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Kingspan

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FY2018 Annual Report · Kingspan
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Kingspan Group plc

—
Annual Report 
& Financial 
Statements
2018

Innovation
Kingscourt, Ireland
—
IKON™ will be Kingspan’s global 
innovation hub and is expected to 
open its doors mid-2019. The hub 
will be the centre of excellence 
for collaborative innovation in 
Kingspan, across divisions and 
across geographic regions.

Our research and development will 
concentrate on using advanced 
materials to create solutions 
across the themes of ThermalSafe, 
FireSafe, SmokeSafe, WeatherSafe 
and FibreSafe; developing ways 
to increase recycled content and 
create a more circular product set, 
for example our ambitious target 
to include more than 500 million 
recycled PET bottles in our high-
performance insulation by 2023; 
and the ongoing digitalisation 
of the construction industry 
using technologies such as data 
information, BIM, augmented reality 
and virtual reality.

Stakeholders will be invited to 
come to IKON™ and feedback into 
the innovations which are most 
relevant to them, giving them the 
opportunity to shape their ongoing 
partnership with Kingspan. 

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Kingspan 
Locations 

Africa 
Egypt 
Morocco 

Asia 
India 
Indonesia  
Pakistan 
Singapore 
Thailand 
Vietnam

Australasia 
Australia 
New Zealand 

Europe  
Austria 
Azerbaijan 
Belgium 
Bosnia 
Croatia 
Czech Republic 
Denmark 
Estonia 
Finland 
France 
Germany 
Hungary 
Ireland  
Kazakhstan  
Latvia 
Lithuania  
Netherlands 
Northern Ireland 
Norway  
Poland 
Romania 
Russia 
Serbia 
Slovakia 
Slovenia 
Spain 
Sweden  
Switzerland 
United Kingdom 
Ukraine

Middle East 
Iran 
Qatar 
Saudi Arabia 
Turkey 
UAE

Americas 
Brazil  
Canada  
Chile 
Colombia 
Costa Rica 
Mexico 
Panama 
USA 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
— 
— 
75% 
75% 
Net Zero Energy 
Net Zero Energy 
achieved
achieved

Chairman's  
Statement  

Page 
6

— 
Approaching 
2,000 external 
fire tests

Financial  
Review

Page 
26

Chief  
Executive’s  
Review  

Page 
16

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— 
Capital 
investment  
of over 
€600 million

Sustainability  
Report

Page 
36

Financial  
Statements

Page 
88

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— 
14,000+ 
Employees

— 
129  
Manufacturing  
sites

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Sales

Manufacturing

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4 — 47

Business & Strategic Report
Chairman’s Statement 6
Business Model & Strategy 8
Chief Executive’s Review 16
Financial Review 26
Risk & Risk Management 32
Sustainability Report 36

88 — 139

Financial Statements
Independent Auditor’s Report 92
Financial Statements 95
Notes to the Financial Statements 102

48 — 87

140 — 148

Directors' Report
Chairman’s Introduction 50
The Board 52
Report of the Directors 54
Corporate Governance Statement 62
Report of the Remuneration Committee 70 
Report of the Audit Committee 82

Other Information
Alternative Performance Measures 140
Shareholder Information 142
Principal Subsidiary Undertakings 144
Group Five Year Summary 148

— 256 million plastic bottles recycledSummary Financials
—

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Revenue

€4.4bn
+19%

 2017: €3.7bn

2

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™

2

EBITDA1

Trading Profit2

Trading Margin

Profit After Tax

€521.2m 
+18%

€445.2m
+18%

2017: €441.7m

2017: €377.5m

10.2%
-10bps

2017: 10.3%

€335.8m
+17%

2017: €285.9m

2

EPS

184.0c
+16%

2017: 159.0c

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1  Earnings before interest, tax, 
depreciation, amortisation of 
intangibles and non trading items. 
2  Operating profit before amortisation  
of intangibles and non trading items.

US
Laurel Branch Library

Insulated Panels:  
Benchmark Designwall 2000;  
and Designwall R Series
Fire Rating: FM 4880

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4

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Canada

Brian Glancy
Toronto, Canada
—
Brian has been with Kingspan 
since 2006, he was a General 
Manager as well as a Director of 
R&D in the US. Alongside this, 
Brian founded and operated an 
innovation lab for the North 
American business, before taking 
up his current position as Head of 
BIM Strategy in 2018.  

The built environment impacts us
 all; as a business we are embracing
 digital as one potential nucleus for
 transformation of the construction
 industry. We are leveraging digital
 technologies to overcome both
 current and future challenges
 and delivering strategic benefits
 that answer the big questions to
 ensure a sustainable future. For me
 personally, this is a very exciting
 and progressive field and at
 Kingspan, it brings a fast-
paced, exciting and challenging
 environment with a distinct
focus on the future.

The construction sector is 
traditionally slow to adopt
new technologies but with the 
dawn of digitalisation, stakeholder 
expectations are changing. 
Building Information Modelling (BIM) 
will enable better collaboration 
between everyone involved in a 
project and will be a dynamic 
platform for Kingspan to showcase 
the performance attributes of  
our products. 

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6

7

Chairman’s Statement

—

2018 was a year of new milestones, new frontiers 
and new developments for Kingspan. For the 
first time ever Kingspan’s revenues surpassed the 
€4 billion mark, with total sales of €4.4bn, and 
trading profits reaching a record €445m.

Germany

Insulated Panels:  
QuadCore™ AWP; 
KS1000 RW
Fire Rating:  
Euroclass B-s1, d0 to EN 13501-1

Our first full year in Brazil and 
Colombia, followed by further 
investment during the year in 
Panama, delivered a very encouraging 
performance for the LATAM region as 
a whole. At the same time Kingspan 
advanced its position in southern 
Europe, through our acquisition 
of the Synthesia Group. We also 
extended the company’s footprint 
into India through an Insulated 
Panel manufacturing partnership 
with Jindal Mectec. These are all 
exciting new markets for Kingspan, 
with considerable long-term growth 
potential. Organic investment in 
new frontiers also continued, with 
Kingspan currently constructing its 
first Kooltherm® manufacturing plant 
in the Nordics, to be commissioned 
later this year. Each of these 
investments will create strong 
platforms for growth in these  
new regions.

At the same time Kingspan 
has continued its investment in 

research & development to bring 
to the market new and proprietary 
technologies to further differentiate 
from our competitors. In 2018, 
Kingspan started development of 
our first fibre free 'A Core' insulation 
which is planned for launch next year. 
Additionally, during the year Kingspan 
QuadCore™ insulated panel systems 
achieved major milestones in fire 
resistance performance, including 
the achievement of up to 1 hour 
fire insulation and up to 4 hours fire 
integrity in our architectural wall  
panel range.

In 2018, Kingspan also launched its 
new digital strategy. This exciting 
plan is focused on the digitalisation 
of our business and of the broader 
construction industry, using world 
leading technologies to transform the 
design, construction and performance 
of intelligent buildings. Through 
investment in technology we can 
help drive cost-saving collaboration 
between partners on construction 

projects such as architects, engineers, 
contractors, and owners.

Notwithstanding the rapid expansion 
of our business, both organically 
and through acquisition, Kingspan’s 
commitment to reducing our carbon 
emissions and attaining our goal of 
becoming a Net Zero Energy business 
by 2020, remains as strong as ever.  
In 2018 renewable energy accounted 
for 75% of our total energy usage.

Management and employees
During the year the Board had the 
opportunity to visit several of our 
manufacturing facilities, and we  
were delighted to meet the local  
staff and management teams, 
and really appreciated seeing their 
commitment and enthusiasm for  
the Kingspan vision.

On behalf of the Board, I want to 
thank all of Kingspan's management 
and employees for their contribution 
to our success in 2018.

Photo: Simon Wegener

Dividend 
The Board is recommending a final 
dividend of 30.0 cent per share, 
which if approved at the Annual 
General Meeting, will give a total 
dividend for the year of 42.0 cent,  
an increase of 13.5% on prior year. 
This continues the Board’s policy  
of growing the shareholder  
dividend in line with the Company’s 
continued progression.

If approved, the final dividend will be 
paid (subject to Irish withholding tax 
rules) on 10 May 2019 to shareholders 
on the register at close of business 
on 29 March 2019.

details of which are set out in the 
Directors’ Report of this Annual 
Report. We also engage in open 
dialogue with our major shareholders 
on the Company’s strategic and 
financial performance, as detailed  
in the Financial Review in this  
Annual Report. 

During the year, we were delighted 
to announce the appointment of 
Jost Massenberg as a non-executive 
director to the Board. Jost brings 
more than 30 years’ experience in 
European steel and manufacturing 
industries, and I welcome his 
addition to the Board. 

Board governance and 
composition
The Board carefully monitors and 
manages risk across the business, 
and espouses best practice 
governance policies and procedures, 

Following the conclusion of this 
year’s Annual General Meeting 
in May, Helen Kirkpatrick will be 
retiring as a non-executive director 
on the expiration of her term of 
office. Helen has served as chair of 

the audit committee, chair of the 
remuneration committee, and as 
senior independent director, and 
on behalf of the Board, I would like 
to thank Helen for the valuable 
contribution she has made to the 
Company during those years. 

Looking ahead
Whilst acknowledging the challenges 
and uncertainties that lie ahead in 
some of our more mature markets, 
I am confident that Kingspan’s 
continued strategy of building on 
our existing leadership positions by 
investing in new geographies and 
new technologies, will continue to 
deliver improved shareholder returns 
into the future.

Eugene Murtagh 
Chairman 

22 February 2019

Kingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018Business & Strategic Report   —   Chairman’s Statement8

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Business Model & Strategy
—

Kingspan is the global leader in high performance insulation and 
building envelopes. Through our relentless development of innovative 
and proprietary technology we have created a portfolio of products 
which help our customers reduce energy costs, reduce construction 
time, increase usable space, increase returns, enhance architectural 
design and all with a superior service offering. 

Critically, through the differentiated 
thermal performance of our 
innovative solutions, we help design 
teams, architects and ultimately our 
customers to make a difference in 
tackling climate change. Building 
emissions are one of the highest 
contributors to greenhouse gas 
emissions, therefore the sector has 
a major role to play in addressing 
climate change. 

Founded in Kingscourt, Co Cavan 
in Ireland in 1965, the Group has 
expanded into a global business 
operating in over 70 countries, 
employing more than 14,000 people. 

Kingspan manufactures a suite of 
complementary building envelope 
solutions for both the new build  
and refurbishment markets. 

The Group manages its business 
through 5 operating divisions: 

1. Insulated Panels 
A global leader in the design, 
development and manufacture of 
products and solutions for advanced 
building envelopes. Providing 
thermally efficient and airtight 
insulated panel building envelopes, 
and world-class customer and 
technical support in sustainable 
building design and realisation. All of 
our products and systems are backed 
by extensive testing and guarantees, 
and by 50 years of experience. 

2. Insulation Boards 
Manufacturing insulation boards, 
pipe insulation and engineered 
timber systems. A wide product 
range suitable for a variety of 
applications in the domestic, 
non-domestic, new-build and 
refurbishment sectors. 

3. Light & Air 
Initiated in 2016, Kingspan  
Light & Air is now established  
as a global leader providing a  
full suite of daylighting and  
energy efficient lighting, as well 
as natural ventilation and smoke 
management solutions, which 
complement Kingspan’s existing 
building envelope technologies.

4. Data & Flooring Technology
The world’s largest supplier of raised 
access flooring, providing the most 
cost effective way of creating flexible 
space and convenient distribution 
of building services in a range of 
high-end architectural finishes. Our 
wide range of custom manufactured 
data centre airflow systems, including 
structural ceilings, airflow panels 
and containment, work together to 
maximise datacentre performance. 

5. Water & Energy 
Providing trusted market-leading 
solutions for rainwater harvesting 
wastewater management, hot 
 water systems, environmental  
fuel storage and smart monitoring 
for all types of building projects. 

Below: 
France, Paris, La Défense Arena

Insulated Panels: JI Grégale 300
Fire Rating: Euroclass A1

Rest of World

Data & Flooring Technology

7%

Mainland Europe

48%

Geography

—

4% 

Light & Air

7% 

Insulation Boards

20% 

Products

—

Water & Energy

5%

Insulated Panels

64% 

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Ireland   

4% 

UK

21% 

Americas

20%

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Business Model & Strategy
Strategic Pillars

—

Strategic Goals

—

—

—

To be the leader in high 
performance insulation 
globally with proprietary and 
differentiating technologies.

To achieve greater geographic 
balance, primarily focusing on the 
Americas, Continental Europe and 
appropriate developing markets.

—

—

To contribute to the effort in 
tackling climate change by 
continuously improving the 
attributes of our high performance 
insulation, which address the 
impact of building emissions. 

To be the world’s leading  
provider of low energy  
building envelopes – 
Insulate and Generate.

To deliver 20% Return  
on Investment.

—

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Differentiation from 
competitors driven by  
superior innovation:

 → Construction on “IKON™” is 
well underway at Kingspan’s 
Group headquarters in 
Kingscourt, Ireland. IKON™  
will be Kingspan's global 
centre of excellence for 
Research and Development 
and we look forward to 
updating you on the future 
innovations it delivers.

 → The ongoing roll-out of 

QuadCore™ during the year, 
which is now available from 
over half of our Insulated 
Panel facilities worldwide. 

 → The Kooltherm® 100 Series 
was launched towards the 
end of 2016, and work is 
ongoing on developing a 
Kooltherm® 200 Series. 

 → The digitalisation of Kingspan, 
designed to transform how 
we do business and how our 
specifiers and customers 
interact with us over the  
next three to five years.

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Increased penetration of 
Kingspan’s product suite 
underpinned by regulatory 
changes and environmental 
awareness:

 → Continued penetration 

growth and conversion from 
traditional insulation and 
building methods has been 
and will continue to be a core 
driver of our success. 

 → Ongoing revisions to key 
EU legislation including 
the Energy Performance of 
Buildings Directive (EPBD) 
continue to drive industry to 
take action.

 → Through 2018 we continued 
to drive the penetration 
of Kingspan’s best in class 
proprietary products, 
QuadCore™ now represents 
8% of Kingspan's Insulated 
Panel global sales. 

US
Entertainment and Sports Arena

Insulated Panels: Optimo
Fire Rating: FM 4880

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The continued evolution 
of Kingspan’s geographic 
footprint as we build market 
leading positions globally:

 → In 2018 Kingspan closed a 

number of acquisitions which 
supplemented our geographic 
spread. Synthesia Group 
is our first manufacturing 
presence in Southern Europe 
and consists of Synthesia 
International, Poliuretanos 
and Huurre. In July we 
finalised the acquisition of 
Balex which supplemented 
our presence in Central and 
Eastern Europe.

 → Following the investment in 

Isoeste in 2017, we announced 
plans in 2018 to invest in 
further capacity for the 
Kingspan Isoeste business 
in Brazil. 

 → In 2018 we announced 
a partnership with 
Jindal Mectec in India. 
This is Kingspan’s first 
manufacturing footprint 
in the Indian market, an 
economy with over 1.3 billion 
people and significant 
development plans.

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To drive sustainable practices 
through our organisations with 
programmes such as Net Zero 
Energy and PET recycling. 

In 2018 we achieved 75%  
Net Zero Energy, a significant 
increase on the 69% achieved 
last year and we remain on 
target to achieve 100% by 2020. 

 → Kingspan is proud to 

continue to support CDP. 
In 2018 we achieved an 
A- Climate Change rating 
which puts us among the 
top 400 companies in the 
world in terms of leading on 
environmental practices. 

 → A wide range of projects 
designed to improve the 
energy efficiency of our 
operations were implemented 
on many sites, including the 
implementation of Energy 
Management Standard  
ISO 50001. 

 → 5.9% of our total energy 
use was generated from 
renewable sources on our 
own manufacturing sites. 

Business & Strategic Report   —   Chairman’s StatementKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12
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Business Model & Strategy
2018 In a Nutshell

—

Data & Flooring Technology
4%

Water & Energy
5%

Other
15%

Energy Efficiency & Conversion
85%

Light & Air
7%

Insulation 
Boards
20%

Ireland
4%

UK
21%

Americas
20%

Products

—

Insulated 
Panels
64%

Drivers

—

Rest of World
7%

Office & Data
12%

Commercial & Industrial
70%

Geography
—

Mainland 
Europe
48%

Residential
18%

Sector
—

Refurbishment
20%

New Build
80%

Via Distribution
30%

Direct
70%

End Market
—

et

Channel
—

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Opposite:  
France, Sports Hall Plélo

Insulated Panels: JI 92-400; 
Fire Rating: Euroclass A1

Revenue 
€4.4bn

Applications

>  Retail

>  Distribution

>  Leisure

>  Accommodation

>  Food

>  Manufacturing

>  Data Management

>  Infrastructure

How we operate

How we create value 

129

Global manufacturing facilities

14,000+

Employees 

>  Management controls

>  Quality systems

>  Responsible supply  
chain partnerships

>  Product innovation  
and differentiation

>  Excellent customer service

>  Energy efficient sustainable 
building envelope solutions

>  We operate our businesses to  

the highest standards

>  We acquire excellent  

new businesses

>  We recycle capital to  
provide the best return

>  We maintain financial discipline

>  We balance our portfolio of 
businesses across product  
and geography

Value created 

EBITDA 

Free cash

€521.2m

€308.4m

Trading Profit

Trading profit 

ROCE 

€445.2m

16.8%

€445.2m

EPS 

184.0c

Dividend 

42.0c

Kingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Bianca Wong
Melbourne, Australia

—

Bianca came to Kingspan 
through our graduate programme 
in 2013. In 2015, Bianca became a 
Divisional Sustainability Manager, 
having previously worked in 
our Insulated Panel Business 
in Australia. 

The built environment has a real
impact on climate change. I work
with teams across our business to
continually drive our sustainability
vision forward. Together we focus
on developing innovative low carbon
building solutions, minimising our
own environmental footprint and
actively supporting our stakeholders.

Bianca works closely with design 
teams and architects, helping them 
to design buildings which not only 
fulfil the vision of the client on a 
technical and aesthetic basis but 
are also at the cutting edge in 
terms of sustainability and energy 
performance. Through her work on 
our Net Zero Energy team, Bianca 
has collaborated across divisions 
and geographies, driving our own 
sustainability agenda and being 
a key contributor to driving our 
Net Zero Energy performance. Our 
Melbourne, Australia, facility is 
vying to achieve a prestigious 5-star 
Green Star energy rating. The first 
manufacturing facility of its kind to 
achieve the rating in Australia. 

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Australia

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Chief Executive’s Review

—

During 2018 Kingspan generated record revenues of 
almost €4.4bn, and EBITDA exceeded €500m for the 
first time. Trading profit reached €445m, ahead by 
18% over prior year, and EPS was up by 16% at 184.0 
cent per share. In all, it was a positive outcome and 
delivered in the face of unprecedented turbulence 
in our raw material supply chain. Total investment 
was €604m in the period, €472.3m of which was 
on acquisition and €131.3m on internal capital 
expenditure. Year-end net debt/EBITDA was 1.4x. 

Netherlands
Amstel Tower

Insulation Boards:  
Unidek SIPS
Fire Rating:  
Euroclass B

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Financial Highlights: 

Operational Highlights:

 → Light & Air sales approaching 

 → Revenue up 19% to €4.4bn,  
(pre-currency, up 22%). 

 → Trading profit up 18% to 
€445.2m, (pre-currency,  
up 20%).

 → Free cashflow up 55%  

to €308.4m.

 → Group trading margin of 10.2%,  

a decrease of 10bps. 

 → Basic EPS up 16% to 184.0 cent. 

 → Final dividend per share of 30.0 
cent. Total dividend for the year 
up 13.5% to 42.0 cent. 

 → Year-end net debt of €728.3m 
(2017: €463.9m). Net debt to 
EBITDA of 1.4x (2017: 1.05x).

 → ROCE of 16.8% (2017: 17.8%).

 → Insulated Panels sales growth 
of 21%. Strong activity in the 
Americas, a positive performance 
in Continental Europe and a solid 
UK outturn against a difficult 
backdrop. Good contribution 
from acquisitions in Europe  
and Latin America. 

 → Insulation Board sales growth  
of 12% reflecting a positive 
outturn in the Iberian acquisition, 
ongoing advancement of 
Kooltherm® and solid underlying 
markets overall. New capacity 
planned for the Nordic region 
and the Middle East reflecting 
ongoing conversion from 
traditional materials. 

€300m with improved margins 
in Europe offsetting softer US 
margin, strong order intake 
overall in the US and a planned 
new facility in France to service 
Europe and the Middle East.

 → Water & Energy (formerly 

Environmental) sales growth 
of 13% with a new frontier 
established in the Nordic region. 

 → Data & Flooring Technology 

(formerly Access Floors) sales 
growth of 3% with strong sales  
of data centre solutions 
offsetting more sluggish  
office activity.

Business Review
Momentum in activity generally 
improved for us as the year evolved, 
and with the notable exception of 
the politically hamstrung UK, most 
of our major markets ended the 
year strongly with order banks well 
positioned for the start of 2019. 
The majority of Western Europe 
performed robustly, North America 
advanced well, as did Latin America. 
Conversely, the UK eased back 
considerably towards year-end 
although it is relatively stable for 
Kingspan despite the backdrop. 

Strategy
Our strategic agenda is focused 
on the four pillars of Innovation, 
Globalisation, Penetration and 
Planet Passionate. 2018 once  
again delivered advancements  
in all four areas: 

 → Product Innovation and range 

expansion is key to Kingspan. The 
rollout of QuadCore™ has been 
core to this agenda in recent 
years and in 2018 8% of global 
Insulated Panel sales contained 
this proprietary technology. 
2019 will see its launch as a 
roof Insulation Board thereby 
creating a clear differentiator in 
this application. Development of 
Kooltherm® 200 continues and 
the fibre-free ‘A Core’ project 
is progressing on plan and we 
expect to launch our solution 
during 2020. IKON™, our global 
innovation hub is well under 
construction at our home base 
of Kingscourt in Ireland and is 
scheduled to open around mid-
year. It will focus on delivering 

the full spectrum of insulation 
and building envelope solutions 
that are ThermalSafe, FireSafe, 
SmokeSafe, WeatherSafe and 
FibreSafe. 

 → Globalisation of Kingspan 
remains at the heart of our 
ongoing evolution. In late 
2017 we further expanded our 
manufacturing footprint by 
investing in partnerships in Brazil 
and Colombia. These acquisitions 
firmly place Kingspan in a 
market leading position across 
Latin America, a new frontier for 
Kingspan, with a strong platform 
for further growth in the region. 

 → Early in 2018 we acquired a 

presence in Southern Europe 
through the Synthesia Group, 
consisting of three operating 
businesses; Synthesia 
International, Poliuretanos and 
Huurre. Through its Huurre and 
Poliuretanos businesses, the 
Synthesia Group gives Kingspan 
a leading position in both 
Insulated Panels and Insulation 
Boards on the Iberian Peninsula 

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and strengthens our emerging 
Insulated Panels presence in Latin 
America.  It also provides an 
excellent technology platform for 
blended chemical systems similar 
to those used throughout the 
wider Kingspan Group. 

We also advanced our position 
in Central Europe with the 
acquisition in July 2018 of Balex 
Metal, a Polish manufacturer of 
Insulated Panels and Insulation 
Boards. Balex has a strong 
market presence locally and in 
surrounding export markets. 
It complements our existing 
presence in the region and 
brings with it two well invested  
manufacturing facilities.

 → In July we invested in the 

 → We are Planet Passionate  

Kingspan Jindal business in India 
opening the door to a longer 
term conversion opportunity  
in the region. 

 → Penetration growth and 

conversion from traditional 
insulation and building 
methods have been core drivers 
of our success to date. As 
energy consumption, energy 
conservation, and energy sources 
become increasingly important 
challenges for the world, 
demand should rise for product 
technologies which address this 
urgent agenda. Buildings consume 
approximately 40% of global 
energy and Kingspan’s solutions 
are designed to dramatically 
curtail the environmental  
damage from building emissions. 

at Kingspan. We are committed 
to achieving 100% Net Zero 
Energy by 2020, and stand alone 
within our industry in having this 
goal. Our product technology 
provides designers, developers 
and owners the means with 
which to equally embrace a 
lower energy future. Circularity 
is becoming crucial, and our 
products are reusable, recyclable 
and increasingly comprise 
recycled PET with a commitment 
to more than doubling this source 
within the coming five years. 
We are developing initiatives to 
harvest recycled raw materials 
from both land and ocean. 

2

Turnover

€2,823.1m
+21%(1)

2017: €2,328.5m

2

Trading Profit

 €281.8m
+21%

2017: €233.3m

—
Trading Margin

 10.0%

2017: 10.0%

Ireland
Pilz

Insulated Panels:
Evolution Axis
Evolution Recess
Fire Rating: 
EN 13501-1 is B – s1, d0.

(1)  Comprising underlying +6%, 

currency -3% and acquisitions +18%

Insulated Panels

—

Mainland Europe
The Continental European region 
performed well overall for our 
Insulated Panels businesses. France in 
particular had an excellent year, as 
did the Netherlands. Germany and 
Belgium delivered solid outcomes 
and market penetration in the 
Nordics advanced further as the 
region increasingly adopts advanced 
methods. Activity in Central Europe 
was mixed and the focus on reviving 
margins in this market resulted in a 
strong operating outcome, further 
bolstered by the addition of Balex 
to the portfolio. Early in the year we 
entered the Iberian market with the 
acquisition of Synthesia which in 
both the home and export markets 
delivered an excellent first year’s 
performance, and ahead of plan. 

Americas
Volume, margin and profitability 
all improved considerably in North 
America during 2018 as penetration 
for Insulated Panels continued 
to grow, and as the steep cost 
inflation experienced earlier in 
the year was passed through to 
market. The temperature controlled 
environments segment performed 
well and the adoption of our 
insulated architectural facades range 
continued to outpace traditional 
construction methods across a wide 
variety of building applications. 
2018 was also our first full year of 
operation in Latin America through 
the Kingspan Isoeste partnership in 
Brazil and PanelMET in Colombia. 
Both businesses made significant 
progress over the prior year and have 
begun to deliver broader technical 
and operational synergies. Across the 
Americas in total, the business exited 
the year with an order bank well 
ahead of prior year. 

UK
Sales volumes were strong towards 
the end of the year bringing the 
full year-on-year output broadly 
in line with 2017. This was achieved 
despite growing uncertainty and 
a construction market backdrop 
that weakened towards year-end. 
Whilst the project pipeline is in 
reasonable shape, the growing 
deficit in confidence has resulted in 
ongoing postponements. We expect 
this situation to prevail until the 
political and economic landscape 
is more certain, and will focus our 
efforts on accelerating QuadCore™ 
and Kingspan Façades growth to 
help compensate for an anticipated 
general contraction in building 
activity. 

Asia Pacific & Middle East
Having experienced a challenging 
2017, the business in Australasia 
regained momentum in 2018 
with both the order bank and 
specification pipeline well improved 
by year-end. This bodes positively 
for the first half of 2019. Meanwhile 
in Turkey and the Middle East, 
growth also resumed and a healthy 
project pipeline should provide a 
solid foundation from which to 
advance long-term in the region. 
During the year we also entered 
India through the Kingspan Jindal 
partnership which provides us with 
two manufacturing facilities in this 
relatively embryonic and exciting 
new frontier. 

Ireland
Not surprisingly, construction activity 
in Ireland has expanded once again 
and at a more digestible pace than 
in the past. The non-residential 
segment which this business unit 
serves experienced a significant uplift 
in 2018 and we would anticipate this 
trend continuing into 2019. 

Business & Strategic Report   —   Chief Executive's ReviewKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
20

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2

Turnover

€864.1m
+12%(1)

2017: €769.4m

2

Trading Profit

 €105.1m
+15%

2017: €91.2m

2

Trading Margin

12.2%
+30bps

2017: 11.9%

Insulation Boards

—

UK
The business had a strong start to 
2018 which was largely fuelled by 
continuing penetration growth of 
Kooltherm® coupled with the selling 
price inflationary impact of rising 
raw material costs. Since then, and 
as indicated at half year, these prices 
have reversed somewhat, leading 
to corresponding deflation in the 
price of our PIR based products. This 
general trend, also experienced in 
other markets, has resulted in PIR 
regaining share from traditional 
materials. More broadly in the UK 
however, the political backdrop has 
meant that demand for building 
products has eased in recent months 
and is likely to weaken further if this 
uncertainty persists. 

Mainland Europe
Having had a weak start to the year, 
the demand for advanced insulation 
in Mainland Europe improved 
significantly in the second half of 
the year. The scarcity of some raw 
materials had hampered growth 
earlier in the year. Activity in the 
Netherlands was particularly strong 
and our presence in the Nordics, 
which is dominated by traditional 
fibrous materials, continued to 
advance in anticipation of our 
upcoming Kooltherm® facility which 
we expect to commission in the 
fourth quarter of this year. Our first 
year with the Synthesia Insulation 
business in Spain, has been very 
satisfactory at a time of gradual 
recovery in the Iberian market. This 
business has been further bolstered 
by growth in exports as it delivers 
its technologies across a broad 
international base of end markets. 

Americas
Again, following a slow start to 
2018, our business in North America 
improved as the year progressed. The 
investment made in 2017 in a new 
XPS line in Winchester Virginia is now 
fully operational and as its capacity 
becomes increasingly utilised our 
focus will shift to assessing further 
locations to establish a future 
manufacturing presence. The 
specification pipeline for Kooltherm® 
has grown substantially, albeit from 
a small base. Whilst this is currently 
supported by supply from Europe it is 
our intention in the medium term to 
manufacture this technology locally 
in the USA. 

Asia Pacific & Middle East
This region has again delivered 
strong growth for the division in 
2018. The business is now providing 
solutions to a broader set of 
applications and is supported by 
both the new PIR line installed earlier 
in the year, and a new phenolic 
board plant. The latter will be aimed 
at servicing the increasing demand 
for advanced insulation in HVAC 
applications in the UAE and beyond. 

Ireland
The revenue growth experienced 
during the first half continued 
through the remainder of the year, 
largely driven by Kooltherm® and 
strong PIR pricing, although the 
latter eased somewhat towards 
year-end. Raw material deflation 
has led to some price erosion of PIR 
which we anticipate will stabilise in 
the near-term. 

(1)  Comprising underlying +2%, 

currency -2% and acquisitions +12%.

UK
University of Nottingham

Insulation Boards:
Kooltherm Pipe Insulation,  
ThermaDuct Insulation
Fire Rating:  
Kooltherm: Euroclass BL,s1,d0, FM Approved Class 4924
ThermaDuct: Class 1, BS 476–7: 1997

Business & Strategic Report   —   Chief Executive's ReviewKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 201822

23

Water & Energy 
(formerly Environmental)

—

Underlying sales revenue was 
relatively stable during 2018. Margins 
were affected by costs incurred 
on the exit from micro wind and 
solar thermal activities and also 
by acquisition expenses related to 
the Norwegian investment. The 
UK weakened across most product 
segments in the second half, Ireland 
performed well, as did much of 
Mainland Europe. Integration of 
the VPI acquisition in the Nordics 
is progressing and provides a new 
growth frontier in the waste water 

management category which we 
expect will feature prominently in 
the division’s future. In Australia, the 
rainwater harvesting business has 
performed very strongly in recent 
years, particularly in the residential 
segment in New South Wales. With 
this sector easing back, we expect 
demand for rainwater systems in 
that region to moderate but aim 
to compensate for this with a 
wider product offering and growth 
initiatives in other states. 

(1)  Comprising underlying +3%, 
currency impact -3% and 
acquisitions +13%

Below: UK 
Harry Potter Studios

Water & Energy:  
Klargester fuel and soil separator

2
Turnover

 €202.9m
+13%(1) 

2017: €179.8m

™

Trading Profit

 €14.2m
-12% 

2017: €16.2m

™

Trading Margin

7.0%
-200bps 

2017:9.0%

Light & Air

—

Continental Europe, particularly 
Germany, performed well and has 
continued to do so into the early 
part of 2019. The Benelux was a 
little more subdued as the project 
pipeline was lower than in recent 
years, although this picture has 
improved into early 2019. Southern 
Europe grew marginally and the 
relocation of this business into a 
state-of-the-art manufacturing 
facility in Lyon, France will provide 
capacity for growth, and play a key 
role in supporting the substantial 
daylighting requirement across the 
Middle East. 

In North America the specification 
bank for the high-end UniQuad® 
wall-lighting system has grown 
considerably during the year. Order 
intake outpaced dispatches during 
the year and this augurs well for 
2019. In contrast to this, more 
generic roof-lighting systems have 
become increasingly competitive 
resulting in an element of margin 
pressure. This pattern is expected  
to improve during the current year 
and overtime the integrated sales 
effort with our insulated panels 
business is expected to deliver 
meaningful sales leverage. 

(1)  Comprising underlying +7%, 

currency -1% and acquisitions +37%.

Above: Middle East  
Ali Bin Ali

Light & Air: ECOFEU DV110; HPA Smoke Vent 
Insulated Panels: KS100PRW, KS103SSF and KS110CTF
Fire Rating: Light & Air: Multiwall Polycarbonate 16mm sheet: B-S1,d0
Insulated Panels: All panels FM and QCDD approved

2
Turnover

 €291.8m
+43%(1)

2017: €204.7m

2 

Trading Profit

 €21.5m
+45%

2017: €14.8m

2 
Trading Margin

7.4%
+20bps 

2017: 7.2%

Business & Strategic Report   —   Chief Executive's ReviewKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 201824

Data & Flooring 
Technology 
(formerly Access Floors)

—

The re-naming of this business is a 
reflection of the evolution of the division’s 
product offering since it started life in 
Kingspan as Access Floors in isolation. The 
portfolio now includes a wide range of sub-
structure technology and air management 
solutions for datacentres, as well as a much 
wider offering on floor finishes. 

In the first half of the year, the 
performance of the business in the UK  
was in contrast to the general trend in 
office construction performing robustly 
through the second half. Whilst the 
requirement for access floors is expected to 
contract marginally through 2019, growth 
is anticipated in data solutions activity,  
a sector which has been a key growth 
area for the division in recent years. This is 
also likely to be the case in North America 
and Australia where we expect to deliver 
tangible progress in the year ahead. In 
addition, during 2018 our presence grew in 
Continental Europe through the business 
acquired in Belgium in late 2017. 

2
Turnover

 €190.6m
+3%(1)

2017: €185.7m

2
Trading Profit

 €22.6m
+3% 

2017: €22.0m

2
Trading Margin

11.9%
+10bps 

2017:11.8%

(1)  Comprising underlying +2%,  

currency -3% and acquisitions +4%

Photo: Hufton + Crow

Photo: Hufton + Crow

UK
V&A Dundee

Insulation Boards:
Kingspan Thermataper TT46;  
approved to LPS 1181: Part 1  
FM 4470 & 4450;  
Thermaroof: 4470 FM4470

Data & Flooring Technology:
RMG600 Attiro magnetic  
engineered timber flooring finish
RMG600 - Fire rating: BS476-6 & BS476-7;
EN13501:1 Bfl-s1

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Acquisitions
During the year we completed eight 
acquisitions with a consideration of 
almost €470m. These included the 
leading insulated panel and board 
businesses in Iberia, a strong player 
in the insulated panel business in 
Central and Eastern Europe and a 
partnership with the market leader in 
the insulated panel market in India. 

Looking Ahead
2019 has started well for the Group 
with like-for-like sales revenue and 
volume ahead of the same period 
last year. 

Order intake and the order bank 
in many of our key markets are 
ahead of prior year, although some 
exceptions exist. As the competitive 
dynamics of the various raw 
materials in insulation have changed 
in recent months Kingspan's 
proprietary non-fibrous cores 
have grown share and, in general, 
penetration of advanced insulation 
has improved following the supply 
turbulence earlier in 2018 which had 
temporarily upset this momentum.

Whilst these indicators bode well 
for our near-term future, we remain 
acutely mindful of the increasingly 
negative economic rhetoric, not 
alone in the UK, that could well 
impact the appetite for investment 
in construction later in the year. 
Setting aside this macro concern, 
and any unavoidable effect it may 
have on Kingspan, we remain 
resolutely focused on the delivery  
of our long-term strategy.

Gene M Murtagh 
Chief Executive Officer
22 February 2019

Kingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Financial Review

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The Financial Review provides an overview of 
the Group’s financial performance for the year 
ended 31 December 2018 and of the Group’s 
financial position at that date.

Overview of results

Group revenue increased by 19% to 
€4.4bn (2017: €3.7bn) and trading 
profit increased by 18% to €445.2m 
(2017: €377.5m) with a modest 
decrease of 10 basis points in the 
Group’s trading profit margin to 
10.2% (2017: 10.3%). 

Basic EPS for the year was 184.0 cent 
(2017: 159.0 cent), representing an 
increase of 16%.

The Group’s underlying sales  
and trading profit growth by  
division are set out in the  
following tables:

Sales 

Underlying

Currency

Acquisition

Total

Insulated Panels 

Insulation Boards 

Light & Air

Water & Energy

Data & Flooring 
Technology 

Group 

+6%

+2%

+7%

+3%

+2%

+5%

-3%

-2%

-1%

-3%

-3%

-3%

+18%

+12%

+37%

+13%

+4%

+17%

+21%

+12%

+43%

+13%

+3%

+19%

The Group’s trading profit measure is earnings before interest, tax,  
amortisation of intangibles and non trading items:

Trading Profit

Underlying Currency

Acquisition

Total

Insulated Panels 

Insulation Boards 

Light & Air

Water & Energy

Data & Flooring 
Technology 

Group 

+11%

+4%

-7%

-14%

+5%

+7%

-3%

-2%

-

-3%

-3%

-2%

+13%

+13%

+52%

+5%

+1%

+21%

+15%

+45%

-12%

+3%

+13%

+18%

The key drivers of sales and trading profit performance in each division  
are set out in the Business Review.

27

Finance costs (net) 
Finance costs for the year increased 
by €2.2m to €18.1m (2017: €15.9m). 
A net non-cash credit of €0.6m 
(2017: credit of €0.6m) was recorded 
in respect of swaps on the Group’s 
USD private placement notes. The 
Group’s net interest expense on 
borrowings (bank and loan notes) 
was €18.0m (2017: €16.1m). This 
increase reflects higher average 
gross and net debt levels in 2018, due 
to acquisition spend. The interest 
expense is driven extensively by 
gross debt balances with cash yields, 
although improving, still low in the 
current environment. 

Taxation
The tax charge for the year was 
€69.1m (2017: €60.6m) which 
represents an effective tax rate of 
17.1% (2017: 17.5%). The decrease in 
the effective rate reflects, primarily, 
the change in the geographical mix of 
earnings year-on-year and reductions 
in certain territorial tax rates.

Divisional reporting 
The Group renamed two pre-existing 
divisions during the year to more 

appropriately reflect the business 
activity in each case. The divisions 
are now named Water & Energy 
(formerly Environmental) and  
Data & Flooring Technology  
(formerly Access Floors).

Dividends
The Board has proposed a final 
dividend of 30.0 cent per ordinary 
share payable on 10 May 2019 to 
shareholders registered on the 
record date of 29 March 2019. When 
combined with the interim dividend 
of 12.0 cent per share, the total 
dividend for the year increased  
to 42.0 cent (2017: 37.0 cent),  
an increase of 13.5%.

Retirement benefits 
The primary method of pension 
provision for current employees 
is by way of defined contribution 
arrangements. The Group has two 
legacy defined benefit schemes 
in the UK which are closed to new 
members and to future accrual. 
In addition, the Group assumed a 
number of smaller defined benefit 
pension liabilities in Mainland Europe 
through acquisitions completed in 

recent years. The net pension liability 
in respect of all defined benefit 
schemes was €13.1m (2017: €13.6m) 
as at 31 December 2018. 

Intangible assets and goodwill
Intangible assets and goodwill 
increased during the year by  
€316.1m to €1,502.1m (2017: 
€1,186.0m). Intangible assets and 
goodwill of €340.1m were recorded in 
the year relating to acquisitions and 
additions completed by the Group, 
offset by annual amortisation of 
€22.2m (2017: €15.7m) and a small 
decrease due to year end exchange 
rates used to translate intangible 
assets and goodwill other than  
those denominated in euro.

Key performance indicators - 
financial
The Group has a set of financial key 
performance indicators (KPIs) which 
are set out in the following table.
These KPIs are used to measure 
the financial and operational 
performance of the Group and are 
used to track progress continually 
and also in achieving medium and 
long term targets. 

Australia
Police Citizens Youth Club

Insulated Panels:
KingZip Linea
Fire Rating: BS476 Part 3

Business & Strategic Report   —   Financial Review 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28

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Key performance indicators

Basic EPS growth 

Sales growth 

Trading margin

Free cashflow (€m)

Return on capital employed

Net debt/EBITDA

2018

16%

19%

10.2%

308.4

16.8%

1.4x

2017

11%

18%

10.3%

198.5

17.8%

1.05x

(a)  Basic EPS growth. The growth in 
EPS is accounted for primarily by 
an 18% increase in trading profit, 
partially offset by an increase in 
intangible amortisation generating 
a 17% increase in profit after tax. 
The minority interest amount 
increased year-on-year leading to 
a basic EPS increase of 16%.

in underlying sales and a 3% 
decrease due to the effect 
of currency translation. A key 
contributor to underlying sales 
growth in the year was price 
growth necessitated by raw 
material inflation recovery in the 
first half of the year. Furthermore, 
sales volumes were positive in 
most key end markets.

(b)  Sales growth of 19% (2017: 18%) 
was driven by a 17% contribution 
from acquisitions, a 5% increase 

(c) Trading margin by division is  

set out below:

Trading Margin

Insulated Panels 
Insulation Boards

Light & Air

Water & Energy 
Data & Flooring Technology 

2018

10.0%
12.2%

7.4%

7.0%
11.9%

2017

10.0%
11.9%

7.2%

9.0%
11.8%

The Insulated Panels division 
trading margin was stable 
year-on-year reflecting ongoing 
progress in sales of QuadCore™ 
and the market mix of sales. The 
trading margin improvement 
in the Insulation Boards division 
reflects a positive Kooltherm® mix 
and some relief on raw material 
prices towards the end of the 
year. The decrease in the Water 
& Energy trading margin reflects, 
in the main, the impact of costs 
associated with the exit from 
small scale wind and solar thermal 
activity. The increased trading 
margin in Light & Air reflects an 
improved margin performance 
overall in Europe which offset 
more subdued margins in certain 
products in the US. The modest 
increase in trading margin in Data 
& Flooring Technology reflects the 
geographic market and product 
mix of sales year-on-year.

UK
Dunfermline, Carnegie

Insulation Boards:
Rainscreen Board; K10 Soffit Board
Fire Rating: K15: Successfully tested to  
BS8414-1 : 2002 & BS8414 : 2005
K10: FM 4880 Class 1

(d)  Free cashflow is an important 
indicator and it reflects the 
amount of internally generated 
capital available for re-investment 
in the business or for distribution 
to shareholders.

Free cashflow

EBITDA*

Non-cash items

Movement in working 
capital 

2018

2017

€m €m

521.2 441.7

13.4

9.4

2.3 (85.3)

Pension contributions 

(0.8)

(0.9)

Movement in provisions

(5.8)

(2.4)

(e)  Return on capital employed, 
calculated as operating profit 
divided by total equity plus net 
debt, was 16.8% in 2018 (2017: 
17.8%), or 17.1% including the 
annualised impact of acquisitions. 
The creation of shareholder 
value through the delivery of 
long term returns well in excess 
of the Group’s cost of capital is 
a core principle of Kingspan’s 
financial strategy. The increase 
in profitability together with the 
deployment of further capital has 
maintained returns on capital 
during the year.

Net capital expenditure

(131.3) (85.6)

(f)  Net debt to EBITDA measures 

Net interest paid 

(15.6) (16.8)

Income taxes paid 

(75.0) (61.6)

Free cashflow 

308.4 198.5

*  Earnings before finance costs, income 
taxes, depreciation, amortisation and  
non trading items

Working capital at year end was 
€543.9m (2017: €477.8m) and 
represents 11.5% (2017: 12.4%) of 
annualised turnover based on fourth 
quarter sales. This metric is closely 
managed and monitored throughout 
the year and is subject to a certain 
amount of seasonal variability 
associated with trading patterns and 
the timing of significant purchases 
of steel and chemicals. The decrease 
year-on-year reflects a 90 basis 
point reduction in underlying working 
capital levels due mainly to lower 
inventory days on hand.

the ratio of net debt to earnings 
and at 1.4x (2017: 1.05x) is 
comfortably less than the 
Group’s banking covenant of  
3.5x in both 2018 and 2017.

Acquisitions and capital 
expenditure 
During the period the Group  
made the following acquisitions  
for a total upfront cash  
consideration of €469.2m with  
an additional deferred amount of 
€30m payable in April 2019:

 → On 7 March 2018, the purchase 
of 100% of the Synthesia Group 
for an initial cash amount of 
€213.4m plus a deferred amount 
of €30m payable in April 2019.

 → On 8 May 2018, the purchase of  

100% of Vestfold Plastindustri AS,  
a Norwegian water treatment 
business for a total cash 
consideration of €12.3m.

 → On 4 July 2018, the purchase of 
100% of Balex Metal Sp. z.o.o., 
a Polish based manufacturer of 
insulated panels and insulation 
boards for a cash amount of 
€197.6m.

 → On 9 July 2018, the purchase of 
51% of Jindal Mectec Private 
Limited, an Indian manufacturer 
of insulated panels for a cash 
amount of €22.8m.

 → An investment of €8.2m in 

Invicara PTE Limited, a Building 
Information Modelling solution 
provider with global reach. 

 → Further capital outlay of 

€14.9m was made with respect 
to business within Light & Air 
and Water & Energy together 
with some residual payments 
arising on the finalisation of 
completion accounts for prior 
year acquisitions.

Capital structure and  
Group financing
The Group funds itself through a 
combination of equity and debt. 
Debt is funded through syndicated 
and bilateral bank facilities and 
private placement loan notes. The 
primary bank debt facility is a €500m 
revolving credit facility, €120m of 
which was drawn at year end and 
which matures in June 2022. As at 
31 December 2018, the Group also 
had bilateral bank facilities of €50m, 
which were fully drawn. Private 
placement loan note funding net of 
related derivatives totals €808m. The 
weighted average maturity of the 
notes is 5.6 years, including a private 
placement of €175m completed on 8 
December 2017 which was drawn on 
31 January 2018.

The Group had significant available 
undrawn facilities and cash balances 
which, in aggregate, were c.€675m 
at 31 December 2018 and provide 
appropriate headroom for ongoing 
operational requirements and 
development funding. 

Photo: Chris Humphreys Photography

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Quatuor

Insulated Panels: 
JI Facade - Profil TYPHON  
Perfo diam 11, Profil OURAGAN 
Perfo diam 11
Fire Rating: Euroclass A1

31

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Net debt 

Net debt increased by €264.4m during 2018 to €728.3m (2017: €463.9m).  
This is analysed in the table below:

Movement in net debt

Free cashflow 

Acquisitions 

Share issues

Repurchase of shares

Dividends paid 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Cashflow movement 

Exchange movements on translation 

Deferred consideration

Increase in net debt

Net debt at start of year 

Net debt at end of year 

2018

€m

308.4

(472.3)

0.1

-

(68.3)

 (0.1)

(232.2)

(2.2)

(30.0)

(264.4)

(463.9)

(728.3)

2017

€m

198.5

(168.2)

0.2

(1.5)

(61.7)

-

(32.7)

(3.3)

-

(36.0)

(427.9)

(463.9)

Key financial covenants
The majority of Group borrowings 
are subject to primary financial 
covenants calculated in accordance 
with lenders’ facility agreements:

 → A maximum net debt to EBITDA  

ratio of 3.5 times; and 

 → A minimum EBITDA to net interest 

coverage of 4 times. 

The performance against these 
covenants in the current and 
comparative year is set out below:

2018

2017

Covenant Times Times

Net debt/ 
EBITDA

Maximum  
3.5

EBITDA/ 
Net interest 

Minimum  
4.0

1.4

1.05

28.8

27.8

Investor relations 
Kingspan is committed to 
interacting with the international 
financial community to ensure a full 
understanding of the Group’s strategic 
plans and its performance against 
these plans. During the year, the 
executive management and investor 
team presented at three capital 
market conferences, hosted a capital 
markets day at our Holywell facility in 
Wales and conducted 311 institutional 
one-on-one and group meetings. 

Share price and market 
capitalisation 
The Company’s shares traded in  
the range of €32.60 to €43.60  
during the year. The share price  
at 31 December 2018 was €37.38  
(31 December 2017: €36.41) giving  
a market capitalisation at that  
date of €6.7bn (2017: €6.5bn).  
Total shareholder return for 2018  
was 3.8%.

Impact of Brexit 
At the time of writing the exact 
form of the UK’s exit from the 
European Union is not clear. Given 
our manufacturing base in both the 
UK and the Eurozone Kingspan is well 
positioned to deal with the outcome 
in whatever form it takes, albeit 
in a context of the wider macro 
economic conditions.

Financial risk management 
The Group operates a centralised 
treasury function governed by a 
treasury policy approved by the 
Group Board. This policy primarily 
covers foreign exchange risk, credit 
risk, liquidity risk and interest rate 
risk. The principal objective of the 
policy is to minimise financial risk 
at reasonable cost. Adherence to 
the policy is monitored by the CFO 
and the Internal Audit function. 
The Group does not engage in 
speculative trading of derivatives or 
related financial instruments.

Geoff Doherty 
Chief Financial Officer,  
22 February 2019 

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Risk & Risk Management

—

As a leading building supplies manufacturer in a highly 
competitive international environment, Kingspan is 
exposed to a variety of risks and uncertainties which are 
monitored and controlled by the Group’s internal risk 
management framework. 

Overall responsibility for risk 
management lies with the Board  
who ensures that risk awareness is  
set at an appropriate level. 

To ensure that risk awareness is set 
at an appropriate level, the Audit 
Committee assists the Board by 
taking delegated responsibility for the 
risk identification and assessment, in 
addition to reviewing the Group’s risk 
management and internal control 
systems and making recommendations 
to the Board thereon.  

The chairman of the Audit 
Committee reports to the Board at 
each Board meeting on its activities, 
both in regard to audit matters and 
risk management. 

The activities of the Audit Committee 
are set out in detail in the Report of 
the Audit Committee on page 82.

The Board monitors the Group’s 
risk management systems through 
this consultation with the Audit 
Committee but also through 
the Group’s divisional monthly 
management meetings, where at least 
two executive directors are present. 
The risks and trends are the focus of 
each division’s monthly management 
meeting, where their performance 
is also assessed against budget, 
forecast and prior year. In addition, key 
performance indicators are used to 
benchmark operational performance 
for all manufacturing sites. 

In addition to this ongoing 
assessment of risk within the 
divisions, the Audit Committee 
oversees an annual risk assessment 
for the Group whereby each divisional 
management team is formally asked 
to prepare a risk assessment for their 
business. This assessment involves 
evaluating group-wide risks, as put 
forward by the Board, and also 
presenting additional risks that are 
specific to their business. 

While it is acknowledged that the 
Group faces a variety of risks, the 
Board, through the processes set out 
above, has identified the principal 
risks and uncertainties that could 
potentially impact upon the Group’s 
short to medium term strategic goals 
and these are as follows:

Risk and impact

Actions to mitigate

Volatility in the macro environment

Kingspan products are targeted at both the 
residential and non-residential (including retail, 
commercial, public sector and high rise offices) 
construction sectors. As a result, demand is 
dependent on activity levels which may vary by 
geographic market and is subject to the usual 
drivers of construction activity (i.e. general 
economic conditions and volatility, Brexit,  
political uncertainty in some regions,  
interest rates, business / consumer confidence  
levels, unemployment and population growth).

While construction markets are inherently cyclical, 
changing building and environmental regulations 
continue to act as an underlying positive structural 
trend for demand for many of the Group’s products.

Failure to innovate

Failing to successfully manage and compete with 
new product innovations, changing market trends 
and consumer tastes could have an adverse effect 
on Kingspan’s market share, the future growth 
of the business and the margins achieved on the 
existing product line.

The exposure to the cyclicality of any one construction market is partially mitigated by 
the Group’s diversification, both geographically and by product. 

As set out in the Business Model & Strategy, the Group has mitigated this risk through 
diversification as follows:

›  Sales outside of traditional markets, predominantly the UK and Ireland, have 

increased from 40% in 2008 to 75% in 2018;

›  Launch of new products and continual improvements to existing product lines; and

›  Acquisitions made during the year extend the geographic reach of the Group.

The full details of these diversifications are set out in the Business Model & Strategy 
report on pages 8 to 13.

Innovation is one of Kingspan’s four pillars to increasing shareholder value and therefore 
plays a key role within the Group.

There is a continual review of each division’s product portfolios at both the executive 
and local management level to ensure that they target current and future opportunities 
for profitable growth. 

This risk is further mitigated by continuing innovation and compelling marketing 
programmes. The launch of IKON™ in 2019 will only serve to enhance the capabilities 
of the Group to innovate. Kingspan also has a deep understanding of changing 
consumer and industry dynamics in its key markets, enabling management to respond 
appropriately to issues which may impact business performance.

33

Risk and impact

Product failure

A key risk to Kingspan’s business is  
the potential for functional failure of  
our product which could lead to health, 
safety and security issues for both our 
people and our customers. 

The Kingspan brand is well established 
and is a key element of the Group’s overall 
marketing and positioning strategy.  
In the event of a product failure, the 
Kingspan brand and/or reputation could  
be damaged and if so, this could lead to  
a loss of market share.

Actions to mitigate

Dedicated structures and processes are in place to manage and monitor product quality controls 
throughout the business:

›  The majority of new products go through a certification process which is undertaken by 
a recognised and reputable authority (for example, in the UK it is the Building Research 
Establishment, BRE) before it is brought to market.

›  Our businesses employ quality control specialists and operate strict policies to ensure consistent 

high standards are maintained in relation to the sourcing and handling of raw materials.

›  Quality audits are undertaken at our manufacturing sites.

›  Documented and tested product recall procedures are embedded in all our businesses  

and are regularly reviewed.

›  Effective training is delivered to our staff.

›  We proactively monitor the regulatory and legislative environment.

Business interruption (including IT continuity)

Kingspan’s performance is dependent on 
the availability and quality of its physical 
infrastructure, its raw material supply 
chain and its information technology. 
The safe and continued operation of such 
systems and infrastructure is threatened 
by natural and man-made perils and 
is affected by the level of investment 
available to improve them.

The building industry as a whole is going 
through some significant change with 
respect to building regulations and codes. 
The risks associated with misunderstanding 
some of the potential changes and the 
nature of our product set is one that is 
more prevalent today. 

Any significant or prolonged restriction to 
its physical infrastructure, the necessary 
raw materials or its IT systems and 
infrastructure could have an adverse effect 
on Kingspan’s business performance. 

Kingspan insists on industry leading operational processes and procedures to ensure effective 
management of each facility. The Group invests significantly in a rigorous programme of 
preventative maintenance on all key manufacturing lines to mitigate the risk of production line 
stoppages. 

The impact of production line stoppages is also mitigated by having business continuity plans in 
place to allow for the transfer of significant volume from any one of our 68 plants in the Insulated 
Panels division or 26 plants in the Insulated Boards division to another in the event of a shutdown. 

In addition, and as part of our consequential loss insurance, Kingspan is subject to regular reviews 
of all manufacturing sites by external risk management experts, with these reviews being aimed at 
enhancing Kingspan’s risk profile.

In an effort to reduce Kingspan’s exposure to raw material supply chain issues, Kingspan builds 
strong relationships with a wide range of raw material suppliers to limit the reliance on any one 
supplier or even a small number of suppliers.

Kingspan continues to inform all stakeholders of the characteristics of our product offerings, their 
application and benefits to limit the risk of misunderstanding within the building industry. 

Kingspan’s IT infrastructure is constantly reviewed and updated to meet the needs of the Group. 
Procedures have been established for the protection of this infrastructure and all other IT related 
assets. These include the development of IT specific business continuity plans, IT disaster recovery 
plans and back-up delivery systems, to reduce business disruption in the event of a major 
technology failure.

Credit risks and credit control

As part of the overall service package, 
Kingspan provides credit to customers 
and as a result there is an associated risk 
that the customer may not be able to pay 
outstanding balances.

At the year-end, the Group was carrying a 
receivables book of €735.1m expressed net 
of provision for default in payment. This 
represents a net risk of 17% of sales. Of 
these net receivables, approximately 62% 
were covered by credit insurance or other 
forms of collateral such as letter of credit 
and bank guarantees.

Employee development & retention

The success of Kingspan is built upon 
effective management teams committed 
to achieving a superior performance in 
each division. Failure to attract, retain or 
develop these teams could have an impact 
on business performance.

Fraud and cybercrime

Each business unit has established procedures and credit control functions around managing  
its receivables and takes action when necessary.

Trade receivables are primarily managed through strong credit control functions backed up by credit 
insurance to the extent that it is available. All major outstanding and overdue balances together 
with significant potential exposures are reviewed regularly and concerns are discussed at monthly 
meetings at which the Group’s executive directors are present.

Control systems are in place to ensure that credit authorisation requests are supported with 
appropriate and sufficient documentation and are approved at appropriate levels in the 
organisation.

Kingspan, and each of its divisions, is committed to ensuring that the necessary procedures are in 
place to attract, develop and retain the skill levels needed to achieve the Group’s strategic goals. 
These procedures include strong recruitment processes, succession planning, remuneration reviews, 
including both long and short term incentive plans, and targeted career development plans.

Kingspan is potentially exposed to 
fraudulent activity, with particular 
focus on the Group’s online banking 
systems, online payment procedures and 
unauthorised access to internal systems.

The security and processes around the Group’s IT and banking systems are subject to review by 
divisional management and internal audit. These systems are continually reviewed with updates and 
improvements implemented as required. Robust IT and security policy documents and related alerts 
are circulated by Group management to all divisions to ensure a consistent and effective approach 
is taken across the Group. 

Acquisition and integration of new businesses

Acquisitive growth is an important element 
of Kingspan’s development strategy. A 
failure to execute and properly integrate 
significant acquisitions and capitalise on 
the potential synergies they bring may 
adversely affect the Group. 

All potential acquisitions are rigorously assessed and evaluated, both internally and by external 
advisors, to ensure any potential acquisition meets Kingspan’s strategic and financial criteria. 

This process is underpinned by extensive integration procedures and the close monitoring of 
performance post acquisition by both divisional and Group management.

Kingspan also has a strong track record of successfully integrating acquisitions and therefore 
management have extensive knowledge in this area which it utilises for each acquisition.

Business & Strategic Report   —   Risk & Risk Management 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Mark Harris
Holywell, UK
—

Mark joined Kingspan through 
the acquisition of Kooltherm® 
Insulation in 1996. Since then Mark 
has worked in a number of roles 
in both our Insulated Panels and 
Insulation Boards divisions and is 
now Divisional Technical Director 
for Insulated Panels. 

Tested systems, at large-scale,
are critical for evaluating real
life performance. I’ve been with
Kingspan Group for 22 years and
am passionate about our unique
range of high performance insulation
 systems and the benefits they offer
 to our clients and end users. As a
 divisional technical director in the 
insulated panel business my focus is 
on helping develop and deliver tested
 and certified systems in critical 
performance areas that include
 fire safety, property protection,
 sustainability and lifetime reliability.

Mark has extensive experience 
in the industry and has been at the 
forefront of the development of high 
performance thermosetting polymer 
based insulation systems and 
solutions. Mark and his department 
have been an integral part of the 
wider Kingspan team in developing, 
certifying and promoting the merits 
of our innovative and best-in-
class insulated panel technology, 
QuadCore™, and to driving its
rollout globally.  

35

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37

Sustainability Report 

Product Passionate

—
Kingspan’s vision
To be a global leader in sustainable business and establish 
a leading position in providing ethical, renewable and 
affordable best practice solutions for the construction sector. 

We know that the built environment 
has an important role to play in 
combating climate change and we 
pledge to take the lead in meeting  
that challenge.

Our commitment to sustainability  
is instilled at every level of the  
Group and at every step in the 
manufacturing process. 

In developing our approach to 
sustainability, we have built on 
materiality assessments conducted 
at a divisional level as well as 
incorporating guidelines from 
recognised associations such as the 
Sustainable Accounting Standards 
Board (SASB) and the Task Force on 
Climate-related Financial Disclosures 

(TCFD), of which Kingspan is a 
signatory. Kingspan recognises that  
it has a responsibility as a business 
leader to contribute towards 
the United Nation’s Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs) and over 
the next few pages we demonstrate 
how we are making a difference.

Product Passionate

Planet Passionate

People Passionate

 › Kingspan's primary SDG impact 
is through our high performance 
insulation materials and the 
positive impact they have on the 
energy consumption of buildings 
and, therefore, climate change. 
61% of our revenue in 2018 was 
generated by the sale of products 
which improve energy efficiency. 

 › At Kingspan, innovation is at 
the core of who we are. We 
invest annually in research and 
development in order to drive 
efficiency improvements and 
increase circularity in our  
high-performance products. 

 › Our product set, from insulation 

technologies to rainwater 
harvesting, offer solutions to 
build more sustainable cities. 
The thermal performance of our 
insulation means it can be used 
in thinner applications, helping 
architects to create space as the 
world becomes more urbanised. 

 › Kingspan Light & Air manufactures 
products which allow natural light  
and ventilation into a building, 
thereby improving the ambient 
conditions for its inhabitants. 

 › Kingspan Water & Energy sells 
solutions for sourcing, storing  
and protecting water. 

 › Net Zero Energy – Since 2011 

Kingspan has been on a journey to 
attain Net Zero Energy throughout 
our operations. In 2018 we 
achieved 75% NZE and we are on 
track to achieve 100% by 2020. 

 › Plastic bottle recycling – In 2018, 

through the acquisition of  
The Synthesia Group, Kingspan 
recycled 256 million PET plastic 
bottles for use in our products.  
We aim to reach 500 million  
by 2023. 

 › We recently entered into a 

partnership with The Ecoalf 
Foundation, a venture which 
collects waste in the Spanish  
seas for recycling or repurposing 
where possible. 

 ›

In 2018 Kingspan recycled 69% 
of its waste, down from 78% in 
2017, as acquired businesses had a 
dilutive impact. We aim to minimise 
waste across our businesses and 
will share best practice from our 
more mature businesses: our 
UK and Ireland panel facilities 
achieved zero waste to landfill in 
2018 and the target is to achieve 
this across Panels Western Europe; 
and our European Data & Flooring 
Technology achieved 100% of  
waste to recycling in 2018. 

 › Following on from a tremendous 
experience, Kingspan employees 
continue to volunteer for  
The Junior Achievement 
programme, helping to educate 
and inspire young students. 

 › Kingspan takes the welfare of our 
employees very seriously and we 
are proud that 2018 was another 
year with zero fatalities across 
the Group. Our lost time injury 
frequency rate fell by almost 6%  
or over 9% excluding the impact  
of acquired businesses.

 › Kingspan recently became a 
signatory for the Task Force 
on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures. We are also  
a gold member of RE100 and  
we respond to The CDP in  
relation to Climate Action.  
At Kingspan, we are committed 
to supporting partners which are 
driving results against the SDGs.

—
Kingspan started life with a simple mission to always work to 
make building better. Since that time, through our commitment 
to ongoing product development and innovation, we have become 
the global leader in high-performance insulation. 

Innovation is one of the key  
strategic pillars at Kingspan.  
We invested over €30 million in 
2018 in Research and Development. 
Product breakthroughs include 
QuadCore™, Kingspan’s next 
generation of self-blended hybrid 
insulation, delivering unrivalled 
thermal efficiency, superior fire 
protection, enhanced environmental 
credentials and our longest 
performance guarantee. In 2019, 
Kingspan will open our innovation 
hub in Kingscourt, Ireland – IKON™.  
It will be the global centre of 
excellence for innovation at 
Kingspan, leading further product 
enhancements in the area of 
thermal performance and circularity. 

Circularity and sustainability are 
major and growing themes globally. 
Kingspan has always been at the 
forefront of enabling buildings to 
consume less energy, and we strive 
for ways to do this more sustainably. 
Since 2011 we have been on a journey 
to manufacture our products using 
(in aggregate) 100% of energy from 
renewable sources by 2020. In 2018 
we reached 75% Net Zero Energy. 
In addition to this, one of the key 
chemicals in our high-performance 
insulation is Polyol. Polyol can be 
manufactured from recycled PET 
plastic. In 2018, Kingspan used the 
equivalent of 256 million recycled 
plastic bottles in our products, 
we aim to make that number 500 
million recycled bottles by 2023. 

Please see our “Planet Passionate” 
section for more detail on these 
initiatives. 

Buildings are one of the largest 
contributors to global greenhouse 
gas emissions with an estimated 
40% of emissions attributable to 
buildings. Kingspan is proud to help 
designers, architects and building 
owners design and operate buildings 
which consume less energy. Every 
year, Kingspan insulation systems 
significantly reduce energy usage, 
carbon emissions and building 
operational costs in over 90 countries 
across the globe. In 2018, Kingspan 
Insulated Panel and Insulation 
Board products, in use in the built 
environment, saved 192.7 million 
MWh of energy, 38.15 million tonnes 
of CO2 and €5 billion of costs.*

In 2018 the total 
energy saved*
by our insulation 
systems is 
equivalent to:

110m
20m
66
4.7

Over one hundred and  
ten million barrels of oil

Taking twenty million  
cars off the road

The annual output of  
sixty-six power stations 

Up to 4.7 times the annual 
electricity consumption  
of Greater London

*  These figures relate to sales of Insulated Panels and Insulation Boards between 1993 and 2018.

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Product Passionate Case Studies

Product Passionate Case Studies

Sustainable buildings

The Hub: The UK’s First Electricity 
Cost Neutral Logistics Building

The logistics sector is undoubtedly a 
very large energy user, but a sector 
which acknowledges its impact on 
the environment and is looking to 
find its place in the greener future of 
sustainable building. IM Properties, a 
UK based investor developer, looked 
at how it could create a world-class 
sustainable logistics facility and 
developed the UK's first electricity 
cost neutral logistics building –  
The Hub. 

The Hub is the UK’s first building 
which could eradicate electricity 
bills by combining Kingspan’s high 
performance insulated panel and 
rooftop solar PV products with next 
generation battery technology 
to make the building energy self-
sufficient. In the process, the 
development, which holds an A+ 
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), 
can potentially offset 115,956 tonnes 
of CO2 annually. It is estimated that 
the building will consume 90% of the 
energy it generates.

The Hub will use roof-mounted, 
solar photovoltaic panels to supply 
electricity straight to the building 
for immediate use. Any extra power 
produced is then used to charge a 
battery which supplies the building 
with power whenever there is a dip 
in electricity production from the 
building's own solar panels, ensuring 
that there is never any business 
interruption. The battery can also 
be solar charged or charged from 
the grid when electricity is cheaper, 
allowing the power to be used 
during more expensive periods in a 
process known as peak shaving. Any 
extra electricity generated from the 
building can also be exported back 
to the UK’s electricity grid further 
enhancing the building’s electricity 
cost neutrality.

The innovative project combination 
of battery and solar PV technology 
could be a game-changer for large 
energy users, like the logistics sector, 
who understand the importance of 
the green agenda, and look to do their 
part to enhance global sustainability. 

Sustainable cities

Ripley Town Centre achieves 
Prestigious Green Star Rating 

Located in the centre of Ripley 
Queensland, the Ripley Town 
Centre is on track to become the 
sustainable urban hub for the 
community. 

The AUD$1.5 billion project has 
earned the 5 Star Green Star Design 
& As Built accreditation after 
demonstrating initiatives to reduce 
the impact of climate change, 
promote sustainability within the 
built environment and improve 
quality of life.  

Innovative design and planning led 
to the installation of 1,800 individual 
solar panels, rainwater harvesting 
and stormwater systems and 
integration of a public transport hub. 

Australia, Coles Ripley

Modline Water Tanks

Kingspan is proud to have four 
Modline Steel tanks installed. 
Together, the tanks have the 
potential to harvest 25,200 litres 
of rainwater a year. The rainwater 
will be reused for toilets and 
landscape irrigation. 

The Modline shape was selected for 
maximum storage, efficient use of 
space and to accommodate large 
commercial fittings. 

The made to measure nature of 
Kingspan’s water tanks proved to be 
advantageous for this project as the 
client wanted a commercial tank 
system that would take up most 
of the available space, allowing for 
maximum water storage capacity. 

Sustainable buildings

Bloomberg’s European  
Headquarters – The World’s Most 
Sustainable Office Building

One of London’s most iconic 
buildings, Bloomberg’s award-
winning London-based European 
headquarters occupies 3.2 acres, 
providing approximately 1.1 million 
square feet of sustainable office 
space to 4,000 of Bloomberg’s 
employees. The completion of the 
high specification building marks the 
culmination of years of planning and 
development for both Bloomberg, 
its partners and Kingspan Data & 
Flooring Technology.

Sustainability is at the heart of 
every design choice which resulted 
in Bloomberg's HQ being named 
the world’s most sustainable office 
building with a BREEAM rating of 
98.5%. The building, a zero-landfill 
operation, employs the most 
sustainable of building materials. 
Rainwater from the roof, basins 
and showers, is captured, treated 
and recycled to serve vacuum flush 
toilets. When weather conditions are 

temperate, the building’s distinctive 
bronze blades can open and close, 
allowing the building to operate 
in a “breathable” state which is 
complimented by smart CO2 control 
air distribution according to the 
approximate number of people 
occupying the building.

Bloomberg’s desire was to create a 
building which looks to the future, 
reflects the company’s commitments 
in practice to sustainability and 
encourages active working for its 
employees – the development’s 
interiors do just that, with sit-to-
stand work stations for all employees 
and a central ramp spanning six 
floors that encourages movement 
through the building on foot.

The installation of 37,000m2 of 
Kingspan raised access flooring and 
34,000m2 of Kingspan Attiro real 
wood engineered floor covering 
makes the Bloomberg HQ a 
landmark project for Kingspan Data 
& Flooring Technology and supports 
Bloomberg’s vision to create an 
environment that promotes wellbeing 
and encourages collaboration and 
active working.

UK, The Hub Birmingham

Insulated Panels: AWP, Curvewall, Trapezoidal Wall.  
Roof: Trapezoidal Roof with Energy Rooftop Solar PV Fire Rating: (Panels) - LPCB 1181 
Part 1 and achieve LPS Grade EXT-B and are FM approved to 4880 and 4471

UK, Bloomberg European Headquarters

37,000m2 of Kingspan raised access flooring and 34,000m2 of Kingspan Attiro real wood 
engineered floor

Business & Strategic Report   —   Sustainability ReportKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 201840

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Product Passionate 

Fire testing and research 
Kingspan takes the issue of fire 
safety extremely seriously. We have 
been researching and testing the 
performance of our products for 
decades to find suitable solutions for 
even the most demanding projects.

We have conducted almost  
2,000 external fire tests to national 
and international standards for 
compliance across global regulatory 
regimes. Only those that can 
achieve rigorous standards are 
recommended for use in sensitive 
applications. 

Fire test certification 
During our research, the importance 
of system testing rather than 
material testing has been proven 
numerous times. Large-scale 
system testing underpins the fire 
safety credentials of Kingspan’s 
high performance closed cell rigid 
insulation products and systems, 
including BS 8414; AS 5113; LPS 1181 
and 1208; FM 4470, 4471, 4880, 4881, 
4882 and 4924; EN 1364, 1365 & 1366: 
IS0 13784; LEPIR II; NFPA 285 and 286; 
and SP Fire 105. 

Products & systems 
QuadCore™ Technology is a high 
performance closed-cell rigid 
insulation solution offering a unique 
combination of fire performance 
certification when used as a core 
in our insulated panel systems 
including FM 4882 (the FM Global 
insurance standard for smoke 
sensitive occupancies), providing 
enhanced ‘reaction to fire’ and 
‘fire resistance’ performance. The 
Kooltherm® range of insulation 
boards and KoolDuct® pre-insulated 
ductwork are manufactured with 
a phenolic insulation core, which 
has been proven through a rigorous 
programme of testing to offer 
superior fire and smoke performance 
to other commonly used rigid 
thermoset insulants. Some products 
from the Therma range of PIR flat 
and tapered roofing products have 
achieved FM 4470 certification. 

Tests 
Kingspan Insurer Certified insulated 
panels and premium performance 
rigid thermoset phenolic insulation 
boards and products can achieve high 
levels of reaction to fire performance 
in tests specified for regulatory 
purposes, large scale tests developed 
by the insurance industry and large 
scale tests developed by other 
organisations including ISO, British 
Standards Institute (BSI), ASTM and 
the National Fire Protection Agency 
(NFPA). Kingspan has numerous 
façade systems that have successfully 
passed large scale façade tests 
around the globe including NFPA 285, 
LEPIR II, SP Fire 105, AS 5113 and BR135 
to BS 8414. We therefore have systems 
that are suitable for many high-rise 
buildings. Going forward we believe 
that large scale system testing is  
the most appropriate fire 
performance benchmark to  
ensure safe building envelopes. 

Case studies 
Independently researched real 
fire case studies have proven the 
performance of Insurer Certified 
insulated panel systems and 
Therma roofing boards across the 
world. We have been building up a 
comprehensive library of real fire 
case studies over the years. The fire 
performance and test results for the 
full Kingspan range are available in 
the relevant Kingspan literature.

Fire performance/outputs 
Fire Performance Certification of 
products and systems incorporating 
Kingspan’s high performance closed 
cell rigid insulation cores:

 → Approval to large scale insurance 

industry fire certification 
standards including the Loss 
Prevention Certification Board 
(LPS) and FM Approvals (FM); 
 → up to 60 minutes fire insulation 
and integrity (EI60) according  
to EN 1364 Parts 2 & 3 and  
ASTM E119; 

 → up to FR60 according to  
UK Insurance Industry  
Standard LPS 1208; 

 → up to 240 minutes fire integrity 

and heat radiation (E240 and 
EW240) according to EN 1364 
Part 2;

 → up to 90 minutes insulation, 

integrity & load bearing capacity 
(RE190) according to EN 1365  
Part 2.

Kingspan Kooltherm® and KoolDuct® 
products can achieve: 

 → a Euroclass rating as good  

as B-s1,d0;

 → Class 0 to UK building regulations 

when tested to BS 476 Pt 6  
& Part 7. 

Kooltherm® can achieve: 

 → a Flame Spread Index (FSI)  

of 5 and a Smoke Developed  
Index (SDI) of 0 when tested to 
ASTM E 84; 

 → Ignitability Index, Spread of  

Flame Index and Heat Evolved 
Index of 0, as well as a Smoke 
Developed Index of 0-1 according 
to AS 1530 Part 3; 

 → Class 1 Fire Rating to Factory 

Mutual Class Number 4880: 2005 
(Kooltherm® K10 FM Soffit Board). 

KoolDuct® is the only premium 
performance pre-insulated ductwork 
in the world to be UL Listed as a Class 1 
Air Duct, to Standard for Safety UL 181.

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Planet Passionate

—
Net Zero Energy
In 2011, Kingspan Group embarked on its own initiative,  
committing to ensure that all of our facilities worldwide are 
Net Zero Energy on an aggregate basis by the year 2020. With 
over 14,000 employees and 129 manufacturing sites operating 
across the world, the scale of the challenge is daunting. 

The Group’s rapid growth also  
adds complexity: 

 → Increasing demand for 

products leads to an increase in 
manufacturing energy demand. 

 → Growth through acquisitions  
adds new facilities at different 
levels of development and  
energy efficiency. 

 → Employees must be encouraged 

to take responsibility for their own 
environmental footprint  
and to support the Net Zero 
Energy strategy.

Our Journey To Date

Despite these obstacles, in 2016 the 
Group over-achieved on its 50% 
target by 7% while in 2018 the NZE 
% currently stands at 75%. 2018 saw 
a large contribution from acquisition 
activity which had a significant 
impact on the NZE %, adjusted for 
acquisitions the NZE % would have 
been 80%.

In 2018 Kingspan committed to the 
Science Based Targets Initiative.  
For Kingspan, this means a 10% 
reduction in emissions by 2025, off the 
base year of 2017. This isn’t the only 
target set for 2025, Kingspan is also 
committing to reduce its absolute 

emissions from purchased goods and 
services, business travel, transport  
and distribution, and end-of-life 
treatment of sold products by 10%.

“ At Kingspan, we are dedicated to 
sustainable business practices,  
from our products, to our processes 
and our people, which is why we  
are delighted to sign up to the Science 
Based Targets Initiative. This provides 
measurable targets for our business 
to achieve and will ensure that we 
continue to match our words with 
actions that make a real difference.” 

  Gene M. Murtagh,  
CEO of Kingspan.

Net Zero Energy

2018

Net Zero Energy

2017

75% 2 6% 

69%

Energy Costs
Light and heat 
costs as a %  
of turnover

Energy  
Intensity
kWh per € 
turnover

Energy 
Carbon 
Intensity
CO2 tonnes  
per €'000 of  
turnover

2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012

2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012

2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012

0.82
0.79
0.88
0.99
1.11
1.14
1.29

0.14
0.13
0.14
0.14
0.16
0.18
0.19

0.009
0.012
0.014
0.034
0.040
0.049
0.053

Renewable  
Energy Usage
Renewable  
energy used  
(GWh)

On-site Energy 
Generation 
Renewable  
energy  
generated  
on-site (GWh)

Renewable  
Electricity  
Usage
Renewable  
electricity  
used (GWh)

2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012

2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012

2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012

459
328
243
126
88
60
27

36.2
34.5
32.2
24.1
17.3
14.5
6.6

214.4
176.2
164.4
102.3
80.3
58.0
27.4

2018 was a significant year for acquisitions which contributed over €400 million to revenue.  
These acquisitions had an impact on energy metrics as we onboard them to our Net Zero Energy objective.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
42

Planet Passionate

Planet Passionate

43

 → Insulation to reduce heat loss; 

 → Destratification fans to improve 

heat distribution; 

 → Low energy process equipment 

installation; 

 → Transitioned forklifts from LPG to 

renewable energy; 

 → Optimised the use of lower gauge 

steel in access floor panels, 
saving wielding energy;

 → Power factor correction systems. 

A key part of the “Save More” strategy 
has been employee awareness and 
training. Implementation of Energy 
Management Standard ISO 50001 in 
several of our manufacturing sites 
has also been effective in driving 
energy efficiency improvements 
and increased use of sub-metering 
has facilitated accurate targeting 
of energy saving opportunities. Our 
efforts to make further improvements 
will continue in 2019 and beyond 
and we are already working on some 
significant opportunities that have 
the capability of delivering over 
100,000kWh per annum savings. 

Generate More 
A key foundation of our “Generate 
More” strategy has been investing in 
on site generation. In 2018 5.9% of 
our total energy use was generated 
from renewable sources on our own 
manufacturing sites, and we have 
ambitious targets to grow this. The 
technologies presently in use include: 

 → Solar PV; 

 → Solar thermal; 

 → Biomass heat; 

 → Biomass CHP (electricity); 

 → Wind; 

 → Anaerobic digestion. 

A particular highlight of 2018 was the 
erection of a 1.5MW wind turbine at 
our Holywell facility. It stands at over 
75 metres in height and has blades 
which span 26 metres. The turbine 
was switched on in December and 
we anticipate that the machine will 
generate over 1.5GWh of electricity 
per annum. 

75%

69%

57%

Our Net Zero Energy Committee 
is a global team consisting of 17 
dedicated and passionate people 
representing all business units and all 
geographies. This team collaborates 
and shares best practice in order 
to deliver our ambitious 2020 goal 
through our three-step strategy 
– Save More – Generate More – Buy 
More. The Chair of the committee, 
Mark Harris, reports Net Zero Energy 
developments directly to the CEO, 
Gene Murtagh. 

Save More
Improving the energy efficiency of 
our operations remains the highest 
priority across the Group. A wide 
range of projects were implemented 
on many sites during 2018 including 
the following; 

 → LED lighting installations 

including daylight dimming and 
occupancy sensing; 

 → Optimised daylighting solutions 
including roof and wall lights; 

 → Heat recovery systems; 

 → Compressed air system 

improvements; 

Progress to Net Zero Energy

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

459

611

328

475

243

424

126

386

88

312

60

327

33%

28%

18%

Total Renewable Energy GWh
Total Energy Use GWh

NZE%

Our Data & Flooring Technology 
manufacturing site in Red Lion US 
is one of the largest consumers of 
water in the Group and in 2018 the 
conservation of water amounted to 
1.1 million gallons (which is 71% of 
total usage) through water recycling.

Accreditation 
RE100 Kingspan is a gold member of 
the RE100. RE100 is a collaborative, 
global initiative of influential 
businesses committed to 100% 
renewable electricity, working to 
increase demand for, and delivery 
of renewable electricity. The private 
sector accounts for around half of 
the world’s electricity consumption. 
Switching this demand to renewables 
will accelerate the transformation  
of the global energy market and 
aid the transition to a low carbon 
economy. RE100 is an initiative of 
The Climate Group in partnership 
with CDP, as part of the We Mean 
Business coalition. 

CDP climate list 
Kingspan is proud to continue 
to respond to CDP, formerly The 
Carbon Disclosure Project. In 
2018 we achieved an A- Climate 
Change rating which puts us 
among the top 400 companies in 
the world in terms of leading on 
environmental practices. 

Carbon Trust Standard 
Our operations in the UK have 
been awarded the Carbon Trust 
Standard in recognition of our 
various initiatives to manage and 
reduce carbon emissions. The 
Carbon Trust Standard is designed 
to provide a robust, objective 
analysis of a company’s carbon 
performance over a number of 
years. Organisations must be able 
to display both annual reductions in 
energy usage over a period of three 
years, and prove that they have the 
necessary management procedures, 
plans and targets to continue to 
achieve further year-on-year carbon 
reductions in the future.

David Palleja

CEO Synthesia Technology

Buy More 
The purchase of renewable energy 
from the grid is an important part 
of our strategy. Our preferred option 
is to purchase certified renewable 
energy (both electricity and gas) 
direct from our suppliers but where 
this is not possible we have made 
purchases of Guarantees of Origin 
(GOs) in Europe, Renewable Energy 
Certificates (RECs) in North America 
and International Renewable Energy 
Certificates (iRECs) in other regions 
as necessary. 

In 2018 Kingspan announced plans 
to recycle the equivalent of 500 
million plastic bottles per annum in 
our products by 2023, growing from 
256 million in 2018. We are delighted 
to have recently partnered with The 
Ecoalf Foundation, a venture which 
collects waste in the Spanish seas 
with the objective of recycling or 
repurposing it where possible. We 
look forward to announcing further 
initiatives which will help us to reach 
our goal over the coming months. 

Recycling PET (Land & Ocean)

2023 Plan

2022 Plan

2021 Plan

2020 Plan

2019 Plan

2018 Actual

500

450

400

350

300

256

Number of bottles recycled (m)

Waste 
Waste reduction brings benefits 
through reducing environmental 
impacts and operating costs. 
Kingspan is fully committed to 
reducing the amount of waste 
sent to landfill and is continuously 
looking at new and innovative ways 
to reduce the generation of waste 
and, where it is generated, to reuse 
and recycle wherever possible. In 
2018 Kingspan recycled 69% of its 
waste, down from 78% in 2017. The 
decrease is primarily as a result of 
the impact of acquired businesses. 
We aim to bring those businesses on 
our waste reduction journey and to 
share learnings from more mature 
facilities; for example, our UK and 
Ireland panel facilities are zero waste 
to landfill, and we aim to achieve 
that milestone across Panels Western 
Europe; and our UK Data & Flooring 
Technology achieved 100% recycled 
waste in 2018.

Water 
Although water is a small proportion 
of inputs into our operations, we 
aim to manage the resource in the 
most responsible manner possible. 
In general, water is mainly used 
for general sanitation purposes 
and Kingspan continues to aim 
to maximise water conservation 
through the use of rainwater 
harvesting and other water saving 
initiatives such as sensoring systems 
and water flow regulators. 

Business & Strategic Report   —   Sustainability ReportKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
44

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People Passionate

01

—
What has been achieved at Kingspan would not be 
possible without the people that work hard every day to 
drive the company forward. A dynamic and motivated 
workforce is key to delivering against the future growth 
strategy of the business. For this reason, talent is at the 
heart of future planning at Kingspan.

Kingspan’s leadership team holds an 
annual Talent Forum in September to 
review succession plans, metrics on 
key positions hired throughout the 
year and to forecast future talent 
gaps as part of our human capital 
risk assessment. 

Attract
We have a number of initiatives at 
Kingspan to attract top talent. One 
of the key, group wide, initiatives is 
the graduate programme which saw 
applications in 2018 up over 150% on 
prior year. 

Retain
At Kingspan we use multiple tools to 
drive talent retention. These include 
traditional motivational tools such 
as reviews and objective setting, 

but there is also the opportunity to 
join a network of people across the 
Group to drive real change through 
innovation and sustainability 
initiatives. Over 4 months in 2018 
we ran a Global Digital Challenge, 
which incorporated 52 teams, 
spanning 14 countries and yielded 
such remarkable results that we 
announced 8 winners. In 2011, 
Kingspan initiated a target to be 
Net Zero Energy by 2020, people 
from all over the group have had 
the opportunity to drive actions to 
reduce energy consumption and to 
generate on site renewable energy. 

Develop  
Kingspan has developed three 
leadership development programmes 
over the past 24 months and over 

170 current and future leaders have 
attended these programmes. The 
first level is geared to our graduate 
employees who join the “Yours to 
Shape” development programme, 
which takes place in 4 modules over 
12 months. During this programme 
each graduate is assigned a senior 
executive as their mentor. The second 
programme, our newest leadership 
programme – PEAK (Programme for 
Executive Acceleration in Kingspan),  
is aimed at middle management.  
This comprises of two residential 
modules with on-going external 
coaches assigned to participants  
and regular webinars on key issues  
e.g. digitalisation and innovation. 
Thirdly, we partnered with 
the International Institute for 
Management Development in 

Data & Flooring Technology

Insulated Panels 

Rest of the World

Republic of Ireland

57%

8%

Employee 
Numbers  
by Division

Americas

19%

Employee
Numbers  
by Geography

3%

Water & Energy

9%

Light & Air

12%

Insulation  
Boards

19%

5%

UK

21%

Mainland 
Europe

47%

Gender balance, % Female

02

2018

18% F

82% M

2017

17% F

83% M

Injury Frequency Rate

2018

2017

1.5 p/100k hours

1.6 p/100k hours

Zero fatalities in 2018 (2017: zero)

01  
UK, Berenice Hitchens,  
Water & Energy

02  
UK, Will Dyer,  
Water & Energy

45

Lausanne for a customised, global 
leadership programme for our current 
top talent who are operating at the 
most senior level worldwide. 

Protect 
Kingspan takes the safety of our 
employees incredibly seriously. All 
accidents, as well as near misses, are 
recorded and reviewed. Health and 
Safety (H&S) is under ongoing review 
at a facility and divisional level and a 
Group H&S Committee sits at least 
twice a year. It is an opportunity for 
all divisions and geographies to share 
best practice and discuss operational 
experiences that will improve the 
welfare of all of our employees. 
Several initiatives have been rolled 
out to encourage H&S in our facilities, 
including safety culture surveys and 
questionnaires, poster campaigns, 
guest speakers who shared their 
experiences of living with an injury and 
e-learning training platforms.

Kingspan is proud to have gone 
through another year with zero 
fatalities in our business. Absolute lost 
time accidents were up year-on-year 
but primarily driven by the impact of 
acquisitions, the frequency rate fell by 
almost 6% or over 9% if you exclude 
the impact of acquisitions.

Equal opportunities, employee 
rights and diversity
Kingspan is committed to providing 
equal opportunities from recruitment 
and appointment, training and 
development to appraisal and 
promotion opportunities for a 
wide range of people, free from 
discrimination or harassment and in 
which all decisions are based on work 
criteria and individual performance. 
We see diversity and inclusiveness as 
an essential part of our productivity, 
creativity and innovation. 

It is important for us to celebrate  
and highlight the successes of people 
in Kingspan and we created online 
stories to demonstrate the career 
potential for diverse groups in our 
business. We are encouraged to see 
that over 30% of graduates on our 
“Yours to Shape” programme in  
2018 were female.

Business & Strategic Report   —   Sustainability Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Our Communities

Our Communities

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Kingspan grew out of a family business and those family values 
continue to shape how we engage with our communities today. 
Decades on, Kingspan remains deeply rooted in the community 
of Kingscourt, Ireland, where the business was founded. Being 
engaged in our local communities is a core element of the culture 
of Kingspan. It is important that our businesses have the flexibility 
to support initiatives which are relevant to the local workforce and 
to the communities in which they operate. In 2018 we are proud to 
have supported a wide range of initiatives, including: runs against 
cancer, stimulating the local environment through beekeeping, 
children’s craft competitions for local schools, festive family box 
donations and multiple sponsorship and fundraising events. 

Kingspan Water & Energy  
gives the gift of water - Australia
Kingspan reached out to the Liverpool 
Plains Shire to donate a 104,000 
litre tank filled with drinking water. 
The council chose to install the tank 
at Currabubula, a town 18 km outside 
of Tamworth with a community of 
about 330 people. This community 
of people were mainly relying on bore 
water for drinking due to the drought 
conditions in the area. The bore 
water was not ideal for drinking as it 
contained too much iron and calcium.

The tank was installed at  
Currabubula War Memorial Hall -  
an ideal location with great 
accessibility from all angles and 
is situated right across from 
Currabubula Public School. 

Our policies
Aims 

 → Comply with all local laws in  
the countries we operate in. 

 → Ensure supply chain 
accountability.

Modern slavery 
Slavery and human trafficking are 
abhorrent crimes and we all have 
a responsibility to ensure that they 
do not continue. At Kingspan we 
pride ourselves on conducting our 
business ethically and responsibly. 
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 became 
UK legislation and required all large 
UK companies and businesses who 
supply goods or services in the UK 
to publish a slavery and human 
trafficking statement each financial 
year on their website. Kingspan is 
fully committed to ensuring that 
modern slavery is not taking place 

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Kingspan – our future innovators 
Kingspan was delighted to continue 
to support Junior Achievement 
Ireland (JAI) in 2018. Our volunteers 
went back to the classroom to 
encourage and to inspire young 
students to continue in education 
and to explore exciting new future 
opportunities incorporating 
possibilities opened up through the 
study of STEM and related subjects. 

Junior Achievement programmes 
help to create a culture of enterprise 
within the education system. They 
also help young people prepare for 
the world of work, giving them skills 
in communication and preparing for 
interviews. In 2018 JAI programmes 
and workshops reached over  
60,000 students, partnered with  
over 540 schools and received the 
support of over 3,000 volunteers. 
Kingspan volunteers worked with 
over 300 students in schools local  
to our facilities. 

02 

01  
Ireland
Students on the Junior  
Achievement Ireland programme.

03

02  
Australia
Gift of Water. Councillor Doug Hawkins 
(Deputy Mayor)and Rural Sales Account 
Manager, Ron James with the council 
members of Liverpool Plains Shire.

03  
France 
Light & Air. The Light and Air team  
in Ecodis keep 120,000 bees, which 
produce 45kg of honey annually.

in our business or any of our supply 
chains. We adopted and published 
our policy statement at the end 
of 2016 and all our businesses are 
responsible for ensuring supplier 
compliance with the legislation. 

Supply chain engagement 
Kingspan engages with its supply 
chain to minimise the environmental 
impact of its raw materials, using 
its purchasing power to bring 
about lasting and positive change. 
Kingspan has developed an ethical 
and procurement strategy for 
procuring materials and services in a 
sustainable way, and we seek to build 
and maintain long term relationships 
with key suppliers and contractors to 
ensure that they are aligned to the 
same standards. Many of our suppliers 
are accredited to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 
and OHSAS 18001, which cover quality, 
environmental and health and safety 
management systems. 

Customer experience programme 
Everything that our customers 
experience with Kingspan matters 
to us. Whether it’s the performance 
of our product solutions, the 
responsiveness of our service teams 
or the efficiency of our deliveries, we 
strive to provide a positive experience 
to all our customers. To help us 
achieve our strategic goal we have 
introduced four key commitment 
areas into our businesses on which 
we are focusing as part of our 
customer excellence programme: 

 → Deliver a memorable customer 

experience. 

 → Develop the employee experience, 
so our teams never want to work 
for anyone else. 

 → Measure what our customers and 
employees actually experience. 

 → Continue to innovate.

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USA

Natalia Rizzatti
California, USA

—

Natalia joined Kingspan through 
the acquisition of AWIP in 2016.  
As an experienced CFO and 
originally from Brazil, Natalia 
was the ideal candidate to set 
up the finance function for our 
LATAM division. Natalia is also 
the President of Kingspan’s 
AWIP business. 

At Kingspan, I have been
fortunate to be exposed to 
diverse cultures throughout 
the world. The Americas teams
 are passionate about developing
 new technologies that allow
 Kingspan to convert traditional
 systems to more energy efficient
 building solutions. For example,
the insulated panel roof market
 in the USA is still in its infancy
 compared to that of Latin America
 or Europe - our North America
 team is committed to changing
 this reality through competitive
 and innovative products which
 enable material improvements
to the construction timeline, 
while also providing a long-term
 sustainable roofing solution.

The Americas is a significant 
conversion opportunity for Kingspan. 
Insulated Panels account for less 
than 15% of the relevant market 
in North America and QuadCore™ 
offers a differentiated and best-in-
class solution for design teams.  
Latin America is seeing rapid 
changes in building codes and  
is a compelling long-term market  
for our product portfolio.

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Chairman’s Introduction

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On behalf of the Board, I am pleased 
to present the Directors’ Report to the 
shareholders of Kingspan Group plc. Kingspan  
has implemented a strong governance framework 
which supports the effective and prudent 
management of the business, and helps drive  
the long-term success of the Group.

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During the year the Board 
committees have continued to work 
effectively. The reports of the Audit 
and Remuneration Committees are 
set out in this Annual Report, and 
provide details of each committee’s 
membership and activities during  
the year.

The Audit Committee has focused 
in particular on the management 
and control of risks throughout 
the business having regard to the 
growing global footprint of the 
Group, as well as on the Group’s 
financial reporting. At the same 

time, the Remuneration Committee 
has ensured that the executive 
directors’ pay is properly aligned 
with the Group’s performance, 
and shareholders' interests in the 
long-term success of the Group. 
The Nominations Committee has 
continued to assess the mix of 
the skills and experience on the 
Board and its committees, and 
has strengthened the independent 
representation on the Board.

The Board as a whole has reviewed 
the Annual Report and Financial 
Statements, and is pleased to  

confirm that they consider the  
report and financial statements, 
taken as a whole, are fair, balanced 
and understandable.

This report describes how Kingspan 
has applied the principles of good 
governance of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code (April 2016),  
and the Irish Corporate Governance 
Annex, throughout 2018.

Eugene Murtagh 
Chairman 

USA 
Squibb Building

Insulation Boards:
Optim-R; Kingspan Greenguard XPS
Fire Rating: XPS Class A;  
Optim-R (Core): non-combustible as 
tested to EN ISO 1716

51

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52

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The Board

—

The Board provides entrepreneurial leadership 
and sets the governance framework for the Group.

Chairman

Eugene Murtagh 
(Age 76) 
Ireland

Eugene Murtagh is the non-executive Chairman of the Group. 

Key skills & experience: He founded the Kingspan business in 1965 and, as CEO until 2005, he led its growth 
and development to become an international market leader. He has an unrivalled understanding of the Group, 
its business and ethos, and brings to the Board his leadership and governance skills.

Committees: Nominations (21 years, chair).

Chief Executive Officer

Gene M. Murtagh
(Age 47)
Ireland

Gene Murtagh is the Group Chief Executive Officer. He was appointed to the Board in November 1999.
Key skills & experience: He was previously the Chief Operating Officer from 2003 to 2005. Prior to that he was 
managing director of the Group’s Insulated Panels business and of the Water & Energy business. He joined the Group 
in 1993, and has a deep knowledge of all of the Group’s businesses and the wider construction materials industry.

Committees: Nominations (11½ years).

Executives

Geoff Doherty
(Age 47)
Ireland

Russell Shiels
(Age 57)
United States of 
America

Peter Wilson
(Age 62)
United Kingdom

Gilbert McCarthy
(Age 47)
Ireland

Non-Executives

Helen Kirkpatrick 
M.B.E.
(Age 60)
United Kingdom
Independent

Geoff Doherty is the Group Chief Financial Officer. He joined the Group, and was appointed to the Board, in 
January 2011.

Key skills & experience: Prior to joining Kingspan he was the Chief Financial Officer of Greencore Group plc and 
Chief Executive of its property and agribusiness activities. He is a qualified chartered accountant, with extensive 
experience of capital markets and financial management in an international manufacturing environment.

Russell Shiels is President of Kingspan’s Insulated Panels business in the Americas as well as Kingspan’s global 
Data & Flooring Technology business. He joined the Board in December 1996.

Key skills & experience: He has experience in many of the Group’s key businesses, and was previously Managing 
Director of the Group’s Building Components and Data & Flooring Technology businesses in the UK. He 
brings to the Board his particular knowledge of the North American building envelope market, as well as his 
understanding of the office and datacentre market globally.

Peter Wilson is Managing Director of the Group’s global Insulation Boards business. He was appointed to the 
Board in February 2003.

Key skills & experience: He has been with the Group since 1981, and has led the Insulation Boards division since 
2001. He brings to the Board over 35 years’ knowledge and experience of the global insulation industry.

Gilbert McCarthy is Managing Director of the Group’s Insulated Panels businesses in the UK, Ireland, Western 
Europe, Middle East and Australasia. He was appointed to the Board in September 2011.

Key skills & experience: He joined the Group in 1998, and has held a number of senior management positions 
including managing director of the Off-site division and general manager of the Insulation Boards business. He 
brings to the Board his extensive knowledge of the building envelope industry, in particular in Western Europe 
and Australasia.

Helen Kirkpatrick joined the board in June 2007.

Key skills & experience: Helen is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland and a member of the 
Chartered Institute of Marketing. She was formerly a non-executive director of the International 
Fund for Ireland, Enterprise Equity Venture Capital Group, NI-CO Ltd, Wireless Group plc, and a 
number of other private and not for profit companies. She brings her considerable financial and 
business acumen to the Board and its Committees.

Committees: Remuneration (10 years, chair), Nominations (10 years), Senior Independent 
Director.

External appointments: Non-executive director of Dale Farm Co-operative Limited, a member 
of the Audit Committee of Queen’s University Belfast, a non-executive director of QUBIS Limited, 
a non-executive director of the Irish Football Association and the Chairman of Neueda Group.

Qualifications: B.A., F.C.A.

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Non-Executives continued

Linda Hickey
(Age 57)
Ireland
Independent

Linda Hickey was appointed to the Board in June 2013.
Key skills & experience: She is a registered stockbroker and the Head of Corporate Broking 
at Goodbody Capital Markets, where she has worked since 2004. Previously she worked at 
NCB Stockbrokers and Merrill Lynch. She brings to the Board her considerable knowledge and 
experience in capital markets and corporate governance.

Michael Cawley
(Age 64)
Ireland
Independent

John Cronin
(Age 59)
Ireland
Independent

Bruce McLennan
(Age 54)
Australia
Independent

Committees: Audit (5½ years), Remuneration (3½ years).

External appointments: Chair of the board of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service.

Qualifications: B.B.S.

Michael Cawley was appointed to the Board in May 2014.
Key skills & experience: He is a chartered accountant, and was formerly Chief Operating Officer 
& Deputy Chief Executive of Ryanair. Prior to joining Ryanair he had experience in a number of 
different distribution and manufacturing industries, including as Finance Director of the Gowan 
Group, one of Ireland’s largest private companies. He brings his extensive international financial 
and business experience to the Board and to the Audit Committee.

Committees: Audit (4½ years, chair), Remuneration (4½ years).

External appointments: Chairman of Fáilte Ireland, Chairman of Hostelworld Group plc, and 
non-executive director of Paddy Power Betfair plc, Ryanair Holdings plc and Gowan Group Ltd.

Qualifications: B. Comm., F.C.A.

John Cronin was appointed to the Board in May 2014.

Key skills & experience: He is a qualified solicitor, and partner and former chairman of McCann 
FitzGerald. He has more than 30 years’ experience in corporate, banking, structured finance and 
capital markets matters. He is a member of the International Bar Association, and is President 
of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce. He brings valuable legal, corporate governance and 
capital markets experience to the Board.

Committees: Audit (3½ years), Nominations (4½ years).

External appointments: None. 

Qualifications: B.A. (Mod) Legal Science, Solicitor in Ireland, and England & Wales.

Bruce McLennan was appointed to the Board in June 2015.

Key skills & experience: He is Managing Director and Co-Head of Advisory at Gresham 
Advisory Partners Limited. He is also a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, 
Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants, and a Fellow of the Securities Institute of 
Australia. He brings to the Board over 30 years’ experience in investment banking, and a broad 
knowledge of international capital markets and strategic and corporate planning.

Committees: Nominations (1½ year), Remuneration (1½ year).

External appointments: Member of the Australian Government Takeovers Panel.

Qualifications: B.Bus, M. Comm.

Dr Jost 
Massenberg
(Age 62)
Germany
Independent

Jost Massenberg was appointed to the Board in February 2018.
Key skills & experience: He is Chief Executive Officer of Benteler Distribution International 
GmbH, and was formerly the Chief Sales Officer and a member of the executive board of 
ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG. He brings to the Board his 30 years’ experience in European  
steel and major manufacturing businesses. 

Committees: None.

External appointments: Chairman of VTG Aktiengesellschaft, and a non-executive director  
in a number of large private companies.

Qualifications: PhD Business Admin.

Company Secretary

Lorcan Dowd
(Age 50)
Ireland

Lorcan Dowd was appointed Group Company Secretary in July 2005.
Key skills & experience: He qualified as a solicitor in 1992. Before joining Kingspan he was  
Director of Corporate Legal Services in PwC in Belfast, having previously worked as a solicitor  
in private practice.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
54

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Report of the Directors

—

The directors of Kingspan Group plc (“Kingspan”) have 
pleasure in presenting their report with the audited financial 
statements for the year ended 31 December 2018.

Principal Activities
Kingspan is the global leader in 
high performance insulation and 
building envelope solutions. Kingspan 
Group plc is a holding company 
for the Group’s subsidiaries and 
other entities. The Group’s principal 
activities comprise the manufacture 
and distribution of the following 
product suites as part of the 
complete “Building Envelope”:

 → insulated panels;

 → structural framing;

 → architectural facades;

 → rigid insulation boards;

 → building services insulation;

 → engineered timber systems;

 → natural daylighting;

 → ventilation and smoke 

management solutions;

 → raised access floors;

 → datacentre storage solutions;

 → energy storage solutions;

 → rainwater and wastewater 

solutions.

Kingspan is comprised of five key 
business divisions which are Insulated 
Panels, Insulation Boards, Light & Air, 
Water & Energy and Data & Flooring 
Technology. These divisions offer a 
suite of complementary building 
envelope solutions for both the new 
build and refurbishment markets.

Results and Dividends
Group turnover for the year ended  
31 December 2018 was €4.4bn  
(2017: €3.7bn), trading profit  
was €445.2m (2017: €377.5m),  
and earnings per share were  
184.0 cent (2017: 159.0 cent). 

The Consolidated Income Statement 
is set out in page 95 and a detailed 
review of the Group’s performance 
from a financial and operational 
perspective is contained within the 
Business & Strategic Report on  
pages 8 to 33. 

An interim dividend of 12.0 cent per 
share was paid to shareholders on 5 
October 2018 (2017: 11.0 cent). The 
directors are recommending a final 
dividend of 30.0 cent per share for 
the year ended 31 December 2018 
(2017: 26.0 cent), giving a total 
dividend for the year of 42.0 cent 
(2017: 37.0 cent). The final dividend 
if approved at the Annual General 
Meeting will be paid on 10 May 2019 
to shareholders on the register at 
close of business on 29 March 2019.

€4.4

€3.7

€445.2

€377.5

184.0

159.0

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

Revenue  
(€bn)

Trading Profit  
(€m)

EPS  
(cent)

55

USA 
Palo Alto

Data & Flooring Technology:
ConCore 1000
Fire Rating: Non-combustible

Business Review
The Business & Strategic Report, 
including the Chief Executive’s 
Review and the Financial Review, 
sets out management’s review of 
the Group’s business during 2018 on 
pages 8 to 33. The key points include:

 → Revenue up 19% to €4.4bn. 

 → Trading profit up 18% to €445.2m.

 → Insulation Board sales growth 
of 12% reflecting a positive 
outturn in the Iberian acquisition, 
ongoing advancement of 
Kooltherm® and solid underlying 
markets overall. 

 → Light & Air sales approaching 

€300m with improved margins 
in Europe offsetting softer US 
margin.

 → Free cashflow up 55% 

 → Water & Energy (formerly 

Environmental) sales growth 
of 13% with a new frontier 
established in the Nordic region. 

 → Data & Flooring Technology 

(formerly Access Floors) sales 
growth of 3% with strong sales of 
data centre solutions offsetting 
more sluggish office activity.

to €308.4m.

 → Group trading margin of 10.2%. 

 → Basic EPS up 16% to 184.0 cent. 

 → Year-end net debt of €728.3m 
(2017: €463.9m). Net debt to 
EBITDA of 1.4x (2017: 1.05x).

 → ROCE of 16.8% (2017: 17.8%). 

 → Insulated Panels sales growth 
of 21%. Strong activity in the 
Americas, a positive performance 
in Continental Europe and a solid 
UK outturn against a difficult 
backdrop. Good contribution 
from acquisitions in Europe  
and Latin America.

The Business & Strategic Report  
on pages 10 and 11 sets out the  
“four pillars” of Kingspan’s strategy, 
which are:

Innovation 
Differentiation from competitors 
driven by superior innovation.

Penetration 
Increased penetration of Kingspan’s 
product suite underpinned 
by regulatory changes and 
environmental awareness.

Globalisation 
The continued evolution of 
Kingspan’s geographic footprint as 
we build market leading positions 
globally.

Planet Passionate 
A set of initiatives across our global 
business targeting the adoption of 
100% renewable power.

Throughout 2018, Kingspan made 
significant progress in pursuit 
of this strategy with the result 
that Kingspan has continued to 
deliver year-on-year growth. This 
strategy will remain the focus of the 
execution of Kingspan’s strategic 
plan for the foreseeable future.

Directors' Report   —   Report of the Directors 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
56

57

Principal risks and uncertainties
The principal risks and uncertainties 
facing the Group, and the actions 
taken by Kingspan to mitigate them 
are detailed on pages 32 to 33 of the 
Risk & Risk Management Report.  
The principal risks are:

 → Volatility in the macro 

environment;

 → Failure to innovate;

 → Product failure;

 → Business interruption  

(including IT continuity);

 → Credit risk and credit control;

 → Employee development & 

retention;

 → Fraud and cybercrime;

 → Acquisition and integration  

of new businesses.

Key performance indicators
The directors are pleased to report on 
the very positive performance during 
2018 against all of its key performance 
indicators. A detailed commentary 
incorporating key performance 
indicators is contained within the 
Financial Review on pages 26 to 30, 
and in the Sustainability Report on 
pages 36 to 47. A number of the key 
performance indicators have been 
included in more detail on page 140 
‘Alternative Performance Measures’. 
The key performance indicators for 
Kingspan upon which particular 
emphasis is placed upon are: 

Innovation
Kingspan places considerable 
emphasis on innovation and 
development of existing and new 
products and on the improvement 
of the production process, focused 
primarily on differentiation and 
extending competitive advantage.  
In the year ended 31 December 
2018, the Group’s research and 
development expenditure amounted 
to €30.5m (2017: €27.1m). Research 
and development expenditure is 
generally written off in the year in 
which it is incurred. During 2018 
Kingspan’s continuing investment in 
research and development involved 
over 40 key projects. These key 
projects included:

 → QuadCore™ insulation board;

 → Next generation Kooltherm® 

200 range;

 → Fibre-free ‘A Core’ insulation;

 → Prismatic daylighting 

development;

 → Translucent Polycarbonate

 → Cleanroom systems product 

development;

 → Integrated solar PowerPanel;

 → New Access Floors datacentre 

Products;

 → Recycling of PET for Insulation 

material; and

 → Unitised Façade Solutions.

Corporate governance
The directors are committed to 
achieving the highest standards of 
corporate governance. A statement 
describing how Kingspan has applied 
the principles of good governance 
set out in the UK Corporate 
Governance Code (April 2016) and 
the Irish Corporate Governance 
Annex is included in the Governance 
section of this Annual Report on 
pages 62 to 67. The Corporate 
Governance Statement is treated  
as forming part of this Report. 

Code of conduct
Kingspan is committed to acting 
responsibly in its business and 
maintaining high standards of ethics 
and integrity in all of its dealings 
with its stakeholders, be they 
investors, customers, suppliers, its 
people or the community it operates 
in. Kingspan has a Code of Conduct 
which sets the standard by which 
all employees across the Group are 
expected to conduct themselves. 
The Code sets out the fundamental 
principles which all directors, officers 
and employees of Kingspan are 
required to adhere to in meeting 
those standards.

Sustainability
Our goal is to be a global leader in 
sustainable business and establish  
a leading position in providing 

KPIs 
Financial

KPIs 
Non-
Financial

Basic EPS growth

184.0 cent (up 16%)

Sales growth

Trading margin

Free cash flow

€4.4bn (up 19%)

10.2% (down 10 bps)

See page 28

See page 28

See page 28

€308.4m (up €109.9m)

See page 29

Return on capital employed 16.8% (down 1%)

Net debt/EBITDA

1.4x (2017: 1.05x)

See page 29

See page 29

Net Zero Energy

Health & Safety

Gender Balance

Waste Recycling

75%

See pages 41-42

1.5 per 100k hours (down 6%) See page 45

18% female (up 1%)

68% (down 9%)

See page 45

See page 43

ethical, renewable and affordable 
best practice solutions for the 
construction sector. We know that 
the built economy has an important 
part to play in combatting climate 
change, and we have pledged to 
lead by example. Our commitment 
to sustainability is instilled at every 
level of the Group and at every step 
in the manufacturing process. Our 
goal is that by 2020 all of Kingspan’s 
energy needs will be met by 
renewable energy.

Kingspan recognises the importance 
of conducting its business in a socially 
responsible manner. At Kingspan 
we are Product Passionate, Planet 
Passionate and People Passionate. 
The Sustainability Report on pages 
36 to 47 of this Annual Report gives 
details of some of the projects that 
are on-going across the Group, with 
further details available on the 
Group’s website www.kingspan.com. 

Accounting records
The directors are responsible for 
ensuring that accounting records, 
as outlined in Sections 281 to 285 of 
the Companies Act 2014, are kept 
by the Group. The directors have 
provided appropriate systems and 
resources, including the appointment 
of suitably qualified accounting 
personnel, to maintain adequate 
accounting records throughout 
the Group, in order to ensure that 
the requirements of Sections 281 
to 285 are complied with. The 
accounting records of the Company 
are maintained at the principal 
executive offices located at Dublin 
Road, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan,  
A82 XY31, Ireland.

The European Communities 
(Takeover Bids (Directive 2004/ 
25/Ec)) Regulations 2006
Structure of the Company’s  
share capital 

At 31 December 2018, the Company 
had an authorised share capital 
comprised of 250,000,000 (2017: 
250,000,000) ordinary shares of €0.13 
each and the Company’s total issued 
share capital comprised 182,171,120 
(2017: 181,342,315) Ordinary Shares,  
of which the Company held 1,969,143  
(2017: 2,019,750) Ordinary  
Shares in treasury.

Shareholding analysis as at 31 December 2018:

Shareholding  
range

1 - 1,000

1,001 - 10,000

10,001 - 100,000

100,001 - 1,000,000

Over 1,000,000

Number of 
accounts

% of total

Number of 
shares held

% of total

2,874

1,472

473

153

30

5,002

57.5

29.4

9.5

3.0

0.6

100

1,232,792

4,733,536

16,321,082

45,764,680

114,119,030

182,171,120

0.7

2.6

9.0

25.1

62.6

100

Details of persons with a significant holding of securities in the company are 
disclosed below:

Notification Date

Shareholder

Eugene Murtagh

Blackrock, Inc.

Shares held

%

 28,018,000 

15.53%

 15,233,848 

8.44%

Allianz Global Investors GmbH

10,349,716

5.74%

Bailie Gifford & Co.

Ameriprise Financial Inc

FMR LLC

9,010,740

5.00%

8,979,739

4.98%

5,460,760

3.02%

07/02/2019

15/02/2019

12/04/2018

16/11/2018

02/10/2018

13/02/2019

Further information required 
by Regulation 21 of the above 
Regulations as at 31 December 
2018 is set out in the Shareholder 
Information section of this  
Annual Report.

Directors and Secretary
The directors and secretary of the 
Company at the date of this report 
are as shown in this Annual Report 
on pages 52 and 53. During the year 

we were pleased to announce the 
appointment of Dr Jost Massenberg 
as a non-executive director with 
effect from 22 February 2018.

Directors’ & Secretary’s  
interests in shares
The beneficial interests of the 
directors and secretary and their 
spouses and minor children in the 
shares of the Company at the end  
of the financial year are as follows:

Eugene Murtagh

Gene Murtagh

Geoff Doherty

Russell Shiels

Peter Wilson

Gilbert McCarthy

Helen Kirkpatrick

Linda Hickey

Michael Cawley

John Cronin

Bruce McLennon

Jost Massenberg

Lorcan Dowd

31-Dec-18

 28,018,000 

 1,129,207 

 238,326 

 300,000 

 389,376 

 247,637 

 26,000 

 5,000 

 30,600 

 8,000 

 10,000 

 - 

 2,603 

31-Dec-17

 29,018,000 

 1,128,999 

 240,350 

 300,000 

 389,376 

 247,637 

 26,000 

 5,000 

 30,600 

 8,000 

 10,000 

 - 

 4,961 

 30,404,749 

 31,408,923 

Directors' Report   —   Report of the DirectorsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 201858

Details of the directors’ and 
secretary’s share options at the end 
of the financial year are set out in 
the report of the Remuneration 
Committee. As at the 22 February 
2019, there have been no changes in 
the directors’ and secretary’s interests 
in shares since 31 December 2018.

Conflicts of interest
None of the directors have any direct 
or indirect interest in any contract or 
arrangement subsisting at the date 
hereof which is significant in relation 
to the business of the Company 
or any of its subsidiaries nor in the 
share capital of the Company or any 
of its subsidiaries.

Financial instruments
In the normal course of business, 
the Group has exposure to a variety 
of financial risks, including foreign 
currency risk, interest rate risk, 
liquidity risk, and credit risk. The 
Company’s financial risk objectives 
and policies are set out in Note 19  
of the financial statements.

Political donations
Neither the Company nor any of its 
subsidiaries have made any political 
donations in the year which would 
be required to be disclosed under  
the Electoral Act 1997.

Subsidiary companies
The Group operates from 129 
manufacturing sites, and has 
operations in over 70 countries 
worldwide.

The Company’s principal subsidiary 
undertakings at 31 December 2018, 
country of incorporation and nature 
of business are listed on pages 144  
to 147 of this Annual Report. 

The Company does not have any 
branches outside of Ireland. 

Outlook
The Board fully endorses the outlook 
(“Looking Ahead”) expressed in the 
Chief Executive’s Review on page 25. 

Significant events since year end
There have been no significant 
events since the year end. 

Going concern
The directors have reviewed budgets 
and projected cash flows for a 
period of not less than 12 months 
from the date of this Annual Report, 
and considered its net debt position 
and capital commitments, available 
committed banking facilities and 
other relevant information including 
the economic conditions currently 
affecting the building environment 
generally and the Group’s Strategic 
Plan. On the basis of this review the 
directors have concluded that there 
are no material uncertainties that 
would cast significant doubt over the 
Company’s and the Group’s ability 
to continue as a going concern. For 
this reason, the directors consider 
it appropriate to adopt the going 
concern basis in preparing the 
financial statements.

Viability statement
In accordance with provision C.2.2 of 
the 2016 UK Corporate Governance 
Code, the directors are required 
to assess the prospects of the 
Company, explain the period over 
which we have done so and state 
whether we have a reasonable 
expectation that the Company will 
be able to continue in operation and 
meet liabilities as they fall due over 
this period of assessment.

The directors have assessed the 
prospects of the Group over the 
three-year period to February 2022.

The directors concluded that three 
years was an appropriate period  
for the assessment, having had 
regard to:

 → the Group’s rolling Strategic Plan 

which extends to 2022; 

 → the Group’s long-term funding 

commitments some of which fall 
to be repaid during the period;  

 → the inherent short-cycle nature 
of the construction market 
including the Group’s order bank 
and project pipeline; and

 → the potential impact of macro-
economic events and political 
uncertainty in some regions such 
as the UK and Middle East.

It is recognised that such future 
assessments are subject to a level 
of uncertainty that increases with 
time, and therefore future outcomes 
cannot be guaranteed or predicted 
with certainty.

The Group Strategic Plan is approved 
by the Board, building upon the 
several divisional management plans 
as well as the Group’s strategic 
goals. It is based on a number of 
cautious assumptions concerning 
macro growth and stability in our 
key markets, and continued access 
to capital to support the Group’s 
ongoing investments. The strategic 
plan is subject to stress testing 
which involves flexing a number of 
the main assumptions underlying 
the forecast in severe but reasonable 
scenarios. Such assumptions are 
rigorously tested by management 
and the directors. It is reviewed 
and updated annually and was 
considered and approved by the 
Board at its meeting in October 2018. 

In making this assessment, the 
directors have considered the 
resilience of the Group, taking 
account of its current position 
and the principal risks facing the 
business as outlined in the Risk & 
Risk Management Report on pages 
32 and 33, and the Group’s ability to 
manage those risks. The risks have 
been identified using a top-down 
and bottom-up approach, and 
their potential impact was assessed 
having regard to the effectiveness 
of controls in place to manage each 
risk. In assessing the prospects of 
the Group such potential impacts 
have been considered as have the 
mitigating factors in place.  

Based on this assessment the 
directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group will be 
able to continue in operation and 
meet its liabilities as they fall due 
over the three-year period of their 
assessment.

Directors’ responsibility 
statement
Each of the directors whose names 
and functions are set out in the 
Board section of this Annual Report 
confirm their responsibility for 

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preparing the Annual Report and the 
consolidated and company financial 
statements in accordance with 
applicable Irish law and regulations. 

Company law in Ireland requires 
the directors to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year. 
Under that law the directors have to 
prepare the consolidated financial 
statements in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by 
the European Union (EU). The 
directors have elected to prepare 
the company financial statements 
in accordance with IFRSs as adopted 
by the EU and as applied by the 
Companies Act 2014. The financial 
statements are required by law 
to give a true and fair view of the 
assets, liabilities and financial 
position of the Group and company 
and of the profit or loss of the Group 
for that period. 

In preparing those financial 
statements, the directors are 
required to: 

 → select suitable accounting 

policies and then apply them 
consistently;

 → make judgements and estimates 
that are reasonable and prudent;

 → state whether applicable IFRSs 
have been followed, subject to 
any material departures disclosed 
and explained in the financial 
statements; and

 → prepare the financial statements 
on the going concern basis unless 
it is inappropriate to presume that 
the Company, and the Group as a 
whole, will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for 
keeping accounting records which 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at 
any time the financial position of the 
Group and the Company and which 
enable them to ensure that the 
financial statements comply with the 
Companies Act 2014 and Article 4 of 
the IAS Regulation.

They are responsible for safeguarding 
the assets of the Group and hence 
for taking reasonable steps for the 

prevention and detection of fraud 
and other irregularities. 

The directors are responsible for the 
maintenance and integrity of the 
corporate and financial information 
on the Company’s website. 

Legislation in the Republic of 
Ireland governing the preparation 
and dissemination of financial 
statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.  

In accordance with Transparency 
(Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 
2007 and the Transparency Rules of 
the Financial Regulator, the directors 
confirm that to the best of their 
knowledge:   

 → the Group financial statements 
and the Company financial 
statements, prepared in 
accordance with the applicable 
set of accounting standards, give 
a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, financial position and 
profit or loss of the Group and 
Company; and 

 → the Report of the Directors 
includes a fair review of the 
development and performance 
of the business and the position 
of the Group and Company, 
together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties 
that they face.

They are also satisfied in compliance 
with provision C.1.1 of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code  
(April 2016): 

 → that the Annual Report and 

financial statements, taken as 
a whole, is fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides 
the information necessary 
for shareholders to assess the 
Group’s position, business model 
and strategy. 

Directors’ compliance statement
The directors acknowledge that 
they are responsible for securing 
the Company’s compliance with its 
relevant obligations in accordance 
with Section 225(2)(a) of the 
Companies Act 2014 (the “Act”) 
(described below as the “Relevant 
Obligations”). 

In accordance with Section 225 (2)
(b) of the Act, the directors confirm 
that they have:

1.  drawn up a Compliance Policy 
Statement setting out the 
Company’s policies (that are, 
in the opinion of the directors, 
appropriate to the Company) 
in respect of the compliance by 
the Company with its Relevant 
Obligations;

2.  put in place appropriate 

arrangements or structures that, 
in the opinion of the directors, 
provide a reasonable assurance 
of compliance in all material 
respects with the Company’s 
Relevant Obligations; and

3.  during the financial year to 

which this report relates, 
conducted a review of the 
arrangements or structures that 
the directors have put in place 
to ensure material compliance 
with the Company’s Relevant 
Obligations. 

Audit information
Each of the directors have taken all 
the steps that they should or ought 
to have taken as a director in order 
to make himself or herself aware 
of any relevant audit information 
and to establish that the Group’s 
statutory auditors are aware of that 
information. So far as the directors 
are aware, there is no relevant 
information of which the Group’s 
statutory auditors are unaware. 

Auditor
In accordance with Section 383(2) 
of the Companies Act 2014 the 
Company’s auditors, KPMG, 
Chartered Accountants, will continue 
in office. A resolution authorising 
the directors to determine their 
remuneration will be proposed at  
the Annual General Meeting. 

On behalf of the Board

Gene M. Murtagh,  
Chief Executive Officer

Geoff Doherty,  
Chief Financial Officer

22 February 2019

Kingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60

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Magnus Wallin
Jönköping, Sweden

—

Magnus joined Kingspan  
in 2013 as a Business Director 
for Scandinavia in our 
Insulation Boards division.

Space really matters in modern
buildings. The Nordics has had
insulated houses for decades,
thick wooden walls filled with
traditional fibrous insulation. 
20 years ago no one wanted to
pay for making them thinner.
Now we want to make them
even better, but not thicker.
This is why the market for high
performance insulation is 
growing rapidly. Our job is to 
create trust in converting 
a traditional insulation market 
into advanced materials. 
It is thrilling to be part of 
a development where no one 
knew what our advanced insulation
was back in 2009 and yet
10 years later it has become
well known to builders, 
fire engineers and architects.

The value proposition for  
Kingspan’s high performance 
insulation in the Nordics is 
unquestionable. We can offer 
solutions with high thermal 
performance that don’t  
compromise on space,  
which is an increasingly rare 
commodity as the world  
moves toward urbanisation. 
Kingspan’s new Kooltherm® facility  
in Sweden will support Magnus  
in his growth ambitions. 

Sweden

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62

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Corporate Governance Statement

—

Kingspan is committed to operating best practice standards 
of good governance, accountability and transparency. 
This tone is set by the Group Board of Directors and 
communicated throughout the Group regardless of division 
or geographical location. 

This statement outlines how 
Kingspan has applied the principles 
and complied with the provisions set 
out in the UK Corporate Governance 
Code (April 2016) (‘the Code’) and 
the Irish Corporate Governance 
Annex (‘the Annex’). 

The full text within the Code and 
the Annex can be obtained from the 
following websites respectively:

www.frc.org.uk
www.ise.ie

Statement of compliance
The directors confirm that the 
Company has throughout the 
accounting period ended 31 
December 2018 complied with the 
provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code (April 2016) and 
the Irish Corporate Governance 
Annex. 

The Board 
The Board of Kingspan Group plc 
is responsible for the leadership, 
strategic direction and the long term 
success of the Group. It sets the 
Group’s strategic aims, establishes 
the Group’s values and standards, 
and monitors compliance within a 
framework of effective controls.

The Board is comprised of twelve 
directors, five of whom are executive 
directors and seven, inclusive of 
the Chairman, are non-executive 
directors. Further details on the 
members of the Board, including 
short biographies, can be found 
in the section entitled “The 
Board” on pages 52 and 53. Each 
of the executive directors has a 

combination of general business skills 
and experience in the construction 
materials market. The non-executive 
directors represent a diverse business 
background complementing the 
executive directors’ skills.

All of the directors bring an objective 
judgement to bear on issues of 
strategy, resources and standards of 
performance both on an individual 
and collective basis. The directors 
believe that the Board includes 
an appropriate balance of skills, 
experience, independence and 
knowledge of the Group to enable 
them to discharge their respective 
duties and responsibilities effectively 
and to address any challenges as 
they arise. 

 → On recommendation of the 

Remuneration Committee 
determining the remuneration for 
executive directors, secretary and 
non-executive directors; and

 → Approving the Group’s long 

term debt facilities and capital 
structure.

The Board met formally 6 times 
during the year, as well as informally 
on an ad-hoc basis as and when 
required. Attendance at Board 
and committee meetings is set 
out in the table below. The Board 
has delegated responsibility for 
management of the Group to the 
Chief Executive and his executive 
management team.

The schedule of matters reserved 
for Board discussion includes the 
following: 

 → Adopting the Group’s rolling 
5 year strategic plan and the 
annual budget;

 → Approving all major capital 

expenditure, investments, 
material contracts, acquisitions 
and disposals of businesses and 
other assets;

 → Reviewing management’s 
corporate and financial 
performance;

 → Overall review of the Group’s 

internal controls;

 → Appointment of executive and 
non-executive directors and 
succession planning;

Australia
8%

Germany 
8%

USA 
8%

UK 
17%

Ireland
59%

Geographic 
Breakdown 
by Residency

—

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Attendance at Board and Committee meetings during the year 
ended 31 December 2018

Board

Audit

Nominations

Remuneration

Eugene Murtagh

Gene M. Murtagh

Geoff Doherty

Russell Shiels

Peter Wilson

Gilbert McCarthy

Helen Kirkpatrick

Linda Hickey

Michael Cawley

John Cronin

Bruce McLennan

Jost Massenberg

A

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

5

B

6

6

6

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5

6

6

6

5

6

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4

A 

B

4

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4

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2

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2

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2

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A

B

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

Column A - indicates the number of meetings held during the period the director was a 
member of the Board and/or Committee.
Column B - indicates the number of meetings attended during the period the director 
was a member of the Board and/or Committee.

Board balance and independence
The Board is comprised of twelve 
directors and its current size and 
structure is functioning efficiently. 
The balance of executive and 
non-executive directors facilitates 
constructive and effective challenge 
and debate. Whilst it is intended 
to progressively refresh the 
independent non-executive directors 
on the Board having regard to their 
mix of skills, experience and diversity, 
it is not at present intended to 
change the size of the Board. The 
Nomination Committee has 
reviewed the size and performance 
of the Board during the year and this 
process occurs once annually. 

The Board continues to ensure 
that each of the non-executive 
directors, excluding the Chairman, 
remain impartial and independent 
in order to meet the challenges 
of the role. Throughout the year, 
half of the Board, excluding the 
Chairman, comprised independent 
non-executive directors. Helen 
Kirkpatrick is nominated as the 
senior independent director of the 
Company to provide a sounding 
board for the Chairman and to serve 
as an intermediary for the other 
directors when necessary. 

The directors consider that there is a 
strong independent representation 
on the Board. The Board has had 

Independent  
50%

Female 
18%

Over  
9 years
42%

Less than  
3 years
8%

Breakdown  
of 
Independence

—

Gender 
Breakdown  
of Board

—

Tenure  
on the 
Board

—

Non-Independent
50%

Male 
82%

Between 6 
and 9 years
17%

Between 
3 and 6  
years
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64

65

due regard to various matters which 
might affect, or appear to affect, the 
independence of some of the directors, 
and the Board considers that Helen 
Kirkpatrick, Linda Hickey, Michael 
Cawley, John Cronin, Bruce McLennan 
and Jost Massenberg are independent.

In determining the independence 
of Helen Kirkpatrick, the Board had 
due regard to her length of service 
as a non-executive director on the 
Board, which was extended beyond 
nine years following consultation 
with ISS and the IAIM at that time.
Having considered the circumstances, 
the Board formed the view that she 
has always expressed a strongly 
independent voice at the Board and 
its Committee meetings, including 
the Remuneration Committee of 
which she is chairman, and that she 
has always exercised her judgement 
as a non-executive director 
and as the Senior Independent 
Director independent of any other 
relationships within the Board. 
Her independence and her sound 
judgement have also been recognised 
in her other external appointments.

In determining the independence of 
Linda Hickey, the Board had due regard 

to her position as a senior executive 
at Goodbody stockbrokers, one of the 
Company’s corporate brokers. Having 
regard to the fact that the level of 
fees and expenses paid to Goodbody 
stockbrokers in respect of their role as 
the Company’s corporate brokers is less 
than €50,000 per annum, the Board 
concluded that there was no material 
relationship, financial or otherwise, 
which might either directly or indirectly 
influence her judgement. 

When considering John Cronin’s 
independence, the Board had due 
regard to his position as a partner 
at McCann FitzGerald, one of the 
Company’s legal advisers. Mr Cronin is 
not engaged directly in the provision 
of legal advice to the Company and 
appropriate arrangements have 
been put in place within McCann 
FitzGerald to ensure that no conflict 
of interest could arise.  The total fees 
paid to McCann FitzGerald during 
the year (details of which are set out 
in Note 33) account for less than 
1% of McCann FitzGerald's annual 
revenues.  In these circumstances 
the Board concluded that there was 
no material relationship, financial or 
otherwise, which might either directly 
or indirectly influence his judgement. 

The Board therefore concluded that 
neither Ms Kirkpatrick’s, Ms Hickey’s 
nor Mr Cronin’s independence was 
affected and considers that between 
them they bring valuable financial, 
capital markets, governance and 
legal risk experience to the Board.

The Chairman and Chief Executive
There is a clear division of responsibility 
set out in writing between the non-
executive Chairman and the Chief 
Executive. Further information on 
the officers of the Company on the 
division of responsibility set out below.

Appointments to the Board
All appointments to the Board are 
made on the recommendation of the 
Nominations Committee. In addition, 
the Nominations Committee reviews 
the various committees and makes 
recommendations to the Board on the 
appointment of the chairman and the 
membership of each. This is a formal, 
rigorous and transparent procedure. 
The standard terms of appointment 
of non-executive directors are 
available, on request, from the 
Company Secretary. Further details 
of the activities of the Nominations 
Committee during the year are set out 
elsewhere in this section.

The Chairman’s primary responsibility 
is to lead the Board. He is responsible 
for setting the Board’s agenda 
and for the efficient and effective 
working of the Board. He ensures 
that all members of the Board, 
including in particular the  
non-executive directors, have an 
opportunity to contribute  
effectively and openly. He is also 
responsible for ensuring that 
there is appropriate and timely 
communication with shareholders. 

n              

a

Chair m

                Senior In

d

e

p

e

The Board has delegated executive 
responsibility for running the 
Group to the Chief Executive and 
the executive management team. 
The Chief Executive is responsible 
for the strategic direction and the 
overall performance of the Group, 
and is accountable to the Board  
for all authority so delegated.

C

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    C o m p

UK, Milton Keynes

Wall: AWP, Micro-Rib, Trapezoidal Wall Roof: Trapezoidal Roof  
Panels: LPCB 1181 Part 1 and achieve LPS Grade EXT-B and are 
FM approved to 4880 and 4471

The Senior Independent 
Director of the Company is 
available to shareholders who 
have concerns that cannot 
be addressed through the 
Chairman, Chief Executive or 
Chief Financial Officer. She 
also leads an annual meeting 
with the non-executive 
directors to appraise the 
workings of the Board.

All directors have access to 
the advice and services of 
the Company Secretary who 
is responsible for ensuring 
that Board procedures are 
followed. He is also responsible 
for advising the Board, 
through the Chairman, on all 
governance matters.

n

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Information and professional 
development 
The Group Chairman is responsible 
for ensuring that all directors are 
supplied with appropriate and timely 
information for Board and committee 
meetings. Such information is always 
provided to the Board in a timely 
manner which gives the directors the 
opportunity to probe and question 
the executives when deemed relevant. 
Kingspan ensures that the directors 
obtain all professional advice required 
in order to further their duties as a 
director either through the directors 
seeking professional advice at the 
expense of the Company or through 
independent professional advisors 
being available for consultation with 
the Board and attending Board and 
Committee meetings where required. 
All directors have access to the 
advice and services of the Company 
Secretary. The Group has arranged 
appropriate insurance cover in respect 
of legal action against its directors. 

The Company has procedures whereby 
directors (including non-executive 
directors) receive formal induction 
and familiarisation with Kingspan’s 
business operations and systems on 
appointment. They are brought to 
the businesses manufacturing sites 
as part of the induction procedure 
with in-depth explanations of the 
processes involved at the site. All 
directors receive continuing training 
relating to the discharge of their 
duties as directors, including 
legislative changes and developments 
in accounting, governance and other 
standards as appropriate. During 
the year, the Board visited three of 
the Group’s manufacturing facilities 
and also had the opportunity to 
meet with key executives within the 
Group, which gave the Board valuable 
insight into the manufacturing 
processes, the local markets and the 
management strategy.

Performance evaluation
Kingspan has in place formal 
procedures for the evaluation of its 
Board, Committees and individual 
directors. The purpose of this formal 
evaluation is to ensure that the 
Board of Directors (on a collective 
and individual basis) is performing 
effectively and to ensure stakeholder 
confidence in the Board.

The Chairman reviews annually the 
performance of the Board of Directors, 
the conduct of Board meetings and 
committee meetings, and the general 
corporate governance of the Group. In 
addition the non-executive directors, 
led by the senior independent director, 
meet annually without the Chairman 
present to conduct a review of the 
Board and appraise the Chairman’s 
performance. 

As part of the performance 
evaluation process the Chairman 
meets at least once annually with 
the non-executive directors without 
the executive directors being 
present to review the performance 
of the Board, the conduct of 
Board meetings and committee 
meetings, and the general corporate 
governance of the Group.

An externally facilitated review of the 
Board’s performance was carried 
out during the year by Better Boards. 
The review format included both a 
questionnaire completed by all Board 
members, and a series of one to one 
interviews conducted with selected 
executive and non-executive directors.  
The results of the review were very 
positive, with the overall conclusion 
that the Board operates effectively 
and cohesively, and no major gaps or 
concerns were identified. A number of 
themes for further consideration were 
proposed, and the Board will monitor 
progress against an agreed step plan 
during the current year.

Re-election of directors and 
succession planning
All directors, in accordance with 
the provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, are subject 
to annual re-election by the 
shareholders at the Company’s 
Annual General Meeting. Kingspan 
is committed to refreshing and 
strengthening the independent 
representation on the Board on  
an on-going basis.

Kingspan also has in place a People 
and Leadership Development 
Programme. This allows the Group 
to ensure that the key senior talent 
throughout the Group are gaining 
the appropriate experience, skillsets 
and development opportunities in 
order to ensure that we have the 

best people in the right roles and a 
strong pipeline of executive talent 
throughout the Group.

Board committees
The Board has established the 
following committees: Audit, 
Nominations and Remuneration 
committees. All committees of 
the Board have written terms 
of reference setting out their 
authorities and duties and these 
terms are available on the Group’s 
website www.kingspan.com. 

Attendance at meetings held is set 
out in the table on page 63. 

The Members of each committee, 
the date of their first appointment 
to the committee and brief details of 
these committees are set out below:

Audit Committee

Michael Cawley (Chair)  
Appointed 2014, Independent

Linda Hickey  
Appointed 2013, Independent

John Cronin  
Appointed 2015, Independent

The Board has established an Audit 
Committee to monitor the integrity of 
the Company’s financial statements, 
and the effectiveness of the Group’s 
internal financial controls. 

The members of the Audit 
Committee bring considerable 
financial, accounting and commercial 
experience to the committee’s 
work, and in particular the Board 
considers that the chairman of the 
Audit Committee, Michael Cawley 
B.COMM., F.C.A., has appropriate 
recent and relevant financial 
experience. The Board is satisfied 
that the combined qualifications and 
experience of the members give the 
committee collectively the financial 
expertise necessary to discharge its 
responsibilities. The report of the Audit 
Committee is set out on pages 82 to 
87, which describes how the Company 
has applied the principles of Section 
C of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code (April 2016) and the Irish 
Corporate Governance Annex. 

Directors' Report   —   Corporate Governance StatementKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
66

Nominations Committee

Eugene Murtagh (Chair)  
Appointed 1998

Gene Murtagh  
Appointed 2007

Helen Kirkpatrick  
Appointed 2009, Independent

John Cronin  
Appointed 2014, Independent

Bruce McLennan  
Appointed 2017, Independent

The Nominations Committee assists 
the Board in ensuring that the 
composition of the Board and its 
committees is appropriate for the 
needs of the Group. The committee 
considers the Board’s membership, 
identifies additional skills or 
experience which might benefit the 
Board’s performance, considers 
whether there’s a need to strengthen 
or refresh the non-executive director 
representation on the Board, and 
recommends appointments to or, 
where necessary, removals from, the 
Board. In considering appointments 
to the Board, it is the policy of the 
committee to have regard to diversity, 
encompassing gender, nationality, 
age and skillset, when setting the key 
criteria for the appointment. 

The Nominations Committee met 
twice in 2018, to recommend the 
appointment of Jost Massenberg 
to the Board, to approve the 
annual re-election of Directors at 
the Company’s Annual General 
Meeting, and to consider the report 
from Better Boards following their 
externally facilitated evaluation of 
the Board and agree any actions 
arising therefrom. 

The committee considered 
whether or not to engage a firm of 
consultants to assist in the process 
of recruiting a new non-executive 
director, and agreed that in order to 
ensure best fit with the Company, 
it would use the knowledge and 
contacts of the committee to 
identify suitable candidates. Using 
the Board’s knowledge and contacts 
the committee identified a pool 
of potential candidates and Jost 
Massenberg was considered the most 
suitable. Members of the committee 
met with Jost Massenberg before 

agreeing to recommend his 
appointment to the Board.

Following the retirement of Helen 
Kirkpatrick after last year's 
Annual General Meeting, Jost 
Massenberg will be appointed to the 
Nomination Committee.

Remuneration Committee

Helen Kirkpatrick (Chair)  
Appointed 2009, Independent

Michael Cawley  
Appointed 2014, Independent

Linda Hickey  
Appointed 2015, Independent

Bruce McLennan  
Appointed 2017, Independent

The Remuneration Committee has 
responsibility for setting remuneration 
for all executive directors and for 
the Chairman, including pension 
contributions, share options and 
any compensation payments. The 
committee also monitors the level 
and structure of remuneration for 
senior management. 

The Report of the Remuneration 
Committee is set out in this Annual 
Report on pages 70 to 81, which 
describes how the Company has 
applied the principles of Section D of 
the UK Corporate Governance Code 
(April 2016) and the Irish Corporate 
Governance Annex.

Following the retirement of Helen 
Kirkpatrick after last year's Annual 
General Meeting, Linda Hickey 
will take over as chair of the 
Remuneration Committee

Communication with shareholders
Kingspan places great emphasis  
on maintaining regular and 
responsible dialogue with 
shareholders. This is achieved 
through meetings with institutional 
investors, presentations to brokers 
and analysts, and making relevant 
information available on the Group’s 
website www.kingspan.com in a 
timely fashion. Twice a year, following 
publication of the annual and half-
year results, the Chief Executive 
Officer and the Chief Financial Officer 
meet with institutional investors 
during a formal results roadshow. 

In addition, Kingspan is committed 
to interacting with the international 
financial community to ensure a 
full understanding of the Group’s 
strategic plans and its performance 
against these plans. During the year, 
the executive management and 
investor team presented at three 
capital market conferences, hosted a 
capital markets day at our Holywell 
facility in Wales and conducted 311 
institutional one-on-one and group 
meetings. Further information 
regarding the Company’s Annual 
General Meeting is set out in the 
Shareholder Information Section in 
this Annual Report.

All shareholders can sign up to  
obtain all regulatory news and  
alerts via the Kingspan website  
www.kingspan.com, and depending 
upon shareholder preference, a copy 
of the Annual Report can be obtained 
in hard copy or can be obtained from 
the Group website.

The Company encourages 
communication with all shareholders, 
and welcomes their participation at 
Annual General Meetings. Last year, 
in advance of the Annual General 
Meeting, the Company reached out 
to the holders of over 75% of shares 
to engage with them and seek their 
feedback on the AGM resolutions 
and governance matters in general. 
All shareholders who attend the 
Company’s Annual General Meeting 
are given the opportunity to question 
the Chairman and other members of 
the Board, including the chairmen of 
the committees, on any aspect of the 
Group’s business. 

Key Shareholder  
Engagements 2018

February Full year Results 2017

March Annual Report 2017 

April Trading Update

April Annual General Meeting 2018

August Interim results 2018

November Trading Update

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Shareholders’ meetings and rights
The Company operates under the 
Companies Act 2014 (the ‘Act’). 
This Act provides for two types of 
shareholder meetings: the Annual 
General Meeting (‘AGM’) with 
all other meetings being called 
Extraordinary General Meetings 
(‘EGM’).

This process has been in place for 
the year under review and up to the 
date of approval of the financial 
statements and it is regularly 
reviewed by the Board in compliance 
with ‘Guidance on Risk Management, 
Internal Control and Related Financial 
and Business Reporting’ issued by the 
Financial Reporting Council.

 → Sales are submitted and 

reviewed on a weekly basis 
whilst full reporting packs are 
submitted and reviewed on a 
monthly basis; and

 → Internal audit function review 

financial controls and report 
results/findings on a quarterly 
basis to the Audit Committee. 

The Company must hold an AGM 
each year in addition to any other 
shareholder meeting in that year. The 
ordinary business of an AGM is to 
receive and consider the Company’s 
Annual Report and statutory 
financial statements, to review 
the affairs of the Group, to elect 
directors, to declare dividends, to 
appoint or reappoint auditors and  
to fix the remuneration of auditors 
and directors.

The Chairman of the Board of 
Directors shall preside as chairman 
of every general meeting and in his 
absence, one of the directors present 
will act in the capacity of chairman. 
The quorum for a general meeting 
shall be not less than three members 
present in person or by proxy and 
entitled to vote. At any general 
meeting, a resolution put to the vote 
of the meeting shall be decided by 
a show of hands unless a poll is duly 
demanded. All ordinary shares rank 
pari passu and carry equal voting 
rights. Every member present in 
person or by proxy shall upon a show 
of hands have one vote, and every 
member present in person or by 
proxy shall upon a poll have one vote 
for each share of which they are the 
holder. In the case of an equality of 
votes the Chairman shall, both on a 
show of hands and at a poll, have a 
casting vote.

Further details of shareholders rights 
with regards the general meetings 
are set out on page 142 within the 
Shareholder Information section of 
this Annual Report. 

Internal control and risk 
management systems
The Board confirms that there is 
an ongoing process for identifying, 
evaluating and managing any 
significant risks faced by the Group. 

The Board has delegated 
responsibility to the Audit 
Committee to monitor and review 
the Group’s risk management 
and internal control processes, 
including the financial, operational 
and compliance controls, through 
detailed discussions with 
management and the executive 
directors, the review and approval 
of the internal audit reports, which 
focus on the areas of greatest risk 
to the Group, and the external audit 
reports, as part of both the year-
end audit and the half year review 
process, all of which are designed 
to highlight the key areas of control 
weakness in the Group. Further 
details of the work conducted by the 
Audit Committee in this regard is 
contained in the Report of the Audit 
Committee set out on pages 82 to 87. 

The main features of the 
Group’s internal control and risk 
management systems that relate 
specifically to the Group’s financial 
reporting processes are:

 → Annual budgets and strategic 

plans are approved annually 
by the Board and compared 
to actual performance and 
forecasts on a monthly basis;

 → Sufficiently sized finance 

teams with appropriate level of 
experience and qualifications 
throughout the Group;

 → Formal Group Accounting 

Manual in place which clearly 
sets out the Group financial 
policies in addition to the 
formal controls;

 → Formal IT and Treasury policies 

and controls in place;

 → Centralised Tax and Treasury 

functions;

In addition, the main features of 
the Group’s internal control and 
risk management systems that 
relate specifically to the Group’s 
consolidation process are:

 → The review of reporting 

packages for each entity as 
part of the year-end audit 
process; 

 → The reconciliation of reporting 

packages to monthly 
management packs as part of 
the audit process and as part 
of management review; 

 → The validation of consolidation 

journals as part of the 
management review process 
and as an integral component 
of the year-end audit process; 

 → The review and analysis of 

results by the Chief Financial 
Officer and the Auditors with 
the management of each 
division; 

 → Consideration by the Audit 

Committee of the outcomes 
from the annual risk 
assessment of the business;

 → The review of internal and 

external audit management 
letters by the Chief Financial 
Officer, Head of Internal Audit 
and the Audit Committee; and 
the follow up of any critical 
management letter points to 
ensure issues highlighted are 
addressed. 

Further information on the risks 
faced by the Group and how they 
are managed are set out in the Risks 
& Risk Management section of this 
Annual Report on pages 32 and 33. 

Kingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Ireland

Sean McGuinness
Kingscourt, Ireland

—

Sean is a qualified engineer who 
joined Kingspan through our 
graduate programme in 2016. 
Sean has worked out of our R&D 
facility in Hradec, Czech Republic 
and is presently working, out of 
Ireland, on multiple projects with  
Kingspan Panels in the US. 

New technologies are revolutionising
our industry. At Kingspan we not
only focus on making the most
thermally efficient insulation,
we’re exploring new technology
solutions to maximise the energy-
efficiency of buildings. Working as 
part of R&D means that I get to 
be part of a very diverse team that 
enables me to be involved in each 
stage of product and technology 
development, from idea generation, 
through to testing and certifications.
I get to work with teams across
the business to create proof of 
concepts and test cases that can
 ultimately deliver value for
 our business and customers.

Kingspan’s ambition is to be 
the leader in digital technologies for 
the construction industry and Sean 
dedicates a large portion of 
his research time to digitalisation. 
Along with investing in BIM 
technology, we have sponsored a 
number of internal and external 
digital innovation challenges. 

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 → The committee notes the 

 → In line with new provisions in the 

provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code relating to 
pensions and will seek to address 
these over time as part of its wider 
remit of considering wider group 
policies and practices. Pension 
arrangements for the current 
executive directors will continue 
in their current form but the new 
policy will provide a cap for new 
appointments of 25% of salary. 

 → Shareholding guidelines have 
increased so that executive 
directors have to hold at least 
200% of salary in Kingspan 
shares, to be achieved through 
the retention of at least 50% 
of all vested deferred share and 
PSP awards. These levels are 
substantially exceeded by the 
current executive directors.

 → There is currently a strong 

alignment with shareholders 
through the substantial 
holdings of Kingspan shares 
by the executive directors. The 
committee does not therefore 
consider it necessary, at this 
time, to include a formal 2 year 
holding period post vesting 
for PSP awards but will keep 
this under review for new 
appointments.

revised UK Corporate Governance 
Code, the policy includes a 
discretion for the committee to 
adjust incentive pay and vesting 
levels if the formulaic outcome of 
incentive awards does not reflect 
underlying corporate performance, 
the investor experience or 
employee reward outcome. 

 → For “good leavers”, the deferral of 
annual bonuses and performance 
period for the PSP awards 
(with the award being reduced 
by an amount to reflect the 
proportion of the vesting period 
not actually served), will continue 
post cessation of employment. 
This provides post cessation of 
employment, alignment to the 
longer-term performance and 
sustainability of the business. 
In light of this, the committee 
has not introduced additional 
post cessation of employment 
shareholding at this time but 
again will keep this under review 
as market practice evolves. 

 → The policy now sets out our 

internal policies on recruitment 
and cessation, and on non-
executive director remuneration, 
which are in line with market 
practice. 

Investor views and consultation
In arriving at this new policy and 
providing this years’ Remuneration 
Report the committee has taken 
into account investor and published 
proxy agency guidance. It has also 
engaged with our largest investors 
and proxy voting agencies regarding 
the new directors’ remuneration 
policy and welcomes the feedback 
received from both.

Conclusion 
The committee believes that 
the policy, with its evolutionary 
refinements rather than 
revolutionary changes and its 
application for 2019 strongly 
supports the Group’s business 
strategy. Further, the committee 
believes that there has been and 
continues to be a strong link 
between reward and performance.

Finally, as I will be stepping down 
as chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee and retiring as a non-
executive director of Kingspan 
following completion of my term  
of appointment, I want to thank  
my fellow committee members and 
the Company Secretary, for their 
diligent work over the years.

Helen Kirkpatrick
Chairman,  
Remuneration Committee

France

Insulated Panels:
JI Breva 27 solid and  
perforated profiles
Fire Rating:  
Euroclass A1

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Report of the Remuneration Committee

—
On behalf of the Remuneration Committee,  
I am pleased to present the Directors’ Remuneration  
Report for the year ended 31 December 2018.

This report sets out Kingspan’s 
updated remuneration policy, the 
operation of the policy in 2018 and 
its proposed operation in 2019. It 
provides details of the activities 
of the committee, and explains 
the decisions the committee has 
made over the last 12 months and 
the alignment of remuneration 
outcomes to performance for 2018. 
The Remuneration Report will  
be subject to an advisory vote at  
our Annual General Meeting on  
3 May 2019. 

The EU Shareholders’ Rights Directive 
which addresses matters such as 
directors’ remuneration disclosures 
and shareholder approval of the 
directors’ remuneration policy, has 
yet to be transposed into Irish law 
and it is not yet clear how this will 
be finally implemented in Ireland. 
Nevertheless, in anticipation of the 
Shareholders’ Rights Directive being 
implemented in Ireland, and in line 
with Kingspan’s commitment to 
best corporate governance practices 
and shareholder engagement, the 
Remuneration Committee has 
decided that shareholders should 
be given an advisory vote on the 
Kingspan directors’ remuneration 
policy at its 2019 Annual General 
Meeting. This will be the first time 
that Kingspan has presented its full 
remuneration policy to shareholders 
for approval.

The Remuneration Committee has 
also committed to providing an 
increased level of transparency in 
its remuneration reporting in recent 
years, and has incorporated many of 
the proposed disclosure requirements 
into this report.  

Our remuneration strategy
The primary objective of the 
Remuneration Committee is to 
create a remuneration structure  
for executive directors which:

a.  supports the delivery of the Group 
strategy and creates value for 
shareholders over the longer term;

b.  rewards individuals by reference 
to their divisional responsibilities 
and overall corporate 
performance in both the short 
and longer term; and

c.  is capable of attracting and 
retaining key individuals 
necessary for business success.

Performance in 2018
2018 was another good result for 
Kingspan and the remuneration 
outcomes for our executive directors 
are aligned to this. Group EBITDA 
exceeded €500m for the first time 
ever, reflecting a strong performance 
from all businesses, despite 
challenges in our raw material supply 
chain and uncertainty in the UK 
market. As against this, integration 
of our recently acquired businesses 
in Central and Southern Europe and 
Latin America progressed well as they 
delivered a solid contribution to the 
Group results. Trading profit was up 
18% on prior year and earnings per 
share (EPS) was up 16% over prior 
year, whilst the total shareholder 
return in the year was 3.8%. (the 
share price at 31 December 2018 was 
€37.38, 2017: €36.41).

The executive directors’ annual 
performance bonuses are based on 
stretching Group EPS targets and 

the Divisional MD’s have additional 
divisional profit targets. This excellent 
performance resulted in varying 
levels of annual bonus payouts being 
earned by each of the executive 
directors in respect of the year ended 
31 December 2018. These ranged 
between 69% and 119% of base 
salary, and are detailed later  
in this report. 

Our 2016 long-term Performance 
Share Plan (PSP) awards are based 
on Total Shareholder Return (TSR) 
relative to a group of sector peers 
and EPS growth, both measured over 
a three-year performance period 
from 2016 to 2018. Once again 
Kingspan achieved top quartile TSR 
performance amongst its peer group 
for the eight cycle in a row which 
together with strong long-term EPS 
growth resulted in the 2016 PSP 
awards vesting at 89% of maximum. 
Further details on the vesting of the 
2016 PSP Awards are also set out 
later in this report. 

Directors’ remuneration policy 
changes 
The committee reviewed the 
current policy and concluded that 
fundamental changes were not 
required. Accordingly, there is no 
change to quantum or the weighting 
in the policy between annual 
bonus and long-term incentive. The 
committee also carefully reviewed 
the changes to the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, best practice 
and investor expectations, and has 
agreed changes to the current policy 
to reflect these, as set out in this 
report. The committee wishes to 
highlight the following key factors 
that it took into account:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
72

73

Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
In setting the executive directors’ 
remuneration package the 
Remuneration Committee seeks to 
ensure that:

 → the Group will attract, motivate 
and retain individuals of the 
highest calibre;

 → executives are rewarded in a 

fair and balanced way for their 
contribution to the Group’s 
performance;

 → executives receive a level of 

remuneration that is appropriate 
to their scale of responsibility and 
individual performance;

 → the overall approach to 

remuneration has regard to the 
sectors and geographies in which 
we operate; and

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

through a mix of short and long term 
performance based incentives and by 
encouraging share ownership, whilst 
taking into consideration the market 
norms and practices of other quoted 
Irish and international industry peer 
companies of similar size and scope in 
setting the base and fixed elements of 
the package. 

The committee believes that 
this policy sets an appropriate 
balance between fixed and variable 
remuneration, and that the split 
between short-term and long-term 
performance based remuneration 
(including the deferred share awards) 
reflects the Group’s objective to drive 
long-term shareholder value through 
its strategic pillars of innovation, 
penetration, globalisation, and planet 
passionate. The following tables show 
the mix between fixed and variable 
performance related pay, and also 
between short-term and long-term 
remuneration. 

Fixed
38%

Variable
62%

Fixed pay
v 
Variable pay

—

Variable pay
Short Term
v 
Long Term

—

The Remuneration Committee seeks 
to align the interests of executive 
directors with those of shareholders 

The key elements of the executive 
directors’ remuneration policy are  
set out below: 

Long term
48%

Short term
52%

Executive Directors' Fixed Remuneration
Provides a fair fixed element of pay commensurate for the role ensuring no over reliance on variable pay.

Base salary - attracts and retains skilled and experienced individuals.

How it operates

Base salaries are reviewed annually by the Remuneration Committee in the last quarter of 
each year. 
Factors taken into account by the committee include the Group’s overall performance, the 
executive directors’ experience, role and personal performance, movements in pay generally 
across the Group and competitive market practice taking into account companies of a 
similar size and complexity to Kingspan. Where applicable, changes in salary are effective 
from 1 January. 
Increases will generally be in line with increases across the Group, but may be higher or lower 
in certain circumstances to reflect performance, changes in remit, roles and responsibilities, 
or to allow newly appointed executives to move progressively towards market norms.

Maximum opportunity

No prescribed maximum base salary 
or maximum annual increase.

Executive Directors' Variable Remuneration
The Remuneration Committee seeks to ensure that overall remuneration reflects Group performance and individual contribution. 
Accordingly, the committee seeks to align an appropriate portion of the executive directors’ remuneration with the achievement  
of annual and longer term performance targets.

Performance related bonus - drives and rewards achievement of annual short-term performance targets, with deferred  
share awards aligning management interests with shareholders and the longer term performance of the Group.

How it operates

Executive directors receive annual performance related bonus based on the attainment  
of financial targets set prior to the start of each year by the committee. 

Bonuses are paid on a sliding scale if the targets are met. Maximum bonus is only  
achieved if ambitious incremental growth targets are achieved.

No more than 100% of salary may be delivered in cash through the bonus plan.  
Any performance related bonus achieved in excess of the amount payable in cash  
is satisfied by the grant of share awards, which are deferred for two years.

Maximum opportunity

The maximum annual performance 
related bonus is up to 150% of base 
salary. 

Bonus payment is 0% at threshold 
target.

Performance share plan - drives and rewards execution of the longer term business strategy, aligns the interests of executive directors 
and senior managers with those of the Group’s shareholders and recognises and rewards value creation over the longer term.

How it operates

Executive directors are entitled to participate in the Group’s Performance Share Plan (PSP). 
Under the terms of the PSP, performance shares are awarded to the executive directors 
and the senior management team. The performance shares will vest after three years only 
if the Company’s underlying performance has improved during the 3-year performance 
period, and if certain performance criteria are achieved over the performance period.

For new appointments (who may not already have a substantial equity stake in the 
Company) the committee will consider whether PSP awards should have a two-year post 
vesting holding period (so there is a total of five years between the date of grant and any 
possible sale of shares subject to sales to pay taxes) to provide investor and share price 
alignment as well as a mechanism for new executive directors to build a shareholding in  
the Company.    

Selection of performance measures - Annual bonus and PSP

Maximum opportunity

200% of base salary. 

Threshold vesting is at  
25% of maximum. 

Each year, prior to the start of the relevant performance period, the committee assesses which performance measures  
(including if applicable non-financial measures), are most appropriate for both the annual bonus and the PSP awards, to reflect 
the Company’s strategic initiatives. The Committee may change the performance measures, or the combination and weighting 
of performance measures, for awards granted in future years based upon the strategic plans of the Company. The committee 
sets what it considers are demanding targets for variable pay in the context of the Company’s trading environment and strategic 
objectives and considering the Company’s internal financial planning and market forecasts. 

Policy on external appointments

Subject to Board approval, executive directors may accept external non-executive positions and retain the fees payable for  
such appointments. 

The non-executive directors’ remuneration policy is set out below.

Non-Executive Directors

Non-executive directors’ fees - to reflect time commitment, experience and responsibilities and to attract and retain high calibre 
NEDs by offering a market competitive fee level 

Pension scheme and other allowances - attracts and retains skilled and experienced individuals.

How it operates

How it operates

Maximum opportunity

The Chairman of the Board receives a single fee for all his responsibilities.

The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme for executive directors. Pension 
contributions are calculated on base salary only. Contributions are determined on an 
individual basis and take into account a number of factors including age, length of service, 
and number of years to retirement.
The committee may alternatively pay a cash amount subject to all applicable employee 
and employer payroll taxes and social security.

No prescribed maximum for current 
incumbents.
For new appointments a maximum of 
25% of salary unless exceptionally a 
higher amount is appropriate to take 
account of market practice in certain 
countries where executives may be 
recruited from. 

Benefits - provides market competitive benefits for recruitment and retention purposes, as well as supporting the personal health 
and well-being of the executive.

How it operates

Maximum opportunity

Executive directors’ benefits include but are not limited to life and health insurance, the use by 
the executive directors of company cars (or a taxable car allowance), and relocation or similar 
allowances on recruitment, each in line with typical market practice.

No prescribed maximum level,  
as benefits depend on individual 
director circumstances.

The non-executive directors each receive a basic board membership fee. 

The Chairman of Board Committees and the Senior Independent Director receive 
an additional fee to reflect the additional role and responsibilities (only one 
additional fee is paid if a director has dual roles). 

Supplemental fees may be paid for additional responsibilities and activities.

Non-executive directors are entitled to the reimbursement of reasonable business 
expenses including any tax (grossed up) that may be payable on those expenses.

Letters of appointment and policy on recruitment and termination 

Maximum opportunity

There is no prescribed maximum annual fee  
or fee increase. 

Account is taken of the general increase in fees 
in the non-executive market, but a lower or 
higher fee increase may be made to recognise, 
for example, an increase in the scale, scope or 
responsibility of the role and/or take account 
of relevant market movements.

Each of the non-executive directors has a letter of appointment with the Company which recognises that their appointments can 
be terminated on one month’s notice and are subject to annual re-election by the shareholders at the Company’s Annual General 
Meeting. The non-executive directors do not have service contracts and do not participate in any bonus or long-term incentive 
schemes. The non-executive directors do not receive any pension or other benefits, and there is no provision for compensation for 
loss of office other than payment of accrued fees and expenses. 

Directors' Report   —  Report of the Remuneration CommitteeKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 201874

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The committee has adopted best practice governance policies in relation to the directors’ remuneration contracts,  
as set out below.

Governance

Share ownership guidelines -  aligns the interests of management and shareholders to shareholder value and longer-term performance 

Executive directors are required to build up and retain 200% of salary, to be achieved through the retention of at least 50% of all 
vested deferred share and PSP awards (subject to sales to meet taxes payable). Achievement of this guideline is measured through 
beneficially owned shares and deferred bonus share awards only. 

For good leavers annual bonus deferral will continue post cessation of employment and performance targets for annual bonus 
and pro-rated PSP awards will be tested at the usual time providing longer term post cessation of employment alignment to the 
longer-term performance and sustainability of the business. There are no additional post cessation of employment requirements for 
beneficially owned shares.

Clawback & malus - including discretion to adjust formulaic calculation of incentive pay

The Remuneration Committee recognises that there could potentially be circumstances in which performance related pay (either 
annual performance related bonuses and/or PSP Awards) is paid out and where certain circumstances later arise which bring 
the committee to conclude that the payment should not have been made in full or in part. Whilst the Company has robust 
management and financial controls in place to minimise any such risk, the committee has put in place formal clawback and malus 
arrangements for the protection of the company and its investors. The clawback of performance related pay, and malus provisions 
(where awards are reduced to nil before they have vested) would apply in certain circumstances including:

 → a material misstatement of the Company’s financial results;

 → a material breach of an executive’s contract of employment;

 → error in calculation;

 → failure of risk management; 

 → corporate failure;

 → any wilful misconduct, recklessness, and/or fraud resulting in serious damage to the financial condition or business reputation 

of the Company.

The committee may adjust the bonus and PSP that is payable if it considers the formulaic outcome is not representative of the 
underlying performance of the Company, investor experience or employee reward outcome.

Approach to recruitment

The recruitment package for a new director would be set in accordance with the terms of the Company’s remuneration policy. 

Annual bonus opportunity will reflect the period of service for the year. On an internal appointment, any variable pay element 
awarded in respect of their prior role will normally be allowed to continue according to its terms. 

The normal maximum annual Performance Share Plan award limit is 200% of salary in a financial year. The committee may exceed 
this limit (up to the maximum of 400% of salary) in exceptional circumstances, for example, for the Company to be able to attract 
and secure the right candidate if required. 

On recruitment, the Company may compensate for incentive pay (or benefit arrangements) foregone from a previous employer. 
Replacement share awards would be made under the Company’s existing share plans or as necessary and as permitted under the 
Listing Rules. The new awards would take account of the structure of awards being forfeited (cash or shares), quantum foregone, 
the extent to which performance conditions apply, the likelihood of meeting any existing performance conditions and the time left 
to vesting.

Service contracts and termination  

Each of the executive directors has a service contract with the Company which provides for 12 months’ notice of termination 
by the Company (or, at the discretion of the Company, payment for all or part thereof) and 6 or 12 months by the director and 
it is the Company’s policy that notice periods will not exceed 12 months. The service contracts do not include any provision for 
compensation for loss of office, other than the notice period provisions set out above. There are no enhanced provisions on a 
change of control and there are no specific severance arrangements.

The committee’s policy in relation to termination of service contracts is to deal with each case on its merits having regard to the 
circumstances of the individual, the termination of employment, any legal advice received and what is in the best interests of the 
Company and its shareholders. 

Annual bonuses and PSP awards are dealt with in accordance with the rules of the relevant plans. At the discretion of the committee 
(and normally where the individual has served a minimum of 6 months of the bonus year), a pro-rata bonus may become payable at 
the normal payment date for the period of service subject to full year performance targets being met. 

The default treatment for share based awards is that any unvested award will lapse on termination of employment. However, under 
the rules of the Performance Share Plan, in certain prescribed circumstances (e.g. “good leaver”), awards are eligible to vest subject 
to the performance conditions being met over the normal performance period (or a shorter period at the committee’s discretion) 
and with the award being reduced by an amount to reflect the proportion of the vesting period not actually served.

In anticipation of the Shareholders’ Rights Directive being implemented in Ireland, and in line with Kingspan’s 
commitment to best corporate governance practices and shareholder engagement, the Remuneration Committee  
has decided that shareholders should be given an advisory vote on Kingspan directors’ remuneration policy at the  
2019 Annual General Meeting. 

Implementation of Remuneration 
Policy For 2019

Base salary, benefits and pension: 
The committee carried out a full 
review of base salaries, with the 
assistance of independent advice, 
and determined the following 
increases for 2019. 

In 2016 the committee agreed to 
progressively increase the Chief 
Executive Officer’s salary over a 
number of years to what it considers 
is a market rate for the size, 
responsibilities and complexities of 
his role. These factors have increased 
significantly over the years as the 
business has expanded into new 
markets, invested in organic growth 
and become a significantly larger 
and more international business. 
As part of this phasing, the Chief 
Executive Officer received salary 
increases in 2017 of 10% (previously 
disclosed) and in 2018 an increase 
of 7.5%. For 2019 the committee has 
awarded a 5% increase, being the 
final phase of this salary adjustment. 
The committee considers this to be 
market rate for the current role of  
the Chief Executive Officer.

The committee also carried out a 
review of the divisional directors’ 
roles and noted that Peter Wilson’s 
role as Managing Director of the 
global Insulation Boards business had 
significantly increased over several 
years in terms of size and complexity, 
whilst at the same time as a result of 
exchange rate movements, Mr Wilson’s 
salary had become misaligned to 
levels in the rest of the business. To 
correct this the committee decided 
to increase Mr Wilson’s salary by 10% 
in 2019 and will review this again 
in 2020 and consider whether a 
further increase is required to bring 
it into alignment, subject to ongoing 
divisional and Group performance. 

Salaries for the other executive 
directors will be increased by 3% in 
line generally with increases in the 
rest of the workforce. 

Benefits and pension will be in line 
with those received for 2018. 

Annual performance bonus:  
The maximum bonus opportunity for 
all the executive directors is 150% of 
salary (unchanged from 2018) with 
up to 100% of salary earned through 
the bonus plan delivered in cash and 
up to 50% of salary being deferred 
into shares in the Company for two 
years. For 2019, the Remuneration 
Committee has determined to use 
the same performance measures as 
in 2018:

 → CEO & CFO: Group EPS growth 

targets over prior year.

 → Divisional MDs: 40% of their total 
bonus opportunity is based on the 
achievement of divisional profit 
growth targets, and 60% of their 
total bonus opportunity is based 
on the achievement of Group EPS 
growth targets over prior year. 

The committee has carefully 
considered alternative financial 
measures for the annual bonus and 
has concluded that EPS provides 
the strongest alignment to the 
business strategy as well as being a 
critical key performance indicator. 
Targets are set using unadjusted 
audited EPS, as reported in our 
annual accounts, which creates a 
strong alignment with shareholders’ 
experience. Targets will be disclosed 
with performance against them in 
the 2019 Remuneration Report.

Performance share awards:   
For 2019, the following PSP Awards 
will be granted:

 → For the CEO: an award over shares 
with a market value of 175% of 
base salary;

 → For the other executive directors: 
an award over shares with a 
market value of approx. 150% 
of base salary (subject to 
adjustment to ensure internal 
parity and to manage exchange 
rate fluctuations between 
the divisional directors). The 
committee will keep this 
approach under review and 
ensure that it does not breach  
the overall limits contained in  
the PSP rules.   

The Remuneration Committee has 
selected the same performance 
measures as for the 2018 PSP awards.  
Half of the award will be based on 
EPS growth targets and the other 
half on relative TSR against the same 
peer group as the 2018 awards. 

The committee reviewed the EPS 
targets for the 2019 and future PSP 
awards. It determined EPS targets 
should no longer include Irish CPI, 
reflecting the international nature of 
the business and a desire to simplify 
the targets. For the 2019 PSP awards, 
25% of the EPS part of the award 
will vest for 6% compound growth 
per annum rising to 100% vesting for 
12% compound growth per annum. 
Accordingly, the committee set the 
following targets which, given the 
market and business outlook from 
which these targets will be measured, 
it considers to be demanding in all 
the circumstances: 

Non executive director fees   
There is no increase to the non-
executive director fees for 2019.

2019 PSP Awards

Percentage  
of total award

Performance measure

Percentage vesting 
on threshold target

Threshold  
vesting target*

Maximum  
vesting target*

50%

50%

EPS

TSR

12.5%

12.5%

6%

12%

Median ranking

Upper quartile (or higher)

*Straight line vesting between threshold and maximum vesting 

Directors' Report   —  Report of the Remuneration CommitteeKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 201876

77

Remuneration outcomes for 2018
Base salary: The salaries for 2018 for 
each of the executive directors were 
set by the Remuneration Committee 
towards the end of 2017.  The Chief 

Executive’s salary was increased by 
7.5% as detailed above. Increases for 
the other executive directors were 
generally in line with increases in the 
business as a whole. 

Overall, total salaries for the 
executive Directors increased by  
5% in 2018. Full details are set out  
in the table below.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018
(Remuneration is reported in the currency received by the individual)

Executive Directors

Gene 
Murtagh

Geoff 
Doherty

Russell 
Shiels

Peter 
Wilson

Gilbert 
McCarthy

Total(1)

EUR000

EUR000

USD000

GBP000

EUR000

EUR000

2018

2017

2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017

2018

2017

Fixed Pay

 - Salary and Fees

 - Pension Contributions (2)

 - Benefits (3)

Performance Pay (4)

 - Cash element

 - Deferred share awards

828

150

34

770

140

31

546

530

568

133

33

128

193

32

65

541

189

64

376

154

17

358

505

480

2,785

2,667

150

13

101

33

96

34

721

174

703

167

828

158

599

-

546

104

413

568

168

186

326

494

149

2,567

1,683

-

108

-

72

-

96

-

531

-

Total executive pay

1,998 1,540 1,362 1,103 1,502

962

805

847 1,229

759

6,770

5,220

Charge to Consolidated Income Statement for share options and awards (5)

2,807

2,153 

Non Executive Directors (6)

Eugene Murtagh

Helen Kirkpatrick

Linda Hickey

Michael Cawley

John Cronin

Bruce McLennan

Jost Massenberg (7)

Total non-executive pay

Total Directors’ remuneration

191

191

85

75

85

75

75

64

85

75

85

75

75

-

650

586

 10,227 

 7,959 

(1)  The 'Total' figure shows Russell Shiels’ remuneration converted to Euro at the following average rate USD: 1.1812 (2017: 1.1294). 
(1)  The 'Total' figure shows Peter Wilson's remuneration converted to Euro at the following average rate GBP: 0.88477 (2017: 0.87642).
(2)  The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme for executive directors. Certain executives have elected to receive part 
of their prospective pension entitlement as a non-pensionable cash allowance in lieu of the pension benefit foregone, subject to 
all applicable employee and employer payroll taxes.

(3) Benefits principally relate to health insurance premiums and company cars /car allowances. In the case of Russell Shiels the cost of 

life insurance and permanent health benefit is also included.

(4) Performance pay is earned for meeting clearly defined EPS growth and divisional profit targets. Details of the bonus plan and 

targets are set out on page 77 of the Remuneration Report. 

(5) The charge to the Consolidated Income Statement represents the current year cost of the unvested PSP Awards granted to the 

Executive Directors. Details of the valuation methodology are set out in Note 3 to the Financial Statements.

(6) Non-executive directors receive a base fee of €75,000 per annum, plus an additional fee of between €7,500 and €10,000 for 

chairmanship of Board committees. They do not receive any pension benefit, or any performance or share based remuneration.

(7)  Jost Massenberg was appointed as a non-executive director on 22 February 2018.

Performance related bonus:  
The targets for 2018 were set prior  
to the start of the year, and 
comprise a combination of 
stretching Group EPS targets and 
divisional profit growth targets. In 
2018 all executive directors were 
eligible for a maximum performance 
related bonus opportunity of up to 
150% of base salary.

The Chief Executive’s and the 
Chief Financial Officer’s annual 
performance related bonuses were 
based on Group EPS growth targets 
over prior year, with the maximum 
annual performance related bonus 
being payable on the achievement 
of 25% Group EPS growth over prior 
year. The Remuneration Committee 
considers this to be a stretching 
target, aligned with shareholder 
interests. 

For each of the Divisional MDs, up 
to 40% of their annual performance 
related bonus opportunity was 
based on achieving stretching 
divisional profit targets, with the 
maximum bonus for the divisional 
profit element being payable on 
the achievement of 10% divisional 
profit growth. A further 60% of the 
Divisional MDs’ annual performance 
related bonus opportunity was 
payable on the achievement of the 
same Group EPS targets as for the 
Chief Executive and Chief Financial 
Officer’s bonus. 

Again, the committee considers 
these to be appropriately stretching 
targets, aligned with shareholder 
interests.

The Remuneration Committee 
reviewed the Group EPS growth and 
divisional performance following 
the year end, and considered the 
extent to which the 2018 annual 
performance bonus targets had been 
achieved by each of the executive 
directors. Whilst the Group delivered 
excellent results for the year (trading 
profit up 18% on prior year) and 
strong EPS growth (up 16% on prior 
year) the maximum Group EPS 
target was not achieved, and the 
varying divisional performances 
resulted in different levels of bonus 
payouts being earned by each of the 
executive directors. In each case 19% 
of maximum bonus opportunity was 
satisfied by the grant of deferred 
share awards, which are designed 
to align the executives reward with 
longer-term shareholder interests. 
The holding period is two years. 

The table below sets out the 
performance against targets for 
each of the executive directors 
in respect of the year ended 31 
December 2018. The Board believes 
that disclosure of the Divisional 
MD’s specific bonus targets and 
performance against them would be 
inappropriate as this is commercially 
sensitive business information not 
otherwise available to competitors. 

Vesting of the 2016 Performance 
Share Plan awards: The 
Remuneration Committee reviewed 
the extent to which the vesting 
targets in respect of the PSP Awards 
granted in 2016 had been met by 
reference to EPS and TSR targets over 
the three year performance period 
to 31 December 2018. For 2016 the 
Committee granted PSP Awards 
that were 40% based on EPS growth 
targets, 40% based on relative TSR 
and 20% based on Exceptional TSR 
targets as set out below. 

The committee determined that 
total EPS growth during the period 
was over 72%, which significantly 
exceeded the target for maximum 
vesting of CPI plus 10% p.a. 
The committee also noted that 
Kingspan had achieved top quartile 
performance in its peer group for the      
eighth cycle in a row, ranking in the 
87th percentile in respect of the 
performance period. The committee 
therefore concluded that the PSP 
vesting conditions in respect of the 
TSR element of the 2016 PSP Awards 
had been satisfied in full and that 
the Exceptional TSR targets were 
partly achieved.

2018 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE RELATED BONUS 

Maximum 
opportunity 
as % salary

Performance 
measure

Threshold 
target

Target for 
maximum 
vesting of 
cash  
element

Target for 
maximum 
vesting of 
deferred share 
element

Performance 
achieved

Bonus 
outcome as 
% salary

Chief Executive

Chief Financial 
Officer

Russell Shiels

Peter Wilson

Gilbert McCarthy

150%

150%

60%

90%

60%

90%

60%

90%

EPS

EPS

151.0c

151.0c

174.9c

174.9c

198.7c

198.7c

Divisional profit

10% profit growth

EPS

151.0c

174.9c

198.7c

Divisional profit

10% profit growth

EPS

151.0c

174.9c

198.7c

Divisional profit

10% profit growth

EPS

151.0c

174.9c

198.7c

184.0c

184.0c

118%

184.0c

97%

184.0c

109%

184.0c

119%

119%

60%

59%

10%

59%

58%

59%

Directors' Report   —  Report of the Remuneration CommitteeKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 201878

79

The table below sets out the targets set at the time of the granting of the 2016 PSP Awards,  
and the performance achieved in respect thereof.

2016 - 2018 PSP AWARDS - PERFORMANCE 

Percentage  
of total  
award

40%

40%

20%

Performance 
measure

Threshold  
target

Maximum  
target

Performance 
achieved

% of PSP 
Awards  
vesting

EPS

TSR

CPI + 5%

CPI + 10%

CPI + 19.6%

40%

Median ranking 75th percentile

87th percentile 40%

Exceptional TSR 76th percentile

100th percentile 87th percentile 9%

The TSR peer group for the 2016  
PSP awards comprised the following 
companies:

The TSR peer group was reviewed 
and amended for awards in 2017 and 
thereafter and is set out below:

Armstrong World  
Industries Inc

Boral Ltd

Armstrong World 
Industries 

Owens  
Corning 

Compagnie de  
Saint Gobain

Geberit AG

CRH Plc

Boral Ltd 

Rockwool Intl. 
A/S 

Grafton Group 
Plc

CRH Plc 

Geberit AG 

SIG Plc 

Sika 

NCI Building  
Systems Inc

Owens 
Corning

Rockwool Intl. A/S SIG Plc

Travis Perkins Plc

Uponor Corp

Grafton Group Plc  Travis Perkins 

Lafarge Holcim 

Plc 

USG 
Corporation 

Wienerberger 
AG 

Uralita SA

USG 
Corporation

NCI Building 
Systems Inc 

Wienerberger AG

Grant of 2018 Performance Share 
Plan awards: In February 2018 the 
Remuneration Committee granted 
PSP Awards to the executive directors 
with a three year performance 
period from 2018 to 2020. The Chief 
Executive received an award over 
shares with a market value equal 
to 175% of salary and the other 
executive directors 150% of salary. 
The EPS condition for half of the 2018 
PSP Awards, as determined by the 
committee, is the achievement of 
annual EPS growth of between CPI 
plus 5% p.a. and CPI plus 10% p.a. 
The TSR condition for the other half 
of the award  is the same as that set 
out above for the 2019 award. 

Details of all extant share awards 
granted to the executive directors 
and secretary under the 2017 and  
the legacy 2008 Performance  
Share Plans are set out in the 
following table.

Non-executive directors: The non-
executive directors each receive a 
fee which is approved by the Board.  
The Chairman’s fee is €191,000. 
The basic non-executive director 
fee is €75,000. An additional fee 
of €7,500 is paid for chairing the 
Remuneration Committee, and a fee 
of €10,000 for chairmanship of the 
Audit Committee and for the Senior 
Independent Director, to reflect the 
additional role and responsibilities 
(only one additional fee is paid if 
a director has dual roles). Non-
executive director fee levels are 
reviewed annually, and there was no 
change to the level of fees paid to 
the non-executive directors in 2018. 

PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN

Director

Gene M. Murtagh

At  
31 Dec 
2017

Granted 
during 
year

Vested 
during  
year

Exercised 
or lapsed 
during year

At  
31 Dec 
2018

Option 
price  
€

Earliest 
exercise 
date

Latest 
expiry  
date

Geoff Doherty

Russell Shiels

Peter Wilson

Gilbert McCarthy

Unvested

 133,793 

 40,588 

(44,883)

(2,514)¹

126,984

Vested

 141,480 

-

 44,883 

(86,359)²

100,004

 275,273 

40,588

 - 

(88,873)

 226,988 

Unvested

 80,129 

 22,941 

(27,707)

-

 75,363 

Vested

 - 

-

 27,707 

(27,707)³

 - 

 80,129 

22,941

 - 

(27,707)

 75,363 

Unvested

 74,268 

 19,242 

(24,812)

-

 68,698 

Vested

 - 

-

 24,812 

(24,812)⁴

 - 

 74,268 

19,242

 - 

(24,812)

 68,698 

Unvested

 71,275 

 18,163 

(24,812)

-

 64,626 

Vested

 - 

-

 24,812 

(24,812)⁵

 - 

 71,275 

18,163

 - 

(24,812)

 64,626 

Unvested

 72,291 

 21,218 

(24,812)

-

 68,697 

Vested

 117,626 

-

 24,812 

(46,584)6

 95,854 

 189,917 

21,218

 - 

(46,584)

 164,551 

Company Secretary

Lorcan Dowd

Unvested

 13,940 

 4,622 

(5,230)

-

 13,332 

Vested

 27,730 

 41,670 

-

 5,230 

(11,180)⁷

 21,780 

4,622

 - 

(11,180)

 35,112 

23/02/2019

26/02/2025

25/02/2017

24/02/2022

23/02/2019

26/02/2025

-

-

23/02/2019

26/02/2025

-

-

23/02/2019

26/02/2025

-

-

23/02/2019

26/02/2025

26/02/2016

24/02/2022

23/02/2019

26/02/2025

26/02/2016

24/02/2022

0.13

0.13

0.13

0.13

0.13

0.13

0.13

0.13

0.13

0.13

0.13

0.13

0.13

0.13

0.13

0.13

0.13

0.13

1  Lapsed on 24/02/2018.
2   Exercised on 07/06/2018. Market value on day of exercise €40.00.
3  Exercised on 26/02/2018. Market value on day of exercise €35.70.

4  Exercised on 11/05/2018. Market value on day of exercise €40.00.
5  Exercised on 09/05/2018. Market value on day of exercise €39.42.
6  Exercised on 15/06/2018. Market value on day of exercise €41.00.
7  Exercised on 28/08/2018. Market value on day of exercise €42.08.

DEFERRED SHARE AWARDS

Director

At 31 Dec  
2017

Granted  
during year 

Gene M. Murtagh

Unvested

 25,220 

Geoff Doherty

Unvested

 19,044 

Russell Shiels

Unvested

 18,147 

Peter Wilson

Unvested

 15,762 

Gilbert McCarthy Unvested

 16,225 

1 Market value on vesting date €34.40

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

Vested &  
transferred  
during year1

At 31 Dec  
2018

Vesting/ 
transfer  
date

(13,321)

 11,899 

31/03/2019

(10,279)

 8,765 

31/03/2019

(9,798)

 8,349 

31/03/2019

(8,923)

 6,839 

31/03/2019

(8,286)

 7,939 

31/03/2019

Directors' Report   —  Report of the Remuneration CommitteeKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 201880

81

Governance
Composition: The Remuneration 
Committee comprises four 
independent non-executive directors, 
Helen Kirkpatrick (chairman), 
Michael Cawley, Linda Hickey and 
Bruce McLennan. The Company 
Secretary acts as the secretary to 
the committee. 

Responsibilities: The responsibilities 
of the Remuneration Committee 
are summarised in the Corporate 
Governance Report, and its terms  
of reference are available on  
the Company’s website:  
www.kingspan.com 

Chief Financial Officer and any other 
members of the management team 
may be asked to attend meetings 
where their input is helpful to the 
matter being discussed by the 
committee. No individual is present 
at a meeting when the terms of his 
own remuneration are discussed. The 
committee’s independent advisers 
may also be asked to attend.  

Clawback & malus policy: The 
committee has put in place robust 
clawback and malus arrangements 
for the protection of the Company 
and its investors, as outlined in the 
Remuneration Policy above.

Shareholding requirements:  
The Remuneration Committee 
recognises that share ownership is 
important in aligning the interests 
of management with those of 
shareholders. Executive directors  
are required to build up and retain, 
a minimum holding in Kingspan 
shares with equivalent market value 
to 200% of base salary. The executive 
directors in practice hold significantly 
in excess of this requirement. The 
current shareholdings of the executive 
directors as a multiple of 2018  
salary (based on share price as at  
31 December 2018) are shown in  
the table below.

Meetings: The Remuneration 
Committee met four times during 
the year. Each meeting was 
attended by all the members of  
the committee, and an overview  
of the workings of the committee is 
set out below. The Chief Executive 
does not normally attend meetings 
but provides input where relevant,  
to the committee chair prior to  
the meeting. The Chief Executive, 

Remuneration Committee Activities

Salary and fees

Engage independent consultants

Review of overall remuneration policy

Shareholding requirements

31/12/18

 Shares/ Deferred shares 

 Multiple of salary 

Gene M. Murtagh

Geoff Doherty

Russell Shiels

Peter Wilson

Gilbert McCarthy

 1,141,106 

 247,091 

 308,349 

 396,215 

 255,576 

 51.5x 

 16.9x

 23.2x 

 35.4x 

 18.9x 

Feb

Mar

Jun

Oct

Review executives’ salary, role and responsibilities for 2019

Review non-executives’ fees for 2019

Approve Executive’s pension arrangements

Performance pay

Assess Group and individual performance against targets for 2017

Confirm percentage of performance bonus achieved for 2017

Confirm vesting of 2016 Deferred Share Awards

Agree Group and individual performance targets for 2019

PSP Awards

Assess performance of 2015/2017 PSP Awards against targets

Determine percentage of 2015/2017 PSP Awards which vest

Review performance measures for PSP Awards for 2018

Agree targets and level for grants of PSP Awards for 2018

Governance

Review and approve Remuneration Report for Annual Report 2017

Update on governance and remuneration trends generally

Consider shareholder votes and feedback from AGM 2018

Formalise new Remuneration Policy for shareholder approval

Review of consultants’ performance and independence

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Former directors: There were no 
pension payments, payments for loss 
of office or other remuneration paid 
to any former directors during the 
relevant financial year.

External advisors:  
The Remuneration Committee 
obtained advice during the year 
from independent remuneration 
consultants Korn Ferry.

Korn Ferry is a member of the 
Remuneration Consultants Group 
and a signatory to its Code of 
Conduct, and all advice is provided 
in accordance with this code.  
During 2018 Korn Ferry carried  
out a leadership development 
assessment for senior members  
of the Kingspan Group, but did  
not have any other connection  
with the Group during the year. 
In light of this the committee is 
satisfied that the advice obtained 
was objective and independent. 

Reporting requirements and 
engagement with shareholders: 
In anticipation of the Shareholders’ 
Rights Directive being implemented 
in Ireland, and in line with 
Kingspan’s commitment to best 
corporate governance practices 
and shareholder engagement, 
the Remuneration Committee 
has committed to providing an 
increased level of transparency in 
its remuneration reporting in recent 
years, and has incorporated many  
of the proposed disclosure 
requirements into this report.  

The Committee also keeps up to date 
with the specific voting guidelines 
of its shareholders and proxy voting 
agencies as well as being advised 
about developments in best practice 
and Corporate Governance.    

Accordingly, the Board, on 
the recommendation of the 
committee, will put this report of 
the Remuneration Committee to an 
advisory vote at the forthcoming 
Annual General Meeting of the 
Company, and will put the directors’ 
remuneration policy to a separate 
advisory vote. 

The Committee received strong 
support for the 2017 Remuneration 
Report. The table below shows 
the voting outcome at Kingspan’s 
2018 Annual General Meeting 
relating to the 2017 Directors’ 
Remuneration Report.

Advisory vote on 
2017 Directors’ 
Remuneration Report

Total votes

For

%

Against

%

143,826,542

136,145,491

94.66

7,681,051

5.34 

Performance graphs
This graph shows the Company’s TSR performance against the 
performance of the ISEQ and the FTSE 250 Indices over the ten-year period 
to 31 December 2018. 

Total Shareholder Returns

 Kingspan 

 ISEQ 

 FTSE 250

1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Directors' Report   —  Report of the Remuneration CommitteeKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 201882

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1
0
2
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e
m
e
t
a
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Report of the Audit Committee

—

As Chairman of the Audit Committee,  
I am pleased to present the report of the committee 
for the year ended 31 December 2018.

This report details how the 
Audit Committee has met its 
responsibilities under its Terms of 
Reference, the Irish Companies 
Act 2014 and under the 2014 UK 
Corporate Governance Code in the 
last twelve months. 

The Audit Committee focused 
particularly on the appropriateness of 
the Group’s financial statements. The 
committee has satisfied itself, and 
has advised the Board accordingly, 
that the 2018 Annual Report and 
financial statements are fair, 
balanced and understandable, and 
provide the information necessary 
for shareholders to assess the 
Company’s performance, business 

model and strategy. The significant 
issues that the committee considered 
in relation to the financial statements 
and how these issues were addressed 
are set out in this report.

The Audit Committee note the 
requirements under section 225 of 
the Companies Act 2014 and has 
ensured that the directors are aware 
of their responsibilities and comply 
fully with this provision.

One of the Audit Committee’s 
key responsibilities is to review the 
Group’s risk management and 
internal controls systems, including in 
particular internal financial controls. 

During the year, the committee 
carried out a robust assessment of 
the principal risks facing the Group 
and monitored the risk management 
and internal control system on an on-
going basis. Further details in regard 
to these matters are also set out in 
this report on pages 32 to 33.

The committee also reviewed the 
effectiveness of both the external audit 
process and the internal audit function 
as part of the continuous improvement 
of financial reporting and risk 
management across the Group. 

Michael Cawley
Chairman, Audit Committee

US
Spoke Building

Light & Air: Pentaglas
Fire Rating: 
CC1 per ASTM D 635

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Role and responsibilities 
The Board has established an Audit 
Committee to monitor the integrity 
of the Group's financial statements 
and the effectiveness of the Group’s 
internal financial controls. The 
committee’s role and responsibilities 
are set out in the committee’s Terms 
of Reference which are available from 
the Company and are displayed on 
the Group’s website www.kingspan.
com. The terms of reference are 
reviewed annually and amended 
where appropriate. During the 
year the committee worked with 
management, the external auditors, 
internal audit, and other members 
of the senior management team in 
fulfilling these responsibilities.

The Audit Committee report deals 
with the key areas in which the  
Audit Committee plays an active  
role and has responsibility. These 
areas are as follows:

1.  Financial reporting and related 
primary areas of judgement;

2.  The external audit process;

3.  The Group’s internal audit 

function; 

4.  Risk management and internal 

controls; and

5.  Whistleblowing procedures.

Committee membership
As at 31 December 2018, the Audit 
Committee comprised of three 
independent non-executive directors 
who are Michael Cawley (Chairman), 

Linda Hickey and John Cronin.  
The biographies of each can be  
found on pages 52 to 53.

The Board considers that the 
committee as a whole has an 
appropriate and experienced blend 
of commercial, financial and industry 
expertise to enable it to fulfil its 
duties, and that the committee 
chairman, Michael Cawley B.COMM., 
F.C.A., has appropriate recent and 
relevant financial experience. 

Meetings
The committee met four times during 
the year ended 31 December 2018 
and attendance at the meetings is 
noted below. Activities of the Audit 
Committee in each meeting is  
noted below.

Committee Member 

Attended

Eligible

Appointment Date

Michael Cawley (Chairman)

Linda Hickey

John Cronin

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4

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2014

2013

2015

Audit Committee activities
Financial reporting

Review and approve preliminary & half-year results 

Consider key audit and accounting issues and judgements

Approve going concern and viability statements

Consider accounting policies and the impact of new accounting standards 

Review management letter from auditors 

Review any related party matters and intended disclosures

Review Annual Report and confirm if fair, balanced and understandable 
External auditors

Plan for year-end audit & half year review 

Approval of audit engagement letter and audit fees 

Confirm auditor independence, materiality of fees, and non-audit services
Internal audit and risk management controls

Review of internal audit reports and monitor progress on open actions 

Approve internal audit plan and resources, taking account of risk management

Review of financial, IT and general controls 

Monitor Group whistleblowing procedures 

Assessment of the principal risks and effectiveness of internal control systems 
Governance

Accounting standards update 

Corporate governance update 

Evaluation of external and internal audit functions

Directors' Compliance Statement policy and procedures

IT governance and risk management

General Data Protection Regulation legislation

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June Aug Nov

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Directors' Report   —  Report of the Remuneration Committee 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
84

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Each committee meeting was 
attended by the Group Chief 
Financial Officer and the Head of 
Internal Audit. The external auditors 
also attended these meetings as 
required. The Company Secretary 
is the secretary of the Audit 
Committee. Other directors can 
attend the meetings as required.

The chairman of the Audit 
Committee also met with both 
the Head of Internal Audit and the 
external audit lead partner outside 
of committee meetings as required 
throughout the year.

Committee evaluation
As outlined on page 65 within the 
Corporate Governance Statement, 
the performance of the Board also 
includes a review of the committees. 
Any recommendations raised in 
relation to the Audit Committee 
are acted upon in a formal and 
structured manner. No issues were 
identified for the year ended  
31 December 2018.

Financial reporting
The committee is responsible for 
monitoring the integrity of the 
Group’s financial statements and 
reviewing the financial reporting 
judgements contained therein. The 
financial statements are prepared by 
a finance team with the appropriate 
qualifications and expertise. 

The committee confirmed to the 
Board that the Annual Report, 
taken as a whole, is fair, balanced 
and understandable and provides 
the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Group's 
position and performance,  
business model and strategy. 

In respect of the year to 31 December 
2018, the committee reviewed:

 → the Group’s Interim Management 
Statements issued in April and 
November 2018; 

 → the Group’ s Interim Report for 
the six months to 30 June 2018; 
and

 → the Preliminary Announcement 
and Annual Report for the year 
ended 31 December 2018.

Germany
Auto Viger Garage

Insulated Panels:
JI Wall 1000FC PIR
Fire Rating:  
Euroclass B-s2, d0

Primary areas  
of judgement

Consideration 
of impairment 
of goodwill

Committee activity

The committee considered the annual impairment assessment of goodwill prepared by 
management for each Cash Generating Unit (“CGU”) using a discounted cash flow analysis based 
on the strategic plans approved by the Board, including a sensitivity analysis on key assumptions. 
The primary judgement areas were the achievability of the long term business plans and the key 
macroeconomic and business specific assumptions. In considering the matter, the committee 
discussed with management the judgements made and the sensitivities performed. Further detail  
of the methodology is set out in Note 10 to the financial statements. 

KPMG also provided the committee with their evaluation of the impairment review process. 

Kingspan completed eight acquisitions during the financial year. The allocation of goodwill to CGUs 
is not yet complete for all acquisitions but the methodology of the assessments of such items of 
goodwill was presented to the committee and the results were deemed appropriate. 

In carrying out these reviews, the 
committee:

 → reviewed the appropriateness 
of Group accounting policies 
and monitored changes to and 
compliance with accounting 
standards on an on-going basis;

 → discussed with management 
and the external auditors the 
critical accounting policies and 
judgements that had been 
applied;

 → compared the results with 
management accounts 
and budgets, and reviewed 
reconciliations between these and 
the final results;

 → discussed a report from the 
external auditors identifying 
the significant accounting and 
judgemental issues that arose in 
the course of the audit;

 → considered the management 

representation letter requested by 
the auditors for any non-standard 
issues and monitored action 
taken by management as a result 
of any recommendations; 

 → discussed with management 

future accounting developments 
which are likely to affect the 
financial statements;

 → reviewed the budgets and 

strategic plans of the Group in 
order to ensure that all forward 
looking statements made within 
the Annual Report reflect the 
actual position of the Group; and

 → considered key areas in which 
estimates and judgement had 
been applied in preparation of the 
financial statements including, 
but not limited to, a review of fair 
values on acquisition, the carrying 
amount of goodwill, intangible 
assets and property, plant 
and equipment, litigation and 
warranty provisions, recoverability 
of trade receivables, valuation 
of inventory, hedge accounting 
treatments, treasury matters and 
tax matters.

The primary areas of judgement 
considered by the committee in 
relation to the Group’s 2018 financial 
statements, and how they were 
addressed by the committee are  
set out in the following table. 

Each of these areas received 
particular focus from the external 
auditor, who provided detailed 
analysis and assessment of the 
matter in their report to the 
committee.

In addition, the Internal Audit team 
review the businesses covered in their 
annual Internal Audit Plan, as agreed 
by the committee, and report their 
findings to the Audit Committee 
throughout the year. These internal 
audit reviews are focused on areas of 
judgement such as warranty provisions, 
trade receivables and inventory and 
provide the committee information on 
the adequacy and appropriateness of 
provisions in these areas. 

Adequacy 
of warranty 
provisions

The committee reviewed the judgements applied by management in assessing both specific and 
risk based warranty provisions at 31 December 2018. The committee reviewed and discussed with 
management the monthly reports presented to the Board which set out, for each of the Group’s 
divisions, warranty provisions and warranty costs and analyse these costs as a percentage of 
divisional sales. A retrospective review of warranty provisions at 31 December 2017 was also carried 
out in order to note any indication of management bias within the provisions and none was noted. 
The committee was satisfied that such judgements were appropriate and the risk had been 
adequately addressed.

Recoverability 
of trade 
receivables 
and adequacy 
of provision

The committee reviewed the judgements applied by management in determining the bad debts 
provision at 31 December 2018. The committee reviewed and discussed with management the monthly 
board report which sets out aged analysis of gross debtor balances and associated bad debt provisions 
and reviewed security (including credit insurance) that is in place. The committee also assessed the 
impact of IFRS 9 when completing the evaluation of the adequacy of the bad debt provisions. A 
retrospective review of bad debt provisions at 31 December 2017 was also carried out in order to note 
any indication of management bias within the provisions and none was noted. The committee was 
satisfied that such judgements were appropriate and the risk had been adequately addressed.

Valuation of 
inventory and 
adequacy 
of inventory 
provision

The committee reviewed the valuation and provisioning for inventory at 31 December 2018. The main 
area of judgement was the level of provisioning required for slow moving and obsolete inventory. 
The committee reviewed and discussed with management the monthly board report which sets 
out, for each of the Group’s divisions, gross inventory balances and associated obsolescence 
provision including an analysis by inventory, category and ageing. A retrospective review of inventory 
provisions at 31 December 2017 was also carried out in order to note any indication of management 
bias within the provisions and none was noted. The committee was satisfied that such judgements 
were appropriate and the risk had been adequately addressed.

Taxation 

Provisioning for potential current tax liabilities and the level of deferred tax asset recognition in 
relation to accumulated tax losses are underpinned by a range of judgements. The committee 
addresses these issues through a range of reporting from senior management and a process of 
challenging the appropriateness of management’s views including the degree to which these are 
supported by professional advice from external legal and other advisory firms.

The Group’s accounting manual sets out detailed policies that prescribe the methodology to 
be used by management in calculating the above provisions. Each division formally confirms 
compliance with these policies on an annual basis. 

The committee was satisfied that such judgements were appropriate and the risk had been 
adequately addressed.

Accounting  
for 
acquisitions

Total acquisition consideration in 2018 amounted to €472.3m. The committee discussed with 
management and the external auditors the accounting treatment for newly acquired businesses, 
and the related judgements made by management, and were satisfied that the treatment in the 
Group’s financial statements was appropriate. 

Directors' Report   —  Report of the Remuneration CommitteeKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 201886

External auditor
The Audit Committee has 
responsibility for overseeing the 
Group’s relationship with the external 
auditor including reviewing the 
quality and effectiveness of their 
performance, their external audit 
plan and process, their independence 
from the Group, their appointment 
and their audit fee proposals.

Performance and audit plan
Following the completion of 
the 2017 year-end audit, the 
committee carried out a review of 
the effectiveness of the external 
auditor and the audit process. This 
review involved discussions with 
both group management and 
internal audit and feedback provided 
by divisional management. The 
committee continues to monitor 
the performance and objectivity of 
the external auditors and takes this 
into consideration when making 
its recommendations to the Board 
on the remuneration, the terms of 
engagement and the re-appointment, 
or otherwise, of the external auditors. 

Prior to commencement of the 2018 
year-end audit and half-year review, 
the committee approved the external 
auditor's work plan and resources and 
agreed with the auditor’s various key 
areas of focus, including accounting 
for acquisitions, impairments, 
warranty provisions, as well as a 
particular focus on certain higher  
risk jurisdictions. 

During the year the committee met 
with the external auditor's without 
management being present. This 
meeting provided the opportunity 
for direct dialogue and feedback 
between the committee and the 
auditor, where they discussed 
inter alia some of the key audit 
management letter points.

EU Audit Reform
EU legislation providing a new 
regulatory framework for statutory 
audit was adopted in April 2014 
comprising Directive 2014/56/EU 
and Regulation EU No. 537/2014). EU 
Audit reform legislation is applicable 
in the Member States of the European 
Union, including Ireland. Under this 
legislation, Kingspan Group plc is 
considered a Public Interest Entity 

(“PIE”). Key developments falling  
from the implementation of this 
legislation are:

 → a requirement that the PIE 

changes its statutory auditor 
every ten years (following 
rotation, the statutory audit  
firm cannot be reappointed for 
four years);

 → a requirement that certain 

procedures are followed for the 
selection of the new statutory 
auditor; and

 → restrictions on the entitlement 
of the statutory auditing firm 
to provide certain non-audit 
services.

Kingspan Group plc has fully 
complied with such EU Audit Reform 
throughout 2018. With regards audit 
firm rotation, at the very latest, 
KPMG will be in situ for the final time 
for the year ending 31 December 
2020 and thereafter a formal tender 
process will commence. 

Independence and objectivity
The committee is responsible for 
ensuring that the external auditor is 
objective and independent. KPMG 
has been the Group’s auditor since 
2011, following a formal tender 
process in which a number of leading 
global firms submitted written 
tenders and presentations. This was 
the last formal tender process carried 
out by the Group. The lead audit 
partner is rotated every five years. In 
2018, Conall O’Halloran succeeded 
David Meagher as lead audit partner. 

The committee received confirmation 
from the auditors that they are 
independent of the Group under 
the requirements of the Financial 
Reporting Council’s Ethical Standards 
for Auditors. 

The auditors also confirmed that they 
were not aware of any relationships 
between the Group and the firm or 
between the firm and any persons 
in financial reporting oversight roles 
in the Group that may affect its 
independence. 

Non-audit services
In order to further ensure 
independence, the committee has a 
policy on the provision of non-audit 
services by the external auditors that 
seeks to ensure that the services 
provided by the external auditors are 
not, or are not perceived to be, in 
conflict with auditor independence. 
By obtaining an account of all 
relationships between the external 
auditors and the Group, and by 
reviewing the economic importance 
of the Group to the external auditors 
by monitoring the audit fees as 
a percentage of total income 
generated from the relationship with 
the Group, the committee ensured 
that the independence of the 
external audit was not compromised. 
Last year the committee reviewed 
and updated its policy on the 
engagement of external auditors 
and the provision of non-audit 
services in order to bring it into full 
compliance with the EU audit reform 
legislation. An analysis of fees paid 
to the external auditor, including the 
non-audit fees, is set out in Note 6 
and below:

Internal audit
The committee reviewed and agreed 
the annual internal audit plan, which 
the committee believes is appropriate 
to the scope and nature of the 
Group. The internal audit plan is risk 
based, with all divisions audited every 
year, and all new businesses audited 
within 12 months of acquisition.

Audit V Non Audit Services Remuneration

2018

2017

2016

Audit Services

Non-Audit Services

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an annual risk assessment of the 
business to formally identify the key 
risks facing the Group. Full details 
of this risk assessment and the key 
risks identified are set out in the Risks 
& Risk Management section of this 
Annual Report on pages 32 to 33. 

These processes, which are used by 
the Audit Committee to monitor the 
effectiveness of the Group’s system 
of risk management and internal 
control, are in place throughout the 
accounting period and remain in 
place up to the date of approval of 
this Annual Report.

The main features of the Group’s 
internal control and risk management 
systems that specifically relate to 
the Group’s financial reporting and 
accounts consolidation process are 
set out in the Corporate Governance 
Report on page 67.

Whistleblowing procedures
The Group has a Code of Conduct, 
full details of which are available  
on the Group’s website  
www.kingspan.com. 

Based on the standards set out 
in this Code of Conduct, the 
Group employs a comprehensive, 
confidential and independent 
whistleblowing phone service to allow 
all employees to raise their concerns 
about their working environment and 
business practices. This service then 
allows management and employees 
to work together to address any 
instances of fraud, abuse and other 
misconduct in the workplace. 

Any instances of fraud, abuse 
or misconduct reported on the 
whistleblowing phone service are 
reported to the Head of Internal 
Audit and the Company Secretary, 
who then evaluate each incident 
for onward communication to 
the committee. This onwards 
communication consists of the full 
details of the incident, key control 
failures, any financial loss and actions 
for improvement. 

During the year, the committee 
reviewed the Group’s whistleblowing 
process and were satisfied with the 
design and operating effectiveness  
of the process.

The committee reviewed reports 
from the Head of Internal Audit at 
its quarterly meetings. These reports 
enable the committee to monitor the 
progress of the internal audit plan, 
to discuss key findings and the plan 
to address them in addition to status 
updates of previous key findings.

The committee is responsible for 
reviewing the effectiveness of the 
internal audit function and does 
so based upon discussion with 
Group management, the Group’s 
external auditor and feedback 
provided by divisional management. 
The committee was satisfied 
that the internal audit function is 
working effectively, improves risk 
management throughout the Group 
and that the internal audit function 
team is sufficiently resourced in 
addition to having the adequate level 
of experience and expertise. 

Risk management and  
Internal controls
The Audit Committee has been 
delegated, from the Board, the 
responsibility for monitoring the 

effectiveness of the Group’s system of 
risk management and internal control. 

The Audit Committee monitors 
the Group’s risk management 
and internal control processes 
through detailed discussions 
with management and executive 
directors, the review and approval 
of the internal audit reports, which 
focus on the areas of greatest risk 
to the Group, and the external audit 
reports, as part of both the year-
end audit and the half year review 
process, all of which highlight the 
key areas of control weakness in 
the Group. All weaknesses identified 
by either internal or external audit 
are discussed by the committee 
with Group management and an 
implementation plan for the targeted 
improvements to these systems is put 
in place. The implementation plan is 
being overseen by the Group Chief 
Financial Officer and the committee 
is satisfied that this plan is being 
properly executed. 

As part of its standing schedule of 
business, the committee carried out 

Kingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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David Palleja
Barcelona, Spain

—

David joined Kingspan as 
the CEO of Synthesia Group, 
which was acquired by  
Kingspan in March 2018. 

The construction industry has a
responsibility to create a better
and cleaner environment for
everyone. In Synthesia we are
proud to contribute to the use
 of recycled and natural ingredients 
that are the basis of products
 across the Kingspan Group.
In 2018 we used 256 million PET
 recycled bottles and this number
 is to grow in the coming years.
 These bottles are used to make
 our energy-efficient insulation.
At Kingspan, we think green.

When Synthesia Group was acquired 
by Kingspan in 2018, David and his 
team had already led the initiative 
which enabled 250 million PET 
recycled bottles to be converted 
for use in our product range. It is 
an inspiring achievement and we 
look forward to investing in further 
initiatives to hit our ambitious 
target of using the equivalent of 
500 million PET recycled bottles in 
our products by 2023. 

Spain

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92 — 101

102 — 139

Independent Auditor’s Report 92

Notes to the Financial Statements 

91

Consolidated Income Statement 95

Consolidated Statement of  
Comprehensive Income 95

Consolidated Statement of  
Financial Position 96

Consolidated Statement of  
Changes in Equity 97

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 99

Company Statement of Financial Position 100

Company Statement of Changes in Equity 101

Company Statement of Cash Flows 101

Statement of Accounting Policies 102

1 
2  Segment Reporting 110
3  Employees 112
4  Non Trading Items 113
5  Finance Expense and Finance Income 113
6  Profit for the Year Before Income Tax 113
7  Directors’ Remuneration 114
8 
Income Tax Expense 114
9  Earnings Per Share 115
10  Goodwill 115
11  Other Intangible Assets 117
12  Property, Plant and Equipment 118
Investments in Subsidiaries 118
13 
14 
Inventories 119
15  Trade and Other Receivables 119
16  Trade and Other Payables 119
17 
18  Deferred Consideration 120
19  Financial Risk Management and Financial Instruments 121
20  Provisions for Liabilities 129
21  Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities 130
22  Business Combinations 130
23  Share Capital 132
24  Share Premium 133
25  Treasury Shares 133
26  Retained Earnings 133
27  Dividends 133
28  Non-Controlling Interest 134
29  Reconciliation of Net Cash Flow to Movement  

Interest Bearing Loans and Borrowings 119

in Net Debt 134

30  Cash Generated from Operations 135
31  Guarantees and Other Financial Commitments 135
32  Pension Obligations 136
33  Related Party Transactions 139
34   Post Balance Sheet Events 139
35  Approval of Financial Statements 139

140 — 148

Other Information  

Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)  140
Shareholder Information  142
Principal Subsidiary Undertakings 144
Group Five Year Summary  148

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
92

93

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF KINGSPAN GROUP PLC
OPINION AND CONCLUSIONS ARISING FROM OUR AUDIT

1 

 OPINION: OUR OPINION ON THE 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
IS UNMODIFIED

2 

 KEY AUDIT MATTERS: OUR 
ASSESSMENT OF RISKS OF  
MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT

We have audited the Group and Company 
financial statements of Kingspan Group plc  
(“the Company”) for the year ended 31 December 
2018 which comprise the Consolidated Income 
Statement, the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated 
Statement of Financial Position, the Consolidated 
Statement of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated 
Statement of Cash Flows, the Company 
Statement of Financial Position, the Company 
Statement of Changes in Equity, the Company 
Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes, 
including the accounting policies in note 1.  The 
financial reporting framework that has been 
applied in their preparation is Irish Law and 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) as adopted by the European Union and, 
as regards the Company financial statements, as 
applied in accordance with the provisions of the 
Companies Act 2014.

In our opinion:

 >

 >

 >

 >

the financial statements give a true and fair 
view of the assets, liabilities and financial 
position of the Group and Company as at 31 
December 2018 and of the Group’s profit for 
the year then ended;
the Group financial statements have been 
properly prepared in accordance with IFRS as 
adopted by the European Union;
the Company financial statements have 
been properly prepared in accordance with 
IFRS as adopted by the European Union, as 
applied in accordance with the provisions of 
the Companies Act 2014; and
the Group and Company financial 
statements have been properly prepared in 
accordance with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2014 and, as regards the 
Group financial statements, Article 4 of the 
IAS Regulation.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with 
International Standards on Auditing (Ireland) 
(“ISAs (Ireland)”) and applicable law. Our 
responsibilities under those standards are further 
described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities section 
of our report. We believe that the audit evidence 
we have obtained is a sufficient and appropriate 
basis for our opinion. Our audit opinion is 
consistent with our report to the audit committee.

We were appointed as auditor by the directors 
on 17 June 2011. The period of total uninterrupted 
engagement is the 8 financial years ended 31 
December 2018.  

We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities under, 
and we remained independent of the Group in 
accordance with, ethical requirements applicable 
in Ireland, including the Ethical Standard issued 
by the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory 
Authority (“IAASA”) as applied to listed public 
interest entities. No non-audit services prohibited 
by that standard were provided.

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our 
professional judgment, were of most significance 
in the audit of the financial statements and 
include the most significant assessed risks of 
material misstatement (whether or not due to 
fraud) identified by us, including those which had 
the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; 
the allocation of resources in the audit; and 
directing the efforts of the engagement team. 
These matters were addressed in the context of 
our audit of the financial statements as a whole, 
and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do 
not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

In arriving at our audit opinion above, the key 
audit matters, in decreasing order of audit 
significance, and which were unchanged from 
our report on the 31 December 2017 financial 
statements, were as set out below:

Group audit matters

Acquisition accounting (total consideration of 
€492.4 million (2017: €207.1 million))

Refer to page 85 (Report of the Audit 
Committee), page 104 (accounting policy) and 
Note 22 to the financial statements.

The key audit matter

The Group completed a number of acquisitions 
during the year, as set out in Note 22. The 
acquired businesses comprise a number of 
components in multiple jurisdictions and 
accounting for the completed transactions 
involves estimating the fair value at acquisition 
date of the assets and liabilities of each 
component, including the identification and 
valuation, where appropriate, of intangible assets. 
Significant judgement is involved in relation to the 
assumptions used in this valuation process. There 
is a risk that these assumptions are inappropriate.

How the matter was addressed in our audit

Our audit procedures in this area included, 
among others, an inspection of the legal 
agreements underpinning each transaction. 
We examined the information contained in due 
diligence reports and business case submissions 
proposing the acquisitions to the board and, 
where commissioned by the Group, third party 
valuations of intangible assets.  

We considered the assumptions used in 
determining contingent consideration and 
the fair value of the Group’s option to acquire 
minority shares in the acquired entities.  We 
assessed the accounting entries used to record 
each acquisition, the acquisition date assets and 
liabilities of each of the acquired entities, and, 
where the fair value assessment exercise had 
been completed by management, the fair value 
adjustments made thereto.

We also challenged the Group’s critical 
assumptions in relation to the identification 
and valuation of intangible assets by assessing 
whether all intangible assets had been 
appropriately identified; by considering the 
appropriateness of the methodology used to 
value the intangible assets; by comparing the 
key assumptions used to external data, where 
available; and by assessing the arithmetic 
accuracy of calculations underpinning the values. 

We considered whether the resulting goodwill 
balances appeared reasonable. We also assessed 
whether the disclosures as set out in Note 10 were 
in compliance with IFRS 3.

Based on evidence obtained, we found that 
the key assumptions used when accounting for 
acquisitions were appropriate.

Warranty provisions €104.3 million (2017: 
€101.0 million)

Refer to page 85 (Report of the Audit 
Committee), page 106 (accounting policy) and 
Note 20 to the financial statements.

The key audit matter

The Group’s business involves the sale of 
products under warranty, some of which use 
new technology and applications. Accordingly, 
the Group has recorded significant warranty 
provisions which are inherently judgemental in 
nature. These provisions are required in order for 
the Group to record an appropriate estimate 
of the ultimate costs of repairing and replacing 
product that is ascertained to be faulty.  

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

Our audit procedures included, among others, 
assessing management’s approach to identifying, 
recording and monitoring potential claims; 
consideration of the nature and basis of the 
provision and the range of potential outcomes; 
correspondence in relation to specific claims; 
progress on individual significant claims; and 
relevant settlement history of claims and 
utilisation of related provisions. We considered 
the rollout of new technology and products and 
challenged the Group’s assumptions in relation 
to potential failure rates, considering past failure 
rates and related settlements where necessary. 
We substantively tested material movements in 
the provision and considered the accounting for 
movements in the provision balances and the 
related disclosures for compliance with IAS 37.

Based on evidence obtained, we found that 
management’s process for identifying and 
quantifying warranty provisions was appropriate 
and that the resulting provision was reasonable.

Goodwill €1,391.0 million  
(2017: €1,095.7 million)

Refer to page 85 (Report of the Audit 
Committee), page 104 (accounting policy) and 
Note 10 to the financial statements.

The key audit matter

There is a risk in respect of the recoverability of the 
Group’s significant goodwill balance if future cash 
flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying 
value of the Group’s goodwill; this could occur if 
demand is weak or due to the nature of the cost 
base in certain markets. We focus on this area due 
to the inherent uncertainty involved in forecasting 
and discounting future cash flows, which rely on 
the management’s assumptions and estimates of 
future trading performance, which are the basis of 
the assessment of recoverability. 

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

Our audit procedures in this area included, among 
others, assessing the Group’s impairment models 
for each CGU and evaluating the assumptions 
used by the Group in the model, specifically 
the cash flow projections, perpetuity rates 
and discount rates.  We compared the Group’s 
assumptions, where possible, to externally derived 
data and performed our own assessment in 
relation to key model inputs, such as projected 
economic growth, competition, cost inflation and 
discount rates. 

We examined the sensitivity analysis performed 
by Group management and performed our 
own sensitivity analysis in relation to the key 
assumptions. We compared the sum of the 
discounted cash flows to the Group’s market 
capitalisation. We also assessed whether the 
disclosures in relation to the key assumptions and 
in respect of the sensitivity of the outcome of the 
impairment assessment to changes in those key 
assumptions were appropriate.

Based on evidence obtained, we found that the 
key assumptions used by management were 
appropriate, and supported management’s 
conclusion that no impairment of goodwill was 
required. 

Company audit matter

Investment in subsidiaries €1,191.0 million 
(2017: €1,180.7 million)

Refer to page 108 (accounting policy) and Note 13 
to the financial statements.

The key audit matter

The investments in subsidiary undertakings are 
carried in the Company’s financial statements 
at cost less impairment. Impairments are 
determined by reference to the subsidiary 
undertakings’ fair value.  

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

In this area our audit procedures included, among 
others, assessing the carrying value of subsidiaries 
for any objective indicators of impairment.  

Based on the results of our testing, we found 
management’s assessment that no impairment is 
required to be reasonable.  

3 

 OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY 
AND AN OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE 
OF OUR AUDIT

Materiality for the Group financial statements 
as a whole was set at €19.5 million (2017: €17.5 
million). 

This has been calculated using a benchmark 
of Group profit before taxation (of which it 
represents 5% (2017: 5%)), which we have 
determined, in our professional judgement, to 
be one of the principal benchmarks within the 
financial statements relevant to members of the 
Company in assessing financial performance.

Materiality for the Company financial statements 
as a whole was set at €13.0m (2017: €13.4m), 
determined with reference to a benchmark of 
Company’s total assets of which it represents 1% 
(2017: 1%).

We report to the Audit Committee all corrected 
and uncorrected misstatements we identified 
through our audit in excess of €500,000 
(2017: €350,000), in addition to other audit 
misstatements below that threshold that we 
believe warranted reporting on qualitative 
grounds. 

The structure of the Group’s finance function 
is such that certain transactions and balances 
are accounted for by the central Group finance 
team, with the remainder accounted for in the 
Group’s reporting components. We performed 
comprehensive audit procedures, including those 
in relation to the significant risks set out above, on 
those transactions and balances accounted for 
at Group.  The Group audit team carried out the 
audit of the Company financial statements.

In respect of components, based on our 
assessment of the financial significance of each of 
the Group’s 299 components, we determined that 
there were:

 >

 >

 >

57 components ‘full scope components’ 
where audits of the financial information of 
those components were performed; 
16 components ‘specific scope components’ 
where audit procedures over specified 
financial statement captions were 
performed, due to the risk of potential 
misstatement of the Group financial 
statements caused by errors in those 
captions; and 
226 components where the audit procedures 
comprised analytical review procedures to 
ensure that our initial assessment that there 
were no significant risks of misstatement 
of the Group financial statements in those 
components was appropriate.

The coverage we obtained was as follows:

Full  
scope 
components
%

Specific  
scope
components
%

Other
components
%

86

Profit 
before 
tax

Revenue 73

Total 
assets

80

9

16

11

5

11

9

The audits undertaken for Group reporting 
purposes at the key reporting components were 
all performed to component materiality levels. 
These component materiality levels were set 
individually for each component and ranged from 
€10,000 to €7,600,000. Detailed audit instructions 
were sent to the component auditors in all of 
these identified locations. These instructions 
covered the significant audit areas to be covered 
by these audits (which included the relevant key 
audit matters detailed above) and set out the 
information required to be reported to the Group 
audit team.

Senior members of the Group audit team were 
directly responsible for the audit of 25 full scope 
components and 7 specific scope components.  In 
respect of the other 32 full scope components and 
9 specific scope components carried out by other 
component auditors (all KPMG member firms), 
senior members of the Group audit team:

 >

 >

 >

 >

participated in planning calls to ensure that 
the audit instructions were understood;   
for certain locations, including some of the 
acquired entities, visited the component;
inspected the audit workpapers in respect of 
significant audit risk areas; and
participated in closing conference calls, 
during which the results of the audit were 
discussed by local management, the local 
audit team, Group management and the 
Group audit team. 

Based on the above procedures, the Group audit 
team was satisfied with the coverage obtained 
and the audit work performed in respect of each 
component.

4 

 WE HAVE NOTHING TO REPORT ON 
GOING CONCERN

We are required to report to you if:

 >

 >

we have anything material to add or draw 
attention to in relation to the directors’ 
statement in note 1 to the financial 
statements on the use of the going concern 
basis of accounting with no material 
uncertainties that may cast significant 
doubt over the Group and Company’s use 
of that basis for a period of at least twelve 
months from the date of approval of the 
financial statements; or
the related statement under the Listing 
Rules set out on page 58 is materially 
inconsistent with our audit knowledge.

We have nothing to report in these respects.

5 

 WE HAVE NOTHING TO REPORT ON 
THE OTHER INFORMATION IN THE 
ANNUAL REPORT

The directors are responsible for the other 
information presented in the annual report 
together with the financial statements. The other 
information comprises the information included 
in the directors’ report and Business and Strategic 
Report. The financial statements and our 
auditor’s report thereon do not form part of the 
other information. Our opinion on the financial 
statements does not cover the other information 
and, accordingly, we do not express an audit 
opinion or, except as explicitly stated below, any 
form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information 
and, in doing so, consider whether, based on our 
financial statements audit work, the information 
therein is materially misstated or inconsistent with 
the financial statements or our audit knowledge. 
Based solely on that work we have not identified 
material misstatements in the other information.

Based solely on our work on the other information 
we report that, in those parts of the director’s 
report specified for our review:

 >

 >

 >

we have not identified material 
misstatements in the directors’ report or 
other accompanying information;
in our opinion, the information given in 
the directors’ report is consistent with the 
financial statements; 
in our opinion, the directors’ report has been 
prepared in accordance with the Companies 
Act 2014. 

Disclosures of principal risks and longer-term 
viability

Based on the knowledge we acquired during our 
financial statements audit, we have nothing 
material to add or draw attention to in relation to:

 >

the directors’ statement of risk and 
risk management on pages 32 and 33, 
concerning the disclosures of principal risks, 
describing these risks and explaining how 
they are being managed and mitigated;

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
94

95

Auditor’s responsibilities

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance 
about whether the financial statements as a 
whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue 
our opinion in an auditor’s report. Reasonable 
assurance is a high level of assurance, but 
does not guarantee that an audit conducted 
in accordance with ISAs (Ireland) will always 
detect a material misstatement when it 
exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud, 
other irregularities or error and are considered 
material if, individually or in aggregate, they 
could reasonably be expected to influence the 
economic decisions of users taken on the basis of 
the financial statements. The risk of not detecting 
a material misstatement resulting from fraud or 
other irregularities is higher than for one resulting 
from error, as they may involve collusion, forgery, 
intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the 
override of internal control and may involve any 
area of law and regulation not just those directly 
affecting the financial statements.

A fuller description of our responsibilities is 
provided on IAASA’s website at https://www.
iaasa.ie/getmedia/b2389013-1cf6-458b-
9b8f-a98202dc9c3a/Description_of_auditors_
responsiblities_for_audit.pdf 

9 

 THE PURPOSE OF OUR AUDIT WORK 
AND TO WHOM WE OWE OUR 
RESPONSIBILITIES

Our report is made solely to the Company’s 
members, as a body, in accordance with section 
391 of the Companies Act 2014. Our audit work 
has been undertaken so that we might state to 
the Company’s members those matters we are 
required to state to them in an auditor’s report 
and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent 
permitted by law, we do not accept or assume 
responsibility to anyone other than the Company 
and the Company’s members, as a body, for our 
audit work, for our report, or for the opinions we 
have formed.

Conall O’Halloran 
for and on behalf of

KPMG 
Chartered Accountants,  
Statutory Audit Firm

1 Stokes Place 
St. Stephen’s Green 
Dublin 2 
Ireland

22 February 2019

 >

 >

the directors’ confirmation within the report 
of the Audit Committee on page 87 that 
they have carried out a robust assessment of 
the principal risks facing the Group, including 
those that would threaten its business 
model, future performance, solvency and 
liquidity; and
the directors’ explanation in the directors’ 
report of how they have assessed the 
prospects of the Group, over what period 
they have done so and why they considered 
that period to be appropriate, and their 
statement as to whether they have a 
reasonable expectation that the Group 
will be able to continue in operation and 
meet its liabilities as they fall due over the 
period of their assessment, including any 
related disclosures drawing attention to any 
necessary qualifications or assumptions.

Other corporate governance disclosures

We are required to address the following items 
and report to you in the following circumstances:

 >

 >

 >

Fair, balanced and understandable (set out 
on pages 58 to 59): if we have identified 
material inconsistencies between the 
knowledge we acquired during our financial 
statements audit and the directors’ 
statement that they consider that the 
annual report and financial statements 
taken as a whole is fair, balanced 
and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders 
to assess the Group’s position and 
performance, business model and strategy;
Report of the Audit Committee (set out on 
pages 82 to 87): if the section of the annual 
report describing the work of the Audit 
Committee does not appropriately address 
matters communicated by us to the Audit 
Committee;
Statement of compliance with UK Corporate 
Governance Code (set out on page 56): if 
the directors’ statement does not properly 
disclose a departure from provisions of the 
UK Corporate Governance Code specified by 
the Listing Rules for our review.

We have nothing to report in these respects.

In addition, as required by the Companies Act 
2014, we report, in relation to information given 
in the Corporate Governance Statement on page 
67, that:

 >

 >

based on the work undertaken for our 
audit, in our opinion, the description of the 
main features of internal control and risk 
management systems in relation to the 
financial reporting process for preparing 
the Group financial statements, and 
information relating to voting rights and 
other matters required by the European 
Communities (Takeover Bids (Directive 
2004/EC) Regulations 2006 and specified 
for our consideration, are consistent with 
the financial statements and have been 
prepared in accordance with the Act; and
based on our knowledge and understanding 
of the Company and its environment 
obtained in the course of our audit, we have 
not identified any material misstatements in 
that information.

 >

the Corporate Governance statement 
contains the information required by the 
European Union (Disclosure of Non-Financial 
and Diversity Information by certain large 
undertakings and groups) Regulations 2017.

We also report that, based on work undertaken 
for our audit, all of the other information 
required by the Act is contained in the Corporate 
Governance Statement.

6 

 OUR OPINIONS ON OTHER MATTERS 
PRESCRIBED THE COMPANIES ACT 
2014 ARE UNMODIFIED

We have obtained all the information and 
explanations which we consider necessary for the 
purpose of our audit.

In our opinion, the accounting records of the 
Company were sufficient to permit the financial 
statements to be readily and properly audited and 
the Company’s statement of financial position is 
in agreement with the accounting records.

7 

 WE HAVE NOTHING TO REPORT ON 
OTHER MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE 
REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION

The Companies Act 2014 requires us to report to 
you if, in our opinion, the disclosures of directors’ 
remuneration and transactions required by 
sections 305 to 312 of the Act are not made.

The Companies Act 2014 also requires us to report 
to you if, in our opinion, the Company has not 
provided the information required by section 5(2) 
to (7) of the European Union (Disclosure of Non-
Financial and Diversity Information by certain 
large undertakings and groups) Regulations 2017 
for the year ended 31 December 2018 as required 
by the European Union (Disclosure of Non-
Financial and Diversity Information by certain 
large undertakings and groups) (amendment) 
Regulations 2018.

The Listing Rules of the Irish Stock Exchange 
require us to review:

 >

 >

 >

the directors’ statement, set out on page 58, 
in relation to going concern and longer-term 
viability;
the part of the Corporate Governance 
Statement on page 56 relating to the 
Company’s compliance with the provisions 
of the UK Corporate Governance Code 
and the Irish Corporate  Governance Annex 
specified for our review; and
certain elements of disclosures in the report 
to shareholders by the Board of Directors’ 
remuneration committee.

8 

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

Directors’ responsibilities 

As explained more fully in their statement set out 
on pages 58 and 59, the directors are responsible 
for: the preparation of the financial statements 
including being satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view; such internal control as they 
determine is necessary to enable the preparation 
of financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or 
error; assessing the Group and Company’s ability 
to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as 
applicable, matters related to going concern; 
and using the going concern basis of accounting 
unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or 
the Company or to cease operations, or have no 
realistic alternative but to do so.

Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2018

REVENUE
Cost of sales

GROSS PROFIT
Operating costs, excluding intangible amortisation

TRADING PROFIT
Intangible amortisation
Non trading items

OPERATING PROFIT
Finance expense
Finance income

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR BEFORE INCOME TAX
Income tax expense

NET PROFIT FOR THE YEAR FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Attributable to owners of Kingspan Group plc
Attributable to non-controlling interests

EARNINGS PER SHARE FOR THE YEAR
Basic

Diluted

Note

2

2

4

5
5

6
8

28

9

9

2018
€m

4,372.5
(3,158.0)

1,214.5
(769.3)

2017
€m

3,668.1
(2,615.4)

1,052.7
(675.2)

445.2
(22.2)
-

423.0
(19.5)
1.4

404.9
(69.1)

335.8

330.9
4.9
335.8

377.5
(15.7)
0.6

362.4
(16.4)
0.5

346.5
(60.6)

285.9

284.3
1.6
285.9

184.0c

182.3c

159.0c

157.3c

Gene M. Murtagh 
Chief Executive Officer 

Geoff Doherty 
Chief Financial Officer

22 February 2019

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 31 December 2018

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income:

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Actuarial gains on defined benefit pension schemes
Income taxes relating to actuarial gains on defined benefit pension schemes

Total other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to owners of Kingspan Group plc
Attributable to non-controlling interests

Note

2018
€m

2017
€m

335.8

285.9

4.0
0.3

0.9
(0.2)

5.0

340.8

337.1
3.7
340.8

(85.2)
(2.1)

1.0
(0.2)

(86.5)

199.4

201.0
(1.6)
199.4

32
21

28

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
96

97

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December 2018

Note

2018
€m

2017
€m

ASSETS
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Financial asset
Property, plant and equipment
Derivative financial instruments
Retirement benefit assets
Deferred tax assets

CURRENT ASSETS
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial instruments
Cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables
Provisions for liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred consideration
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Current income tax liabilities

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Retirement benefit obligations
Provisions for liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred contingent consideration

TOTAL LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS

EQUITY
Share capital
Share premium
Capital redemption reserve
Treasury shares
Other reserves
Retained earnings
EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF KINGSPAN GROUP PLC
NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

10
11

12
19
32
21

14
15
19

16
20
19
18
17

32
20
17
21
18

23
24

25

28

1,391.0
111.1
8.2
850.5
27.4
7.4
15.6
2,411.2

524.9
798.6
0.2
294.5
1,618.2
4,029.4

779.8
47.5
-
59.5
53.2
78.8
1,018.8

20.5
56.8
967.0
40.8
136.6
1,221.7

2,240.5
1,788.9

23.7
95.6
0.7
(12.7)
(273.2)
1,916.2
1,750.3
38.6

1,095.7
90.3
-
703.3
22.2
7.9
16.5
1,935.9

447.1
675.9
0.1
176.6
1,299.7
3,235.6

645.2
52.3
0.1
6.4
1.2
80.9
786.1

21.5
48.7
661.5
38.7
111.1
881.5

1,667.6
1,568.0

23.6
95.6
0.7
(14.0)
(220.5)
1,642.7
1,528.1
39.9

TOTAL EQUITY

1,788.9

1,568.0

Gene M. Murtagh 
Chief Executive Officer 

Geoff Doherty 
Chief Financial Officer

22 February 2019

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Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
98

99

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 December 2018

OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Cash generated from operations
Income tax paid
Interest paid
Net cash flow from operating activities

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Additions to intangible assets
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from disposals of trade and assets
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings
Purchase of financial fixed asset
Payment of deferred contingent consideration in respect of acquisitions
Interest received
Net cash flow from investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Drawdown of loans
Repayment of loans
Settlement of derivative financial instrument
Increase in lease finance
Proceeds from share issues
Repurchase of shares
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest
Dividends paid
Net cash flow from financing activities

INCREASE /(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Effect of movement in exchange rates on cash held
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE YEAR

Note 

30

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Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
100

101

Company Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December 2018

Company Statement of Changes In Equity for the year ended 31 December 2018

ASSETS

NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Investments in subsidiaries

CURRENT ASSETS
Intercompany receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Payables

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS

EQUITY

Note

2018
€m

2017
€m

13

1,191.0

1,180.7

112.7
0.1

167.9
0.1

Share 
Capital

Share 
Premium

€m

€m

Capital 
Redemption 
Reserves
€m

Treasury 
Shares

Retained 
Earnings

Shareholders’ 
Equity

€m

€m

€m

Balance at 1 January 2018

23.6

95.6

0.7

(14.0)

1,242.6

1,348.5

Shares issued
Employee share based compensation

Dividends paid

0.1
-

-

0.1

-

-
-

-

-

-

-
-

-

-

-

-
1.3

-

1.3

-

-
12.3

(68.3)

(56.0)

9.7

0.1
13.6

(68.3)

(54.6)

9.7

1,303.8

1,348.7

Transactions with owners

Profit for the year

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.2)

1,303.6

1,348.5

Balance at 31 December 2018

23.7

95.6

0.7

(12.7)

1,196.3

1,303.6

Share 
Capital

Share 
Premium

€m

€m

Capital 
Redemption 
Reserves
€m

Treasury 
Shares

Retained 
Earnings

Shareholders’ 
Equity

€m

€m

€m

Equity attributable to owners of Kingspan Group plc
Share capital
Share premium
Capital redemption reserve
Treasury shares
Retained earnings

23
24

25
26

23.7
95.6
0.7
(12.7)
1,196.3

23.6
95.6
0.7
(14.0)
1,242.6

Shares issued
Repurchase of shares
Employee share based compensation

Dividends paid

TOTAL EQUITY

1,303.6

1,348.5

Transactions with owners

Profit for the year

0.2
-
-

-

0.2

-

-
-
-

-

-

-

-
-
-

-

-

-

-
(1.5)
-

-
-
10.7

-

(61.7)

(1.5)

(51.0)

-

83.0

0.2
(1.5)
10.7

(61.7)

(52.3)

83.0

Balance at 1 January 2017

23.4

95.6

0.7

(12.5)

1,210.6

1,317.8

Gene M. Murtagh 
Chief Executive Officer 

Geoff Doherty 
Chief Financial Officer

22 February 2019

Balance at 31 December 2017

23.6

95.6

0.7

(14.0)

1,242.6

1,348.5

Company Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 December 2018

OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Profit for the year before tax
Net cash flow from operating activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Change in receivables
Repurchase of shares
Exercise or lapsing of share options
Proceeds from share issues
Dividends paid
Net cash flow from financing activities

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

2018
€m

9.7
9.7

57.2
-
1.3
0.1
(68.3)
(9.7)

0.1
-
0.1

2017
€m

83.0
83.0

(19.9)
(1.5)
-
0.2
(61.7)
(82.9)

-
0.1
0.1

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
102

103

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

1  STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1  STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

General information
Kingspan Group plc is a public limited 
company registered and domiciled in Ireland, 
with its registered office at Dublin Road, 
Kingscourt, Co Cavan.

The Group’s principal activities comprise 
the manufacture of insulated panels, rigid 
insulation boards, architectural facades, 
data and flooring technology, daylighting 
and ventilation systems and water and 
energy solutions. The Group’s Principal 
Subsidiary Undertakings are set out on 
page 144.

Statement of compliance
The consolidated and Company financial 
statements have been prepared in 
accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and their 
interpretations issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as 
adopted by the EU and those parts of 
the Companies Acts 2014, applicable to 
companies reporting under IFRS and Article 
4 of the IAS Regulation.

The Company has availed of the exemption 
in Section 304 of the Companies Act 2014 
and has not presented the Company 
Income Statement, which forms part of 
the Company's financial statements, to its 
members and the Registrar of Companies.

Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been 
prepared on a going concern basis, 
under the historical cost convention, as 
modified by:

 >

 > measurement at fair value of share 
based payments at initial date 
of award;
certain derivative financial instruments 
and deferred contingent consideration 
recognised and measured at fair value; 
and
recognition of the defined benefit 
liability as plan assets less the present 
value of the defined benefit obligation.

 >

The accounting policies set out below 
have been applied consistently to all years 
presented in these financial statements, 
unless otherwise stated.

These consolidated financial statements 
have been prepared in Euro. The Euro is the 
presentation currency of the Group and the 
functional currency of the Company.

The Group uses a number of Alternative 
Performance Measures (APMs) throughout 
these financial statements to give assistance 
to investors in evaluating the performance of 
the underlying business and to give a better 
understanding of how management review 
and monitor the business on an ongoing 
basis. These APMs have been defined and 
explained in more detail on page 140.

Comparative information has been 
represented where necessary, to present the 
financial statements on a consistent basis.

Changes in Accounting Policies  
and Disclosures

New and amended standards and 
interpretations effective during 2018

Financial instruments

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, replaces IAS 
39, Financial Instruments: Recognition 
and Measurement. IFRS 9 addresses 
the classification, measurement and 
derecognition of financial assets and 
liabilities, introduces new rules for hedge 
accounting and a new impairment model 
for financial assets. The Group has adopted 
IFRS 9 from 1 January 2018. 

IFRS 9 largely retains the requirements of IAS 
39 for the classification and measurement 
of financial liabilities but eliminates the 
previous IAS 39 categories for financial 
assets. The vast majority of the Group’s 
financial assets are trade receivables and 
cash and as a result the classification and 
measurement changes do not have a 
material impact on the Group’s consolidated 
financial statements. 

For trade receivables, the Group applies 
the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measure 
expected credit losses which uses a 
lifetime expected loss allowance. Given 
historic loss rates, normal receivable 
ageing and the significant portion of trade 
receivables that are within agreed terms, 
the change in impairment methodology 
as a result of implementing IFRS 9 did not 
have a material impact on the Group’s 
financial results.

The hedge accounting requirements in 
IFRS 9 are optional. Under the transition 
requirements of the new standard, 
the Group may choose to apply, as its 
accounting policy, IAS 39. The Group 
have decided not to adopt the hedge 
accounting requirements under IFRS 9 and 
will continue to apply IAS 39. This decision 
has no impact on the current effective 
hedging relationships.

The cumulative effect method has been 
adopted upon transitioning to IFRS 9. 
The impact of adopting IFRS 9 on our 
consolidated financial statements was 
not material for the Group and there was 
no adjustment to retained earnings on 
application at 1 January 2018. 

Revenue recognition

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers, replaces IAS 18, Revenue and 
IAS 11, Construction Contracts and related 
interpretations. 

IFRS 15 establishes a five-step model for 
reporting the nature, amount, timing and 
uncertainty of revenue and cash flows 
arising from contracts with customers. IFRS 
15 specifies how and when revenue should 
be recognised as well as requiring enhanced 
disclosures. The Group has adopted IFRS 
15 from 1 January 2018, using the modified 
retrospective approach and has not restated 
comparatives for 2017.

The Group used the five-step model to 
develop an impact assessment framework 
to assess the impact of IFRS 15 on the 
Group’s revenue transactions. The results 
of our IFRS 15 assessment framework and 
contract reviews indicated that the impact 
of applying IFRS 15 on our consolidated 
financial statements was not material for 
the Group and there was no adjustment to 
retained earnings or material impact on the 
timing of revenue recognition on application 
of the new rules at 1 January 2018.

Revenue is recognised when control of goods 
is transferred to the customer, which for 
the vast majority of the Group is at a point 
in time when delivery has taken place in 
accordance with the terms of sale.

New and amended standards and 
interpretations issued but not yet 
effective or early adopted

IFRS 16 sets out the principles for the 
recognition, measurement, presentation and 
disclosure of leases for both the lessee and 
the lessor. For lessees, IFRS 16 eliminates the 
classification of leases as either operating 
leases or finance leases and introduces a 
single lessee accounting model whereby all 
leases are accounted for as finance leases, 
with some exemptions for short-term and 
low-value leases. It also includes an election 
which permits a lessee not to separate 
non-lease components (e.g. maintenance) 
from lease components and instead 
capitalise both the lease cost and associated 
non-lease cost. The lessee will recognise a 
right-of-use asset representing its right to 
use the underlying asset and a lease liability 
representing its obligation to make lease 
payments. All rights of use assets will be 
measured at the amount of the lease liability 
on adoption. IFRS 16 is effective for annual 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019, 
and the Group will apply IFRS 16 from its 
effective date. 

The standard will primarily affect the 
accounting for the Group’s operating 
leases. The application of IFRS 16 will result 
in the recognition of additional assets and 
liabilities in the consolidated statement of 
financial position and in the consolidated 
income statement it will replace the 
straight-line operating lease expense with 
a depreciation charge for the right-of-
use asset and an interest expense on the 
lease liabilities. 

The Group has completed an initial 
assessment of the potential impact of IFRS 
16 on its consolidated financial statements. 
The Group will adopt the new standard 
by applying the modified retrospective 
approach and will avail of the recognition 

exemption for short-term and low-value 
leases. The Group’s non-cancellable 
operating lease commitments on an 
undiscounted basis at 31 December 2018 
are detailed in Note 31 to the consolidated 
financial statements of the Group’s 2018 

annual report and provides an indication of 
the scale of leases held by the Group.

Based on this initial impact assessment, 
and the current group profile, the standard 
is expected to increase debt by €140m and 
reduce profit before tax by €1.4m. 

The new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are as follows:

Effective Date – periods  
beginning on or after

IFRS 15: Revenue from contracts with customers (Note – including amendments to IFRS 15:  
Effective date of IFRS 15 (11 September 2015) and clarifications to IFRS 15 (12 April 2016)) 
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (24 July 2014) 
Amendments to IFRS 2: Classification and measurement of share based payment transactions (20 June 2016)
Annual Improvements to IFRS 2014 -2016 Cycle: (Amendments to IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of IFRSs and IAS 
28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures) (issued on 8 December 2016)
IFRIC Interpretation 22: Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration
Amendments to IAS 40: Transfers of Investment Property (December 2016)
IFRS 16: Leases (13 January 2016) 
IFRIC 23: Uncertainty over income tax treatment (7 June 2017) 
Annual Improvements to IFRS 2015 -2017 Cycle (12 December 2017)
Amendments to IAS 19: Plan amendment, Curtailment or Settlement (8 February 2018)
Amendments to references to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards (29 March 2018)

 1 January 2018
 1 January 2018
 1 January 2018

1 January 2018
 1 January 2018
 1 January 2018
 1 January 2019
 1 January 2019
1 January 2019*
1 January 2019*

1 January 2020*

*not EU endorsed

The following amended standards and 
interpretations are not expected to have 
a significant impact on the Group’s 
consolidated financial statements: 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments  

Amendments to IFRS 2: Classification and 
measurement of share based payment 
transactions

Annual Improvements to IFRS 2014 -2016 
Cycle: (Amendments to IFRS 1 First-time 
Adoption of IFRSs and IAS 28 Investments in 
Associates and Joint Ventures) 

IFRIC Interpretation 22: Foreign Currency 
Transactions and Advance Consideration

Amendments to IAS 40: Transfers of 
Investment Property 

IFRIC 23: Uncertainty over income tax 
treatment  

Annual Improvements to IFRS 2015 -2017 
Cycle  

Amendments to IAS 19: Plan amendment, 
Curtailment or Settlement  

Amendments to references to the 
Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards  

Basis of consolidation
The Group consolidated financial statements 
incorporate the financial statements of the 
Company and its subsidiary undertakings.

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the 
Group. The Group controls an entity when it 
is exposed to, or has the rights to, variable 
returns from its involvement with the entity 
and has the ability to affect those returns 
through its power over the entity.

Subsidiaries are included in the Group 
financial statements from the date on which 
control over the entity is obtained and cease 
to be consolidated from the date on which 
control is transferred out of the Group.

Transactions eliminated on consolidation

Intragroup transactions and balances, 
and any unrealised gains arising from such 
transactions, are eliminated in preparing 
the consolidated financial statements. 
Unrealised losses are eliminated in the 
same manner as unrealised gains, but only 
to the extent that there is no evidence 
of impairment.

Segment reporting
The Group’s accounting policy for 
identifying segments is based on internal 
management reporting information that 
is routinely reviewed by the Board of 
Directors, which is the Chief Operating 
Decision Maker (CODM) for the Group.

The measurement policies used for the 
segment reporting under IFRS 8 are the 
same as those used in the consolidated 
financial statements. Segment results 
that are reported to the CODM include 
items directly attributable to a segment 
as well as those that can be allocated on 
a reasonable basis. Unallocated items 
comprise mainly of corporate assets, 
finance income and expenses and tax 
assets and liabilities.

The Group has determined that it has five 
operating segments: Insulated Panels, 
Insulation Boards, Water & Energy, Data & 
Flooring Technology and Light & Air.

Revenue recognition
For the year ended 31 December 2018 
the Group used the five-step model as 
prescribed under IFRS 15 on the Group’s 
revenue transactions. This included the 
identification of the contract, identification 
of the performance obligations under 
same, determination of the transaction 
price, allocation of the transaction price to 
performance obligations and recognition 
of revenue. 

The point of recognition arises when the 
Group satisfies a performance obligation 
by transferring control of a promised good 
or service to the customer, which could 
occur over time or at a point in time.

Prior to 1 January 2018 the policy was as 
follows:

Revenue represents the fair value of goods 
supplied to external customers net of trade 
discounts, rebates and value added tax/
sales tax. 

Revenue is recognised when the significant 
risks and rewards of ownership have 
passed to the customer, it is probable 
that economic benefits will flow to the 
Group and the amount of revenue can be 
measured reliably, which usually arises on 
delivery of the goods.

Research and development
Expenditure on research and development 
is recognised as an expense in the period in 
which it is incurred. An asset is recognised 
only when all the conditions set out in IAS 
38 Intangible Assets are met.

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
 
104

105

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

1  STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for 
using the acquisition method as at the 
date of acquisition. 

Any subsequent remeasurements required 
due to changes in fair value of the put 
liability estimation are recognised in the Put 
Option Reserve in equity.

In accordance with IFRS 3 Business 
Combinations, the fair value of consideration 
paid for a business combination is measured 
as the aggregate of the fair values at the 
date of exchange of assets given and 
liabilities incurred or assumed in exchange for 
control. The assets, liabilities and contingent 
liabilities of the acquired entity are measured 
at fair value as at the acquisition date. 

When the initial accounting for a business 
combination is determined, it is done so on 
a provisional basis with any adjustments 
to these provisional values made within 
12 months of the acquisition date and are 
effective as at the acquisition date.

To the extent that deferred consideration 
is payable as part of the acquisition cost 
and is payable after one year from the 
acquisition date, the deferred consideration 
is discounted at an appropriate interest rate 
and, accordingly, carried at net present value 
(amortised cost) in the Group Statement of 
Financial Position. The discount component 
is then unwound as an interest charge in the 
Consolidated Income Statement over the life 
of the obligation.

Where a business combination agreement 
provides for an adjustment to the cost of 
a business acquired contingent on future 
events, other than put options held by non-
controlling interests, the Group accrues the 
fair value of the additional consideration 
payable as a liability at acquisition date. This 
amount is reassessed at each subsequent 
reporting date with any adjustments 
recognised in the Income Statement.

If the business combination is achieved 
in stages, the fair value of the acquirer’s 
previously held equity interest in the acquiree 
is re-measured at the acquisition date 
through the Income Statement.

Transaction costs are expensed to the 
Income Statement as incurred.

Put options held by non-controlling 
interest shares

Any contingent consideration is measured 
at fair value at the date of acquisition. 
Where a put option is held by a non-
controlling interest (“NCI”) in a subsidiary 
undertaking whereby that party can require 
the Group to acquire the NCI’s shareholding 
in the subsidiary at a future date but the 
NCI retain present access to the results 
of the subsidiary, the Group applies the 
present access method of accounting to 
this arrangement. The Group recognises 
a contingent consideration liability at fair 
value, being the Group’s estimate of the 
amount required to settle that liability and a 
corresponding reserve in equity. 

Goodwill
Goodwill arises on business combinations 
and represents the difference between the 
fair value of the consideration and the fair 
value of the Group’s share of the identifiable 
net assets of a subsidiary at the date 
of acquisition.

The Group measures goodwill at the 
acquisition date as:

 >

 >

 >

 >

the fair value of the consideration 
transferred; plus
the recognised amount of any non-
controlling interests in the acquiree; plus
if the business combination is achieved 
in stages, the fair value of the pre-
existing equity interest in the acquiree; 
less
the net recognised amount (generally 
fair value) of the identifiable assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed.

Following initial recognition, goodwill is 
measured at cost less any accumulated 
impairment losses.

As at the acquisition date, any goodwill 
acquired is allocated to each of the cash-
generating units expected to benefit from 
the combination’s synergies. The cash-
generating units represent the lowest level 
within the Group which generate largely 
independent cash inflows and these units 
are not larger than the operating segments 
(before aggregation) determined in 
accordance with IFRS 8 Operating Segments.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at the 
same level as the goodwill is monitored 
by management for internal reporting 
purposes, which is at the individual cash-
generating unit level.

Goodwill is subject to impairment testing 
on an annual basis and at any time during 
the year if an indicator of impairment is 
considered to exist. The goodwill impairment 
tests are undertaken at a consistent time 
each year. Impairment is determined by 
assessing the recoverable amount of the 
cash-generating unit to which the goodwill 
relates. Where the recoverable amount of the 
cash-generating unit is less than the carrying 
amount, an impairment loss is recognised in 
the Income Statement. Impairment losses 
arising in respect of goodwill are not reversed 
following recognition.

On disposal of a subsidiary, the attributable 
amount of goodwill, not previously written 
off, is included in the calculation of the profit 
or loss on disposal.

Intangible assets  
(other than goodwill)
Intangible assets separately acquired 
are capitalised at cost. Intangible assets 
acquired as part of a business combination 
are capitalised at fair value as at the date 
of acquisition.

Following initial recognition, intangible 
assets, which have finite useful lives, are 
carried at cost or initial fair value less 
accumulated amortisation and accumulated 
impairment losses.

The amortisation of intangible assets is 
calculated to write off the book value of 
intangible assets over their useful lives on 
a straight-line basis on the assumption of 
zero residual value. Amortisation charged 
on these assets is recognised in the 
Income Statement.

The carrying amount of intangible assets 
is reviewed for indicators of impairment 
at each reporting date and is subject to 
impairment testing when events or changes 
of circumstances indicate that the carrying 
values may not be recoverable.

The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Customer relationships 
Trademarks & Brands 
Patents 
Technological know how 

2 - 6 years
2 - 12 years
8 years
5 - 10 years

Amortisation methods, useful lives and 
residual values are reviewed at each 
reporting date and adjusted as necessary.

Foreign currency

Functional and presentation currency

The individual financial statements of 
each Group company are measured and 
presented in the currency of the primary 
economic environment in which the 
company operates, the functional currency. 
The Group financial statements are 
presented in Euro, which is the Company’s 
functional currency.

Transactions and balances

Transactions in foreign currencies are 
translated into the functional currency 
at the exchange rates at the date of the 
transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies are 
translated to the functional currency at the 
exchange rates at the reporting date. All 
currency translation differences on monetary 
assets and liabilities are taken to the Income 
Statement, except when deferred in equity as 
qualifying net investment hedges.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising 
on the acquisition of a foreign entity 
are initially translated at the exchange 
rate at the date of acquisition and then 
subsequently these assets and liabilities are 
treated as part of a foreign entity and are 
translated at the closing rate.

1  STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Exchange rates of material currencies used were as follows:

Euro =

Pound Sterling
US Dollar
Canadian Dollar
Australian Dollar
Czech Koruna
Polish Zloty
Hungarian Forint
Brazilian Real

Average rate

Closing rate

2018

2017

2018

2017

0.885
1.181
1.530
1.580
25.648
4.260
318.78
4.307

0.876
1.129
1.465
1.473
26.329
4.256
309.26
3.609

0.898
1.144
1.557
1.620
25.711
4.299
321.02
4.435

0.887
1.197
1.501
1.533
25.574
4.171
310.20
3.967

Foreign operations

The Income Statement, Statement 
of Financial Position and Cash Flow 
Statement of Group companies that have 
a functional currency different from that 
of the Company are translated as follows:

 >

 >

Assets and liabilities at each reporting 
date are translated at the closing rate 
at that reporting date.
Results and cash flows are translated 
at actual exchange rates for the year, 
or an average rate where this is a 
reasonable approximation.

All resulting exchange differences are 
recognised as a separate component of 
equity, the Translation Reserve. 

On disposal of a foreign operation, any 
such cumulative retranslation differences, 
previously recognised in equity, are 
reclassified to the Income Statement as 
part of gain or loss on disposal. 

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost 
and net realisable value.

Cost is based on the first-in, first-out 
principle and includes all expenditure 
incurred in acquiring the inventories and 
bringing them to their present location 
and condition.

 >

Raw materials are valued at 
the purchase price including 
transport, handling costs and net of 
trade discounts.

 > Work in progress and finished goods 
are carried at cost consisting direct 
materials, direct labour and directly 
attributable production overheads 
and other costs incurred in bringing 
them to their existing location 
and condition.

Net realisable value represents the 
estimated selling price less costs to 
completion and appropriate marketing, 
selling and distribution costs.

A provision is made, where necessary, in 
all inventory categories for obsolete, slow-
moving and defective items.

Income tax
Income tax in the Income Statement 
represents the sum of current income 
tax and deferred tax not recognised in 
other comprehensive income or directly 
in equity.

Current tax

Current tax represents the expected tax 
payable or recoverable on the taxable 
profit for the year using tax rates and laws 
that have been enacted, or substantively 
enacted, at the reporting date and taking 
into account any adjustments arising 
from prior years. Liabilities for uncertain 
tax positions are recognised based on 
the directors’ best probability weighted 
estimate of the probable outflow of 
economic resources that will be required 
to settle the liability.

Deferred tax

Deferred tax is recognised on all 
temporary differences at the reporting 
date. Temporary differences are defined 
as the difference between the tax bases 
of assets and liabilities and their carrying 
amounts in the consolidated financial 
statements. Deferred tax assets and 
liabilities are not subject to discounting 
and are measured at the tax rates that 
are expected to apply in the period in 
which the asset is realised or the liability 
is settled based on tax rates and tax laws 
that have been enacted or substantively 
enacted at the reporting date.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for 
all taxable temporary differences (i.e. 
differences that will result in taxable 
amounts in future periods when the 
carrying amount of the asset or liability is 
recovered or settled).

Deferred tax assets are recognised in 
respect of all deductible temporary 
differences (i.e. differences that give 
rise to amounts which are deductible 
in determining taxable profits in future 
periods when the carrying amount of the 
asset or liability is recovered or settled), 
carry-forward of unused tax credits 
and unused tax losses to the extent 
that it is probable that taxable profits 
will be available against which to offset 
these items.

The carrying amounts of deferred tax 
assets are subject to review at each 
reporting date and reduced to the extent 
that future taxable profits are considered 
to be inadequate to allow all or part of 
any deferred tax asset to be utilised.

Changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities 
are recognised as a component of tax 
income or expense in profit or loss, 
except where they relate to items that 
are recognised in other comprehensive 
income or directly in equity, in which case 
the related deferred tax is also recognised 
in other comprehensive income or equity, 
respectively.

Grants
Grants are recognised at their fair value 
when there is a reasonable assurance that 
the grant will be received and all relevant 
conditions have been complied with.

Capital grants received and receivable in 
respect of property, plant and equipment 
are treated as a reduction in the cost 
of that asset and thereby amortised to 
the Income Statement in line with the 
underlying asset.

Revenue grants are recognised in 
the Income Statement to offset the 
related expenditure.

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018106

107

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

1  STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

1  STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation is provided on a straight line basis at the rates stated below, which are estimated to reduce each item of property, plant 
and equipment to its residual value by the end of its useful life: 

Freehold buildings
Plant and machinery
Fixtures and fittings
Computer equipment
Motor vehicles
Leased assets
Leasehold property improvements
Freehold land

2% on cost
5% to 20% on cost
10% to 20% on cost
12.5% to 33% on cost
10% to 25% on cost
Over the period of the lease, or useful life if shorter
Over the period of the lease, or useful life if shorter
Stated at cost and is not depreciated.

The estimated useful lives and residual 
values of property, plant and equipment 
are determined by management at 
the time the assets are acquired and 
subsequently, re-assessed at each 
reporting date. These lives are based on 
historical experience with similar assets 
across the Group.

In accordance with IAS 36 Impairment of 
Assets, the carrying values of property, 
plant and equipment are reviewed at 
each reporting date to determine whether 
there is any indication of impairment. 
An impairment loss is recognised 
whenever the carrying value of an asset 
or its cash generating unit exceeds its 
recoverable amount.

Impairment losses are recognised in 
the Income Statement. Following the 
recognition of an impairment loss, the 
depreciation charge applicable to the 
asset or cash-generating unit is adjusted 
to allocate the revised carrying amount, 
net of any residual value, over the 
remaining useful life.

Assets under construction are carried at 
cost less any recognised impairment loss. 
Depreciation of these assets commences 
when the assets are ready for their 
intended use.

Leases
Leases are classified as finance leases 
whenever substantially all the risks and 
rewards of ownership of the asset have 
transferred to the lessee. All other leases 
are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are 
capitalised at the inception of the lease 
in the Statement of Financial Position at 
the lower of its fair value and the present 
value of the minimum lease payments, 
and are depreciated over their useful lives 
with any impairment being recognised in 
the Income Statement.

The corresponding lease obligation, 
net of finance charges, is included in 
interest bearing loans and borrowings 
in the Statement of Financial Position 
and analysed as appropriate between 
current and non-current amounts. The 
interest element of the lease payments is 
charged to the Income Statement over the 
lease period so as to produce a constant 
periodic rate of interest, on the remaining 
balance of the liability, for each period.

Leases where the lessor retains 
substantially all the risks and rewards 
of ownership are classified as operating 
leases. Operating lease rentals are 
charged to the Income Statement on a 
straight-line basis over the lease term.

Retirement benefit obligations
The Group operates defined contribution 
and defined benefit pensions schemes.

Defined contribution pension schemes

The costs arising on the Group’s defined 
contribution schemes are recognised in the 
Income Statement in the period in which 
the related service is provided. The Group 
has no legal or constructive obligation to 
pay further contributions in the event that 
these plans do not hold sufficient assets to 
provide retirement benefits.

Defined benefit pension schemes

The Group’s net obligation in respect 
of defined benefit plans is calculated 
separately for each plan by estimating the 
amount of future benefit that employees 
have earned in return for their service in 
the current and prior periods, discounting 
that amount and deducting the fair value 
of any plan assets.

The calculation is performed annually by 
a qualified actuary using the projected 
unit credit method. When the calculation 
results in a benefit to the Group, the 
recognised asset is limited to the total of 
any unrecognised past service costs and 
the present value of economic benefits 
available in the form of any future refunds 
from the plan or reductions in future 
contributions to the plan.

Remeasurements of the net defined 
benefit liability or asset, which comprise 
actuarial gains and losses, the return 
on plan assets (excluding interest) 
and the effect of the asset ceiling, 
are recognised immediately in other 
comprehensive income.

The Group determines the net interest 
expense on the net defined benefit liability 
or asset by applying the discount rate 
used to measure the defined benefit 
obligation at the beginning of the annual 
period to the then net defined benefit 
liability or asset, taking into account any 
changes in the net defined benefit liability 
or asset during the period as a result of 
contributions and benefit payments. 
Net interest expense and other expenses 
related to defined benefit plans are 
recognised in profit or loss.

When the benefits of a plan are changed 
or when a plan is curtailed, the resulting 
change in benefit that relates to past 
service or the gain or loss on curtailment 
is recognised immediately in profit or loss. 
The Group recognises gains and losses on 
the settlement of a defined benefit plan 
when the settlement occurs.

Provisions
A provision is recognised in the Statement 
of Financial Position when the Group has a 
present constructive or legal obligation as 
a result of a past event and it is probable 
that an outflow of economic benefit will 
be required to settle the obligation and 
the amount of the obligation can be 
estimated reliably.

A specific provision is created when a 
claim has actually been made against 
the Group or where there is a known 
issue at a known customer’s site, both 
relating to a product or service supplied 
in the past. In addition, a risk-based 
provision is created where future claims 
are considered incurred but not reported. 
The warranty provision is based on 
historical warranty data and a weighting 
of all possible outcomes against their 
associated probabilities.

Specific provisions will generally be 
aged as a current liability, reflecting the 
assessment that a current liability exists 
to replace or repair product sold on foot 
of an accepted valid warranty issue. Only 
where the liability is reasonably certain not 
to be settled within the next 12 months, 
will a specific provision be categorised 
as a long-term obligation. Risk-based 
provisions will generally be aged as a non-
current liability, reflecting the fact that 
no warranty claim has yet been made by 
the customer. 

Provisions which are not expected to give 
rise to a cash outflow within 12 months of 
the reporting date are, where material, 
determined by discounting the expected 
future cash flows. The unwinding of the 
discount is recognised as a finance cost.

Dividends
Final dividends on ordinary shares are 
recognised as a liability in the financial 
statements only after they have been 
approved at the Annual General Meeting 
of the Company. Interim dividends on 
ordinary shares are recognised when they 
are paid.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents principally 
comprise of cash at bank and in hand 
and short term deposits with an original 
maturity of three months or less.

Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments, 
principally interest rate and currency 
swaps, are used to hedge the Group’s 
foreign exchange and interest rate 
risk exposures.

Derivative financial instruments are 
recognised initially at fair value and 
thereafter are subsequently remeasured 
at their fair value. Fair value is the 
amount for which an asset could be 
exchanged, or a liability settled, between 
knowledgeable willing parties in an arm’s 
length transaction. The fair value of these 
instruments is the estimated amount 
that the Group would receive or pay to 
terminate the swap at the reporting 
date, taking into account current 
interest and currency exchange rates 
and the current creditworthiness of the 
swap counterparties.

The Group designates all of its derivatives 
in one or more of the following types 
of relationships:

 >

 >

 >

 Fair value hedge: Hedges the 
exposure to movements in fair value 
of recognised assets or liabilities that 
are attributable to hedged risks.
Cash flow hedge: Hedges the Group’s 
exposures to fluctuations in future 
cash flow derived from a particular 
risk associated with recognised assets 
or liabilities or forecast transactions.
Net investment hedge: Hedges the 
exchange rate fluctuations of a net 
investment in a foreign operation.

At inception of the transaction, the Group 
documents the relationship between 
the hedging instruments and hedged 
items, including the risk management 
objectives and strategy in undertaking 
the hedge transactions. The Group also 
documents its assessment, both at 
inception and on an ongoing basis, as to 
whether the derivatives that are used in 
hedging transactions are highly effective 
in offsetting changes in fair values or cash 
flows of hedged items.

Fair value hedge

Any gain or loss resulting from the re-
measurement of the hedging instrument 
to fair value is reported in the Income 
Statement, together with any changes 
in the fair value of the hedged asset 
or liability that are attributable to the 
hedged risk. The gains or losses of a 
hedging instrument that are in hedge 
relationships with borrowings are included 
within finance income or finance expense 
in the Income Statement. In the case 
of the related hedged borrowings, any 
gain or loss on the hedged item which is 
attributable to the hedged risk is adjusted 
against the carrying amount of the 
hedged item and is also included within 
finance income or finance expense in the 
Income Statement.

If the hedge no longer meets the criteria 
for hedge accounting, the adjustment to 
the carrying amount of the hedged item is 
amortised on an effective interest basis to 
the Income Statement with the objective 
of achieving full amortisation by maturity 
of the hedged item.

Cash flow hedge

The effective part of any gain or loss on 
the derivative financial instrument is 
recognised in other comprehensive income 
and presented in the Cash Flow Hedge 
Reserve in equity with the ineffective 
portion being recognised within finance 
income or finance expense in the Income 
Statement. If a hedge of a forecasted 
transaction subsequently results in the 
recognition of a financial asset or a 
financial liability, the associated gains 
and losses that were recognised directly 
in other comprehensive income are 
reclassified into profit or loss in the same 
period or periods during which the asset 
acquired or liability assumed affects 
profit or loss. For cash flow hedges, other 
than those covered by the preceding 
statements, the associated cumulative 
gain or loss is removed from other 
comprehensive income and recognised 
in the Income Statement in the same 
period or periods during which the hedged 
forecast transaction affects profit or 
loss. The ineffective part of any gain or 
loss is recognised immediately in the 
Income Statement.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when 
a hedging instrument expires or is sold, 
terminated or exercised, or no longer 
qualifies for hedge accounting. The 
cumulative gain or loss at that point 
remains in other comprehensive income 
and is recognised when the transaction 
occurs. If a hedged transaction is no 
longer expected to occur, the net 
cumulative gain or loss recognised in other 
comprehensive income is transferred to 
the Income Statement in the period.

Net investment hedge

Any gain or loss on the hedging 
instrument relating to the effective 
portion of the hedge is recognised in other 
comprehensive income and presented in 
the Translation Reserve in equity. The gain 
or loss relating to the ineffective portion is 
recognised immediately in either finance 
income or finance expense in the Income 
Statement. Cumulative gains or losses 
remain in equity until disposal of the net 
investment in the foreign operation at 
which point the related differences are 
reclassified to the Income Statement as 
part of the overall gain or loss on sale.

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
108

109

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

1  STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

1  STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

Financial assets

Upon adoption of IFRS 9 on 1 January 2018 
the accounting policy for financial assets 
is as follows:

On initial recognition, a financial asset is 
classified as measured at amortised cost 
or fair value with any movement being 
reflected through other comprehensive 
income or the income statement.

On initial recognition of an equity 
investment that is not held for trading, 
the Group may irrevocably elect to present 
subsequent changes in the investment’s 
fair value in other comprehensive income. 
This election is made on an investment-
by-investment basis. 

The accounting policy in force for the year 
ended 31 December 2017 was as follows:

Financial assets other than derivatives are 
divided into the following categories:

 >
 >

loans and receivables
investments held at fair value through 
profit and loss

Trade and other receivables are initially 
recorded at fair value and, at subsequent 
reporting dates, at amortised cost. 
Generally, the Group recognises all 
financial assets using settlement day 
accounting. An assessment of whether a 
financial asset is impaired is made at least 
at each reporting date.  

A provision for impairment of trade 
receivables is recognised when there is 
objective evidence that the Group will 
not be able to collect all amounts due 
according to the original terms of the 
receivable. The amount of the provision 
is the difference between the asset’s 
carrying amount and the present value of 
estimated future cash flows. Movements 
in provisions are recognised in the Income 
Statement. Bad debts are written off 
against the provision when no further 
prospect of collection exists.  

A reference table is included in note 
19 which outlines the treatment of 
the relevant instruments under both 
standards.

Financial labilities
Upon adoption of IFRS 9 the accounting 
policy for the year ended 31 December 
2018 is as follows:

IFRS 9 doesn't change the main 
accounting principles for financial 
liabilities set out under IAS 39. Two 
measurement categories continue to exist, 
fair value through the income statement 
and amortised cost. Financial liabilities 
held for trading are measured at fair value 

through the income statement, and all 
other financial liabilities are measured at 
amortised cost unless the fair value option 
is applied.

The accounting policy in force for the year 
ended 31 December 2017 was as follows:

Financial liabilities are classified as either 
financial liabilities at fair value through 
profit or loss or other financial liabilities. 
Financial liabilities at fair value through 
profit or loss are initially measured at 
fair value and subsequently stated at 
fair value, with any resultant gain or 
loss recognised in profit or loss. The net 
gain or loss recognised in profit or loss 
incorporates any interest paid on the 
financial liability.

Other financial liabilities (including trade 
payables) are initially measured at fair 
value, net of transaction costs, and are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost 
using the effective interest method. When 
determining the fair value of financial 
liabilities, the expected future cash flows 
are discounted using an appropriate 
interest rate.

A financial liability is derecognised only 
when the obligation is extinguished, that 
is, when the obligation is discharged, 
cancelled or expired. 

A reference table is included in note 
19 which outlines the treatment of 
the relevant instruments under both 
standards.

Finance income
Finance income comprises interest income 
on funds invested and any gains on 
hedging instruments that are recognised 
in the Income Statement. Interest income 
is recognised as it accrues using the 
effective interest rate method.

Finance expense
Finance expense comprises interest 
payable on borrowings calculated using 
the effective interest rate method, gains 
and losses on hedging instruments that 
are recognised in the Income Statement, 
the net finance cost of the Group’s defined 
benefit pension scheme, finance lease 
interest and the discount component 
of the deferred consideration which is 
unwound as an interest charge in the 
Income Statement over the life of the 
obligation. 

Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to 
qualifying assets, as defined in IAS 23 
Borrowing costs, are capitalised during 
the period of time that is necessary to 
complete and prepare the asset for its 
intended use. Other borrowing costs are 
expensed to the Income Statement in the 
period in which they are incurred.

Share Based Payment Transactions
The Group grants equity settled share 
based payments to employees through 
the Performance Share Plan and the 
Deferred Bonus Plan.

The fair value of these equity settled 
transactions is determined at grant 
date and is recognised as an employee 
expense in the Income Statement, with 
the corresponding increase in equity, 
on a straight line basis over the vesting 
period. The fair value at the grant date 
is determined using a combination of 
the Monte Carlo simulation technique 
and a Black Scholes model, excluding the 
impact of any non-market conditions. 
Non-market vesting conditions are 
included in the assumptions about the 
number of options that are expected to 
vest. At each reporting date, the Group 
revises its estimates of the number of 
options that are likely to vest as a result of 
non-market conditions. Any adjustment 
from this revision is recognised in the 
Income Statement with a corresponding 
adjustment to equity.

Where the share based payments give 
rise to the issue of new share capital, the 
proceeds received by the Company are 
credited to share capital (nominal value) 
and share premium (where applicable) 
when the share entitlements are exercised. 
Where the share based payments give 
rise to the re-issue of shares from treasury 
shares, the proceeds of issue are credited 
to share premium.

The Group does not operate any cash-
settled share based payment schemes or 
share based payment transactions with 
cash alternatives as defined in IFRS 2.

Treasury shares
Where the Company purchases its own 
equity share capital, the consideration 
paid is deducted from total shareholders’ 
equity and classified as treasury shares 
until such shares are cancelled or reissued. 
Where such shares are subsequently sold 
or reissued, any consideration received is 
included in the share premium account. 
No gains or losses are recognised on the 
purchase, sale, cancellation or issue of 
treasury shares.

Non-controlling interest
Non-controlling interests represent the 
portion of the equity of a subsidiary not 
attributable either directly or indirectly to 
the parent company and are presented 
separately in the Income Statement and 
within equity in the Statement of Financial 
Position, distinguished from shareholders’ 
equity attributable to owners of the 
parent company.

Accounting estimates  
and judgements
In the process of applying the Group’s 
accounting policies, as set out on pages 
102 to 109, management are required 
to make estimates and judgements 
that could materially affect the Group’s 
reported results or net asset position. 

Notwithstanding that the areas below 
represent estimation and judgement 
at the end of the reporting period, the 
directors are satisfied that none of these 
areas have a significant risk of resulting 
in a material adjustment to the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities within the 
next financial year.

The areas where key estimates and 
judgements were made by management 
and are material to the Group’s reported 
results or net asset position, are as follows:

Impairment (Note 10)

The Group is required to review assets for 
objective evidence of impairment.

It does this on the basis of a review of the 
budget and rolling 5 year forecasts (4 year 
strategic plan, as approved by the Board, 
plus year 5 forecasted by management), 
which by their nature are based on a series 
of assumptions and estimates.

The Group has performed impairment 
tests on those cash generating units which 
contain goodwill, and on any assets where 
there are indicators of impairment. The 
key assumptions associated with these 
reviews are detailed in Note 10.

Guarantees & warranties (Note 20)

Certain products carry formal guarantees 
of satisfactory functional and aesthetic 
performance of varying periods following 
their purchase. Local management 
evaluate the constructive or legal 
obligation arising from customer feedback 
and assess the requirement to provide for 
any probable outflow of economic benefit 
arising from a settlement. This is an area 
of estimation and judgement. 

Recoverability of trade receivables 
(Note 15)

The Group provides credit to customers 
and as a result there is an associated risk 
that the customer may not be able to pay 
outstanding balances. Trade receivables 
are considered for impairment on a case 
by case basis, when they are past due 
at the reporting date or when objective 
evidence is received that a specific 
counterparty may default. 

Under IFRS 9 the Group uses an allowance 
matrix to measure Expected Credit Loss 
(ECL) of trade receivables from customers. 
Loss rates are calculated using a roll rate 
method based on the probability of a 
receivable progressing through successive 
chains of non-payment to write-off. The 
rates are calculated at a business unit 
level which reflects the risks associated 
with geographic region, age mix of 
customer relationship and type of product 
purchased.

This is an area of estimation. 

Valuation of inventory (Note 14)

Inventories are measured at the lower of 
cost and net realisable value. The Group’s 
policy is to hold inventories at original 
cost and create an inventory provision 
where evidence exists that indicates 
net realisable value is below cost for a 
particular item of inventory. Damaged, 
slow-moving or obsolete inventory are 
typical examples of such evidence. This is 
an area of estimation. 

Business combinations (Note 22)

Business combinations are accounted 
for using the acquisition method which 
requires that the assets and liabilities 
assumed are recorded at their respective 
fair values at the date of acquisition. The 
application of this method requires certain 
estimates and assumptions relating, in 
particular, to the determination of the fair 
values of the acquired assets and liabilities 
assumed at the date of acquisition.

For intangible assets acquired, the Group 
bases valuations on expected future cash 
flows. This method employs a discounted 
cash flow analysis using the present value 
of the estimated cash flows expected to 
be generated from these intangible assets 
using appropriate discount rates and 
revenue forecasts. The period of expected 
cash flows is based on the expected useful 
life of the intangible asset acquired.

Measurement of deferred contingent 
consideration and put option liabilities 
related to business combinations require 
assumptions to be made regarding 
profit forecasts and discount rates used 
to arrive at the net present value of the 
potential obligations. The Group has 
considered all available information 
in arriving at the estimate of liabilities 
associated with deferred contingent 
consideration obligations.

Income taxes (Note 8)

The Group is subject to income tax 
in numerous jurisdictions. Significant 
judgement is required in determining the 
worldwide provision for income taxes. 
There are many transactions for which the 
ultimate tax determination is uncertain. 
The Group recognises liabilities based on 
estimates of whether additional taxes 
will be due. Once it has been concluded 
that a liability needs to be recognised, 
the liability is measured based on the 
tax laws that have been enacted or 
substantially enacted at the end of the 
reporting period. The amount shown for 
current taxation includes an estimate 
for tax uncertainties and is based on 
the Directors’ best probability weighted 
estimate of the probable outflow of 
economic resources that will be required 
to settle the liability. Where the final tax 
outcome of these matters is different 
from the amounts that were initially 
estimated, such differences will impact 
the income tax and deferred tax provisions 
in the period in which such determination 
is made.

Deferred tax assets are recognised to 
the extent that it is probable that future 
taxable profit will be available against 
which the unused tax losses and unused 
tax credits can be utilised. The Group 
estimates the most probable amount of 
future taxable profits, using assumptions 
consistent with those employed in 
impairment calculations, and taking into 
consideration applicable tax legislation in 
the relevant jurisdiction. These calculations 
also require the use of estimates.

Deferred contingent consideration  
(Note 18)

Measurement of put option liabilities 
require assumptions to be made regarding 
profit forecasts and discount rates used 
to arrive at the net present value of the 
potential obligations. The Group has 
considered all available information 
in arriving at the estimate of liabilities 
associated with put option obligations.

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018110

111

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

2  SEGMENT REPORTING

In identifying the Group’s operating segments, management based its decision on the product supplied by each segment and the 
fact that each segment is managed and reported separately to the Chief Operating Decision Maker. These operating segments are 
monitored and strategic decisions are made on the basis of segment operating results.

2  SEGMENT REPORTING (continued)

Segment assets

Operating segments
The Group has the following five operating segments:

Insulated Panels
Insulation Boards
Light & Air
Water & Energy  
(formerly Environmental)
Data & Flooring Technology 
(formerly Access Floors)

Manufacture of insulated panels, structural framing and metal facades.
Manufacture of rigid insulation boards, building services insulation and engineered timber systems.
Manufacture of daylighting, smoke management and ventilation systems.

Manufacture of energy and water solutions and all related service activities.

Manufacture of data centre storage solutions and raised access floors.

Analysis by class of business

Segment revenue and disaggregation of revenue

Total revenue – 2018
Total revenue – 2017

Disaggregation of revenue 2018
Point of Time
Over Time

Insulated
Panels
€m

Insulation
Boards
€m

2,823.1
2,328.5

2,816.8
6.3
2,823.1

864.1
769.4

831.8
32.3
864.1

Light  
& Air
€m

291.8
204.7

190.4
101.4
291.8

Water & 
Energy
€m

Data & 
Flooring
€m

202.9
179.8

201.6
1.3
202.9

190.6
185.7

166.2
24.4
190.6

Total

€m

4,372.5
3,668.1

4,206.8
165.7
4,372.5

The disaggregation of revenue by geography is set out in more detail on page 111. 

The segments specified above capture the major product lines relevant to the Group. 

The combination of the disaggregation of revenue by product group, geography and the timing of revenue recognition capture the 
key categories of disclosure with respect to revenue. No further disclosures are required with respect to disaggregation of revenue 
other than what has been presented in this note. 

Inter-segment transfers are carried out at arm's length prices and using an appropriate transfer pricing methodology. As inter-
segment revenue is not material, it is not subject to separate disclosure in the above analysis. For the purposes of the segmental 
analysis, corporate overheads have been allocated to each division based on their respective revenue for the year.

The Group has initially applied IFRS 15 at 1 January 2018. Under the transition methods chosen, comparative information is not 
restated.

Segment result (profit before net finance expense)

Trading profit – 2018
Intangible amortisation

Operating profit – 2018

Trading profit – 2017
Intangible amortisation
Non trading items

Operating profit - 2017
Net finance expense
Profit for the year before tax
Income tax expense
Net profit for the year

Insulated
Panels
€m

Insulation
Boards
€m

Light  
& Air
€m

Water & 
Energy
€m

Data & 
Flooring
€m

Total
2018
€m

Total
2017
€m

281.8
(12.2)

269.6

233.3
(9.4)
(2.3)

221.6

105.1
(4.4)

21.5
(4.4)

14.2
(1.2)

22.6
-

445.2
(22.2)

100.7

17.1

13.0

22.6

423.0

91.2
(2.1)
2.9

14.8
(2.6)
-

16.2
(1.6)
-

22.0
-
-

92.0

12.2

14.6

22.0

377.5
(15.7)
0.6

362.4
(15.9)
346.5
(60.6)
285.9

(18.1)
404.9
(69.1)
335.8

Insulated
Panels
€m

Insulation
Boards
€m

Light  
& Air
€m

Water & 
Energy
€m

Data & 
Flooring
€m

Total
2018
€m

Total
2017
€m

Assets – 2018
Assets – 2017

2,231.7
1,792.1

782.2
620.4

331.2
287.6

180.3
164.1

166.3
156.0

Derivative financial instruments
Cash and cash equivalents
Deferred tax asset
Total assets as reported in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

Segment liabilities

3,691.7

27.6
294.5
15.6
4,029.4

3,020.2

22.3
176.6
16.5
3,235.6

Insulated
Panels
€m

Insulation
Boards
€m

Light  
& Air
€m

Water & 
Energy
€m

Data & 
Flooring
€m

Total
2018
€m

Total
2017
€m

Liabilities – 2018
Liabilities – 2017

(755.0)
(590.4)

(179.2)
(148.0)

(73.2)
(67.0)

(58.2)
(49.3)

(35.1)
(30.5)

(1,100.7)

(885.2)

Interest bearing loans and borrowings (current and non-current)
Derivative financial instruments (current and non-current)
Income tax liabilities (current and deferred)
Total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

(1,020.2)
-
(119.6)

(662.7)
(0.1)
(119.6)
(2,240.5) (1,667.6)

Other segment information

Insulated
Panels
€m

Insulation
Boards
€m

Light  
& Air
€m

Water & 
Energy
€m

Data & 
Flooring
€m

Capital investment – 2018 *
Capital investment – 2017 *

Depreciation included in segment result – 2018
Depreciation included in segment result – 2017

Non-cash items included in segment result – 2018
Non-cash items included in segment result – 2017

160.8
82.5

(49.8)
(40.7)

(7.4)
(6.4)

87.9
25.1

(15.9)
(14.6)

(2.5)
(2.3)

22.7
22.9

(4.8)
(3.7)

(0.5)
(0.2)

7.1
5.4

(2.4)
(2.8)

(0.8)
(0.8)

2.8
6.1

(3.1)
(2.4)

(1.1)
(1.0)

Total

€m

281.3
142.0

(76.0)
(64.2)

(12.3)
(10.7)

* Capital investment includes fair value of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets acquired in business combinations.

Analysis of segmental data by geography

Republic of 
Ireland
€m

United 
Kingdom
€m

Rest of 
Europe
€m

Americas

Others

Total

€m

€m

€m

Income Statement Items
Revenue – 2018
Revenue – 2017

Statement of Financial Position Items
Non-current assets – 2018 *
Non-current assets – 2017 *

Other segmental information
Capital investment – 2018
Capital investment – 2017

156.0
138.1

52.7
51.8

6.0
8.0

938.2
909.2

375.2
369.9

23.9
16.9

2,092.3
1,628.5

887.6
738.1

298.4
254.2

4,372.5
3,668.1

1,227.0
809.8

524.5
507.7

188.8
158.0

2,368.2
1,897.2

204.8
57.9

27.8
49.7

18.8
9.5

281.3
142.0

* Total non-current assets excluding derivative financial instruments and deferred tax assets.

The Group has activities in over 90 countries worldwide. The revenues from external customers and non-current assets (as defined 
in IFRS 8) attributable to the country of domicile and all foreign countries or regions of operation are as set out above and specific 
regions are highlighted separately on the basis of materiality.

There are no material dependencies or concentrations on individual customers which would warrant disclosure under IFRS 8. The 
individual entities within the Group each have a large number of customers spread across various activities, end-uses and geographies.

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
112

113

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

3  EMPLOYEES

a) Employee numbers
The average number of persons employed by the Group in the financial year was:

Production
Sales and distribution
Management and administration

b) Employee costs, including executive directors

Wages and salaries
Social welfare costs
Pension costs - defined contribution (Note 32)
Share based payments and awards

Actuarial (gains)/losses recognised in other comprehensive income

2018
Number

2017
Number

8,235
2,623
2,611
13,469

6,871
2,542
1,720
11,133

2018
€m

579.5
68.9
15.5
12.3

676.2
(0.9)
675.3

2017
€m

488.5
59.2
11.8
10.7

570.2
(1.0)
569.2

c) Employee share based compensation
The Group currently operates a number of equity settled share based payment schemes; two Performance Share Plans (PSP) 
and a Deferred Bonus Plan, which was introduced in 2015. The details of these schemes are provided in the Report of the 
Remuneration Committee.

Performance Share Plan (PSP)

Outstanding at 1 January
Granted
Forfeited
Lapsed
Exercised
Outstanding at 31 December

Of which, exercisable

 Number of PSP Options

2018

2017

2,498,209
552,325
(65,266)
(6,636)
(828,805)
2,149,827

3,295,993
579,990
(84,007)
(2,986)
(1,290,781)
2,498,209

478,945

616,327

The Group recognised a PSP expense of €11.7m (2017: €9.3m) in the Income Statement during the year. All PSP options are exercisable 
at €0.13 per share. For PSP options that were exercised during the year the average share price at the date of exercise was €38.96 
(2017: €31.23). The weighted average contractual life of share options outstanding at 31 December 2018 is 3.5 years (2017: 4.4 years). 
The weighted average exercise price during the period was €0.13 (2017: €0.13).

The fair values of options granted under the PSP scheme during the current and prior year were determined using the Black Scholes 
Model or the Monte Carlo Pricing Model as appropriate. The key assumptions used in the model were as follows:

3  EMPLOYEES (continued)

As set out in the Report of the Remuneration Committee, the number of options that will ultimately vest is contingent on market 
conditions such as Total Shareholder Return and non market conditions such as the Earnings Per Share of the Group. Market 
conditions were taken into account in determining the above fair value, and non market conditions are considered when estimating 
the number of shares that will eventually vest. Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group 
and peer company share prices over the previous 3 years. The Report of the Remuneration Committee sets out the current companies 
within the peer group.

As set out in the Report of the Remuneration Committee on page 73, a portion of the annual performance bonus may be satisfied 
by the payment of deferred share awards. These shares are held for the benefit of the individual participants for two years without 
any additional performance conditions. These shares vest after two years but are forfeited if the participant leaves the Group within 
that period.

During the year, no deferred awards (2017: 49,924) were granted and 50,607 (2017: Nil) awards vested. 49,924 awards remain 
outstanding at 31 December 2018. A charge of €0.6m was recognised in the Income Statement for 2018 (2017: €1.4m).

4  NON TRADING ITEMS

Profit on disposal of trade and assets
Impairment of goodwill

2018
€m

-
-
-

2017
€m

2.9
(2.3)
0.6

During the period, no items of a non-trading nature arose.

In the prior period the Group disposed of the trade and assets of Kingspan Gefinex GmbH, which was part of the Insulation Boards 
division, for €5.7m and realised a non-trading profit of €2.9m, and impaired goodwill relating to a US energy business, which was part 
of the Insulation Panels division.

5  FINANCE EXPENSE AND FINANCE INCOME

Finance expense
Finance lease
Deferred contingent consideration fair value movement
Bank loans
Private placement loan notes
Fair value movement on derivative financial instrument
Fair value movement on private placement debt
Net defined benefit pension scheme (Note 32)

Finance income
Interest earned
Net finance cost

No costs were reclassified from other comprehensive income to profit during the year (2017: €nil).

6  PROFIT FOR THE YEAR BEFORE INCOME TAX

2018
€m

0.4
0.3
2.7
16.7
(3.1)
2.5
-
19.5

(1.4)
18.1

2018
€m

202.1
30.8
30.5
76.0
22.2
(1.7)
(4.9)

2017
€m

0.2
0.1
2.4
14.2
15.6
(16.2)
0.1
16.4

(0.5)
15.9

2017
€m

174.3
22.1
27.1
64.2
15.7
(1.8)
(2.1)

Share price at grant date
Exercise price per share
Expected volatility
Expected dividend yield
Risk-free rate
Expected life

The resulting weighted average fair value of options granted in the year was €26.21 (2017: €23.45).

2018 Awards

2017 Awards

€35.55
€0.13
26%
1.2%
0.08%
3 years

€32.99
€0.13
22%
1.4%
-0.01%
3 years

The profit for the year is stated after charging / (crediting):
Distribution expenses
Operating lease payments
Product development costs (total, including payroll)
Depreciation
Amortisation of intangible assets
Foreign exchange net gains
Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018114

115

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

6  PROFIT FOR THE YEAR BEFORE INCOME TAX (continued)

Analysis of total auditor’s remuneration for audit services

Audit of Group (KPMG Ireland)
Audit of other subsidiaries (other KPMG offices)

Analysis of amounts paid to the auditor in respect of non-audit services

Tax compliance and advisory services (KPMG Ireland)
Tax compliance and advisory services (other KPMG offices)

7  DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

Fees
Other emoluments
Pension costs

Performance Share Plan expense

2018
€m

0.8
1.8
2.6

2018
€m

0.3
0.6
0.9

2018
€m

0.7
6.0
0.7
7.4
2.8
10.2

2017
€m

0.8
1.2
2.0

2017
€m

0.1
0.6
0.7

2017
€m

0.6
4.5
0.7
5.8
2.2
8.0

A detailed analysis of directors’ remuneration is contained in the Report of the Remuneration Committee. Aggregate gains of €8.3m 
(2017: €17.7m) were realised with respect to share options exercised by directors during the financial year.

8 

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Tax recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement
Current taxation:
Current tax expense
Adjustment in respect of prior years

Deferred taxation:
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Effect of rate change

Income tax expense

2018
€m

2017
€m

72.2
(5.4)
66.8

1.5
0.8
2.3
69.1

68.9
(3.9)
65.0

(2.7)
(1.7)
(4.4)
60.6

The following table reconciles the applicable Republic of Ireland statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate (current and deferred) of 
the Group:

Profit for the year

Applicable notional tax charge (12.5%)

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Net effect of differing tax rates
Utilisation of unprovided deferred tax assets
Other items
Total income tax expense

2018
€m

2017
€m

404.9

346.5

50.6

5.1
16.3
(0.8)
(2.1)
69.1

43.3

7.6
8.7
(1.1)
2.1
60.6

8 

INCOME TAX EXPENSE (continued)

The total tax charge in future periods will be affected by any changes to the corporation tax rates in force in the countries in which 
the Group operates. No significant change is expected to the standard rate of corporation tax in the Republic of Ireland which is 
currently 12.5%. 

The methodology used to determine the recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions is set out in Note 1 ‘Statement of 
Accounting Policies’.

The total value of deductible temporary differences which have not been recognised is €31.4m (2017: €12.7m) consisting mainly of tax 
losses forward. €1.2m (2017: €1.1m) of the losses expire within 10 years while all other losses may be carried forward indefinitely.

No provision has been made for tax in respect of temporary differences arising from unremitted earnings of foreign operations as 
there is no commitment to remit such earnings and no current plans to do so. Deferred tax liabilities of €8.9m (2017: €7.9m) have not 
been recognised for withholding tax that would be payable on unremitted earnings of €177.2m (2017: €158.2m) in certain subsidiaries.

An initial assessment of IFRIC 23 has been undertaken and it is not expected to have a material impact.

9  EARNINGS PER SHARE

The calculations of earnings per share are based on the following:
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders

2018
€m

2017
€m

330.9

284.3

Number of
shares (‘000)
2018

Number of
shares (‘000)
2017

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the calculation of basic earnings per share

179,840

178,854

Dilutive effect of share options
Weighted average number of ordinary shares  for the calculation of diluted earnings per share

1,696
181,536

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Adjusted basic earnings per share

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

2018
€ cent

184.0

182.3

193.5

191.7

1,856
180,710

2017
€ cent

159.0

157.3

165.8

164.1

Adjusted basic earnings reflects the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders after eliminating the impact, net of tax, of 
non-trading items and the Group’s intangible amortisation charge.

The number of options which are anti-dilutive and have therefore not been included in the above calculations is nil (2017: nil).

10  GOODWILL

At 1 January
Additions relating to acquisitions (Note 22)
Impaired during the year (Note 4)
Net exchange difference

Carrying amount 31 December

At 31 December
Cost
Accumulated impairment losses

Net carrying amount

2018
€m

1,095.7
296.8
-
(1.5)

2017
€m

990.1
156.1
(2.3)
(48.2)

1,391.0

1,095.7

1,458.7
(67.7)

1,163.4
(67.7)

1,391.0

1,095.7

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018116

117

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

10  GOODWILL (continued)

10  GOODWILL (continued)

Cash generating units
Goodwill acquired through business combinations is allocated, at acquisition, to CGUs that are expected to benefit from 
synergies in that combination. The CGUs are the lowest level within the Group at which the associated goodwill is monitored for 
internal management reporting purposes and are not larger than the operating segments determined in accordance with IFRS 8 
Operating Segments.

Sensitivity analysis
Sensitivity analysis was performed by adjusting cash flows, the discount rate and the average operating margin of each division by 
over 24% and by reducing the long-term growth rate to zero. Each test resulted in a positive recoverable amount for each CGU under 
each approach. Management believes, therefore, that any reasonable change in any of the key assumptions would not cause the 
carrying value of goodwill to exceed the recoverable amount, thereby giving rise to an impairment.

An assessment was conducted during the year and two new CGUs were identified; namely Panels LATAM and Synthesia Technology. 
Both of these CGUs arose on the back of recent acquisitions completed by the Group.

11  OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

A total of 11 (2017: 9) CGUs have been identified and these are analysed between the five business segments in the Group as set out 
below. Assets and liabilities have been assigned to the CGUs on a reasonable and consistent basis.

Cost
At 1 January 2018
Acquisitions (Note 22)
Net exchange difference
At 31 December 2018

Accumulated amortisation
At 1 January 2018
Charge for the year
Net exchange difference
At 31 December 2018

Net Book Value as at 31 December 2018

Cost
At 1 January 2017
Acquisitions (Note 22)
Additions
Net exchange difference
At 31 December 2017

Accumulated amortisation
At 1 January 2017
Charge for the year
Net exchange difference
At 31 December 2017

Net Book Value as at 31 December 2017

Customer 
Relationships
€m

Patents &
Brands
€m

Other 
Intangibles
€m

27.7
21.2
(0.2)
48.7

17.9
5.4
0.1
23.4

25.3

109.2
18.8
(0.2)
127.8

43.4
10.5
0.1
54.0

73.8

30.0
3.3
0.6
33.9

15.3
6.3
0.3
21.9

12.0

Customer 
Relationships
€m

Patents &
Brands
€m

Other 
Intangibles
€m

25.4
3.4
-
(1.1)
27.7

13.9
4.5
(0.5)
17.9

9.8

107.1
6.3
-
(4.2)
109.2

36.5
8.3
(1.4)
43.4

65.8

23.6
3.2
4.8
(1.6)
30.0

13.8
2.9
(1.4)
15.3

14.7

Total

€m

166.9
43.3
0.2
210.4

76.6
22.2
0.5
99.3

111.1

Total

€m

156.1
12.9
4.8
(6.9)
166.9

64.2
15.7
(3.3)
76.6

90.3

Other intangibles relate primarily to technological know how and order backlogs.

Insulated Panels
Insulation Boards
Light & Air
Water & Energy
Data & Flooring Technology
Total

Cash-generating units

Goodwill (€m)

2018

2017

2018

2017

6
1
1
1
2
11

4
1
1
1
2
9

827.2
232.5
174.2
78.7
78.4
1,391.0

614.7
175.6
159.7
68.7
77.0
1,095.7

Significant goodwill amounts
Management has assessed that, in line with IAS 36 Impairment of Assets, there are 4 CGUs that are individually significant (greater 
than 10% of total goodwill) that require additional disclosure and are as follows:

Panels
North America

Panels  
Joris Ide

Insulation 
Boards

Light
& Air

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

Goodwill (€m)
Discount rate (%)

173.4
10.0

226.9
9.4

410.8
8.1

284.5
7.8

232.5
8.1

175.6
7.8

174.2
8.0

159.7
7.8

Excess of value-in-use over carrying amount (€m)

335.7

380.6

489.5

502.2

854.0

1,468.0

132.8

138.6

The goodwill allocated to these 4 CGUs accounts for 71% of the total carrying amount of €1,391.0m. The remaining goodwill balance 
of €400.1m (2017: €249.0m) is allocated across the other 7 CGUs (2017: 5 CGUs), none of which are individually significant.

None of the individually significant CGUs are included in the “Sensitivity analysis” section as it is not considered reasonably possible 
that there would be a change in the key assumptions such that the carrying amount would exceed value-in-use. Consequently, no 
further disclosures have been provided for these CGUs.

Impairment testing
Goodwill acquired through business combinations has been allocated to the above CGUs for the purpose of impairment testing. 
Impairment of goodwill occurs when the carrying value of the CGU is greater than the present value of the cash that it is expected 
to generate (i.e. the recoverable amount). The Group reviews the carrying value of each CGU at least annually or more frequently if 
there is an indication that a CGU may be impaired.

The recoverable amount of each CGU is determined from value-in-use calculations. The forecasts used in these calculations are based 
on a 4 year financial plan approved by the Board of Directors, plus year 5 as forecasted by management, and specifically excludes 
any future acquisition activity. They include assumptions regarding future organic growth with cash flows after year 5 assuming to 
continue in perpetuity at a general growth rate of 2% (Panels LATAM 4%), reflecting the relevant CGU inflation, but no other growth. 
The use of cash flows in perpetuity is considered appropriate in light of the Group’s established history of earnings growth and cash 
flow generation, its strong financial position and the nature of the industry in which the Group operates. 

The value in use calculation represents the present value of the future cash flows, including the terminal value, discounted at a rate 
appropriate to each CGU. The real pre-tax discount rates used range from 8.0% to 12.5% (2017: 7.8% to 9.4%). These rates are based 
on the Group’s estimated weighted average cost of capital, adjusted for risk, and are consistent with external sources of information.

The cash flows and the key assumptions used in the value in use calculations are determined based on the historical performance 
of the Group, its strong current financial position as well as management’s knowledge and expectation of future trends in the 
industry. Expected future cash flows are, however, inherently uncertain and are therefore liable to material change over time. The key 
assumptions used in the value in use calculations are subjective and include projected EBITDA margins, net cash flows, discount rates 
used and the duration of the discounted cash flow model.

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
118

119

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

12  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

14  INVENTORIES

Land and 
buildings
€m

Plant and 
machinery
€m

Motor 
vehicles
€m

Total

€m

As at 31 December 2018
Cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment charges

583.7
(182.7)

1,245.4
(809.2)

36.3
(23.0)

1,865.4
(1,014.9)

Raw materials and consumables
Work in progress
Finished goods
Inventory impairment allowance

Net carrying amount

401.0

436.2

13.3

850.5

At 31 December

2018
€m

415.1
19.6
149.2
(59.0)

524.9

2017
€m

363.1
17.7
115.8
(49.5)

447.1

At 1 January 2018, net carrying amount
Acquisitions through business combinations (Note 22)
Additions
Disposals
Reclassification
Depreciation charge for year
Impairment charge for year
Effect of movement in exchange rates

337.5
47.8
34.9
(4.6)
(0.7)
(12.7)
(0.1)
(1.1)

355.3
44.9
102.8
(2.8)
-
(58.5)
(5.1)
(0.4)

10.5
1.0
6.6
(0.6)
0.7
(4.8)
-
(0.1)

703.3
93.7
144.3
(8.0)
-
(76.0)
(5.2)
(1.6)

At 31 December 2018, net carrying amount

401.0

436.2

13.3

850.5

Land and 
buildings
€m

Plant and 
machinery
€m

Motor 
vehicles
€m

Total

€m

As at 31 December 2017
Cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment charges

513.0
(175.5)

1,050.8
(695.5)

28.5
(18.0)

1,592.3
(889.0)

Net carrying amount

337.5

355.3

10.5

703.3

At 1 January 2017, net carrying amount
Acquisitions through business combinations (Note 22)
Additions
Disposals
Reclassification
Depreciation charge for year
Impairment charge for year
Effect of movement in exchange rates

324.2
22.2
9.3
(1.1)
1.5
(11.7)
(0.5)
(6.4)

333.0
17.1
70.4
(1.3)
(2.2)
(48.2)
(0.3)
(13.2)

8.3
0.5
4.8
(0.2)
0.7
(4.3)
-
0.7

665.5
39.8
84.5
(2.6)
-
(64.2)
(0.8)
(18.9)

At 31 December 2017, net carrying amount

337.5

355.3

10.5

703.3

The carrying amounts and depreciation of assets held under finance leases included above is as follows:

Net Book Value 
Depreciation 

€2.8m 
€2.3m 

(2017: €4.1m)
(2017: €2.8m)

Included within the cost of land and buildings and plant and machinery are assets in the course of construction to the value of 
€21.6m and €66.7m respectively (2017: €4.1m and €42.1m). These assets have not yet been depreciated.

The Group has no material investment properties and hence no property assets are held at fair value.

13  INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

Company
At 1 January

Share options and awards

At 31 December

2018
€m

2017
€m

1,180.7

1,173.3

10.3

7.4

1,191.0

1,180.7

The share options and awards addition reflects the cost of share based payments attributable to employees of subsidiary 
undertakings, which are treated as capital contributions by the Company.

A total of €2.6bn (2017: €2.3bn) of inventories was included in the Income Statement as an expense. This includes a net income 
statement charge of €2.6m (2017: €7.1m) arising on the inventory impairment allowance. Inventory impairment allowance levels 
are continuously reviewed by management and revised where appropriate, taking account of the latest available information on the 
recoverability of carrying amounts.

No inventories have been pledged as security for liabilities entered into by the Group.

15  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade receivables, gross
Impairment allowance

Trade receivables, net
Other receivables
Prepayments

2018
€m

791.5
(56.4)

735.1
32.1
31.4

798.6

2017
€m

676.9
(51.1)

625.8
25.1
25.0

675.9

The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade and other receivables at the reporting date is their carrying amount.

The Group uses an allowance matrix to measure Expected Credit Loss (ECL) of trade receivables from customers. The simplified 
approach has been adopted and this gives rise to an ECL of €56.4m in 2018. This is discussed in more detail in Note 19. 

In 2017 the Group's trade and other receivables were reviewed for indicators of impairment. Certain trade receivables were determined 
to be impaired, predominantly on the basis that the balances are overdue and at risk, and a total impairment allowance of €51.1m 
was recorded. Further details are set out in Note 19.

16  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables
Accruals
Deferred income
Irish income tax & social welfare
Other income tax & social welfare
Value added tax

The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value.

17  INTEREST BEARING LOANS AND BORROWINGS

Current financial liabilities
Bank loans and overdrafts (unsecured)
Finance lease obligations (Note 31)

2018
€m

397.5
341.1
7.0
1.3
18.6
14.3

779.8

2018
€m

52.8
0.4

53.2

2017
€m

326.5
271.1
12.3
0.6
18.6
16.1

645.2

2017
€m

0.6
0.6

1.2

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018  
 
 
 
 
120

121

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

17  INTEREST BEARING LOANS AND BORROWINGS (continued)

18  DEFERRED CONTINGENT CONSIDERATION (continued)

Non-current financial liabilities
Private placements
Bank loans (unsecured)
Finance lease obligations (Note 31)

Analysis of Net Debt

Cash and cash equivalents
Derivative financial instruments
Current borrowings
Non-current borrowings
Deferred consideration

Total Net Debt

2018
€m

835.9
127.3
3.8

967.0

2018
€m

294.5
27.4
(53.2)
(967.0)
(30.0)

2017
€m

655.4
2.4
3.7

661.5

2017
€m

176.6
22.2
(1.2)
(661.5)
-

(728.3)

(463.9)

The Group’s core funding is provided by five private placement loan notes; one USD private placement totalling $200m matures in 
August 2021, and four EUR private placements totalling €662.5m which will mature in tranches between March 2021 and January 
2028. The notes have a weighted average maturity of 5.6 years.

In addition, the Group has a €500m revolving credit facility, €120m of which was drawn at year end and which matures in June 2022. 
As at 31 December 2018, the Group’s committed bilateral bank facilities were €50m, all of which was drawn.

More details of the Group’s loans and borrowings are set out in Note 19.

Net debt, which is an Alternative Performance Measure, is stated net of interest rate and currency hedges which relate to hedges of 
debt. Foreign currency derivative assets of €0.2m (2017: €0.1m) and €nil foreign currency derivative liabilities (2017: €0.1m) which are 
used for transactional hedging are not included in the definition of net debt.

18  DEFERRED CONSIDERATION

For each acquisition for which deferred contingent consideration has been provided, an annual review takes place to evaluate if the 
payment conditions are likely to be met.

Opening balance
Effect of movement in exchange rates
Deferred consideration arising on acquisitions (Note 22)
Deferred contingent consideration arising on acquisitions (Note 22)
Movement in deferred contingent consideration arising from fair value movement
Put liability arising on current year acquisitions  
Movement in put liability arising from fair value movement
Amounts paid
Closing balance

Split as follows:
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities

Analysed as follows:
Deferred consideration
Deferred contingent consideration
Put liability

2018
€m

117.5
(10.7)
30.0
1.4
1.1
24.5
35.4
(3.1)
196.1

59.5
136.6

196.1

30.0
38.9
127.2

196.1

2017
€m

12.9
(8.1)
-
33.2
-
79.1
0.4
-
117.5

6.4
111.1

117.5

-
43.0
74.5

117.5

During the year the Group paid €3.1m of deferred contingent consideration relating to the PAL business which was acquired in 2014 
(2017: €nil).

The deferred consideration arising on current year acquisitions relates to Synthesia.

The put liability arising on current year acquisitions is recognised with respect to the potential amounts payable to 49% shareholders 
of Kingspan Jindal. 

The amount of the deferred contingent consideration and put liability that have been recognised are arrived at by the application of 
a range of outcomes and associated probabilities in order to determine the carrying amounts.

Liabilities in the range of €30m to €69.1m could arise with respect to potential deferred contingent consideration obligations and €nil 
to €134.0m with respect to potential put option obligations. 

The put option in the shareholders’ agreement with non-controlling shareholders of Kingspan Isoeste is exercisable from 2023. The 
undiscounted expected cash outflow is estimated to be €96m (2017: €77.1m). For the purposes of the fair value assessment this put 
option liability is valued using the option price formula in the shareholder’s agreement and the most recent financial projections. 
These are classified as unobservable inputs. 

The put option in the shareholders’ agreement with non-controlling shareholders of PanelMET is exercisable from 2022. The 
undiscounted expected cash outflow is estimated to be €12.2m (2017: €7.1m). For the purposes of the fair value assessment this put 
option liability is valued using the option price formula in the shareholder’s agreement and the most recent financial projections. 
These are classified as unobservable inputs.

The put option in the shareholders’ agreement with non-controlling shareholders of Kingspan Jindal is exercisable from 2022. The 
undiscounted expected cash outflow is estimated to be €25.8m. For the purposes of the fair value assessment this put option liability 
is valued using the option price formula in the shareholder’s agreement and the most recent financial projections. These are classified 
as unobservable inputs.

In the case of Kingspan Isoeste, PanelMET and Kingspan Jindal call options rest over the remaining 49% shareholding held by non-
controlling interests, which are exercisable by the Group in a very limited range of circumstances. 

19  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Financial Risk Management
In the normal course of business, the Group has exposure to a variety of financial risks, including foreign currency risk, interest 
rate risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. The Group’s focus is to understand these risks and to put in place policies that minimise the 
economic impact of an adverse event on the Group’s performance. Meetings are held on a regular basis to review the result of the risk 
assessment, approve recommended risk management strategies and monitor the effectiveness of such policies.

The Group’s risk management strategies include the use of derivatives (other than for speculative transactions), principally forward 
exchange contracts, interest rate swaps, and cross currency interest rate swaps.

Liquidity risk
In addition to the high level of free cash flow, the Group operates a prudent approach to liquidity management using a mixture of 
long-term debt together with short-term debt, cash and cash equivalents, to enable it to meet its liabilities when due.

The Group’s core funding is provided by a number of private placement loan notes totalling €835.9m. The notes have a weighted 
average maturity of 5.6 years.

In addition, the Group has a €500m revolving credit facility, €120m of which was drawn at year end and which expires in June 2022. As 
at 31 December 2018, the Group’s committed bilateral bank facilities were €50m, all of which was drawn.

Both the private placements and the revolving credit facility have an interest cover test (Net Interest: EBITDA must exceed 4 times) 
and a net debt test (Net Debt: EBITDA must be less than 3.5 times). These covenant tests have been met for the covenant test period 
to 31 December 2018.

The Group also has in place a number of uncommitted bilateral working capital facilities to serve its working capital requirements. 
These facilities total €44m (2017: €44m) and are supported by a Group guarantee. Core funding arrangements arise from a wide and 
varied number of institutions and, as such, there is no significant concentration of liquidity risk.

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018122

123

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

19  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

19  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

The following are the carrying amounts and contractual maturities of financial liabilities (including estimated interest payments):

2018

Carrying 
amount

Contractual 
cash flow

Within 1 
year

€m

€m

€m

Between 
1 and 2 
years
€m

Between 
2 and 5 
years
€m

Greater 
than 5 
years
€m

Non derivative financial instruments
Bank loans
Private placement loan notes
Finance lease liabilities
Trade and other payables
Deferred consideration
Deferred contingent consideration

Derivative financial liabilities / (assets)
Interest rate swaps used for hedging:
Carrying values
Net inflows

Cross currency interest rate swaps used for hedging:
Carrying value
- outflow
- inflow

Foreign exchange forwards used for hedging:
Carrying value assets
Carrying value liabilities
- outflow
- inflow

2017

180.1
835.9
4.2
772.8
30.0
166.1

(0.3)
-

(27.1)
-
-

(0.2)
-
-
-

180.1
930.5
4.2
772.8
30.0
173.1

-
0.4

-
104.1
136.0

-
-
4.7
4.8

52.8
20.0
0.4
772.8
30.0
29.6

-
0.1

-
3.1
6.2

-
-
4.7
4.8

3.3
20.0
1.7
-
-
-

-
0.1

-
3.4
6.2

-
-
-
-

123.4
357.1
-
-
-
131.3

-
0.2

-
97.6
123.6

-
-
-
-

0.6
533.4
2.1
-
-
12.2

-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-
-

Carrying 
amount 
2017
€m

Contractual 
cash flow

Within 1 
year

€m

€m

Between 
1 and 2 
years
€m

Between 
2 and 5 
years
€m

Greater 
than 5 
years
€m

Non derivative financial instruments
Bank loans
Private placement loan notes
Finance lease liabilities
Trade and other payables
Deferred contingent consideration

Derivative financial liabilities / (assets)
Interest rate swaps used for hedging:
Carrying values
Net inflows

Cross currency interest rate swaps used for hedging:
Carrying value
- outflow
- inflow

Foreign exchange forwards used for hedging:
Carrying value assets
Carrying value liabilities
- outflow
- inflow

3.0
655.4
4.3
632.9
117.5

(0.9)
-

(21.3)
-
-

(0.1)
0.1
-
-

3.0
748.5
4.3
632.9
124.3

-
0.3

-
106.7
134.5

-
-
9.9
9.9

0.6
17.2
0.6
632.9
6.4

-
0.1

-
2.8
5.9

-
-
9.9
9.9

0.9
17.2
1.8
-
-

-
0.1

-
3.1
5.8

-
-
-
-

1.5
360.3
0.4
-
5.3

-
0.1

-
100.8
122.8

-
-
-
-

-
353.8
1.5
-
112.6

-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-
-

For provisions, the carrying amount represents the Group’s best estimate of the expected future outflows. As it does not represent a 
contractual liability at the year end, no amount has been included as a contractual cash flow.

Deferred contingent consideration, which includes any put option liabilities, is valued using the relevant agreed multiple of the 
expected future EBITDA in each acquired business which is appropriately discounted using a risk-adjusted discount rate. The estimated 
fair value of contingent consideration would decrease if EBITDA was lower or if the risk adjusted discount rate was higher. The range of 
outcomes are set out in Note 18.

The actual future cash flows could be different from the amounts included in the tables above, if the associated obligations were to become 
repayable on demand as a result of non-compliance with covenants or other contractual terms. No such non-compliance is envisaged.

Market Risks

Foreign exchange risk

There are two types of foreign currency risk to which the Group is exposed, namely transaction risk and translation risk. The objective 
of the Group’s foreign currency risk management strategy is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable 
parameters. As set out below the Group uses derivatives to manage foreign exchange risk. Transactions involving derivatives are 
carried out in accordance with the Treasury policy. The Group seeks to apply hedge accounting, where practicable, to manage 
volatility in profit or loss.

Transaction risk

Apart from transaction risk on debt, this arises where operating units have input costs or sales in currencies other than their 
functional currencies. These exposures are internally hedged as far as possible. Group policy is to hedge up to a maximum of 75% of a 
forecast exposure. Material exposures are hedged on a rolling 12 months basis. The Group’s principal exposure relates to GBP and US$, 
with less significant exposures to certain central European currencies.

In addition, where operating entities carry monetary assets and liabilities at year end denominated other than in their functional 
currency, their translation at the year-end rates of exchange into their functional currency will give rise to foreign currency gains and 
losses. The Group seeks to manage these gains and losses to net to nil.

Based on current cash flow projections for the businesses to 31 December 2019, it is estimated that the Group is long GBP110m and 
short US$35m. At 31 December 2018 these amounts were unhedged.  

Translation risk

This exists due to the fact that the Group has operations whose functional currency is not Euro, the Group's presentational currency. 
Changes in the exchange rate between the reporting currencies of these operations and the Euro, have an impact on the Group's 
consolidated reported result. For 2018, the impact of changing currency rates versus Euro compared to 2017 rates was positive €4.0m 
(2017: negative €85.2m).  In common with many other international groups, the Group does not currently seek to externally hedge its 
translation exposure.

Sensitivity analysis for primary currency risk

A 10% volatility of the EUR against GBP and US$ in respect of transaction risk in the reporting entities functional currency would 
impact reported after tax profit by €14.5m (2017: €14.3m) and equity by €14.3m (2017: €14.0m). 

US Dollar Loan Notes

2011 Private Placement

In 2011, the Group issued a private placement of US$200m fixed interest 10 year bullet repayment loan notes maturing in August 2021. 
In order to align the Group’s debt profile with its risk management strategy, the Group entered into a number of hedging transactions 
in order to mitigate the associated foreign exchange and interest rate exposures. The Group entered into US dollar fixed / GBP floating 
cross currency interest rate swaps for US$118.6m of the private placement. The benchmark interest rate and credit spread have been 
separately identified and designated for hedge accounting purposes. The Group also entered into US dollar interest rate swaps for 
US$40m of the private placement. The fixed rate and maturity date on the swaps match the fixed rate on the private placement for 
all instruments. The instruments were designated as hedging instruments at inception and continued to qualify as effective hedges 
under IAS 39 at 31 December 2018.

Interest rate risk

The Group has an exposure to movements in interest rates on its debt portfolio, and on its cash and cash equivalent balances and 
derivatives. The Group policy is to ensure that at least 40% of its debt is fixed rate.

In respect of interest bearing loans and borrowings, the following table indicates the effective average interest rates at the year-end 
and the periods over which they mature. Interest on interest bearing loans and borrowings classified as floating rate is repriced at 
intervals of less than one year. The table further analyses interest bearing loans and borrowings by currency and fixed/floating mix 
and has been prepared both before and after the impact of derivatives.

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018124

125

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

19  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

19  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

 Before the impact of hedging transactions

 As at 31 December 2018

Bank loans
Loan notes

Weighted average 
effective interest 
rate

0.9%
2.4%

Total

€m

180.1
837.3
1,017.4

At fixed 
interest rate

At floating 
interest rate

€m

€m

180.1
837.3
1,017.4

-
-
-

Under  
5 years

€m

179.5
325.8
505.3

Over
5 years

€m

0.6
511.5
512.1

EUR
US$
Other

Total

€m

At fixed 
interest rate
€m

At floating 
interest rate
€m

838.8
174.8
3.8
1,017.4

838.8
174.8
3.8
1,017.4

-
-
-
-

 After the impact of hedging transactions

 As at 31 December 2018

Bank loans
Loan notes

Weighted average 
effective interest 
rate

Total

€m

At fixed 
interest rate
€m

At floating 
interest rate
€m

0.9%
2.1%

180.1
835.9
1,016.0

180.1
698.7
878.8

-
137.2
137.2

Under  
5 years
€m

179.5
324.4
503.9

Over
5 years
€m

0.6
511.5
512.1

EUR
GBP
US$
Other

Total
€m

At fixed 
interest rate
€m

At floating 
interest rate
€m

863.3
102.0
46.9
3.8
1,016.0

863.3
-
11.7
3.8
878.8

-
102.0
35.2
-
137.2

The weighted average maturity of debt is 5.0 years as at 31 December 2018 (2017: 6.0 years).

 Before the impact of hedging transactions

 As at 31 December 2017

Bank loans
Loan notes

Weighted average 
effective interest 
rate

Total

€m

At fixed 
interest rate
€m

At floating 
interest rate
€m

2.91%
2.63%

3.0
655.4
658.4

3.0
655.4
658.4

-
-
-

Under  
5 years
€m

3.0
210.4
213.4

Over
5 years
€m

-
445.0
445.0

EUR
US$

Total

€m

At fixed 
interest rate
€m

At floating 
interest rate
€m

487.5
170.9
658.4

487.5
170.9
658.4

-
-
-

 After the impact of hedging transactions

 As at 31 December 2017

Weighted average 
effective interest 
rate

Total

€m

At fixed 
interest rate
€m

At floating 
interest rate
€m

Bank loans
Loan notes

2.91%
2.13%

EUR
GBP
US$

3.0
655.4
658.4

Total

€m

510.9
99.1
48.4
658.4

3.0
522.1
525.1

-
133.3
133.3

At fixed 
interest rate

At floating 
interest rate

€m

510.9
-
14.2
525.1

€m

-
99.1
34.2
133.3

Under  
5 years
€m

3.0
210.4
213.4

Over
5 years
€m

-
445.0
445.0

An increase or decrease of 100 basis points in each of the applicable rates and interest rate curves would impact reported after-tax 
profit by €1.4m (2017: €1.3m) and equity by €1.4m (2017: €1.3m).

Credit risk
Credit risk encompasses the risk of financial loss to the Group of counterparty default in relation to any of its financial assets. The 
Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying value of each financial asset:

Cash & cash equivalents
Trade receivables
Derivative financial assets

2018
€m

294.5
791.5
27.6

2017
€m

 176.6
676.9
 22.3

Trade receivables arise from a wide and varied customer base spread across various activities, end users and geographies, and as such 
there is no significant concentration of credit risk. The Group’s credit risk management policy in relation to trade receivables involves 
periodically assessing the financial reliability of customers, taking into account their financial position, past experience and other 
factors. The utilisation of credit limits is regularly monitored and a significant element of credit risk is covered by credit insurance or 
other forms of collateral such as letters of credit or bank guarantees.

At 31 December, the exposure to credit risk for trade receivables by geographic region was as follows:

Rest of Europe
ROI & UK
Americas
Others

At 31 December, the exposure to credit risk for trade receivables by customer type was as follows:

Insulated Panels customers
Insulation Boards customers
Other

2018
€m

340.8
244.8
152.7
53.2
791.5

2018
€m

496.4
153.2
141.9
791.5

2017
€m

259.5
240.0
126.7
50.7
676.9

2017
€m

417.6
137.4
121.9
676.9

The Group uses an allowance matrix to measure Expected Credit Loss (ECL) of trade receivables from customers. The ECL simplified 
approach has been adopted. 

Loss rates are calculated using a roll rate method based on the probability of a receivable progressing through successive chains of 
non-payment to write-off. The rates are calculated at a business unit level which reflects the risks associated with geographic region, 
age, mix of customer relationship and type of product purchased. The identifiable loss pertaining to cash positions is immaterial. 

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018126

127

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

19  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

19  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

The following table provides the information about the exposure to credit risk and ECL’s for trade receivables as at 31 December 2018.

Movements in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade receivables

Current (not past due)
1-30 days past due
31-60 days past due
61-90 days past due
More than 90 days past due

Weighted 
average loss 
rate
%

Gross 
carrying 
amount
€m

1%
2%
7%
15%
80%

538.7
148.2
39.0
13.0
52.6
791.5

Loss 
allowance

€m

6.1
3.3
2.8
2.0
42.2
56.4

Loss rates are based on actual credit loss experience over an appropriate diverse sample of trading periods.

The table below sets out the measurement category of the various classes of financial instruments and their carrying value under 
both standards. 

                                   Measurement Category

             Carrying Amount

IAS 39

IFRS 9

IAS 39

IFRS 9

Non-Current Financial Assets
Financial Assets – Equity Investments*

Derivatives 

Current Financial Assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Derivatives 

Non-Current Liabilities
Borrowings

Current Financial Liabilities
Borrowings
Trade and other payables

Derivatives

*no item of this nature in the 2017 accounts

Comparative information under IAS 39

-

Fair Value through  
Income Statement

Fair Value through Other 
Comprehensive Income
Fair Value through  
Income Statement

Amortised cost
Amortised cost
Fair Value through  
Income Statement

Amortised cost
Amortised cost
Fair Value through  
Income Statement

-

27.2

675.9
176.6
0.1

-

22.2

675.9
176.6
0.1

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities

661.5

661.5

Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities

Fair Value through  
Income Statement

Fair Value through  
Income Statement

1.2
645.2

0.1

1.2
645.2

0.1

The aged analysis of gross trade receivables, analysed between amounts that were neither past due nor impaired and amounts past 
due but not impaired as at 31 December 2017, is as follows:

Neither past due nor impaired
-Invoice date less than 90 days
-Invoice date greater than 90 days

Past due but not impaired
- 0 to 60 days overdue
- 60+ days overdue
Past due and impaired (fully or partially)

2017
€m

432.6
22.1

153.5
30.1
38.6

676.9

The carrying amount of receivables at 31 December 2017 whose terms were being renegotiated, that would otherwise be past due or 
impaired, is €nil.

The movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade receivables during the year was as follows. Comparative amounts 
for 2017 represent the allowance account for impairment losses under IAS 39.

Balance at 1 January under IAS 39
Adjustment on initial application of IFRS 9
Balance at 1 January 2018 under IFRS 9
Arising on acquisition
Written off during the year
Net remeasurement of loss allowance
Effect of movement in exchange rates

At 31 December

2018
€m

51.1
-
51.1
10.8
(9.5)
4.3
(0.3)

56.4

2017
€m

46.1

3.9
(4.8)
7.6
(1.7)

51.1

There are no material trade receivables written off during 2018 which are still subject to enforcement activity.

The following significant changes in the gross carrying amount of trade receivables contributed to the change in the impairment 
allowance during 2018:

 >
 >

the organic growth of the Group; and
the combined impact of the Synthesia and Balex acquisitions during the year.

Cash & cash equivalents
On the Group’s cash and cash equivalents and derivatives, counterparty risk is managed by dealing with banks that have a minimum 
credit rating and by spreading business across a portfolio of ten relationship banks.

Financial instruments by category
The carrying amount of financial assets presented in the Statement of Financial Position relate to the following measurement 
categories as defined in IAS 39:

 2018

Current:
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Derivative financial instruments

Non Current:
Derivative financial instruments
Financial Asset

 2017

Current:
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Derivative financial instruments

Non Current:
Derivative financial instruments

Financial 
asset

Loans and 
receivables

€m

€m

Derivatives 
designated 
as hedging 
instruments
€m

-
-
-
-
-

-
8.2
8.2

735.1
32.1
294.5
-
1,061.7

-
-
-

-
-
-
0.2
0.2

27.4
-
27.4

Derivatives 
designated 
as hedging 
instruments
€m

Loans and 
receivables
€m

625.8
25.1
176.6
-
827.5

-
-

-
-
-
0.1
0.1

22.2
22.2

Total

€m

735.1
32.1
294.5
0.2
1,061.9

27.4
8.2
35.6

Total

€m

625.8
25.1
176.6
0.1
827.6

22.2
22.2

It is considered that the carrying amounts of the above financial assets approximate their fair values.

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018128

129

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

19  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

19  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

The carrying amounts of financial liabilities presented in the Statement of Financial Position relate to the following measurement 
categories as defined in IAS 39:

Except as detailed below, it is considered that the carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities recognised at 
amortised cost approximate their fair values.

2018
Current:
Borrowings
Trade payables
Accruals
Deferred consideration
Deferred contingent consideration

Non current:
Borrowings
Deferred contingent consideration

2017
Current:
Borrowings
Trade payables
Accruals
Deferred contingent consideration
Derivative financial instruments

Non current:
Borrowings
Deferred consideration

Financial 
liabilities in 
fair value 
hedge
€m

Financial 
liabilities 
measured at 
fair value
€m

Financial 
liabilities 
measured at 
amortised cost
€m

Derivatives 
designated 
as hedging 
instruments
€m

-
-
-
-
-
-

35.2
-
35.2

-
-
-
-
-
-

34.2
-
34.2

-
-
-
30.0
29.5
59.5

-
136.6
136.6

-
-
-
6.4
-
6.4

-
111.1
111.1

53.2
397.5
341.1
-
-
791.8

931.8
-
931.8

1.2
326.5
271.1
-
-
598.8

627.3
-
627.3

-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-
-
0.1
0.1

-
-
-

Total

€m

53.2
397.5
341.1
30.0
29.5
851.3

967.0
136.6
1,103.6

1.2
326.5
271.1
6.4
0.1
605.3

661.5
111.1
772.6

Fair value hierarchy
Financial assets and liabilities recognised at fair value are analysed between those based on quoted prices in active markets for 
identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), those involving inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities, 
either directly or indirectly (Level 2), and those involving inputs for the assets or liabilities that are not based on observable market 
data (Level 3) as set out in note 18.

Normally, the derivatives entered into by the Group are not traded in active markets. The fair values of these contracts are estimated 
using a valuation technique that maximises the use of observable market inputs, e.g. market exchange and interest rates (Level 2). 
All derivatives entered into by the Group are included in Level 2 and consist of foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps 
and cross currency interest rate swaps.

Financial Assets
Interest rate swaps
Foreign exchange contracts for hedging

Financial Liabilities
Deferred contingent consideration
Deferred consideration
Put option
Foreign exchange contracts for hedging

As at 31 December 2018

As at 31 December 2017

Level 1
€m

Level 2
€m

Level 3
€m

Level 1
€m

Level 2
€m

Level 3
€m

-
-

27.4
0.2

-
-

-
30.0
-
-

-
-
-
-

38.9
-
127.2
-

-
-

-
-
-
-

22.2
0.1

-
-
-
0.1

-
-

43.0
-
74.5
-

During the year ended 31 December 2018, there were no significant changes in the business or economic circumstances that affect 
the fair value of financial assets and liabilities, no reclassifications and no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy used in 
measuring the fair value of the financial instruments.

The unobservable input relevant to matters categorised as Level 3 is the underlying profitability of each business unit. A 5% movement in 
cashflows and a 1% adjustment in the discount rate would each have an immaterial impact on the carrying value of Level 3 items.

As at 31 December 2018

As at 31 December 2017

Carrying 
amount
€m

Fair 
Value
€m

Level 

Carrying 
amount
€m

Fair 
Value
€m

Level 

Private placement loan notes
Bank loans

835.9
180.1

889.0
180.1

2
2

655.4
3.0

693.7
3.0

2
2

Capital Management Policies and Procedures
The Group employs a combination of debt and equity to fund its operations. As at 31 December 2018 the total capital employed in the 
Group was as follows:

Net Debt
Equity

Total Capital Employed

2018
€m

728.3
1,788.9

2017
€m

463.9
1,568.0

2,517.2

2,031.9

The Board’s objective when managing capital is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain the confidence of investors, 
creditors and the market. The Board monitors the return on capital (defined as total shareholders’ equity plus net debt), and targets 
a return in excess of 15% together with a dividend level that is compatible with industry norms, but which also reflects any exceptional 
market conditions.

The Board seeks to maintain a balance between the higher returns that might be possible with higher levels of borrowings and 
the advantages and security afforded by a sound capital position. The Group actively manages foreign currency and interest rate 
exposure, as well as actively managing the net asset position, in order to create bottom line value. This necessitates the development 
of a methodology to optimise the allocation of financial resources on the one hand and the return on capital on the other.

The Board closely monitors externally imposed capital restrictions which are present due to covenants within the Group’s core 
banking facilities.

There were no changes to the Group’s approach to capital management during the year.

20  PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES

Guarantees and warranties
At 1 January
Arising on acquisitions (Note 22)
Provided during year
Claims paid
Provisions released
Effect of movement in exchange rates
At 31 December

Current liability
Non-current liability

2018
€m

101.0
9.4
38.2
(27.4)
(16.7)
(0.2)
104.3

47.5
56.8
104.3

2017
€m

100.9
5.2
41.8
(27.1)
(17.1)
(2.7)
101.0

52.3
48.7
101.0

The Group manufactures a wide range of insulation and related products for use primarily in the construction sector. Some products 
carry formal guarantees of satisfactory performance of varying periods following their purchase by customers and a provision is 
carried in respect of the expected costs of settling warranty and guarantee claims which arise. Both the number of claims and 
the cost of settling the claim are sensitive to change but not to such an extent as would cause a material change in the provision. 
Provisions are reviewed by management on a regular basis, and adjusted to reflect the current best estimate of the economic 
outflow. If it is no longer probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required, the related provision is reversed.

For the non-current element of the provision, the Group anticipates that these will be utilised within three years of the reporting date. 
Discounting of the non-current element has not been applied because the discount would be immaterial.

The Group is not engaged in any material litigation.

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
 
130

131

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

21  DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

22  BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (continued)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities arising from temporary differences and unused tax losses after offset are as follows:

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Net Position

2018
€m

15.6
(40.8)
(25.2)

2017
€m

16.5
(38.7)
(22.2)

Deferred tax arises from differences in the carrying value of items such as property, plant and equipment, intangibles, pension 
obligations, and other temporary differences in the financial statements and the tax base established by the tax authorities.

The movement in the net deferred tax position for 2018 is as follows:

Balance
1 Jan
2018

Recognised in 
profit
 or loss

Recognised in 
equity

Recognised 
in other 
comprehensive 
income

Translation 
adjustment

Arising on 
acquisitions

Balance
31 Dec 
2018

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Property, plant  
and equipment
Intangibles
Other temporary 
differences
Pension obligations
Unused tax losses

(40.6)
(24.9)

35.8
0.9
6.6
(22.2)

(4.2)
6.1

(5.9)
-
1.8
(2.2)

-
-

0.9
-
-
0.9

-
-

-
(0.2)
-
(0.2)

-
(0.1)

0.5
0.1
-
0.5

(1.0)
(10.5)

9.5
-
-
(2.0)

(45.8)
(29.4)

40.8
0.8
8.4
(25.2)

The movement in the net deferred tax position for 2017 is as follows:

Balance
1 Jan
2017

Recognised in 
profit
 or loss

Recognised in 
equity

Recognised 
in other 
comprehensive 
income

Translation 
adjustment

Arising on 
acquisitions

Balance
31 Dec 
2017

€m

(46.3)
(26.8)

39.2
(0.1)
8.2
(25.8)

€m

5.3
3.1

(3.9)
1.0
(1.1)
4.4

€m

-
-

3.9
-
-
3.9

€m

-
-

-
(0.2)
-
(0.2)

€m

1.2
1.6

(2.1)
0.2
(0.5)
0.4

€m

€m

(0.8)
(2.8)

(1.3)
-
-
(4.9)

(40.6)
(24.9)

35.8
0.9
6.6
(22.2)

Property, plant and 
equipment
Intangibles
Other temporary 
differences
Pension obligations
Unused tax losses

22  BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

A key strategy of the Group is to create and sustain market leading positions through acquisitions in markets it currently operates 
in, together with extending the Group’s footprint in new geographic markets. In line with this strategy, the principal acquisitions 
completed during the year were as follows:

In March 2018, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of the Synthesia Group comprising of Synthesia Espanola S.A., 
Poliuretanos S.A, Huurre Iberica S.A. and their respective subsidiaries (“Synthesia”). The total consideration, including debt acquired 
and related costs amounted to €243.4m, representing the maximum amount of identifiable consideration, comprising of €213.4m 
paid in cash on completion and €30.0m in deferred consideration.

In July 2018, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Balex Metal sp. z.o.o. (“Balex”), a Polish based manufacturer of insulated 
panels and insulation boards. The total consideration, including debt acquired and related costs amounted to €197.6m which was 
discharged in full at acquisition. 

The Group also made a number of smaller acquisitions during the year for a combined cash consideration of €50.0m:

 >
 >
 >
 >
 >

the purchase of 51% of the share capital of Jindal Mectec Private Limited, an Indian manufacturer of insulated panels;
the purchase of the assets of H2Enviro, an Australian water tanks business;
the purchase of 100% of Vestfold Plastindustri AS and Vestfold Plastindustri Eiendom AS, a Norwegian water treatment business;
the purchase of STF Holding GmbH & Co KG, a German based daylighting and smoke extraction business; and
the purchase of Tanks Direct Limited, a UK based Water & Energy business. 

The table below reflects the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in respect of the acquisitions completed during the year. 
Any amendments to fair values will be made within the twelve month period from the date of acquisition, as permitted by IFRS 3, 
Business Combinations.

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred tax asset

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Provisions for liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities

Total identifiable assets

Non-controlling interest arising on acquisition 
(Note 28)
Goodwill
Total consideration

Satisfied by:
Cash (net of cash acquired)
Deferred contingent consideration

Synthesia
€m

31.5
42.8
3.3

49.1
70.4

(59.6)
(5.6)

(7.9)
124.0

-
119.4
243.4

213.4
30.0
243.4

Balex
€m

7.9
42.3
0.7

30.0
18.1

(23.4)
(0.9)

(1.8)
72.9

-
124.7
197.6

197.6
-
197.6

Other*
€m

3.9
8.6
2.8

4.8
4.2

(28.5)
(2.9)

0.9
(6.2)

4.9
52.7
51.4

50.0
1.4
51.4

Total
€m

43.3
93.7
6.8

83.9
92.7

(111.5)
(9.4)

(8.8)
190.7

4.9
296.8
492.4

461.0
31.4
492.4

*Included in Other are certain immaterial remeasurements of prior year accounting estimates.

The acquired goodwill is attributable principally to the profit generating potential of the businesses, together with cross-selling 
opportunities and other synergies expected to be achieved from integrating the acquired businesses into the Group’s existing 
business. 

In the post-acquisition period to 31 December 2018, the businesses acquired during the current year contributed revenue of €416.3m 
and trading profit of €35.0m to the Group’s results. 

The full year revenue and trading profit had the acquisitions taken place at the start of the year, would have been €4,522.7m and 
€449.5m respectively. 

The gross contractual value of trade and other receivables as at the respective dates of acquisition amounted to €103.0m. The fair 
value of these receivables is €92.7m, all of which is recoverable, and is inclusive of an aggregate impairment provision of €10.8m. 

There is no goodwill (2017: €25.5m) which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. 

The Group incurred acquisition related costs of €3.3m (2017: €3.6m) relating to external legal fees, due diligence costs and stamp 
duty. These costs have been included in operating costs in the Consolidated Income Statement.

The deferred consideration reflects the remaining obligation associated with the Group’s 100% interest in Synthesia. A put option is 
also in place over the remaining 49% of Jindal Mectec Private Limited, the details of which are set out in Note 18. 

The initial assignment of fair values to identifiable net assets acquired has been performed on a provisional basis in respect of 
Synthesia Technology, being the chemical element of Synthesia, and Balex due to the relative size of the acquisitions and the number 
of markets they operate in. Any amendments to these fair values within the twelve-month timeframe from the date of acquisition will 
be disclosable in the 2019 Annual Report, as stipulated by IFRS 3.

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018132

133

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

22  BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (continued)

24  SHARE PREMIUM

Prior year acquisitions
In the prior year, the Group acquired 51% of the share capital of Isoeste Construtivos Isotermicos S.A. (“Isoeste”), 100% of the share 
capital of Brakel Investments BV, 100% of the share capital of CPI Daylighting Inc., 100% of the share capital of Rhino Water Tanks & 
Liners Pty., 51% of the share capital of PanelMET S.A.S, the assets of the Jansen Building Products Access Floors business in Belgium 
and two smaller bolt-on European businesses. 

The fair values as recognised at 31 December 2017 of the acquired assets and liabilities at acquisition are set out below:

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred tax asset

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Provisions for liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Retirement benefit obligation
Deferred tax liabilities

Total identifiable assets

Non-controlling interest arising on acquisition (Note 28)
Goodwill
Total consideration

Satisfied by:
Cash (net of cash acquired)
Deferred contingent consideration

Isoeste
€m

Brakel
€m

Other
€m

5.3
12.9
-

23.4
29.0

(22.4)
-

-
(1.8)

46.4

(24.6)
53.2
75.0

41.8
33.2
75.0

-
10.5
-

3.9
14.2

(14.7)
(1.5)

(0.3)
(1.7)

10.4

-
62.9
73.3

73.3
-
73.3

7.6
16.4
3.9

5.1
8.2

(12.8)
(3.7)

(0.3)
(5.3)

19.1

(0.3)
40.0
58.8

58.8
-
58.8

Total
€m

12.9
39.8
3.9

32.4
51.4

(49.9)
(5.2)

(0.6)
(8.8)

75.9

(24.9)
156.1
207.1

173.9
33.2
207.1

In the post-acquisition period to 31 December 2017, the acquired businesses contributed revenue of €80.9m and a trading profit of 
€9.5m to the Group’s results.

The full year revenue and trading profit had the acquisitions taken place at the start of the year, would have been €3,853.8m and 
€397.3m.

The Group incurred acquisition related costs of €3.6m (2016: €3.1m) relating to external legal fees and due diligence costs. These costs 
have been included in operating costs in the Income Statement.

23  SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised
250,000,000 Ordinary shares of €0.13 each  
(2017: 250,000,000 Ordinary shares of €0.13 each)

Issued and fully paid
Ordinary shares of €0.13 each
Opening balance – 181,342,315 (2017: 180,051,534) shares
Share options exercised – 828,805 (2017: 1,290,781) shares

Closing balance – 182,171,120 (2017: 181,342,315) shares

There were no adjustments to the authorised share capital during the year (2017: 30,000,000 shares).

Details of share options exercised are set out in Note 3 to the financial statements.

2018
€m

2017
€m

32.5

32.5

23.6
0.1

23.7

23.4
0.2

23.6

At 1 January
Premium on share options exercised under employee share based compensation schemes

At 31 December

25  TREASURY SHARES

Consideration paid

2018
€m

95.6
-

95.6

2018

2017

No. of shares Consideration 
paid

Total

No. of shares Consideration 
paid

At 1 January
Repurchase of shares
Shares issued
At 31 December

Nominal value

2,019,750
-
(50,607)
1,969,143

No. of shares

At 1 January
Repurchase of shares
Shares issued
At 31 December

2,019,750
-
(50,607)
1,969,143

€

6.89
-
25.10
6.40

2018

Nominal 
value
€

0.13
-
0.13
0.13

€m

14.0
-
(1.3)
12.7

1,969,826
49,924
-
2,019,750

Total

No. of shares

€

262,567

(6,579)
255,988

1,969,826
49,924
-
2,019,750

€

6.32
29.23
-
6.89

2017

Nominal 
value
€

0.13
0.13
-
0.13

2017
€m

95.6
-

95.6

Total

€m

12.5
1.5
-
14.0

Total

€

256,077
6,490
-
262,567

During the year, the Company issued 50,607 treasury shares in satisfaction of obligations falling under the Deferred Bonus Plan.

The Company holds 1.1% (2017: 1.1%) of the issued ordinary share capital as treasury shares.

26  RETAINED EARNINGS

In accordance with Section 304 of the Companies Act 2014, the Company is availing of the exemption from presenting its individual 
Income Statement at the Annual General Meeting and from filing it with the Registrar of Companies. The Company’s profit for the 
financial year was €9.7m (2017: €83.0m).

27  DIVIDENDS

Equity dividends on ordinary shares:
2018 Interim dividend 12.0 cent (2017: 11.0 cent) per share
2017 Final dividend 26.0 cent (2016: 23.5 cent) per share

Proposed for approval at AGM
Final dividend of 30.0 cent (2017: 26.0 cent) per share

2018
€m

21.7
46.6

68.3

54.1

2017
€m

19.7
42.0

61.7

46.6

This proposed dividend for 2018 is subject to approval by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and has not been included 
as a liability in the Statement of Financial Position of the Group as at 31 December 2018 in accordance with IAS 10 Events after the 
Reporting Period. The proposed final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2018 will be payable on 10 May 2019 to shareholders on 
the Register of Members at close of business on 29 March 2019.

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018134

135

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

28  NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

30  CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS

At 1 January
Profit for the year attributable to non-controlling interest
Arising on acquisition (Note 22)
Dividends paid to minorities
Share of foreign operations’ translation movement
At 31 December

2018
€m

39.9
4.9
(4.9)
(0.1)
(1.2)
38.6

2017
€m

16.6
1.6
24.9
-
(3.2)
39.9

During the year, the Group acquired 51% of the ordinary share capital of Jindal Mectec Private Limited, an Indian Insulated Panels 
business. As part of the acquisition, the Group recognised the 49% non-controlling interest of €2.4m. In addition, there was a €7.3m 
movement attributable to Kingspan Isoeste.

Further details are provided in Note 22.

29  RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT

Movement in cash and bank overdrafts
Drawdown of loans
Repayment of loans
(Increase) in deferred consideration
Settlement of derivative financial instrument
(Increase) in lease finance
Change in net debt resulting from cash flows
Translation movement - relating to US dollar loan
Translation movement – other
Derivative financial instruments movement
Net movement

Net debt at start of the year

Net debt at end of the year

2018
€m

120.1
(445.0)
92.8
(30.0)
-
(0.1)
(262.2)
(5.5)
(1.9)
5.2
(264.4)

2017
€m

(35.3)
(30.4)
41.8
-
(8.0)
(0.8)
(32.7)
25.9
(10.9)
(18.3)
(36.0)

(463.9)

(427.9)

(728.3)

(463.9)

A reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities is set out below:

Balance
1 Jan 2018
€m

Repayments

Deferred  

Consideration
€m

€m

Drawdowns / 
Receipts
€m

Non cash 
movements
€m

Balance
31 Dec 2018
€m

Bank loans
Loan notes
Finance leases
Derivatives
Deferred Consideration

3.0
655.4
4.3
(22.2)
-
640.5

(92.8)
-
-
-
-
(92.8)

-
-
-
-
30.0
30.0

270.0
175.0
0.1
-
-
445.1

(0.1)
5.5
(0.2)
(5.2)
-
-

180.1
835.9
4.2
(27.4)
30.0
1,022.8

A reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities in 2017 is set out below:

Profit for the year

Add back non-operating expenses:
-Income tax expense
-Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
-Amortisation of intangible assets
-Impairment of non-current assets
-Employee equity-settled share options
-Finance income
-Finance expense
-Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment
-Profit on disposal of subsidiary
-Fair value movement of deferred consideration

Changes in working capital:
-Inventories
-Trade and other receivables
-Trade and other payables

Other
-Change in provisions
-Pension contributions

2018
€m

2017
€m

335.8

285.9

69.1
76.0
22.2
5.2
12.3
(1.4)
19.5
(4.9)
-
0.8

4.7
(33.0)
30.6

(5.8)
(0.8)

60.6
64.2
15.7
3.1
10.7
(0.5)
16.4
(2.1)
(2.9)
-

(64.8)
(47.7)
27.2

(2.4)
(0.9)

Cash generated from operations

530.3

362.5

31  GUARANTEES AND OTHER FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS

(i) Guarantees and contingencies

The Group’s principal debt facilities are secured by means of cross guarantees provided by Kingspan Group plc. These include drawn 
private placement notes of US$200m and €662.5m, drawn banking facilities of €170m and undrawn banking facilities of €380m.

(ii) Leases

Finance lease liabilities are payable as follows:

Future minimum  
lease payment

2018
€m

0.4
4.3
4.7

2017
€m

0.6
4.4
5.0

Interest

2018
€m

-
0.5
0.5

2017
€m

-
0.7
0.7

Present value of minimum 
lease payments

2018
€m

0.4
3.8
4.2

2017
€m

0.6
3.7
4.3

Less than one year
Between 1 - 5 years

Total obligations under non-cancellable operating leases are due as follows:

Minimum
payments
2018
€m

Minimum
payments
2017
€m

28.4
67.8
55.3
151.5

19.2
48.3
39.8
107.3

Bank loans
Loan notes
Finance leases
Derivatives

Balance
1 Jan 2017
€m

3.8
691.1
3.5
(48.5)
649.9

Repayments

€m

(2.0)
(39.8)
-
-
(41.8)

Drawdowns / 
Receipts
€m

Non cash 
movements
€m

Balance
31 Dec 2017
€m

0.4
30.0
0.8
8.0
39.2

0.8
(25.9)
-
18.3
(6.8)

3.0
655.4
4.3
(22.2)
640.5

Less than one year
Between 1 - 5 years
More than 5 years

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018136

137

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

31  GUARANTEES AND OTHER FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS (continued)

32  PENSION OBLIGATIONS (continued)

(iii) Future capital expenditure

Movements in net liability recognised in the Statement of Financial Position

Capital expenditure in subsidiary entities, approved by the directors but not provided in the financial statements, is as follows:

Contracted for
Not contracted for

32  PENSION OBLIGATIONS

2018
€m

49.7
20.9

70.6

2017
€m

45.2
20.4

65.6

Net liability in schemes at 1 January
Acquired (Note 22)
Employer contributions
Recognised in income statement
Recognised in statement of comprehensive income
Foreign exchange movement
Net liability in schemes at 31 December

The Group operates defined contribution schemes in each of its main operating locations. The Group also has a number of defined 
benefit schemes in the UK and mainland Europe.

Defined contribution schemes
The total cost charged to profit or loss of €15.5m (2017: €11.8m) represents employer contributions payable to these schemes in 
accordance with the rules of each plan. An amount of €4.3m (2017: €5.0m) was included at year end in accruals in respect of defined 
contribution pension accruals.

Contributions for key management personnel to defined contribution schemes are set out in Note 7.

Defined benefit schemes / obligations
The Group has two legacy defined benefit schemes in the UK, both of which are closed to new members and to future accrual.  
The total pension contributions to these schemes for the year amounted to €0.1m (2017: €0.2m) and the expected contributions  
for 2019 are €0.1m.

The Group also has pension obligations in mainland Europe which are accounted for as defined benefit obligations. These  
obligations have been accounted for in line with the Group’s existing pension obligations whereby companies are not required to  
fund independent schemes for post employment benefit obligations. Instead, commencing from the date the employee becomes 
eligible to receive the income stream, this obligation is satisfied from available cash resources of the relevant employing company.  
A provision has been made for the unfunded liability. Pension entitlements of €0.8m have been paid to retired former employees 
during the year (2017: €0.7m).

The pension costs relating to all of the above defined benefit obligations are assessed in accordance with the advice of qualified 
actuaries. In the case of the two UK legacy schemes, the most recent actuarial valuations were performed as of 31 December 2018. In 
general, actuarial valuations are not available for public inspection; however, the results of valuations are advised to members of the 
various schemes.

The extent of the Group’s obligation under these schemes is sensitive to judgemental actuarial assumptions, of which the principal 
ones are set out below. It is not considered that any reasonable sensitivity analysis on these assumptions would materially alter the 
scheme obligations.

Life expectancies
Life expectancy for someone aged 65 - Males
Life expectancy for someone aged 65 - Females
Life expectancy at age 65 for someone aged 45 - Males
Life expectancy at age 65 for someone aged 45 - Females

Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase of pensions in payment
Rate of increase for deferred pensioners
Discount rate
Inflation rate

2018

2017

21.9
23.8
23.3
25.4

22.1
23.9
23.5
25.4

0% - 2.75%
0% - 2.1%
2% - 2.2%
1.2% - 2.8%
1.5% - 3.2%

0% - 2.75%
0% - 2.1%
2% - 2.2%
1.3% - 2.6%
1% - 3.2%

Defined benefit pension income/expense recognised in the Income Statement

Current service cost
Settlements of scheme obligations
Transfer
Total, included in operating costs

Movement on scheme obligations
Interest on scheme assets
Net interest expense, included in finance expense (Note 5)

Analysis of amount included in other comprehensive income

Actual return less interest on scheme assets
Experience gain arising on scheme liabilities
Actuarial gain arising from changes in demographic assumptions
Actuarial gain /(loss) arising from changes in financial assumptions
Gain/(loss)recognised in other comprehensive income

The cumulative actuarial loss recognised in other comprehensive income to date is €18.3m (2017: €19.2m).

In 2018, the actual return on plan assets was a loss of €2.4m (2017: €4.1m).

Asset Classes and Expected Rate of Return
The assets in the scheme at each year end were as follows:

Asset Classes as % of Total Scheme Assets
Equities
Bonds (Corporates)
Cash
Liability Driven Investment (LDI)

2018
€m

(13.6)
-
0.8
(1.1)
0.9
(0.1)
(13.1)

2018
€m

(1.3)
(0.1)
0.3
(1.1)

(1.8)
1.8
-

2018
€m

(4.2)
-
0.4
4.7
0.9

2017
€m

(14.1)
(0.6)
0.9
(0.6)
1.0
(0.2)
(13.6)

2017
€m

(0.4)
(0.1)
-
(0.5)

(2.0)
1.9
(0.1)

2017
€m

2.2
0.3
1.0
(2.5)
1.0

2018

2017

53.0%
0.3%
0.2%
46.5%
100%

46.0%
0.3%
0.2%
53.5%
100%

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018138

139

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 (continued)

33  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The principal related party relationships requiring disclosure under IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures relate to (i) transactions between 
group companies, (ii) compensation of key management personnel and (iii) goods and services purchased from directors.

(i) 

 Transactions between subsidiaries and associates are carried out on an arm’s length basis. 
 The Company received no dividends from subsidiaries (2017: €67.0m), and there was a net decrease in the intercompany 
balance of €55.2m (2017: €23.2m increase).

 Transactions with the Group’s non-wholly owned subsidiaries primarily comprise trading sales and capital funding, carried out on 
an arm’s length basis. These transactions are not considered to be material.

(ii) 

 For the purposes of the disclosure requirements of IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures, the term “key management personnel” (i.e. 
those persons having the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company), 
comprise the board of directors who manage the business and affairs of the Company.  As identified in the Report of the 
Remuneration Committee, the directors, other than the non-executive directors, serve as executive officers of the Group.

Key management personnel compensation is set out in Note 7.

 Mr Eugene Murtagh received dividends of €10.9m during the year from the Group (2017: €10.0m). Dividends of €0.92m were 
paid to other key management personnel (2017: €0.82m).

(iii) 

 The Group purchased legal services in the sum of €114,533 (2017: €135,916) from McCann FitzGerald Solicitors, a firm in which 
Mr John Cronin is a partner.

34   POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

There have been no material events subsequent to 31 December 2018 which would require adjustment to or disclosure in this report.

35  APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements were approved by the directors on 22 February 2019.

32  PENSION OBLIGATIONS (continued)

The net pension liability is analysed as follows:

Equities
Bonds (Corporates)
Cash
Liability Driven Investment (LDI)
Fair market value of plan assets
Present value of obligation
Deficit

Analysed between:
Funded schemes’ surplus
Unfunded obligations

Related deferred tax (asset)/liability

Changes in present value of defined benefit obligations
At 1 January
Acquired through business combination
Current service cost
Interest cost
Benefits paid
Settlement
Actuarial (gains)/losses
Effect of movement in exchange rates
Transfer
At 31 December

Changes in present value of scheme assets during year
At 1 January
Acquired through business combination
Interest on scheme assets
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
Settlement
Actual return less interest
Effect of movement in exchange rates
Transfer
At 31 December

2018
€m

37.5
0.2
0.2
33.2
71.1
(84.2)
(13.1)

7.4
(20.5)
(13.1)

(0.8)

2018
€m

90.5
-
1.3
1.8
(2.4)
(0.1)
(5.1)
(0.7)
(1.1) 
84.2

2018
€m

76.9
-
1.8
0.1
(1.7)
(0.2)
(4.2)
(0.8)
(0.8)
71.1

2017
€m

34.9
0.2
0.2
41.6
76.9
(90.5)
(13.6)

7.9
(21.5)
(13.6)

(0.9)

2017
€m

91.2
1.2
0.4
2.0
(2.9)
(0.2)
1.2
(2.4)
-
90.5

2017
€m

77.1
0.6
1.9
0.3
(2.3)
(0.3)
2.2
(2.6)
-
76.9

Financial StatementsKingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
 
 
 
140

Other Information
—
Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)

The Group uses a number of metrics, which are non-IFRS measures, to monitor the performance of its operations.

The Group believes that these metrics assist investors in evaluating the performance of the underlying business. Given that these 
metrics are regularly used by management, they also give the investor an insight into how Group management review and monitor 
the business on an ongoing basis.

The principal APMs used by the Group are defined as follows:

TRADING PROFIT

This comprises the operating profit as reported in the Income Statement before intangible asset amortisation and non trading items. 
This equates to the Earnings Before Interest, Tax and Amortisation (“EBITA”) of the Group. Trading profit is used by management as it 
excludes items which may hinder year on year comparisons.

Financial Statements Reference

Trading profit

Note 2

TRADING MARGIN

Measures the trading profit as a percentage of revenue

Trading Profit
Total Group Revenue
Trading margin

NET INTEREST

Financial Statements Reference

Note 2
Note 2

2018
€m

445.2

2017
€m

337.5

2018
€m

445.2
4,372.5
10.2%

2017
€m

377.5
3,668.1
10.3%

The Group defines net interest as the net total of finance expense and finance income as presented in the Income Statement

Finance Expense
Finance Income
Net Interest

NON TRADING ITEMS

Financial Statements Reference

Note 5
Note 5

2018
€m

19.5
(1.4)
18.1

2017
€m

16.4
(0.5)
15.9

The Group defines non trading items as significant one off items which are not part of the regular trading performance of the 
Group. These may include significant restructuring costs, profit or loss on disposal of investments, significant impairment of assets. 
Judgement is used by the Group in assessing the particular items, by their scale and nature, should be classified as non trading items.

ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Group defines adjusted earnings per share as basic earnings per share adjusted for the impact, net of tax, of intangible amortisation.

Financial Statements Reference

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
Intangible amortisation
Intangible amortisation tax impact
Non-trading items

Note 9
Note 2

Note 4

2018
€m

330.9
22.2
(5.1)
-
348.0

2017
€m

284.3
15.7
(3.1)
(0.4)
296.5

Weighted average number of shares ('000)

Note 9

179,840

178,854

Adjusted earnings per share

Weighted  average number of shares for  
dilutive calculation ('000)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share

Note 9

193.5 cent

165.8 cent

181,536
191.7 cent

180,710
164.1 cent

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FREE CASH FLOW

Free cash flow is the cash generated from operations after net capital expenditure, interest paid and income taxes paid and reflects 
the amount of internally generated capital available for re-investment in the business or for distribution to shareholders. Free cash 
flow is seen as an important indicator of the strength and quality of the business and the availability of funds for deployment of a 
return to shareholders.

Net cash flow from operating activities

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Financial Statements Reference

2018
€m

438.3

2017
€m

283.6

Additions to property, plant,  
equipment and intangibles

Proceeds from disposals of property,  
plant and equipment
Interest received

Free cash flow

RETURN ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED (ROCE)

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(144.2)

(89.8)

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

12.9
1.4

308.4

4.2
0.5

198.5

ROCE is the adjusted operating profit before interest and tax expressed as a percentage of the net assets employed. The net assets 
employed reflect the net assets, excluding net debt, at the end of each reporting period.

Net Assets
Net Debt

Financial Statements Reference

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Note 17

Operating profit before interest and tax

Consolidated Income Statement

Return on capital employed

NET DEBT

2018
€m

1,788.9
728.3
2,517.2

423.0

16.8%

2017
€m

1,568.0
463.9
2,031.9

362.4

17.8%

Net debt represents the net total of current and non-current borrowings, current and non-current derivative financial instruments, 
(excluding foreign currency derivatives which are used for transactional hedging), and cash and cash equivalents as presented in the 
Statement of Financial Position.

Net Debt

Note 17

WORKING CAPITAL

Financial Statements Reference

2018
€m

728.3

2017
€m

463.9

Working capital represents the net total of inventories, trade and other receivables and trade and other payables, net of transactional 
foreign currency derivation excluded from net debt.

Financial Statements Reference

Note 15
Trade and other receivables
Note 14
Inventories
Trade and other payables
Note 16
Foreign currency derivatives excluded from net debt Note 19

Working capital

WORKING CAPITAL RATIO

2018
€m

798.6
524.9
(779.8)
0.2

2017
€m

675.9
447.1
(645.2)
-

543.9

477.8

Measures working capital as a percentage of October to December turnover annualised. The annualisation of October to December 
turnover reflects the current profile of the Group rather than a partial reflection of any acquisitions completed during the financial year.

Working capital
October – December turnover annualised

Working Capital ratio

Financial Statements Reference

2018
€m

543.9
4,711.6

2017
€m

477.8
3,840.7

11.5%

12.4%

Kingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
142

Shareholder Information
—

The Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at 
The Herbert Park Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 on Friday 3 May 
2019 at 10.00 a.m. 

Notice of the 2019 AGM will be made available to view online 
at www.kingspan.com/agm2019

You may submit your votes electronically by accessing 
Computershare’s website:

Share Registrar
Administrative enquiries about the holding of Kingspan  
Group plc shares should be directed to:

The Company Registrar:
Computershare Investor Services (Ireland) Limited,
Heron House,
Corrig Road,
Sandyford Industrial Estate,
Dublin 18.

www.eproxyappointment.com

Financial Calendar

You will be asked for your Shareholder Reference Number 
(SRN), Control Number, and PIN, all of which will have been 
sent to shareholders in advance of the meeting. To be valid, 
your proxy vote must be received by Computershare no later 
than 10.00 am on Wednesday 1 May 2019 (48 hours before  
the meeting).

Amalgamation of shareholding accounts
Shareholders who receive duplicate sets of Company mailings 
due to multiple accounts in their name should write to the 
Company’s Registrar to have their accounts amalgamated.

Warning to shareholders
Many companies have become aware that their shareholders 
have received unsolicited phone calls or correspondence 
concerning investment matters. These are typically from 
overseas based “brokers” who target shareholders offering 
to sell them what often turn out to be worthless or high-risk 
shares in US or UK investments. They can be very persistent 
and extremely persuasive. Shareholders are therefore advised 
to be very wary of any unsolicited advice, offers to buy shares 
at a discount or offers of free company reports.

Please note that it is very unlikely that either the Company 
or the Company’s Registrar, Computershare, would make 
unsolicited telephone calls to shareholders and that any such 
calls would relate only to official documentation already 
circulated to shareholders and never in respect of investment 
“advice”.

If you are in any doubt about the veracity of an unsolicited 
phone call, please call either the Company Secretary or the 
Registrar.

Company information
Kingspan Group plc was incorporated on 14 August 1979. It 
is an Irish domiciled company and the registered office is 
Kingspan Group plc, Dublin Road, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, A82 
XY31, Ireland. The registered company number of Kingspan 
Group plc is 70576.

Preliminary results announced: 

22 February 2019

Annual General Meeting:

3 May 2019

Payment date for 2018 final dividend: 10 May 2019

Ex dividend date:

Record date:

28 March 2019

29 March 2019

Half-yearly financial report:

23 August 2019

Trading update:

18 November 2019

Bankers

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

HSBC Bank plc

ING Bank NV 

Commerzbank

JP Morgan Chase Bank

Ulster Bank Ireland Limited 

BNP Paribas

Danske Bank AS

KBC Bank NV

Bank of Ireland

Solicitors

McCann FitzGerald,
Riverside One,
Sir John Rogerson’s Quay,
Dublin 2,
Ireland.

Stockbrokers

Goodbody,
Ballsbridge Park, 
Ballsbridge, 
Dublin 4,
Ireland.

Auditor

Allen & Overy LLP, 
One Bishops Square, 
London, 
E1 6AD,
England.

JP Morgan Cazenove, 
25 Bank Street, 
Canary Wharf,
London,
E14 5JP,
England.

KPMG,
Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor,
1 Stokes Place,
St Stephen’s Green,
Dublin 2,
Ireland.

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Information Required by the European Communities 
(Takeover Bids (Directive 2004/25/Ec))  
Regulations 2006

The information required by Regulation 21 of the above Regulations 
as at 31 December 2018 is set out below. 

Rights and obligations attaching to the Ordinary Shares 
The Company has no securities in issue conferring special rights 
with regards control of the Company. 

All Ordinary Shares rank pari passu, and the rights attaching to the 
Ordinary Shares (including as to voting and transfer) are as set out 
in the Company’s Articles of Association (“Articles”). The Articles 
of Association also contain the rules relating to the appointment 
and removal of directors, rules relating to amending the Articles of 
Association, the powers of the Company’s directors and in relation 
to issuing or buying back by the Company of its shares.  A copy 
of the Articles may be found on www.kingspan.com or may be 
obtained on request to the Company Secretary. 

Holders of Ordinary Shares are entitled to receive duly declared 
dividends in cash or, when offered, additional Ordinary Shares. In 
the event of any surplus arising on the occasion of the liquidation 
of the Company, shareholders would be entitled to a share in that 
surplus pro rata to their holdings of Ordinary Shares.

Holders of Ordinary Shares are entitled to receive notice of and to 
attend, speak and vote in person or by proxy, at general meetings 
having, on a show of hands, one vote, and, on a poll, one vote 
for each Ordinary Share held. Procedures and deadlines for 
entitlement to exercise, and exercise of, voting rights are specified 
in the notice convening the general meeting in question. There 
are no restrictions on voting rights except in the circumstances 
where a “Specified Event” (as defined in the Articles) shall have 
occurred and the Directors have served a Restriction Notice on the 
shareholder.  Upon the service of such Restriction Notice, no holder 
of the shares specified in the notice shall, for so long as such notice 
shall remain in force, be entitled to attend or vote at any general 
meeting, either personally or by proxy.

Holding and transfer of ordinary shares 
The Ordinary Shares may be held in either certificated or 
uncertificated form (through CREST).

Save as set out below, there is no requirement to obtain the 
approval of the Company, or of other shareholders, for a transfer 
of Ordinary Shares.  The Directors may decline to register (a) 
any transfer of a partly-paid share to a person of whom they 
do not approve, (b) any transfer of a share to more than four 
joint holders, (c) any transfer of a share on which the Company 
has a lien, and (d) any transfer of a certificated share unless 
accompanied by the share certificate and such other evidence of 
title as may reasonably be required. The registration of transfers of 
shares may be suspended at such times and for such periods (not 
exceeding 30 days in each year) as the Directors may determine.

Transfer instruments for certificated shares are executed by or on 
behalf of the transferor and, in cases where the share is not fully 
paid, by or on behalf of the transferee. Transfers of uncertificated 
shares may be effected by means of a relevant system in the 
manner provided for in the Companies Act, 1990 (Uncertificated 
Securities) Regulations, 1996 (the “CREST Regulations”) and the 
rules of the relevant system. The Directors may refuse to register a 
transfer of uncertificated shares only in such circumstances as may 
be permitted or required by the CREST Regulations.

Rules concerning the appointment and replacement of the 
directors and amendment of the Company’s Articles 
Unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution of the 
Company, the number of Directors shall not be less than two or 
more than 15. 

Subject to that limit, the shareholders in general meeting may 
appoint any person to be a director either to fill a vacancy or as 
an additional director. The directors also have the power to co-opt 

additional persons as directors, but any director so co-opted is 
under the Articles required to be submitted to shareholders for 
re-election at the first annual general meeting following his or her 
co-option.

The Articles require that at each annual general meeting of the 
Company one-third of the directors retire by rotation. However, 
in accordance with the recommendations of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, the directors have resolved they will all retire 
and submit themselves for re-election by the shareholders at the 
Annual General Meeting to be held on 3 May 2019.

The Company’s Articles may be amended by special resolution 
(75% majority of votes cast) passed at general meeting.

Powers of directors including powers in relation to issuing or buying 
back by the Company of its shares 
Under its Articles, the business of the Company shall be managed 
by the directors, who exercise all powers of the Company as are 
not, by the Companies Acts or the Articles, required to be exercised 
by the Company in general meeting. 

The directors are currently authorised to issue a number of shares 
equal to the authorised but as yet unissued share capital of the 
Company on such terms as they may consider to be in the best 
interests of the Company, under an authority that was conferred 
on them at the Annual General Meeting held on 20 April 2018. The 
directors are also currently authorised on the issue of new equity 
for cash to disapply the strict statutory pre-emption provisions 
that would otherwise apply, provided that the disapplication 
is limited to the allotment of equity securities in connection 
with (i) any rights issue or any open offer to shareholders, or (ii) 
the allotment of shares not exceeding in aggregate 5% of the 
nominal value of the Company’s issued share capital, or (iii) for 
the purpose of financing (or refinancing) an acquisition or other 
capital investment of a kind contemplated by the UK Pre-emption 
Group not exceeding in aggregate 5% of the nominal value of the 
Company’s issued share capital. Both these authorities expire on 3 
May 2019 unless renewed and resolutions to that effect are being 
proposed at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 3 May 2019.

The Company may, subject to the Companies Acts and the 
Articles, purchase any of its shares and may either cancel or 
hold in treasury any shares so purchased, and may re-issue any 
such treasury shares on such terms and conditions as may be 
determined by the directors. The Company shall not make market 
purchases of its own shares unless such purchases have been 
authorised by a special resolution passed by the members of the 
Company at a general meeting. At the Annual General Meeting 
held on 20 April 2018, shareholders passed a resolution giving the 
Company, or any of its subsidiaries, the authority to purchase up 
to 10% of the Company’s issued Ordinary Shares. At the Annual 
General Meeting to be held on 3 May 2019, shareholders are being 
asked to renew this authority. 

Miscellaneous 
There are no agreements between shareholders that are known 
to the Company which may result in restrictions on the transfer of 
securities or voting rights.

Certain of the Group’s banking facilities include provisions that, 
in the event of a change of control of the Company, could oblige 
early prepayment of the facilities. Certain of the Company’s joint 
venture arrangements also contain provisions that would allow the 
counterparty to terminate the agreement in the event of a change 
of control of the Company.  

The Company’s Performance Share Plan contains change of 
control provisions which allow for the acceleration of the exercise 
of share options/awards in the event of a change of control of the 
Company. 

There are no agreements between the Company and its Directors 
or employees providing for compensation for loss of office or 
employment (whether through resignation, purported redundancy 
or otherwise) that occurs because of a takeover bid.

Kingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
 
144

Principal Subsidiary Undertakings
—

Full list of principal subsidiary and joint venture companies and the percentage shareholding held by Kingspan Group plc, 
either directly or indirectly pursuant to Section 316 of the Companies Act 2014:

 % Shareholding

Nature of Business 

 % Shareholding

Nature of Business 

 % Shareholding

Nature of Business 

 % Shareholding

Nature of Business 

Ireland
Aerobord Limited
Kingscourt Trustee 
Company Limited
Kingspan Century Limited
Kingspan ESB Designated 
Activity Company
Kingspan Holdings (Irl) 
Limited
Kingspan Holdings  
(North America) Limited
Kingspan Holdings 
(Overseas) Limited
Kingspan Holdings Limited
Kingspan Insulation Limited
Kingspan International 
Finance Unlimited 
Company
Kingspan Light &  
Air Limited
Kingspan Limited
Kingspan RE Limited
Kingspan Research & 
Developments Limited
Kingspan Securities 2016 
Designated Activity 
Company
Kingspan Securities 2017 
Designated Activity 
Company
Kingspan Securities Limited
Kingspan Securities No. 2 
Limited
Kingspan Tate Limited
Kingspan Water & Energy 
Limited
KSP Property Limited

United Kingdom
Building Innovation Limited
Ecotherm Insulation (UK) 
Limited
Euroclad Group Limited
Fuel Tank Shop Limited
Joris Ide Limited
Kingspan Access Floors Limited
Kingspan Energy Limited
Kingspan Group Limited

100 Manufacturing
100

Trustee Company

100 Manufacturing
50

Sales & Marketing

100 Management & 

Procurement
Holding Company

100

100

Holding Company

Holding Company

100
100 Manufacturing
100

Finance Company

United Kingdom (continued)
Kingspan Insulation Limited
Kingspan Light & Air Limited
Kingspan Light & Air  
(UK & Ireland) Limited
Kingspan Limited
Kingspan Services (UK) Limited

Kingspan Timber Solutions 
Limited
Kingspan Trustee Company 
Limited
Kingspan Water &  
Energy Limited
Poultry House Products Limited
Springvale Insulation Limited
Tanks Direct Limited

100

Sales & Marketing

Australia

100 Manufacturing
100
100

Property Company
Product  
Development
Finance Company

100

100

Finance Company

100
100

Finance Company
Finance Company

Sales & Marketing

100
100 Manufacturing

100

Property Company

100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100

Sales & Marketing
Sales & Marketing

Manufacturing
Sales & Marketing
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Sales & Marketing
Holding Company

Kingspan Insulation Pty 
Limited
Kingspan Water &  
Energy Pty Limited
Tate Asic-Pacific Pty 
Limited

Austria
Hoesch Bausysteme GmbH
Kingspan GmbH

Azerbaijan
Izopoli Mahdut Mesuliyeti 
Cemiyeti

Belgium
Argina Technics NV
Brakel Aero NV
Isomasters NV

Joris Ide NV
Kingspan Access Floors 
Europe NV
Kingspan Door 
Components SA
Kingspan Insulation NV
Kingspan NV
Kingspan Unidek NV

100
100
100

100
100

100

Manufacturing
Sales & Marketing
Sales & Marketing

Manufacturing
Management & 
Procurement
Manufacturing

100

Trustee Company

100

Manufacturing

100
100
100

Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Sales & Marketing

100

Manufacturing

85

Manufacturing

100

Sales & Marketing

100
100

Sales & Marketing
Sales & Marketing

85

Sales & Marketing 

100
100
63

100
100

100

100
100
100

Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Manufacturing

Manufacturing
Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Manufacturing
Sales & Marketing 
Sales & Marketing 

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kingspan D.O.O. 

100

Sales & Marketing

Bulgaria
Kingspan EOOD

Brazil
Kingspan-Isoeste 
Construtivos Isotérmicos 
S/A.

Canada
Kingspan Insulated Panels 
Limited
Tate ASP Access Floors Inc.
Vicwest Inc.

Chile
Synthesia Chile S.P.A.

Colombia
Kingspan Comercial SAS
PanelMET SAS
Synthesia Colombia S.A.

Costa Rica
Acusterm Costa Rica 
S.R.L. 

Croatia
Hoesch Gradjevinski 
Elementi D.O.O.
Kingspan D.O.O.

Czech Republic
Balex Metal S.R.O. 
Hoesch Stavebni Systemy 
S.R.O
Kingspan A.S.
SEP Essmann S.R.O. 

Denmark
Kingspan A/S
Kingspan Insulation ApS

Egypt
Izopoli Egypt LLC 

Estonia
Kingspan Insulation OÜ
Kingspan OÜ

100

Sales & Marketing

51

Manufacturing

100

100
100

Manufacturing

Sales & Marketing
Manufacturing

100

Sales & Marketing

51
51
100

Sales & Marketing
Manufacturing
Sales & Marketing 

100

Sales & Marketing

100

100

100
100

100
100

100
100

Sales & Marketing

Sales & Marketing 

Sales & Marketing
Sales & Marketing

Manufacturing
Sales & Marketing

Sales & Marketing
Sales & Marketing

85

Sales & Marketing

100
100

Sales & Marketing
Sales & Marketing 

Finland
Kingspan Insulation Oy
Kingspan Oy
Paroc Panel System Oy Ab

France
Comptoir du Batiment et 
de L'Industrie SAS
ECODIS SAS
Isocab France SAS
Joris Ide Auvergne SAS

Joris Ide Sud Ouest SAS
Kingspan S.a.r.l. 
Profinord S.a.r.l.
Societe Bretonne de 
Profilage SAS
Teczone France SAS 

Germany
E.M.B. Roda Montage u. 
Service GmbH
Essmann Gebäudetechnik 
GmbH
Hoesch Bausysteme GmbH
Joris Ide Deutschland 
GmbH
Kingspan Environmental 
GmbH
Kingspan Investments 
GmbH 
Kingspan GmbH 
Kingspan Insulation Gmbh 
& Co. KG
Schütze GmbH
STF Sicheheitstechnik 
GmbH 

Hong Kong
Chemprogress HK Limited
Tate Access Floors (Hong 
Kong) Limited

Hungary
Essmann Hungaria Kft.
Kingspan Kereskedelmi Kft.

100
100
100

100

100
100
100

100
100
100
100

100

100

100

100
100

100

100

100
100

100
100

Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Manufacturing

Manufacturing
Sales & Marketing
Manufacturing
Manufacturing

Sales & Marketing 

Sales & Marketing 

Manufacturing

Manufacturing
Manufacturing

Sales & Marketing 

Property

Property Company  
Manufacturing

Manufacturing
Manufacturing

100
100

Sales & Marketing
Sales & Marketing 

100
100

Sales & Marketing
Manufacturing

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146

 % Shareholding

Nature of Business 

 % Shareholding

Nature of Business 

 % Shareholding

Nature of Business 

85

Sales & Marketing

100

Manufacturing

51

Manufacturing

Norway
Bokn Plast AS
Kingspan AS
Kingspan Insulation AS
Kingspan Miljo AS
Vestfold Plastindustri AS
Vestfold Plastindustri 
Eiendom AS

100
100
100
100
100
100

Manufacturing
Sales & Marketing
Sales & Marketing
Sales & Marketing 
Manufacturing
Property Company 

85

Sales & Marketing

VPI-PS AS  

100

Manufacturing

100

Manufacturing

85

Sales & Marketing

Panama
Acusterm Panama S.A.
Huurre Panama S.A.
Synthesia Technology S.A. 

100
50
100

Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Manufacturing

India
Kingspan India Private 
Limited
Kingspan Insulation Private 
Limited
Kingspan Jindal Private 
Limited

Iran
Izopoli Pars Private Joint 
Stock Company
Kingspan Insulation Pars

Kenya
Kingspan Roof and Facade 
Limited

Latvia
Kingspan SIA
Balex Metal SIA

Lithuania
Balex Metal UAB
Kingspan UAB

Luxembourg
Naps Holdings 
(Luxembourg) S.á.r.l.

Mexico
Innovación en Aislamiento 
Especializado S.A. DE C.V.
Kingspan Insulated Panels  
S.A. DE C.V.
Synthequimica Mexicana 
S.R.L. DE C.V. 

Morocco

100
100

100
100

Sales & Marketing
Manufacturing

Sales & Marketing
Sales & Marketing

100

Finance Company 

100

100

100

Management & 
Procurement 
Manufacturing

Sales & Marketing

SM Polyurethanes S.á.r.l.

100

Sales & Marketing 

Netherlands
Hoesch Bouwsystemen 
B.V. 
Kingspan B.V.
Kingspan Holding 
Netherlands B.V.
Kingspan Insulation B.V.

Kingspan (MEATI) B.V.
Kingspan Unidek B.V.
Brakel Aluminium B.V.
Brakel Atmos B.V.

New Zealand
Kingspan Insulation NZ 
Limited
Kingspan Limited

100

100
100

100

85
100
100
100

100

100

Sales & Marketing

Sales & Marketing 
Holding Company 

Manufacturing

Holding Company 
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Manufacturing

Sales & Marketing

Manufacturing

Poland
100
Balex Metal Sp. z o.o.
Essmann Polska Sp. z o.o.
100
Kingspan Environmental Sp. z o.o. 100
100
Kingspan Insulation Sp. z o.o. 
100
Kingspan Sp. z o.o. 

Manufacturing
Sales & Marketing 
Manufacturing
Sales & Marketing 
Manufacturing

Qatar
Kingspan Insulation WLL

100

Sales & Marketing 

Romania
Kingspan S.R.L.
Joris Ide S.R.L.

Russia
Joris Ide LLC 

Serbia
Kingspan D.O.O.

Singapore
Hoesch Bausysteme Pte 
Limited
Kingspan Pte Limited

Slovakia
Balex Metal A.S. 
Kingspan S.R.O.
BPS & D&V S.R.O.

Slovenia
Kingspan D.O.O. 

South Africa
Kingspan Insulated Panels 
(Pty) Ltd

100
100

Sales & Marketing 
Manufacturing

100

Manufacturing

100

Sales & Marketing

100

100

70
100
100

Sales & Marketing

Sales & Marketing

Manufacturing
Sales & Marketing
Manufacturing

100

Sales & Marketing

85

Sales & Marketing

Spain
100 Manufacturing
Huurre Iberica S.A. 
100 Holding Company
Industrial Cassa S.A.
Kingspan Insulation S.A.
100 Manufacturing
Kingspan Manufacturas Pals S.A. 100 Manufacturing

Kingspan Plastisol S.L.
Kingspan Prax S.A.   
Kingspan Protexfoam S.L.
Kingspan Suelo Technicos S.L. 
Pontaut S.L.
Synthecoat S.L.
Synthesia Development S.L. 
Synthesia Española S.A.
Synthesia Internacional S.L.U. 
Tecno Export Ingenieros S.L. 
Teczone Española S.A.

100 Manufacturing
100 Manufacturing
100 Manufacturing
100 Sales & Marketing
100 Sales & Marketing 
100 Manufacturing
100 Product  Development
100 Holding Company 
100 Manufacturing
100 Sales & Marketing 
100 Sales & Marketing

Sweden
Kingspan AB
Kingspan Insulation AB

Switzerland
Kingspan GmbH

100
100

Sales & Marketing 
Sales & Marketing

100

Sales & Marketing 

Turkey
Izopoli Impeks Prefabrik Panel 
Sanayi ve Ticaret Ltd. Sti.
Kingspan Yapi Elemanlari A.S. 

85

Sales & Marketing 

85 Manufacturing

Ukraine
Balex Metal LLC
Kingspan Lviv LLC 

United Arab Emirates
Kingspan Insulated Panels 
Manufacturing LLC
Kingspan Insulation LLC
Kingspan International FZE 

United States
American Solar Alternative 
Power LLC
ASM Modular Systems Inc.
CPI Daylighting Inc. 
Daylighting Contracts Inc. 

Dri-Design Inc.
Kingspan Energy Inc.
Kingspan Insulated Panels Inc.
Kingspan Insulation LLC
Kingspan Light & Air LLC
Morin Corporation 
Pre-insulated Metal  
Technologies Inc. 
Tate Access Floors Inc.

100
100

Sales & Marketing 
Sales & Marketing

85

Manufacturing

95
100

Sales & Marketing 
Sales & Marketing

100

Sales & Marketing 

100 Manufacturing
100 Manufacturing
100

Sales & Marketing

Sales & Marketing
Sales & Marketing

95
100
100 Manufacturing
100 Manufacturing
100 Manufacturing
100 Manufacturing
100 Manufacturing

100 Manufacturing

Pursuant to Section 316 of the Companies Act 2014, a full list  
of subsidiaries will be annexed to the Company's Annual Return  
to be filed in the Companies Registration Office in Ireland. 

147

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Kingspan Group plc   —   Annual Report & Financial Statements 2018 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Five Year Summary
—

Results (amounts in €m)

Revenue
Trading profit
Net profit before tax
Operating cashflow

Equity (amounts in €m)

Gross assets
Working capital
Total shareholder equity
Net debt

Ratios

Net debt as % of total shareholders’ equity
Current assets / current liabilities
Net debt / EBITDA

Per Ordinary Share (amounts in €cent)

Earnings
Operating cashflows
Net assets
Dividends

4,372.5
445.2
404.9
530.3

4,029.4
543.9
1,788.9
728.3

40.7%
1.59
1.40

184.0
294.9
994.7
42.0

3,668.1
377.5
346.5
362.5

3,235.6
477.8
1,568.0
463.9

29.6%
1.65
1.05

159.0
202.1
876.7
37.0

3,108.5
340.9
314.0
377.1

3,004.6
382.7
1,471.5
427.9

29.1%
1.56
1.06

143.8
212.3
828.4
33.5

Average number of employees

13,469

11,133

10,396

148

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—

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G
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2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

5
.
2
7
3
,
4

1
.
8
6
6
,
3

5
.
8
0
1
,
3

3
.
4
7
7
,
2

2
.
1
9
8
,
1

2
.
5
4
4

5
.
7
7
3

9
.
0
4
3

9
.
5
5
2

5
.
8
4
1

2,774.3
255.9
232.0
382.5

2,549.1
301.8
1,293.8
328.0

25.4%
1.43
1.04

106.7
217.1
734.2
25.0

8,595

1,891.2
148.5
127.5
171.3

1,836.5
263.3
1,009.1
125.5

12.4%
1.47
0.66

62.6
100.1
589.7
16.3

6,627

8
1
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2

7
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

5
1
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2

4
1
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2

8
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

Revenue  
(€bn)

Trading Profit
(€m)

0
.
4
8
1

0
.
9
5
1

8
.
3
4
1

7
.
6
0
1

6
.
2
6

0
0
.
2
4

0
0
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7
3

0
5
.
3
3

0
0
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5
2

5
2
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6
1

8
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2

7
1
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2

6
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

EPS  
(cent)

DPS 
(cent)

This publication is printed on paper and board which is produced from pulp sourced from 
sustainably managed forests. We support environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial 
and economically viable forestry management.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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8

Dublin Road
Kingscourt
Co Cavan
Ireland
A82 XY31

Tel: +353 42 969 8000
Email: admin@kingspan.com
www.kingspan.com

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