Quarterlytics / Communication Services / Medical - Distribution / Udg Healthcare PLC

Udg Healthcare PLC

udg · LSE Communication Services
Claim this profile
Ticker udg
Exchange LSE
Sector Communication Services
Industry Medical - Distribution
Employees 5001-10,000
← All annual reports
FY2017 Annual Report · Udg Healthcare PLC
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
(cid:202)(cid:241)(cid:241)(cid:248)(cid:228)(cid:239)(cid:3)(cid:219)(cid:232)(cid:243)(cid:242)(cid:245)(cid:247)(cid:3)(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:231)(cid:3)(cid:202)(cid:230)(cid:230)(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:241)(cid:247)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:34)(cid:32)(cid:33)(cid:39)
(cid:202)(cid:241)(cid:241)(cid:248)(cid:228)(cid:239)(cid:3)(cid:219)(cid:232)(cid:243)(cid:242)(cid:245)(cid:247)(cid:3)(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:231)(cid:3)(cid:202)(cid:230)(cid:230)(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:241)(cid:247)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:34)(cid:32)(cid:33)(cid:39)

(cid:202)(cid:239)(cid:250)(cid:228)(cid:252)(cid:246)

(cid:202)(cid:239)(cid:250)(cid:228)(cid:252)(cid:246)

Improv

Growing

(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:245)(cid:3)(cid:246)(cid:232)(cid:245)(cid:249)(cid:236)(cid:230)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:242)(cid:233)(cid:233)(cid:232)(cid:245)(cid:236)(cid:241)(cid:234)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:231)(cid:3)(cid:234)(cid:232)(cid:242)(cid:234)(cid:245)(cid:228)(cid:243)(cid:235)(cid:236)(cid:230)(cid:3)(cid:245)(cid:232)(cid:228)(cid:230)(cid:235)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:247)(cid:242)(cid:3)(cid:240)(cid:228)(cid:251)(cid:236)(cid:240)(cid:236)(cid:246)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:247)(cid:235)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:245)(cid:232)(cid:247)(cid:248)(cid:245)(cid:241)(cid:3)
(cid:247)(cid:242)(cid:3)(cid:246)(cid:235)(cid:228)(cid:245)(cid:232)(cid:235)(cid:242)(cid:239)(cid:231)(cid:232)(cid:245)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:247)(cid:235)(cid:245)(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:234)(cid:235)(cid:3)
(cid:242)(cid:245)(cid:234)(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:236)(cid:230)(cid:3)(cid:234)(cid:245)(cid:242)(cid:250)(cid:247)(cid:235)(cid:3)(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:231)(cid:3)
(cid:228)(cid:230)(cid:244)(cid:248)(cid:236)(cid:246)(cid:236)(cid:247)(cid:236)(cid:242)(cid:241)(cid:246)(cid:4)

UDG Healthcare plc
UDG Healthcare plc

(cid:220)(cid:248)(cid:243)(cid:243)(cid:242)(cid:245)(cid:247)(cid:236)(cid:241)(cid:234)(cid:3)(cid:230)(cid:239)(cid:236)(cid:232)(cid:241)(cid:247)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:247)(cid:242)(cid:3)
(cid:236)(cid:240)(cid:243)(cid:245)(cid:242)(cid:249)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:243)(cid:228)(cid:247)(cid:236)(cid:232)(cid:241)(cid:247)(cid:3)(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:247)(cid:230)(cid:242)(cid:240)(cid:232)(cid:246)

Ashfield, a division of UDG Healthcare, has been providing patient services in the US for over  
12 years. The US Clinical teams have delivered over 40 programmes improving outcomes for  
over 10,000 patients. 

“Ashfield’s patient support programmes focus on patient needs first and foremost. To accomplish 
this, clients are advised on how to engage with patients early and often throughout the clinical trial 
phase and into commercialisation. This ensures that there is an understanding of patient needs and 
challenges, not only in starting on a treatment but also around their ability to maintain long term 
adherence. Ashfield partners with an array of healthcare companies, creating innovative solutions 
for patients, their caregivers and their prescribers to bring real results that have an impact.”

Nareda Mills, SVP and President, Ashfield Clinical

Read more on page 24  

(cid:3)(cid:33)(cid:32)(cid:32)(cid:135)

active programmes across 30 therapeutic  
areas globally

(cid:202)(cid:241)(cid:241)(cid:248)(cid:228)(cid:239)(cid:3)(cid:219)(cid:232)(cid:243)(cid:242)(cid:245)(cid:247)(cid:3)(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:231)(cid:3)(cid:202)(cid:230)(cid:230)(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:241)(cid:247)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:34)(cid:32)(cid:33)(cid:39)

(cid:202)(cid:239)(cid:250)(cid:228)(cid:252)(cid:246)

(cid:202)(cid:239)(cid:250)(cid:228)(cid:252)(cid:246)

Improv

Growing

(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:245)(cid:3)(cid:229)(cid:245)(cid:232)(cid:228)(cid:231)(cid:247)(cid:235)(cid:3)(cid:242)(cid:233)(cid:3)(cid:246)(cid:232)(cid:245)(cid:249)(cid:236)(cid:230)(cid:232)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:231)(cid:3)
(cid:246)(cid:242)(cid:239)(cid:248)(cid:247)(cid:236)(cid:242)(cid:241)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:233)(cid:242)(cid:245)(cid:3)(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:245)(cid:3)(cid:230)(cid:239)(cid:236)(cid:232)(cid:241)(cid:247)(cid:246)(cid:4)

(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:245)(cid:3)(cid:246)(cid:232)(cid:245)(cid:249)(cid:236)(cid:230)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:242)(cid:233)(cid:233)(cid:232)(cid:245)(cid:236)(cid:241)(cid:234)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:231)(cid:3)(cid:234)(cid:232)(cid:242)(cid:234)(cid:245)(cid:228)(cid:243)(cid:235)(cid:236)(cid:230)(cid:3)(cid:245)(cid:232)(cid:228)(cid:230)(cid:235)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:247)(cid:242)(cid:3)(cid:240)(cid:228)(cid:251)(cid:236)(cid:240)(cid:236)(cid:246)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:247)(cid:235)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:245)(cid:232)(cid:247)(cid:248)(cid:245)(cid:241)(cid:3)
(cid:247)(cid:242)(cid:3)(cid:246)(cid:235)(cid:228)(cid:245)(cid:232)(cid:235)(cid:242)(cid:239)(cid:231)(cid:232)(cid:245)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:247)(cid:235)(cid:245)(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:234)(cid:235)(cid:3)
(cid:242)(cid:245)(cid:234)(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:236)(cid:230)(cid:3)(cid:234)(cid:245)(cid:242)(cid:250)(cid:247)(cid:235)(cid:3)(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:231)(cid:3)
(cid:228)(cid:230)(cid:244)(cid:248)(cid:236)(cid:246)(cid:236)(cid:247)(cid:236)(cid:242)(cid:241)(cid:246)(cid:4)

UDG Healthcare plc

(cid:210)(cid:241)(cid:249)(cid:232)(cid:246)(cid:247)(cid:236)(cid:241)(cid:234)(cid:3)(cid:247)(cid:242)(cid:3)(cid:228)(cid:231)(cid:231)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:230)(cid:228)(cid:243)(cid:228)(cid:230)(cid:236)(cid:247)(cid:252)(cid:3)(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:231)(cid:3)(cid:246)(cid:230)(cid:228)(cid:239)(cid:228)(cid:229)(cid:236)(cid:239)(cid:236)(cid:247)(cid:252)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:236)(cid:241)(cid:3)(cid:220)(cid:235)(cid:228)(cid:245)(cid:243)(cid:273)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:230)(cid:239)(cid:236)(cid:241)(cid:236)(cid:230)(cid:228)(cid:239)(cid:3)(cid:246)(cid:232)(cid:245)(cid:249)(cid:236)(cid:230)(cid:232)(cid:246)

“The investment by UDG Healthcare in growing Sharp’s clinical services business is hugely exciting 
for our team. Through both our expanded UK site at Rhymney, Wales, and our newly acquired 
state-of-the-art facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, we will be able to offer our clients greater 
capacity, scalability and automation. This means that we can simultaneously support multiple large 
scale Phase III studies for our clients through to commercial launch of their products. It will also 
allow us to build our expertise in Sharp to support current business and to expand our clinical 
services portfolio to new clients, at a larger scale. The expansion includes the development of 
software applications in our Interactive Response Technology (IRT) platform that assist our clients 
in managing their supply chain.

Ultimately, we are making these facility investments and resource commitments on behalf of our 
existing and future clients. We intend to deliver real value for them as an integrated clinical service 
provider servicing North America, Europe and Asia.”

Frank Lis, President, Sharp Clinical

Read more on page 30  

(cid:3)(cid:33)(cid:6)(cid:37)(cid:32)(cid:32)(cid:6)(cid:32)(cid:32)(cid:32)

cubic feet of new clinical services capacity 
added in 2017

(cid:202)(cid:241)(cid:241)(cid:248)(cid:228)(cid:239)(cid:3)(cid:219)(cid:232)(cid:243)(cid:242)(cid:245)(cid:247)(cid:3)(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:231)(cid:3)(cid:202)(cid:230)(cid:230)(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:241)(cid:247)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:34)(cid:32)(cid:33)(cid:39)

(cid:202)(cid:239)(cid:250)(cid:228)(cid:252)(cid:246)

(cid:202)(cid:239)(cid:250)(cid:228)(cid:252)(cid:246)

Transform

Growing

(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:245)(cid:3)(cid:229)(cid:248)(cid:246)(cid:236)(cid:241)(cid:232)(cid:246)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:233)(cid:242)(cid:245)(cid:3)(cid:247)(cid:235)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:233)(cid:248)(cid:247)(cid:248)(cid:245)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:229)(cid:252)(cid:3)(cid:236)(cid:241)(cid:249)(cid:232)(cid:246)(cid:247)(cid:236)(cid:241)(cid:234)(cid:3)(cid:236)(cid:241)(cid:3)(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:245)(cid:3)
(cid:243)(cid:232)(cid:242)(cid:243)(cid:239)(cid:232)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:236)(cid:241)(cid:233)(cid:245)(cid:228)(cid:246)(cid:247)(cid:245)(cid:248)(cid:230)(cid:247)(cid:248)(cid:245)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:231)(cid:3)(cid:236)(cid:241)(cid:241)(cid:242)(cid:249)(cid:228)(cid:247)(cid:236)(cid:249)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:246)(cid:242)(cid:239)(cid:248)(cid:247)(cid:236)(cid:242)(cid:241)(cid:246)(cid:4)

(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:245)(cid:3)(cid:246)(cid:232)(cid:245)(cid:249)(cid:236)(cid:230)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:242)(cid:233)(cid:233)(cid:232)(cid:245)(cid:236)(cid:241)(cid:234)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:231)(cid:3)(cid:234)(cid:232)(cid:242)(cid:234)(cid:245)(cid:228)(cid:243)(cid:235)(cid:236)(cid:230)(cid:3)(cid:245)(cid:232)(cid:228)(cid:230)(cid:235)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:247)(cid:242)(cid:3)(cid:240)(cid:228)(cid:251)(cid:236)(cid:240)(cid:236)(cid:246)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:247)(cid:235)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:245)(cid:232)(cid:247)(cid:248)(cid:245)(cid:241)(cid:3)
(cid:247)(cid:242)(cid:3)(cid:246)(cid:235)(cid:228)(cid:245)(cid:232)(cid:235)(cid:242)(cid:239)(cid:231)(cid:232)(cid:245)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:247)(cid:235)(cid:245)(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:234)(cid:235)(cid:3)
(cid:242)(cid:245)(cid:234)(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:236)(cid:230)(cid:3)(cid:234)(cid:245)(cid:242)(cid:250)(cid:247)(cid:235)(cid:3)(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:231)(cid:3)
(cid:228)(cid:230)(cid:244)(cid:248)(cid:236)(cid:246)(cid:236)(cid:247)(cid:236)(cid:242)(cid:241)(cid:246)(cid:4)

UDG Healthcare plc

(cid:208)(cid:245)(cid:242)(cid:250)(cid:236)(cid:241)(cid:234)(cid:3)(cid:247)(cid:235)(cid:245)(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:234)(cid:235)(cid:3)
(cid:228)(cid:230)(cid:244)(cid:248)(cid:236)(cid:246)(cid:236)(cid:247)(cid:236)(cid:242)(cid:241)(cid:246)(cid:3)

At UDG Healthcare we have a strong history of growth through acquiring businesses that are 
aligned with our strategy of growing and developing our market leading positions to provide 
valuable services to the healthcare industry. STEM Healthcare, which was acquired in October 
2016, had an established global footprint and presented exciting opportunities to provide new 
services to existing clients, complementing the services already delivered by Ashfield. 

STEM Healthcare was founded by Rob Wood in 2007. “As part of our growth journey, we were 
looking for a partner to help us accelerate our global growth in key geographies as well as providing 
a broader range of career opportunities for our staff. UDG Healthcare provided us with a strong 
cultural fit and a supportive infrastructure we are all confident will help us develop and grow both 
the STEM Healthcare business and UDG Healthcare as a whole.”

Rob Wood, CEO, STEM Healthcare

Read more on page 24  

(cid:3)(cid:38)

acquisitions completed in FY2017

(cid:202)(cid:241)(cid:241)(cid:248)(cid:228)(cid:239)(cid:3)(cid:219)(cid:232)(cid:243)(cid:242)(cid:245)(cid:247)(cid:3)(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:231)(cid:3)(cid:202)(cid:230)(cid:230)(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:241)(cid:247)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:34)(cid:32)(cid:33)(cid:39)

(cid:202)(cid:239)(cid:250)(cid:228)(cid:252)(cid:246)

Growing

(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:245)(cid:3)(cid:246)(cid:232)(cid:245)(cid:249)(cid:236)(cid:230)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:242)(cid:233)(cid:233)(cid:232)(cid:245)(cid:236)(cid:241)(cid:234)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:231)(cid:3)(cid:234)(cid:232)(cid:242)(cid:234)(cid:245)(cid:228)(cid:243)(cid:235)(cid:236)(cid:230)(cid:3)(cid:245)(cid:232)(cid:228)(cid:230)(cid:235)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:247)(cid:242)(cid:3)(cid:240)(cid:228)(cid:251)(cid:236)(cid:240)(cid:236)(cid:246)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:247)(cid:235)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:245)(cid:232)(cid:247)(cid:248)(cid:245)(cid:241)(cid:3)
(cid:247)(cid:242)(cid:3)(cid:246)(cid:235)(cid:228)(cid:245)(cid:232)(cid:235)(cid:242)(cid:239)(cid:231)(cid:232)(cid:245)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:247)(cid:235)(cid:245)(cid:242)(cid:248)(cid:234)(cid:235)(cid:3)
(cid:242)(cid:245)(cid:234)(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:236)(cid:230)(cid:3)(cid:234)(cid:245)(cid:242)(cid:250)(cid:247)(cid:235)(cid:3)(cid:228)(cid:241)(cid:231)(cid:3)
(cid:228)(cid:230)(cid:244)(cid:248)(cid:236)(cid:246)(cid:236)(cid:247)(cid:236)(cid:242)(cid:241)(cid:246)(cid:4)

UDG Healthcare plc

Strategic Report 

UDG Healthcare plc

(cid:209)(cid:236)(cid:234)(cid:235)(cid:239)(cid:236)(cid:234)(cid:235)(cid:247)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:242)(cid:233)(cid:3)(cid:247)(cid:235)(cid:232)(cid:3)(cid:226)(cid:232)(cid:228)(cid:245)

Continuing Group operating profit* ($’m)

(cid:122)(cid:33)(cid:34)(cid:41)(cid:4)(cid:35)(cid:240)(cid:3)

+12%

Ashfield 

Sharp

Aquilant

115.8

110.6

70.6

68.3

91.3

57.5

69.9

41.7

129.3

81.6

34.0

38.2

41.3

25.9

20.6

7.6

8.0

8.3

2013

2014

2015

6.9

2016

6.4

2017

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Some statements in this Annual Report are or may be forward-looking statements. They 
represent expectations for the Group’s business, including statements that relate to the 
Group’s future prospects, developments and strategies, and involve risks and uncertainties 
both general and specific. 

The Group has based these forward-looking statements on assumptions regarding present 
and future strategies of the Group and the environment in which it will operate in the future. 

However, because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors 
including but not limited to general economic, political, financial and business factors, which 
in some cases are beyond the Group’s control, actual results, performance, operations or 
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements may differ materially 
from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, and accordingly you 
should not rely on these forward looking statements in making investment decisions. 

Except as required by applicable law or regulation, neither the Group nor any other party 
intends to update or revise these forward-looking statements after the date these statements 
are published, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Profit before tax* 

(cid:122)(cid:33)(cid:33)(cid:40)(cid:4)(cid:41)(cid:240)

Ashfield operating profit*

(cid:122)(cid:40)(cid:33)(cid:4)(cid:38)(cid:240)

Sharp operating profit*

(cid:122)(cid:36)(cid:33)(cid:4)(cid:35)(cid:240)

Aquilant operating profit*

(cid:122)(cid:38)(cid:4)(cid:36)(cid:240)

Diluted earnings per share* (EPS)

(cid:35)(cid:39)(cid:4)(cid:33)(cid:34)(cid:230)

Proposed dividend

(cid:33)(cid:35)(cid:4)(cid:35)(cid:32)(cid:230)

Net operating margin*

(cid:33)(cid:34)(cid:4)(cid:38)(cid:93)

+17%

+16%

+8%

-7%

+17%

+7%

–

*  All references to ‘operating profit’ and ‘earnings per share’ included in  
the Strategic Report are stated excluding the amortisation of acquired 
intangible assets and transaction costs, and relate to the Group’s continuing 
operations. The Group reports certain financial measures that are not 
required under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) which 
represent the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) under 
which the Group reports. 

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

What We Do
UDG Healthcare is a leading international partner of choice  
delivering advisory, communication, commercial, clinical  
and packaging services to the healthcare industry.

The Group has three divisions delivering the following services  
to the healthcare industry:

Ashfield

Sharp

Aquilant

A global leader  
in advisory, 
communications, 
commercial and  
clinical services

A global leader in 
contract packaging  
and clinical trial  
supply services  

A leading expert and 
provider of outsourced 
services to the medical 
and scientific sector 

Services:

Services:

Services:

Advisory  
Healthcare brand advisory, consulting  
and commercial audit services. 

Commercial contract packaging services 
in multiple formats including biotech, 
bottling, blistering and kitting. 

Communications  
Scientific communication content, 
behavioural change strategies, digital  
and creative patient-centred services.

Commercial & Clinical  
Commercialisation and clinical services 
including sales representatives, nursing 
services, contact centres and meetings 
and events.

Clinical trial services from pre-clinical 
through to commercialisation including 
clinical contract packaging services and 
Interactive Response Technology (IRT). 

Packaging design, labelling and  
printing solutions and industry-leading 
serialisation solutions.

Medical and scientific device sales, 
marketing, engineering and distribution  
in areas such as endoscopy, cardiology, 
radiology, surgical and orthopaedics.

% of Group profit

63.1%

% of Group profit

31.9%

% of Group profit

5.0%

Net operating margin %

Net operating margin %

Net operating margin %

12.9%

Employees

7,386 

13.7%

Employees

1,465 

6.6%

Employees

266 

Read more on page 24

Read more on page 30

Read more on page 36

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

01

Strategic Report 

At a Glance

04

A year of excellent progress  
in our strategic evolution.

06

Delivering on our global  
growth strategy.

35

The pursuit of constant 
improvement and focus  
on client value.

27

Strengthening market 
position in Germany 
through organic growth 
and acquisition.

02

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

28

Focusing on acquisitions  
that are a strong strategic  
and cultural fit with our 
existing businesses.

42

Developing our  
people through  
INSPIRE, our core  
Group leadership  
programme.

58

70

Good governance  
as a state-of-mind.

Focused on talent  
and succession.

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Strategic Report

At a Glance 

Chairman’s Statement 

Chief Executive’s Review 

Market Opportunity 

Business Model 

Strategy 

Key Performance Indicators 

Risk Management 

Principal Risks and Uncertainties 

Operational Review 

Sustainability 

Finance Review 

Directors’ Report

Board of Directors 

Chairman’s Introduction to Corporate Governance 

Corporate Governance 

Audit Committee Report 

Directors’ Remuneration Report 

Nominations & Governance Committee Report 

Risk, Investment & Financing Committee Report 

Report of the Directors 

Financial Statements

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Group Income Statement 

Group Statement of  
Comprehensive Income 

Group Statement of  
Changes in Equity 

Group Balance Sheet 

Group Cash Flow Statement 

Notes forming part of the  
Group Financial Statements 

Company Statement of  
Comprehensive Income 

Company Statement of  
Changes in Equity 

Company Balance Sheet 

Company Cash Flow Statement 

Notes forming part of the  
Company Financial Statements 

Financial Calendar 

Additional Information 

Glossary 

Contacts for Shareholders 

02

04

06

10

12

14

16

19

21

24

40

52

56

58

59

66

70

88

90

92

96

103

104

105

106

107

108

162

163

164

165

166

175

176

179

180

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

03

 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Report 

Chairman’s Statement
Peter Gray

A year of excellent progress  
in our strategic evolution

Dear Shareholder,

Overview
2017 has been a year of excellent progress in 
our strategic evolution, with good underlying 
growth achieved while making significant 
strides in enhancing and broadening Ashfield 
(our Advisory, Communications, Commercial 
& Clinical Division) through acquisition while 
strengthening Sharp (our Commercial & 
Clinical Packaging Division) through capital 
expenditures on new facilities, equipment  
and technology.

Significant currency volatility occurred  
during the year but, excluding its effect,  
organic revenue growth was 10% while organic 
profit growth was 13%. This good organic 
performance was supplemented significantly  
by the contribution from newly acquired 
businesses. Our Return on Capital Employed 
(ROCE) was 12.8%, compared to 13.6% last 
year, reflecting the significant investments, both 
capital and acquisitive, made in FY2017 which 
have not yet had time to deliver full benefit. 

Based on the strong results achieved the 
Board is pleased to recommend a 7% increase 
in dividend for the year thus continuing our  
30 year upward dividend growth trajectory.

Strategy
As I’ve outlined over the past several years,  
we have been transitioning the Group away 
from our traditional lower-growth businesses 
into ones we believe will offer stronger growth 
in the years ahead as the pharmaceutical 
industry and healthcare systems adapt to 
innovation, increasing costs, more regulation, 
an ageing population and greater price 
pressure. We believe that these factors will 
offer opportunities to service providers  
who can respond to them with nimble,  
cost effective and innovative solutions. 

In the Ashfield Division, during FY2017, we 
acquired two companies (STEM Healthcare 
(UK based) and Vynamic (US based)) that 
provide advisory services to clients to help them 
improve their efficiency in key areas and respond 
to the changing market. We believe providing 

relevant advisory services can help us build  
strong relationships with clients and give  
us greater insights into their needs. 

We also acquired three companies (Cambridge 
BioMarketing, MicroMass Communications 
(both US based) and Sellxpert (German 
based)) to enhance the breadth and depth of 
our existing communications and commercial 
services. In the Sharp Division, we acquired  
an FDA-approved facility in Bethlehem, 
Pennsylvania which will expand and enhance 
our packaging services and capabilities, 
especially in the clinical supplies area. 
Significant progress was also made in 
reversing the underperformance in the 
European operations of Sharp. All in  
all, during 2017 we reinvested in excess of 
$270m of the $415m we realised from the  
sale of the Supply Chain business in 2016. 

Our evolution in Ashfield will continue  
and we plan to add further selling, clinical, 
communications, creative, digital and  
advisory capabilities in the future, while  
our investments in Sharp will also continue  
to expand capacity and introduce new 
capabilities, both physical and technological. 

Board and Governance
We discuss in the Corporate Governance 
Report the activities of the Board in 2017,  
so I won’t repeat them here. Suffice to say  
2017 was again active and stimulating for the 
Board as it continued to oversee the ongoing 
evolution and growth of the Group. We will bid 
farewell with great regret to Gerard van Odjik 
at our upcoming AGM. Gerard has recently 
taken on a demanding new role and feels  
he would be unable to give UDG the time it 
requires. He has been an excellent contributor 
to our deliberations, which we will miss.  
We have begun the search for a replacement. 

As we went to print, Alan Ralph, our CFO, 
informed the Board of his intention to retire  
from his role in UDG Healthcare next year. 
This was not entirely unexpected as Alan  
had previously signalled his desire to do  
new things. The process of identifying  
his successor is now well underway.

04

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

We were delighted to welcome Myles Lee  
(see page 57 for his biography) as a new Board 
member in April and he has now taken over 
the chairmanship of the Audit Committee. 
Myles’ experience, both as CEO and CFO  
of a global FTSE 100 company which was  
built over a long period through significant 
M&A, is already proving to be very valuable. 
Chris Corbin transitioned during the year 
from being Managing Director of our Ashfield 
division to the role of Executive Chairman  
of Ashfield. He continues to be a director and 
his deep experience and entrepreneurial spirit 
is hugely valued by the Board. Sadly, shortly 
after he began this transition, he suffered the 
loss of his wife, Sam, after a very short illness. 
She had helped him found Ashfield and up to 
2013 had continued to work in the business. 
We all remember her fondly, acknowledge  
her contribution to the building of Ashfield, 
and offer Chris our sympathy and support. 

As I mentioned last year, the importance of 
culture is increasingly being focused upon in 
governance thinking. In my view, no matter 
how many governance rules or guidelines  
we create, they are only as good as the culture 
the Board and management fosters and  
the example they set. Many of us have  
seen examples of companies where all the 
governance boxes are ticked but improper or 
irresponsible behaviours have still occurred. 
The Board can influence culture in many ways: 
its CEO selection and succession oversight  
is the most obvious. But through its work  
and through its Committees, the Board also 
demonstrates what its expectations are, and 
what it believes to be important. We believe 
we reinforce a strong ethical culture in UDG 
Healthcare, and in 2016/2017 a new sub-
Committee was formed, the Quality and 
Compliance Committee. Comprising mainly 
executives, I also sit on this Committee to 
emphasise the Board’s commitment to 
ensuring quality and compliance; key 
attributes in any healthcare business.

Not content to foster and encourage a positive 
and ethical culture, the Board will review with 
interest an employee survey which has just 
been completed for any negative cultural 
indicators and seek to work with management 
to address these in the year ahead.

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Having undertaken an independent external 
review of the Board last year, we carried out 
our Board evaluation internally this year,  
but used external consultants to do a detailed 
review of our Remuneration Committee. The 
outcome of these evaluations was positive, 
with some further areas for improvement 
identified. More detail on these evaluations  
is set out in the Chairman’s Introduction  
to Corporate Governance on page 58.

Outlook
The pharmaceutical and biotech sectors which 
we serve are quite dynamic at present, driven  
by scientific advances, strong funding to 
support further research and development  
and consequent commercial launches. 
Notwithstanding this, several of the major 
companies face cost pressures as patents expire 
and more biosimilar products are approved  
and become accepted. We believe we are well 
positioned to benefit from these trends, with 
the capability of providing broad services  
to emerging companies and cost-effective 
solutions to major players. Based on this, we 
continue to invest heavily in facilities and IT 
infrastructure to ensure we have the capacity 
and platforms to capitalise on the opportunities 
that we expect will present themselves. 

While making these investments, we enter 
fiscal 2018 with a good pipeline and an 
expectation of continued good organic 
growth, supplemented by the impact of the 
acquisitions made in the second half of fiscal 
2017. Our balance sheet remains strong and 
we have the capacity and ambition to continue 
to build our services and scale significantly. 

I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf  
of shareholders and the Board to thank our 
executive team and all our 9,176 employees 
worldwide for their hard work and dedication 
in 2017, and offer them our encouragement 
and support for 2018.

Key Governance Activities

25 Board and Committee meetings were held during 2017. 
Please see pages 64 and 65 for further details of what the 
Board and its Committees did during the year.

The Board engaged external consultants to assist it in the 
recruitment of an additional non-executive director, and the 
Board was pleased to announce that Myles Lee would join  
in April 2017, bringing extensive international, M&A and 
finance experience to the Board.

In addition to regular investor relations activities, the Group 
engaged with its largest institutional shareholders to discuss 
corporate governance and related matters and during the 
year the Chairman personally met with a number of these  
in both the UK and the US.

In addition to conducting an internal review of the Board, 
the Company engaged an independent external consultant, 
Independent Audit, to begin reviewing its Committees, 
starting with the Remuneration Committee in August and 
September 2017.

Given the increasing profile of cyber security attacks, the 
Board engaged EY to provide it with cyber security training 
during the year, and a cyber security awareness campaign 
was initiated.

Peter Gray
Chairman

Read the full story at udghealthcare.com/AR2017 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

05

Strategic Report 

Chief Executive’s Review
Brendan McAtamney

A year of  
transformational growth

Dear Shareholder,

It’s been another year of strong growth at 
UDG Healthcare and I am pleased to report 
that our Group is excellently positioned to 
continue to improve, transform and grow as 
we enter 2018. 

Healthcare companies, from niche biotech to 
healthcare providers to large pharmaco’s, are 
continuing to show an increasing appetite to 
outsource specialist and non-core activities  
to global players who have strong service, 
regulatory and compliance track records like 
ours. The transformation we have made in the 
past year has helped position UDG Healthcare 
to fully capitalise on these sectoral changes.

2017 can be characterised as a year of 
transformational growth, driven by good 
underlying growth and supplemented by  
six strategic acquisitions. This places us  
in a strong position for 2018.

Overall, we made significant progress in the 
execution of our strategy and this enabled us 
to deliver on our financial targets. We delivered 
operating profit growth of 17% on a constant 
currency basis, which contributed to adjusted 
diluted earnings per share (EPS) growth of 
23% on a constant currency basis. This was 
ahead of our guidance of between 17% and 19% 
constant currency EPS growth for the year. 

Improving, Transforming, Growing
In line with our strategy of expanding into 
higher growth and higher margin areas,  
2017 saw us commit more than $270 million  
to acquisitions. We have now redeployed over 
two-thirds of the net proceeds we received in 
2016 from the sale of the United Drug supply 
chain business to McKesson.

These key acquisitions add further capabilities 
for our healthcare clients and are a strong 
strategic and cultural fit with our existing 
businesses. The six acquisitions included:

•  STEM Healthcare, a leading global 
provider of commercial, marketing  
and medical audits;

•  A pharmaceutical-grade packaging facility 

• 

• 

• 

• 

in Pennsylvania, US; 
 Sellxpert, a German and Swiss contract 
sales outsourcing business;
 Vynamic, a US-based healthcare 
management consultancy;
 Cambridge BioMarketing, a US-based 
communications agency focused on  
orphan and rare diseases; and
 MicroMass Communications, a US-based 
communications agency specialising in 
behavioural change.

As well as successfully executing these 
acquisitions, we remain focused on investing 
in scalable infrastructure across HR, finance 
and IT. In April 2017, we launched our Workday 
human resource information system and 
commenced the implementation of Ashfield’s 
new Oracle Fusion finance system which will 
be rolled-out on a phased basis over the next  
18 months. These crucial investments will 
ensure we have the right infrastructure to 
deliver long term sustainable growth and  
will also ensure the seamless integration  
of acquired businesses.

Capitalising on Disruption
Our FY2017 acquisitions represent an 
investment in a global healthcare industry that 
is concurrently facing significant ‘disruption’  
as technological advances change the way  
the healthcare industry does its business.

Our diversity of approach, our breadth  
of capabilities, that often have a digital 
component throughout the service provision, 
together with our patient-centred focus will 
ensure we are well positioned to capitalise  
on both the current and future disruption  
in the healthcare industry.

In addition, an increase in the number  
of new products being approved and the  
rise in demand for specialty products  
places us right at the heart of emerging 
growth opportunities. As healthcare 
companies outsource specialist activities  
to trusted partners, we will continue to 
invest in our business to take advantage  
of these opportunities.

Our mission is to use our ingenuity and 
expertise to improve the lives of patients 
around the world every day. This is no small 
or easy mission; and it can only be achieved  
if we continue to transform and adapt our 
business, through technology or otherwise,  
to embrace the opportunities presented by 
both this disruption and the ever-changing 
healthcare landscape.

Divisional Highlights
Reflecting in more detail on the performance 
of each of our divisions:

Ashfield
Ashfield is a global leader in advisory, 
communication, commercial and clinical 
services. Benefiting from both good 
underlying growth and acquisitions,  
the division delivered a strong financial 
performance during the year with operating 
profit increasing by 16%.

06

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

“2017 was a very good  
year for UDG Healthcare. 
We delivered strong 
earnings growth and made 
significant progress on the 
continued execution of our 
strategic priorities. This 
puts us in a strong position 
for continued growth in 
2018 and beyond.” 

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Strategic Highlights

Delivered 2017 adjusted diluted 
earnings per share growth of 17%.

Successfully executed six acquisitions 
with a total capital commitment in 
excess of $270m.

Continued to broaden the  
Ashfield proposition to deliver  
a full complement of industry  
leading advisory, communication, 
commercial and clinical services  
to our clients.

Continued expansion of the Sharp 
capacity footprint in the UK and the US.

Invested in scalable infrastructure 
across HR, Finance and IT to support 
the continued delivery of sustainable 
future growth.

Launched major employee 
engagement and talent  
development initiatives.

Read more on page 08  

Read the full story at udghealthcare.com/
AR2017 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

07

Strategic Report 

Chief Executive’s Review (continued)

Ashfield Commercial & Clinical
Ashfield Commercial & Clinical delivered 
good underlying net revenue and operating 
profit growth of 17% and 5% respectively 
during the year. 

This growth was principally due to strong 
growth in the German business and a  
good performance in the US, driven by 
increased activity on contract wins from  
2016. The acquisition of Sellxpert has further 
strengthened Ashfield’s capabilities and 
established it as market leader in Germany.

Ashfield’s North American operations also 
completed the move to a new facility in  
Fort Washington in the US. This facility is  
60% larger than the previous site, enabling 
continued expansion in the strategically 
important US market. 

On the acquisitions front, Sellxpert will 
significantly enhance Ashfield Commercial  
& Clinical’s presence and capabilities in 
Germany and enhance Ashfield’s leading 
market position in Europe.

Ashfield Advisory and Communications 
Ashfield Advisory and Communications 
delivered strong growth during the year. 
Including the benefit of acquisitions, net 
revenue increased by 39% and operating 
profit increased by 31%. We focused on 
building up Ashfield Advisory in 2017, and 
fuelled by the acquisitions of STEM Marketing 
and Vynamic, our advisory capability is now 
not only significant within the Group but 
provides more differentiated services and 
solutions to our global clients. 

Ashfield Communications had a solid year  
and its capability was further strengthened by 
the acquisitions of Cambridge BioMarketing, 
which brings deep experience in the orphan 
and rare disease segment of the healthcare 
market, and MicroMass, which develops 
evidence based solutions to change behaviour 
and improve healthcare outcomes. In 
positioning ourselves for future growth in  
the communications field we also doubled  
the size of our office in Scotland, and opened 
new offices in Japan and Ireland.

Changes in the Ashfield Leadership Team 
In September 2017 our leader in 
Communications, Viv Adshead, announced 
her intention to retire in 2018. Viv has been 
working in the communications business  
for over 25 years and joined UDG Healthcare 
through the acquisition of KP360 in 2014. 
During her short tenure with UDG Healthcare 
and Ashfield, Viv was at all times the supreme 
professional and a talented leader of people. 
We will miss her and wish her every success  
in the next chapter of her life. 

We also had a number of other leadership 
changes which will further strengthen our 
team and help drive future performance.  
We appointed a new head of Ashfield US,  
a new head of Ashfield Japan, and in May  
2017 we were delighted to announce the 
appointment of Jez Moulding – the new 
Executive Vice President of Ashfield and  
COO of the Group (See below – Executive 
changes – Chris Corbin and Jez Moulding). 

Executive Changes – Chris Corbin and Jez Moulding

In September 2016, Ashfield co-founder  
and CEO Chris Corbin announced  
his intention to retire from the Group  
in April 2019.

In preparation for his retirement Chris  
has transitioned to the role of Chairman  
of Ashfield and will remain on the Board. 
During his time with the Group, both 
Ashfield and UDG have been transformed 
and Chris’s depth of experience and 
knowledge has provided strong,  
focused leadership during this period.

Chris has made an enormous contribution  
to UDG Healthcare overall and on behalf  
of myself and the executive team I would  
like to thank him sincerely. We look forward 
to working with him in his Chairman role 
until he finally steps down. 

In light of Chris’s departure, Jez Moulding 
has joined the Group as Chief Operating 
Officer and Executive Vice President  
of Ashfield. Jez has 20 years of senior 
international leadership experience within 
key healthcare global markets. I am delighted 

08

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

The broadening of Ashfield’s value proposition 
enables us to expand our offering to clients 
and deliver a full complement of end-to-end 
advisory, communications, commercial and 
clinical capabilities to our clients. This enables 
us to offer clients innovative solutions and 
provides us with excellent opportunities for 
growth in collaboration with our global and 
regional clients.

Sharp
Sharp is a global leader in commercial 
packaging and clinical trial supply services. 
Sharp delivered another good performance  
in 2017, with operating profit growth of 8%.

Sharp US Commercial
Sharp US delivered a good performance  
with underlying operating profit growth  
of 5% with biotech delivering particularly 
strong growth. 

Last year saw the completion of the fit out  
of Building 4 in our Allentown Campus. This 
13-suite facility is fully dedicated to our biotech 
clients and has further room for expansion.

Despite the delay in the enforcement date  
for serialisation, Sharp continues to actively 
engage with its clients and is well positioned 
to benefit from the anticipated demand due  
to come on-stream in November 2018.

to welcome Jez. His appointment  
will continue to strengthen both the  
Ashfield and UDG Healthcare senior 
management team as we drive further 
international expansion across the Group.

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Sharp Europe Commercial
We are increasingly optimistic about  
the prospects for the Sharp Europe business. 
The business had a solid year generating  
a small profit following a number of years  
of operating losses. The relentless focus on, 
and investments in the provision of high 
quality services and business development  
is now coming to fruition. We experienced 
significant client wins in 2017 particularly  
in the biotech and biosimilar sector, and  
this will lead to further momentum over  
the coming years.

Sharp Clinical
Sharp Clinical continues to build on strong 
foundations for future success with the 
investment in two new facilities; a new clinical 
facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and a 
greenfield site in South Wales, more than 
tripling the size of the current UK facility. 
These capacity expansions will improve  
our offering to clients to take advantage of 
on-going growth in demand for our end to 
end clinical trial formulation, development, 
packaging and distribution services.

Aquilant
Aquilant is a leading expert in and provider of 
outsourced services to the medical and scientific 
sector. The division had a challenging year 
largely due to negative currency movements. 
Underlying operating profit growth was solid  
at 4% and the division continued to trade in  
line with overall expectations.

Culture
Our values of quality, partnership, ingenuity, 
expertise and energy continue to influence how 
we operate. Sustained employee engagement 
is a long-term commitment for the business and 
we have some critical initiatives underway, 
including a comprehensive leadership 
development programme and group-wide 
employee engagement survey. The attraction, 
development and retention of quality people  
is a critical success factor and continues to 
underpin the future of the Group. Following 
the disposal of the United Drug supply chain 
business in 2016, UDG Healthcare is now a 
relatively young organisation with over 9,000 
people delivering services across 50 countries. 
We have a diverse, engaged and energetic 
group of employees and I would like to thank 
them all for their work in 2017. It has meant 
that UDG Healthcare delivered another strong 
set of results and positions us well for further 
growth and delivery of our strategic objectives 
for the years ahead.

Outlook
In 2017, we made significant progress in the 
execution of our strategy. We are improving 
our capabilities, transforming the breadth  
of services and growing our geographic 
diversity. These changes mean that we are 
growing; not just in terms of revenues and 
profits, but also in long-term sustainable 
shareholder value. The market opportunity 
for UDG Healthcare remains robust and  
we are well positioned for future growth  
and value creation as we enter 2018. 

+13%

Revenue

$1,219.8m

+12%

Operating profit

$129.3m

+17%

Adjusted diluted EPS

37.12c

Net debt

$53.3m

Brendan McAtamney
Chief Executive

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

09

Strategic Report 

Market Opportunity

Transforming our 
business and 
capitalising on the 
growth in the global 
healthcare market

Spending in the global drug market increased by  
5.8% in 20161, driven by growth in new medicines  
across developed markets. Forecasted growth  
remains positive with the global pharmaceutical  
market expected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2021.

New medicines being launched are increasingly specialty 
in nature and it is forecasted that specialty medicines’ 
share of global spending will increase to reach 35%* by 
2021. Almost 50% of this spend is expected to be in the 
US and European markets where the Group primarily 
operates. Specialty drugs are more complex, requiring 
more patient touch points and greater levels of support 
thereby increasing the opportunities for the Group to 
support our healthcare clients.

We are uniquely positioned within our chosen markets 
to benefit from these global market trends. We offer 
our clients tailored solutions as they outsource to 
global partners, who offer flexibility, consistency  
and quality.

1  Medicines Use and Spending in the US, A review of 2016 and Outlook to 2021, QuintilesIMS Institute, May 2017. 
2  Outlook for Global Medicines through 2021, Balancing Cost and Value, QuintilesIMS Institute, December 2016.

10

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Global Market  
Healthcare Trends

Global pharmaceutical market 
continues to show good growth with 
spending on medicines forecasted  
to grow at 4–7% p.a. to 2021 to reach 
$1.5 trillion2.

Total global volume use of medicines 
forecasted to reach c. 4.5tr doses by 
2021, up from c. 4tr doses in 2016 2.

Positive product approvals outlook – 
FDA approval of new drugs expected  
to remain high despite lower  
2016 approvals 1.

Increased complexity from growth  
of specialty and biotech.

By 2021, 35% of global spending 
expected to be on specialty medicines 2.

Growing trend of healthcare 
outsourcing.
Increasing trend to outsource to larger, 
more global partners.

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Divisional Specific Market Opportunities

Ashfield Advisory 

KEY GROWTH DRIVERS:
•  Outsourcing levels expected to continue to increase
•  Therapeutic expertise requirements
•  Changing and increasingly complex healthcare market dynamics
•  Pricing a growing pressure point
•  Market access and life cycle product management increasingly important 

Ashfield Communications 

KEY GROWTH DRIVERS:
•  Continued incremental growth in outsourcing
• 
•  Migration to digital and patient engagement services
•  Growth in orphan drug and rare diseases 

Increasing number of molecules being developed and approved

Ashfield Commercial & Clinical 

KEY GROWTH DRIVERS:
•  Outsourcing levels expected to continue to increase 
• 
•  Growth of specialty products resulting in increased complexity and support requirements
• 

Increasing demand for innovative models, multi-channel offerings and multi-country solutions

Increasing importance of patient adherence 

Estimated Market Size*

$2.9bn

Estimated Market Size*

$7.3bn

Estimated Market Size*

$6.1bn

Sharp Commercial Packaging 

KEY GROWTH DRIVERS:
•  Continued demand for outsourced solutions driven by a lack of in-house capabilities,  

the opportunity for efficiency gains and growth of specialty drugs
Increasing requirement to access specialist technology solutions and capabilities

• 
•  Clients increasingly seeking strategic partnerships

US & EU Estimated Market Size*

$5bn–7bn

Sharp Clinical Services 

KEY GROWTH DRIVERS:
•  Continued growth in outsourcing
•  Demand for end-to-end proposition and integrated services 
•  Growth of digital solutions including IRT services and ‘Track and Trace’ 

US & EU Estimated Market Size*

$6bn–8bn

* Sources for market sizes: Derived from BCG, Deloitte and internal analysis.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

11

Strategic Report 

Business Model

Delivering growth  
by transforming  
our business 

Our business model enables us to improve, transform 
and grow our business. By living our values of Quality, 
Partnership, Ingenuity, Expertise and Energy, our people 
are at the heart of how we deliver shareholder value. 

We create innovative and high quality service offerings 
to clients across global healthcare markets. 

We are uniquely positioned to capitalise on the 
increasing trend for pharmaceutical, biotech and 
medtech companies to outsource specialist and 
non-core activities on an international basis. 

We aim to leverage our existing market positions,  
offer innovative solutions and create demand for  
our specialist services, thereby driving higher levels  
of growth and profitability. 

OUR VALUES IN DETAIL

Quality
For us, only the best is good 
enough. Quality underpins 
everything we say and everything 
we do. We set high standards, 
develop our people and deliver 
a quality service that will surpass 
our clients’ expectations.

Partnership
We build on trust through 
delivering on our promises.  
We work in partnership with  
each other and with our  
clients. This way, we build 
relationships, based on trust, 
integrity and transparency.

Ingenuity
We are committed 
to solving 
problems and 
resourcefully 
thinking every day. 
We build solutions 
for our clients 
using creativity 
and innovation.

Expertise
Together we have a 
wealth of knowledge 
and skills built over 
many years. Through 
strong business and 
financial leadership, 
we deliver excellence 
and enhance our 
client experience.

Energy
We achieve our 
clients’ goals with 
imagination and 
passion. We are 
enthusiastic for 
success, always 
ensuring we engage, 
listen and work 
together to build  
the best solutions.

12

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

WHAT WE DO

Outsourced  
healthcare services 

The Group is organised and managed in three separate 
divisions, each providing a specific range of specialist 
services to healthcare companies.

HOW WE DO IT

Delivering sustainable growth 
and achieving our goals

SUSTAINABLE GROWTH 
Profit and Cash Generation
All our divisions are focused on growing profits and 
maximising cash conversion from our operations to 
support the development and execution of our strategy.

Capital Deployment
Disciplined financial management will allow for  
ongoing reinvestment in the business to sustain our 
growth model and capitalise on the opportunity to 
grow our services.

Shareholder Value
Successful delivery of our strategy results in increased 
shareholder value which can be delivered through 
share price appreciation and dividend growth.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT 
We have a set of core values which underpin how  
we operate and are at the heart of who we are:
•  Quality
•  Partnership
Ingenuity 
• 
•  Expertise
•  Energy 

EXTERNAL INFLUENCES

Supported by positive global 
market healthcare trends 

Our innovative mindset and service expertise places  
us at the core of major global market trends in the 
healthcare industry. We seek to capitalise on the 
increasing trend by pharmaceutical, biotech and  
medtech companies to outsource non-core and  
specialist activities on an international basis. 

•  Global pharmaceutical market growth 
•   Increasing total global volume use  

of medicines

•  Positive dynamic in new product approvals
•  Increasing specialty growth, driving complexity 
•  Growing outsourcing trend

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 
Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

Ashfield

Sharp

Aquilant

Read more on page 24  

Read more on page 30  

Read more on page 36  

older valu e

h
re
a
h
S

y

Q u alit

E
n

e

r

g

y

Our
people

Pro

fi
t a

Partn

e

r

s

n

d

c

a

s

h

g

e

n
e
r
a
t
i
o
n

h
i

p

y
t
ui
n
e
Ing

Experti s e

Capital deplo y m e

t

n

Outputs – Generating returns for our stakeholders 

Shareholders
Our business model delivers 
long-term value for our 
shareholders through share 
price appreciation and our 
progressive dividend policy.

$31.3m

Dividend to  
shareholders

Employees
We are committed to investing 
in our employees’ career 
development to ensure they 
can perform in their roles  
to the highest quality.  
We provide competitive 
rewards that are linked  
to performance as well as 
ongoing opportunities for 
further career development.

$511.1m

Remuneration  
to employees

Clients
Our focus is to be a leading 
international partner of 
choice so that together with 
our clients we can help 
improve the lives of patients. 

30

We work with  
the Top 30 global 
pharmaceutical 
companies

Patients
Our service offering provides 
patients with insights and 
solutions to help improve 
their lives.

10,000+

We have supported 
over 10,000 
patients through 
clinical programmes

Local Communities
In addition to selecting three 
official charity organisations 
every year we partner with  
a significant number of charity 
groups globally and proactively 
encourage our people to 
engage in volunteer work  
and fundraising activities that 
benefit our local communities. 

3

Number of officially 
appointed charities 
supported

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

13

 
 
Strategic Report 

Strategy

Our Strategic 
Framework will 
improve, transform 
and grow our business 
to deliver on our 
mission and vision

Our strategy is to capitalise on the increasing  
trend among pharmaceutical, biotech and  
medtech companies to outsource specialist  
and non-core activities on an international basis.

We aim to leverage our existing strong market 
positions, offer innovative solutions and create  
demand for our specialist services, thereby  
driving higher levels of growth and profitability.

We achieve this by focusing on three strategic 
framework pillars which we apply across each  
division to deliver our strategy. 

Key to strategic linkage in this report

Grow and Develop Market-Leading Positions 

Improve Productivity 

Transform Through People 

14

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Grow and Develop  
Market-Leading Positions
We believe scale in major markets, international reach  
and reputation are key to business development success. 
We aim to be a leading operator in each of our priority 
markets and to expand our positions in growth markets.

Geographic and Services Growth

We will continue to grow our activities organically 
across our core markets of the US, Europe and Japan. 
Our organic service development and expansion will be 
enhanced by strategic acquisitions of complementary 
services and capabilities. The Group has a track record 
of successfully acquiring and integrating businesses, 
aiming to deliver a return on capital in excess of 15%.

Progress in 2017: Increased our US presence, expanded  
the Ashfield advisory service offering and delivered Group 
operating profit growth of 12%. 

Client Focus and  
Commercial Excellence

We work in partnership with our clients to develop, 
grow and create new and bespoke solutions to help 
them achieve their objectives. This helps our clients 
succeed in a continuously changing and complex 
operating environment. 

Progress in 2017: Ashfield launched its innovative Patient 
Centre of Excellence service. This service specialises in patient 
engagement activities to ensure that an understanding of 
patient needs is kept as a key focus.

Supplementary Sources of Growth

We continually aim to grow, innovate and improve  
our service offering to capitalise fully on growth 
opportunities. This allows us to differentiate our service 
offering and leverage our market positions by enhancing 
the range of capabilities we can offer our clients.

Progress in 2017: Completed six acquisitions. 

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Improve Productivity
We consistently improve our operating efficiencies  
across the Group. We do this through benchmarking our 
commercial and financial performance against specific  
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). 

Transform Through People
We are a people-based business operating in dynamic 
healthcare markets that are highly regulated and demand 
high quality and compliance standards. We are building 
our culture and transforming our business by living our 
values. We are focused on attracting, developing and 
retaining the best talent so that we support and deliver  
on our clients’ ambitions.

Operational Excellence

Talent and Leadership

We drive continuous improvement across the Group, 
ensuring we offer best-in-class service to our clients.  
We monitor our businesses against six financial and three 
non-financial KPIs. Our KPIs support the execution of our 
strategy and are important drivers of improved business 
performance over the short, medium and long term. 

We invest in the development of our people, 
empowering and enabling them to be the best they  
can be to help transform our business for the future.  
We build, attract and encourage entrepreneurial 
leadership teams, often from acquired businesses,  
that can deliver outstanding performance.

Progress in 2017: Improvement across most KPIs (see page 16).

Margin Expansion

We aim to continually increase margins to drive 
improved profitability. Improving productivity and 
increasing operational efficiencies are a key focus of  
our organic growth strategy to drive the expansion  
of business unit, divisional and Group margins. 

Progress in 2017: Group net operating margin remained at 
12.6%. The positive margin effect of acquisitions was more 
than offset by the impact of additional Future Fit operating 
costs and relatively higher growth in the lower margin Ashfield 
Commercial & Clinical businesses.

Progress in 2017: Leadership and management programmes, 
INSPIRE and DRIVE, launched across the Group with 
participation by over 800 employees to date. Formal talent 
review processes have been implemented. 

Quality and Compliance

Our service offerings are underpinned by a strong 
quality and compliance culture. This enables our clients 
to outsource with confidence. 

Progress in 2017: Expansion of the Group’s ComplianceCentre 
to include all of UDG Healthcare’s key compliance policies 
(finance, HR, IT and procurement) in addition to legal, data 
protection and compliance.

Capital Deployment

Values Based Culture

We deploy capital in areas where we identify the greatest 
strategic benefit and financial return, while maintaining 
relatively low levels of financial risk in the Group. We will 
invest in scalable infrastructure to support the delivery  
of sustainable future growth, ensuring there is a robust 
infrastructure in place to manage the existing business 
and to integrate future acquisitions.

Progress in 2017: Completed the implementation of  
Workday HR information system and began the roll-out  
of Oracle Fusion finance system in Ashfield.

Our values define our culture and unite us in delivering 
our vision of improving patients’ lives. We aim to 
integrate these values into everything we do, from our 
people processes to daily interactions with our clients.

Progress in 2017: Integrated our values into our employee 
performance management system. Launched a global 
employee engagement survey. Established a values based  
CEO Awards programme. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

15

Strategic Report 

Key Performance Indicators

FINANCIAL KPI #1

FINANCIAL KPI #2

FINANCIAL KPI #3

Total Shareholder 
Return (TSR) 

Earnings per Share 
(EPS) Growth 

Net Operating  
Margin 

Definition

Definition

Definition

Total shareholder return (TSR) is the 
total return to an investor, being the 
capital gain plus reinvested dividends. 
The return is measured as an average 
return over three years.

Growth in adjusted diluted EPS 
achieved in the year.  

Measures operating profit  
as a percentage of net revenue.  

Strategic linkage 

Strategic linkage 

Strategic linkage 

TSR is a key metric used to ensure  
the Group is delivering returns on 
invested capital and maintaining strong 
cash flows to support the combined 
development of the Group and its 
dividend payment. Principally, it is  
used to link executive management 
remuneration to shareholder returns  
by linking the vesting and quantum  
of awards under the Long Term 
Incentive Plan to performance relative  
to other FTSE 250 companies.

153.4%

90.0%

2016

2017

Performance

The Group delivered a three-year 
average TSR of 153.4% in 2017 
compared to 90.0% in 2016. 

Link to Remuneration 

This is a performance metric for  
the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), 
accounting for 50% of any awards made.

16

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

EPS is an important financial measure of 
corporate profitability and the Group’s 
financial progress.

Net operating margin is a key  
metric in measuring the operating 
efficiency across the Group, divisions 
and business units. Continued 
improvements in net operating  
margin demonstrate the successful 
execution of the Group’s strategy. 

37.12c

31.79c

12.6%

12.6%

2016

2017

Performance

The 17% increase in EPS was primarily 
driven by the strong operating results 
from the Ashfield and Sharp divisions,  
as well as the acquisitions during the 
year. Foreign exchange translation 
reduced EPS growth by 6% from  
23% constant currency growth to  
17% reported growth.

Link to Remuneration 

Adjusted EPS growth is a key measure  
of growth and a driver of TSR, which 
accounts for 50% of LTIP awards made.

2016

2017

Performance

The overall Group net operating margin 
was the same in 2016. The positive 
margin effect of acquisitions was more 
than offset by the impact of additional 
Future Fit operating costs and relatively 
higher growth in the lower margin Ashfield 
Commercial & Clinical businesses. 

Link to Remuneration 

Net operating margin is a key driver 
of Profit Before Tax (PBT) which 
represents a significant element of 
annual bonus potential. 

 
 
 
 
Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Key to strategic linkage in this report

Grow and Develop Market-Leading Positions 

Improve Productivity 

Transform Through People 

FINANCIAL KPI #4

FINANCIAL KPI #5

FINANCIAL KPI #6

Net  
Revenue 

Operating  
Cash Flow 

Return on  
Capital Employed  
(ROCE) 

Definition

Definition

Definition

Comprises gross revenue as reported  
in the Group Income Statement, 
adjusted for revenue associated with 
pass-through costs for which the  
Group does not earn a margin.

Operating cash flow is net cash  
inflow from operating activities  
of the continuing Group per the  
cash flow statement on page 107.  

ROCE is profit before interest and  
tax expressed as a percentage of the 
Group’s net assets employed.  

Strategic linkage 

Strategic linkage 

Strategic linkage 

Net revenue is a key metric in  
measuring growth in operations across 
the Group, divisions and business units. 
Continued growth in net revenue 
demonstrates the successful execution 
of the Group’s strategy.

The generation of cash from operations 
is a key driver of shareholder returns 
and also enables the Group to invest  
in capital expenditure and acquisitions 
to enhance future growth.

ROCE is a key financial benchmark 
which measures both the return from, 
and performance of, existing businesses 
and potential investments. The Group 
strives to consistently achieve returns 
well in excess of its cost of capital.

$1,028.5m

$919.9m

$107.8m

$94.6m

13.6%

12.8%

2016

2017

Performance

The Group’s net revenue increased  
12% due to organic growth as well  
as the acquisitions made in 2017. 

Link to Remuneration 

The ability to grow net revenue is  
a key driver of Profit Before Tax (PBT) 
which represent a significant element  
of annual bonus potential. 

2016

2017

Performance

The Group has achieved operating  
cash flows of $107.8 million. This has 
increased from 2016, driven by an 
increase in operating profit.

Link to Remuneration 

The ratio of operating cash flow  
to operating profit forms the basis  
of a performance metric for the  
Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), 
accounting for 50% of any awards  
made. Operating cash flow is also  
an annual bonus performance metric.

2016

2017

Performance

ROCE of 12.8% is significantly in excess 
of our current cost of capital. The 
decrease in ROCE over the year is due  
to the impact of capital expenditure  
and acquisitions, most of which were 
acquired in the final quarter. 

Link to Remuneration 

ROCE is significantly influenced by  
PBT and cash flow performance,  
both of which are key annual bonus 
performance metrics. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

17

 
Strategic Report 

Key Performance Indicators 
(continued)

Key to strategic linkage in this report

Grow and Develop Market-Leading Positions 

Improve Productivity 

Transform Through People 

NON-FINANCIAL KPI #1

NON-FINANCIAL KPI #2

NON-FINANCIAL KPI #3

Compliance 

Environmental, 
Health and Safety 
(EHS)

Living  
Our Values 

Definition

Definition

Definition

During FY2017, a new compliance 
audit programme was established 
which included a change to the auditing 
template and scope for compliance.

Environmental, health and safety audits 
comprise of a comprehensive review of 
adherence with regulations, standards 
and practices.  

How we embed the values into our 
people processes and the method  
of measurement for how we live the 
values in our organisation.  

Strategic linkage 

Strategic linkage 

Strategic linkage 

Our clients operate in a highly regulated 
environment and it is important that we 
adhere to good standards of compliance 
in order to drive better performance and 
provide assurance to our clients. 

Performance

Four compliance audits were conducted, 
two were satisfactory and two required 
further improvements.

Link to Remuneration 

The compliance audit programme 
demonstrates our ability to meet 
regulatory requirements. This ensures 
that as we expand, we grow our revenue 
and diversify our service offering with 
confidence. We will continue to broaden 
the programme to ensure key compliance 
related activities in the business are 
audited, giving our clients confidence in 
our compliance capabilities and standards.

Compliance with regulation and 
application of industry standards are 
essential in the delivery of our strategy. 

Since the introduction of our EHS  
audit programme in 2014, over 80%  
of UDG Healthcare businesses have  
been audited. 

Re-audits are completed with low 
scoring sites, with over 70% of those 
sites achieving higher results on re-audit.

Performance

We are pleased with our performance 
against our internal standards and 
continuously work with and support  
our businesses to improve results.

Link to Remuneration 

The EHS audit programme has an 
indirect impact on business revenue  
as positive audit findings demonstrate 
compliance with EHS regulatory 
requirements and industry best practice, 
supporting business development  
and retention.

Our values define our culture for all 
employees and enable our strategy.  
By demonstrating the behaviours 
underpinning our values, our leaders 
continue to build a values based culture 
for the benefit of our clients, our people  
and the success of our business. 

800 leaders

100% of target population
The number of leaders  
who attended the INSPIRE  
and DRIVE Development 
Programmes

Performance

We continue to develop our leaders 
through the INSPIRE and DRIVE 
leadership development programmes. 
Our Global Employee Engagement 
Survey will provide valuable insight  
to help our leaders support the delivery 
of our strategy by bringing our values  
to life.

Link to Remuneration 

In 2017 we held a Global Employee 
Engagement Survey and achieved  
a 74% response rate. We will now focus 
on implementing actions to further build 
a values based organisation.

18

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 
Risk Management

Our Enterprise Risk 
Management programme  
has become embedded 
throughout the business 

Our employees understand the benefits of identifying, assessing and 
managing both risks and opportunities, and see the value in managing 
these proactively. 

Board oversight

Executive monitoring and review

Risk 
identification 
and assessment 

Risk
Management
Process
Business and functional 
expertise

Execution  
of mitigation  
plans
Executive monitoring and review

Mitigation 
development  
and planning
Board oversight

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Risk Management Process
As our business continues to improve, 
transform and grow, UDG Healthcare is 
focused on both organic growth and the 
acquisition of new businesses. Given this 
focus, it is important to ensure that the risks 
taken by the Group fall within our defined risk 
appetite which is determined by our Enterprise 
Risk Management (ERM) programme.

ERM is a continuous process which helps 
us reduce the possibility of failure and  
the uncertainty of our business achieving its 
strategic objectives. Our business leaders are 
asked to be transparent in the identification of 
all risks: financial, strategic and operational. 
Risks are reviewed annually within each 
division as part of our strategy away day. 

Building on the changes made to our  
ERM programme last year, our ERM 
programme ensures that business leaders  
are actively engaged in the process and 
understand their responsibilities in both being 
transparent about risk identification and being 
accountable for risk mitigation. Our Group 
Risk Register is tailored to our organisation 
and is a consolidation of the business unit 
risks, divisional risks and functional risks. We 
believe that collectively, it better represents 
the true business risks which are reflected  
in our Principal Risks and Uncertainties. 

Our cross-functional Risk and Viability 
Sub-committee continues to meet quarterly 
and critically reviews risks identified by  
the business and progress made on the 
implementation of controls. Occasionally  
this committee will undertake a deep dive on 
some risks and challenge business leaders on 
new risks identified. This structure provides 
better assurance to our Risk, Investment and 
Financing Committee who report to the Board 
twice a year. It is also important that new 
acquisitions take part in our risk workshops  
so as to understand how their objectives link 
with the Group objectives and risks involved.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

19

• 

• 

there is significant, defined as 20%, 
adverse movement in foreign exchange 
rates of US dollar and sterling relative  
to the euro, the currency where our 
biggest exposure from a debt facility 
perspective lies; and
there is an imposition of price  
controls or price reductions in  
the US healthcare market. 

These scenarios have been incorporated  
into the Risk Management Framework and  
are reviewed and managed in line with the 
Group’s risk appetite.

Having reviewed and considered the Risk 
Management Framework (including the 
scenarios), the directors confirm that they 
have a reasonable expectation that the Group 
will continue to operate and meet its liabilities,  
as they fall due, for the next three years.

Strategic Report 

Risk Management (continued)

Going Concern
The directors have a reasonable expectation 
that the Group has adequate resources to 
continue in operational existence for the 
foreseeable future. For this reason, they 
continue to adopt the going concern basis  
in preparing the Financial Statements.

Viability Statement
The development of the Group’s Viability 
Statement considers the impact of severe 
events that could threaten its future business 
model. The identification and assessment  
of these potential events is facilitated by the 
Group’s Risk Management Process, which  
in turn is underpinned by the Group’s risk 
appetite. Once plausible and unacceptable 
risks are identified, plans for mitigation are 
developed and executed. This process is 
monitored and reviewed by the Group’s Senior 
Executive Team, with Board oversight. The 
Group’s Principal Risks and Uncertainties 
aggregate the risks identified, as well as the 
mitigation plans implemented as part of this 
process, and they include risks that may have 
short-term impacts as well as those which may 
threaten the long-term viability of the Group.

During 2016, a strategic review of Ashfield was 
carried out by the Boston Consulting Group 
(BCG) which ensures that the strategic direction 
of Ashfield over the next three to five years is 
aligned with global outsourcing trends. During 
2017 a similar review of the Sharp business was 
conducted by Deloitte with a view to ensuring 
the strategic direction of our packaging division 
is aligned with developments in that market.

The Board reviewed long-term strategy 
scenarios for the Group in February 2017.  
The directors review and renew the Group’s 
three-year strategic plan at least annually.  
The assessment period has been decided  
with reference to the Group’s current position, 
prospects, strategy, the Principal Risks and 
Uncertainties and how these are identified, 
managed and mitigated.

Progress against the strategic plan is reviewed 
regularly by the Board through presentations 
from senior management on the performance of 
their respective business units, the assessment 
of market opportunity within the healthcare 
sector and the consideration by the Board of its 
ability to fund its strategic ambitions. Associated 
risks are considered within the Risk Framework. 
The directors have made a robust assessment  
of the potential impact that these risks would 
have on the Group’s business model, future 
performance and solvency or liquidity over the 
assessment period.

In May 2017, the Audit Committee meeting 
considered the appropriate timeframe for the 
assessment of viability, which of the principal 
risks and uncertainties would have the greatest 
impact on viability, and what scenarios would 
be most appropriate to test the solvency of  
the Group. They also set out the scenarios  
they would like to review as part of the Risk 
Management Process. These scenarios were 
modelled during the summer and the August 
2017 Audit Committee reviewed the output  
of this analysis. Post year end a further review 
took place to confirm that there was no 
fundamental change to the viability scenarios 
reviewed in August. 

The strategic plan has been tested for four 
scenarios which assess the potential impact  
of severe but plausible risks to the long-term 
viability of the Group. These scenarios can be 
summarised as follows:

• 

the largest site by profit generation 
becomes inoperable for an extended period 
of time and produces no contribution  
in 2018 and slowly recovers to 50% of 
expected 2017 profitability by 2020; 

•  a large-scale acquisition of approximately 
$330 million produces no profit in year 1 
post-acquisition and recovers to a profit 
level of only $11 million by 2020; 

20

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Key to strategic linkage in this report

Grow and Develop Market-Leading Positions 

Improve Productivity 

Transform Through People 

Operational Risks

RISK

IMPACT

MITIGATION

Value Generation 
from Acquisitions

Acquisitive growth remains a core element 
of the Group’s strategy. A failure to execute 
and properly integrate acquisitions may 
impact the Group’s projected revenue 
growth, and its ability to capitalise on the 
synergies they bring and/or to maintain  
and develop the associated talent pools.

Client 
Diversification

As the Group’s activities consolidate and 
further acquisitions are completed, the 
Group’s client base may become more 
concentrated making the Group more 
susceptible to competitive, client merger  
or procurement led threats.

All potential acquisitions are assessed and 
evaluated to ensure the Group’s defined 
strategic and financial criteria are met. 
A discrete integration process and post 
integration review is developed for each 
acquisition. This process is supported by 
experienced management with a view to 
achieving identified benefits, cultivating 
talent and minimising general and specific 
integration risks.

In individual business units where there is 
a high dependence on a small number of 
key clients, the threats and opportunities 
are reviewed by divisional management at 
each business review. The impact that any 
potential acquisition may have on client 
concentration is considered as part of the 
acquisition assessment process. 

Regulatory

The Group has many legal and regulatory 
obligations, including in respect of: (a) 
protection of patient information (such  
as HIPAA and GDPR); and (b) patient and 
employee health and safety. In addition, 
many of the Group’s activities are subject  
to stringent licensing regulations, 
especially FDA, EMEA and national agency 
manufacturing and packaging licences.  
A failure to meet any of these could result 
in an inability to operate, or products and 
services being defective, harming patients and 
potentially giving rise to significant liability. 

Maintenance of legal, regulatory and 
quality standards is a core value of the 
Group. The Sharp Division and Ashfield 
Pharmacovigilance are subjected to routine 
FDA, EMEA and national agency inspections 
and so are required to be ‘audit ready’ at all 
times. The significant change in this period 
is the requirement to comply with the 
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 
by May 2018. A readiness plan has been 
prepared and circulated, training has been 
carried out and a full-time Data Protection 
Officer hired. 

PROGRESS

  No Change 

This risk remains unchanged. 
Acquisitions remain a 
significant part of the Group’s 
growth strategy and as such 
integration will always be a 
risk. Integrations to date have 
been successful, resulting in 
no material negative business 
impact and no unexpected 
loss of key personnel.

  No Change 

This risk remains unchanged. 
Future mitigation plans include 
the introduction of significantly 
improved capabilities, e.g., 
the ability to analyse client 
name, client concentration 
etc. through the Oracle Fusion 
finance system.

  Increased Risk 

Risk has become higher due 
to increases in regulation e.g. 
GDPR. However, mitigation 
plans have been expanded 
and strengthened.

Patient Risk

Throughout the Group, medicines and 
medical devices can be packaged, supplied 
or administered directly to patients. The 
risk of inappropriate packaging, supply 
or administration could lead to a negative 
patient experience. 

Packaging and supply activity is carried out 
under licence by local health regulators and 
a contract with the marketing authorisation 
holder (MAH). Serialisation is being 
introduced as a global solution to falsified 
medicines and to improve MAH product 
traceability. Administration of medicines 
to patients is covered by a detailed client 
contract with the MAH and a divisional 
clinical governance framework. All of these 
processes are subject to risk assessment, 
training, management review and internal 
quality audits. 

  Increased Risk 

As clinical services is a 
strategic growth area, the 
risk will increase as the 
number of clinical services 
increases. Future mitigation 
will include an increase in 
automation such as a Group-
wide Customer Relationship 
Management (CRM) System 
for clinical services.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

21

 
 
 
 
Strategic Report 

Principal Risks and Uncertainties  
(continued)

Operational Risks (continued)

Key to strategic linkage in this report

Grow and Develop Market-Leading Positions 

Improve Productivity 

Transform Through People 

RISK

Talent

IMPACT

MITIGATION

PROGRESS

The success of the Group is built upon 
effective management teams that consistently 
deliver superior performance. If the Group 
cannot attract, retain or develop suitably 
qualified, experienced and motivated 
employees, this could have an impact  
on business performance. 

Talent requirements of the Group are 
monitored to ensure businesses meet 
prevailing and future requirements  
in terms of skills, competencies and 
performance. There is a strong focus on 
key talent management practices, including 
leadership and management development, 
succession planning and performance 
management. There has been significant 
investment in a Group Human Resource 
information system, which provides an 
important platform to support our talent 
management practices. 

IT Systems

The ability of the Group to provide its 
services effectively and competitively is 
dependent on technology and information 
systems that are appropriately integrated 
and that meet current and anticipated 
future business, regulatory and security 
requirements.

The Group’s technology and information 
systems and infrastructure are the subject of 
an ongoing programme to ensure that they 
are capable of meeting the Group’s strategic 
intent and future requirements. Collectively 
this initiative is referred to as Future Fit IT.

Cyber Security 

The global threat sophistication is increasing 
due to support from criminal organisations 
and nation states targeting valuable 
information. These are advanced persistent 
threats targeted at both business-critical 
data using ransomware for financial gain.

Business 
Continuity

The Group is exposed to risks that, should 
they arise, may give rise to the interruption 
of critical business processes that could 
adversely impact the Group or its clients.

As part of Future Fit IT, the Group is 
implementing multi-layered information 
security defences to identify vulnerabilities 
and protect against attacks. Procedures 
are being developed to detect and respond 
effectively to any cyber security events that 
may occur.

The Group has developed a business 
continuity template based on risk and 
is currently re-working the operational 
business continuity plans in line with this. 
Mitigation strategies and continuity plans 
are part of a structured risk review process. 

Contracts

The underlying terms of the Group’s 
commercial relationships drive the 
profitability of the Group. The nature  
of the Group’s business means that the 
Group could be exposed to undue cost or 
liability if it agrees inappropriate terms.

The Group has adopted processes  
for identifying and mitigating against 
undue risks in all prospective commercial 
relationships, supported by personnel  
with expertise and/or experience in  
key commercial risk areas. 

22

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

  Decreased Risk 

Senior management 
transitions have been 
managed effectively. 
Development programmes 
have been extended with 
high levels of participation 
from leaders and managers. 
Increasingly sophisticated 
talent review processes have 
been implemented and action 
plans put in place. All of these 
combine to reduce the risk.

  Decreased Risk 

A number of the key initiatives 
identified for Future Fit IT have 
been delivered and others are 
progressing. These include 
implementation of a Group- 
wide single sign-on solution  
for Workday and Oracle 
Fusion, delivery of a new 
Group-wide network (MPLS) 
and significantly enhanced 
security solutions.

  New Risk

  No Change 

  Decreased Risk 

This is an ongoing process 
and progress has been made 
during the year in identifying 
and mitigating undue risks, 
with an increased focus 
on both legal and financial 
exposures deriving from 
contractual relationships.

 
 
 
 
IMPACT

MITIGATION

PROGRESS

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

RISK

Brexit

The trading uncertainty associated with 
Brexit may result in some UDG Healthcare 
clients reducing the size of their UK 
operations or have a negative impact on  
our ability to conduct business profitably  
in the UK. 

While there has been no indication that the 
UK market for our services is contracting 
as a result of the Brexit decision, we will 
continue to monitor the Brexit negotiations 
to ensure that specific legislation does 
not have a negative impact on our ability 
to conduct business profitably in the UK. 
The overall Group exposure to the UK 
as a proportion of our total profitability 
is expected to decline as we acquire 
businesses with greater exposure to  
markets other than the UK.

Economic and 
Political Risk

The global macroeconomic and geopolitical 
environment may have a detrimental impact 
on our client base and their propensity 
to purchase services from third party 
suppliers. As a result we may be overly 
exposed to a weakening segment of  
the market. 

The Group continues to review its portfolio 
of investments through the annual strategic 
review process and through constant 
challenge at Senior Executive Team and 
Board level. Acquisitions are sought which 
improve the balance of our investments  
and give greater exposure to innovative  
and growing market segments.

Financial Risks

RISK

IMPACT

MITIGATION

Controls

The Group’s resources and finances must 
be managed in accordance with rigorous 
standards and stringent controls. A failure 
to meet those standards or implement 
appropriate controls may result in the 
Group’s resources being improperly  
utilised or its financial statements being 
inaccurate or misleading.

Liquidity

The Group is exposed to liquidity, interest 
rate, currency and credit risks.

Foreign 
Exchange

UDG Healthcare plc’s reporting currency is 
US dollar. Given the nature of the Group’s 
businesses, exposure arises in the normal 
course of business to other currencies, 
principally sterling and the euro. 

The financial controls of the Group, as well 
as their effectiveness, are monitored by 
the Board in the context of the standards 
to which the Group is subject and the 
expectations of its stakeholders. This 
monitoring is supported by a dedicated 
internal audit function. The Group’s 
financial function, systems and controls are 
also subject to periodic review to ensure 
that they remain robust and fit for purpose. 

The management of the financial risks  
facing the Group is governed by policies 
reviewed and approved by the Board. 
These policies primarily cover liquidity risk, 
interest rate risk, currency risk and credit 
risk. The primary objective of the Group’s 
policies is to minimise financial risk at a 
reasonable cost. The Group does not trade 
in financial instruments. 

The majority of the Group’s activities are 
conducted in the local currency of the 
country of operation. As a consequence, 
the primary foreign exchange risk arises 
from the fluctuating value of the Group’s 
net investment in different currencies. The 
Group changed its reporting currency to 
US dollars in FY2017 as the US is now the 
largest source of profit for the Group. Our 
strategic intent is to proportionally grow  
the US as a source of earnings at a faster 
rate than other markets which will lower  
the foreign exchange risk for the Group.

  Decreased Risk 

A Brexit risk paper was 
prepared during the summer 
and concluded that while 
further monitoring was 
required there were no 
additional mitigants that 
could be put in place at this 
time. Our exposure to the UK 
market continues to decline 
as a proportion of the Group’s 
overall activities.

  New Risk

PROGRESS

  No Change 

  No Change 

  Decreased Risk 

The change to US dollar 
reporting and the increasing 
proportion of profit from 
the US reduces the potential 
volatility due to currency 
movement.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

23

 
 
 
Strategic Report 

Operational Review/Ashfield

Growing our service 
offering, strengthening 
our market-leading 
positions and enhancing 
career opportunities

Ashfield at a glance

What we offer:
Advisory – Healthcare brand advisory, consulting and commercial audit services

Communications – Scientific communication content, communications and behavioural change strategies, 
digital and creative, and patient-centred services

Commercial & Clinical – Commercialisation and clinical services including sales representatives, nursing 
services, contact centres and event management services

Sweden

Norway

United Kingdom

Finland

Republic of Ireland

Switzerland

France

Denmark
Netherlands
Germany

Belgium
Austria

Portugal

Spain

Italy

Turkey

Canada

US

Brazil

Argentina

24

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

couccouou

China

Japan

Hong Kong

Australia

Ashfield

Ashfield has had a strong year with five strategically 
complementary acquisitions and good organic growth across 
the organisation. I joined the organisation following on from  
the transition of Chris Corbin to the role of Chairman of Ashfield  
on 1 April 2017. I have worked as a client of Ashfield for many 
years and I am delighted to have joined the organisation at such 
an exciting point in its journey.  

Jez Moulding
Executive Vice President of Ashfield and  
Chief Operating Officer of UDG Healthcare

Ashfield Commerical & Clinical  
net revenue ($)

442.3

Ashfield Communications  
net revenue ($)

187.8

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

About Ashfield
Ashfield is the largest division of UDG 
Healthcare, with more than 7,300 employees. 
Over the last year Ashfield has demonstrated 
strong progress and organic growth by taking 
market share and consolidating market 
leading positions in many of its markets. 
Ashfield operates in three broad areas of 
activity: Advisory, Communications and 
Commercial & Clinical services, working with 
a range of global healthcare clients across  
50 countries providing strategic consulting, 
healthcare communications, field and contact 
centre sales teams, in-home and contract 
centre nurse educators, medical information, 
pharmacovigilance (drug safety) and event 
management services.

Ashfield Advisory comprises of our recent 
acquisitions STEM Healthcare and Vynamic. 
Our services now include healthcare  
brand advisory, strategic consulting and 
commercial audit services. 

Ashfield Communications is one of the largest 
global healthcare communications groups and 
is well placed to sustain growth. Its agencies 
and consultancies provide extensive medical, 
marketing and communications services to 
over 140 clients. Services include: strategy 
development, market research, publication 
planning (medical journals and congresses), 
content services, including medical writing 
support and digital strategy and creative 
campaigns. 

Ashfield Commercial & Clinical provides 
multi-channel (field-based and contact centre) 
sales and nurse education solutions, focusing 
on educating healthcare professionals on 
prescription products and medical devices 
and in educating patients about their disease 
and its treatment to improve adherence. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

25

Strategic Report 

Operational Review (continued)

Ashfield

Net revenue

$630.1m

+21%

630.1

487.9

502.1

514.8

521.6

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

% of Group profit

63.1%

Net operating margin %

12.9%

Employees 

7,386

Ashfield Performance Review
Ashfield delivered a strong financial 
performance during the year, driven by  
good underlying growth and the benefit  
of acquisitions. Net revenue was up 21%  
to $630.1m and operating profit was up  
16% to $81.6m. Ashfield generated underlying 
net revenue growth of 13% and underlying 
operating profit growth of 5%, after  
adjusting for the negative impact of currency 
translation movements and the contribution 
of acquisitions. 

Ashfield incurred additional operating  
costs during the second half of the year 
(expected to continue into the first half of 
2018) related to the Future Fit investments. 
Ashfield generated 8% underlying operating 
profit growth during the year before these 
additional costs which amounted to c. $2.5m 
in the second half of 2017. Net operating 
margin (allowing for pass-through costs) 
declined from 13.5% to 12.9%. The positive 
margin impact of acquisitions was more than 
offset by the impact of the additional Future 
Fit operating costs and higher underlying 
revenue growth from the lower margin 
Commercial & Clinical business. 

Ashfield Communications (including 
Advisory) delivered strong growth during  
the year. Including the benefit of acquisitions, 
net revenue increased by 39% and operating 
profit increased by 31%. Underlying net 
revenue growth improved during the second 
half of the year compared to the first half of 
the year. Since its acquisition in October 2016, 
STEM Healthcare has performed strongly  
and continues to gain momentum. Ashfield 
Commercial & Clinical delivered good 
underlying net revenue and operating profit 
growth of 17% and 5% respectively during  
the year. This was principally due to strong 
growth in the German business and a good 
performance in the US, driven by increased 
activity on contract wins from 2016. The 
acquisition of Sellxpert has further 
strengthened Ashfield’s capabilities and 
established it as market leader in Germany. 

In addition to continued organic progress, 
Ashfield is well positioned for growth in  
2018 following the acquisitions of Sellxpert, 
Vynamic, Cambridge BioMarketing and 
MicroMass Communications during the  
final quarter of 2017. 

Ashfield 

Gross revenue
Commercial & Clinical

Communications (including Advisory)

Total gross revenue

Net revenue1
Commercial & Clinical

Communications (including Advisory)

Total net revenue

Operating profit
Commercial & Clinical

Communications (including Advisory)

Total operating profit

Operating margin
Operating margin (on gross revenue)

Net operating margin (on net revenue)

2017
$’m

2016 
$’m

Actual
Growth 

Underlying 
Growth 2

15%

36%

20%

14%

39%

21%

2%

31%

16%

18%

1%

14%

17%

1%

13%

5%

5%

5%

604.7

216.7

821.4

442.3

187.8

630.1

38.6

43.0

81.6

525.1

159.9

685.0

386.3

135.3

521.6

37.8

32.8

70.6

9.9%

12.9%

10.3%

13.5%

1  Net revenue represents gross revenue adjusted for revenue associated with pass-through costs, for which the Group does 

not earn a margin. There are no pass-through costs in Sharp or Aquilant.

2  Underlying growth adjusts for the impact of currency translation movements and any acquisition or disposal activity. 

26

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Improving

Strengthening 
market position in 
Germany through 
organic growth  
and acquisition 

Ashfield first entered the German Commercial & Clinical 
market in 2012 through the acquisition of Pharmexx. Since 
then the business has grown, delivering revenue growth of 
over 84% between 2012 and 2017. Led by Benjamin Rapp  
and his team, Ashfield have won multiple projects with the  
top healthcare companies over the last two years, positioning 
Ashfield as the leading provider of Commercial & Clinical 
services in the market. Germany is the largest healthcare 
market in Europe and therefore it is a core growth market  
for UDG Healthcare and Ashfield. 

Complementary to this strong organic growth, in May 2017, 
UDG Healthcare announced the acquisition of Sellxpert, a 
German and Swiss contract sales outsourcing business, based 
in Speyer, Germany and Basel, Switzerland. The acquisition 
significantly strengthens Ashfield’s presence and capabilities  
in Germany and accelerates its growth in the DACH* region. 

Ashfield now works with 75 of the top healthcare companies, and 
employs approximately 1,100 talented employees in Germany. 
The focus for Ashfield Germany is on continuing to provide 
outstanding services for its clients and ensuring that they can 
attract the right employees to join the ever expanding team.

Benjamin Rapp, General Manager, DACH

* DACH: Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

27

Strategic Report 

Operational Review (continued)

Ashfield

Ashfield Advisory
The acquisition of STEM Healthcare and 
Vynamic are Ashfield and UDG Healthcare’s 
first major move into the Advisory arena. In 
October 2016, we announced the acquisition 
of STEM Marketing now known as STEM 
Healthcare, a leading global provider of 
commercial, marketing and medical audits  
to pharmaceutical companies. STEM’s  
unique service uses a proven, evidence based 
methodology to quantify and benchmark 
organisational alignment and quality of 
execution to create practical action plans  
to accelerate brand performance.

In July 2017, we announced the acquisition  
of Vynamic LLC, a US based healthcare 
management consulting firm headquartered  
in Philadelphia. Vynamic’s primary service 
offerings include: brand strategy, launch 
planning, advanced commercial operations 
capabilities, strategic transformation  
and integration, product design and 
implementation, change leadership and 
business intelligence and analytics.

These two acquisitions expand our advisory 
services to the healthcare industry, providing 
complementary services to our existing offering 
and expanding our geographical reach. As our 
expansion into the advisory space continues, 
our focus will be on organically growing existing 
organisations whilst adding complementary 
offerings to strengthen our service portfolio. 

Ashfield Communications
Ashfield Communications had a good year in 
2017 with significant acquisitions contributing 
to the business. The acquisitions of businesses 
in the US, together with the launch of a new 
business in Japan have all enhanced the  
overall business. 

Communications, a new agency, in July 2017 to 
handle an increase in client demand, opening  
a new office in Dublin and two office moves  
in Glasgow and Connecticut. Innovation has 
remained at the core of Ashfield’s business  
in delivering market-leading solutions. 

The acquisitions of Cambridge BioMarketing 
and MicroMass significantly strengthen and 
expand our healthcare communications 
offering. Their respective expertise in rare 
diseases, orphan drug launches and behaviour 
change are highly complementary of our 
existing Ashfield offering. See Focus on 
Acquisitions below for more detail. 

Ashfield Commercial & Clinical 
Throughout 2017, organic growth has been  
a strong focus for Ashfield Commercial & 
Clinical, growing current client accounts and 
attracting new clients through the delivery of 
high quality services internationally. The core 
areas for growth in the Commercial business 
are gaining market share in outsourced sales 
forces by launching innovative services and 
enhancing our multi-channel contact centre 
capabilities. The Clinical business has 
continued to see an increase in the number of 
Patient Support Programmes being launched 
on behalf of clients. 

Ashfield has been providing market-leading 
sales force solutions for over 20 years across 
Europe, the US and Japan. 2017 has been  
a significant year in the development of 
Ashfield’s presence in the Commercial arena 
with particularly strong growth in the US  
and German businesses. The acquisition  
of Sellxpert in Germany, and entry into the  
Swiss market through the acquisition of a  
50% share of Sellxpert in Switzerland will 
further enhance the service offering.

Ashfield Communications has been steadily 
growing and expanding its existing agencies 
with the launch of the Japanese business 
Ashfield Healthcare Communications K.K.  
in November 2016, the launch of Cirrus 

As well as strengthening our geographical 
presence, Ashfield Commercial is also  
focused on developing and delivering 
innovative, high quality services such as  
our fully integrated field and contact centre 

solutions. Ashfield now has 11 contact centres 
with over 750 employees and 65 supervisors, 
covering over 100 client accounts and 238 
ongoing projects delivered in over 20 languages.

The US business moved into new premises from 
February 2017 with larger, state-of-the-art 
office, meeting and training facilities. The US 
business has continued to grow and expand and 
now works with all of the top ten pharmaceutical 
companies in the US, while continuing to 
develop further partnerships. 

As the number of complex, high value 
medications increases, clients require patient-
led initiatives to ensure compliance and provide 
real-world data to support clinical effectiveness. 
Ashfield Clinical provides patient-centred 
solutions in 22 countries including clinical 
education, consumer/patient information and 
service design. Ashfield currently employs over 
600 nurses globally and is well positioned 
internationally to provide our clients with 
leading Patient Support Programmes. 

What’s Next?
The current environment that Ashfield  
is operating within is strong with opportunities 
for organic growth and strategic acquisitions 
to expand our current service offering and 
geographical reach, ensuring that we have  
a competitive offering for clients. 

People and talent are a critical element to the 
success of Ashfield’s Advisory, Communications 
and Commercial & Clinical businesses. 
Nurturing and attracting the right candidates 
to work with us is a key focus. 

The division will continue to focus on 
international and local partnerships with 
clients, while ensuring local regions are  
well placed to deliver global contracts. There 
has been an increase in the number of clients 
looking for global providers and Ashfield is 
well placed to deliver innovative, high quality 
services on behalf of these clients. 

Focus on Acquisitions
In July 2017, we acquired Cambridge 
BioMarketing LLC, a US based healthcare 
communications business. Cambridge 
BioMarketing is an industry leader in rare  
diseases and orphan drug launches, a fast 
growing area of drug development and 
commercialisation. Led by Maureen Franco, 
we are delighted to welcome Maureen and  
her team to the Group.

In September 2017, we acquired MicroMass 
Communications LLC, a US based healthcare 
communications agency specialising in 
behavioural change. MicroMass designs 
solutions across all therapeutic areas  
that improve patient health outcomes by 
changing patient and provider behaviour. 
Led by Alyson Connor and Phil Stein we  
are also delighted to welcome Alyson, Phil 
and their team into the Group.

28

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Growing

Transforming

Building a large 
multidisciplined  
client account

Ashfield has developed a quality partnership  
with a leading global heart valve manufacturer, 
Edwards Lifesciences. Initially tasked with 
publication-related activities in 2016 through  
one of Ashfield’s agencies, Watermeadow, the 
account has grown to now include communications 
strategy across Edwards’ entire external stakeholder 
framework, delivered through Ashfield Digital & 
Creative. Ashfield has since solved challenges from 
targeting therapy awareness through to product 
differentiation, whilst delivering excellence across 
events, digital and sales force execution. 

Commenting on the partnership, Dirk Iden, Senior 
Manager, Marketing, Transcatheter Heart Valves  
at Edwards Lifesciences said “Through Ashfield’s 
sophisticated behavioural change approach we 
collaborated well to shift from a tactically heavy 
approach to a refined strategic approach which  
now allows me to measure success against tangible 
KPIs. Ashfield is great to work with and it feels  
like a true partnership”.

Vynamic joined UDG 
Healthcare in July 
2017 to become  
part of a connected 
global healthcare 
community

Founded in 2002 by Dan Calista, Vynamic now  
has over 100 employees and is headquartered in 
Philadelphia, PA. Vynamic works across all sectors of 
the interwoven healthcare industry and its services 
include strategic planning, vendor selection  
and management, process design, systems 
implementation, and organisational change.

Commenting on joining UDG Healthcare, Founder  
and CEO of Vynamic, Dan Calista, said: “I believe that 
being part of UDG Healthcare will create long term 
value for the team of people working at Vynamic with 
career opportunities and healthy business growth.  
We will also have more expertise and breadth to share 
with our healthcare industry clients. We have been 
really impressed by the calibre of talent and shared 
values across the UDG Healthcare organisation”.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

29

Strategic Report 

Operational Review/Sharp

We continue to invest  
in capabilities and 
services that position 
Sharp to capitalise on 
market opportunities 

Sharp at a glance

What we offer:
A comprehensive and integrated Clinical trial supply service, from pre-clinical through to commercialisation

Commercial Packaging solutions in multiple formats including bottling, blisters, specialty and biotech  
(injectables)

Clinical Manufacturing services including analytical services, formulation development, over-encapsulation 
and placebo manufacture

Technology to support both commercial and clinical packaging services including design, serialisation  
‘track and trace’ and interactive response technology

United Kingdom

Republic of Ireland

Netherlands

Belgium

USA

30

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

ccouou
coun

Sharp

Sharp continued with solid growth in 2017. In particular it was 
satisfying to see significant new business wins in Europe within  
the injectables packaging market and this will drive considerable 
growth in our European business over the next two to five years. 
In the US, while revenue growth was slightly lower than previous 
years, our improvements in product mix and efficiencies helped 
deliver our profit expectations. We were also very pleased with 
the significant investment in capacity with the two new sites  
(in the US and the EU) for our clinical business. 

Mike O’Hara
Sharp Managing Director

US revenue ($)

254.0m

EU revenue ($)

48.1m

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

About Sharp
Sharp is a global leader in contract packaging and 
clinical trial services to the pharmaceutical and life 
science industries. Our almost 1,500 employees, 
working from nine different locations, have a 
shared vision of delivering world-class services in 
clinical trial, commercial packaging, design and 
technology services for our global pharma clients.

Sharp provides an integrated portfolio of 
services to the life sciences industry, supporting 
clients from the early Phase 1 stage of drug 
discovery through to full commercial launch 
and delivery. We have built an excellent 
reputation for the delivery of quality services 
built on a solid strategy of investment in people, 
facilities, equipment, technology and a culture 
of continuous improvement.

The Commercial Packaging business offers 
support for the full range of packaging 
formats including blister, bottle, pouch, stick 
pack, vial labelling, pre-filled syringe labelling 
and assembly, auto-injector pen assembly  
and labelling and thin film strips solutions. A 
critical and complementary component of our 
packaging service is our project management 
expertise, that includes packaging design and 
engineering, pre-production, implementation 
and serialisation services that ensure success 
from design origination to commercial delivery. 
Working in partnership with clients and using 
the very latest technology, we collaborate to 
develop packaging solutions that contribute  
to optimal compliance, usability and ensure 
production efficiencies.

The Clinical Services business in Sharp provides 
the complete spectrum of innovative clinical 
trial supply and management solutions to 
support client products from formulation, 
development and analysis and manufacturing 
through to clinical supplies packaging, labelling, 
distribution, IRT services and comparator 
sourcing. This is supported by an expert 
professional services and project management 
team with years of experience in the successful 
delivery of global clinical trials.

Sharp has continued to consolidate its position 
as a leader in serialisation and ‘track and trace’ 
technologies with a unique track record in the 
industry. Sharp has successfully delivered 
serialisation programmes for 35 pharma 
companies, across eight different countries and 
in six different packaging formats and, in 2017, 
surpassed the milestone of over 50 serialised 
lines. By leveraging a robust and proven 
infrastructure and experienced cross-functional 
team of experts as well as collaborations with 
industry-leading technology partners, Sharp 
continues to lead the market in serialisation  
and technology services.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

31

Strategic Report 

Operational Review (continued)

Sharp

Sharp Performance Review 
Sharp delivered a good performance in 2017, 
with operating profit increasing by 8% to $41.3m 
(11% on an underlying basis). Operating 
margins increased to 13.7% during the year. 

Sharp US generated underlying operating 
profit growth of 5%, with biotech delivering 
particularly strong growth. This was in part 
driven by the completion of the fit-out of the 
additional capacity in Allentown, PA, which 
contains 13 packaging suites fully dedicated  
to biotech clients. In addition, a new US 
state-of-the-art packaging site was acquired  
in Bethlehem, PA, in April 2017 to expand the 
commercial and clinical offering to Sharp’s  
US clients. Sharp’s US Clinical business is 
currently relocating to this facility. 

Sharp Europe moved into operating profit 
following a number of years of operating 
losses. Underlying revenue growth was 1%  
as the business exited some unprofitable 
contracts and shifted its focus to higher 
margin business. Sharp Europe is increasingly 
well positioned to deliver future profitable 
growth given the improving business 
development pipeline, focused on injectable 
biotech and biosimilar products. 

Sharp 

Revenue
US

Europe

Total revenue

Operating profit/(loss)
US

Europe

Total operating profit

The ongoing investment in Sharp’s facilities 
continues to improve capabilities and expand 
capacity. Notwithstanding the one-year delay 
in enforcement of the serialisation ‘Track  
& Trace’ requirement by the US Food and  
Drug Administration (FDA) and supply  
chain disruptions with some clients following 
the recent hurricane in Puerto Rico, Sharp  
is well positioned to deliver underlying 
operating profit growth in line with the 
Group’s medium-term guidance into 2018  
and beyond. 

Sharp Commercial US 
Throughout 2017, Sharp Commercial in the 
US has maintained its position as one of the 
leading contract packaging specialists for 
pharmaceutical products. We saw growth  
in new business for secondary packaging  
of injectables, a trend which aligns with the 
findings of the research report produced  
by Deloitte for Sharp earlier this year. Our 
biotech Centre of Excellence in Allentown 
continues to offer services and capacity 
specifically focused on that growing  
market segment.

Our newly acquired facility in Bethlehem was 
successfully integrated into the Sharp portfolio 
and with that acquisition we also welcomed  
a new team to Sharp based at Bethlehem.  
The facility offers Sharp clients a full portfolio 
of clinical services, from pre-clinical and  
large scale Phase III studies through to full 
commercial launch.

2017
$’m

2016 
$’m

Actual
Growth 

Underlying 
Growth 1

254.0

48.1

302.1

40.9

0.4

41.3

246.1

49.9

296.0

39.6

(1.4)

38.2

3%

(4%)

2%

3%

–

8%

2%

1%

2%

5%

–

11%

Operating margin %

13.7%

12.9%

1  Underlying growth adjusts for the impact of currency translation movements and any acquisition or disposal activity. 

+2%

Net revenue

$302.1m

296.0

302.1

280.2

242.5

219.0

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

% of Group profit

31.9%

Net operating margin %

13.7%

Employees 

1,465

32

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Transforming

Energy and Expertise 
transform the 
outlook for  
Sharp Europe

2017 has been a transformative year for Sharp Europe.  
The Sharp team, led by Roel Kerkhof, has worked extremely 
hard to bring the business from a position of weakness to  
one of growth and opportunity. Through the investment  
of significant energy and expertise particularly in the areas  
of quality and process improvements, the two European  
sites in Belgium and The Netherlands are now planning  
for increased client capacity demands.

“It has been particularly satisfying from the business 
development point of view, to see our clients’ perception  
of Sharp transformed. This year, through the hard work  
and persistence of the team, we were able to enhance the 
confidence of several clients in our European packaging 
facilities. We can now say that Sharp is considered  
a leading commercial packaging provider specialising  
in injectables in the European market. Participating in that 
transformation has been personally very rewarding for me”.

Alexander Schäfer, Business Development Manager,  
Sharp Europe

“ Having undergone 
significant quality and 
process improvements, 
Sharp is now positioned 
as a leading specialist  
in injectables packaging  
in Europe.”

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

33

Strategic Report 

Operational Review (continued)

Sharp

Both investments are consistent with Sharp’s 
strategy of continued growth and capacity 
expansion and demonstrate our commitment 
to attracting larger scale clients with whom 
Sharp can build long-term, strategic 
partnerships. These new facilities will allow  
us to support the increase in the outsourcing 
demand for clinical trial manufacturing, 
packaging, analytical, formulation, logistics 
and IRT services. 

The Outlook for Sharp 
In 2017, Sharp conducted a thorough 
examination of the key markets in which  
it operates, both in the US and Europe,  
to better inform its growth strategy – both 
organic and inorganic – for the next three  
to five years.

With positive underlying market dynamics –  
the US and EU commercial and clinical supplies 
market in which we operate is expected to 
grow at 4-6% CAGR during the next five years 1 
– Sharp will continue to develop both the scale 
and breadth of its service portfolio in clinical, 
manufacturing, packaging and technology. 

We expect to see further significant growth  
in both the US and Europe in biologics  
and injectable products coming to market, 
bringing business development opportunities 
to Sharp. We anticipate the trend towards  
a fully integrated, full service offering will 
continue in the clinical services industry  
which will demand a breadth of expertise in 
clinical services. The regulatory demand for 
serialisation throughout the supply chain will 
continue to drive outsourcing decisions through 
2018. Sharp’s strategy is to position itself to 
capitalise on each of these market trends and to 
focus on delivering value to clients and building 
client partnerships for long-term growth.

During 2017, Sharp continued to lead the 
industry in the implementation of serialised 
solutions for our clients, reaching the 
milestones of more than fifty serialised lines 
by the end of FY2017. Serialisation continues  
to drive opportunity for Sharp, as pharma 
companies and CMOs look for accelerated 
serialisation implementation plans. 

Sharp Clinical 
2017 saw Sharp Clinical begin a journey  
to considerably scale the business in terms  
of clients, growth and market position.  
In April of this year, UDG Healthcare made 
two significant facility investments that will 
transform the future direction of our Clinical 
business in both Europe and the US. 

Sharp Commercial Europe 
2017 was a transformative year for Sharp in 
Europe. At the end of 2016, we completed the 
remediation and right-sizing of the business 
and throughout this year, the focus has been  
on stabilising operations, rebuilding confidence 
and winning new business.

Under the direction of Roel Kerkhof and his 
management team, both Sharp sites in the 
Netherlands and Belgium have achieved  
new standards of excellence in quality and 
service, process improvement and operational 
efficiencies. A strong business development 
pipeline has yielded many new clients  
for both sites in 2017, with a significant 
concentration of these in the emerging 
biosimilar and injectable packaging market. 

Sharp’s Belgium site has consciously 
transformed itself into a biotech/biosimilar 
facility over a number of years and this 
transformation is beginning to bear fruit.

Sharp’s Netherlands site in Heerenveen  
will now be focused on one pharmaceutical 
client who has committed to a long-term, 
strategic partnership with Sharp and an 
operational plan that will bring more than  
ten years of business engagement. Sharp  
is seizing this opportunity to build a state-  
of-the-art packaging solution to include 
Electronic Batch Record, EDI, RF scanning 
and lean methodologies. 

Other new business opportunities of a similar 
scale were identified in the second half of 2017, 
that Sharp Europe will be pursuing during 2018.

The strategy in Europe is to continue to  
seek new strategic partnerships with clients 
focused on injectable packaging specialities, 
characterised by high-value, low-volume 
products, where Sharp’s experience and 
expertise are a differentiator. 

The acquisition of the pharmaceutical 
packaging site in Bethlehem, PA from  
Daiichi-Sankyo Inc., brings an additional 
146,000 sq.ft. of capacity to the Sharp 
portfolio of facilities in the US. The site,  
which is FDA-inspected and DEA-approved, 
will bring our clients a unique proposition  
in offering the full array of clinical functions, 
including formulation, manufacturing, 
packaging, distribution and IRT services,  
as well as commercial packaging at scale,  
all from one single location. 

There are two phases to the fit-out of the site 
to support the clinical business. Phase 1 sees 
the clinical storage and distribution services 
move from Phoenixville, PA to Bethlehem, PA 
by December 2017. Phase 2, which will begin 
in December 2017 will include construction of 
new suites for manufacturing and primary and 
secondary packaging as well as the expansion 
of the formulation and analytical testing labs. 
Therefore, by December 2018, the entire 
Clinical business will be located at Bethlehem, 
PA. This co-location of services will allow us 
offer enhanced service levels and reduce 
project timelines, ultimately reducing overall 
time for our client product approvals.

Our second major investment was  
in a new multiple-phase pharmaceutical 
manufacturing, packaging and distribution 
facility in Rhymney, Wales. In the future,  
Sharp will be able to offer manufacturing  
and analytical capabilities, adding automated 
bottling, blistering and serialisation as well  
as IRT services for clinical trial management. 
At 110,000 sq.ft., the scale of the facility will 
mean that Sharp will offer full service support 
for larger global clinical studies. Again, each  
of these services will be under one roof  
which means that our clients will enjoy 
improved client service and a reduction  
in project timelines.

34

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

1  Deloitte growth strategy report for Sharp, June 2017.

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Improving

Transforming

Sharp has a 
continuous focus  
on improvement  
and client value

At Sharp, continuous improvement and client 
experience are fundamental drivers of how we work 
every day. That pursuit of constant improvement  
and focus on client value – which is recognised  
by every function in our business – is what we call  
the Sharp Edge. 

“Continuous improvement means always questioning 
whether what we are doing, and how we are doing  
it, is as efficient and effective as it could be. We work 
hard to provide an excellent level of service for our  
clients and continuously review our processes and 
methodologies to ensure that they are delivering 
optimal client value.”

Partnership and 
expertise transforms 
strategic client 
relationships for Sharp

At Sharp, we believe in developing real partnerships 
with our clients. It means we are better positioned  
to fully understand their specific needs and 
methodologies and to optimise how they interface 
with every function within our organisation. As client 
services team leader for Biogen at Sharp US, Tonya 
Schmouder champions the values of expertise and 
partnership every day.

“By establishing dedicated client advocates within 
Sharp, we can help gain deeper insights and establish 
clearer communications with our clients, which 
ultimately leads to a more positive partnership  
for both parties.”

Amy Driesbach  
Associate Director, Project Management

Tonya Schmouder  
XPReS team Project Management

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

35

Strategic Report 

Operational Review/Aquilant

We continue to invest  
in the facilities and 
people that position 
Aquilant for improvement 
in its service offering

Aquilant at a glance

What we offer:
Sales and Marketing services including product launch, market development, creating clinical awareness, 
driving product adoption

Product tender administration, liaison with procurement, maintenance of client catalogues

Sales order processing, financial billing, cash collection, management of back orders and order fulfilment

Republic of Ireland

Netherlands

United Kingdom

63636
36

UDG Healthcare plc 
UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Acc
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Aquilant

Aquilant grew at an underlying level during 2017 and the 
onboarding of new agencies during the year was particularly 
effective. While ongoing currency fluctuations have challenged 
the division we have seen an improvement in the Orthopaedic 
and Endoscopy business units in the UK and in our Irish and 
Dutch businesses. Our capital investment in improving Quality 
and Health and Safety standards across the division leave us 
well placed to win a higher proportion of available business over 
the coming years.

Sean Coyle
Aquilant Managing Director

Net revenue ($)

96.3m

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

About Aquilant
Aquilant is a leading provider of services to 
the Med Tech and Life Sciences industries.  
It operates within the Republic of Ireland,  
the UK and the Netherlands to orchestrate 
appropriate solutions for clients, purchasers, 
clinicians and patients.

Aquilant works with reputable manufacturers 
of products in a range of diverse therapeutic 
areas developing bespoke solutions which meet 
their needs in getting a product to market. Its 
services range from launching a new product 
and developing new markets, to creating clinical 
awareness for a product in the pre-launch and 
post-launch phase, to promoting and driving 
adoption of products and related services 
through the life cycle of the product. Aquilant’s 
primary focus is on introducing new and 
leading technologies which have a goal of 
enhancing patient outcomes. All of this comes 
while providing a cost effective, quality solution 
to our clients which is generally more attractive 
than setting up and operating an in-house sales 
and distribution network for their product.

Aquilant also provides reimbursement advice 
and product pricing advice to clients and has  
a specialised tenders administration function 
for sourcing and submitting of sales tenders  
to procurement offices. We also maintain 
clients’ on-line catalogues, online multi-quotes 
and provide tender usage reporting as required.

Other services offered include, sales order 
processing, financial billing and correspondence, 
cash collection and the management of back 
orders with suppliers through to fulfilment.

Our vision is to be recognised as the most 
commercially innovative, patient and client 
focused market service organisation for the 
med-tech and scientific sectors – the partner of 
choice in sales, quality and distribution expertise.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

37

 
Strategic Report 

Operational Review (continued)

Aquilant

Performance Review
Aquilant had a disappointing year from  
a financial perspective where the significant 
movement in sterling relative to both the  
euro and US dollar had a negative impact on 
the financial results as reported in US dollar 
terms. Despite recording 4% growth on  
an underlying basis, currency movements 
resulted in a 7% decline in reported profit  
year on year.

During 2017 Aquilant continued to provide 
customised solutions for established brands 
and niche products and was involved in 
launching a number of new products for 
existing clients and new agencies. 

The 12 new agencies added in the previous 
year have been bedded in well and are 
showing decent sales growth with a strong 
business development pipeline. We added  
a further four agencies in 2017.

The Outlook for Aquilant 
As we outlined in our outlook last year, we firmly 
believe that consolidation of the distributor base 
in Europe is inevitable as quality and regulatory 
requirements rise. We expect that Aquilant will 
play a part in that consolidation trend over time.

-6%

Net revenue

$96.3m

132.1

114.1

113.5

102.4

96.3

Revenue

Operating profit

Operating margin %

2017
$’m

96.3

6.4

6.6%

2016 
$’m

102.4

6.9

6.7%

Actual
Growth 

Underlying 
Growth 1

(6%)

(7%)

2%

4%

1  Underlying growth adjusts for the impact of currency translation movements. There was no acquisition or disposal 

activity in 2016 or 2017.

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

% of Group profit

5.0%

Net operating margin %

6.6%

Employees 

266

38

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Growing

Aquilant embarks  
on value-added 
partnership with 
Plasma Surgical

Plasma Surgical is a global leader in plasma physics, 
based in the US with distribution in France, Germany, 
Austria and Netherlands and, with limited success, 
direct-to-market representation offered in the UK. 
Their incoming CEO opted to exit this model by 
inviting Aquilant and other distributors to provide  
a better solution.

Our approach was to understand the existing UK 
business and what their strategic ambitions were. 
Aquilant then positioned a long-term business plan to 
turn around their declining sales over the short term 
and showed how we would realise their strategic 
goals for them. 

Aquilant has since become their business partner 
with a long-term distribution agreement and has 
already achieved profitable sales ahead of target, 
developed in-house service provision as an additional 
revenue stream and established Key Opinion Leader 
Panel and Training Centres to enhance overall 
value-add, building on our growing partnership.

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Transforming

Early adoption of  
GS1 Standard

Risk of non-compliance by our manufacturers and 
interruption in supply of medical devices negatively 
impacting service and revenue was turned into a 
strategic advantage by Aquilant as an ‘early adopter’ 
of the Department of Health’s NHS e-procurement 
strategy in the UK.

The challenge was to adopt GS1/PEPPOL  
standards between 2016 and 2020 of Globally 
Unique Identification barcoding. This barcoding  
is to appear in every medical device we distribute  
for inventory management track and traceability, 
from its manufacture through to the end patient.

Aquilant was faced with convincing its international 
suppliers to comply and leading a project to engage  
its suppliers, revise its price management and  
join a GS1 Global Data Synchronisation Network. 
This included IT system development on Electronic 
Data Integration (EDI) for automated ordering, and 
invoicing to PEPPOL standards and a marketing 
communication programme. 

Today, 90% of Aquilant’s clients are compliant (ahead 
of the 2020 deadline) and Aquilant is able to transact 
£3.2 million in sales revenue on the first six NHS 
hospital demonstrator sites. Longer term, adoption 
of the standard will improve patient safety, client 
satisfaction, reduce transaction costs and improve 
order accuracy and cash flow. Turning a risk into an 
opportunity that has helped set Aquilant apart in  
the market. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

39

Strategic Report 

Sustainability

Building a sustainable 
organisation for the 
benefit of our clients,  
our people and our 
environment 

IN THIS SECTION:

People 

Our People are crucial  
to the sustainable success 
of UDG Healthcare. Our 
values underpin how  
we care for and develop 
our colleagues to reach 
their full potential.

Quality and 
Compliance

Quality and compliance  
is at the core of what  
we do as a business.  
It is important that  
we provide the best 
quality service  
for our clients and  
their patients and that  
we demonstrate how 
compliant we are as a 
business. We set high 
standards and expect  
the same in return from 
all our stakeholders. 

Environment 

Community 
Involvement

Economic 
Contribution

We all have a 
responsibility to protect 
our environment. In UDG 
Healthcare we embrace 
this responsibility 
through policy and 
practice enabling us to 
carry out our business in 
a sustainable manner.

We want to make  
a difference to the 
communities in which we 
operate. We continually 
encourage our 
employees to support 
their local communities 
through fundraising and/
or donating their time  
to worthy causes.

We have significant 
responsibilities to  
our economic 
stakeholders in all the 
locations where we 
operate. These 
stakeholders benefit from 
our continued growth 
and similarly we rely on 
their support and 
commitment to achieve 
our long term goals.

Read more on page 42  

Read more on page 46  

Read more on page 48  

Read more on page 50  

Read more on page 51  

40

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

“ In UDG Healthcare we want to build long-term  
value by implementing our business strategy in  
a way that is ethical and responsible. We do that  
by living our values and by caring for our clients,  
our people, our community and our environment.” 

Brendan McAtamney

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Overview
We are committed to building an organisation 
where people are valued, our commitment  
to quality underpins our relationships with  
our clients and our community, and where  
our economic contribution is based on  
ethical foundations.

We are a people based business and the 
success of our Group is dependent on 
attracting, retaining and developing our 
people. Even more importantly, we wish to 
provide purposeful work that will support  
our people in becoming valued contributors  
in helping to improve patients’ lives. 

We empower people to realise their full 
potential. At UDG Healthcare we aim to 
provide them with interesting work, structured 
development and opportunities to grow and 
progress through our diverse and dynamic 
organisation. We ensure at all times that they 
are safe in their roles and we recognise that 
their physical and mental wellbeing is an 
essential ingredient to enable them to  
reach their own goals and ambitions. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

41

Strategic Report 

Sustainability (continued)

People
1  Developing our People
Effective talent management is core to our 
ongoing success and in 2017 we continued  
to refine and develop our talent review 
processes and also implemented our  
Global Senior Executive Team Talent Forum, 
enabling senior executives to discuss and 
identify talent across all businesses. We  
have made a significant investment in the 
implementation of a global HR information 
system. This has provided an important 
platform for our talent management activities.

Leadership development has taken a number 
of forms in 2017. The INSPIRE programme  
is our core Group leadership programme and  
in October 2017 we welcomed our 350th 
participant to this programme. INSPIRE 
was also nominated for the CIPD Excellence 
awards in 2017, worthy recognition for  
the success of the programme. The INSPIRE 
curriculum is being extended for 2017/2018  
to continue our focus on talent development.

Allegro’s academy based model will put 
Ashfield Healthcare Communications at the 
leading edge of career opportunities in the 
healthcare communications market and send 
a strong message to our clients about our 
capability to deliver volume and quality work 
on a sustained basis.

Within our divisions we implemented  
our Global Management Programme, DRIVE,  
which is targeted at first-line managers.  
All line managers have been through the 
programme in the last year.

Other initiatives to share learning have  
been created, including the implementation  
of a Global Learning Community, with 
representatives from all our businesses,  
who work together to help share knowledge 
and build best practice learning solutions. 

Attracting talent in more 
competitive markets is a 
challenge, but we continue  
to develop innovative mechanisms to ensure  
we have the skills to meet client demand. 
Ashfield Healthcare Communications  
have launched the ALLEGRO programme 
enabling the business to recruit and fast  
track medical writers, a highly critical  
resource for this business. 

2  Living Our Values
Our values continue to be fundamental  
to how we act with colleagues, clients and 
stakeholders. We strongly believe in these 
values and expect senior leaders to be role 
models both internally and externally. In 2017 
our Senior Executive Team completed a 360 
values based feedback assessment, to help 
create awareness of their own behaviours and 
this has now been cascaded to the broader 
Group Executive. 

Early in the year we were  
excited to launch the UDG 
Healthcare CEO Awards, 
designed to recognise individual 
and team excellence. The 
nominees will set an example 
for all employees, demonstrating how living 
our values drives business performance.

UDG Healthcare headcount by location

9,176

All workers

615

4,980

3,581

  Europe

  Americas

  Asia

UDG Healthcare headcount by division

9,176

266 59

1,465

7,386

  Ashfield 

  Sharp 

  Aquilant 

  UDG Head Office 

42

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 
Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

In September we  
launched our first global 
engagement survey.  
This survey gives  
our employees an 
opportunity to tell us what they like about  
the organisation and where we can make 
improvements for the future. We are 
committed to working with our employees  
on the feedback so that we can ensure that 
UDG Healthcare is a great place to work.

3  Diversity and Inclusion
We respect the importance of diversity and 
the inclusion of all people in building an 
environment that is respectful of difference 
and enables our employees to reach their  
full potential. In June 2017 we launched our 
first global Diversity Equality and Inclusion 
Policy, which outlined our commitment and 
the expectations we have of all business  
units within the UDG Group to build a work 
environment that respects and embraces 
difference. 

All our business units promote, develop and 
attract people on an equal opportunities basis, 
regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, 
religion, race or disability. As part of our 
commitment we have commenced diversity 
and inclusion awareness training for all 
employees, and our first global engagement 
survey will help us to better understand our 
employees perceptions and views to build 
appropriate action plans.

We acknowledge that there are opportunities 
across some parts of our business to achieve 
more balanced gender representation. In 2018 
we will continue with our commitments to 
increase gender representation in these areas.

4  Wellbeing of our Employees
We recognise the importance of our 
employees’ wellbeing, both mental and 
physical and in 2017 we increased our focus 
on creating awareness in this area. A wide 
range of local initiatives were implemented 
across all geographies, aimed at improving the 
work organisation, the working environment 
and promoting the active participation of 
employees in health activities. This included  
a celebration of World Health Day where a 
variety of activities were held across the globe 
including heart health education, mindfulness 
discussions and yoga classes. 

Our global Environmental, Health and Safety 
group invests in the wellbeing of our employees 
by prioritising wellbeing as part of our health 
and safety programme and developing and 
communicating initiatives. We are optimistic 
that 2018 will see even more activities launched 
both globally and locally across the businesses.

5  Keeping Our People Safe 
At UDG Healthcare our people matter and  
we are determined to build a workplace where 
their health and safety is paramount. We strive 
to ensure that everyone who works for or with 
us benefits from our commitment to health 
and safety.

UDG Healthcare gender composition

Board gender composition

Male

Female

39%

Male

73%

61%

Female

27%

We ensure our people’s safety while in the 
workplace, when travelling, or while carrying 
out activities for our clients, by regularly 
monitoring performance, identifying areas  
for improvement, proactively planning and 
continuously engaging with stakeholders.

Our Health and Safety Policy was revised in 
2017 and is applicable throughout the Group. 

The Policy focuses on three key areas:

People

•  Employee wellbeing
•  Stakeholder engagement
•  Education, awareness and training
•  Control of contractors

Place

•  Application of legislation and regulation
•  Global location requirements
•  New markets integration
•  Cultural developments

Performance

•  Performance KPIs
•  Audit
•  Policies and procedures
•  Programmes of improvement

Leadership gender composition

Age distribution of employees 

Male

Female

43%

Under 22

2%

57%

23-40

41-51

52+

47%

28%

23%

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

43

Strategic Report 

Sustainability (continued)

Incident Management 
The aim of our Incident Management  
Process is to minimise injury or illness,  
reduce losses and to ensure that there is  
a demonstrated commitment to the personal 
safety of employees, contractors, the public 
and our community. Furthermore, it allows our 
organisation to comply with legislation and to 
prioritise health and safety activities to prevent 
the recurrence of the same or similar incidents.

The accuracy of incident reporting across  
our business has improved year on year 
reflecting employee training on the 
importance of incident management and 
regular communication to the business on  
the value of proactive incident management. 

1.  Total number of incidents
The total number of incidents includes near miss 
reporting, minor injury, lost time accidents and 
fatalities. There have been zero fatalities to date. 

Total number of incidents

2017

2016

2015

2014

322

333

391

392

The data shows a decrease in the number  
of incidents year on year since 2014, 
demonstrating our continued success  
on incident reduction. 

2.  Lost Time Accidents (LTAs)

Lost Time Accidents

2017

2016

2015

2014

47

38

76

68

Between 2016 and 2017 there was an increase  
in the number of lost time accidents recorded. 
We believe that this is principally linked to 
continued communication to the business on 
categorisation of incidents and how we record 
lost time.

3.  Total days lost 

Total days lost 

2017

2016

2015

2014

601

738

621

1,131

Since 2015 there has been a significant 
decrease in the number of days lost as a result 
of lost time accidents. We believe that this is 
principally linked to advances in our health 
and safety incident investigation practices 
allowing us to understand the root cause  
of incidents and prevent reoccurrences. 

4.  Incident rate 

Total Incident Rate by month in 2017  
(Cases per 100 colleagues)  

0.60

0.50

0.40

0.30

0.20

0.10

0.00

0.54

0.50

0.35

0.35

0.33

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.29

0.26

0.26

0.25

0.17

t
c
O

v
o
N

c
e
D

n
a
J

b
e
F

r
a
M

r
p
A

y
a
M

n
u
J

l

u
J

g
u
A

p
e
S

Our incident rate is a measurement against an 
industry average of 0.35. Positively we have 
seen a significant reduction in our incident 
rate since the beginning of 2017. 

During 2017 the top three causes of incident

CAUSE

SLIP/TRIP/FALL

ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

STRIKE AGAINST  
SOMETHING FIXED

Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Audit 
EHS audit is one of the best ways to identify 
any deficiencies in EHS management and plan 
preventative actions. Our corporate audit 
programme has been in place since 2014 and  
has helped identify key areas of improvement 
across the organisation whilst also increasing 
awareness amongst key stakeholders. 

In 2017, we completed seven corporate EHS 
audits and three re-audits in the UK and US. 
Similar to last year, all sites scored higher 
in the health and safety element than the 
environmental element of the audit. There 
was a marked improvement in the sites that 
were re-audited. 

Completion of these audits supports  
our organisation and our people whilst 
demonstrating to our clients our  
commitment to the continuous  
improvement of EHS management. 

Travel Emergency  
Response Process 
UDG Healthcare is based  
in 24 countries with over  
9,000 international employees.  
As a global organisation, our employees  
may sometimes be required to travel on 
company business.

We recognise that adverse events can occur 
whilst an employee is travelling and to ensure 
our people are fully supported in such an 
event we have developed a Travel Emergency 
Response Process which ensures we are aware 
of employee’s locations when travelling  
on business. Since its introduction in 2016,  
we have had to activate this process several 
times in response to the increased frequency 
of terrorism attacks and natural disasters.  
To date we have not had any employees 
significantly impacted during these events. 

RoSPA Award
Sharp Clinical Services UK,  
part of UDG Healthcare based  
in Crickhowell, has achieved the 
Gold award for occupational 
health and safety performance  
in the prestigious annual awards scheme  
run by the Royal Society for the Prevention  
of Accidents (RoSPA).

44

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Set out in the accompanying chart is  
a summary of the mileage driven within  
our largest corporate fleets.

Total mileage (million) driven per fleet

15.0

Our membership with the network of 
employers for traffic safety (NETS) requires 
us to record our performance with them to 
benchmark our driver safety performance 
against similar industries.

NETS is a collaborative group of companies 
dedicated to road safety. The organisation 
was founded by the National Highway Traffic 
Safety Administration (NHTSA) as an 
employer-led road safety organisation.

8.1

6.1

3.6

2.3

1.9

1.6

i

n
a
p
S
d
e
fi
h
s
A

l

l

K
U
d
e
fi
h
s
A

y
n
a
m
r
e
G
d
e
fi
h
s
A

l

l

i

m
u
g
e
B
d
e
fi
h
s
A

l

0.8

0.8

0.4

0.4

0.2 0.2

l

S
U
d
e
fi
h
s
A

K
U
x
x
e
m
r
a
h
P

d
n
a

l

e
r
I

l

d
e
fi
h
s
A

l

a
g
u
t
r
o
P
d
e
fi
h
s
A

l

l
l
i

h
t
n
o
F

t
n
a

l
i

u
q
A

s
c
i
d
r
o
N
d
e
fi
h
s
A

l

e
k
o
t
s
g
n
i
s
a
B
t
n
a

l
i

u
q
A

d
e
N

t
n
a

l
i

u
q
A

e
y

W
-
n
o
-
s
s
o
R
t
n
a

l
i

u
q
A

The RoSPA Awards are one of the most 
prestigious in the world of occupational health 
and safety. They demonstrate an organisation’s 
commitment to maintaining an excellent health 
and safety record. 

Driver Safety 
Driving safely is one of the key areas of focus for 
UDG Healthcare. Our driver safety programme  
is designed to give our drivers proactive tools  
to prevent adverse driving incidents.

Our driver safety policy was launched in 2016 
and whilst signalling our collective commitment 
to road safety it has also formed the basis of 
our evolving driver safety programme. In 2017, 
we began capturing key performance indicators 
including collision numbers, miles travelled and 
collisions per million miles. 

PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY IN OUR BUSINESS 

Reporting period Oct 2016 – Sep 2017.

UDG Healthcare held its  
first Environmental Health and 
Safety (EHS) leaders gathering  
in October 2016. It was held  
during European Health and 
Safety Week which has become 
UDG Healthcare’s annual EHS 
week across all jurisdictions. 

The event, hosted by the Group 
Environmental, Health and Safety Lead,  
was held at our Ashfield site in Ashby De  
La Zouch, UK, involving over 20 attendees  
from across the globe, and focused on how 
EHS can add value to our organisation. 

Since the event, the attendees have split into 
five groups and been tasked with drafting  
an action plan for improvement covering  
the meetings, hot topics and key learnings, 
that can be applied and adopted across all 
divisions, some of which include:
•  Enhancing EHS culture
•  Wellness of our employees
•  EHS training for senior managers
•  Environmental initiatives
•  Teamworking amongst the EHS network

The meeting included external and internal 
training and group activities and was a great 
example of cross-divisional collaboration that 

illustrates partnership and energy and  
will help improve the quality of EHS  
at UDG Healthcare.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Report 

Sustainability (continued)

Quality and Compliance

Quality
The UDG Healthcare Quality Policy has been re-launched to improve clarity and relevance  
to all of the business units. It aligns the diverse businesses under one scalable system and  
gives a common language for the Quality Management System (QMS). Six fundamental  
quality processes are the basis for the QMS and are focused on ensuring there is clarity  
for all employees in what they do, how they do it and how they are trained. Integral to the  
QMS is measurement of our performance and using that information to inform management,  
to improve and to change for the better when needed. 

The Quality Management System

A clearly articulated, 
formal system  
of Documentation 
ensuring  
conformance  
with regulatory 
requirements.

Development of  
a robust Training 
Process.

Performance 
monitoring;  
a data based  
approach to 
measuring service  
or product delivery.

Corrective action  
and preventative 
action (CAPA)  
system to build in 
Reliability and 
Improvement.

A formal  
documented  
Change  
Management  
system.

Regular  
Management  
Review of 
performance.

Compliance
Good compliance not only helps prevent unethical behaviour and violations of the law,  
but also adds value by improving operational efficiencies and avoiding reputational risk.

While compliance is important to us, it can be challenging for a global business. Building  
on our compliance programme, our learning management system, ComplianceCentre, has  
been upgraded this year to provide a more sustainable infrastructure to our growing global 
business. It has more capability and allowed us to launch our revised Code of Conduct to all 
employees. We can also host and seek mandatory compliance with important Group policies 
relating to anti-modern slavery, anti-bribery and corruption, confidential reporting, etc.

Our ComplianceCentre allows us audit compliance with key training programmes. The compliance 
audit programme was updated in 2017 and will continue to be developed further in 2018.

46

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Improving

Quality Department  
applying Lean Principles

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) rationalisation and  
re-design at Ashfield Clinical & Commercial US. 

The Ashfield US Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) process needed improvement. 
Employees did not value it as often the content was unclear and too lengthy to retain. 
The project goal was to review and improve the Ashfield US SOP process with the aim 
of delivering the following:

•  Clear and streamlined SOP process
•  A SOP inventory in accordance with new definitions
•  A documented future state improved process
•  A training matrix for end of SOP process (input to training on requirements)
•  A playbook for future state process
Identified prioritised opportunities
• 
•  Visible benefits to the business through a test run of selected Corporate SOPs

In addition, throughout the project, the team were trained in lean methodologies  
and project management and subsequently applied these skills to the project.  
The result was a more streamlined process for creating, editing and approving SOPs.

RESULTS:

8 
pages

3 
pages

22.5 
hours

8.5 
hours

$900 
per SOP

$350 
per SOP

30 
days

21 
days

Before 
project

Post 
project

Before 
project

Post 
project

Before 
project

Post 
project

Before 
project

Post 
project

Average pages per SOP

Hours taken to 
prepare and review

Cost to prepare  
and review

Time to train 
(Total training time)

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

47

 
Strategic Report 

Sustainability (continued)

Environment
As a business, we recognise and welcome  
the greater responsibility that comes with  
the scope and scale of UDG Healthcare  
and therefore consider our environmental 
performance a key pillar of our organisational 
sustainability. We are committed to limiting 
the environmental impact of our operations 
by continuously monitoring our activities, 
reviewing environmental advances in 
technology and our responsiveness to 
environmental challenges.

To date we have demonstrated our commitment 
to environmentally responsible operations  
by reducing our impact on the environment  
in multiple areas of our global business.

The launch of our Environmental Sustainability 
policy and the completion of energy efficiency 
assessments in 2016 identified a requirement 
to gain a better understanding of our 
environmental footprint, its impact, and  
how it is changing. 

To address this, we have since completed  
a review of the environmental risk across  
our organisation. This review has enabled us 
to identify our main environmental impacts  
and prioritise our action plans. 

Energy and Emissions 
The CDP, formerly the Carbon Disclosure 
Project runs a global disclosure system that 
enables companies to measure and manage 
their environmental impacts. UDG Healthcare 
discloses emissions and environmental data 
annually to the CDP. CDP 2017 was the 
strongest performance for UDG Healthcare  
in over six years of reporting, with scoring 
improvements across the main categories  
of Disclosure, Awareness, Management and 
Leadership. We will work to make further 
improvements in CDP 2018, as we embed 
sustainability targets and objectives into  
the business. 

Key environmental 
impacts identified  
within UDG Healthcare

Geographical chart of energy and emission 
tonnage of CO2(excluding car fleets)

17,232

High emission fleets

Employee travel 

Water consumption

Paper consumption

Waste 

Environmental awareness

Energy consumption

S
U

Reporting period Jan – Dec 2016.

48

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

5,260

3,588

3,487

Reporting period Oct 2016 – Sep 2017.

2,494

1,951

1,765

1,637

K
U

y
e
k
r
u
T

i

n
a
p
S

y
n
a
m
r
e
G

d
n
a

l

e
r
I

n
e
d
e
w
S

229

a
d
a
n
a
C

671

s
d
n
a

l
r
e
h
t
e
N

i

m
u
g
e
B

l

Carbon Footprint from Car Fleets 
This year we have improved the consistency  
of the methodology used to calculate our fleet 
CO2 emissions. We are now standardising our 
measurement of CO2 using the Department 
for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs  
(Defra) emission factor calculation to express 
our fleet carbon footprint for all businesses 
with the exception of the German business.  
In Germany our fleet comprises of lower 
emission vehicles hence they have a lower 
carbon footprint even though they travel  
more miles annually.

Carbon footprint from car fleets  
in tonnes of CO2

2,400

1,815

1,478

1,063

701

583

488

i

n
a
p
S
d
e
fi
h
s
A

l

l

K
U
d
e
fi
h
s
A

y
n
a
m
r
e
G
d
e
fi
h
s
A

l

l

i

m
u
g
e
B
d
e
fi
h
s
A

l

228

228

l

S
U
d
e
fi
h
s
A

K
U
x
x
e
m
r
a
h
P

d
n
a

l

e
r
I

l

d
e
fi
h
s
A

l

a
g
u
t
r
o
P
d
e
fi
h
s
A

l

126

l
l
i

h
t
n
o
F

t
n
a

l
i

u
q
A

71

s
c
i
d
r
o
N

t
n
a

l
i

u
q
A

e
k
o
t
s
g
n
i
s
a
B
t
n
a

l
i

u
q
A

50

49

d
e
N

t
n
a

l
i

u
q
A

e
y

W
-
n
o
-
s
s
o
R
t
n
a

l
i

u
q
A

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Transforming
All Sharp Packaging  
US facilities now landfill free

Earlier this year the Sharp US team in 
Conshohocken undertook a complete 
review of their waste removal practices in 
order to gain a greater understanding of 
their environmental impact. This uncovered 
significant opportunities for redirecting 
materials that had previously been sent to 
landfill, as well as continuing the highest 
standards of recycling for other materials 
such as cardboard, shrink-wrap, pallets  
and fibre drums.

For all other materials at Conshohocken, 
Sharp now converts this waste to clean, 
renewable energy at a local energy-from-
waste (EfW) facility. These facilities  
convert waste into clean, reliable and 
renewable sources of energy that produce 
electricity with less environmental impact 
than almost any other energy source. 
Energy produced at EfW facilities typically 
produces 90% less greenhouse gas than 
landfill and is classified as Green Renewable 
Energy, the same category as wind, hydro 
and solar energy sources.

With the recent introduction of the  
EfW practice at Sharp in Conshohocken, 
we are delighted to report that all Sharp 
Packaging facilities in the US are now 
landfill free. These combined waste 
management changes have led to a 
significant positive environmental impact  
in 2017, which can be expressed as the 
following energy savings: 

1. Waste removed 
from Sharp

Steam turbine 
energy generated

5. Water vapour  
released

The
Process

2. Incineration in 
combustion unit

4. Air quality  
control testing

3. Multiple filtration 
systems applied

680

bath tubs filled from  
the 683 barrels of oil  
saved through EfW

34.7

average US homes  
powered annually with  
376 MWh saved  
through EfW

1,875

mid-size cars, equating  
to 683 tons of waste  
diverted from landfill

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

49

Strategic Report 

Sustainability (continued)

There are approximately 55,000 people living 
with dementia in Ireland and this number is 
expected to treble in the next 35 years.

Employee initiatives
For the third consecutive year, UDG Healthcare 
continued its support of employee initiatives 
across the globe by making donations out of 
the UDG Healthcare CSR Fund to support  
our employees in their charitable endeavours. 
Employees submitted applications for support 
to the Fund as they themselves completed 
multiple activities including marathons, 
abseiling, coffee mornings, etc. 

UDG Healthcare also undertook to give  
more back to the community by encouraging 
employees to donate toys to the children’s toy 
appeal at Christmas, completing the ‘Shoebox 
Appeal’ in aid of children in Africa and Syria 
and by taking part in a food drive aiming to 
donate over 10,000 non-perishable food  
items to families in need.

All initiatives are well received by employees 
who enjoy the opportunity to donate their 
time and energy to charitable causes.

Ashfield Cares
Since the launch in June 2016 the Ashfield 
Cares initiative has gone from strength to 
strength. Through time, skills and fundraising 
activities Ashfield Cares looks to support 
charitable and non-charitable causes in the 
areas of healthcare, education and community 
development. 

Ashfield Cares is led by local committees that 
organise local activities for the charities of 
their choice. We all come together for three 
global campaigns throughout the year. 

i) Spirit of Giving 
In true Ashfield Way this saw all of us come 
together over two weeks in December 2016 to 
strive towards a common mission of donating 
10,000 food items across the globe. We flew 
past our target of 10,000 items and reached 
an incredible 17,051. Hunger touches every 
community, every nation, and every region of 
the world. The contributions that were made 
to the local causes will have helped a number 
of families and individuals.

Community Involvement 
As part of our commitment to living our 
values, UDG Healthcare actively encourages 
employees to support their local communities 
through fundraising and/or donating their 
time to worthy causes. Sometimes the activity 
is led by the organisation but on many 
occasions it is our employees who instigate 
projects and initiatives. 

Since 2012, UDG Healthcare has supported 
various charities across the globe, donating  
in excess of €400,000. 

Our main corporate fundraising event is our 
Annual Golf Day which is held in September 
each year. In Ireland, the three charities of 
choice for 2017, were LauraLynn Foundation, 
Pieta House and The Alzheimer’s Society  
of Ireland. 

Charities of Choice
LauraLynn is Ireland’s 
only Children’s Hospice. 
The charity cares for 
children with life-limiting conditions, and their 
families, through their hospice in Dublin and 
through their homecare team. LauraLynn 
focuses on enhancing quality of life, physical 
comfort and wellbeing, as well as the emotional, 
social and spiritual aspects of care. 

Pieta House was 
established in 2006 to 
provide freely accessible, 
professional services to anyone in suicidal 
crisis or engaging in self-harm. Since 2016,  
the charity also provides suicide bereavement 
counselling. Pieta House has eight centres 
across Ireland and has seen over 30,000 
clients to date.

The Alzheimer Society 
of Ireland works 
across the country in 
local communities providing dementia specific 
services and support. The charity advocates 
for the rights and needs of all people living 
with dementia and their carers.

50

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Employees from Ashfield Ireland with their collection during 
the Spirit of Giving campaign.

ii) Impact on Society Week 
On 12–16 June, employees from around the 
business volunteered their time, got out into their 
local community and lent a helping hand to a 
whole range of different causes across the globe. 

At Ashfield, our impact on society forms a 
large part of the Ashfield Way. We can have  
a positive influence on our community in 
many different ways, but this year our focus 
was on Ashfield Cares and giving something 
back to the many societies we operate in.

Ashfield volunteers sprucing up the entrance of their local 
hospital during Impact on Society Week.

iii) Blood Awareness 
During our Impact on Society Week, we also 
marked World Blood Donor Day on 14 June 
with the launch of our ongoing awareness 
campaign to the importance of donating blood.

Blood donors showing their support on World Blood Donor 
day from Ashfield Ireland.

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

In the financial year to 30 September 2017, 
UDG Healthcare added economic value of 
$640.4 million (being revenue of $1,219.8 
million less $579.4 million of input costs paid 
to suppliers). Remuneration to employees of 
$511.1 million, corporate taxes of $26.4 million,  
net interest paid to lenders of $10.4 million 
and dividends paid to shareholders of  
$31.3 million resulted in 90% of total value 
generated being redistributed to our 
economic community.

Total income

$1,219.8m

Dividend to shareholders

$31.3m

Adjusted profit  
after tax

$92.5m

Corporate taxes

$26.4m

Interest

$10.4m

Employee costs

$511.1m

Cost of goods  
and services

$579.4m

Value added

$640.4m

Blood is an important resource, both for 
planned treatments and urgent interventions. 
At Ashfield, we would like to do what we  
can to help improve lives and as blood is 
something that unites us all, we are proud to  
be running an ongoing awareness campaign  
to encourage employees to give and give often. 

Economic Contribution 
An integral part of the Group’s sustainability  
is the economic value generated from our 
operations. We are cognisant that our 
continued growth and economic performance 
are crucial to our many stakeholders and to 
each of the communities in which we operate. 

Sharp Community Support
In 2017, Sharp proudly supported our 
employees in raising $44,000 in charitable 
donations for eight different community 
organisations. At Sharp we believe in  
building strong, rewarding relationships  
with the communities we work in and serve, 
by getting involved with local fundraising, 
projects and organisations.

We support many local and national charities 
that we believe in, directly through financial 
donations as well as by supporting our 
employees as they give their time and skills.  
At each of our sites, we encourage our teams to 
come up with creative new ways of contributing 
and working with their community.

Sharp has been a long-time supporter of the 
March of the Dimes Foundation. The Foundation 
focuses on research that addresses problems 
such as premature births and polio in children.

Other charities Sharp supports include:
•  United Way;
•  American Cancer Society; 
•  MacMillan Cancer Support; and
•  American Red Cross – hurricane relief.

Aims for the Future
Our aim is to continue to align our sustainability programme to the relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals. We consider that the following 
seven such goals are the most relevant to our activities within UDG Healthcare:

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

51

Strategic Report 

Finance Review

2017 has been another 
strong year for UDG 
Healthcare with revenue 
from continuing 
operations increasing 
by 13% to $1,219.8m. 

The combination of good underlying growth and acquisition 
activity generated 23% constant currency EPS growth.

Net debt at the end of the year was $53.3 million.

Earnings per share ($)

37.12c

+17% (23% constant  
currency growth)

Dividend per share ($)

13.30c

+7%

52

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

“ 2017 was another year of strong growth with adjusted 
earnings per share increasing by 17% (23% on a 
constant currency basis). All our divisions delivered 
good underlying growth, supplemented by the benefit 
of acquisitions.” 

Alan Ralph
Chief Financial Officer

Net operating margin 

12.6%

12.6%

12.6%

12.2%

10.4%

8.5%

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Revenue
Revenue of $1,219.8 million for the year  
was 13% ahead of 2016. Underlying revenue 
growth was 10% ahead, excluding the  
impact of foreign exchange and acquisitions. 
Ashfield increased underlying revenue by  
14% while Sharp and Aquilant both reported 
revenue 2% ahead of 2016 excluding the 
impact of foreign exchange and acquisitions. 

Adjusted Operating Profit
Adjusted operating profit from continuing 
operations of $129.3 million is 12% ahead  
(17% on a constant currency basis) of 2016.

Adjusted Net Operating Margin
The adjusted net operating margin for the 
year of 12.6% was the same as 2016. The 
positive margin effect of acquisitions was 
offset by the impact of additional Future  
Fit operating costs and relatively higher 
revenue growth in the lower margin  
Ashfield Commercial & Clinical business.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

53

Strategic Report 

Finance Review (continued)

Overview of Results
The Group delivered an adjusted profit before tax of $118.9 million in 2017, the details of which are disclosed in the table below.  
This is a 17% increase on 2016 (23% increase on a constant currency basis). 

Continuing operations
Revenue
Net revenue 2
Operating profit
Profit before tax
Diluted earnings per share (EPS) (cent)

Discontinued operations 3
Diluted earnings per share (cent)

IFRS based 
$’m

Adjustments 1 
$’m

Adjusted  
$’m

Increase/
(decrease)  
on 2016 
%

Constant 
currency 
increase/ 
(decrease)  
on 2016 
%

1,219.8
1,028.5
103.2
92.8
28.83

–
–
26.1
26.1
8.29

1,219.8
1,028.5
129.3
118.9
37.12

13
12
12
17
17

17
16
17
23
23

–

–

–

(100)

(100)

Total diluted earnings per share (cent)

28.83

8.29

37.12

Dividend per share (cent)

13.30

–

13.30

(5)

7

(1)

7

1 

Adjusted operating profit, profit before tax and diluted EPS are stated before the amortisation of acquired intangible assets ($22.1 million, pre-tax) and transaction costs  
($4.0 million, pre-tax).

2  Net revenue represents gross revenue adjusted for revenue associated with pass-through costs, for which the Group does not earn a margin.

3  The Group has classified its joint venture arrangement with Magir Limited as a discontinued operation and an asset held for sale. The discontinued operations in 2016 also included 

United Drug Supply Chain Services, United Drug Sangers, TCP Group and MASTA. The Group’s disposal of these operations was completed on 1 April 2016.

Adjusted Profit Before Tax
Net interest costs for the year of $10.4 million 
are 26% lower than 2016, which is as a result 
of the repayment of the RCF bank facility  
in April 2016 and increased interest income 
following the disposal of the United Drug 
Supply Chain businesses in 2016. This 
delivered a profit before tax from operations 
of $118.9 million which is 17% ahead of 2016 
(23% on a constant currency basis). 

Taxation
The effective taxation rate has decreased from 
22.7% in 2016 to 22.2% in 2017. 

Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share 
Earnings per share (EPS) from continuing 
operations is 17% ahead (23% on a constant 
currency basis) of 2016 at 37.12 $ cent. 
Underlying EPS increased by 13% excluding 
acquisitions completed during the year and 
unfavourable currency movements.

US Dollar Reporting
In August 2016, the Group announced that  
it would change its reporting currency to  
US dollar for the 2017 financial year as the 
majority of Group profits are now derived 
from the US. This Annual Report is presented 
in US dollar and further details on the change 
in presentational currency are included in 
Note 32. 

Discontinued Operations
The Group has classified its joint venture 
arrangement with Magir Limited as a 
discontinued operation and an asset held  
for sale. Discontinued operations in the prior 
year also included United Drug Supply Chain 
Services, United Drug Sangers, TCP Group 
and MASTA, which were disposed of on 
1 April 2016. 

The Group operates in 24 countries, with  
its primary foreign exchange exposure being 
the translation of local income statements  
and balance sheets into US dollar for Group 
reporting purposes. The primary non-dollar 
currencies are sterling and euro. The 
re-translation of overseas profits to US dollar 
has decreased constant currency EPS growth 
of 23% to a reported EPS growth rate of  
17%, which is primarily due to the weakness  
in sterling in the first nine months of 2017 
versus the same period in 2016.

The average 2017 exchange rates  
were $1: €0.9047 and $1: £0.7891  
(2016: $1: €0.9002 and $1: £0.7045).

Cash Flow
The Group moved from a net cash position of 
$143.2 million in 2016 to a net debt position of 
$53.3 million in 2017. This was primarily as a 
result of the 2017 acquisition activity. The net  
cash inflow from operating activities was 
$107.8 million.

$51.4 million was invested in property, plant 
and equipment and computer software.  
This includes IT investment to enable our 
businesses to grow in an efficient manner and 
investment in the new facility in Sharp UK. 
$198.4 million was paid in initial consideration 
for the acquisition of STEM Healthcare,  
the Bethlehem packaging facility, Vynamic, 
Cambridge BioMarketing, Sellxpert and 
MicroMass while the Group also paid  

54

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

2017 Adjusted profit before tax ($’m) – Continuing Group
Continuing Group PBT +17%
(+23% constant currency)

101.7

(5.2)

10.2

12.2

118.9

2016

Foreign Exchange

Acquisition

Underlying

2017

$14.3 million in deferred contingent 
consideration associated with current and 
prior year acquisitions. Dividend payments  
of $31.3 million relating to the final 2016 
dividend and the 2017 interim dividend  
were made during the year. 

Balance Sheet
Net debt at the end of the year was $53.3 
million ($187.5 million cash and $240.8 million 
debt). The net (debt)/cash to annualised 
EBITDA ratio is 0.32 times debt (2016:  
1.05 times cash) and net interest is covered 
16.3 times (2016: 10.6 times) by annualised 
EBITDA. Financial covenants in our principal 
debt facilities are based on net debt to 
EBITDA being less than 3.5 times and EBITDA 
interest cover being greater than three times.

The Group has retained its long-term  
private placement debt as it expects to make 
acquisitions and other capital investments  
in the coming years. The Group made  
a scheduled repayment of $63.3 million  
in September 2017 of maturing private 
placement notes. At 30 September 2017 the 
Group also had $259.7 million of undrawn 
overdraft and loan facilities. 

Return on Capital Employed
The ROCE for continuing operations was 
12.8%, down from 13.6% at the end of 2016. 
Details on how this was calculated are on page 
179. ROCE was 13.2% excluding the impact of 
acquisitions, most of which were acquired in 
the final quarter. ROCE has been impacted by 
capital expenditure investment in 2017.

Dividends
The directors are proposing a final dividend of 
9.72 $ cent per share representing an increase 
of 7.5% on the 2016 final dividend of 9.04 $ 
cent per share. This represents 7% growth in 
the total dividend for the year to 13.30 $ cent 
per share. This continues the Group’s 30 year 
history of consistently increasing dividends.

Subject to shareholder approval at the 
Company’s Annual General Meeting,  
the proposed final dividend of 9.72 $ cent  
per share will be paid on 5 February 2018  
to ordinary shareholders on the Company’s 
register at 5.00 p.m. on 12 January 2018. 

Investor Relations
UDG Healthcare’s executive management 
team spend a significant amount of time 
meeting with shareholders and the 
international financial community. We have 
invested in dedicated investor relations 
resources and are focused on increasing the 
awareness of the Group among the investor 
and analyst community. 

We communicate regularly with our 
shareholders during the year, specifically 
following the release of our interim and 
preliminary results, and at the time of major 
developments including M&A transactions. 
During 2017, the executive management  
team attended and presented at 11 investor 
conferences, including four in the US, and 
conducted over 230 institutional investor 
one-on-one meetings. In addition, our 
Chairman, Peter Gray, held a number  
of governance meetings with existing 
shareholders during the year, in both the UK 
and the US. The number of independent equity 
analysts covering the Group increased to ten 
during the year reflecting the growing interest 
in UDG Healthcare from the equity markets.

The Board considers it important to 
understand the views of shareholders and 
receive regular updates on investor perceptions.

Our website www.udghealthcare.com is the 
primary method of communication for the 
majority of our shareholders. We publish  
our annual report, preliminary results and 
other public announcements on our website. 
In addition, details of our conference calls  
and presentations are available through  
our website. 

Our investor relations department provides  
a point of contact for shareholders and full 
contact details are set out in the investor 
relations section of our website. Shareholders 
can also submit an information request 
through the shareholder services section  
of our website.

Alan Ralph
Chief Financial Officer

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

55

Directors’ Report 

Board of Directors

y
h
p
a
r
g
o
B

i

e
c
i
f
f
o
f
o
m

r
e
T

t
n
e
d
n
e
p
e
d
n
I

l
a
n
r
e
t
x
E

PETER  
GRAY

Chairman (63)

BRENDAN 
McATAMNEY

ALAN  
RALPH

Chief Executive Officer 
(55)

Chief Financial  
Officer (48)

CHRIS  
CORBIN

Chairman of 
Ashfield (62)

LINDA  
WILDING

Non-Executive Director 
(58)

Peter Gray is Chairman 
and non-executive director 
of UDG Healthcare. Peter 
formerly held senior 
executive positions in a 
number of Irish public 
companies, the most 
recent being that of Vice 
Chairman and Chief 
Executive of ICON plc, the 
Irish based multinational 
pharmaceutical 
development services 
company. 

Brendan McAtamney 
was appointed Group 
Chief Executive Officer on 
2 February 2016, having 
previously served as the 
Group’s Chief Operating 
Officer since 1 September 
2013. Before joining UDG 
Healthcare, Brendan 
held various senior 
management positions 
with Abbott, latterly as 
Vice President Commercial 
and Corporate Officer 
within the Established 
Pharmaceuticals division. 

Alan Ralph joined UDG 
Healthcare in 1999 and 
was appointed Chief 
Financial Officer on 1 June 
2013. Alan previously had 
responsibility for the Supply 
Chain Services division 
which was sold in 2016. 
Alan also held various 
roles throughout the 
Group including Managing 
Director of the Pharma 
Wholesale division and 
Group Financial Controller. 
Prior to working with the 
Group, Alan worked with 
Banta Corporation and 
PriceWaterhouseCoopers. 

Chris Corbin is executive 
Chairman of the Ashfield 
division, having previously 
served as Managing 
Director of Ashfield. 
Chris founded Ashfield 
Healthcare Limited and 
previously held sales 
management positions with 
Parke Davis, Fisons, Astra 
and May & Baker. Chris 
was formerly Patron for 
SETPOINT Leicestershire, 
Chairman of Leicestershire 
Business Awards and a 
member of Derbyshire 
Magistrates Bench. 

Linda Wilding’s career 
includes 12 years at Mercury 
Asset Management where 
she held the position of 
Managing Director in the 
Private Equity division. 
Prior to this, Linda 
qualified as a chartered 
accountant while working 
with Ernst & Young. 

Peter was appointed 
Chairman of the Board 
on 7 February 2012 
having served as a non-
executive director since 
28 September 2004.

Brendan was appointed 
to the Board of UDG 
Healthcare as an 
executive director on 
16 December 2013.

Alan was appointed to the 
Board of UDG Healthcare 
as an executive director 
on 19 June 2008.

Chris was appointed to the 
Board of UDG Healthcare 
as an executive director 
on 20 June 2003.

Linda was appointed to the 
Board of UDG Healthcare 
as a non-executive director 
on 16 December 2013.

Not applicable

No

No

No

Yes

s
t
n
e
m
t
n
o
p
p
a

i

Peter is currently a non-
executive director of Jazz 
Pharmaceuticals plc, 
chairman of one other 
private company and one 
not-for-profit organisation.

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Linda is currently a 
non-executive director of 
Touchstone Innovations 
plc, Electra Private 
Equity plc and one other 
private company.

(cid:27)

N  

(cid:27)

e
e
t
t
i

m
m
o
C

i

p
h
s
r
e
b
m
e
m

56

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 
 
  
  
 
Committee Membership Key

(cid:27)

(cid:27)

(cid:27)

 Audit Committee

 Nominations & Governance Committee

 Risk, Investment & Financing Committee

(cid:27)

 Remuneration Committee

 Indicates Committee Chair

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

MYLES  
LEE

Non-Executive 
Director (64)

GERARD  
VAN ODIJK

Non-Executive 
Director (59)

LISA  
RICCIARDI

Non-Executive 
Director (57)

PHILIP  
TOOMEY

Non-Executive 
Director (64)

CHRIS  
BRINSMEAD CBE 

Senior Independent 
Non-Executive 
Director (58)

NANCY  
MILLER-RICH

Non-Executive 
Director (58)

Myles was Group Chief 
Executive of CRH plc,  
a FTSE 100 and Fortune 
500 company, prior to 
retiring in December 
2013. With more than 
30 years’ experience 
at senior financial 
and managerial level, 
Myles has extensive 
global experience in 
management, M&A 
and finance. He is a 
qualified civil engineer 
and a Fellow of the 
Institute of Chartered 
Accountants in Ireland. 

Gerard van Odijk 
has over 25 years’ 
experience in the 
European healthcare 
industry and was 
formerly President and 
Chief Executive Officer 
of Teva Pharmaceuticals 
Europe. Prior to this, 
Gerard held various 
senior management 
positions with 
GlaxoSmithKline, latterly 
holding the position of 
Senior Vice President 
and Area Director 
Northern Europe. 
Gerard also holds a 
medical degree from the 
University of Utrecht. 

Lisa Ricciardi was 
recently appointed 
Chief Operating 
Officer of ContraFect 
Corporation, a NASDAQ 
company. Lisa was 
formerly Senior Vice 
President of Foundation 
Medicine, Inc. and prior 
to this was Senior Vice 
President of US and 
International Business 
Development at Medco 
Health Solutions. Lisa 
also held multiple senior 
roles in Pfizer, first in 
operations then leading 
business development 
for over a decade.

Philip Toomey was 
appointed a non-
executive director of 
UDG Healthcare on 
27 February 2008 and 
held the position of 
Senior Independent non-
executive Director from 
14 June 2013 until 30 June 
2017. Philip was formerly 
Global Chief Operating 
Officer for the financial 
services industry 
practice of Accenture. 
Philip has wide 
ranging international 
consulting experience 
and was a member of 
the Accenture Global 
Leadership Council. 

Chris Brinsmead CBE 
was formerly Chairman 
of AstraZeneca 
Pharmaceuticals UK, 
President of AstraZeneca 
UK and Ireland and 
President of the 
Association of the British 
Pharmaceutical Industry 
(ABPI). Chris succeeded 
Philip Toomey as 
Senior Independent 
non-executive Director 
on 1 July 2017.

Nancy Miller-Rich was 
formerly Senior Vice-
President, Business 
Development & 
Licensing, Strategy and 
Commercial Support 
for Global Human 
Health at MSD, known 
as Merck in the US 
and Canada until her 
retirement in September 
2017. With more than 
35 years’ experience in 
the healthcare industry, 
Nancy’s background 
includes roles in sales, 
marketing, and business 
development for MSD, 
Schering-Plough, 
Sandoz (now Novartis), 
and Sterling Drug.

Myles was appointed 
to the Board of UDG 
Healthcare as a non-
executive director 
on 1 April 2017.

Gerard was appointed 
to the Board of UDG 
Healthcare as a non-
executive director on 
16 December 2013. 
Gerard will retire  
from the Board  
at the 2018 AGM.

Lisa was appointed 
to the Board of UDG 
Healthcare as a non-
executive director 
on 14 June 2013.

Philip was appointed 
to the Board of UDG 
Healthcare as a non-
executive director on 
27 February 2008. 

Chris was appointed 
to the Board of UDG 
Healthcare as a non-
executive director 
on 12 April 2010.

Nancy was appointed 
to the Board of UDG 
Healthcare as a non-
executive director 
on 20 June 2016.

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Myles is currently a 
non-executive director 
of both Ingersoll Rand 
Inc., and Babcock 
International Group plc.

Gerard is currently 
Chairman of Bavarian 
Nordic A/S and 
Chairman of HTL Strefa.

Lisa is currently an 
executive director of 
ContraFect Corporation.

Philip is currently a 
non-executive director 
and also chairman-elect 
of Kerry Group plc.

Nancy is an adviser 
with the Gerson 
Lehrman Group.

Chris is currently a 
non-executive director of 
the Wesleyan Assurance 
Society and Datapharm, 
and is a member of 
council at Imperial 
College London and the 
Chairman of two other 
private companies.

A

(cid:27)

(cid:27)

(cid:27)

(cid:27)

(cid:27)

(cid:27)

R  

(cid:27)

(cid:27)

(cid:27)

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

57

 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report 

Chairman’s Introduction  
to Corporate Governance

UDG Healthcare continues  
to comply with all aspects  
of governance in pursing  
its strategic priorities  
and growth ambitions. 

Peter Gray
Chairman

The essence of good governance is a 
state-of-mind, not a set of rules. We strive  
to ensure that we focus on the important 
issues for the business and its stakeholders, 
using good sense, transparency, openness, 
and honesty.

Peter Gray
Chairman

Dear Shareholder,

I am pleased to report that for the year ended 
30 September 2017, UDG Healthcare is fully 
compliant with the requirements of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code. Details of  
our work during the year are set out in the 
following pages.

The Board conducted a self-evaluation during 
2017, including a review of how well we had 
responded to the recommendations of our 
external independent review last year. The 
assessment was positive, noted that we had 
made good progress, but also identified some 
further areas for improvement, including 
recommendations for some changes to the 
way we conduct our annual strategy session. 

We engaged an external independent 
consultant, Independent Audit, to conduct  
a review of the Remuneration Committee,  
and some good recommendations came  
from that exercise, including a suggestion  
that we amend the terms of reference of  
the Committee to make clearer whether  
it decides remuneration, or merely makes 
recommendations to the Board. While we 
want Committees to have delegated authority 
to act, we are also conscious of the high-
profile that remuneration issues attract,  
and want to ensure that the Board is fully 
aligned with the decisions taken.

Diversity and succession are important 
considerations for the Board, exercised 
through the Nominations and Governance 
Committee. We currently have 11 members 
(which will reduce to ten when Gerard van 
Odijk stands down at the AGM in February), 
comprising three executives, myself and seven 
non-executives, of whom three are female. 
Four are resident in Ireland (two executives 
and two non-executives), four are resident  
in the UK, two are resident in the US and one 
is resident in mainland Europe. Eight have 
pharmaceutical company and/or pharma 
services executive experience, while three 
come from other industries. In my opinion,  
we have an excellent mix of skills and styles 
which ensures good debate and well 
considered decisions.

Philip Toomey will have served on the  
Board for almost ten years by the time of  
our next AGM. The Board has determined 
that Philip remains independent; his lack of 
close association with management or other 
directors, coupled with his clear willingness to 
challenge at Board and Committee meetings 
makes this manifest. With the pending 
departure of Gerard van Odijk, the Board has 
requested Philip to serve one further year, and 
assist in the selection and induction of at least 
one additional non-executive director. 

58

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Corporate Governance

UDG Healthcare Governance Framework

CHAIRMAN – PETER GRAY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Audit Committee
Chair 
Myles Lee

Committee Report 
on pages 66 to 69

Remuneration 
Committee
Chair 
Linda Wilding

Committee Report 
on pages 70 to 87

Nominations & 
Governance Committee
Chair 
Peter Gray

Risk, Investment & 
Financing Committee
Chair 
Chris Brinsmead

Committee Report 
on pages 88 and 89

Committee Report 
on pages 90 and 91

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

CHIEF EXECUTIVE – 
BRENDAN 
MCATAMNEY

Senior  
Executive Team

Risk & Viability  
sub-Committee

Quality & Compliance 
sub-Committee 

Compliance with  
the UK Corporate 
Governance Code

The 2016 UK Corporate Governance 
Code (the ‘Code’) applies to companies 
with a listing on the London Stock 
Exchange and sets out key principles 
and specific provisions which establish 
standards of good governance practice 
in relation to leadership, effectiveness, 
accountability, remuneration and 
relations with shareholders. Copies 
of the Code can be found on the 
Financial Reporting Council’s 
website (www.frc.org.uk). 

The Board considers that UDG 
Healthcare has continued to comply 
with the provisions set out in the 
Code throughout the year to 
30 September 2017. This Corporate 
Governance Report sets out details 
of how the Company has applied  
the key principles of the Code.

Leadership
Board
The Board, led by the Chairman, sets the 
Group’s strategic direction and is responsible 
to UDG Healthcare’s shareholders for the 
leadership, oversight and long-term success  
of the Group. The Board also has ultimate 
responsibility for corporate governance, 
which it discharges either directly, or through 
its Committees and structures as further 
described in this report. The Board has,  
in particular, reserved certain items for  
its review including the approval of:
•  Group strategic plans; 
•  Financial Statements and budgets; 
• 

significant acquisitions and disposals; 
significant capital expenditure; 

• 
•  dividends; and
•  Board appointments. 

The roles of Chairman and Chief Executive are 
separate with a clear division of responsibility 
between them. The Chairman is responsible 
for the leadership and governance of the Board  
as a whole, and the Chief Executive for the 
management of the Group and the successful 
implementation of Board strategy. The Board 
has delegated some of its responsibilities to 
Board Committees, details of which are set  
out below. 

Board Committees
The Board has established four Committees  
to assist in the execution of its responsibilities. 
These Committees are the Audit Committee 
(chaired by Myles Lee), the Remuneration 
Committee (chaired by Linda Wilding),  
the Nominations & Governance Committee 
(chaired by Peter Gray) and the Risk, 
Investment & Financing Committee (chaired 
by Chris Brinsmead). In addition, a Quality 
Compliance sub-Committee has been 
established, comprising mainly of executive 
directors, the Chairman and members of  
the Senior Executive Team, reflecting the 
importance placed on quality and compliance 
by the Group.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

59

 
Directors’ Report 

Corporate Governance (continued)

Each Board Committee has specific terms of 
reference under which authority is delegated 
to it by the Board. These terms of reference 
are reviewed annually and are available  
on the Group’s website. The Chair of each 
Committee reports to the Board regularly  
on its activities, attends the AGM and  
is available to answer questions from 

shareholders. Details of activities of each  
of the Committees throughout the year  
are set out in pages 66 to 91. 

The current membership of each Committee, 
details of attendance and each member’s 
tenure are set out in each individual 
Committee report.

Meetings
The Board met nine times during the year. 
Details of directors’ attendance at these 
meetings are set out below. In the event that  
a director is unavailable to attend a Board 
meeting, he or she can communicate their 
views on any items to be raised at the meeting 
through the Chairman.

Number of meetings held 
during the year when the 
director was a member

Number of 
meetings attended

Chris Brinsmead
Chris Corbin (i)
Peter Gray
Myles Lee (joined the Board on 1 April 2017)
Brendan McAtamney
Nancy Miller-Rich
Gerard van Odijk (ii)
Alan Ralph
Lisa Ricciardi (iii)
Philip Toomey
Linda Wilding

9
9
9
5
9
9
9
9
9
9
9

(i)  Chris Corbin could not attend these meetings due to personal reasons.
(ii)  Gerard van Odijk was travelling on 1 August 2017 and, due to technical difficulties, was unable to join the Board meeting scheduled for that afternoon by teleconference. Input was 

provided to the Chairman after the meeting.

(iii) Lisa Ricciardi could not attend a meeting convened at short notice due to prior commitments. Input provided in advance and communicated through the Chairman.

Senior Independent  
Non-Executive Director
Chris Brinsmead was appointed Senior 
Independent non-executive Director 
(SID) on 1 July 2017, succeeding Philip 
Toomey, who had held the role since 
14 June 2013. The SID’s role is to:
•  provide a sounding board for  

the Chairman;

•  conduct an annual review of the 
performance of the Chairman;

•  make himself available to 

shareholders who have concerns  
that cannot be addressed through 
the Chairman, Chief Executive or 
Chief Financial Officer; and

•  be available to act as an intermediary 

for directors, if necessary.

Non-Executive Directors
The role of the non-executive directors 
is to:
•  constructively challenge and debate 

• 

management proposals;
 bring external perspectives and 
insight to the deliberations of the 
Board and its Committees;

•  examine and review management 
performance in meeting agreed 
objectives and targets; 

•  assess risk and the integrity of 

financial information and controls; 
•  determine the appropriate levels of 
remuneration of executive directors 
and ensure appropriate succession 
plans are in place; and
input their knowledge and 
experience in respect of any 
challenges facing the Group, and  
in particular, to the development  
of strategy and strategic plans.

• 

Chairman
Peter Gray has served as Chairman  
of the Board since 7 February 2012.  
The Chairman leads the Board, ensuring 
its effectiveness by: 
•  providing a sounding board for the 

• 

Chief Executive;
setting the agenda, style and tone  
of Board meetings;

•  promoting a culture of openness  
and debate ensuring constructive 
relations between executive and 
non-executive directors;

•  demonstrating ethical leadership  

and promoting the highest standards 
of integrity throughout the Group;

•  ensuring that directors receive 
accurate, relevant, timely and  
clear information; 

•  ensuring the effective operation, 
leadership and governance of the 
Board; and

•  ensuring effective communication 

with shareholders.

60

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Effectiveness
Board Composition
The Board is currently comprised of 11 
directors, three executive directors and eight 
non-executive directors. Biographical details 
are set out on pages 56 and 57. The Board is 
satisfied that each director has the necessary 
time to devote to the effective discharge of 
their responsibilities and that, between them, 
the directors have a blend of skills, experience, 
knowledge and independence suited to the 
Group’s needs and its continuing development 
and long-term viability.

As previously disclosed, Gerard van Odijk will 
step down from the Board at the conclusion  
of the Group’s AGM on 30 January 2018. 

Induction and Development
Non-executive directors are engaged  
under the terms of a Letter of Appointment,  
a copy of which is available on request from 
the Company Secretary. On appointment, 
directors receive a full, formal induction and 
are given briefing materials tailored to their 
individual requirements, in each case, to 
facilitate their understanding of the Group 
and its operations. New directors meet with  
Board members and the Senior Executive 
Team as part of the induction process. Visits 
to each of the Group’s main locations are 
scheduled to provide the director with an 

Company Secretary
Damien Moynagh has served as 
Company Secretary since 21 September 
2016. The Company Secretary assists 
the Chairman in ensuring the effective 
operation of the Board, is a member  
of the Group’s Senior Executive Team 
and has the following responsibilities:
to ensure good information flows 
• 
between the Board and its 
Committees, senior management  
and non-executive directors;
to ensure that Board procedures  
are followed;
to facilitate director induction and 
assist with professional development; 
and
to advise the Board on corporate 
governance obligations and 
developments in best practice.

• 

• 

• 

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

opportunity to meet divisional management 
and to get further insight into the businesses. 
Non-executive directors also receive additional 
training and presentations from across the 
businesses to update their knowledge and 
develop their understanding of the Group.

Myles Lee was appointed to the Board  
on 1 April 2017, bringing extensive global 
experience in management, M&A and finance 
to the Board. Details of the process leading  
to his appointment are summarised in the 
Nominations & Governance Committee 
Report on pages 88 and 89.

Independence
The Board has determined that at least  
half the Board, excluding the Chairman,  
is comprised of independent non-executive 
directors. All of the non-executive directors 
are considered to be independent. 

Succession Planning and Diversity
As noted in the Chairman’s Introduction to 
Corporate Governance, the Board believes 
that diversity is an essential foundation for 
building long-term sustainability in business 
and introduces different perspectives into 
Board debate. This philosophy forms an 
important element of our succession planning 
when considering new appointments to  
the Board. 

Whilst it is the Group’s policy to ensure the 
best candidate for the position is selected,  
the Board will continue to ensure diversity  
is taken into account when considering any 
new appointments to the Board. 

• 

Board Evaluation
Following the engagement of Independent 
Audit Board Review (‘Independent Audit’)  
to facilitate an external Board evaluation last 
year, it was deemed appropriate to conduct.
an internally-facilitated evaluation this year. 
During August 2017, a questionnaire was 
circulated to the directors on the following 
aspects of Board effectiveness:
•  Board responsibilities and oversight;
•  Board composition and meeting dynamics;
•  Board information, including 

improvements during the year;
•  Board support, administration  

and logistics;

•  Board Committees; 
• 

the Board’s relationship with  
management; and
the Board’s satisfaction with the  
progress made in responding to the 
recommendations of the previous  
year’s evaluation.

Chief Executive
Brendan McAtamney was appointed 
Chief Executive on 2 February 2016.  
In addition to maintaining a close 
working relationship with the Chairman, 
shareholders, potential shareholders and 
major external bodies to promote the 
culture and values of the Group, the 
Chief Executive is responsible for  
and accountable to the Board for:
• 

• 

• 

• 

the management and operation of 
the Group;
the development of strategic 
proposals and annual plans for 
recommendation to the Board;
the resourcing of the Group to 
achieve its strategic goals, including 
development of the required 
organisational structure, process  
and systems; and
the implementation of the Group’s 
strategy and plans as agreed by  
the Board through the Senior 
Executive Team.

The output from this review was presented  
to the Board at its September meeting and  
it indicated that, consistent with Independent 
Audit’s findings last year, the Board and 
Committees continue to operate effectively.  
In addition to the strengths previously 
identified (e.g., that the Board was made up  
of enthusiastic and committed directors who 
were overall a motivated and successful team), 
the directors noted that opportunities for 
improvement suggested by Independent Audit 
last year had been acted upon and changes 
introduced. The agreed action items out of  
the 2017 review are summarised below:
•  Group strategy days – that the time should 
be wholly devoted to future potentials,  
and background scene-setting be handled 
solely in the briefing materials;
Increasing governance – that the Group 
take steps to provide more training  
to the directors on certain identified  
areas of interest given increased levels  
of governance regulation; and
•  Communication – that the Group  

• 

continue to regularly review means of 
communication with the Board to ensure 
that these remain up-to-date, appropriate 
and effective.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

61

A significant majority of shareholders 
accepted our explanations and voted in 
favour, some changing their already cast  
vote. Some shareholders, while sympathetic, 
were mandated by their policy to follow  
the proxy adviser’s and thus had to vote 
against, and a small number were not 
persuaded. Since the AGM, the Chairman  
has met with major shareholders face-to-face 
to discuss governance in general including 
remuneration, and the feedback from all 
shareholder interactions will be factored  
into future decision making. 

The Group again presents the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report for FY2017 in 
accordance with the requirements of the  
UK Companies Act 2006 and the Large  
and Medium-sized Companies and Groups 
(Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) 
Regulations 2013 (the ‘Regulations’).  
Details of directors’ remuneration and  
share ownership, as required by the 
Regulations, are set out in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 70 to 87. 

Directors’ Report 

Corporate Governance (continued)

Remuneration
Consistent with past practice, the Board  
has adopted remuneration policies that  
are considered appropriate to promote the 
long-term success and viability of the Group 
whilst ensuring that the performance related 
elements are both stretching and rigorously 
applied. The current Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy Report (Policy) was proposed and 
recommended by the Board, and subsequently 
approved by shareholders earlier this year at 
the 2017 AGM. 

Prior to our 2017 AGM, while Glass Lewis 
recommended that shareholders vote in 
favour of our Annual Remuneration Report, 
ISS recommended a vote against and other 
proxy advisers abstained. The primary 
reasons put forward for the vote against were 
the 8% increase in salary awarded to the CEO 
within a year of his appointment, at which 
time he had been granted a salary comparable 
to his predecessor, and the increase in his LTIP 
award to 150% of salary without an increase in 
the stretch of the targets. 

We consulted extensively with shareholders 
prior to the vote and explained the rationale: 
there had only been a net 1% increase in the 
CEO’s salary in the previous eight years,  
while there had been a transformation of  
the Company during that time in terms of 
profitability, market capitalisation, employee 
numbers, geographic spread, and complexity. 
In terms of the LTIP award, we considered that 
the level of LTIP awarded was appropriate for 
a Company of our size and complexity and that 
the targets set were appropriately stretching. 
Importantly, the Committee also believed  
it important that the CEO should build  
up a meaningful equity investment in the 
business so as to align his interest with that  
of shareholders. Given the CEO’s short  
tenure and the five-year vesting period for  
any such award, and to attain that meaningful 
shareholding, the Committee was supportive 
of this increase.

The Company Secretary in conjunction with 
the Chairman of the Board will follow up  
on these action items and ensure they are 
implemented in 2018.

The performance of individual directors  
was primarily assessed through discussions 
held by the Chairman with directors on an 
individual basis. The performance assessment 
of the Chairman was led by the SID and 
reviewed by the Board in the absence of the 
Chairman. Feedback was communicated by 
the SID to the Chairman following the review.

The Board will continue to review its 
performance on an annual basis. 

Accountability
The Board is committed to providing a fair, 
balanced and understandable assessment  
of the Company’s position and prospects. 

Responsibility for reviewing the Group’s 
internal financial control and financial risk 
management systems and monitoring the 
integrity of the Group’s financial statements 
has been delegated by the Board to the  
Audit Committee. Details of how these 
responsibilities were discharged are set  
out in the Audit Committee Report on  
pages 66 to 69. 

Responsibility for reviewing the Group’s risk 
management and risk evaluation procedures 
has been delegated by the Board to the Risk, 
Investment & Financing Committee. Details  
of how these responsibilities were discharged 
are set out in the Risk, Investment & Financing 
Committee Report on pages 90 to 91. 

The Quality & Compliance Committee oversees 
the Group’s performance in Health & Safety, 
Quality and Compliance, and ensures a culture 
of continuous improvement is encouraged and 
measured throughout the Group.

Following the updates to the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, in particular in relation to 
the risk management process and long-term 
viability of the Group, we provide detail,  
on pages 19 and 20, on these processes  
and the associated assessments.

The Board receives regular updates from the 
Chair of each Committee.

62

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Relations with 
Shareholders
Shareholder Engagement
The Board recognises the importance of 
regular dialogue with shareholders and 
accordingly, the Group and its senior 
management team maintains an ongoing 
investor relations programme. While the 
Chairman takes overall responsibility for 
ensuring that the views of our shareholders 
are communicated to the Board and that all 
directors are made aware of major shareholders’ 
issues and concerns, contact with major 
shareholders is principally maintained by the 
Chief Executive, the Chief Financial Officer 
and the Group Head of Investor Relations. 

A programme of meetings with institutional 
shareholders, fund managers and analysts 
takes place each year. There is regular 
dialogue with institutional shareholders, as 
well as general presentations at the time of  
the release of the annual and interim results. 
In addition to investor relations matters, the 
Group has engaged with major shareholders 
and made itself available to meet and discuss 
any other matters of interest, including matters 
of corporate governance and on foot of this 
engagement, the Chairman has met with a 
number of the Group’s major shareholders  
to discuss such matters during the year. 

Shareholder Communications
Results announcements are released promptly 
to shareholders in May and November and 
trading updates are issued in February and 
August. In addition, information including 
acquisition details and other disclosable 
information are notified to the stock exchange 
in accordance with the requirements of the 
Listing Rules, the Disclosure and Transparency 
Rules and other applicable rules and regulations.

General Meetings
The Company’s AGM gives shareholders the 
opportunity to question the Chairman and the 
Board. The Notice of Annual General Meeting, 
the Form of Proxy and the Annual Report are 
issued to shareholders at least 20 working 
days before the meeting. At the meeting, 
resolutions are voted on by a show of hands  
of those shareholders attending, in person or 
by proxy. After each resolution has been dealt 
with, details are given of the level of proxy 
votes cast on each resolution and the number 
of votes for, against and withheld. If validly 
requested, resolutions can be voted by way  
of a poll whereby the votes of shareholders 
present and voting at the meeting are added  
to the proxy votes received in advance of the 
meeting and the total number of votes for, 
against and withheld for each resolution are 
announced. Details of proxy votes received  
are also made available on the Company’s 
website following the meeting.

A quorum for a general meeting of the 
Company is constituted by three or more 
shareholders present in person or by proxy 
and entitled to vote. The passing of resolutions 
at a meeting of the Company, other than 
special resolutions, requires a simple majority. 
To be passed, a special resolution requires  
a majority of at least 75% of the votes cast.

Shareholders have the right to attend, speak, 
ask questions and vote at general meetings. 
The Company specifies record dates for 
general meetings, by which date shareholders 
must be registered on the Company’s register 
to be entitled to attend. Record dates are 
specified in the Notice of AGM. Shareholders 
may exercise their right to vote by appointing 
a proxy, by electronic means or in writing,  
to vote some or all of their shares. The 
requirements for the receipt of valid proxy 
forms are set out in the Notice of AGM.

The Group’s website (www.udghealthcare.com) 
provides the full text of the annual and interim 
reports, investor presentations, trading updates 
and other stock exchange announcements. 

The 2018 AGM will be held at 12 noon on 
Tuesday, 30 January 2018 at the Westbury 
Hotel in Dublin 2, Ireland.

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

63

Directors’ Report 

Corporate Governance
What the Board did in 2017

In a busy year, the Board oversaw 
the deployment of over $270m 
across acquisitions for Ashfield  
and Sharp, the investment in  
new facilities and new contracts  
and the investment in talent  
and important IT infrastructure  
for the Group as a whole.

The Board continued to oversee  
the evolution of the long-term 
strategy of the Group during 
FY2017. It evaluated and supported 
the acquisition of higher margin 
growth businesses such as STEM  
in the UK, Sellxpert in Germany,  
and Vynamic, Cambridge 
BioMarketing and MicroMass  
in the US. For Ashfield, these 
acquisitions helped establish its  
new Advisory group, adding 
talented management teams  
which enhanced its capabilities  
and extended its geographic reach.

Investment in capital assets to 
provide additional capacity and new 
capabilities for Sharp was also a 
priority, with the Board overseeing 
the acquisition of a new facility for 
its Clinical business in Bethlehem, 
Pennsylvania, investment in a new 
greenfield site for the Clinical EU 
business in Rhymney, Wales, and 
enhancements to its Belgian  
and Dutch facilities. The Board’s 
attention to succession and talent 
development continued, which 
included the addition to the Board 
of Myles Lee (see page 57 for 
biography), and the appointment  
of Jez Moulding as COO of  
the Group and EVP, Ashfield.

64

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

October
Both the Board and the Risk, Investment 
& Financing Committee (RIF) met in  
the first month of UDG Healthcare’s 
financial year. In a year during which six 
acquisitions were eventually completed 
(and many more considered), M&A was 
high on the agenda during both meetings.  
A number of the acquisitions discussed 
were progressed, including the acquisition 
of STEM Healthcare. STEM Healthcare 
would kick-start the establishment of 
Ashfield’s new Advisory group.

November
The RIF met to conduct a review of  
the Group’s Internal Control and Risk 
Management Systems. The Audit 
Committee also met to review the 
FY2016 external auditor report  
and the Group’s draft preliminary 
announcement of results for FY2016. 
Later in November, the Audit Committee 
met again and, receiving an update  
from the internal audit team, made 
recommendations which the Board 
subsequently approved in relation  
to the Directors’ Compliance Statement, 
the Group’s Viability Statement, and the 
Preliminary Announcement of Results for 
FY2016. The Board also considered the 
RIF’s recommendations in relation to the 
Group’s Principal Risks and Uncertainties 
while the Remuneration Committee  
met to review performance against the 
Group’s incentive and bonus schemes. 
Finally, the Nominations and Governance 
Committee met to discuss non-executive 
director recruitment.

December
As 2016 drew to a close, the Board 
convened again to approve the 2016  
Annual Report and the Remuneration 
Committee met to agree the grant  
of awards under one of its incentive 
schemes and to test performance  
of executives against the criteria  
set out in another scheme.

February
The Audit Committee met in early 
February to review and approve  
the draft Q1 Trading Statement.  
The Group’s AGM took place in the  
Westbury Hotel in Dublin a week later. 
The meeting successfully concluded  
with all resolutions passed, including the 
Group’s new three-year remuneration 
policy. While gathered for the AGM, the 
Board took the opportunity to conduct 
its annual two-day strategy session  
with the Group’s Senior Executive  
Team. The Board met again later in the 
month to discuss talent, to confirm the 
appointment of Mr. Myles Lee to the 
Board as an independent non-executive 
director, and to receive an M&A update.

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

September
As FY2017 drew to a close, the Board 
convened in the US, with some newer 
Board members visiting Sharp, Allentown 
and the new Clinical facility in Bethlehem, 
Pennsylvania, in advance of the formal 
meeting. The Chairman (with the Board 
in attendance) officially opened the  
new Ashfield US Headquarters in Fort 
Washington, Pennsylvania. This overseas 
trip enabled the Board to meet a broad 
group of managers from the US businesses 
both in formal settings and more 
informal, social settings, something that 
is facilitated where possible throughout  
the year. The Board also travelled to 
Philadelphia and, in the offices of newly- 
acquired Vynamic, received updates 
from the Ashfield Communications  
US business, as well as presentations 
from the three most recently-acquired 
businesses, Vynamic, Cambridge 
BioMarketing and MicroMass. Together 
with STEM Healthcare, Sellxpert and  
the Daiichi-Sankyo facility in Bethlehem, 
the Group made over six acquisitions 
and deployed $270m during FY2017.

July
In July, the Remuneration Committee 
reviewed proposed salary increases for 
the Senior Executive Team in connection 
with the preparation of the FY2018 
budget and also considered certain 
incentive arrangements to be entered 
into in connection with acquisitions.

August
In early August, the Audit Committee 
reviewed the draft Q3 Trading Update 
and approved amendments to its Terms 
of Reference. The Board also met to 
approve, in principle, the acquisition  
of MicroMass, which subsequently 
completed in September. Later in 
August, the Audit Committee re-
convened during which EY presented  
its Audit Plan and the Committee 
reviewed EY’s independence, fees 
(including its non-audit fee schedule) 
and engagement terms. The Audit 
Committee also received a full internal 
audit update, conducted a review of  
the Committee’s performance and 
resources and, in advance of year-end, 
conducted the goodwill impairment 
review and reviewed the Group’s 
long-term viability. The Board 
subsequently convened again and 
received updates from the Chairs of the 
Audit and Remuneration Committees,  
an update from the CEO and reviewed 
the draft budget for FY2018.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

65

March
The RIF convened in March to consider  
a number of potential acquisitions 
including that of Sellxpert in Germany 
(which later completed), and the 
Daiichi-Sankyo clinical packaging facility 
in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, adding to 
both its Ashfield Clinical & Commercial 
and Sharp Clinical businesses.

April

In April, an ad hoc meeting of the 
Remuneration Committee convened to 
consider and approve the appointment 
of the Group’s new COO and EVP of 
Ashfield Jez Moulding.

May
With the Group’s half-year approaching, 
the Audit Committee convened with 
Myles Lee having succeeded Philip 
Toomey as Chairman of this Committee. 
The Committee discussed the draft 
Interim Report and received a corporate 
governance update from the Group’s 
new external auditor, EY. The RIF  
met to approve the Principal Risks and 
Uncertainties for inclusion in the Interim 
Report. The Board also convened to 
review the draft Interim Report, updated 
FY2017 guidance to the market and the 
proposed interim dividend. The Board 
received cyber security training from  
EY and a detailed M&A update, which 
included Vynamic and Cambridge 
BioMarketing, which were subsequently 
acquired. The Nominations & Governance 
Committee met to recommend to the 
Board that Chris Brinsmead succeed 
Philip Toomey as Senior Independent 
Director, to confirm the re-appointment 
of a number of the independent non-
executive directors and finally to 
recommend the appointment of  
Nancy Miller-Rich to the RIF Committee, 
effective 1 July 2017.

Directors’ Report 
Directors’ Report 

Audit Committee Report

With a change of Chair and the 
appointment of new external 
auditors, 2017 was a year of 
successful transition for the 
Audit Committee. 

Myles Lee
Chair of the Audit Committee

Attendance Record and Tenure

Member

Myles Lee (Chair) (i) (joined the Board on 1 April 2017)
Philip Toomey (Chair)(ii) (stepped down on 18 May 2017)
Gerard van Odijk (iii)
Linda Wilding

Number of meetings 
held when director 
was a member

Number of 
meetings 
attended

3
4
6
6

Committee 
tenure

6 months
9 years
3 years
4 years

(i)  Myles Lee joined the Group as non-executive independent director on 1 April 2017, and succeeded Philip Toomey as Chair of the Audit Committee on 18 May 2017.
(ii)  Philip Toomey stepped down from the Audit Committee on 18 May 2017.
(iii) Gerard van Odijk was travelling on 1 August 2017 and, due to technical difficulties, was unable to join the Audit Committee meeting scheduled to be held that morning by teleconference.

Composition
At 30 September 2017, the members of the Committee were Myles Lee (Chair), Linda Wilding and Gerard van Odijk, each of whom are 
considered by the Board to be independent. As set out in the biographical details on pages 56 and 57, the members of the Committee have  
a strong mix of skills, expertise and experience from a wide variety of industries and as a whole have the relevant competencies for the  
sector in which we operate. The Board has determined that both Myles Lee, a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland,  
and Linda Wilding, a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, are the Committee’s financial experts.

Meetings
The Committee met six times during the year ended 30 September 2017. Individual attendance at these meetings, along with the tenure of each 
member, is set out above. In the event that a director is unavailable to attend a Committee meeting, he or she can communicate their views on 
any items to be raised at the meeting through the Chair of the Committee.

The Chief Executive, the Chief Financial Officer, the Group Finance Director and the Head of Internal Audit together with representatives of the 
external auditor are invited to attend each meeting of the Committee. In addition, the Chairman of the Board attends meetings at the invitation  
of the Committee. 

The Committee regularly meets separately with the Head of Internal Audit and with the external auditor without others being present.

The Chair of the Committee reports to the Board, as part of a separate agenda item at Board meetings, on all significant matters reviewed by  
the Committee. 

66

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Role and Responsibilities
The Committee supports the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities in relation to financial reporting and reviews the effectiveness of the Group’s 
internal financial control and financial risk management systems, pursuant to the Committee’s terms of reference which are reviewed annually 
and are available on the Group’s website. The Committee also monitors and reviews the effectiveness of the Group’s internal audit function  
and, on behalf of the Board, manages the appointment and remuneration of the external auditor and in addition monitors their performance and 
independence. The Group has an independent and confidential reporting procedure and the Committee monitors the operation of this facility.

Once again, the Board requested that the Committee advise it on both the long-term viability of the Group and also its compliance with certain 
laws and the associated adoption of a compliance policy and statement by the directors pursuant to section 225 of the Companies Act, 2014. 
Details of this review of long-term viability and the Group’s Viability Statement are contained in the Risk Report on pages 19 and 20, and details  
of the Directors’ Compliance Policy and Directors’ Compliance Statement are set out on page 94.

The activities undertaken by the Committee in fulfilling its key responsibilities in respect of the year to 30 September 2017 are set out below. 

Financial Reporting
The Group’s Financial Statements are prepared by finance personnel with the appropriate level of qualifications and expertise. The Committee  
is responsible for monitoring the integrity of the Group’s Financial Statements and reviewing the significant financial reporting judgements 
contained therein. 

In respect of the year to 30 September 2017, the Committee reviewed the Group’s Trading Updates issued in February and August 2017, the 
Interim Report for the six months to 31 March 2017 and the Preliminary Announcement and Annual Report for the year to 30 September 2017. 

In carrying out these reviews, the Committee considered:
•  whether the Group had applied appropriate accounting policies and practices;
• 

the significant areas in which judgement had been applied in preparation of the Financial Statements in accordance with the accounting 
policies set out on pages 108 to 118;

•  whether the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole are fair, balanced and understandable and provide the information necessary  

for shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy;
the clarity and completeness of disclosures and compliance with relevant financial reporting standards and corporate governance and 
regulatory requirements; and
the consistency of accounting policies across the Group and on a year-on-year basis.

• 

• 

The significant areas of judgement considered by the Committee in relation to the Financial Statements for the year to 30 September 2017  
and how these were addressed are outlined below.

Revenue Recognition
The critical area of judgement from a revenue perspective is the determination of the proportion of completion of each revenue contract to 
ensure revenue is being recognised in line with the accounting policies of the Group. The Committee, through discussions with management, 
the external auditor and the Head of Internal Audit, considered the judgements applied when determining the appropriate revenue recognition 
profile applied to the revenue contracts. Given the changing nature of the Group’s business, Internal Audit increased their level of audit emphasis 
on revenue recognition during the year.

Goodwill Impairment
The Committee considered the carrying value of goodwill in the 2017 Financial Statements. As part of the annual impairment testing process, 
management prepare detailed models assessing the recoverable amount of each cash generating unit (CGU), based on a value in use approach. 
The Committee reviewed these models and, having considered the underlying judgements and assumptions, were satisfied with the methodology 
used and the result of the assessment. Details of the impairment testing process, including the underlying assumptions, are set out in Note 12 to 
the Financial Statements.

Acquisition Accounting 
The Committee is conscious that accounting for acquisitions requires management judgement in identifying and valuing the assets acquired, 
particularly intangible assets, determining the impact of earn-out provisions and assessing whether the Group has control over the acquired 
entity. A number of acquisitions were made during the course of 2017 and considered by the Committee and the external auditor. Management 
engaged external specialists to perform the purchase price allocation exercises on these acquisitions. The Committee was satisfied with the 
judgements made and the accounting for these acquisitions.

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

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

67

Directors’ Report 

Audit Committee Report (continued)

Internal Control
The Committee is responsible, on behalf of the Board, for reviewing the effectiveness of the Group’s internal financial controls and financial risk 
management systems.

In carrying out these responsibilities, the Committee reviewed reports issued by both internal audit and the external auditor and held regular 
discussions with the Head of Internal Audit and representatives of the external auditor. The Committee also reviewed the outcome of an 
assessment of the Group’s internal financial controls which had been co-ordinated by internal audit.

This process, which has been in place throughout the financial year up to the date of the approval of the Annual Report and Financial Statements, 
accords with the FRC Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting and is regularly reviewed by 
the Board. This system of internal control is designed to manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can 
only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.

Internal Audit
The Committee is responsible for monitoring and reviewing the operation and effectiveness of the internal audit function including its focus, 
plans, activities and resources. 

At the beginning of the financial year, the Committee reviewed and approved the internal audit plan for the year having considered the adequacy 
of staffing levels and expertise within the function. During the year, the Committee received regular reports from the Head of Internal Audit 
summarising findings from the work of internal audit and the responses from management to address these findings. The Committee monitors 
progress on the implementation of the action plans on significant findings to ensure these are completed satisfactorily. 

External Audit
Appointment, Independence and Performance
The Committee manages the relationship with the Group’s external auditor on behalf of the Board. 

In July 2016, and in line with guidance provided by the UK Corporate Governance Code and EU Directive 2014/56/EU in respect of audit reforms 
and audit tendering, the Group conducted a formal tender process to engage a new external auditor. Following a rigorous process which included 
written submissions and presentation by the three invited firms, the Board decided, following a recommendation from the Committee, to appoint 
EY as the Group’s external auditor from 2017 onward. A resolution proposing this appointment was supported by shareholders at the 2017 AGM. 

The Committee carried out its annual assessment of the external auditor including a review of the external auditor’s internal policies and procedures 
for maintaining independence and objectivity and consideration of their approach to audit quality and materiality. The Committee reviewed and 
approved the external audit plan as presented by the external auditor. The Committee also reviewed the performance of the external auditor and 
assessed the qualifications and expertise of their resources. The Committee concluded that the external auditor was independent of the Group, that 
the Committee was satisfied with the performance of the external auditor and that the audit process was effective.

The Committee also reviewed the external auditor’s engagement letter and recommended the level of remuneration of the external auditor to the 
Board having reviewed the scope and nature of the work to be performed. Details of the remuneration of the external auditor are set out in Note 5 
to the Financial Statements. 

In accordance with the Group’s policy on the hiring of former employees of the external auditor, the Committee reviews and approves any 
appointment of an individual, within three years of having previously been employed by the external auditor, to a senior managerial position  
in the Group. 

In accordance with SI 312/2016, the Group has committed to rotate its external auditor at least every ten years.

There are no contractual obligations which restrict the Committee’s choice of external auditor.

68

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Non-Audit Services
The Committee has a formal policy governing the engagement of the external auditor to provide non-audit services and this policy is reviewed on  
a regular basis. The policy is designed to safeguard the objectivity and independence of the external auditor and prevents the provision of services 
which would result in the external auditor auditing its own firm’s work, conducting activities that would normally be undertaken by management, 
having a mutuality of financial interest with the Group or acting in an advocacy role for the Group. 

The external auditor is permitted to provide non-audit services that are not, or are not perceived to be, in conflict with auditor independence, 
provided it has the skill, experience, competence and integrity to carry out the work and is considered by the Committee to be the most appropriate to 
provide such services in the best interests of the Group. The engagement of the external auditor to provide non-audit services must be pre-approved 
by the Committee or entered into pursuant to pre-approved policies and procedures established by the Committee and approved by the Board. 

The nature, extent and scope of non-audit services provided to the Group by the external auditor and the economic importance of the Group to 
the external auditor were also monitored to ensure that independence and objectivity were not impaired. The Group has decided to adopt the 
EU Directive being that the non-audit services payable to the auditors will be no more than 70% of the average audit fee for the previous three years.

Details of amounts paid to the external auditor for non-audit services are set out in Note 5 to the Financial Statements. These services included 
the provision of cyber security and corporate governance training to the Board. 

Confidential Reporting Procedures
In line with best practice, the Group has an independent and confidential reporting procedure which allows employees to raise any concerns 
about business practice. During the year, the Committee reviewed the operation of the procedures in place to allow employees to raise matters  
in a confidential manner and concluded that this facility was operating effectively.

Myles Lee
Chair of the Audit Committee

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

69

Directors’ Report 

Directors’ Remuneration Report

Following approval of the 
Remuneration Policy at the  
2017 AGM, the Committee has 
focused on talent and succession 
and has recently completed  
its first external independent 
Committee evaluation. 

Linda Wilding
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

Dear Shareholder,

I am pleased to present, on behalf of the Board, our Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year ended 30 September 2017. 

The Committee continues to monitor best practice developments in remuneration and once again presents this year’s report in accordance  
with the requirements of the UK Companies Act 2006 and the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) 
(Amendment) Regulations 2013 (the ‘Regulations’). We also continue to follow the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code, including 
the alignment of remuneration arrangements with the Group’s strategy.

At the 2017 AGM, our revised Directors’ Remuneration Policy Report (Policy) was approved by our shareholders by an advisory vote. Our 
previous policy had been in place for three years, and the minor changes approved at the last AGM have improved the clarity of the Policy and 
reflect evolving market practice and shareholders’ expectations. No further changes to the Policy are proposed and therefore the Policy will not 
be subject to a further vote this year. UDG Healthcare is an Irish incorporated company and is therefore not subject to the UK company law 
requirement to submit its Policy to a binding vote. However, the Committee takes corporate governance very seriously and therefore we asked 
shareholders to approve the Policy on an advisory basis last year and we have once again submitted our annual report on remuneration, which is 
prepared following the format prescribed under UK law, for an advisory vote. 

Overall Performance and Context
The Group delivered a strong financial performance in 2017. A 17% increase in earnings per share was complemented by a strong operating cash 
flow performance. Our reporting currency is now US dollar, and the Board has proposed a final dividend of 9.72 $ cent per share, giving a total 
dividend for the year of 13.30 $ cent per share. This dividend represents an increase of 7% over 2016 and, when combined with a share price 
appreciation of 32.5% over the year to 30 September 2017, represents a very strong return to shareholders. We also note that our Relative Total 
Shareholder Return (TSR) tested against the constituents of the FTSE 250 index over the last three years to 30 September 2017 was also very 
strong, ranking the Group at the 95th percentile.

Executive Remuneration for 2017
Annual Bonus
Annual bonus targets are primarily set by reference to challenging internal financial targets together with an element based on personal 
performance. For the year to 30 September 2017, the financial performance of the Group resulted in an actual bonus achievement  
(as a percentage of their maximum opportunity) of 75% for Brendan McAtamney, 75% for Alan Ralph and 53.5% for Chris Corbin.  
Details of this assessment are on pages 74 and 75.

70

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

2014 LTIP Scheme Award
The Committee has assessed the performance against targets for the 2014 LTIP scheme awards to 30 September 2017. As set out on page 54,  
the cash flow performance of the Group has been strong (€74.6m) and, as a result, the target for the three-year period to 30 September 2017  
has been met in full and 100% of this element of the award will vest in December 2019. As mentioned above, TSR tested against the constituents 
of the FTSE 250 index over the three-year period was also excellent, ranking the Group at the 95th percentile, up from the 88th percentile in 
2016. A portion of the TSR element of the award is also subject to meeting an EPS growth underpin which was achieved over the three-year 
performance period. As a result, 100% of this element of the award will also vest in 2019 as the targets for both elements of the award have been  
met in full. Accordingly, 100% of the overall 2014 LTIP award will vest in December 2019 subject to the fulfilment of all other conditions of the 
LTIP scheme. 

Executive Remuneration for 2018
During the year, the Committee reviewed executive remuneration arrangements to ensure that they continued to be aligned with shareholders’ 
interests and the Group’s strategy. 

Salary
We have agreed an increase in salary for executive directors of 2% which is consistent with the increase awarded across the wider workforce. 
This increase is effective from 1 October 2017 with the exception of Chris Corbin, who, as previously announced, will retire in April 2019 and 
whose salary remains unchanged.

Annual Bonus
There are no proposed changes to bonus arrangements for executive directors in 2018.

LTIP Scheme
In relation to the LTIP, Brendan McAtamney will participate at 150% of base salary respectively. Due to their respective retirement plans, neither 
Alan Ralph nor Chris Corbin will receive future awards under the LTIP. There are no proposed changes to the performance measures for awards 
to be granted in FY2018.

Linda Wilding
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

71

 
Directors’ Report 

Directors’ Remuneration Report (continued)

Directors’ Remuneration
The following table sets out the total remuneration for directors for the year ending 30 September 2017 and the prior year.

Salary and fees (a)

Benefits (b)

Annual bonus (c)

Long term incentives (d)

Pensions (e)

Total

2017 
€’000

2016 
€’000

2017 
€’000

2016 
€’000

2017 
€’000

2016 
€’000

2017 
€’000

2016 
€’000

2017 
€’000

2016 
€’000

2017 
€’000

2016 
€’000

Executive directors
Chris Corbin (i)
Brendan McAtamney
Alan Ralph

Non-executive directors (ii)
Chris Brinsmead
Peter Gray 
Myles Lee (iii)
Nancy Miller-Rich
Gerard van Odijk 
Lisa Ricciardi
Philip Toomey
Linda Wilding 

357
650
433

86
205
38
68
67
68
85
84

389
550 (iv)
422

76
188
–
18
66
65
81
78

55
42
32

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

61
41
32

191
487
324

265
407
321

761
900
843

706
860
806

165
163
108

184
138
114

1,529
2,242
1,740

1,605
1,996
1,695

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

86
205
38
68
67
68
85
84

76
188
–
18
66
65
81
78

2,141

1,933

129

134

1,002

993

2,504

2,372

436

436

6,212

5,868

(i)  Chris Corbin’s salary has been converted to Euro at the average rate for each year (0.8722 for 2017 and 0.7826 for 2016). 
(ii)  Variances in non-executive director fees are primarily related to travel allowances. See page 86 for more detail.
(iii) Myles Lee joined on 1 April 2017.
(iv) Brendan McAtamney was not Chief Executive Officer for the full FY2016.

Details on the valuation methodologies applied are set out in Notes (a) to (e) below. These valuation methodologies are as required by the 
Regulations and are different from those applied within the financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The total expense relating to the directors recognised within the income statement in respect of long-term 
incentives is €780,422 (2016: €690,214) and in respect of pension benefits is €435,813 (2016: €435,586).

Notes to Directors’ Remuneration Table
(a) Salary and fees: This is the amount earned in respect of the financial year, whilst a director.

(b) Benefits: This is the taxable value of benefits paid in respect of the financial year. These benefits principally relate to death in service, disability 

and medical insurance, club subscriptions, the provision of a company car, or cash allowances taken in lieu of such benefits. 

(c) Annual bonus: This is the total bonus earned under the annual bonus scheme in respect of the financial year. For details of performance 

against targets set for the year see pages 73 to 75.

(d) Long term incentives: For the year ended 30 September 2017, this is the market value of the LTIP awards earned based on performance to 

30 September 2017. These LTIP awards (structured as nominally priced options) were granted in December 2014 and the performance period 
was the three-year period from 1 October 2014 to 30 September 2017. They are subject to an additional two-year holding period, vesting in 
December 2019. These awards are also entitled to dividend equivalents during the vesting period. The value above only includes dividend 
equivalents earned to 30 September 2017.

  The Committee has assessed performance for these awards and determined that 100% of the original award will vest at the end of the 

five-year vesting period. See pages 76 and 77 for details. The share price at the date of vesting is not available at this time and therefore the 
number of shares that will vest has been multiplied by the difference between the average share price over the quarter ending 30 September 
2017 (£8.35) and the exercise price per share option (€0.05) to calculate a representation of the value attributed to these options.

For the year ended 30 September 2016, this is the market value of the LTIP awards (structured as nominally priced options) that were granted 
in February 2014 and the performance period was the three-year period from 1 October 2013 to 30 September 2016. The Committee reviewed 
actual performance relative to the performance targets in November 2016 and determined that 100% of the original award should vest at the 
end of the five-year vesting period. The difference between the share price on the third anniversary of the grant date (£6.90) and the exercise 
price per share option (€0.05) was multiplied by the number of options that vested to calculate the value attributed to the options for each 
director. This has been updated from the 2016 report where in accordance with the Regulations the disclosure was based on the average share 
price over the quarter ended 30 September 2016 (£6.08). This gave values of €626,589 for Chris Corbin, €762,104 for Brendan McAtamney 
and €713,916 for Alan Ralph. The value of dividend equivalents accrued during the vesting period and up to the third anniversary of the grant 
date is also included.

(e) Pension: Please see pages 77 and 78 for further information.

72

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 
 
 
Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Discussion of Individual Remuneration Elements
The following sections set out details on each element of remuneration for the year to 30 September 2017 and detail how we intend to operate 
our policy with respect to each element of remuneration for the year to 30 September 2018. 

Salary 
The base salaries of executive directors are reviewed annually having regard to personal performance, divisional or Group performance, 
significant changes in responsibilities and competitive market practice in their area of operation as well as the pay and conditions in the wider 
Group. The principal external comparator groups against which executive directors’ reward is currently reviewed include the FTSE 250. Changes 
to base salary are generally effective from 1 October.

In relation to both Brendan McAtamney and Alan Ralph, the Committee determined that their base salaries for 2017 will increase by 2%, 
consistent with the increases awarded across the wider Group. As previously announced, Chris Corbin will retire in April 2019 and his salary 
remains unchanged.

The following table sets out the salaries for the executive directors at the start of each financial year.

Brendan McAtamney
Alan Ralph
Chris Corbin 

1 October 
2017 
€’000

€663
€442
£312

1 October
2016 
€’000

€650
€433
£312

Benefits
Employment related benefits for executive directors principally relate to death in service, disability and medical insurance, club subscriptions,  
the provision of a company car or cash allowances taken in lieu of such benefits. In the case of recruitment, benefits may include relocation 
allowances or other benefits considered appropriate by the Committee to facilitate recruitment. Any such benefits are in line with our recruitment 
remuneration policy.

Annual Bonus
Bonus for the year ended 30 September 2017
For the year ended 30 September 2017, the maximum bonus opportunity, as a percentage of salary, was 100% for each of Brendan McAtamney 
and Alan Ralph. The bonus opportunity for on-target performance was 70% for Brendan McAtamney and Alan Ralph. Given Chris Corbin’s 
planned retirement in April 2019, his bonus opportunity during the period from 1 October 2016 through April 2019 will be reduced in stages 
throughout this period. As such, during the period from 1 October 2016 to 30 September 2017, Chris Corbin’s maximum bonus opportunity,  
as a percentage of salary was 75%. Chris Corbin’s bonus opportunity for on-target performance during the period from 1 October 2016 to 
30 September 2017 was 45%. 

The following table sets out the performance measures applied for executive directors for the year ended 30 September 2017.

% of maximum bonus

Financial targets
Profit
Cash flow

Non-financial targets

B. McAtamney

A. Ralph

C. Corbin

70%
15%

85%

15%

100%

70%
15%

85%

15%

100%

75%
10%

85%

15%

100%

The performance targets were set by the Committee at the start of the financial year and comprised both financial and non-financial targets. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

73

Directors’ Report 

Directors’ Remuneration Report (continued)

Discussion of Individual Remuneration Elements (continued)
Annual Bonus (continued)
Financial performance
Subsequent to the end of the financial year, the Committee reviewed actual performance against the targets set for each executive director.

Based on this review, the Committee determined that the executive directors should be awarded bonuses based on the achievement of financial 
targets as illustrated in the table below.

Measure

Group basic PBT 
Stretch PBT 
Group cash flow 
Ashfield PBCIT 
Ashfield Divisional cash flow 

Total bonus for financial performance

B. McAtamney  
A. Ralph

C. Corbin

Weighting %

Actual %

Weighting %

Actual %

40.0
30.0
15.0
–
–

85.0

22.4
22.6
15.0 
–
–

60.0

15.0
40.0
–
20.0
10.0

85.0

8.4
30.1
–
0.0
0.0

38.5

The following table summarises performance against target for each of the financial objectives.

Measure

Group basic PBT

Definition

Performance targets

Actual performance

PBT is defined as profit  
before tax, exceptional items, 
amortisation of acquired 
intangibles and transaction costs.

Budget PBT was $108.8 million 
and if achieved, leads to a pay- 
out of the relevant Group basic 
PBT bonus.

It is measured against budget  
on a constant currency basis  
to remove foreign exchange 
translation impacts. It excludes 
the impact of unbudgeted 
acquisitions. 

Threshold performance equates 
to $103.3 million or 95% of budget 
PBT. No portion of basic bonus  
is paid where actual PBT is at or 
below threshold performance.

Reported PBT was $118.9 million*. 
Excluding unbudgeted acquisitions 
and an unbudgeted $0.9 million 
Sharp business relocation cost  
gives PBT for bonus purposes of 
$106.4 million. This resulted in  
56% of the bonus % attributed to 
Group basic PBT being achieved. 

Stretch PBT

The stretch PBT measure  
is the Group basic PBT  
including the contribution  
of unbudgeted acquisitions.

Group cash flow

Cash flow is defined as net cash 
inflow from operating activities 
less capital expenditure and 
excludes exceptional items, 
transaction costs, interest and  
tax. Cash flow generated by 
acquisitions is excluded from the 
actual cash flow performance.

74

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

For the purposes of the stretch 
PBT bonus, actual PBT was 
adjusted upwards by $2.1 million 
for the relocation costs noted 
above and for other costs  
related to the Sharp Bethlehem 
acquisition but taken through the 
Income Statement. This resulted 
in 75% of the bonus % attributed 
to stretch PBT being achieved.

Actual cash flow of $86.2 million 
exceeded the budget target of 
$68.4 million, and accordingly 
100% of this element of the bonus 
was achieved.

Payment for performance 
between threshold and budget  
is on a pro-rata basis.

Achievement of stretch PBT  
bonus requires PBT of 115%  
of budget or $125.1 million.

Payment between budget  
and stretch performance  
is on a pro-rata basis.

The Group’s cash flow target  
is based on budgeted cash flow  
of $68.4 million. Threshold 
performance equates to 95%  
of budgeted cashflow. No bonus  
is paid if actual cash flow is at  
or below threshold target.

100% of bonus is paid if budget 
cash flow is reached or exceeded.

Payment between threshold  
and budget performance  
is on a pro-rata basis.

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Measure

Ashfield PBCIT

Ashfield Divisional cash flow

Definition

Performance targets

Actual performance

Profit is defined as profit before 
allocation of Group overheads, 
exceptional items, amortisation of 
acquired intangibles, transaction 
costs, interest and tax. It is 
measured on a constant currency 
basis to remove foreign exchange 
translation impacts and excludes 
profits from unbudgeted 
acquisitions and disposals.

Cash flow is defined as net cash 
inflow from operating activities 
less capital expenditure and 
excludes exceptional items, 
transaction costs, interest and  
tax. Cash flow generated by 
acquisitions is excluded from the 
actual cash flow performance.

Budget profit was $ 86.2 million 
and equates to a pay-out of 100%  
of Ashfield’s divisional profit bonus.

Actual profit was $80.2 million 
and accordingly 0% of this 
element of the bonus was 
achieved.

Threshold performance for the 
Ashfield divisional profit target 
equates to $81.9 million or 95%  
of budget. No portion of this 
element of bonus is paid where 
actual PBT is at or below 
threshold performance. 

Payment between threshold  
and budget performance is  
on a pro-rata basis.

The Ashfield divisional cash flow 
target is based on budgeted cash 
flow of $56.0 million and equates 
to a pay-out of 100% of Ashfield’s 
divisional cash flow bonus.

Threshold performance equates 
to 95% of budgeted cashflow. No 
bonus is paid if actual cash flow is 
at or below threshold target.

Payment between threshold  
and budget performance is  
on a pro-rata basis.

Actual cash flow was $45.0 million 
and accordingly 0% of this element 
of the bonus was achieved.

* Please see page 177 for further details on this calculation.

Non-financial performance
15% of the annual bonus for each executive director was based on the achievement of personal objectives. These objectives include the 
achievement of operational goals, the executive’s contribution to Group strategy as a member of the Board, and specific goals related to their 
functional or business unit role. 2017 objectives were set for each executive at the beginning of the financial year, and performance against these 
objectives was assessed by the Committee at its November 2017 meeting. In the case of Brendan McAtamney, personal objectives included  
the appointment of a new leader for the Ashfield division, management of the leadership transition and the detailed review of or acquisition  
of appropriate businesses. The Committee assessed performance against these objectives and judged that very strong performance had been 
achieved. In particular the transition of the new leader for the Ashfield division had been successfully managed, all operational management 
programmes had been progressed on time and on budget and a significant number of potential acquisitions had been evaluated, and a number  
of these delivered, adding value for shareholders. The Committee therefore judged that the personal element for Brendan should payout in  
full. In the case of Alan Ralph, personal objectives included the management and the on time and on budget delivery of the Future Fit projects, 
enhancing the effectiveness of the Group’s tax planning and strengthening of our US investor profile. The Committee judged that excellent 
progress had been made against these objectives with operational management programmes being progressed on time and budget, the Group’s 
tax planning effectiveness being significantly enhanced and Alan being instrumental in building strong relationships with our US investor base. 
The Committee therefore judged that the personal element for Alan should payout in full. In the case of Chris Corbin, the primary objective was 
to support and facilitate a smooth and effective transition of leadership of the Ashfield division which the Committee judged had been delivered 
in a successful and efficient way. The Committee therefore judged that the personal element for Chris should payout in full.

The total bonus payable is therefore 75% of maximum for Brendan McAtamney, 75% of maximum for Alan Ralph and 53.5% of maximum  
for Chris Corbin. The Committee considers that this level of bonus payout is a fair reflection of the performance achieved during the year and  
the value created for shareholders.

Bonus for the year ending 30 September 2018
For the year ending 30 September 2018, the maximum bonus opportunity for each of Brendan McAtamney and Alan Ralph remains at 100%  
of base salary and is based on the same balance of financial and non-financial performance measures as for 2017. The bonus opportunity for 
on-target performance will continue to be 70% for Brendan McAtamney and Alan Ralph. As outlined above, Chris Corbin’s maximum bonus 
opportunity is reducing from 1 October 2016. As such, the maximum bonus opportunity for Chris Corbin during the period 1 October 2017 to 
30 September 2018 shall be 37.5%. Chris Corbin’s bonus opportunity for on-target performance, for the period 1 October 2017 to 30 September 
2018, shall be 22.5%. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

75

Directors’ Report 

Directors’ Remuneration Report (continued)

Discussion of Individual Remuneration Elements (continued)
Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
The LTIP was approved by shareholders at the Company’s 2010 AGM.

Award for which the year to 30 September 2017 was the last year of the performance period
The following table sets out details in respect of the December 2014 LTIP award, for which the final year of performance was the year to 
30 September 2017. 

TSR performance (50% of award)

Aggregate cash flow 
performance* (50% of award)

Performance against targets

The relative TSR performance over the three-
year period was at the 95th percentile, and in 
relation to adjusted diluted EPS growth, FY2014 
EPS of €28.77 compounded by 5% for three-
years and converted to US dollar (based on an 
exchange rate of 0.9047 for FY2017) equals 
$36.81. Actual EPS for FY2017 is $37.12 and 
therefore exceeded the underpin. Accordingly, 
100% of this element of the award will vest. 
Awards are subject to a two-year holding  
period and will be delivered to participants  
in December 2019.

The PBIT conversion rate was 112.5% over  
the three-year period, and aggregate cash 
generation was $474.8 million.

Targets for performance period  
(1 October 2014 to 30 September 2017)

TSR measured against constituents  
of the FTSE 250 Index
Vesting schedule for first 75% for Brendan 
McAtamney and Alan Ralph and first 50%  
for Chris Corbin:
•  Below median = 0%
•  At median = 25%
•  Upper quartile = 100%
•  Pro-rating between points

Vesting schedule for final 25% for Brendan 
McAtamney and Alan Ralph and final 50%  
for Chris Corbin:
•  This portion of the LTIP award is subject to the 
same vesting schedule as above. Additionally, 
vesting of this element of the TSR award is 
subject to the following underpin:
•  adjusted diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) 
growth of not less than 5% per annum 
compounded over the performance period.

Company’s aggregate cash flow performance 
(PBIT to cash conversion rate)
Percentage PBIT to cash conversion rate  
vesting schedule:
•  Below 80% = 0%
•  At 80% = 25%
100% or above = 100%
• 
•  Pro-rating between points

Vesting under the cash flow element is also 
contingent on an aggregate minimum cash flow 
generation by the Company of $361 million over 
the performance period.

Total

100% of awards will vest in December 2017 and 
become exercisable during December 2019.

*  In line with the plan rules, for the purposes of assessing the level of LTIP awards that should vest, the impact of exceptional items and amortisation of acquired intangible assets has been 

excluded within both PBIT and cash flow for calculation purposes. For the purposes of assessing the achievement of the minimum cash flow generation target over the performance period, 
actual cash generation during this period has been adjusted by eliminating cash generated from acquisitions completed after the target level of $361 million had been set. Similarly, cash 
generated has also been adjusted in respect of disposals completed after the target level of $361 million had been set. 

LTIP awards made during the year to 30 September 2017
The following table sets out details of LTIP awards made during the year to 30 September 2017. 

Brendan McAtamney
Alan Ralph

Number of 
options

122,180
54,242

Date of award

Share price 
at date of 
grant £

Face value 
£’000 

Threshold 
vesting % 

Maximum 
vesting %

7 December 2016
7 December 2016

6.72
6.72

821
366

25
25

100
100

The above awards are subject to performance over the three-year period to 30 September 2019. Awards are then subject to a further two-year holding 
period and the vested portion will be delivered to participants in December 2021. The awards are in the form of nominal value share options over 
ordinary shares with an exercise price of €0.05 per share. 

76

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

The market value of the options granted to Brendan McAtamney (number of options multiplied by the share price at the date of grant) equated 
to 150% of his base salary. The market value of the options granted to Alan Ralph (number of options multiplied by the share price at the date of 
grant) equated to 100% of his base salary. Chris Corbin did not receive a 2017 LTIP award.

The following table sets out details of performance measures in respect of the LTIP awards granted during the year.

TSR performance 
(50% of award)

Targets for performance period (1 October 2016 to 30 September 2019)

TSR measured against the FTSE 250 Index 
Vesting schedule for first 75% of the TSR award: 
•  Below median = 0% 
•  At median = 25% 
•  Upper quartile = 100% 
•  Pro-rating between points 

Vesting schedule for final 25% of the TSR award:
•  This portion of the LTIP award is subject to the same vesting schedule as above. Additionally, vesting of this element 

of the TSR award is subject to the following underpin: 
•  adjusted diluted Earnings per Share (EPS) growth of not less than 5% per annum compounded over the 

performance period.

Aggregate cash  
flow performance* 
(50% of award)

Company’s aggregate cash flow performance (PBIT to cash conversion rate) 
Percentage PBIT to cash conversion rate vesting schedule:
•  Below 80% = 0% 
•  At 80% = 25% 
100% or above = 100% 
• 
•  Pro-rating between points

Vesting under the cash flow element is also contingent on an aggregate minimum cash flow generation by the Company 
of $333.8 million over the performance period.

*  In line with the plan rules, for the purposes of assessing the level of LTIP awards that should vest, the impact of exceptional items and amortisation of acquired intangible assets will  
be excluded within both PBIT and cash flow for calculation purposes. For the purposes of assessing the achievement of the minimum cash flow generation target, cash flows from 
acquisitions shall be excluded and the target shall also be adjusted in respect of lost cash flows from disposals.

The proportion of awards that do not meet the performance criteria will lapse on the scheduled vesting date.

LTIP awards during the year to 30 September 2018
Award levels will continue to be between 100% and 150% of base salary. In the case of Brendan McAtamney, the Committee has again 
determined 150% of salary to be the appropriate level of award given the Group’s ambitious growth plans over the next three to five years.  
It is intended that performance targets for LTIP awards to be granted during the year to 30 September 2018 will continue to be based on the 
same performance conditions as outlined above. The performance period will be the three years to 30 September 2020 and awards meeting 
their vesting criteria will vest on the fifth anniversary of their grant. 

Pensions
Irish and UK tax legislation impose penalty taxes on annual pension contributions and increases in pension fund values accruing to individual 
employees where proscribed maximum amounts are exceeded. The Committee has previously determined that impacted executive directors 
could either continue to accrue pension benefits as previously entitled, or alternatively, accept pension benefits limited by the proscribed 
maximum amounts and receive or accrue a supplementary taxable non-pensionable allowance equal to the cost to the Company of the pension 
benefit foregone. 

The alternative arrangements were accepted by Chris Corbin with effect from 5 April 2011. The amount of the allowance awarded to each 
director has been set by the Committee such that there is no additional cost to the Company from the arrangement. 

All pension benefits are determined solely in relation to base salary. Fees paid to non-executive directors are not pensionable.

Brendan McAtamney receives a taxable, non-pensionable cash allowance of 25% of base salary.

Alan Ralph participated in a defined benefit pension plan, which accrued annually to provide up to 55% of his final pensionable salary at 
retirement. This plan was closed to future accrual in December 2015. Since January 2016, Alan has received a taxable non-pensionable  
cash allowance in lieu of pension of 25% of base salary. In 2017, the amount included in the single figure in relation to this cash allowance  
was €108,213. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

77

Directors’ Report 

Directors’ Remuneration Report (continued)

Discussion of Individual Remuneration Elements (continued)
Pensions (continued)
Chris Corbin is a member of a defined contribution scheme with contributions capped at the permitted level under UK tax legislation. The Group 
has accrued a supplementary taxable non-pensionable allowance equal to the cost of the pension contribution foregone. The combined cost of 
these arrangements was £144,000 in 2017. 

Details of defined benefit pension entitlements

Alan Ralph

Accumulated 
accrued pension at 
30 September 2017 
€’000

Normal retirement date

91

18 September 2029

The normal retirement date of each director is their 60th birthday. In the event that a director retires before their 60th birthday and receives an 
immediate pension, their pension entitlement shall be reduced on an actuarial basis to reflect earlier payment.

Additional Information 
Payments to Former Directors
There were no payments to former directors during the year.

Payments for Loss of Office
There were no payments for loss of office during the year.

Transition Arrangements for Chris Corbin
Chris Corbin stepped down from the role of Managing Director, Ashfield on 1 April 2017. He remains in an executive role until 1 April 2019  
as Chairman of the Ashfield division. For the period to 1 April 2019 he will continue to be paid his salary and will receive a bonus based on his 
performance against financial and non-financial objectives. As described above his bonus opportunity will be reduced in stages over this period. 
For the year to 30 September 2017 he had a maximum bonus opportunity of 75% of salary and for the years to 30 September 2018 and 2019  
he will have maximum bonus opportunities of 37.5% and 12.5% of salary respectively. Subject to performance assessment at the normal time 
being met, his outstanding LTIP awards will continue to vest on their respective vesting dates. He did not receive an LTIP award for 2017 and  
will receive no further awards. He will continue to be provided with the use of his company car and health benefits until 1 April 2019. Chris Corbin’s 
retirement date may be brought forward by mutual agreement between both parties. 

Minimum Shareholding Requirements
The Committee has adopted guidelines for executive directors to retain substantial long term share ownership. These guidelines specify that 
executive directors should, over a period of five years from the date of appointment, build up and then retain a shareholding in the Company  
with a valuation at least equal to their annual base salary. 

The table below sets out the percentage of base salary held in shares in the Company by each executive director as at 30 September 2017.

Value of Shareholdings as % of Base Salary
Pursuant to the Group’s shareholding guidelines, executive directors are generally expected to build and maintain a shareholding of 100%  
of base salary. Further detail is set out on page 85.

Chris Corbin
Alan Ralph
Brendan McAtamney

* All executive directors have met their shareholding guideline. 

Number of 
Shares

1,739,481
170,688
80,000

30 September 
2017 
Share Price 
£

Value of 
Shareholding 
£

0.8722 
converted 
to euro

8.50 14,785,589 16,952,062.03 
1,663,434.99 
8.50
779,637.70 
8.50

1,450,848
680,000 

30 September 
2017 
Salary

£311,657
€432,853 
€650,000

% of base 
salary*

4,744%
384%
120%

78

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Non-executive Directors’ Remuneration
Non-executive directors’ fees are set at a level to attract individuals with broad international, commercial and other relevant experience and 
reward them for fulfilling the relevant role. 

Non-executive directors receive a basic fee for their role and membership of a Committee. Non-executives who serve as chair of one or more 
Committees are entitled to an additional fee. Membership of multiple Committees does not accrue any additional fee. Non-executive directors 
who travel to/from meetings from Europe receive an additional €500 travel allowance per trip and those travelling to/from the US receive an 
additional €1,000 per trip. The Senior Independent non-executive Director (‘SID’) is also entitled to an additional fee of €10,000 per annum.

Non-executive directors’ fees:

Basic fee (including Committee membership)
Committee chair*
SID Fee

From 1 June 2016

€65,000
€15,000
€10,000

*  This is an additional fee payable to the Chairs of the Audit, Remuneration, and Risk, Investment & Financing Committee. Peter Gray is Chair of the Nominations & Governance Committee 

and does not receive a separate fee in respect of this role. 

In addition to the basic fee of €65,000, Peter Gray received a fee of €140,000 in respect of his role as Chairman (i.e., total fees of €205,000 in FY2017).

Following a review of the fees of the non-executive directors and the Chairman in November and December 2017, a 2% increase was agreed in 
each case. This increase will be effective from 1 January 2018. Accordingly, the basic fee for Non-executive directors shall be €66,300 and the 
total fees for the Chairman shall be €209,100.

Directors’ Shareholding and Share Interests
Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
Details of outstanding share awards, with performance conditions, granted to directors under the LTIP are set out below. 

Number of shares under award

At 
1 October 
2016

Granted 
during the 
year (i)

Exercised 
during the 
year

Lapsed 
during the 
year (ii)

At 
30 September 
2017

Market price 
at date of 
award

Exercise 
price 
€

Market price 
at date of 
vesting

Date of 
award

Vesting date

Expiry date

Chris Corbin

77,212
77,772
54,884

209,868

–
–
–

–

Brendan McAtamney

Alan Ralph

93,911
92,041
57,954
77,354
–

–
–
–
–
122,180

321,260

122,180

87,973
86,220
54,289
–

–
–
–
54,242

228,482

54,242

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

77,212
77,772
54,884

209,868

93,911
92,041
57,954
77,354
122,180

443,440

87,973
86,220
54,289
54,242

282,724

£3.73
£3.78
£5.52

£3.73
£3.78
£5.52
£5.12
£6.72

£3.73
£3.78
£5.52
£6.72

0.05
0.05
0.05

0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05

0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05

n/a
n/a
n/a

28.02.14
17.12.14
03.12.15

28.02.19
17.12.19
03.12.20

27.02.21
16.12.21
02.12.22

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

28.02.14
17.12.14
03.12.15
05.02.16
07.12.16

28.02.19
17.12.19
03.12.20
05.02.21
07.12.21

27.02.21
16.12.21
02.12.22
04.02.23
06.12.23

28.02.14
17.12.14
03.12.15
07.12.16

28.02.19
17.12.19
03.12.20
07.12.21

27.02.21
16.12.21
02.12.22
06.12.23

(i)  Details regarding the grant of awards to directors during the year to 30 September 2017 are set out on page 77.
(ii)  During the year, the Committee determined that 100% of the awards granted in December 2014 will vest. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

79

Directors’ Report 

Directors’ Remuneration Report (continued)

Executive Share Option Scheme (ESOS) 
Details of outstanding share options, with performance conditions, granted to directors under the ESOS are set out below. The last awards 
under this scheme were made in 2009. At 1 October 2016, all Basic tier share options under the ESOS had lapsed or had been exercised,  
and as such there is no information to disclose in relation to Basic tier. Information relation to Second tier share options under the ESOS  
is disclosed below.

Number of shares under award

At 1 October 
2016

Exercised 
during the 
year

Lapsed 
during the 
year

At 
30 September 
2017

Exercise 
price

Market price 
at date of 
vesting

Date of 
award

Vesting date

Expiry date

Second tier share options
Chris Corbin

Alan Ralph

40,000

(25,332)

(14,668)

40,000

(25,332)

(14,668)

45,000

(28,449)

(16,502)

45,000

(28,449)

(16,502)

–

–

–

– 

€4.06

n/a

20.06.07

06.12.16

19.06.17

€4.06

n/a

20.06.07

06.12.16

19.06.17

Second tier share options were exercisable when EPS growth exceeds the growth of the Irish Consumer Price Index by 10% compounded, over 
any period of five successive years, subsequent to the granting of the share options. In addition to this requirement, second tier share options 
may only be exercised if EPS growth over the same period places the Company: 
(1)   in the top 25% of companies listed on the ISEQ index, in which case these share options may be exercised in their entirety; 
(2)  in the midpoint position of companies listed on the ISEQ index, in which case half of the share options may be exercised;
(3)    between the midpoint and the top 25% of companies listed on the ISEQ index, in which case the proportion of the share options which  

may be exercised increases on a straight line basis; 

(4)   below the midpoint position of companies listed on the ISEQ index, in which case no share options may be exercised.

As disclosed in last year’s Annual Report, 63.33% of the options granted on 20 June 2007 under the ESOS scheme were deemed to vest on 
6 December 2016 by the Remuneration Committee, having exercised their discretion in relation to the impact of the disposal of the United  
Drug Supply Chain businesses during FY2016.

s.305 CA 2014
For the purposes of Section 305 of the Companies Act 2014 (Ireland), the aggregate gains by directors on the exercise of share options during 
the year ended 30 September 2017 was €205,787 (2016: €2,991,360).

Directors’ Interests in Share Capital
The beneficial interests, including family interests, of the directors and secretary in office at 30 September 2017 in the ordinary share capital  
of the Company are detailed below. 

Chris Brinsmead
Chris Corbin
Peter Gray
Myles Lee
Brendan McAtamney
Nancy Miller-Rich
Gerard van Odijk
Alan Ralph
Lisa Ricciardi
Philip Toomey
Linda Wilding
Damien Moynagh (Company Secretary)

30 September 
2017 
Ordinary shares

1 October 2016 
(or date of 
appointment 
if later)
Ordinary shares

12,500
1,739,481
100,000
–
80,000
–
–
170,688
16,000
84,334
19,304
–

12,500
1,862,681
100,000
–
80,000
–
–
170,688
16,000
84,334
19,304
–

There were no changes in the above Directors and Secretary’s interests between 30 September 2017 and 4 December 2017.

The directors and secretary have no beneficial interests in any Group subsidiary or joint venture undertakings.

80

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 
 
Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Statement of Shareholder Voting
The Company is committed to ongoing shareholder dialogue and takes shareholder views into consideration when formulating remuneration 
policy and practice. To the extent there are substantial numbers of votes against resolutions in relation to directors’ remuneration, the Company 
will seek to understand the reasons for any such vote and will provide details of any actions in response to such a vote. 

The following tables set out the actual votes at the 2017 AGM in respect of the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year to 30 September 2016. 

Directors’ Remuneration Report

Number of votes (millions)
Percentage %

For

Against

Withheld* 

98.8
79.0

26.3
21.0

20.5
– 

We have engaged with shareholders following the 2017 AGM to understand any concerns and will endeavour to consult shareholders in advance 
of any future changes going forward. Further background to the 2017 AGM vote is set out in the Corporate Governance Report at page 62. 

The following tables set out the actual votes at the 2017 AGM in respect of the last shareholder approved Directors’ Remuneration Policy:

Directors’ Remuneration Report

Number of votes (millions)
Percentage %

For

Against

Withheld* 

143.3
98.4

2.3
1.6

11.5
– 

* A vote withheld is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the percentage votes for and against a resolution.

Remuneration Committee 
The following table details the members of the Committee, their attendance at meetings held during the year to 30 September 2017 and their tenure. 

Linda Wilding (Chair)
Chris Brinsmead
Peter Gray
Lisa Ricciardi
Philip Toomey

Column A – Number of meetings held when director was a member.
Column B – Number of meetings attended when director was a member.

A

4
4
4
4
4

Committee 
tenure

3 years
6 years
4 years
3 years
8 years

B

4
4
4
2 *
4

*  Lisa Ricciardi was unable to attend meetings on 6 Dec 2016 and 3 April 2017, in one case for personal reasons and in the other as it was a short notice ad hoc meeting which coincided with  

a prior engagement. In both cases, Committee papers had been reviewed and input provided to the Committee Chair in advance.

The Committee’s responsibilities include:
• 

setting, reviewing and recommending to the Board the remuneration policy for executive directors and certain other senior executives;
setting, reviewing and approving the remuneration arrangements of executive directors and senior executives; and
reviewing and approving the rules of any incentive plans subject to final approval by the Board and shareholders.

• 

• 

External Advisors
The Committee seeks and considers advice from independent remuneration advisors where appropriate. During 2012, following a review 
process, the Committee appointed Deloitte LLP to provide advice on compensation and remuneration matters including advice on best  
practice market developments. During the year to 30 September 2017, fees payable to Deloitte in respect of services which materially assisted  
the Committee amounted to £17,050. These fees were charged on a time and expenses basis. Deloitte is one of the founding members of the 
Remuneration Consultants’ Code of Conduct and adheres to this Code in its dealings. The Committee is satisfied that the advice provided by 
Deloitte is objective and independent. The Committee is comfortable that the Deloitte engagement team that provide remuneration advice  
to the Committee do not have connections with UDG Healthcare that may impair their independence.

During the year, the Group also received advice and services from Deloitte in respect of consulting services. The Committee is satisfied that the 
provision of these services does not constitute a conflict of interest. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

81

Directors’ Report 

Directors’ Remuneration Report (continued)

Performance Graph and Table
The table below summarises the single figure of total remuneration for the Chief Executive for the past nine years as well as how the actual 
awards under the annual bonus and LTIP compare to their respective maximum opportunity. 

2017
2016 (i)

2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

Chief Executive

Brendan McAtamney
Brendan McAtamney
Liam FitzGerald
Liam FitzGerald
Liam FitzGerald
Liam FitzGerald
Liam FitzGerald
Liam FitzGerald
Liam FitzGerald
Liam FitzGerald

Single figure 
of total 
remuneration 
€’000

Annual 
bonus award 
against 
maximum 
opportunity

LTIP award 
against 
maximum 
opportunity

2,242
1,265
683
2,509
2,371
1,709
1,697
1,223
1,342
1,884

75.0%
74.0%
81.2%
70.2%
71.6%
20.0%
90.0%
89.8%
77.5%
0%

100%
100%
100%
100%
89.2%
95.5%
62.5%
0% (ii)
0% (ii)
89.8%

(i)  Liam FitzGerald was CEO until 1 February 2016. Brendan McAtamney was appointed as Group CEO from 2 February 2016. For 2016, Brendan McAtamney participated in the 2010 LTIP. 
Liam FitzGerald also participated in the 2010 LTIP in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 financial years. Details on the vesting performance of awards under this plan are set out on pages 76 and 
77. In relation to the single figure of total remuneration, both Liam FitzGerald and Brendan McAtamney’s amounts have been pro-rated for their period of service as CEO.

(ii)  For the 2011 and 2010 financial years, Liam FitzGerald participated in the ESOS. Awards under this scheme did not meet their performance targets in respect of either financial year. 

Details on the ESOS vesting conditions are set out on page 80. 

The Company became a member of the FTSE 250 Index on 24 December 2012 and the Committee believes that this is the most appropriate 
index against which to compare the performance of the Company (prior to this the Company had its primary listing on the Irish Stock Exchange). 
The chart below compares the performance of the Company relative to the FTSE 250 Index over the nine year period to 30 September 2017.

Value (£)

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

30 Sep 08

30 Sep 09

30 Sep 10

30 Sep 11

30 Sep 12

30 Sep 13

30 Sep 14

30 Sep 15

30 Sep 16

30 Sep 17

  FTSE 250 

  UDG Healthcare

This graph shows the value of £100 invested in UDG Healthcare plc on 30 September 2008 compared with the value of £100 invested in the FTSE 250.
Values at each year-end date are calculated on a 3-month average basis. 

Source: Thomson Reuters

Percentage Change in Total Remuneration of CEO Versus Average Employee
Details of the percentage change in the total remuneration of the Chief Executive relative to employees across the Group as at 30 September 
2017 are set out below.

Chief Executive*
Average employee**

Total %

2017

12.3% 
(2.4%)

UDG Healthcare is an international company employing over 9,000 people. The average employee percentage is representative of the multi-
national and geographical nature of the Group.

*  The increase in Chief Executive total remuneration for FY2017 reflects the fact that Brendan McAtamney was promoted Chief Executive in February 2016. Had he been Chief Executive for all of 
FY2016, the increase in FY2017 would have been 7%, which is in line with the award granted by the Remuneration Committee as previously disclosed. Please see ‘Remuneration’ on Page 62.
**  The decrease in average employee remuneration is a reflection of lower bonus payments, currency movements, a change in employee mix arising from acquisitions and disposals, and the 

broad geographic spread of employees across 24 countries.

82

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 
Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Relative Spend on Pay
The following table sets out the percentage change in adjusted profit before tax, dividends and overall expenditure on pay (as a whole across the 
organisation). Both profit and expenditure on pay have been impacted by changes in foreign exchange translation rates, between 2016 and 2017.

Adjusted profit before tax
Dividends 
Overall expenditure on pay

2017 
$’000

129,280 
31,279
511,108

2016 
$’000

115,771 
30,056
513,001

Change

11.7%
4.1%
(0.4%)

Directors’ Remuneration Policy Report
The previous Directors’ Remuneration Policy Report had been approved by shareholders in 2014 and, in accordance with the remuneration 
reporting regulations, this Directors’ Remuneration Policy Report (the 2017 Policy) was submitted to, and approved by, shareholders at the  
AGM on 7 February 2017 with 98.4% of shareholders voting in favour of the resolution. The Policy is unchanged from the version submitted  
for approval save that the scenario charts have been updated to reflect salaries with effect from 1 October 2017 and reward opportunities for 
FY2018. As UDG Healthcare is an Irish incorporated company the resolution was subject to an advisory rather than binding vote. The 2017  
Policy took effect from the start of the financial year commencing 1 October 2016. 

The 2017 Policy contained no significant changes to the policy approved by shareholders in 2014. Some minor changes were made to the Policy 
for clarity and to reflect evolving market practice and shareholder guidance. 

The following table sets out a discussion of each element of the remuneration package for directors. 

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

Element

Salary

Sufficient to attract and 
retain individuals of the 
necessary calibre to 
execute our business 
strategy by ensuring base 
salaries are competitive  
in the market in which the 
individual is employed.

Reviewed annually. Changes are 
generally effective from 1 October.

The review takes into consideration  
the scope and responsibilities of the 
role, the performance and experience 
of the individual, overall business 
performance, increases in the size  
and complexity of the Group and 
potential retention issues.

The principal external 
comparator groups against 
which executive directors’ 
reward is currently 
reviewed include the  
FTSE 250.

There is no maximum 
salary. Any salary increases 
will have regard to increases 
awarded to the overall 
employee population, the 
rate of underlying inflation, 
and general market 
conditions as well as 
reflecting changes in scope 
of role and responsibilities.

There is no maximum 
benefit value. Benefit 
entitlements are reviewed 
periodically.

Individual and business 
performances are 
considered in setting  
base salary.

Not performance related.

Related to salary.

Maximum levels of 
contributions for any  
new Executive Director  
is 25% of salary. Legacy 
arrangements for 
individuals are honoured 
and details are provided in 
the Annual Remuneration 
Report.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

83

Benefits

Provide competitive 
benefits within the market 
in which the individual  
is employed.

Pension

Designed to provide 
market competitive 
pension arrangements 
sufficient to attract and 
retain individuals of the 
necessary calibre to 
execute our business 
strategy and to honour 
legacy arrangements.

Benefits typically include death, 
disability and medical insurance,  
club subscriptions, the provision of a 
company car or cash allowances taken 
in lieu of such benefits. In the case  
of recruitment, benefits may include 
relocation allowances or other benefits 
which are considered necessary to 
facilitate recruitment in line with our 
recruitment remuneration policy.

Current Irish resident executive 
directors receive a cash allowance in 
lieu of participation in a pension 
scheme. The current UK resident 
executive director’s pension 
entitlement is satisfied through an 
accrual of a supplementary allowance.

Directors’ Report 

Directors’ Remuneration Report (continued)

Directors’ Remuneration Policy Report (continued)

Element

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

Maximum bonus 
opportunity for all 
executive directors is 
currently set at 100%  
of base salary.

Under the scheme rules, 
the maximum value of 
awards in any one year  
is limited to 150% of base 
salary for each individual.

Performance is measured 
against clearly defined 
objectives set by the 
Committee. At least 75%  
of the maximum bonus 
opportunity is based  
on financial goals. The 
remainder may be based 
on achievement of personal 
and strategic goals.

For financial performance, 
up to 10% of salary is 
available at threshold 
performance. For 
non-financial targets,  
the minimum level of 
performance equates  
to zero bonus pay-out.

Up to half of any award 
may be based on a share 
price based measure (e.g. 
TSR) and up to half of any 
award may be based on a 
financial measure (e.g. Cash 
flow). The Committee 
retains discretion to 
introduce measures (e.g. 
strategic or returns based) 
for future awards which will 
account for no more than 
one third of the award.

Annual 
bonus

Rewards the achievement 
of annual financial and 
strategic business targets 
and individual performance.

Long Term 
Incentive 
Plan (LTIP)

Designed to incentivise 
execution of the business 
strategy over the longer 
term and align executives 
with shareholders’ 
interests by rewarding 
sustained increase in 
shareholder value and 
strong long term financial 
performance.

Annual bonus performance measures 
and weightings for each executive 
director are reviewed at the start  
of each financial year to ensure they 
continue to support the achievement  
of the business strategy and represent 
appropriately stretching financial  
and non-financial targets. Pay-outs  
are determined by the Committee 
based on actual performance against 
the targets set at the start of the 
financial year.

The Committee has discretion  
to determine appropriate bonus 
entitlement on cessation of employment. 
Bonus amounts will be based on the 
circumstances of the termination, the 
portion of the financial year elapsed and 
performance against targets and of the 
individual and other relevant factors.

Awards are normally made annually by 
the Committee following the release of 
full year financial results. Performance 
targets are set at the time of award 
based on:
(i) delivering long term stretching 
financial performance aligned  
with strategic plans; and

(ii) delivering long term superior 

returns (relative to an appropriate 
peer group) to shareholders.

Performance is normally assessed  
over three financial years. The vesting 
period for awards is five years. 

Dividends or dividend equivalents may 
be paid. 

The Committee has discretion to 
determine appropriate entitlement  
to unvested LTIP awards on cessation 
of employment. Typically, pro-rating 
for time served will apply and 
performance will be tested at the end 
of the performance period as part of 
the normal process. The LTIP scheme 
rules contain provisions in relation to 
change of control. In such a scenario, 
the Committee has discretion to allow 
outstanding awards to vest to the 
extent that performance targets  
have been met. Time pro-rating  
will generally also be applied.

84

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Shareholder Guidelines Policy
The Company operates a shareholding guideline. Executives are generally expected to build and maintain a shareholding of 100% of base salary. 
New executives have a period of time, being five years from joining, in which to achieve this target. 

Notes to Future Policy Table
LTIP Plan Limits and Clawback Provisions
The LTIP scheme rules provide for the granting of awards, up to a maximum of 10% of the Company’s issued share capital over a ten year period, 
taking account of any other share scheme operated by the Company and also provide for a clawback of awards by the Committee, in the event 
that within one year of the awards vesting, the basis on which awards were determined to vest is shown to be manifestly misstated.

Annual Bonus Arrangements and Clawback Provisions
In relation to annual bonuses, clawback provisions apply in the event that within three years of payment the basis upon which a bonus payment 
was determined or paid, is shown to be manifestly misstated.

Legacy Awards
For the avoidance of doubt, the Committee reserves the right to make any remuneration payments and payments for loss of office (including 
exercising any discretion available to it in connection with such payments) notwithstanding that they are not in line with the policy set out above where 
the terms of the payment were agreed (i) before 4 February 2014 (the date the Company’s first shareholder-approved directors’ remuneration policy 
came into effect) (ii) before the policy set out above came into effect, provided that the terms of the payment were consistent with the shareholder-
approved directors’ remuneration policy in force at the time they were agreed; or (iii) at a time when the relevant individual was not a director of  
the Company and, in the opinion of the Committee, the payment was not in consideration for the individual becoming a director of the Company.  
For these purposes ‘payments’ includes the Committee satisfying awards of variable remuneration and, in relation to an award over shares, the terms 
of the payment are ‘agreed’ at the time the award is granted.

Choice of Performance Measures
The Committee believes the choice of performance measures for the annual bonus and LTIP represent an appropriate balance between the short 
and long term focus of the Group’s business strategy, as well as an appropriate balance between external and internal assessments of performance. 

Differences in Policy
Remuneration arrangements throughout the Group are based on the principle that reward should support the business strategy and should  
be sufficient to attract and retain individuals of the calibre capable of executing that strategy, without paying more than is necessary. 

The Group is an international organisation with employees at different levels of seniority in a number of different countries. Accordingly,  
the manner in which the above principle is implemented varies by level of employee and geography in which the employee is located. 

The practice with regard to the remuneration of senior executives immediately below the level of executive director is consistent with the remuneration 
policy for executive directors. These executives all have a significant portion of their remuneration package linked to performance. Their financial and 
non-financial performance targets for annual bonus are cascaded from the targets for the executive directors. They are also eligible to participate either 
in the LTIP or other similar long term incentive plans.

Other senior managers are entitled to participate in appropriate multi-year incentive arrangements and also participate in local bonus plans  
with performance targets aligned with those of executive directors and senior executives. For employees in general, the Group aims to provide 
remuneration packages that are market-competitive in the employee’s country of employment. Where practical, the structure of employees’ 
remuneration cascades from that of executives and senior management. 

Discretion
The Committee has retained the discretionary ability to adjust the value of an award under the annual bonus and LTIP schemes, if the award,  
in the Committee’s opinion taking all circumstances into consideration, produces an unfair result. In exercising this discretion, the Committee 
may take into consideration the individual’s or the Group’s performance against non-financial measures. 

Considerations of Conditions Elsewhere in the Group
The Committee does not directly consult with employees when formulating executive director pay policy. However, the Committee does take  
into consideration information on pay arrangements for the wider employee population when determining the pay of executive directors. 

Shareholder Considerations
The Company has met with a number of its largest shareholders during 2017 (and offered to meet with others), is committed to ongoing dialogue 
with shareholders and welcomes feedback on directors’ remuneration. We continue to incorporate market developments and shareholder 
expectations within our remuneration frameworks. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

85

Directors’ Remuneration Report (continued)

Remuneration Policy for Non-executive Directors
Non-executive directors are not eligible to participate in the annual bonus plan or LTIP and do not receive any benefits other than fees in respect 
of their services to the Company. The Company reimburses the non-executives for reasonable expenses in performing their duties and may settle 
any tax incurred in relation to these.

Non-executive directors receive a basic fee which covers their Board role and membership of one or more Board Committees. Additional fees are 
paid for chairing the Board and for chairing a Committee, but only one such fee can be received by any one individual. A separate fee is paid for 
acting as Senior Independent Director. An additional modest travel allowance is paid to directors travelling to and from Europe, and to and from 
the US, for each meeting attended in person.

Policy on Payment for Loss of Office
The Company operates the following policy in respect of payments concerning loss of office: 
•  notice periods do not exceed 12 months;
• 

termination payments are negotiable but restricted to a maximum of 12 months’ salary and other contractual benefits;
the Committee has discretion to determine appropriate bonus amounts and LTIP vesting. Bonus amounts will be determined based on time 
spent and the performance of the individual whilst fulfilling the duties of the role. Typically, for LTIP awards, pro-rating for time served will 
apply and performance will be tested at the end of the performance period as part of the normal process; and
in any exit payment scenario, the Committee will give due consideration to the circumstances under which the director’s employment terminated. 

• 

• 

Approach to Recruitment Remuneration 
In the event of appointing a new executive director, the Committee will align the remuneration package of the new director with the policy set  
out in this Report. However, the Committee retains the discretion to propose remuneration arrangements on hiring a new executive director 
which are outside the policy set out in the future policy table in order to facilitate the hiring of an individual of the calibre required to deliver the 
Group’s business strategy. The intention is to stay within limits on variable pay as set out within the future policy table. However, in any event,  
the maximum level of variable remuneration (i.e. bonus and long term incentive) which may be granted in these circumstances shall not exceed 
300% of salary. 

When determining the appropriate remuneration arrangements for a new executive director, the Committee will take account of the impact  
on existing remuneration arrangements for other executive directors when setting the type and quantum of remuneration being offered. The 
Committee may make awards on hiring an external candidate to compensate the individual for variable remuneration arrangements that will  
be forfeited on leaving their previous employer. In doing so, the Committee will take into consideration such factors as performance conditions, 
vesting schedules and the form of the awards being forfeited. To the extent possible, buy-out awards will be made on a basis that closely 
approximates the benefit that the new director could reasonably have expected to receive had they remained with their previous employer. 

Service Contracts
Brendan McAtamney and Alan Ralph’s service contracts can be terminated by either party giving 12 months’ notice. The Company has retained 
the right to make payment to the director in respect of salary and other contractual entitlements in lieu of the notice period. 

As previously announced, Chris Corbin has informed the Board of his intentions to retire from the Group on 1 April 2019, and the parties have 
therefore agreed that formal notice is not required and that they may, by mutual agreement, bring forward the date of retirement. 

Non-Executive Directors’ Letters of Appointment
The terms of engagement of non-executive directors are set out in Letters of Appointment. Non-executive directors are currently appointed  
for an initial three-year term subject to satisfactory performance and annual re-election by shareholders at Annual General Meetings. The 
appointment can be terminated by either party on giving one month’s notice.

86

UDG Healthcare plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Directors’ Report Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Remuneration Scenarios 
Please note the scenario charts have been updated from the version included in the Policy approved by shareholders at the 2017 AGM to reflect 
new salaries and the intended application of remuneration policy for FY2017.

The chart below shows hypothetical values of the remuneration package for executive directors under three assumed performance scenarios  
and has been constructed based on the Remuneration Policy as set out in this Report and uses the same level of salary, benefits and pensions 
entitlement of each of the executive directors as at 1 October 2017 under all three of the scenarios.

•  Minimum remuneration receivable – There is no annual bonus payment and no vesting under the LTIP. 
• 

 Remuneration for expected performance – There is a target bonus pay-out of 70% for Brendan McAtamney and Alan Ralph and 22.5% for 
Chris Corbin. There is target vesting under the LTIP of 25% of the maximum award for Brendan McAtamney and Alan Ralph. As Chris Corbin 
is no longer receiving any grants under the LTIP, this element of remuneration is zero.
 Maximum remuneration receivable – There is a maximum bonus pay-out of 100% of base salary for each of Brendan McAtamney and Alan 
Ralph and 37.5% of base salary for Chris Corbin. There Is maximum vesting of 150% of base salary for Brendan McAtamney and 100% for 
Alan Ralph. As Chris Corbin is no longer receiving any grants under the LTIP, this element of remuneration is zero.

• 

The actual amounts earned by executive directors under the above scenarios will depend on share price performance over the vesting period. 
For the purpose of these illustrations, any share price appreciation has been ignored. Chris Corbin’s remuneration has been converted to Euros 
at the average rate for 2017. 

Brendan McAtamney

Alan Ralph

Chris Corbin

€2,528k

39%

€1,583k

16%

29%

26%

€871k

0
0
100%

55%

35%

€3,000

€2,500

€2,000

€1,500

€1,000

€500

€2,500

€2,000

€1,500

€1,000

€500

€1,466k
30%

30%

€1,002k
11%
31%

€582k

100%
0
0

58%

40%

0

Minimum

On Target Maximum

0

Minimum

On Target Maximum

€3,000

€2,500

€2,000

€1,500

€1,000

€500

0

€577k

0
0
100%

€657k
12%
0
88%

€711k

19%
0
81%

Minimum

On Target Maximum

  LTIP

  Annual bonus

  Fixed remunerations

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

87

Directors’ Report 

Nominations & Governance Committee Report

Succession planning has been at 
the forefront of the Nominations & 
Governance Committee’s agenda 
in 2017, reflecting its desire to 
ensure the right blend of skills, 
experience, diversity and stability 
for the Board and its Committees. 

Peter Gray
Chair of the Nominations  
& Governance Committee

Number of 
meetings held 
when director  
was a member

Number of 
meetings 
attended

2
2
2

Committee 
tenure

11 years
5 years
8 years

Composition at 30 September 2017
Peter Gray (Chair)
Chris Brinsmead
Philip Toomey

Attendance Record and Tenure

Member

Peter Gray (Chair)
Chris Brinsmead
Philip Toomey

Key Objective
To ensure the Board is comprised of individuals with the skills, knowledge, experience and expertise that are appropriate for the Group’s requirements. 

Key Responsibilities
• 

to evaluate the balance of skills, knowledge, experience and diversity of the Board and Committees and make recommendations to the Board 
with regard to any changes;
to consider succession planning for directors and other senior executives taking into account what skills and expertise are needed for the 
future;
to identify, and nominate for the approval of the Board, candidates for appointment as directors; 
to consider the re-appointment of any non-executive director at the conclusion of their specified term of office and recommend their 
re-appointment to the Board; and
to review Corporate Governance developments and ensure the Group remains compliant with all aspects of governance applicable to it.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Meetings
The Committee met twice during the year ended 30 September 2017. Individual attendance at these meetings is set out above. The Committee  
is chaired by the Chairman of the Board and is comprised only of non-executive directors considered by the Board to be independent. The Chief 
Executive is present occasionally at the invitation of the Committee.

88

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Main Activities During the Year 
In recognition of Philip Toomey reaching his nine-year tenure in February 2017 the Committee had engaged an independent consultant in Ireland  
to facilitate a recruitment process to ensure orderly succession, focusing on candidates based in Ireland with a financial background, experience of 
public companies, governance and international M&A. A list of potential candidates was reviewed by the Committee, and a short-list of candidates 
were interviewed. Following this process, noting his extensive experience in finance and international M&A, the Committee recommended Myles Lee 
to the Board as a non-executive director. With the Board’s unanimous approval, he joined the Board on 1 April 2017 and was also appointed a member 
of the Audit Committee. On 18 May, he succeeded Philip Toomey as Chair of the Audit Committee following a period of transition. 

Again, with succession in mind, the Committee oversaw the process of considering, then recommending to the Board, a successor to Philip 
Toomey as Senior Independent Director (SID). Following the Committee’s recommendation, the appointment of Chris Brinsmead as SID was 
unanimously approved by the Board and he assumed the role from 1 July 2017.

In reviewing the composition of each of the Committees to ensure that each of the Committees (like the Board) continues to have the appropriate 
balance of skills and experience, and considering her extensive industry and M&A experience, the Committee recommended, and the Board 
unanimously approved, the appointment of Nancy Miller-Rich to the Risk, Investment & Financing Committee, effective from 1 July 2017.

The Committee has recently begun the search for additional non-executive directors with relevant experience to ensure that the Board has a panel 
of candidates as it seeks to plan for succession and add to its diversity of experience and expertise. With the imminent departure of Gerard van 
Odjik from the Board this process has been given heightened priority and two independent external recruitment specialists have been engaged. 
Taking into consideration the changes occurring or anticipated on the Board, the Committee, in the absence of Philip Toomey, considered the 
question of his continuing independence and determining this to be clear, made a recommendation to the Board to consider his reappointment  
for a further year.

The Committee also continues to review all external and internal governance procedures to ensure ongoing compliance and to ensure the Board 
and its Committees are best structured to meet the future needs of our diverse and ever-evolving Group. The Committee engaged Independent 
Audit to conduct a first-ever external independent audit of its Committees, starting with the Remuneration Committee. The Committee also 
conducted a review of the terms of reference of the Committees and, where considered appropriate, recommended changes to the remit of  
each Committee. The key changes are noted below:

•  The Audit Committee now formally reviews the Group’s ongoing compliance with relevant obligations under section 225 of the Irish Companies 

Act, 2014, before recommending adoption of a compliance policy statement and inclusion of the Directors’ Compliance Statement in the Directors’ 
Report, as set out at page 94; and

•  The Risk, Investment & Financing Committee, following the introduction of the Quality & Compliance sub-Committee and the Risk & Viability 
sub-Committee last year, now reviews the findings of each sub-Committee meeting at regular intervals, ensuring appropriate oversight of the 
functions, particularly against the backdrop of the acquisitions made in 2017. 

Peter Gray
Chair of the Nominations & Governance Committee

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

89

Directors’ Report 

Risk, Investment & Financing Committee Report

Following implementation of 
enhancements to UDG Healthcare’s 
Risk Management Process in 2016,  
it was another busy year for the 
Committee, with international M&A 
and investment in facilities at the 
forefront of its activities. 

Chris Brinsmead
Chair of the Risk, Investment 
& Financing Committee

Composition as at 30 September 2017
Chris Brinsmead (Chair)
Gerard van Odijk
Lisa Ricciardi
Nancy Miller-Rich

Attendance Record and Tenure
The Committee met four times during the year ended 30 September 2017. Individual attendance at these meetings along with the tenure of each 
member is set out below.

Member

Chris Brinsmead (Chair)
Gerard van Odijk
Lisa Ricciardi
Nancy Miller-Rich

Number of 
meetings held 
when director  
was a member

Number of 
meetings 
attended

4
4
4
0

 0

Committee 
tenure

6 years
4 years
4 years
3 months

Key Objective
To review the risk evaluation and risk management procedures adopted by the Group to ensure relevant risks are identified and managed appropriately.

Key Responsibilities
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

to oversee the Group’s risk management systems, including its risk register and internal controls;
to oversee the identification and assessment of the Group’s Principal Risks and Uncertainties as well as their associated mitigation strategies, 
and recommend them to the Board for approval;
to oversee the review of the long-term viability of the Group and the development of the Viability Statement for recommendation to the  
Audit Committee;
to consider, review and authorise the commencement of due diligence on potential transactions; 
to consider, review and approve potential transactions to be made by the Group which have a consideration value of up to €50 million; 
to evaluate, and recommend to the Board for approval, any proposed capital expenditure requests exceeding €3 million and any debt and 
equity financing proposals; and

•  conduct one-year and three-year post-acquisition reviews.

90

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 
Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Meetings
The Committee met four times during the year ended 30 September 2017. Individual attendance at these meetings is set out above. The Committee 
is currently comprised of four independent non-executive directors. The Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer and the Group Head of Quality 
& Compliance are not members of the Committee but attend meetings at the invitation of the Committee.

Main Activities During the Year 
With the level of M&A activity this year, the Committee was heavily involved in reviewing requests to proceed to due diligence for a number  
of potential acquisitions, including a number of those which ultimately completed. Pursuant to the Committee’s terms of reference, it also has 
authority to approve the entry into transactions involving consideration up to €50 million. Accordingly the Committee approved a number of 
transactions this year including the acquisition by Sharp of the Daiichi-Sankyo facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 

The effective understanding and management of risk is critical to the short-term success and long-term viability of the Group. It is in that context 
that the Group has incorporated quarterly viability reviews within the Risk Management Process ensuring that the risks associated with what the 
Group does are tackled in the most appropriate way. 

To support this, the Group has developed and implemented a risk management system that facilitates the identification of the principal or 
significant risks that face the Group and which allows those risks and their associated resolutions to be actively amended and monitored.

This system is dynamic and as part of its ongoing development the Group has focused on a greater facilitation of its risk identification and 
management, as well as an internal review of its effectiveness. As a consequence, the Committee is satisfied that the Group’s risk management 
system is effective.

The Principal Risks and Uncertainties for the Group are set out on pages 21 to 23. 

Two executive sub-Committees were established in 2016, the Risk & Viability sub-Committee and the Quality & Compliance sub-Committee, 
both of which report their annual activities to this Committee. The Chairman of the Board sits on the Quality & Compliance sub-Committee.

The process for development of the long-term Viability Statement was to review the internal elements of the Group and, as against the Group’s 
strategy, to review key aspects of the business environment. Long-term viability forms part of the Group strategy, as one of the objectives of 
developing a long-term strategy is to ensure the viability of the Group. The scenario selection is based on the risks identified in the Principal Risks 
and Uncertainties. The Committee reviewed the process and the long-term Viability Statement and recommended it to the Audit Committee for 
their review and approval.

During the year, the Committee also created a standing agenda setting out when its main activities would be addressed during the year. 
It was determined that a review of financing arrangements in November 2018, would be conducted in May and November each year, with 
post-acquisition reviews to occur during November. Accordingly, the Committee will carry out one-year post-acquisition reviews of businesses 
acquired during 2016 and three-year post-acquisition reviews of businesses acquired during 2014/2015.

Chris Brinsmead
Chair of the Risk, Investment & Financing Committee 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

91

Report of the Directors

The directors present their report and audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2017.

Dividends
An interim dividend of $3.58 cent (2016: $3.41 cent) per share was paid on 27 June 2017. Subject to shareholder approval at the Company’s  
AGM, it is proposed to pay a final dividend of $9.72 cent (2016: $9.04 cent) per share on 5 February 2018, to ordinary shareholders on the 
Company’s register at 5.00 p.m. on 12 January 2017, thereby giving a total dividend for the year of $13.30 cent (2016: $12.45 cent) per share. 

Board of Directors
Myles Lee was appointed to the Board on 1 April 2017. Details of the Board are set out on pages 56 and 57.

In accordance with the recommendation contained in the 2016 UK Corporate Governance Code, the Board has adopted the practice of annual 
re-election for all directors, unless a director is stepping down from the Board.

Company Listing and Share Price
At 30 September 2017, the Company’s shares were listed solely on the London Stock Exchange. The price of the Company’s shares ranged 
between £6.15 and £8.67, with an average price of £7.38, during the year ended 30 September 2017. The share price at the end of the  
2017 financial year was £8.50 and the market capitalisation of the Group was £2.11 billion. 

Substantial Interests
The Company received notification of the following interests of 3% or more in its ordinary share capital:

Fidelity Management & Research
Kabouter Management
Blackrock
Aberdeen Standard Investments
Vanguard Group

At 24 November 2017*

At 29 September 2017

Ordinary 
shares 
number

% of issued share 
capital (excluding 
treasury shares)

Ordinary 
shares 
number

% of issued share 
capital (excluding 
treasury shares)

20,091,222
13,677,058
11,382,220
8,008,626
7,564,414

8.09%
5.51%
4.58%
3.23%
3.05%

20,091,222
13,462,928
11,067,201
8,142,655
7,002,748

8.09%
5.42%
4.46%
3.28%
2.82%

* 24 November is the last practicable date to verify interests before printing this report. 

These entities have indicated that the shareholdings are not ultimately beneficially owned by them.

Authority to Allot Shares and Disapplication of Pre-emption Rights
At the AGM held on 7 February 2017, the directors received the authority from shareholders to allot shares up to an aggregate nominal value 
representing approximately one-third of the issued share capital of the Company and the power to disapply the statutory pre-emption provisions 
relating to the issue of new equity for cash. The disapplication is limited to the allotment of shares in connection with the exercise of share 
options, any rights issue, any open offer or other offer to shareholders and the allotment of shares up to an aggregate nominal value representing 
approximately 5% of the issued share capital of the Company. The directors also received authority to allot up to 10% of the issued share capital 
of the Company if the issue was related to an acquisition.

These authorities are due to expire at the Company’s 2018 AGM. Consequently, at the forthcoming AGM, shareholders will be asked to  
renew these authorities until the date of the Company’s AGM to be held in 2019 or the date 15 months after this forthcoming AGM, whichever  
is the earlier.

92

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Directors’ Report Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Purchase of Own Shares
At the AGM held on 7 February 2017, authority was granted to the Company, or any of its subsidiaries, to purchase a maximum aggregate of 10% 
of the Company’s shares.

Special resolutions will be proposed at the Company’s 2018 AGM to renew the authority of the Company, or any of its subsidiaries, to purchase 
up to 10% of the issued share capital of the Company and in relation to the maximum and minimum prices at which treasury shares (effectively 
shares purchased and not cancelled) may be re-issued off-market by the Company. If granted, the authorities will expire on the earlier of the date 
of the Company’s AGM in 2019 or the date 15 months after this forthcoming AGM.

The directors will only exercise the power to purchase shares if they consider it to be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders  
as a whole.

Takeover Directive 
The Group’s principal banking and loan note facilities include provisions that, in the event of a change of control of the Company, the Group could be 
obliged to repay the facilities together with penalties. Certain client and supplier contracts and joint venture arrangements also contain change of 
control provisions. Additionally, the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan and share option schemes contain change of control provisions which 
potentially allow for the acceleration of the exercisability of awards in the event that a change of control occurs with respect to the Company.

Political Donations
No political donations which require disclosure in accordance with the Electoral Acts 1997 to 2012 were made by the Group during the year.

Accounting Records
The directors believe that they have complied with the requirements of Sections 281 to 285 of the Companies Act 2014 with regard to maintaining 
adequate accounting records by employing accounting personnel with appropriate expertise and by providing adequate resources to the finance 
function. The accounting records of the Company are maintained at the Company’s registered office, 20 Riverwalk, Citywest Business Campus, 
Citywest, Dublin 24, Ireland.

Auditor
The appointment of EY as the Company’s Auditor was approved by shareholders at the AGM held on 7 February 2017. The re-appointment of  
EY for the year ending 30 September 2018 will be subject to shareholder approval at the AGM to be held on 30 January 2018.

Disclosure of Information to the Auditor
Each of the directors individually confirms that:
• 

• 

in so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and
they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information 
and to establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of such information.

Annual General Meeting
The AGM of the Company will be held on 30 January 2018. Your attention is drawn to the letter to shareholders and the Notice of AGM available 
on the Company’s website, www.udghealthcare.com, which set out details of the matters which will be considered.

Memorandum and Articles of Association
The Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association set out the objects and powers of the Company and may be amended by a special 
resolution passed by the shareholders at a general meeting of the Company.

Corporate Governance
UDG Healthcare plc is an Irish registered company and is therefore not subject to the disclosure requirements contained in the UK Companies 
Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013.

A summary of the Group’s business model and strategy is set out on pages 12 to 15 and the Group’s sustainability policies and activities are 
summarised on pages 40 to 51.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

93

Directors’ Report 

Report of the Directors (continued)

Directors Compliance Statement 
(Made in accordance with section 225 of the Companies Act, 2014).

The directors acknowledge that they are responsible for securing compliance by UDG Healthcare plc (the ‘Company’) with its relevant obligations 
as are defined in the Companies Act, 2014 (the ‘Relevant Obligations’).

The directors confirm that they have drawn up and adopted a compliance policy statement setting out the Company’s policies that, in the directors’ 
opinion, are appropriate to the Company with respect to compliance by the Company with its relevant obligations. 

The directors further confirm the Company has put in place appropriate arrangements or structures that are, in the directors’ opinion, designed 
to secure material compliance with its relevant obligations including reliance on the advice of persons employed by the Company and external 
legal and tax advisers as considered appropriate from time to time and that they have reviewed the effectiveness of these arrangements or 
structures during the financial year to which this report relates.

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Group and Company Financial Statements, in accordance with applicable 
laws and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare Group and Company Financial Statements each year. Under that law, the directors are required  
to prepare the Group Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union and have elected to prepare the Company 
Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies 
Act 2014.

Under company law, the directors must not approve the Financial Statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities and financial position of the Group and Company and of their profit and loss for that period. In preparing each of the Group and Company 
Financial Statements, the directors are required to:
• 
•  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
• 

state that the Financial Statements comply with IFRS as adopted by the European Union as applied in accordance with the Companies Act 
2014; and

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

•  prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the Company will 

continue in business.

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

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy, at any time, the assets, 
liabilities, financial position and profit and loss of the Company, and which enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements of the Group 
comply with the provisions of the Companies Act 2014. The directors are also responsible for taking all reasonable steps to ensure such records 
are kept by subsidiaries which enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements of the Group comply with the provisions of the Companies 
Act, 2014. 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. The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate  
and financial information included on the Group’s and Company’s website (www.udghealthcare.com). Legislation in Ireland concerning the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Responsibility Statement as Required by the Transparency Directive and UK Corporate Governance Code
Each of the directors, whose names and functions are listed on pages 80 and 90 of this Annual Report, confirm that, to the best of each person’s 
knowledge and belief:
•  as required by the Transparency Regulations:

•  The Group Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union and, in the case of the Company,  

as applied in accordance with the Companies Act 2014, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position of the Group and 
Company as at 30 September 2017 and of the profit of the Group for the year then ended; 

•  The Directors’ Report contained in the Annual Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the 

position of the Group and Company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face; and

•  as required by the UK Corporate Governance Code:

•  The Annual Report and Financial Statements, taken as a whole, provide the information necessary to assess the Group’s performance, 

business model and strategy and is fair, balanced and understandable. 

94

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Other Information
Other information relevant to the Director’s Report may be found in the following sections of the Annual Report:

Information

Location in the Annual Report

Principal activities, business review and future developments

Chairman’s Statement; Chief Executive’s Review; Operations Reviews 
and Finance Review – pages 4 to 55.

Results

Financial Statements – pages 98 to 176.

Corporate Governance

Corporate Governance Report – pages 59 to 65.

Directors’ remuneration, including the interests of the directors  
and secretary in the share capital of the Company

Directors’ Remuneration Report – pages 70 to 87.

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

Principal Risks and Uncertainties – pages 19 to 23.

Principal Key Performance Indicators

Key Performance Indicators – pages 16 to 18.

Financial risk management objectives and policies of the Group  
and the Company 

Financial Statements – Note 30.

Company’s capital structure including a summary of the rights  
and obligations attaching to shares

Group Statement of Changes in Equity – page 105; and Financial 
Statements – Notes 17, 19 and 20.

Long Term Incentive Plan, share options and equity settled  
incentive schemes

Directors’ Remuneration Report – pages 70 to 87.

Events after the balance sheet date

Financial Statements – Note 34.

Significant subsidiary undertakings

Financial Statements – Note 47.

The Directors’ Report for the year ended 30 September 2017 comprises these pages and the sections of the Annual Report referred to under 
‘Other information’ above, which are incorporated into the Directors’ Report by reference.

On behalf of the Board

P. Gray 
Director 

4 December 2017

B. McAtamney
Director 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 

Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the Members of UDG Healthcare plc

Opinion 
In our opinion:
•  UDG Healthcare plc’s group financial statements and parent company financial statements (the “financial statements”) give a true and fair 

view of the assets, liabilities and financial position of the group and of the parent company as at 30 September 2017 and of the group’s profit 
for the year then ended;
 the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as 
adopted by the European Union; 
 the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, and as 
applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2014; and
 the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2014, and, as regards the group 
financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

• 

• 

• 

We have audited the financial statements of UDG Healthcare plc which comprise:

Group

Parent company

Group Balance Sheet as at 30 September 2017

Company Balance Sheet as at 30 September 2017

Group Income Statement for the year then ended

Company Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year then ended

Group Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year then ended

Company Statement of Changes in Equity for the year then ended 

Group Statement of Changes in Equity for the year then ended

Company Cash Flow Statement for the year then ended

Group Cash Flow Statement for the year then ended

Related notes 35 to 50 to the financial statements including a summary 
of significant accounting policies

Related notes 1 to 34 to the financial statements, including a summary  
of significant accounting policies

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the European Union,  
and in the case of the parent company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2014.

Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with ISAs (Ireland) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described 
in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group and Company 
in accordance with ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of financial statements in Ireland, including the Ethical Standard as applied 
to public interest entities issued by the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA), and we have fulfilled our other ethical 
responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Overview of Our Audit Approach

Key audit matters

•  Assessment of the carrying value of goodwill
•  Accounting for acquisitions
•  Revenue recognition

Audit scope

•  We performed an audit of the complete financial information of 8 components and audit 

Materiality

procedures on specific balances for a further 50 components.

•  The components where we performed full or specific audit procedures accounted for 88%  

of Profit before Tax, 94% of Revenue and 97% of Total Assets.

•  Overall group materiality of $4.6 million which represents 5% of Profit before Tax. In their 
prior year audit, KPMG adopted a materiality of €3.75 million based on 5% of Profit before 
Tax from continuing operations.

96

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

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

Key observations communicated  
to the Audit Committee 

Our observations included  
the headroom level by CGU, 
where within an acceptable 
range the discount rate for 
each CGU lay, the results of 
our sensitivity analysis, and an 
analysis of the 5 year forecast 
EBIT growth rate when 
viewed against the prior year 
impairment model and the 
current year actual growth.

Our observations included  
a comparison of the net 
assets, goodwill and other 
intangible assets arising on 
each acquisition. We also 
analysed each of these 
categories as a percentage  
of total consideration for  
each acquired entity. We  
also commented on deferred 
tax aspects and the range  
of intangible asset useful  
lives determined.

Risk

Our response to the risk

Assessment of the Carrying Value of Goodwill  
($542.6 million)
Refer to the Audit Committee Report (page 67); 
Accounting policies (page 112); and Note 12 of the 
Consolidated Financial Statements (page 129).

Our team included valuations specialists  
who performed an independent assessment 
against external market data of key inputs  
used by management in calculating appropriate  
discount rates.

The impairment review of goodwill, with a carrying value of 
$542.6 million, is considered to be a risk area due to the size 
of the balance as well as the fact that it involves significant 
judgement by management. Judgemental aspects include 
assumptions of future profitability, revenue growth, margins, 
and the selection of appropriate discount rates, all of which 
may be susceptible to management override.

Accounting for Acquisitions ($270.5 million)
Refer to the Audit Committee Report (page 67); 
Accounting policies (page 111); and Note 28 of the 
Consolidated Financial Statements (page 141).

During the year, the Group completed 6 acquisitions at  
a total cost of $270.5 million, representing a significant 
increase over the prior year when only 1 acquisition was 
completed at a cost of $23.0 million.

As a result of this significant increase in activity,  
the accounting for acquisitions was an area where  
we allocated significant resources in directing the  
efforts of the engagement team. 

Particular focus was applied to the IFRS 3 requirements 
around the identification and valuation of intangible  
assets other than goodwill, and the valuation of deferred 
contingent consideration balances, as these areas require 
significant judgement to be exercised by management.  
The nature of these judgements result in them being 
susceptible to management override.

We challenged the determination of the  
Group’s 9 cash-generating units (CGUs),  
and flexed our audit approach relative to  
our risk assessment and the level of excess of 
value-in-use over the carrying amount in each 
CGU. For all CGUs selected for detailed testing, 
we corroborated key assumptions in the models, 
in particular growth rates, which we compared 
against historic rates achieved and external 
analyst forecasts.

We performed a sensitivity analysis on the discount 
rate and the long term growth rate, to assess the 
level of excess of value-in-use over the carrying 
value in place for each CGU based on reasonably 
possible movements in such assumptions.

We considered the adequacy of management’s 
disclosures in respect of impairment testing  
and whether the disclosures appropriately 
communicate the underlying sensitivities.

We performed procedures on all current year 
acquisitions including review of the underlying 
legal documentation, audit of the fair values  
of assets and liabilities arising on acquisition,  
and the valuation of deferred contingent 
consideration balances.

In respect of the identification and valuation  
of intangible assets other than goodwill, 
management utilised external specialists  
to assist them in determining these values.  
Our team included valuations specialists who 
independently considered the outcome for each 
acquisition, including performing corrobarative 
calculations in areas such as discount rates.

We also performed appropriate audit procedures 
to assess the competence, capabilities and 
objectivity of management’s specialists and that  
the results of their work are reasonable in the 
circumstances and support the relevant assertions 
in the financial statements.

We also considered the adequacy of the related 
disclosures, including where the initial business 
combination accounting was still provisional.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

97

Financial Statements 

Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the Members of UDG Healthcare plc (continued)

Risk

Our response to the risk

Revenue Recognition ($1,219.8 million)
Refer to the Audit Committee Report (page 67);
Accounting policies (page 114); and Note 3 of the
Consolidated Financial Statements (page 118).

The Group generates revenue from a variety of geographies 
and across a large number of separate legal entities spread 
across the Group’s three segments. Revenue may be recorded 
in an incorrect period or on a basis that is inconsistent with the 
contractual terms agreed with clients.

Certain of the Group’s revenue streams involve the exercise 
of judgement, in particular the determination of stage of 
completion of individual contracts where their duration 
spans accounting periods. In addition, the Group must 
assess whether it acts as agent or principal in transactions 
and accordingly whether revenue should be recorded on  
a gross or net basis, including the treatment of any rebates 
received. These judgements are important, given the 
significance of revenue as both a growth measure and  
a key determinant of profit in each period. 

We performed procedures on revenue at all 
in-scope locations, as outlined in further detail in 
the ‘Tailoring the scope’ section below. Detailed 
transactional testing of revenue recognised 
throughout the year was performed, commensurate 
with the higher audit risk assigned to revenue.

Dependent on the nature of the revenue 
recognised at each location, we examined 
supporting documentation including client 
contracts, statements of works or purchase 
orders, sales invoices, and cash receipts. In 
addition, we performed cut-off procedures, 
revenue journal testing and client balance 
confirmations, and in some locations data 
analytics procedures were also performed.

Particular focus was applied at those locations 
where revenue is determined over time  
under a stage of completion methodology or 
where agent versus principal considerations 
apply. In these circumstances we applied 
professional scepticism when assessing the 
judgments made by management.

Key observations communicated  
to the Audit Committee 

Our observations included an 
outline of the range of audit 
procedures performed, the 
key judgments involved, the 
entities where management 
judgement was most prevalent 
and the results of our testing.

We also provided our 
assessment of where we 
believe the Group’s revenue 
recognition practices lie  
within a range of acceptable 
outcomes, and the level  
of subjectivity involved in 
revenue related estimates.

Our Application of Materiality 
We apply the concept of materiality in planning and performing the audit, in evaluating the effect of identified misstatements on the audit and  
in forming our audit opinion. 

Materiality
The magnitude of an omission or misstatement that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of the users of the financial statements. Materiality provides a basis for determining the nature and extent of our audit procedures.

We determined materiality for the Group to be $4.6 million, which is 5% of Profit before Tax. In their prior year audit, KPMG adopted a materiality 
of €3.75 million based on 5% of Profit before Tax from continuing operations. Profit before Tax is a key performance indicator for the Group  
and is also a key metric used by the Group in the assessment of the performance of management. We therefore considered Profit before Tax to  
be the most appropriate performance metric on which to base our materiality calculation as we consider it to be the most relevant performance 
measure to the stakeholders of the Group.

During the course of our audit, we reassessed initial materiality and the only change in final materiality was to reflect the actual reported 
performance of the Group in the year.

Performance Materiality
The application of materiality at the individual account or balance level. It is set at an amount to reduce to an appropriately low level the 
probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds materiality.

On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our assessment of the Group’s overall control environment, our judgement was that 
performance materiality was 50% of our materiality, namely $2.3 million. We have set performance materiality at this percentage based  
on our assessment of the risk of misstatements, both corrected and uncorrected, with the current year being our first year as auditor. 

Audit work at component locations for the purpose of obtaining audit coverage over significant financial statement accounts is undertaken  
based on a percentage of total performance materiality. The performance materiality set for each component is based on the relative scale and 
risk of the component to the Group as a whole and our assessment of the risk of misstatement at that component. In the current year, the range 
of performance materiality allocated to components was $1.7 million to $0.5 million.

98

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Reporting Threshold
An amount below which identified misstatements are considered as being clearly trivial.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them all uncorrected audit differences in excess of $230,000, which is set at 5%  
of planning materiality, as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

We evaluate any uncorrected misstatements against both the quantitative measures of materiality discussed above and in light of other relevant 
qualitative considerations in forming our opinion.

An Overview of the Scope of Our Audit Report
Tailoring the Scope
Our assessment of audit risk, our evaluation of materiality and our allocation of performance materiality determine our audit scope for each 
entity within the Group. Taken together, this enables us to form an opinion on the consolidated financial statements.

In determining those components in the Group at which we perform audit procedures, we utilised size and risk criteria in accordance with 
International Standards on Auditing (Ireland).

In assessing the risk of material misstatement to the Group financial statements, and to ensure we had adequate quantitative coverage of 
significant accounts in the financial statements, of the 154 reporting components of the Group, we selected 58 components covering entities 
within the US, UK, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Sweden, Turkey, Japan and Canada, which represent the 
principal business units within the Group.

Of the 58 components selected, we performed an audit of the complete financial information of 8 components (“full scope components”) which 
were selected based on their size or risk characteristics. For the remaining 50 components (“specific scope components”), we performed audit 
procedures on specific accounts within that component that we considered had the potential for the greatest impact on the significant accounts 
in the financial statements either because of the size of these accounts or their risk profile. 

The reporting components where we performed audit procedures accounted for 88% of the Group’s Profit before Tax, 94% of the Group’s 
Revenue and 97% of the Group’s Total assets. For the current year, the full scope components contributed 84% of the Group’s Profit before Tax, 
60% of the Group’s Revenue and 42% of the Group’s Total assets. The specific scope component contributed 4% of the Group’s Profit before 
Tax, 34% of the Group’s Revenue and 55% of the Group’s Total assets. The audit scope of these components may not have included testing of  
all significant accounts of the component but will have contributed to the coverage of significant accounts tested for the Group. 

Of the remaining 96 components that together represent 12% of the Group’s Profit before, none are individually greater than 3% of the Group’s 
Profit before Tax. For these components, we performed other procedures, including analytical review, testing of consolidation journals and 
intercompany eliminations, and foreign currency translation recalculations to respond to any potential risks of material misstatement to the 
financial statements.

The charts below illustrate the coverage obtained from the work performed by our audit teams.

Profit before tax  
(or adjusted PBT measure used)

12%

4%

Revenue

6%

34%

Total assets

3%

42%

84%

60%

55%

  Full scope components

  Full scope components

  Full scope components

  Specific scope components

  Specific scope components

  Specific scope components

  Other procedures

  Other procedures

  Other procedures

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

99

Financial Statements 

Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the Members of UDG Healthcare plc (continued)

Involvement with Component Teams 
In establishing our overall approach to the Group audit, we determined the type of work that needed to be undertaken at each of the 
components by us, as the primary audit engagement team, or by component auditors from other EY global network firms operating under  
our instruction. Of the 8 full scope components, audit procedures were performed on 1 of these directly by the primary audit team and on  
7 by component audit teams. For the 45 full scope and specific scope components, where the work was performed by component auditors,  
we determined the appropriate level of involvement to enable us to determine that sufficient audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for  
our opinion on the Group as a whole.

The Group audit team completed a programme of planned visits which has been designed to ensure that senior members of the Group audit 
team, including the Audit Engagement Partner, visit a number of overseas locations each year. During the current year’s audit cycle, visits were 
undertaken to the component teams in the US and Germany. These visits involved discussing the audit approach with the component team  
and any issues arising from their work, meeting with local management and attending planning and closing meetings. The Group audit team 
interacted regularly with the component teams where appropriate during various stages of the audit, reviewed key working papers as deemed 
necessary and were responsible for the scope and direction of the audit process. This, together with the additional procedures performed at 
Group level, gave us appropriate evidence for our opinion on the group financial statements.

Conclusions Relating to Principal Risks, Going Concern and Viability Statement
We have nothing to report in respect of the following information in the annual report, in relation to which the ISAs (Ireland) require us to  
report to you if we have anything material to add or draw attention to:
• 

the disclosures in the annual report set out on pages 21 to 23 that describe the principal risks and explain how they are being managed  
or mitigated;
the directors’ confirmation set out on page 20 in the annual report that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks  
facing the entity, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity;
the directors’ statement set out on page 20 in the financial statements about whether they considered it appropriate to adopt the going 
concern basis of accounting in preparing them, and their identification of any material uncertainties to the entity’s ability to continue to  
do so over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements;

• 

• 

•  whether the directors’ statement in relation to going concern required under the Listing Rules in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3)  

• 

is materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit; and 
the directors’ explanation set out on page 20 in the annual report as to how they have assessed the prospects of the entity, over what period 
they have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation 
that the entity will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any 
related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

Other Information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other 
than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, 
except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether  
the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained during the audit or otherwise appears to  
be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether 
there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have 
performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

In this context, we also have nothing to report in regard to our responsibility to specifically address the following items in the other information 
and to report as uncorrected material misstatements of the other information where we conclude that those items meet the following conditions:
•  Fair, balanced and understandable (set out on page 94) – the statement given by the directors that they consider the annual report and financial 
statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s 
performance, business model and strategy, is materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit; or

•  Audit committee reporting (set out on pages 66 to 69) – the section describing the work of the audit committee does not appropriately 
address matters communicated by us to the audit committee or is materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit; or
•  Directors’ statement of compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code (set out on page 59) – the parts of the directors’ statement 
required under the Listing Rules relating to the Company’s compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code containing provisions 
specified for review by the auditor in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.10R(2) do not properly disclose a departure from a relevant provision 
of the UK Corporate Governance Code.

100

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Opinions on Other Matters Prescribed by The Companies Act 2014
Based solely on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, we report that: 
• 

in our opinion, the information given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with the financial statements; and 
in our opinion, the Directors’ Report has been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2014. 

• 

We have obtained all the information and explanations which we consider necessary for the purposes of our audit.

In our opinion the accounting records of the Company were sufficient to permit the financial statements to be readily and properly audited and 
the Company statement of financial position is in agreement with the accounting records.

Matters on Which We Are Required to Report by Exception
Based on the knowledge and understanding of the Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified 
material misstatements in the Directors’ Report.

The Companies Act 2014 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion, the disclosures of directors’ remuneration and transactions required  
by sections 305 to 312 of the Act are not made. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Respective Responsibilities
Responsibilities of directors for the financial statements 
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set on page 94, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the 
financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as they determine is necessary  
to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern, 
disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends  
to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance,  
but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (Ireland) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. 
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected  
to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

The objectives of our audit, in respect 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 responses; and to respond appropriately to fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audit. However, the primary 
responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with both those charged with governance of the entity and management. 

Our approach was as follows: 
•  We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the Group across the various jurisdictions 
globally in which the Group operates. We determined that the most significant are those that relate to the form and content of external 
financial and corporate governance reporting including company law, tax legislation, employment law and regulatory compliance with 
agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration. 

•  We understood how UDG Healthcare plc is complying with those frameworks by making enquiries of management, internal audit, those 
responsible for legal and compliance procedures and the company secretary. We corroborated our enquiries through our review of the 
Group’s Compliance Policy, board minutes, papers provided to the audit committee and correspondence received from regulatory bodies.
•  We assessed the susceptibility of the Group’s financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur, by meeting with 
management, including within various parts of the business, to understand where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud. We also 
considered performance targets and the potential for management to influence earnings or the perceptions of analysts. Where this risk was 
considered to be higher, we performed audit procedures to address each identified fraud risk. These procedures included testing manual 
journals and were designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements were free from fraud or error.

•  Based on this understanding we designed our audit procedures to identify non-compliance with such laws and regulations. Our procedures 

included a review of board minutes to identify any noncompliance with laws and regulations, a review of the reporting to the audit committee 
on compliance with regulations, enquiries of internal general counsel and management. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the IAASA’s website at:  
http://www.iaasa.ie/getmedia/b2389013-1cf6-458b-9b8f-a98202dc9c3a/Description_of_auditors_responsiblities_for_audit.pdf.  
This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

101

Financial Statements 

Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the Members of UDG Healthcare plc (continued)

Other matters which we are required to address
We were appointed by the Audit Committee following the AGM held on 7 February 2017 to audit the financial statements for the year ending  
30 September 2017 and subsequent financial periods. This is our first year of engagement. 

The non-audit services prohibited by IAASA’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the Group or Company and we remain independent of the 
Group and Company in conducting our audit. 

Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the Audit Committee.

The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe our responsibilities
Our report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with section 391 of the Companies Act 2014. Our audit work has 
been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for 
no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the 
Company’s members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Breffni Maguire 
for and on behalf of
Ernst & Young Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm
Dublin

4 December 2017

102

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Group Income Statement 
for the year ended 30 September 2017

Continuing operations

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Selling and distribution expenses
Administrative expenses
Other operating expenses
Transaction costs
Share of joint ventures’ profit after tax

Operating profit
Finance income
Finance expense

Profit before tax from continuing operations
Income tax expense

Profit for the financial year from continuing operations
Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations

Profit for the financial year

Profit attributable to:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Earnings per ordinary share
Basic – continuing operations
Basic – discontinued operations

Basic

Diluted – continuing operations
Diluted – discontinued operations

Diluted

On behalf of the Board

P. Gray
Director

B. McAtamney
Director

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

2017 
$’000

1,219,755
(871,909)

347,846
(192,536)
(23,313)
(25,450)
(4,028)
667

103,186
18,905
(29,257)

92,834
(20,976)

71,858
–

71,858

71,858
–

71,858

28.97c
–

28.97c

28.83c
–

28.83c

As re-presented 
and restated  
2016 
$’000

1,083,439 
(767,833)

315,606
(177,543)
(20,854)
(18,213)
(2,214)
798

97,580
5,311
(19,349)

83,542
(15,428)

68,114
150,409

218,523

68,114
150,409

218,523

27.64c
61.04c

88.68c

27.53c
60.79c

88.32c

Note

3

28

14

5

6

6

7

8

8

10

10

10

10

10

10

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

103

Financial Statements 

Group Statement of Comprehensive Income 
for the year ended 30 September 2017

Profit for the financial year
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss: 
Remeasurement gain/(loss) on Group defined benefit schemes
– Continuing operations
– Discontinued operations
Deferred tax on Group defined benefit schemes
– Continuing operations
– Discontinued operations

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
– Continuing operations
– Discontinued operations
Reclassification on loss of control
Group cash flow hedges: 
– Effective portion of cash flow hedges – movement into reserve
– Effective portion of cash flow hedges – movement out of reserve

Effective portion of cash flow hedges
– Movement in deferred tax – movement into reserve
– Movement in deferred tax – movement out of reserve

Net movement in deferred tax

Other comprehensive income/(expense), net of tax

Total comprehensive income, net of tax, attributable to equity 

holders of the parent

Total comprehensive income/(expense) attributable to:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Note

29

27

20

20

20

20

(15,271)
14,865

1,909
(1,858)

2017  
$’000

71,858

11,098
–

(599)
–

10,499

10,109
–
–

(406)

51

9,754

20,253

92,111

92,111
–

92,111

As re-presented 
and restated 
2016  
$’000

218,523

(9,409)
1,177

599
(232)

(7,865)

(60,031)
(2,045)
5,283

(6,379)

798

(62,374)

(70,239)

148,284

(6,308)
154,592

148,284

(5,483)
(896)

685
113

104

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Group Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 30 September 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Equity share 
capital  
$’000

Share 
premium  
$’000

Retained 
earnings  
$’000

Other 
reserves 
(Note 20)  
$’000

Attributable 
to owners of 
the parent 
$’000

Non-
controlling 
interest 
$’000

At 1 October 2016

14,535

187,355

784,432 (179,446)  806,876

Profit for the financial year
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Effective portion of cash flow hedges
Deferred tax on cash flow hedges
Translation adjustment
Remeasurement gain on defined benefit schemes
Deferred tax on defined benefit schemes

Total comprehensive income for the year
Transactions with shareholders:
New shares issued
Issued in business combination
Share-based payment expense
Dividends paid to equity holders
Release from share-based payment reserve
Non-controlling interest arising on acquisition

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

46
39
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

71,858

–

71,858

–
–
–
11,098
(599)

(406)
51
10,109
–
–

(406)
51
10,109
11,098
(599)

82,357

9,754

92,111

3,129
6,012
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
(31,279)
577
–

–
–
3,613
–
(577)
–

3,175
6,051
3,613
(31,279)
–
–

At 30 September 2017

14,620

196,496

836,087

(166,656) 880,547

for the year ended 30 September 2016 

Total equity  
$’000

806,876

71,858

(406)
51
10,109
11,098
(599)

92,111

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
109

109

3,175
6,051
3,613
(31,279)
–
109

880,656

At 1 October 2015

14,430

183,000

600,793

(116,219)

682,004

Equity share 
capital  
$’000

Share 
premium 
$’000

Retained 
earnings  
$’000

Other 
reserves 
(Note 20)  
$’000

Total  
equity as 
re-presented 
and restated 
$’000

Profit for the financial year
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Effective portion of cash flow hedges
Deferred tax on cash flow hedges
Translation adjustment
– Continuing operations
– Discontinued operations
Reclassification on loss of control of subsidiary undertakings
Remeasurement (loss)/gain on defined benefit schemes
– Continuing operations
– Discontinued operations
Deferred tax on defined benefit schemes
– Continuing operations
– Discontinued operations

Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year
Transactions with shareholders:
New shares issued
Share-based payment expense
Dividends paid to equity holders
Release from share-based payment reserve

At 30 September 2016

–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–
–

–

218,523

–

218,523

–
–

–
–
–

(6,379)
798

(6,379)
798

(60,031)
(2,045)
5,283

(60,031)
(2,045)
5,283

(9,409)
1,177

599
(232)

–
–

–
–

(9,409)
1,177

599
(232)

210,658 

(62,374)

148,284

105
–
–
–

4,355
–
–
–

–
–
(30,056)
3,037

–
2,184
–
(3,037)

4,460
2,184
(30,056)
–

14,535

187,355

784,432

(179,446)

806,876

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

105

Financial Statements 

Group Balance Sheet
as at 30 September 2017

ASSETS
Non-current
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Investment in joint ventures and associates
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred income tax assets
Employee benefits

Total non-current assets

Current
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Current income tax assets
Derivative financial instruments
Assets held for sale

Total current assets

Total assets

EQUITY
Equity share capital
Share premium
Other reserves
Retained earnings

Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Non-controlling interest

Total equity 

LIABILITIES
Non-current
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Provisions
Employee benefits
Deferred income tax liabilities
Derivative financial instruments

Total non-current liabilities

Current
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Trade and other payables
Current income tax liabilities
Provisions
Liabilities held for sale

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

On behalf of the Board

P. Gray
Director

B. McAtamney
Director

106

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Note

2017 
$’000

As re-presented 
(Note 32)  
2016  
$’000

As re-presented 
(Note 32)  
2015  
$’000

11

12

13

14

30

27

29

15

16

30

8

17

19

20

21

22

23

25

29

27

30

23

24

25

8

168,403
542,554
227,617
8,838
1,302
4,025
12,379

965,118

55,060
307,388
187,469
2,464
2,450
–

554,831

136,877
384,520
108,322
9,067
13,185
4,296
13,939

670,206

54,941 
233,791 
428,729
4,532
8,239 
–

132,087 
401,306 
113,927 
25,855 
24,700 
4,463 
14,639 

716,977

61,636 
229,939 
239,832 
1,806
5,321 
530,821 

730,232

1,069,355

1,519,949

1,400,438

1,786,332

14,620
196,496
(166,656)
836,087

880,547
109

880,656

14,535 
187,355 
(179,446) 
784,432 

806,876
–

806,876

14,430 
183,000 
(116,219) 
600,793 

682,004
–

682,004

244,077
58,470
3,162
54,279
352

360,340

58
248,145
16,845
13,905
–

278,953

639,293

242,108 
6,084 
20,442 
31,008 
–

299,642

64,882 
204,468 
14,587 
9,983 
–

293,920

593,562

465,866 
8,411 
20,505 
31,424 
–

526,206

23,315 
214,831 
4,988 
20,931 
314,057 

578,122

1,104,328

1,519,949

1,400,438

1,786,332

Group Cash Flow Statement
for the year ended 30 September 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax 
Finance income
Finance expense

Operating profit
Share of joint ventures’ profit after tax
Depreciation charge
Loss/(profit) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Impairment of intangible assets
Amortisation of intangible assets
Share-based payment expense
Decrease in inventories
Increase in trade and other receivables
Increase/(decrease) in trade payables, provisions and other payables
Exceptional items paid
Profit on disposal of discontinued operations
Impairment of assets held for sale
Interest paid
Income taxes paid

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
Investment in intangible assets – computer software
Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash and cash equivalents acquired)
Deferred contingent acquisition consideration paid
Disposal of subsidiary undertakings (net of cash and cash equivalents disposed)

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of shares (including share premium thereon)
Repayments of interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Group transfers
Decrease in finance leases
Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company

Net cash outflow from financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Translation adjustment
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Cash and cash equivalents is comprised of:
Cash at bank and short term deposits

92,834
(18,905)
29,257

103,186
(667)
21,221
55
–
25,450
3,613
1,893
(24,612)
2,934
(165)
–
–
(10,608)
(14,522)

107,778

1,044
(29,466)
146
(21,884)
(198,439)
(14,265)
–

(262,864)

3,175
(63,266)
–
(3)
(31,279)

(91,373)

(246,459)
5,199
428,729

187,469

187,469

2016 (As re-presented)

2017 
$’000

Continuing 
operations 
$’000

Discontinued 
operations  
$’000

83,542
(5,311)
19,349

97,580 
(798) 
20,032 
71 
798 
18,213 
2,184 
3,452 
(9,783) 
(8,663) 
(2,564)
–
–

(12,201) 
(13,716)

151,220
(8)
64

151,276 
(1,659) 

–
(12) 

1,133
–
–
3,870
(10,074)
(32,081)
– 
(150,780) 
18,842 
– 
(777)

Total 
$’000

234,762
(5,319)
19,413

248,856 
(2,457) 
20,032 
59 
1,931
18,213 
2,184 
7,322
(19,857)
(40,744)
(2,564) 
(150,780)
18,842 
(12,201) 
(14,493)

94,605 

(20,262) 

74,343

663 
(31,736) 
435 
(10,926) 
(14,446) 
(17,331) 
447,112 

8 
(2,533) 
12 
(6,648) 

–
– 
(21,389) 

671 
(34,269) 
447 
(17,574) 
(14,446) 
(17,331) 
425,723 

373,771 

(30,550) 

343,221 

4,460 
(178,696) 
2,879 
(80) 
(30,056) 

–
– 
(2,879) 
– 
– 

4,460 
(178,696) 

–
(80) 
(30,056) 

(201,493) 

(2,879) 

(204,372) 

266,883 

(53,691) 

213,192
(24,295)
239,832

428,729

428,729

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

107

Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements

1.  Significant Accounting Policies
UDG Healthcare plc (the ‘Company’) is a public limited company incorporated in Ireland. The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company 
for the year ended 30 September 2017 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the ‘Group’) and the Group’s interest 
in joint venture undertakings and associates using the equity method of accounting.

The accounting policies applied in the preparation of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2017 are set out below.

Statement of Compliance
The Group Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by  
the EU. The individual Financial Statements of the Company (Company Financial Statements) have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 
adopted by the EU and as applied in accordance with the Companies Act 2014. The Company has availed of the exemption contained in Section 
304 (2) of the Companies Act 2014 which permits a company which publishes its Company and Group Financial Statements together to exclude 
the Company Income Statement and related notes that form part of the approved Company Financial Statements from the Financial Statements 
presented to its members and from the requirement to file it with the Registrar of Companies.

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous year except for the change in the Group’s presentation currency  
from euro to US dollar and the following new and amended IFRSs and International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) 
interpretations that were adopted by the Group as of 1 October 2016: 
•  Amendments to IAS 27: Equity method in Separate Financial Statements;
•  Amendments to IAS 1: Disclosure initiative;
•  Amendments to IFRS 11: Accounting for acquisitions of interests in Joint Operations;
•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012–2014 Cycle; and
•  Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38: Clarification of acceptable methods of depreciation and amortisation.

These are effective for the Group’s financial year ended 30 September 2017 but did not have a material effect on the results or financial position 
of the Group.

The IASB and the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) have issued the following standards, amendments to 
existing standards and interpretations that are not yet effective for the Group:
•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 Cycle: As part of its annual improvement process, the IASB has published necessary amendments 

to IFRS. The topics covered in these revisions are listed below:
• 

IFRS 1 (effective 1 January 2018): First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards: Deletion of short term exemptions  
for first time adopters
IFRS 12 (effective 1 January 2017): Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities: Clarification of the scope of the disclosure requirements
IAS 28 (effective 1 January 2018): Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures: Clarification that measuring investees at fair value through 
profit or loss is an investment-by-investment choice

• 

• 

• 

• 

IFRIC Interpretation 22: Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration (*) (effective 1 January 2018): The interpretation  
clarifies that in determining the spot exchange rate to use on initial recognition of the related asset, expense or income (or part of it)  
on the derecognition of a non-monetary asset or non-monetary liability relating to advance consideration, the date of the transaction  
is the date on which an entity initially recognises the non-monetary asset or non-monetary liability arising from the advance consideration.  
If there are multiple payments or receipts in advance, then the entity must determine a date of the transaction for each payment or receipt  
of advance consideration.
IFRIC Interpretation 23: Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments (*) (effective 1 January 2019): The Interpretation addresses the accounting 
for income taxes when tax treatments involve uncertainty that affects the application of IAS 12. The Interpretation does not apply to taxes  
or levies outside the scope of IAS 12, nor does it specifically include requirements relating to interest and penalties associated with uncertain 
tax treatments.

•  Amendments to IAS 7: Disclosure Initiative (effective 1 January 2017): The Amendments to IAS 7 require entities to provide disclosures that 
enable users to evaluate changes in liabilities arising from financing activities. An entity applies its judgement when determining the exact 
form and content of the disclosures needed to satisfy this requirement. The Amendments also suggest a number of specific disclosures that 
may be necessary in order to satisfy the above requirement.

•  Amendments to IAS 12 (effective 1 January 2017): Recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealised losses: The Amendments clarify that 

deductible temporary differences arise from unrealised losses on debt instruments measured at fair value. This is regardless of whether the 
instrument is recovered through sale or by holding it to maturity or whether it is probable that the issuer will pay all contractual cash flows. 
Entities are therefore required to recognise deferred taxes for temporary differences from unrealised losses on debt instruments measured  
at fair value if all other recognition criteria for deferred taxes are met.

108

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

•  Amendments to IAS 40 (effective 1 January 2018): Transfers of Investment Property (*): The Amendments clarify when an entity should 

transfer property, including property under construction or development into, or out of investment property. The Amendments state that  
a change in use occurs when the property meets, or ceases to meet, the definition of investment property and there is evidence of the change 
in use. A mere change in management’s intentions for the use of a property does not provide evidence of a change in use.

•  Amendments to IFRS 2 (*) (effective 1 January 2018): Classification and measurement of share-based payment transactions: The Amendments 
clarify how to account for certain types of share-based payment transactions. Once the amendments are applied, the timing and amount  
of expense recognised for new and outstanding awards could change. They specifically provide requirements on the accounting for:
• 

the effects of vesting and non-vesting conditions on the measurement of cash-settled share-based payments;
share-based payment transactions with a net settlement feature for withholding tax obligations; and

• 
•  a modification to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment that changes the classification of the transaction from cash-settled  

to equity-settled.

•  Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 (this has been deferred by the IASB): Sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate  
or joint venture: The amendments address an inconsistency between the two standards in dealing with the sale or contribution of assets 
between an investor and its associate or joint venture. The main consequence of the amendments is that a full gain or loss is recognised when  
a transaction involves a business. A partial gain or loss is recognised when a transaction involves assets that do not constitute a business, even  
if those assets are housed in a subsidiary. 

A number of the standards (*) set out above have not yet been EU endorsed. These standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards 
will be applied for the purposes of the Group and Company Financial Statements with effect from their respective effective dates. The Group is 
currently considering the impact of the above interpretations and amendments, however, they are not expected to materially impact the Group. 

Discussion on the major standards are included below. 

IFRS 16 Leases 
IFRS 16, published in January 2016 and effective on 1 January 2019, replaces the existing guidance in IAS 17 ‘Leases’. IFRS 16 eliminates the 
classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases. It introduces a single lessee accounting model, which requires a lessee  
to recognise assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months and depreciation of lease assets separately from interest  
on lease liabilities in the income statement. 

The Group is assessing the potential impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements resulting from the application of IFRS 16. Early indications 
from our initial review of IFRS 16 is that the adoption of this new standard will have a material impact on the Group’s Consolidated Income 
Statement and Consolidated Balance Sheet as follows: 

Income Statement 
Operating expenses will decrease, as the Group currently recognises operating lease expenses in either cost of sales or selling and distribution 
expenses (depending on the nature of the lease). The Group’s lease expense for 2017 was $29,058,000 (2016: $28,128,000) and is disclosed  
in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Depreciation and finance costs as currently reported in the Group’s Income Statement will increase, as under the new Standard the right-of-use 
asset will be capitalised and depreciated over the term of the lease with an associated finance cost applied annually to the lease liability. 

Balance Sheet 
At the transition date the Group will calculate the lease commitments outstanding at that date and apply the appropriate discount rate to calculate 
the present value of the lease commitment. The Group expects to adopt IFRS 16 by applying the fully retrospective application as permitted by the 
Standard. The Group’s commitment outstanding on all leases as at 30 September 2017 is $104,307,000 (2016: $102,582,000) (see Note 26). 

The Group has been assessing the impact of the new Standard, however, the approximate financial impact of the Standard is as yet unknown,  
as a number of factors impact the calculation of the liability, such as discount rate, the expected term of leases including renewal options and 
exemptions for short-term leases and low-value items. 

The Group’s commitment as at 30 September 2017 provides an indication of the scale of leases held and how significant leases currently are to the 
Group’s business. However, for the reasons highlighted above, this amount should not be used as a proxy for the impact of IFRS 16 on the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet. The Group will continue to assess its portfolio of leases to calculate the impending impact of transition to the new Standard. 

In addition to the impacts above, there will also be significant increased disclosures when the Group adopts IFRS 16. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

109

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

1.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, effective on 1 January 2019, addresses the classification, measurement and derecognition of financial assets and 
liabilities, introduces new rules for hedge accounting and a new impairment model for financial assets. 

The new hedge accounting rules will align the accounting for hedging instruments more closely with the Group’s risk management practices.  
As a general rule, more hedge relationships may be eligible for hedge accounting, as the Standard introduces a more principles-based approach. 
The Group has performed an initial assessment on the impact of IFRS 9, and it would appear that the Group’s current hedge relationships would 
qualify as continuing hedges upon the adoption of IFRS 9. Accordingly, the Group does not expect a significant impact on the accounting for its 
hedging relationships.

The new Standard also introduces expanded disclosure requirements and changes in presentation. These are expected to change the nature  
and extent of the Group’s disclosures about its financial instruments particularly in the first year of adoption of the new Standard.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers 
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers will replace IAS 18 Revenue, IAS 11 Construction Contracts and related interpretations.  
The new standard is effective from 1 January 2018. IFRS 15 introduces a number of new concepts and requirements and also provides guidance 
and clarification on existing practice. 

The core principle of IFRS 15 is that an entity should recognise revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to clients in an amount 
that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Under IFRS 15, an entity recognises 
revenue when (or as) a performance obligation is satisfied i.e. when ‘control’ of the goods or services underlying the particular performance obligation 
is transferred to the client. The Group is assessing the potential impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements resulting from the application of IFRS 
15. Findings from our initial review of IFRS 15 are that the impact of this new standard on the Group’s results is unlikely to be material, however, there 
will be increased disclosures when the Group adopts IFRS 15.

Change in Presentation Currency
The Group is presenting its results in US Dollars for the first time having previously reported in Euro. This change should help to provide a 
clearer understanding of the Group’s financial performance as half of the Group’s profits are currently generated in US Dollars, the Group’s  
US based businesses are demonstrating the greatest growth opportunities and future corporate development activity is likely to be US focused.

In order to satisfy the requirements of IAS 21 with respect to a change in presentation currency, the statutory financial information as
previously reported in the Group’s Annual Reports have been restated from Euro into US Dollars using the procedures outlined below:
•  Assets and liabilities were translated to US Dollars at the closing rates of exchange at each respective balance sheet date.
•  Share capital, share premium and other reserves were translated at the historic rates prevailing at the dates of transactions.
• 

Income and expenses were translated to US Dollars at an average rate at each of the respective reporting years. This has been deemed  
to be a reasonable approximation.

•  Differences resulting from the retranslation were taken to reserves.
•  All exchange rates used were extracted from the Group’s underlying financial records.

Please see Note 32 for further information on the procedures used to restate comparative information and the impact on the prior year results, 
closing balance sheet and the numerator for earnings per share as originally reported.

A change in presentation currency represents a change in accounting policy which is accounted for retrospectively.

Basis of Preparation
The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in US dollars and rounded to the nearest thousand, are prepared on a going concern basis.  
The Company Financial Statements continue to be presented in euro and rounded to the nearest thousand, and are prepared on a going concern 
basis. The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the measurement at fair value  
of share-based payments, retirement benefit obligations and certain financial assets and liabilities including derivative financial instruments. 

The preparation of Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU requires management to make certain judgements, 
estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. 
Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting 
estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. 

The Parent Company’s Financial Statements included on pages 162 to 171 are prepared using accounting policies which are consistent with the 
accounting policies applied to the Consolidated Financial Statements by the Group. The accounting policies are set out below and they have also 
been applied consistently by all of the Group’s subsidiaries and joint ventures to all years presented in these Financial Statements. 

110

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

Basis of Consolidation
The Group’s Financial Statements include the Financial Statements of the Company and all of its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates.

Accounting for Subsidiaries, Joint Ventures and Associates
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group is exposed, or has rights to variable returns from its involvement 
with the investee and has the ability to effect these returns through its power over the investee. In assessing control, potential voting rights that 
currently are exercisable or convertible are taken into account. The Financial Statements of subsidiaries are included in the Group Financial 
Statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.

Intragroup balances and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intragroup transactions are eliminated in preparing the Group 
Financial Statements. Unrealised gains arising from transactions with equity accounted joint ventures are eliminated against the investment to 
the extent of the Group’s interest. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains, but only to the extent there is no evidence 
of impairment.

Joint ventures are those entities where the rights are to share in the net assets and over whose activities the Group has joint control, established 
by contractual arrangement and requiring unanimous consent for strategic, financial and operational decisions. An associate is an enterprise over 
which the Group has significant influence, but not control, through participation in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee. 
Joint ventures and associates are included in the Financial Statements using the equity method of accounting, from the date that joint control and 
significant influence commence, until the date that joint control and significant influence cease. The Income Statement reflects in operating profit, 
the Group’s share of profit after tax of its joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements. The Group’s interest in its net assets is 
included as investment in joint ventures in the Balance Sheet at an amount representing the Group’s share of the fair value of the identifiable net 
assets at acquisition plus the Group’s share of post-acquisition retained profits or losses and other comprehensive income less dividends received 
from the joint ventures and goodwill arising on the investment and intercompany transactions that are eliminated. 

Business Combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method as at the acquisition date, which is the date on which control is transferred 
to the Group. 

• 

The Group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as:
the fair value of the consideration transferred; plus
• 
the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; plus
if the business combination is achieved in stages, the fair value of the pre-existing equity interest in the acquiree; less
the net recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

• 

• 

When the excess is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

The consideration transferred does not include amounts related to the settlement of pre-existing relationships. Such amounts are generally 
recognised in profit or loss.

Transaction costs, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities that the Group incurs in connection with completed 
business combinations are expensed as incurred.

Any deferred contingent consideration payable is measured at fair value at the acquisition date. If the deferred contingent consideration is 
classified as equity, then it is not remeasured and settlement is accounted for within Equity. Otherwise, subsequent changes in the fair value  
of the deferred contingent consideration are recognised in profit or loss.

When share-based payment awards (replacement awards) are required to be exchanged for awards held by the acquiree’s employees (acquiree’s 
awards) and relate to past services, then all or a portion of the amount of the acquirer’s replacement awards is included in measuring the 
consideration transferred in the business combination. This determination is based on the market-based value of the replacement awards compared 
with the market-based value of the acquiree’s awards and the extent to which the replacement awards relate to past and/or future service.

Intangible Assets – Acquired
Intangible assets that are acquired by the Group in a business combination are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment 
losses, when separable or arising from contractual or other legal rights and when they can be measured reliably. 

Amortisation is charged to the Income Statement on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of the intangible assets. Intangible assets 
are amortised over the following range of periods:
Customer relationships 
Trade names 
Technology 
Contract based 

6–15 years
2–15 years
3–10 years
6 months

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

111

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

1.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Intangible Assets – Computer Software
Computer software, including computer software which is not an integrated part of an item of computer hardware, is stated at cost less any 
accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. Cost comprises purchase price and any other directly attributable costs. 

Computer software is recognised if it meets the following criteria: 
•  an asset can be separately identified;
• 

it is probable that the asset created will generate future economic benefits; 
the development cost of the asset can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity; and 
the cost of the asset can be measured reliably. 

• 

• 

• 

Costs relating to the development of computer software for internal use are capitalised once the recognition criteria outlined above are met. 
Computer software is amortised over its expected useful life, which ranges from three to ten years, by charging equal instalments to the Income 
Statement from the date the assets are ready for use. 

Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is reported at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Cost includes expenditure that is 
directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. Depreciation is calculated, on a straight line basis on cost less estimated residual value,  
to write property, plant and equipment off over their anticipated useful lives using the following annual rates:

Land and buildings
– Freehold land
– Freehold buildings
Plant and equipment
Computer equipment
Motor vehicles
Assets under construction

not depreciated
2–7%
10–20%
20–33%
20%
not depreciated

The residual value of assets, if not insignificant, and the useful life of assets are reassessed annually. Gains and losses on disposals are determined 
by comparing the consideration received with the carrying amount at the date of disposal and are included in operating profit.

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations
Non-current assets and disposal groups that are expected to be recovered primarily through sale rather than continuing use are classified as  
held for sale. These assets are shown in the Balance Sheet at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less any disposal costs. Impairment 
losses on initial classification as assets held for sale and subsequent gains or losses on remeasurement are recognised in the Income Statement.

A discontinued operation is a component of the Group’s business, the operations and cash flows of which can be clearly distinguished from the 
rest of the Group and which:
• 

represents a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations;
is part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations; or
is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale.

• 

• 

Classification as a discontinued operation occurs at the earlier of disposal or when the operation meets the criteria to be classified as held for  
sale. When an operation is classified as a discontinued operation, the comparative statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income  
is re-presented as if the operation had been discontinued from the start of the comparative year.

Impairment Reviews and Testing
The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-financial assets, other than inventories (which are carried at the lower of cost and net realisable value) 
and deferred tax assets (which are recognised based on recoverability), are reviewed on an annual basis to determine whether there is any 
indication of impairment. If such an indication exists, then the asset is tested for impairment.

112

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

The recoverable amount of a non-financial asset or cash generating unit is the greater of its fair value less cost to sell and value in use. In assessing 
value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For the purpose of impairment testing, assets are grouped together 
into the group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets (the  
’cash generating unit’). Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to cash generating units that are expected to benefit from the 
combination’s synergies. An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash generating unit exceeds its estimated 
recoverable amount.

Goodwill is subject to impairment testing on an annual basis.

A financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial asset is 
considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events have had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows  
of that asset.

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount and the 
present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate. An impairment loss arising on financial assets is 
recognised in the income statement. Individually significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. 

An impairment loss, other than in the case of goodwill, is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable 
amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have 
been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

All impairment losses are recognised in the Income Statement.

Leases
Leases of property, plant and equipment, where the Group assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership, are classified as finance 
leases. Finance leases are capitalised at the inception of the lease at the lower of the fair value of the leased asset and the present value of the 
minimum lease payments. The corresponding rental obligations, net of finance charges, are included in interest-bearing loans and borrowings. 
The interest element of the finance cost is charged to the income statement over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of 
interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. The property, plant and equipment acquired under finance leases are 
depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the lease term.

Leases where substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Payments made 
under operating leases are charged to the income statement on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.

Inventories
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is based on the first in, first out principle and includes all expenditure 
which has been incurred in the normal course of business in bringing the products to their present location and condition. Net realisable value  
is the estimated selling price of inventory on hand in the ordinary course of business less all costs expected to be incurred in marketing, selling 
and distribution. 

Foreign Currency
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency of the related entity at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the  
date of the transaction. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured based on historical cost are not subsequently re-translated. 
Non-monetary assets carried at fair value are subsequently remeasured at the exchange rate at the date fair value was determined. Monetary 
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated into functional currencies at the foreign exchange 
rate ruling at that date. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in the Income Statement, except for qualifying cash 
flow hedges and a financial liability designated as a hedge of the net investment in a foreign operation, which are recognised directly in Other 
Comprehensive Income.

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on consolidation, are translated to US dollars  
at the foreign exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. The revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated to US dollars at 
the average exchange rate for the financial period. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations are recognised in 
Other Comprehensive Income and accumulated in the foreign exchange reserve within Equity.

When a foreign operation is disposed of such that control, significant influence or joint control is lost, the cumulative amount in the translation 
reserve related to that foreign operation is reclassified to profit or loss as part of the gain or loss on disposal. When the Group disposes of only 
part of its interest in a subsidiary that includes a foreign operation while retaining control, the relevant proportion of the cumulative amount is 
reattributed to non-controlling interests. When the Group disposes of only part of its investment in an associate or joint venture that includes a foreign 
operation while retaining significant influence or joint control, the relevant proportion of the cumulative amount is reclassified to profit or loss. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

113

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

1.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Hedge of Net Investment in Foreign Operation
Foreign currency differences arising on the retranslation of a financial liability designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation 
are recognised in Other Comprehensive Income to the extent that the hedge is effective and are presented within Equity in the foreign exchange 
translation reserve. To the extent that the hedge is ineffective, such differences are recognised in profit or loss. When the hedged part of a  
net investment is disposed of, the associated cumulative amount in equity is transferred to profit or loss as an adjustment to the profit or loss 
on disposal.

Financial Guarantee Contracts
Where the Group enters into financial guarantee contracts to guarantee the indebtedness of other parties, the Group considers these to be 
insurance arrangements and accounts for them as such. The Group treats the guarantee contract as a contingent liability until such time as it 
becomes probable that the Group will be required to make a payment under the guarantee.

Revenue Recognition 
Revenue represents the fair value of consideration received or receivable (net of returns, trade discounts and rebates) for products and services 
provided in the course of ordinary activity to third party clients in the financial reporting period. The fair value of sales is exclusive of value added 
tax and after allowances for discounts and is recognised in the Income Statement when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been 
transferred to the buyer, the consideration can be measured reliably and it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group. Discounts 
granted to clients are recognised as a reduction in sales revenue at the time of the sale based on management’s estimate of the likely discount to be 
awarded to clients.

Revenue from services rendered is recognised in the Income Statement in proportion to the stage of completion of the related contract or  
fully when no further obligations exist on the related service contract. Where the outcome of the contract can be measured reliably, stage  
of completion is measured by reference to services completed to date as a percentage of total services to be performed. Where services are  
to be performed rateably over a period of time, revenue is recognised on a straight line basis over the period of the contract.

When the Group acts in the capacity of an agent rather than as the principal in a transaction, the revenue recognised is the net amount of 
commission earned by the Group.

Exceptional Items 
With respect to exceptional items, the Group has applied an income statement format which seeks to highlight significant items within Group 
results for the year. Such items may include restructuring costs, profit or loss on disposal or termination of operations, litigation costs and 
settlements, profit or loss on disposal of investments and impairment of assets. The Group exercises judgement in assessing the particular  
items which, by virtue of their scale and nature, should be disclosed in the Income Statement and related notes as exceptional items. The Group 
believes that such a presentation provides a more helpful analysis as it highlights material items of a non-recurring nature.

Finance Income and Expense
Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested, changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, and 
gains on hedging instruments that are recognised in profit or loss. Interest income is recognised as it accrues in profit or loss, using the effective 
interest method.

Finance expense comprises interest expense on borrowings, unwinding of the discount on provisions, changes in the fair value of financial assets 
and losses on hedging instruments that are recognised in profit or loss. All borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss using the effective 
interest rate method.

Employee Benefits
Pension obligations
A defined contribution pension plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed contributions into a separate entity and 
will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are 
recognised as an expense in the Income Statement as incurred.

A defined benefit plan is a post-employment plan other than a defined contribution plan. The Group’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit 
pension plans is calculated separately for each plan by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in the current and 
prior years, discounting that amount and deducting the fair value of any plan assets. The calculation of defined benefit obligations is performed 
annually by a qualified actuary using the projected unit credit method. When the calculation results in a potential asset for the Group, the 
recognised asset is limited to the present value of economic benefits available in the form of any future refunds from the plan or reductions  
in future contributions to the plan. To calculate the present value of economic benefits, consideration is given to any applicable minimum 
funding requirements.

114

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability, which comprise actuarial gains and losses, the return on plan assets (excluding interest) and 
the effect of the asset ceiling (if any, excluding interest), are recognised immediately in Other Comprehensive Income. The Group determines the 
net interest expense/(income) on the net benefit liability/(asset) for the year by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined benefit 
obligation at the beginning of the year to the then net benefit liability/(asset), taking into account any changes in the net defined benefit liability/
(asset) during the year as a result of contributions and benefit payments. The discount rate applied is the yield at the balance sheet date on high 
quality corporate bonds that have maturity dates approximating the terms of the Group’s obligations.

Net interest expense and other expenses related to defined benefit plans are recognised in profit or loss. When the benefits of a plan are changed 
or when a plan is curtailed, the resulting change in benefit that relates to past service or the gain or loss on curtailment is recognised immediately 
in the profit or loss. The Group recognises gains and losses on the settlement of a defined benefit plan when the settlement occurs. 

Performance related incentive plans
The Group recognises the present value of a liability for short term employee benefits, including costs associated with performance related 
incentive plans, in the Income Statement when an employee has rendered service in exchange for these benefits and a constructive obligation  
to pay those benefits arises.

Share-based payment transactions
The Group operates a Long Term Incentive Plan and share option scheme which allow executive directors and employees acquire shares in the 
Company. All schemes are equity settled arrangements under IFRS 2 Share-based Payments. 

The grant-date fair value of share-based payment awards granted to employees is recognised as an employee expense, with a corresponding 
increase in equity, over the period that the employees become unconditionally entitled to the awards. The amount recognised as an expense is 
adjusted to reflect the number of awards for which the related service and non-market performance conditions are expected to be met, such that 
the amount ultimately recognised as an expense is based on the number of awards that meet the related service and non-market performance 
conditions at the vesting date. For share-based payment awards with market-based vesting conditions, the grant-date fair value of the share-
based payment is measured to reflect such conditions and there is no true-up for differences between expected and actual outcomes.

Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Taxation is recognised in the Income Statement except to the extent that  
it relates to items recognised directly in Equity or Other Comprehensive Income, in which case the related tax is recognised directly in Equity or 
Other Comprehensive Income.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively 
enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets 
and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. 

If the deferred tax arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of  
the transaction does not affect accounting nor taxable profit or loss, it is not recognised. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the 
expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at 
the balance sheet date.

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can  
be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and assets, and they relate to 
income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same tax entity or on different tax entities, but they intend to settle current tax liabilities  
and assets on a net basis.

Segmental Reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) 
who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments. The Group has determined that it has three 
reportable operating segments: Ashfield, Sharp and Aquilant. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

115

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

1.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Cash and Cash Equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and deposits, including bank deposits of less than six months’ maturity from the commencement 
date. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group’s cash management are included as a component of 
cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the Group and Company Cash Flow Statements.

Trade and Other Receivables
Trade and other receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method 
less provision for impairment.

A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all 
amounts due according to the original terms of receivables. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter 
bankruptcy or financial reorganisation, and default in payments are considered indicators that the trade receivable is impaired. The amount of 
the provision is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows. The amount of the 
provision is recognised in the Group Income Statement.

Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risks arising from operating, 
financing and investment activities. In accordance with its treasury policy, the Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments  
for trading purposes. However, derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are accounted for as trading instruments.

Derivative financial instruments are recognised at fair value. The gain or loss on remeasurement to fair value is recognised immediately in the 
Income Statement, except where derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, in which case recognition of any resultant gain or loss depends on  
the nature of the item being hedged, as set out below.

The fair value of interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the swap at the balance sheet date, 
taking into account current interest rates and the current creditworthiness of the swap counterparties. 

Cash flow hedges
Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the variability in cash flows of a recognised asset or liability, or a highly 
probable forecasted transaction, the effective part of changes in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument is recognised directly in 
Other Comprehensive Income in the cash flow hedge reserve. When the forecasted transaction results in the recognition of a non-financial asset 
or non-financial liability, the associated cumulative gain or loss is removed from Equity and included in the initial cost or other carrying amount  
of the non-financial asset or liability. In other cases, the associated cumulative gain or loss is removed from equity and recognised in the Income 
Statement in the same period or periods during which the hedged item affects profit or loss. The ineffective part of any gain or loss is recognised 
immediately in the Income Statement.

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or the entity revokes designation of the hedge relationship but the 
hedged forecasted, transaction is still expected to occur, then hedge accounting is ceased prospectively and the cumulative gain or loss at that 
point remains in Equity and is recognised in accordance with the above policy when the transaction occurs. If the hedged transaction is no longer 
expected to take place, the cumulative unrealised gain or loss recognised in Equity is reclassified immediately to the Income Statement.

Fair value hedges
Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of a change in the fair value of an asset or liability, gains or losses arising from 
the remeasurement of the hedging instrument to fair value are reported in the Income Statement. In addition, any changes in the fair value of  
the hedged item which is attributable to the hedged risk is adjusted against the carrying amount of the hedged item and reflected in the Income 
Statement. Where the adjustment is to the carrying amount of a hedged interest-bearing financial instrument, the adjustment is amortised to the 
Income Statement with the objective of achieving full amortisation by maturity.

Non-derivative Financial Instruments
Non-derivative financial instruments comprise trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, loans and borrowings, and trade and 
other payables. Non-derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost.

A financial instrument is recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are 
derecognised if the Group’s contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial assets expire or if the Group transfers the financial asset to 
another party without retaining control of substantially all risks and rewards of the asset. Purchases and sales of financial assets are accounted 
for at trade date, i.e. the date that the Group commits itself to purchase or sell the asset. Financial liabilities are de-recognised if the Group’s 
obligations specified in the contract expire, are discharged or cancelled.

116

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, 
interest-bearing loans and borrowings, other than those accounted for under the fair value hedging model outlined above, are stated at amortised 
cost with any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised in the Income Statement over the period of the borrowings on an 
effective interest basis. Effective interest rate is calculated by taking into account any issue costs and any expected discount or premium on settlement.

Provisions
A provision is recognised in the Balance Sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, and it is 
probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation which can be measured reliably. If the effect is material, 
provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time 
value of money and the risks specific to the liability.

Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares and share options are recognised 
as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects.

Where share capital recognised as equity is repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, including directly attributable costs, net of any 
tax effects, is recognised as a deduction from equity. Repurchased shares are classified as treasury shares and are presented as a deduction from 
total equity.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements 
Income tax expense 
The Group is subject to income tax in a number of jurisdictions, and significant judgement and degree of estimation is required in determining 
the worldwide provision for taxes. There are many transactions and calculations during the ordinary course of business, for which the ultimate 
tax determination is uncertain and the complexity of the tax treatment may be such that the final tax charge may not be determined until formal 
resolution has been concluded with the relevant tax authority which may take extended time periods to conclude. Also, the Group can be subject 
to uncertainties, including tax audits in any of the jurisdictions in which it operates, which are frequently complex taking many years to conclude. 
Amounts accrued for anticipated tax authority reviews are based on estimates of whether any additional amounts of tax may be due. Such 
estimates are determined based on a number of factors including management judgement, interpretation of relevant tax laws, correspondence 
with the tax authorities, advice from external tax professionals and a probability weighted expected value.

The ultimate tax charge may, therefore, be different from that which initially is reflected in the Group’s consolidated tax charge and provision  
and any such differences could have a material impact on the Group’s income tax charge and consequently financial performance. Where the 
final tax charge is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences are recognised in the income tax provision in the 
period in which such determination is made. 

Discontinued operations and assets and liabilities classified as held for sale 
Management has applied judgement in presenting the Group’s joint venture arrangement with Magir Limited as a discontinued operation and 
asset held for sale. Due to the absence of a power sharing administration in Northern Ireland, a decision regarding historical and future drug 
reimbursement rates has not been made and agreeing a value on the business in the absence of this information has not been possible. It remains 
the intention of the Group to dispose of the asset once the valuation can be properly established.

Goodwill and intangible assets 
Determining whether goodwill and intangible assets are impaired requires comparison of the value in use for the relevant CGUs (or group of 
CGUs) to the net assets attributable to these CGUs. The value in use calculation is based on an estimate of future cash flows expected to arise 
from the CGUs and these are discounted to net present value using an appropriate discount rate. In calculating value in use, management 
judgement is required in forecasting cash flows of cash generating units, in determining terminal growth values and in selecting an appropriate 
discount rate. Sensitivities to changes in assumptions are detailed in Note 12. Determining the useful life of intangible assets requires judgement 
when estimating the useful life of the intangible assets. Management regularly reviews these useful lives and changes them if necessary to reflect 
current conditions. Changes in useful lives can have a significant impact on the amortisation charge for the year. 

Inventories 
Inventory comprises raw materials, work in progress and finished goods. Provisions are made against slow moving, obsolete and damaged 
inventories for which the net realisable value is estimated to be less than cost. Determining the net realisable value of inventory requires 
judgement to be applied to determine the likely saleability of products and the potential prices that can be achieved. Estimates of net realisable 
value are based on the most reliable evidence, taking into consideration product obsolescence or perishability (which are generally low given  
the nature of the Group’s inventory) and the purpose for which the inventory is held. The actual realisable value of inventory may differ from the 
estimated value on which the provision is based. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

117

Directors’ Report Strategic Report Financial StatementsFinancial StatementsFinancial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

1.  Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements (continued)
Trade and other receivables 
The Group trades with a large and varied number of clients on credit terms. Provision for impairment is made when there is objective evidence 
that the Group will not be in a position to collect the associated trade debts. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the 
debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation, and default in payments are considered indicators that the trade receivable is impaired. 
The Group uses estimates based on historical experience and current information in determining the level of debts for which a provision for 
impairment is required. The amount of the provision is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated 
future cash flows. The level of provision required is reviewed on an ongoing basis. 

Provisions 
The amounts recognised as a provision are management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle present obligations at the balance 
sheet date. The outcome depends on future events which are by their nature uncertain. In assessing the likely outcome, management bases its 
assessment on historical experience and other factors that are believed to be reasonable in the circumstances. If the effect is material, provisions 
are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of 
money and the risks specific to the liability. Deferred contingent consideration are recognised in the Group Balance Sheet as provisions. The 
expected payment is determined separately in respect of each individual earnout agreement taking into consideration the expected level of 
profitability of each acquisition. Any deferred contingent consideration is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date and included in the costs 
of the acquisition. The fair value of deferred contingent consideration at acquisition date is arrived at through discounting the expected payment 
to present value. 

Employee benefits 
Retirement benefit obligations 
The estimation of and accounting for retirement benefit obligation involves judgements made in conjunction with independent actuaries. These 
involve estimates about uncertain future events based on the environment in different countries, including life expectancy of scheme members, 
future salary and pension increases and inflation as well as discount rates. The assumptions used by the Group and a sensitivity analysis of a 
change in these assumptions are described in Note 29. 

Share-based payment
The fair value of the Executive Share Option Scheme has been measured using the Black Scholes formula or the binomial formula. The fair value 
of the Long Term Incentive Plan has been measured using the Black Scholes formula or the Monte Carlo Simulation. The inputs used in the 
measurement of the fair values at grant date are disclosed in Note 29. 

Financial instruments and financial risk 
Details of the methods and assumptions used are included in Note 30. 

2.  Prior Year Reclassification
Reclassification of Revenue
Pass-through revenues relate to the recharging of travel and other costs to clients at zero margin. There has been a reclassification of pass-through 
revenue from cost of sales to revenue. As a result, $35,771,000 (€32,200,000) has been reclassified from cost of sales to revenue so that the results 
are presented on a consistent basis in both 2017 and 2016. There is no impact on gross profit. 

A summary of the impact on the previously reported figures is set out below:

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit

3.  Revenue

Goods for resale
Services
Commission income

Total revenue

As previously 
stated 
€’000

943,080
(658,981)
284,099

Reclassification 
€’000

As restated 
€’000

As re-presented 
$’000

32,200
(32,200)
–

975,280
(691,181)
284,099

1,083,439
(767,833)
315,606

2017  
$’000

As re-presented 
and restated 2016  
$’000

87,659
1,127,169
4,927

92,370
986,219 
4,850 

1,219,755

1,083,439

Commission income relates to the sale of products where the Group acts as an agent in the transaction rather than as a principal. 

118

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

4.   Segmental Information
Segmental information is presented in respect of the Group’s operating segments and geographical regions. The operating segments are based 
on the Group’s management and internal reporting structure. Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm’s length basis. Segment results, 
assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Due to the nature 
of certain liabilities and assets, which are not segment specific, they have not been allocated to a segment but rather have been disclosed in 
aggregate immediately after the relevant segment note. Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the year to acquire segment 
assets that are expected to be used for more than one year and is comprised of property, plant and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets.

UDG Healthcare is a leading global healthcare services provider. IFRS 8 Operating Segments requires the reporting information for operating 
segments to reflect the Group’s management structure and the way financial information is regularly reviewed by the Group’s CODM, which  
the Group has defined as Brendan McAtamney (Chief Executive Officer). The segmental information of the business as presented corresponds 
with these requirements. Operating profit before transaction costs, amortisation of acquired intangible assets and exceptional items (adjusted 
operating profit) represents the key measure utilised in assessing the performance of operating segments. 

The Group’s operations are divided into the following operating segments:

Ashfield – Ashfield is a global leader in commercialisation services for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, operating across three broad 
areas of activity: advisory, communications and commercial & clinical services. It focuses on supporting healthcare professionals and patients at 
all stages of the product life cycle. The division provides field and contact centre sales teams, healthcare communications, patient support, audit, 
advisory, medical information and event management services to over 300 healthcare companies.

Sharp – Sharp is a global leader in contract packaging and clinical trial packaging services for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, 
operating from state-of-the-art facilities in the US and Europe. 

Aquilant – Aquilant is a leading provider of outsourced sales, marketing, distribution and engineering services to the medical and scientific 
sectors in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. 

Discontinued Operations
On 1 April 2016 the Group completed the disposal of United Drug Supply Chain Services, United Drug Sangers, TCP Group and MASTA. In 
accordance with IFRS 5 Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, the operations of those businesses were classified as 
discontinued in the year ended 30 September 2016. The Group has included the joint venture arrangement with Magir Limited as a discontinued 
operation during the current and prior year. Details of the disposal are included in Note 8. 

Geographical Analysis
The Group operates in four principal geographical regions being the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, North America and the Rest of 
World. In presenting information on the basis of geographical segment, segment revenue is based on the geographical location of the Group’s 
subsidiaries. Segment assets are based on the geographical location of the assets.

Inter-segment revenue is not material and thus not subject to disclosure.

Continuing operations – 2017

Income statement items

Segment revenue 

Adjusted operating profit*
Amortisation of acquired intangibles
Transaction costs

Operating profit
Finance income
Finance expense

Profit before tax
Income tax expense

Profit for the financial year

* Excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles and transaction costs.

Ashfield  
2017  
$’000

Sharp  
2017  
$’000

Aquilant  
2017  
$’000

Group total  
2017  
$’000

821,412

302,076

96,267

1,219,755

81,567
(20,040)
(3,758)

57,769

41,304
(2,026)
(270)

39,008

6,409
–
–

6,409

129,280
(22,066)
(4,028)

103,186
18,905
(29,257)

92,834
(20,976)

71,858

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

119

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

4.   Segmental Information (continued)
Geographical Analysis (continued)
Continuing operations – 2016

Segment revenue – as restated (Note 2)

Adjusted operating profit*
Amortisation of acquired intangibles
Transaction costs

Operating profit
Finance income
Finance expense

Profit before tax
Income tax expense

Profit for the financial year

* Excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles and transaction costs.

Balance sheet items

Segment assets
Unallocated assets

Segment liabilities
Unallocated liabilities

Segment assets
Unallocated assets

Segment liabilities
Unallocated liabilities

Ashfield  
2016 
$’000

Sharp  
2016  
$’000

Aquilant  
2016  
$’000

Group total 
as re-presented 
2016  
$’000

685,041

295,992 

102,406 

1,083,439

70,653 
(12,956) 
(2,214) 

55,483

38,208 
(3,021)
–

35,187 

6,910 
–
–

6,910 

Ashfield  
2017  
$’000

Sharp  
2017  
$’000

Aquilant  
2017  
$’000

947,326

358,007

126,550

(261,143)

(70,755)

(34,669)

Ashfield  
2016 
$’000

Sharp  
2016 
$’000

Aquilant  
2016 
$’000

605,063

332,709

123,043

(175,265) 

(52,892) 

(29,720) 

115,771
(15,977) 
(2,214)

97,580 
5,311 
(19,349) 

83,542
(15,428) 

68,114

Group total  
2017  
$’000

1,431,883
88,066

1,519,949

(366,567)
(273,726)

(639,293)

Group total as 
re-presented  
2016 
$’000

1,060,815
339,623

1,400,438

(257,877) 
(335,685)

(593,562)

Unallocated assets and liabilities comprises amounts relating to interest-bearing loans and borrowings, derivative financial instruments, current 
income tax, deferred income tax, employee benefits and cash held at Group. The decrease in unallocated assets during the year reflects a reduction 
in Group cash balances due to acquisition activity.

Other segmental information

Depreciation

Capital expenditure*

Amortisation of acquired intangibles

Amortisation of computer software

Share-based payment expense

120

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Ashfield 
$’000  
2017

6,298

289,257

20,040

2,180

2,585

Sharp  
$’000  
2017

13,362

38,210

2,026

1,123

920

Aquilant  
$’000  
2017

1,561

1,556

–

81

108

Group total  
$’000  
2017

21,221

329,023

22,066

3,384

3,613

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

Depreciation

Capital expenditure*

Amortisation of acquired intangibles

Amortisation of computer software

Impairment of goodwill and intangibles

Share-based payment expense

Ashfield  
$’000  
2016

6,284

40,078

12,956

1,333

–

1,497

Sharp  
$’000  
2016

11,802

22,965

3,021

817

–

584

Aquilant  
$’000  
2016

1,946

2,295

–

86

798

103

Discontinued 
operations  
$’000  
2016

Group total as 
re-presented  
2016 
$’000

–

9,181

–

–

1,133

–

20,032

74,519

15,977

2,236

1,931

2,184

* Capital expenditure comprises acquisition of computer software, property, plant and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets.

The results and assets of joint ventures and associates are included within the individual business segment in which they are included for internal 
reporting, which relate to the Ashfield division and discontinued operations.

The following represents a geographical analysis of the segment information in accordance with IFRS 8, which requires disclosure of information 
about the country of domicile (Republic of Ireland) and countries with material revenue and non-current assets. The analysis of revenue 
represents continuing operations. The analysis of balance sheet items and other segment information for the year ended 30 September 2016 
includes both continuing and discontinued operations.

Geographical analysis

Revenue

Segment assets

Capital expenditure*

Republic of 
Ireland  
2017  
$’000

42,178

97,315

205

Republic of  
Ireland  
2016  
$’000

United Kingdom  
2017  
$’000

North America  
2017  
$’000

Rest of World  
2017  
$’000

Group total  
2017  
$’000

318,934

554,885

128,017

629,001

684,879

182,947

229,642

1,219,755

182,870

1,519,949

17,854

329,023

United Kingdom 
2016  
$’000

North America  
2016  
$’000

Rest of World 
2016  
$’000

Group total as 
re-presented  
2016 
$’000

Revenue – as restated (Note 2)

36,268 

365,985 

499,498 

181,688 

1,083,439

Segment assets

Capital expenditure*

307,994

473,025

8,516

34,411

477,685

25,184

141,734

1,400,438

6,408

74,519

* Capital expenditure comprises acquisition of computer software, property, plant and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets.

5.  Statutory and Other Information

Operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Loss/(profit) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of acquired intangibles
Amortisation of computer software 
Operating lease rentals:
– Land and buildings
– Other assets
Foreign exchange (gain)/loss

Continuing 
operations as 
re-presented 
2016 
$’000

Discontinued 
operations as 
re-presented 
2016 
$’000

20,032 
71
15,977 
2,236 

11,893
16,235 
(3,367)

–
(12)
–
–

350
844 
4 

2017 
$’000

21,221
55
22,066
3,384

13,646
15,412
(2,293)

Details of directors’ remuneration, pension entitlements and interests in share options are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

121

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

5.  Statutory and Other Information (continued)
As set out in the 2016 Annual Report, a formal tender process was carried out for the external audit of the Group’s Financial Statements for the 
year ended 30 September 2017. Following the conclusion of this process, on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board appointed 
Ernst & Young as auditors. Consequently, the 2016 auditor’s remuneration information included below relates to KPMG and the 2017 auditor’s 
remuneration pertains to Ernst & Young. 

Auditor’s remuneration
Fees payable to the Group auditors and to member firms of the Group auditors are as follows: 
Description of services
Audit services
– Group
– Company
Other assurance services
– Group
Tax advisory services
– Group
Other non-audit services
– Group

2017 
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

887
9

–

–

2

814
11

61

–

4

898

891*

* Fees payable to the Group auditors include fees in relation to the six acquisitions made in 2017.

Group audit consists of fees payable for the consolidated and statutory audits of the Group and its subsidiaries. Included in Group audit are total 
fees of $9,000 (2016: $11,000) which were paid to the Group’s auditor in respect of the parent company. 

Included in the above fees are the following amounts payable to the Group auditors outside of Ireland:

Audit services
Other assurance services
Tax advisory services
Other non-audit services

2017 
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

593
–
–

593

369
7
–

376

122

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

6.  Finance Income and Expense

Finance income
Income arising from cash deposits
Fair value of deferred contingent consideration
Fair value of cash flow hedges transferred from equity
Fair value adjustment to guaranteed senior unsecured loan notes
Foreign currency gain on retranslation of guaranteed senior unsecured loan notes
Ineffective portion of cash flow hedges
Net finance income on pension scheme obligations

Finance income relating to continuing operations

Finance income relating to discontinued operations 

Finance expense
Interest on overdrafts 
Interest on bank loans and other loans:
– Wholly repayable within 5 years
– Wholly repayable after 5 years
Interest on finance leases
Unwinding of discount on provisions
Fair value of deferred contingent consideration
Fair value adjustments to fair value hedges
Fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to equity
Foreign currency loss on retranslation of guaranteed senior unsecured loan notes
Net finance cost on pension scheme obligations

Finance expense relating to continuing operations

Finance expense on pension scheme obligations relating to discontinued operations

Net finance expense

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

2017  
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

1,057
–
–
2,840
14,865
76
67

18,905

–

18,905

710 
294
896
3,157 
–
254
–

5,311

8

5,319

(46)

(31)

(5,482)
(5,641)
(3)
(380)
–
(2,840)
(14,865)
–
–

(7,761) 
(5,686) 
(1) 
(1,158) 
(647) 
(3,157) 

–

(896) 
(12) 

(29,257)

(19,349) 

–

(29,257)

(10,352)

(64) 

(19,413) 

(14,094) 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

123

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

7.  Income Tax Expense

Recognised in the income statement

Current income tax
Ireland
Adjustment in respect of prior years
Current year income tax on profit for the year

Overseas
Adjustment in respect of prior years
Current year income tax on profit for the year

Total current income tax (expense)

Deferred income tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences:
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Employee benefits
Other items

Total deferred income tax (expense)/credit

Income tax (expense)

The total income tax expense for the financial year is analysed as follows:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Income tax (expense)

2017  
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

2,442
(589)

1,853

(108)
(18,710)

(18,818)

(16,965)

(2,508)
5,070
332
(4,905)

(4,011)

279 
(3,168) 

(2,889)

2,310 
(16,406) 

(14,096) 

(16,985)

(2,761)
7,565 
113 
(4,171)

746

(20,976)

(16,239)

(20,976)
–

(20,976)

(15,428)
(811)

(16,239)

Other items relate to a charge with respect to tax deductible goodwill amortisation of $5,099,000 (2016: $4,554,000) and a charge with respect 
to short term timing differences of $1,806,000 (2016: credit of $383,000).

The pre-exceptional tax charge in 2016 was $16,239,000 and the tax related to the exceptional items was nil.

The deferred income tax expense for the year to 30 September 2017 included a credit of $422,000 in respect of prior years (2016: charge 
of $1,056,000).

Factors Affecting the Tax Charge in Future Years
The total tax charge for future periods will be affected by changes to applicable tax rates in force in jurisdictions in which the Group operates and 
other changes in tax legislation applicable to the Group’s businesses.

Reconciliation of effective tax rate

Profit before tax
Taxation based on Irish corporation tax rate
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Tax on income from joint ventures
Non-taxable profit on disposal of subsidiaries and joint venture
Differences in foreign tax rates
Adjustments in respect of prior years

2017 
%

12.5

2017  
$’000

92,834
(11,604)
(1,318)
83
–
(10,893)
2,756

(20,976)

2016 
%

12.5

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

234,762
(29,345) 
(5,796)
307
21,044
(3,982) 
1,533

(16,239) 

The Group’s share of joint ventures’ profit after tax includes a tax charge of $366,000 (2016: $993,000).

124

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

8.  Net Result from Discontinued Operations, Disposal and Assets and Liabilities Classified as Held for Sale
On 1 April 2016, the Group completed the disposal of United Drug Supply Chain Services, United Drug Sangers, TCP Group and MASTA.  
In accordance with IFRS 5 Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued operations, these business disposals were considered to be 
discontinued. The respective profit and losses on the disposal of these businesses were recognised in the Group Income Statement within 
discontinued operations. 

The profit from discontinued operations after tax included in the Group Income Statement in the prior year is summarised in the table below:

Profit from discontinued operations after tax 
– United Drug Supply Chain Services businesses and MASTA 
– Magir Limited
Profit on disposal of discontinued operations 
Impairment of assets held for sale

Profit from discontinued operations after tax

The profit in the prior year from discontinued operations was fully attributable to the equity holders of the Company.

(A)

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Selling and distribution expenses
Administrative expenses
Settlement gain on defined benefit pension

Operating profit
Net finance expense

Profit from discontinued operations before tax

Income tax expense

Profit from discontinued operations after tax

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

(a)
(c)
(b)
(c)

16,812
1,659
150,780
(18,842)

150,409

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

750,206
(695,370)

54,836
(37,281)
(2,517) 
2,641

17,679

(56) 

17,623

(811) 

16,812

In accordance with IFRS 5, depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortisation of intangibles was not charged on the assets 
disposed of during the prior year. If the assets had continued to be depreciated and amortised during the prior year, the respective pre-tax 
charges for the year would have been $3,873,000 and $791,000.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

125

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

8.  Net Result from Discontinued Operations, Disposal and Assets and Liabilities Classified as Held for Sale (continued)
(B)
Reconciliation of consideration received to cash received 
The following table summarises the consideration received, the profit on disposal of discontinued operations and the net cash flow arising on the 
disposal of these businesses:

Total consideration 
Working capital and related adjustments

Cash received on completion

Cash and cash equivalents disposed of
Disposal related costs paid

Net consideration received on completion

Assets and liabilities disposed of 
Assets
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Deferred income tax assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables 

Total assets 

Liabilities
Deferred income tax liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Employee benefits 
Current income tax liability 

Total liabilities

Net identifiable assets and liabilities disposed of 

Recycling of foreign exchange loss previously recognised in foreign currency translation reserve

Provision for taxation

Profit on disposal of discontinued operations after tax

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

463,939
(16,827)

447,112

(21,389)
(9,422) 

416,301

96,734
16,276
53,331
1,126
127,922
249,609

544,998

(391)
(287,088)
(2,239)
(721)

(290,439)

(254,559) 

(5,283) 

(5,679) 

150,780 

(C)
During the current and prior year the Group has treated the joint venture arrangement with Magir as a discontinued operation and asset held  
for sale in accordance with IFRS 5. Due to the absence of a power sharing administration in Northern Ireland, a decision regarding historical  
and future drug reimbursement rates has not been made and agreeing a value on the business in the absence of this information has not been 
possible. It remains the intention of the Group to dispose of the asset once the valuation can be properly established.

The following table details the results of this discontinued operation included in the prior year Group Income Statement:

Share of joint venture profit after tax
Impairment charge on assets held for sale

Profit from discontinued operations after tax 

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

1,659
(18,842)

(17,183)

The assets and liabilities classified as held for sale in the Group Balance Sheet have a nil carrying value at 30 September 2017 (2016: nil).

126

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

2017  
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

22,388
8,891

31,279

21,659
8,397

30,056 

9.  Dividends – Equity Shares 

Dividends paid
Final dividend for 2016 of 9.04 $ cent (2015: 8.83 $ cent) per share 
Interim dividend for 2017 of 3.58 $ cent (2016: 3.41 $ cent) per share

Total dividends

The directors have proposed a final dividend for 2017 of 9.72 $ cent per share (2016: 9.04 $ cent per share) per share amounting to $24,137,000 
(2016: $22,388,000), subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting. The total dividend for the year, subject to 
shareholder approval, is 13.30 $ cent (2016: 12.45 $ cent) per share.

The final dividend for 2017 has not been provided for in the Balance Sheet at 30 September 2017, as there was no present obligation to pay the 
dividend at year end.

10.   Earnings per Ordinary Share

Profit attributable to owners of the parent
Adjustment for amortisation of acquired intangible assets (net of tax)
Adjustment for transaction costs (net of tax)
Adjustment for profit on disposal (net of tax)
Adjustment for impairment of asset held for sale (net of tax)

Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the parent

Weighted average number of shares
Number of dilutive shares under options

Weighted average number of shares, including share options

Basic earnings per share – $ cent
Diluted earnings per share – $ cent
Adjusted basic earnings per share – $ cent
Adjusted diluted earnings per share – $ cent

Continuing 
operations as 
re-presented 
2016  
$’000

68,114
8,413
2,123
–
–

Discontinued 
operations as 
re-presented 
2016 
$’000

150,409
–
–
(150,780)
18,842

Total  
as re-presented 
2016 
$’000

218,523
8,413
2,123
(150,780)
18,842

78,650

18,471

97,121

Total  
2017  
$’000

71,858
16,996
3,658
–
–

92,512

2017  
Number of shares

2016  
Number of shares

248,001,114
1,238,273

246,405,955
1,016,938

249,239,387

247,422,893

Continuing 
operations as 
re-presented 
2016 

Discontinued 
operations as 
re-presented 
2016

Total  
as re-presented 
2016 

27.64
27.53 
31.92 1 
31.79 1 

61.04 
60.79 
7.50 2 
7.47 2 

88.68 
88.32 
39.42 
39.26 

Total  
2017

28.97
28.83
37.30 1
37.12 1

Non-IFRS Information
The Group reports certain financial measurements that are not required under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) which 
represent the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) under which the Group reports. The Group believes that the presentation of 
these non-IFRS measurements provide useful supplemental information which, when viewed in conjunction with our IFRS financial information, 
provide investors with a more meaningful understanding of the underlying financial and operating performance of the Group and its divisions. 
These measurements are also used internally to evaluate the historical and planned future performance of the Group’s operations and to 
measure executive management’s performance based remuneration. 

1.  Adjusted profit attributable to equity holders of the parent from continuing operations is stated before the amortisation of acquired intangible 

assets and transaction costs.

2.  Adjusted profit attributable to equity holders of the parent from discontinued operations is stated after deducting the profit on disposal of  

the discontinued operations ($150.8m, net of tax), and adding back the impairment of the investment in Magir Limited, an asset held for sale 
($18.8m, net of tax). 

Treasury shares have been excluded from the weighted average number of shares in issue used in the calculation of earnings per share. 2,567,081 
(2016: 2,273,772) anti-dilutive share options have been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

The average market value of the Company’s shares for the purposes of calculating the dilutive effect of share options was based on quoted market 
prices for the year.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

127

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

11.    Property, Plant and Equipment

Land and 
buildings 
$’000

Plant and 
equipment 
$’000

Motor 
vehicles 
$’000

Computer 
equipment 
$’000

Assets under 
construction 
$’000

Year ended 30 September 2017
Opening net book amount
Additions in year
Arising on acquisition
Depreciation charge
Disposals in year
Transfer to intangibles
Reclassifications
Translation adjustment

At 30 September 2017

At 30 September 2017
Cost or deemed cost
Accumulated depreciation

Net book amount

Year ended 30 September 2016  

(as re-presented)

Opening net book amount
Additions in year
Arising on acquisition 
Depreciation charge
Disposals in year
Transfer to assets held for sale
Transfer to intangibles
Reclassifications
Translation adjustment

At 30 September 2016

At 30 September 2016
Cost or deemed cost
Accumulated depreciation

Net book amount

61,093
4,151
15,692
(4,935)
(97)
–
(561)
1,120

76,463

65,013
20,780
5,153
(11,620)
(14)
–
163
1,089

80,564

106,815
(30,352)

157,112
(76,548)

76,463

80,564

Land and 
buildings 
$’000

Plant and 
equipment 
$’000

58,130
8,043
228
(4,945)
(132)
–
–
2,455
(2,686)

61,093

51,193
10,038
155
(10,491)
(254)
(1,028)
–
16,066
(666)

65,013

290
30
–
(62)
–
–
–
13

271

738
(467)

271

Motor 
vehicles 
$’000

369
148
10
(62)
(69)
–
–
(43)
(63)

290

10,481
3,414
593
(4,604)
(90)
(393)
398
215

10,014

27,558
(17,544)

10,014

–
1,091
–
–
–
–
–
–

1,091

1,091
–

1,091

Computer 
equipment 
$’000

Assets under 
construction 
$’000

11,173
6,403
191
(4,534)
(51)
–
(1,701)
(153)
(847)

10,481

11,222
7,104
–
–
–
–
–
(18,325)
(1)

–

–
–

–

Total  
$’000

136,877
29,466
21,438
(21,221)
(201)
(393)
–
2,437

168,403

293,314
(124,911)

168,403

Total  
$’000

132,087
31,736
584
(20,032)
(506)
(1,028)
(1,701)
–
(4,263)

136,877

242,580
(105,703)

136,877

87,272
(26,179)

61,093

128,888
(63,875)

65,013

897
(607)

290

25,523
(15,042)

10,481

During the current and prior year, the cost and associated depreciation of computer software that was previously recognised within property, 
plant and equipment were transferred to intangible assets.

No borrowings are secured on the above assets with the exception of the leased assets noted below.

Leased Property, Plant and Equipment
The Group leases items of property, plant and equipment under a number of finance lease agreements. At 30 September 2017, the carrying 
amount of leased assets included in property, plant and equipment was $164,000 (2016: $185,000) and related depreciation amounted to 
$86,000 (2016: $113,000).

128

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

2017  
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

384,520
140,626
1,844
15,564

542,554

401,306 
11,610 
–

(28,396) 

384,520 

12.   Goodwill

Cost
At beginning of year
Acquired during the year (Note 28)
Measurement period adjustment
Translation adjustment

At end of year

Goodwill arises on acquisitions. The goodwill acquired during the year relates to the acquisition of STEM Marketing Limited, Vynamic LLC, 
Sellxpert GmbH, Sellxpert AG, Cambridge BioMarketing LLC and MicroMass Communications Inc.

A measurement period adjustment on finalisation of the IFRS 3 Business Combination accounting for the Pegasus Public Relations Limited 
acquisition, completed in 2016, resulted in an increase in goodwill of $1,844,000.

Goodwill acquired through business combinations has been allocated to cash generating units (CGUs) for the purpose of impairment testing. 
The CGUs represent the lowest level within the Group at which associated goodwill is monitored for management purposes and is not bigger 
than the segments determined in accordance with IFRS 8 Operating Segments. Significant under-performance in any of the Group’s major  
CGUs may give rise to a material write-down of goodwill which would have a substantial impact on the Group’s income and equity. A total  
of nine (2016: eight) CGUs have been identified.

The carrying value of goodwill and the number of CGUs are analysed between the operating segments in the Group below.

Ashfield 
Sharp 
Aquilant

2017  
$’000

Number of 
CGUs

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

Number of 
CGUs

389,029
90,541
62,984

542,554

6
2
1

9

235,184 
89,077 
60,259 

384,520 

5 
2 
1

8

In accordance with IAS 36 Impairment of Assets, the CGUs to which significant amounts of goodwill (greater than 10% of the total value) have 
been allocated are as follows:

Ashfield Healthcare Communications Group 1
Ashfield Advisory Group 2
Aquilant Group
Ashfield EUCAN Group 3
Sharp Commercial Packaging Group
Sharp Clinical Services Group

1 
2 
3 

Includes goodwill relating to Cambridge BioMarketing LLC and MicroMass Communications Inc which were acquired during the year. 
Includes goodwill relating to STEM Marketing Limited and Vynamic LLC which were acquired during the year. 
Includes goodwill relating to Sellxpert GmbH and Sellxpert AG which were acquired during the year. 

2017  
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

168,842
67,032
62,984
54,181
50,847
39,694

85,952 
–
60,260 
41,928
49,876 
39,201 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

129

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

12.   Goodwill (continued)
The value in use and excess of value in use over the carrying amount of the above significant CGUs are as follows:

Ashfield Healthcare Communications Group
Ashfield Advisory Group
Aquilant Group
Ashfield EUCAN Group
Sharp Commercial Packaging Group
Sharp Clinical Services Group

Value in use

2017  
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

Excess

2017  
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

939,198
232,753
142,112
246,270
611,045
103,755

621,180 
–
201,039 
265,330
613,622 
81,838 

659,220
79,339
56,306
171,004
436,659
49,235

474,034 
–
119,541 
205,307
421,828 
30,221 

Impairment Testing of Cash Generating Units (CGUs) Containing Goodwill 
The Group tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if there is an indication that the goodwill may be impaired. This 
testing involves determining the CGU’s value in use and comparing this to the carrying amount of the CGU. Where the value in use exceeds the 
carrying value of the CGU, the asset is not impaired, but where the carrying amount exceeds the value in use, an impairment loss is recognised  
to reduce the carrying amount of the CGU to its value in use. Estimates of value in use are key judgemental estimates in the Financial Statements. 
A number of key assumptions have been made as a basis for the impairment tests. In each case, these key assumptions have been made by 
management reflecting past experience and are consistent with relevant external sources of information. 

Value in Use Calculations
Where a value in use approach is used to assess the recoverable amount of the CGU, calculations use pre-tax cash flow projections based on 
financial budgets and projections covering a five year period. The cash flow forecasts used for the value in use computations exclude incremental 
profits and other cash flows derived from planned acquisition activities. For individual CGUs, forecasts for up to four years have been approved 
by senior management. The remaining year’s forecasts have been extrapolated using growth rates of 1% to 10% (2016: 2% to 10%) based on the 
historical annual growth experience of individual CGUs. For the purposes of calculating terminal values, a terminal growth rate of 2.5% (2016: 
2.5%) has been adopted. The value in use of each CGU is calculated using a discount rate representing the Group’s estimated weighted average 
cost of capital, adjusted to reflect risks associated with each CGU. The pre-tax discount rates range from 8.1% to 12.5% (2016: 8.0% to 13.6%). 
The pre-tax discount rates used for significant CGUs are detailed in the table below.

Ashfield Healthcare Communications Group
Ashfield Advisory Group
Aquilant Group 
Ashfield EUCAN Group
Sharp Commercial Packaging Group 
Sharp Clinical Services Group

2017

8.5%
8.5%
8.1%
9.8%
11.1%
10.9%

2016

8.9%
–
8.0%
8.5%
10.7%
9.8%

The key assumptions used for the value in use computations are that the markets will grow in accordance with publicly available data, the Group 
will maintain its current market share, gross margins will be maintained at current levels and overheads will increase in line with expected levels 
of inflation. The cash flow forecasts assume appropriate levels of capital expenditure and investment in working capital to support the growth in 
individual CGUs.

Impairment
The Group did not impair goodwill in the current year nor in the prior year.

Additional Sensitivity Analysis
The Group has conducted a sensitivity analysis on each of the CGUs. For the purposes of performing sensitivity analysis, each individual discount 
rate was increased by 2% and the terminal growth rate was reduced to 2%. Applying these assumptions did not indicate any impairment. 

130

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

13.   Intangible Assets

Year ended 30 September 2017
Opening net book amount
Additions in year
Arising on acquisition
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Amortisation of computer software
Transfer from property, plant and equipment
Measurement period adjustment
Translation adjustment

At 30 September 2017

At 30 September 2017
Cost or deemed cost
Accumulated amortisation 

Net book amount

Year ended 30 September 2016 (as re-presented)
Opening net book amount 
Additions in year
Arising on acquisition
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Amortisation of computer software
Transfer to assets held for sale 
Transfer from property, plant and equipment
Impairment charge
Translation adjustment

At 30 September 2016 

At 30 September 2016
Cost or deemed cost
Accumulated amortisation 

Net book amount

Computer 
software  
$’000

Customer 
relationships  
$’000

Trade names  
$’000

Contract based  
$’000

Technology  
$’000

Total  
$’000

18,962
21,884
77
–
(3,384)
393
–
1,838

39,770

76,736
–
62,734
(16,275)
–
–
(1,005)
4,784

126,974

11,333
–
37,924
(2,751)
–
–
–
1,049

47,555

–
–
1,400
(233)
–
–
–
–

1,167

1,291
–
12,635
(2,807)
–
–
–
1,032

108,322
21,884
114,770
(22,066)
(3,384)
393
(1,005)
8,703

12,151

227,617

51,445
(11,675)

39,770

218,720
(91,746)

126,974

79,653
(32,098)

47,555

22,039
(20,872)

1,167

19,144
(6,993)

12,151

391,001
(163,384)

227,617

Computer 
software  
$’000

Customer 
relationships  
$’000

Trade names  
$’000

Contract based  
$’000

Technology  
$’000

Total  
$’000

11,564
10,926
–
–
(2,236)
(1,865)
1,701
(798)
(330)

18,962

87,501
–
8,903
(13,351)
–
–
–
–
(6,317)

76,736

12,957
–
1,579
(2,013)
–
–
–
–
(1,190)

11,333

282
–
–
(281)
–
–
–
–
(1)

–

1,623
–
–
(332)
–
–
–
–
–

1,291

113,927
10,926
10,482
(15,977)
(2,236)
(1,865)
1,701
(798)
(7,838)

108,322

30,014
(11,052)

18,962

149,542
(72,806)

76,736

39,826
(28,493)

11,333

19,872
(19,872)

5,181
(3,890)

244,435
(136,113)

–

1,291

108,322

The amortisation charge for the year has been charged to other operating expenses in the Income Statement. Intangible assets are amortised 
over their useful lives, ranging from six months to 15 years, depending on the nature of the asset.

14.   Investment in Joint Ventures and Associates
The Group’s interest in its joint ventures and associates, all of which are unlisted, is set out below.

At 1 October 2015 (as re-presented)
Share of profit after tax – continuing operations
Share of profit after tax – discontinued operations
Transferred to assets held for sale
Translation adjustment

At 30 September 2016 (as re-presented)
Share of profit after tax 
Translation adjustment 

At 30 September 2017

$’000

25,855
798
1,659
(18,842)
(403)

9,067 
667
(896)

8,838

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

131

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

14.   Investment in Joint Ventures and Associates (continued)
The Group has classified the joint venture arrangement with Magir Limited as an asset held for sale. 

Set out below is the summarised financial information for the Group’s joint ventures, which are accounted for using the equity method. The 
information below reflects the amounts presented in the Financial Statements of the joint venture reconciled to the carrying value of the Group’s 
interest in joint ventures.

2017  
$’000

2016  
as re-presented
$’000

Joint venture balance sheet (100%)
Non-current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Other current assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities

Net assets

Reconciliation of the carrying value of the Group’s interest in joint ventures:
Group’s equity interest
Group’s share of net assets
Goodwill

Carrying value of Group’s interest in joint ventures

Revenue 
Expenses, net of tax

Profit after tax

Group’s equity interest

Group’s share of profit after tax 

2,265
2,292
13,879
(4,199)
(7,315)

6,922

49.99%
3,460
5,378

8,838

2016 (as re-presented)

Continuing 
operations 
$’000

66,287 
(64,690)

1,597 

49.99%

798 

Discontinued 
operations 
$’000

113,381 
(108,487)

4,894 

33.9%

1,659 

2017 
$’000

61,883
(60,549)

1,334

49.99%

667

1,226
3,212
16,856
(2,664) 
(12,435) 

6,195

49.99%
3,097
5,970

9,067

Total 
$’000

179,668 
(173,177) 

6,491 

–

2,457 

Capital Commitments
At 30 September 2017, the Group’s share of authorised but not contracted for capital expenditure was nil.

The following joint venture of UDG Healthcare plc is classified as an asset held for sale.

Name plc

Nature of business

Magir Limited (trading as Medicare)

Healthcare and retail organisation

Group share

31.62%

Magir Limited has its registered office at  
44 Montgomery Road, Belfast, BT6 9ML

The following joint venture of UDG Healthcare plc is included within the Ashfield operating segment.

Name

CMIC Ashfield Co., Ltd 

Nature of business

Contract sales outsourcing

Group share

49.99%

CMIC Ashfield Co., Ltd has its registered office at 
7–10–4 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan

All shares held are ordinary shares.

132

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

UDG Healthcare plc accounts for Magir Limited and CMIC Ashfield Co. Limited as joint ventures on the basis of contractual arrangements which 
establish joint control between the Group and the remaining shareholders. These contractual arrangements outline the requirement for all significant 
strategic, financial and operational decisions to be jointly approved by both parties to the respective agreements.

The Group has considered the impact of IFRS 12, Disclosure of Interest in Other Entities in the Group Financial Statements. Given that neither 
joint venture is individually material to the results or financial position of the Group as at 30 September 2017 or 2016, no separate summary 
information for the respective joint ventures has been disclosed.

15.   Inventories

Raw materials
Work in progress
Finished goods

2017  
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

13,921
6,159
34,980

55,060

16,204
4,617
34,120

54,941

In 2017, raw materials, work in progress and finished goods recognised as continuing cost of sales amounted to $207,803,000 (2016: $224,075,000). 

Estimates of net realisable value are based on the most reliable evidence, taking into consideration product obsolescence or perishability (which 
are generally low given the nature of the Group’s inventory) and the purpose for which the inventory is held.

Current replacement cost does not differ materially from historical cost.

At 30 September 2017, the level of consignment inventory within the continuing Group amounted to $2,943,000 (2016: $2,755,000). These represent 
goods held on behalf of clients at locations around the Group, but are not owned by the Group. 

16.   Trade and Other Receivables

Current
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Accrued income
Prepayments

The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade receivables at the reporting date by geographical region was:

Geographical analysis of risk
Republic of Ireland
United Kingdom
North America
Rest of World

2017  
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

215,140
24,121
50,050
18,077

307,388

163,492 
16,913 
32,944
20,442

233,791

2017  
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

7,191
39,023
104,577
64,349

215,140

7,012
33,428 
78,270 
44,782 

163,492 

There is no material concentration of credit risk with regard to individual clients included in Group trade receivables. Details of how the Group 
manages credit risk are set out in Note 30.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

133

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

16.   Trade and Other Receivables (continued)
The ageing of trade receivables at 30 September 2017 and 2016 was:

Not past due 

Past due
0–30 days
31–90 days
91–180 days
+181 days

Gross value 
$’000

186,146

19,213
8,923
2,099
1,315

2017
Impairment  
$’000

Net 
$’000

(200)

185,946

2016 (as re-presented)

Gross value  
$’000

138,501 

Impairment  
$’000

Net  
$’000

(361) 

138,140 

(58)
(457)
(526)
(1,315)

19,155
8,466
1,573
–

15,166 
6,976 
3,118 
2,647 

(140) 
(156) 
(845) 
(1,414) 

15,026 
6,820
2,273 
1,233 

217,696

(2,556)

215,140

166,408 

(2,916) 

163,492 

The movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade receivables during the year was as follows:

At beginning of the year
Disposals in year
Bad debts written off during the year
Acquired during the year
Impairment loss recognised during the year
Translation adjustment

At end of year

2017
$’000 

2,916
–
(562)
–
104
98

2,556

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

7,996
(5,279)
(258) 
64
563
(170)

2,916

Trade receivables are assessed individually for impairment. The Group trades with a large and varied number of clients on credit terms. Provision 
for impairment is made when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be in a position to collect the associated trade debts. Impairments 
are recorded in the Group Income Statement on identification. The general economic climate being experienced by clients of the Group remains 
consistent with 2016 and is closely monitored by the Group.

17.   Equity Share Capital

Equity share capital

Authorised
Ordinary shares of €0.05 each 
Redeemable ordinary shares of €0.05 each

Allotted, called up and fully paid
Ordinary shares of €0.05 each
Redeemable ordinary shares of €0.05 each

In issue at 30 September

Number of 
shares  
2017

2017  
$’000

Number of 
shares  
2016

2016  
as re-presented
$’000

367,471,934
7,528,066

21,605
492

367,471,934
7,528,066

375,000,000

22,097

375,000,000

248,326,744
7,528,066

255,854,810

14,128
492

246,764,469
7,528,066

14,620

254,292,535

21,605
492

22,097

14,043
492

14,535

The redeemable ordinary shares do not rank for dividends and do not carry voting rights. The redeemable ordinary shares can be redeemed by 
the Company with the agreement of holders of such shares. All redeemable ordinary shares are held by the Group and are treated as treasury 
shares in accordance with the requirements of company law. 

134

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to attend, speak, ask questions and 
have one vote per share at general meetings of the Company. All shares rank equally with regard to the Company’s residual assets.

In issue at beginning of year
Exercise of share options
Issued in business combination (Note 28)

In issue at end of year

Number of ordinary shares

Number of redeemable 
ordinary shares

2017

2016

2017

2016

246,764,469
837,278
724,997

244,879,716
1,884,753
–

7,528,066
–
–

7,528,066
–
–

248,326,744

246,764,469

7,528,066

7,528,066

18.   Profit Attributable to UDG Healthcare plc
The profit recorded in the Financial Statements of the holding Company for the year ended 30 September 2017 was €76,437,000 (2016: 
€93,559,000). As permitted by Section 304 (2) of the Companies Act 2014, the Income Statement of the Company has not been separately 
presented – the exemption is afforded by Section 304. 

19.   Share Premium

At 1 October
Premium arising on shares issued
Issued in business combination 

At 30 September

20.   Other Reserves

Cash flow hedge  
$’000

Share-based 
payment  
$’000

At 1 October 2016 (as re-presented)
Effective portion of cash flow hedges 
Deferred tax on cash flow hedges
Share-based payment expense
Release from share-based payment reserve
Translation adjustment

At 30 September 2017

(12,499) 
(406)
51
–
–
–

(12,854)

Foreign exchange  
$’000

Treasury shares  
$’000

(165,574) 

(7,676) 

–
–
–
–
10,109

–
–
–
–
–

5,956
–
–
3,613
(577)
–

8,992

(155,465)

(7,676)

At 1 October 2015 (as re-presented)
Effective portion of cash flow hedges 
Deferred tax on cash flow hedges
Share-based payment expense
Release from share-based payment reserve
Translation adjustment
– Continuing operations
– Discontinued operations
Reclassification on loss of control
Release of treasury shares on vesting

Cash flow hedge  
$’000

Share-based 
payment  
$’000

Foreign exchange  
$’000

Treasury shares  
$’000

(6,918) 
(6,379) 
798
–
–

–
–
–
–

6,832
–
–
2,184 
(3,037) 

–
–
–
(23) 

(108,781)
–
–
–
–

(60,031)
(2,045)
5,283
–

(7,699) 

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
23

2017  
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

187,355
3,129
6,012

196,496

Capital 
redemption 
reserve  
$’000

347
–
–
–
–
–

347

Capital 
redemption 
reserve  
$’000

347
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

183,000
4,355 
–

187,355 

Total  
$’000

(179,446)
(406)
51
3,613
(577)
10,109

(166,656)

Total  
$’000

(116,219)
(6,379) 
798
2,184
(3,037) 

(60,031)
(2,045)
5,283
–

At 30 September 2016

(12,499) 

5,956

(165,574) 

(7,676) 

347

(179,446)

Cash Flow Hedge Reserve
The cash flow hedge reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments 
related to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred.

Share-based Payment Reserve
This reserve comprises amounts expensed in the Income Statement in connection with share-based payments, net of transfers to retained 
earnings on the exercise, lapsing or forfeiting of share awards.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

135

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

20.   Other Reserves (continued)
Foreign Exchange Reserve
The currency translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences from 1 October 2016, arising from the translation of the net assets  
of the Group’s non-US Dollar denominated operations, including the translation of the profits of such operations from the average exchange rate 
for the year to the exchange rate at the balance sheet date.

The reserve also includes all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of liabilities that hedge the Group’s net investment in 
foreign operations.

Capital Redemption Reserve
The capital redemption reserve is a legal reserve which has arisen from the Company buying back and cancelling its ordinary shares.

Treasury Shares
Dublin Drug Company Limited
During the year ended 30 September 1998, the Group acquired Dublin Drug Company Limited for consideration of $13,118,000 which at the date 
of its acquisition held 2,225,438 ordinary shares in UDG Healthcare plc which had a nominal value of $790,000 and at the date of their acquisition 
represented 9.84% of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital. Subsequent to the acquisition, these ordinary shares were converted into 
redeemable ordinary shares.

On 29 January 2002, 1,150,000 of these redeemable ordinary shares were redeemed at their market value both out of the proceeds of a placing  
in the market of 1,150,000 new ordinary shares and the distributable reserves of the Company, in accordance with Article 3A of the Articles of 
Association of the Company and Section 207 of the Companies Act 1990, and immediately thereafter were cancelled.

During the year ended 30 September 2003, the Company’s shareholders approved a 7 for 1 split of the ordinary share capital and redeemable 
ordinary share capital of the Company. At 30 September 2017, Dublin Drug Company Limited continued to hold 7,528,066 redeemable ordinary 
shares and they have been treated as treasury shares in the Balance Sheet in accordance with the requirements of company law.

Summary
At 30 September 2017 7,528,066 (2016: 7,528,066) treasury shares were held by the Group, representing 2.94% (2016: 2.96%) of the issued 
ordinary and redeemable ordinary share capital of the Company.

21.   Retained Earnings

At beginning of year
Net income recognised directly in the Income Statement
Net income recognised directly in Other Comprehensive Income 
– Remeasurement gain/(loss) on Group defined benefit schemes 
– Deferred tax on Group defined benefit schemes
Dividends paid to equity holders
Release from share-based payment reserve

At end of year

22.   Non-controlling Interests

At 1 October
Acquired during the year
Share of profit for the financial year 
Translation adjustment

At 30 September

2017  
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

784,432
71,858

11,098
(599)
(31,279)
577

836,087

600,793 
218,523 

(8,232)
367

(30,056) 
3,037

784,432 

2017  
$’000

–
110
–
(1)

109

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

–
–
–
–

–

The non-controlling interest relates to Sellxpert AG, a company registered in Switzerland. The Group acquired a 50% shareholding in Sellxpert 
AG on 10 July 2017.

136

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

23.   Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings

Non-current
Guaranteed senior unsecured notes
Bank borrowings
Finance leases

Current
Guaranteed senior unsecured notes
Bank borrowings
Finance leases

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings are repayable as follows:

Bank borrowings, overdrafts and guaranteed senior unsecured notes
Within one year
After one but within two years
After two but within five years
After five years
Finance leases
Within one year
After one but within two years

Non-current
Current

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

2017  
$’000

2016 
as re-presented 
$’000

244,043
–
34

244,077

(142)
70
130

58

242,289 
(190)
9

242,108

65,011 
(287)
158

64,882 

2017  
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

(72)
(95)
65,362
178,776

130
34

244,135

244,077
58

244,135

64,724 
(190)
66,021 
176,268 

158 
9

306,990 

242,108
64,882 

306,990 

In September 2010, the Group completed a $130 million debt financing in the US Private Placement Market. The following notes remain outstanding:

4.70% Series ‘A’ guaranteed senior unsecured notes, 2017 
5.25% Series ‘B’ guaranteed senior unsecured notes, 2020

2017  
$’000

–
65,000

65,000

2016  
$’000

65,000
65,000

130,000

In September 2013, the Group completed a $140 million and €23 million debt financing in the US Private Placement Market. The following notes 
remain outstanding:

4.48% Series ‘A’ guaranteed senior unsecured notes, 2023
4.59% Series ‘B’ guaranteed senior unsecured notes, 2025

3.45% Series ‘C’ guaranteed senior unsecured notes, 2023
3.50% Series ‘D’ guaranteed senior unsecured notes, 2025

2017  
$’000

105,000
35,000

140,000

2017  
€’000

12,000
11,000

23,000

2016  
$’000

105,000
35,000

140,000

2016  
€’000

12,000
11,000

23,000

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

137

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

23.   Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings (continued)
In September 2014, the Group completed a €10 million debt financing in the US Private Placement Market. The following note remains outstanding:

2.64% Series ‘A’ guaranteed senior unsecured note, 2023

2017  
€’000

10,000

10,000

2016  
€’000

10,000

10,000

All the loan notes were issued by UDG Healthcare Finance Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary, and have been guaranteed by UDG Healthcare 
plc and other Group undertakings.

US dollar loan note issuance proceeds were swapped into euro and the US dollar fixed interest rates applicable to the debt were swapped into 
predominantly fixed Euro rate debt to generate the desired interest profile.

These loans are repayable in full on maturity.

Borrowing Facilities
In September 2014, the Group renewed its senior bank debt facility extending the term to November 2019.

At year end the Group has $247,926,000 (2016: $234,382,000) of committed, undrawn multi-currency senior debt loan facilities with a maturity 
date of November 2019. The Group also has $11,806,000 (2016: $11,161,000) of undrawn overdraft facilities.

Covenants
The unsecured loan notes and senior bank facilities are subject to compliance with certain covenants including a leverage covenant (net debt to 
EBITDA) not to exceed 3.5:1 and an interest cover covenant (EBITDA to net interest expense) to be at least 3.0:1. 

2017  
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

58,145
97,526
58,968
12,594
20,912

47,279
73,851 
53,458
15,420
14,460

248,145

204,468 

Total  
2017  
$’000

16,067
–
65,939
(14,430)
380
999
3,420

72,375

Total as 
re-presented 
2016 
$’000

29,342 
(1,022)
8,581
(19,895)
1,158
–
(2,097)

16,067

Deferred 
contingent 
consideration  
2017  
$’000

15,419
–
65,939
(14,265)
380
999
3,406

71,878

Onerous 
leases  
2017  
$’000

Restructuring and 
other costs  
2017  
$’000

359
–
–
(52)
–
–
17

324

289
–
–
(113)
–
–
(3)

173

24.   Trade and Other Payables

Current
Trade payables
Accruals 
Deferred income
Other payables
PAYE, VAT and social welfare

25.   Provisions

At the beginning of the year 
Release to income statement
Arising on acquisitions (Note 28)
Utilised during the year
Unwinding of discount
Measurement period adjustment
Translation adjustment

At end of year

138

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

Non-current 
Current

Total

Deferred 
contingent 
consideration  
2017  
$’000

58,136
13,742

71,878

Onerous 
leases  
2017  
$’000

Restructuring and 
other costs  
2017  
$’000

269
55

324

65
108

173

Total  
2017  
$’000

58,470
13,905

72,375

Total as 
re-presented 
2016 
$’000

6,084
9,983

16,067

Deferred Contingent Consideration
The deferred contingent consideration liability represents the fair value of amounts which may become payable over the period from October 
2017 to October 2020 in connection with the acquisition of subsidiaries. Payment is dependent on achieving predetermined targets based on 
future performance and profitability. During the year, payments were made of $14,265,000 (2016: $17,331,000) with respect to prior and current 
year acquisitions. Deferred contingent consideration of nil (2016: $354,000) in respect of prior year acquisitions was charged following a review 
of earn out targets. The prior year charge was included in the Group Income Statement.

Onerous Leases 
The onerous leases relate to properties that the Group remains committed to following the integration of the businesses acquired in prior years. 
The properties are being proactively managed. In calculating the provisions, the Group made certain estimates and assumptions in assessing the 
amount provided. The provisions were calculated by taking into consideration the committed rental charges associated with the premises and  
the period of time to the earliest date at which the Group can exit from the leases. The cash outflows will be incurred during the period from 
October 2017 to April 2021. 

Restructuring and Other Costs
This provision primarily relates to redundancy costs associated with the implementation of the restructuring programme in Sharp Packaging 
Belgium in 2015.

26.   Operating Leases
Leases as Lessee
Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are payable as set out below. These amounts represent the minimum future lease payments, in aggregate, 
the Group is required to make under existing lease agreements.

Less than one year
Between one and five years
More than five years

2017  
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

27,121
52,729
23,305

103,155

24,260
50,171
28,151

102,582

The Group leases certain property, plant and equipment under operating leases. The leases typically run for an initial lease period with the 
potential to renew the leases after the initial period.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

139

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

27.   Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities
The following is an analysis of the movement in the major categories of deferred tax assets/(liabilities) recognised by the Group for the year 
ended 30 September 2017: 

At 1 October 2016
Recognised in Income Statement
Recognised in Other Comprehensive Income
Arising on acquisition
Exchange differences and other

At 30 September 2017

Analysed as:
Deferred tax asset
Deferred tax liability

Property, plant 
and equipment  
$’000

Intangible assets  
$’000

Retirement 
benefit obligation  
$’000

(6,894) 
(2,508)
–
(22)
277

(9,147)

184 
5,070
–
(19,989)
(1,186)

(15,921)

Short-term 
temporary 
differences and 
other differences 
$’000

(4,148) 
332
(599)
–
(6)

(15,854) 
(6,905)
51
1,932
11

Total  
$’000

(26,712) 
(4,011)
(548)
(18,079)
(904)

(4,421)

(20,765)

(50,254)

7
(9,154)

(9,147)

–
(15,921)

(15,921)

234
(4,655)

(4,421)

3,784
(24,549)

4,025
(54,279)

(20,765)

(50,254)

The following is an analysis of the movement in the major categories of deferred tax assets/(liabilities) recognised by the Group for the year 
ended 30 September 2016.

At 1 October 2015 (as re-presented)
Recognised in the Income Statement
Recognised in Other Comprehensive Income
Arising on acquisition
Deferred tax on disposals
Exchange differences and other

At 30 September 2016 (as re-presented)

Analysed as:
Deferred tax asset
Deferred tax liability

Property, plant 
and equipment  
$’000

Intangible assets  
$’000

Retirement  
benefit obligation  
$’000

(3,905) 
(2,761) 

–
–
–
(228)

(6,894) 

–

(6,894) 

(6,894) 

(7,571) 
7,565
–
(1,782)
–
1,972 

184 

425
(241) 

184

(2,941) 
113
367
–
(1,602)
(85) 

(4,148) 

1,093
(5,241) 

(4,148) 

Short-term 
temporary 
differences and 
other differences  
$’000

(12,544) 
(4,171) 
798
–
–
63

Total  
$’000

(26,961) 
746 
1,165 
(1,782) 
(1,602) 
1,722 

(15,854) 

(26,712) 

2,778
(18,632) 

4,296
(31,008) 

(15,854) 

(26,712) 

No deferred income tax is recognised on the unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries and joint ventures as the Group does not anticipate 
additional tax on any ultimate remittance.

As at 30 September 2017, the Group has unused tax losses and other timing differences of $34,714,000 (2016: $32,205,000) in respect of which 
no deferred tax asset has been recognised as it is not considered probable that there will be future taxable profits available. Included in the tax 
losses not recognised for deferred tax purposes are losses of $14,728,000 (2016: $13,247,000) which will expire within the next nine years. The 
remaining tax losses carry forward indefinitely. 

140

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

28.   Acquisition of Subsidiary Undertakings
On 21 October 2016, the Group acquired STEM Marketing Limited (‘STEM’), a leading global provider of commercial, marketing and medical 
audits to pharmaceutical companies. The Group has agreed to pay the sellers an additional amount over the next three years if predefined 
financial thresholds are met. The Group has included contingent consideration related to the additional consideration, which represents its fair 
value at the date of acquisition. 

On 3 April 2017, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Steel Eagle LLC, a US based pharmaceutical packaging facility. 

On 1 July 2017, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Vynamic LLC, a US based healthcare industry management consulting firm.  
The Group has agreed to pay the sellers an additional amount over the next three years if predefined financial thresholds are met. The Group  
has included contingent consideration related to the additional consideration, which represents its fair value at the date of acquisition. 

On 10 July 2017, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Sellxpert GmbH, a German contract sales organisation. The Group has agreed 
to pay the sellers an additional amount over the next three years if predefined financial thresholds are met. The Group has included contingent 
consideration related to the additional consideration, which represents its fair value at the date of acquisition. On 10 July 2017, the Group also 
acquired 50% of the share capital in Sellxpert AG, a contract sales organisation based in Switzerland.

On 12 July 2017, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Cambridge BioMarketing LLC, a US based healthcare communications business. 
The Group has agreed to pay the sellers an additional amount over the next twelve months, if predefined financial thresholds are met. The Group 
has included contingent consideration related to the additional consideration, which represents its fair value at the date of acquisition. 

On 13 September 2017, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of MicroMass Communications Inc (‘MicroMass’), a US-based healthcare 
communications agency specialising in behavioural change. The Group has agreed to pay the sellers an additional amount over the next three 
years, if predefined financial thresholds are met. The Group has included contingent consideration related to the additional consideration, which 
represents its fair value at the date of acquisition. 

The initial assignment of fair values to identifiable net assets acquired has been performed on a provisional basis in respect of the above listed 
acquisitions. Any amendments to these acquisition fair values within the twelve-month timeframe from the date of acquisition will be disclosed  
in the relevant annual report as stipulated by IFRS 3 (revised 2008), Business Combinations.

In the prior financial year, Pegasus Public Relations Limited, a healthcare communications company based in the UK, was acquired on 18 April 
2016. The Group has revised its estimate of the acquisition date fair value of intangibles, deferred contingent consideration and trade and other 
receivables in respect of this acquisition. This has resulted in a corresponding increase in goodwill relative to the amount previously recorded.  
On the basis that this adjustment was not deemed to be material, it was accounted for in the current year as a measurement period adjustment. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

141

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

28.   Acquisition of Subsidiary Undertakings (continued)
The fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired in the year ended 30 September 2017 (excluding net cash acquired), determined on a 
provisional basis due to the timing of recent acquisitions, are set out below:

STEM 
$’000

MicroMass 
$’000

Other 
$’000

Total 
$’000

Measurement 
period 
adjustments 
$’000

2017  
Total 
$’000

2016 
Total as 
re-presented 
$’000

Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets –  

computer software

Intangible assets – other 

intangible assets

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables

Total current assets

Non-current liabilities
Deferred income tax liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Current income tax liabilities

Total current liabilities

Identifiable net assets acquired
Intangible assets – goodwill

Total consideration  
(enterprise value)

Satisfied by:
Cash 
Net cash acquired

Net cash outflow
Equity instruments (724,997 

ordinary shares)

Deferred contingent acquisition 

consideration

Non-controlling interest

Total consideration

122

–

55,332

55,454

–
9,459

9,459

540

–

28,300

28,840

–
6,320

6,320

20,776

21,438

77

31,061

51,914

800
18,814

19,614

77

114,693

136,208

800
34,593

35,393

(7,496)

(7,496)

(10,754)

(10,754)

–

–

(18,250)

(18,250)

–

–

(1,005)

(1,005)

–
(11)

(11)

171

171

–
–

–

21,438

77

113,688

135,203

800
34,582

35,382

(18,079)

(18,079)

(22,402)
(1,036)

(23,438)

584

–

10,482

11,066

–
6,215

6,215

(1,782)

(1,782)

(3,542)
(540)

(4,082)

11,417
11,610

(3,758)
(743)

(4,501)

52,916
50,779

(3,362)
–

(3,362)

21,044
53,170

(15,282)
(293)

(15,575)

(22,402)
(1,036)

(23,438)

55,953
36,677

129,913
140,626

(845)
1,844

129,068
142,470

103,695

74,214

92,630

270,539

999

271,538

23,027

63,247
(3,358)

59,889

6,051

37,755
–

103,695

63,683
(1,120)

62,563

–

11,651
–

74,214

78,715
(2,728)

75,987

205,645
(7,206)

198,439

–

6,051

16,533
110

92,630

65,939
110

270,539

–
–

–

–

999
–

999

205,645
(7,206)

198,439

6,051

66,938
110

271,538

16,843
(2,397)

14,446

–

8,581
–

23,027

Goodwill is attributable to the future economic benefits arising from assets which are not capable of being individually identified and separately 
recognised. The significant factors giving rise to the goodwill include the value of the workforce and management teams within the businesses 
acquired, the enhancement of the competitive position of the Group in the marketplace and the strategic premium paid by UDG Healthcare plc 
to create the combined Group. The goodwill arising from acquisitions that is expected to be tax deductible is nil (2016: nil).

The intangible assets arising on the acquisitions are related to the trade names, client relationships, technology and client contracts.

The contractual assets are not materially different from the disclosed trade and other receivables.

142

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

The total transaction related costs for completed and aborted acquisitions amount to $4,028,000 (2016: $2,214,000). These are presented 
separately in the Group Income Statement. 

The fair value of contingent consideration recognised at the date of acquisition is calculated by discounting the expected future payment  
to present value at the acquisition date. In general, for contingent consideration to become payable, pre-defined profit thresholds must be 
exceeded. On an undiscounted basis, the future payments for which the Group may be liable in respect of current year acquisitions range  
from nil to $64,420,000 at 30 September 2017 (2016: nil to $8,776,000).

The Group’s results for the year ended 30 September 2017 included the following amounts in respect of the businesses acquired during the year: 

Revenue

Gross profit
Selling and distribution expenses
Other operating expenses*

Operating profit
Net interest (expense)/income

Profit before tax
Income tax

Profit after tax

2017  
Total  
$’000

2016  
Total as 
re-presented 
$’000

69,630

9,268

32,850
(21,263)
(8,365)

3,222
(1,120)

2,102
(467)

1,635

3,191
(1,585)
(629)

977
4

981
(197)

784

* Other operating expenses relate to amortisation of intangible assets.

Had the acquisitions been effected on 1 October 2016, the combined continuing Group would have reported total revenues of $1,315,507,000 
and profit after interest and tax for the financial year of $78,525,000.

29.   Employee Benefits 
The aggregate employee costs recognised in the Income Statement are as follows:

Wages and salaries
Social security contributions
Pension costs – defined contribution schemes
Pension costs – defined benefit schemes
Share-based payment expense

2017 
$’000

447,088
51,233
9,515
(341)
3,613

511,108

2016  
as re-presented
$’000

453,907
49,903 
8,998 
(1,991)
2,184 

513,001 

During the year the Group capitalised employee costs amounting to $2,702,000 (2016: $1,881,000), relating to intangible assets – computer 
software. The Group also capitalised employee costs amounting to $1,022,000 (2016: nil) relating to tangible assets.

The employee benefit expense is analysed as follows:

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

2017  
$’000

511,108
–

511,108

2016  
as re-presented
$’000

492,884
20,117 

513,001 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

143

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

29.   Employee Benefits (continued)
The average number of employees, including executive directors, during the year was as follows:

Marketing, distribution and selling
Operational 
Administration

The average number of employees during the year is analysed as follows:

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

2017  
Number

6,570
1,275
76

7,921

2017  
Number

7,921
–

7,921

2016  
Number 

6,179
1,225
95

7,499

2016  
Number

6,990
509

7,499

A further 1,191 (2016: 1,224) personnel are employed in the Group’s joint ventures.

(i) Defined contribution schemes
The Group makes contributions to a number of defined contribution schemes, the assets of which are vested in independent trustees for the 
benefit of members and their dependants.

(ii) Defined benefit schemes
The following amounts were recognised on the Balance Sheet of the Group in respect of employee benefit schemes as at 30 September:

Employee benefit asset
Employee benefit liability

The Group operates a number of defined benefit schemes as at 30 September as follows:

United States defined benefit scheme (US scheme)
Republic of Ireland defined benefit schemes (ROI schemes)

Net surplus/(liability)

2017  
$’000

12,379
(3,162)

9,217

2016  
as re-presented
$’000

13,939 
(20,442) 

(6,503) 

2017  
$’000

12,379
(3,162)

9,217

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

13,939 
(20,442) 

(6,503) 

On 1 April 2016 the Group completed the disposal of United Drug Supply Chain Services, United Drug Sangers, TCP Group and MASTA. Under 
the terms of the disposal, the Group retained responsibility for the funding requirements in respect of the ROI schemes. During 2015, the Group 
announced that the pension accrual under the ROI schemes would cease on 31 December 2015. On completion of the disposal the future funding 
obligations of the Northern Ireland (NI) scheme ceased to be the responsibility of the Group. 

Each of the defined benefit schemes operated by the Group are funded by the payment of contributions to separately administered trust funds. 
The contributions to the schemes are determined with the advice of independent qualified actuaries obtained at regular intervals using the 
projected unit method of funding. Each defined benefit scheme is independently funded and the assets are vested in the independent trustees  
for the benefit of members and their dependants. The valuations are not available for public inspection but the results are advised to members  
of the schemes. The most recent full actuarial valuations for the principal schemes were conducted as at 31 December 2014 for the ROI schemes 
and 1 January 2016 for the US scheme. Assumed medical costs are not a component of the pension obligations of any of the Group’s 
pension obligations. 

144

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

The principal long-term financial assumptions used by the Group’s actuaries in the computation of the defined benefit liabilities arising on 
pension schemes as at 30 September are as follows:

Increase in salaries
Increase in pensions
Inflation rate
Discount rate

2017

n/a
0–1.65%
1.65%
2.05%

ROI schemes 

US scheme

2016

2015

2017

2016

2015

n/a
0–1.50%
1.50%
1.25%

2.75% 2.75–4.00% 2.75–4.00% 2.75–4.00%
0.00%
2.75%
4.00%

0.00%
2.75%
3.30%

0–1.75%
1.75%
2.70%

0.00%
2.75%
3.60%

The ROI schemes have a remeasurement gain in the current year which primarily relates to an increase in the discount rate. The change in the 
discount rate within the schemes is reflective of changes in bond yields during the year. The US scheme has a remeasurement gain in the year 
arising from a higher than expected return on plan assets. In the ROI schemes, there is no longer a salary increase assumption due to the accrual 
of pension benefit ceasing from 1 December 2015. 

All schemes used certain mortality rate assumptions when calculating scheme obligations. These are based on advice from published statistics 
and experience in each geographic region. These assumptions will continue to be monitored in light of general trends in mortality experience.  
The average life expectancy of a pensioner at age 65, in years, is as follows: 

ROI schemes

US scheme

Current pensioners
Male
Female

Future pensioners
Male
Female

The market value of the assets in the pension schemes at 30 September 2017 were:

Equities
– Developed markets
– Emerging markets
Bonds
– Government
– Non-government
Property
Cash

Fair value of scheme assets
Present value of scheme obligations

Employee benefits (liability)/asset
Deferred income tax asset/(liability)

Net (liability)/asset

2017

21.4
23.9

23.8
25.9

%

34
–

40
–
3
23

100

2016

21.2
23.7

23.7
25.8

ROI  
2017  
$’000

11,652
–

13,668
–
1,145
7,827

34,292
(37,454)

(3,162)
234

(2,928)

2017

21.1
24.7

21.5
25.3

%

49
2

31
18
–
–

100

2016

21.4
25.1

21.9
25.8

US  
2017  
$’000

15,889
657

10,153
5,761
–
28

32,488
(20,109)

12,379
(4,655)

7,724

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

145

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

29.   Employee Benefits (continued)
The market value of the assets in the pension schemes at 30 September 2016 were:

Equities
– Developed markets
– Emerging markets
Bonds
– Government
– Non-government
Property
Cash

Fair value of scheme assets
Present value of scheme obligations

Employee benefits (liability)/asset
Deferred income tax asset/(liability)

Net (liability)/asset

Movements in Fair Value of Plan Assets

At beginning of year
Interest income on plan assets
Employer contributions
Employee contributions
Benefit payments
Return on plan assets excluding 

interest income

Settlements
Disposed
Translation adjustment

At end of year

ROI 
2017 
$’000

39,457
429
4,218
–
(1,022)

2,068
(12,663)
–
1,805

34,292

US 
2017 
$’000

30,404
798
–
–
(496)

1,782
–
–
–

32,488

* This scheme relates to United Drug Sangers which was disposed of on 1 April 2016.

Movements in Present Value of Defined Benefit Obligations

At beginning of year
Current service costs
Interest on scheme obligations
Employee contributions
Benefit payments
Remeasurement (gain)/loss
Effect of changes in actuarial 

assumptions

Settlements 
Curtailment gain
Disposed
Translation adjustment

At end of year

ROI 
2017 
$’000

59,899
–
638
–
(1,022)
(3,105)

(5,374)
(15,391)
–
–
1,809

37,454

US 
2017 
$’000

16,465
2,387
522
–
(496)
624

607
–
–
–
–

20,109

Total 
2017 
$’000

69,861
1,227
4,218
–
(1,518)

3,850
(12,663)
–
1,805

66,780

Total 
2017 
$’000

76,364
2,387
1,160
–
(1,518)
(2,481)

(4,767)
(15,391)
–
–
1,809

57,563

%

49
–

20
3
3
25

100

ROI 
2016 
$’000

43,352
1,081
6,592
23
(980) 

1,364
(11,796)
–
(179)

39,457

ROI 
2016 
$’000

63,857
134
1,487
23
(980) 
(2,037) 

13,900
(15,865)
(367)
–
(253)

59,899

ROI 
2016 
$’000

19,565
–

7,930
1,124
1,008
9,830

39,457
(59,899)

(20,442) 
1,093

(19,349) 

US 
2016 
$’000

28,425
921
–
–
(587)

1,645 
–
–
–

30,404

US 
2016 
$’000

13,786
2,186
527
–
(587)
354

199 
–
–
–
–

16,465

%

45
8

30
17
–
–

100

NI* 
2016 
$’000

25,132
489
278
69
(556)

1,222
–
(25,297)
(1,337)

–

NI* 
2016 
$’000

28,788
125
553
69
(556) 
(668) 

715
–
–
(27,537)
(1,489)

–

US 
2016 
$’000

13,703
2,288

9,229
5,124
–
60

30,404
(16,465) 

13,939 
(5,241) 

8,698

Total  
2016  
$’000

96,909
2,491
6,870
92
(2,123)

4,231
(11,796)
(25,297)
(1,516)

69,861

Total  
2016  
$’000

106,431
2,445
2,567
92
(2,123) 
(2,351) 

14,814
(15,865)
(367)
(27,537)
(1,742)

76,364

* All liabilities and information associated with the NI Scheme is attributable to United Drug Sangers which was disposed of on 1 April 2016.

146

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

2017  
$’000

3,850
2,481

29
4,738

11,098

2014*  
$’000

109,827 

118,280 

US  
2017  
$’000

(2,387)
–
(522)
798

(2,111)

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

4,231
2,351

–
(14,814)

(8,232)

2013*  
$’000

88,358

94,522 

Total  
2017  
$’000

(2,387)
2,728
(1,160)
1,227

408

The remeasurement gain/(loss) on the plan assets and present value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows:

Return on plan assets excluding interest income
Remeasurement loss on experience variations
Effect of changes in actuarial assumptions:
– Changes in demographic assumptions 
– Changes in financial assumptions 

Total included in Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

Historical Information

Fair value of scheme assets

Present value of scheme obligations

2017 
$’000

66,780

57,563

2016  
$’000

69,861 

76,364 

2015*  
$’000

96,909 

106,431 

* Includes the United Drug Sangers scheme which was disposed of on 1 April 2016.

Defined Benefit Pension Credit/(Expense) Recognised in the Income Statement

Current service costs
Settlements
Interest cost on scheme obligations
Interest income on scheme assets

ROI  
2017  
$’000

–
2,728
(638)
429

2,519

Accrual of pension benefits within the ROI schemes ceased with effect from 31 December 2015.

During the current and prior year, a general offer was made to the members of the ROI schemes to transfer their accrued benefits from the schemes 
in exchange for a fixed monetary amount. Acceptance of the offer was at the discretion of individual members and resulted in a settlement  
gain of $2,728,000 (2016: $4,069,000, $2,641,000 of which related to discontinued operations). Related professional fees amount to $180,000 
(2016: $261,000).

The employee benefit credit/(expense) is analysed as:

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Total

Current service costs
Settlements
Curtailment gain
Interest cost on scheme obligations
Interest on scheme assets

2017  
$’000

408
–

408

NI  
2016  
$’000

(125) 
–
–
(553)
489

(189) 

2016  
$’000

(833)
2,748

1,915

Total  
2016  
$’000

(2,445) 
4,069
367
(2,567) 
2,491

1,915

ROI  
2016  
$’000

(134) 

4,069
367
(1,487) 
1,081

3,896 

US  
2016  
$’000

(2,186) 

–
–
(527) 
921

(1,792) 

The tax effect relating to these items is disclosed in Note 27.

The cumulative remeasurement loss recognised in Other Comprehensive Income is $27,091,000 (2016: $38,189,000). The expected employer’s 
contribution for the year ended 30 September 2018 is $1,522,000.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

147

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

29.   Employee Benefits (continued)
Expected Maturity Analysis of Undiscounted Pension Benefits

ROI schemes
US scheme

At 30 September 2017

ROI schemes
US scheme

At 30 September 2016

Less than 1 year 
$’000

868
1,326

2,194

858
1,256

2,114

Between 
1–2 years 
$’000

960
1,365

2,325

1,006
920

1,926

Between  
2–5 years 
$’000

Over 5 years 
$’000

3,223
5,145

8,368

3,810
4,025

7,835

6,199
80,181

86,380

8,025
63,373

71,398

Total 
$’000

11,250
88,017

99,267

13,699
69,574

83,273

Sensitivity Analysis for Principal Assumptions Used to Measure Scheme Liabilities
There are inherent uncertainties surrounding the financial assumptions adopted in calculating the actuarial valuation of the Group’s defined 
benefit pension schemes. The following table analyses, for the Group’s pension schemes, the estimated impact on plan obligations resulting from 
changes to key actuarial assumptions, whilst holding all other assumptions constant. The impact on the defined benefit obligation at 30 September 
2017 is calculated on the basis that only one assumption is changed with all other assumptions remaining unchanged. The assessment of the 
sensitivity analysis below could therefore be limited as a change in one assumption may not occur in isolation as assumptions may be correlated.

Change in assumption 

Impact on ROI plan liabilities

Impact on US plan liabilities

Increase/decrease by 0.25%
Increase/decrease by 0.25%
Increase by one year

↑↓ by 4.8%
↑↓ by 2.8%
↑ by 3.7%

↑↓ by 2.1%
↑↓ by 0.0%
↑ by 0.3%

Assumption 

Discount rate
Price inflation 
Mortality 

Share-Based Payment

Executive Share Option Plan expense
Long Term Incentive Plan expense
Ashfield In2Focus share scheme expense

2017  
$’000

163
3,450
–

3,613

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

394
1,780
10

2,184

$863,000 (2016: $767,000) of the total share-based payment expense recognised in the Income Statement relates to the directors.

Executive Share Option Plan/Executive Share Option Scheme
The Company’s Executive Share Option Plan (ESOP) was established during 2010. Under the ESOP share options may be granted to management 
which may entitle them to purchase shares in the Company so as to provide an incentive to perform strongly over an extended period and to 
encourage alignment of their interests with those of shareholders. Share options granted under the ESOP are exercisable for a period of four years 
from the third anniversary of the grant date, if adjusted diluted EPS growth is not less than the movement in the Irish Consumer Price Index, plus  
3% compounded, over the performance period. There were no share options granted under the ESOP in the current year (2016: nil). In accordance 
with the terms of the ESOP, share options granted are exercisable at the market price of the underlying share on the last dealing day preceding the 
date of grant.

The terms of the former Executive Share Option Scheme (ESOS) are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 70 to 87.
The measurement requirements of IFRS 2 Share-based Payment have been implemented in respect of share options that were granted  
after 7 November 2002. There were no share options granted under the ESOS in the current year (2016: nil).

148

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

The number and weighted average exercise price of outstanding share options under the ESOP/ESOS are as follows: 

Outstanding at beginning of year
Forfeited during the year
Exercised during the year
Lapsed during the year

Outstanding at end of year

Exercisable at end of year

Weighted average 
exercise price 
2017  
$

Number of share 
options 
2017  
‘000

Weighted average 
exercise price 
2016  
$

Number of share 
options 
2016 
‘000

5.79
7.15
4.72
–

6.69

6.23

1,769
(123)
(837)
–

809

181

4.71
5.73
4.38
4.37

5.79

4.18

3,880
(555)
(1,197)
(359)

1,769

618

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise of share options during the year was $9.05 (2016: $8.12). The weighted average 
remaining contractual life for the share options outstanding at 30 September 2017 was 4.76 years (2016: 4.57 years).

At 30 September 2017, the range of exercise prices of outstanding share options was from $4.30 to $7.78 (2016: $2.82 to $7.78).

Analysis of ESOP/ESOS Share Options Outstanding at Year End
Share option by exercise price:

Total – Sterling denominated

Total – Euro denominated

Total options outstanding 

Exercise price  
£

5.13
2.68
3.73

Exercise price  
€

2.09
4.06

Number of 
options  
2017  
‘000

Number of 
options  
2016  
‘000

238
1
570

809

311
31
840

1,182

Number of 
options  
2017  
‘000

Number of 
options  
2016  
‘000

–
–

–

809

284
303

587

1,769

Long Term Incentive Plan
The Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) was established during 2010. The terms of share options granted under the LTIP during the year 
are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 70 to 87. During the year 914,344 (2016: 858,432) share options were granted under 
the LTIP. In accordance with the terms of the LTIP, share options awarded are exercisable at the nominal value of the underlying share as at the 
date of grant.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

149

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

29.   Employee Benefits (continued)
Long Term Incentive Plan (continued)
A summary of the details in respect of share options granted under the LTIP in 2017 and 2016 is set out below.

2017 
Market based 
awards

2017 
Market based 
awards 

2017 
Non-market 
based awards 

2017 
Market based 
awards 

2017 
Market based 
awards

2017 
Non-market 
based awards 

2017 
Market based 
awards 

2017 
Non-market 
based awards

Grant date

Fair value at grant date
Share price at grant date
Exercise price
Expected volatility
Expected life
Risk-free interest rate
Valuation model

25 July 
2017
$6.35
$10.86
$0.06
21.59%
3 years
0.92%
Monte 
Carlo 
Simulation

25 May 
2017
$6.53
$10.18
$0.06
24.11%
5 years
0.59%
Monte 
Carlo 
Simulation

Performance period
Vesting period

3 years
3 years

3 years
3 years

25 May 
2017
$10.13
$10.18
$0.06
24.11%
5 years
0.59%
Monte 
Carlo option 
pricing 
model
3 years
3 years

8 December 
2016
$5.48
$8.79
$0.05
37.91%
5 years
0.36%
Monte 
Carlo 
Simulation

8 December 
2016
$5.84
$8.79
$0.05
37.91%
6 years
0.49%
Monte 
Carlo 
Simulation

3 years
3 years

3 years
5 years

8 December 
2016
$8.80
$8.79
$0.05
37.91%
6 years
0.49%
Monte 
Carlo option 
pricing 
model
3 years
5 years

8 December 
2016
$5.92
$8.79
$0.05
37.91%
5 years
0.36%
Monte 
Carlo 
Simulation

3 years
3 years

8 December 
2016
$8.80
$8.79
$0.05
37.91%
5 years
0.36%
Monte 
Carlo option 
pricing 
model
3 years
3 years

Grant date

Fair value at grant date
Share price at grant date
Exercise price
Expected volatility
Expected life
Risk-free interest rate
Valuation model

Performance period
Vesting period

2016 
Market based 
awards 

2016 
Non-market 
based awards

2016 
Market based 
awards 

2016 
Non-market 
based awards 

2016 
Market based 
awards 

2016 
Non-market 
based awards 

2016 
Market based 
awards

31 May 
2016
$5.98
$8.59 
$0.06
25.54%
5 years
0.897%
Monte Carlo 
Simulation
3 years
3 years

31 May 
2016
$8.53
$8.59 
$0.06
25.54%
5 years
0.897%
Monte Carlo 
Simulation
3 years
5 years

31 May 
2016
$6.55
$8.59 
$0.06
25.54%
5 years
0.897%
Monte Carlo 
Simulation
3 years
5 years

5 February 
2016
$7.42
$7.46 
$0.06
28.86%
6 years
0.980%
Black 
Scholes
3 years
5 years

5 February 
2016
$4.58
$7.46 
$0.06
28.86%
6 years
0.980%
Monte Carlo 
Simulation
3 years
5 years

3 December 
2015
$8.13
$8.18
$0.05
27.88%
6 years
1.472%
Black 
Scholes
3 years
5 years

3 December 
2015
$5.11
$8.18
$0.05
27.88%
6 years
1.472%
Monte Carlo 
Simulation
3 years
5 years

The number and weighted average exercise price of outstanding share options under the LTIP are as follows:

Outstanding at beginning of year
Forfeited during the year
Exercised during the year
Granted during the year

Outstanding at end of year

Exercisable at end of year

Weighted average 
exercise price 
2017 
$

Number of share 
options 
2017 
‘000

Weighted average 
exercise price 
2016 
$

Number of share 
options 
2016 
‘000

0.06
0.06
0.06
0.06

0.06

0.06

2,079
(71)
–
914

2,922

116

0.06
0.06
0.06
0.06

0.06

0.06

1,958
(49)
(688)
858

2,079

116

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise of share options in the prior year was $8.03. The weighted average remaining 
contractual life for the share options outstanding at 30 September 2017 was 4.86 years (2016: 5.39 years).

Ashfield Healthcare UK Share Scheme
The number of outstanding shares under the Ashfield Healthcare UK share scheme is as follows:

At beginning of year
Released during year

At end of year

150

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Number of shares 
2017 
‘000

Number of shares 
2016 
‘000

–
–

–

6
(6)

–

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

30.   Financial Instruments and Financial Risk
Fair values versus carrying amounts
The fair value of financial assets and liabilities together with the carrying amounts shown in the Balance Sheet are as follows:

30 September 2017

Trade and other receivables (Note 16)
Derivative financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables (Note 24)
Derivative financial liabilities 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings  

(Note 23)

Finance lease liabilities (Note 23)
Deferred contingent consideration (Note 25)

30 September 2016 (as re-presented)

Trade and other receivables (Note 16)
Derivative financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables (Note 24)
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings  

(Note 23)

Finance lease liabilities (Note 23)
Deferred contingent consideration (Note 25)

Cash flow
hedges
$’000 

Fair value
through profit 
or loss
$’000 

–
2,581
–

2,581

–
352

–
–
–

352

Cash flow 
hedges  
$’000

–
17,451
–

17,451

–

–
–
–

–

–
1,171
–

1,171

–
–

–
–
71,878

71,878

Fair value 
through profit 
or loss  
$’000

–
3,973
–

3,973

–

–
–
15,419

15,419

Receivables
$’000 

239,261
–
187,469

426,730

–
–

–
–
–

–

Receivables  
$’000

180,405
–
428,729

609,134

–

–
–
–

–

Liabilities at
amortised
cost
$’000 

–
–
–

–

70,739
–

243,971
164
–

314,874

Liabilities at 
amortised 
cost  
$’000

–
–
–

–

62,699

306,823
167
–

369,689

Total
carrying
value
$’000 

239,261
3,752
187,469

Fair value
$’000

239,261
3,752
187,469

430,482

430,482

70,739
352

243,971
164
71,878

387,104

Total 
carrying 
value  
$’000

180,405
21,424
428,729

630,558

62,699

306,823
167
15,419

385,108

70,739
352

248,987
164
71,878

392,120

Fair value 
$’000

180,405
21,424
428,729

630,558

62,699

310,258
167
15,419

388,543

The fair values of the financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value disclosed in the above tables have been determined using the 
methods and assumptions set out below. 

Trade and Other Receivables/Payables
For receivables and payables, the carrying value less impairment provision is deemed to reflect fair value, where appropriate.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
For cash and cash equivalents, the nominal amount is deemed to reflect fair value. 

Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings (Excluding Finance Lease Liabilities)
The fair value of interest-bearing loans and borrowings is based on the fair value of the expected future principal and interest cash flows 
discounted at interest rates effective at the balance sheet date and adjusted for movements in credit spreads.

Finance Lease Liabilities
For finance lease liabilities, fair value is the present value of future cash flows discounted at current market rates.

Valuation Techniques and Significant Unobservable Inputs
Fair value hierarchy of assets and liabilities measured at fair value
The Group has adopted the following fair value hierarchy in relation to its financial instruments that are carried in the balance sheet at the fair 
values at the year end:
•  Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
•  Level 2 – inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability either directly (as prices) or 

indirectly (derived from prices); and

•  Level 3 – inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

151

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

30.   Financial Instruments and Financial Risk (continued)
Valuation Techniques and Significant Unobservable Inputs (continued)
Fair value hierarchy of assets and liabilities measured at fair value (continued)
The following table sets out the fair value of all financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value:

Fair value measurement as at 30 September 2017

Level 1  
$’000

Level 2  
$’000

Level 3  
$’000

Total  
$’000

Assets measured at fair value
Designated as hedging instruments
Cross currency interest rate swaps

Liabilities measured at fair value
Designated hedging instruments 
Cross currency interest rate swaps
At fair value through profit or loss
Deferred contingent consideration

–

–

–

–

–

3,752

3,752

352

–

352

–

–

–

71,878

71,878

3,752

3,752

352

71,878

72,230

Fair value measurement as at 30 September 2016 (as re-presented)

Level 1  
$’000

Level 2  
$’000

Level 3  
$’000

Total  
$’000

–

–

–

–

21,424

21,424

– 

–

21,424

21,424

–

–

15,419

15,419

2017 
$’000

2,450
1,302

3,752

352

352

3,400

15,419

15,419

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

8,239
13,185

21,424

–

–

21,424

Assets measured at fair value
Designated as hedging instruments
Cross currency interest rate swaps

Liabilities measured at fair value
At fair value through profit or loss
Deferred contingent consideration

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative financial assets

Current
Non-current

Derivative financial liabilities
Non-current

Net derivative financial asset

152

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

Summary of derivatives:

Derivative financial assets
Derivative financial liabilities

Amount of 
financial assets/
liabilities as 
presented in the 
Balance Sheet 
$’000

3,752
352

Related amounts 
not offset in the 
Balance Sheet 
$’000

–
–

Amount of 
financial assets/
liabilities as 
presented in the 
Balance Sheet 
$’000

21,424
–

2017  
Net 
$’000

3,752
352

Related amounts 
not offset in the 
Balance Sheet 
$’000

–
–

2016  
Net as  
represented 
$’000

21,424
–

All derivatives entered into by the Group are included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and consist of cross-currency interest rate swaps.  
The fair value of cross-currency interest rate swaps are calculated at the present value of the estimated future cash flows based on the terms and 
maturity of each contract using forward currency rates and market interest rates as applicable for a similar instrument at the measurement date. 
Fair values reflect the credit risk of the instrument and include, where appropriate, adjustments to take account of the credit risk of the Group 
entity and counterparty.

The fair value of cross-currency interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the swap at the 
balance sheet date, taking into account current interest rates.

The swaps are a mixture of fixed to fixed and fixed to floating rate swaps. The Group classifies the fixed to floating swap as a fair value hedge  
and has stated it at its fair value with a corresponding opposite adjustment to the underlying debt for the risk being hedged. Both of these 
adjustments are recorded within the income statement and to the extent they do not offset, this represents the ineffective portion of the fair  
value hedge. The fair value of this swap at 30 September 2017 was a net asset of $1,171,000 (2016: net asset of $3,973,000).

The fixed to fixed rate cross currency interest rate swaps are classified as cash flow hedges and are stated at their fair value. The fair value of 
these swaps at 30 September 2017 was a net asset of $2,229,000 (2016: net asset of $17,451,000), and the effective portion of this adjustment 
was accounted for in the cash flow hedge reserve. 

The interest element of the cash flow hedges will be recognised in the Income Statement in the periods to 30 September 2025, as the associated 
interest on the hedged debt is recognised.

Deferred Contingent Consideration
Deferred contingent consideration is included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Details of the movement in the year are included in Note 25. 
The fair value is determined considering the expected payment, discounted to present value using a risk adjusted discount rate. The expected 
payment is determined separately in respect of each individual earnout agreement taking into consideration the expected level of profitability  
of each acquisition. The provision for deferred contingent consideration is in respect of acquisitions completed during 2012, 2016 and 2017.

The significant unobservable inputs are:
• 

forecasted average annual net revenue growth rate 13% (2016: 6%);
forecast average EBIT growth rate 22% (2016: 10%); and
risk adjusted discount rate 0.02% – 1.55% (2016: 6.2% – 8.5%).

Inter-relationship Between Significant Unobservable Inputs and Fair Value Measurement
The estimated fair value would increase/(decrease) if:
• 

the annual net revenue growth rate was higher/(lower);
the EBIT growth rate was higher/(lower); and
the risk adjusted discount rate was lower/(higher).

• 

• 

• 

• 

For the fair value of deferred contingent consideration, a reasonably possible change to one of the significant unobservable inputs at 
30 September 2017, holding the other inputs constant, would have the following effects: 

Effect of change in assumption on income statement:
Annual EBIT growth rate (1% movement)
Annual net revenue growth rate (1% movement)
Risk-adjusted discount rate (1% movement)

Increase  
$’000

Decrease  
$’000

–
–
293

–
–
(212)

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

153

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

30.   Financial Instruments and Financial Risk (continued)
Capital Management
The Board considers capital to consist of equity (share capital, share premium and retained earnings) and net debt. The Board’s policy  
is to maintain a strong capital base to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and to sustain the ongoing development of the Group.  
The directors periodically review the capital structure of the Group, considering the cost of capital and the risks associated with each class  
of capital. The Board monitors the return on equity generated by the Group and the level of dividends paid to shareholders. There were no 
changes to the Board’s approach to capital management during the year. 

Capital and reserves attributable to the equity holders of the Company
Net debt

Capital and net debt

2017  
$’000

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

878,547
53,266

931,813

806,876
–

806,876

Financial Ratios
Financial covenants in our principal debt facilities are based on net debt to EBITDA being less than 3.5 times and EBITDA interest cover being 
greater than three times.

2017 
Times

2016 
Times

Net (debt)/cash to EBITDA
EBITDA interest cover

(0.32)
16.3

1.05
10.6

Financial Risk Management
The Group’s multinational operations expose it to different financial risks that include foreign exchange rate risks, credit risks, liquidity risks  
and interest rate risks. The Group has a risk management programme in place which seeks to limit the impact of these risks on the financial 
performance of the Group. The Board has determined the policies for managing these risks as set out below.

Credit Risk
The Group has detailed procedures for monitoring and managing the credit risk related to its trade receivables based on experience, client’s 
track record and historic default rates. Individual credit limits are generally set by client and credit is only extended above such limits in defined 
circumstances. 

The Group establishes an allowance for impairment that represents the best estimate of incurred losses in respect of trade and other receivables 
(Note 16). Where the Group is satisfied that no recovery of the amount owing is possible, the amount is considered irrecoverable and is written 
off directly against the receivable. 

At the balance sheet date there were no significant concentrations of credit risk. The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the 
carrying amount of each financial asset.

Interest Rate Risk
The majority of the Group’s ongoing operations are financed from a mixture of cash generated from operations and borrowings. Other than the 
US dollar private placement borrowings which are secured at fixed interest rates, borrowings are initially secured at floating interest rates and 
interest rate risk is monitored on an ongoing basis.

A reduction of one hundred basis points in interest rates at the reporting date would have increased profit before tax by the amounts shown 
below assuming all other variables including foreign currency rates remain constant. An increase of one hundred basis points on the same basis 
would reduce profit before tax by $261,000 (2016: $351,000).

Effect of reduction of one hundred basis points:

Profit before tax

2017  
$’000

261

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

440

154

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

Currency Risk
Structural currency risk
A significant proportion of the Group’s operations are carried out in the UK and Europe and as a result the Group is exposed to structural currency 
fluctuations in respect of sterling and the euro. Where practical, the Group finances investments through borrowings denominated in the same 
currency in which the related cash flows will be generated. To the extent that the non-US dollar denominated assets and liabilities of the Group do 
not offset, the Group is exposed to structural currency risk. Such movements are reported through the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Euro and sterling denominated profits are translated into US dollars at the average rate of exchange for the financial year. The average rate  
at which euro profits were translated during the year was $1:€0.9047 (2016: $1:€0.9002) and sterling profits were translated at $1:£0.7891 
(2016: $1:£0.7045). 

The Group is also subject to translational currency risk on the translation of profits earned outside of the US.

Transactional currency risk
The euro is the principal currency of the Group’s Irish and Continental European businesses, sterling is the principal currency for the Group’s  
UK businesses and the US dollar is the principal currency for the Group’s US businesses. The Group ensures that its net exposure is kept to an 
acceptable level by buying or selling foreign currencies at spot and forward rates where necessary. Details of the Group’s transactional foreign 
currency risk at 30 September 2017 and 2016 arising from foreign currency transactions are set out in the table below.

Cash and cash equivalents
Trade receivables
Trade and other payables

(as re-presented)

Cash and cash equivalents
Trade receivables
Trade and other payables

Euro  
2017  
$’000

3,906
6,521
(3,755)

6,672

Euro  
2016  
$’000

1,680 
7,242 
(3,330) 

5,592

Sterling  
2017 
$’000

2,349
397
(945)

1,801

Sterling  
2016  
$’000

155
228
(1,098) 

(715)

US dollar  
2017  
$’000

3,385
4,137
(3,131)

4,391

US dollar  
2016  
$’000

2,513
7,632
(3,479) 

6,666 

Total  
2017  
$’000

9,640
11,055
(7,831)

12,846

Total  
2016  
$’000

4,348
15,102
(7,907) 

11,543 

Sensitivity analysis on transactional currency risk
For the purposes of performing sensitivity analysis on transactional currency risk, financial assets and liabilities outstanding at the balance sheet 
date denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of individual entities, have been aggregated by currency and the impact of  
a 5% strengthening of the US dollar against the relevant currency calculated. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest 
rates, remain constant.

Euro:
Based on the value of euro denominated financial assets and liabilities held by individual entities with a functional currency other than the euro,  
a 5% strengthening of the US dollar against the euro at 30 September 2017 and 30 September 2016 would have increased/(reduced) equity and 
profit after tax by the amounts shown below:

Profit after tax

2017  
$’000

292

2016  
$’000

235

Sterling:
Based on the value of sterling denominated financial assets and liabilities held by individual entities with a functional currency other than sterling, 
a 5% strengthening of the US dollar against sterling at 30 September 2017 and 30 September 2016 would not have had a material effect on equity 
or profit after tax of the Group.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

155

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

30.   Financial Instruments and Financial Risk (continued)
Funding and Liquidity
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group uses a combination of long and 
short-term debt and cash and cash equivalents to meet its liabilities as they fall due. This is in addition to the Group’s strong cash flow generation. 
The Group believes it has sufficient cash resources and bank debt facilities at its disposal, which provides flexibility in financing existing 
operations, acquisitions and other developments.

The following are the undiscounted contractual maturities of financial instruments, including interest payments and excluding the impact of 
netting arrangements:

30 September 2017

Non-derivative financial instruments
Bank overdraft
Finance leases
Floating rate unsecured guaranteed senior notes
Fixed rate unsecured guaranteed senior notes
Trade and other payables
Provisions
Derivative financial instruments
Cash flow hedges
Fair value hedges

30 September 2016 (as re-presented)

Non-derivative financial instruments
Other loans and borrowings
Bank overdraft
Finance leases
Floating rate unsecured guaranteed senior notes
Fixed rate unsecured guaranteed senior notes
Trade and other payables
Provisions
Derivative financial instruments
Cash flow hedges
Fair value hedges

Carrying 
amount 
$’000

Contractual 
cash flow 
$’000

6 months 
or less 
$’000

6–12 
months 
$’000

Between 
1–2 years 
$’000

Between 
2–5 years 
$’000

More than 
5 years 
$’000

70
164
15,545
228,356
70,739
72,375

73
169
15,002
260,304
70,739
73,573

73
70
103
4,042
70,739
1,230

–
64
103
4,042
–
12,846

–
35
14,796
58,136
–
43,123

–
–
–
17,657
–
16,374

–
–
–
176,427
–
–

(2,229)
(1,171)

(2,559)
(1,220)

(40)
(8)

(40)
(8)

(572)
(1,204)

(174)
–

(1,733)
–

383,849

416,081

76,209

17,007

114,314

33,857

174,694

Carrying 
amount 
$’000

Contractual 
cash flow 
$’000

6 months 
or less 
$’000

6–12 
months 
$’000

Between 
1–2 years 
$’000

Between 
2–5 years 
$’000

More than 
5 years 
$’000

(568)
91
167
31,157
276,143
62,699
16,067

(568)
95
171
27,990
299,475
62,699
16,873

(189)
95
158
191
4,727
62,699
1,199

(189)
–
4
13,787
50,700
–
8,890

(190)
–
9
205
7,642
–
4,956

–
–
–
13,807
64,053
–
1,828

–
–
–
–
172,353
–
–

(17,451) 
(3,972) 

(20,149) 
(4,086) 

(318) 
(28) 

(3,411) 
(2,012) 

(515)
(30)

(4,309)
(2,016)

(11,596) 

–

364,373

382,500

68,534

67,769

12,077

73,363

160,757

156

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

Maturity Profile of Net Debt
In respect of income-earning financial assets and interest-bearing financial liabilities, the following table indicates their effective interest rates at 
the balance sheet date and the periods in which they mature.

30 September 2017

Effective
interest rate

Total  
$’000

Less than 
1 year  
$’000

Between 
1–2 years  
$’000

Between 
2–5 years  
$’000

More than 
5 years  
$’000

Cash at bank and short-term deposits

0.33%

187,469

187,469

Other loans and borrowings

Finance leases

Floating rate unsecured guaranteed senior notes
Fixed rate unsecured guaranteed senior notes

7%

1.51%

1.29%
3.73%

Total loan notes

Total before derivatives

Derivatives

Net (debt)/cash

30 September 2016 (as re-presented)

(70)

(164)

(15,545)
(228,356)

(243,901)

(56,666)

3,400

(70)

(130)

17
125

142

187,411

2,450

(53,266)

189,861

Effective 
interest rate

Total  
$’000

Less than 
1 year  
$’000

Cash at bank and short term deposits

0.06%

428,729

428,729

Other loans and borrowings

Finance leases

Floating rate unsecured guaranteed senior notes
Fixed rate unsecured guaranteed senior notes

7%

0.68%

1.40%
3.79%

Total loan notes

Total before derivatives

Derivatives

Net cash/(debt)

477 

(167) 

287 

(158) 

(31,157) 
(276,143) 

(15,131) 
(49,880)

(307,300) 

(65,011) 

121,739 

363,847

21,424

143,163 

7,336

371,183

–

–

(34)

6
89

95

61

1,299

1,360

Between 
1–2 years  
$’000

–

190

(9) 

–
–

–

181 

3,768

3,949 

–

–

–

–

–

–

(15,568)
(49,794)

–
(178,776)

(65,362)

(178,776)

(65,362)

(178,776)

3,713

(4,062)

(61,649)

(182,838)

Between 
2–5 years  
$’000

More than 
5 years  
$’000

–

–

–

(16,026) 
(49,995) 

–

–

–

–

(176,268) 

(66,021) 

(176,268) 

(66,021) 

(176,268) 

7,233

3,087

(58,788) 

(173,181) 

The effect of the derivatives included above has been to swap US dollar denominated debt to euro denominated debt and to partially swap fixed 
rate interest into floating rate interest.

31.   Capital Commitments
Capital expenditure authorised but not contracted for amounted to $18,900,000 (2016: $29,668,000) at the balance sheet date. This primarily 
relates to the Group’s UK clinical facility move and the Group’s investment in Future Fit IT initiatives. 

32.   Change in Presentation Currency
Following the disposal of the United Drug Supply Chain and MASTA businesses in April 2016, the geographic profile of the Group’s businesses 
has changed considerably and the vast majority of the Group’s profits are now generated in currencies other than euro. Over half of the Group’s 
profits are currently generated in US dollars, the Group’s US based businesses are demonstrating the greatest growth opportunities and future 
corporate development activity is likely to be US focused. Consequently, on 4 August 2016 the Group announced that from 1 October 2016, the 
financial results would be presented in US dollars. The change in presentation currency has been applied retrospectively.

In re-presenting the Group Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2016, the reported information was converted to US dollars 
from euro using the following procedures:
•  Assets and liabilities were translated to US dollars at the closing rates of exchange at each respective balance sheet date (30 September 2016: 

$1:€0.8960; 30 September 2015: $1:€0.8926).

•  Share capital, share premium and other reserves were translated at the historic rates prevailing at the dates of transactions.
• 

Income and expenses were translated to US dollars at an average rate at each of the respective reporting periods. This has been deemed to be 
a reasonable approximation (30 September 2016: $1:€0.9002; 30 September 2015: $1:€0.8709).

•  Differences resulting from the retranslation were taken to reserves.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

157

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

32.   Change in Presentation Currency (continued)
To assist shareholders during this change, the impact on the prior period results, closing balance sheet and the numerator for earnings per share 
as originally reported is set out below:

As restated  
(Note 2)  
year ended 
30 September 
2016 
€’000

As re-presented 
and restated (Note 
2) year ended 
30 September 
2016 
$’000

975,280
(691,181)

284,099
(159,820)
(18,771)
(16,395)
(1,993)
718

87,838
4,781
(17,417)

75,202
(13,888)

61,314
131,958

193,272

1,083,439
(767,833)

315,606
(177,543)
(20,854)
(18,213)
(2,214)
798

97,580
5,311
(19,349)

83,542
(15,428)

68,114
150,409

218,523

61,314
131,958

193,272

68,114
150,409

218,523

24.88c
53.56c

78.44c

24.78c
53.33c

78.11c

27.64c
61.04c

88.68c

27.53c
60.79c

88.32c

Group Income Statement
for the year ended 30 September 2016 

Continuing operations

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Selling and distribution expenses
Administration expenses
Other operating expenses 
Transaction costs 
Share of joint ventures’ profit after tax

Operating profit
Finance income
Finance expense

Profit before tax from continuing operations
Income tax expense

Profit for the financial year from continuing operations
Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations

Profit for the financial year

Profit attributable to:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Earnings per ordinary share:
Basic – continuing operations
Basic – discontinued operations

Basic

Diluted – continuing operations
Diluted – discontinued operations

Diluted

158

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Group Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the year ended 30 September 2016

Profit for the financial year
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Remeasurement (loss)/gain on Group defined benefit schemes
– Continuing operations
– Discontinued operations
Deferred tax on Group defined benefit schemes
– Continuing operations
– Discontinued operations

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustment
– Continuing operations
– Discontinued operations
Reclassification on loss of control
Gain on hedge of net investment in foreign operations
Group cash flow hedges:
– Effective portion of cash flow hedges – movement into reserve
– Effective portion of cash flow hedges – movement out of reserve

Effective portion of cash flow hedges
– Movement in deferred tax – movement into reserve
– Movement in deferred tax – movement out of reserve

Net movement in deferred tax

Other comprehensive expense, net of tax

Total comprehensive income, net of tax, attributable to equity holders  

of the parent 

Total comprehensive income/(expense) attributable to:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

As originally 
reported 
year ended 
30 September 
2016 
€’000

193,272

As re-presented 
year ended 
30 September 
2016  
$’000

218,523

(4,936)
(806)

617
101

(8,468)
1,057

539
(211)

(7,083)

–
(45,373)
(7,109)
4,640
2,262

(5,742)

718

(50,604)

(57,687)

135,585

5,250
130,335

135,585

(5,483)
(896)

685
113

(9,409)
1,177

599
(232)

(7,865)

(60,031)
(2,045)
5,283
–

(6,379)

798

(62,374)

(70,239)

148,284

(6,308)
154,592

148,284

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

159

Financial Statements 
Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Group Financial Statements (continued)

32.   Change in Presentation Currency (continued)
Group Balance Sheet

ASSETS
Non-current 
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Investment in joint ventures and associates
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred income tax assets
Employee benefits

Total non-current assets

Current 
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Current income tax assets
Derivative financial instruments
Assets held for sale

Total current assets

Total assets

EQUITY
Equity share capital
Share premium
Other reserves
Retained earnings

Total equity

LIABILITIES
Non-current 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Provisions
Employee benefits
Deferred income tax liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Current 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Trade and other payables
Current income tax liabilities
Provisions
Liabilities held for sale

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

160

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

As at 30 September 2016

As at 30 September 2015

As originally 
reported 
€’000

As re-presented 
$’000

As originally 
reported 
€’000

As re-presented 
$’000

122,638
344,521
97,054
8,124
11,814
3,849
12,489

600,489

49,226 
209,472 
384,131 
4,061 
7,382 
–

654,272

136,877 
384,520 
108,322 
9,067 
13,185 
4,296 
13,939 

670,206

54,941 
233,791 
428,729 
4,532 
8,239 
–

730,232

117,903 
358,213 
101,693 
23,079 
22,048 
3,984 
13,067 

639,987

55,017 
205,248 
214,078 
1,612 
4,750 
473,820 

132,087 
401,306 
113,927 
25,855 
24,700 
4,463 
14,639 

716,977

61,636 
229,939 
239,832 
1,806 
5,321 
530,821 

954,525

1,069,355

1,254,761

1,400,438

1,594,512

1,786,332

12,715 
156,084 
(41,295) 
595,449 

14,535 
187,355 
(179,446) 
784,432 

12,621 
152,164 
10,077 
433,912 

14,430 
183,000 
(116,219) 
600,793 

722,953

806,876

608,774

682,004

216,923 
5,451 
18,315 
27,782 

268,471 

58,133 
183,190 
13,070 
8,944 
– 

263,337

531,808

242,108 
6,084 
20,442 
31,008 

299,642 

64,882 
204,468 
14,587 
9,983 
– 

293,920

593,562

415,840 
7,508 
18,303 
28,050 

469,701

20,811 
191,758 
4,452 
18,683 
280,333 

516,037

465,866 
8,411 
20,505 
31,424 

526,206

23,315 
214,831 
4,988 
20,931 
314,057 

578,122

985,738

1,104,328

1,254,761

1,400,438

1,594,512

1,786,332

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

33.   Related Parties
The Group trades in the normal course of business with its joint venture undertakings. The aggregate value of these transactions is not material 
in the context of the Group’s financial results. 

Magir Limited, the Group’s joint venture investment, has been classified as an asset held for sale at 30 September 2017. The Group has provided 
a guarantee to Magir’s bankers for an amount of £9,500,000 and a loan, gross of interest, of £10,997,000.

IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures requires the disclosure of compensation paid to the Group’s key management personnel. Key management 
personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group. UDG Healthcare 
plc classifies directors, the Company Secretary and members of its senior executive team as key management personnel. The senior executive 
team is the body of senior executives that formulates business strategy along with the directors, follows through on implementation of that strategy 
and directs and controls the activities of the Group on a day-to-day basis. 

In addition to the executive directors, the following individuals were members of the senior executive team at 30 September 2017: 

Name 

Sean Coyle
Eleanor Garvey
Eimear Kenny
Liam Logue
Mike O’Hara
Damien Moynagh 
Jez Moulding

Title

Managing Director of Aquilant and Group Finance Director
Group Head of Quality and Compliance
Group Head of Human Resources
Head of Corporate Development
Managing Director of Sharp 
General Counsel and Company Secretary
Executive Vice President of Ashfield and Group Chief Operating Officer

Remuneration of Key Management Personnel

Salaries and other short-term benefits
Post employment benefits
Share-based payment (calculated in accordance with the principles disclosed in Note 29)

2017  
$’000

7,882
882
1,823

10,587

2016  
as re-presented 
$’000

8,976 
991 
1,685 

11,652 

Details of the remuneration of the Group’s individual directors, together with the number of UDG Healthcare plc shares owned by them and their 
outstanding share options, are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

34.   Events After the Balance Sheet Date 
There have been no significant events after the balance sheet date which require disclosure.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

161

Financial Statements 

Company Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the year end 30 September 2017

Profit for the financial year
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Company defined benefit pension schemes:
– Remeasurement gain/(loss) on defined benefit pension schemes
– Deferred tax on defined benefit pension schemes

Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the financial year

Total comprehensive income for the financial year

Note

44

39

2017  
€’000

76,437

9,542
(354)

9,188

85,625

2016  
€’000

93,559

(8,235) 
757

(7,478) 

86,081

162

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Company Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 30 September 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Equity share 
capital 
€’000

Share premium 
€’000

Retained earnings 
€’000

Other reserves 
€’000

Total equity 
€’000

At 1 October 2016

12,715

156,084

308,038

54,123

530,960

Profit for the financial year
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Remeasurement gain on defined benefit pension schemes
Deferred tax on defined benefit pension schemes

Total comprehensive income for the year
Transactions with shareholders:
New shares issued
Issued in business combination
Share-based payment expense
Dividends paid to equity holders
Release from share-based payment reserve

–

–
–

–

41
36
–
–
–

–

–
–

–

2,831
5,610
–
–
–

76,437

9,542
(354)

85,625

–
–
–
(28,985)
497

–

–
–

–

–
–
3,269
–
(497)

76,437

9,542
(354)

85,625

2,872
5,646
3,269
(28,985)
–

At 30 September 2017

12,792

164,525

365,175

56,895

599,387

for the year ended 30 September 2016

Equity share 
capital
€’000

Share premium 
€’000

Retained earnings 
€’000

Other reserves 
€’000

Total equity 
€’000

At 1 October 2015

12,621

152,164

246,609

54,900

466,294

Profit for the financial year
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Remeasurement loss on defined benefit pension schemes
Deferred tax on defined benefit pension schemes

Total comprehensive income for the year
Transactions with shareholders:
New shares issued
Share-based payment expense
Dividends paid to equity holders
Release from share-based payment reserve

–

–
–

–

94
–
–
–

–

–
–

–

3,920
–
–
–

93,559

(8,235)
757

86,081

–
–
(27,386)
2,734

At 30 September 2016

12,715

156,084

308,038

–

–
–

–

–
1,957
–
(2,734)

54,123

93,559

(8,235)
757

86,081

4,014
1,957
(27,386)
–

530,960

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

163

Note

2017 
€’000

2016 
€’000

36

37

38

39

40

41

41

44

43

–
–
289,593
–

289,593

369,347
44,634

413,981

703,574

12,792
164,525
56,895
365,175

599,387

–

–

103,249
938

104,187

104,187

703,574

1,084
5,647
152,193
1,336

160,260

364,638
118,066

482,704

642,964

12,715
156,084
54,123
308,038

530,960

18,315

18,315

93,087
602

93,689

112,004

642,964

Financial Statements 

Company Balance Sheet
as at 30 September 2017

ASSETS
Non-current
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Investment in subsidiary undertakings
Deferred income tax assets

Total non-current assets

Current
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

EQUITY
Equity share capital
Share premium
Other reserves
Retained earnings

Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the parent

LIABILITIES
Non-current
Employee benefits

Total non-current liabilities

Current
Trade and other payables
Current income tax liabilities

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

On behalf of the Board

P. Gray
Director

B. McAtamney
Director

164

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Company Cash Flow Statement
for the year ended 30 September 2017

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax
Impairment of investment in subsidiary undertakings
Finance income
Finance expense
Transfer of defined benefit pension obligations

Operating profit
Depreciation charge
Amortisation charge
Impairment of intangible assets
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
Decrease in trade payables, provisions and other payables
Profit on disposal of investments
Interest paid
Income taxes received

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Disposal of property, plant and equipment
Investment in intangible assets – computer software 
Disposal of intangible assets – computer software
Investment in subsidiary undertakings
Disposal of investment in subsidiary undertakings

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of shares (including share premium thereon)
Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company

Net cash outflow from financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Cash and cash equivalents is comprised of:
Cash at bank and short-term deposits

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

2017 
€’000

2016 
€’000

76,596
–
(1)
191
7,678 

84,464
–
–
–
(6,190)
(17,234)
–
(2)
962

62,000

1
–
1,084
–
5,647
(116,051)
–

(109,319)

2,872
(28,985)

(26,113)

(73,432)
118,066

44,634

93,062
1,270
(4)
1,791
(7,921)

88,198
373
1,277
718
291,153
(231,291)
(21,654)
(946)
214

128,042

4
(1,042)
–
(260)
–
(18,179)
32,873

13,396

4,014
(27,386)

(23,372)

118,066 
–

118,066 

44,634

44,634

118,066

118,066

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

165

Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Company Financial Statements

35.   Profit on Disposal
On 1 April 2016 the Group disposed of United Drug Supply Chain Services, United Drug Sangers, TCP Group and MASTA. 

UDG Healthcare plc was the immediate parent of TCP Group and Pemberton Marketing International Limited (part of United Drug Supply Chain 
Services). The below table outlines the profit on disposal which was recognised in the Company’s income statement during the prior year.

2016  
€’000

32,873
(7,239)
(2,964)
(1,016)

21,654

Total  
2017  
€’000

1,839
(1,839)

–

755
(755)

–

–

Total  
2016  
€’000

797
1,042

1,839

382
373

755

Computer 
equipment  
2017  
€’000

1,839
(1,839)

–

755
(755)

–

–

Computer 
equipment  
2016  
€’000

797
1,042

1,839

382
373

755

1,084

1,084

Cash consideration
Disposal of investment
Transaction and other related costs
Provision for taxation

Profit on disposal 

See Note 8 for further details.

36.   Property Plant and Equipment 

Cost
At 1 October 2016
Transfer to subsidiary undertaking 

At 30 September 2017

Depreciation
At 1 October 2016
Transfer to subsidiary undertaking

At 30 September 2017

Carrying amount
At 30 September 2017

Cost
At 1 October 2015
Additions in year

At 30 September 2016

Depreciation
At 1 October 2015
Depreciation charge for the year

At 30 September 2016

Carrying amount
At 30 September 2016

No borrowings were secured on the above assets.

166

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Computer 
software  
€’000

11,773
260
(1,293)
(2,156)

8,584
(8,584)

–

2,712
1,277
(1,293)
718
(477)

2,937
(2,937)

–

–

5,647

2017  
€’000

2016  
€’000

152,193
134,131
–
–
3,269

289,593

101,122
77,286
(26,902)
(1,270)
1,957

152,193

37.   Intangible Assets

Cost
At 1 October 2015
Additions
Eliminated on disposal
Transfer to assets held for sale

At 30 September 2016
Transfer to subsidiary undertaking

At 30 September 2017

Amortisation
At 1 October 2015
Amortisation charge for the year
Eliminated on disposal
Impairment charge
Transfer to assets held for sale

At 30 September 2016
Transfer to subsidiary undertaking

At 30 September 2017

Carrying amount
At 30 September 2017

At 30 September 2016

38.   Investment in Subsidiary Undertakings

Cost
At beginning of year
Additions in year
Disposals in year
Impairment
Share options granted to employees of subsidiary undertakings

At end of year

The additions to investment in subsidiary undertakings during the year of €134,131,000, were comprised primarily of cash consideration. 

In the prior year, the additions to investments in subsidiary undertakings of €77,286,000 was comprised of cash consideration of €18,179,000, 
€39,444,000 relating to the reversal of a previous write-down of investments and €19,663,000 relating to a share-for-share exchange. The company 
recorded an impairment charge of €1,270,000 relating to a subsidiary that was no longer trading. The disposals in the prior year related to the 
disposal of subsidiary undertakings of €7,239,000 and a share-for-share exchange of €19,663,000.

39.   Deferred Income Tax Assets

At beginning of year

Temporary differences – arising in income
Employee benefits – arising in other comprehensive income

At end of year

2017  
€’000

1,336

(982)
(354)

–

2016  
€’000

1,044

(465)
757

1,336

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

167

Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Company Financial Statements (continued)

40.   Trade and Other Receivables

Current
Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings
Other receivables
Prepayments 

Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings are repayable on demand.

41.   Capital and Reserves

At 30 September 2015
Profit for the financial year
Release from share-based payment reserve
Dividends paid to equity holders
Remeasurement loss on defined benefit pension scheme
Deferred tax on defined benefit pension scheme
Share-based payment expense

At 30 September 2016

Profit for the financial year
Release from share-based payment reserve
Dividends paid to equity holders
Remeasurement gain on defined benefit pension scheme
Deferred tax on defined benefit pension scheme
Share-based payment expense

At 30 September 2017

2017  
€’000

2016  
€’000

368,712
635
–

369,347

362,081
1,425
1,132

364,638

Other reserves  
€’000

Retained earnings  
€’000

54,900
–
(2,734)
–
–
–
1,957

246,609
93,559
2,734
(27,386)
(8,235)
757
–

54,123

308,038

–
(497)
–
–
–
3,269

76,437
497
(28,985)
9,542
(354)
–

56,895

365,175

Other reserves represents a share-based payment reserve of €6,812,000 (2016: €4,040,000), a treasury shares reserve of (€5,742,000)  
(2016: (€5,742,000)), a goodwill reserve of (€93,000) (2016: (€93,000)), a non-distributable reserve of €55,668,000 (2016: €55,668,000)  
and a capital redemption reserve of €250,000 (2016: €250,000).

The Company’s non-distributable reserve consists of €16,762,000 (2016: €16,762,000) transferred from the share premium account against 
which goodwill, arising from acquisitions in financial periods prior to 1 October 1999, is offset on consolidation and a transfer from the income 
statement of €38,906,000 (2016: €38,906,000), arising on the restructuring of Group activities.

Details of equity share capital are set out in Note 17.

42.   Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings
Details of how the Company manages risk exposures and accounts for financial instruments are set out in Note 30.

Foreign Currency Risk Management
The majority of trade conducted by the Company is in euro. Therefore, the level of transactional foreign exchange exposure is not material  
to the Company.

168

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Funding and Liquidity
The following are the undiscounted contractual maturities of financial instruments, including interest payments and excluding the impact of 
netting arrangements:

Carrying 
amount 
€’000

103,249

103,249

Carrying 
amount 
€’000

93,087

93,087

Contractual 
cash flow 
€’000

103,249

103,249

Contractual 
cash flow 
€’000

93,087

93,087

6 months 
or less 
€’000

103,249

103,249

6 months 
or less 
€’000

93,087

93,087

6–12 
months 
€’000

–

–

6–12 
months 
€’000

–

–

Between 
1–2 years 
€’000

Between 
2–5 years 
€’000

–

–

–

–

Between 
1–2 years 
€’000

Between 
2–5 years 
€’000

–

–

–

–

30 September 2017

Trade and other payables

30 September 2016

Trade and other payables

43.   Trade and Other Payables

Current
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings
Accruals 

Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings are repayable on demand.

44.   Employee Benefits
The aggregate employee costs recognised in the income statement are as follows:

Wages and salaries
Social security contributions
Pension costs – defined contribution schemes
Pension costs – defined benefit schemes*

* The defined benefit schemes’ pension cost excludes settlement and curtailment gains totalling €2,465,000 (2016: €1,350,000).

The average number of employees, including executive directors, during the year was as follows:

Administration

2017  
€’000

2016  
€’000

103,089
160

103,249

92,396
691

93,087

2017  
€’000

270
14
9
–

293

2016  
€’000

1,172
107
20
84

1,383

2017  
Number

2016  
Number

2

2

31

31

(i)  Defined Contribution Schemes
The Company makes contributions to a number of defined contribution schemes, the assets of which are vested in independent trustees for the 
benefit of members and their dependants.

(ii) Defined Benefit Schemes
The Company operated a number of defined benefit schemes during the year. During 2015, the Group announced that the pension accrual under 
the defined benefit schemes would cease on 31 December 2015. Each defined benefit scheme was independently funded and the assets were vested 
in the independent trustees for the benefit of members and their dependants. The valuations are not available for public inspection but the results 
are advised to members of the schemes. The most recent full actuarial valuations for the principal schemes were conducted as at 31 December 2014. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

169

Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Company Financial Statements (continued)

44.   Employee Benefits (continued)
(ii) Defined Benefit Schemes (continued)
Assumed medical costs were not a component of the pension obligations of any of the Company’s pension obligations.

The valuation method used for Company defined benefit schemes was the projected credit unit method.

On 30 September 2017, the Company transferred the duties and obligations of the schemes to UDG Healthcare Ireland Limited by executing  
a deed of substitution.

The principal long-term financial assumptions used by the Company’s actuaries in the computation of the defined benefit liabilities arising on 
pension schemes as at 30 September are as follows:

Increase in salaries
Increase in pensions
Inflation rate
Discount rate

The reduction in discount rates is reflective of changes in bond yields during the year. 

The composition of actual Company scheme assets is detailed below.

The mortality assumptions of the schemes have been discussed in detail in Note 29.

The market value of the assets in the pension schemes at 30 September were:

2017

n/a 
0–1.65%
1.65%
2.05%

2016

2015

n/a
0–1.75%
1.50%
1.25%

2.75%
0–1.75%
1.75%
2.70%

Equities
– Developed markets
Bonds
– Government
– Non-government
Property
Other

Fair value of scheme assets
Present value of scheme obligations

Employee benefits liability
Deferred income tax asset

Net liability

Movements in Fair Value of Plan Assets

At beginning of year
Interest income on plan assets
Employer contributions
Employee contributions
Benefit payments
Return on plan assets excluding interest income
Settlements
Transfer of plan assets following disposal of subsidiary undertaking 
Transfer of plan assets to subsidiary undertaking

At end of year

170

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

2017 
€’000

2016  
€’000

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–

–

2017  
€’000

35,352
388
3,816
–
(925)
1,871
(11,457)
–
(29,045)

–

17,530

7,105
1,007
903
8,807

35,352
(53,667)

(18,315)
980

(17,335)

2016  
€’000

14,305
663
3,581
10
(695)
1,782
(4,454)
20,160
–

35,352

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Movements in Present Value of Defined Benefit Obligations

At beginning of year
Current service costs
Interest cost on scheme obligations
Revaluation (gain)/loss on experience variations
Employee contributions
Benefit payments
Effect of changes in actuarial assumptions
Curtailment gain
Settlements
Transfer of defined benefit obligations following disposal of subsidiary undertaking
Transfer of defined benefit obligations to subsidiary undertaking

At end of year

2017  
€’000

53,667
–
577
(2,809)
–
(925)
(4,862)
–
(13,925)
–
(31,723)

–

Reconciliation of the measurement gain to the plan assets and present value of the defined benefit obligation is as follows:

Remeasurement gain on experience variations
Return on plan assets excluding interest cost
Effect of changes in actuarial assumptions
– Changes in demographical assumptions
– Changes in financial assumptions

Total included in Company statement of comprehensive income

Fair value of scheme assets

Present value of scheme obligations

2017  
€’000

–

–

2016  
€’000

35,352

53,667

2015  
€’000

14,305

21,071

2017  
€’000

2,809
1,871

–
4,862

9,542

2014  
€’000

14,649

21,082

2016  
€’000

21,071
84
903
1,262
10
(695)
8,755
(328)
(5,476)
28,081
–

53,667

2016  
€’000

(1,262)
1,782

–
(8,755)

(8,235)

2013  
€’000

11,577

17,878

45.   Related Party Transactions
The Company has related party relationships with its subsidiaries and with the directors of the Company. Details of the remuneration of the 
Company’s individual directors, together with the number of shares in the Company owned by them and their outstanding share options, are set 
out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

Transactions with Subsidiary Undertakings

Charges to subsidiary undertakings with respect to information technology support and management services

Details of balances outstanding with subsidiary undertakings are provided in Note 40 and Note 43. 

2017  
€’000

–

2016  
€’000

587

IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures requires the disclosure of compensation paid to the Company’s key management personnel. The details on  
key management personnel are outlined in Note 33. 

In 2015 the Company transferred a significant element of its business activities to a subsidiary, UDG Healthcare Ireland Limited. The key 
management personnel engaged in the business throughout the year were employed by UDG Healthcare Ireland Limited. 

46.   Contingent Liabilities
Guarantees have been given by the Company in respect of the borrowing facilities of certain subsidiary undertakings and clients.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

171

Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Company Financial Statements (continued)

47.   Principal Subsidiary Undertakings
The information in this note relates only to the Group’s principal subsidiary undertakings at 30 September 2017. A full list of subsidiaries, joint 
ventures and associates will be annexed to the Annual Return of the Company to be filed with the Irish Registrar of Companies.

Incorporated In The Republic of Ireland

Name

Aquilant Analytical Sciences Limited*
Aquilant Medical (ROI) Limited

Aquilant Pharmaceuticals Limited

Aquilant Scientific (ROI) Limited*
Ashfield Healthcare (Ireland) Limited
UDG Healthcare Ayrtons (Dublin) Limited*
UDG Healthcare Finance Limited*
UDG Healthcare (US) Holdings Limited*
UDG Healthcare Distributors Limited* 
UDG Healthcare Ireland Limited

Nature of business

Group share

Distribution of specialist analytical chemistry equipment
Distribution of medical and pharmaceutical equipment  
and consumables
Distribution of medical and pharmaceutical equipment  
and consumables
Distribution of medical and scientific equipment and consumables
Contract sales outsourcing
Investment holding company
Financial services
Investment holding company
Investment holding company
Investment holding company

100%

100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

All of the above companies have their registered office at 20 Riverwalk, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24, NR23 D24.

All shares held are ordinary shares.

* Subsidiary undertakings owned directly by UDG Healthcare plc.

Incorporated In The United Kingdom

Name

Nature of business

Group share

Aquilant Endoscopy Limited (1)
Aquilant Limited (1)
Aquilant Northern Ireland Limited (2)
Ashfield Healthcare Limited (1)
Ashfield Insight & Performance Limited (1)
Ashfield Meetings & Events Limited (1)
Galliard Healthcare Communications Limited (1)
Ashfield Healthcare Communications Group Limited (1)
Pegasus Public Relations Limited (1)
Pharmexx (UK) Limited (1)
Sharp Clinical Services (UK) Limited (1)
UDG Healthcare (UK) Holdings Limited (1)*
STEM Healthcare Limited (1)

Distribution of medical equipment and consumables
100%
Supply and distribution of medical devices and surgical products 100%
100%
Distribution of medical equipment and consumables
100%
Contract sales outsourcing
100%
Sales force effectiveness training services provider
100%
Event management services provider
100%
Specialist healthcare and scientific public relations provider
Healthcare communications and consultancy services provider 100%
100%
Healthcare communications provider
100%
Contract sales outsourcing
100%
Clinical trials services provider
100%
Investment holding company
100%
Commercial, marketing and medical audit services provider

(1)    This company has its registered office at Ashfield House, Resolution Road, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, LE65 1HW.
(2)    This company has its registered office at Maryland Industrial Estate, Ballygowan Road, Castlereagh, Belfast, BT23 6BL.

* Subsidiary undertakings owned directly by UDG Healthcare plc.

172

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

Incorporated In Continental Europe

Name

Nature of business

Group share

Aquilant Nederland B.V. (3)
Ashfield Healthcare GmbH (4)
Ashfield Healthcare GmbH (5)
Ashfield Iberia SLU (6)
Ashfield Nordic AB (7)
Ashfield S.A (8)
Ashfield Saglik Hizmetleei Ticaret Limited Sirketi (9)
Enestia Belgium N.V. (10)*
European Packaging Centre B.V. (3)
Ashfield Iberia Lda (11) 
UDG Healthcare Holdings B.V. (3)
Sellxpert GmbH & Co KG  (12)
Selldirekt GmbH (12)

Distribution of medical equipment and consumables
Contract sales outsourcing 
Contract sales outsourcing 
Contract sales outsourcing 
Pharmaceutical sales and marketing company 
Contract sales outsourcing 
Pharmaceutical sales and marketing company 
Packaging solutions provider
Contract packaging company
Contract sales outsourcing 
Investment holding company
Contract sales outsourcing 
Contract sales outsourcing

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

(3)    This company has its registered office at Neptunus, 8448 CN Heerenveen, the Netherlands.
(4)    This company has its registered office at Euro Plaza, Gebaude F, Technologiestrabe 5, 4. OG, 1120 Vienna, Austria.
(5)    This company has its registered office at Goldbeckstrasse 5, 69493 Hirschberg, Germany.
(6)    This company has its registered office at Calle Collado Mediano, s/n Edificio Prisma, Portal 2, 3a planta 28230 Las Rozas (Madrid) Spain.
(7)    This company has its registered office at Luntmakargatan 66, 5van, 11351 Stockholm, Sweden.
(8)    This company has its registered office at Avenue Pastuer 2, 1300 Wavre, Belgium.
(9)    This company has its registered office at Büyükdere Caddesi Yapı Kredi Plaza B Blok K:12/D:29 34330 Levent/İstanbul.
(10)   This company has its registered office at Klocknerslyaat 1, 3930 Hamont-Achel, Belgium.
(11)   This company has its registered office at Avenida Dom João Ii, Nº 44c – 2.3 Edificio Atlantis, Parque Das Naçoes, 1990–095 Lisboa, Portugal.
(12)   This company has its registered office at Gutenbergstr. 4, Speyer, 67346 Germany.

* Subsidiary undertakings owned directly by UDG Healthcare plc.

Incorporated In North America

Name

Ashfield Healthcare LLC (13)
Ashfield Healthcare Canada Inc (14)

Ashfield Healthcare Communications LLC (17) 
Ashfield Meetings & Events Inc. (13)
Ashfield Pharmacovigilance, Inc. (15)
Informed Direct, Inc. (16)
Sharp Clinical Services, Inc. (18)
Sharp Corporation (19)
Ashfield Market Access, LLC (15)
Sharp (Bethlehem), LLC (21)
Vynamic LLC (22)
Cambridge BioMarketing Group, LLC (23)
MicroMass Communications, Inc. (20)
UDG US Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (18)
STEM Healthcare US, Inc. (24)

Nature of business

Group share

100%
100%

Pharmaceutical sales and marketing company
Marketing, communications and sample and promotional 
material management services provider
Healthcare communications and consultancy services provider 100%
100%
Event management services provider
100%
Safety and risk management services provider
Healthcare communications and consultancy services provider 100%
100%
Clinical trials services provider
100%
Contract packaging company
100%
Market access services provider
100%
Contract packaging company
100%
Management consulting 
100%
Healthcare communications business
100%
Healthcare communications business
100%
Investment holding company
100%
Internal audit services provider

(13)   This company has its registered office at 1100 Virginia Drive, Suite 200, Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania 19034.
(14)   This company has its registered office at 263 Labrosse Avenue, Pointe-Claire, Quebec H9R 1A3.
(15)   This company has its registered office at 5003 South Miami Blvd, Suite 500, Durham, North Carolina 27703.
(16)   This company has its registered office at 7 Island Dock Road, Suite A, Haddam, Connecticut 06438.
(17)   This company has its registered office at 125 Chubb Avenue, Lyndhurst, New Jersey 07071.
(18)   This company has its registered office at Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.
(19)   This company has its registered office at 7451 Keebler Way, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18106.
(20) This company has its registered office at 270 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 103, Cary, North Carolina 27519.
(21)  This company has its registered office at 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington, Delaware 19808.
(22) This company has its registered office at 1600 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
(23)  This company has its registered office at 245 First Street, 12th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142.
(24)  This company has its registered office at 2555 Kingston Road, Suite 235, York, Pennsylvania 17402.

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

173

Financial Statements 

Notes forming part of the Company Financial Statements (continued)

48.  Auditor Remuneration
The auditor’s remuneration for the audit of the Company is detailed in Note 5.

49.   Section 357 Guarantees
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 357, Companies Act 2014, the Company has guaranteed the liabilities of the following subsidiaries for  
the financial year ended 30 September 2017: Aquilant Analytical Sciences Limited, Aquilant Limited, Aquilant Medical (ROI) Limited, Aquilant 
Pharmaceuticals Limited, Aquilant Scientific (ROI) Limited, Ashfield Alliance Limited, Ashfield Healthcare (Ireland) Limited, Dublin Drug 
(Investments) Limited, Dublin Drug Company Limited, Dublin Drug Public Limited Company, Dugdale Trading Limited, Marker (U.D.) Ireland 
Limited, Pharmexx Ireland (Sales Solutions) Limited, UDG Healthcare Ireland Limited, United Care Limited, UDG Healthcare (US) Holdings 
Limited, UDG Healthcare Ayrtons (Dublin) Limited, UDG Healthcare Distributors Limited, UDG Healthcare Finance Limited, UDG Healthcare 
Nordic Limited, UDG Healthcare Packaging Group Limited and UDG Healthcare Property Holdings Limited. 

50.   Approval of Financial Statements
The Group and Company Financial Statements were approved by the directors on 4 December 2017.

174

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Financial Calendar

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

UDG Healthcare plc is an Irish registered company. The Company’s ordinary shares are quoted on the London Stock Exchange.

Ex-dividend date for 2017 final dividend

Record date for 2017 final dividend

Annual General Meeting

Payment date for 2017 final dividend

Interim Announcement of Results for 2018

Financial year end

Preliminary Announcement of Results for 2018

11 January 2018

12 January 2018

30 January 2018

5 February 2018

22 May 2018

30 September 2018

27 November 2018

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

175

Financial Statements 

Additional Information

Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Performance Measures
The Group reports certain financial measurements that are not required under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) which 
represent the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) under which the Group reports. The Group believes that the presentation of 
these non-IFRS measurements provides useful supplemental information which, when viewed in conjunction with IFRS financial information, 
provides stakeholders with a more meaningful understanding of the underlying financial and operating performance of the Group and its 
divisions. These measurements are also used internally to evaluate the historical and planned future performance of the Group’s operations  
and to measure executive management’s performance based remuneration. 

None of the non-IFRS measurements should be considered as an alternative to financial measurements derived in accordance with IFRS. The 
non-IFRS measurements can have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for an analysis of 
results as reported under IFRS.

The principal non-IFRS measurements used by the Group, together with reconciliations where the non-IFRS measurements are not readily 
identifiable from the Financial Statements, are as follows:

Net Revenue (Continuing)
Definition
This comprises of gross revenue as reported in the Group Income Statement, adjusted for revenue associated with pass-through costs for which 
the Group does not earn a margin.

Calculation

Revenue (continuing)
Pass-through revenue

Net revenue (continuing)

Income Statement

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

1,219,755
(191,269)

1,083,439 
(163,490) 

1,028,486

919,949 

Adjusted Operating Profit (Continuing)
Definition
This comprises of operating profit as reported in the Group Income Statement before amortisation of acquired intangible assets, transaction 
costs and exceptional items (if any).

Calculation

Operating profit (continuing) 
Transaction costs (continuing) 
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets (continuing)

Income Statement
Income Statement
Note 4 

Adjusted operating profit (continuing)

2017 
$’000

103,186
4,028
22,066

129,280

2016 
$’000

97,580 
2,214 
15,977 

115,771 

Adjusted Profit Before Tax (Continuing)
Definition
This comprises profit before tax as reported in the Group Income Statement before amortisation of acquired intangible assets, transaction costs 
and exceptional items (if any).

Calculation

Profit before tax (continuing)
Transaction costs (continuing)
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets (continuing)

Income Statement
Income Statement
Note 4 

Adjusted profit before tax (continuing)

Adjusted Operating Margin (Continuing)
Definition
Measures the adjusted operating profit as a percentage of revenue.

Calculation

Adjusted operating profit (continuing)
Revenue (continuing)

Adjusted operating margin (continuing)

Per above
Income Statement

176

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

2017 
$’000

92,834
4,028
22,066

118,928

2016 
$’000

83,542 
2,214 
15,977 

101,733 

2017 
$’000

129,280
1,219,755

10.6%

2016 
$’000

115,771
1,083,439

10.7% 

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

2017 
$’000

129,280
1,028,486

12.6%

2016 
$’000

115,771
919,949

12.6% 

Adjusted Net Operating Margin (Continuing)
Definition
Measures the adjusted operating profit as a percentage of net revenue.

Calculation

Adjusted operating profit (continuing)
Net revenue (continuing)

Net operating margin (continuing)

Per above
Per above

Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share
Definition
The Group defines adjusted earnings per share as basic earnings per share adjusted for the impact of amortisation of acquired intangible assets, 
transaction costs and exceptional items (if any).

Calculation

Adjusted earnings per share (continuing) – $ cent
Adjusted earnings per share (discontinued) – $ cent

Note 10
Note 10

Adjusted earnings per share

2017

37.12
–

37.12

2016

31.79 
7.47 

39.26 

Annualised EBITDA
Definition
Annualised EBITDA is continuing and discontinued earnings before net interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation of intangible assets, exceptional 
items for the previous twelve months adjusted for the share of joint venture profits, dividends received from joint ventures, profit/(loss) on 
disposal of property, plant and equipment, impairment of intangible assets, the annualisation of the EBITDA of companies acquired during  
the year and the EBITDA of completed disposals. 

Calculation

Operating profit (continuing)
Operating profit (discontinued)
Depreciation (continuing)
Amortisation of computer software (continuing)
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets (continuing)
Joint ventures profit share (continuing)
Joint ventures profit share (discontinued)
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
EBITDA of completed disposals
Annualised EBITDA of acquisitions* 

Annualised EBITDA

Income Statement
Note 8 
Note 4
Note 4
Note 4
Income Statement
Note 8
Cash Flow Statement
Note 8

* This includes EBITDA for acquisitions which were not part of the Group for the full financial year.

2017  
$’000

103,186
–
21,221
3,384
22,066
(667)
–
55
–
14,827

164,072

2016  
$’000

97,580
19,338
20,032
2,236
15,977

(798) 
(1,659) 
59 
(17,679)
1,735 

136,821 

Financial Ratios
Definition
The net (debt)/cash to EBITDA and EBITDA interest cover ratios disclosed are calculated using annualised EBITDA and adjusted net finance 
expense (net finance expense excluding interest on pension scheme obligations and the unwinding of discount on provisions, see Note 6). Net 
(debt)/cash represents the net total of current and non-current borrowings, current and non-current derivative financial instruments and cash 
and cash equivalents as presented in the Group Balance Sheet and as calculated in Note 30. 

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

177

Financial Statements 

Additional Information (continued)

Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)
Definition
ROCE is the continuing adjusted operating profit expressed as a percentage of the Group’s net assets employed. Net assets employed is the 
average of the opening and closing net assets in the year excluding net debt/(cash) adjusted for cumulative historical amortisation of acquired 
intangible assets and restructuring charges.

Calculation

Net assets 
Net debt/(cash)

Assets before net debt/(cash)
Historical intangible amortisation
Historical restructuring costs

Total capital employed

Average total capital employed 
Adjusted operating profit (continuing)

Return on capital employed 

Balance Sheet
Per above

Per above

2017  
$’000

880,656
53,266

933,922
176,997
47,494

1,158,413

1,006,869
129,280

12.8%

2016  
$’000

806,876 
(143,163)

663,713 
146,467 
45,144 

855,324

849,580 
115,771 

13.6% 

Effective Tax Rate (Continuing)
Definition
The Group continuing effective tax rate expresses the income tax expense adjusted for the impact of exceptional items, transaction costs and the 
amortisation of acquired intangible assets as a percentage of adjusted profit before tax for continuing operations. 

Calculation

Tax charge (continuing) 
Tax relief with respect to transaction costs (continuing)
Deferred tax credit with respect to intangible 

amortisation (continuing)

Income tax expense before exceptional, transaction  
costs and deferred tax attaching to amortisation  
of intangible assets 

Income Statement

Adjusted profit before tax (continuing) 

Per above

Effective tax rate (continuing)

2017  
$’000

20,976
370

5,070

26,416
118,928

22.2%

2016  
$’000

15,428 
91

7,564 

23,083 
101,733 

22.7%

Measurements Removed from the Additional Information 
Measurements removed from the additional information section shown elsewhere in the financial statements are as follows:
•  Adjusted operating profit (discontinued) – this measurement is shown in Note 8 
•  Net interest – this measurement is shown in Note 6 
•  EBITDA Interest cover – this measurement is shown in Note 30
•  Net (debt)/cash – this measurement is shown in Note 30
•  Net (debt)/cash to EBITDA – this measurement is shown in Note 30 

A number of measurements have been removed from the additional information section. The Group believes these are not necessary to provide 
stakeholders with a more meaningful understanding of the underlying financial operating performance of the Group and its divisions as other 
performance measures are deemed more appropriate. Measurements removed are as follows:
•  Adjusted profit before tax (discontinued)
•  EBITDA (continuing)
•  EBITDA (discontinued)
•  Working capital (continuing)

178

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Glossary

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Statements

AGM

BCG

CDP

CEO

CFO

CGU

CIPD

CMIC

COO

CO2
CODM

CRM

CMO

Annual General Meeting

Boston Consulting Group

Carbon Disclosure Project

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Cash Generating Unit

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

Current Medical Information Centre

Chief Operating Officer

Carbon Dioxide

Chief Operating Decision Maker

Customer Relationship Management

Chief Marketing Officer

The Code UK Corporate Governance Code 2014 issued  

by the UK Financial Reporting Council

CSR

DEA

EBIT

EBITA

EBITDA

EDI

EfW

EHS

ERM

EPS

ESOP

ESOS

EU

EVP

EY

FDA

Corporate Social Responsibility

Drug Enforcement Administration

Earnings Before Interest and Tax

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes and Amortisation

Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation  
and Amortisation 

Electronic Data Interchange

Energy-from-Waste

Environmental Health and Safety

Enterprise Risk Management

Earnings per Share

Executive Share Option Plan

Executive Share Option Scheme

European Union

Executive Vice President 

Ernst & Young Chartered Accountants and  
Statutory Audit Firm

Food and Drug Administration

FTSE 100 
Index

Capitalisation – weighted index consisting of the  
100 largest companies listed on the London Stock 
Exchange with the highest market capitalisation

FTSE 250 
Index

Capitalisation – weighted index consisting of the  
101st to the 350th largest companies on the London  
Stock Exchange

FY2016

FY2017

GAAP

GDPR

GS1

HR

Financial Year 2016

Financial Year 2017

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

General Data Protection Regulation

Global Standards 1

Human Resources

HIPAA

IAASA

IAS

IASB

IFRIC

IFRS

Inc.

IRT

IT

ISAs

ISEQ

KPI

LTA

LTIP

MAH

M&A

NETS

NHS

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority 

International Accounting Standard 

International Accounting Standards Board

International Financial Reporting Interpretations 
Committee 

International Financial Reporting Standards 

Incorporated

Interactive Response Technology

Information Technology

International Standards on Auditing

Irish Stock Exchange Quotient

Key Performance Indicator

Lost Time Accidents

Long Term Incentive Plan

Marketing Authorisation Holder

Mergers and Acquisitions

Network of Employers for Traffic Safety

National Health Service

NHTSA

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

N/A

NI

PA

PAYE

PBCIT

PBIT

PBT

Not Applicable

Northern Ireland

Pennsylvania 

Pay As You Earn

Profit Before Central costs, Interest and Tax

Profit Before Interest and Tax

Profit Before Tax

PEPPOL

Pan European Public Procurement On-Line

PLC

RF

RIF

ROCE

ROI

RoSPA

QMS

SID

SOP

SVP

TCP

TSR

UK

US

VAT

Public Limited Company

Radio Frequency

Risk, Investment and Financing Committee 

Return on Capital Employed

Republic of Ireland

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

Quality Management System

Senior Independent non-executive Director

Standard Operating Procedure

Senior Vice President

Temperature Controlled Pharmaceuticals

Total Shareholder Return

United Kingdom

United States

Value Added Tax

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

179

Contacts for Shareholders 

Principal Bankers
Ulster Bank
Ulster Bank Group Centre,  
George’s Quay,  
Dublin 2, Ireland

Solicitors
A&L Goodbody
International Financial Services Centre,  
North Wall Quay,  
Dublin 1, Ireland

Pinsent Masons LLP
3 Hardman Street,  
Manchester, M3 3AU

Auditor
Ernst & Young
Harcourt Centre,  
Harcourt Street,  
Dublin 2, Ireland

Website
Further information on UDG Healthcare  
is available on the Group’s website:  
www.udghealthcare.com

Company Secretary  
and Registered Office
Damien Moynagh
UDG Healthcare plc,  
20 Riverwalk,  
Citywest Business Campus, Citywest,  
Dublin 24, Ireland

Tel: +353 1 468 9000
Website: www.udghealthcare.com

Registered Number
12244

Registrar
Enquiries concerning shareholdings  
should be addressed to:

Computershare Investor  
Services (Ireland) Limited
Heron House, Corrig Road,  
Sandyford Industrial Estate,  
Dublin 18, Ireland

Tel: +353 1 447 5100
Fax: +353 1 447 5571
Email: webqueries@computershare.co.uk

Stockbrokers
Jefferies Hoare Govett, a division  
of Jefferies International Limited
Vintners Place, 68 Upper Thames Street, 
London, EC4V 3BJ, UK 

Davy
Davy House, 49 Dawson Street,  
Dublin 2, Ireland

Goodbody Stockbrokers
Ballsbridge Park, Ballsbridge,  
Dublin 4, Ireland

180

UDG Healthcare plc 
Annual Report and Accounts 2017

UDG Healthcare plc

UDG Healthcare plc
20 Riverwalk
Citywest Business Campus
Citywest
Dublin 24
Ireland

T: +353 1 468 9000 
www.udghealthcare.com