Quarterlytics / Manufacturing - Metal Fabrication / RHI Magnesita N.V.

RHI Magnesita N.V.

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FY2018 Annual Report · RHI Magnesita N.V.
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 The driving force 
in refractories

Annual Report 2018

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102Financial Statements

104    Consolidated Statement  
of Financial Position
105    Consolidated Statement 

of Profit and Loss

106    Consolidated Statement  
of Comprehensive Income
  Consolidated Statement  
of Cash Flows

107 

108    Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity
  Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements 2018
  Independent Auditor’s Report 

195 

110 

Other information

203   Alternative performance 
measures (“APMs”)
204   Shareholder information

CONTENTS

 02Strategic Report

04   Key financial and operating highlights
06    RHI Magnesita at a glance
  Chairman’s statement
08 
  Market overview
10 
  Our business -  
14 
how we create value
  Our value chain explained
  Our strategic priorities
  CEO’s review
  Innovation
  Operational review
  Key performance indicators
  Financial review
  Risks, viability & internal controls
 Sustainability

16 
18 
20 
22 
26 
34 
36 
42 
48 

 58Governance

60   Board of Directors
64 
66 

 Executive Management Team
  Chairman’s introduction to 
Corporate Governance 
 Corporate Governance Report
 Nomination Committee Report
  Audit & Compliance 
Committee Report
 Remuneration Committee Report
 Directors’ Remuneration Policy
 Annual Report on Remuneration

67 
76 
78 

80 
84 
92 

RHI Magnesita (the “Company” or “Group”) is quoted with 
a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange (symbol: 
RHIM) and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index. For more 
information please visit: www.rhimagnesita.com

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

We are RHI Magnesita.
The driving force.
RHI Magnesita is the leading global supplier of high-
grade refractory products, systems and solutions. 
With its high level of geographic diversification, 
focus on innovation and a vertically integrated value 
chain, from raw materials to refractory products and 
full performance-based solutions, RHI Magnesita 
serves customers around the world.

Our mission 
At RHI Magnesita, innovation 
takes place in extreme conditions. 
It is the materials, robotics, sensors, 
Big Data and machine learning 
that is transforming industry across 
the world. It is also the everyday 
problem-solving of all of our 
people, making processes quicker, 
products more cost-effective, 
and solutions and services more 
beneficial for our customers.

Our culture themes 
determine all our actions
 ¥ Act customer-focused 

and innovatively

 ¥ Have open decision-making 
in a respectful environment
 ¥ Operate cross-functionally, 

collaboratively and 
pragmatically across the 
global organisation
 ¥ Be performance driven 

and accountable

0 1

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

0 2

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

 02Strategic Report

04   Key financial and operating highlights
06    RHI Magnesita at a glance
  Chairman’s statement
08 
  Market overview
10 
  Our business -  
14 
how we create value
  Our value chain explained
  Our strategic priorities
  CEO’s review
  Innovation
  Operational review
  Key performance indicators
  Financial review
  Risks, viability & internal controls
 Sustainability

16 
18 
20 
22 
26 
34 
36 
42 
48 

0 3

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Key financial and  
operating highlights

Our strong performance in 2018 was driven by  
the successful integration process, with the continued 
delivery of synergies, as well as the underlying 
strength of the markets in which we operate.

Financial highlights

€3,081m

Revenue +21%

1.2x

Net debt/adjusted 
EBITDA -0.7x

13.9%

Adjusted EBITA  
margin +460bps

  2018

  2017

€3,081m 

  2018

1.2x 

  2018

13.9% 

€2,550m¹ 

  2017

1.9x2 

  2017

9.3%1 

€428m

Adjusted EBITA +81%

15.4%

Working capital 
intensity -680 bps

€1.50

Recommended final 
dividend per share +100%

  2018

€428m 

  2018

15.4% 

  2018

€1.50 

  2017

€236m1 

  2017

22.2% 

  2017

€0.75 

1  Constant currency pro-forma 
2  Net debt/Adjusted pro-forma EBITDA
3  Adjusted constant currency pro-forma 

0 4

 Read more on pages 36 to 41

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Operating highlights

 ¥ Record safety performance with a lost time injury 
frequency (“LTIF”) rate of 0.4, representing a 60% 
improvement on 2017 and demonstrating our focus 
on this critical aspect of the business.

Read more about Safety  
on pages 54 to 55

 ¥ The integration of RHI and Magnesita continued to 
be successful in 2018 and has been managed well, 
with minimal disruption from a customer perspective 
from day one and ensuring continuity throughout 
the process. Synergies of €70 million were realised 
during the Year with the €110 million 2020 target 
remaining on track. 

 ¥ Positive customer demand in the Group’s Steel 

Division, with strong revenues of €2,204 million 
+15%3 and a gross margin of 23.7%. 

Read more about the Steel Division  
on pages 27 to 29

 ¥ Industrial Division revenue of €877 million +33%3, 
with a gross margin of 24.5%, benefitting from an 
overall healthy level of industrial demand. 

Read more about the Industrial Division  
on pages 30 to 31

 ¥ Positive growth in the key markets of India 

and China and demonstration of our focus on these 
geographies, with the ongoing consolidation of 
the Group’s business in India to capture growth 
opportunities more effectively and efficiently, and 
our investment in the mining and brick plant assets 
in Chizhou, China, to strengthen our market position 
and address global supply shortages. 

Read more about the Growth markets  
on pages 32 to 33

 ¥ Continued investment in R&D and Technical 

Marketing (2018: c. €63 million) to further drive 
innovation, with a commitment to devote 2.2% 
of overall revenue per year. Key developments 
included development of Automated Process 
Optimisation, the establishment of our Technical 
Advisory Committee, advances with the brick data 
hub technology, progress in 3D printing and surface 
properties functionalisation.

Read more about Innovation  
on pages 22 to 25

0 5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

RHI Magnesita  
at a glance

€685m

22% revenue in North America

€472m

15% revenue in South America

Optimally positioned to provide products,  
services and solutions for clients around the globe

+100

Countries shipped to

14,000

Employees in more 
than 40 countries

€2,204m

2018 Steel revenue 

13

Raw material sites in 
four continents

35

Main production sites across 
16 countries

€877m

2018 Industrial revenue

0 6

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

€880m

29% revenue in Europe

€437m

14% revenue in MEA CIS

€608m

20% revenue in Asia Pacific

Steel
Our Steel Division provides its customers with a broad 
range of customised solutions and comprehensive 
packages for steel production, consisting of refractories 
(basic and non-basic mixes and bricks), machinery, 
flow control systems, and our solutions offering.

 Read more on pages 27 to 29

Industrial
Our Industrial Division provides refractory solutions for the 
cement, lime, non-ferrous metals and glass industries as 
well as the environment, energy and chemicals (“EEC”) 
sector, providing a wide range of services required by the 
complex demands of its customers.

 Read more on pages 30 to 31

Refractory products are used in 
all the world’s high-temperature 
industrial processes, exceeding 
1,200°C in a wide range of 
industries including steel, 
cement, non-ferrous metals 
and glass.

As global leader, we aim to use our resources,  
innovation, worldwide presence and expertise  
to drive change in the refractory industry 
for the benefit of our customers and all 
our stakeholders.

Compelling investment case

Clear strategy and strong  
competitive position
 ¥ 15% global market share (30% ex-China); 

leadership in Americas, Europe and Middle East 
with broad value-added solution offering
 ¥ Opportunity to develop and further leverage 
technology across regions and portfolio
 ¥ Growth in key markets of India and China
 ¥ Highest level of vertical integration in the 

industry with unique mineral sources and 50%+ 
self-sufficiency in all raw materials

Rapid deleveraging and strong  
cash generation
 ¥ Strong cash flow from operating business supported 

by synergies and organic growth opportunities
 ¥ Rapid deleveraging since merger; net debt to 

EBITDA reduced to 1.2x

 ¥ Capital flexibility to pursue both growth and 

shareholder returns

Significant synergy delivery and potential
 ¥ €70 million synergies in 2018 and €110 million 

in synergies to be achieved by 2020

 ¥ Additional “below the line” opportunities in 

working capital and tax

 ¥ Cost saving potential beyond synergies from 

further initiatives

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S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Chairman’s  
statement

HERBERT CORDT
CHAIRMAN

€1.50

2018 dividend per 
share proposed

My letter in the 2017 
Annual Report was 
written only two months 
after your Company was 
listed on the Premium 
Segment of the London 
Stock Exchange. 

I remarked then that the formation of 
RHI Magnesita was transformative, not only 
in itself, but in the global refractory industry 
in which it operates. I also highlighted 
the importance of 2018 - the Company’s 
first full year - in using its competitive 
advantage to set the pace of innovation 
and progress in our industry and to 
deliver the best for both our customers 
and our shareholders. 

I trust that our 2018 Annual Report 
outlines the strong start we have made 
in our first full year since the formation 
of RHI Magnesita, and that our all-round 
progress demonstrates that the Group 
has made a very good start and is on 
track in its development, enabling us 
to continue delivering on our strategy. 

Our culture
The importance of culture, particularly 
in the context of a merger, cannot be 
overstated, and 2018 has seen the 
Company make considerable strides 
forward in terms of further defining, 
developing and embedding our cultural 
values. As part of these efforts, over 
2,200 employees worldwide have 
now undergone training to become 
“culture champions”.

In 2018, employee surveys were 
carried out which, I am delighted to note, 
demonstrate that we are on the right path 
in terms of living our values. Feedback 
received via this survey is a valuable 
tool for the Board and leadership team 
as we continue to shape our future. 

Our strategic priorities
In 2018, we further refined our strategic 
priorities and have identified four pillars 
which will support the Company’s long-
term growth and sustainability. 

0 8

Key governance 
actions in 2018
 ¥ Establishment of the Corporate 

Sustainability Committee

 ¥ Development of an 

enhanced Board and 
Board Committee structure 
 ¥ Achieving a greater level of 

female representation on the 
Board and EMT

   For more, see page 66

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

These are: people, business model, markets 
and competitiveness and they are covered 
in detail on pages 18 and 19.

nature of the business, but we also have 
certain targets in place to further improve 
the balance of nationalities.

Focus on sustainability 
The Group joined the UN Global Compact 
in 2018, signalling our ongoing focus 
on sustainability. In light of the world’s 
fast-growing population, climate change 
pressures and resource scarcity, we must 
ensure the long-term sustainability of our 
business and communities in which we 
operate, while working within the 
constraints of the planet. 

From climate change and pollution 
to gender diversity and safety, we are 
addressing the topics that are most 
material to us and our stakeholders. 
We have established our first set of 
sustainability targets and report on 
our progress on pages 48 to 57. 

We are working to drive progress in our 
business in the areas of environment, 
human rights, labour and anti-corruption, 
as well as supporting societal goals. 
To this end, we have set up new governance 
structures, targets and programmes. 
Our new Board-level Sustainability 
Committee will oversee the Group’s 
approach, ensuring that we meet our 
commitments to the UN Global Compact.

The importance of diversity
Diversity is vital to business success in 
the 21st century and a diverse workforce, 
leadership team and Board support an 
invaluable broadening of thought and 
opinion. Our initial focus is to build gender 
diversity, with a target to achieve a 
minimum of 33% of female representation 
on our Board and senior leadership 
team. I am delighted by the proposed 
appointment of two new female directors 
to our Board. 

Whilst we have seen encouraging progress 
in the gender diversity of our Board and 
senior leadership, we have more work 
to do in order to achieve our targets. 
Diversity goes beyond gender, of course, 
and we will work on other aspects to 
build the diversity of our Company with 
regards to skills, age and nationality, 
which is vital to our long-term success. 
Our Company already enjoys significant 
diversity of backgrounds, given the global 

Board and Management 
team appointments 
The Board has been further strengthened 
by the proposed appointment of two 
Non-Executive Directors - Fiona Paulus 
and Janet Ashdown. In April, our new 
CFO, Ian Botha, will be joining the 
Executive Management Team (“EMT”) 
and Board. The composition of the EMT 
was complemented during the Year by 
the appointment of Jacqueline Knox as 
General Counsel & Company Secretary 
and post-Year end, Gustavo Franco as Chief 
Sales Officer (“CSO”). Finally, the Group 
has also established a dedicated Investor 
Relations team in London. 

 Read more about the Board and 
Management on pages 60 to 65

Returns to shareholders
Underpinned by the strong performance 
of the business and its strong annual cash 
generation, the Board has considered the 
long-term dividend policy in the context 
of its capital allocation strategy.

For 2018, the Board has recommended 
a final dividend of €1.50 per share for 
the full financial year, equating to an 
increase of 100% over the previous year. 
This represents a dividend cover of 3.5x 
adjusted earnings per share.

Going forward, the Board’s dividend policy 
will be to progressively increase ordinary 
dividends and to target a dividend cover 
of less than 3.0x adjusted earnings over 
the medium term. Dividends will be paid 
on a semi-annual basis with one third of the 
prior year’s full year dividend being paid at 
the interim.

Thank you
On behalf of the Board, I would like to 
express our sincere gratitude to our 
people for their continued efforts to 
create value for all our stakeholders. 

HERBERT CORDT
CHAIRMAN

0 9

 
S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Market  
overview

Demand for our refractory solutions  
is based on those industries requiring 
advanced heat-resistant materials for 
their production processes; being 
predominantly steel, cement/lime,  
non-ferrous metals, glass and the 
EEC industries. 

In the long term, demand for refractories 
is driven by the production volumes of 
these industries and, therefore, demand 
for their end products is the central 
driver of our business.

1 0

Our key demand drivers are 
underpinned by technology  
and innovation

A shift in customer demand towards more integrated 
offerings is observable, with an intensifying demand 
for a breadth of products covering the full refractory 
portfolio, as well as an increased requirement for 
overarching services and solutions. 

Industrial processes are becoming more digitalised 
and reliant on technology, presenting a significant 
opportunity for innovation to derive benefit from  
this trend.

Increasing pressure from environmental regulations 
creates the demand for efficient products and 
processes that can minimise negative impacts. 
Forward thinking R&D capacity is vital to offer 
solutions to these issues.

There is a mounting focus amongst our customers 
on quality; this in turn requires innovation and 
advancements in refractory products and processes.

Our strategy 
RHI Magnesita has a significant opportunity 
to redefine the customer model and solutions 
offering beyond conventional refractory products 
and services, towards integrated systems that 
cover machinery, robotics, automation, sensors, 
connectivity, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence  
(“AI”) and digitalisation. 

One of the fundamental drivers of our business 
model and strategy bases itself on our internal 
expertise in innovative technologies and 
digitalisation, enabling us to provide inventive 
solutions and industry-leading services to our 
customers. Our overall R&D capabilities for the  
full refractories portfolio are at the forefront of 
the industry and we are committed to the 
development of products and services which 
enable energy and cost efficiency. 

These are all key areas of focus which underpin 
our goal of providing value-driving, customer-
focused business models which will enhance 
our competitiveness and further consolidate 
our position in the industry. 

  Read more about Innovation on pages 22 to 25

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Key demand 
drivers

01

Steel 
production

02

Raw materials  
pricing

03

Construction & 
infrastructure

Steel production

Performance of the Steel Division is 
correlated to steel production volumes 
(rather than steel prices), which have 
demonstrated a long-term resilience 
and through-cycle consistency. Being an 
obvious driver of steel demand, GDP growth 
also directly impacts our Steel Division.

 ¥ Global steel demand continued to 
show resilience in 2018, reaching 
1,658 Mt. Demand is forcast to reach 
1,681 Mt in 2019.

 ¥ Crude steel production increased 
4.6% to reach 1,809 Mt in 2018.

 ¥ US steel production increased by 6.2%, 
with key drivers being the Government’s 
infrastructure plan, tariffs escalation with 
China and raw material prices. Steel 
demand growth in 2019 is expected to 
slow, with only modest growth in auto 
manufacturing and construction activity.

 ¥ China production increased by 6.6%. 
Ongoing trade friction with the US 
and a decelerating global economy 
provide potential downside to 2019 
demand levels, whilst Chinese 
government stimulus measures 
could in fact boost demand.

 ¥ India’s production increased by 4.9%, 
enabling it to replace Japan as the 
world’s second largest steel producing 
country. Indian demand is expected  
to continue to be supported by 
infrastructure programmes in 2019  
and onwards.

 ¥ There is a continued focus amongst  

steel producers on improving 
competitiveness as well as producing 
higher quality steel products. 

1,681 Mt

2019 global steel 
demand forecast

Sources: World Steel Association, EY

Global steel demand continues to grow 
Steel production volume growth (Mt)

2,000

1,800

1,600

1,400

1,200

1,000

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Steel production volume

Our strategy 
The Company is the number one refractory 
player in four out of the top ten steel markets 
in the world, with a clear strategy to further 
consolidate our market leader position in all 
major basic markets. 

Our high market share in Europe and the 
Americas enables us to take advantage 
of existing key mature geographies and 
our strategy to grow in the key markets of 
India and China reflects the end-market 
growth of these geographies, and provides 
significant potential given the size of these 
markets and our current level of 
representation. 

   Read more about our Growth markets 
on pages 32 to 33 

The Group’s diversified production and 
client base protects its business to a 
significant extent from the impact of 
demand or supply chain shifts brought 
about by developments such as trade tariff 
impositions. Our movement to increasing 
our full services and solutions provision has 
the potential to provide insulation against 
oscillations in steel demand. As a result of 
our focus on innovation, we are able to take 
advantage of increases in requirement for 
higher-quality steel.

Key geographical drivers of 
refractory demand
The ten largest steel 
producing countries:

China

India

Japan

United States

South Korea 

Russia

Germany

Turkey

Brazil

Iran

2018 (Mt)

928.3

106.5

104.3

86.7

72.5

71.7

42.4

37.3

34.7

25.0

1 1

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Market overview
continued

Key demand 
drivers

01

Steel 
production

02

Raw materials  
pricing

03

Construction & 
infrastructure

Raw material price comparison
Rebased to 100 in Q4 2016

600

500

400

300

200

100

2016 Q4

2017 Q2

2017 Q4

2018 Q2

2018 Q4

DBM high grade1

Alumina white

DBM medium grade1

Alumina brown

Bauxite

Graphite

70%

Self-sufficiency in 
magnesite and dolomite

Our strategy 
The Company has a high level of backward 
integration, with unique mineral sources 
and 70% self-sufficiency in magnesite and 
dolomite and 50% for all raw materials, 
which we believe to be a key competitive 
advantage. The positive impact for 
RHI Magnesita of the new, elevated raw 
material pricing environment has still not 
fully been noted in the Company’s 2018 
results, potentially allowing further benefits 
in 2019.

By increasing our production of raw 
materials (for example by reopening the 
Chizhou operation in China), the Group is 
able to further consolidate and leverage its 
market position.

Raw materials pricing

The Company is able to benefit from 
fluctuations in refractory raw material 
pricing as a result of its high level  
of backward integration. 

Generally, the prices of refractory products 
depend on the price of raw materials, in 
particular sintered and fused magnesia. 
Other refractory raw materials such as 
dolomite, alumina and bauxite, are also 
influential for our business. 

 ¥ A global scarcity of raw materials is 
evident, predominantly a result of 
Chinese environmental restrictions and 
mining and processing regulations. 
 ¥ Consequently, the refractory industry 
has been faced with supply shortages, 
leading to elevated raw material  
prices (specifically higher grade  
basic prices).

 ¥ As a result of potential further export 
taxes, more restrictive allocation of 
explosives and the nationalisation or 
controlled consolidation of mining 
operations in China, the structurally 
altered raw materials pricing 
environment is expected to remain in 
2019, albeit with a calming of the market.

 ¥ Whilst current high price levels are not 

expected to continue in the longer term, 
prices are projected to settle at a much 
higher level than that seen before 2017.
 ¥ Non-basic materials (bauxite, zirconia, 

graphite) also experienced price 
increases, albeit not to the same extent. 
There is an expectation of non-basic cost 
pressures in 2019.

Source: Asian Metal
1  Dead burned magnesia (“DBM”)

1 2

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Key demand 
drivers

01

Steel 
production

02

Raw materials  
pricing

03

Construction & 
infrastructure

Construction & infrastructure

Global GDP growth is a leading indicator of 
demand for our Industrial Division products, 
with a strong correlation between real GDP 
growth and cement consumption. 

Demand for cement and glass is closely 
linked to the construction industry. 
Production of and demand for non-ferrous 
metals are closely associated with their 
market prices, with copper and zinc being 
the most relevant to our business. 

Construction markets are estimated  
to account for c. 50% of overall  
refractory demand.

 ¥ 2018 saw real global GDP growth of 

3.7%, with a projection of 3.3% in 2019, 
according to the OECD. 

 ¥ From a global perspective, 2018 was a 
year of relative stability for cement and 
lime. Global cement demand in 2019 is 
expected to grow by 1.5%.

 ¥ Having been weak in previous years, 
from 2016 onwards demand for glass 
has stabilised due to the renewed growth 
in the flat glass segment propelled by 
emerging Asian countries demand and 
a stable European market. 

 ¥ After a strong year in 2017, LME-listed 
base metals continued their upward 
trend at the beginning of 2018 but were 
then impacted by international trade 
disputes, the introduction of punitive and 
counter duties and first signs of a cooling 
global economy. 

2018 LME-listed base metal prices
Rebased to 100 at the beginning of 2018

125

115

105

95

85

75

65

01/18

02/18

03/18

04/18

05/18

06/18

07/18

08/18 09/18 10/18

11/18

12/18

Al

Pb

Cu

Sn

Ni

Zn

Our strategy 
The Company’s largest markets for cement 
refractory products align with the world’s 
largest cement producers: China and India. 
We are also focusing on strengthening  
our presence in the key growth markets 
more broadly. 

Our geographic diversification is vital in 
managing the impacts of any regional 
variances in GDP growth. Our Industrial 
Division is also well diversified in terms of 
industries, with 37% of revenue in cement/
lime, 25% of revenue in non-ferrous metals 
and 39% of revenue in other process 
industries in 2018. 

3.7%

Global GDP growth  
in 2018

3.3%

2019 projected  
GDP growth

Sources: IMF, World Cement Association, Berenberg, OECD

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S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Our business -  
how we create value

We have the resources

...and the strategy

1 Financial strength

Our focus on working capital 
management and cash generation 
remains strong; we continue to be 
well financed with high liquidity 
and a robust balance sheet.

2 Production facilities  

and raw material sites
With a vertically integrated value 
chain, RHI Magnesita serves 
customers in more than 150 
countries around the world.

3 Know-how and expertise

Our technical engineers across 
90 countries work on-site with 
customers to provide custom-
made solutions.

4 Skilled and motivated people

The comprehensive knowledge 
and competency of our c. 14,000 
employees, combined with 
their innovation, commitment 
and motivation, continue to 
drive our success.

5 Strong relationships with 

all our stakeholders
We operate with integrity, honesty 
and reliability on a daily basis, 
ensuring respectful relationships 
amongst employees and with 
all customers, shareholders and 
business partners.

People
Hire, retain and motivate 
talent and nurture a 
meritocratic, performance- 
driven, customer-focused 
and friendly culture.

Business model
The leading service and 
solution provider in the 
refractory industry with an 
extensive portfolio based 
on innovative technologies 
and digitalisation.

Markets
Worldwide presence with 
strong local organisations 
and solid market positions 
in all major markets.

Competitiveness
Low-cost producer of 
technically advanced 
refractory materials with 
safe production network. 

Read more about our Strategic 
priorities on page 18

Our cultural themes 
determine all our actions

Act customer-focused 
and innovatively

Have open decision-making 
in a respectful environment

1 4

 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

As the leading Company in the refractory 
industry, RHI Magnesita has developed  
a resilient business model to create value 
sustainably for all our stakeholders.

...to add value through a full suite 
of products and services

...to create benefits for  
all our stakeholders

t i n u o u s   r e s earch and developm

ent

n

o

C

Recycling 
and disposal

o

O u r s

Raw materials 
mining and 
management

l u t ions offerin

g

Our 
customers

Customer 
application 
and services

Production
(shaping
and firing)

Packaging and 
logistics

throughout th e   c y c l e

Our differentiators

Customer focus
A leading service and solutions 
provider in the refractory industry, with 
an extensive portfolio based on innovative 
technologies and digitalisation; our 
proposition is distinctive and designed 
with our customers in mind. 

Industry-leading expertise
We are a valued industry partner for our 
clients on account of our industry-leading 
in-house and on-site technical experts,  
who consult, develop and deliver innovative 
solutions directly to customers around  
the world, 24 hours and 7 days a week. 

Driving innovation
We drive innovation in every aspect of our 
business, from materials, robotics and Big 
Data, to offering bespoke value-driving 
business models to our clients which cover 
the entire product and process lifecycle. 

Servicing full value chain
With the highest level of vertical  
integration in the industry, including 
significant self-sufficiency in all raw 
materials, we have a unique ability to cover 
and service every step of the value chain, 
and offer distinctive customer solutions 
based on our technological leadership, 
expertise and cost competitiveness. 

Operate cross-functionally, 
collaboratively and 
pragmatically 

Be performance driven  
and accountable

Our investors 
Our clear objective is to create the maximum shareholder 
value, supported by a solid strategy based on our strong global 
market share, potential to develop and leverage technologies 
as well as our vertical integration. With significant growth 
opportunities, synergy targets, strong cash conversion and 
a robust balance sheet, we have taken significant steps 
forward in terms of integration and deleveraging.

€1.50 dividend per share proposed for 2018

Our customers 
Whilst our products only account for around 1% to 5% of 
customer production costs, their reliable performance is crucial 
to the subsequent quality and stability of the end product. 
As the most vertically integrated company in the industry, 
our extensive portfolio, based on innovative technologies 
and digitalisation, enables us to add value at every step of the 
product and process lifecycle, providing optimal support and 
overarching solutions to drive the success of our customers. 

Presented with the “Outstanding Performance -  
Customer Focus” award by Cemex in 2018

Our people 
Our people are our most important resource and they 
have a fundamental right to a safe and healthy workplace. 
We are committed to providing equal opportunities and 
aim to help employees fulfil their true potential. We have 
training and development programmes in place to enable 
this, alongside schemes to motivate and encourage innovation, 
whilst driving success.

c. 14,000 people employed globally

Our environment 
We have taken the lead in applying technology to make 
refractory products more efficient to improve our 
environmental footprint. We continue to drive environmental 
impact improvements through the use of digitisation, 
robotisation, automation, recycling and new materials. 
We have established an integrated management system to 
guarantee we are consistently meeting high standards.

Commitment to reduce CO2 emissions by  
10% per tonne by 2025

Our communities 
Our goal is to maximise our social impact in our local 
communities and we aim to develop long-term partnerships to 
enable this. We are committed to the responsible management 
of our operations through compliance with pertaining laws and 
regulations as well as striving for ethically sound practice in 
everything we do. We have a long operating history within a 
number of our host communities and are therefore fully 
cognisant of our responsibility.

We joined the LBG framework in 20181

1  LBG is the global standard in measuring and 
managing corporate community investment

1 5

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Our value  
chain explained

RHI Magnesita covers all steps 
throughout its entire value chain. 

Our broad focus throughout the value 
chain enables us to offer our customers 
high-quality refractory products, supported 
by industry-leading R&D, and underpinned 
by our vertically integrated structure, 
incorporating both a high level of raw 
materials self-sufficiency as well as an 
in-depth understanding of technical 
customer processes. 

The core constituents of the value chain 
include mining, crushing, mixing, firing, 
packaging, transportation, customer 
application, recycling and disposal 
according to legal requirements. 

Mining

Crushing

Firing in the rotary kiln 1,800°C

Mixing

Packaging

Press max. 3,200t

Heat treatment max 350°C

Quality assurance

Packaging

CONTINUOUS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT THROUGHOUT THE CYCLE

UNSHAPED REFRACTORY

PRODUCTS

CUSTOMERS: STEEL

INDUSTRY EXAMPLE

UNFIRED REFRACTORY

PRODUCTS

Installation in 

a LD converter

Use: pig iron is

turned into steel

LOGISTICS

FIRED REFRACTORY

PRODUCTS

Removal

Press max. 3,200t

Firing in the tunnel kiln max 1,800°C for three days

Quality assurance

Packaging

Recycling

Disposal

1 6

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

A key constituent of the Company’s 
ability to add value to our customers lies 
in our solutions offering, in which the 
refractory products are installed by our 
experienced employees. After their use 
in the customer’s production process, 
worn refractory linings are broken out 
and, if possible, reused as secondary 
raw materials. RHI Magnesita is therefore 
instrumental in the entire cycle from 
raw material production to recycling 
of finished products.

One of the basic materials for refractory 
products is magnesite, a mineral that we mine 
in both underground and surface mines. 
The magnesite ore is crushed and fired at 
1,800°C in special kilns. In the burning 
process, the CO2 contained in the magnesite 
is released and, importantly, the material’s 
density is increased. The bricks and mixes are 
then mixed with binding agents, packaged 
and shipped as repair materials and speciality/
technical additives are introduced to enhance 
performance capabilities or pressed in 
different sizes and shapes, employing a 
pressure of up to 3,200 tonnes. Depending 
on the application, the refractory bricks are 
subsequently either subjected to heat 
treatment at up to 350°C or fired at up 
to 1,800°C in tunnel kilns for three days. 
Unfired products are primarily used in the steel 
industry, whilst the main applications of fired 
products are in the cement, non-ferrous 
metals, process and mineral industries. 

CONTINUOUS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT THROUGHOUT THE CYCLE

UNSHAPED REFRACTORY
PRODUCTS

CUSTOMERS: STEEL
INDUSTRY EXAMPLE

Mining

Crushing

Firing in the rotary kiln 1,800°C

Mixing

Packaging

Press max. 3,200t

Heat treatment max 350°C

Quality assurance

Packaging

UNFIRED REFRACTORY
PRODUCTS

Installation in 
a LD converter

Use: pig iron is
turned into steel

LOGISTICS

FIRED REFRACTORY
PRODUCTS

Removal

Press max. 3,200t

Firing in the tunnel kiln max 1,800°C for three days

Quality assurance

Packaging

Recycling

Disposal

1 7

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Our strategic  
priorities

After its first full year of 
successful integration, 
RHI Magnesita is now further 
consolidating its position 
as the driving force of the 
refractory industry.

In 2018, we refined our key strategic priorities 
and have identified the following four pillars 
which will support the Company’s long-term 
growth and sustainability. 

As the industry leader, we will use our strategic 
priorities as the framework from which to further 
develop and grow our business. 

To ensure the full focus of our Senior 
Management, strategic priorities and 
deliverables for 2019 have been allocated 
to respective managers and linked 
to remuneration. 

Risks

 Macroeconomic environment and 
condition of customer industries

 Regulatory and compliance risks

 Fluctuations in exchange rates and 
energy prices, increasing volatility 
of raw material prices

 Significant changes in the 
competitive environment 
or speed of disruptive innovation

 Inability to execute a key strategic 
initiative or necessary adjustments 
to core operations

Business interruption and supply 
chain disruption

 Environment/Health & Safety risks

 Cyber and information security risk

Read more about Risks on pages 42 to 47

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

1 8

People
Hire, retain and motivate talent  
and nurture a meritocratic, 
performance-driven,  
customer-focused and 
friendly culture.

Progress in 2018

Objectives

Link to risk

 ¥ We have developed, disseminated and promoted our culture 

 ¥ Continue to work efficiently, being accountable 

through workshops and the cultural champions programme 

and performance-driven 

 ¥ With a clear shared vision, RHI Magnesita is today, more than  

 ¥ Drive innovation amongst employees 

ever, a committed and focused team

 ¥ Focus on internal leadership development  

 ¥ We have established initiatives to enhance international careers, 

and external talent acquisition

4

2

7

taking advantage of our rich and diverse culture, and continue  

to promote trust and openness

 ¥ We have stated targets in place to further broaden our diversity

Business model
The leading service and 
solution provider in the 
refractory industry with an 
extensive portfolio based 
on innovative technologies 
and digitalisation.

Markets
Worldwide presence with 
strong local organisations 
and solid market positions 
in all major markets. 

Competitiveness
Low-cost producer of 
technically advanced 
refractory materials with 
safe production network.

 ¥ As part of our post-merger strategic planning, a set of clear 

customer models were defined to better fit their needs and follow 

the market trends; we continue to promote and incentivise the use 

of automation as well as encouraging diversity and differentiation 

in our products and services

throughout the organisation 

 ¥ Focus was placed on recycling in 2018, with the development 

of new recipes and a thorough analysis of recycling practice 

per region, as well as a global approach taken to our 

recycling activities

 ¥ Our Technical Marketing and R&D teams will 

continue to be a pivotal part of our business  

model, as we aim to increase the share of 

integrated services and solutions in the  

Company’s performance 

technical expertise to innovate in technology 

for refractory applications as well as in systems 

to improve our customers’ processes 

 ¥ We will keep on building an autonomous  

and profitable recycling business

 ¥ Our new customer models have been rolled out and communicated 

 ¥ We will continue to use our unparalleled 

 ¥ In the developed markets of North America, Europe and 

 ¥ Further consolidate our market-leading position  

South America, the Company is successfully positioned as 

the most comprehensive solutions provider by capitalising 

on the post-merger integration process and by realising 

significant synergies 

 ¥ Enhanced access to core markets, customer bases and 

geographical regions as a result of the consolidation of our 

global reach

 ¥ Successful growth achieved in China

 ¥ Reorganisation and rationalisation of Indian operations to 

take advantage of the increasing local market demand

 ¥ Achieving merger-derived synergies

 ¥ Establishment of new structures to increase competitiveness 

worldwide, including the global business services team 

and the global supply chain management department 

 ¥ A Sustainability Steering Committee was established 

 ¥ In line with our stated focus on investment in R&D, 1.1% of 

revenue was committed in 2018

in all major basic markets

 ¥ Continue optimisation of our global footprint 

 ¥ Optimise our network through our global supply 

chain management centre 

 ¥ Take advantage of compelling consolidation 

opportunities as they arise 

 ¥ We will continue investing in R&D to create 

products that have a distinct competitive 

advantage by cost or by product performance

 ¥ We will continue to pioneer advanced refractory 

operations through structured systems for the 

intelligent management of our production network 

 ¥ Our aim is to carry on improving operational 

processes to deliver the lowest costs in the industry

 ¥ We will continue developing a full range of  

the best products in the industry

3

5

7

3

5

8

3

5

7

1

4

6

8

1

4

6

1

4

6

8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

People

Hire, retain and motivate talent  

and nurture a meritocratic, 

performance-driven,  

customer-focused and 

friendly culture.

Progress in 2018

Objectives

Link to risk

 ¥ We have developed, disseminated and promoted our culture 
through workshops and the cultural champions programme 
 ¥ With a clear shared vision, RHI Magnesita is today, more than  

ever, a committed and focused team

 ¥ We have established initiatives to enhance international careers, 
taking advantage of our rich and diverse culture, and continue  
to promote trust and openness

 ¥ We have stated targets in place to further broaden our diversity

 ¥ Continue to work efficiently, being accountable 

and performance-driven 

 ¥ Drive innovation amongst employees 
 ¥ Focus on internal leadership development  

and external talent acquisition

4

2

7

Business model

The leading service and 

solution provider in the 

refractory industry with an 

extensive portfolio based 

on innovative technologies 

and digitalisation.

Markets

Worldwide presence with 

strong local organisations 

and solid market positions 

in all major markets. 

Competitiveness

Low-cost producer of 

technically advanced 

refractory materials with 

safe production network.

 ¥ As part of our post-merger strategic planning, a set of clear 

customer models were defined to better fit their needs and follow 
the market trends; we continue to promote and incentivise the use 
of automation as well as encouraging diversity and differentiation 
in our products and services

 ¥ Our Technical Marketing and R&D teams will 
continue to be a pivotal part of our business  
model, as we aim to increase the share of 
integrated services and solutions in the  
Company’s performance 

 ¥ Our new customer models have been rolled out and communicated 

 ¥ We will continue to use our unparalleled 

throughout the organisation 

 ¥ Focus was placed on recycling in 2018, with the development 
of new recipes and a thorough analysis of recycling practice 
per region, as well as a global approach taken to our 
recycling activities

technical expertise to innovate in technology 
for refractory applications as well as in systems 
to improve our customers’ processes 
 ¥ We will keep on building an autonomous  

and profitable recycling business

 ¥ In the developed markets of North America, Europe and 

 ¥ Further consolidate our market-leading position  

South America, the Company is successfully positioned as 
the most comprehensive solutions provider by capitalising 
on the post-merger integration process and by realising 
significant synergies 

 ¥ Enhanced access to core markets, customer bases and 

geographical regions as a result of the consolidation of our 
global reach

 ¥ Successful growth achieved in China
 ¥ Reorganisation and rationalisation of Indian operations to 
take advantage of the increasing local market demand

 ¥ Achieving merger-derived synergies
 ¥ Establishment of new structures to increase competitiveness 
worldwide, including the global business services team 
and the global supply chain management department 

 ¥ A Sustainability Steering Committee was established 
 ¥ In line with our stated focus on investment in R&D, 1.1% of 

revenue was committed in 2018

in all major basic markets

 ¥ Continue optimisation of our global footprint 
 ¥ Optimise our network through our global supply 

chain management centre 

 ¥ Take advantage of compelling consolidation 

opportunities as they arise 

 ¥ We will continue investing in R&D to create 
products that have a distinct competitive 
advantage by cost or by product performance
 ¥ We will continue to pioneer advanced refractory 
operations through structured systems for the 
intelligent management of our production network 

 ¥ Our aim is to carry on improving operational 

processes to deliver the lowest costs in the industry

 ¥ We will continue developing a full range of  

the best products in the industry

3

5

7

3

5

8

3

5

7

1

4

6

8

1

4

6

1

4

6

8

1 9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

CEO’s  
review

 We expect to deliver modest 
organic revenue growth, continued 
synergy generation and further 
optimisation initiatives. In addition 
to this we expect further growth 
potential from acquisitions. 
We remain focused on driving 
margin improvement opportunities 
and strong cash flow generation, 
which will provide the foundation 
to support our capital allocation 
and dividend policy.

STEFAN BORGAS
CEO

Q    Looking back at 2018, what has 

the Company achieved?

A    This was our first full financial year as 
a new company and I am delighted by 
the significant amount that we have 
achieved. Underpinned by the strength 
of the markets in which we operate, 
we have reported very strong financial 
results, successfully delivered on our 
integration plans and benefitted from the 
synergies of the combination. Previous 
competitors have become colleagues 
and we are now working together to build 
the future of RHI Magnesita.

 In 2018, RHI Magnesita has continued to 
consolidate its position as the driving 
force of the refractory industry and we 
have made good progress in setting the 
business on the right path to achieving 
its full potential. The Group achieved 
very strong results in its first full year, 
following the combination of RHI and 
Magnesita in 2017, with revenue growth 
of 21%, and an increase in adjusted EBITA 
of 81%. The growth in revenues, which 
exceeded that of the underlying steel 
and industrial markets, demonstrates 
the continuing demand for the Group’s 
breadth of technology, services and 
products. Positive customer demand 
was noted in the Steel Division in 2018, 
with strong revenues of €2,204 million 

2 0

and a gross margin of 23.7%. The 
Industrial Division reported revenue of 
€877 million, with a gross margin of 
24.5%, benefitting from an overall 
healthy level of industrial demand.

 In addition to capturing a significant 
proportion of this growth by virtue of 
the vertically integrated model, the 
Group has benefitted from its successful 
integration process, with the realisation 
of synergies and network optimisation 
supporting a significant step up in 
operating margins. Disappointingly, the 
Group experienced some operational 
and supply chain challenges in its 
European business during H2 which 
partially offset some of the margin gains. 
The root cause of these issues has been 
identified and improvement plans are in 
place. Management is confident that 
they will be substantially resolved in 
the current year.

 Overall, the Group’s integrated 
model continues to derive benefit 
from a structurally changed pricing 
environment. However, it is our ability 
to protect margin improvements, 
regardless of the pricing environment, 
that really matters. This can already be 
demonstrated in our results and will be 
further underpinned by the Company’s 
solid growth strategy. 

 The Group has continued its successful 
integration during 2018, achieving 
synergies of €70 million, with a further 
€20 million expected in the current 
year, and remains on track to deliver 
€110 million during the financial year 
2020. The combination of top-line 
growth, synergy implementation and 
our vertically integrated model has led 
to an adjusted EBITA margin of 13.9%, 
representing a 460 basis points 
improvement on 2017. 

 Read more in the Financial review  
on pages 36 to 41

Q    How has the Group’s financial 

position evolved?

A    The Company’s financial position 

continues to strengthen, with growth 
in operational cash flow generation, 
materially improved working capital 
intensity and a reduction in annualised 
interest expense, as a result of the 
refinancing carried out in 2018. This 
has enabled the Group to significantly 
reduce net debt to 1.2x adjusted EBITDA. 
A long-term dividend policy has also 
been approved with a 2018 final dividend 
of €1.50 per share recommended. 

 Read more in the Chairman’s 
statement on pages 8 to 9

 
 
 
 
 
 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Q    How is the Company positioning 

itself to achieve growth? 

A    As we adapt our business model to a 
changing world, we are aiming for a 
much higher share of sales in our 
solutions offering, leveraging the 
Company’s innovative technologies and 
digitalisation, thereby creating additional 
value for our customers. We place great 
importance on developing and delivering 
higher quality products and services, 
which will in turn also enable our 
customers to improve the quality of 
their operations and products.

 As the number one refractory player in 
four out of the top ten steel markets, in 
addition to maintaining our leadership 
positions in the Americas, Europe and the 
Middle East, we intend to grow our share 
in key under-penetrated geographies. 
We have seen significant success during 
the Year with our dedicated, local 
strategies for the Chinese and Indian 
markets, resulting in high levels of growth 
and market share gains. We will look to 
accelerate these in 2019, as well as 
applying focus to additional important 
steel markets where the Group has a 
limited presence.

 Read more about the growth markets 
of India and China on pages 32 to 33

 With “People” being one of the Group’s 
four strategic pillars, guaranteeing we 
have the optimal team to deliver on the 
Company’s ambitious growth plans is 
central to our ongoing success.

 Following the merger, the organisational 
structure of the business was redesigned 
and restructured to ensure that it 
accurately reflects our strategy. This has 
been a significant area of focus during 
the Year and we have made important 
changes to consolidate and optimise our 
workforce, whilst upgrading the level of 
skills and expertise throughout the Group. 

Q    What are your expectations for the 
future growth of the business?

A    Through the cycle, the Group expects 
nominal organic growth of c. 1-3% per 
year. Following the progress made in 
the integration process, as well as the 
much strengthened balance sheet and 
continued strong cash generation, we 
intend to initiate a number of targeted 
capital investment programmes to 
support the Group’s medium term 
objectives. In addition to approximately 
€110 million of annual maintenance 
capital investment, we intend to deploy 
approximately €65 million of additional 
capital investment in 2019 to support 
growth, increase raw material capacity 
and improve efficiency. Of this, 
approximately half relates to the Group’s 
dolomite expansion project in Chizhou, 
China and the remainder on smaller 
projects in York (US) and India.

Q    How is the Company maintaining 
its leadership position in terms 
of innovation 

 One of the fundamental drivers of our 
business model and strategy bases itself 
on our internal expertise in innovative 
technologies and digitalisation. The 
Group continues to drive innovation, with 
significant opportunities in the fields of 
automation, robotics and recycling, and 
aims to devote 2.2% of total revenues per 
year to R&D and Technical Marketing. 
Investment in R&D and Technical 
Marketing in 2018 was c. €63 million, 
representing 2% of revenues, marginally 
lower than the target as a result of foreign 
exchange movements and the merger 
combination process.

 Read more about innovation on pages 
22 to 25

Q    How are you integrating 

sustainability into the business?

A     Our intense focus on safety has 

already shown significant results, 
with a 60% improvement in our LTIF 
rate in 2018 to reach 0.4. However, 
we will not be complacent; nothing 
less than zero accidents is acceptable 
and therefore our focus on this important 
area will persist. 

 Read about our commitment to safety 
on pages 54 to 55

 We are also working hard to reduce 
our environmental impacts, particularly 
given the urgency of climate change. 
In 2018, we made significant progress 
in recycling and I am excited to note that 
we will soon establish our first dedicated 
recycling facility. 

 Read about our commitment to the 
environment on pages 52 to 53

 Our people are our most important 
asset and therefore their continuous 
development and motivation is vital 
to the future success of the business. 
We work hard to foster an environment 
in which our employees can follow 
their passions, innovate and progress. 
They are accountable for their targets 
and rewarded for performance. In 
2018, we implemented a performance 
management system with the aim of 
encouraging our employees to reach 
their full potential. Diversity and inclusion 
are critical to the future success of our 
workforce and our Chairman discusses 
this further on page 9. 

 Read about our people 
on pages 54 to 57

 Demonstrating our focus on sustainability 
the Group joined the UN Global 
Compact in 2018, showing its 
commitment to this important initiative. 

 Read about our commitment to 
sustainability on pages 48 to 57

Q    Do you have a vision for  

the future? 

A    As the world’s population grows, there 
will be new cities, infrastructure and 
industries - all of which require steel, 
cement and glass, and consequently 
refractories. At the same time, refractories 
are important in initiatives to reduce 
pollution and mitigate the impacts of 
climate change (by providing smarter 
infrastructure and cleaner power) and lift 
people out of poverty (by enabling, for 
example, the construction of housing). 

 Whilst recognising that our innovation, 
products and solutions are integral to 
almost every aspect of modern life, and 
therefore to the facilitation of global 
development, we take our commitment 
to sustainability seriously in terms of 
responsibly managing the economic, 
environmental and social impacts of 
our business.

Q    What is your business 
outlook for 2019?

A    2018 has been a year of tremendous 
progress and transformation, creating 
the leading company in the global 
refractories industry, successfully 
delivering on our integration plans 
and benefitting from the synergies of the 
combination. More broadly, we continue 
to navigate well the challenges of the 
integration process and have set the 
business on the right path to support 
its ongoing strategic development.

 We are expecting a more stable raw 
material market in 2019. Whilst pricing 
may ease from the current high levels, 
a new higher base looks likely to be 
maintained throughout the year on 
account of the structurally changed 
environment, especially in China. 

 Whilst some uncertainties exist in 
the macroeconomic outlook for 2019, 
robust customer markets in the medium 
term (albeit with some uncertainty in the 
short term) and positive trends in raw 
material pricing support our expectation 
to deliver modest organic revenue 
growth, with improved operating margins 
from 2018 levels, driven by continued 
synergy generation and further 
optimisation initiatives, in addition 
to further growth potential from 
acquisitions. We remain focused 
on driving margin improvement 
opportunities and strong cash flow 
generation, which will provide the 
foundation to support our capital 
allocation and dividend policy.

 I would like to thank our employees, 
shareholders and customers for 
your continued support in what 
has been a critical year in the 
Company’s development. 

2 1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Innovation

Taking innovation to 
1,200°C and beyond 
We are committed to 
innovation in every aspect 
of our business. We aim 
to use data to develop 
pioneering products, 
new business models 
including our solutions 
offering, and efficient, 
inventive processes that 
will add real value to our 
customers. 

The Company’s technology leadership 
is built on the ambition, dedication and 
creativity of our employees. Innovation 
management gives structure to this 
creativity and ensures that ideas are 
converted to marketable products, 
services and new business models.

R&D underpins the Group’s strategy to 
be the top service and solution provider 
in the refractory industry with an extensive 
portfolio based on innovative technologies 
and digitalisation.

The Group expenditure on R&D and 
Technical Marketing in 2018 was 
c. €63 million.

Research and development
In 2018, R&D focused on integrating teams, 
capturing synergies on G&A, production 
network and cross selling, and leveraging 
the innovation efforts, including the launch 
of the Technical Advisory Committee 
(“TAC”) (see further detail below) and 
involvement with Open Innovation 
platforms, to further extending our  
technical network.

Innovation management
The improvement and further development 
of manufacturing processes is one of the 
main topics of innovation management at 
RHI Magnesita. 

2.2%

Annual commitment to R&D 
and Technical Marketing1

1  As a percentage of overall revenue

2 2

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Key developments in the R&D sphere 
during the Year included: 

 ¥ Establishment of the TAC: see case 

study below

 ¥ Automated Process Optimisation 

(“APO”): APO is being used to foster a 
greater understanding of the correlation 
between steel production parameters, 
maintenance and refractory by analysing 
data on a central master computer, using 
AI methods. Further development of 
APO technology has been applied to 
RH degassers (a secondary refining 
system that removes dissolved gases 
such as hydrogen present in molten steel 
to enable the production of high-grade 
steel) and combined with the Agellis 

Furnace safe solution (an infrared 
monitoring of furnace shells that 
minimises the risk of liquid steel 
breakout and maximises the 
operational furnace availability while 
at the same time increasing safety) 

 ¥ Brick data hub: This initiative aims  
to collect data from every stage of  
the process from tunnel kiln to brick 
destruction. New cameras have been 
installed on-site and the interface 
between cameras and databases  
has been prepared

Technical Advisory 
Committee

The TAC was established in 2018 to: 

 ¥ enable the Company to grow its business 
by helping to identify new technologies
 ¥ advise on the optimal use of the current 
technologies available in the Group
 ¥ support and challenge the Group’s  

R&D team

 ¥ expand the Company’s technology 
network into the external world 
(universities, start-up companies, 
partners)

w

The TAC is formed of senior, global R&D 
and Technical Marketing experts and has  
a strong EMT and Board-level presence. 
Consultants are also invited to join 
meetings when required to provide 
external expertise.

The TAC held its first meeting in 
September 2018 and key themes discussed 
were automation and digitalisation, 
functionalisation of refractory surfaces, 
fast drying and low temperature sintering 
technologies and innovation fostering 
within the R&D organisation. 

2 3

The Company’s clear objective is the 
identification, development and utilisation 
of new, high-performance production 
technologies and services that lead to 
a significant improvement in efficiency 
and enable the manufacturing of products 
with superior material properties and/or 
functionalities. Through this approach 
the Company not only creates the basis 
for patentable, innovative processes, 
but also sets new standards in the field 
of refractories.

The ongoing advancements due to 
digitisation and the increasing degree 
of automation have a significant 
contribution to the development of 
existing production processes and 
services. Through analysis, evaluation 
and prioritisation of existing technologies, 
innovation management ensures their 
quick and seamless integration. Trends 
such as Big Data, connectivity, AI and 
predictive maintenance are only a few 
aspects which open up new opportunities 
for the Company. The clear objective is to 
align the Group’s activities to new trends 
and to implement new business and 
service models that fulfil the demands 
of the Company’s stakeholders.

Our R&D capabilities 
Our industry-leading R&D team is at the 
centre of the Company’s ability to innovate. 
The Research and Development division 
consists of two R&D hubs, located in 
Leoben (Austria) and Contagem (Brasil), 
and three R&D centres in York (USA), Dalian 
(China) and Bhiwadi/Visakhapatnam (India). 
The R&D team is diverse in nature with 
15 different nationalities being represented. 
It comprises more than 250 people, 
approximately a quarter of which are 
female. Demonstrating the level of 
expertise of our team, 98 people within the 
global R&D team hold Master’s and PhDs.

R&D developments
€33 million, before subsidies and 
including opex and capex, was committed 
to R&D in 2018, representing 1.1% of total 
Group revenue. We aim to commit 1.2% 
of Group revenue to R&D and innovative 
technologies development on an annual 
basis. The minor reduction in 2018 was 
due to the effect of foreign exchange 
movements and also the merger 
combination process.

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Innovation
continued

 ¥ 3D printing: 3D printed refractory 
components will be produced on  
a pilot scale in 2019 and sent for 
application testing

 ¥ Surface properties functionalisation: 

Several technologies which are aimed  
at functionalising refractory grains 
have been investigated, leading to 
the development of a new refractory 
formulation with improved properties 
(mainly corrosion resistance, flexibility 
(modulus of elasticity) and in some 
cases thermal conductivity)

Intellectual property: 
patents and trademarks
Given the industry-leading R&D capabilities 
of the Group, we place great importance 
on protecting its intellectual property. 

The Company safeguards and protects its 
new products, systems and technologies via 
the effective use of trademarks and patents. 
We continuously examine the patentability 
of product developments, new raw 
materials, systems and technologies in 
order to provide targeted intellectual 
property protection for the Group’s new 
refractory solutions, thus strategically 
supporting the Company’s market position 
as a global leader in the refractory industry. 

Seven priority patent applications  
were filed in 2018; providing a competitive 
advantage for the Company. They included 
patent applications concerning the 
geometries of refractory components, 
automation and advanced refractory raw 
materials. The Group’s patent portfolio 
comprised 148 patent families with 1,723 
patents and patent applications at the  
end of the Year. 

A new Group-wide patent evaluation 
process has recently been rolled out  
in line with the Company’s strategy.  
The well-established patent monitoring 
process is used to analyse competitors’ 
patent activities in the market and to 
further secure legal compliance. 

Significant achievements in 2018 include 
the patenting of the IBOS Ladle Bottom 
solution in its primary market - the US -  
as well as the granting of a European 
patent for the APO System.

2 4

The trademark portfolio has been 
optimised and reduced to match the 
needs of the market. 

Our partnerships 
RHI Magnesita has active programmes 
with the following leading institutions:

 ¥ University of Leoben;
 ¥ Johannes Kepler University;
 ¥ Joanneum Research;
 ¥ University of Graz and the Graz 

University of Technology;

 ¥ Vienna University of Technology;
 ¥ Federal University of São Carlos in Brazil;
 ¥ Slovak Academy of Sciences;
 ¥ McGill University in Canada; and 
 ¥ Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Germany. 

RHI Magnesita also worked closely with 
technology leaders in the steel industry 
such as: 

 ¥ Voestalpine Stahl Donawitz; 
 ¥ Voestalpine Stahl Linz;
 ¥ Böhler Edelstahl; and
 ¥ Primetals Technologies at competence 

centres promoted by the Austrian 
Research Promotion Agency.

Fundamental research 
A key focus of fundamental research is 
to gain a better understanding of the 
corrosion and erosion mechanisms of 
our products within different customer 
processes. We carry out this research, 
often in collaboration with scientific 
cooperation partners and within the 
framework of subsidised competence 
centres, with the use of simulation and 
modelling methods. The aim of these is 
to analyse flow conditions of liquid steel 
from the steel ladle through the tundish 
to solidification in the mould. Methods used 
include the finite element method (“FEM”), 
computational fluid dynamics (“CFD”), 
the discrete element method (“DEM”), 
thermochemical simulations and water 
modelling. The simulation and modelling 
then enables us to offer our customers 
tailored refractory solutions which are based 
on the research carried out and therefore 
take the client’s process and specific 
environment into account. 

Innovation: enabling 
customers to meet 
their goals

Against a backdrop of the ever-
increasing focus on environmental, 
health and safety issues, there is 
growing demand in the steel industry 
for zero-emission refractory bricks. Our 
R&D team has been working to discover 
ways of reducing the environmental 
impact of the refractory process for years 
and one of the latest developments is the 
zero-emission magnesia carbon brick, 
which undergoes a specific treatment 
process to eliminate emissions.

The success of this product has been 
proven in various customer trials and its 
ability to provide significant benefit for 
the customer has been demonstrated. 
One long-standing customer was 
required by its host Government to 
significantly reduce its emissions and 
therefore underwent a variety of trials 
with alternative refractory products, with 
either limited success or a significant 
increase in costs noted, to achieve 
this goal. The ladle lining concept 
was then altered to enable the use of 
our zero-emission bricks. In utilising 
RHI Magnesita’s innovative products 
and services, the customer was able 
to reduce its environmental impact by 
eliminating emissions and, critically, to 
avoid any adverse regulatory impacts.

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

In 2018 in excess of 100 simulation projects 
were carried out for both internal and 
external customers, with some specific 
examples being a CFD simulation of a tap 
hole cooler design and a FEA simulation 
of a new brick suspension system for 
non-ferrous metals electric arc furnace 
(“EAF”) roofs. 

enables further improvements of the 
properties of existing products and optimal 
adaptation to customer needs. Examining 
raw material alternatives to existing 
products in order to secure raw material 
availability and to optimise the customer’s 
total cost of ownership is one of the 
fundamental activities of R&D.

New product and production 
method development 
Innovative raw materials and production 
processes provide the basis for new 
products. The Company has test plants 
in Leoben and Contagem which are used 
to develop new fused raw materials, 
based on phase-theory considerations and 
thermochemical calculations. These are 
then further developed prior to undergoing 
series production at our facilities. In addition 
to classic oxidic raw materials, research 
also deals with non-oxidic raw materials, 
which have turned out to be promising.

Some of these new raw materials are 
currently under investigation in order 
to highlight their potential in terms of 
improving thermo-mechanical properties 
as well as corrosion resistance of selected 
refractory formulations. 

Existing product optimisation 
and process improvements 
The Company uses Big Data methods to 
analyse and enhance existing production 
processes. As an example of this, AI is 
used to analyse and understand relevant 
information and develop the basis of a 
refractory wear model. AI methods are also 
used to foster a greater understanding of 
the correlation between steel production 
parameters, maintenance and refractory. 

In order to optimise our products and adapt 
them to specific customer requirements, 
used refractory materials are taken from 
a variety of customer aggregates and 
thoroughly studied at our R&D centres. 
Based on this analysis, the Company is 
able to develop optimised products and 
techniques with the aim of enhancing 
product performance and lowering 
customer costs. 

As an example, a new development 
has been launched aimed at coating 
refractory grains in order to improve 
the thermochemical corrosion and 
mechanical strength of refractory bricks, 
which are exposed to highly demanding 
environments. Bricks produced with this 
new technology are currently undergoing 
further testing in industrial kilns.

The close interdisciplinary cooperation 
between material development, design 
development in the simulation department 
and production process development 

Training
An important part of the R&D process, and 
a key part of the Company’s ability to add 
value to its clients, is to provide training 
and knowledge sharing with our customers. 
At the Training Centre in Leoben, Austria, 
the Company holds seminars attended by 
customers to help familiarise them with our 
refractory products and lining techniques. 
The participants can learn about and 
practice handling refractory products 
on a full-scale model of a cement rotary 
kiln using modern lining machinery.

Digitalisation 
Digitalisation is a key focus for the Company 
as well as providing one of the Group’s 
leading competitive advantages. In 2018, 
further digitalisation and automation 
initiatives across the Group’s entire value 
chain were carried out and remain on track.

Radenthein, which is the Company’s first 
digital pilot plant, enables the Group to 
apply the power of digital analytics and AI. 

Demonstrating the importance we place 
on this area, in 2018, we appointed a Digital 
Strategy Manager to establish our global 
digital agenda, data/digital strategy and 
governance process.

We have also developed a Supply Chain 
Management (“SCM”) 4.0 team and have 
initiated the SCM transformation process. 
This includes projects which are focused on 
digitalisation and AI to drive optimisation of 
our entire supply chain. 

Product portfolio
Following the merger, we commenced 
a full analysis and review of the Group’s 
product portfolio with the aim of unifying, 
streamlining and optimising. As a result of 
this process, we saw a significant reduction 
of active brands and carried out a 
streamlining of recipes.

Several successful product roll-outs 
were achieved during the Year, including 
“Q-mixes”, which were developed to ensure 
short delivery times in spite of high plant 
loads. Another benefit of these mixes 
exists in reducing our consumption of 
dead burned magnesia, enabling the 
Group to further optimise its supply chain.

The development and optimisation 
of reduced- and zero-emission bricks 
continued successfully, with the creation 
of new recipes as well as the further 
optimisation of existing recipes to meet 
ever-increasing environmental, health 
& safety requirements. In slide gate 
mechanics, the successful roll-out of the 
“S-Gate” continued with a major focus on 
South America in 2018, thereby securing 
the Company’s patent-protected 
technology leadership in slide gate 
mechanics and ceramics.

In 2019, product roll-outs will continue 
with examples including the introduction 
of EAF hearth ramming mixes, produced 
in Contagem (Brazil), and doloma-based 
bricks, produced in Chizhou (China).

Technical Marketing training
We use innovative training methods to 
disseminate knowledge of our product 
portfolio both quickly and cost-efficiently 
amongst our sales team. These processes 
are supported by our dedicated “Academy” 
department, within the Technical Marketing 
organisation, as well as our e-learning 
capabilities.

Recycling
The recycling of used refractory products 
is a key strategic initiative for the Group on 
the basis of the various benefits it carries. 
Firstly, it enables us to secure a supply 
of raw materials and therefore reduces 
the requirement for their cost-intensive 
procurement but also it enables a significant 
reduction in energy consumption and CO2 
emissions. In addition to this, by recycling 
spent refractories, we can reduce the 
volume of waste generated as well as 
cutting disposal costs. By applying 
alternative treatment methods, the 
Company is aiming to increase the portion 
of Secondary Raw Materials (“SRM”) that 
can be recovered from the spent 
refractories.

The Company uses over 100,000 tonnes 
of recycled materials on an annual basis 
and the development of products allowing 
a higher SRM content is a priority for us. 
2018 saw significant focus on the 
development of our recycling strategy 
and capabilities and, as part of this, the team 
was enhanced during the Year. Our R&D 
function developed recipes during the Year 
which allowed significantly higher rates 
of recycling, while still maintaining the 
same functional performance in the final 
customer application.

In 2019 we will continue to work in 
close collaboration with our customers 
to increase the percentage of SRM in 
products, whilst retaining or even 
improving their performance.

2 5

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Operational  
review

This operational review gives a 
breakdown of performance by 
division, as well as providing 
some focus on our key growth 
markets of India and China.

From a macro perspective, performance 
in 2018 can be characterised by the 
successful integration of RHI and 
Magnesita, which has been managed 
well throughout the Year, with minimal 
disruption from a customer perspective 
from day one and ensuring service 
continuity throughout the process.

Detail on the macro perspective is provided in 
the sections below, as well as in the Market 
overview section on pages 10 to 13

2 6

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Revenue split by geography

Europe

North America

Asia Pacific

South America

MEA-CIS 

29%

24%

17%

17%

13%

Steel  
Division

€2,204m

2018 Steel revenue

€522m

2018 Steel gross profit

Our Steel Division provides customers with 
a broad range of customised refractory 
solutions and services required in steel 
production. These include basic and 
non-basic mixes and bricks, as well as 
machinery, flow control systems and our 
solutions offering.

Refractory products used in the steel 
industry are considered as consumable 
products and therefore their service life 
generally does not exceed one year. 
They can therefore be classified as a 
maintenance investment, with their 
demand being correlated to output.

According to the World Steel Association, 
global crude steel production increased 
by 4.6% to 1,808.6 Mt in 2018 (+2.5% 
excluding China), with increases noted 
in all regions except the EU, providing a 
positive customer demand backdrop for 
the Group’s Steel Division.

72% of total Group revenue was attributable 
to the Steel Division in 2018 (2017: 74%1), 
amounting to €2,204.3 million, which 
represents an increase of 15% on the 

1  Pro-forma
2  Comparing against pro-forma 2017
3  Calculated based on 2017 reported figures

previous year2. Gross profit for the Steel 
Division was €522.4 million, representing 
a gross margin of 23.7% (2017: 23.1%3). 
Whilst overall there was a gross margin 
improvement in 2018, a deterioration was 
noted in H2 as a result of some operational 
and supply chain issues. The root cause 
of these issues has been identified and 
improvement plans are in place. We are 
confident that they will substantially be 
resolved in the current year.

Europe
The Group realised a good level of organic 
growth, with revenue of €631.5 million, 
in spite of the subdued level of steel 
production in Europe and notwithstanding 
the plant production challenges 
encountered during the Year, which can be 
characterised by raw material shortages 
and long lead times (especially in dolomite). 
This increase was driven by product 
portfolio optimisation with a favourable 
pricing impact, and also influenced by 
our ability to pass on cost increases. The 
Company successfully mitigated long lead 
times and production/shipping delays (as a 
result of unplanned ex China orders) by 
close interdepartmental and customer 
cooperation. Furthermore, coordinated 
inventory measures were taken to reduce 
excessive stock and thereby free up capital 
employed without impacting customer 
satisfaction with our supply reliability.

Steel production in the EU decreased 
by 0.3% to 168.1 Mt. Steel consumption 
levelled in H2 2018, according to the 
European Steel Association (“Eurofer”), 
showing a 2.2% increase at closing when 
compared to 2017. High overall levels of 
steel consumption and stock building 
across the steel distribution chain drove 
stable demand during the Year amidst 
tensions over US tariffs on European steel 
and serious discussions on safeguards and 
tariff barriers in response to steel imports 
in the region, especially from China and 
other Asian producers. 

As with North America, we see potential 
positive benefits in Europe from the 
reopening of the Chizhou plant and 
expect 2019 to present a more stable 
year in this region. 

2 7

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Operational review
continued

North America
Strong revenue of €534.6 million was 
recorded in 2018, with particularly strong 
performance in North America due to 
crude steel production rising in the US 
and Mexico, but also due to the Group’s 
focus on key strategic initiatives, an 
enhanced portfolio of products, and 
market price adjustments, which 
outpaced the cost development. 

Given the limited raw material sourcing 
options in North America, resulting in 
a high reliance on imported goods and 
raw materials, this region inevitably saw 
challenges in 2018. Customer sentiment 
was impacted by supply concerns on 
account of raw material developments in 
China, which significantly increased prices. 
There were specific challenges in 2018 to 
fulfil demand for dolomite-based shaped 
products, which was impacted by 
production capacities and increased 
steel pour.

The Group was able to derive benefit from 
its strong market position in North America, 
driven by its very competitive product and 
service offering across the full refractory 
portfolio, and also from its high level of 
backward integration for imported products 
from Europe and South America. 

North America demonstrated strong 
growth in 2018, particularly when 
considering the maturity of the market, 
with steel production increasing by 4.1% 
to 120.5 Mt. The US saw a particularly high 
year-on-year increase of +6.2% to 86.7 Mt, 
with key drivers being the Government’s 
infrastructure plan, the tariffs escalation 
with China and raw material prices. 

In March 2018, 25% tariffs were imposed 
on steel imports, leading to an increase 
in US steel prices and steel customers 
announcing new investments (as well as 
the recommencement of previously halted 
operations). However, as the Year-end 
approached, prices began to fall back 
to similar levels seen prior to the tariff 
implementation. A 10% tariff was also 
implemented on imported Chinese 
goods in September 2018, which will rise 
to 25% absent any future developments. 

Capacity utilisation in the US (a key indicator 
for the industry) passed the 80%1 reference 
point and a number of steel producers 
initiated investments to ramp up production 
capabilities and upgrade facilities as the 
economy gained momentum.

Looking forward to 2019, we are encouraged 
by customer green- and brownfield projects 
as well as the positive impact of increased 
steel pour from those operations which 
were restarted during the Year. We also 
anticipate being in a position to derive 
some of the latent benefit from increases 
in Chinese raw material pricing that was 
not yet fully felt during 2018. 

The reopening of the Chizhou plant in 
China is expected to free up dolomite 
capacity in North American plants from the 
end of 2019 onwards, enabling additional 
deliveries to customers in the region.

Middle East & Africa (“MEA”),  
CIS & Asia Pacific
The Group succeeded in outperforming 
the market in India, China and Asia Pacific 
in 2018, which itself saw strong steel growth 
in all regions. Revenue reported for MEA 
and CIS in 2018 was €286.1 million, with 
€385.7 million in Asia Pacific, positively 
impacted by price increases, with the 
strongest improvements being seen in MEA. 
The Group contended with the issue of a 
limited level of backward integration in a 
majority of these regions during the Year; 
however, with a steadier raw material 
supply flow expected in 2019, a further 
improvement in performance is anticipated.

2 8

1  The American Iron and Steel Institute 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

The country-wide truckers’ strike in Brazil, 
which occurred in May, hindered further 
growth in steel sales in the domestic market 
in 2018 and the US decision to restrict the 
market to steel imports (Section 232), 
triggered protectionist escalation on the 
part of the other countries, jeopardising 
growth in export volumes.

Apparent steel consumption is forecast 
to rise by 6.2% to 22.4Mt1 on the basis of 
optimistic expectations of the new Brazilian 
Government measures. Whilst our internal 
expectations take into account a certain 
level of conservatism, this still has the 
potential to drive further steel production 
increases in 2019.

We will continue to reinforce the 
commercial strategy of our solution-
oriented business in South America, 
with a focus on supporting the recovery 
of the steel industry. 

Strong steel revenues in 
2018 of €2,204 million 
were underpinned by 
positive customer demand.

Steel production in Asia grew by 5.6% 
to 1,271.1 Mt. China increased by 6.6%, 
with its share of global production rising 
from 50.3% to 51.3%. India’s production 
increased by 4.9%, overtaking Japan as 
the world’s second largest steel producing 
country. The Middle East saw a significant 
increase in steel production of 11.7% to 
38.5 Mt. Turkey decreased slightly to 37.3 
Mt. Egypt, Morocco and Algeria increased 
steel production by 9.3% to 9.8 Mt2.

Steel production in the CIS remained 
largely flat; +0.3% to 101.3 Mt. 
Ukraine production decreased by 1.1% 
to 21.1 Mt, continuing to be impacted by 
political instability and resultant lower 
business activity. 

The impact of lower steel prices and 
higher iron ore production costs at the start 
of 2019 is already being noted. There is an 
increased risk to steel producers in these 
regions on the basis of a growing preference 
for steel imports from Russia, Ukraine and 
China as opposed to utilising local steel 
production. It is specifically likely that 
regional EAF plants may suffer.

South America
The Group’s market position in South 
America is strong, with a focus on the 
solutions model, benefitting from long-
standing customer relationships and driving 
value for these customers. Revenue, which 
amounted to €366.3 million in 2018, was 
negatively impacted by country-wide 
industrial action of truck drivers in Brazil 
in May as well as the political situation 
in Venezuela, which has largely halted 
steel production in the country. However, 
profitability was increased in 2018 as a 
result of improved product mix, better 
technical results in performance contracts 
as well as merger-related synergies. The 
Company encountered some challenges 
with its stand-alone installation model in 
2018 which negatively impacted on margins 
but we expect to generate positive gains in 
2019, with a strong focus on a turnaround 
of this area.

2018 saw average growth in steel 
production, given the maturity of the 
market, with an increase of 1.3% in Latin 
America to reach 44.3 Mt. Brazil showed 
a steady pace in its economic recovery 
with steel production reaching 34.7 Mt 
in 2018 (+1.1% year-on-year). The domestic 
apparent consumption of steel products 
in Brazil was 20.6 Mt, an increase of 
7.3% over the previous year. Despite the 
positive performance of the Brazilian 
steel industry in 2018, domestic sales 
and apparent consumption still remain 
below the levels reached in 2013. Factors 
affecting steel consumption in South 
America include political uncertainty 
latent in Brazil and Colombia due to the 
electoral cycle, the financial crisis in 
Argentina and the continuing uncertainty 
in Venezuela regarding the resumption 
of steel production.

1  Brazil Steel Institute
2  According to CRU statistics

2 9

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Operational review
continued

with a revenue of €877.1 million (2017: 
€658 million). Gross profit for the Industrial 
Division was €214.5 million, representing 
a gross margin of 24.5% (2017: 22.5%1). 

Cement/Lime
Cement/Lime in 2018 amounted to 
€321.3 million, driven by price increases 
and portfolio optimisation. This segment 
constituted 37% of Industrial Division 
revenue in 2018 and 10% of overall 
Group revenue.

The Company saw a successful turnaround 
of its Cement/Lime business during the 
Year, with positive effects from the 
renegotiation of contract terms being 
noted Magnesite and dolomite raw material 
availability remained tight in 2018, with 
Chinese DBM maintaining high price levels. 
In H1, cement continued to be impacted 
by long-term contracts and a very high 
order level from 2017. Long lead times, 
mainly in Europe, also led to delayed 
margin improvements. However, the 
Company took positive actions to 
mitigate these issues, shortening the 
impact of price increases by reducing 
contracts and price validity, and 
concentrating on the most profitable 
business areas. From H2 onwards, 
price increases were then evident in 
improving margins. 

2018 was a year of steady refractory 
market growth and relative stability for 
cement and lime from a global market 
perspective, with some significant 
variances on a regional basis. China, the 
world’s largest cement producer, continued 
its focus on environmental improvements 
and consequently on reducing mainly 
outdated cement capacities. Other 
countries, such as Brazil and those in the 
near Middle East, can be characterised by 
their challenging economic environments, 
whereas Eastern Europe, Central Asia and 
North America all benefited from significant 
increases in demand. 

Industrial 
Division

€877m

2018 Industrial revenue

€215m

2018 Industrial gross profit

The Industrial Division provides refractory 
solutions for the cement, lime, non-ferrous 
metals and glass industries as well as the 
EEC sectors. 

Refractory products for the cement 
industries tend to be consumables, with a 
replacement period of up to a year. Similar 
to those used in the steel industry, they are 
considered as maintenance investment, 
with demand being correlated to output. 

In the non-ferrous metals, lime, glass as 
well as the EEC industries, the service life 
of refractory products is generally longer. 
Refractory investment in these industries is 
therefore more project-oriented and subject 
to longer replacement cycles, leading to 
more volatile demand than that seen in 
the steel and cement/lime industries.

With GDP growth in 2018 of 3.7% (of which 
c. 3% is relevant to the business), the Group 
was able to derive benefit from a healthy 
overall industrial demand environment. 
Sales to the Industrial Division accounted 
for 28% of total Group revenue (2017: 26%), 

1  Calculated on a statutory basis 
2  Percentages equal over 100% due to rounding

3 0

Industrial Division revenue2

Cement/Lime

Non-ferrous metals

Other process industries 

37%

25%

39%

The market demand for lime has been very 
stable. However, as a result of fewer projects 
in vertical shaft kilns - one of our key market 
areas - we saw lower volume and revenue 
compared to 2017. Nevertheless, we note an 
encouraging projects pipeline and positive 
current trend in early 2019. An additional 
focus on rotary kilns is also expected to lead 
to market growth, mainly in North America.

After the turnaround seen in this business 
in 2018, further upside is anticipated in 2019 
driven by our ability to fully capture the 
positive effects of our backward integration.

Non-ferrous metals
Revenue contribution from the non-ferrous 
metals business represented 7% of 
the Group’s overall revenue in 2018 
and 25% of the Industrial Division, with 
strong revenue of €217.2 million in 2018, 
outpacing the market, which itself retained 
positive dynamics. The business unit 
performed well during the Year and saw 
the benefit of a number of projects with 
long-standing customers.

R H I  M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

After a strong year in 2017, the upwards 
price trend of LME-listed base metals 
continued at the start of 2018. Following 
the implementation of tariffs and the 
commencement of international trade 
disputes, prices then decreased slightly 
with the change in the macro-economic 
environment, and the majority closed 
2018 down on the previous year. 

The business was predominantly driven by 
major repairs and standard business with 
existing customers. We saw strong orders 
from certain customers - with an example 
being greater orders than expected from 
Kazakhstan’s ferro alloy industry, which 
positively impacted our results. 

The positive momentum seen in 2018 is 
expected to continue in 2019 and, looking 
forward, we see significant opportunities for 
the non-ferrous metals business as a result 
of the evolution of e-mobility technology. 
With the growth of e-vehicles, the 
increasing requirement for batteries and 
also battery charging infrastructure, the 
demand for metals used in this sphere is 
likely to increase. The increasing demand 
for copper in the e-mobility sector is likely 
play a crucial role for new copper capacities 
in coming years, on the basis it is needed in 
batteries as well as engines and wiring for 
e-vehicles and charging infrastructure. 
Nickel, platinum and palladium are also 
increasingly used in this area. Palladium 
(the metal used in catalysts of gasoline 
engines) prices gained over 18% in 2018. 

Other process industries
Other process industries mainly comprises 
glass, EEC and mineral industries. With 
revenue of €338.6 million in 2018, this 
segment accounted for 39% of the 
Industrial Division sales and 11% of the 
Company’s overall revenue.

The global demand of refractories for the 
glass industry was high in 2018, enabling 
us to fully utilise the production capacities 
at all of our plants. Customer investments 
were strong and, based on our backwardly 
integrated portfolio for basic refractories, 
we were able to support this trend. Strong 
performance was recorded in this section 
of the business, mainly driven by pricing. 
The Company recorded growth which 
outpaced that of the market.

In the first complete business year since 
selling the non-profitable fused cast 
product line, we were able to compensate 
for the loss of fused cast revenue by 
focusing on the bonded product portfolio. 
Supported by new strategic measures and 
alongside a robust pricing strategy the 
glass business unit contributed strongly 
to the overall business plan, and provided 
significant improvements to margins. 

In the EEC sector, revenue, shipments 
and profitability increased in 2018, 
albeit demand for most applications 
was relatively flat year-on-year, driven 
by volatile oil markets. 2018 saw strong 
demand in the pelletising industry, mainly 
in the Middle East, as well as an increase in 
business with our special waste customers 
worldwide. European and CIS demand 
was strong throughout 2018. As a result 
of the challenging oil and gas environment 
in Canada in 2018, in which a large 
proportion of investment projects were 
halted, this market saw subdued demand 
during the Year. 

The Group derived benefit 
from a healthy overall 
industrial demand 
environment and 
recorded industrial 
revenues of €877 million.

Opportunities in 2019 include the 
further broadening of the product 
portfolio, especially with regards to 
non-basic products for glass furnaces. 
The EEC market saw some positive 
impetus at the end of 2018, which is 
expected to continue in 2019. 

3 1

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Operational review
continued

Growth 
markets: India 

€251m

2018 India revenue1

1 

Includes €6.2 million revenue from  
Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan

Sources: World Steel Association,  
JPC/Centrum Research

3 2

Consolidating and 
strengthening our 
Indian presence

By maximising our operational and SCM 
excellence, we are working to optimise 
our production footprint in India. In 2018, 
we commenced the reorganisation of our 
structure to combine three separate legal 
entities, all with specific areas of focus and 
expertise, thereby enhancing the business 
and operational synergies via the pooling of 
management expertise, technologies and 
other resources between the businesses. 

Orient Refractory Limited previously 
concentrated on special refractory 
products (such as flow control solutions) 
and mainly sold to small steel manufacturing 
companies, whereas RHI India P Ltd dealt in 
basic refractories and lining business and 
supplied to large steel manufacturers, and 
lastly RHI Clasil P Ltd concentrated on 
non-basic refractories (alumina bricks). 

The combined business, which is 
underpinned by the expertise and 
experience of RHI Magnesita, creates a 
larger asset base in India, and importantly 
provides customers with one single 
refractories solutions platform. This has 
made the business more relevant and better 
aligned with the larger steel manufacturers. 

The Indian steel industry is undergoing 
consolidation, which is expected to 
underpin its strength but also to provide a 
higher market share for industry leaders. As 
a combined group in India, RHI Magnesita’s 
business here will be in a strong position to 
benefit from this consolidation on the basis 
of the breadth of the combined organisation 
as well as its long-standing relationships 
with these market-leading customers.

The Group has a strong local presence in 
India, with a leading market share, solid 
revenue streams and continuous growth. 
We operate through two production 
facilities and two sales offices and 
have long-standing relationships with 
blue chip customers.

2018 has seen the Indian steel market 
becoming the second largest in the world, 
further reinforcing the necessity for our 
continued emphasis on this geography. 
The Indian Steel Ministry has set a 300 Mt 
per annum steel capacity target by the 
end of 2030 which underpins the future 
of this industry. 

Revenue for 2018 amounted to 
€251.5 million1. In spite of the lack of 
greenfield steel manufacturing projects 
during the Year, the Group’s Indian 
business continued to grow ahead of 
steel market growth. 

In order to address increased customer 
demand, the Company has aligned its 
Indian business units to meet requirements. 
The Group has also increased capacity 
at its operations in certain areas to 
address demand. As a result of substantial 
restructuring and consolidation in the 
Indian steel industry, demand for higher 
performance and better quality solutions 
has increased - a development which 
corresponds well to our strengths as a 
Group and enables us to take advantage of 
this position, whilst also working to further 
strengthen our position in the market in terms 
of cost competitive refractory solutions. 

India’s steel production and demand 
is expected to increase by 5% and 7% 
respectively in 2019, backed by growth 
in investment in infrastructure and 
construction projects, complemented by 
strong automotive demand. At present, 
the Indian steel industry is running at 
78% utilisation rate (current capacity 
130 Mt per annum). The demand outlook 
for next three to five years is likely to mirror 
the current GDP growth rate of 7% (which 
should enable India to overtake the UK 
in becoming the world’s fifth largest 
economy). Ahead of the 2019 general 
election it is expected that Government of 
India may take measures to boost overall 
sentiment in the upcoming fiscal budget.

 
 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Growth 
markets: China

€166m

2018 China revenue1

In order to develop and advance our 
position in the key growth market of 
China, we implemented a new business 
plan and built up a stronger, locally-focused 
management team as part of a ‘China for 
China’ strategy developed in 2018. 
We have been able to grow our market 
presence here as a result of the newly 
developed team, our tailor-made products 
for China, increased capacities, enhanced 
inventory management abilities and an 
overall strong local focus on this geography. 
Demonstrating our focus in 2018, revenue in 
China amounted to €165.8 million1 in 2018.

Cognisant of the unique nature of the 
Chinese market, our new R&D team 
has developed specific, strategic and 
environmentally friendly products in 
cooperation with key customers. 
The team also collaborates with local 
universities and organisations. In addition 
to this, we have carried out significant 
efforts to increase our brand awareness 
in China and have implemented the 
Group’s first Virtual Reality (“VR”) project 
here. This involved developing a VR video 
of our fired magnesia brick operation in 
Dalian to demonstrate this modern and 
high-tech manufacturing site to our 
customers around the globe. It is an 
effective way of providing them with an 
overview of the operation, demonstrating 
the Group’s technology leadership as 
well as enhancing the awareness of our 
brand worldwide.

1 

Includes €0.1 million revenue from 
Hong Kong and Macau

Successful projects carried out in 
2018 included: 

 ¥ The ramp up of the Group’s brick plant 

in  Chizhou, which is being conducted in 
a two phased process. Phase one is on 
track, with trial production currently 
underway and our first sales coming 
onto the market in early 2019;

 ¥ Silo project: This project offers greater 
flexibility in the production of carbon 
bonded magnesia bricks for the domestic 
market (previously production from the 
carbon bonded magnesia bricks site was 
predominantly exported). The Group 
now has three sites in Dalian. 
 ¥ ISO extension at Dalian sites: The 

Company is developing technology in 
the sphere of ISO bricks to enable it to 
achieve higher growth than the market. 
We are investing in additional capacity 
at the ISO site to enable shipping to the 
domestic market. 

Given our local expertise in China, we are 
able to adapt and strengthen our business 
to overcome market challenges and adapt 
to trends. As an example of this, we have 
reorganised and widened the breadth of 
the Chinese steel department. Against 
the backdrop of a challenging automotive 
industry, we still see good opportunities in 
the steel sector. In addition to the increasing 
demand for SUV and MPVs (which consume 
more steel in their production), we are also 
seeing strong demand for new energy 
vehicles (“NEV”), with the overall sales of 
NEV increasing 68% year-on-year for the 
January to November period. 

We also see significant opportunities 
with the shift to EAF steel plants and 
the consequent refractory demand. 
Automation is a key focus in the Chinese 
market and we are therefore concentrating 
on creating solutions which will enable our 
customers to increase the quality of their 
products, whilst lowering energy and 
production costs.

With the increasingly strict environmental 
policy in China, recycling will play a key role 
in our strategy for 2019 and, benefitting 
from our local expertise and market access, 
we are targeting our R&D work on creating 
‘China for China’ products with increased 
use of SRM.

Chizhou - our 
strategy in action

Our investment in the Chizhou mining 
and brick plant assets in 2018 marked 
another important strategic step towards 
improving our competitiveness and 
supply security in the medium term. 
By increasing our level of raw material 
integration, we can improve our unique 
position in the industry and offer our 
customers in Asia shorter lead times. 
We will also have additional dolomite-
based capacity for customers in North 
America, Europe and Asia. 

The Chizhou site includes an extensive 
dolomite mine and raw material 
production site, as well as facilities for 
high-quality dolomite-based finished 
products. After the completion of the 
investment towards the end of 2019, 
the Company will be able to offer a 
fully backward-integrated dolomite 
source in each of our key global regions.

The project is being conducted in a two 
phased process. Phase one is on track, 
with trial production currently underway 
and our first sales coming onto the market 
in early 2019. 

3 3

 
 
S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Key 
performance  
indicators

The Board and Management have 
identified the following indicators 
which it believes to reflect 
the financial and non-financial 
performance of the business. 

Read more in our Financial review 
on pages 36 to 41

Leverage  

  2018

1.2x 

  2017

1.9x 

 KPI relevance

A suitable leverage provides the business with headroom for 

compelling investment opportunities but also enables distribution 

to shareholders. Directors’ remuneration is directly linked to free 

cash flow generation, which impacts Group leverage. The Board 

has defined a long-term leverage target range of 0.5 to 1.5x across 

the cycle.

How it is measured 

Net debt to adjusted EBITDA.

Revenue growth 

Adjusted EBITA margin 

  2018

21% 

  2018

13.9% 

  2017

11%¹ 

 KPI relevance

  2017

9.3%² 

 KPI relevance

This demonstrates the organic growth of the business. By 
increasing our global refractory market share, continually enhancing 
our product and service offering, the Company is focused on achieving 
revenue growth and aims to outperform the refractories market on an 
annual basis.

Margin expansion provides a measure of profitability and demonstrates 
the successful execution of the integration and the Company’s 
corporate strategy. Synergy targets, which impact EBITA margin 
performance, are included in Directors’ remuneration.

Adjusted EPS 

  2018

  2017

 KPI relevance

€5.31 

n/a 

Reflecting the income statement in a clear way and taking the 

equity structure into account, the Board believes adjusted EPS to 

be one of the indicators which demonstrate value being created 

for its shareholders.

How it is measured 

Year-on-year percentage improvement; based on pro-forma revenue 
at a constant currency.

How it is measured 

Adjusted EBITA divided by revenue.

How it is measured 

Earnings per share, excluding items such as FX effect, merger-related 

costs, re-financing costs and other financial income and expenses.

 2018 performance 

 2018 performance 

 2018 performance 

 2018 performance 

Revenue for 2018 amounted to €3,081 million, 21% higher than 
last year’s pro-forma revenue at constant currency. The significant 
growth in revenue is underpinned by strong growth in the Group’s 
Steel and Industrial Division’s results, as well as the favourable 
market environment.

Based on an adjusted EBITA of €428.1 million, the 460bps 
improvement in margin was predominantly driven by the significant 
increase in revenue growth, higher efficiency in operations (leading 
to better gross margins), the implementation of synergy benefits and 
also due to the high fixed cost dilution in SG&A.

Adjusted EPS of €5.31 reflected solid performance of the business 

as well as the achievement of synergies. A comparable adjusted 

figure is not available for 2017.

Net debt at Year-end amounted to €638.9 million and the 

Company’s leverage was 0.7x lower than in 2017 as a result of 

the improved cash generation in 2018.

Safety: LTIF 

  2018

0.4 

  2017

1.1 

 KPI relevance

Safety is paramount to the successful running of our business and 
therefore sits at the core of everything we do. LTIF is the main safety 
KPI we use to measure the safety performance of the Company. 
Directors’ remuneration is directly linked to safety objectives. 

R&D & Technical Marketing spend 

Voluntary employee turnover  

Gender diversity in leadership  

  2018

  2017

 KPI relevance

€63m 

n/a 

This demonstrates our commitment to driving innovation and to being 
the leading provider of services and solutions within the refractories 
industries. Excellence in R&D and strong Technical Marketing 
capabilities are key contributors to our competitiveness. The Company 
aims to invest 2.2% per annum of revenue in R&D and Technical 
Marketing going forward.

  2018

  2017

 KPI relevance

12.5% 

n/a 

Voluntary employee turnover is considered to be one way of 

measuring the Group’s success in retaining its people. 

  2018

  2017

 KPI relevance

12% 

8% 

Diversity is important in terms of maintaining the Group’s 

competitiveness and economic success and gender diversity 

is a key component of this. The Company has a target to increase 

women on our Board and in senior leadership to 33%.

How it is measured 

How it is measured 

How it is measured 

How it is measured 

The number of accidents resulting in lost time of more than eight 
hours per 200,000 working hours, determined on a monthly basis.

Annual spend on research and development, before subsidies and 
including opex and capex.

The percentage of employees who voluntarily left the Company 

during the Year and were replaced by new employees.

Number of women as a percentage of all those in leadership positions 

(CEO, EMT and EMT direct reports). 

 2018 performance 

 2018 performance 

 2018 performance 

 2018 performance 

LTIF reached an all-time low of 0.4 in 2018, with improvements in 
all regions. This represents a 60% reduction compared to 2017, 
far exceeding our 20% target.

 Read more about Safety on pages 54 to 55

€63 million was committed to R&D and Technical Marketing in 2018, 
equating to 2% of revenues, marginally lower than the target as a 
result of foreign exchange movements and the merger combination 
process (including restructuring of departments). 

 Read more about Innovation on pages 22 to 25

Voluntary employee turnover of 12.5% for 2018 was high as a result of 

the integration following the merger in 2017.

 Read more about our People on pages 54 to 57

Female representation at leadership level was greatly enhanced in 

2018, increasing to 12% and demonstrating our focus on this area. 

Diversity at Board level was also significantly improved, with the 

nomination of two new female Non-Executive Directors to the Board.

 Read more about Diversity on pages 56 to 57

3 4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

These KPIs, which relate to the four underlying 
strategic pillars of the Group, as demonstrated 
in the key, are monitored and link to the 
Company’s risk management process. 
Some of the KPIs are also used as measures 
for short- and long-term incentives. The Group 
intends to report on Economic Profit as a KPI 
from 2019 to measure the creation of long-
term value. The Company will also look to 
further develop reporting of non-financial 
KPIs in 2019.

Link to strategy

People

Business model

Markets

Competitiveness 

1  Compared with the adjusted pro-forma revenue of €2,409 million in 2016
2  On an adjusted, pro-forma, constant currency basis 

Read more about our Alternative Performance  
Measures on our website www.rhimagnesita.com

  2017

11%¹ 

 KPI relevance

annual basis.

How it is measured 

at a constant currency.

 2018 performance 

Safety: LTIF 

  2018

0.4 

How it is measured 

 2018 performance 

Revenue growth 

Adjusted EBITA margin 

  2018

21% 

  2018

13.9% 

Adjusted EPS 

  2018

  2017

 KPI relevance

€5.31 

n/a 

This demonstrates the organic growth of the business. By 

increasing our global refractory market share, continually enhancing 

our product and service offering, the Company is focused on achieving 

revenue growth and aims to outperform the refractories market on an 

Margin expansion provides a measure of profitability and demonstrates 

the successful execution of the integration and the Company’s 

corporate strategy. Synergy targets, which impact EBITA margin 

performance, are included in Directors’ remuneration.

Reflecting the income statement in a clear way and taking the 
equity structure into account, the Board believes adjusted EPS to 
be one of the indicators which demonstrate value being created 
for its shareholders.

Leverage  

  2018

1.2x 

  2017

1.9x 

 KPI relevance

A suitable leverage provides the business with headroom for 
compelling investment opportunities but also enables distribution 
to shareholders. Directors’ remuneration is directly linked to free 
cash flow generation, which impacts Group leverage. The Board 
has defined a long-term leverage target range of 0.5 to 1.5x across 
the cycle.

Year-on-year percentage improvement; based on pro-forma revenue 

Adjusted EBITA divided by revenue.

Revenue for 2018 amounted to €3,081 million, 21% higher than 

last year’s pro-forma revenue at constant currency. The significant 

growth in revenue is underpinned by strong growth in the Group’s 

Steel and Industrial Division’s results, as well as the favourable 

market environment.

Based on an adjusted EBITA of €428.1 million, the 460bps 

improvement in margin was predominantly driven by the significant 

increase in revenue growth, higher efficiency in operations (leading 

to better gross margins), the implementation of synergy benefits and 

also due to the high fixed cost dilution in SG&A.

How it is measured 

Earnings per share, excluding items such as FX effect, merger-related 
costs, re-financing costs and other financial income and expenses.

How it is measured 

Net debt to adjusted EBITDA.

 2018 performance 

 2018 performance 

Adjusted EPS of €5.31 reflected solid performance of the business 
as well as the achievement of synergies. A comparable adjusted 
figure is not available for 2017.

Net debt at Year-end amounted to €638.9 million and the 
Company’s leverage was 0.7x lower than in 2017 as a result of 
the improved cash generation in 2018.

R&D & Technical Marketing spend 

Voluntary employee turnover  

Gender diversity in leadership  

  2017

9.3%² 

 KPI relevance

How it is measured 

 2018 performance 

  2018

  2017

 KPI relevance

12.5% 

n/a 

Voluntary employee turnover is considered to be one way of 
measuring the Group’s success in retaining its people. 

  2018

  2017

 KPI relevance

12% 

8% 

Diversity is important in terms of maintaining the Group’s 
competitiveness and economic success and gender diversity 
is a key component of this. The Company has a target to increase 
women on our Board and in senior leadership to 33%.

The number of accidents resulting in lost time of more than eight 

hours per 200,000 working hours, determined on a monthly basis.

Annual spend on research and development, before subsidies and 

The percentage of employees who voluntarily left the Company 
during the Year and were replaced by new employees.

Number of women as a percentage of all those in leadership positions 
(CEO, EMT and EMT direct reports). 

How it is measured 

How it is measured 

LTIF reached an all-time low of 0.4 in 2018, with improvements in 

all regions. This represents a 60% reduction compared to 2017, 

far exceeding our 20% target.

 Read more about Safety on pages 54 to 55

€63 million was committed to R&D and Technical Marketing in 2018, 

equating to 2% of revenues, marginally lower than the target as a 

result of foreign exchange movements and the merger combination 

process (including restructuring of departments). 

 Read more about Innovation on pages 22 to 25

 2018 performance 

 2018 performance 

Voluntary employee turnover of 12.5% for 2018 was high as a result of 
the integration following the merger in 2017.

 Read more about our People on pages 54 to 57

Female representation at leadership level was greatly enhanced in 
2018, increasing to 12% and demonstrating our focus on this area. 
Diversity at Board level was also significantly improved, with the 
nomination of two new female Non-Executive Directors to the Board.

 Read more about Diversity on pages 56 to 57

3 5

  2017

1.1 

 KPI relevance

Safety is paramount to the successful running of our business and 

therefore sits at the core of everything we do. LTIF is the main safety 

KPI we use to measure the safety performance of the Company. 

Directors’ remuneration is directly linked to safety objectives. 

  2018

  2017

 KPI relevance

€63m 

n/a 

This demonstrates our commitment to driving innovation and to being 

the leading provider of services and solutions within the refractories 

industries. Excellence in R&D and strong Technical Marketing 

capabilities are key contributors to our competitiveness. The Company 

aims to invest 2.2% per annum of revenue in R&D and Technical 

Marketing going forward.

How it is measured 

including opex and capex.

 2018 performance 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Financial
review

EDUARDO GOTILLA
ACTING CHIEF  
FINANCIAL OFFICER

2018 has seen strong financial 
performance, benefitting from the 
success of the integration process 
and the underlying strength of 
the markets in which we operate, 
offset to an extent by some 
operational underperformance 
in H2.

3 6

Reporting approach

In addition to those figures reported 
under IFRS, RHI Magnesita uses a number 
of alternative performance measures 
(“APMs”), which reflect the way in which 
Management assesses the underlying 
performance of the business. The Group’s 
results are presented on an “adjusted” 
and “pro-forma” basis, using APMs which 
are not defined or specified under the 
requirements of IFRS, but are derived from 
the IFRS financial statements. The APMs 
are used to improve the comparability of 
information between reporting periods and 
to meet investors’ requirements for further 
clarity and transparency of the Group’s 
underlying financial performance. 
The APMs are also used internally in 
the management of our business 
performance, budgeting and forecasting. 
A bridge table is presented on page 38 
to show reconciliation of certain metrics 
in order to demonstrate the underlying 
performance of the business.

Read more about our APMs  
on Page 203

The reported statutory results for 2017 
presented the consolidation of ten months 
of results for RHI and two months of results 
for RHI Magnesita. As such, in an effort to 
deliver comparable information in 2017, 
the Directors considered it appropriate 
to provide and analyse adjusted pro-forma 
results for the combined Group for 2017 
and 2016, taking into account a supposed 
full 12 months contribution from both 
companies for the entire period. See page 
19 of the 2017 Annual Report & Accounts 
for a detailed table on the reconciliation 
between 2017 report results and the 
adjusted pro-forma numbers. This 
approach is considered to also be relevant 
in 2018, with the 2017 pro-forma numbers 
being the most comparable to the actual 
2018 numbers.

All references to comparative 2017 
numbers in this review are to adjusted 
pro-forma figures at constant currency, 
unless stated otherwise. Figures presented 
at constant currency represent 2017 
pro-forma amounts retranslated to 
average 2018 exchange rates.

 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

SG&A
Total selling general and administrative 
expenses stood at €337 million 
(2017: €350 million), representing 
11.0% of revenue in 2018 (2017: 13.7%). 
The implementation of the announced 
synergies in SG&A for 2018 and the 
higher fixed cost dilution in light of higher 
revenues for the Year also contributed to 
the overall performance. In 2019 we are 
targeting incremental synergies of 
€20 million, bringing the annualised total 
to €90 million, and remain firmly on track 
to deliver our €110 million synergy target. 
Importantly, whilst progress has been 
made throughout the Year in our efforts 
to optimise the Company’s supply chain, 
governance, controls and compliance 
systems and to further develop the use 
of automation and digitalisation, further 
investments are required in order to build 
the foundations that will support the 
Group’s ongoing strategic development.

Adjusted EBITA
Adjusted EBITA for the Year was 
€428 million, 81% above 2017 adjusted 
EBITA (€236 million). Adjusted EBITA 
margin for the Year was 13.9%, 460 bps 
higher than 2017, driven by significant 
revenue growth, greater operating 
efficiencies in both CoGS and SG&A, 
including the synergy benefits of €70 
million brought about by the continued 
successful integration of the business 
and the benefits of our own raw material 
supply, both from a cost control and 
customer supply security perspective.

Revenue split by industry1

Steel

Industrial

Cement/Lime

Other process industries

Non-ferrous metals

72%

28%

37%

39%

25%

Revenue by geography

Europe

North America 

Asia Pacific

South America

MEA – CIS

29%

22%

20%

15%

14%

1  Percentages equal over 100% due to rounding
2  Adjusted pro-forma
3  Based on 2017 reported figures

Revenue
Revenue for 2018 amounted to 
€3,081 million, 21% higher than 2017. 
The significant growth in revenue is 
underpinned by strong growth in both 
the Group’s Steel and Industrial Division 
results, as well as the favourable market 
conditions, with positive dynamics in 
customer industries as well as the raw 
material pricing environment.

Against this backdrop, with global steel 
production growing 4.6% in 2018, the 
Group’s Steel Division revenue increased 
by 15% to €2,204 million, (20172: 
€1,913 million). Given the Company’s 
global position, with presence in all major 
refractory markets, the Industrial Division 
benefited from the positive global GDP 
growth of 3.7% and was able to drive organic 
growth, increasing revenue by 33% in 2018, 
to €877 million (20172: €658 million.) 

Continued government controls in China 
have led to a significant reduction in raw 
material production output, thereby 
increasing market prices. Following the 
significant price increases in H2 2017, 
raw materials remained stable throughout 
2018 and are expected to retain these new 
levels in 2019. The Group is able to derive 
benefit from this structurally altered 
environment given its level of backward 
integration, both in terms of cost control 
and customer supply security. 

Gross profit
The Company reported gross profit of 
€737 million in 2018 (2017: €561 million), 
as a result of elevated selling prices, a 
high degree of vertical integration and 
synergies, partially offset by operational 
issues at certain plants and some supply 
chain challenges in H2 2018 (which 
will be an important focus in 2019). This 
represented a gross profit margin of 23.9%, 
190 bps higher than in the previous year. 
On a divisional level, gross profit to steel 
applications reached €522 million, 
with 23.7% gross margin (2017: 23.1%3). 
Gross profit for the Industrial Division was 
€215 million, representing a gross 
margin of 24.5% (2017: 22.5%3). 

3 7

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Financial review 
continued

Earnings per share
This table provides a reconciliation from reported to adjusted figures and excludes the impact of foreign exchange effects, one-off non-cash 
expenses related to the refinancing of the legacy debt, and other non-recurring financial income and expenses and amortisation.

2018
reported

Items excluded 
from underlying
 performance

0.9

28.6

76.6

(25.4)

427.2

(28.6)

(162.7)

10.1

246.0

(58.9)

187.1

158.1

44.9

€3.52

2018
adjusted

428.1

(86.1)

10.1

352.2

(84.3)

267.9

238.9

44.9

€5.31

Net financial expenses
Net financial expenses in 2018 amounted to 
€163 million (2017: €82 million). This was 
mainly due to foreign exchange and 
derivative variances, the majority of which 
were non-cash, amounting to €81 million. 
These variances stem predominantly from:

 ¥ the mark-to-market of intercompany 
loans with our Argentine subsidiaries 
(€25 million), as the Peso devalued 
c. 50% against the USD during the Year;

 ¥ as a result of the Group’s hedging policy, 

which aims to match the currency 
exposure of our net debt to that of 
the EBITDA, the Group has incurred 
€19.6 million in derivative losses in 2018;

 ¥ the mark-to-market of the foreign 
currency debt owed by Magnesita 
Refratários (€37 million), a Brazilian 
Real reporting entity, which have now 
been effectively all refinanced; and

 ¥ c. €6 million FX gain on cash in 

foreign currencies held by Magnesita 
Brazilian entities.

Total net interest expenses for 2018 
amounted to €39 million and €43 million 
was recognised in other net financial 
expenses, which were predominantly 
non-cash in light of the refinancing 
completed in August and other non-cash 
adjustments related to the provision for the 
unfavourable contract required to satisfy the 
EU remedies. The refinancing of the legacy 
debt, concluded on August 2018, has 
generated a reduction of approximately 
€24 million in the Company’s annualised 
net interest expense.

Taxation
Tax efficiencies have been achieved as a 
result of the Group’s integration and by the 
overall Group’s performance, in particular 
of our mining operations in Brazil, thereby 
lowering the Company’s effective tax rate 
for the Year to 23.9%. RHI Magnesita’s 
tax rate is sensitive to changes in the 
geographical dispersion of our worldwide 
profit or losses and tax regulations in each 
jurisdiction. Other key factors affecting the 
sustainability of the Group’s effective tax 
rate are set out in note 44 to the financial 
statements, which provides additional 
information on the Group’s tax rate. 

(€m)

EBITA

Amortisation

Net financial expenses

Share of profit in joint ventures

Profit before tax

Income tax (23.9%)

Profit after tax

Profit attributable to shareholders

Shares outstanding

Earnings per share

€283m

2018 adjusted profit after tax

€5.31

2018 adjusted EPS

3 8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Purchasing Price Allocation (“PPA”)
As announced on the Q3 trading update, 
the Group completed the PPA in relation 
to the merger between RHI and Magnesita. 
The process reviewed the fair value of 
fixed and intangible assets as a result of 
the merger, causing depreciation and 
amortisation to increase by €37 million 
and €11 million respectively in 2018.

Profit after tax and earnings per share
On a reported basis, the Company recorded 
a net profit of €187 million and earnings 
per share (“EPS”) of €3.52 per share in 
2018 (2017: €10.8 million net loss and 
€0.43 loss per share respectively).

Cash outflow from financing activities 
amounted to €245 million in 2018 as 
the Group focused on improving the debt 
amortisation profile and reducing recurring 
interest expense payments. As part of the 
previously announced debt restructuring 
programme to substitute the legacy debt, 
prepayments of the perpetual bond and 
certain short-term facilities were made 
during the Year, generating significant 
interest expense savings. As a result, 
the Company was able to negotiate 
more flexible covenants and term out 
its debt amortisation schedule, such that 
more than 70% of the Group’s maturities 
are due on or after 2022.

Operating and free cash flow
The below table demonstrates the 
underlying operating and free cash flow 
generation of the business.

Working capital
Working capital intensity in 2018 saw 
significant improvements when compared 
to 2017 pro-forma figures, both in absolute 
terms and as a percentage of revenue. Cash 
flow generation from working capital in 2018 
amounted to €48.7 million, driven primarily 
by improvements on accounts payable and 
accounts receivable as a consequence of 
improving our terms with both clients and 
suppliers and factoring initiatives. The 
overall positive impact on the balance 
sheet was partially offset by the higher 
inventory consumption in 2018, as a result 
of increased sales volumes and higher 
raw material costs. Working capital as an 
absolute value stood at €511 million at the 
end of 2018. As a percentage of revenue, it 
was 15.4% at Year end (calculated using last 
three months annualised revenue), 680bps 
lower than the previous year (22.2%2).

Adjusted earnings per share for 2018 were 
€5.31, which is stated after excluding the 
following items, which predominantly 
relate to the acquisition of Magnesita SA 
and related refinancing and foreign 
exchange effects:

 ¥ Other income and expenses 

(€0.9 million);

 ¥ Amortisation (€28.6 million); and
 ¥ Net financial expenses (€76.6 million): 

Impact of foreign exchange movements 
on certain of the Group’s non-Euro 
denominated debt balance of 
€81 million, as detailed in the “Net 
Financial Expenses” section above, 
excluding the €19.6 million in derivative 
losses; One-off non-cash expenses 
related to the refinancing of the legacy 
debt (€10.6 million); Other non-
recurring financial income and expenses 
(€4.4 million).

These are represented in the table on 
page 38.

Cash flow
Cash flow from operations amounted to 
€462 million in 2018 (2017: €255 million), 
with the 81% increase being driven by the 
strong operating performance of the Group 
as well as efficiencies in working capital 
(with a 670bps year-on-year improvement 
in working capital intensity) as well as an 
overall higher profit for the Year.

Adjusted EBITA

Working capital

Changes in other assets/liabilities

Capex

Depreciation

Operating free cash flow1

Cash Tax

Net interest expense

Restructuring and transaction costs

Dividend payout

Free cash flow

2018
€m

428.1

48.7

(40.9)

(122.6)

124.8

438.2

(67.9)

(62.8)

(52.2)

(34.7)

220.5

Net debt
Net debt at Year-end amounted 
to €639 million, comprising total debt of 
€1,166 million, cash and cash equivalents 
of €491 million and marketable securities 
of €36 million. This compared to net debt 
of €751 million in 2017. In line with the 
Company’s commitment to deleverage, 
net debt/EBITDA stood at 1.2x, 0.7x lower 
than in 2017 1 as result of the improved 
cash generation in 2018, despite the 
outflows related to our restructuring 
costs and the payout to Magnesita’s 
minority shareholders. See further 
detail on ongoing leverage target range 
on page 40.

Capital expenditure
Cash flow from investing activities 
registered an outflow of €101 million 
and capital expenditure for 2018 stood 
at €123 million (2017: €72 million). 
The multiple of capital expenditure to 
depreciation was 0.98x (2017: 1.09x) in 
line with RHI Magnesita’s capital allocation 
policy and investment profile. Maintenance 
capex is guided at around €110 million 
in 2019 and beyond. The Group will 
continue to invest in its strategic priorities 
aligned with its newly defined capital 
allocation policy. 

1  Operating free cash flow is presented to reflect 
net cash inflow from operating activities before 
certain items such as restructuring costs. 
See APMs for further detail

2  Based on 2017 adjusted pro-forma last six 

months annualised revenue

3 9

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Financial review
continued

As a result of our ongoing 
focus on cash generation, 
the business has strongly 
de-levered through the 
Year providing a solid 
financial position from 
which to commence a 
progressive dividend 
policy.

Integrated Tender Offer
As previously announced, RHI Magnesita 
launched an Integrated Tender Offer (“ITO“) 
to the minority shareholders of Magnesita 
in November 2018. At the end of the first 
close of the ITO on 10 December 2018 
RHI Magnesita owned 85.2% of Magnesita 
and had issued a total of 3,518,008  
new RHI Magnesita shares, along with  
€85.2 million of cash consideration. As at 
the final close of the ITO, on 10 March 2019, 
RHI Magnesita owned 97.5% of Magnesita 
and had issued a total of 4,657,408 new 
RHI Magnesita shares, along with a total  
€115.4 million of cash consideration. 

Successful delivery of synergies
The integration of the two companies 
led to significant cost saving synergies 
via procurement and supply chain 
management as well as SG&A efficiencies; 
all of which exceeded initial expectations. In 
August 2018, the Company announced an 
increased synergy target of €110 million 
(from €70 million) to be realised by 2020 
and synergy benefits of at least €60 million 
in 2018. In 2018, synergies of €70 million 
were achieved.

Future growth plans
Through the cycle, the Group expects 
organic growth to exceed the broader 
refractories industry. In the short term this 
expectation is supported by further market 
share gains, the continued investment in 
R&D and the opportunities in the growth 
markets of China and India. In the medium 
to long term, this expectation will also be 
driven by new business models and 
solutions. We anticipate that this nominal 
organic growth should average 1-3% per 
year through the cycle.

Alongside the organic growth opportunities, 
there will be further growth from 
acquisitions. Over time, we expect 
acquisitions to deliver average growth 
at levels similar to the organic growth.

Capital allocation policy
Since the merger, RHI Magnesita has made 
good progress in terms of integration and 
in the execution of its corporate strategy as 
well as delivering on the targeted synergies. 
This has led to leverage continuing to 
reduce significantly, reaching 1.2x net 
debt to adjusted EBITDA at Year-end.

The Board’s capital allocation objective 
remains to support the long-term Group 
strategy, providing flexibility for both 
organic and inorganic investment 
opportunities and increasing shareholder 
returns over time. These opportunities 
will be considered against a framework of 
strategic fit, risk profile and rates of return, 
in the context of acquisitions synergy 
potential and balance sheet strength.

Going forward, the Group intends to 
target leverage of between 0.5x and 
1.5x net debt to adjusted EBITDA. Should 
a highly attractive acquisition opportunity 
present itself, the Group will consider 
exceeding 1.5x leverage for larger 
acquisitions, but with the intention to 
de-lever quickly and back to the target 
leverage range within 24 months. If the 
Group leverage is consistently below 
0.5x the Group will consider additional 
shareholder returns, such as share buybacks 
and special dividends, taking into account 
the opportunities available to the Group.

4 0

Returns to shareholders
Underpinned by the strong performance 
of the business and given its strong annual 
cash generation, the Board has considered 
the long-term dividend policy in the context 
of its capital allocation strategy.

For 2018, the Board has recommended 
a final dividend of €1.50 per share for 
the full financial year, equating to an 
increase of 100% over the previous year. 
This represents a dividend cover of 
3.5x adjusted earnings per share.

Going forward, the Board’s dividend policy 
will be to progressively increase ordinary 
dividends and to target a dividend cover 
of less than 3.0x adjusted earnings over 
the medium term. Dividends will be paid 
on a semi-annual basis with one third of 
the prior year’s full year dividend being 
paid at the interim.

3.5x

dividend cover of 
proposed dividend

1.2x

net debt to adjusted EBITDA

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Reconciliation of pro-forma and reported results

2017 adjusted pro-forma results reconciliation
This table shows the impact of Purchasing Price Allocation (“PPA”) and other adjustments on the adjusted pro-forma results, as they were 
presented in the 2017 Annual Report (i.e. taking into account a supposed full 12 months contribution from both companies), as well as 
retranslating to average 2018 exchange rates (2017 constant currency pro-forma).

Revenue

COGS

Gross profit

SG&A

Other income and expenses

EBIT

Amortisation

EBITA

Adjusted EBITA

Depreciation

EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA

2017
adjusted 
pro-forma1

2,677.2

(1,999.3)

677.9

(399.8)

(0.0)

278.1

(26.0)

304.1

304.1

(84.7)

388.8

388.8

PPA
adjustment

P&L 
reclassifications2

(49.5)

(49.5)

2.7

14.2

(32.6)

(3.1)

(29.6)

(43.8)

(41.1)

11.5

(2.7)

4.0

(31.4)

(27.4)

27.4

(0.1)

(0.0)

0.8

(0.8)

(0.7)

- 

- 

0.1

2017
adjusted 
pro-forma3

2,681.2

2017
constant 
currency
pro-forma

2,549.6

2018

Variance

3,081.4

(2,080.3)

(1,989.1)

(2,344.5)

600.9

(369.6)

14.1

245.5

(28.3)

273.7

259.6

(125.8)

400.3

386.2

560.5

(350.4)

14.2

224.2

(25.9)

250.1

235.9

(115.1)

365.3

351.1

736.9

(337.3)

(0.9)

398.6

(28.6)

427.2

428.1

(124.8)

552.1

553.0

2017 reported results reconciliation
This table shows the impact of PPA and other adjustments on the reported 2017 results.

Revenue

COGS

Gross profit

SG&A

Other income and expenses

EBIT

Amortisation

EBITA

Adjusted EBITA

Depreciation

EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA

2017
Reported1

1,946.1

(1,485.6)

460.5

(292.5)

(124.9)

43.1

(13.6)

56.7

181.6

(59.9)

116.6

241.5

PPA
adjustment

P&L 
reclassifications2

2017 
Reported after 
adjustments3

-

(30.5)

(30.5)

0.5

1.6

(28.4)

-

(28.4)

(30.0)

(6.3)

(22.1)

(23.7)

4.0

(27.3)

(23.3)

47.7

26.4

50.8

0.2

50.6

24.2

-

50.6

24.2

1  As reported in the 2017 Annual Report
2  P&L reclassification includes of reclassification of bad debt, commissions, FX gains and losses and interest expenses between the P&L line items
3  Including PPA and other reclassifications

21%

18%

31%

(4%)

(106%)

78%

11%

71%

81%

8%

51%

58%

1,950.1

(1,543.4)

406.7

(244.3)

(96.9)

65.5

(13.4)

78.9

175.8

(66.2)

145.1

242.0

4 1

 
S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Risks, viability &  
internal controls

The Group has 
developed a formal Risk 
Management framework 
with the objective of 
systematically identifying, 
assessing and controlling 
uncertainties and risks 
related to existing 
operations and future 
development areas.

Group risk chart

Impact

minor

low

moderate

high

critical

d
o
o
h
i
l
e
k
i
L

very likely

likely

possible

unlikely

rare

Velocity:

3

1

4

5

8

6

7

2

  Rapid - within 3 months

  Moderate - within 12 months

  Slow - > 12 months

Key to principal risks
 1  

 Macroeconomic environment and 
condition of customer industries

 Regulatory and compliance risks

 Fluctuations in exchange rates and 
energy prices, increasing volatility of 
raw material prices

 Significant changes in the competitive 
environment or speed of disruptive 
innovation (new)

 Inability to execute a key strategic 
initiative or necessary adjustments to 
core operations (new)

 Business interruption and supply 
chain disruption

 Environment, Health & Safety risks

 Cyber and information security risk (new)

 2  
3  

4  

5  

6  

7  
8  

4 2

Risks

Risk management framework
This framework is based on an explicit 
discussion about the nature and extent 
of the risks acceptable to the Group 
(“risk appetite”) and it relies on a formally 
defined identification and assessment 
process. The risk appetite and policy is 
defined by the Board. Due to the far-
reaching implications of this risk appetite 
on behaviours and decision-making, it has 
been discussed thoroughly by management 
and designed carefully. Communication 
of the risk appetite and risk management 
framework at all levels of the organisation is 
considered important. The next steps for the 
further development of the risk framework, 
including the cascading of the approved 
risk policy throughout the organisation, 
have been agreed by the Board.

Development of the risk identification 
and assessment process
The roll-out of the bottom-up risks 
identification and assessment process 
was completed in 2018. All functional 
and operational managers involved in this 
process received training on the structures 
and methods within the Group’s risk 
management process, as well as on the 
usage of the reporting software.

In addition to this bottom-up process aimed 
at ensuring that all material operational 
risk issues are adequately monitored and 
escalated, strategic risks were discussed 
with senior executives in the course of the 
strategy definition and mid-term planning 
process. The further integration of risk 
management processes in the existing 
governance structures have been decided.

In order to further embed risk considerations 
into decision-making, the Risk Management 
function was integrated with the Investment 
Planning function at the beginning of 2019. 

Risk mitigation 
All risks considered to be unacceptable 
on account of their nature or their 
potential financial or qualitative impacts 
are mitigated by appropriate strategies. 
The implementation and effectiveness 
of the defined mitigation measures are 
reviewed continuously and additional 
actions are defined if necessary.

For this purpose, the impacts of risks 
are considered before and after the 
implementation of those mitigation 
measures.

Our principal risks
The risks identified in the following are 
those the Board considers to be principal 
to the business and which may have a 
significant impact on the results of the 
Group and on its ability to achieve its 
strategic objectives. They may occur 
independently from each other or in 
combination. In cases where they occur in 
combination their impact may be reinforced. 
This is not an exhaustive list of risks faced 
by the Company but encompasses those 
considered to be most material. 

Given 2018 was the first full financial 
year following the merger, it has been 
considered more appropriate to report on 
risk change throughout the Year in 2019. 
However, the principal risks were reviewed 
during the Year and amended to reflect the 
current situation, with risks related to the 
merger having been removed and the 
addition of significant changes in the 
competitive environment or speed of 
disruptive innovation, inability to execute 
a key strategic initiative or necessary 
adjustments to core operations and 
cyber and Information Security risk.

A risk appetite rating has been applied to 
each risk, ranking from averse to minimal, 
cautious and flexible.

We assess our principal risks in terms of 
their potential impact on our ability to 
deliver our strategic objectives, their 
likelihood to occur and their potential 
velocity. Those risks and their assessments 
are reviewed regularly by the Board. 

Management  
“In-Control” Statement

The Board and EMT are responsible for 
ensuring the Company has adequate 
risk management and internal control 
systems in place.

The core design of the internal control 
systems is based on extensive work 
conducted as part of the merger activity. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
During 2017, the risk management and 
internal control systems of both RHI and 
Magnesita were reviewed by the EMT 
and independently by third-party experts. 
The respective reports, issued in October 
2017, indicated no material deficiencies and 
were reviewed by and extensively discussed 
with the Board. These reports continue 
to act as a guide for the evolution and 
strengthening of internal controls to reflect 
the integrated Company. The key internal 
control measures during 2018 included 
reviews of financial performance and key 
control weakness at each Board meeting, 
monthly and quarterly EMT review and 
challenge of operational financial 
performance, zero-based business 
planning process, establishing enhanced 
capabilities within the Group Finance 
function, aligning the financial reporting 
processes within the integrated Company, 
continued deployment of the corporate 
culture and values, reinforcement of the 
Code of Conduct, assessment of leadership 
capabilities, enhancing the whistle-blowing 
process and strengthening the Internal 
Audit, Compliance and Legal functions. 
All key changes in the internal control 
systems were reviewed by the EMT. Each 
leader is accountable for the effectiveness 
of the internal controls within their area of 
responsibility. Measures are applied in each 
functional area to assess the effectiveness 
of internal controls and any identified issues 
are escalated. Control weaknesses 
identified by management and those 
identified through the quality management 
system reviews, risk management activity 
and internal audit reports are escalated to 
the EMT and the Audit Committee for 
review and resolution. 

In 2018 a bottom-up risk identification 
and assessment process was conducted. 
This process is based on the direct and full 
integration of all functional and operational 
managers, uniform structures and methods 
as well as the use of specialised software 
and makes sure that material risks can be 
discussed and monitored adequately by 
the EMT and the Directors. The Audit 
Committee was informed about the 
outcome of this process and steps to 
improve the effectiveness were defined. 
In addition, the risk appetite was discussed 
and approved by the Audit Committee 
and the Board. 

During 2019, the focus will be on 
increasing the awareness on all 
hierarchical levels about the defined risk 
appetite. This includes creating a more 
tangible definition of the risk appetite which 
will be aligned with the Audit Committee 
in the first half of 2019 and then applied to 
the design of the relevant internal controls.

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Viability statement

The Directors have assessed the 
viability of the Group over a three year 
period to December 2021, the period 
covered by the latest business plan, 
taking account of the Group’s current 
position, individual asset performance 
forecasts and the potential impact 
of the principal risks disclosed on 
pages 45 to 47.

The business plan considers 
the Group’s cash flow, capital 
commitments, financial resources, 
debt covenants and other key financial 
risks. It is based on the 2019 Budget and 
projections for the following years. The 
growth assumptions underlying the 
Group’s projections are based on drivers 
such as steel production, GDP growth 
as well as strategic measures. Steel 
production and GDP growth have been 
sourced from external sources including 
CRU and IMF. 

On 27 November 2018, the 2019 
Budget was presented to the Board of 
Directors where the underlying growth, 
profitability, cash flow, working capital 
development and potential risks to the 
business were discussed. Based on 
the 2019 Budget, it is expected that 
all relevant KPIs will improve when 
compared to 2018 with leverage 
projected to be below 1x. 

Based on the Group’s 2018 financial 
results and the projections for 2019, 
projections for subsequent years 
have also been extrapolated. 

Based on the risk analysis conducted 
in 2018, several stress overlays have 
been defined and the financial impact 
on the business plan has been 
calculated. The following stress 
overlays were presented to the Audit 
Committee on 21 January 2019 and 
are considered to be the principal 
risks related to the Group’s business:

 ¥ Volume decrease due to 
severe market changes
 ¥ Price decrease for Chinese 

raw materials

 ¥ Loss of market share
 ¥ Failure to implement a key 

strategic initiative

 ¥ Execution risk in regard to profitability 

and capital allocation

 ¥ Financing risk - loss of ability to factor 
and execute purchasing programme

The overlay of losing market share 
combined with significant price pressure 
on Basic products has been identified as 
the most severe. The results of this overlay 
showed increasing leverage and additional 
cash demand. The Board believes that 
by implementing capex and opex saving 
programmes as well as financing activities, 
this risk could be sufficiently mitigated. 
The Group’s current financing facilities 
provide flexibility including a covenant 
leverage of 3.5x. None of the stress 
overlays demonstrated a leverage of 
greater than 3.5x. 

The Directors believe that the Group is 
well-placed to manage its principal risks 
successfully. In making this statement the 
Directors have considered the resilience 
of the Group, taking account of its current 
position, the risk appetite, the principal risks 
facing the business in severe but reasonable 
scenarios, and the effectiveness of any 
mitigating actions.

Based on this assessment, the Directors 
have a reasonable expectation that the 
Group and Company will be able to 
continue in operation and meet its liabilities 
as they fall due over the period to December 
2021. The Directors have determined that 
the three year period to December 2021 is 
an appropriate period having regard to the 
Group’s business model, strategy, principal 
risks and uncertainties, and viability.

The Directors believe that the above-
mentioned business plan and the conducted 
risk analysis provide evidence of the viability 
of the business over the next three years and 
no material risk that could endanger the 
viability or continuity of the business.

4 3

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Risks, viability  
& internal controls
continued

As part of the ongoing integration activity 
the Audit Committee oversaw, in 2018, 
a review of the capability of the Finance 
leadership team. Following this review, 
a number of organisation changes were 
made to both align the Finance leadership 
team more closely to the requirements 
of the integrated business and enhance 
capability. Work continued in 2018 to 
harmonise systems and processes within 
the Finance internal control framework.

The Group has an internal audit function, 
with a reporting line to the Chair, Audit 
Committee and a secondary reporting line, 
for day-to-day operational matters, to the 
CFO. The internal audit function provides 
assurance to the Audit Committee and the 
Board on the design and effectiveness of 
the internal control framework.

The internal audit function conducts its 
activities in a risk-based manner, developing 
an annual internal audit plan, based on the 
results of the risk assessment of various 
business units and strategic priorities. 

The Audit Committee conducts an 
annual assessment of the effectiveness 
and capability of internal audit. During 
2018 the Audit Committee concluded that, 
to meet the challenges and risk profile of 
the Company, the capability of internal 
audit required strengthening. A newly 
created role in the integrated Company, 
Group Head of Internal Audit was filled 
in September 2018 and the two legacy 
internal audit functions combined into 
a new single global function. Additional 
internal audit resource will be in place in 
Americas, Europe and Asia in 2019. A fresh 
approach to compiling the internal audit 
programme has led to the Audit Committee 
approving a more comprehensive annual 
internal audit plan for 2019 with a greater 
focus on strategic risks, global business 
processes, IT and business transformation. 

During 2018, the internal audit function 
conducted 17 planned internal audits 
and 20 special investigations, reporting 
the most relevant observations and 
recommendations to the Audit Committee. 

In 2018, the Group has not identified any 
individual material failings in its internal risk 
management and control system; however 
the reports by management and internal 
audit facilitated consideration by the Audit 
Committee and appropriate management 
responses on the following key control 
framework challenges in 2018:

 ¥ Improving awareness and controls 
relating to externally originated  
email-based fraud attempts
 ¥ Extending the coverage of 

compliance training

 ¥ Continuing the development of the 
whistle-blowing reporting process
 ¥ Improving the control framework for 

the Services Business in South America
 ¥ Improving the consistency and execution 

of stock management controls
 ¥ Addressing the wider challenge to 

design and execute a consistent and 
appropriate internal control framework 
in an empowered, entrepreneurial, 
dynamic, global corporate culture 
still completing integration activities 

Although the Board considers the 
Company’s risk management and 
internal control process are appropriate 
and effective to give reasonable, but not 
absolute assurance against material 
misstatement or loss, given the recent 
merger and decentralised nature of the 
Group, the need for continued focus 
on enhancing the internal control 
environment remains.

Internal  
control system

The Board is ultimately responsible 
for maintaining effective corporate 
governance, which includes the Group’s 
risk management approach, the Group’s 
system of internal controls and the 
Group’s internal audit approach. 

The Board reviews the effectiveness 
of the system of internal financial, 
operational and compliance controls 
and the risk management framework. 
The Board examines whether the system 
of internal controls operated effectively 
throughout the Year and will make 
recommendations when appropriate. 

These systems are based on the three 
lines of defence model, supported by an 
internal control guideline reflecting the 
responsibility for risk management and 
internal controls at all management levels. 

The Group’s risk management framework 
is designed to enable the application of 
the Group’s risk appetite. This typically 
seeks to avoid or mitigate risks rather than 
to eliminate completely the risks associated 
with the accomplishment of the Group’s 
strategic objectives. It provides reasonable 
assurance but not absolute assurance 
against material misstatement or loss. 

The Group has in place a specific risk 
management approach and an internal 
control framework in relation to its financial 
reporting process and the process of 
preparing the financial statements. 
These systems include policies and 
procedures to ensure that adequate 
accounting records are maintained and 
transactions are recorded accurately 
and fairly to permit the preparation of 
financial statements in accordance with 
the applicable accounting standards. 
For the accounting process, an accounting 
handbook is available that addresses all 
the internal control issues into the 
accounting process. 

4 4

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Link to strategy

Appetite
Appetite

People

Business model

Markets

Competitiveness 

Averse
Averse

Minimal
Minimal

Cautious
Cautious

Flexible
Flexible

Principal risk

Example of risks

Action taken 
by management

1.   Macroeconomic 
environment and 
condition of customer 
industries

  Link to strategy

  Link to appetite

2.  Regulatory and 
compliance risks

  Link to strategy

  Link to appetite

Changes in the global economic 
environment and adverse 
political developments may 
have an impact on the Group’s 
revenue and profitability.

The demand for refractory 
products is directly influenced by 
steel production, the investment 
climate, metal and energy prices 
and the production methods 
used by customers.

Due to the Group’s cost structure, 
fluctuations in sales volumes 
have an impact on the utilisation 
of the production capacities, 
and consequently on the 
Group’s profitability.

We strive to establish a culture 
of compliance throughout the 
organisation. Nevertheless, like 
many other corporations which 
operate internationally, we are 
confronted with increasing 
regulatory complexity and are 
exposed to regulatory and 
compliance risks which may 
result in financial losses or 
operational restrictions.

In addition to this, sudden 
regulatory changes could impact 
the profitability of our operations 
and our need for investment.

3.  Fluctuations in exchange 
rates and energy prices, 
increasing volatility of 
raw material prices

Due to the Group’s global 
sales and production activities, 
revenue and profitability may 
be impacted by currency 
fluctuations.

  Link to strategy

  Link to appetite

The Group relies on external 
supply of energy and raw 
materials for its production 
activities. Fluctuations in 
demand and/or supply from 
global markets (especially 
from China) have a significant 
impact on the prices and hence 
on the production costs of 
refractory products.

 ¥ Decreasing investment in 

 ¥ Diversification in terms of 

infrastructure (steel, cement 
demand) leading to lower 
refractory consumption
 ¥ Customer focus on low 

cost products

 ¥ Decreasing fixed costs 

coverage

geographies and industries 

 ¥ Optimisation of the 

production network through 
complexity reduction and 
efficiency increases
 ¥ Achieving lowest cost 

G&A services

 ¥ Monitoring of economic 

market drivers 

 ¥ Failure to act in accordance 
with our “Code of Conduct”
 ¥ Violation of anti-corruption 

law by employees or 
third-party representatives

 ¥ Violation of data privacy 

regulations

 ¥ Code of conduct and 

compliance policies and 
procedures

 ¥ Internal control system, 
in particular in exposed 
processes

 ¥ Ethical values supported 

by strong corporate culture 

 ¥ Mid-term investment 

planning

 ¥ Increasing volatility of 
revenue and profit

 ¥ Loss of competitiveness of 
operations outside China
 ¥ Increasing price pressure 

and loss of margin

 ¥ Active balance sheet and 
exposure management
 ¥ Improvement of energy 

efficiency

 ¥ High level of vertical 

integration 

 ¥ Securing higher level of raw 
material supply including 
secondary raw materials

4 5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Risks, viability  
& internal controls
continued

Principal risk

Example of risks

4.  Significant changes 
in the competitive 
environment or speed 
of disruptive innovation

  Link to strategy

  Link to appetite

5.  Inability to execute a 

key strategic initiative or 
necessary adjustments 
to core operations

  Link to strategy

  Link to appetite

6.  Business interruption and 
supply chain disruption

  Link to strategy

  Link to appetite

Customer demand for 
environmental features, 
digitalisation and services 
may evolve more quickly than 
expected. Increasing focus 
on digitalisation and services 
may lower the entry barriers for 
existing and new competitors.

Depending on the capacity of 
the Group to develop adequate 
products and services, this may 
present either an opportunity or 
a threat by increasing pressure 
on demand and margins. 

The Group’s strategy includes 
numerous strategic initiatives 
including sales expansion, 
new product and service 
models, network optimisation 
and M&A projects.

The failure to execute one of 
several of those initiatives 
because of external or internal 
circumstances may lead to 
lower than planned financial 
performance including loss of 
revenue and margin.

As a producing company, the 
Group is exposed to business 
interruption risk resulting either 
from natural catastrophes, 
fire, machinery breakdown, 
supply chain disruptions or 
cyber attacks.

The Group partly relies on a small 
number of production sites or 
a small number of external 
suppliers for certain materials.

The inability to produce or supply 
those materials may have a 
significant impact on the 
Group’s capacity to produce 
and deliver its products. 

4 6

 ¥ Disruptive product 

technology introduced by 
a competitor (IP protected 
disruptive technology)
 ¥ Disruptive production 
process introduced by 
a competitor

 ¥ Failure to cascade the 

strategy to specific actions 
 ¥ Failure to react timely to a 
changing environment

 ¥ Resistance to change

Action taken 
by management

 ¥ Create a climate allowing 
innovation and “out of the 
box” thinking 

 ¥ Establishment of fast-acting 
local R&D structure in all 
major markets

 ¥ Continued investment 

in R&D

 ¥ Accelerate digitalisation 
across the value chain

 ¥ Prioritisation of projects and 
resource allocation in an 
approved project roadmap

 ¥ Introduction of a 

performance driven 
corporate culture supported 
by a strong performance 
measurement system
 ¥ Constant monitoring 
of external market 
circumstances 

 ¥ Production interruption  

at single source 
manufacturing site 
 ¥ Failure of single source 

supplier

 ¥ Natural disaster or major 
political crisis at one or 
several manufacturing sites

 ¥ Loss of mining rights

 ¥ Diversified production 
network in terms of 
geographies 
 ¥ Establishment of a 

best in class integrated 
supply chain 
 ¥ Operational risk 

management and 
maintenance policies
 ¥ Risk-based investment 

policy

 ¥ Global insurance coverage

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Link to strategy

Appetite
Appetite

People

Business model

Markets

Competitiveness 

Averse
Averse

Minimal
Minimal

Cautious
Cautious

Flexible
Flexible

Principal risk

Example of risks

 ¥ Fatal accident at 

manufacturing site
 ¥ Uncontrolled emissions
 ¥ Inability to comply with 
sustainability targets

Action taken 
by management

 ¥ Secondary Raw  
Material strategy

 ¥ Regular environmental 

audits and risk monitoring 
at all sites
 ¥ Regular legal  

compliance checks

 ¥ Health & Safety objectives 
defined as core Company 
objective

7.   Environment/Health 

& Safety risks

  Link to strategy

  Link to appetite

8.  Cyber and Information 

Security risk

  Link to strategy

  Link to appetite

Controlled emissions and usage 
of potentially hazardous materials 
are inherent to the production of 
refractory products. Regulatory 
changes in this area may result 
in higher production costs and 
additional investment needs. 
Also the risk of uncontrolled 
emissions at our production sites 
exists and may result in high 
financial losses and liabilities.

Especially at our production sites, 
employees and contractors may 
be exposed to Health & Safety 
hazards which cannot be 
completely eliminated. Also our 
products may potentially cause 
accidents at the customers’ sites.

Our growth strategy (including 
mergers and acquisitions, 
entries into new geographies, 
the design of new products 
and digitalisation) results in a 
growing risk exposure.

In addition, the Group is 
confronted with a fast-evolving 
cyber and Information Security 
threat landscape.

The possible impact of cyber 
and Information Security risks 
could range from operational 
disruptions, loss of intellectual 
property, legal compliance 
issues/frauds, or significant 
reputation losses.

 ¥ Intellectual property or 
confidential data breach

 ¥ Personal/private  
data breach

 ¥ Customer or supplier  

data breach
 ¥ Critical business 

process interruption
 ¥ Loss of (user) productivity
 ¥ Loss of trustworthiness  

of data

 ¥ Loss of proofing capability

 ¥ Dedicated Information 
Security Organisation 
 ¥ Worldwide Information 

and Cyber Security Policies

 ¥ Continuous awareness 
campaign and training

 ¥ Regular risk assessment and 
annual penetration testing

 ¥ Cyber security detection 

and response team
 ¥ Data classification and 

protection implementation

4 7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

 Sustainability

Our business can only succeed if our communities thrive. 
We must work together with industry, governments and 
civil society to address diverse social and environmental 
challenges and create shared value. To do so, we support 
the UN Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”),  
the blueprint for people, the planet and prosperity. 

In 2018, we ramped up our approach  
to sustainability, developing new 
governance structures and strategy.  
In addition, we have set ourselves 
our first sustainability targets to 2025  
and made commitments to the UN Global 
Compact and other important initiatives.  
As our business expands globally, we  
aim to maximise the positive impacts  
we bring and minimise the negative.  
Given our industry leadership, we 
have a responsibility to demonstrate 
leadership in sustainability, too. 

We focus on the key issues for our 
stakeholders and our business. These 
were identified through stakeholder 
engagement and media analysis, building 
on our most recent materiality assessment.  
These issues include:

 ¥ Energy and climate
 ¥ Other emissions
 ¥ Waste and recycling
 ¥ Health and safety
 ¥ Diversity
 ¥ Community investment 
 ¥ Ethics and governance

We engage with local stakeholders, too. 
Working with local government and 
communities, we support initiatives that 
promote community development and 
environmental protection. In 2018, our 
Indian operations in Andhra Pradesh 
were recognised as one of the best local 
corporate participants in the Smart Village 
- Smart Ward programme which promotes 
inclusive and sustainable development. 

Sustainability Governance
In 2018, we set up new governance bodies 
to oversee our sustainability agenda. 

Now that our merger is complete, we 
will conduct another formal stakeholder 
engagement session in 2019 and develop 
a new materiality analysis. In addition, 
we will map how our core business as well 
as our community investment programmes 
can best support the Sustainable 
Development Goals (“SDGs”). 

 ¥ Our new Sustainability Steering 
Committee comprises senior 
management and is responsible 
for developing and implementing 
sustainability strategy. 

 ¥ At Board level, the new Corporate 
Sustainability Committee reviews 
progress on a quarterly basis. 

Sustainable Development Goals 

4 8

R H I  M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

These committees drive progress  
on our key issues, setting targets and 
reviewing performance. They also work  
to embed sustainability throughout  
our business.

Targets
In 2018, we defined our first set of 
sustainability targets. We report on these 
commitments and our progress in the 
following chapters. As we evolve our 
sustainability programme, we will set 
more far-reaching targets. 

Milestones and 2025 targets1

CO2 emissions

Reduce by 10% per tonne by 2025 

Start submissions to the Carbon 
Disclosure Project

Energy

Reduce by 5% per tonne by 2025

NOx and SOx 
emissions

Reduce by 30%, starting 
with China by 2021

Recycling

Water

Safety

Diversity

Increase use of secondary raw 
materials to 10% by 2025

Establish first dedicated 
recycling facility

Conduct water risk assessment 
at each plant by 2019

Maintain Lost Time Injury 
Frequency Rate at below 0.5 
(goal: zero accidents)

Transition all certified sites to 
the new ISO 45001 by the end 
of 2020

Increase women on our Board 
and in senior leadership to 33% 
by 2025

Launch new initiatives to address 
gender diversity

Ethics and 
Governance

Code of Conduct – expand 
global training 

Community

Supplier code of conduct – 
build oversight and transparency

Launch new human rights 
strategy in 2019

Develop strategic, impact-focused 
programmes and partnerships to 
match our growing global business 
by 2025

1  Compared to a 2018 baseline

4 9

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Integrated management system
The Company has developed an integrated 
management system which covers 
environment (ISO 14001), occupational 
health and safety (OHSAS 18001) and 
quality (ISO 9001). Following the merger, 
we have integrated all existing systems 
throughout the Group and will transition 
to the new ISO 45001 by the end of 2020. 

 In 2018, a major focus of our quality 
management programme was customer 
satisfaction. We expanded the KPIs and 
tools we use in our drive to meet and 
exceed customer expectations.

External initiatives
In 2018, RHI Magnesita signed the UN 
Global Compact, the world’s largest 
corporate sustainability movement, 
signalling our commitment to support 
the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 
In addition, we pledged to integrate the 
principles of the Global Compact in 
the areas of human rights, labour rights, 
environment and anti-corruption into 
our business strategy and operations. 

On our journey, we are also guided by 
other initiatives. During 2018, for example, 
we joined Transparency International, the 
global anti-corruption movement, and 
the LBG network, the global standard 
for measuring and managing corpowrate 
community investment. We made our 
first submission on gender diversity in 
our Company to the Hampton-Alexander 
Review in 2018 and will start submitting 
environmental data to the Carbon 
Disclosure Project (“CDP”). 

Reporting
We report on our material issues.  
The information in this Annual Report 
and on our website comprise our GRI report. 
This report was prepared in accordance 
with the GRI Standards: Core option. 
A GRI Content Index is available on our 
website. This report also serves as our 
Communication on Progress (CoP) to the 
UN Global Compact, which we self-assess 
as Active. 

Lastly, the report complies with legislation in 
the UK and the Netherlands implementing 
the EU Non-Financial Reporting Directive. 

Ethics and compliance  
RHI Magnesita has a zero-tolerance 
approach to corruption. Our Code of 
Conduct makes this explicit, defining 
how we expect employees and Directors 
to conduct business. 

More than 2,000 employees received 
Code of Conduct training in 2018, mostly 
in South America and India. In 2019, we will 
expand training to China and Asia Pacific. 
Suppliers to RHI Magnesita are required to 
sign our Supplier Code of Conduct and we 
are working to increase oversight and 
transparency in this area.

An independently operated whistleblowing 
system allows individuals to have 
confidential and anonymous two-way 
conversations about concerns they might 
have. Contact details are publicised 
throughout our operations. In 2019, 
we will publish a new anti-corruption 
policy and our Corporate Audit will 
adopt an anti-corruption focus.

 Sustainability

External initiatives

5 0

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

In 2018, our reporting system received 
60 contacts. Most were not code violations 
but workplace grievances resulting from 
structural changes due to our merger. 
We addressed these issues in workshops 
on our new culture while raising awareness 
of harassment and discrimination in 
compliance training. Suspected code 
violations are managed by a team 
comprising the heads of Compliance, 
HR and Internal Audit. Outcomes range 
from redesigned processes, controls and 
training to disciplinary action. 

As our business grows, we are building a 
robust compliance organisation in every 
region. In 2018, we appointed a compliance 
officer for South America and will assign 
counterparts for India, China and North 
America in 2019. These new positions will 
report both to our chief compliance officer 
and new regional Vice Presidents, who will 
be held accountable for compliance in their 
countries and regions.  

>2,000 

employees trained in our  
Code of Conduct in 2018

5 1

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

 Sustainability

 Our Environment
The environmental 
challenges facing our 
planet have never been 
greater. Climate change 
poses the most urgent 
threat of all. 

Supported SDGs

5 2

As the world’s population grows, the 
challenge is to meet the needs of future 
generations while operating within the 
constraints of the planet’s resources. 

To prepare for a resource-constrained, 
low-carbon economy, RHI Magnesita is 
working to minimise our environmental 
impacts. We are increasing use of 
secondary raw materials, improving 
energy efficiency and cutting CO2 
and other emissions. During 2018, we 
invested €13.3 million on improving 
our environmental performance. 

Energy and climate 
Within the next 12 years, global warming 
must be limited to 1.5°C to avert the most 
serious consequences of climate change. 
This was the stark warning of the 
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate 
Change (“IPCC”) in 2018.

We recognise that our operations contribute 
to climate change. The refractory industry 
is, by nature, an energy-intensive business. 
We are therefore committed to reducing 
our impacts, both in our operations and our 
value chain. By 2025, we will reduce CO2 
emissions by 10% per tonne and improve 
energy efficiency by 5%, compared to 2018.

More than half (55%) of our direct emissions 
(Scope 1 and 2) in 2018 were geogenic; 
they were released by the processing of 
raw materials. Magnesite (MgCO3) contains 
CO2 which is released when the raw 
material is converted to magnesium oxide 
(MgO). Current technology cannot yet 
reduce or prevent these emissions.

Our efforts therefore focus on improving 
energy efficiency in our operations. We 
are developing products that require lower 
kiln temperatures and shorter firing times, 
thereby using less energy to manufacture. 
More energy-efficient machinery, such as 
our improved kiln in Marktredwitz, improved 
production strategy and continuous 
improvement processes are also yielding 
energy savings.

During 2018, our total energy consumption 
was 5.7 TWh and our energy efficiency 
improved by 0.5%. Our CO2 emissions 
(Scope 1 and 2) amounted to 2.8  
million tonnes.

Given the extremely high temperatures 
(1,800°C and above) required to 
manufacture refractory products, 
renewables are not a viable source of 
energy yet. Natural gas, the cleanest 
fossil fuel, accounts for 53% of fuel used 
by our business. In 2018, we stopped using 
petroleum coke in India at our Bhiwadi 
plant and plan to convert all oil-fired kilns 
to run on gas instead. In some of our more 
remote locations, however, piped natural 
gas is not available. 

By developing products which help 
customers reduce their energy 
consumption, we are reducing our indirect 
emissions. Energy savings as a result of 
these newly installed products average 
236 GWh per year. We also endeavour to 
capture and use excess heat energy. For 
example, our Radenthein plant supplies the 
local biomass heating plant with an average 
of 3,000 MWh per year, which is sufficient 
to power 200 households.

In 2019, we will conduct a full analysis of 
the risks and opportunities presented by 
climate change. As we further develop 
our climate strategy, we engage with 
industry, government agencies and others. 
In addition, we will start submitting climate 
data to the CDP.

Other emissions
We also work to minimise emissions of  
sulfur and nitrogen oxides (SOx and NOx). 
We have committed to reduce these 
emissions by 30% in a phased approach. 
Given the country’s severe air pollution,  
our first priority is to achieve this reduction 
in China by 2021. This will be followed by 
the US by 2025 and the EU and South 
America by 2027. 

Our mining operations also generate 
diffuse dust emissions. Minimising these 
is another focus area of ISO 14001 and 
we adopt a variety of measures to do so. 

Waste and recycling 
We recognise the importance of a circular 
economy and are stepping up efforts to 
close the loop of our product lifecycles. 
When our products reach their end of life, 
we aim to dismantle them, recycling as 
much as possible into new applications.

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

613 

hectares of land reforested by 
our plants in Turkey and Brazil

By 2025, we aim to include 10% 
secondary raw materials (SRM) per tonne 
of production. Increasing recycled content 
has proven challenging in terms of product 
durability and customer acceptability. We 
are therefore working to address both issues. 

Reducing waste
In 2018, our business generated 109,500 
tonnes of waste, of which 9% (9,700 
tonnes) was hazardous. Instead, the bulk 
of our waste (88%) was non-hazardous 
ceramic and mineral waste. 

We conduct ongoing activities at most 
open-pit mines together with local partners. 
For example, our plants in Brazil and Turkey 
have reforested 613 hectares of land to date. 
We aim to extend and systematise these 
activities across our business.

Developing products with higher SRM 
content is a major focus area for our 
R&D department. In 2018, we devised 
recipes that include significantly more 
SRM while maintaining the same functional 
performance in the final customer 
application. As we work to increase recycled 
content, we will partner with customers to 
ensure optimum performance. 

We are working across our sites to reduce 
and recycle the waste we generate. 
In 2017, for example, our Marktredwitz 
plant sent 340 tonnes of phenol-containing 
hazardous ceramic waste for disposal but by 
2018, the plant had eliminated this source 
of hazardous waste, first by rendering it 
non-hazardous then recycling almost 
one-quarter of the total.

To increase availability of SRM, we will 
establish our first dedicated recycling 
facility. In addition to supplying recycled 
materials, the facility will develop and test 
new recycling technologies. We will work 
with partners in Europe and the US to 
further expand local recycling while 
exploring opportunities in India, China 
and South America. 

Reforestation and recultivation
Global biodiversity loss is happening at 
an alarming rate. Nearly 40% of the world’s 
forests have already been destroyed. Yet 
forests not only provide food and shelter for 
humans and wildlife; they can also play an 
important role in mitigating climate change. 
RHI Magnesita aims to rehabilitate all areas 
that we mine to their original state -  
or better - through recultivation  
and reforestation. 

Water
Of all the water on our planet, 99.5% is 
sea water. The world’s growing population, 
agriculture and industry rely instead on the 
less than 0.5% that is freshwater. And with 
the growth in demand, water scarcity 
already affects every continent. 

During 2018, RHI Magnesita used 15.6 
million cubic metres of water. We aim to 
minimise our water use, particularly in areas 
of scarcity. Based on preliminary analysis, 
six RHI Magnesita plants operate in water- 
scarce areas: two each in Mexico, Brazil and 
India. We adopt water-saving technologies 
and closed-loop water circuit technology in 
these plants, which account for less than 
10% of our total water use. In 2019, we will 
map every plant for water scarcity using the 
new WWF water risk filter tool.

CO2 emissions

CO2 emissions by source

Direct CO2 emissions (Scope 1)

Of which geogenic emissions

Of which fuel-based emissions

Indirect CO2 emissions (Scope 2)1

2018 (tonnes)

2,563,000

1,416,000

1,147,000

207,000

Waste by type

Percentage 
of total

Waste by type

93%

55%

45%

7%

Ceramic and mineral waste hazardous

Other hazardous waste

Ceramic and mineral waste non-hazardous

96,300

Other non-hazardous waste

2018 (t)

8,200

1,500

3,500

109,500

Percentage 
of total

7%

1%

88%

3%

100%

Total CO2 emissions (Scope 1+2)

2,770,000

100%

Total waste

1  Assumption: Calculation based on the average EU CO2 intensity (295g/kWh)  

due to a lack of reliable global data.

Energy use by source

Water withdrawals

Energy use by source

2018 (GWh)

Percentage 
of total

Water withdrawals

Natural gas

Electricity

Fuel oil

Diesel/petrol

Liquid gas

Coal, coke & petcoke

3,000

700

1,000

70

20

910

53%

Asia

12%

18%

1%

0%

16%

Europe

North America

South America

Total water withdrawals

Of which in water-scarce areas2

2018 (m³)

642,000

9,282,000

4,797,000 

876,000

15,597,000

929,000

Percentage 
of total

4%

60%

31%

6%

100%

6%

Total energy consumption

5,700

100%

2  Preliminary assessment covering five of the six plants in identified water-scarce 

areas in Mexico, Brazil and India.

5 3

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

 Sustainability

5 4

Our People & 
Communities
As an employer and  
a neighbour, our goal is  
to maximise the positive 
social impact we bring. 
We are committed to 
promoting human rights, 
health and safety, 
diversity and inclusion. 
We aim to help 
employees achieve their 
potential while partnering 
with our communities  
to help them thrive.

Supported SDGs

Safety first 
A safe workplace is a fundamental right 
of our employees. Our goal is to build a 
strong safety culture with zero accidents. 
Nothing less is acceptable.

Our intensive Safety First campaign is 
already yielding benefits. In 2018, our Lost 
Time Injury Frequency (“LTIF”) rate reached 
an all-time low of 0.4, with improvements 
in all regions. This represents a 60% 
reduction compared to 2017, far exceeding 
our 20% target. In September, we enjoyed 
our best month ever, with only one lost time 
incident (LTIF of 0.1).

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Health and Safety: Lost time injury frequency
rate per 200,000 hours worked and lost days due to accidents

s
y
a
d
t
s
o
L

40

32

24

16

8

0

2016

2017

2018

Lost days

Lost time injury frequency rate

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

e
t
a
r
y
c
n
e
u
q
e
r
f
y
r
u
n

j

i

e
m

i
t

t
s
o
L

60% 

reduction in lost time injury 
frequency in 2018

2,200

“Culture Champions” trained

Yet we will not become complacent. 
Safety is the responsibility of each and every 
RHI Magnesita employee. To underline this, 
our CEO begins every quarterly update to 
employees with an update on safety 
performance. Following the merger, 
we have worked to ensure our corporate 
safety programme is being implemented 
consistently across our operations.

Behaviour-based safety is a major focus. 
Since approximately 80% of accidents 
are due to unsafe actions by individuals, 
we began observation audits to identify  
at-risk behaviours. 

This led to fewer accidents and the 
programme is now being rolled out 
across our business. Another factor in our 
improved performance was the new target 
for reporting and mitigating at least one 
near miss or unsafe situation per person.  
We exceeded this target in 2018, achieving 
1.48 across our business.

In addition, we are implementing 
programmes that address specific job 
roles and safety risks, such as Safety 
Leadership Training for front-line leaders 
and our Hand & Finger safety programme. 
We also continue to roll-out Quickcheck, 
which raises awareness of hidden hazards.

To date, 22 sites have been certified to 
OHSAS 18001 as part of our integrated 
management system. We will transition  
all certified sites to the new ISO 45001 
by the end of 2020. 

We are implementing these themes in the 
way we run our business. New systems for 
performance management and variable 
payment help drive accountability and 
incentivise performance. 

Our most recent survey found that one year 
on from the merger, 76% of employees are 
excited about RHI Magnesita’s future while 
56% of employees believe that we are 
already living our new culture. 

Feedback on team spirit and relationships 
with new colleagues was positive, but 
employees said that cross-functional 
collaboration needs to improve. One-fifth  
of respondents say that work across 
organisational units is not yet as effective 
as it should be. We will continue to listen 
to employees’ concerns and develop 
programmes in response.

Engaging employees
As we merged two former competitors 
to form RHI Magnesita, we have focused 
on building a new corporate culture. We 
engaged employees in the process through 
internal communications, workshops, 
team-building activities and pulse surveys. 
To date, more than 2,200 employees were 
trained to help bring our new culture to life.

At the heart of our corporate culture  
are four themes: 

 ¥ We assign accountability 
and reward performance
 ¥ We collaborate globally and  

cross-functionally

 ¥ We communicate directly and openly,  

in a friendly and constructive way

 ¥ Customers are at the centre of 

everything we do

5 5

 
 
 
 
 
S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

 Sustainability

Share of women in leadership

Executive Management Team (“EMT”) 

EMT Direct reports

Total

Female

2

22%

5

10%

7

12%

Total 
headcount

9

50

59

Male

7

78%

45

90%

52

88%

Worldwide, around 72% of RHI Magnesita 
employees are represented by work 
councils, trade unions or other bodies  
and agreements. We support and work  
with these bodies, in line with core 
conventions of the International Labour 
Organization (ILO). 

Training & development
We aim to help employees fulfill their 
potential. We intend to provide 
opportunities for them to learn and grow, 
while assigning accountability and 
rewarding them for performance. 

To facilitate this, we introduced a new 
performance management system in 2018. 
Called the People Cycle, the system applies 
to all employees of RHI Magnesita. This 
year-long cycle focuses on performance 
and career management; talent management; 
feedback and development. The process 
will ensure that both employees and leaders 
conduct regular planning and structured 
performance reviews and will be supported 
by annual talent committees.

We have also launched a series of 
global training programmes, ranging from 
programmes for operations to sales and 
purchasing, to ensure we develop best-in-
class capabilities in our growing business. 
In 2019, we will launch our new leadership 
learning framework, #FitToLead.

As we become a global company, we 
encourage employees to learn languages 
used across our business. More than 1,000 
employees have already registered to use 
our new online language training courses 
since mid-2018. 

During 2018, we conducted 39,881 hours 
of global development programmes. This 
does not include training and development 
conducted by local operations. 

In 2019, our new global bonus system 
will be rolled out. Designed to promote 
collaboration and equality, the system is 
also simple and transparent. At any time, 
employees can calculate their expected 
bonus payment, based on the Company’s 
current performance against objectives. 

Promoting diversity
Diversity and inclusion is critical to our 
future success. In today’s globalised 
business environment, diverse teams are 
proven to be more productive and better 
equipped to succeed. 

Diversity is about welcoming and valuing 
employees of every background. We are 
committed to providing equal opportunities 
to everyone, regardless of gender, race, 
disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, 
age or any other difference. 

We want our workforce to represent 
the communities in which we operate. 
We want our workplace to be free 
from discrimination, harassment 
and victimisation. And we want our 
employees to fulfil their career ambitions.

Gender diversity
Our initial focus is to improve the gender 
diversity of our Company. We have 
committed to achieve 33% female 
representation on our Board and our 
senior leadership (Executive Management 
Team and Direct Reports). 

In 2018, a further two female directors 
accepted their nomination to our Board. 
This brings representation of women on 
our Board to 25%1, a welcome improvement 
compared to 10% in the previous year. 
Our EMT also shows progress. By the end of 
2018, women accounted for 22% of senior 
management compared to 13% in 2017. 
However, once Direct Reports to the 
EMT are included, the proportion of 
women in leadership in 2018 was only 12%, 
showing that we have more work to do in 
this area too.

In 2019, we aim to identify and address 
the main barriers faced by women in what 
is still a male-dominated industry and to 
launch new initiatives to address these 
issues. We are committed to recruiting, 
retaining and promoting more women into 
leadership positions. Following our listing 
on the London Stock Exchange in 2017, we 
adopted the Hampton-Alexander Review’s 
target of 33% women in senior leadership. 
Given our recent merger, we believe that 
we will achieve the 33% target by 2025. 

25%

female representation  
on our Board

1.  As at the date of this report and including 

Directors nominated for appointment at the 
2019 AGM. Does not include Employee 
Representative Directors

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Although women represent 23% of all 
white-collar positions in our Company, they 
occupy only 2% of blue-collar positions. 
As a result, women represent only 11% of 
our total workforce.

In addition, we will research and develop 
other aspects of diversity to ensure that 
the increasingly global nature of our 
Company is reflected in our leadership. 

Human rights
RHI Magnesita is committed to respecting 
internationally recognised human rights 
in line with the UN Universal Declaration 
of Human Rights and the UN Guiding 
Principles on Business and Human Rights. 
Joining the UN Global Compact underlines 
our commitment to human rights in our 
business, supply chain and beyond. 

We are ramping up our approach to  
human rights. An introduction to human 
rights was included in anti-corruption 
training provided in 2018 to more than 
2,000 employees. We will launch a new 
human rights strategy in 2019. 

In addition, we will focus on our suppliers. 
Our suppliers must sign a Supplier Code 
of Conduct that includes human rights 
provisions and we are developing a more 
rigorous means of supplier assessment. 

We report on the measures RHI Magnesita 
has taken to prevent modern slavery and 
human trafficking in our business and our 
supply chain. Statements in accordance 
with the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 and 
the California Transparency in Supply 
Chains Act are available on our website. 

Investing in communities
RHI Magnesita aims to invest in local 
communities wherever we operate. 
To date, our projects have been highly 
local in scope. As we take our support to 
the next level, we are investing more, 
focusing on impact and aligning the 
themes with the Sustainable Development 
Goals (“SDGs”). To maximise the impact of 
our contributions, in 2018 we joined the 
LBG network. The LBG framework is 
the global standard for measuring, 
benchmarking and reporting 
on corporate community investment. 

While our operations choose projects and 
partners at a local level, the overarching 
themes that we will support are: 

 ¥ Education, especially science 

technology, engineering and maths 
(“STEM”) subjects, with a focus on 
girls and disadvantaged groups

 ¥ Youth development, especially skills 
training and enterprise education 
 ¥ Environmental protection, especially 

forests, climate and water

These themes contribute to the SDGs 
we can best support.

We are keen to develop long-term 
partnerships, developing programmes 
that could become scalable. During 2018, 
we developed two new partnerships in 
Austria and will launch our first projects 
in early 2019. 

Firstly, we are partnering with Teach For 
Austria, an NGO which aims to create a 
more level playing field in educational 
opportunities. More than any other EU 
country, Austrian children’s educational 
success depends on parental income, 
status and education level. To kick off 
our partnership, both our CEO and our 
Chairman will teach a class during Teach 
For Austria Week. During the first year of our 
partnership, we will support the teaching of 
250 children. Our second new partnership 
is with Wissenfabrik (Knowledge Factory), 
which aims to encourage more boys and 
girls into STEM fields. In 2019, our 
employees will start volunteering in 
schools to support STEM-related classes. 

Existing programmes in other countries are 
also gaining traction. In Brazil, for example, 
we support the Digital Inclusion project 
which helps local residents near our 
plant. This community space offers digital 
training to the local community, especially 
disenfranchised groups. To date, 2,000 
people have taken courses at the centre. 

Employee volunteers actively support these 
and other projects we support. In 2019, we 
will roll-out a global volunteering policy to 
encourage employee participation in our 
community projects. 

Improving safety

To improve behavioural safety, our 
Bonnybridge plant in Scotland uses 
an innovative programme based on 
football’s penalty cards. In addition 
to issuing red and yellow cards for 
safety hazards, the plant also hands 
out green cards for positive safety 
behaviours. The immediacy and 
transparency of the programme have 
proved popular and the plant has 
reached its preventive rate target 
ahead of schedule. The programme 
received our internal Culture Award 
and is now being trialled in other 
parts of our business. 

Investing in communities

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 58Governance

60   Board of Directors
64 
66 

 Executive Management Team
  Chairman’s introduction to 
Corporate Governance 
 Corporate Governance Report
 Nomination Committee Report
  Audit & Compliance 
Committee Report
 Remuneration Committee Report
 Directors’ Remuneration Policy
 Annual Report on Remuneration

67 
76 
78 

80 
84 
92 

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Board of  
Directors

1

5

2

6

3

7

4

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

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R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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Board members by gender1

Board Committee members

  Male

  75%

N Nomination Committee

R

Remuneration Committee

  Female

  25%

A Audit & Compliance Committee

 Chair of Committee

S Corporate Sustainability Committee

Chairman

Executive Directors

1. Herbert Cordt
Chairman 
Appointment date: October 2017 
Nationality: Austrian

N

2. Stefan Borgas
Chief Executive Officer 
Appointment date: October 2017 
Nationality: German

Herbert was Chairman of the Supervisory 
Board of RHI from 2010 until 2017 as well 
as Vice-Chairman from 2007 to 2010. 
He was a member of the Advisory Board 
at Delta Partners, Dubai from 2013 to 
2015 as well as Watermill Group Boston, 
a position he has held since 2013. 
Herbert was a senior advisor at Citigroup 
in London from 1999 to 2014. Since 
1992, he has been Managing Partner at 
CORDT & PARTNER Management- und 
Finanzierungsconsulting GesmbH. He 
was Managing Director at GASKOKS - 
Österreichische Warenhandelsgesellschaft 
mbH from 1991 to 1992. From 1979 to 1984, 
he was Vice Governor at Österreichische 
Postsparkasse. From 1984 to 1991 Herbert 
was a member of the Executive Board of 
Österreichische Länderbank, the second 
largest commercial bank in Austria. 
He worked as chief economic adviser for 
the Federal Minister of Finance of Austria 
from 1975 to 1979. Additionally, since 
2015 he has been a member of the Board of 
Advisors for the MSFS Program, School of 
Foreign Service at Georgetown University, 
Washington D.C. Herbert obtained a 
Doctorate in Law from the University of 
Vienna, graduated from the Diplomatic 
Academy of Vienna (Diplomatische 
Akademie Wien) and received a Master’s 
Degree of Science in Foreign Service from 
Georgetown University Washington D.C.

External appointments: Member of the 
advisory board of Delta Partners, Dubai, 
Citigroup Germany and Austria, Watermill 
Group Boston, Georgetown University, 
School of Foreign Service, MSFS Program, 
Cooper & Turner, UK, The Plastics Group 
Inc, USA, Quality Metalcraft Inc, USA and 
Experi-Metal Inc, USA. Managing partner 
of CORDT & PARTNER Management- und 
Finanzierungsconsulting GesmbH.

Stefan was Chief Executive Officer at RHI 
from December 2016 until October 2017. 
From 2012 to 2016, he was president and 
Chief Executive Officer at Israel Chemicals 
Ltd. Between 2004 and 2012, he was 
Chief Executive Officer at Lonza Group. 
Before this, he worked at BASF Group, 
where he held various management 
positions from 1998 to 2004. Stefan 
was elected as President of the World 
Refractories Association in January 2018. 
Stefan has a business administration degree 
from the University Saarbrücken and an 
MBA from the University of St. Gallen-HSG.

External appointments: Stefan is the owner 
of SB Industry LLC.

Ian Botha 
Chief Financial Officer 
Appointment date: April 2019 
Nationality: South African

Ian, currently CFO of Anglo American 
Platinum, has been nominated as new 
Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director 
for appointment in the 2019 Annual General 
Meeting. Ian will join our Company on 1 April 
2019. Ian has enjoyed a highly successful 
international career with Anglo American 
in the related mining and metals industry. 
He brings with him significant experience 
in finance and accounting, investor relations 
and governance, as well as his excellent 
business acumen and track record in 
financial and performance improvements.

Octavio Lopes 
Chief Financial Officer from October 2017  
to September 2018.  
Nationality: Brazilian

Octavio stood down from the Board on 
31 December 2018. Prior to the merger, 
he held roles at Magnesita including 
Chairman from July 2016 and Chief 
Executive Officer from 2012 to 2016,

Non-Independent  
Non-Executive Directors
3. David A. Schlaff
Non-Executive Director (Non-Independent) 
Appointment date: October 2017 
Nationality: Austrian

From 2004 to 2007, David was a member 
of the management team at LH Financial 
Services Corporation. Previously he worked 
for Forstmann-Leff Associates Inc. David 
was a member of the Supervisory Board at 
RHI from 2010 until 2017. Between 2007 
and 2011, he was also a member of the 
Board of Advisors at Latrobe Specialty Steel 
Company. From 2010 to 2011, he was a 
member of the Supervisory Council at 
A/S Ventspils Nafta. He holds a Bachelor’s 
Degree in Business Administration from the 
Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya in Israel.

External appointments: Chief Investment 
Officer at M-Tel Holding GmbH since 2008.

4. Stanislaus Prinz zu  
Sayn-Wittgenstein 
Non-Executive Director (Non-Independent) 
Appointment date: October 2017 
Nationality: German

Stanislaus was Chief Executive Officer 
and Chief Restructuring Officer at 
Energieservice Westfalen Weser GmbH 
in 2015. From 2013 to 2015, he was 
Chief Financial Officer and Deputy 
Chief Executive Officer at Westfalen 
Weser Energie GmbH & Co KG and member 
of the Supervisory Boards of Stadtwerke 
Lage GmbH and Stadtwerke Hessisch-
Oldendorf GmbH. Between 2004 and 
2012 Stanislaus held numerous 
management positions within the 
EON group. Previously, he was Managing 
Director at GMD Gesellschaft für 
medizinische Datenverarbeitung mbH 
and Director at the Deutsche Bank AG, 
Investment Banking Division. He was a 
member of the Supervisory Board of 
RHI between 2001 and 2017. Between 

1.  As at the date of this report and including Directors nominated for appointment at the 2019 AGM 

Does not include Employee Representative Directors

6 1

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R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Board of Directors
continued

Non-Independent  
Non-Executive Directors

2000 and 2002, he was a member of 
the supervisory board of Didier Werke AG. 
Stanislaus holds a Master’s Degree in 
Business Administration from MIT Sloan 
School of Management and studied 
Business Administration and Economics 
at Université de Fribourg and is a Chartered 
Financial Analyst.

External appointments: Member of the 
Supervisory Board of Endurance Capital 
AG since 2016.

Fersen Lambranho 
Non-Executive Director (Non-Independent) 
of the Company with from October 2017 
to January 2019.

Fersen stood down from the Board on 
21 January 2019.

6 2

Independent Non-Executive Directors

5. James Leng
Deputy Chairman and Senior 
Independent Director  
Appointment date: October 2017 
Nationality: British

N

R

7. Andrew Hosty
Independent Non-Executive Director  
Appointment date: October 2017 
Nationality: British

A

S

James was previously Chairman of Corus 
Group plc (2001 to 2008), Chairman 
of HSBC Bank plc (2010 to 2013) and 
Chairman of Nomura European Holdings plc 
(2015 to 2017). Other directorships have 
included AON plc, Alstom SA, Pilkington 
plc, Hanson plc, IMI plc, TNK-BP and lead 
Non-Executive Director at the UK’s Ministry 
of Justice. In the early part of 2009, he was 
a Director and Chairman designate of Rio 
Tinto. In an executive capacity James was 
Chief Executive Officer of two publicly listed 
companies: from 1995 to 2001 at Laporte 
PLC, and prior to that at Low & Bonar PLC. 
His early career was spent at John 
Waddington plc, where he was Managing 
Director of a number of their subsidiaries.

External appointments: n/a

6. Celia Baxter
Independent Non-Executive Director  
Appointment date: October 2017 
Nationality: British

N

R

Celia was Director of Group Human 
Resources for Bunzl plc from 2003 to 2016. 
Previously she served as Head of Human 
Resources of Enterprise Oil plc, having been 
Director of Group Human Resources at Tate 
& Lyle plc. In 1988 she joined KPMG Peat 
Marwick as a Human Resources consultant. 
She started her professional career in 1982 
at the Ford Motor Company where she held 
several management positions. She holds 
a PhD and BSc in botany from the University 
of Reading.

External appointments: Non-Executive 
Director at Bekaert SA and a Non- Executive 
Director and Remuneration Chair of 
Senior PLC. Partner of HR Tech LLP.

Andrew was Chief Executive of the 
Sir Henry Royce Institute for Advanced 
Materials from 2016 to 2018. Previously, 
he was Chief Operating Officer at Morgan 
Advanced Materials plc, an appointment 
he held from February 2013 until January 
2016. He also held a number of senior 
positions within Morgan Advanced Materials 
plc, including as Chief Executive Officer 
of Morgan Ceramics. He was previously 
a Non-Executive Director of Fiberweb plc 
and past President of the British Ceramics 
Confederation. He is a fellow of the Royal 
Academy of Engineering, and holds a PhD 
from the Faculty of Engineering at the 
University of Sheffield and a BSc in 
materials science.

External appointments: Andrew is senior 
independent director of James Cropper plc, 
Non-Executive Director of Consort Medical 
plc, mOm Incubators Ltd and Rights and 
Issues Investment Trust plc.

8. John Ramsay
Independent Non-Executive Director  
Appointment date: October 2017 
Nationality: British

A

John served as Chief Financial Officer of 
Syngenta AG from 2007 to 2016 and was 
also Interim Chief Executive Officer from 
October 2015 to June 2016. Prior to this, 
John served as Group Financial Controller 
of Syngenta from 2000 to 2007 and as 
the Finance Head of Asia Pacific for Zeneca 
Agrochemicals from 1993 to 1999. Earlier 
in his career he was a Financial Controller 
of ICI Malaysia and regional controller for 
Latin America. Before joining ICI in 1984, 
he worked in audit and tax at KPMG. 
He is a Chartered Accountant and also 
holds an Honours Degree in accounting.

External appointments: John has been 
a member of the Supervisory Board at 
Koninklijke DSM N.V. since May 2017. John 
is also a Non-Executive Director of G4S plc.

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

9. Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer
Independent Non-Executive Director 
Appointment date: October 2017 
Nationality: Austrian

A

Wolfgang had served as a member of the 
Supervisory Board of RHI AG from 2012 
to 2017. Following the sickness related 
absence of the CEO, he acted as the 
Interim Chief Executive Officer of RHI AG 
from 26 June 2016 until 30 November 
2016. He started his professional career 
in 1976 at OMV, becoming Chief Executive 
Officer and Chairman of the Management 
Board between 2002 and 2011. He served 
as Secretary of State in the Austrian Federal 
Ministry of Finance between 1997 and 1999. 
He was a member of the Administrative 
Board of Roche Holding from 2007 to 2011. 
From 2010 to 2014 he was Chairman of 
the Supervisory Board at Vienna Insurance 
Group as well as a member of the 
Supervisory Board at Telekom Austria. 
He was Chairman of the Supervisory Board 
at CA Immobilien Anlagen AG from 2009 
to 2016 and at Telekom Austria from 2015 
to 2018. He graduated from the Vienna 
University of Economics.

External appointments: Wolfgang is a 
member of the management board of 
CollPlant Holdings Ltd. and a member 
of the supervisory board of Flughafen 
Wien Aktiengesellschaft, NIS a.d. Naftna 
industrija Srbije, Novi Sad and Erne 
Fittings GmbH.

Creditanstalt-Bankverein in London 
and New York. Between 1983 and 1985, he 
held the position of Secretary to the Federal 
Minister for Trade and Industry of Austria. 
From 1977 to 1983, he worked in corporate 
finance and export finance at Creditanstalt- 
Bankverein. Karl holds a Master and 
Doctorate Degree from the Vienna 
University of Economics and Business

External appointments: Karl is a member of the 
management board of Custos Privatstiftung 
and a member of the supervisory board of 
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Österreich, 
SIGNA Development Selection AG, SIGNA 
Prime Selection AG, SIGMA Kreditbank AG.

S

11. Janet Ashdown
Janet has been nominated as Non-
Executive Director for appointment in the 
2019 Annual General Meeting. Janet had a 
distinguished career working for BP plc for 
over 30 years, holding a number of 
international positions. Until the end of 
2012, Janet was Chief Executive Officer of 
Harvest Energy Ltd. Janet also has a wide 
range of board and committee experience 
as a non-executive director. 

External appointments: Janet is non-
executive director of the UK’s Nuclear 
Decommissioning Authority, SIG plc, 
Victrex plc and she is Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director at Marshalls plc 
and Chair of the Remuneration Committee.

10. Karl Sevelda
Independent Non-Executive Director  
Appointment date: October 2017 
Nationality: Austrian

R

Karl was Chief Executive Officer from 
June 2013 to March 2017 and Deputy 
Chief Executive Officer from 2010 to 2013 at 
Raiffeisen Bank International AG. Previously, 
he joined Raiffeisen Zentralbank Österreich 
AG in 1998, where he was a member of the 
Management Board, and responsible for 
corporate customers and corporate, trade 
and export finance worldwide until 2010. 
From 1986 to 1997, he held several senior 
management positions at Creditanstalt-
Bankverein. In 1985 he worked at 

S

12. Fiona Paulus
Fiona has been nominated as Non-
Executive Director for appointment 
in the 2019 Annual General Meeting. 
Fiona has over 37 years’ global investment 
banking experience, having held senior 
management roles with a number of leading 
international investment banks based in 
London, Europe and North America. Fiona 
has specialised in the past 15 years in the 
energy & resources sectors where she has 
advised and financed companies on all 
types of strategic & risk management 
initiative. Since January 2018, Fiona has 
been Managing Director at Redcliffe Advice, 
an investing and consulting business.

External appointments: n/a

Employee Representative  
Directors

13. Franz Reiter

Director/Employee representative since 
November 2017. 
Nationality: Austrian

Franz has been with the Group since 1977 
and is Chairman of the Group Works 
Council at Veitsch-Radex GmbH.

14. Michael Schwarz 
Director/Employee representative since 
December 2017. 
Nationality: German

Michael has been with the Group since 
1983 and is a member of the workers 
council at Didier Werke A.G.

6 3

G O V E R N A N C E

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Executive  
Management Team

1

4

7

2

5

8

3

6

9

EMT members by gender

  Male

  78%

  Female

  22%

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A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

1. Stefan Borgas
Chief Executive Officer
See biography on page 61.

2. Luis Rodolfo Bittencourt
Chief Technology Officer
Luis has been working for Magnesita for 
32 years. He held several positions in 
his career on the refractory and mining 
activities starting as Raw Material Research 
Engineer and becoming Raw Material 
Research Manager, Mining/Geology 
Manager, Technical Purchasing Manager, 
Plant Manager, Quality Control Manager, 
R&D Director, Minerals VP, and R&D VP. 
He is currently President of Magnesita 
Refratários in Brazil and the Brazilian 
Refractory Producers Association, and 
the Latin America Refractory Association. 
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in mining 
engineering from the Federal University of 
Minas Gerais- Brazil, a Master’s degree in 
Metallurgical Engineering from the 
University of Utah (USA), and a PhD degree 
on Ceramic Engineering from the University 
of Missouri (USA).

3. Gustavo Franco
Chief Sales Officer
Gustavo was appointed Chief Sales Officer 
in January 2019. He joined Magnesita in 
2001 as a Technical Marketing Engineer 
after finishing his bachelor of Mechanical 
Engineering, and has since then developed 
his career in the refractory industry. He soon 
became Sales Manager, Regional Sales 
Manager, Sales Director, Sales & Marketing 
VP for South America, then for North 
America and finally Globally, being based 
in three continents in the course of six years. 
He was part of the Executive Committee of 
Magnesita Refratarios from 2015 to 2017. 
Since the merger of RHI Magnesita he has 
been the Senior VP of Process Industries 
and Minerals. In 2018 he completed the 
Senior Executive Programme with the 
London Business School.

4. Eduardo Gotilla
Acting Chief Financial Officer
Eduardo assumed the role of acting CFO of 
RHI Magnesita on 21 September 2017 after a 
brief period as the VP of Corporate Finance 
and Investor Relations, where he played a 
pivotal role in the integration of the finance 
organisation into RHI Magnesita, and also 
successfully led the refinancing of the 
Company and its repositioning as a leading 
company amongst other global industrial 
companies in the FTSE 350. Previously 

Eduardo served as CFO at Magnesita from 
2014 to 2017. Eduardo has held diverse 
finance positions in mostly private equity 
led companies with experience in corporate 
finance, tax, capital strategy, turnaround, 
performance management and investor 
relations. Eduardo has also served as a 
Board member for BB Previdência, one of 
Brazil’s largest multi-sponsored pension 
funds, from 2013 - 2017.

5. Thomas Jakowiak
Executive Vice President 
Integration Management
After studying applied geosciences at the 
University of Leoben, Thomas started his 
professional career as a sales engineer 
with R&A Rost GmbH in Vienna. In the year 
2000, he joined the RHI Group and was 
soon put in charge of the sales management 
for the business unit in the Asia Pacific 
region. Since 2005, he has been the Head 
of the Cement/Lime business unit and was 
appointed to the Management Board of RHI 
AG as CSO of the Industrial Division at the 
beginning of the year 2016.

6. Jacqueline Knox
Executive Vice President, General 
Counsel & Company Secretary
Jacqueline has served as General Counsel 
since December 2018. She came to 
RHI Magnesita from VEON, an international 
telecommunications and technology 
business, where she was Associate General 
Counsel M&A. Between 2011 and 2014, 
Jacqueline was General Counsel and 
Company Secretary of Ophir Energy plc, 
a FTSE listed upstream oil and gas business. 
She has also held positions with the law 
firms of Herbert Smith Freehills in London 
and Minter Ellison in Brisbane, Australia. 
Having worked across different industries 
and multiple regions, she brings broad 
international experience and a strong 
background in legal, compliance and 
corporate governance. Jacqueline holds 
a dual degree in law and international 
relations (BA/LLB Hons) from the University 
of Queensland. She is qualified to practise 
in the UK and in Queensland, Australia 
and is a dual British & Australian citizen.

7. Simone Oremovic
Executive Vice President People 
and Culture Management
Simone is Executive Vice President People 
and Culture Management at RHI Magnesita 
since November 2017. Simone has 20 years 
of experience in Human Resources. Before 

joining RHI Magnesita, she started her 
career in HR at General Electric and worked 
in different operational and corporate roles. 
Her main focus was on leadership and 
talent management as well as HR process. 
She is a certified Six Sigma Master Black 
belt. After GE she moved to Telekom 
Austria Group as HR Director and then to 
IBM Austria. From 2013 to 2017 she was a 
member of the Management Board of Baxter 
AG responsible for global HR of the plasma 
production sites. Simone has a degree from 
the European Business School (Paris) and of 
the Economic University of Vienna.

8. Luiz Rossato
Executive Vice President 
Corporate Development
Luiz Rossato was appointed Executive 
Vice President and Head of Corporate 
Development in October 2017. Luiz joined 
Magnesita Refratarios in 2008 and was 
the Vice President of Legal, M&A and 
Institutional Relations, as well as 
responsible for Corporate Communication, 
being a member of the Executive 
Committee of Magnesita Refratários from 
2012 until 2017. He graduated in law at 
Mackenzie Presbyterian University, in Brazil. 
He worked in renowned law firms in Brazil, 
including Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey 
Jr. and Quiroga Advogados. He was also a 
corporate lawyer and company secretary 
at Abyara Real Estate Planning until the 
beginning of 2008. In 2012 Luiz received 
the General Counsel of the Year - Latin 
America Award by the International Law 
Office - ILO, and in 2013 he attended the 
Advanced Management Program at 
Wharton University in the United States.

9. Gerd Schubert
Chief Operations Officer
After completing his doctorate in mineral 
engineering at RWTH Aachen, Gerd started 
his career at Degussa AG, where he held 
several positions including manager of a 
Brazilian plant, technical director and plant 
group manager. Following the acquisition 
by Ferro Corporation, he managed the 
production and technology divisions as 
Global Operations and Restructuring 
Director. In early 2014, he took over the 
function of COO at the Pfleiderer Group and 
was appointed to the Management Board of 
RHI AG as COO/CTO in January 2017.

6 5

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R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Chairman’s introduction 
to Corporate Governance 

I now wish to summarise the work of our 
current standing committees.

The Nomination Committee has had a very 
active and successful year. Their work 
included the search for and success in 
attracting Ian Botha as our new CFO, who 
joins on 1 April 2019. The Committee also 
led a rigorous search for two new Non-
Executive Directors, Janet Ashdown (who 
will chair our Corporate Sustainability 
Committee) and Fiona Paulus. The 
establishment of this new committee also 
delivers on our promise given at the time of 
the listing. These appointments will be put 
to shareholders for their approval at the 
AGM to be held on 6 June 2019. Finally, 
the Board agreed the appointment of 
Jacqueline Knox as General Counsel and 
Company Secretary.

The Remuneration Committee, under Celia 
Baxter’s stewardship, has embraced the 
amended Financial Reporting Council’s 
Corporate Governance Code to reflect the 
changes in new Terms of Reference aligning 
our approach to reward with the core 
elements of culture, purpose and values, 
whilst not forgetting the remuneration of 
the broader workforce.

The Audit & Compliance Committee has 
also delivered on a very full agenda in 2018. 
As Committee Chairman, John Ramsay led 
the work of the Committee with meticulous 
attention to detail across a range of complex 
issues, including the work necessary for the 
Purchase Price Allocation related to the 
merger.

Towards the end of the Year, we conducted 
our first Board Review and Evaluation. This 
was the first year of a three year programme 
aimed at examining our structure and 
effectiveness. 

The Board has considered the uncertain 
regulatory environment that resulted from 
the United Kingdom’s decision to withdraw 
from the European Union. Due to these 
uncertainties the Board has decided that it 
is prudent for the Company to apply for a 
secondary listing on a regulated market in 
the European Union. While the Group is a 
global business and has a strong presence 
in many jurisdictions, it has its head office in 
Vienna and was historically listed on the 
Vienna Stock Exchange. The Board has 
therefore decided that the most logical 
secondary listing location for the Company 
is Vienna. The Company will continue to 
have a Premium Listing and be admitted to 
trading on the London Stock Exchange, 
which will remain its primary listing venue.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all my 
Board colleagues, our CEO Stefan Borgas, 
his executive team and indeed all our 
employees in the countries in which we 
operate all around the world for their 
unwavering commitment, especially given 
all the challenges that can be encountered 
following the merger of two businesses. 
The reality of creating a new company in 
the form of RHI Magnesita could not have 
been achieved without this strong effort 
from the entire team.

I am more convinced than ever that we can 
do more than meet the future - we can 
shape it.

HERBERT CORDT
CHAIRMAN

I am more convinced than 
ever that we can do more 
than meet the future - 
we can shape it.

Dear Shareholders
In this introductory letter I would like to 
draw your attention to the initiatives we 
have taken during 2018, our first full 
financial year as a new Company, as well 
as actions we plan for the future as part of 
our commitment to applying the highest 
Corporate Governance standards to 
our business.

As you will be aware, on the basis that 
RHI Magnesita N.V. is registered in the 
Netherlands and listed on the London Stock 
Exchange it adheres to both the Dutch and 
UK Corporate Governance Codes to the full 
extent possible, and this report sets out how 
we have applied the principles and 
provisions of both these codes.

Notable Corporate Governance matters 
which we have addressed during the past 
12 months include the establishment 
of a new Board Committee, the Corporate 
Sustainability Committee, the development 
of an enhanced Board and Board 
Committee structure and achieving a 
greater level of female representation on the 
Board and EMT. In addition, the forthcoming 
Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) will 
include a proposal to appointment two new 
Independent Directors (in addition to a new 
Chief Financial Officer) resulting in the 
Board having a majority of independent 
directors, on a strict independence test 
basis (excluding the two employee 
representative directors). It is important for 
me to add that all my Board colleagues 
bring a diverse and varied perspective to 
our Board debates.

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Corporate 
Governance Report

Introduction
RHI Magnesita N.V. (the “Company” or 
“RHI Magnesita”) was incorporated as a 
public company (naamloze vennootschap) 
under the laws of the Netherlands, under 
the name RHI-MAG N.V., on 20 June 2017. 
The articles of association of the Company 
(the “Articles of Association”) were most 
recently amended with effect as of 26 
October 2017, amending, among other 
amendments, the name of the Company 
into RHI Magnesita N.V.

The Strategic Report, together with the 
Corporate Governance Report, constitutes 
the report of the Directors within the 
meaning of Section 2:391 of the Dutch Civil 
Code (the “DCC”) and has been approved 
and signed by the Board of RHI Magnesita 
(the “Board”).

The Board is committed to achieving 
the highest standards of Corporate 
Governance. The unique position of being 
registered in the Netherlands and listed in 
London requires the Company to take due 
regard of both the Dutch Corporate 
Governance Code (“DCGC” or the “Dutch 
Corporate Governance Code”) and the UK 
Corporate Governance Code (“UKCGC” or 
the “UK Corporate Governance Code”).

The Board welcomed the Financial 
Reporting Council’s update to the UKCGC 
during 2018 and in particular supports the 
developments around culture, diversity, 
stakeholder engagement and better 
alignment of reward structures to 
management and the broader workforce.

Compliance with the Dutch Corporate 
Governance Code and the UK Corporate 
Governance Code
The Board has applied the principles of, 
complies and intends to continue to comply 
with the requirements of, both the DCGC 
and the UKCGC to the fullest extent possible, 
except for a limited number of deviations 
set out below.

Deviations from the Dutch Corporate 
Governance Code in 2018
As disclosed in last year’s report, the 
Company did not comply with the following 
provision of the DCGC in 2018:

Best practice provision 2.2.2 of the DCGC
The Board is non-compliant with best 
practice provision 2.2.2 of the DCGC which 
recommends that, in case of a one-tier 
board, a non-executive director should be 
appointed for a period of four years.

Code provision B.2.3 of the UKCGC 
recommends that non-executive directors 
should be appointed for specified terms, 
with the offer of any term beyond six years 
subject to particularly rigorous review and 
take into account the need for progressive 
refreshing of the board, while provision B.7.1 
of the UKCGC recommends that directors 
should seek re-election on an annual basis. 
The general meeting of the Company (the 
“General Meeting”) appoints the non-
executive Directors of the Company (the 
“Non-Executive Directors”) (other than 
Employee Representative Directors (as 
defined below)) for a term of approximately 
three years, subject to performance and 
annual re-election, with an expectation 
that the Board will then consider extending 
tenure for a further three year period. 
All Directors (other than Employee 
Representative Directors) will seek  
re-election on an annual basis.

Deviations from the UK Corporate 
Governance Code in 2018
As disclosed in last year’s report, the 
Company did not comply with the following 
provision of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code in 2018:

Code Provision A.3.1
The chairman of the Board (the “Chairman”) 
is not considered to be independent for the 
purposes of the UKCGC because he has 
served on the Board of RHI AG (“RHI”), prior 
to the merger, for more than nine years, 
which constitutes non-compliance with 
Code provision A.3.1. The Board believes 
that Mr. Cordt continues to demonstrate 
integrity and independence of character 
and judgement, and that his experience 
as Chairman of RHI AG’s supervisory board 
is valuable to the Company and therefore 
warrants his position as Chairman.

Board and management structure
The Company has a one-tier Board 
structure, which consists of both executive 
Directors (the “Executive Directors”) and 
Non-Executive Directors ( collectively 
the “Directors”). As at the date of this 
annual report (the “Annual Report”), the 
provisions of Dutch law that are commonly 
referred to as the “large company regime” 
(structuurregime) do not apply to the 
Company.

The Board has established three 
committees: an audit and compliance 
committee (the “Audit and Compliance 
Committee” or “Audit Committee”), 
a remuneration committee (the 
“Remuneration Committee”) and a 
nomination committee (the “Nomination 
Committee”) to ensure a strong governance 
framework for decision-making. During the 
Year the Board also developed Terms of 
Reference for a Corporate Sustainability 
Committee to review safety, health, 
environmental, community and other 
corporate responsibility matters. In 2018 a 
Technical Advisory Committee (“TAC”) was 
established; the TAC is represented at Board 
level by Andrew Hosty and Stefan Borgas 
and other members include Luis Rodolfo 
Bittencourt (CTO) and Luiz Rossato 
(Corporate Strategy) as well as senior, global 
R&D and Technical Marketing specialists. 

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Corporate Governance Report
continued

A summary of the role and responsibilities 
of each Committee is shown on pages 72  
to 73.

The Board
Powers, responsibilities and functioning
The Board is collectively responsible for and 
has the power to conduct the general affairs 
of the Company. This role includes being 
collectively responsible for the long-term 
success of the Company, and for its 
leadership, strategy, values, standards, 
control and management.

Pursuant to the Articles of Association, the 
Board may, if it elects to do so, assign duties 
and powers to individual Directors and/or 
committees that are composed of two or 
more Directors, with the day-to-day 
management of the Company entrusted to 
the Executive Directors. The Non-Executive 
Directors have the task of supervising the 
performance of duties by the Executive 
Directors as well as the general course of 
affairs of the Company and the business 
connected with it. In addition, both 
Executive Directors and Non-Executive 
Directors must perform such duties as are 
assigned to them pursuant to the Articles of 
Association and the Board rules adopted by 
the Board (the “Board Rules”) or a resolution 
of the Board. Each Director has a duty 
towards the Company to properly perform 
the duties assigned to him or her. 
Furthermore, each Director has a duty to act 
in the corporate interests of the Company 
and its business. Under Dutch law, 
corporate interest extends to the interests of 
all stakeholders of the Company, such as 
shareholders, creditors, employees and 
other stakeholders.

The Board as a whole is entitled to represent 
the Company. Additionally, the Chief 
Executive Officer of the Company (“CEO”) 
and the Chairman, acting individually, and 
two Executive Directors, acting jointly, are 
also authorised to represent the Company. 
In addition, pursuant to the Articles of 
Association, the Board may appoint 
officers who are authorised to represent 
the Company within the limits of the 
specific powers delegated to them.

Composition, appointment,  
term and dismissal
The Articles of Association provide that the 
Board shall consist of one or more Executive 
Directors and three or more Non-Executive 
Directors with a maximum of 19 Directors 
in total.

The majority of the Directors shall be 
Non-Executive Directors and one-third 
of the Non-Executive Directors (rounded 
upwards) (the “Employee Representative 
Directors”) shall be appointed in 
accordance with the reference terms 
(referentievoorschriften) as referred to 
in Section 2:333k (12)(13) of the DCC. 
The exact number of Executive Directors 
and Non-Executive Directors shall be 
determined by the General Meeting.

The General Meeting is authorised to 
resolve to amend the Articles of Association, 
on the proposal of the Board. The General 
Meeting may designate one Executive 
Director as CEO and one Executive Director 
as CFO and may grant other titles to 
Executive Directors, in each case for a term 
to be determined by the General Meeting, 
which shall not be longer than the term of 
office of the relevant person to the Board. 
An Executive Director can have more than 
one title. Furthermore, the General Meeting 
shall designate one Non-Executive Director 
as the Chairman and one or more Non-
Executive Directors as deputy chairman/
deputy chairmen (the “Deputy Chairman” 
or the “Deputy Chairmen”), in each case 
for a term to be determined by the General 
Meeting which shall not be longer than the 
term of office of the relevant person to the 
Board. The General Meeting will also 
decide whether a Director is appointed as 
an Executive Director or as a Non-Executive 
Director.

Pursuant to the Articles of Association, 
Directors other than the Employee 
Representative Directors will be appointed 
by the General Meeting. The Board may 
make a nomination for such appointments 
by the General Meeting. The Executive 
Directors shall not take part in discussions 
or decision-making by the Board relating 
to nominations for the appointment of 
Directors. A resolution to appoint a Director 
nominated by the Board may be adopted 
by the General Meeting by an absolute 
majority of votes cast, irrespective of the 
represented capital. A resolution to appoint 
the Director other than in accordance with 
a nomination by the Board may be adopted 
by the General Meeting by an absolute 
majority of votes cast representing more 
than one-third of the Company’s issued 
capital.

Pursuant to an agreement between the 
Company and Alumina Holdings LLC 
(“Alumina”), and its successor Alumina II 
Holdings S.A.R.L, the vehicle through which 
GP Investments, Ltd holds its entitlement 
in the Company, Alumina is entitled to 
nominate one person for appointment 
as a Non-Executive Director.

Non-Executive Directors (other than 
Employee Representative Directors) will be 
nominated for a term of three years, subject 
to satisfactory performance and annual 
re-appointment at the Annual General 
Meeting. This approach is consistent with 
Code provision B.7.1 of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code which recommends 
that Directors should seek re-election on 
an annual basis. Employee Representative 
Directors are appointed for a term of not 
more than four years. The term of office 
for each Director (other than Employee 
Representative Directors) will end on the 
day of the Annual General Meeting in the 
year following appointment. Pursuant to 
the Articles of Association, Directors may 
be re-appointed for an unlimited number 
of terms but it is anticipated that the 
Non-Executive Directors (other than 
Employee Representative Directors) may 
be offered a second term of three years, 
at the expiry of which they will not ordinarily 
be considered for re-appointment.

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Board diversity
The Board recognises the benefits that the 
experience of a diverse Board can bring. 
The Company aims to ensure that the Board 
represents a balance in terms of diversity, 
with criteria that include, background, age, 
gender, education, nationality, skills, 
expertise and experience. The Board 
pursues a policy of having at least 30% of 
the seats on the Board held by men and at 
least 30% of the seats on the Board held by 
women, in accordance with the “balanced 
composition” requirement under Dutch law. 
In addition to this, the Board has a target 
to achieve a minimum of 33% female 
representation on our Board and senior 
leadership team. 50% of our Board 
Committees are chaired by women, 
when taking the nomination of the new 
Non-Executive Directors for appointment 
at the 2019 AGM into account.

As set out in the report of the Nomination 
Committee, the Board is very glad to have 
nominated two female candidates for 
appointment at the 2019 Annual General 
Meeting towards achieving “balanced 
composition” required under Dutch law. 
The Board is committed to encouraging 
diversity and will continue to pursue its 
programme in this regard.

The General Meeting has the power to 
suspend or remove a Director at any time, 
by means of a resolution for suspension or 
removal. The Directors may be suspended 
or removed by the General Meeting upon 
a proposal by the Board. A resolution to 
suspend or remove a Director requires 
adoption by at least an absolute majority of 
the votes cast, if adopted upon a proposal 
by the Board. A resolution by the General 
Meeting to suspend or remove a Director 
other than upon such proposal requires 
adoption by an absolute majority of the 
votes cast representing more than one-third 
of the Company’s issued capital. Executive 
Directors may also be suspended by the 
Board. The Executive Directors shall not 
participate in the discussion or decision-
making process of the Board in relation to 
the making of any proposal for suspension 
and removal of any Director.

Any suspension may be extended one or 
more times, but may not last longer than 
three months in aggregate. If, at the end of 
such period, no decision has been taken on 
termination of the suspension or on removal 
of the relevant Director, the suspension 
shall end. A suspension can be ended 
by the General Meeting at any time.

The UKCGC requires that, excluding the 
Chairman, at least half of the Board should 
comprise of Non-Executive Directors 
determined to be independent.

The Board has considered the 
independence of the Non-Executive 
Directors, including potential conflicts 
of interest, and the table on page 70 sets 
out those Directors considered independent 
in character and judgement. Each of these 
Directors has also confirmed that there is 
no reason why they should not continue 
to be considered independent.

The Chairman’s other significant 
commitments are set out in the table below: 

Name of company

Function

Delta Partners, Dubai

Watermill Group  
Boston

Member of the 
advisory board

Member of the 
advisory board

Georgetown University, 
School of Foreign Service, 
MSFS Program

Member of the 
advisory board

CORDT & PARTNER 
Management- und 
Finanzierungsconsulting 
GesmbH

Citigroup Germany 
and Austria

Managing partner

Guest member of 
the advisory board

As the senior independent director (the 
“Senior Independent Director”), James 
Leng’s role is to provide a sounding board for 
the Chairman and to serve as an intermediary 
for the other Directors where necessary. 
He is also available to shareholders if they 
have concerns that the normal channels of 
communication through the CEO and/or the 
Chairman have failed to resolve or for which 
contact with them is inappropriate.

During the year Octavio Lopes stood down 
as CFO and resigned as an Executive 
Director on 31 December 2018. In addition, 
Fersen Lambranho resigned as a Non-
Executive Director on 21 January 2019.

The Board has nominated Ian Botha for 
appointment as Executive Director with the 
title of CFO who, together with nominations 
of both Janet Ashdown and Fiona Paulus as 
independent Non-Executive Directors, will 
be considered at the Annual General 
Meeting to be held in June 2019.

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Corporate Governance Report
continued

At the date of this Annual Report, the Board is composed as follows:

Name

Herbert Cordt

Stefan Borgas

David A. Schlaff

Position

Non-Independent Non-Executive Director, Chairman1

Executive Director (CEO)

Non-Independent Non-Executive Director1

Stanislaus Prinz zu Sayn-Wittgenstein Non-Independent Non-Executive Director1

Celia Baxter

Andrew Hosty

James Leng

Independent Non-Executive Director2, 3

Independent Non-Executive Director2, 3

Independent Non-Executive Director2, 3  
Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director

John Ramsay

Independent Non-Executive Director2, 3

Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer

Independent Non-Executive Director2, 4

Karl Sevelda

Franz Reiter

Independent Non-Executive Director2, 3

Employee Representative Director

Michael Schwartz

Employee Representative Director

Year of 
birth

1947

1964

1978

1965

1958

1965

1945

1957

1950

1950

1962

1966

Date of 
appointment

20 June 2017

20 June 2017

6 October 2017

6 October 2017

6 October 2017

6 October 2017

6 October 2017

6 October 2017

20 June 2017

6 October 2017

13 November 20175

8 December 20175

Expiry/ 
reappointment date

2019 AGM

2019 AGM

2019 AGM

2019 AGM

2019 AGM

2019 AGM

2019 AGM

2019 AGM

2019 AGM

2019 AGM

n/a

n/a

1  Non-independent within the meaning of the UK Corporate Governance Code but independent within the meaning of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code 

due to a difference in independence requirements under the respective codes

2  Independent within the meaning of the UK Corporate Governance Code
3  Independent within the meaning of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code
4  Mr. Ruttenstorfer is, as a result of having undertaken a management board role for RHI on a temporary basis between June and November 2016, not considered 
to be independent within the meaning of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. Notwithstanding this historic role, the Board considers Mr. Ruttenstorfer to 
be independent for the purposes of the UK Corporate Governance Code

5  Delegation date

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A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Meetings and decision-making  
of the Board
The Board commits to meet six times a 
year or additionally as often as deemed 
necessary by the Chairman or the Deputy-
Chairman. Board papers are circulated in 
advance of meetings to allow Directors 
sufficient time to consider their content 
prior to the meeting.

In accordance with Dutch law, an Executive 
Director may not be allocated the tasks of: 
(i) serving as Chairman; (ii) participating in 
the adoption of resolutions (including any 
deliberations in respect of such resolutions) 
related to the remuneration of Executive 
Directors; or (iii) nominating Directors for 
appointment. Tasks that have not been 
specifically allocated to a specific Director 
fall within the power of the Board as a 
whole. The Directors share responsibility for 
all decisions and acts of the Board and for 
the acts of each individual member of the 
Board regardless of the allocation of tasks.

Attendance at Board meetings in 2018 
(shown over a total number of meetings held):

Attended

Herbert Cordt

Stefan Borgas

Octavio Lopes

Fersen Lambranho

David A. Schlaff

Stanislaus Prinz zu  
Sayn-Wittgenstein

Celia Baxter

Andrew Hosty

James Leng

John Ramsay

Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer

Karl Sevelda

Franz Reiter

Michael Schwartz

10/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

9/10

10/10

8/10

9/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

9/10

8/10

8/10

The Board has adopted Board Rules in 
accordance with the Articles of Association. 
The Board Rules describe, inter alia, the 
procedure of holding meetings and 
decision-making by the Board, and the 
Board’s operating procedures.

Pursuant to the Articles of Association and 
the Board Rules, the Board has adopted 
procedures under which each Director is 
required to declare the nature and extent 
of any personal conflict of interest to the 
other Directors.

Pursuant to the Articles of Association and 
the Board Rules, resolutions can be adopted 
without holding a meeting if the proposal 
is submitted to all Directors, each of them 
consents in writing and none of them has 
objected to this manner of adopting 
resolutions.

Conflict of interests and 
time commitment
Dutch law provides that a Director may 
not participate in the discussions and 
decision-making by the Board if such 
Director has a direct or indirect personal 
interest conflicting with the interests of the 
Company or the business connected with it. 
Pursuant to the Articles of Association, this 
prohibition does not apply if all Directors 
have such a conflict of interest. A conflict 
of interest only exists if in the situation at 
hand the Director is deemed to be unable 
to serve the interests of the Company and 
the business connected with it with the 
required level of integrity and objectivity.

All transactions in which there are 
conflicts of interest with Directors will 
be agreed on terms that are customary 
in the sector concerned and disclosed in 
the Annual Report.

The existence of a personal conflict (or a 
potential conflict) of interest does not affect 
the authority to represent the Company, 
as described under “The Board - Powers, 
responsibilities and functioning” on 
page 68.

On appointment, and each subsequent 
year, Non-Executive Directors are required 
to confirm in writing that they have sufficient 
time to devote to the Company’s affairs. 
In addition, they are required to seek prior 
approval from the Chairman before taking 
on any additional external commitments 
that may affect their time available to devote 
to the Company, and the Board is advised of 
any changes. The Board is satisfied that all 
Non-Executive Directors are contributing 
effectively to the operation of the Board.

Company Secretary
Jacqueline Knox
Jacqueline Knox replaced 
Robert K Moorhouse as Group 
Company Secretary with effect 
as of 1 December 2018.

The Company Secretary advises the 
Board and ensures good information 
flows and comprehensive practical 
support is provided to the Directors. 
She maintains the Corporate 
Governance Framework and 
organises Directors’ induction and 
training. The Company Secretary 
communicates with shareholders 
as appropriate and ensures due 
regard is paid to their interests. 
Both appointment and removal 
of the Company Secretary is a 
matter for the Board as whole.

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G O V E R N A N C E

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Corporate Governance Report
continued

Performance of the Board, its 
Committees and the Directors
During late 2018 the Chairman of the Board 
and the Deputy Chairman introduced a 
review of the Board’s effectiveness, its 
Committees and individual Directors. 
The evaluation was facilitated externally 
and considered further at the meeting of 
the Board in January 2019. As at the date of 
this report, the Board is developing a series 
of recommendations and is committed to 
future annual reviews being facilitated 
externally at least once every three years.

   Read about the evaluation  
on page 77

Committees
Audit and Compliance Committee
The Terms of Reference of the Audit and 
Compliance Committee, available in full 
on the Company’s website, are summarised 
below:

 ¥ monitoring the integrity of the 

Company’s financial statements, 
including its annual and half-yearly 
reports, preliminary announcements 
and any other formal statements 
relating to its financial performance;
 ¥ reviewing of and reporting to the Board 
on significant financial reporting issues 
and judgements which those statements 
contain having regard to any matters 
communicated to it by the internal or 
external auditor;

 ¥ reviewing the Company’s internal 
financial control systems and risk 
management that identify, assess, 
manage and monitor financial risks, 
and its other internal control and risk 
management systems;

 ¥ monitoring and assessing the 

compliance with recommendations and 
observations from internal and external 
auditors such as management letters and 
management’s responses;

 ¥ monitoring the role and functioning of 

the internal audit function and review of 
the Audit and Compliance Committee 
effectiveness; review of compliance, 
whistle-blowing and anti-fraud 
framework; and

 ¥ maintaining relations with the external 
auditor, including, in particular, their 
independence, remuneration and any 
non-audit services carried out by them 
for the Company.

All members of the Audit and Compliance 
Committee are independent Non-Executive 
Directors from a UKCGC standpoint, with 
at least one of whom having recent and 
relevant financial experience and with 
competence in accounting and/or auditing. 
The Audit and Compliance Committee as 
a whole has competence relevant to the 
sector in which the Company operates. 
Members of the Audit and Compliance 
Committee are appointed by the Board on 
the recommendation of the Nomination 
Committee in consultation with the 
Chairman of the Audit and Compliance 
Committee.

The Audit and Compliance Committee 
consists of John Ramsay (Chairman), 
Andrew Hosty and Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer. 
The composition of the Audit and 
Compliance Committee is compliant 
with the UKCGC and the DCGC.

Attendance at Audit and Compliance 
Committee meetings in 2018  
(shown over a total number of meetings held):

John Ramsay

Andrew Hosty

Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer

Attended

16/16

15/16

16/16

The Company confirms that it complied 
with the provisions of the Competition and 
Markets Authority’s Order for the financial 
year under review.

Remuneration Committee
The Terms of Reference of the 
Remuneration Committee, available in full 
on the Company’s website are summarised 
below:

 ¥ determine and agree with the Board 
the framework or broad policy for the 
remuneration of the Chairman of the 
Board, the Executive Directors and other 
members of the executive management 
as it is designated to consider, to be 
proposed by the Board for approval 
at the General Meeting;

7 2

 ¥ within the terms of the agreed policy, 

determine with agreement of the Board 
the total individual remuneration 
package of the Chairman, each Executive 
Director, and other designated senior 
executives including bonuses, incentive 
payments and share options or other 
share awards;

 ¥ approve the design of, and determine 

targets for, any performance-related pay 
plans operated by the Company and 
recommend to the Board for approval 
the total annual payments made under 
such plans;

 ¥ review the design of all share incentive 
plans for approval by the Board and 
shareholders. For any such plans, 
determine each year whether awards will 
be made and, if so, the overall amount of 
such awards, the individual awards to 
Executive Directors, and other 
designated senior executives and the 
performance targets to be used;

 ¥ determine the policy for, and scope of, 
retirement arrangements for each 
Executive Director and other designated 
senior executives;

 ¥ ensure that contractual terms on 

termination, and any payments made, 
are fair to the individual and the 
Company, that failure is not rewarded 
and that the duty to mitigate loss is 
recognised;

 ¥ oversee any major changes in employee 

benefits structures throughout the 
Group;

 ¥ reviewing the performance of any 

retained advisers and the effectiveness 
of the Remuneration Committee; and
 ¥ preparing the Remuneration Report.

The Remuneration Committee consists 
of at least three members, all of whom 
are Non-Executive Directors who meet 
the independence requirements of the 
UKCGC and DCGC.

 
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A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Members of the Remuneration Committee 
are appointed by the Board, on the 
recommendation of the Nomination 
Committee in consultation with the 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. 
The Remuneration Committee consists 
of Celia Baxter (Chairperson), James Leng 
and Karl Sevelda. The composition of the 
Remuneration Committee is compliant 
with the UKCGC and the DCGC.

Attendance at Remuneration 
Committee meetings in 2018 
(shown over a total number of meetings held):

Celia Baxter

James Leng

Karl Sevelda

Attended

6/6

6/6

6/6

The Committee has appointed Korn Ferry 
as consultants to provide advice on the 
development of the Remuneration Policy 
and the development of the annual bonus 
and Performance Share plan and ad hoc 
remuneration matters. Korn Ferry also 
provided executive search services to 
the Company in 2018.

Nomination Committee
The Terms of Reference of the Nomination 
Committee, available in full on the 
Company’s website are summarised below:

 ¥ reviewing the structure, size, functioning 

and composition of the Board, the 
diversity policy and degree of 
achievement, succession planning, 
and making recommendations to the 
Board with regard to any changes;

 ¥ keeping under review succession plans 
for senior management appointments, 
including in relation to the Executive 
Directors, and the Company’s policy and 
process in relation to the recruitment of 
candidates for these roles;

 ¥ making proposals for (re)appointments 

of Directors; and

 ¥ making recommendations concerning 

membership of the Audit and 
Remuneration Committees and any 
other Board Company as appropriate, 
in consultation with the Chairman of 
those committees.

The Nomination Committee consists of 
at least three members, a majority of whom 
are independent Non-Executive Directors. 
Members of the Nomination Committee 
are appointed by the Board, on the 
recommendation of the Nomination 
Committee in consultation with the 
Chairman of the Nomination Committee. 
The Nomination Committee consists of 
Herbert Cordt (Chairman), James Leng 
and Celia Baxter.

The composition of the Nomination 
Committee is compliant with the UKCGC 
and DCGC.

Attendance at Nomination 
Committee meetings in 2018 
(shown over a total number of meetings held):

Herbert Cordt

James Leng

Celia Baxter

Attended

8/8

8/8

8/8

Executive Management Team
At the date of this Annual Report, the 
Executive Management Team of the 
Company is composed as follows:

 ¥ Stefan Borgas, CEO;
 ¥ Eduardo Gotilla, Acting CFO;
 ¥ Gerd Schubert, COO;
 ¥ Gustavo Franco, CSO;
 ¥ Luis Bittencourt, CTO;
 ¥ Thomas Jakowiak, Executive VP 

Integration Management;

 ¥ Luiz Rossato, Executive VP Corporate 

Development;

 ¥ Simone Oremovic, Executive VP People 

and Culture Management; and

 ¥ Jacqueline Knox, Executive VP General 

Counsel & Company Secretary.

There is a clear division of responsibilities 
between those reserved for the Board 
and those delegated to the Executive 
Management Team. The types of decisions 
reserved for the Board include, among other 
items, overall responsibility for strategy 
and management; major acquisitions and 
investments; structure and capital; financial 

reporting and controls; and corporate 
governance. The executive management 
assist the Board with its responsibilities 
concerning the strategy of the Company; 
make strategy recommendations to the 
Board; is accountable for implementing 
the Board’s decisions; and is responsible 
for directing and overseeing the operations 
of the Company.

Outline of anti-takeover measures
No anti-takeover measures have been 
implemented.

Share capital and major shareholdings
At the date hereof, the Company is aware 
of the following persons holding directly 
or indirectly at least 3% of the issued and 
outstanding shares in the capital of the 
Company:

Shareholder

MSP Stiftung1

Number of 
shares

14,076,021

GP Investments IV Ltd2

4,258,905

E. Prinzessin zu 
Sayn-Wittgenstein-
Berleburg3

K.A. Winterstein4

2,088,461

2,088,461

W. Winterstein5

1,590,000

%

28.45

8.61

4.22

4.22

3.21

Notes:
1 

Information obtained from the Issuer: Held 
directly by MSP Stiftung and through a subsidiary. 
MSP Stiftung is a foundation under Liechtenstein 
law, whose founder is Mag. Martin Schlaff
2  Information obtained from the Issuer: Held 
through GP Capital Partners IV, L.P., Grafita 
Holdings, Inc and Alumina II Holdings S.À.R.L.

3  The interest is held through Chestnut 

Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH (“Chestnut“). 
Ms. Sayn-Wittgenstein made an agreement 
with Mr. Winterstein which allows Chestnut 
to exercise the voting rights of Silver 
Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH (“Silver“) 
in the Issuer. Ms. Sayn-Wittgenstein and 
Mr. Winterstein share a family relationship
4  The interest is held through Silver. Ms. Sayn-

Wittgenstein made an agreement with 
Mr. Winterstein which allows Chestnut to 
exercise the voting rights of Silver in the Issuer. 
Ms. Sayn-Wittgenstein and Mr. Winterstein 
share a family relationship

5  Held directly and through FEWI 
Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH

7 3

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Corporate Governance Report
continued

Culture
The combination of RHI and 
Magnesita in 2017 was a blend of 
two companies with complementary 
yet variant corporate cultures. 
The development of a new joint 
corporate culture and the definition 
of common principles continued to 
be a high priority in 2018. Key 
cultural themes serve as guiding 
principles and underpin the vision 
and strategy of the Company and 
for all employees. In the course of 
2018 a group of employees, our 
“culture champions”, supported the 
implementation of this new culture 
together with the integration plan 
throughout the Group.

The following key cultural themes 
determine the actions of 
RHI Magnesita:

 ¥ act customer-focused and 

innovatively

 ¥ have open decision-making in 

a respectful environment
 ¥ operate cross-functionally, 

collaboratively and pragmatically 
across the global organisation

 ¥ be performance-driven and 

accountable.

RHI Magnesita is also committed to 
responsible management and its 
activities are based on integrity, 
honesty, reliability and respectful 
contact with employees and 
business partners. The Code of 
Conduct, the Compliance Helpline 
as well as additional policies and 
procedures of our comprehensive 
compliance programme are 
essential tools to embed the 
corporate culture and values as well 
as the fundamental legal and ethical 
rules RHI Magnesita stands for.

74

There are no restrictions on voting rights 
and no holders of any securities with 
special control rights.

Shares may be issued pursuant to a 
resolution of the General Meeting or of the 
Board, if and insofar as the Board has been 
designated for that purpose by a resolution 
of the General Meeting. The General 
Meeting shall, for as long as any such 
designation of the Board for this purpose is 
in force, no longer have authority to resolve 
upon the issuance of shares. A designation 
of the Board can be made for a fixed period, 
not exceeding five years, and may be 
extended, each time for a period not 
exceeding five years. A designation must 
specify the number of shares which may 
be issued. This can be expressed in a 
percentage of the issued capital. Unless the 
designation provides otherwise, it may not 
be withdrawn. Within eight days after a 
resolution of the General Meeting to issue 
shares or to designate the Board as the body 
of the Company authorised to issue shares 
or, if allowed, to withdraw such designation, 
the Company shall deposit the full wording 
of the resolution at the Dutch Trade 
Register. Within eight days after the end 
of each calendar quarter, the Company 
shall notify each issuance of shares in the 
relevant calendar quarter to the Dutch 
Trade Register, stating the number of shares 
issued. A resolution to issue shares shall 
stipulate the price and the other conditions 
of issue.

Transactions with majority shareholders
There have been no transactions between 
the Company and MSP Stiftung within the 
meaning of best practice provision 2.7.5 of 
the DCGC. Since there are no other legal 
or natural persons who hold at least 10% 
of the shares in the capital of the Company, 
no declaration in accordance with best 
practice provision 2.7.5 of the DCGC has 
to be published.

Communications with shareholders 
and other stakeholders
Communication with the Company’s 
investors is a priority for the Board and 
there is focus on proactively maintaining 
an open dialogue with shareholders as 
well as providing accurate and complete 
information in a timely and consistent way. 
The Company runs an extensive investor 
relations programme, and the CEO, CFO 

and Head of Investor Relations hold 
meetings with institutional investors as 
well as regular briefings with analysts 
throughout the year. The Company hosts 
results presentations, webcasts, investor 
roadshows, one-to-one meetings and 
site visits. The Company also uses RNS 
announcements, the Annual Report and 
presentations as a way of disseminating 
information.

The Company’s major shareholders are 
encouraged to meet with the Chairman and 
the Senior Independent Director to discuss 
any matters they may wish to raise.

The Board receive regular updates on the 
Company’s major shareholders and receive 
reports on shareholder feedback. The 
Non-Executive Directors are invited to 
attend the Company’s results presentations.

Corporate governance declaration
The DCGC requires companies to publish 
a statement concerning their approach to 
corporate governance and compliance with 
the DCGC. This is referred to in article 2a 
of the decree on requirements for annual 
reports (Besluit inhoud bestuursverslag) 
of 23 December 2004, as most recently 
amended on 1 January 2018 (the “Decree”).

The information required to be included in 
this corporate governance statement as 
described in articles 3, 3a and 3b of the 
Decree, forms part of the Annual Report, 
which is available on the Company’s 
website. The information required to be 
included in this corporate governance 
statement as described in sections 3, 3a 
and 3b of the Decree can be found in the 
following chapters, sections and pages of 
the Annual Report and are deemed to be 
included and repeated in this statement:

 ¥ the information concerning compliance 
with the Dutch Corporate Governance 
Code, as required by section three of 
the Decree, can be found on page 67:

 ¥ the information concerning the 

Company’s main features of the internal 
risk management and control systems 
relating to the financial reporting 
process, as required by section 3a 
sub a of the Decree, can be found 
on pages 42 and 43:

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

 ¥ the information regarding the 

functioning of the General Meeting and 
its main authorities and the rights of the 
Company’s shareholders and holders of 
certificates of shares and how they can 
be exercised, as required by section 
3a sub b of the Decree, can be found 
on page 74:

 ¥ the information regarding the 

composition and functioning of the 
Board and its Committees, as required 
by section 3a sub c of the Decree, 
can be found on pages 68 to 73:
 ¥ the diversity policy with regard to 
the composition of the Board and 
their Committees is referenced on 
page 77; and

 ¥ the information concerning the 

disclosure of the information required 
by the Decree on Section 10 EU Takeover 
Directive, as required by section 3b of 
the Decree, may be found on page 73.

Listing Rules information
For the purposes of LR 9.8.4C R, the 
information required to be disclosed by 
LR 9.8.4 R is set out in the table below.

1

2

4

Interest capitalised

Publication of unaudited 
financial information

Details of long-term 
incentive schemes

5 Waiver of emoluments 

by a Director

6 Waiver of future emoluments 

by a Director

7

8

9

Non pre-emptive issues 
of equity for cash

Item (7) in relation to major 
subsidiary undertakings

Parent participation in a 
placing by a listed subsidiary

10 Contracts of significance

11

12

13

Provision of services by a 
controlling shareholder

Shareholder waiver of 
dividends

Shareholder waiver of future 
dividends

14 Agreements with controlling 

shareholders

n/a

n/a

80-101,
 181-182

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing 
the Company’s Annual Report. The 
Company’s Annual Report comprises the 
Strategic Report, the Governance Report, 
the Consolidated Financial Statements, the 
Company’s Financial Statements and some 
other information. The Directors are 
responsible for preparing the Annual Report 
in accordance with applicable law and 
regulations. The Directors are required by 
law to prepare the Annual Report for each 
financial year. The Directors have prepared 
the Annual Report in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
(“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union 
and the relevant provisions of the Dutch 
Civil Code. The Directors must not approve 
the Annual Report unless they are satisfied 
that it gives a true and fair view of the state 
of affairs of the Group and the Company 
and of the profit or loss of the Group for that 
period. In preparing the Annual Report, the 
Directors are required to:

(a) select suitable accounting policies and 

then apply them consistently;

(b) make judgements and accounting 
estimates that are reasonable 
and prudent;

(c) state whether applicable IFRS as 

adopted by the European Union and the 
relevant provisions of the Dutch Civil 
Code have been followed, subject to 
any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the Annual Report; and

(d) prepare the Annual Report on the going 
concern basis, unless it is inappropriate 
to presume that the Company will 
continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping 
adequate accounting records that are 
sufficient to show and explain the 
Company’s transactions and disclose, 
with reasonable accuracy at any time, the 
financial position of the Company and the 
Group and enable them to ensure that the 
Annual Report complies with applicable 
law and, as regards the consolidated 
financial statements, Article four of the 
IAS Regulation. They are also responsible 
for safeguarding the assets of the Company 
and the Group and hence for taking 
reasonable steps for the prevention and 
detection of fraud and other irregularities.

With reference to section 5.25c paragraph 
2c of the Dutch Act on Financial 
Supervision, each of the Directors, whose 
names and functions are listed in the 
Governance section, confirm that, to the 
best of their knowledge:

 ¥ the Company’s financial statements 

and the consolidated financial 
statements, which have been prepared 
in accordance with IFRS as adopted by 
the European Union and the relevant 
provisions of the Dutch Civil Code, 
give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, financial position and profit 
or loss of the Group;

 ¥ the Annual Report gives a true and fair 
view on the situation on the balance 
sheet date, the development and 
performance of the business and the 
position of the Company and the Group 
companies of which the financial 
information is included in the Annual 
Report and includes a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties that the 
Company faces; and

 ¥ having taken all matters considered by 
the Board and brought to the attention 
of the Board during the financial year 
into account, the Directors consider 
that the Annual Report, taken as a whole 
is fair, balanced and understandable. 
The Directors believe that the disclosures 
set out in the Annual Report provide 
the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Company’s 
position, performance, business model 
and strategy.

After conducting a review of management 
analysis, the Directors have reasonable 
expectation that the Group has adequate 
resources to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future. 
For this reason, the Directors consider it 
appropriate to adopt the going-concern 
basis in preparing the Annual Report.

Directors are also required to provide a 
broader assessment of viability over a longer 
period which can be found on page 43 
(the “Viability Statement”) of the integrated 
report and accounts.

The financial statements on pages 102 
to 194 were approved by the Board on 
26 March 2019 and signed on its behalf 
by Herbert Cordt and Stefan Borgas. 

7 5

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Nomination  
Committee Report

Members

Herbert Cordt (Chairman)

James Leng

Celia Baxter

Committee purpose and responsibilities
The Nomination Committee reviews the 
structure, size and composition of the Board 
and its Committees. A summary of the 
principal elements of its Terms of Reference 
are set out in the Corporate Governance 
Report on page 73. At the heart of its work 
is an ongoing assessment of the Board’s 
collective skills, knowledge, competencies 
and experience whilst paying particular 
attention to independence and diversity. 
In spite of its long industrial heritage, in 
many ways RHI Magnesita is still a young 
company, and the Committee has been 
dedicated to ensuring that the Board has 
the competencies and depth of skills to 
meet the demands of a growing global 
business.

2018 was a year of intense activity for the 
Committee, whose members met on eight 
occasions. In addition, considerable time 
was spent on the work associated with its 
programme which is summarised in the 
‘Activities’ section below.

Committee composition, skills and 
experience
The Corporate Governance Report on 
pages 67 to 75, details the Nomination 
Committee members; Herbert Cordt, 
James Leng and Celia Baxter. Details of 
their skills and the experience of Committee 
members can be found on pages 61 to 63.

Dependent on the specific nature of the 
issue being considered by the Committee, 
other members of the Board and Executive 
Management Team attend meetings of the 
Committee and during the year, attendees 
included the Chairman of the Audit 
Committee, the Chief Executive and Head 
of Human Resources.

Activities during the Year
In 2018 the Committee considered 
a number of Board matters including 
executive and non- executive 
appointments, Board diversity and 
independence and the establishment 
of a Corporate Sustainability Committee. 
In addition, the Committee also led the 
process of formulating a Board review 
programme and a related action 
programme focused on improving 
the Board’s effectiveness.

Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”)
In June 2018 the Company’s CFO and 
Executive Director, Octavio Lopes, informed 
the Board of his intention to leave by the end 
of 2018 and return to Brazil. The Nomination 
Committee instigated a comprehensive 
recruitment programme to identify his 
successor, established key candidate criteria 
and engaged consultants to assist with the 
search both internally and internationally 
for this strategically important appointment. 
A diverse pool of candidates was identified 
and interviewed, including candidates with 
successful track records at UK listed 
companies, operational exposure to 
international, capital intensive industries, 
M&A and the ability to act as a commercial 
partner to the management team and 
Board. A cultural fit complementary to 
the Company was also required.

In September 2018, the Company was 
pleased to announce Ian Botha, the CFO 
of Anglo American Platinum, as its new 
CFO and Finance Director for appointment 
at the 2019 Annual General Meeting. 
Until Ian Botha commences in April 2019, 
Eduardo Gotilla, the VP of Corporate 
Finance and Investor Relations is fulfilling 
the position of acting CFO.

Non-Executive Directors
The Nomination Committee led the search 
and selection for two new Non-Executive 
Independent Directors to further strengthen 
the Board and specifically support the 
establishment of the Corporate 
Sustainability Committee.

7 6

In November 2018 the Company was 
pleased to announce that Janet Ashdown 
and Fiona Paulus had accepted their 
nomination as Independent Non-Executive 
Directors. Details of their skills and 
experience are set out on page 63. These 
appointments will be put to shareholders for 
approval at the AGM to be held on 6 June 
2019. A detailed induction programme has 
been developed for them which include 
in-depth meetings with key members of the 
Executive Management Team, site visits, 
and detailed presentations on other key 
matters including R&D, supply chain and 
major product ranges.

These appointments demonstrate the 
Board’s commitment to further enhance 
its composition in terms of independence, 
skills and experience as well as building 
a balanced and diverse structure.

External search firm, Egon Zehnder, was 
used in connection with the appointment 
of the new Independent Non-Executive 
Directors.

Corporate Sustainability Committee
The nominations of Janet Ashdown and 
Fiona Paulus have enabled the Company to 
comply with the undertaking included in its 
listing prospectus to establish a Corporate 
Sustainability Committee.

Janet Ashdown will Chair the Committee 
and Fiona Paulus and Andrew Hosty will 
be the other committee members. Terms 
of Reference for the Committee include, 
amongst other matters, the monitoring 
of corporate sustainability goals and 
targets, policies, standards, processes 
and procedures. The Committee will also 
review and report on all accidents, incidents 
and compliance with legal and regulatory 
environmental standards and requirements. 
A Corporate Sustainability Committee 
report will be included in the 2019 Annual 
Report and Accounts.

General Counsel & Company Secretary
During the Year the Nomination Committee 
also played a key role, together with the CEO, 
in the search for a new Company Secretary 
who would also be General Counsel and 
a member of the Executive Management 
Team. External headhunters supported 
the process and the Company was pleased 
to announce that on 1 December 2018 
Jacqueline Knox joined the Company.

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

The Board received a presentation from 
Lintstock of the Review’s output at its 
meeting in November 2018. This was 
followed at the January Board meeting with 
a discussion between Directors of potential 
action points, which Linstock facilitated.

As a result of the Review, the Board will 
- amongst other things - develop plans for: 
evolving its composition, its engagement 
with investors and employees, making 
improvements to the materials it receives, 
and the allocation of time at its regular 
meetings.

Diversity
As highlighted above, the Nomination 
Committee supports the Board in pursuing 
its diversity agenda. Although the Board 
currently enjoys a rich mix of nationalities, 
gender, skills, experience and expertise, 
the Board recognises that it could go further 
in placing greater emphasis ensuring that 
its membership reflects diversity in the 
broadest sense.

All new appointments are made on merit 
and are underpinned by the specific skills 
and experience which candidates can bring 
to the overall Board composition. Subject 
to the appointment of Janet Ashdown and 
Fiona Paulus, female representation on 
the Board will stand at 25%, with half of 
the Board Committees chaired by women. 
In addition, approaching a quarter of the 
Executive Management Team is now female.

Board Evaluation 
The Company engaged the services of 
Lintstock, a corporate governance advisory 
specialist, to assist the Board conduct a 
review of its performance. The Company 
has no other relationship with Lintstock. 

The first stage of this review involved 
Lintstock engaging with the Chairman 
and Senior Independent Director to set 
the context for the evaluation and to 
tailor the survey content to the specific 
circumstances of RHI Magnesita. All Board 
members were then invited to complete an 
online survey addressing the performance 
of the Board and its Committees. In order 
to promote an open and frank exchange of 
views appropriate arrangement were made 
to ensure the anonymity of the respondents. 

The review was weighted to ensure that 
core areas of the Board’s and Committee 
performance were addressed, with 
particular focus on the following:

 ¥ the evolution of the Board’s size and 
composition, independent Director 
representation and plans for Director 
rotation, including the attributes the 
Board should prioritise when seeking 
new appointments;

 ¥ the performance of the Executive 

Management Team, its key members 
and their succession;

 ¥ the Board’s engagement with key 

stakeholders, including investors and 
employees, and Board site visits in 
providing insight into the business;

 ¥ the continued development and 
understanding of the UK listed 
environment, the handling of conflicts of 
interest, and any areas in which Directors 
would benefit from receiving further 
training and support;

 ¥ the Board’s Committee structure, the 

performance of each of the Committees 
over the past year and the effectiveness 
with which the Committees report back 
to the Board;

 ¥ the quality of the Board’s strategy 

session, as well as the top strategic issues 
that face RHI Magnesita over a three to 
five year period; and

 ¥ the Board’s oversight of risk management 
and the quality of reporting and metrics 
provided in this area.

7 7

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

 Audit & Compliance 
Committee Report

Members

John Ramsay (Chairman)

Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer

Andrew Hosty

The Audit Committee advises the Board in 
relation to the financial reporting process 
and its other responsibilities and prepares 
resolutions of the Board in relation thereto.

The Audit committee comprises three 
members, all of whom are independent 
Non-Executive Directors. Appointments 
to the Committee are made by the Board. 
The Board has satisfied itself that the 
Committee’s membership includes 
Directors with recent and relevant 
financial experience.

Meetings attendance
The Committee meets as required, but not 
less than three times a year. Other Directors, 
including the CFO, attend Audit Committee 
meetings. The Chairman of the Committee 
has had regular private discussions with 
the external auditor and the CFO during 
the Year.

During 2018 the Committee met five times 
and conducted 11 calls. The Committee 
has also met three times and had two 
calls since the end of the financial year, 
and prior to the signing of this Annual 
Report. The frequency of meetings and 
calls was high as a result of 2018 being 
the first year after the merger.

John Ramsay, as Chairman, and Wolfgang 
Ruttenstorfer have attended all Audit 
Committee meetings and calls in 2018. 
Andrew Hosty attended all Committee 
meetings and 10 calls. The external auditors 
attended three Committee meetings and 
three calls during the Year.

Committee activities
The main activities of the Committee 
included the following:

 ¥ The critical review of the significant 

financial reporting issues in connection 
with the preparation of the Company’s 
financial and related formal statements, 
with the assistance of reports received 
from management and the external 
auditor;

 ¥ An assessment of the scope and 

effectiveness of the systems established 
to identify, assess, manage and monitor 
financial and non-financial risks;

 ¥ Monitoring and reviewing the plans, work 
and effectiveness of the internal audit 
function, including any actions taken 
following any significant failures in 
internal controls;

 ¥ Review of the 2017 and 2018 Annual 

Report;

 ¥ Review of the quarterly trading updates;
 ¥ Review of the interim financial 

statements;

 ¥ Review of the external auditor, its terms 
of engagement, findings of its work and 
at the end of the audit process reviewing 
its effectiveness;

 ¥ Review of the independence and 
objectivity of the external auditor;

 ¥ Review of treasury guidelines;
 ¥ Review of financing options.

Responsibilities of the Audit Committee
The responsibilities of the Audit Committee 
focus on supervising the activities of the 
Board with respect to:

 ¥ Supervising and monitoring the effect 

of internal risk management and control 
systems, including supervision of the 
enforcement of the relevant legislation 
and regulations, and supervision the 
effects of code of conduct;

 ¥ Supervising the recording, management 
and submission of financial information 
by the Company (including choices of 
accounting policies, application and 
assessment of the effects of new rules, 
information regarding the handling of 
estimated items in the financial 
statements, forecasts, work of the 
internal auditor and the external auditor);

 ¥ Supervising the compliance with 

recommendations and observations 
of the internal auditor and the 
external auditor;

 ¥ Supervising the functioning of the 
internal audit department and 
controllers, and in particular, 
codetermining the plan of action 
for the internal audit department 
and taking note of the findings 
and considerations of the internal 
audit department;

 ¥ Supervising the policy of the Company 

on tax planning;

 ¥ Supervising the financing of the 

Company;

 ¥ Supervising the applications of 
information and communication 
technology;

 ¥ Supervising the relationship with the 

external auditor, including in particular, 
assessing its independence, 
remuneration and non-audit related 
work for the Company;

7 8

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Internal audit
The annual assessment of the effectiveness 
and capability of internal audit identified 
a need to strengthen the internal audit 
function. A new role of Group Head of 
Internal Audit was established and the 
two legacy internal audit functions 
integrated into a single global team with 
enhanced coverage. Additional internal 
audit resources will be put into place in 
Americas, Europe and Asia in 2019.

Internal control
During the Year there have been several 
internal and external activities focused on 
the control environment of the Company. 
These have included:

 ¥ The full year audit of the 12 months 

ended 31 December 2018 of 
RHI Magnesita N.V. performed 
by PwC for the purpose of this 
Annual Report and Accounts;
 ¥ Review of Magnesita’s updated 

preliminary purchase price allocation 
disclosed in the interim Accounts as 
of 30 June 2018 performed by PwC;
 ¥ Review of Magnesita’s final purchase 
price allocation performed by PwC;

 ¥ The internal audit function has 

performed reviews at a number of 
the Group’s sites during the Year;

 ¥ Bottom-up identification and assessment 

of risks performed by the risk 
management department.

 ¥ The statutory audits have not resulted 
in any significant control issues being 
brought to the attention of the 
Committee that would require material 
adjustment to the accounts.

 ¥ Determining the involvement of 
the external auditor in respect of 
the contents and publication of 
financial reporting by the Company 
(other than the Annual Accounts), 
and acknowledging irregularities in 
respect of the content of the financial 
reporting as may be reported by the 
external auditor;

 ¥ Recommending the appointment of 
an external auditor by the General 
Meeting; and

 ¥ Approving the Annual Accounts.

The Audit Committee furthermore 
maintains regular contact with and 
supervises the external auditor.

External auditor
The Company’s external auditor, 
PricewaterhouseCoopers (“PwC”), was 
appointed at the Annual General Meeting 
held on 7 June 2018.

The external auditor reports to the 
Committee on the actions taken to 
comply with professional and regulatory 
requirements and with best practice 
designed to ensure its independence. 
TheCommittee reviews and approves 
requests for non-audit services on a 
case by case basis. 

During the Year, the Committee reviewed 
the effectiveness of PwC as an external 
auditor. The evaluation took the form of 
a survey comprising a range of questions 
covering quality and efficiency of audit. 
This was completed by senior finance 
managers of the RHI Magnesita Group. 
The results of this survey and review 
were assessed by the Committee and 
discussed with PwC. The Committee 
recommended that PwC should be 
proposed for reappointment at the 
upcoming Annual General Meeting.

RHI AG carried out an auditor tendering 
process in 2016; given that the tender 
occurred shortly before the merger, 
the Audit Committee has considered 
it unnecessary thus far for RHI Magnesita 
to re-tender. The external auditors 
are appointed for one year, with  
re-appointment being required at 
the Annual General Meeting.

Audit Committee evaluation
An internal evaluation of the performance 
of the Audit Committee has been 
undertaken. This review concluded that 
the Audit Committee has been operating 
effectively based on the subject matters 
covered, the nature of the Committee 
meetings, thoroughness of approach and 
the business understanding, skills and 
experience of the Committee members.

Assessment of the finance 
leadership team
The Committee directly assessed the 
capability of the finance leadership team. 
The Committee reviewed presentations 
from each finance leader outlining the 
vision for their respective areas within 
finance. The Committee also reviewed the 
overall strategy to implement and transition 
to shared service centres supported by IT 
integration activities, which commenced in 
Europe and will continue in the Americas in 
2019. The Committee concluded that the 
changes made to the Finance organisation 
and leadership team have enhanced its 
capabilities.

Corporate reporting review
During the Year, the Company’s 2017 
financial statements were subject to a 
routine review by the Dutch Financial 
Market Authority (“AFM”). The Corporate 
Reporting Review team had questions 
related to the preliminary purchase price 
allocation of Magnesita, impairment test 
and financial instruments disclosures. 
The review did not result in any material 
findings that would require revision of the 
2017 financial statements.

Purchase price allocation of Magnesita
The Company completed the purchase 
price allocation of Magnesita within 
12 months from the acquisition date 
as required by IFRS. Deloitte has been 
appointed as a principal advisor for the 
project, additional specialists have been 
engaged for mining rights and fixed assets. 
PwC scrutinised the final purchase price 
allocation during the interim audit and 
completed the review without any findings.

7 9

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Remuneration  
Committee Report

Members

Celia Baxter (Chairman)

James Leng

Karl Sevelda

I am pleased to present the Report of the 
Remuneration Committee for the financial 
year ended 31 December 2018, providing 
a summary of the Committee’s work during 
the Year, as well as the context for the 
decisions made.

This was the first full year of operation for 
RHI Magnesita, following the combination 
of the businesses of RHI and Magnesita, 
under a new Dutch holding company and 
admission to the London Stock Exchange 
in October 2017. Being Dutch incorporated 
and registered, whilst listed on the London 
Stock Exchange, RHI Magnesita is required 
to comply with both UK and Dutch 
reporting requirements and their respective 
Corporate Governance Codes. Our 
Remuneration Report is therefore made on 
this basis and recognising transparency of 
reporting, certain additional voluntary 
disclosures are also made.

We were pleased that at the 2018 Annual 
General Meeting (“AGM”) all the resolutions 
relating to the Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy, the Annual Statement and Report 
on Remuneration and the new long-term 
incentive plan (‘LTIP’) were approved by 
more than 99% of our voting shareholders. 
The Directors’ Remuneration Policy, which 
is intended to operate until 2021, was as 
previously disclosed retrospectively applied 
from 1 January 2018. The new LTIP became 
operative following the 2018 AGM.

This all-round performance gives the 
context for the Committee’s decisions 
during the Year.

Incentive outcomes for the Year
As set out in the Annual Report of 
Remuneration, remuneration outcomes 
for the Year were as follows:

Annual Bonus Plan: Awards for the year 
for the CEO with 88.0% of maximum and 
for the CFO 98.7% as maximum reflect 
the strong all-round performance of the 
Company during the year. The operating 
EBIT increased by 62.4%. The Company 
generated €383.8 million of free cash flow 
and the synergy targets were exceeded. 
Further details of our performance against 
2018 bonus targets can be seen on page 95.

Performance Share Plan: There were no 
long-term incentives subsisting at the time 
of Admission. The CEO in 2017 received a 
phantom share award as part of his previous 
remuneration package. This vested prior to 
Admission and will be paid in three equal 
tranches in 2018, 2019 and 2020. The 
first Performance Shares under the new 
long-term incentive plan were awarded 
in 2018 and are not due to vest, subject 
to performance, until 2021.

The Committee is satisfied that the 
above outcome of the incentive plans 
was a fair reflection of the performance 
of the Company over the relevant period. 
The above annual bonus plan outcome 
was as calculated against quantitative 
performance conditions, the Committee 
did not use its discretion to modify the 
outcome, as it was considered that the 
Plan operated as intended.

Remuneration is closely  
aligned with our strategy
Our Remuneration Policy continues to be 
closely aligned to and supportive of our 
strategy. The objective of combining two 
companies to form RHI Magnesita was to 
capture the strengths of each entity leading 
to an enlarged portfolio of products and 
services, greater proximity to customers 
through a broader geographical footprint, 
technology leadership, as well as more 
effective raw material integration. Another 
material benefit of this is the capturing 
of synergies and efficiencies, leading 
to immediate earnings improvements. 
Our remuneration policy and practices are 
in line with these objectives, with bonus 
plans that incentivise growth, cash flow 
generation and the achievement of synergy 
targets and strategic projects. Our LTIP 
rewards the creation of shareholder value 
and earnings growth.

Before the combination of the two 
companies, Magnesita used Economic Profit 
Growth as a key performance indicator 
(‘KPI’). Prior to the completion of the 
Integrated Tender Offer to the minority 
shareholders of Magnesita, it was difficult to 
introduce this KPI to the combined business. 
However, this will now be implemented as 
a KPI from 2019 to measure the creation of 
long-term value. Economic Profit Growth 
has therefore been included as one of the 
KPIs in the 2019 LTIP in place of EBIT.

RHI Magnesita’s performance during 2018
As laid out in the Chairman’s Statement 
and the Chief Executive Officer’s Review, 
RHI Magnesita delivered strong all round 
performance during the Year under review: 

 ¥ Group revenue increased by 21%
 ¥ Adjusted EBITA increase of 81%
 ¥ Adjusted EBITA margin increased to 
13.9% demonstrating a 460 basis 
points improvement on 2017
 ¥ Integration plans and increased 

synergy targets were met, achieving 
savings of €70 million

 ¥ Healthy cash generation and leverage 
to 1.2 x net debt to adjusted EBITA.

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Key Committee activities during 2018
In addition to the responsibilities of the 
Committee (which are described in 
summary on page 73), the Committee 
spent time on the following matters 
during the Year:

Further development of the 
Remuneration Report
2018 represents the first full year of 
remuneration reporting for the Company, 
with the 2017 report only covering the 
period from the date of Admission 
(27 October 2017 to 31 December 2017), 
therefore it should be noted that 2018 
remuneration information is being 
compared against a significantly shorter 
period of 2017. The 2019 remuneration 
report will be the first where year-on-year 
comparators are for the same time period.

Remuneration issues related to the 
change of the CFO
The Committee considered the impact 
on remuneration of the past CFO, 
Octavio Lopes, leaving the business on 
31 December 2018. No payments were 
made for loss of office. Details of Octavio 
Lopes’ remuneration are laid out on page 
94 and 99.

In order to secure the recruitment of Ian 
Botha as a Director and CFO, an appropriate 
remuneration package was developed 
which is in line with the Company’s new 
remuneration policy. The new CFO’s 
remuneration package incorporates 
a lower fixed remuneration but higher 
variable performance-based pay than his 
predecessor, who had retained his legacy 
2017 remuneration package for 2018. Ian 
Botha was recruited from Anglo American 
and held a variety of long-term incentives 
that will lapse when he leaves Anglo 
American. To secure his appointment and 
in line with the Company’s remuneration 
policy, the Committee offered share-based 
remuneration to mirror the forfeited 
long-term incentives of his previous 
employer but taking account of the 
potential vesting. Full details of the 
new CFO’s remuneration package 
can be found on page 100. 

Review of new UK codes and regulations 
relating to remuneration
The Committee reviewed and considered 
the impact of the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code (“the 2018 Code”) 
and new regulation on RHI Magnesita’s 
remuneration practices. Many areas 
introduced were already part of 
RHI Magnesita’s practices, for example, 
workforce remuneration as a whole is 
taken into consideration, holding periods 
are in place on RHI Magnesita’s LTIP, the 
Committee has the ability to exercise 
discretion on remuneration plan outcomes 
and comprehensive malus and clawback 
provisions are in place. Also, a number of 
Employee Directors sit on the Board and this 
gives the Committee direct engagement 
with the views of the wider workforce. 

Last year in line with Dutch Regulations 
and market practice we disclosed the 
pay ratio of the CEO to the average salary 
of all employees in the Group as 50:1. 
Similarly, on page 91 this year’s ratio of 
52:1 is calculated on the same basis. 
RHI Magnesita only has 104 employees 
in the UK and falls below the required 
threshold for UK pay ratio reporting 
requirements. As UK employees represent 
less than 1% of RHI Magnesita’s employees, 
the Committee is comfortable that the basis 
of calculation comparing with all employees 
is appropriate.

The UK gender pay gap reporting 
requirement came into effect in April 2018 
for companies employing more than 250 
people in the UK and as described above, 
RHI Magnesita’s UK employees represent 
less than 1% of its employees. The Board 
and leadership team recognises that 
inclusion and diversity in all forms 
are essential ingredients in creating 
diversity of thought, experience and 
skills within the Company (read more 
on the Company’s approach to diversity 
on page 56). The Committee will consider 
the best way of monitoring gender pay over 
the coming year.

The scope of the Terms of Reference of 
the Committee has been revised to 
determine and set remuneration for senior 
management as well as the executive 
directors and the Chairman. During 2019, 
the Committee will develop a formal policy 
for post-employment shareholding 
requirements.

Policy amendment
For ease of reference we have included 
again the Remuneration Policy within the 
Annual Report on pages 84 to 91. This 
policy which was approved by shareholders 
at the 2018 AGM, included a number of 
legacy items, relating in particular to the 
past CFO’s remuneration, that were not in 
line with UK market practice. As we stated 
last year it was our wish to bring Executive 
Directors’ remuneration packages within 
the new remuneration strategy and we also 
acknowledged that this may only be fully 
achieved when new appointments were 
made. The recruitment of a new CFO will 
allow us to remove some of these legacy 
elements from our Remuneration Policy 
which we have highlighted within the 
Policy. This will be done formally when the 
Remuneration Policy is put to shareholders 
for approval again in 2021. 

Implementation of the 
Remuneration Policy for 2019
The base salary of the CEO was increased 
by 3.5% with effect from 1 January 2019. 
This compares with an average of 4% for 
the majority of Austrian-based employees. 
The new CFO’s salary is lower than his 
predecessor.

The bonus targets for 2019 are based 75% 
on Group financial metrics (35% Operating 
EBIT measured on a constant currency 
basis; 30% Free Cash Flow; 10% Synergy 
targets) and 25% on key strategic goals of 
the business, which are critical to the future 
profitability of the Group. Although the 
Committee retained the same Group 
financial metrics, the weighting of each 
of the metrics was adjusted to reflect the 
current business priorities. The performance 
targets for the annual bonus are considered 
by the Board to be commercially sensitive 
and will be disclosed retrospectively in the 
2019 Remuneration Report provided they 
are not considered to be commercially 
sensitive at that time.

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Remuneration Committee Report
continued

Conclusion
This is the Committee’s first full year of 
operation. We have worked diligently to 
develop an appropriate Remuneration 
Policy which we will continue to review 
and refine. Furthermore, we believe that 
the Directors’ Remuneration Policy and its 
implementation for 2019 as well as the 
remuneration outcomes for 2018 remain 
strongly aligned to the Company’s business 
strategy and long-term shareholder 
interests. 

At the 2019 AGM an advisory shareholder 
resolution to approve this Annual Statement 
and the Annual Report on Remuneration 
will be presented to shareholders and we 
look forward to your continued support.

CELIA BAXTER
CHAIRMAN OF THE  
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

The CEO and CFO will be granted a 
long-term incentive Performance Share 
award in 2019 with the potential to receive 
in 2022, if performance targets are met, 
shares with a market value at the date of 
grant (in 2019) of 200% and 150% of salary 
respectively. The performance targets that 
will determine vesting of the share awards. 
will be based as in 2018, on one-third on 
adjusted earnings per share (“EPS”) targets, 
one-third on relative Total Shareholder 
Return (“TSR”) and the other third in 2019 
will be based on Economic Profit Growth. 
As mentioned above, from 2019 Economic 
Profit Growth will be used as a KPI for 
managing the long-term value of the 
Company, having been used for a number 
of years by Magnesita as a key management 
tool for the business.

Cascade of policy
The principles of the Executive Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy, including 
participation in the Group’s LTIP through 
the grant of Performance Share awards, 
have been cascaded to the Executive 
Management Board and senior 
management across the Company. 
In addition, bonus structures throughout 
the Company have been revised to 
reflect those of the executive and senior 
management to give a clear line of sight 
of objectives, to support the building of 
the new organisational culture and to 
incentivise appropriate behaviours and 
the success of our workforce.

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At a Glance: Operation of remuneration policy  
for the financial year ended 31 December 2018
Policy element

S Borgas (CEO)

Base salary from 1 January 2018

% increase from prior year

Retirement allowance

Annual bonus

Annual bonus metrics

€826,000

-13%1

O Lopes (CFO)

£550,000

0%

Allowance of 15% of base salary

Allowance of 30% of base salary

Up to 150% of base salary

Up to 120% of base salary

75% of the annual bonus determined by Group financial targets and 25% by strategic targets as follows: 
35% Operating EBIT measured on a constant currency basis; 25% Free Cash Flow; 15% Synergy targets 
and 25% strategic targets focusing on key strategic priorities of the business which are critical to the 
future profitability of the Group. Payment under this element is subject to the threshold EBIT target 
being met.

Amount paid for threshold performance

0%

Amount paid for target performance

75% of salary (50% of maximum annual bonus)

80% of salary (66.6% of max) based on 2017 
legacy package

100% of salary (83.3% of max. annual bonus) 
based on 2017 legacy package to apply for 2018

Actual bonus result for 2018 performance

€1,090,876 (88.0% of maximum)

£651,398 (98.7% of base salary)

Payment of bonus in shares

50% of annual bonus in excess of target after tax 
is used by the executive to acquire shares that are 
held for a minimum of three years

No requirement to purchase shares for 2018

Performance Share Award

200% of base salary

No award for 2018

Performance Share Award metrics

33.3% of the award: relative TSR vs FTSE 350 Index

33.3% of the award: Reported EBIT

33.3% of the award: Adjusted EPS

Payment for threshold performance

25%

N/A

Performance period & post vesting 
holding period

Malus and clawback

3 years and 2 years respectively

Malus applies to the period prior to vesting for Performance Share awards and payment of the annual 
bonus

Clawback applies to cash bonus and Performance Share awards for a period of three years following the 
date of vesting and three years following any cash payment

Dividends on vested awards

Shareholding requirement

Participants are eligible for dividend equivalents on Performance Shares

200% of base salary to be met within five years

Shareholding as % of salary at 2018 year-end

40%

921%

1  Base salary reduced by 13% but 15% of base salary provided as a retirement allowance

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Directors’  
Remuneration Policy

The Remuneration Policy, 
which complies with UK 
and Dutch governance, 
was approved by 
shareholders in 2018.

This Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
was approved by over 99% of voting 
shareholders at the June 2018 AGM and 
became effective from 1 January 2018. 
Other than in the event of exceptional 
circumstances, the Committee does not 
intend to revert to shareholders with a 
new Remuneration Policy before the end 
of the three year period at the 2021 AGM.

Policy overview
The Remuneration Committee has 
responsibility for determining the 
remuneration for the Chairman and 
Executive Directors.

The aim of the Company’s remuneration 
strategy is to provide a level of fixed pay 
that, together with incentives, will attract, 
retain and motivate high-calibre, high-
performing executives, aligning them 
to the long-term performance of the 
Company and its long-term share 
performance while rewarding them for 
creating and delivering shareholder value.

The remuneration policy has been 
structured in line with market practice for 
UK-listed companies, while taking into 
account the legacy issues and Dutch law.

The remuneration policy was put in 
place when the Company listed in 2017 
replicated the Executive Directors’ existing 
remuneration arrangements created by 
RHI and Magnesita for the CEO and CFO 
respectively. This enabled the continuation 
of the Executive Directors’ remuneration 
structure prior to listing while a new policy 
was developed by the Remuneration 
Committee to bring to the Company’s 
first AGM in June 2018 for approval.

Certain aspects of this new policy are only 
applicable to our past CFO, Octavio Lopes, 
reflecting the historic structure of his 
remuneration and legacy contract. 
However, Octavio Lopes left the Company 
on 31 December 2018 and these aspects 
of the Policy are therefore no longer 
applicable and will be removed when 
the Policy is brought to shareholders 
for approval in 2021 and are noted below 
for ease of reference. The new CFO’s 
remuneration is in line with the ongoing 
new Remuneration Policy.

The remuneration policy for Executive 
and Non-Executive Directors
For ease of reference we have included on 
pages 84 to 91 the remuneration policy for 
the Executive Directors and Non-Executive 
Directors. We have emboldened sections 
of the Policy that related to the legacy 
arrangements for our past CFO who left 
the business on 31 December 2018 and 
which are not applicable going forward.

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Please note, in the policy we have highlighted parts that were only legacy items for our past CFO, which are not applicable going forward.

Policy table for Executive Directors

Element and purpose

How it operates

Maximum opportunity

Performance-related framework and recovery

Salaries will be reviewed by the Committee 
annually taking into account the various factors 
noted in the “How it operates” section of the 
policy.

There is no prescribed 
maximum annual base 
salary or salary increase.

In respect of salary 
increases the Committee 
is guided by the general 
increase for the broader 
employee population and 
region where the executive 
is based.

Base salary
To assist in the 
recruitment and 
retention of appropriate 
talent.

To provide a fair 
fixed level of pay 
commensurate for the 
role ensuring no over 
reliance on variable pay.

Salaries are paid monthly and reviewed annually.

The Company’s policy is to set salaries at 
mid-market levels taking into account salaries 
at companies of a similar size by market 
capitalisation, revenue and any other factors 
considered relevant by the Committee such 
as international business mix and complexity.

Decisions on salary are influenced by:

 ¥ The performance and experience of the 

individual

 ¥ The performance of the Group

 ¥ The individual’s role and responsibilities 
and any change in those responsibilities

 ¥ Pay and employment conditions elsewhere 

in the Group

 ¥ Rates of inflation and market-wide 

increases across international locations

 ¥ The geographic location of the executive 

Retirement allowance
To provide competitive 
retirement benefits 
for recruitment and 
retention purposes.

Directors may participate in a defined 
contribution plan, and/or receive cash in lieu of 
all or some of such benefit.

Only base salary is pensionable.

Exceptionally for Executive Directors outside the 
UK the pension will be structured as required by 
local regulation and in line with industry norms.

Our past CFO received a cash payment in lieu 
of pension of 30% of salary. This is a legacy 
issue where the pension entitlement was set 
on recruitment. This was valid for 2018 only.

For the CEO and new 
Directors 15% of salary.

None

For our past CFO 30% of 
salary valid for 2018 only. 
NB: The new CFO will 
receive 15% of salary, as 
detailed above.

Exceptionally for Executive 
Directors outside of the UK 
an amount as required by 
local regulation and in line 
with industry norms. 

Other benefits
To provide a competitive 
benefit package 
for recruitment and 
retention purposes 
as well as to support 
the personal health 
and well-being of 
the executive.

Benefits provided currently include: private 
health insurance, life insurance, car/car 
allowance and fuel allowance.

There is no maximum level 
of benefits provided to an 
Executive Director.

None

Our past CFO was entitled to reasonable 
relocation expenses on termination of his 
contract (by either party). This is a legacy 
issue where the benefit was in place prior 
to Admission.

Additional benefits and tax payable as a result 
of reimbursement of reasonable business 
expenses may be provided from time to time 
if the Committee decides payment of such 
benefits and tax is appropriate and in line with 
market practice. 

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Directors’ Remuneration Policy
continued

Policy table for Executive Directors

Element and purpose

How it operates

Maximum opportunity

Performance-related framework and recovery

The annual bonus is based on the Group’s 
performance as set and assessed by the 
Committee on an annual basis.

Up to 150% of base salary 
maximum potential 
opportunity.

The annual bonus is paid in cash and the 
Executive Directors (except for our past CFO in 
respect of his 2018 annual bonus) are required 
to acquire shares in the Company with 50% 
of the amount paid in excess of target (after 
tax) which will be held for a minimum period 
of three years.

Target potential 
opportunity is 50% of 
maximum opportunity.

For 2018 the CFO’s target 
potential opportunity was 
100% of salary which 
is 83.3% of maximum 
(on the basis that his 
maximum potential 
opportunity was 120% 
of salary), and threshold 
potential opportunity 
was 66.6% of maximum 
(being 80% of salary).

Annual bonus
To provide focus on the 
short-term performance 
of the Company and 
to provide a reward for 
achieving short-term 
personal, strategic and 
financial Company 
performance.

To provide a mechanism 
for alignment 
with longer-term 
performance and 
shareholder alignment.

The requirement for 
Executive Directors 
to acquire shares with 
their bonus aligns them 
to the “development 
of the market price 
of the shares” in the 
Company as provided 
in the Dutch Corporate 
Governance Code.

Details of the performance targets set for the 
year under review and performance against 
them will normally be provided each year in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration. If, for reasons 
of commercial sensitivity, the targets cannot 
be disclosed then they will be disclosed in the 
following year.

Performance normally measured over a one 
year period.

Targets will be based on the Group’s annual 
financial and non-financial performance 
for the particular performance year. At least 
70% of the bonus will be subject to financial 
performance metrics.

The Committee may scale back the bonus 
that is payable if it considers the outcome 
to be reasonably unacceptable or if it 
is not representative of the underlying 
performance of the Company and/or there 
have been regulatory, environmental or 
health and safety issues that the Committee 
considers are of such severity that a scale back 
of the bonus is appropriate.

For the financial targets, not more than 25% 
of the maximum potential bonus opportunity 
will be payable for achieving threshold 
performance rising on a graduated scale to 
100% for maximum performance. Threshold 
performance being the level of performance 
required for the bonus to start paying.

In relation to strategic targets the structure of 
the target will vary based on the nature of the 
target set and it will not always be practicable to 
set targets using a graduated scale. Vesting may 
therefore take place in full if specific criteria are 
met in full.

Payments under the annual bonus plan may be 
subject to clawback/malus for a period of three 
years from payment in the event of a material 
misstatement of the Company’s financial 
results, an error in calculating the level of grant 
or level of vesting or payment, a failure of risk 
management including the liquidation of the 
Group, if the participant has been guilty of fraud 
or gross misconduct or the Company has been 
brought into disrepute. The clawback/malus 
provisions as set out above do not limit Article 
2:135 of the Dutch Civil Code. 

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Policy table for Executive Directors

Element and purpose

How it operates

PS awards may take the form of nil-cost options 
or conditional awards.

Awards are normally made annually.

Awards normally vest after three years subject 
to performance and continued service. Where 
Executive Directors cease employment or are 
under notice prior to the three year vesting date 
different rules may apply.

Shares resulting from the exercise of an option 
or vesting of a conditional award cannot be sold 
until five years have elapsed from the date of 
award, other than to pay tax.

To the extent an award vests, the Committee 
may permit dividend equivalents to be paid 
either in the form of cash or shares representing 
the dividends that would have been paid on 
those shares during the vesting period (and 
where the award is a nil-cost option to the fifth 
anniversary of award). Dividend equivalents are 
payments in cash or shares equal to the value of 
the dividends that would have been paid during 
the period referred to above, on the number of 
shares that vest.

Performance Share 
(“PS”) awards 
granted under the 
RHI Magnesita Long-
Term Incentive Plan

To incentivise and 
reward execution 
of the longer-term 
business strategy.

To provide alignment 
to shareholders and 
the longer-term 
performance of the 
Company and to 
recognise and reward 
value creation over the 
longer term.

The “development 
of the market price 
of the shares” in 
the Company is, as 
required by the Dutch 
Corporate Governance 
Code, taken into 
account by providing 
a long-term incentive 
using shares as the 
delivery mechanism. 
In addition, part of the 
award is determined 
by Total Shareholder 
Return which is a 
measure of share price 
performance.

Maximum opportunity

Performance-related framework and recovery

200% of salary (face value 
of award) annually (normal 
limit). Where the face value 
is the market value of the 
shares subject to an award 
at the time it is awarded.

In exceptional 
circumstances on 
recruitment 250% of salary 
(face value of award).

Awards vest based on three year (or longer) 
performance measured against a range of 
challenging targets set and assessed by the 
Remuneration Committee. The Committee 
will determine the specific metrics and targets 
that will apply to each award prior to the date 
of award subject to the vesting of at least 
25% of an award being determined by Total 
Shareholder Return.

The targets for each award will be set out in 
the Annual Report on Remuneration.

In relation to financial targets not more than 
25% of the total award will vest for threshold 
performance rising on a graduated scale to 
100% for maximum performance. Threshold 
performance being the level of performance 
required for the PS award to start to vest. In 
relation to strategic targets the structure of the 
target will vary based on the nature of the target 
set and it will not always be practicable to set 
targets using a graduated scale and so vesting 
may take place in full if specific criteria are met 
in full.

The Committee may scale back the level 
of vesting if it considers the outcome to 
be reasonably unacceptable or if it is not 
reflective of the underlying performance of the 
Company and/or there have been regulatory, 
environmental or health and safety issues that 
the Committee considers are of such severity 
that a scale back of the PS award is appropriate.

PS may be subject to clawback/malus for three 
years from the date of vesting in the event of 
a material misstatement of the Company’s 
financial results, an error in calculating the level 
of grant or level of vesting or payment, a failure of 
risk management including the liquidation of the 
Group, if the participant has been guilty of fraud 
or gross misconduct or the Company has been 
brought into disrepute. The clawback/malus 
provisions as set out above do not limit Article 
2:135 of the Dutch Civil Code. 

Share ownership
To increase alignment 
between management 
and shareholders 
and the longer-term 
performance of 
the Company.

Requirement for the Executive Directors is to 
normally retain all of the shares acquired from 
annual bonus payments following expiry of 
the three year holding period and normally 
50% of vested Performance Shares (net of tax) 
following the two year holding period until the 
shareholding requirement is achieved.

The level of requirement 
will be disclosed in 
the Annual Report 
on Remuneration.

None

The Committee normally expects this 
requirement to be met within five years of 
appointment or approval of this Policy, if later. 

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Directors’ Remuneration Policy
continued

Policy table for Executive Directors

Element and purpose

How it operates

Share ownership
To increase alignment 
between management 
and shareholders 
and the longer-term 
performance of 
the Company.

Requirement for the Executive Directors is to 
normally retain all of the shares acquired from 
annual bonus payments following expiry of 
the three year holding period and normally 
50% of vested Performance Shares (net of tax) 
following the two year holding period until the 
shareholding requirement is achieved.

The Committee normally expects this 
requirement to be met within five years of 
appointment or approval of this Policy, if later. 

Maximum opportunity

Performance-related framework and recovery

The level of requirement 
will be disclosed in 
the Annual Report 
on Remuneration.

None

The table below sets out the remuneration policy for the Non-Executive Directors (including the Chairman).

Policy table for Non-Executive Directors

Element and purpose

How it operates

Non-Executive 
Directors (including 
the Chairman and 
Deputy Chairman)

To provide fees 
reflecting time 
commitments and 
responsibilities of 
each role to enable 
recruitment of the 
right calibre of Non-
Executive Directors 
who can further 
the interests of the 
Group through their 
experience, stewardship 
and contribution to 
strategic development 
of the Group.

The Non-Executive Directors are paid a 
basic fee. Supplemental fees may be paid 
for additional responsibilities and activities, 
including for a Committee Chairman and 
member of the main Board Committees 
and the Senior Independent Director.

Cash fee normally paid quarterly. The 
Chairman’s fee is inclusive of all of his 
responsibilities.

Reasonable expenses incurred by the Non-
Executive Directors in carrying out their duties 
may be reimbursed by the Company including 
any personal tax payable by the Non-Executive 
Directors as a result of reimbursement of 
those expenses. The Company may also pay 
an allowance in lieu of expenses if it deems 
this is appropriate.

Fees are reviewed periodically. 

Maximum opportunity

Performance-related framework and recovery

There is no prescribed 
maximum annual fee or 
fee increase.

None

The Board is guided by 
the general increase in 
the Non-Executive market 
but may decide to award a 
lower or higher fee increase 
to recognise, for example, 
an increase in the scale, 
scope or responsibility 
of the role and/or take 
account of relevant 
market movements.

8 8

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Performance criteria and discretions
Selection of criteria
The Committee assesses annually at the 
beginning of the relevant performance 
period which performance measures, or 
combination and weighting of performance 
measures, are most appropriate for both 
annual bonus and any Performance Share 
awarded to reflect the Company’s strategic 
initiatives for the performance period. The 
Committee has the discretion to change the 
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. Any non-financial goals will be 
well defined.

Discretions retained by the Committee
The Committee operates the Group’s 
variable pay plans according to their 
respective rules. In administering these 
plans, the Committee may apply certain 
operational discretions. These include the 
following:

 ¥ determining the extent of vesting based 
on the assessment of performance;
 ¥ determining the status of leavers and, 
where relevant, the extent of vesting;
 ¥ determining the extent of vesting of PS 
awards under share based plans in the 
event of a change of control;
 ¥ making appropriate adjustments 

required in certain circumstances (e.g. 
rights issues, corporate restructuring 
events, variation of capital and special 
dividends); and

 ¥ adjusting existing targets if events occur 
that cause the Committee to determine 
that the targets set are no longer 
appropriate and that amendment is 
required so the relevant award can 
achieve its original intended purpose, 
provided that the new targets are not 
materially less difficult to satisfy.

The Committee also retains discretion to 
make non-significant changes to the Policy 
without reverting to shareholders (for 
example, for regulatory, tax, legislative or 
administrative purposes).

The Company may also pay outplacement 
costs, legal costs and other reasonable 
relevant costs associated with termination 
and may settle any claim or potential claim 
relating to the termination.

Executive Directors’ service contracts 
and payments for loss of office
Service contracts and letters of 
appointment are available for inspection 
at the Company’s registered office.

Service contracts and loss of office
It is the Company’s policy that notice 
periods for Executive Directors will not 
exceed 12 months and the service contracts 
for Executive Directors, Mr Borgas and 
Mr Botha, are terminable by either the 
Company or the Executive Director on 
12 months’ notice.

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. An Executive Director’s 
service contract may be terminated early 
(other than for cause) by payment in lieu of 
salary in equal monthly instalments over the 
notice period. The Company may include 
pension contributions and benefits within 
the payment in lieu of notice if this is 
deemed appropriate or is specifically 
provided for in the service contract. Unless 
a contract specifically provides otherwise, 
all payments would discontinue or reduce 
to the extent that alternative employment is 
obtained. There are no enhanced provisions 
on a change of control and there are no 
specific severance arrangements.

An Executive Director’s service contract 
may be terminated without notice for certain 
events such as gross misconduct in which 
case no payments or compensation beyond 
sums accrued to the date of termination will 
be paid.

Treatment of variable pay awards 
on termination
Annual bonuses and PS awards are 
non-contractual and are dealt with in 
accordance with the rules of the relevant 
plans except that if Octavio Lopes’ contract 
is terminated by the Company before 
payment is made of his 2017 bonus then  
he shall remain entitled to that bonus to be 
paid on the same date of payment as for the 
other executives of the Company.

At the discretion of the Committee, in 
certain circumstances, for example, to 
incentivise short-term retention and 
completion of key business deliverables, 
and where poor performance is not relevant 
to the cessation, a pro-rata bonus may 
become payable at the normal payment 
date for the period of employment with 
financial performance targets based on full 
year performance. Where the Committee 
decides to make a payment, the rationale 
will be fully disclosed in the Annual Report 
on Remuneration.

The default treatment for share-based 
awards is that any unvested award will lapse 
on termination of employment or, in certain 
circumstances on the executive giving 
notice. However, under the rules of the 
long-term incentive plan under which PS 
awards will be made, in certain prescribed 
circumstances, such as death, injury, 
ill-health, retirement with the Company’s 
agreement, redundancy, leaving the Group 
because the employer company or business 
leaves the Group or where the Committee 
determines otherwise, awards are eligible to 
vest subject to the performance conditions 
being met over the normal performance 
period (or a shorter period where the 
participant has died) and with the award 
being reduced (unless the Committee 
considers, in exceptional circumstances, 
a different treatment is appropriate) by an 
amount to reflect the proportion of the 
performance period not actually served.

8 9

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Directors’ Remuneration Policy
continued

Approach to recruitment and promotions
The recruitment package for a new 
Director would be set in accordance with 
the terms of the Company’s approved 
remuneration policy.

On recruitment, salary may be set below the 
normal market rate, with phased increases 
as the Director gains experience.

Annual bonus opportunity will reflect the 
period of service for the year.

The normal annual PS award limit is 
200% of salary face value in a financial 
year (face value being the market value of 
the shares subject to an award at the time it 
is awarded). A higher limit of 250% of salary 
(face value) is included in the recruitment 
policy for use in exceptional circumstances 
for the Company to be able to attract and 
secure the right candidate if required.  
A PS award may be made shortly after an 
appointment if the usual annual award date 
has passed.

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 policy enables the Committee to 
include those benefits it deems appropriate 
for an Executive Director. On recruitment, 
this may include benefits such as relocation, 
housing or schooling expenses. In arriving 
at a benefits package the Committee’s 
prevailing consideration will be to pay 
only what is considered necessary and 
appropriate taking into account the 
importance of securing the right candidate 
for the job and acting in the best interests 
of the Company’s shareholders and 
limiting certain benefits to a specified 
period where possible.

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 long-term 
incentive plan and any subsequently 
adopted share plans using the separate 
specific limit for these purposes of 250% of 
salary (face value) 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.

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

Non-Executive Directors
Letters of appointment and policy 
on recruitment
All Non-Executive Directors have letters 
of appointment for a fixed period of three 
years, subject to reappointment each year 
at the AGM. No additional compensation 
is payable on termination, with fees being 
payable to the date of termination. The 
appointments are terminable by either 
party on three months’ written notice.

On appointment of a new Non-Executive 
Director, the fee arrangement will be set 
in accordance with the approved 
remuneration policy in force at that time.

Legacy arrangements
In approving this Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy, authority is given to the Company to 
honour any commitments entered in to with 
Directors, which were fully disclosed in the 
Admission document. Details of any such 
payments will be set out in the Annual 
Report on Remuneration as they arise.

How the views of shareholders and 
employees are taken into account
The Committee formally consults directly 
with employees on executive pay via the 
Employee Representatives appointed to 
the Board. In addition, the Committee takes 
due account of the overall approach to 
remuneration and the remuneration 
structures for employees in the Group 
when setting pay for the Executive 
Directors, for example consideration is 
given to Group-wide increases when 
determining any Executive Director 
salary increases. The Committee receives 
periodic updates from the CEO and Human 
Resources Director function of the Group 
which includes employee feedback 
received on remuneration practices across 
the Group. The Committee recognises the 
importance of employee communication 
and this was a major consideration in the 
appointment of the Employee 
Representatives to the Board.

Two of the Company’s major shareholders 
act as directors on the Board and thus 
regular consultation on all elements of 
remuneration is ongoing. In addition, 
the Committee consulted with other key 
shareholders and took guidance from 
shareholder representative bodies on 
the terms of the remuneration policy 
and the new LTIP which was brought 
to shareholders at the 2018 AGM. The 
resolutions put to the AGM relating to 
remuneration all received more than 99% 
support from voting shareholders. This, plus 
any feedback received from time to time, 
as well as guidance from shareholder 
representative bodies more generally will 
be considered as part of the Company’s 
annual review of remuneration policy and 
implementation of that policy.

Remuneration comparison measurement 
was considered as part of the Committee’s 
formulation of policy in terms of considering 
remuneration data for companies of a 
comparable size and complexity to the 
Company. This was only one of many factors 
considered by the Committee.

9 0

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

The Committee has taken note of the views 
of the Executive Directors with regard to the 
amount and structure of their remuneration 
and the provisions of 3.1.2 of the Dutch 
Corporate Governance Code (matters that 
should be taken into consideration when 
formulating the remuneration policy) have 
been brought to their attention.

How the Executive Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy relates to 
the wider Group
The policy described above applies 
specifically to the Company’s Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors. The Committee 
is aware of and provides feedback on the 
wider Group remuneration structures. 
The Company’s policy is for the Executive 
Directors’ remuneration policy and structure 
to be cascaded as far as practicable to the 
senior management team and for the 
overriding principles to be taken into 
account for the Group-wide policy.

Base salaries for the whole Group are 
operated under broadly the same policy 
as for the Executive Directors. The key 
difference between the Executive Directors’ 
policy and the wider Group’s policy is that 
the Executive Directors’ packages (and the 
senior management team to a lesser extent) 
are weighted more to variable pay. 
Performance Share awards are reserved 
for those identified as having the greatest 
potential to influence Group level 
performance which, given the cost of 
operating such a plan, the Committee 
considers is the right approach and in the 
best interests of the Company and its 
shareholders.

Pay ratios
The Dutch Corporate Governance Code 
recommends that from the financial year 
2018, and the UK Directors’ Reporting 
Regulations require that from 2019, that 
the Committee report pay ratios including 
changes from the prior year as part of its 
determination of executive pay. Last year 
RHI Magnesita reported the pay ratio of 
the CEO to the average salary of all the 
employees using a methodology which was 
in line with Dutch market practice. The ratio 
was calculated using the CEO’s Single Total 
Figure of remuneration shown on page 94 
and the total employee remuneration figure 
(for the entire RHI Magnesita Group) shown 
in the accounts on page 99. The total 
employee remuneration figure is for all 
employees in all Group companies and 
includes countries with significantly lower 
levels of pay than Europe and the United 
States. RHI Magnesita only has around 104 
employees in the UK and falls below the 
required threshold for UK pay ratio reporting 
requirements. As UK employees represent 
less than 1% of RHI Magnesita’s employees, 
the Committee considers that the above 
approach is appropriate in the 
circumstances and therefore the ratio has 
been calculated on the same basis this year, 
as shown below.

CEO pay ratio

2018

52 : 1

2017*

50 : 1

*  As RHI Magnesita was admitted to trading on 

27 October 2017, the 2017 CEO pay ratio is based 
on the period 27 October to 31 December 2017

Remuneration scenarios for 
Executive Directors
The Executive Director remuneration policy 
provides that a significant proportion of 
remuneration is determined by Group 
performance. The graph below illustrates 
how the total pay opportunities vary under 
three different performance scenarios: 
minimum, target and maximum. We have 
also shown an assumed share price 
appreciation of 50% for the Performance 
Share award during the performance period 
under the maximum payment scenario.

Assumptions
Minimum: Fixed pay only (base salary, 
pension and benefits).  
Target: Fixed pay plus 50% of 2019 
maximum annual bonus opportunity for the 
CEO and CFO with 50% vesting of the 2019 
PS award.  
Maximum: Fixed pay plus maximum annual 
bonus opportunity and 100% vesting of 
2019 PS award with an assumed share price 
appreciation of 50% for the Performance 
Share award during the performance period.

As required under the Dutch Corporate 
Code, scenario analyses have been carried 
out as part of the formulation of the policy 
and to establish that the policy results in 
appropriate and fair levels of remuneration 
including that the level and ratio of fixed 
to variable pay does not encourage 
inappropriate risk taking or over-reliance 
on variable pay while ensuring there is 
sufficient alignment to investors and the 
long-term performance of the Company 
and development of the market value of 
the shares of the Company.

CEO
€000

New CFO1
€000

Minimum

100% 

€1,011

Minimum

100% 

€581

Target

100% 

26% 

34% 

€2,507

Target

100% 

25% 

42% 

€1,767

Maximum

100% 

36% 

24% 

12%

€3,576

Maximum

100% 

30% 

31% 

15%

€2,081

Fixed pay

Annual bonus

Long-term 
incentives

Share price 
appreciation 50%

Fixed pay

Annual bonus

Long-term 
incentives

Share price 
appreciation 50%

1  This reflects annual remuneration of the new  

CFO joining the business on 1 April 2019

9 1

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Annual Report  
on Remuneration

As a Dutch incorporated 
and registered and UK 
listed company 
RHI Magnesita is required 
to comply with both 
UK and Dutch 
reporting requirements 
including the UK and 
Dutch Corporate 
Governance Codes.

The Board has also determined to provide 
certain additional voluntary disclosures 
recognising the importance of transparency 
of reporting. This Annual Report is compiled 
on this basis.

The following section provides details 
of how the Company’s Directors were 
paid during the financial year to 
31 December 2018.

The remuneration arrangements for the 
Executive Directors contribute to long-term 
value creation:

 ¥ By providing a fair and appropriate level 

of fixed remuneration that does not result 
in over-reliance on variable pay and 
undue risk taking, thereby encouraging 
the executives to focus on sustained 
long-term value creation.

 ¥ By providing a balance of short- and 

long-term incentives to ensure there is 
focus on short term objectives that will 
over time build to create long-term value 
creation as well as long-term goals.
 ¥ By requiring executives to acquire and 

retain shares in the Company.

 ¥ By offering long-term incentives where 
the reward is delivered in shares which 
aligns executives to shareholder interests 
and value as well as the performance of 
the Company over the longer term.
 ¥ By requiring performance measures in 

our long-term incentive to be measured 
over the longer term and for shares to be 
held post vesting for a further two year 
period.

 ¥ By incorporating metrics focused on 

long-term shareholder value, such as 
total shareholder return.

A scenario analysis has been carried out as 
part of the formulation and implementation 
of the policy and is referred to in more detail 
in the policy section of this report. The 
Committee typically reviews, on at least 
an annual basis, the impact of different 
performance scenarios on the potential 
opportunity and payouts to be received by 
Executive Directors and the alignment of 
these with the returns that might be 
received by shareholders.

The pay ratio of the CEO to the average 
employee within the Company is provided 
on page 91 of the policy section of this report.

Remuneration Committee membership
Celia Baxter is the Chairman of the 
Committee and James Leng and Karl 
Sevelda members of the Committee. 
They are all Independent Non-Executive 
Directors within the meaning of the UK 
and Dutch Corporate Governance Codes. 
The Company Secretary is the Secretary 
to the Committee.

Other individuals, such as the Chief 
Executive Officer, the Human Resources 
Director and external professional advisers 
may be invited to attend for all or part of any 
meeting as and when appropriate and 
necessary. No individual is present when 
their own remuneration is discussed.

The Committee meets at least three times 
a year and at such other times as the 
Chairman of the Committee shall require 
or as the Board may direct. The Committee 
has formal terms of reference that can be 
viewed on the Company’s website.

Advisers
Korn Ferry Hay Group (“KF”), signatories to 
the UK Remuneration Consultants Group’s 
Code of Conduct (Code of Conduct), 
were appointed by the Committee in 
2017 having submitted a proposal which 
demonstrated their skills and experience in 
executive remuneration. KF provides advice 
to the Committee on matters relating to 
executive remuneration.

In 2018 KF also provided executive search 
services to the Company. The Committee 
was satisfied that the advice provided by 
KF was objective and independent having 
noted their commitment to the Code of 
Conduct. KF’s fees in respect of the 2018 
financial year were £109,597 KF’s fees were 
charged on the basis of the firm’s standard 
terms of business for advice provided. 
Linklaters drafted the LTIP Rules and their 
fees in respect of the 2018 financial year 
were £33,600. Linklaters also provided 
general legal advice to the Company. 

9 2

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Principal activities and matters addressed during 2018

Agenda items

One-off items

Review of Plan Rules for the Annual Bonus Scheme and 
the approach for “Joiners and Leavers”

Review and approval of the draft Plan Rules for the 
LTIP and the approach for “Joiners and Leavers”

LTIP: Review of rules for shareholder approval at 
the AGM

Review of Regulatory News Statement, with details 
of performance targets for PS awards

Review and consideration of proposed changes 
to UK Corporate Governance Code and Directors’ 
Remuneration Reporting Regulations

February

Update on the investor consultation regarding the Remuneration Policy and new LTIP

Review of expected FY 2017 annual bonus outturn

Finalising target setting for FY 2018 annual bonus

Review of measures and targets for 2018 PS award 

Review of Draft Remuneration Report

March

Update on the investor consultation

Review and approve FY 2017 annual bonus outturn for the Executive Directors

Approval of 2017 Remuneration Report

April

Update on the investor consultation

Approval of targets for 2018 PS award

August

Review and approval of remuneration arrangements for the past CFO, Octavio Lopes 
on leaving the Company 

Review of the 2018 AGM voting on remuneration-related resolutions

Review and approval of the Committee’s updated Annual Work Plan

Review and approval in broad terms of Remuneration package for a new CFO

Review and approval of proposed approach for treatment of leavers and joiners 
to the LTIP

November Review of proposed update to the Terms of Reference, following the changes to 

the UK Corporate Governance Code

Confirmation of new CFO’s remuneration package

FY 2018 bonus (outlook and projections of bonus payments for 2018, proposal 
on bonus measures and targets for 2019)

Annual review and approval of salary/fixed compensation for Executive 
Management Team 

Review of projected performance of 2018 PS award 

Proposal on measures and targets for 2019 PS award

Review of Chairman fee data

Statement of voting at AGM
At last year’s AGM, held on 7 June 2018, votes on the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, Annual Statement and Annual Report on 
Remuneration and long-term incentive plan were cast as follows:

Voting

For

Against

Total Withheld

Annual Report on Remuneration 

Votes for

27,204,121

2,404

27,273,696

%

99.99%

0.01%

100%

Directors’ remuneration policy

Votes for

27,204,121

134,556

27,273,696

Approval of long-term incentive plan

Votes for

27,173,549

100,146

27,273,696

%

99.63%

0.37%

%

99.51%

0.49%

67,171

N/A

1

N/A

1

N/A

Reason for 
vote against  
if known

Action  
taken by 
committee

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

The total voting rights of the Company on the day on which shareholders had to be on the register in order to be eligible to vote was 44,819,039.

A “Vote withheld” is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the % of shares voted “For” or “Against” a resolution.

9 3

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Annual Report on Remuneration
continued

Single total figure table (audited)
The following table shows a single total figure of remuneration in respect of qualifying services for the 2018 financial year for each 
Executive and Non-Executive Directors of the Company, together with comparative figures for 2017 for the period from the date of 
Admission 27 October to 31 December 2017 being 66 days.

Director1,2

Year

Executive Directors

Stefan Borgas

Octavio Lopes

Non-Executive Directors

Salary

2017

2018

Taxable benefits3

Bonus4

Pension

Legacy incentive
payments5

Total remuneration

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

€826,000 €171,780

€8,823

€1,539 €1,090,876 €171,437 €147,650

-

- €132,2255 €2,073,350 €476,981

£550,000

£99,452

£20,440

£3,696 £651,398 £100,447 £165,000

£29,836 £550,0007

Herbert Cordt (Chairman)

£220,000

£39,781

Celia Baxter

Andrew Hosty

£82,500

£14,918

£77,500

£14,014

Farsen Lambranho

£65,000

£11,753

James Leng

£102,500

£18,534

Stanislaus Prinz zu  
Sayn-Wittgeinstein

£65,000

£12,658

John Ramsay

£77,500

£14,014

Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer

£72,500

£13,110

David A. Schlaff

£65,000

£11,753

Karl Sevelda

Janet Ashdown6

Fiona Paulus6

Franz Reiter1

Michael Schwarz1

£72,500

£13,110

£6,250

£5,833

-

-

N/A

N/A

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

- 

- 

£1,936,838

£233,431

£220,000

£39,781

£82,500

£14,918

£77,500

£14,014

£65,000

£11,753

£102,500

£18,534

£65,000

£12,658

£77,500

£14,014

£72,500

£13,110

£65,000

£11,753

£72,500

£13,110

£6,250

£5,833

-

-

N/A

N/A

-

-

1  Employee directors attending Board meetings do not receive remuneration for that role, they are remunerated as employees of the Group
2  All amounts for 2017 detailed in the table above are in respect of the period from Admission on 27 October 2017 to 31 December 2017. Amounts payable in respect of 
the financial year 2017 have therefore been apportioned. All amounts are disclosed in the currencies in which the relevant elements of pay are set. Actual payment 
may be made in the currency where the recipient resides using the exchange rate at the time of payment

3  Benefits in 2018 comprise for Stefan Borgas a car benefit of €8,500 for the year and for Octavio Lopes a package of standard insured benefits being private medical 

and life insurance with an annual value of £20,440

4  For 2017 Stefan Borgas and Octavio Lopes received annual bonus payments determined by performance for the year ended 31 December 2017 against targets set 

at the beginning of the year for the RHI and Magnesita businesses respectively. The amounts shown in the table for 2017 are the pro-rating for the period 27 October 
to 31 December 2017 of the total amounts payable

5  Legacy incentive payments: This comprises the phantom share award for the CEO which was subject to a potential downward adjustment determined by 

performance for the year ended 31 December 2017 and accounted for in that year. The total value of the phantom shares is €731.247 and is payable in three 
equal annual instalments in 2018, 2019 and 2020. The amount shown in the table is the pro-rating for the period 27 October to 31 December 2017 of the total 
amount payable

6  Janet Ashdown and Fiona Paulus have accepted their nomination as Non-Executive Directors and their appointment will be voted upon at the 2019 AGM
7  Octavio Lopes received the second half of his retention bonus in October 2018 of 100% of salary (as disclosed in the 2017 Remuneration Report) which was 

awarded prior to Admission

No loans, advances or guarantees have been provided to any Director.

9 4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

2018 Annual bonus performance against targets (audited)
The annual bonus for the Executive Directors - Stefan Borgas and Octavio Lopes - was determined following assessment of achievement 
of qualitative and quantitative targets as set out below:

Performance 
target for 
threshold 
vesting (0% of 
salary for CEO 
and 80% of 
salary for CFO)

Performance 
target for 
target vesting 
of 75% of 
salary for CEO 
and 100% of 
salary for CFO

Performance 
target for 
maximum 
vesting 150% of 
salary for CEO 
and 120% of 
salary for CFO

Actual 
performance

CEO (% 
of total 
for each 
element)

CEO 
Payment 
(% of 
salary)
Maximum 
total pay 
out 150% 
of salary

CEO cash 
bonus based 
on salary of 
€826.000

Past CFO 
(% of total 
for each 
element)

Past CFO 
Payment 
(% of 
salary) 
Maximum 
total 
payout 
120% of 
salary

Past CFO 
cash bonus 
based on 
salary of 
£550.000

€302,9 million €329,6 million €409,7 million €399,6 million

93.6% 49.2%  €406,060 

97.9%

41.1%  £226,101 

€207 million €228,8 million €294,8 million €370,5 million 100.0% 37.5%

 €309,750 

100.0% 30.0%  £ 65,000 

€37,8 million €42,5 million €56,6 million

€97 million 100.0% 22.5%

 €185,850 

100.0%

18.0%  £99,000 

See tables below

61.1% 22.9%

 €189,216 

98.2% 29.3%

 £61,297 

88.0% 132.1%  € 1,090,8764  98.7% 118.4%  £651,398 

Measure and  
weighting

Operating  
EBIT1 (35%)

Free Cash  
Flow FCF2 (25%)

Net Synergy  
Tracking3 (15%)

Strategic  
Objectives4 (25%)

Total

1  At constant currency and w/o restructuring expenses
2  Operating cash flow at constant currency. EBTIDA w/o restructuring expenses + CapEx + ΔWK + cash tax
3  Synergies are (financial) benefits achieved through the merger of the two companies
4  The CEO is expected to purchase shares in the Company to the value of 50% of any bonus paid net of tax, for performance above Target

Chief Executive Officer

Strategic measures* and weighting 

Performance 

China Business plan objective 2018 (33.3%)

Performance measured against sales, EBIT and CAPEX targets

Score

100%

Development and implementation of new system (33.3%)

Performance measured against delivery timing and adherence to system

83.30%

Development and commencing implementation of 
business plan for strategic initiative (33.3%)

Total score

Performance measured against sales, EBIT and CAPEX targets

0%

61.1%

*  The CEO’s strategic objectives are market sensitive and details of all the specific initiatives are not therefore disclosed as the Board believes they would provide 

information to competitors. They will remain market sensitive because they are an integral part of our on-going business operations. The Committee has 
provided as much information as it is able given the nature of the objectives so that investors can be comfortable that the Committee has used a thorough 
approach in setting the objectives and targets and measuring the outcome

Past Chief Financial Officer

Strategic measures and weighting 

Performance 

Restructuring of RHIM combined balance sheet (33.3%)

Performance measured against fund raising with maximum specified cost and 
repayment of Magnesita bonds

Implementation of operational hub in the Netherlands (33.3%)

Performance measured against implementation timetable and annual savings

Score

100%

100%

GBS(IMO) implementation (33.3%) 

Performance measured against target savings run rate, EBIT and build costs 

94.40%

Total score

98.2%

No bonuses were awarded to Non-Executive Directors.

9 5

 
 
G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Annual Report on Remuneration
continued

Share awards where vesting is based on performance periods ending during the financial year ended 31 December 2018 (audited)
There were no share awards where vesting is determined based on performance period during the financial year ended 31 December 2018.

Share awards awarded during the financial year ended 31 December 2018 (audited)
During 2018 our CEO was awarded Performance Shares with a value at the date of grant of 200% of salary. Details of the PS award and 
the performance targets that will determine the extent to which the award vests are set out below. There was no award to our past 
CFO Octavio Lopes.

Director

Stefan Borgas

Scheme

Basis of 
award

Date of 
award

Percentage 
of Salary 
Award

Share Price
used
€1

Face value
€000

Percentage 
vesting at 
threshold 
performance

Number of 
shares

End of 
performance 
period

LTIP Annual award

7 Jun 2018

200%

57.773

1,652

25%

 28,594  31 Dec 2020

1  The face value of the awards was calculated using the average closing price for the five trading days prior to the PS award being granted being £50.62 converted to 

€ (using average FX rate over the same 5 days period of €1.14 to £1 = €57.773)

The performance conditions and targets for the award are as follows:

Performance measure

Weighting

Threshold (25% vests)

Maximum (100% vests)

Performance period

Relative TSR1

Adjusted EPS

EBIT

33.3%

33.3%

33.3%

Equal to index

Index +25%2

€5.20 per share

€6.50 per share

€380m

€435m

3 financial years  
commencing 20183
(+ 2 years holding  
post vesting)

1  Measured against the FTSE 350 Index
2  Being at least 25% in absolute terms higher than the Index (e.g. if Index TSR is 23% over three years then the vesting range is TSR of 23% to 48%)
3  For EPS and EBIT Performance Conditions the period of three financial year commencing with 2018. For the TSR Performance Condition the period of three 

financial year and one calendar month commencing with the financial year 2018

Awards vest on a straight-line basis between threshold and maximum.

Directors’ interests in RHI Magnesita’s long-term incentive plan
The table below details outstanding PS awards.

Director

Stefan Borgas

Scheme Award Date

Share awards 
held at 
1 January 
2018

Awarded 
during the 
year

Vested 
during the 
year

Share awards 
lapsed 
during the 
year

Share awards 
held at 
31 December 
2018

Share value 
at award

Vesting
date

PSP 7 June 2018

-

28,594

-

-

28,594

1,652,0001 7 June 2021

1  The face value of the awards was calculated using the average closing price for the five trading days prior to the PS award being granted being £50.62 converted to 

EUR (using average FX rate over the same 5 days period of 1.14 EURO to £1 = €57.773)

9 6

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Statement of Directors’ shareholding and share interests (audited)
Under the share ownership requirements set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, the Executive Directors are required to build 
normally over five years and maintain a shareholding equivalent to at least 200% of salary. At the 2018 year-end, the Executive Directors 
each held shares in the Company as detailed below. Shares are valued using the Company’s closing middle market share price on 
31 December 2018 of £39.60.

The table below shows how each Director complies with the shareholder guidelines at 31 December 2018 was as follows:

Executive Directors

Stefan Borgas

Octavio Lopes

Non-Executive Directors

Herbert Cordt

Celia Baxter

Andrew Hosty

Fersen Lambranho1

James Leng

Stanislaus Prinz zu Sayn-Wittgenstein2

Franz Reiter

Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer

David A. Schlaff3

John Ramsay

Michael Schwarz

Janet Ashdown

Fiona Paulus

Karl Sevelda

Shares 
held at 31 
December 
2018

Shares 
held at 31 
December 
2017

Unvested 
and subject 
to a service 
requirement 
only 

Unvested 
and 
subject to 
performance 
conditions

Shareholding 
requirement

Current 
shareholding

Requirement 
met?

9,750

4,300

127,894

127,894

-

1,002

379

-

1,002

379

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

11,347,058

11,347,058

2,130

2,130

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

28,594 200% salary

- 200% salary

40%

921%

No

Yes

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1  4,258,905 ordinary shares are held by Alumina Holdings LLC, a corporate controlled by funds managed by GP Investments, which is itself controlled, indirectly, 

by persons including Fersen Lambranho and in which Octavio Lopes has a minority interest

2  Mr. Stanislaus Prinz zu Sayn-Wittgenstein has a family relationship with persons who control Chestnut and Silver, each of which holds 2,088,461 ordinary shares
3  MSP Stiftung is a foundation under Liechtenstein law, whose founder is Mag. Martin Schlaff. Mr. Schlaff has certain supervisory rights and the right to unilaterally 
amend the foundation documents with respect to MSP Stiftung. Upon completion of the Merger MSP Stiftung directly and Mr. Schlaff indirectly (via MSP Stiftung) 
will hold 14,076,021 voting rights in the Issuer

 There were no changes in the Directors’ shareholdings and share interests between the end of the year and 31 March 2019. 

9 7

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Annual Report on Remuneration
continued

Review of past performance and CEO remuneration table (unaudited)
Share price performance
The closing middle market price of the shares at 31 December 2018 was £39.60 (2017: £39.05). During 2018, the shares traded in the 
range of £33.18 to £53.50.

RHI Magnesita total shareholder return
The graph below compares the Total Shareholder Return of the Company with the FTSE 350 Index over the 14-month period from 
Admission to 31 December 2018. This is considered an appropriate comparator for RHI Magnesita and aligns with the use of the FTSE 350 
in the TSR performance measure for the Performance Share awards.

180

160

140

120

100

80

)

d
e
s
a
b
e
R

(

)

£

(

e
u
l
a
V

60

10/17

12/17

02/18

04/18

06/18

08/18

10/18

12/18

RHI Magnesita

FTSE 350

Source: Datastream (Thompson Reuters)

Remuneration of the CEO

Single figure of total remuneration

Annual bonus pay-out as % of maximum

Long-term incentive vesting rates as % of maximum3

2017

2018

€476,9811 €2,073,350

83.16%2

88.04%

N/A

N/A

1  The 2017 Single figure of Total Remuneration relates to the period 27 October 2017 to 31 December 2017
2  The 2017 Annual bonus pay-out as a % of maximum relates to bonus targets set prior to the merger of the two companies that now form RHI Magnesita
3  A long-term incentive plan was introduced when the Company was formed in October 2017. The first awards are not due to vest until 2021 based on a performance 

period ending 31 December 2020 (and shortly thereafter for the TSR element)

9 8

 
 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Percentage change in remuneration of the CEO (unaudited)
A comparison of the percentage change in Stefan Borgas’ salary, benefits and bonus against a relevant group of employees will be 
provided in 2019 when the percentage change between 2018 and 2019 will be given. This will be the first year where full 12-month 
comparative data will be available. 

Relative importance of spend on pay (unaudited)
The following table sets out the change in dividends and overall spend on pay in the financial year ended 31 December 2018 compared 
with the period from 27 October 2017 when the Company was admitted to trading and 31 December 2017. 

Total gross employee pay

Dividends2

2018
€million

 594,2

 74,3

27 Oct 2017 - 
31 Dec 2017
€million

82,2

33,6

1)  Due to only having figures for 2017 from 27 October till year end we have not provided the % change with 12 months of 2018. The % of change between the full year 

of 2019 against 2018 will be given in next year Annual Report
2)  Dividend is subject to AGM approval and is not time apportioned

Payments to past Directors (audited)
There were no payments to past Directors in the period 1 January to 31 December 2018.

Payments for loss of office (audited)
No payments were made to any Director in respect of loss of office in the period 1 January to 31 December 2018.

As announced on 5 June 2018, the CFO, Octavio Lopes left the Company on 31 December 2018. Octavio Lopes received no compensation 
for loss of office. Following his departure, all salary and benefit payments will cease with the following exceptions: as Octavio Lopes worked 
the whole of 2018, he received a bonus in line with performance against the bonus targets, as described on page 95 and he will receive 
tax advisory services in respect of his personal tax affairs; the total cost for such services is unlikely to exceed £3,000. There are no 
outstanding long-term incentive awards.

2019 Remuneration (audited)
Set out below is how the Directors’ Remuneration Policy will be implemented during 2019.

Salaries and fees for 2019

Executives

Stefan Borgas

Ian Botha2

Non-Executives

Chairman (inclusive all Committee fees)

Non-Executive Directors

Deputy Chair/Senior Independent Director

Chairs of Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee

Membership of the Audit & Compliance, and Remuneration Committees

Chairs of Nomination Committee (unless held by the Chairman)  
and Corporate Sustainability Committee

Membership of the Nomination and the Corporate Sustainability Committee

1  Base salary increased by 3,5% based on performance and aligned to salary increases of the workforce
2  Ian Botha will start 1 April 2019, and therefore in 2019 will receive €375,000 prorated from the full year annual salary as stated in the table

2019

2018

Percentage 
change

€855,000

€826,000

€500,000

-

£ 220,000 £ 220,000

£ 65,000

£ 65,000

£ 25,000

£ 25,000

£ 17,500

£ 12,500

£ 7,500

£ 7,500

£ 17,500

£ 10,000

£ 5,000

£ 5,000

3.5%1

-

0%

0%

0%

40%

0%

75%

0%

9 9

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Annual Report on Remuneration
continued

Recruitment of new CFO
Ian Botha will join the Company on 1 April 2019 on an annual base salary of €500,000. The structure of Ian Botha’s remuneration package 
is fully aligned to that of our CEO with the same annual bonus and long-term incentive targets and vesting schedules. Ian Botha’s annual 
bonus maximum opportunity is aligned to our CEO at 150% of salary and for 2019 pro-rated for service from 1 April and his PSP award is 
150% of salary (our CEO’s is 200% of salary). Half of any bonus in excess of target (50% of maximum bonus) must be used to acquire 
shares in the Company and be held for at least three years. The PSP awards have a two year post vesting holding period. Ian Botha has 
the same shareholding requirement as our CEO at 200% of salary and a retirement allowance of 15% of salary. 

Ian Botha’s terms of appointment including his remuneration package were agreed and then an announcement made to the market on 
21 September 2018. Ian Botha’s retirement allowance of 15% of salary was agreed to match the retirement allowance paid by his previous 
employer, to be the same as our CEO’s allowance and in line with the current shareholder approved Directors’ Remuneration Policy. The 
Committee has noted the provision of the updated UK Corporate Governance Code that executives’ pension provision should be aligned 
with the workforce and will address this requirement as part of the next policy review as well as take it into account when making any new 
Executive Director appointment.

To secure his appointment and in line with the remuneration policy, the Committee will grant Ian Botha on joining the Company the 
following share awards to compensate for variable pay forfeited on leaving his previous employer. The expectation is that all the shares 
will be retained post vesting net of tax towards Ian Botha’s shareholding requirement. Both awards vest over a longer time horizon than 
the awards given up and the total value is less than the expected value of the awards forfeited. 

1. 

2. 

 A restricted share award over shares with a value at the date of grant of up to €750,000, vesting on the third anniversary of grant. 
This award is to replace deferred bonus share awards forfeited with the actual value awarded determined once the exact value of 
shares forfeited is known; this may result in a reduction in the value of shares awarded but no increase. 

 A PS award to replace a forfeited Performance Share award, over shares with a value at the date of grant of €750,000 and vesting 
determined by the same performance targets and vesting schedule as those set for the “normal” annual 2019 PSP award and as 
detailed on page 101. This award will have a two year post vesting holding period.

These awards will be subject to the same clawback provisions applicable to our other share awards.

Annual bonus for 2019
With the recruitment of Ian Botha as the new CFO, the bonus structure of the CEO and CFO will be aligned. The maximum potential 
annual bonus opportunity for FY2019 will be 150% of salary for both the CEO and CFO.

The weighting of financial targets and strategic deliverables remains the same as in 2018, 75% of the annual bonus to be determined by 
Group financial targets and 25% by strategic deliverables. However, the weighting of the financial targets has been amended to increase 
the free cash flow weighting to 30% (2018: 25%) and the new synergy targets reduce to 10% (2018: 15%) as follows: 

Performance criteria

Operating EBIT measured on a constant currency basis

Free Cash Flow

Net Synergy

Strategic deliverables1,2

Weighting (%)

2019

35%

30%

10%

25%

2018

35%

25%

15%

25%

1  No bonus will be payable for strategic goals unless the Threshold target for EBIT is met
2  The specific targets relating to the 2019 bonus have not been disclosed at this stage as they are considered by the Committee to be commercially sensitive and it is 

not considered in the interests of shareholders to disclose further details on a prospective basis. Details will be provided on a retrospective basis in next year’s 
Annual Report on Remuneration

All other elements of the annual bonus structure remain unchanged and are in line with the approved Directors’ Remuneration Policy. 
The CEO and the new CFO are required to use 50% of any bonus earned in excess of target (net of tax) to acquire shares in the Company 
that will be held for a minimum of three years.

1 0 0

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

2019 LTIP awards
Our CEO will be granted a PS award over shares with a value at grant of 200% and our new CFO 150% of salary. The performance 
measures and targets for the 2019 awards are set out below.

Our 2018 LTIP awards were subject to relative TSR, adjusted EPS and EBIT targets. For 2019 the Committee has replaced the EBIT metric 
with Economic Profit Growth. Economic Profit Growth was a key performance indicator (KPI) of the Magnesita business prior to the 
Combination (of RHI and Magnesita) and has been introduced as a KPI for the combined businesses from 2019 onwards in order to manage 
and measure the long-term value of the Company. The Committee therefore consider it important to include Economic Profit Growth as 
one of the performance measures for the 2019 LTIP. The Committee has changed the measurement of TSR from the percentage growth 
against the FTSE 350 index to reviewing its performance against a relevant group of FTSE 350 companies. This change of measurement is 
seen to be no less challenging than the previous measurement. Shares resulting from the exercise of a Performance Share award cannot 
be sold until five years have elapsed from the date of award, other than to pay tax. Awards will be subject to clawback and malus provisions.

Performance measure

Relative TSR1 ranking

Adjusted EPS

Economic profit growth

Weighting

Threshold (25% vesting)

Maximum (100% vesting)

Performance period

33.30%

33.30%

33.30%

50th percentile

€7.8 per share

€600m

75th percentile

€9.0 per share

€670m 

 2019 to 2021
(+ 2 year holding 
period post vesting)

1  Measured against the FTSE 350, excluding sectors with limited direct relevance to RHI Magnesita
2  Being at least 25% in absolute terms higher than the Index (e.g. if Index TSR is 23% over three years then the vesting range is TSR of 23% to 48%)

Awards vest on a straight-line basis between threshold and maximum.

Terminology for Performance Share awards
The RHI Magnesita long-term incentive plan (the Plan) was approved by shareholders at the AGM 2018. After approval Performance 
Share awards may be granted under the Plan. The grant of an award is when participants are told they will receive shares provided 
performance targets are met. Participants do not receive shares at the time an award is granted. Performance targets are set at the 
time the award is granted and measured over a performance period of three financial years. At the end of the performance period the 
performance targets are tested against performance. An award will vest if the performance targets are met. If the performance targets 
are only met in part then only part of the award will vest. When the award vests the participant receives shares in the Company. If 
therefore a participant is granted an award over 100 shares but the performance targets are only met in part and only 50% of the 
award vests, the participant will receive 50 shares. Once an award vests the Executive Directors must retain the vested shares for a 
further two years (subject to the sale of sufficient shares to meet any tax payable on vesting).

This Report was reviewed and approved by the Board on 26 March 2019 and signed on its behalf by order of the Board.

CELIA BAXTER
CHAIRMAN OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

1 0 1

F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S

R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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1 0 2

R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8
A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

102Financial statements

104    Consolidated Statement  
of Financial Position
105    Consolidated Statement 

of Profit and Loss

106    Consolidated Statement  
of Comprehensive Income
  Consolidated Statement  
of Cash Flows

107 

108    Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity
  Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements 2018
  Independent Auditor’s Report 

195 

110 

Other information

203   Alternative performance 
measures (“APMs”)
204   Shareholder information

1 0 3
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F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S  

R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Consolidated Statement of 
Financial Position 

as of 31.12.2018 

in € million 

ASSETS 

Non-current assets 

Goodwill 

Other intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Investments in joint ventures and associates 

Other non-current financial assets 

Other non-current assets 

Deferred tax assets 

Current assets 

Inventories 

Trade and other current receivables 

Income tax receivables 

Other current financial assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 

Equity 

Share capital 

Group reserves 

Equity attributable to shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V. 

Non-controlling interests 

Non-current liabilities 

Borrowings 

Other non-current financial liabilities 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Provisions for pensions 

Other personnel provisions 

Other non-current provisions 

Other non-current liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Borrowings 

Other current financial liabilities 

Trade payables and other current liabilities 

Income tax liabilities 

Current provisions 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

102 
1 0 4

Notes 

31.12.2018 

31.12.20171) 

(11) 

(12) 

(13) 

(14) 

(15) 

(16) 

(17) 

(18) 

(19) 

(20) 

(21) 

(22) 

(23) 

(24) 

(25) 

(26) 

(27) 

(17) 

(28) 

(29) 

(30) 

(31) 

(26) 

(27) 

(32) 

(33) 

(34) 

117.4 

334.4 

1,094.8 

21.8 

18.0 

34.3 

171.1 

120.2 

373.0 

1,141.7 

21.4 

25.1 

24.2 

140.1 

1,791.8 

1,845.7 

717.8 

481.2 

18.4 

38.6 

491.2 

1,747.2 

3,539.0 

48.3 

752.2 

800.5 

84.8 

885.3 

844.8 

49.5 

78.4 

304.3 

78.5 

109.2 

10.3 

654.5 

522.6 

13.5 

34.1 

442.4 

1,667.1 

3,512.8 

44.8 

574.0 

618.8 

226.9 

845.7 

983.8 

55.5 

64.7 

308.7 

82.5 

115.7 

9.0 

1,475.0 

1,619.9 

321.6 

15.0 

756.9 

32.2 

53.0 

1,178.7 

3,539.0 

241.8 

17.4 

678.2 

16.1 

93.7 

1,047.2 

3,512.8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8 
A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Consolidated Statement of 
Profit or Loss 

from 01.01.2018 to 31.12.2018 

in € million 

Revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Selling and marketing expenses 

General and administrative expenses 

Other income 

Other expenses 

EBIT 

Interest income 

Interest expenses on borrowings 

Net expense on foreign exchange effects and related derivatives 

Other net financial expenses 

Net finance costs 

Share of profit of joint ventures and associates 

Profit/(Loss) before income tax 

Income tax 

Profit/(Loss) after income tax 

attributable to shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V. 

attributable to non-controlling interests 

Notes 

(35) 

(36) 

(37) 

(38) 

(39) 

(40) 

(41) 

(42) 

(43) 

(14) 

(44) 

(25) 

2018 

3,081.4 

(2,344.5) 

736.9 

(128.9) 

(208.4) 

43.9 

(44.9) 

398.6 

9.7 

(48.5) 

(81.3) 

(42.6) 

(162.7) 

10.1 

246.0 

(58.9) 

187.1 

158.1 

29.0 

20171) 

1,950.1 

(1,543.4) 

406.7 

(101.2) 

(143.1) 

10.4 

(107.3) 

65.5 

5.6 

(23.6) 

(50.8) 

(13.6) 

(82.4) 

11.0 

(5.9) 

(4.9) 

(10.8) 

(17.4) 

6.6 

in € 

Earnings per share (basic and diluted) 

(51) 

3.52 

(0.43) 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita and the changes in presentation. 

103
1 0 5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S  

R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income 

from 01.01.2018 to 31.12.2018 

in € million 

Profit/(Loss) after income tax 

Currency translation differences 

Unrealised results from currency translation 

Deferred taxes thereon 

Current taxes thereon 

Reclassification to profit or loss 

Deferred taxes thereon 

Current taxes thereon 

Cash flow hedges 

Unrealised fair value changes 

Deferred taxes thereon 

Reclassification to profit or loss 

Deferred taxes thereon 

Share of other comprehensive income of joint ventures and associates 

Items that will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss, if necessary 

Remeasurement of defined benefit plans 

Remeasurement of defined benefit plans 

Deferred taxes thereon 

Share of other comprehensive income of joint ventures and associates 

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss 

Other comprehensive (loss) after income tax 

Total comprehensive income/(loss) 

attributable to shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V. 

attributable to non-controlling interests 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

Notes 

(7) 

(17) 

(53) 

(17) 

(53) 

(17) 

(14) 

(28) 

(17) 

(14) 

(25) 

2018 

187.1 

(20.3) 

0.9 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

(6.8) 

1.8 

0.0 

0.0 

0.1 

20171) 

(10.8) 

(49.3) 

1.7 

(0.4) 

40.7 

(5.7) 

(0.5) 

0.6 

(0.1) 

0.5 

(0.1) 

0.0 

(24.3) 

(12.6) 

(11.5) 

3.0 

0.0 

(8.5) 

(11.3) 

2.9 

(0.1) 

(8.5) 

(32.8) 

(21.1) 

154.3 

137.9 

16.4 

(31.9) 

(30.7) 

(1.2) 

104 
1 0 6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8 
A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Consolidated Statement of 
Cash Flows 

from 01.01.2018 to 31.12.2018 

in € million 

Notes 

Profit/(Loss) after income tax 
Adjustments for 
income tax 
depreciation 
amortisation 
impairment losses of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 
income from the reversal of investment subsidies 
write-ups/ impairment losses on securities 
losses from the disposal of property, plant and equipment 
gains from the disposal of securities and shares 
losses from the disposal of subsidiaries 
net interest expense and derivatives 
share of profit of joint ventures and associates 
other non-cash changes 

Changes in 

inventories 
trade receivables 
other receivables and assets 
provisions 
trade payables 
prepayments received on orders 
other liabilities 

Cash generated from operations 
Income tax paid less refunds 
Net cash inflow from operating activities 
Investments in subsidiaries net of cash acquired 
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries net of cash disposed of 
Investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 
Cash inflows from the sale of property, plant and equipment 
Investments in/ cash inflows from non-current receivables 
Investments in securities 
Cash inflows from the sale of securities and shares 
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates 
Investment subsidies received 
Interest received 
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities 
Share issue costs 
Capital contribution to associates 
Proceeds from sale of non-controlling interests 
Acquisition of non-controlling interests 
Dividend payments to shareholders of the Group 
Dividend payments to non-controlling interests 
Proceeds from non-current borrowings and loans 
Repayments of non-current borrowings and loans 
Proceeds from current borrowings and loans 
Repayments of current borrowings and loans 
Changes in current borrowings 
Interest payments 
Cash flows from derivatives 
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities 
Total cash flow 
Change in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
Foreign exchange impact 
Cash and cash equivalents at year-end 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

(47) 

(48) 

(22) 

2018 

187.1 

58.9 
124.8 
28.6 
0.0 
(0.5) 
0.3 
1.4 
(0.7) 
0.0 
92.5 
(10.1) 
18.1 

(56.7) 
20.0 
(29.5) 
(59.4) 
55.1 
30.2 
2.1 
462.2 
(67.9) 
394.3 
0.0 
0.0 
(122.6) 
2.9 
0.4 
(121.2) 
118.4 
11.0 
2.1 
8.2 
(100.8) 
(6.2) 
(1.4) 
9.2 
(80.1) 
(33.6) 
(1.1) 
489.8 
(650.9) 
245.1 
(151.0) 
26.4 
(71.1) 
(20.1) 
(245.0) 
48.5 
48.5 
442.4 
0.3 
491.2 

20171) 

(10.8) 

4.9 
66.2 
13.4 
19.8 
(1.2) 
1.9 
1.5 
0.0 
19.3 
13.3 
(11.0) 
82.0 

(89.3) 
12.1 
7.6 
(15.2) 
111.1 
9.1 
20.6 
255.3 
(41.9) 
213.4 
45.1 
30.6 
(72.0) 
2.7 
(0.2) 
(11.8) 
21.8 
10.8 
1.2 
5.1 
33.3 
(3.0) 
0.0 
0.0 
(0.6) 
(29.9) 
(1.1) 
459.8 
(375.6) 
0.0 
0.0 
(8.3) 
(24.9) 
8.2 
24.6 
271.3 
271.3 
182.9 
(11.8) 
442.4 

105
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F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S  

R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Consolidated Statement of 
Changes in Equity 

from 01.01.2018 to 31.12.2018 

in € million 

Notes 

31.12.20171) 

Effects of initial application of IFRS 15 (net of tax) 

Effects of initial application of IFRS 9 (net of tax) 

01.01.2018 

Profit after income tax 

Currency translation differences 

Market valuation of cash flow hedges 

Remeasurement of defined benefit plans 

Share of other comprehensive income of joint ventures and associates 

Other comprehensive income after income tax 

Total comprehensive income 

Dividends 

Issue of ordinary shares related to the mandatory tender offer of Magnesita 

Sale of non-controlling interests without loss of control 

Acquisition in non-controlling interests without change of control 

Share-based payments 

Transactions with shareholders 

31.12.2018 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

in € million 

Notes 

01.01.2017 

Profit after income tax 

Currency translation differences 

Cash flow hedges 

Remeasurement of defined benefit plans 

Share of other comprehensive income of joint ventures 

Other comprehensive income after income tax 

Total comprehensive income 

Dividends 

Issue of ordinary shares related to business combinations 

Share issue costs, net of tax 

Change in non-controlling interests due to addition to consolidated companies 

Transactions with shareholders 

Disposal of defined benefit plans 

Downstream merger from RHI AG to RHI Magnesita N.V. 

Reclassifications 
31.12.20171) 

106 
1 0 8

Share  
capital 

(23) 

44.8 

Additional  
paid-in  
capital 

(24) 

165.7 

Mandatory reserve 

(24) 

288.7 

44.8 

165.7 

288.7 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3.5 

- 

- 

- 

3.5 

48.3 

Share  
capital 

(23) 

289.4 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

5.0 

- 

- 

5.0 

- 

(249.6) 

(249.6) 

44.8 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

139.8 

- 

- 

- 

139.8 

305.5 

Additional  
paid-in  
capital 

(24) 

38.3 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

174.5 

(8.8) 

- 

165.7 

- 

(38.3) 

(38.3) 

165.7 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

288.7 

Mandatory reserve 

(24) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

288.7 

288.7 

288.7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8 
A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Group reserves 

Accumulated other comprehensive income 

Currency translation 

Equity attributable  
to shareholders  
of RHI Magnesita N.V. 

Non-controlling 
interests 

Total equity 

Retained earnings 

Cash flow hedges 

(24) 

281.9 

(6.0) 

1.8 

277.7 

158.1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

158.1 

(33.6) 

- 

7.2 

(59.4) 

1.0 

(84.8) 

351.0 

(24) 

0.1 

0.1 

- 

- 

(5.2) 

- 

- 

(5.2) 

(5.2) 

- 

- 

- 

0.1 

- 

0.1 

(5.0) 

Defined  
benefit plans 

(24) 

(107.7) 

(107.7) 

- 

- 

- 

(6.6) 

- 

(6.6) 

(6.6) 

- 

- 

- 

0.1 

- 

0.1 

(114.2) 

Retained earnings 

Cash flow hedges 

(24) 

(54.7) 

(54.7) 

- 

(8.5) 

- 

- 

0.1 

(8.4) 

(8.4) 

- 

- 

0.2 

(10.9) 

- 

(10.7) 

(73.8) 

618.8 

(6.0) 

1.8 

614.6 

158.1 

(8.5) 

(5.2) 

(6.6) 

0.1 

(20.2) 

137.9 

(33.6) 

143.3 

7.4 

(70.1) 

1.0 

48.0 

800.5 

(25) 

226.9 

(0.6) 

- 

226.3 

29.0 

(10.9) 

0.2 

(1.9) 

- 

(12.6) 

16.4 

(1.2) 

- 

1.7 

(158.4) 

- 

(157.9) 

84.8 

Group reserves 

Accumulated other comprehensive income 

Defined  
benefit plans 

(24) 

(100.3) 

- 

- 

- 

(8.3) 

(0.1) 

(8.4) 

(8.4) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1.0 

- 

1.0 

Currency translation 

Equity attributable  
to shareholders  
of RHI Magnesita N.V. 

Non-controlling 
interests 

(24) 

(49.0) 

- 

(5.7) 

- 

- 

(5.7) 

(5.7) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

508.7 

(17.4) 

(5.7) 

0.8 

(8.3) 

(0.1) 

(13.3) 

(30.7) 

(29.9) 

179.5 

(8.8) 

0.0  

140.8 

- 

- 

- 

(25) 

15.3 

6.6 

(7.8) 

0.1 

(0.1) 

- 

(7.8) 

(1.2) 

(1.2) 

- 

- 

214.0 

212.8 

- 

- 

- 

(24) 

(0.7) 

- 

- 

0.8 

- 

- 

0.8 

0.8 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(24) 

331.0 

(17.4) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(17.4) 

(29.9) 

- 

- 

- 

(29.9) 

(1.0) 

(0.8) 

(1.8) 

281.9 

0.1 

(107.7) 

(54.7) 

618.8 

226.9 

845.7 

107
1 0 9

845.7 

(6.6) 

1.8 

840.9 

187.1 

(19.4) 

(5.0) 

(8.5) 

0.1 

(32.8) 

154.3 

(34.8) 

143.3 

9.1 

(228.5) 

1.0 

(109.9) 

885.3 

Total  
equity 

524.0 

(10.8) 

(13.5) 

0.9 

(8.4) 

(0.1) 

(21.1) 

(31.9) 

(31.1) 

179.5 

(8.8) 

214.0  

353.6 

- 

- 

- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S  

R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Notes 

to the Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 

PRINCIPLES AND METHODS 

1. General 
RHI Magnesita N.V. (the “Company”), a public company with limited liability under Dutch law is registered with the Dutch Trade Register 
of the Chamber of Commerce under the number 68991665 and has its corporate seat in Arnhem, Netherlands. The administrative seat 
and registered office is located at Kranichberggasse 6, 1120 Vienna, Austria. 

The Company and its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures (the “Group”) is a global industrial group whose core activities comprise of 
the development and production, sale, installation and maintenance of high-grade refractory products and systems used in industrial 
high-temperature processes exceeding 1,200°C. The Group supplies customers in the steel, cement, lime, glass and nonferrous metals 
industries. In addition, the Group’s products are used in the environment (waste incineration), energy (refractory construction) and chem-
icals (petrochemicals) sectors. 

The shares of RHI Magnesita N.V. are listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange and are included in the FTSE 250 Index. 

RHI Magnesita N.V. was incorporated on 20 June 2017 and became the ultimate parent of the RHI Magnesita Group as of 26 October 
2017, after completing the corporate restructuring of RHI AG. Until then, RHI AG was the ultimate parent of the Group. This restructuring 
represented a common control transaction that had no impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements, except for the reclassification 
of individual equity components.  

The financial year of RHI Magnesita N.V. and the Group corresponds to the calendar year. If the financial years of subsidiaries included in 
the Consolidated Financial Statements do not end on 31 December due to local legal requirements, a special set of financial statements 
are prepared for the purpose of consolidation. The reporting date of the Indian subsidiaries is 31 March. 

The Consolidated Financial Statements for the period from 1 January to 31 December 2018 were drawn up in accordance with all Interna-
tional Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) mandatory at the time of preparation as adopted by the European Union (EU). The presenta-
tion in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position distinguishes between current and non-current assets and liabilities. Assets and 
liabilities are classified as current if they are due within one year or within a longer normal business cycle or if the Company does not have 
an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting date. Inventories as well as trade receiv-
ables and trade payables are generally presented as current items. Deferred tax assets and liabilities as well as assets and provisions for 
pensions and termination benefits are generally presented as non-current items. 

The Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss is drawn up in accordance with the cost of sales method. Under this method, revenue is 
offset against the expenses incurred to generate it, which are allocated to the functions production, sales and administration. 

With the exception of specific items such as derivative financial instruments and plan assets for defined benefit obligations, the Consoli-
dated Financial Statements are prepared on a historical cost basis. 

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in agreement with generally accepted accounting principles under IFRS, as 
adopted by the EU, requires the use of estimates and assumptions that influence the amount and presentation of assets and liabilities 
recognised as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the reporting date and the recognition of income and ex-
penses during the reporting period. Although these estimates reflect the best knowledge of the management based on experience from 
comparable transactions, the actual values recognised at a later date may differ from these estimates. 

All amounts in the Notes and tables are shown in € million, unless indicated otherwise. For computational reasons, rounding differences 
may occur. 

The Annual Report was authorised for issue on 26 March 2019 and is subject to adoption at the Annual General Meeting of shareholders 
on 6 June 2019. 

108 
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R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8 
A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

2. Initial application of new financial reporting standards 
In 2018, the Group has applied for the first time a number of new standards and interpretations as well as amendments to IFRSs issued by 
the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) that are mandatorily effective for an accounting period that begins on or after  
1 January 2018. 

Standard 

Title 

New standards and interpretations 

IFRS 9 

Financial Instruments 

IFRS 15 

Revenue from Contracts with Customers 

IFRS 15 

Clarifications to IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers 

IFRIC 22 

Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration 

Various 

Annual improvements to IFRS Standards 2014-2016 Cycle 

Amendments of standards 

IAS 40 

Transfers of Investment Property 

IFRS 2 

IFRS 4 

Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment 
Transactions 

Applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance 
Contracts 

1  According to EU Endorsement Status Report of 11.02.2019. 

Publication
(EU endorsement)1)

Effects on RHI Magnesita  
Consolidated Financial Statements 

24.07.2014 
(22.11.2016) 

28.05.2014/ 
11.09.2015 
(22.09.2016) 

12.04.2016 
(31.10.2017) 

08.12.2016 
(28.03.2018) 

08.12.2016 
(07.02.2018) 

08.12.2016 
(14.03.2018) 

20.06.2016 
(26.02.2018) 

12.09.2016 
(03.11.2017) 

No material effects 

Timing differences in revenue recognition 

Timing differences in revenue recognition 

No effect 

No effect 

Not relevant 

No effect 

Not relevant 

IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” 
IFRS 9 was published in July 2014 and endorsed by the European Union on 22 November 2016. It is to be applied effective 1 January 
2018. IFRS 9 includes revised guidance on classification and measurement of financial instruments, including a new expected credit loss 
model for calculating impairment on financial assets and new general hedge accounting requirements. The standard replaces existing 
guidance in IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. RHI Magnesita implemented IFRS 9 on 1 January 2018 using 
the modified retrospective approach, meaning that the 2017 comparative numbers in the 2018 Consolidated Financial Statements are not 
restated. The impact of IFRS 9 as of 1 January 2018 amounting to €1.8 million was recognised in equity - additional information on that 
effect is disclosed in the table at the end of Note (2) summarising the effects of the initial application of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15. No reclassifi-
cations between different components of equity were required due to the initial application of IFRS 9. 

With regard to the revised classification and measurement principles, IFRS 9 contains three classification categories: “measured at amor-
tised cost”, “fair value through other comprehensive income” and “fair value through profit or loss”. The standard eliminates the existing 
IAS 39 categories: “loans and receivables”, “held to maturity” and “available-for-sale”. The resulting effect of the reclassification of the 
financial assets due to the adoption of IFRS 9 was immaterial. 

Subsequent accounting differences may arise due to the new classification under IFRS 9. Shares in investment funds that were previously 
classified as “available-for-sale”, with respective changes in fair value accounted for through other comprehensive income, are now clas-
sified as “fair value through profit or loss” as the payments made in connection with the funds do not solely constitute payments of prin-
cipal and interest. Changes in fair value are therefore recognised in profit or loss. In addition, equity instruments from the “at amortised 
cost” and “available-for-sale” categories were classified as “fair value through profit or loss”. 

For the category “measured at amortised cost”, IFRS 9 replaces the previously applied incurred loss model under IAS 39 with the ex-
pected loss model. The expected loss model implies a three-stage model for financial assets. Stage 1 is applied when the credit risk has 
not risen significantly and an investment grade rating exists. Consequently, a risk provision for credit losses expected from possible de-
fault events within the next twelve months has to be recognised. Stage 2 is applied when the credit risk of receivables has risen signifi-
cantly, in which case a risk provision amounting to the expected credit losses that result from all default events over the remaining term of 
the instrument has to be recognised. Stage 3 is equivalent to default. IFRS 9 requires a simplified impairment approach for trade receiva-
bles and contract assets that do not contain a significant financing component. With this simplified approach, the risk provision is to be 

109
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F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S  

R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Notes 
continued 

recognised according to Stage 2. Therefore, the expected credit losses are recognised over the remaining term of the instrument. The 
initial application effect in equity resulting from the impairment of trade receivables after deduction of deferred taxes amounted to €1.8 
million, which is shown in retained earnings. 

In accordance with the transition provisions for hedge accounting laid out in IFRS 9, the Group applied the IFRS 9 hedge accounting 
requirements prospectively from the date of initial application on 1 January 2018. The Group’s qualifying hedging relationships in place 
as at 1 January 2018 also qualify for hedge accounting according to IFRS 9 and were therefore regarded as continuing hedging relation-
ships. 

The following table provides information about the impact of IFRS 9 only. It states each class of financial assets and financial liabilities as 
well as the respective carrying amounts under the original category IAS 39 compared to the new IFRS 9 category. 

Original 
measurement 
category IAS 392) 

Measurement 
category IFRS 92) 

Carrying amount as 
per IAS 39 
31.12.20173) 

Carrying amount 
as per IFRS 9 
01.01.2018 

AC 

FVOCI 

FVOCI 

FVOCI 

FVPL 

- 

AC 

AC 

AC 

AC 

FVPL 

FVPL 

AC 

AC 

AC 

AC 

AC 

FVPL 

AC 

FVPL 

AC 

FVPL 

FVPL 

FVPL 

FVPL 

FVPL 

- 

AC 

AC 

AC 

AC 

FVPL 

FVPL 

AC 

AC 

AC 

AC 

AC 

FVPL 

AC 

FVPL 

AC 

0.8 

0.4 

12.6 

2.4 

2.3 

1.5 

2.6 

2.5 

412.5 

0.1 

32.3 

1.7 

442.4 

914.1 

953.0 

215.3 

55.6 

1.7 

40.9 

32.0 

0.6 

507.0 

1,806.1 

0.8 

0.4 

12.6 

2.4 

2.3 

1.5 

2.6 

2.5 

414.9 

0.1 

32.3 

1.7 

442.4 

916.5 

953.0 

215.3 

55.6 

1.7 

40.9 

32.0 

0.6 

507.0 

1,806.1 

in € million1) 

Interests in subsidiaries not consolidated (FAAC) 

Available-for-sale investments (AfS) 

Available-for-sale securities (AfS) 

Available-for-sale shares (AfS) 

Securities designated as fair value through profit or loss (FAFVTPL) 

Interest derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 

Non-current receivables from disposal of subsidiaries (LaR) 

Other non-current financial receivables (LaR) 

Trade and other current receivables4) (LaR) 

Other current financial receivables (LaR) 

Financial assets held for trading - securities (FAHfT) 

Financial assets held for trading - derivatives (FAHfT) 

Cash and cash equivalents (LaR) 

Financial assets 

Liabilities to financial institutions (FLAAC) 

Perpetual bonds (FLAAC) 

Senior notes (FLAAC) 

Other financial liabilities (FLAAC) 

Financial liabilities held for trading - derivatives (FLHfT) 

Liabilities to fixed-term or puttable non-controlling interests (FLAAC) 

Contingent consideration for acquired subsidiaries (FLFVTPL) 

Trade payables and other current liabilities5) (FLAAC) 

Financial liabilities 

1  FAAC: Financial assets at amortised cost. 
  AfS: Available for sale financial instruments. 
  LaR: Loans and receivables. 
  FAHfT: Financial assets held for trading. 
  FLAAC: Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost. 
  FLHfT: Financial liabilities held for trading. 
  FLFVTPL: Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss. 
2  FVPL: Financial assets/financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss. 
  AC: Financial assets/financial liabilities measured at amortised cost. 
  FVOCI: Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income. 
3  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 
4  Thereof non-financial receivables per 01.01.2018: €110.1 million. 
5  Thereof non-financial liabilities per 01.01.2018: €171.2 million. 

In addition to this table, a change took place for receivables from long-term construction contracts previously accounted for using the 
percentage of completion method according to IAS 11. These receivables were reclassified from non-financial receivables to financial 
receivables and are now included in trade and other current receivables in accordance with IFRS 15. 

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A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” 
IFRS 15 replaces IAS 18 “Revenue” and IAS 11 “Construction Contracts” as well as the corresponding interpretations. RHI Magnesita Group 
applied IFRS 15 using the modified retrospective approach with effect as of 1 January 2018. The cumulative effect of initial application 
was therefore recognised as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of 1 January 2018 without restating the compa-
rable period. Changes from the initial application of IFRS 15 arose in the following areas:  

 

Revenue from the delivery of products is recognised at the point in time when control over the products is passed to the customer, 
which is determined based on the individual Incoterms rules agreed in the customer contract. In the course of contracts for the de-
livery of refractory products, control of the goods is passed to the customer typically when physical possession has been transferred 
to the customer. Therefore, for the Incoterms rules CPT (Carriage paid to), CIP (Carriage and Insurance paid to) as well as for CFR 
(Cost and Freight) and CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) it was determined, that the time of passing control deviates from the time of 
transfer of significant risks and rewards. As a result, revenue will be recognised at a later point in time than previously under IAS 18. 
Therefore, the effect from the initial application of IFRS 15 resulted in a reduction of trade and other current receivables in the 
amount of €28.4 million and in an increase of inventories in the amount of €19.9 million. The negative equity effect from the rever-
sal of revenue from the delivery of products, after deduction of deferred taxes, amounted to €6.6 million as of 1 January 2018.  
  Changes in presentation of expected penalty fees were necessary. Previously, expected penalty fees were recognised as provisions, 

whereas according to IFRS 15 they are considered as variable consideration and therefore shown as either a contract liability or re-
fund liability. Consequently, a total amount of €4.3 million was reclassified from current provisions to trade payables and other cur-
rent liabilities as of 1 January 2018 in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.  
Receivables from long-term construction contracts in the amount of €11.7 million were reclassified to trade receivables within the 
same item of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position trade and other current receivables as of 1 January 2018 because RHI 
Magnesita’s right to consideration is unconditional. 

 

The summary of the effects on the individual positions of the Statement of Financial Position from the initial application of IFRS 15 as of  
1 January 2018 is shown in the table at the end of this Note. For the purpose of the transition to IFRS 15, the Group did not apply the avail-
able optional practical expedients. 

The following tables show the effects of IFRS 15 for the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of 31 December 2018 and the 
Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss from 1 January to 31 December 2018. 

in € million 

Inventories 

Trade and other current receivables 

Current assets 

ASSETS 

Group reserves 

Equity attributable to the shareholders 

Non-controlling interests 

Equity 

Trade payables and other current liabilities 

Income tax liabilities 

Current provisions 

Current liabilities 

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 

31.12.2018 
as reported 

Adjustments  
IFRS 15 

31.12.2018 
without application 
of IFRS 15 

717.8 

481.2 

1,747.2 

3,539.0 

752.2 

800.5 

84.8 

885.3 

756.9 

32.2 

53.0 

1,178.7 

3,539.0 

(25.0) 

25.6 

0.6 

0.6 

5.5 

5.5 

0.1 

5.6 

(10.5) 

1.7 

3.8 

(5.0) 

0.6 

692.8 

506.8 

1,747.8 

3,539.6 

757.7 

806.0 

84.9 

890.9 

746.4 

33.9 

56.8 

1,173.7 

3,539.6 

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Notes 
continued 

in € million  

Revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

EBIT 

Profit before income tax 

Income tax 

Profit after income tax 

attributable to the shareholders 

attributable to non-controlling interests 

as reported 

3,081.4 

(2,344.5) 

736.9 

398.6 

246.0 

(58.9) 

187.1 

158.1 

29.0 

Adjustments  
IFRS 15 

without application 
of IFRS 15 

32.3 

(25.0) 

7.3 

7.3 

7.3 

(1.7) 

5.6 

4.9 

0.7 

3,113.7 

(2,369.5) 

744.2 

405.9 

253.3 

(60.6) 

192.7 

163.0 

29.7 

Summary of the effects of the initial application of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 

in € million 

Deferred tax assets 

Non-current assets 

Inventories 

Trade and other current receivables 

Current assets 

ASSETS 

Group reserves  

Equity attributable to the shareholders 

Non-controlling interests 

Equity 

Deferred tax liabilities  

Non-current liabilities 

Trade payables and other current liabilities 

Current provisions 

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

31.12.20171) 

Effects of the initial 
application of 
IFRS 9 

Effects of the initial 
application of  
IFRS 15 

01.01.2018 

140.1 

1,845.7 

654.5 

522.6 

1,667.1 

3,512.8 

574.0 

618.8 

226.9 

845.7 

64.7 

1,619.9 

678.2 

93.7 

3,512.8 

(0.6) 

(0.6) 

0.0 

2.4 

2.4 

1.8 

1.8 

1.8 

0.0 

1.8 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

1.8 

1.7 

1.7 

19.9 

(28.4) 

(8.5) 

(6.8) 

(6.0) 

(6.0) 

(0.6) 

(6.6) 

(0.2) 

(0.2) 

4.3 

(4.3) 

(6.8) 

141.2 

1,846.8 

674.4 

496.6 

1,661.0 

3,507.8 

569.8 

614.6 

226.3 

840.9 

64.5 

1,619.7 

682.5 

89.4 

3,507.8 

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3. Other changes in comparative information 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position  
The Statement of Financial Position per 31 December 2017 was adjusted for the final fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities of 
Magnesita. The details of the effects are shown in Note (5) Group of consolidated companies under Acquisition of Magnesita.  

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss  
The Statement of Profit or Loss 2017 was adjusted for the effects of the subsequent measurement of the values determined in the final 
purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

Additionally, in order to improve comparability with other FTSE 350 companies and ensure better understanding of the entity’s financial 
performance, certain items in the Statement of Profit or Loss 2017 were reclassified. As of 31 December 2017, the effect on revenue 
amounted to €4.0 million, on gross profit to €(23.3) million, on EBIT to €50.8 million and on net finance costs to €(50.8) million. Varia-
ble commissions in the amount of €(27.3) million as of 31 December 2017 were reclassified from selling and marketing expenses to cost of 
sales and the expenses for strategic and merger-related projects (2017: €24.4 million) are now presented in other expenses, instead of 
general and administrative expenses. Variable commissions are costs directly linked with revenue. This reclassification should ensure 
better interpretation of these costs. Foreign exchange gains and losses as well as the effects from derivatives were reclassified from other 
income and expenses to a separate line item in net finance costs which is called “Net expense on foreign exchange effects and related 
derivatives”. This reclassification was done because the majority of foreign exchange effects are incurred due to financing activities and 
the effects from derivatives are related to foreign exchange effects.  

Additionally, interest expenses on borrowings are now reported as a separate item due to its significance. Other net financial expenses 
include all remaining financial income and expenses. The information for the previous year was adjusted accordingly. 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
Cash flows from derivatives in the amount of €8.2 million were reclassified from cash flow from operating activities to net cash flow from 
financing activities because they are related to foreign exchange effects of financing activities.  

Segment reporting 
In 2018, RHI Magnesita reorganised its internal structure and reporting. The activities formerly concentrated in the Raw material segment 
are now split between the Steel and Industrial segment. Each segment serves different customers and generates exclusively external 
revenue. The gross profit serves the management of the RHI Magnesita Group for internal performance management. The profit of joint 
ventures and associates, net finance costs and income taxes are managed on a group basis and are not allocated. The information for the 
previous year was adjusted accordingly. 

4. New financial reporting standards not yet applied 
The Group has chosen to not early adopt the following new and revised IFRSs, that have been issued by the IASB, but are not yet manda-
tory: 

Standard 

Title 

New standards 

IFRS 9 

Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation 

IFRS 16 

Leases 

IFRIC 23 

Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments 

Amendments of standards 

IAS 28 

Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures 

1  According to EU Endorsement Status Report of 11.02.2019. 

Publication 
(EU endorsement)1) 

Mandatory application for 
RHI Magnesita 

Expected effects on RHI 
Magnesita Consolidated 
Financial Statements 

12.10.2017 
(22.03.2018) 

13.01.2016  
(31.10.2017) 

07.06.2017 
(23.10.2018) 

12.10.2017 
(08.02.2019) 

01.01.2019 

No effect 

01.01.2019 

Material effects expected 

01.01.2019 

No effect 

01.01.2019 

No effect 

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Notes 
continued 

IFRS 16 “Leases” 
General impact of application of IFRS 16 Leases 
The accounting standard IFRS 16, which was issued in January 2016, supersedes IAS 17 “Leases” and the related interpretations and is 
applicable to financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2019. Accounting for the lessor according to IFRS 16 is comparable to the 
current regulations. In contrast, accounting will change fundamentally for the lessee with the application of IFRS 16. In future, most leases 
will have to be recognised as assets and liabilities in the Statement of Financial Position of the lessee, regardless of whether they are 
considered operating or financing leases under the previous criteria of IAS 17.   

According to IFRS 16, a lessee recognises a right of use, which represents his right to use the underlying asset, and a liability from the 
lease, which reflects the obligation of lease payments. Exemptions are provided for short-term leases and assets of minor value. Moreover, 
the type of expenses related to these leases will change since IFRS 16 replaces the straight-line expenses for operating leases with a 
depreciation charge for rights of use and interest expenses for liabilities from the lease. In the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, 
there is a shift from cash flow from operating activities to cash flow from financing activities since the repayment of leasing liabilities must 
in any case be shown as cash flow from financing activities.   

RHI Magnesita has chosen the modified retrospective application of IFRS 16 in accordance with IFRS 16:C5(b). Consequently, the Group 
will not restate the comparative information. 

RHI Magnesita will make use of the practical expedient available on transition to IFRS 16 not to reassess whether a contract is or contains a 
lease. Accordingly, the definition of a lease in accordance with IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 will continue to apply to those leases entered or modi-
fied before 1 January 2019. 

The change in definition of a lease mainly relates to the concept of control. IFRS 16 distinguishes between leases and service contracts 
on the basis of whether the use of an identified asset is controlled by the customer. Control is considered to exist if the customer has: 

 
 

The right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of an identified asset; and  
The right to direct the use of that asset. 

RHI Magnesita will apply the definition of a lease and related guidance set out in IFRS 16 to all lease contracts entered into or modified on 
or after 1 January 2019. 

Impact on Lessee Accounting  
IFRS 16 has no economic impact on the Group. It has no effect on how the business is run, nor on cash flows for the Group. It does how-
ever have a significant impact on the way the assets, liabilities and the Statement of Profit or Loss of the Group are presented, as well as 
the classification of cash flows relating to lease contracts. 

On initial application of IFRS 16, for all leases (except as noted below), RHI Magnesita will: 

 

 
 

Recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, initially measured at the 
present value of the future lease payments; 
Recognise depreciation of right-of-use assets and interest on lease liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss; 
Separate the total amount of cash paid into a principal portion (presented within financing activities) and interest (presented within 
operating activities) in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. 

Furthermore, on initial application RHI Magnesita will make use of the following practical expedients: 

 
 

 

Applying a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics; 
Relying on its assessment of whether leases are onerous immediately before the date of initial application as an alternative to per-
forming impairment review; 
Treating leases for which the lease term ends within 12 months of the date of initial application as short-term leases. 

For short-term leases (lease term of 12 months or less) and leases of low-value assets, the RHI Magnesita Group will opt to recognise a 
lease expense on a straight-line basis as permitted by IFRS 16.  

Based on a preliminary assessment, it is expected that the RHI Magnesita Group will recognise right-of-use assets and corresponding 
lease liabilities of €62.0 million in respect of all these leases. The impact on profit or loss is estimated to be a decrease in other expenses 
by €13.3 million, an increase in depreciation by €12.6 million and an increase in interest expense by €0.6 million. 

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Under IAS 17, all lease payments on operating leases are presented as part of cash flows from operating activities. Under IFRS 16, the cash 
generated by operating activities is expected to increase by €13.3 million and the net cash outflow in financing activities is expected to 
increase by the same amount.  

For existing finance leases RHI Magnesita does not expect an impact on the amounts recognised in the Group’s Consolidated Statement 
of Financial Position. 

The following financial reporting standards were issued by the IASB, but had not yet been adopted by the EU at the time of the prepara-
tion of the RHI Magnesita Consolidated Financial Statements: 

Standard 

Title 

New standards and interpretations 

IFRS 14 

IFRS 17 

Regulatory Deferral Accounts 

Insurance Contracts 

Amendments of standards 

IAS 1, IAS 8 

Definition of Material 

IAS 19 

IFRS 3 

Various 

Various 

Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement 

Business Combinations 

Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework 
in IFRS Standards 

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2015-2017 Cycle 

1  According to EU Endorsement Status Report of 11.02.2019. 

Publication1)

Mandatory application for  
RHI Magnesita 

Expected effects on RHI 
Magnesita Consolidated 
Financial Statements 

30.01.2014 

18.05.2017 

31.10.2018 

07.02.2018 

22.10.2018 

29.03.2018 

12.12.2017 

No EU endorsement 

01.01.2021 

Not relevant 

Not relevant 

01.01.2020 

No material effects 

01.01.2019 

No material effects 

01.01.2020 

No effect 

01.01.2020 

01.01.2019 

No effect 

No effect 

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Notes 
continued 

5. Group of consolidated companies 
Changes in the group of consolidated companies in the previous year 
Acquisition of Magnesita 
On 26 October 2017, RHI Magnesita N.V. via its indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary Dutch Brasil Holding B.V. obtained control in Magnesi-
ta Refratários S.A. and its subsidiaries (Magnesita) after acquiring 50% plus one share and corresponding voting rights in Magnesita Re-
fratários S.A. The acquisition led to a cash inflow of €50.2 million (purchase price paid of €117.3 million less acquired cash and cash 
equivalents of €167.5 million). 

The fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities at the acquisition date have been adjusted according to IFRS 3 compared to the Con-
solidated Financial Statements 2017 over the course of the measurement period. The final fair values of the assets and liabilities recog-
nised as a result of the acquisition are presented as follows: 

in € million 

Property, plant and equipment 

Other intangible assets 

thereof customer relationships 

thereof mining rights 

Investments in joint ventures and associates 

Other non-current financial assets 

Other non-current assets 

Deferred tax assets 

Inventories 

Trade and other current receivables 

Income tax receivables 

Other current financial assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Assets held for sale 

Non-current financial liabilities 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Provisions for pensions 

Other personnel provisions 

Other non-current provisions 

Other non-current liabilities 

Current financial liabilities 

Current derivative financial liabilities 

Trade and other current liabilities 

Income tax liabilities 

Current provisions 

Liabilities relating to assets held for sale 

Net assets 

Non-controlling interest 

Proportional share of net assets acquired 

Goodwill 

Purchase price 

Preliminary fair value 

Adjustments made 

Final fair value 

439.0 

161.4 

122.0 

0.0 

9.9 

4.3 

16.3 

49.9 

244.7 

175.6 

9.2 

42.7 

166.2 

33.6 

(550.8) 

(0.3) 

(81.0) 

(1.5) 

(51.7) 

(2.0) 

(131.4) 

(0.2) 

(238.4) 

(10.1) 

(25.8) 

(9.4) 

250.2 

(125.1) 

125.1 

171.7 

296.8 

251.2 

160.2 

(20.0) 

185.1 

(9.1) 

0.0 

0.0 

(35.5) 

1.0 

(7.4) 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

(91.6) 

0.0 

0.0 

(62.9) 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

(6.8) 

0.0 

(21.4) 

0.0 

177.7 

(88.9) 

88.8 

(88.8) 

0.0 

690.2 

321.6 

102.0 

185.1 

0.8 

4.3 

16.3 

14.4 

245.7 

168.2 

9.2 

42.7 

166.2 

33.6 

(550.8) 

(91.9) 

(81.0) 

(1.5) 

(114.6) 

(2.0) 

(131.4) 

(0.2) 

(245.2) 

(10.1) 

(47.2) 

(9.4) 

427.9 

(214.0) 

213.9 

82.9 

296.8 

The goodwill of €82.9 million essentially reflects expected synergies achieved by optimising production capacities and cost structure as 
well as new business of the enlarged Group. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill has been allocated to cash-
generating unit Steel - Linings in the amount of €82.1 million and to cash-generating unit Industrial - Raw Material in the amount of  
€0.8 million.  

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The table below provides information on the carrying amount of goodwill: 

in € million 

Preliminary goodwill recognised per acquisition date as at 31 December 2017 

Adjustments relating to business combination fair values 

Exchange rate differences 2017 

Goodwill recognised as at 31 December 2017 

Exchange rate differences 2018 

Goodwill recognised as at 31 December 2018 

171.7 

(88.8) 

(1.4) 

81.5 

(1.7) 

79.8 

Non-controlling interests have been measured at their proportionate share of Magnesita’s identifiable net assets. 

Material adjustments to final fair values since prior reporting date 
Intangible assets arising from non-patented technology and customer relationships were recognised in the purchase price allocation to 
the amount of €11.5 million and €102.0 million respectively. Discounted cash flow models were applied to value these intangible assets. 
The reason for the fair value adjustment of customer relations was that higher quality information was obtained over the course of the 
reporting period. Furthermore, since the valuation of property, plant and equipment was not completed as of 31 December 2017, valuation 
of intangible assets arising from customer relationships could not be considered final. The increase in the value of property, plant and 
equipment in the measurement period reduced the fair value of the customer relationships to a varying degree because of the associated 
higher contributory asset charges. 

As at the previous financial reporting date, the preliminary fair value of property, plant and equipment was approximated by using mainly 
historical book values because the technical valuation was not completed at the majority of the production sites. After completion of the 
valuation of property, plant and equipment within the measurement period, fair value amounts to €690.2 million and was determined by 
external appraisers applying a replacement cost approach. 

As part of the business combination, the Group recognised intangible assets for mining rights arising from three significant mines in Brazil 
and the USA. These were initially not recognised as at 31 December 2017, as insufficient data was available at that time. After finalisation 
of the purchase price allocation fair value of the mining rights amounts to €185.1 million. The intangible assets arising from mining rights 
were valued using discounted cash flow models, based on the life-of-mine plans as at the acquisition date. Expected cash flows are 
based on estimates of future production, margins, operating costs and forecast capital expenditure. The value of PPE items that form part 
of the mines (but valued separately) was deducted from the value of the mining rights in order to avoid double counting. 

The total amortisation of the acquired technology, mining rights, and customer relationships in the current reporting period amounts to 
€11.2 million (11-12/2017: €2.2 million). The total depreciation of property, plant and equipment increased by €37.1 million in 2018  
(11-12/2017: €6.3 million) as a result of the fair value adjustments.  

A liability for an unfavourable contract was recognised as at the previous reporting date, the value of which has been adjusted and final-
ised during the measurement period. The fair value of the liability amounts to €109.3 million. This value was calculated using a discount-
ed cash flow model based on foregone profits compared to market conditions, the term of the contract, assumptions of future costs and 
an appropriate discount rate. The provision for an unfavourable contract has been amortised by €10.0 million (11-12/2017: €1.6 million) in 
other income and €(8.7) million (11-12/2017: €(1.0) million) were accrued as interest expense in the current reporting period. 

The Group was required – in accordance with the share purchase agreement (SPA) and Brazilian laws and regulations – to make a man-
datory public offer in Brazil which had to be addressed to all remaining Magnesita shareholders and had to be made on the same terms 
and conditions as those made available to the Sellers under the SPA, including as to purchase price and form of consideration. The 
Group decided to combine the mandatory offer with a so-called “delisting tender offer” in an Integrated Tender Offer (ITO) and has filed 
with the Brazilian Securities Commission the respective request. The launch of the ITO was communicated to the minority shareholders 
on 10 November 2018.  

Magnesita shareholders received the option of selling each Magnesita share in exchange of: 

(i) R$18.46, adjusted by SELIC (the Brazilian benchmark interest rate) from 26 October 2017 until the date of the settlement of the 
auction of the Integrated Tender Offer, plus 0.1998 RHI Magnesita shares or  
(ii) a cash-only alternative consideration. 

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Notes 
continued 

The consideration of the cash-only alternative offer was the highest between:  

(i) R$31.09, adjusted by SELIC from 26 October 2017 until the date of the settlement of the auction of the Integrated Tender Offer, and  
(ii) R$35.56, not adjusted by SELIC. 

In the course of the first close of the ITO, the Group acquired an additional 35.2% of shares in Magnesita, increasing its ownership from 
50% plus one share to 85.2% as of 31 December 2018. The fair value of the consideration is €228.5 million and includes a cash part in 
the amount of €85.2 million, including transaction costs, and the issue of 3,518,008 new ordinary shares of RHI Magnesita N.V. These 
shares were delivered to the minority shareholders and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange's main market on 17 December 
2018. The closing price of £36.62 per share on that day was used for the determination of the fair value of the issued ordinary shares 
totalling up to €143.3 million. The cash part of the consideration has been settled on 20 December 2018 and 35.2% of the Magnesita 
shares were transferred to the Group. The carrying amount of Magnesita’s net assets in the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements on 
the date of acquisition was €450.0 million. Consequently, the carrying amount of non-controlling interests acquired amounts to €158.4 
million. This transaction results in a decrease in equity attributable to shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V. in the amount of €70.1 million. 

Subsequent to the first close of the ITO, the remaining shareholders had three months to elect from the two options (‘‘Supervening Ac-
quisition Period“), which ended on 10 March 2019. These effects are disclosed in Note (63). 

Companies of the RHI Magnesita Group 
The main operating companies of the RHI Magnesita Group and their core business activities are as follows: 

Name and registered office of the company 

Didier-Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Germany 

Magnesit Anonim Sirketi, Turkey 

Magnesita Mineração S.A., Brazil 

Magnesita Refractories Company, USA 

Magnesita Refractories GmbH, Germany 

Magnesita Refratários S.A., Brazil 

Orient Refractories Limited, India 

RHI Canada Inc., Canada 

RHI Magnesita GmbH, Austria 

RHI GLAS GmbH, Germany 

RHI Refractories (Dalian) Co., Ltd., PR China 

RHI US Ltd., USA 

RHI-Refmex, S.A. de C.V., Mexico 

Veitsch-Radex GmbH & Co OG, Austria 

Country of  
core activity 

Germany 

Turkey 

Brazil 

USA 

Germany 

International 

India 

Canada 

International 

International 

PR China 

USA 

Core business activity 

Production 

Mining, production, sales 

Mining 

Mining, production, sales 

Production 

Production, sales 

Production, sales 

Production, sales, 
provision of services 

Sales, R&D, financing 

Sales 

Production 

Production, sales, 
provision of services 

Latin America 

Sales 

Austria 

Mining, production 

6. Methods of consolidation 
Subsidiaries 
Subsidiaries are companies over which RHI Magnesita N.V. exercises control. Control exists when the company has the power to decide 
on the relevant activities, is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect 
those returns through its power over the investee. 

The acquisition method is used to account for all business combinations. The purchase price for shares is offset against the proportional 
share of net assets based on the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities at the date of acquisition or when control is obtained. In-
tangible assets which were previously not recognised in the separate Financial Statements of the company acquired are also measured at 
fair value. Intangible assets identified when a company is acquired, including for example technology, mining rights and customer rela-
tions, are only measured separately at the time of acquisition if they are identifiable and are in the control of the company and a future 
economic benefit is expected. 

For acquisitions where less than 100% of shares in companies are acquired, IFRS 3 allows an accounting policy choice whereby either 
goodwill proportionate to the share held or goodwill including the share accounted for by non-controlling interests can be recognised. 

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This accounting policy choice can be exercised for each acquisition. For the acquisition of Magnesita, non-controlling interests have 
been measured at their proportionate share of Magnesita’s identifiable net assets. 

If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the 
Group reports provisional amounts for the items for which the accounting is incomplete.  Those provisional amounts are adjusted within 
twelve months of the acquisition to reflect new information about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. 

After completing the purchase price allocation, the determined goodwill is allocated to the relevant cash-generating unit and tested for 
impairment. In accordance with the provisions of IFRS 3, negative goodwill is immediately recognised to profit or loss in other income 
after renewed measurement of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities. 

Net assets of subsidiaries not attributable to RHI Magnesita N.V. are shown separately under equity as non-controlling interests. The basis 
for non-controlling interests is the equity after adjustment to the accounting and measurement principles of the RHI Magnesita Group 
and proportional consolidation entries. 

Transaction costs which are directly related to business combinations are expensed as incurred. Contingent consideration included in the 
purchase price is recorded at fair value at initial consolidation. 

When additional shares are acquired in entities already included in the Consolidated Financial Statements as subsidiaries, the difference 
between the purchase price and the proportional carrying amount in the subsidiary’s net assets is offset against shareholders’ equity. 
Gains and losses from the sale of shares are recorded in equity unless they lead to a loss of control.  

For step acquisitions the difference between the carrying amount to be transferred and the fair value at initial full consolidation, is real-
ised through profit or loss. 

All intragroup results are fully eliminated. 

In accordance with IAS 12, deferred taxes are calculated on temporary differences arising from the consolidation. 

Subsidiaries are deconsolidated on the day control ends.  

Joint ventures and associates 
Shares in joint ventures and associates are accounted for using the equity method. A joint venture is a joint arrangement between the RHI 
Magnesita Group and one or several other partners whereby the parties that have joint control over the arrangement have rights to the 
net assets of the arrangement.  

An associate is an entity over which the RHI Magnesita Group has significant influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in 
the investee’s financial and operating policy decisions without control or joint control. There is the rebuttable presumption that if a com-
pany holds directly or indirectly 20% of the shares of the investee or has other abilities (e.g. through seats in the supervisory board) to 
influence the company’s financial and operating policy decisions it has significant influence.  

At the date of acquisition, a positive difference between the acquisition costs and the share in the fair values of identified assets and lia-
bilities of the joint ventures and associates is determined and recognised as goodwill. Goodwill is shown as part of investments in joint 
ventures and associates in the Statement of Financial Position. 

The acquisition cost of investments accounted for using the equity method is adjusted each year to reflect the change in the equity of the 
individual joint venture or associate that is attributable to the RHI Magnesita Group. Unrealised intragroup results from transactions are 
offset against the carrying amount of the investment on a pro-rata basis during consolidation, if material. 

RHI Magnesita examines at every reporting date whether there exist any objective indications of an impairment of the shares in joint ven-
tures and associates. If such indications exist, the required impairment is determined as the difference between the recoverable amount 
and the carrying amount of the joint ventures and associates and recognised in profit and loss in the item share of profit of joint ventures 
and associates.  

The Financial Statements of the companies accounted for using the equity method are prepared in accordance with uniform accounting 
and measurement methods throughout the Group. 

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Notes 
continued 

7. Foreign currency translation 
Functional currency and presentation currency 
The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in Euro, which represents the functional and presentation currency of RHI Magne-
sita N.V. 

The items included in the Financial Statements of each group company are based on the currency of the primary economic environment 
in which the company operates (functional currency).  

Foreign currency transactions and balances 
Foreign currency transactions in the individual Financial Statements of Group companies are translated into the functional currency 
based on the exchange rate in effect on the date of the transaction. Gains and losses arising from the settlement of such transactions and 
the measurement of monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies at the closing rate are recognised in profit or loss undernet ex-
pense on foreign exchange effects and related derivatives. Unrealised currency translation differences from monetary items which form 
part of a net investment in a foreign operation are recognised in other comprehensive income in equity. Non-monetary items in foreign 
currency are carried at historical rates. 

Group companies 
The Annual Financial Statements of foreign subsidiaries that have a functional currency differing from the Group presentation currency 
are translated into Euros as follows: 

Assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate on the reporting date of the Group, while monthly income and expenses and con-
sequently the profit for the year as presented in the Statement of Profit or Loss are translated at the respective closing rates of the previous 
month. Differences resulting from this translation process and differences resulting from the translation of amounts carried forward from 
the prior year are recorded under other comprehensive income without recognition to profit or loss. Monthly cash flows are translated at 
the respective closing rates of the previous month. Goodwill and adjustments to the fair value of assets and liabilities related to the pur-
chase price allocations of a subsidiary outside the European currency area are recognised as assets and liabilities of the respective sub-
sidiary and translated at the closing rate.   

RHI Magnesita has evaluated the effect of applying IAS 29 “Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies” in Argentina with the 
conclusion that the effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements is considered immaterial to the Group. 

The Euro exchange rates of currencies important for the RHI Magnesita Group are shown in the following table: 

Closing rate 

Average rate1) 

1 € = 

ARS 

BRL 

CAD 

CLP 

CNY 

INR 

MXN 

NOK 

GBP 

CHF 

ZAR 

USD 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

43.10 

4.44 

1.56 

793.69 

7.87 

79.88 

22.49 

9.94 

0.90 

1.13 

16.46 

1.14 

22.93 

3.96 

1.50 

735.00 

7.78 

76.40 

23.56 

9.85 

0.89 

1.17 

14.75 

1.20 

2018 

32.58 

4.29 

1.53 

753.18 

7.81 

80.45 

22.70 

9.62 

0.89 

1.15 

15.45 

1.18 

2017 

18.65 

3.60 

1.46 

733.37 

7.61 

73.36 

21.27 

9.30 

0.87 

1.11 

15.02 

1.12 

Currencies 

Argentine Peso 

Brazilian Real 

Canadian Dollar 

Chilean Peso 

Chinese Renminbi Yuan 

Indian Rupee 

Mexican Peso 

Norwegian Krone 

Pound Sterling 

Swiss Franc 

South African Rand 

US Dollar 

1  Arithmetic mean of the monthly closing rates. 

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8. Principles of accounting and measurement 
Goodwill 
Goodwill is recognised as an asset in accordance with IFRS 3. It is tested for impairment at least once each year, or when events or a 
change in circumstances indicate that the asset could be impaired. 

In accordance with IFRS 3, negative goodwill is recognised through profit or loss immediately after a new assessment of the identified 
assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities. 

Other intangible assets 
Mining rights were recognised in the course of the purchase price allocation for Magnesita and are amortised based on the depletion of 
the related mines. Depletion is calculated based on the volume mined in the period in proportion to the total estimated volume. 

Customer relations were recognised in the course of purchase price allocations of acquired subsidiaries and are amortised on a straight-
line basis over the expected period of useful life. 

Research costs are expensed in the year incurred and included under general and administrative expenses. 

Development costs are only capitalised if the allocable costs of the intangible asset can be measured reliably during its development 
period. Moreover, capitalisation requires that the product or process development can be clearly defined, is feasible in technical, eco-
nomic and capacity terms and is intended for own use or sale. In addition, future cash inflows which cover not only normal costs but also 
the related development costs must be expected. Capitalised development costs are amortised on a straight-line basis over the expected 
useful life, however, with a maximum useful life of ten years, and recognised in cost of sales. 

The development costs for internally generated software are expensed as incurred if their primary purpose is to maintain the functionality 
of existing software. Expenses that can be directly and conclusively allocated to individual programmes and represent a significant exten-
sion or improvement over the original condition of the software are capitalised as production costs and added to the original purchase 
price of the software. These direct costs include the personnel expenses for the development team as well as a proportional share of 
overheads. Software is predominantly amortised on a straight-line basis over a period of four years. 

Purchased intangible assets are measured at acquisition cost, which also includes acquisition-related costs, less accumulated amortisa-
tion and impairments. Intangible assets with a finite useful life are amortised on a straight-line basis over the expected period of useful 
life. The following table shows the most important useful lives: 

Customer relationships 

Patents 

Brand rights 

Land use rights 

Software 

6 to 15 years 

7 to 18 years 

20 years 

30 to 65 years 

4 years 

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment is measured at acquisition or production cost, less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impair-
ments. These assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life, calculated pro rata from the month the asset is 
available for use. 

Leased property, plant and equipment that qualifies as a finance lease, is capitalised at the market value of the asset or the lower present 
value in accordance with IAS 17. The leased assets are depreciated on a systematic basis over the useful life. The payment obligations 
resulting from future lease instalments are discounted and recorded as liabilities. Current lease payments are apportioned between a 
finance charge and the amortisation of the outstanding liability. As of the reporting date, the amount of property, plant and equipment 
leased through finance leases is low. All other leases are treated as operating leases with payments expensed. 

Production costs of internally generated assets comprise direct costs as well as a proportionate share of capitalisable overheads and 
borrowing costs. If financing can be specifically allocated to an investment, borrowing costs are capitalised as production costs. If no 
direct connection can be made, the average rate on borrowed capital of the Group is used as the capitalisation rate due to the central 
funding of the Group. 

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Notes 
continued 

Expected demolition and disposal costs at the end of an asset’s useful life are capitalised as part of acquisition cost and recorded as a 
provision. The criteria for this treatment are a legal or constructive obligation towards a third party and the ability to prepare a reliable 
estimate. 

Real estate, land and plant under construction are not depreciated. Depreciation of other material property, plant and equipment is based 
on the following useful lives in the RHI Magnesita Group: 

Factory and office buildings 

Land improvement 

Crusher machines and mixing facilities 

Presses 

Tunnel, rotary and shaft kilns 

Other calcining and drying kilns 

Cars, other plant, furniture and fixtures 

15 to 50 years 

8 to 30 years 

8 to 20 years 

10 to 12 years 

50 years 

20 to 30 years 

3 to 35 years 

The residual values and economic useful lives are reviewed regularly and adjusted if necessary. 

When components of plant or equipment have to be replaced at regular intervals, the relevant replacement costs are capitalised as in-
curred if the criteria per IAS 16 have been met. The carrying amount of the replaced components is derecognised. Regular maintenance 
and repair costs are expensed as incurred. 

Gains or losses from the disposal of property, plant and equipment, which result as the difference between the net realisable value and 
the carrying amount, are recognised as income or expense in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss. 

Impairment of property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, including goodwill, are tested for impairment if there is any indication that the value 
of these items may be impaired. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life and goodwill are tested for impairment at least annually. 

An asset is considered to be impaired if its recoverable amount is less than the carrying amount. The recoverable amount of an asset is the 
higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use (present value of future cash flows). If the carrying amount is higher than 
the recoverable amount, an impairment loss equivalent to the resulting difference is recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss. If the 
reason for an impairment loss recognised in the past for property, plant and equipment and for other intangible assets ceases to exist, a 
reversal of impairment on the amortised acquisition and production costs is recognised to profit or loss. 

In the case of impairments related to cash-generating units (CGU) which contain goodwill, existing goodwill is initially reduced. If the 
required impairment exceeds the carrying amount of goodwill, the difference is apportioned proportionately to the remaining non-
current tangible and intangible assets of the CGU. Reversals of impairment losses recognised on goodwill are not permitted and are 
therefore not considered. The effects of impairment tests at the CGU level are shown separately in the Statement of Profit or Loss. 

If there is an indication for an impairment of a specific asset, only this specific asset will be tested for impairment. The recoverable amount 
is determined through fair value. If the fair value is lower than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recorded in EBIT or, in the case 
of restructuring, in restructuring costs. 

Cash-generating units (CGU) 
In the RHI Magnesita Group the individual assets do not generate cash inflows independent of one another; therefore, no recoverable 
amount can be presented for individual assets. As a result, the assets are combined in CGUs, which largely generate independent cash 
inflows. These units are combined in strategic business units and reflect the market presence and the market appearance and are as such 
responsible for cash inflows. CGU's are determined based on group of assets that can generate cash inflows independent of other assets. 

The organisational structures of the Group reflect these units. In addition to the joint management and control of the business activities in 
each unit, the sales know-how, the knowledge of RHI Magnesita’s long-standing customer relationships or knowledge of the customer’s 
production facilities and processes further support these units. Product knowledge is manifested in the application-oriented knowledge 
of chemical, physical and thermal properties of RHI Magnesita products. The services offered extend over the life cycle of RHI Magnesita 
products at the customer’s plant, from the appropriate installation and support of optimal operations, to environmentally sound disposal 
with the customer or the sustainable reuse in RHI Magnesita’s production process. These factors determine cash inflow to a significant 
extent and consequently form the basis for the CGU structures of RHI Magnesita. 

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The CGUs of the strategic business unit Steel are Linings and Flow Control. These two units are determined according to the production 
stages in the process of steel production. 

In the Industrial Division, each industry line of business (glass, cement/lime, non-ferrous metals and environment, energy, chemicals) 
forms a separate CGU. All raw material producing facilities with the exception of Norway are combined in one CGU. 

The plant in Porsgrunn, Norway, is not included in the raw materials unit, but treated as a separate CGU because a management team was 
installed specifically for the coordination and implementation of the optimisation measures due to the dimension and the special situa-
tion at the Porsgrunn plant. This organisation goes beyond plant management and also includes sub-tasks of the administration process-
es. 

As in the previous year, the impairment test is based on the value in use; the recoverable amount is determined using the discounted cash 
flow method and incorporates the terminal value. The detailed planning of the first five years is congruent with the strategic business and 
financial planning. Based on the detailed planning period, it is geared to a steady-state business development, which balances out possi-
ble economic or other non-sustainable fluctuations in the detailed planning period and forms the basis for the calculation of the terminal 
value. As in the previous year, the terminal value is based on a growth rate derived from the difference of the current and the possible 
degree of utilisation of the assets. 

The net cash flows are discounted using a discount rate that is calculated taking into account the weighted average cost of capital of 
comparable companies (peer group); the corresponding parameters are derived from capital market information. In addition, country-
specific risk premiums are considered in the weighted average cost of capital.The discount rate ranges between 10.1% and 13.0% in the 
year 2018. In the previous year, the discount rates ranged between 5.7% and 8.6%. The increase of the discount rate resulted from annual 
update of the peer group parameters as well as considering the location of the CGU’s assets (as a cash outflows originator) in the discount 
rate determination methodology. 

Composition of estimated future cash flows 
The estimates of future cash flows include forecasts of the cash flows from continued use. If assets are disposed at the end of their useful 
life, the related cash flows are also included in the forecasts. 

A simplified statement of cash flows serves to determine the cash flows on the basis of strategic business and financial planning. The 
forecasts include cash flows from future maintenance investments. Expansion investments are only taken into account when there has 
been a significant cash outflow or significant payment obligations have been entered into due to services received and it is sufficiently 
certain that the investment measure will be completed. All other expansion investments are not considered; this applies in particular to 
expansion investments that have been decided on but not begun. 

Working capital is included in the carrying amount of the CGU; therefore, the recoverable amount only takes into account changes in 
working capital.  

Basis for Planning 
Basis for the impairment test was the Long Term Plan 2019 to 2025, which was approved by the Board, and developed with the growth 
rates used in the forward-looking business plan. To forecast the CGUs’ cash flows, management predicts the growth rate using external 
sources for the development of the customer’s industries and expert assumptions. This includes forecasts about the regional growth of 
the steel production and the output of the non-steel clients. In combination with the development of the specific refractory consump-
tion, which considers also technological improvements, the growth rates for the individual CGUs are determined. 

Discount rate 
before Tax 

Perpetual annuity 
growth rate 

Goodwill 
 in € million 

Discount rate 
before tax 

Perpetual annuity 
growth rate 

2018 

Steel Division - Linings 

Steel Division - Flow Control 

11.3% 

11.3% 

0.9% 

0.9% 

88.4 

27.3 

8.6% 

8.5% 

0.9% 

0.9% 

2017 

Goodwill 
 in € million 

90.1 

28.3 

The remaining goodwill of €1.7 million (31.12.2017: €1.8 million) is spread among the remaining CGU's, all of them having sufficient head-
room.  

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Notes 
continued 

Result of impairment test 
Based on the impairment test conducted in the financial year 2018, the recoverability of the assets was demonstrated in all CGUs. 

As in the previous year, no reversals of impairments were made in the financial year 2018. 

Other financial assets and liabilities 
Financial assets are classified as at amortised cost, if the contractual cash flows of the financial asset include solely payments of principal 
and interest and they are held in order to collect the contractual cash flows. If the contractual cash flows of financial assets include solely 
payments of principal and interest, but they are held in order to both collect the contractual cash flows and sell the financial asset, then 
the financial assets are classified as at fair value through other comprehensive income. If the contractual cash flows of financial assets do 
not solely include payments of principal and interest, then these financial assets are classified as at fair value through profit or loss.  

The Group initially recognises securities on the trading date when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instru-
ments. All other financial assets and financial liabilities are initially recognised on the date when they are originated. Financial instru-
ments, except for trade receivables, are initially recognised at fair value. Financial assets are derecognised if the entity transfers substan-
tially all the risks and rewards or if the entity neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards and has not retained con-
trol. Financial liabilities are derecognised when the contractual obligations are settled, withdrawn or have expired.  

The item other financial assets in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position of RHI Magnesita includes shares in non-consolidated 
subsidiaries and other investments, securities, financial receivables and positive fair values of derivative financial instruments.  

The item other financial liabilities includes negative fair values of derivative financial instruments as well as liabilities to fixed-term or 
puttable non-controlling interests. 

Shares in non-consolidated subsidiaries, investments in other companies as well as securities are classified as at fair value through profit 
or loss in the RHI Magnesita Group. For materiality reasons if such financial assets are of minor significance cost serves as an approxima-
tion of fair value. Directly attributable transaction costs are recognised in profit or loss as incurred. Securities at fair value through profit or 
loss are measured at fair value and changes therein, including any interest income, are recognised in profit or loss.  

Financial receivables are measured at amortised cost applying the effective interest method. Any doubt concerning the collectability of 
the receivables is reflected in the use of the lower present value of the expected future cash flows according to the impairment model 
described below. Foreign currency receivables are translated at the closing rate.  

Derivative financial instruments, which are not part of an effective hedging relationship in accordance with IFRS 9 or do not meet the 
hedge accounting requirements, must be classified as at fair value through profit or loss and measured at fair value through profit or loss. 
In the RHI Magnesita Group, this measurement category includes derivatives related to purchase obligations, forward exchange contracts, 
embedded derivatives in open orders that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency as well as derivative financial 
instruments in the form of interest rate swaps. 

Derivative financial instruments relating to purchase obligations are accounted for in accordance with IFRS 9 and concern a long-term 
power supply contract which provides for the purchase of fixed amounts of electricity at fixed prices. The measurement is made taking 
into account quoted electricity prices in the futures market. Based on the fixed amounts of electricity, the cash flows for the entire term of 
the contract are initially determined as the difference between forward rates and contractually fixed prices and discounted at the report-
ing date using a cost of borrowing rate corresponding to the term. The measurement effects resulting from this electricity derivative are 
shown as gain or loss from derivatives from supply contracts in the Statement of Profit or Loss. 

The measurement of forward exchange contracts and embedded derivatives in open orders denominated in a currency other than the 
functional currency is made on a case-by-case basis at the respective forward rate on the reporting date. These forward rates are based 
on spot rates, and also include forward premiums and discounts. Unrealised valuation gains or losses and results from the realisation are 
recognised to the Statement of Profit or Loss under net expense of foreign exchange effects and related derivatives. The underlying 
transactions for the derivatives are carried at amortised cost. 

For derivative financial instruments, which are incorporated in an effective hedging relationship in accordance with IFRS 9, the provisions 
regarding hedge accounting are applied. RHI Magnesita has concluded derivative financial instruments in the form of interest rate swaps 
to hedge the cash flow risk of financial liabilities carrying variable interest. Hedging transactions are shown as part of cash flow hedge 
accounting. The interest rate swaps as hedging instruments are measured at fair value, which corresponds to the amount which RHI Mag-
nesita would receive or has to pay on the reporting date when the financial instrument is terminated. The fair value is calculated using the 
interest rates and yield curves relevant on the reporting date. The effective part of the fair value changes is initially recorded in other 
comprehensive income as an unrealised gain or loss. Only at the time of the realisation of the underlying transaction, the contribution of 

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the hedging instrument is shown in the Statement of Profit or Loss. Ineffective parts of the fair value changes of cash flow hedges are 
recognised immediately in the Statement of Profit or Loss. If the underlying transaction is no longer expected to take place, the accumu-
lated amount previously recorded in other comprehensive income is reclassified to the Statement of Profit or Loss. 

Capital shares of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries with a fixed term are recognised under other financial liabilities in the Consoli-
dated Statement of Financial Position in accordance with IAS 32. The liabilities are measured at amortised cost. The share of profit at-
tributable to non-controlling interests is recognised under other net financial expenses in the Statement of Profit or Loss. Dividend pay-
ments to non-controlling interests reduce liabilities. 

Furthermore, the RHI Magnesita Group has entered into purchase obligations with non-controlling shareholders of a subsidiary. Based on 
these agreements, the shareholders receive the right to tender their shares at any time on previously defined conditions. In this case, IAS 
32 provides for carrying a liability in the amount of the probable future exercise price. The difference between the estimated liability and 
the carrying amount of the non-controlling interest was recognised to equity at the time of initial recognition without affecting profit or 
loss. Subsequently, the liability to puttable non-controlling interests is measured at amortised cost and changes are recorded in net fi-
nance costs. 

Impairment of financial assets 
Impairment of financial instruments is based on expected credit losses (ECL). Expected credit losses are defined as the difference be-
tween all contractual cash flows the entity is entitled to according to the contract and the cash flows that the entity expects to receive. 
The measurement of expected credit losses is generally a function of the probability of default, loss given default and the exposure at 
default. 

RHI Magnesita recognises a loss allowance for expected credit losses on investments in debt instruments that are measured at amortised 
cost, trade receivables and contract assets. The amount of expected credit losses is updated at each reporting date to reflect changes in 
credit risk since initial recognition of the respective financial instrument. 

The Group recognises lifetime ECL for trade receivables and contract assets by applying the simplified approach. The expected credit 
losses on these financial assets are generally estimated using a provision matrix based on the Group’s historical credit loss experience for 
customer groups located in different geographic regions. Forward-looking information is incorporated in the determination of the appli-
cable loss rates for trade receivables. For the Group, the general economic development of the countries in which it sells its goods and 
services is the relevant for the determination if adjustment of the historical loss rates is necessary. 

For all other financial instruments, the Group recognises lifetime ECL when there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial 
recognition. However, if the credit risk on the financial instrument has not increased significantly since initial recognition, the Group 
measures the loss allowance for that financial instrument at an amount equal to 12-month ECL. 

Lifetime ECL represents the expected credit losses that will result from all possible default events over the expected life of a financial 
instrument. In contrast, 12-month ECL represents the portion of lifetime ECL that is expected to result from default events on a financial 
instrument that are possible within 12 months after the reporting date. 

RHI Magnesita takes use of the practical expedient that if a financial instrument has an ‘investment grade’ rating that it is assumed to be of 
low credit risk and no significant increase in the credit risk took place and the expected credit loss is calculated using the 12 month ECL. 
Among other factors the Group considers a significant increase in credit risk to have taken place when contractual payments are more 
than 30 days past due. 

The Group considers the following as constituting an event of default, hence leading to a credit-impaired financial asset: 

 
 
 

 
 

significant financial difficulty of the issuer or the borrower; 
a breach of contract; 
the lender(s) of the borrower, for economic or contractual reasons relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty, having granted to 
the borrower concessions that the lender(s) would not otherwise consider; 
it is becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation; 
the disappearance of an active market for that financial asset because of financial difficulties. 

In addition to these factors, RHI Magnesita applies the presumption in regards to trade receivables, that a default event has occurred 
when such receivables are 180 days past due unless the Group has reasonable and supportable information for anything different. 180 
days past due are used as an objective evidence of default as this is presumed to reflect the Group’s customer industry. 

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Notes 
continued 

For those financial instruments where objective evidence of default is present an individual assessment on expected credit losses takes 
place. 

Generally, financial instruments are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Financial assets written off may still 
be subject to enforcement activities under the Group’s recovery procedures, taking into account legal advice where appropriate. Any 
recoveries made are recognised in profit or loss. 

Deferred taxes 
Deferred taxes are recognised on temporary differences between the tax base and the IFRS carrying amount of assets and liabilities, tax-
loss carryforwards and consolidation entries. 

Deferred tax assets are recognised on temporary differences to the extent it is probable that sufficient deferred tax liabilities exist or that 
sufficient taxable income before the reversal of temporary differences is available for the settlement of deductible temporary differences.  

Deferred taxes are recognised on temporary differences relating to shares in subsidiaries and joint ventures, unless the parent company is 
in a position to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary differences will not 
reverse. No temporary differences are recognised for financial instruments which were issued by subsidiaries to non-controlling interests 
and which are classified as a financial liability in accordance with IFRS. 

The calculation of deferred taxes is based on the tax rate expected in the individual countries at the time the deferred tax asset is realised 
or the liability is settled and generally reflects the enacted or substantively enacted tax rate on the reporting date. As in the previous year, 
deferred taxes of the Austrian group companies are determined at the corporation tax rate of 25.0%. Deferred tax assets and liabilities of 
the Brazilian group companies are measured mainly at 34.0%. Tax rates from 12.5% to 34.9% (31.12.2017: 12.5% to 35.0%) were applied 
to the other companies. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is an enforceable right to offset current tax receivables against current tax liabilities, 
and if the deferred taxes relate to income taxes due from/to the same tax authorities. 

Inventories 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realisable value as of the reporting date. The determination of acquisition cost of pur-
chased inventories is based on the average cost. Finished goods and work in process are valued at fixed and variable production cost. The 
net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business minus any estimated cost to complete and to sell the 
goods. Impairments due to reduced usability are reflected in the calculation of the net realisable value. 

Trade and other current receivables 
Trade receivables are initially measured at the transaction price according to IFRS 15 and subsequently carried at amortised cost minus 
any valuation allowances. Valuation allowances are calculated in accordance with the simplified approach of the impairment model for 
financial instruments (see impairment of financial assets above). 

Receivables denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the closing rate.  

Emission certificates 
Emission certificates acquired for a consideration are carried at cost and recognised to profit and loss in cost of sales when used up, writ-
ten down to fair value or sold. In the case of a shortfall, a provision is recognised equivalent to the fair value of the lacking emission certif-
icates. 

Emission certificates allocated free of charge are not accounted for. Proceeds from the sale of these rights are recognised as income. 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, cheques received and cash at banks with an original term of a maximum of three 
months. Moreover, shares in money market funds, which are only exposed to insignificant value fluctuations due to their high credit rating 
and investments in extremely short-term money market instruments and can be converted to defined cash amounts within a few days at 
any time, are also recorded under cash equivalents under IAS 7. 

Cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the closing rate. 

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Disposal groups held for sale 
Non-current assets and disposal groups which can be sold in their present state and whose sale is highly probable are classified as held 
for sale. Assets and liabilities which are intended to be sold together in a single transaction represent a disposal group held for sale and 
are shown separately from other assets and liabilities in the Statement of Financial Position.  

Non-current assets and disposal groups which are classified as held for sale are carried at the lower of fair value less costs to sell and 
carrying amount. Impairments are initially allocated to existing goodwill and then to the non-current assets on a pro-rata basis, based on 
the carrying amount of each individual asset of the disposal group. Impairments beyond that are allocated to current assets pursuant to 
the liquidity principle and recognised through profit or loss in the item other expenses. Non-current assets are not depreciated as long as 
they are classified as held for sale.  

Borrowings and other financial liabilities 
Financial liabilities include liabilities to financial institutions and other lenders and are measured at fair value less directly attributable 
transaction costs at initial recognition. In subsequent measurements these liabilities are measured at amortised cost applying the effec-
tive interest method. Financial liabilities in foreign currency are translated at the closing rate.  

A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged (by payment or legal release), cancelled or ex-
pires.  

When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an exist-
ing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the derecognition of the original liability and the 
recognition of a new liability. The terms are substantially different if the discounted present value of the cash flows under the new terms, 
including any fees paid net of any fees received and discounted using the original effective interest rate, is at least 10% different from the 
discounted present value of the remaining cash flows of the original financial liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts 
is subsequently recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss, including any costs or fees. 

Provisions 
Provisions are recognised when the Group incurs a legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, and it is probable that an 
outflow of resources will be required to meet this obligation, and the amount of the obligation can be reliably estimated. 

Non-current provisions are measured at their discounted settlement value as of the reporting date if the discounting effect is material. 

If maturities cannot be estimated, they are shown under current provisions. 

Provisions for pensions 
With respect to post-employment benefits, a differentiation is made between defined contribution and defined benefit plans. 

Defined contribution plans limit the company’s obligation to the agreed amount of contributions to earmarked pension plans. The related 
expenses are shown in the functional areas and thus in EBIT. No provisions are necessary. 

Defined benefit plans require the company to provide the agreed amount of benefits to active and former employees and their depend-
ents, with a differentiation made between pension systems financed through provisions and pension systems financed by funds. 

For pension plans financed through external funds, the pension obligation according to the projected unit credit method is netted out 
against the fair value of the plan assets. If the plan assets are not sufficient to cover the obligation, the net obligation is recognised under 
provisions for pensions. However, if the plan assets exceed the obligations, the asset recognised is limited to reductions of future contribu-
tion payments to the plan and is shown under other non-current assets. 

The present value of defined benefit obligations for current pensions, future pension benefits and similar obligations and the related 
expenses are calculated separately for each plan annually by independent qualified actuaries in accordance with the provisions of IAS 19. 
The present value of future benefits is based on the length of service, expected wage/salary developments and pension adjustments. 

The expense to be recognised in a period includes current and past service costs, settlement gains and losses, interest expenses from the 
interest accrued on obligations, interest income from plan assets and administration costs paid from plan assets. The net interest expense 
is shown separately in net finance costs. All other expenses related to defined benefit plans are allocated to the costs of the relevant 
functional areas. 

Actuarial assumptions required to calculate these obligations, include the discount rate , increases in wages/salaries and pensions, re-
tirement starting age and probability of employee turnover and actual claims. The calculation is based on local demographic parameters. 

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Notes 
continued 

Interest rates chosen on the basis of the interest on high-quality corporate bonds issued with adequate maturities and currencies are 
applied to determine the present value of pension obligations. In countries where there is no sufficiently liquid market for high-quality 
corporate bonds, the returns on government bonds are used as a basis. 

The rates of increase for wages/salaries were based on an average of past years, which is also considered to be realistic for the future. 

The fluctuation probabilities were estimated specific to age or according to seniority.  

The retirement age used for the calculation is based on the respective statutory provisions of the country concerned. The calculation is 
based on the earliest possible retirement age according to the current statutory provisions of the respective country, among other things 
depending on gender and date of birth.  

Remeasurement gains and losses are recorded net of deferred taxes under other comprehensive income in the period incurred. 

Other personnel provisions 
Other personnel provisions include provisions for termination benefits, service anniversary bonuses, payments to semi-retirees, share-
based payments and lump-sum settlements. 

Provisions for termination benefits are primarily related to obligations to employees whose employment is subject to Austrian law. 

Employees who joined an Austrian company before 31 December 2002 receive a one-off lump-sum termination benefit as defined by 
Austrian labour legislation if the employer terminates the employment relationship or when the employee retires. The termination pay-
ment depends on the relevant salary at the time of the termination as well as the number of years of service and ranges between two and 
12 monthly salaries. These obligations are measured in accordance with IAS 19 using the projected unit credit method applying an accu-
mulation period of 25 years. Remeasurement gains and losses are recorded directly to other comprehensive income after considering tax 
effects and shown in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. 

For employees who joined an Austrian company after 31 December 2002, employers are required to make regular contributions equal to 
1.53% of the monthly wage/salary to a statutory termination benefit scheme. The company has no further obligations. Claims by employ-
ees to termination benefits are filed with the statutory termination benefit scheme, while the regular contributions are treated like defined 
contribution pension plans and included under personnel expenses of the functional areas. 

Service anniversary bonuses are one-time special payments that are dependent on the employee’s wage/salary and length of service. 
The employer is required by collective bargaining agreements or company agreements to make these payments after an employee has 
reached a certain number of uninterrupted years of service with the same company. Obligations are mainly related to service anniversary 
bonuses in Austrian and German group companies. Under IAS 19 service anniversary bonuses are treated as other long-term employee 
benefits. Provisions for service anniversary bonuses are calculated based on the projected unit credit method. Remeasurement gains or 
losses are recorded in the personnel costs of the functional areas in the period incurred. 

Local labour laws and other similar regulations require individual group companies to create provisions for semi-retirement obligations. 
The obligations are partially covered by qualified plan assets and are reported on a net basis in the Statement of Financial Position. 

In 2018, the Remuneration Committee of RHI Magnesita developed a new Remuneration Policy for the members of senior management 
of the Group. Based on this new long-term incentive programme, share-options are granted. The fair value of these options as well as any 
adjustments of the fair value are measured at every reporting date and recognised in equity. 

Obligations for lump-sum settlements are based on company agreements in individual companies. 

Other provisions 
Provisions for warranties are created for individual contracts at the time of the sale of the goods concerned or after the service has been 
provided. The amounts of the provisions are based on the expected or actual warranty claims. 

Provisions for restructuring are created providing a detailed formal restructuring plan has been developed and announced prior to the 
reporting date or whose implementation was commenced prior to the reporting date. 

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The Group recognises provisions for demolition and disposal costs and environmental damages. RHI Magnesita’s facilities and its refrac-
tory, exploration and mining operations are subject to environmental and governmental laws and regulations in each of the jurisdictions 
in which it operates. These laws govern, among other things, reclamation or restoration of the environment in mined areas and the clean-
up of contaminated properties. Provisions for demolition and disposal costs and environmental damages include the estimated demoli-
tion and disposal costs of plants and buildings as well as environmental restoration costs arising from mining activities, based on the 
present value of estimated cash flows of the expected costs. The estimated future costs of deactivation of assets are reviewed annually 
and adjusted, if appropriate.  

A provision for a contract obligation is recognised when the expected benefits to be derived from a contract are lower than the unavoida-
ble cost of meeting its obligations under the contract. The non-current provisions are measured at the present value of the unavoidable 
costs of meeting the obligation under the contract which exceed the economic benefits expected to arise from that contract. 

Provisions for labour and civil contingencies are recognised for all risks referring to legal proceedings that represent probable loss. As-
sessment of the likelihood of loss includes analysis of available evidence, including the opinion of internal and external legal advisors of 
the RHI Magnesita Group. 

Trade payables and other current liabilities 
These liabilities are initially recognised at fair value, and subsequently measured at amortised cost. 

Liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the closing rate. 

Government grants 
Government grants to promote investments are recognised as deferred income and released through profit or loss over the useful life of 
the relevant asset distributed on a straight-line basis. 

Grants that were granted as compensation for expenses or losses are recognised to profit or loss in the periods in which the subsidised 
expenses are incurred. In the RHI Magnesita Group, they mainly include grants for research and employee development. Grants for re-
search are recorded as income in general and administrative expenses. 

Revenue and expenses 
Revenue from the sale of goods and services is recognised at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be 
entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The transaction price is the expected consideration to be received, to the extent that it is 
highly probable that there will not be a significant reversal of revenue in future periods. If the consideration in a contract includes a varia-
ble amount, the Group estimates the amount of consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for transferring the goods or ser-
vices to the customer. The variable consideration is estimated at contract inception and constrained until it is highly probable that a sig-
nificant revenue reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognised will not occur when the associated uncertainty with the varia-
ble consideration is subsequently resolved. The average credit term is 60 days upon transfer of goods or service. The Group is using the 
practical expedient in IFRS 15 and does not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing compo-
nent if it expects, at contract inception, that the period between the transfer of the promised good or service to the customer and pay-
ment will be one year or less. At contract inception, the Group identifies the goods or services promised in the contract and assesses 
which of the promised goods or services shall be identified as separate performance obligations. Promised goods or services give rise to 
separate performance obligations if they are capable of being distinct. Revenue is recognised as control is transferred, either over time or 
at a point of time. Control is defined as the ability to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from an asset. 

With regard to delivery contracts of refractory products the goods promised are distinct and control of the goods is passed to the custom-
er typically when physical possession has been transferred to the customer. The transport service does not give rise to a separate perfor-
mance obligation to which a part of revenue would have to be allocated, as this service is performed before control of the products is 
transferred to the customer. 

In consignment arrangements, RHI Magnesita Group ships products to a customer but retains control of the goods until a predetermined 
event occurs. Revenue is not recognised on delivery of the products to the customer if the delivered products are held on consignment, 
but generally when the withdrawal of the products from the consignment stock occurs. Most of the products within consignment ar-
rangements have a high stock turn rate. 

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Notes 
continued 

The Group provides services (e.g. supervision, installation) that are either sold separately or bundled together with the sale of products to 
a customer. Contracts for bundled sales of products and installation services are comprised of two performance obligations as the prom-
ises to transfer products and provide services are capable of being distinct and separately identifiable. Accordingly, the transaction price 
allocated is based on the relative stand-alone selling prices of the product and services. Revenue from services is recognised over time, 
using an input method to measure progress towards complete satisfaction of the service, because the customer simultaneously receives 
and consumes the benefits provided by the Group.  

Contracts for bundled sales of refractory products and non-refractory products (e.g. machines) provided to the customer free of charge 
comprise two performance obligations that are separately identifiable. Consequently, the Group allocates the transaction price based on 
the relative stand-alone selling prices of these performance obligations and also allocates revenue to the non-refractory product which 
is delivered free of charge. 

For contracts in the Steel segment with variable payment arrangements (transaction price depends on the customer’s production perfor-
mance) the management has determined that the promise to transfer each of the products and services to the customer is not separately 
identifiable from all the other promises in the context of such contracts. Thus, only one single performance obligation, the performance 
of a management refractory service, exists. Further information is provided under Note (10). With regard to these contracts, revenue is 
recognised over time on the basis using the output-oriented method (e.g. quantity of steel produced in the customer aggregate serviced). 

Expected penalty fees from guaranteed durabilities when using refractory products are considered as a variable consideration in the form 
of a contract or a refund liability. Based on the expected value method, the amount of the variable consideration is estimated. The estima-
tion of the variable consideration is not subject to a constraint as the Group has significant experience with promising durabilities. Thus, it 
is concluded that a significant reversal of revenue is highly unlikely once the uncertainty no longer exists. All other warranties guarantee 
that the transferred products correspond to the contractually agreed specifications and are classified as assurance type warranties. Con-
sequently, no separate distinct performance obligation to the customer exists.  

If transfer of goods or services to a customer is performed before the customer pays consideration or before payment is due, a contract 
asset, excluding any amounts presented as a receivable is recognised. A contract asset is an entity’s right to consideration in exchange for 
goods or services that the entity has transferred to a customer. 

If a customer pays consideration before the entity transfers a good or service to the customer, the entity shall present the contract as a 
contract liability when the payment is made or the payment is due (whatever is earlier). A contract liability is an entity’s obligation to 
transfer goods or services to a customer for which the entity has received consideration (or an amount of consideration is due) from the 
customer. 

Contract costs are the incremental costs of obtaining a contract and must be recognised as an asset if the company expects to recover 
those costs. As a practical expedient, RHI Magnesita expenses such costs when incurred, if the amortisation period would be 12 months or 
less. 

In general, the term of customer contracts in accordance with IFRS 15 is no longer than one year. Therefore, the Group decided, as a 
practical expedient, not to disclose the remaining performance obligations for contracts with original expected duration of less than one 
year. 

Expenses are recognised to the Statement of Profit or Loss when a service is consumed or the costs are incurred. 

Interest income and expenses are recognised in accordance with the effective interest method. 

Dividends from investments that are not accounted for using the equity method are recognised to profit and loss at the time the legal 
claim arises. 

Income taxes are recognised according to the local regulations applicable to each company. Current and deferred income taxes are rec-
ognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss unless they are related to items which were recorded directly in equity or in other comprehen-
sive income. In such a case, income taxes are also recorded in equity or other comprehensive income. 

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RHI Magnesita GmbH, Vienna, Austria, acts as the head of a corporate tax group. A tax compensation agreement was concluded in 2017 
between the head of the group and eight Austrian group members. According to the group and tax compensation agreement, the mem-
bers of the group have to pay a positive tax compensation of 20% of the taxable profit to the head of the group if the result is positive, as 
long as tax loss carry forwards exist with the head of the group; subsequently 25% of the taxable profit have to be paid. In case of a tax 
loss of the group member, the head of the group has to pay a negative tax compensation to the member of the group, with a rate of 12.5% 
being applied insofar as the loss can be utilised within the group. In case the losses of a group member were compensated (negative tax 
allocation payment) and this group member generates taxable income within the next three years (after compensation), the positive tax 
allocation amounts to 12.5%. In case of a loss in the tax group, an unused tax loss of a group member is retained and offset against future 
taxable profits of the group member. When the contract is terminated, a compensation payment is agreed for unused tax losses of a 
group member, which were allocated to the head of the group. 

In Germany, Didier-Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Wiesbaden, acts as the head of a tax group for corporate and trade tax purposes. The 
seven tax group members are obliged to transfer their profit or loss to Didier-Werke Aktiengesellschaft based on a profit or loss transfer 
agreement. Additionally, Didier-Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Wiesbaden, acts as the head of a tax group for VAT purposes with nine Ger-
man tax group members. Furthermore, Rearden G Holdings Eins GmbH, Hagen, acts as the head of a two-level structure tax group with 
four group members for corporate, trade tax and VAT purposes.  

9. Segment reporting 
The RHI Magnesita Group comprises the operating segments Steel and Industrial. The segmentation of the business activities reflects the 
internal control and reporting structures and is regularly reported to the Chief Executive Officer. 

The Steel segment specialises in supporting customers in the steel-producing and steel-processing industry. The Industrial segment 
serves customers in the glass, cement/lime, nonferrous metals and environment, energy, chemicals industries. The main activities of the 
two segments consist of market development, global sales of high-grade refractory bricks, mixes and special products as well as provid-
ing services at the customers’ sites. 

The globally located manufacturing sites, which extract and process raw materials, are combined in one organisational unit. The alloca-
tion of manufacturing cost of the production plants to the Steel and Industrial Divisions is based on the supply flow. 

Statements of Profit or Loss up to gross profit are available for each segment. The gross profit serves the management of the RHI Magnesi-
ta Group for internal performance management. Selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses, other income and 
expenses, profit of joint ventures, net finance costs and income taxes are managed on a group basis and are not allocated. 

Segment assets include trade receivables and inventories, which are available to the operating segments and are reported to the man-
agement for control and measurement, as well as property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, which are allocat-
ed to the segments based on the capacity of the assets provided to the segments. All other assets are not allocated. The recognition of 
segment assets is determined on the basis of the accounting and measurement methods applied to the IFRS Consolidated Financial 
Statements. 

Data on revenue by country are disclosed by the sites of the customers. Data on non-current assets (goodwill, intangible assets and prop-
erty, plant and equipment) are disclosed on the basis of the respective locations of the companies of the RHI Magnesita Group.  

10. Critical accounting judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty 
The RHI Magnesita Group used forward-looking assumptions and estimates, especially with respect to business combinations, non-
current assets, valuation adjustments to inventories and receivables, provisions and income taxes to a certain extent in the application of 
accounting and measurement methods. 

The estimates are based on comparable values in the past, plan data and other findings regarding transactions to be accounted. The 
actual values may ultimately deviate from the assumptions and estimates made. The resulting changes in value of assets, liabilities, reve-
nue and expenses are accounted for in the reporting period in which the change is made and in the affected future reporting periods.  

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Notes 
continued 

Critical accounting judgments 
Revenue recognition 
For customer contracts in the Steel segment with variable payment arrangements where transaction price depends on the customer’s 
production performance, (e.g. quantity of steel produced in the customer aggregate serviced) the management has determined that the 
promise to transfer each of the products and services to the customer is not separately identifiable from the other promises in the context 
of such contracts. The customer expects complete refractory management for the agreed product areas in the steel plant in order to 
enable steel production. Thus, only one single performance obligation, performance of a management refractory service, exists. 

There are no other critical accounting judgments made in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Key sources of estimation uncertainty 
Business combinations (initial consolidation) 
Estimates relating to the calculation of fair values of acquired assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are required within the context of 
business combinations. 

If intangible assets are identified, estimates are necessary for the determination of fair values by means of discounted cash flows, includ-
ing the duration, amount of future cash flows, and discount rate. When determining the fair value of land, buildings and technical plant, 
above all the estimate of comparability of the reference objects with the objects subject to valuation is discretionary. 

When making estimates in the context of purchase price allocations on major acquisitions, RHI Magnesita consults with independent 
experts who accompany the execution of the discretionary decisions and record it in appraisal documents. 

Impairment of intangible assets with finite useful lives and property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets with a finite useful life and property, plant and equipment must be tested for impairment when events or a change in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The carrying amounts of these assets amounted to 
€1,427.4 million at 31 December 2018 (31.12.2017: €1,512.9 million). In accordance with IAS 36, such impairment losses are determined 
through comparisons with the discounted future cash flows expected from the related assets of the cash-generating units (CGUs).  

As part of the annual planning process, the impairment test is conducted for the CGUs defined in the RHI Magnesita Group, thus taking 
into account all changes resulting from updates of strategic planning. Sensitivity analyses are also performed as part of the impairment 
test. In their calculation one of the main parameters is changed as follows: increase in the discount rate by 10%, reduction in the form of 
the contribution margin by 10% and reduction of the growth rate in terminal value by 50%. In all CGUs, these simulations do not result in 
impairments.  

Likewise, in all CGUs a reduction of the discount rate by 10%, an increase in profitability in the form of the contribution margin by 10% 
and an increase in the growth rate in terminal value by 50% do not result in reversals of impairments.  

There was no triggering event in 2018. 

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful life 
The effect of an adverse change by plus 10% in the estimated interest rates as of 31 December 2018 or by minus 10% in the contribution 
margin would not result in an impairment of goodwill recognised (carrying amount 31.12.2018: €131.2 million, 31.12.2017: €38.7 million) 
nor in an impairment charge to intangible assets with indefinite useful lives (carrying amount at 31.12.2018 and 31.12.2017: €1.8 million). 

Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment 
Management uses its experience to estimate the remaining useful life of an asset. The actual useful life of an asset may be impacted by 
an unexpected event that may result in an adjustment to the carrying amount of the asset. 

Provisions for pensions and termination benefits 
The present value of pension and termination benefit obligations depends on a number of factors, which are based on actuarial assump-
tions such as interest rates, future salary and pension increases as well as life expectancy. Due to the long-term orientation of these obli-
gations, these assumptions are subject to significant uncertainties. 

The following sensitivity analysis shows the change in present value of the pension and termination benefit obligations if one key param-
eter changes, while the other influences are maintained constant. In reality, however, it is rather unlikely that these influences do not 
correlate. The present value of the pension obligations for the sensitivities shown was calculated using the same method as for the actual 
present value of the pension obligations (projected unit credit method). 

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in € million 

Present value of the obligations 

Interest rate 

Salary increase 

Pension increase 

Life expectancy 

Change of assumption  
in percentage points  
or years 

Pension plans 

31.12.2018 

Termination 
benefits 

Pension plans 

31.12.2017 

Termination 
benefits 

+0.25 

(0.25) 

+0.25 

(0.25) 

+0.25 

(0.25) 

+1 year 

(1) year 

506.6 

(14.0) 

15.0 

0.9 

(1.7) 

10.3 

(10.1) 

17.2 

(17.3) 

55.5 

(1.5) 

1.5 

1.5 

(1.4) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

517.1 

(14.9) 

15.7 

0.8 

(0.7) 

10.6 

(10.2) 

18.3 

(23.6) 

58.1 

(1.5) 

1.6 

1.6 

(3.5) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

These changes would have no immediate effect on the result of the period as remeasurement gains and losses are recorded in other 
comprehensive income without impact on profit or loss.  

The assumptions regarding the interest rate are reviewed semi-annually; all other assumptions are reviewed at the end of the year. 

Other provisions 
The recognition and measurement of other provisions totalling €162.2 million (31.12.2017: €209.4 million) were based on the best possi-
ble estimates using the information available at the reporting date. The estimates take into account the underlying legal relationships and 
are performed by internal experts or, when appropriate, also by external experts. Despite the best possible assumptions and estimates, 
cash outflows expected at the reporting day may deviate from actual cash outflows. As soon as additional information is available, the 
estimates made are reviewed and provisions are also adjusted.  

The majority of the provisions refers to an unfavourable contract which was recognised in the course of the acquisition of Magnesita and 
is mainly based on an estimate of forgone profit margins compared to market conditions which is further explained in Note (5) Group of 
consolidated companies.  

Income taxes 
The calculation of income taxes of RHI Magnesita N.V. and its subsidiaries is based on the tax laws applicable in the individual countries. 
Due to their complexity, the tax items presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements may be subject to different interpretations by 
local finance authorities. 

RHI Magnesita is continually adapting its global presence to better serve its customers and maintain its competitive advantage. As a re-
sult, in this way the Group maintains discussions with tax authorities about functions transferred between related parties and their exit 
value, however due to its nature, they do not impact the Group's accounts. 

When determining the amount of the capitalisable deferred tax assets, an estimate of the management is required regarding the amount 
of future taxable income and the expected time. Should the future taxable profit deviate by 10% from the assumption made on the re-
porting date within the planning period defined for the accounting and measurement of deferred taxes, the net position of deferred tax 
assets amounting to €92.7 million (31.12.2017: €75.4 million) would have to be increased by €0.6 million (31.12.2017: €0.8 million) or 
reduced by €0.6 million (31.12.2017: €0.9 million). 

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Notes 
continued 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF  
FINANCIAL POSITION 

11. Goodwill 
Goodwill developed as follows: 

in € million 

At beginning of year 

Acquisitions of subsidiaries (Note 5) 

Reclassified as held for sale 

Currency translation 

Cost at year-end 

Accumulated impairment at beginning of year 

Currency translation 

Reclassification as held for sale 

Accumulated impairment at year-end 

Carrying amount at year-end 

2018 

122.1 

0.0 

0.0 

(2.8) 

119.3 

(1.9) 

0.0 

0.0 

(1.9) 

117.4 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

12. Other intangible assets 
Other intangible assets changed as follows in the financial year 2018: 

in € million 

Cost at 01.01.20181) 

Currency translation 

Additions 

Retirements and disposals 

Reclassifications 

Cost at 31.12.2018 

Accumulated amortisation 01.01.2018 

Currency translation 

Amortisation charges 

Retirements and disposals 

Reclassifications 

Accumulated amortisation 31.12.2018 

Carrying amounts at 31.12.2018 

Mining rights 

179.2 

(9.8) 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

169.4 

0.8 

0.0 

3.9 

0.0 

0.0 

4.7 

164.7 

Customer 
relationship 

100.0 

(2.1) 

0.0 

0.0 

10.8 

108.7 

1.1 

0.0 

6.5 

0.0 

10.2 

17.8 

90.9 

Internally 
generated 
intangible assets 

Other intangible 
assets 

47.6 

0.0 

2.9 

0.0 

0.0 

50.5 

30.2 

0.0 

3.9 

0.0 

0.0 

34.1 

16.4 

143.1 

(2.6) 

1.2 

(2.5) 

(10.0) 

129.2 

64.8 

(0.8) 

14.3 

(1.3) 

(10.2) 

66.8 

62.4 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

20171) 

40.2 

85.3 

(0.4) 

(3.0) 

122.1 

(2.4) 

0.1 

0.4 

(1.9) 

120.2 

Total 

469.9 

(14.5) 

4.1 

(2.5) 

0.8 

457.8 

96.9 

(0.8) 

28.6 

(1.3) 

0.0 

123.4 

334.4 

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A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Other intangible assets changed as follows in the previous year: 

in € million 

Cost at 01.01.2017 

Currency translation 

Acquisitions of subsidiaries 

Additions 

Retirements and disposals 

Reclassifications 

Reclassified as held for sale 

Cost at 31.12.2017 

Accumulated amortisation 01.01.2017 

Currency translation 

Amortisation charges 

Impairment losses 

Retirements and disposals 

Reclassifications 

Reclassified as held for sale 

Accumulated amortisation 31.12.2017 

Mining rights 

Customer 
relationship 

Internally 
generated 
intangible assets 

Other intangible 
assets 

0.0 

(5.9) 

185.1 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

(2.5) 

102.5 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

179.2 

100.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.8 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.8 

0.0 

0.0 

1.1 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

1.1 

45.9 

(0.2) 

0.0 

4.1 

0.0 

(0.6) 

(1.6) 

47.6 

27.7 

(0.2) 

3.8 

0.8 

0.0 

(0.6) 

(1.3) 

30.2 

17.4 

114.0 

(5.9) 

36.1 

1.5 

(0.6) 

(0.3) 

(1.7) 

143.1 

61.1 

(2.1) 

7.7 

0.0 

(0.6) 

0.2 

(1.5) 

64.8 

78.3 

Total1)

159.9 

(14.5) 

323.7 

5.6 

(0.6) 

(0.9) 

(3.3) 

469.9 

88.8 

(2.3) 

13.4 

0.8 

(0.6) 

(0.4) 

(2.8) 

96.9 

373.0 

Carrying amounts at 31.12.2017 

178.4 

98.9 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

Internally generated intangible assets comprise capitalised software and product development costs. 

The customer relations of Magnesita have a carrying amount of €90.0 million (31.12.2017: €116.1 million) and a remaining useful life of 10 
to 14 years.  

Other intangible assets include in particular acquired patents, trademark rights, software, and land use rights. The land use rights have a 
carrying amount of €23.4 million (31.12.2017: €26.0 million) and a remaining useful life of 19 to 59 years. 

There are no restrictions on the sale of intangible assets.  

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Notes 
continued 

13. Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment developed as follows in the year 2018 and in the previous year: 

Technical  
equipment, 
machinery 

1,155.6 

Other plant, 
furniture and 
fixtures 

298.2 

in € million 

Cost at 01.01.20181) 

Currency translation 

Additions 

Retirements and disposals 

Reclassifications 

Cost at 31.12.2018 

Accumulated depreciation 01.01.2018 

Currency translation 

Depreciation charges 

Retirements and disposals 

Reclassifications 

Accumulated depreciation 31.12.2018 

Carrying amounts at 31.12.2018 

Real 
estate, 
land and 
buildings 

630.1 

(14.8) 

2.9 

(8.3) 

8.5 

618.4 

256.8 

(1.1) 

12.8 

(6.9) 

0.2 

261.8 

356.6 

Raw material 
deposits 

33.8 

(0.7) 

0.3 

0.0 

4.1 

37.5 

21.3 

(0.1) 

1.3 

0.0 

0.0 

22.5 

15.0 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

(22.8) 

9.1 

(12.4) 

37.4 

1,166.9 

575.8 

(1.5) 

93.9 

(11.3) 

0.3 

657.2 

509.7 

in € million 

Cost at 01.01.2017 

Currency translation 

Acquisitions of subsidiaries 

Additions 

Retirements and disposals 

Reclassifications 

Reclassified as held for sale 

Cost at 31.12.2017 

Accumulated depreciation 01.01.2017 

Currency translation 

Depreciation charges 

Impairment losses 

Retirements and disposals 

Reclassifications 

Reclassified as held for sale 

Accumulated depreciation 31.12.2017 

Carrying amounts at 31.12.2017 

Real 
estate, 
land and 
buildings 

Raw material 
deposits 

Technical  
equipment, 
machinery 

453.7 

(16.3) 

224.7 

6.5 

(20.4) 

7.3 

(25.4) 

630.1 

285.6 

(5.3) 

8.7 

9.4 

(19.6) 

0.4 

(22.4) 

256.8 

373.3 

32.1 

(0.2) 

4.5 

1.5 

0.0 

1.0 

(5.1) 

33.8 

24.5 

0.0 

0.4 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

(3.6) 

21.3 

12.5 

877.9 

(26.3) 

390.8 

13.6 

(24.4) 

16.5 

(92.5) 

1,155.6 

639.3 

(11.2) 

42.8 

7.9 

(23.1) 

0.0 

(79.9) 

575.8 

579.8 

Prepayments 
made and 
plant under 
construction 

99.4 

(3.8) 

99.4 

0.0 

(62.6) 

132.4 

0.8 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

(0.7) 

0.1 

132.3 

Prepayments  
made and  
plant under 
construction 

43.8 

(2.3) 

54.4 

34.4 

0.0 

(30.0) 

(0.9) 

99.4 

0.9 

(0.1) 

0.0 

0.3 

0.0 

0.0 

(0.3) 

0.8 

98.6 

Total

2,217.1 

(45.1) 

122.9 

(27.4) 

(0.8) 

2,266.7 

1,075.4 

(3.8) 

124.8 

(24.5) 

0.0 

1,171.9 

1,094.8 

Total1) 

1,701.7 

(51.8) 

690.3 

64.8 

(54.3) 

0.9 

(134.5) 

2,217.1 

1,179.9 

(21.6) 

66.2 

18.7 

(51.7) 

0.4 

(116.5) 

1,075.4 

1,141.7 

(3.0) 

11.2 

(6.7) 

11.8 

311.5 

220.7 

(1.1) 

16.8 

(6.3) 

0.2 

230.3 

81.2 

Other plant, 
furniture and 
fixtures 

294.2 

(6.7) 

15.9 

8.8 

(9.5) 

6.1 

(10.6) 

298.2 

229.6 

(5.0) 

14.3 

1.1 

(9.0) 

0.0 

(10.3) 

220.7 

77.5 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

In 2017, impairment losses of €18.7 million were mainly caused by the restructuring of operations in Germany and Brazil. They are related 
to the Steel segment. 

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The item prepayments made and plant under construction includes plant under construction with a carrying amount of €129.9 million 
(31.12.2017: €96.5 million), with the modification of the smelter at the site in Radenthein, Austria, representing the largest investment 
project under construction in 2018. 

There are no restrictions on the sale of property, plant and equipment. 

14. Investments in joint ventures and associates 
The following investments in joint ventures and associates are accounted for using the equity method in the RHI Magnesita Consolidated 
Financial Statements: 

in € million 

Investments in joint ventures 

Investments in associates 

Carrying amount at year-end 

31.12.2018 

31.12.20171) 

19.6 

2.2 

21.8 

20.7 

0.7 

21.4 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

Joint ventures 
The RHI Magnesita Group holds a share of 50% (2017: 50%) in MAGNIFIN Magnesiaprodukte GmbH & Co KG (“MAGNIFIN”), a private 
company based in St. Jakob, Austria. The company’s core business activity is the production and sale of halogen-free flame retardants for 
plastics. The investment in MAGNIFIN is treated as a financial investment. MAGNIFIN is set up as an independent vehicle. RHI Magnesita 
has a residual interest in the net assets of the company and accordingly classified its share as a joint venture. There are no listed market 
prices available. 

The following table summarises the income and expenses of MAGNIFIN: 

in € million 

Revenue 

Profit before income tax 

Depreciation 

Interest expense 

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income 

2018 

38.8 

17.9 

1.5 

0.2 

0.0 

17.9 

2017 

40.3 

20.8 

1.5 

0.2 

(0.2) 

20.6 

Income taxes on the share of profit of MAGNIFIN amounting to €2.4 million (2017: €2.7 million) are recognised by the head of the tax 
group, RHI Magnesita GmbH, Vienna, Austria, due to the legal form of the joint venture and transferred to Veitscher Vertriebsgesellschaft 
m.b.H., Vienna, Austria, in accordance with the provisions of the tax compensation agreement. 

The net assets of MAGNIFIN are shown in the table below: 

in € million 

Non-current assets 

Current assets (without cash and cash equivalents) 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Non-current liabilities and provisions 

Current provisions 

Trade payables and other current liabilities 

Net assets 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

8.9 

11.2 

16.5 

(4.0) 

(1.3) 

(2.9) 

28.4 

9.3 

10.2 

19.7 

(4.0) 

(1.2) 

(2.7) 

31.3 

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Notes 
continued 

The movement in the carrying amount of the share in MAGNIFIN in the RHI Magnesita Consolidated Financial Statements is shown be-
low: 

in € million 

Proportional share of net assets at beginning of year 

Share of profit 

Share of other comprehensive income (remeasurement losses) 

Dividends received 

Other changes in value 

Proportional share of net assets at year-end 

Goodwill 

Carrying amount of investment at year-end 

2018 

15.7 

9.4 

0.0 

(10.8) 

0.0 

14.3 

4.9 

19.2 

2017 

15.6 

10.8 

(0.1) 

(10.7) 

0.1 

15.7 

4.9 

20.6 

In the course of the acquisition of Magnesita in 2017 the Group acquired interests in an immaterial joint venture with a carrying amount of 
€0.4 million as of 31 December 2018 (31.12.2017: €0.1 million). The Group’s share of the profit after income tax, other comprehensive 
income and total comprehensive income in 2018 amounts to €0.3 million (November and December 2017: less than €0.1 million). 

Associates 
As part of the acquisition of Magnesita in 2017 the Group acquired two immaterial associated companies with a carrying amount of  
€2.2 million as of 31 December 2018 (31.12.2017: €0.7 million). In the course of the purchase price allocation the fair value of one associ-
ate was determined as zero at the acquisition date. The Group’s share of the profit after income tax for 2018 amounts to €0.3 million (No-
vember and December 2017: €0.1 million). Total comprehensive income including other comprehensive income of €0.1 million amounts 
to €0.4 million (November and December 2017: €0.1 million). 

15. Other non-current financial assets  
Other non-current financial assets consist of the following items: 

in € million 

Interests in subsidiaries not consolidated 

Other investments 

Marketable securities and shares 

Interest rate swaps  

Non-current receivables from disposal of subsidiaries 

Other non-current financial receivables 

Other non-current financial assets 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

0.7 

0.0 

15.0 

0.6 

0.0 

1.7 

18.0 

0.8 

0.4 

17.3 

1.5 

2.6 

2.5 

25.1 

Accumulated impairments on investments, securities and shares amounted to €4.3 million (31.12.2017: €3.8 million). 

16. Other non-current assets 
Other non-current assets include the following items: 

in € million 

Tax receivables 

Prepaid stripping costs 

Judicial deposits 

Plan assets from overfunded pension plans 

Prepaid expenses 

Other non-current assets 

138 
1 4 0

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

20.7 

6.8 

3.7 

2.1 

1.0 

34.3 

9.9 

8.0 

3.7 

2.0 

0.6 

24.2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Prepaid expenses for stripping costs arising from mining raw materials in a surface mine are included in non-current assets due to the 
planned use of the mine.  

Tax receivables relate to input tax credits, which are expected to be utilised in the medium term. 

17. Deferred taxes  
Deferred taxes are related to the following significant balance sheet items and loss carryforwards: 

in € million 

Deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax 
liabilities 

Expense/(Income) 

Deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax 
liabilities 

Expense/(Income) 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2018 

2018 

31.12.20171) 

31.12.20171) 

20171) 

Property, plant and 
equipment, intangible assets 

Inventories 

Trade receivables, other 
assets 

Pensions and other personnel 
provisions 

Other provisions 

Trade payables, other 
liabilities 

Tax loss carried forward 

Offsetting 

Deferred taxes 

20.1 

33.3 

7.7 

69.6 

26.1 

18.0 

96.1 

(99.8) 

171.1 

159.7 

5.6 

7.1 

(0.2) 

1.6 

4.4 

(99.8) 

78.4 

(25.1) 

(9.8) 

(24.8) 

2.3 

(0.1) 

10.6 

29.9 

(17.0) 

52.1 

20.5 

6.4 

70.2 

25.9 

26.6 

134.6 

(196.2) 

140.1 

219.8 

(1.6) 

38.4 

0.3 

(0.7) 

4.7 

- 

(196.2) 

64.7 

(29.9) 

(1.5) 

(11.5) 

6.4 

3.9 

(1.4) 

8.4 

- 

(25.6) 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

As of 31 December 2018, subsidiaries which generated tax losses in the past year or the previous year recognised net deferred tax assets 
on temporary differences and on tax loss carryforwards of €47.8 million (31.12.2017: €26.0 million). Deferred Tax Assets have been recog-
nised because the companies concerned are expected to generate taxable income in the future. 

Tax loss carryforwards totalled €467.7 million in the RHI Magnesita Group as of 31 December 2018 (31.12.2017: €609.7 million). A signifi-
cant part of the tax loss carryforwards originated in Austria and Brazil where their deduction can be carried forward indefinitely. The an-
nual compensation of tax loss carryforwards in Austria is limited to 75% and in Brazil to 30% of the respective taxable profits. Deferred 
taxes on tax losses of €155.1 million (31.12.2017: €157.7 million) were not recognised. Of these losses, €5.8 million (31.12.2017: €3.4 mil-
lion) will expire in 2021, while the remainder will be carried forward indefinitely.  

In addition, no deferred tax assets were recognised for temporary differences totalling €5.1 million (31.12.2017: €16.2 million) as it is not 
sufficiently probable that they can be used. The deductible temporary differences can be carried forward indefinitely.  

Taxable temporary differences of €1,085.7 million (31.12.2017: €667.0 million) and deductible temporary differences of €501.1 million 
(31.12.2017: €295.6 million) were not recognised on shares in subsidiaries because the corresponding distributions of profit or the sale of 
the investments are controlled by the Group and are not expected in the foreseeable future. 

The maturity structure of deferred taxes is shown in the table below: 

in € million 

Deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Current 

Non-current 

78.0 

2.9 

93.1 

(81.3) 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

31.12.2018 

Total 

171.1 

(78.4) 

Current 

Non-current 

11.0 

78.8 

129.1 

(14.1) 

31.12.20171) 

Total 

140.1 

64.7 

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Notes 
continued 

18. Inventories 
Inventories as presented in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position consist of the following items: 

in € million 

Raw materials and supplies 

Work in progress 

Finished products and goods 

Prepayments made 

Inventories 

31.12.2018 

31.12.20171) 

176.8 

140.8 

391.9 

8.3 

717.8 

183.7 

122.1 

331.5 

17.2 

654.5 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

Inventories include €2.3 million (31.12.2017: €9.0 million) carried at net realisable value. Net impairment losses amount to €2.6 million 
(2017: €4.0 million).  

There are no restrictions on the disposal of inventories. 

19. Trade and other current receivables 
Trade and other current receivables as presented in the Statement of Financial Position are classified as follows: 

in € million 

Trade receivables 

Receivables from long-term construction contracts 

Contract assets 

Other taxes receivable 

Receivables from joint ventures and associates 

Prepaid expenses 

Receivables from disposal of investments 

Receivables from property transactions 

Emission rights 

Receivables from employees 

Receivables from non-consolidated subsidiaries 

Prepaid transaction costs related to financial liabilities 

Receivables from personnel welfare foundation 

Other current receivables 

Trade and other current receivables 

thereof financial assets 

thereof non-financial assets 

31.12.2018 

31.12.20171) 

349.9 

0.0 

1.9 

87.6 

11.3 

3.0 

2.6 

2.2 

1.7 

1.7 

0.3 

0.0 

0.0 

19.0 

481.2 

367.2 

114.0 

394.9 

11.7 

0.0 

77.0 

12.0 

3.7 

0.0 

2.5 

1.6 

1.3 

0.3 

2.5 

0.8 

14.3 

522.6 

412.5 

110.1 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

Other taxes receivable include VAT credits and receivables from energy tax refunds, research, education and apprentice subsidies. 

Trade receivables with a total nominal value of €34.0 million were assigned as security against financial liabilities as of  
31 December 2018 (31.12.2017: €34.0 million). 

20. Income tax receivables 
Income tax receivables amounting to €18.4 million (31.12.2017: €13.5 million) are mainly related to tax prepayments and deductible with-
holding taxes. 

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21. Other current financial assets  
This item of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position consists of the following components: 

in € million 

Marketable securities 

Derivatives in open orders 

Forward exchange contracts 

Other current financial receivables 

Other current financial assets 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

36.3 

1.0 

1.1 

0.2 

38.6 

32.3 

0.8 

0.9 

0.1 

34.1 

Accumulated impairments on other current financial receivables amounted to €1.1 million (31.12.2017: €1.1 million). 

22. Cash and cash equivalents 
This item of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position consists of the following components: 

in € million 

Cash at banks 

Money market funds 

Cheques 

Cash on hand 

Cash and cash equivalents 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

426.7 

61.9 

2.5 

0.1 

491.2 

373.2 

67.5 

1.4 

0.3 

442.4 

Cash and cash equivalents include restricted cash totalling €42.5 million at 31 December 2018 (31.12.2017: €80.8 million). Restricted 
cash is mainly related to cash and cash equivalents at subsidiaries (mainly in Brazil, India and China) to which the company only has 
limited access due to foreign exchange and capital transfer controls. €23.8 million (31.12.2017: €75.8 million) are accounted for by sub-
sidiaries with non-controlling interests. 

23. Share capital 
In exchange for the cancellation of the RHI AG shares as a result of the merger in the year 2017, in which RHI AG merged with and into 
RHI Magnesita N.V., the shareholders of RHI AG received one newly issued ordinary share of RHI Magnesita N.V. for each RHI AG share. As 
part of the purchase price for the acquisition of control of Magnesita, RHI Magnesita N.V. issued 5,000,000 new ordinary shares to the 
sellers of Magnesita shares as at 26 October 2017. Following the merger and the acquisition of control and also at year-end 2017, RHI 
Magnesita N.V.’s issued and fully paid-in share capital consisted of 44,819,039 ordinary shares at €1 each share.  

In the course of the first close of the Integrated Tender Offer (ITO) in 2018 and the acquisition of additional 35.2% of shares in Magnesita, 
RHI Magnesita N.V. issued 3,518,008 new ordinary shares. Hence, share capital consists of 48,337,047 ordinary shares at €1 each share as 
of 31 December 2018. 

The authorised share capital of RHI Magnesita N.V. amounts to €100,000,000 divided into 100,000,000 ordinary shares, of which 
48,337,047 ordinary shares are issued and outstanding as explained before. 

All outstanding RHI Magnesita shares grant the same rights. The shareholders are entitled to dividends and have one voting right per 
share at the Annual General Meeting. There are no RHI Magnesita shares with special control rights.  

24. Group reserves 
Additional paid-in capital 
At 31 December 2018 as well as at 31 December 2017, additional paid-in capital comprised premiums on the issue of shares less issue 
costs by RHI Magnesita N.V.  

Mandatory reserve 
The articles of association stipulate a mandatory reserve of €288,699,230.59 which was created in connection with the merger. No dis-
tributions, allocations or additions may be made and no losses of the company may be allocated to the mandatory reserve. 

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Notes 
continued 

Retained earnings 
Retained earnings includes the result of the financial year and results that were earned by consolidated companies during prior periods, 
but not distributed.  

Accumulated other comprehensive income 
Cash flow hedges includes gains and losses from the effective part of cash flow hedges less tax effects. The accumulated gain or loss 
from the hedge allocated to reserves is only reclassified to the Statement of Profit or Loss if the hedged transaction also influences the 
result or is terminated. 

Defined benefit plans includes the gains and losses from the remeasurement of defined benefit pension and termination benefit plans 
taking into account tax effects. No reclassification of these amounts to the Statement of Profit or Loss will be made in future periods. 

Currency translation includes the accumulated currency translation differences from translating the Financial Statements of foreign 
subsidiaries as well as unrealised currency translation differences from monetary items which are part of a net investment in a foreign 
operation, net of related income taxes. If foreign companies are deconsolidated, the currency translation differences are recognised in the 
Statement of Profit or Loss as part of the gain or loss from the sale of shares in subsidiaries. In addition, when monetary items cease to 
form part of a net investment in a foreign operation, the currency translation differences of these monetary items previously recognised in 
other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss. In 2017, the Group reassessed its internal financing structure and as a result 
reclassified accumulated losses of €38.9 million to the Statement of Profit or Loss. Due to the disposal of Fused Cast accumulated foreign 
currency translation losses of €1.8 million were reclassified to the Statement of Profit or Loss. The corresponding tax effect led to an in-
come of €6.2 million. 

25. Non-controlling interests  
Non-controlling interests in Magnesita 
Non-controlling interests held a share of 50% minus one share in the company Magnesita Refratários S.A. and its subsidiaries (“Magnesi-
ta”) until 20 December 2018. After completion of the Integrated Tender Offer, the non-controlling interests were reduced to 14.8%. Total 
comprehensive income of the year 2018 attributable to non-controlling interests of Magnesita reflects this development in ownership 
structure. Detailed information of this transaction and the consequences of the change of the ownership interest in Magnesita that do not 
result in a change of control are provided under Note (5). Magnesita is a global group dedicated to the production and sale of an extensive 
line of refractory materials and industrial minerals and distinguishes itself through its vertically integrated operations. 

Based on the net assets of Magnesita, the carrying amount of the non-controlling interests is determined as follows: 

in € million 

Non-current assets 

Current assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Net assets before intragroup eliminations 

Intragroup eliminations 

Net assets 

Percentage of non-controlling interests 

Carrying amount of non-controlling interests 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

31.12.2018 

969.7 

561.0 

(400.6) 

(676.0) 

454.1 

(3.9) 

450.2 

14.8% 

66.7 

31.12.20171) 

1,008.1 

647.7 

(734.4) 

(498.4) 

423.0 

(0.1) 

422.9 

50.0% 

211.5 

142 
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A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

The aggregate Statement of Profit or Loss and Statement of Comprehensive Income are shown below: 

in € million 

Revenue 

Operating expenses, net finance costs and income tax 

Profit after income tax before intragroup eliminations 

Intragroup eliminations 

Profit after income tax 

thereof attributable to non-controlling interests of Magnesita 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

in € million 

Profit after income tax 

Other comprehensive income  

Total comprehensive income 

thereof attributable to non-controlling interests of Magnesita 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

The following table shows the summarised Statement of Cash Flows: 

in € million 

Net cash flow from operating activities 

Net cash flow from investing activities 

Net cash flow from financing activities 

Total cash flow 

2018 

11-12/20171) 

1,067.5 

(1,011.4) 

56.1 

(3.4) 

52.7 

26.3 

2018 

52.7 

(24.4) 

28.3 

14.2 

172.2 

(163.8) 

8.4 

0.0 

8.4 

4.2 

11-12/20171) 

8.4 

(13.3) 

(4.9) 

(2.5) 

2018 

164.9 

(10.2) 

(258.5) 

(103.8) 

11-12/2017 

46.5 

18.7 

(2.8) 

62.4 

Non-controlling interests in Orient Refractories Ltd. 
Non-controlling interests hold a share of 33.5% (31.12.2017: 30.4%) in the listed company Orient Refractories Ltd. (in the following 
“ORL”), based in New Delhi, India. ORL is allocated to the Steel segment. In August 2018, the Group sold 3.1% of the shares in ORL. The 
carrying amount of ORL’s net assets in the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements on the date of the sale was €53.9 million. Conse-
quently, the carrying amount of non-controlling interests sold amounts to €1.7 million. The cash part of the consideration received is  
€9.1 million. This transaction results in an increase in equity attributable to shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V. in the amount of  
€7.4 million. 

Based on the net assets of the company, the carrying amount of the non-controlling interests is determined as follows: 

in € million 

Non-current assets 

Current assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Net assets before intragroup eliminations 

Intragroup eliminations 

Net assets 

Percentage of non-controlling interests 

Carrying amount of non-controlling interests 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

24.3 

56.0 

(6.3) 

(19.6) 

54.4 

(0.4) 

54.0 

33.5% 

18.1 

25.6 

48.8 

(6.8) 

(16.6) 

51.0 

(0.2) 

50.8 

30.4% 

15.4 

143
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R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Notes 
continued 

The aggregate Statement of Profit or Loss and Statement of Comprehensive Income are shown below: 

in € million 

Revenue 

Operating expenses, net finance costs and income tax 

Profit after income tax before intragroup eliminations 

Intragroup eliminations 

Profit after income tax 

thereof attributable to non-controlling interests of ORL 

in € million 

Profit after income tax 

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income 

thereof attributable to non-controlling interests of ORL 

The following table shows the summarised Statement of Cash Flows of ORL: 

in € million 

Net cash flow from operating activities 

Net cash flow from investing activities 

Net cash flow from financing activities 

Total cash flow 

2018 

91.0 

(81.6) 

9.4 

(0.2) 

9.2 

2.7 

2018 

9.2 

(2.3) 

6.9 

2.2 

2018 

9.5 

(1.8) 

(3.6) 

4.1 

2017 

77.9 

(70.1) 

7.8 

0.1 

7.9 

2.4 

2017 

7.9 

(3.6) 

4.3 

1.3 

2017 

6.4 

(1.0) 

(3.8) 

1.6 

Net cash flow from financing activities includes dividend payments to non-controlling interests amounting to €1.2 million (2017:  
€1.1 million).  

Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests 
The development of accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests is shown in the following table: 

in € million 

Accumulated other comprehensive income 01.01.2018 

Unrealised results from currency translation 

Unrealised results from fair value change 

Remeasurement of defined benefit plans 

Transactions with non-controlling interests without change of control 

Accumulated other comprehensive income 31.12.2018 

Cash flow hedges 

Defined benefit 
plans 

Currency 
translation 

0.1 

- 

0.2 

- 

(0.1) 

0.2 

(0.1) 

- 

- 

(1.9) 

(0.1) 

(2.1) 

(7.6) 

(11.0) 

- 

- 

10.7 

(7.9) 

144 
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26. Borrowings 
Borrowings include all interest-bearing liabilities due to financial institutions and other lenders.  

Borrowings have the following contractual remaining terms: 

in € million 

Syndicated Term Loan 

Bonded loans ("Schuldscheindarlehen") 

Export credits and investment financing 

Other credit lines and other loans 

Accrued interest 

Total liabilities to financial institutions 

Other financial liabilities 

Capitalised transaction costs 

Borrowings 

in € million 

Export credits and investment financing 

Syndicated Financing 

Bonded loans ("Schuldscheindarlehen") 

Other credit lines and other loans 

Accrued interest 

Total liabilities to financial institutions 

Perpetual bond 

Senior notes 

Other financial liabilities 

Capitalised transaction costs 

Borrowings 

Total 

Remaining term 

31.12.2018 

up to 1 year 

2 to 5 years 

over 5 years 

0.0 

0.0 

34.4 

278.9 

6.9 

320.2 

2.3 

(0.9) 

321.6 

479.9 

216.0 

171.9 

278.9 

6.9 

1,153.6 

16.6 

(3.8) 

1,166.4 

Total 

479.9 

152.0 

137.5 

0.0 

0.0 

769.4 

13.7 

(2.9) 

780.2 

0.0 

64.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

64.0 

0.6 

0.0 

64.6 

Remaining term 

31.12.2017 

up to 1 year 

2 to 5 years 

over 5 years 

346.4 

266.2 

230.5 

102.1 

7.8 

953.0 

215.3 

55.6 

4.8 

(3.1) 

1,225.6 

65.6 

0.0 

0.0 

102.1 

7.8 

175.5 

64.3 

1.1 

1.6 

(0.7) 

241.8 

280.0 

266.2 

162.0 

0.0 

0.0 

708.2 

0.0 

54.5 

3.1 

(2.4) 

0.8 

0.0 

68.5 

0.0 

0.0 

69.3 

151.0 

0.0 

0.1 

0.0 

763.4 

220.4 

RHI Magnesita Group optimised its financial structure in 2018. In the first quarter, the Group refinanced the syndicated financial agree-
ment, which was concluded in July 2017, with a new €305.6 million five year term loan of the Austrian export credit agency (OeKB). The 
refinancing extends the final maturity of the term loan by one year, from June 2022 to June 2023. This new syndicated term loan replac-
es the existing €477.2 million syndicated financial agreement for which only €266.2 million had been drawn down. Cash inflows from 
the new term loan in the amount of €305.6 million are shown in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows in proceeds from non-
current borrowings and loans, whereas cash outflows from the redemption of the syndicated loan in the amount of €266.2 million are 
included in repayments of non-current borrowings and loans. In addition, on 3 August 2018 the Group raised a new unsecured five year 
term loan amounting to US$200 million and a revolving credit facility in the amount of US$400 million with a syndicate of 10 interna-
tional banks. The proceeds of the borrowings have been used to redeem the entire amount of the outstanding Magnesita Perpetual Bonds 
and Senior notes and other export credits and investment financing, which will generate significant interest expense savings as well as 
ensure higher liquidity. 

€34.0 million (31.12.2017: €34.0 million) of the liabilities to financial institutions are secured by receivables. As at 31.12.2017 €2.6 million 
were secured by cash and cash equivalents.  

Net debt/adjusted EBITDA is the most important financial covenant of the loan agreements. Calculation of net debt/adjusted EBITDA is 
shown under Note (55). Compliance with the covenants is measured predominantly on an annual or semi-annual basis. Covenant ratio is 
limited at 3.5. Breach of covenant will lead to repay the debts prior to maturity. During 2018 and 2017, the Group met all covenant re-
quirements.  

145
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R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Notes 
continued 

For liabilities of €1,052.6 million (31.12.2017: €1,109.9 million), lenders have a termination option in the case of a change of control. In the 
event that certain reasons for termination exist, the lenders may declare the loan due with immediate effect and demand immediate 
repayment of the principal including interest, as well as the payment of other amounts payable that may have been incurred. 

Taking into account interest swaps, 55% (31.12.2017: 34%) of the liabilities to financial institutions carry fixed interest and 45% 
(31.12.2017: 66%) carry variable interest. 

The following table shows fixed interest terms and conditions, taking into account interest rate swaps, without liabilities from deferred 
interest:  

Interest 
terms 
fixed until 

Effective annual interest rate 

2019 

EURIBOR + margin 

LIBOR + margin 

Interbank Deposit Certificate 
(CDI) + margin 

Variable interest rate + margin 

3.77% 

Various - variable rate 

2020 

1.28% 

2.30% 

2022 

1.74% 

2023 

2024 

4.60% 

1.56% 

1.12% 

3.94% 

3.10% 

Cur- 
rency 

EUR 

USD 

BRL 

EUR 

EUR 

Var. 

USD 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

USD 

EUR 

31.12.2018 
Carrying amount 
in € million 

Interest 
terms  
fixed until 

Effective annual interest rate 

132.0  2018 

EURIBOR + margin 

221.7 

113.9 

34.0 

3.0 

16.5 

    2019 

32.8  2020 

12.4 

62.0  2022 

3.0 

196.2 

109.4 

174.8 

35.0  2024 

1,146.7 

LIBOR + margin 

Interbank Deposit Certificate 
(CDI) + margin 

Variable interest rate + margin 

4.11% 

4.15% 

Various - variable rate 

Various - fixed rate 

0.68% 

0.72% 

3.77% 

1.59% 

4.19% 

4.98% 

7.50% 

1.74% 

4.60% 

3.10% 

3.20% 

4.00% 

Cur- 
rency 

EUR 

USD 

BRL 

EUR 

USD 

USD 

Var. 

Var. 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

USD 

USD 

BRL 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

31.12.2017 
Carrying amount 
in € million 

369.6 

54.4 

145.5 

34.0 

18.3 

13.4 

16.0 

10.5 

10.0 

7.1 

3.0 

4.0 

70.7 

62.4 

8.2 

63.0 

3.0 

37.0 

5.5 

9.6 

945.2 

In some cases, the terms to maturity of the contracts are substantially longer than the period during which interest terms are fixed. 

146 
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R H I   M A G N E S I TA
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27. Other financial liabilities 
Other financial liabilities include the negative fair value of derivative financial instruments as well as fixed-term and puttable non-
controlling interests in Group companies. This item of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position consists of the following items: 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

in € million 

Current 

Non-current 

Total 

Current 

Non-current 

Derivatives from supply 
contracts  

Interest rate swaps  

Derivatives in open orders 

Derivative financial 
liabilities 

Fixed-term or puttable non-
controlling interests 

Other financial liabilities 

0.9 

0.0 

0.0 

0.9 

14.1 

15.0 

20.0 

7.3 

0.0 

27.3 

22.2 

49.5 

20.9 

7.3 

0.0 

28.2 

36.3 

64.5 

6.8 

0.0 

0.5 

7.3 

10.1 

17.4 

33.4 

0.2 

0.0 

33.6 

21.9 

55.5 

Total 

40.2 

0.2 

0.5 

40.9 

32.0 

72.9 

Additional explanations on derivative financial instruments are provided under Note (54).  

28. Provisions for pensions 
The net liability from pension obligations in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position is as follows: 

in € million 

Present value of pension obligations 

Fair value of plan assets 

Funded status 

Asset ceiling 

Net liability from pension obligations 

thereof assets from overfunded pension plans 

thereof pensions 

The present value of pension obligations by beneficiary groups is as follows: 

in € million 

Active beneficiaries 

Vested terminated beneficiaries 

Retirees 

Present value of pension obligations 

The calculation of pension obligations is based on the following actuarial assumptions: 

in % 

Interest rate 

Future salary increase 

Future pension increase 

These are average values which were weighted with the present value of the respective pension obligation. 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

506.6 

(223.9) 

282.7 

19.5 

302.2 

2.1 

304.3 

517.1 

(228.6) 

288.5 

18.3 

306.8 

1.9 

308.7 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

101.4 

68.7 

336.5 

506.6 

107.9 

71.9 

337.3 

517.1 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

3.3% 

2.7% 

2.2% 

3.1% 

2.8% 

2.1% 

147
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Notes 
continued 

The calculation of the actuarial interest rate for the European currency area is based on a yield curve for returns of high-quality corporate 
bonds denominated in EUR with an average rating of AA, which is derived from pooled index values. The calculation of the actuarial 
interest rate for the USD and GBP currency area is based on a yield curve for returns of high-quality corporate bonds denominated in USD 
and GBP with an average rating of AA, which is derived from pooled index values. Where there are very long-term maturities, the yield 
curve follows the performance of bonds without credit default risk. The interest rate is calculated annually at 31 December, taking into 
account the expected future cash flows which were determined based on the current personal and commitment data. 

The calculation in Austria was based on the AVÖ 2018-P (31.12.2017: AVÖ 2008-P) demographic calculation principles for salaried em-
ployees from the Actuarial Association of Austria. In Germany, the Heubeck 2018 G (31.12.2017: Heubeck 2005 G) actuarial tables were 
used as a basis. In the other countries, country-specific mortality tables were applied.  

The main pension regulations are described below: 

The Austrian group companies account for €125.8 million (31.12.2017: €122.6 million) of the present value of pension obligations and for 
€26.4 million (31.12.2017: €26.1 million) of the plan assets. The agreed benefits include pensions, invalidity benefits and benefits for 
surviving dependents. Commitments in the form of company or individual agreements depend on the length of service and the salary at 
the time of retirement. For the majority of commitments the amount of the company pension subsidy is limited to 75% of the final remu-
neration including a pension pursuant to the General Social Insurance Act (ASVG). RHI Magnesita has concluded pension reinsurance 
policies for part of the commitments. The pension claims of the beneficiaries are limited to the coverage capital required for these com-
mitments. Pensions are predominantly paid in the form of annuities and are partially indexed. For employees joining the company after  
1 January 1984, no defined benefits were granted. Rather, a defined contribution pension model is in place. In addition, there are com-
mitments based on the deferred compensation principle, which are fully covered by pension reinsurance policies, and commitments for 
preretirement benefits for employees in mining operations. 

The pension plans of the German group companies account for €155.1 million (31.12.2017: €158.6 million) of the present value of pension 
obligations and for €0.7 million (31.12.2017: €0.7 million) of plan assets. The benefits included in company agreements comprise pen-
sions, invalidity benefits and benefits for surviving dependents. The amount of the pension depends on the length of service for the ma-
jority of the commitments and is calculated as a percentage of the average monthly wage/salary of the last 12 months prior to retirement. 
In some cases commitments to fixed benefits per year of service have been made. The pensions are predominantly paid in the form of 
annuities and are adjusted in accordance with the development of the consumer price index for Germany. The pension plans are closed 
for new entrants, except one contribution-based plan. There is no defined contribution model on a voluntary basis. Individual commit-
ments have been made, with major part of them being retired beneficiaries.  

The pension plan of the US group company Magnesita Refractories Company, York, USA, accounts for €74.2 million (31.12.2017:  
€73.7 million) of the present value of pension obligations and for €61.8 million (31.12.2017: €60.0 million) of the plan assets. The pension 
plan is a non-contributory defined benefit plan covering a portion of the employees of the company. The plan is subject to the provisions 
of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Effective 21 June 1999, the company offered the participants the oppor-
tunity to elect to participate in a single enhanced defined contribution plan. Participants who make this election are no longer eligible for 
future accruals under this plan. All benefits accrued as of the date of transfer will be retained. Employees hired after 21 June 1999 and 
employees that did not meet the plan's eligibility requirements as of 21 June 1999 are not eligible for this plan. The pensions are predom-
inantly paid in the form of annuities and are adjusted annually based on the US consumer price index. The company's contributions for 
the year ended 31 December 2018 met, or exceeded, the minimum funding requirements of ERISA. 

The pension plan of the UK group company Magnesita Refractories Ltd., Dinnington, United Kingdom, accounts for €53.0 million 
(31.12.2017: €60.7 million) of the present value of pension obligations and holds €69.6 million (31.12.2017: €76.5 million) of assets, alt-
hough only €53.0 million (31.12.2017: €60.7 million) of the plan assets are reflected on the balance sheet due to the application of  
IFRIC 14 (asset ceiling). The company sponsors a funded defined benefit pension plan for qualifying UK employees. The plan is adminis-
tered by a separate board of trustees which is legally separate from the company. The trustees are composed of representatives of both 
the employer and employees, plus an independent professional trustee. The trustees are required by law to act in the interest of all rele-
vant beneficiaries and are responsible for the investment policy with regard to the assets plus the day to day administration of the bene-
fits. Under the plan, employees are entitled to annual pensions on retirement at age 65 of one-sixtieth of final pensionable salary for each 
year of service. Pensionable salary is defined as basic salary less the Lower Earnings Limit. Benefits are also payable on death and follow-
ing other events such as withdrawing from active service. No other post-retirement benefits are provided to these employees. 

The pension liabilities of the Brazilian group company Magnesita Refratários S.A. account for €62.6 million (31.12.2017: €62.3 million) of 
the present value of pension obligations and for €34.6 million (31.12.2017: €36.3 million) of the plan assets. The pension plan qualifies as 
an optional benefit plan. Employees are entitled to contribute to the plan, with the company contributing 1.5 times this value. The agreed 
benefits include pensions, invalidity benefits and benefits for surviving dependents. Commitments in the form of company or individual 
agreements depend on the length of service and salary at the time of retirement. For the majority of commitments, the amount of the 

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company pension obligation is limited to 75% of the final remuneration. At retirement the employee may choose to receive up to 25% of 
his/her amount at once or receive it on a pro-rata base with different options of monthly quotes.  

The following table shows the development of net liability from pension obligations: 

in € million 

Net liability from pension obligations at beginning of year 

Currency translation 

Acquisition of subsidiaries 

Pension cost 

Remeasurement losses 

Benefits paid 

Employers' contributions to external funds 

Reclassifications 

Net liability from pension obligations at year-end 

The present value of pension obligations developed as follows: 

in € million 

Present value of pension obligations at beginning of year 

Currency translation 

Acquisition of subsidiaries 

Current service cost 

Past service cost 

Interest cost 

Remeasurement losses/(gains) 

from changes in demographic assumptions 

from changes in financial assumptions 

due to experience adjustments 

Benefits paid 

Employee contributions to external funds 

Reclassifications 

Present value of pension obligations at year-end 

The movement in plan assets is shown in the table below: 

in € million 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 

Currency translation 

Acquisition of subsidiaries 

Interest income 

Administrative costs (paid from plan assets) 

Income on plan assets less interest income 

Benefits paid 

Employers' contributions to external funds 

Employee contributions to external funds 

Fair value of plan assets at year-end 

2018 

306.8 

(1.9) 

0.0 

11.6 

12.2 

(17.3) 

(9.0) 

(0.2) 

2017 

234.7 

(2.3) 

81.0 

8.5 

6.0 

(17.8) 

(3.3) 

0.0 

302.2 

306.8 

2018 

517.1 

(3.0) 

0.0 

3.9 

(0.5) 

15.2 

7.8 

(5.8) 

2.7 

(31.1) 

0.5 

(0.2) 

506.6 

2018 

228.6 

(1.2) 

0.0 

7.7 

(0.3) 

(6.6) 

(13.8) 

9.0 

0.5 

2017 

289.2 

(7.9) 

240.3 

3.3 

0.0 

7.2 

(0.6) 

6.1 

2.2 

(23.1) 

0.4 

0.0 

517.1 

2017 

56.4 

(5.9) 

174.6 

2.3 

(0.2) 

3.0 

(5.3) 

3.3 

0.4 

223.9 

228.6 

149
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R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Notes 
continued 

The changes in the asset ceiling are shown below: 

in € million 

Asset ceiling at beginning of year 

Currency translation 

Acquisition of subsidiaries 

Interest expense 

Losses from changes in asset ceiling less interest expense 

Asset ceiling at year-end 

2018 

18.3 

(0.1) 

0.0 

0.4 

0.9 

19.5 

At 31 December 2018 the weighted average duration of pension obligations amounts to 12 years (31.12.2017: 12 years). 

The following amounts were recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss: 

in € million 

Current service cost 

Negative past service cost 

Interest cost 

Interest income 

Interest expense from asset ceiling 

Administrative costs (paid from plan assets) 

Pension expense recognised in profit or loss 

The remeasurement results recognised in other comprehensive income are shown in the table below: 

in € million 

Accumulated remeasurement losses at beginning of year 

Remeasurement losses on present value of pension obligations 

Expenses/(Income) on plan assets less interest income 

Losses from changes in asset ceiling less interest 

Accumulated remeasurement losses at year-end 

2018 

3.9 

(0.5) 

15.2 

(7.7) 

0.4 

0.3 

11.6 

2018 

119.3 

4.6 

6.6 

0.9 

131.4 

2017 

1.9 

(0.3) 

15.3 

0.1 

1.3 

18.3 

2017 

3.3 

0.0 

7.2 

(2.3) 

0.1 

0.2 

8.5 

2017 

113.3 

7.7 

(3.0) 

1.3 

119.3 

The present value of plan assets is distributed to the following classes of investments: 

in € million 

Insurances 

Equity instruments 

Debt instruments 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Other assets 

Fair value of plan assets 

Active market 

No active market 

0.0 

4.7 

14.3 

32.3 

57.9 

109.2 

39.1 

18.5 

49.2 

4.1 

3.8 

114.7 

31.12.2018 

Total 

39.1 

23.2 

63.5 

36.4 

61.7 

223.9 

Active market 

No active market 

0.0 

4.8 

17.2 

35.0 

60.8 

117.8 

38.4 

23.1 

45.2 

0.4 

3.7 

110.8 

31.12.2017 

Total 

38.4 

27.9 

62.4 

35.4 

64.5 

228.6 

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The present value of the insurances to cover the Austrian pension plans corresponds to the coverage capital. Insurance companies pre-
dominantly invest in debt instruments and to a low extent in equity instruments and properties. 

Plan assets do not include own financial instruments of the Group or assets utilised by the RHI Magnesita Group. 

RHI Magnesita works with professional fund managers for the investment of plan assets. They act on the basis of specific investment 
guidelines adopted by the pension fund committee of the respective pension plans. The committees consist of management staff of the 
finance department and other qualified executives. They meet regularly in order to approve the target portfolio with the support of inde-
pendent actuarial experts and to review the risks and the performance of the investments. In addition, they approve the selection or the 
extension of contracts of external fund managers.  

The largest part of the other assets is invested in pension reinsurance, which creates a low counterparty risk towards insurance compa-
nies. In addition, the Group is exposed to interest risks and longevity risks resulting from defined benefit commitments. 

The Group generally endows the pension funds with the amount necessary to meet the legal minimum allocation requirements of the 
country in which the fund is based. Moreover, the Group makes additional allocations at its discretion from time to time. In the financial 
year 2019, RHI Magnesita expects employer contributions to external plan assets to amount to €4.8 million and direct payments to enti-
tled beneficiaries to €17.1 million. In the previous year, employer contributions of €4.8 million and direct pension payments of €17.9 mil-
lion had been expected for the financial year 2018. 

29. Other personnel provisions 
Other personnel provisions consist of the following items: 

in € million 

Termination benefits 

Service anniversary bonuses 

Legacy share-based payment programme 

Semi-retirements 

Lump-sum settlements 

Other personnel provisions 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

55.5 

19.4 

1.6 

1.9 

0.1 

78.5 

58.1 

19.4 

2.9 

1.4 

0.7 

82.5 

Provisions for termination benefits 
Provisions for termination benefits were based on the following weighted average measurement assumptions: 

in % 

Interest rate 

Future salary increase 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

2.1% 

3.9% 

1.7% 

3.8% 

The interest rate for the measurement of termination benefit obligations in the Euro area was determined taking into account the compa-
ny specific duration of the portfolio. 

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Notes 
continued 

Provisions for termination benefits developed as follows in the financial year and the previous year: 

in € million 

Provisions for termination benefits at beginning of year 

Currency translation 

Current service cost 

Interest cost 

Remeasurement losses/(gains) 

from changes in demographic assumptions 

from changes in financial assumptions 

due to experience adjustments 

Benefits paid 

Reclassification 

Reclassification as held for sale 

Provisions for termination benefits at year-end 

2018 

58.1 

0.0 

1.6 

0.9 

1.1 

(2.3) 

0.5 

(4.4) 

0.0 

0.0 

55.5 

2017 

58.5 

(0.1) 

1.5 

1.0 

0.0 

5.1 

0.4 

(4.1) 

(0.4) 

(3.8) 

58.1 

Payments for termination benefits are expected to amount to €3.5 million in the year 2019. In the previous year, the payments for termi-
nation benefits expected for the year 2018 amounted to €3.0 million. 

The following remeasurement gains and losses were recognised in other comprehensive income: 

in € million 

Accumulated remeasurement losses at beginning of year 

Remeasurement (gains)/losses1) 

Reclassification as held for sale 

Accumulated remeasurement losses at year-end 

2018 

27.9 

(0.7) 

0.0 

27.2 

2017 

23.6 

5.6 

(1.3) 

27.9 

1 

Including €0.0 million (2017: €0.1 million) from a joint venture accounted for using the equity method. 

At 31 December 2018 the weighted average duration of termination benefit obligations amounts to 11 years (31.12.2017: 11 years). 

Provisions for service anniversary bonuses 
The measurement of provisions for service anniversary bonuses is based on an average weighted interest rate of 1.7% (31.12.2017: 1.4%) 
and takes into account salary increases of 3.7% (31.12.2017: 3.6%). 

Provisions for semi-retirement 
The funded status of provisions for obligations to employees with semi-retirement contracts is shown in the table below: 

in € million 

Present value of semi-retirement obligations 

Fair value of plan assets 

Provisions for semi-retirement obligations 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

5.1 

(3.2) 

1.9 

5.0 

(3.6) 

1.4 

External plan assets are ring-fenced from all creditors and exclusively serve to meet semi-retirement obligations. 

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30. Other non-current provisions 
The development of non-current provisions is shown in the table below: 

in € million 

1.1.20181) 

Currency translation 

Utilised 

Reversals 

Additions 

Additions interest 

Reclassifications 

31.12.2018 

Contract 
obligations 

Labour and civil 
contingencies 

Demolition/ 
disposal costs,  
environmental 
damages 

91.1 

(9.7) 

0.0 

0.0 

1.7 

9.8 

(9.1) 

83.8 

9.4 

(1.0) 

(0.4) 

0.0 

0.3 

0.0 

0.0 

8.3 

10.8 

(0.2) 

0.0 

0.0 

1.9 

0.0 

0.0 

12.5 

Other 

4.4 

(0.1) 

(0.1) 

(0.1) 

0.5 

0.0 

0.0 

4.6 

Total 

115.7 

(11.0) 

(0.5) 

(0.1) 

4.4 

9.8 

(9.1) 

109.2 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

In November 2017, RHI Magnesita sold a plant located in Oberhausen, Germany, in order to satisfy the conditions imposed by the Europe-
an Commission in connection with their approval of the Acquisition of Control of Magnesita. As RHI Magnesita is obligated to provide raw 
materials at cost, the Group has recognised a provision for unfavourable contracts as part of the purchase price allocation to reflect the 
foregone profit margin. The non-current portion of this contract obligation amounts to €80.0 million as of 31.12.2018 (31.12.2017:  
€87.8 million). Furthermore, provisions for contract obligations amounting to €3.2 million (31.12.2017: €1.9 million) are due to contracts 
for logistics services and the procurement of raw materials. 

The provision for labour and civil contingencies primarily comprises of labour litigation provisions against RHI Magnesita in a total of  
323 cases amounting to €7.1 million (31.12.2017: €8.3 million). 

The provision for demolition and disposal costs and environmental damages primarily includes provisions for the estimated costs of min-
ing site restoration of several mines in Brazil amounting to €5.9 million (31.12.2017: €4.6 million) and various sites in the United States 
amounting to €6.1 million (31.12.2017: €5.8 million).  

The other provisions primarily include provisions related to tax litigation procedures in Peru regarding corporate income tax of fiscal year 
2009 amounting to €2.7 million (31.12.2017: €2.6 million) and judicial action filed in Colombia related to corporate income tax of fiscal 
year 2010 amounting to €1.9 million (31.12.2017: €1.5 million).  

31. Other non-current liabilities 
Other non-current liabilities consist of the following items: 

in € million 

Deferred income for subsidies received 

Liabilities to employees 

Contingent consideration for acquired subsidiaries 

Miscellaneous non-current liabilities 

Other non-current liabilities 

thereof financial liabilities 

thereof non-financial liabilities 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

6.2 

2.5 

0.6 

1.0 

10.3 

0.6 

9.7 

4.7 

2.8 

0.6 

0.9 

9.0 

0.6 

8.4 

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Notes 
continued 

32. Trade payables and other current liabilities 
Trade payables and other current liabilities included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position consist of the following items: 

in € million 

Trade payables 

Contract liabilities 

Prepayments received on orders 

Liabilities to employees 

Taxes other than income tax 

Payables from commissions 

Payables from property transactions 

Customers with credit balances 

Liabilities to joint ventures and associates 

Liabilities to non-consolidated subsidiaries 

Other current liabilities 

Trade payables and other current liabilities 

thereof financial liabilities 

thereof non-financial liabilities 

31.12.2018 

31.12.20171) 

502.5 

467.6 

64.8 

0.0 

99.6 

30.0 

13.0 

9.2 

7.3 

5.4 

1.0 

24.1 

756.9 

539.3 

217.6 

0.0 

24.1 

99.2 

23.2 

13.2 

4.8 

6.5 

9.1 

1.6 

28.9 

678.2 

507.0 

171.2 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

Contract liabilities mainly consist of prepayments received on orders. Prepayments received on orders as of 31 December 2017 were rec-
ognised as revenue in the current reporting period. 

The item liabilities to employees primarily consists of obligations for wages and salaries, payroll taxes and employee-related duties, per-
formance bonuses, unused vacation and flexitime credits. 

Other current liabilities include €1.6 million (31.12.2017: €3.7 million) investment reimbursement obligation to the former subsidiary 
Dolomite Franchi S.p.A.,and other accrued expenses.  

33. Income tax liabilities 
Income tax liabilities amounting to €32.2 million (31.12.2017: €16.1 million) primarily include income taxes for the current year and previ-
ous years which have not yet been definitively audited by domestic and foreign tax authorities. Taking into account a multitude of factors, 
including the interpretation, commenting and case law regarding the respective tax laws as well as past experiences, adequate liabilities 
have been recognised as far as apparent. 

34. Current provisions 
The development of current provisions is shown in the table below: 

in € million 

1.1.20181) 

Currency translation 

Utilised 

Reversals 

Additions 

Reclassifications 

31.12.2018 

Restructuring 
costs 

Demolition/ 
disposal costs,  
environmental 

damages  Warranties 

Contract 
obligations 

Guarantees 
provided 

37.6 

(0.4) 

(25.2) 

(7.0) 

4.1 

1.0 

10.1 

9.3 

0.0 

(2.9) 

(0.7) 

1.7 

0.0 

7.4 

4.4 

(0.2) 

(3.3) 

(0.2) 

2.0 

0.0 

2.7 

26.2 

(2.0) 

(18.7) 

(2.4) 

9.7 

8.3 

21.1 

2.9 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.1 

0.0 

3.0 

Other 

9.0 

(0.4) 

(3.2) 

0.0 

1.9 

1.4 

8.7 

Total 

89.4 

(3.0) 

(53.3) 

(10.3) 

19.5 

10.7 

53.0 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita and of the initial application of IFRS 15. 

Provisions for restructuring costs amount to €10.1 million as of 31 December 2018 (31.12.2017: €37.6 million) and primarily consist of 
benefit obligations to employees due to termination of employment resulting from corporate reorganisation of RHI Magnesita. 

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The item demolition and disposal costs, environmental damages includes an amount of €2.5 million (31.12.2017: €2.7 million) which 
refers to the former site in Aken, Germany. It is assumed that this provision will be used up within the next 12 months.  

Provisions for warranties include provisions for claims arising from warranties and other similar obligations from the sale of refractory 
products. 

Provisions for contract obligations include the current portion of the Oberhausen contract obligation amounting to €11.5 million 
(31.12.2017: €16.9 million). The amortisation of this provision led to an income of €10.0 million in 2018. Furthermore, provisions for other 
unfavourable contracts amounting to €6.7 million (31.12.2017: €6.9 million) and provisions for unfavourable contracts related to contracts 
for logistics services and the procurement of raw materials totalling €2.9 million (31.12.2017: €2.4 million) are included. 

Provisions for guarantees provided include obligations from sureties and guarantees to banks and insurance companies in the country 
and abroad. The exact due date of the cash outflow is uncertain. 

The item other provisions includes provisions for real estate transfer tax amounting to €1.3 million (31.12.2017: €2.4 million) resulting from 
corporate reorganisation of RHI Magnesita as well as a provision for the share-based remuneration programme of the members of the 
former Management Board of RHI AG of €1.4 million (31.12.2017: €1.4 million).  

In addition, provisions for legal proceedings including attorney’s fees amounting to €3.2 million (31.12.2017: €3.1 million) are included in 
the item other provisions. It is currently uncertain when precisely the cash outflow is due. 

Furthermore, several provisions, which are individually immaterial and cannot be allocated to one of the above-mentioned categories, are 
included in other provisions. A large part of these costs is expected to be paid within 12 months.  

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Notes 
continued 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS 

35. Revenue 
Revenue is essentially generated by product deliveries and by performing management refractory services. The distribution of revenue by 
product group, division and country is given in the explanations to segment reporting under Note (50). 

36. Cost of sales 
Cost of sales comprises the production cost of goods sold as well as the purchase price of merchandise sold. In addition to direct material 
and production costs, it also includes overheads including depreciation charges on production equipment, amortisation charges of in-
tangible assets as well as impairment losses and reversals of impairment losses of inventories. Moreover, cost of sales also includes the 
costs of services provided by the Group or services received. 

37. Selling and marketing expenses 
This item includes personnel expenses for the sales staff as well as depreciation charges and other operating expenses related to the 
market and sales processes. 

38. General and administrative expenses 
General and administrative expenses primarily consist of personnel expenses for the administrative functions, legal and other consulting 
costs, expenses for research and non-capitalisable development costs.  

Research and development expenses totalled €32.6 million (2017: €24.0 million), of which development costs amounting to €8.3 mil-
lion (2017: €4.6 million) were capitalised. Income from research grants amounted to €3.8 million (2017: €3.8 million) in 2018. Amortisa-
tion and impairment of development costs amounting to €3.8 million (2017: €4.3 million) are recognised under cost of sales. 

39. Other income 
The individual components of other income are: 

in € million 

Result from derivatives from supply contracts 

Amortisation of Oberhausen provision 

Income from restructuring 

Income from the disposal of non-current assets 

Miscellaneous income 

Other income 

2018 

19.6 

10.0 

5.4 

2.2 

6.7 

43.9 

20171) 

4.9 

1.6 

0.3 

0.9 

2.7 

10.4 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita and the changes in presentation. 

Income from restructuring amounting to €5.4 million results from the reversal of acquisition-related provisions for redundancy pro-
grammes. 

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40. Other expenses 
Other expenses include: 

in € million 

Restructuring costs 

Expenses for strategic projects 

Losses from the disposal of non-current assets 

Impairment losses 

Miscellaneous expenses 

Other expenses 

1  Adjusted to reflect the changes in presentation. 

2018 

(22.3) 

(13.5) 

(3.0) 

0.0 

(6.1) 

(44.9) 

20171) 

(62.7) 

(24.4) 

(7.6) 

(2.1) 

(10.5) 

(107.3) 

Restructuring costs primarily relate to costs incurred in connection with the corporate reorganisation of RHI Magnesita, including costs for 
termination of employment amounting to €5.4 million. Furthermore, dismantling and demolition costs amounting to €3.7 million and 
expenses for unused logistics services in the Porsgrunn plant, Norway, amounting to €3.9 million (2017: €4.4 million) are included. In 
2017, restructuring costs included expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition-related global restructuring programme totalling 
€35.3 million and the disposal of the dolomite and fused cast business amounting to €23.0 million. 

Expenses for strategic projects amounting to €13.5 million mainly include legal and consulting fees for the acquisition and integration of 
Magnesita and the related corporate reorganisation of RHI Magnesita. For the acquisition of Magnesita, costs totalling €33.5 million were 
incurred in 2017. They were primarily related to legal and other advisory fees and fees for the consulting investment banks. Of the total 
costs, €24.4 million were recognised in profit or loss and €9.1 million were accounted for as a deduction from equity since these costs 
were directly attributable to the issue of RHI Magnesita shares in 2017. €3.0 million were cash-effective and formed part of capital ex-
penses for the issue of shares in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. 

41. Interest income 
This item includes interest on cash at banks and similar income amounting to €8.8 million (2017: €2.8 million), interest income on finan-
cial receivables amounting to €0.2 million (2017: €0.2 million) and interest income on securities and shares amounting to €0.7 million 
(2017: €2.5 million), of which €0.4 million (2017: €2.0 million) is accounted for by impaired securities. 

42. Foreign exchange effects and related derivatives 
The net expense on foreign exchange effects and related derivatives consists of the following items: 

in € million 

Foreign exchange gains 

Gains from related derivative finanical instruments 

Foreign exchange losses 

Losses from from related derivative finanical instruments 

Net expense on foreign exchange effects and related derivatives 

2018 

98.6 

4.5 

(160.2) 

(24.2) 

(81.3) 

2017 

68.2 

14.2 

(126.3) 

(6.9) 

(50.8) 

The net expense on foreign exchange effects and related derivatives results mainly from the devaluation of the Euro, Argentine Peso and 
Brazilian Real against the US Dollar, affecting both intercompany and third-party loans, accounts payable and accounts receivable. 

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Notes 
continued 

43. Other net financial expenses 
Other net financial expenses consist of the following items:  

in € million 

Interest income on plan assets 

Interest expense on provisions for pensions 

Interest expense on provisions for termination benefits 

Interest expense on other personnel provisions 

Net interest expense personnel provisions 

Unwinding of discount of provisions and payables 

Interest expense on non-controlling interests 

Impairment losses on securities 

Expenses from the valuation of put options 

Gains from the disposal of securities and shares 

Other interest and similar expenses 

Other net financial expenses 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita and the changes in presentation. 

44. Income tax 
Income tax consists of the following items: 

in € million 

Current tax expense 

Deferred tax expense/(income) relating to 

temporary differences 

tax loss carryforwards 

Income tax 

2018 

7.3 

(15.2) 

(0.9) 

(0.3) 

(9.1) 

(15.6) 

(5.3) 

(1.4) 

(1.0) 

0.7 

(10.9) 

(42.6) 

2018 

75.9 

(46.7) 

29.7 

(17.0) 

58.9 

20171) 

2.2 

(7.2) 

(1.0) 

(0.3) 

(6.3) 

(0.9) 

(3.3) 

(1.9) 

(0.9) 

0.0 

(0.3) 

(13.6) 

2017 

30.5 

(34.0) 

8.4 

(25.6) 

4.9 

The current tax expense of the year 2018 includes tax expenses for previous periods of €7.1 million (2017: €2.8 million) and income from 
income tax relating to other periods of €0.5 million (2017: €8.6 million). In 2018, €3.8 million are related to an ongoing tax audit respec-
tively tax loss forfeit in Germany. In 2017, €6.7 million were attributable to the reversal of a provision related to a tax audit in Germany.  

In addition to the income taxes recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss, tax income totalling €5.7 million (2017: €4.1 million), which 
is attributable to other comprehensive income, was also recognised in other comprehensive income. In 2017, tax expense totalling €6.3 
million was reclassified from other comprehensive income to the Statement of Profit or Loss. 

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The reasons for the difference between the income tax expense, which would result from the application of the Austrian corporate tax 
rate of 25% on the profit before income tax, and the income tax reported are shown below: 

in € million 

Profit before income tax 

Income tax expense calculated at 25% (2017: 25%) 

Different foreign tax rates 

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes, non-creditable taxes 

Non-taxable income and tax benefits 

Tax losses and temporary differences of the financial year not recognised 

Utilisation of previously unrecognised loss carryforwards and temporary differences 

Recognition of previously unrecognised loss carryforwards and temporary differences 

Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax expense due to tax rate changes 

Deferred income tax relating to prior periods 

Current income tax relating to prior periods 

Other 

Recognised tax expense 

Effective tax rate (in %) 

2018 

246.0 

61.5 

1.8 

10.1 

(32.3) 

9.5 

(0.2) 

(0.7) 

1.2 

(1.8) 

2.4 

6.7 

0.7 

58.9 

23.9% 

20171) 

(5.9) 

(1.5) 

(0.7) 

20.4 

(7.1) 

11.9 

(1.2) 

(5.8) 

3.7 

(12.9) 

3.3 

(5.8) 

0.6 

4.9 

(83.1)% 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

Deferred tax expense due to tax rates changes is primarily attributable to the reduction of the corporate income tax rate in Norway from 
24% to 23% (2018: €(0.9) million) and an increase in corporate income tax rate in Turkey from 20% to 22% (2018: €0.4 million). In 2017, 
deferred tax expense due to tax rates changes was primarily attributable to the reduction of the corporate income tax rate in the United 
States from 35% to 21% (2017: €(7.5) million) and in Norway (2017: €(1.1) million). Non-taxable income and tax benefits include the 
SUDENE tax regime amounting to 20.4 million. This tax regime is calculated on profits from activities covered by the incentive tax treat-
ment for priority projects for the development of the SUDENE region in Brazil. 

45. Expense categories 
The presentation of the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss is based on the function of expenses. The following tables show a classi-
fication by expense category for 2018 and the previous year: 

in € million 

Changes in inventories, own work capitalised 

Cost of materials 

Personnel costs 

Depreciation and amortisation charges 

Other income 

Other expenses 

Total 

Cost of sales 

Selling and 
marketing expenses 

General and 
administrative 
expenses 

Other income/ 
expenses 

(79.2) 

1,550.8 

409.6 

133.5 

(27.5) 

357.3 

2,344.5 

0.0 

0.6 

72.8 

7.9 

(0.2) 

47.8 

128.9 

(2.8) 

2.4 

106.2 

12.0 

(4.2) 

94.8 

208.4 

0.0 

0.0 

5.6 

0.0 

(9.9) 

5.3 

1.0 

Total 2018 

(82.0) 

1,553.8 

594.2 

153.4 

(41.8) 

505.2 

2,682.8 

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Notes 
continued 

in € million 

Changes in inventories, own work capitalised 

Cost of materials 

Personnel costs 

Depreciation and amortisation charges1) 

Other income 

Other expenses 

Total2) 

Cost of sales 

Selling and 
marketing expenses 

General and 
administrative 
expenses 

Other income/ 
expenses 

Total 20172) 

(27.3) 

919.2 

259.2 

75.8 

(8.5) 

325.0 

1,543.4 

0.2 

4.0 

72.4 

0.4 

0.0 

24.2 

101.2 

(3.9) 

5.3 

100.2 

6.0 

(6.9) 

42.4 

143.1 

1.5 

(0.3) 

22.8 

17.2 

(10.5) 

66.2 

96.9 

(29.5) 

928.2 

454.6 

99.4 

(25.9) 

457.8 

1,884.6 

Including impairment losses on property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. 

1 
2  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita and the changes in presentation. 

Cost of materials includes expenses for raw materials and supplies, and purchased goods of €1,321.3 million (2017: €759.0 million) as 
well as expenses for services received, especially energy, amounting to €232.5 million (2017: €169.2 million). 

Amortisation charges of intangible assets are largely recognised in cost of sales. 

Other expenses mainly include freight costs, commissions, travel costs as well as consulting and other outside services. 

46. Personnel costs 
Personnel costs consist of the following components: 

in € million 

Wages and salaries 

Pensions 

Defined benefit plans 

Defined contribution plans 

Termination benefits 

Defined benefit plans 

Defined contribution plans 

Other expenses 

Social security costs 

Fringe benefits 

2018 

474.0 

3.7 

5.2 

1.6 

1.5 

2.9 

73.7 

31.6 

2017 

360.1 

3.4 

3.4 

1.5 

2.0 

1.5 

68.7 

14.0 

Personnel expenses (without interest expenses) 

594.2 

454.6 

Personnel costs do not include amounts resulting from the interest accrued on personnel provisions. They amount to €9.1 million (2017: 
€6.3 million) and are recorded in other net financial expenses. 

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A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 

The Statement of Cash Flows shows how cash and cash equivalents of the Group change through cash inflows and cash outflows during 
the reporting year. In accordance with IAS 7, cash flows from operating activities, from investing activities and from financing activities are 
distinguished. Cash flows from investing and financing activities are determined on the basis of cash payment, while cash flow from oper-
ating activities is derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements using the indirect method. 

The respective monthly changes in items of the Statement of Financial Position of companies that report in foreign currencies are trans-
lated at the closing rate of the previous month and adjusted for effects arising from changes in the group of consolidated companies or in 
other businesses. Therefore, the Statement of Cash Flows cannot be derived directly from changes in items of the Consolidated State-
ment of Financial Position. As in the Statement of Financial Position, cash and cash equivalents are translated at the closing rate. The 
effects of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents are shown separately. 

47. Net cash flow from operating activities 
Other non-cash expenses and income include mainly the net interest expenses for defined benefit pension plans amounting to  
€9.1 million (2017: €6.3 million), net remeasurement losses of monetary foreign currency positions and derivative financial instruments of 
€14.5 million (2017: €51.2 million). In 2017, other non-cash funding of provisions for restructuring amounted to €13.6 million. 

48. Net cash flow from financing activities 
The reconciliation of movements of financial liabilities and assets to cash flows arising from financing activities is shown in the tables 
below: 

in € million 

01.01.2018 

Changes in foreign 
exchange rates 

Interest expense 
and other changes 

Reclassification 

31.12.2018 

Cash changes 

Non-cash changes 

Liabilities to financial 
institutions 

Perpetual bond 

Senior notes 

Liabilities to fixed-term or 
puttable non-controlling 
interests 

Other financial liabilities and 
capitalised transaction costs 

Prepaid transaction costs 
related to financial liabilities 

Trade payables 

Changes of financial 
liabilities and assets arising 
from financing activities 

953.0 

215.3 

55.6 

32.0 

1.7 

(2.5) 

0.0 

164.8 

(215.0) 

(54.6) 

(1.8) 

(0.5) 

0.0 

(4.5) 

(12.0) 

1.3 

0.6 

(0.4) 

(0.3) 

0.0 

0.0 

60.3 

(1.6) 

(1.6) 

6.5 

(0.6) 

2.5 

6.3 

(12.5) 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

12.5 

0.0 

0.0 

1,153.6 

0.0 

0.0 

36.3 

12.8 

0.0 

1.8 

1,255.1 

(111.6) 

(10.8) 

71.8 

0.0 

1,204.5 

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R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Notes 
continued 

in € million 

01.01.2017 

Cash changes 

Non-cash changes 

Changes in foreign 
exchange rates 

Additions to 
consolidated 
companies 

Interest expense 
and other changes 

Liabilities to financial 
institutions 

Perpetual bond 

Senior notes 

Liabilities to fixed-term or 
puttable non-controlling 
interests 

Other financial liabilities and 
capitalised transaction costs 

Prepaid transaction costs 
related to financial liabilities 

Changes of financial 
liabilities and assets arising 
from financing activities 

475.5 

0.0 

0.0 

32.5 

7.7 

0.0 

60.1 

0.0 

0.0 

(3.2) 

(3.4) 

(2.5) 

(13.3) 

(5.6) 

(1.4) 

(1.7) 

(0.1) 

0.0 

407.9 

217.9 

56.3 

0.0 

0.1 

0.0 

22.8 

3.0 

0.7 

4.4 

(2.6) 

0.0 

31.12.2017 

953.0 

215.3 

55.6 

32.0 

1.7 

(2.5) 

515.7 

51.0 

(22.1) 

682.2 

28.3 

1,255.1 

49. Total interest paid and interest received 
Total interest paid amounts to €72.4 million in the reporting period (2017: €25.6 million), of which €0.3 million (2017: €0.1 million) is 
included in cash flow from operating activities, €1.0 million (2017: €0.6 million) in cash flow from investing activities and €71.1 million 
(2017: €24.9 million) in cash flow from financing activities.  

Total interest received amounts to €8.5 million for the financial year 2018 (2017: €5.1 million), of which €0.2 million (2017: €0.0 million) 
are included in cash flow from operating activities and €8.3 million (2017: €5.1 million) in cash flow from investing activities.  

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OTHER DISCLOSURES 

50. Segment reporting 
Segment reporting by operating company division 

The following tables show the financial information for the operating segments for the year 2018 and the previous year: 

in € million 

Revenue 

Gross profit 

EBIT 

Net finance costs 

Share of profit of joint ventures and associates 

Profit before income tax 

Steel 

Industrial 

Group 2018 

2,204.3 

877.1 

3,081.4 

522.4 

214.5 

736.9 

398.6 

(162.7) 

10.1 

246.0 

Depreciation and amortisation charges 

(97.5) 

(55.9) 

(153.4) 

Segment assets 31.12.2018 

Investments in joint ventures and associates 31.12.2018 

Reconciliation to total assets 

1,666.3 

948.0 

2,614.3 

21.8 

902.9 

3,539.0 

Investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (according to non-
current assets statement) 

67.7 

59.3 

127.0 

in € million 

Segment revenue 

Gross profit 

EBIT 

Net finance costs 

Share of profit of joint ventures and associates 

Profit before income tax 

Steel 

1,312.6 

Industrial 

637.5 

Group 20171) 

1,950.1 

284.4 

122.3 

406.7 

65.5 

(82.4) 

11.0 

(5.9) 

Depreciation and amortisation charges 

(53.0) 

(26.6) 

(79.6) 

Segment assets 31.12.2017 

Investments in joint ventures and associates 31.12.2017 

Reconciliation to total assets 

1,941.9 

742.2 

2,684.1 

21.4 

807.3 

3,512.8 

Investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (according to non-
current assets statement) 

135.5 

17.8 

153.3 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita and the changes in presentation. 

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F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S  

R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Notes 
continued 

Revenue amounting to €317.5 million (2017: €195.5 million) was realised with one customer in 2018, which is included in the Steel seg-
ment. No other single customer contributed 10% or more to consolidated revenue in 2018 or 2017. Companies which are known to be 
part of a group are treated as one customer. 

When allocating revenue to product groups, a distinction is made between shaped products (e.g. hydraulically pressed bricks, fused cast 
bricks, isostatically pressed products), unshaped products (e.g. repair mixes, construction mixes and castables), refractory management 
services as well as other revenue. Other mainly includes revenue from the sale of non-group refractory products. 

In the reporting year, revenue is classified by product group as follows: 

in € million 

Shaped products 

Unshaped products 

Management refractory services 

Other 

Revenue 

In 2017, revenue was classified by product group as follows: 

in € million 

Shaped products 

Unshaped products 

Management refractory services 

Other 

Revenue 

1  Adjusted to reflect the changes in presentation. 

Steel 

1,110.3 

336.8 

616.0 

141.2 

2,204.3 

Steel 

654.8 

252.9 

334.5 

70.4 

1,312.6 

Industrial 

Group 2018 

580.5 

196.2 

0.0 

100.4 

877.1 

1,690.8 

533.0 

616.0 

241.6 

3,081.4 

Industrial 

Group 20171) 

436.0 

123.6 

0.0 

77.9 

637.5 

1,090.8 

376.5 

334.5 

148.3 

1,950.1 

Revenue from shaped and unshaped products is transferred to the customers at a point in time, whereas revenue from management 
refractory services is transferred over time. Other revenue amounting to €100.9 million (2017: €67.9 million) is transferred over time and 
an amount of €140.7 million (2017: €80.4 million) is transferred at a point of time. 

Segment reporting by country 
Revenue is classified by customer sites as follows: 

in € million 

Netherlands 

All other countries 

USA 

Brazil 

India 

Germany 

PR China 

Mexico 

Italy 

Canada 

Russia 

Other countries, each below €62.9 million (2017: €44.8 million) 

Revenue 

1  Adjusted to reflect the changes in presentation. 

164 
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2018 

25.8 

407.9 

333.2 

245.3 

183.4 

165.7 

161.0 

131.6 

92.2 

86.9 

1,248.4 

3,081.4 

20171) 

14.1 

195.3 

92.5 

204.1 

137.3 

121.9 

119.3 

105.7 

70.8 

59.0 

830.1 

1,950.1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
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The carrying amounts of goodwill, other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are classified as follows by the respective 
sites of the group companies: 

in € million 

Brazil 

USA 

Austria 

Germany 

PR China 

India 

Mexico 

France 

Turkey 

Other countries, each below €18.6 million (31.12.2017: €19.1 million) 

Goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

31.12.2018 

31.12.20171) 

520.7 

233.1 

220.6 

198.6 

160.1 

58.0 

34.5 

31.8 

30.6 

58.6 

595.6 

236.4 

214.0 

210.0 

158.7 

58.8 

33.4 

37.1 

31.8 

59.1 

1,546.6 

1,634.9 

51. Earnings per share 
In accordance with IAS 33, earnings per share are calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to the shareholders of RHI Magne-
sita N.V. by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the financial year. 

Profit after income tax attributable to the owners of the parent (in € million) 

Weighted average number of shares 

Earnings per share (in €) 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

2018 

158.1 

20171) 

(17.4) 

44,963,615 

40,682,053 

3.52 

(0.43) 

52. Dividend payments and proposed dividend 
Based on a resolution adopted by the Annual General Meeting of RHI Magnesita N.V. on 7 June 2018, dividends totalling €33.6 million 
were paid out to the shareholders in 2018 for 2017, which corresponded to a dividend of €0.75 per share. 

For 2018, the Board of Directors will propose a dividend of €1.50 per share for the shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V. The proposed divi-
dend is subject to the approval by the Annual General Meeting on 6 June 2019 and was not recognised as a liability in the Consolidated 
Financial Statements 2018. 

Dividend payments to the shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V. have no income tax consequences for RHI Magnesita N.V.  

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Notes 
continued 

53. Additional disclosures on financial instruments 
The following tables show the carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and liabilities by measurement category and level and 
the allocation to the measurement category in accordance with IFRS 13. In addition, carrying amounts are shown aggregated according to 
measurement category. 

in € million 

Other non-current financial assets 

Interests in subsidiaries not consolidated 

Investments 

Marketable securities 

Shares 

Shares 

Interest derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 

Non-current receivables from disposal of subsidiaries 

Other non-current financial receivables 

Trade and other current receivables2) 

Other current financial assets 

Marketable securities 

Shares 

Derivatives 

Other current financial receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Financial assets 

Non-current and current borrowings 

Liabilities to financial institutions 

Perpetual bonds 

Senior notes 

Other financial liabilities and capitalised transaction costs 

Non-current and current other financial liabilities 

Derivatives 

Interest derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 

Liabilities to fixed-term or puttable non-controlling interests 

Other non-current liabilities 

Contingent consideration for acquired subsidiaries 

Trade payables and other current liabilities3) 

Financial liabilities 

Aggregated according to measurement category 

Financial assets measured at FVPL 

Financial assets measured at amortised cost 

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost 

Financial liabilities measured at FVPL 

Measurement 
category  
IFRS 91) 

Level 

Carrying 
amount 

Fair value 

Carrying 
amount 

Fair value 

31.12.2018 

01.01.2018 

FVPL 

FVPL 

FVPL 

FVPL 

FVPL 

- 

AC 

AC 

AC 

FVPL 

FVPL 

FVPL 

AC 

AC 

AC 

AC 

AC 

AC 

FVPL 

- 

AC 

FVPL 

AC 

0.8 

0.4 

14.9 

1.9 

0.5 

1.5 

- 

- 

- 

32.3 

0.0 

1.7 

- 

- 

966.1 

217.0 

55.6 

1.7 

40.9 

0.0 

32.0 

0.6 

- 

3 

3 

1 

1 

3 

2 

- 

- 

- 

1 

1 

2 

- 

- 

2 

1 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

3 

- 

0.7 

0.0 

14.5 

0.0 

0.5 

0.6 

0.0 

1.7 

367.2 

35.2 

1.1 

2.1 

0.2 

491.2 

915.0 

0.7 

0.0 

14.5 

0.0 

0.5 

0.6 

- 

- 

- 

35.2 

1.1 

2.1 

- 

- 

0.8 

0.4 

14.9 

1.9 

0.5 

1.5 

2.6 

2.5 

426.6 

32.3 

0.0 

1.7 

0.1 

442.4 

928.2 

1,153.6 

1,165.6 

953.0 

0.0 

0.0 

12.8 

20.9 

7.3 

36.3 

0.6 

539.3 

1,770.8 

54.1 

860.3 

1,742.0 

21.5 

0.0 

0.0 

12.8 

20.9 

7.3 

36.3 

0.6 

- 

215.3 

55.6 

1.7 

40.9 

0.0 

32.0 

0.6 

507.0 

1,806.1 

52.5 

874.2 

1,764.6 

41.5 

1  FVPL: Financial assets/financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss.  
  AC: Financial assets/financial liabilities measured at amortised cost. 
2  Thereof non-financial receivables per 01.01.2018: €98.4 million.  
3   Thereof non-financial liabilities per 01.01.2018: €175.5 million. 

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R H I   M A G N E S I TA
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In the RHI Magnesita Group marketable securities, derivative financial instruments, shares, investments and interests in subsidiaries not 
consolidated are measured at fair value. 

Fair value is defined as the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, or a liability settled, between market participants in an arm's 
length transaction on the day of measurement. When the fair value is determined it is assumed that the transaction in which the asset is 
sold or the liability is transferred takes place either in the main market for the asset or liability, or in the most favourable market if there is 
no main market. RHI Magnesita considers the characteristics of the asset or liability to be measured which a market participant would 
consider in pricing. It is assumed that market participants act in their best economic interest. 

RHI Magnesita takes into account the availability of observable market prices in an active market and uses the following hierarchy to 
determine fair value: 

Level 1: 

Level 2: 

Level 3: 

Prices quoted in active markets for identical financial instruments. 

Measurement techniques in which all important data used are based on observable market data. 

Measurement techniques in which at least one significant parameter is based on non-observable market data. 

The fair value of securities, shares, investments and interests in subsidiaries not consolidated is based on price quotations at the reporting 
date (Level 1), where such quotations exist. In other cases a valuation model (Level 3) would be used for such instruments with the excep-
tion that such instruments are immaterial to the group, in which case amortised cost serves as an approximation of fair value. 

The fair value of interest derivatives in a hedging relationship (interest rate swaps) is determined by calculating the present value of future 
cash flows based on current yield curves taking into account the corresponding terms (Level 2).  

The fair value of other derivative contracts corresponds to the market value of the forward exchange contracts and the embedded deriva-
tives in open orders denominated in a currency other than the functional currency, as well as the market value of a long-term power 
supply contract, which was classified as a derivative financial instrument since 2015. These derivatives are measured using quoted for-
ward rates that are currently observable (Level 2). 

The fair value of the contingent consideration liability amounting to €0.6 million recognised in 2017 due to the acquisition of Agellis is 
determined by discounting the estimated earn-out with the transaction’s internal rate of return (Level 3). 

RHI Magnesita takes into account reclassifications in the measurement hierarchy at the end of the reporting period in which the changes 
occur. Apart from the initial application of IFRS 9, there were no shifts between the different measurement levels in the two reporting 
periods. 

Financial liabilities and liabilities to fixed-term or puttable non-controlling interests are carried at amortised cost in the Consolidated 
Statement of Financial Position; the fair values of the financial liabilities are only shown in the notes. The fair value of the perpetual bond 
is based on price quotations at the reporting date (Level 1), all other liabilities are calculated at the present value of the discounted future 
cash flows using yield curves that are currently observable (Level 2). 

The financial receivables approximately correspond to the fair value as due to the amount of the existing receivables no material devia-
tion between the fair value and the carrying amount is assumed and the credit default risk is accounted for by forming valuation allow-
ances. 

The remaining terms of trade and other current receivables and liabilities as well as cash and cash equivalents are predominantly short. 
Therefore, the carrying amounts of these items approximate fair value at the reporting date. 

At the two reporting dates, no contractual netting agreement of financial assets and liabilities were in place. 

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Notes 
continued 

Net results by measurement category in accordance with IFRS 9/IAS 39 
The effect of financial instruments on the income and expenses recognised in 2018 and 2017 is shown in the following table, classified 
according to the measurement categories defined in IFRS 9/IAS 39: 

in € million 

Net gain from financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss 

Net (loss)/gain from financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss designated on 
initial recognition 

Net loss from financial assets and liabilities measured at amortised cost 

Net gain on available-for-sale financial assets recognised in profit or loss 

Net loss from loans and receivables as well as financial liabilities at amortised cost 

Net gain on financial assets and financial liabilities classified as held for trading 

2018 

1.4 

(1.2) 

(123.5) 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

2017 

0.0 

0.1 

0.0 

0.5 

(87.7) 

12.2 

The net gain on available-for-sale financial assets recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss includes income from secu-
rities and shares, income from the disposal of securities and shares, as well as impairment losses and income from reversals of impairment 
losses. According to IFRS 9 these financial instruments are now included in the fair value through profit or loss category, hence the corre-
sponding gains or losses are included in the gains or losses from financial assets  measured at fair value through profit or loss. 

The net loss arising from loans and receivables as well as financial liabilities includes interest income and expenses, changes in valuation 
allowances and losses on derecognition, foreign exchange gains and losses as well as expenses related to the measurement of put op-
tions. According to IFRS 9 these financial instruments are now included in the amortised cost category, hence the corresponding gains or 
losses are included in the gains or losses from financial assets and liabilities measured at amortised cost. 

The net gain of financial assets held for trading and financial liabilities includes unrealised results from the measurement of a long-term 
commodity futures contract as well as changes in the market value and realised results of forward exchange contracts and embedded 
derivatives in open orders in a currency other than the functional currency of RHI Magnesita, interest derivatives which do not meet the 
requirements of hedge accounting in accordance with IAS 39 and interest income from securities. According to IFRS 9 these financial 
instruments are now included in the fair value through profit or loss category, hence the corresponding gains/losses are included in the 
gains/losses from financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss. 

The net gain from financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss designated on initial recognition includes income relat-
ed to the measurement of securities and personnel obligations. 

Net finance costs include interest income amounting to €9.5 million (2017: €5.0 million) and interest expenses of €69.5 million (2017: 
€26.5 million), which result from financial assets and liabilities which are not carried at fair value through profit or loss.  

54. Derivative financial instruments 
Commodity forward 
The RHI Magnesita Group concluded a commodity forward contract for electricity for the fusion plant in Porsgrunn, Norway, in November 
2011 which has been accounted for as a financial instrument in accordance with IFRS 9 since 31 December 2015 because the “own-use 
exemption” (exemption for own use in accordance with IFRS 9.2.6) no longer applies. 

The measurement of the entire term of the contract until the end of the year 2023 at market price level leads to a financial liability of 
€20.9 million at 31 December 2018 (31.12.2017: €40.1 million). The corresponding present value of the cash flows for the agreed electric-
ity supply totals €71.3 million at 31 December 2018 (31.12.2017: €83.4 million); the present value of the cash flow at market price amounts 
to €50.4 million (31.12.2017: €43.3 million).  

Interest rate swaps 
RHI Magnesita has concluded interest rate swaps to hedge the cash flow risk associated to financial liabilities carrying variable interest 
rates. Variable interest cash flows of financial liabilities were designated as hedged items. The cash flow changes of the hedged items, 
which result from the changes of the variable interest rates, are balanced out by the cash flow changes of the interest rate swaps. These 
hedging measures pursue the objective to transform variable-interest financial liabilities into fixed interest financial liabilities, thus hedg-
ing the cash flow from the financial liabilities. Ineffectiveness in the hedge relationship may arise due to credit risk, although this risk is 
assessed to be very low. 

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In the year 2018, RHI Magnesita concluded an interest rate swap with a nominal volume of €305.6 million maturing in 2023. The interest 
and compensation payments are due on a quarterly basis. Fixed interest rate amounts to roughly 0.28%, the variable interest rate is based 
on the EURIBOR. Furthermore, one other interest rate swap has been concluded in 2018, with a nominal volume of US$200.0 million and 
a term until 2023. The interest and compensation payments are also due on a quarterly basis. Fixed interest rate amounts to roughly 3.1%, 
the variable interest rate is based on the USD LIBOR.  

A hedging relationship with a nominal volume of US$50.0 million (31.12.2017: US$160.0 million) ends in the second half of 2020. The 
interest and compensation payments for this hedging relationship are due semi-annually. Fixed interest rates amount to roughly 1.3%; the 
variable interest rates are based on the LIBOR. 

Two interest rate swaps measured at fair value through profit or loss with an original maturity until 2019 and with a nominal volume of 
€12.2 million (31.12.2017: €17.2 million) were early settled in the current reporting period. Total expense in 2018 of this transaction 
amounts of €0.3 million and is recognised within other net financial expenses. 

In 2017, a hedging relationship with a nominal value of €50.0 million ended on 31 July 2017. The expense of €0.2 million recognised in 
other comprehensive income was reclassified to profit or loss and recognised within other net financial expenses. 

The fair values of the interest rate swaps totalled €(6.7) million at the reporting date (31.12.2017: €1.3 million), which is shown within other 
non-current financial assets in the amount of €0.6 million(31.12.2017: €1.5 million) and within other non-current financial liabilities in the 
amount of €7.3 million (31.12.2017: €0.2 million) in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. For the year ended, €6.8 million 
(2017: €0.2 million) have been recognised within other comprehensive income. In 2017, an expense amounting to €0.5 million has been 
reclassified from other comprehensive income to profit or loss and recognised within other net financial expenses. No ineffectiveness has 
been recognised in profit and loss. 

Forward exchange contracts 
As of 31 December 2017, there were no material open forward exchange contracts. The nominal value and fair value of forward exchange 
contracts as of 31 December 2018 are shown in the table below: 

Purchase 

EUR 

USD 

Forward exchange contracts 

Sale 

USD 

INR 

31.12.2018 

Nominal value 
in million 

Fair value in € 
million 

USD 

EUR 

182.0 

890.0 

1.1 

0.0 

1.1 

55. Financial risk management  
Financial risks are incorporated in RHI Magnesita’s corporate risk management and are centrally controlled by Group Treasury. 

None of the following risks have a significant influence on the going concern of the RHI Magnesita Group. 

Credit risks 
The maximum credit risk from recognised financial assets amounts to €915.0 million (31.12.2017: €914.1 million) and is primarily related to 
investments with banks and receivables due from customers.  

The credit risk with banks related to investments (especially cash and cash equivalents) is reduced as business transactions are generally 
only carried out with financial institutions with a good credit rating. 

To counteract the default risk related to these transactions, receivables from customers are hedged as far as possible through credit insur-
ance and collateral arranged through banks (guarantees, letters of credit), Credit and default risks are monitored continuously, and provi-
sions are formed for risks that have occurred and are identifiable. 

In the following, the credit risk from trade receivables is shown classified by customer industry, by foreign currency and by term. 

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Notes 
continued 

This credit risk, which is hedged by existing credit insurance, letters of credit and bank guarantees, is shown by customer segment in the 
following table:  

in € million 

Segment Steel 

Segment Industrial 

Trade receivables 

Credit insurance and bank guarantees 

Net credit exposure 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

250.3 

99.6 

349.9 

(139.8) 

210.1 

294.3 

100.6 

394.9 

(158.1) 

236.8 

The following table shows the carrying amounts of receivables denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of the 
group companies. The carrying amounts of the receivables in the functional currency of the respective Group company are included 
under other functional currencies:  

in € million 

US Dollar 

Euro 

Pound Sterling 

Other currencies 

Other functional currencies 

Trade receivables 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

75.4 

11.6 

5.8 

7.0 

250.1 

349.9 

96.0 

9.9 

3.8 

7.9 

277.3 

394.9 

The movement in the valuation allowance in respect of trade and other receivables and contract assets during the year was as follows. 
Comparative amounts for 2017 represent the allowance account for impairment losses under IAS 39. 

in € million 

Accumulated valuation allowance at beginning of year under IAS 39 

Adjustment on initial application of IFRS 9 

Accumulated valuation allowance at beginning of year under IFRS 9 

Currency translation 

Addition 

Use 

Reversal 

Net remeasurement of loss allowance 

Reclassification as held for sale 

Accumulated valuation allowance at year-end 

2018 

2017 

Individually 
assessed -  
credit impaired 

Collectively 
assessed - 
not credit impaired 

34.4 

(5.7) 

28.7 

(1.1) 

5.0 

(3.0) 

0.0 

 - 

0.0 

29.6 

0.0 

3.3  

3.3 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

(2.1) 

0.0 

1.2 

35.2 

- 

35.2 

(1.1) 

11.2 

(3.2) 

(5.6) 

0.0 

(2.1) 

34.4 

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For trade receivables and contract assets, for which no objective evidence of impairment exists, lifetime expected credit losses have been 
calculated using a provision matrix as shown below: 

in € million 

Trade receivables - days past due 

31.12.2018 

Not past due 

less than 30 days 

between 31 and  
60 days 

between 61 and  
90 days 

between 91 and  
180 days 

more than 180 days 

Total 

Expected credit 
loss rate in % 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Life time 
expected credit 
loss 

0.05 - 
0.45% 

0.11 - 1.08% 

0.50 - 7.04% 

1.39 - 13.33% 

2.27 - 17.63% 

5.86 - 33.81% 

294.0 

34.0 

0.4 

0.1 

7.6 

0.1 

3.2 

0.1 

2.8 

0.2 

4.0 

345.6 

0.3 

1.2 

in € million 

Trade receivables - days past due 

01.01.2018 

Not past due 

less than 30 days 

between 31 and  
60 days 

between 61 and  
90 days 

between 91 and  
180 days 

more than 180 days 

Total 

Expected credit 
loss rate in % 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Life time 
expected credit 
loss 

0.02 - 
0.32% 

0.03 - 0.73% 

0.11 - 5.63% 

0.19 - 10.59% 

0.28 - 14.06% 

0.71 - 76.86% 

310.5 

46.2 

0.4 

0.1 

19.3 

0.2 

7.2 

0.2 

4.2 

0.2 

9.6 

397.0 

2.3 

3.4 

Liquidity risk 
Liquidity risk refers to the risk that financial obligations cannot be met when due. The Group’s financial policy is based on long-term 
financial planning and is centrally controlled and monitored continuously at RHI Magnesita. The liquidity requirements resulting from 
budget and medium-term planning are secured by concluding appropriate financing agreements. As of 31 December 2018, the RHI Mag-
nesita Group has a credit facility of €319.3 million (31.12.2017: €317.2 million) at its disposal, which is unused and available immediately. 
These lines of credit were concluded with different international banks in order to ensure independence of banks. The companies of the 
RHI Magnesita Group are integrated into a clearing process managed by Central Treasury and provided with financing limits in order to 
minimise the need of borrowings for the Group as a whole. 

Non-derivative financial instruments 
An analysis of the terms of non-derivative financial liabilities based on undiscounted cash flows including the related interest payments 
shows the following expected cash outflows: 

in € million 

Liabilities to financial institutions 

fixed interest 

variable interest 

Other financial liabilities and capitalised transaction costs 

Liabilities to fixed-term or puttable non-controlling 
interests 

Contingent consideration for acquired subsidiaries 

Trade payables and other current liabilities 

Non-derivative financial liabilities 

Carrying amount 
31.12.2018 

Cash 
outflows 

up to 1 year 

2 to 5 years 

over 5 years 

Remaining term 

116.1 

1,037.5 

12.8 

36.3 

0.6 

539.3 

1,742.6 

127.3 

1,100.9 

15.2 

211.8 

0.6 

539.3 

1,995.1 

2.7 

338.6 

2.2 

14.2 

0.0 

539.3 

897.0 

88.5 

732.9 

12.3 

18.4 

0.6 

0.0 

852.7 

36.1 

29.4 

0.7 

179.2 

0.0 

0.0 

245.4 

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R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A  
R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Notes 
Notes 
continued 
continued 

This credit risk, which is hedged by existing credit insurance, letters of credit and bank guarantees, is shown by customer segment in the 
Remaining term 
following table:  

in € million 
in € million 
Liabilities to financial institutions 
Segment Steel 
fixed interest 

Segment Industrial 
variable interest 
Trade receivables 
Perpetual bond 
Credit insurance and bank guarantees 
Senior Notes 
Net credit exposure 
Other financial liabilities and capitalised transaction costs 

Carrying amount 
31.12.20171) 

Cash 
outflows 

up to 1 year 

2 to 5 years 
31.12.2018 

over 5 years 
31.12.2017 

176.7 

776.3 

215.3 

55.5 

1.7 

202.7 

858.1 

309.5 

66.0 

1.8 

60.6 

146.5 

79.1 

5.2 

0.9 

250.3 
96.8 
99.6 
683.7 
349.9 
52.9 
(139.8) 
60.8 
210.1 
0.8 

294.3 
45.3 
100.6 
27.9 
394.9 
177.5 
(158.1) 
0.0 
236.8 
0.1 

Liabilities to fixed-term or puttable non-controlling 
interests 
32.0 
The following table shows the carrying amounts of receivables denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of the 
0.6 
Contingent consideration for acquired subsidiaries 
group companies. The carrying amounts of the receivables in the functional currency of the respective Group company are included 
Trade payables and other current liabilities 
507.0 
under other functional currencies:  
Non-derivative financial liabilities 
in € million 
1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 
US Dollar 

907.9 
31.12.2018 

2,106.7 

1,765.1 

809.4 

507.0 

507.0 

161.0 

75.4 

12.3 

10.1 

0.0 

0.0 

0.6 

0.6 

138.6 

0.0 

0.0 

389.4 
31.12.2017 

96.0 

Euro 
Derivative financial instruments 
Pound Sterling 
The remaining terms of derivative financial instruments based on expected undiscounted cash flow as of 31 December 2018 and  
31 December 2017 are shown in the table below:  
Other currencies 

11.6 

7.0 

5.8 

9.9 

3.8 

7.9 

Other functional currencies 

Trade receivables 

in € million 

Carrying amount 
31.12.2018 

Cash flows 

up to 1 year 

2 to 5 years 

over 5 years 

250.1 

349.9 

277.3 
Remaining term 
394.9 

The movement in the valuation allowance in respect of trade and other receivables and contract assets during the year was as follows. 
Receivables from derivatives with net 
settlement 
Comparative amounts for 2017 represent the allowance account for impairment losses under IAS 39. 
0.5 

Interest rate swaps  

0.6 

0.6 

0.1 

0.0 

Derivatives in open orders 

Forward exchange contracts 

Liabilities from derivatives with net settlement 
in € million 

1.0 

1.1 

Derivatives from supply contracts  

20.9 
Accumulated valuation allowance at beginning of year under IAS 39 
7.3 

Interest rate swaps  

Adjustment on initial application of IFRS 9 

1.0 

1.1 

22.2 

8.1 

2018 

1.0 

0.0 

1.1 
Individually 
assessed -  
credit impaired 
1.0 
34.4 
2.4 
(5.7) 

0.0 
Collectively 
assessed - 
not credit impaired 
21.2 
0.0 
5.7 
3.3  

Accumulated valuation allowance at beginning of year under IFRS 9 

Currency translation 

Addition 

Use 
in € million 
Reversal 
Receivables from derivatives with net 
Net remeasurement of loss allowance 
settlement 

Reclassification as held for sale 

Interest rate swaps  

Accumulated valuation allowance at year-end 

Financial assets held for trading 

Liabilities from derivatives with net settlement 

Carrying amount 
31.12.2017 

Cash flows 

1.5 

1.7 

1.5 

1.7 

Financial liabilities held for trading 

40.9 

43.5 

28.7 

(1.1) 

5.0 

3.3 

0.0 

0.0 

(3.0) 
up to 1 year 
0.0 

0.0 
2 to 5 years 
0.0 

 - 

0.0 
0.9 

29.6 
1.7 

7.5 

(2.1) 

0.0 
0.6 

1.2 
0.0 

28.8 

2017 
0.0 

0.0 

0.0 
35.2 
0.0 
- 

35.2 

(1.1) 
Remaining term 
11.2 

(3.2) 
over 5 years 
(5.6) 

0.0 

(2.1) 
0.0 

34.4 
0.0 

7.2 

Foreign currency risks 
Foreign currency risks arise where business transactions (operating activities, investments, financing) are conducted in a currency other 
than the functional currency of a company. They are monitored at the group level and analysed with respect to hedging options. Usually 
the net position of the Group in the respective currency serves as the basis for decisions regarding the use of hedging instruments. 

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Foreign currency risks are created through financial instruments which are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency 
(in the following: foreign currency) and are monetary in nature. Important primary monetary financial instruments include trade receiva-
bles and payables, cash and cash equivalents as well as financial liabilities as shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. 
Equity instruments are not of a monetary nature, and therefore not linked to a foreign currency risk in accordance with IFRS 7. 

The majority of foreign currency financial instruments in the RHI Magnesita Group result from operating activities, above all from in-
tragroup financing transactions, unless the foreign exchange effects recognised to profit or loss on monetary items, which represent part 
of a net investment in a foreign operation in accordance with IAS 21, are eliminated or hedged through forward exchange contracts. Sig-
nificant provisions denominated in foreign currencies are also included in the analysis of risk. 

The following table shows the foreign currency positions in the major currencies as of 31 December 2018: 

in € million 

Financial assets 

Financial liabilities, provisions 

Net foreign currency position 

USD 

651.5 

(938.6) 

(287.1) 

EUR 

104.1 

(241.7) 

(137.6) 

MXN 

0.4 

(21.5) 

(21.1) 

The foreign currency positions as of 31 December 2017 are structured as follows: 

in € million 

Financial assets 

Financial liabilities, provisions 

Net foreign currency position 

USD 

583.9 

(727.5) 

(143.6) 

EUR 

88.5 

(218.6) 

(130.1) 

MXN 

(0.1) 

(18.6) 

(18.7) 

CAD 

23.1 

(6.8) 

16.3 

CAD 

22.7 

(2.4) 

20.3 

Other 

71.4 

(45.7) 

25.7 

Other 

48.6 

(47.1) 

1.5 

Total 

850.5 

(1,254.3) 

(403.8) 

Total 

743.6 

(1,014.2) 

(270.6) 

The disclosures required by IFRS 7 for foreign exchange risks include a sensitivity analysis that shows the effects of hypothetical changes 
in the relevant risk variables on profit or loss and equity. In general, all non-functional currencies in which Group companies enter into 
financial instruments are considered to be relevant risk variables. The effects on a particular reporting period are determined by applying 
the hypothetical changes in these risk variables to the financial instruments held by the Group as of the reporting date. It is assumed that 
the positions on the reporting date are representative for the entire year. The sensitivity analysis does not include the foreign exchange 
differences that result from translating the net asset positions of the foreign group companies into the Group currency, the Euro. 

A 10% appreciation or devaluation of the relevant functional currency against the following major currencies as of 31 December 2018 
would have had the following effect on profit or loss and equity (both excluding income tax): 

in € million 

US Dollar 

Euro 

Mexican Peso 

Canadian Dollar 

Other currencies 

Appreciation of 10% 

Devaluation of 10% 

Gain/(loss) 

27.0 

12.4 

1.9 

(1.5) 

(2.3) 

Equity 

27.0 

12.4 

1.9 

(1.5) 

(2.3) 

Gain/(loss) 

(33.0) 

(15.1) 

(2.3) 

1.8 

2.7 

Equity 

(33.0) 

(15.1) 

(2.3) 

1.8 

2.7 

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Notes 
continued 

The hypothetical effect on profit or loss at 31 December 2017 can be summarised as follows: 

in € million 

US Dollar 

Euro 

Mexican Peso 

Canadian Dollar 

Other currencies 

Appreciation of 10% 

Devaluation of 10% 

Gain/(loss) 

20.3 

11.9 

1.7 

(1.8) 

(0.4) 

Equity 

20.3 

11.9 

1.7 

(1.8) 

(0.4) 

Gain/(loss) 

(24.8) 

(14.5) 

(2.1) 

2.3 

0.3 

Equity 

(24.8) 

(14.5) 

(2.1) 

2.3 

0.3 

Interest rate risks 
The interest rate risk in the RHI Magnesita Group is primarily related to financial instruments carrying variable interest rates, which may 
lead to fluctuations in results and cash flows. At 31 December 2018, interest rate hedges amounting to a nominal value of €305.6 million 
(31.12.2017: €17.2 million) and a nominal value of US$250 million (31.12.2017: US$160.0 million) existed; a variable interest rate was con-
verted into a fixed interest rate through an interest rate swap. 

The exposure to interest rate risks is presented through sensitivity analyses in accordance with IFRS 7. These analyses show the effects of 
changes in market interest rates on interest payments, interest income and interest expense and on equity. 

The RHI Magnesita Group measures fixed interest financial assets and financial liabilities at amortised cost, and did not use the fair value 
option - a hypothetical change in the market interest rates for these financial instruments at the reporting date would have had no effect 
on profit and loss or equity. 

Changes in market interest rates on financial instruments designated as hedges as a part of cash flow hedges to protect against interest 
rate-related payment fluctuations have an effect on equity and are therefore included in the equity-related sensitivity analysis. If the 
market interest rate as of 31 December 2018 had been 25 basis points higher or lower, equity would have been €3.8 million (31.12.2017: 
€0.5 million) higher or lower taking into account tax effects. 

Changes in market interest rates have an effect on the interest result of primary variable interest financial instruments whose interest 
payments are not designated as hedged items as a part of cash flow hedge relationships against interest rate risks, and are therefore in-
cluded in the calculation of the result-related sensitivities. If the market interest rate as of 31 December 2018 had been 25 basis points 
higher or lower, the interest result would have been €0.1 million (31.12.2017: €0.5 million) lower or higher. 

Other market price risk 
RHI Magnesita holds certificates in an investment fund amounting to €12.0 million (31.12.2017: €12.6 million) to cover the legally re-
quired protection of personnel provisions of Austrian group companies. The market value of these certificates is influenced by fluctua-
tions of the worldwide volatile stock and bond markets. 

In 2015, an energy supply contract with a term until the year 2023 was classified as a derivative financial instrument in and the fair value 
of the financial liability amounts to €20.9 million at 31 December 2018 (31.12.2017: €40.1 million). If the quoted forward prices at 31 De-
cember 2018 had been 20% higher or lower, EBIT would have been €10.1 million (31.12.2017: €8.7 million) higher or lower. In contrast, if 
the borrowing costs relevant for discounting had been 25 basis points higher or lower at the reporting date, EBIT would have been  
€0.2 million (31.12.2017: €0.3 million) higher or lower. 

56. Capital management 
The objectives of the capital management strategy of the RHI Magnesita Group are to secure going concern at all times by creating a 
solid capital base to finance growth, investments, to increase shareholders value on a sustained basis and to generate adequate returns to 
enable attractive dividend payments to the shareholders and to service debt.  

The RHI Magnesita Group manages its capital structure through careful monitoring and assessment of the overall economic framework 
conditions, credit, interest rate and FX risks and the requirements and risks related to operations and taking into account strategic projects. 

As the Group optimised its financial structure in 2018 and there are only two months of Magnesita results in the Consolidated Statement 
of Profit or Loss in 2017, the key figures of capital management for 2017 are not comparable. Therefore they are not included in the disclo-
sure. 

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The capital structure key figures at the reporting date are shown below:  

Net debt (in € million) 

Net gearing ratio (in %) 

Group leverage 

31.12.2018 

638.9 

72.2% 

1.16 

Net debt, which reflects borrowings net of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, is controlled by Corporate Treasury. The 
main task of the Corporate Treasury department is to execute the capital management strategy as well as to secure liquidity to support 
business operations on a sustainable basis, to use banking and financial services efficiently and to limit financial risks while at the same 
time optimising earnings and costs. 

The net gearing ratio is the ratio of net debt to equity.  

The key performance indicator for net debt in the RHI Magnesita Group is the group leverage, which reflects the ratio of net debt to ad-
justed EBITDA. It is calculated as follows: 

in € million 

EBIT 

Amortisation 

Depreciation 

Other operating income and expenses 

Adjusted EBITDA 

Total debt 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Marketable securities 

Net debt 

Group leverage 

31.12.2018 

398.6 

28.6 

124.8 

1.0 

553.0 

1,166.4 

491.2 

36.3 

638.9 

1.16 

In both 2018 and 2017, all externally imposed capital requirements were met. The Group has sufficient liquidity headroom within its 
committed debt facilities. 

RHI Magnesita N.V. is subject to minimum capital requirements according to its articles of association. The articles of association stipulate 
a mandatory reserve of €288,699,230.59 which was created in connection with the merger. 

57. Contingent liabilities 
At 31 December 2018, warranties, performance guarantees and other guarantees amount to €43.0 million (31.12.2017: €39.8 million). 
Contingent liabilities have a remaining term between two months and three years, depending on the type of liability. Based on experi-
ences of the past, the probability that contingent liabilities are used is considered to be low. 

In addition, contingent liabilities from sureties of €0.3 million (31.12.2017: €0.5 million) were recorded, of which €0.3 million (31.12.2017: 
€0.3 million) are related to contingent liabilities to creditors from joint ventures. 

Individual proceedings and lawsuits which result from ordinary activities are pending as of 31 December 2018 or can potentially be exer-
cised against RHI Magnesita in the future. The related risks were analysed with a view to their probability of occurrence. The Group is 
party to tax proceedings in Brazil with the estimated amount of €169.0 million (31.12.2017: €178.3 million) for the following lawsuits, for 
which no provision was set up according to IFRS, as management classified risks of loss (based on the evaluation of legal advisors) as 
possible but not probable: 

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Notes 
continued 

In 2011, the Brazilian Tax Authorities made an assessment regarding income tax and social contribution on tax goodwill deducted in the 
years 2008 and 2009. The Tax Authority thus disallowed the deductibility of the amortisation of tax goodwill arising from operations 
with subsidiaries. In 2016, the company was notified of the decision issued by CARF (Administrative Council of Tax Appeals), which can-
celled more than 90% of the tax assessment regarding the disallowed deductibility. However, this decision can still be changed as a 
result of appeals filed by the company and by the General Counsel to the National Treasury (PGFN). The final decision is expected within 
one to two years. The potential loss of this process amounts to €81.4 million (including interest and penalties) as of 31 December 2018 
(31.12.2017: €87.8 million).  

In 2016, the Brazilian tax authorities extended the above view for the years 2011 and 2012. In December 2016, the company filed a de-
fence against the assessment. The final decision is expected within two to three years. The potential loss of this process amounts to  
€37.5 million (including interest and penalties) as of 31 December 2018 (31.12.2017: €40.0 million). 

In 2013, the Brazilian Tax Authorities raised an assessment notice for allegedly failing to pay social security contributions in the period 
from January to December 2009. The company has appealed the assessment. Legal opinions demonstrate that the company has solid 
supporting documentation capable of reversing the assessment. The potential loss from this proceeding amounts to €4.8 million (includ-
ing interest and penalties) as at 31 December 2018 (31.12.2017: €6.0 million). 

Furthermore, the Brazilian Tax Authorities raised an assessment into a former holding company in Brazil in respect of federal taxes. The 
assessment relates to federal tax offsets made by the company up to and including 2008 which have not been approved by the Federal 
Revenue Service. Legal opinions demonstrate that the company has solid supporting documentation capable of reversing the assess-
ment. The potential loss amounts to €10.7 million (including interest and penalties) as at 31 December 2018 (31.12.2017: €11.1 million). 

In addition, the Brazilian Tax Authorities raised an assessment into the calculation basis of CFEM (Financial Compensation for Exploration 
of Mineral Resources). Based on the opinion of the legal advisors the company has appealed the assessment and the loss was considered 
possible due to jurisprudence of the Brazilian court. Additionally, recent changes on CFEM legislation, mostly adopting the company’s 
interpretation, also demonstrate that the interpretation taken is the most accurate, which is a fact judges can decide upon. The potential 
loss from this proceeding amounts to €12.9 million (including interest and penalties) as at 31 December 2018 (31.12.2017: €13.9 million). 

In 2018, the Brazilian Tax Authorities raised an assessment in respect of tax on the circulation of goods and services for the alleged non-
fulfillment of ancillary obligation and non-payment of tax in the period from 2013 to 2017. The decision by the Taxpayers Council is ex-
pected  within  the  year  2019.  Any  decision  taken  by  the  Council  will  be  subject  to  appeal.  The  potential  loss  from  this  proceeding 
amounts to €4.1 million (including interest and penalties) as at 31 December 2018. 

Magnesita Refratários S.A., Contagem, Brazil, is also involved in other minor lawsuits totalling €17.6 million (31.12.2017: €19.5 million) 
which relate to a number of assessments concerning various taxes and related obligations. 

Furthermore, Magnesita Refratários S.A., Contagem, Brazil, is party to a public civil action for damages caused by overloaded trucks in 
contravention with the Brazilian traffic legislation. In 2017, a decision was rendered in favour of Magnesita in the trial court considering 
the requests submitted by the Federal Public Attorney's Office to be completely devoid of legal merit. The decision taken by the trial 
court was subject to appeal by the Public Ministry of Minas Gerais. The potential loss from this proceeding amounts to €12.1 million as at 
31 December 2018 (31.12.2017: €7.1 million). 

Other minor proceedings and lawsuits in which subsidiaries are involved have no significant negative influence on the financial position 
and performance of the RHI Magnesita Group. 

58. Other financial commitments 
Other financial commitments consist of the following items: 

in € million 

31.12.2018 

up to 1 year 

2 to 5 years 

over 5 years 

Obligations from rental and leasing contracts 

Capital commitments 

Other financial commitments 

73.7 

5.4 

79.1 

16.3 

5.4 

21.7 

27.7 

0.0 

27.7 

29.7 

0.0 

29.7 

Total 

Remaining term 

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A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

in € million 

31.12.2017 

up to 1 year 

2 to 5 years 

over 5 years 

Obligations from rental and leasing contracts 

Capital commitments 

Other financial commitments 

56.9 

5.9 

62.8 

16.1 

5.9 

22.0 

24.2 

0.0 

24.2 

16.6 

0.0 

16.6 

Total 

Remaining term 

Other financial commitments are exclusively due to third parties. They are shown at nominal value. 

Rental and leasing commitments for property, plant and equipment of €34.4 million (2017: €23.1 million) are recognised in the Consoli-
dated Statement of Profit or Loss for 2018. 

The conditions of the most important operating rental and leasing agreements can be summarised as follows: 
The old rental agreement of the company’s head office ended in 2018 and the Group’s headquarter moved into a new office in Vienna, 
Austria. Another new office was opened in Oviedo, Spain. Both have a contractual term until 2028 and include a prolongation option. 

Another rental contract for offices has a term until 30 April 2020. The tenant has a two-time optional right to extend the contract by 
three years each. The annual rent is coupled to the development of the consumer price index. 

At one production site, the area for operating a plant has been leased for the long term. The related contract ends in April 2062 and 
includes an extension option for another 30 years. The rent is subject to adaptation to inflation. 

The Group also rents numerous mining vehicles, diggers, forklifts and the like by cancellable leasing agreements. The contracts have 
terms ranging from two to seven years; most of them do not include a purchasing option after the contract ends. 

In addition to the aforementioned financial commitments, the RHI Magnesita Group also has long-term purchase commitments related to 
the supply with raw materials, especially for electricity, natural gas, strategic raw materials as well as for the transport of raw materials 
within the Group. This results in other financial commitments of the nominal value of €96.2 million at the reporting date (31.12.2017: 
€99.9 million). The remaining terms of the contracts amount to up to nine years. Purchases from these arrangements are recognised in 
accordance with the usual course of business. Purchase contracts are regularly reviewed for imminent losses, which may occur, for exam-
ple, when requirements fall below the agreed minimum purchase volume or when contractually agreed prices deviate from the current 
market price level.  

59. Expenses for the Group auditor 
The expensed fees for the activities of the Group auditor PwC that are included in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss are shown 
in the following table: 

in € million 

Audit of the Financial Statements 

thereof invoiced by PwC Accountants N.V. 

thereof invoiced by PwC network firms 

Other audit-related services 

Tax compliance services 

Other non-audit services 

Total fees 

2018 

2.7 

0.2 

2.5 

0.1 

0.9 

0.0 

3.7 

2017 

2.4 

0.2 

2.2 

0.1 

0.9 

2.5 

5.9 

Other audit-related services, tax compliance services and other non-audit services were performed and invoiced by PwC network firms 
outside of the Netherlands.  

The other non-audit services of €2.5 million in 2017 are mainly related to services in connection with the acquisition of Magnesita and 
listing on the London Stock Exchange.  

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R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Notes 
continued 

60. Annual average number of employees 
The average number of employees of the RHI Magnesita Group based on full time equivalents amounts to: 

Salaried employees 

Waged workers 

Number of employees on annual average 

2018 

5,947 

8,171 

14,118 

2017 

3,788 

4,781 

8,569 

Sixteen full time equivalents of salaried employees work in the Netherlands. 

61. Transactions with related parties 
Related companies include subsidiaries that are not fully consolidated, joint ventures, associates and MSP Foundation, Liechtenstein, as a 
shareholder of RHI Magnesita N.V. since it exercises significant influence based on its share of more than 25% in RHI Magnesita N.V. In 
accordance with IAS 24.9v, the personnel welfare foundation of Stopinc AG, Hünenberg, Switzerland, also has to be considered a related 
company. 

Related persons are persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group (key 
management personnel) and their close family members. Since 26 October 2017, key management personnel comprises of members of 
the Board of Directors of RHI Magnesita N.V. and the Executive Management Team. Before that, members of the Management Board and 
the Supervisory Board of RHI AG formed the key management personnel. 

Related companies 
In 2018, the Group conducted the following transaction with its related companies:  

in € million 

Revenue from the sale of goods and services 

Purchase of raw materials 

Interest income 

Asset purchase 

Trade and other receivables 

Loans granted 

Trade liabilities 

Dividends received 

Joint ventures 

Associates 

Non- 
consolidated  
subsidiaries 

2018 

3.1 

3.2 

0.1 

0.0 

0.9 

0.0 

2017 

3.4 

2.5 

0.1 

0.0 

1.3 

0.0 

2018 

0.1 

20.3 

0.8 

0.6 

0.0 

10.4 

0.3 

0.6 

5.1 

20171) 

2018 

20171) 

0.4 

3.8 

0.0 

0.0 

1.1 

9.6 

8.5 

0.3 

0.1 

0.0 

0.0 

0.2 

0.1 

0.9 

0.1 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.2 

0.1 

1.6 

10.8 

10.7 

0.2 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

In 2018 and 2017, the Group charged electricity and stock management costs to the joint venture MAGNIFIN Magnesiaprodukte GmbH & 
Co KG, St. Jakob, Austria, and purchased raw materials. In 2018 and in November and December 2017, the associate Sinterco S.A., Name-
che, Belgium, sold sintered doloma to the RHI Magnesita Group. Furthermore, the Group has a financing receivable of €10.4 million 
(31.12.2017: €9.6 million) from a loan agreement with Sinterco.  

The balances at the end of 2018 are unsecured and will be paid in cash. All income and expenses 2017 of the joint ventures, associates 
and non-consolidated subsidiaries acquired in the course of the acquisition of Magnesita relate to the periods November and December 
2017. Before the acquisition of Magnesita the Group had no associates. 

To secure a pension claim of a former employee of MAGNIFIN, RHI Magnesita has assumed a surety amounting to €0.3 million 
(31.12.2017: €0.3 million). A resulting cash outflow is not expected. No guarantees were received. 

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A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

In 2018 and 2017, no transactions were carried out between the RHI Magnesita Group and MSP Foundation, with the exception of the 
dividend paid.  

A service relationship with respect to the company pension scheme of the employees of Stopinc AG exists between the personnel wel-
fare foundation of Stopinc AG and the fully consolidated subsidiary Stopinc AG. Stopinc AG makes contribution payments to the plan 
assets of the foundation to cover pension obligations. The pension plan is recognised as a defined benefit plan and is included in  
Note (28). At 31 December 2018, no current account receivables existed (31.12.2017: €0.8 million). In the past reporting period, no em-
ployer contributions (2017: €0.5 million) were made to the personnel welfare foundation. The overfunding of the pension plan is recog-
nised as a non-current asset of €2.1 million (31.12.2017: €2.0 million). 

Related persons 
Remuneration of key management personnel of the Group, which is subject to disclosure in accordance with IAS 24, comprises the re-
muneration of the active Board of Directors and the Executive Management Team (EMT) in 2018 and from November to December 2017 
as well as the former Management Board and Supervisory Board of RHI AG until October 2017. 

For the financial year 2018, expenses for the remuneration of the Executive Directors and EMT members, active in 2018, recognised in the 
Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss total €10.1 million (2017: €12.6 million including also remuneration of the former Management 
Board). The expenses, not including non-wage labour costs, amount to €9.1 million (2017: €11.8 million), of which €8.4 million (2017: 
€9.8 million) were related to current benefits (fixed, variable and other earnings), €0.0 million (2017: €0.0 million) to benefits related to 
the termination of employment and €0.7 million (2017: €1.9 million) to share-based remuneration. At 31 December 2018, liabilities for 
performance-linked variable earnings and share-based payments for active members of the former Management Board of €5.6 million 
(2017: €6.7 million) are recognised as liabilities. There are no obligations arising from post-employment benefits and legally required 
termination benefits.  

In addition to the variable remuneration, the members of the former Management Board of RHI AG active in 2017 were also entitled to 
share-based payments. The programme was terminated after RHI AG merged with and into RHI Magnesita N.V. and the provisioned 
amount will be paid until 2020. In the financial year 2018, a payment of €1.4 million was made in this regard (2017: €1.2 million). 

For Non-Executive Directors, remuneration totalling €1.0 million (2017: €0.8 million including remuneration for the former Supervisory 
Board) was recognised through profit or loss in the year 2018. The compensation paid to the Non-Executive Directors and the members of 
the former Supervisory Board only consists of short-term employee benefits. 

Employee representatives acting as Non-Executive Directors of RHI Magnesita N.V. who are employed by the Group, do not receive com-
pensation for their activity as Non-Executive Directors. For their activity as employees in the Company and the activity of their close rela-
tives employed with RHI Magnesita, expenses of €0.8 million (2017: €0.7 million) are recognised.  

No advance payments or loans were granted to key management personnel. The RHI Magnesita Group did not enter into contingent 
liabilities on behalf of the key management personnel. 

Directors Dealings reports are published on the websites of RHI Magnesita N.V. and of the London Stock Exchange. The members of the 
Board of Directors are covered by D&O insurance at RHI Magnesita.  

Detailed and individual information on the remuneration of the Board of Directors is presented in the Annual Report on Remuneration,in 
the Remuneration Committee report and the Remuneration Policy on pages 80 to 101 of the Annual Report of the RHI Magnesita Group. 

Earnings of former members of the former Management Board amounted to €2.6 million (2017: €3.5 million), of which €0.6 million 
(2017: €1.4 million) are related to share-based remuneration.  

RHI Magnesita and a close relative of a Non-Executive Director concluded a non-remunerated consultancy agreement to advise the 
Group on the economic and political framework in countries in which it does not yet have strong business links. 

Equity-settled share option plan (LTIP) 
The Company has a share option plan for the members of senior management of the Group which was approved by shareholders at the 
Annual General Meeting held on 7 June 2018. 

Each share option converts into one ordinary share of the Company on exercise. No amounts are paid or payable by the recipient on re-
ceipt of the option. The options carry rights to dividends but no voting rights. Options may be exercised at any time from the date of vest-
ing to the date of their expiry. 

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R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Notes 
continued 

The number of options granted is calculated in accordance with the performance-based formula approved by the shareholders at the 
annual general meeting and is subject to approval by the remuneration committee. 

The formula rewards employees to the extent of the Group’s achievements judged against quantitative criteria from the following 
measures: 

 
 
 

Group’s earnings per share, 
Group’s earnings before interest and tax, 
comparing the performance of the Group’s total shareholder return (TSR) against the FTSE 350. 

The vesting period is three years. If the options remain unexercised after a period of seven years from the vesting date the options expire. 
Options are forfeited if the employee leaves the Group before the options vest. 

As at 1 January 

Granted during the year 

Exercised during the year 

Forfeited during the year 

As at 31 December  

Vested and exercisable at 31 December 

2018 

2017 

Number of options 

Number of options 

0 

107,599 

0 

(13,494) 

94,105 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

No options expired or were exercised during the periods covered by the above tables. 

The options outstanding at 31 December 2018 have a weighted-average contractual life of 2.5 years. 

The outstanding share options, which were granted on 7 June 2018, will expire on 7 June 2028. The share price at grant date for the 
94,105 options was €53.13.  

The assessed fair value at grant date of options granted during the year ended 31 December 2018 was €52.51 per option. The fair value of 
share options with non-market performance conditions has been calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value 
of  options  with  market-related  performance  conditions  has  been  measured  using  the  Monte  Carlo  model.  The  calculation  takes  into 
account the exercise price, the term of the option, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the 
expected dividend yield, the risk free interest rate for the term of the option and the correlations and volatilities of the peer group compa-
nies. 

The requirement that the employee has to save in order to purchase shares under the share purchase plan has been incorporated into the 
fair value at grant date by applying a discount to the valuation obtained. The discount has been determined by estimating the probability 
that the employee will stop saving based on historical behaviour. 

The inputs used in the measurement of the fair values at grant date of the equity-settled share-based payment plans were as follows: 

in € million 

Fair value at grant date 

Expected volatility (weighted-average) 

Expected life (weighted-average) 

Expected dividends 

Risk-free interest rate 

2018 

5.0 

21.45% 

36 Months 

0.5 

0.89% 

2017 

0.0 

0.0% 

0 

0.0 

0.0% 

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price over the previous years. The expected 
life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effect of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, 
and behavioural considerations. 

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A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

62. Board of Directors of RHI Magnesita N.V.  
The members of the Board of Directors are as follows: 

Herbert Cordt, Chairman 
Stefan Borgas, CEO 
Octavio Lopes (until 31 December 2018) 

Fersen Lambranho (until 22 January 2019) 
David Schlaff 
Stanislaus Prinz zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg 
Celia Baxter 
Andrew Hosty 
James Leng 
John Ramsay 
Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer 
Karl Sevelda 
Franz Reiter  
Michael Schwarz  

63. Material events after the reporting date 
On 10 March 2019 the Supervening Acquisition Period of the Integrated Tender Offer (as described in Note (5) of the Consolidated Finan-
cial Statements) ended. RHI Magnesita N.V. via its indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary Dutch Brasil Holding B.V. received valid acceptanc-
es from holders of 6,167,636 Magnesita Refratários S.A. common shares, representing approximately 12.3% of the total share capital of 
Magnesita Refratários S.A. increasing its total ownership to 97.5%.  As a result, 1,139,400 new RHI Magnesita N.V. shares were issued. The 
cash disbursement of this transaction amounts to €30.2 million. 

After the reporting date on 31 December 2018, there were no other events of special significance which may have a material effect on the 
financial position and performance of the RHI Magnesita Group. 

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R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Company Financial Statements 
of RHI Magnesita N.V. 

Company Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2018 
(before appropriation of result) 

in € million 

ASSETS 

Fixed assets 

Financial fixed assets 

Current assets 

Receivables from Group companies 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 

Total assets 

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 

Equity 

Share capital 

Additional paid-in capital 

Legal and mandatory reserves 

Other reserves 

Result for the period 

Shareholders' Equity 

Current liabilities 

Other current liabilities 

Total current liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

Company Statement of Profit or Loss for the period 1 January to 31 December 2018 

in € million 

General and administrative expenses 

Result before taxation 

Income tax 

Net result from investments 

Net result for the period 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

182 
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Notes 

31.12.2018 

31.12.20171) 

(A) 

(B) 

(C) 

(D) 

(E) 

(H) 

(F) 

915.5 

915.5 

0.0 

0.1 

0.1 

569.3 

569.3 

62.5 

0.1 

62.6 

915.6 

631.9 

48.3 

305.5 

209.9 

78.7 

158.1 

800.5 

115.1 

115.1 

44.8 

165.7 

234.1 

263.5 

(89.3) 

618.8 

13.1 

13.1 

915.6 

631.9 

Notes 

(G) 

(H) 

2018 

(8.5) 

(8.5) 

0.0 

166.6 

158.1 

20171) 

(13.0) 

(13.0) 

0.0 

(76.3) 

(89.3) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8 
A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Legal and mandatory reserves 

  Other reserves 

Share  
capital 

Additional  
paid-in  
capital 

Cash flow 
hedges 

Currency 
translation 

Mandatory 
reserve 

Retained 
earnings 

Net  
result 

Equity attributable to 
shareholders 

44.8 

165.7 

0.1 

(54.7) 

288.7 

263.5 

(89.3) 

618.8 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

0.1 

(10.7) 

3.5 

139.8 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(5.2) 

(5.0) 

- 

- 

- 

(8.4) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(6.0) 

1.8 

(89.3) 

- 

89.3 

158.1 

(52.1) 

- 

1.0 

(33.6) 

(6.6) 

78.7 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

158.1 

Movements in Shareholders’ Equity 

in € million 

31.12.20171) 

Effects of initial application of IFRS 15 
(net of tax) 

Effects of initial application of IFRS 9 
(net of tax) 

Appropriation of prior year result 

Net result 

Transactions with non-controlling 
interests without change of control 

Issue of ordinary shares 

Share-based payments 

Dividends 

Net income / (expense) recognised 
directly in equity  

01.01.2018 

44.8 

165.7 

0.1 

(54.7) 

288.7 

259.3 

(89.3) 

31.12.2018 

48.3 

305.5 

(73.8) 

288.7 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

Legal and mandatory reserves 

  Other reserves 

Share  
capital 

Additional  
paid-in  
capital 

Cash flow 
hedges 

Currency 
translation 

Mandatory 
reserve 

Retained 
earnings 

Net  
result 

Equity attributable to 
shareholders 

in € million 

Incorporation 20 June 2017 

Increase of equity 

30.06.2017 

Net result 

Downstream merger from RHI AG 

Issue of ordinary shares minus costs 

Net income/ (expense) recognised 
directly in equity 

31.12.20171) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

39.8 

5.0 

- 

70.0 

70.0 

- 

(70.0) 

165.7 

- 

- 

44.8 

165.7 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(0.1) 

- 

0.2 

0.1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(71.2) 

288.7 

270.0 

- 

16.5 

- 

- 

- 

(6.5) 

- 

- 

- 

(89.3) 

- 

- 

- 

(54.7) 

288.7 

263.5 

(89.3) 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

(6.0) 

1.8 

614.6 

- 

158.1 

(62.7) 

143.3 

1.0 

(33.6) 

(20.2) 

800.5 

0.0 

70.0 

70.0 

(89.3) 

457.2 

170.7 

10.2 

618.8 

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F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S
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R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Notes  

to the Company Financial Statements 2018 

General 
RHI Magnesita N.V. (the “Company”), a public company with limited liability under Dutch law is registered with the Dutch Trade Register 
of the Chamber of Commerce under the number 68991665 and has its corporate seat in Arnhem, Netherlands. The administrative seat 
and registered office is located at Kranichberggasse 6, 1120 Vienna, Austria. 

The shares of RHI Magnesita N.V. (ISIN code NL0012650360) are listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange and are in-
cluded in the FTSE 250 Index. 

On 16 October 2017, the general meeting of the Company decided to amend the articles of association of the Company and to fully ac-
cept them. With this amendment of the articles of association of the Company, it has been determined that the financial year of RHI 
Magnesita N.V. corresponds to the calendar year. The current financial year is therefore the same as the calendar year, while the previous 
year ran from 1 July 2017 up to and including 31 December 2017. 

Basis of preparation 
The Company Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. 
The Company uses the option of Section 362, subsection 8, of Part 9, Book 2, of the Dutch Civil Code to prepare the Company Financial 
Statements on the basis of the same accounting principles as those applied for the Consolidated Financial Statements. Valuation is based 
on recognition and measurement requirements of accounting standards adopted by the EU (i.e. only IFRS that is adopted for use in the EU 
at the date of authorisation) as explained further in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Changes in comparative information 
The Company Balance Sheet as of 31.12.2017 and the Company Statement of Profit or Loss 2017 have been adjusted for the final fair 
values of the acquired assets and liabilities of Magnesita and the effects of the subsequent measurement of the values determined in the 
final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. Further information is included in Note (3) of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Significant accounting policies 
Financial fixed assets 
Investments in Group companies in the Company Financial Statements are accounted for using the equity method. 

Net result from investments 
The share in the result of investments comprises the share of the Company in the result of these investments.  

Fixed assets 
(A) Financial fixed assets 
The financial fixed assets comprise investments in: 

Name and registered office of the company 

Didier Werke A.G., Wiesbaden, Germany 

RHI Refractories Raw Material GmbH, Vienna, Austria 

RHI Magnesita GmbH, Vienna, Austria 

RHI Magnesita Trading B.V.,  Rotterdam, Netherlands 

Country of core 
activity 

Germany 

Austria 

Austria 

Netherlands 

2018 

2017 

Share in % 

Share in % 

12.5 

25.0 

100.0 

100.0 

12.5 

25.0 

100.0 

- 

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The investments have developed as follows: 

in € million 

At beginning of year 

Effects of the initial application of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 

From downstream merger 

Transactions with non-controlling interests without change of control 

Capital contributions 

Changes from currency translation and cash flow hedges 

Changes from defined benefit plans 

Equity settled transaction  

Net result from investments 

Balance at year-end 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

31.12.2018 

31.12.20171) 

569.3 

(4.2) 

0.0 

(59.2) 

262.1 

(13.6) 

(6.5) 

1.0 

166.6 

915.5 

0.0 

0.0 

457.2 

0.0 

179.5 

16.7 

(5.6) 

(2.2) 

(76.3) 

569.3 

The following list, prepared in accordance with the relevant legal requirements (Dutch Civil Code, Book 2, Sections 379), shows all com-
panies in which RHI Magnesita N.V. holds a direct or indirect share of at least 20% (with the exception of the RHISA Employee Trust): 

Ser. no. 

Name and registered office of the company 

1. 

RHI Magnesita N.V., Arnhem, Netherlands 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

Share- 
holder 

Share 
in % 

Share- 
holder 

Share 
in % 

185
1 8 7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S  

R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S  

Notes  
Notes  

Fully consolidated subsidiaries 

to the Company Financial Statements 2018 

to the Company Financial Statements 2018 

Agellis Group AB, Sund, Sweden 

Baker Refractories Holding Company, Wilmington, USA 
Fully consolidated subsidiaries 
Baker Refractories I.C., Inc., Wilmington, USA 

Baker Refractories, Las Vegas, USA 

Agellis Group AB, Sund, Sweden 
Betriebs- und Baugesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, Wiesbaden, Germany 

Baker Refractories Holding Company, Wilmington, USA 
D.S.I.P.C.-Didier Société Industrielle de Production et de  
Constructions, Valenciennes, France 
Baker Refractories I.C., Inc., Wilmington, USA 
Didier Belgium N.V., Evergem, Belgium 
Baker Refractories, Las Vegas, USA 
Didier Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH, Wiesbaden, Germany 
Betriebs- und Baugesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, Wiesbaden, Germany 
Didier-Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Wiesbaden, Germany 
D.S.I.P.C.-Didier Société Industrielle de Production et de  
Constructions, Valenciennes, France 
Dutch Brasil Holding B.V., Arnhem, Netherlands 

Didier Belgium N.V., Evergem, Belgium 
Dutch MAS B.V., Arnhem, Netherlands 

Didier Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH, Wiesbaden, Germany 
Dutch US Holding B.V., Arnhem, Netherlands 

Didier-Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Wiesbaden, Germany 
FE "VERA", Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine 

Dutch Brasil Holding B.V., Arnhem, Netherlands 
Feuerfestwerk Bad Hönningen GmbH, Hagen, Germany 

Dutch MAS B.V., Arnhem, Netherlands 
FireShark Refractories GmbH, Vienna, Austria 

Dutch US Holding B.V., Arnhem, Netherlands 
Full Line Supply Africa (Pty) Ltd., Sandton, South Africa; i.l. 

FE "VERA", Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine 
GIX International Limited, Dinnington, United Kingdom 

Feuerfestwerk Bad Hönningen GmbH, Hagen, Germany 
INDRESCO U.K. Ltd., Dinnington, United Kingdom 

FireShark Refractories GmbH, Vienna, Austria 
INTERSTOP (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, PR China 

Liaoning RHI Jinding Magnesia Co., Ltd., Dashiqiao City, PR China1) 
Full Line Supply Africa (Pty) Ltd., Sandton, South Africa; i.l. 

GIX International Limited, Dinnington, United Kingdom 
LLC "RHI Wostok Service", Moscow, Russia 

INDRESCO U.K. Ltd., Dinnington, United Kingdom 
LLC "RHI Wostok", Moscow, Russia 

INTERSTOP (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, PR China 
Lokalbahn Mixnitz-St. Erhard Aktien-Gesellschaft, Vienna, Austria 
Liaoning RHI Jinding Magnesia Co., Ltd., Dashiqiao City, PR China1) 
LWB Holding Company, Las Vegas, USA 
LLC "RHI Wostok Service", Moscow, Russia 

LLC "RHI Wostok", Moscow, Russia 

Lokalbahn Mixnitz-St. Erhard Aktien-Gesellschaft, Vienna, Austria 

LWB Holding Company, Las Vegas, USA 

56. 

43. 

100.0 

100.0 

3. 

100.0 

43. 

56. 
10. 

43. 
10. 
3. 
71.,104. 
43. 
10. 
10. 
1.,56. 

100.0 

100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

56. 

43. 

100.0 

100.0 

3. 

100.0 

43. 

56. 
10. 

43. 
10. 
3. 
71.,104. 
43. 
10. 
10. 
1.,56. 

100.0 

100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 

10. 
110. 

100.0 
100.0 

10. 
110. 

100.0 
100.0 

71.,104. 
10. 

100.0 
100.0 

71.,104. 
10. 

100.0 
100.0 

10. 
110. 

100.0 
100.0 

1.,56. 
56. 

100.0 
100.0 

110. 
115. 

100.0 
100.0 

10. 
74. 

100.0 
100.0 

110. 
83. 

56. 
116. 

115. 
18. 

100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 

74. 
109. 

100.0 
100.0 

83. 
56. 

100.0 
83.3 

10. 
110. 

100.0 
100.0 

1.,56. 
56. 

100.0 
100.0 

110. 
115. 

10. 
74. 

110. 
83. 

56. 
116. 

115. 
18. 

100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 

100.0 
100.0 

74. 
109. 

100.0 
100.0 

83. 
56. 

100.0 
83.3 

116. 
56.,74. 

100.0 
100.0 

116. 
56.,74. 

100.0 
100.0 

18. 
56.,74. 

100.0 
100.0 

18. 
56.,74. 

100.0 
100.0 

109. 
95. 
56. 
57. 
56.,74. 

100.0 
100.0 
83.3 
100.0 
100.0 

109. 
95. 
56. 
57. 
56.,74. 

100.0 
100.0 
83.3 
100.0 
100.0 

56.,74. 

100.0 

56.,74. 

100.0 

95. 

57. 

100.0 

100.0 

95. 

57. 

100.0 

100.0 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

2. 
6. 

3. 
7. 
4. 
8. 
5. 
9. 
6. 
10. 

7. 
11. 

8. 
12. 

9. 
13. 

10. 
14. 

11. 
15. 

12. 
16. 

13. 
17. 

14. 
18. 

15. 
19. 

16. 
20. 

17. 
21. 

18. 
22. 

19. 
23. 

20. 
24. 
21. 
25. 
22. 

23. 

24. 

25. 

186 
1 8 8

186 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S  

R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Notes  

to the Company Financial Statements 2018 

Betriebs- und Baugesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, Wiesbaden, Germany 

Fully consolidated subsidiaries 

Agellis Group AB, Sund, Sweden 

Baker Refractories Holding Company, Wilmington, USA 

Baker Refractories I.C., Inc., Wilmington, USA 

Baker Refractories, Las Vegas, USA 

D.S.I.P.C.-Didier Société Industrielle de Production et de  

Constructions, Valenciennes, France 

Didier Belgium N.V., Evergem, Belgium 

Didier Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH, Wiesbaden, Germany 

Didier-Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Wiesbaden, Germany 

Dutch Brasil Holding B.V., Arnhem, Netherlands 

Dutch MAS B.V., Arnhem, Netherlands 

Dutch US Holding B.V., Arnhem, Netherlands 

FE "VERA", Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine 

Feuerfestwerk Bad Hönningen GmbH, Hagen, Germany 

FireShark Refractories GmbH, Vienna, Austria 

Full Line Supply Africa (Pty) Ltd., Sandton, South Africa; i.l. 

GIX International Limited, Dinnington, United Kingdom 

INDRESCO U.K. Ltd., Dinnington, United Kingdom 

INTERSTOP (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, PR China 

Liaoning RHI Jinding Magnesia Co., Ltd., Dashiqiao City, PR China1) 

LLC "RHI Wostok Service", Moscow, Russia 

LLC "RHI Wostok", Moscow, Russia 

Lokalbahn Mixnitz-St. Erhard Aktien-Gesellschaft, Vienna, Austria 

LWB Holding Company, Las Vegas, USA 

56. 

43. 

43. 

10. 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

56. 

43. 

43. 

10. 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

3. 

100.0 

3. 

100.0 

10. 

100.0 

10. 

100.0 

71.,104. 

100.0 

71.,104. 

100.0 

10. 

100.0 

10. 

100.0 

1.,56. 

100.0 

1.,56. 

100.0 

110. 

100.0 

10. 

100.0 

110. 

100.0 

56. 

115. 

74. 

83. 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

116. 

100.0 

18. 

100.0 

109. 

100.0 

56. 

83.3 

110. 

100.0 

10. 

100.0 

110. 

100.0 

56. 

115. 

74. 

83. 

116. 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

18. 

100.0 

109. 

100.0 

56. 

83.3 

56.,74. 

100.0 

56.,74. 

100.0 

56.,74. 

100.0 

56.,74. 

100.0 

95. 

57. 

100.0 

100.0 

95. 

57. 

100.0 

100.0 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

14. 

15. 

16. 

17. 

18. 

19. 

20. 

21. 

22. 

23. 

24. 

25. 

186 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8 
A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

26. 

27. 

28. 

29. 

30. 

31. 

32. 

33. 

34. 

35. 

36. 

37. 

38. 

39. 

40. 

41. 

42. 

43. 

44. 

45. 

46. 

47. 

48. 

49. 

50. 

51. 

52. 

53. 

54. 

55. 

56. 

57. 

58. 

59. 

60. 

61. 

62. 

63. 

64. 

65. 

66. 

67. 

68. 

69. 

Ser. no. 

Name and registered office of the company 

LWB Refractories Belgium S.A., Liège, Belgium 

LWB Refractories Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG, Hagen, Germany 

LWB Refractories Hagen GmbH, Hagen, Germany 

LWB Refractories Holding France S.A.S., Valenciennes, France 

M.E. Refractories Company FZE i. l., Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

Mag Data Participaçoes e Investimentos em Projetos de Mineração S.A., 
Contagem, Brazil 

Magnesit Anonim Sirketi, Eskisehir, Turkey2) 

Magnesita Asia Refractory Holding Ltd, Hong Kong, PR China 

Magnesita Finance S.A., Luxembourg, Luxembourg 

Magnesita Grundstücks-Beteiligungs GmbH, Hagen, Germany 

Magnesita International Limited, London, United Kingdom 

Magnesita Malta Finance Ltd., St. Julians, Malta 

Magnesita Malta Holding Ltd., St. Julians, Malta 

Magnesita Mineração S.A., Brumado, Brazil 

Magnesita NAM Insurance Company, Wilmington, USA 

Magnesita Refractories (Canada) Inc., Montreal, Canada 

Magnesita Refractories (Dalian) Co. Ltd., Dalian, PR China 

Magnesita Refractories Company, York, USA 

Magnesita Refractories de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Monterrey, Mexico 

Magnesita Refractories GmbH, Hagen, Germany 

Magnesita Refractories Ltd., Dinnington, United Kingdom 

Magnesita Refractories Middle East FZE, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

Share- 
holder 

Share 
in % 

Share- 
holder 

Share 
in % 

45.,115. 

100.0 

45.,115. 

100.0 

35.,57. 

100.0 

35.,57. 

100.0 

115. 

115. 

34. 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

- 

100.0 

56. 

29. 

50. 

50. 

50. 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

115. 

115. 

34. 

50. 

56. 

29. 

50. 

50. 

50. 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

38.,115. 

100.0 

38.,115. 

100.0 

45.,115. 

100.0 

45.,115. 

100.0 

34.,50.,120. 

100.0 

34.,50.,122. 

100.0 

25. 

100.0 

3. 

100.0 

34. 

25. 

100.0 

100.0 

3.,4. 

100.0 

115. 

100.0 

3. 

100.0 

34. 

100.0 

25. 

100.0 

3. 

100.0 

34. 

25. 

100.0 

100.0 

3.,4. 

100.0 

115. 

100.0 

3. 

100.0 

34. 

100.0 

Magnesita Refractories S.C.S., Valenciennes, France 

29.,115. 

100.0 

29.,115. 

100.0 

Magnesita Refractories S.R.L., Milano, Italy 

Magnesita Refratários S.A., Contagem, Brazil 

Magnesita Resource (Anhui-Chizhou) Company. Ltd., Chizhou, PR China 

Mezubag AG, Pfäffikon, Switzerland 

Orient Refractories Limited,  Mumbai, India 

Premier Periclase Limited, Drogheda, Ireland 

115. 

100.0 

11. 

33. 

85.2 

100.0 

115. 

100.0 

11. 

33. 

50.0 

100.0 

109. 

100.0 

109. 

100.0 

13. 

13. 

66.5 

100.0 

13. 

13. 

69.6 

100.0 

Producción RHI México, S. de R.L. de C.V., Ramos Arizpe, Mexico  

87.,116. 

100.0 

87.,116. 

100.0 

Radex Vertriebsgesellschaft m.b.H., Leoben, Austria  

Rearden G Holdings Eins GmbH, Hagen, Germany 

Refractarios Argentinos S.A.I.C.M., Buenos Aires, Argentina 

Refractarios Magnesita Chile S/A, Santiago, Chile 

Refractarios Magnesita Colombia S/A, Sogamoso, Colombia 

Refractarios Magnesita del Perú S.A.C., Lima, Peru 

112. 

100.0 

34. 

50. 

58. 

50. 

50. 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

112. 

34. 

50. 

58. 

50. 

50. 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

Refractory Intellectual Property GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria 

63.,74. 

100.0 

63.,74. 

100.0 

Refractory Intellectual Property GmbH, Vienna, Austria 

Reframec Manutenção e Montagens de Refratários S.A., Matozinhos, Brazil 

RHI Argentina S.R.L., San Nicolás, Argentina 

RHI Canada Inc., Burlington, Canada 

RHI Chile S.A., Santiago, Chile  

RHI Clasil Private Limited, Mumbai, India1) 

RHI Dinaris GmbH, Wiesbaden, Germany 

74. 

50. 

100.0 

100.0 

74. 

50. 

100.0 

100.0 

13.,116. 

100.0 

13.,116. 

100.0 

116. 

100.0 

116. 

100.0 

18.,116. 

100.0 

18.,116. 

100.0 

116. 

53.7 

104. 

100.0 

116. 

53.7 

104. 

100.0 

187
1 8 9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S  

R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Notes  

to the Company Financial Statements 2018 

Ser. no. 

Name and registered office of the company 

70. 

71. 

72. 

73. 

74. 

75. 

76. 

77. 

78. 

79. 

80. 

81. 

82. 

83. 

84. 

85. 

86. 

87. 

88. 

89. 

90. 

91. 

92. 

93. 

94. 

95. 

96. 

97. 

98. 

99. 

RHI Finance A/S, Hellerup, Denmark 

RHI GLAS GmbH, Wiesbaden, Germany 

RHI India Private Limited, Navi Mumbai, India 

RHI ITALIA S.R.L., Brescia, Italy 

RHI Magnesita GmbH, Vienna, Austria 

RHI Magnesita Distribution B.V., Rotterdam, Netherlands 

RHI Magnesita Trading B.V., Rotterdam, Netherlands 

RHI Marvo Feuerungs- und Industriebau GmbH, Gerbstedt, Germany 

RHI MARVO Feuerungs- und Industriebau GmbH, Kerpen, Germany  

RHI MARVO S.R.L., Ploiesti, Romania 

RHI Normag AS, Porsgrunn, Norway 

RHI Refractories (Dalian) Co., Ltd., Dalian, PR China 

RHI Refractories (Site Services) Ltd., Dinnington, United Kingdom 

RHI Refractories Africa (Pty) Ltd., Sandton, South Africa 

RHI Refractories Andino C.A., Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela 

RHI Refractories Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Singapore 

RHI Refractories Egypt LLC., Cairo, Egypt 

RHI Refractories España, S.L., Lugones, Spain 

RHI Refractories France SA, Valenciennes, France3) 

RHI Refractories Holding Company, Wilmington, USA 

RHI Refractories Ibérica, S.L., Lugones, Spain 

RHI Refractories Italiana s.r.l., Brescia, Italy; i.l. 

RHI Refractories Liaoning Co., Ltd., Bayuquan, PR China1) 

RHI Refractories Mercosul Ltda., Sao Paulo, Brazil 

RHI Refractories Nord AB, Stockholm, Sweden 

RHI Refractories Raw Material GmbH, Vienna, Austria 

RHI Refractories Site Services GmbH, Wiesbaden, Germany  

RHI Refractories UK Limited, Bonnybridge, United Kingdom 

RHI Refratários Brasil Ltda, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 

RHI Sales Europe West GmbH, Mülheim-Kärlich, Germany  

100. 

RHI Trading (Dalian) Co., Ltd., Dalian, PR China 

RHI Ukraina LLC, Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine 

RHI United Offices America, S.A. de C.V., Monterrey, Mexico 

RHI United Offices Europe, S.L., Lugones, Spain 

RHI Urmitz AG & Co. KG, Mülheim-Kärlich, Germany 

RHI US Ltd., Wilmington, USA 

RHI-Refmex, S.A. de C.V., Ramos Arizpe, Mexico 

RHISA Employee Trust, Sandton, South Africa4) 

SAPREF AG für feuerfestes Material, Basel, Switzerland 

Stopinc Aktiengesellschaft, Hünenberg, Switzerland 

Veitscher Vertriebsgesellschaft m.b.H., Vienna, Austria 

Veitsch-Radex America LLC., Wilmington, USA 

Veitsch-Radex GmbH & Co OG, Vienna, Austria 

Veitsch-Radex GmbH, Vienna, Austria  

Veitsch-Radex Vertriebsgesellschaft m.b.H., Vienna, Austria 

101. 

102. 

103. 

104. 

105. 

106. 

107. 

108. 

109. 

110. 

111. 

112. 

113. 

114. 

188 
1 9 0

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

Share- 
holder 

Share 
in % 

74. 

100.0 

104. 

100.0 

Share- 
holder 

Share 
in % 

74. 

100.0 

104. 

100.0 

11.,116. 

100.0 

11.,116. 

100.0 

74. 

100.0 

1. 

100.0 

76. 

100.0 

1. 

100.0 

78. 

10. 

100.0 

100.0 

74. 

100.0 

1. 

- 

- 

100.0 

- 

- 

78. 

10. 

100.0 

100.0 

56.,110. 

100.0 

56.,110. 

100.0 

56. 

56. 

19. 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

56. 

56. 

19. 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

56.,107. 

100.0 

56.,107. 

100.0 

116. 

74. 

100.0 

100.0 

116. 

74. 

100.0 

100.0 

56.,110. 

100.0 

56.,110. 

100.0 

10.,12. 

100.0 

10.,12. 

100.0 

108. 

100.0 

116. 

100.0 

108. 

108. 

56. 

100.0 

100.0 

66.0 

108. 

100.0 

116. 

100.0 

108. 

108. 

56. 

100.0 

100.0 

66.0 

110.,116. 

100.0 

110.,116. 

100.0 

108. 

100.0 

108. 

100.0 

1.,56.,74. 

100.0 

1.,56.,74. 

100.0 

10. 

10. 

100.0 

100.0 

10. 

10. 

100.0 

100.0 

11.,116. 

100.0 

11.,116. 

100.0 

10.,108. 

100.0 

10.,108. 

100.0 

56. 

100.0 

56.,110. 

100.0 

56. 

100.0 

- 

- 

87.,103. 

100.0 

87.,103. 

100.0 

87. 

100.0 

87. 

100.0 

9.,10. 

100.0 

9.,10. 

100.0 

13. 

100.0 

13. 

100.0 

87.,116. 

100.0 

87.,116. 

100.0 

- 

0.0 

116. 

100.0 

- 

0.0 

116. 

100.0 

10.,56. 

100.0 

10.,56. 

100.0 

74. 

100.0 

105. 

100.0 

74. 

100.0 

105. 

100.0 

74.,113. 

100.0 

74.,113. 

100.0 

74. 

74. 

100.0 

100.0 

74. 

74. 

100.0 

100.0 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8 
A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Ser. no. 

Name and registered office of the company 

115. 

116. 

117. 

118. 

119. 

120. 

121. 

122. 

123. 

124. 

125. 

126. 

127. 

128. 

129. 

Vierte LWB Refractories Holding GmbH, Hagen, Germany 

VRD Americas B.V., Arnhem, Netherlands 

Zimmermann & Jansen GmbH, Düren, Germany 

Subsidiaries not consolidated due to minor significance 

Agellis Process AB, Lund, Sweden  

Agellis Surface AB, Lund, Sweden  

Araçuaí Holding S.A., São Paulo, Brazil 

Dr.-Ing. Petri & Co. Unterstützungsgesellschaft m.b.H., Wiesbaden, Germany 

Grayhill MDMM Holding Ltda., São Paulo, Brazil 

Guapare S.A, Montevideo, Uruguay 

Magnesita Australia PTY Ltd. i. l., Australia 

Magnesita Refractories A.B., Köping, Sweden 

Magnesita Refractories PVT Ltd, Mumbai, India 

Magnesita Refractories S.A. (Pty) Ltd., Middleburg, South Africa 

MAG-Tec Participações Ltda.  Ltda., Contagem, Brazil 

Metal Data Participações Ltda., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 

31.12.2018 

31.12.2017 

Share- 
holder 

Share 
in % 

Share- 
holder 

Share 
in % 

27.,57. 

100.0 

27.,57. 

100.0 

56.,74. 

100.0 

56.,74. 

100.0 

10. 

100.0 

10. 

100.0 

- 

- 

100.0 

100.0 

131. 

100.0 

10. 

50. 

50. 

33. 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

115. 

100.0 

2. 

2. 

131. 

10. 

50. 

- 

33. 

115. 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

- 

100.0 

100.0 

57.,115. 

100.0 

57.,115. 

100.0 

45. 

50. 

50. 

100.0 

98.7 

61.0 

45. 

50. 

50. 

100.0 

98.7 

61.0 

130. 

Metal Data S.A. – Mineração e Metalurgia, Contagem, Brazil 

50.,129. 

100.0 

50.,129. 

100.0 

131. 

132. 

133. 

134. 

135. 

136. 

137. 

138. 

139. 

140. 

141. 

142. 

MMD Araçuaí Holding Ltda., São Paulo, Brazil 

MPC, Metal Process Control AB, Lund, Sweden  

Refractarios Especiales Y Moliendas S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina 

Refractarios Magnesita Uruguay S/A, Montevideo, Uruguay 

RHI Réfractaires Algérie E.U.R.L., Sidi Amar, Algeria 

Equity-accounted joint ventures and associated companies 

Krosaki Magnesita Refractories LLC, York, USA 

Magnesita Envoy Asia Ltd., Kaohsiung, Taiwan 

MAGNIFIN Magnesiaprodukte GmbH & Co KG, St. Jakob, Austria 

110.,142. 

Sinterco S.A., Nameche, Belgium 

Other immaterial investments, measured at cost 

LLC "NSK Refractory Holding", Moskau, Russia 

LLC "NSK Refractory", Novokuznetsk, Russia 

MAGNIFIN Magnesiaprodukte GmbH, St. Jakob, Austria 

57. 

- 

- 

110. 

50. 

100.0 

31.,50. 

100.0 

- 

100.0 

2. 

100.0 

58. 

50. 

88. 

43. 

3. 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

40.0 

50.0 

50.0 

70.0 

49.0 

49.0 

50.0 

58. 

50. 

88. 

43. 

3. 

110.,142. 

57. 

56. 

56. 

110. 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

40.0 

50.0 

50.0 

70.0 

49.0 

49.0 

50.0 

In accordance with IAS 32, fixed-term or puttable non-controlling interests are shown under liabilities. 

1 
2  Further shareholders are VRD Americas B.V., Lokalbahn Mixnitz St. Erhard Aktien-Gesellschaft and Veitscher Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH. 
3  Further shareholders are Didier-Werke AG, RHI Dinaris GmbH and RHI GLAS GmbH. 
4  Controlling influence due to contractual terms and conditions. 
i.l. in liquidation 

189
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F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S  

R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Notes  

to the Company Financial Statements 2018 

Current assets 
(B) Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents are at RHI Magnesita N.V.’s free disposal. 

Equity 
(C) Share capital 
The Company’s authorised share capital amounts to €100,000,000, comprising 100,000,000 ordinary shares, each of €1 nominal 
value. As at 31 December 2018, RHI Magnesita N.V.’s issued and fully paid-in share capital consists of 48,337,047 ordinary shares. (As at 
31 December 2017: 44,819,039 ordinary shares). 

 (D) Additional paid-in capital  
Additional paid-in capital comprises premiums on the issue of shares less issue costs by RHI Magnesita N.V. 

(E) Legal and mandatory reserves 
Cash flow hedges 
The item cash flow hedges includes gains and losses from the effective part of cash flow hedges less tax effects. Further information on 
hedge accounting is included in Note (54) of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8 

R H I   M A G N E S I T A

Currency translation 
Currency translation includes the accumulated currency translation differences from translating the Financial Statements of foreign 
subsidiaries as well as unrealised currency translation differences from monetary items which are part of a net investment in a foreign 
operation, net of related income taxes. If foreign companies are deconsolidated, the currency translation differences are recognised in the 
Statement of Profit or Loss as part of the gain or loss from the sale of shares in subsidiaries. In addition, when monetary items cease to 
form part of a net investment in a foreign operation, the currency translation differences of these monetary items previously recognised in 
other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss. 

The cash flow hedges reserve and the currency translation reserve are legal reserves in accordance with the Dutch Civil Code and are 
restricted for distribution. 

Mandatory reserve 
The articles of association stipulate a mandatory reserve of €288,699,230.59 which was created in connection with the merger. 

No distributions, allocations or additions may be made and no losses of the Company may be allocated to the mandatory reserve. 

Current liabilities 
(F) Other current liabilities 
in € million 

Trade payables 

Payables to group companies 

Accrued liabilities 

Total current liabilities 

31.12.2018 

31.12.20171) 

5.1 

105.6 

4.4 

115.1 

2.8 

0.0 

10.3 

13.1 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

The other current liabilities fall due in less than one year. The fair value of other current liabilities approximates the book value, due to 
their short-term character. 

(G) Net results from investments 
In the year 2018 the full year results of the investments amount to a profit of €166.6 million and are recognised in the Company State-
ment of Profit or Loss.  

In year 2017 the exact legal steps of the merger were reflected in the Company Financial Statements. Consequently the interests in the 
investments were recognised as per date of the transaction, in this case 26 October 2017. The (adjusted) results of the investments for the 
period from 26 October to 31 December 2017 amounted to a loss of €76.3 million.  

The results of the investments for the period from 1 January to 25 October 2017 amounted to a profit of €71.9 million and were recognised 
as an effect from the downstream merger under retained earnings. 

 (H) Net result for the period 
190 
In 2018, there are no differences in the result between the Company Financial Statements and the Consolidated Financial Statements. 
1 9 2

In 2017, a different accounting treatment of the merger has been applied in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Company 
Financial Statements. In the Consolidated Financial Statements the results of a full year have been recognised in the Consolidated 
Statement of Profit or Loss (the so called ‘pooling of interest methodology’), whereas in the Company Financial Statements the results of 

the period 26 October 2017 to 31 December 2017 have been recognised in the Company Statement of Profit or Loss (the so called ‘car-

ryover accounting methodology). The difference in year 2017 between the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Company Finan-

cial Statements is shown in the table below: 

in € million 

Company’s net result for the period 1 July to 31 December 2017 

Result of the investments for the period from 1 January 2017 to 25 October 2017 recognised in retained earning 

Company’s consolidated results 2017 (attributable to shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V.) 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

It is proposed that pursuant to Article 27 clause 1 of the articles of association of the Company the result shown in RHI Magnesita N.V. 

Proposed appropriation of result 

income statement be appropriated as follows: 

in € million 

Profit attributable to shareholders 

In accordance with Article 27 clause 1 to be transferred to reserves 

At the disposal of the General Meeting of shareholders 

For 2018, the Board of Directors will propose a dividend of €1.50 per share for the shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V. The proposed divi-

dend is subject to the approval by the Annual General Meeting on 6 June 2019. 

20171) 

(89.3) 

71.9 

(17.4) 

2018 

158.1 

0.0 

158.1 

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A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8 

Current liabilities 

(F) Other current liabilities 

in € million 

Trade payables 

Payables to group companies 

Accrued liabilities 

Total current liabilities 

31.12.2018 

31.12.20171) 

5.1 

105.6 

4.4 

115.1 

2.8 

0.0 

10.3 

13.1 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

The other current liabilities fall due in less than one year. The fair value of other current liabilities approximates the book value, due to 
their short-term character. 

(G) Net results from investments 
In the year 2018 the full year results of the investments amount to a profit of €166.6 million and are recognised in the Company State-
ment of Profit or Loss.  

In year 2017 the exact legal steps of the merger were reflected in the Company Financial Statements. Consequently the interests in the 
investments were recognised as per date of the transaction, in this case 26 October 2017. The (adjusted) results of the investments for the 
period from 26 October to 31 December 2017 amounted to a loss of €76.3 million.  

The results of the investments for the period from 1 January to 25 October 2017 amounted to a profit of €71.9 million and were recognised 
as an effect from the downstream merger under retained earnings. 

 (H) Net result for the period 
In 2018, there are no differences in the result between the Company Financial Statements and the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

In 2017, a different accounting treatment of the merger has been applied in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Company 
Financial Statements. In the Consolidated Financial Statements the results of a full year have been recognised in the Consolidated 
Statement of Profit or Loss (the so called ‘pooling of interest methodology’), whereas in the Company Financial Statements the results of 
the period 26 October 2017 to 31 December 2017 have been recognised in the Company Statement of Profit or Loss (the so called ‘car-
ryover accounting methodology). The difference in year 2017 between the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Company Finan-
cial Statements is shown in the table below: 

in € million 

Company’s net result for the period 1 July to 31 December 2017 

Result of the investments for the period from 1 January 2017 to 25 October 2017 recognised in retained earning 

Company’s consolidated results 2017 (attributable to shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V.) 

1  Adjusted to reflect the effects of the final purchase price allocation of Magnesita. 

20171) 

(89.3) 

71.9 

(17.4) 

Proposed appropriation of result 
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S  
It is proposed that pursuant to Article 27 clause 1 of the articles of association of the Company the result shown in RHI Magnesita N.V. 
income statement be appropriated as follows: 

R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

in € million 

Profit attributable to shareholders 

Notes  

In accordance with Article 27 clause 1 to be transferred to reserves 

At the disposal of the General Meeting of shareholders 

2018 

158.1 

0.0 

158.1 

to the Company Financial Statements 2018 
For 2018, the Board of Directors will propose a dividend of €1.50 per share for the shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V. The proposed divi-
dend is subject to the approval by the Annual General Meeting on 6 June 2019. 

Other notes 
Number of employees 
The average number of employees of RHI Magnesita N.V. during 2018 amounts to nil (2017: nil). 

191

Other information 
Information regarding auditor's fees, number of employees of RHI Magnesita Group and the remuneration of the Board of Directors is 
included in Note (59) to (61) of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Material events after the reporting date 
On 10 March 2019 the Supervening Acquisition Period of the Integrated Tender Offer (as described in Note (5) of the Consolidated Finan-
cial Statements) ended. RHI Magnesita N.V. via its indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary Dutch Brasil Holding B.V. received valid acceptanc-
es from holders of 6,167,636 Magnesita Refratários S.A. common shares, representing approximately 12.3% of the total share capital of 
Magnesita Refratários S.A. increasing its total ownership to 97.5%. As a result, 1,139,400 new RHI Magnesita N.V. shares were issued. The 
cash disbursement of this transaction amounts to €30.2 million. 

After the reporting date on 31 December 2018, there were no other events of special significance which may have a material effect on the 
financial position and performance of RHI Magnesita N.V. 

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F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S  

R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

R H I   M A G N E S I T A

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8 

Notes  

to the Company Financial Statements 2018 

Other notes 
Vienna, 26 March 2019 
Number of employees 
The average number of employees of RHI Magnesita N.V. during 2018 amounts to nil (2017: nil). 
Board of Directors 
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S  

R H I   M A G N E S I T A  

Other information 
Herbert Cordt, Chairman 
Information regarding auditor's fees, number of employees of RHI Magnesita Group and the remuneration of the Board of Directors is 
Stefan Borgas, CEO 
included in Note (59) to (61) of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 
David Schlaff 
Stanislaus Prinz zu Sayn- Wittgenstein-Berleburg 
Material events after the reporting date 
Celia Baxter 
On 10 March 2019 the Supervening Acquisition Period of the Integrated Tender Offer (as described in Note (5) of the Consolidated Finan-
Andrew Hosty 
cial Statements) ended. RHI Magnesita N.V. via its indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary Dutch Brasil Holding B.V. received valid acceptanc-
James Leng 
es from holders of 6,167,636 Magnesita Refratários S.A. common shares, representing approximately 12.3% of the total share capital of 
John Ramsay 
Magnesita Refratários S.A. increasing its total ownership to 97.5%. As a result, 1,139,400 new RHI Magnesita N.V. shares were issued. The 
Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer 
cash disbursement of this transaction amounts to €30.2 million. 
Karl Sevelda 
Franz Reiter 
After the reporting date on 31 December 2018, there were no other events of special significance which may have a material effect on the 
Michael Schwarz 
financial position and performance of RHI Magnesita N.V. 

Other information 

Provisions of the articles of association on profit and distributions 
The stipulations of Article 27 and 28 of the Articles of Association concerning profit and distributions are: 

27 Profit and distributions 
27.1 The Board may resolve that the profits realised during a financial year will fully or partially be appropriated to increase and/or form 
reserves. With due regard to Article 26.2, a deficit may only be offset against the reserves prescribed by law to the extent this is permitted 
by law.  

27.2 The allocation of profits remaining after application of Article 27.1 shall be determined by the General Meeting. The Board shall make 
a proposal for that purpose. A proposal to make a distribution of profits shall be dealt with as a separate agenda item at the General Meet-
ing.  

27.3 Distribution of profits shall be made after adoption of the annual accounts if permitted under the law given the contents of the annu-
al accounts.  

27.4 The Board may resolve to make interim distributions and/or to make distributions at the expense of any reserve of the Company, other 
than the Mandatory Reserve.  

27.5 Distributions on shares may be made only up to an amount which does not exceed the amount of the Distributable Equity. If it con-
cerns an interim distribution, the compliance with this requirement must be evidenced by an interim statement of assets and liabilities as 
referred to in Section 2:105 paragraph 4 of the Dutch Civil Code. The Company shall deposit the statement of assets and liabilities at the 
Dutch Trade Register within eight days after the day on which the resolution to make the distribution is published.  

27.6 Distributions on shares payable in cash shall be paid in euro, unless the Board determines that payment shall be made in another 
currency.  

27.7 The Board is authorised to determine that a distribution on shares will not be made in cash but in kind or in the form of shares, or to 
determine that shareholders may choose to accept the distribution in cash and/or in the form of shares, all this out of the profits and/or at 
the expense of reserves, other than the Mandatory Reserve, and all this if and in so far the Board has been designated by the General 
Meeting in accordance with Article 6.1. The Board shall set the conditions under which such a choice may be made. 

28 Release for payment 
Distributions of profits and other distributions shall be made payable four weeks after adoption of the relevant resolution, unless the 
Board or the General Meeting at the proposal of the Board determine another date. 

193

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A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8
A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

Independent  
auditor’s report

To: the general meeting and the board of directors of 
RHI Magnesita N.V.

Report on the financial and consolidated 
financial statements 2018

Our opinion
In our opinion:

 ¥ RHI Magnesita N.V.’s consolidated financial statements give a 
true and fair view of the financial position of the Group as at 31 
December 2018 and of its result and cash flows for the year then 
ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the European Union (EU-IFRS) and with 
Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code;

 ¥ RHI Magnesita N.V.’s company financial statements give a true 
and fair view of the financial position of the Company as at 31 
December 2018 and of its result for the year then ended in 
accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code.

What we have audited
We have audited the accompanying financial statements 2018 
of RHI Magnesita N.V., Vienna (‘the Company’). The financial 
statements include the consolidated financial statements of 
RHI Magnesita N.V. together with its subsidiaries (‘the Group’) 
and the company financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements comprise:

 ¥ the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 31 

December 2018;

 ¥ the following statements for 2018: the Consolidated Statement 

of Profit or Loss and the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
and Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity; and

 ¥ the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, comprising 

significant accounting policies and other explanatory 
information.

The company financial statements comprise:

 ¥ the company balance sheet as at 31 December 2018;
 ¥ the company statement of profit or loss for the year then ended;
 ¥ the notes, comprising the accounting policies applied and other 

explanatory information.

The financial reporting framework applied in the preparation of the 
financial statements is EU-IFRS and the relevant provisions of Part 9 
of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code for the consolidated financial 
statements and Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code for the 
company financial statements.

The basis for our opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Dutch law, including 
the Dutch Standards on Auditing. We have further described our 
responsibilities under those standards in the section ‘Our 
responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements’ of our 
report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient 
and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence
We are independent of RHI Magnesita N.V. in accordance with the 
European Regulation on specific requirements regarding statutory 
audit of public-interest entities, the ‘Wet toezicht 
accountantsorganisaties’ (Wta, Audit firms supervision act), the 
‘Verordening inzake de onafhankelijkheid van accountants bij 
assuranceopdrachten’ (ViO – Code of Ethics for Professional 
Accountants, a regulation with respect to independence) and other 
relevant independence requirements in the Netherlands. 
Furthermore, we have complied with the ‘Verordening gedrags- en 
beroepsregels accountants’ (VGBA – Code of Ethics for 
Professional Accountants, a regulation with respect to rules of 
professional conduct).

Our audit approach
Overview and context
RHI Magnesita N.V. is a worldwide producer of refractory products. 
Refractory products are used in all the world’s high-temperature 
industrial processes. The Group is comprised of several 
components and therefore we considered our group audit scope 
and approach as set out in the section ‘The scope of our group 
audit’. We paid specific attention to the areas of focus driven by the 
operations of the Group, as set out below.

The financial year 2018 was characterised by the integration of 
Magnesita Refratários S.A., the in 2017 acquired Magnesita Group, 
and by organisational changes throughout the Group. This affected 
the determination of materiality, the scope of our group audit and 
our audit procedures as described in the sections ‘Materiality’, ‘The 
scope of our audit’ and ‘Key audit matters’.

As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and 
assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial 
statements. In particular, we considered where the board of 
directors made important judgements, for example, in respect of 
significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions 
and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. In note 
10 of the consolidated financial statements, the Company describes 
the areas of judgement in applying accounting policies and the key 
sources of estimation uncertainty. Given the significant estimation 
uncertainty and the related higher inherent risks of material 
misstatement in the recoverability of deferred tax assets, final 
accounting of the Magnesita acquisition, valuation of goodwill and 
other intangible assets, we considered these matters as key audit 
matters as set out in the section ‘Key audit matters’ of this report. 
Furthermore we identified the implementation of IFRS 15, the new 
revenue standard, as a key audit matter.

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F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S
F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S

R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Independent  
auditor’s report
continued

Other areas of focus, that were not considered to be key audit 
matters, were the disclosures as required by IAS 8 concerning the 
transition to the new accounting standard IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. As in all 
of our audits, we also addressed the risk of management override of 
internal controls, including evaluating whether there was evidence 
of bias by the board of directors that may represent a risk of material 
misstatements due to fraud.

Overall group 
materiality

Basis for determining 
materiality

Rationale for 
benchmark applied

We ensured that the audit teams at both group and component 
level included the appropriate skills and competences, which are 
needed for the audit of an international industrial products 
company. We therefore included specialists in the areas of IT and 
corporate income tax, as well as experts in the areas of valuation 
and employee benefits, in our audit team.

Component 
materiality

The outline of our audit approach was as follows:

Materiality
 ¥ Overall materiality: €13.8 million.

Audit scope
 ¥ We conducted audit work in 42 locations.
 ¥ Site visits were conducted to 6 
countries – Brasil, US, Canada, 
China, India and Austria.

 ¥ Audit coverage: 93% of consolidated 
revenue, 93% of consolidated total 
assets, 97% of consolidated EBIT and 
99% of consolidated EBITDA.

Materiality

Audit scope

Key audit
matters

Key audit matters
 ¥ Recoverability of deferred tax assets;
 ¥ Finalisation of the purchase price allocation in respect of 

the acquisition of Magnesita Refratários S.A.;
 ¥ Valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets;
 ¥ Implementation of IFRS 15, the new revenue standard.

Materiality
The scope of our audit is influenced by the application of 
materiality, which is further explained in the section ‘Our 
responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements’.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined certain 
quantitative thresholds for materiality, including the overall 
materiality for the financial statements as a whole as set out in the 
table below. These, together with qualitative considerations, helped 
us to determine the nature, timing and extent of our audit 
procedures on the individual financial statement line items and 
disclosures and to evaluate the effect of identified misstatements, 
both individually and in aggregate, on the financial statements as a 
whole and on our opinion.

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€13.8 million (2017: €8.0 million).

We used our professional judgement to determine 
overall materiality. As a basis for our judgement, we 
used approximately 2.5% of earnings before interest, 
taxes depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA).

We used EBITDA as the benchmark, a generally 
accepted auditing practice, based on our analysis 
of the common information needs of users of the 
financial statements. On this basis, we believe that 
EBITDA is an important metric for the financial 
performance of the Company.

To each component in our audit scope, we, based on 
our judgement, allocate materiality that is less than 
our overall group materiality. The range of materiality 
allocated across components was between €0.9 
million and €11 million.

We also take misstatements and possible misstatements into 
account that, in our judgement, are material for qualitative reasons.

We agreed with the board of directors that we would report to them 
misstatements identified during our audit above €0.7 million (2017: 
€0.4 million) as well as misstatements below that amount that, in 
our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

The scope of our group audit
RHI Magnesita N.V. is the parent company of a group of entities. The 
financial information of this group is included in the consolidated 
financial statements of RHI Magnesita N.V.

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed 
sufficient work to be able to give an opinion on the financial 
statements as a whole, taking into account the management 
structure of the Group, the nature of operations of its components, 
the accounting processes and controls, and the markets in which 
the components of the Group operate. In establishing the overall 
group audit strategy and plan, we determined the type of work 
required to be performed at component level by the Group 
engagement team and by each component auditor.

We have audited the complete financial information of 20 
components, of which 5 components are individually financially 
significant to the Group:

 ¥ RHI Magnesita GmbH (formerly RHI Feuerfest GmbH), Austria
 ¥ Magnesita Refratários S.A., Brasil
 ¥ Magnesita Mineracao S.A., Brasil
 ¥ RHI US, USA
 ¥ Magnesita Refractories Company, USA

R H I   M A G N E S I TA
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A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8
A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 8

The group engagement team at the head office audited the group 
consolidation, financial statements disclosures, IFRS 15 
adjustments, inventory valuation and a number of complex items. 
These include acquisition accounting, impairment testing and 
valuation of deferred tax assets.

By performing the procedures above at components, combined 
with additional procedures at group level, we have been able to 
obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence on the Group’s 
financial information, as a whole, to provide a basis for our opinion 
on the financial statements.

Our focus on fraud
Our objectives
We assess and respond to the risk of fraud in the context of our audit 
of the financial statements. In this context and with reference to the 
sections on responsibilities in this report, our objectives in relation 
to fraud are:

 ¥ to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the 

financial statements due to fraud;

 ¥ to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the 
assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud, through 
designing and implementing appropriate audit responses;
 ¥ to respond appropriately to fraud or suspected fraud identified 

during the audit.

However, because of the characteristics of fraud, particularly those 
involving sophisticated and carefully organised schemes to conceal 
it, such as forgery, deliberate failure to record transactions and 
collusion, our audit might not detect instances of material fraud.

Our risk assessment
We obtained an understanding of the entity and its environment, 
including the entity’s internal control. We made enquiries of group 
and local management, the internal audit function, legal and 
compliance departments and the audit committee. In addition, we 
considered other external and internal information. As part of our 
process of identifying fraud risks, we evaluated fraud risk factors 
with respect to financial reporting fraud, misappropriation of assets 
and bribery and corruption. Fraud risk factors are events or 
conditions, which indicate an incentive or pressure, an opportunity, 
or an attitude or rationalisation to commit fraud. We evaluated the 
fraud risk factors to consider whether those factors indicated a risk 
of material misstatement due to fraud.

As in all of our audits, we addressed the risk of management 
override of internal controls, including evaluating whether there 
was evidence of bias by the board of directors that may represent a 
risk of material misstatement due to fraud.

We further performed specific risk-focussed audit procedures for 3 
components as they include significant or higher risk areas:

 ¥ Magnesita Refractories Middle East, Dubai
 ¥ Magnesita Finance S.A., Luxembourg
 ¥ Dutch Brasil Holding B.V., Netherlands

Additionally, we selected 21 components for audit procedures to 
achieve appropriate coverage on financial line items in the 
consolidated financial statements and to build an element of 
unpredictability in our audit.

In total, in performing these procedures, we achieved the following 
coverage on the financial line items:

Revenue

Total assets

EBIT

EBITDA

93%

93%

97%

99%

None of the remaining components represented more than 1% of 
total group revenue or total group assets. For those remaining 
components we performed, among other things, analytical 
procedures to corroborate our assessment that there were no 
significant risks of material misstatements within those components.

The group engagement team performed the audit work for the 
parent company RHI Magnesita N.V. and the Austrian entities in 
scope for the group audit. For all other components, we used 
component auditors who are familiar with the local laws and 
regulations to perform the audit work.

Where component auditors performed the work, we determined 
the level of involvement we needed to have in their audit work to be 
able to conclude whether we had obtained sufficient appropriate 
audit evidence as a basis for our opinion on the consolidated 
financial statements as a whole.

We issued instructions to the component audit teams in our audit 
scope. These instructions included amongst others our risk analysis, 
materiality and scope of the work. We explained to the component 
audit teams the structure of the Group, the main developments that 
are relevant for the component auditors, the risks identified, the 
materiality levels to be applied and our global audit approach. We 
had individual calls with each of the in-scope component audit 
teams during the year including upon conclusion of their work. 
During these calls, we discussed the significant accounting and 
audit issues identified by the component auditors, the reports of the 
component auditors, the findings of their procedures and other 
matters, which could be of relevance for the consolidated financial 
statements.

wwThe group engagement team visits the component teams and 
local management on a rotational basis. In the current year, the 
group audit team visited the Magnesita finance functions in Brasil, 
China and US given the importance of the judgements involved in 
the final purchase price allocation resulting from the acquisition of 
Magnesita Group, as well as the Chinese, Canadian, US, Austrian 
and Indian operating locations. For each of these locations we 
reviewed selected working papers of the component auditors.

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R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Independent  
auditor’s report
continued

Our response to the risk of fraud
We evaluated the design and the implementation and, where 
considered appropriate, tested the operating effectiveness of 
internal controls that mitigate fraud risks. In addition, we performed 
procedures, which include journal entry testing and evaluating 
accounting estimates for bias.

In particular, our procedures consisted of checking the results of 
whistleblowing and complaints procedures with the entity, data 
analysis of high-risk journal entries and evaluation of key estimates 
and judgements by RHI Magnesita N.V. (including retrospective 
reviews of prior year’s estimates). Where we identified instances of 
unexpected journal entries or other risks through our data analytics, 
we performed additional audit procedures to address each 
identified risk. These procedures also included testing of 
transactions back to source information. We also incorporated 
elements of unpredictability in our audit.

We considered the outcome of our other audit procedures and 
evaluated whether any findings or misstatements were indicative of 
fraud. If so, we reevaluate our assessment of fraud risk and its 
resulting impact on our audit procedures.

We refer to the key audit matters “Recoverability of deferred income 
tax assets”, “Valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets” and 
“Finalisation of the purchase price allocation in respect of the 
acquisition of Magnesita Refratários S.A.”, which are examples of our 
approach related to areas of higher risk due to accounting estimates 
where management makes significant judgements.

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional 
judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial 
statements. We have communicated the key audit matters to the 
board of directors. The key audit matters are not a comprehensive 
reflection of all matters identified by our audit and that we 
discussed. In this section, we described the key audit matters and 
included a summary of the audit procedures we performed on those 
matters.

We addressed the key audit matters in the context of our audit of 
the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion 
thereon. We do not provide separate opinions on these matters or 
on specific elements of the financial statements. Any comments or 
observations we made on the results of our procedures should be 
read in this context.

Given the non-recurring nature of the restructuring following the 
Magnesita acquisition in 2017, the key audit matter “Accounting for 
restructuring” as considered in the 2017 auditor’s report, in our 
opinion, does not longer warrant the classification of key audit 
matter in 2018.

Key audit matter

Our audit work and observations

Recoverability of deferred tax assets 
Refer to note 8, 10, 17 and 44 of the consolidated 
financial statements

The Group capitalised deferred tax assets on tax loss carry-forwards and 
deductible temporary differences arising on various items for the amount 
of €171.1 million. Reference is made to note 17 of the financial statements.

Deferred tax assets are capitalised based on the assumption that sufficient 
taxable income will be generated against which loss carry-forwards and 
other deductible temporary differences can be offset. This assumption is 
based on estimates of the current and the estimated taxable results, and 
any future measures implemented by the company in several jurisdictions 
concerned that will have an effect on income tax. The Group also has 
losses and other temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset 
has been recognised in these consolidated financial statements.

Due to the inherent level of uncertainty, the potential limitations in 
the recoverability of deferred tax assets and the significant judgement 
involved, we considered the recoverability of deferred tax assets to be a 
key audit matter for our audit.

We have requested and obtained confirmation letters from third party tax advisors to confirm the 
existence and accuracy of the tax loss carry-forwards, taking into account the expiration dates per 
jurisdiction. In addition, together with our tax specialists, we have assessed per tax jurisdiction the 
level of potential offsetting of the deferred tax assets with the deferred tax liabilities.

Furthermore, we have critically assessed the underlying assumptions of the forecasted taxable 
income through agreeing the forecasted future taxable profits with approved business plans in 
a tax jurisdiction. We also assessed the past performance against the expected future tax profits 
in the business plans used by the Group, by using our knowledge of the Group and the industry 
in which it operates. In addition, we have considered the local expiry period together with any 
applicable restrictions in recovery for each individual jurisdiction.

We assessed and corroborated the adequacy and appropriateness of the disclosure made in the 
consolidated financial statements.

The above procedures did not result in material audit findings.

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Key audit matter

Our audit work and observations

Finalisation of the Purchase Price Allocation in respect of 
the acquisition of Magnesita Refratários S.A.
Refer to note 5 of the consolidated financial statements 

On 26 October 2017, RHI Magnesita Group acquired Magnesita 
Refratários S.A., the Magnesita Group. IFRS 3, Business Combinations, 
requires recognising the identifiable assets and liabilities at fair value at 
the date of the acquisition, with the excess of the acquisition cost over 
the identified fair value of recognised assets, and liabilities as goodwill. 
The purchase price allocation (“PPA”) was finalised within the 12 months 
period as required by the Standard. This acquisition was considered as a 
significant purchase to the whole Group.

Management determined that the fair value of the net identifiable assets 
acquired is € 427.9 million with €404.5 million relating to intangible 
assets (incl. goodwill) that arose from the business combination. The 
Executive Directors have engaged two independent valuators to issue a 
final report on the PPA, calculating fair values of the identified assets and 
liabilities at the respective acquisition date through, among other things, 
assessments of future cash flows and assessing appropriate discount 
rates. The finalisation of the PPA exercise for Magnesita resulted in 
goodwill, amounting to €82.9 million recognised at the acquisition date 
(see note 5, Group of consolidated companies), representing a decrease 
from the preliminary PPA of 88.8 million, mainly allocated to the fair value 
of mining rights and property, plant and equipment offset by an increase 
in the deferred tax liabilities and other non-current provisions.

We focused on the intangible assets arising from the business 
combination as a significant area of judgement. The valuation 
methodology, as well as the inputs and assumptions in the model, are 
affecting the fair value of the intangible assets. The goodwill arising 
from the acquisition is also highly dependent on the fair value of the 
identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the acquisition 
date.

Valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets
Refer to note 8, 10, 11, and 12 of the consolidated 
financial statements

The Group capitalised goodwill for €117.4 million of which €82.9 million 
relates to the acquisition of Magnesita Group, the remainder mainly 
related to goodwill from the Steel divisions Lining and Flow control. In 
addition, the company capitalised intangible assets for €334.4 million 
of which €275.5 million relates to the Magnesita acquisition. These 
assets form part of cash-generating units (‘CGUs’) to the extent that they 
independently generate cash inflows. If and to the extent to which these 
CGUs include goodwill or intangible assets with indefinite useful lives or 
show sign for impairment, the recoverable amount is assessed. Annual 
planning process data is used to make assumptions on the discount rates, 
profitability as well as growth rates, and sensitivity analyses are carried 
out with regard to any accounting effects. The assessment did not result 
in an impairment.

We identified the impairment assessment as a key audit matter due 
to significant estimates and assumptions about the discount rates, 
profitability as well as growth rates.

We reviewed management’s assessment that the acquisition should be accounted for as a 
business combination and determined that it was appropriately performed in accordance with the 
definition set out in IFRS 3.

We compared the group’s accounting policies over business combinations with requirements in 
EU-IFRS and evaluated the competence, capabilities and objectivity of the independent valuator 
and other management experts such as valuators and evaluated the work done.

Together with our valuation experts, we have assessed the completeness of the assets and 
liabilities identified in the purchase price allocation. For the assets and liabilities acquired, of 
which the most significant items relate to customer relationships, mining rights, property, plant 
and equipment and the liability for an unfavourable contract, we have evaluated the models used 
to derive the fair values of the assets and liabilities.

We engaged valuation experts to compare the valuation assumptions with external benchmarks 
including a peer group analysis to assess the discount rates and to assess assumptions and 
inputs underlying future cash flows based on our knowledge of the group and its subsidiaries. 
We have further evaluated the fair values of the remaining assets and liabilities including the 
reasonableness of any underlying assumptions in their respective valuation. These assumptions 
and inputs include estimates on future production, (foregone) margins, operating cost and capital 
expenditure. This also included the assessment on the reasonableness of the useful lives on the 
tangible and intangible assets and the consideration given.

We assessed and corroborated the adequacy and appropriateness of the disclosure made in note 
5 to the consolidated financial statements.

We have not identified any significant issues with the allocation of the intangible assets at the 
balance sheet date and noted no significant exceptions in the accounting for the business 
combination.

A major part of goodwill and intangible assets were identified as part of the Purchase Price 
Allocation (“PPA”) from the Magnesita Acquisition. Procedures performed on the PPA are 
described in the key audit matter Purchase Price Allocation for the acquisition of Magnesita 
Refratários S.A.

As part of our audit procedures, we have evaluated and challenged the composition of 
management’s future cash flow forecast and process applied to identity and define cash-
generating units, calculate the recoverable amount, test for impairment, calculate the capital cost 
rate and the growth rate as well as the calculation model.

We have reconciled the assumed future cash flows used in the budget planning with the 
information included in the forecast made by the directors.

With the support of our valuation specialists, we have evaluated management’s assumptions such 
as revenue and margin, the discount rate, terminal value, operational and capital expenditure. We 
have obtained corroborative evidence for these assumptions. We performed analyses to assess 
the reasonableness of forecasted revenues, margins and expenditures in line with the level of 
activity forecasted and corroboration to contracted revenue for the coming years and price trends, 
and obtained further explanations when considered necessary. We compared the long term 
growth rates used in determining the terminal value with economic and industry forecasts. We 
have re- performed calculations, compared the methodology applied with generally accepted 
valuation techniques, assessed appropriateness of the cost of capital for the company and 
comparable assets, as well as considered territory specific factors and assessed appropriateness 
of disclosure of the key assumptions and sensitivities underlying the tests.

We found the assumptions to be reasonable and supported by the available evidence.

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R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Independent  
auditor’s report
continued

Key audit matter

Our audit work and observations

Implementation of IFRS 15, the new revenue standard
Refer to note 2, 8, 10, 35 and 50 of the consolidated 
financial statements

As described in note 2, 8 and 10 of the consolidated financial statements 
the Group has adopted IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. 
The application and adoption of this accounting standard is complex. 
IFRS 15 establishes a comprehensive framework for determining whether, 
how much and when revenue is recognised.

The Group has applied the modified retrospective approach and has 
recognised the cumulative effect of initial application as an adjustment 
to the opening balance of retained earnings as per 1 January 2018. The 
Group applies several practical expedients in its implementation.

In relation to the recognition of revenue under IFRS 15 the Group has to 
apply judgement in multiple areas, such as when control over refractory 
products passes to the customer, bundling of contracts, identifying 
performance obligations and allocating the transaction price to these 
performance obligations and whether revenue should be recognised at a 
point in time or over time.

As a result, we consider the adoption and implementation of IFRS 15 a key 
audit matter.

We performed inquiries of Management to obtain an understanding of the process for the 
revenue recognition under IFRS 15.

We evaluated the design and technical implementation of the processes of the Group, 
surrounding the implementation and recording adjustments arising from the adoption of IFRS 15.

We have obtained a schedule of contract types with the underlying master agreements for the 
Group. We evaluated the accuracy and completeness of the contract types in the schedule, 
including the technical implementation thereon, based on our knowledge of the Group 
and experience of the industry in which it operates. We analysed the existing contracts with 
customers and considered the Group’s revenue recognition policies in respect of those revenue 
streams. We evaluated the judgement applied by the Group, in particular with respect to when 
control over refractory products passes to the customer, bundling of contracts, identifying 
performance obligations and allocating the transaction price to these performance obligations 
and whether revenue should be recognised at a point in time or over time.

We obtained a schedule of the cumulative effect and adjustments as at 1 January 2018 and for 
the current year and evaluated the completeness and mathematical accuracy of the schedule 
by assessing whether the schedule of adjustments is complete and reflects appropriate 
consideration for the changes in the revenue accounting under IFRS 15. We have performed 
substantive testing in order to verify that the accounting for the revenue transactions are 
appropriately reflecting the revenue recognition policies in line with IFRS 15.

Furthermore, we have assessed the adequacy of the related (IFRS 15) disclosures in the financial 
statements. Our audit procedures did not indicate material findings with respect to the application 
of IFRS 15 and disclosures thereto.

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Report on the other information included in 
the annual report

Responsibilities for the financial statements 
and the audit

In addition to the financial statements and our auditor’s report 
thereon, the annual report contains other information that 
consists of:

Responsibilities of the executive directors for the 
financial statements
The executive directors are responsible for:

 ¥ the section strategic report;
 ¥ the section governance;
 ¥ the other information pursuant to Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch 

Civil Code.

Based on the procedures performed as set out below, we conclude 
that the other information:

 ¥ is consistent with the financial statements and does not contain 

material misstatements;

 ¥ contains the information that is required by Part 9 of Book 2 of 

the Dutch Civil Code.

We have read the other information. Based on our knowledge and 
understanding obtained in our audit of the financial statements or 
otherwise, we have considered whether the other information 
contains material misstatements.

By performing our procedures, we comply with the requirements of 
Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code and the Dutch Standard 
720. The scope of such procedures was substantially less than the 
scope of those performed in our audit of the financial statements.

The directors are responsible for the preparation of the other 
information, including the directors’ report and the other 
information in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil 
Code.

Report on other legal and regulatory  
requirements 

Our appointment
We were appointed as auditors of RHI Magnesita N.V. by the 
supervisory board following the passing of a resolution by the 
shareholders at the annual meeting held on 4 October 2017. Our 
appointment has been renewed annually by shareholders 
representing a total period of uninterrupted engagement 
appointment of 2 years.

No prohibited non-audit services
To the best of our knowledge and belief, we have not provided 
prohibited non-audit services as referred to in Article 5(1) of the 
European Regulation on specific requirements regarding statutory 
audit of public-interest entities.

Services rendered
The services, in addition to the audit, that we have provided to the 
Company and its controlled entities, for the period to which our 
statutory audit relates, are disclosed in note 59 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

 ¥ the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements 
in accordance with EU-IFRS and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the 
Dutch Civil Code; and for

 ¥ such internal control as the executive directors determine is 

necessary to enable the preparation of the financial statements 
that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud 
or error.

As part of the preparation of the financial statements, the executive 
directors are responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern. Based on the financial reporting 
frameworks mentioned, the executive directors should prepare the 
financial statements using the going-concern basis of accounting 
unless the executive directors intend either to liquidate the 
company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but 
to do so. The executive directors should disclose events and 
circumstances that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern in the financial statements.

The board of directors is responsible for overseeing the Company’s 
financial reporting process.

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our responsibility is to plan and perform an audit engagement in a 
manner that allows us to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit 
evidence to provide a basis for our opinion. Our audit opinion aims 
to provide reasonable assurance about whether the financial 
statements are free from material misstatement. Reasonable 
assurance is a high but not absolute level of assurance, which 
makes it possible that we may not detect all misstatements. 
Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered 
to be material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could 
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of 
users taken on the basis of the financial statements.

Materiality affects the nature, timing and extent of our audit 
procedures and the evaluation of the effect of identified 
misstatements on our opinion.

A more detailed description of our responsibilities is set out in the 
appendix to our report. 

Amsterdam, 26 March 2019
PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V.
E.M.W.H. van der Vleuten RA MSc

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R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Considering our ultimate responsibility for the opinion on the 
consolidated financial statements, we are responsible for the 
direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. In this 
context, we have determined the nature and extent of the audit 
procedures for components of the Group to ensure that we 
performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the 
financial statements as a whole. Determining factors are the 
geographic structure of the Group, the significance and/or risk 
profile of group entities or activities, the accounting processes and 
controls, and the industry in which the Group operates. On this 
basis, we selected group entities for which an audit or review of 
financial information or specific balances was considered 
necessary.

We communicate with the board of directors regarding, among 
other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and 
significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in 
internal control that we identify during our audit. In this respect, we 
also issue an additional report to the audit committee in accordance 
with Article 11 of the EU Regulation on specific requirements 
regarding statutory audit of public-interest entities. The information 
included in this additional report is consistent with our audit opinion 
in this auditor’s report.

We provide the board of directors with a statement that we have 
complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding 
independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and 
other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our 
independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.

From the matters communicated with the board of directors, we 
determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit 
of the financial statements of the current period and are therefore 
the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s 
report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about 
the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, not 
communicating the matter is in the public interest.

Independent  
auditor’s report
continued

Appendix to our auditor’s report on the financial 
statements 2018 of RHI Magnesita N.V.

In addition to what is included in our auditor’s report, we have 
further set out in this appendix our responsibilities for the audit of 
the financial statements and explained what an audit involves.

The auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the 
financial statements
We have exercised professional judgement and have maintained 
professional scepticism throughout the audit in accordance with 
Dutch Standards on Auditing, ethical requirements and 
independence requirements. 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. Our audit consisted, among other things of the following:

 ¥ Identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement of 

the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, designing 
and performing audit procedures responsive to those risks, and 
obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to 
provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a 
material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one 
resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, 
intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the intentional 
override of internal control.

 ¥ Obtaining an understanding of internal control relevant to the 

audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in 
the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an 
opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control.
 ¥ Evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and 

the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related 
disclosures made by the executive directors.

 ¥ Concluding on the appropriateness of the executive directors’ 

use of the going-concern basis of accounting, and based on the 
audit evidence obtained, concluding whether a material 
uncertainty exists related to events and/or conditions that may 
cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, 
we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the 
related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such 
disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our 
conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the 
date of our auditor’s report and are made in the context of our 
opinion on the financial statements as a whole. However, future 
events or conditions may cause the company to cease to 
continue as a going concern.

 ¥ Evaluating the overall presentation, structure and content of the 
financial statements, including the disclosures, and evaluating 
whether the financial statements represent the underlying 
transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair 
presentation.

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Alternative performance 
measures (“APMs”)

Adjusted EBITDA and EBITA
To provide further transparency and clarity to the ongoing, 
underlying financial performance of the Group, adjusted 
EBITDA and EBITA are used. Both measures exclude other 
income and expenses as presented in Consolidated Statement 
of Profit and Loss.

Adjusted earnings per share (“EPS”)
Adjusted EPS is used to assess the Company’s operational 
performance per ordinary share outstanding. It is calculated using 
adjusted EBITA (as described above) and removes the impact of 
foreign exchange effects, amortisation, restructuring expenses, 
one-off non-cash expenses related to the refinancing of the 
legacy debt, and other non-cash financial income and expenses 
that are not directly related to operational performance.

Operating cash flow and free cash flow
Alternative measures for cash flow are presented to reflect 
net cash inflow from operating activities before certain items. 
Free cash flow is considered relevant to reflect the cash 
performance of business operations after meeting the usual 
obligations of financing and tax. It is therefore measured before 
all other remaining cash flows, being those related to acquisitions 
and disposals, other equity-related and debt-related funding 
movements, and foreign exchange impacts on financing and 
investing activities.

Working capital
Working capital and intensity provides a measure how efficient 
the Company is in managing operating cash conversion cycles. 
Working capital is the sum of manageable working capital, 
composed of inventories, trade receivables and trade payables 
and other receivables and payables. Working capital intensity is 
measured as a percentage of last three months annualised revenue.

Net debt
We present an alternative measure to bring together the various 
funding sources that are included in the Consolidated Balance 
Sheet and the accompanying notes. Net debt is a measure defined 
in the Group’s principal financing arrangements and reflects the net 
indebtedness of the Group and includes all cash, cash equivalents 
and marketable securities; and any debt or debt-like items.

APMs used by the Group are reviewed 
below to provide a definition and 
reconciliation from each non-IFRS 
APM to its IFRS equivalent, and to 
explain the purpose and usefulness 
of each APM.

In general, APMs are presented externally to meet investors’ 
requirements for further clarity and transparency of the Group’s 
underlying financial performance. The APMs are also used 
internally in the management of our business performance, 
budgeting and forecasting.

APMs are non-IFRS measures. As a result, APMs allow investors 
and other readers to review different kinds of revenue, profits and 
costs and should not be used in isolation. Commentary within the 
Annual Report, including the Financial Review, as well as the 
Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes, 
should be referred to in order to fully appreciate all the factors that 
affect our business. We strongly encourage readers not to rely on 
any single financial measure, but to carefully review our reporting 
in its entirety.

Adjusted pro-forma results at a constant currency 
Whilst the merger became effective on 27 October 2017, the 
adjusted pro-forma results were prepared as if the combined 
Group had existed since 1 January 2017. The pro-forma results 
are, where appropriate, adjusted to reflect the purchase price 
allocation (“PPA”) related to the acquisition of Magnesita and 
other adjustments. This measure provides an estimation of the 
historical financial performance of the current Group structure.

Given the changes in capital structure arising from the acquisition 
of Magnesita, the historical interest, tax and dividend charges are 
not deemed to be meaningful. As a result, adjusted pro-forma 
results have only been provided down to EBITA.

Figures presented at constant currency represent 2017 amounts 
retranslated to average 2018 exchange rates.

EBITA
EBIT, as presented in Consolidated Statement of Profit and Loss, 
excluding amortisation and impairments. 

EBITDA 
EBIT, as presented in Consolidated Statement of Profit and Loss, 
excluding depreciation, amortisation and impairments. 

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R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Shareholder
information

RHI Magnesita N.V. is a public company with limited liability 
under Dutch law and was incorporated on 20 June 2017. It has its 
corporate seat in Arnhem, the Netherlands, its administrative seat 
in Vienna, Austria and its registered office at Kranichberggasse 6, 
1120 Vienna, Austria.

Dividend
The Board of Directors has recommended a dividend of 
€1.50 per share, for the year ended 31 December 2018. 
Payment of this dividend is subject to approval at the 
2019 Annual General Meeting.

The telephone number of the Issuer is +43 50 2136200.

The shares of RHI Magnesita N.V. are listed on the Premium 
Segment of the Official List on the Main Market of the London 
Stock Exchange.

Investor relations department
Sackville House 
40 Piccadilly 
London W1J 0DR 
United Kingdom

Ticker symbol: RHIM 
ISIN Code: NL0012650360

T: +44 20 7292 6171 
Email: investor.relations@rhimagnesita.com

Investor information
The Company’s website www.rhimagnesita.com provides 
information for shareholders and should be the first port of call 
for general queries. The investors section contains details on the 
current and historical share price, Annual and Interim Reports, 
analyst presentations, shareholder meetings as well as a 
‘Shareholders FAQ’ section.

Corporate brokers
Peel Hunt LLP 
Moor House 
120 London Wall 
London EC2Y 5ET 
United Kingdom

You can also subscribe to an email alert service to automatically 
receive an email when significant announcements are made.

Shareholding information
Please contact our Registrar, Computershare, for all administrative 
enquiries about your shareholding, such as the loss of a share 
certificate, dividend payments, or a change of address:

Computershare Investor Services PLC 
The Pavilions, 
Bridgwater Road 
Bristol BS99 6ZZ 
United Kingdom

Website: https://www-uk.computershare.com 
T: +44 (0) 370 707 1402

Financial calendar

Q1 Trading Update

Annual General Meeting

Half Year Results

Q3 Trading Update

May 2019

6 June 2019

August 2019

November 2019

T: +44 20 7418 8900 
www.peelhunt.com

Barclays 
10 The North Colonnade 
Canary Wharf 
London E14 4BB 
United Kingdom

T: +44 20 7623 2323 
www.barclays.com

Auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V. 
Thomas R. Malthusstraat 5 
1066 JR Amsterdam 
P.O. Box 90357

T: +31 88 792 00 20 
www.pwc.nl

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RHI Magnesita
Headquarters
Kranichberggasse 6
1120 Vienna
Austria
www.rhimagnesita.com

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