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Croda International plc

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FY2016 Annual Report · Croda International plc
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Innovation every day

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
 
 
 
Strategic Report

We are the name behind the high performance ingredients and 
technologies in some of the biggest, most successful brands 
in the world; creating, making and selling speciality chemicals 
that are relied on by industries and consumers everywhere.

In this year’s report

Innovation driving profit growth

2016

+13.2%

Adjusted profit before tax up 13.2% to £288.3m

Strategic Report

Strategy and Operations
Chairman’s Statement ...................................................02
Market Opportunities and Strategy ....................04
Our Business Model ........................................................ 06
Chief Executive’s Report ............................................. 08
Our Investment Case .......................................................12
Sustainability: People and Community ...........13
Our Sector Performance ..............................................14
Sustainability: Sustainable Product 
Innovation ...................................................................................21

Performance and Financials 
Key Performance Indicators .................................... 22
Finance Report .................................................................... 24
Sustainability: Planet and Process ..................... 28
Our Risks  ................................................................................... 29

Directors’ Report

Our Board ................................................................................. 34
Corporate Governance ................................................ 36
Remuneration Report .................................................... 55
Other Disclosures ...............................................................76

Financial Statements

Group Independent Auditors’ Report ............. 80
Group Consolidated Statements ........................ 86
Group Accounting Policies  ........................................91
Notes to the Group Accounts ................................. 98
Company Independent Auditors’ Report .....125
Company Financial Statements ........................ 127
Notes to the Company Accounts .....................129

Other Information

Related Undertakings .................................................134
Shareholder Information........................................... 137
Five Year Record ..............................................................139
Glossary of Terms ........................................................... 140

Adjusted profit is stated before exceptional items, 
acquisition costs and amortisation of intangible assets 
arising on acquisition and the tax thereon where applicable
Non-statutory terms are defined in alternative 
performance measures on p27

Sales

Underlying sales growth in constant currency

£1,243.6m

2015: £1,081.7m

Adjusted operating profit

£298.2m

2015: £264.2m

3.1%

2015: 3.7%

+15.0%

NPP sales as % of Group sales

27.4%

2015: 26.1%

+12.9%

Adjusted earnings per share

Energy from non-fossil fuel sources

155.8p

2015: 135.0p

21.3%

Rebased 2015: 20.5%

+15.4%

Proposed dividend per share

Lost time injury rate per 200,000 hours worked

74.0p

2015: 69.0p (ordinary dividend)
2015: 100.0p (special dividend)

+7.2%

0.34

2015: 0.52

Our strategy

Sustainability

Delivering  
Growth
Delivering consistent top 
and bottom line growth

Driving  
Innovation
Increasing the proportion 
of protected innovation

Sustainable 
Solutions
Accelerating our customers’ 
transition to sustainable solutions

Read more on p05 and in the 
Chief Executive’s Report on p10

Embedded in our strategic thinking, 
sustainability adds value to our Business.

People and community

86.7% of employees  

received training

Sustainable product 
innovation

63.0% increase in sales 

of products made 
with RSPO certified 
palm oil derivatives

Planet and process
9.5% reduction in Group 

water consumption 
compared to 2015

p13

p21

p28

Global market sectors

Where we operate

4

36

Countries across the world

4,273

Employees

Personal Care
Personal Care focuses on 
ingredients for skin, hair, 
sun protection and colour 
cosmetic products.

Adjusted operating profit

£143.1m p14

Life Sciences
Life Sciences comprises three 
complementary businesses, 
Health Care, Crop Protection 
and Seed Enhancement.

Adjusted operating profit

£82.0m p16

Performance 
Technologies
Performance Technologies delivers 
innovative ingredients to a wide range 
of niche, mostly industrial, markets.

Adjusted operating profit

£66.2m p18

Industrial Chemicals
Industrial Chemicals is a small, diverse 
sector based on selling co-streams, 
developing novel niche applications 
and undertaking toll processing.

Every day our global team works together, inspiring and influencing each other 
and our customers.

North  
America

8

Operations

579

Employees

Latin  
America

10

Operations

278

Employees

Western 
Europe

20

Operations

2,246

Employees

EEMEA

7

Operations

89

Employees

Asia  
Pacific

22

Operations

1,081

Employees

Sales by region

Sales by sector

£1,243.6m
Total sales

£1,243.6m
Total sales

Adjusted operating profit

£6.9m

Europe, Middle East & Africa

£502.9m

Personal Care

p20

North America

Asia Pacific

Latin America

£341.9m

Life Sciences

£270.0m

Performance Technologies

£128.8m

Industrial Chemicals

£420.6m

£292.2m

£402.5m

£128.3m

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

01

Strategic ReportChairman’s Statement

A year of strong progress

Overview
As I reflect on Croda’s achievements at the 
end of my first full year as Chairman, I am 
pleased to report record sales and profit 
performance, strong cash generation and 
enhanced returns to shareholders.

Our focus on growth market sectors, 
supported by continued innovation, 
capital investment and a commitment to 
the highest standards of health and safety 
and sustainability are important 
contributors to these strong results.

I have also been hugely impressed by 
the contribution and commitment of all 
of our employees, many of whom I meet 
during my regular programme of site visits. 
Croda has a unique culture which blends 
commercial realism and customer intimacy 
with excellent technical, financial and 
operational skills. There is a strong sense 
of shared values, matched by individual 
accountability and a willingness to do the 
right thing for all our stakeholders. It is a 
culture of ‘we’, not ‘I’ and this is a significant 
contributor to our continued success. 
On behalf of the Board, I would like to 
thank all of our hard working employees.

Strong sales and pre-tax 
profit performance 
Sales for the year increased by 15% to 
£1,243.6m (2015: £1,087.1m) and adjusted 
profit before tax grew by 13.2% to £288.3m 
(2015: £254.7m), a strong performance 
in a difficult global trading environment. 
Sales and profit increased in all three 
Core Business sectors. I was particularly 
encouraged by the progress we achieved 
in our high value actives business in 
Personal Care, in integrating Incotec into 
the Life Sciences business and in the 
progressive strengthening of sales and 
margin in Performance Technologies. 
Coupled with excellent cash generation, 
this has positioned Croda for further 
growth in 2017. 

Our strategic focus
We have a clear and differentiated strategy 
to deliver growth across our sectors and 
geographies. Croda is successful in finding 
fast growing market niches, staying ahead 
of the competition by identifying and 
developing products to satisfy unmet 
customer needs, and creating new 
differentiation in competitive markets. 
We find new applications; for example, 
taking sun care from the beach to use in 
thousands of every day skin care products. 
We find new international markets; for 
example, in Asia, where we are getting 
closer to the hundreds of smaller 
customers who are creating new trends. 
We find new technologies, such as the 
encapsulation business we acquired in 
2016, supporting a record level of home-
grown innovation. And in a world which 
is increasingly recognising the fragile planet 
on which we live, Croda is at the forefront 
of delivering sustainable ingredients for 
customers and their consumers.

Our talent, culture and values
Ensuring that we have the right people 
and talent for the future needs of our 
Business is critical to our continuing 
success. As a Board and Executive team, 
we spend considerable time on succession 
planning and talent development across 
our Businesses.

In addition, recognising the importance 
and value of our culture to our continued 
strong performance, this year the Board 
has worked on the development of our 
Croda culture plan, which links the 
Company culture, our values, behaviours 
and practices to our Business strategy, 
both of which work equally to deliver 
business success.

We now have the ability to assess how 
effective our culture and values are across 
our global businesses and regions and to 
ensure alignment between our culture and 
the key people processes of reward, 
performance management, succession 
planning and recruitment. 

Croda has a unique culture 
which blends commercial 
realism and customer 
intimacy with excellent 
technical, financial and 
operational skills.”

Anita Frew  
Chairman

02 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Strategic ReportBoard composition, engagement 
and performance
Dr. Keith Layden, Chief Technology Officer 
and President, Life Sciences, has decided 
to retire from the Company after 32 years 
of service. I am delighted that Keith has 
accepted the Board’s invitation to continue 
as a Non-Executive Director and help 
guide Croda’s highly successful innovation 
agenda further forward. I would like to 
thank Keith for his long service and 
exceptional contribution to Croda. Dr. Nick 
Challoner, President, Asia, will also become 
President of Life Sciences and lead 
Croda’s Global Research and Technology 
function. These changes will take effect 
from 1 May 2017.

To be effective in its role, the Board requires 
a balance of skills, experience and diversity. 
We regularly undertake an assessment of 
the skills matrix of the Board and appraise 
their effectiveness. Further details on this 
process and our priorities are discussed 
more fully in the section on governance 
on p36 to 46. 

The Board’s needs in this regard will evolve 
over time to match the business and strategic 
requirements and we have clearly defined 
succession plans for both Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors. 

We meet the current Board requirement in 
terms of gender diversity and we have well 
developed plans to enhance our progress 
throughout the organisation and embrace 
the business case for diversity in all its forms. 

As I reflect on the performance of my Board 
colleagues over the last year, I have been 
impressed by the quality of debate, by the 
diversity of thought and the willingness 
to challenge constructively, by their 
commitment, the level of engagement and 
involvement in the businesses and by their 
strong sense of belief in the Croda culture.

They regularly meet with senior 
management and spend time increasing 
their understanding of the Business 
through site visits, business presentations, 
leadership development meetings, informal 
briefings and Board dinners. In the 
Directors’ Report, we set out more details 
of the full programme of activities 
throughout the year, including our site visits 
across our fast growing Asia region.

Dividend and returns to shareholders
Your Board seeks to deliver high quality 
profits, measured through a superior return 
on invested capital, earnings growth and 
strong cash returns. We have a clear policy 
in place to ensure that we reinvest profits for 
growth; provide regular returns to investors; 
supplement growth by selected acquisition, 
where appropriate; and maintain an 
appropriate balance sheet, returning excess 
capital to shareholders. Following our strong 
performance in 2016 and reflecting our 
confidence for the future, the Board is 
recommending an 8.6% increase in the final 
dividend for 2016. This is in addition to the 
increased interim dividend already paid and 
the 100 pence per share special dividend 
that we made in June 2016.

Outlook
Our priorities in 2017 are to drive profitability 
through a greater focus on premium, 
faster growth market niches, improve our 
performance in less differentiated markets 
and continue to grow profitability in lower 
margin businesses. We have seen some 
encouraging signs of improving sales 
trends and are confident of delivering 
continued progress in 2017. 

Our Non-Executive Directors see 
attendance at Board and Committee 
meetings as only one part of their role. 

Anita Frew
Chairman

Board site visits

During the year all of our Non-Executive 
Directors undertook manufacturing 
site visits outside of the normal Board site 
visits. Anita Frew and Alan Ferguson visited 
our manufacturing operations in China. 
They met with employees across all 
functions, including the sales and marketing 
teams, gaining insight into the exclusive 
customer projects and innovation pipelines 
for each of our market sectors. Both Alan 
and Anita were impressed with the close 
collaboration between the sales, marketing 
and R&D teams – an essential ingredient to 
providing our customers with solutions to 
their unmet needs.

Anita visited our manufacturing site in Shiga 
(Japan), an important site for our Personal 
Care and Health Care businesses and where 
we manufacture a number of our high purity 
ingredients and other NPP products. She 
had the opportunity to spend time with the 
site’s quality team and discuss the important 
work they do in achieving the required level 
of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) 
certification to ensure compliance with our 
customers’ rigorous quality standards.

Anita also met with the Korean management 
team and explored the accelerating level of 
growth in Asia and the high level of innovative 
products being developed in Korea.

Our Directors spent time in a more relaxed 
environment meeting informally with 
employees at all levels across the Business 
and enabling local teams to gain insights 
from a Board member.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

03

Strategic ReportMarket Opportunities and Strategy

Maximising opportunities for growth

Our strategy is shaped by our response to three global mega trends, which all relate to the rapid 
expansion of the world’s population. They provide opportunities for us to maximise our growth 
by delivering product benefits to consumers and also to futureproof our Business.

Global Mega Trends

Changing demographics
Largely due to revolutions in sanitation 
and health care over the last 100 years, 
people in developed economies are 
living longer and have more income and 
better access to buy a wider range of 
health, beauty and wellbeing products. 
In the developing world, population 
growth is driven by lower mortality rates 
which, together with an expanding 
middle class, is generating new markets 
for products that make a difference 
to living standards.

Fragile world
The impacts of global warming are 
accelerating as a result of increasing 
greenhouse gas emissions from the 
burning of more fossil fuels by an 
expanding population, coupled with 
the degradation of the natural means 
of the planet to counteract these effects. 
The consequences include water and 
land shortages and crop failure at a time 
when the world needs to support a 
growing population. Regulators are also 
demanding more stringent standards 
of environmental and social protection.

Changing expectations 
and behaviours
Fuelled by the convergence of social, 
mobile and ‘big data’, consumers’ 
expectations are changing. They want 
greater choice and control, demanding 
more transparency in the products 
and services they use and anywhere, 
anytime access to information. Digital 
technologies make it easier for them to 
have their voices heard and also increase 
the speed at which new trends are 
adopted. Reacting to these demands, 
businesses are engaging start-ups, 
small independent (‘Indie’) customers 
and virtual communities as co-creators.

04 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

4.9bn

middle class  
consumers by 2030, 
 with over 60%  
in Asia

50%

of consumers have lost 
trust in Business because 
they fail to contribute  
to the greater good

9bn

people by 2050

7bn

people will face  
water scarcity  
by 2050

22%

of the population  
over 60 by 2050

50%

carbon intensity  
reduction 
 needed by 2050

Strategic ReportOur Strategic Approach

To find out how we create value, 
read our Business Model on p06 and 07

Delivering Growth

Driving Innovation 

Sustainable Solutions

Through our direct selling business model, 
our people build intimate relationships 
with our customers large and small, 
working closely with them to target niche, 
rapidly growing markets where our 
innovative and sustainable approach 
is valued. We have a flexible and agile 
structure for growth that enables our 
people to stay local to our customers 
around the world, whilst working together 
as one global team to respond quickly 
to demands identified by changing 
demographics in a fragile world.

Innovation plays a critical role across 
our Business, with dedicated business 
sector Research and Development teams 
developing new ingredients in collaboration 
with our customers. Working with our 
open innovation partners identifies 
unique opportunities that add value 
to our customers’ products and satisfies 
the needs of their consumers. It is a 
combination of our products and the way 
we operate that enables our customers to 
build on our innovations, so that together 
we address the challenges of the three 
global mega trends.

We continue to build on our renewable 
raw material heritage to create, make 
and sell sustainable solutions today, 
to positively influence tomorrow. Through 
the investments we make in innovative 
product design and flexible operations, 
we are working with our supply chain 
to develop products that deliver more 
benefit, with less impact. This, coupled 
with active participation in regulatory 
debates, ensures that we are at the 
forefront of providing answers to the 
challenges presented by the three 
global mega trends.

KPIs:

KPIs:

KPIs:

 → Return on sales (p22)
 → % Group sales outside Europe (p22)

 → NPP sales as % of group sales (p22)
 → NPP sales growth compared with overall 

 → Non-fossil fuel energy % (p23)
 → Lost time injury rate (p23)

sales growth (p22)

Key risks:

Key risks:

Key risks:

 → Revenue generation in established and 

emerging markets (p31)

 → Talent development and retention (p31)

 → Product and technology innovation (p31)
 → Protect new intellectual property (p31)
 → Talent development and retention (p31)

 → Product liability claims (p31)
 → Major safety or environmental incident (p32)
 → Security of raw material supply (p32)
 → Major capital project management (p32)

To find out what we have done in 2016 see p10 and 11

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

05

Strategic ReportOur Business Model

Creating value

We create long term value through collaboration with our customers, our proactive and 
creative attitude and our ability to think differently. Our agile structure allows us to adapt 
in response to global mega trends as we turn exciting, often groundbreaking ideas into 
practical solutions that enhance a diverse range of products.

Consumer  
demand
Influenced by global mega 
trends, consumers dictate 
the unmet needs across our  
four market sectors

Customer  
need
Our customers seek innovative 
products that address  
consumer needs

Croda
We work in close partnership with our 
customers and supply chain, offering 
innovative and sustainable products 
that are supported by exceptional 
performance and claims validation

Personal Care

Life Sciences

Engage
Working closely with 
our customers and 
supply chain we 
identify unmet 
consumer needs 
around the world

Create
We create innovative 
and sustainable 
products and 
technologies that 
meet consumer 
demands

Our difference
Our long term growth is driven by what  
makes us different, which includes:

 → Our global culture driven by shared values and a 

‘can do’ attitude

 → Our intimate customer relationships, from niche ‘Indie’ 

customers to large multinationals

 → Our agility in responding to customer needs built through 
local sales and technical teams with a global focus

 → Our selective acquisitions and capital investments 

 → Our agile regional manufacturing base 

 → Our valuable protected intellectual property 

and an extensive innovation pipeline

 → Our exceptional product performance and claims 

validation, coupled with first class regulatory support 
and quality testing

 → Our extensive open innovation partnerships

 → Our knowledgeable and talented people

 → Our valuable sustainable chemistry that focuses 
on intrinsic and extrinsic product benefits, where  
we apply independent third party guidelines

 → Our focus on building transparency and traceability 

throughout our supply chain.

06 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Strategic ReportCustomer  
formulation
Our customers use our products  
to enhance their formulations to 
meet their consumers’ needs

Consumer  
benefit
Our innovative products meet 
consumer demands by addressing 
their unmet needs

Performance 
Technologies

Industrial Chemicals

Make
Our manufacturing 
sites run flexible 
operations to 
consistently high 
standards across 
the world

Sell
We generate revenue 
through our direct 
selling model, with 
sales, technical and 
warehousing support 
local to our customers

Creating value
The way we operate and our innovative  
products create sustainable environmental, 
social and financial value including:

 → Our culture brings exceptional customer service and 
ability to manage complexity by working together

 → Our agility allows us to respond quickly to our customers’ 

needs in response to the global mega trends

 → Our investments support top-line momentum, 
ensuring that we deliver shareholder value

 → Our new and protected products generate valuable 

revenue streams 

 → Our product data package provides customer and 

consumer confidence in our innovation

 → Our investment in innovation and our peoples’ 

industry insight helps to futureproof our Business

 → Our people deliver environmental, social and 

financial returns

 → Our global, sustainable innovation delivers products 

with minimal environmental impact and 
maximum benefit

 → Our investment in supply chain transparency 

develops growing trust with customers and consumers.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

07

Strategic ReportChief Executive’s Report

We are continuing to deliver

Relentless innovation driving 
record profit 
Croda has delivered a record profit in 2016. 
We have grown sales through strategic 
acquisitions and organic growth in premium 
market niches, driving bottom line 
performance through high value products 
and relentless innovation. Our innovation 
pipeline is exciting, with sales from New 
and Protected Products (NPP) increasing 
for the fourth consecutive year and strong 
momentum across all market sectors. 
We continue to expand in higher growth 
markets, with Asia the stand out performer. 
We are growing with regional and smaller 
customers and are well positioned for the 
digital revolution across our customer 
base. We are investing in new technologies 
and further strengthening our existing 
market leading positions. 

In a low growth environment Croda has 
continued to prioritise profitable growth 
over top line sales. In constant currency, 
adjusted profit before tax grew by 4.8%, 
whilst sales grew by 3.1%. As a global 
business but with 95% of sales made 
overseas, our results also benefited from 
favourable currency translation, with sales 
increasing by 15.0% and adjusted profit 
before tax up 13.2% to a record £288.3m.

Croda is a knowledge-based business, 
with innovation at the heart of our culture. 
NPP reached 27.4% (2015: 26.1%) of total 
sales as we added new Intellectual Property 
(IP) to the product portfolio, increasing our 
pricing power through the novel benefits 
we are able to deliver to customers. 
We continued to increase sales of premium 
products in Personal Care and Life Sciences, 
and returned to growth in Performance 
Technologies. In Life Sciences, progress was 
supported by the successful integration 
of Incotec, a leading Seed Enhancement 
business acquired in 2015. At the same time, 
we tightened our focus in less differentiated 
markets, successfully reducing sales of lower 
value-add products, exiting almost 20,000 
tonnes of commodity sales in Industrial 
Chemicals and enhancing the product mix.

Croda’s model is highly cash generative, 
delivering a superior Return on Invested 
Capital (ROIC) and excellent returns 
for investors. In 2016 we paid over £230m 
in dividends, including a £136m special 
dividend. We invested over £100m in 
capital expenditure for future organic 
growth, including an industry-leading 
bio-surfactants plant in North America to 
produce sustainably sourced ingredients 
for consumer markets. Despite this record 
level of investment, we increased free cash 
flow to over £155m and reduced leverage 
to the lower end of our target range at 
1.1x net debt to EBITDA. ROIC remained 
excellent at 19.3% (restated 2015: 20.1%), 
despite dilution from ongoing investment 
and acquisition programmes.

Headline sales up 15.0% 
Sales increased by 15.0% to £1,243.6m 
(2015: £1,081.7m). This included an 11.9% 
benefit from currency translation due to 
weaker Sterling. Sales in constant currency 
increased by 3.1%, with acquisitions 
contributing 4.7%. 

Underlying sales (which excludes the impacts 
of currency translation and acquisition) 
declined by 1.6%, largely reflecting our 
strategy of reducing sales of low value-add 
co-products and tolling business in Industrial 
Chemicals. Within the Core Business 
(which excludes Industrial Chemicals), 
although underlying sales declined by 
0.7% in the full year, there was a return to 
growth in the fourth quarter. Encouragingly, 
sales continued to grow in many premium 
markets, including actives in Personal Care, 
and in high purity excipients and crop 
delivery systems in Life Sciences. 
Offsetting this, we saw weaker demand 
in less differentiated areas of Personal 
Care, together with significantly lower sales 
from our generic Active Pharmaceutical 
Ingredient (API) contract in North America. 

In a low growth environment 
Croda has continued to 
prioritise profitable growth 
over top line sales.”

Steve Foots  
Group Chief Executive

Sales growth

+15.0% 

NPP sales as % of Group sales

27.4%

Return on sales

24.0%

08 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Strategic ReportRefining the mix in Industrial 
Chemicals
2016 saw continued progress in our 
strategy to reduce sales from co-products 
and tolling in Industrial Chemicals, 
whilst creating new products for novel 
applications. During 2016, we reduced 
sales volume by almost 20,000 tonnes, 
including diverting glycerine by-product 
to a new bio-fermentation plant in the 
Netherlands to produce low cost, green 
energy. As a result, in constant currency, 
sales declined by 8.5%. 

Continued sales growth in Asia 
and Europe
We saw good underlying sales growth 
across the Core Business in Asia and 
Europe. Asia underlying sales increased 
by 5%, with growth across all three 
market sectors, driven by increased 
proximity to local and regional customers. 
The market in Europe remained positive, 
with underlying sales up 2%, reflecting 
resilient consumer demand. These 
encouraging performances were offset 
by lower underlying sales in the Americas, 
with North America down by 6% and 
Latin America nearly 7% lower. North 
America included the adverse impact 
of lower API sales, whilst poor macro-
economic conditions in Latin America 
saw weaker sales in US Dollar-denominated 
prices, although sales value was up 
in local currency terms. Encouragingly, 
both these regions showed an improving 
trend in the fourth quarter.

Strong profit growth with adjusted 
EPS up 15.4%
Adjusted profit before tax increased by 
13.2% to £288.3m (2015: £254.7m). This 
was 4.8% higher in constant currency. 
Profit before tax on an IFRS basis was also 
up strongly at £275.7m (2015: £252.3m). 

Return on sales increased by 40 basis 
points in constant currency, reflecting a 
richer product mix of ‘high end’ products 
and innovation. Reported return on sales 
was slightly lower at 24.0% (2015: 24.4%), 
due to the dilution impact of the Incotec 
acquisition and lower profit from the API 
contract in North America. Adjusted EPS 
rose 15.4% to 155.8p (2015: 135.0p) and 
the proposed final dividend has been 
increased by 8.6% to 41.25p (2015: 38.0p).

Investment in fast growing niches 
driving profit in Personal Care
Personal Care delivered a good profit 
improvement as ongoing innovation, growth 
in premium market niches and improved 
proximity to customers helped offset 
softer conditions in more mature and 
less differentiated markets. NPP increased 
to 40% of sector sales, driven by our Actives 
business, where sales grew by 6%, reflecting 
further success in Sederma. Asia delivered 
excellent growth with increasingly 
sophisticated, innovation-driven customers. 
In a market where regional and local 
players drive much innovation and growth, 
we are getting closer to more customers, 
replacing distributors with our direct selling 
model, delivered through locally based sales, 
marketing and technical personnel. We are 
better aligned to new independent, or ‘Indie’, 
brands, fast to market and increasingly 
delivered through digital channels.

By contrast to the Actives business, the 
market for Specialities was slower in 2016. 
We have a programme to drive greater 
product differentiation with multinational 
customers and expansion of our 
sustainable product portfolio. Overall, in 
constant currency, Personal Care adjusted 
operating profit increased by 4.0%, despite 
sales being 0.8% lower, improving reported 
return on sales by 100 basis points. 

Focused acquisition and clever 
innovation offsetting API weakness 
in Life Sciences 
Life Sciences achieved a good performance, 
with the majority of the business delivering 
robust sales and profit growth, supported 
by the acquisition of Incotec. In constant 
currency, sales rose by 19.0%, reflecting 
the integration of Incotec and initial synergies 
with our Crop Protection business. 
We continued to grow the diversified, 
IP-rich delivery systems business in the 
Health Care and Crop Protection markets, 
with sales in the latter growing by 4% in 
constant currency. Adjusted operating 
profit grew by 3.6% in constant currency, 
a strong result and overcoming a halving 
of sales in the North America generic 
API contract.

Improving sales and margin 
in Performance Technologies
Performance Technologies saw an improving 
sales trend through 2016, excellent profit 
growth and a better return on sales. This 
reflected increased innovation leading to 
new products for faster growth markets; 
continued geographic expansion outside 
its traditional European heartland; and 
an enhanced product mix through 
upgrading into more value-add products. 
At constant currency, sales grew by 
1.4% in the year and by 6% in the fourth 
quarter, with adjusted operating profit 
12.1% better in the full year. Business 
quality continued to improve. Our focus 
on value, rather than volume, saw exits 
from low value products in Coatings & 
Polymers, driving better profitability 
through greater differentiation. NPP 
sales improved, with progress in novel 
patented slip additives and speciality 
bio-based coatings. Sales expanded 
in Asia, with strategic investment 
underway in the Sipo joint venture in China. 
The sector remains on track to achieve 
a return on sales of 20% in the medium 
term, through better product mix and 
building market leading positions in 
‘high-tech’ niches.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

09

Strategic Report| Chief Executive’s Report

Our strategy

Delivering Growth
Delivering consistent top and 
bottom line growth

Driving Innovation 
Increasing the proportion 
of protected innovation

Sustainable Solutions
Accelerating our customers’ transition 
to sustainable ingredients

10 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Continuing to deliver our strategy
Croda creates innovative ingredients for 
niche markets in order to create shareholder 
value. Our strategy to deliver this comprises 
three components:

1.  Delivering consistent top and bottom 

line growth

2.   Increasing the proportion of protected 

innovation

3.   Accelerating our customers’ transition 

to sustainable ingredients.

In 2016 we delivered in each of these 
three areas.

Delivering consistent top and bottom 
line growth
We aim to deliver profit growth ahead of 
sales value growth, in turn ahead of volume 
growth. Despite weak global demand, 
Croda made good progress in delivering 
top and bottom line growth in 2016. Sales 
value grew by 15.0% and adjusted 
operating profit by 12.9%. 

In a low growth environment, less 
differentiated markets are becoming 
increasingly mature. In response, Croda 
is connecting to faster growth markets 
by developing faster growth technologies; 
expanding in faster growth geographies; 
and finding faster growth niches. Through 
our global sector teams, we identify and 
anticipate consumer trends and respond 
swiftly to satisfy customer needs through 
key technologies which are often unique 
to Croda. In 2016, these faster growth 
technologies included actives in Personal 
Care, crop delivery systems in Life 
Sciences and new coatings solutions 
in Performance Technologies. 

We continue to develop in fast growth 
geographies. Asia continues to be a growth 
engine, accounting for 22% of sales in 
2016. We have invested in new application 
laboratories, including in Korea, where 
many global personal care trends originate. 
We are establishing greater customer 
intimacy, with our locally-based sales, 
technical and warehousing ensuring close 
proximity to regional and local customers, 
as well as multinational customers. In the 
digital world, 2016 saw the rapid growth of 
new ‘virtual’ customers. We are structuring 
our Business to help these customers 
create, formulate and bring products to 
market quickly. In addition, in 2016 in Asia 
and Latin America we transitioned sales 

from distributors to our direct selling model, 
giving us direct access to hundreds of new 
customers in growth territories, such as 
China and Indonesia. 

We are developing in faster growing niches 
by investing organically in new technologies, 
expanding capacity in existing technologies 
and acquiring technology-rich businesses. 
In 2016 we continued our investment in a 
new bio-surfactants plant in North America, 
we expanded the Sederma skin actives 
facility and opened a new R&D facility 
in Crop Care in Europe. We integrated the 
most recent ‘bolt-on’ acquisition in Life 
Sciences, Incotec, a ‘below the ground’ 
crop technology with excellent synergies 
to the existing Crop Protection business. 
We have successfully repositioned Incotec 
for top line growth and margin improvement. 
In 2016 we added an encapsulation delivery 
technology to Croda’s portfolio through the 
acquisition of Inventiva in Brazil.

Increasing the proportion of 
protected innovation
Innovation is the lifeblood of Croda and 
is deeply embedded across our global 
sectors. It is a key differentiator between 
ourselves and our peers, making us a 
preferred supplier for many customers. 

In constant currency, NPP sales have 
increased by over 40% since 2012, from 
20.5% of total sales to 27.3% today. We have 
an extensive innovation pipeline, supported 
by 250 Open Innovation partnerships with 
universities, specialist research laboratories 
and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises 
(SMEs). In 2016 we secured funding for 
a number of PhD R&D chemists through 
the UK’s Biotechnology and Biological 
Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). 
We are targeting to grow NPP twice as fast 
as non-NPP sales.

Personal Care has the richest innovation, 
with NPP sales reaching 40% of sector 
sales in 2016. Building on our pioneering 
heritage in skin active ingredients, we are 
developing our Actives business with a 
target to deliver half of Personal Care sales 
from high value, protected niches. In 2016, 
we saw sales grow in plant cell cultures 
from ‘IRB by Sederma’, new biological 
systems in hair care and enjoyed rapid 
growth in metal oxide sun care ingredients 
for cosmetics. We are investing in a new 
state-of-the-art Materials Innovation 
Factory at the University of Liverpool, 
alongside a key multinational customer.

Strategic ReportFuture opportunities
Our priorities for 2017 are to drive profitability 
through a greater focus on premium, 
faster growth niches; improve performance 
in less differentiated markets; and continue 
to grow margins in Performance 
Technologies and Incotec.

We have seen some encouraging signs 
of improving sales trends, which have 
continued into 2017. We are supporting 
this through innovation and investment. 
Innovation will be supported by technology-
driven acquisitions, investments and smart 
partnering, including more Open Innovation. 
Focused investment in new manufacturing 
capabilities will also access higher growth, 
including new ‘ECO’ products, expansion 
in high purity Health Care systems and 
extending our leadership in Polymer 
Additives. We will continue to leverage our 
industry leading position in sustainability. 

Croda is a strongly cash generative 
business with substantial balance sheet 
capacity. We will remain disciplined in both 
our capital allocation and in driving returns 
for shareholders.

We are confident of delivering continued 
progress in our performance in 2017. 
Additionally, if current exchange rates are 
maintained, there will be a further currency 
benefit to reported results.

Steve Foots
Group Chief Executive

In Life Sciences, NPP sales now account 
for over 30% of sales. In 2016 we developed 
new applications for ultra-pure systems 
for the delivery of complex pharmaceutical 
drugs. Customers need to deliver more from 
new and existing drug actives and Croda’s 
clever technology delivers the purity and 
stability required. We are supporting this by 
investing in additional capacity. Collaborative 
product development with multinational 
customers is securing significant growth 
in Crop Protection. 

In Performance Technologies we are 
building the innovation pipeline from a low 
historical base. In 2016 we achieved a 
preliminary registration for MyCroFence™, 
a novel non-leaching anti-microbial 
coatings technology, and delivered new 
innovative products in lubricant additives, 
helping NPP sales in this sector to reach 
almost 20% of total sales.

Accelerating our customers’ transition 
to sustainable ingredients
We are passionate about sustainability, a key 
component of our growth plans. We are an 
industry leader in using sustainable raw 
materials and processes to meet consumer 
demand. This demand is expected to grow; 
in Personal Care, for example, more than 
25% of customer product launches now 
make a sustainability claim. 

With around two-thirds of raw materials 
already coming from natural sources, 
we are ideally positioned to help deliver 
our customers’ promises and assist them 
in achieving their sustainability targets. 
In 2016 we progressed construction of the 
US$175m bio-surfactant plant in North 
America. Due to commission in the second 
half of 2017, the facility will replace 
petrochemical feedstocks with a new and 
unique ‘ECO’ range of 100% sustainable 
surfactant products, creating growth 
opportunities across the Core Business.

We continue to reduce our own 
environmental impact. Waste to landfill 
has been cut by 60% since 2010. 
In the Netherlands we commissioned 
a bio-fermentation plant to convert 
glycerine by-products into greener energy.

In Spain, we are investing to reduce 
the quantity of water used by 90% through 
water recycling and high-efficiency 
cooling systems. 

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

11

Strategic ReportOur Investment Case

Strength and delivery

We are a speciality chemical company that creates high performance ingredients 
and technologies relied upon by industries and consumers globally.

Global product 
innovation in 
collaboration with 
customers…

 → Differentiated market leading technologies

 → Innovation embedded in the Business

 → Technical teams focused on bigger and better 

innovation

 → Investment in R&D delivering fast growth

 → Local innovation centres driving increased 

customer collaboration

 → Products increasingly delivering 

sustainable solutions

…with local sales 
and technical 
delivery…

 → Operating in fast growing sectors

 → Customer intimacy and collaboration

 → Committed to sustainable local 

manufacturing globally

 → Global marketing expertise and sales 

reach delivered locally

 → Operating in fragmented markets

27.4%

NPP sales as %  
of Group sales

59.6%

Sales outside Europe 

…that drives  
superior financial 
performance…

 → Excellent profit margin

 → Capital light model

 → Continued focus on top line growth 

whilst protecting margins

 → Strong cost control

 → Strong free cash flow

 155.8p

Adjusted EPS

…and generates 
strong returns  
to shareholders

 → Excellent returns on capital

 → Supporting investment to grow

 → Consistent regular dividend payments

 → Disciplined approach to acquisitions that 

are technology driven

 → Excess capital returned to shareholders

 19.3%

Return on Invested Capital

12 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Strategic ReportSustainability

People and Community

Ensuring the success and safety of our people and supporting 
the communities in which we operate

People underpin everything 
we do and are the focus of 
our Business.
From the design of our products, 
to the safe and sensitive impact of our 
operations on the surrounding 
environment and community, it is our 
employees who have made us the 
sustainability leader we are and will 
continue to be. We work hard to invest 
in everyone at every level of our 
Business to help them achieve their 
best, whilst creating a safe and 
supportive place for them to embrace 
the many opportunities we offer.

We are proud of our people’s personal 
and professional achievements, both 
within the Croda family and in the wider 
world as they represent us in industry 
and through their volunteering work in 
our local communities.

People are the focus of five of our 
10 Material Areas. This ensures that we 
continue to develop new programmes 
and methods for our employees to 
progress their careers, to achieve their 
ambitions and at the same time 
encourage knowledge sharing for long 
term business benefit. As a global 
business we realise the importance 
of understanding and embracing 
differences within the countries in which 
we operate, whilst ensuring that our core 
values are aligned. In 2016 we have 
begun to work on a global employee 
survey that will help us gain a deeper 
understanding of our own Croda culture 
as we strive to sustain an environment 
where our talented and dedicated 
people can flourish in a way that 
differentiates our business.

Key Material Areas

Occupational Health  
& Safety
Empower employees to have 
health and safety at the  
forefront of their thinking

Our People
Create an environment where 
people can thrive

Diversity & Inclusion
Embrace and empower all 
individuals

Knowledge 
Management 
Safeguard our knowledge  
and expertise

Community 
Education & 
Involvement 
Support the communities 
in which we operate, with a 
primary focus on encouraging 
young people to work within 
science and technology

Highlights

102,000+

training hours were recorded by 86.7% 
of employees

Training

on knowledge management is now embedded 
in our programmes for leaders, managers and 
specialists 

83.5%

of UK employees and 57% of those overseas 
invest in one of our sharesave schemes

OSHA

reporting has been embedded to enable 
us to benchmark against multinational 
organisations 

3,157

hours were spent on education initiatives, 
almost half of our volunteering time

195+

is the number of trade associations and industry 
bodies that our people are active in 

Diversity and inclusion
We embrace the differences of a multi-
ethnic, multi-geographic and multi-skillset 
company

Across the Group (2015: 2,855/1,384)

2,885 

1,388 

Regional and Business Board Members 
and Senior Functional Heads (2015: 89/20)

82 

19 

Executive Committee Members (2015: 9/1)

9 

1 

Board of Directors (2015: 6/2)

6 

2 

To find out more, read our 2016 Sustainability Report at www.croda.com/sustainability

We continue to comply with the  
ILO Declaration on Fundamental 
Principles and Rights at Work. 
Key policies can be found at 
www.croda.com/companypolicy

Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016 13

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
Our Sector Performance

Personal Care

Our Personal Care market sector 
focuses on ingredients for skin, 
hair, sun protection and colour 
cosmetic products. Our broad 
portfolio includes anti-ageing 
ingredients for skin, conditioning 
agents for hair care and metal 
oxides for UV filters.”

Sandra Breene 
President, Personal Care

Highlights

 Strong performance in premium 
market niches

 NPP sales reach record level 40%

 Action to improve less differentiated 
business areas 

Sales

£420.6m  2015: £377.3m

Adjusted operating profit

£143.1m  2015: £124.5m

Return on sales

34.0% 

2015: 33.0%

14 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Performance
Personal Care achieved a good profit 
performance through innovation and growth 
in the premium Actives business, despite 
slower demand in the Specialities business 
partly due to the impact of the distributor 
exit programme. Sales rose 11.5% to 
£420.6m (2015: £377.3m) but on a constant 
currency basis were 0.8% lower. Adjusted 
operating profit increased by 14.9% to 
£143.1m (2015: £124.5m), up 4.0% in 
constant currency. The better product mix 
saw return on sales increase by 100 basis 
points to 34.0% (2015: 33.0%).

As more mature markets in Personal Care 
slowed, Croda successfully connected to 
faster growth technologies. Sales in the 
Actives business grew 6%, led by the skin 
actives business, Sederma; new product 
launches included Citystem™, a plant cell 
culture which fights pollution damage to the 
skin. We continued to grow in other premium 
niches, including colour cosmetics, with 
innovative physical sunscreens produced to 
meet enhanced regulatory standards, and in 
hair actives, where Crodaplex™ strengthens 
hair fibres and defends against damage from 
colouration and bleaching. We also acquired 
an exciting encapsulation technology, 
Inventiva, giving Croda a new delivery 
system for the Personal Care market. NPP 
sales increased and now account for 40% 
of all Personal Care sales. We are targeting 
50% of sector sales to come from high value 
niche markets in the medium term.

Personal Care is connecting to faster growth 
geographies. Asia was the strongest growth 
region and we have invested additional 
resource. Growth with local customers was 
particularly robust, driven by digitalisation 
and new global trends from Korea, where 
we opened a new laboratory. We are 
expanding hair care development in Brazil 
and have opened a centre of excellence 
for ethnic skin and hair care in South Africa. 
We completed distributor exits in China, 
Indonesia and Brazil, giving us direct access 
to many more local customers. Globally, 
we are well positioned to grow with the new 
‘Indie’ customers, which develop new 
brands quickly and with agility.

The market for Specialities products 
was slower in 2016 and sales declined 
by 3%. This was impacted by slower export 
markets and multinational customer demand 
in North America, continued weakness in 
consumer spending in Latin America and 
the distributor exit programme, which 
temporarily reduced the inventory pipeline. 
To return to growth we are driving increased 
product differentiation by growing innovation, 
particularly with multinational customers, 
and expanding our sustainable product 
portfolio. Consumer demand for ethical 
and sustainable raw material sourcing is 
increasing and Croda is recognised as an 
industry leader and trusted supplier. Building 
on our success with responsibly sourced 
palm oil ingredients, in 2017 we will launch 
a new ‘ECO’ range of bio-surfactants, 
providing customers with a 100% renewable 
alternative to petrochemical based 
surfactants, made using renewable energy 
and with identical product performance. 

New product innovation

Citystem is a natural active ingredient, which 
was developed using Sederma’s eco-designed 
HTN™ plant cell culture process to fight visible 
and invisible pollution damage to the skin. 
In response to the identification of the consumer 
need worldwide, Citystem protects skin cells 
from the penetration of pollutants, neutralises 
toxic oxidants, strengthens the skin barrier and 
restores cell metabolism. 

Consumer and clinical studies evidenced that 
Citystem offers instant and long term cosmetic 
benefits including refined skin grain, purified 
complexion and smoother skin.

Strategic Report 
 
 
Innovation  
every day

Increasing  
effectiveness
Our specialist polymers improve 
the water resistance and 
durability of sun creams, 
increasing effectiveness while 
reducing the frequency of 
applications, resulting in a 
saving in the amount of product 
consumers need to use. 

Reducing energy
We have ingredients that enable 
our customers to make their 
creams and lotions at lower 
temperatures, reducing energy 
requirements and cost 
of manufacture.

Resource efficiency 
Our formulation experts work 
closely with our customers to help 
them get the desired effects from 
our ingredients, reducing time, 
energy and amount of ingredients 
used in customer 
product development.

Improved wellbeing 
Our highly effective anti-ageing 
peptides have been proven to 
help improve skin elasticity and 
reduce the visibility of wrinkles, 
enabling consumers to see 
results from a single product.

Reducing 
environmental impact
Some of our active 
ingredients are created using 
bio-technology, reducing their 
environmental impact.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

15

Strategic Report| Our Sector Performance

Life Sciences

Performance
Innovation and acquisition drove a good 
result in Life Sciences, with the majority 
of the business delivering robust sales 
and profit growth. This was a creditable 
performance, achieved despite lower sales 
from our North American generic Active 
Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) contract, 
where increased competition saw lower 
market pricing and a halving of sales 
from 2015. Sales increased by 30.5% 
to £292.2m (2015 restated: £223.9m) and 
were 19.0% higher in constant currency. 
The growth in adjusted operating profit 
was more modest, up 9.2% to £82.0m 
(2015 restated: £75.1m) and 3.6% higher 
in constant currency. This reflected dilution 
from the acquisition of Incotec and reduced 
API profitability, resulting in return on sales 
declining to 28.1% (2015 restated: 33.5%).

We are investing in faster growth 
technologies. Sales grew in both Health 
Care and Crop Protection delivery systems, 
where we create innovative solutions 
for pharmaceutical and agrochemical 
companies to maximise the benefit from 
their complex active treatments. In Health 
Care, we are aligned with rapid growth in 
global demand for high purity excipients, 
particularly in Asia and North America. 

As drug actives become more complex 
and find broader application, the need for 
higher purity delivery systems is increasing. 
We are expanding technical and production 
capacity to support this growth. 

Crop Protection outperformed a challenging 
agrochemical market through increased 
collaboration with major customers. 
This has built stronger relationships, 
creating a supportive programme of 
innovation with more intellectual property 
and greater technical engagement. 
We have better access to customers’ 
pipelines for new product launches. 
The existing Crop Protection business 
also benefited from integration with 
Incotec. We have repositioned this 
acquired business, focusing on high value 
niches in vegetable and field crop seed 
treatments and rationalising the markets 
in which we operate, to target those 
with the greatest potential. We have built 
a new R&D facility in the Netherlands and 
are expanding in China. Return on sales 
has begun to grow in line with our 
acquisition plan.

The API platform continues to develop 
new sales opportunities globally to offset 
reduced North American demand and 
remains an opportunity for future growth.

New product innovation

Suncrust Sunflower, by Incotec, is an 
encrustation technology that successfully 
increases the seed kernel weight of sunflower 
seeds without changing thier shape or 
performance. This ensures that healthy, 
small and lightweight seeds meet export 
regulatory requirements and, therefore, 
farmer needs for the market standard weight 
they demand.

With all seeds meeting the required size, 
this technology also ensures that existing 
planting and processing equipment can be 
used for optimum crop sowing.

Life Sciences comprises Health 
Care, which develops products for 
pharmaceutical and nutraceutical 
markets, Crop Protection 
which develops products for 
agrochemical companies to help 
farmers achieve superior yields 
and Seed Enhancement which 
develops products that improve 
seed performance and 
farming yields.”

Keith Layden  
President, Life Sciences

Highlights

Robust sales and profit growth

 Strong performance in IP-rich 
delivery systems

 Seed enhancement focused on 
markets with greatest potential

Sales

£292.2m  2015: £223.9m†

Adjusted operating profit

£82.0m  2015: £75.1m†

Return on sales

28.1% 

†  Restated Note 1 p98

2015: 33.5%†

16 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Strategic Report 
 
 
Innovation  
every day

Preventing  
contamination
We have specialist technologies 
that ensure crop treatments are 
delivered directly to the target 
surface, which reduces the amount 
of product used and prevents the 
contamination of land and 
waterways through drift  
and overspray.

Reduce  
environmental impact
Our seed coatings decrease 
the amount of dust generated 
at the time of sowing. This 
reduces waste and impact on 
the surrounding environment  
and wildlife.

Improved taste
Our high purity excipients 
improve the taste of 
children’s medicines, 
making them more 
palatable to take.

Enabling  
new medicines 
Our high purity excipients are 
enabling new and complex 
treatments for oncology to be 
brought to market as they help 
to stabilise and deliver these 
life-changing drugs.

Minimising  
product use
Our seed enhancement 
treatments directly protect 
seeds from pests, reducing 
the need for farmers to use 
additional products on  
their crops.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

17

Strategic Report| Our Sector Performance

Performance Technologies

In Lubricants, investment in friction 
modification and wear control technologies 
led to new business wins in the automotive 
industry, helping customers meet lower 
emissions and improved fuel efficiency 
regulation. In Home Care, new product 
opportunities are being developed for 
bio-surfactants.

Markets in Europe improved during the 
year with new customer gains supporting 
growth momentum. The customer base 
continued to expand, particularly outside 
Europe. Performance Technologies is also 
investing in growth in North America and 
Asia, particularly in China through our joint 
venture, Sipo, where capacity will be 
added in 2017. Sipo is one of three sites for 
the Polymer Additives business, where we 
are the global market leader. With capacity 
in Polymer Additives now fully committed, 
we are investing £27m to expand our plant 
in the UK to support future growth and 
innovation in novel slip additives.

Performance
2016 was an excellent year for Performance 
Technologies. Following a subdued first six 
months, Performance Technologies 
recovered well in the second half of the year. 
Full year sales rose by 13.4% to £402.5m 
(2015: £354.8m) and by 1.4% on a constant 
currency basis. Adjusted operating profit 
increased by 16.5% to £66.2m (2015: 
£56.8m), up 12.1% in constant currency. 
Return on sales improved 40 basis points 
to 16.4% (2015: 16.0%).

Business quality continued to improve. 
From a low base, NPP sales have reached 
19.4% (2015: 18.2%), the innovation 
pipeline is robust and the sector is moving 
to capture ‘high-tech’ growth opportunities. 
A preliminary regulatory step was achieved 
for MyCroFence™, a novel non-leaching 
anti-microbial technology acquired in 2014. 
Anti-microbial coatings is one of the fastest 
growing ‘functional coatings’ markets.

Coatings & Polymers improved product 
mix by delisting less differentiated products 
to concentrate on higher value-add 
opportunities. Geo Technologies returned 
to growth, following a stabilisation in oil 
markets and through expansion into new 
geographies, supported by JD Horizons, 
a flow assurance technology business 
acquired in 2014. 

New product innovation

MyCroFence is a safe and durable anti-microbial 
technology for coatings, resulting from our 
investment into disruptive anti-microbial 
technology. It prevents algal, fungal and 
bacterial growth on the surface of the paint and 
replaces more toxic additives. With its long term 
effect and unique anti-microbial mechanism 
it can be used in exterior wall, bathroom and 
kitchen paints and also in coatings for high 
hygiene areas such as schools and hospitals. 

Our Performance Technologies 
market sector delivers innovative 
ingredients for five key business 
areas: Lubricants, Coatings & 
Polymers, Polymer Additives, 
Geo Technologies and 
Home Care.”

Maarten Heybroek  
President, Performance Technologies

Highlights

 Adjusted operating profit increased 
by 12.1% in constant currency

 Enhanced product mix improving 
margin

 Building market leading positions 
in ‘high tech’ niches 

Sales

£402.5m  2015: £354.8m

Adjusted operating profit

£66.2m  2015: £56.8m

Return on sales

16.4% 

2015: 16.0%

18 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Strategic Report 
 
 
Innovation  
every day

Eliminating solvents
Our ingredients for water-based 
coatings help protect paintwork 
from stone chipping and UV 
damage. This increases the 
longevity of the paint and car 
bodywork, whilst allowing solvents 
to be replaced with water,  
delivering environmental and 
health benefits when applying 
the coatings.

Effective cleaning 
Our ingredients provide effective 
cleaning performance, enabling 
highly concentrated formulations 
and increased bio-based 
products. This can lead to lower 
water usage and less packaging, 
which reduces demands 
on transportation.

Durability
Our speciality lubricant and 
fuel components reduce 
friction and wear throughout 
the car, leading to lower fuel 
consumption, lower 
emissions and improved 
vehicle life.

Performance 
enhancement 
Our ingredients enable engineering 
plastics to be modified to improve 
their endurance to friction, flexing, 
temperature and grease in 
applications where the plastics are 
used to protect critical components 
such as constant velocity joints 
and air ducts, thus  
prolonging their life.

Improve fuel  
economy
Our polymer additives are used  
to improve the processing and 
performance of plastics for  
automotive components by reducing 
cycle time and improving scratch 
resistance. They also enable light weight 
plastics to be used as substitutes for 
traditional materials to help  
improve fuel economy.

Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016 19

Strategic Report| Our Sector Performance

Industrial Chemicals

Industrial Chemicals is a small,  
diverse market sector selling  
co-streams, developing novel  
niche industrial applications and 
undertaking toll processing.”

Maarten Heybroek  
President, Industrial Chemicals

Innovation  
every day

Energy efficiency
Our phase change  
materials can be incorporated 
into sportswear to help 
regulate body temperature, 
or into building materials 
to save energy and  
increase comfort. 

Minimising 
environmental impact
Our textile finishing products 
help to reduce the amount 
of water and energy that 
manufacturers need when 
making high quality  
textiles for upholstery  
and clothing.

20

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Highlights

Further refinement in sales mix

 Lower volume of low value-add 
co-products

Sales

£128.3m  2015: £125.7m†

Adjusted operating profit

£6.9m 

2015: £7.8m†

Return on sales

5.4% 

†  Restated Note 1 p98

2015: 6.2%†

Performance
2016 saw the continued transformation of 
Industrial Chemicals, with the volume of low 
value-add co-products and tolling business 

reducing by almost 20,000 tonnes. Sales 
increased by 2.1% to £128.3m (2015 restated: 
£125.7m) due to currency translation but 
were 8.5% lower on a constant currency 
basis. Adjusted operating profit was £6.9m 
(2015 restated: £7.8m). The decline in profit 
reflected a programme to divert some 
co-products for internal use. 

Industrial Chemicals is innovating 
selectively to develop niche products 
for new applications. CrodaTherm™, 
a bio-based phase change material that 
helps maintain a consistent temperature 
in a range of environments and materials, 
gained sales during 2016. Other new 
product development will enable customers 
to achieve better performance and higher 
levels of sustainability. 

Together with the transfer of some 
co-products to internal applications, we are 
creating a smaller sustainable, innovation-
orientated Industrial Chemicals business. 
In 2016 this included a new bio-fermentation 
plant in the Netherlands, which converts 
a glycerine co-product stream into green 
energy, reducing sales but increasing 
profitability through lower power costs. 

Saving energy
Our advanced material 
additives allow the particles 
used in the latest technologies 
for display screens to be evenly 
dispersed, which enable them 
to run at lower energy levels 
while still giving the best and 
brightest experience.

Prolonging 
product life
Our ingredients help the 
performance of lithium ion 
batteries and prolong 
product lifetimes, therefore 
reducing material needs  
and replacement costs.

Strategic Report 
 
Sustainability

Sustainable Product Innovation

Making high performance, high quality products with the sustainable 
benefits our customers want 

At Croda, product innovation and 
sustainability go hand in hand 
with customer intimacy.
We know that it is only by being close 
to our customers that we can understand 
and fulfil their needs in terms of new 
ways to improve sustainable product 
performance and reduce negative 
impacts. We assess the everyday 
impact of our products in two ways: 
intrinsic, referring to attributes such as 
renewable raw material content, product 
purity and cradle to gate carbon 
footprint; and extrinsic, which refers to 
the social, environmental and financial 
impacts our products have in use or as 
they biodegrade at the end of their life. 

Our customers are influenced by 
consumer concerns, which are 
strongly influenced by health and the 
environment, leading to their demands 
for products that have low social and 
environmental impact while offering 
cost benefits.

From our focus on innovation in product 
design and the way we ensure supply 
chain transparency and traceability of 
raw materials, to the steps we take to 
safeguard customer satisfaction through 
our rigorous quality assurance processes; 
we continually seek to differentiate 
ourselves through our sustainability 
programme, futureproofing our 
Business through the value and product 
advantages we bring to our customers.

Key Material Areas

Product Design
Deliver the most innovative 
and sustainable ingredients 
to our customers

Product Stewardship
Ensure that the ingredients we 
produce contribute positively 
to the environment and society 
throughout their lifecycle

Environmental Impact
Minimise the impact of 
our operations

Quality Assurance
Contribute to, and proactively 
seek, higher quality standards 
across product and operational 
aspects of our Business to 
ensure consumer safety

Highlights

62%

of our raw materials were from renewable 
sources, an industry leading position

11 or 12

is the score our new ingredients mostly 
meet against the 12 Principles of Green 
Chemistry

63%

increase in sales of products made with  
RSPO certified palm oil derivatives compared  
to 2015

CDP

awarded us A- for our Forest Report on 
palm oil, putting us amongst just 15 others 
to achieve this score

Top 1%

with Gold Status is where we are placed 
amongst all companies assessed by the 
sustainability platform EcoVadis 

EXCiPACT

certification has been received at all 
of our manufacturing sites supplying 
the pharmaceutical industry

12 Principles of  
Green Chemistry
We continue to apply the 12 Principles  
of Green Chemistry* (the Principles)  
as an industry recognised independent 
framework to assess our New and 
Protected Products (NPP). On average, 
our 2016 NPP launches met 11.6 of the  
12 Principles and a review of our key 
existing products, the top 25 by value 
across our Business, met an average of 
11.3, demonstrating our consistently 
strong performance in this area. Atplus™ 
DRT–100 is a top 25 product that meets 
all 12 Principles, it is 100% renewable and 
enables more accurate application of 
pesticides, reducing their negative impact 
on the surrounding environment.

*  Anastas, P. T.; Warner, J. C. Green Chemistry:  
Theory and Practice, Oxford University Press,  
New York, 1998

To find out more, read our 2016 Sustainability Report at www.croda.com/sustainability

Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016 21

Strategic ReportKey Performance Indicators

How we performed

KPI

Comment

Target

Our performance

On target
Return on sales  
(ROS)%

KPI definition
Operating profit as a  
percentage of Group sales.

Personal Care delivered healthy profit 
growth and an improved ROS, driven 
by ongoing innovation and premium 
market growth. The integration of 
Incotec and lower generic API sales 
diluted Life Sciences ROS, but the 
majority of the business saw robust 
sales and profit growth. Performance 
Technologies delivered an improved 
ROS, reflecting greater innovation 
and an enhanced product mix with 
more value-add products. Industrial 
Chemicals profit declined reflecting 
a programme to divert some 
co-products for internal use.

Personal Care (PC) 
and Life Sciences 
(LS) maintain 
2015 levels.

Performance 
Technologies (PT) 
grow to 20% in 
the medium term.

Industrial Chemicals 
(IC) maximise 
profitability.

Return on sales %

40

30

20

10

0

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

PC 34.0%

LS 28.1%

PT 16.4%

IC 5.4%

Group Total 24.0%

Group Total
IC
PT
LS
PC

On target
% of Group sales 
outside Europe

KPI definition
The percentage of Group 
sales into USA, Latin America 
and Asia.

Our growth strategy is supported by 
investment in fast growing markets, 
bringing us closer to customers and 
reducing our exposure to Europe. 
Asia saw double digit growth which 
was partly offset by lower export-driven 
sales in North America, and continued 
adverse macro-economic conditions 
in Latin America.

Increase the 
proportion of 
sales into faster 
growing markets.

% of Group sales outside Europe

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

59.6%

59.6%

56.0%

54.2%

53.9%

On target
NPP sales as a 
% of Group sales

KPI definition
NPP products are where existing 
sales are protected by virtue 
of being either newly launched, 
protected by intellectual property 
or by unique quality characteristics.

We focus technically and commercially 
on increasing the percentage of sales 
that we define as NPP, with relentless 
innovation helping to maintain pricing 
power through the novel benefits 
we are able to deliver to customers, 
a key contributor to the continued 
improvement in Group margins 
reported for 2016.

NPP sales to be  
30% of Group  
sales in the  
medium term.

NPP sales as a % of Group sales

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

27.4%

26.1%

23.4%

21.4%

20.5%

Ahead of target
NPP sales growth 
compared with 
overall sales growth

KPI definition
NPP sales growth as a ratio 
of overall sales growth measured 
at constant currency.

Our technical and commercial focus 
on creating differentiated solutions for 
our customers saw strong NPP growth 
in the year, with the ratio to overall sales 
ahead of target.

2x overall  
sales growth.

NPP sales growth compared 
with overall sales growth

2016

2015

2014

2.6x

3.7x

4.2x

22 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Strategic ReportLink to Strategy

Delivering Growth

Driving Innovation

Sustainable Solutions

KPI

Comment

Target

Our performance

On target
Non-fossil fuel 
energy %

KPI definition
The proportion of our energy 
that comes from non-fossil 
fuel sources.

In 2016, our energy and carbon 
reporting systems were independently 
verified. As a consequence, we have 
rebased our non-fossil energy 
calculations, resulting in a systematic 
lowering of the KPI and targets by two 
to three percentage points. In 2016, 
the proportion of our energy from 
non-fossil sources increased to 21.3% 
from 20.5% in 2015, which is on track 
to meet a rebased 2020 target of 27% 
helped by a major bio-gas project 
commissioned in mid-2016.

>27% by 2020.

Non-fossil fuel energy % (rebased)

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

9.5%

21.3%

20.5%

22.5%

20.9%

On target
Lost time injury 
(LTI) rate

KPI definition
Rate of injuries that result in an 
absence from work of one day 
or more, divided by total number 
of hours worked per annum, 
multiplied by 200,000 hours.

From 2016 we adopted the American 
Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration (OSHA) standard for 
injury reporting, and therefore restated 
our historical LTI data. Our plateauing 
2015 injury rate, prompted us to 
implement a new behaviour-based 
safety programme globally and there 
are early signs of improvement. The 
improvement in contractor rate has 
been achieved whilst executing several 
major construction projects.

Our aspirational goal 
for the LTI rate is zero.

Lost time injury rate 
(per 200,000 hours worked)

1.2

0.8

0.4

0

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Croda

Contractor

Combined

Creating shareholder value

Ahead of target
Adjusted basic earning 
per share (EPS) growth

KPI definition
Adjusted profit after tax divided 
by the average number of 
issued shares.

We are pleased to report an adjusted 
EPS of 155.8p, representing an 
increase of 15.4% on last year, partly 
driven by currency translation. This 
places us ahead of our target range 
and reflects the continued effective 
delivery of our strategy. 

6-12% EPS growth 
per annum.

Adjusted basic earnings per share (p)

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

155.8p

135.0p

125.2p

132.2p

121.9p

Croda’s model is capital light and cash 
generative, delivering a superior ROIC. 
ROIC for 2016 was slightly lower than 
2015 due to dilution from strategic 
capital investment, but remained 
excellent at 19.3%. 2015 has been 
restated to include the acquisition 
of Incotec.

Maintaining ROIC 
at two to three 
times Weighted 
Average Cost of 
Capital (estimated 
at 7.3%).

Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

19.3%

20.1%

21.2%

23.8%

23.8%

On target
Return on Invested 
Capital (ROIC)

KPI definition
Adjusted operating profit after tax 
divided by the average invested 
capital for the year for the Group. 
Invested capital represents the net 
assets of the Group, adjusted for 
earlier goodwill written off to 
reserves, net debt, retirement 
benefit liabilities, provisions and 
deferred taxes.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

23

Strategic ReportAdjusted operating profit
Adjusted operating profit rose by 12.9% 
to £298.2m (2015: £264.2m)(Figure 3). 
On a constant currency basis, adjusted 
operating profit increased by 4.6%.

Adjusted operating profit in the Core 
Business grew across all sectors. Profit 
in Industrial Chemicals declined as a result 
of planned lower sales (Figure 5).

The net interest charge was broadly flat at 
£9.9m (2015: £9.5m), with higher debt from 
acquisitions and a special dividend offset 
by capitalised interest on the bio-surfactant 
plant construction. Adjusted profit before 
tax increased by £33.6m to £288.3m 
(2015: £254.7m)(Figure 6).

The effective tax rate on this profit was 
unchanged at 28.0% (2015: 28.0%). The 
tax rate is driven by the geographic mix of 
profit and the exposure to higher tax rates 
outside the UK, where the statutory rate 
was 20.0% (2015: 20.25%). There are no 
other significant adjustments between the 
Group’s expected and reported tax charge 
based on its accounting profit. 

The adjusted profit for the year was 
£207.6m (2015: £183.5m). Adjusted 
Earnings Per Share (EPS) increased 
by 15.4% to 155.8p (2015: 135.0p).

Finance Report

Strong cash generation

Currency
Currency translation had a significant 
beneficial impact on both sales and profit 
in 2016 due to weaker Sterling. In the year, 
Sterling averaged US$1.354 (2015: 
US$1.528) and €1.224 (2015: €1.377). 
Currency translation increased sales 
compared to 2015 by £128.2m (11.9%) and 
adjusted profit before tax by £21.8m (8.3%).

Sales
In 2016 sales grew by 15.0% to £1,243.6m 
(2015: £1,081.7m) (Figure 2). At constant 
currency, sales rose by 3.1%, reflecting 
the Incotec and Inventiva acquisitions. 
Underlying sales reduced by 1.6%, 
primarily due to planned a reduction 
of low value co-stream and tolling 
products in Industrial Chemicals. 

Underlying sales in the Core Business 
declined by 0.7% (Figure 4). Sales volume 
increased by 0.6% with sales price/mix 
1.3% lower, primarily due to a £12m 
reduction in Active Pharmaceutical 
Ingredient (API) sales in Life Sciences. 
Sales in Personal Care in the second 
half of the year were adversely affected 
by the distributor exit programme in Asia. 
Performance in Life Sciences was impacted 
by the decline in API sales, particularly in 
the second half of the year, masking good 
growth in Health Care and Crop Protection 
delivery systems. By contrast, Performance 
Technologies improved significantly in the 
second half of the year (Figure 1).

Figure 1

Sales by market sector (£m)

£1,243.6m
Group sales

Personal Care

Life Sciences

£420.6m

£292.2m

Performance Technologies

£402.5m

Industrial Chemicals

£128.3m

Delivering a robust cash 
flow is core to Croda’s 
strategy. This cash was 
used to invest in new 
technologies and to 
increase innovation and 
expand production capacity.”

Jez Maiden  
Group Finance Director

Performance highlights

 Adjusted profit before tax up 13.2%

 Significant improvement in free 
cash flow

Sales value

£1,243.6m

Adjusted profit before tax

+13.2%

Free cash flow

£155.5m

24 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Strategic Report 
 
Figure 2

Sales (£m)

Figure 3

Adjusted operating profit (£m)

128.2

1,243.6

21.8

298.2

51.2

1,115.4

1,081.7

(17.5)

6.6

276.4

5.6

264.2

5
1
0
2

d
e
t
r
o
p
e
r

s
e
a
s

l

i

g
n
y
l
r
e
d
n
U

s
n
o
i
t
i
s
u
q
c
A

i

6
1
0
2

t
n
a
t
s
n
o
c

y
c
n
e
r
r
u
c

y
c
n
e
r
r
u
C

l

n
o
i
t
a
s
n
a
r
t

6
1
0
2

d
e
t
r
o
p
e
r

5
1
0
2

d
e
t
r
o
p
e
r

t
fi
o
r
p

i

g
n
y
l
r
e
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s
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6
1
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2

t
n
a
t
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y
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e
r
r
u
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y
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e
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Figure 4

Underlying sales

Personal Care
Life Sciences
Performance Technologies
Core Business
Industrial Chemicals
Group

Figure 5

Adjusted operating profit

Personal Care
Life Sciences
Performance Technologies
Core Business
Industrial Chemicals
Group

Figure 6

Summary income statement

Sales
Operating costs
Adjusted operating profit
Net interest charge
Adjusted profit before tax

First
half
%
(0.5)
(1.0)
(0.3)
(0.5)
(12.4)
(2.0)

2016
Reported
£m
143.1
82.0
66.2
291.3
6.9
298.2

Second
half
%
(1.4)
(6.5)
3.3
(0.9)
(3.9)
(1.2)

2016
Constant 
currency
£m
129.5
77.8
63.7
271.0
5.4
276.4

2016
£m
1,243.6
(945.4)
298.2
(9.9)
288.3

Full
year
%
(0.9)
(3.7)
1.4
(0.7)
(8.5)
(1.6)

2015
Restated
£m
124.5
75.1
56.8
256.4
7.8
264.2

2015
£m
1,081.7
(817.5)
264.2
(9.5)
254.7

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

25

Strategic Report| Finance Report

IFRS profit
Adjusted profit is stated before exceptional 
items, acquisition costs and amortisation 
of intangible assets arising on acquisition, 
and tax thereon. The Board believes that 
the adjusted presentation (and the columnar 
format adopted for the Group income 
statement) assists shareholders in better 
understanding the performance of the 
business and is adopted on a consistent 
basis for each half year and full year results.

The charge before tax for exceptional 
items, acquisition costs and amortisation 
of intangible assets arising on acquisition 
was £12.6m (2015: £2.4m). Acquisition 
costs were £1.1m (2015: £2.0m). The 
charge for amortisation of intangible assets 
was £3.1m (2015: £0.4m). Exceptional 
items were £8.4m (2015: £nil). The latter 
related to the rationalisation of Incotec, 
following its acquisition in 2015, with a 
number of smaller operations exited and 
larger operations consolidated. No further 
exceptional charge is expected for this 
project in 2017.

The profit after tax for the year on an IFRS 
basis was £197.6m (2015: £181.1m) and 
basic EPS were 148.2p (2015: 133.3p)
(Figure 4).

Cash management
Delivering a strong cash flow is core to 
Croda’s strategy. This cash is used to invest 
in new technologies in faster growth 
markets, both organically and by acquisition, 
to increase innovation and to expand 
production capacity.

In the year, EBITDA increased to £344.3m 
(2015: £302.3m), which funded net capital 
expenditure of £104.5m (2015: £91.1m). 
Working capital performance was 
excellent. As a result, free cash flow 
improved significantly to £155.5m (2015: 
£117.5m) (Figure 8). 

Net debt increased by £104.8m to £364.1m 
(2015: £259.3m) including adverse 
currency translation of £31.8m. In addition 
to the ordinary dividend, a special dividend 
of £135.7m was paid in June 2016. Strong 

second half year cash generation saw 
leverage reduce from the half year to 
1.1 times and is substantially below the 
maximum covenant level under the 
Group’s bank facilities of three times. 

During the first half of the year, the Group 
increased its committed debt facilities. 
Committed bank facilities were increased 
to £552m, with the majority extended to 
2021. In addition, the Group placed the 
equivalent of US$256m (approximately 
£183m) in the US private placement 
market, maturing in 2023 and 2026, at 
an average fixed interest coupon of 2.1%. 
These facilities provide ample liquidity 
to meet the Group’s immediate plans and 
potential opportunities, at a relatively low 
interest cost. At 31 December 2016 the 
Group had £471.6m (2015: £249.2m) 
of cash and undrawn committed credit 
facilities available. 

Figure 7

IFRS profit

Adjusted profit before tax 
Exceptional items, acquisition costs and intangibles
Profit before tax
Tax 
Profit after tax

Figure 8

Cash flow

Adjusted operating profit
Depreciation and amortisation
EBITDA
Working capital
Net capital expenditure
Additional pension contributions
Interest & tax
Free cash flow
Dividends
Acquisitions
Other (including currency translation)
Movement in net debt

26 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

2016
£m
288.3
(12.6)
275.7
(78.1)
197.6

2016
£m
298.2
46.1
344.3
7.2
(104.5)
(10.9)
(80.6)
155.5
(230.2)
(1.4)
(28.7)
(104.8)

2015
£m
254.7
(2.4)
252.3
(71.2)
181.1

2015
£m
264.2
38.1
302.3
(1.4)
(91.1)
(18.5)
(73.8)
117.5
(90.9)
(104.0)
(1.7)
(79.1)

Strategic ReportAlternative performance 
measures
We use a number of alternative 
performance measures to assist 
in presenting information in this 
statement in an easily analysable and 
comprehensible form. We use such 
measures consistently at the half year 
and full year and reconcile them 
as appropriate. The measures used 
in this statement include:

 → Constant currency sales and profit: 
these reflect current year results for 
existing business translated at the 
prior year’s average exchange rates, 
and include the impact of 
acquisitions. They are reconciled to 
reported results in Figure 2 and 
Figure 3;

 → Underlying sales: these reflect 

constant currency values adjusted to 
exclude the impact of acquisitions. 
They are reconciled to reported 
sales in Figure 2;

 → Adjusted profit: this is profit before 

exceptional items, acquisition costs 
and amortisation of intangible assets 
arising on acquisition. It is reconciled 
to reported results in Figure 7;

 → Adjusted EPS: this is earnings per 

share using the adjusted profit after 
tax and is reconciled in note 7 to 
the accounts;

 → Return on sales: this is adjusted 
operating profit divided by sales;

 → Return on Invested Capital (ROIC): 

this is adjusted operating profit after 
tax divided by the average invested 
capital for the year for the Group. 
Invested capital represents the net 
assets of the Group, adjusted for 
earlier goodwill written off to reserves, 
net debt, retirement benefit liabilities, 
provisions and deferred taxes;

 → Net debt: this comprises cash and 
cash equivalents (including bank 
overdrafts), current and non-current 
borrowings and obligations under 
finance leases; and

 → Leverage: this is the ratio of net debt 
to Earnings Before Interest, Tax, 
Depreciation and Amortisation 
(EBITDA). EBITDA is adjusted 
operating profit plus depreciation.

The Core Business comprises Personal 
Care, Life Sciences and Performance 
Technologies. Sales in Latin America 
are primarily based on US dollars, which 
is used as the functional currency for 
constant currency sales translation. 
ROIC for 2015 has been restated to 
include Incotec, which was acquired 
in December 2015.

Jez Maiden
Group Finance Director

Dividend and capital allocation
Croda seeks to deliver high quality profits, 
measured through a superior ROIC, 
earnings growth and strong cash returns. 
The Group’s capital allocation policy is to:

1.  Reinvest for growth – we reinvest 
in capital projects to grow sales, increase 
product innovation and expand in attractive 
geographic markets to deliver a superior 
ROIC. During 2016, capital investment was 
approximately two times depreciation, 
funding asset replacement, new investment 
in key technologies and construction of the 
bio-surfactant plant;

2.  Provide regular returns to 
shareholders – we pay a regular dividend 
to shareholders, representing 40% to 50% 
of adjusted earnings over the business 
cycle. The Board has proposed an increase 
of 7.2% in the full year dividend to 74.0p, 
(2015: 69.0p), covered 2.1 times from 
adjusted EPS;

3.  Acquire promising technologies 
– we supplement organic growth by 
acquiring new technologies and through 
‘bolt-on’ acquisitions in existing and adjacent 
markets. Following the acquisition of Incotec 
in December 2015, we added Inventiva, 
an encapsulation technology business, 
in 2016; and

4.  Maintain an appropriate balance 
sheet and return excess capital 
– we maintain an appropriate balance sheet 
to meet future investment and trading 
requirements. We target leverage of 1 to 
1.5 times (excluding deficits on retirement 
benefit schemes); we are prepared to move 
above this range if circumstances warrant 
and will consider further returns to 
shareholders in the event that leverage falls 
below the target range.

Retirement benefits
The deficit after tax on retirement benefit 
plans, measured on an accounting valuation 
basis under IAS19, increased to £112.7m 
(2015: £55.9m), with an increase in liabilities 
due to lower discount rates. However, cash 
funding of the various plans within the Group 
is driven by the schemes’ ongoing actuarial 
valuation reviews. No deficit funding 
payments are currently required to the 
Group’s largest pension scheme, the UK 
Croda Pension Scheme, with the next 
valuation due towards the end of 2017. 

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

27

Strategic ReportStrategic Report

Sustainability

Planet and Process

Minimising the impact of our manufacturing processes

Key Material Areas

Our sustainable product story 
is aligned with our focus on the 
impacts of our operations on 
people, planet and profit. 
The impacts can be intrinsic to the 
product, referring to its renewable 
raw material content and route of 
manufacture; or extrinsic, referring to 
the ways in which our products are 
used and their biodegradability as they 
are disposed of. Our aim is to minimise 
any negative environmental impacts and 
maximise the positive ones. 

A key measurement of our progress in 
this area is on reducing our impact on  
a fragile world, which has been a major 
focal point in 2016 as we obtained 
verification of our energy and 
greenhouse gas (GHG) data in  
accordance with ISO 14064-3. 

At the same time we have broadened our 
scope of GHG measurement to include 
all of our business locations in addition to 
our manufacturing sites, and now include 
tracking of our refrigerant inventories, 
although only small, to gauge any losses 
of these potent GHGs. Our multiyear 
energy and carbon strategy has passed 
another major milestone with the 
commissioning of a large bio-gas energy 
system at our manufacturing site at 
Gouda in the Netherlands. This is an 
integrated bio-refinery and uses by-
product materials to generate energy, 
just one example of how our teams 
around the world are working hard to 
continually improve the efficiency of all 
our operations in a safe environment, 
whilst ensuring customer satisfaction 
and consumer safety. 

Highlights

Externally Verified

Group scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions 
by Carbon Smart

9.5%

reduction in Group water consumption 
compared to 2015

3.2%

reduction in scope 1 and scope 2  
GHG emissions compared to 2015

10.4%

reduction in energy intensity  
compared to 2015

2.5% 

reduction in Group waste to landfill 
compared to 2015

90%+

of the packaging we use  
is fully recyclable

To find out more, read our 2016 Sustainability Report at www.croda.com/sustainability

28 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Environmental Impact
Minimise the impact of our 
operations

Process Safety
Keeping our manufacturing 
sites safe and legally compliant

Quality Assurance
Contribute to, and proactively 
seek, higher quality standards 
across product and operational 
aspects of our Business to 
ensure consumer safety

Carbon verification
During 2016 and the start of 2017 we worked 
with Carbon Smart to verify the measurement 
of our energy consumption, and associated 
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. At the end 
of the verification process we were very 
pleased to receive limited verification of our 
scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions for 2016, as well 
as for 2015, our baseline year.

In 2016, we set ourselves a new Group 
target to reduce total energy intensity  
by 5% by the end of 2020. Our chosen 
measure of energy intensity is energy 
consumption divided by ‘value added’, 
where value added is defined as operating 
profit before depreciation and employee 
costs.1 In 2016 our energy intensity was 
6394 GJ per £million, a fall of 10.4% from 
the 2015 figure of 7135 GJ per £million.

20162

20152

128,550

130,492

67,350

71,727

 Scope 13

 Scope 23

The formal Independent Verification 
Statement by Carbon Smart is available 
at www.croda.com/carbonverification

1  Expressed in constant currency terms.
2   Data calculated in accordance with a revised 

measurement methodology following external verification.

3   Scope 1 emissions are calculated using the 

International Energy Agency’s published conversion 
factors for the tonne equivalents of CO2. Scope 2 
emissions are determined using the country emission 
factors for electricity generation published by the 
International Energy Agency.

 
 
Our Risks

Protecting value

The effective management of our risks and opportunities, both financial and non-financial, puts us 
in the best position to develop our Business whilst protecting our people, our local communities 
and our reputation, and hence delivering our strategic objectives.

Through regular review of risks, the Board 
ensures that our risk exposure is matched to 
our strategy. Overall responsibility for the risk 
framework and definition of risk appetite 
rests with the Board (p44). Our Executive 
Risk Management Committee ensures that 
the management of risk using our common 
risk framework is embedded in 
our manufacturing sites, market sectors, 
regions and functions, with all our employees 
having an important role to play.

We regularly consider the impact of global 
emerging risks on our Business as well as 
internal emerging risks identified through 
our bottom up risk review process. 

The details of our ‘key risks’ and how we 
respond to these are explained in more 
detail on pages 31 to 33. We recognise that 
we face wider risks and uncertainties that 
are captured and considered through 
our risk review process, some of which are 
beyond our direct control, so we disclose 
those we consider to have the greatest 
impact on our Business at this moment. 

During 2016 we considered the implications 
of the result of the UK referendum to leave 
the EU (‘Brexit’) on our strategy and this 
was discussed with the Board. Although 
not currently considered to be key, this 
developing risk will remain under regular 
review during 2017 as the Brexit process 
continues to evolve.

One risk has been removed from the 
key risks list since 2015, Identification 
and integration of acquisitions. Although 
remaining in the register, this is no longer 
considered to be key following the 
successful integration of Incotec.

What we monitor

How we manage it

Risk framework

Our risk 
landscape

Risks that could affect our Business, customers, supply 
chain and communities and stop us achieving our strategic 
goals

Current risks

Emerging risks
Identified from those external to our 
Business or internally which will 
impact in the future

Board
 →  Overall responsibility for the 

risk management framework  
and definition of risk appetite

 →  Reviews key risks with an 
opportunity for in depth 
discussion of specific key risks 
and mitigating controls twice a 
year (p40)

Audit Committee
 →  Reviews the effectiveness of the 
Group risk management process

 → Directs internal audit to 

undertake annual assurance 
reviews over controls for 
selected key risks and 
reviews the results (p48)

Our risk 
categories

Strategic

People 

Process 

External environment

IT systems  
and security

Financial

Risk Management Committee*
 →  Reviews key and emerging  

risks quarterly

 →  Receives an in depth 

presentation on one key risk 
and its mitigating controls  
from the Executive owner at each 
meeting

SHEQ Steering Committee*
 →  Reviews Safety, Health, 

Environmental and Quality  
(SHEQ) risks quarterly
 →  Considers the results 
of assurance audits  
over SHEQ controls
 →  Monitors defined and 

agreed KPIs 

What we 
assess

Likelihood and impact  
financial, operational or regulatory

Identify, own and manage risks  
involved in day-to-day operations

Inherent risk  
before mitigating control activity is taken

Residual risk  
after the effect of the mitigating control  
is taken into account

*  Executive Committee

Market sectors 

Regions

Manufacturing sites

Functions

T
o
p
d
o
w
B
n
o
t
t
o
m
u
p

B
o
t
t
o
m
u
p

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

29

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
| Our Risks

2016 Key inherent risks (before mitigating controls)

h
g
H

i

d
o
o
h

i
l

e
k
L

i

w
o
L

Low

3

5

11

9

2

8

4

6

1

10

7

12

1  Revenue generation in established  

and emerging markets

2 

3 

4 

5 

Talent development and retention

Product and technology innovation

Protect new intellectual property

Product liability claims

6  Major safety or environmental incident

7 

Security of raw material supply

8  Major capital project management

9  Chemical regulatory compliance

10  Security of business information  

and networks

11  Ethics and compliance

12 

Ineffective management of pension fund

Impact

High

Increased risk

Unchanged risk

Decreased risk

Long term viability statement

 → the Company’s Business Model, 

Assessment of prospects
In assessing the prospects of the 
Company and determining the 
appropriate viability period, the Directors 
have taken account of:

 → the Company’s financial and 

strategic planning time horizons, 
which cover a three year period. The 
strategic planning process is led by 
the CEO and all relevant functions 
and sectors are involved. The Board 
participates fully in the process, as 
set out on page 40 of the Director’s 
report and they approved the 
strategic plan in November 2016;

 → the strong innovation pipeline, which 
supports the Company’s business 
through development of new sales 
growth opportunities, protection of 
sales and margins, differentiates it 
from competitors and provides 
barriers to competitive entry;

set out on pages 06 and 07 of the 
Strategic Report, including the 
diversification of the Company’s 
products, operations and customer 
base, which reduces exposure to 
geographical and sector markets, 
as well as large customer/ product 
combinations; and

 → the Company’s strong cash generation 
and its ability to renew and raise debt 
facilities in most market conditions, 
as set out in the Finance Report 
on pages 24 to 27. 

The Directors have carried out a robust 
assessment of the principal risks facing 
the Company, including those that would 
threaten the delivery of the Company’s 
strategy, business model, future 
performance, solvancy or liquidity. 
These risks and how they are managed 
and mitigated are described below. 
These risks are considered as part of the 
assessment of the Company’s viability.

Assessment of viability
The Company’s financial and strategic 
plans consider key assumptions and 
financial metrics over the period to which 
they relate. These metrics are subject 
to a sensitivity analysis which involves 
varying a number of primary assumptions 
underlying the forecasts, and evaluating 
the potential monetary impact of severe 
but plausible risk combinations and likely 
degree of effectiveness of mitigating 
actions available to the Company if such 
risks did arise. These scenarios are 
assessed relative to the financial 
headroom available to the Company, 
to consider its ability to continue to 
operate over the viability period.

Viability statement
Based on their assessment of prospects 
and viability, the Directors confirm that 
they have a reasonable expectation that 
the Company will be able to continue in 
operation and meet its liabilities as they 
fall due over the next three years.

30 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Strategic ReportLink to Strategy

Key

Delivering Growth

Risk increase

Driving Innovation

No change

Sustainable Solutions

Risk decrease

Key risk

Potential impact  
on our Business

How we respond

What we have  
done in 2016

Revenue generation  
in established and 
emerging markets

Talent development 
and retention

Failure to keep pace with our 
customers as they follow consumers 
into emerging markets, and increasing 
competition from mainstream and 
other chemical companies looking 
to move into our established markets 
will adversely impact delivery of our 
strategic objective to deliver consistent 
top and bottom line growth.

The vision and experience of our 
knowledgeable and specialist 
employees is critical to maintaining 
the Group’s success. Inability to 
recruit and retain appropriately 
skilled people could adversely 
impact our ability to deliver our 
strategic priorities.

If these individuals were to leave, 
it would take time to replace them 
if no succession plans were in place.

Through our global sector sales, 
marketing and technology teams, 
we identify consumer trends and 
respond swiftly to satisfy customer 
needs through key technologies. 
Our direct selling model enables 
us to get closer to our customers.

Invested in faster growth 
technologies including Actives 
in Personal Care, crop delivery 
systems in Life Sciences and new 
coating solutions in Performance 
Technologies. Developed in fast 
growth geographies, particularly 
Asia (p09).

Reward programmes, a strong 
development culture and excellent 
learning opportunities support the 
retention and career development 
of the high quality teams we need. 
Global graduate and management 
development programmes include 
stretching and high profile assignments 
and provide a pipeline of internal talent.

Annual global talent review process 
supports review of resources and 
succession plans for critical roles, 
with actions monitored by the 
Executive and the Board.

Developed a new people plan 
approved by the Executive which 
aligns people related activities to 
the business strategy and defines 
actions to reinforce the Croda 
culture. In support of the plan 
improved people metrics have 
been developed which are routinely 
reported to senior management. 
A Diversity and Inclusion plan 
has been approved by the Board 
and is in the process of being 
implemented. 

Product and 
technology  
innovation

Innovation plays a critical role across 
our operations; it differentiates us 
from the competition, protects sales 
and improves our margins. Failure 
to drive New and Protected 
Products (NPP) through innovation 
will impact directly on growth.

Our outstanding technical resources 
are fully integrated into our global 
sector leadership teams to focus 
innovation on customer requirements. 
We build partnerships with customers 
and open innovation partners and 
invest in external acquisitions to 
remain at the cutting edge.

Continued to expand our 
innovation pipeline supported by 
250 open innovation partnerships 
with universities, specialist research 
laboratories and SMEs. Our 
acquisition of Inventiva opens up 
a new delivery system for our 
Personal Care sector (p14).

We have identified key technology 
platforms linked to the global mega 
trends (p04] that will direct future 
innovation acquisition and 
development.

Protect new  
intellectual  
property

Failure to protect our Intellectual 
Property (IP) in both existing and 
new markets could undermine 
our competitive advantage.

We have a specialist IP team who 
participate in the technical and 
business planning and strategy 
meetings to identify ways to protect 
any new products and technologies. 
They defend our IP and challenge 
third party IP where appropriate.

Filed patents in a number of key 
areas, concentrating on recently 
acquired businesses and 
technologies such as seed 
coatings and anti-microbial 
coatings.

Product liability claims

We sell into a number of highly 
regulated markets. Non-compliance 
with our customers’ stringent quality 
requirements could expose us to 
liability and reputational damage 
especially in the light of our 
commitment to sustainability.

Our sites are certified to demanding 
quality standards which are highly 
valued by our customers. Compliance 
with these is audited both internally 
by our specialist audit team and 
externally. We work proactively with 
relevant trade associations to shape 
future regulation.

All sites achieved required levels 
of Good Manufacturing Practice 
(GMP) certification. A network 
was formed to review and 
improve order picking accuracy 
which has delivered 
improvements.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

31

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
| Our Risks

Key risk

Potential impact  
on our Business

How we respond

What we have  
done in 2016

Major safety or 
environmental  
incident

Security of raw 
material supply

We rely on the continued sustainable 
operation of our manufacturing sites 
around the world. 

A major event causing loss of 
production, or violating safety, 
health or environmental regulations 
could limit our operations and 
expose the Group to liability, cost 
and reputational damage, especially 
in the light of our commitment to 
sustainability and customer service.

Commissioned external specialists 
to perform qualitative risk 
assessments on our Alkoxylation 
plants, with incremental 
improvement actions being 
implemented.

In 2016 our well established Hazard 
Study Leaders Academy saw five 
of our process safety specialists 
complete their first full year of a two 
year programme and a further five 
starting the programme.

Our global network of process safety 
engineers and SHE specialists located 
at each site enforce compliance with 
the policies and procedures defined 
in the Group SHE manual. Assurance 
over mitigating controls is provided 
by the dedicated Group SHE internal 
audit team, whilst external audits 
assess compliance with OHSAS 
18001 and ISO14001 certifications.

Stretching sustainability targets 
are set by our SHEQ Steering 
Committee who meet quarterly 
to review progress (p29).

We have business continuity plans 
in place for each site and a Group 
crisis management plan which is 
tested at least annually.

An interruption in the supply of key 
raw materials would significantly 
affect our operations and financial 
position. Such a disruption could 
arise from market shortages or from 
restrictive legislation, for example 
that relating to the transport 
of hazardous goods.

Professional purchasing teams 
based in our regions monitor 
supply to identify potential future 
shortages. We look to develop 
good relationships with our 
suppliers and to agree long term 
contracts. To protect supply, we aim 
to source from multiple suppliers. 
Where this is not possible, we build 
up our own inventories.

Introduced a global raw material 
risk management policy. All regions 
have reviewed risks associated 
with raw material interruption and 
in depth studies of those with the 
highest impact have been 
undertaken, with mitigating actions 
identified and progressed where 
appropriate. 

Major capital 
project management

Current major strategic capital 
expenditure programmes require 
closely controlled project 
management to avoid overspend 
and late delivery, both of which 
would have an impact on growth.

Specialist project management 
teams are formed for all major 
capital expenditure programmes 
with steering groups chaired by 
a member of the Executive.

Chemical regulatory 
compliance

As a global chemical producer, 
we operate in highly regulated 
markets, which are subject 
to regular change. Violation, 
incomplete knowledge or change, 
of the appropriate regulations 
could limit the markets into which 
we can sell, or expose the Group 
to fines or penalties.

Global Regulatory expertise is 
provided by our in house team 
of specialists, who have in depth 
knowledge of the regional and 
market regulatory frameworks 
within which we operate. They work 
proactively to influence regulation 
and they are an integral part of our 
new product development process.

We use the SAP EHS module to 
ensure that regulatory changes 
are applied to existing products.

Audited previous capital projects 
against cost, schedule, quality and 
financial expectations to identify 
learnings which were shared with 
the Board and other sites. Internal 
audit also undertook reviews 
of current capital projects. 
Improvement opportunities 
identified have been incorporated 
into the capital programme.

Extended our activities in trade 
association working groups 
developing guidance for new and 
emerging legislation. Group-wide 
due diligence activities to 
demonstrate compliance with the 
Nagoya Protocol.

32 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Strategic Report 
 
 
Link to Strategy

Key

Delivering Growth

Risk increase

Driving Innovation

No change

Sustainable Solutions

Risk decrease

Key risk

Potential impact  
on our Business

How we respond

What we have  
done in 2016

Security of business 
information and 
networks

Ethics and compliance

Ineffective 
management of 
pension fund

We rely heavily on IT systems for 
effective and efficient operations and 
to communicate globally. As cyber 
attacks on businesses are growing 
more frequent, sophisticated and 
damaging, we recognise that 
corporate knowledge is a valuable 
asset whether held electronically 
or not.

Our Information Security specialists 
monitor our IT services and network, 
and oversee PC and mobile device 
protection, in line with our established 
policies and processes. Regular 
penetration testing is undertaken and 
we run our key applications in 
distributed computing environments 
with regular failover testing. We have 
ISO27001 certifcation for key 
systems and locations. Internal audit 
reviews the operation of system 
controls annually.

Recognising the increasing risk 
we provided regular awareness 
training and communication to 
all employees. We strengthened 
our email and internet filtering 
technologies. The security of 
IT infrastructure at all recently 
acquired businesses was fully 
reviewed.

We are subject to UK legislation, 
including the Bribery Act, which is 
far reaching in terms of global scope.

Our increased presence in emerging 
economies and the introduction of 
the Modern Slavery Act gives rise 
to a heightened risk to our Business.

Training and education programmes 
are rolled out globally and results 
monitored and followed up. 
Refresher training is required 
periodically.

Completion of gift registers is 
a requirement for gifts given 
and received.

Formed an Executive Ethics 
Committee and Ethics network, 
to reinforce appropriate values 
and culture and to promote 
the importance of ethics and 
compliance across our 
Business, and third parties who 
work with us.

The Group maintains an open 
defined benefit pension scheme in 
the UK, which constitutes a higher 
risk than a defined contribution 
scheme. A change in market 
conditions could increase 
future funding requirements 
and may adversely affect 
our financial position.

The pension fund investment strategy, 
developed by the Investment 
sub-committee of the Trustee Board, 
is delivered with the support 
of professional advisers. Trained 
pension fund Trustee Directors take 
professional advice and monitor 
and review arrangements quarterly. 
The Company maintains close 
dialogue with the Trustee Board.

We have undertaken a de-risking 
exercise to reduce future liabilities, 
introducing a career average 
capped salary basis. The 
Trustees have begun to extend 
the liability driven investment 
component of the scheme’s 
assets to better match assets 
with liability movements and 
further diversified the scheme’s 
return seeking assets to reduce 
expected future volatility.

Note:
The risks listed do not comprise all those associated with the Group and they are not in order of priority. Our risk management programme can only 
provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that key risks are managed at an acceptable level. 

Signed on behalf of the Board who approved the Strategic Report on 28 February 2017.

Steve Foots
Group Chief Executive

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

33

Strategic ReportOur Board

A strong leadership team

1

4

7

2

5

8

3

6

9

1. Anita Frew
Chairman

2. Steve Foots
Group Chief Executive

3. Jez Maiden
Group Finance Director

Appointment: Appointed to the Board 
in March 2015 and Chairman since 
September 2015.

Appointment: Appointed to the Board in 
July 2010 and Group Chief Executive since 
the beginning of 2012.

Key strengths and experience: Strong 
business, operational and strategic 
leadership, and wide-ranging sales and 
marketing experience. Steve joined Croda 
as a graduate trainee in 1990 and has held 
a number of senior management positions 
in the Group, becoming President of Croda 
Europe in July 2010. Prior to this, Steve 
held a number of Managing Director roles 
across Croda’s European business.

External appointments:  
Chairman of the Chemical Growth 
Partnership (CGP).

E   F   ET   N   R   SHEQ

Key strengths and experience: Anita 
has been on plc boards for 20 years and 
has extensive leadership and international 
experience, together with a broad 
knowledge of strategic management 
across a range of sectors including 
speciality chemicals. Anita was Chairman 
of Victrex Plc until 2014 and Senior 
Independent Director of Aberdeen Asset 
Management PLC and IMI plc. She has 
held executive director roles at Abbott 
Mead Vickers and WPP Group, as well as 
various investment and marketing roles at 
Scottish Provident Institute and The Royal 
Bank of Scotland Plc.

External appointments: Anita is Deputy 
Chairman of Lloyds Banking Group plc and 
a Non-Executive Director of BHP Billiton 
Plc and BHP Billiton Limited.

N   RM

34 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Appointment: Appointed to the Board as 
Group Finance Director in January 2015. 

Key strengths and experience: 
Extensive experience in financial 
management, acquisitions and disposals, 
and a wealth of experience working in the 
speciality chemical sector. Jez was Group 
Finance Director at National Express 
Group Plc from 2008 to 2014. Prior to that, 
he was Group Finance Director at Northern 
Foods Plc and he has been Chief Financial 
Officer at British Vita Plc as well as Group 
Finance Director at Hickson International 
Plc, both listed speciality chemical 
companies. Former Chairman of the Audit 
Committee and Senior Independent 
Director of Synthomer Plc. Jez is a fellow 
of the CIMA.

External appointments: 
Non-Executive Director and Audit 
Committee chairman of PZ Cussons plc.

R   E   F   SHEQ

Directors’ ReportKey

  Chairman of the Committee

  Member of the Committee

  Secretary of the Committee

N | Nomination Committee

RM | Remuneration Committee

A | Audit Committee

E | Group Executive Committee

ET | Group Ethics Committee

F | Group Finance Committee

R | Risk Management Committee

SHEQ | Group SHEQ Committee

4. Alan Ferguson
Non-Executive Director

5. Helena Ganczakowski
Non-Executive Director

Appointment: Appointed to the Board 
in July 2011.

Appointment: Appointed to the Board 
in February 2014.

Key strengths and experience: 
Wealth of experience in consumer 
marketing and innovative product 
development. Helena worked for Unilever 
for 23 years and held senior positions in 
brand management, consumer marketing 
and strategy development. Helena has 
a PhD in Engineering from the University 
of Cambridge.

External appointments: Helena is 
a Non-Executive Director of Greggs Plc 
and People Against Dirty. She runs a 
consulting business working with a range 
of organisations, helping them to develop 
and implement strategies.

A   RM   N

Key strengths and experience: Extensive 
international financial management and 
board experience. Alan was Chief Financial 
Officer and a Director of Lonmin Plc until 
December 2010. Prior to that he was Group 
Finance Director of The BOC Group until 
2006. Before then he spent 22 years in a 
variety of roles at Inchcape Plc, including six 
years as Group Finance Director from 1999. 
Alan is a Chartered Accountant.

External appointments: Alan is Senior 
Independent Director of Johnson Matthey 
Plc and Non-Executive Director of The Weir 
Group Plc. He chairs the Audit Committees 
at both of these companies. Alan is also the 
Senior Independent Director of Marshall 
Motor Holdings Plc, an AIM listed company, 
where he chairs the Audit Committee. 
Alan sits on the Business Policy Panel 
of the Institute of Chartered Accountants 
of Scotland.

A   RM   N

6. Keith Layden
Chief Technology Officer and 
President Life Sciences

Appointment: Appointed to the Board as 
Chief Technology Officer in February 2012.

Key strengths and experience: 
Deep understanding of chemical innovation 
and broad operational and management 
experience. Keith joined Croda in 1984, 
is responsible for global R&D and is 
President Life Sciences. Until January 2016 
he was responsible for the Technology 
Investment Group. 

External appointments: Keith represents 
Croda as a member of the advisory board 
for chemistry at the Universities of Nottingham 
and York. At the University of Sheffield 
he serves as a member of Council, 
a Representative of the Learning and 
Teaching Committee, Careers Advisory 
Board and Alumni Board. Keith is a Fellow 
of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a 
Trustee and member of Council at the 
Royal Society of Chemistry.

R   E   F   SHEQ

7. Nigel Turner
Non-Executive Director  
(Senior Independent Director)

8. Steve Williams
Non-Executive Director

9. Tom Brophy
Group General Counsel  
& Company Secretary

Appointment: Appointed to the Board 
in June 2009 and Senior Independent 
Director since August 2011.

Key strengths and experience: Broad 
City experience having spent over 35 years 
as a corporate financier. Nigel was the 
Chairman of Numis Securities Ltd and 
Deputy Chairman of Numis Corporation Plc 
from 2005 until his retirement in 2007. 
From 2000 until 2005 he was with ABN 
AMRO with responsibility for the Global 
Corporate Finance and Global Equities 
Divisions. Between 1985 and 2000 he 
was with Lazard where he was a Managing 
Director and a member of the Supervisory 
Board.

External appointments: Senior 
Independent Director, and Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee of Genus Plc. 

Appointment: Appointed to the Board 
in July 2010.

Key strengths and experience: Extensive 
industry, legal and board experience. 
Steve was General Counsel and Chief Legal 
Officer of Unilever plc and Unilever NV from 
1986 until 2010. From 2004 until 2010 he 
was Senior Independent Director of Arriva 
Plc. From 1995 until 2004 he was a 
Non-Executive Director of Bunzl Plc.

External appointments: Steve is 
a Non-Executive Director of Whitbread 
PLC where he is also Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee. In addition, 
Steve is a Non-Executive Director of 
Eversheds LLP and a senior adviser 
to Spencer Stuart LLP. He is Chairman of 
the De La Warr Pavilion Charitable Trust 
and a member of the Board of Leverhulme 
Trust and Moorfields NHS Trust.

A   RM   N

RM   A   N

Appointment: Appointed as Secretary 
to the Board in December 2012.

Key strengths and experience:  
Tom is a solicitor and has responsibility for 
legal affairs, corporate governance, human 
resources and insurance. Prior to joining 
Croda, Tom spent seven years at Wolseley 
Plc in a number of legal and governance 
roles, including as Deputy General Counsel 
and Company Secretary. Before then he 
worked as a corporate lawyer at City law 
firm Hogan Lovells.

ET   A   RM   N   R   E   SHEQ  

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

35

Directors’ ReportCorporate Governance

Chairman’s Letter

Dear fellow shareholder

An effective governance framework is vital 
to ensuring that Croda remains successful 
and sustainable. Your Board is committed 
to high standards of corporate governance 
and to complying with the provisions of the 
UK Corporate Governance Code (the 
Code). However, good governance is not 
just about compliance with rules and 
regulations; it is about culture, behaviours 
and how we do business, and the Board 
has a vital role to play by ensuring that it sets 
the tone for the rest of the organisation.

The Board is accountable to Croda’s 
shareholders for good governance and 
this report, together with the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report set out on pages 55 
to 75, describes how the Code’s main 
principles of governance have been 
applied by the Company. This report 
includes practical insights into how our 
governance framework underpins and 
supports our Business and the decisions 
we make every day. I am pleased to report 
that the Company has complied with the 
Code for the period under review.

Leadership
Dr. Keith Layden, Chief Technology Officer 
and President, Life Sciences, will retire 
from the Company after 32 years of 
service. Dr. Nick Challoner, President, Asia, 
will also become President of Life Sciences 
and lead Croda’s Global Research and 
Technology function. These changes 
will take effect from 1 May 2017.

Keith is one of the principal architects for 
Croda becoming the successful business 
that it is today. Under his direction, Croda 
has significantly expanded its R&D 
capability and introduced impactful new 
technologies to the market. I would like 
to thank Keith for his long service and 
exceptional contribution to Croda and 
I am delighted that he has accepted 
the Board’s invitation to continue as a 
Non-Executive Director to help guide 
Croda’s highly successful innovation 
agenda further forward. 

The Nomination Committee undertakes an 
assessment of the skills and experiences 
of the Board to ensure we have the right 
balance and composition. This enables us 
to create defined succession plans for both 
Executive and Non-Executive Directors. 

Effectiveness
The actions agreed following the 2015 
Board effectiveness review have progressed 
well. In 2016 the Board and Committee 
review was conducted using an online 
questionnaire, designed by Lintstock with 
input from me and the Company Secretary. 

The evaluation was once again positive 
and I was particularly pleased with the 
quality of support and challenge provided 
by the Non-Executives to the management 
team and the atmosphere of constructive 
debate around the boardroom table. 
Further details on the evaluation can be 
found on page 41. The evaluation enabled 
the Board to reflect on areas for focus and 
improvement, one of which related to our 
Board agendas. For 2017 we will be taking 
action to strike a balance between 
reporting (from the CEO, finance, business 
units, technology, operations, legal 
compliance, HR, and the Board Committees), 
approvals and governance matters, whilst 
ensuring that we devote more time to the 
major strategic issues such as generating 
continued organic growth, investing in 
differentiated products, open innovation, 
intellectual property, sustainability and 
market dynamics. 

The Board spends a considerable amount 
of time meeting with employees and visiting 
our offices and manufacturing sites around 
the world. This improves the Directors’ 
understanding of our operations and 
the Croda culture and these connections 
enhance the quality of decision making 
in the boardroom. On page 41 we set out 
more details of the Board’s programme 
of activities outside the boardroom.

The Board is committed to greater diversity 
within our Business. A broader range of 
ideas, skills, knowledge, experience and 
ethnicity, and more balanced gender 
representation throughout our organisation, 
is important to our continuing long term 
success. 25% of the members of the 
Board are female and our Board diversity 
policy includes a commitment to maintaining 
this level of female representation on 
the Board, whilst ensuring that diversity 
in its broadest sense remains a central 
feature. A copy of the policy is available 
at www.croda.com .

Good governance is not 
just about compliance with 
rules and regulations; it is 
about culture, behaviours 
and how we do business, 
and the Board has a vital 
role to play by ensuring it 
sets the tone for the rest 
of the organisation.”

Anita Frew  
Chairman

Leadership 
38
Effectiveness 
41
Accountability 
44
Relations with Shareholders  45
Audit Committee 
47
Nomination Committee 
52
Other Committees 
54
Remuneration Report 
55
Other Disclosures 
76

36 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ ReportRelations with shareholders
As Chairman, I am responsible for effective 
communication with shareholders and for 
ensuring that the Board understands the 
views of major shareholders. During the 
year I have met with several shareholders 
as well as speaking with many shareholders 
at our AGM. Our shareholders support our 
strategy and are very comfortable with our 
approach to corporate governance.

Anita Frew
Chairman

Looking ahead to 2017
During the year the Board will:

 → Spend time looking at major 
strategic issues including 
innovation, sustainability and 
market dynamics

 → Regularly review our innovation 

pipeline 

 → Continue to monitor the culture 
and behaviours within the 
organisation, taking account of 
these when making decisions 

 → Focus on Board succession 
planning and the optimum 
balance and composition 
of the Board.

Outside the boardroom

In May 2016, the Board visited our manufacturing site in Ditton, UK. As well as visiting the plant 
areas, the Board spent time in the laboratories with our research and development, and process 
innovation teams where they received demonstrations of the site’s key technologies and gained 
a fuller understanding of the applications in which our products are used by our customers. 

Within our Business we continue to 
focus on creating connections between 
our employees, whether through training 
on cultural awareness and diversity, 
managing remote teams or ensuring 
leadership development programmes 
comprise employees from different 
cultures, backgrounds and nationalities. 
We believe that creating these connections 
leads to employees feeling included and 
valued and will safeguard our diverse 
workforce. The global review of talent 
undertaken by the Executive Committee 
and the Board aims to ensure we will have 
a diverse and global representation for the 
Group’s future leaders.

Creating these connections between our 
employees goes to the heart of the Croda 
Culture. We recognise the value of culture 
and the Board has spent time working 
on the development of our Culture Plan, 
linking our culture to our Business strategy 
in order to deliver business results. Croda 
is not unique in having a strong culture, but 
we believe our culture is unique. We value 
openness and fairness. Our employees are 
committed and loyal and take pride in their 
work and are proud to work for Croda. 
There is a trust and a real sense of family 
and community between Croda employees 
and, importantly, a belief that coming to 
work should be fun. Our strong global 
networks provide us with agility and the 
empowerment given to employees leads 
to the creativity and innovation for which 
Croda is renowned. 

Accountability
The Board spent a considerable amount 
of time discussing the areas of risk 
assessment, risk management and internal 
control systems (including a review of 
control failings), and assessing the long 
term prospects of the Company. 

The Remuneration Report on pages 
55 to 75 sets out details of the time spent 
in reviewing our Remuneration Policy. 
We have ensured that there is a clear link 
between remuneration objectives for our 
executive team and the delivery of our 
strategy and will be seeking support from 
shareholders for the new Policy at our 
Annual General Meeting (AGM) in April.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

37

Directors’ Report| Corporate Governance | Leadership

A strong framework

Membership of the Board and 
attendance (eligibility) at Board 
meetings held during the year 
ended 31 December 2016

Anita Frew (Chairman)

Alan Ferguson

Steve Foots

Helena Ganczakowski

Keith Layden

Jez Maiden

Nigel Turner

Steve Williams

7 (7)

7 (7)

7 (7)

7 (7)

7 (7)

7 (7)

7 (7)

7 (7)

At the date of this report, the Board 
comprises eight Directors: the Chairman; 
the Group Chief Executive; the Group 
Finance Director; the Chief Technology 
Officer; and four independent Non-Executive 
Directors. The small size of our Board 
allows time for full discussion and debate 
of items, and enables all Directors’ views 
to be heard. The Non-Executive Directors 
have a broad range of business, financial 
and international skills and experience, 
which provides appropriate balance and 
diversity within the Board. Biographical 
notes appear on pages 34 and 35.

With support from the Company Secretary, 
the Chairman sets the annual Board agenda 
programme and Board meeting agendas, 
and determines the number of meetings 
to be held during the year. She ensures 
enough time is devoted, during meetings 
and throughout the year, to discussing 
all material matters, including strategic, 
financial, operational, business, risk, 
HR and governance issues.

The Board has taken action to strike a 
balance between reporting, approvals and 
governance matters, whilst ensuring more 
time is devoted to major strategic issues.

Leadership

Role and operation of the Board
The Board has ultimate responsibility 
for the overall leadership of the Group. 
In this role it oversees the development 
of a clear Group strategy, monitors 
operational and financial performance 
against agreed goals and objectives, 
and ensures that appropriate controls 
and systems exist to manage risk.

Specific Board matters
The matters reserved for the Board fall 
into four broad areas:

1.   Matters required by law to be 

reserved for the Board’s decision, 
such as approving the Annual 
Report and Accounts, appointing 
new Directors, and declaring 
dividends

2.  The requirements of the UK Listing, 
Prospectus and Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules, such as 
approving circulars to shareholders 
and other significant communications

3.  UK Corporate Governance Code 

recommendations, such as ensuring 
the Company has a sound system 
of internal control and risk 
management, and approving the 
Board’s and Committees’ terms 
of reference

4.  Other matters such as approval of 
the Group’s strategy and budget, 
material corporate transactions and 
capital expenditure.

The full schedule of matters reserved 
for the Board can be found at 
www.croda.com .

38 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ ReportGovernance structure

The Board has three main Committees: 
the Audit Committee; the Remuneration 
Committee; and the Nomination 
Committee. The terms of reference for 
each Board Committee can be found at 
www.croda.com .

The day-to-day operational management 
of the Business is delegated by the Board 
to the Group Chief Executive, who uses 
several Committees to assist him in this 
task: the Group Executive Committee; 
the Group Finance Committee; 

the Risk Management Committee; 
the Group SHEQ Steering Committee; 
the Group Ethics Committee; and the 
Routine Business Committee. For further 
information on each of these Committees 
see page 54.

The Board

Audit Committee

Remuneration Committee

Nomination Committee

Chaired by Alan Ferguson
Monitors the integrity of the Group’s financial 
statements/announcements, the effectiveness 
of internal controls and risk management 
as well as managing the external auditor 
relationship. For more information  
see pages 47 to 51.

Chaired by Steve Williams
Approves the Company’s remuneration 
policy and framework and determines the 
remuneration packages for members of 
senior management. For more information 
see pages 55 to 75.

Chaired by Anita Frew
Reviews the structure, size and composition 
of the Board and its Committees, identifies 
and nominates suitable candidates for 
appointment to the Board, and has 
responsibility for succession planning. 
For more information see pages 52 and 53.

Board roles

The roles of the Chairman and Group 
Chief Executive are separate and clearly 
defined, with the division of 
responsibilities set out in writing and 
agreed by the Board.

Chairman

The Chairman leads the Board and is 
responsible for promoting open and effective 
communication between the Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors, and for creating an 
environment at Board meetings in which all 
Directors contribute to discussions and feel 
comfortable in engaging in healthy debate 
and constructive challenge.

The Chairman leads the annual Board 
effectiveness review process and ensures 
that all new Directors have an appropriately 
tailored induction process. She is responsible 
for effective communication with 
shareholders and for ensuring the Board 
understands the views of major shareholders. 
The Chairman also ensures that the Group 
complies with good practice in corporate 
governance, ethical, environmental and 
human resources matters, and upholds high 
standards of integrity and probity. 

Group Chief Executive

Independent  
Non-Executive Directors

The independent Non-Executive Directors’ 
role is central to an effective and accountable 
Board structure. They constructively 
challenge the Executive Directors and 
scrutinise the performance of management 
in meeting agreed goals and objectives. They 
help develop and monitor the delivery of the 
strategy within the risk and control framework 
set by the Board. They determine appropriate 
levels of remuneration for Executive Directors 
and have a prime role in appointing and, 
where necessary, removing, Executive 
Directors, and in succession planning.

Group General Counsel 
and Company Secretary

The Group General Counsel and Company 
Secretary is secretary to the Board and its 
Committees. He ensures Board procedures 
are complied with and advises on regulatory 
compliance and corporate governance. 
In addition he develops Board and 
Committee agendas and collates and 
distributes meeting papers. He facilitates 
induction programmes and provides 
briefings on governance, legal and 
regulatory matters. 

The Group Chief Executive has day-to-day 
responsibility for the effective management 
of the Group’s Business and for ensuring that 
Board decisions are implemented. He plays 
a key role in devising and reviewing Group 
strategies for discussion and approval by the 
Board. The Group Chief Executive is tasked 
with providing regular reports to the Board on 
all matters of significance relating to the Group’s 
Business, or reputation, to ensure that the 
Board has accurate, timely and clear information 
on all matters on which a Board decision is 
required. He also promotes the Company’s 
culture and standards.

The Chairman and Group Chief Executive liaise 
closely and have frequent meetings, face-to-
face or by telephone, in which the Chairman 
is kept appraised of significant developments 
between Board meetings. This ensures any 
areas of potential conflict between the Executive 
and Non-Executive Directors are minimised.

Senior Independent Director

The Senior Independent Director provides a 
sounding board for the Chairman and acts as an 
intermediary for the Non-Executive Directors, 
where necessary. He is available to shareholders 
where communication through the Chairman or 
Executive Directors has not been successful or 
where it may not seem appropriate. The Senior 
Independent Director is responsible for leading 
the Non-Executive Directors in appraising the 
performance of the Chairman and in their 
discussions of her term of appointment and fees.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

39

Directors’ Report| Corporate Governance | Leadership

The Board’s 2016 activities and priorities
The Board has an agenda programme that ensures strategic, operational, business, financial, HR and corporate governance items 
are discussed at the appropriate time at Board meetings. The Board agenda has strong links to the strategic objectives for the 
Business. The Board has seven meetings during the year and in addition a strategy day at which all members of the Executive 
Committee attend. The strategy day in the first half of the year is followed by consideration of the three year plan in the autumn and 
then approval of the budget at the end of the year. Key highlights of the Board’s 2016 activities and priorities are set out below.

Board activity in 2016

Strategy

Delivering growth  
(p05)

Driving innovation  
(p05)

Sustainable solutions 
(p05)

 → Personal Care, Croda 

 → Product innovation programmes 

 → Safety, health, 

China, Croda India and 
Asia Pacific business reviews

 → Adjacent market opportunities

 → Product manufacturing strategies

 → Various acquisition opportunities 

and pipeline, including the 
acquisition of Inventiva 

 → Integration of Incotec

and technology platforms

environment and quality

 → Technology led acquisitions

 → Sustainability strategy and targets

 → New and Protected Products pipeline

 → Senior management succession

 → Innovation and R&D metrics

 → Open innovation

 → Ethical compliance reinforcement 
programme, including modern 
slavery statement 

People 

 → Talent review and succession 

planning

 → The Croda culture

 → Board diversity

 Governance  
and reporting 

 → Review of Annual Report and 
Accounts and other financial 
statements

 → Health and safety of our employees 

 → Board evaluation and effectiveness

and contractors

 → Diversity and inclusion of our 

workforce

 → Ethical compliance programmes

 → Defence strategy

 → Investor relations review

Financial, risk 
and performance 
management 

 → Capital expenditure approvals 
and performance reviews of 
historical capex 

 → Capital allocation policy, capital 
returns and share consolidation 

 → The Group’s budget, forecasts 

and key performance targets 
and indicators

 → Dividend approvals

 → Anti-bribery, Brexit and intellectual 

property risk reviews

 → Long term viability

40 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ ReportOutside the boardroom
In addition to formal Board meetings, 
in 2016, the Directors attended offsite 
meetings to review the Group’s strategy 
and were present at the AGM. They also 
met with the Company’s financial and 
public relations advisers to discuss the 
feedback from investors and analysts on 
the Group’s annual results. The Chairman 
and Non-Executive Directors met together 
without the Executive Directors present.

The Chairman spends a considerable 
amount of time meeting with Steve Foots 
and the senior management team at the 
Company’s head office. This ensures 
that she is kept appraised of significant 
developments in the Company between 
Board meetings.

All Directors are involved in the Group’s 
Leadership Development Programme. 
This involves attending various sessions, 
and includes discussions on business 
strategy and leadership chaired by 
a Director, as well as interacting with 
employee course members in team 
building sessions or at dinners.

The Board visited our manufacturing site 
in Ditton, UK, where they participated in 
interactive labatory demonstrations, undertook 
a plant tour and discussed the sites key 
technologies and their end applications.

During the year, some of the Non-Executive 
Directors undertook an overseas 
manufacturing site visit, outside of the 
normal Board site visits. Anita Frew and 
Alan Ferguson visited the Sipo manufacturing 
site in China and Helena Ganczakowski 
met the Croda India management team 
at our manufacturing site in Thane. The 
Non-Executives discussed a wide range 
of topics with the local management 
teams, including process safety, innovation, 
plant expansion plans and challenges and 
opportunities in each market. In addition, 
all the Board met with the Asia Pacific 
management team at Croda Singapore’s 
sales office and spent time at the 
manufacturing site on Jurong Island. 
Anita continued her comprehensive 
induction programme, spending time 
at our operations in Korea and Japan. 

As in previous years, members of the 
Executive Committee and other senior 
managers from across Croda attended 
Board dinners where the Board discussed 
topics relevant to the Business and its 
strategy. In addition, during the Board’s 
visit to our operations in Singapore and 
the Non-Executive Directors’ visits to India, 
China, Japan and Korea, the Directors 
met informally with many of the Group’s 
employees. These interactions enhance 
the Board’s understanding of the Business 
and allow Directors to spend time with the 
Group’s senior managers and potential 
future leaders.

Effectiveness

The Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee report is set 
out on page 52. The report describes the 
membership of the Nomination Committee, 
its responsibilities, its main activities in 2016 
and its priorities for 2017.

Board evaluation
The Board undertakes a formal review of 
its performance and that of its Committees 
each year. In 2015, the Board review was 
conducted using an online questionnaire 
tailored to Croda’s activities and current 
concerns. The key actions and progress 
in meeting them are summarised below:

Continue to focus on long term 
strategy and strategic aquisitions

Continue to concentrate on risks that 
could materially impact the Group’s 
strategy and long term viability

Ensure that the Board is regularly 
exposed to the global nature of our 
Business, including overseas site 
visits and meetings

  Completed 

  Ongoing

During 2016, the Board review was again 
conducted using an online questionnaire 
tailored to Croda’s activities and current 
concerns. Separate questionnaires were 
also used for the Audit, Remuneration 
and Nomination Committees. A report 
was prepared based on the completed 
questionnaires, which facilitated an 
evaluation of the effectiveness of the Board 
and its Committees and the support and 
information received from management and 
advisers. The results were discussed in 
detail by the Board and areas for focus and 
improvements were identified and agreed. 
The Chairman fed back on a one-to-one 
basis to each of the Non-Executive 
Directors and the Group Chief Executive, 
and the results of the evaluation were 
discussed with the Nomination Committee. 

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

41

Directors’ Report| Corporate Governance | Effectiveness

The review concluded that:

 → The Non-Executives support and 
challenge of management was 
appropriate and the relationships 
between individual members of the 
Board continues to be very strong. 
There is an excellent relationship 
between the Board and the Group 
Chief Executive and the Board and 
senior management

 → The level of the Board’s oversight of the 
various aspects of risk is appropriate 
and the Board is effective in 
considering risk when making strategic 
and operational decisions

 → The Board’s involvement in succession 
and development plans for senior 
management was rated highly

 → The Board will review its agenda 

programme to ensure appropriate time 
is spent focusing on innovation, 
sustainability and market dynamics.

The Board’s priorities for 2017 are set out 
on page 37.

In 2017 we will commission an externally 
facilitated review in line with the 
requirements of the Code.

Board re-election
The Board contains a broad range 
of skills and experience from different 
industries and advisory roles, and from 
international markets.

These skills support the strategic aims 
of the Company. Following individual 
performance assessments, the Board 
is satisfied that each Director continues 
to perform effectively, allocates sufficient 
time for their duties, and remains fully 
committed to their role in the Company. 
All Directors will stand for re-election at 
the 2017 AGM. Full biographies for the 
Directors can be found on pages 
34 and 35.

Directors’ induction
On joining Croda, Directors receive a tailored 
induction programme. New Directors need 
to quickly absorb a great deal about 
a business if they are to fulfil their roles 
effectively from the start. Our tailored 
inductions offer a swift and thorough way 
to help new Directors understand Croda’s 
business, markets and relationships and 
to establish a link with employees.

As part of the induction, new Directors gain 
a thorough understanding of Croda’s 
business through meetings with Croda 

employees across all regions in which we 
operate. This includes site visits, typically 
hosted by one of our Executive Committee 
members. This allows our new Directors 
to get to know the regional and local 
leadership teams and to discuss a wide 
range of topics, including the local 
organisation structure, growth plans, 
strategic priorities, risks and the competitive 
landscape. Directors also spend time 
at our laboratories with the R&D teams, 
where they gain insight into the technology 
platforms and chemistries, as well as our 
product development pipeline. Visiting our 
manufacturing sites enable new Directors 
to explore Croda’s complex manufacturing 
processes and our approach to process 
safety and behavioural safety. They are also 
able to discuss our challenging sustainability 
targets and find out about quality and 
regulatory issues.

New Directors are given lots of opportunities 
to spend time engaging with and talking 
to a wide variety of employees across all 
functions and seniorities. This includes time 
at dinners and social events. Through these 
interactions new Directors gain an insight 
into the Croda culture and our values that 
are a key differentiator between us and 
our competitors.

When planning an induction we take the following steps:

1

Bespoke  
programme

Our Company Secretary 
discusses how the  
programme should  
be tailored to meet a  
Director’s needs

2

Varied delivery

We use diverse formats to 
communicate information. 
These include iPad reading  
materials, meetings with 
employees and fellow Directors, 
briefings and training from 
external advisers and site visits

3

Length

4

Review

Conscious of a Director’s other 
commitments and not wanting 
to overload them with too much 
information in too short a time, 
we deliver the induction over the 
full Board cycle of 12 months

The Company Secretary  
and the Director have regular 
reviews, with input from the 
Chairman, to agree what extra 
insights the induction needs  
to deliver

42 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ ReportThe terms and conditions of appointment of 
Non-Executive Directors can be viewed at 
www.croda.com . They can be inspected 
during normal business hours at the 
Company’s registered office by contacting 
the Company Secretary and will also be 
available for inspection at the AGM.

Time commitment
Each Director is aware of the need to 
allocate sufficient time to the Company to 
discharge their responsibilities effectively. 
In addition to time spent at Board and 
Committee meetings, the Directors 
participate in several Company related 
events; details are set out on page 41.

External consultants
New Bridge Street, now part of Aon Plc, 
and Korn Ferry have provided remuneration 
consultancy to the Remuneration 
Committee. While the Aon group provides 
insurance services to Croda, these are 
not provided by New Bridge Street.

Zygos and Russell Reynolds have 
previously acted as search advisers to 
the Board and Nomination Committee. 
Neither firm has any other connection 
with the Group.

Board support
Each Director has access to the advice 
and services of the Company Secretary. 
Where necessary, the Directors may take 
independent professional advice at the 
Company’s expense.

Training and briefings are available to all 
Directors taking into account their existing 
experience, qualifications and skills. In 
order to build and increase the Non-
Executive Directors’ familiarity with, and 
understanding of, the Group’s people, 
businesses and markets, senior managers 
regularly make presentations at Board 
meetings. The Board also receives regular 
briefings from the Company Secretary on 
governance, legal and regulatory matters, 
and additional briefings from the 
Company’s professional advisers.

Before each Board meeting, the Company 
Secretary makes sure that the meeting 
papers and other information are delivered 
electronically via a secure, iPad-accessible 
web portal. This helps to ensure that each 
Director has the time and resources to fulfil 
their duties. A resource centre within the 
web portal provides access to useful 
information about the Group, including 
corporate governance materials, finance 
and strategy information, Group policies 
and procedures, and information on topics 
such as risk and insurance.

Independence of  
Non-Executive Directors
Croda complies with the Code in having 
experienced Non-Executive Directors 
who represent a source of strong advice, 
judgement and challenge to the Executive 
Directors. At present there are five such 
Directors, including the Chairman and the 
Senior Independent Director, each of whom 
has significant commercial experience. Their 
understanding of the Group’s operations is 
enhanced by regular business presentations 
and site visits.

The independence of the Non-Executive 
Directors is kept under review. The 
Chairman was independent on her 
appointment in 2015 but, as Chairman, 
is not classified as independent. Steve 
Williams has consultancy roles with 
Eversheds LLP, which provides some legal 
services to the Group, and Spencer Stuart, 
a search consultancy firm that has 
previously been used by Croda. The Board 
does not consider that these roles would 
affect his judgement in relation to Croda and 
its Business and, therefore, considers that 
all Non-Executive Directors who served 
during the year are independent in character 
and judgement, with no relationships 
or circumstances that are likely to affect, 
or could appear to affect, their judgement.

Conflicts of interest
The Board has an established process 
for declaring and monitoring actual and 
potential conflicts. The Articles of 
Association of the Company allow the 
non-conflicted members of the Board to 
authorise a conflict or potential conflict 
situation. In addition to the potential conflicts 
of Steve Williams (noted above), Nigel Turner 
declared a potential conflict in relation to the 
possible sale of farm produce (oilseed rape) 
through agents to Croda. Helena 
Ganczakowski has a Non-Executive Director 
role on the board of People Against Dirty, 
a customer of Croda. Jez Maiden has a 
Non-Executive Director role on the board 
of PZ Cussons plc, a customer of Croda.

Details of the professional commitments 
of the Chairman and the Non-Executive 
Directors are included in their biographies 
on pages 34 and 35. The Board is satisfied 
that these do not interfere with the 
performance of their duties for the Company.

During 2016, no Non-Executive Director 
had served on the Board for more than 
nine years from the date of their first election, 
with the range between two years and seven 
and a half years. 

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

43

Directors’ Report| Corporate Governance | Accountability

Accountability

The Audit Committee
The Audit Committee report, which 
describes the membership of the Audit 
Committee, its responsibilities, main 
activities in 2016 and priorities for 2017, 
is set out on pages 47 to 51.

Risk management and internal 
control
The Board acknowledges its responsibility 
for ensuring the maintenance of a sound 
system of internal controls and risk 
management. In accordance with the 
guidance set out in the Financial Reporting 
Council’s (FRC’s) Guidance on Risk 
Management, Internal Control and Related 
Financial Business Reporting 2014, and in 
the Corporate Governance Code itself, 
an ongoing process has been established 
for identifying, evaluating and managing 
the principal risks faced by the Group. 
The Directors have established an 
organisational structure with clear 
operating procedures, lines of responsibility 
and delegated authority.

In particular, there are clear procedures and 
defined authorities for the following:

 → Financial reporting, with clear policies 

and procedures governing the 
financial reporting process and 
preparation of the financial statements. 
There is a clear and documented 
framework of required controls. Each 
reporting location prepares an annual 

self-assessment of compliance with 
these controls, which is assured 
during planned internal audit visits 

 → Comprehensive monitoring and 

quantification of business risks, under 
the direction of the Risk Management 
Committee. The Group’s approach to 
risk management and the principal 
risks facing the Group are discussed 
in more detail in the Strategic Report 
on pages 29 to 33

 → Capital investment with detailed 

appraisal, risk analysis, authorisation 
and post-investment review 
procedures.

This process has been in place for the full 
financial year and up to the date on which 
the financial statements were approved by 
the Directors.

The Board discharged its responsibility for 
monitoring the operational effectiveness of 
the internal control and risk management 
systems throughout the financial year and 
up to the date of approval of the Annual 
Report. It used a process which involved:

 → Written confirmations from relevant 
senior executives and divisional 
directors concerning the operation of 
those elements of the system for which 
they are responsible

 → Internal audit work carried out by 

KPMG LLP which reports through the 
Vice President Risk and Control to the 
Audit Committee

 → Reports from the external auditors

 → Presentations of key risks and controls 
by the Executive owner and other 
assurance providers

 → Half-yearly report on significant controls 
from the Vice President Risk and Control.

This system is designed to mitigate rather 
than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve 
business objectives and provides 
reasonable but not absolute assurance 
against material misstatement or loss. 
As appropriate, the Board also ensures 
that necessary actions have been, 
or are being, taken to remedy failings 
or weaknesses identified from the review 
of internal controls’ effectiveness and 
judges their level of significance.

Fair, balanced and understandable
The process of compiling the Annual 
Report starts early enough to give the 
Board time to assess whether it is fair, 
balanced and understandable, as required 
by the Code. The Board considered 
whether the Annual Report contained the 
necessary information for shareholders 
to assess the Company’s position and 
performance, business model and 
strategy. The Board reviewed how the 
business model was presented and the 
linkage to the Group’s strategy, to ensure 
clarity for shareholders. The tone was 
reviewed to ensure a balanced approach 
and the Board made sure the narrative at 
the front end of the report was consistent 
with the financial statements.

Our internal audit annual programme 

One element of our internal control 
framework is the work carried out by our 
internal auditors.

The planning process for the year’s audit 
work is undertaken by the internal audit team, 
led by our Vice President Risk and Control. 
Themes from prior year audits, key risk areas 
and fundamental controls feed into the 
selection of the audit programme, which 
is approved by the Audit Committee. 
Consideration is given to the appropriate mix 
of IT and manual controls to be tested.

Self-assessments of controls are carried out 
by local management and systems owners, 
which are analysed by the internal audit team 

with their findings and any emerging themes 
being reported to the Audit Committee. The 
Committee places great importance on the 
self-assessments and are concerned when 
there are differences (positive or negative) 
between the self-assessed scores and those 
assessed during the audit visits.

The site-based audit fieldwork and IT audits 
are undertaken between May and October, 
followed by the risk-based reviews. The 
outcome of this work is reported to the Audit 
Committee and any failures of internal controls 
or weaknesses from non-financial and risk- 
based reviews are followed up by the Audit 
Committee, with common themes feeding into 
the planning process for the following year’s 
audit programme.

January

Planning

Reporting

Preparation

r
e
b
o
t
c
O

On-going 
communication with:
Audit Committee,
senior management and
external auditors

IT audits and 
risk reviews 

A
p
r
i
l

Site and  
IT self 
assessment

Site-based 
audits

July

44 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ ReportThe Board invites the Company’s brokers 
and financial public relations advisers 
to attend at least one meeting each year 
at which the economic and investment 
environment, Croda’s performance 
(generally and in comparison with its sector 
peers) and investor reactions are 
discussed. The Chairman attended the 
Company’s results announcements. These 
presentations are webcast live, so all 
shareholders have access to them, and are 
also available to download. We answer all 
investor questions sent to our website.

Set out overleaf on page 46 is a calendar 
of our investor events attended by senior 
management throughout the year.

Substantial shareholders 
As at the date of this Annual Report the 
Company had received notification of the 
following material shareholdings pursuant 
to the Disclosure and Transparency Rules 
of the UK Listing Authority:

BlackRock, Inc.
Mawer Investment 
Management Limited

Number
of shares
7,044,667

% of
issued 
capital
5.36%

6,563,126

5.01%

Geographical breakdown of shareholder base

North  
America

32.16%

Continental
Europe

18.56%

UK

45.71%

Asia

3.57%

Relations with shareholders

Communication with shareholders
The Chairman, Executive Directors and 
other senior managers maintain regular 
contact with existing and potential 
shareholders to ensure our strategy and 
trading trends are clearly understood.

Recognising the importance of 
communicating with our shareholders, 
our Vice President for Investor Relations 
and Corporate Finance manages the 
day-to-day contact with the investment 
community, including investors and 
analysts, as well as to co-ordinate site visits 
and presentations at investor conferences 
and roadshows.

The Board engages in active dialogue with 
shareholders through the Group Chief 
Executive, Group Finance Director and the 
Chairman, who meet with shareholders 
regularly. These meetings provide an 
appropriate means of capturing 
shareholders’ opinions and the Chairman 
ensures the Board is regularly apprised 
of shareholders’ views and key issues. 
All Non-Executive Directors are available 
to attend meetings if requested by 
shareholders and the Senior Independent 
Director is available to discuss matters 
concerning the Chairman if the need 
arises; no such meetings were requested 
by shareholders during the year.

The Board believes its practices in this area 
are consistent with both the Code 
concerning dialogue with shareholders, 
and good governance.

During the year, numerous meetings were 
held with investors in the UK, US, Europe 
and Asia, including face-to-face meetings, 
telephone and video conferences, and 
hosted site visits in all of these regions.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

45

Directors’ Report| Corporate Governance | Relations with Shareholders

Our investor calendar

Investor concentration

Set out below is a calendar of our 
investor events attended by senior 
management in 2016:

Percentage of issued capital by type of holder

92.60%
Institutional holders

4.03%
Private holders
3.37%
Other holders

Annual General Meeting
The AGM provides an opportunity for 
private shareholders to raise questions 
with Board members. The Directors are 
also available to answer questions 
afterwards in a more informal setting. 
The Annual Report and Accounts, 
including notice of AGM, are sent to 
shareholders at least 20 working days 
before the meeting. There is a separate 
investor relations section on 
www.croda.com which includes, 
among other items, presentations made 
to analysts. The AGM will be held at the 
Principal Hotel, Station Road, York, 
North Yorkshire YO24 1AA, on 26 April 
2017 at 12 noon.

Deadlines for exercising 
voting rights
Votes are exercisable at a General 
Meeting of the Company in respect 
of which the business being voted upon 
is being heard. Votes may be exercised 
in person, by proxy or, in relation to 
corporate members, by corporate 
representatives. The Company’s Articles 
of Association provide a deadline for 
submission of proxy forms of not less 
than 48 hours before the time 
appointed for the holding of a meeting 
or adjourned meeting.

February
 → Full year results published
 → Roadshow in London

March
 →  Roadshow in New York
 →  Conferences in New York, 
San Francisco and London

 → Annual Report published
 → Capital Markets Day held at 

Sederma, France

April
 → Roadshow in Mid-West 

America

 → Conference in London
 →  Q1 Trading Update 

published

 →  Annual General Meeting  

in York

May
 → Conference in Nice
 → Roadshow in the Netherlands

June
 →  Roadshow in Edinburgh
 → Conferences in Paris 

and London

 → Investor field trip to Paris

July
 → Half year results published
 → Roadshow in London

September
 → Conferences in Dublin 

and London

 →  Roadshow in Milan

October
 → Roadshows in Helsinki 
and Copenhagen

November
 →  Q3 Trading Update published
 →  Conferences in Boston 

and London 

 → Roadshows in New York, 
Chicago and Toronto

December
 →  Conference in London

46 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ ReportAudit Committee

Report of the Audit Committee
for the year ended 31 December 2016

Members and attendance 
(eligibility) at meetings 
held during the year ended 
31 December 2016

Alan Ferguson
Chairman
Helena Ganczakowski
Independent Non-Executive
Nigel Turner
Independent Non-Executive
Steve Williams
Independent Non-Executive

5 (5)

5 (5)

5 (5)

5 (5)

In addition there were two meetings held 
subsequent to the year end. 
Attendance was full at both.

The Committee has 
delivered on its key 
priorities during the year.”

Alan Ferguson  
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Responsibilities
The Committee assists the Board in 
ensuring that the Group’s financial 
systems provide accurate and up-to-date 
information on its financial position.

Key responsibilities:

 → To monitor the integrity of the 

financial statements and results 
announcements of the Group and 
to review significant financial 
reporting issues and judgements

 → To recommend external auditor 

appointment and removal, assess 
audit quality, negotiate and approve 
the audit fee, assess independence 
and monitor non-audit services

 → To review the adequacy and 

effectiveness of the Group’s internal 
controls and risk management 
systems, and the adequacy, 
effectiveness and output of the 
internal audit function

 → To review the adequacy of the 
Group’s whistle-blowing 
arrangements and procedures for 
detecting fraud.

In addition to its business as usual 
activities, the Committee selects certain 
focus areas each year for detailed 
review.

Detailed responsibilities are set out in the 
Committee’s terms of reference, which 
can be found at www.croda.com .

Dear fellow shareholder

In my capacity as Chairman of the Audit 
Committee, I am pleased to present the 
Audit Committee Report for the year ended 
31 December 2016.

Committee membership
The Committee is made up of four 
Non-Executive Directors. The experience 
of each member of the Committee 
is summarised on pages 34 and 35. I have 
held a number of senior financial roles, 
most recently as Chief Financial Officer 
of Lonmin Plc, and am Chairman of  
the Audit Committees of two other 
FTSE 100/250 companies, as well 
as an AIM listed company. The Board 
considers each member of the Committee 
is independent within the definition 
of the Code and has relevant financial 
experience, as well as a broad and diverse 
spread of commercial experience. Such 
consideration provides the Board with 
assurance that the Committee has the 
appropriate skills and experience to ensure 
that it can be fully effective, and that it 
meets the Code requirement that at least 
one member has significant, recent and 
relevant financial experience.

The Chairman of the Board, the Group 
Chief Executive, the Group Finance 
Director, the Group Financial Controller, 
the Vice President Risk and Control, 
who leads the internal audit function, 
and representatives from the external 
and internal auditors regularly attend 
meetings by invitation. 

The Committee periodically, and I more 
regularly, meet separately with the Vice 
President Risk and Control and the 
external auditors without the Executives 
being present. While these meetings are 
invaluable, I also meet with the external 
auditors, the Group Finance Director and 
the Group Financial Controller at least 
twice each year to discuss the detail of the 
year end and half year results before the 
relevant Committee meetings. This helps 
me to better understand the key issues 
and to make sure enough time is devoted 
to them at the subsequent meeting.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

47

Directors’ Report| Corporate Governance | Audit Committee

Main (business as usual) activities of the Committee since the publication of the 2015 Annual Report
The Committee met three times in 2016 after publication of the 2015 Annual Report and twice between the year end and 
the publication of this Annual Report. The key issues covered at the Committee meetings were reported at the subsequent 
Board meeting.

The Committee’s main business as usual activities, excluding the focus areas, and an estimate of the proportion of time spent 
on them, are detailed below:

External audit (20%)

The Committee:
 → Discussed and approved the external 
audit plan, including: the assessment 
of significant audit risks; the 
engagement risk profile; the scope of 
the audit (covering 85% of the Group’s 
consolidated pre-tax profit, 2015: 
84%); the materiality level (circa 5% 
of the Group’s consolidated pre-tax 
profit, or £13.8m, 2015: £12.6m); the 
de minimus reporting threshold 
(£0.7m, 2015: £0.6m); the approach to 
working with internal audit; and the key 
members of the engagement team 
supported by specialist auditors where 
necessary. The audit fee was 
approved by the Committee following 
challenge and discussion

 → Reviewed the provision of non-audit 
services by the external auditor and, 
in light of the FRC’s Revised Ethical 
Standard, adopted a new Group policy 
in this area

 → Agreed the timing and plan for tendering 

the external audit in line with the 
regulatory framework and commenced 
work in this regard

 → Discussed in detail the FRC’s audit 
quality review of PwC’s 2015 audit 
of the Company

 → Considered and confirmed the 

independence of PwC.

Financial reporting (25%)

The Committee:
 → Monitored the Group’s financial 

statements and results 
announcements, and reviewed 
significant financial reporting and 
accounting issues including the going 
concern assessment and exceptional 
items

 → Undertook regular reviews of 

the Group’s material litigation and 
was satisfied with the approach 
to provisioning 

Governance (15%)

The Committee: 
 → Reviewed the effectiveness of the 
Group’s anti-bribery and fraud 
procedures, including the whistle-
blowing procedure

 → Met with internal audit and external 
audit without management being 
present

 → Received a presentation from the 
Finance Director, PTIC and Europe

 → Undertook an effectiveness review, 
which was conducted using a 
questionnaire and concluded that the 
Committee was operating effectively, 
with virtually all the scores being very 
close to those from 2015 when similar 
questions were asked. Areas for 
attention included some training needs 
(including around cyber security) and 
supporting and ensuring that focus is 
maintained on the key issues in 2017 
recognising the audit tender process 
will absorb additional time and effort.

Committee activity in 2016

 → In conjunction with the Board, 

reviewed the financial modelling and 
stress testing based on plausible 
scenarios arising from selected key 
risks, noting the effect they would 
have during the viability period

Internal audit and risk 
management (25%)

The Committee:
 → Received an update report from the 

Vice President Risk and Control at each 
meeting and monitored compliance 
with the Group risk management 
programme. The Committee reviewed 
the reliance placed by management on 
the risk mitigating controls of the 
Group’s highest risks and analysed the 
types of assurance, both internal and 
external, that applied to these controls

 → Assessed the 2016 risk-based 

assurance activity carried out by internal 
audit, which included a review of: 
product assurance; Incotec integration; 
the order-to-cash process in Hong 
Kong and Singapore; controls over 
capital projects; and our New and 
Protected Products process 

 → Considered the results of the 2016 
internal audits and the IT audits, 
the self-assessment process, 
the adequacy of management’s 
response to matters raised and the 
time taken to resolve such matters

 → Reviewed and approved the 2017 
internal audit plan and started the 
preparations for putting the internal 
audit work out to tender.

48 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ ReportKey

Completed

Ongoing

Key focus areas for 2016
The Audit Committee has delivered on our ‘business as usual’ work, as set out in our terms of reference, and from this perspective 
there is nothing to highlight for your attention. Last year, we noted five focus areas for 2016, which absorbed the balance of the 
Committee’s time of around 15%, with the main component being work on the SAP system.

Key focus area

Actions during the year

Progress

Continue to work with management 
on further development of our 
systems-based internal audit approach

The Company benefits from one SAP system. Over the last couple of years a lot of attention 
has been focused on two areas. 

First, how better to utilise the system to strengthen the control framework. A systems based 
audit approach to SAP access controls was taken in 2016 using the newly implemented SAP 
GRC system. This system enables continuous monitoring of access and has introduced 
workflow to the authorisations process. Mitigating controls were identified for key segregation 
conflicts, and these were tested as part of the site audits where relied upon by sites. Sites have 
confirmed that the GRC system has improved the effectiveness of the access process.

Second, there has been a focus on how to use data analytics both as an audit tool and as a tool 
to examine process flows which may lead to control or efficiency improvements. Analytics were 
used for the first time to identify transaction flows across two critical sites covering the sales 
to receivables process. The output was used to help identify a best practice flow and also 
to identify any inefficiencies and integrity issues. The work analysed 100% of data flows in 
a seven month period for this process. The results of this review were discussed by the Audit 
Committee, together with a proposal on how data analytics could be used in a similar way 
to support the 2017 internal audits.

A comprehensive review of the Code and the Guidance was undertaken, and minor changes 
to adapt to the new provisions were made, including updating our non-audit policy.

Assess the impact on Croda of the 
FRC changes to the UK Corporate 
Governance Code and Guidance 
on Audit Committees which which 
came into effect in 2016

Focus on the controls over capital 
projects, given the increasing spend 
in this area

Internal audit undertook a review of governance and monitoring controls in operation over significant 
capital projects in Singapore, Atlas Point (USA), Chocques (France) and Croda India. The 
review concluded that effective controls were in operation at each site around both project and 
financial management. Some recommendations were made around best practice formalities.

The President of Global Operations reported to each Board meeting on the progress and 
spend control over the Atlas Point project.

The Group Financial Controller and the President of Global Operations completed the annual 
post-audit of major capital projects and reported this to the Board.

Receive a report from the integration 
team following the recent acquisition 
of Incotec and agree with internal audit 
their audit approach for 2016

A report shared with the Audit Committee showed that the integration was progressing well. 
Internal audit’s approach to Incotec was to carry out a peer review supported by the Vice 
President Risk and Control in 2016, with all sites visited. A formal audit is scheduled for 2017. 
This approach was agreed by the Committee.

Focus on cyber security risks, working 
with management to try to ensure our 
networks and business information are 
as secure as possible, and that 
learnings from our regular IT systems 
penetration testing are followed up

Cyber security controls were tested during the 2016 internal audit round and ISO27001 testing 
was also undertaken. No significant actions were identified from either audit. Penetration 
testing has been undertaken and actions arising are being progressed. Further testing services 
will be carried out in 2017. A cyber maturity risk assessment review has been scoped and will 
be completed before the end of Q1 2017.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

49

Directors’ Report 
| Corporate Governance | Audit Committee

Significant financial statement 
reporting issues

With support from the external auditors, 
the Committee considered a number of 
significant issues related to the financial 
statements for the year ended  
31 December 2016, as set out below.

Pensions: The Committee continued 
to monitor the Group’s pension 
arrangements, in particular the liability in 
respect of the defined benefit plans in the 
UK, the US and the Netherlands, which are 
sensitive to assumptions made in respect 
of discount rates and inflation. The 
Committee reviewed the actuarial 
assumptions used and compared them 
with those used by other companies, and 
considered them to be reasonable.

Provisions: The Committee reviewed 
whether certain environmental, 
reorganisation, litigation and other legal 
provisions were sufficient to cover estimated 
costs of potential and actual claims and 
decided that they were reasonable and 
appropriate. For larger areas of exposure, 
the Committee was reassured by legal 
opinions and insurance coverage.

Taxation: The global footprint of the 
Group necessitates an understanding of, 
and compliance with, complex tax 
regulations. The Committee reviewed the 
basis of calculation of the effective tax rate, 
the status of the Group’s tax compliance, 
details of potentially significant challenges 
from tax authorities and the level 
of accruals. The Committee concurred 
with management’s views. In addition, the 
Committee reviewed the adequacy of the 
tax disclosures.

Goodwill: The strategy of the Group 
includes acquisitions of new technologies 
and businesses operating in adjacent 
markets. Goodwill represents a significant 
asset value on the balance sheet (£307.1m 
out of a total net assets of £608.8m at 31 
December 2016). The Committee 
completed its routine annual impairment 
review of the carrying value of goodwill, as 
prepared by management, including the 
sensitivity to a number of underlying 
assumptions. After due challenge, the 
Committee was satisfied the assumptions 
were reasonable and that no impairments 
were necessary.

50 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Internal audit and risk management
In 2016 I met with the Vice President Risk 
and Control several times outside of the 
formal meetings to discuss the performance 
and output of the internal audit function and 
aspects of risk management. The Vice 
President Risk and Control attended each 
Committee meeting and presented an 
internal audit report that was fully reviewed 
and discussed, highlighting any major 
deviations from the annual plan agreed with 
the Committee.

At each meeting, the Committee 
considered the results of the audits 
undertaken and considered the adequacy 
of management’s response to matters 
raised, including the time taken to resolve 
such matters. It also focused, in particular, 
on where there was a major divergence 
between the outcome of the internal audit 
and the scoring of the self-assessment 
questionnaire, completed annually by each 
business unit. In these instances it 
challenged management as to what actions 
it was taking to try to minimise the chances 
of divergences arising in the future. The 
Committee looked at recurring themes 
where issues are identified across a 
number of locations.

We also agreed the internal audit plan for 
2017; this takes into account such factors 
as the results of previous audits, both 
external and internal, the self-assessment 
questionnaire, recurring themes from 2016, 
acquisitions, system changes and the 
views of Executive management.

In February, the Committee conducted its 
annual review of the internal auditor, 
including the approach to audit planning 
and risk assessment, communication within 
the Business and with the Committee and 
its relationship with the external auditors. 
Internal feedback is used in this process. 
This did not highlight any significant areas 
for development. However, given we are 
tendering the external audit (see page 51) 
the Committee took the decision to tender 
the internal audit contract that KPMG have 
held for six years. This was because of the 
length of tenure of KPMG as internal 
auditors and the fact that if KPMG were 
successful in the external audit tender we 
would have to tender the internal audit 
contract in undue haste.

Details on how the Business implements 
its risk management and controls on a 
Group-wide basis are set out on pages 
29 to 33 and page 44.

External auditors’ effectiveness
During the year, the Committee assessed 
the effectiveness of PwC as Group external 
auditor. To assist in the assessment, the 
Committee spoke with senior members of 
the finance team to obtain their views on 
PwC’s effectiveness in carrying out the 
2016 audit. The Committee considered:

 → Quality of planning, delivery and 

execution of the audit

 → Quality and knowledge of the 

audit team

 → Effectiveness of communications 
between management and the 
audit team

 → Robustness of the audit, including 
the audit team’s ability to challenge 
management as well as demonstrate 
professional scepticism and 
independence.

The Committee also considered the quality 
of reports from PwC and the additional 
insights provided by the audit team, 
particularly at partner level. It took account 
of the views of the Group Finance Director 
and Group Financial Controller, who had 
met local audit partners when visiting some 
of the Group’s businesses, to gauge the 
quality of the team and their knowledge 
and understanding of the Business. 
The Committee considered how well the 
auditors assessed key accounting and 
audit judgements and the way they applied 
constructive challenge and professional 
scepticism in dealing with management. 

We reviewed both the Audit Quality Review 
of the 2015 audit of the Company which 
was undertaken by the FRC this year, as 
well as the FRC’s Audit Quality Inspection 
report on the UK firm, and overall the 
results were reassuring. The main area of 
comment by the FRC was around the audit 
of taxation and the Committee was 
satisfied with PwC’s responses to the 
points raised. A review of effectiveness also 
forms part of PwC’s own system of quality 
control and these procedures, which are 
set out in PwC’s 2016 Audit Quality and 
Transparency Report, were disclosed to 
the Committee.

Following the review, the Committee 
concluded that the audit was effective.

Directors’ ReportExternal audit tendering
The Statutory Audit Services Order 2014, 
which we fully support, requires rotation of 
audit firms every 10 years unless there is a 
tender, in which case the audit firm can 
remain as auditor for up to 20 years. The 
transitional provisions stagger the 
introduction of mandatory firm rotation 
depending on the length of audit tenure as 
at 17 June 2014. As PwC have been the 
Group’s auditors for more than 20 years we 
have a transition period that means PwC 
cannot be reappointed as our auditors 
after 17 June 2020.

The Committee has consistently said that it 
would tender the audit to coincide with the 
expiry of Ian Morrison’s term as lead audit 
partner, when he would sign the 2017 
Annual Report, or sooner if it were felt 
necessary by the Committee. This year the 
Committee formally committed to tender 
the audit during 2017. The first year to be 
audited by the newly appointed firm will be 
the year to 31 December 2018. During the 
year we agreed an outline timetable for the 
tender and agreed which audit firms we 
would ask to tender. The Group Finance 
Director and I have visited these audit firms 
to start the discussion with them around 
the key attributes we would expect to see 
in the senior members of the Group audit 
team and the likely structure of that team. 
The objective of this process is to ensure 
each firm puts forward the highest quality 
Group audit team to lead the tender that 
fits with our requirements. This process 
will continue through the first part of 2017. 
As part of the tender process the 
Committee, in conjunction with the firms 
themselves, are monitoring the Group’s 
spend with those tendering the audit 
to avoid any independence issue arising 
in the run up to the tender. There are 
no contractual obligations that restrict 
our choice of external auditor, although, 
as noted, under the European rules we 
are obliged to rotate PwC from the audit 
by 2020.

External auditors’ independence
The Committee and the Board place great 
emphasis on the objectivity of the Group’s 
external auditors in reporting to 
shareholders. Both PwC Group audit 
partners are present at Audit Committee 
meetings to ensure full communication of 
audit-related affairs and that they remain 
fully appraised of all matters considered 
by the Committee.

PwC were the Group’s joint auditors from 
1970 to 1980 and have been sole auditors 
since 1981. To ensure objectivity, the 
rotation of audit partners’ responsibilities 
within PwC is actively encouraged and has 
taken place.

During the year, the Committee undertook 
a detailed review of the provision of 
non-audit services by PwC and, in light 
of the FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard, 
we adopted a new Group policy in this 
area. The new policy, which is on our 
website www.croda.com , sets out 
prohibited non-audit services and the 
controls over assignments awarded 
to the external auditor to ensure that audit 
independence is not compromised. I am 
required to give prior approval for work 
carried out by PwC and its associates 
above a threshold of £20,000 and the 
Committee is required to approve work 
over £100,000. These reviews include 
determining that other potential providers 
of non-audit services have been properly 
considered in recognition of the importance 
of this matter to the Committee.

Non-audit fees have fallen for the fifth 
consecutive year. In 2016, they were 
£0.3m, significantly less than the total audit 
fees of £0.9m; the non-audit to audit fees 
ratio stands at 0.33:1.

The only significant fees for non-audit 
work undertaken by PwC relate to tax 
compliance and advisory in the US. The 
firm’s detailed knowledge of our operations 
in the US has been particularly helpful 
given the complexities of both Federal and 
State legislation, which necessitated the 
completion of 35 tax returns last year. 
During the year the Committee agreed to 
move this work away from PwC, and a 
tender process has been run, with a new 
firm appointed who are not involved in the 
external audit tender process.

The Committee undertook its annual 
review of the Group’s policies relating to 
external audit, including the policy which 
governs how and when employees and 
former employees of the Group’s auditors 
can be employed by Croda. No changes 
were made.

External auditor reappointment
The Committee recommended to the Board 
that PwC be offered for re-election at the 
forthcoming AGM, based on the work 
carried out in assessing their effectiveness 
and independence.

I will be available at the AGM to respond 
to any questions shareholders may raise 
on the Committee’s activities, including the 
external and internal audit tender processes.

Alan Ferguson
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Looking ahead to 2017
In addition to our routine business, 
the Committee has four focus areas 
for 2017. We will:

 → Plan and conduct the tenders 

of the external audit and internal 
audit services 

 → Review the implementation of our 
enhanced ethical compliance 
programmes relating to anti-
bribery and sales of products into 
sanctioned markets

 → Review the progress of the project 

to increase the use of data 
analytics both as an audit tool and 
as a tool to examine process flows 
within SAP

 → Continue our focus on cyber 
security risk and ensure the 
Committee receives some training 
on this area.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

51

Directors’ Report| Corporate Governance

Nomination Committee

Report of the Nomination Committee
for the year ended 31 December 2016

Members and attendance 
(eligibility) at meetings held 
during the year ended 
31 December 2016

Anita Frew
Chairman
Alan Ferguson
Independent Non-Executive
Steve Foots
Group Chief Executive
Helena Ganczakowski
Independent Non-Executive
Nigel Turner
Independent Non-Executive
Steve Williams
Independent Non-Executive

3 (3)

3 (3)

3 (3)

3 (3)

3 (3)

3 (3)

We will ensure a healthy 
pipeline of talent is emerging 
for future Executive and 
Board roles.”

Anita Frew  
Chairman of the Nomination Committee

Responsibilities
The Committee is responsible for 
nominating candidates for appointment 
to the Board for approval by the Board, 
and for succession planning. It evaluates 
the balance of skills, knowledge, 
experience and diversity on the Board, 
and identifies and nominates suitable 
candidates for appointment to the Board.

Key responsibilities
 → To review regularly the structure, size 
and composition (including the skills, 
knowledge, experience and diversity) of 
the Board and make recommendations 
for any changes to the Board

 → To give full consideration to succession 
planning for Directors and other senior 
Executives in the course of its work, 
taking into account the challenges and 
opportunities facing the Company and, 
consequently, what skills and expertise 
the Board will need in future

 → Where a Board vacancy is identified, 
to evaluate the balance of skills, 
knowledge, experience and diversity on 
the Board and prepare a description of 
the role and capabilities required for the 
respective appointment

52 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 → To identify and nominate candidates to 
fill Board vacancies, for the approval of 
the Board, as and when openings arise

 → To keep the organisation’s leadership 
needs, both Executive and Non-
Executive, under review to ensure that 
Croda continues to compete effectively 
in the marketplace

 → To review annually the time required 
from a Non-Executive Director and 
the Chairman

 → To make recommendations on 

succession planning for the Board.

Detailed responsibilities are set out in the 
Committee’s terms of reference, which 
can be found at www.croda.com .

Directors’ ReportLooking ahead to 2017
In addition to our routine business, 
during the year the Committee will:

 → Continue to review the balance, 

experience and skills of the Board, 
paying particular attention to the 
tenure of the Non-Executive 
Directors and the need to 
progressively refresh the Board

 → Continue to monitor succession 

planning for the senior leadership 
team to ensure a healthy pipeline 
of talent is emerging for future 
Executive and Board roles.

The Committee regularly reviews the Board 
diversity policy. In terms of gender diversity, 
25% of the members of the Board are 
female. Regarding all appointments to the 
Board, whether for Non-Executive or 
Executive positions, we consider carefully 
the benefits of greater diversity, including 
gender diversity, whilst ensuring that we fulfil 
our obligations to our shareholders to recruit 
the best person for the role on merit. The 
executive search firms used for our recent 
appointments to the Board are signatories 
to the Voluntary Code of Conduct for 
Executive Search Firms. The Committee 
ensures that the specification for any new 
Director role is equally suited to applicants 
of any gender and that no unlawful 
discrimination occurs at any stage in the 
selection process on the grounds of age, 
disability, gender reassignment, marriage 
and civil partnership, maternity, pregnancy, 
race, religion or belief, or sex or sexual 
orientation. The Board’s diversity policy can 
be found at www.croda.com .

I will be available at the AGM to respond 
to any questions shareholders may raise 
on the Committee’s activities.

Anita Frew
Chairman of the Nomination Committee

Dear fellow shareholder,

Main activities and priorities in 2016
Dr. Keith Layden, Chief Technology Officer 
and President, Life Sciences, will retire on 
1 May 2017. The Nomination Committee 
spent time discussing and planning for 
Keith’s retirement and succession. The 
Committee considered that the Company 
would benefit from Keith’s expertise in 
technology and innovation if he remained 
on the Board. On the Committee’s 
recommendation, the Board invited Keith to 
continue as a Non-Executive Director and 
I am delighted that he accepted this 
invitation, which will take effect from 
1 May 2017. 

After full consideration of succession for 
Keith, the Committee approved the 
appointment of Dr. Nick Challoner as 
President of Life Sciences with effect from 
1 May 2017. Nick will continue to be 
responsible for the Asian Pacific region and 
to be based in Singapore. Nick will also lead 
Croda’s Global Research and Technology 
function. Keith’s other responsibilities have 
been assumed by other members of the 
Executive Committee.

The Committee spent time considering 
CEO succession, both in terms of 
emergency succession plans in the 
event that the Board needed to appoint 
a temporary CEO due to unforeseen 
circumstances, and for possible 
successors now or in the future. 

The Committee carried out a review of the 
size, structure and composition of the Board 
for its current and future needs, to align with 
the Company’s strategy. The Committee will 
continue to review the balance, experience 
and skills on the Board.

The Committee reviewed the time 
commitment of the Non-Executive 
Directors and was also satisfied that all the 
Non-Executives are able to commit the 
required time for the proper performance 
of their duties and continue to fulfil the 
criteria of independence.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

53

Directors’ Report| Corporate Governance

Other Committees

The management of the Business is 
delegated by the Board to the Group 
Chief Executive, who uses various 
Committees to assist him in this task.

Group Finance Committee
The Committee meets every month to 
review monthly operating results and 
examine capital expenditure projects.

The role of the Executive-level Committees 
is set out below, with a table showing the 
membership at the date of this Report.

Group Executive Committee
The Committee meets eight times a year 
and is responsible for: developing and 
implementing strategy, operational 
plans, policies, procedures and 
budgets; monitoring operating and 
financial performance; assessing and 
controlling risk; and prioritising and 
allocating resources.

Risk Management Committee
The Committee meets quarterly to 
evaluate and propose policies and 
monitor processes to control business, 
operational and compliance risks 
faced by the Group, and to assess 
emerging risks.

Group SHEQ Steering Committee
The Committee meets quarterly to monitor 
progress against the Group SHEQ 
objectives and targets, review safety 
performance and audits, and determine 
the requirement for new or revised SHEQ 
policies, procedures and objectives.

Group Ethics Committee
The Committee was set up at the start 
of 2017 and meets quarterly in support 
of our culture of integrity, honesty and 
openess to promote the importance of 
ethics and compliance across the Group 
and amongst our supply chain partners.

Routine Business Committee
The Committee comprises the Group 
Chief Executive and Group Finance 
Director, with the Group General Counsel 
and Company Secretary and Group 
Financial Controller acting as alternates. 
The Committee attends to business of 
a routine nature and to the administration 
of certain matters, the principles of which 
have been agreed by the Board or the 
Group Executive Committee.

Committee membership
(as at the date of this report)
Steve Foots

Group Chief Executive

Stuart Arnott

President Global Operations

Sandra Breene

President Personal Care

Tom Brophy

Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

Nick Challoner

President Asia

Anthony Fitzpatrick

President Corporate Development

Maarten Heybroek

President Performance Technologies & Industrial Chemicals

Keith Layden

Jez Maiden

Chief Technology Officer & President Life Sciences

Group Finance Director

Graham Myers

Group Financial Controller

• Chairman  • Member

Group
Executive
Committee
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Risk
 Management
Committee
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Group SHEQ
Steering
 Committee
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Group
Finance
Committee
•
•

Group
Ethics
Committee
•
•

•
•
•

•
•
•

54 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ ReportRemuneration Report

Report of the Remuneration Committee
for the year ended 31 December 2016

Members and attendance 
(eligibility) at meetings held 
during the year ended 
31 December 2016

Steve Williams
Chairman
Alan Ferguson
Independent Non-Executive
Anita Frew
Board Chairman
Helena Ganczakowski
Independent Non-Executive
Nigel Turner
Independent Non-Executive

5 (5)

5 (5)

5 (5)

5 (5)

5 (5)

Our remuneration policies 
have contributed to the 
building of sustainable long 
term business growth.”

Steve Williams  
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Chairman’s letter 
56
2016 Remuneration at a glance  58
Remuneration Policy  
2017 to 2020  
59
Annual report on remuneration  66
Other unaudited information 
74

Responsibilities
The Committee determines and agrees 
with the Board the Company’s 
remuneration policy and framework. 
It determines the remuneration packages 
for all Executive Directors and the 
Chairman, and recommends and monitors 
the level and structure of remuneration 
for senior managers.

 → To ensure that no payment or 

proposed payment is made that is 
not consistent with the remuneration 
policy most recently approved 
by shareholders;

 → To select, appoint and set the terms 
of reference for any remuneration 
consultants who advise the 
Committee; and

Key responsibilities:
 → To determine the Company’s 

remuneration policy and framework, 
taking into account factors which it 
deems necessary, including legal and 
regulatory requirements;

 → To review the ongoing appropriateness 
and relevance of the remuneration policy;

 → To determine the total individual 
remuneration packages for the 
Chairman, each Executive Director, 
the Company Secretary and other 
members of the Executive 
management team as are designated 
by the Board from time to time;

 → To oversee any major changes 
in employee benefits structures 
throughout the Group.

Detailed responsibilities are set out in the 
Committee’s terms of reference, which 
can be found at www.croda.com .

Looking ahead to 2017
In addition to routine business, 
the Committee will implement  
our refined remuneration policy,  
if approved at the 2017 AGM.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

55

Directors’ Report 
| Remuneration Report

Chairman’s letter
Dear fellow shareholder,

On behalf of both the Remuneration 
Committee and your Board of Directors, 
it gives me great pleasure to present the 
Company’s Remuneration Report for 2016.

The Committee believes that our remuneration 
policies to date have contributed to our 
success by stressing the importance of 
building for a sustainable long term future 
and encouraging only those actions which 
result in profitable growth, irrespective 
of the basis of measurement.

If we have all learned one thing in 2016 it 
is that circumstances change and we must 
be prepared to respond to those changes. 
So it is appropriate that at this Annual 
General Meeting we will be placing before 
you our revised Remuneration Policy 
for consideration. 

This letter, therefore, deals with two matters. 
First, a summary of the principles which have 
guided us in framing the new policy and its 
application for 2017 and, second, a summary 
of the remuneration outturn for 2016.

The revised Remuneration Policy 
and 2017 application
In considering how the Company’s 
Remuneration Policy should develop the 
Committee has been guided by five general 
principles framed, in part, in consultation 
with our principal shareholders. 

First, to achieve the closest possible 
alignment with the Company’s strategy. 
To this end a new long term metric is  
being introduced reflecting our focus on 
innovation and our progress in developing 
New and Protected Products (NPP).  
This will take its place alongside Total 
Shareholder Return (TSR) and Earnings Per 
Share (EPS) growth in the long term plan. 

Second, to raise the profile of both actual 
and relative performance and to ensure it is 
judged against true business competition. 
The comparator group for long term 
TSR performance is now a bespoke group 
of our international competitors. The bar 
is therefore raised.

Third, to ensure that the policy properly 
reflects the various concerns of 
shareholders as to structure and metrics. 
Thus, although the policy rewards 
improved profit performance each year, 
and TSR, EPS and NPP growth in the 

56 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

longer term, these are subject to underpins. 
This means that the Committee must 
satisfy itself, each year that other measures 
of corporate performance have not been 
sacrificed to achieve a result against our 
primary incentive plan performance 
measures. For example these might be 
operational matters like the SHE record or 
financials matters such as cash generation 
and ROCE. Indeed the Committee will 
report on these deliberations each year. 

Fourth, to ensure that target setting year by 
year results in stretching ambitions and that 
the scale of reward on offer is proportionate 
and always linked to improved performance. 
Therefore, for 2017, only incremental profit 
performance is rewarded, and the targets, 
although revised, are designed to be 
equally tough as in preceding years 
bearing in mind the current environment. 
For instance, the achievement of what 
we believe is a stretching budget in 2017 
would yield around 10 percentage points 
of bonus less than it would have done 
in 2016. In addition, by changing the 
performance measurement basis to 
constant currency, achieving the target 
is likely to be much more challenging 
because if current exchange rates had 
been maintained then we would expect a 
further currency benefit to reported results. 

Fifth and finally, the Committee’s method 
of operation will be flexible and dynamic 
taking account of external changes 
in recommended best practice as well 
as business performance. This represents 
a strengthened approach to look at 
rewards holistically and to treat each year 
as providing different challenges. Thus 
although the new policy is designed to last 
until 2020 it may be the case that refinement 
to its operation is required before then. 

In further detail then: 

Annual bonus
The structure and operation of the 
annual bonus system will remain similar 
to the approach taken in prior years. 
The principle requirement that no bonus 
can be paid unless and until the previous 
year’s income is exceeded will remain 
a distinguishing feature.
The income targets (broadly being a 
measure of our success in achieving profit 
growth adjusted for movements in working 
capital over the year) will henceforth be set 
and assessed each year on a constant 
currency basis, removing the external 
volatility of currency translation from 

reward. We feel that moving to a constant 
currency approach will better align 
performance and reward. Furthermore, 
since we are to adopt this approach over 
the long term, the potential for any windfall 
benefits, due to the insulation of executives 
from the impact of negative currency 
movements will be offset in equal measure 
by years in which there are positive 
currency movements.

Increases in the maximum bonus to 150% 
of salary for the Group CEO and 125% 
of salary for the CFO are proposed. 
These increases reflect:

1.  Our performance requirements are 
tougher under the refined bonus 
structure;

2.  Our Business has increased in size 
and complexity since 2013 when 
we designed our current policy. 
We structured our approach to doing 
business in 2014 so that we now operate 
based on global market sectors. This 
business model is now successfully 
integrated and has facilitated our 
continued organic growth and enabled 
the smooth integration of our targeted 
acquisitions which have broadened our 
business capabilities and potential; and

3.  the Committee’s view of the very good 

performance of the senior team.

In reaching this conclusion, the Committee 
noted that these changes will more closely 
align total potential pay levels with UK listed 
companies of a comparable size and 
complexity. However, the Committee does 
not operate a policy of targeting specific 
‘quartile’ positioning against market data 
– all cases are treated on their individual 
merits, as is this.

All else remains as is with 33% of the 
bonus subject to a three year deferral into 
shares, together with recovery and 
withholding provisions.

Long Term Incentive Plan
EPS and TSR performance metrics will 
remain, subject to changes in weighting 
to accommodate an additional metric.

In line with a key focus of our strategy, this 
third metric will assess New and Protected

Product (NPP) sales over the performance 
period. The NPP metric is a tried and 
tested measure within Croda that will be 
set as a hard target which will need to be 
achieved for this part of the award to vest. 
In addition to the general financial underpin 

Directors’ Reportthat applies to both the EPS and TSR 
performance conditions, this part of an 
award will also be subject to additional 
requirements for overall Group profitability 
to be positive over the three year 
performance period plus absolute growth 
in NPP to average at least 5% per annum, 
for vesting to take place.

A bespoke TSR peer group will be adopted, 
replacing the current FTSE 350 peer group.

This peer group has been carefully chosen 
to identify a more relevant benchmark of 
true global business performance that is 
less impacted by the volatilities of unrelated 
sectors in the FTSE. The group has been 
chosen to include the companies we are 
competing against across our operations 
which, as a result, is intended to be highly 
motivating to our senior team. TSR will be 
assessed on a local currency basis given 
the multinational nature of our markets and 
competitors. Thus, vesting is determined 
based on our performance relative to TSR 
calculated on a basis that the Committee 
considers to reflect best the actual 
underlying performance of companies 
within the Group. 

We propose that for 2017 awards be 
granted based on 40% TSR, 40% EPS and 
20% based on NPP, compared with 50% 
EPS and 50% TSR under the old policy. 
Long term incentive awards will also 
continue to be subject to a two year 
holding period on vested shares, together 
with recovery and withholding provisions 
and of course reviewed in the light of the 
financial underpins.

Salary
Our policy is to increase salary for Executive 
Directors in line with those of the UK 
workforce. In 2017 the Executive Directors 
have declined to receive their full increase 
and will receive a 1% increase to salary 
as opposed to the 2% average increase 
across the UK. 

Pension
During 2014 and 2015, the Company 
reviewed pension provisions for UK 
employees and decided to continue 
to provide a defined benefit arrangement 
through a Career Average Revalued 
Earnings scheme and applied a salary 
cap of £65,000 to pension benefits. 

At the same time, the Committee also 
agreed to adjust the cash allowance it 
provided above the £65,000 defined 
benefit pension cap. As the cap had  

been reduced for the defined benefit 
element of the pension, the level of cash 
allowance provided above the cap was 
increased to 25% of salary (in line with  
our remuneration policy maximum) with  
the objective being to continue to support 
the provision of pensions in retirement.  
To provide consistency of approach, the 
Committee also agreed at the same time  
to set the cash in lieu of a Company 
pension contribution at 25% of salary.

In conclusion, your Committee believes 
the changes to the Remuneration Policy 
will support our strategy by sharpening 
the focus on innovation and promoting 
a greater awareness of the competitive 
challenge. As such, we commend the 
new policy to you.

Performance and reward for 2016
When considering how our Business 
performance in 2016 translates into reward, 
we should first consider the annual bonus 
and then the longer term incentive plan.

Turning first to the annual bonus, you will 
recall that under the existing policy this is 
set on the basis of the Company’s results 
expressed in reported currency (i.e. the 
results include the impact of currency 
translation into Sterling). This has been the 
basis on which reward has been calculated 
for the past six years. Your Committee 
believes that it is fair and just to maintain 
the reported currency basis for 2016 as 
this was the basis on which targets were 
set for 2016 and therefore retains 
consistency over recent years. Last year 
was the first in which the bonus scheme 
paid out in part since 2012, reflecting the 
tough nature of the targets set by the 
Committee. 

Income growth for 2016 was in excess 
of 10% over inflation which results in  
a maximum bonus payment to those 
participating in this scheme – the 
performance underpinning this payment  
is an achievement of which we should be 
justly proud. The results were excellent on 
the basis of reported currency and we also 
delivered robust growth on a constant 
currency basis. It is on this latter basis that 
they will be judged in future years to align 
better performance and reward and 
remove what, at the time of setting our 
targets, appear to be a potential favourable 
tailwind for 2017 performance.

With regard to longer term incentives, 2016 
was the year in which grants made in 2014, 
under Performance Share Plan (PSP) 
reached the conclusion of the three year 
performance period.

As you will read in the following pages, 
these programmes required TSR and EPS 
criteria to be met in the years from 2014 to 
2016 before any vesting could take place. 
Over the performance period we delivered 
a three year TSR of 47% which placed our 
performance towards the top quartile 
against our FTSE 350 comparator group, 
resulting in 85.9% of this part of the award 
vesting. However, in light of the demanding 
EPS targets set by the Committee, 
notwithstanding delivering 18% EPS 
growth over the performance period, we 
narrowly missed the threshold EPS growth 
condition. Thus, overall vesting will be at 
42.95% of the total award. Our consistently 
improving TSR performance is 
demonstrated on the TSR performance 
graph on p74.

So far as the Committee is concerned, 
2016 was a successful year and the 
existing policy has proved its worth. 
However, events move on and it is timely 
that the policy be revised and refreshed.

In the following pages you will find:

 → full details of the proposed new 

Remuneration Policy; and

 → an Annual Report on Remuneration 
in which we describe how we will be 
applying the new policy in 2017 
and what was earned in 2016 with 
disclosure of our actual performance 
against the targets set.

The intention is to present a full picture 
of where we have been and where, 
with your approval, we wish to go. 

On behalf of the Committee and the Board, 
I thank you for your support.

Yours sincerely,

Steve Williams
Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

57

Directors’ Report| Remuneration Report

2016 Remuneration at a glance
How we performed
Business highlights

Revenue growth 
+15.0% to £1,243.6m

Adjusted EPS growth 
+15.4% to 155.8p

Adjusted operating profit 
+12.9% to £298.2m

NPP as a % of Group sales 
+1.3% points to 27.4%

See our Finance report on p24 to p27

How was our policy in 2016 implemented?

Key component

Feature

Metrics and targets

How we implemented

Basic salary and 
core benefits

N/A

Competitive salary and 
benefits to attract and 
retain high-calibre 
Executives

Annual bonus

Deferred  
element of  
bonus

PSP

Income growth (broadly measuring profit 
growth adjusted for movements in working 
capital over the year)
Max target: 2015 actual plus CPI plus 10%
Actual: 2015 actual plus CPI plus 10.85%
% of bonus achieved = 100%

N/A

Incentivise delivery 
of key objectives and 
contribute to long term 
alignment with 
shareholders
Challenging financial 
targets set in line with 
Group KPIs

Compulsory deferral of 
one third of any bonus 
paid into shares for 
three years through the 
Deferred Bonus Share 
Plan (DBSP)

Incentivise execution 
of business strategy 
over longer term, 
rewarding sustained 
growth in profit and 
shareholder value
50% EPS
50% TSR

EPS Growth
Threshold target: 6% p.a.
Max target: 12% p.a.
Relative TSR (versus FTSE 350)
Threshold target: median TSR
Max target: upper quartile TSR
Performance measured over three years 
to 31 December 2018

Shareholding 
requirements

Share ownership 
guidelines to ensure 
material personal stake 
in the business

Chief Executive: 200% of salary
Group Finance Director: 150% of salary
Chief Technology Officer: 150% of salary

Pay rise of 1.5% in line with rest of UK workforce
Chief Executive Officer: £618,135
Group Finance Director: £426,300
Chief Technology Officer: £330,049

100% of maximum bonus paid
Chief Executive Officer: £772,669 (125% of salary)
Group Finance Director: £426,300 (100% of salary)
Chief Technology Officer: £330,049 (100% of salary)

Chief Executive Officer: £257,556 deferred 
(out of £772,669) 
Group Finance Director: £142,100 deferred 
(out of £426,300)
Chief Technology Officer: £110,016 deferred  
(out of £330,049)

Awards granted in 2016 (subject to performance) were:
Chief Executive Officer: 200% of salary
Group Finance Director: 150% of salary
Chief Technology Officer: 150% of salary

Time horizon key

Single figure remuneration at a glance

1 year 

2 years

3 years

O ngoing

Steve Foots (total £2,281,092)

Jez  Maiden (total £985,066)

Keith Layden (total £1,014,625)

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

See p70 for the full details of 2016 remuneration

Salary
Benefits
Pension (incl. supplement)
Bonus
LTIPs
Other

58 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ ReportRemuneration Policy  
2017–2020 Report
Our proposed Remuneration Policy will 
be presented to shareholders at the 2017 
AGM and is intended to operate until the 
expiration of the AGM in 2020. Changes 
to the Policy have been minimised and the 
Committee believes that these changes 
are right for the business, reflect the values 
of the organisation and remain reasonable 
and proportionate.

Objectives of the new policy
The Committee has spent several months 
considering the effectiveness of the current 
policy and any potential changes for the 
future. This review has been completed 
with the following five principal objectives 
in mind:

 → To achieve the closest possible 

alignment with the Company’s strategy

 → To raise the profile of performance and 
to ensure that it is judged against true 
business competition

 → To ensure that the policy properly 
reflects the various concerns of 
shareholders as to structure and 
metrics

 → To ensure that target setting year by 

year sets truly stretching ambitions and 
that the scale of reward is proportionate

 → The Committee’s method of operation 
will be flexible and dynamic taking 
account of external changes and 
business performance

Additionally, the Committee has sought 
to simplify the operation of the policy 
wherever possible to give the CEO flexibility 
that both he and the Committee believe 
is necessary to continue the underlying 
sales and profit growth and the 
consequent rewards to shareholders.

Main changes to policy
The Remuneration Policy described below 
includes a small number of changes when 
compared against the Remuneration Policy 
approved by shareholders at the 2014 AGM.

The only substantial change is the increase 
in the maximum potential bonus for the 
CEO from 125% to 150% of salary and the 
Group Finance Director from 100% to 125% 
of salary. These increases are made against 
the backdrop of tougher performance 
requirements set under the refined bonus 
structure and the committee’s view of the 
very good performance of the senior team. 
Our Business has increased in size and 
complexity since 2013 when we designed 
our current policy, and the move made in 
2014 to global market sectors has been 
successfully integrated and has facilitated 
our continued organic growth and enabled 
the smooth integration of our targeted 
acquisitions which have broadened our 
business capabilities and potential. 

With regard to the application of the policy 
the metrics for the PSP have been 
changed. The EPS and relative TSR 
performance metrics will remain, subject 
to changes in weighting to accommodate 
an additional metric, NPP. For 2017, awards 
will be granted based on 40% relative TSR, 
40% EPS and 20% based on NPP 
(compared with 50% EPS and 50% TSR 
currently). The NPP metric is a three year 
target aligned to internal KPIs and is a tried 
and tested measure within Croda. The 
NPP metric requires NPP sales growth to 
be twice non NPP sales growth. In addition 
Group profits will also have to increase 
over the performance period, along with 
an absolute growth in NPP sales at an 
average of 5% per annum over the three 
year vesting period. For TSR a bespoke 
peer group will be adopted, replacing the 
current FTSE 350 peer group. This peer 
group has been carefully chosen to identify 
a more relevant benchmark of true global 
business performance that is less 
impacted by the volatilities of unrelated 
sectors in the FTSE. 

In operating our revised policy, the 
Committee intends to ensure that its 
application will reflect shareholders’ 
interests and the Committee will consider 
all aspects of corporate performance 
before approving any rewards through the 
careful consideration of all financial and 
health and safety underpins with disclosure 
of the factors considered in doing so 
disclosed in the Annual Report on 
Remuneration each year. 

These changes have also been made 
below the Board with a revised approach 
to target setting being implemented for 
PSP participants at the Group Executive 
Committee level and below. Refining the 
targets to be weighted towards metrics 
that these executives have greater ability to 
influence towards was considered aligned 
with the Committee’s objective of affording 
the CEO the flexibility necessary to drive 
sales and profitable growth.

Also, with regard the application of the 
Policy, the income targets (broadly being 
a measure of our success in achieving profit 
growth adjusted for movements in working 
capital over the year) will be set and 
assessed each year on a constant currency 
basis, removing the external volatility 
of currency translation from reward. 

Finally, as previously reported and agreed 
in 2014 and implemented in April 2016, the 
UK defined benefit pension changed to a 
Career Average Revalued Earning scheme 
for all employees with a maximum accrual 
rate of 1/60th and a salary cap of £65,000. 
In line with policy the Executive Directors 
pension allowances were increased from 
20% to 25%.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

59

Directors’ Report| Remuneration Report | Remuneration Policy 2017 – 2020 Report

Main components of Croda’s Remuneration Policy

Link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Basic salary
To assist in the recruitment and 
retention of high-calibre 
executives.

Reviewed annually with increases effective from 1 January.

Base salaries will be set by the Committee, taking 
into account:

 → The performance and experience of the individual 

concerned

 → Any change in responsibilities
 → Pay and employment conditions elsewhere 

in the Group

 → Rates of inflation and market-wide wage increases 

across international locations

 → The geographical location of the Executive
 → Rates of pay in international manufacturing and 
pan-sector companies of a comparable size 
and complexity.

Salaries may be increased each year (in percentage 
of salary terms). 

The Committee will be guided by the salary increase 
budget set in each region and across the 
workforce generally.

Increases beyond those linked to the region of the 
Executive or the workforce as a whole (in percentage of 
salary terms) may be awarded in certain circumstances 
such as where there is a change in responsibility, 
experience or a significant increase in the scale of the 
role and/or size, value or complexity of the Group.

The Committee retains the flexibility to set the salary 
of a new hire at a discount to the market level initially, and 
to implement a series of planned increases in subsequent 
years, in order to bring the salary to the desired 
positioning, subject to individual performance.

Framework used to assess performance and for the recovery of sums paid
The Committee considers individual salaries at the appropriate Committee meeting each year, taking due account of the factors noted in operation 
of the salary policy.

Benefits
To provide competitive benefits 
to act as a retention mechanism 
and reward service.

The Group typically provides the following benefits:

 → Company car (or cash allowance)

 → Private fuel allowance

 → Health and other insured benefits

Cost of benefits is not pre-determined and may vary 
from year to year based on the cost to the Group.

 → Other ancillary benefits, including relocation  

expenses/arrangements (as required).

Additional benefits might be provided from time to time 
(eg in circumstances where an Executive Director is 
recruited from overseas). The Committee will consider 
whether the payment of any additional benefits is 
appropriate and in line with market practice when 
determining whether they are paid.

Framework used to assess performance and for the recovery of sums paid
None.

Performance related bonus
To incentivise and reward 
delivery of the Group’s key 
annual objectives.

To contribute to longer term 
alignment with shareholders.

Compulsory deferral of one third of any bonus paid into 
shares for three years through the Deferred Bonus 
Share Plan (DBSP).

The Committee has the discretion to permit DBSP 
awards to benefit from dividends on shares that vest.

The balance of the bonus is paid in cash.

Group Chief Executive: 150% of salary

Group Finance Director: 125% of salary

Other Executive Directors: 100% of salary

Framework used to assess performance and for the recovery of sums paid
Details of the performance measures used for the current year and targets set for the year under review and performance against them is provided 
in the Annual Report on Remuneration. Bonus will be fully (or largely) based on a challenging range of financial targets set in line with the Group’s KPIs 
(eg income growth targets). The Committee has the flexibility to include, for a minority of the bonus, targets related to the Group’s other KPIs where this 
is considered appropriate. For each objective set, bonus starts to accrue once the threshold target is met (0% payable) rising on a graduated scale 
to 100% for out-performance. The Committee has the flexibility to take health, safety and environmental performance into consideration when 
determining the actual overall level of individual bonus payments and it may reduce the bonus awards if it considers it appropriate to do so. 
Bonuses paid are subject to provisions that enable the Committee to recover value overpaid through the withholding of variable pay previously earned 
or granted (malus) or through requesting a payment from an individual (claw back) in the event of a material misstatement of results or serious 
misconduct. The provisions will operate for a three-year period following the date on which the bonus is paid.

60 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ ReportLink to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance Share Plan 
(PSP)
To incentivise and reward the 
execution of business strategy 
over the longer term.

The PSP provides for awards of free shares (ie either 
conditional shares or nil-cost options) normally made 
annually which vest after three years subject to continued 
service and the achievement of challenging performance 
conditions.

Normal maximum opportunity of 200% of salary.

In exceptional circumstances (eg recruitment), awards may 
be granted up to 300% of salary to compensate for value 
forfeited from a previous employer.

To reward sustained 
growth in (i) profit and 
(ii) shareholder value.

Shares (on an after tax basis) are subject to a two year 
post-vesting holding period.

The Committee has the discretion when awards are 
granted, to permit awards to benefit from the dividends 
paid on shares that vest.

Framework used to assess performance and for the recovery of sums paid
Granted subject to a blend of challenging financial (eg EPS), shareholder return (eg relative TSR) and strategic targets (eg NPP). Targets will normally 
be tested over three years.

In relation to financial targets (eg EPS growth and TSR) 25% of awards subject to such targets will vest for threshold performance with a graduated 
scale operating through to full vesting for equalling, or exceeding, the maximum performance targets (no awards vest for performance below 
threshold). In relation to strategic targets, the structure of the target will vary based on the nature of target set (i.e. it will not always be practicable 
to set such targets using a graduated scale and so vesting may take place in full for strategic targets if specific criteria are met in full). Vesting is also 
dependent on satisfactory underlying financial performance of the Group over the performance period and subject to potential claw back in the event 
of a material misstatement of results or serious misconduct. The claw back provisions will operate for a three year period following the date on which 
the awards vest.

All-employee share plans
To encourage long term 
shareholding in the Company.

To provide all employees with 
the opportunity to become 
shareholders in the Company 
on similar terms.

Periodic invitations are made to participate in the 
Group’s Sharesave Plan and Share Incentive Plan.

Shares acquired through these arrangements have 
significant tax benefits in the UK subject to satisfying 
certain HMRC requirements.

The plans can only operate on an all-employee basis. 
The plans operate on similar terms but on a non-tax 
favoured basis outside the UK as appropriate.

Framework used to assess performance and for the recovery of sums paid
There are no post-grant performance targets applicable to these awards.

The maximum participation level (for UK-based employees) 
is as per HMRC limits (see Annual Report on Remuneration 
for current maximum limits).

Pension
To provide competitive 
long term retirement benefits. 

To act as a retention mechanism 
and reward service.

Pension benefits are typically provided either 
through (i) participation in the UK’s defined benefit 
pension plan with a cash supplement provided above 
any pension salary cap or (ii) a cash supplement 
provided in lieu of pension.

Career Average Revalued Earnings Scheme with 
up to 1/60th accrual up to a capped salary currently 
set at up to £65,000 plus cash allowance of up to 25% 
of salary above the cap. The salary cap may be reduced 
due to annual allowance regulations. 

Only basic salary is pensionable.

Or

Cash allowance of up to 25% of salary.

Framework used to assess performance and for the recovery of sums paid
None.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

61

Directors’ Report| Remuneration Report | Remuneration Policy 2017 – 2020 Report

Bonus plan and long term 
incentive policy
The Committee will operate the annual 
bonus plan, PSP and all-employee plans 
according to their respective rules and in 
accordance with the Listing Rules and 
HMRC rules where relevant. The 
Committee retains discretion, consistent 
with market practice, in a number of 
regards to the operation and administration 
of these plans. These include the following 
(plan limits and performance targets 
restricted to the descriptions detailed in 
the preceding policy table):

 → Who participates in the plans

 → The timing of grant of award and/

or payment

 → The size of an award and/or payment

 → The determination of vesting 

 → Dealing with a change of control (eg the 
timing of testing performance targets) 
or restructuring

 → Determination of a good/bad leaver for 
incentive plan purposes based on the 
rules of each plan and the appropriate 
treatment chosen

 → Adjustments required in certain 
circumstances (eg rights issues, 
corporate restructuring and special 
dividends)

 → The annual review of performance 
conditions, including metrics and 
weightings, for the annual bonus 
plan and PSP 

The Committee also retains the ability 
to adjust the targets and/or set different 
measures and alter weightings for the 
annual bonus plan and to adjust targets 
for the PSP if events occur (eg material 
divestment of a Group business) which 
cause it to determine that the conditions are 
no longer appropriate and the amendment 
is required so that the conditions achieve 
their original purpose and are not materially 
less difficult to satisfy.

Shareholding guidelines
The Committee operates share ownership 
guidelines which apply to all Executive 
Directors and the Group Executive 
Committee. The Group Chief Executive 
is subject to a share ownership guideline 
of 200% of salary and the other Executive 
Directors to 150% of salary. 

It is expected that the guideline will be 
met within a five year time period from 
its adoption (or date of joining for new 
appointments) through a combination 
of share purchases and the retention 
of incentive shares. On the exercise of 
Sharesave options or the vesting of awards 
from the Company’s long term incentive 
plans, Executives are required to retain 
shares awarded representing 50% of the 
net of tax gain until the ownership target 
is met or exceeded. 

Choice of performance measures 
and approach to target setting
The performance metrics that are used 
for annual bonus and long term incentive 
plans are a subset of the Group’s KPIs.

Under the annual bonus plan, an 
underlying profit-based objective such as 
income growth will be used as the primary 
performance metric. Such a measure will 
be used as it looks to reward two KPIs that 
are used within the business, namely the 
growth in underlying profitability and the 
efficient use of working capital. Other 
metrics based on the Group’s KPIs may be 
used in the future where it is considered 
that they provide clear alignment with the 
evolving strategy of the Group. In any 
event, the achievement of profitable growth 
whilst ensuring that efficient management 
of ROIC/ROCE and cash is fully 
encouraged and will be central to the 
Committee’s deliberations. 

In terms of long term performance targets, 
PSP awards will vest subject to challenging 
financial targets (eg EPS growth) that are 
informed by the long term levels of growth 
targeted by the Group, shareholder return 
targets (eg relative TSR) which provide 
clear alignment of interests between 
shareholders and executives and strategic 
targets (eg NPP) that are aligned with 
Company’s targeted long term KPIs. 

Financial targets are set, where possible, 
based on sliding scales that take account 
of internal planning and external market 
expectations for the Group. Only modest 
rewards are available for delivering 
threshold performance levels with 
maximum rewards requiring substantial 
out-performance of the challenging plans 
approved at the start of each year.

No performance targets are applied to the 
all-employee plans which are aimed at 
encouraging broad based equity ownership.

Further details of the annual bonus metrics 
to be used for the current financial year 
are set out in the Annual Report on 
Remuneration. The targets for awards to 
be granted under the PSP in the current 
financial year are consistent with the policy 
set out above and are also set out in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration.

How Executive Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy relates 
to the wider group
The Executive Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy provides an overview of the structure 
that operates for the Group Executive 
Directors and those senior Executives 
forming the Group Executive Committee 
(noting, however, that there are some 
differences in PSP participation and levels 
within this group). 

The Committee is made aware of pay 
structures across the Group when setting 
the Remuneration Policy for Executive 
Directors. The key difference is that, overall, 
the Remuneration Policy for Executive 
Directors is more heavily weighted towards 
variable pay than for other employees.

Base salaries are operated under the same 
policy as detailed in the Remuneration 
Policy table with any comparator groups 
used as a reference point being country 
and/or industry specific. The Committee 
considers the general basic salary increase 
for the broader Group and, in particular, 
the UK based employees when 
determining the annual salary review for 
the Executive Directors. 

The performance related bonus scheme 
operates on a tiered basis from 150% of 
salary down to 30% of salary across the 
most senior global grades. Outside of the 
most senior tiers of Executives, the PSP 
is not operated as this arrangement is 

62 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ Reportreserved for those anticipated as having 
the greatest potential to influence Group 
level performance. 

However, the Committee believes in wider 
employee share ownership and promotes 
this through the operation of the HMRC tax 
approved all-employee share schemes 
which are open to all UK employees. 
Other similar share schemes are offered 
in other jurisdictions where local securities 
laws allow.

How the views of employees 
are taken into account
The Company, in line with current market 
practice, does not actively consult with 
employees on Executive remuneration. 
The Group has a diverse workforce operating 
globally in 36 different countries, with various 
local pay practices, which hinders effective 
consultation and so the Group Human 
Resources Director updates the Committee 
periodically on feedback received on 
remuneration practices across the Group. 

The Committee takes due account of 
remuneration structures elsewhere in the 
Group when setting pay for the Executive 
Directors (for example, consideration is 
given to the overall salary increase budget 
and the incentive structures that operate 
across the Group).

How the views of shareholders 
are taken into account
The Remuneration Committee considers 
shareholder feedback received in relation 
to the AGM each year and guidance from 
shareholder representative bodies more 
generally. In late 2016 and early 2017 the 
Committee undertook an extensive 
consultation process with shareholders 
explaining in advance the proposed 
Remuneration Policy. This feedback, plus 
any additional feedback received during 
any meetings held with shareholders from 
time to time, is then considered as part of 
the Committee’s ongoing review of 
Remuneration Policy.

Remuneration scenarios 
for Executive Directors
The Group’s policy results in a significant 
proportion of remuneration received 
by Executive Directors being dependent 
on Group performance. The graph below 
illustrates how the total pay opportunities 
for the Executive Directors varies under 
three different performance scenarios: 
below target, on-target and maximum. 
When reviewing the graph, it should be 
noted that it has been prepared based 
on the policy detailed above and ignores, 
for simplicity, the potential impact of future 
share price growth.

Remuneration Scenarios for Executive Directors (£’000)

Long term share awards

Annual bonus

Fixed

3,200

2,800

2,400

2,000

1,600

1,200

800

400

0

£3,001

41.6%

31.2%

£2,065

37.8%

22.7%

£816

100%

39.5%

27.2%

w
o
e
B

l

l

d
o
h
s
e
r
h
T

t
e
g
r
a
T

CEO

m
u
m
x
a
M

i

£1,750

36.9%

30.8%

£1,238

32.6%

21.7%

45.7%

32.3%

t
e
g
r
a
T

GFD

m
u
m
x
a
M

i

£566

100%

w
o
e
B

l

l

d
o
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s
e
r
h
T

£437

100%

w
o
e
B

l

l

d
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h
s
e
r
h
T

£916

34.1%

18.2%

47.7%

t
e
g
r
a
T

CTO

£1,270

39.4%

26.2%

34.4%

m
u
m
x
a
M

i

Assumptions: 
Below target = fixed pay only (base salary, benefits and pension); 

On-target = 50% payable of the 2017 annual bonus and 62.5% vesting of the 2017 PSP awards; and 

Maximum = 100% payable of the 2017 annual bonus and 100% vesting of the 2017 PSP awards. 

Salary levels (on which other elements of the package are calculated) are based on those applying on 1 January 2017. 
The value of taxable benefits is based on the cost of supplying those benefits (as disclosed on page 70) for the year ending 
31 December 2016. The pension value is based on the assumptions used to value pensions for the emoluments table 
(as disclosed on page 70 and a salary supplement in lieu of pension at 25% of salary where relevant). The Executive Directors 
can participate in the all-employee share plans on the same basis as other employees. The value that may be received under 
these schemes is subject to tax approved limits. For simplicity, the value that may be received from participating in these 
schemes has been excluded from the graph above.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

63

Directors’ Report| Remuneration Report | Remuneration Policy 2017 – 2020 Report

Recruitment and promotion policy
For Executive Director recruitment and/or promotion situations, the Committee will follow the guidelines below:

Remuneration element

Policy

Base salary

Benefits

Pension

Annual bonus

Base salary levels will be set in accordance with the Group’s Remuneration Policy, taking into account the experience 
and calibre of the individual (eg typically around market rates in companies of comparable size and complexity). 
Salary levels may be set below this level (eg if the individual was promoted to the Board).

Where it is appropriate to offer a below market rate of pay initially, a series of increases to the desired salary positioning 
may be given over the subsequent few years subject to individual performance. Above market salaries may also be offered 
if the experience and calibre of the candidate is considered to justify such an approach being taken by the Committee.

Benefits in accordance with the current policy. In addition, where necessary, the Committee may approve the payment 
of relocation expenses to facilitate recruitment.

A Company pension contribution or cash supplement in accordance with the current policy.

The annual bonus would operate in accordance with the current policy in terms of the maximum opportunity and 
performance targets, albeit pro-rated for the period of employment. Any increases in ongoing annual bonus 
opportunity above the normal limit will be contingent on the Company receiving shareholder approval for an 
amendment to its approved policy.

Long term incentives

Share awards will be granted in accordance with the current policy. An award may be made shortly after an 
appointment (subject to the Company not being in a prohibited period). For an internal hire, existing awards would 
continue over their original vesting period and remain subject to their terms as at the date of grant.

Buy out awards

The maximum ongoing annual award level is as per the current policy.

In the case of an external hire and in exceptional circumstances, if it is necessary to buy out incentive pay or benefit 
arrangements (which would be forfeited on leaving the previous employer), this would be provided for taking into account 
the form (cash or shares), timing and expected value (ie likelihood of meeting any existing performance criteria) of the 
remuneration being forfeited.

Replacement share awards, if used, will be granted using the Company’s existing share plans within the limits detailed 
in the current policy table. Awards may also be granted outside of these schemes if necessary and as permitted under 
the Listing Rules.

Directors’ service contracts and 
payments for loss of office 
Executive Directors’ service contracts are 
terminable by the Company on up to one 
year’s notice and by the Director on at least 
six months’ notice. 

In respect of termination, the Committee’s 
policy is to deal with each case on its 
merits, in accordance with the law and any 
further policy adopted by the Committee 
at the time. In the event of early termination, 
other than for cause, the relevant Director’s 
then current salary and contractual benefits 
would be taken into account in calculating 
any liability of the Company. For clarification, 
the Company’s policy is that no entitlement 
to unearned bonus will be taken into 
account when determining payments 
on early termination.

assurance. Annual bonuses and long term 
incentives are non-contractual and are 
dealt with in accordance with the rules 
of the relevant schemes.

The Committee’s policy is also for contracts 
to contain provisions which enable the 
Company to terminate contracts at any 
time with immediate effect. The Executive 
Director would be entitled to receive 
compensation equivalent to a maximum 
of twelve months’ salary plus the value 
of their pension benefits (currently valued 
at 25% of basic salary) and the value of 
other benefits, payable in equal monthly 
instalments over the full notice period or, 
if less, the remainder of any notice period 
not yet completed. Such payments would 
discontinue or reduce to the extent that 
alternative employment is obtained.

The principal contractual benefits provided 
in addition to salary are the provision of a 
car or car allowance, private fuel allowance, 
pension, medical insurance and life 

An Executive Director’s service contract 
may be terminated without notice for 
certain events such as gross misconduct. 
No payment or compensation beyond 

sums accrued up to the date of termination 
will be made if such an event occurs. 

Other than in the event of a redundancy, 
retirement or other good leaver 
circumstances, at the discretion of the 
Committee, no bonus may be payable 
unless the individual remains employed 
and is not under notice at the payment 
date. In the event that an individual does 
cease employment for one of the good 
leaver reasons detailed, bonuses would 
become payable pro-rata based on the 
number of complete calendar months 
worked in the relevant year. The policy 
for a new hire would be based on terms 
that are consistent with these provisions.

The treatment for share-based incentives 
previously granted to an Executive Director 
will be determined based on the relevant 
plan rules. The default treatment will be for 
outstanding awards to lapse on cessation 
of employment. In relation to awards 
granted under the Company’s long term 

64 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ Reportincentive plans, in certain prescribed 
circumstances, such as injury or disability, 
redundancy, transfer or sale of the 
employing company, retirement with 
the Company’s agreement or other 
circumstances at the discretion of the 
Committee (reflecting the circumstances 
that prevail at the time) ‘good leaver’ 
status would be applied. If treated as a 
good leaver, awards will be eligible to vest 
subject to performance conditions, which 
will be measured over the performance 
period from grant to the normal vesting 
date, and which will be reduced pro-rata 
(unless the Committee consider it 
appropriate to do so) to reflect the 
proportion of the performance period 
actually served.

The treatment for share awards granted to 
facilitate part deferral of annual bonus will be 
determined based on the relevant plan rules. 
Ordinarily, deferred share bonus awards will 
vest on their original vesting date other than 
in certain circumstances (eg dismissal for 
gross misconduct) when they will lapse.

It is the Company’s policy to honour 
pre-existing award commitments 
in accordance with their terms.

External appointments
Executive Directors can accept external 
non-executive appointments with the prior 
approval of the Board. It is normal practice 
for Executive Directors to retain fees 
provided for non-executive appointments.

Non-Executive Directors’ 
letters of appointment
The Chairman and Non-Executive Directors 
have letters of appointment for an initial 
fixed term of three years subject to earlier 
termination by either party on written notice. 
In each case, this term can be extended 
by mutual agreement. Non-Executive 
Directors have no entitlement 
to contractual termination payments. 

The dates of the initial appointments 
of the Non-Executive Directors are set out 
in the Annual Report on Remuneration.

Non-Executive Directors’ fees
The policy on Non-Executive Directors’ fees is:

Link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Fee levels will be eligible for increases during the period 
that the Remuneration Policy operates to ensure they 
continue to appropriately recognise the time commitment 
of the role, increases to fee levels for Non-Executive 
Directors in general and fee levels in companies 
of a similar size and complexity.

Fees
To provide a competitive fee 
which will attract those high-
calibre individuals who can 
further the interests of the 
Group through their experience, 
stewardship and contribution 
to strategic development.

The fees for Non-Executive Directors (including the 
Chairman) are typically reviewed each year.

Fee levels are set by reference to the expected time 
commitments and responsibilities, and are periodically 
benchmarked against relevant market comparators, 
as appropriate, reflecting the size and nature of the role.

The Chairman and Non-Executive Directors are paid 
an annual fee which is paid monthly in cash and do 
not participate in any of the Company’s incentive 
arrangements or receive any pension provision.

The Non-Executive Directors receive a basic Board fee, 
with additional fees payable for chairmanship of the 
Company’s key Committees and for performing the 
Senior Independent Director role.

All Non-Executive Directors are reimbursed for travel 
and related business expenses reasonably incurred 
in performing their duties so that they are fully 
recompensed for undertaking Company business.

The Committee recommends the remuneration of the 
Chairman to the Board.

The Chairman’s fee is determined by the Committee 
(during which the Chairman has no part in discussions) 
and recommended by them to the Board. 
The Non-Executive Directors’ fees are determined 
by the Chairman and the Executive Directors.

Framework used to assess performance and for the recovery of sums paid
None.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

65

Directors’ Report| Remuneration Report 

Annual Report 
on Remuneration  
Unaudited Information

This part of the Report has been prepared 
in accordance with Schedule 8 of The 
Large and Medium-sized Companies 
and Groups (Accounts and Reports) 
(Amendment) Regulations 2013 which 
sets out the disclosures required for 
Directors’ remuneration as at the reporting 
date. The Report is also in accordance 
with the requirements of the Listing Rules 
and the Financial Conduct Authority.

Membership and operation 
of the Committee
The Committee comprises all Non-Executive 
Directors including the Chairman. Details 
of the members and attendance at 
meetings during the year and the 
responsibilities of the Committee are set 
out on page 55. The Committee invites 
individuals to attend meetings to ensure 
that decisions are informed and take 

account of pay and conditions in the wider 
Group. During 2016, invitees included 
other Directors and employees of the 
Group and the Committee’s advisers (see 
below), including Steve Foots (Group Chief 
Executive), Jez Maiden (Group Finance 
Director), Tracy Sheedy (Group HR 
Director), and Tom Brophy (Group General 
Counsel and Company Secretary).

that no conflicts arise out of these 
relationships. The total fees paid to New 
Bridge Street for its services during the year 
were £75,289 (excluding VAT) and the total 
fees paid to Korn Ferry Hay Group during 
the year were £10,500 (excluding VAT). Both 
New Bridge Street and Korn Ferry Hay 
Group are signatories to the Remuneration 
Consultants Group Code of Conduct.

External advisers to the 
Remuneration Committee
New Bridge Street (part of Aon Plc) was 
retained as the appointed adviser to the 
Committee during 2016 to provide 
independent advice on remuneration policy 
and practice. Korn Ferry Hay Group also 
provided advice to the Committee during 
2016. Neither New Bridge Street nor 
Korn Ferry Hay Group have any connection 
with the Group other than in providing advice 
in relation to Executive remuneration and 
Non-Executive fees. Another subsidiary of 
Aon Plc provides insurance broking services 
to the Group. The Committee is comfortable 

The Committee regularly reviews the 
external adviser relationship and is 
comfortable that the advice it is receiving 
remains objective and independent.

Statement of shareholder voting
At the 2016 AGM, the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report received the 
following votes from shareholders:

Votes cast in favour
Votes cast against
Total votes cast
Abstentions

Annual Report on Remuneration
93.30%
92,197,603
6.70%
6,618,366
98,815,969
100.00%
533,089

Key Committee activities during 2016

Remuneration structure/policy

2017 remuneration

Governance

 → Developing the new Remuneration policy

 → Setting 2017 Executive Director 

 → Noting remuneration trends across 

 → Consulting with major institutional 
investors about the proposed 
changes including the annual bonus 
quantum for the Group Chief 
Executive and Group Finance Director 
and PSP structure and targets

 → Considering the corporate governance 

environment and monitoring 
developments in investors’ expectations

salary levels

the Group

 → Determining 2017 annual bonus award 

 → Reviewing Remuneration Committee 

levels and performance targets

effectiveness

 → Reviewing terms of reference

 → Ensuring compliance with the 

Investment Association’s share 
headroom guidance and adherence to

 → Monitoring the Compay’s policy on 

share ownership

2016 remuneration

Long term remuneration

 → Determining 2016 Performance Share 
Plan award levels, the associated 
performance targets and the granting 
of the awards

 → Testing the performance target 
for the 2016 annual bonus

 → Testing performance targets for 
the Company’s 2014 long term 
incentive awards

 → Implementing the previously agreed 
pension changes for Executive 
Directors

 → Determining grants under the Deferrd 

Bonus Share Plan

66 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ Report 
 
Implementation of Remuneration 
Policy for year ending 
31 December 2017

Basic salary
The Executive Directors’ base salaries were 
reviewed during the final quarter of the 
financial year ending 31 December 2016. 
The Committee considered each individual’s 
progression in their role as well as their 
responsibilities, performance, skills and 
experience. The Committee also took into 
account the wider pay levels and salary 
increases being proposed across the 
Group as a whole.

Salary as at
01.01.17

Salary as at
Executive 
01.01.16
Director
£624,316 £618,135
Steve Foots
Jez Maiden
£430,563 £426,300
Keith Layden £333,349 £330,049

Increase
1.0%
1.0%
1.0%

2% increases will be awarded to all UK 
based employees in 2017.

Other benefits
Other benefits such as company cars or 
car allowances, fuel allowance and health 
benefits are made available to Executive 
Directors. Benefits in kind and bonuses are 
not pensionable. The Committee reviews 
the individual components and the balance 
of these components from time to time.

Performance related annual bonus
In 2017, Executive Directors will be eligible to 
receive a performance-related bonus of up 
to 150% of salary (Group Chief Executive) 
125% of salary (Group Finance Director) and 
100% of salary (other Executive Directors). 
The rationale for increasing bonus 
opportunity is set out in the Chairman’s 
introductory letter on page 56.

The bonus scheme for Executive Directors 
and senior Executives incentivises and 
rewards the delivery of income growth. 
Income growth is the growth in underlying 
profitability (defined for bonus purposes 
as Group EBITDA for continuing operations 
before exceptional items and any charges 
or credits under IFRS 2 ‘Share-based 
payments’) less a notional interest charge 
on working capital employed during the 
year. Income is measured after providing 
for the cost of any bonuses. 

In 2017 income targets will be measured 
on a constant currency basis. This is 
because we want our executive team 
to be incentivised to focus on underlying 
top and bottom line growth as opposed 
to benefiting or being penalised by the 
translation impacts of movements in foreign 
exchange. In setting the revised approach 
to moving to constant currency it was 
noted that where bonuses have been paid 
over the past five years (including in 
respect of 2016) that using reported 
currency has resulted in lower bonuses 
being paid on two occasions than would 
have been the case using constant 
currency and a higher bonus on one 
occasion. Given current exchange rates 
it was also noted that had we not changed 
our approach, 2017 would have likely been 
a year in which there would have been 
a benefit from continued use of reported 
currencies which has now been removed.

2017 performance targets 
For the 2017 financial year, the bonus 
structure will continue to operate on a 
similar basis to that operated in previous 
years. The targets operate as a sliding scale 
with no bonus becoming payable until the 
previous year’s income has been exceeded, 
through to a maximum bonus becoming 
payable for delivery of the maximum target. 
The targets for 2017 are shown below:

Level of award
Threshold

Maximum

Income
At least equivalent 
to 2016 actual 
2016 actual, 
plus 10%

% of
bonus payable
0%

100%

Once the level of bonus has been 
determined against the targets set at 
the start of the year, the Committee will 
have the flexibility to take health, safety 
and environmental performance into 
consideration when determining the actual 
overall level of individual bonus payments 
and may reduce the bonus awards if it 
considers it appropriate (eg if health, safety 
and environmental performance is not 
considered satisfactory during the period 
over which the bonus was earned).

The Committee considers the targets 
set for 2017 to be more demanding than 
those set in 2016 allowing for the revised 
basis of target setting (ie moving to 
constant currency from reported). It is 
noted that the range of targets were set 
after taking due account of the Company’s 
inflationary expectations. In concluding 
that the targets are more demanding than 
those set in 2016 the Committee 
considered that the achievement of what 
we believe is a stretching budget in 2017 
would yield around 10 percentage points 
of maximum bonus less than it would have 
done in 2016. As a result the Committee 
was comfortable with the revised range of 
targets set in light of the bonus opportunity 
for 2017. The Committee will review the 
range of growth targets each year to 
ensure the targets are appropriately 
demanding allowing for the commercial 
circumstances, and inflationary 
expectations, at the time.

One third of any bonus earned will be the 
subject of a mandatory deferral into the 
Company’s shares for three years, through 
the Deferred Bonus Share Plan. 

The Committee remains comfortable that 
the structure of the annual bonus does not 
encourage inappropriate risk taking and 
that the mandatory deferral of one third 
of bonus into shares provides clear 
alignment with shareholders and fosters 
a longer term link between annual 
performance and reward.

The 2017 annual bonus is also subject 
to claw back and withholding provisions 
which enable the Committee to recover 
the value overpaid to an Executive Director 
in respect of 2017 performance in the 
event of a misstatement of the Group’s 
financial results, an error being made in 
assessing how far performance targets 
were ultimately achieved, or serious 
misconduct. Recovery of any value 
overpaid includes the ability to withhold 
future incentive pay awards as well as 
seeking reimbursement from an individual. 
The claw back and withholding provisions 
will operate for three years following the 
date on which the bonus is paid.

Full retrospective disclosure of the targets 
and actual performance will be provided in 
next year’s Annual Report on Remuneration.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

67

Directors’ Report| Remuneration Report | Annual Report on Remuneration (Unaudited Information)

Performance Share Plan
The PSP was approved by shareholders 
in 2014.

2017 PSP award levels
The maximum normal award limit under 
the PSP is 200% of salary. The awards 
for 2017 were set after taking due account 
of (i) the need to motivate and retain 
Executive Directors and other participants, 
and (ii) the challenging nature of the 
performance targets. It is intended that 
awards will be granted at the following 
levels during 2017 (as nil-cost options):

Executive Director
Steve Foots
Jez Maiden

2017 PSP award 
(percentage
of salary)
200%
150%

2017 performance targets
Awards under the PSP will be subject 
to a performance condition which is split 
into three parts, each with a separate 
performance condition. 40% of the award 
will vest dependent on Croda’s relative 
TSR measured against a bespoke group 
of the Company’s peers, 40% will vest 
dependent on challenging EPS growth 
targets and 20% will vest based on sales 
performance of NPP. 

The targets, each tested over three years, 
are as follows:

 → With regards to the proportion of the 

award subject to relative TSR, Croda’s 
performance is compared against a 
bespoke peer group. This peer group 
has been chosen to identify a more 
relevant benchmark of global business 
performance that is less impacted by 
the volatilities of unrelated sectors in 
the FTSE and includes companies 
in a similar markets (see below for 
further details of the TSR peer group 
constituents). This element will vest at 

25% for a median ranking and 100% 
for upper quartile performance.

The Committee will disclose any factors 
considered when applying the underpin.

 → TSR peer group constituents: 

AkzoNobel, Albemarle, Arkema, 
Ashland, BASF, Clariant, Koninklijke 
DSM, Eastman Chemicals, Elementis, 
Evonik Industries, Givaudan, Johnson 
Matthey, Kemira, Lanxess, Novozymes, 
Solvay, Symrise, Synthomer, Victrex.

 → For the proportion of the award subject 
to EPS, challenging absolute growth 
targets have been set, which will 
operate on a graduated scale. The EPS 
targets that have been proposed for the 
2017 PSP follow the Committee’s 
review of internal financial planning, 
external market expectations, analysis 
of the current trading environment and 
consideration of the base point from 
which growth will be measured. 
The range of targets to apply are at 
annual growth of between 5% and 
11%. These targets are considered 
to be no less challenging to the range 
of targets set for the 2016 awards, 
providing a realistic incentive at the 
lower end of the performance range, 
but with full vesting requiring 
exceptional outperformance in the 
current commercial context.

 → For the proportion of awards based on 
NPP target vesting will be for NPP sales 
growth to be at least twice non-NPP 
sales and subject to a minimum of 5% 
growth per year and overall positive 
Group profit growth.

In addition to the above, a general 
financial underpin operates, enabling the 
Committee to reduce the vesting result 
if it does not consider they reflect the 
Group’s underlying financial performance 
over the performance period. This 
consideration may include such things 
as management of ROIC/ROCE and cash. 

For the awards granted in 2017, the 
after-tax number of vested shares must 
be retained for a minimum of two years. 
PSP awards granted in 2017 to Executive 
Directors are also subject to claw back and 
withholding provisions. These enable the 
Committee to reclaim the value overpaid 
to an Executive Director, in respect of 
performance during the three years ending 
31 December 2019, if it was discovered that 
there had been a material misstatement 
of the Group’s financial results or serious 
misconduct during this period in the three 
years following vesting (ie shortly following 
the conclusion of the 2022 financial year).

Pension 
Croda has a number of different pension 
plans in the countries in which we operate. 
Pension entitlements for Company 
Executives are tailored to local market 
practice, length of service and the 
participant’s age. The principal pension 
plan in the UK is a defined benefit scheme. 
A salary supplement in lieu of pension 
provision above the salary cap applies.

As noted in the Chairman’s introductory 
letter, during 2014 and 2015, the Company 
reviewed the way it provides pension 
benefits to all UK employees. The review 
was undertaken to ensure that our 
approach to providing pension benefits 
in the future was sustainable but also 
continued to mark Croda as unique and 
recognise our long service culture. Aligned 
with these principles, it was agreed that 
we would continue to provide pension 
benefits on a defined benefit basis 
(enabling employees to better plan for 
retirement than if we moved to a defined 
contribution pension) but through a Career 
Average Revalued Earnings scheme as 
opposed to a final salary structure. 

EPS vesting schedule

TSR vesting schedule

100

g
n
i
t
s
e
v

t
n
e
m
e
e
S
P
E

l

f

o
%

80

60

40

20

0

0%

100

g
n
i
t
s
e
v

t
n
e
m
e
e
R
S
T

l

f

o
%

80

60

40

20

0

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

12%

14%

16%

18%

20%

25

50

75

100

Adjusted EPS growth (p.a.)

Percentile ranking %

68 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In addition, a cap of £65,000 was applied 
to pension benefits. This approach has the 
effect of smoothing pensionable earnings 
as opposed to setting pension by reference 
to the salary at retirement. As result, this is 
considered a fairer way of calculating 
pension in retirement (as it better reflects 
the profile of an individual’s career as 
opposed to their final few years) and is also 
a more cost effective method of providing 
pension, which ensures it remains 
sustainable over time for the Company.

At the same time as revising the approach 
to providing defined benefit pensions, 
in 2014 the Committee also agreed to 
adjusted the cash allowance it provided 
above the £65,000 defined benefit pension 
cap it introduced (the previous cap had 
been £150,000). As the cap had been 
reduced for the defined benefit element 
of the pension, the level of cash allowance 
provided above the cap was increased to 
25% of salary (in line with our remuneration 
policy maximum) with the objective being 
to continue to support the provision of 
pensions in retirement. To provide 
consistency of approach, the Committee 
also agreed at the same time to set the 
cash in lieu of a Company pension 
contribution at 25% of salary.

Due to an administrative oversight the 
increases to pension cash allowances paid 
in 2016, but approved in 2014, were not 
included in the 2015 Directors’ Report 
on Remuneration.

Steve Foots’ pension provision
Steve Foots accrues pension benefits under 
the CPS with an accrual rate of 1/60th and 
an entitlement to retire at age 60. From 
6 April 2011 onwards, pension benefits 
accruing are based on a capped salary. 
This cap was £187,500 until April 2014 
at which point it reduced to £150,000, 
and due to annual allowance regulations 
and changes to the pension scheme, 
reduced again to £37,500 in April 2016 
(reduced from the scheme cap of £65,000 
due to annual allowance regulations). 
If Steve Foots retires before he is 61, 
a reduction will be applied to the element 
of his pension accrued after 6 April 2006. 
If he retires before the age of 60, a reduction 
will be applied to the element of his pension 
accrued before 6 April 2006, unless in either 
instance he is retiring at the Company’s 
request. In the event of death, a pension 
equal to two-thirds of the Director’s pension 
would become payable to the surviving 
spouse. Steve Foots’ pension in payment is 

guaranteed to increase in line with the rate 
of inflation up to a maximum of 10% per 
annum for benefits accrued before 6 April 
2006, and in line with inflation up to a 
maximum of 2.5% per annum for benefits 
accrued from 6 April 2006 onwards. 

Steve Foots is entitled to death-in-service 
benefits from the CPS. He also receives 
a pension supplement at 25% of salary 
(20% of salary until 1April 2016) above 
his pension benefit cap of £37,500.

Jez Maiden’s pension provision
Jez Maiden is paid a pension supplement 
of 25% of salary (20% of salary until 1 April 
2016). He has an agreement with the 
Company to provide him with death-in 
service benefits outside of the CPS.

Keith Layden’s pension provision 
As detailed in last year’s remuneration 
report, Keith Layden started to draw his 
pension under the CPS on 19 October 
2014. He can draw this deferred pension, 
with Company consent, while continuing 
in employment. His pension will increase 
in line with retail price index (RPI) to a 
maximum of 10% per annum for pension 
accrued before April 2006 and a maximum 
of 2.5% for pension accrued afterwards. 

Keith Layden is paid a pension supplement 
of 25% of salary (20% of salary until 1 April 
2016). He is entitled to death-in-service 
benefits from the CPS with Trustee consent.

All-Employee share plans
Executive Directors are invited to participate 
in the HMRC tax-approved UK Sharesave 
Scheme and the Croda Share Incentive 
Plan (SIP) in line with, and on the same 
terms as, the wider UK workforce.

Sourcing of shares and dilution
Awards under all Group share schemes 
may be satisfied using newly issued shares, 
treasury shares or shares purchased in 
the market and held in the Company’s 
employee benefit trusts. 

Awards under the Group’s discretionary 
schemes which may be satisfied by new 
issue shares must not exceed 5% of the 
Company’s issued share capital in a ten 
year period. The total of all awards satisfied 
via new issue shares under all plans must 
not exceed 10% of the Company’s issued 
share capital in a ten year period. 

As at 31 December 2016, the headroom 
under the Company’s 5% and 10% limits 
was 1.66% and 2.45% respectively, out of an 
issued share capital of 135,124,108 shares.

Service contracts
Steve Foots, Keith Layden and Jez Maiden 
have service contracts dated 16 September 
2010, 6 February 2012 and 9 October 2014 
respectively. These can be terminated by 
the Company on one year’s notice and by 
the Director on six months’ notice. The 
terms of the Executive Directors’ contracts 
are consistent with the Remuneration Policy.

Chairman and other Non-Executive 
Directors’ remuneration
The fees paid to the Non-Executive 
Directors (including for chairmanship 
of Committees) and to the Senior 
Independent Director were reviewed in 
January 2017 (taking into consideration the 
anticipated time commitments of the roles 
and market rates), with changes taking 
effect from 1 February 2017. The revised 
fee structure for the Chairman and other 
Non-Executive Directors for 2017 is now as 
follows and the adjustments made reflect 
the extra time commitment expected to 
apply for those specific roles given the 
continued growth of the Company:

 → Chairman: £238,000 (increased by 

£13,000)

 → Non-Executive Director base fee: 
£55,000 (increased by £1,000)

 → Senior Independent Director: £10,000 

 → Chairman of the Audit Committee: 

£10,000

 → Chairman of the Remuneration 

Committee: £10,000.

The effective dates of the letters of 
appointment for the Chairman and each 
Non-Executive Director who served during 
2016, are shown in the table below:

Original 
appointment date
5 March 2015

Non-Executive
Director
Anita Frew
Alan Ferguson 1 July 2011
Helena 
Ganczakowski
Nigel Turner
Steve Williams 1 July 2010

1 June 2009

Expiry date of
current term
5 March 2018
30 June 2017

31 May 2018
30 June 2017

1 February 2014 31 January 2020

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

69

Directors’ Report| Remuneration Report | Annual Report on Remuneration (Audited Information)

Annual Report on Remuneration 
Audited Information

Directors’ remuneration 
The remuneration before tax of Executive Directors for the year ended 31 December 2016 payable by Group companies was as follows:

Executive Director
Steve Foots

Jez Maiden

Keith Layden

Sean Christie

Total 2016
Total 2015

2016
2015
2016
20158
2016
2015
2016
20159

Salaries
and fees¹
£ 
618,135
609,000
426,300
420,000
330,049
325,171
–
117,903
1,374,484
1,472,074

Benefits2
£
30,302
30,517
27,377
23,658
20,061
20,075
–
6,206
77,740
80,456

Pension3
supplement
£
132,276
91,800
101,246
84,000
78,387
65,034
–
13,580
311,909
254,414

Pension4
£
35,884
59,329
–
–
–
–
–
–
35,884
59,329

Annual
bonus5
£
772,669
581,443
426,300
320,796
330,049
248,366
–
90,054
1,529,018
1,240,659

Long term
incentives6
£
688,855
–
–
–
 254,498
–
 –
–
943,353
–

Other7
£

Total
£
2,971  2,281,092
1,374,046
1,957
985,066
3,843
1,150,514
302,060
1,014,625
1,581
660,154
1,508
 –
–
401,625
173,882
4,280,783
8,395
3,586,339
479,407

1   Steve Foots’ salary before salary sacrifice pension contributions of £15,000
2   Benefits include benefit-in-kind for company car or cash allowance, benefit-in-kind for private medical insurance and private fuel allowance 
3   Represents the 20% cash supplement paid to Jez Maiden and Keith Layden and the 20% supplement paid to Steve Foots in relation to benefits provided above the final salary pension cap 

from 1 January to 31 March 2016. The cash supplements increased to 25% with the introduction of the CARE scheme on 1 April 2016

4   For final salary pensions the amount included is the additional value accrued during the year, calculated using HMRC’s methodology for the purposes of income tax using a multiplier of 20
5   The 2016 bonuses for Executive Directors were calculated by reference to the amount by which the income for the year exceeded the income for 2015 (the ‘base income’). Bonuses for 2016 
are payable against a graduated scale once the 2016 income exceeds the base income by more than inflation (defined as the CPI) with bonus targets set, and performance measured, based 
on actual exchange rates. The targets set equated to a threshold target of £287.8m (last year’s Income result plus CPI) and a maximum target of £316.1m (10% above the threshold target). 
Payments were calculated on a straight-line basis between performance points. The actual result of £319.0m was significantly above the maximum targets set (at 10% growth on the prior year) 
and so a maximum bonus was earned

6   The PSP awards granted in May 2014 reached the end of their performance periods on 31 December 2016. The TSR target applying to half of the award has been met at 85.9% of the maximum 
based on the Company being ranked at the 70.3 percentile versus the peer group (i.e. towards the upper quartile) and the EPS target applying to half the award has not been met. Full details of 
performance against the targets is included on page 67. The values included in the table above are based on the three month average share price to 31 December 2016 of 33.2764p. These values 
will be updated in next year’s Annual Report based on the share price at vesting which will take place on 12 May 2017

7   Sharesave awards valued as the value of the discount on the date of grant. SIP shares valued using the value of the partnership shares awarded over the year based on the average purchase 

price for the year

8   Jez Maiden was appointed to the Board on 1 January 2015. As disclosed on page 69 in last year’s annual report, Jez Maiden received £126,625 in respect of reimbursement of relocation costs 

and rental costs and £173,926 in compensation for forfeiture of the deferred element of his 2013 annual bonus from his previous employer, he also received £1,509 in respect of SIP and Sharesave.

9   Sean Christie stood down as Group Finance Director on 22 January 2015 and left the Company on 22 April 2015. As disclosed in last year’s Remuneration Report, the Committee exercised its 

discretion to determine that Mr Christie would be eligible for a bonus in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2015 to the extent that the applicable performance conditions were met. 
Accordingly, he was paid a bonus of £90,054 (reflecting his pro-rated service in the 2015 financial year). This was paid part in cash (£60,054) and part in deferred shares (£30,000) which vest 
three years from grant. The deferred shares were granted through a bespoke deferral arrangement ensuring deferral in accordance with the Company’s Remuneration Policy. Claw back 
provisions will also continue to apply

The remuneration of Non-Executive Directors for the year ended 31 December 2016 payable by Group companies was as follows: 

Non-Executive Director
Anita Frew

Nigel Turner

Steve Williams

Alan Ferguson

Helena Ganczakowski

Martin Flower2

Total 2016
Total 2015

2016
2015

2016
2015
2016
2015
2016
2015
2016
2015
2016
2015

Salaries and fees
£
225,000
91,720

63,583
59,000
63,833
62,000
63,833
62,000
53,833
52,000
–
144,061
 470,082 
470,781

Benefits1
£
8,727
8,178

2,651
5,387
3,263
2,248
2,077
4,067
4,370
4,452
–
9,035
 21,088 
33,367

Total
£
233,727
99,898

 66,234
64,387
 67,096
64,248
 65,910
66,067
 58,203
56,452
–
153,096
 491,170
504,148

1   The benefits relate to Directors undertaking business travel on behalf of Croda and ensuring the Directors are not out of pocket for related tax. Comparators for 2015 have been included
2  Martin Flower retired from the Board on 19 September 2015

70 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ ReportPSP awards granted in 2016
Directors were eligible to receive PSP awards up to a value of 200% of salary at grant. The PSP awards granted on 4 March 2016 
were as follows:

Executive Director
Steve Foots
Jez Maiden
Keith Layden

Number of PSP
shares awarded
41,284
21,354
16,532

Basis of
award granted
(% of salary)
200%
150%
150%

Face/maximum
value of awards at
grant date1
1,236,249
639,446
495,051

% of award vesting
 at threshold 
(maximum)
25% (100%)
25% (100%)
25% (100%)

Performance
period
01.01.16 – 31.12.18
01.01.16 – 31.12.18
01.01.16 – 31.12.18

1  Face value/maximum value of award is calculated based on a share price of £29.945, being the average mid-market share price of the three dealing days prior to the date of grant

The 2016 PSP awards, as in previous years, are subject to a performance condition which is split into two equal separate parts. 
Half of the award is subject to a relative TSR performance condition, comparing Croda’s TSR performance against the constituents 
of the FTSE 350 (excluding investment trusts) over a three-year performance period. The remaining half of the award is subject 
to an EPS growth condition.

Vesting under the two parts of the performance condition will take place on the following sliding scale:

EPS vesting schedule

TSR vesting schedule

100

g
n
i
t
s
e
v

t
n
e
m
e
e
S
P
E

l

f

o
%

80

60

40

20

0

0%

100

g
n
i
t
s
e
v

t
n
e
m
e
e
R
S
T

l

f

o
%

80

60

40

20

0

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

12%

14%

16%

18%

20%

25

50

75

100

Adjusted EPS growth (pa)

Percentile ranking %

All-Employee share plan awards granted in 2016
SIP
Details of shares purchased and awarded to Executive Directors under the SIP are shown in the table below. A brief description of the 
SIP is set out in note 22 on page 122.

Executive Director
Steve Foots
Jez Maiden1
Keith Layden

SIP shares
held 01.01.16
5,712
–
5,712

Partnership shares
acquired in year
51
50
51

Matching shares
awarded in year
51
49
51

Total shares
held 31.12.16
5,623
100
5,623

SIP shares that became
unrestricted in the year
148
–
148

Total unrestricted SIP
shares held at 31.12.16
5,127
–
5,127

1   Jez Maiden also had one additional share acquired through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan

A share consolidation took place on 9 May 2016 on the basis of 28 new ordinary shares for 29 existing ordinary shares resulting in less 
shares held at year end than prior year.

Unrestricted shares (which are included in the total shares held at 31 December 2016) are those held until there is no longer a tax 
liability if they are withdrawn from the plan.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

71

Directors’ Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
| Remuneration Report | Annual Report on Remuneration (Audited Information)

Sharesave
Details of awards made under the UK Sharesave scheme are set out below:

Date of grant
Steve Foots
19 September 2013
18 September 2014
17 September 2015
16 September 2016

Jez Maiden
17 September 2015
16 September 2016

Earliest
exercise date

Expiry
date

Face
value*

Exercise
price

Number at 01.01.16
(10p shares)

Granted
in year

Number at 31.12.16
(10.357143p shares)

1 November 2016
1 November 2017
1 November 2018
1 November 2019

30 April 2017
30 April 2018
30 April 2019
30 April 2020

£2,247.56
£2,247.06
£4,490.29
£6,728.94

2141p
1763p
2232p
2639p

1 November 2018
1 November 2019

30 April 2019
30 April 2020

£11,239.67
£11,247.89

2232p
2639p

84
102
161
–
347

 403
–
403

–
–
–
204
204

 – 
341
 341

–
102
161
204
467

403
341
 744

During 2016, the highest mid-market price of the Company’s shares was 3129.5p and the lowest was 2573p. The year end closing price was 3042p. The year end mid-market price was 3042.5p.
*  Face value is calculated using the market value on the day before the date of grant, multiplied by the number of shares awarded

PSP vesting in relation to performance at 31 December 2016
The awards made to Executive Directors in May 2014, and which are due to vest in May 2017, are based on relative TSR and EPS 
growth measured over a three-year period. Performance against the vesting schedule can be summarised as follows:

PSP awards vesting in May 2017

Measure

Relative TSR versus FTSE 350 constituents 
Adjusted average EPS growth

1  Performance measurement period three years to 31 December 2016.

Weighting

50%
50%

Threshold
Median 
(50th percentile)
7%

Maximum
Upper quartile 
(75th percentile)
14%

Actual 
Performance
70.3% 
percentile%
0%

Out-turn 
(% of max element)
PSP

42.95%
0%

The forecast vesting value of the awards made in May 2014, subject to the above performance targets, is included in the 2016 single 
figure table above.

Gains made on exercise of share options and PSPs
The gains are calculated according to the market price of Croda International Plc Ordinary Shares of 10.357143p each on the date 
of exercise, although the shares may have been retained.

Executive Director
Steve Foots

Exercise date
1 November 2016

Shares exercised
84

Scheme
Sharesave

Exercise price 
2141p

Market price 
3487.4p

Gain (before tax)
£1,130.98

72 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ ReportDirectors’ interests in the share capital of the Company
The interests of the Directors who held office at 31 December 2016, are set out in the table below: 

Executive Director
Steve Foots
Jez Maiden
Keith Layden
Non-Executive Director
Alan Ferguson
Anita Frew
Helena Ganczakowski
Nigel Turner
Steve Williams

Legally owned

31.12.15

31.12.16

PSP awards
(unvested)

DBSP awards
(unvested)

Sharesave
(unvested)

SIP

Restricted Unrestricted

Total
31.12.16

% of salary held under
shareholding guideline

128,484
3,600
70,112

124,225
3,475
68,141

134,456
44,616
52,351

6,472
3,570
2,764

2,500
10,000
359
15,000
11,331

2,414
9,655
362
14,482
11,566

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

467
744
–

–
–
–
–
–

496
100
496

5,127 271,243
52,505
5,127 128,879

–

>200% target
<150% target
>150% target

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

2,414
9,655
362
14,482
11,566

–
–
– 
–
–

A share consolidation took place on 9 May 2016 on the basis of 28 new ordinary shares for 29 existing ordinary shares resulting in less 
shares held at year end than the prior year.

There have been no changes in the interests of any Director between 31 December 2016 and the date of this report, except for the 
purchase of nine SIP shares and nine matching shares each by Steve Foots, Keith Layden and Jez Maiden during January and 
February 2017.

Pension rights
The pension rights that accrued during the year in line with the policy on such benefits as set out in the Policy Report were as follows:

Defined benefit schemes

Executive Director
Steve Foots
Jez Maiden
Keith Layden

Normal retirement
date under the CPS
14 September 2033
N/A
18 October 2020

Accrued pension 
2016
£000
117
0
672

Single remuneration 
figure 2016
£0001
168
101
78

Single remuneration 
figure 2015
£000
151
70
65

Single remuneration figure 
excluding supplement 
£000
36
0
0

1   The value of all pension savings made during the financial year inclusive of cash supplement on behalf of Directors. Steve Foots and Keith Layden are entitled to death-in-service benefits 

from the CPS. Jez Maiden has a separate agreement which provides death-in-service benefits outside of the CPS

2   Keith Layden started to draw his pension on 19 October 2014.

Note: Members of the CPS have the option to pay voluntary contributions. Neither the contributions nor the resulting benefits are included in this table. During 2016, Steve Foots was paid 
£132,275 (2015: £91,800), Keith Layden was paid £78,386 (2015: £65,034) and Jez Maiden was paid £101,246 (2015: £84,000) in addition to their basic salary to enable them to make independent 
provision for their retirement. This contribution reflects the introduction of a cap to the maximum salary on which benefits at retirement are based under the CPS or, in the case of Keith Layden 
and Jez Maiden, the full provision. Accordingly, for Steve Foots benefits above this cap are now provided by a salary supplement in lieu of pension benefits above the cap of £37,500.

Payments for cessation of employment
There were no payments for loss of office during the year under review.

Keith Layden retirement
As announced on 28 February 2017, Keith Layden will retire from his role as Chief Technology Officer and Executive Director on  
30 April 2017. Keith will continue to receive base salary and contractual benefits up to his retirement date at which time these payments 
and benefits will cease. In line with the provisions in the relevant plan rules, as a retiree, he will be a good leaver. As a result, he will be 
eligible to receive a pro-rata annual bonus payment for the period of his employment in 2017 (based on the number of complete calendar 
months worked in the relevant year). The payment will be made at the normal time calculated based on the performance targets tested 
over the complete financial year. One-third of any bonus earned will be deferred for three years. With regard to his outstanding shares 
awards, as a good leaver, these will remain eligible to vest in line with the relevant plan rules. Vesting in connection with Performance Share 
Plan awards will be subject to a pro-rata reduction to reflect the proportion of the relevant performance periods for which he was employed 
and with performance targets tested at the normal time. The holding period applying to vested share awards will continue to apply. 
No PSP awards will be made in 2017. No further payments will be made in connection with his retirement.

Payments to former Directors
Mike Humphrey, former CEO, was paid £55,000 in 2016 in respect of consultancy services to the business.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

73

Directors’ Report| Remuneration Report 

Other unaudited information

Performance graph
The graph below shows the value, at 31 December 2016, of £100 invested in Croda International Plc on 31 December 2008 compared 
with the value of £100 invested in the FTSE 100, FTSE 250 and FTSE 350 Indices. TSR performance has been rebased to 100 as at 
31 December 2008.

Total shareholder return

)

d
e
s
a
b
e
R

(

n
r
u
t
e
R

l

r
e
d
o
h
e
r
a
h
S

l

a
t
o
T

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

31/12/2008

31/12/2009

31/12/2010

31/12/2011

31/12/2012

31/12/2013

31/12/2014

31/12/2015

31/12/2016

  Croda International

FTSE 100

FTSE 250

FTSE 350

Source: Datastream (Thomson Reuters)

In the opinion of the Directors, the FTSE 350 Index is an appropriate index against which to measure the Company’s TSR because Croda is a current constituent and the index represents 
a broad-based set of companies of a similar size and with similar historic volatility of TSR returns. In addition, the FTSE 100 Index is presented since the Company is currently a constituent of the 
FTSE 100 Index with the FTSE 250 Index shown as the Company has been a constituent during the period illustrated in the chart.

Total remuneration figures for Group Chief Executive 
The total remuneration figure includes the annual bonus and long term incentive awards which vested based on performance in those 
years. The annual bonus and long term incentive award percentages show the payout for each year as a percentage of the maximum.

Total remuneration (£)
Annual bonus (%)
Long term incentives vesting (%)

2009*
1,943,740
100%
100%

2010*
3,224,875
100%
100%

2011*
4,142,608
100%
100%

2012^
1,364,048
28%
100%

2013^
1,427,156
0%
81.8%

2014^
769,414
0%
0%

2015^
1,374,046
76.38%
0%

2016
2,281,092
100%
42.95%

*  relate to Mike Humphrey  ^  relate to Steve Foots

74 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percentage change in 
remuneration levels
The following chart shows the movement in 
the salary, benefits and annual bonus for the 
Group Chief Executive between the current 
and previous financial year compared with 
that of the average UK employee. The 
Committee has chosen this comparator 
as it feels it provides a more appropriate 
reflection of the earnings of the average 
worker than the movement in the Group’s 
total wage bill, which is distorted by 
fluctuations in the number of employees 
and variations in wage practices in our 
overseas markets.

Relative importance of the 
spend on pay
The chart below shows the movement 
in spend on staff costs versus that in 
dividends and adjusted profit after tax.

Relative importance of the spend on pay %

Employee remuneration costs1

+30.1%

+153.2%

Dividends2

Adjusted profit after tax3

Change in remuneration levels %

+9.1%

External directorships
Executive Directors are permitted to 
accept external appointments with the 
prior approval of the Board. It is normal 
practice for Executive Directors to retain 
fees provided for non-executive roles. 
Jez Maiden was appointed as a Non-
Executive Director of PZ Cussons on 
16 October 2016 and received a fee 
of £8,750 for 2016.

I will be available at the AGM to respond 
to any questions shareholders may raise 
on the Committee’s activities.

On behalf of the Board

Salary

Benefits

-0.7%

Bonus

1.5%

3.5%

1.9%

33.0%

95.1%

-20

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

% change (from 2015 to 2016)

  Group Chief Executive

UK employees

 Note: Benefits exclude pension 

Steve Williams
Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee

28 February 2017

0

25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275

£m

  2016

  2015

1   Employee remuneration costs, as stated in the notes to the 
Group accounts on page 103. These comprise all amounts 
charged against profit in respect of employee remuneration 
for the relevant financial year, less redundancy costs and 
share-based payments, both of which can vary significantly 
from year to year

2   Dividends are the amounts payable in respect of the relevant 

financial year

3   Adjusted profit after tax is profit for the relevant year 
adjusted for exceptional items, acquisition costs, 
amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition 
and the tax thereon

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

75

Directors’ Report 
Other Disclosures

Apart from the share option schemes, 
long term incentive schemes and service 
contracts, no Director had any beneficial 
interest in any contract to which the 
Company or a subsidiary was a party 
during the year.

A statement indicating the beneficial and 
non-beneficial interests of the Directors in 
the share capital of the Company, including 
share options, is shown in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on page 73.

The Directors are responsible for managing 
the business of the Company and may 
exercise all the powers of the Company 
subject to the provisions of relevant 
statutes, the Company’s Memorandum 
and Articles and any directions given by 
special resolution.

Directors’ indemnities
The Company maintains Directors’ and 
Officers’ liability insurance which gives 
appropriate cover for any legal action 
brought against its Directors. The 
Company has also granted indemnities 
to each of its Directors and the Company 
Secretary which represent ‘qualifying third 
party indemnity provisions’ (as defined by 
Section 234 of the Companies Act 2006), 
in relation to certain losses and liabilities 
which the Directors (or Company 
Secretary) may incur to third parties in the 
course of acting as Directors (or Company 
Secretary) or employees of the Company 
or of any associated company. In addition, 
such indemnities have been granted to 
other officers of the Company who are 
Directors of subsidiary companies within 
the Group. The Company has also granted 
an indemnity representing ‘qualifying 
pension scheme indemnity provisions’ 
(as defined by Section 235 of the 
Companies Act 2006) to a paid Director 
of the corporate trustee of the Group’s UK 
pension scheme. Such indemnities were 
in place during 2016 and at the date of 
approval of the Group financial statements.

Share capital
At the date of this Report, 135,124,108 
Ordinary Shares of 10.357143p each have 
been issued and are fully paid up and 
quoted on the London Stock Exchange. 
At the date of this Report, the Company 
has issued and fully paid up 21,900 7.5% 
Cumulative Preference Shares, 498,434 
6.6% Cumulative Preference Shares and 
615,562 5.9% Cumulative Preference 
Shares, all of £1 each (the Preference 
Shares). The rights and obligations 
attached to the Company’s Ordinary 
Shares and Preference Shares are set out 
in the Articles, copies of which can be 
obtained from Companies House in the UK 
or by writing to the Company Secretary. 
There are no restrictions on the voting 
rights attached to the Company’s Ordinary 
Shares or on the transfer of securities 
in the Company. The 7.5% Cumulative 
Preference Shares do not confer on 
the holders any right to receive notice of 
or to be present or to vote at any general 
meeting of the Company unless the 
cumulative preferential dividend on such 
shares is more than 12 calendar months 
in arrears. The 6.6% and 5.9% Cumulative 
Preference Shares do not confer on the 
holders any right to receive notice of 
or to be present or to vote at any general 
meeting of the Company unless the 
cumulative preferential dividend on such 
shares is more than six calendar months 
in arrears or the business of the general 
meeting includes the consideration of a 
resolution for reducing the share capital 
of the Company, to sell the undertaking 
of the Company or to alter the Articles. 
No person holds securities in the Company 
that carry special rights with regard to 
control of the Company. The Company 
is not aware of any agreements between 
holders of securities that may result in 
restrictions on the transfer of securities 
or on voting rights.

Pages 34 to 79 inclusive (together with the 
sections of the Annual Report incorporated 
by reference) constitute a Directors’ Report 
that has been drawn up and presented in 
accordance with applicable English 
company law: the liabilities of the Directors 
in connection with that report are subject 
to the limitations and restrictions provided 
by that law.

Research and development
Research and development activities are 
undertaken with the prospect of gaining 
new scientific or technical knowledge 
and understanding.

Dividends 
The Directors are recommending a final 
dividend of 41.25p per share (2015: 38p). 
If approved by shareholders, total 
dividends for the year will amount to 74p 
per share (2015: 169p (including the special 
dividend). Details of dividends are shown 
in note 8 on page 102; details of the 
Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan 
can be found on page 137. The Company 
has established various Employee Benefit 
Trusts (EBTs) in connection with the 
obligation to satisfy future share awards 
under employee share incentive schemes. 
The trustees of the EBTs have waived their 
rights to receive dividends on certain 
Ordinary Shares of the Company held in 
the EBTs. Such waivers represent less than 
1% of the total dividend payable on the 
Company’s Ordinary Shares. Further 
details of the EBTs can be found in note 24 
on page 122.

Directors
The Company’s Articles of Association 
(the ‘Articles’) give the Directors power 
to appoint and replace Directors. Under 
the terms of reference of the Nomination 
Committee, any appointment must be 
recommended by the Nomination 
Committee for approval by the Board 
of Directors. The present Directors of the 
Company are shown on pages 34 and 35. 
In line with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, each Director will be standing 
for re-election at the AGM. Details of the 
Directors’ service contracts are given 
in the Directors’ Remuneration Report 
on page 69.

76 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ ReportPower to issue or buy back shares
At the 2016 AGM, authority was given 
to the Directors to allot unissued shares 
in the Company up to a maximum amount 
equivalent to approximately one third of the 
issued share capital (excluding shares held 
in treasury) for general purposes, plus up 
to a further one third of the Company’s 
issued share capital (excluding shares held 
in treasury), but only in the case of a rights 
issue. No such shares have been issued.

A further special resolution passed at that 
meeting granted authority to the Directors 
to allot equity securities in the Company 
for cash, without regard to the pre-emption 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006. 
Both these authorities expire on the date 
of the 2017 AGM, that is 26 April 2017, 
and so the Directors propose to renew 
them for a further year.

At last year’s AGM the members renewed 
the Company’s authority to purchase up to 
10% of its Ordinary Shares. No purchases 
were made during the year. As a result 
the Company will be seeking to renew its 
authority to purchase its own shares at the 
2017 AGM. Shares will only be purchased 
if the Board believes that such purchases 
will improve earnings per share and be 
in the best general interest of shareholders. 
It is the Company’s intention that any shares 
purchased will be held as treasury shares. 
At the date of this report the Company 
holds 3,876,348 shares in treasury.

Employees
Diversity: We are committed to the 
principle of equal opportunity in 
employment and to ensuring that no 
applicant or employee receives less 
favourable treatment on the grounds 
of gender, marital status, race, ethnic 
origin, religion, disability, sexuality or 
age, or is disadvantaged by conditions 
or requirements which cannot be shown 
to be justified. Group HR policies are 
clearly communicated to all our 
employees and are available through 
the Company intranet.

Recruitment and progression: It is 
established policy throughout Croda that 
decisions on recruitment, career 
development, promotion and other 
employment related issues are made 
solely on the grounds of individual ability, 
achievement, expertise and conduct.

Croda gives full and fair consideration 
to applications for employment from 
people with disabilities. Should an 
employee become disabled during their 
employment with Croda, they are fully 
supported by its Occupational Health 
provision. Efforts are made to continue 
their employment with reasonable 
adjustments being made to the 
workplace and role where feasible. 
Retraining is provided if necessary.

Development and learning: Croda 
recognises that the key to future 
success lies in the skills and abilities 
of its dedicated global workforce.

The continuous development of our 
employees is key to meeting the future 

demands of our customers, especially 
in relation to enhanced creativity, 
innovation and customer service. During 
2016, 86.7% of our employees received 
training, totalling over 102,000 hours. 

Involvement: Croda is committed to 
ensuring that employees share in the 
success of the Group. Owning shares 
in the Company is an important way 
of strengthening involvement in the 
development of the Business and 
bringing together employees’ and 
shareholders’ interests. In 2016, 83.5% 
of our UK employees and 56.8% of our 
non-UK employees participated in one 
of our all-employee share plans, 
indicating employees’ continued desire 
to be involved in the Company.

Employees are kept informed of matters 
of concern to them in a variety of ways, 
including Croda Way (the Company 
magazine), quarterly updates, Croda 
Connect (the Company intranet), team 
briefings, webinars and Croda Now 
(email messages). These 
communications help achieve a 
common awareness of the financial and 
economic factors affecting the 
performance of Croda and of changes 
within the Business. Croda is also 
committed to providing employees with 
opportunities to share their views and 
provide feedback on issues that are 
important to them. All regions have 
undertaken an employee survey since 
2010. The largest of these, targeting our 
European employees, was completed 
during 2011.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

77

Directors’ Report| Other Disclosures

Articles of Association
Unless expressly specified to the contrary 
in the Articles, the Company’s Articles may 
be amended by a special resolution of the 
Company’s shareholders.

Significant contracts 
and change of control
The Group has borrowing facilities which 
may require the immediate repayment of all 
outstanding loans together with accrued 
interest in the event of a change of control. 
The rules of the Company’s employee 
share plans set out the consequences 
of a change in control of the Company 
on participants’ rights under the plans. 
Generally, such rights will vest and become 
exercisable on a change of control subject 
to the satisfaction of performance conditions. 
None of the Executive Directors’ service 
contracts contains provisions which are 
affected by a change of control and there 
are no other agreements to which the 
Company is a party which take effect, 
alter or terminate in the event of a change 
of control of the Company which are 
considered to be significant in terms 
of their potential impact on the Group.

The Company does not have any contractual 
or other arrangements which are essential 
to the Business of the Group.

Political donations
No donations were made for political 
purposes during the year (2015: £nil).

Financial risk management
The Group’s exposure to and management 
of capital, liquidity, credit, interest rate and 
foreign currency risks are contained in note 
19 on pages 113 to 117.

Capitalised interest
The Group’s policy for capitalising 
borrowing costs directly attributable 
to the purchase or construction of fixed 
assets is set out on page 96. 

78 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Other disclosures
Certain information that is required to be 
included in the Directors’ Report can be 
found elsewhere in this document as 
referred to below, each of which is 
incorporated by reference in to the 
Directors’ Report:

 → Information on greenhouse gas 

emissions can be found on page 28

 → An indication of likely future 

developments in the Group’s business 
can be found in the Strategic Report, 
starting on page 02

 → An indication of the Company’s 

overseas branches can be found 
on pages 134 to 136

There have been no events affecting the 
Company since the financial year end to 
report to shareholders in accordance with 
the Accounts Regulations and Disclosure 
and Transparency Rules.

For the purposes of Listing Rule 9.8.4R, 
the information required to be disclosed 
by LR 9.8.4R can be found on the following 
pages of this Annual Report:

References in this document to other 
documents on the Company’s website, 
such as the Sustainability Report, are 
included as an aid to their location and 
are not incorporated by reference into 
any section of the Annual Report 
and Accounts.

Independent auditors
Our auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 
have indicated their willingness to continue 
in office and, on the recommendation of 
the Audit Committee, a resolution 
regarding their reappointment and 
remuneration will be submitted to the 
Annual General Meeting.

Audit Information
The Directors confirm that, so far as 
they are aware, there is no relevant audit 
information of which the Company’s 
auditors are unaware and that they have 
each taken all the steps 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 auditors are aware 
of that information.

(3)

Section
(1)
(2)

Topic
Capitalised interest
Publication of 
unaudited financial 
information
Smaller related 
party transactions
Details of long term 
incentive schemes 
established 
specifically to 
recruit or retain 
a Director
(5) (6) Waiver of 

(4)

(9)

(7) (8)

emoluments 
by a Director
Allotments of 
equity securities 
for cash
Participation 
in a placing of 
equity securities
Contracts of 
significance
(11) (14) Controlling 
shareholder 
disclosures 

(10)

Page reference 
Page 78
Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Page 77

Not applicable

Page 78

Not applicable

(12) (13) Dividend waiver

Page 76

All the information cross referenced 
above is incorporated by reference into 
the Directors’ Report.

Directors’ ReportThe Directors’ Report and the Strategic 
Report, including the sections of the 
Annual Report and Accounts incorporated 
by reference, is the ‘management report’ 
for the purposes of the Financial Conduct 
Authority Disclosure and Transparency 
Rules (DTR 4.1.8R). It was approved by the 
Board on 28 February 2017 and is signed 
on its behalf by

Tom Brophy
Group General Counsel  
and Company Secretary

28 February 2017

Statement of Directors’ 
responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for 
preparing the Annual Report, the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report and 
the financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors 
to prepare financial statements for 
each financial year. Under that law 
the Directors have prepared the Group 
financial statements in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union, and the Company 
financial statements in accordance 
with United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice (United 
Kingdom Accounting Standards and 
applicable law).

In preparing the Group financial 
statements, the Directors have also 
elected to comply with IFRSs, issued by 
the International Accounting Standards 
Board (IASB). 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 state 
of affairs of the Group and the Company 
and of the profit or loss of the Group for 
that period. In preparing these financial 
statements, the Directors are required to:

 → Select suitable accounting policies 
and then apply them consistently

 → Make judgements and accounting 
estimates that are reasonable and 
prudent

 → State whether IFRSs as adopted by 
the European Union and applicable 
UK Accounting Standards have 
been followed, subject to any 
material departures disclosed and 
explained in the Group and 
Company financial statements 
respectively

 → Prepare the financial statements on 
the going concern basis unless it is 
inappropriate to presume that the 
Company will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for 
keeping adequate accounting records 
that are sufficient to show and explain 
the Company’s transactions and 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at 
any time the financial position of the 
Company and the Group, and enable 
them to ensure that the financial 
statements and the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report comply with the 
Companies Act 2006 and, as regards 
the Group financial statements, Article 4 
of the IAS Regulation. They are also 
responsible for safeguarding the assets 
of the Company and the Group and 
hence for taking reasonable steps for 
the prevention and detection of fraud 
and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for 
the maintenance and integrity of the 
Company’s website. Legislation in 
the United Kingdom governing the 
preparation and dissemination of 
financial statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.

The Directors consider that the Annual 
Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, 
is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Company’s 
position and performance, business 
model and strategy.

Each of the Directors, whose details are 
set out on pages 34 and 35 confirm 
that, to the best of their knowledge:

 → The Group financial statements, 
which have been prepared in 
accordance with IFRSs as adopted 
by the EU, give a true and fair view 
of the assets, liabilities, financial 
position and profit of the Group

 → The Directors’ Report and Strategic 
Report include a fair review of the 
development and performance of 
the Business and the position of the 
Group, together with a description of 
the principal risks and uncertainties 
that it faces.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

79

Directors’ ReportGroup Independent Auditors’ Report to  
the Members of Croda International Plc

Report on the Group  
financial statements
Our opinion
In our opinion, Croda International Plc’s 
Group financial statements (the ‘financial 
statements’):

 →give a true and fair view of the state of 
the Group’s affairs as at 31 December 
2016 and of its profit and cash flows 
for the year then ended;

 →have been properly prepared in 

accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) as 
adopted by the European Union; and

 →have been prepared in accordance with 
the requirements of the Companies Act 
2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

What we have audited
The financial statements, included 
within the Annual Report and Accounts 
(the ‘Annual Report’), comprise:

 →the Group Balance Sheet as at 

31 December 2016;

 →the Group Income Statement and 

Group Statement of Comprehensive 
Income for the year then ended;

 →the Group Statement of Cash Flows 

for the year then ended;

 →the Group Statement of Changes 
in Equity for the year then ended;

 →the Group Accounting Policies; and

 →the notes to the financial statements, 
which include other explanatory 
information.

Certain required disclosures have been 
presented elsewhere in the Annual Report, 
rather than in the notes to the financial 
statements. These are cross-referenced 
from the financial statements and are 
identified as audited.

The financial reporting framework that 
has been applied in the preparation of the 
financial statements is IFRSs as adopted 
by the European Union, and applicable law. 

Our audit approach
Overview

Materiality

 →Overall Group materiality: £13.8m which represents 5% 

of profit before tax

Audit scope

 →We, as the Group engagement team, audited the two 

financially significant components – the UK and the US – 
covering 51% of the Group’s external revenues and 48% 
of the Group’s profit before tax

 →For the next seven largest components of the Group, which 
are audited by PwC component auditors (the five largest as 
full scope audits and the remaining two subject to specified 
procedures), we were heavily involved at all stages of their 
audits by virtue of numerous communications throughout 
the process, including the issuance of detailed audit 
instructions, review and discussion of audit findings, 
in particular over our areas of focus

 →As a result of this scoping we obtained coverage over 77% 
of the Group’s external revenues and 85% of the Group’s 
profit before tax

Areas of focus

 →Provision for environmental remediation

 →Valuation of defined benefit pension scheme liability

 →Taxation

The risks of material misstatement 
that had the greatest effect on our audit, 
including the allocation of our resources 
and effort, are identified as ‘areas of focus’ 
in the following table. We have also set 
out how we tailored our audit to address 
these specific areas in order to provide 
an opinion on the financial statements as 
a whole, and any comments we make on 
the results of our procedures should be 
read in this context. This is not a complete 
list of all risks identified by our audit.

The scope of our audit  
and our areas of focus
We conducted our audit in accordance 
with International Standards on Auditing 
(UK and Ireland) (‘ISAs (UK & Ireland)’).

We designed our audit by determining 
materiality and assessing the risks of material 
misstatement in the financial statements. 
In particular, we looked at where the 
Directors made subjective judgements, 
for example in respect of significant 
accounting estimates that involved making 
assumptions and considering future events 
that are inherently uncertain. As in all of our 
audits we also addressed the risk of 
management override of internal controls, 
including evaluating whether there was 
evidence of bias by the Directors that 
represented a risk of material 
misstatement due to fraud. 

80 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial StatementsArea of focus

How our audit addressed the area of focus

Provision for environmental remediation
Refer to page 50 (Audit Committee Report), 
page 91 (Accounting Policies) and page 117 (notes).

As a consequence of the Group’s production 
of chemicals, there are a number of open claims 
and litigation against the Group relating to soil 
and potential groundwater contamination on sites, 
both currently in use and previously occupied.

Environmental standards and legislation are 
specific to, and often contain unique requirements, 
in each territory the Group operates in and may 
be subject to change. As such, understanding 
the potential environmental risks and the financial 
implications that the Group is exposed to is 
often complex.

The provision held for environmental liabilities 
within the balance sheet at 31 December 2016 
totalled £12.1m, which relates to a number 
of matters. For each matter, the Directors, in 
conjunction with experts they engaged, assessed 
the likelihood of the Group being found liable for 
any remedial work and, where applicable the costs 
of that work, as well as any associated fines and 
legal costs.

Assessing the likelihood and quantum of any 
financial obligations arising, requires judgement. 
There is a risk that the provision could be materially 
misstated and the required disclosures insufficient 
due to the inherent uncertainties and the potentially 
wide range of outcomes and timelines in respect 
of the resolution of each matter.

The Directors performed a detailed assessment 
of environmental liabilities to ensure that the level 
of environmental provision held remains appropriate.

We obtained and read the Directors’ assessment of each specific 
environmental matter that the Directors made us aware of, and assessed 
the completeness of the list against publicly available information and other 
information on potential environmental exposure at current and former sites. 
We performed audit work on each matter as there is a risk that the liability 
for each matter could be materially misstated.

We evaluated the Directors’ assumptions, both in terms of the likelihood of 
the Group being found liable and also of any resulting financial obligation by:

 →reading publicly available information, correspondence with relevant 

stakeholders and other information available to the Directors relating to 
the specific matters identified, and assessing the Directors’ assumptions 
against this information;

 →reading remediation plans drawn up by the Directors’ external experts 
and considering whether the Directors have properly reflected them in 
the calculation of the provision;

 →evaluating the independence, objectivity and competence of the experts 

that the Directors engage to assess the likely outcome of the cases against 
the Group, and the cost of remediation needed, by confirming they are 
qualified and affiliated with the appropriate industry bodies in the respective 
local territory;

 →comparing historical provisions with actual remediation costs incurred 
during the year to assess the Directors’ historical forecasting accuracy;

 →assessing the Directors’ accuracy in estimating exposures for fines and 
legal costs by comparing historic provisions for cases that have been 
settled with the actual fine/legal costs;

 →discussing all matters with the Group’s legal counsel and head of 

sustainability, and obtaining independent confirmations from the Group’s 
external legal advisers on the progress of each claim; and

 →discussing all matters arising in Europe and the US with local management, 

and corroborating information received from all parties.

We found, based on the results of our testing, that the provision recorded 
and disclosures made in the financial statements were consistent with the 
supporting evidence obtained. 

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

81

Financial Statements| Group Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of Croda International Plc

Area of focus

How our audit addressed the area of focus

Valuation of defined benefit pension  
scheme liability
Refer to page 50 (Audit Committee Report), 
page 91 (Accounting Policies) and pages 104 
to 108 (notes).

The Group has a number of defined benefit 
pension schemes that, together, are in a net 
deficit position of £146.5m, which is material both 
in the context of the overall balance sheet and 
the results of the Group. The schemes in the UK 
and the US account for £79.7m and £28.6m 
of the net deficit, respectively.

The valuation of the pension liability requires 
significant levels of judgement and technical 
expertise in choosing appropriate assumptions, 
a number of which can be volatile. Small changes 
in a number of the key assumptions (including 
salary increases, inflation, discount rates, and 
mortality) can have a material impact on the 
calculation of the liability.

Taxation
Refer to page 50 (Audit Committee Report), 
page 91 (Accounting Policies) and pages 100 
and 101 (notes).

Due to the large number of tax jurisdictions in 
which the Group operates, the calculation of the 
Group’s tax position is complex and is subject to 
scrutiny and challenge by different tax authorities.

An error in the interpretation of, often complex, 
tax regulations, particularly relating to transfer 
pricing, could lead to a material misstatement 
in the tax expense.

The Group also holds a number of specific 
judgemental tax accruals that relate to specific 
transfer pricing risks, open tax investigations/audits 
and other such matters. The estimation of the 
accrual is dependent on the Directors’ assessment 
of the outcome of the outstanding matters.

We primarily focused our work on the pension plan liabilities in the UK and 
the US which, together, account for the majority of the balance and, hence, 
estimation uncertainty.

We evaluated the Directors’ assessment of the assumptions they made 
in relation to the valuation of the liabilities in the pension plan as follows:

 →we agreed the discount and inflation rates used in the valuation of the 
pension liabilities to our internally developed expectations using our 
internal actuarial specialists and compared the assumptions around salary 
increases and mortality to national and industry accepted averages;

 →we evaluated the competence of the experts that the Directors engaged 
to calculate the defined benefit pension schemes, by confirming they 
are qualified and affiliated with the appropriate industry body; and

 →we evaluated the sensitivity of the pension scheme liabilities to differences 
between our independent judgements and those made by the Directors, 
both individually and in aggregate. 

Based on the evidence obtained, we found that the assumptions used by 
the Directors in the valuation of the liability were within a range considered 
to be reasonable using an internally developed range of acceptable 
assumptions for valuing pension liabilities, based on our view of various 
economic indicators.

We evaluated the Directors’ assumptions for determining and calculating 
the consolidated tax expense, balances and accruals. For all in scope 
territories we:

 →obtained the Group’s tax computations and tested the deductions  

and tax rates applied by reference to local tax legislation;

 →obtained the Group’s latest internal transfer pricing studies and 

associated documentation and used our internal tax specialists to 
assess its reasonableness;

 →assessed the amount of the specific tax accruals based on our experience 

of similar situations both related and unrelated to the Group;

 →read the latest correspondence between the Group and tax authorities 
and considered any implications this may have had on the tax position 
reported in the Group’s financial statements;

 →utilised our experience of similar tax exposures and risks faced by other 

multinational groups to assess the evidence described above; and
 →compared the levels of tax expense by territory with the local statutory 

tax rates and investigated the basis for any differences.

The Directors’ judgements in respect of the Group’s position on uncertain 
tax items are supportable and reasonable in the context of the information 
currently available to them and no matters were identified by our work 
that the Directors had not adequately reflected in their estimate of the tax 
expense, balances and accruals.

82 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial StatementsHow we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to 
ensure that we performed enough work to 
be able to give an opinion on the financial 
statements as a whole, taking into account 
the geographic structure of the Group, the 
accounting processes and controls, and 
the industry in which the Group operates.

The Group operates through various 
components in 36 different countries 
across five continents.

We, as the Group engagement team, 
performed an audit of the complete 
financial information for the two financially 
significant components – the UK and the 
US. For the next five largest components 
of the Group, PwC component auditors, 
under our instruction, performed an audit 
of their complete financial information. 
PwC component auditors also performed 
specified procedures at the two next 
largest components of the Group.

Where the work was performed by PwC 
component auditors we determined the 
level of involvement we needed to have 
in the audit work at those components 
to be able to conclude whether sufficient 
appropriate audit evidence had been 
obtained as a basis for our opinion on 
the Group financial statements as a whole. 
We were involved at all stages of their 
audits by virtue of numerous 
communications throughout the process, 
including the issuance of detailed audit 
instructions, review and discussion of audit 
findings, in particular over our areas of 
focus. We, as the Group engagement 
team, were also responsible for other head 
office activities such as the consolidation, 
financial statement disclosures and share 
based payments.

The procedures performed over the 
components (either by the Group team 
or PwC component audit teams) and 
specifically by the Group team (for example, 
on goodwill), accounted for 77% of the 
Group’s external revenues and 85% of the 
Group’s profit before tax.

Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced 
by our application of materiality. We set 
certain quantitative thresholds for 
materiality. These, together with qualitative 
considerations, helped us to determine the 
scope of our audit and the nature, timing 
and extent of our audit procedures 
on the individual financial statement line 
items and disclosures and in evaluating the 
effect of misstatements, both individually 
and on the financial statements as a whole. 

Based on our professional judgement, 
we determined materiality for the financial 
statements as a whole as per the 
table below.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that 
we would report to them misstatements 
identified during our audit above £0.7m 
(2015: £0.6m) as well as misstatements 
below that amount that, in our view, 
warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

Going concern
Under the Listing Rules we are required 
to review the Directors’ statement, set out 
on page 91, in relation to going concern. 
We have nothing to report having 
performed our review.

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required 
to report to you if we have anything 
material to add or to draw attention to in 
relation to the Directors’ statement about 
whether they considered it appropriate to 
adopt the going concern basis in preparing 
the financial statements. We have nothing 
material to add or to draw attention to.

As noted in the Directors’ statement, 
the Directors have concluded that it is 
appropriate to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing the financial statements. 
The going concern basis presumes that 
the Group has adequate resources to 
remain in operation, and that the Directors 
intend it to do so, for at least one year from 
the date the financial statements were 
signed. As part of our audit we have 
concluded that the Directors’ use of the 
going concern basis is appropriate. However, 
because not all future events or conditions 
can be predicted, these statements are not 
a guarantee as to the Group’s ability to 
continue as a going concern.

Other required reporting
Consistency of other information 
and compliance with applicable 
requirements
Companies Act 2006 reporting
In our opinion, based on the work 
undertaken in the course of the audit:

 →the information given in the Strategic 

Report and the Directors’ Report for the 
financial year for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent 
with the financial statements; and;

 →the Strategic Report and the Directors’ 

Report have been prepared in accordance 
with applicable legal requirements. 

In addition, in light of the knowledge and 
understanding of the Group and its 
environment obtained in the course of the 
audit, we are required to report if we have 
identified any material misstatements in the 
Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report. 
We have nothing to report in this respect.

Overall Group materiality

£13.8m (2015: £12.6m).

How we determined it

5% of profit before tax.

Rationale for  
benchmark applied

We believe that profit before tax is the primary 
measure used by the shareholders in assessing 
the performance of the Group, and is a generally 
accepted auditing benchmark.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

83

Financial Statements| Group Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of Croda International Plc

ISAs (UK & Ireland) reporting

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

 →information in the Annual Report is:

 – materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial statements; or
 – apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge  

of the Group acquired in the course of performing our audit; or

 –  otherwise misleading.

 →the statement given by the Directors on page 79, in accordance with provision C.1.1 of the UK 

Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’), that they consider the Annual Report taken as a whole 
to be fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for members 
to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy is materially inconsistent 
with our knowledge of the Group acquired in the course of performing our audit.

We have no exceptions 
to report.

We have no exceptions 
to report.

 →the section of the Annual Report on pages 47 to 51, as required by provision C.3.8 of the Code, 

describing the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters 
communicated by us to the Audit Committee.

We have no exceptions 
to report.

The Directors’ assessment of the prospects of the Group and of the principal risks that would threaten the solvency 
or liquidity of the Group 

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if we have anything material to add or to draw attention to in relation to:

 →the Directors’ confirmation on page 30 of the Annual Report, in accordance with provision C.2.1 

of the Code, that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group, 
including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity.

We have nothing material to 
add or to draw attention to.

 →the disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those risks and explain how they are being 

managed or mitigated.

 →the Directors’ explanation on page 30 of the Annual Report, in accordance with provision C.2.2 
of the Code, as to how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, 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 Group will be able to continue in operation 
and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any related 
disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

We have nothing material to 
add or to draw attention to.

We have nothing material to 
add or to draw attention to.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the Directors’ statement that they have carried out a robust assessment of the 
principal risks facing the Group and the Directors’ statement in relation to the longer term viability of the Group. Our review was 
substantially less in scope than an audit and only consisted of making inquiries and considering the Directors’ process supporting 
their statements; checking that the statements are in alignment with the relevant provisions of the Code; and considering whether 
the statements are consistent with the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing our audit. We have nothing to report 
having performed our review.

84 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial StatementsOther matter
We have reported separately on the 
Company financial statements of Croda 
International Plc for the year ended 
31 December 2016 and on the information 
in the Directors’ Remuneration Report 
that is described as having been audited.

Ian Morrison (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and 
Statutory Auditors 
Leeds

28 February 2017

Adequacy of information  
and explanations received
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are 
required to report to you if, in our opinion, 
we have not received all the information 
and explanations we require for our audit. 
We have no exceptions to report arising 
from this responsibility. 

Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we 
are required to report to you if, in our 
opinion, certain disclosures of Directors’ 
remuneration specified by law are not 
made. We have no exceptions to report 
arising from this responsibility. 

Corporate governance statement
Under the Listing Rules we are required 
to review the part of the Corporate 
Governance Statement relating to 10 
further provisions of the Code. We have 
nothing to report having performed 
our review. 

Responsibilities for the financial 
statements and the audit
Our responsibilities and those  
of the Directors
As explained more fully in the Statement 
of Directors’ Responsibilities set out on 
page 79, the Directors are responsible for 
the preparation of the financial statements 
and for being satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view.

Our responsibility is to audit and express 
an opinion on the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and ISAs 
(UK & Ireland). Those standards require 
us to comply with the Auditing Practices 
Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

This report, including the opinions, 
has been prepared for and only for 
the Company’s members as a body in 
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 
of the Companies Act 2006 and for no 
other purpose. We do not, in giving these 
opinions, accept or assume responsibility 
for any other purpose or to any other 
person to whom this report is shown 
or into whose hands it may come save 
where expressly agreed by our prior 
consent in writing.

What an audit of financial 
statements involves
An audit involves obtaining evidence 
about the amounts and disclosures in 
the financial statements sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the financial 
statements are free from material 
misstatement, whether caused by fraud 
or error. This includes an assessment of: 

 →whether the accounting policies 
are appropriate to the Group’s 
circumstances and have been 
consistently applied and 
adequately disclosed; 

 →the reasonableness of significant 

accounting estimates made by the 
Directors; and 

 →the overall presentation of the 

financial statements. 

We primarily focus our work in these areas 
by assessing the Directors’ judgements 
against available evidence, forming our 
own judgements, and evaluating the 
disclosures in the financial statements.

We test and examine information, using 
sampling and other auditing techniques, 
to the extent we consider necessary to 
provide a reasonable basis for us to draw 
conclusions. We obtain audit evidence 
through testing the effectiveness of 
controls, substantive procedures or 
a combination of both. 

In addition, we read all the financial and 
non-financial information in the Annual 
Report to identify material inconsistencies 
with the audited financial statements and 
to identify any information that is apparently 
materially incorrect based on, or materially 
inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired 
by us in the course of performing the audit. 
If we become aware of any apparent 
material misstatements or inconsistencies 
we consider the implications for our report. 
With respect to the Strategic Report and 
Directors’ Report, we consider whether 
those reports include the disclosures 
required by applicable legal requirements.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

85

Financial StatementsGroup Consolidated Statements

Group Income Statement

for the year ended 31 December 2016

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating costs
Operating profit
Financial costs
Financial income
Profit before tax
Tax
Profit after tax for the year
Attributable to:
Non-controlling interests
Owners of the parent

Note
1 

2 
3
4 
4 

5 

2016

2016

Adjusted
£m 
1,243.6
(798.5)
445.1
(146.9)
298.2
(10.6)
0.7
288.3
(80.7)
207.6

Adjustments
£m 
–
–
–
(12.6)
(12.6)
–
–
(12.6)
2.6
(10.0)

2015

2015

Adjusted
£m 
1,081.7
(704.1)
377.6
(113.4)
264.2
(10.2)
0.7
254.7
(71.2)
183.5

Adjustments
£m 
–
–
–
(2.4)
(2.4)
–
–
(2.4)
–
(2.4)

2016
Reported
Total
£m 
1,243.6
(798.5)
445.1
(159.5)
285.6
(10.6)
0.7
275.7
(78.1)
197.6

0.9
196.7
197.6

Adjustments relate to exceptional items, acquisition costs, amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition and the tax thereon. See note 3.

Earnings per 10p share

Basic

Diluted

7

7

Pence

148.2

146.9

Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

Note

5

for the year ended 31 December 2016

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive (expense)/income:
Items that will not be reclassified 
subsequently to profit or loss:
Remeasurements of post-employment  
benefit obligations
Tax on items that will not be reclassified

Items that may be reclassified 
subsequently to profit or loss:
Currency translation
Other comprehensive income for the year
Total comprehensive income for the year
Attributable to:
Non-controlling interests
Owners of the parent

Arising from:
Continuing operations

86 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

2016
£m
197.6

(65.5)
10.4
(55.1)

79.0
23.9
221.5

1.7
219.8
221.5

221.5

2015
Reported
Total
£m 
1,081.7
(704.1)
377.6
(115.8)
261.8
(10.2)
0.7
252.3
(71.2)
181.1

0.4
180.7
181.1

Pence

133.3

132.3

2015
£m
181.1

33.6
(6.6)
27.0

(3.1)
23.9
205.0

0.4
204.6
205.0

205.0

Financial Statements 
 
Group Balance Sheet

at 31 December 2016

Assets
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings and other financial liabilities
Provisions
Current tax liabilities

Net current assets
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings and other financial liabilities
Other payables
Retirement benefit liabilities
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities

Net assets
Equity
Ordinary share capital
Preference share capital
Share capital
Share premium account
Reserves
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests in equity
Total equity

Note

2016
£m

2015
£m
Restated

12
13
15
6

16
17
19

18
19
20

19

11
20
6

21
23

25

355.3
598.1
1.0
56.3
1,010.7

235.7
192.4
61.0
489.1

(186.2)
(10.4)
(8.1)
(47.0)
(251.7)
237.4

(414.7)
(2.6)
(146.5)
(9.2)
(66.3)
(639.3)
608.8

14.0
1.1
15.1
93.3
492.2
600.6
8.2
608.8

337.8
460.6
1.0
38.9
838.3

221.6
156.1
106.7
484.4

(159.6)
(58.4)
(4.9)
(39.3)
(262.2)
222.2

(307.6)
(2.1)
(78.8)
(8.9)
(55.8)
(453.2)
607.3

14.0
1.1
15.1
93.3
492.4
600.8
6.5
607.3

Cash and cash equivalents and Borrowings and other financial liabilities have been restated following the change in accounting policy 
described in note 29. This change has had no impact on net assets.

The financial statements on pages 86 to 123 were signed on behalf of the Board who approved the accounts on 28 February 2017.

Anita Frew 
Chairman 

Jez Maiden  
Group Finance Director

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

87

Financial Statements 
 
| Group Consolidated Statements

Group Statement of Cash Flows

for the year ended 31 December 2016

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
Interest paid
Tax paid
Net cash generated from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of other intangible assets
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of other investments
Cash paid against non-operating provisions
Interest received
Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
New borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Capital element of finance lease repayments
Sale of own shares held in trust
Dividends paid to equity shareholders
Net cash used in financing activities

Net movement in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward
Exchange differences
Cash and cash equivalents carried forward

Cash and cash equivalents carried forward comprise:
Cash at bank and in hand
Bank overdrafts

Note

ii

27
13
12

20

iii
21
8

i,iii

iii

2016
£m

2015
£m
Restated

345.1
(11.1)
(70.2)
263.8

(1.4)
(103.8)
(1.6)
0.9
0.1
(2.2)
0.7
(107.3)

699.3
(632.5)
(0.4)
1.2
(230.2)
(162.6)

(6.1)
55.8
6.7
56.4

61.0
(4.6)
56.4

282.1
(7.7)
(66.8)
207.6

(104.0)
(92.7)
(0.8)
2.4
–
(2.1)
0.7
(196.5)

88.2
(1.8)
(0.2)
1.2
(90.9)
(3.5)

7.6
45.6
2.6
55.8

106.7
(50.9)
55.8

Cash at bank and in hand and Bank overdrafts have been restated following the change in accounting policy described in note 29.

88 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial StatementsGroup Cash Flow Notes

for the year ended 31 December 2016

(i) Reconciliation to net debt

Movement in cash and cash equivalents
Movement in debt and lease financing
Change in net debt from cash flows
New finance lease contracts
Exchange differences

Net debt brought forward
Net debt carried forward

(ii) Cash generated by operations

Continuing operations
Adjusted operating profit
Exceptional items
Acquisition costs and amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition
Operating profit
Adjustments for:

Depreciation and amortisation
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Net provisions charged (note 20)
Share-based payments

Cash paid against operating provisions (note 20)
Pension fund contributions in excess of service cost
Movement in inventories
Movement in receivables
Movement in payables
Cash generated by continuing operations

(iii) Analysis of net debt

Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts
Movement in cash and cash equivalents
Borrowings repayable within one year
Borrowings repayable after more than one year
Finance leases
Movement in borrowings and other financial liabilities
Total net debt

Note
iii
iii

iii

Note

iv

2016
£m
(6.1)
(66.4)
(72.5)
(0.5)
(31.8)
(104.8)
(259.3)
(364.1)

2016
£m

298.2
(8.4)
(4.2)
285.6

49.2
0.9
4.3
9.5
(0.7)
(10.9)
8.4
(10.9)
9.7
345.1

2016
£m

61.0
(4.6)

(5.4)
(414.2)
(0.9)

(364.1)

Cash
flow
£m

(52.4)
46.3
(6.1)
2.5
(69.3)
0.4
(66.4)
(72.5)

Exchange
movements
£m

Other
non-cash
£m

6.7
–
6.7
(0.7)
(37.8)
–
(38.5)
(31.8)

–
–

–
–
(0.5)

(0.5)

2015
£m
7.6
(86.2)
(78.6)
(0.5)
– 
(79.1)
(180.2)
(259.3)

2015
£m

264.2
– 
(2.4)
261.8

38.5
–
– 
4.7
(3.0)
(18.5)
(15.1)
(6.9)
20.6
282.1

2015
£m
Restated
106.7
(50.9)

(7.2)
(307.1)
(0.8)

(259.3)

(iv) Cash flow on exceptional items
The total cash outflow during the year in respect of exceptional items, including those recognised in prior years’ income statements, 
was £2.9m (2015: £4.8m). Details of exceptional items can be found in note 3 on page 99.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

89

Financial Statements| Group Consolidated Statements

Group Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31 December 2016

At 1 January 2015

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive (expense)/income
Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year
Transactions with owners:
Dividends on equity shares
Share-based payments
Consideration received for sale of own shares 
held in trust
Total transactions with owners

Total equity at 31 December 2015

At 1 January 2016

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Total comprehensive income for the year
Transactions with owners:
Dividends on equity shares
Share-based payments
Consideration received for sale of own shares 
held in trust
Total transactions with owners

Note

Share
capital
£m
15.1

Share
premium
account
£m
93.3

Other
reserves
£m
1.1 

Retained
earnings
£m
373.4

Non-
controlling
interests
£m
6.1

8

8

– 
– 
–

–
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
–

–
– 

– 
– 

15.1

15.1

93.3

93.3

–
–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–
–

– 
(3.1) 
(3.1)

–
– 

– 
– 

(2.0)

(2.0)

–
78.2
78.2

–
–

–
–

180.7 
27.0
207.7

(90.9)
3.0

1.2
(86.7)

494.4

494.4

196.7
(55.1)
141.6

(230.2)
9.0

1.2
(220.0)

0.4 
– 
0.4

–
– 

– 
– 

6.5

6.5

0.9
0.8
1.7

–
–

–
–

Total
equity
£m
489.0 

181.1 
23.9
205.0

(90.9)
3.0

1.2
(86.7)

607.3

607.3

197.6
23.9
221.5

(230.2)
9.0

1.2
(220.0)

Total equity at 31 December 2016

15.1

93.3

76.2

416.0

8.2

608.8

Other reserves include the Capital Redemption Reserve of £0.9m (2015: £0.9m) and the Translation Reserve of £75.3m (2015: £(2.9)m).

90 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial StatementsGroup Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies 
adopted in the preparation of these 
financial statements are set out below. 
These policies have been consistently 
applied to all the years presented, 
unless otherwise stated.

Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements 
have been prepared under the historical 
cost convention, in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
Interpretations Committee (IFRSIC) and 
the Companies Act 2006 applicable 
to companies reporting under IFRS. 
The standards used are those published 
by the International Accounting Standards 
Board (IASB) and endorsed by the EU 
at the 31 December 2016. A summary of 
the more important Group accounting 
policies is set out below.

Going concern
The financial statements which appear 
on pages 86 to 123 have been prepared 
on a going concern basis as, after making 
appropriate enquiries, including a review 
of forecasts, budgets and banking facilities, 
the Directors have a reasonable expectation 
that the Group has adequate resources to 
continue in operational existence.

Accounting estimates and judgements
The Group’s significant accounting policies 
under IFRS have been set by management 
with the approval of the Audit Committee. 
The application of these policies requires 
estimates and assumptions to be made 
concerning the future and judgements 
to be made on the applicability of policies 
to particular situations. Estimates and 
judgements are continually evaluated 
and are based on historical experience 
and other factors, including expectations 
of future events that are believed to be 
reasonable under the circumstances. 
Under IFRS an estimate or judgement may 
be considered critical if it involves matters 
that are highly uncertain or where different 
estimation methods could reasonably have 
been used, or if changes in the estimate 
that would have a material impact on 

the Group’s results are likely to occur from 
period to period. The critical judgements 
required when preparing the Group’s 
accounts are as follows:

(i) 

 Provisions – as disclosed in note 20, 
the Group has made provision for 
potential environmental liabilities. 
The rationale behind these and other 
provisions is discussed in note 20, with 
consideration of contingent liabilities 
disclosed in note 28. The Directors 
believe that these provisions are 
appropriate based on information 
currently available

(ii)   Goodwill and fair value of assets 
acquired (note 12) – under IFRS, 
management are required to 
undertake an annual test for 
impairment of indefinite lived assets 
such as goodwill. Accordingly, the 
Group tests annually whether goodwill 
has suffered any impairment and 
the Group’s goodwill value has been 
supported by detailed value-in-use 
calculations relating to the recoverable 
amounts of the underlying Cash 
Generating Units (‘CGUs’). These 
calculations require the use of 
estimates to enable the calculation 
of the net present value of cash flow 
projections of the relevant CGU, 
the critical estimates are as follows:

 →Growth in EBITDA (calculated as 

operating profit before depreciation 
and amortisation) – estimated at 3% 
long term, a prudent estimate given 
the Group’s historical growth rates

 →Timing and quantum of capital 

expenditure – estimated to grow 
from current levels at the same 
3% rate

 →Selection of appropriate discount 
rates to reflect the risks involved 
– typically the Group’s weighted 
average cost of capital would be 
used as a starting point unless 
the risk profile of a particular 
acquired business warranted 
different treatment.

Currently, as recoverable amounts 
exceed carrying values, including 
goodwill, there is thus no impairment 
within a reasonable range 
of assumptions. Goodwill arising on 
acquisition is allocated to the CGU 
that is expected to benefit from the 
synergies of the acquisition. Such 
goodwill is then incorporated into the 
Group’s standard impairment review 
process as described above

(iii)   Retirement benefit liabilities – as 
disclosed in note 11, the Group’s 
principal retirement benefit schemes 
are of the defined benefit type. Year 
end recognition of the liabilities under 
these schemes and the valuation of 
assets held to fund these liabilities 
require a number of significant 
assumptions to be made, relating 
to levels of scheme membership, 
key financial market indicators such 
as inflation and expectations on 
future salary growth and asset returns. 
These assumptions are made by 
the Group in conjunction with the 
schemes’ actuaries and the Directors 
are of the view that any estimation 
should be prudent and in line with 
consensus opinion.

(iv)   Taxation – the Group is subject to 

corporate income taxes in numerous 
jurisdictions. Significant judgement 
is often required in determining 
the worldwide expense and liability 
for such taxes, including consideration 
of the potential impact of transfer 
pricing. There are many transactions 
and calculations where the ultimate tax 
determination is uncertain during the 
ordinary course of business. The Group 
recognises liabilities for tax issues 
based on estimates of whether 
additional taxes will be due, based on 
its best interpretation of the relevant 
tax laws and rules. Where the final tax 
outcome of these matters is different 
from the amounts that were initially 
recorded, such differences will impact 
the income tax and deferred tax 
provisions in the period in which 
such determination is made.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

91

Financial Statements| Group Accounting Policies

Changes in accounting policy
(i) 

 New and amended standards adopted 
by the Group for the first time for the 
financial year beginning on 1 January 
2016:

In March 2016, the IFRSIC issued an 
agenda decision regarding the 
treatment of offsetting and cash 
pooling arrangements clarifying in 
which circumstances these can be 
offset in accordance with IAS 32 
‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’. 
It was determined that where a Group 
does not expect to settle subsidiaries’ 
bank balances on a net basis, these 
balances cannot be offset. In response 
to this, the Group has reviewed its 
offsetting and cash pooling 
arrangements which has resulted in 
changes to the amounts that can be 
offset. Comparative information for the 
year ended 31 December 2015 has 
been restated in line with a change 
in accounting policy requirements. 
The impact of this change on 2015 
is to increase both cash and cash 
equivalents and current borrowings 
in the Consolidated balance sheet by 
£48.9m. There was no overall impact 
on net debt or net assets.

Other standards, amendments and 
interpretations which are effective 
for the financial year beginning on 
1 January 2016 have been 
appropriately applied where applicable 
but are not material to the Group.

(ii)   New standards and interpretations 
not yet adopted – a number of new 
standards and amendments to 
standards and interpretations are 
effective for annual periods beginning 
on or after 1 January 2017, and have 
not been applied in preparing these 
consolidated financial statements. 
None of these are expected to have a 
significant effect on the consolidated 
financial statements of the Group, 
except the following set out below:

IFRS 9, ‘Financial Instruments’ – IFRS 9 
includes requirements for classification 
and measurement, impairment and 
hedge accounting. 

92 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

There are no other IFRSs or IFRIC 
interpretations that are not yet effective 
that would be expected to have a 
material impact on the Group in the 
current or future reporting periods and 
on foreseeable future transactions.

Group accounts
General information
Croda International Plc is a public limited 
company, which is listed on the London 
Stock Exchange and incorporated 
and domiciled in the United Kingdom. It is 
registered in England and the address of its 
registered office can be found on page 138.

Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are all entities (including 
structured entities) over which the Parent 
Company has control. The Parent controls 
an entity when it is exposed to, or has 
rights to, variable returns from 
its involvement with the entity and has 
the ability to affect those returns through 
its power over the entity. Subsidiaries 
are fully consolidated from the date on 
which control is transferred to the Group. 
They are deconsolidated from the date 
that control ceases.

The Group uses the acquisition method 
of accounting to account for business 
combinations. The consideration 
transferred for the acquisition of a 
subsidiary is the fair value of the assets 
transferred, the liabilities incurred 
and the equity interests issued by the 
Group. Acquisition costs are expensed 
as incurred. 

Identifiable assets acquired, and liabilities 
and contingent liabilities assumed, in a 
business combination are measured initially 
at their fair values at the acquisition date, 
irrespective of the extent of any minority 
interest. The excess of the cost of 
acquisition over the Group’s share of 
identifiable net assets acquired is recorded 
as goodwill.

Inter-company transactions, balances 
and unrealised gains on transactions 
between Group companies are 
eliminated. Unrealised losses are also 
eliminated. Accounting policies of 
subsidiaries have been changed where 
necessary to ensure consistency with 
the policies adopted by the Group.

It replaces the classification and 
measurement models for financial 
instruments in IAS 39 with three 
classification categories: amortised 
cost, fair value through profit or loss 
and fair value through other 
comprehensive income. The standard 
is expected to become effective for 
periods ending on or after 1 January 
2018. The Group is in the process of 
assessing the impact of this standard. 
This is not expected to have a material 
impact on the Group.

IFRS 15, ‘Revenue from contracts deals 
with revenue recognition and 
establishes principles for reporting 
useful information to users of financial 
statements about the nature, amount, 
timing and uncertainty of revenue and 
cash flows arising from an entity’s 
contracts with customers. Revenue is 
recognised when a customer obtains 
control of a good or service and thus 
has the ability to direct the use and 
obtain the benefits from the good or 
service. The standard replaces IAS 18 
‘Revenue’ and IAS 11 ‘Construction 
contracts’ and related interpretations. 
The standard is effective for annual 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 
2018, with earlier application permitted. 
The Group is in the initial stage of 
assessing the impact of IFRS 15. This is 
not expected to have a material impact 
on the Group.

IFRS 16, ‘Leases’ will require lessees to 
recognise a lease liability reflecting 
future lease payments and a ‘right-of-
use asset’ for virtually all lease 
contracts. Under IAS 17, lessees are 
required to make a distinction between 
a finance lease (on balance sheet) and 
an operating lease (off balance sheet). 
The IASB has included an optional 
exemption for certain short term leases 
and leases of low value assets; 
however, this exemption can only be 
applied by lessees. The standard is 
effective for annual periods beginning 
on or after 1 January 2019. At this 
stage the Group is not able to fully 
estimate the impact of the new rules on 
the Group’s financial statements. The 
Group’s future minimum lease 
commitments under existing operating 
lease disclosures are shown in note 14. 
The Group will continue to perform a 
detailed assessment of the impact over 
the next twelve months. 

Financial StatementsOnce recognised, such intangible assets 
will be initially valued using either the 
‘market approach’ (where a well defined 
external market for the asset exists), the 
‘income approach’ (which looks at the 
future income the asset will generate) or 
the ‘cost approach’ (the cost of replacing 
the asset), whichever is most relevant 
to the asset under consideration. 
Following initial recognition, the asset 
will be written down on a straight-line 
basis over its useful life. Useful lives 
are regularly reviewed to ensure their 
continuing relevance.

Research and development
Research expenditure, undertaken with 
the prospect of gaining new scientific or 
technical knowledge and understanding, 
is charged to the income statement in 
the year in which it is incurred. Internal 
development expenditure, whereby 
research findings are applied to a plan 
for the production of new or substantially 
improved products or processes, 
is charged to the income statement in 
the year in which it is incurred unless 
it meets the recognition criteria of IAS 38 
‘Intangible Assets’. Measurement and 
other uncertainties generally mean that 
such criteria are not met. Where, however, 
the recognition criteria are met, intangible 
assets are capitalised and amortised 
over their useful economic lives from 
product launch. Intangible assets relating 
to products in development are subject 
to impairment testing at each balance 
sheet date or earlier upon indication of 
impairment. Any impairment losses are 
written off to the income statement.

Computer software
Acquired computer software licences 
covering a period of greater than one 
year are capitalised on the basis of the 
costs incurred to acquire and bring to 
use the specific software. These costs 
are amortised over their estimated 
useful lives (three to five years).

Transactions with  
non-controlling interests

The Group treats transactions with 
non-controlling interests as transactions 
with the equity owners of the Group. 
For purchases from non-controlling 
interests, the difference between any 
consideration paid and the relevant 
share acquired of the carrying value of 
net assets of the subsidiary is recorded 
as equity. Gains or losses on disposals 
to non-controlling interests are also 
recorded in equity.

Intangible assets
Goodwill
On the acquisition of a business, fair 
values are attributed to the net assets 
acquired. Goodwill arises where the 
fair value of the consideration given for 
a business exceeds such net assets. 
Goodwill arising on acquisitions is 
capitalised and carried at cost less 
accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill 
is subject to impairment review, both 
annually and when there are indications 
that the carrying value may not be 
recoverable. For the purpose of impairment 
testing, assets are grouped at the lowest 
levels for which there are separately 
identifiable cash flows, known as CGUs. If 
the recoverable amount of the CGU is less 
than the carrying value of the goodwill, 
an impairment loss is recognised 
immediately against the goodwill value. 
The recoverable amount of the CGU is 
the higher of fair value less costs to sell 
and value in use. Value in use is estimated 
with reference to estimated future cash 
flows discounted to net present value 
using a discount rate that reflects the risks 
specific to the CGU. Typically the Group’s 
weighted average cost of capital would 
be used as a starting point unless the 
risk profile of a particular acquired 
business warranted different treatment. 
The Group uses prudent growth estimates 
that track below the Group’s historical 
growth rates.

Other intangible assets arising 
on acquisition
On acquisition, intangible assets other 
than goodwill are recognised if they can be 
identified through being separable from 
the acquired entity or arising from specific 
contractual or legal rights. 

Revenue recognition
Sale of goods
Revenue comprises the fair value for the 
sale of goods, excludes inter-company 
sales and value-added taxes and 
represents net invoice value less estimated 
rebates, returns and settlement discounts.

The Group supplies products to customers 
from its various manufacturing sites and 
warehouses and in some limited instances 
from consignment inventory held on 
customer sites, under a variety of 
standard terms and conditions. In each 
case revenue is recognised when the 
transfer of legal title, which is defined and 
generally accepted in the standard terms 
and conditions, arises between the Group 
and the customer. This will nearly always 
be on dispatch or delivery, but never 
before dispatch. Provisions for sales 
discounts and rebates to customers are 
based upon the terms of sales contracts 
and are recorded in the same period 
as the related sales as a deduction 
from revenue. The Group estimates the 
provision for sales discounts and rebates 
based on the terms of each agreement 
at the time the revenue is recognised.

Royalties and profit 
sharing arrangements
Revenues are recognised on an accruals 
basis in accordance with the substance 
of the underlying agreement, subject 
to reliable measurement of the amounts.

Interest and dividend income
Interest income is recognised on a 
time-proportion basis using the effective 
interest method.

Dividend income is recognised when the 
right to receive payment is established.

Segmental reporting
An operating segment is a group 
of assets and operations engaged in 
providing products and services that 
are subject to risks or returns that are 
different from those of other segments. 
Operating segments presented in the 
financial statements are consistent 
with the internal reporting provided to 
the Group’s Chief Operating Decision 
Maker, which has been identified 
as the Group Executive Committee.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

93

Financial Statements| Group Accounting Policies

Employee benefits
Pension obligations
The Group accounts for pensions and 
similar benefits under IAS 19 ‘Employee 
Benefits’ (revised). In respect of defined 
benefit plans (pension plans that define 
an amount of pension benefit that 
an employee will receive on retirement, 
usually dependent on one or more 
factors such as age, years of service and 
compensation), obligations are measured 
at discounted present value whilst plan 
assets are recorded at fair value. The 
liability recognised in the balance sheet 
in respect of defined benefit pension 
plans is the net of the plan obligations 
and assets. No allowance is made in 
the past service liability in respect of 
either the future expenses of running 
the schemes or for non-service related 
death in service benefits which may 
arise in the future. The operating costs 
of such plans are charged to operating 
profit and the finance costs are 
recognised as financial income or an 
expense as appropriate. Service costs 
are spread systematically over the lives 
of employees and financing costs are 
recognised in the periods in which 
they arise. Actuarial gains and losses 
are recognised in the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income. Payments 
to defined contribution schemes 
(pension plans under which the Group 
pays fixed contributions into a separate 
entity) are charged as an expense as 
they fall due.

Other post-retirement benefits
Some Group companies provide 
post-retirement healthcare benefits to 
their retirees. The entitlement to these 
benefits is usually conditional on the 
employee remaining in service up to 
retirement age and the completion of a 
minimum service period. The expected 
costs of these benefits are accrued over 
the period of employment using an 
accounting methodology similar to that for 
defined benefit pension plans. Actuarial 
gains and losses are recognised in the 
Statement of Comprehensive Income. 
These obligations are valued annually 
by independent qualified actuaries.

Termination benefits
Termination benefits are payable 
when employment is terminated by 
the Group before the normal retirement 
date, or whenever an employee accepts 
voluntary redundancy in exchange for 
these benefits. The Group recognises 
termination benefits when it is 
demonstrably committed to either 
(i) terminating the employment of current 
employees according to a detailed formal 
plan without possibility of withdrawal 
or (ii) providing termination benefits as 
a result of an offer made to encourage 
voluntary redundancy.

Share-based payments
The Group operates a number of cash 
and equity-settled, share-based incentive 
schemes. These are accounted for in 
accordance with IFRS2 ‘Share-based 
Payments’, which requires an expense 
to be recognised in the income statement 
over the vesting period of the options. 
The expense is based on the fair value 
of each instrument which is calculated 
using the Black-Scholes or binomial 
model as appropriate. Any expense 
is adjusted to reflect expected and 
actual levels of options vesting, as the 
Group does not use market-based 
performance criteria.

Currency translations
Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements 
of each of the Group’s entities are 
measured using the currency of the 
primary economic environment in which 
the entity operates (‘the functional 
currency’). The consolidated financial 
statements are presented in Sterling, 
which is the Company’s functional 
and presentation currency.

Transactions and balances
Monetary assets and liabilities are 
translated at the exchange rates ruling 
at the end of the financial period. 
Exchange profits or losses on trading 
transactions are included in the Group 
income statement except when 
deferred in equity as qualifying cash 
flow hedges and qualifying net 
investment hedges.

Group companies
The results and financial position of all 
the Group entities that have a functional 
currency different from the presentation 
currency are translated into the 
presentation currency as follows:

(i) 

 assets and liabilities for each balance 
sheet presented are translated at 
the closing rate at the date of that 
balance sheet;

(ii)   income and expenses for each income 
statement are translated at average 
exchange rates (unless this average 
is not a reasonable approximation 
of the cumulative effect of the rates 
prevailing on the transaction dates, 
in which case income and expenses 
are translated at the dates of the 
transactions); and

(iii)   all resulting exchange differences are 
recognised as a separate component 
of equity.

On consolidation, exchange differences 
arising from the translation of the net 
investment in foreign entities, and of 
borrowings and other currency instruments 
designated as hedges of such investments, 
are taken to shareholders’ equity.

When a foreign operation is sold, such 
exchange differences are recognised 
in the income statement as part of the 
gain or loss on sale.

Taxation
The charge for taxation is based on the 
profit for the year and takes into account 
taxation deferred because of temporary 
differences between the treatment of 
certain items for taxation and for 
accounting purposes. Temporary 
differences arise on differences between 
the carrying value of assets and liabilities 
in the financial statements and their tax 
base and primarily relate to the difference 
between tax allowances on tangible 
fixed assets and the corresponding 
depreciation charge, and upon the 
pension fund deficit. Full provision is 
made for the tax effects of these 
differences. No provision is made for 
unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries 
where there is no commitment to remit 
such earnings. 

94 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial StatementsSimilarly, no provision is made for 
temporary differences relating to 
investments in subsidiaries since realisation 
of such differences can be controlled and 
is not probable in the foreseeable future. 
Deferred tax assets are recognised, using 
the balance sheet liability method, to the 
extent that it is probable that future taxable 
profit will be available against which the 
temporary differences can be utilised.

All taxation is calculated on the basis 
of the tax rates and laws enacted or 
substantively enacted at the balance 
sheet date.

Exceptional items
Exceptional items are those items that 
in the Directors’ view are required to be 
separately disclosed by virtue of their size 
or incidence to enable a full understanding 
of the Group’s financial performance. 
In the current year all exceptional items 
relate to reorganisation costs. There 
were no exceptional items in the prior 
year. Details can be found in note 3 
on page 99.

Income statement presentation
The acquisition in 2015 of Incotec and in 
2016 of Inventiva, increased acquisition 
costs and amortisation of acquired 
intangible assets. If the right targets can be 
found, these costs are likely to increase in 
the future. To avoid distorting the 
underlying trend in profitability, the Group 
introduced the definitions ‘Adjusted 
operating profit’, ‘Adjusted pre-tax profit’ 
and ‘Adjusted earnings per share’. In each 
case acquisition costs, amortisation or 
write-off of intangible assets arising on 
acquisition and exceptional items, including 
the respective tax effect, are excluded. 
The Group income statement has been 
produced in a columnar format to 
further aid this analysis.

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated 
at historical cost less depreciation, with 
the exception of assets acquired as part 
of a business combination. Cost includes 
the original purchase price of the asset 
and the costs attributable to bringing 
the asset to its working condition for its 
intended use. The Group’s policy is to 
write-off the difference between the cost 

of all property, plant and equipment, 
except freehold land, and their residual 
value on a straight-line basis over their 
estimated useful lives. 

Reviews are made annually of the 
estimated remaining lives and residual 
values of individual productive assets, 
taking account of commercial 
and technological obsolescence as well 
as normal wear and tear, and adjustments 
are made where appropriate. Under this 
policy it becomes impractical to calculate 
average asset lives exactly. However, 
the total lives range from approximately 
15 to 40 years for land and buildings, and 3 
to 15 years for plant and equipment. All 
individual assets are reviewed for 
impairment when there are indications that 
the carrying value may not be recoverable. 
By far the bulk of the Group’s ‘plant and 
equipment’ asset class relates to the value 
of plant and equipment at the Group’s 
manufacturing facilities. Consequently, the 
Group does not seek to analyse out of this 
class other items such as motor vehicles 
and office equipment.

Impairment of non-financial assets
The Group assesses at each year end 
whether an asset may be impaired. 
If any evidence exists of impairment, 
the estimated recoverable amount 
is compared to the carrying value of 
the asset and an impairment loss is 
recognised where appropriate. The 
recoverable amount is the higher of an 
asset’s value in use and fair value less 
costs to sell. In addition to this, goodwill 
is tested for impairment at least annually. 
Non-financial assets other than goodwill 
which have suffered impairment are 
reviewed for possible reversal of the 
impairment at each reporting date.

Leases
Assets acquired under finance leases 
are included in the balance sheet 
under property, plant and equipment 
at an amount reflecting the lower of the 
present value of future rentals and the 
fair value of the asset and are depreciated 
over the shorter of the lease term and 
their estimated useful lives. The capital 
element of future lease rentals is included 
in borrowings. Finance charges are 

allocated to the income statement each 
year in proportion to the capital element 
outstanding. 

The cost of operating leases is charged to 
the income statement on a straight-line 
basis over the lease period.

Derivative financial instruments
The Group uses derivative financial 
instruments to hedge its exposure to 
interest rates and short term currency 
rate fluctuations.

Derivative financial instruments are 
recorded initially at cost. Subsequent 
measurement depends on the designation 
of the instrument as either: (i) a hedge of 
the fair value of recognised assets or 
liabilities or a firm commitment (fair value 
hedge); or (ii) a hedge of highly probable 
forecast transactions (cash flow hedge).

(i) Fair value hedge
Changes in the fair value of derivatives, 
for example interest rate swaps and 
foreign exchange contracts, that are 
designated and qualify as fair value 
hedges are recorded in the income 
statement, together with any changes 
in the fair value of the hedged asset 
or liability that are attributable to the 
hedged risk.

(ii) Cash flow hedge
The effective portion of changes 
in the fair value of derivatives that are 
designated and qualify as cash flow 
hedges are recognised in equity. The 
gain or loss relating to the ineffective 
portion is recognised immediately in the 
income statement. Amounts accumulated 
in equity are recycled in the income 
statement in the periods when the hedged 
item will affect profit or loss (for instance 
when the forecast sale that is hedged 
takes place). However, when the forecast 
transaction that is hedged results in 
the recognition of a non-financial asset 
(for example, inventory) or a liability, 
the gains and losses previously deferred 
in equity are transferred from equity 
and included in the initial measurement 
of the cost of the asset or liability. 

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

95

Financial Statements| Group Accounting Policies

Derivative Financial Instruments
continued
When a hedging instrument expires or is 
sold, or when a hedge no longer meets 
the criteria for hedge accounting, any 
cumulative gain or loss existing in equity 
at that time remains in equity and is 
recognised when the forecast transaction 
is ultimately recognised in the income 
statement. 

When a forecast transaction is no longer 
expected to occur, the cumulative gain 
or loss that was reported in equity is 
immediately transferred to the income 
statement.

Certain derivative instruments do not 
qualify for hedge accounting. Changes 
in the fair value of any derivative 
instruments that do not qualify for 
hedge accounting are recognised 
immediately in the income statement.

Borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair 
value, net of transaction costs incurred. Any 
difference between the proceeds (net of 
transaction costs) and the redemption value 
is recognised in the income statement over 
the period of the borrowings using the 
effective interest method. Borrowings are 
classified as current liabilities unless 
the Group has an unconditional right 
to defer settlement of the liability for 
at least 12 months after the balance 
sheet date.

Borrowing costs
General and specific borrowing costs 
directly attributable to the acquisition, 
construction or production of qualifying 
assets, which are assets that necessarily 
take a substantial period of time to get 
ready for their intended use or sale, are 
added to the cost of those assets, until 
such time as the assets are substantially 
ready for their intended use or sale.

Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are recognised 
initially at fair value and subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the 
effective interest method.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost 
and net realisable amount on a first in first 
out basis. Cost comprises all expenditure, 
including related production overheads, 
incurred in the normal course of business 
in bringing the inventory to its location and 
condition at the balance sheet date. Net 
realisable amount is the estimated selling 
price in the ordinary course of business 
less any applicable variable selling costs. 
Provision is made for obsolete, slow 
moving and defective inventory where 
appropriate. Profits arising on intra 
Group sales are eliminated in so far as 
the product remains in Group inventory 
at the year end.

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 impairment 
losses. A provision for impairment is 
made when there is objective evidence 
that the amount will not be collectible. 
Such amounts are written down to 
their estimated recoverable amounts, 
with the charge being made to 
operating expenses.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise 
cash balances and short term deposits. 
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 
statement of cash flows. Cash and bank 
overdrafts are offset and the net amount 
reported in the balance sheet when 
there is a legally enforceable right to 
offset the recognised amounts, there is 
an intention to settle on a net basis and 
interest is charged on a net basis.

Environmental, restructuring 
and other provisions
The Group is exposed to environmental 
liabilities relating to its operations and 
liabilities arising from the restructuring 
of its operations following the acquisition 
of Uniqema. Provisions are made 
immediately where a legal obligation 
is identified, can be quantified and it is 
regarded as more likely than not that an 
outflow of resources will be required to 
settle the obligation. The Group does 
consider the impact of discounting when 
establishing provisions and provisions are 
discounted when the impact is material 
and the timing of cash flows can be 
estimated with reasonable certainty.

Share capital
Investment in own shares
(i) Employee share ownership trusts – 
shares acquired by the trustees of the 
employee share ownership trust (the 
Trustees), funded by the Company and 
held for the continuing benefit of the 
Company are shown as a reduction 
in equity attributable to owners of the 
parent. Movements in the year arising 
from additional purchases by the Trustees 
of shares or the receipt of funds due to 
the exercise of options by employees are 
accounted for within reserves and shown 
as a movement in equity attributable 
to owners of the parent in the year. 
Administration expenses of the trusts 
are charged to the Company’s income 
statement as incurred.

(ii) Treasury shares – where any Group 
company purchases the Company’s 
equity share capital as treasury shares, 
the consideration paid, including any 
directly attributable incremental costs 
(net of income taxes) is deducted from 
equity attributable to the Company’s 
equity holders until the shares are 
cancelled, reissued or disposed of. 
Where such shares are subsequently 
sold or reissued, any consideration 
received, net of any directly attributable 
incremental transaction costs and the 
related income tax effects, is included 
in equity attributable to the Company’s 
equity holders.

96 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial StatementsDividends
Dividends on Ordinary share capital are 
recognised as a liability when the liability 
is irrevocable. Accordingly, final dividends 
are recognised when approved by 
shareholders and interim dividends are 
recognised when paid.

Investments
Investments in quoted securities are 
treated as ‘available for sale’ and stated 
at fair value, being the appropriate quoted 
market value, with movements in the 
fair value being recognised in equity. 
Investments in unquoted securities are 
carried at fair value unless such value 
cannot be reliably measured, in which 
case the investments are carried at cost. 
Investments are subject to impairment 
testing at each balance sheet date or 
earlier upon indication of impairment. 
Held to maturity investments are 
measured at amortised cost using 
the effective interest rate method.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

97

Financial StatementsNotes to the Group Accounts

1. Segmental analysis
The Group’s sales, marketing and research activities are organised into four global market sectors, being Personal Care, Life Sciences, 
Performance Technologies and Industrial Chemicals. These are the segments for which summary management information 
is presented to the Group’s Executive Committee, which is deemed to be the Group’s Chief Operating Decision Maker. A review 
of each sector can be found within the Strategic Report on pages 14 to 20.

There is no material trade between segments. Segmental results include items directly attributable to a specific segment as well 
as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Segment assets consist primarily of property, plant and equipment, goodwill, 
inventories and trade and other receivables.

Income statement
Revenue
Personal Care
Life Sciences2
Performance Technologies
Industrial Chemicals2
Total Group revenue

Adjusted operating profit
Personal Care
Life Sciences2
Performance Technologies
Industrial Chemicals2
Total Group operating profit (before exceptional items, acquisition costs and amortisation of intangible assets 
arising on acquisition)
Exceptional items, acquisition costs and amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition1
Total Group operating profit

1   Relates to Personal Care £0.8m (2015: £0.4m), Life Sciences £11.3m (2015: £1.9m), Performance Technologies £0.5m (2015: £0.1m)  

 and Industrial Chemicals £nil (2015: £nil)

2   2015 sector revenue and adjusted operating profit have been restated for a reclassification of toll product from Life Sciences to Industrial Chemicals by 

£7.4m and £1.1m respectively.

Balance sheet
Total assets
Segment total assets:
Personal Care
Life Sciences
Performance Technologies
Industrial Chemicals
Total segment assets
Tax assets
Cash and investments
Total Group assets

Capital expenditure and depreciation

Personal Care
Life Sciences
Performance Technologies
Industrial Chemicals
Total Group

98 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

2016
£m

Additions to
non-current
assets
31.4
21.2
43.8
12.0
108.4

Depreciation and
amortisation
13.0
13.6
16.8
5.8
49.2

2016
£m

2015
£m
Restated

420.6
292.2
402.5
128.3
1,243.6

143.1
82.0
66.2
6.9

298.2
(12.6)
285.6

527.3
315.0
389.4
149.8
1,381.5
56.3
62.0
1,499.8

377.3
223.9
354.8
125.7
1,081.7

124.5
75.1
56.8
7.8

264.2
(2.4)
261.8

445.6
283.1
312.3
135.1
1,176.1
38.9
107.7
1,322.7

2015
£m

Additions to
non-current
assets
29.8
16.4
38.5
10.1
94.8

Depreciation and
amortisation
12.1
7.0
14.3
5.1
38.5

Financial StatementsThe Group manages its business segments on a global basis. The operations are based in the following geographical areas; Europe, 
with manufacturing sites in the UK, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain; the Americas, with manufacturing sites in the US, Brazil 
and Argentina; Asia, with manufacturing sites in Singapore, Japan, India, China, and Indonesia; and Australia and South Africa.

The Group’s revenue from external customers in the UK is £45.0m (2015: £43.6m), in Germany is £113.6m (2015: £100.0m), in the  
US is £317.2m (2015: £285.2m) and the total revenue from external customers from other countries is £767.8m (2015: £652.9m).

The total of non-current assets other than financial instruments and deferred tax assets located in the UK is £90.2m (2015: £87.2m), 
and the total of the non-current assets located in other countries is £557.1m (2015: £419.0m). Goodwill has not been split by 
geography as this asset is not attributable to a geographical area.

No single external customer represents more than 3% of the total revenue of the Group.

2. Operating costs

Analysis of net operating expenses by function:
Distribution costs
Administrative expenses

2016
£m

59.5
100.0
159.5

Additional information on the nature of operating expenses, including depreciation and employee costs, is provided in note 3.

3. Profit for the year

The Group profit for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation and amortisation (note 12 & 13)
Staff costs (note 9)
Redundancy costs
Non-exceptional
Exceptional

Inventories

Cost recognised as expense in cost of sales
Right down on inventories
Research and development
Hire of plant and machinery and other operating lease rentals
Net foreign exchange
Bad debt charge (note 17)

Adjustments (including exceptional) items:

2016
£m

49.2
245.5

1.6
4.1

674.8
5.1
34.6
5.9
(3.3)
1.8

2015
£m

40.3
75.5
115.8

2015
£m

38.5
191.5

1.8
–

607.4
3.3
25.0
5.6
(0.6)
1.0

Adjustments in the Group income statement of £12.6m (2015: £2.4m) include £8.4m (2015: £nil) of costs associated with the 
reorganisation of Incotec during the year (redundancy costs and restructuring costs). Also included are acquisition costs of £1.1m 
(2015: £2.0m) and amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition of £3.1m (2015: £0.4m).

Services provided by the Group’s auditors
Audit services
Fees payable to the Group auditor for the audit of parent company and consolidated financial statements

Fees payable to the Group auditor and its associates for the audit of the Company’s subsidiaries

Other audit services
Tax compliance services
Other services

2016
£m

2015
£m

0.1

0.8

0.3
–
1.2

0.1

0.7

0.3
0.1
1.2

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

99

Financial Statements| Notes to the Group Accounts

4. Net financial costs

Financial costs
US$100m 5.94% fixed rate 10 year bond
2014 Club facility due 2021
2016 Club facility due 2021
€30m 1.08% fixed rate 7 year bond
€70m 1.43% fixed rate 10 year bond
£30m 2.54% fixed rate 7 year bond
£70m 2.80% fixed rate 10 year bond
Net interest on retirement benefit liabilities
Other bank loans and overdrafts
Capitalised interest

Financial income
Bank interest receivable and similar income
Net financial costs

5. Tax

(a) Analysis of tax charge for the year
UK current corporate tax
Overseas current corporate taxes
Current tax
Deferred tax (note 6)

(b) Tax on items (credited)/charged to equity
Deferred tax on actuarial movement on retirement benefit liabilities
Deferred tax on share based payments

(c) Factors affecting the tax charge for the year
Profit before tax
Tax at the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK, 20.00% (2015: 20.25%)
Effect of:
Deferred tax rate change
Tax cost of remitting overseas income to the UK
Expenses and write-offs not deductible for tax purposes
Effect of higher overseas tax rates

2016
£m

4.4
3.2
0.2
0.1
0.4
0.4
1.0
2.5
1.4
(3.0)
10.6

(0.7)
9.9

2016
£m

17.4
59.3
76.7
1.4
78.1

(10.4)
(0.5)
(10.9)

275.7
55.1

(0.4)
0.3
0.5
22.6
78.1

2015
£m

3.9
2.7
–
–
–
–
–
3.3
1.1
(0.8)
10.2

(0.7)
9.5

2015
£m

12.2
56.1
68.3
2.9
71.2

6.6
0.2
6.8

252.3
51.1

(0.7)
1.1
1.3
18.4
71.2

Croda’s 2016 effective corporate tax rate of 28.3% is significantly higher than the UK’s standard rate of 20.0%. Croda operates in many 
tax jurisdictions other than the UK, both as a manufacturer and distributor, with the majority of those jurisdictions having rates higher 
than the UK; considerably so in some cases. It is the exposure to these different tax rates that increases the effective tax rate above the 
UK standard rate and also makes it difficult to forecast the Group’s future tax rate with any certainty given the unpredictable nature of 
exchange rates, individual economies and tax legislators. Other than the exposure to higher overseas tax rates, there are no significant 
adjustments between the Group’s expected and reported tax charge based on its accounting profit. Given the global nature of the 
Group, and the number of associated cross-border transactions between connected parties, we are exposed to potential adjustments 
to the price charged for those transactions by tax authorities. However, we would not expect such adjustments, if any, to have a 
material impact on the Group’s tax charge in future years. 

The main rate of UK corporation tax reduced from 21% to 20% from 1 April 2015. Further reductions to the UK tax rate have been announced 
that will reduce the rate to 17% by 1 April 2020, although for 2017 the rate as currently enacted will be 19.25%. The future changes to 
rates were substantively enacted on 6 September 2016. Overseas tax is calculated at the rates prevailing in the respective jurisdictions. 

100 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial Statements6. Deferred tax

The deferred tax balances included in these accounts are attributable to the following:
Deferred tax assets
Retirement benefit obligations
Provisions

Deferred tax liabilities
Excess of capital allowances over depreciation
Revaluation gains
Acquired intangibles
Other

The movement on deferred tax balances during the year is summarised as follows:
Deferred tax (charged)/credited through income statement

Continuing operations before adjustments
Adjustments and exceptional items

Deferred tax credited/(charged) directly to equity (note 5(b))
Acquisition
Exchange differences

Net balance brought forward
Net balance carried forward

Deferred tax (charged)/credited through the income statement relates to the following:
Retirement benefit obligations
Excess of capital allowances over depreciation
Other

2016
£m

33.8
22.5
56.3

52.2
1.9
9.4
2.8
66.3

(2.1)
0.7
10.9
–
(2.6)
6.9
(16.9)
(10.0)

(3.0)
(0.9)
2.5
(1.4)

2015
£m

22.9
16.0
38.9

44.1
1.9
8.7
1.1
55.8

(2.9)
–
(6.8)
(8.5)
(0.2)
(18.4)
1.5
(16.9)

(2.3)
(3.1)
2.5
(2.9)

Deferred tax is calculated in full on temporary differences under the balance sheet liability method at rates appropriate to each 
subsidiary. Deferred tax expected to reverse in the year to 31 December 2017 and beyond has been measured using the rate due 
to prevail in the year of reversal.

Deferred tax assets have been recognised in all cases where such assets arise, as it is probable the assets will be recovered.

Deferred tax is only recognised on the unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries to the extent that remittance is expected 
in the foreseeable future. If all earnings were remitted, an additional £2.9m (2015: £2.3m) of tax would be payable.

All movements on deferred tax balances have been recognised in income with the exception of the charges shown in note 5(b), 
which have been recognised directly in equity.

Of the deferred tax assets, £5.0m are expected to reverse within 12 months of the balance sheet date, due to payments against 
provisions. No material reversal of any of the deferred tax liability is expected within 12 months of the balance sheet date based  
on the Group’s current capital expenditure programme.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

101

Financial Statements| Notes to the Group Accounts

7. Earnings per share

Adjusted profit for the year1
Exceptional items, acquisition costs and amortisation of goodwill
Tax impact on exceptional items
Non-controlling interests

Weighted average number of 10p Ordinary Shares in issue for basic calculation
Deemed issue of potentially dilutive shares
Average number of 10p Ordinary Shares for diluted calculation

Basic earnings per share
Adjusted basic earnings per share from continuing operations1

Diluted earnings per share
Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations1

2016
£m
207.6
(12.6)
2.6
(0.9)
196.7

Number
m
132.7
1.2
133.9

Pence
148.2
155.8

146.9
155.0

2015
£m
183.5
(2.4)
–
(0.4)
180.7

Number
m
135.6
1.0
136.6

Pence
133.3
135.0

132.3
134.3

1  Before exceptional items, acquisition costs, amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition and the tax thereon

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number 
of Ordinary Shares in issue during the year, excluding those held in the employee share trusts (note 24) which are treated as cancelled 
as except for a nominal amount, dividends have been waived.

For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all 
potentially dilutive Ordinary Shares.

Additional earnings per share measures are included above to give a better indication of the Group’s underlying performance.

8. Dividends

Ordinary
Interim

2015 interim, paid September 2015
2016 interim, paid October 2016

Final

2014 final, paid May 2015
2015 final, paid June 2016
2015 special, paid June 2016

Preference (paid June and December)

Pence per
share

2016
£m

Pence per
share

–
32.75

–
38.00
100.00
170.75

31.00
–

36.00
–
–
67.00

–
42.9

–
51.5
135.7
230.1
0.1
230.2

2015
£m

42.0
–

48.8
–
–
90.8
0.1
90.9

The Directors are recommending a final dividend of 41.25p per share, amounting to a total of £54.7m, in respect of the financial year 
ended 31 December 2016.

Subject to shareholder approval, the dividend will be paid on 1 June 2017 to shareholders registered on 5 May 2017 and has not 
been accrued in these financial statements. The total dividend for the year ending 31 December 2016 is 74.00p per share amounting  
to a total of £97.6m.

102 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial Statements9. Employees

Group employment costs including Directors
Wages and salaries
Share-based payment charges (note 22)
Social security costs
Post retirement costs
Redundancy costs

Average employee numbers by function
Production
Selling and distribution
Administration

2016
£m

181.7
13.0
32.5
18.3
5.7
251.2

2015
£m

142.4
7.0
23.7
18.4
1.8
193.3

2016
Number

2015
Number

2,683
1,017
589
4,289

2,246
918
579
3,743

As required by the Companies Act 2006, the figures disclosed above are weighted averages based on the number of employees  
at each month end and include Executive Directors. At 31 December 2016, the Group had 4,273 (2015: 4,239) employees in total.

10. Directors’ and key management compensation
Detailed information concerning Directors’ remuneration, interests and options is shown in the Directors’ Remuneration Report, 
which is subject to audit on pages 55 to 75 forming part of the Annual Report and Accounts.

Aggregate compensation for key management, being the Directors and members of the Group Executive Committee, was as follows:

Key management compensation including Directors
Short term employee benefits
Post employment benefits
Share-based payments
Termination benefits

2016
£m

7.1
0.1
2.4
–
9.6

2015
£m

7.7
0.3
1.5
0.3
9.8

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

103

Financial Statements| Notes to the Group Accounts

11. Retirement benefit liabilities
The table below summarises the Group’s net year end post-employment liabilities and activity for the year.

Balance sheet obligations for:
Defined pension benefits
Post-employment medical benefits

Income statement charge included in profit before tax for:
Defined pension benefits
Post-employment medical benefits

Remeasurements included in other comprehensive expense/(income) for:
Defined pension benefits
Post-employment medical benefits

2016
£m

130.3
16.2
146.5

15.9
1.2
17.1

69.2
(3.7)
65.5

2015
£m

62.8
16.0
78.8

18.2
1.1
19.3

(32.1)
(1.5)
(33.6)

Defined benefit pension schemes
The Group operates defined benefit pension schemes in the UK, US and several other territories under broadly similar regulatory 
frameworks. Following changes to the UK pension scheme during the current year, all of the Group’s final salary type pension schemes 
(which provide benefits to members in the form of a guaranteed level of pension payable for life based on salary in the final years leading 
up to retirement) are now closed to future service accrual with the exception of a small number of ‘grandfathered’ employees in the US 
scheme. The UK scheme operated on a final salary basis until the 5 April 2016, following which the scheme changed to a Career 
Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) defined benefit scheme, with annual pensionable earnings capped at £65,000 and indexation of 
pensions in payment based on CPI (previously RPI), for service accrued from 6 April 2016. This change is expected to reduce the future 
comparable cost and risk attached to the UK scheme. Material defined benefit pension schemes in other territories operate on a similar 
basis to the UK, except in the US, which (other than for ‘grandfathered’ employees) operates a cash balance pension scheme that 
provides a guaranteed rate of return on pension contributions until retirement. The US plans also do not generally receive inflationary 
increases once in payment. With the exception of this difference in inflationary risk, the Group’s main defined benefit pension schemes 
continue to face broadly similar risks, as described on page 107.

The majority of benefit payments are from trustee administered funds; however, there are also a number of unfunded plans where 
the relevant Group company meets the benefit payment obligation as it falls due.

Plan assets held in trusts are governed by local regulations and practice in each country, as is the nature of the relationship between 
the Group and the trustees (or equivalent) and their composition. Responsibility for governance of the schemes – including investment 
decisions and contribution schedules – predominantly lies with the particular scheme’s board of trustees with appropriate input from 
the relevant Group company. The board of trustees must be composed of representatives in accordance with each scheme’s 
regulations and any relevant legislation.

The amounts recognised in the balance sheet in respect of these schemes are as follows:

Present value of funded obligations
UK pension scheme
US pension scheme
Rest of World

Fair value of schemes’ assets
UK pension scheme
US pension scheme
Rest of World

Net liability in respect of funded schemes
Present value of unfunded obligations
Liability in Group balance sheet (excluding post-employment medical benefits)

104 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

2016
£m

2015
£m

(1,036.1)
(135.7)
(183.6)
(1,355.4)

956.4
126.3
146.7
1,229.4
(126.0)
(4.3)
(130.3)

(784.1)
(112.2)
(131.1)
(1,027.4)

767.1
94.2
108.3
969.6
(57.8)
(5.0)
(62.8)

Financial StatementsMovement in present value of retirement benefit obligations in the year:
Opening balance
Current service cost
Interest cost
Remeasurements

Change in demographic assumptions
Change in financial assumptions
Experience (gains)/losses

Contributions paid in

Employee
Benefits paid
Exchange differences on overseas schemes

Movement in fair value of schemes’ assets in the year:
Opening balance
Interest income
Remeasurements

Return on scheme assets, excluding amounts included in financial expenses

Contributions paid in

Employee
Employer

Benefits paid out including settlements
Exchange differences on overseas schemes

2016
£m

2015
£m

1,032.4
14.1
37.4

(0.7)
272.5
(7.5)

2.6
(38.6)
47.5
1,359.7

1,057.3
15.6
35.8

(15.8)
(31.9)
3.0

2.7
(34.7)
0.4
1,032.4

969.6
35.6

946.5
33.1

195.1

(12.6)

2.6
25.1
(38.6)
40.0
1,229.4

2.7
34.7
(34.7)
(0.1)
969.6

As at the balance sheet date, the present value of retirement benefit obligations was comprised of approximately £414m in respect  
of active employees, £385m in respect of deferred members and £561m in relation to members in retirement.

Total employer contributions to the schemes in 2017 are expected to be £12.5m.

The significant actuarial assumptions were as follows:

Discount rate
Inflation rate – RPI
Inflation rate – CPI
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase for pensions in payment
Duration of liabilities (ie life expectancy) (years)
Remaining working life

2016
UK
2.6%
3.3%
2.3%
4.3%
3.1%
20.5
15.8

2016
US
4.0%
2.5%
n/a
4.0%
n/a
11.5
11.1

2015
UK
3.8%
3.1%
2.1%
4.1%
2.9%
18.5
15.8

2015
US
4.3%
2.5%
n/a
4.0%
n/a
11.7
11.2

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

105

Financial Statements| Notes to the Group Accounts

11. Retirement benefit liabilities continued
The sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to changes in the assumptions is as follows:

Discount rate
Inflation rate
Mortality (assume all scheme members one year younger)

Impact on retirement benefit obligation

Sensitivity
0.5%
0.5%
1 year

Of increase
–9.2%
+6.3%
+3.0%

Of decrease
+10.7%
–6.2%
n/a

The above sensitivity analyses are based on a change in an assumption while holding all other assumptions constant. In practice, 
this is unlikely to occur, and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated. When calculating the sensitivity of the defined 
benefit obligation to significant actuarial assumptions, the same method (present value of the defined benefit obligation calculated 
with the projected unit credit method at the end of the reporting year) has been applied as when calculating the retirement benefit 
obligation recognised in the Group balance sheet.

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation is 19.9 years (2015: 18.2 years).

The assets in the schemes comprised:

Quoted

Equities
Government bonds
Corporate bonds
Other quoted securities

Unquoted

Cash and cash equivalents
Real estate
Liability driven instruments
Other

2016
£m

486.5
56.4
123.8
4.8

66.8
67.2
179.6
244.3
1,229.4

2016
%

40%
5%
10%
0%

5%
5%
15%
20%
100%

2015
£m

488.9
44.8
138.0
18.8

50.8
65.8
96.3
66.2
969.6

Post-employment medical benefits
The Group operates an unfunded post-employment medical benefit scheme in the US. The method of accounting, significant 
assumptions and the frequency of valuations are similar to those used for defined benefit pension schemes set out above with 
the addition of actuarial assumptions relating to the long term increase in health care costs of 8.0% a year (2015: 8.4%).

The amounts recognised in the balance sheet in respect of this scheme are as follows:

Present value of unfunded obligations
US scheme

Movement in present value of retirement benefit obligations in the year:
Opening balance
Current service cost
Interest cost
Remeasurements

Change in demographic assumptions
Change in financial assumptions
Experience gains

Benefits paid
Exchange differences on overseas schemes

106 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

2016
£m

16.2

2016
£m

16.0
0.5
0.7

(0.2)
(2.0)
(1.5)
(0.4)
3.1
16.2

2015
%

50%
5%
14%
2%

5%
7%
10%
7%
100%

2015
£m

16.0

2015
£m

15.9
0.5
0.6

–
(0.4)
(1.1)
(0.4)
0.9
16.0

Financial StatementsPension and medical benefits – risks and volatility
Through its defined benefit pension schemes and post-employment medical schemes, the Group is exposed to a number of risks, 
the most significant of which are detailed below:

Asset volatility
The schemes’ liabilities are calculated using a discount rate set with reference to corporate bond yields; if scheme assets underperform 
this yield, a deficit will be created. Both the UK and US plans hold a significant proportion of equities, which are expected to outperform 
corporate bonds in the long term while providing volatility and risk in the short term. Whilst our Dutch scheme is less mature, regulatory 
pressures result in lower equity holdings. As the schemes mature, the Group intends to reduce the level of investment risk by investing 
more in assets that better match the liabilities. However, the Group and the pension trustees (Trustees) believe that due to the long term 
nature of the scheme liabilities and the strength of the supporting Group, a level of continuing equity investment is an appropriate 
element of the Group’s long term strategy to manage the schemes efficiently. See below for more details on the Group’s asset-liability 
matching strategy.

Changes in bond yields
A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase scheme liabilities, although this will be partially offset by an increase in the value 
of the schemes’ bond holdings.

Inflation risk
Some of the Group’s pension obligations are linked to inflation, and higher inflation will lead to higher liabilities. However, the level of 
inflationary increases are usually capped to protect the scheme against extreme inflation. The majority of the schemes’ assets are either 
unaffected by inflation in the case of fixed interest bonds or loosely correlated in the case of equities, meaning that an increase in inflation 
will thus increase the deficit. In the US schemes, the pensions in payment are not linked to inflation, so this is a less material risk.

Life expectancy
The majority of the schemes’ obligations are to provide benefits for the life of the member, so increases in life expectancy will result 
in an increase in the schemes’ liabilities. This is particularly significant in the UK scheme, where inflationary increases result in higher 
sensitivity to changes in life expectancy. In the case of the funded schemes, the Group ensures that the investment positions are 
managed within an asset-liability matching (ALM) framework that has been developed to achieve long term investments that are 
cognisant of the obligations under the pension schemes. Within this framework, the Group’s ALM objective is to match a portion of 
assets to the pension obligations by investing in long term fixed interest securities with maturities that match the benefit payments as 
they fall due and in the appropriate currency. The Group and Trustees actively monitor how the duration and the expected yield of the 
investments are matching the expected cash outflows arising from the pension obligations. The Group has not changed the processes 
used to manage its risks from previous years. As part of these processes, the Group increased the proportion of assets in its UK liability 
driven investment portfolio during the year by approximately 9%.

Investments are well diversified, such that the failure of any single investment would not have a material impact on the overall level  
of assets. A large portion of assets in 2016 consist of equities and bonds, although the schemes also invest in property, cash and 
infrastructure funds. The Group believes that equities offer the best returns over the long term with an acceptable level of risk. Both  
the UK and Dutch schemes make use of a portfolio of derivative instruments to mitigate interest rate and inflation risk. 

The triennial valuation of the UK scheme was completed as at 30 September 2014. The results showed that the actuarial scheme deficit 
had been eliminated following the last deficit payment of £22m in January 2015. As a result, no deficit funding payments to this scheme 
will be required prior to the next triennial valuation due as at September 2017. The funding review of our US scheme is undertaken 
annually. As at 31 December 2015 the scheme was 123% funded, with the funding level allowing for contributions to be received during 
2016. The Group’s Dutch scheme is subject to a more rigorous regulatory environment under the supervision of the Dutch National 
Bank (DNB). As at 31 December 2016 the scheme was 104% funded on an actuarial basis relative to the DNB’s required level of 123% 
and a minimum funding requirement of 104%.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

107

Financial Statements| Notes to the Group Accounts

11. Retirement benefit liabilities continued
The expected distribution of the timing of benefit payments is as follows:

Pension benefits
Post-employment medical benefits

Defined contribution schemes

Contributions paid charged to operating profit

12. Intangible assets

Cost
At 1 January 2015
Exchange differences
Additions
Acquisitions
Disposals and write-offs
Reclassification from plant and equipment
At 31 December 2015

At 1 January 2016
Exchange differences
Additions
Acquisitions
Reclassification from plant and equipment
At 31 December 2016

Accumulated amortisation and impairment losses
At 1 January 2015
Exchange differences
Charge for the year (note 3)
Disposals and write-offs
At 31 December 2015

At 1 January 2016

Exchange differences
Charge for the year (note 3)
At 31 December 2016

Net carrying amount
At 31 December 2016
At 31 December 2015
At 1 January 2015

Less than
a year
£m
35.8
0.6
36.4

Between
1–2 years
£m
36.0
0.7
36.7

Between
2–5 years
£m
117.1
2.1
119.2

Beyond
5 years
£m
1,170.8
12.8
1,183.6

2016
£m
3.7

Total
£m
1,359.7
16.2
1,375.9

2015
£m
2.3

Goodwill
£m

Software
£m

Other
intangibles
£m

233.7
1.0
– 
58.5
– 
– 
293.2

293.2
12.5
–
1.4
–
307.1

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

–
–
–

307.1
293.2
233.7

13.0
(0.3)
0.8
– 
(0.1) 
0.3
13.7

13.7
2.5
1.5
–
0.9
18.6

6.4
(0.2)
2.2
– 
8.4

8.4

2.5
2.0
12.9

5.7
5.3
6.6

5.1
0.2
– 
34.7
(0.6)
– 
39.4

39.4
6.8
0.1
0.4
–
46.7

0.5
(0.3)
0.4
(0.5)
0.1

0.1

1.0
3.1
4.2

42.5
39.3
4.6

Total
£m

251.8
0.9
0.8
93.2
(0.7)
0.3
346.3

346.3
21.8
1.6
1.8
0.9
372.4

6.9
(0.5)
2.6
(0.5)
8.5

8.5

3.5
5.1
17.1

355.3
337.8
244.9

Intangible asset amortisation is recorded in operating costs within the income statement on page 86. 

Reclassifications represent amounts transferred from plant and equipment upon completion of asset construction projects. 
Whilst these projects remain in progress, all capital expenditure is disclosed within plant and equipment.

108 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial StatementsImpairment testing for goodwill
The goodwill relates predominantly to the value of commercial and other synergies arising from the combination of acquired 
businesses, or the specific technologies or products acquired, with Croda’s established global sales, marketing and R&D networks. 
This goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash generating units (CGUs) that are expected to benefit from that combination. The carrying 
amount of goodwill is allocated to CGUs as follows:

Uniqema (Personal Care and Life Sciences)
Sipo
Incotec (Life Sciences)
Other

2016
£m
193.4
22.3
69.0
22.4
307.1

2015
£m
193.4
20.1
59.3
20.4
293.2

As discussed in the accounting policies note on page 93, goodwill is tested at each year end for impairment with reference to the 
relevant CGUs’ recoverable amount compared to the unit’s carrying value including goodwill. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for 
which there are separately identifiable cash flows relevant to the acquisition generating the goodwill. The recoverable amount is based 
on value in use calculations using pre-tax discounted cash flow projections based on the Group’s current year results and a long term 
future growth rate.

Unless the risk profile of a particular acquisition dictates otherwise, the cash flows are discounted using a rate derived from the Group’s 
weighted average cost of capital, which for these purposes has been calculated to be approximately 7.3% pre-tax (2015: 7.3%) for 
Uniqema and Incotec. A long term future growth rate of 3% was used for this calculation. For the purposes of the Sipo calculation, the 
pre-tax rate was increased to 9.0% (2015: 9.0%) because of the higher risk associated with this investment. An initial growth rate of 5% 
has been used for the first two years, which reflects the Directors’ growth expectations in that market. A long term growth rate of 3% 
was then used beyond two years.

The key assumptions underpinning the forecasts employed in the value in use calculation reflect a prudent view of past experience and 
are that market share will not change significantly and that gross and operating margins will remain broadly constant. In respect of the 
brought forward goodwill, the Directors believe there are no reasonably possible changes in assumptions which would give rise to an 
impairment charge in the year. Goodwill arising in the year will be subject to the same assumptions and review process commencing 
the year after initial recognition.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

109

Financial Statements| Notes to the Group Accounts

13. Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At 1 January 2015
Exchange differences
Additions
Acquisitions
Other disposals and write-offs
Reclassifications
At 31 December 2015

At 1 January 2016
Exchange differences
Additions
Acquisitions
Other disposals and write-offs
Reclassifications
At 31 December 2016

Accumulated depreciation and impairment losses
At 1 January 2015
Exchange differences
Charge for the year (note 3)
Other disposals and write-offs
At 31 December 2015

At 1 January 2016
Exchange differences
Charge for the year (note 3)
Other disposals and write-offs
At 31 December 2016

Net book amount
At 31 December 2016
At 31 December 2015
At 1 January 2015

Land and
buildings
£m

Plant and
equipment
£m

141.0
(0.8)
7.7
7.0
(3.6)
0.2
151.5

151.5
27.5
7.9
–
(0.8)
0.6
186.7

47.5
(0.7)
4.1
(1.4)
49.5

49.5
12.0
5.5
(0.4)
66.6

120.1
102.0
93.5

522.5
(4.4)
86.3
9.2
(17.4)
(0.5)
595.7

595.7
122.6
98.9
0.1
(7.1)
(1.5)
808.7

228.2
(5.6)
31.8
(17.3)
237.1

237.1
60.8
38.6
(5.8)
330.7

478.0
358.6
294.3

Total
£m

663.5
(5.2)
94.0
16.2
(21.0)
(0.3)
747.2

747.2
150.1
106.8
0.1
(7.9)
(0.9)
995.4

275.7
(6.3)
35.9
(18.7)
286.6

286.6
72.8
44.1
(6.2)
397.3

598.1
460.6
387.8

The net book amount of assets held by the Group under finance leases for plant and equipment at 31 December 2016 was £1.1m  
(2015: £0.9m). The leased equipment secures the lease obligations in note 19. No other property, plant or equipment have been  
pledged as security for liabilities.

Reclassifications represent amounts transferred from plant and equipment upon completion of asset construction projects.  
Whilst these projects remain in progress, all capital expenditure is disclosed within plant and equipment.

110 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial Statements14. Future commitments

Group capital projects
At 31 December the Directors had authorised the following expenditure on capital projects:
Contracted, but not provided for
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets

Authorised, but not contracted for
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets

Operating leases – minimum lease commitments
At 31 December the Group’s future minimum lease commitments were due as follows:
Within one year
From one to five years
After five years

2016
£m

2015
£m

43.2
0.7

76.8
4.0
124.7

6.3
10.8
9.2
26.3

33.8
0.4

96.9
0.8
131.9

4.4
8.8
6.7
19.9

The Group leases various buildings, vehicles and other plant and equipment under non-cancellable operating lease arrangements. 
The leases have various terms typical of lease agreements for the particular class of asset.

15. Investments

Investments

2016
£m
1.0

2015
£m
1.0

Investments of £1.0m (2015: £1.0m) comprise equity securities classified as available-for-sale and are included at cost, as fair value 
cannot be measured reliably, or, if quoted on an active market, at market value.

The Directors believe the carrying value of the investments is supported by their underlying net assets.

16. Inventories

Raw materials
Work in progress
Finished goods

The Group consumed £674.8m (2015: £607.4m) of inventories during the year.

2016
£m
45.9
32.0
157.8
235.7

2015
£m
42.5
33.8
145.3
221.6

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

111

Financial Statements| Notes to the Group Accounts

17. Trade and other receivables

Amounts falling due within one year
Trade receivables
Less: provision for impairment of receivables
Trade receivables – net
Other receivables
Prepayments

The ageing of the Group’s year end overdue receivables against which no provision has been made is as follows:

Not impaired
Less than three months
Three to six months
Over six months

2016
£m

164.7
(4.4)
160.3
25.0
7.1
192.4

2016
£m

17.6
0.1
0.2
17.9

2015
£m

132.2
(2.9)
129.3
20.1
6.7
156.1

2015
£m

20.6
1.1
0.3
22.0

The individually impaired receivables relate to customers in unexpectedly difficult economic circumstances. The overdue receivables 
against which no provision has been made relate to a number of customers for whom there is no recent history of default, nor any other 
indication that settlement will not be forthcoming. The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets 
and are considered to be fully recoverable.

The carrying amounts of the Group’s receivables are denominated in the following currencies:

Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Other

Movements on the Group’s provision for impairment of trade receivables are as follows:

At 1 January
Exchange differences
Charged to income statement
Net write-off of uncollectible receivables
At 31 December

2016
£m
13.3
54.2
71.0
53.9
192.4

2016
£m
2.9
0.4
1.8
(0.7)
4.4

2015
£m
11.9
46.1
58.0
40.1
156.1

2015
£m
1.8
–
1.0
0.1
2.9

Amounts charged to the income statement are included within administrative expenses. The other classes of receivables do not 
contain impaired assets.

112 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial Statements18. Trade and other payables

Trade payables
Taxation and social security
Other payables
Accruals and deferred income

All trade payables are payable within one year.

2016
£m
62.2
8.3
37.8
77.9
186.2

2015
£m
60.4
8.0
21.4
69.8
159.6

19. Borrowings, other financial liabilities and other financial assets
This note should be read in conjunction with the further liquidity disclosures in our accounting policies note and the Finance Report on 
pages 24 to 27.

Current assets
Investments
Trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments)

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (excluding taxation, social security, accruals and deferred income)
Unsecured bank loans and overdrafts due within one year or on demand
Other loans
Obligations under finance leases

Non-current liabilities
2014 Club facility due 2021
2016 Club facility due 2021
US$100m 5.94% fixed rate 10 year bond
€30m 1.08% fixed rate 7 year bond
€70m 1.43% fixed rate 10 year bond
£30m 2.54% fixed rate 7 year bond
£70m 2.80% fixed rate 10 year bond
Other unsecured bank loans
Obligations under finance leases

2016
£m

1.0
185.3
186.3

100.0
4.7
5.3
0.4
110.4

80.3
20.0
81.8
25.7
60.1
30.0
70.0
46.3
0.5
414.7

2015
£m

1.0
149.4
150.4

81.8
51.3
6.8
0.3
140.2

218.0
–
67.8
–
–
–
–
21.3
0.5
307.6

The Club facility was put in place in June 2014 and falls due for repayment upon expiry of the agreement in July 2021. During the first 
half of 2016, a further facility was put in place and also falls due upon expiry of the agreement in July 2021. Interest is charged on both 
agreements at a floating rate based on ICE GBP LIBOR, ICE LIBOR or EURIBOR, depending upon the drawdown currency, 
plus a variable margin. The margin the Group pays on its borrowings over and above standard rates is determined by the Group’s 
net debt to EBITDA ratio.

In addition to the new Club facility, the Group took out four new Sterling and Euro denominated bonds in the US private placement 
market. The bonds have an average maturity of 8.6 years and carry an average fixed rate of interest of 2.1%.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

113

Financial Statements| Notes to the Group Accounts

19. Borrowings, other financial liabilities and other financial assets continued

2016
£m

2015
£m

Maturity profile of financial liabilities
Repayments fall due as follows:
Within one year

Bank loans and overdrafts
Other loans
Obligations under finance leases

After more than one year
Loans repayable

Within one to two years
Within two to five years
Five years and over

Obligations under finance leases payable between years two and five

The minimum lease payments under finance leases fall due as follows:

Within one year
Within two to five years

Future finance charges on finance leases
Present value of finance lease liabilities

Undiscounted maturity analysis of financial liabilities
Within one year

Bank loans and overdrafts
Other loans
Obligations under finance leases

After more than one year
Loans repayable

Within one to two years
Within two to five years
Five years and over

Obligations under finance leases 

4.7
5.3
0.4
10.4

0.1
228.3
185.8
0.5
414.7

0.4
0.5
0.9
(0.1)
0.8

2016
£m

5.4
5.0
0.4
10.8

0.1
249.5
220.5
0.5
470.6

51.3
6.8
0.3
58.4

0.1
307.0
–
0.5
307.6

0.3
0.5
0.8
(0.1)
0.7

2015
£m

55.4
4.5
0.3
60.2

0.1
332.9
–
0.5
333.5

The analysis above includes estimated interest payable to maturity on the underlying loans. For the loans due after more than one 
year £10.3m (2015: £6.1m) of the interest falls due within one year of the balance sheet date, £10.3m (2015: £6.1m) within one to two 
years, £20.6m (2015: £13.7m) within two to five years and £14.7m (2015: £nil) beyond five years.

114 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial StatementsInterest rate and currency profile of Group financial liabilities

Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Other
At 31 December 2016

Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Other
At 31 December 2015

Total
£m
159.6
141.3
117.1
7.1
425.1

157.2
100.0
99.8
9.0
366.0

Fixed
£m
100.0
81.8
85.8
–
267.6

–
67.8
–
–
67.8

Floating
£m
59.6
59.5
31.3
7.1
157.5

157.2
32.2
99.8
9.0
298.2

Fixed rate
weighted average

Interest
Rate %
2.72
5.94
1.33
–
3.26

–
5.94
–
–
5.94

Fixed period
Years
8.6
3.1
8.6
–
6.9

–
4.1
–
–
4.1

Fair values
The table below details a comparison of the book and fair values of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities. Where there are 
no readily available market values to determine fair values, cash flows relating to the various instruments have been discounted 
at prevailing interest and exchange rates to give an estimate of fair value.

Cash deposits
Other investments
2014 Club facility due 2021
2016 Club facility due 2021
US$100m 5.94% fixed rate 10 year bond
€30m 1.08% fixed rate 7 year bond
€70m 1.43% fixed rate 10 year bond
£30m 2.54% fixed rate 7 year bond
£70m 2.80% fixed rate 10 year bond
Other bank borrowings
Other loans
Obligations under finance leases

Book
value
2016
£m
61.0
1.0
(80.3)
(20.0)
(81.8)
(25.7)
(60.1)
(30.0)
(70.0)
(51.0)
(5.3)
(0.9)

Fair
value
2016
£m
61.0
1.0
(80.3)
(20.0)
(84.1)
(25.5)
(61.6)
(30.3)
(70.0)
(51.0)
(5.3)
(0.9)

Book
value
2015
£m
106.7
1.0
(218.0)
–
(67.8)
–
–
–
–
(72.6)
(6.8)
(0.8)

Fair
value
2015
£m
106.7
1.0
(218.0)
–
(70.9)
–
–
–
–
(72.6)
(6.8)
(0.8)

For financial instruments with a remaining life of greater than one year, fair values are based on cash flows discounted at prevailing 
interest rates. Accordingly, the fair value of cash deposits and short term borrowings approximates to the book value due to the 
short maturity of these instruments. The same applies to trade and other receivables and payables excluded from the above analysis.

Financial instruments
Effective 1 January 2013, the Group adopted the amendment to IFRS 13 for financial instruments that are measured in the balance 
sheet at fair value. This requires disclosure of fair value measurements by level of the following hierarchy:

 →Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1)

 →Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) 

or indirectly (that is, derived from prices) (level 2)

 →Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (level 3).

All of the Group’s financial instruments are classified as level 3

Borrowing facilities
As at 31 December 2016, the Group had undrawn committed facilities of £410.6m (2015: £191.4m). In addition, the Group had other 
undrawn facilities of £65.0m (2015: £59.0m) available. Of the Group’s total committed facilities of £824.8m, £672.7m expire after 2020. 

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

115

Financial Statements| Notes to the Group Accounts

19. Borrowings, other financial liabilities and other financial assets continued
Financial risk factors
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: currency risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and credit risk. The Group’s 
overall risk management strategy is approved by the Board and implemented and reviewed by the Risk Management Committee. 
Detailed financial risk management is then delegated to the Group Finance department which has a specific policy manual that sets 
out guidelines to manage financial risk. Regular reports are received from all operating companies to enable prompt identification 
of financial risks so that appropriate action may be taken. In the management and definition of capital the Group includes ordinary 
and preference share capital and net debt.

Currency risk
The Group operates internationally and is exposed to currency risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect 
to the US Dollar and the Euro. Foreign exchange risk arises from future commercial transactions, recognised assets and liabilities 
and net investments in foreign operations. Entities in the Group use foreign currency bank balances to manage their foreign exchange 
risk arising from future commercial transactions, recognised assets and liabilities. The Group’s risk management policy is to manage 
transactional risk up to three months forward. The Group has certain investments in foreign operations, whose net assets are exposed 
to foreign currency translation risk. Currency exposure arising from the net assets of the Group’s foreign operations is not specifically 
hedged but is reduced primarily through borrowings denominated in the relevant foreign currencies where it is efficient to do so.

For 2016, had the Group’s basket of reporting currencies been 10% weaker/stronger than the actual rates experienced, post-tax 
profit for the year would have been £14.8m (2015: £12.8m) lower/higher than reported, primarily as a result of the translation of the 
profits of the Group’s overseas entities, and equity would have been £47.7m (2015: £37.5m) lower/higher.

Interest rate risk
The Group has both interest bearing assets and liabilities. The Group had a policy of maintaining no more than 60% of its gross 
borrowings at fixed interest rates in normal circumstances. At 31 December 2016, approximately 63% of Group borrowings were at 
fixed rates, with the Directors comfortable that the small excess over 60% was justified based on the very low fixed rates of interest on 
the majority of its borrowings. Subsequent to the year end the policy formally increased the upper limit for fixed rate debt to 75% of 
gross borrowings. During 2016, the Group increased its amount of fixed rate debt following payment of the £136m special dividend and 
consequent increase in core debt requirements. Bonds were issued in the amounts of £100m and €100m with an average maturity of 
8.6 years and interest rate of 2.08%. The Group also retains its US$100m loan note repayable in 2020 carrying a fixed rate of 5.94%.

As at 31 December 2016, aside from the loan notes referred to above, all Group debt and cash was exposed to repricing within  
12 months of the balance sheet date. 

At 31 December 2016, the Group’s fixed rate debt was at a weighted average rate of 3.26 % (2015: 5.94%). The Group’s floating rate 
liabilities are predominantly based on LIBOR and its overseas equivalents.

Based on the above, had interest rates moved by 10 basis points in the territories where the Group has substantial borrowings, post-tax 
profits would have moved by £0.2m (2015: £0.2m) due to increased interest expense on the Group’s floating rate borrowings.

Liquidity risk
The Group actively maintains a mixture of long term and short term committed facilities designed to ensure that the Group has 
sufficient funds available for operations and planned investments. The Group also has a share buyback programme that is managed  
to ensure the efficiency of the Group’s funding structure.

On a regular basis, management monitors forecasts of the Group’s cash flows against both internal targets and those targets imposed 
by external lenders. The Group has substantial committed, unused facilities and the Directors are confident this situation will remain 
the case for the foreseeable future.

Credit risk
The Group has no significant concentrations of credit risk. It has policies in place to ensure that sales of products are made to 
customers with an appropriate credit history. Derivative counterparties and cash transactions are limited to high-credit quality 
financial institutions. The Group has policies that limit the amount of credit exposure to any financial institution.

116 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial StatementsCapital risk management
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to 
provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders, as well as maintaining an optimal capital structure to reduce 
overall cost of capital.

In order to maintain this optimal structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid, issue new shares, return capital 
to shareholders or dispose of assets to reduce net debt. Given the Group’s strong balance sheet and sustained trading growth, 
the Group announced a new dividend policy in 2011 of paying a dividend of between 40% and 50% of sustainable earnings. 
Further details can be found in the Chairman’s Statement on pages 2 and 3.

Underlying growth coupled to Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) is the key perceived driver of shareholder value within the Group. 
The acquisition of Uniqema in 2006 reduced the ROIC, but also reduced Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) since the deal 
was predominantly financed through debt. The Group’s ROIC now stands at 19.3% against a post-tax WACC of 5.3%, thus hitting the 
Group’s target of maintaining ROIC at a higher level than the WACC. In addition, the Group employs two widely used ratios to measure 
our ability to service our debt. Both net debt/EBITDA and EBITDA interest cover were well ahead of target in 2016. Further details can 
be found in the Finance Report on pages 24 to 27. The Group was in compliance with its covenant requirements throughout the year. 
Additional information on progress against Key Performance Indicators can be found on 22 and 23.

20. Provisions

At 1 January 2016
Exchange differences

Charged to the income statement
Cash paid against provisions
At 31 December 2016

Analysis of total provisions

Current
Non-current

Environmental
£m
12.3
2.0

Restructuring
£m
1.2
–

–
(2.2)
12.1

4.0
(0.7)
4.5

Other
£m
0.3
0.1

0.3
–
0.7

2016
£m
8.1
9.2
17.3

Total
£m
13.8
2.1

4.3
(2.9)
17.3

2015
£m
4.9
8.9
13.8

Provisions are made where a constructive or legal obligation has arisen from a past event, can be quantified and where the timing 
of the transfer of economic benefits relating to the provisions cannot be ascertained with any degree of certainty.

The environmental provision relates to soil and potential groundwater contamination on a number of sites, both currently in use 
and previously occupied, in Europe and the Americas.

In relation to the environmental provision, the Directors consider that the balance will be utilised within 20 years. Provisions for 
remediation costs are made when there is a present obligation, it is probable that expenditures for remediation work will be required 
and the cost can be estimated within a reasonable range of possible outcomes. The costs are based on currently available facts and 
prior experience. Environmental liabilities are recorded at the estimated amount at which the liability could be settled at the balance 
sheet date. Remediation of environmental damage typically takes a long time to complete due to the substantial amount of planning 
and regulatory approvals normally required before remediation activities can begin. In addition, increases in or releases of environmental 
provisions may be necessary whenever new developments occur or additional information becomes available. Consequently, 
environmental provisions can change significantly. The level of environmental provision is based on management’s best estimate of the 
most likely outcome for each individual exposure. The Group has also considered the impact of discounting on its provisions and 
has concluded that, as a consequence of the significant utilisation expected in a relatively short timescale, the impact is not material.

The restructuring provision primarily relates to the reorganisation of Incotec. Most of this provision is expected to be utilised within one year.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

117

Financial Statements| Notes to the Group Accounts

21. Ordinary share capital

Ordinary Shares of 10.36p (2015: 10.00p)
Authorised at 1 January and 31 December
222,788,170 Ordinary Shares of 10.36p each (2015: 230,744,890 Ordinary Shares of 10.00p each)
Allotted, called up and fully paid at 1 January and 31 December
135,124,108 Ordinary Shares of 10.36p each (2015: 139,949,969 Ordinary Shares of 10.00p each)

2016
£m

23.1

14.0

2015
£m

23.1

14.0

At the Annual General Meeting on 27 April 2016, shareholders approved a share consolidation which was completed on 9 May 2016. 
As a result, shareholders held 28 new Ordinary Shares of 10.357143 pence each in exchange for every 29 Ordinary Shares of 10 pence 
each held immediately prior to the share consolidation, which were cancelled by the Company.

In 2016 options were granted to employees under the Croda International Plc Sharesave Scheme to subscribe for 117,348 Ordinary 
Shares at an option price of 2639p per share and under the Croda International Plc International Sharesave Plan to subscribe for 
391,769 Ordinary Shares at an option price of 2639p per share. Conditional awards over 288,019 Ordinary Shares were granted under 
the Performance Share Plan during the year. Also granted in the year were 76,474 Ordinary Shares under the Deferred Bonus Share 
Plan and 1,039 Ordinary Shares under the Deferred Bonus Discretionary Arrangement. No options were granted under the Long Term 
Incentive Plan or the Bonus Co-Investment Plan during the year.

During the year consideration of £1.2m was received on the exercise of options over 57,513 shares. The options were satisfied with 
shares transferred from the Group’s employee share trusts. Since the year end a further 716 shares have been transferred from the 
schemes.

There are outstanding options to subscribe for Ordinary Shares as follows:

Croda International Plc Sharesave Scheme

Croda International Plc International Sharesave Plan (2009)

Croda International Plc Performance Share Plan (2014)

Croda International Plc Deferred Bonus Share Plan

Croda International Plc Deferred Bonus Discretionary 
Arrangement

Year option
granted
2013
2014
2015
2016
2014
2015
2016

2014

2015

2016
2016
2016
2016

2016

Number
of shares
2,188
76,699
69,996
116,586
254,267
161,724
387,234

320,182

314,816

277,456
5,460
73,004
1,824

1,039

Price
2141p
1763p
2232p
2639p
1763p
2232p
2639p

Nil

Nil

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil

Options exercisable from
1 November 2016 to 30 April 2017
1 November 2017 to 30 April 2018
1 November 2018 to 30 April 2019
1 November 2019 to 30 April 2020
1 November 2017 to 30 November 2017
1 November 2018 to 30 November 2018
1 November 2019 to 30 November 2019

12 May 2017

4 March 2018

4 March 2019
31 October 2019
4 March 2019
16 March 2019

16 March 2019

22. Share-based payments
The impact of share-based payment transactions on the Group’s financial position is as follows:

Analysis of amounts recognised in the income statement:
Charged in respect of equity settled share-based payment transactions
Charged in respect of cash settled share-based payment transactions

Analysis of amounts recognised in the balance sheet:
Liability in respect of cash settled share-based payment transactions

2016
£m

6.1
6.9
13.0

8.4

2015
£m

3.2
3.8
7.0

5.0

The key elements of each scheme along with the assumptions employed to arrive at the charge in the income statement are set out 
across. Where appropriate the expected volatility has been based on historical volatility considering daily share price movements over 
periods equal to the expected future life of the awards and the risk free rate is based on the Bank of England’s projected nominal 
yield curve with appropriate duration.

118 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial StatementsCroda International Plc Sharesave Scheme (‘Sharesave’)
The Sharesave scheme, established in 1983 and renewed in 2013, grants options annually in September to employees of the Group 
at a fixed exercise price, being the market price of the Company’s shares at the grant date discounted by up to 20%. Employees 
then enter into a savings contract over three to five years and, subject to continued employment, purchase options at the end of the 
period based on the amount saved. Options are then exercisable for a six month period following completion of the savings contract. 
For options granted in the year, the fair value per option granted and the assumptions used in the calculation of the value are as follows:

Grant date
Share price at grant date
Exercise price
Number of employees
Shares under option
Vesting period
Expected volatility
Option life
Expected life
Risk free rate
Dividend yield
Possibility of forfeiture
Fair value per option at grant date

Option pricing model

2016
3320.5p
2639p
573
117,348
Three years
20%
Six months
–
0.1%
2.2%
7.5% p.a.
688.9p
Black 
Scholes

2015
2749p
2232p
526
73,116
Three years
25%
Six months
–
1.0%
2.4%
7.5% p.a.
629.5p
Black
Scholes

A reconciliation of option movements over the year is as follows:

Outstanding at 1 January
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
Outstanding at 31 December
Exercisable at 31 December
For options exercised in year, weighted average share price at date of exercise
Weighted average remaining life at 31 December (years)

2016
Weighted
average exercise
price (p)
2025
2639
2058
2116
2275
2141
3394

Number 
214,885
117,348
(7,629)
(57,513)
267,091
2,841

2.5

2015
Weighted
average exercise
price (p)
1918
2232
1957
1911
2025
1942
2867

Number 
214,597
73,116
(8,774)
(64,054)
214,885
5,300

2.4

Croda International Plc International Sharesave Plan (2009) (‘International’)
The International scheme, established in 1999 and renewed in 2009, has the same option pricing model, savings contract and vesting 
period as the Sharesave scheme. At exercise, employees are paid a cash equivalent for each option purchased, being the difference 
between the exercise price and market price at the exercise date. For options granted in the year, the fair value per option granted 
and the assumptions used in the calculation of the value are as follows:

Grant date
Share price at grant date
Exercise price
Number of employees
Shares under option
Vesting period
Expected volatility
Option life
Expected life
Risk free rate
Dividend yield
Possibility of forfeiture
Fair value per option at 31 December

Option pricing model

2016
3320.5p
2639p
1,891
391,769
Three years
20%
One month
–
0.7%
2.3%
7.5% p.a.
613.6p

Black
Scholes

2015
2749p
2232p
1,416
175,811
Three years
25%
One month
–
0.9%
2.2%
7.5% p.a.
846p

Black
Scholes

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

119

Financial Statements| Notes to the Group Accounts

22. Share-based payments continued
A reconciliation of option movements over the year is as follows:

Outstanding at 1 January
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
Outstanding at 31 December
For options exercised in year, weighted average share price at date of exercise
Weighted average remaining life at 31 December (years)

2016
Weighted
average exercise
price (p)
1999
2639
2056
2137
2280
3477

Number
621,464
391,769
(51,205)
(157,846)
804,182

2.1

2015
Weighted
average exercise
price (p)
1917
2232
1951
1945
1999
2890

Number
614,865
175,811
(39,714)
(129,498)
621,464

1.9

Croda International Plc Performance Share Plan 2014 (‘PSP’)
The PSP scheme was established in 2014 and replaces the Company’s previous Executive long term incentive plans (the Long Term 
Incentive Plan and the Bonus Co-Investment Plan). The PSP provides for awards of free shares (ie either conditional shares or nil-cost 
options) normally made annually which vest after three years dependent upon an EPS performance related sliding scale (non-market 
condition) and the Group’s total shareholder return (market condition). The PSP is discussed in detail in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report (pages 55 to 75). Shares (on an after tax basis) are subject to a one year post vesting holding period for awards granted in 2014 
and a two year post vesting holding period for awards granted in subsequent years. For options granted in the year, the fair value per 
option granted and the assumptions used in the calculation of the value are as follows:

Grant date
Share price at grant date
Number of employees
Shares under conditional award
Vesting period
Expected volatility
Expected life

Risk free rate
Dividend yield
Possibility of forfeiture
Fair value per option at grant date

Option pricing model

Market
condition
31 October 
2016
3493p
56
5,460

2016
Non-market
condition
31 October 
2016
3493p
56
5,460

2016
Non-market
condition
4 March 
2016
2988.5p
101
282,559
Three years Three years Three years Three years
20%
–

Market
condition
4 March 
2016
2988.5p
101
282,559

20%
–

20%
–

20%
–

–
2.1%
3.45%
1732p
Closed 
form 
valuation

–
2.1%
3.45%
1732p
Closed 
form 
valuation

–
2.3%
3.45%
1532p
Closed 
form 
valuation

–
2.3%
3.45%
1532p
Closed 
form 
valuation

Market
condition
4 March 
2015
2683p
108
327,567
Three years
25%
–

–
2.4%
3.45%
1387p
Closed 
form 
valuation

2015
Non-market
condition
4 March 
2015
2683p
108
327,567
Three years
25%
–

–
2.4%
3.45%
1387p
Closed 
form 
valuation

A reconciliation of option movements over the year is as follows:

Outstanding at 1 January
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
Outstanding at 31 December
For options exercised in year, weighted average share price at date of exercise
Weighted average remaining life at 31 December (years)

2016
Weighted
average exercise
price (p)
–
–
–
–
–
–

Number
645,556
288,019
(15,661)
–
917,914

1.2

2015
Weighted
average exercise
price (p)
–
–
–
–
–
–

Number 
332,276
327,567
(14,287)
–
645,556

1.8

120 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial StatementsCroda International Plc Deferred Bonus Share Plan (‘DBSP’)
The DBSP scheme was established in 2014. From 2014 one third of any annual bonuses due to certain senior executives are deferred 
under the DBSP. The size of award is determined by the amount of the total bonus divided by one third and converted into a number 
of Croda shares using the market value of shares at the time the award is granted. The awards vest on the third anniversary of the date 
of grant, unless the recipient has been dismissed for cause. There are no performance conditions applied to the award. The DBSP 
is also discussed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report (pages 55 to 75).

Grant date
Share price at grant date
Number of employees
Shares under conditional award
Vesting period

A reconciliation of option movements over the year is as follows:

Outstanding at 1 January
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
Outstanding at 31 December
For options exercised in year, weighted average share price at date of exercise
Weighted average remaining life at 31 December (years)

2016
4 March 
2016
2988.5p
104
74,650
Three years Three years

16 March 
2016
2893.5p
8
1,824

2015

–
–
–
–
–

2016
Weighted
average exercise
price (p)
–
–
–
–
–
–

Number
–
76,474
(1,646)
–
74,828

2.2

2015
Weighted
average exercise
price (p)
–
–
–
–
–
–

Number 
–
–
–
–
–

–

Croda International Plc Deferred Bonus Discretionary Arrangement
In addition to the awards under the DBSP, a no cost option over 1,039 shares was awarded to similarly defer bonus entitlement where 
the DBSP could not be used due to the employment having ceased before the grant date. These options will be deemed to be 
exercised automatically on the date falling three years after the date of grant. As of 31 December 2016, 2.2 years of the vesting period 
remains outstanding.

Croda International Long Term Investment Plan (‘LTIP’)
The LTIP was established in 2005 and granted no cost options to senior employees which vest after three years dependent upon an 
EPS performance related sliding scale (non-market condition) and the Group’s total shareholder return (market condition). There were 
no options granted during the year or prior year and no further options will be granted or remain to be exercised under the Plan. 

A reconciliation of option movements over the year is as follows:

Outstanding at 1 January
Lapsed
Outstanding at 31 December
For options exercised in year, weighted average share price at date of exercise
Weighted average remaining life at 31 December (years)

2016
Weighted
average exercise
price (p)
–
–
–
–

Number
79,421
(79,421)
–

–

2015
Weighted
average exercise
price (p)
–
–
–
–

Number 
172,402
(92,981)
79,421

1.2

Bonus Co-Investment Plan (‘BCIP’)
The BCIP was established in 2005 and granted no cost options to senior employees which vest after three years dependent upon 
an EPS performance related sliding scale. There were no options granted during the year or prior year and no further options will 
be granted or remain to be exercised under the Plan. 

A reconciliation of option movements over the year is as follows:

Outstanding at 1 January
Lapsed
Outstanding at 31 December
For options exercised in year, weighted average share price at date of exercise
Weighted average remaining life at 31 December (years)

2016
Weighted
average exercise
price (p)
–
–
–
–

Number
48,070
(48,070)
–

–

2015
Weighted
average exercise
 price (p)
–
–
–
–

Number
205,701
(157,631)
48,070

0.3

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

121

Financial Statements| Notes to the Group Accounts

22. Share-based payments continued  
Croda International Share Incentive Plan (‘SIP’)
The SIP was established in 2003 and has similar objectives to the Sharesave scheme in terms of increasing employee retention and 
share ownership. Under the SIP scheme, employees enter into an agreement to purchase shares in the Company each month. 
For each share purchased by an employee, the Company awards a matching share which passes to the employee after three years’ 
service. The matching shares are allocated each month at market value with this fair value charge being recognised in the income 
statement in full in the year of allocation..

23. Preference share capital

The authorised, issued and fully paid preference share capital comprises:
615,562 5.9% preference shares of £1 (2015: 615,562)
498,434 6.6% preference shares of £1 (2015: 498,434)
21,900 7.5% preference shares of £1 (2015: 21,900)

2016
£m

0.6
0.5
–
1.1

2015
£m

0.6
0.5
–
1.1

The preference shares have no redemption rights and carry no voting rights other than in certain circumstances affecting the rights 
of the preference shareholders, details of which are set out in the Company’s Articles of Association. The three classes of preference 
shares rank pari passu with each other but ahead of the Ordinary Shares on a winding up. Rights on a winding up are limited to 
repayment of capital and any arrears of dividends.

24. Shareholders’ equity
Investments in own shares represent the Croda International Plc Qualifying Share Ownership Trust (QUEST), the Croda International Plc 
Employee Benefit Trust (CIPEBT) and the Croda International Plc AESOP Trust (AESOP), which each hold shares purchased on the open 
market or transferred from treasury shares to satisfy the future issue of shares under the Group’s share option schemes. As at 
31 December 2016 the QUEST had a net amount due from the Company of £5.6m (2015: £4.4m) and held 41,938 (2015: 102,808) shares 
transferred at a nil cost (2015: nil cost) with a market value of £1.3m (2015: £3.1m). As at 31 December 2016 the CIPEBT was financed 
by a repayable on demand loan to the Company of £3.9m (2015: £3.9m) and held 144,928 (2015: 150,105) shares transferred at a nil cost 
(2015: nil cost) with a market value of £4.6m (2015: £4.6m).

As at 31 December 2015 the AESOP had issued all its previously held shares, as financed by the Company, and thus had no residual 
loan balance with the Company. All of the shares held by the QUEST and CIPEBT were under option at 31 December 2016 and, 
except for a nominal amount, the right to receive dividends has been waived.

25. Non-controlling interests in equity

At 1 January
Exchange differences
Disposal of interest
Income allocated to non-controlling interests
At 31 December

2016
£m
6.5
0.8
–
0.9
8.2

2015
£m
6.1
0.1
(0.1)
0.4
6.5

In 2015 the Group disposed of its 60% interest in Croda EPC Thornton Pty Ltd.

26. Related party transactions
The Group has no related party transactions, with the exception of remuneration paid to key management and Directors which 
is included in note 10.

122 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial Statements27. Business combinations
On 20 June 2016, the Group acquired Inventiva Indústria e Inovação em Produtos Cosméticos Ltda, an encapsulation technology 
business with growth opportunities in skin actives and across the broader Personal Care market.

The following table summarises the Directors’ provisional assessment of the consideration paid in respect of the acquisition, 
the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Consideration (including deferred consideration of £0.5m)
Fair value of assets and liabilities acquired
Intangible assets
Tangible assets
Total identifiable net assets
Goodwill

Total
£m
1.9

0.4
0.1
0.5
1.4

The goodwill is attributable to the synergies expected to arise from the combination of the acquired encapsulation technology 
and the Group’s global sales and marketing network. It will not be deductible for tax purposes. 

Acquisition-related costs of £1.1m, which include acquisitions made in prior years, have been charged to administration expenses 
in the consolidated income statement for the year ended 31 December 2016.

During 2016, the Group completed its fair value review of the 2015 acquisition of Incotec Group BV. This review did not identify any 
changes to the asset base nor goodwill.

28. Contingent liabilities
The Group is subject to various claims which arise in the course of business. These contingent liabilities are reviewed on a regular 
basis and where possible an estimate is made of the potential financial impact on the Group.

The Group is also involved in certain legal and environmental actions and proceedings. Whilst the Group cannot predict the outcome 
of any current or future actions or proceedings with any certainty, it currently believes the likelihood of any material liabilities to be 
low, and that the liabilities, if any, will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated income, financial position or cash flows. 
The Group also considers it has insurance in place in relation to any significant contingent liabilities.

29. Change in accounting policy
In March 2016, the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRSIC) issued an agenda decision regarding the treatment of offsetting and cash 
pooling arrangements in accordance with IAS 32: ‘Financial instruments: Presentation’. This provided additional guidance on when 
bank overdrafts in cash pooling arrangements would meet the requirements for offsetting in accordance with IAS 32. Following this 
additional guidance, the Group has reviewed its cash pooling arrangements and has revised its presentation of bank overdrafts. 
This has involved a prior year restatement of £48.9m of bank overdrafts within bank overdrafts, bank loans and other borrowings 
that would previously have been offset against cash balances. This change has had no impact on net assets or net debt.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

123

Financial StatementsFinancial Statements

Parent Company Financial Statements

Pages 125 to 133 represent the separate financial 
statements of Croda International Plc as required  
by the Companies Act 2006 (‘the Act’).

These financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with the Act and United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 101 
‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’.

124

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Company Independent Auditors’ Report  
to the Members of Croda International Plc

Report on the Company  
financial statements
Our opinion
In our opinion, Croda International 
Plc’s Company financial statements 
(the ‘financial statements’):

 →give a true and fair view of the state  

of the Company’s affairs as at 
31 December 2016;

 →have been properly prepared in 

accordance with United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice; and

 →have been prepared in accordance 

with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006.

What we have audited
The financial statements, included 
within the Annual Report and Accounts  
(the ‘Annual Report’), comprise:

 →the Company Balance Sheet as at 

31 December 2016;

 →the Company Statement of Changes 
in Equity for the year then ended; and

 →the notes to the financial statements, 

which include a summary of significant 
accounting policies and other 
explanatory information.

Certain required disclosures have been 
presented elsewhere in the Annual Report, 
rather than in the notes to the financial 
statements. These are cross-referenced 
from the financial statements and are 
identified as audited.

The financial reporting framework that has 
been applied in the preparation of the 
financial statements is United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 
101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’, and 
applicable law (United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice).

Other required reporting
Consistency of other information and 
compliance with applicable 
requirements
Companies Act 2006 reporting
In our opinion, based on the work 
undertaken in the course of the audit:

 →the information given in the Strategic 

Report and the Directors’ Report for the 
financial year for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent 
with the financial statements; and

 →the Strategic Report and the Directors’ 

Report have been prepared in 
accordance with applicable legal 
requirements.

In addition, in light of the knowledge and 
understanding of the Company and its 
environment obtained in the course of the 
audit, we are required to report if we have 
identified any material misstatements in the 
Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report. 
We have nothing to report in this respect.

ISAs (UK & Ireland) reporting
Under International Standards on Auditing 
(UK and Ireland) (‘ISAs (UK & Ireland)’) 
we are required to report to you if, in 
our opinion, information in the Annual 
Report is:

 →materially inconsistent with the 

information in the audited financial 
statements; or

 →apparently materially incorrect based 
on, or materially inconsistent with, our 
knowledge of the Company acquired in 
the course of performing our audit; or

 →otherwise misleading.

We have no exceptions to report arising 
from this responsibility.

Adequacy of accounting records and 
information and explanations received
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are 
required to report to you if, in our opinion:

 →we have not received all the information 
and explanations we require for our 
audit; or

 →adequate accounting records have not 
been kept by the Company, or returns 
adequate for our audit have not been 
received from branches not visited 
by us; or

 →the financial statements and the part 

of the Directors’ Remuneration Report 
to be audited are not in agreement with 
the accounting records and returns.

We have no exceptions to report arising 
from this responsibility.

Directors’ remuneration
Directors’ remuneration report – 
Companies Act 2006 opinion
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report to be audited has 
been properly prepared in accordance 
with the Companies Act 2006.

Other Companies Act 2006 reporting
Under the Companies Act 2006 we 
are required to report to you if, in our 
opinion, certain disclosures of Directors’ 
remuneration specified by law are not 
made. We have no exceptions to report 
arising from this responsibility. 

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

125

Financial Statements| Company Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of Croda International Plc

We primarily focus our work in these areas 
by assessing the Directors’ judgements 
against available evidence, forming our 
own judgements, and evaluating the 
disclosures in the financial statements.

We test and examine information, using 
sampling and other auditing techniques, 
to the extent we consider necessary to 
provide a reasonable basis for us to draw 
conclusions. We obtain audit evidence 
through testing the effectiveness of 
controls, substantive procedures or 
a combination of both. 

In addition, we read all the financial and 
non-financial information in the Annual 
Report to identify material inconsistencies 
with the audited financial statements and 
to identify any information that is apparently 
materially incorrect based on, or materially 
inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired 
by us in the course of performing the audit. 
If we become aware of any apparent 
material misstatements or inconsistencies 
we consider the implications for our report. 
With respect to the Strategic Report and 
Directors’ Report, we consider whether 
those reports include the disclosures 
required by applicable legal requirements. 

Other matter
We have reported separately on the Group 
financial statements of Croda International 
Plc for the year ended 31 December 2016.

Ian Morrison (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory 
Auditors 
Leeds

28 February 2017

Responsibilities for the financial 
statements and the audit
Our responsibilities and those  
of the Directors
As explained more fully in the Statement 
of Directors’ Responsibilities set out on 
page 79, the Directors are responsible for 
the preparation of the financial statements 
and for being satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view.

Our responsibility is to audit and express 
an opinion on the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and ISAs 
(UK & Ireland). Those standards require 
us to comply with the Auditing Practices 
Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

This report, including the opinions, has 
been prepared for and only for the 
Company’s members as a body in 
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of 
the Companies Act 2006 and for no other 
purpose. We do not, in giving these 
opinions, accept or assume responsibility 
for any other purpose or to any other 
person to whom this report is shown or 
into whose hands it may come save where 
expressly agreed by our prior consent in 
writing.

What an audit of financial  
statements involves
We conducted our audit in accordance 
with ISAs (UK & Ireland). An audit involves 
obtaining evidence about the amounts 
and disclosures in the financial statements 
sufficient to give reasonable assurance 
that the financial statements are free from 
material misstatement, whether caused 
by fraud or error. This includes an 
assessment of: 

 →whether the accounting policies 

are appropriate to the Company’s 
circumstances and have been 
consistently applied and adequately 
disclosed; 

 →the reasonableness of significant 

accounting estimates made by the 
Directors; and 

 →the overall presentation of the 

financial statements. 

126 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial StatementsCompany Financial Statements

Company Balance Sheet

at 31 December 2016

Fixed assets
Intangible assets
Tangible assets
Investments

Shares in Group undertakings
Other investments other than loans

Current assets
Debtors
Deferred tax asset
Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Borrowings

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Retirement benefit liabilities

Net assets

Capital and reserves
Ordinary share capital
Preference share capital
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Reserves
Total shareholders’ funds

Note

E
F

G
H

I
J

K
L

L
M

21
23

2016
£m

–
1.4

447.7
0.6
449.7

1,930.8
0.7
6.4
1,937.9

(59.3)
(7.5)
(66.8)
1,871.1

2015
£m
Restated

– 
1.5

437.7 
0.6 
439.8 

2,184.4
0.2
10.4
2,195.0

(63.6) 
(56.9) 
(120.5) 
2,074.5 

2,320.8

2,514.3 

(213.8)
(4.0)
(217.8)

(218.0) 
(0.8)
(218.8) 

2,103.0

2,295.5 

14.0
1.1
15.1
93.3
1,994.6
2,103.0

14.0 
1.1 
15.1 
93.3 
2,187.1 
2,295.5 

Cash and cash equivalents and Borrowings have been restated following the change in accounting policy described in note R. This 
change has had no impact on net assets.

The financial statements on pages 127 to 133 were approved by the Board of Directors on 28 February 2017 and signed  
on its behalf by

Anita Frew 
Chairman 

Jez Maiden  
Group Finance Director

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

127

Financial Statements 
 
| Company Financial Statements

Company Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31 December 2016

At 1 January 2015

Profit for the year attributable to equity 
shareholders
Other comprehensive income
Transactions with owners:
Dividends on equity shares
Share-based payments
Consideration received for sale of own 
shares held in trust
Total transactions with owners

Total equity at 31 December 2015

At 1 January 2016

Profit for the year attributable to equity 
shareholders
Other comprehensive expense
Transactions with owners:
Dividends on equity shares
Share-based payments
Consideration received for sale of own 
shares held in trust
Total transactions with owners

Note

Share
capital
£m
15.1

Share
premium
account
£m
93.3

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m
0.9

Revaluation
reserve
£m
2.1

Retained
earnings
£m
326.0

Total
£m
437.4

8

8

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

15.1

15.1

93.3

93.3

–

–

–
–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

0.9

0.9

–

–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

2.1

2.1

–

–

–
–

–
–

1,942.2
2.5

1,942.2
2.5

(90.9)
3.1

1.2
(86.6)

(90.9)
3.1

1.2
(86.6)

2,184.1

2,295.5

2,184.1

2,295.5

37.2
(4.5)

(230.2)
3.8

1.2
(225.2)

37.2
(4.5)

(230.2)
3.8

1.2
(225.2)

Total equity at 31 December 2016

15.1

93.3

0.9

2.1

1,991.6

2,103.0

Of the retained earnings, £556.3m (2015: £533.2m) are realised and £1,435.3m (2015: £1,650.9m) are unrealised. Details of investments 
in own shares are disclosed in note 24 of the Group financial statements.

128 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial StatementsNotes to the Company Accounts

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been 
applied consistently to all years presented, unless otherwise stated.

A. Accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The Company meets the definition of a qualifying entity under Financial Reporting Standard 100 (FRS 100) issued by the Financial 
Reporting Council. Accordingly, in the year ended 31 December 2015, the Company adopted FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure 
Framework’ and has ceased to apply all UK Accounting Standards issued prior to FRS 100. Therefore the recognition and 
measurement requirements of EU-adopted IFRS have been applied, with amendments where necessary in order to comply with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the Act’). The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, 
in compliance with the provisions of the Act and the requirements of the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority.

As permitted by FRS 101, the Company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available under the standard in relation 
to share-based payments, financial instruments, capital management, presentation of comparative information in respect of certain 
assets, presentation of a cash flow statement, standards not yet effective, impairment of assets and related party transactions. 
Where required, equivalent disclosures are provided in the Group financial statements of Croda International Plc.

Going concern
The financial statements which appear on pages 127 to 133 have been prepared on a going concern basis as, after making 
appropriate enquiries, including a review of forecasts, budgets and banking facilities, the Directors have a reasonable expectation  
that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence.

Principal accounting policies
The accounting policies which have been applied by the Company when preparing the financial statements are in accordance with 
FRS 101. FRS 101 is based on the recognition and measurement requirements of EU-adopted IFRS, under which the Group financial 
statements have been prepared against. As a result, the accounting policies of the Company are consistent with those used by the 
Group as presented on pages 91 to 97, except for those relating to the recognition and measurement of goodwill and the recognition 
of revenue, which are not directly relevant to the Company financial statements.

The Group accounting policy for financial risk factors is also relevant to the preparation of the Company financial statements and is 
disclosed on pages 116 and 117.

B. Profit and loss account
Of the Group’s profit for the year, £37.2m (2015: £1,942.2m) is included in the profit and loss account of the Company which was 
approved by the Board on 28 February 2017 but which is not presented as permitted by Section 408 Companies Act 2006.

Included in the Company profit and loss account is a charge of £0.1m (2015: £0.1m) in respect of the Company’s audit fee.

C. Employees

Company employment costs including Directors
Wages and salaries
Share-based payment charges (note N)
Social security costs
Post retirement costs
Redundancy costs

Average employee numbers by function
Production
Administration

2016
£m

9.3
3.8
1.2
0.4
–
14.7

2015
£m

9.0
3.1
1.2
0.5
0.4
14.2

2016
Number

2015
Number

23
32
55

24
47
71

As required by the Companies Act 2006, the figures disclosed above are weighted averages based on the number of employees  
at each month end and include Executive Directors. At 31 December 2016, the Group had 54 (2015: 72) employees in total.

Detailed information concerning Directors’ remuneration, interests and options is shown in the table within the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report which is subject to audit on pages 55 to 75 which forms part of the Annual Report and Accounts.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

129

Financial Statements| Notes to the Company Accounts

D. Group restructuring
During the year ended 31 December 2015, a group restructuring was undertaken and a new company was created called Croda 
Investments No 3 Limited. Croda Overseas Holdings Limited and Croda Europe Limited, both subsidiaries of Croda International Plc, 
were then sold by Croda International Plc to Croda Investments No 3 Limited resulting in a profit on disposal of £1,850.9m. As at 
31 December 2016, £1,435.3m (2015: £1,650.9m) remained unrealised.

Other Intangibles
£m

0.8
–
0.8

0.8
–
0.8

–
–

Total
£m

3.3
0.2
3.5

1.8
0.3
2.1

1.4
1.5

Land and
buildings
£m

Plant and
equipment
£m

1.7
–
1.7

1.1
0.1
1.2

0.5
0.6

1.6
0.2
1.8

0.7
0.2
0.9

0.9
0.9

E. Intangible assets

Cost
At 1 January 2016
Additions
At 31 December 2016

Accumulated amortisation
At 1 January 2016
Charge for year
At 31 December 2016

Net carrying amount
At 31 December 2016
At 31 December 2015

F. Tangible assets

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2016
Additions
At 31 December 2016

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2016
Charge for year
At 31 December 2016

Net book amount
At 31 December 2016
At 31 December 2015

130 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial StatementsG. Shares in Group undertakings

Cost
At 1 January 2016
Exchange differences
Additions
Amounts repaid
At 31 December 2016

Impairment
At 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2016

Net book value
At 31 December 2016
At 31 December 2015

Shares
£m

336.0
–
0.6
(10.4)
326.2

Loans
£m

127.0
17.7
629.9
(627.8)
146.8

Total
£m

463.0
17.7
630.5
(638.2)
473.0

(25.3)

–

(25.3)

300.9
310.7

146.8
127.0

447.7
437.7

The undertakings which affect the financial statements are listed on pages 134 to 136.

The Directors believe that the carrying value of the investments is supported by their underlying net assets.

H. Other investments other than loans

Cost or valuation of net equity
At 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2016

Other investments
£m

0.6

Available for sale financial assets comprise unlisted investments included at Directors’ valuation based on appropriate attributable 
net assets.

I. Debtors

Amounts owed by Group undertakings
Corporation tax
Other receivables
Prepayments

2016
£m
1,912.9
17.4
0.3
0.2
1,930.8

2015
£m
2,177.3
6.4
0.5
0.2
2,184.4

The amounts owed by Group undertakings are current and have no fixed date of repayment. Of the amount at 31 December 2016, 
£1,911.7m will continue to attract interest from 1 January 2017 at a floating rate based on the main facility agreement. The remainder will 
continue to be interest free. 

J. Deferred tax
The deferred tax asset in the balance sheet is attributable to the following:

Retirement benefit liabilities

The movement on deferred tax balances during the year is summarised as follows:
At 1 January
Deferred tax charged through the profit and loss account
Deferred tax credited/(charged) directly to equity
At 31 December

2016
£m
0.7

0.2
(0.1)
0.6
0.7

2015
£m
0.2

0.9
(0.2)
(0.5)
0.2

Deferred tax assets have been recognised in all cases where such assets arise, as it is probable that the assets will be recovered.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

131

Financial Statements| Notes to the Company Accounts

K. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Amounts falling due within one year
Trade payables
Taxation and social security
Amounts owed to Group undertakings
Other payables
Accruals and deferred income

2016
£m

0.1
1.1
46.5
7.1
4.5
59.3

The amounts owed to Group undertakings are interest free, unsecured and have no fixed date of repayment.

L. Borrowings
The Company’s objectives, policies and strategies in respect of financial instruments are outlined in the accounting policies note 
on page 96 which forms part of the Annual Report and Accounts. Short term receivables and payables have been excluded from 
all of the following disclosures.

Maturity profile of financial liabilities
2014 Club facility due 2021
€30m 1.08% fixed rate 7 year bond
€70m 1.43% fixed rate 10 year bond
£30m 2.54% fixed rate 7 year bond
£70m 2.80% fixed rate 10 year bond
Bank loans and overdrafts repayable on demand

Repayments fall due as follows:
Within one year

Bank loans and overdrafts

After more than one year
Loans repayable

Within two to five years
After five years

2016
£m

28.0
25.7
60.1
30.0
70.0
7.5
221.3

7.5
7.5

28.0
185.8
213.8

2015
£m

0.3
1.0
52.9
3.1
6.3
63.6

2015
£m

218.0
–
–
–
–
56.9
274.9

56.9
56.9

218.0
–
218.0

M. Retirement benefit liabilities
In line with the requirements of FRS 101, the Company now recognises its share of the UK pension fund assets and liabilities. A full 
reconciliation of the Group retirement benefit obligation can be found in note 11 of the Group financial statements on pages 104 to 108. 
The table below shows the movement in the obligation during the year. 

Opening balance:

Assets
Liabilities
Net opening retirement benefit liability

Movements in the year:

Service cost
Interest cost
Contributions
Actuarial movement

Closing balance

132 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

2016
£m

35.5
(36.3)
(0.8)

(0.3)
–
1.0
(3.9)
(4.0)

2015
£m

47.0
(51.5)
(4.5)

(0.5)
(0.1)
1.8
2.5
(0.8)

Financial StatementsN. Share-based payments
The total charge for the year in respect of share based remuneration schemes was £3.8m (2015: £3.1m). The grant by the Company 
of options over its equity instruments to the employees of subsidiary undertakings in the Group is treated as a capital contribution. 
The fair value of employee services received, measured by reference to the grant date fair value, is recognised over the vesting 
period as an increase to investment in subsidiary undertakings, with a corresponding credit to equity.

The key elements of each scheme along with the assumptions employed to arrive at the charge in the profit and loss account 
are set out in note 22 to the Group financial statements.

O. Contingent liabilities
The Company has guaranteed loan capital and bank overdrafts of subsidiary undertakings amounting to £128.1m (2015: £89.1m).

P. Dividends
Details of dividends are disclosed in note 8 of the Group financial statements.

Q. Related party transactions
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption available under FRS 101 from disclosing transactions with other Group 
undertakings. There were no other related party transactions during the year. Information on the Group can be found in note 26 
on page 122 of the Group financial statements.

R. Change in accounting policy
In March 2016, the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRSIC) issued an agenda decision regarding the treatment of offsetting and cash 
pooling arrangements in accordance with IAS 32: ‘Financial instruments: Presentation’. This provided additional guidance on when 
bank overdrafts in cash pooling arrangements would meet the requirements for offsetting in accordance with IAS 32. Following this 
additional guidance, the Company has reviewed its cash pooling arrangements and has revised its presentation of bank overdrafts. 
This has involved a prior year restatement of £10.4m of bank overdrafts within bank loans and overdrafts that would previously have 
been offset against cash balances. This change has had no impact on net assets.

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

133

Financial StatementsRelated Undertakings

Related undertakings of Croda International Plc
All companies listed below are owned by the Group and all interests are in ordinary share capital, except where otherwise indicated. 
All subsidiaries have been consolidated. All companies operate principally in their country of incorporation. Unless otherwise indicated, 
all shareholdings represent 100% of the issued share capital of the subsidiary.

Incorporated in China

Unit BCD, 19 Floor, Urban City Center, No.45, Nanchang Road, 
Shanghai
Croda China Trading Company Ltd (vii)

Rm207 Xin Xing Building, No.8 Jia Feng Road, Wai Gao Qiao 
Free Trade Zone, Shanghai
Croda Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd (viii)

No. 1 Hongda Road, Xihuan Beikou, Changping Town, 
Changpin District, Beijing
Incotec (Beijing) Agricultural Technology Co. Ltd (vii)

No. 2 Plant, No. 1 QuanFeng Road, Wuqing Development Zone, 
Wuqing District, Tianjin
Incotec (Tianjin) Agricultural Technology Co. Ltd (vii)

Incorporated in France

1, rue de Lapugnoy, 62920 Chocques
Croda Chocques SAS (vii)

Route Nationale 10, Immoparc, 78190 Trappes
Croda France SAS (vii)
Croda Holdings France SAS (ix)

Zone artisanale, 48230 Chanac
Crodarom SAS (vii)

4 rue Fernand Forest, 49000 Angers
Incotec France SARL (vii)

29 rue du Chemin Vert, 78610, Le Perray en Yvelines
Sederma SAS (vii)

Incorporated in the Netherlands

Kernhemseweg 2, 6718 ZB Ede
AM Coatings BV (v) (viii)

Buurtje 1, 2802 BE Gouda
Croda Nederland B.V. (vii)
Unicorn Power BV (viii)
Uniqema BV (ix)

Westeinde 107, 1601 BL Enkhuizen
Incotec Europe B.V. (vii)
Incotec Group B.V. (i) (ix)
Incotec Holding B.V. (ix)

Subsidiaries:

Incorporated in the UK

Cowick Hall, Snaith, Goole, East Yorkshire, DN14 9AA
Brookstone Chemicals Limited (viii)
Cowick Hall Trustees Limited (xi)
Croda (Goole) Limited (viii)
Croda Application Chemicals Limited (viii)
Croda Bakery Services Limited (viii)
Croda Bowmans Chemicals Limited (v) (viii)
Croda CE Limited (viii)
Croda Chemicals Limited (viii)
Croda Colloids Limited (viii)
Croda Cosmetics & Toiletries Limited (i) (v) (viii)
Croda Cosmetics (Europe) Limited (iii) (viii)
Croda Distillates Limited (i) (x)
Croda Enterprises Limited (viii)
Croda Europe Limited (i) (v) (vii)
Croda Fire Fighting Chemicals Limited (viii)
Croda Food Services Limited (viii)
Croda Hydrocarbons Limited (viii)
Croda Investments Limited (ix)
Croda Investments No 2 Limited (ix)
Croda Investments No 3 Limited (ix)
Croda JDH Limited (viii)
Croda Leek Limited (viii)
Croda Limited (viii)
Croda Overseas Holdings Limited (i) (ix)
Croda Pension Trustees Limited (viii)
Croda Polymers International Limited (i) (ix)
Croda Resins Limited (viii)
Croda Solvents Limited (iii) (iv) (viii)
Croda Trustees Limited (viii)
Croda Universal Limited (viii)
Croda World Traders Limited (i) (v) (viii)
John L Seaton & Co Limited (viii)
Southerton Investments Limited (i) (viii)
Sowerby & Co Limited (viii)
Technical and Analytical Services Limited (i) (viii)
Uniqema Limited (i) (viii)
Uniqema UK Limited (i) (viii)

c/o Pagan Osborne, Clarendon House,  
116 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4LH 
Croda (CPI) Limited (ix)

134 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Other Information Incorporated in the USA

The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center,  
1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle, DE 19801
Croda Americas LLC (viii)
Croda Inc (vii)
Croda Inks Corp (viii)
Croda Investments Inc (ix)

300-A Columbus Circle, Edison, NJ 08837-3907
Croda Storage Inc (viii)
Croda Synthetic Chemicals Inc (ix)
Mona Industries Inc (viii)
Sederma Inc (vii)

1293 Harkins Road, Salinas, CA 93901
Incotec Holding North America, Inc (ix)
Incotec Integrated Coating and Seed Technology, Inc. (vii)

United Corporate Services, Inc, 874 Walker Road, Suite C,  
Dover, DE 19904
Croda Finance Inc (viii)

Incorporated in other overseas countries

Argentina – Dardo Rocha 2044, 1640, Martinez, Buenos Aires
Croda Argentina SA (vii)

Argentina – Avenida del Libertador 498, Piso 12, Oficina 1220 
Buenos Aires
Incotec Argentina S.A (vii)

Australia – Suite 102, 447 Victoria Street, Wetherill Park, NSW 2164
Croda Australia (ii) (vii)

Australia – 18 Doveton Street North, Ballarat, Victoria 3350
Kriset Pty. Ltd (vii)

Belgium – “Corporate Village”, Da Vincilaan 9/E6 Elsionor, 
1930 Zaventem
Croda Belgium BVBA (vii)

Brazil – Rua Croda, 580, Distrito Industrial, Campinas,  
São Paulo, CEP 13.074-710
Croda do Brasil Ltda (vii)

Brazil – Rua Pirajú, nº 255, Santa Maria Goretti, CEP 91030-190, 
Porto Alegre – Rio Grande de Sul
Inventiva Indústria e Inovação em Produtos Cosméticos Ltda. ME (vii)

Canada – 1700 Langstaff Road, Suite 1000, Vaughan, Ontario, L4K 3S3
Croda Canada Ltd (vii)

Germany – Herrenpfad Süd 33, 41334 Nettetal
Croda GmbH (vii)
Sederma GmbH (vii)

Guernsey – Maison Trinity, Trinity Square, St Peter Port, GY1 4AT
Cowick Insurance Services Ltd (i) (xii)

Hong Kong – Unit 806, Tower II, South Seas Centre, 75 Mody Road,  
Tsim Sha Tsui East Kowloon
Croda Hong Kong Company Ltd (vii)

Hungary – 1114 Budapest, Bartok Belu út 61.
Croda Magyarorszag Kft (i) (vii)

India – Plot No. 1/1 Part, TTC Industrial Area, Thane Belapur Road, 
Koparkhairne, Navi Mumbai 400710, Maharashtra
Croda India Company Private Ltd (i) (v) (vii)

India – 47, Mahagujarat Industrial Estate, Opp. Pharma Lab,  
rkhej-Bavla Highway, At. Moraiya, Ta. Sanand,  
Ahmedabad-382213, Gujarat
Integrated Coating and Seed Technology India Pvt. Ltd (vii)

Indonesia – Kawasan Industri Jababeka, Jl. Jababeka IV Blok V  
Kav 74-75, Cikarang Bekasi 17530
PT Croda Indonesia (iii) (iv) (vii)

Iran – Apt. 305, 3rd Floor, No 14 Golestan Avenue, Alikhani Avenue, 
Southern Shiraz Street, Tehran
Croda Pars Trading Co (vii)

Italy – Via P. Grocco 915, 27036 Mortara
Croda Italiana S.p.A. (vii)

Italy – Via Viazzolo Scala 936, 41038 San Felice sul Panaro (MO)
Incotec Mediterranean Srl (vii)

Italy – Via Lago di Tovel 7, 36077 Altavilla Vicentina (VI)
I.R.B. – Istituto di Richerche Biotechnologiche S.p.a. (vii)

Japan – 4-3 Hitotsubashi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0003
Croda Japan KK (i) (vii)

Malaysia – Unit no. 203, 2nd floor, block C, Damansara Intan no. 1, 
Jalan SS20/27, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Incotec Malaysia Sdn. Bhd (vii)

Mexico – Hamburgo 213, Piso 10, Colonia Juárez,  
Delegacion Cuauhtémoc, D.F., C.P. 06600
Croda México SA de CV (vii)

Peru – Avenida La Encalada 1388 Oficina 801, Polo Hunt 1, Surco
Croda Peruana S.A.C (vii)

Chile – Santa Beatriz 100, 12th Floor, Office 1205, Providencia 
Santiago
Croda Chile Ltda (vi) (vii)

Poland – 31-131 Kraków, ul. Karmelicka 27/3
Croda Poland Sp. z o.o. (i) (vii)

Colombia – Calle 90 # 19-41 Office 601, Bogotá
Croda Colombia (ii) (vii)

Czech Republic – Praha 5, Pekarˇská 603/12, 150 00
Croda Spol. s.r.o (vii)

Republic of Korea – Rm. 1201, 12th Floor, 42, Hwang Sae UI-Ro 360 
Beon-Gil, Bun Dang-Gu, Seong Nam-Si, Gyeong Gi-Do, 13591
Croda Korea (ii) (vii)

Russia – Raketnyi Boulevard 16, BC “Alekseevskaya Tower”,  
Office 1301, 129164 Moscow
Croda Russia (ii) (vii)

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

135

Other information| Related Undertakings

Incorporated in other overseas countries continued

Joint ventures and associates:

Incorporated in other overseas countries

Brazil – Rua das Sementes nr. 291, Holambra,  
State of São Paulo
Incotec America do Sul Tecnologia em Sementes Ltda. (vii) 

China – No 656 East Tangxun Road Economic and  
Technological Development Zone Miangyang Sichuan
Croda Sipo (Sichuan) Co., Ltd (vii) 

Japan – No. 5-23, Nobitome 8-chome, Niiza-shi,  
Saitama-ken
Incotec Japan Co. Ltd (vii) 

Malaysia – Unit no. 203, 2nd floor, block C,  
Damansara Intan no. 1, Jalan SS20/27,  
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Incotec Kedah (M) Sdn. Bhd (vii) 

99.90%

65.00%

97.50%

51.00%

Singapore – 30 Seraya Avenue, Singapore 627884
Croda Singapore Pte Ltd (i) (v) (vii)

South Africa – Clearwater Estate Office Park, Block G, Corner of 
Atlas & Park Road, Parkhaven Ext 8, Boksburg 1459
Croda (SA) (Pty) Ltd (vii)

South Africa – 4 Shortts Retreat Road, Mkondeni, Pietermaritzburg, 
KwaZulu-Natal, 3201
Incotec South Africa (Pty.) Ltd (vii)

Spain – Plaza. Francesc Macià, 7, 7ºB , 08029 Barcelona
Croda Ibérica SA (vii)

Sweden – Geijersgatan 2B, 216 18 Limhamn
Croda Nordica AB (vii)

Thailand – 319 Chamchuri Square Building, 16th Floor, Unit 13-14, 
Payathai Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330
Croda (Thailand) Co., Ltd (i) (vii)

Turkey – Nidakule Göztepe Is¸  Merkezi, Merdivenköy Mahallesi,  
Bora Sokak, No: 1 Kat:2/5 Kadıköy 34732, Istanbul
Croda Kimya Ticaret Limited S¸ irketi (vii)

United Arab Emirates – P. O. BOX 17916, Office 2112, 2113, 21st 
Floor, Jafza One, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai
Croda Middle East FZE (vii)

Zimbabwe – 4a Knightsbridge Crescent, Highlands, Harare 
Croda Chemicals Zimbabwe Pvt Ltd (viii)
Croda Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd (viii)

Classifications Key
(i)  Companies owned directly by Croda International Plc
(ii)  Branch office
(iii)  A Ordinary
(iv)  B Ordinary
(v)  Preference including cumulative, non-cumulative and redeemable shares
(vi)  No share capital, share of profits
(vii)  Manufacture, sales or distribution of speciality chemicals, or of seed treatment 

services and products

(viii) Dormant
(ix)  Holding company
(x)  Property holding company
(xi)  Trustee
(xii)  Captive insurance company 

136 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Other Information Shareholder Information

Corporate Calendar

2017 Annual General Meeting 
2016 Final ordinary dividend payment
2017 Half year results announcement 
2017 Interim ordinary dividend payment 
2017 Preference dividend payments 

2017 Full year results announcement 

26 April 2017
1 June 2017
25 July 2017
3 October 2017
30 June 2017
31 December 2017
27 February 2018

The middle market values of the listed 
share capital at 31 December 2016, 
or last date traded*, were as follows:

Ordinary shares
5.9% preference shares
6.6% preference shares

3181.0p
97.5p*
107.5p*

Dividend reinvestment plan (‘DRIP’) 
Ordinary shareholders may wish to know 
about this plan, which allows you to use 
your dividends to buy further shares 
in Croda. The DRIP is provided by Capita 
Asset Services, a trading name of Capita 
IRG Trustees Ltd which is authorised and 
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

For information and an application pack 
please call 0371 664 0381 (calls are 
charged at the standard geographic rate 
and will vary by provider. Calls outside the 
United Kingdom will be charged at the 
applicable international rate. Lines are open 
9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, 
excluding public holidays in England and 
Wales. From outside the UK dial 
+44 (0)208 639 3402). Alternatively you can 
email shares@capita.co.uk or log on to 
www.capitashareportal.com .

Investor relations
Shareholders can now get up to date 
information on Stock Exchange 
announcements, key dates in the corporate 
calendar, the Croda share price and 
brokers’ estimates by visiting our corporate 
website at www.croda.com and clicking 
on the section called ‘Investor’.

Shareholders can receive shareholder 
communications electronically by 
registering on the Registrars’ website, 
www.capitashareportal.com and 
following the instructions. To register 
shareholders will require their investor code 
(IVC): this is an 11 digit number starting 
five or six zeros and can be found 
on your dividend tax voucher or your 
share certificate. Receiving corporate 
communications by email has a number 
of benefits including being more 
environmentally friendly, reducing 
unnecessary waste, faster notification of 
information to shareholders and eventually 
leading to a reduction in company costs.

Shareholders who register on the above 
website can also check their shareholding, 
view their dividend history, elect for the 
dividend reinvestment plan, register changes 
of address and dividend mandate instructions.

Share price information
As well as being available on our website, 
the latest ordinary share price is available 
on the Financial Times Cityline service 
(0905 817 1690) (calls cost 75 pence per 
minute from a BT landline and the average 
duration is 1 minute per stock quote. Cost 
from other networks or mobile phones may 
be higher).

Overseas shareholders – 
choose to receive your next 
dividend in your local currency
If you live outside the UK, Capita has 
partnered with Deutsche Bank to provide 
you with a service that will convert Sterling 
dividends into your local currency at 
a competitive rate. You can choose to 
receive payment directly to your local bank 
account or alternatively you can be sent 
a currency draft.

You can sign up to this service on the 
Share Portal (by clicking on ‘your dividend 
options’ and following the on-screen 
instructions) or by contacting the Customer 
Support Centre. For further information 
contact Capita:

By phone – UK 0871 664 0385 (calls cost 
12p per minute plus your phone company’s 
access charge. Calls outside the United 
Kingdom will be charged at the applicable 
international rate). From overseas 
+44 (0)208 639 3405. Lines are open 
9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, 
excluding public holidays in England 
and Wales.

By email – ips@capita.co.uk

Share dealing
A simple and competitive service to buy 
and sell shares is provided by Capita 
Asset Services.

There is no need to pre-register and there 
are no complicated application forms to fill 
in and by visiting www.capitadeal.com you 
can also access a wealth of stock market 
news and information free of charge. For 
further information on this service, or to buy 
and sell shares, visit www.capitadeal.com 
or call 0371 664 0445 (calls are charged at 
the standard geographic rate and will vary 
by provider. Calls outside the United 
Kingdom will be charged at the applicable 
international rate. Lines are open 9.00am to 
5.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public 
holidays in England and Wales. From 
outside the UK dial +44 (0)371 664 0445).

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

137

Other information| Shareholder Information

Share fraud warning
Share fraud includes scams where 
investors are called out of the blue and 
offered shares that often turn out to be 
worthless or non-existent, or an inflated 
price for shares they own. These calls 
come from fraudsters operating in ‘boiler 
rooms’ that are mostly based abroad.

While high profits are promised, those who 
buy or sell shares in this way usually lose 
their money.

The Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’) 
has found most share fraud victims are 
experienced investors who lose an average 
of £20,000, with around £200m lost in the 
UK each year. 

Protect yourself
If you are offered unsolicited investment 
advice, discounted shares, a premium 
price for shares you own, or free company 
or research reports, you should take these 
steps before handing over any money:

Report a scam
If you are approached about a share scam 
you should tell the FCA using the share fraud 
reporting form at www.fca.org.uk/scams, 
where you can find out about the latest 
investment scams. You can also call the 
Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768.

If you have already paid money to share 
fraudsters you should contact Action Fraud 
on 0300 123 2040.

Secretary and Registered Office
Tom Brophy (Company Secretary)  
Cowick Hall, Snaith, Goole, 
East Yorkshire DN14 9AA 
Tel:  +44 (0)1405 860551  
Fax:  +44 (0)1405 861767 
Website: www.croda.com 
Registered in England number 206132

Registrars
Capita Asset Services  
The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, 
Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4TU

 →Get the name of the person and 
organisation contacting you

Tel: 

 →Check the Financial Services Register 
at www.fca.org.uk to ensure they are 
authorised

 →Use the details on the FCA Register 

to contact the firm

 →Call the FCA Consumer Helpline on 

0800 111 6768 if there are no contact 
details on the Register or you are told 
they are out of date

 →Search the list of unauthorised firms and 
individuals to avoid doing business with.

Remember: if it sounds too good to be 
true, it probably is!

If you use an unauthorised firm to buy 
or sell shares or other investments, 
you will not have access to the Financial 
Ombudsman Service or Financial Services 
Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if things 
go wrong.

 0871 664 0300 (from UK) – calls 
cost 12p per minute plus network 
extras; lines are open 9.00am 
to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday  
+44 (0)208 639 3399 (from 
overseas)

Fax: 

 + 44 (0)1484 601512

Website: www.capitaassetservices.com  
Email:  shareholderenquiries@capita.co.uk

Independent Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,  
Central Square, 29 Wellington Street, 
Leeds, LS1 4DL

Merchant Bankers
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc  
J P Morgan Cazenove

Solicitors
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

Stockbrokers
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc  
J P Morgan Cazenove

Financial PR Advisers
Teneo Blue Rubicon

Share dealing continued
This is not a recommendation to buy or sell 
shares and this service may not be suitable 
for all shareholders. The price of shares 
can go down as well as up, and you are 
not guaranteed to get back the amount 
that you originally invested. Terms, 
conditions and risks apply. Capita Asset 
Services is a trading name of Capita 
IRG Trustees Limited which is authorised 
and regulated by the Financial Conduct 
Authority. The service is only available 
to private shareholders resident in the 
European Economic Area, the Channel 
Islands or the Isle of Man.

Capita Asset Services is a trading name 
of Capita Registrars Limited and Capita 
IRG Trustees Limited. Share registration 
and associated services are provided 
by Capita Registrars Limited (registered 
in England and Wales, No. 2605568). 
Regulated services are provided by 
Capita IRG Trustees Limited (registered 
in England and Wales, No. 2729260), 
which is authorised and regulated by 
the Financial Conduct Authority.

UK shareholders – Stocktrade 
Telephone dealing 0131 240 0414 quoting 
‘Croda Dial & Deal service’.

For further information visit 
www.stocktrade.co.uk/croda .

Relating to beneficial owners of 
shares with ‘information rights’
Please note that beneficial owners of 
shares who have been nominated by the 
registered holder of those shares to receive 
information rights under section 146 of the 
Companies Act 2006 are required to direct 
all communications to the registered holder 
of their shares rather than to the 
Company’s registrar, Capita Asset 
Services, or to the Company directly.

138 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Other Information Five Year Record

Earnings

Turnover
Adjusted operating profit¹
Adjusted profit before tax¹
Profit after tax
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders*

Adjusted operating profit as a % of turnover1
Adjusted Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)1
Effective tax rate

Adjusted earnings per share1
Ordinary dividends per share

Net debt/EBITDA1
EBITDA interest cover1**

2016
£m
1,243.6
298.2
288.3
197.6
198.4

%
24.0
19.3
28.0

pence
155.8
74.0

times
1.1
33.1

2015
£m
1,081.7
264.2
254.7
181.1
181.4

%
24.4
20.1
28.0

pence
135.0
69.0

times
0.9
43.2

1  Before exceptional items, acquisition costs, amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition and the tax thereon where applicable
*  Total Group figures, all other figures are continuing operations only
** Interest excludes pension scheme net financial expense and capitalised interest

Summarised Balance Sheet

Intangible assets, property plant and equipment and investments
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Capital employed
Tax, provisions and other
Retirement benefit liabilities

Shareholders’ funds
Non-controlling interests

Net debt

Gearing (%)

2016
£m 
954.4
235.7
192.4
(188.8)
1,193.7
(74.3)
(146.5)
972.9
600.6
8.2
608.8
364.1
972.9

2015
£m
799.4
221.6
156.1
(161.7)
1,015.4
(70.0)
(78.8)
866.6
600.8
6.5
607.3
259.3
866.6

2014
£m
1,046.6
248.4
235.4
165.2
165.2

%
23.7
21.2
28.0

pence 
125.2
65.5

times
0.6
33.2

2014
£m
633.5
201.0
145.0
(129.4)
850.1
(54.2)
(126.7)
669.2
482.9
6.1
489.0
180.2
669.2

2013
£m
1,077.0
264.6
251.4
177.9
177.4

%
24.6
23.8
28.9

pence 
132.2
64.5

times
0.7
35.5

2013
£m
602.9
192.8
136.7
(129.1)
803.3
(45.9)
(135.8)
621.6
413.1
6.3
419.4
202.2
621.6

2012
£m
1,051.9
255.1
238.3
164.2
150.9

%
24.3
23.8
31.1

pence 
121.9
59.5

times
0.7
35.5

2012
£m
552.3
170.5
162.9
(139.2)
746.5
(28.7)
(165.8)
552.0 
344.2
0.1
344.3
207.7
552.0

59.8

42.7

36.9

48.2

60.3

Croda International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016

139

Other informationGlossary of Terms

12 Principles 
of Green 
Chemistry

Adjusted

AGM
AIM
ALM
API
BBSRC

Set of principles that when used in the design, 
development and implementation of chemical 
products and processes, enables scientists to protect 
and benefit the economy, people and the planet
Before exceptional items, acquisition costs, 
amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition 
and the tax thereon where applicable
Annual General Meeting
Alternative Investment Market
Asset-Liability Matching
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research 
Council
Bonus Co-Investment Plan

BCIP
Business Areas Personal Care, Health Care, Crop Protection, Seed 

Enhancement, Geo Technologies, Home Care, 
Polymer Additives, Lubricants, Coatings and 
Polymers, Industrial Chemicals
Career Average Revalued Earnings
Chief Executive Officer
Chemical Growth Partnership
Cash Generating Unit
Croda International Plc Employee Benefit Trust
Carbon Dioxide
Financial Reporting Council’s Corporate Code
Current year results for existing business translated at 
the prior year’s average exchange rates
Consumer Price Index
Croda Pension Scheme
Certified Sustainable Palm Oil
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Deferred Bonus Share Plan
Earnings Before Interest, Taxation, Depreciation 
and Amortisation
Employee Benefit Trust
Earnings Per Share
Certification scheme for pharmaceutical 
excipient suppliers
Financial Conduct Authority
Financial Reporting Council
Financial Reporting Standard
Financial Services Compensation Scheme
Finance Times Stock Exchange
Greenhouse Gas
Greenhouse Gas emissions from sources that 
we own or control 
Greenhouse Gas emissions that are a consequence 
of our activities, but occur at sources owned or 
controlled by another entity
Good Manufacturing Practice
Global Reporting Initiative
HM Revenue & Customs

CARE
CEO
CGP
CGU
CIPEBT
CO2
Code
Constant 
Currency
CPI
CPS
CSPO
DRIP
DBSP
EBITDA

EBT
EPS
EXCiPACT

FCA
FRC
FRS
FSCS
FTSE
GHG
GHG emissions 
– scope 1
GHG emissions 
– scope 2

GMP
GRI
HMRC

140 Croda International Plc

Annual Report and Accounts 2016

HR
IAS
IASB
IFRS
IFRSIC

Human Resources
International Accounting Standards
International Accounting Standards Board
International Financial Reporting Standards
International Financial Reporting Standards 
Interpretation Committee
Intellectual Property
International Standards on Auditing
International Organisation for Standardisation
Information Technology
Key Performance Indicator
Lost Time Injury
Long Term Incentive Plan
Mergers & Acquisitions

IP
ISA
ISO
IT
KPI
LTI
LTIP
M&A
Market sectors Personal Care, Life Sciences, Performance 

Technologies, Industrial Chemicals

Material Areas Our 10 most important sustainability areas
Net debt

NPP
OHSAS
OSHA
PSP
QUEST

Borrowings and other financial liabilities less 
cash and cash equivalents
New and Protected Products
Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Series
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Performance Share Plan
Croda International Plc Qualifying Share  
Ownership Trust
Research and Development
R&D
Return on sales Adjusted operating profit divided by revenue
Return on Capital Employed
ROCE
Adjusted operating profit after tax divided by the 
ROIC
average invested capital for the year for the Group. 
Invested capital represents the net assets of the 
Group, adjusted for earlier goodwill written off to 
reserves, net debt, retirement benefit liabilities, 
provisions and deferred taxes
Retail Price Index
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
Safety, Health and Environment module in the 
SAP reporting system
Governance, Risk and Compliance module in the SAP 
reporting system
Safety, Health, Environment
Safety, Health, Environment, Quality
Share Investment Plan
Small and Medium Enterprises
Tonnes
Tonnes Carbon Dioxide Equivalent
Total Shareholder Return
Current year results in local currency translated to  
Sterling at the prior year average foreign exchange  
rate excluding acquisitions
Volatile Organic Compound
Weighted Average Cost of Capital

SHE
SHEQ
SIP
SMEs
Te
Te CO2e
TSR
Underlying 

RPI
RSPO
SAP EHS

VOC
WACC

SAP GRC

Other Information Cautionary Statement
The information in this publication is believed to be accurate 
at the date of its publication and is given in good faith but no 
representation or warranty as to its completeness or accuracy is 
made. Suggestions in this publication are merely opinions. Some 
statements and in particular forward-looking statements, by their 
nature, involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to 
events and depend on circumstances that will or may occur in the 
future and actual results may differ from those expressed in such 
statements as they depend on a variety of factors outside 
the control of Croda International Plc. No part of this publication 
should be treated as an invitation or inducement to invest in the 
shares of Croda International Plc and should not be relied upon 
when making investment decisions.

Designed by

This Report is printed on UPM Fine Offset 
which has been independently certified 
according to the rules of the Forest 
Stewardship Council® (FSC).

Printed in the UK by Pureprint, 
a CarbonNeutral® company.

Both manufacturing paper mill and the 
printer are registered to the Environmental 
Management System ISO 14001 and are 
Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) 
chain-of-custody certified.

Registered Office

Croda International Plc 
Cowick Hall 
Snaith 
Goole 
East Yorkshire 
DN14 9AA 
England

T  +44 (0)1405 860551 
F  +44 (0)1405 861767

www.croda.com

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