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Globaltrans Investment Plc
Annual Report 2018

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FY2018 Annual Report · Globaltrans Investment Plc
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RUSSIA’S LEADING  
FREIGHT RAIL GROUP

10 YEAR IPO
ANNIVERSARY
2008-2018

A DECADE OF 
SUCCESS 
THE JOURNEY 
CONTINUES 

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www.globaltrans.com

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
OVERVIEW 

Highlights of 2018                                                  2 
At a Glance                                                              4  
Large Modern Fleet                                               6 
Efficient Operational Platform                            8 
Established Blue-chip Client Base 
and Strong Market Positions                             10 

STRATEGIC REPORT 

Chairman’s Statement                                           14 
A Decade of Delivery                                          18 
Chief Executive Officer’s Review                       20 
Market Review                                                        24  
Business Model and Strategy                             30  
Operational Performance                                    32 
Financial Review                                                     38  
Risk Management                                                  53  
Corporate Social Responsibility                          60 

GOVERNANCE 

Board of Directors                                                  70  
Executive Management                                        74  
Corporate Governance                                         76 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Consolidated Management Report 
and Consolidated Financial Statements           84 
Board of Directors and Other Officers             85  
Consolidated Management Report                  86  
Directors’ Responsibility                                       96  
Independent Auditor’s Report                           97  
Consolidated Income Statement                     102  
Consolidated Statement 
of Comprehensive Income                                103 
Consolidated Balance Sheet                              104 
Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity                                           105 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement                106 
Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements                                           107 
Management Report and Parent 
Company Financial Statements                        174 
Board of Directors and Other Officers          175  
Management Report                                           176  
Directors’ Responsibility                                    184  
Independent Auditor’s Report                         185 
Income Statement                                               189 
Statement of Comprehensive Income           190  
Balance Sheet                                                        191 
Statement of Changes in Equity                       192 
Cash Flow Statement                                          193  
Notes to the Parent Company 
Financial Statements                                           194 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Selected Operational Information                  234  
Ownership                                                             240  
Corporate Structure                                            241  
Dividend Policy                                                     242  
Definitions                                                             245 
Presentation of Financial and  
Other Information                                              248  
GRI Content Index                                              250 
Key Contacts                                                          IBC 

10 YEAR
ANNIVERSARY
LONDON LISTING

Globaltrans 2008 - 2018, celebrating the 10 year anniversary 
of listing on the London Stock Exchange.

Summary of presentation of financial and other information 
All  financial  information  presented  in  this  Annual  Report  is  derived  from  the  Consolidated  Management  Report  and 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements  of  Globaltrans  Investment  PLC  (the  “Company”  and,  together  with  its  subsidiaries, 
“Globaltrans” or the “Group”) and has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted  by  the  European  Union  and  the  requirements  of  Cyprus  Companies  Law,  Cap.  113  (EU  IFRS).  The  Group’s 
Consolidated Management Report and Consolidated Financial Statements and the Parent Company Financial Statements for 
the year ended 31 December 2018 are included in the Financial Statements section of this Annual Report. Financial statements 
for prior years can be found on Globaltrans’ corporate website (www.globaltrans.com/download-centre). 
The presentational currency of the Group’s financial results is the Russian Rouble (RUB), which is the functional currency of 
the Company as well as of its Cypriot and Russian subsidiaries.  
Certain financial information derived from management accounts is marked in this Annual Report with an asterisk (*). In this 
Annual Report, the Group has used certain “non-GAAP financial information” (i.e. measures not recognised by EU IFRS or 
IFRS) as supplementary explanations of the Group’s operating performance. Information (non-GAAP financial and operating 
measures) requiring additional explanation or defining is marked with initial capital letters and the explanations or definitions 
are provided at the end of this Annual Report. Reconciliations of the non-GAAP measures to the closest EU IFRS measures 
are included in the body of this Annual Report. Rounding adjustments have been made in calculating some of the financial 
and operational information included in this Annual Report. As a result, numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may 
not be exact arithmetical aggregations of the figures that precede them. 
This Annual Report, including its appendices, may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future 
financial performance of the Group. Forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as expect, believe, estimate, 
anticipate, intend, will, could, may or might, and the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. By their nature, 
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that 
may or may not occur in the future. The Group cautions that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future 
performance and that the Group’s actual results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth and strategies, 
and the development of the industry in which the Group operates, may differ materially from those described in or suggested 
by the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report. For a detailed description of the presentation of financial 
and other information, please see the Presentation of Financial and Other Information section of this Annual Report. 

Stock Exchange 
London Stock Exchange plc 
10 Paternoster Square, London EC4M 7LS, UK 

Phone:        +44 20 7797 1000 
Website:     www.londonstockexchange.com 

Auditors 
PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited 
City House, 6 Karaiskakis Street, 
CY-3032 Limassol, Cyprus 

Phone:        +357 25 555 000 
Fax:              +357 25 555 001 

Follow us on Twitter 
https://twitter.com/GLTR_news 

KEY CONTACTS

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Legal address 
Omirou 20, Agios Nikolaos, 
CY-3095 Limassol, Cyprus 

Postal address 
Office 201, 4 Profiti Ilia Street, Germasogeias, 
CY-4046 Limassol, Cyprus 

Phone:        +357 25 212 382 
Fax:              +357 25 503 155 
Website:     www.globaltrans.com 

Investor Relations 
Phone:        +357 25 328 860 
Email:          irteam@globaltrans.com 

Media Relations 
Phone:        +357 25 328 863 
Email:          media@globaltrans.com 

Company Secretary 
Ms. Elia Nicolaou 
Anastasio Building, 6th Floor, 
15 Dimitriou Karatasou Street, 
CY-2024 Strovolos, Nicosia, Cyprus 

Depositary Bank 
Bank of New York Mellon 
Shareholder correspondence should be mailed to: 

BNY Mellon Shareowner Services 
PO BOX 30170 
College Station, TX 77842-3170, USA 

Phone for domestic callers: 
+1 888 BNY ADRS (+1 888 269 2377) 

Phone for international callers: 
+1 201 680 6825 

Email:          shrrelations@cpushareownerservices.com 
Website:     www.mybnymdr.com

Designed and produced by fourthquarter

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

1

Globaltrans is a leading freight rail transportation group  
with operations in Russia, the CIS and the Baltic countries, 
and celebrates 10 years since its IPO on the main market  
of the London Stock Exchange.  

Focused exclusively on the freight logistics sector  
in Russia, Globaltrans brings sophisticated rail 
transportation solutions to its clients in the metals  
and mining, oil and gas and other industrial sectors.  

Globaltrans owns one of the largest fleets in Russia,  
with a Total Fleet of 69,023 units. 

2 

Highlights  
of 2018 
PAGE 2

14 

Chairman’s 
Statement 
PAGE 14

32 

Operational 
Performance 
PAGE 32

38 

Financial  
Review 
PAGE 38

76 

Corporate 
Governance 
PAGE 76

“This has been an outstanding year for Globaltrans, building on a 
decade of progress since we listed on the London Stock Exchange in 
2008. These record results demonstrate that we can control costs, 
generate cash and deliver an industry-leading operational 
performance. It is this combination that allows us to invest in 
business development and provide shareholders with attractive 
returns while keeping our leverage low.” 

Valery Shpakov, Chief Executive Officer  

Read the full review on pages 20 to 23.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

2

This has been an outstanding year for Globaltrans, building on a 
decade of progress since we listed on the London Stock Exchange 
in 2008. These record results demonstrate that we can control 
costs, generate cash and deliver a robust operational performance.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2018

+20% 

 Year-on-year 
increase in Average 
Price per Trip

+7% 

 Increase in Owned 
Fleet compared to  
the end of 2017

38% 

Empty Run Ratio  
for gondola cars 
(2017: 37%) 

+17% 

 Year-on-year 
increase in Adjusted 
Revenue

+28% 

 Year-on-year  
rise in Adjusted 
EBITDA

54% 

 Adjusted  
EBITDA Margin 
(2017: 50%)

 Robust operational  
performance 

 Strong financial results  
and margin expansion 

•  New five-year agreements with TMK and ChelPipe 

•  Total revenue increased 11% year-on-year  

Group successfully under way and delivering benefits (1) . 

to RUB 86.8 billion. 

•  Operational excellence maintained with Empty  

•  Adjusted Revenue rose 17% year-on-year to RUB 60.9 

Run Ratio for gondola cars at 38%. 

billion supported by strong market conditions. 

•  Better pricing reflected in 20% year-on-year rise  
in Average Price per Trip primarily due to strong  
gondola market. 

•  Owned Fleet increased 7% underpinning new  
long-term contract wins and setting a strong  
platform for 2019(2). 

•  Total Fleet at record 69,023 units with share of  

Owned Fleet now at 95%.

•  Operating profit was up 33% year-on-year to  

RUB 26.9 billion. 

•  Cost discipline maintained despite inflationary 

pressures with the rise in Total Operating  
Cash Costs at 6% year-on-year. 

•  28% year-on-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA to 
RUB 33.1 billion with the Adjusted EBITDA Margin 
expanding to 54% (2017: 50%).  

•  Profit for the year rose 42% year-on-year 

 to RUB 19.6 billion. 

(1)  TMK is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of steel pipes for the oil and gas industry,  
operating 27 production sites in the United States, Russia, Canada, Romania, Oman and  
Kazakhstan. ChelPipe Group is a leading Russian manufacturer of pipe products and provider  
of integrated solutions for fuel and energy companies.  

(2)  Owned fleet as of the end of 2018 compared to the end of 2017. In 2018, the Group acquired  
4,747 units (including 3,862 gondola cars, 481 flat cars and 404 containers) and disposed of  
592 units, of which 334 were written off.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

3

The summary below covers the Group’s key financial and 
operating performance indicators. These include Non-GAAP 
measures that the Group believes are helpful to investors in 
analysing the Group’s performance and are well understood 
in the freight rail transportation industry. 

The key Non-GAAP financial metrics are not a substitute for  
the IFRS financial information included and discussed in the 
Financial Review section of this Annual Report.  

+19% 

 Year-on-year increase 
in Cash generated 
from operations (3)

RUB 
12.3bn 

Robust Free Cash Flow 
(2017: RUB 17.0 billion)

0.56x 

Net Debt to  
Adjusted EBITDA 
(end of 2017: 0.44x)

RUB 92.4 

Total dividend per share/ 
GDR in respect of 2018 
(+3% year-on-year) (4) 

 Strong cash generation 
and low leverage 

 Attractive dividends 
delivered above target 

•  Cash generated from operations(3) increased 19%  

•  The above target total shareholder payment in 

year-on-year to RUB 32.6 billion. 

•  Free Cash Flow remained robust at RUB 12.3 billion 
despite the substantial increase in Total CAPEX  
(RUB 12.9 billion, up 165% year-on-year). 

•  Leverage held at low level with Net Debt to  

Adjusted EBITDA at 0.56x (2017 end: 0.44x). 

•  Nearly 100% of debt is denominated in Rouble,  

the Company’s functional currency.

respect of 2018 was RUB 16.5 billion or RUB 92.4  
per share/GDR(4) , a 3% increase compared to the 
total payment in respect of 2017. 

•  Payouts reflect the dividend policy and the intention 
to maintain an efficient capital structure and return 
excess capital to shareholders. 

•  Ongoing ambition to return excess capital to 
shareholders with total first half 2019 interim 
dividend of RUB 8.3 billion targeted (5). 

(3)  After changes in working capital.  

(4)  Including interim and special interim dividends in respect of the first half of 2018 and final  
and special final dividends in respect of the second half of 2018. Global Depositary Receipt (GDR).  

(5)  A total interim dividend (regular and special) of RUB 8.3 billion is targeted in respect of  
the first half of 2019 provided the current outlook for the sector remains broadly unchanged.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

4

GLOBALTRANS 
AT A GLANCE 

Globaltrans is a leading freight 
rail group operating across 
Russia, the CIS and the Baltics. 
The Group operates one of the 
largest, modern railcar fleets in 
the region, comprised principally 
of gondola and rail tank cars.

The Group provides sophisticated freight rail transportation 
and logistics services to over 500 customers in key industrial 
segments such as metallurgical cargoes, oil products and oil, 
coal and construction materials.  

Globaltrans was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 
2008, becoming the first freight rail group focused on  
Russia to join an international stock exchange. The Group’s 
Global Depositary Receipts trade on the Main Market of  
the London Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: GLTR).

Globaltrans’ operating subsidiaries

(1)  All information is for 2018 or at the end of 2018, unless otherwise stated. 

(2)  Metallurgical cargoes including ferrous metals, scrap metal and ores.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

5

Our business pillars (1)

Large modern fleet 

• 69,023 units of Total Fleet with 95% in ownership 

• 11 years average age of Owned Fleet 

• The core of the fleet consists of universal gondola cars (65%) and rail tank cars (30%) 

• Rail tank car business enhanced by unique locomotive capabilities 

Powerful operating platform 

•  Comprehensive coverage across rail network of Russia and the CIS 

•  Best-in-class logistics delivered 24/7 from single dispatching centre 

•  High fleet utilisation and one of the lowest Empty Run Ratios in its markets 

Established blue-chip client base 

•  Trusted partner to major industrial groups in Russia and the CIS 

•  Services over 500 corporate clients across the region 

•  Long-term contracts underpin 60% of Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock 

•  Strong representation in the key industrial segments: 
  –  22% Market Share in metallurgical cargoes(2) 
  –  9% Market Share in oil products and oil 

Proven strategy delivering sustainable shareholder returns 

• Returns-oriented model delivers growth through mix of opportunistic fleet expansion  

and selective acquisitions 

• Focus on shareholder returns with a dividend policy linked to Attributable Free Cash 

Flow and Leverage aimed at distributing cash not used for business expansion 

• Commitment to financial discipline and a strong balance sheet 

Over a decade of adherence to best-in-class  
international governance standards 

•  Listed on London Stock Exchange since 2008 

•  Free float represents over 50% of share register 

•  Experienced, well-balanced Board with four Independent Directors 

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

6

Globaltrans operates at scale and over the last decade  
has invested significantly in its core business. The Group  
manages one of the largest, most modern railcar  
fleets in the industry.

LARGE MODERN FLEET

At the end of 2018, the Group’s Total Fleet stood at 69,023 units, split between universal 
gondola cars (65% of total) and rail tank cars (30% of total). In order to retain maximum 
operational flexibility and ensure business resilience, Globaltrans seeks to maintain an 
appropriate balance between the size of its Owned Fleet (95% of total) and the Leased-in 
Fleet (5% of total). The average age of the Group’s Owned Fleet is currently 11 years. 

A vigorous, established fleet maintenance and repair programme ensures high levels of  
fleet reliability, thereby improving operating efficiency and service quality for customers, 
which in turn drives strong client retention.  

Locomotives

Gondola cars

Globaltrans operates its own fleet of 69 
mainline locomotives which haul block  
trains and are principally engaged in the 
transportation of oil products and oil. 

69 units  
<1% of Total Fleet 

A gondola car is an open-top, high-sided 
universal railcar designed to carry various bulk 
cargoes, for example metallurgical cargoes, 
coal or construction materials. Gondola cars  
are the backbone of the Group’s fleet. Gondola 
cars can be redeployed quickly between 
different bulk cargoes in response to changes 
in market demand.

44,982 units  

65% of Total Fleet 

 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

7

69,023 
units  

Total Fleet

95% 

In ownership

11 years 

 Average age of  
Owned Fleet

Rail tank cars

Tank containers

Other rail cars

A rail tank car is designed to carry liquid 
cargoes including oil and petroleum products, 
chemicals, liquefied gas and other liquid 
substances. The rail tank cars operated by 
Globaltrans are principally used to transport 
oil products and oil.  

Tank containers are intermodal containers 
used to transport petrochemicals. Intermodal 
containers are designed to be shipped without 
any handling of the freight itself when 
changing transport modes. 

20,426 units  

2,040 units (1)  

30% of Total Fleet 

3% of Total Fleet 

Globaltrans’ other railcars include  
flat, hopper cars, etc. 

1,506 units  

2% of Total Fleet 

(1)  Includes petrochemical and other containers

24/7 

Dispatching  
centre

44,982 

Total Fleet of  
gondola cars 

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

8

EFFICIENT  
OPERATIONAL  
PLATFORM

The Group’s powerful operating 
platform, built on its industry-
leading logistics and route 
management systems and a 
deep understanding of clients’ 
requirements, enables it to 
deliver a best-in-class service 
to clients.

A single dedicated dispatching centre manages fleet 
movements, cargo shipments and route-planning  
24 hours a day, seven days a week. This sophisticated 
operation enables precision management of the fleet  
and inbound and outbound cargo transfers. As a  
result, Globaltrans benefits from improved operational 
efficiencies as it can maintain high rolling stock  
utilisation across the fleet and minimise Empty Runs. 

Empty Run Ratio

Globaltrans’ Total Empty Run Ratio 
(for all types of rolling stock), 2014-18  

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014
Source: Globaltrans

Globaltrans’ Empty Run Ratio
(for gondola cars), 2014-18 

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Source: Globaltrans

46%

45%

48%

51%

51%

38%

37%

38%

39%

38%

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

9

Gondola logistics 
key illustrative routes

Kamennogorsk

Novy Port
Export

Cherepovets -2

Vorontskova

Denisovsky

Lena
Vostochnaja

Berkakit
Berkakit
Berkakit
Berkakit
Berkakit
Berkakit
Berkakit
BBerkakit
Berkakit

Zheleznogorsk

Moscow

Export

Stoylenskaya

Trubnaya
Trubnaya
Trubnaya
Trubnaya
Trubnaya
Trubnaya
Trubnaya
Trubnaya
TTrubnaya

Novolesnaya
Export

Yegozovo

Smychka

Chelyabinsk
Chelyabinsk
Chelyabinsk
Chelyabinsk
Chelyabinsk
Chelyabinsk
Chelyabinsk
Chelyabinsk
Chelyabinsk
Chelyabinsk
CChelyabinsk
Chelyabinsk
Yuzhny
Yuzhny
Yuzhny
Yuzhny
YYuzhny
Yuzhny
Yuzhny

Ekaterinburg

Kiltchug

Belovo

Bazaikha

Metallurgicheskaya
Metallurgicheskaya
Metallurgicheskaya
Metallurgicheskaya
Metallurgicheskaya
Metallurgicheskaya
Metallurgicheskaya
Metallurgicheskaya
Metallurgicheskaya
Metallurgicheskaya
Metallurgicheskaya
Metallurgicheskaya
Metallurgicheskaya
Metallurgicheskaya
Metallurgicheskaya
Metallurgicheskaya
Metallurgicheskaya
MMetallurgicheskaya
Metallurgicheskaya

Novokuznetsk
Novokuznetsk
Novokuznetsk
Novokuznetsk
Novokuznetsk
Novokuznetsk
Novokuznetsk
Novokuznetsk
Novokuznetsk
Novokuznetsk
Novokuznetsk
Novokuznetsk
NNovokuznetsk

Mezhdurechensk

Novorossiysk
Novorossiysk
Novorossiysk
Novorossiysk
Novorossiysk
Novorossiysk
Novorossiysk
Novorossiysk
Novorossiysk
Novorossiysk
Novorossiysk
NNovorossiysk
Novorossiysk
Export
Export
Export
Export
Export
EExport
Export

Magnitogorsk

Bystrorechenskaya

Novotroitsk

Vladivistok
Export

Zabaykalsk
Export

Metalloinvest  
cargo base

MMK cargo base

Other clients’  
cargo bases

Empty Runs 

Coal 

Metals 

Iron ore 

Pipes 

Crushed stone 

60% 

Net Revenue from 
Operation of  
Rolling Stock 
covered by long-
term contracts

22% 

Globaltrans’ Market 
Share of overall Russia’s 
rail transportation 
volumes of metallurgical 
cargoes in 2018(2)

Breakdown of Net Revenue from Operation  
of Rolling Stock by key clients (1), 2018 

Rosneft                                                                               23% 

Metalloinvest                                                                     17% 

MMK                                                                                  16% 

Gazprom Neft                                                                     5% 

Evraz                                                                                      4% 

TMK                                                                                      2% 

UGMK-Trans                                                                       2% 

SDS-Ugol                                                                              2% 

Severstal                                                                               1% 

ChelPipe                                                                               1% 

Other (including small and medium enterprises)         26% 

Source: Globaltrans

Remaining period of long-term contracts 
(years, at end of 2018)  

2.3

1.8

Rosneft

Metalloinvest

1.0

MMK

TMK

ChelPipe

Source: Globaltrans

4.4

4.4

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

10

ESTABLISHED 
BLUE-CHIP CLIENT 
BASE AND STRONG 
MARKET POSITIONS 
Globaltrans is a trusted partner 
to key industrial blue-chip 
companies across Russia  
and the CIS

The Group’s reputation is built on providing high-quality, reliable  
rail logistics for its clients that improve efficiency and reduce costs.  
It has over 500 industrial clients, largely in the metals and mining,  
oil products and oil, and construction sectors.  

Globaltrans pioneered the concept of long-term outsourcing 
partnerships for leading industrial groups in Russia and the CIS, 
whereby it handles a majority of the client’s freight rail logistics.  
This model has proved very successful and in 2018 long-term  
service contracts represented 60% of Net Revenue from  
Operation of Rolling Stock.

The Group has a strong presence in a number of key industrial 
cargo segments including metallurgical cargoes (22% Market 
share) and oil products and oil (9% Market Share).

Breakdown of Globaltrans’ Freight Rail Turnover 
by cargo, 2018 (excluding Engaged Fleet)

Metallurgical cargoes: 54%
(including ferrous metals,
scrap metal and iron ore)

Other: 7% 

Construction materials: 4%
(including cement)

Coal: 20% 
(including coke)

Oil products and oil: 14%

Source: Globaltrans

Globaltrans’ Market Share of overall Russia’s freight rail
transportation volumes by cargo, 2018(2)

7%

9%

Market Share of overall
Russia’s freight rail
transportation volumes

Metallurgical cargoes
(including ferrous metals,
scrap metal and ores)

Oil products and oil

Construction materials
(including cement)

Coal 
(including coke)

Source: Company estimations, Rosstat

4%

3%

22%

(1)  Including their affiliates and suppliers. 

(2)  Market Share is calculated using the Group’s own information as the numerator and information 
published by the Federal State Statistics Service of Russia as the denominator.  
It is defined as a percentage of the overall Russian freight rail transportation volume or freight rail 
turnover and includes volumes transported by Engaged Fleet, unless otherwise stated.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

Reliable partners

11

500+ 

Globaltrans has over 500 
industrial clients, in the metals 
and mining, oil products and oil, 
and construction sectors

Andrey Varichev,  
General Director of HC Metalloinvest  

Sergey Nenashev,  
Chief Commercial Officer of PAO MMK 

Alexander Nevsky, 
Head of Logistics and Transport, Gazprom Neft 

“Over the last six years, Globaltrans 
has fulfilled 100% of Metalloinvest’s 
freight transportation needs. 
This longstanding partnership is a 
testament to Globaltrans’ professional 
management team, who have 
significant experience and a deep 
knowledge of the rail freight sector. 

“Railway transportation is a very 
important service to Magnitogorsk Iron 
and Steel Works (“MMK”) as it is key to 
the success of our business. It provides a 
secure link between MMK and its 
vendors and customers and is 
instrumental in connecting our affiliated 
companies across the MMK Group. 

Globaltrans helps Metalloinvest to 
efficiently transport its products, including 
iron ore concentrate, pellets, HBI, pig iron 
and steel, both domestically and for 
international export.  

Globaltrans’ excellent reputation and clear 
focus enables Metalloinvest to overcome 
any challenges we encounter, while always 
ensuring we receive the highest quality of 
service. Our partnership with Globaltrans 
is something that we truly value.”

Globaltrans delivers our steel products to 
MMK’s domestic customers, as well as 
carrying a variety of our exports. Being a 
reliable and efficient partner, Globaltrans 
always promptly responds to our needs 
and guarantees the level of services we 
require. Globaltrans’ decision to expand 
its gondola fleet is driving greater 
efficiency in MMK’s logistics, while 
ensuring our transportation 
requirements are duly met.”

“Gazprom Neft has worked with 
Globaltrans since 2004 and throughout 
that time the Group has proven a 
reliable business partner, which is 
essential to a company of our size 
with our requirements. 

The Globaltrans team is exceptionally 
professional, responsible and able to 
quickly react to and manage any issues that 
arise. This long-standing cooperation has 
enabled us to implement a number of 
measures and projects in order to improve 
the efficiency of the transportation process 
and reduce the delivery time of oil 
products and oil. We value the high-quality 
service we receive from Globaltrans and 
hope to continue our mutually beneficial 
relationship into the future.” 

Mikhail Anenkov,  
Deputy General Director, Logistics, PAO TMK 

Boris Kovalenkov, 
General Director of ChelPipe Group  

“As a leading global manufacturer and 
supplier of steel pipes for oil and gas 
industry, TMK has a broad production 
and marketing geography, so efficient 
cargo flow management and a 
guaranteed supply of rolling stock 
are among our top priorities.  

The five-year service contract we entered 
with Globaltrans’ subsidiary in 2018 has 
generated tangible benefits for us, making 
rail transportation of our products much 
more reliable. Globaltrans’ dependability 
provides TMK with the stability we need 
both in pricing terms and in effective 
transportation of our raw materials and 
finished products.”

“For ChelPipe Group, one of the major 
domestic producers of piping products, 
transportation plays a significant role in 
the development of our manufacturing 
capabilities.  

Thanks to the contract we signed with 
Globaltrans in 2018, we expect to improve 
our efficiency in servicing key production 
sites and ultimately reduce our 
transportation costs. Globaltrans’ 
unconditional guarantees and ability to 
meet our needs, however complex, makes 
long-term planning of shipments easier 
and enables us to better predict our 
transportation costs. It also means we can 
achieve a high degree of adaptability 
around our internal processes and external 
transportation needs enabling us to 
respond to an ever-changing market 
and economic environment.”

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

12

STRATEGIC REPORT 
ON THE RIGHT TRACK

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

13

Directors’ Responsibility 
Each of the Directors confirms that, to the best of his or her knowledge, the Strategic 
Report presented on pages 12 to 67 of this Annual Report includes a fair review of the 
development and performance of the business and the position of Globaltrans 
Investment PLC and its subsidiary undertakings, included in the consolidation taken as 
a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties they face.  

By order of the Board, 

Sergey Tolmachev  Director

 
 
Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

14

CHAIRMAN’S  
STATEMENT

Dear Shareholders, 
It was my great privilege to be appointed 
Chairman in the year that marks the 10th 
anniversary of Globaltrans’ listing on the 
London Stock Exchange. As one of the 
founders of the Group, I think it is fitting 
that I start my report by looking back at  
the success we have achieved over the  
past decade. 

More than 15 years ago, we had a vision 
to create a new type of freight rail 
transportation group that would set new 
standards for the industry and be the 
partner of choice for Russian businesses. 
Moving freight cargo is a complex 
operation requiring substantial resources 
and a high level of expertise to meet 
customers’ requirements for round-the-
clock flexibility, speed and punctuality. 
From the very start, we knew that the 
delivery of superior returns depended  
on having a top-flight entrepreneurial 
management team, best-in-class logistics, 
modern assets, and a clear service 
proposition. Our success has made 
Globaltrans the market leader in providing 
innovative freight solutions in Russia and 
the CIS. The entrepreneurial spirit and 
single-minded focus on our stakeholders 
that defined Globaltrans in its early days 
remains very much at the heart of the 
business today. 

A decade of delivery 
Over the last decade, we have delivered 
consistent value to our shareholders, 
proving our ability to outperform through 
the ups and downs of the economic cycle. 
Fundamental to our success has been our 
concentration on profitable growth 
combined with rigorous cost control and 
effective capital allocation. Since the IPO, 
we have made sizeable investments in our 
fleet. Our Total Fleet is now not only more 

than two and a half times larger than it was 
10 years ago, but it also has a far wider 
geographical footprint, with higher quality 
assets and greater capabilities. The impact 
this has had on the business can be seen in 
the five-fold increase in the Group’s 
Adjusted EBITDA since 2008 (1). 

Frankly, our performance since our IPO has 
been outstanding, and so it is also pleasing 
to report that the Group excelled in 2018 
delivering a record set of results. Revenue, 
operating profits and earnings per share all 
increased and our solid cash flow meant 
that shareholders again benefitted from 
strong cash dividends. We secured our 
operational objectives too, diversifying  
our customer base, signing new long-term 
partnerships and expanding the fleet to 
meet the growing demand for our services.  

Dividend 
Our enhanced dividend policy, first 
introduced in 2017, continues to deliver for 
shareholders. The Group’s robust free cash 
flow and low leverage means we can provide 
shareholders with strong returns while also 
meeting the demands of our growing 
business. The Group has returned over  
RUB 39.5 billion or RUB 221.3 per 
share/GDR in dividends to shareholders 
in respect of the last three years (2).. 

Attractive shareholder returns remain a 
priority for the Group with the intention  
to return any excess capital not required  
for business development to shareholders.  
In respect of 2018, shareholders received 
generous dividends with a 3% year-on-year 
increase in aggregate distributions 
(including interim, final and special dividend 
payments) of RUB 16.5 billion or RUB 92.4 
per share/GDR. This equates to 159% of 
Attributable Free Cash Flow for the year and 
aligns with our capital allocation strategy 

(1)  In RUB terms. 

(2)  Includes total dividend payments (interim, final and special where applicable) in respect of 2016, 
2017 and 2018 financial years. 

“More than 15 years ago, 
we had a vision to create 
a new type of freight rail 
transportation group that 
would set new standards 
for the industry and be 
the partner of choice for 
Russian businesses. 
Moving freight cargo is 
a complex operation 
requiring substantial 
resources and a high level 
of expertise to meet 
customers’ requirements 
for round-the-clock 
flexibility, speed and 
punctuality.”

5X 

 Increase in Adjusted EBITDA  
since IPO in 2008 (1) 

 RUB 221.3  

Total dividends per share/ 
GDR paid in respect of the  
last three years (2) 

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

15

A DECADE OF 
DELIVERY 

“Over the last decade, we have delivered 
consistent value to our shareholders, 
proving our ability to outperform through 
the ups and downs of the economic cycle.” 
Sergey Maltsev Chairman, Chief Strategy Officer, co-founder and shareholder 

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

16

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT  
continued

which envisages regular dividends in line 
with our dividend policy as well as special 
dividends paid in order to ensure Globaltrans’ 
capital structure remains efficient.  

This year has begun well and, provided the 
current outlook for the sector remains 
broadly unchanged, the Board is targeting  
a total interim dividend (regular and special) 
of RUB 8.3 billion for the first half of 2019  
as we continue to focus on delivering strong 
shareholder returns alongside a robust 
overall performance. 

Board and governance 
It has been a year of transition for the Board. 
In April, I took over as Chairman from 
Michael Zampelas who now serves as 
Senior Independent Non-executive 
Director and Chairman of the Nomination 
Committee. I would like to express the 
Board’s gratitude to Michael for his tireless 
leadership over the last five years and we 
look forward to his continuing contribution 
to the Board. 

Our focus on effective governance has, 
over the last decade, been instrumental in 
supporting consistent value creation for 
shareholders. As a Board, we are fully 
committed to maintaining the Group’s  
high standards of corporate governance. 
We actively monitor all aspects of the 

business and work closely with the 
executive team. We aim to promote a 
culture of openness and transparency in  
all our stakeholder dealings. The Board’s 
activities are covered in more detail in the 
Governance section on pages 68 to 81 which 
sets out our governance framework and the 
work of the Board and its Committees. 

Summary  
Over the past decade, Globaltrans has 
grown rapidly to become the partner of 
choice for Russian industry. We have set 
new standards of reliability, flexibility and 
customer service and been a strong voice 
in the development of a competitive rail 
freight sector in Russia. Our approach 
continues to set us apart and should deliver 
further growth opportunities for the Group.  

Rail remains the principal means of 
transporting industrial cargoes in Russia. 
Given its economic importance, 
modernisation and expansion of the 
network will continue to be a priority for 
the government. This will benefit the freight 
sector as better and larger rail infrastructure 
will facilitate more cargo flows. In addition, 
improved overall rail competitiveness and 
long-term plans to increase production of 
key industrial commodities such as coal and 
metals will drive greater freight volumes 
and boost demand for freight transportation. 

These factors mean that the long-term 
fundamentals of our industry continue to 
remain very solid. 

Our 2018 performance was the strongest 
in our history and the Board is confident 
that the Group remains well-positioned  
to continue its successful development  
in 2019 and beyond.  

In closing, on behalf of the Board, I want  
to thank all our employees for their hard 
work and dedication in making 2018 so 
successful for Globaltrans. We look forward 
to working together to deliver another 
successful decade for all our stakeholders.  

Sergey Maltsev 
Chairman, 
Chief Strategy Officer,  
Co-founder and shareholder

“Our 2018 performance was the strongest 
in our history and the Board is confident 
that the Group remains well-positioned 
to continue its successful development 
in 2019 and beyond.” 

 
 
 
 
 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

17

RUB16.5bn 

Total dividend in 
respect of 2018 (1)  
(+3% year-on-year) 

RUB8.3bn 

Total dividend targeted 
in respect of H1 2019(2) 

Dividends
Enhanced dividend policy 
Depending on the actual Leverage Ratio of the Group at the end of each financial year and subject to 
applicable laws and regulations, and the Articles of Association of Globaltrans, the Board (3) will 
recommend paying dividends in the amounts of not less than the following proportions of Attributable 
Free Cash Flow of the Group for such financial year: 

Leverage Ratio                                                                                           Dividends, % of Attributable Free Cash Flow                             

Less than 1.0x                                                                       Not less than 50%                                                                        

From 1.0x to 2.0x                                                                 Not less than 30%                                                                

2.0x or higher                                                                       0% or more                                                                          

The full version of the dividend policy (as adopted by the Board on 31 March 2017 and amended on 24 August 2018) 
can be found in the Additional Information section of this Annual Report or on the corporate website: 
www.globaltrans.com

Dividend history
(RUB per share/GDR(4) , in respect of related financial year/period)

Declared after approval of 
enhanced dividend policy

89.65

92.40

44.80

44.85

45.90

46.50

39.20

22.20

22.28

18.86

12.41

10.34

4.42

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014-15(5)

2016 H1 2017(6) H2 2017(7) H1 2018(8)

H2 2018(9)

Source: Rosstat

(1)   Including interim and special interim dividends in respect of the first half of 2018 and final and special final dividends in respect of the second half of 2018.  
(2)   A total interim dividend (regular and special) of RUB 8.3 billion is targeted in respect of the first half of 2019 provided the current outlook for the sector 
remains broadly unchanged. 
(3)   The Board reserves the right to recommend to the general meeting the dividend calculated on a reasonable basis other than described in this Annual  
Report in its sole discretion. The factors that the Board should consider include, but are not limited to: (i) the Group’s needs for business development and  
strategy implementation purposes; (ii) financial resources for business expansion; (iii) any adverse changes in the regulatory, economic and market environment; 
(iv) the ability of the Group and its subsidiaries to meet their obligations as they fall due; (v) the availability of distributable reserves at the Group and subsidiary 
level and (vi) other factors considered important by the Board in light of the current circumstances, including maintenance of the Group’s credit ratings. 
(4)   Prior to 2016, dividends on Globaltrans shares/GDRs were declared and paid in US Dollars, thus the amounts in Russian Roubles are presented for 
informational purposes only and calculated at the Central Bank of Russia’s official exchange rate for the Russian Rouble as of the date of the Annual General 
Meeting that approved the respective dividend. From 2016, dividends on Globaltrans shares/GDRs are declared in Russian Roubles and paid in US Dollars. 
(5)   The dividend declared in 2016 related to both the 2014 and 2015 financial years. 
(6)   Including interim and special interim dividends.  
(7)   Including final and special final dividends. 
(8)   Including interim and special interim dividends. 
(9)   Including final and special final dividends.

 
Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

18

Formed in 2004, the following 15 years of successful business 
development has delivered a consistent and robust performance. 
We now celebrate a decade on the London Stock Exchange. 
Globaltrans was the first freight rail transportation group with 
operations in Russia to have an international listing. 

A DECADE OF DELIVERY

>65,000 
  units 
     Total Fleet

2013 

Captive rail operator 
 of MMK is acquired. 
Globaltrans signs  
five-year long-term 
contract with MMK.  
A single gondola 
dispatching centre 
 is created. 

>50,000  
 units 

     Total Fleet

2012 

Captive rail operator 
of Metalloinvest is 
acquired. First three-
year long-term service 
contract signed with 
Metalloinvest.  
SPO is conducted 
 to finance ongoing 
growth. 

2010 

Business growth 
continues with 
purchases of new 
rolling stock and  
the expansion of 
Leased-in Fleet. 

>37,000 
  units 
     Total Fleet

2009 

Secondary Public 
Offering (“SPO”)  
is conducted to finance 
business expansion. 

50%(1) of 
BaltTransServis 
is acquired. 

>26,000 
  units 
     Total Fleet

2008 

Initial Public Offering  
(“IPO”) is conducted  
on the London Stock 
Exchange. 

Ukrainian subsidiary  
is created and leasing 
businesses in Estonia 
are acquired. 

(1)  Subsequently, the Group acquired a further 10% effective economic interest 
in BaltTransServis in 2011, taking its total economic interest to 60%.

 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

>66,000 
  units 
     Total Fleet

2017 

Enhanced dividend  
policy is introduced 
linking dividends to 
Attributable Free Cash 
Flow and Leverage. 

2015 

2016 

Five-year long-term 
contract signed  
with Rosneft. 

2014 

SyntezRail subsidiary  
is created to develop  
rail transportation of 
petrochemicals.  

Intra-group reorganisation is conducted 
to streamline corporate structure in 
order to drive efficiency and cut costs. 

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

19

>69,000 
 units 

     Total Fleet

2018 
Globaltrans celebrates  
10th anniversary of its  
Main Market listing on the 
London Stock Exchange. 

Five-year contracts signed with  
TMK and ChelPipe bringing to five 
the number of key clients serviced 
under long-term agreements which 
together contributed 60% of the 
Net Revenue from Operation of 
Rolling Stock.  

10 YEAR IPO
ANNIVERSARY
2008-2018

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

20

MEETING STRATEGIC 
OBJECTIVES 

“It has been a busy year for us, involving 
some big corporate initiatives, so it is 
testament to our employees that we never 
lost our focus on successful day-to-day 
delivery for our customers.”  

     Valery Shpakov Chief Executive Officer

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

21

CHIEF EXECUTIVE  
OFFICER’S REVIEW

Dear Shareholders, 
This has been an outstanding year for 
Globaltrans, building on a decade of progress 
since we listed on the London Stock 
Exchange in 2008. These record results 
demonstrate that we can control costs, 
generate cash and deliver an industry-
leading operational performance. It is this 
combination that allows us to invest in 
business development and provide 
shareholders with attractive returns while 
keeping our leverage low. 

Results highlights 
Our results amply demonstrate the success 
we have enjoyed as a Group during 2018. 
The Group’s Adjusted Revenue was RUB 
60.9 billion, which represents a year-on-
year increase of 17%. This result reflected a 
very strong performance from our gondola 
operations and a rebound in revenues from 
our oil products and oil business.  

We maintained strict control over our costs 
with Total Operating Cash Costs rising just 
6% despite continued solid inflationary 
pressures. Underlying profitability improved 
with Adjusted EBITDA increasing 28% year-
on-year to RUB 33.1 billion. The Adjusted 
EBITDA Margin was 54% compared to the 
50% achieved in the prior year. 

At the same time, cash generated from 
operations increased 19% to RUB 32.6 
billion, reflecting the strong underlying 
business performance. Free Cash Flow 
remained robust at RUB 12.3 billion but  
was lower than the prior year with the good 
underlying performance partly offset by 
considerably higher Total CAPEX of RUB 
12.9 billion (up 165% year-on-year). This 
reflected our investment in fleet expansion 
during 2018 in response to stronger 
customer demand and new contract wins. 

The Group closed the year in a strong 
financial position. The Net Debt to 
Adjusted EBITDA ratio increased slightly 
but remained low at 0.56 times compared 
to 0.44 times as of the end of 2017, 
mostly due to the significantly increased 
capital expenditures.  

Market overview 
In Russia as a whole, industrial production 
grew 2.9% year-on-year in 2018. As rail 
dominates the movement of freight in 
Russia, the economic performance of the 
country was matched by the rail industry’s 
performance. Overall Russia freight rail 
turnover grew 4% year-on-year with 
transportation volumes rising 2% year-on -
year, the fifth year in a row that turnover  
has increased.  

As in 2017, it was the bulk cargo segment 
that drove the market growth in volumes, 
principally the coal and metallurgical cargo 
categories. Coal volumes (including coke) 
grew 4% year-on-year, while metallurgical 
volumes (including ferrous metals, scrap 
metal and ores) posted another good 
year rising 5% year-on-year. The oil 
products and oil sector consolidated its 
recovery with freight volumes increasing 
slightly (+0.4%) compared to the 
previous year. 

The general pricing environment for freight 
rail services remained firm, characterised  
by the strong dynamics in the gondola 
segment. Despite the commissioning of 
additional gondola cars, solid growth in  
bulk cargo transportation volumes 
supported pricing in the gondola market.  
In the rail tank car segment, steady volumes 
and a reduction in rail tank fleet capacity 
contributed to a slightly improved pricing 
environment.  

“Our results amply 
demonstrate the success 
we have enjoyed as a Group 
during 2018. The Group’s 
Adjusted Revenue was RUB 
60.9 billion, which represents 
a year-on-year increase of 
17%. This result reflected a 
very strong performance 
from our gondola operations 
and a rebound in revenues 
from our oil products and 
oil business.”

 RUB 33.1bn 

Adjusted EBITDA in 2018, 
an increase of 28% year-on-year

54% 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin 
in 2018 (2017: 50%)

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

22

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REVIEW  
continued

Our performance 
It has been a busy year for us, involving 
some big corporate initiatives, so it is 
testament to our employees that we never 
lost our focus on successful day-to-day 
delivery for our customers.  

We achieved a number of important 
milestones in line with our business 
priorities. We secured several significant 
new outsourcing deals. We signed a five-
year contract with TMK, a leading global 
manufacturer and supplier of steel pipes to 
the oil and gas industry, and we also signed  
a five-year contract with ChelPipe Group,  
a leading Russian manufacturer of pipe 
products. For these two companies we now 
cover at least 70% of their transportation 
needs, a significant increase in volumes 
supported by the sizeable increase in our 
fleet capacity. These new agreements  
were successfully set in motion with the 
combined volumes from both contracts 
increasing 40% in the second half 
compared to the first half of 2018.  

Globaltrans was the first company to 
identify how important outsourcing would 
become. These agreements are the 
backbone of our business demonstrating 
the strong partnership-based ethos we 
have with our customers. Long-term 
partnerships now account for 60% of the 
Group’s Net Revenue from Operation of 
Rolling Stock. 

Alongside building partnerships with large 
international companies, another priority 
has been to grow our links with small and 
medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs”). 

Our customer-focused model means we 
can offer SMEs freight solutions that 
uniquely target their needs. The SME 
sector is the seedbed for entrepreneurial 
growth companies and we see a good 
opportunity to build lasting relationships 
with these companies. Our approach has 
gained solid traction over the past several 
years and in 2018 our share of the SME 
freight rail transport segment was 26% 
compared to 22% in 2013.  

In the reporting year, we managed to 
achieve further solid growth in average 
pricing. The Group’s Average Price per  
Trip was up 20% year-on-year on the  
back of a favourable pricing environment  
in the bulk cargo segment and steadier 
trading conditions in oil products and  
oil segment, underpinned by our solid 
operational capabilities and high-quality 
service offering. 

Operationally, we saw our business volumes 
in the bulk cargo segment temporarily  
under pressure. This was the result of the 
deliberate substitution of expensive leased-
in capacity with newly acquired gondola 
cars, as well as changes to client logistics 
patterns and a reduction in average speeds 
on the RZD rail network caused by ongoing 
major rail infrastructure modernisation 
projects. The fleet rebalancing was 
completed in 2018 with significant 
investments made in additional gondola 
capacity to support business performance 
in 2019.  

Our business volumes in the oil products 
and oil sector began to grow over the course 

of 2018, supported by stabilised demand 
and a larger fleet in operation as we 
transferred some of our leased-out capacity 
into operation in response to stronger 
customer demand.  

In 2018, we again worked very hard to 
maintain our reputation for efficiency and 
continuous improvement. In the reporting 
year, we maintained our Empty Run Ratio 
for gondola cars at the industry-leading 
level of 38%, in line with the average for 
the last five years.  

Capital expenditures 
We aim to deliver sustainable long-term 
growth through the economic cycle. To 
achieve this we continuously optimise our 
assets in order to grow the business, deliver 
for clients and maintain our operational 
flexibility. In 2018 we expanded our  
Owned Fleet to meet growing market 
demand and to service our new contracts. 
We intentionally substituted the use of 
expensive leased-in gondola units with 
owned rolling stock. In total, we added 
4,747 units, up from our initial target of 
3,900. Of these additional units, 3,862 units 
were gondola cars and the balance was 
made up of flat cars and related specialised 
containers. The net effect of our 
rebalancing is that we closed out the year 
with our Owned Fleet up 7% to 65,405 
units and our Total Fleet reached a record 
level of more than 69,000 units. As a result, 
our Total CAPEX in 2018, including 
maintenance CAPEX, was RUB 12.9 billion, 
165% above the previous year’s level.  

“In summary, we have excellent assets, a strong 
and growing customer base, a robust balance 
sheet and a highly experienced management 
team. Over the decade since its IPO, Globaltrans 
has grown to become the leading independent 
freight rail operator in Russia.” 

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

23

38% 

Empty Run Ratio for  
gondola cars in 2018  
(2017: 37%)

0.56x 

Net Debt to Adjusted 
EBITDA at the end of 
2018 (end of 2017: 0.44x)

Sustainability 
As a Group, we continue to pursue our goal 
of operating sustainably and ensuring we 
play a positive role in the communities 
where we operate. This includes providing 
a work environment that our employees 
value so that they develop and grow with us. 
We have again provided a report on our 
Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) 
activities and accomplishments during the 
year available on pages 60 to 67, where you 
will see the significant progress we are 
making in this area. You can rest assured of 
our commitment to move forward to 
provide even greater focus on this in future. 

Outlook 
This year has begun well. By expanding our 
fleet during 2018 to support our new 
contract wins, we have set a strong platform 
as we head into 2019. 

Scale in the gondola market is critical as it 
enables freight rail operators to achieve 
crucial efficiencies for clients and the 
business. We have selectively increased our 
fleet in order to meet growing demand and 
our near-term priority is to ensure that we 
manage our assets effectively to meet the 
ongoing needs of our customers while 
retaining a cost-effective operation. In 2019, 
we will adapt fleet management to meet 
changed client logistics patterns and 
demand on the more profitable routes.  
This is likely to result in an increased Empty 
Run Ratio for gondola cars to over 40% 
which is reflected in the commercial terms 
with clients. 

Given our strict returns-based criteria for 
asset purchases, we will remain very 
prudent in how we allocate our capital, 
balancing between investing in value-
accretive assets and returning excess capital 
to shareholders in the form of dividends. 
Our plan for 2019 is to focus on further 
development of niche projects with a 
combined acquisition of about 1,500 flat 
cars and specialised containers anticipated. 
Gondola car investments are expected  
to be limited, demand-led and subject  
to prices for new rolling stock. For the 
purpose of locomotive fleet modernisation, 
we are also planning to purchase up to  
10 new diesel locomotives over the course 
of this year.  

In summary, we have excellent assets,  
a strong and growing customer base,  
a robust balance sheet and a highly 
experienced management team. Over  
the decade since its IPO, Globaltrans has  
grown to become the leading independent 
freight rail operator in Russia. The industry 
fundamentals remain strong, and as we 
enter our second decade, I am confident 
we can make further progress in 2019  
and beyond. 

Valery Shpakov  
Chief Executive Officer

 
 
 
 
Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

24

MARKET REVIEW 
Russia’s rail network at a glance

Russia and railways 
are inseparable; the 
rail network plays a 
key strategic role in 
connecting Russia’s 
economy to world 
markets and linking 
parts of the country 
together. 

Rail plays an integral part in the movement  
of freight in Russia. Russia stretches over  
a vast territory from the North Pacific  
to the Baltic Sea and extending to the  
Arctic Ocean. It covers 17 million square 
kilometres, which is more than 10% of  
the Earth’s land mass. Rail transportation 
is therefore a vital component of the  
Russian economy.  

Murmansk

B A R E N T S

S E A

Tallin
(Estonia)

FINLAND

ESTONIA

St. Petersburg

Belomorsk

Velikiy Novgorod

Petrozavodsk

Arkhangelsk

BELARUS

Bryansk

UKRAINE

Voronezh

Cherepovets

Moscow
Moscow
Moscow
Moscow
Moscow
Moscow
MMoscow

Vologda

Yaroslavl

Ivanovo

Kotlas

Ryazan

Nizhny Novgorod

Tambov

Penza

Rostov

Saratov

Krasnodar

Volgodonsk

Samara

Stavropol

TURKEY

Orenburg

Astrakhan

Makhachkala

Kirov

R

U

Ufa

Yekaterinburg

Tyumen

Chelyabinsk

Magnitogorsk

Kurgan

Orsk

Omsk

Novosi

Globaltrans operating subsidiaries, 
their branches and representative offices
Russia’s rail network’s key illustrative routes

0

0

500 miles

500 km

W

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KAZAKHSTAN

17mln 

  Russia covers 17mln  
square kilometres, which  
is more than 10% of the  
Earth’s land mass

10,000km 

  Served from east to west

4,000km 

Served from north to south

85,000km 

 Second-longest rail  
track in the world 


Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Serving the economy of the largest country 
in the world by the size of territory

Moscow

Moscow

MMoscow

Moscow

Moscow

E A S T
S I B E R I A N
S E A

A

Tommot

Tynda

Skovorodino

Nadym

Korotchayevo

S

Nizhenvartovsk

S

I

Lesosibirsk

Krasnoyarsk

ibirsk

Tomsk

Kemerovo

Barnaul

Abakan

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

25

B E R I N G   S E A

N O R T H
P A C I F I C
O C E A N

S E A   O F
O K H O T S K

Komsomolsk
-on-Amur

Yuzhno
Sakhalinsk

Khabarovsk

Vanino

Irkutsk

Chita

S E A   O F
J A P A N

MONGOLIA

CHINA

Vladivostok

JAPAN

E

87% 

About 87% of the country’s 
overall freight turnover,  
excluding pipeline  
traffic, travels by rail

2.6tn 

Overall freight rail 
turnover in 2018 
(tonnes-km)

1.3bn 

Freight transported 
in 2018 (tonnes)

1.1mln 

 Number of freight 
railcars operating 
at the end of 2018 

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

26

MARKET REVIEW 
continued

Russia is a vast country with a large 
economy and it is heavily reliant on the 
rail transportation network to keep the 
economy operating efficiently.  

Its 85,000km rail network stretches from  
the Baltic to the Pacific, making it one of the 
largest in the world. Rail transports nearly 
87% of all Russia’s freight turnover, 
excluding pipelines, and is the world’s third 
largest market in terms of freight rail 
turnover. Its strategic importance for 
Russia’s economy continues to grow which 
further cements its status as one of the 
world’s foremost freight rail markets. 
Within this market, Globaltrans is one of 
the leading freight rail operators enjoying 
a strong market position and a 
comprehensive operating presence 
across Russia and the CIS.  

Market backdrop remains 
positive with further rise 
in demand 
•  Total freight rail turnover in Russia  
rose 4% year-on-year in 2018 with 
transportation volumes up 2%  
year-on-year. 

•  Bulk cargoes again drove growth in  

2018 largely on the back of increased 
transportation volumes of coal (up 4% 
year-on-year) and metallurgical cargoes 
(up 5% year-on-year)(1). Strong customer 
demand and tight gondola availability 
supported continued favourable pricing 
conditions in the gondola segment. 

•  The segment for rail transportation of oil 
products and oil stabilised with volumes 
slightly higher than the previous year. 
The market continues to benefit from 
the scrappage of old capacity combined 
with a very low level of new additions. 
The pricing environment in this segment 
improved slightly.  

In 2018, the Russian economy continued its 
recent steady expansion. After recording 
gross domestic product (“GDP”) growth of 
1.6% in 2017, Russia’s economy grew again 
in 2018, expanding by 2.3% year-on-year. 
This improvement was matched by a solid 
industrial performance, which saw industrial 
production accelerate by 2.9% year-on-year 
(2.1% year-on-year increase in 2017). As a 
result, Russia’s rail freight sector enjoyed 
another excellent 12 months, with freight 
turnover and volumes both growing 
strongly. Total Russian freight rail turnover 
jumped 4% year-on-year, reaching a ten-
year high of 2,597 billion tonnes-km in 2018. 
Overall, the network carried 25 million 
tonnes of additional cargo in 2018, driving 
2% growth in freight transport volumes to 
1,292 million tonnes for the year.  

At the year-end, Russia’s fleet of rolling  
stock comprised about 1.1 million units,  
of which gondola cars accounted for 47%  
of the total or around 525,000 units and rail 
tank cars for 22% or around 245,000 units(2). 
The share of other railcars (including flat, 
hopper cars, etc.) was about 31%. 

“Rail transports nearly 87% of all Russia’s 
freight turnover, excluding pipelines, and is 
the world’s third largest market in terms of 
freight rail turnover.”

(1)  Coal including coke; metallurgical cargoes including ferrous metals, scrap metal and ores. 

(2)  RZD, Company estimations.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

27

+4% 

Year-on-year increase in 
overall Russia’s freight 
rail turnover in 2018

+2% 

Year-on-year increase in overall 
Russia’s rail transportation 
volumes in 2018

Russia’s freight rail turnover, 2014 -18
(billion tonnes-km)

Russia’s freight rail transportation 
volumes, 2014-18 (million tonnes) 

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Source: Rosstat

2,597 +4%

2,493

2,344

2,306

2,298

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Source: Rosstat

1,292

+2%

1,266

1,227

1,218

1,227

Russia’s monthly freight rail turnover, 2017-18  (billion tonnes-km)  

250

+6% +4% +4% +5% +5% +3% +5% +5% +3% +3% +5% +2%

200

150

100

50

0

Feb Mar

Jan
2017 ■

■

2018

Apr May

Jun

July

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Source: Rosstat

Total Russia’s railcar fleet by car type, 
at end of 2018 (thousand units)

Total Russia’s railcar fleet at year-end, 
2014 -18 (thousand units)

Other railcars

(343)

31%

Rail tank cars

(245)

22%

Source: RZD, Company estimations

47%

Gondola cars

(525)

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Source: RZD, Company estimations

1,113 +3%

1,078

1,081

1,161

1,245

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

28

MARKET REVIEW 
continued

Bulk cargoes  
drive growth 
In cargo terms, the bulk cargo segment 
was the best performer, benefitting from 
greater export levels as global demand 
for Russian commodities remained firm.  

This in turn underpinned demand for 
gondola cars, which are the mainstay of 
Globaltrans’ operations. In bulk cargoes,  
as in 2017, coal and metallurgical cargoes 
retained the largest positions in terms of 
volumes and were also among the biggest 
contributors to market growth during 2018.  

Metallurgical cargoes, which is Globaltrans’ 
largest cargo segment, benefitted from a 
continuance of robust global and domestic 
market conditions. Aggregate metallurgical 
transport volumes, including the 
transportation of ferrous metals, scrap metal 
and ores grew 5% year-on-year to 231 
million tonnes. Iron ore (including 
manganese ore) and ferrous metals both 
registered significant year-on-year volumes 
with increases of 6% and 7% respectively, 
while scrap metal was up 1%. Metallurgical 
cargoes accounted for 18% of overall 
Russian freight rail transportation volumes 
during 2018, making it the second most 
important bulk cargo segment behind coal. 

Coal (including coking coal) remains  
the biggest cargo by volume, accounting  
for 30% of overall Russia’s freight rail 
transportation volumes in 2018. Rising 
global demand pushed up thermal coal 
prices, stimulating Russian exporters to 
increase production. This marked a 
continuation of coal’s strong recent demand 
dynamics. Total coal rail shipments increased 
4% year-on-year to 386 million tonnes.  

Construction materials (including cement) 
contributed 12% of Russia’s overall freight 
rail transportation volumes in 2018. Rail 
shipments of construction materials actually 
declined 7% year-on-year to 149 million 
tonnes, largely reflecting a shortage of 
available gondola cars. 

In response to robust bulk cargo dynamics, 
the industry expanded total gondola 
capacity in 2018 by about 7%, or about  
33,000 units to 525,000 gondola cars(1). 
These additional units and their added 
capacity were fully absorbed into operations 
on the back of continued solid demand.  

Oil products and oil  
sector stabilised 
The oil products and oil segment 
maintained its stable profile in 2018  
with volumes broadly flat for the period 
at 237 million tonnes, an increase of  
0.4% year-on-year. 

Rail shipments of oil products and oil 
accounted for 18% of overall freight rail 
transportation volumes in 2018. Globaltrans 
has been historically active in this sector  
and, with a number of oil majors as clients, 
it continues to be an important freight 
segment for the Group. 

In 2018, the market saw continued 
scrappage of old rail tanks combined with  
a very low level of new additions. The net 
capacity decline was about 6,000 units  
or 2% year-on-year, bringing the total rail 
tank car fleet to 245,000 units as of the  
end of reporting year (1). Furthermore,  
in 2018 the rail tank market saw a slight 
recovery in pricing and continued to  
show signs of stability. 

“Metallurgical cargoes, which is Globaltrans’ 
largest cargo segment, benefitted from a 
continuance of robust global and domestic 
market conditions.” 

(1)  RZD, Company estimations, net capacity change.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

29

+5% 

Year-on-year increase in overall 
Russia’s rail transportation 
volumes of metallurgical 
cargoes in 2018

+4% 

Year-on-year increase  
in overall Russia’s rail 
transportation volumes  
of coal in 2018

Breakdown of Russia’s freight rail transportation volumes by cargo, 2018

Other

Construction materials

(including cement) 

Metallurgical cargoes

(including ferrous metals, 
scrap metal and ores)

Source: Rosstat

22%

30%

Coal

(including coke)

12%

18%

18%

Oil products and oil

Russia’s freight rail transportation volumes by cargo, 2014 -18 (million tonnes)

Coal (including coke) 

Oil products and oil

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

386

+4%

373

343

336

327

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

237

+0.4%

236

236

251

256

Source: Rosstat

Source: Rosstat

Metallurgical cargoes 
(including ferrous metals, scrap metal and ores) 

Construction materials
(including cement) 

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

231

+5%

219

217

216

216

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

149

-7%

160

168

160

177

Source: Rosstat

Source: Rosstat

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

30

BUSINESS MODEL 
AND STRATEGY 

Solid fundamentals,  
clear objectives 

Our vision is to maintain our 
position as a leading independent 
freight rail group with operations 
in Russia and the CIS and the 
partner of choice for blue-chip 
industrial customers. 

Our strategy and business model 
Our strategy is to deliver long-term sustainable value creation to  
our shareholders, which we believe also benefits our customers, 
employees and other stakeholders. We are achieving this by 
continuing to be entrepreneurial, prudent and disciplined, and 
focused on innovation and efficiency while adhering to our proven 
business model.  

Our business model is flexible yet disciplined. Our structured 
operating framework enables management to reconcile short-term 
tactical decision-making with the long-term strategic requirements 
of the Group. 

We operate one of the largest modern fleets in Russia, enjoying 
strong positions in key industrial segments. Our scale and reach 
means we can service our customers’ transport needs across the 
entire territories of Russia and the CIS countries. Our commercial 
focus is to maintain and further develop long-term relationships with  
our customers that provide them with cost-effective outsourcing 
solutions and enable us to extract maximum value from our fleet.  

We work hard to maintain our reputation for efficiency and 
continuous improvement. Our consistent focus on operational 
efficiency enables us to operate with industry-leading Empty Run 
Ratio and provide a reliable service. These features together  
with a deep understanding of our customers’ businesses are our 
competitive advantage, helping us retain and expand our best-in-
class customer base. 

Our approach to investments remains opportunistic and disciplined 
and we respond to the opportunities in our industry through a 
combination of careful organic growth, investments in new value-
added niches within the freight rail market and selective M&A.  
We allocate our capital prudently, balancing between investments 
into attractive opportunities and capital returns to shareholders in 
the form of regular and special dividends.  

Having a strong balance sheet is fundamental to ensuring we can 
maintain our success through the economic cycle and remain flexible 
in managing changes to the business and market environment.

This vision is underpinned by a core set 
of common values across our business  

Deliver excellence  
We want to deliver excellence in  
everything that we do

Value customers  
They are at the heart of our business and we  
work hard to exceed their expectations

Prioritise safety  
Safety is our number one priority and we act  
safely and responsibly at all times

Respect people 
We respect the rights of all employees and 
invest in their training and development

Uphold good governance  
We take decisions that benefit  
all shareholders 

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

31

Strategic priorities

Retain a solid  
business profile 

Operational 
excellence 

• Maintain a large modern fleet 

•  Increase efficiency where possible 

• Focus on long-term contracts 

• Invest in people 

• Retain core blue-chip clients 

• Continue to prioritise client service 

• Broaden customer base

• Focus on innovation  

and technology

Maintain a strong  
financial position 

•  Maintain a prudent approach to  

capital allocation 

• Retain an efficient balance sheet 

Generate sustainable  
returns 

Promote strong 
governance culture 

•  Maintain a disciplined opportunistic 

approach to investment 

• Observe international  
governance standards 

• Expand into new value-added  
niches in the freight rail market 

• Retain a Dividend Policy linked  
to Attributable Free Cash Flow  
and Leverage 

• Return excess capital not required  

by the business to shareholders in the 
form of special dividends while 
maintaining a strong balance sheet  

• Prioritise well-balanced Board with 
strong independent representation 

• Ensure the business continues to  

act responsibly 

Key financial results (2016-18)

Adjusted Revenue (RUB mln)  

Adjusted EBITDA (RUB mln)  

Adjusted EBITDA Margin (%)

2018

2017

2016

60,859 +17%

52,094

44,249

2018

2017

2016

25,789

17,677

33,070

+28%

2018

2017

2016

54

50

40

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA
(at year-end)

Total dividend (RUB per share/GDR) (1)

2018

2017

2016

0.56

0.44

2018

2017

92.40 +3%

89.65

0.65

2016 39.20

Source: Globaltrans

(1) Total dividends (including interim, final and special where applicable) in respect of declared financial year.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

32

OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

Globaltrans continued its 
solid performance in 2018 
on the back of supportive 
industry fundamentals. 
Against this backdrop, 
management’s principal 
operational objective was 
to carefully expand the 
operating platform to meet 
the growth in client demand. 
At the same time, we 
focused on strengthening 
our client relationships by 
executing as effectively as 
possible and delivering a 
superior service, which 
helped drive incremental 
growth. We added to our 
long-term contract base, 
and actively invested in 
fleet expansion.

(1)  TMK is a leading global manufacturer and 
supplier of steel pipes for the oil and gas industry, 
operating 27 production sites in the United States, 
Russia, Canada, Romania, Oman and Kazakhstan.  

(2)  ChelPipe Group is a leading Russian manufacturer 
of pipe products and provides integrated solutions 
for fuel and energy companies. 

(3)  In 2018, the Group acquired 4,747 units 
(including 3,862 gondola cars, 481 flat cars and 
404 containers) and disposed of 592 units, of which 
334 were written off. 

(4)  Excluding Engaged Fleet.

Robust operational performance with extended portfolio 
of long-term contracts, increased average pricing and 
sizeable rise in Owned Fleet 

New long-term contracts are already delivering benefits 
•

New five-year contracts signed with TMK(1) and ChelPipe Group(2), which are both leading 
manufacturers of pipe products. 

•

•

Both contracts envisage significant increases in serviced volumes to 70% of each client’s 
freight rail transportation needs and perfectly complement Globaltrans’ logistics patterns. 

Operations with both clients sizeably expanded since start of contracts with combined 
volumes for both clients up 40% in the second half of 2018 compared to the first half of 
the same year. 

•

60% of Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock was contributed by long-term 
contracts in 2018 (Rosneft, Metalloinvest, MMK, TMK and ChelPipe Group). 

Continued strong pricing 
•

Better pricing reflected in 20% year-on-year rise in Average Price per Trip to 
RUB 41,859 primarily due to the strong gondola market and slightly improved pricing 
in the rail tank car segment. 

Increased fleet underpins new contracts, setting strong platform for 2019 
•

Owned Fleet increased 7% compared to the end of 2017 to 65,405 units with Total Fleet 
at a record 69,023 units. 

•

•

4,747 units (mostly gondola cars)(3) were acquired in 2018 compared to 1,332 units in the 
previous year with all additional units put into operation during 2018. 

Fleet rebalancing successfully completed with purchases of gondola cars over 2018,  
more than offsetting a reduction in expensive leased-in gondola fleet. Share of Owned 
Fleet rose to 95% compared to 92% at the end of 2017. 

Operational excellence maintained 
•

Empty Run Ratio for gondola cars stood at 38% (2017: 37%) with Total Empty Run Ratio 
at 46% (2017: 45%). 

•

Share of Empty Run Kilometres paid by Globaltrans rose to 89% (2017: 86%) due to 
changes in logistics patterns of some clients. 

Transportation Volumes and Freight Rail Turnover came under pressure (down  
4% and 9% year-on-year respectively) (4) impacted by the gondola fleet rebalancing, 
changed client logistics and a reduction in average speeds on the Russian Railways 
(“RZD”) rail network 
•

Bulk cargo volumes affected by a temporary 2% year-on-year reduction in the average 
gondola fleet operated (due to intentional substitution of expensive leased-in gondola 
cars with newly acquired units commissioned in 2018). 

•

•

Changed client logistics contributed to a 4% year-on-year reduction in Average Distance 
of Loaded Trip. 

Average Number of Loaded Trips per Railcar decreased 4% year-on-year largely due to  
a reduction in average speeds on the RZD rail network over the course of 2018, caused  
by ongoing major rail infrastructure modernisation projects. 

Improved performance of oil products and oil segment 
•

The rail tank fleet in operation was increased by transferring some leased-out units into 
operation and increasing the number of leased-in rail tank cars. 

•

Freight Rail Turnover(4) and Net Revenue from operation of rail tank cars increased 
3% and 12% year-on-year respectively.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

33

Key operational information, 2017-18 

                                                                                                                                                                                         2017                                    2018                           Change, % 

Freight Rail Turnover, billion tonnes-km (excluding Engaged Fleet)                                       160.1                            146.2                               -9% 
Transportation Volume, million tonnes (excluding Engaged Fleet)                                          91.9                              88.5                               -4% 

Freight Rail Turnover, billion tonnes-km (including Engaged Fleet)                                       178.2                            158.9                             -11% 
Transportation Volume, million tonnes (including Engaged Fleet)                                         101.1                              96.0                               -5% 

Average Price per Trip, RUB                                                                                                       34,790                         41,859                              20% 

Average Rolling Stock Operated, units                                                                                     53,584                         53,562                                0% 
Average Distance of Loaded Trip, km                                                                                         1,720                            1,644                               -4% 
Average Number of Loaded Trips per Railcar                                                                              26.7                              25.6                               -4% 

Total Empty Run Ratio, %                                                                                                               45%                              46%                                    – 
Empty Run Ratio for gondola cars, %                                                                                            37%                              38%                                    – 
Share of Empty Run kms paid by Globaltrans, %                                                                         86%                              89%                                    – 

Total Fleet, units (at year-end), including:                                                                                66,692                         69,023                                3% 
– Owned Fleet, units (at year-end)                                                                                            61,250                         65,405                                7% 
– Leased-in Fleet, units (at year-end)                                                                                           5,442                            3,618                             -34% 

Leased-out Fleet (at year-end)                                                                                                     9,080                            7,627                             -16% 

Average age of Owned Fleet, years (at year-end)                                                                        11.1                              11.0                                    – 

Total number of employees (at year-end)                                                                                  1,594                            1,549                               -3% 

Source: Globaltrans

Breakdown of Globaltrans’ Freight Rail Turnover 
by cargo, 2018 (excluding Engaged Fleet)

Globaltrans’ Market Share of overall Russia’s freight rail 
transportation volumes by cargo, 2018 (1)

Other: 7%

Construction materials: 4%

(including cement) 

Coal: 20%

(including coke)

Oil products and oil: 14%

Metallurgical cargoes: 54%

(including ferrous metals,
scrap metal and iron ore)

Market Share of overall
Russia’s freight rail
transportation volumes

Metallurgical cargoes
(including ferrous metals,
scrap metal and ores)

Oil products and oil

Construction materials
(including cement)

Coal 
(including coke)

7%

9%

4%

3%

Source: Globaltrans

Source: Company estimations, Rosstat

22%

(1)  Market Share is calculated using the Group’s own information as the numerator and information published by the Federal 
State Statistics Service of Russia as the denominator. It is defined as a percentage of the overall Russian freight rail transportation 
volume or freight rail turnover and includes volumes transported by Engaged Fleet, unless otherwise stated.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

34

OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE 
continued

New long-term contract wins 
Central to the Group’s success in recent 
years was the recognition that with the 
further development of the industry, major 
customers would require a greater degree  
of strategic cooperation. We pioneered the 
introduction of long-term outsourcing 
contracts harnessing our wide geographical 
presence, modern asset base and reputation 
for operational excellence to secure our first 
important contract with Metalloinvest,  
a leading global producer and supplier of 
HBI and iron ore products, and a regional 
producer of high quality steel, in 2012. 

Since then we have expanded our long-term 
contracting base, as other clients have 
recognised that our integrated partnership 
model creates a win-win for both parties. 
Consolidating transportation spend means 
the client gains through greater operational 
and cost efficiencies while Globaltrans 
secures for itself predictable recurring 
transport volumes and logistics patterns. 

In 2018, we added to our reputation 
announcing two important long-term 
contracts in the metallurgical industry.  

We signed separate five-year contracts  
with TMK, a leading global manufacturer 
and supplier of steel pipes for the oil and gas 
industry, and with ChelPipe Group, a major 
Russian producer and supplier of steel  
tubes and pipes to the energy sector. 
Contractually, it means that Globaltrans is 
set to manage at least 70% of each client’s 
total freight transport volumes compared 
to about 30-40% in the past. Operations 
with both clients sizeably expanded since  
the start of the contracts with combined 
volumes for both clients up 40% in the 
second half of 2018 compared to the first 
half of the same year. 

Today our long-term partnership portfolio 
consists of five leading businesses: 
Metalloinvest, MMK, TMK and ChelPipe 
Group in the metallurgical segment and 
Rosneft in the oil products and oil sector. 
Together, these contracts, of which the older 
ones have been rolled over at least once, 
contributed about 60% of the Group’s Net 
Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock in 
2018. Globaltrans has earned a reputation 
for providing a consistently high-quality and 
reliable service, which is another important 
plank of our operating model. 

Overall, our 10 largest clients (including 
their affiliates and suppliers) accounted for 
74% of the Group’s Net Revenue from 
Operation of Rolling Stock in 2018. As well 
as those previously mentioned, major clients 
include well-respected companies like 
Gazprom Neft, Evraz, UGMK-Trans, SDS-
Ugol, and Severstal, among others. 

We constantly look to expand and improve 
our service offering as well as increase the 
level of predictability and visibility for our 
customers. Currently we service a customer 
base of over 500 businesses across Russia 
and the CIS. Over the last several years we 
successfully increased our exposure to the 
important small and medium-sized business 
sector. This initiative forms part of our drive 
to diversify our client base, and strengthen 
the overall resilience of the business. Small 
and medium-sized companies accounted  
for about 26% of the Group’s Net Revenue 
from Operation of Rolling Stock in 2018,  
up from 22% in 2013. 

Breakdown of Globaltrans’ Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock by largest clients, 2017-18 (including their affiliates and suppliers) 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       2017                                    2018  

Rosneft                                                                                                                                                                                    25%                              23% 

Metalloinvest                                                                                                                                                                          15%                              17%  

MMK                                                                                                                                                                                        15%                              16%  

Gazprom Neft                                                                                                                                                                           7%                                5% 

Evraz                                                                                                                                                                                           5%                                4% 

TMK                                                                                                                                                                                           2%                                2% 

UGMK-Trans                                                                                                                                                                            2%                                2% 

SDS-Ugol                                                                                                                                                                                   2%                                2%  

Severstal                                                                                                                                                                                     1%                                1%  

ChelPipe                                                                                                                                                                                     1%                                1%  

Other (including small and medium enterprises)                                                                                                              26%                              26% 

Source: Globaltrans

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

35

Increased fleet underpins 
new contracts, setting 
strong platform for 2019 
A key operational objective was to cost-
effectively grow the fleet to meet increased 
market demand and to service the new 
contract wins. We achieved this by 
simultaneously increasing the number of 
owned railcars and reducing the amount  
of expensive Leased-in Fleet.  

Over the course of 2018, we successfully 
added to our fleet, giving us the capacity 
needed to support our development 
heading into 2019. In total, our Owned Fleet 
recorded a net increase of 7% (or 4,155 
units) to 65,405 units at the year-end 
compared to the end of 2017. We purchased 
3,862 gondola cars over 2018, bringing the 
total gondola fleet to almost 45,000 units. 
The Group also continued to build up its 

niche petrochemical business unit, buying a 
total of 885 containers and flat cars in the 
period. Freight rail transportation of 
petrochemicals in tank containers is an 
attractive and growing niche for Globaltrans. 
We identified this opportunity in 2014 and 
are continually building our tank container 
fleet, growing market share and expanding 
our client base.  

Railcar leasing remains an important part of 
how we manage and adapt our fleet to meet 
customer needs. However, in 2018 high 
leasing rates led us to intentionally rebalance 
our fleet, purchasing new units and 
substituting them for expensive leased-in 
gondolas. Consequently, the Group’s total 
Leased-in Fleet declined by 34% or 1,824 
units over the course of 2018 to 3,618 units. 
This reduction was more than offset by our 
active new gondola acquisition programme 
during the year. At the year-end, the share of 

Owned Fleet rose to 95% compared to 92% 
at the end of 2017.  

Scale gives Globaltrans a clear competitive 
advantage. It allows us to service large clients 
with complex and sophisticated logistics 
across the territories of Russia and the CIS. 
At the end of 2018, the Group’s Total Fleet 
exceeded a record 69,000 units. Gondola 
and rail tank cars make up the bulk of the 
fleet, and accounted for 65% and 30% of 
the Total Fleet respectively. Globaltrans’ 
Owned Fleet is among the most modern 
large fleets in Russia with an average unit  
age of 11 years (10 years for gondola cars 
and 14 years for rail tank cars).  

Around 90% of the Group’s Total Fleet  
was operated in its core freight rail 
transportation business. The balance was 
mostly represented by rail tank cars leased-
out to clients in Russia and the CIS countries.

Globaltrans’ Total Fleet by type, end-2018 (units) 

                                                                                                                                       Owned                             Leased-in                                    Total                             % of total 

Gondola cars                                                                                          44,878                                104                         44,982                              65% 

Rail tank cars                                                                                          17,938                            2,488                         20,426                              30% 

Locomotives                                                                                                  69                                    0                                  69                             0.1% 

Other railcars (including flat, hopper cars, etc.)                                      860                                646                            1,506                                2% 

Containers (including petrochemical and other)                                1,660                                380                            2,040                                3% 

Total                                                                                                       65,405                            3,618                         69,023                            100% 

Source: Globaltrans

Globaltrans’ Total Fleet by type, end-2018 (units)

Owned

2018

2017

2018

3,618

-34%

Leased-in

2017

5,442

Total

2018

2017

Source: Globaltrans

+4,155 units 

Owned Fleet recorded a net increase 
of 7% (or 4,155 units) to 65,405 units 
at the year-end compared to the 
end of 2017. 

65,405

+7%

61,250

69,023

+3%

66,692

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

36

OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE 
continued

Ongoing operational 
excellence 
Creating and sustaining a culture of 
operational excellence and continuous 
improvement is a must-have in a logistics 
business because it improves fleet efficiency 
and delivery cost recovery.  

The single most important input to cost 
recovery remains our ability to maintain high 
fleet utilisation levels while minimising the 
cost of running unloaded railcars. Empty 
Runs are the biggest cash cost in our 
business, comprising 46% of our Total 
Operation Cash Costs in 2018. Therefore, 
managing Empty Runs is absolutely crucial 
for the Group’s productivity and cost 
containment strategies. 

Globaltrans has consistently delivered 
industry-leading operational efficiency, 

registering one of the lowest Empty Run 
Ratios for gondola cars across the sector. 
This has averaged around 38% per annum 
over the last five years. In 2018, Globaltrans 
again maintained its Empty Run Ratio for 
gondola cars at a low level of 38% (2017: 
37%). We achieved this through a relentless 
focus on costs and by leveraging our logistics 
expertise and knowledge of customers, 
supply chains and logistics. Our key long-
term service contracts cover interconnected 
cargo bases, which enables us to fine-tune 
route scheduling and match inbound and 
outbound freight traffic to minimise Empty 
Runs. The Group’s Total Empty Run Ratio, 
which covers all rolling stock types, was  
kept at 46% in 2018 compared to 45%  
in the previous year. Changes in the  
logistics patterns of some clients resulted 
in an increase in the Share of Empty Run 
Kilometres paid by Globaltrans to  
89% (2017: 86%). 

Solid pricing 
boosts revenues 
Average Price per Trip in 2018 increased 
20% year-on-year to RUB 41,859 on the 
back of a favourable pricing environment, 
underpinned by a strong market, a solid 
operational base and our high-quality 
gondola offering. In the rail tank car  
business, pricing conditions recovered 
slightly supported by relatively stable 
demand and the continued net decline in 
rail tank car capacity.  

The Group’s Net Revenue from Operation 
of Rolling Stock increased 16% year-on-year 
with growth achieved across all major 
segments. In the priority bulk cargo (non-oil) 
segment, Net Revenue from Operation  
of Rolling Stock was up 17% year-on-year.  
In the oil products and oil segment, it was up 
12% year-on-year.

Globaltrans’ Total Empty Run Ratio (for all types of rolling stock, 2014-18)

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Source: Globaltrans

46%

45%

48%

51%

51%

46% 

The Group’s Total Empty Run Ratio, 
which covers all rolling stock types, 
was kept at 46% in 2018.

Globaltrans’ Empty Run Ratio (for gondola cars, 2014-18)

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Source: Globaltrans

38%

37%

38%

39%

38%

38% 

Globaltrans has consistently delivered 
industry-leading operational efficiency, 
registering one of the lowest Empty Run 
Ratios for gondola cars across the sector.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

37

Bulk cargo volumes came 
under pressure, oil products 
and oil slightly improving 
The Group’s Average Rolling Stock 
Operated stayed relatively stable at 53,562 
units in 2018. There was a 2% decline in  
the average number of gondola cars in 
operation which was offset by an 8% 
increase in the average number of rail tanks 
in operation. With regard to gondola cars, 
the decline was merely temporary, reflecting 
the Group’s intention to reduce the number 
of expensive leased-in gondola cars it 
operates by replacing them over the course 
of the year with newly acquired gondola 
units. By the year-end, the total gondola 
fleet increase fully offset the decline in 
leased-in capacity. In the rail tank car 
segment, the Group transferred some 
leased-out units and increased leased-in 
fleet of rail tank cars to support the 
expansion of its rail transportation 
operations mostly for its small and  
medium client portfolio.  

Altered client logistics patterns and the fall 
in average speed on the RZD rail network 
resulted in a 4% year-on-year decline in the 
Average Number of Loaded Trips per Railcar. 

The Average Distance of Loaded Trip also 
decreased 4% year-on-year. The decline in 
the rail network speed was caused largely by 
a number of ongoing major infrastructure 
modernisation projects. 

strong demand has spurred increased 
volumes. Globaltrans has a solid presence 
in this sector with an overall Market Share 
of 3%. In 2018, this segment represented 
20% of the Group’s Freight Rail Turnover.  

The combination of factors described above 
negatively affected bulk cargo business 
volumes in 2018, with the Group’s total 
Transportation Volumes declining 4% year-
on-year and Freight Rail Turnover 
decreasing 9% year-on-year. 

The bulk cargo segment remains the 
Group’s mainstay of operations and 
contributed about 86% of the Group’s 
Freight Rail Turnover in the reporting year. 

•

Metallurgical cargoes (including ferrous 
metals, scrap metal and iron ore) remain 
the largest single operating segment for 
Globaltrans with a Market Share of 22%.  
In 2018, this segment contributed 54%  
of the Group’s Freight Rail Turnover. The 
Company has developed a number of long-
term relationships with its clients in this 
sector and manages the majority of freight 
rail transportation needs of many of them. 

•

Coal has been the standout bulk 
commodity cargo in recent periods as 

•

Construction materials (including 
cement) made up 4% of Group’s Freight 
Rail Turnover in 2018. Globaltrans mostly 
transports construction materials on 
backward journeys in order to minimise 
Empty Runs. The Group had a 4% Market 
Share in this sector in 2018. 

The business volumes in the oil products and 
oil sector where the Group has a strong 
profile began to grow over the course of 
2018, supported by stabilised demand and 
an increased fleet in operation. In 2018, this 
segment accounted for 14% of the Group’s 
Freight Rail Turnover. The Group’s client 
base includes oil majors along with a number 
of small and medium companies. On some 
routes, the Company provides clients with  
a unique service, transporting oil products 
and oil in block trains consisting of both 
owned rail tanks and locomotives. This 
enables improved reliability and speed of 
transportation. Globaltrans had a Market 
Share of around 9% in this segment in 2018. 

Globaltrans’ Transportation Volume, 2017-18 
(excluding Engaged Fleet, million tonnes) 

Globaltrans’ Freight Rail Turnover, 2017-18 
(excluding Engaged Fleet, billion tonnes-km) 

                                                                                 2017               2018      Change, % 

                                                                                 2017               2018      Change, % 

Metallurgical cargoes 
  (including ferrous metal, 
  scrap metal and iron ore)                       45.5            45.0             -1% 

Metallurgical cargoes 
  (including ferrous metal, 
  scrap metal and iron ore)                       87.8            79.0           -10% 

Oil products and oil                                  20.2            20.7               2% 

Oil products and oil                                  20.5            21.2               3% 

Coal (including coke)                                10.4               9.6             -8% 

Coal (including coke)                                34.3            29.5           -14% 

Construction materials 
  (including cement)                                   9.1               6.4           -30% 

Construction materials 
  (including cement)                                   8.0               5.8           -28% 

Other                                                            6.6               6.8               2% 

Other                                                            9.4            10.7            14% 

Total                                                           91.9            88.5             -4% 

Total                                                         160.1          146.2             -9% 

Source: Globaltrans

Source: Globaltrans

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

38

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Strong financial performance, 
margin expansion achieved and 
low leverage maintained 

•

Total revenue increased 11% year-on-year to RUB 86.8 billion. 

•

•

Adjusted Revenue rose 17% year-on-year to RUB 60.9 billion 
supported by strong market conditions. 

Cost discipline maintained despite inflationary pressures with 
the rise in Total Operating Cash Costs at 6% year-on-year. 

•

Operating profit was up 33% year-on-year to RUB 26.9 billion. 

•

Strict cost control alongside strong revenue growth drove a 
28% year-on-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA to RUB 33.1 
billion with the Adjusted EBITDA Margin expanding to 54% 
(2017: 50%).  

•

Profit for the year rose 42% year-on-year to RUB 19.6 billion. 

•

•

Cash generated from operations increased 19% year-on-year 
to RUB 32.6 billion. Free Cash Flow remained robust at RUB 
12.3 billion despite the substantial increase in Total CAPEX 
(RUB 12.9 billion, up 165% year-on-year). 

Leverage held at a low level with Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA 
at 0.56x (2017 end: 0.44x). Net Debt rose 64% year-on-year to 
RUB 18.6 billion mostly reflecting significantly increased CAPEX. 
Nearly 100% of debt is denominated in RUB, the Company’s 
functional currency.

+17% 

Year-on-year increase in 
Adjusted Revenue in 2018

+28% 

Year-on-year increase in 
Adjusted EBITDA in 2018

54% 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin  
in 2018 (2017: 50%)

0.56X 

Net Debt to Adjusted 
EBITDA at the end of 2018  
(end of 2017: 0.44x)

“The Group delivered a record financial 
performance in 2018 as strong 
revenue growth and strict cost 
control drove further margin 
expansion. We again produced 
substantial cash flows and our free 
cash generation was excellent 
despite a significant uplift in capital 
expenditure over the year. We retained 
a solid financial profile, operating with 
low leverage, which in turn helped us  
to distribute substantial dividends. 
In 2018, we built on the success of 
previous years and delivered a strong 
outcome for all our stakeholders.” 

   Alexander Shenets 

Chief Financial Officer

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

39

Results in detail 
The following tables provide the Group’s key financial and operational information for the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017. 

EU IFRS financial information 
                                                                                                                                                                                         2017                                    2018                                Change 
                                                                                                                                                                                   RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

Revenue                                                                                                                                        78,081                         86,773                              11% 

Total cost of sales, selling and marketing costs and administrative expenses                         (58,698)                      (60,004)                               2% 

Operating profit                                                                                                                          20,156                         26,901                              33% 

Finance costs – net                                                                                                                       (1,802)                         (1,441)                           -20% 

Profit before income tax                                                                                                             18,354                         25,460                              39% 
Income tax expense                                                                                                                     (4,534)                         (5,876)                             30% 

Profit for the year                                                                                                                         13,820                         19,583                              42% 

Profit attributable to:                                                                                                                                
– Owners of the Company                                                                                                         12,289                         17,672                              44% 
– Non-controlling interests                                                                                                          1,531                            1,911                              25% 

Basic and diluted earnings per share for profit attributable to the equity 
  holders of the Company during the year (expressed in RUB per share)                                 68.75                            98.87                              44% 

                                                                                                                                                                                         2017                                    2018                                Change 
                                                                                                                                                                                   RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

Cash generated from operations                                                                                               27,496                         32,602                              19% 
Tax paid                                                                                                                                         (3,632)                         (5,766)                             59% 

Net cash from operating activities                                                                                             23,864                         26,837                              12% 

Net cash used in investing activities                                                                                            (4,028)                      (10,645)                          164% 

Net cash used in financing activities                                                                                         (19,171)                      (14,003)                           -27% 

Non-GAAP financial information 
                                                                                                                                                                                         2017                                    2018                                Change 
                                                                                                                                                                                   RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

Adjusted Revenue                                                                                                                       52,094                         60,859                              17% 

Including:                                                                                                                                                    
– Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock                                                                    49,709*                       57,474*                            16% 
– Operating leasing of rolling stock                                                                                             1,212                            1,394                              15% 
– Net Revenue from Engaged Fleet                                                                                                173*                             432*                          149% 
– Other revenue                                                                                                                            1,000                            1,559                              56% 

Total Operating Cash Costs                                                                                                       26,303                         27,894                                6% 

Including:                                                                                                                                                    
– Empty Run Cost                                                                                                                        12,154*                       12,956*                               7% 
– Employee benefit expense                                                                                                        3,426                            4,367                              27% 
– Repairs and maintenance                                                                                                           3,769                            3,821                                1% 
– Fuel and spare parts – locomotives                                                                                           1,519                            1,935                              27% 
– Operating lease rentals – rolling stock                                                                                     1,634                               827                             -49% 

Adjusted EBITDA                                                                                                                         25,789                         33,070                              28% 
Adjusted EBITDA Margin, %                                                                                                          50%                              54%                                    – 

Total CAPEX                                                                                                                                   4,872                         12,889                            165% 

Free Cash Flow                                                                                                                             17,048                         12,314                             -28% 
Attributable Free Cash Flow                                                                                                       15,517                         10,403                             -33%

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

40

FINANCIAL REVIEW 
continued

Debt profile 
                                                                                                                                                                                         As of                                     As of 
                                                                                                                                                                31 December 2017           31 December 2018                                Change 
                                                                                                                                                                                   RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

Total debt                                                                                                                                     16,331                         25,729                              58% 
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                             4,966                            7,130                              44% 
Net Debt                                                                                                                                       11,365                         18,599                              64% 
Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA (x)                                                                                                  0.44                              0.56                                    – 

Operational information 
                                                                                                                                                                                         2017                                    2018                           Change, % 

Freight Rail Turnover, billion tonnes-km (excluding Engaged Fleet)                                       160.1                            146.2                               -9% 
Transportation Volume, million tonnes (excluding Engaged Fleet)                                          91.9                              88.5                               -4% 

Freight Rail Turnover, billion tonnes-km (including Engaged Fleet)                                       178.2                            158.9                             -11% 
Transportation Volume, million tonnes (including Engaged Fleet)                                         101.1                              96.0                               -5% 

Average Price per Trip, RUB                                                                                                       34,790                         41,859                              20% 
Average Rolling Stock Operated, units                                                                                     53,584                         53,562                                0% 
Average Distance of Loaded Trip, km                                                                                         1,720                            1,644                               -4% 
Average Number of Loaded Trips per Railcar                                                                              26.7                              25.6                               -4% 

Total Empty Run Ratio (for all types of rolling stock), %                                                             45%                              46%                                    – 
Empty Run Ratio for gondola cars, %                                                                                            37%                              38%                                    – 
Share of Empty Run Kilometres paid by Globaltrans, %                                                             86%                              89%                                    – 

Total Fleet, units (at year-end), including:                                                                                66,692                         69,023                                3% 
– Owned Fleet, units (at year-end)                                                                                            61,250                         65,405                                7% 
– Leased-in Fleet, units (at year-end)                                                                                           5,442                            3,618                             -34% 

Leased-out Fleet, units (at year-end)                                                                                           9,080                            7,627                             -16% 

Average age of Owned Fleet, years (at year-end)                                                                        11.1                              11.0                                    – 

Total number of employees (at year-end)                                                                                  1,594                            1,549                               -3% 

Revenue 
The Group’s Total revenue rose 11% year-on-year to RUB 86,773 million in 2018, largely due to a 17% year-on-year increase in Adjusted 
Revenue. Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock (a key component of Adjusted Revenue) rose 16% year-on-year reflecting the 
continued strong market environment. 

The following table provides details of Total revenue, broken down by revenue-generating activity, for the years ended 31 December 2018 
and 2017. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         2017                                    2018                                Change 
                                                                                                                                                                                   RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

Railway transportation – operators services (tariff borne by the Group) (1)                         44,371                         48,130                                8% 
Railway transportation – operators services (tariff borne by the client)                               31,497                         35,690                              13% 
Operating leasing of rolling stock                                                                                                1,212                            1,394                              15% 
Other                                                                                                                                               1,000                            1,559                              56% 

Total revenue                                                                                                                              78,081                         86,773                              11%

(1)  Includes “Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips” for 2018 of RUB 22,682 million (2017: RUB 22,508 million) 
and “Services provided by other transportation organisations” of RUB 3,231 million (2017: RUB 3,478 million).

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

41

Adjusted Revenue 
Adjusted Revenue is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as “Total revenue” adjusted for “pass through” items: “Infrastructure and 
locomotive tariffs: loaded trips” and “Services provided by other transportation organisations”. “Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded 
trips” comprises revenue resulting from tariffs that customers pay to the Group and the Group pays on to RZD, which are reflected in equal 
amounts in both the Group’s Total revenue and Cost of sales. “Services provided by other transportation organisations” is revenue resulting 
from the tariffs that customers pay to the Group and the Group pays on to third-party rail operators for subcontracting their rolling stock, 
which are reflected in equal amounts in both the Group’s Total revenue and Cost of sales. The net result of Engaged Fleet operations is 
reflected as Net Revenue from Engaged Fleet and is included in Adjusted Revenue. 

In 2018, the Group’s Adjusted Revenue grew 17% year-on-year to RUB 60,859 million, primarily due to a 16% year-on-year rise in Net 
Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock along with an increase in revenues from the rail transportation of petrochemicals and from 
auxiliary leasing and Engaged Fleet operations. 

The following table provides details of Adjusted Revenue for the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017 and its reconciliation to Total revenue. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         2017                                    2018                                Change 
                                                                                                                                                                                   RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

Total revenue                                                                                                                               78,081                         86,773                              11% 
  Minus “pass through” items 
Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips                                                                  22,508                         22,682                                1% 
Services provided by other transportation organisations                                                         3,478                            3,231                               -7% 

Adjusted Revenue                                                                                                                      52,094                         60,859                              17% 

The principal components of Adjusted Revenue include: (i) Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock, (ii) Revenue from operating 
leasing of rolling stock, (iii) Net Revenue from Engaged Fleet and (iv) other revenues generated by the Group’s auxiliary business activities, 
including freight forwarding, freight rail transportation of petrochemicals in tank containers, repair and maintenance services provided to 
third parties, and other. 

The following table provides a breakdown of the components of Adjusted Revenue for the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         2017                                    2018                                Change 
                                                                                                                                                                                   RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock                                                                       49,709*                       57,474*                            16% 
Operating leasing of rolling stock                                                                                                1,212                            1,394                              15% 
Net Revenue from Engaged Fleet                                                                                                   173*                             432*                          149% 
Other                                                                                                                                               1,000                            1,559                              56% 

Adjusted Revenue                                                                                                                      52,094                         60,859                              17% 

Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock 
Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock is a non-GAAP financial measure, derived from management accounts, describing the 
net revenue generated from freight rail transportation and is defined as “Total revenue – operator’s services” (1) less “Infrastructure and 
locomotive tariffs: loaded trips”, “Services provided by other transportation organisations” and Net Revenue from Engaged Fleet. 

Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock contributed 94% of the Group’s Adjusted Revenue in 2018.

(1)  Defined as the sum of the following EU IFRS line items: “Railway transportation – operator’s services (tariff borne by 
the Group)” and “Railway transportation – operator’s services (tariff borne by the client)”.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

42

FINANCIAL REVIEW 
continued

The following table provides Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock for the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017, and its 
reconciliation to Total revenue – operator’s services. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         2017                                    2018                                Change 
                                                                                                                                                                                   RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

Total revenue – operator’s services (1)                                                                                       75,868                         83,820                              10% 
  Minus 
Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips                                                                  22,508                         22,682                                1% 
Services provided by other transportation organisations                                                         3,478                            3,231                               -7% 
Net Revenue from Engaged Fleet                                                                                                   173*                             432*                          149% 

Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock                                                                     49,709*                       57,474*                            16% 

The Group’s Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock increased 16% year-on-year to RUB 57,474 million* in 2018. This was a solid 
performance across key business segments, with a 17% year-on-year rise in Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock in the non-oil 
segment complemented by a 12% year-on-year increase in the segment for rail transportation of oil products and oil.  

•

•

The continued strong gondola market combined with slightly increased pricing in rail transportation for the oil products and oil segment 
drove a 20% year-on-year increase in Average Price per Trip to RUB 41,859. 

Average Rolling Stock Operated remained stable year-on-year at 53,562 units reflecting an average gondola fleet operated which was 
temporarily lower, down 2% year-on-year, due to the intentional substitution of expensive leased-in gondola cars with newly acquired 
units commissioned in 2018, while the average rail tank fleet operated increased 8% year-on-year benefitting from the transition of some 
leased-out units into operation as well as an increased number of leased-in rail tank cars. 

•

Average Number of Loaded Trips per Railcar decreased 4% year-on-year largely due to changed client logistics and a reduction in average 
speeds on the RZD rail network over the course of 2018, caused by ongoing major rail infrastructure modernisation projects. 

Revenue from operating leasing of rolling stock 
Revenue from operating leasing of rolling stock, which contributed 2% of the Group’s Adjusted Revenue in 2018, increased 15% year-on-
year to RUB 1,394 million, primarily reflecting the improved pricing environment in the rail tank car segment. 

Net Revenue from Engaged Fleet 
Net Revenue from Engaged Fleet is a non-GAAP financial measure, derived from management accounts, that represents the net sum of the 
price charged to clients for transportation by the Group utilising Engaged Fleet less the loaded railway tariff charged by RZD (included in the 
EU IFRS line item “Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips”) and less the cost of engaging fleet from third-party rail operators 
(included in the EU IFRS line item “Services provided by other transportation organisations”). 

In 2018, Net Revenue from the Engaged Fleet, comprising about 1% of the Group’s Adjusted Revenue, was up 149% year-on-year to 
RUB 432 million*. This was primarily driven by the improved pricing conditions and increased volumes of the Engaged Fleet operations in 
the oil products and oil segment. 

Other revenue 
Other revenue (3% of the Group’s Adjusted Revenue), which includes revenues from auxiliary services, rose 56% year-on-year to RUB 1,559 million. 
This primarily reflected a rise in revenue from the transportation of petrochemicals in tank containers on the back of the gradual commissioning 
into operation of tank containers purchased in 2018 and the increase in revenue from maintenance services provided to third parties. 

Cost of sales, selling and marketing costs and administrative expenses 
The following table provides a breakdown of Cost of sales, selling and marketing costs and administrative expenses for the years ended 
31 December 2018 and 2017. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         2017                                    2018                                Change 
                                                                                                                                                                                   RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

Cost of sales                                                                                                                                  54,609                         55,154                                1% 
Selling and marketing costs                                                                                                              238                               221                               -7% 
Administrative expenses                                                                                                               3,851                            4,629                              20% 

Total cost of sales, selling and marketing costs 
  and administrative expenses                                                                                                58,698                         60,004                                2%

(1)  Defined as the sum of the following EU IFRS line items: “Railway transportation – operator’s services (tariff borne by 
the Group)” and “Railway transportation – operator’s services (tariff borne by the client)”.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

43

In 2018, the Group’s Total cost of sales, selling and marketing costs and administrative expenses were RUB 60,004 million, an increase of 
2% year-on-year, largely reflecting the factors described below. 

•

•

“Pass through” cost items (a combination of “Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips” and “Services provided by other 
transportation organisations”) remained stable year-on-year at RUB 25,913 million. 

The Group’s Cost of sales, selling and marketing costs and administrative expenses adjusted for “pass-through” cost items rose 4% year- 
on-year to RUB 34,091 million in 2018, which reflected: 

– Strict cost control enabling the Company to curb the impact of inflationary pressures with Total Operating Cash Costs up 6% year-on-

year to RUB 27,894 million. 

– Total Operating Non-Cash Costs reduced 3% year-on-year to RUB 6,197 million in 2018 with an asset-expansion-driven increase in 

the Depreciation of property, plant and equipment more than offset by a decline in the Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs 
and a reduction in the Amortisation of intangible assets. 

In order to show the dynamics and nature of the Group’s cost base, individual items of Total cost of sales, selling and marketing costs and 
administrative expenses have been regrouped as shown below: 

                                                                                                                                                                                         2017                                    2018                                Change 
                                                                                                                                                                                   RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

“Pass through” cost items                                                                                                        25,986                         25,913                                0% 
Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips                                                                  22,508                         22,682                                1% 
Services provided by other transportation organisations                                                         3,478                            3,231                               -7% 

Total cost of sales, selling and marketing costs and administrative 
  expenses (adjusted for “pass through” cost items)                                                          32,712                         34,091                                4% 

Total Operating Cash Costs                                                                                                     26,303                         27,894                                6% 
Empty Run Costs                                                                                                                          12,154*                       12,956*                               7% 
Employee benefit expense                                                                                                           3,426                            4,367                              27% 
Repairs and maintenance                                                                                                              3,769                            3,821                                1% 
Fuel and spare parts – locomotives                                                                                              1,519                            1,935                              27% 
Operating lease rentals – rolling stock                                                                                        1,634                               827                             -49% 
Infrastructure and Locomotive Tariffs – Other Tariffs                                                                 949*                             892*                             -6% 
Engagement of locomotive crews                                                                                                  662                               795                              20% 
Other Operating Cash Costs                                                                                                        2,189                            2,300                                5% 

Total Operating Non-Cash Costs                                                                                              6,409                            6,197                               -3% 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment                                                                        4,962                            5,111                                3% 
Amortisation of intangible assets                                                                                                    718                               697                               -3% 
Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs                                                                            528                               377                             -29% 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment                                                                             111                                  10                             -91% 
Net impairment losses on trade receivables and prepayments                                                     61                                  30                             -51% 
Net loss/(gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment                                                            29                                (27)                              NM 

Total cost of sales, selling and marketing costs 
  and administrative expenses                                                                                                 58,698                         60,004                                2% 

“Pass through” cost items 
Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips 
Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips is in principle a “pass through” cost item for the Group (1) and is reflected in equal amounts in both 
the Group’s Total revenue and Cost of sales. This cost item was up 1% year-on-year to RUB 22,682 million in 2018 primarily due to an increase in 
the regulated RZD tariffs which was partially offset by the year-on-year reduction of the Group’s Freight Rail Turnover in the reporting year. 

Services provided by other transportation organisations 
Services provided by other transportation organisations is in principle a “pass through” cost item for the Group and is reflected in equal 
amounts in both the Group’s Total revenue and Cost of sales and includes tariffs that the Group pays to third-party rail operators for 
subcontracting their rolling stock (Engaged Fleet). 

Services provided by other transportation organisations were down 7% year-on-year to RUB 3,231 million in 2018 largely reflecting the 
decreased volumes of the Engaged Fleet operations in the bulk cargo segment.

(1)  Under contracts where the RZD tariff is borne by the Group, the Group has a contractual relationship with the client. The Group sets the 
terms of the transactions, such as selling and payment terms and, in some cases, bears credit risk and controls the flow of receipts and payments.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

44

FINANCIAL REVIEW 
continued

Total Operating Cash Costs 
Total Operating Cash Costs (a non-GAAP financial measure) represent operating cost items payable in cash and calculated as “Total cost of 
sales, selling and marketing costs and administrative expenses” less the “pass through” cost items and non-cash cost items. 

The Group’s Total Operating Cash Costs increased 6% year-on-year to RUB 27,894 million in 2018 due to a combination of factors 
described below. 

The following table provides a breakdown of the Total Operating Cash Costs for the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017. 

                                                                                                                                           2018                                    2017                                    2018                                Change 
                                                                                                                                  % of total                              RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

Empty Run Costs                                                                                       46%                        12,154*                        12,956*                                7% 
Employee benefit expense                                                                      16%                            3,426                            4,367                              27% 
Repairs and maintenance                                                                        14%                            3,769                            3,821                                1% 
Fuel and spare parts – locomotives                                                           7%                            1,519                            1,935                              27% 
Operating lease rentals – rolling stock                                                     3%                            1,634                               827                             -49% 
Infrastructure and Locomotive Tariffs – Other Tariffs                             3%                              949*                             892*                               -6% 
Engagement of locomotive crews                                                            3%                                662                               795                              20% 
Other Operating Cash Costs                                                                     8%                            2,189                            2,300                                5% 

Total Operating Cash Costs                                                                100%                          26,303                         27,894                                6% 

Empty Run Costs 
Empty Run Costs (a non-GAAP financial measure meaning costs payable to RZD for forwarding empty railcars) is derived from management 
accounts and presented as part of the “Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: empty run trips and other tariffs” component of “Cost of sales” 
reported under EU IFRS. 

Empty Run Costs accounted for 46% of the Group’s Total Operating Cash Costs in 2018. This cost item rose 7% year-on-year to RUB 
12,956 million* in 2018. This resulted from a combination of the following factors: 

•

A 5.3% year-on-year increase in the regulated RZD tariff for the traction of empty railcars and an increase in Freight Rail Turnover in the 
rail tank car segment which has a higher Empty Run Ratio. 

•

A logistically driven rise in Share of Empty Run Kilometres paid by Globaltrans to 89% (2017: 86%). 

•

An Empty Run Ratio for gondola cars of 38% (2017: 37%) with a Total Empty Run Ratio (for all types of rolling stock) of 46% (2017: 45%). 

Employee benefit expense 
Employee benefit expense, which accounted for 16% of the Group’s Total Operating Cash Costs, increased 27% year-on-year to  
RUB 4,367 million in 2018, reflecting a combination of the following factors: 

•

Higher than inflation growth in wages and salaries. 

•

Strong results and the appreciation in Globaltrans’ GDR price drove the rise in bonuses (including share-based payment expense). 

•

An increase in related social insurance costs. 

Repairs and maintenance 
Repairs and maintenance costs, which comprised 14% of the Group’s Total Operating Cash Costs in 2018, increased 1% year-on-year  
to RUB 3,821 million mainly reflecting the following factors: 

•

Inflation growth in the cost of repair works, partially offset by a decline in the number of adhoc and depot repairs. 

•

Significant growth in the cost of certain spare parts. 

•

A decline in the number of higher cost locomotive repairs. 

Fuel and spare parts – locomotives 
Fuel and spare parts – locomotives expenses, comprising 7% of the Group’s Total Operating Cash Costs, were RUB 1,935 million in 2018, 
27% higher than in the previous year. The increase in this cost item primarily reflected the rise in Freight Rail Turnover in the rail tank car 
segment and the corresponding increased usage of locomotives which drove fuel consumption along with growth in fuel prices and inflation 
in the cost of spare parts.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

45

Operating lease rentals – rolling stock 
Operating lease rentals – rolling stock, which comprised 3% of the Group’s Total Operating Cash Costs in 2018, was down 49% year-on-
year to RUB 827 million, primarily reflecting an intentional reduction in the number of gondola cars leased-in over the reporting period 
(down 96% compared to the end of 2017). 

Infrastructure and Locomotive Tariffs – Other Tariffs 
Infrastructure and Locomotive Tariffs – Other Tariffs (a non-GAAP financial measure, derived from management accounts), which is 
presented as part of the “Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: empty run trips and other tariffs” component of Cost of Sales reported under 
EU IFRS. This cost item includes the costs of the relocation of rolling stock to and from maintenance, the transition of purchased rolling stock 
to its first place of commercial utilisation, and the relocation of rolling stock in and from lease operations as well as other expenses including 
Empty Run Costs attributable to the container business segment. 

Infrastructure and Locomotive Tariffs – Other Tariffs (3% of the Group’s Total Operating Cash Costs) were RUB 892 million* in 2018, 
a decrease of 6% year-on-year, mainly reflecting a decline in the cost of relocating rolling stock into and from repair and maintenance. 

Engagement of locomotive crews 
Costs related to the engagement of locomotive crews from RZD (3% of the Group’s Total Operating Cash Costs) increased 20%  
year-on-year to RUB 795 million in 2018, largely due to a rise in the amount of engagement hours reflecting higher Freight Rail Turnover  
in the rail tank car segment and the corresponding increased usage of locomotives. 

Other Operating Cash Costs 
Other Operating Cash Costs (a non-GAAP financial measure) include cost items such as “Advertising and promotion”, “Auditors’ 
remuneration”, “Communication costs”, “Information services”, “Legal, consulting and other professional fees”, “Rental of tank containers”, 
“Operating lease rentals – office”, “Taxes (other than income tax and value added taxes)” and “Other expenses”. 

The following table provides a breakdown of the Other Operating Cash Costs for the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         2017                                    2018                                Change 
                                                                                                                                                                                   RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

Advertising and promotion                                                                                                                31                                  38                              21% 
Auditors’ remuneration                                                                                                                      56                                  59                                5% 
Communication costs                                                                                                                         37                                  33                             -11% 
Information services                                                                                                                            19                                  27                              40% 
Legal, consulting and other professional fees                                                                                  69                                  70                                1% 
Rental of tank-containers                                                                                                                   64                                  44                             -31% 
Operating lease rentals – office                                                                                                       180                               183                                2% 
Taxes (other than income tax and value added taxes)                                                                  746                               681                               -9% 
Other expenses                                                                                                                                 987                            1,165                              18% 

Other Operating Cash Costs                                                                                                        2,189                            2,300                                5% 

Other Operating Cash Costs, which comprised 8% of the Group’s Total Operating Cash Costs, were up 5% to RUB 2,300 million in 2018 
compared to the previous year. The rise in this cost primarily reflected a decrease in Taxes (other than income tax and value added taxes), 
predominantly property tax, which was more than offset by an increase in Other expenses. 

Total Operating Non-Cash Costs 
Total Operating Non-Cash Costs (a non-GAAP financial measure) include cost items such as “Depreciation of property, plant and equipment”, 
“Amortisation of intangible assets”, “Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs”, “Net impairment losses on trade receivables and 
prepayments”, “Impairment of property, plant and equipment” and “Net (gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment”.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

46

FINANCIAL REVIEW 
continued

The following table provides a breakdown of the Total Operating Non-Cash Costs for the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         2017                                    2018                                Change 
                                                                                                                                                                                   RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment                                                                        4,962                            5,111                                3% 
Amortisation of intangible assets                                                                                                    718                               697                               -3% 
Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs                                                                            528                               377                             -29% 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment                                                                             111                                  10                             -91% 
Net impairment losses on trade receivables and prepayments                                                     61                                  30                             -51% 
Net loss/(gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment                                                            29                                (27)                              NM 

Total Operating Non-Cash Costs                                                                                                6,409                            6,197                               -3% 

Total Operating Non-Cash Costs were down 3% year-on-year to RUB 6,197 million in 2018. A 3% year-on-year rise in the Depreciation of 
property, plant and equipment on the back of an increase in the Group’s Owned Fleet was more than offset by a 29% year-on-year decline  
in the Loss on the derecognition arising on capital repairs (1) which reflected the lower number of capital repairs undertaken in the reporting 
year and the 3% year-on-year reduction in the Amortisation of intangible assets. 

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP financial measure) 
Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) represents EBITDA excluding “Net foreign exchange transaction (gains)/losses on 
financing activities”, “Share of profit/(loss) of associate”, “Other losses/(gains) – net”, “Net (gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and 
equipment”, “Impairment of property, plant and equipment”, “Impairment of intangible assets”, “Loss on derecognition arising on capital 
repairs” and “Reversal of impairment of intangible assets”. 

The Group’s Adjusted EBITDA in 2018 reached RUB 33,070 million, up 28% over the previous year. 

The Adjusted EBITDA Margin expanded to 54% in 2018 from 50% in the previous year on the back of a 17% year-on-year increase in 
Adjusted Revenue and a 6% year-on-year rise in Total Operating Cash Costs. 

The following table provides details on Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017, and its reconciliation to 
EBITDA and Profit for the year. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         2017                                    2018                                Change 
                                                                                                                                                                                   RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

Profit for the year                                                                                                                       13,820                         19,583                              42% 

Plus (Minus) 
Income tax expense                                                                                                                       4,534                            5,876                              30% 
Finance costs – net                                                                                                                         1,802                            1,441                             -20% 
Net foreign exchange transaction losses on financing activities                                                (237)                               (40)                           -83% 
Amortisation of intangible assets                                                                                                    718                               697                               -3% 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment                                                                        4,962                            5,111                                3% 

EBITDA                                                                                                                                         25,600                         32,668                              28% 

Plus (Minus) 
Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs                                                                          (528)                            (377)                           -29% 
Net foreign exchange transaction losses on financing activities                                                (237)                               (40)                           -83% 
Other gains/(losses) – net                                                                                                                 85                                   (1)                              NM 
Net (loss)/gain on sale of property, plant and equipment                                                           (29)                                27                               NM 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment                                                                            (111)                               (10)                           -91% 
Reversal of impairment of intangible assets                                                                                   630                                    –                          -100% 

Adjusted EBITDA                                                                                                                       25,789                         33,070                              28%

(1)  The cost of each major periodic capital repair (including the replacement of significant components) is recognised in the carrying amount of 
the relevant item of rolling stock repaired and separately depreciated. Simultaneously, the carrying amount of the repaired rolling stock that is 
attributable to the previous periodic capital repair and/or significant component replacement, if any, is derecognised and debited in “Cost of 
sales” in the income statement as “Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs” for the period during which the repair was carried out.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

47

Finance income and costs 
The following table provides a breakdown of finance income and costs for the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         2017                                    2018                                Change 
                                                                                                                                                                                   RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

Interest expense:                                                                                                                                       
– Bank borrowings                                                                                                                       (1,992)                         (1,344)                           -33% 
– Non-convertible bond                                                                                                                       –                              (315)                              NM 

Total interest expense calculated using the effective interest rate method                          (1,992)                         (1,659)                           -17% 
Finance leases                                                                                                                                         –                              (108)                              NM 

Total interest expense                                                                                                                 (1,992)                         (1,767)                           -11% 
Other finance costs                                                                                                                            (55)                               (11)                           -80% 

Total finance costs                                                                                                                      (2,046)                         (1,778)                           -13% 

Interest income: 
– Bank balances                                                                                                                                    86                               141                              65% 
– Short-term deposits                                                                                                                      346                               193                             -44% 
– Loans to third parties                                                                                                                          3                                    1                             -50% 

Total interest income calculated using the effective interest rate method                                435                               335                             -23% 
Finance leases – third parties                                                                                                              46                                  42                               -8% 

Total finance income                                                                                                                       481                               377                             -21% 

Net foreign exchange transaction gains on borrowings and other liabilities                             272                                  36                             -87% 
Net foreign exchange transaction losses on cash and cash equivalents 
  and other monetary assets                                                                                                           (508)                               (76)                           -85% 

Net foreign exchange transaction losses on financing activities                                           (237)                               (40)                           -83% 

Net finance costs                                                                                                                         (1,802)                         (1,441)                           -20% 

Finance costs 
Total finance costs decreased 13% year-on-year to RUB 1,778 million in 2018 largely reflecting the decline in the Group’s weighted average 
effective interest rate over the reporting year. 

Finance income 
In 2018, the Group’s Total finance income was down 21% year-on-year to RUB 377 million, primarily due to a decrease in the interest rate 
on short-term bank deposits, which was partially offset by an increase in the amount of bank balances. 

Net foreign exchange transaction losses on financing activities 
In 2018 the Group had Net foreign exchange transaction losses on financing activities in the amount of RUB 40 million compared to 
RUB 237 million in the previous year which reflects the foreign exchange volatility on the available cash and cash equivalents denominated 
in foreign currency. 

Profit before income tax 
The Group reported Profit before income tax of RUB 25,460 million in 2018, an increase of 39% compared to the previous year.  
This was driven by the following factors: 

•

•

A 33% year-on-year rise in the Group’s Operating profit to RUB 26,901 million, largely due to the factors described above. 

A 20% year-on-year reduction in Net finance costs to RUB 1,441 million. 

Income tax expense 
Income tax expense increased 30% year-on-year to RUB 5,876 million in 2018, reflecting the 39% year-on-year rise in the Group’s Profit 
before income tax, which was partially offset by a decline in the weighted average annual income tax rate for 2018 to 23.1% compared  
to 24.7% in 2017. The decrease in the weighted average annual income tax rate was because dividends from the subsidiaries represented  
a smaller proportion of their net profit in 2018 compared to the previous year. 

Profit for the year 
The Group’s Profit for the year grew 42% year-on-year to RUB 19,583 million reflecting the factors described above. 

Profit for the year attributable to the owners of the Company increased 44% year-on-year to RUB 17,672 million primarily benefitting  
from the positive contribution from the wholly-owned gondola business which delivered a strong performance as described above.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

48

FINANCIAL REVIEW 
continued

Liquidity and capital resources 
In 2018, the Group’s capital expenditure consisted primarily of maintenance CAPEX (including capital repairs), and the selective acquisition 
of gondola cars, petrochemical tank containers and related flat cars. The Group was able to meet its liquidity and capital expenditure needs 
comfortably through operating cash flow, cash and cash equivalents available at 31 December 2017, and proceeds from borrowings, issue 
of bonds and finance leases. 

The Group manages its liquidity based on expected cash flows. As at 31 December 2018, the Group had Net Working Capital of 
RUB 2,011 million*. Given its anticipated operating cash flow and borrowings, the Group believes that it has sufficient working capital 
to operate successfully. 

Cash flows 
The following table sets out the principal components of the Group’s consolidated cash flow statement for the years ended 
31 December 2018 and 2017. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       2017                                    2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 RUB mln                              RUB mln 

Cash flows from operating activities                                                                                                                             25,877                         33,087 

Changes in working capital:                                                                                                                                                            
– Inventories                                                                                                                                                                             106                               170 
– Trade receivables                                                                                                                                                                   (79)                            (317) 
– Other assets                                                                                                                                                                           859                          (1,042) 
– Other receivables                                                                                                                                                                  (17)                               (66) 
– Trade and other payables                                                                                                                                                    748                               263 
– Contract liabilities                                                                                                                                                                      –                               508 

Cash generated from operations                                                                                                                                     27,496                         32,602 
Tax paid                                                                                                                                                                                (3,632)                         (5,766) 

Net cash from operating activities                                                                                                                                23,864                         26,837 

Cash flows from investing activities 
Loan repayments received from third parties                                                                                                                        11                                    6 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                                  (4,872)                      (11,568) 
Purchases of intangible assets                                                                                                                                                     –                               (0.1) 
Proceeds from sale of property plant and equipment                                                                                                        268                               410 
Proceeds from sale of associates                                                                                                                                              61                                    – 
Interest received                                                                                                                                                                      481                               377 
Receipts from finance lease receivable                                                                                                                                    24                               129 

Net cash used in investing activities                                                                                                                               (4,028)                      (10,645) 

Cash flows from financing activities 
Net cash (outflows)/inflows from borrowings and financial leases:                                                                                  (13)                          5,748 
– Proceeds from bank borrowings                                                                                                                                   15,710                         15,197 
– Proceeds from issue of non-convertible unsecured bonds                                                                                                 –                            5,000 
– Repayments of borrowings                                                                                                                                          (15,723)                      (13,128) 
– Finance lease principal payments                                                                                                                                            –                          (1,321) 
Interest paid                                                                                                                                                                         (1,944)                         (1,633) 
Dividends paid to owners of the Company                                                                                                                   (15,014)                      (16,221) 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries                                                                                           (2,200)                         (1,723) 
Acquisition of non-controlling interests                                                                                                                                    –                                   (6) 
Payments to non-controlling interests                                                                                                                                      –                              (169) 

Net cash used in financing activities                                                                                                                            (19,171)                      (14,003) 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                          665                            2,188 

Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                    (473)                               (24) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year                                                                                                          4,773                            4,966 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year                                                                                                                 4,966                            7,130

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

49

Net cash from operating activities 
Net cash from operating activities rose 12% year-on-year to RUB 26,837 million, reflecting a 19% year-on-year increase in Cash  
generated from operations (after “Changes in working capital”), primarily resulting from the factors described above, offset in part by  
a 59% year-on-year increase in Tax paid on the back of increased taxable profits. 

Net cash used in investing activities 
Net cash used in investing activities was RUB 10,645 million, 164% higher than the previous year primarily due to an increase in expansion CAPEX. 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment (on a cash basis) rose 137% to RUB 11,568 million due to greater expansion CAPEX (1).  
As a part of the Total CAPEX (RUB 12,889 million) in the reporting year was financed with a finance lease, the related Finance lease principal 
payments are reflected in Net cash used in financing activity and described below. 

Net cash used in financing activities 
Net cash used in financing activities was RUB 14,003 million in 2018, a decrease of 27% compared to the previous year. This was due to  
a combination of the following factors: 

•

•

•

•

Net cash inflows from borrowings and finance leases (2) were RUB 5,748 million (compared to net cash outflows of RUB 13 million in 
 the previous year) to finance the increased capital expenditures in the reporting year. As a part of capital expenditure was financed with  
a finance lease, the Finance lease principal payments of RUB 1,321 million were booked in 2018. The additional related Finance lease 
liabilities of RUB 2,213 million will be amortised over the next five years. 

16% year-on-year decrease in Interest paid to RUB 1,633 million in 2018 due to the improvement in the Group’s weighted  
average effective interest rate over the reporting year. 

The increase in Dividends paid to owners of the Company to RUB 16,221 million compared to RUB 15,014 million in the previous  
year reflecting the strong business performance. 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries declined to RUB 1,723 million in 2018 compared to RUB 2,200 million  
in the previous year. 

Free Cash Flow 
Free Cash Flow (a non-GAAP financial measure) is calculated as “Cash generated from operations” (after “Changes in working capital”) 
less “Tax paid”, “Purchases of property, plant and equipment” (which includes maintenance CAPEX), “Purchases of intangible assets”, 
“Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings – net of cash acquired”, “Finance lease principal payments” and “Interest paid”. 

The business generated robust Free Cash Flow despite a significant increase in capital expenditure. The Group’s Free Cash Flow amounted 
to RUB 12,314 million, down 28% compared to the previous year. This was mostly related to the following factors: 

•

Cash generated from operations (after “Changes in working capital”) increased 19% or RUB 5,107 million to RUB 32,602 million 
primarily due to the factors described above; and was more than offset by the combination of: 

– a 165% or RUB 8,017 million year-on-year increase in Total CAPEX (including Purchase of property, plant and equipment, Purchases 
of intangible assets and Finance lease principal payments) to RUB 12,889 million reflecting primarily greater expansion CAPEX; and 

– a 59% or RUB 2,134 million year-on-year increase in Tax paid to RUB 5,766 million. 

•

Interest paid reduced 16% or RUB 310 million year-on-year to RUB 1,633 million largely due to a decrease in the average weighted 
interest rate. 

(1)  The Group acquired 4,747 units in 2018 compared to 1,332 units in the previous year.  

(2)  Net cash inflows (outflows) from borrowings and financial leases (a non-GAAP financial measure) defined as the balance between  
the following line items: “Proceeds from bank borrowings”, “Proceeds from issue of non-convertible unsecured bonds”, “Repayments of 
borrowings” and “Finance lease principal payments”.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

50

FINANCIAL REVIEW 
continued

The following table sets out details on Free Cash Flow and Attributable Free Cash Flow for the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017, 
and its reconciliation to Cash generated from operations. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         2017                                    2018                                Change 
                                                                                                                                                                                   RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

Cash generated from operations (after “Changes in working capital”)                                27,496                         32,602                              19% 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment                                                                            (4,872)                      (11,568)                          137% 
Purchases of intangible assets                                                                                                              –                               (0.1)                              NM 
Finance lease principal payments                                                                                                         –                          (1,321)                              NM 
Tax paid                                                                                                                                         (3,632)                         (5,766)                             59% 
Interest paid                                                                                                                                  (1,944)                         (1,633)                           -16% 

Free Cash Flow                                                                                                                            17,048                         12,314                             -28% 

Minus 
Adjusted Profit Attributable to Non-controlling Interests                                                       1,531                            1,911                              25% 

Attributable Free Cash Flow                                                                                                     15,517                         10,403                             -33% 

Capital expenditure 
Total CAPEX (a non-GAAP financial measure) calculated on a cash basis as the sum of “Purchases of property, plant and equipment” 
(which includes maintenance CAPEX), “Purchases of intangible assets”, “Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings – net of cash acquired” and 
“Finance lease principal payments” (as part of the capital expenditures was financed with a finance lease). 

The Group’s Total CAPEX was RUB 12,889 million (1) in 2018 compared to RUB 4,872 million the previous year. 

This higher capital expenditure primarily reflects larger expansion CAPEX in response to strong demand and in order to support the new 
long-term contracts and further development of niche projects. In 2018, the Group acquired 4,747 units (including 3,862 gondola cars, 
481 flat cars and 404 containers) compared to 1,332 units (including 706 gondola cars, 70 flat cars and 556 containers) in the previous year. 

The following table sets out the principal components of the Group’s Total CAPEX for the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         2017                                    2018                                Change 
                                                                                                                                                                                   RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment                                                                               4,872                         11,568                            137% 
Finance lease principal payments                                                                                                         –                            1,321                               NM 
Purchases of intangible assets                                                                                                              –                                 0.1                               NM 

Total CAPEX                                                                                                                                  4,872                         12,889                            165% 

Capital resources 
As of 31 December 2018, the Group’s financial indebtedness consisted of bank borrowings, non-convertible unsecured bonds and finance 
lease liabilities for an aggregate principal amount of RUB 25,729 million (including accrued interest of RUB 225 million*). 

The Group’s leverage remained low with Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA at 0.56x as of 31 December 2018 (31 December 2017: 0.44x). 

The Group’s Net Debt was RUB 18,599 million as of 31 December 2018, a 64% increase from the level of Net Debt at the end of 2017 
primarily reflecting increased expansion CAPEX.

(1)  The Group’s capital expenditure (including maintenance CAPEX) on an accrual basis was RUB 14,527 million in 2018 compared to 
RUB 4,848 million in the previous year. The difference between capital expenditure given on a cash basis versus on an accrual basis is 
principally because part of the capital expenditure was financed with a finance lease.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

51

The following table sets out the details on the Group’s total debt, Net Debt and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA at 31 December 2018 and 
2017, and reconciliation of Net Debt to Total debt. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         As of                                     As of 
                                                                                                                                                                31 December 2017           31 December 2018                                Change
                                                                                                                                                                                   RUB mln                              RUB mln                                          % 

Total debt                                                                                                                                     16,331                         25,729                              58% 
Minus 
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                             4,966                            7,130                              44% 

Net Debt                                                                                                                                      11,365                         18,599                              64% 

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA                                                                                                    0.44x                            0.56x                                    – 

Rouble-denominated borrowings accounted for nearly 100% of the Group’s debt portfolio as of the end of 2018. The Russian Rouble is the 
functional currency of the Company. 

The weighted average effective interest rate reduced to 7.9% as of 31 December 2018 compared to 9.4% as of the end of 2017. The vast 
majority of the Group’s debt had fixed interest rates as of the end of 2018. 

The Group has a balanced maturity profile, supported by the Group’s strong cash flow generation, available cash and cash equivalents, 
as well as undrawn borrowing facilities in the amount of RUB 4,515 million as of the end of 2018. 

The following table gives the maturity profile of the Group’s borrowings (including accrued interest of RUB 225 million*) as of 
31 December 2018. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   As of 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     31 December 2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           RUB mln 

Q1 2019                                                                                                                                                                                                                       2,088* 
Q2 2019                                                                                                                                                                                                                       1,690* 
Q3 2019                                                                                                                                                                                                                       2,710* 
Q4 2019                                                                                                                                                                                                                       1,971* 

2020                                                                                                                                                                                                                             5,676* 
2021                                                                                                                                                                                                                             6,193* 
2022-2023                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5,400* 

Total                                                                                                                                                                                                                          25,729 

Related party transactions 
For the purposes of this Annual Report, including the Group’s consolidated management report and Consolidated Financial Statements, 
parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party 
in making financial and operational decisions as defined by IAS 24 “Related Party Disclosures”. In considering each possible related party 
relationship, attention is directed to the substance of the relationship, not merely the legal form. Related parties may enter into transactions, 
which unrelated parties might not, and transactions between related parties may not be effected on the same terms, conditions and amounts 
as transactions between unrelated parties. 

Marigold Investments Ltd, Onyx Investments Ltd and Maple Valley Investments Ltd (1) are the Company’s shareholders with a direct 
shareholding as at 31 December 2018 of 11.5%, 11.5% and 10.8%, accordingly (31 December 2017: 11.5%. 11.5% and 11.2%, 
accordingly). 

Litten Investments Ltd (2) and Goldriver Resources Ltd (3), controlled by a members of key management of the Company, had a shareholding  
in the Company of 5.8% (at 31 December 2017: 6.3%) and 4.7% (at 31 December 2017: N/A) respectively.

(1)  Andrey Filatov, Nikita Mishin and Konstantin Nikolaev, are co-founders of Globaltrans and are beneficiaries with regard to 11.5%, 
11.5% and 10.8% respectively of Globaltrans’ ordinary share through their respective SPVs (Marigold Investments Ltd, Onyx Investments Ltd 
and Maple Valley Investments Ltd). 

(2)  Beneficially owned by Alexander Eliseev, Executive Director and co-founder of Globaltrans. 

(3)  Beneficially owned by Sergey Maltsev, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Strategy Officer and co-founder of Globaltrans.

 
Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

52

FINANCIAL REVIEW 
continued

As at 31 December 2018, 55.5% (31 December 2017: 59.4%) of the shares represented the free market-float of Global Depository Receipts 
and ordinary shares held by investors not affiliated with the Company. The remaining 0.2% (31 December 2017: 0.1%) of the shares of the 
Company were controlled by the Directors and key management of the Company. 

The following table gives a summary of transactions, which were carried out with related parties for the years ended 31 December 2018 
and 2017. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       2017                                    2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 RUB mln                              RUB mln 

Sales of services: associate                                                                                                                                                       484                                    – 
Purchases of services: associate                                                                                                                                              116                                    – 
Key management compensation (1)                                                                                                                                    1,058                            1,912 

The following table gives the year-end balances with related parties arising from sale of shares/purchases of services. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       2017                                    2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 RUB mln                              RUB mln 

Other receivables from related parties                                                                                                                                      –                               200 
Accrued key management remuneration – current                                                                                                           524                               648 
Accrued key management remuneration – non-current                                                                                                       –                               115 

More information is available in Note 33 to the Group’s Consolidated Management Report and Consolidated Financial Statements included 
in the Financial Statements section of this Annual Report. 

(1)  Key management salaries and other short-term employee benefits include Directors’ remuneration paid to the  
Directors of the Company both by the Company and by subsidiaries of the Group in respect of services provided to  
such subsidiaries amounting to RUB 409 million (2017: RUB 130 million).

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

RISK MANAGEMENT

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

53

Globaltrans faces a wide range of potential and current risks to its business. To identify, evaluate 
and mitigate these risks, the Group has established a system for monitoring and controlling 
uncertainties and threats that it faces. This system is overseen by a dedicated Risk Management 
function. The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the Group’s risk management. 

The Board, as part of its role in providing strategic oversight and 
stewardship of the Company, is responsible for maintaining a sound 
risk management and internal control system. As part of that system, 
the Board determines principal risks and sets respective risk 
tolerance levels. Globaltrans has adopted a Risk Management  
Policy that provides a consistent framework for the identification, 
assessment and management and, where possible, mitigation  
of risks. 

The oversight of risk management is delegated to the Audit 
Committee. In addition, the Board has delegated to the CEO the 
responsibility for the effective and efficient implementation and 
maintenance of the risk management system. The Directors, 
through the Audit Committee, review the systems that have been 

established for this purpose and regularly review their effectiveness. 
Appropriate actions are then taken to manage the risk to an 
acceptable level as defined by the Board. 

Globaltrans has grouped the risks that it considers to be significant 
into key categories – strategic, operational, compliance and financial 
– and they are presented below. The list is not exhaustive, and the 
order of the information does not reflect the probability of 
occurrence or the magnitude of any potential effect. Additional risks 
not currently known or ones currently considered immaterial could 
also have an impact on the Group’s business, financial condition, 
operational results and prospects, as well as on the trading price of 
its Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”). Our principal risks are 
monitored and assessed on an ongoing basis.

STRATEGIC:  Risks that influence the Group’s ability to achieve its strategy 

Risk                                                 Description                                                                                                            Controls and mitigating factors

General economic 
situation and operating 
environment

The Group and its subsidiaries operate mainly in Russia, other 
emerging markets and the Baltics. Emerging markets, such as 
Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, are subject to greater risks 
than more developed markets, including significant 
economic, political, social, legal and legislative uncertainties. 
Moreover, the Group’s business depends on demand in the 
Russian freight rail transportation market, which in turn 
depends on certain key commodity sectors and, accordingly, 
on economic conditions in Russia, Europe and elsewhere. 
A decrease in production and demand for key commodities 
in Russia, or in adjacent countries where the commodities of 
the Group’s key customers are shipped by rail, as a result of 
a technological shift, economic downturn, political crisis or 
other event in Russia or another relevant country, negatively 
impacts the Group’s business and growth prospects. 

The political turmoil experienced within Ukraine and sanctions 
imposed by the United States and the European Union on 
Russia, and by Russia on other countries, have had a negative 
impact on the Russian economy, resulted in a significant 
weakening of the Russian Rouble, made it harder to raise 
funding from international sources and had a negative impact 
on the freight rail transportation market and the Group’s 
business. The ongoing threat of further sanctions by the United 
States, the European Union and other countries, and by Russia 
on other countries, as well as the continuation or escalation of 
turmoil in the region or in the broader political landscape, could 
affect the Group’s ability to conduct its business, increase the 
negative impact on the Russian economy, have a negative 
impact on the demand for key commodities in Russia and 
possibly increase the cost of borrowing for the Group. The 
threat of sanctions against the Group’s existing customers or 
any difficulties in their financial condition as a result of 
worsening market conditions or otherwise may decrease 
demand for the Group’s services and/or negatively impact the 
Group’s logistics. In addition, the political instability in Ukraine 
could have a negative impact on the Group’s business and 
assets in Ukraine and/or on the ability of the Group’s 
customers to carry on business in Ukraine. 

Mitigation methodology involves 
understanding the political and economic 
uncertainties of the operating environment 
and the risks faced in our business 
operations. The Group’s compliance and 
legal teams constantly monitor changes in 
legislation and report them to the Group’s 
management and Board of Directors while 
the finance and business teams monitor 
economic developments and do the same. 
The counterparties, banks and transactions 
of the Group are constantly reviewed by the 
Group’s compliance and legal teams to 
ensure full compliance with all applicable 
legislation. Risk managers have direct access 
to the Group’s key management. 

The Group maintains a balanced fleet as one 
of the cornerstones of its business model. 
A balanced fleet (between universal 
gondola cars, adaptable to the demand for 
the transportation of various bulk cargoes, 
and rail tank cars, which are used for the 
transportation of oil products and oil) 
enables the Group to adapt to market 
conditions and reduces its dependence 
on any one cargo flow. 

In addition, the Group has entered into 
long-term service contracts with several 
large clients. Management assesses the 
possible impairment of the Group’s tangible 
and intangible assets by considering the 
current economic environment and 
outlook. Management believes that it is 
taking all necessary measures to support the 
sustainability and development of the 
Group’s business in the current business 
and economic environment.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

54

RISK MANAGEMENT 
continued

STRATEGIC:  Risks that influence the Group’s ability to achieve its strategy continued 

Risk                                                 Description                                                                                                            Controls and mitigating factors

Regulatory risk 
and relations with 
government 
authorities and state-
owned enterprises

The Group is subject to regulatory risks relating to the 
operation of the Russian railway transportation market and 
railway industry reform. Any changes to the regulatory 
environment of the Russian railway transportation market 
or in other markets where the Group operates, including, 
but not limited to, railway tariff regulations and technical 
requirements for fleet maintenance, could negatively impact 
the Group’s business, its profitability and prospects for 
further business growth. Government authorities have 
significant influence over the functioning of the Russian 
railway transportation market. Any deterioration in the 
Group’s direct or indirect relationship with government 
authorities at either the local or federal level could result in 
greater government scrutiny of the Group’s business and the 
manner in which it conducts its operations or less effective 
access to services dependent upon government authorities. 

In addition, the Group relies on its relationship with and the 
services (including maintenance and repairs), infrastructure 
and information provided by RZD, an entity controlled by 
the state. While the Group has enjoyed a good relationship 
with RZD, there is no assurance it will always continue to do 
so in the future or that RZD will not increase its charges for 
such service provision and infrastructure use. Railway 
transportation regulations in countries bordering Russia 
may change, limiting the access of the Group’s rolling stock 
to certain territories.

Growth strategies

Business growth can be constrained by an increase in prices 
for new rolling stock and spare parts, a limited supply of long-
term funding, an increase in the cost of borrowing and/or 
adverse market conditions that can have a negative impact on 
the return on any investments. Although the Group takes a 
conservative approach to investments, any deterioration in 
the market environment may negatively impact the 
profitability and payback period of investments in rolling 
stock, thus limiting the Group’s return on its investments and 
ability to expand its business. Alongside pursuing organic 
growth strategies, the Group has expanded its operations 
through acquisitions in the past, and may pursue more in the 
future if appropriate opportunities arise. The pursuit of an 
acquisition strategy entails certain risks, including problems 
with integrating and managing such new acquisitions. 
The expiration of long-term service contracts with its key 
customers may also limit the Group’s growth opportunities.

The management of the Group regularly 
monitors changes to the regulatory regime 
of the railway transportation market in the 
countries in which it operates. The Group 
has a diversified portfolio of service 
providers (e.g. for rolling stock repair 
services), which allows it to use private 
repair depots (including three in-house 
repair facilities) to ensure less dependence 
on RZD-owned depots, obtain higher-
quality service and minimise the costs of 
that service. 

RZD remains the only provider of 
infrastructure and locomotive traction 
services, although the Group does operate 
its own locomotives in the form of block 
trains (cargo or client specific Group-
operated block trains all going in the same 
direction) on some routes. 

The Group also continues to monitor 
market liberalisation reforms to ensure that 
it can take advantage of any opportunities 
when they arise. The Group monitors 
Federal Antimonopoly Service (“FAS”) 
initiatives regarding railway tariff regulation 
and also seeks to minimise its exposure to 
adverse changes in RZD’s regulated tariffs 
for usage of infrastructure and locomotive 
traction by providing that these changes are 
adequately passed on to the Group’s 
customers where possible.

Any acquisition of rolling stock is matched 
against projected demand for railway 
transportation and the economically viable 
expected payback period for such 
investments. The Group cooperates with 
numerous rolling stock producers in Russia 
and other CIS countries without placing too 
much reliance on any particular supplier. 

The Group also works on diversification of 
its business developing transportation of 
petrochemicals and other niche projects. 

Any valuation of an acquisition target is 
subject to review by external advisers, and 
fairness opinions are normally provided by 
reputable appraisal companies to the 
Group’s Board of Directors when a 
transaction is considered.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

55

STRATEGIC:  Risks that influence the Group’s ability to achieve its strategy continued 

Risk                                                 Description                                                                                                            Controls and mitigating factors

Competition 
and customer 
concentration

The Russian freight rail transportation market is highly 
competitive with unregulated operators’ services tariffs. 
The ongoing market consolidation is leading to greater price 
competition. The risk of an irrational supply of railcars on the 
market by railcar producers and/or irrational behaviour of 
competitors/new market entrants may place additional 
pressure on the profitability of railway transportation and 
thus negatively impact the Group. Competition between 
railway transportation and other means of transportation, 
including, but not limited to, oil product and oil 
transportation by pipeline, river and road, may negatively 
impact the Group’s business volumes and profitability. The 
Group’s customer base is characterised by significant 
concentration: the business is heavily dependent on a few 
large industrial groups and their suppliers, with its top 10 
customers and their suppliers accounting for around 74% of 
the Group’s Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock in 
2018. While the Group has long-term contracts with several 
key customers, failure to extend and/or maintain the current 
service contracts or for such customers to no longer have the 
volume requirements they have had in the past may have a 
negative impact on the Group’s operational results and 
financial performance.

Locomotive 
traction

The Group is dependent on RZD to issue permits allowing it 
to operate locomotives and to approve its use of locomotives 
for particular routes. If those routes are not in demand by the 
Group’s clients, their utilisation could be lower. Furthermore, 
there is uncertainty about the prospects for, and the timing 
of, further deregulation of locomotive traction.

Globaltrans has significant competitive 
advantages that mitigate some of the risks 
of competition. These advantages include 
its strong reputation for high-quality service 
and reliability; its independent status; its 
long-term partnership with customers; its 
sophisticated operating capabilities; and its 
modern fleet. The Group has long-term, 
established relationships with its key 
customers and their affiliates and suppliers. 
In most cases, Globaltrans has become an 
integrated part of their operations. Around 
60% of the Group’s Net Revenue from 
Operation of Rolling Stock in 2018 was 
covered by long-term service contracts with 
several large clients. Such contracts provide 
additional stability and greater certainty 
regarding transport volumes for the Group. 
Globaltrans continues its focus on 
expanding business with small and medium 
companies to further diversify its customer 
base. In 2018, the share of small and medium 
companies amounted to 26% of Net 
Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock 
(2017: 26%). In addition, the Group’s 
marketing function regularly monitors 
competitors’ business strategies, their use 
of technology, their price strategies and 
industry trends.

The Group has a competitive advantage in 
providing freight rail transportation services 
to some clients, as it operates its own 
locomotives for the traction of block trains 
dedicated to particular routes. By 
assembling full trains composed only of its 
own railcars, the Group increases the speed 
and reliability of transportation for its 
clients. The Group has established controls 
to obtain the timely renewal of locomotive 
operation licences and the respective 
permits from RZD. The Group regularly 
monitors the progress of the reform 
relating to continuing deregulation in 
locomotive traction. In addition, the 
Group’s management actively participates 
in the development of the required 
regulation through various dedicated 
industrial organisations and partnerships.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

56

RISK MANAGEMENT 
continued

OPERATIONAL:  Risks that influence the Group’s operational efficiency 

Risk                                                 Description                                                                                                            Controls and mitigating factors

Infrastructure

The physical infrastructure owned and operated by RZD on 
which the Group is dependent to operate its rolling stock 
largely dates back to Soviet times, particularly the rail network, 
but also the railway networks and other physical infrastructure 
in Kazakhstan and Ukraine. In some cases it has not been 
adequately maintained, which could negatively affect the 
condition of the Group’s rolling stock, performance and 
business. In addition, the maintenance and modernisation of 
rail infrastructure undertaken from time to time by RZD and 
other factors could impact the average speed of transportation 
and therefore affect the operational performance of railcars. 
RZD tariffs for the use of the railway network and the provision 
of locomotive services are regulated by the FAS and are in 
principle “pass-through” items for the Group and other private 
freight rail operators. Meanwhile, RZD tariffs for the traction of 
empty railcars are in most cases a direct cost to the Group and 
other private freight rail operators. Significant upward changes 
in the regulated tariffs, whether as a result of annual indexation 
or changes in the tariff-setting methodology, could have an 
adverse effect on the Group’s business.

Practically all of the Group’s rolling stock is 
insured against damage. Moreover, as a 
freight carrier on the railway network, RZD 
bears full responsibility for third-party losses 
caused by accidents on the network. The 
Group monitors its rolling stock through its 
dispatch centre on a 24/7 basis and plans its 
routes accordingly to optimise logistics and 
minimise the risks of disruption. The Group 
monitors FAS initiatives with the aim of 
detecting possible changes in tariff-setting 
methodology and tries to reflect relevant 
changes in contracts with customers.

Operational 
performance

Rising inflation in Russia, and an increase in prices for spare 
parts and railcar repair works, may increase the Group’s costs, 
while the Group may have limited opportunities to increase 
tariffs to customers.

Employees

Customer 
satisfaction

The Group’s future success will partly depend on its ability to 
continue to attract, retain and motivate key employees and 
qualified personnel, in particular an experienced management 
team and logistics and railway experts. Competition in Russia 
for such personnel with relevant expertise is intense due to the 
small number of qualified individuals with suitable practical 
experience in the rail industry.

Customers rely on the Group for the provision of high-quality 
freight rail transportation and other related services and 
expect the Group to be commercially responsive to their 
needs. These include the timely collection and delivery of 
cargo and availability of rolling stock, which is not always 
within the direct control of the Group because it is dependent 
upon RZD for locomotive traction and maintenance of 
infrastructure. Accordingly, timely delivery of cargo is highly 
dependent on a third party whose performance could be 
unsatisfactory for the Group’s customers.

Among the Group’s key objectives are to 
increase operational efficiency and to 
focus on controlling and reducing costs. 
The Group continuously monitors its 
costs to maintain efficiency and selects 
suppliers accordingly.

Adequate remuneration packages, which 
are in line with or in excess of market levels, 
are offered to all employees and key 
managers and the remuneration of key 
managers is linked to the Group’s financial 
results. The Human Resources function 
regularly monitors salary levels and other 
benefits offered by competitors to ensure 
that the Group’s remuneration packages 
are appropriate.

The Group has a strong reputation for 
delivering good quality, reliable and flexible 
freight rail transportation services to its 
customers. Customer satisfaction is one 
of the key metrics that the Group’s 
management monitors. Each customer is 
assigned an account manager responsible 
for the day-to-day relationship with that 
customer. Customer feedback is analysed 
and appropriate follow-up actions are taken. 
The Group has a track record of high 
customer retention and the majority of key 
customers stay with it for many years. In 
addition, the Group serves several key 
clients on the basis of long-term contracts 
and has recently added new contracts and 
extended others.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

57

OPERATIONAL:  Risks that influence the Group’s operational efficiency continued 

Risk                                                 Description                                                                                                            Controls and mitigating factors

IT availability/ 
continuity

Risks of terrorist 
attacks, natural 
disasters or other 
catastrophic events 
beyond the 
Group’s control

Local IT specialists have introduced 
solutions to maintain the availability of IT 
services and ensure their recovery in case of 
disruption. The IT function and Internal 
Audit function monitor all IT-related 
activities and performance for compliance 
with IT policies and procedures.

The Group’s rolling stock is insured against 
damage, and the responsibility for third-
party losses caused by accidents on the 
network lies with RZD. The Group 
consistently monitors any disruptive events 
and applies a Business Continuity Policy to: 

• Ensure the safety of employees and 

human life 

• Maintain continuity of time-critical 

services 

• Minimise disruptions to clients 

and partners 

• Minimise the operational, financial 

and reputational impact

The Group uses specialised rail transport and logistics 
software to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of its 
logistics, dispatching and rolling stock tracking services. 
These systems are either licensed to the Group and then 
customised to the Group’s needs or delivered to the Group 
and maintained for its needs by third parties under service 
agreements. The Group may potentially meet risks related to 
access privileges, audit trails, authentication, authorisation, 
backup procedures, business continuation, change 
management (software and hardware), data integrity, 
disaster recovery, infrastructure, information/data security 
and cyber-attacks.

The Group’s business operations could be adversely affected 
or disrupted by terrorist attacks, natural disasters (such as 
earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, fires or typhoons) 
or other catastrophic or otherwise disruptive events – 
including changes to predominant natural weather, sea and 
climatic patterns, piracy, sabotage, insurrection, military 
conflict or war, riots or civil disturbance, radioactive or other 
material environmental contamination, an outbreak of a 
contagious disease or changes to sea levels – which may 
adversely affect global or regional trade volumes or 
customer demand for cargo transported to or from affected 
areas, or lead to denial of the use of any railway, port, airport, 
shipping service or other means of transport and disrupt 
customers’ logistics chains. In addition, the Group may be 
exposed to extreme weather conditions such as severe cold 
periods and icy conditions that disrupt activities in ports that 
are destination points for customer cargoes. Furthermore, 
many of these events may not be covered by the Group’s 
insurance or any applicable insurance may not adequately 
cover any resulting losses. 

The Group’s rolling stock could be adversely affected by 
unlawful acts in Russia or neighbouring countries. The 
occurrence of any such events may reduce the Group’s 
business volumes, cause idle time for its rolling stock or 
disruptions to its operations in part or in whole, subject the 
Group to liability or impact its brand and reputation and 
otherwise hinder normal operations. This could have a 
material adverse effect on the Group’s business, results of 
operations or financial condition.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

58

RISK MANAGEMENT 
continued

COMPLIANCE:  Risks that influence the Group’s adherence to relevant laws and regulations 

Risk                                                 Description                                                                                                            Controls and mitigating factors

Pending and potential 
legal actions

The Group is involved in material legal actions from time to 
time. Such actions may have an adverse effect on the Group. 
The ambiguity of the law in Russia and CIS countries creates 
regulatory uncertainty and could result in claims from 
government authorities not expected by the Group.

Compliance with 
sanctions

The Group functions in a number of jurisdictions, including 
Cyprus, Russia, Estonia, Finland and Ukraine. In addition, the 
Group has GDRs listed on the London Stock Exchange. Thus, 
the Group is obliged to comply with sanction legislation 
applicable in each jurisdiction as well as US, UK and EU 
regulations, which may change from time to time.

Fiscal risk

Local tax, currency and customs legislation, especially in 
Russia, other emerging markets and Cyprus, may be subject to 
varying interpretations, inconsistencies between federal laws, 
regional and local laws, rules and regulations, frequent 
changes and a lack of judicial and administrative guidance on 
interpreting legislation.

The Group runs its operations in compliance 
with tax, currency, labour, customs, 
antimonopoly and other applicable 
legislation and constantly monitors any 
changes in the regulatory environment. 
The Group monitors its compliance with the 
terms of its agreements. Standard forms of 
agreements are used for transportation 
services, and various controls are in place to 
ensure that the terms of agreements are 
adhered to. All contracts are subject to 
rigorous review by all of the Group functions 
concerned and to a formal approval process 
prior to execution.

The legal and compliance teams of the 
Group together with the external lawyers 
monitor the applicable requirements in 
each of jurisdictions, including US personal 
and sectoral sanctions (SDN OFAC, SSI 
OFAC and CAATSA), and the appropriate 
controls are established to ensure that all 
subsidiaries of the Group comply with 
applicable regulations.

The Group has controls in place, including 
highly qualified and experienced personnel, 
to monitor changes in legislation and 
determine the appropriate action needed to 
minimise the risk of a challenge to such 
treatments by the authorities. For complex 
matters, the Group engages and cooperates 
with external consultants and law firms.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

59

FINANCIAL:  Risks that influence the Group’s financial performance 

Risk                                                 Description                                                                                                            Controls and mitigating factors

Currency risks

Currently, the Group has a negligible share of borrowings and 
lease liabilities denominated in US Dollars and does not have 
formal arrangements for hedging this foreign exchange risk. 
The Group therefore has limited exposure to the effects of 
currency fluctuations between the US Dollar and the Russian 
Rouble. The Group is also exposed to the effects of currency 
fluctuations between the Russian Rouble (the presentational 
currency of the Group’s financial results and the functional 
currency of the Company as well as of its Cypriot and Russian 
subsidiaries) and the Euro (the functional currency of the 
Group’s Estonian subsidiaries), and between the Russian 
Rouble and the Ukrainian Hryvnia (the functional currency 
of the Group’s Ukrainian subsidiary).

Interest-rate risks

The Group’s income and operating cash flows are exposed to 
changes in market interest rates. These arise mainly from 
floating rate lease liabilities and borrowings. An increase in 
market interest rates in Russia may negatively influence the 
Group’s profits.

A large proportion of the Group’s revenues 
and expenses are denominated and settled 
in Russian Roubles. At present, the risks 
related to liabilities denominated in foreign 
currency are not material and are partly 
compensated for by assets and income 
denominated in foreign currency. The 
Group has refinanced nearly all of its 
liabilities denominated in US Dollars with 
long-term debt denominated in Russian 
Roubles. Since 2008, the Group has taken 
action to mitigate currency risks and 
adjusted the profile of the borrowings in its 
credit portfolio. As of 31 December 2018, 
nearly all the Group’s debt was 
denominated in Russian Roubles.

The Group concludes long-term borrowing 
and finance lease contracts to finance 
purchases of rolling stock and acquisitions of 
subsidiaries. The Group borrows at current 
market interest rates and does not use any 
hedging instruments to manage interest-
rate risk. Management monitors changes in 
interest rates and takes steps to mitigate 
these risks as far as practicable by ensuring 
that the Group has financial liabilities with 
both floating and fixed interest rates as 
appropriate. As of 31 December 2018, 
nearly all of the Group’s debt was at fixed 
interest rates. Management also considers 
alternative means of financing.

The Group has policies in place to ensure 
that sales of goods and services are made to 
customers with an appropriate credit 
history. Substantially all of the bank balances 
are held with reliable banks.

Financial assets that potentially subject the Group to credit risk 
consist principally of trade receivables, cash and cash 
equivalents. Furthermore, the Group’s business is substantially 
dependent on a few large key customers, including their 
affiliates and suppliers. Its top 10 clients accounted for 59% of 
the Group’s trade and other receivables as of 31 December 
2018 and around 74% of the Group’s Net Revenue from 
Operation of Rolling Stock in 2018.

Credit risk

Liquidity risk

The Group’s business is capital-intensive. The political turmoil 
experienced within Ukraine and sanctions imposed by the 
United States and the European Union on Russia have had a 
negative impact on the Russian financial markets and have 
limited the Group’s access to international sources of funding. 
Any lack of available funding and potential increases in market 
interest rates could have a negative impact on the Group’s 
ability to obtain financing for the settlement of its liabilities or 
cash to meet its financial obligations.

The Group has a budgeting policy in place 
that allows the management to control 
current liquidity based on expected cash 
flows. These include, among others, 
operating cash flows, capital expenditure 
needs, funds borrowed from financial 
institutions and funds raised from listed 
debt instruments. 

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

60

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Our approach to sustainability 
This section is prepared in accordance with the Sustainability Reporting Guidelines 
of the Global Reporting Initiative (the “GRI”) in the Core disclosure version and the 
requirements of the EU’s 2014/95/EU Directive regarding disclosure of non-financial 
and diversity information. 

Within this section are the key results, activities and performance 
of the parent company Globaltrans Investment PLC and its 
subsidiaries in the field of sustainable development for the year 
ended 31 December 2018. All information disclosed in this Section 
reflects activities of the Group companies included in the list for 
financial reporting purposes in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European 
Union and the requirements of Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113 
(“EU IFRS”) unless otherwise specified in the text. 

Globaltrans reports economic, social and environmental activities 
deemed to be material and, in order to provide comparable data, most 
indicators in the Section are presented for two years, i.e. 2017 and 2018. 

This section covers all material topics, including results for the 
reporting period and performance assessment findings. 
Topics, which are not considered relevant, are not subject to 
disclosure in sustainability reports according to the GRI Standards. 
The overall aim is to achieve high standards in the areas of 
balance, comparability, accuracy, timeliness, clarity and reliability, 
as defined by the GRI Standards. 

Stakeholder engagement 
Communicating effectively is a vital aspect of being a successful 
business. Regular engagement with its stakeholders is integral to 
Globaltrans’ ability to undertake business responsibly. The Group 
sees stakeholder engagement as an opportunity to initiate further 
dialogue about relevant topics and thereby shape the future 
development of its business and the advancement of its sustainability 
agenda. The Group’s stakeholders include employees, shareholders 
and investors, customers, government and regulators, media and 
local communities. 

The Group uses the most appropriate communication channels to 
listen to its stakeholders and ensure they can access the information 
they need about its policies, practices and strategic direction. 
These include direct engagement with stakeholders through 
meetings, presentations, roadshows and attendance of conferences. 
More generally, the Group ensures that information is readily 
available and released in a timely fashion so that communications 
with stakeholders are as transparent as possible through media and 
news announcements, conference calls, corporate website and 
e-mail feedback forms. 

Procedure of identifying material sustainability topics

Materiality matrix

Step 1 

Identification of 
material topics

Material topics were identified 
through the analysis of internal 
regulations and media coverage, 
and review of non-financial reports 
issued by peer companies.

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Step 2 

Prioritisation of 
material topics

Step 3 

Preparation of 
materiality matrix

In order to develop a broader and more 
fulfilled stakeholder engagement 
process, the Group gathered both 
external and internal feedback 
(employees, shareholders, investors, 
clients) on the materiality of 
sustainability issues for the Group.

A materiality matrix was developed to 
highlight the most significant topics for 
the Group’s system of sustainability 
reporting. A validity check was also 
conducted on identified material topics 
to ensure that all of them are disclosed 
in this Annual Report.

5.00

4.50

4.00

3.50

3.00

2.50

2.50

3

15

4

13

11

1

10

8

9

7

12

Economic impact

Environmental impact
Social impact

6

2

5

14

3.00

3.50

4.00

4.50

5.00

Materiality for business

Economic impact 
1 Economic performance 
2 Socioeconomic development 

of regions 

Social impact 
9 Employment, staff and 

management relationship 
10 Employee education and 

3 Business ethics, risk management 

development 

and anti-corruption 
4 Customer satisfaction 

Environmental impact 
5 Risks and opportunities posed by 

climate change 

6 Responsible water use and 

reduction of water consumption 
7 Reduction of energy consumption 
8 Non-compliance with 

environmental laws and regulations

11 Employee motivation 
12 Diversity and equal opportunity 
13 Occupational health and safety 
14 Corporate volunteering 
15 Charity

Source: Globaltrans

 
 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

61

Stakeholder engagement mechanisms

Stakeholder group                  Mechanisms of stakeholder engagement                                              Key results in 2018

Employees

Shareholders and 
investors

•
•
•
•
•

•

•
•
•
•
•

Labour-management consultations 
Engagement surveys 
Corporate booklets and information boards 
Networking events 
Regular direct communication between managers, 
teams and individuals 
Career development, annual training and 
performance processes

Open, effective and transparent communication 
IR website 
General Meetings of Shareholders 
Corporate reporting and webcasts 
Broker-hosted investor events, non-deal roadshows 
and conference calls

Customers and 
business partners

•

•
•
•
•

Face-to-face formal and informal meetings, as well as 
formal consultations 
Customer analytics and customer evaluation system 
Conferences and forums 
Customer satisfaction surveys 
Transparent supply chain

Government, 
regulators and 
professional 
authorities

•

•
•
•

Communication with regulators/policy makers about 
issues affecting the freight rail transportation industry 
Permits and licences 
Regulatory change management 
Various industry and regulatory forums

Local communities

•
•

Corporate philanthropy and charitable contributions 
Community investment

Media

•
•
•

Communication with media representatives 
Transparent disclosure through various channels 
Press conferences and exhibitions

(1)  Total shareholder payments in respect of 2018 were RUB 16.5 billion (including interim and special interim dividends in respect 
of the first half of 2018 and final and special final dividends in respect of the second half of 2018).

•

•
•
•

•

•

•

•
•

•

•

•
•

•
•

•

•

•

•
•

Social benefits and guarantees, including 
medical insurance 
Favourable working conditions 
Salary benchmarking against peers 
Zero fatalities, zero accidents and zero 
cases of occupational illness

Information disclosure on a semi- 
annual basis 
Analyst and investor conference calls 
and webcasts 
Non-deal roadshows in the UK, Europe, 
Russia and the US. Over 300 meetings 
with investors in total 
Regular dividend payments (1) 
Publication of the Annual Report and 
corporate social responsibility information

Two new five-year contracts signed with 
blue-chip industrial companies (TMK, 
ChelPipe Group) 
Maintaining long-term partnerships with 
clients – about 60% of the Group’s 2018 
Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling 
Stock was covered by long-term contracts 
Customer satisfaction surveys 
Customer privacy and data security

Tax obligations fulfilment 
Participation at professional associations 
including the Council of Railway 
Operators and the Russian Union of 
Transport Workers

Contribution to the socioeconomic 
development 
Regular contributions to various 
charitable projects

Circulation of media and news 
announcements 
Responding to media queries 
Participation in various events and 
exhibitions (for example, Annual 
TransRussia exhibition for Transport and 
Logistics Services and Technologies)

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

62

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 
continued

Ethics and behaviour 
Globaltrans manages and organises human resources in full 
compliance with the rights guaranteed by legislation as well as its 
Code of Ethics and Conduct adopted in 2008. The Code states that 
the Group’s responsibility is to promote responsible corporate 
behaviour within its workforce. The Code touches upon important 
aspects of interactions between the Group and its employees and 
contains a list of core values that apply to all actions of the Group 
and its employees. 

Tolerance

Understanding and respecting diverse cultures and people 
with different views

Impartiality

Acting objectively and professionally

The Group’s executive management meets at least weekly to discuss, 
among other things, anti-fraud and anti-corruption measures. 
In 2018, as in previous years, there were no reported cases within 
the Group of any corrupt or fraudulent activity. 

We respect and protect the privacy of personal information of our 
stakeholders and comply with EU general data protection regulation, 
adopted by the EU Parliament in April 2016. The Group has adopted 
a Privacy policy, which is available on the corporate website 
(www.globaltrans.com). 

Key CSR activities 
Globaltrans understands that alongside financial results, non-
financial results are also of great importance both to the Company 
and its stakeholders. Globaltrans takes seriously its social and 
environmental responsibilities and is committed to preventing 
potential damage to the community and environment as a result 
of the Group’s operations.

Respect

Key CSR activities of Globaltrans are:

Compliance with all requirements of applicable labour laws

Equality for all

Creating opportunities and a working environment that 
excludes any form of discrimination

Corporate
Governance

Safety

Compliance with required rules to create a safe and 
healthy workplace

All employees of the Group are required to sign an acknowledgement 
that they have received, read and understood the Code of Ethics and 
Conduct. Globaltrans does not tolerate any behaviour that is contrary 
to these values. 

The Group has also adopted an Anti-Fraud Policy that is designed 
to identify and prevent fraud. The Group has established the 
necessary procedures and rules for dealing with any issues and has 
appointed a team responsible for the development of internal 
controls and investigations. Fraud prevention measures apply to 
all Group personnel. Each employee is required to understand 
the types of violations that may occur within the area of his/her 
responsibility and closely monitor any indications of potential 
non-compliance. 

Moreover, the Group also adopted a Whistleblowing Policy that 
governs the investigation and reporting of improper activities, 
including non-compliance with the Code of Ethics and Conduct, 
and allows employees to submit concerns in a confidential and 
anonymous manner. Appropriate channels have been introduced 
to handle reports of suspected improper activities.

Responsible
employment

Environmental
responsibility

Investment in 
the community

Economic
performance

Transparent corporate governance is 
accomplished by engaging Globaltrans’ senior 
management with its shareholders, maintaining 
clearly defined corporate policies, undertaking 
training as well as the continuous professional 
development of senior management. For details, 
please see the Corporate Governance section 
of this Annual Report. 

Responsible employment is achieved 
through compliance with labour legislation, 
efforts to decrease employee turnover, 
ensuring a safe place of work and ensuring 
a rich corporate culture. 

Environmental responsibility is achieved 
through minimising the adverse impact of 
Globaltrans’ activities on the environment, 
i.e. through more energy-efficient practices, 
carbon emission reduction and recycling. 

Investment in the community consists of 
support provided to charitable organisations. 

Economic performance, including the 
generation and distribution of the economic 
value created to various stakeholder categories. 
For details, please see the Financial Review 
section of this Annual Report.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

63

In order to meet regulatory and stakeholders’ expectations, 
Globaltrans is constantly improving the existing framework for non-
financial risk management. Non-financial risks may have a negative 
impact on the Group’s internal processes, business reputation and 
performance along with its ability to pursue strategic goals. The 
Group’s non-financial risks are comprised of strategic, operational 
and compliance risks. For details of the main risks facing the Group, 
please refer to the Risk Management section of this Annual Report 
and the Principal Risks and Uncertainties subsection, included in the 
Financial Statements section of this Annual Report. 

The internal regulations of the Group reflect its approach to 
managing non-financial risks. Measures taken by Globaltrans to 
control and mitigate such risks provide for the Group’s growth 
both in terms of its business value and its market positions. 

Headcount by companies in 2018 (at year-end)
Figure 1: Headcount by companies in 2018 (year end)   

569 570

501 506

376 372

New Forwarding
Company

BaltTransServis

Ural
Wagonrepair

GTI Management

Other
subsidiaries

73

53

75

48

2017

2018

Source: Globaltrans

Headcount by gender 
in 2018 (at year-end)
gender in 2018 (year end)  

Headcount by age 
in 2018 (at year-end)
in 2018 (year end)  

Responsible employment 
Our approach to HR management 
Globaltrans realises that its people are one of its biggest 
competitive advantages in the market. The hard work and 
outstanding performance of its employees adds immense value 
and is instrumental to the Group’s success. 

Globaltrans manages employment and labour through 
comprehensive human resources strategies and policies such as: 

•

Internal code of labor conduct 

•

Workplace safety guidelines and fire instructions 

•

Job description 

•

Code of Ethics and Conduct 

•

Compensation and Benefits Policy 

•

Regulations on the Protection of Personal Data of Employees 

•

Regulations on Business Trips 

•

Anti-Fraud Policy 

•

Regulations on Contractual Work 

37%

63%

23%

14%

63%

Women

Men

Source: Globaltrans

<30 years

30-50

> 50 years

Source: Globaltrans

Headcount by contract type in 2018 (at year-end)
contract type in 2018 (year end)   

Permanent contract

Part-time

Full-time

37%

36%

Women

Men

Temporary contract

Part-time

0%

63%

64%

The labour practices of Globaltrans are compliant with 
applicable legislation. 

Full-time

50%

50%

Women

Men

Source: Globaltrans

The average employee headcount during the year remained at 
the level of the previous year with 1,540 employees. However, 
headcount at the end of the year decreased compared to 2017 to 
1,549 people (1). The companies within the Group that employ the 
most people are New Forwarding Company (36%), BaltTransServis 
(32%) and Ural Wagonrepair Company (24%). 

Globaltrans is committed to fostering a workplace that is safe and 
professional and that promotes teamwork and trust. Hostility, 
harassment and other unprofessional behaviours are not tolerated.

(1)  The difference between the headcount and the average headcount is due to different calculation techniques. 
The headcount is presented as at the end of 2018, while the average headcount is calculated by totalling the number 
of employees on the list in each month of the reporting period and dividing this sum by the number of months.

 
 
Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

64

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 
continued

Diversity 
As a business, it is imperative that Globaltrans has access to the 
widest pool of talent available, selecting the best candidates based 
on their ability to do the job. While the Group does not have a 
formal Diversity Policy, it follows the best practice behaviours 
espoused in the Group’s Core Values of Equality, Impartiality and 
Respect. In that regard, the Group believes that a commitment to 
diversity is critical to achieving its strategic goals. The Group values 
difference and promotes respect and dignity for all regardless of an 
individual’s race, colour, religion, nationality, gender, sexual 
orientation, disabilities or age. 

Globaltrans recognises that historically the freight rail transportation 
industry has been a sector with relatively low female representation. 
The Group is working to address this as part of its wider 
commitment to diversity. As of the end of 2018, 37% of the total 
workforce was female, with one female senior executive and two 
female members of the Board of Directors, representing 
respectively 11% of the senior executive management team and 
13% of the total number of Directors. 

The age demographics of the Group’s employees ranged from 
less than 30 to over 50 years. 

Training and education 
Globaltrans values knowledge, skills and abilities and is committed 
to helping its employees to develop and grow professionally. 
Globaltrans introduced various training programmes for its 
employees so that they keep up to date with and are able to 
successfully manage developments in the industry as well as changes 
in its business and the environment in which it operates. Globaltrans 
carefully selects training and development to match the training 
needs of employees at different stages of their careers and to 
support them through the challenges they face. Every employee 
undertakes appropriate training for his or her field of work. 

Training and career development opportunities are offered across 
the Group annually. In 2018, there were 350 employees who 
undertook training and a total of 33,238 hours was spent on training 
and career development. The amount of training hours per 
employee rose by almost 22% compared with the previous year, 
which Globaltrans believes is a positive trend.

Number of training hours per employee by gender
per employee by gender

2018

2017

17

13

25

21

Women

■
■
Source: Globaltrans

Men

Distribution of training 
among employees by 
employee categories
by employee categories

Main types of training 
formats in 2018 

23%

23%

77%

77%

Managers

Employees

On-site learning
On-site learning

Distance learning

Source: Globaltrans

Source: Globaltrans

As an example of the different kinds of training undertaken across 
the Group, GTI Management provided training for its employees in 
information security, accounting, financial management, health and 
safety, BaltTransServis trained its employees in the development of 
corporate culture and various skills applicable to their operations 
and Ural Wagon Repair Company taught fire-safety for welders. 

Motivation 
Globaltrans is focused on maintaining competitive remuneration 
practices and creating a favourable work environment for its 
employees. Group companies understand the importance of 
motivating their employees to perform at the highest level and 
offer various benefits to support this. There are a range of benefits 
offered to employees including medical insurance, paid child-care 
leave, allowances for family emergencies, additional vacation days 
and a competitive salary, all of which are continually benchmarked 
against peer companies to ensure the high motivation and 
morale of employees. 

The Group and its subsidiaries also operate various Employee 
Incentivisation Programmes for different levels of employees. 
In addition to fixed salary, these programmes may include 
discretionary elements based, among others things, on key 
performance indicators (“KPIs”), the weighted average market 
quotations of the fixed number of Global Depository Receipts 
(“GDR”) and the number of years of employment at the Group. 
These efforts not only help increase employees’ productivity but 
also help the Group to attract and retain the best talent, which is 
evidenced by staff turnover of only 18% (20% among men and 
12% among women). 

Corporate culture and internal communications 
Globaltrans aims to create a culture that makes the Group a great 
place to work. It strives to attract and retain talented people to 
deliver outstanding performance and enhance the success of the 
Group. One way in which Globaltrans supports its people is through 
providing appropriate rewards and ensuring a rich corporate culture. 
This includes developing a comfortable and engaging working 
environment to increase employee motivation and ensure their 
needs are being met as well as by creating a healthy environment 
for any concerns to be voiced and heard.

 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

65

The fundamental principles of the Group’s corporate culture, 
including its core values and employee rules, are captured in its 
Code of Ethics and Conduct. In order to ensure that these values and 
rules are implemented correctly, some of the Group’s subsidiaries 
have established an Employee Hotline to deal quickly and effectively 
with any questions or concerns employees may have. The Hotline 
operates on the basis that no communication may be left without 
appropriate attention. 

The Group also regularly holds sports, cultural and leisure events 
for employees and their families. This helps to create a pleasant 
working environment, increase employee engagement and 
promote better cohesion. 

Health and safety 
Occupational safety is a fundamental part of Globaltrans’ business 
and it constantly strives to reduce work-related injuries and maintain 
a safe working environment. The goal is to ensure that everyone in 
the Group companies, from the top managers to the individual 
employees, is engaged with safety and health matters. 

The Group companies ensure that all safety procedures are carried 
out and that they are compliant with all policies and legislation. 
To guarantee that safety compliance is met, the Group companies 
have implemented the following policies: 

•

Occupational safety regulation 

•

Fire-safety instruction 

•

Instruction for carrying out health and safety briefings 

•

Instruction on pre-medical first aid 

•

Workplace safety guidance for PC users 

Globaltrans actively trains and educates personnel in occupational 
safety to develop a culture of awareness and responsibility in the 
workplace. For example, Ural Wagonrepair Company trained and 
certified 10 additional employees in the field of occupational 
safety in 2018. 

The Group also regularly checks conditions in the workplace to 
ensure that they continue to meet high standards. In 2018, around 
373 workplaces were assessed across the Group: 

•

 166 workplaces in New Forwarding Company 

•

 139 workplaces in BaltTransServis 

•

68 workplaces in Ural Wagonrepair Company 

In 2018, due to the continued implementation of these important 
practices, Globaltrans had zero fatalities, zero accidents and zero 
cases of occupational illness. 

Environmental responsibility 
Globaltrans remains committed to the principles of sustainable 
development and does its utmost to follow them. The Group is 
therefore aiming to develop its business and deliver a strong 
economic performance in a way that is environmentally friendly. 

The Group complies with all requirements of applicable legislation, 
including legally enforceable local enactments and internal 
regulations. No incidents of non-compliance with environmental 
laws and regulations occurred in the reporting period. 

Globaltrans seeks to be an eco-friendly company with a focus on 
the rational use of water, improvement of energy efficiency and 
reducing paper and fuel consumption. Statistics as well as 
descriptions of the activities that the Group is implementing to 
reduce its impact on the environment are provided for each area 
in the below paragraphs (1). 

Energy usage 
Globaltrans fully recognises that increasing energy efficiency and 
successfully adopting modern energy-saving technologies are 
central to achieving a more sustainable future. Given the particular 
nature of the industry, the Group’s operations consume energy 
from various sources, namely fuel (petrol, diesel, and gas) and 
electricity. In order to reduce energy consumption Globaltrans is 
developing effective energy management. 

Total consumption of energy resources by type, 2017-18 

Energy carrier                                            2017                     2018            Change, % 

Electricity (kWh)                  7,628,109       7,347,827                   -4% 

Diesel (litres)                      50,453,999     54,752,185                    9% 

Petroleum (litres)                   280,310           250,051                -11% 

Globaltrans successfully reduced its energy consumption in two 
key areas in 2018 compared with the previous reporting period. 
Total electricity consumption declined by 4% year-on-year, due 
to a continued focus on energy efficiency and ongoing cost 
optimisation efforts across the Group. Globaltrans plans to 
optimise energy consumption in the future by implementing the 
best green practices.

(1)  As Globaltrans has begun disclosing data on resource consumption only this year, the mechanism for collecting, processing and 
presenting information in the areas of rational use of water, energy and paper has not yet been fully developed. Therefore, the Company 
does not yet have enough data to fully demonstrate the trends occurring in all of its business units.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

66

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 
continued

Use of water 
The Group has carried out extensive work aimed at improving its 
water management systems in recent years. While the system for 
capturing and processing statistical data regarding water usage 
across the Group is still under development, considerable progress 
continues to be made in this area. For example, both BaltTransServis 
and Ural Wagonrepair Company reported significant improvements 
in their use of water in 2018: 

•

•

Total consumption of cold water by BaltTransServis decreased 
19% year-on-year. 

Total consumption of cold and hot water by Ural Wagonrepair 
Company decreased 16% year-on-year. 

Globaltrans plans to improve the monitoring system to control 
water quality and consumption in the future. 

Paper consumption and recycling 
Document production happens as a matter of course in the Group’s 
activities. Globaltrans enters into a large number of contracts and 
must maintain many different documents and, as a result, consumes 
significant amounts of paper. In addition to this, Globaltrans’ 
business volumes are growing and therefore document flow and 
production are increasing. However, the Group does its utmost to 
reduce paper consumption and is trying to gradually make the 
transition to electronic document flow (“EDF”).

Consumption per employee, 2017-18 

Petrol consumption, 2017-18
(litres per employee)

2018

2017

162

-13%

183

Diesel consumption, 2017-18
(litres per employee)

2018

2017

35,553

+8%

32,890

Paper consumption, 2017-18
(kg per employee) 

2018

2017

Source: Globaltrans

15

-6%

16

Recycling is among the key initiatives at Globaltrans. The amount of 
paper sent for recycling by New Forwarding Company and Ural 
Wagonrepair Company has increased by 60% compared with the 
previous reporting period. This is an area the Company continues 
to focus on improving across its other business units. 

Greenhouse gas management 
Rail is one of the most environmentally friendly and fuel efficient 
methods of moving freight over land as large amounts of cargo 
can be moved by a single locomotive. However, locomotives do 
produce a carbon footprint which is why effective greenhouse gas 
management is key to reducing the industry’s environmental impact. 

It is important to highlight that the vast majority of locomotive 
traction used by the Group is provided by OAO Russian Railways, 
the only railway carrier engaged in owning and building railway 
infrastructure in Russia. For context, there are nearly 11,000 
mainline locomotives operated by Russian Railways. 

However, Globaltrans does operate one of the largest privately owned 
mainline locomotive fleets in Russia’s freight rail industry, with 69 units 
in ownership (as at the end of 2018) which haul block trains and are 
principally engaged in the transportation of oil products and oil. 

Globaltrans has been focused on operational efficiency from the 
outset, recognising that it has a beneficial impact on the environment. 
The Group continues to improve logistics by reducing the number of 
empty rail cars that are moved across the country. This is evident in 
the Group’s operational performance with Empty Run Ratio for 
gondola cars maintained at the industry leading level of 38% in 2018, 
in line with the Company’s average for the last five years. In addition, 
the Group’s unique ability to transport oil products and oil in block 
trains using its own locomotives contributes to operational efficiency 
enabling high fleet utilisation. 

At the same time, the acquisition of new/relatively new rolling stock 
and the effective management of regular repairs using companies 
with resource-saving and environmentally friendly technologies, 
enable the Group to operate a modern, well-maintained fleet. This 
further contributes to operational efficiency and enables Globaltrans 
to provide a higher standard of service for the clients. In 2019, the 
Group plans to acquire up to 10 new modern diesel locomotives for 
modernisation purposes, which will help the Company to drive 
improved operational and environmental performance. 

The Group’s greenhouse gas emissions from operations with 
locomotives owned by the Group were 166,129 tonnes of CO2 
equivalent in 2018 (1). To help manage its carbon footprint Globaltrans 
will actively measure this on an annual basis going forward. As 2018 
was the first year the Group was in a position to report its indirect 
greenhouse gases emissions, data is only available for this year.

(1)  The Group’s greenhouse gas emissions were calculated in accordance with IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse 
Gas Inventories (2006).

 
 
 
 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

67

It is important to emphasise that Globaltrans’ environmental 
management system is currently under development and the Group 
is committed to establishing an effective system for recording, 
collecting and processing information in all of its subsidiaries by next 
year. This will allow the Company to provide further information, 
building on what has been reported here, and to more accurately 
demonstrate the processes occurring across Globaltrans in the area 
of ecological management. 

Investment in the community 
Creating long-term value for a wide range of stakeholders is a vital 
part of our business. Achieving a high level of economic 
performance allows the Company to invest in social and economic 
development as well as to improve the quality of life for local 
communities. Globaltrans seeks to support the development of the 
regions where it is present by paying taxes, creating jobs and 
supporting charitable organisations. How the Company creates 
wealth for its stakeholders is reflected in the following table. 

Direct economic value generated, distributed and retained (1) 

                                                                                                                                                      2018 
                                                                                                                                                RUB mln 

Direct economic value generated (2)                                       86,773 

Economic value distributed                                                     85,347 

– Total cost of sales (excluding Employee 
   benefit expense)                                                                       53,704 

– Total selling, marketing and administrative 
   expenses (including community investments and 
   excluding Employee benefit expense and Taxes 
   (other than income tax and value added tax)                          1,252 

– Employee benefit expense                                                         4,367 

– Payments to the providers of capital (3)                                   19,577 

– Payments to the government (4)                                                 6,447 

Economic value retained                                                             1,426 

The Group believes that it is vital to create value for society not only 
through financial operations but also from direct cooperation with 
charitable organisations. Globaltrans is committed to investing in the 
social sphere to improve the living conditions of local communities 
and actively helps ill children and the elderly, supports cultural, 
spiritual and educational activities and sponsors sports programmes, 
among other initiatives. Adhering to the principles of sustainable 
development is an integral part of the Group’s business philosophy 
and is key to achieving its broader goals. 

The key areas of Globaltrans’ charitable activities

Support 
of vulnerable 
groups

Support
of sports

Support
of education

Support
of healthcare

Support
of culture

This year Globaltrans contributed to various charitable projects. 

Drawing public attention to the issue of child healthcare is an 
important part of the Group’s charitable focus. As part of this, in 
2018, GTI Management and New Forwarding Company continued 
their support of the Life Line Fund, which assists children with life-
threatening illnesses. 

Globaltrans also regularly supports organisations that work with 
vulnerable social groups such as orphans, people with disabilities, 
veterans and pensioners. The following initiatives were undertaken 
in this area during 2018: 

•

•

GTI Management financed the building and facility improvement 
of the veterans’ organisation in St. Petersburg. 

As part of its cooperation with Moscow’s public organisation to 
support war veterans, New Forwarding Company contributed to 
the museum exhibition honouring the 150th anniversary of the 
Military communications service. 

The preservation and promotion of cultural heritage is another key 
area of activity for Group companies. In line with this, over the 
course of 2018, New Forwarding Company provided support to the 
Ekaterinburg Artistic Fund while BaltTransServis gave funding to the 
International Charitable Fund “Constantine”. Both of these funds 
use donations to restore monuments and promote Russian culture. 

Additionally, Globaltrans plays an active role in improving the quality 
of education. In 2018, its subsidiary BaltTransServis supported 
various educational initiatives, for instance “The Gaidar Foundation” 
that supports projects in the fields of science, culture and education 
and provides support for the implementation of projects and events 
for both communities and organisations. 

Finally, as part of its commitment to support the development of 
sports, New Forwarding Company made charitable donations to 
the Fencing Federation of Russia in 2018. 

(1)  Information in the table is derived from the Consolidated Management Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for the year 
ended 31 December 2018.  

(2)  Direct economic value generated includes “Revenue”.  

(3)  Payments to providers of capital include “Interest paid”, “Dividends paid to owners of the Company” and “Dividends paid to non-
controlling interests in subsidiaries”.  

(4)  Payments to government include “Tax paid” and “Taxes (other than income tax and value added taxes)”. The Company also pays 
Russian Value Added Tax (“VAT”). VAT related to sales and purchases is recognised in the balance sheet on a gross basis and disclosed 
separately as an asset and liability. Purchases of property, plant and equipment are shown net of VAT. Related input VAT is included in 
movement in changes of working capital, within trade and other receivables.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

68

GOVERNANCE

4  

Independent  
Directors 

15  

 Board  
 members

Globaltrans has continued to work diligently 
over the last 10 years to ensure that its corporate 
governance framework meets the highest 
standards of international best practice. 

The Board is committed to providing effective, 
transparent and ethical oversight of the Group 
so that the Board can take decisions that it 
believes benefit all stakeholders, promote the 
long-term interests of the Group and its 
communities, and create value.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

69

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

70

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Globaltrans has in place a highly 
experienced Board of Directors, 
with the right blend of skills and 
experience necessary to lead the 
Group effectively. In addition  
to the significant operational 
and financial experience of  
the Board members, the 
independent Non-executive 
Directors bring their own 
external experience and 
objectivity to the Board’s 
deliberations and decision-
making process, helping to 
support and constructively 
challenge the Executive.

Executive/Non-executive 
Board Directors 

33%

67%

Executive

Non-executive

Board Gender 

87%

13%

Male

Female

Sergey Maltsev  
Chairman of the Board,  
Executive Director, 
Chief Strategy Officer, 
Co-founder of Globaltrans 

Appointment: Sergey Maltsev was 
elected as Chairman of the Board of 
Directors of Globaltrans in April 
2018. He also serves as Chief Strategy 
Officer having been appointed to the 
role in August 2017. 

Skills and Experience: Mr. Maltsev 
was instrumental in the development 
of the freight rail market in Russia and 
has worked in the industry for over 
30 years. He co-founded Globaltrans 
and served as Chief Executive Officer 
from 2008 until 2015 when he left 
the Group. After leaving Globaltrans, 
he served as Senior Vice President for 
strategy and corporate governance 
at OAO Russian Railways, until his 
return to Globaltrans as Chief 
Strategy Officer in 2017. 

Mr. Maltsev was a founder member 
and Chairman of the non-profit 
partnership “Council of Railway 
Operators”. In recognition of  
his services to the rail industry,  
Mr. Maltsev received the award of 
“Honoured Railwayman of Russia”. 
He graduated with a degree in  
railway engineering. 

External Appointments: N/A 

Michael Zampelas  
Senior Independent Non-executive 
Director, Chairman of the 
Nomination Committee 

Dr. Johann Franz Durrer  
Independent Non-executive 
Director, Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee 

Appointment: Mr. Zampelas  
joined the Board in March 2008.  
He is the Senior Independent  
Non-executive Director, Chairman  
of the Nomination Committee and  
a member of the Remuneration 
Committee. 

Appointment: Dr. Durrer was 
appointed to the Board as an 
Independent Non-executive 
Director in March 2008. He is 
Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee and a member of the 
Nomination Committee.  

Skills and Experience: Dr. Durrer 
began his career at Union Bank of 
Switzerland and in 1970 founded 
Fidura Treuhand AG which provides 
book-keeping, auditing and  
financial services. 

Dr. Durrer graduated from the 
University of Zurich with a doctorate 
in Economics and is a member of the 
Swiss Fiduciary Association. 

External Appointments: Dr. Durrer 
currently serves on the Board  
of IMT-Dienst AG, a transport 
company. He is also an executive 
board member of several privately 
held companies. 

Skills and Experience: From 2013 to 
2018, Mr. Zampelas served as Chairman 
of the Board of Globaltrans. He was 
Chairman and Managing Partner of 
accountancy firm Coopers & Lybrand 
in Cyprus from 1970 until 2001 
(latterly as PricewaterhouseCoopers). 
He served as vice chairman of 
Eurobank Cyprus Limited from 2007 
until 2018 and chaired its Audit 
Committee for a period of five years. 
From 2002 to 2006, Mr. Zampelas 
was Mayor of Nicosia. 

Mr. Zampelas is a chartered 
accountant and a Fellow of the 
Institute of Chartered Accountants  
in England and Wales. 

External Appointments:  
Mr. Zampelas is an independent non-
executive director of Arricano Real 
Estate Plc, a Ukrainian real estate 
company, listed on the London Stock 
Exchange, and chairs its Audit and 
Remuneration Committees.  
Mr. Zampelas is the Honorary Consul 
General of Estonia in Cyprus, a role 
he has undertaken since 1997.  
He is also President of the Association  
of Friends of the Christou Steliou 
Ioannou Foundation, a charitable 
foundation for children with  
learning difficulties.

 
 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

71

John Carroll Colley 
Independent Non-executive  
Director, Chairman of the  
Audit Committee 

Appointment: Mr. Colley was 
appointed to the Board as an 
Independent Non-executive 
Director in April 2013. He is also 
Chairman of the Audit Committee. 

Skills and Experience: Mr. Colley has 
extensive experience in international 
trade and risk management both in 
the public and private sectors. From 
2007 to 2010, Mr. Colley served as 
country manager for Russia at Noble 
Resources SA. Prior to that, he held  
a variety of positions in the public 
sector, including at the office of the 
US Trade Representative and the  
US Department of Commerce in 
Washington, DC. He also worked for 
Linkful Ltd and Noble Resources SA 
in Moscow from 1992 to 1999.  

Mr. Colley, a fluent Russian speaker, 
holds an MA in History and a BA  
in International Affairs and  
Russian Studies from the University 
of Virginia. 

External Appointments: Mr. Colley 
is currently the principal of Highgate 
Consulting LLC, a global advisory 
consulting company.

George Papaioannou 
Independent Non-executive  
Director 

Alexander Eliseev  
Executive Director, 
co-founder of Globaltrans 

Andrey Gomon 
Non-executive Director 

Appointment: Mr. Papaioannou 
joined the Board as an Independent 
Non-executive Director in April 
2013. He also serves on the Audit 
Committee.  

Skills and Experience: 
Mr. Papaioannou has more than  
20 years’ experience in financial 
reporting, risk management, 
auditing, financial performance 
analysis and taxation. In 2004, he 
founded G. Papaioannou Auditors 
Ltd, which provides accounting, 
audit, tax and consulting services. 
From 2002 to 2004, he worked  
at Grant Thornton in Cyprus  
and before that for 
PricewaterhouseCoopers.  
Mr. Papaioannou holds a degree  
in Accounting and Financial 
Management from the University  
of Essex. He is a qualified chartered 
accountant and a Fellow of the 
Institute of Chartered Accountants  
in England and Wales. 

External Appointments: N/A

Appointment: Alexander Eliseev 
joined the Board as an Executive 
Director in March 2008. 

Skills and Experience: Mr. Eliseev  
co-founded Globaltrans in 2004 and 
has played a leading role in 
introducing market-based reforms  
to the Russian rail transportation 
market. He has spent more than  
17 years in senior management 
positions, mostly within the rail 
sector. He also sits on the boards  
of two Globaltrans subsidiaries,  
New Forwarding Company and 
BaltTransServis. Mr. Eliseev is a 
graduate of the Russian State  
Medical University, where he  
studied biophysics. 

External Appointments: Mr. Eliseev  
is a member of the Board and 
General Director of Globaltruck,  
a leading freight trucking operator  
in Russia, listed on the Moscow 
Exchange.

Appointment: Mr. Gomon served  
as a member of the Board of the 
Company from 2013 to 2016 and  
rejoined the Board in April 2017.  

Skills and Experience: Mr. Gomon 
has more than 13 years of 
management experience in the 
railway industry. From 2006 to 2012 
he was CEO of Transoil, one of the 
largest oil transportation companies 
in Russia, having previously served as 
CFO between 2003 and 2006.  
He is a member of the boards of  
two Globaltrans subsidiaries,  
New Forwarding Company and 
BaltTransServis. Mr. Gomon studied 
economics at St Petersburg State 
University and holds an MBA  
from INSEAD. 

External Appointments: N/A

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

72

BOARD OF DIRECTORS  
continued

Elia Nicolaou 
Non-executive Director, Company  
Secretary, Secretary to the Board 

Melina Pyrgou  
Non-executive Director 

Konstantin Shirokov 
Executive Director,  
Head of Internal Audit 

Alexander Storozhev 
Executive Director, 
Chief Procurement Officer 

Appointment: Ms. Nicolaou joined 
the Board as a Non-executive Director 
in March 2008. She is the Company 
Secretary and a member of the  
Audit Committee.  

Skills and Experience: Ms. Nicolaou 
has extensive experience in commercial, 
corporate and funds law. She is 
currently the Managing Director of 
Amicorp (Cyprus) Ltd. Previously, she 
was head of the Corporate Legal 
department at Polakis Sarris LLC and 
also worked at C. Patsalides LLC.  
Ms. Nicolaou participates in various 
associations of the Cyprus Chamber of 
Commerce and also sits on the boards 
of other listed and private companies. 
Ms. Nicolaou graduated with an LLB in 
Law from the University of Nottingham, 
and holds an LLM in Commercial and 
Corporate Law from University College 
London. She also has an advanced 
diploma in Business Administration 
from the Cyprus International Institute 
of Management. 

External Appointments: N/A 

Appointment: Ms. Pyrgou was 
appointed to the Board as a Non-
executive Director in April 2013.  

Skills and Experience: Ms. Pyrgou is  
a barrister and registered insolvency 
practitioner and has practised 
corporate law for over 25 years. She  
is currently Managing Director of  
Pyrgou Vakis Law Firm, a Cyprus-based 
corporate and commercial law practice. 
Previously she was Director of Legal 
Services at PricewaterhouseCoopers  
in Cyprus.  

Ms. Pyrgou served as the Chairman of 
EuropeFides Association, a European 
network of accounting, audit, tax and 
legal firms, from 2015 to 2016. She is 
also a member of various local business 
associations. Ms. Pyrgou graduated 
from the University of Keele with a 
degree in Law and Sociology, and also 
holds a diploma in Environmental Law 
from the University of Geneva. She was 
called to the bar in Cyprus in 1992 and 
in London (Grays Inn) in 1995. 

External Appointments: Ms. Pyrgou 
currently serves as a member of the 
Cyprus Investments Promotion Agency 
(“CIPA”). She also currently sits on the 
Disciplinary Committee of the Institute 
of Certified Public Accountants of 
Cyprus (“ICPAC”). 

Appointment: Mr. Shirokov was 
appointed to the Board as an Executive 
Director in March 2008. He is head of 
Globaltrans’ Internal Audit function. 

Skills and Experience: Mr. Shirokov 
has over 12 years’ senior international 
management experience. Prior to 
joining Globaltrans, he worked in senior 
finance roles at Mechel and as an 
economist at Glencore International. 
He also served as a non-executive 
member on the board of Global Ports 
Investments PLC between 2008  
and April 2018 where he also sat on  
the Audit and Risk Committees.  
Mr. Shirokov graduated from the 
Finance Academy under the 
Russian government. He also studied 
business management at Oxford 
Brookes University. 

External Appointments: N/A 

Appointment: Mr. Storozhev joined 
the Board as an Executive Director in 
April 2013.  

Skills and Experience: Mr. Storozhev 
has held a series of senior management 
roles over a 20-year career in the rail 
industry and has been with Globaltrans 
since the company was established.  
He is Chairman of a number of 
Globaltrans subsidiary boards, including 
AS Spacecom, AS Spacecom Trans,  
GTI Management and BaltTransServis. 
He also serves on the boards of  
New Forwarding Company and  
Ural Wagonrepair Company, both 
Globaltrans subsidiaries. Since February 
2015, he has been director of 
Investments and Business Development 
at New Forwarding Company.  
Mr. Storozhev is a recipient of the 
“Honoured Transport Worker of  
CIS” Award. 

Mr. Storozhev graduated from the  
Kiev Military Academy of Aviation and 
Engineering in 1990 with a degree in 
Engineering. He also holds a diploma 
from the Mirbis Business School in 
Moscow and a Master’s degree in 
Business Administration and Finance. 

External Appointments: N/A

 
 
 
 
 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information 

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

73

Alexander Tarasov 
Non-executive Director 

Michael Thomaides 
Non-executive Director 

Marios Tofaros  
Non-executive Director 

Appointment: Alexander Tarasov 
joined the Board in April 2013.  

Skills and Experience: Mr. Tarasov 
served as a deputy director general in 
Sevtekhnotrans, a Globaltrans 
subsidiary that subsequently merged 
with Ferrotrans. He has held 
management positions at a number  
of leading Russian companies across 
different sectors, with a focus on 
financial management and analysis.  
Mr. Tarasov graduated from the 
Bauman Moscow State Technical 
University with a degree in Engineering. 
He also holds a degree in Economics 
from the Moscow State University of 
Commerce. 

External Appointments: N/A 

Appointment: Mr. Thomaides  
was appointed to the Board as a  
Non-executive Director in April 2014.  

Appointment: Marios Tofaros was 
appointed to the Board as a Non-
executive Director in April 2013.  

Skills and Experience:  
Mr. Thomaides previously served as  
a director at Globaltrans Investment 
PLC from 2004 to 2008 and sat on  
the Board of Directors of Global Ports 
Investments PLC, Russia’s leading 
container port operator. He has been 
 a director at Leverret Holding Ltd 
(Cyprus) since 2007. Mr. Thomaides 
graduated from London Southbank 
University with a BSc in Consumer 
Product Management.  

External Appointments: N/A 

Skills and Experience: Mr. Tofaros 
 is a director of the Client Accounting 
department at Amicorp (Cyprus) Ltd. 
He was a financial accountant at Depfa 
Investment Bank Ltd from 2004 to 
2008 and a financial officer at Louis 
Catering Ltd from 2003 to 2004. He 
also held various positions in the Audit 
department at KPMG Cyprus. Mr. 
Tofaros has a degree in Accounting, 
Finance and Economics and a master’s 
degree in Business Studies, both from 
the University of Kent. He also holds 
 a chartered certified accountant 
(FCCA) diploma and is a member  
of the Institute of Certified Public 
Accountants of Cyprus. 

External Appointments: N/A 

Sergey Tolmachev 
Executive Director,  
Managing Director 

Appointment: Mr. Tolmachev was 
appointed to the Board as a Non-
executive Director in April 2013 and as 
an Executive Director in October 2013.  

Skills and Experience:  
Mr. Tolmachev became the Group’s 
Managing Director in October 2013. 
He joined N-Trans Group in 2001 and 
has held various management positions 
focused on corporate finance and 
treasury. He also serves on Globaltrans 
subsidiary boards, including AS 
Spacecom and AS Spacecom Trans. 
He has extensive experience in financial 
analysis and modelling. Mr. Tolmachev 
graduated from Lomonosov Moscow 
State University with a degree in 
Mechanics and Applied Mathematics. 

External Appointments: N/A 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

74

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

The executive leadership at 
Globaltrans is one of the most 
highly respected and 
experienced management 
teams in the freight rail 
transportation industry in 
Russia, with a proven track 
record of success stretching 
back over many years.

1. Sergey Maltsev  
Chief Strategy Officer, 
Chairman of the Board, 
Executive Director, 
co-founder of Globaltrans 

Sergey Maltsev was elected as 
Chairman of the Board of Directors 
of Globaltrans in April 2018. He has 
been serving as Chief Strategy Officer 
of the Group since August 2017. 

Mr. Maltsev has worked in the rail 
sector for more than 30 years and 
was instrumental in the development 
of the private freight rail market in 
Russia. Mr. Maltsev was one of the 
founding members of the non-profit 
partnership “Council of Railway 
Operators” and held the position  
of Chairman.  

Having co-founded Globaltrans, he 
served as the Company’s CEO and 
member of the Board for over a 
decade before stepping down in 
2015. Subsequently, he worked as 
the Senior Vice President for strategy 
and corporate governance at OAO 
Russian Railways. He is a recipient 
of the “Honoured Railwayman of 
Russia” award.

2. Valery Shpakov  
Chief Executive Officer 

3. Alexander Shenets  
Chief Financial Officer 

Valery Shpakov became CEO in 
March 2016, having served as interim 
CEO since November 2015. He 
joined New Forwarding Company,  
a Globaltrans subsidiary, in 2003 and 
has been its CEO since 2007. 

He is an experienced manager with a 
track record of over 30 years in the 
rail industry. He began his career in 
the private sector in 1999 and has 
held managerial positions at various 
companies in the transport sector.  
He is a recipient of the “Honoured 
Railwayman of Russia” award. 

Alexander Shenets has been the  
CFO of Globaltrans since the Group’s 
establishment and has more than 15 
years of experience in senior finance 
positions, mostly in the rail sector.  
He is a member of the boards of  
GTI Management, New Forwarding 
Company, BaltTransServis, AS 
Spacecom, AS Spacecom Trans  
and Ural Wagonrepair Company,  
all Globaltrans subsidiaries.  

He holds an MBA from Lomonosov 
Moscow State University. 

4. Vyacheslav Stanislavsky 
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, 
Head of Operations 

Vyacheslav Stanislavsky joined  
New Forwarding Company, a 
Globaltrans subsidiary, as Deputy 
General Director for Operations and 
Commerce in March 2010 and 
became First Deputy General 
Director in April 2011. 

He has more than 30 years of 
experience in the rail industry. 
Mr. Stanislavsky is a recipient of 
the “Honoured Railwayman of 
Russia” award.

1

2

3

4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

75

5. Alexander Storozhev 
Chief Procurement Officer,  
member of the Board, 
Executive Director 

6. Kirill Prokofiev 
CEO of BaltTransServis 

8. Sergey Avseykov 
Business Development Officer 

9. Svetlana Brokar 
Government Relations Officer 

Alexander Storozhev joined the 
Board as an Executive Director in 
April 2013. He has held a series of 
senior management roles over  
a 20-year career in the rail industry. 
He has been with Globaltrans since 
the company was established and  
is Chairman of a number of 
Globaltrans subsidiary boards, 
including AS Spacecom, AS 
Spacecom Trans, GTI Management 
and BaltTransServis. He also serves 
on the boards of New Forwarding 
Company and Ural Wagonrepair 
Company, both Globaltrans 
subsidiaries. Mr. Storozhev is a 
recipient of the “Honoured 
Transport Worker of CIS” award. 

He graduated from the Kiev Military 
Academy of Aviation and Engineering 
in 1990 with a degree in Engineering. 
He also holds a diploma from the 
Mirbis Business School in Moscow 
and a Master’s degree in Business 
Administration and Finance. 

Kirill Prokofiev was appointed CEO 
of BaltTransServis, a Globaltrans 
subsidiary, in February 2017. Prior to 
his appointment, he spent more than 
seven years working in senior 
executive roles in the rail sector.  

He graduated from St Petersburg 
State University of Economics,  
where he majored in economics.  
He also holds an MBA in Strategic 
Management from Moscow’s  
Higher School of Economics. 

7. Roman Goncharov 
Head of Treasury 

Roman Goncharov has served as  
CFO of New Forwarding Company,  
a Globaltrans subsidiary, since  
2005 and has over 13 years of 
management experience.  

He has an MBA from the Moscow 
International School of Business. 

Sergey Avseykov is in charge of 
business development for the Group. 
Mr. Avseykov originally joined New 
Forwarding Company, Globaltrans 
subsidiary, in 2011 as Head of the 
Marketing and Development 
Division. Between 2017 and 2018, 
Mr. Avseykov served as acting Head 
of Business Project Management at 
OAO Russian Railways. In 2018, he 
rejoined Globaltrans as Business 
Development Officer. 

Mr. Avseykov graduated from Tomsk 
State University and holds a PhD in 
political science from the Russian 
Presidential Academy of National 
Economics. Mr. Avseykov is a board 
member of several RZD subsidiaries. 

Svetlana Brokar joined Globaltrans  
as government relations officer in 
December 2018. She is an attorney 
and has significant expertise in civil, 
tax, commercial, corporate, finance 
and railway transport matters. She 
has also worked with government 
departments including the Russian 
Transport, Finance and Railway 
Ministries. From 2009 to 2013, 
Svetlana was a member of the Board 
of Globaltrans subsidiary New 
Forwarding Company and since  
2014 has acted as in-house legal 
counsel or provided it with legal 
services. She also previously worked 
with the non-profit partnership 
“Council of Railway Operators”. 

Ms. Brokar graduated with a law 
degree from Kaliningrad State 
University in 1985.

5

6

7

8

9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

76

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 
Maintaining high governance standards

Dear Shareholders, 

As Chairman, I am committed to ensuring that high standards of 
corporate governance are in place and consistently applied in the 
boardroom and across the Group. Good governance has been a key 
pillar of our business model ever since we listed in 2008 and adopted 
governance principles based on the UK Code of Corporate 
Governance. 10 years on, the governance template put in place in 
2008 continues to support the delivery of our strategic priorities, 
and we remain absolutely committed to pursuing best practice 
corporate governance. 

As a Board, our primary responsibility is to ensure that the Group 
provides long-term, sustainable growth for its shareholders. Robust 
governance structures are critical as they help ensure the trust of our 
shareholders, customers and other stakeholders. Over the last 
decade we have continually fine-tuned our governance approach to 
keep it aligned with international best practice. Alongside this, we 
have built an effective and able Board of Directors with the right 
blend of experience, objectivity and independence needed to take 
the business forward, protect the interests of stakeholders and 
drive long-term value. 

Aligned to the principles of good governance, as Board Directors we 
also have to set the right culture and tone from the top. Consequently, 
the Board places great emphasis on leading by example and ensuring 
that the high standards and values of the Company are consistently 
applied throughout the business. Our culture and values have always 
been fundamental to our success, helping to underpin our business 
model and guide how we engage with our employees, our customers, 
other stakeholders and the wider community. 

Under the leadership of the Board, the Group will continue to work 
towards delivering the agreed strategy and targets for growth. In the 
following pages, we set out the Group’s approach to corporate 
governance and how it supports our business strategy. 

Sergey Maltsev 
Chairman of the Board, 
Chief Strategy Officer, 
Co-founder and shareholder

“Good governance has been a central 
pillar of our business model ever 
since we listed in 2008 and adopted 
governance principles based on the 
UK Code of Corporate Governance.  

  Our culture and values have always 
been fundamental to our success, 
helping to underpin our business 
model and guide how we engage 
with our employees, our customers, 
other stakeholders and the 
wider community.”

 
 
 
 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 
Corporate governance framework

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

77

Corporate governance policies 
The Group’s policies are designed to ensure an effective and 
transparent corporate governance framework. All employees are 
required to comply with the guidelines contained in these policies 
and procedures, and the management is ultimately responsible 
for ensuring that all departments follow them.  

Membership of the Board of Directors 
The process for Board appointments is led by the Nomination 
Committee and members of the Board of Directors are elected at 
the General Meeting. Board members are nominated based on their 
industry knowledge, expertise and experience in areas such as 
accounting, finance, business management and strategic planning. 

Globatrans’ policies include, inter alia: 

• Anti-Fraud Policy; 

• Appointment Policy for the Board of Directors and Committees; 

• Business Continuity Policy; 

• Code of Ethics and Conduct; 

• Continuing Obligations Policy; 

• Disclosure Policy; 

• Dividend Policy (new edition adopted on 31 March 2017 and 

amended on 24 August 2018); 

• Policy on assessment of External Auditor Objectivity Policy; 

• Policy on the treatment of the rights of minority shareholders; 

• Privacy Policy; 

• Risk Management Policy; 

• Securities Dealing Code and PDMR Securities Dealing Code 

(new edition adopted on 15 December 2017); 

• Terms of Reference of Board Committees (Audit, Nomination, 

Remuneration); 

• Terms of Reference of the Board of Directors; and 

• Whistleblowing policy. 

Full details of the Group’s policies can be found on the 
corporate website at: http://www.globaltrans.com/about-
us/corporate-governance/governance-policies/ 

Board of Directors 
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Globaltrans is accountable 
to the Company’s shareholders for standards of governance across 
the Group’s activities. The Board’s responsibilities include: 

• providing leadership, setting the overall strategy and ensuring 
that the necessary components are in place for the Group to 
meet its objectives; 

• setting Group values and standards, and ensuring that obligations 

to all stakeholders are understood and met; 

• monitoring and reviewing the performance of the Group and 

its management; 

• maintaining an effective system of internal control and risk 

management to safeguard shareholders’ rights and interests 
and the Group’s assets; 

• ensuring an effective governance framework and compliance 

with relevant regulations; and 

• assessing from time to time whether the Independent 

Non-executive Directors continue to demonstrate independence. 

The Board of Directors’ report is presented in full in the Financial 
Statements section of this Annual Report. 

In selecting candidates for the Board, the Group seeks to create an 
effective and complementary Board whose capability is appropriate 
for the scale, complexity and strategic positioning of the business. 
Non-executive Directors are drawn from a wide range of industries 
and backgrounds, including infrastructure, transport and financial 
services, and have appropriate experience of large international 
organisations. Some have considerable experience of the freight rail 
industry. In addition, the Group selects Independent Directors with a 
view to ensuring that the views of shareholders are represented, that 
there is appropriate challenge to management and that the interests 
of all stakeholders are taken into account. There are currently four 
Independent Directors. 

Globaltrans separates the positions of Chairman and CEO to ensure an 
appropriate segregation of roles and a clear division of responsibilities. 

Mr. Sergey Maltsev, as Chairman, is responsible for the overall 
leadership, governance and effectiveness of the Board, agreeing 
Board agendas and ensuring that all Board members play their part 
to enable the Board to take sound decisions and promote the 
success of the Group. 

Mr. Valery Shpakov, as CEO, is responsible for the development 
and implementation of the strategy set out by the Board, the 
leadership of the Group and the day-to-day performance of  
the business. 

Alongside Mr. Maltsev, the other members of the Board are: 

• Michael Zampelas  (Senior Independent Director) 

• John Carroll Colley  (Independent Director) 

• Dr. Johann Franz Durrer  (Independent Director) 

• George Papaioannou  (Independent Director) 

• Alexander Eliseev 

• Andrey Gomon 

• Elia Nicolaou 

• Melina Pyrgou 

• Konstantin Shirokov 

• Alexander Storozhev 

• Alexander Tarasov 

• Michael Thomaides 

• Marios Tofaros 

• Sergey Tolmachev (Managing Director) 

The Directors’ biographies are on pages 70 to 73 of this Annual Report. 
In 2018, members of the Board of Directors held 18,859,256 shares 
and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) in Globaltrans. Although 
Mr. Zampelas and Dr. Durrer have served on the Board for 10 years 
the Board of Directors still considers them to be independent.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

78

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 
continued

Committees of the Board of Directors 
Globaltrans has established three Committees to assist the Board 
and ensure transparency and impartiality in specific areas: the Audit 
Committee, the Nomination Committee and the Remuneration 
Committee. The Chairperson of each Committee is an  
Independent Director. 

Audit Committee 

All Committees are advisory bodies. While these Committees have 
the authority to examine particular issues and report back with 
recommendations, the ultimate decision-making responsibility for 
all matters lies with the full Board.

The role of the Audit Committee is to ensure the integrity of the Group’s published financial information and the effectiveness of the 
internal audit function and systems of internal control and risk management, and external audit process. 

Number of members

Members

Minimum meetings a year

Number of meetings in 2018

Members 
and meetings

Three; two independent

•

•
•

John Carroll Colley 
(Chairman) 
Elia Nicolaou 
George Papaioannou

Four

Seven

Responsibilities

•

Integrity of the Group’s financial statements. 

•

Effectiveness of the Group’s internal control and risk management systems. 

•

Relationship with the Group’s external auditors, including the audit process and reports. 

•

Terms of the auditor’s appointment and remuneration. 

•

Implementation of codes of conduct. 

•

Assessment of the Chairman of the Board’s performance. 

Issues considered 
in 2018

•

•

Review of the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements for 2017 and interim financial results for the 
six months ended 30 June 2018. 

Review of the external auditor’s report to the Audit Committee following its full-year audit for 2017 and 
review for the six months ended 30 June 2018. 

•

Consideration of the independence of the external auditor. 

•

•

Review of the Group’s external auditor and terms of reappointment for 2018. The Committee 
recommended reappointment of the external auditors to the Board which, in turn, proposed their 
reappointment at the Annual General Meeting of the Group. 

Setting terms and conditions of a tender for the appointment of external auditors for 2019, review of the 
materials of the audit tender and evaluation of candidates. Selection and recommendations to the Board of 
Directors of preferred and alternative options of the audit firms for appointment for 2019. 

•

Review of the report of the external auditor on the audit strategy for 2018. 

•

Review of regulatory announcements by the Group. 

•

Review of internal controls and risk management processes. 

•

Approval of non-audit services to be provided to the Group by the external auditor. 

•

Review of the internal audit function and reports on its activities, and on the internal audit model and plan.

 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

79

Nomination Committee 

The role of the Nomination Committee is to monitor and review the composition and balance of the Board and its committees to 
ensure Globaltrans has the right structure, skills and diversity for the effective management of the Group.

Number of members

Members

Minimum meetings a year

Number of meetings in 2018

Members 
and meetings

Two; two independent

•

•

Michael Zampelas 
(Chairman) 
Johann Franz Durrer

One

Two

Responsibilities

•

Preparation of selection criteria and appointment procedures for Board members. 

•

Regular review of the Board’s structure, size and composition. 

•

Future Board appointments. 

•

Recommendations regarding the membership of the Audit and Remuneration Committees. 

Issues considered 
in 2018

•

Advice to the Annual General Meeting on the appointment of Board members. 

•

Recommendation on appointment of Director to the Board of the Company.

Remuneration Committee 

The role of the Remuneration Committee is to ensure that executive remuneration aligns appropriately with the business strategy and 
that the remuneration policy remains appropriate. 

Number of members

Members

Minimum meetings a year

Number of meetings in 2018

Members 
and meetings

Two; two independent

•

•

Johann Franz Durrer 
(Chairman) 
Michael Zampelas

One

Two

Responsibilities

•

Remuneration of Executive Directors (Chairman and Executive Directors decide the remuneration for 
independent members). 

•

Review of the Group’s remuneration policies. 

Issues considered 
in 2018

•

Remuneration of key management.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

80

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 
continued

Board and Board Committees meetings in 2018 and the attendance of Directors 
                                                                                                                Board of                               Nomination                         Remuneration                               Audit 
                                                                                                               Directors                               Committee                             Committee                             Committee 

                                                                                                                E                      A                      E                      A                      E                      A                      E                      A 

Sergey Maltsev (Chairman)(1)                                           12                10                                                                                                                             

Michael Zampelas (2)                                                         16                16                  2                  2                  3                  3                                          

John Carroll Colley                                                           16                16                                                                                                     7                  7  

Dr. Johann Franz Durrer                                                  16                16                  2                  2                  3                  3                                          

George Papaioannou                                                       16                16                                                                                                     7                  7  

Alexander Eliseev                                                             16                14                                                                                                                             

Andrey Gomon                                                                16                15                                                                                                                             

Elia Nicolaou                                                                     16                16                                                                                                     7                  7 

Melina Pyrgou                                                                  16                15                                                                                                                             

Konstantin Shirokov                                                        16                15                                                                                                                             

Alexander Storozhev                                                       16                16                                                                                                                             

Alexander Tarasov                                                           16                16                                                                                                                             

Michael Thomaides                                                         16                16                                                                                                                             

Marios Tofaros                                                                 16                16                                                                                                                            

Sergey Tolmachev                                                            16                16                                                                                                                             

Total                                                                                         236               229                    4                    4                    6                    6                  21                  21

External auditor 
The Audit Committee manages the relationship with the external 
auditor on behalf of the Board. Each year, it considers the 
reappointment of the external auditor, reviews requirements of the 
rotation of the audit partner and the audit firm when applicable, as 
well as remuneration and other terms of engagement, and makes  
a recommendation to the Board. Shareholders are then asked  
to approve the appointment at the Annual General Meeting.  

The Group has a formal policy on assessing the independence and 
objectivity of the external auditor. It regulates the terms of 
appointment of the external auditor and the nature of audit and 
permitted non-audit services provided to the Group. External 
auditors periodically (at least annually) provide written confirmation 
to the Committee that, in their professional judgement, they are 
independent of the Group. The Committee is satisfied that the 
independence and objectivity of the external auditors is not 
impaired, and that the external audit process remains effective.  

The Audit Committee recommended the reappointment of 
PricewaterhouseCoopers as the Group’s external auditor for 2018. 
This appointment was approved by the Group’s shareholders at the 
Annual General Meeting on 23 April 2018. The appointment of the 
external auditor in April 2019 for 2019 will be based on the results of 
a tender, which the Group has conducted during 2018. On the basis 
of the tender, the Board has chosen PricewaterhouseCoopers and 
will therefore propose PricewaterhouseCoopers for reappointment 
at the next AGM of the shareholders of the Company. 

Board activities 
The Board meets at least four times a year. Fixed meetings are 
scheduled at the end of each quarter, while ad hoc meetings are called 
when there are pressing matters requiring the Board’s consideration 
in between the scheduled meetings. Directors may participate in 
meetings either in person or via telephone or video conference.  

Board diversity 
The Board does not operate a formal diversity policy with regard  
to age, gender or educational and professional backgrounds. 
However, in line with best practice, the Board does consider these 
aspects when making new Board appointments or considering the 
composition of the Board of Directors. 

As at the date of publication of these financial statements, there are 
two female members on the Board, meaning that females make  
up about 13% of the Board. The Board of Directors range in age  
from 30 to over 70 years old, with the average age being 52 years.  
The Board members have the following educational backgrounds: 
transportation and ports industry, accounting, economics and 
financial, banking sector and legal, engineering and mechanics, 
biophysics and mathematics, history, international affairs and  
risk management.  

The Board met 16 times during 2018 and considered 71 items. 

Regular meetings 
• Review of the Group’s financial and operational performance. 
• Approval of the annual budget. 

(1)  Appointed as a member of the Board on 23 April 2018 and as Chairman of the Board on 27 April 2018.  
(2)  Resigned as Chairman of the Board on 27 April 2018. Served in this role since March 2013. 

 
 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

81

• Review of the Group’s performance against the approved 

annual budget. 

• Approval of the annual and semi-annual financial statements 

and the respective regulatory announcements. 

• Review of the results of risk assessments. 
• Approval of the Annual General Meeting agenda, including 

dividend proposals and Board reappointments. 

• Approval of appointments to the Board of Directors of subsidiaries. 

Ad hoc meetings 
• Approval of material borrowings and pledges by subsidiaries. 
• Approval of remuneration of key management and 

executive Directors. 

• Appointment of the key management of the Group. 
• Approval of dividend distribution by subsidiaries. 
• Review and consideration of various business development 

opportunities and major transactions. 
• Approval of results of an audit tender. 
• Changes in responsibilities of Board members and other matters. 

The Board’s performance is assessed annually, and the evaluation 
process is conducted through a combination of self-assessment and 
annual appraisals. The Chairman’s performance is evaluated by the 
Non-executive Directors. 

Internal control and audit 
The Board is primarily responsible for establishing a framework of 
prudent and effective internal controls and risk management in 
relation to the financial reporting process for the undertakings 
included in the Group consolidation that enables risks to be assessed 
and managed and financial reports to be prepared.  

The Audit Committee reviews and assesses the Group’s internal 
control and risk management processes.  

The system of controls is designed to manage rather than eliminate 
the risks relevant to the Group’s operations and, therefore, can only 
provide reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against material 
errors, losses, fraud or breaches of laws and regulations.  

At Globaltrans, the body responsible for internal audit is the 
Internal Audit Service (“IAS”). It tests the Group’s systems of risk 
management, internal control and corporate governance to obtain 
a reasonable assurance that:  

• The risk management system functions efficiently. 
• Material financial, management and operating information is 

accurate, reliable and up to date. 

• The actions of employees and management bodies are in 

compliance with the Group’s policies, standards and procedures 
and the applicable laws. 

• Resources are procured reasonably and used efficiently and their 

safekeeping is fully guaranteed. 

• Group companies conduct their business in compliance with 

applicable laws.

Every year the Audit Committee approves an internal audit plan, 
which is developed by identifying the audit universe, performing  
a risk analysis and obtaining input from management relative to risks, 
controls and governance processes. The internal auditor regularly 
reports to the Audit Committee on the progress of planned audits.  
If any material internal control deficiencies are identified, they are 
immediately communicated to the Audit Committee and 
consequently to the Board.  

For details of the main risks facing the Group, please refer to the  
Risk Management section of this Annual Report and the Principal 
Risks and Uncertainties subsection, included in the Financial 
Statements section of this Annual Report. 

Remuneration of the Board of Directors 
and management 
Directors serve on the Board under letters of appointment that 
specify their terms of appointment and remuneration. Appointments 
are effective until the following Annual General Meeting. 
Remuneration levels for Non-executive Directors reflect their 
expertise, time commitment, responsibilities and membership of 
any Board Committees. Directors are also reimbursed for expenses 
associated with the discharge of their duties.  

Non-executive Directors are not eligible for bonuses, retirement 
benefits or participation in any incentive plans operated by the Group. 
The Group’s shareholders approved the remuneration of Board 
members for 2018 at the Annual General Meeting held on 23 April 
2018. For details of the remuneration paid to the Board and key 
executives in 2018, please refer to Note 33c of the Consolidated 
Management Report and Consolidated Financial Statements included 
in the Financial Statements section of this Annual Report.  

The total gross remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors 
incurred by the Group in 2018 amounted to RUB 409 million. 

Relations with shareholders 
The Board is committed to maintaining an open and constructive 
dialogue with the Company’s institutional shareholders and debt 
investors and recognises the importance of those relationships in the 
governance process. Regular engagement with investors allows the 
Board to better understand their views and ensure they are provided 
with timely and appropriate information on the Group’s strategy 
and business performance. 

The executive management undertakes a regular programme of 
meetings, presentations, conference calls and webcasts with 
institutional investors and sell-side analysts. The Group announces 
financial results semi-annually. On a day-to-day basis, our investor 
relations team also engages with investors on a wide range of issues. 
In 2018, the Company held more than 300 meetings with investors 
and shareholders, attended 10 investor conferences and arranged 
two non-deal roadshows following the publication of the results. 

A selection of the Group’s historical results together with other 
useful information for investors and shareholders can be found 
on the investor section of the Group’s corporate website 
(www.globaltrans.com). 

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

82

FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

83

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

84

CONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORT AND 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
for the year ended 31 December 2018

Contents 

Board of Directors and other officers                                                  85 

Note 16.    Net foreign exchange losses                                            148 

Consolidated Management Report                                                     86 

Note 17.    Property, plant and equipment                                       148 

Directors’ responsibility                                                                         96 

Note 18.    Intangible assets                                                                152 

Independent Auditor’s Report                                                             97 

Note 19.    Principal subsidiaries                                                         154 

Consolidated income statement                                                        102 

Note 20.    Share-based payments                                                     157 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income                       103 

Note 21.    Financial assets                                                                   157 

Consolidated balance sheet                                                                104 

Note 22.    Other assets                                                                       159 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity                                   105 

Note 23.    Inventories                                                                         160 

Consolidated cash flow statement                                                     106 

Note 24.    Cash and cash equivalents                                                160 

Note 1.      General information                                                         107 

Note 25.    Share capital and share premium                                    161 

Note 2.      Basis of preparation                                                          107 

Note 26.    Dividends                                                                           161 

Note 27.    Borrowings                                                                        162 

Note 28.    Deferred income tax                                                        165 

Note 29.    Trade and other payables                                                 167 

Note 30.    Earnings per share                                                             167 

Note 31.    Contingencies                                                                   168 

Note 32.    Commitments                                                                   170 

Note 33.    Related party transactions                                               171 

Note 34.    Events after the balance sheet date                                173

Note 3.      Adoption of new or revised standards 
                   and interpretations                                                           107 

Note 4.      Summary of significant accounting policies                   111 

Note 5.      New accounting pronouncements                                125 

Note 6.      Financial risk management                                               127 

Note 7.      Critical accounting estimates and judgements              136 

Note 8.      Segmental information                                                    137 

Note 9.      Non-GAAP financial information                                   140 

Note 10.    Revenue                                                                             143 

Note 11.    Expenses by nature                                                           144 

Note 12.    Other gains – net                                                              145 

Note 13.    Employee benefit expense                                               146 

Note 14.    Finance income and costs                                                146 

Note 15.    Income tax expense                                                          147 

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

85

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER OFFICERS

Board of Directors 
Mr. Michael Zampelas 
Senior Independent Non-executive Director 
Chairman of the Nomination Committee 
Member of the Remuneration Committee 

Dr. Johann Franz Durrer 
Independent Non-executive Director 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
Member of the Nomination Committee 

Mr. John Carroll Colley 
Independent Non-executive Director 
Chairman of the Audit Committee 

Mr. George Papaioannou 
Independent Non-executive Director 
Member of the Audit Committee 

Ms. Elia Nicolaou 
Non-executive Director 
Member of the Audit Committee 
Company Secretary 
Secretary of the Board 
Alternate Director: Mr. Marios Tofaros 

Mr. Michalakis Thomaides 
Non-executive Director 

Ms. Melina Pyrgou 
Non-executive Director 

Mr. Marios Tofaros 
Non-executive Director 

Mr. Sergey Maltsev 
Chairman of the Board of Directors 
Executive Director 
Appointed on 23 April 2018 
Alternate Director: Mr. Yuri Isaev 

Mr. Alexander Eliseev 
Executive Director 
Alternate Director: Ms. Ekaterina Golubeva 

Mr. Sergey Tolmachev 
Executive Director 

Mr. Alexander Storozhev 
Executive Director 
Alternate Director: Ms. Elia Nicolaou 

Mr. Konstantin Shirokov 
Executive Director 

Mr. Andrey Gomon 
Executive Director 
Alternate Director: Ms. Melina Pyrgou 

Mr. Alexander Tarasov 
Non-executive Director 

Board support 
The Company Secretary is available to advise all Directors to 
ensure compliance with the Board procedures. Also a procedure 
is in place to enable Directors, if they so wish, to seek independent 
professional advice at the Company’s expense. 

Company Secretary 
Ms. Elia Nicolaou 
Dimitriou Karatasou, 15 
Anastasio Building, 6th floor, Office 601 
Strovolos, 2024, Nicosia, Cyprus 

Assistant secretary: Mr. Marios Tofaros 

Registered office 
20 Omirou Street 
Agios Nicolaos 
CY-3095 Limassol, Cyprus

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

86

CONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORT

The Board of Directors presents its report together with the audited Consolidated Financial 
Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018. The Group’s financial statements have 
been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as 
adopted by the European Union and the requirements of Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113. 

Principal activities 
The principal activities of the Group, which are unchanged from last 
year, are the provision of railway transportation services using own 
and leased rolling stock as well as fleet engaged from third party rail 
operators and the operating lease of rolling stock. 

Adjusted EBITDA rose 28% year-on-year to RUB 33,069,961 thousand 
(2017: RUB 25,788,683 thousand) with the Adjusted EBITDA Margin 
expanding to 54% (2017: 50%). The Group’s Free Cash Flow was RUB 
12,314,346 thousand, a 28% decline compared to RUB 17,047,982 
thousand in 2017, largely due to increase in Total CAPEX. 

Review of developments, position and 
performance of the Group’s business 
Globaltrans produced a solid overall financial performance in 2018. 
The strong gondola market combined with slightly increased pricing 
in rail transportation for the oil products and oil segment translated 
into a strong set of results. 

IFRS financial information 
Management considers amongst others the following IFRS 
measures in analysing the performance of the Group. 

The Group’s Total revenue rose 11% year-on-year to RUB 
86,772,742 thousand in 2018 (2017: RUB 78,080,532 thousand). 
Operating profit increased 33% year-on-year to RUB 26,901,055 
thousand in 2018 (2017: RUB 20,156,135 thousand). Profit 
for the year ended 31 December 2018 grew 42% year-on-year to 
RUB 19,583,435 thousand (2017: RUB 13,819,874 thousand). 

On 31 December 2018 the total assets of the Group were 
RUB 91,217,322 thousand (2017: RUB 77,421,556 thousand) 
and net assets were RUB 53,525,434 thousand (2017: RUB 
50,617,630 thousand). 

On 31 December 2018 the total debt of the Group was RUB 
25,728,911 thousand and increased by 58% as compared to end of 
2017 which amounted to RUB 16,331,356 thousand. Total cash 
and cash equivalents on 31 December 2018 grew by 44% and 
amounted to RUB 7,129,918 thousand (31 December 2017: 
4,966,171 thousand). 

Non-IFRS financial information 
Among others, management analyses the following key non-IFRS 
measures. These non-IFRS measures are marked with capital letters 
and their definitions are provided at the end of this section in 
alphabetical order. 

The Group had a strong balance sheet with Net Debt to Adjusted 
EBITDA increasing to 0.56x (2017 end: 0.44x). Net Debt rose by 
64% to RUB 18,598,993 thousand (2017 end: RUB 11,365,185 
thousand). As at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 almost 
100% of the Group’s debt was denominated in Russian roubles. 

In 2018, management continued to make disciplined decisions on 
capital allocation whilst pursuing cost improvement and productivity 
measures. The Total Capex rose 165% year-on-year to RUB 
12,888,898 thousand (2017: RUB 4,872,076 thousand). This higher 
capital expenditure reflected primarily larger expansion CAPEX in 
response to strong demand and in order to support the new long-
term contracts and further development of niche projects. In 2018, 
the Group acquired 4,747 units (including 3,862 gondola cars, 481 
flat cars and 404 containers) compared to 1,332 units (including 706 
gondola cars, 70 flat cars and 556 containers) in the previous year. 

Operational information 
In 2018, the Group’s Transportation Volume and Freight Rail 
Turnover (both excluding Engaged Fleet) decreased 4% and 9% 
year-on-year respectively, impacted by gondola car fleet rebalancing, 
changed client logistics and a reduction in average speeds on the 
RZD rail network over the course of 2018, caused by ongoing 
major rail infrastructure modernisation projects. The Group’s 
Transportation Volume was 88.5 million tones in 2018 (2017: 
91.9 million tones) with Freight Rail Turnover amounting to 146.2 
billion tonnes-km (2017: 160.1 billion tonnes-km). 

The Average Number of Loaded Trips per Railcar decreased by 4% 
year-on-year, while the Average Distance of Loaded Trips reduced 
by 4% year-on-year. 

Average Price per Trip increased 20% year-on-year to RUB 41,859. 

The high operational efficiency was maintained with the Empty 
Run Ratio for gondola cars increasing to 38% (2017: 37%) and the 
Total Empty Run Ratio amounting to 46% (2017: 45%). 

Adjusted Revenue increased 17% year-on-year to RUB 60,859,424 
thousand (2017: RUB 52,094,289 thousand) supported by the 
strong performance of the gondola business and slightly improving 
pricing in rail transportation for the oil products and oil. Total 
Operating Cash Costs were up 6% year-on-year to RUB 27,893,504 
thousand (2017: RUB 26,302,818 thousand).

Total Fleet increased 3% to 69,023 units (2017 end: 66,692 units) 
primarily reflecting sizeable increase in Owned Fleet, which was 
partially offset by the intended reduction in number of Leased-in Fleet.  

The financial position, development and performance of the Group 
as presented in the financial statements is considered satisfactory.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

87

Definitions to Non-IFRS financial measures 
Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA excluding “Net foreign 
exchange transaction losses from financing activities”, “Share of loss 
of associate”, “Other losses/(gains) – net”, “Net (gain)/loss on sale 
of property, plant and equipment”, “Impairment of property, plant 
and equipment”, “Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs” 
and “Reversal of impairment of intangible assets”. 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided 
by Adjusted Revenue. 

Free Cash Flow is calculated as “Cash generated from operations” 
(after “Changes in working capital”) less “Tax paid”, “Interest paid”, 
“Purchases of property, plant and equipment”, “Finance lease 
principal payments” and “Purchases of intangible assets”. 

Freight Rail Turnover is a measure of freight carriage activity over a 
particular period calculated as the sum of tonnage of each loaded 
trip multiplied by the distance of each loaded trip, expressed in 
tonnes-km. It includes volumes transported by the engaged fleet and 
excludes performance of petrochemical tank container segment, 
unless otherwise stated. 

Adjusted Revenue is calculated as “Total revenue” less the following 
“pass through” items “Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded 
trips” and “Services provided by other transportation organisations”. 

Net Debt is defined as the sum of total borrowings (including 
interest accrued) less “Cash and cash equivalents”. 

Average Distance of Loaded Trip is calculated as the sum of the 
distances of all loaded trips for a period divided by the number of 
loaded trips for the same period. 

Average Number of Loaded Trips per Railcar is calculated as total 
number of loaded trips in the relevant period divided by Average 
Rolling Stock Operated. 

Net revenue from engaged fleet represents the net sum of the 
price charged for transportation to clients by the Group utilising 
Engaged Fleet less the loaded railway tariff charged by OAO 
“Russian Railways” (included in “Infrastructure and locomotive 
tariffs: loaded trips”) less the cost of attracting fleet from third-
party operators (included in “Services provided by other 
transportation organisations”). 

Average Price per Trip is calculated as Net Revenue from Operation 
of Rolling Stock divided by the total number of loaded trips during 
the relevant period in the respective currency. Net Revenue from 
Operation of Rolling Stock is defined as the sum of “Revenue from 
railway transportation – operators services (tariff borne by the 
Group)” and “Revenue from railway transportation – operators 
services (tariff borne by the client)” less “Infrastructure and 
locomotive tariffs: loaded trips”, “Services provided by other 
transportation organisation” and net revenue from engaged fleet. 

Average Rolling Stock Operated is calculated as the average 
weighted (by days) number of rolling stock available for operator 
services (not including rolling stock in maintenance, purchased 
rolling stock in transition to its first place of commercial utilisation, 
rolling stock leased out, Engaged Fleet, flat cars and tank containers 
used in petrochemical business). 

EBITDA represents “Profit for the year” before “Income tax expense”, 
“Finance costs – net” (excluding “Net foreign exchange transaction 
losses from financing activities”), “Depreciation of property, plant and 
equipment” and “Amortisation of intangible assets”. 

Empty Run Ratio is calculated as the total of empty trips in 
kilometres by respective rolling stock type divided by total loaded 
trips in kilometres of such rolling stock type. Empty trips are only 
applicable to rolling stock operated (not including rolling stock in 
maintenance, purchased rolling stock in transition to its first place 
of commercial utilisation, rolling stock leased out, engaged fleet, 
platforms and tank containers used in petrochemical business). 

Engaged Fleet is defined as rolling stock subcontracted or otherwise 
engaged from a third-party rail operator for a loaded trip from the 
point of origination to the cargo’s destination, at which point the 
railcar is then released to such third party.

Total CAPEX calculated on a cash basis as the sum of “Purchases of 
property, plant and equipment”, “Purchases of intangible assets”, 
“Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings – net of cash acquired” and 
“Finance lease principal payments”. 

Total Empty Run Ratio is calculated as total kilometres travelled 
empty divided by the total kilometres travelled loaded by the rolling 
stock fleet operated by Globaltrans (not including the relocation of 
rolling stock to and from maintenance, purchased rolling stock in 
transition to its first place of commercial utilisation, or rolling stock 
leased out, Engaged Fleet, platforms and tank containers used in 
petrochemical business) in the relevant period. 

Total Fleet is defined as the fleet owned and leased in under finance 
and operating leases as at the end of reporting period. It includes 
railcars, locomotives and petrochemical tank containers, unless 
otherwise stated, and excludes engaged fleet. 

Total Operating Cash Costs represent operating cost items payable 
in cash and calculated as “Total cost of sales, selling and marketing 
costs and administrative expenses” less the “pass through” items: 
“Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips” and “Services 
provided by other transportation organisations” and non-cash 
items: “Depreciation of property, plant and equipment”, 
“Amortisation of intangible assets”, “Net impairment losses on 
financial assets”, “Impairment of property, plant and equipment”, 
“Net (gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment” and 
“Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs”. 

Transportation Volume is a measure of freight carriage activity over 
a particular period, measuring weight of cargo carried in million 
tonnes. It excludes volumes transported by Engaged Fleet and the 
performance of petrochemical tank container segment, unless 
otherwise stated.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

88

CONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORT 
continued

Changes in Group structure 
During 2018 Spacecom AS acquired 100% of the shares of 
Spacecom Trans AS from the Company and the non-controlling 
shareholders. As a result, the proportion of ordinary shares held by 
the Company in Spacecom Trans AS increased from a direct holding 
of 65% to an indirect holding of 65.25%. The transaction aimed to 
optimise the management of both Estonian subsidiaries. There were 
no other changes in the group structure of the Group during the 
year ended 31 December 2018. For the principal subsidiaries of the 
Company, refer to Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Non-Financial Information 
and Diversity Statement 
The Group will be publishing its Non-Financial Information and 
Diversity Statement within its Annual Report that will be issued 
within four months after the balance sheet date and will be available 
on the Company’s website, www.globaltrans.com 

Environmental matters 
Rail is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport. 
Nonetheless, any commercial activity has an environmental impact 
and Globaltrans strives to minimise those from its operations where 
possible. To this end, the Group ensures that its activities fully 
comply with local environmental regulations. It also aims to help 
business and nature co-exist by focusing on applying modern 
technology in its operations and using natural resources rationally. 

Human resources 
Globaltrans considers the wellbeing of employees central to its 
success and strives to maintain exemplary working standards, ensure 
job satisfaction and create opportunities for professional growth. 
The Group’s personnel policy focuses on creating a positive 
atmosphere at all offices and facilities to maximise productivity. 
As part of this, it offers medical insurance, support for education, 
opportunities to obtain additional qualifications and training, and 
financial aid in particularly difficult times. 

The Group’s future success will partly depend on its ability to 
continue to attract, retain and motivate key employees and qualified 
personnel, in particular an experienced management team. 
Competition in Russia for such personnel with relevant expertise is 
intense due to the small number of qualified individuals with suitable 
practical experience in the rail industry. 

Adequate remuneration packages, which are in line with or in excess 
of market levels, are offered to all employees and key managers and 
remuneration is linked to the Group’s financial results. The Human 
Resource function regularly monitors salary levels and other benefits 
offered by competitors to ensure that the Group’s remuneration 
packages are adequate.

Principal risks and uncertainties 
The Company faces a number of diverse potential and actual risks 
to its business. The Board has adopted a formal process to identify, 
evaluate and manage principal risks and uncertainties faced by 
the Group. 

To identify, evaluate and mitigate these, the Group has established 
an in-house system to monitor and control uncertainties and threats 
throughout its activities. This is overseen by a dedicated Risk 
Management function, which works directly with the Board of 
Directors in this area. 

The Company has grouped the risks that it considers to be 
significant into key categories – strategic, operational, compliance 
and financial – and they are presented below. 

Strategic risks 
The strategic risks faced by the Group that pose risks that influence 
the Group’s ability to achieve its strategy include the general 
economic situation and operating environment in Russia, Kazakhstan, 
Ukraine, CIS and Baltic countries in which the Group operates; the 
regulatory risk relating to the operation of the Russian railway 
transportation market, including railway tariff regulation and 
technical requirements for fleet maintenance; the highly competitive 
Russian rail transportation market with unregulated operator’s 
services tariffs; the significant concentration of the Group’s customer 
base with the top 10 customers (including their affiliates and 
suppliers) accounting for around 74% of the Group’s Net Revenue 
from the operation of rolling stock in 2018; cost of borrowing 
and/or deterioration in market conditions with potential impacts on 
the profitability and payback period of investments; and reliance on 
RZD for issuing permits allowing the Group to operate locomotives. 

The Group operates mainly in Russia, other emerging markets and 
Estonia. Emerging markets, such as Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, 
are subject to greater risks than more developed markets, including 
significant economic, political, social, legal and legislative uncertainties. 
Moreover, the Group’s business depends on the demand in the 
Russian freight rail transportation market, which in turn depends on 
certain key commodity sectors and, accordingly, on economic 
conditions in Russia, Europe and elsewhere. A decrease in production 
and demand for key commodities in Russia, or in adjacent countries 
where the commodities of the Group’s key customers are shipped by 
rail, as a result of a technological shift, economic downturn, political 
crisis or other event in Russia or another relevant country, negatively 
impacts the Group’s business and growth prospects. 

The management of the Group constantly monitors the 
developments in the operating environment and regulatory regime 
of the railway transportation market in the countries in which the 
Group operates. The Group’s business model is to maintain a 
balanced fleet between universal gondola cars, adaptable to the 
demand for transportation of various bulk cargoes and rail tank cars, 
which are used for the transportation of oil products and oil. Further, 
the Group has long-term, established relationships with its key 
customers and their affiliates and suppliers and in some cases, the 
Group becomes an integrated part of its customers’ operations. 

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

89

Around 60% of the Group’s Net Revenue from the Operation of 
Rolling Stock in 2018 was covered by long-term service contracts 
with several large clients. Such contracts provide additional stability 
and greater certainty regarding transport volumes for the Group. 
In addition, the Group’s marketing function regularly monitors 
competitors’ strategies, their use of technology, their price strategies 
and industry trends. 

Operational risks 
The operational risks faced by the Group that could influence the 
Group’s operational efficiency include the physical state of the 
Russian, Ukrainian, CIS and Baltic countries railway infrastructure 
which may negatively impact the condition of the Group’s rolling 
stock and the performance of the Group; the impact of inflation in 
Russia on the Group’s costs with limited opportunities to increase 
tariffs to customers; the competition for personnel with relevant 
expertise and experience in Russia and the impact on the Group’s 
ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate key employees and 
qualified personnel; reliance on RZD for locomotive traction and 
infrastructure usage and the impact of this on the quality of the 
Group’s freight transportation services and therefore customer 
satisfaction; IT availability and continuity considerations due to 
reliance on specialised trail transport and logistics software for 
ensuring efficient and effective logistics, dispatching and rolling 
stock tracking services; and risks of terrorist attacks, natural disasters 
or other catastrophic events beyond the Group’s control. 

The Group is managing operational risk by ensuring that practically 
all of the Group’s rolling stock is insured against damage. Further, the 
Group monitors its rolling stock through the Group’s dispatch 
centre on a 24/7 basis and plans routes accordingly to minimise the 
risks of disruption. The Group monitors FAS initiatives with the aim 
of detecting possible changes in tariff-setting methodology and tries 
to reflect respective changes in contracts with customers. Among 
the Group’s key objectives are to increase operational efficiency and 
to focus on control and reduction of costs. The Group continuously 
monitors its costs to maintain efficiency. The Human Resource 
function regularly monitors salary levels and other benefits offered 
by competitors to ensure that the Group’s remuneration packages 
are adequate. Customer satisfaction is one of the key metrics that 
the Group’s management monitors, with customer feedback being 
analysed and appropriate follow-up actions being taken. Local IT 
specialists have introduced solutions to maintain the availability of IT 
services and ensure their recovery in case of disruption. The IT 
function and Internal Audit function monitor all IT-related activities 
and performance for compliance with IT policies and procedures. 
Further the Group permanently monitors any disruptive events and 
applies a Business Continuity Policy to ensure the safety of 
employees and human life; maintain continuity of time-critical 
services; minimise disruptions to clients and partners; and minimise 
operational, financial and reputational impact.

Compliance risks 
The Group is also subject to compliance risk, being the risks that 
influence the Group’s adherence to relevant laws and regulations. 
The Group is involved in material legal actions from time to time. 
Some of it may have an adverse effect on the Group. The ambiguity 
of the law in Russia and CIS countries creates regulatory uncertainty 
and might result in claims from different government authorities. 
Local tax, currency and customs legislation, especially in Russia, 
other emerging markets and Cyprus, may be subject to varying 
interpretations, inconsistencies between federal laws, regional and 
local laws, rules and regulations, frequent changes and a lack of 
judicial and administrative guidance on interpreting legislation. 

The Group runs its operations in compliance with tax, currency, 
labour, customs, antimonopoly and other applicable legislation and 
constantly monitors any changes in the regulatory environment as 
well as compliance with the terms of its agreements. Standard forms 
of agreements are used for transportation services, and various 
controls are in place to ensure that the terms of agreements are 
adhered to. All contracts are subject to rigorous review by all of the 
Group functions concerned and a formal approval process prior to 
execution. The Group has controls in place, including highly qualified 
and experienced personnel, to monitor changes in legislation and 
determine the appropriate action needed to minimise the risk of a 
challenge to such treatments by the authorities. For complex 
matters, the Group retains external consultants. 

Financial risks 
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks that 
could influence the Group’s financial performance. These include: 
market risk (including foreign exchange risk, fair value interest rate 
risk and cash flow interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. 

Foreign exchange risk 
As of 31 December 2018, almost 100% of the Group’s long-term 
borrowings are denominated in Russian Rouble. Further, a large 
proportion of the Group’s expenses and revenues are denominated 
and settled in Russian Roubles. Risks related to liabilities 
denominated in foreign currency are partly compensated by assets 
and income denominated in foreign currency. 

The Group is exposed to the effects of currency fluctuations 
between (i) the Russian Rouble and the US Dollar in relation to US 
Dollar denominated balances held in the Company and the Cypriot 
and Russian subsidiaries of the Group having the Russian Rouble as 
their functional currency; (ii) the Euro and the US Dollar for US 
Dollar denominated balances held in the Estonian subsidiaries of the 
Group which have the Euro as their functional currency and (iii) the 
Ukrainian Hryvnia and the US Dollar for the US Dollar denominated 
balances held in the Ukrainian subsidiary of the Group which has the 
Ukrainian Hryvnia as its functional currency.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

90

CONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORT 
continued

A large proportion of the Group’s revenues and expenses are 
denominated and settled in Russian Roubles. At present, the risks 
related to liabilities denominated in foreign currency are not material 
and are partly compensated by assets and income denominated in 
foreign currency. The Group has refinanced all of its US Dollar-
denominated liabilities with long-term debt denominated in Russian 
roubles and as of 31 December 2018 almost 100% of the Group’s 
debt was denominated in Russian Roubles. 

Had US Dollar exchange rate strengthened/weakened by 20% 
against the Russian Rouble and all other variables remained 
unchanged, the post-tax profit of the Group for the year ended 
31 December 2018 would have decreased/increased by RUB 
93,454 thousand (2017: 5% change, effect RUB 11,888 thousand) 
and equity would have increased/decreased by RUB 528,448 
thousand (2017: RUB 125,368 thousand). This is mainly due to 
foreign exchange gains and losses arising upon retranslation of 
cash and cash equivalents and accounts payable denominated in 
US Dollars for the Group entities with Russian Rouble being their 
functional currency. The impact on equity is mainly due to 
foreign exchange gains and losses arising upon retranslation of 
intercompany loans being recognised as part of net investment 
in the foreign operation denominated in US Dollars for the 
Ukrainian subsidiary of the Group. 

Had Euro exchange rate strengthened/weakened by 10% against 
the US Dollar and all other variables remained unchanged, the post-
tax profit of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2018 
would have increased/decreased by RUB 37,260 thousand 
(2017: 10% change, effect RUB 28,517 thousand). This is mainly 
due to foreign exchange gains and losses arising upon retranslation 
of payable balances and cash and cash equivalents and accounts 
receivable denominated in US Dollars for the Estonian 
subsidiaries of the Group. 

Had US Dollar exchange rate strengthened/weakened by 10% 
against the Ukrainian Hryvnia and all other variables remained 
unchanged, the post-tax profit of the Group would have remained 
unchanged (2017: 10% change, no effect on post-tax profit) and 
the equity of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2018 
would have decreased/increased by RUB 132,112 thousand 
(2017: RUB 125,368 thousand). This is mainly due to foreign 
exchange gains and losses arising upon retranslation of 
intercompany loans being recognised as part of net investment 
in the foreign operation denominated in US Dollars for the 
Ukrainian subsidiary of the Group. 

Interest-rate risks 
The Group’s income and operating cash flows are exposed to 
changes in market interest rates. These arise mainly from floating 
rate lease liabilities and borrowings. An increase in market interest 
rates in Russia may negatively influence the Group’s profits. As of 
31 December 2018, the proportion of total debt with a fixed 
interest rate amounted almost to 100%. 

The Group concludes long-term borrowing and finance lease 
contracts to finance purchases of rolling stock and acquisitions of 
subsidiaries. The Group borrows at current market interest rates and 
does not use any hedging instruments to manage interest-rate risk. 

Management monitors changes in interest rates and takes steps to 
mitigate these risks as far as practicable by ensuring that the Group 
has financial liabilities with both floating and fixed interest rates. 
As of 31 December 2018, the proportion of total debt with a fixed 
interest rate amounted to almost 100%. 

Credit risk 
Assets that subject the Group to credit risk consist principally of 
trade receivables, finance lease receivables, loans and other 
receivables and cash and cash equivalents. Furthermore, the Group’s 
business is substantially dependent on a few large key customers, 
including its affiliates and suppliers. Its top 10 clients accounted for 
58.65% of the Group’s trade receivables on 31 December 2018 
(2017: 76.25%). 

The Group has policies in place to ensure that sales of goods and 
services are made to customers with an appropriate credit history. 
The majority of bank balances are held with reliable banks. 

Liquidity risk 
The Group’s business is capital-intensive. The political turmoil 
experienced within Ukraine and sanctions imposed by the United 
States and the European Union on Russia have had a negative impact 
on the Russian financial markets and may limit the Group’s access to 
international sources of funding. The potentials lack of available 
funding from international and Russian sources and increase in 
market interest rates could have a negative impact on the Group’s 
ability to obtain financing for the settlement of its liabilities or cash 
to meet its financial obligations. 

The Group has a budgeting policy in place that allows the 
management to control current liquidity based on expected cash 
flows. These include, among others, operating cash flows, capital 
expenditure needs, funds borrowed from financial institutions 
and funds raised from listed debt instruments. 

Contingencies 
The Group’s contingencies are disclosed in Note 31 to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Future developments 
The Board of Directors does not expect any significant changes in 
the activities of the Group for the foreseeable future. 

The Group’s strategic objective is to strengthen its position as a 
leading private freight rail group in Russia. 

Results 
The Group’s results for the year are set out on pages 102 and 103. 
The Board of Directors recommends the payment of a dividend as 
detailed below and the remaining net profit for the year is retained.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

91

On the date of this report, the Board of Directors of the Company, 
having considered the profitability and liquidity position of the 
Group, recommends a payment of dividend for the year 2018 total 
dividend in the amount of 46.50 Russian Roubles per ordinary 
share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 8,311,453 
thousand, including final dividend for 2018 in the amount of RUB 
1,429,927 thousand or RUB 8.00 per ordinary share/GDR and a 
special final dividend in the amount of RUB 6,881,526 thousand or 
RUB 38.50 per ordinary share/GDR. Such dividends shall be paid in 
US Dollars at the rate as at 19 April 2019, subject to the approval of 
the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 22 April 2019. 

Share capital 
As at 31 December 2018 the issued share capital of the Company 
which remains unchanged from the prior year, comprised 
178,740,916 ordinary shares with a par value of USD 0.10 per share. 

Research and development activities 
The Group has not undertaken any research and development 
activities during the year ended 31 December 2018. 

Events after the balance sheet date 
The events after the balance sheet date are disclosed in Note 34 to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

Branches 
The Group operates through branches and representative offices, 
maintaining eight branches and eight representative offices during 
2018 (11 branches and eight representative offices during 2017). 

Treasury shares 
In 2018 the Company did not own or acquire either directly or 
through a person in his own name but on Company’s behalf any of 
its own shares. 

Going concern 
The Directors have access to all information necessary to exercise 
their duties. The Directors continue to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements based on 
the fact that, after making enquiries and following a review of the 
Group’s budget for 2019, including cash flows and borrowing 
facilities, the Directors consider that the Group has adequate 
resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future.

Dividends 
Pursuant to its Articles of Association, the Company may pay 
dividends out of its profits. To the extent that the Company declares 
and pays dividends, owners of Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) 
on the relevant record date will be entitled to receive dividends 
payable in respect of Ordinary Shares underlying the GDRs, subject 
to the terms of the Deposit Agreement. The Company expects to 
declare dividends in Russian Roubles and pay such dividends in US 
Dollars. If dividends are not paid in US Dollars, except as otherwise 
described under “Terms and Conditions of the Global Depositary 
Receipts – Conversion of Foreign Currency”, they will be converted 
into US Dollars by the Depositary and paid to holders of GDRs net 
of currency conversion expenses. 

The Company is a holding company and thus its ability to pay 
dividends depends on the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends to 
the Company in accordance with relevant legislation and contractual 
restrictions. The payment of such dividends by its subsidiaries is 
contingent upon the sufficiency of their earnings, cash flows and 
distributable reserves. The maximum dividend payable by the 
Company’s subsidiaries is restricted to the total accumulated retained 
earnings of the relevant subsidiary, determined according to the law. 

In April 2017, the shareholders of the Company approved the 
payment of the final dividend in respect of the financial year ended 
31 December 2016 in the amount of 39.20 Russian Roubles per 
ordinary share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 7,006,644 
thousand (US Dollar equivalent of USD 124,605 thousand). 

In August 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company approved 
payment of total dividend in the amount of 44.8 Russian Roubles 
per ordinary share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 
8,007,593 thousand, including interim dividend in the amount of 
RUB 3,603,417 thousand or RUB 20.16 per ordinary share/GDR 
and a special interim dividend in the amount of RUB 4,404,176 
thousand or RUB 24.64 per ordinary share/GDR (US Dollar 
equivalent of USD 135,401 thousand). 

In April 2018, the shareholders of the Company approved the 
payment of a dividend for the financial year ended 31 December 
2017 in the amount of 44.85 Russian Roubles per ordinary 
share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 8,016,530 
thousand, including final dividend for 2017 in the amount of RUB 
4,155,726 thousand or RUB 23.25 per ordinary share/GDR and a 
special final dividend in the amount of RUB 3,860,804 thousand or 
RUB 21.60 per ordinary share/GDR (US Dollar equivalent of 
USD 130,728 thousand). 

In August 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company approved 
payment of total dividend in the amount of 45.9 Russian Roubles 
per ordinary share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 
8,204,208 thousand (US Dollar equivalent of USD 119,724 
thousand), including interim dividend in the amount of RUB 
3,771,433 thousand (US Dollar equivalent of USD 55,037 thousand) 
or RUB 21.10 per ordinary share/GDR and a special interim dividend 
in the amount of RUB 4,432,775 thousand (US Dollar equivalent of 
USD 64,687 thousand) or RUB 24.80 per ordinary share/GDR.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

92

CONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORT 
continued

Auditors 
The Board of Directors in accordance with the requirements of the 
EU introduced into Cypriot legislation undertook a mandatory audit 
tender in respect of the 2019 audit. Following this the Independent 
Auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited, has expressed their 
willingness to continue in office. A resolution giving authority to the 
Board of Directors to fix their remuneration will be proposed at the 
Annual General Meeting. 

with a view to the best interests of the Company, and they are able to 
exercise objective judgement on corporate affairs independently 
from management. 

The members of the Board of Directors at 31 December 2018 and 
at the date of this report are shown on page 85. All of them were 
members of the Board throughout the year 2018, except Mr. Sergey 
Maltsev, who was appointed as Director 23 April 2018. 

Corporate governance 
Globaltrans’ Board of Directors adopted the Company’s Code of 
Corporate Governance (the “Code”), guaranteeing that the 
interests of all shareholders are given due consideration. Although 
the Code is based on principles recommended by the UK Corporate 
Governance Code (formerly the Combined Code), this does not 
constitute voluntary compliance with such governance code. 

Globaltrans’ corporate governance policies and practices are 
designed to ensure that the Group upholds its responsibilities to 
shareholders. As such, all employees are required to comply with 
these guidelines and the Group’s management team takes 
responsibility for ensuring that all departments adhere to these 
standards. These key principles are promoted and applied across all 
levels of the Group in order to establish effective and transparent 
corporate governance. In January 2010, the Board supplemented 
its Code of Corporate Governance with a corporate policy on the 
treatment of the rights of its non-controlling shareholders; this 
aims to ensure fair treatment of the rights of non-controlling 
shareholders of the Company. 

Full details of our governance policies can be found at: 
http://www.globaltrans.com/about-us/corporate-
governance/governance-policies 

The role of the Board of Directors 
The Group is managed by the Board of Directors which is collectively 
responsible to the shareholders for the success of the Group. 

The Board sets the strategic objectives and ensures that the 
necessary resources are in place to enable these objectives to be 
met. The Board is fully involved in decision-making in the most 
important areas of business and conducts regular reviews of the 
Group’s operational and financial performance. One of the Board’s 
key responsibilities is to ensure that there is in place a system of 
prudent and effective risk controls that enable risks to be identified, 
assessed and managed appropriately. 

Members of the Board of Directors 
As at 31 December 2018 and at the date of this report, the Board 
comprises 15 members (2017: 14 members), nine (2017: 10 
members) of whom are Non-executive Directors. Four (2017: four) 
of the Non-executive Directors are independent, they have no 
relationship with the Company, its related companies or their 
officers that could interfere, or be reasonably perceived to interfere, 
with the exercise of the Director’s independent business judgement 

There were no significant changes in the assignment of 
responsibilities of the Board of Directors, with the exception of 
the change in the Chairman of the Board on 23 April 2018 from 
Mr. Michael Zampelas to Mr. Sergey Maltsev. 

There is no provision in the Company’s Articles of Association for 
retirement of Directors by rotation; however, in accordance with 
the terms of reference of the Board of Directors all Board members 
are required to submit for re-election at least once every three years. 
Should a Non-executive Director serve any term beyond six years, 
his/her re-election would be subject to particularly rigorous review. 
In practice, all current appointments are for one year and all 
Directors will stand for re-election at the forthcoming Annual 
General Meeting of shareholders of the Company. 

The total gross remuneration of the members of the Board of 
Directors incurred by the Group in 2018 amounted to RUB 408,987 
thousand (2017: RUB 130,387 thousand). 

Board performance 
The Board held 16 meetings in 2018. The Directors’ attendance is 
presented in the table below. 

                                                                                             Eligible                Attended 

Michael Zampelas                                                    16                       16 

Johann Franz Durrer                                                16                       16 

Carroll Colley                                                            16                       16 

George Papaioannou                                               16                       16 

Alexander Eliseev                                                      16                       14 

Melina Pyrgou                                                           16                       15 

Konstantin Shirokov                                                16                       15 

Alexander Storozhev                                               16                       16 

Marios Tofaros                                                         16                       16 

Elia Nicolaou                                                             16                       16 

Sergey Tolmachev                                                    16                       16 

Sergey Maltsev (Chairman) (1)                                 12                       10 

Andrey Gomon                                                        16                       15 

Alexander Tarasov                                                   16                       16 

Michael Thomaides                                                 16                       16 

(1)  Sergey Maltsev was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors 
on 23 April 2018.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

93

The Board committees 
The Board has established three committees: the Audit Committee, 
the Nomination Committee and the Remuneration Committee. 
A brief description of the terms of reference of the committees is 
set out below. 

Audit Committee 
The Audit Committee comprises three Directors, two of whom are 
independent, and meets at least four times each year. The Audit 
Committee is chaired by Mr. J. Carroll Colley and is also attended by 
Mr. Papaioannou and Ms. Nicolaou. The Audit Committee is 
responsible for considering, among other matters: the integrity of 
the Company’s financial statements, including its annual and interim 
accounts, and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls 
and risk management systems; auditors’ reports and the terms of 
appointment and remuneration of the auditor. 

The Committee supervises, monitors and advises the Board on risk 
management and control systems and the implementation of codes 
of conduct. In addition, the Audit Committee supervises the 
submission by the Company of financial information and a number 
of other audit-related issues. The Audit Committee is also 
responsible for assessing the efficiency of the performance of the 
Chairman of the Board. 

The remuneration of Independent Directors is a matter for the 
Chairman of the Board and the Executive Directors. No Director 
or manager may be involved in any decisions as to his/her 
own remuneration.  

Board and management remuneration 
Non-executive Directors serve on the Board pursuant to the letters 
of appointment which are subject to approval by the shareholders at 
the Annual General Meeting. Such letters of appointment specify 
the terms of appointment and the remuneration of Non-executive 
Directors. Appointments are for one year. 

Levels of remuneration for Non-executive Directors reflect the time 
commitment, responsibilities of the role and membership of the 
respective committees of the Board. Directors are also reimbursed 
for expenses associated with discharge of their duties. 

The shareholders of the Company approved the remuneration of 
the members of the Board of Directors at the Annual General 
Meeting of shareholders held on 23 April 2018. 

Refer to Note 33 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for details 
of remuneration of Directors and other key management personnel. 

The Audit Committee manages the relationship with the external 
auditor on behalf of the Board. It considers the reappointment of 
the external auditor each year, as well as remuneration and other 
terms of engagement, and makes a recommendation to the Board. 
Shareholders are asked to approve the reappointment of the auditor 
each year at the Annual General Meeting. 

Diversity policy 
The Company does not have a formal Board diversity policy to 
aspects such as age, gender or educational and professional 
backgrounds, but, following best practice, while making the new 
appointments and considering the current composition of the 
Board of Directors, these aspects are taken into account. 

The Internal Audit function is carried out internally by the Group’s 
Internal Audit Service (“IAS”). IAS is responsible for testing the 
systems of risk management, internal control and corporate 
governance of the Group. 

Nomination Committee 
The Nomination Committee comprises two Independent Directors 
and meets at least once a year. The Nomination Committee is 
chaired by Mr. Zampelas and Dr. Durrer is the other member. The 
Committee’s remit is to prepare selection criteria and appointment 
procedures for members of the Board and to review on a regular basis 
the structure, size and composition of the Board. In undertaking this 
role, the Committee refers to the skills, knowledge and experience 
required of the Board, given the Company’s stage of development, 
and makes recommendations to the Board as to any changes. The 
Committee also considers future appointments in respect of the 
Board’s composition and makes recommendations regarding the 
membership of the Audit and Remuneration Committees. 

Remuneration Committee 
The Remuneration Committee comprises two Independent 
Directors and meets at least once a year. The Remuneration 
Committee is chaired by Dr. Durrer and Mr. Zampelas is the other 
member. The Committee’s responsibility is the determination and 
review of, among other matters, the remuneration of Executive 
Directors, and the review of the Company’s remuneration policies. 

As of the date of publication of these financial statements the Board 
has two females representing approximately 13.3% from the total 
number of Directors. The age of the members of the Board of 
Directors ranges from over 35 to over 70 years, with the average age 
of Directors being 52 years. The Board members have the following 
educational backgrounds: transportation and ports industry, 
accounting, economics and financial, banking sector and legal, 
engineering and mechanics, biophysics and mathematics, history, 
international affairs and risk management. 

Further details of the corporate governance regime of the 
Company can be found on the website: 
http://www.globaltrans.com/about-us/corporate-governance/ 

Regulations with regard to the amendment 
of the Articles of Association 
The Articles of Association of the Company may be amended from 
time to time by special resolution at the General Meeting of the 
Shareholders.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

94

CONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORT 
continued

Company’s internal control and risk 
management systems in relation to the 
financial reporting process 
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of the 
Consolidated Financial Statements that give a true and fair view in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the European Union and the requirements of the Cyprus 
Companies Law, Cap. 113, and for such internal control as the Board 
of Directors determines is necessary to enable the preparation of 
Consolidated Financial Statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Board of 
Directors is responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to continue 
as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the 
Board of Directors either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease 
operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the 
Group’s financial reporting process. 

The Board is primarily responsible for establishing a framework 
of prudent and effective controls that enables risks to be assessed 
and managed. 

The Audit Committee assists the Board in this task by reviewing and 
assessing the Group’s internal control and risk management 
processes in relation to Group’s financial reporting process. 

The system of controls is designed to manage rather than eliminate 
the risks relevant to the Group’s operations and, therefore, can only 
provide reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against material 
errors, losses, fraud or breaches of laws and regulations. 

At Globaltrans, the body responsible for internal audit is the 
Internal Audit Service (“IAS”). It tests the Group’s systems of risk 
management, internal control and corporate governance to obtain 
a reasonable assurance that: 

•

the risk management system functions efficiently; 

•

•

•

•

material financial, management and operating information is 
accurate, reliable and up to date; 

the actions of employees and management bodies are in 
compliance with the Group’s policies, standards and procedures 
and the applicable laws; 

resources are procured reasonably and used efficiently and 
their safekeeping is fully guaranteed; and 

Group companies conduct their business in compliance with 
applicable laws.

Each year, the Audit Committee approves an internal audit plan, 
which is developed by identifying the audit universe, performing a 
risk analysis and obtaining input from management relative to risks, 
controls and governance processes. The internal auditor regularly 
reports to the Audit Committee on the progress of planned audits. 
If any material internal control deficiencies are identified, they are 
communicated to the Audit Committee, and consequently to the 
Board, at once. 

Significant direct or indirect holdings 
(including indirect shareholding through 
structures or cross shareholdings) 
The issued share capital of the Company consists of 178,740,916 
ordinary shares with a nominal value of USD 0.10 each, a certain 
portion of which is held in the form of Global Depositary Receipts 
(“GDRs”). The GDRs represent one ordinary share each and are 
listed and traded on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange 
under the ticker GLTR. The free float of Globaltrans amounts to 
approximately 55.5% (1) of the issued share capital. The Bank of 
New York Mellon is the depositary bank for the GDR programme 
of the Company. 

The shareholder structure of the Company as at 31 December 2018 
was as follows: 

Onyx Investments Ltd (2)                                                               11.5% 

Marigold Investments Ltd (2)                                                         11.5% 

Maple Valley Investments Ltd (2)                                                  10.8% 

Litten Investments Ltd (3)                                                                 5.8% 

Goldriver Resources Ltd (4)                                                              4.7% 

Controlled by Directors and 
  management of Globaltrans                                                        0.2% 

Free float (1)                                                                                     55.5% 

(1) For these purposes, the free float consists of the ordinary shares and GDRs held by 

investors not affiliated or associated with the Company. 

(2) Nikita Mishin, Andrey Filatov and Konstantin Nikolaev are co-founders of the 

Company and beneficiaries with regard to 11.5%, 11.5% and 10.8% respectively of 
Globaltrans’ ordinary share capital each through their respective SPVs (Onyx 
Investments Ltd, Marigold Investments Ltd and Maple Valley Investments Ltd). 

(3) Beneficially owned by Alexander Eliseev, Executive Director and co-founder of 

the Company. 

(4) Beneficially owned by Sergey Maltsev, Executive Director and co-founder of 

the Company.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

95

Directors’ interests 
The interests in the share capital of Globaltrans Investment PLC and its Group companies, both direct and indirect, of those who were 
Directors of the Company as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 are shown below: 

Name                                                                               Type of holding                                                                                                                 2018                                    2017 

Alexander Eliseev                                             Indirect holding of ordinary shares and GDRs                           10,315,790                  11,318,909 

Sergey Maltsev                                                 Indirect holding of ordinary shares and GDRs                              8,382,860                                n/a 

Johann Franz Durrer                                        Holding of GDRs                                                                                 160,606                        160,606

The holders of special titles that provide 
special control rights and description 
of such rights 
The Company does not have any titles with special rights. 

Any restrictions in exercising of  
voting rights of shares 
There are no restrictions in the exercising of voting rights 
of shares issued by the Company. 

By Order of the Board 

Sergey Tolmachev 
Director 

Limassol, 29 March 2019

 
 
Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

96

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY

The Company’s Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation 
of Consolidated Financial Statements that give a true and fair view in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the European Union and the requirements of the Cyprus 
Companies Law, Cap.113, and for such internal control as the Board 
of Directors determines it necessary to enable the preparation of 
Consolidated Financial Statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Board of 
Directors is responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to continue 
as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the 
Board of Directors either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease 
operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the 
Group’s financial reporting process. 

Each of the Directors confirms to the best of his or her knowledge 
that the Consolidated Financial Statements (presented on pages 102 
to 173) give a true and fair view of the financial position of Globaltrans 
Investment PLC (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (together with 
the Company, the “Group”) as at 31 December 2018 and of its 
financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the European Union and the requirements of the 
Cyprus Companies Law, Cap.113. 

Further, each of the Directors confirms to the best of his or her 
knowledge that: 

(i) proper books of account have been kept by the Company; 

(ii) the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements are in 

agreement with the books of account; 

(iii) the Consolidated Financial Statements give the information 
required by the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap.113 in the 
manner so required;

(iv) the Consolidated Management Report has been prepared in 
accordance with the requirements of the Cyprus Companies 
Law, Cap.113, and the information given therein is consistent 
with the Consolidated Financial Statements; 

(v) the information included in the corporate governance 
statement in accordance with the requirements of 
subparagraphs (iv) and (v) of paragraph 2(a) of Article 151 of 
the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113, and which is included as a 
specific section of the Consolidated Management Report, have 
been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the 
Cyprus Companies Law, Cap, 113, and is consistent with the 
Consolidated Financial Statements; and 

(vi) the corporate governance statement includes all information 
referred to in subparagraphs (i), (ii), (iii), (vi) and (vii) of 
paragraph 2(a) of Article 151 of the Cyprus Companies Law, 
Cap. 113. 

By order of the Board 

Sergey Tolmachev 
Director 

Limassol, 29 March 2019

 
 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 
to the Members of Globaltrans Investment PLC 

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

97

Report on the Audit of the 
Consolidated Financial Statements 
Our opinion 
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements 
of Globaltrans Investment PLC (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries 
(together the “Group”) give a true and fair view of the consolidated 
financial position of the Group as at 31 December 2018, and of its 
consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows 
for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and 
the requirements of the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113. 

What we have audited 
We have audited the consolidated financial statements which are 
presented in pages 102 to 173 and comprise: 

•

the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2018; 

•

the consolidated income statement for the year then ended; 

•

•

the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the 
year then ended; 

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year 
then ended; 

•

the consolidated cash flow statement for the year then ended; and 

•

the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include 
a summary of significant accounting policies. 

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the 
preparation of the consolidated financial statements is International 
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union 
and the requirements of the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113. 

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards 
on Auditing (ISAs). Our responsibilities under those standards are 
further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of 
the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient 
and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Independence 
We remained independent of the Group throughout the period of 
our appointment in accordance with the International Ethics 
Standards Board for Accountants’ Code of Ethics for Professional 
Accountants (IESBA Code) together with the ethical requirements 
that are relevant to our audit of the consolidated financial statements 
in Cyprus and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in 
accordance with these requirements and the IESBA Code. 

Our audit approach 
Overview 
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and 
assessed the risks of material misstatement in the consolidated 
financial statements. In particular, we considered where the Board of 
Directors made subjective judgements; for example, in respect of 
significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions 
and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. As in all 
of our audits, we also addressed the risk of management override of 
internal controls, including among other matters, consideration of 
whether there was evidence of bias that represented a risk of 
material misstatement due to fraud.

Materiality

Audit scope

Areas of
focus

Overall group materiality: RUB 1,272,000 thousand, which represents approximately 
5% of profit before tax. 

We conducted full scope audit for the parent entity, all the significant components and the 
group consolidation. 

For the non-significant components we performed full scope audit, specified procedures over 
specific financial statement lines and/or analytical procedures. 

We have identified revenue recognition under IFRS 15 “Revenue from contracts with customers”, 
including impact of adoption on 1 January 2018 as the key audit matter.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltd, City House, 6 Karaiskakis Street, CY-3032 Limassol, Cyprus 
P O Box 53034, CY-3300 Limassol, Cyprus 
T: +357 25 - 555 000, F:+357 - 25 555 001, www.pwc.com.cy 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltd is a private company registered in Cyprus (Reg. No.143594). Its registered office is at 3 Themistocles Dervis Street, CY-1066, Nicosia. A list of the 
company’s directors, including for individuals the present and former (if any) name and surname and nationality, if not Cypriot and for legal entities the corporate name, is kept by the 
Secretary of the company at its registered office. PwC refers to the Cyprus member firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltd and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm 
is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.  

 
Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

98

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 
continued

Materiality 
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of 
materiality. An audit is designed to obtain reasonable assurance 
whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material 
misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They 
are considered material if individually or in aggregate, they could 
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users 
taken on the basis of the consolidated financial statements. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined certain 
quantitative thresholds for materiality, including the overall group 
materiality for the consolidated financial statements as a whole as 
set out in the table below. These, together with qualitative 
considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and 
the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and to 
evaluate the effect of misstatements, both individually and in 
aggregate on the consolidated financial statements as a whole. 

Overall group materiality   RUB 1,272,000 thousand 

How we determined it        Approximately 5% of profit before tax 

For financial reporting purposes, the Group is structured into 10 
reporting units/components, comprising the Company and 
subsidiary or sub-subsidiary entities of the Company. We conducted 
full scope audit of the group consolidation, the parent entity and the 
3 reporting units, in 2 countries, which were assessed as significant 
components due to their individual financial significance to the 
Group. For the non-significant components we performed full 
scope audit, specified procedures over specific financial statement 
lines and/or analytical procedures. 

In establishing the overall approach to the group audit, we 
determined the scope of work that needed to be performed for 
each reporting unit and whether this would be performed by us, as 
the group engagement team, or component auditors from other 
PwC network firms, operating under our instructions. Where the 
work was performed by component auditors, we, as group auditors, 
determined the level of involvement we needed to have in the audit 
work at those reporting units to be able to conclude whether 
sufficient appropriate audit evidence had been obtained as a basis 
for our opinion on the consolidated financial statements as a whole. 

Rationale for the 
materiality benchmark 
applied

We chose the profit before tax as the  
benchmark, because in our view, it is  
the benchmark against which the 
performance of the Group is most 
commonly measured by the users of the 
consolidated financial statements and is 
a generally accepted benchmark. We 
chose 5% which is within the range of 
acceptable quantitative materiality 
thresholds in auditing standards. 

Our involvement in that work included, amongst others, discussion 
and agreement over the nature, timing and extent of the work of 
the component audit teams, frequent communications with the 
component audit teams to ensure that our audit plan was 
appropriately executed and review of the audit work performed 
by these component audit teams. We focused our review on 
significant/complex areas, such as the audit of the Group’s revenue 
recognition policy under IFRS 15 “Revenue from contracts with 
customers”, including the impact of adoption on 1 January 2018. 
The group consolidation and consolidated financial statement 
disclosures have been audited by the group engagement team. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them 
misstatements identified during our audit above RUB 63,600 
thousand as well as misstatements below that amount that, in our 
view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons. 

How we tailored our group audit scope 
Globaltrans Investment PLC is the parent of a group of companies 
situated in a number of territories; namely Russia, Ukraine, Estonia, 
Finland and Cyprus. The financial information of these companies is 
included in the consolidated financial statements of Globaltrans 
Investment PLC. 

Considering our ultimate responsibility for the opinion on the 
Company’s consolidated financial statements, we are responsible for 
the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. In this 
context, we tailored the scope of our audit and determined the 
nature and extent of the audit procedures for the components of the 
Group to ensure that we perform sufficient work to enable us to 
provide an opinion on the consolidated financial statements as a 
whole. Factors that were taken into account were, amongst others, 
the structure of the Group, the financial significance and/or risk 
profile and activities of each component, the Group’s accounting 
processes and controls and the industry in which the Group operates.

By performing the procedures above at components’ level, 
combined with the additional procedures at group level, we have 
obtained sufficient and appropriate audit evidence regarding the 
consolidated financial information of the Group as a whole to 
provide a basis for our audit opinion on the consolidated 
financial statements. 

Key audit matters incorporating the most significant risks of 
material misstatements, including assessed risk of material 
misstatements due to fraud 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional 
judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the consolidated 
financial statements of the current period. These matters were 
addressed in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial 
statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we 
do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

99

Key Audit Matter

How our audit addressed the Key Audit Matter

Revenue recognition under IFRS 15 “Revenue from contracts with customers”, including impact of adoption on 1 January 2018

IFRS 15 “Revenue from contracts with customers” and its 
subsequent amendment were effective for the Group from 
1 January 2018. 

In accordance with the transition provisions of IFRS 15, the Group 
has elected the simplified transition method for the purpose of 
adopting the new standard which allows the cumulative effect of 
transition to IFRS 15 to be recognised as at 1 January 2018 as an 
adjustment to the opening retained earnings directly in equity. 

As a result, the Group changed its accounting policy for revenue 
recognition as at 1 January 2018. 

We focused our audit effort on the Board of Directors’ 
assessment of the impact of adoption and ongoing impact of 
IFRS 15 on the Group’s accounting policy for operator’s services 
contracts due to the fact that: 

•

the Board of Directors exercised complex and subjective 
judgements in the process of applying the principles of IFRS 15 
to the Group’s operator’s services contracts and, accordingly, 
in the process of assessing the impact of adoption and the 
ongoing impact of the new accounting standard on the 
Group’s accounting policies for the said revenue stream and in 
preparing the relevant disclosures; and 

•

the Group’s revenue from operator’s services contracts is 
material in the context of the consolidated financial statements. 

Note 3 “Adoption of new or revised standards and 
interpretations”, Note 4 “Summary of significant accounting 
policies”, Note 7 “Critical accounting estimates and judgements” 
and Note 10 “Revenue” to the consolidated financial statements 
provide detailed information regarding the Board of Directors’ 
assessment, and basis thereon and the Group’s new accounting 
policies for revenue recognition as from 1 January 2018.

We evaluated and challenged the Board of Directors’ judgements 
around the impact of adoption and ongoing impact of the new 
accounting standard from 1 January 2018 and the adequacy and 
appropriateness of the disclosures in this respect. We involved 
PwC accounting technical experts to assist us in this process. 

In particular: 

•

•

•

•

•

We obtained the Board of Directors’ assessment of the impact 
of adoption of the new accounting standard on the Group’s 
revenue streams. 

We assessed the completeness of the analysis by reference to the 
Group’s revenue streams for the year ended 31 December 2017. 

We challenged the Board of Directors’ analysis and 
judgements for a sample of revenue contracts by reference 
to the five-step model in IFRS 15. 

We focused on the critical judgements that had the most 
significant effect on the Board of Directors’ conclusion. 
In particular: 

(i) we challenged the Board of Directors’ assessment as to 

why the services promised in operator’s services contracts 
are not distinct in the context of the contracts and, 
accordingly, why these are considered to constitute a 
single performance obligation; and 

(ii) we challenged the Board of Directors’ assessment as to the 
basis for concluding that the Group is acting as a principal 
for operator’s services contracts for which the OAO 
“Russian Railways” tariffs are borne by the Group. 

We assessed whether the Group entered into new types of 
contracts with customers or amended the terms of existing 
contracts with customers within the year ended 31 December 
2018 requiring assessment under the new accounting standard. 

We lastly evaluated the adequacy of the disclosures made in 
Notes 3, 4, 7 and 10 of the consolidated financial statements 
and compared the disclosures against the requirements of IFRS 
15 “Revenue from contracts with customers” and IAS 1 
“Presentation of financial statements”. 

As a result of the above procedures, we determined that the 
Board of Directors’ judgements are appropriate and reasonable 
and the disclosures included in the consolidated financial 
statements are adequate. 

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

100

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 
continued

Reporting on other information 
The Board of Directors is responsible for the other information. 
The other information comprises the information included in the 
Consolidated Management Report, including the Corporate 
Governance Statement, and the Directors’ responsibility which we 
obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s report, and the Company’s 
complete Annual Report, including the Non-Financial Information 
and Diversity Statement, which is expected to be made available to us 
after that date. Other information does not include the consolidated 
financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 

Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not 
cover the other information and we do not and will not express any 
form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial 
statements, our responsibility is to read the other information 
identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other 
information is materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial 
statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise 
appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have 
performed on the other information that we obtained prior to the 
date of this auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a material 
misstatement of this other information, we are required to report 
that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

When we read the Company’s complete Annual Report, including 
the Non-Financial Information and Diversity Statement, if we 
conclude that there is a material misstatement therein, we are 
required to communicate the matter to those charged with 
governance and, if not corrected, we will bring the matter to the 
attention of the members of the Company at the Company’s 
Annual General Meeting and we will take such other action as 
may be required. 

Responsibilities of the Board of Directors and those charged 
with governance for the Consolidated Financial Statements 
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of the 
consolidated financial statements that give a true and fair view in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the European Union and the requirements of the Cyprus 
Companies Law, Cap. 113, and for such internal control as the Board 
of Directors determines is necessary to enable the preparation of 
consolidated financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Board of 
Directors is responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to continue 
as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the 
Board of Directors either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease 
operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the 
Group’s financial reporting process.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the audit of the 
Consolidated Financial Statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s 
report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level 
of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in 
accordance with ISAs will always detect a material misstatement 
when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are 
considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could 
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users 
taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements. 

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional 
judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the 
audit. We also: 

•

•

•

•

•

•

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the 
consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, 
design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, 
and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to 
provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material 
misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting 
from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional 
omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. 

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit 
in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the 
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion 
on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control. 

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the 
reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures 
made by the Board of Directors. 

Conclude on the appropriateness of the Board of Directors’ use of 
the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit 
evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related 
to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the 
Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that 
a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in 
our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the consolidated 
financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to 
modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit 
evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. 
However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to 
cease to continue as a going concern. 

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the 
consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures, and 
whether the consolidated financial statements represent the 
underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves a 
true and fair view. 

Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the 
financial information of the entities or business activities within 
the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial 
statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and 
performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for 
our audit opinion.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

101

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, 
among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and 
significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in 
internal control that we identify during our audit. 

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement 
that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding 
independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and 
other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our 
independence, and where applicable, related safeguards. 

From the matters communicated with those charged with 
governance, we determine those matters that were of most 
significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements of 
the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. 

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements 
Pursuant to the requirements of Article 10(2) of the EU Regulation 
537/2014 we provide the following information in our 
Independent Auditor’s Report, which is required in addition to the 
requirements of International Standards on Auditing. 

Appointment of the Auditor and Period of Engagement 
We were first appointed as auditors of the Company in 2005 by 
shareholders’ resolution for the audit of the financial statements for 
the year ended 31 December 2004. Our appointment has been 
renewed annually since then, by shareholders’ resolution. In 2008 the 
Company listed Global Depository Receipts on the Main Market of 
the London Stock Exchange and, accordingly, the first financial year 
after the Company qualified as a European Union Public Interest 
Entity was the year ended 31 December 2009. Since then, the total 
period of uninterrupted engagement appointment was 10 years. 

Consistency of the Additional Report to the Audit Committee 
We confirm that our audit opinion on the consolidated financial 
statements expressed in this report is consistent with the additional 
report to the Audit Committee of the Company, which we issued on 
28 March 2019 in accordance with Article 11 of the EU Regulation 
537/2014. 

Provision of Non-audit Services 
We declare that no prohibited non-audit services referred to in 
Article 5 of the EU Regulation 537/2014 and Section 72 of the 
Auditors Law of 2017 were provided. In addition, there are no non-
audit services which were provided by us to the Group and which 
have not been disclosed in the consolidated financial statements or 
the consolidated management report. 

Other Legal Requirements 
Pursuant to the additional requirements of the Auditors Law of 
2017, we report the following: 

•

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our 
audit, the consolidated management report has been prepared in 
accordance with the requirements of the Cyprus Companies Law, 
Cap. 113, and the information given is consistent with the 
consolidated financial statements.

•

•

•

•

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and its 
environment obtained in the course of the audit, we are required 
to report if we have identified material misstatements in the 
consolidated management report. We have nothing to report in 
this respect. 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our 
audit, the information included in the corporate governance 
statement in accordance with the requirements of subparagraphs 
(iv) and (v) of paragraph 2(a) of Article 151 of the Cyprus 
Companies Law, Cap. 113, and which is included as a specific 
section of the consolidated management report, have been 
prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Cyprus 
Companies Law, Cap, 113, and is consistent with the consolidated 
financial statements. 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our 
audit, the corporate governance statement includes all information 
referred to in subparagraphs (i), (ii), (iii), (vi) and (vii) of paragraph 
2(a) of Article 151 of the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113. 

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and its 
environment obtained in the course of the audit, we are required 
to report if we have identified material misstatements in the 
corporate governance statement in relation to the information 
disclosed for items (iv) and (v) of subparagraph 2(a) of Article 151 
of the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113. We have nothing to 
report in this respect. 

Other Matter 
This report, including the opinion, has been prepared for and only for 
the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Article 10(1) 
of the EU Regulation 537/2014 and Section 69 of the Auditors Law 
of 2017 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this opinion, 
accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other 
person to whose knowledge this report may come to. 

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent 
auditor’s report is Anna Loizou. 

Anna Loizou 
Certified Public Accountant and Registered Auditor 
for and on behalf of 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited 
Certified Public Accountants and Registered Auditors 

City House, 6 Karaiskakis Street, 
CY-3032 Limassol, Cyprus 

29 March 2019

 
 
Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

102

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 
for the year ended 31 December 2018 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                          Note                             RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Revenue                                                                                                                                                 10                 86,772,742                  78,080,532 
Cost of sales                                                                                                                                           11                (55,154,376)               (54,608,847) 

Gross profit                                                                                                                                                               31,618,366                  23,471,685 
Selling and marketing costs                                                                                                                 11                     (220,542)                     (237,640) 
Administrative expenses                                                                                                                      11                  (4,629,044)                 (3,851,492) 
Reversal of impairment charge of intangible assets                                                                         18                                    –                        630,223 
Other income                                                                                                                                                                  133,754                          57,967 
Other (losses)/gains – net                                                                                                                  12                          (1,479)                        85,392 

Operating profit                                                                                                                                                       26,901,055                  20,156,135 

Finance income                                                                                                                                     14                       377,445                        480,585 
Finance costs                                                                                                                                         14                  (1,778,460)                 (2,046,403) 
Net foreign exchange transaction losses on financing activities                                                     14                        (40,219)                     (236,540) 

Finance costs – net                                                                                                                               14                  (1,441,234)                 (1,802,358) 

Profit before income tax                                                                                                                                         25,459,821                  18,353,777 
Income tax expense                                                                                                                             15                  (5,876,386)                 (4,533,903) 

Profit for the year                                                                                                                                                     19,583,435                  13,819,874 

Profit attributable to: 
– owners of the Company                                                                                                                                        17,671,968                  12,288,777 
– non-controlling interest                                                                                                                                          1,911,467                    1,531,097 

                                                                                                                                                                                     19,583,435                  13,819,874 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (thousand)                                                                          178,741                        178,741 

Basic and diluted earnings per share for profit attributable to the equity holders 
of the Company during the year (expressed in RUB per share) (1)                                                  30                            98.87                            68.75 

(1)  Basic and diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number 
of ordinary shares in issue during the year. 

The notes on pages 107 to 173 of these Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

103

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
for the year ended 31 December 2018 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Profit for the year                                                                                                                                                     19,583,435                  13,819,874 

Other comprehensive income: 
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss 
Currency translation differences                                                                                                                               1,282,549                        504,640 

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss 
Currency translation differences attributable to non-controlling interest                                                              622,618                        299,095 

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax                                                                                        1,905,167                        803,735 

Total comprehensive income for the year                                                                                                          21,488,602                  14,623,609 

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to: 
– owners of the Company                                                                                                                                        18,954,517                  12,793,417 
– non-controlling interest                                                                                                                                          2,540,065                    1,830,192 

                                                                                                                                                                                     21,494,582                  14,623,609 

Items in the statement above are disclosed net of tax. There is no income tax relating to the components of other comprehensive 
income above. 

The notes on pages 107 to 173 of these Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

104

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 
at 31 December 2018 

                                                                                                                                                                                                             31 December 2018           31 December 2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                          Note                             RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Assets 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment                                                                                                          17                 74,764,903                  64,770,907 
Intangible assets                                                                                                                                    18                       757,209                    1,453,801 
Other assets                                                                                                                                          22                    1,019,572                        436,855 
Trade receivables                                                                                                                                  21                       221,805                        183,516 
Loans and other receivables                                                                                                                21                         11,904                          16,857 

Total non-current assets                                                                                                                                           76,775,393                  66,861,936 

Current assets 
Inventories                                                                                                                                            23                       904,375                        776,341 
Other assets                                                                                                                                          22                    3,587,790                    2,569,514 
Loans and other receivables                                                                                                                21                       262,846                          49,367 
Trade receivables                                                                                                                                  21                    2,365,723                    2,179,954 
Current income tax assets                                                                                                                                              191,277                          18,273 
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                   24                    7,129,918                    4,966,171 

Total current assets                                                                                                                                                   14,441,929                  10,559,620 

Total assets                                                                                                                                                                91,217,322                  77,421,556 

Equity and liabilities 
Equity attributable to the owners of the Company 
Share capital                                                                                                                                          25                       516,957                        516,957 
Share premium                                                                                                                                     25                 27,929,478                  27,929,478 
Common control transaction reserve                                                                                                                   (10,429,876)               (10,429,876) 
Translation reserve                                                                                                                                                      4,317,675                    3,035,126 
Capital contribution                                                                                                                                                    2,694,851                    2,694,851 
Retained earnings                                                                                                                                                      22,598,941                  21,146,195 

Total equity attributable to the owners of the Company                                                                                     47,628,026                  44,892,731 
Non-controlling interest                                                                                                                                             5,897,408                    5,724,899 

Total equity                                                                                                                                                                 53,525,434                  50,617,630 

Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings                                                                                                                                            27                 17,269,321                    9,050,768 
Trade and other payables                                                                                                                    29                       404,357                                    – 
Deferred tax liabilities                                                                                                                          28                    6,284,868                    5,908,319 

Total non-current liabilities                                                                                                                                      23,958,546                  14,959,087 

Current liabilities 
Borrowings                                                                                                                                            27                    8,459,590                    7,280,588 
Trade and other payables                                                                                                                    29                    2,549,337                    4,413,656 
Contract liabilities                                                                                                                                 10                    2,673,467                                    – 
Current tax liabilities                                                                                                                                                          50,948                        150,595 

Total current liabilities                                                                                                                                              13,733,342                  11,844,839 

Total liabilities                                                                                                                                                          37,691,888                  26,803,926 

Total equity and liabilities                                                                                                                                       91,217,322                  77,421,556 

On 29 March 2019, the Board of Directors of Globaltrans Investment PLC authorised these financial statements for issue. 

By order of the Board 

Sergey Tolmachev,                                        Konstantin Shirokov, 
Director                                                      Director 

The notes on pages 107 to 173 of these Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

105

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
for the year ended 31 December 2018 

                                                                                                                                      Attributable to the owners of the Company 

                                                                                                                                            Common 
                                                                                                                                                control                                                                                                                        Non-  
                                                                                               Share                Share      transaction      Translation              Capital          Retained                                controlling  
Year ended                                                                   capital         premium             reserve             reserve   contribution           earnings                Total            interest                Total 
31 December 2017                          Note         RUB’000         RUB’000         RUB’000         RUB’000         RUB’000         RUB’000         RUB’000         RUB’000         RUB’000 

Balance at 1 January 2017                                         516,957     27,929,478   (10,429,876)      2,530,486       2,694,851     23,871,655     47,113,551       6,094,707     53,208,258 

Comprehensive income 
Profit for the year                                                                         –                        –                        –                        –                        –     12,288,777     12,288,777       1,531,097     13,819,874 

Other comprehensive income 
Currency translation differences                                               –                        –                        –           504,640                        –                        –           504,640           299,095           803,735 

Total comprehensive 
income for 2017                                                                        –                        –                        –           504,640                        –     12,288,777     12,793,417       1,830,192     14,623,609 

Transactions with owners 
Dividends to owners 
  of the Company                                            26                        –                        –                        –                        –                        –   (15,014,237)  (15,014,237)                      –   (15,014,237) 
Dividends to non- 
  controlling interest                                       26                        –                        –                        –                        –                        –                        –                        –      (2,200,000)    (2,200,000) 

Total transactions with owners                                            –                        –                        –                        –                        –   (15,014,237)  (15,014,237)    (2,200,000)  (17,214,237) 

 Balance at 31 December 2017                                 516,957     27,929,478   (10,429,876)      3,035,126       2,694,851     21,146,195     44,892,731       5,724,899     50,617,630 

                                                                                                                                      Attributable to the owners of the Company 

                                                                                                                                            Common 
                                                                                                                                                control                                                                                                                        Non-  
                                                                                               Share                Share      transaction      Translation              Capital          Retained                                controlling  
Year ended                                                                   capital         premium             reserve             reserve   contribution           earnings                Total            interest                Total 
31 December 2018                          Note         RUB’000         RUB’000         RUB’000         RUB’000         RUB’000         RUB’000         RUB’000         RUB’000         RUB’000 

Balance at 1 January 2018                                         516,957     27,929,478   (10,429,876)      3,035,126       2,694,851     21,146,195     44,892,731       5,724,899     50,617,630 

Comprehensive income 
Profit for the year                                                                         –                        –                        –                        –                        –     17,671,968     17,671,968       1,911,467     19,583,435 

Other comprehensive income 
Currency translation differences                                               –                        –                        –       1,282,549                        –                        –       1,282,549           622,618       1,905,167 

Total comprehensive 
income for 2018                                                                        –                        –                        –       1,282,549                        –     17,671,968     18,954,517       2,534,085     21,488,602 

Transactions with owners 
Dividends to owners 
  of the Company                                            26                        –                        –                        –                        –                        –   (16,220,738)  (16,220,738)                      –   (16,220,738) 
Dividends to non- 
  controlling interest                                       26                        –                        –                        –                        –                        –                        –                        –      (1,723,005)    (1,723,005) 
Increase in share capital 
  of subsidiary                                                                                –                        –                        –                        –                        –                        –                        –           200,061           200,061 
Payments to non- 
  controlling interest                                       19                        –                        –                        –                        –                        –                        –                        –         (831,136)        (831,136) 
Acquisition of non- 
  controlling interest                                       19                        –                        –                        –                        –                        –               1,516               1,516              (7,496)            (5,980) 

Total transactions with owners                                            –                        –                        –                        –                        –   (16,219,222)  (16,219,222)    (2,361,576)  (18,580,798) 

 Balance at 31 December 2018                                 516,957     27,929,478   (10,429,876)      4,317,675       2,694,851     22,598,941     47,628,026       5,897,408     53,525,434 

The notes on pages 107 to 173 of these Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

106

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT 
for the year ended 31 December 2018 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                          Note                             RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Cash flows from operating activities 
Profit before tax                                                                                                                                                         25,459,821                  18,353,777 
Adjustments for: 
– Depreciation of property, plant and equipment                                                                           17                    5,110,715                    4,962,459 
– Amortisation of intangible assets                                                                                                    18                       696,702                        717,986 
– Net (gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment                                                          17                        (27,347)                        28,507 
– Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs                                                                            17                       377,284                        528,039 
– Reversal of impairment charge on intangible assets                                                                     18                                    –                      (630,223) 
– Impairment of property, plant and equipment                                                                             17                         10,073                        111,172 
– Profit on sale of associates                                                                                                                12                                    –                        (60,888) 
– Net impairment losses on financial assets                                                                                      11                         29,713                          60,755 
– Interest income                                                                                                                                 14                     (377,445)                     (480,585) 
– Interest expense and other finance costs                                                                                       14                    1,778,460                    2,046,403 
– Net foreign exchange transaction losses on financing activities                                                 14                         40,219                        236,540 
– Other income/(losses)                                                                                                                                                (10,940)                           3,505 

                                                                                                                                                                                     33,087,255                  25,877,447 
Changes in working capital 
– Inventories                                                                                                                                                                    169,562                        106,437 
– Trade receivables                                                                                                                                                        (316,527)                       (78,548) 
– Other assets                                                                                                                                                             (1,042,367)                      859,188 
– Other receivables                                                                                                                                                          (66,210)                       (17,160) 
– Trade and other payables                                                                                                                                            262,742                        748,209 
– Contract liabilities                                                                                                                                                        507,939                                    – 

Cash generated from operations                                                                                                                            32,602,394                  27,495,573 
Tax paid                                                                                                                                                                       (5,765,818)                 (3,631,769) 

Net cash from operating activities                                                                                                                          26,836,576                  23,863,804 

Cash flows from investing activities 
– Loans repayments received from third parties                                                                                                             5,984                          11,485 
– Purchases of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                    (11,567,554)                 (4,872,076) 
– Purchases of intangible assets                                                                                                                                            (110)                                   – 
– Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment                                                                 17                       409,794                        267,526 
– Proceeds from sale of associates                                                                                                     12                                    –                          60,888 
– Interest received                                                                                                                                                           377,445                        480,585 
– Receipts from finance lease receivable                                                                                                                      129,251                          23,830 

Net cash used in investing activities                                                                                                                       (10,645,190)                 (4,027,762) 

Cash flows from financing activities 
– Proceeds from bank borrowings                                                                                                     27                 15,197,467                  15,710,000 
– Proceeds from issue of non-convertible unsecured bonds                                                         27                    5,000,000                                    – 
– Repayments of borrowings                                                                                                              27                (13,127,743)               (15,722,698) 
– Finance lease principal payments                                                                                                    27                  (1,321,234)                                   – 
– Interest paid                                                                                                                                       27                  (1,633,332)                 (1,943,746) 
– Dividends paid to owners of the Company                                                                                    26                (16,220,738)               (15,014,237) 
– Dividends paid to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries                                                          26                  (1,723,005)                 (2,200,000) 
– Acquisition of non-controlling interest                                                                                          19                          (5,980)                                   – 
– Payments to non-controlling interest                                                                                             19                     (168,604)                                   – 

Net cash used in financing activities                                                                                                                       (14,003,169)               (19,170,681) 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                 2,188,217                        665,361 
– Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                           (24,470)                     (472,604) 
– Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                                                                             24                    4,966,171                    4,773,414 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                                                                        24                    7,129,918                    4,966,171 

Principal non-cash investing and financing transactions 
The principal non-cash investing and financing transactions consist of finance leases with the Group acting as a lessor (Note 22) and finance 
leases with the Group acting as the lessee (Note 27). 

The notes on pages 107 to 173 of these Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

107

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  General information 

Country of incorporation 
Globaltrans Investment Plc (“the Company”) is incorporated and domiciled in Cyprus as a limited liability company in accordance with the 
provisions of the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113 and converted into a public company on 15 April 2008. The address of its registered office 
is 20 Omirou Street, CY-3095 Limassol, Cyprus. The Group’s principal place of business is at 16/15 Spartakovskaya Sqr., Moscow, Russia. 

Approval of the Consolidated Financial Statements 
These Consolidated Financial Statements were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 29 March 2019. 

Global Depositary Receipts 
Global Depositary Receipts each representing one ordinary share of the Company are listed on the London Stock Exchange International 
Main Market. 

Principal activities 
The principal activities of the Group, which are unchanged from last year, are the provision of railway transportation services using own and 
leased rolling stock as well as the fleet engaged from third party operators and the operating lease of rolling stock. 

2.  Basis of preparation 

The Consolidated Financial Statements of Globaltrans Investment PLC have been prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as adopted by the European Union (“EU”) and the requirements of the Cyprus Companies Law Cap. 113. 

As of the date of the authorisation of the financial statements, all International Financial Reporting Standards issued by International 
Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) that are relevant to the Group’s operations and are effective as at 1 January 2018 have been adopted 
by the EU through the endorsement procedure established by the European Commission. 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates and requires 
management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of 
judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements, are disclosed in Note 7. 

3.  Adoption of new or revised standards and interpretations 

During the current year the Group adopted all the new and amended standards that are relevant to its operations and are effective for 
accounting periods beginning on 1 January 2018. None of these has affected these Consolidated Financial Statements with the exception of 
the following standards the adoption of which resulted in changes in the Group’s accounting policies: 

•

IFRS 15 “Revenue from contracts with customers”; and 

•

IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments”. 

As explained below, in accordance with the transition provisions of IFRS 15 and IFRS 9, the Group has elected the simplified approach for 
adoption of the standards. Accordingly, IFRS 15 and IFRS 9 were adopted without restating the comparative information, which is prepared 
in accordance with IAS 18 and IAS 39, and the impact of adoption has been recognised in the opening retained earnings.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

108

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

3.  Adoption of new or revised standards and interpretations continued 

The following table summarises the impact of adoption of the new standards on each financial statement line item of the consolidated 
balance sheet. Line items that were not affected by the changes have not been included. As a result, the sub-totals and totals disclosed cannot 
be recalculated from the numbers provided. The adoption of the new standards did not have any impact on the consolidated income 
statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and the basic and diluted earnings per share. 

                                                                     31 December 2017                                                         31 December 2017                               Effect of                  1 January 2018  
                                                                             – as previously                                                                  – under IAS 18                              adoption                  – under IFRS 15  
                                                                                     presented                Reclassifications(1)                          and IAS 39                            of IFRS 15                           and IFRS 9 
                                                                                      RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000                             RUB’000 

Non-current assets 
Trade and other receivables                       637,228                      (637,228)                                   –                                    –                                    – 
Trade receivables                                                      –                        183,516                        183,516                                    –                       183,516 
Loans and other receivables                                    –                          16,857                          16,857                                    –                         16,857 
Other assets                                                              –                        436,855                        436,855                                    –                       436,855 

Total non-current assets                      66,861,936                                    –                  66,861,936                                    –                 66,861,936 

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables                    4,798,835                   (4,798,835)                                   –                                    –                                    – 
Trade receivables                                                      –                    2,179,954                    2,179,954                                    –                    2,179,954 
Loans and other receivables                                    –                          49,367                          49,367                                    –                         49,367 
Other assets                                                              –                    2,569,514                    2,569,514                                    –                    2,569,514 

Total current assets                              10,559,620                                    –                  10,559,620                                    –                 10,559,620 

Total assets                                             77,421,556                                    –                  77,421,556                                    –                 77,421,556 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                        4,413,656                                    –                    4,413,656                   (2,229,306)                  2,184,350 
Contract liabilities                                                     –                                    –                                    –                    2,229,306                    2,229,306 

Total current liabilities                         11,844,839                                    –                  11,844,839                                    –                 11,844,839 

Total liabilities                                        26,803,926                                    –                  26,803,926                                    –                 26,803,926 

(1)  Changes in presentation following adoption of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15: The Group has voluntarily changed the presentation of certain amounts in the consolidated balance sheet to 
reflect their different nature. Comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to the changes in the presentation for the current year. In particular: 

•

•

Loans receivables and other receivables, which were previously presented within ‘trade and other receivables’, are now presented as ‘loans and other receivables’ on the face of the 
consolidated balance sheet; and 

Finance lease receivables, prepayments and other non-financial assets, which were previously presented within ‘trade and other receivables’, are now presented as ‘other assets’ on 
the face of the consolidated balance sheet. 

Comparative figures have been adjusted to conform with the changes in the presentation for the current period. 

The impact of adoption of each standard is analysed in more detail in the following sections. 

(i)  IFRS 15 “Revenue from contracts with customers” 
IFRS 15 “Revenue from contracts with customers” and related amendments superseded IAS 18 “Revenue”, IAS 11 “Construction Contracts” 
and related interpretations. The new standard replaces the separate models for recognition of revenue for the sale of goods, services and 
construction contracts under previous IFRS and establishes uniform requirements regarding the nature, amount and timing of revenue 
recognition. IFRS 15 introduces the core principle that revenue must be recognised in such a way to depict the transfer of goods or services 
to customers and reflect the consideration that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for transferring those goods or services to 
the customer; the transaction price. 

The new standard provides a principle-based five-step model that must be applied to all categories of contracts with customers. Any bundled 
goods or services must be assessed as to whether they contain one or more performance obligations (that is, distinct promises to provide a 
good or service). Individual performance obligations must be recognised and accounted for separately and any discounts or rebates in the 
contract price must generally be allocated to each of them. 

 
 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

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109

3.  Adoption of new or revised standards and interpretations continued 

IFRS 15 provides further guidance on the measurement of revenue arising from contracts that have variable consideration due to discounts, 
rebates, consignment inventories etc. In accordance with the new standard, when the consideration varies, an entity includes in the 
transaction price some or all of an amount of variable consideration only to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant reversal in 
the cumulative revenue recognised will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. 
Further, incremental costs incurred to secure contracts with customers and certain costs incurred to fulfil such contracts have to be 
capitalised and amortised over the period when the benefits of the contract are consumed. 

The amendments to IFRS 15 clarify how to identify a performance obligation in a contract, how to determine whether a company is a 
principal (that is, the provider of a good or service) or an agent (responsible for arranging for the good or service to be provided) and how 
to determine whether the revenue from granting a license should be recognised at a point in time or over time. 

Impact of adoption 
In accordance with the transition provisions of IFRS 15, the Group has elected the simplified transition method for adopting the new standard 
which allows the cumulative effect of transition to IFRS 15 to be recognised as at 1 January 2018 as an adjustment to the opening retained 
earnings directly in equity. In accordance with the transition method elected by the Group for implementation of IFRS 15, the comparatives 
have not been restated but are prepared based on the Group’s previous policies, which comply with IAS 18 and related interpretations. 

Based on detailed analysis of the Group’s revenue streams and individual contracts’ terms and on the basis of the facts and circumstances 
relating to the Group’s revenue transactions, the management of the Group concluded that the adoption of the new standard on 1 January 
2018 did not have an impact on the nature, amount or timing of revenue recognised by the Group. Accordingly, the adoption of IFRS 15 did 
not have an impact on the Group’s retained earnings as of 1 January 2018. 

The adoption of the new standard resulted in changes in the presentation of amounts in the consolidated balance sheet, as per below. In 
particular, advances from customers for railway transportation services with a carrying amount of RUB 2,229,306 thousand as at 1 January 
2018, that were previously included within trade and other payables, are now presented separately on the face of the consolidated balance 
sheet as contract liabilities. 

                                                                                                                                                                31 December 2017              Effect of IFRS 15 –                  1 January 2018  
                                                                                                                                                                            under IAS 18                    reclassification                     under IFRS 15 
                                                                                                                                                                                  RUB’000                              RUB’000                             RUB’000 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                                                                                                      4,413,656                   (2,229,306)                  2,184,350 
Contract liabilities                                                                                                                                  –                    2,229,306                    2,229,306 

The table below summarises the impact of application of IFRS 15 on the current reporting period: 

                                                                                                                                                                                          31 December 2018             31 December 2018  
                                                                                                                                                                                                      under IFRS 15                          under IAS 18                                     Change 
                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                                  RUB’000                                  RUB’000 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                                                                                                     2,549,337                       5,222,804                       2,673,467 
Contract liabilities                                                                                                                  2,673,467                                          –                     (2,673,467) 

The assessment of the impact of adoption of IFRS 15 on the Group’s accounting policies required management to make certain critical 
judgements in the process of applying the principles of the new standard. The judgements that had the most significant effect on 
management’s conclusion are disclosed in Note 7. 

The adoption of the new standard resulted in changes in the Group’s accounting policies in regards to revenue recognition. The Group’s 
new accounting policies following adoption of IFRS 15 at 1 January 2018 are set out in Note 4.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

110

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

3.  Adoption of new or revised standards and interpretations continued 

(ii)  IFRS 9 “Financial instruments” 
IFRS 9 “Financial instruments” replaces the provisions of IAS 39 that relate to recognition and derecognition of financial instruments and 
classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. IFRS 9 further introduces new principles for hedge accounting and 
a new forward-looking impairment model for financial assets. 

The new standard requires debt financial assets to be classified into two measurement categories: those to be measured subsequently at 
fair value (either through other comprehensive income or through profit or loss) and those to be measured at amortised cost. The 
determination is made at initial recognition. The classification depends on the entity’s business model for managing its financial instruments 
and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the instruments. For assets measured at fair value, gains and losses are either recorded in 
profit or loss or in other comprehensive income. 

In particular, debt financial assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows represent solely payments of 
principal and interest are measured at amortised cost. Debt financial assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows and for 
selling the financial assets, where the assets’ cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest, are measured at fair value through 
other comprehensive income. Lastly, debt financial assets that do not meet the criteria for amortised cost or fair value through other 
comprehensive income are measured at fair value through profit or loss. 

For investments in equity instruments that are not held for trading, the classification depends on whether the entity has made an irrevocable 
election at the time of initial recognition to account for the equity investment at fair value through other comprehensive income. If no such 
election has been made or the investments in equity instruments are held for trading they are required to be classified at fair value through 
profit or loss. 

IFRS 9 also introduces a single impairment model applicable for debt financial assets at amortised cost and fair value through other 
comprehensive income and removes the need for a triggering event to be necessary for recognition of impairment losses. The new impairment 
model requires the recognition of allowances for doubtful debt based on Expected Credit Losses (“ECL”), rather than incurred credit losses as 
under IAS 39. The standard further introduces a simplified approach for calculating impairment on trade receivables as well as for calculating 
impairment on contract assets and lease receivables; which also fall within the scope of the impairment requirements of IFRS 9. 

For financial liabilities, the standard retains most of the requirements of IAS 39. The main change is that, in case where the fair value option is 
taken for financial liabilities, the part of a fair value change due to an entity’s own credit risk is recorded in other comprehensive income 
rather than the income statement, unless this creates an accounting mismatch. 

With the introduction of IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments”, the IASB confirmed that gains or losses that result from modification of financial 
liabilities that do not result in derecognition shall be recognised in profit or loss. 

IFRS 9 relaxes the requirements for hedge effectiveness by replacing the bright line hedge effectiveness tests. It requires an economic 
relationship between the hedged item and hedging instrument and for the “hedge ratio” to be the same as the one management actually use 
for risk management purposes. Contemporaneous documentation is still required but is different to that currently prepared under IAS 39. 

Impact of adoption 
In accordance with the transition provisions in IFRS 9, the Group has elected the simplified transition method for adopting the new standard 
which allows for the effect of transition to IFRS 9 to be recognised as at 1 January 2018 as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings 
directly in equity. In accordance with the transition method elected by the Group for implementation of IFRS 9, the comparatives have not 
been restated but are prepared based on the Group’s previous policies, which comply with IAS 39. Consequently, the revised requirements 
of IFRS 7 “Financial Instruments: Disclosures” have only been applied to the current period. The comparative period disclosures repeat those 
disclosures made in the prior period. 

On 1 January 2018, the Group’s management assessed which business models apply to the debt financial assets held by the Group that 
were classified as loans and receivables under IAS 39. Management concluded to classify all the financial assets held by the Group at the 
amortised cost measurement category under IFRS 9 as these are held with the objective to collect the contractual cash flows and their cash 
flows represent solely payments of principal and interest. As a result, the measurement basis for the Group’s financial assets remained 
unchanged by the adoption of IFRS 9. The adoption of IFRS 9 did not have an impact on the classification and measurement basis of the 
Group’s financial liabilities.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

111

3.  Adoption of new or revised standards and interpretations continued 

As a result of the adoption of IFRS 9 the Group revised its impairment methodology for each class of assets subject to the new impairment 
requirements. The Group has four types of assets that are subject to IFRS 9’s new expected credit loss model: trade receivables, loans and 
other receivables, finance lease receivables and cash and cash equivalents. Based on the assessment performed by management, the 
incremental impairment loss as at 1 January 2018 was immaterial. Accordingly, the impact of adoption of IFRS 9 on the Group’s retained 
earnings as at 1 January 2018 was immaterial. 

The adoption of the new standard resulted in changes in the Group’s accounting policies in regard to financial instruments and lease 
receivables. The Group’s new accounting policies following adoption of IFRS 9 at 1 January 2018 are set out in Note 4. 

4.  Summary of significant accounting policies 

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements are set out below. Apart from the 
accounting policy changes resulting from the adoption of IFRS 15 and IFRS 9, effective from 1 January 2018, these policies have been 
consistently applied to all the years presented. 

Basis of consolidation 
(a)  Subsidiaries 
Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is 
exposed to, or has the rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its 
power over the entity. 

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are de-consolidated from the date that 
control ceases. 

Business combinations involving entities under common control (ultimately controlled by the same party, before and after the business 
combination, and that control is not transitory) are accounted using the predecessor basis of accounting. Under this method, the financial 
statements of the acquiree are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements using pre-acquisition IFRS carrying amounts using uniform 
accounting policies, on the assumption that the Group was in existence for all periods presented. The excess of the cost of acquisition over 
the carrying amount of the Group’s share of identifiable net assets is recorded in equity, as “common control transaction reserve”. 

The acquisition method of accounting is used for the acquisitions of subsidiaries that do not involve entities or businesses under common 
control by the Group. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair value of the assets transferred, equity 
instruments issued by the Group and liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree. The consideration transferred includes the fair 
value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. 
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair 
values at the acquisition date. 

Goodwill is initially measured as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the fair value of non-controlling interest 
or the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets over the net identifiable assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed. If this consideration is lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognised 
in profit or loss. 

Indemnification assets recognised at the acquisition date continue to be measured on the same basis as the related indemnified item subject to 
collectability and contractual terms until they are collected, sold, cancelled or expire in the post-combination period. The entity measures the 
indemnification asset on the same basis as the related item, subject to any restrictions in the contractual terms such as a ceiling on the amount 
payable and any adjustment for the seller creditworthiness. Measurement on the same basis includes recognising any gains or losses appropriately. 

On an acquisition by acquisition basis, the Group recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at the fair value or at the non-
controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. 

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the Group is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the 
fair value of the contingent consideration that is deemed to be an asset or liability is recognised in accordance with IFRS 9 in profit or loss 
(2017: in accordance with IAS 39 either in profit or loss or as a change to other comprehensive income). Contingent consideration that is 
classified as equity is not re-measured, and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity.

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continued

4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into compliance with 
those used by the Group. 

All inter-company transactions, balances, income, expenses and unrealised gains and losses are eliminated on consolidation. Profits and 
losses from intra-group transactions that are recognised in assets are also eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated but considered as 
an impairment indicator of the asset transferred. 

(b)  Transactions with non-controlling interests 
The Group treats transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in loss of control as transactions with equity owners in their 
capacity as equity owners of the Group. For purchases from non-controlling interests, the difference between the fair value of any consideration 
paid and the relevant share acquired of the carrying value of net assets of the subsidiary is recorded in equity attributable to owners of the 
Company. Gains or losses on disposals to non-controlling interests are also recorded in equity attributable to the owners of the Company. 

(c)  Disposal of subsidiaries 
When the Group ceases to have control, any retained interest in the entity is re-measured to its fair value at the date when control is lost, with 
the change in carrying amount recognised in profit or loss. The fair value is the initial carrying amount for the purposes of subsequently 
accounting for the retained interest as an associate, joint venture or financial asset. In addition, any amounts previously recognised in other 
comprehensive income in respect of that entity are accounted for as if the Group had directly disposed of the related assets and liabilities. 
This may mean that amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss. 

(d)  Associates 
Associates are all entities over which the Group has significant influence but not control, generally accompanying a shareholding of between 
20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The Group’s 
investment in associates includes goodwill identified on acquisition. Under the equity method, the investment is initially recognised at cost, and 
the carrying amount is increased or decreased to recognise the investor’s share of the profit or loss of the investee after the date of acquisition. 

If the ownership interest in an associate is reduced but significant influence is retained, only a proportionate share of the amounts previously 
recognised in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss where appropriate. 

The Group’s share of its associates’ post-acquisition profits or losses is recognised in the income statement and its share of post-acquisition 
other comprehensive income is recognised in other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the carrying amount of the 
investment. When the Group’s share of losses in an associate equals or exceeds its interest in the associate, including any other unsecured 
receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate. 

The Group determines at each reporting date whether there is any objective evidence that the investment in the associate is impaired. If this 
is the case, the Group calculates the amount of impairment as the difference between the recoverable amount of the associate and its 
carrying value and recognises the amount adjacent to ‘share of profit/(loss) of an associate’ in the income statement. 

Profits and losses resulting from upstream and downstream transactions between the Group and its associates are recognised in the Group’s 
financial statements only to the extent of unrelated investor’s interests in the associates. Unrealised losses are eliminated unless the 
transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of associates change where necessary to ensure 
consistency with the policies adopted by the Group. Dilution gains and losses arising in investments in associates are recognised in the 
income statement. 

Segment reporting 
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The 
chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been 
identified as the Board of Directors of the Company that makes strategic decisions. 

Revenue recognition 
(i)  Accounting policies applicable from 1 January 2018 
Recognition and measurement. Revenue represents the amount of consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for 
transferring the promised goods or services to the customer, excluding amounts collected on behalf of third parties (for example, value-
added taxes); the transaction price. Revenue is recognised net off discounts and estimates for rebates that are in accordance with the 
contracts entered into with the customers. The Group includes in the transaction price an amount of variable consideration only to the 
extent that it is highly probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognised will not occur when the 
uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Estimations for rebates and discounts are based on the 
Group’s experience with similar contracts and forecasted sales to the customer.

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The Group recognises revenue when the parties have approved the contract (in writing, orally or in accordance with other customary 
business practices) and are committed to perform their respective obligations, the Group can identify each party’s rights and the payment 
terms for the goods or services to be transferred, the contract has commercial substance (i.e. the risk, timing or amount of the Group’s future 
cash flows is expected to change as a result of the contract), it is probable that the Group will collect the consideration to which it will be 
entitled in exchange for the goods or services that will be transferred to the customer and when specific criteria have been met for each of 
the Group’s contracts with customers, as described below. 

The Group bases its estimates on historical results, taking into consideration the type of customer, the type of transaction and the specifics of 
each arrangement. In evaluating whether collectability of an amount of consideration is probable, the Group considers only the customer’s 
ability and intention to pay that amount of consideration when it is due. 

Estimates of revenues, costs or extent of progress toward completion are revised if circumstances change. Any resulting increases or 
decreases in estimates are reflected in the income statement in the period in which the circumstances that give rise to the revision become 
known by management. 

Revenues earned by the Group are recognised on the following bases: 

Revenue from railway transportation services – using own, leased or engaged rolling stock 
The Group organises transportation services for clients using its own, leased or engaged rolling stock. 

There are four types of operator’s services contracts: 

•

•

•

•

The Group has a contractual relationship with the client and sets the terms of the transactions, such as selling and payment terms, bears 
credit risk and controls the flow of receipts and payments. The OAO “Russian Railways” tariff is borne by the Group. Total proceeds from 
clients are included in the Group’s revenue. 

The Group has a contractual relationship with the client and sets the terms of the transactions, such as selling and payment terms, bears 
credit risk and controls the flow of receipts and payments. The OAO “Russian Railways” tariff is borne by the Group and recharged to the 
customer as a reimbursement but the Group bears the variability in tariffs. Total proceeds from clients are included in the Group’s revenue. 

The Group has a contractual relationship with the client and sets the terms of the transaction, excluding the OAO “Russian Railways” tariff, 
such as selling and payment terms, bears credit risk and controls the flow of receipts and payments. The OAO “Russian Railways” tariff is 
paid by the Group and recharged to the customer as a reimbursement. Under these arrangements the Group recognises revenue net of 
OAO “Russian Railways” tariff. 

The Group has a contractual relationship with the customer and sets the terms of the transaction, excluding the OAO “Russian Railways” 
tariff, such as selling and payment terms, bears credit risk and controls the flow of receipts and payments. The tariff is paid directly by the 
customer to OAO “Russian Railways”. Under these arrangements the Group recognises revenue net of OAO “Russian Railways” tariff. 

Revenue for all of the above types of contracts is recognised over time while the Group satisfies its performance obligation by transferring 
control over the promised services to the customer in the accounting period in which the services are rendered. In particular, revenue is 
recognised in accordance with the stage of completion of the transaction, determined based on the actual trip days lapsed against the total 
estimated number of trip days for the entire trip, since the customer receives and consumes the benefits from the services simultaneously. 

Customers are invoiced on a regular basis and in accordance with pre-agreed payment terms with credit periods not exceeding one year. 
If the services rendered by the Group exceed the payment and the Group does not have the unconditional right to consideration for the 
services rendered, a contract asset is recognised. If the payments exceed the services rendered, a contract liability is recognised. 

Identification of performance obligations. The Group assesses whether contracts that involve the provision of a range of goods and/or 
services contain one or more performance obligations (that is, distinct promises to provide a good or service) and allocates the transaction 
price to each performance obligation identified on the basis of its stand-alone selling price. A good or service that is promised to a customer 
is distinct if the customer can benefit from the good or service, either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available 
to the customer (that is, the good or service is capable of being distinct) and the Group’s promise to transfer the good or service to the 
customer is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract (that is, the promise to transfer the good or service is distinct within 
the context of the contract).

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4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

In assessing whether two or more promises to transfer goods and/or services to a customer are separate performance obligations, the 
Group considers, amongst others, whether it provides a significant service of integrating the good or services with other goods or services 
promised in the contract into a bundle of goods or services that represent the combined output or outputs for which the customer has 
contracted (that is, the Group is using the goods or services as inputs to produce or deliver the combined output or outputs specified by the 
customer), whether one or more of the goods and/or services significantly modifies or customises, or is significantly modified or customised 
by, one or more of the other goods or services promised in the contract or whether the good or services are highly interdependent or highly 
interrelated. The Group considers that all of the above operator’s services contracts contain a single performance obligation. 

Financing component. In determining the transaction price, the Group adjusts the promised amount of consideration for the effects of the 
time value of money if the timing of payments agreed to (either explicitly or implicitly) provides the customer or the Group with a significant 
benefit of financing. In these circumstances, the contract contains a significant financing element. 

The Group does not have any material contracts where the period between the transfer of the promised goods or services to the customer 
and payment by the customer exceeds one year. Consequently, the Group elected to use the practical expedient provided by IFRS 15 and 
does not adjust any of the transaction prices for the effect of the financing component for the time value of money. 

Contract assets and contract liabilities. In case the goods transferred or services rendered by the Group as of the reporting date exceed the 
payments made by the customer as of that date and the Group does not have the unconditional right to charge the client for the goods 
transferred or services rendered, a contract asset is recognised. If the payments made by a customer exceed the goods transferred or services 
rendered under the relevant contract, a contract liability is recognised. The Group recognises any unconditional rights to consideration 
separately from contract assets as a trade receivable because only the passage of time is required before the payment is due. 

The Group assesses a contract asset for impairment in accordance with IFRS 9 using the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9 which 
requires lifetime expected credit losses to be recognised from initial recognition of the contract asset. Impairment of contract assets are 
measured, presented and disclosed on the same basis as for trade receivables. Contract assets are written off when there is no reasonable 
expectation of recovery. Indicators that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery include, amongst others, the failure of a debtor to 
engage in a repayment plan with the Group and a failure to make contractual payments for a period of greater than 180 days past due. 

Costs to obtain or fulfil contracts with customers. To the extent that these are recoverable, incremental costs incurred by the Group to 
obtain a contract and incremental costs incurred to fulfil a contract are capitalised and amortised on a straight-line basis over the term of 
the specific contract – consistent with the pattern of the transfer of the goods and/or services to which they relate to – and assessed for 
impairment. Incremental costs of obtaining contracts are those costs that the Group incurs to obtain a contract with a customer that would 
not have been incurred if the contract had not been obtained. 

The Group does not have any contracts where the period of transfer of the goods and/or provision of the services (that is, the period between 
the start and completion of a trip) exceeds one year. Accordingly, the Group recognises the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an 
expense when incurred since the amortization period of the asset that it would otherwise have recognised is less than one year. 

(ii)  Accounting policies applied until 31 December 2017 
Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the sale of goods and services in the ordinary course of the 
Group’s activities. Revenue is shown net of value-added tax, returns, rebates and discounts and after eliminating sales within the Group. 

The Group recognises revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow 
to the entity and when specific criteria have been met for each of the Group’s activities as described below. The Group bases its estimates on 
historical results, taking into consideration the type of customer, the type of transaction and the specifics of each arrangement. 

Revenues earned by the Group are recognised on the following bases: 

Revenue from railway transportation services – using own, leased or engaged rolling stock 
The Group organises transportation services for clients using its own, leased or engaged rolling stock. 

There are four types of operator’s services: 

•

The Group has a contractual relationship with the client and sets the terms of the transactions, such as selling and payment terms, bears 
credit risk and controls the flow of receipts and payments. The OAO “Russian Railways” tariff is borne by the Group. Total proceeds from 
clients are included in the Group’s revenue.

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4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

•

•

•

The Group has a contractual relationship with the client and sets the terms of the transactions, such as selling and payment terms, bears 
credit risk and controls the flow of receipts and payments. The OAO “Russian Railways” tariff is borne by the Group and recharged to the 
customer as a reimbursement but the Group bears the variability in tariffs. Total proceeds from clients are included in the Group’s revenue. 

The Group has a contractual relationship with the client and sets the terms of the transaction, excluding the OAO “Russian Railways” tariff, 
such as selling and payment terms, bears credit risk and controls the flow of receipts and payments. The OAO “Russian Railways” tariff is 
paid by the Group and recharged to the customer as a reimbursement. Under these arrangements the Group recognises revenue net of 
OAO “Russian Railways” tariff. 

The Group has a contractual relationship with the customer and sets the terms of the transaction, excluding the OAO “Russian Railways” 
tariff, such as selling and payment terms, bears credit risk and controls the flow of receipts and payments. The tariff is paid directly by the 
customer to OAO “Russian Railways”. Under these arrangements the Group recognises revenue net of OAO “Russian Railways” tariff. 

Revenue is recognised in accordance with the stage of completion of the transaction, based on the actual trip days lapsed against the total 
estimated number of trip days for the entire trip. 

Foreign currency translation 
(a)  Functional and presentation currency 
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the entity operates (“the functional currency”). The functional currency of the Company and majority of the Group’s 
subsidiaries is the Russian Rouble (“RUB”). The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in Russian Roubles (RUB) (“the presentation 
currency”) because this is the currency better understood by the principal users of the financial statements. 

(b)  Transactions and balances 
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions 
or valuations where items are re-measured. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from 
the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the 
income statement. 

Net foreign exchange differences arising from borrowings and other liabilities and from cash and cash equivalents and other monetary assets 
are presented on the face of the income statement in the line “Net foreign transaction losses on financing activities”, with the appropriate 
disclosure of the split between the two in the note “Finance income and costs”. 

All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the income statement within “Other gains – net”. 

(c)  Group companies 
The results and financial position of all the Group entities (none of which has the currency of a hyper-inflationary economy) that have a 
functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows: 

•

Assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate existing at the date of the balance sheet presented. 

•

Income and expense items at the average monthly rate (unless this average is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative 
effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the rate on the dates of 
the transactions). 

•

Share capital, share premium and all other reserves are translated using the historic rate. 

All exchange differences resulting from the above translation are recognised in other comprehensive income. 

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations, including foreign exchange 
differences on long term loans receivable designated as part of the net investment in foreign operations, are recognised in other 
comprehensive income. When a foreign operation is disposed of or sold and control or significant influence is lost, exchange differences that 
were recorded in equity are recognised in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on disposal. On partial disposal of a foreign 
operation, the proportionate share of the cumulative amount of the exchange differences recorded in equity relating to the amount 
disposed is reclassified in the income statement. The Group assesses whether there is a partial disposal of a foreign operation on the basis of 
the change in the Group’s proportionate ownership interest in the foreign operation. 

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and 
translated at the closing rate. Exchange differences arising are recognised in other comprehensive income.

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continued

4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at purchase or construction cost less depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is 
directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of the items. 

Land is not depreciated. 

Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost, less residual value, over 
their estimated useful lives, as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Number of years, 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   range 

Buildings                                                                                                                                                                                                                             30 

Rolling stock: (except locomotives) 
– Gondola cars                                                                                                                                                                                                                  22 
– Rail tank cars                                                                                                                                                                                                                   32 
– Rail tank cars (specialised types)                                                                                                                                                                          30 – 40 
– Hoppers                                                                                                                                                                                                                 15 – 26 
– Flat cars                                                                                                                                                                                                                   20 – 32 

Tank containers                                                                                                                                                                                                                20 

Locomotives                                                                                                                                                                                                               9 – 25 

Mounted wheels                                                                                                                                                                                                                 7 

Motor vehicles and other property, plant and equipment                                                                                                                                   3 – 10 

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period. 

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated 
recoverable amount. 

Assets under construction are not depreciated until they are completed and brought into use, at which time they are reclassified in the 
relevant class of property, plant and equipment and depreciated accordingly. 

Borrowing costs to finance the construction of property, plant and equipment are capitalised, during the period of time that is required to 
complete and prepare the asset for its intended use. All other borrowing costs are expensed. 

Expenditure for repairs and maintenance of property, plant and equipment is charged to the income statement of the year in which they are 
incurred. The cost of major renovations and other subsequent expenditure are included in the carrying amount of the asset or recognised as 
a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and 
the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced cost is derecognised. 

Gains and losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds with carrying amount and these 
are included within operating profit as part of operating expenses. 

Rolling stock repair and maintenance costs 
Repair and maintenance costs relating to periodical capital repairs of locomotives and other rolling stock and periodical middle repairs of 
locomotives constitute major repairs that result in enhancement of the economic benefits of the rolling stock and as such are capitalised by 
the Group. 

In particular, the cost of each major periodic capital repair is recognised in the carrying amount of the relevant item of rolling stock repaired 
and separately depreciated over the expected period until the next periodic capital repair or until the end of the useful economic life of the 
item of rolling stock, if earlier. Significant components replaced as part of periodic major capital repairs are capitalised and depreciated 
separately over their useful economic life. Simultaneously with the capitalisation of the costs of the new periodic major capital repair, the 
carrying amount of the repaired rolling stock that is attributable to the previous periodic capital repair and/or significant component 
replaced, if any, is derecognised and debited in ‘cost of sales’ in the income statement as ‘loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs’.

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4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

If it is not practicable for the Group to determine the carrying amount of the repaired rolling stock that is attributable to the previous 
periodic capital repair and/or significant component replaced to be derecognised, the Group uses the cost of the current periodic major 
capital repair or replaced part as an indication of what the cost of the replaced part was at the time the rolling stock was acquired. 

Other types of repairs of rolling stock, such as current repairs and depot repairs, are viewed by the Group as routine repairs and maintenance 
and thus their cost is charged in the Group’s income statement as and when incurred. 

Upon initial recognition of rolling stock, the Group’s accounting policy is not to separately identify and depreciate the element of its cost that 
is reflecting the maintenance element of the periodic major capital repair of the rolling stock on initial recognition. The cost attributed to 
significant components, such as wheel pairs, is separately identified and depreciated over their useful economic life. 

Intangible assets 
(a)  Customer relationships 
Customer relationships acquired in a business combination are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Customer relationships relate 
to a transportation services contract with MMK Group. Customer relationships have a finite useful life and are carried at cost less 
accumulated amortisation. Customer relationships are being amortised using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life from five 
to seven years from the date of their acquisition. The useful lives of the customer relationships are reviewed, and adjusted, if appropriate, 
at the end of each reporting period. 

(b)  Computer software 
The costs of acquiring computer software for internal use are capitalised as intangible assets where the software supports a significant 
business system and the expenditure leads to the creation of a durable asset. Computer software is capitalised at cost and amortised over 
three years, which reflects its estimated useful life, using straight-line method commencing when the asset is available for its intended use. 
Costs associated with maintaining computer software programmes are recognised as an expense as incurred. 

Impairment of non-financial assets 
Assets that have indefinite useful life and goodwill are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment. 

Assets that are subject to depreciation or amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate 
that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount 
exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the 
purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-
generating units). Non-financial assets, other than goodwill, that have suffered impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of impairment 
whenever there is an indication that an impairment recognised in prior periods may no longer exist or may have decreased. 

Leases 
A lease is an agreement whereby the lessor conveys to the lessee in return for a payment or series of payments, the right to use an asset for an 
agreed period of time. 

The Group is the lessee 

(a)  Finance leases 
Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Group has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance 
leases. Finance leases are capitalised at the lease’s inception at the lower of the fair value of the leased assets and the present value of the 
minimum lease payments. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance charges so as to achieve a constant rate on the 
finance balance outstanding. The corresponding rental obligations, net of finance charges, are included in borrowings. The interest element 
of the finance cost is charged to the income statement over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the 
remaining balance of the liability for each period. 

Property, plant and equipment acquired under finance leases are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the asset and the lease 
term, except for instances, where the Group has the option to obtain ownership of the assets and it is reasonable certain that such ownership 
will be obtained, in which case the asset is depreciated over the useful economic life of the asset. 

(b)  Operating leases 
Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. 
Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the income statement on a straight-
line basis over the period of the lease.

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4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

(c)  Sale and leaseback 
A sale and leaseback transaction involves the sale of an asset and the leasing back of the same asset. If a sale and leaseback transaction results 
in a finance lease, any excess of sales proceeds over the carrying amount is deferred and amortised over the lease term. 

When the overall economic effect of a sale and leaseback transaction cannot be understood without reference to the series of transactions 
as a whole (i.e. when the series of transactions are closely interrelated, negotiated as a single transaction, and take place concurrently or in a 
continuous sequence) the transaction is accounted for as one transaction, usually a collateralised borrowing. 

If a sale and leaseback transaction results in an operating lease any profit or loss will be recognised immediately. If the sale price is below fair 
value any profit or loss will be recognised immediately except that, if the loss is compensated for by future lease payments at below market 
price, it is deferred and amortised in proportion to the lease payments over the period for which the asset is expected to be used. If the sale 
price is above fair value, the excess over fair value is deferred and amortised over the period for which the asset is expected to be used. 

The Group is the lessor 

(a)  Finance leases 
Where the Group is a lessor in a lease which transfers substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership to the lessee, the assets 
leased out are presented as a finance lease receivable and carried at the present value of the future lease payments. Finance lease receivables 
are initially recognised at commencement (when the lease term begins) using a discount rate determined at inception (the earlier of the date 
of the lease agreement and the date of commitment by the parties to the principal provisions of the lease). 

The difference between the gross receivable and the present value represents unearned finance income. The income is recognised over the 
term of the lease using the net investment method (before income tax and other taxes) which reflects a constant periodic rate of return. 
Incremental costs directly attributable to negotiating and arranging the lease are included in the initial measurement of the finance lease 
receivable and reduce the amount of income recognised over the lease term. Finance income from leases is recorded within interest income 
in the income statement. 

(b)  Operating leases 
Assets leased out under operating leases are included in property, plant and equipment in the balance sheet based on the nature of the asset. 
They are depreciated over their expected useful lives on a basis consistent with similar owned property, plant and equipment. 

(c)  Impairment of lease receivables 
Until 31 December 2017, the Group assessed whether there was objective evidence that a lease receivable was impaired in accordance 
with IAS 39. The impairment provision was determined in the same way as for trade receivables. 

From 1 January 2018, the Group recognises credit loss allowance on lease receivables in accordance with IFRS 9 using the simplified approach 
permitted by the standard, which requires expected credit losses to be recognised from initial recognition of the lease receivable at an amount 
equal to lifetime ECL. The ECL is determined in the same way as for trade receivables and is recognised through an allowance account to write 
down the lease receivables’ net carrying amount to the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the interest rates implicit in the 
leases. The estimated future cash flows reflect the cash flows that may result from obtaining and selling the assets subject to the lease. 

(d)  Revenues from leasing 
Rental income (net of any incentives given to lessees) is recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 

Financial instruments 
(i)  Accounting policies applicable from 1 January 2018 
(a)  Financial assets 
Recognition and derecognition. All purchases and sales of financial assets that require delivery within the time frame established by 
regulation or market convention (“regular way” purchases and sales) are recorded at trade-date; being the date on which the Group 
commits to purchase or sell the asset. All other purchases and sales are recognised when the entity becomes a party to the contractual 
provisions of the instrument. 

Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and 
the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership. Any gain or loss arising upon their derecognition is recognised 
directly in the income statement.

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4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

Classification. The classification depends on the Group’s business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual cash flow 
characteristics of the assets. Management determines the classification of financial assets at initial recognition. 

The Group classifies its financial assets at amortised cost. Financial assets at amortised cost are held for collection of contractual cash flows 
and their cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest. They are included in current assets, except for maturities greater 
than twelve months after the balance sheet date. These are classified as non-current assets. The Group’s financial assets at amortised cost 
comprise of trade receivables, loans and other receivables and cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet. 

Reclassification. Financial instruments are reclassified only when the business model for managing those assets changes. The reclassification 
has a prospective effect and takes place from the start of the first reporting period following the change. 

Measurement. At initial recognition, the Group measures financial assets classified at amortised cost at their fair value plus incremental 
transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial assets. Subsequently, these are measured at amortised cost. 

Interest income. Interest income on financial assets at amortised cost is recognised using the effective interest rate method and is included 
within ‘finance income’ in the income statement. In particular, interest income is calculated by applying the effective interest rate to the gross 
carrying amount of a financial asset except for financial assets that subsequently become credit-impaired. For credit-impaired financial assets, 
the effective interest rate is applied to the net carrying amount of the financial asset; that is after deduction of the loss allowance. The 
Group’s definition of credit-impaired assets is explained in Note 6, Credit risk section. 

Impairment. The Group assesses on each reporting date and on a forward looking basis the Expected Credit Losses (“ECL”) associated with 
its debt financial assets carried at amortised cost. The measurement of ECL reflects: (i) an unbiased and probability weighted amount that is 
determined by evaluating a range of possible outcomes, (ii) time value of money, and (iii) all reasonable and supportable information that 
is available without undue cost and effort at the end of each reporting period about past events, current conditions and forecasts of 
future conditions. 

The carrying amount of the financial assets is reduced through the use of an allowance account, and the amount of the loss is recognised in 
the income statement within ‘selling and marketing costs’. Subsequent recoveries of amounts for which loss allowance was previously 
recognised are credited against the same line item. 

The impairment methodology applied by the Group for calculating expected credit losses depends on the type of financial asset assessed for 
impairment. Specifically: 

•

•

For trade receivables the Group applies the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9 for calculating expected credit losses, which requires 
lifetime expected losses to be recognised from initial recognition of the financial assets. The assessment is done on an individual basis. 

For all its other debt financial assets carried at amortised cost, the Group applies the general approach. In particular, the Group applies the 
three stage model for calculating impairment, which is based on changes in the credit quality of the financial asset since initial recognition. 
A financial instrument that is not credit -impaired on initial recognition is classified in Stage 1. The ECL of financial assets in Stage 1 is 
measured at an amount equal to the portion of lifetime ECL that results from default events possible within the next 12 months or until 
contractual maturity, if shorter. If the Group identifies a Significant Increase in Credit Risk (“SICR”) since initial recognition, the asset is 
transferred to Stage 2 and its ECL is measured based on ECL on a lifetime basis, that is, up until its contractual maturity but considering 
expected prepayments, if any. 

Refer to Note 6, Credit risk section for a description of how the Group determines when a SICR has occurred. If the Group determines that a 
financial asset is credit-impaired, the asset is transferred to Stage 3 and its ECL is measured as a Lifetime ECL. The Group’s definition of credit 
impaired assets and definition of default is explained in Note 6, Credit risk section. 

Write-off. Financial assets are written-off, in whole or in part, when the Group has concluded that there is no reasonable expectation of 
recovery. Indicators that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery include, amongst others, the failure of a debtor to engage in a 
repayment plan with the Group and a failure to make contractual payments for a period of greater than 180 days past due. The Group may 
write-off financial assets that are still subject to enforcement activity when the Group seeks to recover amounts that are contractually due, 
however, there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against 
‘selling and marketing costs’ in the income statement.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

Classification as trade receivables. Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for services performed in the ordinary course of 
business. If collection is expected in one year or less (or in a normal operating cycle of the business, if longer than one year) they are classified as 
current assets, if not, they are presented as non-current assets. Trade receivables are recognised initially at the amount of consideration that is 
unconditional unless they contain significant financing components, in which case they are recognised at fair value. The Group holds its trade 
receivables with the objective to collect the contractual cash flows and their contractual cash flows represent solely payments of principal and 
interest and therefore measures them subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. 

Classification as loans and other receivables. These amounts generally arise from transactions outside the usual operating activities of the 
Group. These are held with the objective to collect their contractual cash flows and their contractual cash flows represent solely payments of 
principal and interest. Accordingly, these are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. 
Loans and other receivables are classified as current assets if they are due within one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle of the 
business if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current assets. 

Classification as cash and cash equivalents. In the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held at 
call with banks with original maturity of three months or less, less bank overdrafts, if any. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at amortised 
cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in the current liabilities 
on the balance sheet. 

(b)  Financial liabilities 
Classification. The Group’s financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value and classified as subsequently measured at amortised cost. 

Borrowings. Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at 
amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised over the period of 
the borrowings using the effective interest method. 

Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that some or all 
of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until draw down occurs. To the extent there is no evidence that it is probable 
that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalised as a pre-payment for liquidity services and amortised over the period 
of the facility to which it relates. 

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve 
months after the balance sheet date. 

Borrowings are removed from the balance sheet when the obligation specified in the contract is extinguished (i.e. when the obligation 
specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires). The difference between the carrying amount of a financial liability that has been 
extinguished or transferred to another party and the consideration paid, including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, is 
recognised in the income statement as other income or finance costs. 

Modifications. An exchange between the Group and its original lenders of debt instruments with substantially different terms, as well as 
substantial modifications of the terms and conditions of existing financial liabilities, are accounted for as an extinguishment of the original 
financial liability and the recognition of a new financial liability. The terms are substantially different if the discounted present value of the 
cash flows under the new terms, including any fees paid net of any fees received and discounted using the original effective interest rate, 
is at least 10% different from the discounted present value of the remaining cash flows of the original financial liability. In addition, other 
qualitative factors, such as the currency that the instrument is denominated in, changes in the type of interest rate, new conversion features 
attached to the instrument and change in loan covenants are also considered. If an exchange of debt instruments or modification of terms 
is accounted for as an extinguishment, any costs or fees incurred are recognised as part of the gain or loss on the extinguishment. If the 
exchange or modification is not accounted for as an extinguishment, any costs or fees incurred adjust the carrying amount of the liability 
and are amortised over the remaining term of the modified liability. 

Modifications of liabilities that do not result in extinguishment are accounted for as a change in estimate using a cumulative catch up method, 
with any gain or loss recognised in profit or loss, unless the economic substance of the difference in carrying values is attributed to a capital 
transaction with owners. 

Borrowing costs. Borrowing costs incurred for the construction of any qualifying asset are capitalised during the period of time that is required 
to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use. Other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. 

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4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

Trade and other payables. Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of 
business from suppliers. Trade and other payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less (or in the normal 
operating cycle of the business if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade and other payables are recognised initially 
at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 

(ii)  Accounting policies applied until 31 December 2017 
(a)  Financial assets 
Recognition and derecognition. Regular purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on the trade-date – the date on which the 
Group commits to purchase or sell the asset. Loans and receivables are recognised when the funds are advanced to the debtor/borrower. 

Classification. The Group classifies its financial assets as loans and receivables. The classification depends on the purpose for which the 
financial assets were acquired. Management determines the classification of financial assets at initial recognition. 

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market and for 
which there is no intention of trading the receivable. They are included in current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after 
the balance sheet date. These are classified as non-current assets. The Group’s loans and receivables comprise trade receivables, loans and 
other receivables and cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet. 

Measurement. Loans and receivables are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised 
cost using the effective interest method. Loans and receivables are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial 
assets have expired or have been transferred and the Group has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. 

Interest income. Interest income is recognised on a time proportion basis using the effective interest method. When a receivable is impaired, 
the Group reduces the carrying amount to its recoverable amount, being the estimated future cash flow discounted at the original effective 
interest rate of the instrument, and continues unwinding the discount as interest income. 

Impairment. The Group assesses at each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial 
assets is impaired based on the incurred loss model. 

A provision for impairment of receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all 
amounts due according to the original terms of receivables. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor/borrower, probability that the 
debtor/borrower will enter bankruptcy or delinquency in payments are considered indicators that the receivable is impaired. The amount of 
the provision is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the 
original effective interest rate. If a loan has a variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective 
interest rate determined under the contract. 

The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account, and the amount of the loss is recognised in the 
consolidated income statement within ‘selling and marketing costs’. When a receivable is uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance 
account for receivables. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against ‘selling and marketing costs’ in the 
income statement. 

Classification as trade receivables. Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for services provided in the ordinary course of 
business. If collection is expected in one year or less (or in a normal operating cycle of the business, if longer than one year) they are classified 
as current assets, if not, they are presented as non-current assets. Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. 

Classification as cash and cash equivalents. In the consolidated cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and 
deposits held at call with banks with original maturity of three months or less, less bank overdrafts, if any. Cash and cash equivalents are 
carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in the current liabilities on the 
balance sheet.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

(b)  Financial liabilities 
Borrowings. Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at 
amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised over the period of 
the borrowings using the effective interest method. 

Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that some or all 
of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until draw down occurs. To the extent there is no evidence that it is probable 
that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalised as a pre-payment for liquidity services and amortised over the period 
of the facility to which it relates. 

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve 
months after the balance sheet date. 

Borrowing costs. Borrowing costs incurred for the construction of any qualifying asset are capitalised during the period of time that is required 
to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use. Other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. 

Trade and other payables. Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of 
business from suppliers. Trade and other payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less (or in the normal 
operating cycle of the business if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade and other payables are recognised initially 
at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 

Inventories 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined using the weighted average cost method. Net realisable 
value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the cost of completion and applicable variable selling expenses. 

Cash flow statement 
Cash flow statement is prepared under indirect method. Purchases of property, plant and equipment, including prepayments for property, 
plant and equipment, are included within cash flows from investing activities and finance lease payments are included within cash flows from 
financing activities and are shown net of VAT. Related input VAT is included in movement in changes of working capital, within trade and 
other receivables. 

When the Group enters into a sale and lease back arrangement which constitutes collateralised borrowing, the proceeds received are included 
within cash flows from financing activities. Receipts from finance lease receivables are included within cash flows from investing activities. 

Share capital, share premium and treasury shares 
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. 

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. 

Any excess of the fair value of consideration received over the par value of shares issued is recognised as share premium. Share premium is 
the difference between the fair value of the consideration receivable for the issue of shares and the nominal value of the shares. Share 
premium account can only be resorted to for limited purposes, which do not include the distribution of dividends, and is otherwise subject 
to the provisions of the Cyprus Companies Law on reduction of share capital. 

Where any Group company purchases the Company’s equity share capital (treasury shares), the consideration paid, including any directly 
attributable incremental costs (net of income taxes) is deducted from equity attributable to the Company’s equity holders within a separate 
reserve ‘treasury shares’ until the shares are cancelled or re-issued. Where such ordinary shares are subsequently re-issued, any consideration 
received, net of any directly attributable incremental transaction costs and the related income tax effects, is included in equity attributable to 
the Company’s equity holders within retained earnings. The consideration initially paid for treasury shares which are subsequently re-issued 
is transferred from ‘treasury shares’ to retained earnings.

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4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

Capital contribution 
Capital contribution constitutes contributions made by the Company’s shareholders other than for the issue of shares by the Company in 
their capacity as equity owners of the Company for which the Company has no contractual obligation to repay them. Such contributions are 
recognised directly in equity as they constitute transactions with equity owners in their capacity as equity owners of the Company. 

Provisions and contingent liabilities 
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is more likely than not 
that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount has been reliably estimated. Provisions are not 
recognised for future operating losses. 

Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by considering 
the class of obligations as a whole. A provision is recognised even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect to any one item included in the 
same class of obligations may be small. 

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditure expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that 
reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to 
passage of time is recognised as interest expense. 

Provisions are only used to cover those expenses which they had been set up for. Other possible or present obligations that arise from past 
events but it is not probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefit will be required to settle the obligations, or the 
amount cannot be measured with sufficient reliability, are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements as contingent liabilities. 

Current and deferred income tax 
The tax expense for the period comprises of current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the income statement, except to the extent that 
it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognised in other 
comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively. 

Current income tax liabilities and assets for the current and prior periods are measured at the amount expected to be paid to or recovered 
from the taxation authorities using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. 
Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject 
to interpretations and establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to tax authorities. 

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if they 
arise from the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability 
in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. 
Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are 
expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax liability is settled. 

Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the 
temporary differences can be utilised. 

Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates except where the Group can 
control the timing of the reversal and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax 
liabilities, when the income tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the taxable entity 
or different taxable entities when there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

Russian Value Added Tax (“VAT”) 
Russian output value added tax related to sales is payable to tax authorities on the earlier of (a) collection of receivables from customers or 
(b) delivery of goods or services to customers. Input VAT is generally recoverable against output VAT upon receipt of the VAT invoice. 
The tax authorities permit the settlement of VAT on a net basis. VAT related to sales and purchases is recognised in the balance sheet on a 
gross basis and disclosed separately as an asset and liability. Where provision has been made for the impairment of receivables, the 
impairment loss is recorded for the gross amount of the debtor, including VAT. 

Employee benefits 
Wages, salaries, contributions to the state pension and social insurance funds, paid annual leave and sick leave, bonuses and other benefits 
(such as health services) are accrued in the year in which the associated services are rendered by the employees of the Group. These are 
included in staff costs and the Group has no further obligations once the contributions have been paid. 

The Group recognises a liability and an expense for bonuses where contractually obliged or where there is a past practice that has created 
a constructive obligation. 

Termination benefits 
Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated by the Group before the normal retirement date, or when an employee 
accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Group recognises termination benefits at the earlier of the following 
dates: (a) when the Group can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits; and (b) when the Group recognises costs for a restructuring 
that is within the scope of IAS 37 and involves the payment of terminations benefits. In the case of an offer made to encourage voluntary 
redundancy, the termination benefits are measured based on the number of employees expected to accept the offer. Benefits falling due 
more than 12 months after the end of the reporting period are discounted to present value. 

Share based payment transactions 
The Group operates a cash-settled share-based compensation plan. In accordance with compensation plan, key management personnel and 
selected employees of the Group are entitled to receive cash compensations based on the weighted average market quotations of the fixed 
number of Global Depository Receipts (“GDR”) of the Company. The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant 
of the equivalent GDR instruments is recognised as an expense over the vesting period. 

At each balance sheet date, if required by the terms of the compensation plan, the Group revises its estimates of the monetary equivalent of 
GDRs that are expected to vest. It recognises the impact of the revision of original estimates, including number of instruments expected to 
vest and fair values, in profit or loss, with a corresponding adjustment to share-based payment liability. 

Dividend distribution 
Dividend distribution to the Company’s shareholders is recognised as a liability in the Group’s financial statements in the period in which 
the dividends are approved and are no longer at the discretion of the Company. More specifically, interim dividends are recognised when 
approved by the Board of Directors whereas in case of final dividends, these are recognised at the time when they are approved by the 
Company’s shareholders. 

Prepayments 
Prepayments are carried at cost less provision for impairment. A prepayment is classified as non-current when the goods or services relating 
to the prepayment are expected to be obtained after one year, or when the prepayment relates to an asset which will itself be classified as 
non-current upon initial recognition. Prepayments to acquire assets are transferred to the carrying amount of the asset once the Group has 
obtained control of the asset and it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the asset will flow to the Group. Other 
prepayments are written off to profit or loss when the goods or services relating to the prepayments are received. If there is an indication 
that the assets, goods or services relating to a prepayment will not be received, the carrying value of the prepayment is written down 
accordingly and a corresponding impairment loss is recognised in the income statement. 

Comparatives 
Comparative figures have been adjusted to conform with changes in the presentation for the current year. Details of the reclassifications 
are disclosed in Note 3.

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5.  New accounting pronouncements 

Certain new standards, amendments to existing standards and interpretations have been issued that are mandatory for annual periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2019, that are expected to have an impact on the Group’s financial statements and which the Group has not 
early adopted. Items marked with * have not been endorsed by the European Union (“EU”). The Group will only be able to apply the new 
standards, amendments to existing standards or interpretations when these are endorsed by the EU. 

IFRS 16 “Leases” (issued on 13 January 2016 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019) 
The new standard sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. All leases result in the 
lessee obtaining the right to use an asset at the start of the lease and, if lease payments are made over time, also obtaining financing. 
Accordingly, IFRS 16 eliminates the classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases as is required by IAS 17 and, instead, 
introduces a single lessee accounting model. Lessees will be required to recognise: (a) assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more 
than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value; and (b) depreciation of lease assets separately from interest on lease liabilities in 
the income statement. IFRS 16 substantially carries forward the lessor accounting requirements in IAS 17. Accordingly, a lessor continues to 
classify its leases as operating leases or finance leases, and to account for those two types of leases differently. 

In accordance with the transition provisions of IFRS 16, the Group has elected the modified retrospective transition method for adopting the 
new standard with the effect of transition to be recognised in the opening retained earnings as at 1 January 2019 in the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for the year ending 31 December 2019; which will be the first year when the Group will apply IFRS 16. The Group opted 
the practical expedient provided by IFRS 16 to measure the right-of-use assets on transition at an amount equal to that of the lease liability 
(adjusted for any prepaid or accrued expenses), with the exception of assets under finance leases as per IAS 17 that were in place at the date 
of transition to IFRS 16 that will continue to be measured at their carrying amount immediately before the date of application. 

A reconciliation of the operating lease commitments as at 31 December 2018 disclosed in Note 32 to the recognised liability on 1 January 
2019 is as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1 January 2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             RUB’000 

Total future minimum lease payments for non-cancellable operating leases (Note 32)                                                                          1,378,832 
Impact of discounting                                                                                                                                                                                          (133,400) 
(Less): short-term leases recognised on a straight-line basis as expense                                                                                                       (270,671) 
(Less): payments for lease not yet commenced                                                                                                                                            (1,056,590) 
Add: adjustments as a result of a different treatment of extension and termination options                                                                      791,689 
Other                                                                                                                                                                                                                          (1,365) 

Total lease liabilities (excluding financial lease liabilities recognised as at 31 December 2018)                                                                 708,495 

As shown in Note 32, as of the reporting date the Group has non-cancellable operating lease commitments of RUB 1,378,832 thousand out 
of which approximately RUB 270,671 thousand relate to short-term leases which will be recognised on a straight line basis as an expense in 
the income statement. The Group opted to apply the optional exception of short-term leases under IFRS 16 whose lease term, at their 
commencement date, is 12 months or less. 

Further, the Group’s non-cancellable operating lease commitments as of 31 December 2018 include an amount of RUB 1,056,590 
thousand relating to a lease contract entered into in the year 2018 for the lease of offices. In accordance with the terms of the agreement, the 
Group will obtain right to use the offices within the first quarter of year 2019 and thus no lease liability was recognised in respect of this lease 
on 1 January 2019. 

The Group had finance lease liabilities recognised as at 31 December 2018 with a carrying amount of RUB 2,212,668 thousand (Note 27) 
and lease assets with a carrying amount of RUB 3,414,376 thousand (Note 17). Upon adoption of IFRS 16, the Group will recognise lease 
liabilities and right-of-use assets in respect of these leases at amounts equal to their carrying amounts as at 31 December 2018 under IAS17.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

5.  New accounting pronouncements continued 

IFRIC 23 “Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments” (issued on 7 June 2017 and effective for annual periods beginning 
on or after 1 January 2019) 
IAS 12 specifies how to account for current and deferred tax, but not how to reflect the effects of uncertainty. The interpretation clarifies 
how to apply the recognition and measurement requirements in IAS 12 when there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. An entity 
should determine whether to consider each uncertain tax treatment separately or together with one or more other uncertain tax treatments 
based on which approach better predicts the resolution of the uncertainty. An entity should assume that a taxation authority will examine 
amounts it has a right to examine and have full knowledge of all related information when making those examinations. If an entity concludes 
it is not probable that the taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment, the effect of uncertainty will be reflected in determining 
the related taxable profit or loss, tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits or tax rates, by using either the most likely amount or the 
expected value, depending on which method the entity expects to better predict the resolution of the uncertainty. An entity will reflect the 
effect of a change in facts and circumstances or of new information that affects the judgements or estimates required by the interpretation 
as a change in accounting estimate. 

Examples of changes in facts and circumstances or new information that can result in the reassessment of a judgement or estimate include, 
but are not limited to, examinations or actions by a taxation authority, changes in rules established by a taxation authority or the expiry of a 
taxation authority’s right to examine or re-examine a tax treatment. The absence of agreement or disagreement by a taxation authority with 
a tax treatment, in isolation, is unlikely to constitute a change in facts and circumstances or new information that affects the judgements and 
estimates required by the Interpretation. The Group is currently assessing the impact of the interpretation on its financial statements and as 
of the date of issue of these financial statements the impact of the interpretation is not known. 

Annual improvements to IFRSs 2015-2017 cycle – amendments to IFRS 3, IFRS 11, IAS 12 and IAS 23 (issued on 12 December 
2017 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019) 
The narrow scope amendments impact four standards. IFRS 3 was clarified that an acquirer should remeasure its previously held interest in a 
joint operation when it obtains control of the business. Conversely, IFRS 11 now explicitly explains that the investor should not remeasure its 
previously held interest when it obtains joint control of a joint operation, similarly to the existing requirements when an associate becomes a 
joint venture and vice versa. The amended IAS 12 explains that an entity recognises all income tax consequences of dividends where it has 
recognised the transactions or events that generated the related distributable profits, e.g. in profit or loss or in other comprehensive income. 
It is now clear that this requirement applies in all circumstances as long as payments on financial instruments classified as equity are 
distributions of profits, and not only in cases when the tax consequences are a result of different tax rates for distributed and undistributed 
profits. The revised IAS 23 now includes explicit guidance that the borrowings obtained specifically for funding a specified asset are excluded 
from the pool of general borrowings costs eligible for capitalisation only until the specific asset is substantially complete. The Group is 
currently assessing the impact of the amendments on its financial statements and as of the date of issue of these financial statements the 
impact of the amendments is not known. 

Definition of materiality – amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 (issued on 31 October 2018 and effective for annual periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2020) 
The amendments clarify the definition of material and how it should be applied by including in the definition guidance that until now has 
featured elsewhere in IFRS. In addition, the explanations accompanying the definition have been improved. Finally, the amendments ensure 
that the definition of material is consistent across all IFRS Standards. Information is material if omitting, misstating or obscuring it could 
reasonably be expected to influence the decisions that the primary users of general purpose financial statements make on the basis of those 
financial statements, which provide financial information about a specific reporting entity. The Group is currently assessing the impact of the 
amendments on its financial statements and as of the date of issue of these financial statements the impact of the amendments is not known. 

Amendments to the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting (issued on 29 March 2018 and effective for annual 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2020) 
The revised Conceptual Framework includes a new chapter on measurement; guidance on reporting financial performance; improved 
definitions and guidance – in particular the definition of a liability; and clarifications in important areas, such as the roles of stewardship, 
prudence and measurement uncertainty in financial reporting. The Group is currently assessing the impact of the amendments on its 
financial statements and as of the date of issue of these financial statements the impact of the amendments is not known.

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6.  Financial risk management 

Financial risks factors 
The Group’s activities exposed it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including foreign exchange risk, cash flow and fair value interest 
rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets 
and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial results. 

Market risk 
(a)  Foreign exchange risk 
Foreign exchange risk arises when future commercial transactions or recognised assets or liabilities are denominated in the currency different 
from the functional currency of each of the entities of the Group. 

As of 31 December 2018, almost 100% of the Group’s long-term borrowings are denominated in Russian Rouble. Further, a large proportion 
of the Group’s expenses and revenues are denominated and settled in Russian Roubles. Risks related to liabilities denominated in foreign 
currency are partly compensated by assets and income denominated in foreign currency. 

During the year 2018 there was increased volatility in currency markets and the Russian Rouble has depreciated significantly against some 
major currencies, especially in the second half of the year. As of the end of December 2018 the Russian Rouble has depreciated against the 
US Dollar from 57.6002 as of 31 December 2017 to 69.4706 Russian Roubles (21% devaluation). 

The Group is exposed to the effects of currency fluctuations between (i) the Russian Rouble and the US Dollar in relation to US Dollar 
denominated balances held in the Company and the Cypriot and Russian subsidiaries of the Group having the Russian Rouble as their 
functional currency; (ii) the Euro and the US Dollar for US Dollar denominated balances held in the Estonian subsidiaries of the Group which 
have the Euro as their functional currency and (iii) the Ukrainian Hryvnia and the US Dollar for the US Dollar denominated balances held in 
the Ukrainian subsidiary of the Group which has the Ukrainian Hryvnia as its functional currency. 

The Group does not have formal arrangements for hedging this foreign exchange risk. 

The carrying amounts of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in US Dollars as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 are 
as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Assets                                                                                                                                                                             1,013,937                        680,794 
Liabilities                                                                                                                                                                           101,055                        712,908 

Had US Dollar exchange rate strengthened/weakened by 20% against the Russian Rouble and all other variables remained unchanged, the 
post-tax profit of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2018, would have decreased/increased by RUB 93,454 thousand (2017: 5% 
change, effect RUB 11,888 thousand) and equity would have increased/decreased by RUB 528,447 thousand (2017: 5% change, effect 
RUB 125,368 thousand). 

This is mainly due to foreign exchange gains and losses arising upon retranslation of cash and cash equivalents and accounts payable 
denominated in US Dollars for the Group entities with Russian Rouble being their functional currency. The impact on equity is mainly due to 
foreign exchange gains and losses arising upon retranslation of intercompany loans being recognised as part of net investment in the foreign 
operation denominated in US Dollars for the Ukrainian subsidiary of the Group. 

Had Euro exchange rate strengthened/weakened by 10% against the US Dollar and all other variables remained unchanged, the post-tax 
profit of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2018, would have increased /decreased by RUB 37,260 thousand (2017: 10% change, 
effect RUB 28,517 thousand). This is mainly due to foreign exchange gains and losses arising upon retranslation of payable balances and cash 
and cash equivalents and accounts receivable denominated in US Dollars for the Estonian subsidiaries of the Group. 

Had US Dollar exchange rate strengthened/weakened by 5% against the Ukrainian Hryvnia and all other variables remained unchanged, the 
post-tax profit of the Group would have remained unchanged (2017: 5% change, no effect on post-tax profit) and the equity of the Group 
for the year ended 31 December 2018, would have decreased/increased by RUB 528,447 thousand (2017: 5% change, effect RUB 125,368 
thousand). This is mainly due to foreign exchange gains and losses arising upon retranslation of intercompany loans being recognised as part 
of net investment in the foreign operation denominated in US Dollars for the Ukrainian subsidiary of the Group.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

6.  Financial risk management continued 

(b)  Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk 
The Group’s income and operating cash flows are exposed to changes in market interest rates arising mainly from floating rate borrowings. 
In addition the Group is exposed to fair value interest rate risk through market value fluctuations of borrowings and bank deposits with fixed 
interest rates. However, any potential change in the market rates of interest will not have an impact on the carrying amount of the fixed rate 
financial instruments and hence on the Group’s post tax profit or equity as these instruments are carried at amortised cost. 

Long-term borrowing contracts of the Group are concluded to finance the purchase of rolling stock. While analysing new investment 
projects and concluding credit facility agreements, loan agreements and lease contracts, issues of bonds and various scenarios are developed 
taking into account terms of refinancing and alternative financing sources. Based on these scenarios the Group measures the impact of a 
definite change in interest rate on profit or loss and selects the financing model that allows maximising the estimated future profit. 

As at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017, the Group did not have any Russian Rouble or US Dollar credit facilities at floating interest 
rates, therefore any reasonably possible change in market interest rates would not have any significant impact on the post-tax profit or equity 
of the Group. 

The Group obtains borrowings at current market interest rates and does not use any hedging instruments to manage interest rate risk. 
Management monitors changes in interest rates and takes steps to mitigate these risks as far as practicable. 

Credit risk 
Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the other party by failing to meet an obligation. 
Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, loans and other receivables as well as lease receivables. 

(i)  Risk management 
The Group has policies in place to ensure that sales of goods and services are made to customers with an appropriate credit history. 
Management assesses the credit quality of the Group’s customers, taking into account their financial position, past experience and other 
factors. These policies allow the Group to reduce its credit risk. However, the Group’s business is heavily dependent on a few large key 
customers, with the top 10 customers accounting for 58.65% of the Group’s trade receivables as at 31 December 2018 (2017: 76.25%). 

For banks and financial institutions, the Group has established policies whereby the majority of bank balances are held with independently 
rated parties with a minimum rating of ‘Ba2’. These policies enable the Group to reduce its credit risk significantly. 

(ii)  Impairment of financial assets 
The Group has four types of assets that are subject to the expected credit loss model: 

•

trade receivables; 

•

finance lease receivables; 

•

loans and other receivables; and 

•

cash and cash equivalents. 

The impairment methodology applied by the Group for calculating expected credit losses depends on the type of assets assessed for 
impairment. All assets are assessed for impairment on an individual basis. Specifically: 

•

•

For trade receivables and finance lease receivables the Group applies the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9 for calculating expected 
credit losses, which requires lifetime expected credit losses to be recognised from initial recognition of the financial assets. 

For loans and other receivables and cash and cash equivalents, the Group applies the general approach. In particular, the Group applies the 
three stage model for calculating impairment, which is based on changes in the credit quality of the financial asset since initial recognition. 
A financial instrument that is not credit-impaired on initial recognition is classified in Stage 1. The ECL of financial assets in Stage 1 is 
measured at an amount equal to the portion of lifetime ECL that results from default events possible within the next 12 months or until 
contractual maturity, if shorter. If the Group identifies a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, the asset is transferred to 
Stage 2 and its ECL is measured based on ECL on a lifetime basis, that is, up until its contractual maturity but considering expected 
prepayments, if any. If the Group determines that a financial asset is credit-impaired, the asset is transferred to Stage 3 and its ECL is 
measured as a Lifetime ECL.

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129

6.  Financial risk management continued 

Significant increase in credit risk. The Group considers the probability of default upon initial recognition of an asset and whether there has 
been a significant increase in credit risk on an ongoing basis throughout each reporting period. To assess whether there is a significant increase 
in credit risk the Group compares the risk of a default occurring on the asset as at the reporting date with the risk of default as at the date of 
initial recognition. In making this assessment, the Group considers available reasonable and supportive forwarding-looking information. 

Especially the following indicators are incorporated: 

•

internal credit rating; 

•

external credit rating (as far as available); 

•

actual or expected significant adverse changes in business, financial or economic conditions that are expected to cause a significant 
change to the borrower’s/counterparty’s ability to meet its obligations; 

•

actual or expected significant changes in the operating results of the borrower/counterparty; 

•

significant increases in credit risk on other financial instruments of the same borrower/counterparty; 

•

significant changes in the value of the collateral supporting the obligation or in the quality of third-party guarantees or credit enhancements; and 

•

significant changes in the expected performance and behaviour of the borrower/counterparty, including changes in the payment status 
of counterparty in the group and changes in the operating results of the borrower. 

Macroeconomic information (such as market interest rates or growth rates) is incorporated as part of the internal rating model. The 
historical loss rates are adjusted to reflect current and forward-looking information on macroeconomic factors affecting the ability of the 
customers to settle the receivable balances. Regardless of the analysis above, a significant increase in credit risk is presumed if a debtor is 
more than 30 days past due in making a contractual payment. 

Default and credit-impaired. A default on a financial asset is when the financial asset meets one or more of the following criteria: (i) the 
borrower is more than 90 days past due on its contractual payments, (ii) the borrower is assessed as unlikely to pay its credit obligations in full 
without realisation of collateral, regardless of the existence of any past-due amount or of the number of days past due, (iii) the Company, for 
economic or contractual reasons relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty, granted to the borrower a concession(s) that it would not 
otherwise consider. The Company considers defaulted assets to be credit-impaired so that Stage 3 represents all debt financial assets which 
are considered defaulted. 

Write-off. Assets are written-off, in whole or in part, when the Group has concluded that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. 
Indicators that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery include, amongst others, the failure of a debtor to engage in a repayment plan 
with the Group and a failure to make contractual payments for a period of greater than 180 days past due. The Group may write-off financial 
assets that are still subject to enforcement activity when the Group seeks to recover amounts that are contractually due, however, there is no 
reasonable expectation of recovery. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against ‘selling and marketing 
costs’ in the income statement. 

The Group does not have any material debt financial assets that are subject to the impairment requirements of IFRS 9 and their contractual 
cash flows have been modified. 

The Group’s exposure to credit risk for each class of asset subject to the expected credit loss model is set out below: 

Trade receivables and finance lease receivables 
The Group assesses, on an individual basis, its exposure to credit risk arising from trade receivables and finance lease receivables. 
This assessment is based on the credit history of the customers with the Group as well as the period the trade receivable or finance lease 
receivable is past due (in days). 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

6.  Financial risk management continued 

The following table contains an analysis of the gross carrying amount of the Group’s trade receivables and finance lease receivables by 
reference to the days past due. This basis is aligned with the Group’s internal credit risk grades for these assets. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Finance lease  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Trade receivables                              receivables 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     RUB’000                                  RUB’000 

Current (not past due)                                                                                                                                                1,583,886                           316,668 
1 – 30 days past due                                                                                                                                                        762,210                                          – 
31 – 90 days past due                                                                                                                                                        18,294                                          – 
More than 90 days past due                                                                                                                                           369,180                                          – 

Total                                                                                                                                                                              2,733,570                           316,668 

The gross carrying amounts, as per above, represent the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk on these assets as at 31 December 2018, 
without taking into account any collateral held. The Group does not hold any collateral as security for any trade receivable balances. 
Finance lease receivables are effectively secured as the rights to the leased asset revert to the Group in the event of default. 

The movement in the credit loss allowance for trade receivables during the year 2018 is presented in the table below: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Trade receivables 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             RUB’000 

Opening balance as at 1 January 2018                                                                                                                                                              (141,336) 
New assets originated or purchased                                                                                                                                                                     (12,044) 
Assets written off during the year as uncollectible                                                                                                                                               13,071 
Recoveries                                                                                                                                                                                                                   4,534 
Other                                                                                                                                                                                                                        (10,267) 

Closing balance as at 31 December 2018                                                                                                                                                         (146,042) 

There were no significant trade receivable balances written off during the period that are subject to enforcement activity. 

The estimated expected credit loss allowance on finance lease receivables as at 31 December 2018 was immaterial. This assessment takes 
into consideration the presence of the leased asset, which acts as a collateral for the finance lease receivable. 

Loans and other receivables 
The Group assesses, on an individual basis, its exposure to credit risk arising from loans and other receivables. This assessment takes into 
account, amongst others, the period the loan receivable or other receivable balance is past due (in days) and history of defaults in the past, 
adjusted for forward looking information. 

The following table contains an analysis of the credit risk exposure for loans and other receivables on the basis of the Group’s internal 
credit risk rating grades. The gross carrying amounts below represent the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk on these assets as at 
31 December 2018. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Gross carrying  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               amount 
Internal credit risk rating grade                             Company definition of category                                                                                                                                    RUB’000 

Performing                                                 Stage 1 – Counterparties have a low risk of default and a strong capacity to 
                                                                    meet contractual cash flows                                                                                                            263,653 

Under-performing                                    Stage 2 – Customers for which there is a significant increase in credit risk; 
                                                                    as significant increase in credit risk is presumed if interest and/or principal 
                                                                    repayments are 30 days past due                                                                                                      18,017 

Non-performing or credit-impaired      Stage 3 – Interest and/or principal repayments are more than 90 days past due                        42,732 

The gross carrying amounts, as per above, represent the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk on these assets as at 31 December 2018, 
without taking into account any collateral held. The Group does not hold any collateral as security for any loans receivable and other 
receivable balances. 

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131

6.  Financial risk management continued 

The movement in the credit loss allowance for other receivables during the year 2018 is presented in the table below: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Other receivables 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Non-performing 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           RUB’000 

Opening balance as at 1 January 2018                                                                                                                                                                 (39,786) 
New assets originated or purchased                                                                                                                                                                     (14,882) 
Assets written off during the year as uncollectible                                                                                                                                               18,403 
Other                                                                                                                                                                                                                        (13,387) 

Closing balance as at 31 December 2018                                                                                                                                                            (49,652) 

The estimated expected credit loss allowance on loans receivable as at 31 December 2018 was immaterial. 

There were no significant loans and other receivable balances written off during the period that are subject to enforcement activity. 

Cash and cash equivalents 
The Group assesses, on an individual basis, its exposure to credit risk arising from cash at bank based on ratings from external credit rating 
institutions and internal ratings if external are not available. 

The following table contains an analysis of the gross carrying amount of the Group’s cash at bank by reference to the credit risk ratings 
assigned by external credit rating agencies. The gross carrying amounts below represent the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk on 
these assets as at 31 December 2018: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Rating                             RUB’000 

Moody’s (1)                                                                                                                                                                        A3 – Aaa                    1,462,017 
Moody’s (1)                                                                                                                                                                     Ba2 – Baa1                    5,659,996 
Moody’s (1)                                                                                                                                                                                   B1                               152 
Moody’s (1)                                                                                                                                                                  Caa1 – Caa3                            2,748 
Standard & Poor’s (2)                                                                                                                                                         B – BB+                            3,349 
Fitch (3)                                                                                                                                                                          BBB – BBB+                               652 
Other external non-rated banks – satisfactory credit quality (performing)                                                                                                           439 

Total cash at bank and bank deposits (4)                                                                                                                                                            7,129,353 

(1)  International rating agency Moody’s Investors Service. 
(2)  International rating agency Standard & Poor’s. 
(3)  International rating agency Fitch Rating. 
(4)  The rest of the balance sheet item ‘cash and cash equivalents’ is cash on hand. 

The Group does not hold any collateral as security for any of the above balances. 

The estimated expected credit loss allowance on cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December 2018, based on the general approach of 
IFRS 9, was immaterial. All cash and cash equivalents were performing (Stage 1) as at 31 December 2018.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

6.  Financial risk management continued 

Credit risk at 31 December 2017 
The table below summarises the analysis of accounts receivable under contractual terms of settlement at the balance sheet date for the year 
ended 31 December 2017: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Impairment 
                                                                          Fully performing                               Past due                              Impaired                             provision                                     Total 
                                                                                      RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Trade receivables                                      1,508,473                        671,481                        324,852                      (141,336)                   2,363,470 
Loans receivable                                             16,857                                    –                                    –                                    –                          16,857 
Other receivables                                           31,070                          18,297                          39,786                        (39,786)                        49,367 
Finance lease receivables                             445,919                                    –                                    –                                    –                        445,919 

                                                                    2,002,319                        689,778                        364,638                      (181,122)                   2,875,613 

Receivables amounting to RUB 2,002,319 thousand as of 31 December 2017 were fully performing. The credit quality of financial assets that 
were neither past due or impaired was assessed by reference to external credit rating, if available. For accounts receivable with no external 
credit rating available management assessed credit quality by reference to the prior history of working with customers. Customers with 
longer history of working with the Group were regarded by management as having lower risk of default. 

The credit quality of financial assets that were neither past due nor impaired as assessed by reference to external credit rating if available or 
to the working history of the counterparty with the Group was as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              RUB’000 

Trade and other receivables 
Counterparties with external credit rating 
Moody’s (2) (B1 – Ba1)                                                                                                                                                                                                 3,170 
Standard & Poor’s (3) (BB- – BB)                                                                                                                                                                                7,875 
Fitch (4) (B- – BB+)                                                                                                                                                                                                    369,679 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  380,724 

Counterparties without external credit rating 
Group 1                                                                                                                                                                                                                1,527,462 
Group 2                                                                                                                                                                                                                      94,133 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               1,621,595 

Total trade and other receivables                                                                                                                                                                      2,002,319 

Group 1 – Receivables from counterparties with more than one year of working history with the Group. 
Group 2 – Receivables from counterparties with less than one year of working history with the Group. 

Receivables of RUB 689,778 thousand as of 31 December 2017 were past due but not impaired. These related to a number of independent 
customers for whom there was no history of either non-repayment in the past or renegotiation of the repayment terms due to inability of 
the customer to repay the balance. Trade receivables were impaired only when there is an indication that the customer is unable to repay 
the balance. 

The ageing analysis of past due trade receivables at 31 December 2017 as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              RUB’000 

Less than 1 month                                                                                                                                                                                                  433,790 
From 1 to 3 months                                                                                                                                                                                                  72,246 
From 3 to 6 months                                                                                                                                                                                                    6,773 
From 6 months to 1 year                                                                                                                                                                                            9,055 
Over one year                                                                                                                                                                                                         167,914 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  689,778

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133

6.  Financial risk management continued 

Trade receivables amounting to RUB 121,699 thousand as of 31 December 2017 were impaired and fully provided for. The individually 
impaired receivables mainly related to customers for railway services, which were in unexpectedly difficult economic situation. It was 
assessed that no portion of these receivables was expected to be recovered. 

Other receivables amounting to RUB 39,786 thousand as of 31 December 2017 were impaired and provided for in full. It was assessed that 
no portion of these receivables is expected to be recovered. 

Movements on the Group’s provision for impairment of trade and other receivables during the year 2017 were as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                        Trade                                   Other 
                                                                                                                                                                               receivables                          receivables                                     Total 
                                                                                                                                                                                  RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000 

At 1 January                                                                                                                               263,972                          29,163                        293,135 
Provision for receivables impairment (Note 11)                                                                     42,267                          18,488                          60,755 
Bad debt written off                                                                                                                (167,639)                         (7,834)                     (175,473) 
Currency translation differences                                                                                                  2,736                                    –                            2,736 
Other                                                                                                                                                       –                                (31)                               (31) 

At 31 December                                                                                                                        141,336                          39,786                        181,122 

The creation and release of provision for impaired receivables have been included in “selling and marketing costs” in the income statement 
(Note 11). Amounts charged to the allowance account are generally written off, when there is no expectation of recovering additional cash. 

The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets. 

Cash at bank and short-term bank deposits 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Rating                              RUB’000 

Moody’s (2)                                                                                                                                                                        A3 – Aaa                    1,002,389 
Moody’s (2)                                                                                                                                                                     Ba2 – Baa1                    3,101,414 
Moody’s (2)                                                                                                                                                                                   B1                                174 
Moody’s (2)                                                                                                                                                                  Caa1 – Caa3                            1,844 
Standard & Poor’s (3)                                                                                                                                                                BB+                        658,258 
Fitch (4)                                                                                                                                                                          BBB – BBB+                        151,920 
Other non-rated banks – satisfactory credit quality                                                                                                                                             49,715 

Total cash at bank and bank deposits (1)                                                                                                                                                             4,965,714 

(1) The rest of the balance sheet item Cash and cash equivalents is cash on hand. 
(2) International rating agency Moody’s Investors Service. 
(3) International rating agency Standard & Poor’s. 
(4) International rating agency Fitch Rating. 

The maximum exposure to credit risk at 31 December 2017 was the fair value of each class of receivables mentioned above. The Group did 
not hold any collateral as security for any receivables other than finance lease receivables which are effectively secured as the rights to the 
leased asset revert to the Group in the event of default. 

Liquidity risk 
The Group has an excess of current assets over current liabilities of RUB 708,587 thousand as at 31 December 2018 (2017: excess of current 
liabilities over current assets RUB 1,285,219 thousand). 

The Group has predictable cash flows which allow the Group to repay its liabilities when they fall due. The Group also has successful credit 
and refinancing history and maintains enough flexibility ensuring the ability to attract necessary funds through committed credit facilities. 
Due to availability of committed credit lines amounting to RUB 4,515,000 thousand as of 31 December 2018 (2017: RUB 19,140,000 
thousand), together with long-term borrowings (Note 27) the Group has the ability to meet its liabilities as they fall due and mitigate risks 
of adverse changes in the financial markets environment.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

6.  Financial risk management continued 

Management controls current liquidity based on expected cash flows and expected revenue receipts. In the long-term perspective the liquidity 
risk is determined by forecasting future cash flows at the moment of signing new credit, loan or lease agreements and by budgeting procedures. 

The table below summarises the analysis of financial liabilities of the Group by maturity as of 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017. 
The amounts in the table are contractual undiscounted cash flows. Trade and other payables balances due within 12 months equal their 
carrying balances as the impact of discounting is not significant. 

                                                                                                           Between                                                  Between  
                                                                         Less than          1 month and                 Between         6 months and                 Between                 Between  
                                                                          1 month                3 months      3 and 6 months      less than 1 year          1 and 2 years          2 and 5 years                       Total 
                                                                         RUB’000                 RUB’000                 RUB’000                 RUB’000                 RUB’000                 RUB’000                 RUB’000 

 31 December 2018 
 Borrowings                                       427,029          2,273,971          1,893,914          5,195,738          6,186,061       11,273,818       27,250,531 
 Trade and other payables               820,446                 35,390                 34,458              115,318              197,689                 98,844          1,302,145 
 Finance lease liabilities                       56,475              110,666              165,549              329,426              609,246          1,359,462          2,630,824 

                                                                 1,303,950          2,420,027          2,093,921          5,640,482          6,992,996       12,732,124       31,183,500 

 31 December 2017 
 Borrowings                                        492,546         2,426,820         1,326,157         4,210,040         6,321,331         3,623,067       18,399,961 
 Trade and other payables                777,375                 1,389                         –                         –                         –                         –             778,764 

                                                         1,269,921         2,428,209         1,326,157         4,210,040         6,321,331         3,623,067       19,178,725 

Note: statutory liabilities are excluded as the analysis is provided for financial liabilities only. 

(a)  Capital risk management 
The Group’s main objective when managing capital is to maintain the ability to continue as a going concern in order to ensure the required 
profitability of the Group, maintain optimum equity structure and reduce its cost of capital. 

Defining capital, the Group uses the amount of net assets attributable to the Company’s equity owners and the Group’s borrowings. 

The Group manages the capital based on borrowings to total capitalisation ratio. Borrowings include loan liabilities. To maintain or change its 
equity structure, the Company may vary the amount of dividend paid or sell assets in order to reduce debts. 

Total capitalisation is calculated as the sum of the total Group borrowings and total equity attributable to the equity owners of the Company. 
The management does not currently have any specific target for the rate of borrowings to total capitalisation. 

The rate of borrowings to total capitalisation as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Total borrowings                                                                                                                                                       25,728,911                  16,331,356 
Total capitalisation                                                                                                                                                    73,356,937                  61,224,087 

Total borrowings to total capitalisation ratio (percentage)                                                                                        35.07%                         26.67% 

External requirements are imposed on the capital of the Group as defined by management in relation to long-term loans provided by 
financial institutions to the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company. The Group analyses compliance with external requirements 
to the capital at each reporting date and when entering into new loan agreements and lease contracts. There were no instances of non-
compliance with externally imposed capital requirements during 2018 and 2017. Management believes that the Group will be able to 
comply with its external requirements to the capital during the whole term of agreements.

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135

6.  Financial risk management continued 

Fair value estimation 
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants 
at the measurement date. The best evidence of fair value is price in an active market. An active market is one in which transactions for the 
asset or liability take place with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. 

The estimated fair values of financial instruments have been determined by the Group, using available market information, where it exists, 
appropriate valuation methodologies and assistance of experts. However, judgement is necessarily required to interpret market data to 
determine the estimated fair value. The Russian Federation continues to display some characteristics of an emerging market and economic 
conditions continue to limit the volume of activity in the financial markets. Market quotations may be outdated or reflect distress sale 
transactions and therefore do not always represent the fair values of financial instruments. The Group has used all available market 
information in estimating the fair value of financial instruments. 

Fair value measurements are analysed by level in the fair value hierarchy as follows: (i) level 1 are measurements at quoted prices (unadjusted) 
in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, (ii) level 2 measurements are valuations techniques with all material inputs observable for the 
asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices), and (iii) level 3 measurements are valuations not 
based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs). Management applies judgement in categorising financial instruments using the 
fair value hierarchy. If a fair value measurement uses observable inputs that require significant adjustment, that measurement is a level 3 
measurement. The significance of a valuation input is assessed against the fair value measurement in its entirety. 

The fair values in level 2 and level 3 of fair value hierarchy were estimated using discounted cash flows valuation techniques. The fair value of 
unquoted fixed and floating interest rate instruments which are not quoted in an active market was estimated based on estimated future 
cash flows expected to be received discounted at current interest rates for new instruments with similar credit risk and remaining maturity. 

Financial assets at amortised cost. The fair value of floating rate instruments is normally their carrying amount. The estimated fair value of 
fixed interest rate instruments is based on estimated future cash flows expected to be received, discounted at current interest rates for new 
instruments with similar credit risk and remaining maturity. Discount rates used depend on credit risk of the counterparty. 

The fair values of financial assets do not materially differ from their carrying amounts as the impact of discounting is not significant. 

Financial liabilities carried at amortised cost. Fair values of borrowings and other liabilities were determined using valuation techniques. 

As at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 there were no fixed or floating interest rate instruments with stated maturity denominated 
in a currency other than the Russian Rouble. 

The fair value as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 of fixed and floating interest rate instruments with stated maturity 
denominated in Russian Rouble was estimated based on expected cash flows discounted using the rate of similar Russian Rouble 
denominated instruments entered into by the Group close to 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017, respectively. The discount rate 
used was 9.5% p.a. (2017: 8% p.a.) (Note 27). The fair value as at 31 December 2018 of the fixed interest rate non-convertible bonds was 
equal to their quoted price and the resulting fair value measurement is within level 1. 

The fair value of liabilities repayable on demand or after a notice period (“demandable liabilities”) is estimated as the amount payable on 
demand, discounted from the first date on which the amount could be required to be paid.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

7.  Critical accounting estimates and judgements 

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of 
future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 

(a)  Critical accounting estimates and assumptions 
The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the 
related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of 
assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below: 

(i)  Tax legislation 
Russian tax, currency and customs legislation is subject to varying interpretations (Note 31). 

(b)  Critical judgements in applying Group’s accounting policies 
The Group also makes certain judgements, apart from those involving estimations, in the process of applying the accounting policies. 
Judgements that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements and estimates that can cause a 
significant adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below: 

(i)  Revenue recognition under IFRS 15 “Revenue from contracts with customers”, including impact of adoption 
IFRS 15 “Revenue from contracts with customers” and its subsequent amendment were effective for the Group from 1 January 2018. 
The assessment of the impact of adoption of IFRS 15 on the Group’s accounting policies and ongoing accounting under IFRS 15 required 
management to make certain critical judgements in the process of applying the principles of the new standard. The judgements that had the 
most significant effect on management’s conclusion are the following: 

Identification of performance obligations 
Operator’s services contracts involve the provision by the Group of a wide range of services. Management believes that, although some of 
these services can be obtained by the clients from the market separately and different combinations of services can be provided to different 
customers, in the context of each individual contract with a customer, the services provided by the Group are highly dependent and 
interrelated with each other and, therefore, are not distinct. In making this assessment, management noted that, despite the fact that the 
Group’s contracts contain a promise to deliver multiple services, the nature of the promise within the context of the contracts and the 
economic substance of the transaction is that the customers are purchasing integrated operator’s services to which the individual services 
promised are inputs rather than separate services and consequently this is considered to constitute a single performance obligation. 

Assessment as to whether the Group is acting as an agent or principal for certain operator’s services contracts 
Operator’s services are rendered using own or leased rolling stock. In those cases when the Group’s customers do not interact with OAO 
“Russian Railways”, a full service is charged by the Group to its customers and the OAO “Russian Railways” tariff is borne by the Group with 
or without further recharge to its customers. There are certain characteristics indicating that the Group is acting as an agent in these 
arrangements, particularly the fact that OAO “Russian Railways” tariffs are available to the public and therefore are known to the customer. 
However, the services are rendered with the use of own or leased rolling stock and the Group bears the OAO “Russian Railways” tariff to 
bring the rolling stock back or to the next destination. The Group is independent in its pricing policy and considers its potential loss for 
empty run tariff. 

Management historically took the position that the Group acts as a principal in these arrangements and the Group accounted for full receipts 
from customers as sales revenue and the OAO “Russian Railways” tariff was also included in cost of sales. Management re-assessed the 
accounting treatment followed historically by the Group by reference to the requirements of the new standard and concluded that this is still 
appropriate. Management believes that the Group is acting as a principal in these arrangements as it is the party that controls the services 
prior these are transferred to the customers and, through separate arrangements with OAO “Russian Railways”, obtains the right to direct 
them to provide services on its behalf. 

Had OAO “Russian Railways” tariff directly attributable to such services been excluded from revenues and cost of sales for the year ended 
31 December 2018 both would have decreased by RUB 22,682,168 thousand (2017: RUB 22,507,762 thousand).

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137

7.  Critical accounting estimates and judgements continued 

(ii)  Intention for the distribution of dividends by subsidiaries 
Withholding tax at the rate of 5% is applied to the dividends distributed by the Russian subsidiaries of the Group to the Company. In case the 
dividends are distributed by the Estonian subsidiaries the tax of 20% will be applied to gross amount of such distributions. Management 
exercises judgement in determining the provisions to be recognised by the Group for such taxes. These provisions are based on management’s 
estimates and intention for future dividend distribution by each respective subsidiary out of profits of subsidiaries as of 31 December 2018. 

Deferred income tax liabilities of RUB 3,474,968 thousand (2017: RUB 2,785,978 thousand) have not been recognised for the withholding 
taxes that would be payable in case unremitted earnings of certain subsidiaries are distributed to the Company in the form of dividends as it is 
the current intention of the management of the Group that such amounts are reinvested. Unremitted earnings on which no deferred tax 
liability was recognised totalled to RUB 28,932,126 thousand as at 31 December 2018 (2017: RUB 20,506,150 thousand). 

8.  Segmental information 

The chief operating decision-maker has been identified as the Board of Directors of the Company. The Board reviews the Group’s internal 
reporting in order to assess performance and allocate resources. Management has determined the operating segments based on these reports. 

The Board considers the business from two perspectives: by type of activity and by type of rolling stock used. From a type of activity 
perspective, the Board reviews revenues with no further analysis of the underlying cost components. From the type of rolling stock used 
perspective, the Board assesses the performance of each type of rolling stock at the level of adjusted revenue. In particular, the Board reviews 
discrete financial information for gondola cars and rail tank cars, whereas all other types of rolling stock (such as hopper cars and platforms) 
are reviewed together. 

Adjusted revenue is the measure of profit looked at by the chief operating decision-maker and this includes the revenues derived from the 
relating type of rolling stock used less infrastructure and locomotive tariffs paid for the loaded trips of relating rolling stock less services 
provided by other transportation organisations. Further, the Board receives information in respect of relating depreciation and amortisation 
charges for rolling stock and customer relationships, respectively, impairment charges/reversal of impairment in respect of rolling stock and 
customer relationships and loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs. All information provided to the Board in relation to profit or loss 
items is measured in a manner consistent with that in the financial statements. 

The Board also reviews additions to segment assets. Liabilities are not segmented since they are not reviewed from that perspective by the 
chief operating decision maker. Capital expenditure comprises additions of rolling stock to property, plant and equipment. 

The Group does not have transactions between different business segments. 

                                                                                                                                                                        Gondola cars                  Rail tank cars                Other railcars                                  Total 
                                                                                                                                                                                 RUB’000                          RUB’000                          RUB’000                          RUB’000 

Year ended 31 December 2018 
Total revenue – operator’s services (recognised over time)                   56,578,061             26,171,577                1,070,226             83,819,864 
Total revenue – operating lease                                                                       217,875                1,131,730                       44,631                1,394,236 
Inter-segment revenue                                                                                                   –                                   –                                   –                                   – 

Revenue (from external customers)                                                          56,795,936             27,303,307                1,114,857             85,214,100 

Less: Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs – loaded trips                      (16,072,497)             (6,093,700)                 (515,971)          (22,682,168) 
Less: Services provided by other transportation organisations               (2,631,711)                 (571,819)                    (27,620)             (3,231,150) 

Adjusted revenue for reportable segments                                           38,091,728             20,637,788                    571,266             59,300,782 

Depreciation and amortisation                                                                    (4,445,258)             (1,085,940)                    (84,314)             (5,615,512) 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment                                               (10,073)                                  –                                   –                     (10,073) 
Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs                                            (142,020)                 (217,593)                    (17,671)                 (377,284) 
Additions to non-current assets 
  (included in reportable segment assets)                                                 12,117,088                    658,041                1,190,307             13,965,436 
Reportable segment assets                                                                       50,970,274(1)          20,517,936                1,531,496             73,019,706 

(1)  Includes RUB 752,718 thousand of intangible assets representing customer relationships.

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138

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

8.  Segmental information continued 

                                                                                                                                                 Gondola cars                 Rail tank cars               Other railcars                              Total 
                                                                                                                                                        RUB’000                       RUB’000                       RUB’000                       RUB’000 

Year ended 31 December 2017 
Total revenue – operator’s services                                                            52,210,098             22,472,812               1,185,233             75,868,143 
Total revenue – operating lease                                                                        104,838               1,020,852                    86,498               1,212,188 
Inter-segment revenue                                                                                                   –                               –                               –                               – 

Revenue (from external customers)                                                           52,314,936             23,493,664               1,271,731             77,080,331 

Less: Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs – loaded trips                       (16,832,160)            (5,162,124)               (513,478)         (22,507,762) 
Less: Services provided by other transportation organisations                (3,228,663)               (195,297)                 (54,521)            (3,478,481) 

Adjusted revenue for reportable segments                                            32,254,113             18,136,243                  703,732             51,094,088 

Depreciation and amortisation                                                                     (4,398,130)            (1,018,965)               (100,092)            (5,517,187) 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment                                                            –                               –                 (111,172)               (111,172) 
Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs                                            (261,336)               (265,670)                    (1,033)               (528,039) 
Reversal of impairment charge of intangible assets                                        630,223                               –                               –                  630,223 
Additions to non-current assets 
  (included in reportable segment assets)                                                     3,227,815                  754,615                  151,807               4,134,237 
Reportable segment assets                                                                        44,100,083(1)          19,445,539                  533,320             64,078,942 

(1)  Includes RUB 1,447,559 thousand of intangible assets representing customer relationships. 

A reconciliation of total adjusted revenue to total profit before income tax is provided as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Adjusted revenue for reportable segments                                                                                                           59,300,782                  51,094,088 
Other revenues                                                                                                                                                            1,558,642                    1,000,201 

Total adjusted revenue                                                                                                                                           60,859,424                  52,094,289 

Cost of sales (excl. infrastructure and locomotive tariffs – loaded trips, services provided by 
  other transportation organisations, impairment of property, plant and equipment, 
  depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortisation of intangible assets, 
  loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs)                                                                                                (23,094,638)               (22,352,208) 
Selling, marketing and administrative expenses (excl. depreciation, 
  amortisation and impairments)                                                                                                                             (4,771,519)                 (3,979,117) 
Depreciation and amortisation                                                                                                                                (5,807,417)                 (5,680,445) 
Reversal of impairment charge of customer relationships                                                                                                      –                        630,223 
Net impairment losses on financial assets                                                                                                                     (29,713)                       (60,755) 
Impairment charge for property, plant and equipment                                                                                              (10,073)                     (111,172) 
Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs                                                                                                        (377,284)                     (528,039) 
Other income                                                                                                                                                                  133,754                          57,967 
Other gains – net                                                                                                                                                                (1,479)                        85,392 

Operating profit                                                                                                                                                       26,901,055                  20,156,135 

Finance income                                                                                                                                                                377,445                        480,585 
Finance costs                                                                                                                                                               (1,778,460)                 (2,046,403) 
Net foreign exchange transaction losses on financing activities                                                                                (40,219)                     (236,540) 

Profit before income tax                                                                                                                                         25,459,821                  18,353,777

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139

8.  Segmental information continued 

Segment assets and liabilities are reconciled to the Group assets and liabilities as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                     2018                                                                                  2017 

                                                                                                                                        Assets                                 Liabilities                                   Assets                              Liabilities 
                                                                                                                                    RUB’000                                  RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Segment assets/ liabilities                                                           73,019,706                                          –                  64,078,915                                    – 

Unallocated: 
– Deferred tax liabilities                                                                                  –                       6,284,868                                    –                    5,908,319 
– Current income tax assets/liabilities                                            191,277                             50,948                          18,273                        150,595 
– Property, plant and equipment                                                 2,497,915                                          –                    2,139,551                                    – 
– Intangible assets                                                                                   4,491                                          –                            6,242                                    – 
– Other assets                                                                                 4,607,362                                          –                    3,006,369                                    – 
– Trade receivables                                                                         2,587,528                                          –                    2,363,470                                    – 
– Loans and other receivables                                                          274,750                             66,224                                    – 
– Inventories                                                                                       904,375                                          –                        776,341                                    – 
– Cash and cash equivalents                                                          7,129,918                                          –                    4,966,171                                    – 
– Borrowings                                                                                                   –                    25,728,911                                    –                  16,331,356 
– Trade and other payables                                                                            –                       2,953,694                                    –                    4,413,656 
– Contract liabilities                                                                                        –                       2,673,467                                    –                                    – 

Total                                                                                              91,217,322                    37,691,888                  77,421,556                  26,803,926 

Geographic information 
Revenues from external customers 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Revenue 
Russia                                                                                                                                                                          85,532,368                  77,171,269 
Estonia                                                                                                                                                                              929,319                        749,218 
Finland                                                                                                                                                                                       741                            6,404 
Ukraine                                                                                                                                                                             310,314                        153,641 

                                                                                                                                                                                     86,772,742                  78,080,532 

The revenue information above is based on the location where the sale has originated, i.e. on the location of the respective subsidiary of 
the Group. 

In the periods set out below, certain customers, included within the revenue generated in Russia, accounted for greater than 10% of the 
Group’s total revenues: 

                                                                                                                                                     2018                                                                                  2017 

                                                                                                                                    RUB’000                              % revenue                              RUB’000                           % revenue 

Revenue 
Customer A – rail tank cars segment                                         17,162,366                                       20                  14,248,432                                  18 
Customer B – gondola cars segment                                         24,939,534                                       29                  24,146,713                                  31 
Customer C – gondola cars segment                                         13,397,567                                       15                  12,106,875                                  16

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

140

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

8.  Segmental information continued 

Non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets, post-employment benefit assets and rights arising under 
insurance contracts. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Non-current assets 
Russia                                                                                                                                                                          63,583,859                  54,766,788 
Estonia                                                                                                                                                                        12,149,137                  10,947,603 
Ukraine                                                                                                                                                                             512,102                        527,835 
Cyprus                                                                                                                                                                                    7,212                            4,468 

                                                                                                                                                                                     76,252,310                  66,246,694 

9.  Non-GAAP financial information 

In addition to financial information under IFRS, the Group also use certain measures not recognised by EU IFRS or IFRS (referred to as “non-
GAAP measures”) as supplemental measures of the Group’s operating and financial performance. The management believes that these 
non-GAAP measures provide valuable information to readers, because they enable them to focus more directly on the underlying day-to-
day performance of the Group’s business. These might not be consistent with measures (of similar description) used by other entities. 

Adjusted Revenue 
Adjusted Revenue is defined as “Total revenue” adjusted for “pass through” items: “Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips” and 
“Services provided by other transportation organisations”. “Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips” comprises revenue resulting 
from tariffs that customers pay to the Group and the Group pays on to OAO “Russian Railways”, which are reflected in equal amounts in 
both the Group’s Total revenue and Cost of sales. “Services provided by other transportation organisations” is revenue resulting from the 
tariffs that customers pay to the Group and the Group pays on to third-party rail operators for subcontracting their rolling stock, which are 
reflected in equal amounts in both the Group’s Total Revenue and Cost of Sales. 

The following table provides details of Adjusted Revenue for 2018 and 2017 and its reconciliation to Total Revenue. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Total revenue                                                                                                                                                             86,772,742                  78,080,532 
  Minus “pass through” items 
Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips                                                                                              (22,682,168)               (22,507,762) 
Services provided by other transportation organisations                                                                                     (3,231,150)                 (3,478,481) 

Adjusted Revenue                                                                                                                                                     60,859,424                  52,094,289 

Total Operating Cash Costs and Non-cash Costs 
In order to show the dynamics and nature of the Group’s cost base, individual items of Total Cost of Sales, selling and marketing costs and 
administrative expenses have been regrouped into Operating Cash Costs and Operating Non-cash Costs. 

Total Operating Cash Costs represent operating cost items payable in cash and calculated as “Total cost of sales, selling and marketing costs 
and administrative expenses” less the “pass through” items: “Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips” and “Services provided by 
other transportation organisations” and non-cash items: “Depreciation of property, plant and equipment”, “Amortisation of intangible 
assets”, “Net impairment losses on financial assets”, “Impairment of property, plant and equipment”, “Net (gain)/loss on sale of property, 
plant and equipment” and “Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs”. 

Total Operating Non-cash Costs include cost items such as “Depreciation of property, plant and equipment”, “Amortisation of intangible 
assets”, “Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs”, “Net impairment losses on financial assets”, “Impairment of property, plant and 
equipment” and “Net (gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment”.

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141

9.  Non-GAAP financial information continued 

Other Operating Cash Costs include cost items such as “Advertising and promotion”, “Auditors’ remuneration”, “Communication costs”, 
“Information services”, “Legal, consulting and other professional fees”, “Rental of tank containers”, “Operating lease rentals – office”, 
“Taxes (other than income tax and value added taxes)” and “Other expenses”. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

“Pass through” cost items                                                                                                                                    (25,913,318)               (25,986,243) 

– Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips                                                                                           (22,682,168)               (22,507,762) 
– Services provided by other transportation organisations                                                                                  (3,231,150)                 (3,478,481) 

Total cost of sales, selling and marketing costs and administrative expenses 
(adjusted for “pass through” cost items)                                                                                                           (34,090,644)               (32,711,736) 

Total Operating Cash Costs                                                                                                                                  (27,893,504)               (26,302,818) 

– Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs – empty runs and other tariffs                                                             (13,848,049)               (13,103,048) 
– Repairs and maintenance                                                                                                                                       (3,821,338)                 (3,769,086) 
– Employee benefit expense                                                                                                                                     (4,366,804)                 (3,425,986) 
– Operating lease rentals – rolling stock                                                                                                                     (826,937)                 (1,634,370) 
– Fuel and spare parts – locomotives                                                                                                                       (1,935,278)                 (1,519,083) 
– Engagement of locomotive crews                                                                                                                            (795,289)                     (662,100) 
– Other Operating Cash Costs                                                                                                                                 (2,299,809)                 (2,189,145) 
   Advertising and promotion                                                                                                                                              (37,716)                       (31,240) 
   Auditors’ remuneration                                                                                                                                                   (58,760)                       (55,903) 
   Communication costs                                                                                                                                                       (33,391)                       (37,446) 
   Information services                                                                                                                                                         (26,626)                       (19,025) 
   Legal, consulting and other professional fees                                                                                                                    (70,084)                       (69,415) 
   Rental of tank-containers                                                                                                                                                (43,770)                       (63,622) 
   Operating lease rentals – office                                                                                                                                     (183,188)                     (179,887) 
   Taxes (other than on income and value added taxes)                                                                                                     (681,263)                     (746,058) 
   Other expenses                                                                                                                                                           (1,165,011)                     (986,549) 

Total Operating Non-cash Costs                                                                                                                           (6,197,140)                 (6,408,918) 

– Depreciation of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                 (5,110,715)                 (4,962,459) 
– Amortisation of intangible assets                                                                                                                             (696,702)                     (717,986) 
– Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs                                                                                                     (377,284)                     (528,039) 
– Net impairment losses on financial assets                                                                                                                  (29,713)                       (60,755) 
– Impairment of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                         (10,073)                     (111,172) 
– Net loss on sale of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                    27,347                        (28,507) 

Total cost of sales, selling and marketing costs and administrative expenses                                            (60,003,962)               (58,697,979) 

Adjusted EBITDA 
Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA excluding “Net foreign exchange transaction losses from financing activities”, “Share of loss of 
associate”, “Other losses/(gains) – net”, “Net (gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment”, “Impairment of property, plant and 
equipment”, “Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs” and “Reversal of impairment of intangible assets”. 

EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) represents “Profit for the year” before “Income tax expense”, “Finance costs – net” (excluding 
“Net foreign exchange transaction losses from financing activities”), “Depreciation of property, plant and equipment” and “Amortisation of 
intangible assets”.

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

142

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

9.  Non-GAAP financial information continued 

The following table provides details on Adjusted EBITDA for 2018 and 2017 and its reconciliation to EBITDA and Profit for the year: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Profit for the year                                                                                                                                                     19,583,435                  13,819,874 

Plus (Minus) 
– Income tax expense                                                                                                                                                  5,876,386                    4,533,903 
– Finance costs – net                                                                                                                                                    1,441,234                    1,802,358 
– Net foreign exchange transaction losses on financing activities                                                                             (40,219)                     (236,540) 
– Amortisation of intangible assets                                                                                                                               696,702                        717,986 
– Depreciation of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                  5,110,715                    4,962,459 

EBITDA                                                                                                                                                                       32,668,253                  25,600,040 

Plus (Minus) 
– Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs                                                                                                       377,284                        528,039 
– Net foreign exchange transaction losses on financing activities                                                                               40,219                        236,540 
– Other losses/(gains) – net                                                                                                                                               1,479                        (85,392) 
– Net loss on sale of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                   (27,347)                        28,507 
– Impairment of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                          10,073                        111,172 
– Reversal of impairment of intangible assets                                                                                                                           –                      (630,223) 

Adjusted EBITDA                                                                                                                                                     33,069,961                  25,788,683 

Free Cash Flow 
Free Cash Flow is calculated as “Cash generated from operations” (after “Changes in working capital”) less “Tax paid”, “Interest paid”, 
“Purchases of property, plant and equipment”, “Finance lease principal payments” and “Purchases of intangible assets”. 

Total CAPEX calculated on a cash basis as the sum of “Purchases of property, plant and equipment”, “Purchases of intangible assets”, 
“Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings – net of cash acquired” and “Finance lease principal payments”. 

The Attributable Free Cash Flow means Free Cash Flow less Adjusted profit attributable to non-controlling interests. 

Adjusted Profit Attributable to Non-controlling Interests is calculated as “Profit attributable to non-controlling interests” less share of 
“Impairment of property, plant and equipment” and “Impairment of intangible assets” attributable to non-controlling interests. 

The following table sets out details on Free Cash Flow and Attributable Free Cash Flow for 2018 and 2017, and its reconciliation to 
Cash generated from operations. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Cash generated from operations                                                                                                                            32,602,394                  27,495,573 
Tax paid                                                                                                                                                                       (5,765,818)                 (3,631,769) 
Interest paid                                                                                                                                                                (1,633,332)                 (1,943,746) 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                       (11,567,554)                 (4,872,076) 
Finance lease principal payments                                                                                                                             (1,321,234)                                   – 
Purchases of intangible assets                                                                                                                                               (110)                                   – 

Total CAPEX                                                                                                                                                             12,888,898                    4,872,076 

Free Cash Flow                                                                                                                                                          12,314,346                  17,047,982 

Attributable Free Cash Flow                                                                                                                                  10,402,879                  15,516,885

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

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143

9.  Non-GAAP financial information continued 

Net Debt and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA 
Net Debt is defined as the sum of total borrowings (including interest accrued) less “Cash and cash equivalents”. 

Total Debt is defined as total borrowings (including interest accrued). 

The following table sets out the details on the Group’s Net Debt and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA at 31 December 2018 and 2017, and 
reconciliation of Net Debt to Total Debt. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Total debt                                                                                                                                                                   25,728,911                  16,331,356 

Minus 
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                           7,129,918                    4,966,171 

Net Debt                                                                                                                                                                    18,598,993                  11,365,185 

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA                                                                                                                                          0.56x                             0.44x 

10.  Revenue 

(a)  Disaggregation of revenue 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Railway transportation – operator’s services (tariff borne by the Group)                                                         48,129,793                  44,371,174 
Railway transportation – operator’s services (tariff borne by the client)                                                           35,690,071                  31,496,969 
Other                                                                                                                                                                             1,558,642                    1,000,201 

Total revenue from contracts with customers recognised over time (2017: Total revenue)                         85,378,506                  76,868,344 
Operating lease of rolling stock                                                                                                                                 1,394,236                    1,212,188 

Total revenue                                                                                                                                                            86,772,742                  78,080,532 

Note: Revenue from railway transportation – operators services (tariff borne by the Group) includes infrastructure and locomotive tariffs for loaded trips for the year ended 31 December 
2018 amounting to RUB 22,682,168 thousand (for the year ended 31 December 2017: RUB 22,507,762 thousand) and the cost of engaging the fleet from third parties recharged to 
clients of the Group amounting to RUB 3,231,150 thousand (2017: RUB 3,478,481 thousand). 

(b)  Liabilities related to contracts with customers 
The Group has recognised the following liabilities related to contracts with customers as of 1 January 2018 (date of adoption of IFRS 15) 
and 31 December 2018: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                             31 December 2018                   1 January 2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Contract liabilities relating to railway transportation contracts                                                                             2,673,467                    2,229,306 

Total contract liabilities                                                                                                                                             2,673,467                    2,229,306 

Contract liabilities represent advances from customers for transportation services. Until 31 December 2017, the carrying amount of 
advances from customers for transportation services was included within trade and other payables (Note 29). This amount consists of 
prepayments received in accordance with contracts for transportation services.

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

144

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

10.  Revenue continued 

(c)  Revenue recognised in relation to contract liabilities 
The Group’s revenue for the year ended 31 December 2018 includes the entire contract liability balance of RUB 2,229,306 thousand as 
of 1 January 2018. 

The Group does not have any contracts where the period of provision of the services (that is, the period between the start and completion of 
a trip) exceeds one year. As permitted under IFRS 15, the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) performance 
obligations as of the balance sheet date is not disclosed. 

11.  Expenses by nature 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Cost of sales 
Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips                                                                                                22,682,168                  22,507,762 
Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: empty run trips and other tariffs                                                             13,848,049                  13,103,048 
Services provided by other transportation organisations                                                                                       3,231,150                    3,478,481 
Operating lease rentals – rolling stock                                                                                                                          826,937                    1,634,370 
Rental of tank-containers                                                                                                                                                 43,770                          63,622 
Employee benefit expense                                                                                                                                         1,450,366                    1,163,527 
Repairs and maintenance                                                                                                                                            3,821,338                    3,769,086 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                     5,062,376                    4,913,217 
Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs                                                                                                          377,284                        528,039 
Amortisation of intangible assets                                                                                                                                  696,687                        717,968 
Fuel and spare parts – locomotives                                                                                                                            1,935,278                    1,519,083 
Engagement of locomotive crews                                                                                                                                795,289                        662,100 
(Gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                (20,754)                        32,695 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                              10,073                        111,172 
Other expenses                                                                                                                                                               394,365                        404,677 

Total cost of sales                                                                                                                                                     55,154,376                  54,608,847 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Selling, marketing and administrative expenses 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                           48,339                          49,242 
Amortisation of intangible assets                                                                                                                                             15                                  18 
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                              (6,593)                         (4,188) 
Employee benefit expense                                                                                                                                         2,916,438                    2,262,459 
Net impairment losses on trade receivables and prepayments                                                                                   29,713                          60,755 
Operating lease rental – office                                                                                                                                      183,188                        179,887 
Auditors’ remuneration                                                                                                                                                    58,760                          55,903 
Legal, consulting and other professional fees                                                                                                                70,084                          69,415 
Advertising and promotion                                                                                                                                              37,716                          31,240 
Communication costs                                                                                                                                                       33,391                          37,446 
Information services                                                                                                                                                          26,626                          19,025 
Taxes (other than income tax and value added taxes)                                                                                                681,263                        746,058 
Other expenses                                                                                                                                                               770,646                        581,872 

Total selling, marketing and administrative expenses                                                                                        4,849,586                    4,089,132

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145

11.  Expenses by nature continued 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Total expenses 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (Note 17)                                                                                   5,110,715                    4,962,459 
Loss on derecognition arising on capital repairs (Note 17)                                                                                       377,284                        528,039 
Amortisation of intangible assets (Note 18)                                                                                                                696,702                        717,986 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment (Note 17)                                                                                           10,073                        111,172 
Total (gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment (Note 17)                                                                    (27,347)                        28,507 
Employee benefit expense (Note 13)                                                                                                                       4,366,804                    3,425,986 
Net impairment losses on trade receivables and prepayments                                                                                   29,713                          60,755 
Operating lease rentals – rolling stock                                                                                                                          826,937                    1,634,370 
Operating lease rentals – office                                                                                                                                     183,188                        179,887 
Repairs and maintenance                                                                                                                                            3,821,338                    3,769,086 
Fuel and spare parts – locomotives                                                                                                                            1,935,278                    1,519,083 
Engagement of locomotive crews                                                                                                                                795,289                        662,100 
Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips                                                                                                22,682,168                  22,507,762 
Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: empty run trips and other tariffs                                                             13,848,049                  13,103,048 
Services provided by other transportation organisations                                                                                       3,231,150                    3,478,481 
Rental of tank-containers                                                                                                                                                 43,770                          63,622 
Auditors’ remuneration                                                                                                                                                    58,760                          55,903 
Legal, consulting and other professional fees                                                                                                                70,084                          69,415 
Advertising and promotion                                                                                                                                              37,716                          31,240 
Communication costs                                                                                                                                                       33,391                          37,446 
Information services                                                                                                                                                          26,626                          19,025 
Taxes (other than income tax and value added taxes)                                                                                                681,263                        746,058 
Other expenses                                                                                                                                                            1,165,011                        986,549 

Total cost of sales, selling and marketing costs and administrative expenses                                             60,003,962                  58,697,979 

Note: The auditors’ remuneration stated above includes fees of RUB 16,798 thousand (2017: RUB 17,059 thousand) for statutory audit services and RUB 5,235 thousand 
(2017: RUB 4,714 thousand) for other assurance services charged by the Company’s statutory audit firm. The rest of the auditors’ remuneration relates to fees for audit services 
charged by the auditors of the subsidiaries of the Company. 

Legal, consulting and other professional fees include RUB 1,548 thousand for the year 2018 (RUB 2,085 thousand for the year 2017) in 
relation to fees paid to the Company’s statutory audit firm for tax consultancy services. 

12.  Other (losses)/gains – net 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Other gains                                                                                                                                                                         25,100                          47,591 
Other losses                                                                                                                                                                      (90,954)                       (88,136) 
Net foreign exchange gains (Note 16)                                                                                                                           64,375                          65,049 
Profit from sale of associate (1)                                                                                                                                                     –                          60,888 

Total other (losses)/gains – net                                                                                                                                     (1,479)                        85,392 

(1)  During the year 2017, the Group disposed its investment in associate, Daugavpils Lokomotivju Remonta Rupnica (“DLRR”), for a consideration of RUB 60,888 thousand, 
realising profit on disposal of RUB 60,888 thousand.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

146

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

13.  Employee benefit expense 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Wages and salaries                                                                                                                                                       2,020,679                    1,776,586 
Termination benefits                                                                                                                                                           8,467                            7,426 
Bonuses                                                                                                                                                                         1,382,287                        956,088 
Share based payment expense (Note 20)                                                                                                                    236,572                          97,229 
Social insurance costs                                                                                                                                                      718,799                        588,657 

Total employee benefit expense                                                                                                                             4,366,804                    3,425,986 

Average number of employees during the year                                                                                                               1,540                            1,534 

14.  Finance income and costs 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Interest expense: 
– Bank borrowings                                                                                                                                                     (1,344,208)                 (1,991,826) 
– Non-convertible bond                                                                                                                                               (314,869)                                   – 

– Total interest expense calculated using the effective interest rate method                                                    (1,659,077)                 (1,991,826) 
– Finance leases                                                                                                                                                              (108,216)                                   – 

Total interest expense                                                                                                                                               (1,767,293)                 (1,991,826) 
Other finance costs                                                                                                                                                          (11,167)                       (54,577) 

Total finance costs                                                                                                                                                      (1,778,460)                 (2,046,403) 

Interest income: 
– Bank balances                                                                                                                                                               141,095                          85,636 
– Short-term deposits                                                                                                                                                    192,917                        346,322 
– Loans to third parties                                                                                                                                                        1,425                            2,854 

– Total interest income calculated using the effective interest rate method                                                          335,437                        434,812 
– Finance leases – third parties                                                                                                                                         42,008                          45,773 

Total finance income                                                                                                                                                      377,445                        480,585 

Net foreign exchange transaction gains on borrowings and other liabilities                                                             35,631                        271,933 
Net foreign exchange transaction losses on cash and cash equivalents and other monetary assets                          (75,850)                     (508,473) 

Net foreign exchange transaction losses on financing activities (Note 16)                                                              (40,219)                     (236,540) 

Net finance costs                                                                                                                                                       (1,441,234)                 (1,802,358)

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147

15.  Income tax expense 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Current tax: 
– Corporation tax                                                                                                                                                        4,751,834                    3,335,915 
– Withholding tax on dividends                                                                                                                                    748,003                        535,000 

Total current tax                                                                                                                                                          5,499,837                    3,870,915 

Deferred tax (Note 28): 
– Origination and reversal of temporary differences                                                                                                 376,549                        662,988 

Total deferred tax                                                                                                                                                            376,549                        662,988 

Income tax expense                                                                                                                                                     5,876,386                    4,533,903 

The tax on the Group’s profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the applicable tax rates as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Profit before tax                                                                                                                                                         25,459,821                  18,353,777 

Tax calculated at domestic tax rates applicable to profits in the respective countries                                        5,846,000                    4,490,473 
Tax effects of: 
– Expenses not deductible for tax purposes                                                                                                                255,960                        115,745 
– Allowances and income not subject to tax                                                                                                              (128,703)                         (8,558) 
Tax effect of tax losses for which no deferred tax asset was recognised                                                                                –                        (10,819) 
Estonian income tax arising on distribution (1)                                                                                                                59,899                                    – 
Withholding taxes: 
– Dividend withholding tax provision in relation to intended dividend distribution of subsidiaries                   (156,770)                        52,938 

Tax charge                                                                                                                                                                     5,876,386                    4,533,903 

(1)  Estonian tax law calls for profits to be taxed at the time of distribution and not during the year in which they arise. During the year 2018, the Group incurred taxes on a non-recurring 
distribution from an Estonian subsidiary. 

The Company is subject to income tax on taxable profits at the rate 12.5%. As from tax year 2012 brought forward losses of the Company of 
only five years may be utilised. 

Up to 31 December 2008, under certain conditions interest of the Company may be subject to special contribution for defence at the rate of 
10%. In such cases 50% of the same interest will be exempt from income tax thus having an effective tax rate burden of approximately 15%. 
From 1 January 2009 onwards, under certain conditions, interest may be exempt from income tax and be subject only to special contribution 
for defence at the rate of 10%; increased to 15% as from 31 August 2011, and to 30% as from 29 April 2013. In certain cases dividends 
received from abroad may be subject to special contribution for defence at the rate of 15%; increased to 17% as from 31 August 2011; 
increased to 20% as from 1 January 2012; reduced to 17% as from 1 January 2013. In certain cases dividends received by the Company from 
1 January 2012 onwards from other Cyprus tax resident companies may also be subject to special contribution for defence. Gains on disposal 
of qualifying titles (including shares, bonds, debentures, rights thereon etc.) are exempt from Cyprus income tax. 

For Russian subsidiaries, the annual profit is taxed at 20%. Withholding tax is applied to dividends distributed to the Company by its Russian 
subsidiaries at the rate of 5% on gross dividends declared; such tax is withheld at source by the respective subsidiary and is paid to the Russian 
tax authorities at the same time when the payment of dividend is effected. Dividend withholding tax provision is recognised in the respective 
periods for the withholding taxes that would be payable by subsidiaries where there is an intention that earnings will be distributed to the 
Company in the form of dividends.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

148

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

15.  Income tax expense continued 

For subsidiaries in Estonia, the annual profit earned by enterprises is not taxed and thus no income tax or deferred tax asset/liabilities arise. 
Instead of taxing the net profit, the distribution of statutory retained earnings is subject to a dividend tax rate of 20% of net dividend paid. 

For the subsidiary in Ukraine the annual profit was taxed at a tax rate 25% until 31 March 2011; decreased to 23% until 31 December 2011 
and further decreased to 21% thereafter. As of 1 January 2013 the tax rate reduced to 19% and is reduced to 18% from 1 January 2014. 

The Group has not recognised any tax in relation to other comprehensive income as all elements of other comprehensive income are not 
subject to tax. 

16.  Net foreign exchange losses 

The exchange differences credited to the income statement are included as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Finance income and costs (Note 14)                                                                                                                             (40,219)                     (236,540) 
Other gains – net (Note 12)                                                                                                                                             64,375                          65,049 

                                                                                                                                                                                             24,156                      (171,491) 

17.  Property, plant and equipment 

                                                                                                                                                        Land and  
                                                                                                           Rolling stock                        buildings             Motor vehicles                            Other                              Total 
                                                                                                                 RUB’000                       RUB’000                       RUB’000                       RUB’000                       RUB’000 

At 1 January 2017 
Cost                                                                                92,819,465                  354,051                  202,842               1,786,732             95,163,090 
Accumulated depreciation                                        (28,900,085)                 (76,764)               (115,906)               (416,754)         (29,509,509) 

Net book amount                                                        63,919,380                  277,287                    86,936               1,369,978             65,653,581 

Year ended 31 December 2017 
Opening net book amount                                         63,919,380                  277,287                    86,936               1,369,978             65,653,581 
Additions                                                                          4,137,300                          512                    35,723                  674,373               4,847,908 
Disposals                                                                            (566,515)                             –                     (5,359)                    (1,838)               (573,712) 
Depreciation charge (Note 11)                                   (4,801,088)                 (12,338)                 (29,654)               (119,379)            (4,962,459) 
Transfers                                                                                64,155                       1,403                               –                   (65,558)                             – 
Impairment charge (1) (Note 11)                                     (111,172)                             –                               –                               –                 (111,172) 
Transfer to inventories                                                    (240,123)                             –                               –                   (79,435)               (319,558) 
Derecognition arising on capital repairs                        (528,039)                             –                               –                               –                 (528,039) 
Currency translation differences                                      757,485                          838                          921                     (5,114)                 764,358 

Closing net book amount                                          62,631,383                  267,702                    88,567               1,783,255             64,770,907 

At 31 December 2017 
Cost                                                                                94,103,663                  358,239                  210,070               2,319,710             96,991,682 
Accumulated depreciation                                        (31,472,280)                 (90,537)               (121,503)               (536,455)         (32,220,775) 

Net book amount                                                        62,631,383                  267,702                    88,567               1,783,255             64,770,907

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149

17.  Property, plant and equipment continued 

                                                                                                                                                                                 Land and  
                                                                                                                           Rolling stock                          buildings              Motor vehicles                                 Other                                  Total 
                                                                                                                                   RUB’000                          RUB’000                          RUB’000                          RUB’000                          RUB’000 

At 1 January 2018 
Cost                                                                               94,103,663                    358,239                    210,070                2,319,710             96,991,682 
Accumulated depreciation                                       (31,472,280)                    (90,537)                 (121,503)                 (536,455)          (32,220,775) 

Net book amount                                                       62,631,383                    267,702                       88,567                1,783,255             64,770,907 

Year ended 31 December 2018 
Opening net book amount                                        62,631,383                    267,702                       88,567                1,783,255             64,770,907 
Additions                                                                      13,965,522                                   –                       51,054                    510,617             14,527,193 
Disposals                                                                           (429,359)                          (103)                    (15,353)                          (238)                 (445,053) 
Depreciation charge (Note 11)                                  (4,920,692)                    (12,388)                    (30,390)                 (147,245)             (5,110,715) 
Transfers                                                                                  2,021                                   –                          1,828                        (3,849)                                  – 
Impairment charge (Note 11)                                          (10,073)                                  –                                   –                                   –                     (10,073) 
Transfer to inventories                                                    (328,418)                                  –                                   –                               (12)                 (328,430) 
Derecognition arising on capital repairs                        (377,284)                                  –                                   –                                   –                  (377,284) 
Currency translation differences                                  1,733,888                          1,729                          2,260                              481                1,738,358 

Closing net book amount                                         72,266,988                    256,940                       97,966                2,143,009             74,764,903 

At 31 December 2018 
Cost                                                                             107,436,162                    347,949                    201,242                2,662,667           110,648,020 
Accumulated depreciation                                       (35,169,174)                    (91,009)                 (103,276)                 (519,658)          (35,883,117) 

Net book amount                                                       72,266,988                    256,940                       97,966                2,143,009             74,764,903 

Useful lives of rolling stock 
The estimation of the useful lives of items of rolling stock is a matter of judgement based on the experience with similar assets. The future 
economic benefits embodied in the assets are consumed principally through use. However, other factors, such as technical or commercial 
obsolescence and wear and tear, often result in the diminution of the economic benefits embodied in the assets. The Group assesses the 
remaining useful lives of its rolling stock as of each balance sheet date taking into account the current technical conditions of the assets and 
estimated period during which the assets are expected to earn benefits for the Group. The following primary factors are considered: (a) the 
expected usage of the assets; (b) the expected physical wear and tear, which depends on operational factors and maintenance programme; 
and (c) the technical or commercial obsolescence arising from changes in market conditions. 

Based on management’s assessment, the useful economic life of the Group’s rolling stock as of 31 December 2018 is considered appropriate. 

(1)  Impairment assessment of rolling stock as of 31 December 2017 
The management’s assessment as of 31 December 2017 did not reveal indicators for impairment for any of the CGUs of the Group, with the 
exception of the Estonian rail tank cars/operating leasing CGU and certain locomotives within the locomotives/operating leasing segment 
which were not in use at that time and required substantial repair costs and thus were separately impaired. These locomotives were impaired 
to their scrap value, determined based on fair value less costs to sell measurement, resulting in an impairment loss of RUB 111,172 thousand. 
This measurement did not involve significant estimates. 

The recoverable amount of the Estonian rail tank cars/operating leasing CGU, with rolling stock of RUB 10,919,427 thousand as at 
31 December 2017 was compared with the carrying amount of the assets in this CGU, which included rolling stock. As a result of the 
impairment assessment, no impairment charges were noted with respect to this CGU. 

The recoverable amount of the CGU was determined based on a level 3 fair value less cost to sell and was not sensitive to changes in the 
underlying variables and assumptions used in the determination of the recoverable amount of the CGUs. 

The fair value less cost to sell was determined based on the prices quoted by major manufacturers of the specific rolling stock held by the 
Group, adjusted to take into account the age of each specific asset in the possession of the Group and expenses necessary to bring the assets 
to the location and condition that enables their current use, assessed by management as being their highest and best use. The recoverable 
amount was not sensitive to changes in key assumptions in the impairment model.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

17.  Property, plant and equipment continued 

(2)  Impairment assessment of rolling stock as of 31 December 2018 
The Group assessed whether there were any indications for impairment of its rolling stock as of 31 December 2018 in accordance with its 
accounting policy for impairment of non-financial assets (Note 4). The Group’s assessment did not reveal any indicators for impairment, 
with the exception of the Estonian rail tank cars/operating leasing CGU. 

The recoverable amount of the Estonian rail tank cars/operating leasing CGU, with rolling stock of RUB 12,123,690 thousand as at 
31 December 2018 was compared with the carrying amount of the assets in this CGU, which included rolling stock. As a result of the 
impairment assessment, no impairment charges were noted with respect to this CGU. 

The recoverable amount of the CGU was determined based on a level 3 fair value less cost to sell and was not sensitive to changes in the 
underlying variables and assumptions used in the determination of the recoverable amount of the CGUs. 

The fair value less cost to sell was determined based on the prices quoted by major manufacturers of the specific rolling stock held by the 
Group, adjusted to take into account the age of each specific asset in the possession of the Group and expenses necessary to bring the assets 
to the location and condition that enables their current use, assessed by management as being their highest and best use. The recoverable 
amount was not sensitive to changes in key assumptions in the impairment model. 

In the cash flow statement, proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment comprise: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Net book amount                                                                                                                                                           445,053                        573,712 
Gain/(loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment (Note 11)                                                                               27,347                        (28,507) 

Consideration from sale of property, plant and equipment                                                                                      472,400                        545,205 

The consideration from sale of property, plant and equipment is further analysed as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Cash consideration received within year                                                                                                                      409,794                        267,526 
Property, plant and equipment disposed through finance lease transactions                                                                      –                        256,664 
Movement in advances received for sales of property, plant and equipment                                                           62,606                          21,015 

                                                                                                                                                                                           472,400                        545,205 

Property, plant and equipment includes the following amounts where the Group is the lessee under a finance lease: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Cost – capitalised finance leases                                                                                                                                 5,646,924                    1,838,378 
Accumulated depreciation                                                                                                                                           (744,353)                     (429,242) 

                                                                                                                                                                                       4,902,571                    1,409,136

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151

17.  Property, plant and equipment continued 

The net carrying amount of property, plant and equipment that are leased under finance leases, are analysed as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Rolling stock (1)                                                                                                                                                              3,414,376                                    – 

                                                                                                                                                                                       3,414,376                                    – 

(1)  As at 31 December 2018 rolling stock with a net carrying amount of RUB 1,488,195 thousand (2017: RUB 1,409,136 thousand) was pledged under finance leases that have been 
repaid by the Group as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 for which the Group has the unilateral right to request for release of the pledged rolling stock with immediate effect. 

The Group is identified as a lessee under a finance lease in the following cases: 

(a) The lease transfers ownership of property, plant and equipment to the Group at the end of the lease term. 

(b) The Group has the option to purchase the property, plant and equipment at a price that is expected to be sufficiently lower than the fair 

value at the date the option becomes exercisable for it to be reasonably certain, at the inception of the lease, that the option will be exercised. 

The total net book value of pledged property, plant and equipment (included above) which are held as collateral for the borrowings and 
loans are as follows (Note 27): 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Rolling stock                                                                                                                                                               22,372,026                  16,567,626 
Other (tank-containers)                                                                                                                                                 572,499                    1,395,772 

                                                                                                                                                                                     22,944,525                  17,963,398 

In accordance with the terms of its bank borrowings, the Group had a commitment as at 31 December 2018 to pledge tank-containers with 
a carrying amount of RUB 728,669 thousand within six months from the date of bank loan agreement; being 4 July 2018. The relevant 
pledge agreement was concluded in January 2019. 

In accordance with the terms of its bank borrowings, the Group had a commitment as at 31 December 2017 to pledge rolling stock with a 
market value of not less than RUB 6,000,000 thousand within six months from the date of bank loan agreement; being 15 August 2017. 
The relevant pledge agreement was concluded in February 2018. The relevant bank loan was fully repaid during March 2018. 

Depreciation expense of RUB 5,062,376 thousand in 2018 (2017: RUB 4,913,217 thousand) has been charged to “cost of sales” and RUB 
48,339 thousand in 2018 (2017: RUB 49,242 thousand) has been charged to “selling, marketing and administrative expenses”. Impairment 
charge of RUB 10,073 thousand in 2018 (2017: RUB 111,172 thousand) has been charged to “cost of sales”.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

152

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

18.  Intangible assets 

                                                                                                                                                                                Computer                            Customer  
                                                                                                                                                                                   software                       relationships                                     Total 
                                                                                                                                                                                  RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000 

At 1 January 2017 
Cost                                                                                                                                               10,772                    6,780,787                    6,791,559 
Accumulated amortisation and impairment                                                                             (2,643)                 (5,247,352)                 (5,249,995) 

 Net book amount                                                                                                                         8,129                    1,533,435                    1,541,564 

Year ended 31 December 2017 
Opening net book amount                                                                                                           8,129                    1,533,435                    1,541,564 
Amortisation charge (Note 11)                                                                                                  (1,887)                     (716,099)                     (717,986) 
Reversal of impairment charge                                                                                                            –                        630,223                        630,223 

Closing net book amount                                                                                                             6,242                    1,447,559                    1,453,801 

At 31 December 2017 
Cost                                                                                                                                               10,772                    6,780,787                    6,791,559 
Accumulated amortisation and impairment                                                                             (4,530)                 (5,333,228)                 (5,337,758) 

 Net book amount                                                                                                                         6,242                    1,447,559                    1,453,801 

Year ended 31 December 2018 
Opening net book amount                                                                                                           6,242                    1,447,559                    1,453,801 
Amortisation charge (Note 11)                                                                                                  (1,888)                     (694,814)                     (696,702) 
Additions                                                                                                                                            110                                    –                                110 
Transfers                                                                                                                                               27                                (27)                                   – 

Closing net book amount                                                                                                             4,491                        752,718                        757,209 

At 31 December 2018 
Cost                                                                                                                                               10,934                    4,863,734                    4,874,668 
Accumulated amortisation and impairment                                                                             (6,443)                 (4,111,016)                 (4,117,459) 

 Net book amount                                                                                                                        4,491                           752,718                           757,209 

As of 31 December 2018, the Group’s intangible assets include a customer relationship with MMK Group with a carrying amount of RUB 
752,718 thousand (2017: RUB 1,447,559 thousand). The customer relationship was allocated to the Russian gondola cars/operator’s 
services CGU. During the year 2017, the customer relationship with Metalloinvest with a carrying amount of RUB 143,260 thousand at 
1 January 2017 reached the end of its useful economic life. 

Amortisation of RUB 696,687 thousand (2017: RUB 717,968 thousand) has been charged to “cost of sales” in the income statement and 
RUB 15 thousand (2017: RUB 18 thousand) to “administrative expenses”. 

Useful lives of customer relationships 
The estimation of the useful lives of the customer relationships is a matter of judgement based on expectations of the duration of the 
relationship with the customers. 

The contract with MMK Group was concluded in February 2013 for five years expiring in February 2018. In assessing the useful life of this 
customer relationship on initial recognition, management took the view that the cooperation with MMK Group would not terminate after 
the expiry of the underlying contract as the relationship is based on market conditions and the rolling stock of the Group and its expertise 
best meet the transportation requirements of the customer. In view of these considerations, management estimated the useful economic 
life of the customer relationship with the MMK Group to be seven years on the initial acquisition of this customer relationship. 

During 2014, the terms of the contract with MMK was prolonged for a further one year to February 2019. Management reassessed the 
useful economic life of the customer relationship and concluded that, despite the prolongation of the contract in year 2014, the remaining 
useful economic life of the customer relationship remained reasonable.

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153

18.  Intangible assets continued 

During 2018, the contract with MMK was prolonged to September 2020. Management reassessed the useful economic life of the customer 
relationship and concluded that, despite the prolongation of the contract in year 2018, the remaining useful economic life of the customer 
relationship remains appropriate. 

Based on management’s assessment as of 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017, the useful economic life of the customer relationship 
with MMK Group remains appropriate. 

(1)  Assessment of reversal of previously recognised impairment of customer relationship as of 31 December 2017 
The carrying amount of the Group’s intangible assets as of 31 December 2017, included a customer relationship with MMK Group with a 
carrying amount of RUB 1,447,559 thousand, as of that date. This customer relationship has been allocated to the Russian gondola 
cars/operator’s services CGU. 

Based on impairment assessment performed by the Group as of 31 December 2015, an impairment charge of RUB 996,160 thousand was 
recognised during the year ended 31 December 2015 against the carrying amount of this customer relationship. 

The Group assesses as of each reporting date whether there are any indications for impairment or reversal of previously recognised 
impairment for its customer relationships, in accordance with its accounting policy for impairment of non-financial assets (Note 4). 

The analysis of indicators for reversal of the previously recognised impairment for the customer relationship with MMK Group showed that 
there were indicators of reversal in place as of 30 June 2017, reflecting the general recovery in the market and industry conditions. Therefore, 
management performed an impairment assessment to determine the customer relationship’s recoverable amount as of that date. 

The recoverable amount of this customer relationship as of 30 June 2017 was estimated based on value-in-use calculations and was 
determined to be higher than its carrying amount if no impairment charge was recognised in the past in respect of it. As a result, a reversal of 
impairment of RUB 630,223 thousand was recognised during the six-month period ended 30 June 2017 increasing the carrying amount of 
the customer relationship to the one that would have been if no impairment charge was recognised in the past. 

The projections prepared were based on 3.5 year post-tax cash flow projections, being the period over which cash flows are expected from 
this customer relationship. A post-tax discount rate of 14.9% was applied for the projected period. 

The key assumptions were transportation volumes and tariffs per trip, which are the main components of revenue, as well as cost drivers, 
which were projected on the actual results for the six months to 30 June 2017, and the estimated growth in the EBITDA margin during the 
projected period and the discount rate. The projected volumes reflected past experience and management’s estimates. The transportation 
prices were estimated in accordance with the past performance of the Group and management’s expectations of market development. 

Any reasonable change in the assumptions used in the calculation for the recoverable amount of this customer relationship would not 
decrease the amount of the reversal of impairment recognised. 

Taking into account the above as well as the continuing strong performance of the Russian gondola cars/operator’s services CGU in the six-
month period to 31 December 2017, the management concluded that there were no indicators for impairment with respect to the 
customer relationship as of 31 December 2017. 

(2)  Assessment for impairment as of 31 December 2018 
The Group assessed whether there were any indications of impairment of the customer relationship with MMK Group as of 31 December 
2018, in accordance with its accounting policy for impairment of non-financial assets (Note 4). The Group’s assessment did not reveal any 
indicators of impairment and, as a result, management did not estimate the recoverable amount of this customer relationship.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

154

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

19.  Principal subsidiaries 

The Group had the following subsidiaries at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Proportion of  
                                                                                                                                                                             Proportion of                  Proportion of                 ordinary shares 
                                                                                               ordinary shares                ordinary shares                  held by non-  
                                                                                               held by the                       held by the                       controlling 
                                                                                            Company (%)                    Group (%)                      interest (%) 

Place of 
business/ 
country of

Name                                                   incorporation     Principal activities                                                2018            2017            2018            2017            2018            2017 

New Forwarding                       Russia              Railway transportation                            100           100           100           100               –               – 
Company, AO 

GTI Management, OOO         Russia              Railway transportation                            100           100           100           100               –               – 

Ural Wagonrepair                     Russia              Repair and maintenance                         100           100           100           100               –               – 
Company, AO                                                    of rolling stock 

Ukrainian New Forwarding 
Company OOO                        Ukraine           Railway transportation                            100           100           100           100               –               – 

BaltTransServis, OOO             Russia              Railway transportation                              60             60             60             60             40             40 

RemTransServis, OOO (1)         Russia              Repair and maintenance                             –               –          59.4          59.4          40.6          40.6 
                                                                             of rolling stock 

SyntezRail LLC (3)                        Russia              Railway transportation                                –               –             60             60             40             40 

SyntezRail Ltd                            Cyprus            Intermediary holding company               60             60             60             60             40             40 

Spacecom AS                            Estonia            Operating lease of rolling                    65.25        65.25       65.25        65.25       34.75        34.75 
                                                                             stock and provision of 
                                                                             forwarding services 

Ekolinja Oy (2)                             Finland            Operating sub-lease                                     –               –       65.25        65.25       34.75        34.75 
                                                                             of rolling stock 

Spacecom Trans AS (4)               Estonia            Operating lease of                                        –             65       65.25             65       34.75             35 
                                                                             rolling stock 

(1) RemTransServis, OOO is a 99% subsidiary of BaltTransServis, OOO. 
(2) Ekolinja Oy is a 100% subsidiary of Spacecom AS. 
(3) SyntezRail LLC is a 100% subsidiary of SyntezRail Ltd. 
(4) During 2018 Spacecom AS acquired 100% of the shares of Spacecom Trans AS from the Company and the non-controlling shareholders. As a result, the proportion of ordinary 

shares held by the Company in Spacecom Trans AS increased from a direct holding of 65% to an indirect holding of 65.25%. 

All subsidiary undertakings are included in the consolidation. The proportion of the voting rights in the subsidiary undertakings held directly 
by the parent company do not differ from the proportion of ordinary shares held. 

The accumulated non-controlling interest as of 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 comprised the following: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

BaltTransServis, OOO (including RemTransservis, OOO)                                                                                    1,848,646                    1,668,540 
Spacecom AS (including Ekolinja Oy)                                                                                                                       2,824,204                    3,105,411 
Spacecom Trans AS                                                                                                                                                     1,064,637                    1,008,312 
SyntezRail, OOO; SyntezRail Limited                                                                                                                           159,921                        (57,364) 

Total                                                                                                                                                                              5,897,408                    5,724,899

                                                              
                                                              
 
                                                              
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155

19.  Principal subsidiaries continued 

Transactions with non-controlling interests 
During 2018 Spacecom AS acquired 100% of the shares of Spacecom Trans AS from the Company and the non-controlling shareholders, 
for a total consideration of Eur 30,100 thousand (equivalent to RUB 2,391,761 thousand). As a result, the proportion of ordinary shares held 
by the Company in Spacecom Trans AS increased from a direct holding of 65% to an indirect holding of 65.25%. The transaction aimed to 
optimise the management of both Estonian subsidiaries. 

Out of the total amount payable to the non-controlling shareholders of RUB 837,116 thousand, RUB 5,980 thousand relate to the 
acquisition of 0.25% in Spacecom Trans AS by the Group. The difference between the consideration payable and the carrying amount of the 
non-controlling interest as of the disposal date of RUB 1,516 thousand was recognised in retained earnings. The remaining RUB 831,136 
payable to the non-controlling shareholders was recognised as a reduction in the carrying amount of the non-controlling interest. 

An amount of RUB 168,804 thousand was paid to the non-controlling interest within 2018. 

Significant restrictions 
There are no significant restrictions, statutory, contractual, regulatory, or arising from protective rights of non-controlling interests, on the 
ability of the Group to access or use the assets and settle the liabilities of the Group. 

Summarised financial information of subsidiaries with material non-controlling interests 
Set out below are the summarised financial information for each subsidiary that has non-controlling interests that are material to the Group. 
The financial information of Spacecom AS (including Ekolinja Oy) and Spacecom Trans AS have been aggregated since both entities operate 
in the Estonian rail tank cars segment, have significant transactions between them, and management reviews their performance as a single 
operation. The financial information of BaltTransServis, OOO includes RemTransServis, OOO. 

No summarised financial information is presented for SyntezRail, OOO and SyntezRail Limited as their operations and financial position 
are not material to the Group. 

Summarised balance sheet 
                                                                                                                                       BaltTransServis OOO                                         Spacecom AS – Spacecom Trans AS 

                                                                                                                                           2018                                    2017                                    2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                    RUB’000                              RUB’000                             RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Current 
Assets                                                                                               2,863,563                    2,625,172                       568,845                        716,544 
Liabilities                                                                                          1,713,310                    1,395,496                       916,598                          49,972 

Total current net assets                                                                  1,150,253                    1,229,676                     (347,753)                      666,572 

Non-current 
Assets                                                                                               5,571,362                    5,300,163                 12,252,920                  11,081,530 
Liabilities                                                                                          2,099,999                    2,358,489                       827,446                                    – 

Total non-current net assets                                                         3,471,363                    2,941,674                 11,425,474                  11,081,530 

Net assets                                                                                         4,621,616                    4,171,350                 11,077,721                  11,748,102

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

19.  Principal subsidiaries continued 

Summarised income statement 
                                                                                                                                       BaltTransServis OOO                                         Spacecom AS – Spacecom Trans AS 

                                                                                                                                           2018                                    2017                                    2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                    RUB’000                              RUB’000                             RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Revenue                                                                                        26,128,533                  21,458,824                       943,402                        755,622 

Profit before income tax                                                                5,726,124                    4,926,219                       276,877                          58,589 
Income tax expense                                                                      (1,175,858)                 (1,014,228)                      (59,289)                                   – 

Post-tax profit from continuing operations                                4,550,266                    3,911,991                       217,588                          58,589 

Other comprehensive income                                                                      –                                    –                    1,824,144                        716,756 

Total comprehensive income                                                       4,550,266                    3,911,991                    2,041,732                        775,345 

Total comprehensive income allocated 
  to non-controlling interests                                                        1,820,106                    1,564,796                       710,615                        270,120 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interest                                (1,640,000)                 (2,200,000)                      (83,005)                                   – 

Summarised cash flow statements 
                                                                                                                                       BaltTransServis OOO                                         Spacecom AS – Spacecom Trans AS 

                                                                                                                                           2018                                    2017                                    2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                    RUB’000                              RUB’000                             RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Cash flows from operating activities 
Cash generated from operations                                                  6,288,546                    5,980,883                       642,591                        493,096 

Income tax paid                                                                             (1,209,550)                 (1,027,999)                      (59,289)                         (1,203) 

Net cash generated from operating activities                             5,078,996                    4,952,884                       583,302                        491,893 

Net cash generated from/(used in) investing activities                  (799,737)                     (347,927)                    (936,540)                      167,713 

Net cash used in financing activities                                            (4,416,883)                 (5,901,728)                      (99,337)                     (136,287) 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                   (137,624)                 (1,296,771)                    (452,575)                      523,319 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                          1,132,945                    2,429,582                       581,995                          42,618 

Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents                             (275)                              134                         66,093                          16,072 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                        995,046                    1,132,945                       195,513                        582,009 

The information above includes the amounts before inter-company eliminations.

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157

20.  Share-based payments 

On 1 January 2015, the Group introduced a new remuneration programme for some of the members of management, including members of 
key management of the Group, which included, amongst other things, a three year compensation scheme in accordance to which, members 
of management received a yearly cash compensation calculated based on the weighted average market quotations of the GDRs of the 
Company. This compensation was set for a three year period and divided on three instalments to be paid after the end of each assessment 
period which equalled to one year. The award was conditional on the performance of the participants and on meeting certain Key Performance 
Indicators (“KPIs”) each year during the three years vesting period. The scheme reached the end of its vesting period on 31 December 2017 
and on 1 January 2018 the Group introduced a new three year compensation scheme under similar major terms and conditions as the initial. 

Both schemes fall within the scope of IFRS 2 “Share-based payment” and have therefore been classified as a cash-settled share based 
payment arrangements. 

In accordance with the terms of the remuneration programme, the compensation is calculated based on the weighted average fair value of 
the Company’s GDRs, quoted in US Dollar multiplied by the weighted average RUB/USD exchange rate for each period. 

The Group recognised an employee benefit expense of RUB 236,572 thousand in this respect for the year ended 31 December 2018 
(2017: RUB 97,229 thousand) and the Group’s liability in respect of this amounted to RUB 290,805 as of 31 December 2018 
(2017: RUB 226,560 thousand). 

The share based payment liability as of 31 December 2018 was determined based on the assumption that all participants will remain with 
the Group and all KPIs will be met and that there will be no significant fluctuation in the value of the Company’s GDRs during the vesting 
period. The significant inputs into the valuation were the weighted average fair value of the Company’s GDRs and the weighted average 
USD/RUB exchange. 

21.  Financial assets 

(a)  Trade receivables 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Trade receivables – third parties                                                                                                                                2,733,570                    2,504,806 
Less: Provision for impairment of trade receivables                                                                                                  (146,042)                     (141,336) 

Trade receivables – net                                                                                                                                               2,587,528                    2,363,470 

Less non-current portion: 
Trade receivables – third parties                                                                                                                                   245,537                        203,153 
Less: Provision for impairment of trade receivables                                                                                                    (23,732)                       (19,637) 

Total non-current portion                                                                                                                                             221,805                        183,516 

Current portion                                                                                                                                                           2,365,723                    2,179,954 

Trade receivables amounting to RUB 245,537 thousand as of 31 December 2018 (2017: RUB 203,153 thousand) relate to a receivable from 
Georgian Railways for services rendered by the Group prior to 1 April 2015. The amount receivable is under dispute and the Group initiated 
a claim to the Georgian Court demanding the repayment of the entire balance due. Based on assessment performed as at 31 December 
2018, the Group recognised a provision for impairment of RUB 23,732 thousand (2017: RUB 19,637 thousand) in order to account for 
the expected time until receipt of the amount due (Note 31).

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

158

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

21.  Financial assets continued 

The carrying amounts of the Group’s trade receivables are denominated in the following currencies: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Currency: 
– US Dollar                                                                                                                                                                       250,245                        195,948 
– Russian Rouble                                                                                                                                                          2,183,841                    2,107,462 
– Euro                                                                                                                                                                               137,472                          59,650 
– Ukrainian Hryvnia                                                                                                                                                           15,970                                410 

                                                                                                                                                                                       2,587,528                    2,363,470 

According to the management’s estimates, the fair values of trade receivables do not materially differ from their carrying amounts as the 
impact of discounting is not significant. 

(b)  Loans and other receivables 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Loans receivables – third parties                                                                                                                                      11,904                          16,857 
Other receivables                                                                                                                                                            112,434                          89,153 
Other receivables – related parties (Note 33)                                                                                                            200,064                                    – 
Less: Provision for impairment of other receivables                                                                                                    (49,652)                       (39,786) 

Loans and other receivables – net                                                                                                                                 274,750                          66,224 

Less non-current portion: 
– Loans receivables – third parties                                                                                                                                   11,904                          16,857 

Current portion                                                                                                                                                               262,846                          49,367 

The carrying amounts of the Group’s loans and other receivables are denominated in the following currencies: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Currency: 
– US Dollar                                                                                                                                                                            2,207                                584 
– Russian Rouble                                                                                                                                                             260,247                          48,476 
– Ukrainian Hryvnia                                                                                                                                                                 392                                307 
– Other                                                                                                                                                                               11,904                          16,857 

                                                                                                                                                                                           274,750                          66,224 

According to the management’s estimates, the fair values of loans and other receivables do not materially differ from their carrying 
amounts as the impact of discounting is not significant.

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159

22.  Other assets 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Prepayments – third parties                                                                                                                                       2,857,251                    1,949,999 
Finance leases to third parties                                                                                                                                        316,668                        445,919 
VAT recoverable                                                                                                                                                          1,433,443                        610,451 

Other assets                                                                                                                                                                  4,607,362                    3,006,369 

Less non-current portion: 
– Finance leases to third parties                                                                                                                                     289,374                        414,869 
– Prepayments for property, plant and equipment                                                                                                    693,267                          21,986 
– VAT recoverable                                                                                                                                                             36,931                                    – 

Total non-current portion                                                                                                                                          1,019,572                        436,855 

Current portion                                                                                                                                                           3,587,790                    2,569,514 

The Group’s finance leases as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 are denominated in Russian Roubles. 

The finance lease receivables are scheduled as follows: 

                                                                                                                     Less than one year          Between 1 to 5 years                        Over 5 years                                     Total 
                                                                                                                                    RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000 

At 31 December 2018 
Minimum lease receivable                                                                   61,311                        291,591                          96,489                        449,391 
Less: Unearned finance income                                                         (34,017)                       (97,059)                         (1,647)                     (132,723) 

 Present value of minimum lease receivables                                    27,294                           194,532                             94,842                           316,668 

At 31 December 2017 
Minimum lease receivable                                                                   79,801                        319,499                        270,154                        669,454 
Less: Unearned finance income                                                         (48,751)                     (153,535)                       (21,249)                     (223,535) 

 Present value of minimum lease receivables                                     31,050                        165,964                        248,905                        445,919 

According to the management’s estimates, the fair values of finance lease receivables do not materially differ from their carrying amounts as 
the impact of discounting is not significant. 

The effective interest rates on finance lease receivables at the balance sheet were as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            %                                          % 

Finance leases to third parties                                                                                                                                             11.17                            11.28

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

160

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

23.  Inventories 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Raw materials, spare parts and consumables                                                                                                               904,375                        776,341 

                                                                                                                                                                                           904,375                        776,341 

All inventories are stated at cost. 

24.  Cash and cash equivalents 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Cash at bank and in hand                                                                                                                                             6,685,392                    3,313,155 
Short-term bank deposits                                                                                                                                              444,526                    1,653,016 

Total cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                 7,129,918                    4,966,171 

The weighted average effective interest rate on short-term deposits was 6.46% in 2018 (2017: 7.61%) and these deposits have a maturity 
of 1 to 30 days (2017: 1 to 30 days). 

Cash and cash equivalents include the following for the purposes of the cash flow statement: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                           7,129,918                    4,966,171 
 Total cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                 7,129,918                    4,966,171 

Cash and cash equivalents are denominated in the following currencies: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Russian Rouble                                                                                                                                                             5,485,393                    4,016,241 
US Dollar                                                                                                                                                                          759,190                        441,311 
Euro                                                                                                                                                                                   838,956                        482,936 
Ukrainian Hryvnia                                                                                                                                                              46,379                          25,683 

Total cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                 7,129,918                    4,966,171 

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their fair value.

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161

25.  Share capital and share premium 

                                                                                                                                                            Number                          Share capital                     Share premium                                          Total 
                                                                                                                                                          of shares                                  USD’000                                  USD’000                                  USD’000 

At 1 January 2017 / 31 December 2017 / 
  1 January 2018 / 31 December 2018                                  178,740,916                             17,875                           949,471                           967,346 

                                                                                                                                                            Number                          Share capital                     Share premium                                          Total 
                                                                                                                                                          of shares                                  RUB’000                                  RUB’000                                  RUB’000 

At 1 January 2017 / 31 December 2017 / 
  1 January 2018 / 31 December 2018                                  178,740,916                           516,957                    27,929,478                    28,446,435 

The total authorised number of ordinary shares at 31 December 2018 was 233,918,128 shares with a par value of USD 0.10 per share 
(31 December 2017: 233,918,128 shares with a par value of USD 0.10 per share). All issued shares are fully paid. 

26.  Dividends 

In April 2017, the shareholders of the Company approved the payment of the final dividend in respect of the financial year ended 
31 December 2016 in the amount of 39.20 Russian Roubles per ordinary share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 7,006,644 
thousand (US Dollar equivalent of USD 124,605 thousand). 

In August 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company approved payment of total dividend in the amount of 44.8 Russian Roubles per 
ordinary share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 8,007,593 thousand, including interim dividend in the amount of RUB 
3,603,417 thousand or RUB 20.16 per ordinary share/GDR and a special interim dividend in the amount of RUB 4,404,176 thousand or 
RUB 24.64 per ordinary share/GDR (US Dollar equivalent of USD 135,401 thousand). 

In April 2018, the shareholders of the Company approved the payment of a dividend for the financial year ended 31 December 2017 in 
the amount of 44.85 Russian Roubles per ordinary share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 8,016,530 thousand, including final 
dividend for 2017 in the amount of RUB 4,155,726 thousand or RUB 23.25 per ordinary share/GDR and a special final dividend in the 
amount of RUB 3,860,804 thousand or RUB 21.60 per ordinary share/GDR (US Dollar equivalent of USD 130,728 thousand). 

In August 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company approved payment of total dividend in the amount of 45.9 Russian Roubles per 
ordinary share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 8,204,208 thousand (US Dollar equivalent of USD 119,724 thousand), including 
interim dividend in the amount of RUB 3,771,433 thousand (US Dollar equivalent of USD 55,037 thousand) or RUB 21.10 per ordinary 
share/GDR and a special interim dividend in the amount of RUB 4,432,775 thousand (US Dollar equivalent of USD 64,687 thousand) or 
RUB 24.80 per ordinary share/GDR. 

On the date of this report, the Board of Directors of the Company, having considered the profitability and liquidity position of the Group, 
recommends a payment of dividend for the year 2018 total dividend in the amount of 46.50 Russian Roubles per ordinary share/GDR, 
amounting to a total dividend of RUB 8,311,453 thousand, including final dividend for 2018 in the amount of RUB 1,429,927 thousand or 
RUB 8.00 per ordinary share/GDR and a special final dividend in the amount of RUB 6,881,526 thousand or RUB 38.50 per ordinary 
share/GDR. Such dividends shall be paid in US Dollars at the rate as at 19 April 2019, subject to the approval of the shareholders at the 
Annual General Meeting on 22 April 2019. 

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

162

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

26.  Dividends continued 

During the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017, the Group declared and paid dividends in favour of the equity holders of the 
Company and the non-controlling interests as detailed in the table below. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Dividends declared to equity holders of the Company                                                                                        16,220,738                  15,014,237 
Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company                                                                                                16,220,738                  15,014,237 

Dividends declared to non-controlling interest                                                                                                       1,723,005                    2,200,000 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest                                                                                                              1,723,005                    2,200,000 

27.  Borrowings 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Current 
Bank borrowings                                                                                                                                                          7,831,616                    7,280,588 

Non-convertible unsecured bonds                                                                                                                               131,100                                    – 
Finance lease liabilities                                                                                                                                                    496,874                                    – 

Total current borrowings                                                                                                                                           8,459,590                    7,280,588 

Non-current 
Bank borrowings                                                                                                                                                       10,568,008                    9,050,768 
Non-convertible unsecured bonds                                                                                                                           4,985,519                                    – 
Finance lease liabilities                                                                                                                                                 1,715,794                                    – 

Total non-current borrowings                                                                                                                                 17,269,321                    9,050,768 

Total borrowings                                                                                                                                                       25,728,911                  16,331,356 

Maturity of non-current borrowings (excluding finance lease liabilities) 
Between 1 and 2 years                                                                                                                                                 5,186,713                    5,727,105 
Between 2 and 5 years                                                                                                                                              10,366,814                    3,323,663 

                                                                                                                                                                                     15,553,527                    9,050,768 

Bank borrowings 
Bank borrowings mature by 2023 (2017: by 2022) and bear average interest of 7.99% per annum (2017: 9.38% per annum). 

There were no defaults or breaches of loan terms during the years ended 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017. 

The current and non-current bank borrowings amounting to RUB 6,775,211 thousand and RUB 9,681,198 thousand respectively (2017: 
RUB 4,746,499 thousand and RUB 6,559,101 thousand respectively) are secured by pledge of rolling stock and tank-containers with a total 
carrying net book value of RUB 22,944,525 thousand (2017: RUB 17,963,398 thousand) (Note 17). 

In accordance with the terms of its bank borrowings, the Group had a commitment as at 31 December 2018 to pledge tank-containers with 
a carrying amount of RUB 728,669 thousand within six months from the date of bank loan agreement; being 4 July 2018. The relevant 
pledge agreement was concluded in January 2019. 

In accordance with the terms of its bank borrowings, the Group had a commitment as at 31 December 2017 to pledge rolling stock with a 
market value of not less than RUB 6,000,000 thousand within 6 months from the date of bank loan agreement; being 15 August 2017. 
The relevant pledge agreement was concluded in February 2018. The relevant bank was fully repaid during March 2018.

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163

27.  Borrowings continued 

Non-convertible bonds 
Non-convertible Russian Rouble denominated bonds issued by New Forwarding Company AO (“NFC”) in 2018 for a total amount of 
RUB 5 billion, out of a total RUB 100 billion registered programme, carry a coupon rate of 7.25% p.a. and have maturity in 2023. 

The Company acts as the guarantor for the bond issue. 

Finance lease liabilities 
Finance lease liabilities are effectively secured as the rights to the leased asset reverts to the lessor in the event of default. For details of assets 
under finance leases refer to Note 17. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Finance lease liabilities – minimum lease payments 
Not later than 1 year                                                                                                                                                       662,116                                    – 
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years                                                                                                              1,968,708                                    – 

Future finance charges of finance leases                                                                                                                     (418,156)                                   – 

Present value of finance lease liabilities                                                                                                                     2,212,668                                    – 

The present value of finance lease liabilities is as follows: 
– Not later than 1 year                                                                                                                                                    496,874                                    – 
– Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years                                                                                                           1,715,794                                    – 

                                                                                                                                                                                       2,212,668                                    – 

The exposure of the Group’s borrowings to interest rate changes and the contractual re-pricing dates at the balance sheet dates are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

6 months or less                                                                                                                                                           2,742,720                    3,635,970 
6 to 12 months                                                                                                                                                             5,716,870                    3,644,631 
1 to 5 years                                                                                                                                                                 17,269,321                    9,050,755 

                                                                                                                                                                                     25,728,911                  16,331,356 

Note: The amounts above are based on the earliest of their contractual re-pricing dates and maturity dates.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

164

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

27.  Borrowings continued 

Movements in borrowings are analysed as follows: 

                                                                                                                       Bank borrowings 
                                                                                                                                    and loans                                                              Non-convertible  
                                                                                                                        (excl. overdrafts)                     Finance lease                unsecured bonds                                     Total 
                                                                                                                                    RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Year ended 31 December 2017 
Opening amount as at 1 January 2017                                       16,292,469                                    –                                    –                  16,292,469 
Cash flows: 
– Amounts advanced                                                                    15,710,000                                    –                                    –                  15,710,000 
– Repayments of borrowings                                                     (15,722,698)                                   –                                    –                 (15,722,698) 
– Interest paid                                                                                 (1,943,746)                                   –                                    –                   (1,943,746) 
– Interest charged                                                                           1,991,826                                    –                                    –                    1,991,826 
Non-cash changes: 
– Other                                                                                                     3,505                                    –                                    –                            3,505 

 Closing amount as at 31 December 2017                               16,331,356                                    –                                    –                  16,331,356 

Year ended 31 December 2018 
Opening amount as at 1 January 2018                                       16,331,356                                    –                                    –                  16,331,356 
Cash flows: 
– Amounts advanced                                                                    15,197,467                                    –                    5,000,000                  20,197,467 
– Repayments of borrowings                                                     (13,127,743)                 (1,321,234)                                   –                 (14,448,977) 
– Interest paid                                                                                 (1,335,018)                     (100,064)                     (198,250)                 (1,633,332) 
– Interest charged                                                                           1,344,208                        108,216                        314,869                    1,767,293 
Non-cash changes: 
– Net foreign exchange                                                                             294                                    –                                    –                                294 
– Finance lease liability                                                                        (10,940)                   3,525,750                                    –                    3,514,810 

 Closing amount as at 31 December 2018                              18,399,624                       2,212,668                       5,116,619                    25,728,911 

The carrying amount and fair value of current and non-current borrowings are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                           Carrying amount                                                                     Fair value 

                                                                                                                                           2018                                    2017                                    2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                    RUB’000                              RUB’000                             RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Bank borrowings                                                                          18,399,624                  16,331,356                 18,087,461                  16,646,324 
Non-convertible unsecured bonds                                              5,116,619                                    –                    4,940,619                                    – 
Finance lease liabilities                                                                    2,212,668                                    –                    2,166,542                                    – 

                                                                                                       25,728,911                  16,331,356                 25,194,622                  16,646,324 

The fair value as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 of fixed interest rate instruments with stated maturity denominated in 
Russian Rouble was estimated based on expected cash flows discounted using the rate of similar Russian Rouble denominated instruments 
entered into by the Group close to 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017. The discount rates was 9.5% p.a. (2017: 8% p.a.). The fair 
value measurements are within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy (2017: level 2). The fair value as at 31 December 2018 of the fixed interest 
rate non-convertible bonds was equal to their quoted price and the resulting fair value measurement is within level 1. 

The fair value of liabilities repayable on demand or after a notice period (“demandable liabilities”) is estimated as the amount payable on 
demand, discounted from the first date on which the amount could be required to be paid.

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165

27.  Borrowings continued 

The carrying amounts of the Group’s borrowings are denominated in the following currencies: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Russian Rouble                                                                                                                                                           25,724,528                  16,331,356 
Euro                                                                                                                                                                                       4,383                                    – 

                                                                                                                                                                                     25,728,911                  16,331,356 

The Group has the following undrawn borrowing facilities: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Fixed rate: 
– Expiring within one year                                                                                                                                           1,490,000                    2,640,000 
– Expiring beyond one year                                                                                                                                        3,025,000                  16,500,000 

                                                                                                                                                                                       4,515,000                  19,140,000 

The weighted average effective interest rates at the balance sheet were as follows: 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            %                                          % 

Bank borrowings                                                                                                                                                                       8.0                                 9.4 
Non-convertible unsecured bonds                                                                                                                                        7.3                                    – 
Finance lease liabilities                                                                                                                                                              8.4                                    – 

28.  Deferred income tax 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities 
and when the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and fiscal authority. 

The gross movement on the deferred income tax account is as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Beginning of year                                                                                                                                                         5,908,319                    5,245,331 
Income statement charge (Note 15)                                                                                                                            376,549                        662,988 

End of year                                                                                                                                                                    6,284,868                    5,908,319

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

166

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

28.  Deferred income tax continued 

The movement on the deferred tax assets and liabilities during the year, without taking into consideration the offsetting of balances within 
the same tax jurisdiction, is as follows: 

                                                                                                                                              Property, plant                 Withholding  
                                                                                                                                             and equipment                 tax provision           Intangible assets                              Total 
Deferred tax liabilities                                                                                                                  RUB’000                       RUB’000                       RUB’000                       RUB’000 

At 1 January 2017                                                                                           5,170,969                  498,130                  306,681               5,975,780 

Charged/(credited) to: 
– Income statement (Note 15)                                                                         309,021                  211,103                   (17,174)                 502,950 

At 31 December 2017 / 1 January 2018                                                    5,479,990                  709,233                  289,507               6,478,730 

Charged/(credited) to: 
– Income statement (Note 15)                                                                      1,385,566                 (224,097)               (139,181)             1,022,288 

 At 31 December 2018                                                                                  6,865,556                    485,136                    150,326                7,501,018 

                                                                                                                                                       Trade and              Lease liabilities               Other assets/ 
                                                                                                               Tax losses              other payables            and borrowings                        liabilities                              Total 
Deferred tax assets                                                                                RUB’000                       RUB’000                       RUB’000                       RUB’000                       RUB’000 

At 1 January 2017                                                             (19,309)               (128,500)               (487,792)                 (94,848)               (730,449) 

Charged/(credited) to: 
– Income statement (Note 15)                                         (40,599)                   45,636                  210,865                   (55,864)                 160,038 

At 31 December 2017 / 1 January 2018                       (59,908)                 (82,864)               (276,927)               (150,712)               (570,411) 

Charged/(credited) to: 
– Income statement (Note 15)                                                896                 (103,606)               (546,414)                     3,385                 (645,739) 

 At 31 December 2018                                                     (59,012)                 (186,470)                 (823,341)                 (147,327)             (1,216,150) 

Deferred tax assets are recognised for tax losses carried forward to the extent that the realisation of the related tax benefit through future 
taxable profits is probable. The Group has not recognised deferred tax assets in the amount of RUB 433,600 thousand (2017: RUB 428,551 
thousand) for tax losses amounting to RUB 2,721,000 thousand (2017: RUB 2,701,554 thousand) available to be carried forward as it is not 
probable that future taxable profits will be available against which these tax losses can be utilised. 

Deferred income tax liabilities of RUB 3,474,968 thousand (2017: RUB 2,785,978 thousand) have not been recognised for the withholding 
taxes that would be payable on the unremitted earnings of certain subsidiaries. It is the current intention of the management of the Group 
that such amounts are reinvested. Unremitted earnings on which no deferred tax liability was recognised totalled RUB 28,932,126 thousand 
as at 31 December 2018 (2017: RUB 20,506,150 thousand).

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167

29.  Trade and other payables 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Current 
Trade payables to third parties                                                                                                                                      539,995                        707,143 
Other payables to third parties                                                                                                                                      569,084                        129,552 
VAT payable and other taxes                                                                                                                                         685,328                        738,433 
Accrued expenses                                                                                                                                                           106,789                          85,336 

Accrued key management compensation, including share based payment (Note 33)                                         648,141                        523,886 
Advances from customers for transportation services (1)                                                                                                         –                    2,229,306 

                                                                                                                                                                                       2,549,337                    4,413,656 
Non-current 
Accrued key management compensation, including share based payment (Note 33)                                         114,751                                    – 
Other payables to third parties                                                                                                                                      289,606                                    – 

                                                                                                                                                                                           404,357                                    – 

(1)  Advances from customers consist of prepayments received in accordance with contracts on transportation services. Following adoption of IFRS 15 on 1 January 2018, 
this balance is included within contract liabilities (Note 10). 

The fair value of trade and other payables approximates their carrying amount at the balance sheet date. 

30.  Earnings per share 

Basic and diluted 
Basic and diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company (RUB thousand)                                                             17,671,968                  12,288,777 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (thousand)                                                                          178,741                        178,741 
Basic and diluted earnings per share (expressed in RUB per share) attributable to the 
  equity holders of the Company during the year                                                                                                            98.87                            68.75

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

168

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

31.  Contingencies 

Operating environment 
The Group and its subsidiaries mainly operate in the Russian Federation, Estonia, Finland and Ukraine. 

Russian Federation 
The Russian Federation displays certain characteristics of an emerging market. Its economy is particularly sensitive to oil and gas prices. 
The legal, tax and regulatory frameworks continue to develop and are subject to frequent changes and varying interpretations. The Russian 
economy continues to be negatively impacted by ongoing political tension in the region and international sanctions against certain Russian 
companies and individuals. Firm oil prices, low unemployment and rising wages supported a modest growth of the economy in 2018. 
The operating environment has a significant impact on the Group’s operations and financial position. Management is taking necessary 
measures to ensure sustainability of the Group’s operations. However, the future effects of the current economic situation are difficult to 
predict and management’s current expectations and estimates could differ from actual results. 

Tax contingencies. Russian tax and customs legislation which was enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period, is 
subject to varying interpretations when being applied to the transactions and activities of the Group. Consequently, tax positions taken by 
management and the formal documentation supporting the tax positions may be challenged tax authorities. Russian tax administration is 
gradually strengthening, including the fact that there is a higher risk of review of tax transactions without a clear business purpose or with tax 
incompliant counterparties. Fiscal periods remain open to review by the authorities in respect of taxes for three calendar years preceding the 
year when decisions about the review was made. Under certain circumstances reviews may cover longer periods. 

The Russian transfer pricing legislation is generally aligned with the international transfer pricing principles developed by the Organisation for 
Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) but has specific characteristics. This legislation provides the possibility for tax authorities 
to make transfer pricing adjustments and impose additional tax liabilities in respect of controlled transactions (transactions with related parties 
and some types of transactions with unrelated parties), provided that the transaction price is not arm’s length. Management has implemented 
internal controls to be in compliance with this transfer pricing legislation. Management believes that its pricing policy used in 2018 and 2017 
and preceding years is arm’s length and it has implemented internal controls to be in compliance with this transfer pricing legislation. 

Tax liabilities arising from transactions between companies within the Group are determined using actual transaction prices. It is possible, 
with the evolution of the interpretation of the transfer pricing rules, that such transfer prices could be challenged. The impact of any such 
challenge cannot be reliably estimated; however, it may be significant to the financial position and/or the overall operations of the Group. 

The Group includes companies incorporated in Cyprus, Russia, Ukraine, Estonia and Finland. The tax liabilities of the Group are 
determined on the assumption that these companies are tax residents in the countries where they are incorporated and are not subject to 
profits tax of other tax jurisdictions, because they do not have permanent establishments in other jurisdictions. The Company and the non-
controlling shareholding companies holding interests in the Company’s Russian subsidiaries are the only and full beneficial owners of the 
equity interests held directly and indirectly in these subsidiaries. This interpretation of relevant legislation may be challenged but the impact 
of any such challenge cannot be reliably estimated currently; however, it may be significant to the financial position and/or the overall 
operations of the Group. 

As Russian tax legislation does not provide definitive guidance in certain areas, the Group adopts, from time to time, interpretations of 
such uncertain areas that reduce the overall tax rate of the Group. While management currently estimates that the tax positions and 
interpretations that it has taken can probably be sustained, there is a possible risk that an outflow of resources will be required should such 
tax positions and interpretations be challenged by the tax authorities. There is currently an ongoing tax investigation in one of the Russian 
subsidiaries of the Group, which may give rise to the tax authorities challenging positions and interpretations applied by management. 
Management will vigorously defend the positions and interpretations applied in determining taxes recognised in this condensed 
consolidated interim financial information if these are challenged by the authorities. The impact of any such challenge cannot be reliably 
estimated; however, it may be significant to the financial position and/or the overall operations of the Group. 

Estonia and Finland 
Estonia and Finland represent well-developed markets and economies with stable political systems and developed legislation based on 
EU requirements and regulations.

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

169

31.  Contingencies continued 

Ukraine 
Starting in 2013, the political situation in Ukraine has experienced instability with numerous protests and continued political uncertainty that 
has led to deterioration of the state’s finances, volatility of financial markets and sharp depreciation of the national currency against major 
foreign currencies. The ratings of Ukrainian sovereign debt were downgraded by international rating agencies with negative outlooks for the 
future. The Central bank of Ukraine, among other measures, imposed certain restrictions on processing of client payments by banks and on 
the purchase of foreign currency on the inter-bank market. The recent political situation has been volatile, with changes in the Ukrainian 
Parliament and the Presidency. 

Despite certain improvements in recent years, the final resolution and the ongoing effects of the political and economic situation are difficult 
to predict, but they may have further severe effects on the Ukrainian economy and the Group’s business. 

Compliance with covenants 
The Group is subject to certain covenants related primarily to its borrowings. Non-compliance with such covenants may result in negative 
consequences for the Group including claims for early repayment. The Group is in compliance with covenants as of 31 December 2018 and 
31 December 2017 (Note 27). 

Insurance policies 
The Group holds insurance policies in relation to all vehicles (rolling stock and motor vehicles) and in respect of public third party liability. 
The Group does not have full insurance for business interruption or third party liability in respect of environmental damage. 

Environmental matters 
The enforcement of environmental regulation in the countries in which the Group operates is evolving and the enforcement posture of 
government authorities is continually being reconsidered. The Group periodically evaluates its obligations under environmental regulations. 
As obligations are determined, they are recognised immediately. Potential liabilities, which might arise as a result of changes in existing 
regulations, civil litigation or legislation, cannot be estimated but could be material. In the current enforcement climate under existing 
legislation, management believes that there are no significant liabilities for environmental damage. 

Legal proceedings 
During the years ended 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017, the Company’s subsidiaries were involved as a claimants and 
defendants in a number of court proceedings. 

Georgian Railways case 
As at 31 December 2018 the Group has outstanding receivable amounting to EUR 3,090 thousand/RUB 245,537 thousand (2017: EUR 
2,950 thousand/RUB 203,153 thousand ) from Georgian Railways relating to invoices issued for services rendered prior to 1 April 2015. The 
Georgian Railways dispute the tariffs applied in computing the outstanding balance and thus have not proceeded with the repayment of the 
amount which remains outstanding. The Group has initiated a claim to the Georgian Court demanding the repayment of the entire balance. 

Based on assessment performed as at 31 December 2018, management recognised a loss allowance of EUR 299 thousand/ RUB 23,732 
thousand (2017: EUR 285 thousand/ RUB 19,637 thousand). 

The Group issued additional invoices of EUR 1,555 thousand (RUB 115,244 thousand) to Georgian Railways in the intervening period 
during 2015 that the rail cars remained in Georgia. The revenue arising from these invoices has not been recognised as it was not assessed as 
probable at that time that future economic benefits would flow to the Group. 

In February 2016, the first court hearing took place during which the facts of the claim were presented. No decisions were taken. 

In March 2016, Georgian Railways have initiated a claim of approximately GEL 16,122 thousand (approximately RUB 380,000 thousand) 
claiming compensation for storage costs incurred during the period the wagons remain in Georgia plus interest. 

In March 2018, the Georgian Court ruled in favour of the Group an amount of US$ 10 million. The Group has not recognised a receivable for 
the amount awarded as this might not constitute a final decision on the matter.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

170

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

31.  Contingencies continued 

Claim in relation to sale of rolling of stock 
In February 2018, the Group received a claim from a third party in relation to a sale of rolling stock. In March 2018, the third party initiated 
legal action claiming from the Group an amount of RUB 996 million. In June 2018, there was a court decision against the Group for an 
amount of RUB 684 million. Both parties have appealed this decision and on 27 September 2018 the 2nd instance court cancelled the 
penalty in full amount. On 15 February 2019 the Moscow Arbitrary court cancelled all court decisions made. The amount of claim was 
decreased to RUB 727 million. No provision has been recognised in respect of this claim as the Group has received an unconditional 
irrevocable guarantee for the entire amount of this claim. 

Claim in relation to unpaid railroad tariffs 
In December 2018, the Group, jointly with a third party customer, received a claim from a third party for the total amount of RUB 519 
million in relation to discount applied on railroad tariffs. No provision has been recognised in the Consolidated Financial Statements in 
respect of this claim as the Group is of the opinion that it is not probable that it will be required to make a payment under this claim. 

In the opinion of management, there are no other legal proceedings or other claims outstanding, as of 31 December 2018 and 2017 which 
could have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Group and which have not been accrued or disclosed in 
these financial statements. 

32.  Commitments 

(a)  Capital commitments 
Capital expenditure contracted for at the balance sheet date but not yet incurred is as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Property, plant and equipment                                                                                                                                  2,707,799                                    – 

(b)  Operating lease commitments – Group as lessee 
The Group leases offices under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. 

The Group also leases various types of rolling stock under cancellable and non-cancellable operating lease agreements. The lease expenditure 
charged to the income statement during the years is disclosed in Note 11. 

The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Not later than 1 year                                                                                                                                                       477,188                        280,530 
Later than 1 year not later than 5 years                                                                                                                         882,449                        107,891 
Later than 5 years                                                                                                                                                               19,195                                    – 

                                                                                                                                                                                       1,378,832                        388,421

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171

32.  Commitments continued 

(c)  Operating lease commitments – Group as lessor 
The Group leases out rolling stock and locomotives under cancellable and non-cancellable operating lease agreements. The future aggregate 
minimum lease payments receivable under non-cancellable operating leases in which the Group is acting as the lessor are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Not later than 1 year                                                                                                                                                       348,257                        200,975 
Later than 1 year not later than 5 years                                                                                                                           28,182                                    – 

                                                                                                                                                                                           376,439                        200,975 

There were no contingent-based rents to be recognised in the income statement for the year ended 31 December 2018 and 
31 December 2017. 

33.  Related party transactions 

Marigold Investments Ltd, Onyx Investments Ltd and Maple Valley Investments Ltd are Company’s shareholders with a direct shareholding 
as at 31 December 2018 11.5%, 11.5% and 10.8%, respectively (as at 31 December 2017 of 11.5%, 11.5% and 11.2%, respectively). 

Litten Investments Ltd, controlled by member of key management of the Group, has a shareholding in the Company of 5.8% as at 
31 December 2018 (31 December 2017: 6.3%). 

From 7 March 2018 and as at 31 December 2018, Goldriver Resources Ltd, which has a shareholding in the Company of 4.7% , is controlled 
by a member of key management personnel of the Group. 

As at 31 December 2018, 55.5% (2017: 59.4%) of the shares represent the free market-float of Global Depository Receipts and ordinary 
shares held by investors not affiliated with the Company. The remaining 0.2% (2017: 0.1%) of the shares of the Company are controlled by 
Directors and key management of the Company. 

For the purposes of these financial statements, parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability to control the other party or 
exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operational decisions as defined by IAS 24 “Related Party 
Disclosures”. In considering each possible related party relationship, attention is directed to the substance of the relationship, not merely 
the legal form. Related parties may enter into transactions, which unrelated parties might not, and transactions between related parties may 
not be effected on the same terms, conditions and amounts as transactions between unrelated parties.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

172

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

33.  Related party transactions continued 

The following transactions were carried out with related parties: 

(a)  Sales of goods and services 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Sales of services: 
– Associate                                                                                                                                                                                    –                        484,208 

                                                                                                                                                                                                        –                        484,208 

(b)  Purchases of goods and services 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Purchases of services: 
– Associate                                                                                                                                                                                    –                        115,820 

                                                                                                                                                                                                        –                        115,820 

(c)  Key management compensation 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Key management salaries and other short-term employee benefits (1)                                                                 1,675,673                        961,204 
Share-based compensation (Note 20)                                                                                                                         236,572                          97,229 

                                                                                                                                                                                       1,912,245                    1,058,433 

(1)  ‘Key management salaries and other short-term employee benefits’ include Directors’ remuneration paid to the Directors of the Company both by the Company and by subsidiaries 
of the Group in respect of services provided to such subsidiaries amounting to RUB 408,987 thousand (2017: RUB 130,387 thousand). 

(d)  Year-end balances arising from sale of shares/purchases of services 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Other receivable from related parties (Note 21): 
– Receivable from entity controlled by key management                                                                                         200,064                                    – 

                                                                                                                                                                                           200,064                                    – 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Accrued key management remuneration – current (Note 29): 
– Accrued salaries and other short-term employee benefits                                                                                     472,087                        297,326 
– Share-based payment liability (Note 20)                                                                                                                  176,054                        226,560 

                                                                                                                                                                                           648,141                        523,886 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Accrued key management remuneration – non-current (Note 29): 
– Share-based payment liability (Note 20)                                                                                                                  114,751                                    – 

                                                                                                                                                                                           114,751                                    –

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

173

34.  Events after the balance sheet date 

In February 2019, New Forwarding Company AO successfully placed a second five-year Russian Rouble denominated exchange-traded 
bond for a total amount of RUB 5 billion, out of RUB 100 billion registered programme, priced at a coupon rate of 8.8% p.a. 

On the date of this report, the Board of Directors of the Company, having considered the profitability and liquidity position of the Group, 
recommends a payment of dividend for the year 2018 total dividend in the amount of 46.50 Russian Roubles per ordinary share/GDR, 
amounting to a total dividend of RUB 8,311,453 thousand, including final dividend for 2018 in the amount of RUB 1,429,927 thousand or 
RUB 8.00 per ordinary share/GDR and a special final dividend in the amount of RUB 6,881,526 thousand or RUB 38.50 per ordinary 
share/GDR. Such dividends shall be paid in US Dollars at the rate as at 19 April 2019, subject to the approval of the shareholders at the 
Annual General Meeting on 22 April 2019. 

There were no other material post balance sheet events which have a bearing in the understanding of these Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Independent Auditor’s Report on pages 97 to 101.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

174

MANAGEMENT REPORT AND PARENT COMPANY 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
for the year ended 31 December 2018

Contents 

Board of Directors and other officers                                                175 

Note 12.    Finance costs – net                                                            216 

Management Report                                                                           176 

Note 13.    Income tax expense                                                          216 

Directors’ responsibility                                                                       184 

Note 14.    Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)                             217 

Independent Auditor’s Report                                                           185 

Note 15.    Dividends                                                                           218 

Income statement                                                                                189 

Note 16.    Property, plant and equipment                                       219 

Statement of comprehensive income                                               190 

Note 17.    Investments in subsidiary undertakings                          219 

Balance sheet                                                                                        191 

Note 18.    Loans and other receivables                                            221 

Statement of changes in equity                                                          192 

Note 19.    Other assets                                                                       222 

Cash flow statement                                                                            193 

Note 20.    Cash and cash equivalents                                                223 

Note 1.      General information                                                         194 

Note 21.    Share capital and share premium                                    223 

Note 2.      Basis of preparation                                                          194 

Note 22.    Borrowings                                                                        224 

Note 3.      Adoption of new or revised standards 
                   and interpretations                                                           195 

Note 23.    Payables and accrued expenses                                       226 

Note 24.    Related party transactions                                               226 

Note 4.      Summary of significant accounting policies                   196 

Note 5.      New accounting pronouncements                                204 

Note 6.      Financial risk management                                               206 

Note 7.      Critical accounting estimate and judgements               213 

Note 8.      Revenue                                                                             215 

Note 9.      Other gains – net                                                              215 

Note 10.    Expenses by nature                                                           215 

Note 11.    Employee benefit expense                                               216 

Note 25.    Commitments                                                                   230 

Note 26.    Contingencies                                                                   230 

Note 27.    Events after the balance sheet date                                231 

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

175

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER OFFICERS

Board of Directors 
Mr. Michael Zampelas 
Senior Independent Non-executive Director 
Chairman of the Nomination Committee 
Member of Remuneration Committee 

Dr. Johann Franz Durrer 
Independent Non-executive Director 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
Member of the Nomination Committee 

Mr. John Carroll Colley 
Independent Non-executive Director 
Chairman of the Audit Committee 

Mr. George Papaioannou 
Independent Non-executive Director 
Member of the Audit Committee 

Ms. Elia Nicolaou 
Non-executive Director 
Member of the Audit Committee 
Company Secretary 
Secretary of the Board 
Alternate Director: Mr. Marios Tofaros 

Mr. Michalakis Thomaides 
Non-executive Director 

Ms. Melina Pyrgou 
Non-executive Director 

Mr. Marios Tofaros 
Non-executive Director 

Mr. Sergey Maltsev 
Chairman of the Board of Directors 
Executive Director 
Appointed on 23 April 2018 
Alternate Director: Mr. Yuri Isaev 

Mr. Alexander Eliseev 
Executive Director 
Alternate Director: Ms. Ekaterina Golubeva

Mr. Sergey Tolmachev 
Executive Director 

Mr. Alexander Storozhev 
Executive Director 
Alternate Director: Ms. Elia Nicolaou 

Mr. Konstantin Shirokov 
Executive Director 

Mr. Andrey Gomon 
Executive Director 
Alternate Director: Ms. Melina Pyrgou 

Mr. Alexander Tarasov 
Non-executive Director 

Board support 
The Company Secretary is available to advise all Directors to 
ensure compliance with the Board procedures. Also a procedure 
is in place to enable Directors, if they so wish, to seek independent 
professional advice at the Company’s expense. 

Company Secretary 
Ms. Elia Nicolaou 
Dimitriou Karatasou, 15 
Anastasio Building, 6th floor, Office 601 
Strovolos, 2024, Nicosia, Cyprus 

Assistant secretary: Mr. Marios Tofaros 

Registered office 
20 Omirou Street 
Agios Nicolaos 
CY-3095 Limassol, Cyprus

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

176

MANAGEMENT REPORT

The Board of Directors presents its report together with the audited parent company 
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018. The parent company’s 
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union and the requirements 
of Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113. 

Principal activities 
The principal activities of the Company, which are unchanged from 
last year, are the holding of investments and provision of financing 
to other Group companies. 

Review of developments, position and 
performance of the Company’s business 
The Company’s profit for the year increased to RUB 15,847,719 
thousand compared to RUB 9,967,841 thousand for the year ended 
31 December 2017. This was mainly the result of the increase in the 
dividend income earned from the subsidiaries from RUB 10,700,007 
thousand during the year ended 31 December 2017 to RUB 
15,112,974 thousand in the current year. 

The total asset position of the Company has increased as of 31 
December 2018 compared to 31 December 2017, with total assets 
as of 31 December 2018 amounting to RUB 48,696,474 thousand 
compared to RUB 46,304,334 thousand as of 31 December 2017. 
The net asset position of the Company has decreased as of 31 
December 2018 compared to 31 December 2017, with net assets as 
of 31 December 2018 amounting to RUB 40,837,914 thousand 
compared to RUB 41,210,933 thousand as of 31 December 2017. 
The decrease in the net asset position of the Company was the result 
of the dividend distributions to the owners of the Company made 
during the year ended 31 December 2018 which exceeded the net 
profit for the year by RUB 373,019 thousand. 

The financial position, development and performance of the Company 
as presented in the financial statements is considered satisfactory. 

Changes in Group structure 
During 2018 Spacecom AS acquired 100% of the shares of 
Spacecom Trans AS from the Company and the non-controlling 
shareholders. As a result, the proportion of ordinary shares held by 
the Company in Spacecom Trans AS increased from a direct holding 
of 65% to an indirect holding of 65.25%. The transaction aimed to 
optimise the management of both Estonian subsidiaries. There were 
no other changes in the group structure of the Group during the 
year ended 31 December 2018. For the principal subsidiaries of 
the Company, refer to Note 17 of the financial statements. 

Non-Financial Information and 
Diversity Statement 
The Group will be publishing its Non-Financial Information and 
Diversity Statement within its Annual Report that will be issued 
within four months after the balance sheet date and will be available 
on the Company’s website, www.globaltrans.com 

Environmental matters 
Rail is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport. 
Nonetheless, any commercial activity has an environmental impact 
and Globaltrans strives to minimise those from its operations where 
possible. To this end, the Group ensures that its activities fully 
comply with local environmental regulations. It also aims to help 
business and nature co-exist by focusing on applying modern 
technology in its operations and using natural resources rationally. 

Human resources 
Globaltrans considers the wellbeing of employees central to its 
success and strives to maintain exemplary working standards, ensure 
job satisfaction and create opportunities for professional growth. 
The Group’s personnel policy focuses on creating a positive 
atmosphere at all offices and facilities to maximise productivity. 
As part of this, it offers medical insurance, support for education, 
opportunities to obtain additional qualifications and training, and 
financial aid in particularly difficult times. 

The Group’s future success will partly depend on its ability to 
continue to attract, retain and motivate key employees and qualified 
personnel, in particular an experienced management team. 
Competition in Russia for such personnel with relevant expertise 
is intense due to the small number of qualified individuals with 
suitable practical experience in the rail industry. 

Adequate remuneration packages, which are in line with or in excess 
of market levels, are offered to all employees and key managers and 
remuneration is linked to the Group’s financial results. The Human 
Resource function regularly monitors salary levels and other benefits 
offered by competitors to ensure that the Group’s remuneration 
packages are adequate. 

Principal risks and uncertainties 
The Company faces a number of diverse potential and actual risks 
to its business. The Board has adopted a formal process to identify, 
evaluate and manage principal risks and uncertainties faced by the 
Company and its subsidiaries. 

To identify, evaluate and mitigate these, the Company has 
established an in-house system to monitor and control uncertainties 
and threats throughout its activities. This is overseen by a dedicated 
Risk Management function, which works directly with the Board of 
Directors in this area. 

The Company has grouped the risks that it considers to be significant 
into key categories – strategic, operational, compliance and financial 
– and they are presented below. 

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

177

Strategic risks 
The strategic risks faced by the Company and its subsidiaries, 
together referred to as “Group”, that pose risks that influence the 
Group’s ability to achieve its strategy include the general economic 
situation and operating environment in Russia, Kazakhstan, 
Ukraine, CIS and Baltic countries in which the Group operates; 
the regulatory risk relating to the operation of the Russian railway 
transportation market including railway tariff regulation and 
technical requirements for fleet maintenance; the highly 
competitive Russian rail transportation market with unregulated 
operators’ services tariffs; the significant concentration of the 
Group’s customer base with the top 10 customers (including their 
affiliates and suppliers) accounting for around 74% of the Group’s 
Net Revenue from the operation of rolling stock in 2018; cost of 
borrowing and/or deterioration in market conditions with 
potential impacts on the profitability and payback period of 
investments; and reliance on RZD for issuing permits allowing 
the Group to operate locomotives. 

The Group operates mainly in Russia, other emerging markets and 
Estonia. Emerging markets, such as Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, 
are subject to greater risks than more developed markets, including 
significant economic, political, social, legal and legislative 
uncertainties. Moreover, the Group’s business depends on the 
demand in the Russian freight rail transportation market, which in 
turn depends on certain key commodity sectors and, accordingly, 
on economic conditions in Russia, Europe and elsewhere. A decrease 
in production and demand for key commodities in Russia, or in 
adjacent countries where the commodities of the Group’s key 
customers are shipped by rail, as a result of a technological shift, 
economic downturn, political crisis or other event in Russia or 
another relevant country, negatively impacts the Group’s business 
and growth prospects. 

The management of the Group constantly monitors the 
developments in the operating environment and regulatory regime 
of the railway transportation market in the countries in which the 
Group operates. The Group’s business model is to maintain a 
balanced fleet between universal gondola cars, adaptable to the 
demand for transportation of various bulk cargoes and rail tank cars, 
which are used for the transportation of oil products and oil. Further, 
the Group has long-term, established relationships with its key 
customers and their affiliates and suppliers and in some cases, the 
Group becomes an integrated part of its customers’ operations. 
Around 60% of the Group’s Net Revenue from the Operation of 
Rolling Stock in 2018 was covered by long-term service contracts 
with several large clients. Such contracts provide additional stability 
and greater certainty regarding transport volumes for the Group. 
In addition, the Group’s marketing function regularly monitors 
competitors’ strategies, their use of technology, their price 
strategies and industry trends. 

Operational risks 
The operational risks faced by the Group that could influence 
the Group’s operational efficiency include the physical state 
of the Russian, Ukrainian, CIS and Baltic countries railway 
infrastructure which may negatively impact the condition of 

the Group’s rolling stock and the performance of the Group; the 
impact of inflation in Russia on the Group’s costs with limited 
opportunities to increase tariffs to customers; the competition for 
personnel with relevant expertise and experience in Russia and the 
impact on the Group’s ability to continue to attract, retain and 
motivate key employees and qualified personnel; reliance on RZD 
for locomotive traction and infrastructure usage and the impact of 
this on the quality of the Group’s freight transportation services 
and therefore customer satisfaction; IT availability and continuity 
considerations due to reliance on specialised trail transport and 
logistics software for ensuring efficient and effective logistics, 
dispatching and rolling stock tracking services; and risks of 
terrorist attacks, natural disasters or other catastrophic events 
beyond the Group’s control. 

The Group is managing operational risk by ensuring that practically 
all of the Group’s rolling stock is insured against damage. Further, 
the Group monitors its rolling stock through the Group’s dispatch 
centre on a 24/7 basis and plans routes accordingly to minimise the 
risks of disruption. The Group monitors FAS initiatives with the aim 
of detecting possible changes in tariff-setting methodology and tries 
to reflect respective changes in contracts with customers. Among 
the Group’s key objectives are to increase operational efficiency and 
to focus on control and reduction of costs. The Group continuously 
monitors its costs to maintain efficiency. 

The Human Resource function regularly monitors salary levels and 
other benefits offered by competitors to ensure that the Group’s 
remuneration packages are adequate. Customer satisfaction is one 
of the key metrics that the Group’s management monitors, with 
customer feedback being analysed and appropriate follow-up 
actions being taken. Local IT specialists have introduced solutions to 
maintain the availability of IT services and ensure their recovery in 
case of disruption. The IT function and Internal Audit function 
monitor all IT-related activities and performance for compliance 
with IT policies and procedures. 

Further the Group permanently monitors any disruptive events 
and applies a Business Continuity Policy to ensure the safety of 
employees and human life; maintain continuity of time-critical 
services; minimise disruptions to clients and partners; and minimise 
operational, financial and reputational impact. 

Compliance risks 
The Group is also subject to compliance risk, being the risks that 
influence the Group’s adherence to relevant laws and regulations. 
The Group is involved in material legal actions from time to time. 
Some of it may have an adverse effect on the Group. The ambiguity 
of the law in Russia and CIS countries creates regulatory uncertainty 
and might result in claims from different government authorities. 
Local tax, currency and customs legislation, especially in Russia, 
other emerging markets and Cyprus, may be subject to varying 
interpretations, inconsistencies between federal laws, regional and 
local laws, rules and regulations, frequent changes and a lack of 
judicial and administrative guidance on interpreting legislation.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

178

MANAGEMENT REPORT 
continued

The Group runs its operations in compliance with tax, currency, 
labour, customs, antimonopoly and other applicable legislation and 
constantly monitors any changes in the regulatory environment as 
well as compliance with the terms of its agreements. Standard forms 
of agreements are used for transportation services, and various 
controls are in place to ensure that the terms of agreements are 
adhered to. All contracts are subject to rigorous review by all of the 
Group functions concerned and a formal approval process prior to 
execution. The Group has controls in place, including highly qualified 
and experienced personnel, to monitor changes in legislation and 
determine the appropriate action needed to minimise the risk of a 
challenge to such treatments by the authorities. For complex 
matters, the Group retains external consultants. 

Financial risks 
The Company’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks that 
could influence the Company’s financial performance. These include: 
market risk (including foreign exchange risk, fair value interest rate 
risk and cash flow interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. 

Foreign exchange risk 
Foreign exchange risk arises when future commercial transactions or 
recognised assets or liabilities are denominated in a currency 
different from the functional currency of the Company. 

During the year 2018 there was increased volatility in currency 
markets and the Russian Rouble has depreciated significantly against 
some major currencies, especially in the second half of the year. As of 
the end of December 2018 the Russian Rouble has depreciated 
against the US Dollar from 57.6002 as of 31 December 2017 to 
69.4706 Russian Roubles (21% devaluation). 

The fluctuations in the exchange rate between (i) US Dollar and 
Russian Rouble and (ii) Euro and Russian Rouble expose the 
Company to foreign exchange risk. 

Had US Dollar exchange rate strengthened/weakened by 20% 
(2017: 5% change) against the Russian Rouble and all other variables 
remained unchanged, the post-tax profit of the Company for the 
year ended 31 December 2018 would have increased/decreased by 
RUB 150,147 thousand (2017: RUB 24,641 thousand). This is mainly 
due to foreign exchange gains and losses arising upon retranslation 
of US Dollar denominated loans receivable and cash and cash 
equivalents as of 31 December 2018 and as of 31 December 2017. 

Had Euro exchange rate strengthened/weakened by 20% (2017: 
5% change) against the Russian Rouble and all other variables 
remained unchanged, the post-tax profit of the Company for the 
year ended 31 December 2018 would have increased/decreased by 
RUB 276,343 thousand (2017: decreased/increased by RUB 2,811 
thousand). This is mainly due to foreign exchange gains and losses 
arising upon retranslation of Euro denominated other receivables, 
cash and cash equivalents and payables as of 31 December 2018 
and as of 31 December 2017. 

The Company’s current policy is not to hedge this foreign 
exchange risk.

Interest-rate risk 
The Company holds interest bearing financial instruments at 
fixed interest rates. 

Financial assets and liabilities issued at fixed rates expose the 
Company to fair value interest rate risk. However, as all of the 
Company’s fixed interest rate financial instruments are carried at 
amortised cost, any reasonably possible change in the interest rates 
as of 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 would not have 
any impact on the Company’s post tax profit or equity. 

Financial assets and liabilities issued at floating rate expose the 
Company to cash flow interest rate risk. As of 31 December 2018 
the Company did not have any floating interest rate borrowings or 
receivables, therefore was not exposed to cash flow interest rate risk. 
The Company’s current policy is not to hedge interest rate risk. 

Credit risk 
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to 
credit risk, consist principally of loans and other receivables, cash and 
cash equivalents and financial guarantees issued by the Company for 
borrowings of the subsidiaries. 

At each balance sheet date, the Company assesses on a forward 
looking basis the expected credit losses associated with its loans 
receivable from subsidiaries. Based on the assessment performed as 
31 December 2018, a reversal of impairment losses of RUB 728,378 
thousand was recognised. 

The majority of the Company’s bank balances are held with 
independently rated banks with a minimum rating of ‘Ba2’. This 
policy enables the Company to reduce its credit risk significantly. 

The Company has issued financial guarantees on the borrowings of its 
subsidiaries. As a result, the Company is exposed to credit risk arising 
from potential risk of default of the Company’s subsidiaries on their 
external debt. As of 31 December 2018, none of the Company’s 
subsidiaries had defaulted on or breached any covenants on their 
borrowings. No significant expected credit losses arose on these. 

Liquidity risk 
As at 31 December 2018, the Company has an excess of current 
liabilities over current assets of RUB 965,709 thousand (2017: RUB 
1,961,776 thousand). Management believes that the Company will 
be able to meet its obligations as they fall due. 

Management controls current liquidity based on expected cash 
flows, expected dividend and interest income receipts, expected 
dividend payments and advancements under borrowings from 
subsidiaries. In the long-term perspective, the liquidity risk is 
determined by forecasting future cash flows at the moment of 
signing new loans and by budgeting procedures. 

Contingencies 
The Company’s contingencies are disclosed in Note 26 to the 
financial statements.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

179

Future developments 
The Board of Directors does not expect any significant changes in 
the activities of the Company in the foreseeable future. 

The Company’s strategic objective is to strengthen the position of 
the Group as a leading private freight rail group in Russia. 

Results 
The Company’s results for the year are set out on pages 189 and 190. 
The Board of Directors recommends the payment of a dividend as 
detailed below and the remaining net profit for the year is retained. 

Dividends 
Pursuant to its Articles of Association the Company may pay dividends 
out of its profits. To the extent that the Company declares and pays 
dividends, owners of Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) on the 
relevant record date will be entitled to receive dividends payable in 
respect of Ordinary Shares underlying the GDRs, subject to the terms 
of the Deposit Agreement. The Company expects to declare dividends 
in Russian Roubles and pay such dividends in US Dollars. If dividends are 
not paid in US Dollars, except as otherwise described under “Terms and 
Conditions of the Global Depositary Receipts – Conversion of Foreign 
Currency”, they will be converted into US Dollars by the Depositary and 
paid to holders of GDRs net of currency conversion expenses. 

The Company is a holding company and thus its ability to pay 
dividends depends on the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends to 
the Company in accordance with relevant legislation and contractual 
restrictions. The payment of such dividends by its subsidiaries is 
contingent upon the sufficiency of their earnings, cash flows and 
distributable reserves. The maximum dividend payable by the 
Company’s subsidiaries is restricted to the total accumulated retained 
earnings of the relevant subsidiary, determined according to the law. 

In April 2017, the shareholders of the Company approved the 
payment of the final dividend in respect of the financial year ended 
31 December 2016 in the amount of 39.20 Russian Roubles per 
ordinary share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 7,006,644 
thousand (US Dollar equivalent of USD 124,605 thousand). 

In August 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company approved 
payment of total dividend in the amount of 44.8 Russian Roubles 
per ordinary share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 
8,007,593 thousand, including interim dividend in the amount of 
RUB 3,603,417 thousand or RUB 20.16 per ordinary share/GDR 
and a special interim dividend in the amount of RUB 4,404,176 
thousand or RUB 24.64 per ordinary share/GDR (US Dollar 
equivalent of USD 135,401 thousand). 

In April 2018, the shareholders of the Company approved the 
payment of a dividend for the financial year ended 31 December 
2017 in the amount of 44.85 Russian Roubles per ordinary 
share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 8,016,530 
thousand, including final dividend for 2017 in the amount of 
RUB 4,155,726 thousand or RUB 23.25 per ordinary share/GDR 
and a special final dividend in the amount of RUB 3,860,804 
thousand or RUB 21.60 per ordinary share/GDR (US Dollar 
equivalent of USD 130,728 thousand).

In August 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company approved 
payment of total dividend in the amount of 45.9 Russian Roubles 
per ordinary share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 
8,204,208 thousand (US Dollar equivalent of USD 119,724 
thousand), including interim dividend in the amount of RUB 
3,771,433 thousand (US Dollar equivalent of USD 55,037 thousand) 
or RUB 21.10 per ordinary share/GDR and a special interim 
dividend in the amount of RUB 4,432,775 thousand (US Dollar 
equivalent of USD 64,687 thousand) or RUB 24.80 per ordinary 
share/GDR. 

On the date of this report, the Board of Directors of the Company, 
having considered the profitability and liquidity position of the 
Group, recommends a payment of dividend for the year 2018 total 
dividend in the amount of 46.50 Russian Roubles per ordinary 
share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 8,311,453 
thousand, including final dividend for 2018 in the amount of RUB 
1,429,927 thousand or RUB 8.00 per ordinary share/GDR and a 
special final dividend in the amount of RUB 6,881,525 thousand or 
RUB 38.50 per ordinary share/GDR. Such dividends shall be paid in 
US Dollars at the rate as at 19 April 2019, subject to the approval of 
the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 22 April 2019. 

Share capital 
As at 31 December 2018 the issued share capital of the Company, 
which remains unchanged from the prior year, comprised 
178,740,916 ordinary shares with a par value of USD 0.10 per share. 

Research and development activities 
The Company has not undertaken any research and development 
activities during the year ended 31 December 2018. 

Events after the balance sheet date 
The events after the balance sheet date are disclosed in Note 27 to 
the financial statements. 

Branches 
The Company does not operate through any branches. 

Treasury shares 
In 2018 the Company did not own or acquire either directly or 
through a person in his own name, but on Company’s behalf any 
of its own shares. 

Going concern 
The Directors have access to all information necessary to exercise 
their duties. The Directors continue to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing the financial statements based on the fact that, 
after making enquiries and following a review of the Group’s budget 
for 2019, including cash flows and borrowing facilities, the Directors 
consider that the Company has adequate resources to continue in 
operation for the foreseeable future.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

180

MANAGEMENT REPORT 
continued

Auditors 
The Board of Directors in accordance with the requirements of the 
EU introduced into Cypriot legislation undertook a mandatory audit 
tender in respect of the 2019 audit. Following this the Independent 
Auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited, has expressed their 
willingness to continue in office. A resolution giving authority to the 
Board of Directors to fix their remuneration will be proposed at 
the Annual General Meeting. 

The members of the Board of Directors at 31 December 2018  
and at the date of this report are shown on page 175. All of them 
were members of the Board throughout the year 2018, except  
Mr. Sergey Maltsev, who was appointed as Director 23 April 2018. 

There were no significant changes in the assignment of 
responsibilities of the Board of Directors, with the exception of  
the change in the Chairman of the Board on 23 April 2018 from  
Mr. Michael Zampelas to Mr. Sergey Maltsev. 

Corporate governance 
Globaltrans’ Board of Directors adopted the Company’s Code of 
Corporate Governance (the “Code”), guaranteeing that the 
interests of all shareholders are given due consideration. Although 
the Code is based on principles recommended by the UK Corporate 
Governance Code (formerly the Combined Code), this does not 
constitute voluntary compliance with such governance code. 

Globaltrans’ corporate governance policies and practices are designed 
to ensure that the Group upholds its responsibilities to shareholders. 
As such, all employees are required to comply with these guidelines 
and the Group’s management team takes responsibility for ensuring 
that all departments adhere to these standards. These key principles 
are promoted and applied across all levels of the Group in order to 
establish effective and transparent corporate governance. In January 
2010, the Board supplemented its Code of Corporate Governance 
with a corporate policy on the treatment of the rights of its non-
controlling shareholders; this aims to ensure fair treatment of the 
rights of non-controlling shareholders of the Company. 

Full details of our governance policies can be found at: 
http://www.globaltrans.com/about-us/corporate-
governance/governance-policies 

The role of the Board of Directors 
The Company is managed by the Board of Directors which is 
collectively responsible to the shareholders for the success of the 
Group. The Board sets the strategic objectives and ensures that the 
necessary resources are in place to enable these objectives to be 
met. The Board is fully involved in decision making in the most 
important areas of business and conducts regular reviews of the 
Group’s operational and financial performance. One of the Board’s 
key responsibilities is to ensure that there is in place a system of 
prudent and effective risk controls that enable risks to be identified, 
assessed and managed appropriately. 

Members of the Board of Directors 
As at 31 December 2018 and at the date of this report, the Board 
comprises 15 members (2017: 14 members), nine (2017: 10 
members) of whom are Non-executive Directors. Four (2017: four) 
of the Non-executive Directors are independent, they have no 
relationship with the Company, its related companies or their 
officers that could interfere, or be reasonably perceived to interfere, 
with the exercise of the Director’s independent business judgement 
with a view to the best interests of the Company, and they are able 
to exercise objective judgement on corporate affairs independently 
from management. 

There is no provision in the Company’s Articles of Association for 
retirement of Directors by rotation; however, in accordance with 
the terms of reference of the Board of Directors all Board members 
are required to submit for re-election at least once every three years. 
Should a Non-executive Director serve any term beyond six years, 
his/her re-election would be subject to particularly rigorous review. 
In practice, all current appointments are for one year and all 
Directors will stand for re-election at the forthcoming Annual 
General Meeting of shareholders of the Company. 

The total gross remuneration of the members of the Board of 
Directors incurred by the Company in 2018 amounted to 
RUB 186,911 thousand (2017: RUB 45,375 thousand). 

Board performance 
The Board held 16 meetings in 2018. The Directors’ attendance is 
presented in the table below. 

                                                                                             Eligible                Attended 

Michael Zampelas                                                    16                       16 

Johann Franz Durrer                                                16                       16 

Carroll Colley                                                            16                       16 

George Papaioannou                                               16                       16 

Alexander Eliseev                                                      16                       14 

Melina Pyrgou                                                           16                       15 

Konstantin Shirokov                                                16                       15 

Alexander Storozhev                                               16                       16 

Marios Tofaros                                                         16                       16 

Elia Nicolaou                                                             16                       16 

Sergey Tolmachev                                                    16                       16 

Sergey Maltsev (Chairman) (1)                                 12                       10 

Andrey Gomon                                                        16                       15 

Alexander Tarasov                                                   16                       16 

Michael Thomaides                                                 16                       16 

(1)  Sergey Maltsev was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors 
on 23 April 2018.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

181

The Board committees 
The Board has established three committees: the Audit Committee, 
the Nomination Committee and the Remuneration Committee. 
A brief description of the terms of reference of the committees is 
set out below. 

Audit Committee 
The Audit Committee comprises three Directors, two of whom are 
independent, and meets at least four times each year. The Audit 
Committee is chaired by Mr. J. Carroll Colley and is also attended by 
Mr. Papaioannou and Ms. Nicolaou. The Audit Committee is 
responsible for considering, among other matters: the integrity of 
the Company’s financial statements, including its annual and interim 
accounts, and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls 
and risk management systems; auditors’ reports and the terms of 
appointment and remuneration of the auditor. 

The Committee supervises, monitors and advises the Board on risk 
management and control systems and the implementation of codes 
of conduct. In addition, the Audit Committee supervises the 
submission by the Company of financial information and a number 
of other audit-related issues. The Audit Committee is also 
responsible for assessing the efficiency of the performance of the 
Chairman of the Board. 

The Audit Committee manages the relationship with the external 
auditor on behalf of the Board. It considers the reappointment of 
the external auditor each year, as well as remuneration and other 
terms of engagement, and makes a recommendation to the Board. 
Shareholders are asked to approve the reappointment of the auditor 
each year at the Annual General Meeting. 

The Internal Audit function is carried out internally by the Group’s 
Internal Audit Service (“IAS”). IAS is responsible for testing the 
systems of risk management, internal control and corporate 
governance of the Group. 

Nomination Committee 
The Nomination Committee comprises two Independent Directors 
and meets at least once a year. The Nomination Committee is chaired 
by Mr. Zampelas and Dr. Durrer is the other member. The 
Committee’s remit is to prepare selection criteria and appointment 
procedures for members of the Board and to review on a regular basis 
the structure, size and composition of the Board. In undertaking this 
role, the Committee refers to the skills, knowledge and experience 
required of the Board, given the Company’s stage of development, 
and makes recommendations to the Board as to any changes. The 
Committee also considers future appointments in respect of the 
Board’s composition and makes recommendations regarding the 
membership of the Audit and Remuneration Committees.

Remuneration Committee 
The Remuneration Committee comprises two Independent Directors 
and meets at least once a year. The Remuneration Committee is 
chaired by Dr. Durrer and Mr. Zampelas is the other member. The 
Committee’s responsibility is the determination and review of, among 
other matters, the remuneration of Executive Directors, and the 
review of the Company’s remuneration policies. The remuneration of 
Independent Directors is a matter for the Chairman of the Board and 
the Executive Directors. No Director or manager may be involved in 
any decisions as to his/her own remuneration. 

Board and management remuneration 
Non-executive Directors serve on the Board pursuant to the letters 
of appointment which are subject to approval by the shareholders at 
the Annual General Meeting. Such letters of appointment specify 
the terms of appointment and the remuneration of Non-executive 
Directors. Appointments are for one year. 

Levels of remuneration for Non-executive Directors reflect the time 
commitment, responsibilities of the role and membership of the 
respective committees of the Board. Directors are also reimbursed 
for expenses associated with discharge of their duties. 

The shareholders of the Company approved the remuneration of 
the members of the Board of Directors at the Annual General 
Meeting of shareholders held on 23 April 2018. 

Refer to Note 24 of the financial statements for details of 
remuneration of Directors and other key management personnel. 

Diversity policy 
The Company does not have a formal Board diversity policy to 
aspects such as age, gender or educational and professional 
backgrounds, but following best practice while making the new 
appointments and considering the current composition of the 
Board of Directors, these aspects are taken into account. 

As of the date of publication of these financial statements the Board 
has two females representing approximately 13% from the total 
number of Directors. The age of the members of the Board of 
Directors ranges from over 35 to over 70 years, with the average age 
of Directors being 52 years. The Board members have the following 
educational backgrounds: transportation and ports industry, 
accounting, economics and financial, banking sector and legal, 
engineering and mechanics, biophysics and mathematics, history, 
international affairs and risk management. The Board has a necessary 
balance of skills and expertise to run the Company and the Group. 

Further details of the corporate governance regime of the 
Company can be found on the website: 
http://www.globaltrans.com/about-us/corporate-governance/

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

182

MANAGEMENT REPORT 
continued

Regulations with regard to the amendment 
of the Articles of Association 
The Articles of Association of the Company may be amended 
from time to time by special resolution at the General Meeting of 
the Shareholders. 

Company’s internal control and risk 
management systems in relation to the 
financial reporting process 
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of the 
financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the 
European Union and the requirements of the Cyprus Companies 
Law, Cap. 113, and for such internal control as the Board of 
Directors determines is necessary to enable the preparation of 
financial statements that are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the Board of Directors is 
responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the 
Board of Directors either intends to liquidate the Company or to 
cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the 
Company’s financial reporting process. 

The Board is primarily responsible for establishing a framework 
of prudent and effective controls that enables risks to be assessed 
and managed. 

The Audit Committee assists the Board in this task by reviewing and 
assessing the Group’s internal control and risk management 
processes in relation to Group’s financial reporting process. 

The system of controls is designed to manage rather than eliminate 
the risks relevant to the Group’s operations and, therefore, can only 
provide reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against material 
errors, losses, fraud or breaches of laws and regulations. 

•

•

resources are procured reasonably and used efficiently and 
their safekeeping is fully guaranteed; and 

Group companies conduct their business in compliance with 
applicable laws. 

Each year, the Audit Committee approves an internal audit plan, 
which is developed by identifying the audit universe, performing a 
risk analysis and obtaining input from management relative to risks, 
controls and governance processes. The internal auditor regularly 
reports to the Audit Committee on the progress of planned audits. 
If any material internal control deficiencies are identified, they are 
communicated to the Audit Committee, and consequently to the 
Board, at once. 

Significant direct or indirect holdings 
(including indirect shareholding through 
structures or cross shareholdings) 
The issued share capital of the Company consists of 178,740,916 
ordinary shares with a nominal value of USD 0.10 each, a certain 
portion of which is held in the form of Global Depositary Receipts 
(“GDRs”). The GDRs represent one ordinary share each and are 
listed and traded on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange 
under the ticker GLTR. The free float of Globaltrans amounts to 
approximately 55.5% (1) of the issued share capital. The Bank of 
New York Mellon is the depositary bank for the GDR programme 
of the Company. 

The shareholder structure of the Company as at 31 December 2018 
was follows: 

Onyx Investments Ltd (2)                                                               11.5% 

Marigold Investments Ltd (2)                                                         11.5% 

Maple Valley Investments Ltd (2)                                                  10.8% 

Litten Investments Ltd (3)                                                                 5.8% 

Goldriver Resources Ltd (4)                                                              4.7% 

Controlled by Directors and 
  management of Globaltrans                                                        0.2% 

Free float (1)                                                                                     55.5% 

At Globaltrans, the body responsible for internal audit is the 
Internal Audit Service (“IAS)”. It tests the Group’s systems of risk 
management, internal control and corporate governance to obtain 
a reasonable assurance that: 

•

the risk management system functions efficiently; 

(1) For these purposes, the free float consists of the ordinary shares and GDRs held by 

investors not affiliated or associated with the Company. 

(2) Nikita Mishin, Andrey Filatov and Konstantin Nikolaev are co-founders of the 

Company and beneficiaries with regard to 11.5%, 11.5% and 10.8% respectively 
of Globaltrans’ ordinary share capital each through their respective SPVs (Onyx 
Investments Ltd, Marigold Investments Ltd and Maple Valley Investments Ltd). 

•

•

material financial, management and operating information is 
accurate, reliable and up to date; 

(3) Beneficially owned by Alexander Eliseev, Executive Director and co-founder 

of the Company. 

the actions of employees and management bodies are in 
compliance with the Group’s policies, standards and procedures 
and the applicable laws;

(4) Beneficially owned by Sergey Maltsev, Executive Director and co-founder 

of the Company.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

183

Directors’ interests 
The interests in the share capital of Globaltrans Investment PLC, both direct and indirect, of those who were Directors of the Company as at 
31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 are shown below: 

Name                                                                               Type of holding                                                                                                                 2018                                    2017 

Alexander Eliseev                                             Indirect holding of ordinary shares and GDRs                           10,315,790                  11,318,909 

Sergey Maltsev                                                 Indirect holding of ordinary shares and GDRs                              8,382,860                                n/a 

Johann Franz Durrer                                        Holding of GDRs                                                                                 160,606                        160,606

The holders of special titles that provide 
special control rights and description 
of such rights 
The Company does not have any titles with special rights. 

Any restrictions in exercising of 
voting rights of shares 
There are no restrictions in the exercising of voting rights 
of shares issued by the Company. 

By Order of the Board 

Sergey Tolmachev 
Director 

Limassol, 29 March 2019 

 
 
Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

184

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY

The Company’s Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation 
of financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the 
European Union and the requirements of the Cyprus Companies 
Law, Cap.113, and for such internal control as the Board of Directors 
determines it necessary to enable the preparation of financial 
statements that are free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the parent company financial statements, the Board of 
Directors is responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related 
to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting 
unless the Board of Directors either intends to liquidate the Company 
or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. 

(iv) the Management Report has been prepared in accordance 

with the requirements of the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap.113, 
and the information given therein is consistent with the 
financial statements; 

(v) the information included in the corporate governance statement 
is in accordance with the requirements of subparagraphs (iv) and 
(v) of paragraph 2(a) of Article 151 of the Cyprus Companies 
Law, Cap. 113, and which is included as a specific section of the 
Management Report, have been prepared in accordance with 
the requirements of the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113, and is 
consistent with the financial statements; and 

(vi) the corporate governance statement includes all information 
referred to in subparagraphs (i), (ii), (iii), (vi) and (vii) of 
paragraph 2(a) of Article 151 of the Cyprus Companies Law, 
Cap. 113. 

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the 
Company’s financial reporting process. 

By order of the Board 

Each of the Directors confirms to the best of his or her knowledge 
that the parent company financial statements (presented on pages 
189 to 231) give a true and fair view of the financial position of 
Globaltrans Investment PLC (the “Company”) as at 31 December 
2018 and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the year 
then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the European Union and the requirements 
of the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap.113. 

Further, each of the Directors confirms to the best of his or her 
knowledge that: 

(i) proper books of account have been kept by the Company; 

(ii) the Company’s Parent Company Financial Statements are in 

agreement with the books of account; 

(iii) the Parent Company Financial Statements give the information 
required by the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap.113 in the manner 
so required;

Sergey Tolmachev 
Director 

Limassol, 29 March 2019

 
 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 
to the Members of Globaltrans Investment PLC 

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

185

Report on the Audit of the Parent 
Company Financial Statements 
Our opinion 
In our opinion, the accompanying parent company financial 
statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of the 
parent company Globaltrans Investment PLC (the “Company”) 
as at 31 December 2018, and of its financial performance and 
its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted 
by the European Union and the requirements of the Cyprus 
Companies Law, Cap. 113. 

What we have audited 
We have audited the parent company financial statements which 
are presented in pages 189 to 231 and comprise: 

•

the balance sheet as at 31 December 2018; 

•

the income statement for the year then ended; 

•

the statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended; 

•

the statement of changes in equity for the year then ended; 

Independence 
We remained independent of the Company throughout the period of 
our appointment in accordance with the International Ethics Standards 
Board for Accountants’ Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants 
(IESBA Code) together with the ethical requirements that are 
relevant to our audit of the parent company financial statements in 
Cyprus and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in 
accordance with these requirements and the IESBA Code. 

Our audit approach 
Overview 
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and 
assessed the risks of material misstatement in the parent company 
financial statements. In particular, we considered where the Board of 
Directors made subjective judgements; for example, in respect of 
significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions 
and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. As in all 
of our audits, we also addressed the risk of management override of 
internal controls, including among other matters, consideration of 
whether there was evidence of bias that represented a risk of 
material misstatement due to fraud. 

•

the cash flow statement for the year then ended; and 

Materiality

•

the notes to the parent company financial statements, which 
include a summary of significant accounting policies. 

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the 
preparation of the parent company financial statements is 
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the 
European Union and the requirements of the Cyprus Companies 
Law, Cap. 113. 

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards 
on Auditing (ISAs). Our responsibilities under those standards are 
further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of 
the Parent Company Financial Statements section of our report. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient 
and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Key audit matters

Overall materiality: RUB 829,870 
thousand, which represents approximately 
5% of profit before tax. 

We have determined that there are no 
key audit matters to communicate in 
our report. 

We tailored the scope of our audit in order to perform sufficient 
work to enable us to provide an opinion on the parent company 
financial statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of 
the Company, the accounting processes and controls, and the 
industry in which the Company operates. 

Materiality 
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. 
An audit is designed to obtain reasonable assurance whether the 
parent company financial statements are free from material 
misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. 
They are considered material if individually or in aggregate, they could 
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users 
taken on the basis of the parent company financial statements.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltd, City House, 6 Karaiskakis Street, CY-3032 Limassol, Cyprus 
P O Box 53034, CY-3300 Limassol, Cyprus 
T: +357 25 - 555 000, F:+357 - 25 555 001, www.pwc.com.cy 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltd is a private company registered in Cyprus (Reg. No.143594). Its registered office is at 3 Themistocles Dervis Street, CY-1066, Nicosia. A list of the 
company’s directors, including for individuals the present and former (if any) name and surname and nationality, if not Cypriot and for legal entities the corporate name, is kept by the 
Secretary of the company at its registered office. PwC refers to the Cyprus member firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltd and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm 
is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.  

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

186

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 
continued

Based on our professional judgement, we determined certain 
quantitative thresholds for materiality, including the overall 
materiality for the parent company financial statements as a whole 
as set out in the table below. These, together with qualitative 
considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and 
the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and to 
evaluate the effect of misstatements, both individually and in 
aggregate on the parent company financial statements as a whole. 

Overall materiality

RUB 829,870 thousand 

How we determined it Approximately 5% of profit before tax 

Rationale for the 
materiality benchmark benchmark, because in our view, it is the  
applied

We chose profit before tax as the 

benchmark against which the performance 
of the Company is most commonly 
measured by the users of the parent 
company financial statements and is a 
generally accepted benchmark. We chose 
5% which is within the range of acceptable 
quantitative materiality thresholds in 
auditing standards. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them 
misstatements identified during our audit above RUB 41,494 
thousand as well as misstatements below that amount that, in our 
view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons. 

Key audit matters incorporating the most significant risks of 
material misstatements, including assessed risk of material 
misstatements due to fraud 
We have determined that there are no Key Audit Matters to 
communicate in our report. 

Reporting on other information 
The Board of Directors is responsible for the other information. 
The other information comprises the information included in the 
Management Report, including the Corporate Governance 
Statement, and the Directors’ responsibility which we obtained prior 
to the date of this auditor’s report, and the Company’s complete 
Annual Report, including the Non-Financial Information and 
Diversity Statement, which is expected to be made available to us 
after that date. Other information does not include the parent 
company financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 

Our opinion on the parent company financial statements does not 
cover the other information and we do not and will not express any 
form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the parent company financial 
statements, our responsibility is to read the other information 
identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other 
information is materially inconsistent with the parent company 
financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or 
otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work 
we have performed on the other information that we obtained prior 
to the date of this auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a 
material misstatement of this other information, we are required to 
report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

When we read the Company’s complete Annual Report, including the 
Non-Financial Information and Diversity Statement, if we conclude 
that there is a material misstatement therein, we are required to 
communicate the matter to those charged with governance and, if not 
corrected, we will bring the matter to the attention of the members of 
the Company at the Company’s Annual General Meeting and we will 
take such other action as may be required. 

Responsibilities of the Board of Directors and those charged 
with governance for the Parent Company Financial Statements 
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of the 
parent company financial statements that give a true and fair view in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the European Union and the requirements of the Cyprus 
Companies Law, Cap. 113, and for such internal control as the Board 
of Directors determines is necessary to enable the preparation of 
parent company financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the parent company financial statements, the Board of 
Directors is responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related 
to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting 
unless the Board of Directors either intends to liquidate the Company 
or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the 
Company’s financial reporting process. 

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
Parent Company Financial Statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether 
the parent company financial statements as a whole are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue 
an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance 
is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit 
conducted in accordance with ISAs will always detect a material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or 
error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, 
they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of these parent company 
financial statements.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

187

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional 
judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the 
audit. We also: 

•

•

•

•

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the parent 
company financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, 
design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, 
and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to 
provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material 
misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting 
from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional 
omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. 

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit 
in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the 
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion 
on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control. 

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the 
reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures 
made by the Board of Directors. 

Conclude on the appropriateness of the Board of Directors’ use of 
the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit 
evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related 
to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the 
Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude 
that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw 
attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the 
parent company financial statements or, if such disclosures are 
inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on 
the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. 
However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to 
cease to continue as a going concern. 

•

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the 
parent company financial statements, including the disclosures, 
and whether the parent company financial statements represent 
the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves a 
true and fair view. 

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, 
among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and 
significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in 
internal control that we identify during our audit. 

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement 
that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding 
independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and 
other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our 
independence, and where applicable, related safeguards. 

From the matters communicated with those charged with 
governance, we determine those matters that were of most 
significance in the audit of the parent company financial statements 
of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters.

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements 
Pursuant to the requirements of Article 10(2) of the EU Regulation 
537/2014 we provide the following information in our 
Independent Auditor’s Report, which is required in addition to the 
requirements of International Standards on Auditing. 

Appointment of the Auditor and Period of Engagement 
We were first appointed as auditors of the Company in 2005 by 
shareholders’ resolution for the audit of the financial statements for 
the year ended 31 December 2004. Our appointment has been 
renewed annually since then, by shareholders’ resolution. In 2008 the 
Company listed Global Depository Receipts on the Main Market of 
the London Stock Exchange and, accordingly, the first financial year 
after the Company qualified as a European Union Public Interest 
Entity was the year ended 31 December 2009. Since then, the total 
period of uninterrupted engagement appointment was 10 years. 

Consistency of the Additional Report to the Audit Committee 
We confirm that our audit opinion on the parent company financial 
statements expressed in this report is consistent with the additional 
report to the Audit Committee of the Company, which we issued on 
28 March 2019 in accordance with Article 11 of the EU Regulation 
537/2014. 

Provision of Non-audit Services 
We declare that no prohibited non-audit services referred to in 
Article 5 of the EU Regulation 537/2014 and Section 72 of the 
Auditors Law of 2017 were provided. In addition, there are no non-
audit services which were provided by us to the Company and which 
have not been disclosed in the parent company financial statements 
or the management report. 

Other Legal Requirements 
Pursuant to the additional requirements of the Auditors Law of 
2017, we report the following: 

•

•

•

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our 
audit, the management report has been prepared in accordance 
with the requirements of the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113, 
and the information given is consistent with the parent company 
financial statements. 

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Company and 
its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we are 
required to report if we have identified material misstatements in 
the management report. We have nothing to report in this respect. 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our 
audit, the information included in the corporate governance 
statement in accordance with the requirements of subparagraphs 
(iv) and (v) of paragraph 2(a) of Article 151 of the Cyprus 
Companies Law, Cap. 113, and which is included as a specific section 
of the management report, have been prepared in accordance with 
the requirements of the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap, 113, and is 
consistent with the parent company financial statements.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

188

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 
continued

•

•

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our 
audit, the corporate governance statement includes all information 
referred to in subparagraphs (i), (ii), (iii), (vi) and (vii) of paragraph 
2(a) of Article 151 of the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113. 

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Company and 
its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we are 
required to report if we have identified material misstatements 
in the corporate governance statement in relation to the 
information disclosed for items (iv) and (v) of subparagraph 2(a) 
of Article 151 of the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113. We have 
nothing to report in this respect. 

Other Matter 
This report, including the opinion, has been prepared for and only for 
the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Article 10(1) 
of the EU Regulation 537/2014 and Section 69 of the Auditors Law 
of 2017 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this opinion, 
accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other 
person to whose knowledge this report may come to. 

We have reported separately on the consolidated financial 
statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended 
31 December 2018. 

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent 
auditor’s report is Anna Loizou. 

Anna Loizou 
Certified Public Accountant and Registered Auditor 
for and on behalf of 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited 
Certified Public Accountants and Registered Auditors 

City House, 6 Karaiskakis Street, 
CY-3032 Limassol, Cyprus 

29 March 2019

 
 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

INCOME STATEMENT 
for the year ended 31 December 2018 

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

189

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                          Note                             RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Revenue                                                                                                                                                   8                 15,160,887                  10,806,345 
Selling and marketing costs                                                                                                                                               (6,406)                         (5,633) 
Administrative expenses                                                                                                                                               (347,143)                     (244,161) 
Reversal of impairment losses on loans receivable                                                                           24                       728,378                        120,960 
Other income                                                                                                                                                                  133,754                          57,967 
Other gains – net                                                                                                                                    9                    1,133,853                            1,695 

Operating profit                                                                                                                                                        16,803,323                  10,737,173 
Finance income                                                                                                                                     12                         22,181                          51,845 
Finance costs                                                                                                                                         12                     (349,985)                     (209,160) 
Net foreign exchange transaction gains/(losses) on financing activities                                      12                       121,892                        (77,017) 

Finance costs – net                                                                                                                               12                     (205,912)                     (234,332) 

Profit before tax                                                                                                                                                         16,597,411                  10,502,841 
Income tax expense                                                                                                                             13                     (749,692)                     (535,000) 

Profit for the year                                                                                                                                                      15,847,719                    9,967,841 

The notes on pages 194 to 231 are an integral part of these financial statements.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

190

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
for the year ended 31 December 2018 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Profit for the year                                                                                                                                                     15,847,719                    9,967,841 

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax                                                                                                            –                                    – 

Total comprehensive income for the year                                                                                                          15,847,719                    9,967,841 

The notes on pages 194 to 231 are an integral part of these financial statements.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

BALANCE SHEET 
at 31 December 2018

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

191

                                                                                                                                                                                                             31 December 2018           31 December 2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                          Note                             RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Assets 
Non-current assets 
Investments in subsidiary undertakings                                                                                             17                 45,151,248                  45,252,722 
Property, plant and equipment                                                                                                          16                            2,572                            4,468 
Other assets                                                                                                                                          19                            4,640                                    – 
Loans and other receivables                                                                                                                18                       876,476                        407,186 

Total non-current assets                                                                                                                                           46,034,936                  45,664,376 

Current assets 
Loans and other receivables                                                                                                                18                    1,379,274                        204,528 
Other assets                                                                                                                                          19                            2,296                            1,555 
Income tax assets                                                                                                                                                               11,919                          11,794 
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                   20                    1,268,049                        422,081 

Total current assets                                                                                                                                                      2,661,538                        639,958 

Total assets                                                                                                                                                                48,696,474                  46,304,334 

Equity and liabilities 
Capital and reserves 
Share capital                                                                                                                                          21                       516,957                        516,957 
Share premium                                                                                                                                     21                 27,929,478                  27,929,478 
Capital contribution                                                                                                                                                    2,694,851                    2,694,851 
Retained earnings                                                                                                                                                        9,696,628                  10,069,647 

Total equity                                                                                                                                                                40,837,914                  41,210,933 

Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings                                                                                                                                            22                    4,231,313                    2,491,667 

Total non-current liabilities                                                                                                                                        4,231,313                    2,491,667 

Current liabilities 
Borrowings                                                                                                                                            22                    3,241,204                    2,534,089 
Payables and accrued expenses                                                                                                          23                       386,043                          67,645 

Total current liabilities                                                                                                                                                 3,627,247                    2,601,734 

Total liabilities                                                                                                                                                             7,858,560                    5,093,401 

Total equity and liabilities                                                                                                                                       48,696,474                  46,304,334 

On 29 March 2019 the Board of Directors of Globaltrans Investment PLC authorised these financial statements for issue. 

Sergey Tolmachev,                                  Konstantin Shirokov,  
Director                                                      Director 

The notes on pages 194 to 231 are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
 
Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

192

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
for the year ended 31 December 2018

                                                                                                                                                 Share                       Share                    Capital                 Retained  
                                                                                                                                                capital                premium          contribution                  earnings                       Total 
                                                                                                                  Note                 RUB’000                 RUB’000                 RUB’000                 RUB’000                 RUB’000 

Balance at 1 January 2017                                                                     516,957       27,929,478         2,694,851       15,116,043       46,257,329 

Comprehensive income 
Profit for the year                                                                                                  –                         –                         –         9,967,841         9,967,841 

Total comprehensive income for 2017                                                             –                         –                         –         9,967,841         9,967,841 

Transactions with owners 
Dividend to owners of the Company                                    15                         –                         –                         –     (15,014,237)    (15,014,237) 

Total distributions to owners of the Company                                                 –                         –                         –     (15,014,237)    (15,014,237) 

Total transactions with owners                                                                           –                         –                         –     (15,014,237)    (15,014,237) 

 Balance at 31 December 2017/1 January 2018                              516,957       27,929,478         2,694,851       10,069,647       41,210,933 

Comprehensive income 
Profit for the year                                                                                                  –                         –                         –       15,847,719       15,847,719 

Total comprehensive income for 2018                                                             –                         –                         –       15,847,719       15,847,719 

Transactions with owners 
Dividend to owners of the Company                                    15                         –                         –                         –     (16,220,738)    (16,220,738) 

Total distributions to owners of the Company                                                 –                         –                         –     (16,220,738)    (16,220,738) 

Total transactions with owners                                                                           –                         –                         –     (16,220,738)    (16,220,738) 

 Balance at 31 December 2018                                                            516,957       27,929,478          2,694,851          9,696,628       40,837,914 

The notes on pages 194 to 231 are an integral part of these financial statements.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

CASH FLOW STATEMENT 
for the year ended 31 December 2018

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

193

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                          Note                             RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Cash flows from operating activities 
Profit before tax                                                                                                                                                         16,597,411                  10,502,841 
Adjustments for: 
– Depreciation of property, plant and equipment                                                                           16                            1,896                            2,301 
– Interest on loans to related parties                                                                                                    8                        (47,913)                     (106,338) 
– Bank interest income                                                                                                                        12                        (22,181)                       (51,845) 
– Interest expense                                                                                                                                12                       349,985                        209,160 
– Reversal of impairment losses on loans receivable                                                                       24                     (728,378)                     (120,960) 
– Profit from sale of subsidiaries                                                                                                           9                  (1,134,752)                                   – 
– Net foreign exchange transaction (gains)/losses on financing activities                                   12                     (121,892)                        77,017 

Operating cash flows before working capital changes                                                                                         14,894,176                  10,512,176 

Changes in working capital 
– Other assets                                                                                                                                                                         (741)                         (1,218) 
– Payables and accrued expenses                                                                                                                                    44,107                        313,491 

Net cash generated from operations                                                                                                                      14,937,542                  10,824,449 

Interest received from loans from related parties                                                                                                         21,743                        129,173 
Tax paid                                                                                                                                                                           (748,003)                     (535,000) 

Net cash generated from operating activities                                                                                                        14,211,282                  10,418,622 

Cash flows from investing activities 
– Proceeds from sale of subsidiary                                                                                                     17                       671,441                                    – 
– Loans granted to related parties                                                                                                      24                     (900,000)                     (650,000) 
– Loan repayments received from related parties                                                                           24                       936,968                    1,564,249 
– Bank interest received                                                                                                                                                    22,181                          51,845 

Net cash generated from investing activities                                                                                                               730,590                        966,094 

Cash flows from financing activities 
– Proceeds from bank borrowings                                                                                                     22                    8,000,000                    5,000,000 
– Proceeds from borrowings – related parties                                                                                 22                                    –                        610,798 
– Repayment of bank borrowings                                                                                                      22                  (5,558,000)                                   – 
– Repayment of borrowings – related parties                                                                                  22                                    –                   (1,362,798) 
– Interest paid – related parties                                                                                                          24                                    –                        (47,649) 
– Interest paid on bank borrowings                                                                                                   22                      (345,224)                     (139,459) 
– Dividends paid to the Company’s shareholders                                                                            15                (16,220,738)               (15,014,237) 

Net cash used in financing activities                                                                                                                       (14,123,962)               (10,953,345) 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                    817,910                        431,371 
– Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                            28,058                      (323,967) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                                                                                                           422,081                        314,677 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                                                                        20                    1,268,049                        422,081 

The notes on pages 194 to 231 are an integral part of these financial statements.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

194

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  General information 

Country of incorporation 
Globaltrans Investment Plc (“the Company”) is incorporated and domiciled in Cyprus as a limited liability company in accordance with the 
provisions of the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113 and converted into a public company on 15 April 2008. The address of its registered 
office is 20 Omirou Street, Limassol, Cyprus. 

Approval of the parent company financial statements 
These parent company financial statements were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors of the Company on 29 March 2019. 

Global Depositary Receipts 
Global Depositary Receipts each representing one ordinary share of the Company are listed on the London Stock Exchange International 
Main Market. 

Principal activities 
The principal activities of the Company, which are unchanged from last year, are the holding of investments and provision of financing to 
other Group companies. 

Consolidated financial statements 
The Company has also prepared Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the European Union (“EU”) and the requirements of the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113 for the Company and its subsidiaries 
(“the Group”). These Consolidated Financial Statements can be obtained from the Company’s website at: www.globaltrans.com 

2.  Basis of preparation 

The parent company financial statements of Globaltrans Investment PLC have been prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as adopted by the European Union (“EU”) and the requirements of the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113. 

As of the date of the authorisation of the financial statements, all International Financial Reporting Standards issued by International 
Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) that are relevant to the Company’s operations and are effective as at 1 January 2018 have been 
adopted by the EU through the endorsement procedure established by the European Commission. 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. 

The Company has prepared these parent company financial statements for compliance with the requirements of the Cyprus Companies 
Law, Cap. 113 and disclosure rules as issued by the Financial Conduct Authority of United Kingdom. 

Users of these parent company financial statements should read them together with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as 
at and for the year ended 31 December 2018 in order to obtain a proper understanding of the financial position, the financial performance 
and cash flows of the Company and the Group. 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates and requires 
management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree 
of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are disclosed in Note 7.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

195

3.  Adoption of new or revised standards and interpretations 

During the current year the Company adopted all the new and amended standards International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 
that are relevant to its operations and are effective for accounting periods beginning on 1 January 2018. None of these has affected these 
financial statements with the exception of IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments”, the adoption of which resulted in changes in the Company’s 
accounting policies. 

IFRS 9 “Financial instruments” 
IFRS 9 “Financial instruments” replaces the provisions of IAS 39 that relate to recognition and derecognition of financial instruments and 
classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. IFRS 9 further introduces new principles for hedge accounting and 
a new forward-looking impairment model for financial assets. 

The new standard requires debt financial assets to be classified into two measurement categories: those to be measured subsequently at fair 
value (either through other comprehensive income or through profit or loss) and those to be measured at amortised cost. The determination 
is made at initial recognition. The classification depends on the entity’s business model for managing its financial instruments and the 
contractual cash flows characteristics of the instruments. For assets measured at fair value, gains and losses are either recorded in profit or loss 
or in other comprehensive income. 

In particular, assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and 
interest are measured at amortised cost. Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows and for selling the financial assets, where 
the assets’ cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest, are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income. 
Lastly, assets that do not meet the criteria for amortised cost or fair value through other comprehensive income are measured at fair value 
through profit or loss. 

For investments in equity instruments that are not held for trading, the classification depends on whether the entity has made an irrevocable 
election at the time of initial recognition to account for the equity investment at fair value through other comprehensive income. If no such 
election has been made or the investments in equity instruments are held for trading they are required to be classified at fair value through 
profit or loss. 

IFRS 9 also introduces a single impairment model applicable for debt instruments at amortised cost and fair value through other 
comprehensive income and removes the need for a triggering event to be necessary for recognition of impairment losses. The new 
impairment model under IFRS 9 requires the recognition of allowances for doubtful debt based on Expected Credit Losses (“ECL”), rather 
than incurred credit losses as under IAS 39. The standard further introduces a simplified approach for calculating impairment on trade 
receivables as well as for calculating impairment on contract assets and lease receivables; which also fall within the scope of the impairment 
requirements of IFRS 9. 

For financial liabilities, the standard retains most of the requirements of IAS 39. The main change is that, in case where the fair value option 
is taken for financial liabilities, the part of a fair value change due to an entity’s own credit risk is recorded in other comprehensive income 
rather than the income statement, unless this creates an accounting mismatch. 

With the introduction of IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments”, the IASB confirmed that gains or losses that result from modification of financial 
liabilities that do not result in derecognition shall be recognised in profit or loss. 

IFRS 9 relaxes the requirements for hedge effectiveness by replacing the bright line hedge effectiveness tests. It requires an economic 
relationship between the hedged item and hedging instrument and for the “hedge ratio” to be the same as the one management actually use 
for risk management purposes. Contemporaneous documentation is still required but is different to that currently prepared under IAS 39. 

Impact of adoption 
In accordance with the transition provisions in IFRS 9, the Company has elected the simplified transition method for adopting the new 
standard. Accordingly, the effect of transition to IFRS 9 was recognised as at 1 January 2018 as an adjustment to the opening retained 
earnings directly in equity. In accordance with the transition method elected by the Company for implementation of IFRS 9 the comparatives 
have not been restated but are stated based on the previous policies, which comply with IAS 39. Consequently, the revised requirements of 
IFRS 7 “Financial Instruments: Disclosures” have only been applied to the current period. The comparative period disclosures repeat those 
disclosures made in the prior period.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

196

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

3.  Adoption of new or revised standards and interpretations continued 

On 1 January 2018, the Company’s management assessed which business models apply to the financial assets held by the Company that 
were classified as loans and receivables under IAS 39. Management concluded to classify all the financial assets held by the Company at the 
amortised cost measurement category under IFRS 9 as these are held with the objective to collect the contractual cash flows and their cash 
flows represent solely payments of principal and interest. As a result, the measurement basis for the Company’s financial assets remained 
unchanged by the adoption of IFRS 9. The adoption of IFRS 9 did not have an impact on the classification and measurement basis of the 
Company’s financial liabilities. 

As a result of the adoption of IFRS 9 the Company revised its impairment methodology for each class of financial instruments subject to the 
new impairment requirements. The Company has three types of financial instruments that are subject to IFRS 9’s new expected credit loss 
model: loans and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents and financial guarantees. Based on the assessment performed by management, 
the incremental impairment loss as of 1 January 2018 was immaterial. Accordingly, the impact of adoption of IFRS 9 on the Company’s 
retained earnings as of 1 January 2018 was immaterial. 

The Company’s new accounting policies following adoption of IFRS 9 at 1 January 2018 are set out in Note 4. 

Changes in presentation following adoption of IFRS 9 
The Company has voluntarily changed the presentation of certain amounts in the balance sheet to reflect their different nature. In particular, 
prepayments and other non-financial assets, which were previously presented within “Loans and other receivables”, are now presented as 
“Other assets” on the face of the balance sheet. 

Comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to the changes in the presentation for the current year. The following table summarises 
the impact of the changes made on each financial statement line item of the balance sheet affected. Line items that were not affected by the 
changes have not been included. As a result, the sub-totals and totals disclosed cannot be recalculated from the numbers provided. 

                                                                                                                                                                31 December 2017 
                                                                                                                                                                         – as previously                                                         31 December 2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                presented                   Reclassification                        – as restated 
                                                                                                                                                                                  RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Current assets 
Loans and other receivables                                                                                                     206,083                           (1,555)                      204,528 
Other assets                                                                                                                                            –                            1,555                            1,155 

Total current assets                                                                                                                   639,958                                    –                        639,958 

Total assets                                                                                                                          46,304,334                                    –                  46,304,334 

4.  Summary of significant accounting policies 

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. Apart from the accounting 
policy changes resulting from the adoption of IFRS 9 effective from 1 January 2018, these policies have been consistently applied to all 
the years presented. 

Foreign currency translation 
(a)  Functional and presentation currency 
Items included in the Company’s financial statements are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the 
entity operates (“the functional currency”). The Company’s functional currency is the Russian Rouble. The financial statements are also 
presented in Russian Roubles (“the presentation currency”) because this is the currency better understood by the principal users of the 
financial statements. 

(b)  Transactions and balances 
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the spot exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the 
transactions or valuations where items are re-measured. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions 
and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in 
the income statement.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

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197

4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

Net foreign exchange differences arising from borrowings and other liabilities and from cash and cash equivalents and other monetary assets 
are presented on the face of the income statement in the line “Net foreign transaction losses on financing activities”, with the appropriate 
disclosure of the split between the two in the note “Finance costs – net”. 

All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the income statement within “Other gains/(losses)”. 

Dividend income 
Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is established. 

Employee benefits 
Wages, salaries, contributions to the state pension and social insurance funds, paid annual leave and sick leave, bonuses and other benefits 
(such as health services) are accrued in the year in which the associated services are rendered by the employees of the Company. These are 
included in staff costs and the Company has no further obligations once the contributions have been paid. 

The Company recognises a liability and an expense for bonuses where contractually obliged or where there is a past practice that has created 
a constructive obligation. 

Current and deferred income tax 
The tax expense for the period comprises of current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the income statement, except to the extent that 
it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognised in other 
comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively. 

Current income tax liabilities and assets for the current and prior periods are measured at the amount expected to be paid to or recovered 
from the taxation authorities using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. 
Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations is subject to 
interpretations and establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to tax authorities. 

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted 
or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred 
tax liability is settled. 

Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the 
temporary differences can be utilised. 

Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries except where the Company can control the 
timing of the reversal and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax 
liabilities, when the income tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the taxable entity 
or different taxable entities when there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis. 

Dividend distribution 
Dividend distribution to the Company’s shareholders is recognised as a liability in the Company’s financial statements in the period in which 
the dividends are approved and are no longer at the discretion of the Company. More specifically, interim dividends are recognised when 
approved by the Board of Directors whereas in case of final dividends, these are recognised at the time when they are approved by the 
Company’s shareholders. 

Operating leases 
A lease is an agreement whereby the lessor conveys to the lessee in return for a payment or series of payments, the right to use an asset for 
an agreed period of time. Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as 
operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the income 
statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
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198

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at purchase cost less depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly 
attributable to the acquisition of the items. Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method to 
allocate their cost, less residual value, over their estimated useful lives, as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Number of years 

Motor vehicles                                                                                                                                                                                                              3 – 5 

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date. 

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated 
recoverable amount. 

Expenditure for repairs and maintenance of property, plant and equipment is charged to the income statement of the year in which they are 
incurred. The cost of major renovations and other subsequent expenditure are included in the carrying amount of the asset or recognised as 
a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company 
and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. 

Gains and losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds with carrying amount and these 
are included within operating profit as part of administrative expenses. 

Investments in subsidiary undertakings 
Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the Company has control. The Company controls an entity when the 
Company is exposed to, or has rights to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns 
through its power over the entity. 

The Company carries the investments in subsidiaries at cost less any impairment in its separate financial statements. Investments in subsidiaries 
are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. 
An impairment loss is recognised through income statement for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable 
amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. An impairment loss recognised in prior 
years is reversed where appropriate if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. 

The cost of investments in subsidiaries includes the fair value of any asset or liability arising from a contingent consideration arrangement. 
The subsequent remeasurement of any asset/liability arising from a contingent consideration arrangement is adjusted against the cost of 
the investment in subsidiary. 

In cases of acquisitions of subsidiaries from entities under common control or subsidiaries of the Company, the cost of acquisition is 
determined to be the fair value of the investment acquired as opposed to the transaction price. Any differences between the transaction 
price and the fair value of the investment acquired reflect notional contributions/distributions from entities under common control or 
subsidiaries and are recognised as such, i.e. directly in equity in cases of transactions with common control entities and as an additional 
contribution to or distribution from the subsidiary transferring the investment to the Company. 

Group reorganisations resulting into an exchange of non-financial assets and where the future cash inflows before and after the 
reorganisation do not change as a result of the reorganisation are considered to lack commercial substance and no gains or losses are 
recognised relating to such restructurings. 

Indemnification assets received for contingent liabilities of the investments in subsidiaries that existed at the time of acquisition of such 
subsidiaries are recognised against the cost of the relevant investment. 

Deferred consideration 
Deferred consideration arises when settlement of all or any part of the cost of an acquisition is deferred. Deferred consideration is stated at 
fair value at the date of acquisition, which is determined by discounting the amounts due to present value using market interest rates at the 
date of initial recognition. Interest is accrued on the fair value of deferred consideration at the original effective interest rate and is 
recognised in finance costs.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

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199

4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

Impairment of non-financial assets 
Assets that have indefinite useful life and goodwill are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment. 

Assets that are subject to depreciation or amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate 
that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount 
exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the 
purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-
generating units). Non-financial assets, other than goodwill, that have suffered impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of impairment 
whenever there is an indication that an impairment recognised in prior periods may no longer exist or may have decreased. 

Financial instruments 
(i)  Accounting policies applicable from 1 January 2018 
(a)  Financial assets 
Recognition and derecognition. All purchases and sales of financial assets that require delivery within the time frame established by 
regulation or market convention (“regular way” purchases and sales) are recorded at trade-date; being the date on which the Company 
commits to purchase or sell the asset. All other purchases and sales are recognised when the entity becomes a party to the contractual 
provisions of the instrument. 

Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and 
the Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership. Any gain or loss arising upon their derecognition is 
recognised directly in the income statement. 

Classification. The Company classifies its financial assets at amortised cost. The classification depends on the Company’s business model for 
managing the financial assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the assets. Management determines the classification of 
financial assets at initial recognition. 

Financial assets at amortised cost are held for collection of contractual cash flows and their cash flows represent solely payments of principal 
and interest. They are included in current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after the balance sheet date. These are 
classified as non-current assets. The Company’s financial assets at amortised cost comprise of loans and other receivables and cash and cash 
equivalents on the balance sheet. 

Reclassification. Financial instruments are reclassified only when the business model for managing those assets changes. The reclassification 
has a prospective effect and takes place from the start of the first reporting period following the change. 

Measurement. At initial recognition, the Company measures financial assets classified at amortised cost at their fair value plus incremental 
transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial assets. Subsequently, these are measured at amortised cost. 

Interest income. Interest income on financial assets at amortised cost is recognised using the effective interest rate method. Interest income on 
loans granted to related parties is recognised within ‘Revenue’ in the income statement. All other interest income recognised on debt financial 
assets carried at amortised cost is included within ‘Finance income’ in the income statement. In particular, interest income is calculated by 
applying the effective interest rate to the gross carrying amount of a financial asset except for financial assets that subsequently become credit-
impaired. For credit-impaired financial assets, the effective interest rate is applied to the net carrying amount of the financial asset; that is after 
deduction of the loss allowance. The Company’s definition of credit-impaired assets is explained in Note 6, credit risk section. 

Impairment. The Company assesses on each reporting date and on a forward looking basis the Expected Credit Losses (“ECL”) associated 
with its debt financial assets carried at amortised cost. The measurement of ECL reflects: (i) an unbiased and probability weighted amount 
that is determined by evaluating a range of possible outcomes, (ii) time value of money and (iii) all reasonable and supportable information 
that is available without undue cost and effort at the end of each reporting period about past events, current conditions and forecasts of 
future conditions. 

The carrying amount of the financial assets is reduced through the use of an allowance account, and the amount of the loss is recognised on 
the face of the income statement. Subsequent recoveries of amounts for which loss allowance was previously recognised are credited against 
the same line item.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
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200

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

For all its debt financial assets carried at amortised cost, the Company applies the general approach. In particular, the Company applies the 
three stage model for calculating impairment, which is based on changes in the credit quality of the financial asset since initial recognition. 
A financial instrument that is not credit-impaired on initial recognition is classified in Stage 1. The ECL of financial assets in Stage 1 is 
measured at an amount equal to the portion of lifetime ECL that results from default events possible within the next 12 months or until 
contractual maturity, if shorter. If the Company identifies a Significant Increase in Credit Risk (“SICR”) since initial recognition, the asset is 
transferred to Stage 2 and its ECL is measured based on ECL on a lifetime basis, that is, up until its contractual maturity but considering 
expected prepayments, if any. Refer to Note 6, credit risk section for a description of how the Company determines when a SICR has 
occurred. If the Company determines that a financial asset is credit-impaired, the asset is transferred to Stage 3 and its ECL is measured as 
a Lifetime ECL. The Company’s definition of credit impaired assets and definition of default is explained in Note 6, credit risk section. 

Write-off. Financial assets are written-off, in whole or in part, when the Company has concluded that there is no reasonable expectation of 
recovery. Indicators that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery include, amongst others, the failure of a debtor to engage in a 
repayment plan with the Company and a failure to make contractual payments for a period of greater than 180 days past due. The Company 
may write-off financial assets that are still subject to enforcement activity when the Company seeks to recover amounts that are contractually 
due, however, there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are recognised 
directly on the face of the income statement. 

Modification. The Company sometimes renegotiates or otherwise modifies the contractual terms of its financial assets, The Company 
assesses whether the modification of the contractual cash flows is substantial considering, among other, the following factors: any new 
contractual terms that substantially affect the risk profile of the asset (e.g. profit share or equity-based return), significant change in interest 
rate, change in the currency denomination, new collateral or credit enhancement that significantly affects the credit risk associated with the 
asset or a significant extension of a loan when the borrower is not in financial difficulties. 

If the modified terms are substantially different, the rights to cash flows from the original asset expire and the Company derecognises the 
original financial asset and recognises a new asset at its fair value. The date of renegotiation is considered to be the date of initial recognition 
for subsequent impairment calculation purposes, including determining whether a SICR has occurred. The Company also assesses whether 
the new loan or debt instrument meets the SPPI criterion. 

Any difference between the carrying amount of the original asset derecognised and fair value of the new substantially modified asset is 
recognised in profit or loss, unless the substance of the difference is attributed to a capital transaction with owners. 

In a situation where the renegotiation was driven by financial difficulties of the counterparty and inability to make the originally agreed 
payments, the Company compares the original and revised expected cash flows to assets whether the risks and rewards of the asset are 
substantially different because of the contractual modification. If the risks and rewards do not change, the modified asset is not substantially 
different from the original asset and the modification does not result in derecognition. The Company recalculates the gross carrying amount 
by discounting the modified contractual cash flows by the original effective interest rate (or credit-adjusted effective interest rate for 
purchased or originated credit-impaired financial assets), and recognises a modification gain or loss in profit or loss. 

Classification as loans and other receivables. These amounts are held with the objective to collect their contractual cash flows and their 
contractual cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest. Accordingly, these are measured at amortised cost using the 
effective interest method, less provision for impairment. Loans and other receivables are classified as current assets if they are due within 
one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle of the business if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current assets. 

Classification as cash and cash equivalents. In the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held 
at call with banks or with original maturity of three months or less, less bank overdrafts, if any. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in the 
current liabilities on the balance sheet. 

(b)  Financial liabilities 
Classification. The Company’s financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value and classified as subsequently measured at amortised cost.

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4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

Derecognition of financial liabilities. A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or 
expires. The difference between the carrying amount of a financial liability that has been extinguished or transferred to another party and the 
consideration paid, including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, is recognised in income statement as other income or 
finance costs. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of 
an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and the 
recognition of a new liability, and the difference in the respective carrying amounts, including costs or fees incurred for the modification, is 
recognised in profit or loss within finance costs. When the terms of the existing financial liability are not substantially modified, the existing 
liability is not derecognised and the gain/loss arising on the modification, including costs or fees incurred for the modification, is recognised 
in the income statement within finance costs. 

Borrowings. Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at 
amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised over the period of 
the borrowings using the effective interest method. 

Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that some or all 
of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until draw down occurs. To the extent there is no evidence that it is probable 
that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalised as a pre-payment for liquidity services and amortised over the period 
of the facility to which it relates. 

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Company has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 
twelve months after the balance sheet date. 

Borrowings are removed from the balance sheet when the obligation specified in the contract is extinguished (i.e. when the obligation 
specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires). The difference between the carrying amount of a financial liability that has been 
extinguished or transferred to another party and the consideration paid, including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, is 
recognised in the income statement within “finance costs-net”. 

Other payables. Other payables are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle 
of the business if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Other payables are recognised initially at fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 

Financial guarantees. Financial guarantee contracts are contracts that require the Company to make specified payments to reimburse the 
holder of the guarantee for a loss it incurs because a specified debtor fails to make payment when due in accordance with the terms of debt 
instrument. Financial guarantees are recognised as a financial liability at the time the guarantee is issued. Financial guarantees are initially 
recognised at their fair value, which is normally evidenced by the amount of fees received. This amount is amortised on a straight line basis 
over the life of the guarantee in “other gains/(losses)” in the income statement. 

At the end of each reporting period, the guarantee is subsequently measured at the higher of (i) the amount of the loss allowance 
determined in accordance with the expected credit loss model under IFRS 9 and (ii) the amount initially recognised less, where appropriate, 
the cumulative amount of income recognised in accordance with the principles of IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. 

The fair values of financial guarantees issued in relation to obligations of subsidiaries, where such guarantees are provided for no 
compensation, are accounted for as contributions and are recognised as part of the cost of the investment in the respective subsidiary in 
the financial statements of the Company. 

(ii)  Accounting policies applied until 31 December 2017 
(a)  Financial assets 
Recognition and derecognition. Regular purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on the trade-date – the date on which the 
Company commits to purchase or sell the asset. Loans and receivables are recognised when the funds are advanced to the debtor/borrower. 

Classification. The Company classifies its financial assets as loans and receivables. The classification depends on the purpose for which the 
financial assets were acquired. Management determines the classification of financial assets at initial recognition.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
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NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market and for 
which there is no intention of trading the receivable. They are included in current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after 
the balance sheet date. These are classified as non-current assets. The Company’s loans and receivables comprise loans and other receivables 
and cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet. 

Measurement. Loans and receivables are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised 
cost using the effective interest method. Loans and receivables are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial 
assets have expired or have been transferred and the Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. 

Interest income. Interest income is recognised on a time proportion basis using the effective interest method. When a receivable is impaired, 
the Company reduces the carrying amount to its recoverable amount, being the estimated future cash flow discounted at the original 
effective interest rate of the instrument, and continues unwinding the discount as interest income. 

Impairment. The Company assesses at each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of 
financial assets is impaired based on the incurred loss model. 

A provision for impairment of receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Company will not be able to collect all 
amounts due according to the original terms of receivables. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor/borrower, probability that the 
debtor/borrower will enter bankruptcy or delinquency in payments are considered indicators that the receivable is impaired. The amount of 
the provision is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the 
original effective interest rate. If a loan has a variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective 
interest rate determined under the contract. 

The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account, and the amount of the loss is recognised on the face of 
the income statement. When a receivable is uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account for receivables. Subsequent 
recoveries of amounts previously written off are recognised on the face of the income statement. 

Classification as cash and cash equivalents. In the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held at 
call with banks with original maturity of three months or less, less bank overdrafts, if any. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at amortised 
cost using the effective interest method. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in the current liabilities on the balance sheet. 

(b)  Financial liabilities 
Classification. The Company’s financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value and classified as subsequently measured at amortised cost. 

Derecognition of financial liabilities. A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled 
or expires. The difference between the carrying amount of a financial liability that has been extinguished or transferred to another party and 
the consideration paid, including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, is recognised in income statement as other income 
or finance costs. 

When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing 
liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and the recognition 
of a new liability, and the difference in the respective carrying amounts, including costs or fees incurred for the modification, is recognised in 
profit or loss within finance costs. When the terms of the existing financial liability are not substantially modified, the existing liability is not 
derecognised and the gain/loss arising on the modification, including costs or fees incurred for the modification, is recognised in the income 
statement within finance costs. 

Borrowings. Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at 
amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised over the period of 
the borrowings using the effective interest method. 

Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that some or all 
of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until draw down occurs. To the extent there is no evidence that it is probable 
that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalised as a pre-payment for liquidity services and amortised over the period 
of the facility to which it relates.

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4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Company has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 
12 months after the balance sheet date. 

Other payables. Other payables are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle 
of the business if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Other payables are recognised initially at fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 

Financial guarantees. Financial guarantees are contracts that require the Company to make specified payments to reimburse the holder of 
the guarantee for a loss it incurs because a specified debtor fails to make payment when due in accordance with the terms of a debt 
instrument. Financial guarantees are initially recognised at their fair value, which is normally evidenced by the amount of fees received. 
This amount is amortised on a straight-line basis over the life of the guarantee. At the end of each reporting period, the guarantees are 
measured at the higher of (i) the remaining unamortised balance of the amount at initial recognition and (ii) the best estimate of 
expenditure required to settle the obligation at the end of the reporting period. 

Fair values of financial guarantees issued in relation to obligations of subsidiaries, where such guarantees are provided for no compensation, 
are accounted for as contributions and recognised as part of the cost of the investment in the respective subsidiary in the financial statements 
of the Company. 

Amortisation of financial guarantees is recognised in “other gains/(losses)” in the income statement on a straight-line basis. 

Share capital, share premium and treasury shares 
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. 

Incremental costs directly related to the issue of new shares are shown as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. 

Any excess of the fair value of consideration received over the par value of shares issued is recognised as share premium. Share premium is 
the difference between the fair value of the consideration receivable for the issue of shares and the nominal value of the shares. Share 
premium account can only be resorted to for limited purposes, which do not include the distribution of dividends, and is otherwise subject 
to the provisions of the Cyprus Companies Law on reduction of share capital. 

Where the Company purchases its own equity share capital (treasury shares), the consideration paid, including any directly attributable 
incremental costs (net of income taxes) is deducted from equity within a separate reserve ‘treasury shares’ until the shares are cancelled or 
re-issued. Where such ordinary shares are subsequently re-issued, any consideration received, net of any directly attributable incremental 
transaction costs and the related income tax effects, is included in equity within retained earnings. The consideration initially paid for 
treasury shares which are subsequently re-issued is transferred from ‘treasury shares’ to retained earnings. 

Capital contribution 
Capital contribution constitutes contributions made by the Company’s shareholders other than for the issue of shares by the Company in 
their capacity as equity owners of the Company for which the Company has no contractual obligation to repay them. Such contributions are 
recognised directly in equity as they constitute transactions with equity owners in their capacity as equity owners of the Company. 

Provisions and contingent liabilities 
Provisions are recognised when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is more likely than not 
that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount has been reliably estimated. Provisions are not 
recognised for future operating losses. 

Where there are number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by considering the 
class of obligation as a whole. A provision is recognised even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect to any one item included in the same 
class of obligations may be small. 

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects 
current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to passage 
of time is recognised as interest expense. 

Provisions are only used to cover those expenses which they had been set up for. Other possible or present obligations that arise from past 
events but it is not probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefit will be required to settle the obligations; or the 
amount cannot be measured with sufficient reliability are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements as contingent liabilities.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
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NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

4.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued 

Transactions with equity owners/subsidiaries 
The Company enters into transactions with its shareholders and subsidiaries. When consistent with the nature of the transaction, the Company’s 
accounting policy is to recognise (a) any gains or losses with equity holders and other entities which are under the control of the ultimate 
shareholder, directly through equity and consider these transactions as the receipt of additional capital contribution or the payment of dividends; 
and (b) any losses with subsidiaries as cost of investment in subsidiaries. Similar transactions with non-equity holders, or subsidiaries, are 
recognised through the income statement in accordance with IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” (2017: IAS 39 “Financial Instruments”). 

Prepayments 
Prepayments are carried at cost less provision for impairment. A prepayment is classified as non-current when the goods or services relating 
to the prepayment are expected to be obtained after one year, or when the prepayment relates to an asset which will itself be classified as 
non-current upon initial recognition. Prepayments to acquire assets are transferred to the carrying amount of the asset once the Company 
has obtained control of the asset and it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the asset will flow to the Company. Other 
prepayments are written off to profit or loss when the goods or services relating to the prepayments are received. If there is an indication that 
the assets, goods or services relating to a prepayment will not be received, the carrying value of the prepayment is written down accordingly 
and a corresponding impairment loss is recognised in the income statement. 

Cash flow statement 
Cash flows arising from dividend income and interest income on loans granted to related parties which form part of the revenue of the 
Company are reported as part of operating activities in the cash flow statement. Interest income received on other balances which form 
part of the Company’s finance income are reported within cash flows from investing activities in the cash flow statement. Interest expense 
arising from deferred consideration for acquisition in subsidiaries is recognised within financing activities. Principal payments of deferred 
consideration are recognised as acquisition of subsidiaries within cash flows from investing activities. 

Comparatives 
Comparative figures have been adjusted to conform with changes in the presentation for the current year. Details of the reclassifications 
are disclosed in Note 3. 

5.  New accounting pronouncements 

Certain new standards, amendments to existing standards and interpretations have been issued that are mandatory for annual periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2019, that are expected to have an impact on the Company’s financial statements and which the Company 
has not early adopted. Items marked with * have not been endorsed by the European Union (“EU”). The Company will only be able to apply 
the new standards, amendments to existing standards or interpretations when these are endorsed by the EU. 

IFRS 16 “Leases” (issued on 13 January 2016 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019) 
The new standard sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. All leases result in the 
lessee obtaining the right to use an asset at the start of the lease and, if lease payments are made over time, also obtaining financing. 
Accordingly, IFRS 16 eliminates the classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases as is required by IAS 17 and, instead, 
introduces a single lessee accounting model. Lessees will be required to recognise: (a) assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more 
than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value; and (b) depreciation of lease assets separately from interest on lease liabilities in 
the income statement. IFRS 16 substantially carries forward the lessor accounting requirements in IAS 17. Accordingly, a lessor continues to 
classify its leases as operating leases or finance leases, and to account for those two types of leases differently. 

In accordance with the transition provisions of IFRS 16, the Company has elected the modified retrospective transition method for adopting 
the new standard with the effect of transition to be recognised in the opening retained earnings as at 1 January 2019 in the financial 
statements for the year ending 31 December 2019; which will be the first year when the Company will apply IFRS 16. The Company opted 
the practical expedient provided by IFRS 16 to measure the right-of-use assets on transition at an amount equal to that of the lease liability 
(adjusted for any prepaid or accrued expenses).

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5.  New accounting pronouncements continued 

A reconciliation of the operating lease commitments as at 31 December 2018 disclosed in Note 25 to the recognised liability on 
1 January 2019 is as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1 January 2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             RUB’000 

Total future minimum lease payments for non-cancellable operating leases (Note 25)                                                                                  7,758 
 Effect of discounting to present value                                                                                                                                                                       (466) 

Total lease liabilities                                                                                                                                                                                                  7,292 

IFRIC 23 “Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments” (issued on 7 June 2017 and effective for annual periods beginning 
on or after 1 January 2019) 
IAS 12 specifies how to account for current and deferred tax, but not how to reflect the effects of uncertainty. The interpretation clarifies how 
to apply the recognition and measurement requirements in IAS 12 when there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. An entity should 
determine whether to consider each uncertain tax treatment separately or together with one or more other uncertain tax treatments based on 
which approach better predicts the resolution of the uncertainty. An entity should assume that a taxation authority will examine amounts it has a 
right to examine and have full knowledge of all related information when making those examinations. If an entity concludes it is not probable that 
the taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment, the effect of uncertainty will be reflected in determining the related taxable profit 
or loss, tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits or tax rates, by using either the most likely amount or the expected value, depending on 
which method the entity expects to better predict the resolution of the uncertainty. An entity will reflect the effect of a change in facts and 
circumstances or of new information that affects the judgements or estimates required by the interpretation as a change in accounting estimate. 

Examples of changes in facts and circumstances or new information that can result in the reassessment of a judgement or estimate include, but 
are not limited to, examinations or actions by a taxation authority, changes in rules established by a taxation authority or the expiry of a taxation 
authority’s right to examine or re-examine a tax treatment. The absence of agreement or disagreement by a taxation authority with a tax 
treatment, in isolation, is unlikely to constitute a change in facts and circumstances or new information that affects the judgements and 
estimates required by the Interpretation. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the interpretation on its financial statements and 
as of the date of issue of these financial statements the impact of the interpretation is not known. 

Definition of materiality –amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 (issued on 31 October 2018 and effective for annual periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2020)* 
The amendments clarify the definition of material and how it should be applied by including in the definition guidance that until now has 
featured elsewhere in IFRS. In addition, the explanations accompanying the definition have been improved. Finally, the amendments ensure that 
the definition of material is consistent across all IFRS Standards. Information is material if omitting, misstating or obscuring it could reasonably 
be expected to influence the decisions that the primary users of general purpose financial statements make on the basis of those financial 
statements, which provide financial information about a specific reporting entity. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the 
amendments on its financial statements and as of the date of issue of these financial statements the impact of the amendments is not known. 

Annual improvements to IFRSs 2015-2017 cycle – amendments to IFRS 3, IFRS 11, IAS 12 and IAS 23 (issued on 
12 December 2017 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019) 
The narrow scope amendments impact four standards. IFRS 3 was clarified that an acquirer should remeasure its previously held interest in a 
joint operation when it obtains control of the business. Conversely, IFRS 11 now explicitly explains that the investor should not remeasure its 
previously held interest when it obtains joint control of a joint operation, similarly to the existing requirements when an associate becomes a 
joint venture and vice versa. The amended IAS 12 explains that an entity recognises all income tax consequences of dividends where it has 
recognised the transactions or events that generated the related distributable profits, e.g. in profit or loss or in other comprehensive income. 
It is now clear that this requirement applies in all circumstances as long as payments on financial instruments classified as equity are 
distributions of profits, and not only in cases when the tax consequences are a result of different tax rates for distributed and undistributed 
profits. The revised IAS 23 now includes explicit guidance that the borrowings obtained specifically for funding a specified asset are excluded 
from the pool of general borrowings costs eligible for capitalisation only until the specific asset is substantially complete. The Company is 
currently assessing the impact of the amendments on its financial statements and as of the date of issue of these financial statements the 
impact of the amendments is not known. 

Amendments to the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting (issued on 29 March 2018 and effective for 
annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2020)* 
The revised Conceptual Framework includes a new chapter on measurement; guidance on reporting financial performance; improved 
definitions and guidance – in particular the definition of a liability; and clarifications in important areas, such as the roles of stewardship, 
prudence and measurement uncertainty in financial reporting. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the amendments on its 
financial statements and as of the date of issue of these financial statements the impact of the amendments is not known.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
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NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

6.  Financial risk management 

Financial risk factors 
The Company’s activities exposed it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including foreign exchange risk, cash flow and fair value interest 
rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Company’s overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial 
markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the Company’s financial results. 

Market risk 
(a)  Foreign exchange risk 
Foreign exchange risk arises when future commercial transactions or recognised assets or liabilities are denominated in a currency different 
from the functional currency of the Company. 

During the year 2018 there was increased volatility in currency markets and the Russian Rouble has depreciated significantly against some 
major currencies, especially in the second half of the year. As of the end of December 2018 the Russian Rouble has depreciated against the 
US Dollar from 57.6002 as of 31 December 2017 to 69.4706 Russian Roubles (21% devaluation). 

The fluctuations in the exchange rate between (i) US Dollar and Russian Rouble and (ii) between Euro and Russian Rouble expose the 
Company to foreign exchange risk. 

The carrying amounts of monetary assets denominated in US Dollars as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Assets                                                                                                                                                                                865,298                        563,223 
Liabilities                                                                                                                                                                                7,315                                    – 

There were no significant monetary liabilities denominated in US Dollars as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017. 

The carrying amounts of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in Euro as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Assets                                                                                                                                                                             1,656,925                            3,386 
Liabilities                                                                                                                                                                             77,822                          67,645 

Had US Dollar exchange rate strengthened/weakened by 20% (2017: 5% change) against the Russian Rouble and all other variables 
remained unchanged, the post-tax profit of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2018 would have increased/decreased by 
RUB 150,147 thousand (2017: RUB 24,641 thousand). This is mainly due to foreign exchange gains and losses arising upon retranslation 
of US Dollar denominated loans receivable and cash and cash equivalents as of 31 December 2018 and as of 31 December 2017. 

Had Euro exchange rate strengthened/weakened by 20% (2017: 5% change) against the Russian Rouble and all other variables remained 
unchanged, the post-tax profit of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2018 would have increased/decreased by RUB 276,343 
thousand (2017: decreased/increased by RUB 2,811 thousand). This is mainly due to foreign exchange gains and losses arising upon 
retranslation of Euro denominated other receivables, cash and cash equivalents and payables as of 31 December 2018 and as of 
31 December 2017. 

In prior years, the Company has impaired fully loans receivable from its subsidiary, Ukrainian New Forwarding Company, OOO, which were 
denominated in US Dollars. The gross amount of the said loans is RUB 1,901,961 thousand as of 31 December 2018 (2017: RUB 1,954,255 
thousand). Therefore, although the Company is subject to foreign exchange risk in relation to these loans, yet, any foreign exchange difference 
arising on these loans as a result of fluctuations in the Russian Rouble to US Dollar exchange rate would trigger an opposite and equivalent 
adjustment to the loss allowance for these loans and therefore would not have an impact on the income statement of the Company. 

The Company’s current policy is not to hedge this foreign exchange risk.

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6.  Financial risk management continued 

(b)  Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk 
The Company holds interest bearing financial instruments at fixed interest rates. 

Financial assets and liabilities issued at fixed rates expose the Company to fair value interest rate risk. However, as all of the Company’s fixed 
interest rate financial instruments are carried at amortised cost, any reasonably possible change in the interest rates as of 31 December 2018 
and 31 December 2017 would not have any impact on the Company’s post tax profit or equity. 

Financial assets and liabilities issued at floating rate expose the Company to cash flow interest rate risk. As of 31 December 2018 and 
31 December 2017 the Company did not have any floating interest rate borrowings or receivables, therefore was not exposed to cash flow 
interest rate risk. 

Credit risk 
Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the other party by failing to meet an obligation. 
Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, loans and other receivables and financial guarantees issued by the Company for borrowings 
of subsidiaries. 

(i)  Risk management 
For banks and financial institutions, the Company has established policies whereby the majority of bank balances are held with independently 
rated parties with a minimum rating of ‘Ba2’. These policies enable the Company to reduce its credit risk significantly. 

(ii)  Impairment of financial assets 
The Company has three types of financial instruments that are subject to the expected credit loss model: 

•

loans and other receivables; 

•

cash and cash equivalents; and 

•

financial guarantees. 

The Company applies the general approach, prescribed in IFRS 9, for assessing expected credit losses on all its debt financial assets and 
financial guarantees issued. In particular, the Company applies the three stage model for calculating impairment, which is based on changes 
in the credit quality of the financial asset since initial recognition. A financial instrument that is not credit-impaired on initial recognition is 
classified in Stage 1. The ECL of financial assets in Stage 1 is measured at an amount equal to the portion of lifetime ECL that results from 
default events possible within the next 12 months or until contractual maturity, if shorter. If the Company identifies a significant increase in 
credit risk since initial recognition, the asset is transferred to Stage 2 and its ECL is measured based on ECL on a lifetime basis, that is, up until 
its contractual maturity but considering expected prepayments, if any. If the Company determines that a financial asset is credit-impaired, 
the asset is transferred to Stage 3 and its ECL is measured as a Lifetime ECL. 

Significant increase in credit risk. The Company considers the probability of default upon initial recognition of an asset and whether there 
has been a significant increase in credit risk on an ongoing basis throughout each reporting period. To assess whether there is a significant 
increase in credit risk the Company compares the risk of a default occurring on the asset as at the reporting date with the risk of default as at 
the date of initial recognition. It considers available reasonable and supportive forwarding-looking information. Especially the following 
indicators are incorporated: 

•

internal credit rating; 

•

external credit rating (as far as available); 

•

actual or expected significant adverse changes in business, financial or economic conditions that are expected to cause a significant change 
to the borrower’s ability to meet its obligations; 

•

actual or expected significant changes in the operating results of the borrower/counterparty; 

•

significant increases in credit risk on other financial instruments of the same borrower/counterparty; 

•

significant changes in the value of the collateral supporting the obligation or in the quality of third-party guarantees or credit enhancements; and  

•

significant changes in the expected performance and behaviour of the borrower/counterparty, including changes in the payment status 
of counterparty in the Group and changes in the operating results of the borrower.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

208

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

6.  Financial risk management continued 

Macroeconomic information (such as market interest rates or growth rates) is incorporated as part of the internal rating model. The historical 
loss rates are adjusted to reflect current and forward-looking information on macroeconomic factors affecting the ability of the counterparties 
to settle the receivables. Regardless of the analysis above, a significant increase in credit risk is presumed if a debtor is more than 30 days past 
due in making a contractual payment. 

Default and credit-impaired. A default on a financial asset is when the financial asset meets one or more of the following criteria: (i) the 
borrower is more than 90 days past due on its contractual payments, (ii) the borrower is assessed as unlikely to pay its credit obligations in full 
without realisation of collateral, regardless of the existence of any past-due amount or of the number of days past due, (iii) the Company, for 
economic or contractual reasons relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty, granted to the borrower a concession(s) that it would not 
otherwise consider. The Company considers defaulted assets to be credit-impaired so that Stage 3 represents all debt financial assets which 
are considered defaulted. 

Write-off. Assets are written-off, in whole or in part, when the Company has concluded that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. 
Indicators that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery include, amongst others, the failure of a debtor to engage in a repayment plan 
with the Company and a failure to make contractual payments for a period of greater than 180 days past due. The Company may write-off 
financial assets that are still subject to enforcement activity when the Company seeks to recover amounts that are contractually due, 
however, there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are recognised directly 
on the face of the income statement. 

The Company calculates expected credit losses based on a probability-weighted estimate of the present value of future cash shortfalls 
(i.e. the weighted average of credit losses, with the respective risks of default occurring in a given time period used as weights). An ECL 
measurement is unbiased and is determined by evaluating a range of possible outcomes. 

The Company calculates ECL using the following three components: exposure at default (“EAD”), probability of default (“PD”) and loss 
given default (“LGD”). EAD is an estimate of exposure at a future default date, taking into account expected changes in the exposure after 
the reporting period, including repayments of principal and interest, and expected drawdowns on committed facilities. PD is an estimate of 
the likelihood of default to occur over a given time period and LGD is an estimate of the loss arising on default. 

The Company’s exposure to credit risk for each class of financial instruments subject to the expected credit loss model is set out below: 

Loans receivable and other receivables 
The Company assesses, on an individual basis, its exposure to credit risk arising from loans and other receivables. This assessment takes into 
account, amongst others, the period the loan receivable or other receivable balance is past due (in days), expectations around changes in 
business, financial or economic conditions as well as expectations around the performance of the counterparty. 

The following table contains an analysis of the credit risk exposure for loans receivable and other receivables by reference to the Company’s 
internal credit risk rating grades. The gross carrying amounts below represent the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk on these 
assets as at 31 December 2018. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Gross carrying amount 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Loans receivable        Other receivables 
Internal credit risk rating grade                             Company definition of category                                                                                             RUB’000                          RUB’000 

Performing                                                 Stage 1 – Counterparties have a low risk of default and a 
                                                                    strong capacity to meet contractual cash flows                                           450,401                    883,203 

Under-performing                                    Stage 2 – Counterparties for which there is a significant increase 
                                                                    in credit risk; as significant increase in credit risk is presumed if 
                                                                    interest and/or principal repayments are 30 days past due                                    –                                   – 

Non-performing or credit-impaired      Stage 3 – Interest and/or principal repayments are 
                                                                    90 days past due                                                                                           3,274,507                                   – 

The gross carrying amounts, as per above, represent the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk on these assets as at 31 December 
2018, without taking account of any collateral held. The Company does not hold any collateral as security for any loans receivable or other 
receivable balances.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

209

6.  Financial risk management continued 

The movement in the credit loss allowance for loans receivable during the year 2018 is presented in the table below: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Loans receivable 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           non-performing 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           RUB’000 

Opening balance as at 1 January 2018                                                                                                                                                           (2,258,613) 
Recoveries                                                                                                                                                                                                              728,378 
Foreign exchange difference                                                                                                                                                                              (371,274) 

At 31 December 2018                                                                                                                                                                                     (1,901,961) 

During the year 2018, the only movement in the gross carrying amount of the credit impaired loans receivable were repayments and foreign 
exchange differences. The impact of these on the credit loss allowance is reflected in the table above. 

The estimated credit loss allowance on performing loans receivable and other receivable balances as at 1 January 2018 and 31 December 
2018 was not material. There were no write-offs in loans and other receivable balances within the year 2018. 

During the year 2018, the contractual cash flows of the Company’s credit-impaired loans receivable as at 1 January 2018 were modified so 
as to extend the maturity of the loans. No other changes to the terms of the loans were made. As the modification was driven by financial 
difficulties of the counterparties and inability to make the originally agreed payments and the risks and rewards of the loans did not change, 
the modification did not result in derecognition of the said loans. In addition, these modifications did not significantly impact the ECL on 
these loans. 

Cash and cash equivalents 
The Company assesses, on an individual basis, its exposure to credit risk arising from cash at bank based on ratings from external credit rating 
institutions and internal reviews, if external are not available. 

The following table contains an analysis of the gross carrying amount of the Company’s cash at bank by reference to the credit risk ratings 
assigned by external credit rating agencies. The gross carrying amounts below represent the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk 
on these assets as at 31 December 2018: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Gross carrying  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               amount 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Rating                             RUB’000 

Moody’s (1)                                                                                                                                                                                   A3                    1,157,196 
Moody’s (1)                                                                                                                                                                                 Aa2                       108,737 
Moody’s (1)                                                                                                                                                                                 Ba2                            1,119 
Moody’s (1)                                                                                                                                                                               Caa1                               997 

Total                                                                                                                                                                                                                     1,268,049 

(1)  International rating agency Moody’s Investors Service. 

The Company does not hold any collateral as security for any of the above balances. 

The estimated expected credit loss allowance on cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December 2018, based on the general approach of 
IFRS 9, was immaterial. All cash and cash equivalents were performing (Stage 1) as at 31 December 2018. 

Financial guarantees 
The primary purpose of these instruments is to ensure that funds are available to a borrower as required. Guarantees which represent 
irrevocable assurances that the Company will make payments in the event that a counterparty cannot meet its obligations to third parties, 
carry the same credit risk as loans receivable. 

The Company has issued financial guarantees on the borrowings of its subsidiaries and quoted bonds issued by its subsidiaries (Note 24). 
As a result, the Company is exposed to credit risk arising from potential risk of default of the Company’s subsidiaries on their external debt. 
As of 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017, none of the Company’s subsidiaries had defaulted on or breached any covenants on 
their borrowings/bonds.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

210

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

6.  Financial risk management continued 

The following table contains an analysis of the exposure to credit risk on financial guarantee by reference to the Company’s internal credit 
risk rating grades. The amounts below represent the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk on these financial instruments as at 
31 December 2018. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Stage 1 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             RUB’000 

– Performing                                                                                                                                                                                                    12,993,934 
– Underperforming                                                                                                                                                                                                            – 
– Non-performing                                                                                                                                                                                                              – 

Total unrecognised gross amount                                                                                                                                                                 12,993,934 

The amounts, as per above, represent the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk on these financial instruments as at 31 December 2018, 
without taking account of any collateral held. The Company does not hold any collateral as security for any guarantees issued to its subsidiaries. 

The estimated provision as at 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018 for free of charge financial guarantees issued by the Company for 
obligations of its subsidiaries in accordance with loan agreements with financial institutions where such obligations are also secured by a 
pledge of property, plant and equipment and the distressed sale value of such pledge exceeds the amount of the obligation of the respective 
subsidiary was estimated at RUB Nil, since, in case of default, the Company will be able to recover its losses under the issued guarantees from 
the respective subsidiaries in full. 

The estimated provision as at 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018 for free of charge financial guarantees issued by the Company for 
unsecured or underpledged obligations of its subsidiaries in accordance with loan agreements with financial institutions and quoted bonds 
issued by subsidiaries was estimated using a probability adjusted discounted cash flow analysis, using probability of default, as implied by the 
market rate of the borrowings obtained by the subsidiaries, and loss given default, as estimated by considering the distressed value of the net 
assets of the subsidiaries which were not pledged at the time of the guarantees. This was assessed as RUB Nil, since, in case of default, the 
Company will be able to recover its losses under the issued guarantees from the respective subsidiaries in full. 

Credit risk at 31 December 2017 
The credit quality of financial assets that are neither past due or impaired was assessed by reference to external credit rating, if available. 
For receivables with no external credit rating available management assessed credit quality by reference to the prior history of working 
with counterparties. 

The credit quality of financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired as assessed by reference to external credit rating if available or 
to the working history of the counterparty with the Company was as follows: 

Cash at bank and short-term bank deposits 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     2017 
Agency                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Rating                              RUB’000 

Moody’s (1)                                                                                                                                                                                 Aa3                          90,993 
Moody’s (1)                                                                                                                                                                                   A3                        328,783 
Moody’s (1)                                                                                                                                                                                 Ba2                                499 
Moody’s (1)                                                                                                                                                                               Caa1                            1,806 

Total cash at bank and short-term bank deposits                                                                                                                                               422,081 

(1)  International rating agency Moody’s Investors Service.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

211

6.  Financial risk management continued 

The table below summarises the analysis of accounts receivable under contractual terms of settlement at the balance sheet date for the 
year ended 31 December 2017: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Impairment  
                                                                          Fully performing                               Past due                              Impaired                             provision                                     Total 
                                                                                      RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000 

As of 31 December 2017 
Loans receivable                                                       –                                    –                    2,870,327                   (2,258,613)                      611,714 

                                                                                    –                                    –                    2,870,327                   (2,258,613)                      611,714 

The maximum exposure to credit risk at 31 December 2017 was the fair value of each class of receivables mentioned above. The Company 
did not hold any collateral as security for any receivables. 

Movements on the Company’s provision for impairment of loans and other receivables were as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              RUB’000 

At 1 January 2017                                                                                                                                                                                              (2,489,700) 
Reversal of provision for receivables impairment                                                                                                                                              120,960 
Foreign exchange difference                                                                                                                                                                                 110,127 

At 31 December 2017                                                                                                                                                                                      (2,258,613) 

The creation and release of provision for impaired receivables have been included on the face of the income statement. Amounts charged 
to the allowance account are generally written off, when there is no expectation of recovering additional cash. 

Liquidity risk 
As at 31 December 2018, the Company has an excess of current liabilities over current assets of RUB 965,709 thousand (2017: RUB 
1,961,776 thousand). Management believes that the Company will be able to meet its obligations as they fall due. 

Management controls current liquidity based on expected cash flows, expected dividend and interest income receipts, expected dividend 
payments and advancements under borrowings from subsidiaries. In the long-term perspective, the liquidity risk is determined by forecasting 
future cash flows at the moment of signing new loans and by budgeting procedures. 

The table below summarises the analysis of financial liabilities of the Company by maturity as of 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017. 
The amounts in the table are contractual undiscounted cash flows. Non-interest bearing trade and other payables balances due within 
12 months equal their carrying balances as the impact of discounting is not significant. 

                                                                                                           Between                                                  Between  
                                                                         Less than          1 month and                 Between                6 months                 Between                 Between  
                                                                          1 month                3 months      3 and 6 months                  to 1 year          1 and 2 years          2 and 5 years                       Total 
                                                                         RUB’000                 RUB’000                 RUB’000                 RUB’000                 RUB’000                 RUB’000                 RUB’000 

 31 December 2018 
 Payables and accrued expenses (1)                   –               311,398                               –                               –                               –                               –               311,398 
 Borrowings                                            20,384               506,041               746,563           2,457,111           2,663,258           1,869,822           8,263,179 
 Financial guarantee contracts (2)      7,877,315           5,116,619                               –                               –                               –                               –        12,993,934 

                                                            7,897,699           5,934,058               746,563           2,457,111           2,663,258           1,869,822        21,568,511 

 31 December 2017 
 Payables and accrued expenses (1)                 –               11,218                         –                         –                         –                         –               11,218 
 Borrowings                                                    –         1,399,575               54,252         1,424,402         2,607,890                         –         5,486,119 
 Financial guarantee contracts (2)    4,160,401             201,386                         –                         –                         –                         –         4,361,787 

                                                         4,160,401         1,612,179               54,252         1,424,402         2,607,890                         –         9,859,124 

(1) Payables and accrued expenses exclude statutory liabilities as the analysis is provided for financial liabilities only. 
(2) The maximum possible amount of obligation under financial guarantee contracts is disclosed at the earliest time it may be called. 

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

212

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

6.  Financial risk management continued 

Capital risk management 
The Company’s main objective when managing capital is to maintain the ability to continue as a going concern in order to ensure the 
required profitability of the Company, maintain optimum equity structure and reduce its cost of capital. 

For defining capital, the Company uses the amount of net assets attributable to the Company’s shareholders and the Company’s borrowings. 
No external requirements are imposed on the capital of the Company. 

The Company manages the capital based on borrowings to total capitalisation ratio. 

To maintain or change capital structure the Company may vary the amount of dividend paid in order to reduce debts. Management believes 
that the current equity is sufficient to fund current projects and further development of the Company. 

Total capitalisation is calculated as the sum of the total borrowings and net assets at the date of calculation. The management does not 
currently have any specific target on the rate of borrowings to total capitalisation. 

The rate of borrowings to total capitalisation as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Total borrowings                                                                                                                                                         7,472,517                    5,025,756 
Total capitalisation                                                                                                                                                    48,310,431                  46,236,689 

Total borrowings to total capitalisation ratio (percentage)                                                                                        15.47%                         10.87% 

Fair value estimation 
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants 
at the measurement date. The best evidence of fair value is price in an active market. An active market is one in which transactions for the 
asset or liability take place with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. 

The estimated fair values of financial instruments have been determined by the Company, using available market information, where it exists, 
appropriate valuation methodologies and assistance of experts. However, judgement is necessarily required to interpret market data to 
determine the estimated fair value. The Russian Federation continues to display some characteristics of an emerging market and economic 
conditions continue to limit the volume of activity in the financial markets. Market quotations may be outdated or reflect distress sale 
transactions and therefore do not always represent the fair values of financial instruments. The Company has used all available market 
information in estimating the fair value of financial instruments. 

Fair value measurements are analysed by level in the fair value hierarchy as follows: (i) level 1 measurements are measurements at quoted 
prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, (ii) level 2 measurements are valuations techniques with all material 
inputs observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices), and (iii) level 3 
measurements are valuations not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs). Management applies judgement in 
categorising financial instruments using the fair value hierarchy. 

If a fair value measurement uses observable inputs that require significant adjustment, that measurement is a level 3 measurement. 
The significance of a valuation input is assessed against the fair value measurement in its entirety. 

The fair values in level 2 and level 3 of fair value hierarchy were estimated using discounted cash flows valuation techniques. The fair value of 
unquoted fixed interest rate instruments was estimated based on estimated future cash flows expected to be received discounted at current 
interest rates for new instruments with similar credit risk and remaining maturity. 

Financial assets carried at amortised cost. The estimated fair value of fixed interest rate instruments is based on estimated future cash flows 
expected to be received discounted at current interest rates for new instruments with similar credit risk and remaining maturity. Discount 
rates used depend on credit risk of the counterparty. Refer to Note 18.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

213

6.  Financial risk management continued 

The fair value as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 of fixed interest rate instruments with stated maturity with subsidiary entities 
was estimated based on expected cash flows discounted using the rate of similar instruments, denominated in the same currency, entered 
into by the subsidiaries of the Company on their bank borrowings close to the year-end. In the absence of similar instruments entered into by 
a subsidiary of the Company with non-related parties close to the year-end the estimated fair value was estimated based on expected cash 
flows discounted at an estimated rate that reflects management’s best estimate of the current interest rate of new instruments, 
denominated in a similar currency and with similar credit risk and remaining maturity. 

The discount rate used for US Dollar denominated loans to related parties as at 31 December 2018 was 8% (31 December 2017: 8%). 
The discount rates used for Russian Rouble denominated loans to related parties as at 31 December 2018 were 6.5% and 17.7% 
(31 December 2017: 17.7%) and for other receivables from related parties was 3%.The fair value measurements of loans to related parties 
and other receivables from related parties as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 are within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. 
Refer to Note 18. 

The fair value of financial assets receivable on demand approximates their carrying amount. 

Liabilities carried at amortised cost. Fair values of borrowings and other liabilities were determined using valuation techniques. 

As at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017, the fair value of fixed interest rate instruments with stated maturity denominated in 
Russian Rouble was estimated based on expected cash flows discounted using the rate of similar Russian Rouble denominated instruments 
entered into by the subsidiaries of the Company on their bank borrowings close to 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017. 

The discount rate used for Russian Rouble denominated bank borrowings as at 31 December 2018 was 9.5% (2017: 8.0%) (Note 22). 
There were no US Dollar denominated borrowings as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017. The fair value measurements of 
liabilities as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 are within level 2 (2017: level 2) of the fair value hierarchy. 

The fair value of liabilities repayable on demand or after a notice period (“demandable liabilities”) is estimated as the amount payable on 
demand, discounted from the first date on which the amount could be required to be paid. 

7.  Critical accounting estimate and judgements 

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on management’s experience and other factors, including expectations 
of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 

(a)  Critical accounting estimates 
The Company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal 
the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts 
of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below: 

1.  Fair value of guarantees issued and subsequent measurement 
Management estimated the fair value of the free of charge guarantees issued by the Company to secure the liabilities of its subsidiaries based on 
the best estimate of expenditure required to settle the obligation. Specifically, the fair values on initial recognition and the expected credit losses 
as at 1 January 2018 and at the reporting date of guarantees issued by the Company for obligations of its subsidiaries in accordance with loan 
agreements with financial institutions and quoted bonds issued by subsidiaries were estimated using a probability adjusted discounted cash flow 
analysis, using probability of default, as implied by the market rate of the borrowings obtained by the subsidiaries and loss given default. 

The loss given default for the financial guarantees issued by the Company for the obligations of its subsidiaries in accordance with loan 
agreements with financial institutions where such obligations are also secured by a pledge of property, plant and equipment and the 
distressed sale value of such pledge exceeds the amount of the obligation of the respective subsidiary has been estimated at RUB Nil, since, 
in case of default, the Company will be able to recover its losses under the issued guarantees from respective subsidiaries in full.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

214

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

7.  Critical accounting estimate and judgements continued 

The loss given default for guarantees issued by the Company for unsecured or underpledged obligations of its subsidiaries in accordance 
with loan agreements with financial institutions and quoted bonds issued by subsidiaries was estimated by considering the distressed value 
of the net assets of the subsidiaries which were not pledged at the time of the assessment. The fair values on initial recognition were 
estimated at RUB Nil, since, in case of default, the Company will be able to recover its losses under the issued guarantees from respective 
subsidiaries in full. 

On 1 January 2018 and at 31 December 2018, the Company assesses whether any ECL provision is needed for the guarantees in issue as of 
that date. As of 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018, management has assessed that no need for provision arises in relation to any of the 
guarantees issued by the Company on the basis that, in case of default, the Company will be able to recover its losses under the issued 
guarantees from respective subsidiaries in full. 

2.  Impairment assessment of loans receivable from subsidiaries 
At each balance sheet date, the Company assesses, on a forward-looking basis, the expected credit losses associated with its loans receivable 
from subsidiaries carried at amortised cost, in accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 4. The assessment performed as of 
31 December 2018 resulted in the recognition of reversal of impairment losses of RUB 728,378 thousand. 

The assessment of expected credit losses on the loans receivable from Ukrainian New Forwarding Company OOO, with a carrying amount 
of RUB 398,566 thousand as at 31 December 2018, classified as credit-impaired (Stage 3) as of that date, required management to use 
estimates and projections of future cash flows. The expected credit losses were determined based on multiple forward-looking recovery 
scenarios to measure the expected cash shortfalls, discounted using the loans’ original effective interest rate method, weighted based on 
the probability of each scenario occurring. 

In making this assessment, the Company considered all reasonable and supportable forward-looking information available without undue cost 
and effort. The cash flow projections were determined by reference to management’s cash flow estimates, which were based on historical 
financial performance of the subsidiary, as adjusted to take into consideration the impact of forecasted industry and market conditions. 

As with any forecast, the projections and likelihoods of occurrence are subject to a high degree of inherent uncertainty, and therefore the 
actual outcomes may be significantly different to those projected. The Company considers these forecasts to represent its best estimate of 
the possible outcomes and that the chosen scenarios are appropriately representative of the range of possible scenarios. The key input in this 
assessment are the recovery rates assigned to each scenario. Any reasonable change in these would not result in a material increase/decrease 
in the reversal of impairment losses recognised in the income statement for the year ended 31 December 2018. 

3.  Income taxes 
Significant judgement is required in determining the provision for income taxes. There are transactions and calculations for which the ultimate 
tax determination is uncertain. The Company recognises liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on estimates of whether additional 
taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will 
impact the current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the period in which such determination is made. Refer to Note 26. 

(b)  Critical judgements in the application of the Company’s accounting policies 
Management also makes certain judgements, apart from those involving estimations, in the process of applying the accounting policies. 
Judgements that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements and estimates that can cause a 
significant adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below: 

Initial recognition of related party transactions 
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into transactions with its related parties. IFRS 9 requires initial recognition of financial 
instruments based on their fair values. Judgement is applied in determining if transactions are priced at market or non-market interest rates, 
where there is no active market for such transactions. The basis for judgement is pricing for similar types of transactions with unrelated 
parties and effective interest rate analysis. Terms and conditions of related party balances are disclosed in Note 24.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

215

8.  Revenue 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Interest on loans to related parties calculated using the effective interest rate method (Note 24)                        47,913                        106,338 
Dividend income (Note 24)                                                                                                                                     15,112,974                  10,700,007 

Total                                                                                                                                                                            15,160,887                  10,806,345 

9.  Other gains – net 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Net foreign exchange transaction (losses)/gains on non-financing activities (Note 14)                                             (899)                           1,695 
Profit from sale of subsidiaries (Note 17)                                                                                                                 1,134,752                                    – 

Other gains – net                                                                                                                                                         1,133,853                            1,695 

10.   Expenses by nature 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Statutory auditor’s remuneration for statutory audit services                                                                                     16,343                          16,762 
Statutory auditor’s remuneration for other assurance services                                                                                     5,293                            4,714 
Advertising and marketing expenses                                                                                                                                 6,406                            5,633 
Office rent                                                                                                                                                                             2,291                            2,057 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (Note 16)                                                                                           1,896                            2,301 
Employee benefit expense (Note 11)                                                                                                                          221,845                        132,181 
Legal, consulting and other professional services (1)                                                                                                       35,085                          29,045 
Bank charges                                                                                                                                                                         2,260                            2,525 
Non-executive Directors’ fees (Note 24)                                                                                                                      22,200                          20,950 
Travel expenses                                                                                                                                                                  13,836                          13,614 
Stock exchange and financial regulator fees                                                                                                                     4,754                            4,058 
Taxes other than on income                                                                                                                                             10,043                            8,127 
Other expenses                                                                                                                                                                  11,297                            7,827 

Total selling and marketing costs and administrative expenses                                                                                353,549                        249,794 

(1)  Includes RUB 1,388 thousand for the year 2018 (RUB 2,085 thousand for the year 2017) in fees paid to the Company’s statutory audit firm for tax consultancy services.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

216

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

11.  Employee benefit expense 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Salaries                                                                                                                                                                              123,123                          66,202 
Bonuses                                                                                                                                                                               92,539                          62,810 
Social security costs                                                                                                                                                              6,183                            3,169 

Total employee benefit expense                                                                                                                                   221,845                        132,181 

Average number of staff employed during the year                                                                                                                7                                    7 

12.  Finance costs – net 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Included in finance costs: 
– Interest expense on borrowings from related parties (Note 22)                                                                                        –                        (43,945) 
– Interest expense on bank borrowings (Note 22)                                                                                                   (349,985)                     (165,215) 

Total interest expense calculated using the effective interest rate method                                                           (349,985)                     (209,160) 

Total finance costs                                                                                                                                                         (349,985)                     (209,160) 

Included in finance income: 
– Interest income on bank balances                                                                                                                                22,181                          51,845 

Total interest income calculated using the effective interest rate method                                                                22,181                          51,845 

Total finance income                                                                                                                                                         22,181                          51,845 

Net foreign exchange transaction gains/(losses) on cash and cash equivalents, 
  loans and dividends receivable                                                                                                                                      86,267                      (339,728) 
Net foreign exchange transaction gains on borrowings, dividends payable 
  and other financial liabilities                                                                                                                                           35,625                        262,711 

Net foreign exchange transactions gains/(losses) from financing activities (Note 14)                                         121,892                        (77,017) 

Finance costs – net                                                                                                                                                         (205,912)                     (234,332) 

13.  Income tax expense 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Current tax: 
– Corporation tax                                                                                                                                                                 1,689                                    – 
– Defence contribution                                                                                                                                                               –                                    – 
– Withholding tax on dividends receivable                                                                                                                  748,003                        535,000 

Total tax expense                                                                                                                                                            749,692                        535,000

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

217

13.  Income tax expense continued 

The tax on the Company’s results before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the applicable tax rates as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Profit before tax                                                                                                                                                         16,597,411                  10,502,841 

Tax calculated at the applicable tax rate                                                                                                                    2,074,676                    1,312,855 
Tax effect of expenses not deductible for tax purposes                                                                                               64,150                          40,640 
Tax effect of allowances and income not subject to tax                                                                                        (2,137,137)                 (1,353,495) 
Foreign withholding tax on dividends receivable                                                                                                        748,003                        535,000 

Tax charge                                                                                                                                                                        749,692                        535,000 

The Company is subject to income tax on taxable profits at the rate of 12.5% as from 1 January 2013. As from tax year 2012 brought 
forward losses of only five years may be utilised. 

Up to 31 December 2008, under certain conditions interest may be subject to special contribution for defence at the rate of 10%. In such 
cases 50% of the same interest will be exempt from income tax thus having an effective tax rate burden of approximately 15%. From 
1 January 2009 onwards, under certain conditions, interest may be exempt from income tax and be subject only to special contribution for 
defence at the rate of 10%; increased to 15% as from 31 August 2011, and to 30% as from 29 April 2013. In certain cases dividends received 
from abroad may be subject to special contribution for defence at the rate of 15%; increased to 17% as from 31 August 2011; increased to 
20% as from 1 January 2012; reduced to 17% as from 1 January 2014. 

In certain cases dividends received from 1 January 2012 onwards from other Cyprus tax resident companies may also be subject to special 
contribution for defence. Gains on disposal of qualifying titles (including shares, bonds, debentures, rights thereon, etc.) are exempt from 
Cyprus income tax. 

Withholding tax is applied to dividends distributed to the Company by its Russian subsidiaries at the rate of 5% on gross dividends declared; 
such tax is withheld at source by the respective subsidiary and is paid to the Russian tax authorities at the same time when the payment of 
dividend is effected. 

At 31 December 2018, the Company has tax losses carried forward amounting RUB 1,020,501 thousand (2017: RUB 1,049,617 thousand) 
for which no deferred tax was recognised as profits for future periods against which these losses can be utilised cannot be estimated with 
sufficient reliability. 

14.  Net foreign exchange gains/(losses) 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Finance costs – net (Note 12)                                                                                                                                        121,892                        (77,017) 
Other (losses)/gains (Note 9)                                                                                                                                             (899)                           1,695 

Total foreign exchange gains/(losses)                                                                                                                         120,933                        (75,322)

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

218

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

15.  Dividends 

In April 2017, the shareholders of the Company approved the payment of the final dividend in respect of the financial year ended 
31 December 2016 in the amount of 39.20 Russian Roubles per ordinary share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 7,006,644 
thousand (US Dollar equivalent of USD 124,605 thousand). 

In August 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company approved payment of total dividend in the amount of 44.8 Russian Roubles per 
ordinary share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 8,007,593 thousand, including interim dividend in the amount of RUB 
3,603,417 thousand or RUB 20.16 per ordinary share/GDR and a special interim dividend in the amount of RUB 4,404,176 thousand or 
RUB 24.64 per ordinary share/GDR (US Dollar equivalent of USD 135,401 thousand). 

In April 2018, the shareholders of the Company approved the payment of a dividend for the financial year ended 31 December 2017 in 
the amount of 44.85 Russian Roubles per ordinary share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 8,016,530 thousand, including final 
dividend for 2017 in the amount of RUB 4,155,726 thousand or RUB 23.25 per ordinary share/GDR and a special final dividend in the 
amount of RUB 3,860,804 thousand or RUB 21.60 per ordinary share/GDR (US Dollar equivalent of USD 130,728 thousand). 

In August 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company approved payment of total dividend in the amount of 45.9 Russian Roubles per 
ordinary share/GDR, amounting to a total dividend of RUB 8,204,208 thousand (US Dollar equivalent of USD 119,724 thousand), including 
interim dividend in the amount of RUB 3,771,433 thousand (US Dollar equivalent of USD 55,037 thousand) or RUB 21.10 per ordinary 
share/GDR and a special interim dividend in the amount of RUB 4,432,775 thousand (US Dollar equivalent of USD 64,687 thousand) or 
RUB 24.80 per ordinary share/GDR. 

On the date of this report, the Board of Directors of the Company, having considered the profitability and liquidity position of the Group, 
recommends a payment of dividend for the year 2018 total dividend in the amount of 46.50 Russian Roubles per ordinary share/GDR, 
amounting to a total dividend of RUB 8,311,453 thousand, including final dividend for 2018 in the amount of RUB 1,429,927 thousand or 
RUB 8.00 per ordinary share/GDR and a special final dividend in the amount of RUB 6,881,526 thousand or RUB 38.50 per ordinary 
share/GDR. Such dividends shall be paid in US Dollars at the rate as at 19 April 2019, subject to the approval of the shareholders at the 
Annual General Meeting on 22 April 2019. 

During the years ended 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017, the Company declared and paid as detailed in the table below: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Dividends declared                                                                                                                                                    16,220,738                  15,014,237 
Dividends paid                                                                                                                                                           16,220,738                  15,014,237

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

219

16.  Property, plant and equipment 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Motor vehicles                                     Total 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                RUB’000                              RUB’000 

At 1 January 2017 
Cost                                                                                                                                                                                      11,470                          11,470 
Accumulated depreciation                                                                                                                                                (4,701)                         (4,701) 

 Net book amount                                                                                                                                                               6,769                            6,769 

Year ended 31 December 2017 
Depreciation charge (Note 10)                                                                                                                                         (2,301)                         (2,301) 

Closing net book amount                                                                                                                                                    4,468                            4,468 

At 31 December 2017 / 1 January 2018 
Cost                                                                                                                                                                                      11,470                          11,470 
Accumulated depreciation                                                                                                                                                (7,002)                         (7,002) 

 Net book amount                                                                                                                                                               4,468                            4,468 

Year ended 31 December 2018 
Depreciation charge (Note 10)                                                                                                                                         (1,896)                         (1,896) 

Closing net book amount                                                                                                                                                    2,572                            2,572 

At 31 December 2018 
Cost                                                                                                                                                                                      11,470                          11,470 
Accumulated depreciation                                                                                                                                                (8,898)                         (8,898) 

 Net book amount                                                                                                                                                               2,572                                2,572 

17.  Investments in subsidiary undertakings 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

At beginning of year                                                                                                                                                  45,252,722                  45,252,722 
Contribution into the capital of subsidiary                                                                                                                   300,090                                    – 
Disposal of subsidiary                                                                                                                                                    (401,564)                                   – 

At end of year                                                                                                                                                             45,151,248                  45,252,722

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

220

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

17.  Investments in subsidiary undertakings continued 

Details of the direct and indirect investments in the subsidiary undertakings are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Proportion of  
                                                                                                                                                                             Proportion of                  Proportion of                 ordinary shares 
                                                                                                                                                                           ordinary shares                ordinary shares                  held by non-  
                                                                                                                                                                               held by the                       held by the                       controlling 
                                                                                           Company (%)                    Group (%)                      interest (%) 

Country of

Name                                                   incorporation     Principal activities                                                2018            2017            2018            2017            2018            2017 

New Forwarding                       Russia              Railway transportation                            100           100           100           100               –               – 
Company, AO                            

GTI Management, OOO         Russia              Railway transportation                            100           100           100           100               –               – 

Ural Wagonrepair                     Russia              Repair and maintenance                         100           100           100           100               –               – 
Company, AO                                                    of rolling stock                                                  

Ukrainian New Forwarding     Ukraine           Railway transportation                            100           100           100           100               –               – 
Company OOO                         

BaltTransServis, OOO             Russia              Railway transportation                              60             60             60             60             40             40 

RemTransServis, OOO (1)         Russia              Repair and maintenance                             –               –          59.4          59.4          40.6          40.6 
                                                                             of rolling stock                                                  

SyntezRail LLC (4)                        Russia              Railway transportation                                –               –             60             60             40             40 

SyntezRail Ltd                            Cyprus            Intermediary holding company               60             60             60             60             40             40 

Spacecom AS                            Estonia            Operating lease of rolling                    65.25        65.25       65.25        65.25       34.75        34.75 
                                                                             stock and provision of 
                                                                             forwarding services                                         

Ekolinja Oy (2)                             Finland            Operating sub-lease                                     –               –       65.25        65.25       34.75        34.75 
                                                                             of rolling stock                                                  

Spacecom Trans AS (3)               Estonia            Operating lease                                            –             65       65.25             65       34.75             35 
                                                                             of rolling stock                                                  

(1) RemTransServis, OOO is a 99% subsidiary of BaltTransServis, OOO. 
(2) Ekolinja Oy is a 100% subsidiary of Spacecom AS. 
(3) During 2018 Spacecom AS acquired 100% of the shares of Spacecom Trans AS from the Company and the non-controlling shareholders. As a result, the proportion of ordinary shares 

held by the Company in Spacecom Trans AS increased from a direct holding of 65% to an indirect holding of 65.25%. 

(4) Syntezrail LLC is a 100% subsidiary of Syntezrail Limited. 

Contribution to subsidiary during the year 2018 
During the year ended 31 December 2018, the Company subscribed to newly issued share capital of Syntezrail Ltd for an amount of RUB 
300,090 thousand. There was no change in the proportion of the ordinary shares held by the Company in the subsidiary as a result of this 
acquisition of shares. The amount remained payable to the subsidiary as of 31 December 2018 (Note 23). 

Disposal of subsidiary during the year 2018 
During 2018 Spacecom AS acquired 100% of the shares of Spacecom Trans AS from the Company and the non-controlling shareholders, 
for a total consideration of Eur 30,100 thousand (equivalent to RUB 2,391,761 thousand). 

As a result, the proportion of ordinary shares held by the Company in Spacecom Trans AS increased from a direct holding of 65% to an 
indirect holding of 65.25%. The transaction aimed to optimise the management of both Estonian subsidiaries. As a result of the sale, the 
Company recognised a profit on disposal of RUB 1,134,752 thousand (Note 9). 

Out of the total consideration payable by Spacecom AS for this transaction, Eur 19,565 thousand (equivalent of RUB 1,536,316 thousand) 
was payable to the Company. An amount of RUB 671,441 thousand was received by the Company within the year 2018 with the remaining 
RUB 883,203 thousand remained outstanding as at 31 December 2018 (Note 18).

 
                                                              
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

221

17.  Investments in subsidiary undertakings continued 

The following amounts are included in the statement of cash flows in relation to acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Contribution to the share capital of Syntezrail Ltd                                                                                                                   –                                    – 
Proceeds from sale of Spacecom Trans AS                                                                                                                  671,441                                    – 

Total cash inflow for the disposal of subsidiaries                                                                                                         671,441                                    – 

18.  Loans and other receivables 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Loans to related parties                                                                                                                                               3,274,508                    2,870,327 
Less: Provision for impairment of loans to related parties                                                                                    (1,901,961)                 (2,258,613) 

Loans to related parties – net (Note 24)                                                                                                                   1,372,547                        611,714 

Other receivables – related party (Note 24)                                                                                                               883,203                                    – 

Total loans and other receivables – net                                                                                                                     2,255,750                        611,714 

Less non-current portion: 
Loans to related parties (Note 24)                                                                                                                                338,635                        407,186 
Other receivables – related party (Note 24)                                                                                                               537,840                                    – 

Total non-current portion                                                                                                                                             876,476                        407,186 

Current portion                                                                                                                                                           1,379,274                        204,528 

The weighted average contractual interest rate on loans receivable from related parties was 6.57% at 31 December 2018 (31 December 
2017: 6.90%). The weighted average effective interest rate on loans receivables from related parties was 11.21% (2017: 12.60%) at  
31 December 2018. 

The contractual interest rate and effective interest rate on other receivables from related parties was 3% at 31 December 2018. 

The fair values of non-current loans and other receivables are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Financial assets 
Loans to related parties                                                                                                                                                  338,635                        407,186 
Other receivables – related party                                                                                                                                  537,840                                    – 

Total financial assets                                                                                                                                                        876,476                        407,186 

The fair values of current loans and other receivables equal their carrying amount as the impact of discounting is not significant. 

As at 31 December 2018, the fair values of US Dollar denominated loans to related parties are based on cash flows discounted using a rate 
8% (31 December 2017: 8%). The discount rate used for Russian Rouble denominated loans to related parties as at 31 December 2018 was 
6.5% and 17.7% (31 December 2017: 17.7%). The fair value measurements of loans to related parties and other receivables from related 
parties as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 are within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

222

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

18.  Loans and other receivables continued 

The carrying amounts of the Company’s loans and other receivables are denominated in the following currencies: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

US Dollars                                                                                                                                                                         398,566                        321,624 
Russian Roubles                                                                                                                                                               973,981                        290,090 
Euro                                                                                                                                                                                   883,203                                    – 

Total loans and other receivables                                                                                                                              2,255,750                        611,714 

(1)  Impairment assessment of loans receivable from subsidiaries as of 31 December 2017 
At 31 December 2017 the Company reviewed its loans receivable from subsidiaries for any indication of impairment. The analysis of 
impairment indicators as of 31 December 2017 revealed indicators for impairment/reversal of impairment with respect to the loans to 
Ural Wagonrepair Company, ZAO and Ukrainian New Forwarding Company OOO. Based on the impairment testing performed, no 
impairment loss or reversal of impairment was identified, other than the amounts already recognised in the financial statements. 

The recoverable amount of the loans was determined based on the present value of the expected cash flows to be received from each loan, 
discounted at its original effective interest rate. The cash flow projections have been determined by reference to management’s estimates 
which are based on historical financial performance of each subsidiary, as adjusted to take into consideration the impact of prevailing 
industry and market conditions. 

If the present value of the projected cash flows had been 10% higher/lower than management’s estimate at 31 December 2017, the 
recoverable amount would increase/decrease, resulting in increase/decrease in the reversal of impairment of RUB 61,171 thousand in 
relation to these loans receivable. 

(2)  Assessment of credit losses on loans receivable from subsidiaries as of 31 December 2018 
At 31 December 2018, the Company assessed, on a forward looking basis, the expected credit losses associated with its loans receivable 
from subsidiaries carried at amortised cost, in accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 4. The assessment performed resulted 
in the recognition of reversal of impairment losses of RUB 728,378 thousand. Refer to Note 7 for more information in this respect. 

19.  Other assets 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Prepayments – third parties                                                                                                                                                6,935                            1,555 
VAT recoverable                                                                                                                                                                          1                                    – 

Total other assets                                                                                                                                                                 6,936                            1,155 

Less non-current portion: 
Prepayments – third parties                                                                                                                                                4,640                                    – 

Total non-current portion                                                                                                                                                  4,640                                    – 

Current portion                                                                                                                                                                    2,296                            1,555

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

223

20.  Cash and cash equivalents 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Cash at bank                                                                                                                                                                  1,268,049                        422,081 

Total cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                 1,268,049                        422,081 

Cash and cash equivalents include the following for the purposes of the cash flow statement: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                           1,268,049                        422,081 

                                                                                                                                                                                       1,268,049                        422,081 

Cash and cash equivalents are denominated in the following currencies: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

US Dollars                                                                                                                                                                         466,732                        241,599 
Russian Roubles                                                                                                                                                                 27,595                        177,096 
Euro                                                                                                                                                                                   773,722                            3,386 

Total cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                 1,268,049                        422,081 

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their fair value. 

21.  Share capital and share premium 

                                                                                                                                                            Number                          Share capital                     Share premium                                          Total 
                                                                                                                                                          of shares                                  USD’000                                  USD’000                                  USD’000 

At 1 January 2017/31 December 2017/ 
  1 January 2018/ 31 December 2018                                   178,740,916                             17,875                           949,471                           967,346 

                                                                                                                                                            Number                          Share capital                     Share premium                                          Total 
                                                                                                                                                          of shares                                  RUB’000                                  RUB’000                                  RUB’000 

At 1 January 2017/31 December 2017/ 
  1 January 2018/31 December 2018                                   178,740,916                           516,957                    27,929,478                    28,446,435 

The total authorised number of ordinary shares at 31 December 2018 was 233,918,128 shares with a par value of USD 0.10 per share 
(31 December 2017: 233,918,128 shares with a par value of USD 0.10 per share). All issued shares are fully paid.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

224

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

22.  Borrowings 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Current 
Bank borrowings                                                                                                                                                          3,241,204                    2,534,089 

Total current borrowings                                                                                                                                           3,241,204                    2,534,089 

Non-current 
Bank borrowings                                                                                                                                                          4,231,313                    2,491,667 

Total non-current borrowings                                                                                                                                   4,231,313                    2,491,667 

Total borrowings                                                                                                                                                         7,472,517                    5,025,756 

Maturity of non-current borrowings 
Between 1 and 2 years                                                                                                                                                 2,418,131                    2,491,667 
Between 2 and 5 years                                                                                                                                                 1,813,182                                    – 

                                                                                                                                                                                       4,231,313                    2,491,667 

As at 31 December 2018, Rouble-denominated bank borrowings bear fixed average interest at 7.97% p.a. (2017: 8.35% p.a.). There were 
no US Dollar denominated borrowings as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017. 

The exposure of the Company’s borrowings to interest rate changes and the contractual re-pricing dates at the balance sheet dates are 
as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

6 months or less                                                                                                                                                           1,032,416                    1,290,339 
6 to 12 months                                                                                                                                                             2,208,788                    1,243,750 
1 to 5 years                                                                                                                                                                    4,231,313                    2,491,667 

                                                                                                                                                                                       7,472,517                    5,025,756 

Note: The amounts disclosed are based on the earliest of the contractual re-pricing dates and the maturity date. 

The Company’s borrowings as of 31 December 2018 are secured by pledge of rolling stock held by its subsidiaries New Forwarding 
Company OOO and GTI Management OOO with a market value of not less than RUB 4,133,290 thousand and RUB 4,344,689 respectively. 

All of the Company’s bank loans as of 31 December 2017 were unsecured. In accordance with the terms of its bank borrowings as of 
31 December 2017, the Company had a commitment to pledge rolling stock held by its subsidiary New Forwarding Company OOO with a 
market value of not less than RUB 6,000,000 thousand within six months from the date of the bank loan agreement; being 15 August 2017. 
The relevant pledge agreement was concluded in February 2018. The relevant bank loan was fully repaid during March 2018. 

The weighted average effective interest rates at the balance sheet were as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            %                                          % 

Bank borrowings                                                                                                                                                                     7.97                               8.35

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225

22.  Borrowings continued 

The carrying amount and fair value of current and non-current borrowings are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                           Carrying amount                                                                     Fair value 

                                                                                                                                           2018                                    2017                                    2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                    RUB’000                              RUB’000                             RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Bank borrowings                                                                             7,472,517                    5,025,756                    7,351,544                    5,087,607 

                                                                                                          7,472,517                    5,025,756                    7,351,544                    5,087,607 

The fair value of borrowings and other liabilities were determined using valuation techniques. 

As at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017, the fair value of fixed interest rate instruments with stated maturity denominated in 
Russian Rouble was estimated based on expected cash flows discounted using the rate of similar Russian Rouble denominated instruments 
entered into by the subsidiaries of the Company on their bank borrowings close to 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017, respectively. 
The discount rate used for Russian Rouble denominated borrowings from related parties as at 31 December 2018 was a level 2 discount rate 
of 9.50% (8.00% as at 31 December 2017). 

The carrying amounts of the borrowings are denominated in the following currencies: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Russian Roubles                                                                                                                                                            7,472,517                    5,025,756 

Total borrowings                                                                                                                                                         7,472,517                    5,025,756 

Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Total liabilities  
                                                                                                                                                                                          Bank                          Loans from                    from financing  
                                                                                                                                                                              borrowings                     related parties                               activities 
                                                                                                                                                                                  RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Opening balance 1 January 2018                                                                                      5,025,756                                    –                    5,025,756 
Cash flows: 
– Proceeds from borrowings                                                                                                8,000,000                                    –                    8,000,000 
– Repayment of principal                                                                                                    (5,558,000)                                   –                   (5,558,000) 
– Interest paid                                                                                                                          (345,224)                                   –                      (345,224) 
Interest expense                                                                                                                        349,985                                    –                        349,985 

 At end of year 2018                                                                                                            7,242,517                                          –                       7,242,517 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Total liabilities  
                                                                                                                                                                                          Bank                          Loans from                    from financing  
                                                                                                                                                                              borrowings                     related parties                               activities 
                                                                                                                                                                                  RUB’000                              RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Opening balance 1 January 2017                                                                                                      –                        755,703                        755,703 
Cash flows: 
– Proceeds from borrowings                                                                                                5,000,000                        610,798                    5,610,798 
– Repayment of principal                                                                                                                      –                   (1,362,797)                 (1,362,797) 
– Interest paid                                                                                                                          (139,459)                       (47,649)                     (187,108) 
Interest expense                                                                                                                        165,215                          43,945                        209,160 

 At end of year                                                                                                                        5,025,756                                    –                    5,025,756

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

226

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

23.  Payables and accrued expenses 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Current 
Accrued key management personnel compensation (Note 24)                                                                                 74,645                          56,427 
Accrued expenses                                                                                                                                                                9,531                            9,834 
Other payables to third parties                                                                                                                                           1,777                            1,384 
Other payables to related parties (Note 24)                                                                                                               300,090                                    – 

Total current trade and other payables                                                                                                                        386,043                          67,645 

The fair value of payables, which are due within one year approximates, their carrying amount at the balance sheet date. 

The carrying amounts of the Company’s payables and accrued expenses are denominated in the following currencies: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Euro                                                                                                                                                                                     77,822                          67,645 
Russian Roubles                                                                                                                                                               300,031                                    – 
US Dollars                                                                                                                                                                             7,315                                    – 
Other                                                                                                                                                                                        875                                    – 

Total payables and accrued expenses                                                                                                                           386,043                          67,645 

24.  Related party transactions 

Marigold Investments Ltd, Onyx Investments Ltd and Maple Valley Investments Ltd are Company’s shareholders with a direct shareholding 
as at 31 December 2018 11.5%, 11.5% and 10.8%, accordingly (as at 31 December 2017 of 11.5%, 11.5% and 11.2%, accordingly). 

Litten Investments Ltd, controlled by member of key management of the Group, has a shareholding in the Company of 5.8% as at 
31 December 2018 (31 December 2017: 6.3%). 

From 7 March 2018 and as at 31 December 2018, Goldriver Resources Ltd, which has a shareholding in the Company of 4.7% , is controlled 
by a member of key management personnel of the Group. 

As at 31 December 2018, 55.5% (2017: 59.4%) of the shares represent the free market-float of Global Depository Receipts and ordinary 
shares held by investors not affiliated with the Company. The remaining 0.2% (2017: 0.1%) of the shares of the Company are controlled by 
Directors and key management of the Company. 

For the purposes of these financial statements, parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability to control the other party or 
exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operational decisions as defined by IAS 24 “Related Party 
Disclosures”. In considering each possible related party relationship, attention is directed to the substance of the relationship, not merely 
the legal form. Related parties may enter into transactions, which unrelated parties might not, and transactions between related parties may 
not be effected on the same terms, conditions and amounts as transactions between unrelated parties.

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

227

24.  Related party transactions continued 

The following transactions were carried out with related parties: 

(a)  Loans to related parties 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Loans to subsidiaries: 
– At beginning of year                                                                                                                                                     611,714                    1,442,781 
– Loan advances                                                                                                                                                              900,000                        650,000 
– Interest charged (Note 8)                                                                                                                                              47,913                        106,338 
– Loan repaid during the year                                                                                                                                       (936,968)                 (1,564,249) 
– Interest repaid during the year                                                                                                                                    (21,743)                     (129,173) 
– Reversal of impairment                                                                                                                                               728,378                        120,960 
– Net foreign exchange                                                                                                                                                    43,253                        (14,943) 

At end of year                                                                                                                                                               1,372,547                        611,714 

Consists of: 
– Non-current portion                                                                                                                                                   303,951                        407,186 
– Current portion                                                                                                                                                        1,068,596                        204,528 

At end of year                                                                                                                                                               1,372,547                        611,714 

Loans to related parties – gross amount                                                                                                                   3,247,508                    2,870,327 

Less: Provision for impairment of loans to related parties                                                                                    (1,901,961)                 (2,258,613) 

Loans to related parties – net                                                                                                                                     1,372,547                        611,714 

The balances at the 31 December 2018 carry a weighted average contractual interest rate of 6.57% (2017: 6.9%) p.a. The weighted average 
effective interest rate at the 31 December 2018 was 11.21% (2017: 12.60%). 

(b)  Loans from related parties 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Loans from subsidiaries: 
– At beginning of year                                                                                                                                                                  –                        755,703 
– Loans advanced during the year                                                                                                                                              –                        610,798 
– Interest charged (Note 12)                                                                                                                                                      –                          43,945 
– Interest repaid during the year                                                                                                                                                –                        (47,649) 
– Loan repaid during the year                                                                                                                                                     –                   (1,362,797) 

At end of year                                                                                                                                                                                –                                    – 

(c)  Other receivables from related parties 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Other receivables for the sale of shares 
Subsidiaries                                                                                                                                                                      883,203                                    – 

At end of year                                                                                                                                                                   883,203                                    – 

Consists of: 
– Non-current portion                                                                                                                                                   537,840                                    – 
– Current portion                                                                                                                                                            345,363                                    – 

At end of year                                                                                                                                                                   883,203                                    – 

The balance at the 31 December 2018 carry a contractual interest rate of 3% p.a. The weighted average effective interest rate at 
the 31 December 2018 was 3%.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

228

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

24.  Related party transactions continued 

(d)  Dividend income from related parties 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Dividend income from related parties 
Subsidiaries                                                                                                                                                                 15,112,974                  10,700,007 

Total                                                                                                                                                                            15,112,974                  10,700,007 

(e)  Interest income and finance costs 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Interest income 
Subsidiaries                                                                                                                                                                         47,913                        106,338 

Total interest income calculated using the effective interest rate method                                                                47,913                        106,338 

Interest expense: 
Subsidiaries – borrowings                                                                                                                                                           –                        (43,945) 

Total interest expense calculated using the effective interest rate method                                                                         –                        (43,945) 

Total finance income                                                                                                                                                         47,913                          62,393 

(f)  Guarantees in favour of subsidiaries 
Guarantees are irrevocable assurances that the Company will make payments in the event that another party cannot meet its obligations. 
The Company has guaranteed the following obligations: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Subsidiaries (1)                                                                                                                                                              12,933,934                    4,361,787 

Total guaranteed obligations                                                                                                                                   12,933,934                    4,361,787 

(1)  Represents the maximum amount of obligation under each contract, being the contractual undiscounted cash flows under the loan agreements as at 31 December 2018 and 2017. 

During the years ended 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 the Company has acted as the guarantor for the obligation of its 
subsidiaries for loan agreements entered into with financial institutions and third parties and quoted bonds issued by subsidiaries. The fair 
values of such guarantees are amortised through the income statement. As at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 there were no 
financial guarantees recognised by the Company. 

Management estimated the fair value of the free of charge guarantees issued by the Company to secure the liabilities of its subsidiaries based 
on the best estimate of expenditure required to settle the obligation. Specifically, the fair values on initial recognition and the expected credit 
losses at 1 January 2018 and at the reporting date of guarantees issued by the Company for obligations of its subsidiaries in accordance with 
loan agreements with financial institutions and quoted bonds issued by subsidiaries were estimated using a probability adjusted discounted 
cash flow analysis, using probability of default, as implied by the market rate of the borrowings obtained by the subsidiaries and loss given 
default. 

The loss given default for the financial guarantees issued by the Company for the obligations of its subsidiaries in accordance with loan 
agreements with financial institutions where such obligations are also secured by a pledge of property, plant and equipment and the distressed 
sale value of such pledge exceeds the amount of the obligation of the respective subsidiary has been estimated at RUB Nil, since, in case of 
default, the Company will be able to recover its losses under the issued guarantees from respective subsidiaries in full. 

The loss given default for guarantees issued by the Company for unsecured or underpledged obligations of its subsidiaries in accordance with 
loan agreements with financial institutions and quoted bonds issued by subsidiaries was estimated by considering the distressed value of the 
net assets of the subsidiaries which were not pledged at the time of the assessment. The fair values on initial recognition were estimated at RUB 
Nil, since, in case of default, the Company will be able to recover its losses under the issued guarantees from respective subsidiaries in full.

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229

24.  Related party transactions continued 

On 1 January 2018 and at 31 December 2018, the Company assesses whether any ECL provision is needed for the guarantees in issue as of 
that date. As of 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018, management has assessed that no need for provision arises in relation to any of the 
guarantees issued by the Company on the basis that, in case of default, the Company will be able to recover its losses under the issued 
guarantees from respective subsidiaries in full. 

At 31 December 2017, the Company assessed whether any provision was needed for the guarantees in issue as of that date. Management 
reviewed the financial condition and performance of the Company’s subsidiaries and their ability to service the loans which were being 
guaranteed by the Company as of that date and assessed that no need for provisioning arose in relation to any of the guarantees issued by 
the Company. 

(g)  Impairment losses 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Reversal of impairment losses of loans to subsidiaries (Notes 7 and 18)                                                                 728,378                        120,960 

(h)  Key management personnel compensation 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Key management salaries and other short-term employee benefits (1)                                                                     222,479                        135,893 

                                                                                                                                                                                           222,479                        135,893 

(1)  ‘Key management salaries and other short-term employee benefits’ include Directors’ remuneration amounting to RUB 186,911 thousand (2017: RUB 45,735 thousand). 

(i)  Directors’ remuneration 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Directors’ fees (Note 10)                                                                                                                                                 22,200                          20,950 
Emoluments in their executive capacity                                                                                                                       164,711                          24,425 

Total Directors’ remuneration                                                                                                                                      186,911                          45,375 

(j)  Year-end balances arising from payables to key management 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Accrued key management remuneration (Note 23): 
– Accrued salaries and other short-term employee benefits                                                                                       74,645                          56,427 

                                                                                                                                                                                             74,645                          56,427 

(k)  Year-end balances arising from subscription to share capital of subsidiaries 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Payable for subscription to share capital of subsidiaries                                                                                             300,090                                    – 

                                                                                                                                                                                           300,090                                    –

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

230

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
continued

25.  Commitments 

Operating lease commitments – Company as lessee 
The Company leases offices under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. 

The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2018                                    2017 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RUB’000                              RUB’000 

Not later than 1 year                                                                                                                                                            2,527                            1,881 
Later than 1 year not later than 5 years                                                                                                                              5,231                                    – 

                                                                                                                                                                                               7,758                                    – 

26.  Contingencies 

Operating environment of the Company 
The Company’s subsidiaries operate in the Russian Federation, Estonia, Ukraine and Finland. 

Russian Federation 
The Russian Federation displays certain characteristics of an emerging market. Its economy is particularly sensitive to oil and gas prices. 
The legal, tax and regulatory frameworks continue to develop and are subject to frequent changes and varying interpretations. The Russian 
economy continues to be negatively impacted by ongoing political tension in the region and international sanctions against certain Russian 
companies and individuals. Firm oil prices, low unemployment and rising wages supported a modest growth of the economy in 2018. The 
operating environment has a significant impact on the Group’s operations and financial position. Management is taking necessary measures 
to ensure sustainability of the Group’s operations. However, the future effects of the current economic situation are difficult to predict and 
management’s current expectations and estimates could differ from actual results. 

Tax contingencies. Cypriot tax legislation is subject to varying interpretations. There are transactions and calculations for which the ultimate 
tax determination is uncertain. The Company recognises liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on estimates of whether additional 
taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences 
will impact the current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the period in which such determination is made. 

The Company is incorporated outside Russia. Tax liabilities of the Company are determined on the assumption that it is not subject to 
Russian profits tax because it does not have a permanent establishment in Russia. The Company is a tax resident of Cyprus only and full 
beneficial owner of the equity interest held directly and indirectly in its subsidiaries. This interpretation of relevant legislation may be 
challenged but the impact of any such challenge cannot be reliably estimated currently; however, it may be significant to the financial 
position and/or the overall operations of the Company. 

Estonia and Finland 
Estonia and Finland represent well-developed markets and economies with stable political systems and developed legislation based on 
EU requirements and regulations. 

Ukraine 
Starting in 2013, the political situation in Ukraine has experienced instability with numerous protests and continued political uncertainty that 
has led to deterioration of the state’s finances, volatility of financial markets and sharp depreciation of the national currency against major 
foreign currencies. The ratings of Ukrainian sovereign debt were downgraded by international rating agencies with negative outlooks for the 
future. The Central bank of Ukraine, among other measures, imposed certain restrictions on processing of client payments by banks and on 
the purchase of foreign currency on the inter-bank market. The recent political situation has been volatile, with changes in the Ukrainian 
Parliament and the Presidency. The Company’s exposure to Ukraine comprises loans receivable of RUB 398,566 thousand (2017: RUB 
321,624 thousand) from Ukrainian New Forwarding Company OOO (Note 18). 

Despite certain improvements in recent years, the final resolution and the ongoing effects of the political and economic situation are difficult 
to predict, but they may have further severe effects on the Ukrainian economy and the Company’s business.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

231

27.  Events after the balance sheet date 

On the date of this report, the Board of Directors of the Company, having considered the profitability and liquidity position of the Group, 
recommends a payment of dividend for the year 2018 total dividend in the amount of 46.50 Russian Roubles per ordinary share/GDR, 
amounting to a total dividend of RUB 8,311,453 thousand, including final dividend for 2018 in the amount of RUB 1,429,927 thousand or 
RUB 8.00 per ordinary share/GDR and a special final dividend in the amount of RUB 6,881,526 thousand or RUB 38.50 per ordinary 
share/GDR. Such dividends shall be paid in US Dollars at the rate as at 19 April 2019, subject to the approval of the shareholders at the 
Annual General Meeting on 22 April 2019. 

There were no other material events after the balance sheet date that which have a bearing on the understanding of these financial statements. 

Independent Auditor’s Report on pages 185 to 188. 

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

232

ADDITIONAL 
INFORMATION

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

233

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

234

SELECTED OPERATIONAL INFORMATION 
for the year ended 31 December 2018

Fleet (including rolling stock and containers) 

                                                                                                                                         2018 (1)                                 2017 (1)                               Change                           Change, % 

Owned Fleet 
Gondola cars                                                                                         44,878                          41,282                            3,596                                9% 
Rail tank cars                                                                                          17,938                          18,133                              (195)                              -1% 
Locomotives                                                                                                  69                                  69                                    0                                0% 
Other railcars (including flat, hopper cars, etc)                                      860                                510                                350                              69% 
Containers (including petrochemical and other)                               1,660                            1,256                                404                              32% 

Total                                                                                                      65,405                          61,250                            4,155                                7% 
Owned Fleet as % of Total Fleet                                                                    95%                               92%                                    –                                    – 

Leased-in Fleet 
Gondola cars                                                                                               104                            2,321                           (2,217)                           -96% 
Rail tank cars                                                                                            2,488                            1,989                                499                              25% 
Locomotives                                                                                                    0                                    0                                    0                               NM 
Other railcars                                                                                              646                                752                              (106)                           -14% 
Containers (including petrochemical and other)                                   380                                380                                    0                                0% 

Total                                                                                                         3,618                            5,442                           (1,824)                           -34% 
Leased-in Fleet as % of Total Fleet                                                                   5%                                 8%                                    –                                    – 

Total Fleet (Owned Fleet and Leased-in Fleet) 
Gondola cars                                                                                         44,982                          43,603                            1,379                                3% 
Rail tank cars                                                                                          20,426                          20,122                                304                                2% 
Locomotives                                                                                                  69                                  69                                    0                                0% 
Other railcars (including flat, hopper cars, etc)                                   1,506                            1,262                                244                              19% 
Containers (including petrochemical and other)                               2,040                            1,636                                404                              25% 

Total                                                                                                      69,023                          66,692                            2,331                                3% 

Total Fleet by type, % 
Gondola cars                                                                                             65%                              65%                                    –                                    – 
Rail tank cars                                                                                              30%                              30%                                    –                                    – 
Locomotives                                                                                             0.1%                             0.1%                                    –                                    – 
Other railcars (including flat, hopper cars, etc.)                                      2%                                2%                                    –                                    – 
Containers (including petrochemical and other)                                    3%                                2%                                    –                                    – 

Total                                                                                                        100%                            100%                                    –                                    – 

Average age of Owned Fleet 
Gondola cars                                                                                              10.0                                 9.9                                    –                                    – 
Rail tank cars                                                                                               14.5                               14.3                                    –                                    – 
Locomotives                                                                                              14.7                               13.7                                    –                                    – 
Other railcars                                                                                             10.9                               24.1                                    –                                    – 
Containers (including petrochemical and other)                                    1.8                                 1.2                                    –                                    – 

Total                                                                                                           11.0                               11.1                                    –                                    –

(1)  At year-end.

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Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

235

Operation of rolling stock (excluding Engaged Fleet) (1) 

                                                                                                                                           2018                                    2017                                Change                           Change, % 

Freight Rail Turnover, billion tonnes-km 
Metallurgical cargoes                                                                                 79.0                               87.8                                (8.8)                           -10% 
– Ferrous metals                                                                                               35.5                                33.4                                  2.1                                  6% 
– Scrap metal                                                                                                     3.7                                  4.1                                 (0.4)                             -11% 
– Iron ore                                                                                                          39.8                                50.2                              (10.4)                             -21% 

Oil products and oil                                                                                    21.2                               20.5                                 0.6                                3% 

Coal (incl. coke)                                                                                          29.5                               34.3                                (4.8)                           -14% 

Construction materials                                                                                 5.8                                 8.0                                (2.2)                           -28% 
– Crushed stone                                                                                                  4.7                                  6.6                                 (1.9)                             -29% 
– Cement                                                                                                            0.3                                  0.3                                 (0.1)                             -19% 
– Other construction materials                                                                          0.8                                  1.1                                 (0.2)                             -23% 

Other                                                                                                           10.7                                 9.4                                 1.3                              14% 

Total                                                                                                         146.2                            160.1                             (13.9)                              -9% 

Freight Rail Turnover by cargo type, % 
Metallurgical cargoes (including ferrous metal, 
  scrap metal and iron ore)                                                                      54%                              55%                                    –                                    – 
Oil products and oil                                                                                  14%                              13%                                    –                                    – 
Coal (including coke)                                                                               20%                              21%                                    –                                    – 
Construction materials (including cement)                                             4%                                5%                                    –                                    – 
Other                                                                                                            7%                                6%                                    –                                    – 

Total                                                                                                        100%                            100%                                    –                                    – 

Transportation Volume, million tonnes 
Metallurgical cargoes                                                                                 45.0                               45.5                                (0.5)                              -1% 
– Ferrous metals                                                                                               16.8                                16.1                                  0.7                                  5% 
– Scrap metal                                                                                                     3.1                                  3.5                                 (0.3)                             -10% 
– Iron ore                                                                                                          25.0                                25.9                                 (0.9)                               -3% 

Oil products and oil                                                                                    20.7                               20.2                                 0.5                                2% 

Coal (including coke)                                                                                   9.6                               10.4                                (0.8)                              -8% 

Construction materials                                                                                 6.4                                 9.1                                (2.7)                           -30% 
– Crushed stone                                                                                                  5.6                                  8.2                                 (2.6)                             -31% 
– Cement                                                                                                            0.3                                  0.2                                  0.0                                  7% 
– Other construction materials                                                                          0.5                                  0.7                                 (0.2)                             -27% 

Other                                                                                                             6.8                                 6.6                                 0.1                                2% 

Total                                                                                                           88.5                               91.9                                (3.4)                              -4%

(1)  Excluding operational and financial information of container business segment. 
The revenue from this segment is included in "Other" revenue in EU IFRS statements.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

236

SELECTED OPERATIONAL INFORMATION 
continued

Operation of rolling stock (excluding Engaged Fleet) continued 

                                                                                                                                           2018                                    2017                                Change                           Change, % 

Average Rolling Stock Operated, units 
Gondola cars                                                                                         41,268                          42,052                              (783)                              -2% 
Rail tank cars                                                                                          11,832                          10,961                                871                                8% 
Locomotives                                                                                                  47                                  48                                   (2)                              -4% 
Other railcars                                                                                              415                                523                              (107)                           -21% 

Total                                                                                                      53,562                          53,584                                (21)                               0% 

Average Number of Loaded Trips per Railcar 
Gondola cars                                                                                              24.3                               25.1                                (0.8)                              -3% 
Rail tank cars                                                                                               28.9                               30.9                                (1.9)                              -6% 
Other railcars                                                                                             66.4                               69.0                                (2.6)                              -4% 

Total                                                                                                           25.6                               26.7                                (1.0)                              -4% 

Average Distance of Loaded Trip, km 
Gondola cars                                                                                           1,885                            1,985                                (99)                              -5% 
Rail tank cars                                                                                            1,010                                997                                  13                                1% 
Other railcars                                                                                              766                                808                                (42)                              -5% 

Total                                                                                                         1,644                            1,720                                (76)                              -4% 

Average Price per Trip, RUB                                                            41,859*                        34,790*                          7,068                              20% 

Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock 
by cargo type, RUB million 
Metallurgical cargoes                                                                            23,346*                        18,753*                          4,593                              24% 
– Ferrous metals                                                                                          11,772*                            8,789*                           2,982                                34% 
– Scrap metal                                                                                                1,816*                            1,503*                               313                                21% 
– Iron ore                                                                                                       9,758*                            8,460*                           1,298                                15% 

Oil products and oil                                                                               19,207*                        17,124*                          2,084                              12% 

Coal (including coke)                                                                               8,115*                          7,551*                              564                                7% 

Construction materials (including cement)                                          2,761*                          3,176*                            (416)                           -13% 

Other                                                                                                        4,045*                          3,105*                              940                              30% 

Total                                                                                                      57,474*                        49,709*                          7,766                              16%

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

237

Operation of rolling stock (excluding Engaged Fleet) continued 

                                                                                                                                           2018                                    2017                                Change                           Change, % 

Net Revenue from Operation of 
Rolling Stock by cargo type, % 
Metallurgical cargoes (including ferrous metal, 
  scrap metal and iron ore)                                                                      41%                              38%                                    –                                    – 
Oil products and oil                                                                                  33%                              34%                                    –                                    – 
Coal (including coke)                                                                               14%                              15%                                    –                                    – 
Construction materials (including cement)                                             5%                                6%                                    –                                    – 
Other                                                                                                            7%                                6%                                    –                                    – 

Total                                                                                                        100%                            100%                                    –                                    – 

Net Revenue from Operation of 
Rolling Stock by largest clients (incl. their 
affiliates and suppliers), % 
Rosneft                                                                                                       23%                              25%                                    –                                    – 
Metalloinvest                                                                                            17%                              15%                                    –                                    – 
MMK                                                                                                          16%                              15%                                    –                                    – 
Gazprom Neft                                                                                             5%                                7%                                    –                                    – 
Evraz                                                                                                             4%                                5%                                    –                                    – 
TMK                                                                                                              2%                                2%                                    –                                    – 
UGMK-Trans                                                                                               2%                                2%                                    –                                    – 
SDS-Ugol                                                                                                      2%                                2%                                    –                                    – 
Severstal                                                                                                       1%                                1%                                    –                                    – 
ChelPipe                                                                                                       1%                                1%                                    –                                    – 
Other (including small and medium enterprises)                                 26%                              26%                                    –                                    – 

Empty Run Ratio, % 
Gondola cars                                                                                             38%                              37%                                    –                                    – 
Rail tank cars and other railcars                                                               90%                              95%                                    –                                    – 

Total Empty Run Ratio, %                                                                      46%                              45%                                    –                                    – 

Empty Run Costs, RUB million                                                        12,956*                        12,154*                              802                                7% 

Share of Empty Run Kilometres 
paid by Globaltrans, %                                                                           89%                              86%                                    –                                    –

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

238

SELECTED OPERATIONAL INFORMATION 
continued

Operation of rolling stock (including Engaged Fleet) (1) 

                                                                                                                                           2018                                    2017                                Change                           Change, % 

Freight Rail Turnover, billion tonnes-km 
Metallurgical cargoes                                                                                89.6                            103.6                             (14.0)                           -14% 
– Ferrous metals                                                                                               37.8                                36.8                                  1.0                                  3% 
– Scrap metal                                                                                                     3.7                                  4.1                                 (0.5)                             -11% 
– Iron ore                                                                                                          48.1                                62.7                              (14.6)                             -23% 

Oil products and oil                                                                                   22.2                               20.7                                 1.5                                7% 

Coal (including coke)                                                                                30.4                               36.4                                (5.9)                           -16% 

Construction materials                                                                                5.8                                 8.0                                (2.2)                           -28% 
– Crushed stone                                                                                                  4.7                                  6.6                                 (1.9)                             -29% 
– Cement                                                                                                            0.3                                  0.3                                 (0.1)                             -18% 
– Other construction materials                                                                          0.8                                  1.1                                 (0.2)                             -23% 

Other                                                                                                          10.9                                 9.5                                 1.4                              15% 

Total                                                                                                         158.9                            178.2                             (19.3)                           -11% 

Transportation Volume, million tonnes 
Metallurgical cargoes                                                                                50.4                               53.2                                (2.8)                              -5% 
– Ferrous metals                                                                                               18.0                                17.9                                  0.1                                  0% 
– Scrap metal                                                                                                     3.2                                  3.5                                 (0.3)                             -10% 
– Iron ore                                                                                                          29.3                                31.8                                 (2.6)                               -8% 

Oil products and oil                                                                                   22.0                               20.5                                 1.5                                7% 

Coal (including coke)                                                                                10.0                               11.4                                (1.4)                           -12% 

Construction materials                                                                                6.4                                 9.2                                (2.8)                           -30% 
– Crushed stone                                                                                                  5.7                                  8.3                                 (2.6)                             -31% 
– Cement                                                                                                            0.3                                  0.2                                  0.0                                  8% 
– Other construction materials                                                                          0.5                                  0.7                                 (0.2)                             -27% 

Other                                                                                                             7.1                                 6.8                                 0.3                                5% 

Total                                                                                                           96.0                            101.1                                (5.2)                              -5%

(1)  Excluding operational and financial information of container business segment. 
The revenue from this segment is included in "Other" revenue in EU IFRS statements.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

239

Engaged Fleet 

                                                                                                                                           2018                                    2017                                Change                           Change, % 

Net Revenue from Engaged Fleet, RUB million                                432*                              173*                              259                            149% 

Operating leasing of rolling stock (1) 

                                                                                                                                         2018 (2)                                 2017 (2)                               Change                           Change, % 

Leased-out Fleet 
Gondola cars                                                                                               462                                353                                109                              31% 
Rail tank cars                                                                                            7,098                            8,631                           (1,533)                           -18% 
Other railcars (including flat, hopper cars, etc.)                                        67                                  96                                (29)                           -30% 

Total                                                                                                         7,627                            9,080                           (1,453)                           -16% 
Leased-out Fleet as % of Total Fleet                                                              11%                               14%                                    –                                    – 

Employees 

                                                                                                                                         2018 (2)                                 2017 (2)                               Change                           Change, % 

Total                                                                                                         1,549                            1,594                                (45)                              -3%

(1)  Excluding operational and financial information of container business segment. 
The revenue from this segment is included in "Other" revenue in EU IFRS statements. 

(2)  At year-end.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

240

OWNERSHIP

The issued share capital of Globaltrans consists of 178,740,916 ordinary shares with a nominal value of USD 0.10 each, a certain portion of 
which is held in the form of Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”). The GDRs represent one ordinary share each and are listed and traded on 
the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker GLTR. The free float of Globaltrans amounts to approximately 56.9% (1) 
of the issued share capital. The Bank of New York Mellon is the depositary bank for the GDR programme of Globaltrans. 

Shareholder structure (2) 

Marigold Investments Ltd (3)                                                                                                                                                                                     11.5% 

Onyx Investments Ltd (3)                                                                                                                                                                                           11.5% 

Maple Valley Investments Ltd (3)                                                                                                                                                                              10.8% 

Litten Investments Ltd (4)                                                                                                                                                                                             5.1% 

Goldriver Resources Ltd (5)                                                                                                                                                                                          4.0% 

Controlled by Directors and management of Globaltrans                                                                                                                                     0.2% 

Free float                                                                                                                                                                                                                    56.9% 

(1)  For these purposes, the free float consists of the ordinary shares and GDRs held by investors not 
affiliated or associated with Globaltrans. 

(2)  The information is based upon notifications and other information received by the Company with 
respect to beneficial ownership as of 18 April 2019. 

(3)  Andrey Filatov, Nikita Mishin and Konstantin Nikolaev are co-founders of Globaltrans and are 
beneficiaries with regard to 11.5% and 11.5% and 10.8% respectively of Globaltrans’ ordinary share 
capital each through their respective SPVs (Marigold Investments Ltd, Onyx Investments Ltd and 
Maple Valley Investments Ltd). 

(4)  Beneficially owned by Alexander Eliseev, Executive Director and co-founder of Globaltrans. 

(5)  Beneficially owned by Sergey Maltsev, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Strategy Officer 
and co-founder of Globaltrans.

 
Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

241

Globaltrans’ corporate structure ensures efficient asset management and operational control, while creating logical business  
segments. Since its creation, the Group has sought to streamline its structure to optimise management and ensure transparency.  
Today, Globaltrans is a well-honed business and recognised as adhering to the highest corporate standards, as evidenced by the  
listing on the London Stock Exchange.

Globaltrans Investment PLC (1) 

New Forwarding Company, AO (Russia)

100%

65.25%

AS Spacecom (Estonia)

100%

100%

60%

GTI Management, OOO (Russia)

Ukrainian New Forwarding Company, 
LLC (Ukraine)

BaltTransServis, OOO (Russia)

99%

RemTransServis, OOO (Russia)

Ural Wagonrepair Company, AO (Russia)

100%

100%

100%

AS Spacecom Trans (Estonia)

Ekolinja Oy (Finland)

60%

SyntezRail Limited (Cyprus)

100%

SyntezRail, OOO (Russia)

(1)  As of 31 December 2018.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

242

DIVIDEND POLICY 
As approved by the Board of Directors on 31 March 2017 and amended on 24 August 2018 

1.     Introduction 
1.1.     This Dividend Policy (hereinafter the Dividend Policy) of 
Globaltrans Investment PLC (hereinafter GLTR or the Company)  
is designed to provide the Company’s shareholders with an 
opportunity to participate in the Company’s profits and free  
cash flow and sets out the guiding principles to be followed by  
the Board of Directors of the Company (hereinafter the Board)  
when making recommendations to the shareholders or decisions,  
when applicable, on declaration and distribution of dividends. 

3.     Amount of dividends. Decision on 
payment of dividends 
3.1.    Depending on the actual Leverage Ratio of GLTR as at the end 
of each financial year and subject to applicable laws and regulations, 
the Articles of Association of GLTR and clause 3.2 below, the Board 
will recommend the payment of dividends in the amounts of not less 
than the following proportions of Attributable Free Cash Flow of 
the Group for such financial year: 

Leverage Ratio                          Dividends, % of Attributable Free Cash Flow 

1.2.     When adopting the Dividend Policy, the Board expects that it 
will remain in force for an indefinite period of time. This Dividend 
Policy replaces the dividend policy adopted by the Board of 
Directors of the Company on 6 July 2012. The provisions of this 
Dividend Policy are subject to modification from time to time as the 
Board may deem appropriate, as a result of assessment of changes in 
the applicable laws and regulations, the Articles of Association of 
GLTR or as provided in clause 5.1 hereof. 

1.3.    This Dividend Policy outlines the basis upon which the Board 
will assess and make its recommendations to the shareholders with 
respect to dividends on shares and the terms and methods of 
distribution of those dividends. 

2.     Main principles 
2.1.    Shareholders are entitled to receive dividends on their 
shares in the Company out of a portion of the Company’s net 
profits and under this Dividend Policy with reference to the 
Attributable Free Cash Flow (as this term is defined in Annex 1 
(Definitions) hereto) of the GLTR and its subsidiaries and 
associates (hereinafter the Group). 

2.2.    Dividends shall be allotted to the shareholders in proportion 
to the amount of GLTR shares owned by them. 

2.3.    The declaration and distribution of dividends on the shares 
are subject to the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113 and the Articles 
of Association of GLTR. 

2.4.    The Company’s dividend policy is based on a balance of long-
term interests of the Group and its shareholders and respect for and 
strict observation of the shareholders’ rights as provided by the 
applicable laws and regulations.

Less 1.0x                            Not less than 50% 

From 1.0x to 2.0x             Not less than 30% 

2.0x or higher                    0% or more 

3.2.      The Board reserves the right to recommend to the general 
meeting of the shareholders (the GM) the dividend in the amount 
calculated on a reasonable basis other than described in clause 3.1. 
above in its sole discretion. The factors that the Board should consider 
include but are not limited to: (i) the Group’s needs for business 
development and strategy implementation purposes; (ii) financial 
resources for business expansion; (ii) any adverse changes in regulatory, 
economic and market environment; (iii) the ability of the Company and 
its subsidiaries to meet their obligations as they fall due; (iv) the 
availability of distributable reserves at the Company’s and subsidiaries’ 
level and (v) other factors considered by the Board of Directors 
important in light of the current circumstances, including maintenance 
of the Company’s credit ratings. 

3.3.     The decision to pay the final dividend and the amount of 
the total dividend in respect of each financial year shall be approved 
by the GM upon the recommendation of the Board based on the 
audited stand-alone financial statements of the Company, the 
Company’s retained earnings and the Consolidated Financial 
Statements of the Group for that financial year. The Board will 
recommend to the GM to approve the final dividend and the final 
decision regarding declaration or distribution of dividends, if any, 
shall be taken by the GM at its sole discretion. 

3.4.     The distribution of dividends shall take place at least once a year. 

3.5.    Interim dividends, if declared, are declared and approved at 
the discretion of the Board. When considering interim dividends, the 
Board will take into account the interim performance results based 
on the interim consolidated financial information provided by the 
management of the Group (semi-annual accounts) and prospects of 
the Group, its planned and committed capital expenditures, financial 
flexibility requirements, the availability and cost of funds from 
external sources, and other relevant matters.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

243

3.6.    From time to time, the Company may declare and approve a 
special final dividend or special interim dividend, which shall be paid 
together with the final dividend or interim dividend, in excess of 
thresholds provided in clause 3.1. above. The Board of Directors at 
its sole discretion shall determine the amount of such special final 
dividend or special interim dividend and (a) recommend to the GM to 
approve such special final dividend in case of a final dividend and (b) 
approve such special interim dividend in case of an interim dividend. 

3.7.    The Company’s dividends per one share shall be calculated 
according to the following formula: 

D = Q / S 

where D is the dividend to be paid by the Company per one share; 

Q is the amount of dividends determined in accordance with 
clause 3.1; and 

S is the quantity of shares issued by the Company. 

3.8.    The decision on payment (declaration) of dividends / 
interim dividends shall specify: 

•

the class of shares on which dividend is declared; 

•

the size of dividend corresponding to one share of a certain class; 

•

period of payment, which commences on the date of resolution 
to declare the dividends; 

•

form of payment; and 

•

dividend record day for owners of shares (1). 

3.9.     Dividends shall not be accrued and paid if shares are: 

•

un-issued (unplaced); 

•

held in treasury by the Company; and 

•

in other cases provided for by the applicable laws and regulations. 

4.     Payment of dividends 
4.1.     Only shareholders recorded as such in the register of members 
of GLTR as of the record date are entitled to receive dividends on 
shares issued by GLTR. The record date is the date of the declaration 
of dividends, unless otherwise determined by the Board. 

4.2.      GLTR is responsible for due and full distribution of declared 
dividends on the basis of the relevant information provided by its 
shareholders.

4.3.     Certain dividend payments may be subject to withholding tax 
on their gross amount in accordance with tax laws of Cyprus and 
the countries of residence of shareholders. When calculating, 
withholding and transferring the tax amounts, GLTR will act with 
respect to taxes levied on dividends in the Republic of Cyprus as 
prescribed by the applicable law, including, if applicable, any 
international agreements for the avoidance of double taxation to 
which the Republic of Cyprus is a party. The shareholders will take 
all responsibility to pay taxes on the dividends received in the 
countries of their residence. 

4.4.     When calculating the amount of withholding tax, subject to 
clause 4.5 below, GLTR will take into account the existing Cyprus 
legislation, EU legislation and double tax treaties with the countries 
where shareholders are registered applicable as at the 
date of the dividend payment. 

4.5.     The shareholders shall be responsible for providing the 
information and documents necessary for proper taxation, including 
but not limited to the information and documents required to apply 
any international agreements for the avoidance of double taxation 
to which the Republic of Cyprus is party, if applicable. 

4.6.     Unless the Board approves otherwise, dividends on GLTR 
shares will be declared in Russian Roubles and paid in US Dollars at 
the exchange rate of the Bank of Russia as at the date of the GM. 
In case the Board declares interim dividends on GLTR shares, such 
interim dividends will be declared in Russian Roubles and paid in US 
Dollars at the exchange rate of the Bank of Russia as at the date of 
the respective Board meeting, the record date or as at any other date 
stipulated by the resolution of the Board meeting. Notwithstanding 
the foregoing, with effect from the first dividend to be paid in 2019 
(but not prior thereto), shareholders may request to receive payment 
of dividends (including interim dividends) in Russian Roubles, if such 
holder makes such request by the time, in the manner and pursuant 
to such procedures as may be prescribed by the Company which will 
be set forth on the Group’s website www.globaltrans.com (which 
may be amended from time to time in the sole discretion of the 
Company). The Board may in its sole discretion change or revoke this 
policy from time to time, and shall be under no obligation to make 
payments of dividends in Russian Roubles. (2)

(1)  The dividend record date for holders of the Company’s shares may be different from dividend record 
date set for owners of global depositary receipts, which is set and announced by the Depositary that 
issued global depositary receipts.  

(2)  Only holders of ordinary shares may request to receive payment of dividends in Russian roubles; the 
rights of holders of global depositary receipts are governed by the deposit agreement with the Depositary.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

244

DIVIDEND POLICY 
continued

4.7.    Unless the Board proposes and shareholders approve 
otherwise, dividends on GLTR shares shall be paid in cash through a 
cash transfer to the shareholders’ accounts provided by shareholders. 

4.8.     Unless the shareholders or the Board decide otherwise, 
dividends shall be distributed not later than 30 (thirty) days after the 
Board or the GM pass the respective resolution. No shareholders 
shall enjoy the advantage of prior dividend payout. 

5.     Approval and updates to dividend policy 
5.1.     The way the Dividend Policy is applied might need to change 
over time to reflect changes in circumstances under which the 
Company operates. In these cases, the Company innovates and 
adapts its Dividend Policy provisions to remain competitive in a 
changing and uncertain world, so that it can respond to existing 
and exploit new opportunities. 

5.2.     The resolution to approve the provisions of the Dividend Policy, 
as well as any resolutions to make amendments or additions to these 
provisions and any resolutions to cancel them, shall be made by the 
Board. The provisions shall enter into force upon their approval by 
the Board.

Annex 1:  Definitions 
Exclusively for the purpose of the current Dividend Policy, the 
definitions of terms below shall have the following meaning. 
The Board reserves the right to amend the definitions below on 
the reasonable basis in its sole discretion. 

Attributable Free Cash Flow  (a non-GAAP financial measure) 
means Free Cash Flow less Adjusted Profit Attributable to Non-
controlling Interests.  

EBITDA  (a non-GAAP financial measure) represents “Profit for 
the period” before “Income tax expense”, “Finance costs – net” 
(excluding “Net foreign exchange transaction (gains)/losses on 
financing activities”), “Depreciation of property, plant and 
equipment” and “Amortisation of intangible assets”. 

Adjusted EBITDA  (a non-GAAP financial measure) represents 
EBITDA excluding “Net foreign exchange transaction 
(gains)/losses on financing activities”, “Share of profit/(loss) of 
associate”, “Other losses/(gains) – net”, “Net (gain)/loss on sale 
of property, plant and equipment”, “Impairment of property, 
plant and equipment”, “Impairment of intangible assets”, “Loss 
on derecognition arising on capital repairs” and “Reversal of 
impairment of intangible assets”.  

Free Cash Flow  (a non-GAAP financial measure) is calculated as 
“Cash generated from operations” (after “Changes in working 
capital”) less “Tax paid”, “Purchases of property, plant and 
equipment” (which includes maintenance CAPEX), “Purchases 
of intangible assets”, “Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings – 
net of cash acquired”, “Finance lease principal payments” and 
“Interest paid”. 

Adjusted Profit Attributable to Non-controlling Interests 
(a non-GAAP financial measure) is calculated as “Profit attributable 
to non-controlling interests” less share of “Impairment of 
property, plant and equipment” and “Impairment of intangible 
assets” attributable to non-controlling interests. 

Leverage Ratio or Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA  (a non-GAAP 
financial measure) is the ratio of Net Debt on the last day of a 
particular financial period to Adjusted EBITDA in respect of the 
twelve months to the end of that same period.  

Net Debt  (a non-GAAP financial measure) is defined as the sum 
of total borrowings (including interest accrued) less “Cash and 
cash equivalents”.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

DEFINITIONS

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

245

Terms that require definitions are marked with capital letters in this Annual Report and 
their definitions are provided below in alphabetical order: 

Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) represents 
EBITDA excluding “Net foreign exchange transaction (gains)/losses 
on financing activities”, “Share of profit/(loss) of associate”, “Other 
losses/(gains) – net”, “Net (gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and 
equipment”, “Impairment of property, plant and equipment”, 
“Impairment of intangible assets”, “Loss on derecognition arising on 
capital repairs” and “Reversal of impairment of intangible assets”. 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin (a non-GAAP financial measure) is 
calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by Adjusted Revenue. 

Adjusted Profit Attributable to Non-controlling Interests (a non-
GAAP financial measure) is calculated as “Profit attributable to non-
controlling interests” less share of “Impairment of property, plant 
and equipment” and “Impairment of intangible assets” attributable 
to non-controlling interests. 

Adjusted Revenue (a non-GAAP financial measure) is calculated 
as “Total revenue” less the following “pass through” items 
“Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips” and “Services 
provided by other transportation organisations”. 

Attributable Free Cash Flow (a non-GAAP financial measure) 
means Free Cash Flow less Adjusted Profit Attributable to Non-
controlling Interests. 

Average Distance of Loaded Trip is calculated as the sum of the 
distances of all loaded trips for a period divided by the number of 
loaded trips for the same period. 

Average Number of Loaded Trips per Railcar is calculated as the 
total number of loaded trips in the relevant period divided by 
Average Rolling Stock Operated. 

Average Price per Trip is calculated as Net Revenue from Operation 
of Rolling Stock divided by the total number of loaded trips during 
the relevant period in the respective currency. 

Average Rolling Stock Operated is calculated as the average 
weighted (by days) number of rolling stock available for operator 
services (not including rolling stock in maintenance, purchased 
rolling stock in transition to its first place of commercial utilisation, 
rolling stock leased out, Engaged Fleet, flat cars and containers used 
in the container business segment).

EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) represents “Profit for 
the period” before “Income tax expense”, “Finance costs – net” 
(excluding “Net foreign exchange transaction (gains)/losses on 
financing activities”), “Depreciation of property, plant and 
equipment” and “Amortisation of intangible assets”. 

Empty Run or Empty Runs means the movement of railcars without 
cargo for the whole or a substantial part of the journey. 

Empty Run Costs (a non-GAAP financial measure meaning costs 
payable to RZD for forwarding empty railcars) is derived from 
management accounts and presented as part of the “Infrastructure 
and locomotive tariffs: empty run trips and other tariffs” component 
of “Cost of sales” reported under EU IFRS. Empty Run Costs do not 
include costs of relocation of rolling stock to and from maintenance, 
purchased rolling stock in transition to its first place of commercial 
utilisation, rolling stock leased in or leased out, Engaged Fleet, flat 
cars and containers used in the container business segment. 

Empty Run Ratio is calculated as the total of empty trips in 
kilometres by respective rolling stock type divided by total loaded 
trips in kilometres of such rolling stock type. Empty trips are only 
applicable to rolling stock operated (not including rolling stock in 
maintenance, purchased rolling stock in transition to its first place of 
commercial utilisation, rolling stock leased out, Engaged Fleet, flat 
cars and containers used in the container business segment). 

Engaged Fleet is defined as rolling stock subcontracted or otherwise 
engaged from a third-party rail operator for a loaded trip from the 
point of origination to the cargo’s destination, at which point the 
railcar is then released to such third party. 

Free Cash Flow (a non-GAAP financial measure) is calculated as 
“Cash generated from operations” (after “Changes in working 
capital”) less “Tax paid”, “Purchases of property, plant and equipment” 
(which includes maintenance CAPEX), “Purchases of intangible 
assets”, “Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings – net of cash 
acquired”, “Finance lease principal payments” and “Interest paid”. 

Freight Rail Turnover is a measure of freight carriage activity over a 
particular period calculated as the sum of tonnage of each loaded 
trip multiplied by the distance of each loaded trip, expressed in 
tonnes-km. It excludes volumes transported by Engaged Fleet and 
the performance of the container business segment, unless 
otherwise stated.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

246

DEFINITIONS 
continued

Infrastructure and Locomotive Tariffs – Other Tariffs (a non-
GAAP financial measure, derived from management accounts) is 
presented as part of the ‘’Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: 
empty run trips and other tariffs’’ component of “Cost of sales” 
reported under EU IFRS. This cost item includes the costs of 
relocation of rolling stock to and from maintenance, transition of 
purchased rolling stock to its first place of commercial utilisation, 
and relocation of rolling stock in and from lease operations as well 
as other expenses including the empty run costs attributable to the 
container business segment. 

Leased-in Fleet is defined as fleet leased in under operating leases, 
including railcars, locomotives and containers. 

Leased-out Fleet is defined as fleet leased out to third parties under 
operating leases (excluding flat cars and containers used in the 
container business segment). 

Leverage Ratio or Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP 
financial measure) is the ratio of Net Debt on the last day of a 
particular financial period to Adjusted EBITDA in respect of the 
12 months to the end of that same period. 

Net Revenue from Operation of Rolling Stock (a non-GAAP 
financial measure, derived from management accounts) is defined as 
the sum of “Revenue from railway transportation – operators 
services (tariff borne by the Group)” and “Revenue from railway 
transportation – operators services (tariff borne by the client)” less 
“Infrastructure and locomotive tariffs: loaded trips”, “Services 
provided by other transportation organisation” and Net Revenue 
from Engaged Fleet. 

Net Working Capital (a non-GAAP financial measure) is calculated 
as the sum of the current portions of “Inventories”, “Current income 
tax assets”, “Trade receivables – net”, “Other receivables – net” 
(“Other receivables – third parties” and “Other receivables – related 
parties” net of “Provision for impairment of other receivables”), 
“Prepayments – third parties”, “Prepayments – related parties” and 
“VAT recoverable”, less the sum of the current portions of “Trade 
payables to third parties”, “Trade payables to related parties”, 
“Other payables to third parties”, “Other payables to related 
parties”, “Accrued expenses”, “Accrued key management 
compensation, including share-based payment”, “Contract 
liabilities”, “Advances from customers for transportation services” 
and “Current tax liabilities”. 

Market Share is calculated using the Group’s own information as 
the numerator and information published by the Federal State 
Statistics Service of Russia as the denominator. It is defined as a 
percentage of the overall Russian freight rail transportation volume 
or freight rail turnover and includes volumes transported by 
Engaged Fleet, unless otherwise stated. 

Other Operating Cash Costs (a non-GAAP financial measure) 
include cost items such as “Advertising and promotion”, “Auditors’ 
remuneration”, “Communication costs”, “Information services”, 
“Legal, consulting and other professional fees”, “Rental of tank 
containers”, “Operating lease rentals – office”, “Taxes (other than 
income tax and value added taxes)” and “Other expenses”. 

Net Debt (a non-GAAP financial measure) is defined as the sum 
of total borrowings (including interest accrued) less “Cash and 
cash equivalents”. 

Net Revenue from Engaged Fleet (a non-GAAP financial measure, 
derived from management accounts) represents the net sum of the 
price charged for transportation to clients by the Group utilising 
Engaged Fleet less the loaded railway tariff charged by RZD 
(included in the EU IFRS line item “Infrastructure and locomotive 
tariffs: loaded trips”) less the cost of attracting fleet from third-party 
operators (included in the EU IFRS line item “Services provided by 
other transportation organisations”).

Owned Fleet is defined as the fleet owned and leased in under a 
finance lease as at the end of the reporting period. It includes railcars, 
locomotives and containers, unless otherwise stated, and excludes 
Engaged Fleet. 

Share of Empty Run Kilometres paid by Globaltrans is defined as 
the percentage of empty run kilometres paid by Globaltrans divided 
by the total amount of empty run kilometres incurred by the fleet 
operated by Globaltrans (not including relocation of rolling stock to 
and from maintenance, purchased rolling stock in transition to its 
first place of commercial utilisation, and rolling stock leased-out, 
Engaged Fleet, flat cars and containers used in the container business 
segment) in the relevant period.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

247

Total Operating Non-Cash Costs (a non-GAAP financial measure) 
include cost items such as “Depreciation of property, plant and 
equipment”, “Amortisation of intangible assets”, “Loss on 
derecognition arising on capital repairs”, “Net impairment losses 
on trade receivables and prepayments”, “Impairment of property, 
plant and equipment” and “Net (gain)/loss on sale of property, 
plant and equipment”. 

Transportation Volume is a measure of freight carriage activity 
over a particular period, measuring weight of cargo carried in million 
tonnes. It excludes volumes transported by Engaged Fleet and 
the performance of the container business segment, unless 
otherwise stated.

Total CAPEX (a non-GAAP financial measure) calculated on a cash 
basis as the sum of “Purchases of property, plant and equipment” 
(which includes maintenance CAPEX), “Purchases of intangible 
assets”, “Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings – net of cash 
acquired” and “Finance lease principal payments” (as part of the 
capital expenditures was financed with a finance lease). 

Total Empty Run Ratio is calculated as total kilometres travelled 
empty divided by the total kilometres travelled loaded by the rolling 
stock fleet operated by Globaltrans (not including the relocation of 
rolling stock to and from maintenance, purchased rolling stock in 
transition to its first place of commercial utilisation, or rolling stock 
leased-out, Engaged Fleet, flat cars and containers used in the 
container business segment) in the relevant period. 

Total Fleet is defined as the fleet owned and leased in under finance 
and operating leases as at the end of reporting period. It includes 
railcars, locomotives and containers, unless otherwise stated, and 
excludes Engaged Fleet. 

Total Operating Cash Costs (a non-GAAP financial measure) 
represent operating cost items payable in cash and calculated as 
“Total cost of sales, selling and marketing costs and administrative 
expenses” less the “pass through” items: “Infrastructure and 
locomotive tariffs: loaded trips” and “Services provided by other 
transportation organisations” and non-cash items: “Depreciation of 
property, plant and equipment”, “Amortisation of intangible assets”, 
“Net impairment losses on trade receivables and prepayments”, 
“Impairment of property, plant and equipment”, “Net (gain)/loss 
on sale of property, plant and equipment” and “Loss on 
derecognition arising on capital repairs”.

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

248

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

Financial information 
All financial information presented in this Annual Report is derived 
from the Consolidated Management Report and Consolidated 
Financial Statements of Globaltrans Investment PLC (the 
“Company” and, together with its subsidiaries, “Globaltrans” or the 
“Group”) and prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and the 
requirements of Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113 (EU IFRS). 
The Group’s Consolidated Management Report and Consolidated 
Financial Statements and the parent company financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2018 are included in the Financial 
Statements section of this Annual Report. Financial statements for 
prior years can be found on Globaltrans’ corporate website 
(www.globaltrans.com). Certain financial information derived from 
the management accounts is marked in this Annual Report with an 
asterisk (*). The presentational currency of the Group’s financial 
results is Russian Roubles (RUB), which is the functional currency of 
the Company as well as of its Cypriot and Russian subsidiaries. 

Non-GAAP financial information 
In this Annual Report, the Group has used certain measures not 
recognised by EU IFRS or IFRS (referred to as “non-GAAP 
measures”). The management believes that these non-GAAP 
measures provide valuable information to readers, because they 
enable them to focus more directly on the underlying day-to-day 
performance of the Group’s business and are frequently used by 
securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the 
evaluation of companies in the freight rail transportation sector. 
Further explanations of the reasons for presenting such measures 
are included in the Financial Review section of this Annual Report. 
The non-GAAP measures that have been used in this Annual Report 
as supplemental measures of the Group’s operating performance. 
All non-GAAP financial information is calculated on the basis of 
EU IFRS financial statements and/or management accounts. 
Reconciliations to the closest IFRS measures are included in the 
Financial Review section of this Annual Report. Non-GAAP 
measures requiring additional explanation or definitions appear 

with initial capital letters and the definitions and explanations are 
provided in the Definitions section of this Annual Report. Other 
companies in the freight rail transportation sector may calculate the 
above non-GAAP measures differently or may use each of them for 
different purposes than the Group, limiting their usefulness as 
comparative measures. All non-GAAP financial information 
presented in this Annual Report should be used only as an analytical 
tool and investors should not consider such information, in isolation 
or in any combination, as a substitute for analysis of the Group’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements reported under EU IFRS and 
included in the Financial Statements section of this Annual Report. 

Operational and market information 
Globaltrans reports certain operational information to illustrate the 
changes in the Group’s operational and financial performance 
during the reporting periods. This operational information is derived 
from management accounts. The Group’s selected operational 
information for the year ended 31 December 2018 is provided in 
the Additional Information section of this Annual Report. Selected 
operational information for prior years can be found on Globaltrans’ 
corporate website (www.globaltrans.com). Terms referring to such 
operational information appear with initial capital letters with 
definitions or explanations provided in the Definitions section of this 
Annual Report. The Group has obtained certain statistical, market 
and pricing information that is presented in this announcement on 
such topics as the Russian freight rail transportation market and 
related subjects from the following third-party sources: Federal State 
Statistics Service of Russian Federation (“Rosstat”), OAO Russian 
Railways (“RZD”) and the Federal Antimonopoly Service (“FAS”). 
The Group has accurately reproduced such information and, as far 
as it is aware and is able to ascertain from information published by 
such third-party sources, no facts have been omitted that would 
render the reproduced information inaccurate or misleading. 
The Group has not independently verified this third-party 
information. In addition, the official data published by Russian 
governmental agencies may be substantially less complete or 
researched than that of more developed countries.

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

249

Among others, these include general economic conditions, the 
competitive environment, risks associated with operating in Russia, 
market change in the Russian freight rail market and many other 
risks specifically related to the Group and its operations. This 
Annual Report has been prepared to assist shareholders to assess 
the Group’s financial condition, results of operations, business, 
strategies and prospects and for no other purpose. The Group, its 
Directors, employees, agents and advisers do not accept or assume 
responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to 
whom this Annual Report is shown or who may have access to it, 
and any such responsibility or liability is expressly disclaimed.

Cautionary note 
This Annual Report, including its appendices, may contain forward-
looking statements regarding future events or the future financial 
performance of the Group. You can identify forward-looking 
statements by terms such as expect, believe, estimate, anticipate, 
intend, will, could, may or might, the negative of such terms or 
other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements 
include matters that are not historical facts and statements 
regarding the Group’s intentions, beliefs or current expectations 
concerning, among other things, the Group’s results of operations, 
financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the 
industry in which the Group operates. By their nature, forward-
looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they 
relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not 
occur in the future. The Group cautions that forward-looking 
statements are not guarantees of future performance and that the 
Group’s actual results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, 
prospects, growth and strategies, and the development of the 
industry in which the Group operates, may differ materially from 
those described in or suggested by the forward-looking statements 
contained in this Annual Report. In addition, even if the Group’s 
results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, 
growth and strategies and the development of the industry in which 
the Group operates are consistent with the forward-looking 
statements contained in these materials, those results or 
developments may not be indicative of results or developments in 
future periods. The Group does not intend to update these 
statements to reflect events and circumstances occurring after the 
date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. 
Many factors could cause the actual results to differ materially from 
those contained in forward-looking statements of the Group. 

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

250

GRI CONTENT INDEX

Indicator

Definition

Report section / notes

Annual Report page

General disclosures 

102-1
102-2

102-3
102-4

102-5
102-6

102-7

102-8

102-9
102-10

102-11

102-12

102-13

102-14

102-15

102-16

102-18
102-35

102-40
102-41

•
•

•
•
•

•
•

Name of the organisation
Activities, brands, products, and services

Location of headquarters
Location of operations 
Number of countries where the 
organisation operates
Ownership and legal form
Markets served

•

Scale of the organisation

•

•
•

•

•
•

•
•

Information on employees and 
other workers
Supply chain
Significant changes to the organisation 
and its supply chain
Precautionary Principle or approach

External initiatives 
A list of externally developed economic, 
environmental and social charters, principles 
or other initiatives to which the organisation 
subscribes or which it endorses
Membership of associations 
A list of the main memberships of industry 
or other associations, and national or 
international advocacy organisations

•

Statement from senior decision-maker

•

Key impacts, risks opportunities

•

•
•

•
•

Values, principles, standards and norms 
of behaviour
Governance structure
Remuneration policies

List of stakeholder groups
Collective bargaining agreements

102-42

•

Identifying and selecting stakeholders 
with whom to engage

•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•

•

•

•
•

•

•

•

•
•
•
•
•

•
•

•
•

•

Corporate Structure
At a Glance 
Operational Performance
Key Contacts
At a Glance 
Market Review

Corporate Structure
Market Review 
Operational Performance
Operational Performance 
Financial Review
Corporate Social Responsibility

Operational Performance
No significant changes in the supply chain

The Group does not explicitly use the 
precautionary principle
The Group does not have membership in 
external initiatives

Corporate Social Responsibility 
Union of Railway Transport Operators – 
SOZHT (AO New Forwarding Company) 
Council of Russian Transport Workers – 
STR (AO New Forwarding Company) 
Railway Engineering Association – OPZHT 
(AO Ural Wagonrepair Company) 
Estonian Chamber of Commerce and 
Industry (AS Spacecom (Estonia) and AS 
Spacecom Trans (Estonia)) 
Chairman’s Statement 
Chief Executive Officer’s Review
Risk Management 
Corporate Social Responsibility 
Corporate Social Responsibility

Board of Directors, Executive Management 
Corporate Governance – Remuneration of 
the Board of Directors and management
Corporate Social Responsibility
As at 31 December 2018, 51% of total 
employees in OOO BaltTransServis were 
covered by collective bargaining agreements. 
In other Group subsidiaries there were no 
collective bargaining agreements. 
Corporate Social Responsibility

p.241 
p.4 
p.32-37
p.249 
p.4 
p.24-25

p.241 
p.24 
p.32-37
p.32-37 
p.40
p.63-64

p.36

p.61

p.14-16 
p.20-23

p.57 
p.63
p.62

p.70-75
p.81

p.60-61

p.60-61

Overview    Strategic Report    Governance    Financial Statements    Additional Information

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

251

Indicator

Definition

Report section / notes

Annual Report page

General disclosures continued 

102-43

102-44

102-45

102-46
102-47
102-48

102-49

102-50
102-51
102-52
102-53

102-54

102-55
102-56

•

•

•

•
•
•

•

•
•
•
•

The organisation’s approach to 
stakeholder engagement
Key topics and concerns that have been 
raised through stakeholder engagement
Entities included in the consolidated 
financial statements
Defining report content and topic boundaries
List of the material topics
Restatements of information given in 
previous reports

Significant changes from previous 
reporting periods in the list of material 
topics and topic boundaries
Reporting period
Date of most recent report
Reporting cycle
Contact point for questions regarding 
the report

•

Claims of reporting in accordance with 
the GRI standards

•
•

GRI content index
External assurance

•

Corporate Social Responsibility

•

Corporate Social Responsibility

•

•
•
•

•

•
•
•
•

•

•
•

Notes to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements
Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility
This is the second time the Group has 
published a Corporate Social Responsibility 
section in the Annual Report. No 
restatements of information provided in  
the previous report were made
No significant changes

Calendar year 2018
April 2017
Annual
Investor Relations 
Phone: +357 25 328 860 
Email: irteam@globaltrans.com
The Corporate Social Responsibility 
Report was prepared in accordance 
with the GRI Standards – core option
GRI content index
External assurance for the Group’s 
Corporate Social Responsibility section was 
not conducted in the reporting period

Management

103-1

103-2

103-3

•

•

•

Explanation of the material topic and 
its boundary
The management approach and its 
components
Evaluation of the management approach

•

Corporate Social Responsibility

•

Corporate Social Responsibility

•

Corporate Social Responsibility

Economic impact

Economic performance

p.60-61

p.60-61

p.154

p.60
p.60

p.250-252

p.60-67

p.60-67

p.60-67

201-1

•

Direct economic value generated 
and distributed

•
•

Financial Review 
Corporate Social Responsibility

p.38-52 
p.67

Indirect economic impacts

203-2

•

Significant indirect economic impacts

•

Corporate Social Responsibility

p.67

Anti-corruption

205-3

•

Confirmed incidents of corruption 
and actions taken

•

Corporate Social Responsibility

p.62

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

252

GRI CONTENT INDEX 
continued

Indicator

Definition

Report section / notes

Annual Report page

Environmental impact

Materials

301-1
301-2

Energy

302-1

•
•

Materials used by weight or volume
Recycled input materials used

•
•

Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility

•

Energy consumption within the organisation

•

Corporate Social Responsibility

Water and effluents (1)

303-5

•

Water consumption

•

Corporate Social Responsibility 

Emissions

305-2

•

Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions (2)

•

Corporate Social Responsibility

Environmental compliance

307-1

•

Non-compliance with environmental 
laws and regulations

•
•

Corporate Social Responsibility 
No incidents of non-compliance with 
environmental laws and regulations 
occurred in the reporting period

Social impact

Employment

401-1
401-2

•
•

New employee hires and employee turnover
Benefits provided to full-time employees 
that are not provided to temporary or 
part-time employees

•
•
•

Corporate Social Responsibility 
Corporate Social Responsibility 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial 
Statement

Occupational health and safety

403-1

403-5

403-9

•

•

•

Occupational health and safety 
management system
Worker training on occupational 
health and safety
Work-related injuries

•

Corporate Social Responsibility

•

Corporate Social Responsibility

•

Corporate Social Responsibility

p.66
p.66

p.65

p.66

p.66

p.65

p.64
p.64 
p.146

p.65

p.65

p.65

Training and education

404-1

•

Average hours of training per year per 
employee by gender and employee category

•

Corporate Social Responsibility

p.64

Diversity and equal opportunity

405-1

•

Diversity of governance bodies 
and employees

•
•
•
•

Corporate Social Responsibility 
Corporate Governance 
Consolidated Management Report 
Management Report

p.64 
p.79-80 
p.93 
p.176-181 

(1)  Given the fact that Globaltrans has decided to disclose data on water consumption only this year, 
the mechanism for collecting, processing and presenting such information has not yet been fully 
developed. Therefore, the Company does not have enough statistics to fully demonstrate the trends 
occurring in all of its business units. Data only for BaltTransServis and Ural Wagonrepair were collected. 

(2)  Taking into account that this is the first year the Group has disclosed its indirect greenhouse gases 
emissions, only data for 2018 is available. 

OVERVIEW 

Highlights of 2018                                                  2 
At a Glance                                                              4  
Large Modern Fleet                                               6 
Efficient Operational Platform                            8 
Established Blue-chip Client Base 
and Strong Market Positions                             10 

STRATEGIC REPORT 

Chairman’s Statement                                           14 
A Decade of Delivery                                          18 
Chief Executive Officer’s Review                       20 
Market Review                                                        24  
Business Model and Strategy                             30  
Operational Performance                                    32 
Financial Review                                                     38  
Risk Management                                                  53  
Corporate Social Responsibility                          60 

GOVERNANCE 

Board of Directors                                                  70  
Executive Management                                        74  
Corporate Governance                                         76 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Consolidated Management Report 
and Consolidated Financial Statements           84 
Board of Directors and Other Officers             85  
Consolidated Management Report                  86  
Directors’ Responsibility                                       96  
Independent Auditor’s Report                           97  
Consolidated Income Statement                     102  
Consolidated Statement 
of Comprehensive Income                                103 
Consolidated Balance Sheet                              104 
Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity                                           105 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement                106 
Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements                                           107 
Management Report and Parent 
Company Financial Statements                        174 
Board of Directors and Other Officers          175  
Management Report                                           176  
Directors’ Responsibility                                    184  
Independent Auditor’s Report                         185 
Income Statement                                               189 
Statement of Comprehensive Income           190  
Balance Sheet                                                        191 
Statement of Changes in Equity                       192 
Cash Flow Statement                                          193  
Notes to the Parent Company 
Financial Statements                                           194 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Selected Operational Information                  234  
Ownership                                                             240  
Corporate Structure                                            241  
Dividend Policy                                                     242  
Definitions                                                             245 
Presentation of Financial and  
Other Information                                              248  
GRI Content Index                                              250 
Key Contacts                                                          IBC 

10 YEAR
ANNIVERSARY
LONDON LISTING

Globaltrans 2008 - 2018, celebrating the 10 year anniversary 
of listing on the London Stock Exchange.

Summary of presentation of financial and other information 
All  financial  information  presented  in  this  Annual  Report  is  derived  from  the  Consolidated  Management  Report  and 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements  of  Globaltrans  Investment  PLC  (the  “Company”  and,  together  with  its  subsidiaries, 
“Globaltrans” or the “Group”) and has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted  by  the  European  Union  and  the  requirements  of  Cyprus  Companies  Law,  Cap.  113  (EU  IFRS).  The  Group’s 
Consolidated Management Report and Consolidated Financial Statements and the Parent Company Financial Statements for 
the year ended 31 December 2018 are included in the Financial Statements section of this Annual Report. Financial statements 
for prior years can be found on Globaltrans’ corporate website (www.globaltrans.com/download-centre). 
The presentational currency of the Group’s financial results is the Russian Rouble (RUB), which is the functional currency of 
the Company as well as of its Cypriot and Russian subsidiaries.  
Certain financial information derived from management accounts is marked in this Annual Report with an asterisk (*). In this 
Annual Report, the Group has used certain “non-GAAP financial information” (i.e. measures not recognised by EU IFRS or 
IFRS) as supplementary explanations of the Group’s operating performance. Information (non-GAAP financial and operating 
measures) requiring additional explanation or defining is marked with initial capital letters and the explanations or definitions 
are provided at the end of this Annual Report. Reconciliations of the non-GAAP measures to the closest EU IFRS measures 
are included in the body of this Annual Report. Rounding adjustments have been made in calculating some of the financial 
and operational information included in this Annual Report. As a result, numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may 
not be exact arithmetical aggregations of the figures that precede them. 
This Annual Report, including its appendices, may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future 
financial performance of the Group. Forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as expect, believe, estimate, 
anticipate, intend, will, could, may or might, and the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. By their nature, 
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that 
may or may not occur in the future. The Group cautions that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future 
performance and that the Group’s actual results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth and strategies, 
and the development of the industry in which the Group operates, may differ materially from those described in or suggested 
by the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report. For a detailed description of the presentation of financial 
and other information, please see the Presentation of Financial and Other Information section of this Annual Report. 

Stock Exchange 
London Stock Exchange plc 
10 Paternoster Square, London EC4M 7LS, UK 

Phone:        +44 20 7797 1000 
Website:     www.londonstockexchange.com 

Auditors 
PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited 
City House, 6 Karaiskakis Street, 
CY-3032 Limassol, Cyprus 

Phone:        +357 25 555 000 
Fax:              +357 25 555 001 

Follow us on Twitter 
https://twitter.com/GLTR_news 

KEY CONTACTS

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Legal address 
Omirou 20, Agios Nikolaos, 
CY-3095 Limassol, Cyprus 

Postal address 
Office 201, 4 Profiti Ilia Street, Germasogeias, 
CY-4046 Limassol, Cyprus 

Phone:        +357 25 212 382 
Fax:              +357 25 503 155 
Website:     www.globaltrans.com 

Investor Relations 
Phone:        +357 25 328 860 
Email:          irteam@globaltrans.com 

Media Relations 
Phone:        +357 25 328 863 
Email:          media@globaltrans.com 

Company Secretary 
Ms. Elia Nicolaou 
Anastasio Building, 6th Floor, 
15 Dimitriou Karatasou Street, 
CY-2024 Strovolos, Nicosia, Cyprus 

Depositary Bank 
Bank of New York Mellon 
Shareholder correspondence should be mailed to: 

BNY Mellon Shareowner Services 
PO BOX 30170 
College Station, TX 77842-3170, USA 

Phone for domestic callers: 
+1 888 BNY ADRS (+1 888 269 2377) 

Phone for international callers: 
+1 201 680 6825 

Email:          shrrelations@cpushareownerservices.com 
Website:     www.mybnymdr.com

Designed and produced by fourthquarter

RUSSIA’S LEADING  
FREIGHT RAIL GROUP

10 YEAR IPO
ANNIVERSARY
2008-2018

A DECADE OF 
SUCCESS 
THE JOURNEY 
CONTINUES 

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www.globaltrans.com

Globaltrans Investment PLC 
Annual Report 2018