26

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) 
(from 4/11/2016 to 4/30/2017)

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 

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

Components of total remuneration

Fixed remuneration 

Fee for subcommittee 
activity

Total remuneration 

200,000

200,000

150,000

150,000

100,000

100,000

32,877

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

200,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

100,000

100,000

32,877

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

400,000

400,000

350,000

350,000

200,000

200,000

65,754

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

1,082,877

1,150,000

1,132,877

1,200,000

2,215,754

2,350,000

4.  Remuneration of the members of 
the Supervisory 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 Shareholders’ 
Committee of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA do not receive 
this remuneration. 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.

58

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management 
report

  59  Fundamental principles of the Group
  59  Operational activities

  59  Overview
  59   Organization and business units

  60   Henkel 2020+: our ambition and  

strategic priorities
  61  Our ambition 
  62   Strategic priorities in summary

  63  Sustainability strategy
  63   Management system and performance 

indicators
  64  Cost of capital
  64   Disclosures concerning acquisitions, corporate 

governance declaration, remuneration report

  64  Separate non-financial report

  72  Results of operations of the business units

  72   Adhesive Technologies 
  74  Beauty Care
  76  Laundry & Home Care
  78  Net assets and financial position
  78  Acquisitions and divestments
  78  Capital expenditures
  79  Net assets
  80  Financial position
  80   Financing und capital management
  81  Key financial ratios

  82  Employees
  84  Procurement
  85  Production
  87  Research and development
  90  Marketing and distribution

  65  Economic report
  65   Macroeconomic development
  66  Development by sector
  66  Review of overall business performance
  67  Results of operations of the Group

  67  Sales
  68  Operating profit
  69  Expense items
  69   Other operating income and expenses
  69  Financial result
  69   Net income and  

earnings per share (EPS)

  70  Dividend
  70  Return on capital employed (ROCE)
  70  Economic Value Added (EVA®)
  71   Comparison between actual business  

performance and guidance

  92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 

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

  96  Risks and opportunities report
  96   Risks and opportunities
  96   Risk management system
  98   Major risk categories
 103   Major opportunity categories
 103   Risks and opportunities in summary

 104  Forecast
 104   Macroeconomic development
 104  Development by sector
 105   Outlook for the Henkel Group in 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

59

Fundamental principles of 
the Group

Operational activities

Overview
Henkel was founded in 1876. Therefore, the year 
under review marks the 141st in our corporate his-
tory. At the end of 2017, Henkel’s workforce world-
wide numbered 53,700. We occupy globally leading 
market positions in our consumer and industrial 
businesses. 

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 central, corporate functions.

1876

Year of foundation.

Our purpose is to create sustainable value – for our 
customers and consumers, for our people and 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 

Henkel is organized into three business units: Adhe-
sive Technologies, Beauty Care and Laundry & Home 
Care. Henkel’s Adhesive Technologies business unit 
leads the global market in the field of adhesives. In 
our Beauty Care and Laundry & Home Care consumer 
businesses, we also hold top positions in numerous 
markets and categories.

Adhesive Technologies leads the global market with 
high-impact solutions. The business unit offers a 
broad portfolio of adhesives, sealants and functional 
coatings through both its Industry and its Consum-
ers, Craftsmen and Building businesses.

Henkel around the world: Regional Centers 

27

t
r
o
p
e
r

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

i

b
m
o
C

Rocky Hill, 
Connecticut, USA 
Regional Center

Düsseldorf, Germany 
Global Headquarters

Vienna, Austria
Regional Center

Shanghai, China 
Regional Center

Stamford,  
Connecticut, USA  
Regional Center

Mexico City, Mexico 
Regional Center

São Paulo, Brazil
Regional Center

Dubai, United 
Arab Emirates 
Regional Center

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB])096 Risks and opportunities report104 Forecast 
 
60

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Our three business units are managed on the basis 
of globally responsible strategic business units. 
These are supported by the central functions of 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, our shared services, and our 
Global 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, 
internal procedural rules and the principles incorpo-
rated in our globally applicable management stan-
dards, codes and guidelines.

Henkel 2020+: Our ambition 
and strategic priorities

Henkel has defined four strategic priorities to con-
tinue driving sustainable profitable growth through 
to 2020 and beyond: drive growth, accelerate digitali-
zation, increase agility and fund growth. Our bal-
anced and broadly diversified port folio with strong 
brands, innovative technologies and leading posi-
tions 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 is continu-
ing its path of profitable growth. At the end of 2016, 
we presented the ambition and strategic priorities 
that will drive the company through to 2020 and 
beyond. 

The Industry business encompasses four areas. In 
the Packaging and Consumer Goods Adhesives busi-
ness area, we work with major brand manufacturers 
and international customers to develop innovative 
and sustainable solutions for food packaging and 
consumer goods. In the Transport and Metal busi-
ness area, we provide our customers in the automo-
tive, aircraft and aerospace, and metal processing 
industries with innovative system solutions, a com-
prehensive technology portfolio, and specialized 
technical services. In the General Industry business 
area, we offer a comprehensive portfolio of products 
for the manufacture and maintenance of durable 
goods. Our customers range from household appli-
ance manufacturers through to operators of large-
scale industrial plants, and service specialists oper-
ating in all branches of industry. Our Electronics 
business area offers customers a specialized portfolio 
of innovative high-technology adhesives and materials 
for the manufacture of microchips, electronic assem-
blies and thermal management systems.

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.

Worldwide, the Beauty Care business unit is 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. 
In both business areas, we hold top positions in 
numerous markets and categories. Both our Branded 
 Consumer Goods and Hair Salon businesses offer 
focused brand portfolios featuring customer-rele-
vant innovations that create added value for our cus-
tomers and consumers. Our products are sold both 
in brick-and-mortar stores and online. 

The Laundry & Home Care business unit occupies 
leading market positions in both the Laundry and 
Home Care business areas. Our strong brands and 
consumer-relevant innovations play a key role in the 
everyday lives of our consumers. Our product portfolio 
ranges from heavy-duty detergents, specialty deter-
gents and laundry additives to dishwashing products, 
hard surface and WC cleaners, air fresheners and 
insect control products – all sold mainly in brick-
and-mortar stores, but also via TV-based and online 
retailing. 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

61

Drive 
Growth

Accelerate 
Digitalization

Financial ambition 2020 

28

Organic growth

Adjusted EPS growth

Adjusted EBIT margin

Free cash flow

1  Compound annual growth rate.

2 – 4 % 
(average 2017–2020)

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

Continued improvement 
in adjusted EBIT margin

Continued focus  
on free cash flow expansion

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 technology 
leadership, whereas in the Beauty Care and  Laundry & 
Home Care business units, we are striving to strengthen 
our categories.

Fund
 Growth

Increase
 Agility

Our ambition 
In 2016, we defined our ambition in a very volatile 
market environment characterized by increasing 
 globalization, 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 
customer-facing activities. In addition, we are 
 further promoting sustainability in all our business 
activities. 

Henkel has defined the following financial ambition 
for the period from 2016 until 2020:
•  We are aiming to achieve organic sales growth of 
2 to 4 percent on average over the four years until 
2020. 

•  For adjusted earnings per preferred share, we are 
targeting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) 
of 7 to 9 percent between 2016 and 2020. 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.

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB])096 Risks and opportunities report104 Forecast62

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Strategic priorities in summary

Fund growth

Drive growth

Driving growth in mature and emerging markets is 
a key strategic priority for Henkel. In order to achieve 
this, we 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 helps us to successfully 
grow our business, strengthen the relationships with 
our customers and consumers, optimize our pro-
cesses and transform the entire company. By 2020, 
we will implement a range of initiatives to drive our 
digital business, leverage Industry 4.0, and eTrans-
form the organization. 

Increase agility

In a highly volatile and dynamic business environ-
ment, increasing the agility of the organization is a 
critical success factor for Henkel. This requires ener-
gized and empowered teams, fastest time-to-market 
as well as smart and simplified processes.

In order to fund growth, we are implementing 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 initia-
tives will contribute to further improving profitabil-
ity and enable us to fund our growth ambitions for 
2020 and beyond. 

We started implementing these priorities and initia-
tives in fiscal 2017, with high dynamism and huge 
commitment on the part of our employees. To drive 
growth, we have agreed joint long-term business 
development plans with strategically important cus-
tomers. We have further sharpened the focus of new 
products and new services on the needs of consum-
ers. Aside from organic growth, a number of acquisi-
tions have additionally strengthened our business 
(see table below). Integration of our acquired busi-
nesses is proceeding successfully. Our efforts to 
build a digital organization are also making substan-
tial progress and driving the digital transformation 
of the company. To foster our agility, we have simpli-
fied processes and structures in all our business 
units. We have quickly launched the Fund Growth 
initiatives. Key milestones on the path to global roll-
out have been reached. 

Acquisitions signed and closed in fiscal 2017 

Business

Key brands

Key  
countries

Contract 
signed on

Completion 
on

Darex Packaging Technologies, 
high-performance sealants 
and coatings

Sonderhoff Holding GmbH, 
industrial gasketing solutions

–

–

Global

3/2/2017

7/3/2017

Germany

5/16/2017

7/3/2017

~  60

Nattura Laboratorios, S.A. de 
C.V., hair salon business

Pravana,  
Tec Italy

Mexico, USA 3/8/2017

9/1/2017

~  120

Zotos International Inc.,  
hair salon business

1 Proforma sales 2017.

Joico, Zotos

USA

10/26/2017

12/28/2017 ~  210

Annual sales  
in million 
euros 1
~  260

29

Purchase 
price in 
 million euros

For further  
information,  
see pages

938

119

392

403

78, 85, 
116–117

78, 85,  
116–117

78, 86, 89, 
116–117

78, 86, 
116–117

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

63

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 environmental 
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 supports 
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 sustain-
ability for our stakeholders and our long-term eco-
nomic success, we defined three key drivers in 2016 
that will help us to advance sustainability at Henkel 
over the coming years:
•  Strengthen foundation
•  Boost engagement
•  Maximize impact 

More details and background reading on the subject 
of sustainability can be found in our Sustainability 
Report on the internet:  

  www.henkel.com/sustainabilityreport 

Management system and 
 performance indicators

Henkel plans to continue generating sustainable 
profitable growth through to 2020 and beyond. To 
this end, we have defined four strategic priorities – 
drive growth, accelerate digitalization, increase 
 agility and fund growth – as described on pages 60 
to 62. To enable efficient management of the Group, 
we align our actions to these strategic priorities and 
have translated them into strategy plans for our 
 central functions, the 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, 
developments in adjusted return on sales, and 
growth in adjusted earnings per preferred share. 

Over the four years until 2020, 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 
comparison of these plans with current develop-
ments and expected figures enables focused man-
agement of the company based on the described 
 performance indicators. 

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. 

  www.henkel.com/

sustainabilityreport

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB])096 Risks and opportunities report104 Forecast64

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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 

in percent

Adhesive Technologies

Beauty Care

Laundry & Home Care

Henkel Group

WACC after tax by business unit 

in percent

Adhesive Technologies

Beauty Care

Laundry & Home Care

Henkel Group

2017

10.25

9.00

9.00

7.75

2017

7.00

6.25

6.25

5.50

30

2018

10.50

9.00

9.00

8.00

31

2018

7.25

6.25

6.25

5.50

Disclosures concerning 
 acquisitions, corporate 
 governance declaration, 
 remuneration report

With regard to the disclosures and explanations
•  pursuant to Sections 289a (1) and 315a (1) German 

Commercial Code [HGB] – Disclosures concerning 
acquisitions – please refer to pages 36 to 38

•  pursuant to Sections 289f and 315d HGB – Corporate 
governance declaration – please refer to pages 39 
to 46 and

•  pursuant to Sections 289a (2) and 315a (2) HGB – 

Remuneration report – please refer to pages 46 to 57 
which duly constitute integral parts of the combined 
management report.

Pursuant to Section 317 (2) sentence 6 HGB, any audit 
of the disclosures pursuant to Sections 289f and 315d 
HGB –  Corporate governance declaration – is limited 
to the auditor ensuring the relevant information has 
actually been disclosed.

Separate non-financial report

With regard to the explanations pursuant to Sections 
289b and 315b German Commercial Code [HGB], 
please refer to our Sustainability Report 2017. It 
 constitutes the separate, combined non-financial 
group report for the Henkel Group and Henkel AG & 
Co. KGaA for fiscal 2017 as required in Sections 315b 
and 315c HGB in conjunction with  Sections 289c to 
289e HGB, and is made publicly available through 
publication on the website.  

  www.henkel.com/sustainabilityreport

7.75 %

Group WACC 
before tax in  
fiscal 2017.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

65

59   Fundamental principles  

92   Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  

of the Group
65  Economic report

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

096  Risks and opportunities report
104  Forecast

Economic report

Macroeconomic development

The general economic conditions described in this 
section are based on data published by IHS Markit. 

Overview: 
Slight improvement in the global economy 
under persistently difficult underlying 
 conditions
Global economic growth was moderate in 2017. 
Gross domestic product increased by approximately 
3 percent worldwide, representing a rise in growth 
rate versus prior year. The mature markets grew by 
around 2 percent, while the emerging markets 
achieved an increase of approximately 5 percent. 

Economic growth in both North America and West-
ern Europe was around 2 percent for the year as a 
whole. The Japanese economy also expanded by 
approximately 2 percent. Economic growth in Asia 
(excluding Japan) was approximately 6 percent, with 
China coming in slightly higher. Eastern Europe 
posted growth of approximately 4 percent, helped by 
a slight improvement in the economic situation in 
Russia. The Africa / Middle East region recorded an 
increase of approximately 2 percent. After shrinking 
in 2016, economic growth in Latin America recovered 
with growth of approximately 1.5 percent in the 
reporting period.

Unemployment:  
Global level unchanged year on year
Global unemployment remained close to the level of 
the previous year at around 7.5 percent. Year on year, 
the unemployment rates in both North America and 
Western Europe were lower at approximately 4.5 per-
cent and approximately 8.5 percent respectively. By 
contrast, the unemployment rate in Latin America 
increased to approximately 9.5 percent. Compared to 
prior year, the unemployment rate declined slightly 
to 6.5 percent in Eastern Europe, while remaining 
almost unchanged in Africa / Middle East and Asia 
(excluding Japan).

Inflation:  
Moderate rise in global price levels
Global inflation was approximately 3 percent and 
thus lower year on year. In the mature markets, 
 inflation was around 2 percent and therefore up 
compared to prior year. Prices increased in Western 
Europe, North America and Japan. By contrast, the 
inflation rate decreased significantly in the emerging 
markets compared to prior year, to approximately 
5 percent. The overall trend differed from one region 
to the next. Year on year, inflation decreased signifi-
cantly in Latin America. Inflation rates remained 
 virtually unchanged year on year in Asia (excluding 
Japan) and in Eastern Europe. The inflation rate rose 
to approximately 6 percent in Africa / Middle East.

Direct materials:  
Moderately higher than prior-year level
As expected, prices for direct materials (raw materials, 
packaging, and purchased goods and services) rose 
moderately in 2017 compared to the level of the previous 
year. This development was driven by higher prices 
for relevant input materials, particularly crude oil. 

Currencies:  
High volatility in emerging markets
Currencies in the emerging markets of relevance to 
Henkel were, on average, relatively volatile over the 
year. The Turkish lira recorded the most significant 
devaluation, while the Russian ruble gained substan-
tially in value.

The US dollar remained stable over the first three 
months of the year before depreciating significantly 
as the year progressed. It closed at 1.20 US dollars 
to the euro at year-end. Averaged out over the year 
as a whole, the US dollar depreciated slightly versus 
the euro.

66

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Changes in the exchange rates of the currencies of 
relevance to Henkel are indicated in the following 
table:

Review of overall business 
performance

Average rates of exchange versus the euro 

Chinese yuan

Mexican peso

Polish zloty

Russian ruble

Turkish lira 

US dollar

+3.1 %

organic sales 
growth.

2016

7.36

20.67

4.36

74.07

3.34

1.11

Source: ECB daily foreign exchange reference rates.

32

2017

7.63

21.33

4.26

65.95

4.12

1.13

2017 proved to be a strong year for Henkel. In a 
 challenging economic environment, we continued 
the success of the previous year. 

Sales topped the 20 billion euro mark for the first 
time ever. Organically we achieved a sales increase of 
3.1 percent. Our businesses in the emerging markets 
showed very strong organic growth of 5.3 percent. 
Organic sales growth in the mature markets was 
 positive at 1.5 percent. 

Development by sector

Moderate rise in global consumption
Private consumer spending grew moderately at a 
rate of approximately 3 percent across all sectors. 
Consumer spending in mature markets increased by 
around 2 percent 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 
4.5 percent more. 

Industrial production above prior-year level
The industrial production index (IPX) was approxi-
mately 3 percent and thus above the prior-year level 
worldwide. The improvement was mainly attribut-
able to the mature markets, which registered growth 
of approximately 2.5 percent in 2017. In the emerging 
markets growth was approximately 4 percent.

Adjusted 1 gross margin decreased by 1.3 percentage 
points to 47.1 percent. Savings from cost reduction 
measures and efficiency improvements accompa-
nied by selective price increasess only partially offset 
the negative impact of higher prices for direct mate-
rials (raw materials, packaging, and purchased goods 
and services) and acquisition effects. 

As a result of our strict focus on cost management, 
the rapid and disciplined implementation of our 
“Fund growth” initiatives, and the adjustment of our 
structures to our markets and customers, we were 
able to further improve our profitability once again 
versus prior year. Adjusted return on sales increased 
by 0.4 percentage points in 2017, reaching a new all-
time high of 17.3 percent (2016: 16.9 percent). 

Adjusted earnings per preferred share grew to 
5.85 euros, a significant increase of 9.1 percent over 
the 2016 figure of 5.36 euros.

Net working capital as a percentage of sales 
increased by 1.3 percentage points to 4.8 percent. 

We generated free cash flow of 1,701 million euros. 
Following our acquisitions in 2017, we closed the 
year with a net financial position of –3,225 million 
euros (2016: –2,301 million euros). 

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

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

67

Results of operations of the Group

Sales

EBIT

EPS

Dividend

+ 3.1 %

organic sales  
growth 

17.3 %

5.85 euros

1.79 euros

adjusted 1 return on sales 
(EBIT): up 0.4 percentage 
points

adjusted 1 earnings per 
preferred share (EPS):  
up 9.1 percent

dividend per  
preferred share 2 

Sales
Sales in fiscal 2017 increased nominally by 7.0 per-
cent to their highest-ever level of 20,029 million 
euros. Currency movements had a negative effect on 
sales of 2.0 percent. Adjusted for foreign exchange 
effects, sales grew by 9.0 percent. Acquisitions /   
divestments accounted for 5.9 percent of the increase 
in sales. 

Organic sales growth, i.e. adjusted for foreign 
exchange and acquisitions / divestments, was strong 
at 3.1 percent. This was mainly driven by volume.

33

2017

7.0

– 2.0

9.0

5.9

3.1

0.2

2.9

34  

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

2013

16,355

2014

16,428

2015

18,089

2016

18,714

2017

20,029

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

1   Adjusted for one-time charges / gains and restructuring expenses.
2  Proposal to shareholders for the Annual General Meeting on  

April 9, 2018.

All business units were able to grow sales organi-
cally. Organic sales growth was 5.0 percent in the 
Adhesive Technologies business unit, 0.5 percent in 
Beauty Care, and 2.0 percent in Laundry & Home 
Care.

Price and volume effects 

35

in percent

Adhesive  
Technologies

Beauty Care

Laundry & Home 
Care

Henkel Group

Organic sales 
growth

of which  
price

of which  
volume

5.0

0.5

2.0

3.1

0.4

0.1

0.1

0.2

4.6

0.4

1.9

2.9

In a market environment that continues to be highly 
competitive, sales in the Western Europe region, at 
6,033 million euros, were slightly up year on year. 
Organic sales growth was positive. Good performance 
in Germany was one of the factors that helped to off-
set lower sales in France. The share of sales from the 
region decreased to 30 percent.

We were able to increase sales in Eastern Europe by 
6.8 percent to 2,897 million euros. Organically, sales 
grew by 6.0 percent. This very strong organic sales 
growth was primarily driven by the performance of 
our businesses in Turkey. At 14 percent, the share of 
sales from the region was lower year on year.

Our sales in the Africa / Middle East region decreased 
nominally by 5.5 percent to 1,302 million euros. Despite 
the continuing political and social unrest in some 
countries, we were able to record organic sales growth 
of 1.7 percent. At 6 percent, the share of sales from 
the region was slightly down year on year.

Sales in the North America region increased by 
22.9 percent to 5,162 million euros. The acquisition 

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB])096 Risks and opportunities report104 Forecast68

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Key financials by region 1 

in million euros

Sales 2 2017

Sales 2 2016

Western 
Europe

Eastern 
Europe

Africa /  
Middle 
East

North 
America

Latin 
America

Asia- 
Pacific

Total 
Regions

Corporate

Henkel 
Group

6,033

5,999

2,897

2,713

1,302

1,378

5,162

4,202

1,142

1,055

3,371

3,246

19,906

18,593

123

121

20,029

18,714

36

Change from previous year

Adjusted for foreign exchange

Organic

Proportion of Group sales 2017

Proportion of Group sales 2016

0.6 %

1.3 %

0.5 %

30 %

32 %

Operating profit (EBIT) 2017

Operating profit (EBIT) 2016

1,463

1,335

Change from previous year

Adjusted for foreign exchange

Return on sales (EBIT) 2017

Return on sales (EBIT) 2016

9.6 %

9.8 %

24.3 %

22.3 %

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

6.8 %

6.3 %

6.0 %

14 %

15 %

280

328

– 14.8 %

– 18.3 %

9.7 %

12.1 %

– 5.5 %

7.5 %

1.7 %

6 %

7 %

58

111

– 47.7 %

– 48.0 %

4.5 %

8.1 %

22.9 %

24.6 %

3.0 %

26 %

22 %

731

505

44.7 %

47.7 %

14.2 %

12.0 %

8.2 %

9.5 %

4.4 %

6 %

6 %

112

126

– 10.8 %

– 8.2 %

9.8 %

11.9 %

3.8 %

6.1 %

5.9 %

17 %

17 %

7.1 %

9.1 %

3.1 %

99 %

99 %

–

–

–

1 %

1 %

537

485

3,181

2,890

– 126

– 115

10.8 %

13.3 %

15.9 %

14.9 %

10.1 %

10.8 %

16.0 %

15.5 %

–

–

–

–

7.0 %

9.0 %

3.1 %

100 %

100 %

3,055

2,775

10.1 %

10.4 %

15.3 %

14.8 %

of The Sun Products Corporation contributed sub-
stantially to the increase in nominal sales. Organi-
cally, the region posted sales growth of 3.0 percent. 
The share of sales from the region increased to 
26 percent.

Operating profit
The following explanations relate to results adjusted 
for one-time charges / gains and restructuring 
expenses so as to present operational performance 
before exceptional items.

Our sales in the Latin America region rose nominally 
by 8.2 percent to 1,142 million euros. Organically, 
we increased sales by 4.4 percent. The very strong 
growth of our businesses in Mexico made an especially 
important contribution 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 3.8 percent to 3,371 million euros. Organic 
sales growth in the region was 5.9 percent. The share 
of sales from the Asia-Pacific region remained flat at 
17 percent.

Sales in the emerging markets of Eastern Europe, 
Africa / Middle East, Latin America and Asia (exclud-
ing Japan) were higher year on year at 8,130 million 
euros. Organically, sales grew by 5.3 percent. Thus 
the emerging markets again made an above-average 
contribution to organic sales growth. The share of 
sales from emerging markets was 40 percent. This 
ratio was slightly lower year on year due to acquisi-
tions and foreign exchange effects. 

Adjusted operating profit (EBIT) 

in million euros

EBIT (as reported)

One-time gains

One-time charges

Restructuring 
expenses

Adjusted EBIT

2016

2,775

– 1

121

277

3,172

2017

3,055

– 21

182

245

3,461

37

+/–

10.1 %

9.1 %

In order to adapt our structures to our markets and 
customers, we spent 245 million euros on restructur-
ing (previous year: 277 million euros). A significant 
portion of this amount is attributable to the optimi-
zation of our sales and distribution structures and 
the integration of our acquisitions. Please refer to 
page 167 for more details of our restructuring expenses 
and an explanation of the one-time charges and gains. 

We were able to increase adjusted operating profit 
(adjusted EBIT) to 3,461 million euros, a rise of 
9.1 percent on the prior-year figure of 3,172 million 
euros. 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

69

17.3 %

adjusted return  
on sales, up 
0.4 percentage 
points.

All three business units contributed to this positive 
performance. We improved adjusted return on sales 
(adjusted EBIT margin) for the Group by 0.4 percent-
age points to 17.3 percent. 

Adjusted return on sales in the Adhesive Technolo-
gies business unit showed an increase of 0.3 percent-
age points, reaching a new all-time high of 18.5 per-
cent. The Beauty Care business unit was also again 
able to raise its adjusted return on sales, achieving a 
figure of 17.2 percent for the first time (previous year: 
16.9 percent). The Laundry & Home Care business 
unit increased adjusted return on sales by 0.3 per-
centage points to a new all-time high of 17.6 percent. 

In all business units, we benefited from our success-
ful innovations together with ongoing measures to 
reduce costs and improve efficiency. 

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 consoli-
dated statement of income can be found on page 167.

The cost of sales increased by 9.7 percent to 10,598 mil-
lion euros. Gross profit increased by 4.2 percent to 
9,431 million euros. Adjusted gross margin decreased 
by 1.3 percentage points to 47.1 percent. Savings 
from cost reduction measures and efficiency 
improvements accompanied by selective price 
increases only partially offset the negative impact of 
higher prices for direct materials (raw materials, 
packaging, and purchased goods and services) and 
acquisition effects.

At 4,665 million euros, marketing, selling and distri-
bution expenses were above the prior-year figure of 
4,543 million euros. Compared to fiscal 2016, the 
ratio to sales decreased to 23.3 percent. This reduc-
tion is partially attributable to the lower ratio of mar-
keting, selling and distribution expenses to sales of 
the business added as a result of the acquisition of 
The Sun Products Corporation. We spent a total of 
469 million euros for research and development. The 
ratio to sales, at 2.3 percent, was slightly lower year 
on year. At 870 million euros, administrative 
expenses were virtually unchanged year on year 
(2016: 868 million euros). At 4.3 percent, administra-
tive expenses as a percentage of sales were slightly 
lower year on year.

Other operating income and expenses
At 34 million euros, the balance of adjusted other 
operating income and expenses increased year on 
year (2016: –6 million euros). The rise was attribut-
able to numerous individual transactions relating to 
operations.

Financial result
Funding the acquisitions closed in 2016 and 2017 
caused the financial result to drop from – 33 million 
euros in 2016 to – 51 million euros in the reporting 
year. 

Net income and earnings per share (EPS)
Income before tax increased by 262 million euros to 
3,004 million euros. Taxes on income amounted to 
463 million euros. The tax rate of 15.4 percent was 
substantially lower year on year (2016: 23.7 percent). 
The tax burden eased in the reporting year, mainly 
because of the remeasurement of deferred taxes 
resulting from the tax reform that was passed in the 

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)

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

2017

20,029

– 10,598

9,431

– 4,665

– 469

– 870

34

3,461

%

100.0

– 52.9

47.1

– 23.3

– 2.3

– 4.3

0.1

17.3

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

38

Change

7.0 %

9.7 %

4.2 %

2.7 %

2.0 %

0.2 %

–

9.1 %

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB])096 Risks and opportunities report104 Forecast70

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

€ 2,541 m

net income.

USA in December 2017. The adjusted tax rate 
increased year on year by 0.3 percentage points to 
25.0 percent after also adjusting for the one-time 
effect of the tax reform in the USA. Taking this tax 
effect into consideration, the net income for the 
year increased by 21.4 percent from 2,093 million 
euros to 2,541 million euros. After taking into 
account 22 million euros attributable to non-con-
trolling interests, net income attributable to share-
holders of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA amounted to 
2,519 million euros, 22.7 percent higher than the 
prior-year figure (2016: 2,053 million euros). 
Adjusted net income after deducting non-con-
trolling interests was 2,534 million euros compared 
to 2,323 million euros in fiscal 2016. A condensed 
version of the annual financial statements of the 
parent company of the Henkel Group – Henkel AG & 
Co. KGaA – can be found on pages 92 to 95.

39  

Net income 
in million euros

2013

1,625

2014

1,662

2015

1,968

2016

2,093

2017

2,541

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

Earnings per preferred share rose from 4.74 euros 
to 5.81 euros. Earnings per ordinary share increased 
from 4.72 euros to 5.79 euros. Adjusted earnings 
per preferred share rose by 9.1 percent to 5.85 euros 
(2016: 5.36 euros). In addition to the one-time 
charges / gains and the restructuring expenses, 
the exceptional effects of the US tax reform have 
also been included in the adjustment process.

Adjusted earnings per preferred share 
in euros

40  

2013

4.07

2014

4.38

2015

4.88

2016

5.36

2017

5.85

0.0

1.5

3.0

4.5

6.0

Dividend
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 interests 
and adjusted for exceptional items. We will propose 
to the Annual General Meeting an increased dividend 
compared to the previous year: 1.79 euros per preferred 
share and 1.77 euros per ordinary share. The payout 
ratio would then be 30.7 percent. 

Preferred share dividend 
in euros

41  

2013

1.22

2014

1.31

2015

1.47

2016

1.62

2017

1.79 1

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

1   Proposal to shareholders for the Annual General Meeting on  
April 9, 2018.

Return on capital employed (ROCE)
At 16.3 percent, return on capital employed (ROCE) was 
below the prior-year figure of 17.5 percent, mainly due 
to acquisitions. 

Economic Value Added (EVA®)
Economic Value Added (EVA®) increased from 
1,463 million euros to 1,610 million euros. 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

71

Comparison between actual business 
 performance and guidance
We updated our guidance for fiscal 2017 in Novem-
ber 2017:

We confirmed our expectation for organic sales 
growth of 2 to 4 percent for the Henkel Group. Our 
expectations for organic growth were 4 to 5 percent 
for the Adhesive Technologies business unit, 0 to 
1 percent for the Beauty Care business unit and 
around 2 percent for the Laundry & Home Care busi-
ness unit. For adjusted return on sales (EBIT), we 
forecasted an increase to more than 17.0 percent for 
fiscal 2017 and anticipated that all business units 
would contribute to this positive performance. We 
expected an increase in adjusted earnings per pre-
ferred share of around 9 percent.

With organic growth of 3.1 percent, we achieved our 
sales growth forecast of 2 to 4 percent. As expected, 
all business units were within the ranges updated in 
November 2017. 

Adjusted return on sales of the Henkel Group increased 
by 0.4 percentage points to 17.3 percent, which was 
in line with our guidance. 

The significant increase in adjusted earnings per 
 preferred share of 9.1 percent to 5.85 euros (2016: 
5.36 euros) is consistent with our updated forecast of 
around 9 percent growth. 

Our restructuring expenses totaled 245 million euros 
and were thus within our expected bandwidth of 200 
to 250 million euros. Capital expenditures on property, 
plant and equipment and intangible assets totaled 
663 million euros in fiscal 2017. In November 2017, 
we had forecasted capital expenditures of between 
650 million and 750 million euros. 

Guidance versus performance 2017 

42

Organic sales growth

Henkel Group: 2–4 percent

Henkel Group: 2–4 percent

Henkel Group: 3.1 percent

Guidance for 2017

Updated guidance for 2017*

Performance in 2017

All business units within this range

Adhesive Technologies: 4–5 percent
Beauty Care: 0–1 percent
Laundry & Home Care: ~2 percent

Adhesive Technologies: 5.0 percent 
Beauty Care: 0.5 percent
Laundry & Home Care: 2.0 percent

Adjusted  
return on sales (EBIT)

Adjusted earnings per 
preferred share

Increase to more than 17.0 percent

Increase to more than 17.0 percent

Increase to 17.3 percent

Increase of 7–9 percent

Increase of ~9 percent

Increase of 9.1 percent

* Updated on November 14, 2017.

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB])096 Risks and opportunities report104 Forecast 
72

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Results of operations of the business units

Adhesive Technologies

Sales growth

+ 5.0 %

organic sales  
growth

Adjusted 1  
operating profit

Adjusted 1  
return on sales

€ 1,734 m

18.5 %

adjusted 1 operating profit (EBIT):  
up 6.4 percent

adjusted 1 return on sales (EBIT):  
up 0.3 percentage points

Overview
Despite persisting economic and geopolitical risks, 
the economic environment in which the Adhesive 
Technologies business unit operates was characterized 
by a generally solid upward trend in global industrial 
production. Key industrial sectors performed better 
than initially expected. From a regional perspective, 
economic growth was driven by good performance 
in the emerging markets, while the mature markets 
posted solid rates of increase.

Within this general economic environment, Adhesive 
Technologies successfully continued on its path of 
profitable growth. Through active portfolio manage-
ment and innovative product solutions, our sales 
were able to outperform the market. Adjusted return 
on sales showed good development.

Sales
Sales generated by the Adhesive Technologies busi-
ness unit increased nominally by 4.8 percent to 
9,387 million euros in fiscal 2017. Foreign exchange 
effects reduced sales growth by 1.3 percent. Acquisi-
tions / divestments accounted for 1.1 percent of the 
growth. 

Organically (i.e. adjusted for foreign exchange and 
acquisitions / divestments), sales grew by 5.0 percent. 
Growth was driven primarily by increased volumes.

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

We increased sales significantly in the emerging 
markets, due particularly to significant sales growth 
in the Eastern Europe, Latin America and Asia 
(excluding Japan) regions. Despite continued uncer-

Key financials * 

in million euros

Sales

43

Sales development * 

2016

2017

+/–

in percent

8,961

9,387

Proportion of Henkel sales

48 %

47 %

Operating profit (EBIT)

1,561

Adjusted operating profit (EBIT) 1,629

1,657

1,734

Return on sales (EBIT)

Adjusted return on sales (EBIT)

Return on capital employed 
(ROCE)

17.4 %

18.2 %

17.7 %

18.5 %

19.9 %

20.3 %

0.4 pp

4.8 %

–

6.1 %

6.4 %

0.3 pp

0.3 pp

Change versus previous year

Foreign exchange

Adjusted for foreign exchange

Acquisitions / divestments

Organic

of which price

of which volume

Economic Value Added (EVA®)

719

831

15.5 %

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.

44

2017

4.8

– 1.3

6.1

1.1

5.0

0.4

4.6

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

73

Sales Adhesive Technologies 
in million euros

45  

At 10.7 percent, net working capital as a percentage 
of sales was below prior year.

Top brands

2013

8,117

2014

8,127

2015

8,992

2016

8,961

2017

9,387

0

2,500

5,000

7,500

10,000

tainty in the political situation and the resulting 
deterioration in the economic environment, sales in 
the Africa / Middle East region were on a par with the 
previous year. 

Return on capital employed (ROCE) increased year 
on year to 20.3 percent. At 831 million euros, Eco-
nomic Value Added (EVA®) was up 112 million euros 
versus the previous year.

Business areas
In the following, we comment on the organic sales 
performance of our business areas. For details of the 
activities of the individual business areas, please 
refer to page 60.

Industry business
Sales in the Packaging and Consumer Goods Adhe-
sives business area showed good performance versus 
the previous year, not least thanks to our leading 
portfolio of high-impact and safe solutions for pack-
aging used in the food and beverage sectors. 

Sales performance in the mature markets was good 
overall, with strong growth in the Western Europe 
region. Performance in the mature markets of the 
Asia-Pacific region was good, while growth in the 
North America region was positive.

We posted a very strong increase in sales in our 
Transport and Metal business area, which was sub-
stantially attributable to our numerous applications 
for automotive manufacturers and their body,  
powertrain and vehicle interior suppliers.

In 2017, we generated more than 80 percent of all 
sales with our five technology cluster brands in the 
industrial business, and our four strong brand plat-
forms in the consumer business. The proportion of 
sales from products successfully launched onto the 
market in the last five years was around 30 percent.

Operating profit
Adjusted operating profit increased to 1,734 million 
euros, its highest-ever level. Adjusted return on sales 
reached a new all-time high of 18.5 percent. Gross 
margin was lower year on year, due mainly to higher 
prices for direct materials and to acquisition effects.
By taking measures to optimize our organizational 
structures and improve production and supply chain 
efficiency, and by raising prices, we were able to 
reduce their influence on gross margin. 

Sales increased significantly in the General Industry 
business area, boosted above all by our activities 
involving customers operating in the various indus-
trial markets and vehicle maintenance, repair and 
overhaul.

Year on year, sales in our Electronics business area 
showed a double-digit increase. This growth was 
again primarily driven by our high-impact solutions 
for consumer electronics manufacturers and by our 
thermal management products for the electronics 
industry. 

Adhesives for Consumers, Craftsmen and Building
Sales performance in the Adhesives for Consumers, 
Craftsmen and Building business area was positive. 
Our innovations for the construction industry were 
one of the drivers of this growth.

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB])096 Risks and opportunities report104 Forecast74

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Beauty Care

Sales growth

+ 0.5 %

organic sales  
growth

Adjusted 1   
operating profit

€ 665 m

Adjusted 1  
return on sales

17.2 %

adjusted 1 operating profit (EBIT):  
up 2.7 percent

adjusted 1 return on sales (EBIT):  
up 0.3 percentage points

The professional hair salon market remained under 
pressure in 2017, especially in the mature markets, 
due to persistent consumer restraint. 

In difficult market conditions overall, the Beauty 
Care business unit was able to continue on its path 
of profitable growth. Organic sales growth was flat in 
the Branded Consumer Goods business area. The 
Hair Salon business area reported good organic sales 
growth, outperforming the market. This enabled us 
to further expand our position as the world number 
three in the hair salon market. Growth in adjusted 
return on sales was good.

Overview
In 2017, growth of the world cosmetics sector slowed 
again in the markets and categories of relevance for 
the Beauty Care business. In a fiercely competitive 
environment, development was actually negative in 
some key markets. 

In our Branded Consumer Goods business, the 
mature markets in particular showed weak, and in 
some cases even negative, development. The perfor-
mance of some key market segments in the North 
America region was slightly negative. The environ-
ment in Western Europe was characterized by sus-
tained promotional activity, severe price and trade 
pressure, and declining average prices. Growth in rel-
evant categories in individual emerging markets also 
slowed in 2017. In the Latin America and Eastern 
Europe regions, for example, market growth was 
lower year on year. Market developments in the 
Africa / Middle East and Asia (excluding Japan) 
regions were positive. 

Proportion of Henkel sales

20 %

19 %

Key financials * 

in million euros

Sales

Operating profit (EBIT)

Adjusted operating profit (EBIT)

Return on sales (EBIT)

Adjusted return on sales (EBIT)

Return on capital employed 
(ROCE)

46

Sales development * 

2016

2017

+/–

in percent

3,838

3,868

526

647

535

665

13.7 %

16.9 %

13.8 %

17.2 %

0.8 %

–

1.7 %

2.7 %

0.1 pp

0.3 pp

Change versus previous year

Foreign exchange

Adjusted for foreign exchange

Acquisitions / divestments

Organic

of which price

of which volume

18.2 %

17.6 %

– 0.6 pp

Economic Value Added (EVA®)

266

262

– 1.8 %

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.

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

47

2017

 0.8

– 1.3

2.1

1.6

0.5

0.1

0.4

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

75

48  

In 2017, we generated 90 percent of our sales with 
our top 10 brands. The proportion of sales from prod-
ucts successfully launched onto the market in the 
last three years was around 40 percent.

Top brands

Sales Beauty Care 
in million euros

2013

3,510

2014

3,547

2015

3,833

2016

3,838

2017

3,868

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

Sales
Sales generated by the Beauty Care business unit 
increased nominally by 0.8 percent to 3,868 million 
euros in fiscal 2017. Foreign exchange effects reduced 
sales by 1.3 percent. Acquisitions / divestments 
accounted for 1.6 percent of the growth.

Organically (i.e. adjusted for foreign exchange and 
acquisitions / divestments), sales increased by 
0.5 percent. Growth was driven primarily by increased 
volumes. 

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

From a regional perspective, the organic growth rate 
of our business in the emerging markets was posi-
tive. In the Africa / Middle East region, the business 
unit achieved significant organic sales growth. The 
Latin America region continued the successful trend 
of previous years with positive sales growth. Sales 
performance was negative in the Asia (excluding 
Japan) region due to business development in China. 
We achieved very strong growth in Eastern Europe.

The mature markets continued to be impacted by 
fierce crowding-out competition and intense price 
pressure. In a challenging environment, sales in the 
mature markets were slightly below  the previous 
year’s level due to negative performance in Western 
Europe and in the mature markets of the Asia-Pacific 
region. By contrast, growth in the North America 
region was very strong compared to 2016. 

Operating profit
Adjusted operating profit increased in the reporting 
period to 665 million euros. Adjusted return on sales 
exhibited good growth, reaching a new high of 
17.2 percent. Our ongoing measures to reduce costs 
and enhance production and supply chain efficiency 
enabled us to offset the effects on gross margin 
exerted by higher prices for direct materials and 
 sustained promotional intensity.

At 3.9 percent, net working capital as a percentage of 
sales was again low, albeit above the prior-year level 
due partly to acquisitions. At 17.6 percent, return on 
capital employed (ROCE) was down year on year, also 
as a result of acquisitions. Economic Value Added 
(EVA®) was slightly below the prior-year level at 
262 million euros.

Business areas
In the following, we comment on the organic sales 
performance of our two business areas. For details 
of the activities of the individual business areas, 
please refer to page 60.

Branded Consumer Goods
Sales growth in our Branded Consumer Goods business 
area was flat in 2017. The Hair Cosmetics business 
generated positive sales growth, boosted by successful 
innovations under our Schwarzkopf brand and our 
newly acquired brands Pert and Xtreme. 

Hair Salon business
Despite the continued restraint apparent in the hair 
salon market, performance by our Hair Salon busi-
ness was again good in 2017, thanks particularly to 
our North American brands Sexy Hair and Kenra, the 
launch of our influencer brand #mydentity, and the 
relaunch by Schwarzkopf Professional of the BlondMe 
product line.

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB])096 Risks and opportunities report104 Forecast76

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Laundry & Home Care

Sales growth

+ 2.0 %

organic sales  
growth

Adjusted 1   
operating profit

Adjusted 1  
return on sales

€ 1,170 m

17.6 %

adjusted 1 operating profit (EBIT):  
up 17.0 percent

adjusted 1 return on sales (EBIT):  
up 0.3 percentage points

Overview
In 2017, the relevant world market for laundry and 
home care showed a positive development. 

Eastern Europe recorded strong growth. In Latin 
America, performance in the relevant market for 
laundry and home care products was also strong.

Market performance in the mature markets was 
slightly positive. The relevant market for laundry and 
home care declined slightly in Western Europe. Mar-
ket performance in North America was positive. 

Developments in the emerging markets varied. 
Growth in our relevant markets in the Africa / Middle 
East region was slightly negative as a result of the 
challenging market environment. The market in 

Although our relevant markets continued to be char-
acterized by intense price and promotional competi-
tion, we were able to again outperform the relevant 
market in terms of growth in 2017. Both the sus-
tained success of our strong brands and the success-
ful introduction of our innovations contributed to 
the good performance. Growth in adjusted return on 
sales was good. The business unit therefore contin-
ued its path of profitable growth again in 2017.

Key financials * 

in million euros

Sales

49

Sales development * 

2016

2017

+/–

in percent

5,795

6,651

14.8 %

Change versus previous year

Proportion of Henkel sales

Operating profit (EBIT)

31 %

803

Adjusted operating profit (EBIT) 1,000

33 %

989

1,170

–

23.2 %

17.0 %

Foreign exchange

Adjusted for foreign exchange

Acquisitions / divestments

Return on sales (EBIT)

Adjusted return on sales (EBIT)

Return on capital employed 
(ROCE)

13.9 %

17.3 %

14.9 %

17.6 %

1.0 pp

0.3 pp

15.7 %

13.1 %

– 2.6 pp

Economic Value Added (EVA®)

344

309

– 10.1 %

Organic

of which price

of which volume

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.

50

2017

14.8

– 3.4

18.2

16.2

2.0

0.1

1.9

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

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

77

Top brands

Operating profit
Adjusted operating profit (EBIT) rose by 17.0 percent 
from 1,000 million euros to 1,170 million euros. 
Adjusted return on sales in the Laundry & Home Care 
business unit increased to a new all-time high of 
17.6 percent (previous year: 17.3 percent). Gross mar-
gin was lower year on year due to acquisition effects, 
higher prices for direct materials and the adverse 
impact of sustained promotional intensity.

Net working capital as a percentage of sales was above 
the previous year’s level, but still low at –2.4 percent. 
At 13.1 percent, return on capital employed (ROCE) was 
lower year on year due to acquisitions. With a figure 
of 309 million euros,  Economic Value Added (EVA®) 
was below the prior-year level of 344 million euros, 
also as a result of acquisitions. 

Business areas
In the following, we comment on the organic sales 
performance of our two business areas. For details of 
the activities of the individual business areas, please 
refer to page 60.

Laundry Care
Sales performance in the Laundry Care business area 
was positive, boosted substantially by our core brand 
Persil. Fabric softeners also contributed to this per-
formance with good growth helped, in particular, by 
the introduction of successful innovations. 

Home Care
Sales growth in the Home Care business area was 
strong in 2017. Products for WC applications were 
again the biggest drivers of growth.

Sales Laundry & Home Care 
in million euros

51  

2013

4,580

2014

4,626

2015

5,137

2016

5,795

2017

6,651

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

Sales
Sales generated by the Laundry & Home Care busi-
ness unit increased nominally by 14.8 percent to 
6,651 million euros in fiscal 2017. Foreign exchange 
effects reduced sales growth by 3.4 percent. Acquisi-
tions / divestments accounted for 16.2 percent of the 
growth. 

Organically (i.e. adjusted for foreign exchange and 
acquisitions / divestments), sales increased by 2.0 per-
cent. Sales performance was largely driven by increas-
ing volumes.

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

The emerging markets registered a good increase in 
sales and were once again the biggest driver of 
organic growth in Laundry & Home Care. This perfor-
mance was helped by very strong growth in the Asia 
(excluding Japan) region. Sales performance was also 
very strong in the Eastern Europe region and positive 
in the Africa / Middle East region. Due to intense 
price and promotional competition, sales growth in 
Latin America was negative.

Market performance in the mature markets was posi-
tive. Sales increased very strongly in the North Amer-
ica region but decreased in the Western Europe 
region.

In 2017, we generated around 65 percent of our sales 
with our top 10 brand clusters. A brand cluster com-
prises individual global and local brands that share a 
common brand positioning internationally. The pro-
portion of sales from products successfully launched 
onto the market in the last three years was around 
45 percent.

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB])096 Risks and opportunities report104 Forecast78

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

€ 663 m

investments in 
 property, plant and 
equipment and 
intangible assets.

Net assets and financial  
position

Acquisitions and divestments 
Effective July 3, 2017, we completed the acquisition 
of the global Darex Packaging Technologies business 
from GCP Applied Technologies, including all associ-
ated shares. The transaction is in line with our strat-
egy to strengthen our portfolio through targeted 
acquisitions and reinforces the position of our Adhe-
sive Technologies business as global market and 
technology leader. 

Effective July 3, 2017, we completed the acquisition 
of all shares of Sonderhoff Holding GmbH based in 
Cologne, Germany. This acquisition expands the 
sealant expertise of Henkel and reinforces the posi-
tion of our Adhesive Technologies business as global 
market and technology leader. 

Effective September 1, 2017, the acquisition of all 
shares of Nattura Laboratorios, S.A. de C.V., Mexico, 
and associated companies in the USA, Colombia and 
Spain was completed. Through this acquisition, 
Henkel will further strengthen its Hair Salon busi-
ness and expand its footprint in both the emerging 
and mature markets. 

Effective December 28, 2017, we completed the acqui-
sition of all shares of Zotos International Inc., the 
North American hair salon business of Shiseido 
Company, Limited. This acquisition is part of our 
strategy to strengthen Henkel’s position in attractive 
markets and categories. To this end, we are expanding 
our Hair Salon business in the USA, which is the world’s 
largest single professional hairdressing market. 

On January 1, 2017, Henkel sold its professional 
Western European building material business. 

In the first half of 2017, we sold our global electronic 
mold compound business, including Henkel Huawei 
Electronics, our company in Lianyungang, China. 

Additional disclosures relating to the acquisitions 
and divestments can be found on pages 116 and 117 of 
the notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

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 59 and 60.

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 (exclud-
ing acquisitions) amounted to 663 million euros. 
Investments in property, plant and equipment for 
existing operations totaled 590 million euros, follow-
ing 460 million euros in 2016. Capital expenditures 
on property, plant and equipment totaled 230 million 
euros (previous year: 187 million euros) in the Adhe-
sive Technologies business unit, 80 million euros 
(previous year: 54 million euros) in Beauty Care, and 
274 million euros (previous year: 210 million euros) 
in Laundry & Home Care. We invested 73 million 
euros in intangible assets (previous year: 83 million 
euros).

Around two-thirds of the expenditures were chan-
neled into expansion projects, innovations and 
streamlining measures, which included increasing 
our production capacity, introducing innovative 
product lines, and optimizing our production struc-
ture and business processes.

The major projects of 2017 were as follows:
•  Construction of a new production site for indus-

trial adhesives and metal pretreatment products in 
India (Adhesive Technologies)

•  Construction of a new production facility for prod-
ucts used in the aviation industry in Spain (Adhe-
sive Technologies)

•  Expansion of a production site in Russia and of the 
production capacity for colorants, liquid products 
and aerosols (Beauty Care)

•  Construction of a new production site for liquid 

products in Egypt (Laundry & Home Care)

•  Expansion of warehousing and logistics capacities 

in Germany (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 pri-
marily 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 1,818 million euros. Details of these addi-
tions can be found on pages 125 to 130 of the notes to 
the consolidated financial statements.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

79

Capital expenditures by business unit 1 

52

Adhesive  
Technologies 

40 %

Corporate 

1 %

Beauty Care 

15 %

Laundry &  
Home Care 

44 %

1 Existing operations.

Capital expenditures 2017 

53

in million euros

Intangible assets

Property, plant 
and equipment

Total

Existing 
operations

Acquisitions

Total 

73

590

663

1,640

178

1,818

1,713

768

2,481

Financial structure 
in million euros

Net assets
Compared to year-end 2016, total assets rose by 
0.3 billion euros to 28.3 billion euros. 

Under non-current assets, intangible assets 
increased by 89 million euros, and property, plant 
and equipment by 118 million euros. The increase 
was mainly due to acquisitions but was reduced by 
negative foreign exchange effects. Capital expendi-
tures of 590 million euros on property, plant and 
equipment were partially offset by depreciation of 
401 million euros.

Current assets increased from 8.2 billion euros to 
8.5 billion euros. This was attributable in particular 
to an increase in other financial assets and higher 
trade accounts receivable. Cash and cash equivalents 
decreased by 473 million euros in the reporting 
period.

Compared to year-end 2016, equity including 
non-controlling interests increased by 0.5 billion 
euros to 15.7 billion euros. The individual compo-
nents influencing equity development are shown in 
the consolidated statement of changes in equity on 
page 111. Equity rose with the addition of net income 
amounting to 2,541 million euros. The dividend dis-
tribution in April 2017 and negative foreign exchange 
effects of 1,334 million euros had a countervailing 
effect on equity. At year-end 2017, the equity ratio 
had increased by 1 percentage point to 55.3 percent. 

54  

Assets 
of which in %

Equity and liabilities 
of which in %

27,951

28,307

28,307

27,951

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

71

 66

Current assets  
thereof: Cash and  
cash equivalents

29

 5

70

66

30

 3

55

54

Equity

17
3
11

27
5

21
4
12

25
2

Non-current liabilities
thereof: Pension obligations
thereof: Borrowings

Current liabilities
thereof: Borrowings

2016

2017

2017

2016

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB])096 Risks and opportunities report104 Forecast 
80

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

The cash outflow from cash flow from financing 
activities of –415 million euros (2016: 1,678 million 
euros) resulted mainly from dividend payments. In 
addition, the volume of bond issues decreased ver-
sus the prior year.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased compared to 
December 31, 2016 by 473 million euros to 916 mil-
lion euros.

The decrease in free cash flow to 1,701 million euros 
in 2017 (2016: 2,205 million euros) resulted from lower 
cash flow from operating activities and increased 
capital expenditures on intangible assets and property, 
plant and equipment, including payments on 
account.

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 the right). We pursue a con-
servative and flexible investment and borrowings 
policy with a balanced investment and financing 
portfolio. The primary goals of our financial manage-
ment 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 sus-
tainable increase in shareholder value. Measures 
deployed in order to achieve these aims include opti-
mization of our capital structure, adoption of an 
appropriate dividend policy, equity management and 
debt reduction. Our capital needs and capital pro-
curement activities are coordinated to ensure that 
requirements with respect to earnings, liquidity, 
security and independence are taken into account 
and properly balanced. 

In fiscal 2017, Henkel paid a higher dividend for both 
ordinary and preferred shares compared to 2016. 
Cash flows not required for capital expenditures, 
 dividends and interest payments were used for allo-
cations 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.

Non-current liabilities decreased by 0.9 billion 
euros to 4.9 billion euros. This was mainly due to the 
reduction in borrowings following the reclassifica-
tion of a bond and to lower pension obligations. The 
latter decreased due to the above-average return 
earned on the plan assets. 

Current liabilities increased by 0.7 billion euros to 
7.7 billion euros, mainly as a result of higher borrow-
ings following the issuance of commercial paper, and 
of the reclassification of a bond for maturity reasons. 

€ –3,225 m

net financial 
position.

Effective December 31, 2017, our net financial posi-
tion 1 amounted to –3,225 million euros (December 
31, 2016: –2,301 million euros). The change compared 
to the end of the previous year was primarily due to 
payments for acquisitions.

Net financial position 

in million euros

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

55

959

– 153

335

– 2,301

– 3,225

Financial position
At 2,468 million euros, cash flow from operating 
activities in 2017 was lower versus the previous year 
(2,850 million euros). The decrease was mainly 
attributable to cash outflows in respect of invento-
ries, lower inflows from trade accounts payable, and 
higher outflows from trade accounts receivable. 

Year on year, net working capital 2 as a percentage of 
sales increased by 1.3 percentage points to 4.8 per-
cent, partly due to acquisitions. 

The cash outflow in cash flow from investing 
activities (–2,451 million euros) was below the  figure 
of the prior-year period (–4,250 million euros) as a 
result of lower investments in subsidiaries and other 
business units.

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.
2  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 2017

Combined management report

81

Net financial position 
in million euros

56  

– 2,301

1,701

– 736

– 112

– 1,987 1

210  2

–3,225

At December 31, 
2016

Free cash  
flow

Dividends  
paid

Allocations to 
pension funds

Payments for  
acquisitions

Other

At December 31, 
2017

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

Key financial ratios
Our operating debt coverage in the reporting period 
was above the minimum of 50 percent, as it was 
at year-end 2016. The interest coverage ratio has 
decreased to 79.3. 

Key financial ratios 

Operating debt coverage 
(net income + amortization and depreci-
ation, impairment and write-ups + inter-
est element of pension obligations) / net 
borrowings and pension obligations

Interest coverage ratio 
(EBITDA / interest result including inter-
est element of pension obligations)

Equity ratio  
(equity / total assets)

58

2016

2017

80.8 %

80.9 %

107.9

79.3

54.3 %

55.3 %

Our credit rating is regularly reviewed by the two 
 rating agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. As in 
previous years, our ratings remain within the sin-
gle-A target corridor, at A/A–1 (Standard & Poor’s) and 
A2/P1 (Moody’s). Both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s 
continue to rate Henkel as investment grade, which 
is the best possible category.

Credit ratings 

57

Standard & Poor’s Moody’s

Long term

Outlook

Short term

A

Stable

A–1

At December 31, 2017

A2

Stable

P1

As of December 31, 2017, our borrowings totaled 
4,344 million euros and mainly comprised bonds 
issued, a syndicated bank loan and commercial 
paper.

Henkel’s financial risk management activities are 
explained in the risks and opportunities report on 
pages 96 to 103. Further detailed information on our 
financial instruments can be found in the financial 
instruments report on pages 149 to 161 of the notes 
to the consolidated financial statements.

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB])096 Risks and opportunities report104 Forecast82

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Employees

Employees by organizational unit 

60

Our employees shape our company through their 
commitment, knowledge and skills. They are instru-
mental in driving our long-term success. We strive to 
foster a corporate culture that is agile, motivational 
and based on performance, to enable us to drive our 
2020+  strategic priorities together. To achieve this 
goal, we create a working environment that is 
 inspirational, based on trust and focused on team 
spirit – all of which builds on an open and appre-
ciative leadership culture. We specifically nurture 
our employees and support their personal develop-
ment to strengthen their loyalty and motivation.

What makes Henkel special
Everyone who works at Henkel moves in an environ-
ment characterized by its global nature and diversity. 
We are represented by around 53,700 employees (as at 
year-end 2017) with 120 different nationalities operat-
ing in 78 different countries. At December 31, 2017, 
the number of employees had thus risen compared to 
around 51,350 as of year-end 2016. This growth is pri-
marily attributable to our acquisitions, through which 
we gained around 3,400 employees. We strive to inte-
grate all new employees quickly and in a respectful 
manner, as demonstrated, for example, by our merger 
of The Sun Products Corporation, which we acquired 
in 2016, with Henkel Consumer Goods in the USA: 
By August 2017 we were already able to bring the 
employees from both companies together at our new 
site in Stamford, Connecticut.

Our three business units and central functions offer 
numerous vocational options. With our versatile orga-
nizational structure, we can offer our employees indi-
vidual career opportunities.

We value diversity in our workforce. The age structure 
of our employees has been constant and balanced for 
years. To keep it that way, and in response to demo-
graphic change, we strive to offer equal encouragement 
to all generations at Henkel and to take different life 
phases into consideration. Moreover, 34.5 percent of 
the managers at our company are women. We want 
the diversity in our workforce to reflect the diversity 
in our customer structure.

Adhesive  
Technologies 

49 %

Functions 

14 % 

Beauty Care 

18 %

Laundry &  
Home Care 

19 %

At December 31, 2017

Throughout the Group, we are focusing increasingly 
on digital communication platforms to foster and 
energize exchange across department, country or hier-
archy boundaries. Our HR systems have been specifi-
cally extended for senior management, and optimized 
for use on mobile devices. This enables our executives 
to access key employee data flexibly and at any time, 
to respond more quickly to issues raised by employ-
ees, and to fulfill their leadership duties. 

Energized and empowered teams
We want our employees themselves to be able to 
adjust their work hours and workplace to suit the 
requirements of their jobs and their personal needs. 
They consciously incorporate the opportunities 
offered by digitalization in their daily work processes. 
We have set up activity-based workspaces at eight 
sites. These flexible office landscapes offer our 
employees a choice of workplaces to suit a relevant 
activity, thus providing the best possible environment 
for them to work in. We also continue to support 
the use of our flexible work models. Together with 
a willingness to perform, mutual trust is essential 
for this degree of flexibility when shaping individual 
work models. 

We hold regular assessment meetings and provide 
open feedback to specifically promote the develop-
ment of our people. As part of our globally standard-
ized assessment process, our senior managers 
 discuss the performance and potential with their 
respective employees. Individual training programs 
and potential career moves are also discussed. 

Women in management 

61

Payroll cost and average headcount  

Payroll cost in million euros

Average headcount

2016

3,001

49,950

59

2017

3,167

in percent

Henkel

51,950

Managers

Top managers 1

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

32.9

31.6

19.8

33.2

32.5

20.6

33.6

33.1

21.1

33.1

34.3

22.5

34.3

34.5

23.2

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

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

83

Employees by activity 

62

Employees by age group 

63

Research and  
development 

5 %

 Administration  15 %

Marketing, selling  
and distribution  26 %

Production  
and engineering  54 %

16–29 years 

17 %

30–39 years 

33 %

50–65 years 

23 %

40–49 years 

27 %

At December 31, 2017

At December 31, 2017

Recruiting, developing and retaining talents
We constantly strive to recruit talents for Henkel 
that best fit our culture and objectives. Our local 
recruitment partners advise our departments and 
focus individually on each of our applicants. 
Increasingly, we also actively approach potential 
candidates through digital networks as a quick and 
easy means of reaching out to our digitally savvy 
target groups. Recruitment research in professional 
networks also allows us to focus more closely on fill-
ing vacancies that require special expert knowledge. 
In some countries, our employees can make use of 
the new “Refer a Talent” digital platform to recom-
mend suitable candidates directly for an appropri-
ate vacancy.

We place great importance on in-house training and 
professional development. Our efforts include con-
sideration of the various approaches to training at 
the local level. Henkel offers 27 apprenticeship and 
dual-track study programs in Germany. In 2017, 
165 new apprentices and students started working 
toward a professional qualification at Henkel in 

 Germany. In some emerging markets, we have 
established special in-house training programs for 
professionals and executives. One example is our 
management trainee program in Asia. We have also 
further improved EXCEED, our junior management 
training program especially tailored to the needs of 
the emerging markets.

Ongoing training opportunities are made available to 
our employees, with digital platforms making it par-
ticularly easy to access training content quickly and 
flexibly. Since we introduced Lynda.com throughout 
the company in spring 2017, our employees have 
been able to take advantage of a regularly updated 
portfolio of training videos which can also be accessed 
on mobile devices. We also provide guidelines on 
personal career development and have revised our 
globally standardized management selection program.

Employees 

(At December 31)

Western Europe

Eastern Europe

Africa / Middle East

North America

Latin America

Asia-Pacific

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

46,850

100.0

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

%

28.1

18.5

10.2

16.2

6.9

20.1

2017

14,750

9,950

4,750

9,050

5,500

9,700

64

%

27.5

18.5

8.8

16.9

10.2

18.1

100.0

53,700

100.0

Basis: Permanent staff excluding apprentices. Figures rounded.

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB])096 Risks and opportunities report104 Forecast84

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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. Exam-
ples include washing-active substances (surfactants), 
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. 

The markets for raw materials were very volatile in 
2017. Following sharp increases in the first quarter, 
prices of crude oil and petrochemicals eased in the 
second quarter before notably picking up again in 
the second half of the year. On average, prices for 
crude oil and petrochemicals were significantly 
higher year on year. The price trend for palm kernel 
oil was also volatile, with average prices slightly 
lower in 2017 compared to the previous year. Prices 
for corrugated paper and cardboard rose steadily over 
the course of 2017. Overall, prices for direct materials 
in 2017 were moderately higher versus the prior year.

Direct material expenditures amounted to 8.5 billion 
euros and were therefore higher than 2016. Savings 
from cost reduction measures coupled with improve-
ments in production and supply chain efficiency 
enabled us to partially offset rising material prices, 
higher sales volumes and acquisition effects.

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, water- and acrylic-based adhe-
sive raw materials, raw materials for polyurethane- 
based adhesives, and inorganic raw materials. These 
account for around 35 percent of our total direct 
material expenditures. Our five largest suppliers 
 represent around 13 percent of purchasing volume 
in direct materials.

Indirect materials and services are not directly used 
in the production of our finished products. Examples 
include maintenance materials, logistics, marketing 
and IT services. Gross prices in these areas rose 
slightly in 2017, but we were able to overcompensate 
for the increases through our global procurement 
strategy and structural cost reduction measures. At 
4.5 billion euros, expenditure on indirect materials 
and services in 2017 was lower year on year.

In order to improve efficiency and secure material 
supplies, we continuously optimize our value chain 
while ensuring that we maintain or improve our 
level of quality. In addition to negotiating new, com-
petitive contract terms, our ongoing initiative to 
lower total procurement expenses is a major factor 
in the success of our global purchasing strategy. 
Together with the three business units, Purchasing 
works continuously on reducing product complexity, 
optimizing the raw materials mix and further stan-
dardizing packaging and raw materials. We enter into 
long-term business relationships with selected sup-
pliers to encourage the development of innovations, 
and to optimize manufacturing costs and logistics 
processes. At the same time, we ensure the risk of 
supply shortages is minimized. We also agree and 
implement individual targets with our strategic 
 suppliers to strengthen our negotiating position 
and give us greater flexibility in consolidating our 
supplier base. 

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 making use of eSourcing tools to support 
our purchasing operations, we have also pooled large 
portions of our purchasing administration activities 
– such as order processing, price data maintenance 
and reporting activities – within our shared service 
centers. We are also continuing to progress the digi-
talization of our purchasing activities. For example, 
we optimized collaboration with our strategic suppliers 
through digital communication platforms and 
increased transparency along the value chain through 
new digital applications. We are also integrating 
our production, logistics and purchasing activities 
across all business units in one integrated Global 
Supply Chain organization managed from its head 
office in Amsterdam and from a branch office in 
 Singapore.

Material expenditures 
by business unit

65  

Beauty Care 

15 %

Adhesive  
Technologies 

48 %

Laundry &  
Home Care 

37 %

At December 31, 2017

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

85

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 
 safeguard prices over the longer term. These are 
implemented both by means of contracts and, where 
appropriate and possible, through financial hedging 
instruments. In order to minimize the risk of supplier 
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 prepare 
back-up plans in order to ensure uninterrupted supply.

Material expenditures 
by type 

66  

Purchased goods  
and services 

17 %

Raw materials 

61 %

Packaging 

22 %

At December 31, 2017

Production

In 2017, Henkel manufactured products at 188 sites in 
57 countries. Our largest production facilities are 
located in Bowling Green, USA, and in Düsseldorf, 
Germany. We manufacture laundry detergents and 
household cleaners in Bowling Green. In Düsseldorf, 
we produce not only laundry detergents and house-
hold cleaners but also adhesives for consumers and 
craftsmen, and products 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

67

2017

146

11

31

188

2016

134

7

30

171

The number of Adhesive Technologies production 
sites increased from 134 to 146 in fiscal 2017 follow-
ing the acquisition of Darex Packaging Technologies 
and the Sonderhoff Group. The global production 
network of the business unit is strictly aligned to the 
business growth and the increasing demand encoun-
tered in emerging markets. Capital expenditures 
are used to expand capacities, predominantly in 
emerging markets. At the same time, we invest in the 
implementation of customer-specific requirements 
in the mature markets. Focal areas include targeted 
optimization of our production network based on 
cutting-edge technologies so as to leverage economies 
of scale, and cost and quality advantages in the man-
ufacture of our products.

Our multi-technology sites play a particularly 
important role as they combine various manufactur-
ing technologies cost-efficiently within a shared 
infrastructure. During the course of the reporting 
period, we continually expanded production capac-
ity at our facility in China. A new factory in India will 
start production in 2018. A further plant is currently 
being built in Turkey. These sites are crucial to 
ensuring supply efficiency within the dynamically 
growing market environment. 

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB])096 Risks and opportunities report104 Forecast86

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

To raise production efficiency and further improve 
our service quality we have put Industry 4.0 activi-
ties in place at various production sites that enable 
the networked handling of key data designed to 
 facilitate management of the entire logistics and pro-
duction process from the suppliers through to the 
customers.

The number of sites in our Beauty Care production 
network has increased to eleven. Acquisitions have 
resulted in an extension of our production footprint 
in Latin America and the USA, with plans for further 
expansion of the new facilities also in the pipeline. 
To ensure long-term growth – especially in emerging 
markets – we are investing in capacities and technol-
ogies based on our supply network strategy. In East-
ern Europe, we have further expanded our factory in 
Russia, thus significantly increasing production 
capacity in all three key technologies – colorants, 
 liquid products and aerosols. We also have specifically 
expanded capacity at sites in North America and 
Europe. 

Another focal point of the business unit is the fur-
ther improvement of our delivery service to custom-
ers in a volatile market environment. By integrating 
our planning processes along the entire supply  
chain – from suppliers to production to the interface 
with our customers – we can improve our ability to 
predict customer needs. The implementation of 
 various Industry 4.0 initiatives will also increase 
process transparency. The ability to promptly 
 analyze big data can both speed up the decision- 
making process and make it more efficient. 

The production network in our Laundry & Home 
Care business unit grew by one to 31 sites in 2017. 
Our new plant near Cairo, Egypt, is designed to 
ensure efficient supply to emerging markets in the 
Middle East. We have specifically expanded our pro-
duction capacity to facilitate further increases in 
production volume in response to ongoing good 
organic and additional acquisitions-related growth. 
Our focus on further developing the Henkel Produc-
tion System has enabled us to steadily enhance the 
capabilities and efficiency of our plants. Integrating 
the production plants acquired through our acquisi-
tions in 2016 was another focal area that demanded 
our attention.

To further improve our customer service, we imple-
mented numerous Industry 4.0 initiatives to digi-
talize our production processes and production 
management. We also started operation of the 
expanded finished goods warehouse at our main 
plant in Düsseldorf in the year under review. This 
fully automatic distribution center underpins our 
ability to supply all core markets in Central and 
Northern Europe efficiently and at the lowest possi-
ble cost. 

Pooling the purchasing, production and logistics 
activities of all business units in a Global Supply 
Chain organization enables us to develop our global 
processes more quickly.

For all business units, we have the environmental 
management systems at numerous sites externally 
certified. By the end of 2017, around 80 percent of 
our production volume came from sites certified to 
ISO 14001, the internationally recognized standard 
for environmental management systems.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

87

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, the expansion of our corporate 
venture activities, and the relocation of resources to 
emerging markets all demonstrate our ongoing focus 
on innovation and our concerted efforts to continu-
ously reduce our resource consumption while main-
taining or improving performance.

Key R&D figures 

70

R&D expenditures 1 
(in million euros)

R&D expenditures 1 
(in percent of sales)

Employees 2 
(annual average)

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

414

410

464

460

469

2.6

2.5

2.6

2.5

2.3

2,600

2,650

2,800

2,700

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.

The business units also continually update one 
another on innovations in common areas of know-
ledge. Examples include encapsulation technologies 
that are used by all business units, or surface-modi-
fying technologies.

Research and development

Expenditures by the Henkel Group for research 
and development (R&D) in fiscal 2017 increased to 
476 million euros (2016: 463 million euros). Expressed 
as a percentage of sales, R&D expenses were at 
2.4 percent (2016: 2.5 percent). Adjusted for restruc-
turing expenses, R&D expenses increased to 469 mil-
lion euros. The ratio of adjusted expenses to sales 
was 2.3 percent (2016: 2.5 percent). 

In 2017, 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 International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs).

On an annual average, around 2,700 employees 
worked in research and development (2016: also 
around 2,700). 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.

R&D expenditures 1 
in million euros 

68

2013

415

2014

413

2015

478

2016

2017

463

476

0

100

200

300

400

500

1  Including restructuring expenses of 1 million euros (2013),  
3 million euros (2014), 14 million euros (2015), 3 million euros 
(2016), 7 million euros (2017).

R&D expenditures by business unit 

69

Beauty Care 

15 %

Adhesive  
Technologies 

59 %

Laundry &  
Home Care 

26 %

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB])096 Risks and opportunities report104 Forecast88

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Selected research and development sites 

71

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

Irvine, USA

Guadalajara, Mexico 
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

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 
 institutes and suppliers in many of our development 
projects.

Corporate venture capital
Henkel is striving to gain access to strategically 
 relevant new technologies, applications and busi-
ness models by partnering with, and investing in, 
start-ups with digital or technological expertise. 

To achieve this aim, Henkel further expanded its 
venture capital activities in 2017, now pooled within 
the Henkel Ventures unit. Henkel also strengthened 
its expertise by investing in start-up companies. 
Our investment in start-up NBD Nanotechnologies, 
 Boston, USA, has enabled us to expand our know-
how in the field of innovative surface technologies. 
Our printed electronics technology portfolio has 
been strengthened with the addition of our invest-
ment in Copprint Technologies LTD, Jerusalem, 
Israel. In addition, we raised our investment in Zipjet. 
Operating in the digital on-demand domain, this 
start-up offers a mobile laundry and dry cleaning 
 service in London, Paris and Berlin.

Research and development worldwide
In addition to its central research laboratories, Henkel 
maintains regional research and development sites 
in all regions around the world as hubs for innovative 
problem-solving. Worldwide research and develop-
ment activity is managed globally by the business 
units. Research-intensive base technologies 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 base technologies needed for the relevant 
solutions are again developed centrally.

The Adhesive Technologies business unit offers its 
customers cutting-edge technology development 
and comprehensive design and application support. 
A global network of regional research and develop-
ment centers combined with local development and 
technology laboratories enables customers to access 
Henkel innovations in a wide range of applications. 
Building on a broad portfolio of technologies, prod-
ucts are quickly adapted to specific customer appli-
cations. Global, strategically relevant innovation pro-
grams effectively drive future growth.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

89

The increasing importance of the emerging markets 
is also reflected in the R&D strategy of the Beauty 
Care business unit. In the regional testing and devel-
opment centers in Shanghai, China, in Johannesburg, 
South Africa, and in Bogotá, Colombia, individual 
hair care products are developed that take account 
of local distinctions and specific consumer needs. 
The acquisition of Nattura Laboratorios included a 
new research and development site in Guadalajara, 
 Mexico, where product innovations are developed for 
both our Hair Salon and Branded Consumer Goods 
businesses.

The Laundry & Home Care business unit uses its 
global network to develop tailor-made laundry deter-
gents and household cleaners for both emerging 
markets and industrialized countries. The base tech-
nologies are developed centrally in Europe before 
being translated into new products for the specific 
markets at the regional test and development cen-
ters. The immediate proximity to markets is assured 
by our regional development centers, where we ana-
lyze consumer habits and specific needs on an ongo-
ing basis. Outside Europe, we operate centers in the 
USA, Mexico, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, 
South Korea and Australia.

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 
researchers must demonstrate the specific advan-
tages of their project in regard to product perfor-
mance, added value for our customers, resource effi-
ciency, and social progress. We thus aim to combine 
product performance and quality with social and 
environmental responsibility. Our focus in this 
respect is on two goals. The first is to continuously 
improve, in collaboration with our suppliers, the 
sustainability profile of the raw materials we use. 
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 materials 
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 
 process. A key tool in this respect is our Henkel 
 Sustainability#Master®. This evaluation system cen-
ters 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 quantifiable 
comparison to be made between two products or 
processes.

Patents and registered designs
We hold nearly 9,200 patents to protect our technol-
ogies around the world. Approximately 5,850 patents 
are currently pending. And we have registered just 
over 1,550 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

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB])096 Risks and opportunities report104 Forecast90

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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.

The Adhesive Technologies business unit leads the 
global market with high-impact solutions. The com-
prehensive portfolio featuring groundbreaking inno-
vations, tailor-made products and strong brands is 
aligned to the globally specialized markets for adhe-
sives, sealants and functional coatings. Working in 
close partnership with our customers, we combine 
innovation and technology leadership to develop 
solutions that are essential components in industrial 
and consumer goods around the world.

We develop the marketing strategies for our brands 
and technologies at both the global and regional 
level. The measures derived from our planning are 
then implemented locally. Within our branding strat-
egy, we consistently leverage our five global technol-
ogy cluster brands in the industrial markets and our 
four brand platforms in the consumer 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 ser-
vice the needs of private users, craftsmen and 
smaller industrial customers.

We foster long-term relationships with our customers 
through our team of around 6,500 technical experts. 
We therefore have an in-depth understanding of the 
various applications. In light of the significant com-
plexity of many of our solutions and technologies, 
technical customer service and thorough user training 
are of key importance. Our global presence enables 
us to provide technical services to customers world-
wide, as well as in-depth product training on site.

Following the global rollout of a digital customer 
management platform, we are now able to service 
our customers even more quickly and efficiently. The 
use of mobile devices enables our sales agents to 
access relevant information anywhere and at any 
time, and also to speed up processes.

comprehensive user experience. We are planning to 
extend the rollout of the Henkel Adhesives eShop to 
Europe and Latin America in 2018. 

In addition to digital communications, we strive to 
optimize our approach to consumers and craftsmen 
through the continued use of conventional adver-
tising coupled with measures to attract our target 
groups at the point of sale. Leveraging our close 
 customer relationships and our comprehensive tech-
nical expertise, we continue to offer tailored solu-
tions and innovative branded products that provide 
sustainable 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 businesses. 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, while also accelerating 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 
 customers through our shopper knowledge and our 
expertise.

Having hosted more than 300 customer visits in our 
Beauty Care Lighthouse, which opened in Düsseldorf 
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.

In North America and Asia, we have rolled out the 
new Henkel Adhesives eShop for our industrial cus-
tomers. This modern eCommerce platform builds on  
a holistic and customer-centric concept, offering a 

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 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

91

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. We cooperate closely with our customers 
in trade and industry in the development and 
implementation of viable concepts.

state-of-the-art seminars and ongoing further train-
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. In doing so, we ensure central, efficient man-
agement of our brands aimed at strengthening their 
cores and offering consumers emotional added value 
instead of just functional benefits. We focus on 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 also use new technologies – such as the Internet 
of Things – to steadily enhance our brands. Digital 
trends are likewise incorporated in our brand com-
munication activities; we are steadily expanding the 
use of digital media – particularly social media – to 
engage our consumers in the most effective way 
possible.

Laundry & Home Care implements a 360 Degree Cus-
tomer Collaboration concept to develop its customer 
relationships in as many directions as possible –  
 in both brick-and-mortar retail and the field of 
eCommerce. Our Global Experience Center opened in 
Düsseldorf in 2015 to further strengthen our partner-
ships with our customers. This innovative platform 
showcases the latest trends, products and sustain-
ability concepts in the field of Laundry & Home Care, 
allowing the more than 200 customers who have 
already visited the Center to explore them with all 
their senses. On the basis of the latest consumer 
analyses and shopper marketing surveys, we develop 
customized solutions to meet the specific require-
ments of our partners and identify common areas of 
potential value creation. The Global Experience Cen-
ter was extended in 2017 to include an interactive 
digitalization and eCommerce station.

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 environ-
mental, safety, and social standards. Our standards 
and management systems, our many years of experi-
ence in sustainability reporting, and excellent 
appraisals by external rating agencies all help us to 
convince our audience of our credentials in this 

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB])096 Risks and opportunities report104 Forecast92

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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]. Deviations from the International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) 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 cor-
porate 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 2017, some 7,900 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 63).

The net assets, financial position and results of opera-
tions 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 dividend  

*  The full financial statements of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA with the 
auditor’s unqualified opinion are filed with the commercial  
register and accessible on the internet at www.henkel.com/reports.

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 66.

Results of operations

Sales and profits
2017 was a good year for Henkel AG & Co. KGaA. 
At 3,637 million euros, sales of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
in 2017 were 1.1 percent lower year on year. This 
result is consistent with our guidance for 2017. The 
substantial improvement in financial result enabled 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA to exceed its forecast of flat 
to slightly higher unappropriated profit. The improved 
financial result was mainly attributable to higher 
dividend income from subsidiaries. 

In fiscal 2017, the Adhesive Technologies business 
unit generated sales of 1,019 million euros, slightly 
below the figure of the previous year. Declining sales 
in the Adhesives for Consumers, Craftsmen and 
Building business area, primarily as a result of selling 
the professional Western European building material 
business, were extensively compensated by the per-
formance of the Industrial Adhesives businesses. 

The Beauty Care business unit achieved sales of 
520 million euros in 2017. The decrease year on year 
was mainly due to fiercer competitive and price 
pressures. 

The Laundry & Home Care business unit generated 
sales of 940 million euros in 2017, thus exceeding 
 the figure for 2016. Domestic sales performance in 
Germany was a major factor in this positive perfor-
mance.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

93

Condensed income statement in accordance with the German Commercial Code [HGB] 

72

2017

3,637

– 2,595

1,042

– 803

– 311

193

121

1,070

1,191

– 85

1,106

330

1,436

2016

3,676

– 2,444

1,232

– 911

– 312

154

163

911

1,074

– 179

895

133

1,028

Expenditures for research and development 
decreased in the reporting period by 1 million euros 
to 311 million euros. The proportion of sales was 
therefore unchanged compared to 2016 (8.5 percent).

Restructuring expenses of 31 million euros, included 
in the expense items mentioned, were lower compared 
to 2016 (33 million euros).

Other operating 
income / expenses

Other operating result increased in 2017 versus prior 
year by 39 million euros.

Year on year, other operating income increased by 
31 million euros to 278 million euros, mainly as a 
result of the sale of the professional Western European 
building material business.

Other operating expenses in 2017 were 8 million 
euros less than the prior-year figure of 93 million 
euros. The higher expenses in 2016 were mainly due 
to project expenses relating to other periods that were 
recharged by a subsidiary of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA.

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

Sales in the Corporate segment decreased from 
1,176 million euros in 2016 to 1,158 million euros in 
2017. For the first time in 2017, intra-group income 
from costs recharged amounting to 104 million euros 
(2016: 94 million euros) was offset against selling and 
distribution expenses in the same amount in order to 
improve the transparency of the result of operations.

The operating profit of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
decreased by 42 million euros to 121 million euros, 
mainly as a result of higher raw material prices. Certain 
results such as an improvement in other operating 
income had a partially countervailing effect. 

Expense items

Compared to 2016, cost of sales increased by 151 mil-
lion euros to 2,595 million euros, mainly as a result of 
higher raw material prices and increased royalties 
and licensing fees paid to affiliated companies. 
Gross margin decreased by 4.8 percentage points to 
28.7 percent. 

At 571 million euros, marketing, selling and distribu-
tion expenses were below the prior-year figure of 
678 million euros. For the first time in 2017, intra-
group selling and distribution expenses amounting 
to 104 million euros (2016: 94 million euros) were 
offset against income from costs recharged in the 
same amount in order to improve the transparency 
of the result of operations. The proportion of sales 
was 15.7 percent, which is below the level of 2016. 

Compared to 2016, the administrative costs attribut-
able to the administrative functions decreased by 
1 million euros to 232 million euros. Their ratio to sales 
increased by 0.1 percentage points to 6.4 percent.

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB]) 96  Risks and opportunities report104  Forecast94

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Financial result

Taxes on income

The financial result increased from 911 million euros 
in 2016 to 1,070 million euros in 2017.

In 2017, taxes on income amounted to –85 million 
euros following –179 million euros in 2016.

The increase is substantially attributable to higher 
dividend income. The improved investment result 
was depleted to a degree by higher interest expenses 
resulting, partly, from the fixed-rate bond issued in 
June 2017. In addition, the interest expense in 2016 
was lower due to the higher interest rate applicable 
to pension provisions. The interest rate for pension 
provisions was lower in 2017. 

Result for the year

Net income amounted to 1,106 million euros and was 
therefore above the 2016 result of 895 million euros. 
The increase was mainly attributable to the improved 
financial result in 2017.

Condensed balance sheet in accordance with the German Commercial Code [HGB] 

73

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, 
2016

December 31, 
2017

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

1,032

 13,365

14,397

14

1,963

4

84

2,065

28

419

16,909

6,823

84

712

9,290

16,909

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

95

Net assets and financial 
position 

As of December 31, 2017, the total assets of Henkel AG & 
Co. KGaA increased compared to year-end 2016 by 
584 million euros to 16,909 million euros.

Non-current assets increased to 14,397 million 
euros, a rise of 2,320 million euros compared to 2016.  
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 2017.

Current assets decreased in 2017 from 3,837 million 
euros to 2,065 million euros, primarily as a result of 
lower current receivables from affiliated companies.

At 419 million euros, overfunding from offsetting 
plan assets against pension obligations was higher 
year on year.

Equity increased from 6,406 million euros to 
6,823 million euros. Provisions decreased by 69 mil-
lion euros to 712 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 consolidated 
financial statements of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA.

Liabilities and deferred charges rose in 2017 by a 
total of 246 million euros versus 2016, partly as a 
result of new borrowings that were used to fund our 
acquisitions. 

For an overview of the financing and capital management 
of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, please refer to the informa-
tion about the Henkel Group on pages 80 and 81.

Risks and opportunities

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.

Additional information regarding risks and opportu-
nities and the risk management system can be found 
on the following pages 96 to 103.

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 2018 to be on a par 
with the figure for 2017. The positive performance 
reported for the Group also impacts Henkel AG & 
Co. KGaA through dividend payments from subsid-
iaries. Assuming positive development of the finan-
cial result, we expect the unappropriated profit 
generated in 2018 by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA to be flat 
or to increase slightly. This will enable our share-
holders 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 104 and 105.

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB]) 96  Risks and opportunities report104  Forecast96

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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 sys-
tem, 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 
variables 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. 

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 
identifying 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. 

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-

The risk reporting process is supported by internet- 
based software which ensures transparent commu-
nication throughout the entire Group. Our Internal 
Audit function regularly reviews the quality and 
 efficiency of our risk management system. Within 
the framework of the 2017 audit of our annual 
financial statements, our external auditor examined 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

97

the structure and function of our risk early warn-
ing  system in accordance with Section 317 (4) 
 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) (5) HGB. Corresponding with the 
definition of our risk management system, the objec-
tive of our accounting processes lies in the identifi-
cation, 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 imple-
ment relevant principles, procedures and controls so 
as to ensure the financial statement closing process 
is regulatory compliant. Within the organization of 
the internal control system, the Management 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 Trea-
sury, Compliance and Regional Finance functions. 
Within these functions, there are a number of inte-
grated 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 technology, 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 
ensures that important tasks – such as the recon-
ciliation of receivables and payables on the basis 
of account balance confirmations – are clearly 
assigned. Additionally, binding authorization regula-
tions exist governing the approval of contracts, credit 
notes and the like, with strict adherence to the prin-
ciple of dual control as a mandatory requirement. 
This is also stipulated in our Group-wide corporate 
standards.

The significant risks for Henkel and the corresponding 
controls with respect to the regulatory preparation of 
our annual and consolidated financial statements 
are collated in a central documentation pack. This 
documentation is reviewed and updated annually 
by the respective process owners. The established 
systems are also regularly reviewed to determine their 
improvement and optimization potential. We con-
sider 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 aforementioned corporate 
standards into account. The individual subsidiaries’ 
financial statements are transferred to our central 
consolidation system and checked at corporate level 
for compliance and reliability. After all consolidation 
steps have been completed, the consolidated finan-
cial statements are prepared by Corporate Account-
ing 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 state-
ments of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, and the combined 
management report for Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and 
the Group, and subsequently presents these docu-
ments to the Supervisory Board for approval.

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB]) 96  Risks and opportunities report104  Forecast98

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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

Business strategy risks

Low

Low

High

High

High

Low

Low

Moderate

Low

Low

Moderate

74

Potential financial impact

Major

Major

Major

Major

Minor

Major

Minor

Minor

Major

Major

Moderate

Major

Major

Moderate

Classification of risks in ascending order  

75

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. with 
their respective mitigation measures 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 2018 compared to 2017. 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. 
This may lead to raw material price trends that are 
unfavorable for Henkel but cannot always be passed 
on in full. We therefore see risks arising beyond the 

forecasted moderate increase in relation to import-
ant 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 
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 84 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

99

and 85. The basis for our risk management approach 
is provided by a comprehensive procurement infor-
mation system aimed at ensuring permanent trans-
parency 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 decisions on 
property, plant and equipment are made in accor-
dance with defined, differentiated responsibility 
procedures and approval processes. They incorporate 
all relevant specialist functions and are regulated in 
an internal corporate standard. Investments are ana-
lyzed in advance on the basis of detailed risk aspects. 
Further audits accompanying projects provide 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 
attract 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 
102) 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. Here, again, driving digitalization is of key 
importance. One example of this is the specific mar-
keting of our products on a dedicated eCommerce 
platform for our industry customers (further details 
can be found in the section on marketing and distri-
bution on pages 90 and 91). 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.

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 156 to 161. For the risks arising from our pension 
obligations, please see pages 141 to 143.

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 high probability of a major 

impact on our earnings guidance

•   Interest rate risk with a high 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 

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB]) 96  Risks and opportunities report104  Forecast100

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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 through-
out the EU. In addition, some of our operations are 
subject to rules and regulations derived from approv-
als, licenses, certificates or permits. Our manufactur-
ing operations are bound by rules and regulations 
with respect to the registration, evaluation, usage, 
storage, transportation and handling of certain sub-
stances and also in relation to emissions, wastewater, 
effluent and other waste. The construction and 
operation of production facilities and other plant 
and infrastructure are governed by framework 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 prohibitions or restrictions, procedural 
requirements (test and inspection, identification 
marking, provision of warning labels, etc.), and 
product liability law. Violation of such regulations 
may lead to legal proceedings or compromise our 
future business activities.

Amendments to the aforementioned regulations and 
further changes to the regulatory environment in our 
relevant markets could influence our business activi-
ties and thus adversely affect our assets, financial 
position 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 restriction. 
Changes to these regulations, new or extended sanc-
tions, or corresponding initiatives by institutional 
investors or non-governmental organizations may 
result in restrictions being imposed on our business 
activities in these countries or, indirectly, in other 
countries, or may prevent us from acquiring or keep-
ing customers and suppliers.

Measures: Our internal standards, guidelines, codes 
of conduct, and training measures are geared to ensur-
ing compliance with the aforementioned statutory 
requirements and, for example, safeguarding our 
manufacturing facilities and products. These require-
ments have also been incorporated into our manage-
ment systems and are regularly audited. This includes 
the early monitoring and evaluation of relevant statu-
tory and regulatory requirements and changes.

Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations is an 
integral component of our business processes. This 
includes the early monitoring and evaluation of 
 relevant 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 35 to 46). 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 will acquire adequate insurance cover at 
 reasonable terms and conditions in future.

Impact: Low probability rating, possible major 
impact on our earnings guidance. 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

101

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 information or price lists, could put us at a 
disadvantage vis-à-vis our competitors. 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 protection 
requirements, as well as measures for avoiding risk. 
In addition, Henkel has put technical and organiza-
tional 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 best 
engineering practice. We regularly review our restore 
and disaster recovery processes. We develop our sys-
tems using proven project management and program 
modification procedures. 

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 
 continually 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 import-
ant to attract highly qualified professionals and 
 executives and ensure they stay with the company. In 
selecting and employing talent, we compete globally 
for qualified professionals and executives. In many 
of our markets, we see clear signs of increasingly 
tough competition for the most talented professionals 
and the impacts of demographic change. These 
developments expose us to the risk of losing valuable 
employees or of being unable to recruit relevant 
qualified professionals and executives.

Measures: We combat the risk of losing valuable 
employees through specifically devised personnel 
development programs and incentive systems. 
 Supporting 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.

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 reduce the risk of not being able to recruit qualified 
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 pro-
moting talent and specialized development programs.

Our networks are protected against unauthorized 
external access where economically viable. Operat-
ing systems and anti-virus software are automati-
cally updated to their latest version on a continual 
basis. 

Further information relating to our employees can 
be found on pages 82 and 83.

Impact: Moderate probability rating, possible 
 moderate impact on our earnings guidance.

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB]) 96  Risks and opportunities report104  Forecast102

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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 generate 
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 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 
 moderate impact on our earnings guidance.

Risks in connection with the 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.

Measures: We minimize these risks through the 
measures described under legal and regulatory risks 
(see page 100). These are designed to ensure that our 
production facilities and products are safe. We also 
pursue a policy of pro-active public relations man-
agement that serves to reinforce the reputation of 
our corporate brand and individual product brands. 
These measures are supported by a global communi-
cation network, and international and local crisis 
management systems with regular training sessions 
and crisis response planning.

Impact: Low probability rating, possible major 
impact on our sales and earnings guidance.

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 page 100), and through our auditing, advisory 
and training activities. We continually update these 
preventive measures in order to properly safeguard 
our facilities, assets and reputation. We ensure com-
pliance with high technical standards, rules of con-
duct, and relevant statutory requirements as a fur-
ther means of preserving our assets, and make sure 
that our corporate values – one of which is sustain-
ability – are put into practice.

Impact: Low probability rating, possible major 
impact on our earnings guidance.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

103

Major opportunity categories

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 98 and 99, 
opportunities may also arise in which the influencing 
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 geopolitical 
and macroeconomic situation in some regions, or the 
economic conditions in individual sectors, develop 
substantially better than expected. 

Impact: The opportunities described could have a 
major impact on our sales and earnings guidance.

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 page 99, opportunities 
may also arise in which the influencing 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 moderate probabil-
ity of a major impact on our earnings guidance
•   Interest rate opportunities with a moderate proba-

bility of a moderate 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 
 arising from our extensively 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.

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 macroeconomic 
and sector uncertainty together with financial risks, 
to which we are responding with the countermeasures 
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.

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB]) 96  Risks and opportunities report104  Forecast104

Combined management report

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Forecast

Macroeconomic development

The assessment of future world economic develop-
ment is based on information provided by IHS 
Markit. 

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 anticipate continued high volatility in the cur-
rency markets. We expect a weaker average US dollar 
rate for 2018 compared to 2017. In addition, some 
major currencies in the emerging markets could 
weaken.

Development by sector

Consumption and retail:  
growth of approximately 3 percent
IHS expects that global private consumption will 
increase by approximately 3 percent overall in 2018. 
For the mature markets, IHS anticipates growth of 
approximately 2 percent. Private spending in the 
emerging markets is expected to grow by around 
4 percent.

Industrial production index:  
growth of approximately 3.5 percent
Year on year, IHS expects the industrial production 
index (IPX) to gain approximately 3.5 percent world-
wide. Industrial production should therefore grow at 
a slightly faster pace than the economy as a whole. 
Industrial production is expected to grow by approx-
imately 3 percent in the mature markets and by 
approximately 4 percent in the emerging markets.

Overview:  
moderate gross domestic product growth of 
around 3 percent
Global economic growth is expected to remain only 
moderate in 2018. IHS expects gross domestic prod-
uct to rise by around 3 percent.

The mature markets should grow by around 2 percent. 
The North American economy is expected to grow by 
approximately 2.5 percent, while Japan’s economy is 
forecasted to expand by approximately 1 percent. For 
Western Europe, IHS anticipates growth of approxi-
mately 2 percent.

The emerging markets are forecasted to achieve 
robust economic growth of approximately 5 percent 
in 2018, but developments are expected to vary 
between individual regions and countries. Asia 
(excluding Japan) is expected to increase its economic 
output by around 6 percent. An increase of approxi-
mately 3 percent is forecasted for the Africa / Middle 
East and Eastern Europe regions. IHS expects posi-
tive performance of approximately 1.5 percent in 
Latin America in 2018. 

Inflation:  
global inflation rate up year on year
Global inflation is expected to increase versus prior 
year to a rate of approximately 5 percent. IHS expects 
the mature markets to continue exhibiting a high 
degree of price stability, with inflation holding at 
around 2 percent. Inflation of approximately 10 percent 
on average is forecasted for the emerging markets. 
This significant increase compared to the previous 
year is primarily due to the inflation expectations for 
Venezuela. 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Combined management report

105

Furthermore, we have the following expectations for 
2018:
•  Restructuring expenses of 200 to 250 million euros
•  Investments in property, plant and equipment and 
intangible assets of between 750 and 850 million 
euros 

Dividend
In accordance with our dividend policy and depending 
on the company’s asset and profit positions as well 
as its financial requirements, we expect a dividend 
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 2018, 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 
and logistics. Targeted investments in IT infrastruc-
ture will drive the digitalization of our processes.

Outlook for the Henkel Group 
in 2018 

We expect the Henkel Group to generate organic 
sales growth of 2 to 4 percent in fiscal 2018. Our 
expectation is that each business unit will generate 
organic sales growth within this range.

The starting point for our expected 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 
2017 to be in the low single-digit percentage range. 
The translation of sales in foreign currencies is 
expected to have a negative effect. 

In recent years we have introduced a number of 
 measures 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 discip-
line. 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 1 return on sales (EBIT), we 
anticipate an increase year on year to more than 
17.5 percent. All three business units are expected to 
contribute to this positive performance. We anticipate 
an increase in adjusted earnings per preferred share 
of between 5 and 8 percent. The bandwidth for our 
guidance in respect of growth in adjusted earnings per 
preferred share reflects particularly the uncertainty 
prevailing on the currency markets, especially with 
regard to the development of the US dollar.

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

59  Fundamental principles  of the Group65 Economic report92  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  (condensed version according  to the German Commercial  Code [HGB]) 96  Risks and opportunities report104  Forecast106

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Consolidated financial statements

108   Consolidated statement of  

125   Notes to the consolidated financial 

statements – Notes to the consolidated  
statement of financial position

125   Intangible assets
129   Property, plant and equipment
131   Other financial assets
131   Other assets
132   Deferred taxes
132   Inventories
132   Trade accounts receivable
133   Cash and cash equivalents
133   Assets and liabilities held for sale
133   Issued capital
134   Capital reserve
134   Retained earnings
135   Other components of equity
135   Non-controlling interests
135   Provisions for pensions and similar obligations
144   Income tax provisions and other provisions
146   Borrowings
147   Other financial liabilities
148   Other liabilities
148   Trade accounts payable
149   Financial instruments report

financial position

110  Consolidated statement of income

110   Consolidated statement of  
comprehensive income

111   Consolidated statement of  

changes in equity

112  Consolidated statement of cash flows

113   Notes to the consolidated financial 

statements – Group segment report  
by business unit

114    Notes to the consolidated financial 

statements – Key financials by region

115     Notes to the consolidated financial 
statements – Accounting principles  
and methods applied in preparation  
of the consolidated financial 
statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Consolidated financial statements

107

175   Notes to the consolidated financial 
statements – Subsequent events

176   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 bodies of  

 Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

162   Notes to the consolidated financial 

statements – Notes to the consolidated 
statement of income

162   Sales and principles of income recognition 
162   Cost of sales
162   Marketing, selling and distribution expenses
162   Research and development expenses
162   Administrative expenses
163   Other operating income
163   Other operating expenses
163   Financial result
164   Taxes on income
166   Non-controlling interests

167   Notes to the consolidated financial 
statements – Other disclosures

167   Reconciliation of adjusted net income
167   Payroll cost and employee structure
168   Share-based payment plans
169   Group segment report
171   Earnings per share
171   Consolidated statement of cash flows
173   Contingent liabilities
173    Lease and other unrecognized financial 

commitments

173     Voting rights / Related party disclosures
174   Exercise of exemption options
174   Remuneration of the corporate bodies
174    Declaration of compliance with the  Corporate 

 Governance Code [DCGK]

175   Subsidiaries and other investments
175    Auditor’s fees and services

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108

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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

2016

15,564 1

2,887

95

7

155

1,030 1

19,738

1,938

3,349

734

274

434

1,389

95

8,213

%

55.7

10.3

0.3

–

0.6

3.7

70.6

6.9

12.0

2.6

1.0

1.6

5.0

0.3

2017

15,653

3,005

50

8

169

949

19,834

2,080

3,544

1,072

329

451

916

81

29.4

8,473

76

%

55.3

10.6

0.2

–

0.6

3.4

70.1

7.3

12.5

3.8

1.2

1.6

3.2

0.3

29.9

27,951

100.0

28,307

100.0

1  Adjusted following the final allocation of the purchase price for the acquisition of The Sun Products Corporation, which resulted in an increase of 21 million euros  
in intangible assets and an increase of 13 million euros in deferred tax assets. 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Consolidated financial statements

109

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

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

2016

438

652

– 91

14,236 1

– 188

15,047

138

15,185

1,007

106

347

3,300

146 1

25

833

5,764

358

1,966

425

3,665

164

395

16

13

7,002

%

1.6

2.3

– 0.3

50.9

– 0.7

53.8

0.5

54.3

3.6

0.4

1.2

11.8

0.5

0.1

3.0

20.6

1.3

7.0

1.5

13.1

0.6

1.5

0.1

–

25.1

2017

438

652

– 91

16,104

– 1,527 

15,576

74

15,650

760

27

338

3,076

85

17

617

4,920

437

1,756

1,268

3,717

214

340

5

–

7,737

77

%

1.5

2.3

– 0.3

56.9

– 5.4 

55.0

0.3

55.3

2.7

0.1

1.2

10.8

0.3

0.1

2.2

17.4

1.5

6.2

4.5

13.1

0.8

1.2

–

–

27.3

Total equity and liabilities

27,951

100.0

28,307

100.0

1  Adjusted following the final allocation of the purchase price for the acquisition of The Sun Products Corporation, which resulted in an increase of 2 million euros  
in retained earnings and an increase of 32 million euros in other financial liabilities.

110

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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 in euros

Earnings per preferred share – basic and diluted in euros

Note

2016 

%

2017

%

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

18,714

– 9,742

8,972

– 4,635

– 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

20,029

– 52.1

– 10,680

47.9

9,349

– 24.7

– 4,876

– 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

– 476

– 980

129

– 91

3,055

18

– 55

– 10

– 4

– 51

3,004

– 463

15.4

2,541

22

2,519

5.79

5.81

100.0

– 53.3

46.7

– 24.3

– 2.4

– 4.8

0.6

– 0.5

15.3

0.1

– 0.3

– 0.1

–

– 0.3

15.0

– 2.3

12.7

0.1

12.6

78

+/–

7.0 %

9.6 %

4.2 %

5.2 %

2.8 %

– 7.7 %

18.3 %

– 37.7 %

10.1 %

– 10.0 %

–

– 61.5 %

100.0 %

54.5 %

9.6 %

– 28.7 %

21.4 %

– 45.0 %

22.7 %

22.7 %

22.6 %

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 

79

2017

2,541

2016

2,093

141

– 1,334

–

–

– 138

3

2,096

47

2,049

– 14

–

124

– 1,224

1,317

13

1,304

 
 
Henkel Annual Report 2017

Consolidated financial statements

111

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

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 
trans-
lation 

Hedge 
reserve 
per  
IAS 39

Available- 
for-sale 
reserve

260

178

652

– 91

12,984

– 141

– 184

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,055 1

– 138

1,917 1

– 633

–

– 70

38

– 

134

134

–

–

–

– 

– 7

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 184

–

– 14

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,519

124

– 1,325

2,643

– 698

–

– 152

75

– 1,325

– 14

–

–

–

– 

–

–

–

– 

260

178

652

– 91

16,104

– 1,332

– 198

80

Total

Non-con-
trolling 
interests 

150

13,811

40

7

47

– 33

– 

– 26

–

2,095 1

3

2,098 1

– 666

– 

– 96

38

138

15,185 1

22

– 9

2,541

– 1,224

13

– 38

– 

1,317

– 736

– 

– 39

– 191

–

74

75

15,650

Share-
holders 
of  
Henkel 
AG & Co. 
KGaA

13,661

2,055 1

– 4

2,051 1

– 633

– 

– 70

38

15,047 1

2,519

– 1,215

1,304

– 698

– 

– 152

75

15,576

3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3

in million euros

At January 1, 2016

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

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, 2017

At Dec. 31, 2016 / Jan. 1, 2017

260

178

652

– 91

14,236 1

1  Adjusted following the final allocation of the purchase price for the acquisition of The Sun Products Corporation, which resulted in an increase of 2 million euros  
in retained earnings.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
112

Consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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, provisions and equity

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

Allocations 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 2017: 47 million euros (fiscal 2016: 68 million euros).
2   Other financing transactions in fiscal 2017 include payments of –231 million euros for the purchase of short-term  

securities and time deposits as well as for the provision of financial collateral (fiscal 2016: –34 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 

81

2017

3,055

– 727

672

– 36

– 181

– 322

29

217

– 239

2,468

– 700

2016

2,775

– 769

570

– 7

10

– 240

– 108

341

278

2,850

– 557

– 3,727

– 1,830

– 

–

34

– 5 

53

31

– 4,250

– 633

– 2,451

– 698

– 33

20

– 26

– 672

2,221

519

– 185 

– 116

– 102

13

1,678

278

– 65

213

1,176

1,389

2016

2,850

– 557

34

– 6

– 116

2,205

– 38

22

– 56

– 770

535

419

– 112 

– 64

– 157

– 266

– 415

– 398

– 75

– 473

1,389

916

82

2017

2,468

– 700

31

– 34

– 64

1,701

 
Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

113

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

Group segment report  
by business unit 1

0.6 %

0.4 %

1.9 %

297

278

7.1 %

16.2 %

15.2 %

281

293

– 4.0 %

15.4 %

16.1 %

808

779

3.8 %

36.8 %

35.7 %

Beauty  
Care

Laundry & 
Home 
Care

Operating 
business 
units total

Corporate

83

Henkel 
Group

Industrial 
Business

Total  
Adhesive 
Technolo-
gies

Adhesives 
for 
 Consumers, 
Craftsmen 
and  

Building

1,832

7,556

9,387

3,868

6,651

19,906

123

20,029

9 %

38 %

47 %

19 %

33 %

99 %

1 %

100 %

1,822

7,139

8,961

3,838

5,795

18,593

121

18,714

5.8 %

7.6 %

5.8 %

4.8 %

6.1 %

5.0 %

1,360

1,284

1,657

1,561

5.9 %

18.0 %

18.0 %

6.1 %

17.7 %

17.4 %

0.8 %

2.1 %

0.5 %

535

526

1.7 %

13.8 %

13.7 %

14.8 %

18.2 %

2.0 %

7.1 %

9.1 %

3.1 %

1.8 %

–

–

7.0 %

9.0 %

3.1 %

989

803

3,181

2,890

– 126

– 115

3,055

2,775

23.2 %

14.9 %

13.9 %

10.1 %

16.0 %

15.5 %

–

–

–

10.1 %

15.3 %

14.8 %

1,452

1,336

1,734

1,629

665

647

1,170

1,000

3,568

3,276

– 107

– 104

3,461

3,172

8.7 %

19.2 %

18.7 %

6.4 %

18.5 %

18.2 %

2.7 %

17.2 %

16.9 %

17.0 %

17.6 %

17.3 %

8.9 %

17.9 %

17.6 %

7,429

7,054

8,237

7,833

3,038

2,882

7,557

5,104

18,832

15,819

5.3 %

18.5 %

18.2 %

5.2 %

20.3 %

19.9 %

5.4 %

17.6 %

18.2 %

48.1 %

13.1 %

15.7 %

19.0 %

17.0 %

18.3 %

43

1

–

43

1

–

76

89

1,420

655

765

1,399

660

739

269

40

–

223

7

–

1,214

191

9,263

2,324

6,939

8,698

2,145

6,553

312

41

–

266

8

–

1,290

280

10,683

2,979

7,704

10,096

2,805

7,291

100

–

–

97

23

–

834

274

4,491

1,627

2,864

4,233

1,537

2,696

246

6

–

194

37

–

351

3,867

10,441

2,700

7,741

7,752

2,380

5,372

658

47

–

557

68

–

2,475

4,421

25,614

7,305

18,309

22,082

6,722

15,359

–

–

–

38

77

–

–

–

14

–

–

13

–

–

6

9

528

491

38

459

382

77

9.1 %

17.3 %

16.9 %

18,870

15,895

18.7 %

16.3 %

17.5 %

672

47

–

570

68

–

2,481

4,430

26,142

7,796

18,347

22,540

7,104

15,436

in million euros

Sales 2017

Proportion of Henkel sales

Sales 2016

Change from previous year

Adjusted for foreign exchange

Organic

EBIT 2017

EBIT 2016

Change from previous year

Return on sales (EBIT) 2017

Return on sales (EBIT) 2016

Adjusted EBIT 2017

Adjusted EBIT 2016

Change from previous year

Adjusted return on sales (EBIT) 2017

Adjusted return on sales (EBIT) 2016

Capital employed 2017 2

Capital employed 2016 2

Change from previous year

Return on capital employed (ROCE) 2017

Return on capital employed (ROCE) 2016 

Amortization / depreciation / impairment / write-ups 
of intangible assets and property, plant and equip-
ment 2017

of which impairment losses 2017

of which write-ups 2017

Amortization / depreciation / impairment / write-ups of 
intangible assets and property, plant and equipment 2016

of which impairment losses 2016

of which write-ups 2016

Capital expenditures (excl. financial assets) 2017

Capital expenditures (excl. financial assets) 2016

Operating assets 2017 3

Operating liabilities 2017

Net operating assets 2017 3

Operating assets 2016 3

Operating liabilities 2016

Net operating assets 2016 3

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.

 
114 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Key financials by region 1

in million euros

Sales 2 2017

Sales 2 2016

Change from previous year

Adjusted for foreign exchange

Organic

Proportion of Group sales 2017

Proportion of Group sales 2016

Operating profit (EBIT) 2017

Operating profit (EBIT) 2016

Change from previous year

Adjusted for foreign exchange

Return on sales (EBIT) 2017

Return on sales (EBIT) 2016

84

Western 
Europe

Eastern 
Europe

Africa / 
Middle 
East

North 
America

Latin 
America

Asia- 
Pacific

Total 
Regions

Corporate

Henkel 
Group

6,033

5,999

2,897

2,713

1,302

1,378

5,162

4,202

1,142

1,055

3,371

3,246

19,906

18,593

123

121

20,029

18,714

0.6 %

1.3 %

0.5 %

30 %

32 %

1,463

1,335

9.6 %

9.8 %

24.3 %

22.3 %

6.8 %

6.3 %

6.0 %

14 %

15 %

280

328

– 14.8 %

– 18.3 %

9.7 %

12.1 %

– 5.5 %

7.5 %

1.7 %

6 %

7 %

58

111

– 47.7 %

– 48.0 %

4.5 %

8.1 %

22.9 %

24.6 %

3.0 %

26 %

22 %

731

505

44.7 %

47.7 %

14.2 %

12.0 %

8.2 %

9.5 %

4.4 %

6 %

6 %

112

126

– 10.8 %

– 8.2 %

9.8 %

11.9 %

3.8 %

6.1 %

5.9 %

17 %

17 %

7.1 %

9.1 %

3.1 %

99 %

99 %

–

–

–

1 %

1 %

537

485

3,181

2,890

– 126

– 115

10.8 %

13.3 %

15.9 %

14.9 %

10.1 %

10.8 %

16.0 %

15.5 %

–

–

–

–

7.0 %

9.0 %

3.1 %

100 %

100 %

3,055

2,775

10.1 %

10.4 %

15.3 %

14.8 %

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

In 2017, the affiliated companies domiciled in Germany, 
including Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, generated sales of 2,388 mil-
lion euros (previous year: 2,339 million euros). Sales realized 
by the affiliated companies domiciled in the USA amounted to 
4,864 million euros in 2017 (previous year: 3,943 million 
euros). In fiscal 2016 and 2017, 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, 2017 (excluding financial instruments and 
deferred tax assets) amounting to 18,836 million euros (previ-
ous year: 18,620 million euros), 2,149 million euros (previous 
year: 1,964 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 
10,126 million euros at December 31, 2017 (previous year: 
10,735 million euros).

 
Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

115

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

Accounting principles and 
 methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements
General information

Scope of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of Henkel AG & Co. 
KGaA (Düsseldorf Regional Court, HRB 4724), Düsseldorf, as 
of December 31, 2017, have been prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and the 
relevant interpretations of the International Financial Report-
ing Interpretations Committee (IFRIC), as adopted per Regula-
tion number 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and the 
Council, on the application of international accounting stan-
dards in the European Union, and in compliance with Section 
315a 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, 2017, 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, 2018, 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 otherwise 
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 con-
solidated statement of financial position, the consolidated 
statement of income and the consolidated statement of com-
prehensive income, and then shown separately in the notes. 

In addition to Henkel AG & Co. KGaA as the ultimate parent 
company, the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 
2017, include 14 German and 227 non-German companies in 
which Henkel AG & Co. KGaA has a dominating influence 
over financial and operating policies, based on the concept 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. Companies 
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 companies 
to which Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and its subsidiaries belong.

The following table shows the changes to the scope of consoli-
dation in fiscal 2017:

Scope of consolidation 

At January 1, 2017

Additions

Mergers

Disposals

At December 31, 2017

85

208

45

– 7

– 4

242

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 inac-
tivity 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. 

116 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Acquisitions and divestments

Acquisitions
Effective July 3, 2017, we completed the acquisition of the 
global Darex Packaging Technologies business from GCP 
Applied Technologies and of all associated shares. The acqui-
sition included various share and asset deals; legal transfer of 
certain asset deals is still outstanding. As a consequence of the 
purchase agreement, overall control of the acquired Darex 
Packaging Technologies business was transferred to Henkel as 
defined in IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements, and the 
business therefore fully consolidated, effective July 3, 2017. 
The purchase price was 938 million euros, settled in cash. The 
transaction is in line with our strategy to strengthen our port-
folio through targeted acquisitions and reinforces the position 
of our Adhesive Technologies business as global market and 
technology leader. Provisional goodwill was recognized in the 
amount of 686 million euros. Goodwill of 221 million euros 
was recognized for tax purposes.

Effective July 3, 2017, we completed the acquisition of all shares 
of Sonderhoff Holding GmbH based in Cologne, Germany. 
The purchase price was 119 million euros, settled in cash. This 
acquisition expands the sealant expertise of Henkel and 
 reinforces the position of our Adhesive Technologies business 
as global market and technology leader. 

Effective September 1, 2017, the acquisition of all shares of 
Nattura Laboratorios, S.A. de C.V., Mexico, and associated 
 companies in the USA, Colombia and Spain was completed. 
Through this acquisition, Henkel will further strengthen its 
Hair Salon business and expand its footprint in both the 
emerging and mature markets. The purchase price was 
392 million euros, settled in cash. Provisional goodwill was 
recognized in the amount of 265 million euros. Tax-deductible 
goodwill is not expected. 

Effective December 28, 2017, we completed the acquisition of 
all shares of Zotos International Inc., the North American hair 
salon business of Shiseido Company, Limited. This acquisition 
is part of our strategy to strengthen Henkel’s position in attrac-
tive markets and categories and expands our Hair Salon busi-
ness in the USA, the world’s largest single hair salon market. 
The purchase price was 403 million euros, settled in cash. Pro-
visional goodwill was recognized in the amount of 280 million 
euros. Tax-deductible goodwill is not expected. 

The goodwill acquired through the acquisition of Darex 
Packaging Technologies, Nattura Laboratorios, S.A. de C.V. and 
Zotos International Inc. represents both offensive and defen-
sive synergies, achieved through integration in Henkel’s 
existing organization, and mirrors the growth potential of the 
acquired businesses. 

Because the acquisition of Zotos International Inc. was 
recently completed, and Darex Packaging Technologies busi-
ness, Sonderhoff Holding GmbH and Nattura Laboratorios, 
S.A. de C.V. were acquired during the course of the year, the 
allocation of the purchase prices to the acquired assets and lia-
bilities in accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations is 
provisional.

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 global Darex Packaging Technologies 
business – and thus its business activities – had been com-
pleted by January 1, 2017, sales for the Henkel Group for the 
reporting period January 1 to December 31, 2017, would be 
higher by 262 million euros and income after tax would be 
lower by 5 million euros, taking acquisition-related costs into 
account. The business activities actually contributed 133 mil-
lion euros to sales and –9 million euros to income after tax. 
Acquisition-related costs amounted to 7 million euros. 

If the acquisition of all shares of Sonderhoff Holding GmbH 
and of Nattura Laboratorios, S.A. de C.V. and the acquisition of 
Zotos International Inc. – and thus their business activities – 
had been completed by January 1, 2017, sales for the Henkel 
Group for the reporting period January 1 to December 31, 2017, 
would be higher by 389 million euros and income after tax 
would be higher by 25 million euros, taking acquisition-re-
lated costs into account. The business activities actually con-
tributed 73 million euros to sales and 7 million euros to 
income after tax. Acquisition-related costs amounted to 4 mil-
lion euros. 

In the second quarter of 2017, we spent around 8 million euros 
for the acquisition of the outstanding non-controlling shares 
in Shanghai Henkel Xianghua Adhesives Co. Ltd. based in Shang-
hai, China, increasing our ownership interest to 100 percent.

In the third quarter of 2017, we spent around 140 million euros 
for the acquisition of the outstanding non-controlling shares 
in Henkel Polybit Industries Ltd. based in Umm al-Quwain, 
United Arab Emirates, which are held on behalf of the Henkel 
Group. A performance-related purchase price component was 
also agreed. The carrying amount of the acquired non-con-
trolling interests was 37 million euros. Retained earnings were 
reduced by 143 million euros. 

In the fourth quarter of 2017, we spent around 3 million euros 
for the acquisition of the outstanding non-controlling shares 
in Eczacibasi Schwarzkopf based in Istanbul, Turkey, increas-
ing our ownership interest to 100 percent.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

117

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

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

Darex Packaging  
Technologies,  
effective July 3, 2017

Others

Fair value

Fair value

858

65

6

929

32

56

15

13

116

1,045

938

55

21

31

52

782

113

18

913

60

61

40

10

171

1,084

968

75

23

18

41

1,045

1,084

Reconciliation of the purchase price to provisional goodwill 

in million euros

Darex Packaging Technologies, effective July 3, 2017

Purchase price

Adjustment based on purchase agreement

Fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities

Provisional goodwill

Others 

Purchase price

Adjustment based on purchase agreement

Fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities

Provisional goodwill

86

Total

1,640

178

24

1,842

92

117

55

23

287

2,129

1,906

130

44

49

93

2,129

87

2017

938

–

252

686

968

–

296

672

Divestments
On January 1, 2017, we sold our professional Western European 
building material business for around 27 million euros. This 
transaction resulted in one-time gains of 19 million euros.

In the first half of 2017, we sold our global electronic mold 
compound business, including Henkel Huawei Electronics, 
our company in Lianyungang, China. The sale price was 
around 34 million euros whereby a divestment gain of 1 mil-
lion euros was recognized. 

118 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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 by the 
anticipated acquisition method. Accordingly, the acquisition 
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.

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.

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. 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

119

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

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 
 voting 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 Vitriflex, Inc. and Zipjet Global S.à r.l. 
using the equity method. The carrying amount of the share-
holdings recognized by the equity method as of December 31, 
2017, was 1 million euros (previous year: 7 million euros).

Associated companies that are less relevant for the Group and 
for the presentation of a fair view of its net assets, financial 
position and results of operations, are never recognized by the 
equity method. They are always recognized at amortized cost.

Currencies 

Chinese yuan

Mexican peso

Polish zloty

Russian ruble

Turkish lira

US dollar

ISO code

CNY

MXN

PLN

RUB

TRY

USD

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 
 Standard (IAS) 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange 
Rates. The functional currency is the currency in which a for-
eign 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 as 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

2016

7.36

20.67

4.36

74.07

3.34

1.11

2017

7.63

21.33

4.26

65.95

4.12

1.13

2016

7.32

21.77

4.41

64.30

3.71

1.05

88

2017

7.80

23.66

4.12

69.39

4.55

1.20

120 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Recognition and measurement methods

Summary of selected measurement methods 

Financial statement figures

Measurement method

89

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.

Equity and 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 149 to 161) 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 aris-
ing 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 for this comparative period are 
adjusted as if the new methods of recognition and measure-
ment had always been applied

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

121

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

Accounting estimates, assumptions  
and discretionary judgments

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 disclo-
sure 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 exclu-
sively 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 applica-
tion 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 
164 to 166), intangible assets (Note 1 on pages 125 to 128), pro-
visions for pensions and similar obligations (Note 15 on pages 
135 to 143), income tax provisions and other provisions  
(Note 16 on pages 144 and 145), financial instruments (Note 21 
on pages 149 to 161) and share-based payment plans (Note 34 
on pages 168 and 169).

Material discretionary judgments are made in respect of the 
demarcation of the cash-generating units as explained  
in Note 1 on pages 125 to 128 and the segment reporting as 
explained in Note 35 on pages 169 and 170. Contingent forward 
contracts for acquired minority interests are recognized by 
the anticipated acquisition method.

122 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

New international accounting regu-
lations according to International 
Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) 

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 applied for the first  
time in the year under review 

90

Accounting regulations not applied in advance  
of their effective date 

91

IAS 7 (Amendment) Disclosure Initiative

January 1, 2017

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

Mandatory for fiscal 
years beginning on 
or after

IAS 12 (Amendment) Recognition of Deferred Tax 
Assets for Unrealised Losses

Improvements to IFRSs 2014–2016:  
Amendments to IFRS 12

January 1, 2017

IFRS 16 Leases

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

January 1, 2017

IFRS 4 (Amendment) Applying IFRS 9 Financial  
Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts

IFRS 15 (Amendment) Clarifications to IFRS 15

Improvements to IFRSs 2014–2016:  
Amendments to IFRS 1 and IAS 28

Mandatory for fiscal 
years beginning on 
or after

January 1, 2018

January 1, 2018

January 1, 2019

January 1, 2018

January 1, 2018

January 1, 2018

•  The amendment to IAS 7 improves disclosures relating to 

changes in liabilities arising from financing activities. Enti-
ties are required to make additional disclosures in relation 
to changes in such financial liabilities for which related 
cash inflows and outflows are reflected in cash flow from 
financing activities. Associated financial assets must also be 
included in the disclosures (for example, assets from hedg-
ing transactions). The following must be disclosed: changes 
from financing cash flows, changes arising from obtaining 
or losing control of subsidiaries or other businesses, the 
effect of changes in foreign exchange rates, changes in fair 
values, and other changes. The information must be dis-
closed as a statement of reconciliation from the opening 
balance on the statement of financial position to the closing 
balance on the same statement. The Group discloses the 
changes between the opening and closing balances of the 
relevant financial liabilities in a reconciliation statement 
(Note 37 on page 172). 

•   The amendments to IAS 12 clarify the accounting procedure 
for deferred tax claims relating to unrealized losses on debt 
instruments that are measured at fair value. The changes 
will not have any material impact on the consolidated finan-
cial statements of Henkel.

•   The Annual Improvements to IFRSs (2014–2016) included 
amendments to three IFRSs, of which only one was manda-
torily applicable in 2017: IFRS 12 clarifies that disclosures 
under IFRS 12 must always include those shares in subsid-
iaries, joint ventures or associates that are classified as 
available for sale as defined in IFRS 5, with the exception of 
the disclosures stipulated under IFRS 12.B10-B16 (Financial 
Information). The changes will not have any material 
impact on the consolidated financial statements of Henkel. 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, issued in July 2014, supersedes 
the existing guidance in IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recog-
nition and Measurement. IFRS 9 contains revised guidance on 
the classification and measurement of financial instruments, 
including a new model for expected credit losses to calculate 
the impairment of financial assets, and the new general 
accounting rules for hedging transactions. The standard has 
also adopted the guidance on recognition and derecognition 
of financial instruments from IAS 39. The classification and 
measurement rules of IFRS 9 must be applied retrospectively. 
Adjustment of prior-year periods is not required. The rules for 
hedge accounting must be applied prospectively.

IFRS 9 contains three key categories for classifying financial 
assets: measured at amortized cost, measured at fair value 
through profit or loss and measured at fair value through other 
comprehensive income. The standard eliminates the catego-
ries held to maturity, loans and receivables and available for 
sale that were specified in IAS 39. Henkel does not expect the 
application of the new classification requirements to substan-
tially affect the recognition of its financial assets. 

IFRS 9 will mainly affect the valuation of trade accounts receiv-
able at Henkel. Under IAS 39, valuation allowances were only 
 recognized for impairment that had occurred but was as yet 
unidentified (incurred loss model), whereas IFRS 9 specifies 
the use of the expected loss model when quantifying valuation 
allowances for expected credit losses. To determine these 
allowances, the expected credit losses are measured over the 
lifetime of the assets given their current nature. To calculate 
the expected credit losses, customers are grouped by similar 
credit default risks. In addition to this collective assessment, 
credit risks are also assessed individually if the default risk 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

123

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

has increased significantly as of the reporting date. The effects 
upon first-time application on January 1, 2018, must be recog-
nized in equity. We expect the application of IFRS 9 to result in 
a change in the valuation allowances on trade accounts receiv-
able of less than 5 million euros, which will affect equity 
accordingly by the same amount. Given the current situation, 
we expect a minor impact on marketing, selling and distribu-
tion expenses in the year of implementation.

Under IFRS 9, the Group must ensure that its hedge account-
ing is consistent with the Group risk management objectives 
and strategy. All types of hedge accounting currently applied 
by Henkel comply with the requirements of IFRS 9.

Within Henkel Group, forward exchange contracts are used to 
hedge future cash flows in foreign currencies. The Group only 
designates the spot component of these hedging transactions. 
Under IAS 39, this (effective) portion of a cash flow hedge was 
recognized in the hedge reserve in equity. The amounts 
recorded in equity were recognized through profit or loss in 
the period in which the results were affected by the hedged 
transaction. Under IFRS 9, these amounts will initially be 
included as part of the initial cost when recognizing the 
underlying. They will continue to affect the result for the 
period in which the hedged transaction influences the result 
for the period. 

tations. It replaces the existing guidance on revenue recogni-
tion, including IAS 18 Revenue, IAS 11 Construction Contracts, 
and IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes. Clarifying amend-
ments to IFRS 15 were published in April 2016, primarily relat-
ing to the identification of separate performance obligations 
and the clear distinction between principals and agents.

IFRS 15 mainly affects Henkel’s accounting for product returns 
and the timing of sales deductions. In case of expected pro-
duct returns which can be reliably estimated, an asset repre-
senting the right of return and a provision for the respective 
refund are recognized. 

Henkel will apply IFRS 15 to all contracts using the cumulative 
method. Accordingly, the effects of first-time application must 
be recognized cumulatively in equity upon first-time applica-
tion on January 1, 2018. The application of IFRS 15 will result in 
an increase in both other current assets and other current pro-
visions. The resulting decrease in equity is expected to be in 
the range of upper double-digit million euros. The statement 
of financial position and statement of income for the compa-
rable prior periods will not be adjusted. Given the current situ-
ation, we expect a minor impact on sales and on cost of sales 
in the year of implementation. The quality and scope of the 
disclosures in the notes to the financial statements will also 
be expanded. 

Under IAS 39, the non-designated components were recog-
nized directly through profit or loss. According to IFRS 9, how-
ever, these components must be recognized in equity in future 
and included as part of the initial cost when recognizing the 
underlying. Henkel expects the effects of the anticipated 
changes in the accounting method for non-designated compo-
nents to be in the low single-digit million euro range.

IFRS 9 also requires extensive new disclosures, particularly 
with regard to credit risk and expected defaults, and to hedge 
accounting. 

We do not expect IFRS 15 to have any further material effects.

IFRS 16 provides a single accounting model for lease contracts 
in a lessee’s balance sheet. A lessee reflects the right-of-use to 
the underlying asset (right-of-use asset) as well as a liability 
representing the future lease payments in the course of the 
lease contract. Exceptions are provided for short-term leases 
and leases relating to low-value assets. The accounting 
requirements for lessors are similar to the current standard, 
i.e., lessors must continue to distinguish between finance and 
operating leases.

In May 2014, the IASB published the new IFRS 15 Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers. IFRS 15 specifies a comprehensive 
framework for determining whether, when and in what 
amount revenue is recognized. Under IFRS 15, revenue is only 
recognized when no substantial adjustments to the cumula-
tive recognized revenue is expected. This principle is applied 
in five steps. In step 1, the contract with the customer is iden-
tified. In step 2, the distinct performance obligations in the 
contract are identified. In step 3, the transaction price is deter-
mined. In step 4, this transaction price is allocated to the dis-
tinct performance obligations. Finally, in step 5, revenue is 
recognized when the identified distinct performance obliga-
tions are satisfied, either over time or at a point in time. The 
objective of the new standard is to bring together the different 
regulations contained in various other standards and interpre-

IFRS 16 supersedes the existing guidelines on leases, including 
IAS 17 Leases, IFRIC 4 Determining Whether an Arrangement 
Contains a Lease, SIC-15 Operating Leases – Incentives, and 
SIC-27 Evaluating the Substance of Transactions in the Legal 
Form of a Lease.

The standard is mandatory for reporting periods beginning 
on or after January 1, 2019. Early application is permitted if 
IFRS 15 is also applied. Henkel does not plan to apply IFRS 16 
before the effective date.

The Group has started to assess the possible impacts of apply-
ing IFRS 16 to its consolidated financial statements. The most 
substantial impact that has been identified so far is that the 
Group will have to recognize new assets and liabilities for its 

124 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

operating leases. In addition, the nature of expenses associ-
ated with these leases will change as IFRS 16 replaces the lin-
ear recognition of expenses for operating leases with deprecia-
tion of right-of-use assets and interest expenses for liabilities 
arising from the lease. 

Accounting regulations not yet adopted into EU law
In fiscal 2017, 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:

A conclusive assessment and quantification of the impacts is 
not possible. Also, no decision has yet been made with regard 
to the transition method that will be applied.

Accounting regulations not yet adopted into EU law 

92

Mandatory for fiscal 
years beginning on 
or after

IFRS 2 (Amendment) Classification and Measurement 
of Share-Based Payment Transactions

IFRS 9 (Amendment) Prepayment Features with  
Negative Compensation

IFRS 10 and IAS 28 (Amendment) Sale or Contribution 
of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint 
Venture

IAS 28 (Amendment) Long-term Interests in Associates 
and Joint Ventures

January 1, 2018

January 1, 2019

outstanding

January 1, 2019

These new standards and amendments to existing standards 
will be applied by Henkel starting in fiscal 2018 or later. A con-
clusive assessment of the effects is not possible.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

125

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

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

All non-current assets with definite useful lives are depreci-
ated or amortized exclusively using the straight-line method 
on the basis of their estimated useful lives. The useful life esti-
mates are reviewed annually. If facts or circumstances indicate 
the need for impairment, the recoverable amount is deter-
mined. 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.

The following unchanged, standardized useful lives are 
applied:

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

93

3 to 20

50

40

25 to 33

10 to 25

7 to 10

10

5 to 20

2 to 5

94

1   Intangible assets

Cost 

in million euros

At January 1, 2016

Acquisitions

Divestments

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications to assets held for sale

Reclassifications

Translation differences

At December 31, 2016 / January 1, 2017

Acquisitions

Divestments

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications to assets held for sale

Reclassifications

Translation differences

At December 31, 2017

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

2,079

1,012

– 

–

–

– 

– 101

77

3,067

85

– 

–

–

– 

–

– 275

2,877

1,598

26

–

6

– 30

– 8 

101 

29

1,722

197

–

7

– 13

8 

– 

– 80

1,841

270

12

–

8

– 8 

–

105

4

391

–

–

2

– 

–

60

– 10

443

117

–

–

69

–

–

– 105

–

81

–

–

64

–

–

– 60

– 2

83

8,861

2,560 1

– 

–

– 

– 3 

–

240

11,658

1,358

– 12 

–

– 

3 

–

– 1,067

11,940

12,925

3,610

–

83

– 38

– 11 

–

350

16,919

1,640

– 12

73

– 13

11 

–

– 1,434

17,184

1  Adjusted following the final allocation of the purchase price for the acquisition of The Sun Products Corporation, which resulted in an increase of 21 million euros 
in goodwill.

126

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Accumulated amortization / impairment 

in million euros

At January 1, 2016

Divestments

Write-ups

Scheduled amortization

Impairment losses

Disposals

Reclassifications to assets held for sale

Reclassifications

Translation differences

At December 31, 2016 / January 1, 2017

Divestments

Write-ups

Scheduled amortization

Impairment losses

Disposals

Reclassifications to assets held for sale

Reclassifications

Translation differences

At December 31, 2017

Net book values 

in million euros

At December 31, 2017

At December 31, 2016

Trademarks and other rights

Assets  
with indefinite 
useful lives

Assets  
with  definite 
useful lives

12

1,039

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

– 4

8

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

– 

8

–

–

104

–

– 28

– 5 

–

16

1,126

–

–

180

–

– 13

6 

–

– 51

1,248

95

Goodwill

Total

Intangible 
assets in 
development

Internally 
 generated 
 intangible 
assets with 
definite useful 
lives

181

–

–

34

 1

– 8

–

–

2

210

–

–

44

–

–

–

–

– 8

246

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

11

–

–   

–

–

–

– 

–

–

11

–

–   

–

18

–

– 

–

–

29

1,243

–

–

138

1

– 36 

– 5 

– 

14

1,355

–

–

224

18

– 13 

6 

– 

– 59

1,531

96

Trademarks and other rights

Assets  
with indefinite 
useful lives

Assets  
with  definite 
useful lives

Intangible 
assets in 
development

Internally 
 generated 
 intangible 
assets with 
definite useful 
lives

Goodwill

Total

2,869

3,059

593

596

197

181

83

81

11,911

11,647

15,653

15,564

Goodwill represents the future economic benefit of assets that 
are acquired through business combinations and not individ-
ually 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 
purchase cost, while internally generated software is stated at 
development cost.

The change in goodwill resulting from acquisitions and 
divestments made in the fiscal year is presented in the section 
“Acquisitions and divestments” on pages 116 and 117.

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).

Additions to internally generated intangible assets mostly 
reflect investments in consolidating and optimizing our IT 
system architecture for managing business processes.

The goodwill impairment of 18 million euros relates to discon-
tinued product lines in our General Industry business.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

127

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.

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 Note 35 on page 169 and 
in the combined management report on pages 72 to 77.

97

At December 31, 2016

At December 31, 2017

Goodwill

Terminal 
growth rate

Weighted 
 average cost of 
capital

Goodwill

Terminal 
growth rate

Weighted 
 average cost of 
capital

2,012

476

416

1,513

404

4,821

1,461

314

1,775

3,748

1,303

5,051

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 %

1,882

1,104

442

1,346

374

5,148

1,324

806

2,130

3,514

1,119

4,633

1.50 %

1.50 %

1.00 %

1.50 %

1.00 %

1.00 %

1.00 %

1.30 %

1.40 %

7.25 %

7.25 %

7.25 %

7.25 %

7.25 %

6.25 %

6.25 %

6.25 %

6.25 %

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

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 bodies. The determina-
tion 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 149 to 161). 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 financial plan-
ning horizon of four years. For the period after that, a growth 
rate in a range between 1 and 2 percent (previous year: 1 and 
2 percent) in the cash flows (which in particular takes into 
account the passing-on of inflation rises to our customers) is 
assumed for the purpose of impairment testing. The euro to 
US dollar exchange rate applied is 1.15. Taking into account 
specific tax effects, the cash flows of the various cash-generating 
units are discounted at different rates reflecting the weighted 
average cost of capital (WACC) in each business unit: 6.25 per-
cent after tax for both Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care, 
and 7.25 percent after tax for Adhesive Technologies. 

In the Laundry & Home Care business unit, we have assumed 
an average increase in sales during the four-year detailed fore-
casting horizon of 3 to 4 percent per year (previous year: 4 per-
cent), with a slight increase in market share. Average sales 
growth in the Beauty Care business unit over the four-year 
forecasting horizon is budgeted at 3 to 5 percent per year 
 (previous year: 2 to 4 percent). Here, too, we expect a slight 
increase in market share. Sales in the Adhesive Technologies 
business unit are expected to grow by between 2 and 5.5 per-
cent per year (previous year: 3 to 5.5 percent) 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.

108  Consolidated statement of financial position110  Consolidated statement of income110  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income111   Consolidated statement of changes in equity112  Consolidated statement of  cash flows113  Group segment report114  Key financials by region115  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements125  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position162  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income167    Other disclosures175  Subsequent events128

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Trademarks and other rights with indefinite useful lives are 
presented in the following table.

Book values – Trademarks and other rights 

98

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

Total Laundry & Home Care

At December 31, 2016

At December 31, 2017 

Trademarks and 
other rights  
with indefinite 
useful lives

Terminal  
growth rate

Weighted aver-
age cost of 
capital

Trademarks and 
other rights  
with indefinite 
useful lives

Terminal  
growth rate

Weighted aver-
age cost of 
capital

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 %

6.25 – 9.00 %

0.20 – 1.80 %

6.25 – 7.80 %

1.00 – 2.00 %

6.25 – 14.40 %

1.00 – 2.00 %

6.25 – 14.30 %

51

18

–

90

66

225

540

191

731

1,586

327

1,913

1.50 %

1.50 %

1.00 %

1.50 %

1.00 %

7.25 %

7.25 %

7.25 %

7.25 %

7.25 %

0.20 – 2.00 %

6.25 – 8.84 %

0.20 – 2.00 %

6.25 – 10.35 %

1.00 – 2.00 %

6.25 – 13.78 %

1.00 – 2.00 %

6.25 – 13.15 %

The trademarks and other rights with indefinite useful lives 
with a net book value of 2,869 million euros (previous year: 
3,059 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). 

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 2017.

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 strategic business units (Adhesive 
Technologies) 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 149 to 161). 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 financial planning horizon of 
four years. For the period after that, a growth rate in a range 
between 0.2 and 2 percent (previous year: 0.2 and 2 percent)  
in the cash flows (which mainly reflects inflation expecta-
tions) is assumed for the purpose of impairment testing. The 
euro to US dollar exchange rate applied is 1.15. Taking into 
account specific tax effects, the cash flows of the various cash- 
generating units are discounted at different rates, with a range 
between 6.25 and 13.78 percent applied as the weighted average 
cost of capital (WACC) to each cash-generating unit. The 
impairment tests revealed sufficient impairment buffers so 
that – as in the  previous year – no impairment of trademarks 
and other rights with indefinite useful lives was registered.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

129

2   Property, plant and equipment

Cost 

in million euros

At January 1, 2016

Acquisitions

Divestments

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications to assets held for sale

Reclassifications

Translation differences

At December 31, 2016 / January 1, 2017

Acquisitions

Divestments

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications to assets held for sale

Reclassifications

Translation differences

At December 31, 2017

Accumulated depreciation / impairment 

in million euros

At January 1, 2016

Divestments

Write-ups

Scheduled depreciation

Impairment losses

Disposals

Reclassifications to assets held for sale 

Reclassifications

Translation differences

At December 31, 2016 / January 1, 2017

Divestments

Write-ups

Scheduled depreciation

Impairment losses

Disposals

Reclassifications to assets held for sale 

Reclassifications

Translation differences

At December 31, 2017

Land, land 
rights and 
buildings

2,228

85

– 

44

– 41

– 155 

41

12

2,214

99

– 11

77

– 21

– 3 

47

– 104

2,298

Land, land 
rights and 
buildings

1,081

–  

– 

65

50

– 27

– 75

– 4

4

1,094

– 4

– 

65

9

– 16

– 

– 

– 35

1,113

Plant and 
machinery

3,125

160

– 

142

– 137

– 10

179

20

3,479

70

– 33

130

– 98

–

133

– 176

3,505

Factory and 
office 
equipment

1,047

11

– 

68

– 83

–

51

1

1,095

5

– 3

79

– 82

–

48

– 44

1,098

Assets in the 
course of 
construction

302

21

–

222

– 

–

– 271

– 10

264

4

–

304

–

–

– 228

– 13

331

Plant and 
machinery

Factory and 
office 
equipment

Assets in the 
course of 
construction

2,181

– 

–

192

13

– 129

– 9

4 

8

2,260

– 23

–

226

12

– 93

– 

–  

– 85

2,297

782

– 

– 

107

4

– 81

–

– 3

2

811

– 2

– 

110

8

– 76

–

–

– 34

817

– 3

–

– 

–

–

–

–

3

–

–

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

99

Total

6,702

277

– 

476

– 261

– 165

–

23

7,052

178

– 47

590

– 201

– 3

– 

– 337

7,232

100

Total

4,041

– 

–

364

67

– 237

– 84

–

14

4,165

– 29

–

401

29

– 185

–

–

– 154

4,227

108  Consolidated statement of financial position110  Consolidated statement of income110  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income111   Consolidated statement of changes in equity112  Consolidated statement of  cash flows113  Group segment report114  Key financials by region115  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements125  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position162  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income167    Other disclosures175  Subsequent events130

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Net book values 

in million euros

At December 31, 2017

At December 31, 2016

Land, land 
rights and 
buildings

1,185

1,120

Plant and 
machinery

Factory and 
office 
equipment

Assets in the 
course of 
construction

1,208

1,219

281

284

331

264

101

Total

3,005

2,887

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 invest-
ment 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 projects 
undertaken during the fiscal year can be found on page 78 in 
the combined management report.

At December 31, 2017, property, plant and equipment with a 
carrying amount of 0 million euros had been pledged as 
 security for existing liabilities (previous year: 0 million euros). 
The periods over which the assets are depreciated are based on 
their estimated useful lives as set out on page 125. Scheduled 
depreciation and impairment losses recognized are allocated to 
the relevant functions in the consolidated statement of income. 

 
Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

131

3    Other financial assets

Analysis 

102

in million euros

Non-current

Current

Total

Non-current

Current

Total

At December 31, 2016

At December 31, 2017

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

4

13

–

7

56

–

–

–

15

95

1

25

103

–

–

501

2

7

95

734

5

38

103

7

56

501

2

7

110

829

–

14

–

1

22

–

–

–

13

50

1

12

64

–

–

605

203

37

150

1

26

64

1

22

605

203

37

163

1,072

1,122

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 
 payments 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 amounting 

to 35 million euros (previous year: 37 million euros)

•   Receivables from suppliers amounting to 15 million euros 

(previous year: 21 million euros)

•   Receivables from employees amounting to 11 million euros 

(previous year: 14 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, 2016

At December 31, 2017

Non-current

–

–

24

102

21

8

155

Current

242

55

–

13

88

36

434

Total

242

55

24

115

109

44

589

Non-current

–

–

30

102

28

9

169

Current

247

79

–

10

77

38

451

103

Total

247

79

30

112

105

47

620

108  Consolidated statement of financial position110  Consolidated statement of income110  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income111   Consolidated statement of changes in equity112  Consolidated statement of  cash flows113  Group segment report114  Key financials by region115  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements125  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position162  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income167    Other disclosures175  Subsequent events132

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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 differ-
ences 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 posi-
tion are disclosed under Note 30 (“Taxes on income”) on pages 
164 to 166.

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 neces-
sary 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: 142 million euros). The carrying 
amount of inventories recognized at fair value less costs to 
sell amounted to 346 million euros (previous year: 359 million 
euros). The carrying amount of inventories pledged as security 
for liabilities was unchanged year on year at 0 million euros.

Analysis of inventories 

104

in million euros

Raw materials and supplies

Work in progress

Finished products and merchandise

Payments on account for merchandise

Total

At December 
31, 2016

At December 
31, 2017

544

95

1,290

9

1,938

595

109

1,359

17

2,080

7     Trade accounts receivable

Trade accounts receivable amounted to 3,544 million euros 
(previous year: 3,349 million euros). They are all due within 
one year. Valuation allowances have been recognized in 
respect of specific risks as appropriate. Overall, the net balance 
of depreciation / amortization and additions to / reversals of 
valuation allowances resulted in income of 1 million euros 
(previous year: net expense of 25 million euros).

Trade accounts receivable 

105

At December 
31, 2016

At December 
31, 2017

in million euros

Trade accounts receivable, gross

less: cumulative valuation allowances on 
trade accounts receivable

Trade accounts receivable, net

3,467

118

3,349

Development of valuation allowances on trade 
accounts receivable 

in million euros

Valuation allowances at January 1

Additions / Releases

Derecognition of receivables

Currency translation effects

Valuation allowances at December 31

2016

112

22

– 15

– 1

118

3,647

103

3,544

106

2017

118

– 3

– 10

– 2

103

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

133

8   Cash and cash equivalents

Assets and liabilities held for sale 

107

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 decreased compared 
to the previous year from 1,389 million euros to 916 million 
euros. Of this figure, 742 million euros (previous year: 
1,259 million euros) relates to cash and 174 million euros (pre-
vious year: 130 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 recognized 
at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell 
(level 3), which is determined by current price negotiations 
with potential buyers.

Compared to December 31, 2016, assets held for sale decreased 
by 14 million euros to 81 million euros. This item mainly 
relates to the site in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, which will prob-
ably be sold in the second half of 2018 due to the merger of the 
administrative functions as part of the process of integrating 
The Sun Products Corporation.

No liabilities were held for sale (December 31, 2016: 13 million 
euros).

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 

At December 
31, 2016

At December 
31, 2017

92

2

–

1

13

–

–

82

80

–

–

1

–

–

–

81

108

in million euros

At December 31, 2016 At December 31, 2017

Ordinary bearer shares

Preferred bearer shares

Capital stock

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, 2017.

Art. 6 (5) of the Articles of Association governs the allocation 
of authorized capital. Accordingly, the Personally Liable Part-
ner 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 capital stock 
existing at the time the authorization takes effect. 

108  Consolidated statement of financial position110  Consolidated statement of income110  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income111   Consolidated statement of changes in equity112  Consolidated statement of  cash flows113  Group segment report114  Key financials by region115  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements125  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position162  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income167    Other disclosures175  Subsequent events134

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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 German Stock Corporation Act [AktG].

If capital is increased against payment in cash, all shareholders 
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 corpora-
tion, or one of the companies dependent upon it, pre-emptive 
rights corresponding to those that would accrue to such bond-
holders following the exercise of their warrant or conversion 
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 
 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 authoriza-
tion 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 purpose of acquiring entities or participating interests in 
entities. Treasury shares may also be sold to third parties 
against payment in cash, provided that the selling price is not 
significantly below the quoted market price at the time of 
share disposal. 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, 2017 
amounted to 3,680,552 preferred shares (December 31, 2016: 
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 37 and 38. 

11  Capital reserve

The capital reserve comprises the amounts received in previous 
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 sub-
sidiaries with no change in control in fiscal 2017, please see 
the section “Acquisitions and divestments” on pages 116 and 117.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

135

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 partic-
ular to the depreciation of the US dollar versus the euro, the 
negative difference attributable to shareholders of Henkel 
AG & Co. KGaA arising from currency translation increased 
compared to the figure at December 31, 2016, by 1,325 million 
euros to –1,332 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.

15   Provisions for pensions and  

similar obligations

Description of the pension plans
Employees in companies included in the consolidated financial 
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 46 to 57.

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 development of employees during their career at 
Henkel and thus provides a performance-related pension. 
Henkel guarantees a minimum return on the company’s con-
tributions. The benefit essentially consists of an annuity pay-
able upon attainment of the retirement age plus a lump-sum 
payment if the annuity threshold is exceeded in the employ-
ee’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, participate 
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 assures 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. 

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 active and retired employees 
resident mainly in the USA. Under these programs, retirees are 
reimbursed for a certain percentage of their medical expenses. 
We create provisions during the employees’ service period 
and pay the promised benefits when they are claimed. The 
subsidies for medical benefits that are attributable to active 
employees are expensed for each period and not included in 
the provisions for pensions and similar obligations. Disputes 
relating to health insurance commitments (self-insurance) 
are pending in the USA. They relate to issues surrounding 
the  reimbursement of costs for certain medical treatments 
and whether these costs are refundable under reinsurance 
agreements.

108  Consolidated statement of financial position110  Consolidated statement of income110  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income111   Consolidated statement of changes in equity112  Consolidated statement of  cash flows113  Group segment report114  Key financials by region115  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements125  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position162  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income167    Other disclosures175  Subsequent events136

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

The defined contribution plans are structured in such a way 
that the corporation pays contributions to public or private 
sector 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 contribu-
tions for defined contribution plans, excluding multi-em-
ployer plans, for the reporting period amounted to 97 million 
euros (previous year: 103 million euros). In 2017, we paid 
46 million euros to public sector institutions (previous year: 
47 million euros) and 51 million euros to private sector institu-
tions (previous year: 56 million euros).

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 21 million euros (previous year: 
around 29 million euros). Payments into multi-employer 

plans in fiscal 2017 amounted to 1 million euros (previous 
year: 2 million euros). We expect contributions of around 
1 million euros in fiscal 2018.

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 pub-
lished 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 is based essentially on the assumption 
of a 1.8 percent increase in retirement benefits (previous year: 
1.8 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 
 currency and expected maturities of the post-employment 
pension obligation.

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.

Germany

2016

1.60

3.25

–

21.2

24.4

2017

1.70

3.25

–

21.3

24.5

USA

2016

4.10

3.00

6.80

22.0

23.0

2017

3.60

3.00

6.60

22.0

24.0

Other countries 1

2016

2.10

2.85

3.60

24.0

26.0

109

2017

2.15

3.10

3.85

23.6

25.8

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

137

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 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

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

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

–

Germany

2,577

–

–

98

16

– 173

66

132

2

2,718

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

–

USA Other countries

834

–

28

27

–

– 69

34

17

–

871

921

–

– 62

60

1

– 38

21

95

– 1

997

Development of asset ceiling at December 31, 2016 

in million euros

At January 1, 2016

Interest cost for asset ceiling

Remeasurements in equity

At December 31, 2016

Germany

USA Other countries

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7

–

1

8

110

Total

5,255

– 6

– 17

431

– 4

423

12 

85

17

– 13

137

– 280

– 49

1

5,561

395

5,051

115

111

Total

4,332

–

– 34

185

17

– 280

121

244

1

4,586

112

Total

7

–

1

8

108  Consolidated statement of financial position110  Consolidated statement of income110  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income111   Consolidated statement of changes in equity112  Consolidated statement of  cash flows113  Group segment report114  Key financials by region115  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements125  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position162  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income167    Other disclosures175  Subsequent events138

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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 other comprehensive income

Actuarial gains (–) / losses (+)

Remeasurements in equity

Change in the effect of the asset ceiling

Other items recognized in equity

Employer payments

Changes in the Group

Translation differences

Net obligation at December 31, 2016

Overfunding of pension obligations

Recognized provision at December 31, 2016

Development of defined benefit obligation at December 31, 2017 

in million euros

At January 1, 2017

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 payments for pension obligations

Other changes

At December 31, 2017

of which: obligations not covered by plan assets

of which: obligations covered by plan assets

of which: obligations covered by reimbursement rights

Germany

389

USA Other countries

364

177

43

– 9

– 2

224

– 132

–

– 104

– 7

–

402

–

402

Germany

3,120

10

0

– 38

–

– 29

– 9

46

19

– 4 

49

– 126

– 2

–

3,074

100

2,974

–

16

–

14

30

– 17

–

– 60

1

18

366 

18

384

26

– 4

4

177

– 95

1

– 70

–

– 1

215

6 

221

USA Other countries

1,237

1

– 154

71

– 8

73

6

14

–

– 

45

– 61

– 27

–

1,126

145

869

112

1,204

77

– 35

– 6

– 14

27

– 19

30

1

– 2 

24

– 40

– 15

– 6

1,232

83

1,149

–

113

Total

930

85

– 13

16

431

– 244

1

– 234

– 6

17

983

24

1,007

114

Total

5,561

88

– 189

27

– 22

71

– 22 

90

20

– 6

118

– 227

– 44

– 6

5,432

328

4,992

112

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

139

Development of plan assets at December 31, 2017 

in million euros

At January 1, 2017

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, 2017

Development of asset ceiling at December 31, 2017 

in million euros

At January 1, 2017

Interest cost for asset ceiling

Remeasurements in equity

At December 31, 2017

Development of the net obligation at December 31, 2017 

in million euros

Net obligation at January 1, 2017

Recognized through profit or loss

Current service cost

Gains (–) / losses (+) arising from the termination and curtailment of plans

Interest expense

Recognized in other comprehensive income

Actuarial gains (–) / losses (+)

Remeasurements in equity

Change in the effect of the asset ceiling

Other items recognized in equity

Employer payments

Changes in the Group

Translation differences

Net obligation at December 31, 2017

Overfunding of pension obligations

Recognized provision at December 31, 2017

Germany

2,718

–

–

28

19

– 126

52

147

–

2,838

USA Other countries

871

–

– 110

37

–

– 61

33

48

–

818

997

44

– 27

47

1

– 40

18

22

– 6

1,056

115

Total

4,586

44

– 137

112

20

– 227

103

217

– 6

4,712

116

Germany

USA Other countries

Total

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

8

–

2

10

Germany

402

USA Other countries

366

215

46

– 4

– 3

– 38

– 147

–

– 30

10

–

236

–

236

14

–

12

71

– 48

–

– 64

1

– 44

308 

19

327

30

– 2

6

– 6

– 22

2

– 62

33

– 8

186

11

197

8

–

2

10

117

Total

983

90

– 6

15

27

– 217

2

– 156

44

– 52

730

30

760

108  Consolidated statement of financial position110  Consolidated statement of income110  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income111   Consolidated statement of changes in equity112  Consolidated statement of  cash flows113  Group segment report114  Key financials by region115  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements125  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position162  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income167    Other disclosures175  Subsequent events140

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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

118

2017

115

–

– 11

8

–

– 12

4

8

112

2016

111

–

5

3

–

– 8

5

– 1

115

The total present value (defined benefit obligation – DBO) is 
comprised of:
•  1,881 million euros (previous year: 1,960 million euros) for 

active employees, 

•   914 million euros (previous year: 930 million euros) for 

 former employees with vested benefits, and 

•  2,637 million euros (previous year: 2,671 million euros) for 

retirees.  

The average weighted duration of pension obligations is 
15 years (previous year: 16 years) for Germany, 9 years (previ-
ous year: 9 years) for the USA and 19 years (previous year:  
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 10 million 
euros as the asset ceiling (previous year: 8 million euros).

Within our consolidated statement of income, current service 
costs are allocated on the basis of cost of sales to the respective 
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 termination 
and curtailment of plans have been recognized in other operat-
ing income / expenses. The employer contributions in respect 
of state pension provisions are included as “Social security 
contributions and staff welfare costs” under Note 33 on page 
167. In 2017, allocations to the pension fund amounted to 
112 million euros (previous year: 185 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 2018 are expected to 
total 56 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

At December 31, 2016

At December 31, 2017

Quotation on 
active markets

No quotation 
on active 
markets

Total

Quotation on 
active markets

No quotation 
on active 
markets

1,407

646

229

532

3,086

1,048

2,038

–

–

–

–

–

4,493

–

–

–

–

5

–

–

5

275

104

– 501

210

93

1,407

646

229

532

3,091

1,048

2,038

5

275

104

– 501 

210

4,586

1,476

709

177

590

3,307

1,260

2,047

–

–

–

–

–

4,783

–

–

–

–

– 28

–

–

– 28

254

106

– 605

202

– 71

119

Total

1,476

709

177

590

3,279

1,260

2,047

– 28

254

106

– 605 

202

4,712

1 Liability to Henkel AG & Co. KGaA from the assumption of pension payments for Henkel Trust e.V.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

141

Plan assets by country 2017 

120

Classification of bonds by rating 2017 

121

USA 

17 %

Germany 

60 %

Non-investment grade  4 %

Investment grade 

96 %

Other countries  23 %

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, salaries 
and life expectancies, and to close the potential deficit between 
plan assets and pension obligations over the long term, addi-
tional 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 conditions, 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, 2017, other assets making up the plan assets included 
the present value of a non-current receivable of 62 million 
euros (previous year: 64 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 
106 million euros (previous year: 115 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  market 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.

108  Consolidated statement of financial position110  Consolidated statement of income110  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income111   Consolidated statement of changes in equity112  Consolidated statement of  cash flows113  Group segment report114  Key financials by region115  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements125  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position162  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income167    Other disclosures175  Subsequent events142

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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. Pen-
sion obligations based on contractual provisions in Germany 
generally entail lifelong benefits payable when the employee 
reaches retirement age or in the case of incapacity or death.

In order to reduce the risks arising from the payment of life-
long benefits as well as inflation, pension benefits have been 
gradually converted since 2004 to what are known as modular 
benefits with a pension option, with the fund available being 
initially divided into an annuity and lump-sum portion. Newly 
hired employees since 2011 receive a commitment based 
 primarily 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 provi-
dent fund (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 link-
ing 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 pension-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 effects of changes to assumptions with respect to medical 
benefits for employees and retirees in the USA are 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

Germany

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

141

128

129

132

132

USA

121

94

92

91

88

Other 
countries

36

33

35

36

36

122

Total

298

255

256

259

256

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 77 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 6.6 percent (previous year: 6.8 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 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

143

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

Sensitivities – Present value of pension obligations at December 31, 2017 

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

Germany

3,074

2,875

3,299

3,074

3,073

3,234

2,928

3,074

3,074

USA Other countries

1,237

1,187

1,293

1,242

1,230

1,235

1,235

1,238

1,232

1,204

1,091

1,338

1,232

1,180

1,287

1,140

1,205

1,205

USA Other countries

1,126

1,088

1,185

1,139

1,128

1,133

1,133

1,136

1,131

1,232

1,122

1,356

1,254

1,208

1,307

1,170

1,232

1,230

123

Total

5,561

5,181

5,995

5,593

5,528

5,802

5,345

5,561

5,555

124

Total

5,432

5,085

5,840

5,467

5,409

5,674

5,231

5,442

5,435

The extension of life expectancy in Germany by one year 
would increase the present value of pension obligations by 
4 percent (previous year: 4 percent).

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 by the same absolute amount. Each 
sensitivity is independently calculated and is not subject to 
scenario analysis.

108  Consolidated statement of financial position110  Consolidated statement of income110  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income111   Consolidated statement of changes in equity112  Consolidated statement of  cash flows113  Group segment report114  Key financials by region115  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements125  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position162  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income167    Other disclosures175  Subsequent events 
144

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

16   Income tax provisions and other 

provisions

Development in 2017 

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

At January 1, 
2017

Acquisitions

Utilized

Released

Added

Other changes

464

106

358

265

58

207

2,048

289

1,759

2,777

453

2,324

6

0

6

1

1

0

45

5

40

52

6

46

– 181

0

– 181

– 130

– 12

– 118

– 1,457

– 47

– 1,410

– 1,768

– 59

– 1,709

– 11

0

– 11

– 26

– 3

– 23

– 167

– 7

– 160

– 204

– 10

– 194

189

– 76

265

128

20

108

1,457

70

1,387

1,774

14

1,760

– 3

– 3

0

– 14

 1

– 15

– 56

– 37

– 19

– 73

– 39

– 34

125

At December 
31, 2017

464

27

437

224

65

159

1,870

273

1,597

2,558

365

2,193

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 performance 
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 2.2 percent 
(previous year: –0.1 and 2.3 percent). 

Provisions are recognized in respect of restructuring measures, 
provided that work has begun on the implementation of a 
detailed, formal plan or such a plan has already been commu-
nicated. Additions to the restructuring provisions are related 
to the optimization of our distribution structures and to the 
integration of our acquisitions.

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.

The income tax provisions comprise accrued tax liabilities and 
amounts set aside for the outcome of external tax audits.

Provisions for payroll obligations essentially cover expendi-
tures likely to be incurred by the Group for variable, perfor-
mance-related remuneration components.

Other provisions include identifiable obligations toward third 
parties. They are measured at total cost. 

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 for obligations in the production and engineering 
sphere relate primarily to provisions for warranties.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

145

Analysis of sundry provisions by function 

126

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, 2016

At December
31, 2017

977

10

967

691

199

492

45

20

25

335

60

275

2,048

289

1,759

944

8

936

583

158

425

44

20

24

299

87

212

1,870

273

1,597

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 associated 
procedural costs. A euro amount in the double-digit millions 
range has been accrued for claims arising from product liability 
actions in the USA. 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 proceedings. 
The course and outcomes of legal disputes are inherently 
uncertain and unpredictable. Based on the knowledge currently 
available, no negative future impact, material or otherwise, on 
the net assets, financial position and results of operations of the 
corporation is expected.

108  Consolidated statement of financial position110  Consolidated statement of income110  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income111   Consolidated statement of changes in equity112  Consolidated statement of  cash flows113  Group segment report114  Key financials by region115  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements125  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position162  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income167    Other disclosures175  Subsequent events146

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

17  Borrowings

Borrowings 

in million euros

Bonds

Commercial paper 1

Liabilities to banks 2

Other borrowings

Total

At December 31, 2016

At December 31, 2017

Non-current

Current

2,254

–

1,042

4

3,300

4

381

40

–

425

Total

2,258

381

1,082

4

3,725

Non-current

Current

2,157

–

916

3

3,076

509

729

30

–

1,268

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.

127

Total

2,666

729

946

3

4,344

128

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

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Bond

Bond

Bond

500 million euros

700 million euros

750 million US dollars

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Bond 300 million GB pounds 2

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Bond 600 million US dollars

499

698

709

348

–

500

698

624

336

499

501

699

707

344

–

501

700

619

335

498

501

699

710

345

–

2016

0 % p.a.

0 % p.a.

2017

0 % p.a. 9/13/2018 

0 % p.a. 9/13/2021

1.5 % p.a.

1.5 % p.a. 9/13/2019

501

700

622

336 0.875 % p.a. 0.875 % p.a. 9/13/2022

503

–

2.0 % p.a. 6/12/2020

Total bonds

2,254

2,657

2,251

2,653

2,255

2,662

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 a fixed-rate bond with a volume of 600 million 
US dollars in June 2017 to finance its acquisitions of 2017. 

Interest rate swaps were used in fiscal 2017 to convert into 
fixed-rate payments the floating-rate interest payments in US 
dollars that are due for the 1.1 billion US dollar syndicated 
bank loan recognized under liabilities to banks.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

147

18   Other financial liabilities

Analysis 

129

in million euros

Non-current

Current

Total

Non-current

Current

Total

At December 31, 2016

At December 31, 2017

Liabilities to non-consolidated affiliated  
companies and associated companies

Liabilities to customers

Derivative financial instruments

Sundry financial liabilities

Total 

–

–

13

133 1

146

7

58

64

35

164

7

58

77

136

310

–

–

28

57

85

7

45

72

90

214

7

45

100

147

299

1 Adjusted following final allocation of the purchase price for the acquisition of The Sun Products Corporation, which resulted in an increase of 32 million euros.

Of the liabilities to non-consolidated affiliated companies and 
associated companies, 7 million euros (previous year: 7 million 
euros) is attributable to non-consolidated affiliated companies. 
Included in the sundry financial liabilities are outstanding 
purchase price liabilities of 52 million euros relating to the 
acquisition of the Darex Packaging Technologies business, as 
well as the contingent purchase price liability of 27 million 
euros relating to our acquisition in Nigeria (previous year: 
75 million euros) and liabilities from finance leases of 13 million 
euros (previous year: 17 million euros).

108  Consolidated statement of financial position110  Consolidated statement of income110  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income111   Consolidated statement of changes in equity112  Consolidated statement of  cash flows113  Group segment report114  Key financials by region115  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements125  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position162  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income167    Other disclosures175  Subsequent events148

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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, 2016

At December 31, 2017

Non-current

–

6

–

–

19

25

Current

211

41

62

23

58

395

Total

211

47

62

23

77

420

Non-current

–

7

–

–

10

17

Current

178

37

44

24

57

340

130

Total

178

44

44

24

67

357

The sundry other liabilities primarily comprise various 
income deferrals for other accounting periods amounting 
to 22 million euros (previous year: 29 million euros) and 
 payments on account received in the amount of 5 million 
euros (previous year: 10 million euros).

20  Trade accounts payable

Trade accounts payable increased from 3,665 million euros to 
3,717 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 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

149

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

21  Financial instruments report 

131

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

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 
within the statement of financial position under trade accounts 
receivable, trade accounts payable, borrowings, other financial 
assets, other financial liabilities, and cash and cash equivalents.

Financial instruments are recognized once Henkel becomes a 
party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument. 
The recognition of financial assets takes place at the settlement 
date, with the exception of derivative financial instruments, 
which are recognized on the transaction date. All financial 
instruments are initially reported at their fair value. Trans­
action costs are only capitalized if the financial instruments 
are not subsequently remeasured to fair value through profit 
or loss. For subsequent remeasurement, financial instruments 
are divided into the following classes in accordance with IAS 39:
•   Financial instruments measured at amortized cost
•   Financial instruments measured at fair value

Different valuation categories are allocated to these two classes. 
Financial instruments assigned to the valuation categories 
“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 financial 
instruments including the financial assets categorized as 
“Loans and receivables” at amortized cost using the effective 
interest method. The measurement categories “Held to 
 maturity” and “Fair value option” are not currently used within 
the Henkel Group.

150

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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 accounting 
is applied in individual cases – where possible and economically 
sensible – in order to avoid profit and loss variations 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 153 to 156.

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 
 rec eivables” closely approximate their fair value due to their 
 predominantly short-term nature. If there are doubts as to the 
realizability of these financial instruments, they are recognized 
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 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

151

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

Carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments 

132

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 without a 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

1 Measured at amortized cost; see explanatory notes on page 119.

Valuation according to IAS 39

Amortized cost

Carrying 
amount
December 31

Fair value, 
through other 
comprehensive 
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 1

2

7

72

72

31

5,560

7,513

3,665

3,722

126

68

68

9

75

75

7,665

152

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments 

133

At December 31, 2017 
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 without a 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

1 Measured at amortized cost; see explanatory notes on page 119.

Valuation according to IAS 39

Amortized cost

Carrying 
amount 
December 31

Fair value, 
through other 
comprehensive 
income

Fair value, 
through profit 
or loss

Fair value 
December 31

5,255

3,544

795

1

26

605

163

916

262

262

22

203

37

54

54

10

5,255

3,544

795

1

26

605

163

916

22

22

22

–

–

–

–

–

5,581

5,277

8,233

3,717

4,344

172

61

61

39

27

27

8,233

3,717

4,344

172

–

–

–

–

–

8,360

8,233

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

240

240

–

203

37

–

–

10

250

–

–

–

–

–

–

39

27

27

66

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

54

54

–

54

–

–

–

–

61

61

–

–

–

61

5,255

3,544

795

1

26

605

163

916

262

262

22 1

203

37

54

54

10

5,581

8,229

3,717

4,340 

172

61

61

39

27

27

8,356

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. When using the 
discounted cash flow method to determine fair values, the 
contractually specified cash flows are discounted using currency- 
specific yield curves. When measuring derivative financial 
instruments, the credit risk is determined by netting all finan-
cial assets, liabilities, collateral received and collateral provided 
for each counterparty to determine the net credit exposure.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

153

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

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 as of January 1, 2017, 
was 75 million euros. As a result of remeasurement as of 
December 31, 2017, this figure was adjusted by 48 million euros 
to 27 million euros.

The net result of “Loans and receivables” is attributable in full 
to interest income. Net income arising from additions and 
releases of valuation allowances amounting to 1 million euros 
(previous year: –25 million euros) and income from payments 
on financial instruments already written off and derecognized 
amounting to 0 million euros (previous year: 1 million euros) 
were recognized in operating profit. 

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 free 
cash flow of the acquired company based on a detailed plan-
ning horizon up to 2025. A discount rate was applied as 
derived from the capital costs in euros. A further material 
 valuation parameter – in addition to the terminal growth rate 
reflected in the perpetual annuity of 1.5 percent and the 
weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of 11.5 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 valuation 
categories or transfers within the fair value hierarchy  either in 
fiscal 2017 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 

134

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 obligations less inter-
est income from plan assets and reimbursement 
rights 

Other financial result (not related to financial 
instruments)

Financial result

2016

2017

19

0

65

– 29

55

– 74

– 11

– 3

– 33

18

0

– 385

– 61

– 428

402

– 11

– 14

– 51

The net result from securities and time deposits classified as 
“Available for sale” amounts to 0 million euros (previous year: 
0 million euros) for interest income, 0 million euros (previous 
year: 0 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 2016, 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 –389 million euros (previous 
year: 66 million euros), income of 2 million euros arising from 
the reversal of the valuation allowance made for counterparty 
credit risk (previous year: –2 million euros). Moreover, 2 mil-
lion 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 head-
ing (previous year: 1 million euros).

The net result from “Financial liabilities measured at amor-
tized cost” is essentially derived from the interest expense for 
borrowings amounting to –57 million euros (previous year: 
–25 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 instruments) 
resulted in income of 402 million euros (previous year: 
–74 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 

154

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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”). 
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 1

Interest rate swaps 3

(of which: designated as cash flow hedge)

Cross-currency swaps 4

(of which: designated as cash flow hedge)

Equity forward contracts 

(of which: designated as cash flow hedge)

Total derivative financial instruments

Nominal value

Positive fair value 2

Negative fair value 2

135

2016

4,000

(2,433)

(657)

1

–

–

350

–

167

147

4,518

2017

4,899

(2,710)

(554)

8

917

(917)

338

(338)

128

128

6,290

2016

80

(53)

(11)

–

–

–

–

–

23

20

103

2017

61

(48)

(7)

–

3

(3)

–

–

–

–

64

2016

– 64

(– 44)

(–9)

–

–

–

– 13 

–

–

–

– 77

2017

– 68

(– 49)

(– 7)

–

–

–

–21 

(– 21)

– 11

(– 11)

– 100

136

1 Maturity less than 1 year.
2  Fair values including accrued interest and excluding valuation allowance for counterparty credit risk of 0 million euros (previous year: 2 million euros).
3 Nominal value: 1.1 billion US dollars.
4 Nominal value: 300 million British pounds.

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 remain-
ing term of the respective contract versus the contracted 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 forward contracts is mea-
sured on the basis of the closing price of Henkel preferred 
shares on the reporting date, taking into account forward pre-
miums / forward discounts for the remaining term of the 
respective contract versus the contracted forward 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 remaining 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. 

At December 31  
Term

1 month

3 months

6 months

1 year 

2 years 

5 years 

10 years

Euro

US dollar

2016

– 0.37 

– 0.32

– 0.22

– 0.08

– 0.16

0.08

0.66

2017

– 0.37 

– 0.33

– 0.27

– 0.19

– 0.15

0.31

0.89

2016

2017

0.77

1.00

1.32

1.69

1.46

1.96

2.32

1.56

1.69

1.84

2.11

2.08

2.25

2.40

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 2017 amounts to 
0 million euros (previous year: 2 million euros). The reversal 
was recognized in profit or loss under financial result.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

155

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

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 
recognized assets and liabilities. The change in the fair value 
of the derivatives and the change in the fair value of the 
underlying resulting from the hedged risk are simultaneously 
recognized in profit or loss.

The Henkel Group did not use any fair value hedges in fiscal 
2017 nor in fiscal 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 
through 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 underlying. 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 income taxes) 

137

End balance

Initial 
balance

Addition 
(recognized 
in equity)

Disposal 
(recognized 
through 
profit or 
loss)

– 215

– 215

– 10

31

– 8

– 31

– 233

– 215

in million euros

2017

2016

The initial value of the cash flow hedges recognized in equity 
relates substantially to currency hedges for past acquisitions 
and for planned materials purchases.

An addition of 1 million euros after income taxes relates to 
currency hedges of planned inventory purchases against fluc-
tuations in spot rates. Of the gains recognized in equity, 4 mil-
lion euros was reclassified to operating profit in the reporting 
period. The positive and negative fair values of the derivatives 
contracted as a currency hedge of planned inventory purchases 
amounted to 7 million and –7 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 after income taxes of 3 million euros resulted 
from the hedges to protect planned payments relating to our 
long-term incentive (LTI) scheme – some of which were made 
in the course of the fiscal year just ended – against fluctuations 
in Henkel share prices. Of the gains recognized in equity, 
4 million euros were reclassified to operating profit in the 
reporting period. The negative fair values of the equity forward 
contracts totaled 11 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. 

A cross-currency swap was used to convert into euro payments 
the future interest and principal payment obligations relating 
to the 300 million British pound bond that we issued in 2016. 
An addition of 1 million euros after income taxes relates to 
hedges of future interest payments. The negative fair value of the 
cross-currency swap amounted to 21 million euros. The cash 
flows from the cross-currency swap that are attributable to the 
interest payments were recognized proportionately through 
profit or loss as an interest expense in the reporting period.

Interest rate swaps were used in fiscal 2017 to convert into 
fixed-rate payments the floating-rate interest payments in 
US dollars that are due for the 1.1 billion US dollar syndicated 
bank loan recognized under liabilities to banks. An addition 
of 2 million euros after income taxes relates to these hedges. 
The positive fair values of the interest rate swaps amounted to 
3 million euros. The cash flows from the interest rate hedge 
and the hedged cash flows from the syndicated bank loan are 
expected to be realized in 2018 and 2019 and will be recognized 
proportionately for the relevant periods through profit or loss 
as an interest expense.

A further addition of –17 million euros relates to the hedging 
of US dollar payments for the acquisition of the Darex Packag-
ing Technologies business.

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 
portion is recognized directly through profit or loss. The gains 
or losses recognized directly in equity remain there until 
disposal or partial disposal of the net investment. 

The initial balance recognized in equity relates essentially to 
translation risks arising from net investments in Swiss francs 
and US dollars for which the associated hedges were entered 
into and settled in previous years. 

156

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

An addition of 4 million euros relates to the hedge of our net 
investments in Chinese yuans and Russian rubles.

Hedges of a net investment in a  
foreign entity (after income taxes) 

138

End balance

Initial 
balance

Addition 
(recognized 
in equity) 

Disposal 
(recognized 
through 
profit or 
loss)

31

31

4

–

–

–

35

31

in million euros

2017

2016

Risks arising from financial instruments; 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 
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 Corpo-
rate Treasury unit. These guidelines describe the fields of 
responsibility and establish the distribution of these responsi-
bilities between Corporate Treasury and Henkel’s subsidiaries. 
The Management Board is regularly and comprehensively 
informed of all major risks and of all relevant hedging trans-
actions and arrangements. A description of the objectives 
and fundamental principles adopted in capital management 
can be found in the combined management report on pages 
80 and 81. 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

139

2017

3,544

54

10

1,057

916

5,581

2016

3,349

72

31

719

1,389

5,560

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 
 constantly 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 limits, 
individual analyses of customers’ creditworthiness based  on 
both internal and external financial information, risk classifi-
cation, 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, safeguarding 
measures are implemented on a selective basis for particular 
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 on trade 
accounts receivable that have already occurred but have not yet 
been identified, we apply global valuation allowances on the 
basis of empirical evidence, taking into account the overdue 

 
Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

157

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

structure of the assets concerned. As a rule, the impairment 
test on loans and  receivables that are more than 180 days over-
due results in a valuation allowance of 100 percent.

In all, we reversed valuation allowances on loans and receiv-
ables in 2017 in the amount of 1 million euros (previous year: 
–25 million euros).

The decision as to whether a credit risk is managed 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 irrecoverable, 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.

Age analysis of non-impaired overdue loans and receivables 

The carrying amount of loans and receivables with terms 
 renegotiated because they would have otherwise fallen overdue 
or been impaired was 0 million euros (previous 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.

Analysis

in million euros

At December 31, 2017

At December 31, 2016

Less than 30 days

30 to 60 days

61 to 90 days More than 91 days

268

235

84

73

43

35

13

7

140

Total

408

350

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 ratings, 
and limitations on the amounts allocated to individual invest-
ments. 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 investment 
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 counterparties. 

We additionally enter into collateral agreements with  relevant 
banks, on the basis of which reciprocal sureties are estab-
lished twice a month to secure the fair values of contracted 
derivatives and other claims and obligations. The netting 
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 

141

At December 31  
in million euros

Financial assets

Financial liabilities

Gross amount recog-
niz ed in the statement 
of financial position 1

2016

103

77

2017

64

100

Amount eligible for 
offsetting

Financial collateral 
received / provided

Net amount

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

76

76

55

55

21

7

5

37

6

– 6

4

8

1 Fair values excluding valuation allowance of 0 million euros made for counterparty credit risk (previous year: 2 million euros).

158

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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 0 million 
euros exists to cover the remaining credit risk from the posi-
tive fair values of derivatives (previous year: 2 million euros).

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is defined as the risk of an entity failing to meet 
its financial obligations at any given time. 

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.

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 

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 
 following table.

Cash flows from financial liabilities 

142

Remaining term

Up to 1 year

Between  
1 and 5 years

More than  
5 years

Dec. 31, 2016  
Total cash flow

in million euros

Bonds 

Commercial paper 1

Liabilities to banks

Trade accounts payable

Sundry financial instruments 2

Original financial instruments

Derivative financial instruments

Total

Dec. 31, 2016 
Carrying 
amounts

2,258

381

1,082

3,665

205

7,591

77

7,668

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.

2,312

385

1,124

3,665

207

7,693

77

7,770

143

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

Dec. 31, 2017 
Carrying 
amounts

2,666

729

946

3,717

202

8,260

100

8,360

Remaining term

Up to 1 year

Between  
1 and 5 years

More than  
5 years

Dec. 31, 2017  
Total cash flow

522

742

55

3,717

143

5,179

69

5,248

2,205

–

933

–

52

3,190

16

3,206

–

–

–

–

9

9

–

9

2,727

742

988

3,717

204

8,378

85

8,463

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.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

159

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

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 fluctuations 
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 managed by Corporate 
 Treasury. This includes the ongoing assessment 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 measured 
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 through profit or loss.

The value-at-risk pertaining to the transaction risk of the 
Henkel Group as of December 31, 2017 amounted to 95 million 
euros after hedging (previous year: 99 million euros). The 
 value-at-risk shows the maximum expected risk of loss in a 
year as a result of currency fluctuations. Our value-at-risk 
analysis is based on one year in our internal risk reports as it 
provides a more comprehensive representation 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 
 commodity price risk, and the share price risk arising from 
our Long-Term Incentive [LTI]). Henkel uses equity forward 
contracts to hedge against the share price risk.

The Corporate Treasury department manages currency exposure 
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 
 contracts are German and international banks which Henkel 
monitors regularly, in accordance with Corporate Treasury 
guidelines, 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 transactions 
to their entry in the accounts is covered. Much of the currency 
trading takes place on internet-based, multibank dealing plat-
forms. These foreign currency transactions are automatically 
transferred into the treasury system. The currency exposure 
and interest rate risks reported by all subsidiaries under stan-
dardized reporting procedures are likewise integrated into the 
treasury system by data transfer. As a result, it is possible 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 analyses reveal the maximum potential future 
loss of a certain portfolio over a given period based on a 
 specified probability level.

160

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Henkel’s interest management strategy is essentially aligned 
to optimizing the net interest result for the Group. The decisions 
made in interest management relate to the bonds, liabilities to 
banks, and commercial paper issued to secure Group liquidity, 
the securities 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 transacting 
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 
denominated in British pounds into a fixed-rate euro obligation. 
Two fixed-rate bonds denominated in US dollars were also 
issued. To hedge against rising US dollar interest rates, the 
floating-rate interest payable in US dollars for the syndicated 
bank loan was converted into fixed-rate interest payments in 
fiscal 2017. All other financial instruments bear floating interest 
rates. 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

145

Carrying amounts

2016

2017

– 1,546

– 712

–

– 2,258

357

– 1,797

511

26

860

– 43

– 1,535

– 2,048

–

– 3,583

94

– 749

316

24

673

358

Currency exposure 1 

in million euros

Russian ruble

Chinese yuan

British pound

Canadian dollar

US dollar

Others

1 Transaction risk.

144

2017

19

9

9

6

– 3

55

95

2016

19

9

4

8

– 14

73

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, normally 
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 earnings 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 attributable 
fair values fluctuate depending on those capital market interest 
rates. In the case of floating-interest financial instruments, a 
cash flow risk exists because the interest payments may be 
subject to future fluctuations.

The funding and investment activities of the Henkel Group 
mainly take place on international money and capital markets. 
Our financial liabilities and cash deposits are exposed to the 
risk of changing interest rates. The aim of our centralized 
interest rate management is to reduce this risk by choosing 
fixed or floating interest rate contracts and by using interest 
rate derivatives. Only those derivative financial instruments 
that can be modeled, monitored and assessed in the risk man-
agement system may be used to hedge the interest rate risk.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

161

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

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 equivalents 
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 derivatives 
at the reporting date. 

The risk of interest rate fluctuations with respect to the earnings 
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

146

2016

2017

– 

– 

–

14 

4

10

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 operations 
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 risks and oppor-
tunities report on pages 98 and 99.

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 accounting 
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.

162 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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 20,029 million euros (previous 
year: 18,714 million euros). Revenues and their development 
by business unit and region are summarized in the Group seg-
ment report and in the key financials by region on pages 113 
and 114. A detailed explanation of the development of major 
income and expense items can be found in the combined 
management report on pages 67 to 71.

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 
interest rate in force. Dividend income from investments is 
recognized when the shareholders’ right to receive payment is 
legally established.

23   Cost of sales

Marketing, selling and distribution expenses amounted to 
4,876 million euros (previous year: 4,635 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 increased year on year 
to 476 million euros (previous year: 463 million euros). 
 Expenditures directly attributable to research and develop-
ment activities amounted to 469 million euros (previous 
year: 460 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 development 
expenditures are not all met with respect to product and tech-
nology developments, due to a high level of interdependence 
within these developments and the difficulty of assessing 
which products will eventually be marketable.

The cost of sales increased from 9,742 million euros to 
10,680 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.

26  Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses amounted to 980 million euros 
 (previous year: 1,062 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 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

163

27  Other operating income

29  Financial result

Other operating income 

147

Financial result 

in million euros

2016

2017

in million euros

Gains on disposal of non-current assets

Release of provisions 1

Insurance claim payouts

Write-ups on non-current assets

Payments on derecognized receivables

Impairment reversal on assets held for sale

Sundry operating income

Total

13

37

2

–

1

–

56

109

18

10

10

–

–

–

91

129

Interest result

Other financial result

Investment result

Total

Interest result 

in million euros

Interest and similar income from third parties 

Interest to third parties 

Total

Other financial result 

in million euros

Interest result from net obligation (pensions)

Interest income from reimbursement rights (IAS 19)

Other financial expenses

Other financial income

Total

1  Including income from the release of provisions for pension obligations 
 (curtailment gains) of 6 million euros in 2017 (2016: 13 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. The figure also includes income of 19 million euros 
(previous year: 0 million euros) from the sale of our profes-
sional Western European building material business.

28   Other operating expenses

Other operating expenses 

in million euros

Losses on disposal of non-current assets

Other taxes

Amortization, depreciation of other assets

Sundry operating expenses

Total

148

2017

– 5

– 

–

– 86

– 91

2016

– 7

– 1

– 1

– 137

– 146

149

2017

– 37

– 10

– 4

– 51

150

2017

18

– 55

– 37

151

2017

– 15

4

– 402

403

– 10

2016

– 5

– 26

– 2

– 33

2016

20

– 25

– 5

2016

– 15

5

– 118

102

– 26

Other financial expenses include –380 million euros (previous 
year: –106 million euros) from currency losses. Other financial 
income includes 395 million euros (previous year: 98 million 
euros) from currency gains. Please see page 153 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.

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. 

Investment result
The investment result includes 4 million euros for expenses 
from the valuation of companies that are recognized by the 
equity method (2016: 2 million euros).

108  Consolidated statement of financial position110  Consolidated statement of income110  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income111   Consolidated statement of changes in equity112  Consolidated statement of  cash flows113  Group segment report114  Key financials by region115  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements125  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position162  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income167    Other disclosures175  Subsequent events164 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

30   Taxes on income

Income tax expense / income breaks down as follows:

Income before tax and analysis of taxes 

in million euros

Income before tax

Current taxes

Deferred taxes

Taxes on income

Tax rate in percent

152

2017

3,004

654

– 191

463

2016

2,742

830

– 181

649

23.7 %

15.4 %

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

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 expense / income from unused tax 
losses

Deferred tax expense from tax credits

Deferred tax income from changes in tax rates

Increase / decrease in valuation allowances on 
deferred tax assets

2016

816

14

– 164

– 8

– 4

– 8

3

153

2017

664

–10

50

46

1

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

– 289

Tax increases due to withholding taxes

Tax increases due to non-deductible expenses

1

Tax charge disclosed

155

2016

2017

2,742

3,004

31 %

31 %

850

– 122

6

– 8

3

931

– 100

7

– 289

1

– 208

– 192

– 1

43

86

649

– 6

53

58

463

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

Financial statement figures

Tax rate

23.7 %

15.4 %

154

2017

– 281

– 16

– 56

9

1

– 3

52

55

 1

47

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.

Tax expenses and income for the reporting year reflect the 
impacts of the tax reform in the USA that came into effect on 
December 22, 2017. The reduced rate of corporate tax was 
applied to deferred tax items, resulting in deferred tax income 
of 294 million euros.

2016

16

– 38

– 1

8

14

– 2

– 66

– 104

– 4

– 4

– 181

– 191

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are netted where they 
involve the same tax authority and the same tax creditor.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

165

The deferred tax assets and liabilities stated on the reporting 
date relate to the following items of the consolidated statement 
of financial position, unused tax losses and tax credits:

remeasurement of the deferred tax liabilities on intangible 
and financial assets at reporting year-end, resulting in a lower 
figure.

Allocation of deferred taxes 

156

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

Financial statement 
figures

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

December 
31, 2016

December 
31, 2017

December 
31, 2016

December 
31, 2017

360

381

1,037

724

76

101

2

42

30

8

39

– 

–

18

1

50

38

–

822

182

7

102

– 550

29

–

37

26

–

677

147

6

51

73

168

3

48

33

9

12

– 

–

– 405

– 550

– 405

1,030

949

833

617

The deferred tax assets of 677 million euros (previous year: 
822 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 724 million euros (previous year: 1,037 million 
euros) relating to intangible assets are mainly attributable to 
business combinations. The tax reform in the USA necessitated 

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 carry-
forwards can be used. Deferred taxes have not been recognized 
with respect to unused tax losses of 249 million euros (previous 
year: 269 million euros), as it is not probable that sufficient 
taxable profit will be available against which they may be 
 utilized. Of these tax losses carried forward, 171 million euros 
(previous year: 190 million euros) expire after more than three 
years. Thereof 48 million euros (previous year: 58 million 
euros) are attributable to state taxes of our US subsidiaries 
(tax rate around 2.5 percent). Of the tax losses carried forward, 
52 million euros are non-expiring (previous year: 73 million 
euros). Deferred tax liabilities of 52 million euros (previous 
year: 62 million euros) relating to the retained earnings of 
 foreign subsidiaries have been recognized due to the fact that 
these earnings will be distributed in 2018. 

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 9 million 
euros (previous year: 10 million euros) which may be carried 
forward without restriction. In addition to the unused tax 
losses listed in the table, an interest expense of 12 million 
euros (previous year: 5 million euros) is available which may 
be carried forward in full with no expiration.

Expiry dates of unused tax losses and tax credits 

157

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, 2016

December  
31, 2017

December  
31, 2016

December  
31, 2017

12

2

7

674

107

802

24

1

128

403

95

651

1

–

–

6

–

7

1

–

–

5

–

6

108  Consolidated statement of financial position110  Consolidated statement of income110  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income111   Consolidated statement of changes in equity112  Consolidated statement of  cash flows113  Group segment report114  Key financials by region115  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements125  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position162  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income167    Other disclosures175  Subsequent events166 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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 22 million euros (previous year: 
41 million euros) and that of losses was 0 million euros (previ-
ous year: 1 million euros).

The non-controlling interests included in the Henkel Group 
at the end of fiscal 2017 had no material impact on our net 
assets, financial position and results of operations. The Group 
has no joint operations or unconsolidated structured entities.

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 257 million euros are 
attributable to our US subsidiaries. Of this amount, 2 million 
euros relate to federal and state tax loss carryforwards, and 
251 million euros (previous year: 231 million euros) relate 
exclusively to state taxes.

Equity-decreasing deferred taxes of 71 million euros were 
 recognized (previous year: equity-increasing deferred taxes 
of 55 million euros). Within this figure, an expense of 66 mil-
lion euros (previous year: income of 55 million euros) results 
from actuarial gains and losses on pension obligations. The 
change in tax rate following the tax reform in the USA reduced 
equity by 56 million euros. In addition, an expense of 2 mil-
lion euros (previous year: income of 0 million euros) is attrib-
utable to hedges of net investments in foreign entities, while 
currency effects resulted in an expense of 3 million euros  
(previous year: 1 million euros).

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

167

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

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 

Of the one-time gains recognized in 2017, 19 million euros is 
attributable to the sale of Henkel’s professional Western Euro-
pean building material business (2016: 0 million euros), 1 mil-
lion euros to performance-related purchase price components 
(2016: 1 million euros) and 1 million euros to a release of pro-
visions for legal disputes (2016: 0 million euros). 

The adjusted charges for fiscal 2017 include expenses of  
131 million euros relating to the integration of The Sun Products 
Corporation (2016: 42 million euros), 23 million euros to the 
optimization of our IT system architecture for managing 
 business processes (2016: 26 million euros), 11 million euros 
to acquisition-related costs (2016: 20 million euros), and 
17 million euros relating to the discontinuation of product 
lines in our General Industry business (2016: 0 million euros).

Of the restructuring expenses in fiscal 2017, 77 million euros 
fall under cost of sales (2016: 47 million euros) and 122 million 
euros fall under marketing, selling and distribution expenses 
(2016: 77 million euros). A further 7 million euros is assigned 
to research and development expenses (2016: 3 million euros), 
and 39 million euros to administrative expenses (2016: 150 mil-
lion euros).

Taxes on income amounting to 853 million euros reflect the 
tax effects of the adjustments to EBIT. Moreover, the figure for 
fiscal 2017 has been adjusted for the one-time impacts of the 
tax reform in the USA. This adjustment resulted in an earnings 
effect totaling 270 million euros. 

2016

2017

2,775

– 1 

121 

277

3,172

16.9

– 33

– 775

24.7

2,364

41

2,323

3,055

– 21 

182 

245

3,461

17.3

– 51

– 853

25.0

2,557

23

2,534

in %

in %

in euros

in euros

5.34

5.36

5.83

5.85

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

2016

2,427

410

164

3,001

158

+ / –

10.1 %

–

–

–

9.1 %

0.4 pp

54.5 %

10.1 %

0.3 pp

8.2 %

– 43.9 %

9.1 %

9.2 %

9.1 %

159

2017

2,552

447

168

3,167

1  Excluding personnel-related restructuring expenses of 87 million euros (previ-
ous year: 137 million euros).

Number of employees per function 1 

Production and engineering

Marketing, selling and distribution

Research and development

Administration

Total

160

2017

28,150

13,650

2,700

7,450

51,950

2016

26,550

13,600

2,700

7,100

49,950

1  Basis: annual average headcount of full-time employees, excluding appren-
tices and trainees, work experience students and interns; figures rounded.

 
168 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

34   Share-based payment plans

Global Long Term Incentive Plan (LTI Plan) 2020+
The Global Long Term Incentive (LTI) Plan 2020+ was intro-
duced effective January 1, 2017 to replace the previous Global LTI 
Plan 2013. Both programs will exist alongside each other until 
the final tranche of the Global LTI Plan 2013 is paid out in 2020. 
However, as from January 1, 2017, first-time-eligible employees 
are only being admitted to the Global LTI Plan 2020+.

Unlike the Global LTI Plan 2013, which is designed as a share-
based remuneration scheme with cash settlement, the Global 
LTI Plan 2020+ provides for share-based remuneration settled 
with preferred shares of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA. These treasury 
shares are granted on condition that members of the Plan are 
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 they are not under notice during that period. This 
 minimum period of employment pertains to the calendar year in 
which the treasury shares are granted and the three subsequent 
calendar years. A performance-related investment amount is 
pledged to eligible employees at the start of each four-year 
cycle. Target achievement is determined, and the investment 
amount specified, at the end of the first calendar year. At the 
start of the second calendar year, this investment amount – 
after deduction of taxes and social security contributions, where 
appropriate – is used to purchase treasury shares on the stock 
exchange, which are then transferred to the employees. The 
number of shares transferred to each employee on the basis of 
the investment amount is determined by the actual price (stock 
exchange price) of the shares at the time of purchase. The shares 
are subject to a lock-up period that ends upon completion of the 
relevant four-year cycle. During this time, the employees partic-
ipate in all share price developments. Once the lock-up period 
has expired, the employees may dispose of the shares as they wish.

In addition, an Outperformance Reward, which grants treasury 
shares based on the achievement of target figures established in 
advance, was set at the beginning of the four-year medium-term 
plan. In this case, the employees are not granted the treasury 
shares until the four-year performance measurement period has 
ended, but may then dispose of them immediately at will.

The investment amount specified in the first year of the cycle is 
recognized as a proportionate payroll cost spread over the four-
year performance period. As the Global LTI Plan 2020+ provides 
for settlement using treasury shares, the allocations are recog-
nized in equity. If treasury shares are granted at the end of the 
performance measurement period, equity is reduced accordingly 
with no effect on profit or loss.  

In fiscal 2017, an equity-increasing payroll cost of 21 million euros 
was recognized in connection with the Global LTI Plan 2020+. 

Global Long Term Incentive (LTI) Plan 2013
In fiscal 2013, the general terms and conditions of the previously 
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. Effective January 1, 2017, this 
scheme was replaced by the Global LTI Plan 2020+. Since 2013, 
Cash Performance Units (CPUs) have been granted on condition 
that members of the Plan are 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 they are not under 
notice during that period. This minimum period of employment 
pertains to the calendar year in which the CPUs are granted and 
the three subsequent calendar years. In addition, an Outperfor-
mance Reward, which awarded CPUs based on the achievement 
of target figures established in advance, was set at the beginning 
of the four-year medium-term plan.

Until payment of the final tranche in 2020, 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 target 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 performance period. As of the reporting date, 
the calculation of the provision was based on a fair value of 
110.35 euros (closing price of Henkel preferred shares on Decem-
ber 29, 2017; on December 30, 2016: 113.25 euros) per CPU. The 
overall payout of the long-term incentive is subject to a cap.

The eleventh four-year cycle, which was issued in 2013, became 
due for payment in 2017, together with the Outperformance 
Reward. At December 31, 2017, the CPU Plan worldwide comprised 
471,923 CPUs (December 31, 2016: 516,200 CPUs) from the four-
year tranche issued in 2014, 520,448 CPUs (December 31, 2016: 
576,746 CPUs) from the tranche issued in 2015, and 502,700 CPUs 
(December 31, 2016: 560,687 CPUs) from the tranche issued in 
2016. This resulted in an additional expense in the reporting year 
of 43.0 million euros (December 31, 2016: 61.8 million euros). 
The corresponding provision amounted to 122.9 million euros 
(December 31, 2016: 189.5 million euros), of which 53.1 million 
euros (December 31, 2016: 97.6 million euros) is vested.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

169

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 
 corresponds to the way in which the Group manages its oper-
ating business, and the Group’s reporting structure. 

The assignment of operating segments to individual reportable 
segments is based on the economic characteristics of the busi-
ness, 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 
 segment, we market a comprehensive range of brand-name 
products for private users, craftsmen and the construction 
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 segment covers four business areas: 
Packaging and Consumer Goods Adhesives, Transport and 
Metal, General Industry, and Electronics. 

The Packaging and Consumer Goods Adhesives business 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 business serves major international 
customers in the automotive and metal-processing industries, 
offering tailor-made system solutions and specialized technical 
services that cover the entire value chain – from steel strip 
coating to final vehicle assembly. 

In the General Industry business, our customers comprise 
manufacturers from a multitude of industries, ranging 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 sealants 
and system solutions for surface treatment applications, and 
specialty adhesives. 

Our Electronics business offers customers from the worldwide 
electronics industry a broad spectrum of innovative, high-tech 
adhesives and soldering materials for the manufacture of 
microchips and electronic assemblies.

Beauty Care
The Beauty Care segment covers our globally active Branded 
Consumer Goods business with Hair Care, Hair Colorants, 
Hair Styling, Body Care, Skin Care and Oral Care, as well as 
the professional Hair Salon business.

Laundry & Home Care
The Laundry & Home Care segment covers the global activities 
of Henkel in laundry and home care branded consumer goods. 
The Laundry Care business includes not only heavy-duty and 
specialty detergents but also fabric softeners, laundry perfor-
mance enhancers, and other fabric care products. Our Home 
Care business area encompasses hand and automatic dish-
washing products, cleaners for bathroom and WC applications, 
and household, glass and specialty cleaners. We also offer air 
fresheners and insect control products for household applica-
tions 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 internally and 
in our reporting procedures as “adjusted EBIT,” which is calcu-
lated by adjusting operating profit (EBIT) for one-time charges 
and gains and also restructuring expenses. 

Of the restructuring expenses, 69 million euros (previous year: 
61 million euros) is attributable to Adhesive Technologies, 
76 million euros (previous year: 94 million euros) to Beauty 
Care and 90 million euros (previous year: 119 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.

Net 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. 

108  Consolidated statement of financial position110  Consolidated statement of income110  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income111   Consolidated statement of changes in equity112  Consolidated statement of  cash flows113  Group segment report114  Key financials by region115  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements125  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position162  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income167    Other disclosures175  Subsequent events170 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

For regional and geographic analysis purposes, we allocate 
sales to countries on the basis of the country-of-origin princi-
ple. Non-current assets are allocated in accordance with the 
domicile of the international company to which they pertain.

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  
average 1  
2016

December  
31, 2016

Financial 
 statement 
figures

December  
31, 2016

9,742

11,647 4

11,647 4

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

630 4

25,774

7,815

3,665

1,311

2,839

17,925

–

–

–

6,899

1,017

1,938

3,349

–

1,712 4

1,389

27,951

–

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).
4 Adjusted following final allocation of the purchase price for the acquisition of The Sun Products Corporation.

Annual  
average 1  
2017

11,601

6,759

–

2,066

3,560

1,520

636

26,142

7,796

3,735

1,520

2,540

18,347

11,601

12,124

18,870

Net operating assets

December  
31, 2017

161

Financial  
statement 
figures

December  
31, 2017

11,911

11,911

6,828

–

2,080

3,544

1,874

599

26,836

8,063

3,717

1,874

2,472

18,773

–

–

–

6,828

949

2,080

3,544

–

2,079

916

28,307

–

3,717

–

2,750

–

–

–

–

 
 
 
Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

171

36  Earnings per share

Earnings per share 

2016

2017

162

in million euros (rounded)

Reported

Adjusted

Reported

Adjusted

Net income attributable to shareholders of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

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

Earnings 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

Earnings 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 earnings per ordinary share in euros

416

283

699

810

544

416

283

699

972

652

1,354

1,624

2,519

460

312

772

1,045

702

1,747

2,534

460

312

772

1,054

708

1,762

259,795,875

259,795,875

259,795,875

259,795,875

1.60

0.02

3.12

4.72

1.60

0.02

3.74

5.34

1.77 3

0.02

4.02

5.79

1.77 3

0.02

4.06

5.83

174,482,323

174,482,323

174,482,323

174,482,323

1.62

0.04

3.12

4.74

1.62

0.04

3.74

5.36

1.79 3

0.04

4.02

5.81

1.79 3

0.04

4.06

5.85

259,795,875

259,795,875

259,795,875

259,795,875

1.60

0.02

3.12

4.72

1.60

0.02

3.74

5.34

1.77 3

0.02

4.02

5.79

1.77 3

0.02

4.06

5.83

Number of potentially outstanding preferred shares 2

174,482,323

174,482,323

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 earnings per preferred share in euros

1.62

0.04

3.12

4.74

1.62

0.04

3.74

5.36

1.79 3

0.04

4.02

5.81

1.79 3

0.04

4.06

5.85

1  See combined management report, Corporate governance, Composition of issued capital / Shareholders’ rights on pages 36 and 37. 
2 Weighted annual average of preferred shares. 
3 Proposal to shareholders for the Annual General Meeting on April 9, 2018.

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 intan-
gible 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 
 payments made for income taxes under operating cash flow. 

108  Consolidated statement of financial position110  Consolidated statement of income110  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income111   Consolidated statement of changes in equity112  Consolidated statement of  cash flows113  Group segment report114  Key financials by region115  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements125  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position162  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income167    Other disclosures175  Subsequent events172 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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 by the 
equity method, and joint ventures. Here, we also recognize 
inflows of funds from the sale of intangible assets and property, 
plant and equipment, subsidiaries and other business units. 
In the reporting period, cash flows from investing activities 
mainly involved outflows for the acquisition of subsidiaries 
and other business units in the amount of –1,830 million euros 
(previous year: – 3,727 million euros), as well as outflows for 
investments in intangible assets and property, plant and 
equipment, including payments on account, in the amount 
of –700 million euros (previous year: – 557 million euros). 

 Outflows for the acquisition of subsidiaries and other busi-
ness units relate to the acquisitions as described in the section 
“Acquisitions and divestments” on pages 116 and 117. 

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. 

Free cash flow indicates how much cash is actually available 
for acquisitions and dividends, reducing debt and / or alloca-
tions to pension funds.

Reconciliation of assets and liabilities reflected in cash flow from financing activities 

Derivative  
assets and 
liabilities

Securities, time 
deposits and 
financial colla-
teral provided

Receivable from 
 Henkel Trust 
e.V. and reim-
bursement 
rights

Provisions for 
pensions and 
similar 
obligations

Borrowings

Finance lease 
commitments

163

Total  

in million euros 

At January 1, 2017

Change in cash flow from 
financing activities 3

of which:

Interest paid

Issuance of bonds

Other changes in 
borrowings

Allocations to pension 
funds

Other changes in pension 
obligations

Other financing 
transactions

Interest expense / income 

Purchase or sale of subsidiaries

Foreign exchange

Changes in fair value

Sundry

At December 31, 2017

1

354

– 2

– 

360

–

–

– 4

2

–

–

– 382

–

– 25

9

231

–

–

–

–

–

231

0

–

–

–

–

240

616

104

–

–

–

–

104

–

4

– 

– 11 

4

–

717

– 1,007

– 3,725

– 17

– 4,123

72

–

–

–

112

– 40

–

– 15

– 44

52

190

– 8

– 886

51

– 535

– 402

–

–

–

– 57

– 4

69

259

–

2

0

–

2

–

–

–

0

–

2

–

–

– 123

49 1

– 535

– 40 2

112

64

227 2

– 66

– 48

112

71

– 8

– 760

– 4,344

– 13

– 4,185

1  Does not include cash outflow of 7 million euros for fees and other financial charges relating to the procurement of money and loans. 
2  Differs from the cash flow statement due to currency differences and currency results of intra-group financing and capital transactions. 
3  The received interest disclosed in the cash flow from financing activities is mainly attributable to cash and cash equivalents; their reconciliation is derived from the 

cash flow statement. 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

173

38  Contingent liabilities

Finance lease commitments 2017 

167

Analysis 

in million euros

Liabilities under guarantee and warranty 
agreements

164

December 
31, 2016

December 
31, 2017

5

10

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, 2017, they were 
due for payment as follows:

Operating lease commitments 

165

in million euros

Due in the following year

Due within 1 to 5 years

Due after 5 years

Total

December 
31, 2016

December 
31, 2017

98

162

144

404

79

168

147

394

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 2017, 80 million euros became due for pay-
ment under operating leases (previous year: 75 million euros).

Finance lease commitments 2016 

166

in million euros  
At Dec. 31, 2016

Due in the following 
year 

Due within 1 to 5 
years 

Due after 5 years 

Total

Future pay-
ments relating 
to finance lease 
commitments

Interest portion Present value of 
future lease 
installments

2

10

7

19

0

2

1

3

2

9

6

17

in million euros  
At Dec. 31, 2017

Due in the following 
year 

Due within 1 to 5 
years 

Due after 5 years 

Total

Future pay-
ments relating 
to finance lease 
commitments

Interest portion Present value of 
future lease 
installments

2

7

6

15

0

1

0

1

2

6

5

13

As of the end of 2017, commitments arising from orders for 
property, plant and equipment amounted to 68 million euros 
(previous year: 68 million euros). 

As of the reporting date, payment commitments under the 
terms of agreements for capital increases and share purchases 
contracted prior to December 31, 2017 amounted to 4 million 
euros (previous year: 4 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 on pages 46 to 57. Related parties 
as defined in IAS 24 also include Henkel Trust e.V. and Metzler 
Trust e.V.

Information required by Section 160 (1) number 8 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 
 Securities Identification Number [ISIN]: DE0006048408), held by

108  Consolidated statement of financial position110  Consolidated statement of income110  Consolidated statement of  comprehensive income111   Consolidated statement of changes in equity112  Consolidated statement of  cash flows113  Group segment report114  Key financials by region115  Accounting principles and methods applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements125  Notes to the consolidated  statement of financial position162  Notes to the consolidated  statement of income167    Other disclosures175  Subsequent events174 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

•   131 members of the families of the descendants 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 limited 
company as general partner (GmbH & Co. KG), and one lim-
ited partnership (KG),

under the terms of a share-pooling agreement per Section 
22 (2) 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 also attributed (per Section 22 (1) (1) WpHG) to the 
family members who control those companies.

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 
131). The receivable does not bear interest.

41   Exercise of exemption options

Adopting the same approuch as in 2016, the following 
 German companies included in the consolidated financial 
statements of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA exercised exemption 
options in fiscal 2017:
•   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)

•  Sonderhoff Services GmbH, Cologne (Section 264 (3) HGB)

•  Sonderhoff Chemicals GmbH, Cologne (Section 264 (3) HGB)
•  Sonderhoff Holding GmbH, Cologne (Section 264 (3) HGB) 

The Dutch company Henkel Nederland B.V., Nieuwegein, exer-
cised the exemption option afforded in Article 2:403 of the 
Civil Code of the Netherlands.

42   Remuneration of the corporate 

bodies

The total remuneration of the members of the Supervisory 
Board and of the Shareholders’ Committee of Henkel AG & Co. 
KGaA amounted to 1,565,000 euros plus value-added tax 
 (previous year: 1,572,896 euros) and 2,215,754 euros (previous 
year: 2,350,000 euros), respectively. The total remuneration 
(Section 285 (9a) and Section 314 (1) (6a) HGB) of the Manage-
ment Board and members of the Management Board of Henkel 
Management AG amounted to 25,326,382 euros (previous year: 
26,503,197 euros). 

For pension obligations to former members of the Management 
Board and the management of Henkel KGaA, as well as the 
 former management of its legal predecessor and surviving 
dependents, 102,214,945 euros (previous year: 100,771,135 euros) 
is deferred. The total remuneration for this group of persons 
(Section 285 (9b) and Section 314 (1) (6b) HGB) in the reporting 
year amounted to 7,265,411 euros (previous year: 7,127,205 euros). 
For further details regarding the compensation of the corporate 
bodies, please refer to the audited remuneration report on pages 
46 to 57.

43   Declaration of compliance with 
the Corporate Governance Code 
[DCGK]

In February 2017, 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 
 Corporate Governance Code [DCGK] in accordance with Sec-
tion 161 German Stock Corporation Act [AktG]. The declaration 
has been made permanently available to shareholders on the 
company website: 
  www.henkel.com/ir

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

175

108   Consolidated statement of 

111    Consolidated statement of 

financial position

changes in equity

110   Consolidated statement of 

112   Consolidated statement of  

income

110   Consolidated statement of 
 comprehensive income

cash flows

113   Group segment report

114   Key financials by region
115   Accounting principles and 

methods applied in preparation 
of the consolidated financial 
statements

125   Notes to the consolidated 

 statement of financial position

162   Notes to the consolidated 
 statement of income

167     Other disclosures
175   Subsequent events

Fees for tax advisory services mainly relate to those performed 
in connection with intra-group restructuring procedures 
under company law, the audit of the tax compliance manage-
ment system, and provision of support on ongoing tax issues.

Other services mainly comprised advisory services relating to 
cyber and IT security, an audit performed as part of a project to 
update the treasury system software, services focusing on the 
implementation of regulatory requirements, and other project- 
related advisory services.

Subsequent 
events

After December 31, 2017, there were no reportable events of 
particular significance for the net assets, financial position 
and results of operations of the Henkel Group.

168

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 sched-
ule is included in the accounting record submitted for publi-
cation in the electronic federal gazette and can be viewed there 
and at the Annual General Meeting. The schedule is also pub-
lished on our website:   

  www.henkel.com/reports

45   Auditor’s fees and services

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 
2016 and 2017 were as follows:

Type of fee 

in million euros

Audits 

Other audit-related services

Tax advisory services

Other services

Total

2016

10.8

0.4

1.2

0.2

12.6

of which 
Germany

2017

of which 
Germany

2.6

0.3

0.2

0.1

3.2

10.3

0.5

1.0

0.8

12.6

2.5

0.3

0.3

0.8

3.9

The financial statement auditing services provided by KPMG 
AG relate primarily to their audits of the annual and consoli-
dated financial statements of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, together 
with various audits of annual financial statements of its sub-
sidiaries. Reviews of interim financial statements were also 
included in the audit mandate.

Other attestation services included the provision of a comfort 
letter in connection with the issuance of a bond, and the per-
formance of legally and contractually stipulated audits such as 
those specified in Section 20 Securities Trading Act [WpHG] in 
relation to the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR). 
These fees also covered audits of parts of the compliance 
 management system and the audit of the non-financial report.

Düsseldorf, January 30, 2018

Henkel Management AG, 
Personally Liable Partner  
of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Management Board
Hans Van Bylen, 
Jan-Dirk Auris, Carsten Knobel, Kathrin Menges,  
Bruno Piacenza, Jens-Martin Schwärzler

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
176

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Independent Auditor’s Report

To Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Düsseldorf

Report on the Audit of the Consolidated Financial 
Statements and of the Group Management Report

Opinions
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and its subsidiaries (the Group), which 
comprise the consolidated statement of financial position as 
at December 31, 2017, and the consolidated statement of 
income, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, 
consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated 
statement of cash flows for the financial year from January 1 to 
December 31, 2017, and notes to the consolidated financial 
statements, including a summary of significant accounting 
policies. In addition, we have audited the group management 
report of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA for the financial year from 
January 1 to December 31, 2017. In accordance with the German 
legal requirements we have not audited the content of the 
Group’s corporate governance statement which is included in 
section “Fundamental principles of the Group” of the group 
management report. 

In our opinion, on the basis of the knowledge obtained in the 
audit,
•  the accompanying consolidated financial statements comply, 
in all material respects, with the IFRSs as adopted by the EU, 
and the additional requirements of German commercial law 
pursuant to Section 315e (1) HGB [Handelsgesetzbuch: 
 German Commercial Code] and, in compliance with these 
requirements, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabili-
ties, and financial position of the Group as at December 31, 
2017, and of its financial performance for the financial year 
from January 1 to December 31, 2017, and

•  the accompanying group management report as a whole 

provides an appropriate view of the Group’s position. In all 
material respects, this group management report is consis-
tent with the consolidated financial statements, complies 
with German legal requirements and appropriately presents 
the opportunities and risks of future development. Our 
opinion on the group management report does not cover the 
content of the Group’s corporate governance statement 
mentioned above.  

Pursuant to Section 322 (3) sentence 1 HGB, we declare that our 
audit has not led to any reservations relating to the legal com-
pliance of the consolidated financial statements and of the 
group management report. 

Note: This is a translation of the German original. Solely the original text in  
German language is authoritative.

Basis for the Opinions
We conducted our audit of the consolidated financial state-
ments and of the group management report in accordance 
with Section 317 HGB and the EU Audit Regulation No. 
537/2014 (referred to subsequently as “EU Audit Regulation”) 
and in compliance with German Generally Accepted Standards 
for Financial Statement Audits promulgated by the Institut der 
Wirtschaftsprüfer [Institute of Public Auditors in Germany] 
(IDW). Our responsibilities under those requirements and 
principles are further described in the “Auditor’s Responsibilities 
for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements and of 
the Group Management Report” section of our auditor’s report. 
We are independent of the group entities in accordance with 
the requirements of European law and German commercial 
and professional law, and we have fulfilled our other  German 
professional responsibilities in accordance with these require-
ments. In addition, in accordance with Article 10 (2) point (f) 
of the EU Audit Regulation, we declare that we have not provided 
non-audit services prohibited under Article 5 (1) of the EU 
Audit Regulation. We believe that the evidence we have 
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our opinions on the consolidated financial statements and on 
the group management report. 

Key Audit Matters in the Audit of the Consolidated Finan-
cial Statements
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional 
judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the con-
solidated financial statements for the financial year from 
 January 1 to December 31, 2017. These matters were addressed 
in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial 
 statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon; 
we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 

Recoverability of the carrying amount of goodwill and 
intangible assets with indefinite useful lives

See Note 1 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for 
explanations on goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful 
lives

THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT RISK
In the consolidated financial statements of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 
as of December 31, 2017, goodwill of EUR 11,911 million and 
brands and other rights with indefinite useful lives of EUR 2,869 
million are reported. Goodwill and intangible assets with 

 
Henkel Annual Report 2017

177

As even small changes in the cost of capital materially affect the 
fair value, we involved our valuation specialists and focused 
on the assumptions and data used to determine the weighted 
average cost of capital and also verified the calculation procedure. 
This also involved comparisons with the peer group relevant 
to Henkel as regards the cost of equity utilized. In addition, we 
conducted our own sensitivity analyses for the cash-generating 
units to establish the effects of incremental changes to assump-
tions on the measurement of goodwill and intangible assets. 

Finally, for the purposes of an overall assessment, we compared 
the total calculated fair values less costs to sell for the individual 
cash-generating units with the current market capitalization of 
the Henkel Group.

We also assessed whether the disclosures required pursuant to 
IAS 36 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements are 
appropriate.

OUR CONCLUSIONS
The calculation model used by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA for 
impairment testing of goodwill and intangible assets with 
indefinite useful lives is appropriate and consistent with the 
applicable accounting policies. 

The assumptions used for the measurement of goodwill and 
intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are generally 
 reasonable as a whole. 

The related disclosures in the notes to the consolidated 
 financial statements are appropriate. 

Accounting of acquisitions made in the financial year

See pages 116 and 117 in the notes to the consolidated financial 
 statements for information on acquisitions made in the financial year

THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT RISK
In the 2017 financial year, Henkel made acquisitions totaling 
EUR 1,906 million.

The assets and liabilities acquired were recognized at fair 
value at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is recognized as the 
remaining portion of the purchase price that is not allocated 
to the acquired assets and liabilities as part of the purchase 
price allocation.

 indefinite useful lives are allocated to the cash-generating units 
that are expected to benefit from the business combination in 
which the goodwill arose or from the utilization of the intangible 
assets. Concerning goodwill, these cash-generating units are 
generally represented by the strategic business units, while the 
Beauty Care and Laundry & Home Care brands are allocated to 
regional business units.

In performing the impairment test for goodwill and intangible 
assets with indefinite useful lives, which is conducted annually, 
the carrying amounts of the respective cash-generating units are 
compared with their respective recoverable amounts. The recover-
able amount is determined at Henkel based on fair value less 
costs to sell. For this purpose, fair value is determined using a 
discounted cash flow model. Future cash flows are derived from 
the Henkel Group‘s financial plan, which is prepared by manage-
ment and approved by the Supervisory Board, and which is 
extrapolated for subsequent years using assumptions about 
 perpetuity growth rates. Future cash flows are discounted 
using the weighted average cost of capital of the respective 
cash-generating unit. This measurement is highly dependent 
on estimates of future cash flows as well as on the cost of capital 
used and therefore subject to considerable uncertainty. 

In this context and due to the underlying complexity of the valu-
ation models there is a risk that impairment of goodwill and of 
intangible assets with indefinite useful lives existing as of the 
reporting date is not recognized. There is also a risk that the 
 disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements 
of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA associated herewith are not appropriate. 

OUR AUDIT APPROACH
Our audit included an evaluation of the methodical approach 
to conducting the impairment tests and a verification of the 
computational accuracy of the model. 

Through a comparison with the assumptions from the financial 
plan and reconciliation with the expected developments in the 
relevant markets derived from market analysis, among others, 
we confirmed the appropriateness of the future cash flows that 
were used. We conducted interviews in the business units to 
obtain information on key drivers of future development, for 
example the launch of new products, and to estimate their 
effects on the forecasts for the cash flows. We assessed the 
appropriateness of the estimated perpetuity growth rates using 
relevant market analysis. We also confirmed adherence to 
 budget by making a retrospective comparison. Furthermore, 
we evaluated Henkel’s planning process by surveying those 
responsible for the process and verifying the process steps.

Note: This is a translation of the German original. Solely the original text in  
German language is authoritative.

178

Henkel Annual Report 2017

For individual assets acquired, especially brands, technologies 
and customer relationships, no observable market values are 
available. To determine the corresponding fair values, complex 
valuation models based on assumptions are used. This 
 measurement is highly dependent on estimates of future cash 
flows as well as the cost of capital applied and, due to judgment, 
subject to considerable uncertainty. In this context and due to 
the underlying complexity of the valuation models, there is a 
risk for the financial statements that the fair values (particularly 
of intangible assets) have not been determined appropriately. 
There is also a risk that the disclosures in the notes to the 
 consolidated financial statements as required by IFRS 3 are 
not appropriate.

OUR AUDIT APPROACH
We confirmed the qualifications and objectivity of the experts 
engaged by Henkel to perform the purchase price allocation. 
With the support of our valuation specialists, we also assessed 
the appropriateness of the valuation models and of the business 
plans underlying the measurement. This involved assessing 
the mathematical accuracy of the valuation models and also 
evaluating the expectations of the future short-, medium- and 
long-term development of revenue and costs by comparing 
them with external market data and interviewing management. 

During our audit, we also focused on detecting the value 
drivers for the identified intangible assets to be measured. In 
this regard, we analyzed whether the assumptions for the 
value drivers for brands (useful life, license fees, risk premiums) 
and customer relationships (grouping of customers, duration, 
reduction rates, risk premiums) were appropriate and consis-
tent with observable market parameters. 

For the goodwill resulting from the purchase price allocation, 
we analyzed the key synergy drivers and assessed them based 
on the information and supporting documents provided to us. 

We also focused on the assumptions and parameters used to 
determine the weighted average cost of capital, particularly 
whether the determination of the peer group to derive the 
cost of equity was appropriate, and evaluated the calculation 
procedure. 

Furthermore, we assessed whether the disclosures required 
pursuant to IFRS 3 in the notes to the consolidated financial 
statements were complete and appropriate.

OUR CONCLUSIONS
The purchase price allocations included in the consolidated 
financial statements were performed appropriately as a whole, 
on the basis of suitable valuation models, assumptions and data. 

The disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial 
statements are complete and appropriate.

Explanation to the reconciliation of performance measures 
in segment reporting

See segment reporting, Note 32 in the notes to the consolidated 
 financial statements for an explanation to the reconciliation of 
 performance measures 

THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT RISK
Revenue growth and return on sales, as well as earnings per 
share, are adjusted for the purposes of management and analysis. 

In the consolidated financial statements of Henkel AG & Co. 
KGaA, nominal revenue growth of 7.0 percent is adjusted for 
exchange rate effects (2.0 percentage points) and for effects 
from acquisitions and divestments (– 5.9 percentage points) to 
organic growth of 3.1 percent, and EBIT of EUR 3,055 million is 
adjusted by EUR 406 million to EUR 3,461 million. The adjusted 
return on sales is 17.3 percent. Organic revenue growth, 
adjusted EBIT and adjusted return on sales are presented in 
segment reporting and explained in the notes to the consoli-
dated financial statements. 

There is a risk that the adjustments made are not appropriately 
presented in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

OUR AUDIT APPROACH
We verified the derivation of the performance measures from 
the Group’s accounting and critically analyzed the adjustments 
accounted for. We assessed whether the adjustments made 
were consistent with the information and explanations provided 
to us, in line with the audit findings and appropriately presented 
in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

OUR CONCLUSIONS
The reconciling items of segment reporting on the performance 
measures of organic growth, adjusted EBIT and adjusted 
return on sales are appropriately presented in the notes to 
the consolidated financial statements.

Note: This is a translation of the German original. Solely the original text in  
German language is authoritative.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

179

Other Information 
Management is responsible for the other information. The other 
information comprises:
•  the Group’s corporate governance statement, and
•  the remaining parts of the annual report, with the exception 
of the audited consolidated financial statements and group 
management report and our auditor’s report. 

Our opinions on the consolidated financial statements and on 
the group management report do not cover the other informa-
tion, and consequently we do not express an opinion or any 
other form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit, our responsibility is to read the 
other information and, in so doing, to consider whether the 
other information 
•  is materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial 
statements, with the group management report or our 
knowledge obtained in the audit, or

•  otherwise appears to be materially misstated.  

Responsibilities of Management and the Supervisory 
Board for the Consolidated Financial Statements and the 
Group Management Report
Management is responsible for the preparation of the consolidated 
financial statements that comply, in all material respects, with 
IFRSs as adopted by the EU and the additional requirements of 
German commercial law pursuant to Section 315e (1) HGB and 
that the consolidated financial statements, in compliance with 
these requirements, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, 
financial position, and financial performance of the Group. In 
addition, management is responsible for such internal control 
as they have determined necessary to enable the preparation of 
consolidated financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management 
is responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a 
going concern. They also have the responsibility for disclosing, as 
applicable, matters related to going concern. In addition, they are 
responsible for financial reporting based on the going concern 
basis of accounting unless there is an intention to liquidate the 
Group or to cease operations, or there is no realistic alternative 
but to do so.

Furthermore, management is responsible for the preparation of 
the group management report that, as a whole, provides an 
appropriate view of the Group’s position and is, in all material 
respects, consistent with the consolidated financial statements, 
complies with German legal requirements, and appropriately 
presents the opportunities and risks of future development. In 
addition, management is responsible for such arrangements and 
measures (systems) as they have considered necessary to enable 
the preparation of a group management report that is in accor-
dance with the applicable German legal requirements, and to be 
able to provide sufficient appropriate evidence for the assertions 
in the group management report. 

The supervisory board is responsible for overseeing the Group’s 
financial reporting process for the preparation of the consoli-
dated financial statements and of the group management report. 

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements and of the Group Management Report 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are 
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or 
error, and whether the group management report as a whole 
provides an appropriate view of the Group’s position and, in 
all material respects, is consistent with the consolidated 
financial statements and the knowledge obtained in the audit, 
complies with the German legal requirements and appropriately 
presents the opportunities and risks of future development, as 
well as to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinions 
on the consolidated financial statements and on the group 
management report.

Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a 
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Section 
317 HGB and the EU Audit Regulation and in compliance with 
German Generally Accepted Standards for Financial Statement 
Audits promulgated by the Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer (IDW) 
will always detect a material misstatement. Misstatements 
can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, 
individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be 
expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken 
on the basis of these consolidated financial statements and 
this group management report.

Note: This is a translation of the German original. Solely the original text in  
German language is authoritative.

180

Henkel Annual Report 2017

We exercise professional judgment and maintain professional 
skepticism throughout the audit. We also: 
•  Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the 
consolidated financial statements and of the group manage-
ment report, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform 
audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit 
evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a 
basis for our opinions. The risk of not detecting a material 
misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one 
resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, 
intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override 
of internal control.

•  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the 

audit of the consolidated financial statements and of arrange-
ments and measures (systems) relevant to the audit of the 
group management report in order to design audit procedures 
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the 
 purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of 
these systems. 

•  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used by 
management and the reasonableness of estimates made by 
management and related disclosures.

•  Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the 
going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit 
evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists 
related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt 
on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we 
conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to 
draw attention in the auditor’s report to the related disclosures 
in the consolidated financial statements and in the group 
management report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to 
modify our respective opinions. Our conclusions are based 
on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s 
report. However, future events or conditions may cause the 
Group to cease to be able to continue as a going concern. 

•  Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the 
consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures, 
and whether the consolidated financial statements present 
the underlying transactions and events in a manner that the 
consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of 
the assets, liabilities, financial position and financial per-
formance of the Group in compliance with IFRSs as adopted 
by the EU and the additional requirements of German 
 commercial law pursuant to Section 315e (1) HGB. 

•  Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the 
financial information of the entities or business activities 
within the Group to express opinions on the consolidated 
financial statements and on the group management report. 
We are responsible for the direction, supervision and per-
formance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible 
for our opinions. 

•  Evaluate the consistency of the group management report 
with the consolidated financial statements, its conformity 
with German law, and the view of the Group’s position it 
 provides.

•  Perform audit procedures on the prospective information 

presented by management in the group management report. 
On the basis of sufficient appropriate audit evidence we 
 evaluate, in particular, the significant assumptions used by 
management as a basis for the prospective information, and 
evaluate the proper derivation of the prospective information 
from these assumptions. We do not express a separate opinion 
on the prospective information and on the assumptions used 
as a basis. There is a substantial unavoidable risk that future 
events will differ materially from the prospective information. 

We communicate with those charged with governance regard-
ing, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the 
audit and significant audit findings, including any significant 
deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our 
audit. 

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement 
that we have complied with the relevant independence 
requirements, and communicate with them all relationships 
and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on 
our independence, and where applicable, the related safeguards.

From the matters communicated with those charged with 
 governance, we determine those matters that were of most 
 significance in the audit of the consolidated financial state-
ments of the current period and are therefore the key audit 
matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report 
unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about 
the matter.

Note: This is a translation of the German original. Solely the original text in  
German language is authoritative.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

181

Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements 

Further Information pursuant to Article 10 of the EU 
Audit Regulation
We were elected as group auditor by the annual general meeting 
on April 6, 2017. We were engaged by the supervisory board, 
represented by the Audit Committee Chair, on July 5, 2017. We 
have been the group auditor of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA without 
interruption for more than 25 years.

We declare that the opinions expressed in this auditor’s report 
are consistent with the additional report to the audit committee 
pursuant to Article 11 of the EU Audit Regulation (long-form 
audit report).

German Public Auditor Responsible for the  
Engagement
The German Public Auditor responsible for the engagement is 
Marcus Rohrbach.

Düsseldorf, January 30, 2018

KPMG AG 
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft 

Klaus Becker  
Wirtschaftsprüfer 

Marcus Rohrbach
Wirtschaftsprüfer

Note: This is a translation of the German original. Solely the original text in  
German language is authoritative.

 
182

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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 1,435,475,690.42 euros for fiscal 2017 
be applied as follows:
a) 

Payment of a dividend of 1.77 euros per ordinary share  
(259,795,875 shares) 

b) 

Payment of a dividend of 1.79 euros per preferred share  
(178,162,875 shares) 

c) 

Carried forward as retained earnings 

= 459,838,698.75 euros

= 318,911,546.25 euros

= 656,725,445.42 euros

1,435,475,690.42 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 
1.77 euros per ordinary share qualifying for a dividend and 1.79 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, 2018

Henkel Management AG, 
Personally Liable Partner  
of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Management Board

 
 
 
 
Henkel Annual Report 2017

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 opportuni-
ties and risks associated with the expected development of the Group.

Düsseldorf, January 30, 2018

Henkel Management AG

Management Board 
Hans Van Bylen, 
Jan-Dirk Auris, Carsten Knobel, Kathrin Menges,  
Bruno Piacenza, Jens-Martin Schwärzler

184

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Corporate bodies of  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Boards / memberships as defined by Section 125 (1) sentence 5 German Stock Corporation Act [AktG] as at November 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

Johann-Christoph Frey 
Private Investor, Klosters

Born in 1955 
Member since: April 11, 2016

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 AG 1 
Vivawest GmbH (Vice Chair) 1  
50 Hertz Transmission AG (Vice Chair) 1

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 
Private Investor, Wain

Born in 1972 
Member since: April 11, 2016

Timotheus Höttges 
Chairman of the Executive Board,  
Deutsche Telekom AG, Bonn

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 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 India (Bangalore) Private Ltd., India 2 
Carl Zeiss Pte. Ltd. (Chair), Singapore 2 

*  Employee representatives.
1  Membership of statutory supervisory and administrative boards in Germany.
2  Membership of comparable oversight bodies.

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

185

Angelika Keller*
Member of the General Works Council of  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and  
Chairwoman of the Works Council of  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Munich site

Andrea Pichottka * 
Managing Director, IG BCE Bonusagentur GmbH, 
Hannover 
Managing Director, IG BCE Bonusassekuranz GmbH, 
Hannover

Born in 1965 
Member since: January 1, 2017

Born in 1959 
Member since: October 26, 2004

Barbara Kux 
Private Investor, Zurich

Born in 1954 
Member since: July 3, 2013

Memberships: 
Engie S.A., France 2 
Firmenich S.A. (Vice Chair), Switzerland 2 
Pargesa Holding S.A., Switzerland 2 

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 2017

Shareholders’ Committee of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Stefan Hamelmann 
Private Investor, Düsseldorf

Born in 1963 
Member since: May 3, 1999

Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Ulrich Lehner 
Former Chairman of the Management Board  
of Henkel KGaA, Düsseldorf

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

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

Dr. rer. pol. h.c. Christoph Henkel 
Vice Chair, 
Founding Partner, Canyon Equity LLC, London

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 
(until April 30, 2017)  
Private Investor, Düsseldorf

Born in 1963 
Member from: April 11, 2016

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 (until April 30, 2017) 
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 2017

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

187

Management Board of Henkel Management AG *

Hans Van Bylen 
Chairman of the Management Board

Carsten Knobel 
Finance / Purchasing / Integrated Business Solutions

Bruno Piacenza 
Laundry & Home Care

Born in 1961 
Member since: July 1, 2005 3

Jan-Dirk Auris 
Adhesive Technologies

Born in 1968 
Member since: January 1, 2011

Memberships: 
Henkel Corporation (Chair), USA 2 
Henkel Technology Corporation, USA 2

Pascal Houdayer 
(until October 31, 2017)  
Beauty Care

Born in 1969 
Member from: March 1, 2016

Membership: 
The Dial Corporation (Chair), USA 2

Born in 1969 
Member since: July 1, 2012

Born in 1965 
Member since: January 1, 2011

Memberships: 
Deutsche Lufthansa AG 1 
Henkel Central Eastern Europe GmbH (Chair),  
Austria 2 
Henkel (China) Investment Co. Ltd., China 2 
Henkel & Cie AG, Switzerland 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 Finland Oy, Finland 2 
Henkel Nederland BV, Netherlands 2 
Henkel Norden AB, Sweden 2

Membership: 
Henkel Consumer Goods Inc., USA 2

Jens-Martin Schwärzler 
(since November 1, 2017)  
Beauty Care

Born in 1963 
Member since: November 1, 2017

Memberships: 
Henkel Consumer Goods Inc., USA 2 
Henkel US Distribution Corporation, USA 2 
The Dial Corporation, USA 2 
The Sun Products Canada Corporation, Canada 2 
The Sun Products Corporation, USA 2

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.

in million euros

Sales

Adhesive Technologies

Beauty Care

Laundry & Home Care

Corporate

Henkel Group

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

188

Further information

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Quarterly breakdown of key financials

169

1st quarter

2nd quarter

3rd quarter

4th quarter

Full year

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2,144

950

1,333

30

4,456

2,295

1,011

1,726

32

2,290

988

1,345

31

2,370

997

1,703

29

5,064

4,654

5,098

2,272

968

1,479

29

4,748

2,373

941

1,636

31

4,981

2,255

932

1,638

31

4,856

2,348

920

1,586

32

4,886

8,961

3,838

5,795

121

18,714

– 9,742

8,972

9,387

3,868

6,651

123

20,029

– 10,680

9,349

Cost of sales

Gross profit

– 2,293

– 2,649

– 2,373

– 2,678

– 2,453

– 2,674

– 2,623

– 2,679

2,163

2,415

2,281

2,420

2,295

2,307

2,233

2,207

– 1,092

– 1,237

– 1,167

– 1,242

– 1,171

– 1,154

– 1,205

– 1,243

– 4,635

– 4,876

– 114

– 225

– 121

– 258

– 118

– 240

– 119

– 248

– 116

– 232

– 114

– 251

– 115

– 365

– 122

– 223

– 463

– 1,062

– 476

– 980

–15

24

1

28

–1

–38

–22

24

–37

38

364

143

236

– 25

717

2

– 9

–

– 7

710

– 172

538

431

149

274

– 30

823

– 4

– 9

–

– 13

810

– 203

607

403

162

218

– 26

757

2

– 2

– 1

– 1

756

– 184

572

11

561

446

155

265

– 27

839

– 7

1

–

– 6

833

– 202

631

423

155

228

– 31

775

– 4

– 11

–

– 15

760

427

121

227

– 26

750

– 13

– 6

– 1

– 20

730

– 176

584

– 166

564

371

67

121

– 33

526

– 5

– 4

– 1

– 10

516

– 117

399

353

110

223

– 42

643

– 13

4

– 3

– 12

631

108

739

1,561

1,657

526

803

– 115

2,775

– 5

– 26

– 2

– 33

2,742

– 649

2,093

535

989

– 126

3,055

– 37

– 10

– 4

– 51

3,004

– 463

2,541

7

8

–

8

5

40

22

624

576

564

391

734

2,053

2,519

 Attributable to non-controlling 
interests

 Attributable to shareholders 
of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

13

10

525

597

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

1.21

1.38

1.30

1.44

1.33

1.30

0.90

1.69

4.74

5.81

1st quarter

2nd quarter

3rd quarter

4th quarter

Full year

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

717

–

7

27

751

823

– 19

39

11

854

757

– 1 

22

41

819

839

– 2 

36

36

909

775

–

27

35

837

750

–

56

91

897

526

–

65

174

765

643

–

51

107

801

2,775

3,055

– 1

121

277

– 21

182

245

3,172

3,461

in euros

1.27

1.41

1.40

1.55

1.42

1.54

1.27

1.35

5.36

5.85

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 2017

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 4 

Operating debt coverage ratio 

Financial position

Cash flow from operating activities
Capital expenditures
Investment ratio 

Shares

2011  
restated 1

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

170

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

20,029
9,387
3,868
6,651
123

45.3

46.8

47.7

47.0

48.2

47.9

46.7

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

476
3,055
1,657
535
989
–126
3,004

in %

26.0

24.4

1,191

1,526

25.2

1,625

24.3

1,662

24.4

23.7

15.4

1,968

2,093

2,541

1,161

1,480

1,589

1,628

1,921

2,053

2,519

in %

7.6
14.0

9.2
14.3

9.9
23.9

10.1
48.4

10.9
75.7

11.2
107.9

12.7
79.3

18,487
11,848
6,639
8,670
9,817

19,525
11,927
7,598
9,511
10,014

19,344
11,360
7,984
10,158
9,186

20,961
14,150
6,811
11,644
9,317

22,323
15,406
6,917
13,811
8,512

27,951 3
19,738 3
8,213
15,185 3
12,766 3

28,307
19,834
8,473
15,650
12,657

in %
in %

in %

46.9
15.0

48.7
17.6

52.5
17.1

55.6
16.4

61.9
16.9

54.3 3
15.2

91.6

>500

not  
relevant 5

274.8

375.2

80.8

55.3
16.7

80.9

1,562
443

2,634
516

2,116
465

1,914
2,214

2,384
979

2,850
4,430 3

2,468
2,481

as % of sales

2.8

3.1

2.8

13.5

5.4

23.7 3

12.4

Dividend per ordinary share  
Dividend per preferred share  
Total dividends
Payout ratio 
Share price, ordinary shares, at year-end 
Share price, preferred shares, at year-end 
Market capitalization at year-end 

in euros
in euros

0.78 
0.80 

0.93 
0.95

1.20
1.22

1.29
1.31

345

411

529

 569 

in %
in euros
in euros
in bn euros

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
1.62

704

30.3
98.98
113.25
45.9

1.77 6
1.79 6

779 6

30.7 6
100.00
110.35
45.6

Employees

Total 7 

Germany
Abroad

(at December 31)

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

53,700
8,300
45,400

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 Adjusted following final allocation of the purchase price for the acquisition of The Sun Products Corporation.
4  Net income divided by equity at the start of the year.
5  Figure not relevant due to the positive balance of net financial position and pension obligations.
6  Proposal to shareholders for the Annual General Meeting on April 9, 2018.
7  Basis: permanent employees excluding apprentices.

188  Quarterly breakdown of key financials189 Multi-year summary190 Index of tables and graphs193 Glossary195 Credits195 Contacts 
190

Further information

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Index of tables and graphs

The Company

Combined management report 

Highlights 2017 (inside cover) 
1   Key financials  

2    Sales by business unit 2017 

3   Sales by region 2017 

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

Shares and bonds 

10    Key data on Henkel shares  

2013 to 2017 

11    Performance of Henkel shares  
versus market January through  
December 2017 

12    Performance of Henkel shares  

versus market 2008 through 2017 

13   Share data 

14   ADR data 

15    Shareholder structure: Institutional  
investors holding Henkel shares 

16    Bond data 

17   Analyst recommendations 

Corporate governance 

18   Remuneration structure 

19   Caps on remuneration 

30

31

31

32

32

32

33

34

48

49

20    Remuneration of Management  

Board members who served in 2017 

51

21    Structure of remuneration  

of Management Board members  
who served in 2017 

22    Service cost / Present value  

of pension benefits 

23    Pursuant to DCGK, payments / benefits 
granted for the reporting year to  
members of the Management Board  
serving in 2017 

52

52

53

24    Pursuant to DCGK, remuneration / benefits 

paid for the reporting year to  
members of the Management Board  
serving in 2017 

25   Supervisory Board remuneration 

26    Shareholders’ Committee  

remuneration 

54

56

57

Fundamental principles of the Group

Operational activities
27    Henkel around the world:  

Regional Centers 

Henkel 2020+: Our ambition  
and strategic priorities
28   Financial ambition 2020 

29    Acquisitions signed and  
closed in fiscal 2017 

Cost of capital
30    WACC before tax by business unit 

31    WACC after tax by business unit 

Economic report

Macroeconomic development
32    Average rates of exchange  

versus the euro 

Results of operations of the Group
33   Sales development 

34   Sales 

35   Price and volume effects 

36   Key financials by region 

37    Adjusted operating profit (EBIT)  

38    Reconciliation from sales  

to adjusted operating profit 

39   Net income 

61

62

64

64

66

67

67

67

68

68

69

70

40   Adjusted earnings per preferred share  70

41   Preferred share dividend 

42    Guidance versus performance 2017 

Adhesive Technologies
43   Key financials 

44   Sales development 

45   Sales Adhesive Technologies 

Beauty Care
46   Key financials 

47   Sales development 

48   Sales Beauty Care 

Laundry & Home Care
49   Key financials 

50   Sales development 

51   Sales Laundry & Home Care 

70

71

72

72

73

74

74

75

76

76

77

Net assets and financial position
52    Capital expenditures by business unit 

53   Capital expenditures 2017 

54   Financial structure 

55   Net financial position 2013–2017 

59

56   Net financial position 

57   Credit ratings 

58   Key financial ratios 

Employees 
59    Payroll cost and average headcount 

60    Employees by organizational unit 

61   Women in management 

62    Employees by activity 

63   Employees by age group 

64   Employees 

Procurement
65    Material expenditures  

by business unit 

66   Material expenditures by type 

Production 
67   Number of production sites 

Research and development
68   R&D expenditures 

69    R&D expenditures by business unit 

70   Key R&D figures 

71    Selected research and  
development sites 

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

Results of operations
72    Condensed income statement  

in accordance with the  
German Commercial Code [HGB] 

Financial result
73    Condensed balance sheet  
in accordance with the  
German Commercial Code [HGB] 

Risks and opportunities report

Risk management system
74    Overview of major risk categories 

75    Classification of risks  
in ascending order 

79

79

79

80

81

81

81

82

82

82

83

83

83

84

85

85

87

87

87

88

93

94

98

98

 
Henkel Annual Report 2017

Further information

191

Consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the consolidated statement  
of financial position

76    Consolidated statement of financial  

position – Assets 

77    Consolidated statement of financial  
position – Equity and liabilities 

78    Consolidated statement of income 

79    Consolidated statement  

of comprehensive income 

80     Consolidated statement  
of changes in equity 

108

109

110

110

111

81   Consolidated statement of cash flows  112

82    Additional voluntary information:  
Reconciliation to free cash flow 

83    Group segment report  

by business unit 

84   Key financials by region 

112

113

114

Accounting principles and methods  
applied in preparation of the consolidated 
financial statements

Scope of consolidation
85   Scope of consolidation 

Acquisitions and divestments
86   Acquisitions 

87    Reconciliation of the purchase  
price to provisional goodwill 

115

117

117

Non-current assets
93   Useful life 

Intangible assets
94   Cost 

95    Accumulated amortization /  

impairment 

96   Net book values 

97   Book values – Goodwill 

98    Book values – Trademarks  

and other rights 

Property, plant and equipment
99   Cost 
100    Accumulated depreciation /  

impairment 

101   Net book values 

102    Other financial assets 

103   Other assets 

Inventories
104   Analysis of inventories 

Trade accounts receivable
105    Trade accounts receivable 

106    Development of valuation allowances  

on trade accounts receivable 

107    Assets and liabilities held for sale 

Currency translation
88   Currencies 

119

108   Issued capital 

Recognition and measurement methods
89    Summary of selected  

measurement methods 

120

Provisions for pensions and  
similar obligations
109    Actuarial assumptions 

New international accounting regulations 
according to International  
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs)
90     Accounting regulations applied for the  
first time in the year under review 

122

91     Accounting regulations not applied  
in advance of their effective date 

92    Accounting regulations  

not yet adopted into EU law 

122

124

110    Development of defined benefit  
obligation at December 31, 2016 

111    Development of plan assets  
at December 31, 2016 

112    Development of asset ceiling  

at December 31, 2016 

113    Development of the net obligation  

at December 31, 2016 

114    Development of defined benefit  
obligation at December 31, 2017 

115    Development of plan assets  
at December 31, 2017 

116    Development of asset ceiling  

at December 31, 2017 

117    Development of the net obligation  

at December 31, 2017 

118    Analysis of reimbursement rights 

119    Analysis of plan assets 

120    Plan assets by country 2017 

138

139

139

139

140

140

141

121    Classification of bonds by rating 2017  141

Risks associated with pension obligations
122    Future payments for pension benefits  142

123    Sensitivities – Present value  
of pension obligations  
at December 31, 2016 

124    Sensitivities – Present value  
of pension obligations  
at December 31, 2017 

Income tax provisions  
and other provisions
125    Development in 2017 

126    Analysis of sundry provisions  

by function 

Borrowings
127   Borrowings 

128   Bonds 

129    Other financial liabilities 

130   Other liabilities 

Financial instruments report
131    Financial instruments report 

143

143

144

145

146

146

147

148

149

132    Carrying amounts and fair values  

of financial instruments (12/31/16) 

151

133    Carrying amounts and fair values  

of financial instruments (12/31/17) 

152

134    Net results of the measurement  
categories and reconciliation to  
financial result 

135    Derivative financial instruments 

136   Interest rates in percent p.a. 

153

154

154

125

125

126

126

127

128

129

129

130

131

131

132

132

132

133

133

136

137

137

137

138

188  Quarterly breakdown of key financials189 Multi-year summary190 Index of tables and graphs193 Glossary195 Credits196 Contacts192

Further information

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Further information

169   Quarterly breakdown of key financials  188

170   Multi-year summary 

189

Other disclosures
158    Reconciliation of adjusted  

net income 

Payroll cost and employee structure
159   Payroll cost 

160    Number of employees per function 

 Group segment report
161    Reconciliation between net  

operating assets / capital employed  
and financial statement figures 

162    Earnings per share 

Consolidated statement of cash flows
163    Reconciliation of assets and  

liabilities reflected in cash flow  
from financing activities 

164   Contingent liabilities 

Lease and other unrecognized  
financial commitments
165    Operating lease commitments 

166    Finance lease commitments 2016 

167    Finance lease commitments 2017 

Auditor’s fees and services
168    Type of fee 

167

167

167

170

171

172

173

173

173

173

175

137    Cash flow hedges (after income taxes)  155

138    Hedges of a net investment in a  

foreign entity (after income taxes) 

139    Maximum risk position 

140    Age analysis of non-impaired  
overdue loans and receivables 

156

156

157

141    Financial assets and financial liabilities  
from derivatives subject to netting,  
collateral, or similar arrangements 

157

142    Cash flows from financial liabilities  

at December 31, 2016 

143    Cash flows from financial liabilities 

at December 31, 2017 

144   Currency exposure 

145   Interest rate exposure 

146   Interest rate risk 

Notes to the consolidated 
statement of income 

147   Other operating income 

148   Other operating expenses 

Financial result
149   Financial result 

150   Interest result 

151   Other financial result 

Taxes on income
152    Income before tax and  

analysis of taxes 

153    Main components of tax expense  

and income 

154    Deferred tax expense by items on  
the statement of financial position 

155   Tax reconciliation statement 

156    Allocation of deferred taxes 

157    Expiry dates of unused tax losses  

and tax credits 

158

158

160

160

161

163

163

163

163

163

164

164

164

164

165

165

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Further information

193

188   Quarterly breakdown of key 

financials

189  Multi-year summary
190  Index of tables and graphs

193  Glossary
195  Credits
196  Contacts

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 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.

194

Further information

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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.

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. 

Henkel Annual Report 2017

Further information

195

188   Quarterly breakdown of key 

financials

189  Multi-year summary
190  Index of tables and graphs

193  Glossary
195  Credits
196  Contacts

Credits

Published by 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA   
40191 Düsseldorf, Germany 
Phone: +49 (0) 211-797-0 

© 2018 Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Edited by: Corporate Communications, Investor Relations,  
Corporate Accounting and Subsidiary Controlling

Coordination: Dr. Hannes Schollenberger, Dr. Eva Sewing, 
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: Maya Claussen, Anne Großmann, Nils Hendrik 
Müller, Fergus Padel; Henkel

Printed by: Druckpartner, Essen

Date of publication of this Report: 
February 22, 2018

PR No.: 02 18 3,500 
ISSN: 0724-4738 
ISBN: 978-3-941517-73-8

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 6091 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.

 
196

Further information

Henkel Annual Report 2017

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

Our financial publications on the internet:

  www.henkel.com/reports

Our sustainability publications on the internet:

  www.henkel.com/sustainability/reports

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/henkel
www.youtube.com/henkel

 
Financial calendar

Annual General Meeting  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 2018: 
Monday, April 9, 2018

Publication of Statement 
for the First Quarter 2018: 
Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Publication of Report 
for the Second Quarter 2018 / Half Year 2018: 
Thursday, August 16, 2018

Publication of Statement 
for the Third Quarter 2018 / Nine Months 2018: 
Thursday, November 15, 2018

Publication of Report 
for Fiscal 2018: 
Thursday, February 21, 2019

Annual General Meeting  
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 2019: 
Monday, April 8, 2019

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