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Hunting
Annual Report 2014

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FY2014 Annual Report · Hunting
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GLOBAL PRESENCE

Hunting PLC   
2014 Annual Report and Accounts

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTRODUCTION

WELCOME TO HUNTING  
THE UPSTREAM ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY 
WHICH MANUFACTURES, SUPPLIES AND 
DISTRIBUTES EQUIPMENT TO ENABLE THE
 EXTRACTION OF OIL AND GAS.

01

CONTENTS

STRATEGIC REPORT

GROUP PERFORMANCE 
AND DEVELOPMENT

PAGE 22

QUALITY

PAGE 09

DELIVERY

PAGE 13

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

46 
48 
52 

Board of Directors
Report of the Directors
Corporate Governance Report

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

80 

85 
86 
87 
88 

Independent Auditors’ Report to the 
Members of Hunting PLC
Consolidated Income Statement
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

OTHER INFORMATION

146  Shareholder Information
147  Glossary
IBC  Professional Advisers

Chairman’s Statement

Business Strategy
Performance Indicators

02  Operational and Financial Highlights
04 
06  Hunting and Our Business Model
10 
14 
18  Market Review
22  Group Performance and Development
32  Group Funding and Position at Year End
34  Outlook
36 
40 

Principal Risks and Uncertainties
Corporate and Social Responsibility

PRECISION

PAGE 20

FULFILMENT

PAGE 30

Remuneration Committee Report

56 
58  Directors’ Remuneration Policy
69  Annual Report on Remuneration
77  Audit Committee Report

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
89 
Company Balance Sheet
90 
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
91 
92 
Company Statement of Cash Flows
93  Notes to the Financial Statements
145   Financial Record

STRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
 
 
 
 
02

OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS*
2014

Employee numbers – year end

4,003

(2013 – 3,821)

Facilities footprint (developed) – sq footage

2.8M

(2013 – 2.8m)

Facilities footprint (in development) – sq footage

0.5M

Continued development of global footprint
Americas
 – Completion of expansion at Houma, Louisiana, to 
service Gulf of Mexico activity – total operating 
footprint 281,000 sq ft;

 – New premium connections facility to service North 
America commenced in Houston, Texas – operating 
footprint 155,000 sq ft;

 – Expansion of Hunting Dearborn to increase precision 
machining capabilities – total operating footprint 
214,000 sq ft.

Africa
 – New threading, accessories and storage facility at Cape 
Town, South Africa, to serve Sub-Sahara customers 
nearing completion – operating footprint 52,000 sq ft;
 – Satellite service and repair facility in Mombasa, Kenya 

– operating footprint 16,000 sq ft.

Europe
 – Sales and storage presence established in Norway;
 – Perforating systems distribution centre being 

established in Scotland.

Asia Pacific
 – New slickline manufacturing facility secured in Singapore.

Investment in product research and development
 – SEAL-LOCK XD™ premium connection products 

commercialised, with first customer orders secured;
 – WEDGE-LOCK™ premium connection product suite 

rolled out to customers in 2014;

 – New connections test and certification facility under 

construction in Houston, Texas;

 – New ControlFire™ switch system launched to customers.

* 2013 results restated for the designation of Gibson Shipbrokers as a discontinued operation. 

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
Strong underlying performance across the Group
 – Revenue $1,386.5m (2013 – $1,293.6m) 
 – Underlying profit from operations $217.8m  

(2013 – $200.0m)

 – Underlying profit before tax $212.4m (2013 – $197.5m)
 – Underlying profit for the year $155.2m (2013 – $145.4m)
 – Underlying diluted earnings per share 100.0 cents  

(2013 – 94.5 cents)

Reported performance impacted by impairments
 – Reported profit from operations $113.9m  

(2013 – $138.9m)

 – Reported profit before tax $108.5m (2013 – $136.4m)
 – Reported profit for the year $71.8m (2013 – $107.6m)
 – Reported diluted earnings per share 44.8 cents  

(2013 – 69.4 cents)

Strong cash generation across the Group reducing  
net debt
 – Free cash flow $182.3m (2013 – $145.6m)
 – Net debt $131.0m (2013 – $205.8m)
 – Gearing 9% (2013 – 15%)

Consistent shareholder distributions
 – Final dividend of 22.9 cents proposed to be paid  
on 26 May 2015 to shareholders on the register  
on 1 May 2015 (2013 – 21.8 cents) 

03

Revenue

$1,386.5MUp 7.2%

(2013 – $1,293.6m)

Underlying profit from operations

$217.8M Up 8.9%

(2013 – $200.0m)

Underlying profit before tax

$212.4M Up 7.5%

(2013 – $197.5m)

Underlying diluted EPS

100.0 cents

(2013 – 94.5 cents)

 Up 5.8%

Underlying – continuing results for the year before amortisation and exceptional items. 

Reported – results for the year under IFRS.

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
04

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT*

“HUNTING HAD A GOOD YEAR IN 2014, GENERATING SUBSTANTIAL CASH  
AND PROFITS IN MARKETS WHICH WERE STRONG, PARTICULARLY IN THE  
SECOND HALF. ACTIVITY WAS HIGH IN OUR CORE MARKETS IN BOTH THE  
OFFSHORE AND ONSHORE SECTORS.”

Richard Hunting, C.B.E.
Chairman

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
05

Hunting had a good year in 2014, once again generating substantial cash 
and profits in markets which were strong, particularly in the second half.  
It continued to implement its policy of establishing new and enhanced 
manufacturing and distribution facilities in areas of high demand, and 
internationalising product lines through its wide geographic network.

Well Construction, reporting an underlying profit from operations of 
$53.0m (2013 – $58.6m), remained profitable and successful across certain 
of its business lines, however, slow trading and competition issues within 
the Hunting Electronics and Drilling Tools business units curtailed profits 
and growth in this segment during the year. Offsetting these, our Premium 
Connections business continued to take advantage of its strong technical 
offering, reporting growth following the introduction of new Premium 
Connection product lines.

Well Completion, reporting an underlying profit from operations of 
$140.8m (2013 – $124.5m), had an excellent year, aided by a particularly 
strong performance from Hunting Titan with its perforating systems which 
are utilised in both conventional and unconventional well environments.

Well Intervention, reporting an underlying profit from operations of $23.8m 
(2013 – $15.7m), and the smallest of our three core operating segments 
grew rapidly, thanks to strong international demand, particularly in the 
Middle East and in South East Asia. Hunting Subsea performed very well in 
its offshore well sector.

During most of the year, activity was high in our core markets, in both the 
offshore and onshore sectors. This environment allowed a rise in profits, 
with underlying profit before tax from continuing operations being 
$212.4m (2013 – $197.5m). Reported profit before tax from continuing 
operations was $108.5m (2013 – $136.4m), following a $49.6m impairment 
to the value of the goodwill held by the Hunting Electronics and Drilling 
Tools business units, together with a further impairment of $11.3m to the 
carrying value of the Group’s exploration and production assets.

The sharp reduction in the global price of crude oil did not affect our 
trading results during 2014, however, we continue to monitor our customer 
activity levels closely going into 2015. 

Dividend per share for the year 

31.0 cents Up 5.1%

(2013 – 29.5 cents)

Capital investment

$123.5M Up 30.3%

(2013 – $94.8m)

Capital investment was $123.5m (2013 – $94.8m), with major expenditure 
on facilities in Texas, Louisiana, Maine and South Africa. These new facilities 
will be commissioned during the coming year.

Underlying diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were 
100.0 cents (2013 – 94.5 cents), an increase of 5.8% on the previous year. 
Reported diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were 
 44.8 cents (2013 – 69.4 cents).

Despite the current market environment, and with confidence in the longer 
term fundamentals of our industry, the Board is recommending a final dividend 
for 2014 of 22.9 cents per share (2013 – 21.8 cents). The final dividend is payable 
on 26 May 2015 to shareholders on the register on 1 May 2015, giving a total of  
31.0 cents for the year (2013 – 29.5 cents), a 5.1% increase. Though declared in  
US dollars, dividends will continue to be paid in Sterling.

The Board has continued to ensure that its governance processes are 
appropriate. Andrew Szescila retired from the Board in September 2014 
after three years as a non-executive Director. We thank him for his wisdom 
and for sharing his knowledge of the industry with us. During the current 
year, following a rigorous search, we have appointed Annell Bay and John 
(“Jay”) Glick to the Board as non-executive Directors. Both are US citizens 
and have extensive knowledge of the industries and markets we serve.

I thank all of our people for their considerable contribution which has left 
us in sound operational and financial health. 

Richard Hunting, C.B.E.
Chairman
5 March 2015

Underlying profit from continuing operations

$217.8M

(2013 – $200.0m)

˜ 24% Well Construction 
˜ 65% Well Completion 
˜ 11% Well Intervention

*  Underlying – continuing results for the year before amortisation and exceptional items.

2014

2013

2012

Source: Barclays Global 2012–2014 E&P Spending Outlook.

Estimated US exploration and production expenditure.

000

000

000

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
 
06

HUNTING AND  
OUR BUSINESS MODEL

THE HUNTING GROUP COMPRISES OF HUNTING ENERGY SERVICES, ITS PRIMARY OPERATING DIVISION, AND ITS  
NON-CORE OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION UNIT. HUNTING ENERGY SERVICES MANUFACTURES AND DISTRIBUTES 
PRODUCTS AND PROVIDES RELATED SERVICES, INCLUDING EQUIPMENT RENTAL TO THE UPSTREAM ENERGY SECTOR.
HUNTING ENERGY SERVICES WORKS WITH INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL OIL COMPANIES AS WELL AS MAJOR  
ENERGY SERVICE COMPANIES AND INDEPENDENT OPERATORS. TO SUPPORT THESE CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS,  
HUNTING ENERGY SERVICES OPERATES ON A GLOBAL LEVEL.

Manufacturing facilities

43

Service and distribution points

34

Total number of facilities

77 

WELL CONSTRUCTION

Hunting has a world leading Premium Connections platform, which 
manufactures and distributes precision engineered technologies and 
products for the wellbore. We source Oil Country Tubular Goods (“OCTG”) 
from steel mills and apply proprietary or licensed technology to these 
tubular products for onward supply to international, national and 
independent oil and gas companies.

In order to monitor the well construction environment, precision machined 
parts are manufactured together with associated electronic components, 
which provide sophisticated measurement and logging equipment.

The segment is an innovator in the design, manufacture and rental of mud 
motors and associated drilling tools such as non-magnetic collars which 
improve drilling time in certain geological conditions. It also machines drill rods 
for trenchless drilling within the utilities industry. The global manufacturing 
base is supported by a growing network of distribution centres.

Revenue

$378.3M

(2013 – $380.9m)

GLOBAL FOOTPRINT

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
07

HUNTING ENERGY SERVICES OPERATES ACROSS THREE SEGMENTS WHICH COVER THE LIFE-CYCLE OF  
THE WELLBORE: WELL CONSTRUCTION, WELL COMPLETION AND WELL INTERVENTION.

WELL COMPLETION

WELL INTERVENTION

This segment manufactures accessories and completion equipment  
for use below the wellhead. It provides tailored OCTG supply and pipe 
management options to the regional operator, with high specification 
tubing and connections supplied to global markets. Advanced 
manufacturing techniques offer an associated range of tubular accessories 
designed to suit the particular specifications of each well.

To initiate the flow of oil and gas back to the surface, the segment, through 
its Hunting Titan brand, manufactures perforating guns, energetics, 
instrumentation and accessories. These are delivered by wireline or coiled 
tubing operators to the oil and gas target, to perforate the casing at 
predetermined points. Instrumentation to monitor and switchgear to 
manage firing sequencing have been developed in-house. The growth of a 
worldwide manufacturing capability supports the regional distribution 
centres sought by the customer.

Once a well begins production, various maintenance and intervention 
programmes are needed to manage it safely and ensure it produces to  
its full potential, whether on land or offshore. The wellbore is re-entered 
regularly so that a wide range of remedial and enhancement work can  
be completed.

This segment manufactures and supplies equipment and tools to meet 
these demands, often engineered to a client’s specific needs geared to 
offshore or onshore environments. The work ranges from pressure control 
equipment to allow access, logging tools to monitor integrity and 
intervention tools to perform specific tasks. Hydraulic subsea equipment  
is also a core expertise.

This specialisation allows for the integration of an extensive range of well 
intervention technologies, delivered by wireline, slickline or coiled tubing. 
These can be assembled into unique self-contained packages and are 
frequently supplied to remote locations around the world.

Revenue

$862.6M

(2013 – $796.1m)

Revenue

$135.5M

(2013 – $108.6m)

GLOBAL FOOTPRINT

GLOBAL FOOTPRINT

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
 
08

HUNTING AND  
OUR BUSINESS MODEL  
CONTINUED

OUR BUSINESS MODEL TO
 ACHIEVE OUR STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES IS:

TO TRAIN AND 
DEVELOP OUR 
PEOPLE

Hunting’s broad product portfolio demands experienced 
engineering and production staff crossing many manufacturing 
disciplines. Hunting has established Regional Training Centres in 
North America and Asia Pacific to ensure our workforce is at the 
forefront of new industry developments.

TO OPERATE A DECENTRALISED
MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

The oil and gas industry is a fast paced sector where product 
requirements and customer demands can operate on short lead 
times. Our business leaders are empowered to react quickly to our 
business needs as and when opportunities arise.

Each business unit assesses future customer needs and internal 
product development programmes are guided by evolving industry 
technologies and practices.

TO UNIFY STANDARDS
AND PROCEDURES

TO MAINTAIN A
STRONG GOVERNANCE
FRAMEWORK

Demanding quality, safety and efficiency procedures are embodied 
in our business systems to monitor, adjust and raise our operating 
standards. Unified practices are developed and implemented at 
every Hunting facility, with training of employees at the heart of our 
continued commitment and success.

The Group’s leaders and their teams operate their businesses within a 
tight framework of controls, monitored and directed by central 
management functions under direction of the Board.

Total employee hours 
worked 

8.5M

Recordable injuries  
to employees within 
our facilities

81

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
09

CORE COMPETENCE

Bonding tool for casing, 
cementing, evaluation 
and logging.

A statistically driven lean 
manufacturing programme 
underpins all performance 
analysis.

Quality 
A rigorous Quality Management System embraces all products and 
processes that form Hunting’s range of goods and services throughout the 
Group’s worldwide operations. Every component, assembly and shipment 
is designed and manufactured to conform to the agreed customer 
specifications meeting the clients’ needs and expectations. 

HS&E
The Group’s commitment to increasing HS&E awareness is communicated 
to all employees. In 2014, 40 facilities had zero reportable incidents.

Parts machined

13.5M

Hunting PLC  2014 Annual Report and Accounts

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONQUALITY 
10

BUSINESS STRATEGY

HUNTING’S STRATEGY IS TO BE A KEY GLOBAL PROVIDER OF COMPONENTS AND  
TOOLS TO COMPANIES WHO EXPLORE, DEVELOP AND PRODUCE OIL AND GAS RESOURCES AND 
 THOSE PRIMARY SERVICE COMPANIES WHO SUPPORT THEM. THE GROUP SEEKS TO DELIVER  
GROWTH IN LONG TERM SHAREHOLDER VALUE BY PROGRESSING THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES:

STRATEGIC
OBJECTIVE

DEVELOP LEADING
PROPRIETARY
PRODUCTS AND
SERVICES

ACQUIRE
COMPLEMENTARY
BUSINESSES

CAPTURE
PRODUCT SALES
SYNERGIES

STRATEGIC 
DRIVER

The energy industry is a competitive 
market where best in class products, 
manufacturing know-how and 
intellectual property contribute  
to market leadership and increases 
barriers to entry.

In some circumstances it is more  
cost effective to purchase  
companies which have already 
developed successful products than 
develop these in-house. Hunting 
therefore expects to continue to  
grow by acquisition, adding  
products and services that 
complement the existing portfolio.

Hunting’s market leverage can 
be enhanced by ensuring many  
of our products are available in all 
geographic regions. These revenue 
based synergies are the driving force 
behind our sales efforts to maximise 
our market position.

OUR 
APPROACH

Hunting is investing in a portfolio  
of leading proprietary technologies 
aligned to increasingly complex 
customer requirements.

Hunting offers enhanced end-to-
end services which integrate into  
the customer supply chain and 
offers customers the highest level  
of quality and service which are 
critical to our sector.

Our approach to acquisitions follows 
a strict discipline. We acquire 
businesses with a strong technology 
offering and market share, often 
with clearly identified synergies with 
our existing business lines to achieve 
further pricing leverage. Each 
acquisition is also highly dependent 
on customer needs and the nature 
of new products.

We target to manufacture and 
sell Hunting’s complete product 
offering across our global 
manufacturing hubs, in every 
relevant geographic region.

Often our technology is 
developed and introduced into 
the North American energy 
market and adopted into other 
geographic regions.

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
11

UNDERLYING THESE OBJECTIVES IS A COMMITMENT TO MANUFACTURE AND DELIVER  
THE HIGHEST QUALITY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES WHILE MAINTAINING A REPUTATION FOR  
RELIABILITY AND ON TIME DELIVERY UNDER THE HUNTING BRAND.

DEVELOP A  
GLOBAL PRESENCE

BUILD CLOSE 
RELATIONSHIPS 
WITH CUSTOMERS 
AND SUPPLIERS

MARKET THE 
HUNTING BRAND 
GLOBALLY

TARGET A HIGH 
MARKET SHARE  
FOR OUR  
HIGH VALUE 
PRODUCTS

Exploration and production (“E&P”) 
of oil and gas is undertaken globally, 
requiring an appropriate geographic 
manufacturing footprint. E&P spend 
and drilling activity is occurring in 
more diverse and challenging 
environments. Our customer base 
increasingly demands close 
manufacturing proximity to key 
areas of E&P activity.

Hunting supplies products and 
tools to many tiers of the 
upstream industry.

Hunting has a long established 
pedigree and reputation in its 
core base of operations.

The energy industry is evolving, 
both in the complexity of its 
activities and regulatory 
environment. This means that 
trusted relationships with business 
partners are critical to success.

As the business develops, the 
brand is used in new markets and 
exploited as acquired businesses 
and product lines are integrated 
into the Hunting Group.

A key success factor in the energy 
supply chain is achieving critical 
mass within a product or service 
line. Having flexible and adaptive 
manufacturing capacity provides 
our customer base with the 
confidence that Hunting will 
meet their product delivery 
requirements.

The commitment to our customers 
is on time delivery of quality assured 
products to their locations.

Our aim is to engage closely with 
our customer base, supported by 
our key suppliers.

Hunting is targeting further 
expansion of capacity to meet 
expected customer demand 
providing there is a sound business 
case. Hunting’s expansion strategy 
includes developing a presence 
in fiscally and politically stable 
countries to ensure our investment 
is protected in the long term.

Our focus remains on building and 
deepening these relationships to 
maintain our competitive edge.

We seek to acquire knowledge 
and respond rapidly to local needs 
by becoming an integral part 
of our customers supply chain 
and thereby increase our 
market presence. 

Hunting continues to develop 
its global brand through the 
standardisation of production, 
quality, employment and HS&E 
practices throughout its operations.

Hunting targets to be the supplier 
of choice for its key product lines 
and to achieve this we aim to 
secure a meaningful market share 
to give our customers confidence 
in our technology offering and 
the ability to supply into any 
global region.

STRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
12

BUSINESS STRATEGY  
CONTINUED

Project Progress

During the year, Hunting continued to roll out new product lines 
to its global customer base including its SEAL-LOCK XD™ and 
WEDGE-LOCK™ premium connections and ControlFire™  
switch systems.

Related Strategic Objective

•  Proprietary products and services

In 2014, Hunting progressed with partnerships in Saudi Arabia and  
Kenya to enhance the distribution of the Group’s products  
into these territories.

•  Global presence

The new premium connections development and test facility in 
Houston is under construction with commissioning targeted for 
late 2015.

•  Proprietary products and services

The expansion at Houma, Louisiana, to enhance Hunting’s 
presence in the Gulf of Mexico, was completed in Q4 2014, with 
machinery being delivered and commissioned throughout Q1 
2015. The facility is targeted to be operational by Q2 2015.

•  Global presence

The expansion of Hunting Dearborn will complete in Q4 2015 
which will add 44% to the operational footprint of that facility.

•  Global presence

Hunting Titan continues to manufacture its range of products in 
the US, Canada, Mexico and China. The business is broadening its 
global distribution network, with new facilities planned in 
Scotland – UK, Colorado and Illinois – US and Brisbane – Australia. 
A new distribution centre was opened in Dubai – UAE, during  
the year. 

•  Proprietary products and services 
•  Product sales synergies
•  Global presence

Hunting’s investment in South Africa has progressed during the 
year and in January 2015 construction of the facility was 
completed. Machinery will be delivered throughout the first half 
of 2015, with the facility operational by mid 2015.

•  Product sales synergies
•  Relationships with customers and suppliers
•  Global presence

Hunting’s Advanced Manufacturing Group is building its 
international sales presence in Asia Pacific and is now progressing 
plans for a manufacturing capability in the region.

•  Product sales synergies
•  Relationships with customers and suppliers
•  Global presence

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
STRATEGIC REPORT

13
13

NEW PRODUCT SYNERGY

New Tubing Conveyed Perforating 
systems have been developed to 
exploit long horizontal formations.

Newly installed perforating 
gun manufacturing cell at  
the Hunting facility in  
Calgary, Canada.

Synergy and new product development
Hunting develops innovative and collaborative solutions between its 
business units that can be introduced to different market segments with 
added customer value.

Examples of product areas benefiting from this combined approach 
include Thru-Tubing tools that include Variball™ delivered perforating gun 
strings and pressure control equipment. 

Many product test facilities can be reconfigured at low cost to accept a 
wider selection of the Group’s tools, joints and assemblies; synergies are 
assured through a global Quality Management System.

Manufacturing centres have been re-fitted to accommodate other 
divisional product lines, where and as appropriate, with the relevant 
machining capability and staff trained to a common high standard. 

Hunting PLC  2014 Annual Report and Accounts

STRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONDELIVERY 
14

PERFORMANCE
INDICATORS

KPIs ARE USED TO COMPARE THE DEVELOPMENT, BUSINESS PERFORMANCE AND POSITION  
OF THE GROUP AND ITS BUSINESS SEGMENTS. PERFORMANCE MEASURES ARE LOOKED AT FOR  
CONTINUING OPERATIONS ON AN UNDERLYING BASIS AND ARE REGULARLY REVIEWED TO ENSURE  
THEY REMAIN APPROPRIATE AND MEANINGFUL MONITORS OF THE GROUP’S PERFORMANCE.

EXTERNAL KPIs

Industry E&P spend ($bn)

US footage drilled (m ft)

2014
2013
2012

Estimated global exploration and production expenditure.

Source: Barclays Global 2015 Spending Outlook.

US E&P spend ($bn)

2014
2013
2012

Estimated US exploration and production expenditure.

Source: Barclays Global 2015 Spending Outlook.

Industry footage drilled (m ft)

2014
2013
2012

679.5
642.1
617.0

196.1
179.2
141.0

877.5
819.7
818.1

2014
2013
2012

Estimated US footage drilled onshore and offshore.

Source: Spears and Associates, Inc. – Drilling and Production Outlook, 
December 2014 and January 2015.

Average oil price ($/barrel)

2014
2013
2012

US dollar price per barrel based on WTI.

Source: Bloomberg.

Average natural gas price ($/mmBtu)

2014
2013
2012

405.0
369.2
367.2

92.91
97.61
94.05

4.26
3.73
2.83

Estimated global footage drilled onshore and offshore.

Source: Spears and Associates, Inc. – Drilling and Production Outlook, 
December 2014 and January 2015.

US dollar price per million Btu based on Henry Hub.

Source: Bloomberg.

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
15

INTERNAL KPIs*

Revenue ($m)

2014
2013
2012

Diluted earnings per share (cents)

1,386.5
1,293.6
1,265.4

2014
2013
2012

100.0
94.5
90.0

Revenue is earned from products and services sold to customers from 
the Group’s activities from continuing operations.

Earnings from continuing operations, attributable to ordinary shareholders, 
divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during 
the year, adjusted for all potentially dilutive ordinary shares.

EBITDA ($m)

2014
2013
2012

269.8
244.0
240.7

ROCE (%)

2014
2013
2012

13
12
13

EBITDA is defined as profit from continuing operations before interest, tax, 
depreciation, amortisation and exceptional items. 

Return on average capital employed measures profit from continuing operations 
as a percentage of average gross capital employed. Gross capital employed 
comprises total equity plus net debt.

Profit from operations ($m)

Capital investment ($m)

2014
2013
2012

217.8
200.0
200.6

2014
2013
2012

Profit from operations is defined as profit from continuing operations before 
interest, tax, amortisation and exceptional items. 

Cash spend on property, plant and equipment.

Operating margin (%)

Free cash flow ($m)

2014
2013
2012

Profit from continuing operations as a percentage of revenue.

Profit before tax ($m)

2014
2013
2012

16
15
16

212.4
197.5
193.4

Profit before tax comprises profit from continuing operations, less net finance 
expense plus the Group's share of associates' post-tax (losses) profits.

2014
2013
2012

Profit from continuing operations adjusted for working capital, tax, replacement 
capital investment and interest.

* 

KPIs are calculated using underlying results for the year i.e. continuing before 
amortisation and exceptional items. Prior years have been restated for the 
designation of Gibson Shipbrokers as a discontinued operation. KPIs other than 
revenue are non-GAAP measures.

123.5
94.8
97.2

182.3
145.6
137.1

STRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
16

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
CONTINUED

SUPPLEMENTARY INDICATORS ARE USED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT,  
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE AND POSITION OF THE GROUP AND ITS BUSINESS SEGMENTS. 
PERFORMANCE MEASURES ARE LOOKED AT FOR CONTINUING OPERATIONS ON AN UNDERLYING  
BASIS AND ARE REGULARLY REVIEWED TO ENSURE THEY REMAIN APPROPRIATE AND MEANINGFUL  
MONITORS OF THE GROUP’S PERFORMANCE.

Financial:

Gross profit*

Gross margin*

Inventory days

Trade receivable days

Effective tax rate*

Dividend per share – declared in respect of the year

Year end net debt

Gearing ratio

Health and Safety:

Year end employees

Injuries to employees:

  Number of recordable incidents

  Incident rate – based on OSHA method

Average rig count1:
US

Canada

Far East, Central Asia and China

EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Other

Total

Wells drilled1:
US

Canada

Far East, Central Asia and China

EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Other

Total

Footage drilled1 (millions of feet): 
US

Canada

Far East, Central Asia and China

EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Other

Total

1.  Source: Spears and Associates, Inc – Drilling and Production Outlook, December 2014 and January 2015.
*  Continuing operations before amortisation and exceptional items.
**  Restated for the designation of Gibson Shipbrokers as a discontinued operation.

Unit

2014

2013**

$m

%

days

days

%

cents

$m

%

443.9

394.7

32

101

67

27

31.0

131.0

9

31

109

61

26

29.5

205.8

15

4,003

3,821

81

1.92

1,862

382

1,506

662

1,385

5,797

63

1.54

1,762

353

1,493

612

1,374

5,594

48,500

11,517

28,814

6,413

44,917

10,878

28,238

5,922

12,474

12,201

107,718

102,156

m ft

m ft

m ft

m ft

m ft

m ft

405.0

84.9

223.6

56.7

107.3

877.5

369.2

74.8

218.1

52.0

105.6

819.7

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
 
17

Complete Perforating Systems

The essential equipment for 
every successful perforating 
operation from hardware,  
to switchgear and software.

Perforating Systems
Hunting provides complete perforating systems or individual line items 
through its regional sales network, ensuring a rapid and flexible response 
to in field requirements. These packages are optimised to give the wireline 
operator, or Thru-Tubing service company, the equipment where and  
when they need it. From logging tools, electronic control systems, RF safe 
switchgear, perforating guns and the precise energetics configuration  
and loading to perform a successful perforating programme. 

Regional Distribution Centres are located strategically throughout  
North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. 

Hunting PLC  2014 Annual Report and Accounts

STRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTSYSTEMS 
18

MARKET REVIEW

WHILE THE OIL PRICE DROPPED TOWARDS THE END OF 2014,  
BUSINESS MOMENTUM WAS MAINTAINED TO ACHIEVE A RECORD YEAR.

Average oil price ($/barrel)

Industry footage drilled (m ft)

2014
2013
2012

US dollar price per barrel based on WTI.

Source: Bloomberg.

92.91
97.61
94.05

2014
2013
2012

877.5
819.7
818.1

Estimated global footage drilled onshore and offshore.

Source: Spears and Associates, Inc. – Drilling and Production
Outlook December 2014 and January 2015.

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
19

Introduction
2014 has been a record year for Hunting as industry investment continued 
throughout the period leading to year-on-year growth in a number of the 
Group’s key business lines. 

During the year, the average price of crude oil, based on the WTI 
benchmark, was $92.91 per barrel compared to $97.61 per barrel in 2013. 
The average price of natural gas, based on the Henry Hub benchmark was 
$4.26/mmBtu compared to $3.73/mmBtu in the prior year. These average 
prices enabled operators to invest in existing and new projects, leading to 
continued equipment and service demand supporting Hunting’s global 
operations during the year. 

Middle East
In the Middle East, activity levels increased as investment across the region 
continued, despite the ongoing political instability in countries such as  
Syria and Iraq, with Hunting’s global operations continuing to capture 
growth opportunities.

Asia Pacific
Hunting’s operations in Asia Pacific cover many of the Group’s customers in 
the eastern hemisphere, including Africa and the Middle East. While activity 
levels in the region showed a marginal decrease in the year, opportunities 
in other geographic regions assisted delivery of good activity growth for 
Hunting’s regional unit.

While the oil price dropped from $95.44 per barrel at the start of the year to 
$53.27 per barrel at its close, business momentum was maintained due to 
the drilling commitments of Hunting’s key customers throughout the latter 
part of Q3 2014 and into the final quarter of the year, leading to the 
reported year-on-year growth of the Group.

Hunting’s growth during 2014 reflects data reported by the industry. 
Worldwide industry E&P spend in 2014 increased by approximately 5.8% in 
the year to c.$679bn compared to 2013. Worldwide drilling activity also 
reported mid-single digit growth in the year with the number of active  
rigs increasing 3.6% in 2014, the number of wells drilled increasing 5.4% 
compared to the prior year and the commensurate worldwide footage 
drilled increasing 7.1% in the year to 877.5 million feet.

Regional Commentary
The Americas
In the US and Canada, industry expenditure increased approximately  
9.4% to c.$196bn, with the average number of active rigs operating in the 
year increasing 5.7% from 1,762 in 2013 to 1,862 in 2014 as activity in the Gulf  
of Mexico was sustained and increased numbers of onshore rigs were 
recorded. US footage drilled, another external key performance indicator 
monitored by management, showed a robust increase during 2014 to 405.0 
million feet, or a year-on-year increase of 9.7% compared to 2013, with the 
majority of this increase attributed to onshore activity.

While a number of businesses were impacted by the severe weather 
reported in the region during Q1, increases in activity in other key drilling 
basins across the US offset the slowdown seen in the early parts of the year.

In Canada, the improvement in industry activity has also been reflected  
in Hunting’s performance during the year.

Europe
In the UK and across Europe industry expenditure decreased marginally 
from 2013 levels, along with the number of wells drilled during the year as 
activity on the UK Continental Shelf suffered from ongoing political and 
fiscal uncertainty. While the rig count numbers were generally flat in the 
year as a whole, the movement by global operators out of the region 
created further operating challenges which are likely to continue for the 
foreseeable future.

2014 Global Industry E&P Spend 

$679.5BN Up 5.8%

Looking Ahead
Given the recent decline in the oil price, Hunting is anticipating lower levels 
of drilling activity throughout 2015 as operators conserve capital while 
focusing on higher margin projects. 

The Group also notes the industry consolidation in the US, with the 
proposed acquisition of Baker Hughes by Halliburton. Both companies are 
significant customers of Hunting and therefore the Group continues to 
monitor the progress of this proposed transaction.

Activity in the Gulf of Mexico is forecast to be marginally insulated from the 
industry downturn due to the longer timescales deep water projects 
operate to, with the majority of the reduction in industry activity being 
seen with onshore operators. Hunting has a broad mix of customers 
operating onshore and offshore, with a number of the Group’s businesses 
likely to track this market split during the year ahead.

The Group also has a broad range of products and services which are 
focused on the well intervention and maintenance schedules of the global 
industry, which are less impacted by exploration drilling programmes  
and budgets. 

Sources: Bloomberg, Barclays, Baker Hughes and Spears and Associates.

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
20

HUNTING IS A WORLD LEADER IN DEVELOPING PREMIUM CONNECTIONS 
TO MEET THE EVER INCREASING DEMANDS OF THE WORLD’S OIL AND 
GAS INDUSTRY. BY DEVELOPING PROPRIETARY THREAD FORMS TO COVER 
A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF THE MOST SEVERE APPLICATIONS AND 
ENVIRONMENTS, HUNTING IS COMFORTABLY POSITIONED AS A LEADING 
INDUSTRY MANUFACTURER.

New WEDGE-LOCK™ family of premium 
threaded connections.

Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORT PRECISION 
21

A new addition to the SEAL-LOCK™ family of connections is the WEDGE-
LOCK™ which is being run by customers who require superior performance 
in highly deviated and directional wells. This new thread form comprises a 
wedge shaped groove for full engagement and dual metal to metal radial 
seals. It is uniquely qualified to CAL III and IV certification and to the latest 
ISO 13697:2011 standard.

Precision machining is a common theme running across Hunting units and 
is embodied in the Hunting Dearborn product range. Hunting Dearborn 
undertakes unique deep bore drilling in high performance materials and 
alloys. This specialised manufacturing capability allows high tolerance 
drilling to be achieved.

2014 saw the full  
commercialisation  
of new SEAL-LOCK™  
and WEDGE-LOCK™  
proprietary products.

New thread forms are CAL III  
and IV certified.

Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION  
22

GROUP PERFORMANCE 
AND DEVELOPMENT

“THE GROUP HAS CAPITALISED ON HIGH LEVELS OF ACTIVITY WITHIN 
THE INDUSTRY DURING 2014, WITH MANY OF OUR OPERATIONS 
RUNNING AT HIGH UTILISATION, TO DELIVER RECORD FINANCIAL 
RESULTS FOR SHAREHOLDERS. WHILE THE SHORT TERM OUTLOOK FOR 
THE GROUP IS DIFFICULT TO FULLY EVALUATE, THE COMPANY IS WELL 
EQUIPPED FOR THE ANTICIPATED RECOVERY.” 

Peter Rose
Finance Director

Dennis Proctor
Chief Executive

Hunting PLC  2014 Annual Report and Accounts

STRATEGIC REPORT 
23

Introduction
The Group has capitalised on high levels of activity within the industry 
during 2014, with many of our operations running at high utilisation to 
deliver record financial results for shareholders.

This success has been supported by our strategy to increase our customer 
base, deepen our business partner relationships, increase market share in 
key product lines, while continuing to provide products of high quality and 
reliability, positioning Hunting as a key partner in the complex energy 
services supply chain.

While long term indicators for energy demand remain robust, 2014 has also 
been a reminder that our businesses are impacted by volatility in short 
term supply and demand dynamics. As the year closed, key oil price 
benchmarks were showing a 44% decrease compared to the start of the 
year and therefore Group-wide initiatives have been implemented to 
respond to the lower levels of activity anticipated across the industry 
during 2015. 

Despite the current economic environment in the sector, Hunting remains 
focused on the longer term outlook for the industry, with commentators 
forecasting daily global oil demand to exceed 109 million barrels by 2035. 
To support the levels of activity required to achieve this demand, Hunting 
has continued to invest in new manufacturing capacity during 2014. Our 
major capital projects in the US and South Africa are scheduled to be 
commissioned during 2015, which will support regional activity levels 
across the Americas and Africa, while increasing efficiencies and 
accelerating the development of new product lines. On completion of 
these growth projects, Hunting will have a more efficient manufacturing 
capability, strategically located across the key regions of global drilling 
activity, positioning the Group to compete for growth opportunities, once 
the supply/demand balance has been restored across the industry.

While the short term outlook for the Group is difficult to fully evaluate, the 
Company is well equipped for the anticipated recovery with 2.8 million 
square feet of global manufacturing capacity, with 1,176 machines 
contained across 43 facilities and 34 distribution centres in 13 countries.

When existing development programmes are completed a further two 
operating sites and an additional 0.5 million square feet of operating and 
distribution capacity will be available.

Overview
Hunting’s key activity indicators all reported growth during 2014, with 
global drilling spend increasing 5.8% compared to 2013, drilling footage in 
the US increasing 9.7% in the year and strong activity in the Gulf of Mexico 
driving a number of key businesses within the Group.

Across the Group’s US operations, Hunting’s Premium Connections, 
Manufacturing and Accessories, Hunting Dearborn and Hunting Specialty 
businesses reported excellent results in the year. Hunting Titan had an 
exceptionally strong year, delivering profits well ahead of management’s 
expectations as it captured market share in key drilling basins and in new 
regions throughout Hunting’s international network. Hunting’s Subsea 
activities also reported excellent year-on-year growth as international 
activity remained strong, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico. Hunting’s 
pressure control products also saw good demand across the Middle East 
and Asia Pacific. The Group’s operations in Canada reported a return to 
profitability during the year, as new customers were secured, supported by 
good levels of drilling activity. 

Offsetting the strong growth in these businesses, Hunting’s Drilling Tools 
business reported a disappointing year, as weather-related problems and 
operational issues led to a reduction in anticipated profits. In addition, 
Hunting Electronics continued to report subdued trading due to customer 
destocking, coupled with increasing competition particularly from Far 
Eastern suppliers. As a result of these issues, goodwill held in respect of 
these business units has been impaired by $49.6m.

In Europe, Hunting’s operations reported a challenging market 
environment with political and fiscal uncertainty in the UK leading to lower 
investment and near record lows of drilling activity. Hunting’s Asia Pacific 
operations reported further profit growth, supported by new customer 
initiatives and continued drilling throughout the region.

During 2014, the employees of Gibson Shipbrokers began negotiations to 
purchase the business from Hunting through an employee trust with a 
target completion date of 31 March 2015. An agreement has been reached 
and approved by the Board. As a result, the business has been reported as a 
discontinued operation, with appropriate restatements of prior year 
financial information.

Robotics increasingly release 
staff from repetitive to more 
value added tasks.

Group Summary Income Statement

Continuing operations:
Revenue
EBITDA
Profit from operations
Profit before taxation
Profit for the year
Discontinued operations:
Profit (loss) for the year
Total profit for the year
Diluted EPS – continuing operations
*   Restated following the designation of Gibson Shipbrokers as a discontinued operation.
**  Results for the year before amortisation and exceptional items.

Underlying**
2013*  
$m

2014  
$m

Change

Reported

2014  
$m

2013*  
$m

1,386.5
269.8
217.8
212.4
155.2

1,293.6
244.0
200.0
197.5
145.4

+7% 1,386.5
269.6
113.9
108.5
71.8

+11%
+9%
+8%
+7%

1,293.6
236.8
138.9
136.4
107.6

0.3
155.5
100.0c

(1.4)
144.0
94.5c

+6%

1.4
73.2
44.8c

14.0
121.6
69.4c

Change

+7%
+14%
–18%
–20%
–33%

–35%

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
24

GROUP PERFORMANCE 
AND DEVELOPMENT 
CONTINUED

Hunting has focused on internal investment and growth throughout the 
year, with major capital investments being made within a number of 
regions and business platforms providing the Group with its longer term 
capacity needs to meet customer requirements. All key projects are 
scheduled to complete in 2015.

Premium Connections Manufacturing and Testing Facility 
Houston, Texas, US
The Group’s Premium Connections business is investing in a new 155,000 
square feet facility in Texas, US, to support anticipated long term growth. 
The $48.6m facility will have Premium Connection manufacturing 
capability to meet global customer requirements and is scheduled to be 
commissioned in late 2015.

As part of Hunting’s long term development programme for new 
connection products, an $11.8m testing and certification facility will be 
incorporated into the new site which will help develop new product lines 
and new thread forms for longer term commercialisation.

Premium Threading and Accessories Manufacturing Facility
Cape Town, South Africa
As part of the Group’s strategic plan to be located in regions of major 
drilling activity, Hunting is investing $20.0m in a new threading and 
accessories facility in Cape Town to support business development across 
Sub-Sahara Africa. The facility will be commissioned over the coming 
months as engineers are hired and trained.

Manufacturing and Accessories Facility
Houma, Louisiana, US
Hunting’s Gulf of Mexico business has grown strongly over the past two 
years and as part of the Group’s efforts to consolidate its facilities and 
provide customers with a stronger regional presence the $36.4m final 
expansion at Houma, Louisiana, is now complete, bringing the total site  
to a 281,000 operational square feet facility.

High Precision Machining Facility
Fryeburg, Maine, US
Hunting Dearborn’s $18.8m expansion of its Fryeburg facility is advancing 
and will provide an additional 65,000 square feet of manufacturing 
capacity. The facility is scheduled to be operational in Q4 2015.

Results from Continuing Operations
The Group reported revenue of $1,386.5m in 2014, an increase of 7% over 
2013, driven by the continued level of industry growth throughout the year. 
As a consequence of this, underlying EBITDA increased 11% to $269.8m (2013 
– $244.0m). EBITDA margin remained unchanged from the prior year at 19%.

Underlying profit from continuing operations was $217.8m (2013 – 
$200.0m), leading to an underlying profit margin in 2014 of 16%  
compared to 15% in 2013.

Amortisation and exceptional items totalled $103.9m in the year (2013 – 
$61.1m) which comprised the amortisation of intangible assets totalling 
$42.8m (2013 – $43.4m); impairments to goodwill of $49.6m (2013 – $nil); an 
impairment to the value of the Group’s oil and gas reserves totalling $11.3m 
(2013 – $10.5m); a charge of $4.8m (2013 – $nil) relating to the release of 
foreign exchange reserves arising on company liquidations; and a credit of 
$4.6m (2013 – $nil) on the release of excess property provisions. Exceptional 
charges incurred in 2013 for retention bonuses of $2.9m and inventory fair 
value adjustments of $4.3m did not recur in 2014. 

Reported profit from continuing operations therefore reduced 18% 
compared to the prior year to $113.9m (2013 – $138.9m).

Net finance costs during the year were $4.9m (2013 – $2.9m) with the Group 
continuing to pay down borrowings and benefiting from the low interest 
rates attached to the Group’s revolving credit facility. Adverse movements 
in foreign exchange and other net finance costs did, however, give rise to 
an increase.

Underlying profit before taxation was $212.4m (2013 – $197.5m) reflected by 
the increase in activity across the Group compared to 2013. Reported profit 
before taxation was $108.5m (2013 – $136.4m). 

The underlying tax charge for the year was $57.2m (2013 – $52.1m). The 
Group’s underlying tax rate was 27% (2013 – 26%) as the mix of profits from 
the Group’s global operations were relatively unchanged during the year 
compared to 2013. As a consequence of the lower reported profit from 
operations following the charges for amortisation and exceptional items, 
the reported tax charge for the year was $36.7m (2013 – $28.8m) and the 
reported tax rate was 34% (2013 – 21%). 

Underlying diluted EPS increased 6% to 100.0 cents (2013 – 94.5 cents) and 
reported diluted EPS decreased by 35% to 44.8 cents (2013 – 69.4 cents).

The Advanced 
Manufacturing Group 
undertakes intricate 
machining of components 
and manufacture of Printed 
Circuit Boards for MWD/LWD.

Results from Discontinued Operations
Following the designation of Gibson Shipbrokers as a discontinued 
operation, the results from discontinued activities comprise the trading 
results of Gibson Shipbrokers in addition to legacy matters from the 
disposals of Gibson Energy in 2008 and Field Aviation in 2012.

Gibson Shipbrokers reported a return to profit in the year compared to 
2013, with a profit from operations of $0.5m (2013 – loss of $1.5m) as the 
global shipbroking industry saw an improving market environment.

In October 2014, the Group received $3.9m after costs from Field Aviation in 
settlement of the promissory note owed to Hunting and the repayment of 
balances held in an environmental escrow account. Following the receipt  
of these funds, all outstanding matters relating to the sale of Field Aviation 
have now been completed and a profit of $0.9m has been recorded.

Other matters relating to discontinued operations totalled a credit of $0.2m 
during the year.

For 2014, the total reported profit from discontinued operations was $1.4m 
(2013 – $14.0m).

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
25

NEW REGIONAL PRESENCE
HUNTING’S NEW COMPLETION AND STORAGE FACILITY IN CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA  
WILL SHORTLY BE COMMISSIONED TO SERVICE SUB-SAHARA AFRICA.

With a 52,000 square feet 
manufacturing facility, the 
Cape Town hub will service 
customers in West and East 
Africa. A 16,000 square feet 
Kenyan satellite service and 
repair operation is also being 
commissioned.

Capital Investment in South Africa 

$20.0M

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
26

GROUP PERFORMANCE 
AND DEVELOPMENT 
CONTINUED

Segmental Trading Review
Hunting Energy Services
Hunting Energy Services comprises the Well Construction, Well Completion 
and Well Intervention segments.

design, an $11.8m development and testing laboratory to accelerate the 
commercialisation of the Group’s new premium connections has been 
constructed, which will be operational towards the end of 2015.

In 2014, Hunting Energy Services reported revenue of $1,376.4m (2013 – 
$1,285.6m), a 7% increase compared to 2013. Underlying profit from 
operations increased 9% in the year to $217.6m (2013 – $198.8m). This 
performance has been driven by strong results from the Well Completion 
and Well Intervention segments, offset by lower trading results within the 
Well Construction segment. Reported profit from continuing operations 
was $125.0m compared to $148.2m in 2013.

Well Construction

2014

2013 Change

$m 378.3 380.9
Revenue
$m 53.0
Underlying profit from operations
14
Underlying operating profit margin
%
Reported (loss) profit from operations $m (4.1)
$m 69.0
Capital investment

15
51.2
43.3

–1%
58.6 –10%

Average employees
Year end employees

1,081 1,186
1,122 1,121

The Well Construction segment includes Hunting’s Premium Connections, 
Drilling Tools, Construction OCTG, Advanced Manufacturing Group, 
Hunting Specialty and the Hunting Trenchless business platforms. In 2014 
revenue was marginally below the prior year at $378.3m (2013 – $380.9m) 
following continued subdued trading within the Hunting Electronics 
platform and issues within the Drilling Tools business which persisted 
throughout the year. Underlying profit from operations reduced by 10% 
compared to the 2013 result at $53.0m (2013 – $58.6m). As a consequence 
of the continued lower trading levels within the Hunting Electronics and 
Drilling Tools business units, and following a detailed analysis of future 
trading trends, a $49.6m impairment has been recorded against the 
goodwill held within these businesses, which has been presented as an 
exceptional item in the consolidated income statement. Reported loss  
from operations was $4.1m in 2014 compared to a profit of $51.2m in 2013.

Premium Connections
Hunting’s major connection product lines centre on the SEAL-LOCK™ range 
of premium connection technologies and in the year the SEAL-LOCK™ 
semi-flush and high torque connections were the top performing product 
groups within the business platform, primarily driven by strong 
international demand for deep water drilling applications.

During 2014, the Group continued to commercialise two new premium 
connection product groups, including the SEAL-LOCK XD™ connection for 
use in heavy oil extraction and the WEDGE-LOCK™ connection. Both lines 
moved from final development and testing at the start of the year to secure 
first sales and delivery to Hunting’s global customer base during the year.

The development of new premium connections for use across the diverse 
segments of the energy sector is a key strategy of the Group and during 
2014, design and construction of a new premium connections 
manufacturing facility at Houston, Texas, continued. As part of the facility’s 

New, more efficient, manufacturing equipment has been added during  
the year enabling the platform to improve productivity and delivery times, 
utilising lean manufacturing principles.

Drilling Tools
The Drilling Tools platform reported disappointing results during 2014 
due to the severe weather reported across North America earlier in the year 
and higher levels of tool repair and refurbishment costs in the latter part of 
the year. Remedial initiatives have been undertaken, including changes to 
the management team, which is improving operating efficiency and 
business focus.

Hunting’s business is driven by the rental of mud motors to customers 
drilling across the onshore basins in North America and throughout 2014 
the platform remained the preferred supplier of mud motors within the 
Williston basin, with other opportunities pursued in the Permian basin in 
West Texas.

This business is sensitive to drilling activity declines and is likely to face difficult 
market conditions in 2015, which has led to the $9.6m impairment to 
goodwill.

Drilling tools are typically 
rented rather than sold and 
are refurbished between 
operations.

Construction OCTG
Hunting’s construction OCTG business platform reported good activity 
levels throughout 2014, supported by improving margins and a robust 
order book. The platform has focused on optimising its inventory during 
the year, and given the current oil price environment and in anticipation of 
lower levels of trading activity during 2015 has accelerated its programme 
to further reduce its global inventories.

Advanced Manufacturing Group
The Advanced Manufacturing Group (“AMG”) comprises the Hunting 
Dearborn and Hunting Electronics business platforms. The Hunting AMG 
single-source supply initiative for Measurement-While-Drilling and 
Logging-While-Drilling (“MWD/LWD”) tools has continued to report 
favourable progress within the Group’s customer base during the year.

During the year Hunting Dearborn performed well, delivering results ahead 
of management’s expectations and the business has maintained a strong 
order book throughout the whole of the year, which is forecast to extend 
into the first part of 2015. The unit has benefited from strong demand from 
customers within and outside of the energy industry, with the overall 
outlook remaining positive for the near future. The expansion of the 
manufacturing facility is progressing and will assist in reducing the order 
times for key customers to more acceptable levels.

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
 
27

Within the Hunting Electronics business, results remained below 
expectations resulting from customer destocking programmes reported 
previously, coupled with increased competitive pressures, particularly from 
Asian suppliers. While management anticipates that trading momentum 
will improve in the medium term, the Group has assessed the carrying 
value of goodwill held for the business, particularly in light of the current 
macro-economic environment the industry is facing and concluded that a 
$40.0m impairment to goodwill should be recorded against the $68.7m 
recognised on acquisition. 

Hunting Specialty
Hunting Specialty has reported strong results ahead of management’s 
expectations with the business investing in new equipment in the year, 
broadening the business’s manufacturing capabilities and enabling 
previously outsourced processes to be brought in-house to retain 
additional margin.

API test on a concrete  
core to show pattern  
and penetration of a 
perforating operation.

During the year, Titan manufactured a record 8.6m energetics charges  
for use in perforating procedures, pushing the facility in Milford, Texas,  
to full capacity for most of the year. Plans to expand the manufacturing 
capacity at Milford are under consideration, subject to the wider industry 
outlook improving.

Hunting Trenchless
The Hunting Trenchless business has continued to market its products 
through third party distribution networks. The business manufactures and 
sells drill stems and during the year broadened the range of accessories it 
manufactures following investment in new machinery.

During the year, Titan continued to manufacture its wide range of perforating 
guns in the US, Canada, Mexico and China which has enabled lead times to  
be reduced while actively managing the cost base. The business has also 
benefited from the implementation of lean manufacturing processes which 
has been completed at a number of facilities.

Well Completion

2014

2013

Change

Titan has continued to expand operations in the Williston and Permian 
basins and in Canada has benefited from the broadened distribution 
network following the acquisition of the XLPP business in 2013.

Revenue
Underlying profit from operations
Underlying operating profit margin
Reported profit from operations
Capital investment

$m 862.6
$m 140.8
16
%
$m 106.1
$m 42.5

796.1
+8%
124.5 +13%

16
82.2
31.2

Average employees
Year end employees

2,237
2,298

2,102
2,197

The Well Completion segment incorporates Hunting Titan, Manufacturing 
and Accessories and Hunting’s International Completion businesses. In 
2014, revenues increased 8% to $862.6m and underlying profit from 
operations increased 13% from $124.5m in 2013 to $140.8m in 2014. Hunting 
Titan was the key driver behind the segment’s improved performance. 
Manufacturing and Accessories also performed well but International 
Completion was below expectations with North Sea activity being 
particularly weak. Reported profit from continuing operations was $106.1m 
(2013 – $82.2m).

Hunting Titan
Hunting Titan reported improving monthly sales and profit records 
throughout the majority of 2014 as key growth initiatives, including new 
products and technologies, generated improvements in market share in a 
number of key drilling basins across North America and through increased 
international sales through Hunting’s global operating hubs.

In 2014, Titan introduced to customers the ControlFire™ switch system 
which enhances field safety and new Spectra™ jet cutters which allows for 
more efficient well intervention procedures to be completed.

Titan continues to increase its international presence through Hunting’s 
existing network of manufacturing facilities. During 2014, initiatives to 
develop regional sales in Aberdeen, UK; Jakarta, Indonesia; Dubai, UAE and 
Brisbane, Australia, also progressed as new market opportunities or existing 
demand from customers enabled Titan to commence initiatives to stock its 
broad range of products and tools closer to customer demand.

Manufacturing and Accessories
Hunting’s Manufacturing and Accessories platform has also reported results 
ahead of expectations during the year, as activity levels in the Gulf of 
Mexico remained robust. The platform benefited from a number of global 
master supply agreements being agreed with major energy service 
companies, which has meant that Hunting has been able to tender for 
contracts across its global operations.

During Q4 2014, the Group completed the final phase of expansion of its 
facility in Houma, Louisiana, to service clients operating in the Gulf of 
Mexico. The total manufacturing capacity is 281,000 square feet, making 
the facility the Group’s second largest manufacturing site after Wuxi, China.

As part of the Group’s plan to consolidate its operations, Hunting Doffing 
was incorporated into the Hunting Manufacturing and Accessories 
platform. The business is shortly to move to a new leased facility to enable 
further manufacturing efficiencies to be captured and to complement the 
capabilities of the other facilities within the Manufacturing and Accessories 
business platform.

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
28

GROUP PERFORMANCE 
AND DEVELOPMENT 
CONTINUED

International Completion
Hunting’s global completion businesses have reported mixed results in the 
year, impacted by regional conditions.

Within Canada, drilling activity recovered during 2014 which led to the 
region reporting a profit in the year. Hunting’s premium connections have 
seen good demand for customers utilising ‘Vacuum Insulated Tubing’ 
technology which assists with the production of heavy oil, leading to 
continued demand throughout the year for a number of connection 
product lines. 

In the Middle East, Hunting has delivered results ahead of management’s 
expectations. The unit has maintained good levels of business in Iraq, 
despite the political unrest in-country throughout the year. The business 
has also progressed its plans for expansion in Saudi Arabia, with the 
formation of a joint venture with SG Petroleum nearing completion.

Hunting’s Asia Pacific business delivered a result slightly ahead of 
management’s expectations, following the exceptionally strong 
performance in 2013. While regional steel producers continue to compete 
strongly on price across the region, Hunting’s pipe supply and threading 
offering remains a highly attractive proposition for operators in the region, 
which enabled the business to continue to grow its presence throughout 
the year. Given the focus of the global energy industry on the eastern 
hemisphere, and the associated competition for talent, Hunting opened a 
Regional Training Academy in Singapore during the year, to attract and 
retain new talent and develop the skill sets of the wider work force. The 
Group now has 4 facilities in Singapore and future investment plans in the 
region focus on consolidating these facilities to capture further cost and 
manufacturing efficiencies in the medium term. 

In Europe, Hunting’s North Sea and European operations saw near record 
lows in activity as fiscal and political uncertainty hindered customer 
investment in the region. Hunting’s European operations have identified 
new opportunities within Norway and during the year opened a sales and 
distribution site and appointed a country manager to oversea growth on 
the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

Well Intervention

2014

2013 Change

Revenue
Underlying profit from operations
Underlying operating profit margin
Reported profit from operations
Capital investment

$m 135.5 108.6 +25%
$m 23.8
15.7 +52%
18
%
$m 23.0
$m 4.5

14
14.8
9.2

Average employees
Year end employees

483
513

432
438

The Well Intervention segment includes the Hunting Subsea and Well 
Intervention businesses. In 2014, revenue increased 25% leading to a 52% 
increase in underlying profit from operations from $15.7m in 2013 to 
$23.8m. Reported profit from operations was $23.0m (2013 – $14.8m).

Hunting Subsea
Hunting Subsea delivered a result ahead of management’s expectations in 
the year driven by strong international offshore demand. Sales of hydraulic 
couplings and valves have grown, with new supply agreements being 
signed in the year leading to coupling production achieving a record level 
of output during Q3 2014. Subsea’s order book remains strong as global 
deep water projects continue to progress, with activity likely to be 
sustained into Q1 2015.

During the year, Hunting Subsea appointed new global sales personnel to 
drive international growth for its product lines. Opportunities in the UK and 
Norwegian continental shelves have been identified which should lead to 
new revenue streams being developed in the future.

Well Intervention
Hunting’s Well Intervention business lines focus on pressure control systems 
and Thru Tubing intervention products and services for the Group’s global 
client base. During the year sales throughout the Middle East and Asia 
Pacific have been particularly strong with a number of major orders being 
completed in the year which has driven strong growth.

Exploration and Production
Hunting’s exploration and production business has oil and natural gas well 
investments mainly in the Southern US and shallow waters offshore Gulf of 
Mexico, holding equity interests in 49 producing properties. On a Barrel of 
Oil Equivalent basis (“BOE”) production in the year was 143,000 BOE (2013 
– 128,000 BOE) with reserves at 31 December 2014 being 0.9m BOE (2013 
– 1.1m BOE). In 2014, the business reported an underlying profit from 
operations of $0.2m (2013 – $1.2m).

During 2014, the unit participated in drilling 5 oil and gas wells. This resulted 
in 4 successful outcomes and 1 which was deemed non-commercial, 
resulting in dry hole costs of $1.7m (2013 – $2.6m), which are shown as an 
exceptional item.

Following a year end valuation of reserves which requires individual oil and 
gas properties to be impaired when the estimated realisable value is less 
than the book value based on future production and commodity prices, 
the business has taken an impairment charge of $9.6m (2013 – $7.9m), 
which has been shown as an exceptional item, reflecting a reduction in 
reserve estimates and higher retirement obligation cost estimates. 
Reported loss from operations for 2014 was $11.1m (2013 – $9.3m).

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
29

Summary Group Cash Flow

EBITDA
Working capital movements
Net interest paid and bank fees
Tax paid
Replacement capital investment
Other operating cash and non-cash movements

Free cash flow
Expansion capital investment
Dividends to equity holders and non-controlling interests
Purchase of subsidiaries
Other
Foreign exchange

Reduction in net debt in the year – continuing operations
Disposal of subsidiaries
Tax indemnity refunds
Gibson Shipbrokers cash flows reported as discontinued

Reduction in net debt in the year

* Restated following the designation of Gibson Shipbrokers as a discontinued operation.

2014  
$m

269.8
3.8
(5.6)
(26.6)
(69.0)
9.9

182.3
(54.5)
(46.6)
(3.0)
0.2
(3.0)

75.4
3.9
0.2
(4.7)

74.8

2013*  
$m

244.0
(22.7)
(6.5)
(19.9)
(44.8)
(4.5)

145.6
(50.0)
(45.8)
(10.7)
4.2
(0.6)

42.7
–
17.7
0.2

60.6

Cash Flow
EBITDA increased 11% during the year reflecting strong trading conditions and good performance. While the business grew over 2014, working capital was 
tightly managed and ended the year broadly unchanged.

Net interest paid decreased in the year to $5.6m from $6.5m in 2013 reflecting lower average net debt. Tax paid in the year increased by $6.7m to $26.6m 
from $19.9m in 2013 due to higher taxable profits, an increase in rates and because 2013 benefited from a shielding effect of losses brought forward.

Replacement capital investment increased 54% to $69.0m in 2014 (2013 – $44.8m) and included $25.4m on the new Houma facility, which replaces other 
sites. Other key components included $19.2m on drilling tools and rental equipment and $16.4m on machinery and equipment. Exploration and production 
capital investments totalled $7.0m during the year as contractually committed wells were drilled by the unit’s business partners.

Other operating cash and non cash movements at $9.9m were $14.4m favourable to 2013. This reflected higher adjustments for losses on the sale of plant, 
equipment and machinery, higher share based payment charges with the 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan being replaced with the Hunting PSP, and higher 
pension charges.

As a result of the above investments, free cash flow increased by $36.7m to $182.3m in the year (2013 – $145.6m).

Expansion capital investment during 2014 reached $54.5m (2013 – $50.0m) as the Group’s internal capital investment programme progressed. The Group 
incurred $23.0m on its new premium threading and test facility at Houston, Texas, $3.7m on the new regional facility in Cape Town, $9.7m on drilling tools 
and rental equipment, $12.9m on machinery and equipment and $3.1m at Hunting Dearborn. Other expansion capital investments totalled $2.1m.

Total dividend payments of $46.6m were paid, with $2.5m of this relating to non-controlling interests. The $44.1m paid to equity shareholders reflected the 
payment of the final dividend for 2013 of 21.8 cents (12.9 pence) and the 2014 interim dividend of 8.1 cents (5.1 pence). All dividends will continue to be 
declared in cents, with a Sterling equivalent paid, following a formal process of conversion. The final dividend for 2014 is proposed at 22.9 cents, and, if 
approved by shareholders, is expected to result in an outflow of $33.7m.

During 2014 the Group paid $3.0m being the final payment on the Specialty Supply acquisition, which together with other cash inflows of $0.2m and 
foreign exchange movements of $3.0m resulted in a net cash inflow from continuing operations of $75.4m.

Within discontinued operations, an inflow of $3.9m following the settlement of a loan note from Field Aviation and the return of unutilised environmental 
escrow funds together with other cash inflows of $0.2m, were broadly offset by cashflow movements within Gibson Shipbrokers. Therefore, net debt 
reduced by $74.8m during 2014 to end the year with a net debt position of $131.0m (2013 – $205.8m).

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
30

THE EXPANSION OF FACILITIES AROUND THE GLOBE ENTERED A NEW PHASE  
IN 2014 WITH CONSTRUCTION NEARING COMPLETION AND COMMISSIONING 
BEGINNING AT THE KEY PROJECTS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND THE UNITED STATES 
IN MAINE, LOUISIANA AND TEXAS. 

Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORT FULFILMENTSTRATEGIC REPORT

31

Capacity Fulfilment 
Building on the successful model of co-locating manufacturing and 
distribution centres according to market demand, the new Houma, 
Louisiana, US, facility and Cape Town, South Africa, plant are configured  
to meet unique regional requirements. 

Ameriport, near Houston, Texas, US, is a purpose-built proprietary threading 
and test facility geared to the deep water Gulf of Mexico.

Dearborn, Maine, US, is an expansion of the unique precision machining 
capability for MWD/LWD and associated products in the Advanced 
Manufacturing Group. 

The main picture portrays the new Houma, Louisiana, US, facility with its 
multi-functional design. The manufacturing facility is shown with ports  
for full length pipe threading and is configured internally for smaller 
accessories and large capacity wireline/slickline production. Partially 
covered overhead loading lanes are for loading and shipping; the facility is 
ideally sited for Interstate highway access. The separate deepwater storage 
building contains a pressure testing cell for fully made up tools. The 
administrative block provides all support functions for the Company’s 
offshore Gulf of Mexico markets. 

The Cape Town facility and  
its satellite repair facility in 
Mombasa, Kenya, will service 
customer needs across 
Sub-Sahara Africa.

New or expanding facilities completing in 2015

Houma, Louisiana, US 

281,000 sq ft

Cape Town, South Africa 

52,000 sq ft

Ameriport, Houston, Texas, US

155,000 sq ft

Fryeburg, Maine, US

214,000 sq ft

Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION  
 
 
 
32

GROUP FUNDING AND  
POSITION AT YEAR END

CASH GENERATION HAS BEEN PARTICULARLY STRONG DURING THE YEAR 
PROVIDING THE GROUP WITH THE FLEXIBILITY TO INVEST IN RESEARCH AND 
DEVELOPMENT, CONSIDER ACQUISITIONS, EXPAND AND ADD TO THE 
FACILITIES FOOTPRINT, MAINTAIN ITS INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONTINUE WITH 
A PROGRESSIVE DIVIDEND POLICY TO SHAREHOLDERS. OVER THE YEAR NET 
DEBT REDUCED BY $74.8M TO END THE YEAR AT $131.0M REFLECTING 
GEARING OF 9% AT 31 DECEMBER 2014 (2013 – 15%).

The ratio of net debt to EBITDA permitted under the RCF must not exceed  
a maximum of 3 times. EBITDA must also cover relevant finance charges by 
a minimum of 4 times. For covenant testing purposes, the Group’s EBITDA  
is adjusted to exclude exceptional items, include the share of associates’ 
post-tax results and exclude the fair value charge for share awards. EBITDA, 
for covenant test purposes, is based on the previous twelve month period, 
measured twice yearly at 30 June and 31 December. At 31 December 2014 
both these covenants were comfortably met. 

The Group’s net debt is monitored by Group Treasury on a daily basis and a 
variety of cash forecasts looking at different time horizons are prepared on 
a periodic basis. The covenants are monitored on a monthly basis and all 
external covenant requirements have been met during the year.

Management’s judgement is that the level of headroom remaining is 
adequate to provide ongoing flexibility and to support the investment in 
key projects outlined in this strategic report.

Return on average capital employed is a KPI management use to assess 
business unit performance. The Group’s underlying return on average 
capital employed has improved to 13% (2013 – 12%) reflecting the strong 
results in the year despite the ongoing capital investment programme on 
expansion projects, which do not provide an immediate financial return. 

The Board considers each ordinary dividend proposed based on the merits 
of the information available to it at the time. Consideration is given to the 
financial projections of business performance and capital investment 
needs, together with feedback from shareholder discussions. 

Further detail on financial risks is provided within note 30 of the 2014 
Annual Report and Accounts.

Financial Capital Management
Capital employed is managed with the aim of maintaining an appropriate 
level of financing available for the Group’s activities. The balance of debt 
and equity (as reflected in the gearing ratio which is net debt expressed  
as a percentage of total equity) is managed having due regard to the 
respective cost of funds and their availability.

The Group operates a centralised treasury function with policies and 
procedures approved by the Board. These cover funding, banking 
relationships, foreign currency, interest rate exposures, cash management 
and the investment of surplus cash.

The Group operates on a global basis and hence results originate in a 
number of currencies. The US dollar is the most significant functional 
currency used; however, where this is not the case the Group is subject to 
the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations with respect to currency 
conversions. Currency exposure on the balance sheet is, where practical, 
reduced by financing assets with borrowings in the same currency. Spot 
and forward foreign exchange contracts are used to cover the net exposure 
of purchases and sales in non-domestic currencies.

2014 has been a year of growth for the Group, as activity levels improved 
within a number of the Group’s core businesses leading to an increase in 
revenues and underlying profits from continuing operations. Cash 
generation has been sufficient not only to fund our capital investment 
programme requirements but also to reduce net debt by $74.8m to 
$131.0m (2013 – $205.8m), with gearing reducing to 9% at 31 December 
2014 (2013 – 15%).

Total equity
Net debt

Capital employed

Gearing

2014 
$m

2013
$m

1,438.3
131.0

1,414.8
205.8

1,569.3

1,620.6

9%

15%

The Group’s financial position remains robust, with total credit facilities of 
$649.8m in place (2013 – $688.8m) of which $584.7m or £375.0m (2013 – 
$621.1m or £375.0m) is committed. The committed facility is a £375.0m 
Sterling denominated multi-currency revolving credit facility (“RCF”) from  
a syndicate of ten banks which extends to 5 August 2016. Further details 
regarding the facility can be found in note 30 of the 2014 Annual Report 
and Accounts. 

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
33

Balance Sheet

Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Working capital
Taxation (current and deferred)
Provisions
Net assets held for sale
Other net assets

Capital employed
Net debt

Net assets
Non-controlling interests

Equity attributable to owners of the parent

2014  
$m

440.6
224.8
473.0
470.6
(55.2)
(24.7)
4.8
35.4

2013  
$m

495.2
263.0
431.8
467.6
(48.7)
(33.4)
–
45.1

1,569.3
(131.0)

1,438.3
(30.2)

1,620.6
(205.8)

1,414.8
(30.9)

1,408.1

1,383.9

Following the Group’s annual impairment review exercise, whereby the 
carrying value of goodwill for each relevant cash generating unit across the 
Group is evaluated based on future cash projections, an impairment of  
$49.6m to the goodwill held in respect of the Drilling Tools and Hunting 
Electronics business units has been recognised. Further details of the 
reasons for the impairment are detailed in note 16 of the 2014 Annual 
Report and Accounts. Other changes to goodwill relate to an adverse 
impact from foreign exchange of $3.2m and a reclassification to assets held 
for sale of $1.8m. As a result, the Group’s goodwill has decreased by $54.6m 
compared to 2013. 

Provisions have reduced by $8.7m during the year primarily due to the release 
of unutilised onerous property provisions with a settlement agreement 
reached with the landlord in respect of certain vacant properties.

As a result of the above changes, capital employed in the Group has 
reduced by $51.3m to $1,569.3m.

Cash generation in the final months of the year has been particularly strong 
resulting in an overall cash inflow in 2014 of $74.8m reducing net debt to  
$131.0m at 31 December 2014.

Net assets at 31 December 2014 were $1,438.3m, which, after non-
controlling interests of $30.2m, result in equity shareholders’ funds of 
$1,408.1m. This is an increase of $24.2m over 31 December 2013, which 
reflects the retained result for the year of $69.2m offset by other items of 
$0.9m and $44.1m of dividend payments.

Other intangible assets have reduced by $38.2m, the main movements 
being an amortisation expense for the year of $42.8m offset by the 
capitalisation of technology and software development costs of $4.8m.

Property, plant and equipment has increased by $41.2m. Additions of 
$125.1m were offset by depreciation of $52.3m and impairment of dry hole 
costs and oil and gas assets of $11.3m. The net book value on disposals 
amounted to $13.7m, exchange adjustments were an adverse $6.1m and 
$0.5m was reclassified as held for sale.

Working capital has increased by $3.0m since 2013 with increases in 
receivables more than offsetting that on payables. Inventory balances were 
relatively neutral.

Tax balances payable have increased to $55.2m at 31 December 2014.  
The increase largely reflects additional deferred tax on the reversal of 
timing differences.

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
34

OUTLOOK

Over the last few years, a quiet revolution in North America has taken place 
which has reshaped the supply of hydrocarbons. Hydraulic fracturing 
(fracking) initially transformed the US natural gas market from a concerning 
deficit to an exportable abundance. Further advances in fracking and 
horizontal drilling have now made a positive impact on US oil production 
and coupled with global supplies, have created a temporary imbalance to 
the world’s supply/demand curve.

Accordingly, oil prices have declined dramatically, and the global oil and gas 
industry is quickly resetting its expenditure and profitability expectations. 
Rig counts continue to decline each week with varying estimates of future 
levels. Operators initially set modest targets of contraction, but have 
escalated those reductions depending on their geographic focus, debt 
position and cost structure.

This rapid decline in industry expenditure and activity will inevitably feed 
through to our revenue and profitability levels for 2015. Depending on the 
geographic location and product description, profit levels will vary. North 
America onshore activity will be the most affected and will be the target 
region for most of Hunting’s initial cost actions including, headcount 
reduction, hiring and salary freezes and capital investment constraints.  
Since year end, approximately 500 employees or 13% of the Group’s global 
workforce have been affected. The offshore Gulf of Mexico, primarily  
deep water drilling and production, will have modest changes in rig  
count and expenditure. 

Internationally, we expect the Middle East and Asia Pacific to remain at 
activity levels seen in 2014 however, tubular margins will decline. Canada 
and the North Sea has and will continue to experience contraction in rig 
counts and activity at varying levels dependent upon the individual 
operator’s cost points.

Despite the subdued consensus for the short term oil market, Hunting 
remains confident in the long term fundamentals for oil and gas demand. 
Our capital investment programme for additional and more efficient 
capacity will be completed throughout 2015 with a strong belief in 
preparedness for the eventual recovery. Our balance sheet remains solid 
with modest levels of net debt. Our unique products, global footprint, 
flexible manufacturing capacity and experienced personnel will enable us 
to manage the downturn yet capture opportunities which often appear  
in cyclical environments.

We do not know the length or depth of the industry contraction. We  
will however endeavour to provide updates more often than required 
regarding the activity and developments we see in the markets and  
clients we serve. Your Company has an excellent team of experienced 
managers to respond quickly during this period and react to the changing 
developments of individual clients, commodity prices, geopolitical 
influences and financial requirements. They remain committed to 
improving further the Company’s Health, Safety and Environment record. 
They will introduce new products that will aid in reducing customer costs 
for oil and gas extraction. And finally, they will be mindful of shareholder 
value and the need to operate as if Hunting were their personal company. 

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
35

HUNTING DEARBORN IS EXPANDING ITS OPERATING 
FOOTPRINT BY 65,000 SQUARE FEET – A 44% INCREASE.

A TYPICAL MWD/LWD TOOL TAKES BETWEEN 250 TO 300 HOURS OF MACHINING,  
UTILISING AS MANY AS 35 DIFFERENT MACHINING OPERATIONS. 
THE QUALITY OF THE FINISHED PART IS ASSURED BY MORE THAN 1,200 DATA POINT MEASUREMENTS PER PIECE.

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

36

PRINCIPAL RISKS  
AND UNCERTAINTIES

RISKS SPECIFIC TO THE NATURE OF HUNTING GROUP BUSINESSES

RAW MATERIAL AND  
COMMODITY PRICES

SHALE DRILLING

IN ITS DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS, 
THE GROUP IS EXPOSED TO A 
WIDE VARIETY OF COMMERCIAL, 
OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL RISKS 
AND THE BOARD HAS ESTABLISHED 
AN INTERNAL CONTROL PROCESS 
TO MANAGE, MONITOR AND REVIEW 
THESE RISKS. THIS PROCESS IS 
DESCRIBED IN MORE DETAIL IN THE 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT. 
GROUP RISKS ARE FORMALLY 
REVIEWED BY THE BOARD AT  
LEAST THREE TIMES A YEAR  
AND ARE DISCUSSED AT EVERY 
BOARD MEETING.

THE GROUP’S PRINCIPAL RISKS ARE 
THOSE THAT THE BOARD CONSIDERS 
COULD HAVE A MAJOR IMPACT ON 
THE OPERATIONAL, FINANCIAL AND 
REPORTED PERFORMANCE OF THE 
BUSINESS AND ARE THEREFORE OF 
HEIGHTENED IMPORTANCE.

Hunting is exposed to the consequences of 
fluctuations in the price of oil and gas as the 
supply and demand for energy is a key driver  
of demand for Hunting’s products.

Oil and gas exploration companies may reduce 
or curtail operations if oil and gas prices fall  
to levels where exploration and production 
activities become uneconomical. Therefore,  
the continuation of prices above these levels is, 
in part, critical to the industry and the financial 
viability of the Hunting Group.

Controls and Actions
Working capital and, in particular, inventory  
levels are closely managed to ensure the Group 
maintains flexibility to meet changes in demand.

The Group maintains three operating platforms: 
the Well Construction and Well Completion 
segments expect to benefit when exploration 
companies are active in their drilling operations 
and the Well Intervention segment benefits 
when wells are subject to maintenance or 
require testing or repair work.

Movement in Year
The decline in global oil and gas prices during 
2014 continues to be closely monitored by the 
Group. Regular contact with customers provides 
management with the ability to assess the 
potential impact on demand for the Group’s 
products and services and for management to 
respond accordingly. 

The Group provides products to the oil and gas 
shale drilling industry. Although it is now an 
established practice in the US, significant 
sections of the public continue to view this 
activity as high risk and any consequent 
moratorium or new laws may unfavourably 
impact the industry.

Controls and Actions
The Board monitors public and political opinion 
and maintains an awareness of the potential for 
changes to legislation especially with regard to 
the US where the Group is mainly exposed.

The Group maintains a diverse portfolio of 
products that extends beyond supplying the 
shale drilling industry, including the supplies  
for conventional drilling and the manufacture  
of high precision and advanced technology 
components for both the onshore and  
offshore markets.

Many of the Group’s facilities have the flexibility 
to reconfigure their manufacturing processes to 
meet with a change in the pattern of demand.

Movement in Year
The Board believes that US consumers remain 
aware of the relative benefits and risks associated 
with shale drilling and that the public in general 
remains in favour of the activity.

Following the recent fall in oil and gas prices,  
the Board expects to see reduced levels of  
shale drilling in the US. Appropriate measures  
are being implemented to address the 
consequential reduction in demand for products 
and services supplied to the shale industry. 

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

37

COMPETITION

ACQUISITIONS AND  
CAPITAL INVESTMENT

PRODUCT QUALITY  
AND RELIABILITY

The Group has an established reputation for 
producing a range of high quality components 
capable of operating within high pressure, high 
temperature environments.

A failure of any one of these components could 
adversely impact the Group’s reputation and 
demand for the Group’s range of products  
and services.

Controls and Actions
Quality assurance standards are monitored, 
measured and regulated within the Group under 
the authority of a Quality Assurance Director, 
who reports directly to the Chief Executive.

Movement in Year
Internal procedures continue to be enhanced to 
mitigate the risk of a product failure materially 
impacting the Group. Regional Training Centres are 
now established in Houston and Singapore, where 
product quality training is a key agenda item.

The Group’s ability to win and maintain contracts 
is defined by its relationships with its key 
customers and its ability to provide a quality of 
product that is superior to that of its competitors. 
A material reduction in orders from a major 
customer may arise for a variety of reasons 
including from direct competitive action or 
through competitors taking advantage of a 
weakening customer relationship, which may  
be due to a contractual dispute, a business 
consolidation or a change in Group strategy. 

Controls and Actions
Senior management maintains close 
relationships with key customers and seeks to 
maintain the highest level of service to preserve 
Hunting’s reputation for quality.

The Board is committed to strengthening 
product quality in order to stay ahead of 
increasing competition. A new product testing 
facility, new lean manufacturing processes and 
increased spend on research and development 
are all expected to raise the Group’s competitive 
position and reputation for supplying superior 
products and services.

The Group has a wide customer base that 
includes many of the major oil and gas  
service providers.

Movement in Year
The Board believes that the risks associated  
with competitor action and the loss of key 
customers in general increased during 2014  
and going into 2015 particularly with the 
deteriorating market environment.

Acquisitions and capital investment form the 
basis of the Group’s strategy of expansion and 
development. Such activity incurs the potential 
for business disruption, management distraction, 
interruption to IT systems and the consequent 
poor financial returns that would emanate from 
these issues if not controlled properly.

Controls and Actions
The Board reviews and challenges each potential 
acquisition prior to approval and frequently 
engages consultants to provide expert analysis 
of the key issues.

The success of each acquisition or major capital 
investment programme is assessed through a 
post-acquisition/investment appraisal process  
that provides a learning platform for future 
business combinations.

The Board and senior management follow  
a rigorous process of approving, managing  
and monitoring capital investments along  
with planning for contingencies. Capital 
investment above discretionary limits requires 
Board approval prior to commitment.

Movement in Year
During 2014 the Board remained focused  
on organic expansion and consequently the 
Group’s exposure to the risks associated with 
capital investment were unchanged during  
the year.

STRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
 
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

38

PRINCIPAL RISKS  
AND UNCERTAINTIES 
CONTINUED

RISKS COMMON TO INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING BUSINESSES

ECONOMIC AND 
GEOPOLITICS

KEY EXECUTIVES

The economic and political environments in 
which the Group operates have the potential to 
impact demand for energy or disrupt business 
activity and therefore may affect output of the 
Group’s products and services.

The Group is highly reliant on the continued 
service of its key executives and senior 
management, who possess commercial, 
engineering, technical and financial skills  
that are critical to the success of the Group.

The Group’s principal presence remains located 
in the stable regions of North America and the 
UK. However the growing presence in the Asia 
Pacific region has proportionately increased the 
Group’s exposure to the emerging markets in 
that part of the world. The Group has also 
commenced its expansion into Sub-Sahara 
Africa and as part of this process has policies and 
procedures in place to manage and monitor  
the economic and geopolitical risk profile in  
that region.

The Group has limited exposure to the Eurozone 
and Ukraine/Russia.

Controls and Actions
Management and the Board closely monitor 
projected economic trends in order to match 
capacity to regional demand.

Areas exposed to high geopolitical risk are noted 
by the Board and are also monitored closely.

Movement in Year
Notwithstanding the Group’s strongest presence 
remaining in North America, the risk of exposure 
to geopolitical uncertainty has increased during 
the year with the current global expansion 
programme under way.

Controls and Actions
Remuneration packages are regularly reviewed  
to ensure that key executives are remunerated  
in line with market rates. External consultants  
are engaged to provide guidance on best practice.

Senior management regularly review the 
availability of the necessary skills within the 
Group and seeks to engage suitable staff  
where they feel there is vulnerability.

The Board regards succession planning as an 
important factor in ensuring the longer-term 
success of the Group. Succession planning is  
an annual topic of discussion at Board meetings 
and senior management is held responsible  
for ensuring this is addressed throughout  
the organisation.

Movement in Year
A number of changes have arisen at the senior 
management level with all vacated positions 
being filled by competent individuals who are 
anticipated to proactively contribute to the 
success of the Group.

Due to the small turnover of key personnel,  
the Board has assessed the risk of losing key 
executives as unchanged from last year.

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

39

HEALTH, SAFETY AND  
THE ENVIRONMENT 
(“HS&E”)

EFFECTIVE  
CONTROL OVER 
SUBSIDIARIES

Group subsidiaries operate within a control 
framework with a degree of autonomy vested  
in local management. Autonomy incurs the risk 
of local decisions being made outside the 
parameters of the Board’s strategies and policies, 
possible breaches of the Group’s Code of 
Conduct and a general ineffectiveness by local 
management to conduct business in a manner 
that furthers the interests and profitability of  
the Group.

Controls and Actions
Each subsidiary is subject to regular assessment 
that includes Board and management meetings, 
regular reporting and frequent contact. 
Compliance is further checked by internal audit. 
The Group is also subject to external audit.

A conference of senior management is held 
annually in which key business operations are 
discussed and challenged.

Senior managers at the Group’s subsidiaries 
remain aware of their responsibilities to 
corporate governance and the Group’s  
own operational policies.

Movement in Year
No concerns were raised by the Board during 
the year.

Due to the nature of the Group’s activities and 
the industry in which it operates, the Group is 
subject to a relatively high number of HS&E risks 
and the laws and regulations issued by each of 
the jurisdictions in which the Group operates.

The Group’s exposure to risk therefore includes 
the potential for the occurrence of a reportable 
incident, the financial risk of a breach of HS&E 
regulations and the risk of unexpected 
compliance expenditure whenever a law  
or regulation is renewed or enhanced.

Controls and Actions
The Board targets to achieve a record of nil 
incidents and further aims for full compliance 
with the laws and regulations in each jurisdiction 
in which the Group operates.

Every Group facility is overseen by a health and 
safety officer with the responsibility for ensuring 
compliance with current and newly issued  
HS&E standards.

The Board receives a Group HS&E compliance 
report at every Board meeting.

Movement in Year
The Group incurs a small number of incidents 
each year, which remain well below the industry 
average and the number recorded during 2014 is 
broadly consistent to the Group’s record in prior 
years. The risks associated with HS&E have 
therefore not materially changed.

Details of the Group’s HS&E record are disclosed 
on pages 42 and 43.

STRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
CORPORATE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

40

CORPORATE AND SOCIAL 
RESPONSIBILITY

AS AN INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES PROVIDER, HUNTING RELIES 
ON ITS REPUTATION WITHIN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY. THE RELATIONSHIPS 
DEVELOPED WITH STAKEHOLDERS ARE CRITICAL TO OUR BUSINESS SUCCESS 
AND IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE CONTINUING GROWTH OF THE GROUP WE 
CONSTANTLY EVALUATE WAYS TO STRENGTHEN OUR LINKS WITH INVESTORS, 
CUSTOMERS, SUPPLIERS, EMPLOYEES, GOVERNMENTS AND THE COMMUNITIES 
IN WHICH OUR BUSINESSES OPERATE.

The responsibility for building and maintaining our reputation with 
stakeholders extends from the Board, to our executive management and 
to those employees working at an operational level. Hunting continues to 
update and introduce policies on governance, ethics and business conduct.

Further details on the Group’s governance framework can be found within 
the Corporate Governance Report on pages 52 to 55.

The Board believes that the combined policies covering these areas 
continued to remain effective during the year. The Board also believes that 
the policies in place covering other key areas such as human rights, bribery 
and corruption, sanctions and compliance with laws and regulations 
remained effective in the period.

Code of Conduct
Through the Group’s Code of Conduct Hunting has published the basis on 
which our employees interact with our customers and suppliers around the 
world. Our commitment to do business in an ethical and transparent way 
enables Hunting to occupy a position of trust with our partners. As part of 
our established procedures, the Code of Conduct is sent to all major trading 
partners around the world.

Human Rights
Hunting is committed to upholding the Human Rights of all our 
stakeholders and in 2014 published its global Human Rights Policy which  
is incorporated within the Group’s Code of Conduct. This policy extends to:

 – providing a safe working environment for all employees and 

contractors;

 – respecting the rights of the individual with a zero tolerance to any 

form  of discrimination, harassment or bullying;

 – providing training and development programmes to our global 

workforce;

 – not employing child labour;
 – promoting good relationships with the communities in which  

we operate;

 – operating in an environmentally responsible manner.

Investors
Communicating the position, performance and future strategy with  
the Group’s shareholders is of key importance to the Board of Directors. 
Communications include press releases issued to the London Stock 
Exchange, industry analyst and institutional investor presentations and 
webcasts and interacting with shareholders at general meetings of the 
Company. Other communications include an in-house corporate 
publication, the Hunting Review, which is published twice a year.

The Company is quoted on the London Stock Exchange and has a 
premium listing status, indicating its commitment to the UK’s highest 
standards of regulation and corporate governance as published by the 
Financial Conduct Authority. The Company is also required to comply with 
the UK Corporate Governance Code, UK Company Law and the laws and 
regulations of the jurisdictions in which it operates.

Customers and Suppliers
Hunting’s customers and suppliers are an integral part of the success of the 
Group. Developing our relationships with these partners is essential to our 
long-term growth. The Hunting way of doing business is summarised in the 
Code of Conduct, with openness and transparency being key components 
of our reputation with long-term business partners.

Hunting PLC is a signatory to the UK government’s Prompt Payment Code 
and is committed to making timely payments to our suppliers, providing 
transparency and certainty to our business partners.

In order to promote its standing within our industry sector, Group 
companies hold memberships with a variety of organisations including:
 – American Petroleum Institute
 – Society of Petroleum Engineers
 – The International Coiled Tubing Association
 – American Society for Quality

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsCORPORATE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

41

Geographic split of employees – year end actuals*

424
400

276
255

UK
2014
2013

US
2014
2013

Canada
2014
2013

Total
2014
2013

2,479
2,275

Rest of Europe
2014
2013

87
71

Asia Pacific
2014
2013

Other
2014
2013

43
35

694
785

4,003
3,821

* 

2013 restated following Gibson Shipbrokers being designated a 
discontinued operation.

Employees
Our people are our most valuable asset and the Group recognises that  
its success and reputation depends upon their efforts, integrity and 
commitment. Our people create Hunting’s competitive edge and ensure 
that our customers’ expectations are met. Responsibility for employees 
lies with local management, which allows local cultural issues to be 
appropriately managed and the necessary development programmes to 
be structured accordingly. The demographic of our employees reflects the 
global nature of the oil and gas industry and the geographic diversity of 
the Group’s activities.

At 31 December 2014, the Group had 4,003 employees (2013 – 3,821) with 
the geographical split shown in the charts above.

During 2014 Hunting opened a Regional Training Centre in Houston, Texas. 
This facility provides training to Hunting’s employees focusing on key 
manufacturing and operational skills developed by leading industry 
providers. The facility is equipped with machine tooling and inspection 
resources ranging from manual to state-of-the-art computer controlled 
equipment. These resources represent a cross-section of equipment 
commonly used at many of Hunting’s facilities. While growing the skill sets 
of our front-line manufacturing personnel is a primary goal, the Regional 
Training Centre provides a curriculum relevant to Hunting’s US employees. 
The Regional Training Centre represents one of many programmes that 
Hunting utilises to maximise employee value and retention. 

Hunting also operates ToolingU™, an industry leading online manufacturing 
training platform. ToolingU™ offers over 400 online courses covering a 
wide array of subjects for all levels of manufacturing personnel. There 
are now over 2,200 active Hunting participants across the Group’s US 
operations and over 8,000 online courses have been completed in the past 
year. In addition to job specific training, core modules comprising of four 
basic courses were created and assigned to US personnel. These core 
modules emphasise Hunting’s values and include courses in Health, Safety 
and Quality Assurance. 

Hunting believes that employing the right people is only the start of the 
relationship between an employee and employer. The Group seeks to 
adhere to all relevant local and jurisdictional laws covering employment 
and minimum wage legislation. As a responsible employer, full and fair 
consideration is given to applications for positions from disabled persons 
and to their training and career advancement. Every effort is made to  
retain in employment those who become disabled while employed by  
the Group.

It is important for the Group to retain key employees and to recruit high 
quality candidates. This remains a major challenge for the oil and gas 
industry. Hunting has cultivated a supportive environment that promotes 
development, learning and advancement to ensure that its employees 
realise their potential. Long service is a feature of the Group’s employment 
profile and recognition is given through service award programmes across 
the Group. Thirty years’ service is not an uncommon attribute. The Group 
believes that providing additional benefits to staff encourages the best 
performance from our people. The majority of employees are offered 
participation in schemes which provide healthcare and post-retirement 
benefits and, in certain instances, participation in bonus arrangements 
when outperformance in terms of operational excellence has been 
achieved. Hunting has share award schemes in place as a longer-term 
incentive and to encourage employees to participate in the ownership  
of the Company.

The Board has established “whistleblowing” procedures for any employee 
wishing to raise, in confidence, any concerns they may have about possible 
financial improprieties, or other matters, with the Chairman or Senior 
Independent Director. The Group also has in place an independent and 
anonymous whistleblowing reporting service operated by Safecall Limited 
with the contact details communicated to all employees.

STRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsCORPORATE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

42

CORPORATE AND SOCIAL 
RESPONSIBILITY 
CONTINUED

THE GROUP OPERATES FROM 43 PRINCIPAL MANUFACTURING FACILITIES 
AND ALL ARE COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING AND MAINTAINING THE HIGHEST 
STANDARDS OF SAFETY FOR ITS EMPLOYEES, CUSTOMERS, SUPPLIERS AND 
THE PUBLIC.

Diversity
Hunting’s diversity policy is detailed within the Corporate Governance 
Report. The Group seeks to ensure equal opportunities are given to its global 
workforce across the whole spectrum of diversity areas, including gender.

The Group also makes donations to various UK charities through the 
Chairman’s charitable trust committee, which comprises the Chairman and 
former Hunting employees. In 2014, assistance was granted to 38 charities.

The Group’s gender balance is presented in the table below:

Hunting’s Gender Balance*

Total number of 
officers/employees
2013

2014

Males %

Females %

2014

2013

2014

2013

130

152
4,003 3,821

94
82

91
82

6
18

9
18

Senior Management
Whole Workforce
2013 restated
* 

Hunting’s senior management is defined as those employees who have 
influence in the daily running of the Group’s major operational businesses 
and activities, including the number of persons who were directors of 
subsidiary undertakings within the Group.

During 2014, Hunting’s Board was made up of six male Directors. Following 
the appointments announced on 2 February 2015, the Board now 
comprises six male Directors and one female Director.

Community
Hunting’s responsibilities to the communities in which it operates extends 
on many fronts. The Group participates in a number of initiatives and 
events which raise money for charities and community projects around the 
world. In 2014, many Hunting employees participated in local charitable 
events with associated corporate support.

The Hunting Art Prize is an annual event hosted in Houston which supports 
local community organisations. In 2014, Hunting’s chosen charity was 
Patriot PAWS Service Dogs. Patriot is dedicated to training dogs to assist 
disabled service veterans and others with mobile disabilities. Patriot is also 
Hunting’s designated charity for 2015.

During 2014, the Group donated $0.4m (2013 – $0.5m) to charities.

Health and Safety
The Group operates from 43 principal manufacturing facilities and 34 
service and distribution points across the globe and all are committed to 
achieving and maintaining the highest standards of safety for its 
employees, customers, suppliers and the public.

Hunting has a proven culture of aiming for best practice and employs 
rigorous health and safety practices. Health and Safety policies include:
 – Regular audit and maintenance reviews of facilities, equipment, 
practices and procedures to ensure compliance with prevailing 
standards and legislation and a safe environment for all those who 
work  within and around our facilities.

 – Seeking accreditation and aligning long-standing Company 

programmes and procedures to internationally recognised Quality 
Assurance standards.

 – Monitoring, which is a management task, documented and reported 

at  Board level.

 – Appropriate training and education of all staff.
 – A Group policy on health, safety and environmental matters, which can 

be found on the Company’s website www.huntingplc.com.

Hunting’s Director of Health, Safety and Environment reports directly to 
the Chief Executive and a report is considered by the Board of Directors 
at each meeting.

The Group’s target is to achieve zero recordable incidents. Each local 
business is required to develop tailored policies to suit their environment. 
These incorporate the Group’s approach to putting safety first and, at a 
minimum, to comply with local regulatory requirements. Training is given 
to every employee, throughout the Group.

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsCORPORATE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

43

In the ten years of hosting 
the Hunting Art Prize in 
the United States, $0.5m 
has been awarded in prize 
money and well over $1.0m 
raised in related charitable 
contributions. 

During the year, there were no fatalities across the Group’s operations with 
81 recordable incidents (2013 – 63). The incident rate, as calculated from 
guidance issued by the Occupation Safety and Health Administration in the 
US, was 1.92 compared to 1.54 in 2013. The industry average incident rate in 
2014 was 5.3 (2013 – 7.0).

Quality and Manufacturing Excellence 
The Group is committed to enhancing its production and operational quality 
with a number of facilities being certified ISO 9001 (quality), 14001 (health 
and safety) and 18001 (environmental) compliant, indicating that globally 
recognised standards and systems are in place. The table below presents the 
adoption of the ISO accreditations across the Group’s manufacturing facilities:

ISO Accreditation

ISO 9001
ISO 14001
ISO 18001

Number of 
Facilities
Accredited

% of 
Manufacturing 
Facilities

22
8
3

51%
19%
7%

More facilities across the Group are working towards these accreditations, 
continuing the Group’s commitment to monitoring and reducing the 
environmental impact of its operations and increasing HS&E standards.

Operational and production excellence is a key feature of our relationship 
with customers, therefore quality assurance for each component 
manufactured is a key indication of our drive to be an industry leading 
provider of critical components and measurement tools.

In 2014, the Group continued its programme to introduce lean 
manufacturing processes into global operations. This resulted in efficiency 
gains in a number of key business units.

The Group continuously strives to gain leadership in areas of technology 
relevant to the Group’s products and at the year end had 355 active patents.

Environment
The Group is committed to the protection of the environment and 
developing manufacturing processes and procedures, which ensure that 
any adverse effects on the environment are kept to a minimum.

The Group’s environmental policy is to look for opportunities and adopt 
practices that create a safer and cleaner environment. It is particularly 
sensitive to the challenges of the industry in which it operates. The Group 
has programmes in place to monitor the environmental impact from its 
operational activities and remains focused on ensuring environmental 
consideration is at the forefront of its business practices.

Key aspects of our environmental policies include:
 – Raising awareness of the environment within the workplace through 

noticeboard communications.

 – Encouraging the reduction of waste and emissions and promoting 
awareness of recycled materials and use of renewable resources.

 – Each operating unit developing and implementing their own 

procedures while conducting regular reviews to ensure that they are 
maintained and refined.

 – Encouraging employees to pay special regard to environmental issues 
and requirements in the communities in which the Group operates.
 – Incorporating health, safety and environment considerations into the 

design of new facilities.

The Group monitors and collects data relating to its greenhouse gas 
emissions from across its operations and submits data to the UK’s Carbon 
Disclosure Project, and is complying with the UK government’s Energy 
Savings Opportunity Scheme’s requirements.

In compliance with UK environmental legislation, each business unit across 
the Group has reported Scope 1 and 2 emissions to provide a consolidated 
total of each source of greenhouse gas emissions for the year ended 31 
December 2014. Scope 1 emissions result from direct sources such as fossil 
fuels consumed onsite. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions such as 
electricity consumed by a business. The reporting basis for emissions has 
been presented on an operational control basis, with data collected on the 
six greenhouse gases highlighted by the Kyoto Protocol. 

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44

CORPORATE AND SOCIAL 
RESPONSIBILITY 
CONTINUED

As well as fundraising for local 
causes, staff volunteer their time in 
the community.

Pictured here are Hunting 
employees assisting in an 
orphanage in Indonesia.

Total emissions are converted to a carbon dioxide equivalent figure, using 
guidance and conversion factors detailed in the UK government’s 
Environmental Reporting Guidance as published by DEFRA  
(www.gov.uk/defra).

2014 has seen the Group continue to develop and enhance its relationships 
with all stakeholders with a commitment from all levels of the Group to 
deliver value for its partners in the long term.

Dennis Proctor 
Chief Executive 
5 March 2015

Peter Rose
Finance Director

The following table details Hunting’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions:

Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (tonnes)

Scope 1
Scope 2

Total controlled emissions

2014

2013

% Change

8,113
34,059

42,172

8,309
33,544

41,853

–2.4
+1.5

+0.8

The Group also collects mains water usage data and in 2014 consumed 
290k cubic metres (2013 – 195k cubic metres) of water. 

The Group’s emissions are primarily a function of the production activity 
within its operating facilities, therefore the Group’s facilities square footage 
has been adopted as the basis of the intensity factor presented below: 

Intensity factor

2014

2013 % Change

Total controlled emissions (tonnes)
Facilities footprint (‘000 square feet)

42,172
2,806

41,853
2,763

Intensity Factor

15.0

15.1

+0.8
+1.6

–0.7

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CORPORATE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

45

EMPLOYEE TRAINING

HUNTING’S COMMITMENT TO THE EDUCATION OF ITS WORKFORCE HAS CONTINUED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR 
THROUGH THE GROUP’S REGIONAL TRAINING CENTRES, LOCATED IN THE US AND SINGAPORE. STAFF 
DEVELOPMENT INCLUDES COURSES ON QUALITY ASSURANCE, HEALTH AND SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL 
COMPLIANCE MATTERS.

Technical development is also encouraged through the Group’s use of the ToolingU™ online training portal, to which many of Hunting’s US 
employees have been assigned modules to complete. 

The Group is committed to strong ethical standards and global compliance, with all employees required to review Hunting’s Code of Conduct as 
part of the Company’s induction programmes. Each role within the Company is assigned a ‘risk status’ for Anti-Bribery and Corruption compliance 
purposes and those employees in higher risk roles are required to complete training on the Group’s anti-bribery compliance procedures and the 
legislation which promotes transparent commercial dealings.

Hunting has trained relevant employees and developed its procedures in the area of sanctions compliance and in the year held sessions which 
enabled each Group business to address export compliance procedures pertinent to its international sales reach. Training includes use of 
web-based sessions enabling employees around the world to access online training.

STRATEGIC REPORTHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONBOARD OF DIRECTORS

46

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

RICHARD HUNTING, C.B.E.
NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

DENNIS PROCTOR
CHIEF EXECUTIVE

PETER ROSE
FINANCE DIRECTOR

Elected an executive Director and Deputy 
Chairman on the formation of Hunting PLC 
in 1989 and has been Chairman of the Board 
since 1991. In 2011, Mr Hunting moved from an 
executive to a non-executive role. Chairman 
of the Nomination Committee. He is a non-
executive director of the Royal Brompton & 
Harefield NHS Foundation Trust.

Appointed a Director in 2000 and Chief Executive 
in 2001. He was chief executive of Hunting 
Energy Services from March 2000 after joining 
the Group in 1993. He is a US citizen based in 
Houston, Texas, and has held senior positions in 
the oil services industry in Europe, the Middle 
East and North America.

Appointed to the Board as Finance Director 
in 2008. A Chartered Accountant, he joined 
Hunting in 1997 prior to which he held senior 
financial positions with Babcock International.

Board Subcommittee Membership

Executive Directors
Dennis Proctor

Peter Rose

Non-executive Directors
Richard Hunting

Annell Bay

John Glick

John Hofmeister

John Nicholas

Audit 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

–

–

–

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

–

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

–

–

–

✓

✓

✓

✓

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

47

ANNELL BAY
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

JOHN GLICK
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Appointed a non-executive Director in February 
2015. Annell Bay is a US citizen resident in 
Houston, Texas. She is currently a non-executive 
director of Apache Corporation, a global oil and 
gas exploration and production company. She 
was formerly a vice-president at Marathon Oil 
Corporation and prior to that vice-president of 
Americas Exploration at Shell Exploration and 
Production Company.

Appointed a non-executive Director in February  
2015. John (“Jay”) Glick is a US citizen resident in 
Lufkin, Texas. He is currently a non-executive director 
of TETRA Technologies, Inc, a geographically 
diversified oil and gas services company. He was 
formerly the president and chief executive officer of 
Lufkin Industries, Inc and prior to that held several 
senior management roles within Cameron 
International Corporation. 

JOHN HOFMEISTER
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

JOHN NICHOLAS
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Appointed a non-executive Director in 2009 and 
is Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
and the Company’s Senior Independent Director. 
A US citizen resident in Houston, Texas. He is the 
founder and chief executive officer of the 
Washington D.C. registered not-for-profit Citizens 
for Affordable Energy Inc, and a non-executive 
director of Camac Energy Inc and Applus 
Services SA. He is the former president of Shell 
Oil Company and a former group director of 
Royal Dutch Shell PLC in The Hague, Netherlands.

Appointed a non-executive Director in 2009 and 
is Chairman of the Audit Committee. He is a 
Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified 
Accountants and is a member of the UK Financial 
Reporting Review Panel. He is currently the 
non-executive chairman of Diploma PLC, and a 
non-executive director of Rotork PLC and Mondi 
plc. He was formerly the group finance director 
of Tate & Lyle PLC and prior to that the group 
finance director of Kidde PLC.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

48

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

The Directors present their report, together with the audited consolidated 
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2014.

Principal Activities and Strategic Report 
Hunting PLC is a holding company whose subsidiaries are primarily 
involved in the manufacture and distribution of products that enable 
the extraction of oil and gas for the world’s leading energy companies.

The Company is UK domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. 
A list of the Company’s principal subsidiaries is set out in note 42 on page 
140 of the financial statements. A full list of the Company’s subsidiaries will 
be annexed to the next Annual Return to be filed at Companies House in 
2015.

The Strategic Report, which is set out on pages 4 to 44, provides a 
comprehensive review of the development, performance and future 
prospects of the business for the year ended 31 December 2014 (pages 22 
to 34). The information set out includes a description of the Company’s 
strategy and business model (pages 6 to 12), the principal risks and 
uncertainties facing the Group (pages 36 to 39), key performance indicators 
(pages 14 to 16) and key information about environmental matters, the 
Company’s employees and community issues. These sections, including 
the Corporate Governance Report on pages 52 to 55, are deemed to form 
part of this report.

Results
The results of the Group are set out in the Consolidated Income Statement 
on page 85. 

Dividends
The Directors, subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting (“AGM”) of the Company to be held on 15 April 2015, recommend 
a final dividend of 22.9 cents per share (2013 – 21.8 cents), which together 
with the interim dividend of 8.1 cents per share (2013 – 7.7 cents), takes the 
total dividend for the year to 31.0 cents per share (2013 – 29.5 cents), an 
increase of 5.1%. The final dividend will be paid on 26 May 2015 to 
shareholders on the register at the close of business on 1 May 2015.

Changes in the Group and its Interests During the Financial Year
During the year negotiations with the employees of E.A. Gibson 
Shipbrokers Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hunting PLC, commenced 
with a view to an employee benefit trust buying the business. Given the 
high probability of the transaction completing the business has been 
designated as a discontinued operation and the Company’s results have 
been restated to reflect this. 

Post Balance Sheet Events
There are no disclosable post balance sheet events.

Annual General Meeting
The AGM of the Company will take place on Wednesday, 15 April 2015 at 
The Royal Automobile Club, 89 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HS, commencing 
at 10.30am. 

Further details of the resolutions and voting procedures are set out in the 
Notice of AGM. Shareholders can vote by completing the form of proxy 
sent with the Notice of Meeting, or by submitting votes electronically via 
the Registrars’ website www.sharevote.co.uk or via their online portfolio 
service, Shareview, if registered as a member. Alternatively, shares held in 
CREST may be voted through the CREST Proxy Voting Service. To be valid  
all votes must be received no later than 48 hours before the time set for  
the meeting.

Directors
The biographies of the Directors of the Company as at 31 December 2014 
and at the date of signature of these accounts are set out on pages 46 
and 47. 

On 1 August 2014, Richard Hunting was reappointed as Chairman and 
non-executive Director of the Company for a further two year term.

On 15 September 2014, Andrew Szescila retired from the Board, following 
completion of his three year term of appointment, with John Hofmeister 
succeeding him as Chaiman of the Remuneration Committee.

On 2 February 2015, Annell Bay and John (“Jay”) Glick were appointed as 
independent non-executive Directors to the Board and its subcommittees. 
At the AGM of the Company in April 2015, they will both retire and offer 
themselves for reappointment.

As recommended by the UK Corporate Governance Code, all other 
Directors will submit themselves for re-election at the Company’s AGM. 

No Director during the year had a material interest in any contract of 
significance to which either the Company or any of its subsidiaries were 
a party. Directors’ interests in the shares of the Company are shown on 
page 73. 

As at 31 December 2014, no Director of the Company had any beneficial 
interest in the shares of subsidiary companies.

Powers of the Directors
Subject to the Company’s Articles of Association, UK legislation and any 
directions prescribed by resolution at a general meeting, the business 
of the Company is managed by the Board. 

The Directors have been authorised to allot and issue Ordinary shares and 
to disapply statutory pre-emption rights. These powers are exercised under 
authority of resolutions of the Company passed at its AGM. During the 
financial year ended 31 December 2014 725,917 Ordinary shares were issued 
pursuant to the Company’s various share plans.

Further, the Company has authority, renewed annually, to purchase up 
to 14.99% of the issued share capital, equating to 22,147,128 shares. Any 
shares purchased will either be cancelled, and the number of Ordinary 
shares in issue reduced accordingly, or held in Treasury.

These powers are effective for 15 months from the date of shareholder 
approval, or up to the next general meeting where new authorities are 
sought. The Directors will be seeking new authorities for these powers  
at the 2015 AGM.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsREPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

49

Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance
The Company maintains insurance against certain liabilities, which could 
arise from a negligent act or a breach of duty by its Directors and Officers 
in the discharge of their duties. This is a qualifying third party indemnity 
provision, which was in force throughout the financial year.

Articles of Association
The Company’s Articles of Association may only be amended by special 
resolution at a general meeting of shareholders. Where class rights are 
varied, such amendments must be approved by the members of each  
class of share separately.

There are no restrictions on the transfer of Ordinary shares in the Company 
other than:
 – certain restrictions that may from time to time be imposed by laws and 

regulations, for example insider trading laws;

 – pursuant to the Company’s share dealing code whereby the Directors 
and certain employees of the Company require approval to deal in the 
Company’s shares; and

 – where a shareholder with at least a 0.25% interest in the Company’s 
certificated shares has been served with a disclosure notice and has 
failed to provide the Company with information concerning interests  
in those shares.

Share Capital
The Company’s issued share capital comprises a single class, which is 
divided into Ordinary shares of 25 pence each, details of which are set  
out in note 33 on page 130 of the financial statements. All of the Company’s 
issued Ordinary shares are fully paid up and rank equally in all respects. 
As at 31 December 2014, there were 148,468,677 Ordinary shares in issue. 
The rights and obligations attached to these shares are summarised below 
and are detailed in the Articles of Association of the Company, copies of 
which can be obtained from Companies House in the UK, or by writing to 
the Company Secretary at the registered office of the Company. Subject to 
applicable statutes, shares may be issued with such rights and restrictions 
as the Company may, by ordinary resolution, decide, or (if there is no such 
resolution or so far as it does not make specific provision) as the Board may 
decide. The movements in share capital during the year are detailed in note 
33 on page 130 of the financial statements.

Voting Rights and Restrictions on Transfer of Shares
On a show of hands at a general meeting of the Company, every holder 
of Ordinary shares present in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote,  
has one vote, and, on a poll, every member present in person or by proxy 
and entitled to vote has one vote for every Ordinary share held. None of 
the Ordinary shares carry any special rights with regard to control of the 
Company. Proxy appointments and voting instructions must be received by 
the Company’s Registrars not later than 48 hours before a general meeting.

A shareholder can lose his entitlement to vote at a general meeting where 
that shareholder has been served with a disclosure notice and has failed 
to provide the Company with information concerning interests in those 
shares. Shareholders’ rights to transfer shares are subject to the Company’s 
Articles of Association.

Transfers of uncertificated shares must be carried out using CREST and 
the Directors can refuse to register a transfer of an uncertificated share in 
accordance with the regulations governing the operation of CREST.

The Directors may decide to suspend the registration of transfers, for up to 
30 days a year, by closing the register of shareholders. The Directors cannot 
suspend the registration of transfers of any uncertificated shares without 
obtaining consent from CREST.

As noted in the table of Substantial Interests on page 50 certain members  
of the Hunting family and their associated interests entered into a voting 
agreement on 22 September 2014, whereby the voting rights of signatories 
to the agreement transferred their voting rights to a committee. Excluding 
this, the Company is not aware of any further agreements between 
shareholders that may result in restrictions on the transfer of Ordinary 
shares or on voting rights.

Registrar
The address and contact details of Equiniti Limited, the Company’s 
Registrar, are listed on the inside back cover of this report. Equiniti 
is the Company’s single alternative inspection location, whereby 
individuals can inspect the register of members. Individual shareholders 
may view their personal shareholder information online, through the  
www.shareview.co.uk website.

Employee Share Trust
The Hunting Employees’ Share Trust was established on 5 June 1996 as 
a vehicle to satisfy shares options and awards granted to employees 
who participate in the Company’s share-based incentive schemes. 
At 31 December 2014 the Trust held 986,944 Ordinary shares in the 
Company (2013 – 986,731). The Trust has elected to waive its voting rights 
and all dividends attached to the shares held. The Trust has a policy to 
purchase shares in the market or subscribe for new shares to meet future 
requirements of these incentive schemes. During the year, the Trust 
subscribed for 162,083 Ordinary shares with an aggregate nominal value  
of $66,774. 

Details of the employee share-based incentive schemes can be found  
in the Directors’ Remuneration Policy on pages 65 and 66 and in note 37  
on pages 133 to 137 of the financial statements.

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REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS 
CONTINUED

Substantial Interests
As at 31 December 2014 pursuant to the Disclosure and Transparency Directive, issued by the Financial Conduct Authority, the major shareholders of the 
Company are as follows:

AXA group of companies
Hunting Investments Limited
Threadneedle Asset Management
Franklin Templeton group of companies
Slaley Investments Limited
J Trafford – as trustee
Royal London Asset Management
Mondrian Investment Partners
F Godson – as trustee
Norges Bank Investment Management
David RL Hunting
– as trustee
– other beneficial

Number of  
Ordinary  
shares

Percentage 
of issued 
Ordinary 
shares

 16,948,638 
 10,973,487 
 6,954,849 
 6,912,200 
 6,411,679 
 6,025,864 
 5,919,733 
 5,776,991 
 5,722,170 
 4,824,884 
 199,910 
 2,549,117 
 2,484,583 

11.4
7.4
4.7
4.7
4.3
4.1
4.0
3.9
3.9
3.2
0.1
1.7
1.7

Notes

(i/iv/v)
(vi)

(v)
(ii/v)

(ii/v)

(v)
(ii/v)
(iii/v)

Notes
i.  

Included in this holding are 9,437,743 Ordinary shares held by Huntridge Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hunting Investments Limited. Neither of these companies is owned by 
Hunting PLC either directly or indirectly.

ii.   After elimination of duplicate holdings, the total Hunting family trustee interests shown above amount to 6,025,864 Ordinary shares.
iii.   Arise because David RL Hunting and his children are or could become beneficiaries under the relevant family trusts of which David RL Hunting is a trustee.
iv.  Richard H Hunting (Chairman of Hunting PLC) and David RL Hunting are both directors of Hunting Investments Limited.
v.   On 22 September 2014 the Company was notified that Hunting Investments Limited, Slaley Investments Limited, certain Hunting family members, including Richard H Hunting and 
David RL Hunting and the Hunting family trusts, to which Fred Godson and James Trafford are trustees (together known as “the Hunting Family Interests”) entered into a voting 
agreement. The voting agreement has the legal effect of transferring all voting rights of Hunting PLC Ordinary shares held by the Hunting Family Interests to a voting committee. The 
beneficial ownership of Hunting PLC Ordinary shares remains as per the table shown above. At 5 March 2015, the Hunting Family Interests party to the agreement totalled 25,410,438 
Ordinary shares in the Company, or 17.12% of the total voting rights.

vi.  On 22 January 2015, the Company was notified that Threadneedle Asset Management had increased its holding to 7,517,166 Ordinary shares representing 5.1% of the issued share 
capital. Further, on 30 January 2015, the Company received a notification from Threadneedle Asset Management confirming that it had reduced its holding to 7,286,465 Ordinary 
shares representing 4.9% of the issued share capital.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Group’s greenhouse gas emissions for 2014 were 42,172 tonnes (2013 – 
41,853 tonnes). For further details please see page 44 of the Strategic Report.

Research and Development
Group subsidiaries undertake, where appropriate, research and 
development to meet particular market and product needs. The amount 
expensed by the Group during the year was $0.8m (2013 – $0.6m).

Political Contributions
It is the Group’s policy not to make political donations, accordingly there 
were no political donations made during the year (2013 – $nil).

Significant Agreements
The Company is a party to a revolving credit facility in which the 
counterparties can determine whether or not to cancel the agreement 
where there has been a change of control of the Company.

The service agreements of the executive Directors include provisions for 
compensation for loss of office or employment as a result of a change of 
control. Further details of the Directors’ service contracts can be found in 
the Directors’ Remuneration Policy contained within pages 66 and 67.

Going Concern
The Group has a broad range of products and services, a large portfolio of 
production and storage facilities, a sufficiently diverse global customer and 
supplier base and meets its day-to-day working capital requirements 
through its cash and debt facilities.

The Group retains limited exposure to credit risk as it has strong, well-
developed relationships with its major customers and maintains insurance 
cover for 96% of its trade receivables.

In conducting its review of the Group’s ability to remain as a going concern 
for the foreseeable future, the Board assessed the Group’s recent trading 
position and its latest financial forecasts and took account of reasonably 
predictable changes in future trading performance. The Board also 
considered the Group’s current business model, its strategy, the principal 
risks and the potential financial impact of the estimates, judgements and 
assumptions that were used to prepare these financial statements. The 
Board is satisfied that all material uncertainties have been identified and 
that they are not considered to be sufficiently material to impact the 
financial viability of the Group.

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51

The Group has access to considerable financial resources including a $585m 
(£375m) committed bank facility. The main financial covenants attached to this 
facility are (1) EBITDA should not be less than four times net finance charges, 
and (2) net debt should be no more than three times adjusted EBITDA. The 
Group continues to have significant headroom over both covenants.

The Board is satisfied that it has conducted a robust review of the Group’s 
foreseeable future and has a high level of confidence that the Group has 
the necessary liquid resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due, will be 
able to sustain its operational requirements and will remain solvent during 
that period. Consequently the Board continues to adopt the going concern 
basis of accounting in preparing these consolidated financial statements.

Independent Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has indicated its willingness to continue in 
office as auditors. A resolution to reappoint them as auditors to the Group 
will be proposed at the AGM to be held on 15 April 2015.

Statement of Listing Rule Compliance
In accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.4C, the Directors confirm that:
 – All waivers of dividends over the Company’s Ordinary shares are noted 

in the Directors’ Report on page 49.

Statement of Disclosure of Information to Auditors
In accordance with the Companies Act 2006, all Directors in office as at the 
date of this report have confirmed, so far as they are aware, there is no 
relevant audit information of which the Group’s auditors are unaware and 
each Director has taken all reasonable steps necessary in order to make 
themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that 
the Group’s auditors are aware of that information. This confirmation should  
be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of Section 418 of the 
Companies Act 2006.

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report, the Audit 
and Remuneration Committee Reports and the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Company Law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for 
each financial year. Under that law, the Directors have prepared the Group 
and parent Company financial statements in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as adopted by the European 
Union (“EU”).

Under Company Law, the Directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the 
state of affairs of the Group and the Company and of the profit or loss of 
the Group for the year.

In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
 – select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
 – make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable  

and prudent;

 – state whether applicable IFRSs as adopted by the EU have been 

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

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

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records  
that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s and Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial 
position of the Group and the Company and to enable them to ensure  
that the financial statements and the Remuneration Committee Report 
comply with the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial 
statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. The Directors are also 
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and the Company  
and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud 
and other irregularities.

The Directors are also responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the 
Group’s website, www.huntingplc.com. Legislation in the United Kingdom 
governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Pursuant to the Financial Conduct Authority’s Listing Rules, Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules and the UK Corporate Governance Code, each of the 
Directors, whose names and responsibilities are listed on pages 46 and 47, 
confirm that, to the best of their knowledge and belief:
 – the financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted 
by the EU, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial 
position and profit of the Group and of the Company;
 – the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and 

understandable and provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess a company’s performance, business model  
and strategy;

 – the Strategic Report on pages 4 to 44 includes a fair review of the 

development and performance of the Group’s operations and the year 
end position of the Group and the Company, together with a 
description of the principal risks and uncertainties they face. The 
Strategic Report also details the Group’s policies on human rights, 
gender balance and its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions.

By Order of the Board

Ben Willey
Company Secretary 
5 March 2015

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52

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

“  IT IS WITH PLEASURE THAT I INTRODUCE TO YOU OUR 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT FOR 2014. 

  THE COMPANY IS REPORTING ITS GOVERNANCE 
COMPLIANCE UNDER THE UK CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
CODE (THE “CODE”) PUBLISHED IN 2012, WITH 
ADDITIONAL MEASURES CURRENTLY BEING 
INTRODUCED TO ALIGN WITH THE REVISIONS TO THE 
CODE PUBLISHED BY THE FINANCIAL REPORTING 
COUNCIL IN SEPTEMBER 2014.”  

Richard Hunting, C.B.E. 
Chairman

UK Corporate Governance Code
This report, which has been approved by the Board, details the Company’s 
compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”) as issued 
by the Financial Reporting Council (“FRC”) in 2012 and how the principles of 
the Code have been applied during the year.

The Company was compliant with the Code’s provisions throughout the 
year, except with regard to the Code’s recommendation to put the external 
audit contract out to tender at least every ten years and in regard to the 
number/proportion of independent non-executive Directors comprising 
membership of the Board’s subcommittees following Andrew Szescila’s 
retirement from the Board on 15 September 2014 and Annell Bay and John 
(“Jay”) Glick being appointed to the Board on 2 February 2015. 

Both new directors bring a wealth of industry experience which will be 
invaluable as we continue to expand our global operations. With these 
appointments Hunting has increased its number of independent 
non-executive Directors, and made progress in addressing the 
recommendations of Lord Davies on board diversity. 

Following clarification of European Union legislation regarding the length 
of tenure permitted for a Company’s external auditor, the Board has agreed, 
following consultation with the Audit Committee, to plan for a change of 
external auditor. During 2017 a formal tender process will be undertaken to 
select and appoint a new external auditor. From this process a firm will be 
selected on merit and will assume the role of external auditor with effect 
from 1 January 2019. To aid the transition process the new firm will shadow 
the 2018 year end audit alongside PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will not be invited to participate in the 2017 
tender process.

Compliance with the principles relating to Directors’ remuneration is 
reported within the Remuneration Committee Report on pages 56 to 76  
and the activities of the Audit Committee are reported on pages 77 to 79.

Board Composition and Committee Membership
The Board of Directors currently comprises the non-executive Chairman, 
Chief Executive, Finance Director and four independent non-executive 
Directors, including the Senior Independent Director. The Directors, 
together with brief biographical details, are identified on pages 46 and 47.

The division of responsibilities between the Chairman and Chief Executive 
is set out in writing and agreed by the Board. This composition, with a 
separate Chairman and Chief Executive, ensures a balance of responsibilities 
and authorities.

All independent non-executive Directors are appointed to the Company’s 
Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees. Non-executive 
Directors’ letters of appointment include details of their duties and 
expected time commitments.

Excluding the Chairman, 66% of the Board is currently comprised of 
independent non-executive Directors. Mr Hunting, the Company’s 
non-executive Chairman, is not regarded as independent, given his former 
executive positions since joining the Company in 1989. Between 15 
September 2014 and 2 February 2015, 50% of the Board comprised of 
independent non-executive Directors.

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53

The Company has procedures in place to deal with potential conflicts  
of interest. Actual and potential conflicts of interest are reviewed, with 
appropriate authorisation sought if a conflict arises prior to the appointment 
of any new Director or if a new conflict arises with an existing Director. In 
accordance with the Articles of Association, only non-conflicted Directors 
are involved in the authorisation process. The Board is of the view that 
these procedures operated effectively throughout the year. The Group 
operates a decentralised management structure to allow for rapid 
responses to its global business environment. A framework of controls  
with discretionary limits and powers for local management is contained 
within a Group manual.

Appointment and Replacement of Directors
Rules for the appointment and replacement of Directors are set out in the 
Company’s Articles of Association. Directors are appointed by the Board  
on the recommendation of the Nomination Committee and are subject  
to election by the Company by ordinary resolution at a general meeting  
of ordinary shareholders. The Company may also remove a Director. 
Additional details of the workings of the Nomination Committee are  
set out on page 55.

Following the Code’s guidance on the election of Directors, all members  
of the Board submit themselves for re-election at each Annual General 
Meeting (“AGM”) of the Company.

The non-executive Directors are initially appointed for a three year term 
with subsequent reappointment conditional upon an appraisal and review 
process. Letters of appointment for each of the independent non-
executive Directors and non-executive Chairman are available from the 
Company upon request and their terms of appointment are summarised 
on page 67. Details of the executive Directors’ service contracts are set out 
on page 66.

Prior to the appointment of a non-executive Director, the Nomination 
Committee undertakes an evaluation of the Board’s requirements to ensure 
the balance of skill and experience is maintained to fulfil the Group’s 
strategy. In the case of a non-executive Director being reappointed,  
the Code recommends a particularly rigorous evaluation with specific 
consideration being given to the need to regularly refresh the Board and  
to continued independence.

On appointment to the Board, each Director receives an introduction to  
the Group tailored to their experience and needs including site visits. All 
Directors have access to the Company Secretary and to independent 
professional advice, at the Company’s expense, in the furtherance of their 
duties. Directors are encouraged to maintain their skills and knowledge to 
best practice standards and, where appropriate, attend update training 
courses on relevant topics. During the year, the Chairman held meetings 
with the non-executive Directors without the executive Directors present 
and also met each individual Director to discuss training and development 
requirements.

The Company Secretary, through the Chairman, is responsible for keeping 
the Board informed of Corporate Governance developments and 
maintaining corporate awareness of legislative and regulatory changes.  
The appointment and removal of the Company Secretary is a matter 
reserved for the Board.

Annual Performance Evaluation
During 2014, the Board completed an internal performance evaluation 
exercise, which comprised of a detailed questionnaire on its operation and 
practices and that of the subcommittees of the Board. The findings from 
the questionnaire were presented by the Chairman to the Board at its 
March 2015 meeting.

The performance of the Chairman was evaluated by the non-executive 
Directors, led by the Senior Independent Director. The independent 
non-executive Directors evaluated the performance of the individual 
executive Directors, with feedback being provided to the Chairman and 
then to the respective Directors. The performance of the non-executive 
Directors and that of the subcommittees of the Board was assessed by the 
executive Directors.

As recommended by the Code, the Board appoint external facilitators every 
three years to complete a Board performance evaluation. The next external 
evaluation will take place during 2015.

Board and Committee Meetings
The Board’s powers and authorities under which they act and as detailed  
in the Company’s Articles of Association are contained within the Report  
of the Directors on pages 48 to 51.

The Board normally holds six formal meetings each year. Meeting dates are 
set a year in advance. Attendance by each of the Directors at Board or 
subcommittee meetings during 2014 is detailed below.

Number of meetings held
Number of meetings attended (actual/possible):
Richard Hunting
Dennis Proctor
Peter Rose
John Hofmeister
John Nicholas
Andrew Szescila (to 15 September 2014)

Board

6

6/6
6/6
6/6
6/6
6/6
4/4

Audit 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

4

–
–
–
4/4
4/4
3/3

4

4/4
4/4
–
4/4
4/4
2/2

4

–
–
–
4/4
4/4
3/3

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 
CONTINUED

The duties and responsibilities of the Board and its subcommittees are 
formally agreed by the Board in writing.

Matters specifically reserved for the Board include, but are not limited to, 
the following:
 – compliance with UK Company Law and the UKLA’s Listing Rules;
 – review and assess the effectiveness of the Group’s system of risk 

management and internal control;

 – approve all major Stock Exchange announcements;
 – approve the full and half year financial statements, including the 

declaration of dividends;

 – consider the Group’s commercial strategy and approve the annual 

budget; and

 – consider recommendations of the Board subcommittees including 
Board remuneration, appointments and their terms of reference. 

Reporting and Consolidation – all subsidiaries submit detailed financial 
information in accordance with a preset reporting timetable. This includes 
weekly, bi-monthly and quarterly treasury reports, monthly management 
accounts, annual budgets and two-year plans, together with half year and 
annual statutory reporting. The Group’s consolidation process is maintained 
and updated with regular communication, including distribution of a 
Group manual to all reporting units. The Group monitors and reviews new 
UK Listing Rules, Disclosure and Transparency Rules, accounting standards, 
interpretations and amendments and legislation and other statutory 
requirements. Subsidiary reporting entities are supported by instruction 
from Group and structured training. All data is subject to review and 
assessment by management through the monitoring of key performance 
ratios and comparison to targets and budgets. The content and format of 
reporting is kept under review and periodically amended to ensure 
appropriate information is available.

Board papers are always circulated in advance of meetings. These include 
detailed financial reports on the Group’s activities, reports on each 
operating division, health and safety, risk management and investor 
relations reports. In addition, the meetings held in March and August focus 
on the full and half year results respectively and the meeting in December 
focuses on the budget for the following financial year.

During the year, the Board reviewed the major Stock Exchange 
announcements issued by the Group, including the full and half year 
results, and concluded that the information presented was a fair, balanced 
and understandable assessment of the affairs of the Group.

During 2014, the Board reviewed the Group’s strategy to evaluate the 
development and growth of the Company, in particular its plans for  
further international growth and facility investment. 

Strategic Planning and Budgeting – strategic plans and annual budgets 
containing comprehensive financial projections are formally presented  
to the Board for adoption and approval and form the basis for monitoring 
performance. Clearly defined procedures exist for capital investment 
proposals and authorisation.

Quality Assurance – most of the business sectors within which the Group 
operates are highly regulated and subsidiaries are invariably required to 
be accredited, by the customer or an industry regulator, to national or 
international quality organisations. These organisations undertake regular 
audits and checks on subsidiary procedures and practices ensuring 
compliance with regulatory requirements.

During the year there were no material changes to the internal control 
procedures described above.

Internal Control
The Board acknowledges its responsibility for monitoring the Group’s 
system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness as required by 
the Code. The internal control system, which has been in place throughout 
2014 and up to the date of approval of these accounts, is an ongoing 
evolutionary process designed to identify, evaluate and manage the 
significant risks to which the Group is exposed. These systems of internal 
control are designed to manage rather than eliminate risks, therefore they 
only provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material 
misstatement or loss in the financial statements and of meeting internal 
control objectives.

The Directors have reviewed the effectiveness of the Group’s system of 
internal control for the period covered by these financial statements, the 
key features of which are as follows:

Management Structure – within operational parameters set by the Board, 
management is delegated to the executive Directors. Subsidiaries operate 
within clearly defined policies and authorities contained within a Group 
manual under a decentralised management structure. All senior 
management changes require the prior approval of the Chief Executive. 

Institutional Shareholders
The Company uses a number of processes for communicating with 
shareholders, including stock exchange announcements, the annual and 
half year reports and webcasts, trading statements and the AGM to which 
all shareholders are invited. In addition, the Chief Executive and Finance 
Director meet on a one-to-one basis with all principal shareholders at least 
twice a year, following the Group’s half and full year results, or when 
requested to update them on Group performance and strategy. The Board 
is in turn briefed by the Chief Executive, when appropriate, on matters 
raised by shareholders.

During 2014, the Remuneration Committee concluded a consultation 
process with the Company’s major institutional shareholders to discuss and 
agree the Directors’ Remuneration Policy and new Hunting Performance 
Share Plan, which was subsequently approved by shareholders at the AGM 
of the Company held in April 2014.

The Chairman and Senior Independent Director also met with a number 
of shareholders to discuss strategy, governance and other matters. 
Their comments were passed on to the Board by the Chairman. The 
non-executive Directors are also available to meet shareholders.

The Company’s major shareholders are listed, together with the information 
required under the Disclosure and Transparency Rules 7.2.6, within the 
Report of the Directors on page 50.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsCORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

55

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee comprises solely the independent non-
executive Directors of the Company. Andrew Szescila retired as Chairman of the 
Committee on 15 September 2014 and John Hofmeister succeeded him as 
Chairman. On 2 February 2015, Annell Bay and Jay Glick joined the 
Remuneration Committee, following their appointment as Directors.

The Committee convened four times during the year and has written terms 
of reference approved by the Board which are published on the Group’s 
website. The terms of reference were amended in the year, following 
publication of the revised UK Corporate Governance Code.

During the year, the Committee reviewed its effectiveness and the 
Committee Chairman reported these findings to the Board. 

Details of the Committee’s activities are contained within its Report on 
pages 56 to 76. The Report follows the new disclosure requirements 
published in 2013 and contains a Statement from the Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee, the Directors’ Remuneration Policy and an 
Annual Report on Remuneration. 

By Order of the Board

Richard Hunting, C.B.E.
Chairman
5 March 2015

Board Committees
The Board has three main Committees to which it delegates responsibility 
and authority, the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee comprises exclusively of the independent non-
executive Directors of the Company and is chaired by John Nicholas. Details 
of the Audit Committee’s activities are contained within its report on pages 
77 to 79.

Nomination Committee
Members of the Committee are Richard Hunting (Committee Chairman), 
Dennis Proctor and the independent non-executive Directors. The 
Committee has written terms of reference approved by the Board, which 
are published on the Group’s website. The role of the Committee includes 
leading the process for Board appointments and determining the terms of 
new appointments. The Committee also considers succession planning 
which takes into account the experience, balance and skills required of 
Board members. The Committee met four times during 2014 to consider 
Board and Committee appointments. 

In April 2014, the Committee met to consider the reappointment of 
Richard Hunting as the Company’s non-executive Chairman. Following an 
evaluation led by John Hofmeister, Hunting’s Senior Independent Director, 
the Committee approved Mr Hunting’s reappointment for a further two 
year term from 1 August 2014.

Andrew Szescila retired from the Board on 15 September 2014. A process to 
recruit two new independent non-executive Directors was undertaken, 
which followed Hunting’s recruitment and diversity policies and resulted in 
the appointment of Annell Bay and Jay Glick to the Board on 2 February 
2015. Ms Bay and Mr Glick have been appointed for a three year term from 2 
February 2015. In accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, 
they will retire and offer themselves for reappointment by the Company’s 
shareholders at the AGM to be held in April 2015.

In 2012, the Company issued its gender diversity policy for new Director 
appointments. Hunting’s diversity policy commits the Group to:
 – an embedded culture of equal opportunities for all employees, 

regardless of gender;

 – require external recruitment consultants to submit their diversity 

policies to the Group prior to appointment;

 – ensure that external consultants appointed by Hunting provide 

candidate shortlists comprising of an appropriate gender balance for 
consideration by the Nomination Committee;

 – a target of at least one female Director of the Company when 

practicable; and

 – a periodic review by the Nomination Committee of its progress in 

complying with the Davies Report’s recommendations.

As part of the process to appoint Annell Bay and Jay Glick, Boyden 
Associates were appointed to assist with the recruitment process and the 
above procedures were followed and documented by the Nomination 
Committee. Boyden Associates has no other connection to the Company.

Following the appointment of Annell Bay, Hunting is more aligned to the 
recommendations of the Davies Report.

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REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

“  THIS IS MY FIRST LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS AS 
CHAIRMAN OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE AND
I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT AT THE ANNUAL 
GENERAL MEETING OF THE COMPANY HELD IN APRIL 
2014, BOTH THE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY 
AND ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION RECEIVED 
GOOD SUPPORT FROM SHAREHOLDERS. WITH AN 
APPROVED REMUNERATION POLICY NOW IN PLACE, THE 
COMMITTEE HAS A CLEAR FRAMEWORK OF REWARD IN 
ORDER TO REMUNERATE THE COMPANY’S EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTORS, WHICH IS BOTH FAIR AND CHALLENGING, 
WITH ANNUAL BONUS AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVES 
CLEARLY LINKED TO THE DELIVERY OF SHAREHOLDER 
VALUE. THE FRAMEWORK WAS ADOPTED DURING 2014 
AND THE EMOLUMENTS TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 
REFLECT THE REMUNERATION POLICY AS DRIVEN BY  
THE GROUP’S PERFORMANCE IN THE YEAR.”  

John Hofmeister

  Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Annual Statement from the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Introduction
The Directors’ Remuneration Policy and Annual Report on Remuneration 
that follow reflect the Remuneration Committee’s (the “Committee”) 
reporting requirements under the amended Companies Act 2006 and the 
Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) 
(Amendment) Regulations 2013. 

At the Company’s Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) on 16 April 2014, 
91.5% of the votes cast by shareholders were in favour of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy (the “Policy”), a clear endorsement by shareholders. 
The Policy sets out the framework for Directors’ remuneration for three 
years from the date of the meeting. The Policy, including any potential 
amendments, will be resubmitted to shareholders for approval no later 
than the Company’s AGM in April 2017. 

The Annual Report on Remuneration details how the Policy’s principles 
were applied during 2014 and will be tabled for shareholder approval at 
the AGM on 15 April 2015.

Major decisions and substantial changes to remuneration made by the 
Committee in 2014
 – Salary review: the Committee reviewed benchmarked base salary data 
for the executive Directors and increased their respective base salaries 
by 2.8% in March 2014. Following approval by shareholders at the 
Company’s AGM, the base salary of the Finance Director was revised to 
£298,000 ($491,074) which is towards the market mid-point in line with 
Policy.

 – Annual Bonus: following amendments to the Annual Bonus Plan, which 
incorporated a personal performance adjustor, targets were set by the 
Committee in March 2014 for each executive Director and were 
reviewed in December 2014, with no change to the bonus award being 
agreed following satisfactory delivery of the individual performance 
targets.

 – Hunting Performance Share Plan: following approval by shareholders in 
April 2014, the first grants to the executive Directors were made on 
1 May 2014 and subject to the achievement of the performance 
conditions will vest on 1 May 2017.

Performance and Context of Remuneration awarded in 2014 
The Group achieved a record financial performance during 2014 due 
to sustained growth across a number of Hunting’s businesses. As a 
consequence, the Group reported underlying profit before tax of $212.4m 
which was 2.4% ahead of the Annual Budget approved by the Board in 
December 2013. Return on Capital Employed was 3.1% ahead of Budget. 
Using the formula contained within the approved executive Director 
Annual Bonus Plan, bonuses are payable of $889,299 and $416,922 to the 
Chief Executive and Finance Director respectively, with no adjustment to 
the bonus for personal performance.

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Following an interim measurement of the Total Shareholder Return 
performance condition on 24 February 2015, a zero vesting is anticipated 
for the 2012 performance based awards under the 2009 Performance  
Share Plan. The final measurement will be recorded on 16 April 2015. The 
Committee anticipates that no shares will vest for the executive Directors, 
with this nil result being recorded in the single figure remuneration table 
on page 70. 

At 31 December 2014, the accumulated incentive pool under the rules of 
the 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) was $9.8m, resulting in awards of 
$2.8m and $0.9m to the Chief Executive and Finance Director respectively.

Further details of the emoluments of the executive Directors can be found 
within the Annual Report on Remuneration on pages 69 to 76.

John Hofmeister
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
5 March 2015

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

Policy Overview
This report outlines the Directors’ Remuneration Policy (the “Policy”) 
applied by the Hunting Board for the executive and non-executive 
Directors of the Company. The Policy was approved by shareholders  
at the Company’s Annual General Meeting in April 2014.

The Policy for executive Director remuneration is designed to comply 
with the principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code and 
amendments to the Companies Act 2006 regarding remuneration and to 
ensure that each Director is attracted, retained and motivated to promote 
and achieve the long-term success of the Group. The Policy is divided 
between fixed and variable incentives and is structured to link total 
reward to both corporate and individual performance.

The remuneration structures of the Chief Executive and Finance Director 
are based on externally benchmarked data aimed at providing the 
executive Directors with competitive levels of remuneration.

Non-executive Director fees are set at levels which take into account the 
time commitment and responsibilities of each role. Given the small size  
of the Hunting Board, each non-executive Director is required to give  
an above average time commitment to Group matters. The fees are 
benchmarked to other companies of a similar size, profile and profitability 
and are reviewed annually by the executive Directors.

Fixed Emoluments
Fixed emoluments to the executive Directors comprise of base salary, 
benefits including healthcare insurance, the provision of a company 
vehicle and fuel, and pension contributions suitable to the geographic 
location of the executive. Base salaries are aimed at the market mid-point.

Variable Emoluments
Variable emoluments comprise of an Annual Bonus and participation in a 
number of long-term incentive schemes.

The Remuneration Committee (the “Committee”) applies the Group’s 
Budget, agreed annually at each December meeting of the Board, to 
benchmark the performance-linked annual cash bonus which is indexed 
to the Group’s actual performance against Budget. From 2014, the bonus 
award is subject to possible adjustment through the application of a 
personal performance adjustor, which recognises the delivery of 
individual targets set by the Committee.

Awards under the 2009 Performance Share Plan (“PSP”) begin to vest 
when the Total Shareholder Return of the Company is at the median of  
a chosen peer group. Awards under the 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan 
(“LTIP”) are designed to pay out when the increase in average shareholder 
funds of the Group exceeds demanding long-term growth targets. 
Existing awards granted to the executive Directors under these long-term 
incentive schemes will continue to vest up to 2016, following 
measurement of the respective performance conditions.

Following a review of the PSP and the LTIP and reflecting the Committee’s 
drive to ensure the incentive plans in place remain fair and demanding,  
a new long-term incentive plan, the Hunting Performance Share Plan (the 
“Hunting PSP”), has replaced both the PSP and LTIP. From 2014, the 
executive Directors receive awards over Hunting shares which vest after 
three years, subject to performance conditions. Awards under the 
Hunting PSP for the executive Directors are equally apportioned into 
three categories with each category subject to a performance condition: 

(i) relative total shareholder return (“TSR”), (ii) absolute growth in earnings 
per share (“EPS”) and (iii) average return on capital employed (“ROCE”). The 
first awards under the Hunting PSP were made to the executive Directors 
and senior managers of the Group in May 2014, with the first vesting of 
these awards to occur in 2017. As part of each annual award, the Committee 
has discretion to set different performance targets, if in the opinion of the 
Committee the new targets are not materially less challenging. These targets 
take into account the outlook for the Group over the long term, with the 
Committee committed to ensuring these targets remain demanding. 

Enhanced Stock Ownership Requirements
In parallel to the introduction of the Hunting PSP, the Committee has 
introduced a policy to enhance share ownership and improve the 
alignment of participants in Hunting’s long-term incentive schemes with 
shareholders. From 2014, enhanced Stock Ownership Requirements are 
now incorporated in to Hunting’s long-term incentive arrangements, with 
the Chief Executive required to maintain a minimum holding of shares in 
the Company equal to a market value of 500% of base salary; the Finance 
Director a minimum holding of 200% of base salary and the non-executive 
Directors a minimum holding of 100% of annual fees. Other executives of 
the Group are required to build and maintain a minimum holding of shares 
in the Company equal to a market value of between 100% to 200% of base 
salary. The primary method of accumulating this shareholding is through 
the retention of vested long-term incentives, with the reported 
shareholding taking into account the post tax value of vested, but 
unexercised, share options. Those subject to this requirement have a period 
of five years from 1 January 2014 or, for new employees, from the date of 
employment by Hunting, to comply.

Amendments to the Policy
The oil and gas industry is increasingly a competitive market place, 
therefore recruiting and retaining the right individuals to deliver long-term 
shareholder growth is subject to increasingly challenging market 
conditions. As a result, the Committee intends to keep the approved Policy 
under review, and will make any necessary revisions only after appropriate 
consultation and approval from shareholders has been received.

Statement of Disclosure of Performance Targets
The annual performance-linked cash bonus plan is measured against 
performance targets based on underlying profit before tax (“PBT”) and 
ROCE values contained within the Group’s Annual Budget. In the opinion of 
the Directors, this budget/target information is commercially sensitive and 
would be prejudicial to the competitive interests of the Group. 
Retrospective disclosures on the corporate performance against the Annual 
Budget are provided in the Annual Report on Remuneration.

Remuneration Committee Discretion
The Committee has discretion within the Directors’ Policy framework in the 
following areas:
 – annual base salary and fee reviews of the Directors;
 – application of the personal performance adjustor to the annual cash 

bonus;

 – application of the annual cash bonus following the exit of a Director;
 – composition of the comparator group for the Hunting PSP;
 – setting the performance targets for the Hunting PSP; and
 – specific recruitment considerations if new Directors are appointed.

Where discretion is applied, the Committee will disclose the rationale for 
the application of discretion. Further details are provided within the 
following policy section.

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Executive Director Remuneration Policy Table

Fixed Emoluments

Remuneration Component – Base Salary

Purpose and Link to Strategy

Operation and Award Basis

Maximum

 – Attract, retain and reward executives with 

the necessary skills to effectively deliver the 
Company strategy.

 – There is no prescribed maximum annual 
increase. The Committee is guided by the 
general increase for the broader employee 
population, but on occasions may need to 
recognise, for example, development in 
role, change in responsibility, and/or 
specific retention issues.

 – Base salaries are set at competitive rates 
which take into account the individual’s 
country of residence and primary operating 
location as well as companies in the same 
market segment. 

 – Aimed at the market mid-point.
 – Annual increases take into account inflation 
in the UK, US and increases across the total 
workforce.

 – Relocation and tax equalisation 

agreements are also in place for employees 
working across multiple geographic 
jurisdictions.

Notes

N/A

Remuneration Component – Pension Arrangements and Benefits

 – Provide normal pension and benefit 

schemes appropriate to the country of 
residence.

 – Each executive Director is provided with 
healthcare insurance and a company car 
with fuel.

 – The Group contributes on behalf of the 
Chief Executive (currently resident in the 
US) to a US 401K tax deferred savings plan 
and an additional deferred compensation 
scheme.

 – The Group contributes on behalf of the 

Finance Director (currently resident in the 
UK) to a UK final salary defined benefit 
pension scheme.

N/A

N/A

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY 
CONTINUED

Executive Director Remuneration Policy Table continued

Variable Emoluments

Remuneration Component – Annual Performance-Linked Cash Bonus Plan

Purpose and Link to Strategy

Operation and Award Basis

Maximum

 – To incentivise annual delivery of financial and 

operational targets.

 – High reward potential for exceeding 

demanding targets.

 – Awards are made subject to plan rules and to 
measurement against the Annual Budget.
 – Bonus is weighted 70% to budgeted PBT and 

Chief Executive
 – 200% of  

base salary.

30% to budgeted ROCE.

 – Budgeted PBT for plan purposes is before 

amortisation and items deemed exceptional 
within the Annual Budget.

Finance Director 
 – 150% of  

 – Budgeted ROCE for plan purposes is profit 

base salary.

Notes

N/A

from operations before amortisation and items 
deemed exceptional within the Annual Budget 
divided by the budgeted average capital 
employed.

 – Bonus begins to accrue when 80% of the 

Budget targets are achieved.

 – Level of bonus increases on a straight-line basis 
from zero payment when 80% of Budget is 
achieved to a maximum when 120% of Budget 
is achieved.

 – For an on target performance defined as actual 
results equal to the Budget, the Chief Executive 
is paid 100% of base salary and the Finance 
Director is paid 75% of base salary.

 – Bonus is not pensionable.
 – The Committee implemented a personal 

performance adjustor to the annual bonus 
arrangements during 2014.

 – The Committee has the discretion to adjust the 
annual bonus using the performance adjustor. 
The adjustor range is from 0 to 1.25 times the 
annual bonus figure. The personal 
performance targets linked to the performance 
adjustor will be disclosed on award of the 
bonus.

 – Clawback provisions were introduced in 2010 
to allow for the bonus to be adjusted to zero.

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Executive Director Remuneration Policy Table continued

Variable Emoluments

Remuneration Component – Hunting PSP

Purpose and Link to Strategy

Operation and Award Basis

Maximum

 – Recognition and reward to executive  

Directors for the creation of shareholder  
value over the longer term.

 – This element provides full alignment to 

shareholder interests.

Chief Executive
 – 550% of  

base salary.

Finance Director 
 – 450% of  

base salary.

 – Annual grant of shares or nil cost options.
 – Vesting levels determined by Company 

performance over a three year period against 
(i) TSR of a bespoke peer group; (ii) EPS growth; 
and (iii) average ROCE.

 – Grant value of 450% of base salary for the  

Chief Executive and 210% of base salary for  
the Finance Director.

 – Achievement of minimum performance target 

results in a 25% vesting of any element of  
the award.

 – Awards subject to clawback and malus 

provisions.

 – The maximum award noted provides the 
Committee with flexibility in cases such as 
recruitment. The Committee has set the award 
levels of the current executive Directors and 
does not intend to increase these further.

Notes

N/A

Remuneration Component – Stock Ownership Requirement

 – To encourage the retention of shares  

under award to the executive.

 – To align the long-term interests of the 

executive with shareholders.

N/A

N/A

 – The target holding of the Chief Executive is 
equal to the market value of 500% of base 
salary and for the Finance Director 200% of 
base salary.

 – All vested shares are to be retained, following 

the payment of relevant taxes, until the 
ownership requirement is achieved.
 – Directors have five years to achieve the 

required holding level from 1 January 2014  
or from the date of their appointment to  
the Board.

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY 
CONTINUED

Executive Director Remuneration Policy Table continued

Legacy Long-term Incentive Arrangements

2009 Performance Share Plan

Purpose and Link to Strategy

Operation and Award Basis

Maximum

Notes

 – Recognition and reward to executive Directors 
for the creation of shareholder value over the 
longer term.

 – This element provides strong alignment with 

the interests of shareholders.

 – Annual grant of shares or nil cost options.
 – Vesting levels determined by TSR measured 

over three years against a peer group.

 – 40% of shares vest for a median performance 
increasing on a straight line basis to 100% for a 
top quartile performance.

Chief Executive
 – 200% of  

base salary. 

Finance Director 
 – 200% of  

 – Face value of award to the Chief Executive is 

base salary.

100% of base salary.

 – Face value of award to the Finance Director is 

80% of base salary.

2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan

 – Recognition and reward to executive Directors 
for the creation of shareholder value over the 
longer term.

 – Awards are made based on the  

accruing of an incentive pool over  
a three year period.

Chief Executive
 – 350% of  

base salary.

Finance Director 
 – 175% of  

base salary.

 – The incentive pool only accumulates if 

increases to average shareholder funds are 
achieved throughout the period.

 – If the accruing incentive pool equals zero 

across the period, no payments  
are made.

 – Chief Executive receives 35% of the 

accumulated incentive pool, with actual 
payout limited to a maximum of 350% of  
base salary.

 – Finance Director receives 15% of the 

accumulated incentive pool with actual payout 
limited to a maximum of 175% of  
base salary.

 – Awards under the  

PSP, which are subject to 
performance conditions, 
will continue to vest up 
to 2016 when the final 
grants made  
in 2013 vest.

 – The PSP operated 

between 2009 and  
2013 and has now 
been replaced by the 
Hunting PSP.

 – Awards under the LTIP, 
which are subject to 
performance conditions, 
will continue to 2016, 
when the final grants 
made in 2013 vest.
 – The LTIP operated 

between 2004 and 2013 
and has now been 
replaced by the  
Hunting PSP.

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Non-executive Director Remuneration Policy Table
The remuneration of the non-executive Directors as adopted by the Company is designed to reflect the time and commitment of each to their  
respective roles. 

Element

Chairman’s fees. 

Non-executive  
Director fees.

Purpose and link  
to strategy 

Operation 

Fee detail 

Maximum

 – To attract and 
retain a high-
calibre Chairman  
by offering  
a market 
competitive fee 
level.

 – To attract  
and retain 
high-calibre 
non-executive 
Directors  
by offering  
a market 
competitive fee 
level.

 – The Chairman is paid a single fee 
for all his responsibilities including 
chairing the Nomination 
Committee. 

 – Fees are determined by the Board 
as a whole on recommendation of 
the executive Directors following 
receipt of external fee information 
and an assessment of the time 
commitment and responsibilities 
involved.

 – The non-executive Directors are 

paid a basic fee. The Directors who 
chair the Board’s subcommittees 
and the Senior Independent 
Director are paid an additional fee 
to reflect their extra responsibilities.

 – Non-executive Director fees are 
determined by the Board as a 
whole, on recommendation of  
the executive Directors, following 
receipt of external fee information 
and an assessment of the time 
commitment and responsibilities 
involved.

 – The non-executive Directors do  
not participate in the Group’s  
share plans and do not receive  
any other benefits.

 – The current fee for 
the Chairman is 
$318,869 
(£193,500). 

 – Fees are reviewed 

annually in 
December.

 – The basic Board 
fee is $98,874 
(£60,000) with an 
additional fee of 
$16,479 (£10,000) 
for chairing the 
Audit and 
Remuneration 
Committees, and 
for the role of 
Senior 
Independent 
Director.

 – Fees are reviewed 

annually in 
December.

 – The fees paid to the non-executive 

Directors are benchmarked to 
other UK companies of a similar 
size and profile to the Group.
 – Given the small size of the Board, 
each non-executive Director is 
expected to give an above 
average time commitment to 
Group matters and fees are based 
on this increased commitment.

 – The Company’s Articles of 

Association prescribe aggregate 
maximum fees for all non-
executive Directors of $823,950 
(£500,000) per annum.

Stock Ownership 
Requirements.

 – To align the 

 – Non-executive Directors are 

N/A

N/A

non-executive 
Directors’ interests 
to the long-term 
interests of 
shareholders.

required to build up a holding of 
shares in the Company equal to a 
market value of 100% of the annual 
fees paid and have five years to 
achieve the required holding level 
from 1 January 2014 or from the 
date of their appointment to  
the Board.

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY 
CONTINUED

Relevance to Employee Pay
The Policy described above provides an overview of the structure that also operates and applies to the most senior executives in the Group.

While bonus and pensions arrangements are in place for most of the Group’s employees, lower aggregate remuneration operates at below the executive 
Director and senior manager level with total remuneration driven by market comparatives and the individual responsibilities of each role.

The oil and gas industry operates in an increasingly competitive labour market globally and, to reflect this, the Group’s average employee costs, including 
salary, benefits and bonuses, in the year increased 10%. Average salaries, including overtime, across the Group increased 8% compared to 2013.

Choice of Performance Metrics
The corporate strategy includes promoting the long-term success of the Group by investing in its existing product and services portfolio through capital 
investment or by acquisition and growing the business in a way that is aligned to the evolving global energy industry.

The performance of the executive Directors in executing this strategy is evaluated by the following key performance indicators (“KPIs”), which drive the 
variable components of the executive Directors’ emoluments.

KPI

Underlying Profit 
before Taxation

Element of 
remuneration

Annual Bonus

Reason for use

 – PBT is a management KPI used to measure the underlying performance of the Group. 
 – PBT reflects the achievements of the Group in a given financial year and recognises sustained profitability 

measured against an agreed Annual Budget.

Underlying Return on 
Capital Employed

Annual Bonus/
Hunting PSP

 – ROCE is a management KPI used to measure the underlying performance of the Group. 
 – ROCE reflects the value created on funds invested in the short and medium term.

Total Shareholder 
Return

PSP/Hunting 
PSP

 – To achieve sustained levels of shareholder return over the long term.

Underlying Earnings 
Per Share

Hunting PSP

 – To achieve sustained levels of earnings growth over the long term.

Taken together, the Committee believe that the executive Directors are appropriately incentivised to deliver both short and long-term performance based 
on these metrics.

Single Figure Remuneration Definition
For the purposes of the Policy and Annual Report on Remuneration, the single figure remuneration presented comprises base salary, benefits (including 
healthcare insurance and car benefits), tax equalisation, pension contributions incorporating where relevant the prescribed HMRC multiplier, annual cash 
bonus and vested PSP and LTIP awards during the financial year (or where the performance period has substantially completed). The single figure 
remuneration equates to Total Remuneration as shown on page 70 of the Annual Report on Remuneration.

Detailed Policy
Base Salaries and Fees
Base salaries and fees are reviewed annually. In considering appropriate salary levels for the executive Directors, the Committee takes into account their 
experience and personal performance, the remuneration paid by comparable companies in terms of asset size, revenues, profits, number of employees, 
market capitalisation and the complexity and international spread of Group operations, as well as Group wide salary increases and applicable rates of 
inflation. Other relocation and taxation agreements are also in place for key executives.

As part of the consultation process with major shareholders in 2013 and 2014, the base salary of the Finance Director was reviewed. The Committee 
concluded that in line with Policy, his base salary should be increased towards the market mid-point. As a consequence of this adjustment, the proposed 
long-term incentive awards to the Finance Director were reduced to ensure his total emoluments, including base salary, annual bonus and long-term 
incentives, remained at the market mid-point.

Base fee increases for the non-executive Directors are based on benchmarked market data for fees paid by comparable companies.

Benefits
Other benefits provided to the executive Directors as part of their remuneration package include the provision of appropriate health cover, life and disability 
insurance, car and fuel benefits.

Pension
The Group contributes to the pension arrangements of both the Chief Executive and Finance Director. 

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Being a US based citizen, Dennis Proctor participates in the Group’s US 401K tax deferred savings plan, with the Group making matching annual 
contributions to the plan up to 2% of base salary up to a maximum of $15,600 at the current compensation limit. In addition, the Group contributed a figure 
equivalent to 17% of his 2014 base salary to a deferred compensation scheme. In practice this scheme is operated on a money purchase basis.

Richard Hunting and Peter Rose are members of the Hunting Pension Scheme (the “Scheme”), which is a defined benefit pension scheme. The normal 
retirement age for the Directors under the Scheme is 60 and they are entitled to, subject to certain limits, a pension of up to two thirds of final salary. 
Pensionable salary is the annual salary less an amount equal to the State Lower Earnings Limit. Richard Hunting contributed 8.5% of his pensionable salary 
up until his Scheme retirement date of 31 July 2006. Peter Rose contributes a similar proportion of his salary to the Scheme. The Scheme provides all 
members with a lump sum death in service benefit of four times base salary and a spouse’s pension of two thirds of the member’s pension on the 
member’s death. Bonuses and benefits do not qualify as pensionable salary. Mr Rose is able to draw his pension on an unreduced basis from age 57 with 
the consent of the Company.

Annual Performance-Linked Cash Bonus
An annual performance-linked cash bonus plan is in place for the executive Directors. The plan, which is not pensionable, is designed to provide an 
incentive reward for performance and reflects the competitive markets in which the Group conducts its business.

In 2014 the bonus plan was amended to allow the Committee to incorporate a personal performance adjustor to the bonus, ranging from 0 to 1.25 times 
the award value. The Committee is committed to publishing the personal targets set for the executive Directors and, where the personal performance 
adjustor is applied, will provide detailed disclosures to investors. This amendment allows the Committee to reduce the formula-driven bonus to zero or 
increase the bonus up to 1.25 times the award value but not greater than the maximum payable under the plan rules.

Long-term Performance Related Incentives
The Group operated four long-term incentive plans during the year all of which align the incentive packages of executives with the long-term interests of 
shareholders. The Hunting PSP has replaced awards under the PSP and LTIP plans, details of which are set out below.

1. Performance Share Plan
The PSP operated between 2009 and 2013 and has now been replaced by the Hunting PSP.

Awards under the PSP were granted annually and only vest if demanding performance conditions based on returns to shareholders are met. Awards 
granted under the PSP, which are subject to a three year performance period, are based on the Group’s TSR performance relative to the constituent 
members of the Dow Jones US Oil Equipment and Services and the DJ STOXX TM Oil Equipment and Services sector indices and if the Committee 
determines the Group’s financial performance to be satisfactory. These indices were considered by the Committee to be appropriate as they compare the 
Group’s performance against other companies in the oil and gas services sector.

Awards vest subject to the schedule outlined below:

Group’s TSR against the TSR of the members of the Comparator Group

Upper quartile
Between upper quartile and median
Median
Below median

% of the award that vests

100%
On a straight-line basis between 40% and 100%
40%
0%

2. Long-Term Incentive Plan
The LTIP, which operated between 2004 and 2013 has been replaced by the Hunting PSP.

The LTIP is a performance-linked plan with an incentive pool, which is calculated using the sum of the Group’s after tax operating income after deducting a 
7% charge on average shareholders funds for the after tax cost of capital. Determination of the incentive pool incorporates two components, the first being 
2% of the absolute value added, and the second being 5% of the incremental value added. These performance conditions align the interests of the 
executives with those of the Group and its shareholders and will only produce value to the participants if value is created for the Group.

Awards are determined for each participant at the beginning of a three year performance cycle and are settled at the end of each cycle either in shares or in 
cash. The award for each participant is calculated as a percentage of the incentive pool resulting from the performance of the business over the 
performance cycle, as determined by the Committee.

3. Executive Share Option Plan (“ESOP”)
The Group operated an ESOP between 2001 and 2008 to provide long-term incentives for executive Directors and senior executives of the Group. No 
further grants will be made under the ESOP.

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY 
CONTINUED

4. Hunting PSP
The Hunting PSP was approved by shareholders in April 2014 and replaces the PSP and LTIP incentive schemes. Certain key shareholders were consulted on 
the new plan’s implementation during 2013 and 2014. 

Shares awarded to the executive Directors under the Hunting PSP are divided equally into three tranches. Each tranche is subject to a three year vesting 
period, and is also subject to a performance condition. The three performance conditions are listed below:
 – Relative TSR.
 – Absolute growth in EPS.
 – Average ROCE.

More detail on the performance conditions is provided in the following table:

Proportion of 
award

Performance 
condition

Detail

33%

TSR

 – The Group’s TSR will be measured over a three year period against a bespoke peer group selected from the 

same global market sector as Hunting.

 – 25% of the award will vest if a median performance against the peer group is achieved, increasing on  

a straight-line basis to 100% if a top quartile performance against the peer group is achieved.

33%

Underlying EPS

 – The Group’s growth in EPS will be measured across the three year vesting period.
 – 25% of the award will vest if earnings growth achieves a minimum growth target set by the Committee 
increasing on a straight-line basis to 100% if a stretch growth target set by the Committee is achieved.

33%

Underlying ROCE

 – The Group’s ROCE will be measured across the three year vesting period.
 – 25% of the award will vest if ROCE achieves a minimum target set by the Committee increasing on a straight-

line basis to 100% if a stretch target set by the Committee is achieved.

The respective performance conditions will be measured at the end of the three year vesting period and awards to the executive Directors will be 
proportional to the total vesting level achieved.

The face value of the grant to the Chief Executive is 450% of base salary and 210% of base salary for the Finance Director. Dividends declared  
by the Company during the vesting period are added to the awards once the final vesting levels have been determined.

Executive Director Service Contracts
All existing executive Directors’ Service Contracts are rolling one year agreements and contain standard provisions allowing the Company to terminate 
summarily for cause, such as gross misconduct.

The Chief Executive entered into an Employment Agreement with Hunting Energy Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group, on 7 February 
2001. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, US. Under the terms of the Agreement both Hunting Energy Services Inc. and  
the Chief Executive are required to give one year’s notice of termination.

The Agreement contains a pay in lieu of notice clause, which provides for payment of base salary, up to a maximum of one year, a performance bonus if 
earned and vacation pay based on an annual entitlement of five weeks. There are special provisions on a change of control. These provide for payment  
of an amount equal to the total of the base salary for one year and the average Performance Bonus over the immediately preceding two year period. In 
addition, the Chief Executive would be entitled to continue to participate in the Group insurance programmes for 18 months following the change of 
control, and, unless otherwise provided in the relevant agreement, all share-based awards granted to him shall immediately accelerate and become 
exercisable as of the date of change of control.

The Finance Director entered into a Service Agreement with the Company on 23 April 2008. Under the terms of the Service Agreement both the Company 
and the Director are required to give one year’s notice of termination. The Company reserves the right to pay the Finance Director in lieu of notice (whether 
given by the Company or by him) which provides for payment of base salary up to a maximum of one year and bonus, which he would have been entitled 
to receive under his contract between the date of termination and the earliest date the appointment could otherwise be lawfully terminated, less income 
tax and National Insurance Contributions. The Company also has the option to put the Finance Director on paid leave of absence following payment of  
a sum equivalent to salary and bonus (based on the previous twelve month period), subject to him complying with the terms of his Service Agreement. 
These conditions also apply on termination following a change of control and, in addition, the Finance Director would be entitled to an acceleration of all 
share-based awards which would immediately vest at the date of the change of control.

The Company has authorised the executive Directors to undertake non-executive directorships outside of the Group provided these do not interfere with 
their primary duties. During the year neither executive Director held any external positions.

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67

Non-executive Director Letters of Appointment
On appointment each non-executive Director is provided with a letter of appointment which sets out the responsibilities and time commitments for the 
role. Additional duties, as requested by the Nomination Committee, including chairing a Board subcommittee, are also incorporated into the letters of 
appointment and fees paid. Non-executive Director appointments are usually for a fixed three year term, which can be terminated by either party at any time.

Payment for Loss of Office
The Committee has considered the Company’s policy on remuneration for executive Directors leaving the Company and is committed to applying a 
consistent approach to ensure that the Company pays no more than is necessary. The loss of office payment policy subject to existing Service Contract 
agreements is generally aligned with market practice and depends on whether the departing executive Director is, or is deemed to be treated as, a “good 
leaver” or “bad leaver”. A good leaver is defined as an employee who has ceased to be employed by the Group due to death, ill-health, injury, disability, 
redundancy, the employee’s company ceasing to be a Group member or for any other reason, if the Committee so decides.

In the case of a good leaver the policy normally allows:
 – payment in lieu of notice equal to twelve months’ base salary, pension contributions and contractual benefits;
 – payment of a bonus for the period worked subject to the achievement of the relevant performance conditions; and
 – any unvested long-term incentives to vest subject to the achievement of the performance conditions and pro-rated based on the period of service.

If an employee departs the Group for any other reason than those specified in the good leaver definition above then he/she is treated as a bad leaver and 
unvested long-term incentives lapse immediately on cessation of employment. The Committee retains discretion to satisfy bonus payments to those 
executive Directors deemed to be bad leavers.

New Director Policies
As the Board of Hunting is refreshed, with new executive and non-executive Director appointments, the policy for remuneration for the new Board 
members, will align to those detailed above. 

Hunting needs to be able to attract and retain the best executive and non-executive Directors in the market place. The Remuneration Committee 
believes that the framework now in place will enable the Company to achieve its recruitment aims.

For executive Director appointments the fixed component of the total emoluments made will target the market mid-point, subject to geographic 
considerations of the candidate and the specific labour market conditions. The Service Contracts will be rolling one year agreements with standard 
provisions. The fixed components of emoluments will comprise base salary including any appropriate relocation or tax equalisation agreements, benefits 
including healthcare insurance, pension contributions, car benefits and any other components deemed necessary to secure an appointment. The variable 
components to the emoluments will be implemented in line with the policies above, subject to any future amendments to these arrangements being 
approved by shareholders. Annual Performance-Linked Cash Bonus arrangements will include awards up to 150% and 200% of base salary for the new 
Finance Director and Chief Executive respectively. The maximum awards under the Hunting PSP will be up to 450% and 550% of base salary for the new 
Finance Director and Chief Executive respectively. The Committee anticipates market standard change of control provisions within new Service Contracts.

In addition, for new appointees the Committee may offer additional cash and/or share-based elements when it considers these to be in the best interests 
of the Company and therefore shareholders. Any such payments would take account of remuneration relinquished when leaving the former employer 
and would reflect the nature, time horizons and performance requirements attaching to that remuneration. Shareholders will be informed of any such 
payments at the time of appointment.

For non-executive Director appointments, benchmarked fees to companies of similar size and profile to Hunting will be applied.

Consideration of Employment Conditions Elsewhere in the Group
The Committee considers the general basic salary increases for the broader employee population when determining the annual salary increases for the 
executive Directors. Employees have not been consulted in respect of the design of the Company’s senior executive remuneration policy.

Shareholder Consultation and Feedback
The Committee engaged in a shareholder consultation on the Policy and the Hunting PSP in the final quarter of 2013 and early 2014, with shareholders 
approving the new arrangements at the Company’s AGM in April 2014. 

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY 
CONTINUED

Remuneration Scenarios for Executive Directors
The remuneration scenarios of the executive Directors for a fixed, target and maximum performance are presented in the charts below detailing 
remuneration under Hunting’s legacy long-term incentive arrangements and the future framework for remuneration following approval of the Hunting PSP 
in April 2014. The charts are based on 2014 remuneration data.

Legacy Remuneration
Chief Executive

Maximum

Target

16%

28%

Fixed

100%

Finance Director

Maximum

Target

26%

41%

Fixed

100%

26%

22%

11% 

39%

13%

45%

28%

22%

12% 

25%

15%

31%

$6,095k

$3,542k

$989k

$2,677k

$1,682k

$688k

 n Fixed   n Annual Bonus   n PSP   n LTIP

Note: these charts are indicative as share price movement and dividend accruals have been excluded. Assumptions made for each scenario are as follows:
 – Fixed: latest known salary, benefits and normal pension contributions.
 – Target: fixed remuneration plus half of maximum annual cash bonus opportunity plus 50% vesting of awards under the PSP plus 50% vesting of awards 

under the LTIP.

 – Maximum: fixed remuneration plus maximum annual cash bonus opportunity plus 100% vesting of all long-term incentives. 

The Finance Director is paid in Sterling and the equivalent total remuneration scenarios are as follows – fixed £417k; target £1,021k and maximum £1,624k.

Future Remuneration
Chief Executive

Maximum

Target

16%

28%

Fixed

100%

Finance Director

Maximum

Target

28%

44%

Fixed

100%

26%

22%

50% 

58%

30%

24%

32% 

42%

$6,095k

$3,542k

$989k

$2,456k

$1,572k

$688k

 n Fixed   n Annual Bonus   n HPSP

Note: these charts are indicative as share price movement and dividend accruals have been excluded. Assumptions made for each scenario are as follows:
 – Fixed: latest known salary, benefits and normal pension contributions.
 – Target: fixed remuneration plus half of maximum annual cash bonus opportunity plus 50% vesting of awards under the Hunting PSP.
 – Maximum: fixed remuneration plus maximum annual cash bonus opportunity plus 100% vesting of all long-term incentives.

The Finance Director is paid in Sterling and the equivalent total remuneration scenarios are as follows – fixed £417k; target £954k and maximum £1,490k.

John Hofmeister
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
5 March 2015

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69

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

Introduction
The principles of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy (the “Policy”) detailed on pages 58 to 68 have been in operation throughout 2014 and are detailed in 
the following report. The Policy can be viewed on the Group’s website at www.huntingplc.com. 

The Remuneration Committee (the “Committee”) will continue to implement these policies throughout 2015.

Role, Membership and Attendance
The Committee is responsible for setting the remuneration of the executive Directors. The Chairman and Chief Executive are consulted on proposals 
relating to the remuneration of the Finance Director and designated senior management and, where appropriate, are invited by the Committee to attend 
meetings but are not present when their own remuneration is considered. Remuneration of the non-executive Directors is agreed by the Board as a whole. 
The full scope of the role of the Committee is set out in its terms of reference, which are reviewed annually, and can be found on the Group’s website at 
www.huntingplc.com.

The Committee consists entirely of independent non-executive Directors. On 15 September 2014, Andrew Szescila retired from the Board and ceased to be 
Chairman of the Committee. Following this, John Hofmeister was appointed Chairman of the Committee. The Committee met four times during the year 
and attendance details are shown in the table on page 53.

On 2 February 2015, Annell Bay and Jay Glick were appointed to the Committee, following their appointment as Directors. Neither received any 
emoluments or fees during 2014.

During the year, and to the date of signature of the accounts, the members of the Committee and their unexpired term of office were:

Director

John Hofmeister
Annell Bay
Jay Glick
John Nicholas
Andrew Szescila (to 15 September 2014)

Latest appointment date

29 August 2012
2 February 2015
2 February 2015
29 August 2012
16 September 2011

Unexpired term as at 5 March 2015

6 months
35 months
35 months
6 months
N/A

External Advisers
During the year, New Bridge Street, a trading name of Aon Hewitt Ltd, and Pearl Meyer and Partners were engaged by the Committee to provide 
remuneration consultancy services. Both firms, whose initial appointment was subject to a formal tender process, are regarded as independent having 
been appointed by the Committee and acting under direction of the Committee.

The total cost of advice to the Committee over the year to 31 December 2014 was $264,858 (2013 – $279,747) and reflects fees paid in respect of the review 
of remuneration, share plans and the remuneration reporting disclosure requirements.

Shareholder Voting at the 2014 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”)
At the AGM of the Company held in April 2014, the resolutions to approve the Directors’ Remuneration Policy and Annual Report on Remuneration received 
the following votes from shareholders:

For 
Discretion
Against
Votes withheld1

Total votes cast

1.   A vote withheld is not a vote in law and is not included in the calculation of the % of votes cast.

 Directors’ Remuneration Policy

Annual Report on Remuneration

Number of votes

108,772,112
408,552
9,745,374
39,234

% of 
votes cast

91.5
0.3
8.2
n/a

Number of votes

117,041,996
408,552
1,504,470
10,254

% of 
votes cast

98.4
0.3
1.3
n/a

118,965,272

100.0

118,965,272

100.0

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70

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION 
CONTINUED

Director Remuneration (audited)

2014

Executives
Dennis Proctor
Peter Rose
Non-executives
John Hofmeister11
Richard Hunting
John Nicholas
Andrew Szescila12

2013

Executives
Dennis Proctor
Peter Rose
Non-executives
John Hofmeister
Richard Hunting
John Nicholas
Andrew Szescila

Fixed remuneration

Variable remuneration

Base 
salary/fees1
$’000

Benefits2 
$’000

Pension3 
$’000

Sub total 
$’000

Annual cash 
bonus4 
$’000

PSP awards6
$’000

LTIP awards8 

$’000

Sub total 
$’000

Other 
remuneration10
$’000

Total 
remuneration 
2014 
$’000

786
491

120
319
115
83

56
47

–
–
–
–

147
565

989
1,103

–
–
–
–

120
319
115
83

889
417

–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–

–

2,750
859

3,639
1,276

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

180
–

–
–
–
–

4,808
2,379

120
319
115
83

3,609

4,915

180

7,824

Fixed remuneration

Variable remuneration

Base 
salary/fees1
$’000

Benefits2 
$’000

Pension3 
$’000

Sub total 
$’000

Annual cash 
bonus5 
$’000

PSP awards7 

LTIP awards9 

$’000

$’000

Sub total 
$’000

Other 
remuneration10
$’000

Total 
remuneration 
2013 
$’000

Total

1,914

103

712

2,729

1,306

764
376

110
303
110
110

54
36

–
–
–
–

193
142

1,011
554

647
239

–
–
–
–

110
303
110
110

–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–

–

2,675
657

3,322
896

109
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

4,442
1,450

110
303
110
110

3,332

4,218

109

6,525

Total

1,773

90

335

2,198

886

Notes to table:
1.  Executive Directors’ salaries were increased in March 2014 by 2.8%. Following shareholder approval at the Company’s AGM the base salary of the Finance Director was set at £298,000 
for 2014. In 2014 the fees of the non-executive Director’s, including the Chairman, were not increased in Sterling terms. The movement in the £/$ exchange rate in the year has the 
effect of showing a year-on-year increase for all Board members, except that of Dennis Proctor whose base salary is determined and paid in US dollars.

2.   Benefits include the provision of healthcare insurance, a company car and fuel benefits.
3.   Dennis Proctor’s single figure pension remuneration represents the total Company contributions paid to his US pension arrangements. Peter Rose is a member of a defined benefit 
pension scheme and the single figure pension remuneration has been calculated in a consistent way in accordance with the regulations and represents 20 times the increase in his 
accrued pension over 2014 and 2013 after allowing for CPI inflation and deducting his own pension contributions. The principal reason for the increase in Mr Rose’s pension 
remuneration in 2014 is due to the increase in his base salary with effect from 1 January 2014.

4.   The bonus is comprised 70% on a Profit Before Tax (“PBT”) target and 30% on a Return on Capital Employed (“ROCE”) target and is subject to the application of a personal performance 
adjustor. In 2014, the PBT and ROCE targets exceeded the Annual Budget by 2.4% and 3.1% respectively, leading to a bonus allocation equating to 113% of base salary for the Chief 
Executive and 85% of base salary for the Finance Director. Following review of the personal performance objectives set by the Committee in March 2014, a bonus adjustor of 1.0 times 
was applied to the formula driven allocation for each executive, resulting in no adjustment to the formula-driven annual bonus.

5.   The bonus is comprised 70% on a PBT target and 30% on a ROCE target. In 2013, the PBT and ROCE targets achieved were 98% and 94% of those Annual Budget items respectively, 

leading to bonus payments equating to 85% of base salary for the Chief Executive and 64% of base salary for the Finance Director.

6.  The 2012 awards under the PSP have a three year performance period to 16 April 2015. The awards were measured on 24 February 2015 against the performance conditions specified 

on page 65, which indicated that the 2012 awards were unlikely to vest. On this basis, no payments are likely to be paid to executive Directors. 

7.  The 2011 awards under the PSP had a three year performance period to 24 February 2014. The awards were measured on 24 February 2014 and were subject to the performance 

8.  

9. 

conditions specified on page 65, which resulted in a zero vesting. No payments were therefore made to the executive Directors.
In accordance with the rules under the 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) and the three year cycle ending 31 December 2014, the accumulated incentive pool totalled $9.8m, 
resulting in an entitlement of $2.8m to Dennis Proctor and an entitlement of $0.9m to Peter Rose. Under the rules of the LTIP, Dennis Proctor is entitled to 35% of the accumulated 
incentive pool while Peter Rose is entitled to 15% of the incentive pool. The maximum levels of award to Dennis Proctor and Peter Rose are capped at 350% and 175% of base salary 
respectively.
In accordance with the rules under the 2004 LTIP and the three year cycle ending 31 December 2013, the accumulated incentive pool totalled $12.2m, resulting in an entitlement of 
$2.7m to Dennis Proctor and an entitlement of $0.7m to Peter Rose. Under the rules of the LTIP, Dennis Proctor is entitled to 35% of the accumulated incentive pool while Peter Rose is 
entitled to 15% of the incentive pool. The maximum levels of award to Dennis Proctor and Peter Rose are capped at 350% and 175% of base salary respectively.

10.   Other remuneration represents additional UK tax payable under a tax equalisation agreement.
11.  John Hofmeister received additional fees during 2014 following his appointment as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee.
12.  Andrew Szescila retired from the Board on 15 September 2014.

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71

The remuneration of Richard Hunting, Peter Rose and the non-executive Directors is originally denominated in Sterling and is as follows:

2014

Executives
Peter Rose
Non-executives
Richard Hunting
John Hofmeister1
John Nicholas
Andrew Szescila2

2013

Executives
Peter Rose
Non-executives
Richard Hunting
John Hofmeister
John Nicholas
Andrew Szescila

Fixed remuneration

Variable remuneration

Base 
salary/fees 
£’000

Benefits 
£’000

Pension 
£’000

Sub total 
£’000

Annual cash 
bonus 
£’000

PSP awards 
£’000

LTIP awards 
£’000

Sub total 
£’000

Total 
remuneration 
£’000

298

194
73
70
50

28

343

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

669

194
73
70
50

253

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

522

775

1,444

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

194
73
70
50

Fixed remuneration

Variable remuneration

Base 
salary/fees 
£’000

Benefits 
£’000

Pension 
£’000

Sub total 
£’000

Annual cash 
bonus 
£’000

PSP awards 
£’000

LTIP awards 
£’000

Sub total 
£’000

Total 
remuneration 
£’000

240

194
70
70
70

23

91

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

354

194
70
70
70

153

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

420

573

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

927

194
70
70
70

1.   John Hofmeister received additional fees during 2014 following his appointment as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee.
2.   Andrew Szescila retired from the Board on 15 September 2014.

Salary and Fees
In December 2013, the executive Directors reviewed the non-executive Directors’ fees, following receipt of benchmarked data from New Bridge Street. The 
review resulted in no changes to the fees payable in 2014.

In March 2014, the Committee increased the 2014 base salary of the Chief Executive and Finance Director by 2.8% compared to 2013, following receipt of 
benchmarked data from New Bridge Street and Pearl Meyer. Following approval by shareholders in April 2014, the base salary of the Finance Director was 
increased to $491,074 (£298,000) to bring his benchmarked salary in line with the approved Policy of targeting the market mid-point.

Pensions (audited)
Dennis Proctor is a member of a deferred compensation scheme in the US, which is anticipated to provide a cash lump sum on his retirement. In practice, 
this scheme is administered and operated on a money purchase basis. In 2014, the Group contributed $131,496 (2013 – $177,908) to that arrangement. There 
are no additional benefits provided on early retirement from this arrangement. The Group also contributed $15,600 in 2014 (2013 – $15,300) to his US 401K 
tax deferred savings plan. 

Peter Rose is a member of the defined benefit section of the Hunting pension scheme. His accrued pension as at 31 December 2014 amounted to 
$186,000 p.a. (2013 – $144,000 p.a.) which includes a temporary pension of $nil p.a. (2013 – $9,000 p.a.). He is able to retire on 24 October 2018 age 60, his 
normal retirement age in that scheme, without any reduction on his main scheme benefits (although there is a small part of his pension that is payable only 
from age 62 without reduction). With Company consent Peter Rose is able to retire from age 57 without any actuarial reduction for early retirement applied 
to his accrued pension. The principal reason for the increase in Mr Rose’s pension remuneration in 2014 is due to the increase in his base salary with effect 
from 1 January 2014. It is anticipated that Mr Rose’s pension remuneration in future years will be more in line with the 2013 pension remuneration figure, 
subject to inflationary movements and future increases to base salary.

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ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION 
CONTINUED

Annual Performance-Linked Cash Bonus Plan
The annual performance-linked cash bonus plan entitles the executive Directors to cash bonus payments when the actual financial results of the Group 
achieve preset financial targets based on the Group’s Annual Budget. The bonus has the potential to be adjusted to reflect the delivery of personal 
performance targets.

The 2014 actual results exceeded budgeted PBT and ROCE by 2.4% and 3.1% respectively, leading to a cash bonus allocation of $889,299 for Dennis Proctor 
and $416,922 (£253,002) for Peter Rose. These amounts reflect 113% and 85% of the base salaries for Dennis Proctor and Peter Rose respectively. Budgeted 
PBT and ROCE were $207.4m and 12.7% respectively.

In March 2014, the Committee set personal performance targets for each executive Director. The targets and outcome, including the personal performance 
adjustor applied to the bonus, of each executive Director are summarised below:

Description of Target

Assessment

Outcome

 – Complete a strategic review  

(Chief Executive only)

 – Improve organisational effectiveness
 – Plan senior management succession
 – Strengthen financial management  

(Finance Director only)

 – The Chief Executive and Finance Director were 
scored by the Committee in March 2015 on the 
basis of the targets set in 2014.

 – Factors taken into consideration included 

The personal performance adjustor applied to 
the above bonus allocation was as follows:
Chief Executive – 1.00 out of 1.25
Finance Director – 1.00 out of 1.25

completion of a strategic review, identification and 
adoption of improvements to operational 
effectiveness and actions taken to strengthen 
financial management.

Following application of the personal performance adjustor, the annual bonuses for 2014 payable to the Chief Executive and Finance Director are therefore 
$889,299 and $416,922 respectively.

The 2013 actual results were 98% of budgeted PBT and 94% of ROCE leading to a cash bonus payment of $647,285 for Dennis Proctor and $238,684 
(£152,533) for Peter Rose. The amounts paid reflect 85% and 64% of the base salaries for Dennis Proctor and Peter Rose respectively.

2012 PSP Vesting (audited)
The 2012 awards granted under the PSP with a three year performance period to 16 April 2015 were measured by New Bridge Street on 24 February 2015 
given that a substantial portion of the performance period had been completed. This measurement indicated that the awards were unlikely to vest. The 
Committee therefore advised that the 2012 share grants to the Chief Executive and Finance Director were likely to lapse resulting in no shares vesting to 
either executive Director. This result will be confirmed in the 2015 Annual Report on Remuneration, or should there be a vesting, announced to investors on 
receipt of the final measurement of the performance conditions.

2011 PSP Vesting (audited)
The 2011 awards granted under the PSP were measured by New Bridge Street on 24 February 2014 and resulted in a zero vesting. The 2011 share grants to 
the Chief Executive and Finance Director duly lapsed with no shares vesting to either executive Director.

2012 LTIP Vesting (audited)
On 31 December 2014, the 2012 award under the LTIP for the three year period commencing 1 January 2012 was measured in accordance with the plan 
rules and resulted in an accumulated incentive pool of $9.8m. The executive Directors were awarded the following:

Director

Dennis Proctor
Peter Rose

% of incentive 
pool awarded

Value 
of award 
$

Award as % of 
base salary

35% 2,749,600
15% 859,380

350
175

2011 LTIP Vesting (audited)
On 31 December 2013, the 2011 award under the LTIP for the three year period commencing 1 January 2011 was measured in accordance with the plan 
rules and resulted in an accumulated incentive pool of $12.2m. The executive Directors were awarded the following:

Director

Dennis Proctor
Peter Rose

% of incentive 
pool awarded

Value 
of award 
$

Award as % of 
base salary

35% 2,674,732
15% 657,479

350
175

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

73

2014 Hunting PSP Grants
On 1 May 2014, following approval by shareholders at the Company’s Annual General Meeting, the Committee approved the allocation of nil cost share 
awards to Dennis Proctor and nil cost options to Peter Rose under the rules of the Hunting PSP. Awards will vest on 1 May 2017, subject to the achievement 
of the performance conditions detailed on page 66 of the Policy. Details of the grant are as follows:

Director

Dennis Proctor
Peter Rose

Award as % 
of base salary

Number 
of shares 
awarded

Face value 
of award at 
threshold 
vesting of 
25% 
$

Face value 
of maximum 
award (vesting 
at 100%) 
$

450% 255,050
72,238
210%

883,800 3,535,200
257,814 1,031,255

The face value of the 2014 award is based on the closing mid-market price on 1 May 2014 which was 839.5p.

Payments to Past Directors and for Loss of Office (audited)
On 15 September 2014, Andrew Szescila retired from the Board, following completion of his three year term of appointment. Mr Szescila received all of his 
relevant fees up to this date, with no payment for loss of office being made.

No payments were made in the year to other past Directors in the normal course of business or for loss of office.

Directors’ Shareholdings, Ownership Policy and Share Interests (audited) 
The beneficial interests of the Directors in the issued Ordinary shares in the Company are as follows:

Director

Non-executive Chairman
Richard Hunting1
  as trustee
  as director of Hunting Investments Limited
Executives
Dennis Proctor1
Peter Rose1
Non-executives
John Hofmeister1
John Nicholas1
Andrew Szescila1 (at 15 September 2014)

At
 31 December 
2014

At 
31 December 
2013

463,306
979,049

463,306
979,049
10,973,487 10,884,743

1,576,802
57,410

1,267,097
52,410

10,000
5,000
10,000

10,000
5,000
10,000

1.  Beneficial share interests are those Ordinary shares owned by the Director or spouse which the Director is free to dispose of.

There has been no further changes to the Directors’ share interests in the period 31 December 2014 to 5 March 2015.

As at 5 March 2015, Annell Bay and Jay Glick held no shares in the Company. 

In 2014, the Group implemented a share ownership policy which requires Directors and certain senior executives within the Group to build up a holding in 
share equal in value to a certain multiple of their base salary or fee. The multiple takes into account the post tax value of vested but unexercised share 
awards or options.

The required shareholding of the respective Director and the current shareholding as a multiple of base salary as at 31 December 2014 is presented below:

Director

Dennis Proctor
Peter Rose
Richard Hunting
John Hofmeister
John Nicholas

Required holding expressed as 
a multiple of base salary or fee

Value of holding in shares including the post tax value  
of vested but unexercised share awards and options  

expressed as a multiple of base salary or fee as at 31 December 2014

5 times
2 times
1 times
1 times
1 times

17.3
1.2
12.7
0.7
0.4

Directors have five years from 1 January 2014 (or from date of appointment to the Board) in which to satisfy the shareholding requirement.

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74

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION 
CONTINUED

The interests of the executive Directors over Ordinary shares of the Group under the ESOP, PSP and Hunting PSP are set out below:

The vesting of options and awards are subject to performance conditions set out within the Policy on pages 65 and 66.

Director

Dennis Proctor

Sub total

Sub total

Sub total

Total

Peter Rose

Sub total

Sub total

Sub total

Total

Interests at 
1 January 
2014

Options/
awards 
granted in 
year

Options/
awards 
exercised/
vested in year

Options/
awards lapsed 
in year

Interests at 
31 December 
2014

Exercise price
 p

Grant date

Date from 
which 
exercisable/
vesting

Expiry date

Scheme

309,705
171,742
104,178
64,688
55,449

705,762

57,295
52,103
52,516

161,914

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–

255,050

255,050

(309,705)
–
–
–
–

(309,705)

–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

(57,295)
–
–

–
171,742+
104,178+
64,688+
55,449+

396,057

–
52,103^
52,516^

(57,295)

104,619

–

–

255,050^

255,050

867,676

255,050

(309,705)

(57,295) 

755,726

29,454
18,277
15,000
21,670

84,401

23,241
20,953
21,119

 65,313

–

–

149,714

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

72,238

72,238

72,238

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–

(23,241)
–
–

29,454+
18,277+
15,000+
21,670+

84,401

–
20,953~
21,119~

(23,241)

42,072

–

–

72,238~

72,238

– 

(23,241) 

198,711

116.9
220.7
383.0
640.0
784.5

31.03.04
09.03.05
08.03.06
06.03.07
04.03.08

31.03.07
09.03.08
08.03.09
06.03.10
04.03.11

30.03.14
08.03.15
07.03.16
05.03.17
03.03.18

nil
nil
nil

25.02.11
17.04.12
20.03.13

25.02.14
17.04.15
20.03.16

nil

01.05.14

01.05.17

–
–
–

–

220.7
383.0
640.0
784.5

09.03.05
08.03.06
06.03.07
04.03.08

09.03.08
08.03.09
06.03.10
04.03.11

08.03.15
07.03.16
05.03.17
03.03.18

nil
nil
nil

25.02.11
17.04.12
20.03.13

25.02.14
17.04.15
20.03.16

24.02.21
16.04.22
19.03.23

ESOP
ESOP
ESOP
ESOP
ESOP

PSP
PSP
PSP

HPSP

ESOP
ESOP
ESOP
ESOP

PSP
PSP
PSP

nil

01.05.14

01.05.17

30.04.24

HPSP

+  Vested and currently exercisable.
^  Nil cost share awards which are not yet vested or exercisable and still subject to the performance conditions being measured in accordance with the PSP/HPSP rules.
~  Nil cost share options which are not yet vested or exercisable and still subject to the performance conditions being measured in accordance with the PSP/HPSP rules.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

75

Executive Director Remuneration and Shareholder Returns
The following chart compares the TSR of Hunting PLC between 2008 and 2014 to the DJ Stoxx TM Oil Equipment, Services and Distribution and DJ US Oil 
Equipment and Services indices.

In the opinion of the Directors, these indices are the most appropriate indices against which the shareholder return of the Company’s shares should be 
compared because they comprise other companies in the oil and gas services sector.

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Hunting PLC 

DJ US Oil Equipment & Services

 DJ Stoxx TM Oil Equipment, Services & Distribution

Source: Datastream 

Summary Table of Chief Executive’s Remuneration 
The accompanying table details remuneration of the Chief Executive:

2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

Single figure 
remuneration1 

$’000

4,808
4,442
5,497
3,261
1,876
2,363

Annual 
Bonus 
%2

57
42
75
100
100
17

ESOP/PSP % 
vesting3

LTIP 
% award4

Nil
Nil
66
Nil
100
100

100
100
100
31
5
62

1.  Single figure remuneration reflects the aggregate remuneration paid to the Chief Executive as defined within the Policy on pages 58 to 68.
2.  Annual cash bonus percentages reflect the bonus received by the Chief Executive each year expressed as a percentage of maximum bonus opportunity.
3.  Percentage vesting reflects the % of the ESOP which vested in the financial year and the % of the PSP where a substantial portion of the performance period was completed at the 

financial year end.

4.  LTIP award percentage reflects the award value expressed as a percentage of maximum award opportunity received each year measured at 31 December.

Executive Director Remuneration and the Wider Workforce
The changes to the remuneration of the Chief Executive in 2014 compared to 2013 and those of the total workforce are as follows:

Chief 
Executive

Employee

Base salary
Bonus
Benefits

+2.8%

+7.5%
+37.4% +40.0%
Nil

+3.7%

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76

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION 
CONTINUED

Relative Importance of Spend on Pay
The table below shows the relative importance of spend on employee remuneration in relation to corporate taxation, dividends and capital investments. The 
choice of performance metrics represents the material operating costs of the Group and the use of generated cash in delivering long-term shareholder value.

Employee remuneration
Tax paid
Dividends paid
Capital investment

* Restated for the designation of Gibson Shipbrokers as a discontinued operation.

Implementation of Policies in 2015
The remuneration policies for 2015 will be applied in line with those detailed on pages 58 to 68.

2014 
$m

290.6
26.6
44.1
123.5

2013* 
$m

262.4
19.9
42.5
94.8

% Change

+11
+34
+4
+30

In December 2014, the Board reviewed benchmarked non-executive Director fee data, resulting in no changes being made to fees payable to the 
non-executive Directors for 2015. Annell Bay and Jay Glick were appointed to the Board on 2 February 2015 and receive non-executive Director fees in line 
with the policy on page 63.

In March 2015, the Committee met to discuss base salary changes for the executive Directors. The Committee agreed to review and implement any 
changes later in the year, given the current market environment in which Hunting operates.

The annual performance-linked cash bonus for 2015 will be operated in line with the Policy detailed on page 60. The Committee will disclose details of the 
retrospective performance against the pre-set financial and personal performance targets.

The Committee plans to grant nil cost share awards or options to the Chief Executive, Finance Director and other senior executives of the Group under the 
Hunting PSP in early March 2015. The awards will be in line with the rules of the Hunting PSP and subject to performance conditions.

John Hofmeister
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
5 March 2015

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77

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

“ OUR WORK DURING 2014 CONTINUED TO FOCUS ON THE 
INTEGRITY OF THE GROUP’S FINANCIAL REPORTING, THE 
INDEPENDENCE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EXTERNAL 
AND INTERNAL AUDIT ACTIVITIES, THE GROUP’S RISK 
MANAGEMENT PROCESSES AND ASSESSING THE GROUP’S 
INTERNAL CONTROLS. WITH NEW LEGISLATION NOW 
PUBLISHED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION CONCERNING THE 
TENURE OF EXTERNAL AUDITORS, HUNTING WILL 
UNDERTAKE A FORMAL TENDER PROCESS DURING 2017.”

John Nicholas 
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Composition and Frequency of Meetings
The Committee currently comprises the independent non-executive 
Directors of the Company: John Nicholas (Committee Chairman),  
Annell Bay, Jay Glick and John Hofmeister.

Following completion of his three year term of appointment, Andrew 
Szescila retired from the Committee on 15 September 2014. Annell Bay and 
Jay Glick were appointed to the Committee on their appointment to the 
Board of Directors on 2 February 2015.

Mr Nicholas has a professional accounting qualification and is considered to 
have recent and relevant financial experience; further details can be found 
in his biographical summary set out on page 47.

The Committee met four times during the year and operates under written 
terms of reference approved by the Board, which are published on the 
Company’s website. Following publication of the revised UK Corporate 
Governance Code in September 2014, the Committee terms of reference 
were revised, following approval by the Board, with new procedures being 
considered to ensure compliance with the Code’s recommendations.

The Committee normally meets in March, April, August and December,  
and the attendance record of Committee members during the year is 
noted on page 53. The Chairman, Chief Executive, Finance Director, internal 
and external auditors are normally invited to attend meetings. During the 
year, the Committee reviewed its effectiveness and the Committee 
Chairman reported these findings to the Board.

Responsibilities
The principal responsibilities of the Audit Committee are to:
 – monitor and review reports from the executive Directors, including the 
Group’s financial statements and Stock Exchange announcements;
 – provide to the Board a recommendation about the Annual Report and 
Accounts including whether they are fair, balanced and understandable;

 – monitor and review the Group’s systems of internal control;
 – assess the effectiveness of the Group’s systems of risk management and 

internal control;

 – review reports from the Group’s external auditors;
 – review reports from the Group’s internal auditors, including details of 

the internal audit programme and its scope;

 – monitor corporate governance and accounting developments;
 – monitor the Group’s Bribery Act compliance procedures;
 – consider and recommend to the Board the reappointment of the 

external auditors;

 – agree the scope and fees of the external audit;
 – monitor and approve engagements of the external auditors to provide 

non-audit services to the Group; and

 – review the external auditors’ independence, effectiveness of the audit 

process and assess the level and quality of service in relation to fees paid.

Training
During the year, the Committee was briefed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
on the evolving regulatory environment, in particular the legislation related to 
auditors rotation.

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78

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT 
CONTINUED

Review of the 2014 Financial Statements
The Committee reviews final drafts of the Group’s Report and Accounts for 
both the half and full year. As part of this process, the performance of the 
Group’s major divisions is considered, with key judgements, estimates and 
accounting policies being approved by the Committee ahead of a 
recommendation to the Board.

The principle significant issues reviewed by the Committee in connection 
with the 2014 Annual Report and Accounts were as follows:

Goodwill Impairment Review
The year-end balance sheet includes Goodwill of $440.6m. This represents 
approximately 31% of the Group’s net assets. The Committee reviewed the 
carrying value of Goodwill by examining a report from the Group Financial 
Controller which set out the values attributable to each cash generating 
unit, the expected value in use based on projected cash flows and the key 
economic assumptions related to growth rates and discount values. The 
Committee also considered the work undertaken by the auditors in testing 
the projections. The Committee discussed the appropriateness of the 
assumptions and challenged both the discount rates and the factors used 
to consider whether a reasonable change in assumptions may indicate 
impairment. After discussion, it was satisfied that the assumptions, the 
impairment of goodwill relating to the Hunting Electronics and Drilling 
Tools cash generating units and the disclosures in the accounts were 
appropriate.

Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Asset Impairment
The Committee reviewed the valuation of estimated reserves held within 
the Group’s exploration and production segment. The Committee was 
informed by a report from the reserves engineer and also considered the 
appropriateness of the future prices for oil and gas. After considering the 
valuation model, including the impact of recent weakness in oil prices, the 
Committee was satisfied that the reported impairment of oil and gas 
reserves was calculated appropriately.

Taxation
In view of the international spread of operations the Committee monitors 
the incidence of tax risk, tax audits and provisions held for taxation. The 
Finance Director briefs the Committee on developments during the year.

Exceptional Items Charged to the Consolidated Income Statement
The Group accounts have historically reported a middle column within  
the Consolidated Income Statement which includes amortisation and 
exceptional items. The Committee considered the accounting policy 
definition of exceptional items and the items included within this column 
to ensure consistency of treatment and adherence to policy. The 
Committee also reviewed the calculation and composition of each 
exceptional item and has satisfied itself that they are reported appropriately.

In addition to receipt of detailed briefings and supporting reports from the 
central finance team on these principle significant issues, the Committee 
engages in discussion with the Group’s external auditors.

The Committee has reviewed the financial statements together with 
commentary contained within the Strategic Report set out on pages 4 to 
44 and believes that the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, is 
fair, balanced and understandable. In arriving at this conclusion the 
Committee undertook the following:

 – review of early drafts of the Annual Report and Accounts;
 – regular review and discussion of the financial results during the year 

including briefings by Group finance and operational management; and

 – receipt and review of reports from the external and internal auditors.

The Committee advised the Board of its conclusion that the 2014 Annual 
Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, were fair, balanced and 
understandable at a meeting of the Directors on 3 March 2015.

External Audit
The external auditors present reports at the March, April, August and 
December meetings for consideration by the Committee. In March, a full 
year report is considered ahead of publication of the Group’s Annual Report 
and Accounts; in April an internal control report is presented, following the 
year-end audit and in August an interim report is presented which includes 
the proposed full year audit scope and fee. An update to the full year plan 
was presented at the December meeting. The Audit Committee considers 
the reappointment of the auditors annually at its March meeting and 
makes a recommendation to the Board. The Committee normally meets 
with the external auditors without executive Directors present at the end  
of each formal meeting.

The external auditors’ full year report includes a statement on their 
independence, their ability to remain objective and their ability to 
undertake an effective audit. The Committee considers and assesses this 
independence statement on behalf of the Board, taking into account the 
level of fees paid particularly for non-audit services.

The effectiveness of the audit process is considered throughout the year 
with a formal review at the April meeting of the Committee. The 
assessment considers the following matters:
 – the auditors’ understanding of the Group’s business and industry sector;
 – the planning and execution of the audit plan approved by the 

Committee;

 – the communication between the Group and audit engagement team;
 – the auditors’ response to questions from the Committee including 

during private meetings without management present;
 – the independence, objectivity and scepticism of the auditor;
 – responses to a formal questionnaire on conduct of the audit from the 

senior financial managers of the Group;

 – a report from the Finance Director and the Group Financial Controller; 

and

 – finalisation of the audit work ahead of completion of the Annual Report 

and Accounts.

In addition, the Committee reviewed and took account of Financial 
Reporting Council reports on PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. After 
considering these matters, the Committee was satisfied with the 
effectiveness of the year-end audit.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and its predecessor firms have been auditors 
to the Group since the Company’s formation on 7 August 1989 and under 
the firm’s audit partner rotation rules, the current Senior Statutory Auditor 
will rotate off the audit following completion of the 2018 Statutory audit. 
The Committee has considered the European Union legislation enacted on 
16 June 2014 relating to external auditors rotation and intends to complete 
a tender process during 2017 in order to ensure a full twelve month period 
of independence before appointment of the selected firm as auditors 
effective 1 January 2019. The Company has commenced a process of 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsAUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

79

engaging other firms to undertake non-audit assignments in order to 
assess the quality of each firm and its people as part of the early 
preparations for the tender process. This included Deloitte, KPMG and Ernst 
and Young who have undertaken non-audit assignments for the Group.

made during the reporting period. The Group’s internal audit function 
reviews local compliance with the Bribery Act and reports control 
improvements and recommendations to the Audit Committee  
where appropriate.

Code of Conduct
The Group’s Code of Conduct contains policies and procedures covering 
how the Group conducts business and maintains its relationships with 
business partners. The Code of Conduct is available on the Group’s website.

Whistleblowing
The Company’s Senior Independent Director, John Hofmeister, is the 
primary point of contact for staff of the Group to raise, in confidence, 
concerns they may have over possible improprieties, financial or otherwise.

In addition, the Group engages the services of Safecall Limited, to provide 
an independent and anonymous whistleblowing service available to staff 
across all of Hunting’s operations.

All employees have been notified of these arrangements through the 
corporate magazine, Group notice boards and the Group’s website.

John Nicholas
Chairman of the Audit Committee
5 March 2015

The Committee closely monitors fees paid to the auditors in respect  
of non-audit services, which are analysed within note 8. In 2014, fees for 
non-audit services totalled $0.5m and included taxation services 
amounting to $0.4m and other services of $0.1m. The scope and extent of 
non-audit work undertaken by the external auditors is monitored by, and, 
above certain thresholds, requires prior approval from the Committee to 
ensure that the provision of such services does not impair their 
independence or objectivity.

The Board received copies of all reports submitted to the Audit Committee.

Internal Audit
The Audit Committee receives reports from the Internal Audit department 
and reviews the internal audit process and effectiveness as part of the 
Group’s internal control and risk assessment programme. An annual 
programme of internal audit assignments is reviewed by the Audit 
Committee. The Committee met with the head of internal audit without 
the presence of the executive Directors on three occasions during the year.

Internal Controls
The Group has an established internal control environment, which was  
in operation throughout the year. The Audit Committee monitors these 
arrangements on behalf of the Board, this review includes a report 
submitted three times a year on the principal risks facing the Group  
and the mitigating controls against those identified key risks. The Group 
level report is based on submissions from all subsidiaries in the Group.

All subsidiaries undertake formal self-assessment risk reviews, a minimum  
of three times a year, on their internal control environment. These reviews 
are available to the Audit Committee and encompass the identification of 
the key business, financial, compliance and operational risks facing each 
unit, together with an assessment of the controls in place for managing  
and mitigating these risks. Additionally, risks are evaluated for their potential 
impact on the business.

Following publication of the 2014 UK Corporate Governance Code, existing 
review procedures are being updated and formalised to ensure the 
Committee can assess and monitor the effectiveness of the Company’s 
systems of risk management and internal control, and report to the Board 
on its findings during 2015.

Bribery Act Compliance
In compliance with the UK Bribery Act, Hunting has procedures in place, 
including the publication of Bribery and Corruption policies and detailed 
guidelines on interacting with customers, suppliers and agents, including 
specific policies for gifts, entertainment and hospitality. Senior managers 
across the Group are required to report their compliance activities, 
including an evaluation of risk areas. The Group has completed a screening 
exercise to identify relevant employees who face a heightened risk of 
bribery with all relevant personnel completing a formal training and 
compliance course, in line with the Group’s procedures. The Audit 
Committee reviews the compliance procedures relating to the Bribery  
Act at its April and December meetings, which incorporate risk assessments 
completed by each business unit and gifts and entertainment disclosures 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION80

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS  
OF HUNTING PLC

Report on the financial statements
Our opinion
In our opinion:
 ʱ Hunting PLC’s Group financial statements and Company financial statements (the “financial statements”) give a true and fair view of the state of the 

Group’s and of the Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2014 and of the Group’s profit and the Group’s and the Company’s cash flows for the year then 
ended;

 ʱ The Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as adopted by the 

European Union;

 ʱ The Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as adopted by 

the European Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and

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

statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

What we have audited
Hunting PLC’s financial statements comprise:
 ʱ the Consolidated and Company Balance Sheets as at 31 December 2014;
 ʱ the Consolidated Income Statement and the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year then ended;
 ʱ the Consolidated and Company Statements of Cash Flows for the year then ended;
 ʱ the Consolidated and Company Statements of Changes in Equity for the year then ended; and
 ʱ the notes to the financial statements, which include a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the financial statements is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the 
European Union and, as regards the Company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

Our audit approach
Overview
Materiality

 ʱ Overall Group materiality: $8.0 million, based on 5% of profit before tax from continuing operations adjusted for the impairment of 

goodwill and oil and gas exploration and development assets

Audit scope

 ʱ We conducted audit work in 6 countries covering 24 operating units and visited a number of audit locations, including the one 

significant component, Hunting Titan

 ʱ Our audit scope accounted for over 90% of Group revenues and the Group profit before tax from continuing operations adjusted for 

the impairment of goodwill and oil and gas exploration and development assets

Areas of focus

 ʱ Goodwill impairment assessment
 ʱ Oil and gas exploration and development asset impairment
 ʱ Corporate tax exposures

The scope of our audit and our areas of focus
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (“ISAs (UK & Ireland)”).

We designed our audit by determining materiality and assessing the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. In particular, we looked at 
where the directors made subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and 
considering future events that are inherently uncertain. As in all of our audits, we also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, 
including evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the directors that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.

The risks of material misstatement that had the greatest effect on our audit, including the allocation of our resources and effort, are identified as “areas of 
focus” in the table below. We have also set out how we tailored our audit to address these specific areas in order to provide an opinion on the financial 
statements as a whole, and any comments we make on the results of our procedures should be read in this context. This is not a complete list of all risks 
identified by our audit.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts81

Area of focus

How our audit addressed the area of focus

Goodwill impairment assessment
Refer to page 78 (Audit Committee Report), page 141 (accounting policies) 
and note 16.

The Group holds $440.6m of goodwill on the balance sheet, mainly arising 
from historic acquisitions in the US. Goodwill valuation is a judgemental and 
complex area as it depends on the future financial performance of the cash 
generating unit (“CGU”) and future market performance. In particular there is 
significant uncertainty in the oil and gas market as a result of the impact of the 
recent decline in oil prices. As such the key judgemental areas are the short 
term revenue and margin growth rate, terminal growth rates and the discount 
rate.

We focused, in particular, on the estimated value in use of the Hunting 
Electronics CGU, which has a closing net book value of goodwill of $28.7m 
and has been impaired by $40.0m (58% of the balance assessed) in the year, 
and the Drilling Tools CGU, which has a closing net book value of goodwill of 
$4.4m and has been impaired by $9.6m (69% of the balance assessed), in the 
closing year. These impairments reflect the respective CGUs’ subdued 
financial performance in the year, as a result of increased competition, the 
impact of the decline in oil prices on forecast revenue and the prolonged 
customer unwinding of inventory.

Additionally we focused on those CGUs with lower headroom between their 
carrying value and value in use, as judgements are even more critical for these 
CGUs, and on the Hunting Titan CGU, as it accounts for 65% of the goodwill 
held on the balance sheet.

We tested management’s identification of the CGUs, considering business 
changes that would prompt a change to the classification of CGUs. In order 
to test the impairment assessment model, we challenged and evaluated 
the future cash flow forecasts for the identified CGUs and the process by 
which they were drawn up and tested the accuracy of the underlying 
calculations. We found that management has followed a clear process for 
drawing up the future cash flow forecasts, which was subject to oversight 
and challenge by the directors and which was consistent with Board 
approved budgets, which have been revised to reflect current market 
conditions.

As part of our testing we challenged the following key assumptions: 
 ʱ The short term revenue and profit assumptions and how management 

has incorporated the impact of the recent decline in oil prices, by 
comparing them to historical results and the current order book, 
agreeing the short term growth rate to specialist third party published 
reports and considering the impact already observed within the market; 

 ʱ Terminal growth rates in the forecasts by comparing them to historical 

results, economic and industry forecasts; and

 ʱ The discount rates by assessing the cost of capital assumption for each 

CGU and comparable organisations.

We found the assumptions to be consistent and in line with our 
expectations.

In respect of the Hunting Electronics and Drilling Tools CGUs, we sensitised 
each key driver of the cash flow forecasts, including the underlying 
assumptions listed above, by determining what we considered to be a 
reasonably possible change in assumption, based on current market data 
and historical and current business performance. Through this we 
determined an appropriate range of value in use for each CGU. We 
concluded that the combined $49.6m impairment charge recognised by 
management is within this appropriate range.

For all other CGUs, in particular Hunting Titan and those with lower relative 
headroom, we calculated the degree to which the key assumptions would 
need to change before an impairment was triggered. We discussed the 
likelihood of such a movement with management and agreed with their 
conclusion that it was unlikely.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION82

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS  
OF HUNTING PLC 
CONTINUED

Area of focus

How our audit addressed the area of focus

Oil and gas exploration and development asset impairment assessment
Refer to page 78 (Audit Committee Report), page 141 (accounting policies) 
and note 15.

The Group holds $12.5m of oil and gas exploration and development assets 
on the balance sheet, which is net of a $9.6m impairment recognised during 
the year. Management’s impairment model for the estimated value in use of 
oil and gas exploration and development assets is judgemental and complex, 
as it depends on the future financial performance of the assets and future 
market performance. In particular it is dependent on estimated oil reserves 
and forecast oil prices, which can fluctuate significantly.

In order to test management’s impairment model, we challenged and 
evaluated the future cash flow forecasts and the process by which they 
were drawn up and tested the underlying calculations. In particular, for 
each of the following significant assumptions we challenged:
 ʱ The forecast oil price by agreeing it to published forecast future oil 

prices;

 ʱ The estimated oil reserves by agreeing them to independent third party 
reserves engineer reports and agreed that the reserves engineer is 
appropriately accredited; and

 ʱ The discount rate by assessing the cost of capital assumption against 

comparable organisations.

The impairment of $9.6m recognised in the year reflects the decrease in 
forecast oil price and a decrease in estimated oil reserves. 

We found the assumptions to be appropriate and in line with our 
expectations.

Corporate tax exposures 
Refer to page 78 (Audit Committee Report), page 141 (accounting policies) 
and note 21.

The Group operates in a number of different countries and is therefore subject 
to many tax regimes around the world. Provisions are estimated for uncertain 
tax positions and disputes with tax authorities, including transactions 
between Group companies. These are measured in accordance with relevant 
accounting standards. We considered this an area of focus because of the 
judgement required by management to assess matters across multiple 
jurisdictions.

We sensitised each key driver of the cash flow forecasts, including the 
underlying assumptions listed above, by determining what we considered 
to be a reasonably possible change in assumption, based on current market 
data and historical and current business performance. Through this we 
determined an appropriate range of value in use for oil and gas exploration 
and development assets. We concluded that the impairment of $9.6m 
recognised by management is within this appropriate range.

We read the latest correspondence between the Group and tax authorities. 
We discussed potential corporate tax exposures with senior Group 
management, and the basis for their positions with the Group’s in-house 
tax specialists. 

We reviewed the calculations of the provisions, and considered:

 ʱ The accuracy of the calculations and ensured that appropriate tax rates 

have been used;

 ʱ Key judgements made by management in determining the probability 

of potential outcomes; and

 ʱ Management’s assessment of the Group’s exposure and provisions by 

retrospectively evaluating the outcome of reviews made by tax 
authorities.

Our review of these judgements utilised our specialist tax knowledge, in 
the UK and overseas, and experience in the oil and gas and oilfield services 
industry as well as our experience of similar challenges elsewhere. 

In addition to evaluating the provisions individually, we performed a holistic 
review of the Group’s tax position at year end and the Group’s effective tax 
rate. 

Through these procedures we corroborated management’s positon on the 
level of their tax exposures and provisions and disclosures made in the 
financial statements and that the provisions were in line with the Group’s 
policies and that the methodology and policies have been applied 
consistently.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts83

How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, taking 
into account the geographic structure of the Group, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which the Group operates.

The Group financial statements are a consolidation of entities covering non-trading legal entities, centralised functions and 31 operating units.

In establishing the overall approach to the Group audit, we considered the type of work that needed to be performed at the operating units by us, as the 
Group engagement team, or component auditors within PwC UK and from other PwC network firms operating under our instruction. Where the work was 
performed by component auditors, we determined the extent of audit work needed at those operating units to be able to conclude whether sufficient 
appropriate audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for our opinion on the Group financial statements as a whole.

The Group’s operating units vary significantly in size and we identified 12 operating units that, in our view, required an audit of their complete financial 
information, due to their size or risk characteristics. Specific audit procedures over certain balances and transactions were performed at a further 12 
operating units, to give appropriate coverage of all material balances at the Group level. In doing so we conducted work in 6 countries and the Group audit 
team visited multiple reporting locations in the US, which included visiting Hunting Titan, the one significant component, and the United Kingdom. 
Together, the operating units subject to audit procedures accounted for over 90% of Group revenues and Group profit before tax from continuing 
operations adjusted for the impairment of goodwill and oil and gas exploration and development assets. Further, specific audit procedures over central 
functions and areas of significant judgement, including taxation, treasury, pensions and impairment, were performed by the Group audit team centrally.

Materiality
The scope of our audit is influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, together with qualitative 
considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of 
misstatements, both individually and on the financial statements as a whole.

Based on our professional judgement, consistent with last year, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Overall group materiality

$8.0 million (2013: $7.5 million)

How we determined it

Based on 5% of profit before tax from continuing operations adjusted for the impairment of goodwill and oil and 
gas exploration and development assets

Rationale for benchmark applied

We applied this benchmark because, in our view, this is an appropriate metric against which the performance of 
the Group is measured and of the recurring Group performance

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above $0.4 million (2013: $0.3 million) as well 
as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

Going concern
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the directors’ statement, set out on pages 50 and 51, in relation to going concern. We have nothing to 
report having performed our review.

As noted in the directors’ statement, the directors have concluded that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements using the going concern basis of 
accounting. The going concern basis presumes that the Group and Company have adequate resources to remain in operation, and that the directors intend 
them to do so, for at least one year from the date the financial statements were signed. As part of our audit we have concluded that the directors’ use of the 
going concern basis is appropriate.

However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, these statements are not a guarantee as to the Group’s and Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern.

Other required reporting
Consistency of other information
Companies Act 2006 opinions
In our opinion:
 ʱ The information given in the Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is 

consistent with the financial statements; and

 ʱ The information given in the Corporate Governance Statement set out on pages 52 to 55 with respect to internal control and risk management systems 

and about share capital structures is consistent with the financial statements.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION84

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS  
OF HUNTING PLC 
CONTINUED

ISAs (UK & Ireland) reporting
Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

 ʱ Information in the Annual Report is:

 ʱ materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial statements; or
 ʱ apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Group and Company 

acquired in the course of performing our audit; or

 ʱ otherwise misleading.

We have no exceptions 
to report arising from 
this responsibility.

 ʱ The statement given by the directors on page 54, in accordance with provision C.1.1 of the UK Corporate Governance Code 

(“the Code”), that they consider the Annual Report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for members to assess the Group’s and Company’s performance, business model and strategy is 
materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the Group and Company acquired in the course of performing our audit.

We have no exceptions 
to report arising from 
this responsibility.

 ʱ The section of the Annual Report on pages 77 to 79, as required by provision C.3.8 of the Code, describing the work of the 

Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters communicated by us to the Audit Committee.

We have no exceptions 
to report arising from 
this responsibility.

Adequacy of accounting records and information and explanations 
received
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our 
opinion:
 ʱ We have not received all the information and explanations we require 

for our audit; or

 ʱ Adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company, or 
returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches 
not visited by us; or

 ʱ The financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration 

Report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting records 
and returns.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Directors’ remuneration
Directors’ remuneration report - Companies Act 2006 opinion
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited 
has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

Other Companies Act 2006 reporting
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our 
opinion, certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are 
not made. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Corporate governance statement
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our 
opinion, the corporate governance statement has not been prepared by the 
Company. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the part of the Corporate 
Governance Statement relating to the Company’s compliance with ten 
provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code. We have nothing to 
report having performed our review.

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities set out 
on page 51, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law and ISAs (UK & Ireland). Those 
standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical 
Standards for Auditors.

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the 
Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of 
the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving 
these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to 
any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may 
come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

What an audit of financial statements involves
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in 
the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the 
financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused 
by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: 
 ʱ Whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s and the 
Company’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and 
Adequately disclosed; 

 ʱ The reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the 

directors; and

 ʱ The overall presentation of the financial statements.

We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the directors’ 
judgements against available evidence, forming our own judgements, and 
evaluating the disclosures in the financial statements.

We test and examine information, using sampling and other auditing 
techniques, to the extent we consider necessary to provide a reasonable 
basis for us to draw conclusions. We obtain audit evidence through testing 
the effectiveness of controls, substantive procedures or a combination of 
both.

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the 
Annual Report and Accounts (the “Annual Report”) to identify material 
inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify any 
information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially 
inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing 
the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or 
inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

Nicholas Campbell-Lambert (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
London
5 March 2015

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts85

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Other operating income
Operating expenses

Profit from continuing operations
Finance income
Finance expense
Share of associates’ post-tax (losses) profits

Profit before tax from continuing operations
Taxation

Profit for the year:
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations

Profit for the year

Profit attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Earnings per share
Basic  

– from continuing operations
– from discontinued operations

Group total

Diluted   – from continuing operations

– from discontinued operations

Group total

2014

Before 
amortisation 
and 
exceptional 
items 
$m

Amortisation 
and 
exceptional 
items 
(note 7)
 $m

Notes

Before 
amortisation 
and 
exceptional 
items 
$m

2013*

Amortisation 
and 
exceptional 
items 
(note 7)
 $m

Total 
$m

–
(14.8)

(14.8)
–
(46.3)

(61.1)
–
–
–

(61.1)
23.3

(37.8)
15.4

(22.4)

(22.4)
–

(22.4)

4

5
6

8
11
11

12

13

14
14

14
14

1,386.5
(942.6)

443.9
9.5
(235.6)

217.8
7.5
(12.4)
(0.5)

212.4
(57.2)

155.2
0.3

155.5

151.5
4.0

155.5

102.6c
0.2c

102.8c

100.0c
0.2c

100.2c

–
(11.3)

(11.3)
–
(92.6)

(103.9)
–
–
–

(103.9)
20.5

(83.4)
1.1

(82.3)

(82.3)
–

(82.3)

1,386.5
(953.9)

1,293.6
(898.9)

432.6
9.5
(328.2)

113.9
7.5
(12.4)
(0.5)

108.5
(36.7)

71.8
1.4

73.2

69.2
4.0

73.2

45.9c
1.0c

46.9c

44.8c
1.0c

45.8c

394.7
7.5
(202.2)

200.0
11.8
(14.7)
0.4

197.5
(52.1)

145.4
(1.4)

144.0

140.3
3.7

144.0

96.8c
(1.0)c

95.8c

94.5c
(1.0)c

93.5c

Total 
$m

1,293.6
(913.7)

379.9
7.5
(248.5)

138.9
11.8
(14.7)
0.4

136.4
(28.8)

107.6
14.0

121.6

117.9
3.7

121.6

71.0c
9.5c

80.5c

69.4c
9.2c

78.6c

* 2013 has been restated for the designation of Gibson Shipbrokers as a discontinued operation (note 13).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
 
 
 
 
86

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT  
OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

Comprehensive income
Profit for the year

Components of other comprehensive income after tax
Items that have been reclassified to profit or loss:
Fair value gains and losses:
– gains transferred to income statement on disposal of cash flow hedges
– gain transferred to income statement on redemption of available for sale investment
Release of foreign exchange losses

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Exchange adjustments
Fair value gains and losses: 
– gain on available for sale investment arising during the year
– (losses) gains originating on cash flow hedges arising during the year

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes

Other comprehensive (expense) income after tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests 

Notes

2014 
$m

2013 
$m

73.2

121.6

34
34
34

34
34

(1.3)
(0.2)
3.8

2.3

(17.9)

–
(0.1)

(18.0)

1.5

(14.2)

59.0

57.2
1.8

59.0

(0.2)
–
–

(0.2)

(0.9)

0.2
1.5

0.8

2.8

3.4

125.0

120.5
4.5

125.0

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
87

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AT 31 DECEMBER 2014

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Investments in associates
Investments
Retirement benefit assets
Trade and other receivables
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Current tax assets
Investments
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets classified as held for sale

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Current tax liabilities
Borrowings
Provisions
Liabilities classified as held for sale

Net current assets

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Other payables

Net assets

Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Share capital
Share premium
Other components of equity
Retained earnings

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Notes

2014 
$m

2013 
$m

15
16
17

18
32
20
21

22
20

18

23

24

25
27
23

25
21
27
24

33
33
34
35

473.0
440.6
224.8
4.4
8.9
30.9
3.3
1.2

431.8
495.2
263.0
9.9
9.0
29.6
7.5
3.1

1,187.1

1,249.1

381.8
285.6
1.6
3.8
88.5
20.3

781.6

197.7
20.9
65.4
10.6
15.5

310.1

471.5

157.9
37.1
14.1
11.2

220.3

386.3
264.8
3.9
2.0
167.4
–

824.4

176.5
21.0
135.9
8.0
–

341.4

483.0

239.3
34.7
25.4
17.9

317.3

1,438.3

1,414.8

61.6
151.9
30.7
1,163.9

1,408.1
30.2

61.3
150.6
41.6
1,130.4

1,383.9
30.9

1,438.3

1,414.8

The notes on pages 93 to 144 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. The financial statements on pages 85 to 144 were approved by 
the Board of Directors on 5 March 2015 and were signed on its behalf by:

Dennis Proctor 
Director 

Peter Rose
Director 

Registered number: 974568

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
 
 
 
88

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

At 1 January

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive (expense) income

Total comprehensive income

Dividends
Shares issued
– share option schemes and awards 
Treasury shares
– purchase of treasury shares
Share options and awards
– value of employee services
− discharge
− taxation

Total transactions with owners

Year ended 31 December 2014

Notes

Share 
 capital 
 $m

61.3

Share 
premium 
$m

150.6

Other 
components 
of equity 
$m

Retained 
earnings 
$m

Non-
controlling 
interests 
$m

Total 
$m

Total 
equity 
$m

41.6

1,130.4

1,383.9

30.9

1,414.8

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

0.3

1.3

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

0.3

1.3

–
(13.5)

(13.5)

–

–

–

7.2
(4.6)
–

2.6

69.2
1.5

70.7

69.2
(12.0)

57.2

4.0
(2.2)

1.8

73.2
(14.2)

59.0

(44.1)

(44.1)

(2.5)

(46.6)

–

1.6

(7.5)

(7.5)

–
11.3
3.1

7.2
6.7
3.1

–

–

–
–
–

1.6

(7.5)

7.2
6.7
3.1

(37.2)

(33.0)

(2.5)

(35.5)

33

35

At 31 December

61.6

151.9

30.7

1,163.9

1,408.1

30.2

1,438.3

At 1 January

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive (expense) income

Total comprehensive income

Dividends
Shares issued
– share option schemes and awards
Treasury shares
– purchase of treasury shares
Share options and awards
– value of employee services
− discharge
− taxation
Other

Total transactions with owners

Year ended 31 December 2013

Notes

Share 
capital
 $m

61.0

Share 
premium 
$m

149.1

Other 
components 
of equity 
$m

Retained 
earnings 
$m

Non–
controlling 
interests 
$m

Total 
$m

Total 
equity 
$m

42.0

1,050.9

1,303.0

29.7

1,332.7

33

35

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

0.3

1.5

–

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

0.3

1.5

–
(0.2)

(0.2)

117.9
2.8

120.7

117.9
2.6

120.5

3.7
0.8

4.5

121.6
3.4

125.0

–

–

–

3.4
(3.6)
–
–

(0.2)

(42.5)

(42.5)

(3.3)

(45.8)

–

(6.7)

–
9.2
(1.3)
0.1

1.8

(6.7)

3.4
5.6
(1.3)
0.1

–

–

–
–
–
–

1.8

(6.7)

3.4
5.6
(1.3)
0.1

(41.2)

(39.6)

(3.3)

(42.9)

At 31 December

61.3

150.6

41.6

1,130.4

1,383.9

30.9

1,414.8

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
89

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

Operating activities

Profit from operations
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
Loss (profit) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
(Increase) decrease in inventories
Increase in receivables 
Increase (decrease) in payables
Decrease in provisions
Other non-cash flow items
Taxation paid
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment held for rental
Purchase of property, plant and equipment held for rental
Discontinued operations

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Investing activities
Interest received
Dividends received from associates
Purchase of subsidiaries
Proceeds from disposal of associate
Net movement on loans to and from associates
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
(Increase) decrease in bank deposit investments
Net proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries
Indemnity receipts in respect of disposed subsidiaries
Discontinued operations

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Financing activities

Interest and bank fees paid
Equity dividends paid
Non-controlling interest dividend paid
Share capital issued
Purchase of treasury shares
Proceeds from new borrowings
Repayment of borrowings

Net cash outflow from financing activities

Net cash (outflow) inflow in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Effect of foreign exchange rates
Classified as held for sale

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year comprise:
Cash at bank and in hand
Bank overdrafts included in borrowings 

Notes

5,6

41

36

2014 
$m

113.9
155.7
6.0
(3.1)
(34.7)
41.6
(8.0)
7.3
(26.6)
7.0
(28.9)
(0.9)

229.3

2.0
4.5
(3.0)
0.2
0.6
0.6
(94.6)
(5.0)
(2.0)
3.9
0.2
–

(92.6)

(7.6)
(44.1)
(2.5)
1.6
(7.5)
70.2
(155.9)

(145.8)

(9.1)
52.4
(1.5)
(3.8)

38.0

Restated 
2013 
$m

138.9
97.9
(0.1)
11.0
(4.0)
(25.4)
(4.2)
2.7
(19.9)
8.9
(26.1)
0.3

180.0

2.4
1.2
(10.7)
–
0.3
5.4
(68.7)
(5.0)
3.0
–
17.7
(0.1)

(54.5)

(8.9)
(42.5)
(3.3)
1.8
(6.7)
11.3
(71.5)

(119.8)

5.7
47.2
(0.5)
–

52.4

88.5
(50.5)

38.0

167.4
(115.0)

52.4

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
90

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
AT 31 DECEMBER 2014

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Investments in subsidiaries
Other investments
Other receivables

Current assets
Other receivables
Current tax asset
Cash and cash equivalents

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Other payables
Borrowings
Provisions

Net current assets

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Other payables

Net assets

Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Share capital
Share premium
Other components of equity
Retained earnings

Total equity

Notes

2014 
$m

2013
 $m

19
18
20

20

24
25

25
21

24

33
33
34
35

436.8
–
171.3

608.1

500.6
0.6
18.0

519.2

6.6
2.2
16.0

24.8

1.3
6.5
0.3

8.1

16.7

–
0.2
0.5
–

0.7

28.3
1.6
31.4

61.3

10.8
9.9
0.2

20.9

40.4

85.6
0.2
0.3
9.0

95.1

624.1

464.5

61.6
151.9
(4.1)
414.7

624.1

61.3
150.6
(6.5)
259.1

464.5

The notes on pages 93 to 144 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. The financial statements on pages 87 to 144 were approved 
by the Board of Directors on 5 March 2015 and were signed on its behalf by:

Dennis Proctor 
Director 

Peter Rose
Director 

Registered number: 974568

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
 
 
 
91

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

At 1 January 

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive income

Dividends
Shares issued
− share option schemes and awards
Treasury shares
− purchase of treasury shares
Share options and awards
− value of employee services
− discharge

Total transactions with owners

At 31 December

At 1 January 

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income

Dividends
Shares issued
− share option schemes and awards
Treasury shares
− purchase of treasury shares
Share options and awards
− value of employee services
− discharge

Total transactions with owners

Notes

35

33

35

Notes

35

33

35

Year ended 31 December 2014

Share 
capital 
$m

61.3

Share 
premium 
$m

150.6

Other 
components 
of equity
 $m

Retained 
earnings
 $m

(6.5)

259.1

Total 
equity
 $m

464.5

195.9
(0.2)

195.7

–
(0.2)

(0.2)

195.9
–

195.9

–

–

–

(44.1)

(44.1)

–

1.6

(7.5)

(7.5)

7.2
(4.6)

2.6

–
11.3

7.2
6.7

(40.3)

(36.1)

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

0.3

1.3

–

–
–

–

–
–

0.3

1.3

61.6

151.9

(4.1)

414.7

624.1

Year ended 31 December 2013

Share 
capital 
$m

61.0

Share 
premium 
$m

149.1

Other 
components 
of equity 
$m

Retained 
earnings
 $m

Total 
equity
 $m

(6.5)

247.0

450.6

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

0.3

1.5

–

–
–

–

–
–

0.3

1.5

–
0.2

0.2

–

–

–

3.4
(3.6)

(0.2)

52.1
–

52.1

52.1
0.2

52.3

(42.5)

(42.5)

–

1.8

(6.7)

(6.7)

–
9.2

3.4
5.6

(40.0)

(38.4)

At 31 December

61.3

150.6

(6.5)

259.1

464.5

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
92

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

Operating activities
Profit from operations
(Gain) loss on disposal of subsidiaries
Decrease in receivables 
(Decrease) increase in payables
Increase (decrease) in provisions
Taxation received
Other non-cash flow items

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Investing activities
Interest received
Dividends received from subsidiaries
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries

Net cash inflow from investing activities

Financing activities
Interest and bank fees paid
Equity dividends paid
Share capital issued
Purchase of treasury shares
Loan issued
Loan issued repaid
Proceeds from new borrowings
Repayment of borrowings

Net cash outflow from financing activities

Net cash (outflow) inflow in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Effect of foreign exchange rates

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year comprise:
Cash at bank and in hand
Bank overdrafts included in borrowings 

Notes

36

2014 
$m

50.1
(36.3)
21.2
(11.6)
0.3
0.9
7.5

32.1

1.9
144.6
103.1

249.6

(2.9)
(44.1)
1.6
(7.5)
(171.2)
15.5
–
(92.2)

(300.8)

(19.1)
28.1
0.5

9.5

16.0
(6.5)

9.5

2013 
$m

8.9
0.2
3.8
6.0
(0.4)
4.2
4.0

26.7

1.2
46.1
–

47.3

(1.9)
(42.5)
1.8
(6.7)
(15.5)
15.5
39.5
(35.5)

(45.3)

28.7
(0.2)
(0.4)

28.1

31.4
(3.3)

28.1

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and Accounts 
93

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of Preparation
The financial statements consolidate those of Hunting PLC (the ‘Company’) and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the ‘Group’) and include the Group’s 
interests in associates.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and those International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) and 
International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (‘IFRIC’) Interpretations as adopted by the European Union. The financial statements have been 
prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of available for sale financial assets and those 
financial assets and financial liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss. The Board’s consideration of going concern is detailed further in the Report of 
the Directors on pages 50 and 51.

The Group is engaged in a process to sell Gibson Shipbrokers to an employee benefit trust formed by Gibson Shipbrokers’ employees. It is expected that 
this transaction will be completed on 31 March 2015. As Gibson Shipbrokers was previously reported as a separate segment within continuing operations, 
its results and cash flows for 2013 have been re-presented as a discontinued operation. The assets and liabilities of Gibson Shipbrokers at 31 December 2014 
have been treated as held for sale.

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out in note 43. These policies have been consistently 
applied to all the years presented.

Restatement of Previously Reported Results
Adoption of New Standards, Amendments and Interpretations
The following standards, amendments and interpretations have been adopted and are effective for the Group’s accounting period beginning on or after 1 
January 2014:
 ʱ IAS 28 (revised) Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures
 ʱ IAS 32 (amendment) Financial Instruments: Presentation – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
 ʱ IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements
 ʱ IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements
 ʱ IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities
 ʱ IFRIC 21 Levies

Although the adoption of these standards, amendments and interpretations represents a change in accounting policy, comparative figures for 2013 have 
not been restated for these as the changes do not impact the financial performance or position of the Group.

The following standards, amendments and interpretations are effective subsequent to the year end and are being assessed to determine whether there is a 
significant impact on the Group’s results or financial position:
 ʱ IFRS 9 Financial Instruments*
 ʱ IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers*
 ʱ Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 28 Investment Entities: Applying the Consolidation Exception*
 ʱ Amendments to IAS 1 Disclosure initiative*
 ʱ Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture*
 ʱ Amendments to IAS 27 Equity Method in Separate Financial Statements*
 ʱ Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38 Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation*
 ʱ Amendments to IFRS 11 Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations*
 ʱ Amendments to IAS 19 – Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions
 ʱ Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2010–2012 Cycle – effective 1 July 2014
 ʱ Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012–2014 Cycle – effective 1 January 2016*

* Not yet endorsed by the European Union.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION94

2. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements 
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgements and assumptions about the future, resulting in the use of accounting 
estimates. These will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results and adjustments will consequently be necessary. Estimates are continually 
evaluated, based on experience, consultation with experts and reasonable expectations of future events. Accounting estimates are applied in determining 
the carrying amounts of the following significant assets and liabilities:

Asset/liability

Nature of estimates

Goodwill 

Carrying value at  
31 December 2014 
$440.6m (2013 – $495.2m)

 ʱ The Group comprises a number of cash generating units (“CGUs”) with each one having independent business profiles and 
cash flows. When goodwill is initially recognised upon a business combination, it is allocated to the CGUs that are expected 
to benefit from the combination.

 ʱ The goodwill of each CGU is subsequently reviewed for impairment at least annually by comparing its carrying value with 

the present value of the estimated future gross cash flows that are expected to be generated by the CGU.

 ʱ The estimated future gross cash flows are based on the Directors’ view of their future trading prospects and are discounted 

at a rate that is determined for each CGU in isolation by consideration of their business risk profiles. 
 ʱ Any shortfall in the present value of the cash flows is charged to the income statement immediately.
 ʱ Details of goodwill are disclosed in note 16.

Taxation 

 ʱ In determining current tax estimates, management has to consider the likelihood of tax authority challenges and estimates 

tax payable accordingly.

Carrying value of 
net tax liability at 
31 December 2014 
$55.2m (2013 – $48.7m)

 ʱ The deferred tax balances at 31 December 2014 represent an estimate of the amounts that are expected to be paid or 
recovered from the tax authorities in future periods if assets and liabilities in the balance sheet were recovered at their 
carrying values based on tax laws and rates that have been substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Measurement 
of deferred tax balances therefore requires management to assess the substantively enacted tax laws and rates, the timing of 
the reversal of existing taxable and deductible temporary differences and the nature, timing and amount of taxable income 
which would potentially be available to support the recognition of deferred tax assets.

Property, plant and 
equipment and other 
intangible assets 

Combined carrying value 
at 31 December 2014  
$697.8m (2013 – $694.8m) 

Oil and gas exploration 
and development assets

Carrying value at  
31 December 2014 
$12.5m (2013 – $21.5m)

 ʱ The Group’s property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (except goodwill) are depreciated/amortised at rates that 
are intended to spread the irrecoverable cost of the assets over their useful lives. The Directors must therefore estimate the 
useful lives of the assets, their residual values and the pattern of consumption of their carrying values. Each asset is also 
regularly reviewed to ensure it remains consistent with the Directors’ assumptions and, when required, adjustments are 
made prospectively. 

 ʱ The depreciation rates currently in use are disclosed in note 43. Further details of the Group’s property, plant and equipment 

and the other intangible assets are disclosed in notes 15 and 17 respectively.

 ʱ The carrying value of the Group’s oil and gas exploration and development assets is subject to the value in use of the 

Group’s oil and gas reserves.

 ʱ The value in use is determined by applying a present value to the estimated future producible reserves at a given forecast 

market price.

 ʱ The estimate of producible reserves is principally extracted using a combination of geological data and production 

performance records.

 ʱ The estimate of market prices is based on the medium term futures prices (4 to 6 years) issued by NYMEX.
 ʱ The discount rate is based on the activity’s cost of capital and specific risk premium, which is estimated to be 13% pre-tax.
 ʱ Details of the Group’s oil and gas exploration and development expenditure are disclosed in note 15.

Provisions 

 ʱ The provisions at 31 December 2014 are principally in respect of onerous property leases for which the Directors have 

Carrying value at 
31 December 2014 
$24.7m (2013 – $33.4m)

estimated the period of time each property is expected to remain onerous, the cash flows expected to arise during that 
period and the risk-free discount rate required to measure the present value of the cash flows.

 ʱ Details of the Group’s provisions are disclosed in note 27.

3. Segmental Reporting
Group
The Group reports on seven operating segments, three of which are discontinued operations, in its internal management reports, which are used to make 
strategic decisions. The Group’s continuing segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services to international oil and gas 
companies and undertake exploration and production activities.

The Group measures the performance of its operating segments based on revenue and profit from operations, before exceptional items and the 
amortisation of intangible assets. Accounting policies used for segment reporting reflect those used for the Group. Inter-segment sales are priced on  
an arm’s length basis.

Continuing operations
The Well Construction segment provides products and services used by customers for the drilling phase of oil and gas wells, along with associated 
equipment used by the underground construction industry for telecommunication infrastructure build-out and precision machining services for the 
energy, aviation and power generation sectors.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED95

3. Segmental Reporting continued
The Well Completion segment provides products and services used by customers for the completion phase of oil and gas wells.

The Well Intervention segment provides products and services used by customers for the production, maintenance and restoration of existing oil and  
gas wells.

The Exploration and Production segment includes the Group’s oil and gas exploration and production activities in the Southern US and offshore Gulf of 
Mexico. The Board of Hunting will not be making any new capital investment, beyond where the division has contractual commitments and so the division 
will in future focus on producing out its remaining reserves, with a view to winding down the operation.

Costs and overheads incurred centrally are apportioned to the continuing operating segments on the basis of time attributed to those operations by senior 
executives.

Discontinued operations
Gibson Shipbrokers is a global energy shipping broker headquartered in London. The business has been presented as a discontinued operation and its 
results have been restated to exclude central overheads previously allocated to the division.

The discontinued operations comprise Gibson Shipbrokers, as noted above, which has been classified as held for sale at 31 December 2014, Field Aviation, 
which was sold in 2012, and Gibson Energy, which was sold in 2008. Gibson Energy and Field Aviation continue to generate accounting entries due to sale 
related transactions and are required for reconciliation purposes.

The following tables present the results of the operating segments on the same basis as that used for internal reporting purposes to the Chief Operating 
Decision Maker.

Results from operations

Year ended 31 December 2014

Continuing operations:
Hunting Energy Services
Well Construction
Well Completion
Well Intervention

Other Activities
Exploration and Production

Total from continuing operations

Net finance expense
Share of associates’ post-tax losses

Profit before tax from continuing operations

Discontinued operations:
Gibson Shipbrokers
Gibson Energy
Field Aviation

Total from discontinued operations

Net finance income
Taxation

Profit from discontinued operations

Total gross 
revenue 
$m

Inter-
segmental 
revenue 
$m

Total
 revenue 
$m

384.3
877.6
135.8

1,397.7

(6.0)
(15.0)
(0.3)

(21.3)

378.3
862.6
135.5

1,376.4

10.1

–

10.1

1,407.8

(21.3)

1,386.5

47.4
–
–

47.4

–
–
–

–

47.4
–
–

47.4

Profit from 
operations 
before 
amortisation 
and 
exceptional 
items 
$m

Amortisation 
and 
exceptional 
items 
$m

53.0
140.8
23.8

217.6

0.2

217.8

(57.1)
(34.7)
(0.8)

(92.6)

(11.3)

(103.9)

(4.9)
(0.5)

–
–

Total 
$m

(4.1)
106.1
23.0

125.0

(11.1)

113.9

(4.9)
(0.5)

212.4

(103.9)

108.5

0.5
–
–

0.5

0.2
(0.4)

0.3

–
0.2
0.9

1.1

–
–

1.1

0.5
0.2
0.9

1.6

0.2
(0.4)

1.4

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION96

3. Segmental Reporting continued

Continuing operations:
Hunting Energy Services
Well Construction
Well Completion
Well Intervention

Other Activities
Exploration and Production

Total from continuing operations

Net finance expense
Share of associates’ post-tax profits

Profit before tax from continuing operations

Discontinued operations:
Gibson Shipbrokers
Gibson Energy
Field Aviation

Total from discontinued operations

Net finance income
Taxation

Profit from discontinued operations

Restated  
Year ended 31 December 2013

Total gross 
revenue 
$m

Inter-
segmental 
revenue 
$m

Total 
revenue 
$m

Profit from 
operations 
before 
amortisation 
and 
exceptional 
items 
$m

Amortisation 
and 
exceptional 
items 
$m

387.9
805.6
108.6

(7.0)
(9.5)
–

380.9
796.1
108.6

1,302.1

(16.5)

1,285.6

58.6
124.5
15.7

198.8

8.0

–

8.0

1.2

1,310.1

(16.5)

1,293.6

200.0

(2.9)
0.4

(7.4)
(42.3)
(0.9)

(50.6)

(10.5)

(61.1)

–
–

Total 
$m

51.2
82.2
14.8

148.2

(9.3)

138.9

(2.9)
0.4

40.4
–
–

40.4

–
–
–

–

40.4
–
–

40.4

197.5

(61.1)

136.4

(1.5)
–
–

(1.5)

0.1
–

(1.4)

–
15.7
(0.2)

15.5

–
(0.1)

15.4

(1.5)
15.7
(0.2)

14.0

0.1
(0.1)

14.0

Gibson Shipbrokers’ results for the year ended 31 December 2013 have been re-presented as a discontinued operation and its results have been restated to 
exclude central overheads previously allocated to the division. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED97

3. Segmental Reporting continued
Other Segment Items

Hunting Energy Services
Well Construction
Well Completion
Well Intervention

Other Activities
Exploration and Production

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations
Gibson Shipbrokers

2014

Amortisation 
of intangible 
assets 
$m

Depreciation
$m

Impairment
 $m

Depreciation
$m

Restated  
2013

Amortisation 
of intangible 
assets 
$m

Impairment 
$m

21.7
19.2
6.3

47.2

4.8

52.0

7.5
34.5
0.8

42.8

–

42.8

49.6
–
–

49.6

11.3

60.9

19.3
16.6
6.1

42.0

2.0

44.0

7.4
35.1
0.9

43.4

–

43.4

–
–
–

–

10.5

10.5

0.3

–

–

0.3

–

–

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION98

3. Segmental Reporting continued
Geographical Information
The Group operates across a number of geographical areas. The UK is the domicile of Hunting PLC. The table below shows revenues from external 
customers, which are attributed to individual countries on the basis of the location in which the sale originated. Information on the location of non-current 
assets is also presented below. Non-current assets exclude defined benefit assets and deferred tax assets.

Continuing operations:
Hunting Energy Services

  USA
  Canada

North America

  UK
  Rest of Europe

Europe

  Singapore
  Rest of Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific
Middle East, Africa and Other

Other Activities
USA

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations:
UK
Other

Unallocated assets:
Deferred tax assets
Retirement benefit assets

Total non-current assets

External revenue

2014
$m

Restated
2013
$m

Profit from operations before 
amortisation and exceptional 
items

2014
$m

Restated
2013
$m

Non-current assets

2014
$m

Restated
2013
$m

867.3
95.5

962.8

163.5
30.7

194.2

149.0
50.5

199.5
19.9

798.8
75.3

874.1

148.6
27.4

176.0

144.7
72.2

216.9
18.6

170.0
3.8

173.8

8.4
2.5

10.9

27.4
3.6

31.0
1.9

155.8
(2.4)

985.6
25.6

1,007.4
38.9

153.4

1,011.2

1,046.3

11.3
3.0

14.3

28.1
2.3

30.4
0.7

75.0
4.4

79.4

11.8
22.4

34.2
14.6

88.6
5.0

93.6

12.7
23.7

36.4
10.5

1,376.4

1,285.6

217.6

198.8

1,139.4

1,186.8

10.1

8.0

1,386.5

1,293.6

0.2

217.8

1.2

15.6

26.5

200.0

1,155.0

1,213.3

40.4
7.0

47.4

35.4
5.0

40.4

(1.4)
1.9

0.5

(0.8)
(0.7)

(1.5)

–
–

2.9
0.2

1,155.0

1,216.4

1.2
30.9

3.1
29.6

1,187.1

1,249.1

Gibson Shipbrokers’ results for the year ended 31 December 2013 and non-current assets at 31 December 2013 have been re-presented from other activities 
to discontinued operations. At 31 December 2014, its assets and liabilities have been presented as held for sale as disclosed in note 23.

Major Customer Information
The Group received $155.5m of revenue from the Halliburton Company Group which is 11% of the Group’s revenue from external customers. The revenue is 
reported in the Well Construction, Well Completion and Well Intervention segments. The Group had no customers in 2013 who accounted for more than 
10% of the Group’s external revenue during the year.

4. Revenue
Group

Sale of goods 
Revenue from services
Revenue from rental equipment

Continuing operations

2014 
$m

1,154.5
110.3
121.7

Restated 
2013 
$m

1,076.4
94.9
122.3

1,386.5

1,293.6

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED99

5. Other Operating Income
Group

Operating lease rental income
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Foreign exchange gains
Other income*

Continuing operations

* Includes a fair value gain on non-hedging derivatives of $0.1m (2013 – $nil).

6. Operating Expenses
Group

Administration expenses before amortisation and exceptional items*
Distribution costs and selling costs
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Operating expenses before amortisation and exceptional items
Amortisation and exceptional items (note 7)

Continuing operations

* Includes a fair value loss on non-hedging derivatives of $nil (2013 – $0.3m) and foreign exchange losses of $1.8m (2013 restated – $2.2m).

7. Amortisation and Exceptional Items
Group

  Impairment of property, plant and equipment (note 15)
  Fair value uplift to inventories charge
  Dry hole costs (note 15)

Charged to cost of sales

  Amortisation of intangible assets (note 17)
  Impairment of goodwill (note 16)
  Release of foreign exchange on liquidation of subsidiaries
  Excess property provision release
  Settlement of litigation and associated legal expenses 

Charged to operating expenses

Amortisation and exceptional items
Taxation on amortisation and exceptional items (note 12)

Continuing operations

2014 
$m

1.2
4.2
2.8
1.3

9.5

2014 
$m

133.9
91.5
10.2

235.6
92.6

328.2

2014 
$m

9.6
–
1.7

11.3

42.8
49.6
4.8
(4.6)
–

92.6

103.9
(20.5)

83.4

Restated 
2013 
$m

1.4
2.7
1.4
2.0

7.5

Restated 
2013 
$m

123.9
75.7
2.6

202.2
46.3

248.5

2013 
$m

7.9
4.3
2.6

14.8

43.4
–
–
–
2.9

46.3

61.1
(23.3)

37.8

Following a valuation of oil and gas reserves at 31 December 2014 performed for impairment purposes, an impairment charge of $9.6m (2013 – $7.9m) was 
incurred in the year reflecting a decline in the oil price and a reduction in reserve estimates compared to those at 31 December 2013. The recoverable 
amount of oil and gas development expenditure is based on value in use. These calculations use discounted cash flow projections based on estimated oil 
and gas reserves, future production and the income and costs in generating this production. Cash flows are based on productive lives between one and 
fifteen years and are discounted using a nominal pre-tax rate of 13% (2013 – 13%). 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION100

7. Amortisation and Exceptional Items continued
Under IFRS, at acquisition, inventory values are adjusted from their carrying values (generally at cost of production) to a fair value, which includes profit 
attributable to the degree of completion of the inventory. This uplift is charged to the income statement as the inventory is sold, thereby reducing reported 
operating profits. In 2014, the charge was $nil (2013 – $4.3m) relating to acquisitions completed in the second half of 2011.

Dry hole costs of $1.7m (2013 – $2.6m) were incurred and paid during the year from Exploration and Production activities.

A goodwill impairment charge of $40.0m (2013 – $nil) has been recognised in relation to the Electronics CGU and $9.6m (2013 – $nil) has been recognised in 
relation to the Drilling Tools CGU. Further details can be found in note 16.

Foreign exchange losses of $4.8m (2013 – $nil) relating to cumulative foreign exchange differences previously recognised in the foreign currency translation 
reserve have been transferred to the income statement in relation to central non-operating companies which have entered into voluntary liquidation.

Property provisions of $4.6m (2013 – $nil) have been released as they are no longer required following the signing of a lease termination agreement with 
the owner of a leasehold property. 

During 2013, the Group settled a pre-acquisition litigation case brought against one of its subsidiaries. The settlement cost and associated legal expenses 
amounted to $2.9m.

8. Profit from Continuing Operations
Group
The following items have been charged/(credited) in arriving at profit from continuing operations:

Staff costs (note 10)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 15)
Amortisation of other intangible assets (included in operating expenses) (note 17)
Impairment of goodwill (note 16)
Impairment of property, plant and equipment (included in cost of sales) (note 15)
Impairment of trade and other receivables (note 20)
Cost of inventories recognised as expense (included in cost of sales)*
Write down in inventories
Net loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Operating lease payments
Research and development expenditure

* The cost of inventories recognised as an expense includes the release of the fair value uplift to inventories of $nil (2013 – $4.3m) included in exceptional items (note 7).

Services provided by the Group’s auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and its associates comprised:

2014 
$m

284.8
52.0
42.8
49.6
11.3
0.5
839.2
4.5
6.0
16.2
0.8

Restated 
2013 
$m

256.6
44.0
43.4
–
10.5
0.4
795.9
3.2
(0.1)
14.1
0.6

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors and its associates for:
The audit of these accounts
The audit of the accounts of the Company’s subsidiaries

Total audit
Audit-related assurance services

Total audit and audit-related services

Taxation compliance services
Taxation advisory services

Total services relating to taxation

Corporate finance services
Other services

Total other non-audit services

Total fees

Group

2014 
$m

2013 
$m

Company

2014 
$m

2013 
$m

1.9
0.3

2.2
0.1

2.3

0.2
0.2

0.4

–
0.1

0.1

2.8

2.2
0.2

2.4
0.1

2.5

0.3
0.5

0.8

0.1
0.1

0.2

3.5

0.5
–

0.5
–

0.5

0.1
0.1

0.2

–
–

–

0.6
–

0.6
–

0.6

0.1
0.1

0.2

–
–

–

0.7

0.8

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED101

9. EBITDA
Group
EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. Underlying EBITDA is defined as profit from continuing operations before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and 
exceptional items. The Board uses underlying EBITDA as one of the measures of performance of the Group which is discussed in the Group Performance 
Summary report on pages 22 to 29. Reported EBITDA is defined as profit from continuing operations before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.

The following table provides a reconciliation of underlying EBITDA to reported EBITDA:

Reported profit from continuing operations (page 85)
Add: amortisation and exceptional items (note 7)
Add: depreciation

Underlying EBITDA
Less: exceptional items impacting EBITDA

Reported EBITDA

10. Employees
Group

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Share-based payments (note 37)
Pension costs
– defined contribution schemes (note 32)
– defined benefit scheme (note 32)

Staff costs for the year
Less: staff costs capitalised as R&D

Staff costs charged to profit before tax

2014

Continuing 
operations
$m

Discontinued 
operations
$m

247.9
17.2
7.4

9.8
2.5

284.8
–

284.8

31.7
3.6
0.3

1.0
2.3

38.9
–

38.9

Total
$m

279.6
20.8
7.7

10.8
4.8

323.7
–

323.7

The average monthly number of employees by geographical area (including executive Directors) during the year was:

UK
Rest of Europe
Canada
USA
Singapore
Rest of Asia Pacific
Middle East, Africa and Other

2014

Continuing 
operations

Discontinued 
operations

409
78
267
2,359
218
498
41

3,870

154
–
–
1
15
4
–

174

Total

563
78
267
2,360
233
502
41

4,044

2014 
$m

113.9
103.9
52.0

269.8
(0.2)

269.6

Restated  
2013

Continuing 
operations
$m

Discontinued 
operations
$m

220.3
16.2
9.9

8.6
1.9

256.9
(0.3)

256.6

27.8
3.3
0.1

0.8
2.5

34.5
–

34.5

Restated  
2013

Continuing 
operations

Discontinued 
operations

436
71
258
2,281
186
523
34

3,789

137
1
–
–
25
4
–

167

Restated 
2013 
$m

138.9
61.1
44.0

244.0
(7.2)

236.8

Total
$m

248.1
19.5
10.0

9.4
4.4

291.4
(0.3)

291.1

Total

573
72
258
2,281
211
527
34

3,956

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION102

10. Employees continued

The average monthly number of employees by operating segment (including executive Directors) during the year was:

Well Construction
Well Completion
Well Intervention
Exploration and Production
Gibson Shipbrokers
Central

The actual number of employees at the year end was:

Male
Female

2014

Continuing 
operations

Discontinued 
operations

1,081
2,237
483
4
–
65

3,870

–
–
–
–
174
–

174

2014

Continuing 
operations

Discontinued 
operations

3,271
732

4,003

149
30

179

Total

1,081
2,237
483
4
174
65

4,044

Total

3,420
762

4,182

Key management comprises the executive and non-executive Directors only. Their compensation in the year was:

Salaries and short-term employee benefits
Social security costs
Post-employment benefits
Share-based payments

Restated  
2013

Continuing 
operations

Discontinued 
operations

1,186
2,102
432
4
–
65

3,789

–
–
–
–
167
–

167

Restated  
2013

Continuing 
operations

Discontinued 
operations

3,152
669

3,821

144
25

169

2014 
$m

3.9
0.4
0.5
1.5

6.3

Total

1,186
2,102
432
4
167
65

3,956

Total

3,296
694

3,990

2013 
$m

2.7
0.4
0.5
3.6

7.2

Salaries and short-term benefits are included within the Directors Remuneration table on page 70 of the Annual Report on Remuneration. Post 
employment benefits comprise employer pension contributions. Share-based payments comprise the charge to the income statement. Details of share 
options and awards are disclosed on page 74 of the Annual Report on Remuneration.

Company
The Company has no employees.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED103

11. Net Finance Costs
Group

Finance income:
Bank balances and deposits
Pension interest income
Foreign exchange gains
Other finance income

Finance expense:
Bank overdrafts
Bank borrowings
Bank fees and commissions
Foreign exchange losses
Other finance expense

Net finance expense – continuing operations

12. Taxation
Group

Current tax
- current year expense
- adjustments in respect of prior years

Deferred tax
- origination and reversal of temporary differences
- change in tax rate
- adjustments in respect of prior years

2014 
$m

1.7
1.5
3.3
1.0

7.5

(1.4)
(3.5)
(4.1)
(2.4)
(1.0)

(12.4)

(4.9)

2014

Before 
amortisation 
and 
exceptional 
items
$m

Amortisation 
and 
exceptional 
items
$m

58.4
(6.5)

51.9

2.6
–
2.7

5.3

(19.1)
–

(19.1)

(1.4)
–
–

(1.4)

Restated  
2013

Amortisation 
and 
exceptional 
items
$m

Before 
amortisation 
and 
exceptional 
items
$m

63.7
(7.9)

55.8

(2.0)
(0.1)
(1.6)

(3.7)

(22.2)
–

(22.2)

(1.4)
–
0.3

(1.1)

Total
$m

39.3
(6.5)

32.8

1.2
–
2.7

3.9

Restated 
2013 
$m

2.1
1.1
6.2
2.4

11.8

(2.3)
(4.4)
(3.6)
(3.7)
(0.7)

(14.7)

(2.9)

Total
$m

41.5
(7.9)

33.6

(3.4)
(0.1)
(1.3)

(4.8)

Taxation – continuing operations

57.2

(20.5)

36.7

52.1

(23.3)

28.8

The weighted average applicable tax rate for continuing operations before amortisation and exceptional items is 27% (2013 restated – 26%).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION104

12. Taxation continued
The tax credit in the income statement of $20.5m (2013 – $23.3m) for amortisation and exceptional items comprises credits of $16.4m (2013 – $16.5m) on the 
amortisation of intangible assets, $3.7m (2013 – $3.1m) on the impairment of oil and gas development expenditure, $0.7m (2013 – $1.0m) on dry hole costs, $0.7m 
(2013 – $nil) on the release of foreign exchange on liquidation of subsidiaries, $nil (2013 – $1.6m) on the fair value uplift to inventories charge, $nil (2013 – $1.1m) on 
the settlement of litigation costs and a charge of $1.0m (2013 – $nil) on the excess property provision release. 

The total tax charge for the year is higher (2013 – lower) than the standard rate of UK corporation tax of 21.5% (2013 – 23.25%) for the following reasons:

Profit before tax from continuing operations

Tax at 21.5% (2013 – 23.25%)
Permanent differences including tax credits
Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred taxes
Non-tax deductible (untaxed) exceptional items
Higher rate of tax on overseas profits
Change in tax rates
Adjustments in respect of prior years

Taxation – continuing operations

Tax effects relating to each component of other comprehensive income were as follows:

2014 
$m

108.5

23.3
(4.0)
(0.1)
11.1
10.2
–
(3.8)

36.7

Exchange adjustments
Release of foreign exchange losses
Fair value gains and losses:
– gain transferred to income statement on redemption of available for 

sale investment

– gain on available for sale investment arising during the year
– (losses) gains originating on cash flow hedges arising during the year
– gains transferred to income statement on disposal of cash flow 

hedges

Remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes

2014

Tax (charged) 
credited
$m

After tax
$m

Before tax
$m

2013

Tax (charged) 
credited
$m

1.5
(1.0)

(17.9)
3.8

–
–
–

0.4
(0.2)

0.7

(0.2)
–
(0.1)

(1.3)
1.5

(14.2)

(1.7)
–

–
0.2
1.8

(0.2)
2.3

2.4

0.8
–

–
–
(0.3)

–
0.5

1.0

Before tax
$m

(19.4)
4.8

(0.2)
–
(0.1)

(1.7)
1.7

(14.9)

Restated 
2013 
$m

136.4

31.7
(0.4)
(0.2)
0.1
6.9
(0.1)
(9.2)

28.8

After tax
$m

(0.9)
–

–
0.2
1.5

(0.2)
2.8

3.4

In respect of the tax on the remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes, a $0.2m charge (2013 – $0.2m) arises on the current year’s movement and 
$nil (2013 – $0.7m credit) is due to a change in tax rates.

In July 2013, the UK Government enacted a change in the UK corporation tax rate from 23% to 21% effective from 1 April 2014 and to 20% from 1 April 2015. The 
impact of the change in rate to 21% has been recognised in calculating the effective rate of tax for the year ended 31 December 2014. The UK deferred tax balances 
at 31 December 2014 have been recalculated at the new rates. The changes have not had a material impact on the Group’s deferred tax balances.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED105

13. Discontinued Operations
Group
The results from discontinued operations were as follows:

2014

Restated  
2013

Gibson 
Shipbrokers
$m

Field  
Aviation
$m

Gibson 
Energy
$m

Total
$m

Gibson 
Shipbrokers
$m

Field  

Aviation
$m

Gibson 
Energy
$m

Trading results:
Revenue

Gross profit
Other operating income
Other operating expenses

Profit (loss) from operations
Finance income
Finance expense

Profit (loss) before tax
Taxation

Profit (loss) for the year

Gain on disposal:
Gain (loss) on sale before tax
Taxation

Gain (loss) on sale after tax

Total profit (loss) from discontinued 
operations

47.4

47.4
0.4
(47.3)

0.5
0.2
–

0.7
(0.4)

0.3

–
–

–

0.3

–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–

0.9
–

0.9

0.9

–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–

0.2
–

0.2

0.2

47.4

47.4
0.4
(47.3)

0.5
0.2
–

0.7
(0.4)

0.3

1.1
–

1.1

1.4

40.4

40.4
0.1
(42.0)

(1.5)
0.2
(0.1)

(1.4)
–

(1.4)

–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–

(0.2)
–

(0.2)

15.7
(0.1)

15.6

Total
$m

40.4

40.4
0.1
(42.0)

(1.5)
0.2
(0.1)

(1.4)
–

(1.4)

15.5
(0.1)

15.4

(1.4)

(0.2)

15.6

14.0

Gibson Shipbrokers
The Group has classified Gibson Shipbrokers as held for sale at 31 December 2014, as sale negotiations are at an advanced stage such that it is highly 
probable that the company will be sold within twelve months of the balance sheet date. The results of Gibson Shipbrokers have been re-presented as a 
discontinued operation.

Field Aviation
On 27 April 2012, the Group sold its aviation engineering services business, Hunting Canadian Airport Holdings Ltd and its subsidiaries, including Field 
Aviation Company Inc. (together referred to as “Field Aviation”). Under the terms of the sale, Hunting PLC and the purchaser established an environmental 
escrow account to address ongoing site condition costs relating to Field Aviation’s hangar facilities in Calgary. Additionally, part of the consideration was 
deferred in the form of an interest-bearing promissory note issued to Hunting PLC, repayable by the purchaser on or before 31 December 2018. On 30 
September 2014, the promissory note was repaid in full and the environmental escrow account was wound up, with remaining funds distributed between 
Hunting PLC and the purchaser. This resulted in a gain of $0.9m included within discontinued items.

Gibson Energy
The sale of Gibson Energy Inc., Hunting’s Canadian midstream services operation, was completed on 12 December 2008. Subsequent gains reported relate 
to the settlement of tax items.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION106

14. Earnings per Share
Group
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to Ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of Ordinary 
shares outstanding during the year.

For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of outstanding Ordinary shares is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive potential 
Ordinary shares. The dilution in respect of share options applies where the exercise price is less than the average market price of the Company’s Ordinary 
shares during the year and the possible issue of shares under the Group’s long-term incentive plans.

Reconciliations of the earnings and weighted average number of Ordinary shares used in the calculations are set out below:

Basic and diluted earnings attributable to Ordinary shareholders:
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations

Total

Basic and diluted earnings attributable to Ordinary shareholders before amortisation and exceptional items:
From continuing operations
Add: amortisation and exceptional items after taxation (note 7)

Total 

From discontinued operations
Less: exceptional items after taxation

Total 

Basic weighted average number of Ordinary shares
Dilutive outstanding share options
Long-term incentive plans

Adjusted weighted average number of Ordinary shares

Basic EPS:
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations

Diluted EPS:
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations

Earnings per share before amortisation and exceptional items
Basic EPS:
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations

Diluted EPS:
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations

2014 
$m

67.8
1.4

69.2

67.8
83.4

151.2

1.4
(1.1)

0.3

millions

147.3
0.6
3.2

151.1

Restated 
2013 
$m

103.9
14.0

117.9

103.9
37.8

141.7

14.0
(15.4)

(1.4)

millions

146.5
1.1
2.4

150.0

cents

cents

45.9
1.0

46.9

44.8
1.0

45.8

102.6
0.2

102.8

100.0
0.2

100.2

71.0
9.5

80.5

69.4
9.2

78.6

96.8
(1.0)

95.8

94.5
(1.0)

93.5

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED107

15. Property, Plant and Equipment
Group

Cost:
At 1 January
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Disposals
Classified as held for sale
Reclassification

At 31 December

Accumulated depreciation and impairment:
At 1 January
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year*
Impairment of assets (note 7)
Disposals
Classified as held for sale
Reclassification

At 31 December

Net book amount

* Included in the charge for the year is $0.3m for discontinued operations.

Plant, 
machinery 
and motor 
vehicles 
$m

Land and 
buildings 
$m

2014

Oil and gas 
exploration 
and 
development 
$m

Rental  
tools 
$m

192.1
(3.7)
56.0
(0.1)
(2.0)
1.3

243.6

22.7
(0.8)
4.4
–
(0.1)
(1.6)
0.2

24.8

281.5
(6.6)
36.3
(4.6)
(1.3)
(1.1)

304.2

133.3
(4.1)
28.6
–
(4.2)
(1.2)
(0.2)

152.2

135.2
(1.6)
25.7
(19.7)
–
(0.2)

139.4

42.5
(0.9)
14.5
–
(6.4)
–
–

49.7

171.3
–
7.1
–
–
–

178.4

149.8
–
4.8
11.3
–
–
–

165.9

Total 
$m

780.1
(11.9)
125.1
(24.4)
(3.3)
–

865.6

348.3
(5.8)
52.3
11.3
(10.7)
(2.8)
–

392.6

218.8

152.0

89.7

12.5

473.0

Oil and gas exploration and development includes expenditure on the exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources, which is recognised at cost and 
is not depreciated until production commences, or is impaired if the exploration of the mineral resources is not commercially viable. Productive assets are 
tested for impairment, at least annually, and an impairment to the value of the Group’s oil and gas assets totalling $11.3m (2013 – $10.5m) has been 
recognised within exceptional items (note 7).

Included in the net book amount is expenditure relating to assets in the course of construction of $60.1m (2013 – $6.2m) for land and buildings, $0.7m  
(2013 – $5.0m) for oil and gas exploration and development, $20.2m (2013 – $10.7m) for plant and machinery and $0.8m (2013 – $0.6m) for rental tools.

Group capital expenditure committed, for the purchase of property, plant and equipment, but not provided for in these financial statements amounted to 
$23.3m (2013 – $19.2m).

The net book amount of land and buildings of $218.8m (2013 – $169.4m) comprises freehold land and buildings of $215.4m (2013 – $165.3m) and short 
leasehold land and buildings of $3.4m (2013 – $4.1m).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION108

15. Property, Plant and Equipment continued

Cost:
At 1 January
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Acquisitions
Disposals
Transfer to other intangible assets
Transfer to other receivables

At 31 December

Accumulated depreciation and impairment:
At 1 January
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year*
Impairment of assets (note 7)
Disposals
Transfer to other intangible assets

At 31 December

Net book amount

* Included in the charge for the year is $0.3m for discontinued operations.

The net book amount of property, plant and equipment at 1 January 2013 was $403.8m.

16. Goodwill
Group

Cost:
At 1 January
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Classified as held for sale

At 31 December

Accumulated impairment:
At 1 January
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Classified as held for sale

At 31 December

Net book amount

The net book amount at 1 January 2013 was $495.0m.

Plant, 
machinery 
and motor 
vehicles
$m

2013

Oil and gas 
exploration 
and 
development
$m

Rental  
tools
$m

250.6
(0.7)
37.5
1.7
(4.6)
(3.0)
–

281.5

114.0
(0.6)
26.2
–
(4.1)
(2.2)

133.3

124.0
0.1
26.4
–
(15.3)
–
–

135.2

36.1
–
11.5
–
(5.1)
–

42.5

162.3
–
10.8
–
–
–
(1.8)

171.3

137.3
–
2.0
10.5
–
–

149.8

Land and 
buildings
$m

172.7
0.9
20.3
–
(4.5)
2.7
–

192.1

18.4
(0.1)
4.6
–
(2.2)
2.0

22.7

Total
$m

709.6
0.3
95.0
1.7
(24.4)
(0.3)
(1.8)

780.1

305.8
(0.7)
44.3
10.5
(11.4)
(0.2)

348.3

169.4

148.2

92.7

21.5

431.8

2014 
$m

2013 
$m

529.2
(3.7)
–
(3.0)

522.5

34.0
(0.5)
49.6
(1.2)

81.9

529.4
(1.5)
1.3
–

529.2

34.4
(0.4)
–
–

34.0

440.6

495.2

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED109

16. Goodwill continued
Impairment Tests for Goodwill
Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating units (“CGUs”) as follows: 

Titan
Hunting Stafford “Subsea” (formally National Coupling Company)
Electronics
Dearborn
Welltonic
Drilling Tools
Other

At 31 December

2014 
$m

288.4 
32.7 
28.7 
25.5 
18.0 
4.4
42.9 

440.6 

2013 
$m

288.4 
32.7 
68.7 
25.5 
19.1 
15.5 
45.3 

495.2 

The recoverable amount of a CGU has been determined based on value in use calculations. The key assumptions for the value in use calculations are 
revenue growth rates, taking into account the impact these have on margins, and the pre-tax discount rates applied. As required by IFRS for value in use 
calculations, projections do not take into account benefits of growth projects or potential restructuring actions. 

The value in use calculations use discounted pre-tax cash flow projections based on the most recent financial projections and include an assessment of 
how the CGUs are expected to perform given current market conditions, using past experience as a guide, and monitoring the position of order books for 
businesses where this is appropriate. Market conditions are currently volatile and will impact CGUs differently. In broad terms, management has assumed a 
significant decline in activity for most CGUs in 2015, although in the Well Intervention segment (including Hunting Stafford “Subsea” and Welltonic CGUs) 
the impact is expected to be less adverse. In 2016 a partial recovery is anticipated but with many of the CGUs remaining below 2014 levels. 

Cash flows in the three to five year period are derived using estimated nominal revenue annualised growth rates between 7% and 14% (2013 – 5% and 7%) 
which are higher than previously assumed, reflecting a recovery period after the short-term decline in activity. These growth rates are inherently based on 
management’s judgement. This judgement is supported by external research such as Spears and Associates Drilling and Production Outlook, to assess likely 
changes for the countries and markets in which the relevant CGUs operate, for example, rig counts, the expected profile and footage of drilling and 
expected E&P spend. Management then consider the applicability of these expectations to the CGU’s business activities. Terminal growth rates between 
2% and 5% (2013 – 3% and 4%) are then used.

Cash flows are discounted using nominal pre-tax rates between 9% and 15% (2013 – 9% and 15%). The discount rate best reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money, the risks associated with the cash flows and the likely external rate of borrowing of the CGU. Consideration has also 
been given to other factors such as currency risk, operational risk and country risk.

Titan
The Titan CGU represents 65% (2013 – 58%) of the goodwill balance. The carrying value, including amounts recognised on consolidation such as goodwill, is 
$654.0m (2013 - $676.5m). The value in use has been calculated as for other CGUs using the methodology described above. Cash flows have been 
discounted using a nominal pre-tax rate of 11% (2013 – 11%). If minimal revenue growth is assumed over the next five years and with terminal growth rates 
of 2.7%, a headroom over the carrying value of the CGU in excess of 25% is generated.

Impairment of goodwill
The Electronics CGU has been impacted by a prolonged period of customer de-stocking. This situation is being exacerbated by increased competition, in 
particular from the Far East, and this in combination with the expected decline in activity due to market conditions has led to the recognition of a $40.0m 
impairment charge to goodwill. The CGU has a total carrying value of $63.7m based on its value in use. The cash flows have been discounted using a 
nominal pre-tax rate of 11%. Any further adverse changes in assumptions would give rise to further impairments to goodwill.

During 2014 there has been a downturn in activity for the Drilling Tools CGU which operates across the USA and Canada. The business has been adversely 
impacted by increased competition and rising equipment maintenance costs. The expected downturn caused by the oil price decline will particularly 
impact this CGU due to its focus on US shale activity and on high cost Canadian projects. An impairment of $9.6m has been charged to goodwill. The CGU 
has a total carrying value of $107.1m based on its value in use. The cash flows have been discounted using a nominal pre-tax rate of 11%. Any further adverse 
changes in assumptions would give rise to further impairments to goodwill.

Sensitivities
Having performed sensitivity analysis on the value in use calculations, management believes that no reasonably foreseeable change in any key assumption 
would cause the recoverable amount of any CGU to be materially below its carrying value. In particular, for the Titan, Hunting Stafford “Subsea”, Dearborn 
and Welltonic CGUs, if discounted cash flows fell by 20% or the pre-tax discount rate was increased by 2% there would be no impairment.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION110

2014

Customer 
relationships
$m

Unpatented 
technology
$m

Patents and 
trademarks
$m

Other
$m

Total
$m

247.8
(0.2)
–
–
–

247.6

66.3
(0.2)
26.0
–

92.1

155.5

53.4
(0.1)
3.9
–
3.0

60.2

12.2
–
5.3
–

17.5

42.7

53.2
–
0.2
–
(2.7)

50.7

21.1
–
7.5
–

28.6

22.1

Customer 
relationships
$m

Unpatented 
technology
$m

2013

Patents and 
trademarks
$m

247.7
–
–
0.1
–

247.8

40.1
0.1
26.1
–

66.3

53.4
–
–
–
–

53.4

6.9
–
5.3
–

12.2

50.4
–
2.8
–
–

53.2

13.6
–
7.5
–

21.1

22.7
(0.4)
0.9
(0.3)
(0.3)

22.6

14.5
(0.1)
4.0
(0.3)

18.1

377.1
(0.7)
5.0
(0.3)
–

381.1

114.1
(0.3)
42.8
(0.3)

156.3

4.5

224.8

Other
$m

19.9
0.1
2.2
0.2
0.3

22.7

9.7
0.1
4.5
0.2

Total
$m

371.4
0.1
5.0
0.3
0.3

377.1

70.3
0.2
43.4
0.2

14.5

114.1

181.5

41.2

32.1

8.2

263.0

17. Other Intangible Assets
Group

Cost:
At 1 January
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Classified as held for sale
Reclassification

At 31 December

Accumulated amortisation:
At 1 January
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Classified as held for sale

At 31 December

Net book amount

Cost:
At 1 January
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Acquisitions
Reclassification from PPE

At 31 December

Accumulated amortisation:
At 1 January
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Reclassification from PPE

At 31 December

Net book amount

The net book amount of other intangible assets at 1 January 2013 was $301.1m.

Other intangible assets include non-compete agreements of $0.5m (2013 – $3.1m) and software of $3.7m (2013 – $4.1m).

Internally generated intangible assets have been included within unpatented technology. Additions during the year amounted to $3.2m (2013 – $2.7m 
which have been reclassified from Patents and Trademarks). The carrying value at the end of the year was $5.9m (2013 – $2.7m).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED111

17. Other Intangible Assets continued
All intangible assets are regarded as having a finite life and are amortised accordingly and all amortisation charges relating to intangible assets have been 
charged to operating expenses.

Individual Material Intangible Assets
Included in the table above are the following individual material intangible assets:

Cost:
At 1 January and 31 December 

Accumulated amortisation:
At 1 January 
Charge for the year

At 31 December 

Net book amount

Remaining amortisation period at 31 December – years

18. Investments

Non-current:
Unlisted equity investments
Listed equity investments and mutual funds
Environmental escrow (note 29)

Current:
Bank deposits maturing after more than three months

2014

Customer 
relationships – 
Electronics
$m

Customer 
relationships – 
Titan
$m

27.0

190.1

11.3
3.3

14.6

43.6
19.0

62.6

12.4

127.5

3.7

6.8

Company

2014 
$m

–
–
–

–

Company

2014 
$m

–

2013 
$m

–
–
0.6

0.6

2013 
$m

–

Group

2014 
$m

–
8.9
–

8.9

Group

2014 
$m

3.8

2013 
$m

0.4
8.0
0.6

9.0

2013 
$m

2.0

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION112

19. Investments in Subsidiaries
Company

Cost:
At 1 January
Disposals

At 31 December

Impairment: 
At 1 January
Disposals

At 31 December

Net book amount

2014 
$m

2013 
$m

509.9
(73.1)

436.8

509.9
–

509.9

9.3
(9.3)

–

9.3
–

9.3

436.8

500.6

The principal subsidiaries are detailed in note 42. A central reorganisation took place during the year and a number of operating subsidiaries were disposed 
of by Hunting PLC to another entity within the Group. This resulted in a gain of $35.4m (2013 – $nil).

Investments in subsidiaries are recorded at cost, which is the fair value of the consideration paid, less impairment. The Directors believe that the carrying 
value of the investments is supported by their underlying net assets.

20. Trade and Other Receivables

Non-current:
Receivables due from subsidiaries
Other receivables
Prepayments

Current:
Trade receivables
Less: provision for impairment of receivables

Net trade receivables
Receivables due from subsidiaries
Prepayments
Accrued revenue
Other receivables*

* Group includes derivative financial assets of $0.1m (2013 – $1.8m).

Group

2014 
$m

–
0.2
3.1

3.3

255.6
(2.5)

253.1
–
12.4
9.9
10.2

285.6

2013 
$m

–
4.3
3.2

7.5

227.6
(3.9)

223.7
–
9.9
10.9
20.3

264.8

Company

2014 
$m

2013 
$m

171.2
–
0.1

171.3

–
–

–
6.3
0.2
–
0.1

6.6

15.5
2.5
–

18.0

–
–

–
28.0
0.1
–
0.2

28.3

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED113

20. Trade and Other Receivables continued
Group
Trade receivables that are not overdue and not impaired are expected to be fully recovered as there is no recent history of default or any indications that  
the customers will not meet their payment obligations. At the year end there are no trade receivables (2013 – none) whose terms have been renegotiated 
and would otherwise be past due or impaired.

At 31 December 2014, trade receivables of $112.0m (2013 – $94.3m) were overdue but not impaired. The ageing of these receivables at the year end  
is as follows:

Number of days overdue:

1-30 days
31-60 days
61-90 days
91-120 days
More than 120 days

Receivables overdue not impaired
Receivables not overdue and not impaired
Receivables not overdue and impaired
Receivables overdue and impaired
Provision for impairment of receivables

Net trade receivables 

2014
$m

54.3
24.8
23.1
6.9
2.9

112.0
141.1
–
2.5
(2.5)

253.1

2013
$m

53.7
23.7
9.9
7.0
–

94.3
129.4
1.8
2.1
(3.9)

223.7

Receivables that are overdue but not impaired relate to customers for whom there is no recent history of default.

Receivables which have been impaired mainly relate to debtors in financial difficulty where defaults in payments have occurred or concerns have been 
raised about the customer’s liquidity. Trade receivables are impaired when there is evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due 
according to the original terms of sale.

During the year, a provision of $1.3m (2013 – $1.5m) for the impairment of receivables was recognised, $0.7m (2013 – $0.4m) receivables were written off, 
$0.7m (2013 – $1.0m) unused provisions were released and $1.3m was classified as held for sale. After recognising foreign exchange movements of $nil 
(2013 – $0.1m), the provision for the impairment of trade receivables at the year end was $2.5m (2013 – $3.9m).

The other classes of financial assets within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets.

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the Group’s wide and unrelated customer base. The maximum exposure to 
credit risk is the fair value of each class of receivable. The carrying value of each class of receivable approximates their fair value as described in note 29.

The Group does not hold any collateral as security and no assets have been acquired through the exercise of any collateral previously held.

Company
None (2013 – none) of the Company’s other receivables were past due at the year end and the Company does not consider it necessary to provide for any 
impairments. The Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk is the fair value of each class of receivable. The carrying value of receivables approximates 
their fair value as described in note 29. The Company does not hold any collateral as security and no assets have been acquired through the exercise of any 
collateral previously held. Non-current receivables due from subsidiaries are unsecured and interest is charged based on a margin over bank lending rates. 
Current receivables due from subsidiaries are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION114

21. Deferred Tax
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are only offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset and when the deferred income taxes relate to the 
same fiscal authority and there is an intention to settle the balance net. The offset amounts are as follows:

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

The movement in the net deferred tax liability is as follows:

At 1 January
Exchange adjustments
(Charge) credit to income statement*
Taken direct to equity
Classified as held for sale
Other movements

At 31 December

Group

Company

2014
$m

1.2
(37.1)

(35.9)

2013
$m

3.1
(34.7)

(31.6)

2014
$m

–
(0.2)

(0.2)

Group

Company

2014
$m

(31.6)
0.6
(3.9)
(0.8)
(0.2)
–

(35.9)

2013
$m

(33.1)
–
3.5
(2.6)
–
0.6

(31.6)

2014
$m

(0.2)
–
–
–
–
–

(0.2)

2013
$m

–
(0.2)

(0.2)

2013
$m

(0.2)
–
–
–
–
–

(0.2)

* Included in the income statement is a $nil charge (2013 – $1.2m credit) relating to discontinued operations.

Deferred tax assets of $1.4m (2013 – $0.7m) have not been recognised as realisation of the tax benefit is not probable. The tax losses do not have an  
expiry date.

Previously unrecognised deferred tax assets of $0.1m (2013 – $0.2m) have been recognised as the Group has assessed that the realisation of the benefit is 
probable. Deferred tax assets of $1.2m (2013 – $3.1m) are expected to be recovered after more than twelve months. Deferred tax liabilities of $37.1m  
(2013 – $34.7m) are expected to be released after more than twelve months.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED115

21. Deferred Tax continued
The movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities, without taking into consideration the offsetting of balances within the same tax jurisdictions,  
are shown below:

Group

Tax losses
Inventory
Goodwill and intangibles
Post retirement benefits
Asset decommissioning provision
Accumulated tax depreciation
Share-based payments
Unremitted earnings
Other

Classified as held for sale

Tax losses
Inventory
Goodwill and intangibles
Post retirement benefits
Asset decommissioning provision
Accumulated tax depreciation
Share-based payments
Unremitted earnings
Other

At 1 January 
2014
$m

Exchange 
adjustments
$m

(Charge) 
credit to 
income 
statement
$m

Taken direct 
to equity
$m

Changes 
in tax rates 
though the 
income 
statement
$m

Other 
movements
$m

At 31 
December 
2014
$m

Net deferred 
tax assets
$m

Net deferred 
tax liabilities
$m

0.8
5.4
(16.9)
(3.8)
2.1
(33.7)
7.8
(0.2)
6.9

(31.6)

–
–
0.1
0.4
–
0.2
(0.1)
–
–

0.6

0.2
1.3
(3.0)
(0.1)
0.1
4.7
(1.4)
–
(5.7)

(3.9)

–
–
–
(0.2)
–
–
(1.0)
–
0.4

(0.8)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
0.5
(0.4)
–
–
0.6
0.7
–
(1.4)

–

1.0
7.2
(20.2)
(3.7)
2.2
(28.2)
6.0
(0.2)
0.2

(35.7)

0.5
–
–
–
–
0.9
1.0
–
(1.0)

1.4

(0.2)

1.2

0.5
7.2
(20.2)
(3.7)
2.2
(29.1)
5.0
(0.2)
1.2

(37.1)

–

(37.1)

At 1 January 
2013
$m

Exchange 
adjustments
$m

(Charge) 
credit to 
income 
statement
$m

Taken direct 
to equity
$m

Change 
in tax rates 
through the 
income 
statement
$m

Other 
movements
$m

At 31 
December 
2013
$m

Net deferred 
tax assets
$m

Net deferred 
tax liabilities
$m

2.1
4.8
(12.0)
(3.3)
1.9
(37.5)
10.5
(0.2)
0.6

(33.1)

–
0.1
(0.1)
(0.2)
–
0.1
–
–
0.1

–

(1.2)
0.4
(3.6)
(0.3)
0.2
2.4
(0.3)
–
5.9

3.5

–
–
–
–
–
–
(2.3)
–
(0.3)

(2.6)

(0.1)
–
–
0.1
–
0.1
(0.1)
–
–

–

–
0.1
(1.2)
(0.1)
–
1.2
–
–
0.6

0.6

0.8
5.4
(16.9)
(3.8)
2.1
(33.7)
7.8
(0.2)
6.9

(31.6)

0.8
–
–
(5.9)
–
0.8
7.8
–
(0.4)

3.1

–
5.4
(16.9)
2.1
2.1
(34.5)
–
(0.2)
7.3

(34.7)

Company
The Company had $0.2m (2013 – $0.2m) of deferred tax liabilities relating to unremitted earnings at the year end.

22. Inventories
Group

Raw materials
Work in progress
Finished goods
Less: provisions for impairment

2014 
$m

110.7
63.7
219.3
(11.9)

381.8

2013 
$m

103.2
62.6
232.1
(11.6)

386.3

The carrying amount of inventories stated at fair value less selling costs is $22.8m (2013 – $20.2m).

The Group reversed $2.1m (2013 – $0.4m) of a previous inventory impairment as the goods were sold during the year for an amount greater than their 
carrying value. The amount reversed has been included in cost of sales in the income statement.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION116

23. Assets Held for Sale
Group
The assets and liabilities of Gibson Shipbrokers have been presented as held for sale at 31 December 2014 as it is highly probable that the company will be 
sold within twelve months of the balance sheet date. Gibson Shipbrokers’ assets and liabilities are a disposal group and the business has been re-presented 
as a discontinued operation at 31 December 2014. The disposal of this business will enable Hunting to focus on its core operations.

Assets held for sale are carried at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell at the date of held for sale classification. The carrying values of 
Gibson Shipbrokers’ assets and liabilities at 31 December 2014 are:

Assets classified as held for sale
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Investments
Deferred tax assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Liabilities classified as held for sale
Trade and other payables
Current tax liabilities

24. Trade and Other Payables

Non-current:
Accruals
Social security and other taxes
Other payables

Current:
Trade payables
Payables due to subsidiaries
Social security and other taxes
Accruals
Other payables*

* Group includes derivative financial liabilities of $nil (2013 – $0.1m).

Company
Current payables due to subsidiaries are unsecured, interest free and payable on demand.

2014
$m

0.5
1.8
0.7
0.2
13.3
3.8

20.3

15.1
0.4

15.5

2013
$m

9.0
–
–

9.0

–
5.5
–
5.1
0.2

10.8

Group

Company

2014
$m

1.5
0.8
8.9

11.2

92.7
–
12.5
86.7
5.8

2013
$m

9.5
0.4
8.0

17.9

75.1
–
11.9
70.6
18.9

197.7

176.5

2014
$m

–
–
–

– 

–
0.3
–
0.8
0.2

1.3

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED117

25. Borrowings

Non–current:
Unsecured bank loans
Other unsecured loans
Loans due to subsidiaries

Current:
Bank overdrafts
Unsecured bank loans
Other unsecured loans
Loans due to subsidiaries

Total borrowings

Analysis of Borrowings by Currency
Group
The carrying amounts of the Group’s borrowings are denominated in the following currencies:

Unsecured bank loans
Other unsecured loans
Bank overdrafts

At 31 December 2014

Unsecured bank loans
Other unsecured loans
Bank overdrafts

At 31 December 2013

Group

2014
$m

154.0
3.9
–

157.9

50.5
14.9
–
–

65.4

223.3

2013
$m

235.4
3.9
–

239.3

115.0
18.8
2.1
–

135.9

375.2

Company

2014
$m

–
–
–

–

6.5
–
–
–

6.5

6.5

US dollars
$m

Sterling
$m

Canadian 
dollars
$m

105.0
3.9
26.5

135.4

US dollars
$m

254.2
6.0
47.3

307.5

29.9
–
24.0

53.9

Sterling
$m

–
–
67.6

67.6

34.0
–
–

34.0

Euro
$m

–
–
0.1

0.1

2013
$m

–
–
85.6

85.6

3.3
–
–
6.6

9.9

95.5

Total
$m

168.9
3.9
50.5

223.3

Total
$m

254.2
6.0
115.0

375.2

Company
The Company has borrowings of $6.5m (2013 – $95.5m) at the year end, of which $6.5m (2013 – $60.1m) are denominated in Sterling and $nil (2013 – $35.4m) 
are denominated in US dollars.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION118

26. Changes in Net Debt
Group
Net debt is a non-GAAP measure. The analysis below is provided in order to reconcile the movement in borrowings (note 25) and cash and cash equivalents 
during the year.

At 1 January 
2014 
$m

Cash flow 
$m

Exchange 
movements
 $m

Amortisation 
of loan 
facility fees 
$m

Classified  
as held  
for sale 
$m

At 31 
December 
2014 
$m

Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts

Current investments
Non-current borrowings
Current borrowings

Total net debt

27. Provisions
Group

At 1 January 2014
Exchange adjustments
Charged to income statement
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Provisions utilised
Unutilised amounts reversed
Unwinding of discount
Change in discount rate

At 31 December 2014

Provisions are due as follows:

Current
Non-current

167.4
(115.0)

52.4
2.0
(239.3)
(20.9)

(205.8)

(71.9)
62.8

(9.1)
2.0
80.5
5.2

78.6

(3.2)
1.7

(1.5)
(0.2)
2.7
0.8

1.8

–
–

–
–
(1.8)
–

(1.8)

Onerous 
contracts
$m

Warranties 
and tax 
indemnities
$m

22.5
(0.9)
–
–
(3.4)
(5.5)
0.3
0.4

13.4

2.1
–
–
–
(0.2)
–
–
–

1.9

(3.8)
–

(3.8)
–
–
–

(3.8)

Other
$m

8.8
(0.1)
1.0
0.1
(0.5)
–
0.1
–

9.4

2014 
$m

10.6
14.1

24.7

88.5
(50.5)

38.0
3.8
(157.9)
(14.9)

(131.0)

Total
$m

33.4
(1.0)
1.0
0.1
(4.1)
(5.5)
0.4
0.4

24.7

2013 
$m

8.0
25.4

33.4

The Group has commitments in respect of leasehold properties, some of which are not used for Group trading purposes and are vacant or sub-let to third 
parties. The provision for onerous contracts reflects the uncertainty of future conditions in the sub-letting market. It is expected that $6.3m of the provision 
will be utilised in 2015, $1.0m in 2016 and the remaining balance of $6.1m utilised from 2017 to 2023. Provision is made on a discounted basis, at a risk-free 
rate of between 0.35% and 1.55% p.a., for the net rental deficit on these properties to the end of the lease term.

Asset decommissioning and remediation obligations of $6.3m (2013 – $6.1m) relate to the Group’s obligation to dismantle, remove and restore items of 
property, plant and equipment and have been included in other provisions. The provision reflects uncertainty in the timing and amounts of the costs 
expected to arise in meeting this obligation. Provision is made on a discounted basis, the majority of which is estimated to be utilised over a period of one 
to ten years.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED119

28. Derivatives and Hedging
Group
(a) Currency Derivatives
The Group has used spot and forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge its exposure to exchange rate movements during the year.

At 31 December 2014, the total notional amount of the Group’s outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts is $4.0m (2013 – $22.5m).

Gains and losses on contracts that are not designated in a hedge relationship are taken directly to the income statement. Changes in the fair value of 
currency derivatives not designated in a hedge relationship amounting to a $0.1m gain (2013 – $0.3m loss) have been recognised in the income statement 
during the year for continuing operations.

The Group’s forward foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges matured during 2014. Losses of $0.1m (2013 – $1.8m gains) were 
recognised in the hedging reserve (note 34) during the year. Gains of $1.7m (2013 – $0.2m) were reclassified from equity during the year and  
included in revenue in the income statement. Ineffectiveness of $nil (2013 – $nil) arose on the cash flow hedges during the year.

Fair values of derivative financial instruments:

Forward foreign exchange – in cash flow hedges
Forward foreign exchange – not in a hedge

2014

2013

Total  
assets
$m

Total 
liabilities
$m

–
0.1

0.1

–
–

–

Total  
assets
$m

1.8
–

1.8

Total  

liabilities
$m

–
(0.1)

(0.1)

(b) Hedge of Net Investments in Foreign Operations
The Group has both Canadian dollar and Sterling denominated borrowings which it has designated as hedges of net investments in its Canadian and UK 
subsidiaries respectively. At 31 December 2014, the carrying amount of net Canadian dollar borrowings was $33.9m and the carrying amount of net Sterling 
borrowings was $47.6m. During 2014, foreign exchange gains of $5.2m on translation of the borrowings into US dollars was recognised in the cumulative 
translation reserve. There were no amounts designated as hedges of net investments in foreign operations during 2013.

29. Financial Instruments: Fair Values
Group
The carrying value of investments, non-current trade and other receivables, net trade receivables, accrued revenue, other receivables, deposits maturing 
after three months, cash and cash equivalents, assets classified as held for sale, trade payables, accruals, other payables, provisions, liabilities classified as held 
for sale, bank overdrafts, unsecured bank loans and other unsecured loans approximates their fair value. Drawdowns under the multi-currency loan facility 
are for periods of one month or less, and as a result, the carrying value and the fair value are considered to be the same.

The following tables present the Group’s other financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value at the year end and show the level in the fair 
value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements are categorised. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION120

29. Financial Instruments: Fair Values continued

Non-current investments
Listed equity investments and mutual funds
Derivatives held for trading
Derivative financial assets

Total 

Non-current investments
Unlisted equity investments
Listed equity investments and mutual funds
Environmental escrow
Derivatives held for trading
Derivative financial liabilities
Derivatives at fair value through equity
Derivative financial assets
Current liabilities
Contingent consideration

Total 

Fair value at 
31 December 
2014 
$m

Level 1 
$m

Level 2 
$m

Level 3
$m

8.9

0.1

9.0

8.9

–

8.9

–

0.1

0.1

–

–

–

Fair value at 
31 December 
2013 
$m

Level 1 
$m

Level 2 
$m

Level 3
$m

0.4
8.0
0.6

(0.1)

1.8

(3.0)

7.7

–
8.0
–

–

–

–

8.0

 –
–
–

(0.1)

1.8

–

1.7

0.4
–
0.6

–

–

(3.0)

(2.0)

The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:
Level 1 – inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability.
Level 3 – inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is determined by comparing the cash flows generated by the contract with the coterminus cash flows 
potentially available in the forward exchange market on the balance sheet date. The fair value of listed equities and mutual funds is based on their current 
bid prices, which is considered to be the most representative of fair value, in an active market at the balance sheet date. The fair values of non-US dollar 
denominated financial instruments are translated into US dollars using the year end exchange rate.

In 2013, the fair values of the environmental escrow and the promissory note included in non-current investments were determined by discounting the 
expected future cash flows. The unlisted equity investments were carried at cost and the fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement was 
estimated by applying the income approach and appropriate discount rates. 

The inputs used to determine the fair value of unlisted equity investments, the environmental escrow and the contingent consideration arrangements were 
not based on observable market data and therefore their fair value measurements were categorised in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The inputs used to 
determine the fair value of derivative financial instruments are inputs other than quoted prices that are observable and so the fair value measurement can 
be categorised in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of listed equity investments and mutual funds is based on quoted market prices and so 
the fair value measurement can be categorised in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED121

29. Financial Instruments: Fair Values continued
The table below shows a reconciliation of the fair value measurements in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

At 1 January 2014
Additions
Cash paid
Classified as held for sale
Settlement

At 31 December 2014

At 1 January 2013
Additions
Unwinding of discount
Cash paid

At 31 December 2013

Contingent 
consideration
 $m

Available for 
sale financial 
assets 
$m

(3.0)
–
3.0
–
–

–

1.0
0.3
–
(0.7)
(0.6)

–

Contingent 
consideration
 $m

Available for 
sale financial 
assets 
$m

(4.8)
–
(0.2)
2.0

(3.0)

0.7
0.3
–
–

1.0

Total 
$m

(2.0)
0.3
3.0
(0.7)
(0.6)

–

Total 
$m

(4.1)
0.3
(0.2)
2.0

(2.0)

During 2014, a final payment of $3.0m (2013 – $2.0m) was made to the sellers of Hunting Specialty Supply in respect of the contingent consideration 
arrangement and an amount of $1.3m was received (2013 – $nil) from the environmental escrow account which was subsequently closed. The fair value of 
the contingent consideration at 31 December 2013 was based on cash flows discounted using a risk free rate of 11%. The 2013 fair value of the 
environmental escrow was based on cash flows discounted using a rate of 3%.

There has been no impact on the income statement or other comprehensive income from the change in fair value of the unlisted equity investments.  
The change in the fair value of the environmental escrow of $nil (2013 – $0.2m) was taken through other comprehensive income.

Company
The carrying value of receivables, cash and cash equivalents, accruals, other payables, provisions, borrowings and bank overdrafts approximates their  
fair value.

The inputs used to determine the fair value of the environmental escrow in 2013 were not based on observable market data and therefore the fair value 
measurement was categorised in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as shown in the 2013 Group fair value table on page 120. The 2013 fair value of the 
environmental escrow was based on cash flows discounted using a rate of 3%. During 2014, an amount of $1.3m was received (2013 – $nil) from the 
environmental escrow account which was subsequently closed.

30. Financial Risk Management
The Group’s activities expose it to certain financial risks, namely market risk (including currency risk, fair value interest risk and cash flow interest risk), credit 
risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s risk management strategy seeks to mitigate potential adverse effects on its financial performance. As part of its strategy, 
both primary and derivative financial instruments are used to hedge certain risk exposures.

There are clearly defined objectives and principles for managing financial risk established by the Board of Directors, with policies, parameters and 
procedures covering the specific areas of funding, banking relationships, foreign currency and interest rate exposures and cash management.

The Group’s treasury function is responsible for implementing the policies and providing a centralised service to the Group for funding, foreign exchange, 
interest rate management and counterparty risk management. It is also responsible for identifying, evaluating and hedging financial risks in close co-
operation with the Group’s operating companies.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION122

30. Financial Risk Management continued
(a) Foreign Exchange Risk
The Group’s international base is exposed to foreign exchange risk from its investing, financing and operating activities, particularly in respect of Sterling 
and Canadian dollars. Foreign exchange risks arise from future transactions and cash flows and from recognised monetary assets and liabilities that are not 
denominated in the functional currency of the Group’s local operations.

The Group’s material foreign exchange rates are:

Average exchange rate to US dollars
Year end exchange rate to US dollars

Sterling

Canadian dollar

2014

0.61
0.64

2013

0.64
0.60

2014

1.10
1.16

2013

1.03
1.06

(i) Transactional Risk
The exposure to exchange rate movements in significant future transactions and cash flows is hedged by using forward foreign exchange contracts and 
currency options. Certain forward foreign exchange contracts have been designated as hedging instruments of highly probable forecast transactions. 
Operating companies prepare quarterly rolling twelve month cash flow forecasts to enable working capital currency exposures to be identified. Currency 
exposures arise where the cash flows are not in the functional currency of the entity. Exposures arising from committed long-term projects beyond a 
twelve month period are also identified. The currency flows to be hedged are committed foreign currency transactions greater than $400,000 equivalent 
per month and/or currency flows that in aggregate exceed $400,000 equivalent per annum.

No speculative positions are entered into by the Group.

The table below shows the carrying values of the Group’s financial instruments at 31 December, including derivative financial instruments, on which 
exchange differences would potentially be recognised in the income statement in the following year. The table excludes available for sale financial assets, 
derivatives designated in a cash flow hedge and loans to subsidiaries that are considered to be part of the net investment in a foreign operation, as 
exchange differences arising on these are recognised in other comprehensive income.

At 31 December 2014

Functional currency of Group’s entities:
Sterling
US dollars
Canadian dollars
Singapore dollars
Euro
Chinese CNY
Other currencies

Currency of denomination

Sterling
$m

US dollars
$m

Canadian 
dollars
$m

Singapore 
dollars
$m

–
10.5
–
–
(0.7)
–
–

9.8

6.9
–
2.4
3.6
2.1
(0.7)
(0.1)

14.2

0.2
8.7
–
–
–
–
–

8.9

–
(0.3)
–
–
–
–
–

(0.3)

Euro
$m

(2.0)
2.1
–
–
–
–
–

0.1

Chinese  
CNY
$m

Other 
currencies
$m

–
2.7
–
–
–
–
–

2.7

–
0.2
–
–
–
–
–

0.2

Total
$m

5.1
23.9
2.4
3.6
1.4
(0.7)
(0.1)

35.6

The Sterling and US dollar denominated financial instruments consist of cash balances, trade receivables, accrued revenue, trade payables, accrued 
expenses and intra-group loans. The Canadian dollar denominated financial instruments consist of intra-group loans.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED123

30. Financial Risk Management continued
At 31 December 2013

Functional currency of Group’s entities:
Sterling
US dollars
Canadian dollars
Singapore dollars
Euro
Chinese CNY
Other currencies

Sterling
$m

US dollars
$m

Currency of denomination

Canadian 
dollars
$m

Singapore 
dollars
$m

–
(95.1)
–
–
(1.1)
–
–

(96.2)

17.4
–
(5.5)
1.6
1.3
(0.7)
0.4

14.5

–
6.8
–
–
–
–
–

6.8

1.0
(0.4)
–
–
–
–
–

0.6

Euro
$m

(1.1)
0.7
–
–
–
–
–

(0.4)

Chinese  
CNY
$m

Other 
currencies
$m

–
4.8
–
–
–
–
0.2

5.0

0.7
(0.8)
–
–
–
–
–

(0.1)

Total
$m

18.0
(84.0)
(5.5)
1.6
0.2
(0.7)
0.6

(69.8)

The US dollar denominated financial instruments consist mainly of cash balances, trade receivables, accrued revenue, trade payables, accrued expenses and 
intra-group loans. 

(ii) Translational Risk
Foreign exchange risk also arises from the Group’s investments in foreign operations. Average rate options are periodically used to reduce translation risk  
on the Group’s consolidated profit before tax if the Group considers there to be a significant exposure.

The foreign exposure to net investments in foreign operations is managed using borrowings denominated in the same functional currency as that of the 
hedged assets. The borrowings are designated as a hedge of the net investment in foreign operations. The foreign exchange exposure primarily arises from 
Sterling and Canadian dollar denominated net investments.

(b) Interest Rate Risk
Variable interest rates on cash at bank, deposits, overdrafts and borrowings expose the Group to cash flow interest risk and fixed interest rates on loans and 
deposits expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. The treasury function manages the Group’s exposure to interest rate risk and uses interest rate 
swaps and caps, when considered appropriate.

(c) Credit Risk
The Group’s credit risk arises from its pension assets, cash and cash equivalents, investments, derivative financial instruments and outstanding receivables.

At the year end, the Group had credit risk exposures to a wide range of counterparties. Credit risk exposure is continually monitored and no individual 
exposure is considered to be significant in the context of the ordinary course of the Group’s activities.

Exposure limits are set for each approved counterparty, as well as the types of transactions that may be entered into. Approved institutions that the treasury 
function can invest surplus cash with all must have a minimum of an A1, P1 or F1 short-term rating from Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch rating 
agencies and AAA rating for Money Market Funds.

At the year end, cash and cash equivalents totalled $88.5m (2013 – $167.4m) and current investments $3.8m (2013 – $2.0m). 90% of cash and cash 
equivalents was deposited with banks with Fitch short-term ratings of F1 to F1+. Of the remaining 10%, the vast majority was held on deposit with a 
mainland Chinese financial institution which, given the Group’s operations in this jurisdiction, were deemed necessary. Despite not having a formal credit 
rating, an internal vetting procedure determined that the bank’s credit profile was appropriate for this level of deposit.

The credit risk of foreign exchange contracts is calculated before the contract is acquired and compared to the credit risk limit set for each counterparty. 
Credit risk is calculated as a fixed percentage of the nominal value of the instrument.

Trade and other receivables are continuously monitored. Credit account limits are primarily based on the credit quality of the customer and past experience 
through trading relationships. To reduce credit risk exposure from outstanding receivables, the Group has taken out credit insurance with an external 
insurer, subject to certain conditions.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION124

30. Financial Risk Management continued
The Company operates a pension scheme in the UK, which includes a funded defined benefit section with pension plan net assets of $30.9m (2013 – $29.6m). 
The majority of the Scheme’s defined benefits are now covered by insurance company annuity policies, meaning the pensions-related risks have largely been 
eliminated. The pension buy-in has been effected by using two insurers, so as to spread its credit risk. The credit rating of these insurers is monitored.

The Company also operates a defined benefit pension scheme in the US, which is unfunded. Contributions are paid into a separate investment vehicle and 
invested in a wide portfolio of US mutual funds that are recognised by the Company as non-current investments. Investments at the year end amounted  
to $8.9m (2013 – $8.0m) and are expected to be fully recovered.

(d) Liquidity Risk
The Group needs to ensure that it has sufficient liquid funds available to support its working capital and capital expenditure requirements. All subsidiaries 
submit weekly and bi-monthly cash forecasts to the treasury function to enable them to monitor the Group’s requirements.

The Group has sufficient credit facilities to meet both its long and short-term requirements.

The Group’s credit facilities are provided by a variety of funding sources and total $649.8m (2013 – $688.8m) at the year end. The facilities comprise $584.7m 
(2013 – $621.1m) of committed facilities and $65.1m (2013 – $67.7m) of unsecured uncommitted facilities.

The committed facilities comprise the Sterling denominated £375.0m ($584.7m) multi-currency loan facility from a syndicate of ten banks (2013 – £375.0m; 
$621.1m). This facility expires on 5 August 2016 and is unsecured. A commitment fee is payable on the undrawn amount.

The Group’s treasury function maintains flexibility in funding by maintaining availability under committed credit facilities. The Group has the following 
undrawn committed borrowing facilities available at the year end:

Floating rate:
Expiring between two and five years

2014 
$m

2013 
$m

428.0

378.0

The tables below analyse the Group’s and Company’s non-derivative financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period  
at the balance sheet date to the contractual maturity date of the financial liabilities. The amounts are the contractual, undiscounted cash flows. The carrying 
amounts in the balance sheet are the discounted amounts. Balances due within one year have been included in the maturity analysis at their carrying 
amounts, as the impact of discounting is not significant.

Group

Non-derivative financial liabilities:
Trade payables
Accruals
Other payables
Onerous lease contracts
Unsecured bank loans
Other unsecured loans
Bank overdrafts

2014

On demand 
or within one 
year
$m

Between two 
and five years
$m

After five 
years
$m

92.7
86.7
3.1
6.2
19.6
–
50.5

258.8

–
1.5
–
4.4
159.6
–
–

165.5

–
–
8.9
3.0
–
3.9
–

15.8

Total
$m

92.7
88.2
12.0
13.6
179.2
3.9
50.5

440.1

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED125

30. Financial Risk Management continued
Group

Non-derivative financial liabilities:
Trade payables
Accruals
Other payables
Onerous lease contracts
Unsecured bank loans
Other unsecured loans
Bank overdrafts

2013

On demand 
or within one 
year
$m

Between two 
and five years
$m

After five 
years
$m

75.1
70.6
5.9
3.4
24.2
2.1
115.0

296.3

–
9.5
–
16.0
248.6
–
–

274.1

–
–
8.0
4.1
–
3.9
–

16.0

Total
$m

75.1
80.1
13.9
23.5
272.8
6.0
115.0

586.4

The Group had no net settled financial liabilities at the year end (2013 – none).

The table below analyses the Group’s derivative financial instruments, which will be settled on a gross basis, into maturity groupings based on the period 
remaining from the balance sheet date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual, undiscounted cash flows.

Currency derivatives 
– inflows
– outflows

Company

Non-derivative financial liabilities:
Payables due to subsidiaries
Accruals
Other payables
Bank overdrafts

Non-derivative financial liabilities:
Payables due to subsidiaries
Loans from subsidiaries
Accruals
Other payables
Bank overdrafts

The Company did not have any derivative financial liabilities.

On demand or within one year

2014 
$m

2013 
$m

17.8
(17.8)

34.1
(32.2)

2014

On demand 
or within one 
year 
$m

Between two 
and five years 
$m

0.3
0.8
0.2
6.5

7.8

–
–
–
–

–

2013

On demand 
or within one 
year 
$m

Between two 
and five years 
$m

Total 
$m

0.3
0.8
0.2
6.5

7.8

Total 
$m

5.5
6.6
5.1
0.2
3.3

20.7

–
85.6
9.0
–
–

94.6

5.5
92.2
14.1
0.2
3.3

115.3

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION126

30. Financial Risk Management continued
(e) Capital Risk Management
The Group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing capital are outlined in the Strategic Report within the Financial Capital Management section 
on page 32. Within this section, the Group provides a definition of capital, provides details of the external financial covenants imposed, key measures for 
managing capital and the objectives for managing capital. Quantitative disclosures have been made together with the parameters for meeting external 
financial covenants. 

31. Financial Instruments: Sensitivity Analysis 
The following sensitivity analysis is intended to illustrate the sensitivity to changes in market variables on the Group’s and Company’s financial instruments 
and show the impact on profit or loss and shareholders’ equity. Financial instruments affected by market risk include cash and cash equivalents, borrowings, 
deposits and derivative financial instruments. The sensitivity analysis relates to the position as at 31 December 2014.

The analysis excludes the impact of movements in market variables on the carrying value of pension and other post-retirement obligations, provisions and 
on the non-financial assets and liabilities of foreign operations.

The following assumptions have been made in calculating the sensitivity analysis:
 ʱ Foreign exchange rate and interest rate sensitivities have an asymmetric impact on the Group’s results, that is, an increase in rates does not result in the 

same amount of movement as a decrease in rates.

 ʱ For floating rate assets and liabilities, the amount of asset or liability outstanding at the balance sheet date is assumed to be outstanding for the whole 

year.

 ʱ Fixed rate financial instruments that are carried at amortised cost are not subject to interest rate risk for the purpose of this analysis.
 ʱ The carrying values of financial assets and liabilities carried at amortised cost do not change as interest rates change.

Positive figures represent an increase in profit or equity.

(i) Interest Rate Sensitivity
The sensitivity rate of 0.25% (2013 – 0.25%) for US interest rates represents management’s assessment of a reasonably possible change, based on historical 
volatility and a review of analysts’ research and banks’ expectations of future interest rates.

Group
The post-tax impact on the income statement, with all other variables held constant, at 31 December, for an increase of 0.25% (2013 – 0.25%) in US interest 
rates, is to reduce profits by $0.2m (2013 – $0.5m). If US interest rates were to decrease by 0.25% (2013 – 0.25%), then the post-tax impact on the income 
statement would be to increase profits by $0.2m (2013 – $0.5m). The movements arise on US dollar denominated borrowings. There is no impact on other 
comprehensive income (“OCI”) for a change in interest rates.

Company
The post-tax impact on the income statement, with all other variables held constant, at 31 December, for an increase of 0.25% (2013 – 0.25%) in the UK 
interest rate, is $nil (2013 – a profit reduction of $0.1m). If the UK interest rate were to decrease by 0.25% (2013 – 0.25%), then the post-tax impact would be 
$nil (2013 – a profit increase of $0.1m). 

The post-tax impact on the income statement, with all other variables held constant, at 31 December, for an increase of 0.25% (2013 – 0.25%) in US interest 
rates, is to increase profits by $0.4m (2013– $nil). If the US interest rates were to decrease by 0.25% (2013 – $nil), then the post-tax impact would be to reduce 
profits by $0.4m (2013 – $nil). The movements arise on US dollar denominated intra-group loans.

There is no impact on OCI for a change in interest rates.

(ii) Foreign Exchange Rate Sensitivity
The sensitivity rate of 10% (2013 – 10%) for Sterling and Canadian dollar exchange rates represents management’s assessment of a reasonably possible 
change, based on historical volatility and a review of analysts’ research and banks’ expectations of future foreign exchange rates.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED127

31. Financial Instruments: Sensitivity Analysis continued
Group
The table below shows the post-tax impact for the year of a reasonable change in foreign exchange rates, with all other variables held constant,  
at 31 December.

Sterling exchange rates +10% (2013: +10%)
Sterling exchange rates –10% (2013: –10%)
Canadian dollar exchange rates +10% (2013: +10%)
Canadian dollar exchange rates –10% (2013: –10%)

2014

2013

Income 
statement
$m

(0.5)
0.9
(0.8)
0.9

OCI
$m

1.6
(2.0)
(5.1)
5.5

Income 
Statement
$m

(12.6)
2.1
(0.1)
0.1

OCI
$m

18.6
(22.4)
(1.8)
2.2

The movements in the income statement mainly arise from cash, bank overdrafts, intra-group balances and accrued expenses where the functional 
currency of the entity is different from the currency that the monetary items are denominated in.

The movements in OCI in 2014 arise from net Sterling and Canadian dollar borrowings designated in a hedge of net investments in foreign subsidiaries and 
from US and Canadian dollar denominated loans that have been recognised as part of the Group’s net investment in foreign subsidiaries. The movements 
in OCI in 2013 arise from Sterling and Canadian dollar denominated loans that have been recognised as part of the Group’s net investment in foreign 
subsidiaries.

Company
The table below shows the post-tax impact for the year of a reasonably possible change in the Sterling and Canadian dollar exchange rate, with all other 
variables held constant, at 31 December.

Sterling exchange rates +10% (2013: +10%)
Sterling exchange rates –10% (2013: –10%)
Canadian dollar exchange rates +10% (2013: +10%)
Canadian dollar exchange rates –10% (2013: –10%)

2014

2013

Income 
statement
$m

0.4
(0.5)
–
–

OCI
$m

–
–
–
–

Income 
Statement
$m

4.5
(5.6)
(0.2)
0.3

OCI
$m

–
–
–
0.1

The movement in the income statement arises from Sterling denominated receivables, cash, accrued expenses, intra-group balances and borrowings and 
Canadian dollar denominated receivables.

The movement in OCI in 2013 relates to the environmental escrow.

32. Post-Employment Benefits
Group
Pensions
Within the UK, the Group operates a funded pension scheme, which includes a defined benefit section with benefits linked to final salary and a defined 
contribution section with benefits dependent on future investment returns. The defined benefit section is closed to new UK employees who are offered 
membership of the defined contribution section. The majority of UK employees are members of one of these arrangements.

The UK scheme is registered with HMRC for tax purposes, and is operated separately from the Group and managed by a Board of trustees. The trustees are 
responsible for the payment of benefits and the management of the scheme’s assets.

The UK scheme is subject to UK regulations, which require the Group and the trustees to agree a funding strategy and contributions schedule for the 
defined benefit section of the UK scheme. Contributions to the defined contribution section of the UK scheme and other Group defined contribution 
arrangements are payable in addition and are charged directly to profit and loss.

Risk Exposures and Investment Strategy
The weighted average duration to payment of the projected future cash flows from the defined benefit section of the UK scheme is about 17 years. The 
scheme is managed so that it is well funded and represents a low risk to the Group. In particular, the scheme’s assets are invested in a range of deferred 
annuity and immediate annuity policies with two insurers, which largely match the benefits to be paid to members of the scheme. This strategy 
significantly reduces the Group’s investment, inflation and demographic risks in relation to the scheme’s liabilities. This is demonstrated by the relative 
stability of the Group’s pension asset from year-to-year. The position would change materially if one of the insurers were no longer able to meet its 
obligations as the pension obligation ultimately rests with the Group.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION128

32. Post-Employment Benefits continued
Funding Strategy
The trustees and the Group together agree a funding strategy for the scheme every three years. Under this agreement, the Group expects to contribute 
approximately $4.8m to the defined benefit section of the UK scheme in the next reporting period.

The net assets for the UK post-employment benefit scheme are:

Present value of funded obligations
Fair value of plan assets

Net asset

Changes in the net asset recognised in the balance sheet

Opening balance sheet net asset
Exchange adjustments
Expense charged to income statement
Amount recognised in other comprehensive income
Employer contributions paid

Closing balance sheet net asset

2014 
$m

(438.3)
469.2

30.9

2013 
$m

(428.2)
457.8

29.6

2014 
$m

29.6
(1.8)
(4.3)
2.1
5.3

30.9

2013 
$m

22.8
0.8
(4.1)
4.2
5.9

29.6

The Group has concluded that it can recognise the full amount of this surplus on the grounds that it could gain sufficient economic benefit from a future 
reduction of its contributions to the scheme.

Movements in the present value of the defined benefit obligation for the defined benefit section of the UK scheme

Opening defined benefit obligation
Exchange adjustments
Current service cost (employer)
Contributions by plan participants
Interest on benefit obligations
Remeasurements due to:
  Changes in financial assumptions
  Changes in demographic assumptions
  Experience on benefit obligations
Benefits and expenses paid

Present value of the obligation at the end of the year

Movements in the fair value of the assets for the defined benefit section of the UK scheme

Opening fair value of plan assets
Exchange adjustments
Interest on plan assets
Actual returns over interest on plan assets
Contributions paid by employer
Contributions paid by plan participants 
Benefits and expenses paid

Closing fair value of plan assets

2014 
$m

428.2
(27.2)
5.8
0.5
18.3

31.6
–
(0.3)
(18.6)

2013 
$m

391.4
9.0
5.2
0.5
15.8

15.0
5.6
2.4
(16.7)

438.3

428.2

2014 
$m

457.8
(29.0)
19.8
33.4
5.3
0.5
(18.6)

469.2

2013 
$m

414.2
9.8
16.9
27.2
5.9
0.5
(16.7)

457.8

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED129

32. Post-Employment Benefits continued
The “Actual returns over interest on plan assets” shown in the table above principally includes the impact that the changes in financial assumptions have had on 
the value of the insurance annuity policies. The gain due to these factors offsets the corresponding loss on the remeasurement of the defined benefit 
obligation, demonstrating that the pensions-related risks have been mitigated by the scheme’s investment strategy. In particular, the gain on the assets is 
greater than the loss on the defined benefit obligation because the value of the insurance annuity policies exceeds the value of the defined benefit obligation.

The major asset categories for the defined benefit section of the UK scheme are:

Insurance annuity policies
Multi-asset fund
Cash/other

Fair value of plan assets

The scheme does not invest in property occupied by the Group or in financial securities issued by the Group.

The amounts recognised in the income statement in respect of the UK scheme are: 

Current service cost – recognised within operating expenses
Net interest on the defined benefit asset – recognised within interest income

Total expense included within staff costs (note 10)

The current service cost includes $1.5m (2013 – $1.3m) of administration costs.

2014 
$m

459.8
7.8
1.6

469.2

2013 
$m

452.7
–
5.1

457.8

2014 
$m

5.8
(1.5)

4.3

2013 
$m

5.2
(1.1)

4.1

In addition, employer contributions of $10.8m (2013 – $9.4m) for various Group defined contribution arrangements (including the defined contribution 
section of the UK scheme) are recognised in the income statement.

Special Events
There were no special events during 2014. During 2013, a tranche of benefits was secured with one of the insurers. The effect of this was recognised in other 
comprehensive income. 

The principal assumptions used for accounting purposes reflect prevailing market conditions and are:

Discount rate
Future pension increase
Future salary increase

Mortality assumption – life expectancy 

Male aged 65 at the accounting date
Female aged 65 at the accounting date
Male aged 65 in 20 years
Female aged 65 in 20 years

The assumptions used to determine the end-of-year benefit obligations are also used to calculate the following year’s cost.

2014 

2013 

3.6% p.a
3.2% p.a
5.2% p.a

4.4% p.a
3.6% p.a
5.6% p.a

2014 
Years

24.9
27.1
27.6
29.5

2013 
Years

24.8
27.0
27.4
29.4

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION130

32. Post-Employment Benefits continued
Sensitivity Analysis
Apart from the assumption for salary increases, the change in the obligation arising as a result of changes in the above assumptions is broadly matched  
by a corresponding change in the value of the insurance policies, so that the impact on the net balance sheet asset is significantly dampened.

A 0.25% p.a. increase in the salary increase assumption would increase the defined benefit obligation by about $2.7m (2013 – $1.7m) without having any 
impact on the value of the scheme’s assets.

Unfunded Defined Benefit Pension Scheme
The Group also operates a cash balance arrangement in the US for certain executives. Members build up benefits in this arrangement by way of notional 
contributions and notional investment returns. Actual contributions are paid into an entirely separate investment vehicle held by the Company, which  
is used to pay benefits due from the cash balance arrangement when the member retires.

Under IAS 19, the cash balance arrangement is accounted for as an unfunded defined benefit scheme.

The amounts recognised in the income statement during the year were $0.2m (2013 – $0.2m) for the employer’s current service cost (recognised in 
operating expenses) and $0.3m (2013 – $0.1m) interest cost (recognised in interest expense).

Movements in the present value of the obligation for the defined US Deferred Compensation Plan

Present value of the obligation at the start of the year
Current service cost (equal to the notional contributions)
Contributions by plan participants
Interest on benefit obligations
Remeasurement – excess of notional investment returns over interest cost

Present value of the obligation at the end of the year

2014 
$m

8.0
0.2
–
0.3
0.4

8.9

2013 
$m

5.7
0.2
0.1
0.1
1.9

8.0

Company
The Company has no employees and therefore does not participate in any of the above schemes, although it does guarantee the contributions due by the 
participating employers.

33. Share Capital and Share Premium
Group and Company

At 1 January
Shares issued – share option schemes and awards

At 31 December

At 1 January
Shares issued – share option schemes and awards

At 31 December

Number of 
Ordinary  
shares of 
 25p each
Number

147,742,760
725,917

148,468,677

Number of 
Ordinary  
shares of  
25p each
Number

147,049,241
693,519

147,742,760

2014

Ordinary 
shares of  
25p each 
$m

61.3
0.3

61.6

2013

Ordinary 
shares of  
25p each 
$m

61.0
0.3

61.3

Share 
premium 
$m

150.6
1.3

151.9

Share 
premium 
$m

149.1
1.5

150.6

There are no restrictions attached to any of the Ordinary shares in issue and all Ordinary shares carry equal voting rights. The rights attached to the 
Company’s Ordinary shares are summarised on page 49. All of the Ordinary shares in issue are fully paid.

At 31 December 2014, 986,944 (2013 – 986,731) Ordinary shares were held by an Employee Benefit Trust. Details of the carrying amount are set out in note 35.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED131

34. Other Components of Equity
Group 
Year ended 31 December 2014

At 1 January 
Exchange adjustments net of tax
Release of foreign exchange losses net of tax
Fair value gains and losses:
– gain transferred to income statement on redemption of available for sale investment
– losses originating on cash flow hedges arising during the year net of tax
– gains transferred to income statement on disposal of cash flow hedges net of tax
Share options
– value of employee services
– discharge

At 31 December

Year ended 31 December 2013

At 1 January
Exchange adjustments net of tax
Fair value gains and losses:
– gain on available for sale investment arising during the year net of tax
– gains originating on cash flow hedges arising during the year net of tax
– gains transferred to income statement on disposal of cash flow hedges net of tax
Share options
– value of employee services
– discharge

At 31 December

Company
Year ended 31 December 2014

Other 
reserves
$m

Cash flow 
hedge 
reserve
$m

12.7
–
–

(0.2)
–
–

7.2
(4.6)

15.1

Other 
reserves
$m

12.7
–

0.2
–
–

3.4
(3.6)

12.7

1.4
–
–

–
(0.1)
(1.3)

–
–

–

Cash flow 
hedge  
reserve
$m

0.1
–

–
1.5
(0.2)

–
–

1.4

At 1 January
Fair value gains and losses:
– gain transferred to income statement on redemption of available for sale investment
Share options and awards
– value of employee services
– discharge

At 31 December

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
$m

Share option 
reserve
$m

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
$m

0.2

12.3

(19.2)

–

–
–

0.2

–

7.2
(4.6)

14.9

–

–
–

(19.2)

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
$m

27.5
(15.7)
3.8

–
–
–

–
–

15.6

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
$m

29.2
(1.7)

–
–
–

–
–

27.5

Other 
reserves
$m

0.2

(0.2)

–
–

–

Total
$m

41.6
(15.7)
3.8

(0.2)
(0.1)
(1.3)

7.2
(4.6)

30.7

Total
$m

42.0
(1.7)

0.2
1.5
(0.2)

3.4
(3.6)

41.6

Total
$m

(6.5)

(0.2)

7.2
(4.6)

(4.1)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION132

34. Other Components of Equity continued
Year ended 31 December 2013

At 1 January
Fair value gains and losses:
– gain on available for sale investment arising during the year
Share options and awards
– value of employee services
– discharge

At 31 December

35. Retained Earnings

At 1 January
Profit for the year
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes net of tax
Dividends paid
Treasury shares
– purchase of Treasury shares
Share options and awards
– discharge 
– taxation
Other

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
$m

Share option 
reserve
$m

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
$m

0.2

12.5

(19.2)

–

–
–

0.2

–

3.4
(3.6)

12.3

–

–
–

(19.2)

Other 
reserves
$m

–

0.2

–
–

0.2

Total
$m

(6.5)

0.2

3.4
(3.6)

(6.5)

Group

2014 
$m

1,130.4
69.2
1.5
(44.1)

(7.5)

11.3
3.1
–

2013 
$m

1,050.9
117.9
2.8
(42.5)

(6.7)

9.2
(1.3)
0.1

Company

2014 
$m

259.1
195.9
–
(44.1)

2013 
$m

247.0
52.1
–
(42.5)

(7.5)

(6.7)

11.3
–
–

9.2
–
–

At 31 December

1,163.9

1,130.4

414.7

259.1

The taxation credit taken directly to equity of $3.1m (2013 – charge of $1.3m) comprises a current tax credit of $4.1m (2013 – $1.0m) and a deferred tax charge 
of $1.0m (2013 – $2.3m).

Retained earnings include the following amounts in respect of the carrying amount of Treasury shares:

Cost:
At 1 January
Purchase of Treasury shares
Disposal of Treasury shares

At 31 December

The loss on disposal of Treasury shares during the year, which is recognised in retained earnings, was: 

Loss on disposal

Group

2014 
$m

(13.8)
(7.5)
6.5

(14.8)

2013 
$m

(12.0)
(6.7)
4.9

(13.8)

Company

2014 
$m

2013 
$m

(13.8)
(7.5)
6.5

(14.8)

(12.0)
(6.7)
4.9

(13.8)

Group

Company

2014 
$m

(6.5)

2013 
$m

(4.9)

2014 
$m

(6.5)

2013 
$m

(4.9)

Company
In accordance with the exemption allowed by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company has not presented its own income statement and 
statement of comprehensive income. A profit of $195.9m (2013 – $52.1m) has been accounted for in the financial statements of the Company.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED133

36. Dividends Paid
Group and Company

Ordinary dividends:
2014 interim paid
2013 final paid
2013 interim paid
2012 final paid

2014

Cents per 
share

8.1
21.8
–
–

29.9

$m

12.0
32.1
–
–

44.1

2013

Cents per 
share

–
–
7.7
21.3

29.0

$m

–
–
11.3
31.2

42.5

A final dividend of 22.9 cents per share has been proposed by the Board, amounting to an estimated distribution of $33.7m. The dividend will be paid in 
Sterling on 26 May 2015 and the Sterling value of the dividend payable per share will be fixed and announced approximately two weeks prior to the 
payment date based on the average spot exchange rate over the three business days preceding the announcement date. The proposed final dividend is 
subject to approval by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 15 April 2015 and has not been provided for in these financial 
statements.

37. Share-based Payments
Group and Company
(a) 2001 Executive Share Option Plan 
The Company operated an executive share option plan between 2001 and 2008 which granted options to eligible employees. Under this scheme, the  
final granting of options occurred on 4 March 2008 and the final vesting of options occurred on 4 March 2011. There is no longer a charge to the income 
statement attributable to this scheme. Following successful vesting of the options, the employee, subject to continued employment, has seven years  
in which to exercise the option. Details of movements in the outstanding share options are set out below.

Share Option Movements During the Year

Outstanding at beginning of the year
Exercised during the year

Outstanding and exercisable at the year end

2014

2013

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price
p

Number of 
options

354 2,006,243
160
(348,096)

454 1,658,147

Weighted 
average 
exercise  
price
p

348
318

354

Number of 
options

1,658,147
(563,834)

1,094,313

Options were granted with an exercise price equal to the average closing mid-market price of the Company’s share price for the three trading days prior  
to the date of grant.

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise during 2014 was 873.5p (2013 – 883.0p).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION134

37. Share-based Payments continued
Share Options Outstanding at the Year End

Executive Share Options 2004 – vested
Executive Share Options 2005 – vested
Executive Share Options 2006 – vested
Executive Share Options 2007 – vested
Executive Share Options 2008 – vested

2014
Number of 
options

2013
Number of 
options

Exercise price 
range
p

–
372,831
298,471
216,534
206,477

478,754
409,536
323,014
229,659
217,184

1,094,313 1,658,147

116.9
220.7
383.0
640.0
784.5

Exercise period

31.03.07–30.03.14
09.03.08–08.03.15
08.03.09–07.03.16
06.03.10–05.03.17
04.03.11–03.03.18

(b) 2009 Performance Share Plan (“PSP”)
Performance based awards and options
The Company granted performance based share awards and options under the PSP between 2009 and 2013. Under the PSP annual conditional awards of 
shares and options were made to executive Directors and senior employees. Awards and options are subject to performance conditions during the vesting 
period. The PSP was replaced by the 2014 Hunting Performance Share Plan (“HPSP”) following shareholder approval of the HPSP at the Annual General 
Meeting (“AGM”) of the Company on 16 April 2014. The final grant under the PSP occurred in 2013 and will vest in 2016, subject to performance conditions 
and continued service. Awards and options were granted at nil cost under the PSP.

The performance based awards and options will vest subject to total shareholder return (“TSR”) over a three year period from the date of grant, relative to 
comparator companies from the Dow Jones US Oil Equipment and Services sector index and the DJ STOXX TM Oil Equipment and Services sector index.

Details of the performance based PSP awards and options movements during the year are set out below:

Outstanding at beginning of the year
Granted during the year
Vested during the year
Lapsed during the year

Outstanding at the end of the year

Details of the performance based awards and options outstanding at 31 December 2014 are as follows:

25 February 2011
17 April 2012
20 March 2013

Outstanding at the end of the year

Number of 
awards 
2014

568,664
–
–
(184,981)

Number of 
awards 
2013

712,056
177,027
(171,910)
(148,509)

383,683

568,664

Number of 
awards 
2014

Number of 
awards 
2013

–
218,963
164,720

174,020
225,564
169,080

383,683

568,664

Normal 
vesting date

25.02.14
17.04.15
20.03.16

There were no exercises of the performance based PSP awards and options during 2014. The weighted average share price at the date of exercise during 
2013 was 904.6p.

The fair value charge to the income statement attributable to the performance based PSP is $1.3m (2013 – $0.8m), which is recognised in  
operating expenses.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED135

37. Share-based Payments continued
Time based awards and options
The Company granted time based share awards and options under the PSP between 2009 and 2013. Annual awards of shares and options were made to 
employees subject to continued employment during the vesting period. There were no performance conditions attached. Time based awards will 
continue to be granted under the HPSP. The final grant under the PSP occurred in 2013 and will vest in 2016. Awards and options were granted at nil cost 
under the PSP.

Details of the time based PSP awards and options movements during the year are as follows:

Outstanding at beginning of the year
Granted during the year
Vested during the year
Lapsed during the year

Outstanding at the end of the year

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise during 2014 was 864.0p (2013 – 906.0p).

Details of the time based PSP awards and options outstanding at 31 December 2014 are as follows:

Date of grant

25 February 2011
17 April 2012
20 March 2013

Outstanding at the end of the year

Number of 
awards 
2014

747,166
–
(158,665)
(35,004)

Number of 
awards 
2013

603,701
418,923
(177,812)
(97,646)

553,497

747,166

Number of 
awards 
2014

Number of 
awards 
2013

1,969
204,266
347,262

154,686
219,572
372,908

553,497

747,166

Normal 
vesting date

25.02.14
17.04.15
20.03.16

The fair value charge to the income statement attributable to the time based PSP is $2.5m (2013 – $2.6m), which is recognised in operating expenses.

(c) 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”)
The Company granted awards to key executives under the LTIP between 2004 and 2013. The LTIP expired in 2014 in line with Plan rules following ten years  
of operation. Awards under the LTIP will continue to vest until 2016. LTIP awards may be settled in shares or cash. Details of awards made under this plan  
are contained within the Remuneration Committee Report on page 65.

The fair value charge to the income statement attributable to the LTIP is $0.5m (2013 – $6.6m) and the liability in relation to the LTIP at the year end is $6.8m 
(2013 – $13.5m).

(d) 2014 Hunting Performance Share Plan (“HPSP”)
Performance based awards 
The Company grants performance based share awards under the HPSP, which replaces both the LTIP which expired in 2014 and the PSP which will no 
longer be used. On 1 May 2014 the first performance based awards under the HPSP were granted to executive Directors and senior employees. Awards are 
granted at nil cost under the HPSP.

The performance based HPSP awards granted in the year are divided equally into three tranches. Each tranche is subject to a three year vesting period, and 
is also subject to performance conditions. The three conditions are Company performance over a three year period against (i) the TSR of a bespoke peer 
group; (ii) Earnings per share (“EPS”) growth and (iii) average Return on Capital Employed (“ROCE”). The performance period for 2014 awards granted under 
the HPSP is 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION136

37. Share-based Payments continued
Details of the performance based HPSP awards movements during the year are set out below:

Granted during the year
Lapsed during the year

Outstanding at the end of the year

The normal vesting date of these first awards is 1 May 2017.

Number of 
awards  
2014

707,376
(14,626)

692,750

Time based awards 
The Company grants time based share awards under the HPSP. Annual awards of shares may be made to employees subject to continued employment 
during the vesting period. On 1 May 2014 the first time based awards were granted. There are no performance conditions attached. Awards are granted  
at nil cost under the HPSP. 

Details of time based HPSP awards movements during the year are set out below:

Granted during the year
Vested during the year
Lapsed during the year

Outstanding at the end of the year

Number of 
awards
2014

681,850
(429)
(26,579)

654,842

The normal vesting date of these first awards is 1 May 2017 although awards may vest earlier on a pro-rata basis under certain circumstances. The weighted 
average share price at the date of exercise during 2014 was 649.0p.

Fair value of HPSP awards
The fair value of awards granted under the HPSP are calculated using two separate models:

(1)  The fair value of awards subject to a market related performance condition, specifically Company performance against the TSR of a bespoke peer group, 

has been calculated using the Stochastic pricing model (also known as the “Monte Carlo” model).

The assumptions used in this model were as follows:

Date of grant/valuation date
Weighted average share price at grant
Exercise price
Expected dividend yield
Expected volatility
Risk free rate
Expected life
Fair value

2014

1 May 2014
839.5p
nil
nil
32.3%
1.08%
3 years
463.9p

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 
137

37. Share-based Payments continued
(2)  The fair value of performance based awards not subject to a market related performance condition, specifically Company performance against EPS and 

ROCE targets, and the time based HPSP awards has been calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing model. 

The assumptions used in this model were as follows:

Date of grant/valuation date
Weighted average share price at grant
Exercise price
Expected dividend yield
Expected volatility
Risk free rate
Expected life
Fair value

The methods to calculate the assumptions for both models are:

2014

1 May 2014
839.5p
nil
nil
32.3%
1.08%
3 years
839.5p

 ʱ The expected volatility was calculated using historic weekly volatility, equal in length to the remaining portion of the performance period at the date  

of grant.

 ʱ The expected life of the award has been calculated commensurate with the vesting period. The risk free rate is based on the UK gilt rate commensurate 

with the vesting period prevailing at the date of grant. 

 ʱ Participants are entitled to a dividend equivalent over the number of shares that make up their award. It is accumulated over the vesting period and 
released subject to the achievement of the performance conditions. This is factored into the fair value calculation and as a result the dividend yield 
assumption is set to zero.

 ʱ The initial accounting charge of the performance based HPSP awards granted under the HPSP incorporates an estimate of the number of shares that are 
expected to lapse for those participants who cease employment during the vesting period. The estimate of the expected forfeiture rate is 2.5% per 
annum. The subsequent accounting charge for 2014 includes an adjustment to the initial accounting charge to allow for actual lapses rather than 
estimated lapses.

The 2014 charge to the income statement attributable to the performance based HPSP awards is $1.4m (2013 – $nil) and to the time based HPSP awards is 
$2.0m (2013 – $nil). These are recognised in operating expenses.

38. Operating Leases
The Group as Lessee
Operating lease payments from continuing operations mainly represent rentals payable by the Group for properties:

Operating lease payments recognised in income statement:
Lease and rental payments

13.7

2.5

16.2

12.1

2.0

14.1

Total future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases expiring:

Property
$m

2014

Others
$m

Total
$m

Property
$m

Restated 
2013

Others
$m

Total
$m

Within one year
Between two and five years
After five years

Total lease payments

Property
$m

13.1
32.6
27.2

72.9

2014

Others
$m

0.8
1.1
–

1.9

Total
$m

13.9
33.7
27.2

74.8

Property
$m

13.9
36.6
21.1

71.6

2013

Others
$m

0.9
1.3
–

2.2

Total
$m

14.8
37.9
21.1

73.8

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
138

38. Operating Leases continued
The Group as Lessor
Property rental earned during the year was $1.2m (2013 – $1.4m). A number of the Group’s leasehold properties are sublet under existing lease agreements.

Total future minimum sublease income receivable under non-cancellable operating leases expiring:

Within one year
Between two and five years
After five years

Total lease income receivable

2014 
Property 
$m

2013  
Property 
$m

0.6
2.8
2.1

5.5

1.0
3.1
3.0

7.1

39. Exploration and Evaluation Activities
The assets, liabilities, income, expense and cash flows arising on the Group’s exploration for and evaluation of oil and gas resources are as follows: 

The Group has assets of $nil (2013 – $1.0m) and liabilities of $nil (2013 – $2.9m) relating to the exploration for and evaluation of oil and gas reserves.

During the year, income earned on exploration and evaluation activities was $nil (2013 – $nil), expenses incurred for the year were $1.7m (2013 – $2.6m) and 
finance costs incurred were $nil (2013 – $0.3m), with tax relief of $0.6m (2013 – $1.0m). Expenses comprise $1.7m (2013 – $2.6m) for dry hole costs.

Cash inflows from operating activities were $1.0m (2013 – $0.8m), cash outflows from investing activities were $1.7m (2013 – $2.6m) and cash inflows from 
financing activities were $nil (2013 – $1.8m).

The Group is committed to $nil (2013 – $nil) for future drilling costs.

40. Related Party Transactions
Group
The following related party transactions took place between wholly owned subsidiaries of the Group and associates during the year: 

Transactions:
  Sales of goods and services
  Purchase of goods and services
  Royalties receivable
  Dividends received from associates
Movement on loans to and from associates:
  Loans from associates repaid
  Loans to associates repaid
Year-end balances:
  Receivables from associates
  Payables to associates

2014 
$m

0.1
(0.1)
0.2
4.5

–
0.6

0.1
(0.1)

2013 
$m

0.1
–
0.4
1.2

(0.1)
0.4

0.6
(0.1)

The outstanding balances at the year end are unsecured and have no fixed date for repayment. No expense has been recognised in the year for bad  
or doubtful debts in respect of amounts owed by associates.

All interests in associates are in the equity shares of those companies.

The key management of the Company comprises the executive and non-executive Directors only. The details of the Directors’ compensation are disclosed 
in note 10. The Directors of the Company had no material transactions other than as a result of their service agreements.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED139

40. Related Party Transactions continued
Company
The following related party transactions took place between the Company and wholly owned subsidiaries of the Group during the year:

Transactions:
  Royalties receivable
  Management fees payable
  Recharges of share options and awards and administrative expenses
  Loans received from subsidiaries
  Loans from subsidiaries repaid
  Loan to subsidiary
  Loan to subsidiary repaid

Interest payable on inter-company loans
Interest receivable on inter-company loans

  Dividends received from subsidiaries
Year-end balances:
  Payables to subsidiaries
  Receivables from subsidiaries
  Loans owed to subsidiaries
  Loans owed by subsidiaries

2014 
$m

2013 
$m

19.4
(8.0)
9.6
–
(92.2)
(171.2)
15.5
(0.7)
0.2
144.6

(0.3)
6.3
–
171.2

17.7
(5.1)
11.0
39.5
(35.5)
(15.5)
15.5
(1.3)
0.2
46.1

(5.5)
28.0
(92.2)
15.5

All balances between the Company and its subsidiaries are unsecured.

The Company also serves as the Group’s intermediary for the provision of UK group tax relief, VAT and certain group insurances. At the year end, the 
outstanding receivable for group tax was $2.5m (2013 – $4.0m).

41. Acquisitions
Hunting Specialty Supply, Inc.
On 16 January 2014, a final payment of $3.0m was made to the sellers of Specialty in respect of the contingent consideration arrangement.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
 
140

42. Principal Subsidiaries
The Directors consider that the number of undertakings in respect of which the Company is required to disclose under Section 409 of the Companies Act 
2006 would result in information of excessive length being given in the notes to the Company’s annual accounts. In accordance with Section 410(2) of the 
Companies Act 2006, the information below relates to those Group undertakings at the financial year end whose results and/or financial position, in the 
opinion of the Directors, principally affect the figures of the consolidated financial statements of Hunting PLC. Details of all the subsidiary undertakings will 
be annexed to the next Annual Return of Hunting PLC to be filed at Companies House.

All Companies listed below are wholly owned by the Group, except where otherwise indicated.

Subsidiaries

Country of incorporation and/or operations

Business

Oil and Gas activities
Hunting Energy Services (Canada) Ltd
Hunting Energy Services (Drilling Tools) Ltd
Hunting Energy Services (Wuxi) Co. Ltd (70%)
Hunting Energy Services (International) Limited
PT Hunting Energy Asia
Hunting Energy Services Limited
Hunting Energy Services (UK) Limited (60%)
Hunting Energy Services (Well Intervention) Limited
Hunting Welltonic Limited
Hunting Energy Services (International) Pte. Ltd.
Hunting Energy Services Pte. Ltd.
Hunting Energy Services (China) Pte. Ltd. (70%)
Hunting Energy Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd
National Coupling Company, Inc.
Hunting Energy Services, Inc.

Hunting Dearborn, Inc.
Hunting Energy Services (Drilling Tools), Inc.
Hunting Innova, Inc.

Hunting Specialty Supply, Inc.
Hunting Titan, Inc.

Other activities
E.A. Gibson Shipbrokers Limited
Tenkay Resources, Inc.

Canada
Canada
China
England and Scotland
Indonesia
Scotland
Scotland and Netherlands
Scotland, USA, Singapore and UAE
Scotland
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
South Africa
USA
USA

USA
USA
USA

USA
USA

Oilfield services
Drilling equipment
Oilfield services
Oilfield services
Oilfield services
Oilfield services
Oilfield services
Oilfield services
Oilfield services
Oilfield services
Oilfield services
Oilfield services
Oilfield services
Oilfield services
Oilfield and trenchless drilling products 
and services
Oilfield services – precision engineering
Drilling equipment
Oilfield services electronic component 
manufacturer
Oilfield services
Oilfield services – perforating systems

England, Hong Kong and Singapore
USA

Shipbroking
Oil and natural gas exploration
and production

Corporate activities
Hunting Energy Holdings Limited*
Hunting Oil Holdings Limited*
Hunting Knightsbridge Holdings Limited
Hunting Knightsbridge (US) Finance Limited
Huntaven Properties Limited
Hunting U.S. Holdings, Inc.
Hunting Energy Corporation

England
England
England
England
England
USA
USA

Holding company
Holding company
Finance
Finance
Group properties
Holding company
Holding company

Notes
1 
2 
3  All interests in subsidiaries and associates are in the equity shares of those companies.

Except where otherwise stated companies are wholly owned, being incorporated and operating in the countries indicated.
Interests in companies marked * are held directly by Hunting PLC.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED141

43. Principal Accounting Policies 
The Group’s principal accounting policies are described below: 
(1) Consolidation
 ʱ The Group accounts include the results of the Company and its subsidiaries, together with its share of associates.
 ʱ Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and are de-consolidated from the date control ceases.
 ʱ The Group uses the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. Consequently, the consideration is determined as the fair value of the 

net assets transferred to the vendor and includes an estimate of any contingent consideration. The net assets acquired are also measured at their 
respective fair values for initial recognition purposes on the acquisition date.
 ʱ Acquisition-related costs are expensed to the income statement as incurred.

(2) Discontinued Operations
 ʱ A discontinued operation is a component of the Group that has either been disposed of or that is classified as held for sale, which represents a separate 
major line of business or geographical area of operations and is part of a single coordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or 
geographical area of operations.

 ʱ Discontinued operations are presented separately in the income statement and are shown net of tax.

(3) Revenue
 ʱ Revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the provision of goods or services in the ordinary course of business, 

taking into account trade discounts and volume rebates, and is stated net of sales taxes.

 ʱ Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the customer, which is 

normally on delivery of the products. Products include manufactured goods and OCTG supplies, including tubulars acquired by Hunting as plain-end 
pipe on which lathing work has been applied and which is resold as threaded pipe.

 ʱ Revenue from the sale of services is recognised when the services are rendered. The Group’s service activities principally comprise lathing work on 

customer-owned plain-end pipe in order to apply a thread to each pipe end and commissions earned from shipbroking.

 ʱ Revenue from the rental of plant and equipment is recognised as the income is earned.

(4) Amortisation and Exceptional Items
Exceptional items are items of income or expense which the Directors believe should be separately disclosed by virtue of their significant size or nature  
to enable a better understanding of the Group’s financial performance. The Group discloses such items in the “middle column” of the income statement.  
In applying this policy, the following items have been treated as exceptional:
 ʱ The unwinding of fair value uplifts to inventories that were initially capitalised upon a business acquisition. The unwind is dealt with as an exceptional 
item to ensure that post acquisition gross profit is based on the cost of production or purchase of inventory and is therefore consistent with and 
comparable to normal trading transactions in existing companies.

 ʱ Impairments of property, plant and equipment held by the Exploration and Production division. As the valuations are subject to the frequent changes  
in long-term oil and gas prices, such impairments can lead to volatility in the income statement that is unrelated to the underlying performance of the 
business. For this reason, dry hole costs are also treated as exceptional.

 ʱ Goodwill impairment charges have been recognised reflecting a combination of factors including a prolonged period of customer de-stocking, 

increased competition and the expected decline in activity due to market conditions.

 ʱ Foreign exchange losses relating to cumulative exchange differences previously recognised in the foreign currency translation reserve which have been 

transferred to the income statement in relation to central non-operating companies which have entered into voluntary liquidation.

 ʱ The release of excess property provisions no longer required following the signing of a lease termination agreement.
 ʱ Litigation settlements and associated legal costs.
 ʱ The tax effect of any transaction considered to be exceptional is also treated as exceptional.

Amortisation expenses for acquired intangible assets are also shown in the “middle column” due to the significance of these amounts and to clearly identify 
the effect on profits, which will arise as current balances become fully written-off, or as new acquisitions give rise to new expenses.

(5) Interest
 ʱ Interest income and expense is recognised in the income statement using the effective interest method.

(6) Foreign Currencies
(a) Individual Subsidiaries’ and Associates’ Accounts
 ʱ The financial statements for each of the Group’s subsidiaries and associates are prepared using their functional currency.
 ʱ The functional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates.
 ʱ Transactions denoted in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rate ruling at the date 

of the transaction.

 ʱ Monetary assets and liabilities, except borrowings designated as a hedging instrument in a net investment hedge, denoted in non-functional currencies 

are retranslated at the exchange rate ruling at the balance sheet date and exchange differences are taken to the income statement.

 ʱ Borrowings designated as a hedging instrument in a net investment hedge are retranslated at the exchange rate ruling at the balance sheet date and 

exchange differences are taken direct to equity.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION142

43. Principal Accounting Policies continued
(b) Group Consolidated Accounts
 ʱ The presentation currency of the Group is US dollars.
 ʱ The net assets of non-US dollar denominated subsidiaries and associates are translated into US dollars at the exchange rates ruling at the balance  

sheet date.

 ʱ The income statements of subsidiaries and associates are translated into US dollars at the average rates of exchange for the year.
 ʱ Exchange differences are recognised directly in equity in the currency translation reserve (“CTR”), together with exchange differences arising on foreign 

currency loans used to finance foreign currency net investments.

 ʱ Upon adoption of IFRS on 1 January 2004, accumulated exchange differences arising on consolidation prior to 31 December 2003 were reset to zero and 

the CTR recommenced under IFRS on 1 January 2004.

 ʱ The balance on the CTR represents the exchange differences arising on the retranslation of non-US dollar amounts into US dollars since 1 January 2004.
 ʱ On the disposal of a business, the cumulative exchange differences previously recognised in the foreign currency translation reserve relating to that 

business are transferred to the income statement as part of the gain or loss on disposal.

(7) Taxation
 ʱ The taxation charge in the income statement comprises current tax and deferred tax arising on the current year’s profit before tax and adjustments to 

tax arising on prior years’ profits.

 ʱ Current tax is the expected tax payable arising in the current year on the current year’s profit before tax, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted 

at the balance sheet date, plus adjustments to tax payable in respect of prior years’ profits.

 ʱ Deferred tax is the expected tax payable on the current year’s profit before tax arising in a future year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted  

at the balance sheet date that are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax liability is settled.

 ʱ Full provision is made for deferred taxation, using the liability method, on all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are 

recognised separately on the balance sheet and are reported as non-current assets.

 ʱ Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that they are expected to be recoverable. Deferred taxation on unremitted overseas earnings  

is provided for to the extent a tax charge is foreseeable.

 ʱ When items of income and expense are recognised in other comprehensive income, the current and deferred tax relating to those items is also 

recognised in other comprehensive income.

 ʱ Tax arising on the discharge of share options and awards is recognised directly in equity.

(8) Segmental Reporting
 ʱ Financial information on operating segments that corresponds with information regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker is disclosed 

in the accounts.

 ʱ Operating segments are components of the Group that are engaged in providing related products.
 ʱ Geographical information is based on the location of where the sale originated and where the non-current assets are located.

(9) Property, Plant and Equipment
(a) General
 ʱ Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment in value. Cost includes expenditure that is directly 

attributable to the acquisition and installation of the asset.

 ʱ Land, pre-production oil and gas exploration costs and assets under construction are not depreciated.
 ʱ With the exception of drilling tools, which are depreciated using the units of production method, and oil and gas exploration and production 

equipment (see 9(b) below), assets are depreciated using the straight-line method at the following rates:

Freehold buildings  
Leasehold buildings  
Plant, machinery and motor vehicles  

– 2% to 10%
– life of lease
– 6% to 331/3%

 ʱ The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.

(b) Exploration Expenditure
 ʱ Oil and gas exploration and appraisal costs are initially capitalised pending determination of the existence of commercial reserves and are included in 

the asset category oil and gas exploration and development.

 ʱ Upon determination that commercially viable quantities of hydrocarbons are not found, the costs are charged immediately to the income statement.
 ʱ Depreciation of oil and gas expenditure commences when production commences. The costs are depreciated using the unit of production method.

(10) Goodwill
 ʱ Goodwill arises when the fair value of the consideration paid for a business exceeds the fair value of the Group’s share of the net assets acquired.
 ʱ Goodwill is recognised as an asset and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses.
 ʱ Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to the cash-generating units or groups of 

cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill arose.

 ʱ On the disposal of a business, goodwill relating to that business that remains on the balance sheet at the date of disposal is included in the 

determination of the profit or loss on disposal.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
143

43. Principal Accounting Policies continued
(11) Other Intangible Assets
 ʱ Other intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses where applicable.
 ʱ These assets have a finite life and are amortised in accordance with the pattern of expected future economic benefits, or when this cannot be reliably 

estimated, by using the straight-line method.

 ʱ Intangible assets are amortised over the following periods:

Customer relationships 
Patents  
Unpatented technology  
Trademarks and domain names  

– eight to ten years
– ten to twelve years
– ten years
– one to five years

(12) Impairments
 ʱ The Group performs goodwill impairment reviews at least annually.
 ʱ The Group also assesses at least annually whether there have been any events or changes in circumstances that indicate that property, plant and 

equipment and intangible assets other than goodwill may be impaired. An impairment review is carried out whenever the assessment indicates that the 
carrying amount may not be fully recoverable.

 ʱ For the purposes of impairment testing, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows.
 ʱ Where impairment exists, the asset is written down to the higher of (a) its fair value minus costs to sell; and (b) its value in use. Impairments are 

recognised immediately in the income statement.

 ʱ An impairment to goodwill is never reversed. When applicable, an impairment of any other asset is reversed, but only to the extent that the consequent 

carrying value does not exceed what would have been the carrying value had the impairment not originally been made.

(13) Inventories
 ʱ Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
 ʱ Cost is determined using the first-in-first-out method and net realisable value is the estimated selling price less costs of disposal in the ordinary course of 

business. The cost of inventories includes direct costs plus production overheads.

(14) Cash and Cash Equivalents
 ʱ Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits with a maturity of less than three months from the date of 

deposit that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash.

 ʱ For cash flow statement purposes, cash and cash equivalents include bank overdrafts and short-term deposits with a maturity of less than three months 

from the date of deposit. In the balance sheet, bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

(15) Loans and Receivables
 ʱ Loans and receivables are initially recognised at fair value at the trade date which is normally the consideration paid plus transaction costs.
 ʱ Loans and receivables are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method. If collection is expected in one year or less they are classified as 

current assets, otherwise they are presented as non-current assets.

 ʱ The Group assesses at each balance sheet date whether a loan or receivable is impaired and if necessary the carrying amount is reduced to the 

appropriate value. The loss is recognised immediately in the income statement.

 ʱ Loans and receivables cease to be recognised when the right to receive cash flows has expired or the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and 

rewards of ownership.

(16) Financial Liabilities
 ʱ Financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value at the trade date which is normally the consideration received less, in the case of financial liabilities 

that are not measured at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs. The Group subsequently remeasures all of its non-derivative financial 
liabilities, including trade payables, at amortised cost.

 ʱ Payables are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year, otherwise they are presented as non-current liabilities.

(17) Provisions
 ʱ Provisions are liabilities for which the amount or timing of future expenditure is uncertain.
 ʱ Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that an outflow of resources will be 

required to settle the obligation.

 ʱ Whenever the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted to their present value.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATION 
 
 
 
144

43. Principal Accounting Policies continued
(18) Post-employment Benefits
(a) Defined Contribution Retirement Schemes
 ʱ Payments to defined contribution retirement schemes are charged to the income statement when they fall due.

(b) Defined Benefit Retirement Schemes
 ʱ Payments to defined benefit retirement schemes are recognised as increments to the assets of the schemes.
 ʱ The amount charged to the income statement with respect to these schemes, within profit from operations, is the increase in the retirement benefit 
obligation resulting from the additional service provided by the participating employees during the current year, which for the funded scheme is 
measured using the Projected Unit method and for the unfunded scheme is equal to the contributions paid.

 ʱ Net interest arising on the net assets of the schemes is also recognised in the income statement within net finance costs.
 ʱ Remeasurement gains and losses are recognised fully and immediately in the statement of comprehensive income.
 ʱ The assets of the funded scheme which are invested in insurance policies have been valued using the same methodology and assumptions used  

to calculate the defined benefit obligation so that, where the assets match the liabilities, the value of the assets is equal to the value of the 
corresponding obligation.

(19) Share-based Payments
 ʱ The Group issues LTIP awards that are share-based payments which can be settled in either cash or equity to certain employees as consideration for 

services received from the employees. A liability is recognised equal to the current fair value of the services received, determined at each balance sheet 
date. The fair value of the liability is remeasured at each subsequent reporting date and at the date of settlement, with any changes in fair value 
recognised in the income statement.

 ʱ The Group also issues equity-settled share-based payments (HPSP awards) to certain employees as consideration for services received from the 

employees. The fair value of the employees’ services is recognised as an expense in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the vesting 
period based on the Group’s estimate of awards that will ultimately vest. The obligation to settle these awards is recognised within other reserves.

(20) Share Capital
 ʱ The Company’s share capital comprises a single class of Ordinary shares, which are classified as equity.
 ʱ Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are charged to equity as a deduction from the proceeds, net of tax.

(21) Dividend Distributions
 ʱ Dividend distributions to the Company’s shareholders are recognised as liabilities in the Group’s financial statements in the period in which the 

dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders and are dealt with in the statement of changes in equity.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED145

FINANCIAL RECORD*/** 
(UNAUDITED)

Revenue

EBITDA
Depreciation and non-exceptional impairment

Profit from continuing operations
Finance (charges) income
Share of associates’ post-tax (losses) profits

Profit before taxation from continuing operations
Taxation

Profit for the year from continuing operations
Profit (loss) for the year from discontinued operations

Profit for the year

Basic earnings per share
Continuing operations
Continuing and discontinued operations 

Diluted earnings per share
Continuing operations
Continuing and discontinued operations

Dividend per share#

Total assets
Non-current assets
Net current assets

Financed by:
Shareholders’ funds (including non-controlling interests)
Non-current liabilities

2014 
$m

2013 
$m

Restated

2012 
$m

1,386.5

1,293.6

1,265.4

269.8
(52.0)

217.8
(4.9)
(0.5)

212.4
(57.2)

155.2
0.3

155.5

244.0
(44.0)

200.0
(2.9)
0.4

197.5
(52.1)

145.4
(1.4)

144.0

240.7
(40.1)

200.6
(8.7)
1.5

193.4
(53.9)

139.5
1.1

140.6

2011 
$m

933.4

160.0
(34.1)

125.9
(2.7)
1.7

124.9
(34.8)

90.1
2.7

92.8

2010 
$m

621.0

94.8
(27.0)

67.8
2.2
1.6

71.6
(21.2)

50.4
9.4

59.8

102.6c
102.8c

96.8c
95.8c

92.2c
93.0c

62.0c
63.9c

35.4c
42.6c

100.0c
100.2c

94.5c
93.5c

90.0c
90.8c

60.7c
62.6c

34.7c
41.7c

31.0c

29.5c

28.4c

23.9c

19.5c

1,187.1
471.5

1,249.1
483.0

1,254.9
464.4

1,234.1
357.9

566.9
448.5

1,658.6

1,732.1

1,719.3

1,592.0

1,015.4

1,438.3
220.3

1,414.8
317.3

1,332.7
386.6

1,146.9
445.1

942.6
72.8

1,658.6

1,732.1

1,719.3

1,592.0

1,015.4

Net assets per share

968.6c

957.9c

906.6c

783.9c

711.4c

Information is stated before exceptional items and amortisation of intangible assets.

*   Prior years have been restated for the designation of Gibson Shipbrokers as a discontinued operation.
**  
#  Dividend per share is stated on a declared basis. Following the change in functional currency from Sterling to US dollar in 2013, dividends are declared in US dollars and paid in Sterling. The 
Sterling value of dividends paid is fixed and announced approximately two weeks prior to the payment date. For 2012 and prior years, dividends were declared in Sterling and have been 
presented in cents using the exchange rate on the date they were paid or approved for interim and final dividends respectively. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONSHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

146

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 
(UNAUDITED)

Financial Calendar 2015

15 April

26 May

August

November

Annual General Meeting

Final Ordinary Dividend Payment

Announcement of Interim Results

Interim Ordinary Dividend Payment

In common with many public companies in the UK, the Company no longer publishes a printed version of its half year report. The half year report is only 
available online from the Company’s website at www.huntingplc.com.

Analysis of Ordinary shareholders
At 31 December 2014, the Company had 2,000 Ordinary shareholders (2013 – 2,037) who held 148.5 million (2013 – 147.7 million) Ordinary shares  
analysed as follows:

Size of holdings
1–4,000
4,001–20,000
20,001–40,000
40,001–200,000
200,001–500,000
500,001 and over

2014

2013

% of total 
shareholders

% of total 
shares

% of total 
shareholders

% of total 
shares

72.9
12.4
3.2
6.3
2.5
2.7

1.0
1.6
1.2
8.4
10.8
77.0

72.4
12.6
3.4
5.8
2.9
2.9

1.0
1.6
1.3
7.8
12.9
75.4

Share Information
The Ordinary shares of the Company are quoted on the London Stock Exchange.

The Company’s registrars, Equiniti, offer a range of shareholder information and dealing services on www.shareview.co.uk.

OTHER INFORMATIONHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsGLOSSARY

147

GLOSSARY

AMG

API

Advanced Manufacturing Group – combines the precision engineering and manufacturing capabilities  
in the Well Construction segment for the Electronics division (Hunting Innova) and Hunting Dearborn 
product lines. Hunting is aiming to become a leading single source of MWD/LWD tools.

American Petroleum Institute.

Average gross capital employed*

The monthly average of the aggregate of capital employed.

Basic EPS

bbl

BOE

Capital employed*

Basic earnings per share - calculated by dividing the earnings from continuing operations attributable  
to Ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue during the year.

Barrel of oil – one barrel of oil equals 159 litres or 42 US gallons.

Barrel of oil equivalent.

The amount of capital available to the Group to invest in its business and comprises the total equity plus 
net debt.

Capital expenditure – “Capex”

Expenditure on tangible non-current assets.

CO2
CO2 e
DPS*

Diluted EPS

Dividend cover*

Downhole

EBITDA*

ESOP 

Free cash flow*

GAAP

Gearing*

GHG

Carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide equivalent.

Dividend per share – the amount in pence/cents returned to Ordinary shareholders. Figures shown are 
calculated on an accruals basis.

Diluted earnings per share – earnings from continuing operations before amortisation and exceptional 
items, attributable to Ordinary shareholders, divided by the weighted average number of Ordinary shares 
in issue during the year, as adjusted for all potentially dilutive Ordinary shares.

An indication of the Company’s ability to maintain the level of its dividend and is calculated as earnings 
from continuing operations attributable to Ordinary shareholders divided by the cash dividend to be 
returned to Ordinary shareholders, on an accruals basis.

Downhole refers to something that is located within the wellbore.

Pre-exceptional earnings before share of associates’ post-tax results, interest, tax, depreciation, impairment 
and amortisation.

Executive Share Option Plan.

Profit from continuing operations adjusted for working capital, tax, replacement capital expenditure  
and interest.

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Net debt as a percentage of total equity.

Greenhouse gas.

Growth capital expenditure

Capital expenditure to grow the business from current operating levels and enhance operating activity.

HEMS

HPSP

HS&E

IAS

IFRIC

IFRS

Hunting Equipment Management Services – provide downhole tool rental equipment in the Well 
Construction segment.

Hunting Performance Share Plan.

Health, Safety and Environment.

International Accounting Standards.

International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee.

International Financial Reporting Standards.

Intensity Factor

The total controlled scope 1 and scope 2 emissions divided by the total facilities footprint of the Group.

Inventory and WIP days*

Inventory and WIP at the year end divided by revenue per day, adjusted for the impact of acquisitions.

ISO

International Standards Organisation.

OTHER INFORMATIONHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsSTRATEGIC REPORTCORPORATE GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOTHER INFORMATIONGLOSSARY

148

GLOSSARY
CONTINUED

LEAN or Lean

LNG

LPG

LTIP

m3

mcf

mmBtu

MWD/LWD

MWh

NEB

Net debt*

NYMEX

OCTG

A production practice that eliminates wasteful processes, thereby reducing production time and costs, 
and improving efficiency.

Liquefied Natural Gas.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

Long-Term Incentive Plan.

Cubic metre.

1,000 cubic feet.

Million British Thermal Units.

Measurement-while-drilling/Logging-while-drilling.

Megawatt hours.

Net equivalent barrels of oil.

Net debt comprises bank overdrafts, current and non-current borrowings and finance leases less cash and 
cash equivalents and investments.

New York Mercantile Exchange.

Oil Country Tubular Goods – pipe and tubular goods and products used in the oil and gas industry, such 
as drill pipe, pipe casings and production pipes.

Replacement capital expenditure

Capital expenditure necessary to maintain existing levels of operating activity.

ROCE*

Scope 1

Scope 2

Trade payable days*

Trade receivable days*

TSR*

TWh

Underlying

Wellbore

Well completion

Well construction

Well intervention

Working capital*

WTI

* Non-GAAP measure.

Return on average capital employed – measures profit before interest and tax before amortisation and 
exceptional items, as a percentage of average gross capital employed.

Scope 1 emissions are direct GHG emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the entity. 
Scope 1 emissions include fossil fuels burned on site, emissions from vehicles and other direct sources.

Scope 2 emissions are indirect GHG emissions resulting from the generation of electricity, heating and 
cooling or steam generated off site but purchased by the entity.

The average number of days’ credit taken by the Group, calculated as trade payables at the year end 
divided by cost of sales per day, adjusted for the impact of acquisitions.

The average number of days’ credit given to the Group’s customers, calculated as trade receivables at the 
year end divided by revenue per day, adjusted for the impact of acquisitions.

Total Shareholder Return – the net share price change plus the dividends paid during that period.

Terawatt hours.

Results for the year, as reported under IFRS, adjusted for amortisation and exceptional items, which is the 
basis used by the Directors in assessing performance.

The wellbore refers to the drilled hole.

Well completion refers to the processes of preparing a well for production. This involves the assembly  
of downhole tubulars and equipment required to enable safe and efficient production from an oil  
or gas well.

Well construction refers to the initial drilling and processes of constructing the wellbore in an oil and gas 
well. These processes typically include drilling and logging the hole; running, cementing and logging the 
casing; hydraulic fracturing or stimulating the well and monitoring well performance and integrity.

Well intervention refers to any operation carried out on an oil or gas well that maintains or enhances the 
production of the well or provides well diagnostics.

Trade and other receivables, excluding receivables from associates, derivative financial assets, 
environmental escrow and promissory notes, plus inventories less trade and other payables, excluding 
payables due to associates, derivative financial liabilities, dividend liabilities and retirement plan 
obligations.

West Texas Intermediate – the price per barrel of Texas light sweet crude oil.

OTHER INFORMATIONHunting PLC 2014 Annual Report and AccountsPROFESSIONAL ADVISERS

Solicitors
CMS Cameron McKenna LLP

Independent Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Joint Corporate Brokers
Deutsche Bank and Barclays Bank

Financial Advisers
DC Advisory Limited

Insurance Brokers
Willis Limited

Pension Advisers & Actuary
Lane Clark & Peacock LLP

Financial Public Relations
Buchanan Communications Limited

Registrars & Transfer Office
Equiniti Limited 
Aspect House
Spencer Road, Lancing 
West Sussex BN99 6DA
Telephone (UK): 0871 384 2173
Overseas: +44 (0)121 415 7047

Company Contact Details
Registered Office: 5 Hanover Square, London W1S 1HQ 
Registered Number: 974568 (Registered in England and Wales)
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7321 0123
Facsimile: +44 (0)20 7839 2072 
www.huntingplc.com

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HUNTING PLC

5 Hanover Square, London W1S 1HQ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7321 0123 
Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 2072

www.huntingplc.com