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Elementis plc

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FY2016 Annual Report · Elementis plc
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Elementis plc
Annual report and accounts

2016

Elementis plc is a global specialty chemicals 
company with operations worldwide that serve 
customers in North and Latin America, Europe 
and Asia in a wide range of markets and sectors.  
The Company has a premium listing in the UK  
on the London Stock Exchange and is a member  
of the FTSE 250 and FTSE4Good Indices.

$659.5m

Revenue

c.1,400 Employees globally

Employees globally
Employees globally

#1

Market, technology  
and innovation leader 
in Rheology

segments
 – Specialty Products
 – Chromium

 – Surfactants3
3 Business  

14%
14%

Increase in Personal Care sales*

4%

Growth in global 
Coatings sales*

*   constant currency reflects prior year results translated at current year exchange rates

Cautionary statement:
The Annual Report and Accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2016, as contained in this document 
(‘Annual Report’), contain information which viewers or readers might consider to be forward looking statements 
relating to or in respect of the financial condition, results, operations or businesses of Elementis plc. Any such 
statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances. There are many 
factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any 
such forward looking statements. Nothing in this Annual Report should be construed as a profit forecast.

Our business segments

Specialty Products

$460.4m

Revenue

Chromium

$168.8m

Revenue 1

Surfactants

$43.1m

Revenue 1

1 

revenue includes internal sales

We provide high volume functional additives 
to the coatings, personal care and 
energy markets that improve the flow 
characteristics and performance of our 
customers’ products and 
production processes.

Key facts
 – Based in 13 manufacturing locations 
in North and Latin America, Europe 
and Asia.

 – We have c.1,000 employees.

We are a leading producer of chromium 
chemicals with a strong position in the 
North American market. 

We provide chromium chemicals to 
customers that make their products more 
durable and which are used in a wide range 
of sectors and applications. 

Key facts
 – Only domestic chromium 

producer in North America based 
in five locations.

 – We have c.250 employees.

We manufacture a wide range of surface 
active ingredients and products that are 
used as intermediates in the production of 
chemical compositions.

Key facts
 – Share a manufacturing plant 

in Delden, Netherlands with Elementis 
Specialty Products.

 – We have c.150 employees.

Specialty Products segment sectors

Coatings
$361.7m

Revenue

Energy
$35.9m

Revenue

We offer a variety of rheology modifiers 
and specialty additives to decorative and 
industrial paints and coatings. We have 
solutions for both waterborne and solvent 
systems that enhance the performance, 
look, feel and stability of paint.

We use rheological modifiers to enable 
drilling mud performance over a wide 
range of conditions. Our products provide 
high viscosity and low shear rates which 
are valuable in high angle and horizontal 
wells. They are also designed to 
withstand both high pressure and 
extreme temperature. 

Personal Care 
$62.8m

Revenue

We have a high value niche 
participation in the personal care 
market. Hectorite gives us a distinct 
competitive advantage and our 
Rheoluxe® range of synthetic polymers 
are popular with our customers due to 
their ease of use and versatility. 

  
 
 
Our manufacturing sites

Europe
Livingston

Asia
Anji 
Changxing 
Hsinchu  
Songjiang

Specialty Products

Chromium

Americas
Charleston 
Jersey City 
Milwaukee 
Newberry 
New Martinsville 
Palmital 
St Louis

Amarillo 
Castle Hayne 
Corpus Christi 
Dakota City 
Milwaukee

Surfactants

Delden*

*  Delden site shared with Specialty Products

How we will reignite growth

Pursue best growth 
opportunities

Pursue supply chain 
transformation

Innovate for 
distinctiveness  
and high margins

Create a culture of  
high performance

Why invest in Elementis?

 – We operate in high margin, segmented 

markets and emerging economies where 
products have many applications and 
diverse end users, and our local market 
presence is supported by a strong global 
infrastructure.

 – Our global R&D function has a broad 
and differentiated product portfolio 
that is underpinned by proprietary 
technology, strong customer 
relationships, technical know how 
and expertise.

 – We have a clear strategy to pursue the 

best growth opportunities by utilising our 
strong balance sheet to reinvest in growth 
and finance returns to shareholders.

 – We have a culture of high performance 
with a simple and flat organisational 
structure and we utilise systematic 
performance management to improve 
accountability and deliver results.

 – We are improving the quality of our asset 
base and operating efficiency to optimise 
cash and returns.

 – We have strong governance and risk 
management controls and maintain 
a high standard of business conduct, 
ethics and corporate responsibility.

 CEO’s statement  

see pages 4 to 9

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Highlights

Contents

 – Group earnings declined due to the negative impact 
of currency on our Chromium segment and oil prices 
on our Energy sector within our Specialty Products 
segment.

 – Progress overall in Specialty Products where 

constant currency sales were up 3 per cent in 2016 
and up 8 per cent in H2 2016 versus the same period 
last year. 
 – Coatings sector up 4 per cent for the year*; 

6 per cent growth* in Coatings Asia.

 – Personal Care sector up 14 per cent*, with good 
momentum in H2 which was up 23 per cent year 
on year*.

 – Energy down 16 per cent* for the year but H2 2016 
sales improved by 15 per cent compared to H1*.

 – Proposed acquisition of SummitReheis, a high 

quality personal care business, was announced on 
10 February 2017 – expected to complete mid-year 
after regulatory requirements are satisfied.

 – Continued strong cash generation – net cash position 

increased to $77.5 million.

 – Total dividends for the year increased by  

2 per cent to 16.80 cents:
 – Final dividend maintained at previous  

year level.

 – Special dividend increased by 4 per cent;  

fifth consecutive payment.

* 

 constant currency reflects prior year results translated at current year  
exchange rates

2015 restated – see note 31

Financial summary

Sales

IFRS profit for the year

2016

2015

$659.5m

$677.2m†

$68.1m

$94.6m†

Statutory basic earnings per share

14.7c

20.5c†

Net cash

Operating profit ∆

Profit before tax ∆

Diluted earnings per share ∆

$77.5m

$74.0m

$94.2m

$89.7m

16.8c

$121.5m†

$115.2m†

20.6c†

Operating cash flow ∆

$96.0m

$102.5m

Dividends to shareholders:

– Interim dividend

– Final proposed

– Special dividend proposed

2.70c

5.75c

8.35c

2.70c

5.75c

8.00c

– Total for the year

16.80c

16.45c

∆  after adjusting items – see note 5
† 

restated – see note 31

Strategic report
2 

Chairman’s statement

4 

6 

8 

CEO’s overview

– Our strategic priorities

– 2016 in action

10  Our business model

12 

16 

17 

Finance report

– Key performance indicators

– Risk management report

22  Corporate responsibility report

Corporate governance
30  Board of Directors

32  Chairman’s letter on governance

33  Corporate governance report

35  Nomination Committee report

36 

Audit Committee report

39  Directors’ remuneration report

60  Directors’ report

62  Directors’ responsibility statement

63 

Independent auditor’s report

Financial statements
70  Consolidated income statement

70  Consolidated statement 

of comprehensive income

71  Consolidated balance sheet

72  Consolidated statement of 

changes in equity

73  Consolidated cash flow statement

74  Notes to the Consolidated 
financial statements

109  Parent company statutory accounts

111  Notes to the Company financial 
statements of Elementis plc

Shareholder information
115  Glossary

116  Five year record

117  Shareholder services

118  Corporate information

118  Financial calendar

118  Annual General Meeting

118  Principal offices

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

1

 
 
 
 
Chairman’s statement

We are confident that we have the 
foundations on which to make progress 
in 2017 and beyond

Andrew Duff
Chairman

Financial results
In 2016, Group sales were $659.5 million compared to 
$677.2 million† in the previous year and IFRS profit before tax 
was $75.5 million compared to $120.8 million†. These results 
were mainly due to the impact of currency on Chromium and oil 
prices on Energy. Group basic earnings per share was 14.7 cents 
compared to 20.5 cents† in 2015.

In addition the Group’s results will report a number of adjusting 
items and these items are discussed more fully in the Finance 
report. After taking account of these items, Group diluted earnings 
per share after adjusting items was 16.8 cents compared to 
20.6 cents† last year.

Balance sheet
The Group’s balance sheet remains strong after another year of 
robust cash generation despite lower profits and higher dividend 
payouts. The Group’s net cash position at the end of 2016 was 
$77.5 million, compared to $74.0 million at the end of the 
previous year. 

The IAS 19 deficit, on the Group’s post retirement benefit plans, 
changed from $29.0 million at the end of 2015 to $30.1 million. 
The UK pension plan accounts for the majority of the Group’s 
pension obligations. 

Dividends
Under the dividend policy introduced in 2012, the Board undertook 
to pay approximately one third of earnings, after adjusting 
items, each year in a combination of interim and final dividends. 
In addition, a special dividend is paid each year of up to 50 per 
cent of the net cash balance at the end of the year, provided there 
are no immediate investment plans for that cash. This year, the 
Board is recommending a maintained final dividend, reflecting its 
confidence in the Group’s business model and its medium term 
prospects. In addition, as the year end net cash balance increased, 
we will be distributing half of this by way of a special dividend, 
notwithstanding our investment in the acquisition of SummitReheis. 
Consequently, proposed total dividends for the year are increased 
by 2 per cent to 16.80 cents per share, the components of which 
are as follows:

 – The Board is recommending a final dividend for 2016 of 

5.75 cents per share (2015: 5.75 cents) and a special dividend 
of 8.35 cents per share (2015: 8.00 cents).

 – The Board declared an interim dividend at the time of the Interim 
Results announcement of 2.70 cents per share (2015: 2.70 cents).

The markets in which we operate continued to 
be challenging in 2016, adversely affecting our 
two principal business segments. 

In the Chromium segment, although the US business remained 
structurally advantaged and maintained a consistently high degree 
of stability, a strengthening US dollar and competitive pressures 
impacted both volumes and margins on export sales from the US 
to the rest of the world. As a result, the overall impact on volumes 
and earnings in 2016 has been material. 

In the Specialty Products segment, we saw good underlying 
performance in all our sectors, with a resumption of growth in 
our Chinese coatings activities and the delivery of good growth 
in Personal Care. However, lower oil prices reduced demand 
in our Energy sector by some 16 per cent versus 2015 and the 
appreciation of the US dollar against most global currencies also 
impacted results. 

Our new CEO Paul Waterman joined us in February 2016 and 
he has, initially with the support of our CFO at the time, Brian 
Taylorson, set about developing a strategy for the business in order 
to ‘reignite growth’ which aligns the management of the Company 
in the delivery of this strategy, which was presented to analysts and 
investors in November 2016. Following Brian’s decision to step 
down after his many years of great service we appointed his 
successor, Ralph Hewins, who took up his role in November 2016. 
This growth strategy continues to build on the long standing 
strengths of the Group, improving operational efficiency through a 
range of ‘self help’ initiatives and focusing investment towards our 
highest growth markets and in our high performing Personal Care 
sector in particular. Since the end of the year, I am delighted to 
report that we have reached agreement on the acquisition of 
SummitReheis, which is a world leading personal care chemicals 
business, and will increase our exposure to this attractive sector. 
We expect the acquisition to complete mid-year after regulatory 
requirements are satisfied. Our track record of consistent cash 
generation over the last seven years has been an important 
component of the Group’s investment case, contributing 
significantly to total shareholder returns. I am pleased that in 2016, 
despite the more challenging environment, the Group still delivered 
a strong cash flow performance. This in turn means that we have 
been able to increase our special dividend by 4 per cent.

† restated – see note 31

2

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

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The final and special dividends will be paid on 26 May 2017, 
in pounds sterling at an exchange rate of £1.00:$1.2502 (equivalent 
to a sterling amount of 11.2782 pence per share), to shareholders 
on the register on 28 April 2017. 

Health, safety and the environment
This is an area in which we have intensified focus in 2016. 
Whilst our overall performance continues to be of a high standard 
compared to the industry, management is seeking continuous 
improvement. Our goal is for everyone to go home safely every day. 

We continue to invest in measures to improve our environmental 
impact. We will continue to be cooperative and proactive with 
regulators, while striving always to exceed their expectations.

Board changes
This has been a year of change at the top of our Company. 
As reported this time last year, Paul Waterman became CEO, 
joining the Board on 8 February 2016, replacing David Dutro. 
Ralph Hewins was appointed CFO-Designate and a Director of 
the Company on 12 September 2016 and replaced Brian Taylorson 
as CFO on 1 November 2016, when Brian stepped down from 
the role and the Board. On behalf of the Board I would like to take 
this opportunity to thank Brian for his significant contribution as 
CFO during the past 14 years. He has been central to the strong 
progress made by Elementis over many years and provided much 
valued support to myself and to both Paul and Ralph during the 
leadership transition.

Having served for nearly nine years, Andrew Christie will be 
standing down as a Director and as Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee, in line with best practice, at the conclusion of the 
Annual General Meeting on 25 April 2017. Steve Good will succeed 
Andrew as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee at the 
conclusion of the meeting. Andrew has served the Board with great 
commitment over many years and I wish to extend my thanks to 
him for his efforts on our behalf.

Following a review of the Board’s structure, capabilities, 
international experience and diversity, it was decided to increase 
the size of the Board from seven to eight members by appointing 
an additional non-executive Director. Sandra Boss and Dorothee 
Deuring joined the Board on 1 February 2017 and 1 March 2017 
respectively. Both new Directors bring different expertise and 
insights and will make strong contributions in our boardroom. 
I am delighted to welcome them to Elementis and look forward 
to working with them.

Governance
One of the primary points of focus for the Board in 2016 was the 
successful implementation of the change of executive leadership. 
The Board is pleased that the transition to the new CEO and CFO 
team in Paul and Ralph was a smooth process. One of the 
challenges that this type of change brings is that the dynamics 
between non-executive and executive Directors need to be 
re-established and I am pleased to report that your Board remains 
cohesive and transparent, and has shared values that are based on 
trust, integrity and a common purpose, which enables all Directors 
to perform effectively, both collectively and as individuals. It is my 
intention to ensure that these dynamics are further strengthened by 
the recent Board additions. 

74.0

77.5

64.2

54.1

44.0

Net cash
$m

90

75

60

45

30

15

0

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Total dividends per share
Cents

16.80

16.45

13.93

15.40

12.56

18

15

12

9

6

3

0

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

People
The business owes its success to the contribution of all of its 
talented individuals. One of the distinctive features of Elementis 
is the dedication and commitment of its employees. Despite the 
challenges and changes of 2016, this has been unwavering and, 
on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all of the staff for 
everything they have done.

Outlook
The Board believes that the economic environment is likely to 
continue to be uncertain as we go through the current year. 
However, the management team is focused on self help measures 
to deliver underlying operational improvements, as well as 
concentrating on our strengths and the development of our 
principal growth sectors, whatever the market environment. 
We expect to maintain our distinctive margins and are looking 
to grow share in our markets based on superior products and 
customer service.

The Group has a solid financial platform, a new, energised 
leadership team and a clear strategy for delivery. We are confident 
that we have the foundations on which to make progress in 2017 
and beyond.

The Board considers that it has applied fully all of the principles 
and provisions of the Corporate Governance Code during 2016. 
More information is provided in the Corporate governance report.

Andrew Duff 
Chairman
1 March 2017

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

3

 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer’s overview

How we will reignite  
growth in Elementis

Paul Waterman
Chief Executive Officer

It is an exciting time for Elementis. Having 
joined the Company early in 2016 I have been 
in the role long enough to develop an informed 
view of how we need to progress. 

I have spent time in this first year going to visit our people, 
customers and sites around the world, and as I reflect on the 
business we have today, there are a number of strengths that 
we can build upon:

 – We have a strong heritage, with the Company’s roots going back 

over 150 years.

 – We have a talented team of very motivated employees.

 – We have distinctive technology that our customers value.

 – Our teams are customer focused and quick to respond.

 – We have a good position in China that continues to grow.

 – Our Personal Care sector is doing well and offers a number 

of opportunities.

Overall we are a high quality business, generating good free cash 
flow, and have a prudently financed balance sheet that offers 
options for the future.

Elementis offers its customers real distinctiveness and that has 
enabled it to grow successfully. Ten years ago it made $58 million 
profit and was worth around $0.7 billion. Today it is a great deal 
more than that. The reality is also that more recently growth has 
stalled, with earnings declining in the past two years. In 2016 this 
decline was quite pronounced. 

In looking back at 2016 I will start with safety. There is nothing 
more important to us than our people going home safely every day. 
Whilst we continue to deliver safety performance that is amongst 
the leaders in the industry, we will not be satisfied until we 
achieve our goal of no one getting hurt working at Elementis. 
One immediate change was to make our VP Global HSE report 
directly to me. In 2016 we initiated the ‘Take Two…for safetyTM’ 
programme to reduce risk in our operations. 

In 2016 our people agenda was focused on transforming our 
organisational structure. Elementis is a relatively small company 
and every person counts. So getting the organisation operating 
efficiently is essential to grow the business. We have made some 
changes in 2016 to let us do that. 

Prior to 2016 there were two main business segments – Chromium 
and Specialty Products, and functions such as Marketing and 
R&D were embedded into regional business activities. We have 
now moved to a structure that is much flatter, where the Specialty 
Products business sector leaders, such as in Personal Care, 
Energy and the Coatings regions, all report to me, and we have 
globalised the functions so they can develop capability across the 
world and focus on fewer bigger things. We also created a global 
supply chain organisation so that we can manage assets, 
operations and procurement on a global basis.

In HR we have initiated new processes to develop the leaders for 
tomorrow. We implemented a global HR management system 
supported by ‘Workday’ so we can systematically manage our 
people processes such as talent, succession planning and reward. 

Turning to our business performance in 2016, the biggest decline 
was in our Chromium segment.

We have great distinctiveness in this business with the only North 
American manufacturing base combined with unique delivery 
systems to our customers. This enabled us to maintain a strong 
performance in North America in 2016. However, the rest of the 
world business was vulnerable to the impacts of a stronger US 
dollar, which had the impact of reducing volumes and margins 
significantly. Results were also adversely impacted in the latter  
part of the year by operational interruptions due to a hurricane and 
a centrifuge failure at our Castle Hayne site. We will continue to 
strengthen our North American base. 

Towards the end of 2016 we saw the price of our key raw material, 
chrome ore, rise significantly. As a result we are now implementing 
price increases to protect our margins. Our expectation at this time 
is that underlying Chromium profitability in 2017 will be comparable 
to 2016. 

4

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

 
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Group performance
Revenue

Specialty Products
Chromium
Surfactants
Inter-segment

Operating profit

Specialty Products
Chromium
Surfactants
Central costs

∆  after adjusting items – see note 5
† 

restated – see note 31

In our Specialty Products segment, sales were up 3 per cent† 
over 2015 on a constant currency basis, although this progress 
masks some varied sector performance within this segment:

 – In Energy the impact of the low oil price (mainly on North 

American drilling) saw constant currency sales reduce by  
16 per cent†. The second half did see some recovery in volumes 
versus the second half of 2015 as the oil price rise boosted 
activity and we should see this modest momentum carry over 
into 2017.

 – In Coatings constant currency sales growth of 4 per cent† 

was supported by a strong performance in China, which saw 
something of a rebound after the impact of destocking in 2015. 
However, reported results from Asia were impacted by the 
stronger US dollar.

 – Our Americas activities continued to see growth in decorative 
coatings (with New Martinsville products being a driver) as well 
as a modest recovery in Latin America. Overall, sales growth 
in the region was 2 per cent† at constant currency.

 – In EMEA soft market conditions limited growth, but despite 

that we achieved a 3 per cent† constant currency sales growth, 
helped by a strong distributor performance, particularly in 
southern Europe.

 – The stand out performer in our Specialty Products segment 
was Personal Care, which achieved a 14 per cent† growth 
in constant currency sales. This was accomplished through 
improved sales in all geographies, with particularly strong growth 
in Asia, of our new Rheoluxe® line of products and strong sales 
into aerosol anti-perspirants and colour cosmetics. 

Revenue
 restated† 

2015
 $million
453.2
181.1
53.8
(10.9)

677.2

Operating
profit
 restated† 
2015∆ 

$million
79.9
48.0
4.5
(10.9)

121.5

Effect of 
exchange  
rates 
$million
(7.6)
–
(0.7)
–

(8.3)

Effect of 
exchange 
rates 
$million
(3.9)
–
0.1
0.6

(3.2)

Increase/ 
(decrease) 
2015
$million
14.8
(12.3)
(10.0)
(1.9)

(9.4)

Increase/
(decrease) 
2015 
$million
2.8
(20.9)
(5.2)
(0.8)

(24.1)

Revenue
 2016 
$million
460.4
168.8
43.1
(12.8)

659.5

Operating 
 profit 
2016∆
 $million
78.8
27.1
(0.6)
(11.1)

94.2

In the Surfactants segment, operating profit declined from  
$4.5 million to a loss of $0.6 million. Volumes were 13 per cent 
lower as Chinese textile and leather market demand softened, 
whilst some specific customer orders were lower. We have 
taken steps to lower costs at the Delden site and are conducting 
a strategic review of the options for this business, which 
offers flexible manufacturing capabilities across a wide range 
of chemistries.

Looking at our overall financial performance, the strong cash 
generation of the Group was a stand out with our year end net 
cash balance at $77.5 million, enabling us to return cash to 
shareholders by way of a special dividend.

So a decline in 2016 due to difficult markets in important parts of 
our business – headwinds in Chromium, the low oil price affecting 
Energy demand and the impact of foreign exchange on US dollar 
profits. Looking ahead, I am convinced we cannot rely on the 
external environment getting better. Equally, underlying growth in 
the rest of our business has been limited. 

† restated – see note 31

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

5

 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer’s overview continued

Our strategic priorities

Pursue best growth 
opportunities

Pursue supply chain 
transformation

Innovate for 
distinctiveness  
and high margins

Create a culture of  
high performance

 – Global KAM

 – Coatings Asia

 – Personal Care global growth

 – Address disadvantaged 

 – Sustain innovation leadership

 – Structure

assets

 – Manufacturing productivity

 – Pursue procurement savings

 – Deliver new product pipeline

 – Process

 – Systematic performance 

management

In 2016 we completed a strategy review on our Specialty Products 
business and deeply analysed both Chromium and Surfactants. 
All of this work has been undertaken with a good balance of 
outsider input, fresh thinking and contributions from our 
experienced teams. This has allowed us to get really clear on 
where we can improve and I would highlight the following areas:

 – We are quite dependent on business cycles and we need to 
continue to find ways to make the business more resilient. 

 – We have been a little unfocused in our investment of money 
and people in some areas such as Personal Care, Sales 
and Technology.

 – Growth opportunities, for example with our larger accounts 
and in Asia outside China, have not got the focus they need.

 – Our functions have been dispersed regionally and have missed 

out on the chance to have a global focus and agenda.

 – We have a number of assets which tie up capital but do not 

generate the returns we need – we need to make clearer choices 
about which assets we improve and which have a different future.

Our priorities are set out below.

1. Pursue best growth opportunities
We have selected three big areas of focus.

Global key account management
This is all about accelerating and globalising how we work and 
grow with our major customers. 

Over the last ten years the large regional coatings companies have 
globalised. We want to grow with these companies by developing 
a consistent global approach led by cross functional key account 
teams that are focused on meeting clear goals.

Coatings Asia
We have an established operation in China and we are the clear 
leader in the market, servicing customers through an experienced 
sales force. The opportunity for Elementis is twofold: expanding 
into the rest of Asia and building our decorative coatings activities 
in the region. 

Underpinning all that, we need to ensure our organisation is set 
up to succeed and that we run our businesses with a culture of 
high performance.

Personal Care global growth 
In 2016 we made this sector report directly to me. I have also 
committed more resources to support growth.

These opportunities to improve translate into a set of four strategic 
priorities that we set out in November 2016. These priorities, taken 
together, articulate how we will ‘reignite growth’ at Elementis.

None of these rely on hope or the environment getting better but on 
us executing really well. Today is a low growth world and I don’t see 
any signs of that changing. We cannot rely only on the hope that 
customer markets will be strong or that we will grow much faster 
than the competition. In short, we must also focus on self help. 

We have a unique position with our hectorite mine. Hectorite 
organoclay is a very important ingredient to give cosmetics 
products the right viscosity or rheology. Just a small amount of it in 
a product gives it the right texture and makes it look and feel good. 
Hectorite gives Elementis a real competitive advantage: its colour is 
white, it is all natural and its chemistry is very efficient and versatile. 
These characteristics make it a highly valued ingredient in personal 
care and we see major opportunities to further expand and grow.

Next to hectorite, we have recently launched a range of new 
synthetic rheology modifiers called Rheoluxe®. We used the 
expertise from our Coatings group to launch these associative 
thickeners in Personal Care. 

6

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

 
 
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In addition to organic growth (which we believe can achieve double 
digit growth over the medium term), we announced in February 
2017 the proposed acquisition of SummitReheis. This will provide a 
material and complementary addition to our Personal Care sector. 
SummitReheis is a high quality, high margin specialty chemicals 
business that produces a range of critical active ingredients and 
materials tailored for use in personal care, pharmaceutical and 
dental products. 

SummitReheis’ anti-perspirant actives business (more than 
60 per cent of its sales) is the global leader in the manufacture and 
sale of active ingredients for anti-perspirants and has long standing 
relationships with key consumer product companies across the 
Americas, Europe and Asia. 

It offers enhanced growth potential driven by the combination of 
complementary products, customers and a broader geographical 
presence which together offer cross-selling opportunities. 

2. Pursue supply chain transformation
We have a good set of assets that are run safely. 

Our Chromium sites are globally cost competitive due to low cost 
energy and economies of scale, production cycles can easily be 
switched on or off to meet demand shifts, and have a flexible 
product mix. All the sites in the US are positioned well to service 
the North American market.

For Specialty Products, whilst we have a number of ‘advantaged’ 
sites, we also have identified a number of sites that are ‘neutral’ or 
‘disadvantaged’. We have to address those assets. Transformation 
of a site could mean investment, simplification of processes within 
the operations, product rationalisation or finding a lower cost option.

Transformation goes beyond our asset portfolio to improvements 
in operations. This might involve: 

 – Cost reduction. 

 – Improving utilisation.

 – Sourcing products from the lowest cost supply chain. 

 – Reducing cycle times.

 – Product rationalisation.

 – Improving procurement spend.

3. Innovate for distinctiveness and high margins
We have a great technology base but need to invest in and focus 
our innovation. We have built industry leading expertise in four 
areas of technology:

 – Rheology is the control of the flow behaviour of materials. 

Rheology modifiers bring this flow control to product 
formulations.

 – Surface active chemistry is another area of technology 

critical to the service we provide to customers. Surface active 
compounds modify materials to improve their compatibility 
with other substances. 

 – Designing and synthesising polymers that deliver properties 

on demand. 

 – Guiding and supporting customers in creating the formulations 

sold to the end user. 

We need to continue to strengthen our R&D pipeline of high value 
projects. We have eliminated a significant number of small projects 
with the intent of focusing on fewer, bigger and more material 
opportunities to ensure the new products we do choose to get 
behind are the most compelling. We manage this prioritisation on 
a quarterly basis.

4. Create a culture of high performance
Beyond the organisational changes we have made, we are 
making further changes to improve the way we run the business. 
For example, our capital allocation can be more productive; 
we have introduced a stage gate process for managing capital 
projects and are re-focusing our spend to those areas that 
support strategy execution and are the most attractive. 

The new global Marketing and R&D functions are now ensuring 
people and investment is spent on a clear pipeline that is 
prioritised. A high performance culture involves strong performance 
management: clear targets and measurement, ensuring 
accountability rests clearly with individuals and rewarding success. 
We are implementing standard management information and 
reporting to measure and manage performance in a common way. 

By focusing on these four priorities we believe we can improve 
earnings and returns, whilst delivering improved cash flow and 
maintaining a strong financial position. 

Summary
In the short term market conditions will continue to be an important 
factor in results given our current Chromium and Energy cyclical 
exposure. The end markets appear healthier than in the past 
couple of years but the key to our success will be not to depend 
only on the markets but to focus on self help and ensure the culture 
of high performance permeates the organisation. That gives me 
confidence that focusing on our strategic priorities will reignite 
growth for the Company. 

All of this is with the intent of creating value. This is a strongly cash 
generative business that gives us resources. We have shown great 
discipline in the past, as shown in the dividend policy and record. 
We will continue to be highly disciplined. It won’t necessarily be 
a smooth progression with two parts of our portfolio exposed to 
cycles, but what I can promise you is a relentless determination 
to improve this business, even in a low growth world, and create 
value for our shareholders.

I strongly believe we can reignite growth – earnings growth and 
better returns, translating into a strong cash flow and a more 
valuable business. I hope you are as excited by the future of 
Elementis as I am.

Paul Waterman
CEO
1 March 2017 

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

7

 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer’s overview continued

Global key  
account management 

Strategic  
priority:

Coatings Asia

Strategic  
priority:

Our R&D centre in  
Hsinchu, Taiwan

2016 in action
 – We have developed a consistent global approach led by 
cross-functional key account teams that are focused on 
meeting clear goals. There is now a standard business model 
for Elementis that includes a common toolkit and plans for 
each account. 

 – The KAM teams are focused on meeting these clear targets 

and will be measured against key milestones. 

 – We have initiated quarterly leadership team meetings 
to monitor progress and optimise resource allocation.

Opportunities to grow our customers
%

100

80

60

40

20

0

Other

Other

Top 30
accounts

Top 30
accounts

Elementis 
coatings

Global coatings 
market

Source: Kusumgar, Nerlfi & Growney 

Our products are used in a number 
of personal care applications 

8

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

2016 in action
 – The investment we made in our castor wax facility in Hsinchu, 
Taiwan, which manufactures our organic thixotropes range of 
products for the industrial coatings market, has generated 
significant sales. 

 – For the sixth consecutive year running we have won the 

‘Ringier Technical Innovation Award’ in China. We received 
this award due to our development of organic thixotropes. 
This product improves sag resistance in performance 
coatings and can be utilised at lower temperatures resulting in 
a shorter production cycle and lower manufacturing costs. 

 – During the year we were awarded the ‘HNTE Status’ 

(High New Technology Enterprise Status) by the Chinese 
government, and in Taiwan we successfully obtained 
‘Regional R&D Centre Status’ by the Taiwanese government.

Personal Care  
global growth

Strategic  
priority:

2016 in action
 – We have grown our Personal Care team to improve 

customer intimacy, build a local presence and bring better 
value to our customers. 

 – At the In-Cosmetics show in Paris, we launched 

Meadowderm®, a unique functionally active anti-ageing 
ingredient for skin treatment.

 – We have grown sales in Asia by over 40 per cent with 
major success in China, where sales grew by nearly  
70 per cent, and in India where sales were close to tripling.

 – To demonstrate our commitment to sustainability our Bentone 

Gel product range achieved Mass Balance certification in 
accordance with the standard of the Roundtable on 
Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) at the end of 2016. This adds to 
our RSPO certification for organoclays received in 2014.

 
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Our New Martinsville plant in West Virginia, US

Our R&D centre in Sci Park in East Windsor, US

Pursue supply chain 
transformation 

Strategic  
priority:

2016 in action
 – We have made progress optimising the location of where 
we make several products, rationalised 10 per cent of our 
materials and established improved operating mechanisms.

 – Production within our network of assets has been moved 

to improve efficiency and reduce cost. Cycle times have been 
reduced to create free capacity. Low investment 
debottlenecking activities to avoid large capacity expansions 
are being executed.

 – We are continuing to focus on procurement by expanding 
the number of raw material suppliers, looking at different 
geographies and moving away from sole sources to lower 
material costs. 

Innovate for distinctiveness 
and high margins

Strategic  
priority:

2016 in action
In 2016 R&D was primarily targeted to projects for our 
Personal Care and Coatings sectors. 
 – For Personal Care, new rheological additives for  

anti-perspirants, skin care and hair care were introduced. 
Hectorite based products comprised the major fraction 
of these new rheology control materials. New synthetic 
rheology modifiers, under the Rheoluxe® brand, expanded our 
product offering and share in the skin and hair care markets. 
Our research is aimed at further expansion of our presence in 
these markets. 

 – New rheology modifiers, dispersants, wetting agents 

and defoamers were sold to global customers for use in 
decorative coatings. These new additives were primarily sold 
into the higher sheen applications, where appearance is key. 

 – For the performance driven marine and protective coatings 

market segment, a new generation of rheology control agents 
were introduced. They simplify coatings manufacture and 
improve the thickness of the film that can be applied onto a 
vertical surface. Our innovation activity in this area continues 
as we seek to place derivatives of the technology into 
additional markets.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

9

 
 
 
 
Our business model

Our business is 
structured to 
strengthen value. 

During the year we restructured 
our organisation to create 
a flatter and more accountable 
structure that enables our 
global functions to more 
effectively deploy their expertise 
to support better the business. 

Global key account 
management and our 
Innovation for distinctiveness 
focus will help develop 
and maintain our customer 
relationships and this alongside 
improvements in supply chain 
and performance management, 
will help us create greater value. 

More detail can be found in the 
CEO’s overview.

What we do

We make our customers’ formulations look, feel and perform at their best.

Supply chain and manufacturing excellence 
supported by a strong asset base where safety 
is aligned to operational performance.

Innovation that enhances our customers’ 
needs with proprietary technology, new 
product development and innovation pipeline, 
supported by differentiated technical service 
and expertise.

Distinctive assets and a unique asset base that 
are utilised to serve our customers better than 
our competitors.

Customer responsiveness is delivered by 
building and maintaining close relationships 
with our customers so we can meet their 
needs quickly.

Leadership which prioritises safety, 
ethical behaviour and systematic 
performance management.

We operate within a disciplined financial 
framework to invest in the best opportunities.

We operate in three segments – Specialty Products, Chromium and Surfactants, supported with 
global functions. Specialty Products has three distinct sectors – Coatings, Energy and Personal Care.

S p e c i alty Products

    Energy                               

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Global functions:
Business Development. 
Finance. Health, Safety and 
Environment. Human Resources. 
IT. Legal. Marketing. R&D. Supply 
Chain and Manufacturing.

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urfactants

S

Chromium

Specialty Products, Chromium and 
Surfactants split by revenue 2016

What this achieves

Engaged customers 
who want to work with 
us due to our proactive 
relationships and 
technical know how.

A reputation for 
providing high 
quality products 
and services.

High and stable 
returns and strong 
cash generation 
to enhance 
shareholder value.

A capable and 
committed workforce 
that operates safely 
and takes its social 
and environmental 
responsibilities 
seriously. 

10

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specialty Products

Chromium

Surfactants

What makes us distinct

In our global R&D and technical service 
labs we work closely with our customers 
on product development to meet 
their needs. 

We own the only high quality rheology 
grade hectorite mine in the world, 
providing a key raw material that has 
certain molecular properties to enhance 
formulation efficiency and rheology, 
is white in colour and all natural. 

We are the only US producer of 
chromium chemicals with a strong 
reputation for quality and operational 
excellence, with high levels of customer 
service and technical support. 

Our unique delivery system in North 
America allows us to deliver chromium 
chemicals which is not only time and 
cost efficient but also reduces product 
handling risk. 

We work in niche volumes and our 
Delden plant is equipped with specialist 
equipment that alongside our expertise 
allows us to meet our customers’ needs. 

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The markets we serve

 – Coatings: industrial and decorative 

 – Paint and plastic pigment

 – Oilfield production chemicals

 – Energy: drilling and fracturing fluids 

 – Roofing and ceramic tiles

 – Construction chemicals

for oil and gas extraction

 – Personal Care: anti-perspirants, 

nail polish, mascara, eye shadow, 
lipsticks, creams, hair care and suncare 

 – Refractory 

 – Metal and plastic plating 

 – Metal alloys

 – Wood preservative 

 – Leather tanning 

 – Textile and leather

 – Water treatment

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What we make

 – Chrome oxide 

 – Chromic acid

 – Chrome sulphate 

 – Dichromate 

 – Surface active ingredients 

 – Products used for intermediates in the 
production of chemical compositions

 – Rheological modifiers

 – Specialty additives

 – Organoclays

 – Defoamers

 – Adhesion promoters

 – Waxes and resins

 – Flow and levelling additives

 – Dispersing/wetting/slip and 

coalescing agents

 – Lanolin and other natural oil derivatives

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

11

 
 
 
 
Finance report

Revenue

Specialty Products
Chromium
Surfactants
Inter-segment

Operating profit

Specialty Products
Chromium
Surfactants
Central costs

∆  after adjusting items – see note 5 
† 

restated – see note 31

2016
$million
460.4
168.8
43.1
(12.8)
659.5

2015
restated†
 $million
453.2
181.1
53.8
(10.9)
677.2

2016
Operating
profit
$million
77.5
23.6
(0.9)
(15.7)
84.5

Adjusting 
items
$million
1.3
3.5
0.3
4.6
9.7

2016 
Adjusted 
operating
profit∆
 $million
78.8
27.1
(0.6)
(11.1)
94.2

2015 
Operating
profit†
$million
77.5
60.0
3.3
(13.7)
127.1

Adjusting 
items 
$million
2.4
(12.0)
1.2
2.8
(5.6)

2015
Adjusted 
operating 
profit∆ 
restated† 
$million
79.9
48.0
4.5
(10.9)
121.5

Group results
Group sales in 2016 were $659.5 million compared to  
$677.2 million† in the previous year, a reduction of 3 per cent,  
or 1 per cent excluding currency movements. The stronger  
US dollar impacted our results in non-US markets. Constant 
currency sales in our Specialty Products segment increased by  
3 per cent, with strong performances from our Personal Care and 
Coatings Asia sectors (up 14 per cent and 6 per cent respectively). 
Low oil prices affected sales within our Energy sector particularly  
in the first half, but the performance improved towards the year 
end. Constant currency sales in the Surfactants segment 
were 19 per cent lower due to weakened end markets in Asia 
and reduced volumes with specific customers. In our Chromium 
segment, sales declined 7 per cent as a consequence of the 
rest of world volume decline that resulted from the strength of 
the US dollar and excess capacity in the global market.

IFRS profit before tax was $75.5 million compared to $120.8 million. 
The decline was mainly due to the impact of currency on 
Chromium and oil prices on Energy described above. Operating 
profit∆ for the year was $94.2 million, compared to $121.5 million in 
2015, a reduction of 22 per cent, or 20 per cent excluding currency 
movements. Although Specialty Products’ margins remained 
stable at constant currency, Group operating margin declined 
by 4 per cent to 14 per cent of sales, due to weakness within 
Surfactants and both the difficult trading conditions and non-repeat 
of one time cost credits from 2015 within Chromium, which had 
benefited by approximately $5.0 million from a legal settlement 
and property easement fees.

Adjusting items
A number of items have been recorded under ‘adjusting items’ in 
2016 by virtue of their size and/or one time nature (2015: recorded 
as ‘non-recurring items’), in order to provide a better understanding 
of the Group’s results. The net impact of these items on the 
Group profit before tax for the year is an increase of $14.2 million 
(2015: decrease of $5.6 million). The items fall into a number of 
categories, as summarised in the table below.

Table of adjusting items

Increase in profit
Specialty Products
Chromium
Surfactants
Central costs
Total
Of which
  Operating profit
  Finance costs
Total

∆ after adjusting items – see note 5 
† 

restated – see note 31

12

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

Restructuring
1.3
–
0.3
1.4
3.0

Business 
review
–
–
–
2.4
2.4

Environmental 
provisions
–
5.5
–
2.5
8.0

3.0
–
3.0

2.4
–
2.4

3.5
4.5
8.0

Acquisition 
costs
–
–
–
0.8
0.8

0.8
–
0.8

Total
1.3
5.5
0.3
7.1
14.2

9.7
4.5
14.2

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Restructuring 
Following the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, 
the Group has reorganised the management structure and various 
parts of the business. Costs of this exercise including redundancy 
costs, as well as recruitment and other costs associated with 
changes in the management structure, were $3.0 million.

Other expenses
Other expenses are administration costs incurred and paid by 
the Group’s pension schemes, which relate primarily to former 
employees of legacy businesses, and were $1.4 million in 2016 
compared to $2.1 million in the previous year. In 2015 costs were 
higher due to the finalisation of the 2014 triennial funding exercise. 

Business review
In the first half of 2016 a business review was undertaken 
with external assistance to support development of the long 
term strategy for Elementis. The one time cost of this exercise 
was $2.4 million.

Environmental provisions
The Group’s environmental provision is calculated on a discounted 
basis, reflecting the time period over which spending is estimated 
to take place. Following discussions with our external advisors 
the Group has concluded that it would be appropriate to reduce 
the discount rate being used to value liabilities resulting in a charge 
of $4.5 million. We continue to fund the remediation work on the 
legacy Chromium site at Eaglescliffe that was closed in 2009. 
The work programme is determined in part through consultation 
with the local regulatory authorities and a re-assessment in the 
year of the outstanding tasks and their timeframe has resulted in 
a charge of $3.5 million.

Acquisition costs
On 10 February 2017 the Group announced its intention to 
acquire SummitReheis. During 2016 transaction related costs 
of $0.8 million were incurred in connection with this acquisition. 
Further costs will be expensed in 2017.

Currency hedging
Although a large part of the Group’s business is transacted in US 
dollars, the Group also transacts in other currencies, in particular 
euros, pounds sterling and Chinese renminbi. In order to reduce 
earnings volatility from these currency exposures, the Group takes 
out cash flow hedges each year where these are readily available. 
In 2015, overall currency movements were such that the net impact 
of these hedge transactions was a charge to operating profit of 
$5.0 million, while in 2015 there was a benefit of $2.6 million.

Central costs
Central costs are those costs that are not identifiable as expenses 
of a particular business and comprise expenditures of the Board 
of Directors and corporate office. In 2016 central costs∆ were 
$11.1 million, compared to $10.9 million∆ in the previous year.

Net finance costs

Finance income
Finance cost of borrowings

Increase in environmental provisions
Net pension finance costs
Discount unwind on provisions
Net finance costs 

∆ after adjusting items – see note 5
† 

restated – see note 31

2016
$million
0.1
(0.8)
(0.7)

2015
$million
0.2
(1.2)
(1.0)

(4.5)
(1.0)
(1.4)
(7.6)

–
(1.8)
(1.4)
(4.2)

Net finance costs increased by $3.4 million in 2016 to $7.6 million 
due to lower net borrowing and pension finance costs offset by an 
increase of $4.5 million due to a change in the discount rate used 
when calculating the environmental provisions. Net borrowing 
costs relate mostly to amortised arrangement and commitment 
fees on unutilised borrowing facilities, as well as interest income 
and expense on deposits and borrowings. These costs were 
lower than the previous year, at $0.7 million, due to lower average 
borrowings for the year. Pension finance costs, which are a 
function of discount rates under IAS 19 and the value of the 
schemes’ deficit or surplus positions, were lower than the previous 
year at $1.0 million driven mainly by the impact of the UK scheme 
moving into a net surplus position during 2015, which resulted 
in a pension interest credit for that scheme in 2016. Discount 
unwind on provisions relates to the annual time value of the Group’s 
environmental provisions, which are calculated on a discounted 
basis and at $1.4 million were at a similar level to 2015. 

Taxation
Tax charge

Reported tax charge
Adjusting items
After adjusting items

† 

restated – see note 31

2016
Effective
 rate 
per cent
9.8
2.6
12.4

restated†
 $million
26.2
(7.2)
19.0

$million
7.4
3.7
11.1

2015 
Effective
 rate 
restated† 
per cent
21.7
(5.2)
16.5

The tax charge on profits represents an effective rate after 
adjusting items for the year ended 31 December 2016 of  
12.4 per cent (2015: 16.5 per cent). The Group is international 
and has operations in several jurisdictions and benefits from 
cross border financing arrangements. Accordingly, tax charges 
of the Group in future periods will be affected by the profitability 
of operations in different jurisdictions, changes to tax rates 
and regulations in the jurisdictions within which the Group has 
operations, as well as the ongoing impact of the Group’s funding 
arrangements. The decrease in tax rate arises from changes in the 
geographical mix of profits. In 2015 there had been a reduction due 
to the release of overseas provisions where the treatment of certain 
items had been resolved. The effective tax rate between 2012 
and 2014 averaged in the low 20s. We expect the effective rate to 
return to this level, with the actual rate determined largely by the 
geographical split of profits.

Earnings per share
Note 9 to the ‘Consolidated financial statements’ sets out a number 
of calculations of earnings per share. To understand better the 
underlying performance of the Group, earnings per share reported 
under IFRS is adjusted for items classified as adjusting.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

13

 
 
 
 
 
Finance report continued

Diluted earnings per share, after adjusting items, was 16.8 cents 
compared to 20.6 cents† in the previous year. The year on year 
reduction was a result of lower operating profit which more than 
offset the impact of a lower tax rate in the current year. Basic 
earnings per share was 14.7 cents compared to 20.5 cents† in 
2015. This is after a reduction due to adjusting items of 2.3 cents 
in the year compared to 0.3 cents† in the prior year. Adjusting items 
in 2016 are described earlier in this report.

Distributions to shareholders
During 2016 the Group paid a final dividend in respect of the year 
end 31 December 2015 of 5.75 cents per share (2015: 5.75 cents) 
and a special dividend of 8.00 cents per share (2015: 6.95 cents). 
An interim dividend of 2.70 cents per share (2015: 2.70 cents) was 
paid on 30 September 2016 and the Board is recommending a 
final dividend of 5.75 cents per share and a special dividend of 
8.35 cents per share, both of which will be paid on 26 May 2017.

Cash flow∆
The cash flow is summarised below.

EBITDA1
Change in working capital
Capital expenditure
Other
Operating cash flow
Pension deficit payments
Interest and tax
Adjusting items
Other
Free cash flow
Dividends paid
Acquisitions and disposals
Currency fluctuations
Movement in net cash
Net cash at start of year
Net cash at end of year
1 

2016
$million
122.2
13.4
(35.3)
(4.3)
96.0
(4.7)
(3.5)
(5.1)
(0.2)
82.5
(76.2)
–
(2.8)
3.5
74.0
77.5

2015
restated† 
$million
148.4
(11.8)
(31.3)
(2.8)
102.5
(22.8)
(13.8)
20.1
(3.2)
82.8
(71.1)
–
(1.9)
9.8
64.2
74.0

 EBITDA – earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation 
but after adjusting items – see note 5 

∆  after adjusting items – see note 5 
† 

restated – see note 31

∆  after adjusting items – see note 5 
† 

restated – see note 31

14

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

The Group delivered another positive cash flow performance in 
the year, with reported net cash flow from operating activities 
increasing from $111.6 million in 2015 to $117.9 million in 
2016 and increasing net cash by $3.5 million to $77.5 million. 
The challenging trading conditions resulted in a reduced 
EBITDA figure, $26.2 million lower than 2015 at $122.2 million, 
but this was mitigated by a positive performance within working 
capital where there was a cash inflow of $13.4 million compared 
to an outflow of $11.8 million in 2015. The working capital 
improvement was driven by a reduction in Chromium inventory 
and by supplier payment patterns towards the end of the year. 
Capital expenditure of $35.3 million in 2016 was $4.0 million higher 
than in 2015 and exceeded depreciation and amortisation for the 
year of $28.0 million (2015: $26.9 million) as the Group continued 
to invest in its facilities. 

Within Specialty Products investment has continued in the 
decorative additives facility in New Martinsville, US, and also in 
Delden, with an expansion of our organic thixotrope capabilities. 
Spending on regional compliance HSE projects remains an 
important part of the Group’s investment programme, with major 
projects ongoing in Delden and throughout Asia. 

The decline in pension payments from $22.8 million in 2015 to 
$4.7 million is mainly attributable to the revised funding agreement 
concluded with the UK Trustees in 2015, which has resulted in 
significantly lower payments than in recent years.

Balance sheet

Intangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
Working capital
Net tax liabilities
Provisions and retirement benefit obligations
Net cash
Total equity 

† 

restated – see note 31

2016
$million
359.9
217.3
118.0
(76.3)
(69.3)
77.5
627.1

2015
restated† 
$million
362.5
211.2
138.5
(65.0)
(67.4)
74.0
653.8

Group equity decreased by $26.7 million in 2016 (2015: increase 
of $13.4 million). Intangible fixed assets declined by $2.6 million 
with amortisation charges of $3.4 million and currency translation 
losses of $3.0 million offsetting additions of $3.8 million. 
Tangible fixed assets increased by $6.1 million as additions of 
$34.0 million exceeded the depreciation charge of $24.6 million 
and the minor impact of currency translation and disposals. 
Working capital decreased by $20.5 million driven primarily by 
the increase in trade and other payables of $19.0 million and a 
reduction of inventory balances of $5.4 million, most significantly 
within Chromium. Net tax liabilities increased by $11.3 million, 
as the tax charge on profits for the year of $7.4 million and 
currency translation adjustments exceeded actual cash tax paid. 
Movements in provisions and retirement benefit obligations 
are discussed elsewhere in this report. Net cash increased by 
$3.5 million as described in the previous section.

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The main dollar exchange rates relevant to the Group are set 
out below.

Pounds sterling
Euro

2016

Year end
0.81
0.95

Average Year end
0.68
0.92

0.73
0.90

2015
Average
0.65
0.90

Provisions
The Group records a provision in the balance sheet when it has 
a present obligation as a result of past events, which is expected 
to result in an outflow of economic benefits in order to settle the 
obligation. The Group calculates provisions on a discounted basis. 
At the end of 2016 the Group held provisions of $39.2 million 
(2015: $38.4 million), consisting of environmental provisions of 
$31.4 million (2015: $29.5 million), self insurance provisions of 
$2.5 million (2015: $3.1 million) and restructuring and other 
provisions of $5.3 million (2015: $5.8 million). Within environmental 
provisions, which increased by $1.9 million in 2016, there was 
reduced spending of $6.1 million (2015: $9.1 million) offset by an 
increase in the provision relating to the closed Eaglescliffe site 
($3.5 million) and an adjustment relating to the discount rate used 
to calculate the liability ($4.5 million), both of which have been 
treated as adjusting items. The self insurance provision represents 
the Group’s estimate of its liability arising from retained liabilities 
under the Group’s insurance programme. Within the restructuring 
and other provisions categories, which were set up following 
various adjusting charges made during 2015 and 2016, the 
$5.3 million balance includes the remaining liability under a right of 
first refusal agreement, a provision for an ongoing regulatory case 
in Europe and future payments relating to reorganisation measures 
taken during 2015 and 2016. $2.2 million was spent against these 
provisions in 2016.

Pensions and other post retirement benefits

Net (surplus)/liability:
UK
US
Other

2016
$million

2015
$million

(4.3)
29.4
5.0
30.1

(6.7)
30.7
5.0
29.0

UK plan
The largest of the Group’s retirement plans is the UK defined 
benefit pension scheme (‘UK Scheme’) which at the end of 2016 
had a surplus, under IAS 19, of $4.3 million (2015: $6.7 million). 
The UK Scheme is relatively mature, with approximately two thirds 
of its gross liabilities represented by pensions in payment, and is 
closed to new members. Positive asset returns in the year of 
19 per cent (2015: negative 2 per cent) partially offset the 
$24.2 million financial cost of liabilities (2015: $27.4 million) 
and other liability adjustments of $110.8 million (2015: $57.2 million 
improvement) which arose due to lower discount rates based on 
real corporate bond yields. Company contributions of $3.3 million 
were substantially lower than the $21.1 million paid in 2015 as a 
result of the funding agreement that was reached with the UK 
Trustees in 2015 following the September 2014 triennial valuation. 
Under this agreement the funding deficit is expected to be 
eliminated by 30 September 2018 and the maximum annual 
contributions by the Company for any year, in pounds sterling, 
are as follows:

Year payable
2017
2018

Amount 
(£million)
5.2
3.9

US plans
In the US, the Group reports two post retirement plans under  
IAS 19: a defined benefit pension plan with a deficit value at the end 
of 2016 of $23.1 million (2015: $24.4 million), and a post retirement 
medical plan with a liability of $6.3 million (2015: $6.3 million). 
The US pension plan is smaller than the UK plan and is closed 
to future accruals. In 2016 the overall deficit value reduced by 
$1.3 million as the financial cost of the liability for the year of 
$5.4 million (2015: $5.1 million) and actuarial increases on the 
liability of $3.1 million (2015: reduction of $4.1 million) exceeded 
the benefit of the improved asset returns of 8 per cent 
(2015: decline of 0.2 per cent) and employer contributions of 
$2.2 million (2015: $2.7 million). 

Other plans
Other liabilities at 31 December 2016 amounted to $5.0 million 
(2015: $5.0 million) and relate to pension arrangements for a 
relatively small number of employees in Germany and certain UK 
legacy benefits.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

15

 
 
 
 
Finance report continued

Key performance indicators 

The Group maintains a standard set of key performance indicators (KPIs) against which each business reports on a monthly 
basis. The principal financial KPIs are listed below. The Group’s main non-financial KPIs relate to our health, safety and environmental 
performance. These KPIs are recordable incidents, lost time accidents and environmental incidents which are described more fully in the 
Corporate responsibility report. 

Our short term incentives include targets against the annual operating plan for profit before tax, operating profit and average trade working 
capital to sales ratio.

Our long term incentives include targets against EPS and total shareholder return which are a subset of the Group’s financial KPIs.

Operating profit is the profit derived from the normal operations 
of the business. Operating margin is the ratio of operating 
profit, after adjusting items, to sales. The Group achieved 
an operating profit of $94.2 million∆ for the year ended  
31 December 2016 (2015: $121.5 million∆†). The Group’s 
operating margin∆ was 14 per cent compared to  
18 per cent in 2015.

The trade working capital to sales ratio is defined as the  
12 month average trade working capital divided by sales, 
expressed as a percentage. Trade working capital comprises 
inventories, trade receivables and trade payables. It specifically 
excludes prepayments, capital or interest related receivables 
or payables, changes due to currency movements and items 
classified as other receivables and other payables. The Group’s 
12 month average trade working capital to sales ratio at 
31 December 2016 was 22 per cent (2015: 25 per cent).

The return on operating capital employed (‘ROCE’) is defined 
as operating profit after adjusting items divided by operating 
capital employed, expressed as a percentage. Operating capital 
employed comprises fixed assets (excluding goodwill), working 
capital and operating provisions. Operating provisions include 
self insurance and environmental provisions but exclude 
retirement benefit obligations. The Group’s ROCE was 28 per 
cent for the year ended 31 December 2016 (2015: 35 per cent).

ROCE for the Group including goodwill was 14 per cent in 2016 
(2015: 18 per cent).

The Group’s contribution margin, which is defined as sales less 
all variable costs, divided by sales and expressed as a 
percentage, in 2016 was 47 per cent (2015: 46 per cent). 

The operating cash flow is defined as the net cash flow from 
operating activities less net capital expenditure but excluding 
income taxes paid or received, interest paid or received, 
pension contributions net of current service cost and adjusting 
items. In 2016 the operating cash flow was $96.0 million∆ 
(2015: $102.5 million∆†). 

1. Operating profit/operating margin

2. Average trade working capital to sales ratio

3. Return on operating capital employed

4. Contribution margin

5. Operating cash flow

∆  after adjusting items – see note 5
† 

restated – see note 31

16

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

Risk management report 

The risk management approach at Elementis is mature and well 
defined. The Board has overall responsibility for setting policy, 
culture and tone, and providing support and oversight to 
management. The CEO, supported by his leadership team, 
is responsible for implementing Group policies, risk management 
performance, identifying principal risks and ensuring resources are 
allocated for effective risk management and mitigation. The Audit 
Committee plays an important role in supporting the work of the 
Board and has specific responsibility for monitoring financial 
reporting, as well as the internal and external audit programmes, 
one of the primary purposes of which is to provide assurance on 
financial, operational and compliance controls. (See also Audit 
Committee report.)

The implementation of a new, flatter and more accountable 
organisational structure by the CEO has helped to introduce 
greater transparency in the risk management process. One of the 
benefits is that there is more focus at leadership team meetings 
on principal risks and how these should be prioritised and 
mitigated. Another key change introduced last year was that the 
Global HSE function was made to report directly to the CEO, 
putting operational safety and our environmental performance 
at the heart of our priorities. 

The Elementis leadership team, which comprises the CEO, CFO 
and leaders of the business areas and global functions, meets 
every month and HSE and risk management are standing agenda 
items. In 2016, the leadership team carried out a review of the 
Group’s business continuity plans, as well as its annual risk review. 
The result of the risk review was the identification of the principal 
risks that are presented in this risk management report. These 
principal risks were also considered by the Board.

Risk review process
The risk review carried out by the leadership team and Board 
involved identifying more than 50 risks and assessing these by 
impact (strategic, financial, operational and reputational) and 
likelihood of occurrence. Mitigation controls were also considered. 
In terms of severity of financial impact, a materiality threshold 
of $5 million in operating profit was set for the purposes of selecting 
the ten principal risks that are disclosed overleaf. This compares 
to nine risks disclosed last year. Excluded from the list this year are 
lack of growth opportunities and energy sector volatility. 

Changes in principal risks from last year
Many of the risks from last year are disclosed again this year 
because it remains appropriate to do so. However, in some cases, 
more granularity is given. For example, increased regulation 
and technology obsolescence (disclosed together last year) 
are disclosed as separate risks this year. We also disclose as a 
principal risk: Industrial espionage, workplace security and loss/
theft of intellectual property. None of these are necessarily new 
risks but disclosed to provide more specificity. For example, 
industrial espionage would have been included under cyber 
security last year, workplace security under operational incident 
and loss or theft of intellectual property also under cyber security.

Principal risks and uncertainties

High

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Low

Medium

High

Risk trend

Risk increased

Risk decreased

Risk stable

Likelihood

Uncertain global economic conditions and 
competitive pressures in the marketplace (including 
from currency movement).

Business interruption as a result of a major event 
(e.g. operations/HSE, IT, transport or workplace 
incident caused by process/system failure, and/or 
human error, or by fire, storm and/or flood), or a 
natural catastrophe (e.g. a hurricane, pandemic  
and/or terrorist incident). 

Business interruption as a result of supply chain 
failure of key raw materials and/or third party service 
provision (e.g. infrastructure, transport or IT failure).

Increasing regulatory and product stewardship 
challenges.

Major regulatory enforcement action, litigation  
and/or other claims arising from products or 
historical and/or ongoing operations.

Talent management and succession planning: failure 
to attract, manage, develop and/or retain key talent. 

Cyber security incident: systems security breach 
and loss of network connectivity and integrity,  
and/or loss of business and personal data. 

Industrial espionage, workplace security and  
loss/theft of intellectual property.

Disruptive technology advances: failure to identify 
and mitigate the threat posed by new or imitation 
technology.

Changes in international tax policy. 

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

17

 
 
 
 
Finance report continued

Risk management report continued

The inclusion of changes to international tax policy as a principal 
risk this year (last included in 2014) reflects the perception that 
the risk has increased in prominence from last year. Regulators 
are increasingly asking for greater transparency in tax reporting. 
Our approach to taxation is to ensure that profits earned in the 
countries in which economic activities are undertaken are properly 
subject to tax in accordance with the tax legislation that applies in 
each jurisdiction. We aim to fully comply with the requirements of 
each of the relevant tax authorities and to ensure that we deal with 
these authorities in an open and transparent manner. 

Lack of growth opportunities was removed from this year’s list of 
principal risks not because it has ceased to be a risk but because 
the Company has specifically set out a number of strategic 
priorities to reignite growth that involve self help as described in 
the CEO’s overview. More details are provided on pages 6 to 7. 
Energy sector volatility is also omitted this year. Whilst volatility 
and uncertainty remain risks, leading indicators, such as oil price 
and rig count data, suggest that the sector has reached a trough 
and is gradually recovering. 

Brexit risks
As reported in the 2016 Interim Results announcement, in 
response to the outcome of the vote in the British referendum on 
membership of the European Union on 23 June 2016, the Board 
reviewed a number of risks to the Group of ‘Brexit’, including 
sterling depreciation, UK and EU economic depression, increased 
cost of capital and trade tariffs, and has considered there to be 
no material impact on the principal risks faced by the Group. 
The Board has not changed its position on this assessment. 

Risks and their link to strategy
The most significant challenges facing the Group in 2017 are 
risks that impact on the Group’s ability to deliver its operating plan, 
achieve the strategic priorities (set out on pages 6 to 7) and 
generate and preserve value for shareholders over the longer term. 

Principal challenges
Deliver operating plans 
Achieve strategic priorities
 – Global key account management
 – Asia growth
 – Personal Care growth
 – Supply chain transformation
 – Innovate for distinctiveness
 – Culture of high performance
Generate and preserve value

Principal risks
1, 3, 7, 8, 10 
6, 9
1 
1, 4
4, 9
2, 3
4, 9
6
5, 9, 10

The recently announced acquisition of SummitReheis also presents 
certain risks if the actions required to close the transaction and the 
integration are not managed well. However, these are key areas of 
focus for the Board and leadership team. 

Risk trends
Risks 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10 are shown as increasing. In most cases 
the increases in trend refer to both impact and likelihood, based 
on Company experience, industry data and loss prediction through 
modelling or scenario analysis. However, risk trends are also based 
on the perception that the risk will impact the business financially or 
operationally in a more material way than previously considered, 
or the risk is more likely to occur than before. The assessments on 
impact and likelihood are not scientific but necessarily judgemental 
in nature and allow management to prioritise its focus and actions. 

How we manage and mitigate major risks 
This is set out in the table on pages 19 to 21.

Business viability assessment
The Board’s going concern and business viability statements are 
set out in the Directors report on pages 60 to 61. 

The basis of the assessment includes a detailed review of strategic 
and operating plans, underpinned by one and three year financial 
forecasts including profit and loss and cash flows. Consideration 
is therefore given to capital expenditures, investment plans, 
returns to shareholders and other financial commitments, as well 
as to the Company’s debt bearing capacity, its financial resources, 
borrowings and the availability of finance. No review of business 
plans and financial forecasts is complete without a robust 
assessment of the risks and opportunities in such planning models 
and the assumptions used. These reviews include consideration 
and discussion of the materials prepared and presented to 
the Board by management and its advisers (where appropriate), 
as well as additional information requested by the Board. 

The Board’s programme of monitoring major risks is therefore 
an important component of the business viability assessment. 
Business and segment growth scenarios, rate of return on 
investments, assumptions on global GDP growth rates, relevant 
currency rates and commodity prices in business plans and 
financial forecasts are all considered, with stress testing on financial 
models where appropriate. Finally, a review of litigation and tax 
reports, legal and compliance risks throughout the year and at a 
formal year end risk review ensure that the viability statement is 
made with a reasonable degree of confidence.

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Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

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Table of principal risks and uncertainties

Risk

Impact and link 
to strategy

Mitigation

 – Suboptimal global economic 
conditions can affect sales, 
capacity utilisation and cash 
generation, as well as increase 
competitive pressure in the 
marketplace, impacting 
profitability and operating 
margins. 

 – The resultant non-delivery of 
operating plans can lead to 
market expectations of Group 
earnings not being met and 
slower delivery of stated 
strategic priorities.

 – Specialty Products is well positioned against a deterioration in 

economic conditions due to its balanced geographical footprint, 
broad differentiated product offering and the broad application 
of its technology across different sectors.

 – Chromium business model is flexible and can be adapted to 

respond to variances in regional demand patterns.

 – Financial performance (including monthly sales, profit and cash 
flows) is closely monitored with full year forecasts updated three 
times a year and variances investigated and explained.

 – Contingency and cost reduction plans can be implemented in the 

event of an economic downturn to reduce operating 
costs, including freezing salaries and non-essential capital 
expenditure items.

 – Currency hedging taken out as appropriate.

 – Such incidents can disrupt 

our operations, impact 
capacity utilisation and add 
to operating costs, as well as 
damage reputation, and slow 
delivery of stated strategic 
priorities.

 – Good housekeeping, preventative maintenance, process 
and other safety procedures help to mitigate the effects of 
a major incident.

 – Reliance on hectorite mine and flood risk mitigated by the 

installation of drainage pumps at the mine in 2011.

 – Insurance programme and business continuity plans that are 
tested regularly help to mitigate the effects of a major incident.

 – HSE management programme in place that includes 

corporate compliance audits involving third party specialists, 
where appropriate, and insurance property surveys. 

Uncertain global 
economic conditions 
and competitive 
pressures in the 
marketplace (including 
from currency 
movement).

Severity

Likelihood

Business interruption as 
a result of a major event 
(e.g. operations/HSE, IT, 
transport or workplace 
incident caused by 
process/system failure 
and/or human error, 
or by fire, storm and/or 
flood), or a natural 
catastrophe (e.g. a 
hurricane, pandemic 
and/or terrorist incident).

Severity

Likelihood

Business interruption 
as a result of supply 
chain failure of key raw 
materials and/or third 
party service provision 
(e.g. transport, 
infrastructure or 
IT failure).

 – Disruption to supply chain  
(e.g. third party service, 
infrastructure, transport or IT 
failure) can impact capacity 
utilisation and add to operating 
costs and result in slower 
delivery of stated strategic 
priorities.

 – Raw materials are sourced from a broad and diverse 

supplier base.

 – Strategic holding of key raw materials.

 – Transport and carrier mitigation plans and insurance in place.

 – Careful vetting, selection and audits/reviews of major suppliers.

Severity

Likelihood

Increasing regulatory 
and product 
stewardship challenges.

Severity

Likelihood

 – New regulations restricting the 
use or carriage of chemicals 
can lead to loss of applications 
and sales and/or add to 
operating costs, and slower 
delivery of stated strategic 
priorities.

 – Active REACh programme in which the businesses participate in 
industry consortia, providing data and information to regulators 
and experts, to support safety reviews of our products in a broad 
range of applications.

 – Strong global Product Stewardship team in place to support 

the businesses.

 – R&D team aims to develop new products and technologies for 
use in an evolving market to meet the changing needs of our 
sophisticated customers and in response to regulatory changes.

Key: Risk trends 

Risk increased 

Risk decreased 

Risk stable

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Finance report continued

Risk management report continued

Risk

Impact and link 
to strategy

Mitigation

Major regulatory 
enforcement action, 
litigation and/or other 
claims arising from 
products and/or 
historical or ongoing 
operations.

Severity

Likelihood

 – Can lead to higher operating

 – Active compliance and risk management programmes in place

costs and reputational
damage, and result in
slower delivery of stated
strategic priorities as
management’s focus and
attention is distracted.

(including policies, procedures and training).

 – Insurance programme and risk transfer strategy in place to

mitigate financial losses.

 – Experienced General Counsel supported by in-house and external

legal teams.

 – Regular reviews of litigation and compliance reports by the Board

and role of the Audit Committee, as well as the internal audit
programme, help ensure these key risks are managed effectively.

Talent management and 
succession planning. 

Severity

Likelihood

 – Failure to attract, manage,
develop or retain key talent
can lead to loss of employees,
disrupt growth plans and/or
critical business functions,
and result in slower delivery
of stated strategic priorities.

Cyber security incident.

Severity

Likelihood

 – Systems security breach and
loss of network connectivity
and integrity can disrupt key
operations and add to operating
costs.

 – Loss of business and personal
data can disrupt key operations
and add to operating costs,
and result in slower delivery
of stated strategic priorities.

Industrial espionage, 
workplace security and 
loss/theft of intellectual 
property. 

Severity

Likelihood

 – Such incidents can disrupt key
operations, add to operating
costs, distract management
attention and damage
reputation, as well as result
in slower delivery of stated
strategic priorities.

 – Experienced Chief HR Officer supported by in-house and external

consulting teams.

 – Management and critical business leader succession planning
is a key area of focus for the Board and leadership team that is
kept under review.

 – Implementation of a global HR management system last year
to introduce greater systematic processes and transparency,
including job grading, to facilitate talent review, reward and
succession planning.

 – Talent review using the nine box matrix talent model.

 – Experienced Chief Information Officer supported by in-house and

external consulting teams, with oversight from IT Steering
Committee chaired by the CEO.

 – Security controls that include: policies and procedures; staff
awareness and training; risk management and compliance;
systems and information management and protection; process
management; and continuous assessments and monitoring.

 – Use of regional back-up data centres in third party locations,

cloud-based systems with secure entry point and administration
controls, encryption technology and multiple authentication
systems, and website-blocking and next generation firewalls with
intrusion detection capability.

 – Business continuity and emergency response plans exist that

aim to restore network connectivity, recover lost data and return
operations to their normal pre-incident level.

 – HR processes in place to ensure all new hires undergo appropriate

background and reference checks.

 – Implementation of security arrangements at work locations,

such as secure entry points/barriers/gates and CCTV or other
alarm/monitoring systems in place. Security assessments and
compliance audits are carried out, and employees are given safety
briefings and training where appropriate.

 – Employment and computer use policies (supported by training)

ensure employees are made aware of their obligations with regards
to confidential information and access controls exist to protect
intellectual property.

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Risk

Impact and link 
to strategy

Mitigation

Disruptive technology 
advances: failure to 
identify and mitigate the 
threat posed by new 
or imitation technology.

 – New technology, methods 
of production or processes 
can give competitors a market 
advantage, and result in slower 
delivery of stated strategic 
priorities.

 – R&D team aims to develop new products and technologies 
for use in an evolving market to meet the changing needs of 
our sophisticated customers and in response to competition.

Severity

Likelihood

Changes in international 
tax policy.

Severity

Likelihood

 – Changes in international tax 

policy can lead to uncertainty 
and non-compliance with 
local tax regulations, poor 
forecasting of applicable tax 
rates or miscalculation of the 
appropriate amount of tax, 
all of which can negatively 
impact financial performance, 
incur additional costs and 
damage reputation.

 – Experienced CFO supported by finance and tax team, as well as 
professional advisers, with Board oversight ensure tax planning 
and compliance is given appropriate attention.

 – Group tax rate is monitored closely with at least four updated 

forecasts each year.

 – Tax reports and forecasts reviewed by the Board at least twice 

a year.

 – Role of internal audit and use of professional advisers on transfer 

pricing arrangements and tax compliance.

Key: Risk trends 

Risk increased 

Risk decreased 

Risk stable

These principal risks and uncertainties should be read in conjunction with note 29 on contingent liabilities on page 107. 

Ralph Hewins
CFO
1 March 2017

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate responsibility report

Operating safe and secure facilities in a 
responsible manner is one of our top 
business priorities. This means keeping our 
people safe by providing them with a work 
environment that is hazard-free, wherever 
possible, and the necessary training and 
support to enable them to perform their day 
to day duties without getting hurt. It also 
means managing our businesses to high 
standards and in compliance of applicable 
laws and regulations, as well as the impact 
that our activities can have on the environment 
both globally and locally.

Our responsibilities can be summarised as:

– People. 
– Safety. 
– Environment. 
– Supply chain. 
– Product stewardship.

22

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

Leadership
Our Board sets the tone for our overall approach to and culture 
on corporate responsibility (CR) matters, and exercises oversight 
in this area, whilst the CEO and leadership team are responsible 
for setting day to day policies and keeping our performance 
under review. 

Over the years, Elementis has participated in various programmes 
to demonstrate its commitment to corporate responsibility and 
sustainability issues. These have included the following:

 – Achieving membership of the FTSE4Good index, a leading global 

responsible investment index, since September 2009.

 – Supporting the principles of the UN Global Compact on human 

rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. 

 – Managing our facilities to standards established by globally 
recognised institutions such as the National Fire Protection 
Association, International Society of Automation and American 
Petroleum Institute. Elementis is also an active member in several 
associations such as the California Construction and Industrial 
Materials Association, the Royal Society for the Prevention of 
Accidents and is a business member of the European Chemical 
Industry Council. 

 – Achieving accreditation certificates: of our 18 operating facilities, 
nine have achieved ISO 9001 (quality management) certification, 
five have achieved ISO 14001 (environmental management) 
certification, three have achieved OHSAS 18001 (safety 
management) certification and our other sites are managed 
to similarly high standards. 

 – Performing at the highest levels: our principal chromium facility 
in Castle Hayne, North Carolina, is accredited under the STAR 
programme, which is the highest recognition level under OSHA’s 
voluntary protection programme that recognises employees and 
employers who have achieved exemplary occupational safety 
and health.

 – Participating since 2013 in the Carbon Disclosure Programme 
and winning an award in 2014 for the biggest improvement in 
disclosure rating.

 – Achieving certification under Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil 

(RSPO) for our organoclay range of products in 2014 and 
our Bentone gels product range in 2016, as well as Good 
Manufacturing Practice (2012) certification in 2014 from the 
European Federation for Cosmetics Ingredients. The primary 
beneficiary of these certifications is our Personal Care sector 
as it demonstrates our commitment to quality, safety, 
sustainability and innovation for the personal care industry.

 – Participating in the EcoVadis sustainable supply management 

programme and achieving silver recognition in 2014. 

 – Participating in other sustainable initiatives, such as the 

Repasack programme, which recycles and reuses bags for 
packaging products.

The above is not an exhaustive list of achievements but an 
indication of the activity that takes place routinely. There are many 
more successes and achievements on both a team and individual 
level that frequently go unnoticed or unreported which Elementis 
can be proud of. Some examples of these are given later. 

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People
Our greatest asset is without doubt our employees. 
Their dedication and hard work is what drives our success 
at all levels within the organisation. Despite being spread across 
three regions (39 per cent in the Americas, 26 per cent in 
Europe and 35 per cent in Asia), our employees identify with 
a single set of corporate values which are to be innovative, 
successful, responsible and leaders in the sectors in which 
we operate. To foster our performance and success culture, 
the leadership team provides the example for others to follow 
and we have policies and guidance that encourage and support 
positive behaviours. 

To help employees understand and adopt these values, principles 
and standards in their daily work life, information and training 
is provided, supported by comprehensive whistleblowing 
procedures and an anti-retaliation policy. All new employees are 
required to undertake training on the Code and refresher training 
is given to all employees periodically. The Board and leadership 
team consider the Code to be critical to the Group’s continuing 
success and in how it meets its corporate responsibilities. 

The Code is translated into six languages and supported with 
interactive online training to help employees stay up to date 
with their responsibilities. 

Our values and standards of business conduct and ethics
The Elementis Code of Conduct (the ‘Code’) sets out our core values 
and the standards of conduct expected of everyone who works for 
Elementis in any of its worldwide operations. Our values are:

 – Being a responsible employer.

 – Having high levels of concern for the health and safety of the 
Group’s employees, contractors, customers, neighbours and 
the general public.

 – Caring about the environment and communities in which the 
Group operates, including making a commitment to promote 
and adopt sustainable and responsible business policies and 
practices.

 – Maintaining high standards in business conduct and ethics, 
including complying with all applicable laws and regulations.

 – Desiring to innovate and create new products and technologies 
to support growth in the Company and develop solutions for 
our customers to improve the performance of their products 
and processes.

The Code is based around five core principles of conduct and 
it is expected that everyone to whom this code applies will:

 – Behave with Honesty and Integrity.

 – Follow the Letter and Spirit of the Law.

 – Treat each other Fairly.

 – Act in the best interests of Elementis.

 – Protect Elementis’s property and documents.

Under each principle are more detailed provisions to guide 
employees on the behaviour and standards that are expected 
of them. The areas covered include the following: fair dealing, 
confidentiality and privacy, record keeping, communications, 
trade practices and anti-trust compliance, insider trading and fair 
disclosure, bribery and other corrupt practices, product liability, 
international business dealings, political contributions and 
activities, maintaining a safe, healthy and affirmative workplace, 
equal opportunities, anti-harassment, offensive materials, alcohol 
and drugs, conflicts of interest, gifts and hospitality, theft and 
misuse of Company assets, corporate opportunities, intellectual 
property, and network use, integrity and security. 

Underpinning our Code is a compliance training programme. 
During the year, the CEO established a cross functional 
Elementis Compliance Team (‘ECT’) that meets on a quarterly 
basis to consider compliance training needs and improvements, 
assign training courses to all and selected groups of employees 
and monitor training completion rates. The ECT considers 
possible improvements and makes recommendations on 
identifying and mitigating compliance risks for the Company. 
The ECT reports to the General Counsel and Chief Compliance 
Officer. Examples of training courses in 2016 include: global health 
and safety, information security, preventing sexual harassment 
and trade secrets.

Diversity
We are fully committed to equality of opportunity and our policy 
of non-discrimination applies throughout the Group and to 
all aspects of our employment practices. A summary of our 
employment policies appears on page 60 of the Directors’ report. 
Further information about what the Board is doing on gender 
diversity at Board and below Board level is set out in the Corporate 
governance report on page 33. 

Our total workforce (including contractors and temporary workers) 
numbers around 1,400 and the table below shows the breakdown 
by gender diversity for different managerial groups. 

Gender diversity statistics (at 31 December 2016)

Male
75.9%
79.0%

976
218

All employees
Management
Executive 
management*
Senior manager**
Board***
*  defined as being within the four tiers below Board level
**  as defined under the prescribed regulations
***  as at 1 March 2017

78.5%
95.7%
66.7%

208
22
6

Female
24.1%
21.0%

21.5%
4.3%
33.3%

310
58

57
1
3

We consider diversity of our people, in all its aspects, an important 
element in the well-functioning of our business. Appointments shall 
always be made on merit and we seek to leverage the benefits of 
a wide and diverse talent pool. Staff turnover across the Group for 
2016 was 6.3 per cent (2015: 5.4 per cent).

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

23

 
 
 
 
Corporate responsibility report continued

Human rights
We support the statements in the Universal Declaration of 
Human Rights, as well as the International Labour Organization’s 
Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, 
the latter being freedom of association and the effective recognition 
of the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced or 
compulsory labour, the abolition of child labour and the elimination 
of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. 
We also support the principles of the UN Global Compact which 
includes those on fundamental human rights. We prohibit the 
use of child and forced labour and are committed to the principles 
of freedom of association, equality of treatment and non-
discrimination. Over 40 per cent of our employees are union 
members and just under 30 per cent are subject to collective 
bargaining agreements.

Business practices are in place with our contractors, customers 
and suppliers in relation to anti-corruption, privacy and safety 
matters. 

Health, Safety and Environment 

Commitment and strategy
We are committed to providing a healthy and safe workplace for 
employees, contractors and site visitors, and minimising our impact 
on the environment from our operations. 

Beyond preventing environmental incidents and pollution, and 
managing emissions, discharges and waste, we have a shared 
responsibility globally for conserving natural resources, identifying 
initiatives to lessen the effects on biodiversity and reducing 
greenhouse gas emissions. 

This commitment reflects a culture within Elementis that is ethical 
and respects the expectations of the communities in which we 
operate, as well as the regulatory agencies, to comply with all 
applicable laws and regulations. We recognise the importance 
of environmental, social and governance (‘ESG’) expectations of 
our external stakeholders and aim to meet these too. 

Modern slavery
In many countries, modern slavery (e.g. forced or child labour) is 
a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. Elementis’s 
policy is to prohibit the use of modern slavery in all its forms in our 
business activities and we have taken the following steps to ensure 
the absence of modern slavery practices from our Company and 
supply chain:

Leadership
The CEO is responsible for health, safety and environment (‘HSE’) 
at Elementis. Reporting directly to the CEO, the VP Global HSE 
works closely with his HSE team and operations management on 
HSE policy, planning, performance, hazard and risk assessment, 
training, improvement and investment. An illustration of our HSE 
management system is shown below.

 – Recruitment and employment policies make it clear that any 
form of modern slavery is prohibited and will not be tolerated, 
and incorporate appropriate checks and vetting when taking 
on new employees.

 – Our Purchasing Code of Practice was updated last year to 

incorporate additional requirements to ensure compliance with 
the Modern Slavery Act 2015. These include notifying suppliers 
of  our policy, carrying out risk assessments on suppliers and 
supplier audits on a periodical basis.

The required Modern Slavery Act compliance statement will be 
published on our corporate website later in the year.

Documented 
policies and 
procedures

Employee 
training

Hazard and risk 
assessments

Communication 
of safety and 
environmental 
matters

Our HSE 
management 
programmes 

conform to 
international standards

Emergency 
planning
and response

Incident 
investigation

Performance
reports

Management
of change

Internal audits

External 
audits

24

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

Health and safety principles
We have a dedicated and experienced team to lead our safety 
programme. Recognised and generally accepted good 
engineering practices are followed in line with industry standards. 
Site management supported by our Group HSE staff continually 
strive to create an injury free work environment by promoting 
safe behaviours and developing a culture where safety is not 
compromised by operational pressures. Internal and external 
audits are conducted to verify that standards are being met and 
to identify opportunities for improvement.

Safety performance
We use recordable incidents as our principal measure of safety 
performance. Recordable incidents (as defined by the US 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration) are work related 
injuries and illnesses that require medical treatment beyond first 
aid, work restrictions to normal duties or time away from work. 
To monitor performance and trends among more serious injuries 
and illnesses, we also record lost time accidents (‘LTA’) that require 
greater than three days away from work not including the day 
of incident.

We are pleased to report that there were no fatalities to employees 
or contractors working at our sites during 2016 (2015: zero).

There were 13 recordable incidents across the Group in 2016 
(2015: ten). Of those recordable incidents five required days 
away from work greater than three days (2015: two). The most 
concerning incident occurred during a routine operation when 
two employees received acid burns whilst offloading sulphuric 
acid from a railcar. The Board, CEO and leadership team took this 
incident very seriously and arranged an all employee call to review 
learnings from the incident and agreed actions to prevent a repeat. 
In addition, the CEO has taken action to address the increasing 
trend. This includes making the Global HSE function report directly 
to him and increasing the level of HSE leadership and visibility at 
both the leadership team and throughout the Group. 

During 2016, three of our manufacturing locations achieved 
significant safety performance milestones and were presented with 
the Elementis Diamond Award for safety excellence. The sites and 
the milestone in which they achieved are:

 – Hectorite mine – for exceeding 25 years without a 

recordable accident requiring time away from work. 

 – Corpus Christi – for exceeding 13 years without a 

recordable incident.

 – Changxing – for exceeding 14 years without a 

recordable incident.

As well as the total number of recordable incidents, we use the 
total recordable incident rate (‘TRIR’) as a performance indicator. 
The TRIR in 2016 was 1.03 per 200,000 hours worked (2015: 0.77). 
The accompanying chart shows that our performance has been 
maintained at around one recordable incident per 200,000 hours. 
Within the chemical industry, this is very similar to companies that 
are generally viewed as having ‘industry best’ safety performance 
based on data for the American Chemistry Council (‘ACC’) 
Responsible Care® (‘RC’) members (who achieved 0.76 in 2015, the 
latest data available). This performance is significantly better than 
the general chemical industry in the US (2.1 in 2015, the latest data 
available from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics). That said, our 
goal is zero incidents.

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Recordable incident rate
Recordable incidents per 200,000 hours worked

3

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US chemical industry

Elementis

ACC (RC)

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2013

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2016

Contractor safety
Our commitment to safety includes contractor safety. Contractor 
selection and retention takes account of their safety performance. 
When on site, following induction, contractors are required to 
comply with the same safety practices and procedures expected 
of employees. As a result, we are confident that contractors 
experience a similar high level of safety to our own employees. 
In 2016, there was one recordable injury suffered by a contractor 
across all manufacturing locations (2015: two). 

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

25

 
 
 
 
Corporate responsibility report continued

Health and safety initiatives
During 2016, our leadership team continued to focus on both 
occupational health and safety and process safety improvements. 
A major initiative in 2016 was the introduction of the DuPont™ 
‘TakeTwo…for Safety™’ programme encouraging employees to 
stop and think in a structured way about potential hazards before 
starting a task. Training is given in local languages appropriate to 
the location of the site.

Our process safety programmes include process hazard analyses 
(‘PHA’) on installations handling highly hazardous chemicals and 
Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (‘PSSR’) before commissioning key 
equipment. Mechanical integrity inspections are conducted as 
a predictive and preventative exercise to reduce the likelihood 
of incidents.

As in previous years, there are corporate and site-specific 
objectives established with the management of each 
manufacturing location. Corporate objectives address general 
opportunities to improve performance, based for example on 
industry best practice, or learnings from incidents across the 
Group. Site-specific objectives reflect the particular needs at each 
location, as well as to align practices with corporate objectives.

A further initiative in 2016 was the development of key performance 
metrics made up of leading indicators. By tracking performance 
on activities such as near miss reporting, management of change, 
PHA and audits, the aim is to identify vulnerabilities that could lead 
to incidents. Standard lagging indicators such as the TRIR are still 
reported to show the effectiveness of safety management. 

Safety and environmental incident management
We remain well prepared to manage safety and environmental 
incidents in a timely and resilient way should the need arise.

Formal procedures for incident reporting, emergency response 
and investigation are in place. In the event of a serious incident 
details will be communicated rapidly to emergency services and 
senior management. Operations teams are trained to ensure 
safe evacuation and plant shut down. Sites handling hazardous 
materials have employees trained to deal with leaks and 
environmental spills, and arrangements are in place to access the 
services of external contractors with expertise in dealing with larger 
releases. Corporate and local Business Continuity Plans have been 
in place since 2006 and these are rehearsed at site and corporate 
level as a commitment for timely and effective business recovery in 
the event of a major accident or environmental incident.

On a day-to-day basis, incident reporting continues to be a key 
management tool for reporting, investigating and acting on unsafe 
conditions and behaviours, and environmental spills and releases. 

Employees are encouraged to report safety near misses and 
environmental leaks and spills. The benefit is that these reports 
are recognised as warnings of the potential for more serious 
incidents in slightly different circumstances. The number of reports 
submitted shows widespread commitment and understanding of 
this concept by our employees. In addition, our leadership team 
routinely communicate current safety concerns and reinforces 
commitment to safety by a variety of means such as issuing 
safety alert bulletins based on learning from incidents, and safety 
stand-downs where time out is taken to discuss safety with 
management. Company-wide teleconference calls are held during 
the year to discuss safety messages from the CEO and Vice 
President of Global HSE.

Environmental impact 
Our activities are closely regulated via robust environmental 
permits, which Elementis complies with. 

We record and categorise environmental incidents into tiers based 
on the severity or actions taken by regulatory authorities. Tier 3 
incidents are those that have an impact on the environment and 
require reporting to an external authority and where enforcement 
action is likely. Tier 2 incidents have a minor impact and require 
notification but are likely to result in minimal or no action by the 
authorities. Tier 1 incidents require no external reporting and 
are recorded internally and investigated so that continual 
improvements can be made to reduce the likelihood of future 
Tier 2 and Tier 3 incidents. 

In 2016, we maintained a high level of environmental performance. 
There were no Tier 3 or Tier 2 incidents (2015: zero Tier 3; 
zero Tier 2).

Biodiversity 
Our policy is that biodiversity, the variety and variability of life, 
should be protected insofar as it is reasonably practicable by 
reducing or avoiding the impact on, and potential for damage to, 
sensitive species, habitats and ecosystems as a direct or indirect 
result of our operations or activities. 

Biodiversity surveys are conducted at all of our 18 global facilities 
which help to frame our actions. These plans are based on site 
level impact assessments and ensure that biodiversity 
considerations are taken into account. 

Our membership of RSPO means Elementis is committed to 
protecting and conserving the rich biodiversity found in tropical 
palm forests by using palm oil sourced from sustainable palm 
plantations that are responsible and responsive to the issues 
of soil degradation, biodiversity, local peoples and land rights.

Other examples of our efforts and specific action plans 
implemented to enhance biodiversity can be found on our website.

Environmental performance
We monitor key environmental statistics for each manufacturing 
facility. Energy and water consumption, air emissions, effluent 
discharges and solid waste disposal will all vary according to 
production output – which is a function of demand – as well as 
changes in fuel and production processes. However, they are 
also affected by changes in product mix and plant efficiencies 
related to operational requirements, and special events (planned 
and unplanned).

26

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

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As is standard practice in the chemical industry, emission values 
may be calculated from energy use or based on representative 
sampling, as well as continuous monitoring.

We continue to work proactively to improve environmental 
performance. Performance during 2016 is shown in the 
following sections.

Energy consumption
We consume energy from several sources (electricity, steam, 
natural gas, LPG, biomass and oil) at manufacturing sites, 
principal offices and laboratories. For comparison purposes, 
energy consumption is converted into consistent energy units, 
Gigajoules (GJ).

Energy consumption reduced in 2016 as shown in Table 1 below.

How we are improving energy efficiency 
We look for opportunities to improve our energy efficiency as it 
lowers cost and reduces our impact on the environment. Examples 
of initiatives include the following:

 – The Delden facility in the Netherlands completed the final year 

of a four year energy efficiency initiative. We replaced the nitrogen 
compressor unit and invested in a boiler plant room to bring 
substantial energy savings projected to be over 10,000 GJ 
per year. 

 – The building optimisation project at SciPark in East Windsor, 

New Jersey, which comprises a technical centre and 
management headquarters, is achieving 11 per cent savings 
on gas consumption and 10 per cent on electricity consumption 
since the programme was started.

Greenhouse gas emissions
Global warming and climate change are global concerns that 
are affected by greenhouse gas (‘GHG’) emissions. We report 
GHG emissions for our global operations as Scope 1 and Scope 2 
according to the requirements of The Companies Act 2006 

Table 1: Energy consumption

(Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013. 
Our GHG emissions reporting process was audited by 
PricewaterhouseCoopers, our internal auditors, during 2015. The 
audit report found the procedures to be appropriate and the data 
collection and conversion process to be robust and supportable.

The principal GHG due to operations at Elementis locations is 
carbon dioxide from energy use. These GHG emissions are 
calculated from energy purchased. Energy units are converted 
into carbon dioxide equivalent (‘CO2e’) using official data provided 
by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
(‘DEFRA’). DEFRA data was used for UK generated electricity. 
Emission factors associated with non-UK electricity consumption 
in 2016 were derived from International Energy Agency (‘IEA’) data. 
These factors vary significantly between countries and from year 
to year depending on the fuel mix for generation and proportion of 
imported electricity.

There are also GHG emissions from chemical reactions in 
production processes, waste water treatment and carbon dioxide 
used for process cooling. GHG emissions are reported for all 
18 manufacturing sites, the principal offices and laboratories, 
as well as a site undergoing closure procedures in Eaglescliffe, 
UK. A number of much smaller sales offices have been excluded 
because the level of CO2e emissions was deemed not to make a 
material contribution to the total. 

We provide two intensity ratios: tonnes CO2e per tonne of 
production and tonnes CO2e per kWh of energy consumed. 
Over a period of years both of these indicators should give an 
indication of energy efficiency improvements including cleaner 
fuels consumed. Note that the intensity ratios are subject to 
variations due to changes in the mix of products manufactured, 
volumes and energy efficiency improvements. 

GHG emissions are shown in Table 2 below. 

2016

2015

2014

Absolute
(’000s)
4,794

Per tonne of 
production
12.5

Absolute
(’000s)
4,864

Per tonne of 
production
12.7

Absolute
(’000s)
5,046

Per tonne of 
production
12.1

Energy consumed (GJ)
For reference: one GJ = 277.7778 kWh

Table 2: Greenhouse gas emissions

Scope 1: Combustion of fuel and operation of facilities (tonnes CO2e)
Scope 2: Electricity, heat, steam and cooling purchased for own use (tonnes CO2e)
Total
Scope 1 & 2 (tonnes CO2e)
Intensity ratio:
(tonnes CO2e/tonne production)
Supplementary intensity ratio:
(kg CO2e/kWh energy consumed)
Out of Scope:
Biofuel (tonnes CO2e)
Note: CO2e values were derived using DEFRA and IEA published factors

Current reporting 
period  
(2016)
194,687
88,365

Prior year for 
comparison 
(2015)
208,610
78,750

Base year for 
comparison 
(2013)
221,076
89,500

283,052

287,360

310,576

0.74

0.26

0.75

0.26

7,904

3,408

0.77

0.27

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Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

27

 
 
 
 
 
Corporate responsibility report continued

In this fourth year of GHG emissions reporting, table 2 shows 
that the total Scope 1 and 2 CO2e emissions in 2016 have reduced 
by 9 per cent since the base year. In part the total is affected 
by changes in production volumes and product mix. However, 
a significant and sustainable improvement was achieved in 2015 
when the organoclay sites in China at Changxing and Anji switched 
from using coal to biomass, comprised of renewable organic 
material (bamboo and wood pellets), as an energy source. 
Following guidance from DEFRA, CO2 emissions from biofuel use 
are excluded from the Scope 1 total to balance the CO2 absorbed 
by fast growing bioenergy sources during their growth. For 
completeness these CO2 emissions are shown as out of scope 
emissions. However, a CO2e allowance is included in the Scope 1 
total to account for the small amount of methane and nitrous oxide 
GHG emissions, which are not absorbed during growth.

Elsewhere we continue to use cleaner energy sources such as 
natural gas, which represented 96 per cent of energy required 
for combustion. 

Other emissions to air
Emissions of the oxides of sulphur and nitrogen, and volatile 
organic compounds (‘VOCs’), arising from our operations are 
controlled to comply with regulatory permits. As the volumes are 
not considered to be significant, they are not reported separately 
here but will be available on our corporate website. Any emission 
to air above regulatory permitted levels would normally be reported 
as an environmental incident.

Discharges to water
Our production activity generates process effluent that is routinely 
tested to ensure that the quality meets strict permit limits prior 
to discharge. Typical analysis includes chemical and biological 
oxygen demand and total suspended solids. The volumes of 
these discharges are not considered to be significant and are 
not reported here but will be available on our corporate website. 
However, any discharge to water above regulatory permitted 
levels would be reported as an environmental incident.

Water consumption
Water scarcity is a global issue. We operate mostly in locations 
where this is not an immediate issue, nevertheless, we recognise 
the need to conserve water and keep abreast of water supply risks. 
Water consumption is minimised where possible by treatment and 
recycling. Examples of this are water recycled from the residue 
disposal areas at the Castle Hayne chromium facility and a closed 
loop cooling system installed to the spray driers at the Specialty 
Products site at Newberry Springs, California.

Water consumption is related to production output, product mix, 
plant utilisation and cleaning activities. The net result in 2016 shows 
a steady reduction. See Table 3 below.

Solid and liquid waste
As part of our commitment to the environment, we seek to reduce 
the quantity of all types of waste. The first concern is to reduce 
the amount of waste that is classed as hazardous. Beyond that 
non-hazardous waste is minimised and recycled. Non-hazardous 
waste is predominantly the inert residue from the chromate kiln 
operations, which is deposited in permitted impoundments and 
licenced landfill sites adjacent to the manufacturing facilities. 

Hazardous waste increased in 2016 largely due to chromite kiln 
brick disposal. Non-hazardous waste reduced slightly in 2016. 
The solid waste arising in 2016 is considered to be within the 
normal variability of operations and maintenance activities. 
See Table 4 below. 

Innovation and sustainability
Our global R&D efforts continue to maintain focus on activity that 
supports and contributes to a more sustainable future. We remain 
committed to:

 – Reducing the use of materials that contribute to 

greenhouse gases. 

 – Expanding our use of bio-based materials in our products. 

 – Facilitating the global migration of decorative coatings from 

solvent-based systems to aqueous ones. 

Table 3: Water consumption

Water consumption
Water consumed (m3)

Table 4: Waste disposal

2016

2015

2014

Absolute
(’000s)
1,745

Per tonne of 
production
6.67

Absolute
(’000s)
1,778

Per tonne of 
production
6.93

Absolute
(’000s)
1,811

Per tonne of 
production
7.08

Waste disposal
Hazardous waste disposed (tonnes)
Non-hazardous waste disposed (tonnes)

2016

2015

2014

Absolute
(’000s)
1.54
95

Per 1,000 
tonnes of 
production
5.90
363

Absolute
(’000s)
0.94
100

Per 1,000  
tonnes of  

production
3.68
391

Absolute
(’000s)
0.79
104

Per 1'000  
tonnes of  

production
3.09
405

28

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

 
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Customers, suppliers, supply chain and quality
During 2016 we continued to participate in trade shows and 
industry forums, as well as conducting workshops, training 
seminars and hosting collaborative laboratory sessions to 
work with customers on a one on one basis. We continue 
to be responsive to questions from our customers on social 
responsibility and environmental awareness programmes. 

We continue to buy only RSPO certified quaternary amines for all 
of our Personal Care sector requirements and we continually strive 
to maximise the use of natural products.

In our Specialty Products portfolio 11 of our global facilities  
(85 per cent) have achieved ISO 9001 certifications spanning 
the US, Europe and Asia. Another example of our commitment 
to quality is the use of Statistical Quality Control tools to support 
continual quality improvement and increase operating efficiencies, 
with the added benefit of helping cost management initiatives.

Product stewardship 
We strive to provide innovative products that create value for 
our customers and that are safe for people and the environment 
when used for their intended purpose. An integral part of this 
process is our commitment to excellence in product safety and 
global compliance and these core values drive our global Product 
Stewardship programme.

To support the highest levels of product safety and regulatory 
compliance we have comprehensive product safety and product 
stewardship processes in place to ensure the following:

 – The hazards of our products are fully understood and 

communicated to our customers.

 – Any risks are managed to minimise potential impacts to people 

and the environment.

 – Our products are sold in compliance with all applicable local and 

country laws and regulations.

Within this context, we regularly review the risks of the chemicals 
we manufacture, recommend risk management where appropriate, 
monitor changes in regulations, and make health, safety, and 
compliance information available to customers, government 
authorities and the public.

Notable product stewardship accomplishments during 2016 
were the continued successful implementation of the Globally 
Harmonised System (GHS) standard around the world, the 
expansion of the number of our products and manufacturing sites 
in the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) programme, 
and the on time completion of the US EPA Chemical Data 
Reporting (CDR) programme.

EU REACh, as well as the new REACh programmes in China, 
Korea and Taiwan, continue to be managed to provide the highest 
levels of product safety and compliance whilst assuring our 
products are available for use by our global business partners.

We continue to invest in the scientific and regulatory expertise 
needed to meet the market demands for safer and more 
sustainable products in an environment of ever increasing 
number and complexity of chemical regulations.

Approval of Strategic report
The Strategic report comprises the following sections: Chairman’s 
statement, CEO’s overview, Business model, Finance report 
(incorporating Key performance indicators and the Risk 
management report) and Corporate responsibility report (which 
incorporates information relating to greenhouse gas emissions 
required to be included in the Directors’ report). The Strategic 
report was approved by the Board and has been signed on its 
behalf by:

Ralph Hewins
CFO
1 March 2017

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

29

 
 
 
 
Board of Directors as at 31 December 2016

1. Andrew Duff 
Chairman  Age: 57 
Committee membership: N (c)
Andrew was appointed non-executive Chairman and Chairman 
of the Nomination Committee in April 2014. He has been non-
executive chairman of Severn Trent plc since July 2010 and was 
a non-executive director of Wolseley plc from 2004 to 2013, 
where he was also the senior independent director and chairman 
of the remuneration committee. From 2003 to 2009, he was CEO 
of npower, the successor entity to Innogy plc which in 2000 was 
demerged from National Power and then sold to RWE, the German 
electricity and gas company, where he was also a member of the 
group executive committee. Before that he spent 16 years at BP 
in downstream international markets. He is a member of the CBI 
President’s Committee, trustee of Macmillan Cancer Support and 
Earth Trust and a fellow of the Energy Institute. Andrew holds a 
BSc (Honours) degree in Mechanical Engineering.

2. Paul Waterman 
Chief Executive Officer  Age: 52
Paul was appointed CEO in February 2016. Before joining 
Elementis he was global CEO of the BP lubricants business from 
July 2013 after having overseen the BP Australia/New Zealand 
downstream business and been country president of BP Australia 
since August 2010. Prior to that he was CEO of BP’s global 
aviation, industrial, marine and energy lubricants businesses (2009 
to 2010) and CEO of BP lubricants Americas (2007 to 2009). He 
joined BP after it acquired Burmah-Castrol in 2000 having joined 
the latter in 1994 after roles at Reckitt Benckiser and Kraft Foods. 
Paul holds a BSc degree in Packaging Engineering from Michigan 
State University and an MBA in Finance and International Business 
from New York University, Stern School of Business.

3. Ralph Hewins 
Chief Financial Officer  Age: 53
Ralph joined Elementis in September 2016 as an executive 
Director and CFO-Designate and became CFO in November 2016. 
He has a strong track record in finance, strategy development and 
implementation, and mergers and acquisitions. During his 30 year 
career with BP Lubricants, Ralph enjoyed a number of significant 
leadership positions, including roles in financial management, 
sales and marketing, corporate development (M&A), strategy 
and planning, as well as being CFO of BP Lubricants/Castrol 
since 2010. He also served on the Board of Castrol India Ltd from 
2010 until 2016. Ralph holds an MA degree in Modern History 
and Economics from the University of Oxford and an MBA 
from INSEAD. 

4. Andrew Christie 
Non-executive Director  Age: 60
Committee membership: A, N, R (c)
Andrew was appointed a non-executive Director in August 2008 
and Chairman of the Remuneration Committee in October 2013. 
He has over 30 years of investment banking and international 
corporate finance experience. He is a partner of Smith Square 
Partners LLP, a corporate finance advisory firm, and before 
that was, until March 2008, a UK managing director in the 
European Investment Banking Group at Credit Suisse. 
In his prior role at Credit Suisse, he was head of Investment 
Banking, Asia Pacific, based in Hong Kong and before that held 
the same position with Barclays de Zoete Wedd. He has been a 
non-executive director of Helios Underwriting plc since July 2013 
and holds an MBA and a BSc degree in Engineering.

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Key
A – Audit Committee 
R – Remuneration Committee
N – Nomination Committee 
(c) – Chairman of Committee

Company Secretary 

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30

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

5. Steve Good 
Non-executive Director  Age: 55
Committee membership: A, N, R 
Steve was appointed a non-executive Director in October 2014. 
He has been a non-executive director of Cape plc since July 2015 
(where he is chairman of the remuneration committee), Anglian 
Water Services Limited since April 2015, and chairman of 
Zotefoams plc since April 2016, having been a non-executive 
director since October 2014. He was CEO of Low & Bonar plc, 
the industrial textile manufacturing business, from 2009 to 2014. 
Prior to joining Low & Bonar he spent ten years with BTP plc 
(now part of Clariant) in a variety of leadership positions managing 
international speciality chemicals businesses. He has a BA degree 
in Economics and Finance and is a chartered accountant.

6. Anne Hyland
Non-executive Director  Age: 56
Committee membership: A (c), N, R
Anne was appointed a non-executive Director in June 2013 and 
Chairman of the Audit Committee in August 2013. She is CFO 
of Kymab Ltd, a biopharmaceutical company specialising in 
advanced therapeutic antibody discovery and development. 
Previous to that, she was CFO and company secretary of BBI 
Diagnostics Group Ltd and Vectura Group plc. Prior to her role at 
Vectura, she held a number of senior finance positions including 
director of corporate finance at then FTSE 100 Celltech Group 
plc, Medeva plc and KPMG. She is also a trustee of the charity 
Sustrans which campaigns for national cycling networks. 
Anne is a chartered accountant, a corporate tax adviser and 
holds a degree in Business Studies from Trinity College, Dublin. 

7. Nick Salmon 
Senior Independent Director  Age: 64
Committee membership: A, N, R
Nick was appointed a non-executive Director in October 2014 
and Senior Independent Director in December 2014. He is a 
non-executive director of Interserve plc and independent chairman 
of South East Water Limited. He was a non-executive director of 
United Utilities Group plc between April 2005 and July 2014, where 
he was also the senior independent director between 2007 and 
2014. He was chief executive of Cookson Group plc from July 2004 
to December 2012 when Cookson demerged to create two new 
listed companies. He was formerly executive vice-president of 
Alstom S.A. and chief executive of Babcock International Group plc. 
He held other senior management positions that included at GEC 
and GEC Alsthom in the UK and in France as well as at the China 
Light and Power Company in Hong Kong. Nick holds a BSc degree 
in Mechanical Engineering and is a fellow of the Royal Academy 
of Engineering.

David Dutro
Former Chief Executive Officer, stepped down from the Board 
on 7 February 2016.

Brian Taylorson
Former Chief Financial Officer, stepped down from the Board 
on 31 October 2016. 

8. Wai Wong 
Company Secretary
Wai was appointed as Company Secretary in May 2007. He is also 
a trustee of the Elementis Group Pension Scheme and manages 
insurance, risk and corporate responsibility matters at Group level. 
Prior to joining Elementis, he held a number of senior company 
secretarial positions including at John Menzies plc, ICSA and 
PricewaterhouseCoopers. He has a BCom (Honours) degree in 
Business Studies and Law from the University of Edinburgh and an 
LLM degree in Corporate and Commercial Law from Queen Mary 
College, University of London. He is a fellow of the Institute of 
Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.

Board additions in 2017 

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9. Sandra Boss
Non-executive Director  Age: 49
Sandra was appointed a non-executive Director on 
1 February 2017. She is an external member of the Bank 
of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority board (since 
September 2014). She is also an independent director of Enstar 
Group Limited, a NASDAQ-listed insurance group, where she is 
a member of its compensation, nominating and governance 
committees (since November 2015). She was a senior partner 
at McKinsey & Company from 2005 to 2014 (and a partner from 
2000), where she specialised in investment banking and risk, 
and held several senior management positions both in the UK 
and the US since joining in 1994. She has a BA degree in 
American Studies and Economics from Stanford University and 
an MBA degree from Harvard Business School. Sandra has also 
held non-executive and advisory appointments with the Institute 
of International Finance, the McKinsey Master Retirement Trust 
and the Edith Wharton Restoration.

10. Dorothee Deuring
Non-executive Director  Age: 48
Dorothee was appointed a non-executive Director on 
1 March 2017. She is a non-executive director of Bilfinger SE, 
a German listed industrial services provider (where she is also 
a member of its audit committee), and Röchling Group SE, 
a privately owned group processing engineering plastics (both 
since 2016), as well as managing her own corporate advisory 
consultancy serving a number of European clients in the 
pharma/biotech sector. Her previous executive roles included 
managing director and head of Corporate Advisory Group 
(Europe) at UBS in Zurich, head of M&A chemicals and 
healthcare at a private investment bank in Germany and as a 
senior executive in the corporate finance department at the 
Roche group. Dorothee has an MSc degree in Chemistry from 
the Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, and an MBA from 
INSEAD. She is active in various industry bodies.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

31

 
 
 
 
Corporate governance report

Chairman’s letter

The Board was fully engaged in the process of transitioning to a 
new executive leadership last year. Paul Waterman was appointed 
CEO to succeed David Dutro at the start of the year and Ralph 
Hewins was appointed CFO towards the end of the year, when 
Brian Taylorson stepped down from the role. Individually and 
together these are significant changes to make in any organisation. 
Both David and Brian served for a substantial period and made 
material contributions to the growth and success of the Company. 
However, the transition to a new team is only natural and 
represents a new stage in the development of the Company. 

An important aspect to manage well was the dynamics in the 
boardroom between its executive and non-executive members, 
and it is pleasing to be able to say that the quality and transparency 
of interactions between members and the cohesiveness of the 
Board as a whole continue to be strong at this early stage. 
The addition of Sandra Boss and Dorothee Deuring to the Board 
and the retirement of Andrew Christie will undoubtedly mean 
these dynamics and interactions continuing to evolve over 2017. 
I am nevertheless satisfied with the progress so far.

These changes complete the Board refreshment process that 
was initiated in 2013. During this period, the Board has sought 
to provide stability and continuity to the leadership team and 
our wider investment community. The recruitment of Sandra and 
Dorothee increases the Board’s number from seven to eight but, 
more importantly, it broadens its international profile and expertise 
and improves its overall resilience. I have every confidence that as 
the Board matures in its new form, its performance and the 
support and guidance it gives to the leadership team will be 
enhanced for the betterment of the Company. 

Below Board level, Paul has restructured his leadership team 
into a flatter and more accountable organisation and with a more 
rigorous focus on performance management. Ralph has also 
reviewed the structure of the global finance team with a view 
to providing better support to the business and functional areas. 
These changes mean the Board will be having more, deeper 
interactions with the next level of management that will help 
inform its understanding of the available talent within the Group. 
In summary, a lot has been done in terms of organisational design 
to ensure that Elementis has the people resources and capabilities 
to deliver on the strategic priorities laid out in last year’s Capital 
Markets Day and as described elsewhere in this Annual Report. 

Deloitte LLP were appointed the Group’s auditors at the 2016 AGM 
and they have spent 2016 getting to know our people, businesses 
and processes, and completing an audit transition process. 

In April last year, Andrew Christie, Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee, and I undertook a series of meetings with a number 
of our major shareholders, to discuss the Directors’ remuneration 
report ahead of the AGM vote. We were pleased that almost 
80 per cent of our shareholders supported the resolution. 

32

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

The Board visited our Songjiang facility  
in Shanghai, China in October 2016

The Board held two of its meetings overseas in 2016. In June 
it visited our management headquarters in East Windsor, 
New Jersey, US and in October our Songjiang facility in Shanghai, 
China. The annual trip to East Windsor is important because it is 
where most of our leadership team is based, so the visit provides 
important face-to-face time for Board members and the leadership 
and wider business teams. The trip to Shanghai enabled some 
of our Board members who had not visited before to see our 
operations there and meet the local leadership team. I would 
like to thank all our staff who welcomed us during these visits.

The Nomination Committee had a busy year and a report of 
its activities is given later. The external effectiveness evaluation 
in 2015 was followed last year by an internally produced 
questionnaire survey process. The key areas of focus for the 
Board were identified as: Board and leadership team transition; 
management information/performance management; delivery of 
strategic priorities; and talent management. Further details of this 
evaluation can be found in the Nomination Committee report. 

Statement of compliance
The Board is of the view that it has applied fully throughout 2016 
all of the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (Code) 
(2016 version).

The sections that follow describe how the Board has applied the 
principles and provisions of the Code. 

Andrew Duff
Chairman
1 March 2017

Compliance with the Code
Board composition
As identified on pages 30 and 31, during 2016, the Board 
comprised two executive Directors (CEO and CFO) and five 
non-executive Directors (including the Chairman and Senior 
Independent Director). In 2017, the number of non-executives 
will increase to six (as explained in the Chairman’s statement on 
page 3). The Chairman is responsible for leadership of the Board, 
whilst the CEO is responsible for running the Group’s businesses. 
The roles of Chairman and CEO are separate, clearly defined 
and no individual has unfettered powers of decision making. 
The Chairman is supported by the Senior Independent Director 
who is available to shareholders if the normal channels for raising 
any concern prove to be ineffective or inappropriate. 

It is the Chairman’s responsibility to set the style and tone in 
which the Board operates and ensure there is a proper forum for 
constructive discussion and challenge, as well as a framework 
and the conditions to enable the Board as a whole, and its 
individual Directors, to contribute effectively in the performance 
of their roles. Such a framework and conditions include: access 
to relevant and quality information, internal and external advice 
and leadership and business teams; support and development 
opportunities; understanding the views of market analysts and 
major shareholders; and maintaining constructive relationships 
between executive and non-executive members of the Board.

Information about the executive Directors’ service contracts and the 
non-executive Directors’ letters of appointment with the Company 
(including remuneration and fee levels) is set out in the Directors’ 
remuneration report. All non-executive Directors are appointed for 
three year terms that can be renewed by mutual agreement, subject 
to annual re-election by shareholders, satisfactory performance and 
meeting independence requirements. 

Board evaluation
The Board carried out an internal evaluation of its performance 
during the latter part of 2016. More details are set out in the 
Nomination Committee report. 

Having carried out such an evaluation, and following a review of 
its structure and the decision to increase its size from seven to 
eight members, the Board considers that its composition contains 
the appropriate balance of diversity of views, qualifications, 
skills, experience and personal attributes necessary to carry out 
its duties and responsibilities and to provide appropriate depth 
and resilience. 

Board diversity
The Board’s policy is that appointments should be made on the 
basis of qualification and merit. The Board agrees that diversity, 
which should be construed in its broadest sense and incorporate 
gender diversity, is an important factor in Board effectiveness and 
supports the Code’s principles and provisions on gender diversity. 
The Board is supportive of the Hampton-Alexander review which 
sets a target for the percentage of women on boards to reach one 
third by 2020. The appointments of Sandra Boss and Dorothee 
Deuring during 2017 will mean that Elementis has achieved this 
target which the Board is proud of. 

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The Company is currently reviewing its wider diversity policies 
which will also include looking at our recruitment, employment 
and talent management practices at below Board level. As an 
organisation, it is standard practice to require that any recruitment 
adviser retained ensures female candidates are included in any 
long and short list presented for consideration, and this was the 
case in respect of the CEO and CFO search processes last year, 
as well as in the non-executive recruitment process.

Director attendance in 2016

Audit
Committee
–

Nomination
Committee
7/7*

Remuneration
Committee
–

Board
8/8
8/8
3/3
8/8
8/8
8/8
8/8

–
4/4
4/4
4/4*
4/4

Andrew Duff
Paul Waterman1
Ralph Hewins2
Andrew Christie
Steve Good
Anne Hyland
Nick Salmon
Past Directors
David Dutro3
Brian Taylorson4
*  Chairman of Committee
1  appointed to the Board on 8 February 2016
2  appointed to the Board on 12 September 2016
retired from the Board on 7 February 2016
3 
retired from the Board on 31 October 2016
4 

0/0
7/7

–
–

–
7/7
7/7
7/7
7/7

–
–

–
8/8*
8/8
8/8
8/8

–
–

Board independence
The Board considers all the non-executive Directors to be 
independent in character and judgement throughout 2016 and 
is satisfied that each Director exercises independent judgement. 
The non-executive Directors provide constructive challenge and 
help support the executive Directors in developing strategy and 
business priorities. The Directors are required at all times to avoid 
conflicts of interest, act for a proper purpose and in the best 
interests of the Company, consistent with their statutory duties. 
No individual or group dominates decision making. 

Board operation
The Board has a formal programme of activities that are 
undertaken at scheduled meetings throughout the year and 
this is supplemented by ad hoc meetings, conference calls or 
other Board events, as and when appropriate. There were eight 
formal meetings in 2016 and the attendance record of each 
Director is shown in the table above. The Board is supported 
in its activities by Board committees that have been delegated 
specific responsibilities, as set out in their terms of reference, 
and a formal schedule of matters reserved for the Board allows 
certain decisions to be retained by the Board and others to be 
delegated to the executive Directors within certain parameters. 
The schedule of matters reserved for the Board includes 
the following: 

 – Approval of strategic and annual operating plans.

 – Approval of financial statements, and major acquisitions 

and disposals.

 – Approval of risk management and compliance programmes, 

as well as Group insurance arrangements.

 – Approval of major projects and capital expenditures.

 – Approval of major legal settlements and litigation.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

33

 
 
 
 
Corporate governance report continued

From time to time, where appropriate, the Chairman and, 
in connection with remuneration proposals, the Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee will organise a programme of meetings 
with major shareholders to update them on any significant 
developments in business strategy, corporate governance matters 
or consult them on proposals for executive remuneration.

The AGM gives all of the Company’s shareholders the 
opportunity to speak with the Directors and the Chairmen of the 
Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees are available to 
answer questions. 

The Notice of AGM is dispatched at least 20 working days before 
the meeting. The Company proposes separate resolutions for 
substantially separate issues. In line with best practice voting is 
conducted by poll. Shareholders have the option to vote either for 
or against a resolution, or to withhold their vote. The results of the 
meeting are announced to London Stock Exchange and published 
on the corporate website. 

Directors’ and officers’ liability insurance
The Company maintains liability insurance for the Directors and 
officers of the Company and its subsidiaries. Since 2008, the 
Directors of the Company have been in receipt of an indemnity from 
the Company in respect of any liability or loss that may arise out of, 
or in connection with, the execution of their powers, duties and 
responsibilities as Directors of the Company, or of any subsidiary, 
to the extent permitted under the Companies Act 2006. Copies of 
these indemnities, which continue to remain in place, are available 
for inspection at the Company’s registered office during normal 
business hours and will be available for inspection at the AGM.

By order of the Board

Wai Wong
Company Secretary
1 March 2017

The Board reviews the business, financial and operational and 
HSE performance of the Group at each of its formal meetings, 
including major business initiatives, threats and opportunities, 
as well as progress on product innovation and new customers. 

Board and committee dates are scheduled at least a year in 
advance, as are overseas site visits, and a 12 month forward 
planner helps to ensure that the Board spends an appropriate 
amount of its time focused on the strategic issues affecting the 
Group’s businesses. 

To assist the Board in carrying out its duties, information of an 
appropriate quality is issued in a timely manner ahead of Board 
and committee meetings. If there are any unresolved matters 
concerning Board decisions, of which there were none in 2016, 
these would be recorded in the minutes of meetings. 

Induction, development and support
All new Directors participate in an induction programme that 
includes meeting members of the leadership team, the internal 
and external auditors, the Company’s joint corporate brokers, 
and, if appropriate, major shareholders. Tailored training on the 
duties and responsibilities of a Director of a listed company is 
provided (as required) and new Directors are also expected to 
undertake a programme of site visits. 

All Directors have access to the advice and services of the 
Company Secretary and may take independent professional 
advice, as appropriate, at the expense of the Company. Directors 
are given the opportunity throughout the year to undertake training 
and attend seminars to keep their skills and knowledge up to date, 
and receive internal briefings on technical and/or other regulatory 
developments that they need to be made aware of. The Company 
Secretary supports the Chairman in ensuring that the Board and 
Board committees operate within the governance framework 
adopted and that communication and information flows within 
the Board and its committees and between management and 
non-executive Directors are effective. 

Communications with shareholders
The CEO and CFO are the Company’s principal contact 
with investors, analysts and the financial press. The Company 
maintains a comprehensive programme of activities to 
ensure their needs are met. This includes stock exchange 
announcements, investor meetings, the Annual Report and 
updates to the corporate website.

The Board receives regular feedback from shareholders following 
meetings with management in results and other investor 
roadshows. Analysts’ forecasts and research reports about the 
Company and the wider chemicals sector, as well as presentations 
and reports from the Company’s joint corporate brokers, are 
provided to all Directors, helping non-executive Directors to 
develop a clear understanding of the views of major shareholders. 
The Chairman and Senior Independent Director are available for 
contact by shareholders at any time.

34

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

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Nomination Committee report

The Chairman and members of the Nomination Committee 
(the ‘Committee’) are shown on pages 30 to 31, together with their 
biographical information. Seven meetings were held during 2016 
and the attendance records of Committee members are shown 
on page 33. The CEO is invited to attend all of its meetings, except 
when the discussion concerns him or when it is a meeting of 
non-executives only, and other executives are invited to attend 
where appropriate. 

The Committee’s terms of reference are available on the Company’s 
website and the following is a summary of its responsibilities:

 – Reviewing the size and composition of the Board, together with 
the skills, knowledge, experience and diversity of its members 
and making recommendations for change as necessary.

 – Carrying out an annual performance evaluation of the Board, 

its committees and individual members.

 – Succession planning for the Board and leadership team.

The following is a description of the work of the Committee to show 
how it has discharged its responsibilities in 2016: 

 – April: Meeting to discuss general CFO succession plans, 

non-executive Director succession plans and Board skill-set 
and diversity. 

 – May: Meeting to ratify CFO recruitment process (appointment 
of adviser, role specification, etc) and discuss list of candidates 
with a view to selecting a preferred candidate. 

 – June: Meeting to discuss progress on the CFO recruitment 

process, Board evaluation process for 2016 and non-executive 
Director succession plans (including diversity in its broadest 
sense and agreeing the choice of recruitment adviser and a role 
specification).

 – July: Meeting to discuss Board performance evaluation approach 

(and approve a draft questionnaire to be used), non-executive 
Director recruitment process and progress, and executive 
leadership team structure and plans. 

 – October: Meeting to discuss Board diversity and the Hampton-
Alexander review (including agreeing an aspirational target and 
considering the Board’s diversity policy and wider Company 
policy and plans in this area), update on the non-executive 
Director recruitment process (including consideration of 
candidates and Board skill-set).

 – November: Meeting of non-executive Directors only.
 – December: Meeting to select Sandra Boss as the preferred 

candidate and approve her recommendation to the Board for 
appointment as a non-executive Director.

 – December: Separate meeting to approve the appointment 

of Sandra Boss, consider increasing the size of the Board to 
broaden its skill-set and increase resilience, discuss the results 
of the Board evaluation, review the Chairman’s performance and 
review the Committee’s terms of reference. 

CFO recruitment process
The Committee led the selection process for the appointment of 
a new CFO. A role specification was drawn up detailing the skills, 
experience and capabilities required. The Committee considered 
this and other procedural matters such as confidentiality and 
timetable. Russell Reynold Associates, who have no connection 
with the Company, were engaged as the adviser for the process. 
A long list of candidates was identified and a short list of three 
candidates (including a female candidate) were interviewed by 
all of the Directors in different stages. Following these interviews, 
the Committee recommended to the Board the appointment of 
Ralph Hewins as the Company’s CFO. 

Non-executive Director recruitment process
Noting that Andrew Christie would have served for nine years by 
August 2017, the Board took the opportunity to review its size and 
composition and decided that a new non-executive Director would 
be appointed early in 2017, to increase its international profile and 
expertise, as well as strengthen the skill-set and resilience of the 
Board. The candidate would replace Andrew Christie but there 
would be an overlapping period. A role specification was agreed 
reflecting the skills and diverse background that the Board wanted 
and Korn Ferry Hay group, who had previously acted for the 
Company before as Korn Ferry Whitehead Mann and who have no 
connection with the Company other than as a recruitment adviser, 
were engaged as the adviser for the search process. 

A long list was reviewed by the Committee from which a short list 
of six candidates (including at least half who were female) was 
selected for interview. The group of finalists met with all Directors 
before the Committee decided to recommend Sandra Boss for 
appointment by the Board. In reaching its recommendation, the 
Committee concluded that the calibre of the finalist candidates was 
such that the Board would benefit by broadening its international 
profile and expertise, as well as by improving its resilience. It was 
therefore decided that the Board should increase its number from 
seven to eight by appointing Dorothee Deuring as an additional 
non-executive Director.

2016 Board evaluation
Following the external Board evaluation in 2015, the Committee 
decided to conduct last year’s Board evaluation without external 
assistance. A qualitative questionnaire survey was produced 
in-house covering all aspects of the Board’s structure, composition 
and operation, Board interactions (internal and external), and 
business strategy, risks and priorities. In addition, there were 
specific sections on the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration 
Committees (including how well they were chaired and organised, 
the quality of Committee papers as well as their effectiveness). 
Furthermore, I met with each of the Directors to discuss their 
performance and any developmental needs. The outcome of the 
review highlighted that the Board and its committees are effective 
and well run, the executive and non-executive Director interactions 
are positive and the impressions of the CEO and CFO are that both 
are hungry to reignite growth in the Company. The areas to focus 
attention on included: Board and leadership team transition, 
management information/performance management, delivery of 
strategic priorities and talent management.

Following the evaluation review, the Board is satisfied that all 
our Directors contribute effectively and demonstrate appropriate 
commitment to their role and, therefore, shareholders are asked 
to support their election/re-election at the AGM. Shareholders may 
find the biographical information provided on pages 30 and 31 
useful to help them understand how a Director’s background or 
experience influences the contribution he or she makes to the 
operation and effectiveness of the Board. This will also assist 
shareholders in assessing the skills and experience of the Board, 
as a whole, when determining how to vote on certain resolutions at 
the AGM. The information should also be read in conjunction with 
the Notice of Meeting accompanying this Annual Report proposing 
the election/re-election of all Directors at the 2017 AGM, with the 
exception of Andrew Christie.

Andrew Duff
Chairman, Nomination Committee
1 March 2017

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

35

 
 
 
 
 
Audit Committee report

The members of the Audit Committee (the ‘Committee’) are shown 
on pages 30 to 31, together with their biographical information. 
As well as being Chairman, I am the Committee member with 
recent and relevant financial experience required under governance 
rules. Steve Good and Nick Salmon have relevant industry and 
sector experience and complement Andrew Christie’s investment 
banking and my corporate finance experience. There were four 
meetings held last year and the attendance records of Committee 
members are shown on page 33. The Chairman of the Board, both 
executive Directors and representatives of both the external auditor 
(Deloitte LLP) and internal audit provider (PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP) have a standing invitation to attend all Committee meetings, 
except when an agenda item concerns either the external or 
internal auditor or is only for Committee members to meet with the 
external or internal auditor without management or anyone else 
being present.

During the year, the Committee’s terms of reference, a copy of 
which is available on the Company’s website, were reviewed and 
updated. The following is a summary of the Committee’s 
responsibilities:

 – Monitor the integrity of Group financial statements, financial 
reporting and related statements, as well as the clarity and 
completeness of disclosures (including narrative reports and 
governance statements accompanying financial and related 
statements).

 – Ensure the appropriateness of accounting policies, any changes 
to them, and any significant estimates and judgements made.

 – Review the effectiveness of internal control, compliance and risk 
management systems (including whistleblowing arrangements). 

 – Oversee all aspects of the relationship with the internal and 

external auditors, such as: negotiating and approving their terms 
of appointment, fees, the scope, manner and programme of 
work; monitoring resourcing, performance and effectiveness, 
independence and objectivity taking into account relevant UK 
professional and regulatory guidelines; approving the policy on 
non-audit services; making recommendations to the Board for 
their dismissal or changes; and supervising any tender process. 

The following is a description of the work of the Committee to show 
how it has discharged its responsibilities in 2016:

February 
 – Met with KPMG without management present.

 – Reviewed in combination with KPMG’s audit report the 2015 

Annual Report (and associated preliminary results statement), 
management representation letter to the auditors, internal control 
and going concern statements, tax, litigation and compliance 
reports (including whistleblowing arrangements) and the 
effectiveness, independence and objectivity of the auditors.

 – Recommended to the Board the approval of the 2015 

Annual Report.

 – Recommended to the Board the appointment of Deloitte 

as external auditor of the Company.

 – Considered non-audit services and fees undertaken by 

KPMG during 2015.

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Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

June
 – Reviewed PwC’s H1 internal audit programme report and 

management’s responses to the audit findings.

 – Considered Deloitte’s transition and audit plan for 2016. 
Approved Deloitte’s letter of engagement and proposed 
fee for H1 and year-end audit.

July
 – Considered in combination with Deloitte’s H1 review report 
the 2016 interim results announcement (incorporating a 
management report and condensed financial statements 
and notes), management representation letter to the auditors 
and the half year litigation, compliance and tax reports, 
as well as the half year going concern statement. 

 – Reviewed and confirmed the Company’s compliance 

programme.

 – Approved the updated non-audit services policy taking into 
account revised regulatory requirements and guidance. 

 – Considered briefings on the FRC’s Corporate Reporting Review 
and UK Corporate Governance Code 2016 and Guidance on 
Audit Committees. 

December 
 – Met with PwC without management present to consider the 

Group’s internal audit programme.

 – Reviewed the effectiveness of the internal audit programme and 

PwC’s performance, supported by the results of a survey 
questionnaire completed by finance staff.

 – Received PwC’s H2 internal audit programme report.

 – Reviewed the adequacy of resources made available to PwC and 
the arrangements they have in place to ensure they can deliver an 
effective internal audit service. 

 – Approved the re-appointment of PwC as internal auditors, agreed 

fees and programme of work for 2017.

 – Approved Committee Terms of Reference that had been updated 

to include the Financial Reporting Council’s ‘Enhancing 
Confidence in Audit’ and amendments to the UK Corporate 
Governance Code.

 – Received an update on the audit plan and progress from Deloitte.

Significant accounting and other issues 
The primary areas of accounting judgement considered by 
the Committee in relation to the 2016 financial statements are 
listed below. 

Restructuring 
The new Chief Executive Officer reorganised the management 
structure and various parts of the business. The costs of this 
exercise, including redundancy costs, as well as recruitment and 
other costs associated with changes in the management structure, 
was $3.0 million. The Committee considered these costs and their 
presentation as adjusting items as shown in note 5.

Environmental provisions
The Committee considered the Group’s decision to reduce the 
discount rate it uses to value liabilities which resulted in a charge of 
$4.5 million. In addition, continuing remediation work on the legacy 
Chromium site at Eaglescliffe was reviewed and, based on the 
estimated outstanding tasks and their timeframe, resulted in a 
charge of $3.5 million.

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ACT and deferred tax assets
The Board continues to monitor the justification for, and carrying 
values of, ACT recoverable and deferred tax assets as part of the 
Group tax strategy.

Retirement benefit obligations
The Committee considered the assumptions used for the IAS 19 
calculation of the surplus/deficit across the Group’s different 
schemes. In addition the Committee considered the availability of 
the pension surplus recognised on the UK pension scheme taking 
into consideration any future contributions.

Revenue recognition
The Group’s revenue recognition accounting policy was considered 
during the year, including the assessment over the international 
shipments which resulted in a restatement to the Group’s revenue 
recognition as disclosed in note 31. The Committee satisfied itself 
that the Group had appropriately recognised revenues in 
accordance with their contractual obligations during the period, 
paying particular attention to period end cut-off.

Auditor rotation and tendering and Competition and 
Markets Authority order – statement of compliance
As reported this time last year, the Committee carried out an audit 
tender process in 2015 that resulted in the appointment of Deloitte 
LLP as auditor in April 2016. 

The Committee therefore confirms that the Company is compliant 
with the order on mandatory tendering of audit contracts.

Audit effectiveness, objectivity and independence
As Chairman of the Committee I meet with the audit partner 
frequently, including for both audit planning and review meetings. 
The Committee meets the audit partner and usually the senior 
manager at all four of its formal meetings but it is the CFO and 
finance teams who have most exposure to the audit team. 

To help the Committee carry out a formal review of the external 
auditor’s performance, a questionnaire based evaluation is usually 
undertaken towards the end of each year end audit cycle by 
members of our finance team globally. The questionnaire used is 
the template produced by KPMG’s Audit Committee Institute which 
considers comprehensively different aspects of the audit process. 
The Committee also monitors audit effectiveness by reviewing 
Audit Quality Inspection reports published by the FRC. 

Since 2016 was Deloitte’s first audit, we decided not to undertake 
a questionnaire survey of the field locations but to review Deloitte’s 
performance by reference to the quality of its audit report and 
opinion, its engagement with management and its quality 
assurance procedures. The Committee concluded Deloitte’s 
performance to be satisfactory and that the audit is effective as 
measured against their letter of engagement and the scope of 
services agreed. 

The Committee considers the auditor’s objectivity and 
independence at least twice a year. It receives reports from 
Deloitte on its internal quality control and independence rules, 
and keeps under review the level of non-audit services Deloitte 
provides. The Committee is of the view that Deloitte were 
objective and independent throughout the 2016 audit process 
notwithstanding the level of non-audit services provided. 

Non-audit services 
In 2016, non-audit services of $0.3 million from Deloitte were 
approved by the Committee (2015: $0.8 million to KPMG). These 
services consisted mainly of tax advisory services for our Taiwan 
entity and due diligence support in relation to the acquisition of 
SummitReheis. Deloitte’s knowledge of the business meant it could 
provide these services cost effectively and the safeguards 
described earlier mean the Committee does not consider the 
provision of these services to affect the auditor’s independence 
and objectivity. 

The Company’s policy on non-audit services contains guidance 
on the types of non-audit work that the external auditors may be 
considered for. This guidance is in addition to other specified 
factors that must be taken into consideration, such as the expertise 
and resources of the firm, whether the services could risk 
jeopardising audit independence and the fee relative to the audit 
fee. Examples of services that the external auditors may and may 
not be allowed to perform under the policy can be found on the 
Company’s corporate website. The policy was reviewed during the 
year to ensure compliance with new EU rules on the provision of 
non-audit services by auditors.

Under the policy, the CFO may approve individual engagements 
where the fee is up to 15 per cent of the Group’s audit fee for the 
year, provided that the total non-audit fees in the year do not 
exceed 50 per cent of that Group audit fee. Decisions above these 
thresholds must be referred to the Committee for determination.

Internal control and risk management system
The Committee’s formal remit includes reviewing the effectiveness 
of the internal control, compliance and risk management systems 
which it carries out in support of the Board’s formal review of 
significant risks and material controls, as summarised in the Risk 
management report. The focus of the Committee’s work when it 
reviews internal audit reports is mainly on financial, operational and 
compliance risks. PwC, who provides an outsourced internal audit 
function, plays a significant role in the Group’s internal control 
process, which is designed for the purposes of preventing material 
financial loss and fraud, safeguarding the value of assets (including 
reputation) and ensuring compliance with laws, regulations and 
Group policies. 

The Group’s internal control and risk management system is only 
designed to manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to 
achieve business objectives and therefore the Board can only 
provide reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against material 
mis-statement or loss. The Board is of the view that an ongoing 
process for identifying, evaluating and managing significant risks 
faced by the Group was in place throughout the financial year 
under review and up to the date that this Annual Report was 
approved. No significant internal control failings or weaknesses 
were reported last year so none is disclosed here.

Set out below is a summary of the key features of the Group’s 
internal control and risk management system.

Control environment
The Group has policies and procedures that set out the 
responsibilities of business and site management, including 
authority levels, reporting disciplines and responsibility for 
risk management and internal control. In addition, annual 
compliance statements on internal control are certified by 
each operating segment.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

37

 
 
 
 
Fair, balanced and understandable
The Board and Committee understand the governance 
requirements for the Annual Report, taken as a whole, to be fair, 
balanced and understandable, and that ‘fair’ should mean 
reasonable and impartial, ‘balanced’ should mean even handed in 
terms of being positive and negative and ‘understandable’ should 
mean simple, clear and free from jargon or unnecessary clutter.

The Board and Committee consider the Annual Report for 2016, 
taken as a whole, to be fair, balanced and understandable, and 
provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess 
the Company’s position and performance, business model and 
strategy. In coming to this view, the Board and Committee took 
the following into consideration: (i) meetings between the 
Committee Chair and the audit partner, as well as between the 
auditor and the Committee without management being present; 
(ii) discussions at the audit clearance meeting; (iii) discussions with 
management on the progress of the audit at different stages of the 
audit process; and (iv) feedback obtained from members of the 
leadership and finance teams, as well as from the Company’s 
brokers and other advisers.

Anne Hyland 
Chairman, Audit Committee
1 March 2017

Audit Committee report continued

Risk identification and review
A formal risk review process exists at Board and leadership team 
levels for the identification, evaluation, mitigation and ongoing 
monitoring of risks. See separate Risk management report.

Financial reporting
The Group operates a comprehensive financial reporting system 
including forecasts, consolidation and monthly reporting. Board 
reports include full management accounts, comprising monthly 
and year to date profit and loss statements, cash flow statements 
and balance sheet, with segmental and individual business 
performance analyses, as well as relevant performance indicators. 
Actual monthly results are monitored against budget, forecasts 
and the previous year’s results. Any significant variances are 
investigated and acted upon as appropriate. As well as monthly 
management accounts, each operating division prepares an 
annual and a three year operating plan which is approved by the 
Board. Thereafter a formal re-forecasting exercise is undertaken 
three times a year. 

Investment appraisal
There are clearly defined investment guidelines for capital 
expenditure. All investment expenditure is subject to formal 
authorisation procedures, with major proposals being considered 
by the Board.

Internal audit programme
An internal audit programme is proposed by PwC in consultation 
with the CFO and approved by the Audit Committee each year, 
setting out a programme of audits over the course of the next 12 
months. The programme covers the monitoring of the effectiveness 
of internal controls and the design of processes to test the 
effectiveness of controls. As well as conducting audits of operating 
facilities, sales offices and toller sites on a two to three year 
rotational basis, the internal audit programme includes reviews of 
Group functions and processes. Examples of some of the internal 
audits conducted during 2016 include: EU Shared Services Centre, 
IT resilience, cyber security, Specialty Products’ sites in the US and 
China and Chromium’s Castle Hayne and Corpus Christi sites. 

Controls assurance
The controls assurance framework at Elementis is threefold:

 – Board leadership supported by an open and transparent culture 
of ‘no surprises’, good governance and compliance. This means 
knowing and understanding the businesses, quality interactions 
between the Board and the leadership teams (including a regular 
programme of presentations and reports to the Board, as well as 
operational site visits).

 – Internal and external audit programme, regular litigation and 

compliance reviews with the General Counsel and a programme 
of compliance audits, regulatory inspections, environmental 
reviews and property surveys by external specialists.

 – Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on which all employees 

are given training and are required to self certify compliance with, 
supplemented by an online compliance training programme, an 
anti-bribery and corruption policy, which contractors are also 
required to sign up to, whistleblowing arrangements and an 
anti-retaliation policy. 

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Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

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Directors’ remuneration report

Chairman’s annual statement on remuneration
The remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2014 was 
amended with shareholder support in 2015, following a Board 
refreshment process, and, consequently, the Remuneration 
Committee (the ‘Committee’) is not presenting a new remuneration 
policy for shareholder approval at this year’s AGM in April. 

LTIP
The performance period for the 2014 LTIP awards ended in 2016. 
Neither of the threshold targets under the EPS and TSR conditions 
was met and, accordingly, none of the 2014 awards will vest in 
April 2017. 

We welcomed Paul Waterman as CEO this time last year and 
Ralph Hewins as CFO towards the end of 2016. Shareholders 
will have read, elsewhere in this Annual Report, about the strategy 
review that Paul undertook in his first few months at Elementis 
which culminated in a Capital Markets Day in November 2016. 
Under the leadership of Paul and Ralph, the business will be 
implementing the actions required to deliver growth plans set by 
the Board, to create value for our shareholders over the medium 
term. The remuneration packages for both Paul and Ralph are in 
line with the policy approved in 2015 and provide a significant 
weighting on performance-related pay. 

The Committee will take into consideration the strategic priorities 
outlined by Paul and Ralph at the Capital Markets Day when 
reviewing the remuneration policy report this year and it is quite 
possible that changes will be made to our remuneration policy 
for Board members and the leadership team. We will consult with 
our major shareholders in good time and before presenting the 
changes for a shareholder vote next year. 

Variable remuneration outcome for 2016
Bonus plan
As reported elsewhere in this Annual Report, trading conditions in 
2016 presented challenges to the Group hence the Company is 
reporting performance that is below the minimum target thresholds 
and no bonus subject to financial performance measures (PBT 
and average working capital (‘AWC’)) is payable in respect of 2016, 
which make up 70 per cent of the overall bonus opportunity. In 
respect of bonus subject to non-financial objectives (‘NFO’), which 
has a 30 per cent weighting, I can report that these have been met 
mostly and the percentage vesting is as follows:

Max bonus 
opportunity as 
% of salary
134.43*
37.91**
114.41***

Director
P Waterman
R Hewins
B Taylorson 
*  pro-rated from 8 February 2016 (from 150%)
**  pro-rated from 12 September 2016 (from 125%) 
***  pro-rated to 30 November 2016 (from 125%) 

% of  
NFO met 
27.5/30
30/30
30/30

Bonus vesting 
as % of max 
opportunity
36.97
11.37
34.32

The Committee and the Board are fully satisfied that the bonus 
payments in 2016, which are for delivering objectives for the 
executive Directors set by the Board, are justified. The personal 
objectives set were related to growing the business, improving 
the overall effectiveness of the organisation, managing change 
and the risk from the transition to the new executive leadership 
and maintaining investor confidence. More details are given later. 

Elementis delivered total shareholder return over the three year 
period of 9 per cent, compared to 18 per cent from the FTSE 
All Share Index (excluding investment trusts). EPS for 2016 was 
16.8 cents compared to 23.0 cents in 2013. 

2017 policy implementation
The following summarises the application of our remuneration 
policy in the current year.

Salaries
The Committee awarded Paul Waterman and Ralph Hewins a 
salary increase of 2.8 per cent and 2.9 per cent, respectively, 
with effect from 1 January 2017, which is in line with the average 
increase for the US and UK salaried workforce.

Bonus plan
The remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2015 gives 
the Committee flexibility in setting bonus plan targets (financial and 
non-financial), their weighting and the basis of measurement.

In respect of the 2017 bonus plan, the Committee has decided 
to retain the non-financial component with the same weighting of 
30 per cent of the bonus opportunity. This will be based on the 
delivery of specific and measurable objectives that are related to 
the Company’s strategic priorities set by the Board. In terms of 
the financial metrics (70 per cent of bonus opportunity), these 
will continue to be based on PBT and AWC, with a respective 
weighting relative to total bonus opportunity of 50 per cent and 
20 per cent. For the PBT condition, threshold, plan and stretch 
targets are set at levels the Committee considers to be 
appropriately stretching, after taking into account both the 2017 
operating plan and external market data. The AWC condition will 
also utilise a target range based on the 2017 operating plan. Details 
of bonus targets and objectives will be disclosed on a retrospective 
basis in next year’s report.

The Committee has discretion to modify the overall amount of 
bonus payable in exceptional circumstances and acting in the best 
interests of the Company. The actual criteria and weighting will be 
reviewed annually to ensure they remain appropriate.

LTIP
Turning to the LTIP for 2017, the Committee does not plan to make 
any changes to the structure or operation of the plan, so the 
performance conditions will continue to be based on EPS and 
TSR performance (split 50:50). As in previous years, EPS is defined 
as being the fully diluted EPS after adjusting items and TSR is 
measured against constituents of the FTSE All Share index 
(excluding investment trusts). EPS target setting for the 2017 
awards is based on the same structure as last year and the range 
is unchanged (average annual EPS growth of 3 per cent to 
10 per cent) which the Committee considers to be appropriately 
challenging through the cycle. 

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

39

 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ remuneration report continued

In respect of Brian Taylorson stepping down as CFO, the Company 
served 12 months’ notice in accordance with Brian’s service 
contract, which will run to 16 May 2017. His 2014 LTIP award 
lapses as the performance conditions were not achieved and his 
2015 and 2016 awards will lapse on his leaving date. Since ceasing 
to hold office as CFO and a Director at the end of October 2016, 
Brian, who is available to the Board as required and remains 
under notice, has continued to receive his basic salary, contractual 
benefits and pension supplement. Brian provided support to 
Ralph on a full time basis until the end of November 2016 
to ensure a smooth transition. Consequently, the Committee 
decided to scale back his 2016 bonus entitlement by one month. 
Brian will not be participating in the 2017 bonus scheme or LTIP. 
Brian’s departure from office will result in no cost to the Company 
beyond paying contractual remuneration up until the date his 
contract ceases. Further details are included in the Annual report 
on remuneration. 

Summary
The Committee has considered at length the structure and 
operation of the incentive plans, as well as the target setting, 
and believe these to be challenging and appropriate, and in the 
past year reflected the transition to a new senior management 
team. The Committee is committed to maintaining appropriate 
and testing targets for the calculation of performance-related pay. 

On behalf of the Directors, I ask our shareholders to support 
the actions the Committee has taken.

This Directors’ remuneration report for 2016 was prepared by 
the Committee and has been approved by the Board.

Signed on behalf of the Board by:

Andrew Christie
Chairman, Remuneration Committee
1 March 2017 

Non-executive Director fees
The fee levels for all non-executive Directors (Chairman’s fee, 
basic fee and additional role fee) were reviewed in December 2016 
and the outcome, which received the full support of the Board, 
was to make the following adjustments:

 – Chairman: 2.9 per cent increase.

 – Basic fee: 2.9 per cent increase.

 – Additional role fee: 2.9 per cent increase.

The additional role fee applies only to the SID and the Chairman of 
the Audit or Remuneration Committee. 

CFO transition
Ongoing remuneration
As previously published on the Company’s website, Ralph Hewins’s 
starting remuneration package is as follows:

 – Basic salary: £325,000 p.a.

 – Benefits: as per policy.

 – Bonus opportunity: 125 per cent of basic salary (with 50 per cent 

share based deferral).

 – LTIP award: 175 per cent of basic salary.

 – Pension: salary supplement of 25 per cent of basic salary.

One of the Committee’s stated objectives is to rebalance the 
proportion of fixed to variable remuneration, to provide a greater 
incentive to the executive Directors to deliver strong, sustainable 
financial performance and enhanced returns to shareholders. 
This was reflected in both Paul Waterman’s and Ralph Hewins’s 
salary levels, which were positioned below their predecessors, 
and took other factors into consideration including incentive 
pay opportunities. 

Buyout awards
In addition, certain buyout awards were agreed to replace 
remuneration forfeited by Ralph when he left BP to join Elementis. 
These have also been published on our website previously and 
details are set out in the Annual report on remuneration.

Director departures
David Dutro retired as CEO last year and the Committee, having 
taken advice from New Bridge Street (‘NBS’), mitigated the cost 
to the Company by not making any payment in lieu of notice. 
Instead it exercised discretion under the rules of the Long Term 
Incentive Plan (‘LTIP’) to waive pro-rating for time in respect of 
the 2014 award, which was not expected to vest. As anticipated, 
the performance conditions for the 2014 LTIP awards were not 
met and these awards will lapse in full. David Dutro’s retirement 
from office resulted in no cost to the Company beyond paying 
contractual remuneration (fixed elements only) up until the date 
his employment ceased. 

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Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

 
Remuneration policy report 

Effective date and duration of remuneration policy
This part of the Directors’ remuneration report (the ‘Remuneration policy report’), which is mostly restated for reference purposes only 
(and updated where appropriate), sets out the remuneration policy for the Directors of the Company that was approved by shareholders 
at the 2015 AGM. The remuneration policy is effective for three years from 22 April 2015. 

Where the text in this Remuneration policy report is in bold and underlined, this shows a change in implementation different from last year 
(but within the approved policy), or an update or re-wording of the text from last year.

Policy table
The information in the table below sets out the remuneration policy for the different elements that make up total remuneration applying 
to Directors. 

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Basic salary
Purpose and link to Company's strategy

How it operates in practice

Maximum potential value

Targeted at a level to attract and retain the world class executives who are essential 
to drive the business forward and deliver the Company’s strategic goals. 
Formal salary review normally every three years, with benchmarking analysis utilised 
for reference purposes against relevant market comparators, as appropriate, taking into 
account the size of the Company (revenue and market capitalisation), complexity of the 
roles (including changes to both size and roles) and individual performance. 

Annual salary increases that are broadly in line with the local workforce (in percentage 
of salary terms), subject to Committee approval. 

Increases beyond the average of those granted to the local workforce (in percentage 
of salary terms) may be awarded in certain circumstances, such as where there is a 
material change in responsibility or experience of the individual, to recognise exceptional 
performance over a sustained period or a significant increase in the complexity, size or 
value of the Company.

Where new joiners or recent promotions have been placed on a below market rate 
of pay initially, a series of increases above those granted to the local workforce 
(in percentage of salary terms) may be given over the following few years subject to 
individual performance and development in the role.

Salaries are normally reviewed in December and any changes are effective from 
1 January in the following year.
There is no prescribed maximum for salary increases. The Committee will be guided 
by the general increase for the local workforce and/or broader workforce as a whole, 
as well as the circumstances listed above. 

Salaries for 2017:
CEO  $848,100
CFO  £334,425

Benefits

Purpose and link to Company’s strategy

To aid retention and to remain competitive in the marketplace.

How it operates in practice

Maximum potential value

Healthcare benefits in order to minimise business disruption. 

Executive Directors may also participate along with other employees in the Group’s 
HMRC approved SAYE or other equivalent savings based share schemes to share in the 
success of the Group.
Life assurance and private medical health insurance are provided. 

Provision of either a company car (for business and personal purposes) or a car 
allowance, in both cases having a value that is consistent and commensurate with the 
executive’s status and seniority.

Participation in all employee/savings based share option schemes as above.
In addition, benefits in the US, where it is standard, include cover for dental costs, 
accidental death and disablement, long term disability and club membership.
SAYE/savings based schemes are subject to individual limits. These are $2,000 per 
month in the US and in the UK up to the HMRC prescribed limit (£500 per month). 

Other benefits: the Committee will determine the level of benefit as it considers 
appropriate, taking into consideration local market practice.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

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Directors’ remuneration report continued

Remuneration policy report continued

Annual bonus scheme
Purpose and link to Company’s strategy

How it operates in practice

Maximum potential value

Framework used to assess performance

To incentivise the senior management team to exceed the annual operating plans 
approved by the Board at the start of each financial year.

To ensure that a significant proportion of an executive’s total remuneration is based 
on corporate/business financial performance that is linked to the Company’s annual 
operating plan.

To enable incentive pay to help build and maintain meaningful executive shareholdings 
thereby providing greater long term focus.
An annual bonus is earned based on over performance against selected performance 
measures which are linked to the Company’s key performance indicators, or the 
achievement of strategic and/or operational objectives.

Bonus payments are paid following the approval of full year results. Payments are based 
on salaries at the time of payment. 

Bonus deferral element: 50 per cent of any cash bonus payable must be awarded in 
shares and deferred for two years. Dividends to accrue to deferred share award holders 
(or holders of conditional share awards). Deferred shares or conditional awards are 
forfeitable for gross misconduct (dismissal for cause). 

The Committee may seek recovery and/or withholding of bonuses paid that are later 
found to have been based on performance that was mis-stated or incorrectly calculated, 
or where the amount of any bonus may have been reduced or withheld due to reasons 
of gross misconduct. Recovery and withholding provisions will apply from awards made 
in 2015 and apply for a period of three years following payment of any bonus. Detailed 
provisions are incorporated into the rules of the various schemes which govern the 
terms of a bonus payment and or the making of any deferred share or conditional award. 
CEO: 150 per cent of basic salary.
CFO: 125 per cent of basic salary.

A higher annual bonus limit of 200 per cent of basic salary may apply for new recruits.
The performance measure(s) will be based mainly on financial performance although the 
Committee reserves the right to select other qualitative or non-financial targets (including 
the basis of their measurement) as it considers to be appropriate and which are aligned 
to the Company’s strategic objectives for the year ahead.

The financial element of the bonus may include (but are not limited to) the Company’s 
key performance indicators which include:

 – Profit before tax or other measures of profitability.
 – Group average trade working capital to sales ratio expressed as a percentage 

(‘AWC’) or other cash flow indicators.

Targets for financial metrics are set relative to the annual operating plan, taking into 
account general GDP factors, external market data, current and past performance of 
the business, together with any organic or acquisitive growth plans.

For any profit related metric, targets will be set at threshold, plan and stretch levels and 
the amount payable for threshold performance shall be determined by the Committee 
each year when reviewing annual bonus plans and approving bonus scheme targets.

The Committee keeps performance metrics under review on an annual basis to ensure 
they continue to remain appropriate and has the discretion to introduce new metrics or 
remove existing ones and amend their relative weightings. As a result, the performance 
metrics and weightings may vary in line with the Company’s evolving strategy during 
the life of the policy. The profit related element of annual bonus shall not be less than 
50 per cent of the overall bonus opportunity.

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Long term incentives
Purpose and link to Company’s strategy

How it operates in practice

Maximum potential value

Framework used to assess performance

The LTIP is the sole long term incentive mechanism and is intended to align the interests 
of the executives with the Group’s long term performance, business strategy and 
broader interests of shareholders.

When granting awards under the LTIP the Committee generally takes into consideration 
the need to motivate and retain the executive Directors and other participants.

The number of options/conditional shares awarded, up to the maximum limit, 
is based on the average mid-market closing price of a share on the date preceding 
the date of award.
Nil cost options or conditional shares are awarded annually. Options are exercisable 
three years from, and within ten years of, the date of award. Share awards vest on the 
third anniversary of the date of award. 

A post-vesting holding period of two years will apply to annual awards granted 
from 2015.

For US participants (e.g. the CEO) the award of conditional shares may be structured in 
the form of restricted stock units in order to comply with US tax rules on deferred 
compensation particularly in view of the holding period being introduced. 

Recovery and withholding provisions similar to those described in respect of annual 
bonus payments but relating to the vesting of LTIP awards will apply from 2015 awards. 

Dividend rights: dividends will accrue during the three year performance period in 
respect of LTIP awards to the extent that they vest. In the case of awards structured as 
nil cost options, dividends payable would only be paid when the options are exercised 
and when the employee becomes the beneficial owner of the shares.

Tax rules mean US participants will generally exercise and sell at least part of any 
options/shares that vest on the date of vesting, in order to meet tax liabilities. This will 
continue to be our practice for options/shares not subject to the holding period.
Awards are subject to the achievement of challenging performance conditions and 
normally subject to continued service over the vesting period. 
CEO: 200 per cent of basic salary at the time of the award.
CFO: 175 per cent of basic salary at the time of the award.

A higher limit of 250 per cent of basic salary may apply to annual awards made 
to new recruits.
Awards are subject to achievement of financial (EPS, ROCE or any other relevant 
Company financial KPI) and/or relative TSR performance conditions measured over 
three financial years beginning with the financial year in which the award is made. 
TSR will be measured against the constituents of a broad equity index, or a bespoke 
group of appropriate comparator companies. 

In determining the target range for any financial measures that may apply, 
the Committee ensures they are challenging by taking into account current and 
anticipated trading conditions, the long term business plan and external market data. 
For any financial performance condition, threshold vesting will start from 0 per cent and 
for any relative TSR performance condition, threshold vesting will start at 3.85 per cent. 
In both cases this will increase on a straight line basis with 100 per cent vesting for 
achieving the stretch targets, which for the TSR performance condition will require at 
least upper quartile performance.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

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Directors’ remuneration report continued

Remuneration policy report continued

Pension
Purpose and link to Company’s strategy

To aid retention and remain competitive in the marketplace.

How it operates in practice

To provide appropriate retirement benefits commensurate with local market practice, 
seniority of the role and tenure with the Company.
Policy for new recruits is a contribution to a non-Company pension scheme and/or cash 
in lieu.

The policy for the CEO and the CFO is set out below.

CEO
An annual salary supplement of 20 per cent of basic salary and, for US employees, 
participation in two defined contribution schemes being: (i) a US 401(k) Plan, which is 
similar to a money purchase scheme, and (ii) a Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation 
Plan (the ‘Defined Contribution plans’). The latter plan mirrors the 401(k) Plan except 
it allows for contributions in respect of pensionable remuneration over an annual 
compensation limit set by the US Internal Revenue Service (2016: $265,000). 
The employer match under these two plans includes a regular match of up to 4 per cent 
of total pensionable remuneration and a supplemental match of up to 4 per cent, based 
on age and length of service.

CFO
An annual salary supplement of 25 per cent of basic salary.

Maximum potential value

The policy for new executives is for a Company contribution of up to 30 per cent 
of salary. 

Share ownership guidelines

Purpose and link to Company’s strategy

How it operates in practice

Non-executive Chairman and Directors’ fees

Purpose and link to Company’s strategy

How it operates in practice

Under the policy the maximum for the CEO is 20 per cent of his salary and up to 
8 per cent of pensionable remuneration depending on the amount of personal 
contributions made into the Defined Contribution plans.

The maximum for the CFO is an annual salary supplement of 25 per cent of his 
basic salary.

Legacy arrangements exist for existing employees.

To align an executive’s interests with those of shareholders and to encourage executives 
to participate and share in the long term success of the Group.
Executive Directors are expected to build up a shareholding in the Company that is 
equal in value to 200 per cent of their basic annual salaries.

Shares vesting from share awards, or transferred pursuant to an exercise of any option, 
granted under any share incentive or employee share saving scheme may not be sold 
(other than to meet a tax liability) until the above shareholding level has been met.

The Committee monitors compliance with these guidelines and can make changes to 
them from time to time.

To attract individuals with the relevant skills, knowledge and experience that the Board 
considers necessary in order to maintain an optimal mix that ensures the effectiveness 
of the Board as a whole in carrying out its duties and responsibilities.
Non-executive Directors’ fees are determined by the Chairman and the executive 
Directors, having regard to fees paid to non-executive Directors in other UK quoted 
companies and the time commitment and responsibilities of the role. 

In the case of the Chairman, the fee level is determined by the Committee. As well as 
taking into consideration the above factors, the Committee sets the fee at an appropriate 
level necessary to attract a role holder qualified to effectively lead the board of a 
company of a similar size and prestige as Elementis.

Fees will be reviewed annually with changes taking effect from 1 January in the 
following year. 

Fees are payable in cash and non-executive Directors are not eligible to participate in 
any pension, bonus or share incentive schemes. No individual is allowed to vote on his/
her own remuneration.

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Differences in executive remuneration policy compared 
to other employees
The Committee is made aware of pay structures across the wider 
Group when setting the remuneration policy for executive Directors. 
The Committee considers the general basic salary increase for the 
broader Group and, in particular the employees based in the US, 
UK and Europe, when determining salary increases for the 
executive Directors.

The same principles and values behind the design of remuneration 
for the executive Directors apply to other members of the 
leadership team and employees throughout the rest of the Group, 
with modifications to reflect local market practice and the level 
of seniority and ability to influence Group performance. Overall, 
the remuneration policy for executive Directors is more heavily 
weighted towards variable pay than for other employees. This 
ensures that there is a clear link between the value created for 
shareholders and the remuneration received by the executive 
Directors given it is the executive Directors who are considered to 
have the greatest potential to influence shareholder value creation.

The level of variable pay varies by level of employee within the 
Group and is informed by the specific responsibilities of each role 
and local market practice as appropriate.

How the views of employees are taken into account
The Group does not actively consult with employees on executive 
remuneration. The Group has a diverse workforce operating in 
nine different countries, with various local pay practices, 
which would make any cost effective consultation impractical. 
However, as noted above, when setting the remuneration policy 
for executive Directors, the Committee takes into account the 
pay and employment conditions for other employees in the Group. 
This process ensures that any annual increase to the basic pay 
of executive Directors is not out of proportion with that proposed 
for other employees.

Link between policy, strategy and structure 
The remuneration policy is principally designed to attract, motivate 
and retain the executive Directors and other members of the 
leadership team to execute effectively our corporate and business 
strategies in order to deliver our annual operating plans and 
sustainable year on year profitable growth, as well as to generate 
and preserve value for our shareholders over the longer term, 
without encouraging excessive levels of risk taking. The principles 
and values that underpin our remuneration strategy are applied on 
a consistent basis for all our Group employees.

It is our policy to reward all employees fairly, responsibly and by 
reference to local market practices, by providing an appropriate 
balance between fixed and variable remuneration. 

The Committee’s policy is to adequately reward the Directors if they 
meet or exceed the targets set under the variable components of 
their remuneration packages. 

The remuneration structure for executive Directors is made up 
of two elements: fixed remuneration (consisting of basic salary, 
benefits including for example non-contributory health insurance 
and life assurance and pension provision), and variable 
remuneration (annual bonus scheme and long term share 
incentives). 

Choice of performance measures and approach  
to target setting
The performance metrics that are used for annual bonus and long 
term incentive plans are drawn from a suite of Company KPIs 
monitored by the Board that are closely linked to the financial KPIs 
on page 16.

In the annual bonus scheme, the financial measures currently used 
include PBT and AWC. PBT (defined as reported Group profit 
before tax, after adjusting items) is a clear measure of the 
Company’s trading performance and AWC encourages the most 
efficient use of working capital and ensures earnings are converted 
into cash. These metrics are aligned with the Company’s objectives 
and strategy. Since 2016 non-financial criteria have formed 
a component of the performance measures in the bonus 
scheme and these can be based on Company specific 
business objectives, such as the achievement of specific 
strategic or operational goals including metrics that 
take account of business or corporate performance in 
environmental, social and governance areas and typically 
incorporate specific HSE related targets or objectives. 

With regards to long term performance targets, EPS growth or 
ROCE targets may be used and these are aligned with the long 
term levels of shareholder value creation and growth of the 
Company. A relative TSR condition ensures that there is clear 
alignment between shareholders and executives. 

Where appropriate, targets are set based on sliding scales that 
take account of internal planning and external data. Only modest 
rewards are available for delivering performance at threshold levels 
or above with maximum rewards requiring outperformance of our 
challenging plans approved at the start of each year.

The Committee keeps the EPS target range under annual review, 
for each new award, to ensure it continues to remain appropriate.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

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Directors’ remuneration report continued

Remuneration policy report continued
Reward scenario analysis

CEO
£’000

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

42%

31%

41%

27%

33%

24%

43%

100%

Fixed

On target

Maximum

CFO
£’000

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

31%
22%

47%

41%

40%

29%

31%

On target

Maximum

100%

Fixed

Fixed

Annual bonus

LTIP

Fixed

Annual bonus

LTIP

The bar charts above illustrate the potential pay opportunities for executive Directors under three different scenarios for 2017. The CEO’s 
remuneration has been converted into pounds sterling using the average exchange rate for 2016 ($1.3649:£1.00).

 – Fixed: Comprises fixed pay being the value of salary, benefits and pension (benefits are included at an annualised level for 2016 and for 

the CEO, the employer’s matching contributions to Defined Contribution plans are included at the estimated level of 4.5 per cent 
of salary).

 – On target: The amount receivable assumes performance in which 50 per cent of annual bonus is payable and 50 per cent of long term 

incentive awards vest. 

 – Maximum: the maximum amount receivable should all stretch targets be met and vesting under both the annual bonus scheme and LTIP 

is 100 per cent.

When valuing the LTIP awards under the ‘On target’ and ‘Maximum’ scenarios, these are based on face value as a percentage of salary. 
The LTIPs also relate to awards to be made in 2017 rather than any awards vesting in 2017. For example, if the level of award for the CEO 
is 200 per cent of basic salary, then the ‘On-target’ scenario assumes that 50 per cent will vest and that value is included in the chart 
illustration. LTIPs exclude any dividend rights and excludes buy-out awards. 

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

Element
Basic salary

Benefits

Pension

Annual bonus

Policy
Basic salary levels will be set in accordance with the Company’s remuneration policy, taking into account 
the experience and calibre of the individual (e.g. typically around market rates prevalent in companies of 
comparable size and complexity) or salary levels may be set below this level (e.g. 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 following few years subject to individual performance and 
development in the role.
New Directors may be entitled to benefits such as life assurance, private medical health insurance, cover for 
dental costs, accidental death and disablement, long term disability and provision of either a company car 
(for business and personal purposes) or a car allowance, or any other appropriate benefit. 

Where necessary the Committee may approve the payment of reasonable relocation expenses to facilitate 
recruitment for a maximum period of 12 months. 
A Company contribution into a pension plan and/or cash supplement of up to 30 per cent of salary. 

Legacy pension arrangements for promotees which may include defined benefit or US style arrangements may 
continue to operate on their existing terms.
The annual bonus would operate as outlined for current executive Directors but to aid recruitment where 
necessary the maximum bonus opportunity is 200 per cent of basic salary. Bonus will be pro-rated for the 
proportion of the year served. Depending on the timing and responsibilities of the appointment it may be 
necessary to set different performance measures and targets initially.

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Element
Long term incentives Awards under the LTIP will be granted in line with the policy outlined for the current executive Directors on an 

Policy

annual basis but to aid recruitment where necessary the maximum award is 250 per cent of basic salary. 

Buy out awards

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. In addition, if the grant of awards for that individual precedes his or her 
appointment as a Board Director for that financial year, the Committee’s policy would include flexibility to top 
up awards for that year (subject to the overall individual salary limit) based on the executive’s new salary.
In the case of an external hire, 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) and timing and expected value (i.e. likelihood of meeting any existing performance criteria) of the 
remuneration being forfeited.

Replacement share awards may be granted using the Company’s LTIP (up to the individual limit) or outside of 
the LTIP if necessary and as permitted under the Listing Rules.

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Outside board appointments
The Company’s policy is to support an executive should they wish 
to take on an external board appointment, provided that there 
is no conflict of interest and the role does not interfere with the 
executive’s commitment or duties. If an executive does take on 
an external appointment they may retain any fees paid and will be 
restricted generally to only one such external appointment.

Service contracts
Executive Directors’ service contracts contain a termination notice 
period not exceeding 12 months.

Name
Date of contract*
Paul Waterman, CEO 6 November 2015
27 June 2016
Ralph Hewins, CFO 

Notice period
12 months
12 months

* 

 The date of the service contract is not the same as the date of 
appointment which for Paul Waterman was 8 February 2016 and 
Ralph Hewins 12 September 2016.

Copies of the executive Directors’ service contracts are available 
for inspection at the Company’s registered office during normal 
business hours and will be available for inspection at the AGM. 

Policy on payment for loss of office
For the executive Directors, the terms covering termination were 
agreed at the date their contracts were made and both are required 
to mitigate their loss in the event of loss of office by making efforts 
to secure a new position. Payments in lieu of notice to both the 
CEO and CFO may be reduced or ceased if either secures a 
new position. In both cases, the payments will only be ceased 
if the salary in a new position is equal to or more than the 
salary on termination; if not the monthly payments will be 
reduced by the gross salary earned by the CEO or CFO in his 
new position each month. 

It is the Company’s policy to follow current market practice and 
preclude the inclusion of any payment (benefits, bonus or pension) 
other than basic salary in the calculation of termination payments 
and a notice period of 12 months. Payments will be phased on a 
monthly basis over the remaining notice period. 

Termination payments 
CEO and CFO
The maximum amount payable under both the CEO’s and CFO’s 
contract is basic salary, benefits and pension for 12 months while 
each serves his notice period. 

The Company may pay compensation in lieu of the notice period 
of his basic salary only, to be paid in monthly instalments (pro-rated 
for the actual notice period). This would apply if the Company 
terminates his contract for any reason other than for cause, 
or if he serves notice to terminate his contract in 12 months’ time. 

Any entitlement to a bonus for any part of a financial year worked 
(including any period of notice worked) prior to cessation of 
employment is subject to the rules of the scheme and subject 
to performance. No bonus is payable for any period of notice 
not worked.

The above summary only addresses contractual rights to payments 
in lieu of notice, or during the relevant Director’s notice period, 
and may not reflect any settlement or compromise sums which are 
separately agreed at the point of termination.

Committee discretion with regard to incentive plans
For any outstanding LTIP awards these are governed by rules of 
the plan and only in limited circumstances is discretion permitted. 
In such circumstances, the Committee retains the use of discretion 
in its administration of the LTIP as contained in the plan rules.

In the specific event of loss of office any discretion exercised would 
depend on the circumstances at that time and the performance 
achieved during the performance period. In the event of the death 
of an executive Director and an award has not yet vested the 
Committee, acting in its absolute discretion, may determine vesting 
from maturity rather than date of death. If an executive Director 
ceases employment due to injury, ill health, disability, redundancy 
within the meaning of UK legislation or its overseas equivalent, 
transfer out of the Group/sale of business or retirement with 
employer’s consent (a ‘Good Leaver’ event) and an award has 
not yet vested the Committee, acting in its absolute discretion, 
may allow early vesting at the date of cessation rather than at date 
of vesting. All such awards would still be subject to performance 
conditions, which the Committee may not waive, as well as 
pro-rating for time which the Committee, acting fairly and 
reasonably, may waive in part or in full if it considers acting fairly 
and reasonably it is appropriate to do so.

Similar provisions apply in the event of a change of control, with 
performance measured up to the date of the relevant event and 
normally scaling back pro-rated for time.

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Non-executive Directors’ terms of appointment
Non-executive Directors are appointed for a three year term, 
subject to annual re-election by shareholders. For non-executive 
Directors who have served for nine years or more, they may be 
appointed for a further year at a time. Each letter of appointment 
provides that the Director’s appointment can be terminated by 
the Company on six months’ notice on any grounds without claim 
for compensation. 

Non-executive Directors are not eligible to participate in any 
pension, bonus or share incentive schemes. No individual is 
allowed to vote on his/her own remuneration.

The table below provides further details of the letters of 
appointment that the non-executive Directors held with the 
Company during 2016.

Date of 
appointment

Name
Non-executive Directors
A Duff
A Christie
S Good
A Hyland
N Salmon

01/04/14
11/08/08
20/10/14
01/06/13
20/10/14

Date of last 
re-appointment

Date of 
expiry

N/A
11/08/14
N/A
01/06/16
N/A

25/04/17
10/08/17
19/10/17
31/05/19
19/10/17

Copies of all letters of appointment of non-executive Directors 
are available for inspection at the Company’s registered office 
during normal business hours and will be available for inspection 
at the AGM.

Shareholder engagement
The Committee encourages dialogue with the Company’s 
shareholders and would consult with major shareholders and 
shareholder representative bodies ahead of any significant future 
changes to remuneration policy. 

Remuneration policy report 
continued

It is the Committee’s policy to exercise these discretions in a way 
that would be in the best interests of the Company and depending 
on the individual circumstances of each case. 

The Company operates an annual cash bonus scheme in which 
participation and payments are made subject to the discretion 
of the Committee. It is the Committee’s policy to exercise any 
discretion in the Company’s best interests and depending on the 
individual circumstances of each case. 

Following the introduction of bonus deferral requirements, the rules 
of the annual bonus scheme have been amended to incorporate 
the deferral requirement as well as recovery and withholding 
provisions as summarised in the remuneration policy table. 
The rules will include discretion for the Committee, acting fairly 
and reasonably, to waive deferral on the occurrence of a Good 
Leaver event. 

Under the amended rules of the LTIP, the holding period will apply 
to all participants who receive awards unless the Committee 
determines otherwise in its discretion, for example for awards 
made to below Board level participants. The holding period will 
expire on the earlier of two years and the date of specific events, 
such as a Good Leaver event or a change of control, although the 
Committee does have discretion to end the holding period for any 
other reason. This discretion will not be applied in a way that 
creates adverse tax consequences for US participants.

For US participants, grants under the LTIP and Deferred Share 
Bonus Plan will be treated as ‘restricted stock units’ so as to result 
in deferral of US income taxation until the shares are delivered to 
the participants. However, US social security tax will apply to the 
value of the grants at vesting (but not again on delivery of the 
shares). In order to avoid adverse US tax consequences, certain of 
the LTIP and Deferred Share Bonus Plan rules otherwise applicable 
to the holding/deferral period have been modified for US 
participants (e.g. delivery of shares will result from any separation 
from service of the Company and its affiliates regardless of Good 
Leaver status).

Legacy matters
Legacy awards or other commitments prior to the approval by 
shareholders of this policy report on 22 April 2015, including 
those made prior to 27 June 2012 but not modified or renewed 
after that date, to current or former Directors may still be paid 
notwithstanding that they have only been incorporated by reference 
and not been fully described in this Remuneration policy report. 
These legacy awards and commitments comprise the LTIP 
awards made in 2014, as more fully described in the ‘Annual report 
on remuneration’.

48

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Annual report on remuneration 

This Annual report on remuneration shows how the Company’s 
policies and practices on Directors’ remuneration will be applied in 
2017 and how they were applied in relation to payments in respect 
of the financial year ended 2016. This report and the Chairman’s 
annual statement on remuneration will be put to an advisory 
shareholder vote at the 2017 AGM.

The Committee considers that the bonus targets are commercially 
sensitive and therefore plans to disclose them only on a 
retrospective basis in next year’s Directors’ remuneration report.
Bonus payments are based on salaries at the time of payment.

All employee share plans
Executive Directors will be entitled to participate in any all employee 
share plans on the same terms as any other eligible employee. 

Implementation of remuneration policy for 2017
This first section of the Annual report on remuneration describes 
how the Committee intends to implement the remuneration policy 
for the financial year ending 31 December 2017.

LTIP
For the year to 31 December 2017, the CEO’s and the CFO’s 
awards will be 200 per cent and 175 per cent, respectively, of their 
basic salaries.

Basic salaries
The Committee considered carefully salary increases for 2017 and 
decided to award Paul Waterman and Ralph Hewins each a salary 
increase as shown in the table below, which is consistent with the 
average increase last year for the respective US and UK workforce. 

The performance targets that are intended to apply to the awards 
to be granted in the current year are the same as for 2016 in 
respect of both the EPS and TSR conditions, which are capable 
of paying out independently. For definitions, see page 39. 

Salary as at 
1 January 2017
$848,100
£334,425

Paul Waterman
Ralph Hewins
*  or date of appoinment if later

Salary as at  

1 January 2016
$825,000*
£325,000*

Increase
2.8%
2.9%

Pension and benefits
For the year to 31 December 2017, Paul Waterman and Ralph 
Hewins will receive the benefits set out in the Remuneration 
policy report. 

For the EPS condition, the chart shows that awards will vest on a 
linear scale from 0 per cent to 100 per cent for average annual EPS 
growth of 3 per cent to 10 per cent, respectively (2016: 3 per cent 
to 10 per cent). The EPS growth range has taken into account an 
assumption of the global inflationary environment and the range 
selected provides a strong link to the business strategy and is set 
at a level which the Committee considers to be appropriately 
challenging through the cycle.

Vesting schedule: EPS performance condition
Percentage of award subject to EPS performance vesting

Information concerning Brian Taylorson’s remuneration in 2017 
is set out on page 57.

Annual bonus
The maximum bonus opportunity will be 150 per cent of basic 
salary for Paul Waterman and 125 per cent of basic salary for 
Ralph Hewins. 

100

80

60

40

20

100% vesting 
above 10% p.a.

Any bonus will be payable dependent on the achievement of 
financial and non-financial performance targets split 70:30. 
Of the financial elements these will have the following weights: 
PBT 50 per cent and AWC 20 per cent (relative to total bonus 
opportunity). PBT is defined as reported Group profit before tax, 
after adjusting items, and AWC is the 12 month average working 
capital to sales ratio expressed as a percentage. For both the PBT 
and AWC conditions, targets will be set on a sliding scale with the 
threshold, plan and stretch targets set at levels considered to be 
sufficiently challenging and bonus accrual at these levels under 
both conditions are 0 per cent, 50 per cent and 100 per cent, 
respectively, and linear in between. 

For Paul Waterman and Ralph Hewins, the non-financial 
performance measures, which will be specific, measurable and 
objective, are linked to the achievement of Company specific 
objectives that are based on the strategic priorities set out at the 
Capital Markets Day held in November last year.

Each of the performance elements (PBT, AWC and non-financial 
objectives) is separate and capable of paying out independently. 
The Committee has discretion to modify the overall amount of 
bonus payable in exceptional circumstances and acting in the best 
interests of the Company.

No vesting
below 3% p.a.

0

2% 3% 4% 5% 6% 7% 8% 9% 10% 11% 12%

Average EPS growth (% p.a.)

For the TSR condition, the chart shows that awards will vest on a 
linear scale from 3.85 per cent to 100 per cent for median to upper 
quartile performance, respectively. The TSR condition will be 
measured against the companies comprising the FTSE All Share 
Index (excluding investment trusts).

Vesting schedule: TSR performance condition
Percentage of award subject to TSR performance vesting

100

80

60

40

20

0

No vesting
below Median

3.85% vesting 
at Median

100% vesting 
at Upper quartile 
or better

Median
Elementis’s position relative to the FTSE All Share Index 
(excluding investment trusts)

Upper quartile

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

49

 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ remuneration report continued

Annual report on remuneration continued 

Non-executive Directors’ remuneration
For the year to 31 December 2017, the fees payable to the Chairman and non-executive Directors will be as shown below:

Chairman 
Non-executive Director
Additional fees: 
Senior Independent Director
Chairman of Audit or Remuneration Committee
Fees were increased by 2.9 per cent in line with the UK salaried workforce increase in 2016. 

2017 
£
180,075
47,330

8,230
8,230

2016 
£
175,000
46,000

8,000
8,000

Remuneration payable to Directors for 2016 (audited)
Although the Company reports its results in US dollars the remainder of this report on remuneration is presented in pounds sterling 
because the majority of the Directors are UK based and paid in pounds sterling. 

A breakdown of the Directors’ emoluments for the year ended 31 December 2016 is set out in the table below. 

£’000
Executive Directors
Paul Waterman, CEO1

Ralph Hewins, CFO2

Past Directors
David Dutro3

Brian Taylorson4

Non-executive Directors
Andrew Duff (Chairman)

Andrew Christie

Steve Good

Anne Hyland 

Nick Salmon

Total
Total
Notes
1 

Fixed

  Performance related

Year

Salary/fees

Benefits

Pension

Sub-total

Bonus

LTIP

Sub-total

Total

2016
2015
2016
2015

2016
2015
2016
2015

2016
2015
2016
2015
2016
2015
2016
2015
2016
2015
2016
2015

541
–
100
–

73
571
290
338

175
175
54
54
46
46
54
54
54
54
1,387
1,292

39
–
10
–

7
25
18
20

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
74
45

140
–
25
–

18
167
87
238

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
270
405

720
–
135
–

98
763
395
596

175
175
54
54
46
46
54
54
54
54
1,731
1,742

230
–
38
–

–
–
119
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
387
–

505
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
505
–

735
–
38
–

–
–
119
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
892
–

1,455
–
173
–

98
763
514
596

175
175
54
54
46
46
54
54
54
54
2,623
1,742

 Paul Waterman, who was appointed CEO on 8 February 2016, is based in the US and paid in US dollars. He received an annual salary of $825,000 
(2015: nil). His pension comprises 20 per cent of his salary and employer contributions to defined contribution pension schemes. All remuneration shown 
has been pro-rated for his 8 February 2016 start date (where relevant). FX used is the 2016 average rate of $1.3649:£1.00. Bonus shown is equivalent to 
42.5 per cent of salary. The LTIPs relate to the tranche of his buyout award that vests on 7 March 2017 and has been valued using the average share price 
for the three months ended 31 December 2016 and based on 91.2 per cent vesting. 
 Ralph Hewins was appointed CFO-Designate and a Director on 12 September 2016 and CFO on 1 November 2016. His pension is made up of a salary 
supplement of 25 per cent. All remuneration shown has been pro-rated for his 12 September 2016 start date (where relevant). Bonus shown is equivalent 
to 38.0 per cent of salary.
 David Dutro, who was CEO until 7 February 2016, was based in the US and paid in US dollars. He received an annual salary of $875,500 (2015: 
$875,500). His pension comprises 20 per cent of his salary and employer contributions to defined contribution pension schemes. All remuneration shown 
has been pro-rated to 7 February 2016. LTIP value assumes that the 2014 awards will lapse in full.
 Brian Taylorson was CFO until 31 October 2016 and worked on a full time basis until the end of November 2016. His pension in 2016 comprised a salary 
supplement of 30 per cent of his salary. Bonus shown is equivalent to 41.0 per cent of salary and has been pro-rated to 30 November 2016. All other 
remuneration shown has been pro-rated to 31 October 2016. LTIP value assumes the 2014 awards will lapse in full.

2 

3 

4 

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Determination of annual bonus outcome for performance in 2016 
This section shows the performance targets set in respect of the 2016 annual bonus scheme, the level of performance achieved and the 
amount of bonus payable to Directors. 

Full year bonus
Max as % salary (pro-rated)
PBT ($ million)
AWC (%)
Non-financial
Total full year payment

FY 2016 bonus plan targets

Percentage vesting

Relative 
weighting of
performance 
conditions

56%
14%
30%
100%

Threshold

Plan

Stretch

108.1
–
–

116.8
21.6
–

122.8
–
–

Actual
result

89.7
22.1
–

Paul 
Waterman
CEO
134.43
nil %
nil %
27.5%
27.5%

Ralph 
Hewins
CFO
37.91
nil %
nil %
30%
30%

Brian 
Taylorson
Past
 Director1
114.41
nil %
nil %
30%
30%

1  David Dutro, who served as CEO until 7 February 2016, did not participate in the 2016 bonus plan.

No bonus became payable for the PBT and Average Working Capital elements of the bonus plan. However, certain non-financial 
objectives were achieved as follows: 

Paul Waterman
Key personal objectives included: (i) initiating a strategy review and developing a strategic plan for reigniting growth at the Company 
over the medium term; (ii) restructuring the leadership team and aligning it behind the delivery of the strategic plan; (iii) identifying the 
organisational and resourcing needs and developing a succession and development plan for key management roles; and (iv) reviewing 
and improving accountabilities for operational risk and improving health and safety performance in the Group.

Achievements included: (i) the completion of a strategic review culminating in widespread acceptance at a Capital Markets Day with focus 
on growth in Personal Care and Asia; (ii) initiating the implemention of KAM and the development of a globally coordinated supply chain; 
and (iii) the reshaping and implementation of a new leadership structure, with globalised functions such as marketing and R&D, supported 
by a new performance management system and the ‘on-boarding’ of a new CFO. Performance fell short of expectations on health and 
safety performance in relation to the targets for reduced total recordable injuries and Lost Time Accidents. The Committee determined 
that in the light of the above achievements and the strong performance in the role, 27.5 per cent out of 30 per cent should become 
payable in respect of the non-financial element of the bonus plan.

Ralph Hewins
Key personal objectives included: (i) managing an effective hand over process with the retiring CFO; (ii) designing a new finance 
organisation to support the business in the delivery of its strategy and of its operating model; and (iii) supporting the CEO and leadership 
team in the delivery of the Capital Markets Day.

Achievements included: (i) getting up to speed quickly on the control environment and the financial support needs of the business;  
(ii) leading the preparation for, and helping to present, a well received Capital Markets Day; and (iii) aligning the internal audit programme 
with business priorities and risks, as well as delivering a smooth year end process with appropriate support and engagement for a newly 
appointed external auditor. After the year end, Ralph also contributed significantly in the acquisition of SummitReheis, including arranging 
the appropriate and most cost effective debt in support of the transaction. The Committee determined that Ralph had made an excellent 
contribution to the above objectives and should receive the full 30 per cent award in respect of the non-financial element of the bonus plan.

Brian Taylorson
Key personal objectives included: (i) assisting the CEO to develop a strategic growth plan; (ii) developing relationships between the CEO 
and the wider investment, financial and adviser community; and (iii) effecting a smooth transition to Ralph Hewins as CFO. The Committee 
determined that Brian has achieved in full all of the objectives he was set and, accordingly, all 30 per cent should become payable in 
respect of the non-financial element of the bonus plan. 

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

51

 
 
 
 
Directors’ remuneration report continued

Annual report on remuneration continued 

Directors’ share based awards
Determination of 2014 LTIP awards
Of the Directors in place during the year, only David Dutro and Brian Taylorson held awards made in 2014, shown in the table on page 55 
headed ‘Directors’ scheme interests’. These awards have a vesting date of 1 April 2017. The performance conditions (EPS and TSR, 
split 50:50) relate to performance over the three financial years ended 31 December 2016. Under the EPS condition, all of the awards 
subject to that condition would have vested in full if EPS grew during the three financial years ended 2016 by an average of RPI 
+10 per cent p.a. or more. Under the TSR condition, all of the awards subject to that condition would have vested in full if the Company’s 
TSR performance (against the FTSE All Share index excluding investment trusts) in the three financial years ended 31 December 2016 was 
at or above upper quartile. Over the performance period, the Company’s EPS growth did not achieve the minimum growth threshold and 
its TSR performance was 9 per cent which placed it at the 42nd percentile of companies in the FTSE All Share index. Accordingly, none of 
the 2014 awards will vest on 1 April 2017 and the LTIP component of the total remuneration figure in the table on page 50 is valued at nil. 

Buyout awards in respect of Paul Waterman’s recruitment 
The Committee agreed to make replacement awards to Paul Waterman (as explained in last year’s report) with a value of c.$1.5 million, 
representing all equity related remuneration being forfeited by him on joining Elementis. Two tranches of awards of restricted stock units 
(‘RSUs’) were made on 7 March 2016, each over 225,645 ordinary shares in Elementis. 

Within each tranche was a portion (57.5 per cent or 129,745 shares) that was subject only to a service requirement of one or two 
years from the date of award (reflecting a minimum vesting value of the forfeited awards). The balance of the award (42.5 per cent 
or 95,900 shares) in each tranche was subject to performance conditions based on the following metrics: financial (cash) targets 
(30 per cent weight), operational (HSE) targets (30 per cent weight) and specific business objectives related to cost and talent 
management (40 per cent weight). These metrics were in nature similar and equivalently challenging to those of the forfeited awards. 

The first tranche is due to vest on 7 March 2017 and based on the performance assessment (where applicable), 91.2 per cent of this 
award will vest, equivalent to 205,793 shares. 

Details of the buyout awards and the performance outcome relating to tranche 1 are shown below.

Grant date

Type of  
share award
Award
Tranche 1 Nil cost option 07.03.16
(restricted 
stock unit)
Tranche 2 Nil cost option 07.03.16
(restricted 
stock unit)

Face value  
of award  
at grant 
(£000s)1
519

Number  
of awards
225,645

225,645

519

A summary of 
performance 
End of the 
targets and 
vesting 
measures
period
07.03.2017 As above

07.03.2018 As above

Percentage that would vest  
at threshold performance
57.5% of the award is subject to a time 
service condition only, reflecting 
a minimum vesting value of the forfeited 
awards. Of the 42.5% of the 
award subject to performance 
conditions, 30% is subject to 
cash targets where threshold vesting 
is 2/3rds and threshold vesting for the 
remaining performance conditions (which 
are all non-financial objectives) vary.

1 

 The share price used to determine the number of awards granted was 230.20 pence, being the average mid-market closing share price on the dealing day 
preceding the date of grant.

Tranche 1 overall vesting outcome
57.5 per cent or 129,745 shares: service only condition – will be met: per cent vesting, 100 per cent or 129,745 shares.
42.5 per cent or 95,900 shares: performance conditions (as below) – partially achieved: per cent vesting, 79.3 per cent or 76,048 shares. 
100 per cent or 225,645 shares: per cent vesting in total; 91.2 per cent or 205,793 shares.

Performance related outcome (in respect of 42.5 per cent of the award or 95,900 shares)
Cash targets $m (30% weight)

Threshold
73.2

Payout 
20%

Plan
78.3

Payout
25%

Stretch
83.2

Payout
30%

Result
77.5

Payout
24.3%

HSE targets (30% weight)

Goals
Environmental performance in 2016 vs set metrics
Safety performance in 2016 vs set metrics

Payout
15%
15%

Result
Achieved
Did not achieve

Payout
15%
nil

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Business operational targets (40% weight)

Goals
Business segment and central cost targets
Talent management and succession planning objectives

Total performance elements achieved:

Payout
20%
20%

Result
Achieved
Achieved

Payout
20%
20%

79.3%

Tranche 2 performance measures
Similar cash, HSE and operational objectives were set in respect of the tranche 2 awards and, as these are considered commercially 
sensitive, they will be disclosed in next year’s remuneration report. 

Buyout awards in respect of Ralph Hewins’s recruitment 
As previously published on the Company’s website, buyout or replacement awards were agreed with Ralph Hewins in order 
to compensate him for forfeiting remuneration triggered when he decided to leave BP to join Elementis. These comprise:
(i) 2014 equity and related awards that were mostly due to vest on 28 March 2017; 
(ii) all other remaining 2015 and 2016 equity and related awards that will not vest for another two to three years; and 
(iii) his lost 2016 bonus (pro-rated).

The value of (i) will depend on the actual percentage of the BP awards that will vest based on performance, as well as BP’s share price 
at the date the BP awards are replaced. These awards will be satisfied (or replaced) through an award in March 2017 of Elementis shares 
(or nil cost options) with no performance conditions (reflecting the profile of the forfeited awards) but subject to a two year holding period. 
The share price of BP and Elementis that will be used to value the BP award and determine the number of Elementis shares to award will 
be the average mid-market closing share price on the dealing day preceding the date of grant.

The awards in (ii) were replaced entirely through a 2016 award on 19 September 2016 of Elementis nil cost options over 240,693 ordinary 
shares in Elementis, which is equivalent in value to 154 per cent of Ralph Hewins’s starting salary. These awards are subject to the same 
EPS and TSR performance conditions as those made in April 2016 to other participants of the Elementis LTIP and will ordinarily also vest 
in April 2019. 

Type of  
share award
Nil cost option

Grant date
19.09.16

Number of awards
240,693

Face value of 
award at grant 
(£000s)1
501

End of the 
performance  
period
31.12.2018

Percentage that 
would vest  
at threshold 
performance
0% of the award 
subject to the EPS 
condition and 
3.85% of the 
award subject to 
the TSR condition.

A summary of 
performance 
targets and 
measures
Average annual 
EPS growth of  
3% to 10% and 
TSR performance 
of median to 
upper quartile.

1 

 The share price used to determine the number of awards granted was 208.20 pence, being the average mid-market closing share price on the dealing day 
preceding the date of grant.

The value of (iii) agreed was £139,500 (duly pro-rated) and will be satisfied in March 2017 partly by cash (two thirds) and partly through an 
award of Elementis shares or nil cost options (one third). The shares would be deferred for three years with no performance conditions, 
reflecting the vesting profile of the forfeited remuneration. 

All share based buyout awards to both Paul Waterman and Ralph Hewins were, or will be (where applicable), made under our 
remuneration recruitment policy and as permitted under the Listing Rules. Awards are made as part of a stand alone contractual 
arrangement borrowing from the terms of the rules of the 2008 LTIP (as amended), save for vesting periods, individual limits and 
performance targets (as applicable). The deferred bonus award will borrow from the terms of our Deferred Share Bonus Plan. 
All share based awards will be satisfied from repurchased trust held shares. 

The Committee took advice from New Bridge Street when valuing the forfeited remuneration and structuring replacement awards and is 
satisfied that the value of the replacement or buyout awards for Ralph Hewins is no more than the value of the remuneration forfeited and 
that the nature and vesting conditions of the replacement awards are broadly similar to those awards being forfeited.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

53

 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ remuneration report continued

Annual report on remuneration continued 

Annual LTIP awards granted in the year (audited)
LTIP awards made in 2016 are set out in the table below and are subject to EPS and TSR performance conditions (split 50:50) over the 
three years to 31 December 2018 as shown in the table below. 

Award holder
Paul Waterman Nil cost option

Type of share 
award

Grant date
04.04.16

Number  
of awards
487,816

Face value of 
award at grant 
(£000s)1
1,163

(restricted  
stock  unit)

Brian Taylorson Nil cost option 04.04.16

255,395

609

The end 
date of the 
performance 
period

31.12.2018

Percentage 
that would vest 
at threshold 
performance
0% of the 
award subject 
to the EPS 
condition and 
3.85% of the 
award subject 
to the TSR 
condition.

A summary of 
performance 
targets and 
measures
Average annual 
EPS growth of 
3% to 10% 
and TSR 
performance of 
median to upper 
quartile.

1 

 The share price used to determine the number of awards granted was 238.40 pence, being the average mid-market closing share price on the dealing day 
preceding the date of grant.

Details of awards in savings based share schemes are shown in the table on page 55.

Sourcing shares for our share plans
Employee share plans comply with the Investment Association’s (previously ABI) guidelines on dilution which provide that overall issuance 
of shares under all plans should not exceed an amount equivalent to 10 per cent of the Company’s issued share capital over any ten year 
period, with a further limitation of 5 per cent in any ten year period on discretionary plans. Based on the number of awards that remain 
outstanding as at the year end, the Company’s headroom for all plans is 4.6 per cent and for discretionary plans 3.8 per cent of issued 
share capital. 

54

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

Directors’ scheme interests (audited)
The interests of the persons who were Directors during the year in the issued shares of the Company were:

Interest  

type Grant date

Option
price (p)

01.01.16

Scheme interests

Granted 
during
2016

Exercised 
during
2016

Lapsed 
during
2016

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Vested but 
unexercised
share
 options

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

31.12.16

225,645
225,645
487,816
939,106
240,693
240,693

–
–
267,507†
91,200
358,707

8,311
–
–
193,663†
189,947Ω
255,395Ω
647,316

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–

9,523
289,750
–
233,030
532,303

–
–
214,398
–
–
–
214,398

A 07.03.2016
A 07.03.2016
B 04.04.2016

C 19.09.2016

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

225,645
225,645
487,816
939,106
240,693
240,693

D 22.08.2014
B 02.04.2013
B 01.04.2014
B 27.04.2015

242.93
–
–
–

D 01.10.2014
B 26.06.2012
B 02.04.2013
B 01.04.2014
B 27.04.2015
B 04.04.2016

216.58
–
–
–
–
–

9,523
289,750
267,507
324,230
891,010

8,311
177,517
214,398
193,663
189,947
–
783,836

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
255,395
255,395

–
177,517
–
–
–
–
177,517

Executive Directors
Paul Waterman*

Total scheme interests
Ralph Hewins*
Total scheme interests

Past Directors
David Dutro**

Total scheme interests

Brian Taylorson**

Total scheme interests
Notes
* 
** 
† 
Ω 
A 

 Paul Waterman and Ralph Hewins were appointed Directors on 8 February and 12 September 2016 respectively. 
 David Dutro and Brian Taylorson ceased to be Directors on 7 February and 31 October 2016 respectively.
 As the performance conditions were not met, these awards will lapse in full on 1 April 2017.
 These awards will lapse on the earlier of the normal vesting date (36 months from grant) and 16 May 2017. 
 Replacement awards structured as Restricted Stock Units made under standalone arrangements that borrow terms from the LTIP as amended. Vesting 
conditions as set out on page 52.
 LTIP awards are subject to performance conditions. The same EPS growth (RPI plus 4 per cent to 10 per cent p.a.) and relative TSR performance 
conditions apply in respect of the awards made in 2013, 2014 and 2015, as described in the Remuneration policy report. These also applied to the 2016 
award except that the EPS condition was average annual growth of 3 per cent to 10 per cent. These awards ordinarily vest on the third anniversary of the 
grant date and would expire on the tenth anniversary. 
 Replacement awards structured as nil cost options made under standalone arrangements that borrow terms from the LTIP as amended. Vesting conditions 
as set out on page 53.
 Savings based share options schemes are not subject to performance conditions. David Dutro’s options were held under the US sharesave scheme and 
would ordinarily vest on the second anniversary of the grant date and expire three months thereafter. Following his retirement, these options lapsed after 
the exercise period permitted under the scheme rules expired at the end of April 2016. Brian Taylorson’s options are held under the UK SAYE scheme. 
Further details on these schemes are shown in note 24 to the ‘Consolidated financial statements’ on page 105.

B 

C 

D 

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

55

 
 
 
 
Directors’ remuneration report continued

Annual report on remuneration continued 

Directors’ share interests (audited)
The interests of the Directors (including any connected persons) during the year (and from the year end to 1 March 2017) in the issued 
shares of the Company were:

Share interests

01.01.16*

Acquired
during 2016

Disposed  

during 2016

–
–

35,000
–

–
–
–
–
–

50,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000

520,818
440,778

–
93,834

520,818
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

Shareholding level
met as at 
31.12.16

No3
No3

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

n/a
n/a

31.12.16

35,000
–

50,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000

–
534,612

Executive Directors
Paul Waterman
Ralph Hewins
Non-executive 
Directors
Andrew Duff
Andrew Christie
Steve Good
Anne Hyland
Nick Salmon
Past Directors
David Dutro1
Brian Taylorson2
* 
1 
2 

 Or from date of appointment if later.
 David Dutro disposed of his shareholding shortly after his employment ceased.
 Brian Taylorson retained 93,834 shares following the exercise and sale of options over 177,517 shares granted under the LTIP in 2012 at a price of  
186.06 pence, giving him a pre-tax gain of c.£330k.
 As per the Remuneration policy, share awards vesting over time will contribute to meeting the shareholding level.

3 

The market price of ordinary shares at 31 December 2016 was 277.4 pence (2015: 229.1 pence) and the range during 2016 was 
180.6 pence to 277.4 pence (2015: 208.2 pence to 320.5 pence). 

As at 1 March 2017, the Trustee of the Company’s ESOT held 455,000 shares (2015: 160,000). As executive Directors, Paul Waterman and 
Ralph Hewins, as potential beneficiaries under the ESOT, are deemed to have an interest in any shares that become held in the ESOT. 

As at 1 March 2017, no person who was then a Director had any interest in any derivative or other financial instrument relating 
to the Company’s shares and, so far as the Company is aware, none of their connected persons had such an interest. Between 
31 December 2016 and 1 March 2017 there was no change in the relevant interests of any such Directors nor, so far as the Company 
is aware, in the relevant interests of any of their connected persons.

Other than their service contracts, letters of appointment and letters of indemnity with the Company, none of the Directors had an interest 
in any contract of significance in relation to the business of the Company or its subsidiaries at any time during the financial year. 

Retirement benefits
The table overleaf shows the breakdown of the retirement benefits of the executive Directors, comprising employer contributions to 
defined contribution plans and salary supplements paid in cash. Neither David Dutro nor Brian Taylorson accrued any benefits under any 
defined benefit scheme in 2016, which are closed to new members. 

Paul Waterman received a salary supplement of 20 per cent of his basic salary (pro-rated) and participated in the Defined Contribution 
plans, the details of which can be found in the Remuneration policy report. The amount shown in the table overleaf represents employer 
matching contributions and both this and the salary supplement are included in the Directors’ emoluments table shown on page 50. 
Ralph Hewins received a salary supplement of 25 per cent of his basic salary (pro-rated) in lieu of any other retirement benefit. The amount 
received is shown in the table overleaf and in the Directors’ emoluments table. Brian Taylorson also received a salary supplement in lieu 
of any other retirement benefit which was 30 per cent of his basic salary. The amount shown overleaf has been pro-rated for the period 
in which he served as a Director. David Dutro received a salary supplement of 20 per cent of his basic salary (pro-rated) and, as he 
also participated in the Defined Contribution plans, he received a further amount in employer matching contributions as shown in the 
table overleaf. 

56

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

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Directors’ retirement benefits (audited)

Paul Waterman
Ralph Hewins
Past Directors
David Dutro
Brian Taylorson

Defined Contribution plans

Salary supplement

2016
£’000
23
–

4
–

2015
£’000
–
–

53
–

2016
£’000
117
25

14
87

2015
£’000
–
–

114
238

Payment for loss of office
David Dutro did not receive any payment for loss of office as a Director of the Company or any other payments in relation to the cessation 
of his employment. After he left the Board on 7 February 2016, he continued to work and support Paul Waterman until 29 February 2016. 
During that period, he continued to receive his fixed remuneration (comprising basic salary, benefits and pension). He did not participate 
in the 2016 bonus plan and his LTIP awards and sharesave options were treated in accordance with the rules of the plans as follows: the 
2013 LTIP awards lapsed in April 2016 as the performance conditions were not achieved; the 2014 LTIP awards (which were not pro-rated 
for time served) will lapse on 1 April 2017 also due to performance conditions not being achieved; the 2015 LTIP awards will ordinarily vest 
in April 2018 subject to performance (these awards will be pro-rated for time served); and any outstanding sharesave options held may be 
exercised in accordance with the rules. 

Brian Taylorson did not receive any payment for loss of office as a Director of the Company or any other payments in relation to the 
cessation of his employment. After he left the Board on 31 October 2016, he continued to work and support Ralph Hewins on a full time 
basis until the end of November 2016 and then as required during the remainder of his notice period which ends on 16 May 2017. 
From 1 November 2016 to 16 May 2017, he has received and will continue to receive his fixed remuneration (comprising basic salary, 
benefits and pension). He will not be participating in the 2017 bonus plan and his LTIP awards and savings based options were treated in 
accordance with the rules of the plans as follows: the 2014 LTIP award will lapse on 1 April 2017 as the performance conditions were not 
achieved; the 2015 and 2016 awards will lapse on expiry of his notice period which ends on 16 May 2017; and any outstanding savings 
based options held may be exercised in accordance with the rules.

Total shareholder return performance and change in CEO’s pay
The graph below illustrates the Company’s total shareholder return for the eight years ended 31 December 2016, relative to the FTSE 250 
Index, along with a table illustrating the change in CEO pay since 2009. The table also details the varying award vesting rates year on year 
for the annual bonus scheme and LTIP.

As the Company’s shares are denominated and listed in pence, the graph below looks at the total return to 31 December 2016 of £100 
invested in Elementis on 31 December 2008 compared with that of the total return of £100 invested in the FTSE 250 Index. This index was 
selected for the purpose of providing a relative comparison of performance because the Company is a member of it.

TSR performance (rebased to 100)
£
1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Elementis plc

FTSE 250 index

2015
2016
763
1,553*
0% 27.5%
0% 91.2%**
 Includes remuneration for Paul Waterman and David Dutro for the period in which each was CEO during 2016 as shown in the Directors’ emoluments table.

CEO pay (total remuneration – £’000s)
Annual bonus award against maximum opportunity 
LTIP vesting against maximum opportunity
* 
**  Relates to Paul Waterman’s replacement awards vesting in March 2017.

2014
2013
2009
576
1,573
1,031 2,964 3,560 2,252
0% 100% 100% 81% 56% 50%
0% 100% 100% 100% 65%

88%

2010

2012

2011

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

57

 
 
 
 
Directors’ remuneration report continued

Other information about the Committee’s membership 
and operation
Committee composition
The Chairman and members of the Committee are shown on 
pages 30 to 31, together with their biographical information. Eight 
meetings were held during 2016 and the attendance records of 
Committee members are shown on page 33. All meetings were 
also attended by the Chairman of the Board, to ensure that all 
non-executive Board members were kept fully informed on the 
operation and work of the Committee. Both executive Directors 
also attend meetings by invitation, as appropriate, although they 
are not present when their own remuneration arrangements are 
discussed or, if they are, they do not participate in the decision 
making process. 

Terms of reference
A full description of the Committee’s terms of reference, which 
was reviewed and revised last year, is available on the Company’s 
website and the following is a summary of its responsibilities:

 – Determining the levels of remuneration for the Chairman and 

executive Directors and keeping these under review.

 – Making awards under the annual bonus scheme and LTIP, 

including setting performance targets.

 – Monitoring and making recommendations on the design, 

structure and level of remuneration for all senior executives, 
ensuring that these are appropriately linked to the Group’s 
strategy and aligned with the Board’s risk profile.

Evaluation, training and development
On an annual basis the Committee’s effectiveness is reviewed as 
part of the evaluation of the Board. Following the evaluation last 
year, there were no major issues to report. 

During 2016 Committee members attended various external 
seminars on the latest developments on executive remuneration 
and all Board members received briefings from the Company 
Secretary and the Committee’s remuneration advisers throughout 
the year, to keep them updated on topical matters and 
developments relating to executive remuneration. 

Remuneration advisers
The Committee’s external advisers are New Bridge Street (‘NBS’) 
who were appointed after a tender in 2008. This was reviewed 
again in 2013 and as a result they were retained as advisers. 
The Committee is satisfied that there is no over reliance on NBS, 
who have no connection with the Company other than as 
remuneration advisers. Fees (excluding VAT) in 2016 were less 
than £36,000 and related to advisory services for the structure of 
remuneration packages for the new CEO and CFO, the departure 
of two executive Directors in the year, the review of the 2015 
remuneration report, the operation of the Company’s share plans 
and a review of below Board level incentives.

Annual report on remuneration 
continued 

Relative importance of spend on pay
The table below shows the total remuneration paid across the 
Group together with the total dividends paid in respect of 2016 and 
the preceding financial year.

Remuneration against distributions

£m
Remuneration paid to all employees 
(see note 8 to the Consolidated 
financial statements)1
Total dividends paid in the year2
1. 

2016

2015  Change

77.7
55.1

67.4
46.0

15.3%
19.8%

 The amounts for 2016 and 2015 have been converted from dollars 
into pounds sterling using the average USD/GBP exchange rates for 
those years. 

2.   2016 and 2015 include a special dividend payment of $37.0 million (£27.1 

million) and $32.1 million (£20.8 million) respectively.

Percentage change in CEO’s pay
The following table shows the change from 2015 to 2016 of the 
CEO’s pay with regard to the three elements set out below and the 
corresponding change of these elements across all employees 
within the Group. 

% Change from 2015 to 2016*

Salaries Benefits Bonus**
7.5% 84.0% 27.5%
12.9% 16.6% 86.5%

CEO pay (total remuneration)
All employees
* 

 All percentages are based on converting relevant local currencies into 
pounds sterling using the average rates for the respective year.
 Change in bonus relates to payments in respect of the relevant 
financial years.

** 

Statement of shareholder voting
The resolution to approve the 2015 Directors’ remuneration report 
(excluding the remuneration policy) was passed on a poll at the 
Company’s last AGM held on 27 April 2016. Set out in the table 
below are the votes cast by proxy in respect of that resolution. 

Approval of 2015 Directors’ remuneration report

Votes
for

Votes 
against
287,022,138 78.37 79,194,588

% 
For

% 
Against

Votes 
withheld
21.63 1,405,108

Report

Votes withheld are not included in the final figures as they are not 
recognised as a vote in law.

A number of shareholders voted against the remuneration report 
due to the decision not to pro-rate the departing CEO’s 2014 LTIP 
award despite the fact that they were not expected to vest and did 
in fact lapse. Shareholders’ concerns are understood and the 
Company will reflect on these concerns in future years.

58

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

In addition, Willis Towers Watson (‘WTW’) were engaged by 
management during the year to support on a below Board review 
of incentives. As part of this engagement, a representative from 
WTW attended two of the Committee’s meetings held during 
the year to present alongside management on observations and 
recommendations. Fees in relation to attendance at these two 
meetings totalled less than $4,000. The Company and Committee 
are satisfied that the advice received was independent and objective. 

WTW were also engaged separately by management to design 
and implement a new HR system. The above fees do not include 
the costs involved in supporting management on either of these 
projects. WTW have no other connection with the Company 
beyond that as an employee benefit consultant.

Auditable sections of the Directors’ remuneration report
The sections of the Annual report on remuneration that are 
required to be audited by law are as follows: Remuneration 
payable to Directors for 2016 and Retirement benefits; and 
tables headed Annual LTIP awards granted in the year, Directors’ 
scheme interests, Directors’ share interests and Directors’ 
retirement benefits.

Andrew Christie
Chairman, Remuneration Committee
1 March 2017

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Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

59

 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report

Report and financial statements
The Directors submit their report and the audited financial 
statements for the year ended 31 December 2016.

It is also Group policy for employees who have a disability to 
reasonably accommodate them, where practicable, and to provide 
training, career development and promotion, as appropriate.

This Directors’ report includes the Corporate governance reports 
from pages 30 to 59.

Strategic report, future development, GHG emissions 
and R&D 
The Strategic report can be found on pages 2 to 29. 
That report, which forms part of this Directors’ report, 
also includes information about:

 – Future developments in the business of the Group. 

 – Greenhouse gas emissions.

 – R&D activities.

Takeover Directive disclosures
The management report, for the purposes of the UK Listing 
Authority’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules, comprises the 
following sections: the Strategic report, this Directors’ report, the 
Directors’ responsibility statement and the biographical information 
on the Directors on pages 30 and 31. 

Dividend
Details about the final dividend for the year, as well as a special 
dividend, are disclosed in the Chairman’s statement on pages 
2 and 3.

Directors and their share interests
The current Directors and their biographical details are detailed on 
pages 30 and 31. Changes to the Directors during the year and up 
to the date of this report, are set out below:

Name
David Dutro
Paul Waterman
Ralph Hewins
Brian Taylorson
Sandra Boss

Title 
CEO 
CEO
CFO
CFO
Non-
executive 
Director

Effective date
Resigned 7 February 2016
Appointed 8 February 2016
Appointed 12 September 2016
Resigned 31 October 2016
Appointed 1 February 2017

Dorothee Deuring Non-

Appointed 1 March 2017

executive 
Director

The interests of Directors in the share capital of the Company are 
set out in the Directors’ remuneration report.

Employment policies and equal opportunities
Elementis policies seek to create a workplace that has an open 
atmosphere of trust, honesty and respect. Harassment or 
discrimination of any kind based on race, colour, religion, gender, 
age, national origin, citizenship, mental or physical disabilities, 
sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other similarly protected 
status is not tolerated. This principle applies to all aspects of 
employment, including recruitment and selection, training and 
development, promotion and retirement.

Employees are free to join a trade union or participate in collective 
bargaining arrangements.

It is Group policy not to discriminate on the basis of any unlawful 
criteria and its practices include the prohibition on the use of child 
or forced labour. 

Elementis supports the wider fundamental human rights of its 
employees worldwide, as well as those of our customers and 
suppliers, and further details are set out in the Corporate 
responsibility report. Compliance with the Modern Slavery Act will 
be published on the Company’s corporate website later in the year.

Employee communications and involvement
The Company is committed to employee involvement throughout 
the business. Employees are kept informed of the performance and 
strategy of the Group through email. Telephone conference calls 
are held by the CEO to employees worldwide and these serve as 
an informal forum for employees to ask questions about the Group. 

The Company operates savings based share option schemes 
in the US and UK to encourage and support employee share 
ownership.

Going concern
The Directors have assessed the Group as a going concern, 
having given consideration to the factors likely to affect its future 
performance and development, the Group’s financial position and 
the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group, including 
the Group’s exposure to credit, liquidity and market risk and the 
mechanisms for dealing with these risks.

The Group’s net cash position at the year end of 2016 was 
$77.5 million and it has access to a syndicated revolving credit 
facility of $100 million, which has an expiry date of October 2018. 
There is a mechanism in the agreement for the facility to be 
increased by a further $100 million subject to other terms. 

Under this principal borrowing facility, the Group performs 
covenant tests for net debt:EBITDA ratio, interest cover and net 
worth. No breaches in the required covenant tests were reported 
during the year. The Group also uses various short and medium 
term forecasts to monitor anticipated future compliance and these 
include stress testing assumptions to identify the headroom on 
these covenant tests.

After the year end and in connection with the acquisition of 
SummitReheis, the Group refinanced the above facility by replacing 
it with a new $275 million revolving credit facility and a new term 
loan facility for $200 million. These new facilities were arranged 
through a syndicate of initially four banks for a period of five years 
and on terms that are in line with the Group’s existing facility. 
However, these new facilities are subject to the SummitReheis 
acquisition closing. 

The Directors are satisfied that, after considering all of the above, 
it is appropriate for the Group and the Company to adopt the 
going concern basis of accounting in preparing these Group and 
the parent company financial statements, and that there are no 
material uncertainties to the ability of the Group and Company to 
continue to do so over a period of at least 12 months from the date 
of approval of the financial statements. 

60

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Business viability statement
In accordance with Corporate Governance Code provision C.2.2, 
the Directors have reviewed the Group’s current position and carried 
out a robust assessment of the principal risks and uncertainties that 
might threaten the business model, future performance, solvency 
and liquidity of the Group, including resilience to such threats, and 
consider that they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will 
be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due 
over a period of at least three years. 

A period of three years was chosen as being consistent with 
the Group’s business and financial planning models, R&D plans, 
a number of key supply contracts and external borrowing facilities, 
and three years is the period used for mid-term business planning 
purposes. Whilst the Directors have no reason to believe that 
the Group will not be viable over a longer period, a three year 
period allows the Directors to make the viability statement with 
a reasonable degree of confidence whilst providing shareholders 
with an appropriate longer term outlook. The Directors’ viability 
assessment of the Group’s prospects is based on reviews of 
annual operating and three year business plans, the Group’s 
strategy and strategic priorities, principal risks and how these 
are managed and mitigated. How these reviews were carried out, 
the principal risks and how they are being managed are more 
fully described and explained in the risk management section 
of the Strategic report on pages 17 to 21, together with relevant 
assumptions and qualifications.

Share capital
The Company’s share capital consists of ordinary shares, as set 
out in note 9 on page 114. All of the Company’s issued ordinary 
shares are fully paid up and rank equally in all respects. The rights 
attached to them, in addition to those conferred on their holders 
by law, are set out in the Company’s Articles of Association 
(the ‘Articles’). Other than those specific provisions set out in the 
Articles, there are no restrictions on the transfer of ordinary shares 
or on the exercise of voting rights attached to them. From time to 
time the ESOT holds shares in the Company for the purposes of 
various share incentive plans and the rights attaching to them are 
exercised by independent trustees, who may take into account 
any recommendation by the Company. As at 31 December 2016 
the ESOT held 455,000 shares in the Company (2015:160,000). 
A dividend waiver is in place in respect of all shares that may 
become held by the Trust. 

Directors, Articles and purchase of shares
The Directors’ powers are conferred on them by UK legislation 
and by the Company’s Articles. Rules about the appointment 
and replacement of Directors are also set out in the Articles. 

The Board has the power conferred on it by shareholders to 
purchase its own shares and is seeking renewal of that power 
at the forthcoming AGM within the limits set out in the Notice 
of Meeting. 

Significant agreements – change of control
There are few significant agreements which the Company is party 
to that take effect, alter or terminate in the event of change of 
control of the Company. The Company is a guarantor under the 
Group’s existing $100 million revolving credit facility and, in the 
event of a change of control, any lender among the facility 
syndicate, of which there are four with commitments ranging from 
$20 million to $30 million, may withdraw from the facility and that 
lender’s participation in any loans drawn down are required to be 
repaid. In respect of the replacement facilities (see page 60), any 
lender among the facility syndicate may withdraw from the facility 
and that lender’s participation in any loans drawn down would be 
required to be repaid. 

The rules of the Company’s various share incentive schemes set 
out the consequences of a change of control of the Company on 
the rights of the participants under those schemes. Under the rules 
of the respective schemes, participants would generally be able 
to exercise their options on a change of control, provided that the 
relevant performance conditions have been satisfied and, where 
relevant, options are not exchanged for new options granted by 
an acquiring company.

Substantial shareholders
As at 1 March 2017, the following interests in voting rights over the 
issued share capital of the Company had been notified.

AXA Investment Managers S.A.
APG Asset Management N.V.
Blackrock, Inc
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. 
and its group 
FMR LLC
Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited

Percentage of
issued 
ordinary
share capital
9.98
7.10
5.59

5.02
5.00
4.98

Ordinary
shares
46,255,532
32,912,296
25,927,077

23,267,180
23,192,771
23,089,702

Deloitte LLP were appointed the Company’s auditors by 
shareholders at the 2016 AGM and a resolution is included in the 
Notice of Meeting for the 2017 AGM to re-appoint Deloitte LLP 
as auditors. 

The Directors who held office at the date of approval of this 
Directors’ report confirm that, in so far as they are each aware, 
there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s 
auditors are unaware; and each Director has taken all the steps 
that they ought to have taken as Directors to make themselves 
aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the 
Company’s auditors are aware of that information.

Political donations 
The Group made no political donations during the year (2015: nil). 
A resolution is being proposed at the 2017 AGM to renew 
the authorisation from shareholders for the Company and 
its subsidiaries to make political donations or incur political 
expenditure up to a maximum annual limit of £50,000. 
Information about this proposal is explained in the Notice of 
Meeting accompanying this Annual Report.

Directors’ conflicts of interest
Brian Taylorson, up until his resignation on 31 October 2016 as 
CFO, was in receipt of a conflict authorisation from the Company 
in respect of him acting as a trustee of the Elementis Group 
Pension Scheme. Ralph Hewins, CFO, was appointed a trustee 
of the Elementis Group Pension Scheme in November last year 
and is also in receipt of a conflict authorisation from the Company. 

The conflict authorisation enables Ralph Hewins to continue to act as 
a trustee notwithstanding that this role could give rise to a situation in 
which there is a conflict of interest. The Board considers that it is 
appropriate for the trustees of the UK pension scheme to benefit from 
the financial expertise of the CFO and that his contribution at trustees’ 
meetings demonstrates the Board’s commitment to supporting the 
UK pension scheme. The Board’s conflict authorisation is subject to 
annual review and, under the terms of the conflict resolution, reciprocal 
provisions have been put in place with a view to safeguarding 
information that is confidential to the Group as well as to the trustees. 
Were a conflict of interest to arise, Ralph Hewins is required to excuse 

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

61

 
 
 
 
Directors’ report continued

himself from reading the relevant papers and absent himself from 
participating in relevant discussions. No other Directors were in receipt 
of a conflict authorisation from the Board during the year.

Other information
Information about financial risk management and exposure to 
financial market risks are set out in note 21 to the financial 
statements on page 94.

Annual General Meeting
The AGM of the Company will be held on Tuesday 25 April 2017. 
The Notice of Meeting is included in a separate document sent 
to shareholders.

Events after the balance sheet date
On 10 February 2017 the Group announced its intention to acquire 
SummitReheis, a global leader in the fast growing anti-perspirant 
actives market with operations in the US, Europe and Asia, for 
consideration of $360 million. Details of the proposed acquisition 
and its financing are included in note 30 to the Consolidated 
financial statements.

By order of the Board

Wai Wong
Company Secretary
1 March 2017

Directors’ responsibility statement

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual 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 are required to 
prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by 
the European Union and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation and have 
elected to prepare the parent company financial statements in 
accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable 
law), including FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’. Under 
company law the Directors must not approve the accounts unless 
they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of 
affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for 
that period. 

 – Make an assessment of the Company’s ability to continue as a 

going concern.

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 enable them to ensure 
that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. 
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the 
Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention 
and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of 
the corporate and financial information included on the Company’s 
website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ 
from legislation in other jurisdictions.

In preparing the parent company financial statements, the Directors 
are required to:

Responsibility statement 
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

 – Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

 – The financial statements, prepared in accordance with the 

consistently.

 – Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent.

 – State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been 

followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements.

 – Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will 
continue in business.

In preparing the Group financial statements, International 
Accounting Standard 1 requires that Directors:

relevant financial reporting framework, give a true and fair view of 
the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the 
Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole.

 – The Strategic report includes a fair review of the development 

and performance of the business and the position of the 
Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks 
and uncertainties that they face.

 – The Annual Report and financial statements, taken as a whole, 

are fair, balanced and understandable and provide the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s 
performance, business model and strategy.

 – Properly select and apply accounting policies.
 – Present information, including accounting policies, in a manner 
that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable 
information. 

 – Provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific 

requirements in IFRSs are insufficient to enable users to 
understand the impact of particular transactions, other events 
and conditions on the entity’s financial position and financial 
performance.

By order of the Board

Ralph Hewins 
CFO 
1 March 2017

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Independent auditor’s report to the members of Elementis plc

Opinion on financial statements of Elementis plc
In our opinion:

 – the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2016 

and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

 – the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as 

adopted by the European Union;

 – the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 

Accounting Practice, including FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’; and

 – the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the 

Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

The financial statements that we have audited comprise:

 – the Consolidated Income Statement;

 – the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income;

 – the Consolidated Balance Sheet;

 – the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity;

 – the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement;

 – the Consolidated Financial Statement related notes 1 to 31;

 – the Parent Company Balance Sheet;

 – the Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity; and,

 – the Parent Company Statutory Accounts related notes 1 to 11.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable law and IFRSs 
as adopted by the European Union. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the parent company 
financial statements is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice), including FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’.

Summary of our audit approach

Key risks

The key risks that we identified in the current year were:

Materiality

Scoping

Significant changes 
in our approach

 – Environmental provisions;
 – Post-retirement benefits;
 – Deferred tax assets; and
 – Revenue recognition.

Within this report, any new risks are identified with 
prior year identified with 

.

 and any risks which are the same as the 

The materiality that we used in the current year was $4.7 million which was determined on the 
basis of 6.2 per cent of profit before tax.

We have performed full scope audits of five components comprising 88 per cent of the Group’s 
revenue and 94 per cent of the Group’s profit before tax.

After his appointment during the year, the CEO reorganised the leadership team and we have 
structured our component audit teams to follow this structure as closely as possible. This 
resulted in the identification of six components, of which five are considered to be significant to 
the Group.

We have included an additional risk over revenue recognition given the proportion of audit effort 
and allocation of resources as part of our audit strategy.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

63

 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of Elementis plc continued

Going concern and the Directors’ assessment of the principal risks that would threaten the solvency or  
liquidity of the Group

We confirm that we have nothing material to add or draw 
attention to in respect of these matters.

We agreed with the Directors’ adoption of the going 
concern basis of accounting and we did not identify 
any such material uncertainties. However, because 
not all future events or conditions can be predicted, 
this statement is not a guarantee as to the Group’s 
ability to continue as a going concern.

As required by the Listing Rules we have reviewed the 
Directors’ statement regarding the appropriateness of the 
going concern basis of accounting contained within note 1 
to the financial statements and the Directors’ statement on 
the longer-term viability of the Group contained within the 
Directors’ report on page 61.

We are required to state whether we have anything material 
to add or draw attention to in relation to:

 – the Directors’ confirmation on page 17 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;
 – the disclosures on pages 19 to 21 that describe those risks 
and explain how they are being managed or mitigated;

 – the Directors’ statement in note 1 to the financial 

statements about whether they considered it appropriate 
to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in 
preparing them and their identification of any material 
uncertainties to the Group’s ability to continue to do so 
over a period of at least 12 months from the date of 
approval of the financial statements; and

 – the Directors’ explanation on page 61 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.

Independence

We are required to comply with the Financial Reporting 
Council’s Ethical Standards for Auditors and confirm that we 
are independent of the Group and we have fulfilled our other 
ethical responsibilities in accordance with those standards.

We confirm that we are independent of the Group 
and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities 
in accordance with those standards. We also confirm 
we have not provided any of the prohibited non-audit 
services referred to in those standards.

Our assessment of risks of material misstatement

The assessed risks of material misstatement described below are those that had the greatest effect on our audit strategy, 
the allocation of resources in the audit and directing the efforts of the engagement team.

Environmental provisions 

Risk description

In line with other companies within the chemicals industry, Elementis holds provisions for the 
monitoring and remediation of a number of operating and legacy sites, including those sold off 
or no longer occupied. In accordance with Elementis’s environmental provision policy, a provision 
is recognised for the restoration of contaminated land when the land is contaminated. As at 
31 December 2016, Elementis holds a provision of $31.4 million (2015: $29.5 million) against 
these liabilities.

The accounting for these provisions involves judgement as to the estimated future cash flows 
required to remediate these sites. The determination of these cash flows and the discount rates 
applied is fundamental to this audit risk.

The Group’s accounting policy is included within note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, 
where this is included as a critical accounting judgement. There is additional disclosure included 
within note 15. The Audit Committee discussion is included on page 36.

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Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

How the scope of our audit 
responded to the risk

We have audited the assumptions used in management’s calculation of the provision. 
Our procedures included:

 – Holding discussions with management and the Group’s external environmental consultants on 
the identified environmental issues to confirm our understanding of the current situation and to 
understand the process by which management and the external consultants prepared the cash 
flow forecasts.

 – Performing searches of external databases to determine completeness of the identified 

environmental issues and sites.

 – Assessing recent forecasting accuracy against actual performance.
 – For a sample of locations, agreeing the forecast cash flows to supporting documentation and 

historical experience and assessed the expected monitoring time frames.

 – Involving our internal valuation specialists to challenge the appropriateness of the discount rates 

applied by comparison to our own internal benchmark data.

Key observations

As a result of our work, we have concluded that the provisions held by Elementis in relation to 
environmental remediation and monitoring appear reasonable. We note that management had 
reassessed the discount rate used in the calculation of the provision, which has resulted in a 
one-off charge to the income statement of $4.5 million.

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Post-retirement benefits 

Risk description

Elementis provides post-retirement benefits, including defined benefit pensions and post-
retirement medical benefits, to employees in a number of locations, primarily the US and the UK. 
There are significant judgements made in valuing the Group’s obligations in respect of these 
schemes, namely the discount rates, inflation rates and mortality assumptions and a change in 
one of these assumptions could give rise to a material impact on the financial statements and the 
Group has engaged actuarial specialists to assist management in this regard. The Group has 
valued the net liability for all schemes (after offsetting against the scheme assets) of $30.1 million 
(2015: $29.0 million). The gross liability for all schemes was $842.8 million (2015: $869.9 million).

The Group’s accounting policy is included within note 1, where this is also included as a key source 
of estimation uncertainty. 

Additional disclosures on the assumptions used in valuing the schemes are included within note 23 
of the financial statements, which includes details of the principal assumptions used, as well as the 
key movements in the assets and obligations of the schemes. The Audit Committee’s consideration 
in respect of this risk is included on page 37.

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How the scope of our audit 
responded to the risk

For each of the material schemes held by the Group, we have performed the following substantive 
audit procedures:

 – Involved our own actuarial specialists to challenge the appropriateness of the key assumptions 
used in the valuation of the schemes’ liabilities, to determine whether they are reasonable by 
comparison to external benchmark data and by consideration of the methodology used to derive 
the assumptions.

 – Tested the completeness and accuracy of the information provided to the Group’s actuarial 

specialists.

Key observations

From the work performed, we are satisfied that the methodology and assumptions applied in 
determining the scheme liabilities are appropriate.

Deferred tax assets 

Risk description

The Group has recognised deferred tax assets of $16.1 million (2015: $14.2 million), including 
$23.0 million (2015: $34.0 million) in respect of Advanced Corporation Tax (‘ACT’) credits as a result 
of franking credits paid on historical dividends pre-1999.

There is inherent uncertainty involved in forecasting the future profits which support the extent to 
which these assets can be recovered.

The Group’s accounting policy is included within note 1, where this is also included as a key source 
of estimation uncertainty, as well as additional disclosure within note 16. The Audit Committee’s 
consideration in respect of this risk is included on page 37.

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Independent auditor’s report to the members of Elementis plc continued

How the scope of our audit 
responded to the risk

We have engaged our own internal tax specialist to assist in understanding and assessing the 
Group structuring put in place to determine whether the ACT credits were kept available for future 
use by the Group. We have considered the relevant tax legislation and the measures implemented 
by management to ensure that the ACT credits are available for future use. We have reviewed 
correspondence with HMRC and other supporting documentation to determine the historic 
amounts paid in respect of ACT and assessed management’s determination of the amounts 
available for use by the Group. We have reviewed and challenged the technical advice that 
management have received in respect of the ACT credits.

We have also assessed the forecast future profits by:

 – considering the process by which management had prepared its forecasts;
 – assessing recent forecasting accuracy against actual performance;
 – determining whether the 2017 projections for the UK were consistent with the budget for 2017 

as adopted by management and approved by the Board of Directors; and

 – determining whether the cash flow projections for 2018 and 2019 (as included in management’s 

three year plan) were in line with our understanding of trends in the business.

Key observations

From the work performed, we are satisfied that the judgements made by management are 
reasonable in the context of the information currently available to them and no matters were 
identified by our work that was not adequately reflected in the estimate of the amounts recoverable. 

Revenue recognition 

Risk description

Revenue is recognised when significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to 
the buyer and an adjustment is made at the period end for goods which have been despatched but 
have not yet met the criteria for recognition. This adjustment is made using management’s best 
estimate of the date at which goods reach the destination port. Management have determined that 
a more prudent revenue recognition policy, based on the shipping terms, is to recognise revenue 
at a reliable estimate of the date at which goods reach the destination port and that therefore they 
have applied this accounting policy change retrospectively.

The accounting policy is described in note 1 and additional disclosure on the restatement, including 
the financial impact, is given in note 31 and is also given in the Audit Committee report on page 37.

How the scope of our audit 
responded to the risk

We have performed the following procedures in order to address the risk:

 – reviewed and assessed the commercial arrangements covering shipments, to determine the 

correct point of revenue recognition for different shipment arrangements and agreements with 
customers;

 – selected a sample of international shipments made pre-year end for time periods varying by 

destination port and therefore transit time for shipments and agreed these to customer order, 
shipment and invoice details, cash receipts and goods receipt notes; and

 – substantively tested post year end credit notes raised to determine if revenue was inappropriately 

recognised in the year.

Key observations

From the work performed, we agree with management’s assessment and application of the new 
accounting policy.

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, 
and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

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Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

Our application of materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions 
of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning the scope of our audit work 
and in evaluating the results of our work.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Group materiality

$4.7 million (2015: $6.0 million)

Basis for determining 
materiality

Materiality was set on the basis of forecast profit before tax, and is calculated at 6.2 per cent of 
profit before tax.

In 2015 the previous auditor set materiality on the basis of 4.9 per cent of profit before tax.

Rationale for the 
benchmark applied

We have used profit before tax as the benchmark for our determination of materiality as 
we consider this to be a critical performance measure for the Group on the basis that it is a 
key metric to analysts and investors and has substantial prominence in the Annual Report.

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PBT $75.5m

Group materiality $4.7m

Component materiality range $2.35m to $2.8m

Audit Committee reporting threshold $0.235m

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of $235,000 (2015: $300,000), 
as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit 
Committee on disclosure matters that we identified when assessing the overall presentation of the financial statements.

An overview of the scope of our audit
Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group and its environment, including Group wide controls, and 
assessing the risks of material misstatement at the group level.

After his appointment during the year, the CEO reorganised the leadership team and we have structured our component audit teams 
to follow this structure as closely as possible. This resulted in the identification of six components, of which five are considered to be 
significant to the Group:

 – the Specialty Products operations in the US, 

 – the Chromium operations in the US;

 – the Specialty Products operations in the UK;

 – the Specialty Products operations in Taiwan, including the Chinese operations; and

 – the Surfactants operations in the Netherlands.

All five of these locations were subject to full scope audits performed by local component teams, except the Specialties UK operations 
where the Group audit team performed the audit without the involvement of a component team.

Our audit work at the five locations was executed at levels of materiality applicable to each individual entity which were lower than Group 
materiality and ranged from $2.5 million to $2.8 million (2015: $0.4 million to $4.7 million).

As this was our first year as auditor, the Senior Statutory auditor and senior members of the Group audit team visited each component 
team at least once, and in some cases twice, during the year. Going forward, the Senior Statutory Auditor plans to visit the US component 
team at least once each year and all other locations at least once every two years. In addition to the planned programme of visits, we send 
detailed instructions to our component teams, include them in our team briefing, discuss their risk assessment, and review documentation 
of the findings from their work.

At the parent entity level we also tested the consolidation process and carried out analytical procedures to confirm our conclusion that 
there were no significant risks of material misstatement of the aggregated financial information of the remaining components not subject 
to audit or audit of specified account balances.

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67

 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of Elementis plc continued

12%

Revenue

88%

6%

Profit 
before tax

94%

Full audit scope
Review at Group level

Full audit scope
Review at Group level

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

 – the part of the Directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006; 

 – 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 the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not 
identified any material misstatements in the Strategic report and the Directors’ report.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

Adequacy of explanations received and accounting records
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 parent company, or returns adequate for our audit 
have not been received from branches not visited by us; 

 – or the parent company financial statements are not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns.

Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report 
if in our opinion certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration 
have not been made or the part of the Directors’ remuneration 
report to be audited is not in agreement with the accounting 
records and returns.

Corporate Governance Statement
Under the Listing Rules we are also required to review part 
of the Corporate governance statement relating to the 
Company’s compliance with certain provisions of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

We have nothing to report arising from these matters.

We have nothing to report arising from our review.

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Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

Our duty to read other information in the Annual Report
Under International Standards on Auditing (UK and 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.

In particular, we are required to consider whether we have 
identified any inconsistencies between our knowledge 
acquired during the audit and the Directors’ statement that 
they consider the Annual Report is fair, balanced and 
understandable and whether the Annual Report appropriately 
discloses those matters that we communicated to the Audit 
Committee which we consider should have been disclosed.

We confirm that we have not identified any such 
inconsistencies or misleading statements.

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Respective responsibilities of Directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibility statement, 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 International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). We also comply with International 
Standard on Quality Control 1 (UK and Ireland). Our audit methodology and tools aim to ensure that our quality control procedures are 
effective, understood and applied. Our quality controls and systems include our dedicated professional standards review team and 
independent partner reviews.

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. 
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them 
in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone 
other than the Company and the Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
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 and the parent 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. 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.

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Kerr Mitchell, FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
London, United Kingdom
1 March 2017

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

69

 
 
 
 
Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 31 December 2016

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Distribution costs
Administrative expenses
Profit on property disposal
Operating profit
Other expenses
Finance income
Finance costs
Profit before income tax
Tax
Profit for the year 
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Earnings per share
Basic (cents)
Diluted (cents)

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2016

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income:
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss:
  Remeasurements of retirement benefit obligations
  Deferred tax associated with retirement benefit obligations

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss:
  Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
  Effective portion of change in fair value of net investment hedge
  Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges
  Fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to income statement
  Exchange differences on translation of share options reserves
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Total comprehensive income for the year

70

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

Note
2

2

3
4

6

9
9

2016
 $million
659.5
(420.5)
239.0
(80.0)
(74.5)
–
84.5
(1.4)
0.1
(7.7)
75.5
(7.4)
68.1

68.1

14.7
14.6

2015  

restated
 $million
677.2
(418.2)
259.0
(85.8)
(63.1)
17.0
127.1
(2.1)
0.2
(4.4)
120.8
(26.2)
94.6

94.6

20.5
20.3

2016
$million
68.1

2015
restated
$million
94.6

(2.6)
(0.5)

(16.5)
(1.4)
(0.3)
0.9
(0.7)
(21.1)
47.0

47.0
47.0

17.4
(6.6)

(20.9)
(0.6)
(0.9)
(0.1)
–
(11.7)
82.9

82.9
82.9

Consolidated balance sheet
as at 31 December 2016

Non-current assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
ACT recoverable
Deferred tax assets
Total non-current assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
Total assets

Current liabilities
Bank overdrafts and loans
Trade and other payables
Derivatives
Current tax liabilities
Provisions
Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Loans and borrowings
Retirement benefit obligations
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

Equity
Share capital
Share premium
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

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 2016
 31 December
$million

Note

 2015
 31 December
restated 
$million

10
11
16
16

12
13
20

19
14

15

19
23
16
15

17

18

359.9
217.3
23.0
16.1
616.3

121.3
96.0
82.6
299.9
916.2

(5.0)
(98.9)
(0.4)
(6.7)
(9.5)
(120.5)

(0.1)
(30.1)
(108.7)
(29.7)
(168.6)
(289.1)
627.1

44.4
20.9
75.2
486.6
627.1

362.5
211.2
34.0
14.2
621.9

126.7
92.0
79.1
297.8
919.7

(5.1)
(79.9)
(0.3)
(0.2)
(9.5)
(95.0)

–
(29.0)
(113.0)
(28.9)
(170.9)
(265.9)
653.8

44.4
20.2
93.0
496.2
653.8

Total equity

627.1

653.8

The financial statements on pages 70 to 108 were approved by the Board on 1 March 2017 and signed on its behalf by:

Paul Waterman 
CEO 

Ralph Hewins
CFO 

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
for the year ended 31 December 2016 

Share 
capital 
$million
44.4
–
44.4

Share 
premium 
$million
18.7
–
18.7

Translation
reserve 
restated
 $million
(40.3)
(0.2)
(40.5)

Hedging 
reserve
 $million
(6.9)
–
(6.9)

Other 
reserves 
$million
163.6
–
163.6

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
44.4

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
1.5
–

–
–
1.5
20.2

–

 (21.5)

–

–

–

(0.1) 

–
–
–
–
 (21.5)
 (21.5)

–
–
–

–
–
–
 (62.0)

(0.9)
–
–
–
(1.0)
(1.0)

–
–
–

–
–
–
(7.9)

–

–

–

–
–
–
(2.6)
(2.6)
(2.6)

–
(0.2)
2.1

–
–
1.9
162.9

Retained
earnings 
restated 
 $million
464.6
(3.5)
461.1

Total
equity
restated 
 $million
644.1
(3.7)
640.4

94.6

94.6

–

–

–
17.4
(6.6)
2.6
13.4
108.0

(0.6)
–
–

(1.2)
(71.1)
(72.9)
496.2

(21.5)

(0.1)

(0.9)
17.4
(6.6)
–
(11.7)
82.9

(0.6)
1.3
2.1

(1.2)
(71.1)
(69.5)
653.8

44.4

20.2

(62.0)

(7.9)

162.9

496.2

653.8

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
44.4

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
0.7
–

–
–
0.7
20.9

–

0.9

–

–

 (17.9)

–

–

–
–
–
–
 (17.9)
 (17.9)

–
–
–

–
–
–
(79.9)

(0.3)
–
–
–
0.6
0.6

–
–
–

–
–
–
(7.3)

–

68.1

68.1

(0.7)

–
–
–
(2.4)
(3.1)
(3.1)

–
–
2.6

–

–

–
(2.6)
(0.5)
2.4
(0.7)
67.4

(0.9)
–
–

–
–
2.6
162.4

0.1
(76.2)
(77.0)
486.6

(18.6)

0.9

(0.3)
(2.6)
(0.5)
–
(21.1)
47.0

(0.9)
0.7
2.6

0.1
(76.2)
(73.7)
627.1

Balance at 1 January 2015
Restatement (see note 31)
Balance at 1 January 2015 restated
Comprehensive income
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Exchange differences
Fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to the 
income statement
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash 
flow hedges 
Remeasurements of retirement benefit obligations
Deferred tax adjustment on pension scheme deficit
Transfer
Total other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income
Transactions with owners
Purchase of own shares
Issue of shares by the Company 
Share based payments
Deferred tax on share based payments recognised 
within equity
Dividends paid
Total transactions with owners
Balance at 31 December 2015

Balance at 1 January 2016
Comprehensive income
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Exchange differences
Fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to the 
income statement
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash 
flow hedges
Remeasurements of retirement benefit obligations
Deferred tax adjustment on pension scheme deficit
Transfer
Total other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income
Transactions with owners
Purchase of own shares
Issue of shares by the Company 
Share based payments
Deferred tax on share based payments recognised 
within equity
Dividends paid
Total transactions with owners
Balance at 31 December 2016

72

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 December 2016

Operating activities:
Profit for the year
Adjustments for:
Other expenses
Finance income
Finance costs
Tax charge
Depreciation and amortisation
(Decrease)/increase in provisions
Pension payments net of current service cost
Share based payments
Operating cash flow before movement in working capital
Decrease in inventories
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
Increase /(decrease) in trade and other payables
Cash generated by operations
Income taxes paid
Interest paid
Net cash flow from operating activities
Investing activities:
Interest received
Disposal of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of intangible assets
Net cash flow from investing activities
Financing activities:
Issue of shares by the Company and the ESOT
Dividends paid
Purchase of shares by the ESOT
Decrease in borrowings 
Net cash used in financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January
Foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

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Note

 2016
$million

 2015  

 restated
$million

68.1

94.6

1.4
(0.1)
7.7
7.4
28.0
(3.5)
(4.7)
2.6
106.9
1.7
(9.6)
22.5
121.5
(2.7)
(0.9)
117.9

0.1
0.3
(34.0)
(1.6)
(35.2)

0.7
(76.2)
(0.9)
–
(76.4)
6.3
79.1
(2.8)
82.6

2.1
(0.2)
4.4
26.2
26.9
2.8
(22.8)
2.1
136.1
14.2
14.2
(38.9)
125.6
(12.7)
(1.3)
111.6

0.2
1.6
(30.3)
(1.1)
(29.6)

1.4
(71.1)
(0.6)
(3.9)
(74.2)
7.8
73.7
(2.4)
79.1

20

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

73

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016

1.  Accounting policies
Elementis Plc is a company incorporated in the UK. The Group financial statements have been prepared and approved by the directors in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (‘adopted IFRS’). The Company has elected to prepare 
its parent company financial statements in accordance with FRS 101. These are presented on pages 109 to 114.

Basis of preparation 
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except that derivative financial instruments and financial 
instruments held for trading or available for sale are stated at their fair value. Non-current assets held for sale are stated at the lower of 
carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. The preparation of financial statements requires the application of estimates and 
judgements that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and costs and related disclosures at the balance sheet 
date. The accounting policies set out below have been consistently applied across Group companies to all periods presented in these 
Consolidated financial statements.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The rationale for adopting this basis is discussed in the Directors’ 
report on page 60.

Reporting currency 
As a consequence of the majority of the Group’s sales and earnings originating in US dollars or US dollar linked currencies, the Group has 
chosen the US dollar as its reporting currency. This aligns the Group’s external reporting with the profile of the Group, as well as with 
internal management reporting.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty 
When applying the Group’s accounting policies, management must make a number of key judgements on the application of applicable 
accounting standards and estimates and assumptions concerning the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily 
apparent from other sources. These estimates and judgements are based on factors considered to be relevant, including historical 
experience, which may differ significantly from the actual outcome. The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of 
estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the amounts recognised in the financial statements 
are discussed below. The development of the estimates and disclosures related to each of these matters has been discussed by the 
Audit Committee.

Critical accounting judgements
The following are the critical judgements, apart from those involving estimations (which are dealt with separately below), that the directors 
have made in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts 
recognised in the financial statements.

a.  Revenue recognition 

 In making its judgement, the Directors have considered the detailed criteria for the recognition of revenue from the sale of goods set 
out in IAS 18 Revenue and, in particular, whether the Group had transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the 
goods. Following further assessment of the terms of shipment, the Directors have concluded that international shipments should not 
be recognised within revenue until they reach the destination port, as they believe that this more accurately reflects the commercial 
substance of the transaction. Due to this change in the accounting policy, the prior year comparatives have been restated to provide 
comparable information. More information on this restatement of the comparative balances is given in note 31. 

b.  Recognition of a defined benefit pension asset

 In accordance with IAS 19, for any pension plan in surplus, the amount recognised as an asset is limited to an asset ceiling, being the 
present value of any potential refund or a reduction in future contributions. Following the guidance in IFRIC 14, the Group has 
assessed the nature of the minimum funding requirement of the UK scheme alongside the unconditional right to a refund of any 
surplus under any winding up of the plan and concluded it is appropriate to recognise the full value of any pension surplus.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting period that may have a 
significant risk of causing a material misstatement to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are 
discussed below.

a.  Provisions 

 A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past 
event, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. If the effect is material, provisions 
are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time 
value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. 

A provision for restructuring is recognised when the Group has approved a detailed and formal restructuring plan, and the 
restructuring has either commenced or has been announced publicly. In accordance with the Group’s environmental policy and 
applicable legal requirements, a provision for site restoration in respect of contaminated land is recognised when the land is 

74

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contaminated. Provisions for environmental issues are judgemental by their nature, particularly when considering the size and timing 
of remediation spending, and more difficult to estimate when they relate to sites no longer directly controlled by the Group.

b.  Pension and other post retirement benefits 

 In respect of the Group’s defined benefit schemes, the Group’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit pension plans is calculated 
by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods, that 
benefit is discounted to determine its present value, and the fair value of any plan assets is deducted. The liability discount rate is the 
yield at the balance sheet date on AA credit rated bonds that have maturity dates approximating to the terms of the Group’s 
obligations. Pension and post retirement liabilities are calculated by qualified actuaries using the projected unit credit method. 
Following the introduction of the revised IAS19 Employee Benefits standard, the net interest on the defined benefit liability consists of 
the interest cost on the defined benefit obligation and the interest income on plan assets, both calculated by reference to the discount 
rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the start of the period.

 The Group recognises actuarial gains and losses in the period in which they occur through the statement of comprehensive income. 
The Group also operates a small number of defined contribution schemes and the contributions payable during the year are 
recognised as incurred. Due to the size of the Group’s pension scheme assets and liabilities, relatively small changes in the 
assumptions can have a significant impact on the expense recorded in the income statement and on the pension liability recorded in 
the balance sheet.

 c.  Taxation

 Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement 
except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity or in other comprehensive income. Current tax is the expected 
tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and any 
adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences between the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary 
differences are not provided for: the initial recognition of goodwill; the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither 
accounting nor taxable profit other than in a business combination; and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent 
that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of 
realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the 
balance sheet date. A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available 
against which the asset can be utilised. In 2014, an asset of $42.0 million was recognised relating to UK advance corporation credits 
which had previously been unrecognised because of uncertainty over the availability of UK taxable profits and hence a tax liability 
against which to utilise the credits. During 2014 the Group transferred some profitable product manufacturing to the UK from 
overseas, restructured the financing of an overseas subsidiary and gained greater certainty on future UK pension contributions, all of 
which led to a reasonable expectation that UK taxable profits would arise in the future and therefore that the tax credits should be 
recognised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.

 The Group is required to estimate the income tax in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. This requires an estimation of current 
tax liability together with an assessment of the temporary differences which arise as a consequence of different accounting and tax 
treatments. The Group operates in a number of countries in the world and is subject to many tax jurisdictions and rules. As a 
consequence the Group is subject to tax audits, which by their nature are often complex and can require several years to conclude. 
Management’s judgement is required to determine the total provision for income tax. Amounts are accrued based on management’s 
interpretation of country specific tax law and likelihood of settlement. However, the actual tax liabilities could differ from the position 
and in such events an adjustment would be required in the subsequent period which could have a material impact. Tax benefits are 
not recognised unless it is probable that the tax positions are sustainable. Once considered to be probable, management reviews 
each material tax benefit to assess whether a provision should be taken against full recognition of the benefit on the basis of potential 
settlement through negotiation. This evaluation requires judgements to be made including the forecast of future taxable income.

d. 

Impairment of goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets 
 Each year the Group carries out impairment tests of its goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets which requires estimates to 
be made of the value in use of its cash-generating units (CGUs). These value in use calculations are dependent on estimates of future 
cash flows and long-term growth rates of the CGUs. Further details of these estimates are given in note 10.

Basis of consolidation 
The Consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for the year. IFRS 10 
Consolidated financial statements introduces new principles for control which focuses on whether the Group is exposed to, or has rights 
to, variable returns from its involvement with entities and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over those entities. The 
Group’s consolidation scope and the accounting treatment of its investments in other entities was unaffected by the adoption of IFRS 10.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during a period are included in the Consolidated financial statements from the date that 
control commences until the date that control ceases.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

1.  Accounting policies (continued) 
The Group adopted IFRS 3 (revised) Business Combinations for business combinations where the acquisition date was on or after 
1 January 2010. This measures goodwill at the acquisition date as the fair value of the consideration transferred, the recognised amount of 
any non-controlling interests in the acquiree plus, if the business combination is achieved in stages, the fair value of the existing equity 
interest in the acquiree, less the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Acquisition costs are accounted 
for as an expense in the period incurred. For acquisitions that were made by the Group between its initial adoption of IFRS in 2005 and 
31 December 2009 goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the acquisition over the Group’s interest in the fair value of the identifiable 
assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquired. Transaction costs, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity 
securities, that the Group incurred in connection with business combinations were capitalised as part of the cost of the acquisition.

In accordance with the transitional rules of IFRS 1, the Company has not restated business combinations that took place prior to the date 
of transition to IFRS of 1 January 2004. As a consequence the Scheme of Arrangement entered into in 1998 whereby the Company 
acquired Elementis Holdings Limited and applied the true and fair override to account for the transaction as a merger has not been 
restated under IFRS.

Intragroup balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intragroup transactions, are eliminated in 
preparing the Consolidated financial statements. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains, but only to the 
extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

Foreign currency 
a.  Foreign currency transactions 

 Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets 
and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at that 
date. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in the income statement. Non-monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies that are stated at fair value are translated at exchange rates ruling at the dates the fair value was 
determined.

b.  Financial statements of foreign operations 

 The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on consolidation, are translated 
at exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. The revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated at the average 
rates of exchange ruling for the relevant period. Exchange differences arising since 1 January 2004 on translation are taken to the 
translation reserve. They are recognised in the income statement upon disposal of the foreign operation. The Group may hedge a 
portion of the translation of its overseas net assets through pounds sterling and Euro borrowings. From 1 January 2005, the Group 
has elected to apply net investment hedge accounting for these transactions where possible. Where hedging is applied, the effective 
portion of the gain or loss on an instrument used to hedge a net investment is recognised in equity. Any ineffective portion of the 
hedge is recognised in the income statement. 

Associates 
Associates are those entities in which the Group has significant influence, but not control over the financial and operating policies. The 
Consolidated financial statements include the Group’s share of the post-acquisition total recognised gains and losses and the net assets 
of associates on an equity accounted basis. Where the Group’s share of losses exceeds its investment in an associate, the Group’s 
carrying amount is reduced to nil and recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the Group has incurred a legal 
or constructive obligation. 

Property, plant and equipment 
Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Freehold land is not 
depreciated. Leasehold property is depreciated over the period of the lease. Freehold buildings, plant and machinery, fixtures, fittings and 
equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives on a straight line basis. Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values 
are assessed at the reporting date. No depreciation is charged on assets under construction until the asset is brought into use. 

Estimates of useful lives of these assets are:
Buildings 
Plant and machinery 
Fixtures, fittings and equipment 

10 – 50 years
2 – 20 years
2 – 20 years

The cost of replacing part of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that 
the future economic benefits embodied within it will flow to the Group and its cost can be measured reliably. The costs of the day-to-day 
servicing of property, plant and equipment are recognised in the income statement as incurred. Management regularly considers whether 
there are any indications of impairment to carrying values of property, plant and equipment. Impairment reviews are based on risk 
adjusted discounted cash flow projections. Significant judgement is applied to the assumptions underlying these projections which include 
estimated discount rates, growth rates, future selling prices and direct costs. Changes to these assumptions could have a material impact 
on the financial position of the Group and on the result for the year.

76

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Intangible assets
a.  Goodwill 

 All business combinations since the transition to IFRS on 1 January 2004 are accounted for by applying the purchase method. In 
respect of business acquisitions that have occurred since the transition date, goodwill represents the difference between the cost of 
the consideration given and the fair value of net identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired. In respect of 
acquisitions prior to this date, goodwill is included on the basis of its deemed cost, which represents the amount recorded under 
previous GAAP. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units and tested annually for impairment. Changes to the assumptions used 
in impairment testing could have a material impact on the financial position of the Group and of the result for the year.

b.  Research and development 

 Expenditure on pure research is recognised in the income statement as an expense as incurred. Under IAS 38, expenditure on 
development where research findings are applied to a plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved products and 
processes is capitalised if the product or process will give rise to future economic benefits and where the cost of the capitalised asset 
can be measured reliably. Expenditure capitalised is stated as the cost of materials, direct labour and an appropriate proportion of 
overheads less accumulated amortisation. The length of development lifecycles, broad nature of much of the research undertaken 
and uncertainty until a late stage as to ultimate commercial viability of a potential product can mean that the measurement criteria of 
IAS 38 regarding the probability of future economic benefits and the reliability of allocating costs may not be met, in which case 
expenditure is expensed as incurred. 

c.  Other intangible assets 

 Other intangible assets are stated at cost or when arising in a business combination, estimated fair value, less accumulated 
amortisation.

d.  Amortisation 

 Amortisation is charged to the income statement on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets unless 
such lives are indefinite. On this basis there is no amortisation of intangible assets relating to brand. Goodwill is systematically tested 
for impairment at each balance sheet date. Other intangible assets, comprising customer lists, trademarks, patents and non-compete 
clauses, are amortised over their estimated useful lives which range from 5-10 years.

Impairment 
The carrying amount of non-current assets other than deferred tax is compared to the asset’s recoverable amount at each balance 
sheet date where there is an indication of impairment. For goodwill, assets that have an indefinite useful life and intangible assets that are 
not yet available for use, the recoverable amount is estimated at each balance sheet date. An impairment loss is recognised whenever 
the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the 
income statement.

Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill 
allocated to cash-generating units and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit on a pro rata basis. A cash-
generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows 
from other assets or groups of assets. 

The recoverable amount is the greater of their fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future 
cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value 
of money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not generate largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable 
amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

Leased assets 
Leases which result in the Group receiving substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of an asset are treated as finance leases. 
An asset held under a finance lease is recorded in the balance sheet and depreciated over the shorter of its estimated useful life and the 
lease term. Future instalments net of finance charges are included within borrowings. Minimum lease payments are apportioned between 
the finance charge, which is allocated to each period to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining liability and charged 
to the income statement and reduction of the outstanding liability. Rental costs arising from operating leases are charged on a straight line 
basis over the period of the lease.

Investments 
Investments comprising loans and receivables are stated at amortised cost.

Government grants 
Grants against capital expenditure from government and other bodies are shown separately in the balance sheet. Such grants are 
released to the profit and loss account over the same period for which the relevant assets are depreciated.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

1.  Accounting policies (continued) 
Inventories 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price, less estimated 
costs of completion and selling expenses. Cost, which is based on a weighted average, includes expenditure incurred in acquiring stock 
and bringing it to its existing location and condition. In the case of manufactured inventories and work in progress, cost includes an 
appropriate share of overheads attributable to manufacture, based on normal operating capacity.

Trade receivables 
Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are stated at their nominal amount which is the original invoiced amount less provision 
made for bad and doubtful receivables. Estimated irrecoverable amounts are based on the ageing of receivables and historical 
experience. Individual trade receivables are written off when management deem them no longer to be collectable.

Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations 
A non-current asset or a group of assets containing a non-current asset (a disposal group), is classified as held for sale if its carrying 
amount will be recovered principally through sale rather than through continuing use, it is available for immediate sale and is highly 
probable within one year. On initial classification as held for sale, non-current assets and disposal groups are measured at the lower 
of previous carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell with any adjustments taken to profit or loss. The same applies to gains and 
losses on subsequent remeasurement.

A discontinued operation is a component of the Group’s business that represents a separate major line of business or geographic area of 
operations or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale, that has been disposed of, has been abandoned or that meets the 
criteria to be classified as held for sale.

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. 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.

Borrowings 
Borrowings are initially measured at cost (which is equal to the fair value at inception), and are subsequently measured at amortised cost 
using the effective interest rate method. Any difference between the proceeds, net of transaction costs and the settlement or redemption 
of borrowings is recognised over the terms of the borrowings using the effective interest rate method.

Trade payables 
Trade payables are non-interest bearing borrowings and are initially measured at fair value and subsequently carried at amortised cost.

Share capital 
Incremental costs directly attributable to issue of ordinary shares and share options are recognised as a deduction from equity. 
When share capital recognised as equity is repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, including directly attributable costs, 
is recognised as a deduction from equity. Repurchased shares by the Company are classified as treasury shares and are presented 
as a deduction from total equity. 

Derivative financial instruments 
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risks. The Group does not 
hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. However, derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are 
accounted for as trading instruments. Due to the requirement to measure the effectiveness of hedging instruments, changes in market 
conditions can result in the recognition of unrealised gains or losses on hedging instruments in the income statement.

Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value. The gain or loss on remeasurement to fair value is recognised 
immediately in the income statement. However, where derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, recognition of any resultant gain or loss 
depends on the nature of the item being hedged. The fair value of forward exchange contracts is their quoted market price at the balance 
sheet date, being the present value of the quoted forward price.

a.  Cash flow hedges 

 Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the variability in cash flows of a recognised asset or liability, or a 
highly probable forecast transaction, the effective part of any gain or loss on the derivative financial instrument is recognised directly 
in the hedging reserve. Any ineffective portion of the hedge is recognised immediately in the income statement.

b.  Fair value hedges 

 Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the variability in a fair value of a recognised asset or liability or an 
unrecognised firm commitment, all changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognised immediately in the income statement.  
The carrying value of the hedged item is adjusted by the change in fair value that is attributable to the risk being hedged (even if it is 
normally carried at cost or amortised cost) and any gains or losses on remeasurement are recognised immediately in the income 
statement (even if those gains would normally be recognised directly in reserves).

78

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Termination benefits 
Termination benefits are recognised as an expense when the Group is demonstrably committed, without realistic possibility of withdrawal, 
to a formal detailed plan to terminate employment before the normal retirement date. Termination benefits for voluntary redundancies are 
recognised if the Group has made an offer encouraging voluntary redundancy, it is probable that the offer will be accepted, and the 
number of acceptances can be estimated reliably.

Revenue 
Revenue from the sale of goods is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of returns, trade discounts 
and rebates. Revenue is recognised in the income statement only where there is evidence that the significant risks and rewards of 
ownership have been transferred to the customer and where the collectability of revenue is reasonably assured. This may occur, 
depending on the individual customer relationship, when the product has been transferred to a freight carrier, when the customer has 
received the product or, for consignment stock held at customers’ premises, when usage reports for the relevant period have been 
compiled. Where goods are shipped but the Group continues to bear insurance risk until they reach their destination, revenue is only 
recognised when the goods reach their destination.

Other expenses 
Other expenses are administration costs incurred and paid by the Group’s pension schemes, which relate primarily to former employees 
of legacy businesses. 

Finance income and finance costs 
Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested and changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value taken to the 
income statement. Interest income is recognised as it accrues, using the effective interest method. Finance costs comprise interest 
expense on borrowings, unwinding of the discount on provisions, dividends on preference shares classified as liabilities, foreign currency 
losses and changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value taken to the income statement. All borrowing costs are recognised in 
the income statement using the effective interest method.

Share based payments 
The fair value of equity settled share options, cash settled shadow options and LTIP awards granted to employees is recognised as an 
expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured at grant date and spread over the period during which the 
employees become unconditionally entitled to the options/awards. The fair value of the options/awards granted is measured using a 
binomial model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options/awards were granted. The amount recognised as 
an employee expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options/awards that vest except where forfeiture is only due to 
share prices not achieving the threshold for vesting.

Own shares held by Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOT) 
Transactions of the Group sponsored ESOT are included in the Consolidated financial statements. In particular, the ESOT’s purchases 
of shares in the Company are charged directly to equity.

Non-statutory performance measures
In the analysis of the Group’s operating results, earnings per share and cash flows, information is presented to provide readers with 
additional performance indicators that are prepared on a non-statutory basis. This presentation is regularly reviewed by management 
to identify items that are unusual and other items relevant to an understanding of the Group’s performance and long term trends with 
reference to their materiality and nature. This additional information is not uniformly defined by all companies and may not be comparable 
with similarly titled measures and disclosures by other organisations. The non-statutory disclosures should not be viewed in isolation or 
as an alternative to the equivalent statutory measure. Information for separate presentation is considered as follows:

 – Material costs or reversals arising from a significant restructuring of the Group’s operations are presented separately.

 – Disposal of entities or investments in associates or joint ventures or impairment of related assets are presented separately.

 – Other matters arising due to the Group’s acquisition, such as adjustments to contingent consideration, payment of retention bonuses, 

acquisition costs and fair value adjustments for acquired assets made in accordance with IFRS 13 are separately disclosed in 
aggregate.

 – If a change in an accounting estimate for provisions, including environmental provisions, results in a material gain or loss, that is 

presented separately. 

 – Other items the directors may deem to be unusual as a result of their size and/or nature.

Adoption of new and revised standards 
In the current year, the Group has applied a number of amendments to IFRSs issued that are mandatorily effective for accounting periods 
that begin on or after 1 January 2016. Their adoption has not had any material impact on the disclosures or on the amounts reported in 
these financial statements:

 – Amendments to IFRS 10, 12 and IAS 28 Investment Entities: Applying the Consolidation Exception

 – Amendments to IFRS 11 Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

79

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

1.  Accounting policies (continued) 
 – Amendments to IAS 1 Disclosure Initiative 

 – Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38 Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation 

 – Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 41 Agriculture: Bearer Plants

 – Amendments to IAS 27 Equity Method in Separate Financial Statements

 – Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012-2014 Cycle.

New and revised IFRSs in issue but not yet effective 
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the Group has not applied the following new and revised IFRSs that have been 
issued but are not yet effective and, in some cases, had not yet been adopted by the EU:

 – IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

 – IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

 – IFRS 16 Leases

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

 – IAS 7 (amendments) Disclosure Initiative

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

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

 – IFRS 4 (amendments) Applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts

 – IFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration

 – IAS 40 (amendments) Transfers of Investment Property

 – Annual Improvements to IFRSs: 2014-16 Cycle.

The Directors do not expect that the adoption of the Standards listed above will have a material impact on the financial statements of the 
Group in future periods, except as noted below:

 – IFRS 9 will impact both the measurement and disclosures of financial instruments;

 – IFRS 15 may have an impact on revenue recognition and related disclosures. The Group is currently assessing the impact of the new 

standard on its financial statements; and

 – IFRS 16 will have a material impact on the reported assets, liabilities, income statement and cash flows of the Group. Furthermore, 

extensive disclosures will be required by IFRS 16.

Beyond the information above, it is not practicable to provide a reasonable estimate of effect of these standards until a detailed review has 
been completed.

2.  Operating segments
Business segments
The Group has determined its operating segments on the basis of those used for management, internal reporting purposes and the 
allocation of strategic resources. In accordance with the provisions of IFRS 8, the Group’s chief operating decision maker is the Board of 
Directors. The three reportable segments, Specialty Products, Surfactants and Chromium, each have distinct product groupings and, 
with  the exception of Surfactants which shares a common management structure with Specialty Products, separate management 
structures. Segment results, assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment and those that may be reasonably 
allocated from corporate activities. Presentation of the segmental results is on a basis consistent with those used for reporting Group 
results. Principal activities of the reportable segments are as follows:

Specialty Products:
 – Production of rheological and other specialty additives, compounded products and colourants.

Surfactants: 
 – Production of surface active ingredients.

Chromium:
 – Production of chromium chemicals.

Inter-segment pricing is set at a level that equates to the manufacturing cost of the product plus a commercially appropriate mark up.

Unallocated items and those relating to corporate functions such as tax and treasury are presented in the tables below as central costs.

80

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

Segmental analysis for the year ended 31 December 2016 

Revenue
Internal revenue
Revenue from external customers
Operating profit before allocations
Head office cost allocations
Profit/(loss) before interest
Other expenses
Finance income
Finance expense
Taxation – after adjusting items 
Taxation – on adjusting items
Profit for the period
Fixed assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
ACT recoverable
Deferred tax assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Segment assets
Trade and other payables
Operating provisions
Bank overdrafts and loans
Derivatives
Current tax liabilities
Retirement benefit obligations
Deferred tax liabilities
Segment liabilities
Net assets
Capital additions
Depreciation and amortisation

Information by geographic area
Revenue from external customers
Non-current assets
Capital additions
Depreciation and amortisation

Specialty 
Products 
$million
460.4
–
460.4
79.7
(2.2)
77.5
–
–
–
–
–
77.5
495.5
78.4
62.4
–
–
–
636.3
(60.8)
(3.4)
–
–
–
–
–
(64.2)
572.1
21.4
(16.8)

2016

Chromium 
$million
168.8
(12.6)
156.2
24.5
(0.9)
23.6
–
–
–
–
–
23.6
72.9
39.3
24.9
–
–
–
137.1
(22.8)
(17.9)
–
–
–
–
–
(40.7)
96.4
11.6
(8.5)

United 
Kingdom
$million
20.5
33.4
1.1
(1.2)

Segment 
totals
$million
672.3
(12.8)
659.5
103.6
(3.4)
100.2
–
–
–
–
–
100.2
590.2
121.3
94.2
–
–
–
805.7
(91.5)
(23.6)
–
–
–
–
–
(115.1)
690.6
36.2
(27.0)

Rest of 
Europe
$million
167.8
40.7
8.9
(2.6)

Surfactants 
$million
43.1
(0.2)
42.9
(0.6)
(0.3)
(0.9)
–
–
–
–
–
(0.9)
21.8
3.6
6.9
–
–
–
32.3
(7.9)
(2.3)
–
–
–
–
–
(10.2)
22.1
3.2
(1.7)

North
 America
$million
223.8
445.4
23.4
(20.0)

Central
costs
 $million
–
–
–
(19.1)
3.4
(15.7)
(1.4)
0.1
(7.7)
(11.1)
3.7
(32.1)
(13.0)
–
1.8
23.0
16.1
82.6
110.5
(7.4)
(15.6)
(5.1)
(0.4)
(6.7)
(30.1)
(108.7)
(174.0)
(63.5)
1.6
(1.0)

Rest of  

the World
$million
247.4
57.7
4.4
(4.2)

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Total 
$million
672.3
(12.8)
659.5
84.5
–
84.5
(1.4)
0.1
(7.7)
(11.1)
3.7
68.1
577.2
121.3
96.0
23.0
16.1
82.6
916.2
(98.9)
(39.2)
(5.1)
(0.4)
(6.7)
(30.1)
(108.7)
(289.1)
627.1
37.8
(28.0)

Total 
$million
659.5
577.2
37.8
(28.0)

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

81

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

2.  Operating segments (continued)
Segmental analysis for the year ended 31 December 2015

Revenue
Internal revenue
Revenue from external customers
Operating profit before allocations
Head office cost allocations
Profit/(loss) before interest
Other expenses
Finance income
Finance expense
Taxation – after adjusting items 
Taxation – on adjusting items
Profit for the period
Fixed assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
ACT recoverable
Deferred tax assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Segment assets
Trade and other payables
Operating provisions
Bank overdrafts and loans
Derivatives
Current tax liabilities
Retirement benefit obligations
Deferred tax liabilities
Segment liabilities
Net assets
Capital additions
Depreciation and amortisation

Information by geographic area
Revenue from external customers
Non-current assets
Capital additions
Depreciation and amortisation

Specialty 
Products
restated
$million
453.2
(0.1)
453.1
79.7
(2.2)
77.5
–
–
–
–
–
77.5
494.0
76.4
55.1
–
–
–
625.5
(47.2)
(2.4)
–
–
–
–
–
(49.6)
575.9
16.1
(16.2)

2015

Chromium
restated
 $million
181.1
(10.8)
170.3
60.9
(0.9)
60.0
–
–
–
–
–
60.0
70.1
45.6
27.1
–
–
–
142.8
(17.1)
(19.0)
–
–
–
–
–
(36.1)
106.7
10.5
(7.9)

United 
Kingdom
$million
31.3
40.0
1.4
(1.3)

Segment
totals
restated
$million
688.1
(10.9)
677.2
144.2
(3.4)
140.8
–
–
–
–
–
140.8
584.9
126.6
89.8
–
–
–
801.3
(74.1)
(24.0)
–
–
–
–
–
(98.1)
703.2
31.2
(25.9)

Rest of 
Europe
$million
161.3
35.6
6.7
(2.8)

Central
costs 
restated
$million
–
–
–
(17.1)
3.4
(13.7)
(2.1)
0.2
(4.4)
(19.0)
(7.2)
(46.2)
(11.2)
0.1
2.2
34.0
14.2
79.1
118.4
(5.8)
(14.4)
(5.1)
(0.3)
(0.2)
(29.0)
(113.0)
(167.8)
(49.4)
0.2
(1.0)

Rest of the 
World
$million
254.5
55.8
2.7
(4.2)

Surfactants 
$million
53.8
–
53.8
3.6
(0.3)
3.3
–
–
–
–
–
3.3
20.8
4.6
7.6
–
–
–
33.0
(9.8)
(2.6)
–
–
–
–
–
(12.4)
20.6
4.6
(1.8)

North
 America
$million
230.1
442.3
20.6
(18.6)

Total 
restated
$million
688.1
(10.9)
677.2
127.1
–
127.1
(2.1)
0.2
(4.4)
(19.0)
(7.2)
94.6
573.7
126.7
92.0
34.0
14.2
79.1
919.7
(79.9)
(38.4)
(5.1)
(0.3)
(0.2)
(29.0)
(113.0)
(265.9)
653.8
31.4
(26.9)

Total 
$million
677.2 
573.7
31.4
(26.9)

82

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

3.  Finance income

Interest on bank deposits

4.  Finance costs

Interest on bank loans
Pension and other post retirement liabilities
Increase in environmental provisions due to change in discount rate (see note 5)
Unwind of discount on provisions

5.  Adjusting items and Alternative Performance Measures

Land sale
Restructuring
Business review
Environmental provisions

Increase in provisions due to additional remediation work identified
Increase in provisions due to change in discount rate

Acquisition costs
Other

Tax (credit)/charge in relation to adjusting items
Recognition of reduced tax assets

Cash flows relating to adjusting items

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2016
$million
0.1

2015
$million
0.2

2016
$million
0.8
1.0
4.5
1.4
7.7

2016
$million
–
3.0
2.4

3.5
4.5
0.8
–
14.2
(3.7)
–
10.5

(5.1)

2015
$million
1.2
1.8
–
1.4
4.4

2015
$million
(17.0)
4.2
–

–
–

7.2
(5.6)
2.5
4.7
1.6

(7.7)

A number of items have been recorded under ‘adjusting items’ in 2016 by virtue of their size and/or one time nature, in order to provide a 
better understanding of the Group’s results. The net impact of these items on the Group profit before tax for the year is an increase of 
$14.2 million (2015: decrease of $5.6 million). 

Restructuring 
Following the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, the Group has reorganised the management structure and various parts of 
the business. Costs of this exercise including redundancy costs, as well as recruitment and other costs associated with changes in the 
management structure, was $3.0 million.

Business review 
In the first half of 2016 a business review was undertaken with external assistance to support development of the long term strategy for 
Elementis. The one time cost of this exercise was $2.4 million.

Environmental provisions 
The Group’s environmental provisions is calculated on a discounted basis, reflecting the time period over which spending is estimated 
to take place. Following discussions with our external environmental advisers the Group has concluded that it would be appropriate to 
reduce the discount rate being used to value liabilities resulting in a charge of $4.5 million. We continue to fund the remediation work on 
the legacy Chromium site at Eaglescliffe that was closed in 2009. The work programme is determined in part through consultation with 
the local regulatory authorities and a re-assessment in the year of the outstanding tasks and their timeframe has resulted in a charge of 
$3.5 million.

Acquisition costs 
On 10 February 2017 the Group announced its intention to acquire SummitReheis. During 2016 transaction related costs of $0.8 million 
were incurred in connection with this acquisition. Further costs will be expensed in 2017.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

83

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

5.  Adjusting items and Alternative Performance Measures (continued)
To support comparability with the financial statements as presented in 2015, the reconciliation to the adjusted consolidated income 
statement is shown below

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Distribution costs
Administrative expenses
Profit on property disposal
Operating profit
Other expenses
Finance income
Finance costs
Profit before income tax
Tax
Profit for the year 
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent

Earnings per share 
Basic (cents)
Diluted (cents)

2016 Profit 
and loss 
$million
659.5
(420.5)
239.0
(80.0)
(74.5)
–
84.5
(1.4)
0.1
(7.7)
75.5
(7.4)
68.1

Adjusting 
items 
$million
–
–
–
–
9.7
–
9.7
–
–
4.5
14.2
(3.7)
10.5

2016 After
Adjusting 
items
 $million
659.5
(420.5)
239.0
(80.0)
(64.8)
–
94.2
(1.4)
0.1
(3.2)
89.7
(11.1)
78.6

2015 Profit 
and loss
restated
$million
677.2
(418.2)
259.0
(85.8)
(63.1)
17.0
127.1
(2.1)
0.2
(4.4)
120.8
(26.2)
94.6

2015 After
adjusting
items 
restated 
 $million
677.2
(418.2)
259.0
(85.8)
(51.7)
–
121.5
(2.1)
0.2
(4.4)
115.2
(19.0)
96.2

Adjusting 
items 
 $million
–
–
–
–
11.4
(17.0)
(5.6)
–
–
–
(5.6)
7.2
1.6

68.1

10.5

78.6

94.6

1.6

96.2

14.7
14.6

2.3
2.2

17.0
16.8

20.5
20.3

0.3
0.3

20.8
20.6

To support comparability with the financial statements as presented in 2015, a reconciliation from reported profit/(loss) before interest to 
adjusted profit before income tax by segment is shown below for each year.

Reported profit/(loss) before interest
Adjusting Items
  Restructuring
  Business review

 Increase in environmental provisions due to 
additional remedial work identified

  Acquisition costs
Adjusted profit /(loss) before interest
Other expenses
Finance income
Finance costs
Adjusting items
  Finance costs
Adjusted profit before income tax 

2016

Specialty 
Products 
$million
77.5

Surfactants 
$million
(0.9)

Chromium 
$million
23.6

Segment 
totals
$million
100.2

Central
costs
 $million
(15.7)

Total 
$million
84.5

1.3
–

–
–
78.8
–
–

–
78.8

0.3
–

–
–
(0.6)
–
–

–
(0.6)

–
–

3.5
–
27.1
–
–

–
27.1

1.6
–

3.5
–
105.3
–
–

–
105.3

1.4
2.4

–
0.8
(11.1)
(1.4)
0.1
(7.7)

4.5
(15.6)

3.0
2.4

3.5
0.8
94.2
(1.4)
0.1
(7.7)

4.5
89.7

84

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

 
  
Reported profit/(loss) before interest
Adjusting Items
  Land sale
  Restructuring
  Other
Adjusted profit/(loss) before interest
  Other expenses
  Finance income
  Finance costs
Adjusted profit before income tax

2015

Specialty 
Products
restated
$million
77.5

Surfactants 
$million
3.3

Chromium 
restated
$million
60.0

Segment
totals
restated
$million
140.8

Central
costs
 $million
(13.7)

Total 
restated
$million
127.1

–
2.1
0.3
79.9
–
–
–
79.9

–
0.5
0.7
4.5
–
–
–
4.5

(17.0)
0.7
4.3
48.0
–
–
–
48.0

(17.0)
3.3
5.3
132.4
–
–
–
132.4

–
0.9
1.9
(10.9)
(2.1)
0.2
(4.4)
 (17.2)

(17.0)
4.2
7.2
121.5
(2.1)
0.2
(4.4)
115.2

A reconciliation from reported profit for the year to EBITDA is provided to support understanding of the summarised cash flow included 
within the Finance report on page 14.

Profit for the year
Adjustments for 
  Finance income
  Finance costs and other expenses after adjusting items
  Tax charge
  Depreciation and amortisation
  Adjusting items
EBITDA

2016
$million
68.1

(0.1)
4.6
7.4
28.0
14.2
122.2

2015
 restated
$million
94.6

(0.2)
6.5
26.2
26.9
(5.6)
148.4

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Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

85

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

6. 

Income tax expense

Current tax:
Recognition of UK Advance Corporation Tax credits 
UK corporation tax
Overseas corporation tax
Adjustments in respect of prior years:
  United Kingdom
  Overseas
Total current tax
Deferred tax:
United Kingdom
Overseas
Adjustment in respect of prior years:
  United Kingdom
  Overseas
Total deferred tax
Income tax expense for the year
Comprising:
Adjusting items*
  Overseas taxation on adjusting items
  UK taxation on adjusting items
  Recognition of UK ACT and losses
  UK ACT and deferred tax charge
Taxation on adjusting items
Income tax expense for the year after adjusting items
* 

see note 5 for details of adjusting items

2016
$million

2015
restated
$million

–
6.6
9.9

–
(1.1)
15.4

0.2
(8.4)

–
0.2
(8.0)
7.4

1.9
1.8
–
–
3.7
11.1

–
5.2
8.8

1.3
(2.9)
12.4

2.4
8.0

3.4
–
13.8
26.2

(2.5)
–
–
(4.7)
(7.2)
19.0

The tax charge on profits represents an effective rate after adjusting items for the year ended 31 December 2016 of 12.4 per cent 
(2015: 16.5 per cent). The Group is international. It has operations in several jurisdictions and benefits from cross border financing 
arrangements. Accordingly, tax charges of the Group in future periods will be affected by the profitability of operations in different 
jurisdictions, changes to tax rates and regulations in the jurisdictions within which the Group has operations, as well as the ongoing 
impact of the Group’s funding arrangements.

The total charge for the year can be reconciled to the accounting profit as follows:

2016
 per cent

2015
restated
 per cent

Profit before tax
Tax on ordinary activities at 20 per cent (2015: 20.25 per cent)*
Difference in overseas effective tax rates
Income not taxable and impact of tax efficient financing
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Recognition of adjusting tax items
Tax charge and effective tax rate for the year
* 

20.3
4.1
(4.1)
0.3
(2.7)
3.9
21.7
 the UK corporation tax rate will reduce to 19 per cent from 1 April 2017 and 17 per cent from 1 April 2020; these reductions were substantively enacted on 
26 October 2015.

20.0
(3.6)
(6.0)
0.6
(1.2)
–
9.8

2016
$million
75.5
15.1
(2.7)
(4.6)
0.5
(0.9)
–
7.4

2015
restated
$million
120.8
24.5
4.9
(5.0)
0.4
(3.3)
4.7
26.2

86

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

7.  Profit for the year
Profit for the year has been arrived at after charging/(crediting):

Employee costs
Net foreign exchange losses/(gains) 
Research and development costs
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangible assets
Total depreciation and amortisation expense
Cost of inventories recognised as expense
Fees available to the Company’s auditor and its associates:
Audit of the Company’s financial statements
Audit of the Company’s subsidiaries
Audit related assurance services 
Tax compliance services
Other tax advisory services

8.  Employees

Employee costs:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs

Average number of FTE employees*:
Specialty Products
Surfactants
Chromium
Central
Total
* 

full time equivalent including contractors

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2016
$million
106.0
5.2
7.9
24.6
3.4
28.0
312.1

0.2
0.5
0.2
–
0.1

2015
restated
$million
103.3
(3.5)
7.8
23.6
3.3
26.9
323.1

0.2
0.6
0.1
0.3
0.4

2016
$million

2015
$million

94.0
7.1
4.9
106.0

90.8
7.4
5.1
103.3

Number

Number

980
153
247
15
1,395

999
149
259
14
1,421

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

87

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

9.  Earnings per share
The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the parent is based on 
the following:

Earnings:
Earnings for the purpose of basic earnings per share
Adjusting items net of tax
Adjusted earnings

Number of shares:
Weighted average number of shares for the purposes of basic earnings per share
Effect of dilutive share options
Weighted average number of shares for the purposes of diluted earnings per share

Earnings per share:
Basic
Diluted
Basic after adjusting items
Diluted after adjusting items

2016
$million

2015
restated
$million

68.1
10.5
78.6

2016
million

462.8
3.9
466.7

2016
cents

14.7
14.6
17.0
16.8

94.6
1.6
96.2

2015
million

462.2
4.0
466.2

2015
restated
cents

20.5
20.3
20.8
20.6

88

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

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10.  Goodwill and other intangible assets 

Cost:
At 1 January 2015
Exchange differences
Additions
At 31 December 2015
Exchange differences
Additions
At 31 December 2016

Amortisation:
At 1 January 2015
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2015
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2016

Carrying amount:
At 31 December 2016
At 31 December 2015
At 1 January 2015

 Goodwill
$million

Brand
$million

Other 
intangible
 assets
$million

331.0
(6.3)
–
324.7
(3.5)
–
321.2

–
–
–
–
–

321.2
324.7
331.0

23.1
(1.0)
–
22.1
0.5
–
22.6

–
–
–
–
–

22.6
22.1
23.1

35.2
(1.0)
1.1
35.3
–
3.8
39.1

16.3
3.3
19.6
3.4
23.0

16.1
15.7
18.9

Total
$million

389.3
(8.3)
1.1
382.1
(3.0)
3.8
382.9

16.3
3.3
19.6
3.4
23.0

359.9
362.5
373.0

Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated, at acquisition, to the cash-generating units (‘CGUs’) that are expected to benefit 
from that business combination. The carrying value of goodwill relates to Elementis Specialty Products ($318.5 million) and Elementis 
Surfactants ($2.7 million). There is no goodwill associated with Elementis Chromium.

The Group tests annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. The recoverable 
amounts of the CGUs are determined from value in use calculations. The key assumptions for the value in use calculations are those 
regarding the discount rates, growth rates and expected changes to selling prices and direct costs during the period. Management 
estimates discount rates using pre-tax rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to 
the CGUs. In order to stress test the results over a wider range of conditions, management has expanded its testing to include discount 
rates based on a variety of equity risk premiums and different capital structures that reflect the potential variability of risk within the CGUs. 
In this exercise a range of discount rates from 11.3 per cent to 12.3 per cent (2015: 8.0 per cent to 14.0 per cent) was used.

The Group prepares cash flow forecasts derived from the most recent three year plans approved by management for the next three years 
and extrapolates cash flows for the following 17 years based on estimated growth rates of 2.5 per cent. The rates do not exceed the 
average long term growth rate for the relevant markets and also take into account potential, future capacity limitations for the Chromium 
business. Changes in selling prices and direct costs are based on past practices and expectations of future changes in the market. The 
results of the impairment testing using the assumptions discussed show that there is no indication that goodwill might be impaired.

The brand intangibles represent the value ascribed to the trading name and reputation of the Deuchem, Fancor, Watercryl and Hi-Mar 
acquisitions. The Group considers these to have significant and ongoing value to the business that will be maintained and it is therefore 
considered appropriate to assign these assets an indefinite useful life. Brand intangibles are tested annually for impairment using similar 
assumptions to the goodwill testing. The remaining intangible assets comprise the value ascribed to customer lists, patents and non-
compete clauses, which are being amortised over periods of five to ten years.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

89

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

11.  Property, plant and equipment

Cost:
At 1 January 2015
Additions
Exchange differences
Disposals
Reclassifications
At 31 December 2015
Additions
Exchange differences
Disposals
Reclassifications
At 31 December 2016

Accumulated depreciation:
At 1 January 2015
Charge for the year
Exchange differences
Disposals
Reclassifications
At 31 December 2015
Charge for the year
Exchange differences
Disposals
Reclassifications
At 31 December 2016

Net book value:
At 31 December 2016
At 31 December 2015
At 1 January 2015

Land and 
buildings
$million

Plant and 
machinery
$million

Fixtures 
fittings and
equipment
$million

Under 
construction
$million

 Total
$million

151.1
0.2
(6.3)
(1.0)
7.5
151.5
–
(5.9)
(0.9)
(9.8)
134.9

99.3
3.3
(4.1)
(0.1)
0.2
98.6
3.4
(5.6)
(0.1)
(12.0)
84.3

50.6
52.9
51.8

537.3
0.8
(22.5)
(3.5)
35.3
547.4
1.2
(32.9)
(3.7)
(31.2)
480.8

420.9
18.6
(20.1)
(3.0)
(0.3)
416.1
19.7
(31.3)
(3.6)
(56.5)
344.4

136.4
131.3
116.4

49.0
0.1
(1.5)
(1.4)
1.3
47.5
–
(0.3)
(0.7)
2.8
49.3

37.7
1.7
(1.1)
(1.4)
0.1
37.0
1.5
(0.4)
(0.6)
0.1
37.6

11.7
10.5
11.3

32.2
29.2
(0.8)
–
(44.1)
16.5
32.8
(0.3)
(0.2)
(30.2)
18.6

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

18.6
16.5
32.2

769.6
30.3
(31.1)
(5.9)
–
762.9
34.0
(39.4)
(5.5)
(68.4)
683.6

557.9
23.6
(25.3)
(4.5)
–
551.7
24.6
(37.3)
(4.3)
(68.4)
466.3

217.3
211.2
211.7

Group capital expenditure contracted but not provided for in these financial statements amounted to $nil (2015: $nil).

12.  Inventories

Raw materials and consumables
Work in progress
Finished goods and goods purchased for resale

Inventories are disclosed net of provisions for obsolescence of $4.8 million (2015: $5.1 million).

2016
$million
42.2
8.9
70.2
121.3

2015
restated
$million
47.8
11.5
67.4
126.7

90

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

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13.  Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income

14.  Trade and other payables

Trade payables
Other taxes and social security
Other payables
Accruals and deferred income

15.  Provisions

2016
$million
88.7
3.3
4.0
96.0

2016
$million
52.7
1.0
10.1
35.1
98.9

2015
restated
$million
84.5
2.2
5.3
92.0

2015
$million
51.1
0.5
8.0
20.3
79.9

At 1 January 2016
Charged/(credited) to the income statement:
Increase in provisions due to change in discount rate 
Set up/(release) of provisions
Unwinding of discount
Utilised during the year
Currency translation differences
At 31 December 2016

Due within one year
Due after one year

Environmental 
$million
29.5

Self insurance
$million
3.1

Restructuring 
$million
1.3

Other  

$million
4.5

Total 
$million
38.4

4.5
3.5
1.4
(6.1)
(1.4)
31.4

6.5
24.9

–
(0.3)
–
(0.2)
(0.1)
2.5

0.2
2.3

–
1.7
–
(1.7)
–
1.3

1.3
–

–
–
–
(0.5)
–
4.0

1.5
2.5

4.5
4.9
1.4
(8.5)
(1.5)
39.2

9.5
29.7

Environmental provisions relate to manufacturing and distribution sites including certain sites no longer owned by the Group. These 
provisions have been derived using a discounted cash flow methodology and reflect the extent to which it is probable that expenditure will 
be incurred over the next 20 years. Included within environmental provisions are amounts in respect of all anticipated costs related to the 
closure and remediation of the Chromium UK site at Eaglescliffe. 

Of the $9.4 million charged to provisions, $4.5 million relates to the reduction of the discount rate used to calculate the environmental 
provision and $3.5 million relates to additional remediation work identified at Eaglescliffe. Further details on these charges are included 
within Adjusting items (note 5).

Self-insurance provisions at 31 December 2016 represent the aggregate of outstanding claims plus a projection of losses incurred but not 
reported. The self-insurance provisions are expected to be utilised within five years.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

91

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

16.  Deferred tax and ACT recoverable

At 1 January 2015
(Charge)/credit to the income statement
Charge to other comprehensive income
Charge to retained earnings
Currency translation differences
At 1 January 2016
(Charge)/credit to the income statement
Charge to other comprehensive income
Charge to retained earnings
Currency translation differences
At 31 December 2016

Retirement 
benefit 
plans
$million
20.9
(4.1)
(6.6)
– 
(0.3)
9.9
0.2
(0.5)
–
0.6
10.2

Accelerated  
tax 
depreciation
$million
(23.6)
0.7
–
–
–
(22.9)
(6.5)
–
–
–
(29.4)

Amortisation 
of US 
goodwill
$million
(94.4)
–
–
–
–
(94.4)
(0.1)
–
–
–
(94.5)

Temporary 
differences
$million
11.5
(3.2)
–
(1.2)
1.5
8.6
6.8
–
(0.4)
(1.5)
13.5

Unrelieved
tax
 losses
$million
7.3
(7.2)
–
–
(0.1)
–
7.6
–
–
–
7.6

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

10.9
(0.7)

0.3
(29.7)

–
(94.5)

4.9
8.6

–
7.6

Total
$million
(78.3)
(13.8)
(6.6)
(1.2)
1.1
(98.8)
8.0
(0.5)
(0.4)
(0.9)
(92.6)

16.1
(108.7)

Deferred tax assets have been recognised to the extent that it is considered more likely than not that there will be taxable profits from 
which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted. Where this is not the case, deferred tax assets have not 
been recognised. There are no significant temporary differences arising in connection with interests in subsidiaries and associates.

Deferred tax liabilities are reduced for any deferred tax assets which exist within a jurisdiction where consolidated tax returns are filed and 
where tax assets and liabilities may be netted.

An asset of $42.0 million was recognised in 2014 relating to UK advance corporation tax credits which had previously been unrecognised 
because of uncertainty over future UK taxable profits. During 2014 the Group made certain changes to its manufacturing and financing 
structures, which together with greater certainty over the funding of the UK pension deficit, led to the view that UK taxable profits would 
increase and therefore that the tax credits should be recognised. Movements in the ACT recoverable balance are shown below.

At 1 January 
Recognition of UK Advance Corporation Tax credits
Utilisation 
Currency translation differences
At 31 December 

17.  Share capital

At 1 January
Issue of shares
At 31 December

Details of share capital are set out in note 10 to the Parent company financial statements.

2016
$million
34.0
2.7
(8.3)
(5.4)
23.0

2016
$million
44.4
–
44.4

2015
$million
42.0
(1.3)
(4.3)
(2.4)
34.0

2015
$million
44.4
–
44.4

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18.  Other reserves 

Balance at 1 January 2015
Restatement (see note 31)
Balance at 1 January 2015 (restated)
Share based payments
Exchange differences
Decrease in fair value of derivatives
Transfer
At 1 January 2016
Share based payments
Exchange differences
Increase in fair value of derivatives
Transfer
Balance at 31 December 2016

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
$million
158.8
–
158.8
–
–
–
–
158.8
–
–
–
–
158.8

Translation 
reserve 
$million
(40.3)
(0.2)
(40.5)
–
(21.5)
–
–
(62.0)
–
(17.9)
–
–
(79.9)

Hedging 
reserve 
$million
(6.9)
–
(6.9)
–
–
(1.0)
–
(7.9)
–
–
0.6
–
(7.3)

Share options 
reserve 
$million
4.8
–
4.8
1.9
–
–
(2.6)
4.1
2.6
(0.7)
–
(2.4)
3.6

Total 
$million
116.4
(0.2)
116.2
1.9
(21.5)
(1.0)
(2.6)
93.0
2.6
(18.6)
0.6
(2.4)
75.2

The translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign 
operations as well as from the translation of liabilities that hedge the Company’s net investment in a foreign subsidiary. The hedging 
reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments related to hedged 
transactions that have not yet occurred.

19.  Borrowings

Bank loans

The borrowings are repayable as follows:
Within one year
In the second year

The weighted average interest rates paid were as follows:

Bank loans

Group borrowings were denominated as follows:

Bank loans
31 December 2015
31 December 2016

2016
$million
5.1

2015
$million
5.1

5.0
0.1
5.1

2016
%
1.2

5.1
–
5.1

2015
%
1.2

US dollar

Taiwan dollar

Brazilian real

Other

Total

1.7
2.0

3.3
2.9

–
0.1

0.1
0.1

5.1
5.1

Of the US dollar borrowings, $nil million was unsecured (2015: $0.4 million), bearing interest at the relevant interbank rates plus a margin. 
The Taiwan dollar and remaining US dollar borrowings consisted of those secured by time deposits and those secured by charges over 
various land and buildings in Taiwan.

20. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the consolidated cash flow statement comprise the following:

Cash and cash equivalents

2016
$million
82.6

2015
$million
79.1

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

93

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

21.  Financial risk management
The Group has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:

 – Credit risk.

 – Liquidity risk.

 – Market risk.

The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group’s risk management framework. 
The Group’s risk management policies are established to identify and analyse the risks faced by the Group, to set appropriate risk 
limits and controls and to monitor risks and adherence to limits. Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to 
reflect changes in market conditions and the Group’s activities.

The Group’s Audit Committee oversees how management monitors compliance with the Group’s risk management policies and 
procedures and reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks faced by the Group. The Group’s Audit 
Committee is assisted in its oversight role by Internal Audit. Internal Audit undertakes both regular and ad hoc reviews of risk management 
controls and procedures, the results of which are reported to the Audit Committee.

Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual 
obligations, and arises principally from the Group’s receivables from customers.

Trade and other receivables
The Group’s exposure to credit risk is influenced mainly by the individual characteristics of each customer. The demographics of the 
Group’s customer base, including the default risk of the industry and country in which customers operate, has less of an influence on 
credit risk. No single customer accounts for a significant proportion of the Group’s revenue.

Each new customer is analysed individually for creditworthiness before the Group’s standard payment and delivery terms and conditions 
are offered. The Group’s review includes external ratings, where available, and in some cases bank references. Purchase limits are 
established for each customer, which represent the maximum open amount without requiring approval from the Board. Customers that 
fail to meet the Group’s benchmark creditworthiness may transact with the Group only on a prepayment basis.

The Group establishes an allowance for impairment that represents its estimate of incurred losses in respect of trade and other 
receivables. The main components of this allowance are a specific loss component that relates to individually significant exposures, 
and a collective loss component established for groups of similar assets in respect of losses that have been incurred but not yet identified. 
The collective loss allowance is determined based on historical data of payment statistics for similar assets.

Investments
The Group limits its exposure to credit risk through a treasury policy that imposes graduated limits on the amount of funds that can be 
deposited with counterparties by reference to the counterparties’ credit ratings, as defined by Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s. 
Management does not expect any counterparty to fail to meet its obligations.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group’s approach to managing 
liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and 
stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group’s reputation. The Group’s funding policy is to 
have committed borrowings in place to cover at least 125 per cent of the maximum forecast net borrowings for the next 12 month period. 
At the year end the Group had $113.4 million (2015: $115.1 million) of undrawn committed facilities, of which $100.0 million expires after 
more than one year. 

Market risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates and interest rates, that will affect the Group’s income 
or the value of its holdings of financial instruments. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk 
exposures within acceptable parameters, whilst optimising the return on risk.

The Group uses derivatives in the ordinary course of business, and also incurs financial liabilities, in order to manage market risks. All such 
transactions are carried out within the guidelines set by the Board.

Currency risk
The Group is exposed to currency risk on sales, purchases and borrowings that are denominated in a foreign currency other than the 
respective functional currencies of Group entities, primarily the US dollar and the euro. The Group hedges up to 100 per cent of current 
and forecast trade receivables and trade payables denominated in a foreign currency. The Group uses forward exchange contracts to 
hedge its currency risk, most with a maturity of less than one year from the reporting date.

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Interest on borrowings is denominated in currencies that match the cash flows generated by the underlying operations of the Group, 
primarily US dollar, but also euro and pounds sterling. This provides an economic hedge and no derivatives are entered into. In respect of 
other monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, the Group ensures that its net exposure is kept to an acceptable 
level by buying or selling foreign currencies at spot rates when necessary to address short term imbalances. The Group’s investment in 
overseas subsidiaries is hedged by US dollar denominated drawdowns under the syndicated facility, which mitigates the currency risk 
arising from the translation of a subsidiary’s net assets.

Interest rate risk
The Group’s policy is to borrow at both fixed and floating interest rates and to use interest rate swaps to generate the required interest 
profile. The policy does not require that a specific proportion of the Group’s borrowings are at fixed rates of interest.

Other market price risk 
Equity price risk arises from available-for-sale equity securities held within the Group’s defined benefit pension obligations. In respect of 
the US schemes, management monitors the mix of debt and equity securities in its investment portfolio based on market expectations. 
The primary goal of the Group’s investment strategy is to maximise investment returns, without excessive risk taking, in order to meet 
partially the Group’s unfunded benefit obligations; management is assisted by external advisors in this regard. In respect of the UK 
scheme, the investment strategy is set by the trustees and the Board is kept informed.

The Group does not enter into commodity contracts other than to meet the Group’s expected usage and sale requirements; such 
contracts are not settled net.

Capital management
The Board’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and to sustain future 
development of the business. The Board monitors the return on operating capital employed (‘ROCE’) both including and excluding goodwill, 
as defined on page 16. The Group’s target is to achieve a ROCE (including goodwill) in excess of our weighted average cost of capital. 

The Board encourages employees to hold shares in the Company through the Group’s savings related share option schemes. At present, 
employees, including executive directors, hold 0.2 per cent (2015: 0.4 per cent) of ordinary shares, or 1.8 per cent (2015: 1.8 per cent) 
assuming that all outstanding options vest or are exercised.

Current dividend policy is to pay a progressive dividend of approximately one third of earnings per share after adjusting items. Additionally if 
the Group finishes the year in a net balance sheet cash position, and there are no immediate investment plans for that cash, the Group may 
recommend an additional special dividend of up to 50 per cent of the net cash amount. These dividend policies remain under review to 
ensure that they remain appropriate to the circumstances and strategy of the Group.

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Recognised in profit or loss
Interest income on bank deposits
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred from equity
Financial income
Interest on bank loan
Net pension interest
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred from equity
Financial costs
Net financial costs

None of the above relates to financial assets or liabilities held at fair value through profit and loss.

Recognised directly in equity
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedge
Fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to income statement
Effective portion of change in fair value of net investment hedge
Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations
Recognised in
Hedging reserve
Translation reserve

2016
$million

2015
$million

0.1
–
0.1
(0.8)
(1.0)
(5.0)
(6.8)
(6.7)

0.2
2.6
2.8
(1.2)
(1.8)
–
(3.0)
(0.2)

2016
$million

2015
$million

(0.3)
0.9
(1.4)
(16.5)

0.6
(17.9)

(0.9)
(0.1)
(0.6)
(20.9)

(1.0)
(21.5)

Derivatives used for hedging included within current assets amounted to $nil at 31 December 2016 (2015: $nil) and $0.4 million within 
current liabilities (2015: $0.3 million).

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

95

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

21.  Financial risk management (continued)
Loans and borrowings

Current liabilities
Unsecured bank loan
Secured bank loan
Non-current liabilities
Secured bank loan

Terms and debt repayment schedule
The terms and conditions of outstanding loans were as follows:

2016
$million

2015
$million

–
5.1

–

0.4
4.7

–

Unsecured bank loan 
Secured bank loan
Secured bank loan
Secured bank loan
Secured bank loan
Total interest-bearing liabilities

Currency
USD
USD
TWD
BRL
EUR/JPY

Year of 
maturity
2016
2017
2017
2017
2017

Face value 
$million
–
2.0
2.9
0.1
0.1
5.1

2016
Carrying 
amount
 $million
–
2.0
2.9
0.1
0.1
5.1

Face value 
$million
0.4
1.3
3.3
–
0.1
5.1

2015
Carrying 
amount
 $million
0.4
1.3
3.3
–
0.1
5.1

The loans bear interest at interest rates of between 0.9 per cent and 2.7 per cent. The secured bank loans are secured by guarantees 
provided by subsidiary companies and against land and buildings in Taiwan with a carrying value of $1.6 million.

Exposure to credit risk
The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting 
date was:

Trade receivables
Other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade receivables at the reporting date by geographic region was:

North America
Europe
Rest of the World

Carrying amount

2016
$million
88.7
3.3
82.6
174.6

Carrying amount

2016
$million
17.9
25.8
45.0
88.7

2015
restated
$million
84.5
2.2
79.1
165.8

2015
restated
$million
19.0
27.3
38.2
84.5

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Impairment losses
The ageing of trade receivables at the reporting date was:

Not past due
Past due 0-30 days
Past due 31-120 days
Past due >121 days
Total

Gross
2016
$million
78.8
8.9
1.2
0.4
89.3

Impairment
2016
$million
(0.3)
–
–
(0.3)
(0.6)

The movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade receivables during the year was as follows:

Balance at 1 January
Impairment movements
Balance at 31 December

Gross
2015
$million
76.6
6.8
1.3
0.4
85.1

2016
$million
0.6
–
0.6

Impairment
2015
$million
(0.3)
–
–
(0.3)
(0.6)

2015
$million
0.8
(0.2)
0.6

The provision for impairment relates primarily to customers of Elementis Chromium who, due to their payment history and geographic 
location, are assessed as having a higher exposure to credit risk than is acceptable. A provision is therefore deemed to be appropriate.

Liquidity risk 
The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including interest payments and excluding the impact of netting 
agreements:

Non-derivative financial liabilities:
Unsecured bank loan
Secured bank loan
Trade and other payables*

*  excludes derivatives

Non-derivative financial liabilities:
Unsecured bank loan
Secured bank loan
Trade and other payables*

*  excludes derivatives

31 December 2016

Carrying
 amount 
$million

Contractual 
cash flows
$million

6 months 
or less
$million

6-12 
months
$million

1 year 
or more 
 $million

–
5.1
63.8
68.9

–
(5.1)
(63.8)
(68.9)

–
(5.1)
(63.8)
(68.9)

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

31 December 2015

Carrying
 amount 
$million

Contractual 
cash flows
$million

6 months 
or less
$million

6-12 
months
$million

1 year 
or more 
 $million

0.4
4.7
59.6
64.7

(0.4)
(4.7)
(59.6)
(64.7)

–
(4.6)
(59.6)
(64.2)

(0.4)
(0.1)
–
(0.5)

–
–
–
–

Bank loans have been drawn under committed facilities and can be refinanced on maturity from the same facilities. The contractual 
maturities indicated reflect the maturing of the loans rather than the end date of the facilities.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

97

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

21.  Financial risk management (continued) 
Currency risk
Exposure to currency risk 
The Group’s exposure to currency risk was as follows based on notional amounts:

Trade receivables
Trade payables
Gross balance sheet exposure
Forward exchange contracts
Net exposure

2016

Euro 
$million
22.6
(11.7)
10.9
(23.5)
(12.6)

USD 
$million
47.8
(27.9)
19.9
–
19.9

Other 
$million
18.3
(13.1)
5.2
23.5
28.7

USD
restated 
$million
46.3
(26.7)
19.6
–
19.6

2015

Euro
restated 
$million
21.5
(11.3)
10.2
(39.1)
(28.9)

Other
restated 
$million
16.7
(13.1)
3.6
39.1
42.7

The main exchange rates relevant to the Group are set out in the Finance report on page 15.

Sensitivity analysis
A 10 per cent strengthening of US dollar against the following currencies at 31 December would have increased/(decreased) equity and 
profit or loss by the amounts shown below. The analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.

31 December 2016
GBP
Euro
RMB
TWD
31 December 2015
GBP
Euro
RMB
TWD

Equity restated
$million

Profit or loss 
$million

(6.5)
(3.2)
(3.0)
(2.7)

(6.3)
(3.4)
(3.2)
(2.7)

2.6
(3.9)
(1.4)
(0.3)

2.3
(4.5)
(0.6)
(0.4)

A 10 per cent strengthening of USD against all currencies will have increased/(decreased) the carrying amount of variable rate instruments 
as follows:

Variable rate instruments
Financial liabilities

Carrying amount

2016
$million

2015
$million

(0.3)

(0.3)

Cash flow sensitivity analysis for variable rate instruments
A change of 100 basis points in interest rates at the reporting date would have increased/(decreased) profit or loss by the amounts shown 
below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular foreign currency rates, remain constant. 

Variable rate instruments

2016 
Profit or loss
 100bp 
decrease
$million
–

100bp 
increase
$million
–

2015
Profit or loss 
100bp 
decrease 
 $million
–

100bp
 increase 
$million
–

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Fair values
Fair values versus carrying amounts
The fair values of financial assets and liabilities, together with carrying amounts shown in the balance sheet, are as follows:

Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Derivative contracts used for hedging:
Assets
Liabilities
Unsecured bank facility
Secured bank loan
Trade and other payables*

Unrecognised gain/(loss)
*  excludes derivatives

31 December 2016

31 December 2015

Carrying 
amount 
$million
92.0
82.6

Fair value
$million
92.0
82.6

–
(0.4)
–
(5.1)
(97.6)
71.5
–

–
(0.4)
–
(5.1)
(97.6)
71.5
–

Carrying 
amount 
restated
$million
86.7
79.1

–
(0.3)
(0.4)
(4.7)
(79.9)
80.5
–

Fair value
restated
$million
86.7
79.1

–
(0.3)
(0.4)
(4.7)
(79.9)
80.5
–

Basis for determining fair values
The Group measures fair values in respect of financial instruments in accordance with IFRS 13, using the following fair value hierarchy 
that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements:

Level 1: Quoted market price (unadjusted) in an active market for an identical instrument.
Level 2: Valuation techniques based on observable inputs, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3: Valuation techniques using significant unobservable inputs.

The following summarises the significant methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments.

Derivatives (level 2)
The fair value of forward exchange contracts is based on their listed market price, if available. If a listed market price is not available, 
then fair value is estimated by discounting the difference between the contractual forward price and the current forward price for the 
residual maturity of the contract using a risk-free interest (based on government bonds).

Non-derivatives financial liabilities (level 2)
Fair value is calculated based on the present value of future principal and interest cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at 
the reporting date.

Trade and other receivables, Trade and other payables (level 3)
The fair value of trade and other receivables is estimated as the present value of future cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest 
at the reporting date.

Interest rates used for determining fair value
The interest rates used to discount estimated cash flows, where applicable, are based on the government yield curve at the reporting 
date plus an adequate constant credit spread, and were as follows:

Borrowings

2016 
%
0.9-2.7

2015 
%
0.9-2.7

At both 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2016 there was no difference between the carrying value and fair value of financial instruments.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

99

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

22. Operating leases

Minimum lease payments under operating leases recognised as an expense in the year

2016
$million
4.1

2015 
$million
4.1

At the balance sheet date, the Group has outstanding commitments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
In the second to fifth years inclusive
After five years

2016
$million
3.9
10.0
12.6
26.5

2015 
$million
4.3
9.4
12.5
26.2

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the Group for certain of its properties, plant and machinery. Leases have varying 
terms and renewal rights.

23. Retirement benefit obligations
The Group has a number of contributory and non-contributory post retirement benefit plans providing retirement benefits for the majority 
of employees and executive directors. At 31 December 2016 the main schemes in the UK and US were of the defined benefit type, 
the benefit being based on number of years of service and either the employee’s final remuneration or the employee’s average 
remuneration during a period of years before retirement. The assets of these schemes are held in separate trustee administered funds 
or are unfunded but provided for on the Group balance sheet. In the Netherlands the arrangement with the previous insurers of the 
defined benefit pension scheme came to an end on 31 December 2014 and the Group contracted with a new industry wide pension 
fund for 2015 onwards. As a result, the plan is now accounted for as a defined contribution plan. 

In addition the Group operates an unfunded post retirement medical benefit (‘PRMB’) scheme in the US. The entitlement to these benefits 
is usually based on the employee remaining in service until retirement age and completion of a minimum service period. 

Other employee benefit schemes included in the table below relate to two unfunded pension schemes, a long term service award scheme 
in Germany and a special benefits programme for a small number of former employees of the Eaglescliffe plant.

Net defined benefit liability
The net liability was as follows:

2016
Total market value of assets
Present value of scheme liabilities
Net asset/(liability) recognised in the balance sheet

2015
Total market value of assets
Present value of scheme liabilities
Net asset/(liability) recognised in the balance sheet

UK pension 
scheme
$million

US pension 
schemes
$million

US PRMB 
scheme
$million

Other
$million

Total
 $million

702.9
(698.6)
4.3

109.8
(132.9)
(23.1)

–
(6.3)
(6.3)

–
(5.0)
(5.0)

812.7
(842.8)
(30.1)

UK pension 
scheme
$million

US pension 
schemes
$million

US PRMB 
scheme
$million

Other
$million

Total
 $million

732.8
(726.1)
6.7

108.1
(132.5)
(24.4)

–
(6.3)
(6.3)

–
(5.0)
(5.0)

840.9
(869.9)
(29.0)

Employer contributions in 2016 were $3.3 million (2015: $21.1 million) to the UK scheme and $2.2 million (2015: $2.7 million) to US 
schemes. Contributions in 2017 are expected to be in the range $10 million to $15 million. Further details on agreed future payments 
to the UK pension scheme are included in the Finance report.

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Movement in net defined benefit liability
The following table shows a reconciliation from the opening balances to the closing balances for the net defined benefit liability and its 
components.

2016
Balance at 1 January
Included in profit or loss
Current service cost
Running costs
Net interest expense

Included in other comprehensive income
Re-measurements:
Return on plan assets excluding interest income
Actuarial gains arising from demographic assumptions
Actuarial gains/(losses) from financial assumptions
Actuarial gains/(losses) arising from experience adjustment
Exchange differences

Contributions:
Employers

Deficit in schemes at 31 December

2015
Balance at 1 January
Included in profit or loss
Current service cost
Running costs
Net interest expense

Included in other comprehensive income
Re-measurements:
Return on plan assets excluding interest income
Actuarial gains/(losses) arising from demographic 
assumptions
Actuarial gains arising from financial assumptions
Actuarial gains/(losses) arising from experience adjustment
Exchange differences

Contributions:
Employers
Deficit in schemes at 31 December

UK pension 
scheme
$million

US pension 
schemes
$million

US PRMB 
scheme
$million

Other
$million

Total
 $million

6.7

(0.7)
(1.1)
0.3
(1.5)

107.5
–
(119.5)
8.7
(0.9)
(4.2)

3.3

4.3

(24.4)

(0.5)
(0.3)
(1.0)
(1.8)

4.3
0.9
(3.5)
0.2
–
1.9

1.2

(23.1)

(6.3)

(0.1)
–
(0.2)
(0.3)

–
–
(0.4)
(0.3)
–
(0.7)

1.0

(6.3)

(5.0)

(0.1)
–
(0.1)
(0.2)

–
–
(0.5)
–
0.3
(0.2)

0.4

(29.0)

(1.4)
(1.4)
(1.0)
(3.8)

111.8
0.9
(123.9)
8.6
(0.6)
(3.2)

5.9

(5.0)

(30.1)

UK pension 
scheme
$million

US pension 
schemes
$million

US PRMB 
scheme
$million

Other
$million

Total
 $million

(28.4)

(23.7)

(0.8)
(1.7)
(0.6)
(3.1)

(40.3)

7.3
23.1
26.8
0.2
17.1

21.1
6.7

(0.6)
(0.4)
(0.8)
(1.8)

(4.3)

(0.3)
6.7
(2.8)
–
(0.7)

1.8
(24.4)

(7.4)

(0.1)
–
(0.2)
(0.3)

–

–
0.4
0.1
–
0.5

0.9
(6.3)

(6.3)

(65.8)

–

(0.2)
(0.2)

–

–
0.7
–
0.6
1.3

0.2
(5.0)

(1.5)
(2.1)
(1.8)
(5.4)

(44.6)

7.0
30.9
24.1
0.8
18.2

24.0
(29.0)

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

101

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

23. Retirement benefit obligations (continued)
Plan assets
Plan assets comprise:

2016
Equities
Bonds
Cash/liquidity funds

2015
Equities
Bonds
Cash/liquidity funds

UK pension 
scheme
$million

US pension 
schemes
$million

US PRMB 
scheme
$million

246.0
359.5
97.4
702.9

68.2
5.4
36.2
109.8

–
–
–
–

UK pension 
scheme
$million

US pension 
schemes
$million

US PRMB 
scheme
$million

290.6
349.2
93.0
732.8

69.6
35.0
3.5
108.1

–
–
–
–

Total
 $million

314.2
364.9
133.6
812.7

Total
 $million

360.2
384.2
96.5
840.9

* 

including LDI repurchase agreement liabilities

To reduce volatility risk a liability driven investment (‘LDI’) strategy forms part of the Trustees’ management of the UK defined benefit 
scheme’s assets, including government bonds, corporate bonds and derivatives. The bond assets category in the table above includes 
gross assets of $477.3 million (2015: $447.0 million) and associated repurchase agreement liabilities of $117.8 million (2015: $97.8 million). 
Repurchase agreements are entered into with counterparties to better offset the scheme’s exposure to interest and inflation rates, whilst 
remaining invested in assets of a similar risk profile. Interest rate and inflation rate derivatives are also employed to complement the use of 
fixed and indexed linked bonds in matching the profile of the schemes liabilities.

All equities, bonds and liquidity funds have quoted prices in active markets. Other assets include insured annuities, an insurance fund and 
various swap products.

Within the UK pension scheme, the current asset allocation is approximately 40 per cent in a liability matching fund consisting of gilts 
(fixed interest and index linked), bonds, cash and swaps and 60 per cent in an investment fund that includes various equity and equity 
like funds. The aim of the trustees is to manage the risk relative to the liabilities associated with the scheme’s investments through a 
combination of diversification, inflation protection and hedging of risk (currency, interest rate and inflation risk). The US scheme currently 
has over 60 per cent of its asset value invested in a range of equity funds designed to target higher returns and thus reduce the pension 
deficit, with the balance invested in fixed income bonds and cash. The strategy is that as the deficit reduces, a greater proportion of 
investments will be made into liability matching funds. 

Changes in the fair value of plan assets for the major schemes are as follows:

UK pension 
scheme
$million

US pension 
schemes
$million

US PRMB 
scheme
$million

Total
 $million

732.8
24.6
(1.1)
107.5
3.3
0.1
(36.6)
(127.7)
702.9

108.1
4.2
(0.3)
4.3
1.2
–
(7.7)
–
109.8

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

840.9
28.8
(1.4)
111.8
4.5
0.1
(44.3)
(127.7)
812.7

2016
Opening fair value of plan assets
Expected return
Running costs
Actuarial loss
Contributions by employer
Contributions by employees
Benefits paid
Exchange differences
Closing fair value of plan assets

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2015
Opening fair value of plan assets
Expected return
Running costs
Actuarial gain
Contributions by employer
Contributions by employees
Benefits paid
Exchange differences
Closing fair value of plan assets

UK pension 
scheme
$million

US pension 
schemes
$million

US PRMB 
scheme
$million

Total
 $million

813.7
26.8
(1.7)
(40.3)
21.1
0.1
(43.8)
(43.1)
732.8

114.7
4.1
(0.4)
(4.3)
1.8
–
(7.8)
–
108.1

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

928.4
30.9
(2.1)
(44.6)
22.9
0.1
(51.6)
(43.1)
840.9

Defined benefit obligation
Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation for the major schemes are as follows:

2016
Opening defined benefit obligation
Service cost
Interest cost
Contributions by employees
Actuarial gains 
Benefits paid
Exchange differences
Closing defined benefit obligation

2015
Opening defined benefit obligation
Service cost
Interest cost
Contributions by employees
Actuarial losses
Benefits paid
Exchange differences
Closing defined benefit obligation

UK pension 
scheme
$million

US pension 
schemes
$million

US PRMB 
scheme
$million

Total
 $million

(726.1)
(0.7)
(24.2)
(0.1)
(110.8)
36.6
126.7
(698.6)

(132.5)
(0.5)
(5.2)
–
(2.4)
7.7
–
(132.9)

(6.3)
(0.1)
(0.2)
–
(0.7)
1.0
–
(6.3)

UK pension 
scheme
$million

US pension 
schemes
$million

US PRMB 
scheme
$million

(842.1)
(0.8)
(27.4)
(0.1)
57.2
43.8
43.3
(726.1)

(138.4)
(0.6)
(4.9)
–
3.6
7.8
–
(132.5)

(7.4)
(0.1)
(0.2)
–
0.5
0.9
–
(6.3)

(864.9)
(1.3)
(29.6)
(0.1)
(113.9)
45.3
126.7
(837.8)

Total
 $million

(987.9)
(1.5)
(32.5)
(0.1)
61.3
52.5
43.3
(864.9)

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

103

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

23. Retirement benefit obligations (continued)
Actuarial assumptions
A full actuarial valuation was carried out on 30 September 2014 for the UK scheme and at 31 December 2016 for the US schemes. 

The principal assumptions used by the actuaries for the major schemes have been updated by the actuaries at the balance sheet date 
and were as follows:

2016
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase in pensions in payment
Discount rate
Inflation
2015
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase in pensions in payment
Discount rate
Inflation

The assumed life expectancies on retirement are:

Retiring at 31 December 2016
Males
Females
Retiring in 20 years
Males
Females

UK 
%

4.30
3.10
2.60
3.30

4.10
3.00
3.70
3.10

2016
 years

21
22

21
23

US 
%

3.00/3.45
n/a
3.85
2.00

3.00/3.45
n/a
4.10
2.25

US 
2015
years

21
23

22
24

2016
 years

23
25

25
26

UK 
2015
 years

22
25

25
26

The main assumptions for the PRMB scheme are a discount rate of 3.85 per cent (2015: 4.1 per cent) per annum and a health 
care cost trend of 6.5 per cent (2015: 6.5 per cent) per annum for claims pre age 65 reducing to 4.5 per cent per annum by 2021 
(2015: 4.5 per cent). Actuarial valuations of retirement benefit plans in other jurisdictions have either not been updated for IAS 19 
purposes or disclosed separately because of the costs involved and the considerably smaller scheme sizes and numbers of 
employees involved.

At 31 December 2016, the weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligations for the major schemes was as follows:

UK: 15 years
US: 10 years

Sensitivity analysis
The sensitivities regarding the principal assumptions used to measure the scheme liabilities are set out below:

Assumption
Discount rate
Rate of inflation
Rate of salary growth
Rate of mortality

Change in assumption
Increased/decreased by 0.5%
Increased/decreased by 0.5%
Increased/decreased by 0.5%
Increased by 1 year

Impact on scheme liabilities
Decreased/increased by 7%
Increased/decreased by 4%
Increased/decreased by 0%
Increased by 4%

These sensitivities have been calculated to show the movement of the defined obligation following a change in a particular assumption in 
isolation, assuming no other changes in market conditions. 

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24. Share based payments
The Company has several share incentive schemes for certain directors and employees of the Group.

A Long Term Incentive Plan was adopted in 2008 (amended in 2010 and 2015) (‘LTIP’) for selected senior executives including the 
executive directors, business presidents and general counsel. Awards of nil cost share options or conditional share awards are normally 
made annually and the maximum value of any grant to an individual is two times the CEO’s basic salary. Awards vest after three years and 
are subject to EPS and TSR performance conditions over a three year period. Vested awards are then exercisable for up to seven years, 
subject to the rules of the plan. For US participants prior to 2015 (for tax reasons), the default practice is for options to be exercised at the 
date of vesting. From 2015, US participants received awards structured as restricted stock units.

Buyout awards for our CEO and CFO were made in 2016. These awards were made under our remuneration recruitment policy and as 
permitted under the Listing Rules. Further detail on these buy out awards can be found in the Annual report on remuneration, on pages 
52 and 53. 

Two tranches of awards of restricted stock units, over 225,645 ordinary shares per tranche, were made to the CEO on 7 March 2016. 
The first tranche will vest on the 7 March 2017, and the second tranche on 7 March 2018. Within each tranche was a portion 
(57.5 per cent) that was subject only to a service requirement of one or two years from the date of award (reflecting a minimum vesting 
value of the forfeited awards). The balance of the award (42.5 per cent) in each tranche was subject to performance conditions based on 
the following metrics: financial (cash) targets (30 per cent weight), operational (HSE) targets (30 per cent weight) and specific business 
objectives related to cost and talent management (40 per cent weight). These metrics were in nature similar and equivalently challenging 
to those of the forfeited awards. 

One buyout award was made to the CFO on 19 September 2016. This is a nil cost option over 240,693 ordinary shares in Elementis. 
This award is subject to the same EPS and TSR performance conditions as those made in April 2016 to other participants of the Elementis 
LTIP and will ordinarily vest in April 2019.

For other executives, shareholders approved at the 2012 AGM an approved and unapproved executive share option scheme (‘2012 
ESOS’). This scheme replaced the previous approved and unapproved executive share option scheme (‘2003 ESOS’) which expired in 
2013. The last awards made under the 2003 scheme were in 2012. Under the 2003 and 2012 ESOS, options are usually granted annually 
to purchase shares in the Company at an exercise price per share based on the Company’s average mid-market closing share price on 
the dealing day preceding the date of grant with no discount applied. The number of options that are granted are based on a percentage 
of the participant’s basic salary. Options vest after three years and are subject to EPS and TSR performance conditions. Vested options 
are then exercisable for up to seven years, subject to the rules of the schemes. The Company operates two shadow executive share 
option schemes for a number of executives, who are employed or based in China, that are structured in almost all respects as the 2003 
and 2012 ESOS.

The Company also operates a 2008 UK Savings Related Share Option Scheme, which is a save as you earn (‘SAYE’) scheme, under 
which UK employees can enter into contracts to save currently up to a maximum of £500 per month with a bank or building society 
for a period of three or five years and use the proceeds from their savings accounts to purchase shares in the Company on the exercise 
of their options. The option price is the average mid-market closing share price over the five working days preceding the invitation date, 
discounted by 20 per cent. Options may be exercised typically within six months following the end of the savings period. A similar scheme 
exists for US employees. Under the 2008 US Sharesave Scheme, US employees can enter into contracts to save up to a maximum of 
$2,000 per month with a bank or similarly approved institution, for a period of two years, and use the proceeds from their savings 
accounts to purchase shares in the Company on the exercise of their options. The option price is the average mid-market closing share 
price on the date of the grant, discounted by 15 per cent. Options may be exercised typically within three months following the end of the 
savings period. Options granted under the two savings based schemes are held subject to the rules of the schemes.

Options were valued (as shown in the table below) using the binomial option pricing model. The fair value per option granted and the 
assumptions used in the calculations are as follows:

Fair value per option (pence)
Expected volatility (per cent)
Risk free rate (per cent)
Expected dividend yield (per cent)

2016
142.6
28.0
0.5
1.9

2015
136.8
27.0
0.9
1.1

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Company’s share price over the previous five years.  
The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, 
exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations. The Group recognised total expenses of $2.3 million (2015: $2.1 million) related 
to share based payment transactions during the year.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

105

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

24. Share based payments (continued)
At 31 December 2016 the following options/awards to subscribe for ordinary shares were outstanding:

At 
1 January
 2016
’000

Granted  

Exercised  

’000

’000

Expired  
’000

At
31 December
2016
’000

Exercise
 price (p)

Exercisable 
Year of grant
From
UK savings related share option scheme
01/10/16
2011
01/10/15
2012
01/10/17
2012
01/10/16
2013
01/10/18
2013
01/10/17
2014
01/10/18
2015
01/10/19
2016

121.66
168.06
168.06
206.14
206.14
216.58
207.32
175.81

US savings related share option scheme
22/08/16
2014
24/08/17
2015
31/08/18
2016

242.93
201.79
185.30

To

01/04/17
01/04/16
01/04/18
01/04/17
01/04/19
01/04/18
01/04/19
01/04/20

22/11/16
24/11/17
31/11/18

4
6
5
40
3
107
86
–
251

147
311
–
458

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
175
175

–
–
370
370

–
–
–
–
–

Executive share option schemes/awards granted under the long term incentive plan*
2010+
2011+
2012+
2012* 
2013+
2013*
2014+
2014*
2015+
2015*
2016∆
2016∆
2016+
2016*
2016∆

06/04/20
04/04/21
27/06/22
27/06/22
02/04/23
02/04/23
01/04/24
01/04/24
01/04/25
27/04/25
07/03/26
07/03/26
04/04/26
04/04/26
19/09/26

06/04/13
04/04/14
27/06/15
27/06/15
02/04/16
02/04/16
01/04/17
01/04/17
01/04/18
27/04/18
07/03/17
07/03/18
04/04/19
04/04/19
04/04/19

57.00
149.90
194.30
Nil
260.70
Nil
286.50
Nil
290.20
Nil
Nil
Nil
238.40
Nil
Nil

307
319
590
178
632
1,058
559
937
588
924
–
–
–
–
–
6,092

–
–
–
–
226
226
933
1,333
241
2,959

(4)
(6)
–
(33)
–
(2)
(2)
–
(47)

(4)
(9)
–
(13)

(50)
(75)
(157)
(178)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(460)

–
–
(5)
(5)
(3)
(62)
(43)
–
(118)

(143)
(75)
(7)
(225)

–
–
–
–
(632)
(1,058)
(33)
–
(34)
(233)
–
–
(38)
–
–
(2,028)

–
–
–
2
–
43
41
175
261

–
227
363
590

257
244
433
–
–
–
526
937
554
691
226
226
895
1,333
241
6,563

+ 

 These options include cash settled shadow executive options granted to a number of executives on the same basis as the executive options (with the 
same performance conditions and exercise provisions). These shadow options are included in the calculation of the total expenses recognised by the 
Group related to share based payments. The closing balance of the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 options shown above include 
approximately 68,000, 54,000, 58,000, nil, 59,000, 67,000 and 85,000 shadow options respectively.

∆  Awards made as one-off agreements that borrow from the terms of the LTIP.

The weighted average exercise prices of options disclosed in the previous table were as follows:

At 1 January
Granted
Exercised
Expired
At 31 December

2016 
Average 
exercise 
price (p)
121.4
91.8
108.8
113.4
110.9

2015 
Average 
exercise 
price (p)
104.9
132.1
77.8
71.4
121.4

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise of share options exercised during the year was 220 pence (2015: 252 pence).

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25. Related party transactions
The Company is a guarantor to the UK pension scheme under which it guarantees all current and future obligations of UK subsidiaries 
currently participating in the pension scheme to make payments to the scheme, up to a specified maximum amount. The maximum amount 
of the guarantee is that which is needed (at the time the guarantee is called on) to bring the scheme’s funding level up to 105 per cent of its 
liabilities, calculated in accordance with section 179 of the Pensions Act 2004. This is also sometimes known as a Pension Protection Fund 
(‘PPF’) guarantee, as having such a guarantee in place reduces the annual PPF levy on the scheme.

26. Movement in net cash/(borrowings) 

Change in net cash resulting from cash flows:
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
Decrease in borrowings repayable within one year
Decrease in borrowings repayable after one year

Currency translation differences
Increase in net cash
Net cash at beginning of year
Net cash at end of year

2016
$million

2015 
$million

6.3
(0.1)
0.1
6.3
(2.8)
3.5
74.0
77.5

7.8
3.6
0.3
11.7
(1.9)
9.8
64.2
74.0

27.  Dividends
An interim dividend of 2.70 cents per share (2015: 2.70 cents) was paid on 30 September 2016 and the Group is proposing a final 
dividend of 5.75 cents per share (2015: 5.75 cents) for the year ended 31 December 2016 and a special dividend of 8.35 cents per share 
(2015: 8.00 cents). The total dividend for the year, excluding the special dividend, is 8.45 cents per share (2015: 8.45 cents) and 16.80 cents 
per share (2015: 16.45 cents) including the special dividend.

The amount payable for the final dividend and special dividend, based on the anticipated number of qualifying ordinary shares registered 
on the record date, is $65.4 million.

The payment of this dividend will not have any tax consequences for the Group.

28. Key management compensation

Salaries and short term employee benefits
Other long term benefits
Share based payments

2016
$million
3.4
0.4
1.6
5.4

2015 
$million
3.0
0.7
1.3
5.0

The key management compensation given above is for the Board and the two business presidents. Directors’ remuneration is set out in the 
Directors’ remuneration report on pages 39 to 59.

29. Contingent liabilities
As is the case with other chemical companies, the Group occasionally receives notices of litigation relating to regulatory and legal matters. 
A provision is recognised when the Group believes it has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, and it is 
probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Where it is deemed that an obligation is merely 
possible and that the probability of a material outflow is not remote, the Group would disclose a contingent liability. No contingent liability 
was considered to be reportable at 31 December 2016.

30. Events after the balance sheet date
On 10 February 2017 the Group announced its intention to acquire SummitReheis, a global leader in the fast growing anti-perspirant 
actives market with operations in the US, Europe and Asia, for consideration of $360 million. Completion of the acquisition is expected 
to take place in the second quarter of 2017 following receipt of anti-trust clearances in the US and Germany. As at 31 December 2015, 
SummitReheis had total assets of $208 million and net assets of $12 million. For the year ended 31 December 2016, SummitReheis is 
expected to report revenue of $134 million and underlying EBITDA of approximately $28 million.

The Group intends to fund the acquisition through its existing cash resources and new debt facilities of $475 million, which will also be 
used to refinance the existing $100 million revolving credit facility. The new debt, which has a five year term, will be provided through a fully 
underwritten $275 million revolving credit facility and $200 million term loan facility and may be drawn, amongst other conditions, once the 
acquisition closing conditions have been met.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

107

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

31. Prior year restatement
During 2016 the Directors considered the detailed criteria for the recognition of revenue from the sale of goods set out in IAS 18 Revenue 
and, in particular, when the Group had transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods. Following further assessment 
of the terms of shipment, the Directors have concluded that international shipments should not be recognised within revenue until they reach 
the destination port, as they believe that this more accurately reflects the commercial substance of the transaction in that risks and rewards 
of ownership pass to the customer at this point. Due to this change in the accounting policy, the prior year comparatives have therefore been 
restated to provide comparable information.

The financial statement line items impacted have been set out below.

Consolidated income statement 

2015 
restated
 $million
677.2
(418.2)
259.0

127.1

120.8
(26.2)
94.6

2015 
reported
$million
95.3
(21.7)
83.4

Adjusting items
(note 5)
 $million
–
–
–

(5.6)

(5.6)
7.2
1.6

Restatement
 $million
(0.7)
0.2
(0.5)

2015 
reported
$million

Restatement
 $million

137.5
121.4
464.6
(40.3)

119.5
103.8
(0.6)
500.4
(62.0)

6.8
(10.5)
(3.5)
(0.2)

7.2
(11.8)
0.4
(4.2)
–

2015 
Restated
Adjusted
 $million
677.2
(418.2)
259.0

121.5

115.2
(19.0)
96.2

2015 
restated
 $million
94.6
(21.5)
82.9

2015 
restated
 $million

144.3
110.9
461.1
(40.5)

126.7
92.0
(0.2)
496.2
(62.0)

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit

Operating Profit

Profit before income tax
Tax charge
Profit for the year

2015 
reported
$million
678.8
(418.8)
260.0

128.1

121.8
(26.5)
95.3

Restatement
 $million
(1.6)
0.6
(1.0)

(1.0)

(1.0)
0.3
(0.7)

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Profit for the year
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Total comprehensive income for the year

Balance Sheet 

At 1 January 2015

 Inventories
 Trade and other receivables
 Retained earnings
 Translation reserve

At 31 December 2015

 Inventories
 Trade and other receivables
 Current tax liabilities
 Retained earnings
 Translation reserve

108

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

 
Parent company statutory accounts
Elementis PLC

Balance sheet
at 31 December 2016

Fixed assets
Investments
Current assets
Debtors 
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Creditors
Net current assets 
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
Other reserves
Share option reserve
Profit and loss account
Equity shareholders’ funds

Note

 2016 
£million

 2015 
£million

6

7

8

9

767.8

766.2

12.7

12.7

(0.6)
12.1
779.9

(270.4)
509.5

23.1
12.0
83.3
250.5
2.8
137.8
509.5

(0.6)
12.1
778.3

(215.8)
562.5

23.1
11.5
83.3
250.5
2.9
191.2
562.5

The Company recognised a loss for the financial year ended 31 December 2016 of £2.0 million (2015: £225.2 million profit).

The financial statements of Elementis plc, registered number 3299608, on pages 109 to 114 were approved by the Board on 
1 March 2017 and signed on its behalf by:

Paul Waterman 
CEO 

Ralph Hewins
CFO

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Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

109

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Parent company statutory accounts 
Elementis PLC continued

Statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 December 2016

Balance at 1 January 2015
Comprehensive income
Profit for the year
Transfer
Total other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income
Transactions with owners
Issue of shares by the Company 
Share based payments
Transfer
Dividends paid
Total transactions with owners
Balance at 31 December 2015

Balance at 1 January 2016
Comprehensive income
Profit for the year
Total other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income
Transactions with owners
Issue of shares by the Company 
Share based payments
Transfer
Dividends paid
Total transactions with owners
Balance at 31 December 2016

Share 
capital 
£million
23.1

Share 
premium 
£million
10.5

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
$million
83.3

Other 
reserves
 £million
81.5

Share 
options 
reserve
£million
3.1

Retained 
earnings 
£million
179.5

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
23.1

–
–
–
–

1.0
–
–
–
1.0
11.5

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
83.3

–
169.0
169.0
169.0

–
–
–
–
250.5

–
–
–
–

–
(0.2)
–
(0.2)
2.9

225.2
(169.0)
(169.0)
56.2

–
1.4
0.2
(46.1)
(44.5)
191.2

Total 
£million
381.0

225.2
–
–
225.2

1.0
1.4
–
(46.1)
(43.7)
562.5

23.1

11.5

83.3

250.5

 2.9

191.2

562.5

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
23.1

–
–
–

0.5
–
–
–
0.5
12.0

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
83.3

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
250.5

–
–
–

–
–
(0.1)
–
(0.1)
2.8

(2.0)
–
(2.0)

–
1.7
0.1
(53.2)
(51.4)
137.8

(2.0)
–
(2.0)

0.5
1.7
–
(53.2)
(51.0)
509.5

The £169 million movement shown within other comprehensive income for 2015 is in respect of a re-presentation of prior years’ 
impairment reversals. The above analysis is provided to demonstrate a greater level of transparency in relation to the Company’s 
distributable reserves, which amount to £137.8 million (2015: £191.2 million) at the end of the period.

110

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

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Notes to the Company financial statements of Elementis Plc
for the year ended 31 December 2016

1.  General information
Elementis plc is a public company limited by shares and is 
incorporated and domiciled in England. The address of its 
registered office is, Caroline House, 55-57 High Holborn, London 
WC1V 6DX. The principal activity of the Company is to act as an 
investment and holding company.

2.  Basis of preparation 
The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in 
compliance with applicable United Kingdom accounting standards, 
including Financial Reporting Standard 101 – ‘Reduced disclosure 
framework – Disclosure exemptions from EU-adopted IFRS for 
qualifying entities’ (‘FRS 101’), and with the Companies Act. 

As a qualifying entity whose results are consolidated in the 
Elementis plc Consolidated financial statements on pages 
70 to 108, the Company has taken advantage of the disclosure 
exemption requirements of FRS 101 regarding the requirement to 
prepare a statement of cash flows and certain financial instrument, 
share based pay and key management personnel compensation 
disclosures.

3.  Summary of significant accounting policies
The principal accounting policies applied 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. The Company has adopted FRS 101 
in these financial statements. 

Taxation 
Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences between the 
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting 
purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Advance 
corporation tax recoverable by deduction from future corporation 
tax is carried forward within deferred taxation or as ACT 
recoverable within debtors as appropriate.

Share based payments 
The fair value of share options granted to employees is recognised 
as an expense with a corresponding increase in equity. Where the 
Company grants options over its own shares to the employees of 
its subsidiaries it recognises in its individual financial statements an 
increase in the cost of investment in its subsidiaries equivalent to 
the equity settled share based payment charge recognised in its 
subsidiaries’ financial statements, with the corresponding credit 
being recognised directly in equity. The fair value is measured at 
grant date and spread over the period during which the employees 
become unconditionally entitled to the options. The fair value of the 
options granted is measured using a binomial model, taking into 
account the terms and conditions upon which the options were 
granted. The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to 
reflect the actual number of share options that vest except where 
forfeiture is only due to share prices not achieving the threshold 
for vesting.

Classification of financial instruments issued by the Company
Financial instruments issued by the Company are treated as equity 
only to the extent that they meet the following two conditions:

Foreign currencies 
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rates of 
exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets 
and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated 
using the contracted rate or the rate of exchange ruling at the 
balance sheet date and the gains and losses on translation are 
included in the profit and loss account. 

a. 

b. 

Investments 
Investments in Group undertakings are included in the balance 
sheet at cost less impairment.

Dividends on shares presented within shareholders’ funds
Dividends unpaid at the balance sheet date are only recognised as 
a liability at that date to the extent that they are appropriately 
authorised and are no longer at the discretion of the Company. 

Pensions and other post retirement benefits 
The Company participates in the Elementis Group defined benefit 
pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately 
from those of the Company. Details of the latest actuarial valuation 
carried out in September 2014 can be found in the 2016 Elementis 
plc Annual report and accounts. Following the introduction of the 
revised reporting standard, any surplus or deficit in the Elementis 
Group defined benefit pension scheme is to be reported in the 
financial statements of Elementis Holdings Ltd, which employs the 
majority of active members of the scheme and is responsible for 
making deficit contributions under the current funding plan.

 They include no contractual obligations upon the Company to 
deliver cash or other financial assets or to exchange financial 
assets or financial liabilities with another party under conditions 
that are potentially unfavourable to the Company.

 Where the instrument will or may be settled in the Company’s 
own equity instruments, it is either a non-derivative that 
includes no obligation to deliver a variable number of the 
Company’s own equity instruments or is a derivative that will 
be settled by the Company’s exchanging a fixed amount of 
cash or other financial assets for a fixed number of its own 
equity instruments.

To the extent that the definition is not met, the proceeds of issue 
are classified as a financial liability. Where the instrument so 
classified takes the legal form of the Company’s own shares, 
the amounts presented in these financial statements for called 
up share capital and share premium account exclude amounts 
in relation to those shares.

Finance payments associated with financial liabilities are dealt 
with as part of interest payable and similar charges. Finance 
payments associated with financial instruments that are classified 
as part of shareholders’ funds, are dealt with as appropriations 
in the reconciliation of movements in shareholders’ funds.

4.  Profit for the financial year attributable to shareholders
As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, 
the Company has not presented its own profit and loss account. 
A loss of £2.0 million (2015: £225.2 million profit) is dealt within 
the financial statements of the Company. 

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

111

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company financial statements of Elementis Plc  
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

5.  Directors’ remuneration
Details of directors’ remuneration for the Company are included in the Directors’ remuneration report within the Elementis plc Annual 
report and accounts on pages 39 to 59.

6. 

Investments

Cost at 1 January 2016
Additions
Net book value 31 December 2016
Net book value 31 December 2015

Unlisted 
shares at cost 
£million
0.1
–
0.1
0.1

Unlisted  
loans 
£million
759.0
–
759.0
759.0

Capital 
contributions 
£million
7.1
1.6
8.7
7.1

Total 
£million
766.2
1.6
767.8
766.2

The investment in unlisted loans is with Elementis Holdings Limited, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary. The investments in unlisted 
shares are in Elementis Group BV and Elementis Overseas Investments Limited, both wholly owned subsidiaries. Capital contributions 
relate to share based payment awards made to employees of subsidiary companies.

The trading subsidiaries of Elementis plc, all of which are wholly owned, are as follows:

Subsidiary undertakings
Deuchem Co., Ltd

Additives and resins

Additives and resins
Deuchem (HK) Trading Co Ltd
Additives and resins
Deuchem (Shanghai) Chemical Co. Ltd
Chromium chemicals
Elementis Chromium Inc
Chromium chemicals
Elementis Chromium LLP
Elementis Deuchem (Shanghai) Chemical Ltd Additives and resins
Chromium chemicals
Elementis LTP Inc
Organoclays
Elementis Specialties (Anji) Ltd
Organoclays
Elementis Specialties (Changxing) Ltd
Elementis Specialties do Brasil Quimica Ltda Coatings additives
Elementis Specialties Inc

Elementis Specialties Netherlands BV
Elementis UK Limited trading as: 
Elementis Specialties

Rheological additives, colourants, waxes, 
other specialty additives
Surfactants and coatings additives
Rheological additives, colourants, waxes, 
other specialty additives

Country of incorporation and operation
Taiwan1
People’s Republic of China – Hong Kong 
Special Administrative Region2
People’s Republic of China3
United States of America4
United Kingdom5
People’s Republic of China6
United States of America7
People’s Republic of China8
People’s Republic of China9
Brazil10
United States of America7

The Netherlands11
United Kingdom5

1  Registered office 92, Kuang-Fu Road North Road, Hsinchu Industrial Park, Hukou, Hsinchu County Taiwan 303
2  Registered office 11F Haribest Industrial, 45-47 Au Pui Wan Street, Fo Tan, Shatin Hong Kong
3  Registered office 99 Lianyang Road, Songjiang Industrial Zone, Shanghai China
4  Registered office Suite 1257, 300 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 US
5  Registered office Caroline House, 55-57 High Holborn, London WC1V 6DX UK
6  Registered office Room 223, No. 2 Lane 1000, Changta Road, Shihudang Town, Songjiang District, Shanghai China
7  Registered office 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 19801 US
8  Registered office Huibutai, Majiadu Village, Dipu Town, Anji County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province China
9  Registered office Sian Town, Changxing County, Zhejiang Province China
10  Registered office Rodovia Nelson Leopoldino, SP 375, Km 13,8, s/n, Bairro Rural, Palmital, São Paulo Brazil
11  Registered office Langestraat 167, Delden, 7491 AE The Netherlands

112

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Non-trading and dormant subsidiaries of Elementis plc, all of which are wholly owned within the Group, are as follows:

Non-trading
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Non-trading (in liquidation) 
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Non-trading
Non-trading
Non-trading
Dormant
Dormant
Non-trading
Non-trading
Non-trading
Non-trading
Dormant
Non-trading
Dormant
Non-trading
Dormant
Non-trading
Non-trading
Dormant
Non-trading
Non-trading
Non-trading
Non-trading
Non-trading
Non-trading
Non-trading
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant

Agrichrome Ltd 
American Chrome & Chemicals Inc
Deuchem Holding Inc
Deuchem International Inc
Elementis America Shared Services Inc 
Elementis Australia Ltd
Elementis Benelux NV
Elementis BV
Elementis Catalysts Inc
Elementis Chemicals Inc
Elementis Chromium America Inc
Elementis Finance (Australia) Ltd
Elementis Finance (Germany) Ltd
Elementis Finance (Ireland) Ltd
Elementis Finance (US) Ltd
Elementis Germany GmbH
Elementis Germany Ltd
Elementis Global LLC
Elementis GmbH
Elementis Group (Finance) Ltd
Elementis Group BV
Elementis Group Ltd
Elementis Holdings Ltd 
Elementis London Ltd
Elementis Nederland BV
Elementis New Zealand Ltd 
Elementis NZ Ltd
Elementis Overseas Investments Ltd
Elementis Pigments Inc
Elementis S.E.A. (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Elementis Securities Ltd
Elementis Service Centre NV
Elementis Services GmbH
Elementis Specialties (India) Private Ltd
Elementis US Holdings Inc
Elementis US Ltd
H & C Acquisitions Ltd 
H & C Lumber Inc
Harcros Chemicals Canada Inc
Iron Oxides s.a.de. CV
NB Chrome Ltd
1  Registered office Caroline House, 55-57 High Holborn, London WC1V 6DX UK
2  Registered office 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 19801 US
3  Registered office Regus Brussels Airport, Pegasuslaan 5,1831 Diegem Belgium
4  Registered office Langestraat 167, Delden, 7491 AE, The Netherlands
5  Registered office Suite 1257, 300 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 US
6  Registered office 8th Floor, Block E, Iveagh Court, Harcourt Road, Dublin 2 Ireland
7  Registered office Stolberger Str.370, 50933, Köln Germany
8  Registered office KPMG, P O Box 1584, 18 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Maritime Square, Auckland New Zealand
9  Registered office 10th Floor, Menara Hap Seng, No. 1 & 3 Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
10  Registered office Pegasuslaan 5, 1831 Machelen (Brab.) Belgium
11  Registered office 703, 7th Floor, Olympus, 5/C, Altamount Road, Mumbai 400026, India 
12  Registered office C/o Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales,44 Chipman Hill, Suite 1000 ON E2L 4S6 Canada

United Kingdom1
United States of America2
Samoa
Samoa
United States of America2 
United Kingdom1
Belgium3
Netherlands4
United States of America2
United States of America2
United States of America5
United Kingdom1
United Kingdom1
Ireland6 
United Kingdom1
Germany7
United Kingdom1
United States of America2
Germany7
United Kingdom1
Netherlands4
United Kingdom1
United Kingdom1
United Kingdom1
Netherlands4
United Kingdom1
New Zealand8
United Kingdom1
United States of America2
Malaysia9
United Kingdom1
Belgium10
Germany7
India11
United States of America2
United Kingdom1
United Kingdom1
United States of America2
Canada12
Mexico
United Kingdom1

Notes:
Other than Elementis Group BV and Elementis Overseas Investments Ltd, none of the undertakings is held directly by the Company. 
Equity capital is in ordinary shares and voting rights equate to equity ownership.
All undertakings listed above, with the exception of Elementis Specialties (India) Private Ltd for which the relevant date is 31 March, have accounting periods 
ending 31 December. 
Undertakings operating in the United Kingdom are incorporated in England and Wales. In the case of corporate undertakings other than in the United Kingdom 
their country of operation is also their country of incorporation.
All undertakings listed above have been included in the Consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

113

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company financial statements of Elementis Plc  
for the year ended 31 December 2016 continued

7.  Debtors

Group relief receivable 

8.  Creditors: amount falling due within one year

Accruals and deferred income

9.  Called up share capital

Called-up allotted and fully paid:
Ordinary shares of 5 pence each
At 1 January 
Issue of shares
At 31 December

2016
£million
12.7

2015
 £million
12.7

2016
£million
0.6

2015
 £million
0.6

2016 
Number 
’000

2016 
£million

2015 
Number
’000

2015
£million

462,976
520
463,496

23.1
0.1
23.2

461,637
1,339
462,976

23.1
–
23.1

During the year a total of 519,527 ordinary shares with an aggregate nominal value of £25,977 were allotted and issued for cash to various 
employees at subscription prices between nil pence and 243 pence on the exercise of options under the Group’s share option schemes. 
The total subscription monies received by the Company for these shares was £0.6 million. The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to 
receive dividends and entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company.

10.  Related party transactions
The Company is a guarantor to the Elementis Group defined benefit pension scheme under which it guarantees all current and future 
obligations of UK subsidiaries currently participating in the pension scheme to make payments to the scheme, up to a specified 
maximum amount. The maximum amount of the guarantee is that which is needed (at the time the guarantee is called on) to bring 
the scheme’s funding level up to 105 per cent of its liabilities, calculated in accordance with section 179 of the Pensions Act 2004. 
This is also sometimes known as a Pension Protection Fund (‘PPF’) guarantee, as having such a guarantee in place reduces the annual 
PPF levy on the scheme.

114

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Association of British Insurers

HMRC

Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs

Glossary

ABI

ACC

ACT

AGM

AWC

American Chemistry Council

Advance Corporation Tax

Annual General Meeting

Average working capital

Board

Board of Directors of Elementis plc

CEO

CFO

CGU

CO2

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Cash generating units

Carbon dioxide

Company

Elementis plc

CR

Corporate responsibility 

HSE

HR

IFC

IFRS

ISS

KAM

KPI

kWH

LTA

LTIP

NIC

Health, safety and environment

Human Resources

Inside front cover

International Financial Reporting Standards

Institutional Shareholder Services

Key account management

Key performance indicator

Kilowatt hour

Lost time accident

Long term incentive plan

National Insurance Contributions

DB Scheme Defined benefit scheme

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

DEFRA

Department for Environment and Rural Affairs

EBITDA

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation 
and amortisation

EPS

ESOS

ESOT

EU

FRC

Earnings per share

Executive share option scheme

Employee share ownership trust

European Union

Financial Reporting Council

GAAP

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

GDP

GHG

GJ

Gross domestic product

Greenhouse gases

Gigajoule

Group

Elementis plc and its subsidiaries

PBT

P.A.

R&D

REACh

ROCE

SAYE

SID

TSR

UK

UN

US

VOC

Profit before tax

Per Annum

Research and development

Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and 
Restriction of Chemicals

Return on capital employed

Save as you earn

Senior Independent Director

Total shareholder return

United Kingdom

United Nations

United States

Volatile organic compound

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

115

 
 
 
 
Five year record

Turnover
Specialty Products
Surfactants
Chromium

Operating profit after adjusting items
Specialty Products
Surfactants
Chromium
Central costs

Adjusting items
Profit before interest
Other expenses
Net interest payable
Profit before tax
Tax
Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent

Basic
Earnings per ordinary share (cents)
Earnings per ordinary share after adjusting items (cents)

Diluted 
Earnings per ordinary share (cents)
Earnings per ordinary share after adjusting items (cents)

Dividend per ordinary share (cents)
Interest cover (times)*

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent
Net cash

2016
$million

460.4
42.9
156.2
659.5

78.8
(0.6)
27.1
(11.1)
94.2
(9.7)
84.5
(1.4)
(7.6)
75.5
(7.4)
68.1

2016
$million

14.7
17.0

14.6
16.8

16.80
134.6

627.1
77.5

Weighted average number of ordinary shares  
in issue during the year (million)
* 
**  2015 restated per note 5 but not prior years. This is not expected to be material
***  restated following the adoption of IAS 19 Employee Benefits standard

ratio of operating profit after adjusting items to interest on net borrowings

462.8

2015
restated
$million

2014
$million

2013
restated**
 $million

2012 
restated**
$million

453.1
53.8
170.3
677.2

79.9
4.5
48.0
(10.9)
121.5
5.6
127.1 
(2.1)
(4.2)
120.8
(26.2)
94.6

2015
restated**
$million

20.5
20.8

20.3
20.6

16.45
121.5

653.8
74.0

519.7
66.9
203.8
790.4

98.5
4.9
58.3
(11.6)
150.1
6.3
156.4
(1.9)
(6.3)
148.2
27.2
175.4

2014
$million

38.1
25.1

37.7
24.8

15.40
115.5

644.1
64.2

502.8
72.2
201.8
776.8

99.1
5.6
55.1
(13.2)
146.6
(1.7)
144.9
(2.0)
(8.6)
134.3
(27.6)
106.7

458.7
72.5
225.8
757.0

90.1
4.8
62.8
 (13.8)
143.9
–
143.9
(2.5)
 (8.0)
133.4
 (33.1)
100.3

2013
restated***
 $million

2012
restated
$million

23.3
23.3

23.0
23.0

13.93
63.7

543.9
54.1

22.2
22.2

21.8
21.8

12.56
55.3

479.2
44.0

462.2

460.7

456.9

451.8

116

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

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Shareholder services

Elementis corporate website
The Group operates a website which can be found at www.elementisplc.com. This site is frequently updated to provide shareholders 
with information about the Group and each of its operating divisions. In particular, the Group’s press releases and announcements can 
be found on the site together with copies of the Group’s accounts.

Registrars
Enquiries concerning shares or shareholdings, such as the loss of a share certificate, consolidation of share certificates, amalgamation 
of holdings or dividend payments, should be made to the Company’s registrars:

Equiniti Limited 
Aspect House
Spencer Road 
Lancing
West Sussex 
BN99 6DA
Tel: 0371 384 2379 or +44 (0) 121 415 7043

Lines are open 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Website: www.shareview.co.uk

In any correspondence with the registrars, please refer to Elementis plc and state clearly the registered name and address of the 
shareholder. Please notify the registrars promptly of any change of address. 

Payment of dividends
It is in the best interests of shareholders and the Company for dividends to be paid directly into bank or building society accounts. 
Any shareholder who wishes to receive dividends in this way should contact the Company’s registrars to obtain a dividend mandate form.

Registrars’ text phone 
For shareholders with hearing difficulties:
Callers inside the UK telephone: 0371 384 2255
Callers outside the UK telephone: +44 (0) 121 415 7028

Web based enquiry service
Equiniti provides a range of shareholders’ services online. The portfolio service provides access to information on share balances,  
balance movements, indicative share prices and information on recent dividends and also enables address and dividend mandate  
details to be amended online. For further information and practical help on transferring shares or updating your details, please visit  
www.shareview.co.uk.

Equiniti also provides a share dealing service that enables shares to be bought or sold by UK shareholders by telephone or over the 
internet. For telephone share dealing please call 0345 603 7037 between 8.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. (lines are open until 6.00 p.m. for 
enquiries) and for internet share dealing please visit: www.shareview.co.uk/dealing.

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

117

 
 
 
 
Corporate information

Company Secretary 
Wai Wong 

Registered office 
Caroline House 
55-57 High Holborn 
London
WC1V 6DX  
UK

Registered number 
3299608 

Financial calendar

1 March 2017
25 April 2017
25 April 2017*
27 April 2017
28 April 2017
26 May 2017
1 August 2017*
7 September 2017*
8 September 2017*
29 September 2017*
27 October 2017*
*  provisional date

Auditors 
Deloitte LLP 

Joint Corporate Brokers 
UBS Investment Bank
N+1 Singer

Preliminary announcement of final results for the year ended 31 December 2016
Annual General Meeting
Trading update
Ex-dividend date for final and special dividend for 2016 payable on ordinary shares
Record date for final and special dividend for 2016 payable on ordinary shares
Payment of final and special dividend for 2016 on ordinary shares
Interim results announcement for the half year ending 30 June 2017
Ex-dividend date for interim dividend for 2017 payable on ordinary shares
Record date for interim dividend for 2017 payable on ordinary shares 
Payment of interim dividend for 2017 on ordinary shares
Trading update

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of Elementis plc will be held on 25 April 2017 at 9.30 a.m. at the offices of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, 
Exchange House, Primrose Street, London EC2A 2EG. The Notice of Meeting is included in a separate document. Details of the ordinary 
and special business of the Annual General Meeting are contained within the Notice. 

Principal offices
Elementis plc 
Caroline House 
55-57 High Holborn 
London 
WC1V 6DX 
UK   

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7067 2999 
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7067 2998 

Email: elementis.info@elementis.com
Website: www.elementisplc.com 

Elementis Global
Elementis Specialty Products
Elementis Chromium
Elementis Surfactants
469 Old Trenton Road
East Windsor 
NJ 08512
US

Tel: +1 609 443 2000

Websites: www.elementis.com 
(Specialty Products and Surfactants) 

www.elementischromium.com 
(Chromium)

118

Elementis plc  Annual report and accounts 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elementis plc
Caroline House 
55-57 High Holborn 
London 
WC1V 6DX 
UK

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7067 2999 
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7067 2998 
www.elementisplc.com