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Hunting
Annual Report 2020

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Employees 1001-5000
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FY2020 Annual Report · Hunting
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Hunting PLC
Annual Report and Accounts 2020
Resilience Through A Global Crisis

Welcome to Hunting 

Market Highlights

Hunting is a key supplier to the 
upstream oil and gas industry.

Our strategy is to manufacture 
products and deliver services to our 
customers, wherever in the world they 
are operating.

Hunting’s product offering extends 
across the life cycle of an oil and gas 
well, and this focus allows us to create, 
distribute and sustain value for our 
shareholders and stakeholders.

Hunting is a premium-listed Company, 
quoted on the London Stock Exchange 
and is a constituent of the FTSE 
All-Share Index.

Average WTI crude  
oil price

$39

per barrel
(2019 – $57 per barrel)

Global average  
onshore rig count

1,097

units
(2019 – 1,844 units)

Year-end WTI crude  
oil spot price

$49

per barrel
(2019 – $61 per barrel)

Global average  
offshore rig count

182

units
(2019 – 243 units)

Global onshore drilling and 
production expenditure

Global offshore drilling and 
production expenditure

$77.7

billion
(2019 – $155.5 billion)

$43.4

billion
(2019 – $61.1 billion)

Financial Highlights

Revenue 

$626.0

million
(2019 – $960.0 million)

Underlying (loss) profit 
from operations*

$(16.4)

million
(2019 – $94.3 million)

Total cash and bank 
at year-end*

$101.7

million
(2019 – $127.0 million)

Reported (loss) profit 
from operations

$(220.0)

million
(2019 – $46.8 million)

Underlying diluted 
(loss) earnings per share*

Reported diluted 
(loss) earnings per share

(10.0)

cents
(2019 – 43.9 cents)

(143.2)

cents
(2019 – 23.5 cents)

*   Non-GAAP measure (“NGM”) see pages 203 to 207 and note 26.

Contents:

Strategic Report
01
Summary of the Year  
02
At a Glance 
04
Chairman’s Statement 
06
Our Purpose 
08
Our Culture 
10
Business Model 
12
–  Our Resources 
18
–  Our Operating Segments 
22
–  Our Products and Services 
–  Our Stakeholders 
24
Case Study – Hunting’s COVID Response  34
Chief Executive’s Statement and Outlook   36
40
Market Review 
Our Business Strategy 
46
Case Study – Hunting’s Revolutionary 
Technologies 
Risk Management 
Group Review 
Segmental Review 

48
50
60
66

Case Study – Organic Oil Recovery 
Key Performance Indicators  
Directors’ Report and Compliance 
Statements  

Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance Overview 
Board of Directors and  
Company Secretary  
Executive Committee  
Corporate Governance Report  
Remuneration Committee Report  
– Remuneration at a Glance 
–  Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
– Annual Report on Remuneration 
Nomination Committee Report 
Audit Committee Report 

Financial Statements
Independent Auditors’ Report  
Consolidated Income Statement  

73
74

76

80

82
84
85
93
96
98 
107
119
121

126
137

138
139

Consolidated Statement of  
Comprehensive Income  
Consolidated Balance Sheet  
Consolidated Statement of Changes  
in Equity  
140 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows   141
Notes to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements  
Company Balance Sheet  
Company Statement of Changes  
in Equity  
Company Statement of Cash Flows  
Notes to the Company  
Financial Statements  

192
193

142
191

194

Other Information
203
Non-GAAP Measures  
Financial Record  
208
Shareholder and Statutory Information   209
213
Glossary  
216
Professional Advisers  

01
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Summary of the Year

Operational Highlights

Financial Highlights

$32.8m acquisition of Enpro Subsea Limited (“Enpro”) 
completed in February 2020.
 • Enpro is a leader in subsea production technology, offering low 

cost, flexible field development solutions including well production 
and intervention modules to enhance recovery from oil and gas 
wells. Enpro is now integrated into the Subsea business division.

 • Revenue from Subsea products increased 57% to $69.8m 

Strong year-end balance sheet.
 • Net assets of $976.6m (2019 – $1,223.8m), after impairments and 

exceptional items.

Total cash and bank of $101.7m at 31 December 2020 
(2019 – $127.0m).* 
 • Reflecting strong cash generation through working capital reduction 

(2019 – $44.5m), largely as a result of our Enpro and RTI acquisitions.

and positive EBITDA generated early in the year.

P
u
r
p
o
s
e
a
n
d
C
u
l
t
u
r
e

Revenue of $626.0m (2019 – $960.0m) recorded.
 • 35% year-on-year decline due to COVID-19 and the resulting impact 

on the global energy industry and other geopolitical factors.

 • Oil and gas revenue declined 36% to $586.2m (2019 – $918.7m).
 • Non-oil and gas revenue has been more resilient at $39.8m 
(2019 – $41.3m), increasing to 6% of revenue (2019 – 4%).

EBITDA of $26.1m delivered in the year (2019 – $139.7m).*
 • Majority of EBITDA result delivered in Q1, followed by break-even 

result for the balance of the year.
 • EBITDA margin of 4% (2019 – 15%).
 • Year-on-year reduction due to large decline in activity levels and 

partial under absorption of overheads. 

Result from operations.
 • Underlying loss from operations of $16.4m (2019 – $94.3m profit).
 • Amortisation of acquired intangible assets and exceptional items 

totalling $203.6m recorded in the year (2019 – $47.5m). 

 • “Middle column” items include $177.9m of asset impairments, 

$17.3m for the amortisation of acquired intangible assets, $10.3m of 
restructuring costs, $1.4m of acquisition costs and other exceptional 
credits totalling $3.3m. 

 • Reported loss from operations of $220.0m (2019 – $46.8m profit).

Total dividends declared in the year of 9.0 cents per share.
 • Subject to shareholder approval, a Final Dividend of 4.0 cents per 

share, absorbing $6.5m, to be paid on 14 May 2021 to shareholders 
on the register on 23 April 2021. 

Divestment of US Drilling Tools business completed 
in December 2020.
 • Hunting transferred key operating assets to Rival Downhole Tools 
LC, in exchange for a 23.5% equity position within the expanded 
Rival business.

New business model in Canada implemented in August 2020.
 • Hunting has closed its manufacturing operation in Calgary, Alberta, 
and opened a sales office to pursue new business opportunities. 
Future customer OCTG requirements are to be completed by 
in-country licensees.

 • A field service centre has been retained in Nisku, with Hunting Titan 

continuing to operate its network of distribution centres across 
Western Canada.

Investment in Well Data Labs, a well analytics company, 
completed in February 2021.
 • Hunting has provided $2.5m in convertible capital financing to 

support Well Data’s growth ambitions.

 •  Key investment in the high growth data analytics sub-sector of the 

drilling market.

New products launched in the year to broaden customer 
offering.
 • Completion of detonating cord manufacturing line at Milford, Texas, 
to increase Hunting Titan’s product offering. The new line has an 
annual production capacity of c.3.0 million feet.

 • New V3.0 ControlFire® switch launched to enable higher level of 

in-field reliability.

 • Additional variants of the E-SUB™, H-1® and H-2™ Perforating 

Systems launched in the year.

 • Rental offering launched for T-Set™ One setting tool.

Non-oil and gas revenue more resilient in the year with good 
progress in this area within the Advanced Manufacturing 
group.
 • Medical and aviation certifications secured at Hunting Electronics 

to support diversification.

 • Hunting Dearborn reports increase in non-oil and gas order book, 

including aviation and space orders.

 • UK business secured new geothermal project win.

Significant restructuring across the Group to align with the 
prevailing market and to reduce cost base.
 • Five operating sites and three distribution centres closed or 

mothballed during the year.

 • 35% of workforce released as market conditions declined.

Board changes. 
 • Bruce Ferguson appointed Finance Director in April 2020, following 

shareholder approval at the AGM.

*   Non-GAAP measure (“NGM”) see pages 203 to 207 and note 26.

Business Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
 
02
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

At a Glance

Our Operations
Our operating facilities need 
to be close to our customers 
and are therefore based in or 
near the main oil and gas 
producing regions. 

  Conventional oil and gas basins
  Unconventional oil and gas basins
  Key operating locations

Our Products and Services

Oil Country Tubular 
Goods (“OCTG”)
The Group owns 
proprietary 
connection 
technology including 
the SEAL-LOCKTM 
and WEDGE-LOCKTM 
premium connections 
and the TEC-LOCKTM 
semi-premium 
connection. The 
Group manufactures 
couplings and 
accessories and 
applies premium 
threads to pipe for its 
customers throughout 
its global facilities.

Perforating 
Systems
Hunting 
manufactures 
perforating guns, 
energetics charges 
and instrumentation 
used in well 
completion activities. 
Products are 
manufactured across 
our global footprint 
and sold through 
distribution points in 
Canada, China, 
Indonesia, UAE 
and US.

Advanced 
Manufacturing
Advanced 
Manufacturing 
includes precision 
machining and 
electronics 
manufacturing, both 
utilised in MWD/LWD 
tools. A range of 
non-oil and gas 
products are also 
engineered for the 
medical, naval, 
aerospace and 
space sectors.

Intervention Tools
The Group 
manufactures a range 
of tools and pressure 
control equipment 
used for intervention 
activities. 

Drilling Tools
Hunting’s Drilling 
Tools interests are 
now held through a 
23.5% interest in Rival 
Downhole Tools LC.

Subsea
Hunting’s Subsea 
business 
manufactures 
hydraulic couplings, 
valves, stress joints, 
flow access modules 
and accessories 
for application in 
deep water drilling 
activities.

03
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Group Overview

Investment Highlights

Operating sites

Distribution centres

31

2020
(2019 – 36)

Countries of  
operation

11

2020
(2019 – 11)

16

2020
(2019 – 19)

Patents granted  
and pending

799

2020
(2019 – 691)

Employees (at year-end) 

Internal manufacturing  
reject rate

1,923 

2020
(2019 – 2,956)

0.24%

2020
(2019 – 0.30%)

 — Solid fundamentals for the oil  

and gas industry.

 — Strategic focus on the wellbore.
 — Proprietary technologies and  

diverse product range.

 — World-class, flexible manufacturing facilities 

located close to our customers.

 — Proven track record of manufacturing 

excellence and reliability.

 — Experienced management team.
 — Focused on efficiency, cost control  

and cash generation.

 — Strong reputation within our customer  

base for delivering quality.

Segmental Revenue

Our Business Relationships

Segmental revenue

1. US 43%

2. Hunting Titan 25%

3. Asia Pacific 17%

4. EMEA 13%

5. Canada 2%

5

1

4

3

Customers

Hunting

Competitors

Suppliers

2

Oil and gas extrac t i o n   c y c l e

Split of External Revenue by Segment 
Segmental revenue
Year to 31 December 2020

5

1

1. US 43%
2. Hunting Titan 25%
3. Asia Pacific 17%
4. EMEA 13%
5. Canada 2%

4

3

2

Hunting generates value through the manufacture of products, 
provision of related services and supply of rental equipment to the 
upstream energy sector used in the extraction of oil and gas.

Our strategic focus is on the manufacture of products used in the 
wellbore or those products forming part of the wellbore’s infrastructure.

Oil and gas extraction requires a diverse range of products and 
services. The nature of the sector results in relationships with business 
partners including customers, suppliers and competitors at different 
points in the value chain.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements04
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Chairman’s  
Statement

Resilience  
The ability of your 
Company to adapt 
to the rapid changes 
required to operate 
in the challenging 
environment seen in 
the year is testament 
to our culture, our 
dynamic leadership, 
and the resilience 
of our operational 
support systems.

John (Jay) F. Glick
Chairman

Introduction
Our 2020 Annual Report covers a remarkably difficult year for the world, 
for the energy sector, and for Hunting. Despite rigorous efforts on the 
part of companies around the globe to identify enterprise risks and have 
appropriate mitigation strategies, none imagined at the start of the year 
that the global economy would be rocked by a pandemic that would 
disrupt virtually every aspect of commerce. The ability of your Company 
to adapt to the rapid changes required to operate in the challenging 
environment seen in the year is testament to our culture, our dynamic 
leadership and the resilience of our operational support systems.

Even during very dark and uncertain times, heroes emerged to deliver 
care, ensure food and energy supplies, develop lifesaving technologies 
in the form of therapeutics and vaccines, and to make certain that our 
lives and our economies were disrupted to the minimum extent 
necessary to protect public health. Hunting played an important role 
in those efforts by delivering products to supply the energy needed to 
power the global economy. The energy sector was deemed to be a 
critical sector, which meant that during the shutdown Hunting’s 
employees reported for work and made certain the energy needs for 
critical sectors such as transportation, agriculture and utilities were 
fully supported.

I want to begin this report with a special message of thanks to our 
employees, whose dedication and hard work were crucial to ensuring 
the Company supported our customers in the oil and gas, aerospace, 
medical equipment and the other critical sectors in which our products 
are used. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Jim and his team 
for their efforts in the year in creating a more resilient business. I also 
want to recognise and thank the management team for their swift and 
decisive leadership during a very challenging time. Special thanks also 
goes to my fellow Directors for whole-heartedly embracing the added 
governance challenges posed by the pandemic and for their wise and 
steadfast counsel as we navigated the uncertainties of the past year.

Our preparedness was certainly tested, but the crisis served to validate 
the effectiveness of many of the information technology investments 
we have made over the past few years. As a result of the software and 
communications systems we had put in place, our staff were able to 
work from home, interface effectively with customers, bankers, auditors, 
and a host of critical business support teams. Additionally, our Health 
and Safety teams were able to support our factories and field operations 
by ensuring safe work practices for our workforce. 

As you will note in this year’s Annual Report, the Group took swift action 
to reduce spending and generate cash. The most painful of these was 
a sharp, but necessary, reduction in the size of our workforce. Some 
factories and distribution sites were closed or consolidated to rationalise 
our operations and improve efficiencies. There was also a significant 
focus on converting working capital to cash. As a result, inventories and 
trade receivables were tightly monitored and managed. Our strong 
balance sheet and conservative capital structure proved beneficial 
during a time when capital markets were challenging for a number of 
companies in our sector. These actions ensured the Company remained 
in a sound financial position with a robust balance sheet and a strong 
cash and bank position at year-end. 

Our strategic focus on innovation and new technologies continued 
throughout the year enabling the Group to retain a competitive edge in 
our various markets. It also looks to the energy transition as the world 
moves towards more sustainable technologies. Hunting’s expertise 
in design engineering, materials science, precision machining, and 
electronics have long been at the core of critical downhole technology 
for the production of oil and gas. These fuels will continue to be required 
to drive the global economy for the foreseeable future. In addition, 
we are also seeing other sectors that utilise our expertise, such as 
aerospace, defence, medical equipment and space. 

05
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

There are many signs that the 
industry’s nadir is behind us. 
Oil prices have recently recovered 
to levels above $60 per barrel.” 

There are many signs that the industry’s nadir is behind us. Oil prices, 
which actually dropped below zero in April 2020 when storage was 
tight, have recently recovered to levels above $60 per barrel. Similarly, 
the US land rig count has moved from the bottom of 231 rigs in August 
2020, to c.380 units at the time of this letter. These facts bode well 
for 2021.

Financial Performance
Revenue for the Group decreased 35% in the year to $626.0m,
compared to $960.0m in 2019, due to the significant downturn in 
our core markets, leading to an underlying loss before tax of $19.4m 
(2019 – $93.1m profit). After charges for amortisation of acquired 
intangible assets and exceptional items, the reported loss before tax 
was $223.0m (2019 – $45.6m profit). 

Total cash and bank at the year-end of $101.7m (2019 – $127.0m) 
was an excellent result for the Group, given the challenging trading 
conditions, and reflects the efforts of management to generate cash. 
Net assets at the year-end were $976.6m (2019 – $1,223.8m), 
demonstrating our strong balance sheet resilience.

Dividends
In April 2020, given the uncertain trading conditions, the Board 
replaced the 2019 Final Dividend with a 3.0 cents per share interim 
dividend, which was paid in May. At the Group’s half year results 
in August 2020, the Board declared a second interim dividend of 
2.0 cents per share, which was paid in October. The Board has been 
mindful of shareholder distributions in the year, and the dividends 
declared and paid reflect the Group’s strong cash position throughout 
the year and also the confidence in Hunting’s business model and 
strategy, as well as the long-term prospects of the Group. The Board 
is, therefore, recommending a 2020 Final Dividend of 4.0 cents per 
share absorbing $6.5m of cash, for approval by shareholders at the 
Company’s Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) on 21 April 2021. 
If approved, the Final Dividend will be paid on 14 May 2021 to 
shareholders on the register on 23 April 2021. This distribution will 
bring the total dividends paid in respect of 2020 to 9.0 cents per share 
and a total distribution of $14.7m. The Board remains committed to 
delivering sustainable dividends, but will continue to assess each 
dividend proposal on a case-by-case basis.

Governance
The Directors remain focused on issues of diversity, succession 
planning for both the Board and management, and the development 
of our human capital. We recognise that our business depends on the 
quality of our people. The Board is also increasing its monitoring of 
Hunting’s environmental impact, including measures the Company 
can undertake to make its business more sustainable. To that end, 
our Annual Report includes disclosures that align with the 
requirements of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures reporting framework.

John (Jay) F. Glick
Chairman

4 March 2021

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements06
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Our Purpose

To be a highly trusted innovator and 
manufacturer of technology and 
products that create sustainable value 
for our stakeholders.

At the heart of Hunting’s long-term strategy and success is a 
reputation based on trust and reliability. Hunting’s products are 
designed to operate in a safe and reliable way, to ensure our 
customers meet their strategic objectives, while protecting people 
and the environment. Our strategy aims to offer technically 
differentiated products that meet these customer demands.

We choose to operate in the oil and gas industry, which supports 
the energy demands of today’s global community. Our customers 
are constantly pursuing higher levels of safety and reliability and 
better efficiencies, leading to a lower cost of operation, while aiming 
to be good stewards of the environment, through a safe and 
responsible approach to oil and gas field development. This drives 
our ambition to deliver innovative technologies and products to 
enable us to lead the market and be the supplier of choice.

Our products and services include precision-engineered components 
that are strongly quality assured to meet the highest levels of industry 
regulation. Our employees are highly trained to ensure our operations 
are safe and deliver total customer satisfaction.

Economic Sustainability

Requires

Energy

Demands

Nuclear

Coal

Oil and Gas

Hydro

Renewables

Requires

Technology

Know-how/IP

Investment

High-performance Products

Precision Engineering

Quality Assurance

Safe Operations

07
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

COVID-19
The Directors have reviewed our Purpose, Strategy and Business Model in 
light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the oil and gas market downturn seen 
in the year and have concluded the following:

1. The global energy industry is cyclical and will remain so
The oil and gas industry is driven by many factors including 
demand/supply dynamics, geopolitical movements, technology 
improvements, cost efficiencies and public sentiment. 

2. Innovation is key to long-term success
Hunting’s businesses are constantly innovating and are regularly 
launching new products to customers which improve safety and 
lower costs. 

Hunting’s leadership team have managed historical downturns 
and have successfully navigated such market movements during 
2020, to ensure that a sustainable Company will be here 
tomorrow to meet the needs of our stakeholders. 

Our positive EBITDA result and strong cash and bank position 
at year-end shows that our business model and strategy have 
strong resilience, given our ability to adjust our cost base to 
prevailing market dynamics, while retaining capital to deploy as 
new opportunities present themselves. While this EBITDA was 
generated predominantly before the onset of COVID-19, the 
Group was able to rapidly adjust its cost base to achieve a 
break-even position for the balance of the year.

In the year, we have launched new products which include: 

1)  detonating cord products, which support our onshore 

completions products portfolio; 

2) perforating system variants; 
3) shaped charges and associated instrumentation; and
4) well intervention and pressure control tools. 

In the year we continued to secure new coverage for our 
intellectual property and know-how, leading to a portfolio 
of 799 patents granted or pending.

3. Constant business evaluation
Management regularly evaluates each business group to ensure 
it meets our growth expectations and investment returns. During 
2020, revenue within our offshore-focused Subsea business 
group has reported growth, while onshore markets have 
reduced. In the year, we disposed of our drilling tools assets to 
Rival Downhole Tools LC, in exchange for a 23.5% interest in 
the expanded Rival business.

4. New market developments
The Group has continued to examine new markets, based on 
the fit to our Purpose and in the year we have seen good growth 
potential in micro-generation power, medical devices and aviation 
as well as innovative enhanced oil recovery technology.

The Board has seen clear evidence of our Purpose and Culture 
in action and believes our business model and strategy remain 
fit for purpose, despite the challenges seen in the year.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements08
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Our Culture

At the heart of Hunting’s Culture are 
our people. To ensure we deliver for 
our customers, we train and develop 
our people to make sure we maintain a 
highly skilled workforce ready to deliver 
quality assured products and services. 

To retain our staff, and to address the key demands of the industry, 
our employees are fairly remunerated, which, in addition to a base 
salary, can comprise a range of healthcare and pension benefits 
and can include an annual bonus which reflects performance levels.

The Group’s flat management structure has short chains of 
command, which allows for rapid, considered, decision making 
that empowers and enables our employees to be part of the 
process to take the Group forward. Our employees are encouraged 
to engage in dialogue with management to raise issues of concern. 
As part of the Group’s new procedures, new engagement 
processes within all business units have begun to enhance 
transparent two-way dialogue to be maintained between the 
Board and the Group’s employees.

These enhanced engagement procedures are supported by 
an independent reporting service operated by SafeCall, where 
confidential matters can be raised with the Board.

Flat 
Management  
Structure
Hunting operates short chains of 
command to allow rapid decision 
making aimed at meeting 
customer deadlines.

Strong 
HSE and 
Product Quality 
Ethic 
Group HSE and Quality policies 
are aimed at ensuring our staff, 
customers and the environment 
are protected, with strong 
management oversight of 
day-to-day operating 
procedures.

Highly Skilled 
The majority of our workforce 
are highly skilled and are 
encouraged to develop through 
additional training programmes.

Our People

Speak Up
Our culture encourages a ‘speak 
up’ environment to enable our 
processes to be improved, but also 
to address possible concerns 
from all levels of staff.

Fair 
Remuneration
A skilled workforce is needed to 
deliver to our customers. Our 
workforce is paid competitively, with 
pension, bonus and long-term 
incentive arrangements in place 
and healthcare provisions 
available in most 
geographical areas.

09
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Regular symptoms checking has become a regular 
feature at all of the Group’s facilities during the year.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements10
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Business Model

Focusing on the oil and gas extraction cycle 

 1Our Resources 

Financial

Shareholders 
For more information see pages 12 to 14.

Lenders 
For more information see page 16.

Operational 

Facilities
For more information see page 17.

Quality Assurance
For more information see page 17.

Intellectual Property
For more information see page 17.

Employees
For more information see pages 26 to 28.

 2Our Operating Segments

Health, Safety and Environment (“HSE”)

Hunting Titan 

United States (“US”)

Canada

Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”)

Asia Pacific

Quality and Operational Excellence

For more information see pages 18 to 20.

New variants of the E-SUB™, H-1® and H-2™ Perforating 
Systems have been launched in the year.

11
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

 3Our Products and Services  4Our Stakeholders

Oil Country Tubular Goods  
(“OCTG”)

Perforating Systems

Advanced Manufacturing

Subsea

Intervention Tools

Drilling Tools

For more information see pages 22 and 23.

Customers 
For more information 
see pages 24 and 25.

Operators

Service 
Companies

Steel Mills and 
Other Oil and 
Gas 

Non-Oil  
and Gas

1,923

At year-end

Employees 
For more information 
see pages 26 to 28.

Suppliers
For more information 
see page 29.

Environment
For more information 
see pages 30 to 32.

c.480

Received the 
Code of Conduct

50.8
kg CO2/$k revenue
Intensity Factor

Governments
For more information 
see page 33.

$3.6m

Support funds 
received

Communities
For more information 
see page 33.

$73k

Charitable
donations

c.24%

of revenue

c.57%

of revenue

c.13%

of revenue

c.6%

of revenue

2020 has seen a 35% 
reduction in our workforce due 
to the market downturn. We 
have enhanced our training 
programmes as responsibilities 
were re-assigned to ensure 
there was no increase in our 
incident rate.

Our suppliers are encouraged 
to adopt the principles 
contained in the Group’s Code 
of Conduct.

Our environmental-related 
disclosures have been 
enhanced to include 
governance, risk management 
and monitoring of 
climate-related issues.

In the year we received global 
furlough and employee 
support monies which were 
passed directly to our 
workforce.

The COVID-19 pandemic has 
led to community contributions 
of face masks, food and 
financial support to local 
charities.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements12
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Business Model

continued

 1

Our 
Resources

Financial

Our Shareholders
Hunting’s shareholders are important stakeholders, providing a key 
source of capital to allow growth for the longer term. The Group has 
one class of Ordinary shares. 

At 31 December 2020, the total number of Ordinary shares in issue 
was 164.9m (2019 – 166.9m), and the number of shareholders on the 
register was 1,403 (2019 – 1,454). 

In March 2020, the Group completed a buy-back programme totalling 
2.0m Ordinary shares, at a cost of $5.1m. These shares were 
subsequently cancelled.

During the year, the Group purchased 2.7m Ordinary shares, which 
were transferred to Hunting’s Employee Benefit Trust, for a total cost 
of $9.4m.

Returns achieved by shareholders, by holding the Company’s 
Ordinary shares, are measured through Total Shareholder 
Return (“TSR”). 

In 2020, Hunting PLC’s Ordinary shares achieved a TSR of -45% on 
an annualised basis, given the global economic downturn. TSR forms 
an important part of the longer-term remuneration paid to the 
executives of the Group, with demanding vesting targets measured 
against our industry peers.

Total Shareholder Return 
(Absolute %)

2020

2019

2018

(45.2)

(11.7)

(20.4)

13
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Dividend Policy
Each dividend proposal considered by the Board is determined 
on its own merits taking into account the considerations outlined 
below. This flexible approach is influenced by the cyclical nature of 
the oil and gas sector which, as recent history demonstrates, can 
produce significant swings in activity levels and cash generation. 
Dividends, therefore, reflect business performance over time and 
will not necessarily be progressive. In assessing the level of dividend 
that is appropriate, the Board considers not only the results and 
position of the business for the financial year in question, but 
reviews mid-term projections and downside sensitivities for a 
three-year period as used in the Viability Assessment.

A company’s dividend capacity is typically constrained either by 
distributable reserves or by liquidity. Hunting PLC has in excess 
of $200m of distributable reserves and Hunting Energy Holdings 
Limited, a direct UK subsidiary of Hunting PLC, which directly or 
indirectly controls the operating businesses of the Group, has 
distributable reserves in excess of $600m. The Board considers 
that these distributable reserves are capable of servicing dividends 
for the foreseeable future and that any dividend constraints will be 
driven by liquidity.

Shareholder distributions in the form of dividends are usually paid 
twice per year. In 2020, two interim dividends were paid – in May 
and October, totalling 5.0 cents per share. The 3.0 cents per share 
dividend paid in May replaced the 2019 Final Dividend of 6.0 cents, 
while a 2.0 cents dividend was paid following the Group’s 2020 half 
year results. A 2020 Final Dividend of 4.0 cents per share is proposed 
for approval at the Company’s 2021 AGM.

Dividends Declared 
(Cents)

2020

2019

2018

9.0

5.0

9.0

COVID-19
During the year, the downturn within the global energy industry caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other market factors led to a decline in 
the Group’s trading results. 

The Board considered carefully its dividend policy in light of these factors and decided to continue dividend distributions, given the Group’s net 
cash position, but also to reflect management’s confidence in the strength of our business model and the general outlook for energy in the 
medium term. 

2020 saw a shift in our investor strategy from face-to-face meetings to virtual meetings and teleconferences. Every effort to enhance our 
engagement with institutional shareholders and analysts has been made, as the Group’s trading results deteriorated from Q2 2020 and as 
market conditions became increasingly volatile.

Shareholder Engagement
Regular shareholder engagement meetings are organised through an annual calendar of work co-ordinated by the Group’s Head of Investor 
Relations and is summarised below. These meetings allow the Board to understand the views of our key investors. In the year, 159 meetings 
were held with institutional investors (2019 – 226) and five investment conferences were attended (2019 – five).

January
February
March

April

May
June

July
August
September
October

November

Event

Roadshows

Conferences

Other
Chairman and SID shareholder meetings

Edinburgh
Paris
London

Annual Results

AGM
Q1 Trading Statement

Pre-Close Trading Statement

Half Year Results

Q3 Trading Statement

London
Paris
New York
Chicago

Credit-Suisse 
JP Morgan

Bernstein

JP Morgan 
Goldman Sachs

Remuneration Consultation

Remuneration Consultation

December

Pre-Close Trading Statement

The Board has maintained its usual governance practice of engaging shareholders in respect to changes in remuneration policy. In Q4 2020, 
a process was initiated, which is further detailed in the Remuneration Committee Report on pages 93 to 118.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements14
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Business Model

continued

Major Shareholders
The Company’s major shareholders, as at 31 December 2020, are listed below:

GLG Partners
M&G Investment Management
Hunting Investments Limited
Schroder Investment Management
BlackRock
Slaley Investments Limited
Janus Henderson Investors
Franklin Templeton
Dimensional Fund Advisers
J Trafford – as trustee
David RL Hunting
– as trustee
– other beneficial
Issued share capital – at 31 December 2020

Notes

(1/4/5)

(5)

(2/5)
(1/2/3/4/5)

Number of 
Ordinary shares
14,696,609
11,108,878
11,003,487
9,673,114
9,544,993
6,411,679
6,353,998
5,872,005
5,845,967
5,228,660
194,120
2,549,117
2,484,583
164,940,082

% of ISC
8.9%
6.7%
6.7%
5.9%
5.8%
3.9%
3.9%
3.6%
3.5%
3.2%
0.1%
1.5%
1.5%

Notes:
1. 

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.

2.  After elimination of duplicate holdings, the total Hunting family trustee interests shown above amount to 5,228,660 Ordinary shares.
3.  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.
4.  Richard H Hunting (non-executive Director of Hunting PLC) and David RL Hunting are both directors of Hunting Investments Limited.
5. 

In 2014, 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 James Trafford is a trustee (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 4 March 2021, the Hunting Family Interests, party to the agreement, totalled 24,806,621 Ordinary shares in the Company, representing 15.04% of the 
total voting rights.

Board Engagement and Decision Making – Shareholders 
The Directors of Hunting receive a report detailing the Company’s 
major shareholders at each Board Meeting, with a briefing by the 
Chief Executive and Finance Director on meetings that have recently 
occurred with key matters being regularly discussed following this 
engagement. The Chief Executive and Finance Director meet with 
major shareholders after the Half Year and Full Year Results and 
during 2020 followed a plan of investor meetings with shareholders 
in the UK, Europe and North America. From March 2020 these 
meetings were held virtually.

The Chairman and Senior Independent Director also met with 
institutional investors in January 2020 and January 2021 to discuss 
governance, strategy and remuneration. During H2 2020, the Group 
commenced a consultation process with institutional investors on a 
new Directors’ Remuneration Policy, as noted in the Remuneration 
Committee Report. Following positive feedback, the Directors will 
table the new Policy for approval by shareholders at the Company’s 
Annual General Meeting in April 2021. 

In line with recommendations from investor groups and UK 
regulators, the Company has increased its disclosures in the area 
of Climate Change and reports its information aligned with the Task 
Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. The Group has 
adopted a risk management framework to monitor climate risk 
and has maintained its carbon reduction targets, as set in 2019.

The Board also sets the Company’s dividend policy, following a 
review of the financial performance for the relevant reporting period, 
and considers proposals by the executive Directors on the level 
of distribution. 

The Group’s Audit Committee reviews these dividend proposals as 
part of its regular programme of work and makes a recommendation 
on whether to approve the dividend proposal and recommend it to 
the Board. 

Dividends are declared on the announcement of each set of Group 
results and are usually paid in May, following shareholder approval 
at the Company’s Annual General Meeting, and in October. 

Given the proportion of UK shareholders on the share register, 
the Group’s current practice is to pay all dividends in Sterling. 

In the year, the Group has reported a strong cash position and, 
despite its financial results, has continued to declare and pay 
dividends in recognition of the underlying strength of the Company. 

The Directors are proposing a 2020 Final Dividend of 4.0 cents per 
share, which will be subject to approval by shareholders at the AGM.

15
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

A Dual Pot Sand Filter manufactured by the Well Testing 
business in the Netherlands.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements16
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Business Model

continued

Our Lenders
The Group has a multi-currency revolving credit facility, totalling 
$160.0m, provided by four banks comprising HSBC, Barclays, DBS 
and Wells Fargo. In the year, the facility was unutilised given the net 
cash held throughout the year.

Board Engagement and Decision Making – Lenders
The Directors are briefed at each Board meeting by the Finance 
Director on the Group’s financial position and the relationship with 
members of the bank lending group. 

COVID-19
As noted throughout this report, the COVID-19 pandemic and other 
market factors led to a significant decline in the Group’s trading 
performance from March 2020. 

Regular meetings between the Chief Executive, Finance Director 
and Group Treasurer and members of the lending group were held 
during the year to brief the banks on the performance and position 
of the Group. 

In 2021, the Group plans to commence discussions with the lending 
group to agree a new facility, with a view to concluding this process 
before the current facility expires in 2022.

The Group has, however, reported positive EBITDA in the year and 
reports a strong cash and bank position at the year-end. 

Regular dialogue was held with the lending group throughout the 
year, to confirm access to the facility, as well as to confirm the 
terms of the Material Adverse Change clauses contained within 
the facility agreement. 

Given the positive cash position throughout the reporting period, 
these discussions remained at high level.

Sophisticated CNC machinery is utilised across all of our 
operating sites.

17
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Operational

Facilities
The Group has an established global network of operating sites and 
distribution centres located close to our customers and within the 
main global oil and gas producing regions. Over the years, we have 
continued to refine our operating and manufacturing processes, 
established a highly specialised workforce and built a considerable 
knowledge base to enable our business to evolve and meet changing 
customer needs.

Quality Assurance
The Group’s Quality Assurance programme, for all its products, is a 
key feature of our business strategy, as it supports our standing within 
our customer base. 

Detailed policies are implemented within all facilities and in the 
year, the Group reported a manufacturing reject rate of 0.24% 
(2019 – 0.30%).

Quality Assurance (manufacturing reject rate) 
(%)

Our operating sites are used for the manufacture, rental, trading and 
distribution of products. The manufacture of goods and the provision 
of related manufacturing services is, by far, the main source of income 
for the Group. 

2020

2019

2018

0.24

0.30

0.22

A significant portion of our manufacturing occurs in high-end, 
specialist facilities utilising sophisticated machines. In Hunting’s rental 
businesses it is critical that an appropriate range of equipment is 
stored and maintained. Generally, this must be configured to meet 
specific customer requirements. 

In certain product lines, particularly OCTG, Hunting holds inventory to 
support its customers’ specific requirements and to take advantage 
of particular market opportunities. 

Our distribution centres are primarily used in the Hunting Titan and 
intervention tools business groups, where close proximity to drilling 
operations is important.

Operational sites

Distribution centres

Operating footprint (million square feet)

Machines

Net book value of PPE

% of ISO 9001:2015 (Quality) accredited facilities

31

16

2.8

1,190

$307.1m

71%

2020 has seen the Group close or mothball five manufacturing sites 
and three distribution centres to save costs. The Group has retained 
its global manufacturing presence in areas where sustained activity 
is anticipated.

Intellectual Property
There continues to be a strong focus in the industry on technological 
improvement and process innovation, which can help deliver cost 
efficiencies for customers while maintaining or improving margins for 
suppliers. The incorporation of technology in our business illustrates 
the different ways we partner with participants in the supply chain.

Hunting Proprietary Technology
Developing our own proprietary technologies has been a strategic 
objective for the Group. Through the development of our technologies 
and proprietary know-how, we are well positioned to secure market 
share by protecting our intellectual property (“IP”). Our substantial IP 
portfolio provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to 
enjoy better margins and more operational flexibility. In 2020, we filed 
115 new patent applications, leading to a total of 799 patents being 
either granted or pending at year-end.

Third-Party Technology
In some cases, we make use of third-party proprietary technologies 
in our operations. For certain product lines, we are engaged as a 
specialist manufacturer using our customers’ IP. In other areas, we 
license technologies from third parties, such as non-Hunting thread 
forms, for OCTG.

No. of patents granted

No. of patents pending

No. of new patent applications filed in the year

544

255

115

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements18
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Business Model

continued

2

Our 
Operating 
Segments

Management Principles 
Our approach to managing the Group’s operations is based on four 
core principles:

Develop Our People
People are at the heart of our business. Our broad product portfolio 
demands experienced machining and production engineers across 
our many manufacturing disciplines and facilities. Our administration, 
finance and sales staff are also encouraged to develop their skill 
sets through training and professional development programmes.

Empower Our Business Units 
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 local market conditions and opportunities when they arise.

Apply Unified Operating Standards and Procedures 
Demanding Health, Safety and Quality policies are developed 
centrally and then applied locally. We continually monitor and raise 
our operating standards.

Maintain a Strong Governance Framework
The Group’s senior managers and their teams operate within a tight 
framework with short chains of command to the Chief Executive.

19
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Introduction

Hunting reports its performance based on its key geographic 
operating regions. Hunting Titan is a large, separate business group, 
which is reported as a stand-alone segment. A description of each 
segment is noted below.

Hunting Titan
Hunting Titan manufactures and distributes perforating products and 
accessories. The segment’s products include smart perforating gun 
systems and shaped charge technologies. The business has three 
manufacturing facilities in the US and a facility in Mexico, supported 
by 14 distribution centres, primarily located in Canada and the US.

US
The US businesses supply OCTG, premium connections, subsea 
equipment, intervention tools, electronics and complex deep hole 
drilling and precision machining services for the US and overseas 
markets. The US segment has 15 operating facilities, mainly located 
in Texas and Louisiana. 

Canada
Hunting’s Canadian business manufactured premium connections 
and accessories for oil and gas operators in-country and also 
manufactured perforating guns for Hunting Titan. In August 2020, the 
Group announced that the OCTG manufacturing facility in Calgary was 
to close with future orders to be completed by in-country licensees. 
From 1 January 2021, OCTG and accessories manufacturing trading 
results have been combined with the US operating segment. 

Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”)
The segment derives its revenue primarily from the supply of OCTG 
and intervention tools to operators in the North Sea. The Group has 
operations in the UK, the Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia and 
the UAE. Revenue from the Middle East and Africa is generated from 
the sale and rental of intervention tools across the region, with local 
operations also acting as sales hubs for other products manufactured 
globally by the Group, including OCTG and perforating systems.

Asia Pacific
Revenue from the Asia Pacific segment is primarily from the 
manufacture of premium connections and accessories and OCTG 
supply. Manufacturing facilities are located in China, Indonesia and 
Singapore. The facility in China also manufactures perforating guns 
for Hunting Titan.

Facility ISO Accreditations
The Group is committed to enhancing its production and operational 
quality, with a number of facilities being certified ISO 9001:2015 
(quality), ISO 14001 (environment) and ISO 45001 (occupational 
health and safety management) compliant, indicating that globally 
recognised standards and systems are in place. More facilities 
across the Group are working towards these ISO accreditations, 
continuing the Group’s commitment to monitoring and reducing the 
environmental impact of its operations and improving Health, Safety 
and Environmental (“HSE”) standards. Hunting’s seamless Quality 
Management System (“QMS”) is certified and accredited for all of 
these ISO standards and all facilities are operated in accordance 
therewith. Operational and production excellence is a key driver of 
our engagement and relationship with customers. Quality assurance 
for each component manufactured is a key differentiator in our drive 
to be an industry-leading provider of critical components and 
measurement tools.

Health and Safety training is a regular feature of our workforce 
procedures (this photograph was taken prior to COVID-19).

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements20
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Business Model

continued

Hunting Titan

US

Operating sites

Distribution centres

Year-end employees

Canada

Operating sites

Distribution centres

Year-end employees

Asia Pacific

Operating sites

Distribution centres

Year-end employees

4

2020

14

2020

380

2020

0

2020

1

2020

31

2020

4

2020

0

2020

364

2020

5

2019

17

2019

702

2019

1

2019

1

2019

120

2019

4

2019

0

2019

453

2019

Operating sites

Distribution centres

Year-end employees

EMEA

Operating sites

Distribution centres

Year-end employees

Total

15

2020

1

2020

849

2020

8

2020

0

2020

229

2020

16

2019

1

2019

1,310

2019

10

2019

0

2019

299

2019

Operating sites

Distribution centres

Year-end employees

31

2020

16

2020

36

2019

19

2019

1,923

2020

2,956

2019

Total year-end employees include 70 (2019 – 72) head office and corporate personnel.

21
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Our Subsea product offering has been enhanced 
following the acquisition of Enpro Subsea.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements22
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Business Model

continued

3

Our 
Products  
and Services

Oil Country Tubular 
Goods (“OCTG”)

Perforating 
Systems 

Advanced 

Manufacturing 

Subsea 

Intervention Tools 

Drilling Tools 

Operating Basis:
Manufacturing
Trading

Operating Basis:
Manufacturing

Operating Basis:

Manufacturing

Operating Basis:

Manufacturing

Overview
Hunting Titan manufactures 
perforating systems, energetics, 
firing systems and logging tools. 
Products are mainly used in 
the completion phase of a well. 
The production, storage and 
distribution of energetics is highly 
regulated and there are significant 
barriers for new entrants to the 
market. The business mainly 
“manufactures to stock” and 
hence uses a wide distribution 
network. Some manufacturing is 
done to order, sourced from 
international telesales.

Overview
OCTG are steel alloy products 
and comprise casing and tubing 
used in the construction and 
completion of the wellbore. 
Hunting machines threads to 
connect OCTG using flush or 
semi-flush joints and can 
manufacture premium and 
semi-premium connections and 
accessories using our own 
technologies such as SEAL-
LOCK™, WEDGE-LOCK™ and 
TEC-LOCK™. We are licensed 
to apply a variety of third-party 
thread forms and generic API 
threads. We source OCTG 
products from a significant 
number of major global steel 
producers and have strong, 
long-term relationships in the US, 
Canada, Europe and Asia Pacific. 
Hunting also trades pipe, which 
is a lower margin activity, to help 
support customer relationships.

Operating Basis:

Manufacturing

Equipment Rental

Trading

Overview

Operating Basis:

Equipment Rental

Trading

Overview

Overview

Overview

Advanced Manufacturing 

Produces high quality products 

A range of downhole intervention 

Rental of a large portfolio of 

includes the Hunting Dearborn 

and solutions for the global 

tools including slickline tools, 

downhole tools, including mud 

business, which carries out deep 

subsea industry covering 

e-line tools, mechanical plant, 

motors, non-magnetic drill 

hole drilling and precision 

machining of complex 

measurement-while-drilling/

logging-while-drilling (“MWD/

hydraulic couplings, chemical 

injection systems, valves and 

coiled tubing and pressure 

control equipment. 

weldment services. 

collars, vibration dampeners, 

reamers and hole openers. 

Tools are configured to 

This business is capital intensive 

customers’ specifications. 

LWD”) and formation evaluation 

Following the acquisition of RTI 

and results are dependent on 

tool components. The Hunting 

Energy Systems, titanium and 

asset utilisation and rental rates.

This business is capital intensive 

and results are dependent on 

fleet utilisation and rental rates. 

In limited instances, rental 

equipment is sold outright.

Electronics business 

stainless steel stress joints and 

manufactures printed circuit 

production risers have been 

boards capable of operating in 

added to the Group’s subsea 

extreme conditions. These 

portfolio. 

businesses work collaboratively 

with customers implementing 

The addition of Enpro Subsea’s 

their designs to their specifications. 

product offering also brings 

Hunting Specialty manufactures 

modular production technology 

products used for onshore drilling 

and know-how to our offshore 

and completion activities.

capabilities.

Differentiators
Hunting is one of the largest 
independent providers of OCTG 
connection technology, including 
premium connections.

Differentiators
Hunting has a market-leading 
position in the US, supported by 
a strong portfolio of patented and 
unpatented technology.

Differentiators

Differentiators

Differentiators

Differentiators

Hunting Dearborn is a world 

Hunting’s expertise ranges from 

Hunting offers a comprehensive

Leaders in progressive cavity,

leader in the deep drilling of high 

the manufacture of high pressure 

range of tools, including

positive displacement mud

grade, non-magnetic 

seals to complex welding of 

innovative and proprietary

motors.

components. As a Group, 

stress joints.

technologies.

Hunting has the ability to produce 

fully integrated advanced 

downhole tools and equipment, 

manufactured, assembled and 

tested to the customer’s 

specifications using its 

proprietary know-how.

Global Operating Presence
Hunting has extensive machining
capacity in the US, Europe and 
Asia Pacific.

Related Strategic Focus Areas
In the year, the Group 
restructured its global OCTG 
manufacturing footprint and 
closed its facility in Calgary, 
Canada.

Global Operating Presence
Manufacturing centres in the US, 
Mexico and China. Distribution 
centres in the US, Canada and 
Asia Pacific.

Related Strategic Focus Areas
Hunting Titan commissioned and 
launched its detonating cord 
manufacturing line in the year 
and also launched new variants 
of its smart perforating systems 
and charges.

Related Principal Risks
 • Commodity prices
 • Shale drilling
 • Competition
 • Product quality

Related Principal Risks
 • Commodity prices
 • Shale drilling
 • Competition
 • Product quality

Global Operating Presence

Global Operating Presence

Global Operating Presence

Global Operating Presence

US.

US, UK.

US, EMEA and Asia Pacific.

US.

Related Strategic Focus Areas

Related Strategic Focus Areas

Related Strategic Focus Areas

Related Strategic Focus Areas

Our expertise has been deployed 

Acquired new products, including 

Commenced field trials of 

into Non-Oil and Gas markets in 

flexible production modules 

enhanced oil recovery 

In December 2020 the Group 

sold its assets to Rival Downhole 

recent years, including medical, 

following the acquisition of Enpro 

technology within the EMEA 

Tools LC, in exchange for a 

aerospace and space applications. 

Subsea Limited which completed 

operating segment.

in February 2020.

Related Principal Risks

Related Principal Risks

 • Commodity prices

 • Product quality

 • Commodity prices

 • Product quality

Related Principal Risks

 • Commodity prices

 • Competition

23.5% equity stake in the 

enlarged Rival business.

Related Principal Risks

 • Commodity prices

 • Shale drilling

 • Competition

For more information see pages 56 to 59.

For more information see pages 56 to 59.

For more information see pages 56 to 59.

For more information see pages 56 to 59.

For more information see pages 56 to 59.

For more information see pages 56 to 59.

23
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Oil Country Tubular 

Goods (“OCTG”)

Perforating 

Systems 

Advanced 
Manufacturing 

Subsea 

Intervention Tools 

Drilling Tools 

Operating Basis:

Manufacturing

Trading

Operating Basis:

Manufacturing

Overview

Overview

OCTG are steel alloy products 

Hunting Titan manufactures 

and comprise casing and tubing 

perforating systems, energetics, 

used in the construction and 

completion of the wellbore. 

Hunting machines threads to 

connect OCTG using flush or 

semi-flush joints and can 

manufacture premium and 

firing systems and logging tools. 

Products are mainly used in 

the completion phase of a well. 

The production, storage and 

distribution of energetics is highly 

regulated and there are significant 

semi-premium connections and 

barriers for new entrants to the 

accessories using our own 

technologies such as SEAL-

market. The business mainly 

“manufactures to stock” and 

LOCK™, WEDGE-LOCK™ and 

hence uses a wide distribution 

TEC-LOCK™. We are licensed 

network. Some manufacturing is 

to apply a variety of third-party 

done to order, sourced from 

thread forms and generic API 

international telesales.

threads. We source OCTG 

products from a significant 

number of major global steel 

producers and have strong, 

long-term relationships in the US, 

Canada, Europe and Asia Pacific. 

Hunting also trades pipe, which 

is a lower margin activity, to help 

support customer relationships.

Differentiators

Differentiators

Hunting is one of the largest 

Hunting has a market-leading 

independent providers of OCTG 

position in the US, supported by 

connection technology, including 

a strong portfolio of patented and 

premium connections.

unpatented technology.

Global Operating Presence

Global Operating Presence

Hunting has extensive machining

Manufacturing centres in the US, 

capacity in the US, Europe and 

Mexico and China. Distribution 

Asia Pacific.

centres in the US, Canada and 

Asia Pacific.

Related Strategic Focus Areas

Related Strategic Focus Areas

In the year, the Group 

restructured its global OCTG 

manufacturing footprint and 

closed its facility in Calgary, 

Canada.

Hunting Titan commissioned and 

launched its detonating cord 

manufacturing line in the year 

and also launched new variants 

of its smart perforating systems 

and charges.

Related Principal Risks

 • Commodity prices

Related Principal Risks

 • Commodity prices

 • Shale drilling

 • Competition

 • Product quality

 • Shale drilling

 • Competition

 • Product quality

Operating Basis:
Manufacturing

Operating Basis:
Manufacturing

Overview
Advanced Manufacturing 
includes the Hunting Dearborn 
business, which carries out deep 
hole drilling and precision 
machining of complex 
measurement-while-drilling/
logging-while-drilling (“MWD/
LWD”) and formation evaluation 
tool components. The Hunting 
Electronics business 
manufactures printed circuit 
boards capable of operating in 
extreme conditions. These 
businesses work collaboratively 
with customers implementing 
their designs to their specifications. 
Hunting Specialty manufactures 
products used for onshore drilling 
and completion activities.

Overview
Produces high quality products 
and solutions for the global 
subsea industry covering 
hydraulic couplings, chemical 
injection systems, valves and 
weldment services. 

Following the acquisition of RTI 
Energy Systems, titanium and 
stainless steel stress joints and 
production risers have been 
added to the Group’s subsea 
portfolio. 

The addition of Enpro Subsea’s 
product offering also brings 
modular production technology 
and know-how to our offshore 
capabilities.

Operating Basis:
Manufacturing
Equipment Rental
Trading

Overview
A range of downhole intervention 
tools including slickline tools, 
e-line tools, mechanical plant, 
coiled tubing and pressure 
control equipment. 

This business is capital intensive 
and results are dependent on 
asset utilisation and rental rates.

Operating Basis:
Equipment Rental
Trading

Overview
Rental of a large portfolio of 
downhole tools, including mud 
motors, non-magnetic drill 
collars, vibration dampeners, 
reamers and hole openers. 
Tools are configured to 
customers’ specifications. 

This business is capital intensive 
and results are dependent on 
fleet utilisation and rental rates. 
In limited instances, rental 
equipment is sold outright.

i

B
u
s
n
e
s
s
M
o
d
e

l

a
n
d
S
t
a
k
e
h
o
d
e
r
s

l

Differentiators
Hunting’s expertise ranges from 
the manufacture of high pressure 
seals to complex welding of 
stress joints.

Differentiators
Hunting offers a comprehensive
range of tools, including
innovative and proprietary
technologies.

Differentiators
Leaders in progressive cavity,
positive displacement mud
motors.

Differentiators
Hunting Dearborn is a world 
leader in the deep drilling of high 
grade, non-magnetic 
components. As a Group, 
Hunting has the ability to produce 
fully integrated advanced 
downhole tools and equipment, 
manufactured, assembled and 
tested to the customer’s 
specifications using its 
proprietary know-how.

Global Operating Presence
US.

Global Operating Presence
US, UK.

Global Operating Presence
US, EMEA and Asia Pacific.

Global Operating Presence
US.

Related Strategic Focus Areas
Our expertise has been deployed 
into Non-Oil and Gas markets in 
recent years, including medical, 
aerospace and space applications. 

Related Strategic Focus Areas
Acquired new products, including 
flexible production modules 
following the acquisition of Enpro 
Subsea Limited which completed 
in February 2020.

Related Strategic Focus Areas
Commenced field trials of 
enhanced oil recovery 
technology within the EMEA 
operating segment.

Related Strategic Focus Areas
In December 2020 the Group 
sold its assets to Rival Downhole 
Tools LC, in exchange for a 
23.5% equity stake in the 
enlarged Rival business.

Related Principal Risks
 • Commodity prices
 • Product quality

Related Principal Risks
 • Commodity prices
 • Product quality

Related Principal Risks
 • Commodity prices
 • Competition

Related Principal Risks
 • Commodity prices
 • Shale drilling
 • Competition

For more information see pages 56 to 59.

For more information see pages 56 to 59.

For more information see pages 56 to 59.

For more information see pages 56 to 59.

For more information see pages 56 to 59.

For more information see pages 56 to 59.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
 
 
24
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Business Model

continued

4

Our 
Stakeholders

Our Customers

As a member of the oil and gas equipment supply chain, Hunting’s 
broad portfolio of products and services enables the Group to cover a 
large proportion of the needs of the global energy industry, including 
onshore and offshore drilling projects and conventional and 
unconventional resource development, supported by selected high 
value services to help our customers achieve their strategic objectives. 

A common theme across all our businesses is our ability to add value 
for our customers, which is achieved by providing high technology 
products that lower the cost of operation, resolve technical problems, 
or simply enable a job to be completed more quickly or safely, without 
comprising quality.

COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic and hydrocarbon demand changes in the 
year have created havoc across all levels of the oil and gas supply 
chain. The major theme of the Group’s customer discussions in the 
year has been navigating the lower oil price, which manifested itself in 
reductions in industry capital expenditures to levels not seen in many 
decades, and which included order deferment and cancellations. 
Despite these trading conditions, Hunting has continued to engage 
its customer base proactively to continue to assist our clients in 
meeting their strategic objectives and continues to assist customers 
with technology developments to lower production costs or 
increasing in-field safety.

25
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Our Customer Channels to Market

Operators
Operators are the end consumers of 
our products and related services. 
These include national oil 
companies, international oil 
companies and independents. 
Approximately 24% of our sales are 
made directly to operators.

Split of  
Group  
revenue 
c.24%

Split of  
Group  
revenue 
c.57%

Service Companies
Our primary route to market is via 
other service providers, which 
generate c.57% of our revenue. 
These include “1st tier” service 
companies who can provide project 
management services to operators. 
Key customers include Halliburton, 
Baker Hughes, Schlumberger and 
Weatherford.

Steel Mills and 
Other Oil and Gas
Steel mills are key suppliers to our 
business; however, in some 
circumstances we can perform 
threading services for them or 
supply OCTG products. 

Split of  
Group  
revenue 
c.13%

Non-Oil and Gas
Non-oil and gas sales are led by our 
Trenchless, Dearborn and 
Electronics operations, which have 
developed new customers within 
the aviation, medical, space and 
telecommunications sectors.

Split of  
Group  
revenue 
c.6%

Customer Engagement
Client engagement is key to the Group’s understanding of the short- to 
medium-term needs of our various clients. This daily dialogue helps us 
shape our strategy and focus our product research and development 
programmes. In the year, the Group launched and acquired new 
products that directly addressed customer needs, some of which 
resulted from close customer collaboration in response to in-field 
technical challenges.

As part of our active dialogue and engagement with our customer 
base, key clients are usually invited to our facilities to review our 
production capabilities and processes, review new technology and 
brainstorm on future projects. Customer contact reports are a regular 
feature of our sales function, which often include issues or concerns, 
in-field performance feedback and overall customer satisfaction. 

Hunting’s customer-facing sales teams are directly supported by the 
Group’s Engineering, Quality Assurance and Health, Safety and 
Environment teams, which all assist in the provision of key operational 
performance information that supports global tenders and the overall 
sales function. Further, to embed the Group into our customer base, 
Hunting is a member of a number of industry and trade association 
bodies including:

 • American Petroleum Institute;
 • Society of Petroleum Engineers; and
 • International Association of Drilling Contractors.

The Group also attends various industry conferences annually 
to profile the Group’s products and services.

Ethics and Governance
Hunting’s close relationship with its customers is also enhanced by 
our ethical policies and transparent ways of doing business. All of 
our major customers receive our Code of Conduct, which includes 
a commitment to a transparent way of doing business. Regular due 
diligence on new customers is also undertaken to ensure the Group 
complies with international trading and sanctions legislation. In many 
cases, we ask our clients to complete “end user” declarations to 
confirm that Hunting’s products do not conflict or breach trading 
restrictions or sanctions legislation. The Group also has strong 
entertainment and hospitality policies, which support our commitment 
to anti-bribery and corruption.

Board Engagement and Decision Making – Customers
In parallel with the commercial dialogue and engagement undertaken 
by our leadership teams with our customers, the Board of Hunting, 
in support of its statutory stakeholder duty, has approved the 
development of the Group’s strategy by reviewing and approving 
capital investment projects that directly support future customer 
needs. Board approvals are also required for contracts over a certain 
monetary value. In the year, the Group invested $14.7m in production 
capacity and equipment and $32.8m was spent on the acquisition of 
Enpro Subsea, which completed in February 2020.

Capital Investment

1. US 58%
2. Hunting Titan 26%
3. Asia Pacific 7%
4. EMEA 7%
5. Canada 1%
6. Central 1%

The Board approved these capital investments, either as part of the 
approval of the Strategic Plan or Annual Budget process. In each 
case, the Board was satisfied that there was good alignment 
between the final capital allocation and the Board’s consideration 
of customer matters.

65

1

4

3

2

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
26
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Business Model

continued

Our Employees

Hunting’s reputation, which has been built over many years, is 
underpinned by its highly skilled workforce, who are key to fulfilling the 
Group’s strategic objectives. At 31 December 2020, the Group had 
1,923 employees (2019 – 2,956) across its global operations.

COVID-19
While the Group has made every effort to retain as many employees 
as possible, which included participating in global furlough or 
employee support programmes, the Group has had to undertake a 
reduction in headcount in the year to reduce its cost base 
commensurate with the decline in revenue. As a consequence, our 
headcount was reduced by 35% during 2020. In the year, our HR 
functions have been dedicated to supporting our employees 
through this process. The COVID-19 pandemic has, without 
question, presented a significant Health and Safety challenge to the 
Group, as management put in place procedures to keep our 
employees safe and well, while endeavouring to keep our facilities 
open. All global operations implemented working-from-home 
arrangements where this was appropriate. Within our manufacturing 
facilities, social distancing protocols were introduced and employee 
monitoring, on entering and exiting our facilities, was implemented, 
in addition to a broad range of protective equipment being issued.

Employees

1. US 44%
2. Hunting Titan 20%
3. Asia Pacific 19%
4. EMEA 12%
5. Central 4%
6. Canada 1%

65

1

4

3

The Group has a strong reputation for being a responsible employer, 
which is reflected in the average tenure and voluntary workforce 
turnover rate noted below. This demonstrates Hunting’s commitment 
to its employees and its drive to nurture a mutually beneficial 
relationship between the Company and its employees.

Average employee tenure

Group employee voluntary turnover rate

10.1 years
9%

Hunting targets full compliance with all relevant regional laws covering 
employment and minimum wage legislation. As a responsible 
employer, full and fair consideration is given to applications for 
positions from disabled persons. The Group’s ethics policies support 
equal employment opportunities across all of Hunting’s operations. 
The Group’s gender diversity profile for 2020 is detailed below.

Training
In light of the reduction in workforce programmes completed across 
the Group in the year, additional training of employees was initiated as 
responsibilities were re-assigned. The work of the Group’s HSE 
function has led these programmes.

As an embedded programme for new employees, the Group provides 
ethics training through a Code of Conduct training course, to ensure 
awareness of our published policies. The programme incorporates 
anti-bribery and corruption, modern slavery, fraud and tax modules 
to ensure our employees understand their responsibilities on joining 
the Group. 

Employee Engagement
In 2019, Hunting commissioned its first all-employee survey, to 
enhance its global workforce engagement initiatives. This initiative is 
likely to be repeated in the coming year.

2

Human Rights
We are committed to upholding the Human Rights of all our 
employees, which include:

While the Board monitors procedures to comply with our published 
Code of Conduct, responsibility for our employees lies for the most 
part with local management, to enable local cultural matters to be 
addressed, with all businesses complying with the Group’s ethical 
employment and human rights policies as published in the Hunting 
PLC Code of Conduct (located at www.huntingplc.com).

Employees are offered benefits on joining the Group, including 
healthcare cover, post-retirement benefits and, in certain instances, 
when Group outperformance in terms of operational or financial 
targets has been delivered, participation in annual bonus 
arrangements.

The Group is committed to training and developing all employees 
which includes Health and Safety training, professional development 
and general career development initiatives.

 • Providing a safe and comfortable working environment for all 

employees and contractors;

 • Respecting the rights of each individual with a zero tolerance 

approach to any form of discrimination, harassment or bullying;
 • Providing training and development programmes to our global 

workforce;

 • Not employing child labour; and
 • Acting with honesty, transparency and integrity in all of our dealings 

with our workforce.

Diversity
The Group’s diversity policy can be found at www.huntingplc.com. 
Hunting’s policies promote prejudice-free decision making, ensuring all 
stakeholder interests are taken into consideration and commit Hunting 
to building a working environment in which all individuals are able to 
make best use of their skills, free from unfair discrimination, 
victimisation, harassment and/or bullying, and in which all 
appointments are based on merit.

Furthermore, the policy focuses on recruitment, training and 
development, conditions of work and disciplinary procedures.

27
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Gender
Gender diversity data of Hunting’s Board, senior management and 
workforce is noted below.

Gender and ethnicity suggestions made in the Hampton-Alexander 
and Parker reviews have been noted by the Board and will be taken 
into consideration as the Board is refreshed over the coming years.

Board

1. Male 5 – 71%
2. Female 2 – 29%

Senior Management*

1. Male 57 – 88%
2. Female 8 – 12%

*  Defined as members of the 
Executive Committee and 
their direct reports.

Workforce

1. Male 1,499 – 78% 
2. Female 424 – 22%

1

1

1

2

2

2

Ethnicity
Hunting is committed to an ethnically diverse workforce and extends 
its global operating footprint to 11 countries. The Group remains North 
American focused, with over 65% of employees from that region at 
31 December 2020.

Group Employee Profile
(%)

 North America 

 Europe 

 Asia 

 Rest of World

2020

2019

2018

Whistleblowing
The Board of Hunting has established procedures in place whereby 
employees can raise concerns in confidence, by contacting the 
Chairman or Senior Independent Director. The Group also uses an 
independent whistleblowing service operated by SafeCall. Contact 
information for both these lines of reporting is usually published on 
staff noticeboards across the Group’s facilities and within the Group’s 
magazine published twice yearly, the “Hunting Review”, and is 
available to all employees.

Health and Safety
Across all of its global operations, the Group is committed to achieving 
and maintaining the highest standards of safety for its employees and 
other stakeholders.

Hunting has a 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;
 • Appropriate training and education of all staff;
 • Regular reporting to Board level;
 • Seeking accreditation and aligning long-standing internal 

programmes with internationally recognised standards; and

 • Publication of the Group’s policy on health, safety and 
environmental matters on the Company’s website at 
www.huntingplc.com.

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

Additional personal protective equipment has formed part 
of our HSE approach in 2020.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements28
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Business Model

continued

During the year, there were no fatalities across the Group’s operations 
(2019 – nil), with 16 recordable incidents (2019 – 39). 

The incident rate, as calculated from guidance issued by the 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) in the US, 
was 0.67 compared to 1.17 in 2019. This incident rate reflects a 43% 
year-on-year decrease compared to the prior year. The industry 
average incident rate in 2020 was 4.0 (2019 – 4.0).

In the year, the number of hours worked decreased by 27% to 4.8m 
hours (2019 – 6.6m hours) as trading declined. 

Incident Rate 
(OSHA method)

2020

2019

2018

0.67

1.17

1.49

Board Engagement and Decision Making – Employees
The Board has received reports from the Chief Executive and 
Executive Committee in respect of the reduction-in-force 
programmes completed in the year to address the downturn in the 
Group’s core markets. All employees have been treated fairly in 
respect to this process and the Directors are satisfied with the 
conduct and engagement of management with Hunting’s 
employees throughout this unfortunate process. Further, the Board 
noted that employee support funding was received from various 
governments to retain its employees, for as long as possible, from 
Q2 2020 and as market conditions deteriorated. All funds received 
were passed directly to employees.

As part of its statutory duty, and in line with the provisions of the 
2018 UK Corporate Governance Code, Annell Bay is the designated 
non-executive Director for employee engagement issues. 

In the year, the Board received employee reports from the Chief HR 
Officer, which included ongoing engagement efforts.

In the year, the Board noted the workforce reduction and salary 
freezes in place across the Group, as Hunting managed the 
market downturn. 

The Board, through the work of the Remuneration Committee, 
monitored executive Directors’ remuneration, and the remuneration 
framework of the Executive Committee in the context of prevailing 
market conditions.

Further, the Board received reports from Keith Lough, the 
Company’s Senior Independent Director, on the whistleblowing 
reports received. In the year, the Group received two reports from 
SafeCall (2019 – nine reports). The Board noted the actions 
recommended in respect to each report and were satisfied that 
each report was resolved appropriately.

Hunting’s Director of Health, Safety and Environment (“HSE”) 
reports directly to the Chief Executive and the Directors review a 
HSE report at each Board meeting. The Directors noted the lower 
number of incidents in the year, which for the most part relates to 
lower numbers of new employees hired during 2020.

Hunting has made every effort to protect its employees, 
whether on the shop floor or in the office.

Manufacturing and production safety equipment is also issued 
to employees (this photograph was taken prior to COVID-19).

29
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Our Suppliers

Hunting’s supplier base assists the Group in achieving its purpose 
of providing high quality products which our customers can rely on 
and trust.

The Group has a strategy of ensuring that critical materials are not 
sourced from a single supplier which provides assurance to our 
customers that we will always be in a position to deliver. Long 
lead-time material supplies are regularly reviewed to ensure market 
pricing remains competitive.

In the case of new suppliers, including those who provide key 
components, first article inspection procedures are in place prior 
to issuing the order, to ensure quality and delivery expectations
are met.

Ethics and Governance
Like the Group’s customer base, Hunting completes due diligence on 
its supplier base and communicates its ethics policies to its major 
suppliers. The Group’s Code of Conduct is issued to its suppliers and 
specifically our Modern Slavery policy, which highlights the Group’s 
ethical trading and fair labour policies.

Hunting’s strategic sourcing includes working with a wide range of 
suppliers with a regular two-way dialogue on quality expectations. 
Often, supply chain managers visit the facilities of our suppliers to 
review procedures, including Quality Assurance, Health and Safety 
performance and employment practices.

Board Engagement and Decision Making – Suppliers
The Board, through the work of the Audit Committee, reviews the 
Group’s supply chain risk profile and reviews engagement reports 
on the Group’s dialogue with customers and suppliers. This leads 
to discussion and challenge by the Directors.

Every effort has been made to keep our facilities open to deliver critical equipment 
to our customers (this photograph was taken prior to COVID-19).

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements30
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Business Model

continued

Our Environment

Hunting is committed to addressing environmental issues and 
embedding a low carbon culture within our operating facilities and our 
employees. New facilities take into account environmental impact 
considerations, including protection from extreme weather events, 
such as windstorms and flooding.

The Group’s Quality Management System (“QMS”) is compliant with 
the globally recognised ISO 14001 (Environmental) standard and 
most of our facilities are operated in compliance with this standard 
as well as ISO 50001 (Energy Management), as we demonstrate 
our commitment to operating in an environmentally responsible 
manner with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of our 
global footprint.

Environmentally responsible initiatives implemented across the Group 
include (1) energy efficiency solutions including more efficient lighting; 
(2) water capture and recycling; and (3) waste recycling. These 
initiatives are continuously enhanced to incrementally reduce the 
Group’s overall carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Carbon-based Emissions
To monitor the impact of Hunting’s operations on the environment, and 
in compliance with UK Company Law, the Group collates greenhouse 
gas (“GHG”) data in accordance with the principles of the Kyoto 
Protocol. Hunting’s 2020 Scope 1 and 2 emissions, as defined by 
reporting guidelines published by DEFRA in the UK and the 
International Energy Agency, are reported below. The Group’s carbon 
footprint is derived primarily from our operating facilities, where 78% 
of our total Scope 1 and 2 emissions comprise electricity usage, as 
noted in the accompanying chart. In 2020, the Group’s total Scope 1 
and 2 emissions were 31,826 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent 
compared to 35,874 tonnes in 2019. The decrease is predominantly 
related to the lower activity levels across the Group reported 
throughout the year. In the UK, total Scope 1 and 2 emissions were 
1,347 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent compared to 1,779 tonnes 
in 2019.

GHG Emissions
(Tonnes CO2(e))

 Scope 1 

 Scope 2 

2020

2019

2018

6,863

7,100

7,087

Intensity Factor
(Number)

2020

2019

2018

24,963

Total

31,826

28,774

35,874

28,084

35,171

50.8

37.4

38.6

Hunting’s global and UK electricity consumption is also detailed in the 
charts below.

Global Electricity Consumption 
(GWh)

2020

2019

2018

UK Electricity Consumption
(GWh)

2020

2019

2018

48.6

55.7

54.7

1.4

1.6

1.9

The Group’s intensity factor is based on total carbon dioxide 
equivalent emissions divided by the Group’s revenue in 2020, and was 
50.8kg/$k of revenue, compared to 37.4 kg/$k of revenue in 2019.

Sustainability

Given our presence in 11 countries, electricity consumption is still 
primarily derived from coal and gas-fired generation. However, all 
businesses within the Group are encouraged to appoint suppliers who 
can provide renewable energy sourced power generation. In the year, 
the Group submitted data to the Carbon Disclosure Project, to 
increase its transparency of its carbon reporting practices. The Group 
also participates in a number of other initiatives, including the Energy 
Saving Opportunity Scheme, which requires Hunting’s UK facilities to 
be audited for energy efficiency, with recommendations provided to 
reduce energy usage.

The Group collects information on the sources of its electricity and in 
2020 5.8 GWh (2019 – 2.1 GWh) was sourced from renewable energy 
equating to 12% (2019 – 4%) of the Group’s global electricity 
consumption. In the UK, 0.4 GWh or 31% of the Group’s UK electricity 
was sourced from hydro or renewable sources (2019 – 0.5 GWh, 
27%), with the electricity at Hunting’s London Headquarters being 
100% sourced from renewable energy.

Water usage in the year was 257k cubic metres compared to 319k 
cubic metres in 2019.

At Hunting we are committed to making the broader development 
goals of the United Nations, particularly the Sustainable Development 
Goals, part of our culture, strategy and day-to-day operations of the 
Company. We are also aligning ourselves with the principles of the UN 
Global Compact and are taking the necessary steps to formally 
subscribe to this framework.

Waste Management and Recycling
During the year, the majority of the Group’s facilities had at least one 
recycling programme in place.

In 2019, the Group initiated a new process to quantitatively collect 
recycling information on metal, paper/wood and plastics. The following 
table shows the data collected in the year.

Metal recycling

Wood/paper recycling

Plastics recycling

3,267 
tonnes
700 
tonnes
311 
tonnes

31
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Climate Change
The Directors of Hunting have continued to consider climate-related 
issues and during 2020 reviewed the recommended reporting 
framework published by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures (“TCFD”). It is anticipated that the Group will fully align 
its compliance with this reporting framework in the coming years. 
The information following is provided to highlight the Company’s 
commitment to measuring and managing its climate-related profile 
and to provide relevant disclosures which allow our various 
stakeholders to understand our business model and strategy 
in respect to climate.

In December 2020, the Directors approved our Climate Policy (located 
at www.huntingplc.com), which commits the Board to Group-level 
monitoring of climate-related opportunities and risks. This Policy 
acknowledges the global goal to limit global warming to between 
1.5°C to 2.0°C, in line with the Paris accords, and commits the Group 
to assisting in the delivery of this global ambition through a reduction 
in its global carbon footprint. The Group acknowledges it is at the 
beginning of a journey and will endeavour to reach these targets in the 
coming years as low-carbon initiatives are extended throughout the 
Company and are made more widely available in each geographic 
region of operation.

Carbon and Climate Change Governance
While there is Board-level oversight of this key issue, the day-to-day 
management of this area will be through the Hunting Executive 
Committee from 2021, with ultimate responsibility vested in the 
Chief Executive.

Climate Change Strategy
The Group’s strategy in respect to climate change comprises 
a number of features:

1. Sustainability and Stability
The Group’s current market focus is the global energy industry and, 
as such, is supported by the projected increase in primary energy 
demand forecast by many reputable sources for the next few 
decades. The Board believes that the Company’s investment case, 
business model and strategy can be amended in a proportionate and 
careful manner to ensure shareholder funds and returns are protected 
over the long term.

2. A Well-managed Energy Transition
The transition of primary energy sources to non-hydrocarbon sources 
will take decades and the Group’s focus remains on the oil and gas 
sector, and will continue to do so for the short- to medium-term. A key 
theme of our investment case will be to adapt our core expertise of 
precision engineering and high-end manufacturing into other markets. 
The opportunities and risks presented to Hunting will be based on 
utilising our core competencies in delivering high quality products, 
which are strongly assured, to our end-users in whichever market 
sectors we operate.

3. Reducing our Carbon Footprint
Hunting’s carbon footprint is monitored and managed carefully, with 
an overarching strategy in place to contain and reduce our carbon 
footprint over time. This reduction will be achieved by a drive for more 
energy efficient operations and the use of renewable energy to power 
our facilities. Our published targets are realistic and achievable and are 
reviewed regularly by the Board.

Carbon and Climate Targets
Hunting has committed to sourcing 10% of its total energy needs from 
renewable sources by 2029 and is aiming for an Intensity Factor of less 
than 30.0. 

The primary strategy to achieve this ambition will be through securing 
energy contracts which supply higher proportions of green energy, 
which will reduce the Group’s total Scope 2 emissions. 

Climate Opportunities
The Group’s business model and strategy currently focus on the 
supply of products and services to the global oil and gas industry. 

As demonstrated in recent years, our business model is applicable 
to other industries including aviation, naval, space and 
telecommunications where good progress has been made in 
establishing our presence in these sectors.

While our oil and gas-related revenue was $586.2m (94%) in 2020 all 
our businesses have been tasked with identifying complementary 
markets and products which leverage our manufacturing expertise 
and reputation for quality.

Climate Risks
Transition Risk
While the energy transition away from hydrocarbons is a risk, 
particularly given the proportion of the Group’s oil and gas-related 
revenue in 2020, the Directors believe that the Group’s core 
geographic markets will be reliant on these primary energy sources 
for a number of decades to come, and therefore a well-managed 
business transition is achievable.

As detailed in the Market Review, the International Energy Agency has 
published forecasts which suggest that oil and gas demand for the 
next decade is likely to remain materially unchanged. Longer range 
scenarios for the transition to a lower carbon economy project a wide 
range of possibilities in respect to the speed of this transition. The 
Board have noted these projections and believe Transition Risk to a 
lower carbon economy remains an Emerging Risk, as detailed in the 
Risk Management section of this report.

Operational Risk 
The Group has an operational risk assessment framework in place, 
which, among other risks, assesses its ability to operate should a 
weather event impact a location. The Group has a concentration of 
its facilities close to the Gulf of Mexico coast in Texas and Louisiana, 
which periodically suffer from windstorms. 

The following charts present a detailed risk analysis of the Group’s 
operational locations which are covered by our global insurance 
programmes. Each location is assessed independently for a wide 
range of weather-related risks, including storm and flood risks which 
provide a probability of any one particular location being impacted by 
adverse weather conditions. This probability is then plotted against 
both the revenue generated from the location or the insured values of 
the location, including property, plant and equipment. This enables 
the Board to understand the concentration of risk for any particular 
location on a revenue or insured asset basis.

Given the geographic spread of its operations across the US and 
globally, the Board is satisfied that Hunting’s risk in this area is 
sufficiently mitigated. 

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements32
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Business Model

continued

The following charts note the Group’s risk profile of its facilities, 
with respect to windstorm and flood risk. 

Windstorm Risk Factor vs Revenue
2020 

Flood Risk Factor vs Revenue
2020 

16
Properties

2
Properties

100

y
t
i
l
i

b
a
b
o
r
P
k
s
R

i

1 
Properties

0 
Properties

100

y
t
i
l
i

b
a
b
o
r
P
k
s
R

i

46
Properties

2 
Properties

61
Properties

4 
Properties

0

$60m

$120m

0

$60m

$120m

Low risk

Medium risk

High risk

Low risk

Medium risk

High risk

Windstorm Risk Factor vs Total Insured Value
2020 

Flood Risk Factor vs Total Insured Value
2020 

18
Properties

5 
Properties

100

y
t
i
l
i

b
a
b
o
r
P
k
s
R

i

1 
Properties

0 
Properties

100

y
t
i
l
i

b
a
b
o
r
P
k
s
R

i

41
Properties

2 
Properties

58
Properties

7 
Properties

0

£50m

£100m

0

£50m

£100m

Low risk

Medium risk

High risk

Low risk

Medium risk

High risk

The Directors therefore believe that weather-related risk is mitigated to 
a satisfactory level. The Directors have considered the potential impact 
that climate change could have on the financial statements of the 
Group. The Directors’ view is that climate remains an emerging risk 
that the Group is cognisant of, and will react appropriately to. 
Long-term forecasts used by the Directors, support the view that there 
will be robust demand for the Group’s oil and gas products for a 
significant time span and that this does not cause concerns regarding 
the carrying values or expected lives of non-current assets. The 
Directors also believe there is significant operational adaptability to 
move into other non–oil and gas product lines. Further information on 
climate change can be found on page 53 within Risk Management.

 
 
 
 
33
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Governments

Hunting’s global operating footprint extends across 11 countries. 
As a consequence of this, the Group interacts with a number of global 
regulators, governments and tax authorities to ensure that Hunting 
retains a high reputation and business standing within each region of 
operation and seeks to comply with all applicable and relevant local 
laws and regulations.

As a UK premium-listed public company, the Financial Conduct 
Authority (“FCA”) is the Group’s primary regulator; however, each 
operating segment retains a close relationship with the relevant local 
tax and legal authority. With the assistance of the Group’s brokers and 
legal advisers, the relationship with the FCA is closely managed as and 
when relevant matters arise.

Given the sensitivity of interacting with government officials, with 
respect to the risk of bribery, the Group’s internal procedures include 
analysis of which customers and suppliers are government owned, 
with all externally-facing employees trained in the Group’s anti-bribery 
and corruption policies.

COVID-19
The Group has received furlough and employee support funding 
totalling $3.6m during 2020. This was predominantly received in the 
early days of the pandemic and enabled employees to be retained 
longer, despite the protracted impact of COVID-19. As market 
conditions deteriorated further, a proportion of these employees 
were released as cost reduction measures were put in place to align 
with the trading environment. The majority of the monies were 
received in Canada, with smaller proportions received in Singapore 
and the UK. Further, all monies were passed to the employees with 
no funds being retained by the Group for other purposes.

Tax Strategy
Hunting is committed to acting with integrity and transparency in all 
tax matters relating to the countries in which we operate. Simply put, 
our tax strategy is to comply with local tax regulation, and pay taxes 
when due.

The tax contributions from Hunting’s global activities includes the 
following sources:

 • Corporate income taxes;
 • Employment taxes;
 • Social security taxes;
 • Property taxes;
 • State taxes;
 • Consumption taxes (Value Added Taxes, Goods and Services 

Taxes and Insurance Premium Taxes);

 • Carbon taxes; and
 • Fuel duties.

When evaluating how we should organise our business affairs, a wide 
variety of factors are considered, including operational efficiency, risk 
management and taxation. If the tax regulation allows us to organise 
our commercial business affairs in a manner which reduces tax costs, 
while meeting our overall objectives, we will do so but we will not carry 
out tax evasion or create artificial structures. If necessary, we engage 
professional tax or legal advisers to ensure that we have interpreted 
tax law correctly. We will not enter into transactions that have a main 
purpose of interpreting tax law that is opposed to its original intention 
or spirit.

Board Engagement and Decision Making – Governments
The Group’s tax governance is managed as follows:

 • The Board reviews the Group’s tax strategy and policies on an 

ongoing basis with regular updates on the tax position provided 
at each Board Meeting;

 • Day-to-day matters are delegated to the Group’s Head of 

Taxation and a small team of in-house tax professionals who 
hold a combination of accounting and tax qualifications;
 • Annual review of tax policies as part of our internal Group 

Manual updates;

 • Monitor and discuss changes to tax legislation that will have an 

impact on us and discuss with advisers as required; and

 • Engage specialist advisers when appropriate.

Governments are a key stakeholder of the Group which includes local 
and federal authorities.

Our Communities

The Board delegates community initiatives to the Executive 
Committee, which allows for local cultural practices to be integrated 
into community focused activities and projects. Local community 
sponsorships or charitable donations are encouraged, following 
approval by a member of the Board or Executive Committee.

Most businesses within the Group normally host “Open House” 
days at facilities to allow customers, suppliers, employees’ families 
and other members of the local community to see our operations. 
These activities were suspended from Q2 2020 due to COVID-19.

Community initiatives are regularly reported in the Group’s magazine, 
the “Hunting Review”, which profiles the Group’s operations, 
employees and community work.

In the year, as COVID-19 impacted many of our communities, our 
Asia Pacific segment purchased machinery and commenced the 
manufacture of face masks for distribution to our global workforce 
and to local communities. 

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements34
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Case Study 
Hunting’s COVID Response

Keeping safe, keeping operational

Hunting’s HSE team has taken swift 
and decisive action in response to the 
pandemic and completed 33 facility 
decontaminations in the year without 
shutting down facilities for longer than 
the eight hours required for this 
exercise, thereby ensuring operational 
continuity and commitment to our 
customers. 

The safety of our employees 
has been a top priority for the 
Group in 2020. I am proud of 
our record, in what has been 
a challenging year.”
Jim Johnson, Chief Executive

Hunting’s global management team has been proactive in mitigating 
the risks to its workforce and operations through risk assessed 
working practices and localised initiatives. During the year, Hunting 
spent in excess of $1.3m on personal protective equipment and 
decontamination costs across the Group. This epitomises the 
Company’s deeply held culture of adaptability and encouraging 
individual responsibility and resourcefulness.

As the COVID-19 pandemic caused the temporary closure of 
facilities around the world, an example of Hunting’s response at 
its plant in Wuxi, China, is instructive. With a sterile manufacturing 
area set aside to service the electronics business in normal times, 
this was quickly repurposed to manufacture disposable face masks. 
Within days, our highly automated lines were producing the 
equivalent of c.1.0 million masks per month. Not only were the 
masks shipped to all other Hunting sites throughout the world but 
also distributed into the Company’s wider communities.

Social distancing measures have been implemented across all 
manufacturing facilities, amongst other safe practices, to enable our 
sites to keep operating. Symptom monitoring and reporting are now 
standard throughout the Group. Dedicated shift patterns were also 
initially adopted across the Group but normal shifts have now 
resumed. The need to maintain workstation spacing led to the 
reconfiguration of plant specific workshop footprints and extended 
into best safe practice in all personal interactions.

Significantly, in spite of the pandemic, Hunting has achieved our 
global reportable incident rate goal and objective for 2020 (global 
goal of 2.0). The Group achieved a global rate of 0.67 compared 
to 1.17 for the year ending 2019.

Social distancing and virtual meetings 
quickly became the norm.

Safety masks were distributed to all of the 
Group’s operations.

In Asia Pacific a programme of community 
distribution of face masks was initiated.

35
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Hunting’s face mask manufacturing line at Wuxi, China, with an output of one million masks per month.

Educational initiatives were also completed to ensure all staff complied with the additional safety protocols.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements36
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Chief Executive’s Statement 
and Outlook

Returning to 
Growth  
Our business model 
has been shown to 
be resilient despite 
the severe downturn 
in our core markets. 
Hunting is now a 
leaner organisation, 
focused on an 
industry that is slowly 
returning to growth.

Jim Johnson
Chief Executive

37
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Introduction
2020 will be remembered for many years to come owing to the 
extraordinary events seen, predominantly due to the impact of the 
coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”). No one would have been able to 
predict the impact of COVID-19 on global economic activity or the 
actions by governments to curtail the spread of the virus. The closure 
of significant sectors of national economies and the restrictions 
applied to global mobility to protect populations are actions never 
seen in living memory.

The contraction in global economic activity had an immediate impact 
on the energy industry, predominantly through a rapid reduction in 
primary energy demand, leading to the oil price reducing sharply in 
March 2020, which led to the oil and gas industry curtailing global 
capital investment and drilling spend. This decline in investment had 
an immediate impact on Hunting’s trading activities, with US onshore 
focused businesses being quickly affected by the reduction in drilling 
activity. The decline in global offshore activity was slower, but 
accelerated through the year.

Hunting’s leadership team have managed adverse changes to market 
conditions many times, although this cycle has been more challenging 
to the industry than many others. The Group’s ability to rapidly align its 
cost base with prevailing market conditions underlines our experience. 

The Group has reported reduced revenue and trading losses in the 
year, but has focused on retaining a strong balance sheet and in 
particular managing cash thereby ensuring our core capabilities have 
been retained, ready for a return to growth as and when economic 
conditions improve. Without doubt, our business model has been 
shown to be resilient despite the severe downturn in our core markets 
recorded in the year.

We have had to reduce our global headcount as part of our actions 
to address the cost base, which has been a painful process. However, 
I would like to thank all our employees for the commitment shown 
during the year as the Group has managed the market downturn while 
keeping safe and protected from the virus.

As we look to the future, Hunting is now a leaner organisation, with an 
experienced workforce and a resilient organisational structure, which 
is focused on an industry that is slowly returning to growth.

Market Summary
The year commenced on a cautious note, with commentators 
projecting a 10% decline in global onshore drilling spend and a 6% 
increase in global offshore drilling spend. Combining these projections, 
2020 began with global drilling spend being forecast at c.$217.3bn, or 
a 5% reduction from the prior year.

At the end of Q1 2020 the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 
pandemic became clearer, leading to economies being shut down to 
curtail the spread of the virus, resulting in a c.30 million barrels of oil 
per day decline in the demand for oil, or a reduction of nearly one-third 
of normal daily production. 

As detailed in the Market Review, this economic shift led to a negative 
WTI oil price being recorded in April 2020 and drilling spend being 
rapidly cut back to align with the contracting market.

In summary, global drilling expenditure has reduced to c.$121.1bn in 
2020, or a 44% decline in investment compared to the projections 
available at the start of the year. This decline in activity largely 
commenced at the start of Q2 2020 and, therefore, Hunting’s results 
reflect the impact of the reduction in market activity and associated 
trading conditions from early Q2 2020.

COVID-19
The energy industry is an essential sector and, therefore, the Group’s 
operations have been allowed to remain open to service its customers 
throughout the pandemic.

As part of the Group’s action plan, a committee comprising the Chief 
Executive, the Chief Operating Officer, Hunting’s Director of Health and 
Safety, the Chief HR Officer and Chief IT Officer was formed to ensure 
that a co-ordinated response to the virus was implemented.

During the year, Hunting adopted various measures to ensure the 
Group’s employees remained safe. Most businesses adopted a split 
structure from the management level to the shop floor to ensure a 
clear separation of the employee population, to reduce the risk of the 
spread of infection.

Staff monitoring, as they entered and exited facilities, was implemented 
to ensure possible COVID-19 symptoms were checked on a daily 
basis. Social distancing procedures were also implemented across all 
operations to protect staff, while those employees who could work 
remotely were encouraged to do so. Additional protective equipment 
was supplied to all relevant staff. 

The Group’s HSE function developed a decontamination plan for any 
facility impacted by an infection. In most cases, those facilities impacted 
were only out of action for part of a day to allow for deep cleaning. 

In support of our global workforce and the communities in which 
we operate, during the year our Asia Pacific segment purchased 
machinery and commenced the manufacture of face masks. This 
initiative shows our Purpose and Culture in action, not only in taking 
action to address an operational need, but also to maintain our firm 
commitment to keep our workforce, their families, and the 
communities in which we operate safe in these difficult times.

Group Summary
Revenue in the year reduced by 35% to $626.0m, compared to 
$960.0m in 2019. Revenue in H1 2020 was $377.7m (2019 – $508.9m) 
and in H2 2020 was $248.3m (2019 – $451.1m), reflecting the lower 
activity levels in the second half of the year. 

While the year-on-year decline in revenue has been recorded across 
all operating segments, Hunting Titan, due to its focus on the US 
onshore market, was more impacted by the downturn in activity, 
recording a 57% reduction in segmental revenue to $161.7m 
(2019 – $375.5m).

A number of business units have, however, shown good resilience 
despite the turmoil in the global oil and gas market. Hunting’s 
Subsea product lines recorded a 57% increase in sales to $69.8m 
(2019 – $44.5m), benefiting from modest momentum being recorded 
within this market sub-segment early in the year, coupled with the 
benefit of recent acquisitions, which reported good trading and 
supported by a number of excellent contract wins for new 
offshore projects.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements38
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Chief Executive’s Statement 
and Outlook

continued

Within the Advanced Manufacturing group, sales into the medical, 
aviation and space sectors were resilient given the general economic 
environment, however, there was a significant decline in oil and gas 
sales. In total, non-oil and gas sales were $39.8m (2019 – $41.3m) in 
the year or 6% of total Group revenue for 2020 (2019 – 4%).

Group EBITDA in the year was $26.1m (2019 – $139.7m), which was 
mainly generated in Q1 2020, followed by a broadly break-even result 
for the remainder of the year. The underlying loss from operations for 
the year was $16.4m (2019 – $94.3m profit).

Asset impairment reviews were undertaken at the half year and full 
year stages as part of the preparations of the Group’s results. In total, 
the Group has recorded $203.6m of pre-tax “middle column” items 
(2019 – $47.5m), including impairments, amortisation of acquired 
intangible assets and other exceptional items, leading to a reported 
loss from operations of $220.0m (2019 – $46.8m profit).

A summary of the Group’s performance in the year is shown in the 
table below.

Underlyingi

Reported

Revenue
EBITDAii
(Loss) profit from operations
(Loss) profit before tax
(Loss) profit for the year
Diluted LPS/EPS – cents

2020
$m

2019
$m
626.0 960.0
26.1 139.7
94.3
(16.4)
93.1
(19.4)
76.1
(18.5)
43.9
(10.0)

2020
$m

2019
$m
626.0 960.0
n/a
46.8
45.6
41.4
23.5

n/a
(220.0)
(223.0)
(238.2)
(143.2)

ii. Internal Investment
Hunting Titan completed the investment in its detonating cord 
manufacturing facility in July 2020 at Milford, Texas, which broadened 
the business’ product offering. 

The $5.0m investment enables the business to integrate this new 
product line into its various perforating systems, as well as being 
offered as a standalone product for customers. The annualised 
capability of the manufacturing line is c.3.0 million feet of cord.

iii. External Investment
In February 2021, the Group also entered into a strategic alliance, 
through the provision of $2.5m in convertible capital financing, with 
Well Data Labs, a data analytics business focused on the onshore 
drilling market. The business is high growth with many blue chip 
customers. Well Data Labs provides rapid data processing to clients 
during hydraulic fracturing procedures, allowing operators to review 
and analyse each frac-stage to optimise well completions. This alliance 
will allow Hunting Titan to also develop its product offering in the 
coming years.

iv. New Product Development
During the year a number of new products were launched to 
customers to support Hunting’s drive to maintain market leadership 
in its chosen markets.

Within Hunting Titan, the segment launched the V3.0 ControlFire® 
switch. The switch allows customers to verify component connectivity 
within the system which allows for higher reliability. 

i.  Results for the year, as reported under IFRS, adjusted for amortisation of acquired 

intangible assets and exceptional items.
ii.  Non-GAAP measures (see pages 203 to 207).

In addition, an E-Gun™ product was launched to customers in the 
year, which contains the E-SUB™ Perforating System architecture 
coupled with Hunting’s ControlFire® products. 

As noted above, the Group has focused on retaining a strong 
balance sheet and cash position. At the year-end, net assets were 
$976.6m (2019 – $1,223.8m), while total cash and bank was 
$101.7m (2019 – $127.0m).

Strategic Initiatives
During 2020, Hunting has continued to execute its strategic objectives, 
despite the market turmoil. The Group has broadened its product 
offering in a number of key areas, including onshore completions, 
subsea and non-oil and gas markets, as well as refocused the Group’s 
activities to areas where its core competencies will generate the 
highest returns.

i. Acquisition
On 21 February 2020, the Group completed the acquisition of Enpro 
Subsea Limited (“Enpro”). Enpro’s products focus on delivering 
production-enhancing technologies and include Flow Access 
Modules, Flow Intervention Services and Decommissioning. These 
products offer low-cost, flexible field development solutions to clients 
including production and intervention modules to enhance recovery 
from oil and gas wells.

The acquisition adds to the Group’s existing subsea product portfolio 
of hydraulic couplings, valves and stress joints, the latter product 
group being acquired in 2019 when Hunting purchased the business 
and assets of RTI Energy Systems.

Further, with these recent acquisitions, the Group has continued to 
re-balance its product portfolio between offshore and onshore 
developments. 

Other new products launched in the year include shaped charges, 
dissolvable frac-plugs and detonating cord.

The Organic Oil Recovery technology, over which Hunting has a 
marketing licence, has been trialled by a number of international 
companies to enhance production of end-of-life fields, leading to 
positive results being recorded.

v. Drilling Tools Divestment
On 15 December 2020, the Group announced the divestment of its 
US Drilling Tools business to Rival Downhole Tools LC (“Rival”), which 
included the contribution of assets to Rival in exchange for a 23.5% 
equity shareholding in the expanded business.

The divestment allows Hunting to retain exposure to the US onshore 
drilling rental market, but enables future capital to be re-allocated to 
other areas of the Group.

vi. Non-oil and Gas Products and Markets
The Group’s product offering includes a range of non-oil and gas 
products, which address the medical, aviation, telecommunications 
and space sectors.

Within the Advanced Manufacturing group, the Hunting Electronics 
business has successfully gained new certifications for the 
manufacture of medical devices. Revenue for this sector has grown 
year-on-year. Hunting Dearborn has increased sales into the aviation 
sector, predominantly for military applications. Further, the Dearborn 
business has expanded its activities in the space sector, with clients 
including SpaceX and Blue Origin.

39
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

The Trenchless business, which forms part of the Group’s US 
operating segment, also secured orders in the year as 5G broadband 
was rolled out, particularly in the US.

Hunting’s EMEA operating segment has made inroads into the 
geothermal market arena, with a contract win in the UK. This market is 
highly complementary to the Group’s existing OCTG and Premium 
Connections business.

Further, the Group’s Asia Pacific operating segment has manufactured 
and tested a micro hydro power generation unit.

vii. Operational Footprint
Throughout the year, the Group has undertaken a restructuring and 
re-organisation of its operating footprint, to align itself with the 
prevailing market conditions reported in the year.

In August 2020, the Group announced the closure of its manufacturing 
facility in Calgary, Canada, given the long-term market outlook. 
Hunting has adopted a licensing model for OCTG in Canada, whereby 
connections and accessories will be manufactured by local partners 
under licence or completed by the Group’s US operating segment. 
Hunting will retain a sales and administration office in Calgary, while 
Hunting Titan will continue to operate a number of distribution centres 
across Western Canada.

Hunting’s European operations report optimism for the year ahead as 
deferred drilling programmes recommence. In the UK, a number of 
clients have already indicated that drilling will take place in 2021, while 
in the Netherlands international orders received since the start of the 
year will ensure our OCTG facility will remain busy for the short term. 

In the Middle East and Asia Pacific, new opportunities are emerging 
following the increase in the oil price and the beginning of vaccination 
programmes, with growth now projected from the middle of the year.

The Group has made strong inroads into new sectors in the year. 
Our presence in the medical devices, aviation and space sectors has 
increased and our various operating segments have all progressed 
initiatives, which utilise our core competencies as well as diversify our 
revenue streams.

The Board of Hunting believes that the Group has been decisive in 
its actions during 2020 to manage the market downturn. The Group 
enters 2021 a leaner organisation, with its global capabilities intact and 
poised to capitalise on any new opportunities presented.

Elsewhere across the Group, Hunting’s regional well intervention 
activities were relocated to a smaller facility in Singapore. Within 
Hunting Titan the facility in Oklahoma City was mothballed and in the 
US segment, the US Manufacturing business commenced the closure 
of its OCTG threading facility at Ramsey Road, Texas. In the year, three 
distribution centres were also closed to align with activity in the US 
onshore market.

Jim Johnson
Chief Executive

4 March 2021

At 31 December 2020, the Group retained 31 operating sites 
(2019 – 36) and 16 distribution centres (2019 – 19) following the 
Group’s strategic initiatives completed during the year.

Outlook
The early weeks of 2021 have seen a steady increase in a number of 
key market indicators, including a rising WTI oil price and improving rig 
count. This positive sentiment, if sustained, bodes well for the global 
energy industry for the coming months as operators seek stability 
across the sector to enable them to confirm new drilling programmes 
and capital investments. Supporting this sentiment is the availability of 
COVID-19 vaccines and the rollout of immunisation programmes 
across the world.

Within the US market, our Hunting Titan segment has seen a steadily 
improving revenue profile in recent months as onshore activity levels 
have increased. The business has reopened a distribution centre to 
meet this demand and has made selective additions to headcount. 
Hunting Titan’s technology offering continues to be industry-leading, 
which will support new sales opportunities both in the US and 
internationally as onshore drilling programmes recommence. 

The Group’s US operating segment, which provides equipment to 
both onshore and offshore projects, anticipates accelerating activity in 
H2 2021 following the slowing of offshore projects in the second half 
of 2020. 

In Canada, our new business model is seeing good customer 
acceptance as we work with our new licence partners.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements40
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Market Review

Macro Overview

2020 has been a volatile year for the global oil and gas industry. 
The year commenced with market commentators anticipating a 10% 
decline in drilling spending for global onshore projects, given the 
average WTI oil price for 2019. Global offshore projects were, however, 
forecasting a 6% increase in drilling spending, which was projected to 
partially offset the decline anticipated in onshore activity. Trading for 
the Group, therefore, started the year on a cautious note, with a 
restructuring of Hunting’s onshore focused businesses commencing, 
including Hunting Titan, to reduce headcount to align with this shift in 
the market landscape. The acceleration of the spread of COVID-19 
throughout the first quarter of the year led to a significant revision to 
projected activity and drilling investment as many major economies 
were put into a “lockdown” basis in March 2020, leading to global 
mobility coming to a near standstill in early Q2 2020, as over 180 
countries implemented measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19. 

The impact of these actions on the WTI oil price, global rig counts and 
capital spending was dramatic. The International Energy Agency 
estimated that in April 2020, global daily oil demand declined by 
c.30 million barrels of oil per day. 

WTI Crude Oil Price 
($/barrel)

75

50

25

0

-25

-50

Jan

Feb Mar

Apr May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep Oct

Nov

Dec

Source: FT.com.

Reflecting this decline in demand, commodity traders liquidated 
positions as storage capacity tightened leading to a negative WTI oil 
price being recorded in Q2, an event never seen before in the history 
of the industry. This position quickly corrected, with the oil price 
trending upwards throughout the remainder of the year, and closing at 
$49 per barrel at year-end. The impact of this oil price shock is shown 
in the chart above. 

Onshore operators were quick to shut down activity, leading to a 
year-on-year decline in drilling spend of $77.8bn or a reduction of 50% 
compared to 2019. Offshore operators slowed activity from March 
2020 onwards, leading to a year-on-year decline of $17.7bn or 29% 
compared to the prior year.

Global Industry Spend (2019 to 2023f)
($bn)

 Onshore 

 Offshore 

f Forecast

2023f

89.8 

2022f

71.4 

2021f

62.5 

2020

77.7 

2019

155.5 

Source: Spears and Associates.

46.0 

42.0 

40.5 

43.4 

61.1 

The decline in active onshore drilling rigs was more rapid than offshore 
activities, with a year-on-year decline of 41% being recorded compared 
to the prior year, to average 1,097 onshore units. 

The decline in offshore drilling units was 25% in the year, but the 
reduction did accelerate from Q2 2020 onwards.

Average Global Rig Counts (2019 to 2023f) 
(Number)

 Onshore 

 Offshore 

f Forecast

2023f

1,154

2022f

1,023

2021f

942

2020

1,097

2019

1,844

187

174

166

182

243

Source: Baker Hughes/Spears and Associates.

The average global rig count reported in 2019 was 2,087 active units, 
which dropped by 39% in 2020 to record an average of 1,279 units. 

Short-term Outlook
Given the ongoing impact of COVID-19, industry commentators have 
adopted a cautious approach to forecasting the industry recovery. 

Industry data for 2021 projects overall activity levels and drilling spend 
being lower than 2020, due to the higher levels of activity recorded in 
Q1 2020, however, total drilling investment is expected to grow from 
Q2 2021 onwards, with further growth then into 2022 and 2023. 

While these projections will change over the coming months with the 
usual industry supply/demand fluctuations impacting the industry, 
along with global economies continuing to respond to the impact of 
COVID-19, longer-range forecasts for capital expenditures and 
industry investment are yet to be accurately determined as the industry 
recovers to pre-pandemic levels, coupled with the longer-term impact 
of the energy transition.

Medium-term Outlook
The International Energy Agency published its annual outlook in 
October 2020, which projected that oil demand would return to 
pre-COVID levels by 2023 and then remain materially unchanged 
from this position to 2030. 

Longer range projections, including those published by BP plc, 
anticipate a wide range of scenarios that project demand changes as 
the energy transition accelerates. 

While some longer range oil demand projection scenarios show a 
rapid transition to a lower carbon economy and declines in demand 
for hydrocarbons, oil and gas is still anticipated to be a major part of 
the primary energy mix for at least the next 20 years.

41
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

US Market

US Capital Expenditure (2019 to 2023f) 
($bn)

 Onshore 

 Offshore 

f Forecast

Average US Rig Counts (2019 to 2023f) 
(Number)

 Onshore 

 Offshore 

f Forecast

150

120

90

60

30

0

1,000

800

600

400

200

2019

Q1
2020

Q2
2020

Q3
2020

Q4
2020

2020

2021f

2022f

2023f

0

2019

Q1
2020

Q2
2020

Q3
2020

Q4
2020

2020

2021f

2022f

2023f

Source: Spears and Associates.

Source: Baker Hughes/Spears and Associates.

The US drilling market continues to be dominated by onshore 
operations, which in turn are driven by the prevailing oil price. 

Between Q1 and Q2, US onshore drilling spend declined 58% from 
$24.8bn to $10.3bn, which underlines the speed at which the industry 
responded to COVID-19 and the shutting of economies. US offshore 
drilling spend declined 40% from $1.0bn in Q1 2020 to $0.6bn in Q2. 

Further declines in drilling investment for both onshore and offshore 
projects were recorded during Q3 2020.

In Q4 2020, as the global oil price stabilised, drilling expenditure 
started to increase from its low point, with a 20% increase in onshore 
drilling spend being recorded, to $7.8bn compared to $6.5bn during 
Q3 2020. US offshore expenditure was flat.

The US rig count continues to provide a good bellwether for drilling 
activity. In line with drilling spending data, the speed of the decline in 
industry activity is seen in the reduction in the number of active rigs 
working throughout 2020.

Between Q1 and Q2, the average onshore rig count declined 51% 
from 763 active units to 377 units. This is compared to a 2019 onshore 
average of 920 units. Offshore drilling rigs declined from 21 active units 
to 15 between Q1 and Q2 2020.

The low point for the US average onshore rig count was reached 
during Q3, with a 22% increase being recorded in Q4 2020 for 
onshore rigs to 294 units.

Overall, during 2020, the average US rig count declined 54% to 435 
units compared to 943 in 2019.

Overall, during 2020, the US onshore market has recorded a 56% 
decline in spending from $113.4bn to $49.4bn, a ten-year low in 
investment within the US onshore industry.

The medium-term outlook projects a steady increase in activity 
through 2022 to 2023 to average c.500 units.

The US offshore market has recorded a 40% decline from $4.5bn to 
$2.7bn, again another decade low.

Outlook
The projections for industry spend for 2021 show quarterly increases 
in drilling spend throughout the year ahead, with overall drilling 
expenditure expected to be $40.2bn, when combining both offshore 
and onshore activity.

Past 2021, current projections are recording steady year-on-year 
improvements with US expenditure to reach $62.5bn by 2023.

US Frac Jobs (2019 to 2023f) 
(Number)
f Forecast

20,000

16,000

12,000

8,000

4,000

0

2019

Q1
2020

Q2
2020

Q3
2020

Q4
2020

2020

2021f

2022f

2023f

Source: Spears and Associates.

Onshore hydraulic fracturing operations also provide a useful metric 
for the Group, as Hunting Titan’s business continues to be linked to 
these operations. 

In 2020, the total number of “frac jobs” declined by 53% year-on-year. 
However it did reach a low point in Q2 2020 and recorded steady 
increases throughout the remainder of the year. 

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements42
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Market Review

continued

Canada Market

Canada Capital Expenditure (2019 to 2023f) 
($bn)
f Forecast

Average Canada Rig Counts (2019 to 2023f) 
(Number)
f Forecast

15

12

9

6

3

0

2019

2020

2021f

2022f

2023f

150

120

90

60

30

0

2019

2020

2021f

2022f

2023f

Source: Spears and Associates.

Source: Baker Hughes/Spears and Associates.

Drilling operations in Canada are driven by macro-economic drivers 
such as the oil price, seasonal drilling trends as well as government 
interventions, which have periodically impacted in-country 
hydrocarbon production. The majority of the country’s operations 
are onshore.

Similar to in-country drilling spend, the rig count in Canada declined 
from Q2 2020 as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was felt.

The average rig count in 2019 was 134 active units and this declined 
to an average of 90 units in 2020.

During 2020, drilling expenditures declined 38% from $12.3bn in 2019 
to $7.6bn as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was felt.

Western Canada Select vs WTI oil price 
($ per barrel)
 WTI Crude 

 Western Canadian Select

75

50

25

0

-25

-50

Jan

Feb Mar

Apr May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep Oct

Nov

Dec

Outlook
2021 is likely to see a modest decline in activity compared to 2020; 
however, projected drilling investment and rig counts are only forecast 
to reduce by 2% to 3% in the year ahead. A steady increase in activity 
is then projected for 2022 and 2023.

During the year, the Group’s Canada business model was changed, 
with customer requirements now being delivered by local licensees, 
with additional support from Hunting’s US facilities. The Group has 
established a new regional sales office to support clients. Further, 
Hunting will continue to operate distribution centres through 
Hunting Titan.

From 2021, the Group’s Canada operating segment will be merged 
into Hunting’s US operating segment. 

Source: FT.com.

The Canada drilling market is also driven by local oil pricing dynamics, 
including the pricing of Western Canada Select (“WCS”) oil.

In the year, the average WCS oil price was $28 per barrel compared to 
the WTI average of $39 per barrel, underlining the challenges regularly 
faced by in-country operators.

Our business model in Canada has changed to a licence model, 
with some manufacturing being completed in the US.

43
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

EMEA Market

EMEA Capital Expenditure (2019 to 2023f)* 
($bn)

 Europe 

 Middle East 

f Forecast

Average EMEA Rig Counts (2019 to 2023f)* 
(Number)
 Europe 

 Middle East 

f Forecast

50

40

30

20

10

0

500

400

300

200

100

2019

2020

2021f

2022f

2023f

0

2019

2020

2021f

2022f

2023f

Source: Spears and Associates.

Source: Baker Hughes/Spears and Associates.

Hunting’s EMEA businesses are primarily driven by offshore drilling 
activity and spend in the UK Continental Shelf (“UKCS”) region of the 
North Sea, followed by Middle East activity. 

Hunting’s EMEA and Asia Pacific businesses also support operators 
in Africa, although this is a small proportion of Group revenue.

Drilling spend within the Europe region declined by 35% in 2020 
to $11.7bn compared to $17.9bn in 2019. In the Middle East the 
year-on-year decline was 22% to $20.4bn.

During 2020, the rig count in Europe declined by 27% as drilling activity 
was either delayed or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In the Middle East, the decline in the rig count was 17% year-on-year 
as Saudi Arabia limited its reductions in activity.

Outlook
Looking ahead to 2021, the Middle East is projecting a decline in the 
rig count of 23%, while the Europe region is projecting an increase 
of 3%. 

During the year, the quarterly spend within the Europe region was 
c.$3.0bn leading to the total recorded, while in the Middle East 
quarterly drilling spend declined sequentially throughout the year as 
the lower global price of oil impacted onshore orientated projects.

Further increases in the rig count are currently projected in 2022 
and 2023.

*  Combining projections for Europe and the Middle East, as published by Spears 

and Associates.

Outlook
Looking ahead, 2021 drilling spend is projected to record an overall 
11% decline across the Group’s EMEA geographic regions. In Europe, 
projected growth in spend is forecast to be 6% as activity is anticipated 
to recover on the UKCS in 2021, being offset by a projected decline 
in the Middle East of 20%. From 2022 onwards, EMEA markets return 
to modest growth.

Average UKCS Rig Count (2019 to 2021f)
(Number) 
 UK 

 Netherlands 

 Norway

50

40

30

20

10

0

2019

2020

2021f

Source: Spears and Associates.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements44
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Market Review

continued

Asia Pacific Market

Asia Pacific Capital Expenditure (2019 to 2023f)**
($bn)

 Asia Pacific 

 China 

f Forecast

Average Asia Pacific Rig Counts (2019 to 2023f)** 
(Number) 

 Asia Pacific 

 China 

f Forecast

75

60

45

30

15

0

1,250

1,000

750

500

250

2019

2020

2021f

2022f

2023f

0

2019

2020

2021f

2022f

2023f

Source: Spears and Associates.

Source: Baker Hughes/Spears and Associates.

Drilling spend across Asia Pacific, including China, declined by 12% 
in 2020 to $51.6bn compared to $58.4bn in 2019. This reflects the 
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Average rig counts across Asia Pacific and China declined by 4% 
from an average of 1,043 in 2019 to 1,003 in 2020. 

The decline in drilling spend in Asia Pacific totalled $4.7bn in the year, 
while the overall decline in China was $2.1bn. In general, the pace of 
reduction in activity was slower than in other regions.

Outlook
2021 is likely to see a further decline in drilling spend as the COVID-19 
pandemic persists, with a further 4% decline being projected to 
$49.5bn. Asia Pacific is projected to reduce spend by 7%, while China 
is projecting a decline of 3%.

2022 and 2023 will see a return to growth for the whole region, 
with drilling spend projected to increase 5% and 8% respectively.

In China, the rig count was broadly flat, recording an average of 832 
active rigs throughout the year.

Outlook
2021 is likely to see an unchanged position compared to the 2020 
average, with c.1,000 active rigs operating.

For 2022 and 2023 the average growth in the rig count is projected 
to be 5% per year.

**  Combining projections for Asia Pacific and China, as published by Spears 

and Associates.

f  

Indicates the projections and estimates published by Spears and Associates. 
This data is updated quarterly.

Hunting face masks have been distributed throughout the 
Group and into local communities.

45
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

New products launched in the year included a second generation of Shear Valves 
for offshore pressure control and a range of other Well Intervention tools.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements46
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Our Business Strategy 
Hunting’s strategic priorities are based on a business model 
designed to deliver sustainable long-term shareholder value while 
recognising our corporate responsibilities.

Growth

Strategic Priority 

Operational Excellence

Strategic Priority 

Our aim is to continue to develop our global presence and supply 
a comprehensive range of products for use in the wellbore. We 
will grow through capital investment in existing businesses and 
through acquisition.

We operate in a highly competitive and cyclical sector, which is high 
profile and strongly regulated. To be successful we must deliver 
reliable products which are quality assured to the highest industry 
standards and which offer better cost efficiencies.

Strategic Focus Areas

 • Extend global presence
 • Acquire complementary businesses
 • Enhance existing capacity
 • Develop new products

Strategic Focus Areas

 • Leverage strong brand
 • Maintain and enhance quality control
 • Maintain operational flexibility
 • Leverage lean manufacturing
 • Strengthen relationships with customers and suppliers

2020 Progress

2020 Progress

 • In February 2020 we acquired Enpro Subsea, an offshore 

 • Hunting has continued to market an Organic Oil Recovery 

focused business with innovative technology used in deep-water 
applications. Enpro has increased the Group’s exposure to the 
energy markets in West Africa.

 • In July 2020 we commissioned a detonating cord manufacturing 

facility at Milford, Texas.

 • In the year, the Subsea Spring business (formerly RTI Energy 
Systems) won a number of significant orders for offshore 
customers, assisting in a strong growth in revenue for 
this business.

product, leveraging Hunting’s global presence and strong brand.

 • The Group has implemented new ERP systems within the 

Hunting Titan and US Manufacturing businesses in the year to 
improve the efficiency and robustness of internal processes.
 • Lean manufacturing initiatives continued throughout the year, 

which generated efficiencies.

Related KPIs

Revenue

$626.0m

$960.0m

2020

2019

ISO 9001:2015 (Quality)  
accredited operating sites

71%

2020

72%

2019

Related KPIs

Underlying (loss) profit from 
operations*

$(16.4)m

$94.3m

2020

2019

Quality assurance – 
manufacturing reject rate

Operational footprint  
(sq ft)

2.8m

2020

3.0m

2019

Countries in which  
we operate

0.24%

0.30%

2020

11

2020

2019

11

2019

Related Risks

 • Geopolitics
 • Investment
 • Competition

*   Non-GAAP measure.

 • Product quality
 • Commodity prices
 • Shale drilling

Related Risks

 • Product quality
 • Key executives
 • Competition

47
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Strong Returns

Corporate Responsibility

Strategic Priority 

Strategic Priority 

In normal phases of the oil and gas cycle, our business has the 
capability to produce high levels of profitability, strong cash 
generation and good returns on capital leading to growing dividends 
to shareholders.

We are committed to acting with high standards of integrity and 
creating positive, long-lasting relationships with our customers, 
suppliers, employees and the wider communities in which 
we operate.

Strategic Focus Areas

 • Extend global presence
 • Acquire complementary businesses
 • Enhance existing capacity
 • Develop new products

Strategic Focus Areas

 • Retain experienced senior management team
 • Skilled workforce
 • Safe operations
 • Protect the environment
 • Compliance

2020 Progress

2020 Progress

 • The Group reviewed its operational footprint in the year and 

closed its Calgary facility, mothballed its facility at Oklahoma City, 
commenced the closure of the Ramsey Road, Texas, facility and 
shut three distribution centres.

 • In December we divested our US Drilling Tools business to Rival 
Downhole Tools LC, in exchange for a 23.5% equity position in 
the expanded Rival business.

 • The Group’s cost reduction programme implemented in the year 

led to annualised savings of c.$86.0m.

Related KPIs

Underlying gross margin*

20%

2020

28%

2019

Free cash flow*

$47.8m

$138.8m

2020

(2)%

2020

2019

8%

2019

Return on average  
capital employed*

Related Risks

 • Commodity prices
 • Competition

 • The impact of COVID-19 led to enhanced HSE measures being 
put in place to protect our workforce. The issuing of personal 
protective equipment and regular employee monitoring is now 
a feature at all facilities.

 • As our workforce numbers decreased in the year, extra training 

occurred as responsibilities were re-assigned.

 • The Group has reviewed its carbon footprint in the year and 

assessed its climate risks in accordance with the 
recommendations published by the Task Force for 
Climate-related Financial Disclosures.

Related KPIs

Incident rate
(OSHA method)

CO2 emissions intensity  
factor (kg/$k of revenue)

0.67

2020

50.8

2020

1.17

2019

37.4

2019

CO2 tonnes equivalent  
emitted

31,826

2020

35,874

2019

Related Risks

 • Key executives
 • Health, safety and environment

*  Non-GAAP measure, see pages 203 to 207.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements48
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Case Study 
Hunting’s Revolutionary Technologies

Delivering solutions and maintaining competitive advantage

Hunting continues to support our reputation as a pioneering provider of 
innovative technologies to the oil and gas industry. Furthermore, Hunting 
has demonstrated the transferability of our precision engineering and 
manufacturing capabilities to areas outside of the oil and gas sector. 

Hunting Titan Products:

ControlFire® Exploded Foil Initiator Cartridge (EFI Cartridge)

Hunting’s EFI Cartridge is an inherently safe, 
addressable plug-and-play detonator that has the 
highest possible safety designation in the industry. 
The cartridge is compatible with Hunting’s H-1 
Perforating System®. It is the safest detonator ever 
introduced into the oilfield industry – no primary 
explosive is used and the integration of the industry 
leading Controlfire® technology renders the detonator 
radio frequency and electrostatic safe as well as safe 
from stray voltage.

PowerSet® Solo and PowerSet® Recon

Power charges generate explosive gas to activate 
setting tools that plug zones in the well to isolate fluid 
flow. Hunting’s PowerSet® Solo power charge 
includes a built-in initiation device rendering it the only 
power charge on the market that operates without an 
igniter and, therefore, cost effective and efficient. 

PowerSet® Recon completes the first and only fully 
addressable plug-and-perf tool string. It is the only 
addressable charge on the market and includes a 
built-in initiation device. The charge incorporates 
ControlFire Recon® technology, making it the first 
addressable charge that can be interrogated 
downhole, allowing the operator to read the 
resistance at any time, assuring all components are in 
place and in working order downhole. The integrated 
initiator also provides cost saving and operational 
efficiency benefits to the customer.

49
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Advanced Manufacturing Group (“AMG”):

Hunting’s Dearborn business, based in Fryeburg, Maine, provides 
state-of-the-art precision engineering capabilities. 

Around 50% of Dearborn’s business is non-oil and gas related and 
represents a growth opportunity for diversification.

In many cases, Hunting is the only manufacturer that has the 
engineering and machining capabilities required for certain products. 

Examples of current projects include: 
L-3 KEO: Hunting manufactures the photonics masts for Columbia 
and Virginia class navy submarines. 

A photonics mast is a sensor on a submarine that functions like a 
periscope but without requiring a periscope tube, thus limiting the 
possibility of water leakage. 

Pratt & Whitney: Hunting manufactures shafts for the F135 engine 
used in the Lockheed Martin F-35 joint strike fighter. 

The F135 is the world’s most advanced fighter engine, delivering 
more than 40,000 lbs of thrust and unrivalled safety, design, 
performance and reliability.

Hunting Dearborn manufactures photonic masts for submarines.

AMG has entered new markets including aviation and space.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements50
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Risk Management

Roles and 
Responsibilities

The Board has set risk management roles and responsibilities 
as illustrated below.

Board
 • Determines the Group’s risk appetite and culture;
 • Sets the risk management framework; and
 • Ensures the management processes and internal controls are 
effective in identifying the Group’s principal risks and emerging 
risks.

Audit Committee
 • Controls the Group’s risk management processes;
 • Reviews business risks and considers emerging risks; and
 • Gains assurance that the risk management processes and 

controls are effective.

Group Management
 • Establishes detailed Group policies and procedures;
 • Manages centrally-controlled risks; and
 • Reviews segment and business unit risks.

Segment and Local Management
 • Ensures Group policies and procedures are applied; and
 • Manages business unit controlled risks.

Assurance – Internal Audit
Hunting’s internal audit department 
reviews internal controls and risk 
management processes for their 
existence, relevance and effectiveness. 
Actions are recommended and graded 
in terms of importance and timeliness 
for change.

51
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Introduction
The oil and gas industry is highly regulated and demands high 
specification products that meet stringent quality criteria, given the 
challenging environments in which these products are used. Hunting’s 
risk management and internal control processes are, therefore, 
designed to appropriately mitigate the operating risks inherent in this 
sector, whilst allowing the Group to achieve its strategic objectives and 
deliver value to shareholders.

External Risks
The Board recognises that a number of risks are not within the direct 
control of management, including energy market factors such as 
commodity pricing and daily supply/demand dynamics driven by 
economic and geopolitical movements. These factors are regularly 
assessed by the Board and are considered alongside the risk 
management framework operated by the Group.

As highlighted elsewhere in this report, the COVID-19 pandemic has 
had a materially adverse impact on global economic activity, which in 
turn directly impacted the demand for oil and gas leading to lower 
revenue in the year.

The Board
The Board of Hunting has responsibility for developing and maintaining 
a robust risk management framework and for monitoring the Group’s 
system of internal control to ensure it remains effective and fit for 
purpose.

The Board is also responsible for developing the Group’s strategic 
objectives. The balance between the Board’s desire to meet these 
strategic objectives and its appetite for risk creates the risk culture 
within the Group, which impacts capital investment decision making, 
consideration to new acquisitions and other growth opportunities.

The Board’s appetite for risk is key to establishing effective systems 
of internal control and risk management processes.

The Board’s review and debate of risk follows detailed discussions 
by the Chief Executive and Finance Director with members of the 
Executive Committee. By reviewing and debating the relevant 
evidence, the Board then develops an appreciation for the contributory 
factors that generate a particular risk.

Subsequently, through delegation, the Board establishes the extent to 
which the risk should be mitigated relative to its impact and the cost to 
the Group. The Board, for example, has little appetite for high levels of 
exposure to geopolitical risk and, consequently, the Group’s expansion 
strategy has avoided countries that are considered to be significantly 
unstable or too high risk to maintain a physical presence, 
notwithstanding the potential benefits that may be generated. Advice 
on risk management is sought by the Board from both internal and 
external sources.

The risk management processes are further supported by:

 • understanding the current and evolving market environment;
 • challenging executive management on new growth opportunities;
 • reviewing proposed new product developments and capital 

investment projects; and 

 • consideration and discussion over emerging risks.

Audit Committee
Segment and business unit management establish and undertake risk 
management processes that are relevant to the risk profile of each 
business unit.

The key risks and emerging risks are identified and reported to Group 
management three times a year, from which a Group Risk Register is 
maintained covering the key risks to the Group, including all financial, 
operational and compliance matters.

On behalf of the Board, the Audit Committee seeks to ensure that risk 
management processes are established within the framework set out 
by the Board and, as part of this assessment, conducts a formal 
review of the Group’s Risk Register three times a year.

The Group’s Principal Risks are disclosed on pages 56 to 59. In 
addition, once a year, the Audit Committee seeks assurance with 
regard to the effectiveness of the internal financial controls based on 
a self-assessment exercise carried out by local management. The 
appropriateness of these self assessments is checked by Internal 
Audit, on a sample basis, as part of its routine programme of work. 
The Internal Audit department reports directly to the Audit Committee. 
The relationship with the external auditor is monitored by the Audit 
Committee which is responsible for completing the review of the 
effectiveness of the external auditors.

Group Management
All Group business units operate in accordance with the Hunting 
Group Manual which sets out Group policies and procedures, 
together with related authority levels, and identifies matters requiring 
approval or notification to central management or to the Board.

Included within the Group Manual are policies covering general finance 
requirements, taxation responsibilities, information on Hunting’s 
internal control and risk management framework, legal compliance 
and governance. Compliance is also monitored and subject to check 
by the Internal Audit department. The Group Manual also incorporates 
and mandates the Group’s accounting policies. This is periodically 
supported by documents that are prepared centrally and circulated 
throughout the Group in order to advise local management of and 
establish major accounting and policy changes on a timely basis. 
Group management is responsible for ensuring the risk management 
processes approved by the Audit Committee are implemented across 
the Group. Group management is also responsible for identifying 
treasury-related risks, such as currency exposures, that are 
subsequently managed by Group Treasury, in accordance with the 
treasury risk management policies contained in the Group Manual. 
Group management is also responsible for managing the global 
insurance programme.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial StatementsHunting’s legal advisers assist the Board in ensuring that Hunting is 
compliant with the Financial Conduct Authority’s Listing Rules, 
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook and UK 
Company Law, and that there is an understanding across the Group 
of its obligations under current sanctions legislation.

Additionally, Hunting relies on market and investor advice from its 
corporate brokers and financial advisers. The Board is satisfied that 
the above sources of assurance have sufficient authority, 
independence and expertise to enable them to provide objective 
advice and information to the Board and also takes this into account 
when assessing the robustness of the risk management and 
control process.

52
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Risk Management

continued

Segment and Business Unit Management
The management of each business unit has responsibility for 
establishing an effective system of controls and processes for its 
business, which, at a minimum, meets the requirements set out in the 
Group Manual and complies with any additional local requirements. 
Local management is empowered under Hunting’s decentralised 
philosophy to manage the risks in their respective markets.

Assurance
The Board uses a number of functions and reporting procedures to 
provide assurance that the risks identified by management are 
appropriate for the Group as a whole.

Hunting’s Internal Audit department reviews the Group’s businesses 
covering operational areas including:

 • inventory management;
 • purchasing supply chain;
 • large project risk;
 • IT controls;
 • customer credit risk; and
 • ethics compliance, including bribery and corruption.

From Q2 2020, the work of the Internal Audit function was curtailed 
due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the work of the function shifting 
to internal control consulting work in respect to the implementation of 
a new enterprise resource planning system within a number of key 
businesses.

The Group’s risk management processes are further supported by an 
internal Quality Assurance department that is headed by the HSE and 
Quality Assurance Director, who reports directly to the Chief Executive. 
This department also undertakes periodic audits that monitor quality 
control and safety within the Group’s product lines and provides 
regular reports to the Board.

Hunting also receives guidance from a number of external advisers. 
In particular, guidance from the Group’s insurance broker, who 
arranges, among other policies, the annual renewal of a worldwide 
credit insurance policy for the Group. Compliance with the policy 
requires each business unit to undertake certain procedures, 
including vetting new customers and maintaining appropriate 
creditworthiness data that further strengthens the Group’s credit 
management processes.

Insurance brokers also ensure gaps in cover are identified and in recent 
years have advised on cyber risk and ongoing weather-related risks.

Hunting’s external auditor provides assurance to the Board regarding 
the accuracy and probity of Hunting’s consolidated financial 
statements. The auditor also reviews all of Hunting’s non-financial 
statements, including governance disclosures included in the Annual 
Report, and provides observations on the financial controls in 
operation across the Group based on the external audit.

53
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Risk 
Management 
Procedures

The Board has reviewed its risk management, principal risks 
and internal control processes and confirms that the 
procedures in place are robust and proportionate to Hunting’s 
global operations and position in its chosen market.

Hunting’s internal control system, which has been in place throughout 
2020 and up to the date of approval of these accounts, is designed to 
identify, evaluate and manage the principal risks to which the Group is 
exposed, as well as identify and consider emerging risks to which the 
Group may be exposed in the future. Internal controls are regularly 
assessed to ensure they remain appropriate and effective.

This system of internal control is designed to manage rather 
than eliminate risks, therefore it can only provide reasonable but 
not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss in 
the consolidated financial statements and of meeting internal 
control objectives.

The Directors have reviewed the effectiveness of the Group’s system 
of internal control and have taken into account feedback from the 
Audit Committee for the period covered by the consolidated financial 
statements. No significant failings or weaknesses were identified in the 
review process.

The key elements to understanding, establishing and assessing 
Hunting’s internal control system are as follows:

Business Risk Reporting
Three times a year, local management formally reviews the specific 
risks faced by their businesses, based on current trading, future 
prospects and the local market environment. The review is a qualitative 
assessment of the likelihood of a risk materialising and the probable 
financial impact if such an event were to arise. All assessments are 
performed on a pre- and post-controls basis, which allows 
management to continually assess the effectiveness of its internal 
controls with separate regard to mitigating the likelihood of occurrence 
and the probable financial impact. The risks are reported to Group 
management.

The local risks that have the greatest potential impact on the Group 
are identified from these assessments and incorporated into the 
Group Risk Register, which is also reviewed by the Audit Committee 
three times a year, and is scrutinised and challenged by the Board. 
An appropriate executive Director, together with local management, 
is allocated responsibility for managing each separate risk identified 
in the Group Risk Register.

Emerging Risks
Alongside the process of identifying the Group’s current risks, 
management is challenged three times a year to identify and consider 
emerging risks that may impact the Group at some point in the future. 
As a result, management and the Board have identified climate 
change as an emerging risk facing the Group. 

Climate change is a wide-ranging and complex topic that potentially 
brings with it a number of interlinked risks that could impact the 
Group’s activities. The principal driver of revenue for the Group is the 
global demand for energy drawn from hydrocarbons, the exploration 
for and production of which generates demand for the majority of the 
Group’s products. Market observers expect this demand to continue 
its underlying trend of growth during the medium and long term 
despite intermittent disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Climate change has the potential to decelerate the rate of growth in, 
and eventually reduce, demand for hydrocarbons as governments put 
more pressure on companies to reduce their emissions and as 
technology for alternative sources of energy advances. Government 
targets are set for the medium and long term and alternative energy 
technology remains a relatively young competitor to hydrocarbons; 
consequently the Board views climate change as an emerging risk 
in as far as it has the potential to impact the Group directly.

Climate change also has the potential to impact the Group indirectly. 
For example, banks and other financial institutions are coming under 
increasing pressure to implement environmental measures when 
considering a potential borrower of funds, and more individuals are 
establishing their own personal targets when considering a potential 
new employer. The Board does not view these circumstances as a risk 
in terms of their potential to adversely impact the Group within the next 
one or two years, but continues to monitor them as situations that are 
emerging over the medium term.

Management monitors emerging risks through observing press 
comment including industry-specific journals, discussions with 
shareholders, advisors, customers and suppliers, attendance at 
structured forums, review of comments published by other 
companies, review of insurance company risk assessments, and 
internal debate by senior executive committees. In December 2020, 
the Board established a formal Climate Policy. As described in detail 
on page 31, among other targets the Board has committed to 
reducing the Group’s carbon dioxide emissions by 10% by 2029 and 
to reducing the Group’s carbon intensity factor from 37.4 in 2019 to 
30 during the same period. 

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial StatementsHealth, Safety and Environment (“HSE”)
All facilities have designated and qualified HSE personnel appointed to 
ensure the Group’s policies and procedures are adopted and adhered 
to. All local HSE personnel report to the Group’s HSE and Quality 
Assurance Director. All facilities arrange regular training and review 
sessions to ensure day-to-day risks are managed and shared with the 
wider workforce.

Expenditure Assessment and Approval Limits
All significant capital investment (business acquisitions and asset 
purchases) and capital divestment require approval by the Chief 
Executive up to certain thresholds. Major capital investment or 
divestment require approval by the Board. Detailed compliance and 
assurance procedures are completed during a capital investment 
programme and project reviews and appraisals are completed to 
compare actual returns achieved with those projected within capital 
investment proposals.

Updates to the Group’s policies and procedures are communicated 
to the relevant personnel by way of periodic revisions to the Group 
Manual, which is issued to all business units.

54
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Risk Management

continued

Financial Controls Self-assessment
Business unit management completes an annual self-assessment of 
the financial controls in place at their business unit. The assessment 
is qualitative and is undertaken in context with the recommended 
controls identified within the Group Manual. Gaps between the 
recommended controls and those in place are assessed and 
improvements are actioned within a targeted timeframe when these 
are identified as a necessary requirement. Results of the assessments 
are summarised and presented to the Audit Committee annually.

Reporting and Consolidation
All subsidiaries submit detailed financial information in accordance 
with a pre-set reporting timetable. This includes weekly, bi-monthly 
and quarterly treasury reports, annual budgets, monthly management 
accounts, periodic short-term and mid-term forecasts, together 
with half year and annual statutory reporting. The Group’s financial 
accounting consolidation process is maintained and regularly 
updated, including distribution of the Group Manual to all reporting 
units. All data is subject to review and assessment by management 
through the monitoring of key performance indicators and comparison 
with targets and budgets. The Group monitors and reviews new UK 
Listing Rules, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules 
sourcebook, accounting standards, interpretations and amendments, 
legislation and other statutory requirements.

Strategic Planning and Budgeting
Strategic plans, annual budgets and long-term viability financial 
projections are formally presented to the Board for adoption and 
approval and form the basis for monitoring performance.

Quality Assurance
Most of the business sectors in 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. The Board monitors 
compliance by receiving Quality Assurance reports at each meeting 
from the Director of Quality Assurance. The Group has received 
accreditations from many organisations including the American 
Petroleum Institute (for example API Spec 5CT and API Spec Q1 
certifications), the International Organization for Standardization (for 
example ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001 certifications) and the 
Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (for example 
OHSAS 18001 certification).

55
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Group’s 
Principal Risks

The status of Hunting’s exposure to each of its principal risks, the 
movement in these risks (post-controls) during the year and the 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls in mitigating risks are 
summarised in the accompanying two graphs.

The extent of Hunting’s exposure to any one risk may increase or 
decrease over a period of time. This movement is due either to a shift 
in the profile of the risk arising from external influences, or is due to a 
change in the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control processes 
in mitigating the risk.

A detailed description of each principal risk, the controls and actions in 
place and the movement in the year are given in the following section.

COVID-19
The impact of COVID-19 has been pervasive, affecting global energy 
demand generally and causing business activity to slow. COVID-19 
has affected the Group’s businesses worldwide. The Company’s Asia 
Pacific segment was the first to feel the impact of reduced demand for 
oil and gas products in Q1 2020, followed by the remaining segments 
in later periods. The Board and global management at Hunting have 
been able to respond quickly to the pandemic, including the closure 
of facilities, right-sizing of active businesses, significantly reducing the 
workforce, reducing capital expenditure, re-arranging facilities to 
enable social distancing in the workplace, and tightening working 
capital management, amongst others. As a consequence, the Group 
has been able to preserve a healthy cash position during this period 
despite the lower profitability. Notwithstanding the success of these 
actions, COVID-19 has heightened the risks associated with 
commodity prices, a reduction in shale drilling activity and health 
and safety, as described in the “Principal Risks” section below.

UK Leaving the European Union (“Brexit”)
The Board continues to consider the potential consequences to 
the Group of the United Kingdom’s decision to withdraw from the 
European Union and remains of the opinion that, given its limited 
exposure to this market, Brexit will not have a material impact on 
the business. Consequently, this is not a principal risk to the Group.

Movement in Risks (Post-controls) During the Year

h
g
H

i

t
c
a
p
m

I

l

i

a
c
n
a
n
F

i

3

1

2

1

3

4

5

5

7

6

w
o
L

Low

Probability

 High

Current status

Prior year status

1

2

3

4

Commodity prices

Competition

Shale drilling

Geopolitics

5

6

7

HSE

Key executives

Product quality

Effectiveness of Internal Controls

h
g
H

i

t
c
a
p
m

I

l

i

a
c
n
a
n
F

i

1

1

2

2

7

3

3

4

4

5

5

6

7

6

w
o
L

Low

Probability

 High

Post-control status

Pre-control status

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
56
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Risk Management

continued

Principal  
Risks

1. Commodity Prices 

Nature of the Risk
Hunting is exposed to the influence of oil and gas prices, as the 
supply and demand for energy is a key driver of demand for 
Hunting’s products.

The Group’s principal risks are identified below. While we have 
presented these as separately identified risks, discrete events 
will often affect multiple risks and this is considered by the 
Board when assessing the impact on the Group.

Oil and gas exploration companies may reduce or curtail operations 
if prices become, or are expected to become, uneconomical and, 
therefore, continuation of prices above these levels is critical to the 
industry and the financial viability of the Hunting Group.

Adverse movements in commodity prices may also heighten the 
Group’s exposure to the risks associated with shale drilling (see the 
risks associated with shale drilling).

Movement in the Year
Hunting’s exposure to this risk was high at the start of the year and 
has increased during the year. WTI has been highly volatile over the 
last 12 months, including recording a negative price in April 2020. 
This volatility is expected to remain over the next 12 months. The 
Group’s markets respond positively to an increase in commodity 
prices and reduce activity when commodity prices are low. Oil 
production significantly exceeded oil consumption during 2020 
which has pushed inventory levels above the norm. Given the 
historical relationship between oil prices and inventory levels, oil 
prices are expected to remain depressed during the short term 
while inventory is utilised, weakening market demand for the 
Group’s products.

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

The Group’s products are used throughout the life cycle of the 
wellbore and each phase within the life cycle generates demand for 
a different range of products and services. The Board and 
management closely monitor market reports on current and 
forecast activity levels associated with the various phases of the life 
cycle of the wellbore in order to plan for and predict improvements 
or declines in activity levels.

In addition, management continues to reduce production costs and 
develop new technologies, including automation and robotics, that 
help mitigate the impact of any further downturn in commodity 
prices in the future.

Further information on the movement in commodity prices during 
the year is detailed on page 40.

57
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

No movement in risk 

Increase in risk 

Decrease in risk 

2. Competition  

3. US Shale Drilling 

Nature of the Risk
The provision of goods and services to oil and gas drilling 
companies is highly competitive. In current market conditions, 
pricing pressures remain a feature of the trading environment. 
Competitors may also be customers and/or suppliers, which can 
increase the risk of any potential impact.

Technological advancements in the oil and gas industry continue 
at pace and failure to keep ahead will result in lost revenues and 
market share.

Looking further ahead, advancements in alternative energy sources 
are considered a risk to the oil and gas market in the long term.

Nature of the Risk
The Group provides products to the oil and gas shale drilling 
industry. Oil and gas produced from US onshore shale remains a 
relatively expensive source of hydrocarbons, despite advances in 
technology that have reduced these costs.

Consequently, shale drilling is more sensitive to a decline in 
commodity prices compared with conventional sources, so it is 
more likely to be curtailed and therefore negatively impact what has 
become a steadily increasing revenue stream for the Group (see the 
risks associated with commodity prices).

Movement in the Year
During the year, the competitive environment within the markets that 
Hunting serves remained strong and, therefore, Hunting’s exposure 
to this risk is unchanged since last year.

Controls and Actions
Hunting has a number of high specification proprietary products 
that offer operational advantages to its customers. The Group 
continually invests in research and development that enables it to 
provide technological advancement and a strong, ever-widening, 
product offering. Hunting continues to maintain its standards of 
delivering high quality products, which has gone some way in 
sheltering the pricing pressure impact on margins.

Hunting’s operations are established close to their markets, which 
enables the Group to offer reduced lead-times and a focused 
product range appropriate to each region. Local management 
maintains an awareness of competitor pricing and product offering. 
In addition, senior management maintains close dialogue with key 
customers and seeks to maintain the highest level of service to 
preserve Hunting’s reputation for quality. The Group has a wide 
customer base that includes many of the major oil and gas service 
providers and no one customer represents an overly significant 
portion of Group revenue. In addition, the Group is widening its 
product offering beyond the oil and gas market, as detailed within 
the Chief Executive’s Report on pages 36 to 39.

Movement in the Year
Shale drilling activity significantly slowed during 2020 due to the low 
oil price and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to 
management implementing actions to align the Group’s cost base 
with prevailing market conditions. Although some market observers 
have stated that they believe the market has bottomed out, there 
remains uncertainty over the timing and rate of recovery of the oil 
and gas industry. Consequently the potential for a protracted 
reduction in shale drilling activity has heightened the Group’s 
exposure to an adverse impact on future results and cash flows. 

Controls and Actions
The Board monitors rig count and general completion activities 
within the US shale industry. In addition, local management 
maintains an ongoing dialogue with key customers operating within 
the US market.

The Group maintains a diverse portfolio of products that extends 
beyond supplying the shale drilling industry, including products 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 a change in the pattern of 
demand. Please refer to the “COVID-19” section above.

The Group’s operating activities are described in detail on pages 
10 to 33.

The Group’s operating activities are described in detail on pages
10 to 33.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
58
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Risk Management

continued

4. Geopolitics 

5. Health, Safety and  
the Environment (“HSE”)

Nature of the Risk
The location of the Group’s markets are determined by the location 
of Hunting’s customers’ drill sites – Hunting’s products must go 
where the drilling companies choose to operate. To compete 
effectively, Hunting often establishes a local operation in those 
regions; however, significantly volatile environments are avoided.

The Board has a strategy to develop its global presence and 
diversify geographically.

Nature of the Risk
Due to the wide nature of the Group’s activities, it is subject to a 
relatively high number of HSE 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 HSE regulations, and the risk of unexpected compliance 
expenditure whenever a law or regulation is renewed or enhanced.

Operations have been established in key geographic regions around 
the world, recognising the high growth potential these territories 
offer. The Group carefully selects from which countries to operate, 
taking into account the differing economic and geopolitical risks 
associated with each geographic territory.

HSE risk escalated during the year due to COVID-19 which started 
to impact operations at the start of 2020. The Group, its customers 
and its suppliers are dependent on personal interaction which has 
the potential to disrupt, or even close, business operations if 
personnel become unavailable due to the pandemic.

Movement in the Year
Geopolitical issues remain a feature of the modern world in which 
the Hunting Group operates. The Board monitors geopolitical 
events around the world through media channels and industry 
contacts and assesses these relative to Hunting’s operations. The 
scale and nature of these geopolitical issues, in how they have the 
potential to impact the Company’s operations and markets, have 
not significantly changed over the past year.

Movement in the Year
The Group experienced a number of minor HSE incidents in the 
year, which is significantly below the industry average and is similar 
to the Group’s record in prior years. This particular risk therefore 
continues to be low.

However, the incidence of COVID-19 has heightened the overall 
risk to HSE.

Furthermore, the Group has very little exposure to exports between 
the UK and European markets and consequently the Board believes 
that the economic uncertainties associated with Brexit will not have 
a material adverse impact on the Group’s trading activities.

Controls and Actions
Areas exposed to high political risk are noted by the Board and are 
strategically avoided. Global sanctions are also closely monitored 
with compliance procedures in place to ensure Hunting avoids high 
risk countries or partners. The Board and Management closely 
monitor projected economic trends in order to match capacity to 
regional demand.

Controls and Actions
The Board targets achieving a record of nil incidents and 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 HSE standards.

The Board receives a Group HSE compliance report at every 
Board meeting.

The Group’s facilities have rescheduled work patterns and 
reconfigured unit layouts to enable appropriate social distancing 
measures. Staff have been encouraged to work from home where 
this is possible.

The Group’s exposure to different geographic regions is described 
on page 19.

The Group’s HSE performance is detailed on pages 27 and 28.

 
59
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

No movement in risk 

Increase in risk 

Decrease in risk 

6. Key Executives  

7. Product Quality 

Nature of the Risk
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.

Nature of the Risk
The Group has an established reputation for producing high quality 
products capable of withstanding the hostile and corrosive 
environments encountered in the wellbore.

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

Movement in the Year
The risk is unchanged from last year. The Group has fair and 
balanced remuneration schemes in place which attract and retain 
executive management. 

Movement in the Year
The risk of poor product quality or reliability has remained unchanged 
during the year, with no significant issues raised by the Group’s 
customers or during the Board’s internal monitoring process.

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.

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.

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

Details of executive Director remuneration are provided in the 
Remuneration Committee Report on pages 93 to 118.

The Group’s commitment to product quality is detailed on page 17.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
60
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Group Review 

Management has had a clear 
strategy of retaining a strong 
cash position in recent years, 
which provided a resilient buffer 
against this market decline.”

Jim Johnson
Chief Executive

Bruce Ferguson
Finance Director

61
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic led to global mobility being brought to a 
near standstill in early Q2 2020, with daily crude oil demand declining 
by c.30 million barrels of oil per day as over 180 countries introduced 
containment measures to slow the spread of the virus. Almost 
overnight onshore drilling operations in North America came to a 
near-halt in response to the drop in daily oil demand, which impacted 
the Group’s Hunting Titan, Drilling Tools and Specialty businesses 
immediately. Following this, offshore and international drilling activity 
reduced throughout the balance of the year, which led to activity 
declining in our businesses outside of North America.

Market Summary
As detailed in the Market Review, the US onshore rig count declined 
from an average of 920 active units in 2019 to a low point of 241 units 
recorded in Q3 2020. The average US offshore rig count, for the year 
as a whole, was 16 units, or a year-on-year decline of 30%. While the 
low point in US onshore activity was reached around the middle of the 
year, US offshore and international drilling activity slowed from Q2 
2020 which impacted our non-US businesses. The international rig 
count averaged 754 units in 2020 which was a year-on-year decline 
of 25%.

These key performance indicators underline the market shock seen 
in 2020, which adversely impacted Hunting’s 2020 Full Year Results. 
The trading losses reported, coupled with the impairments recorded 
against the carrying values of our assets, have been significant; 
however, management has had a clear strategy of retaining a strong 
cash position in recent years, which provided a resilient buffer against 
this market decline. Efforts to reduce working capital, specifically 
inventory, have been successful, which has supported good cash 
generation in the year leading to a closing total cash and bank position 
of $101.7m (2019 – $127.0m) (note 26).

As Hunting enters a new year, it does so with a leaner operating 
structure, poised to capitalise on any growth opportunities presented.

Results from Operations
The Group reports a 35% decrease in revenue to $626.0m 
(2019 – $960.0m) given the prevailing market conditions since 
the start of Q2 2020. 

Revenue within the Hunting Titan segment declined 57% from 
$375.5m to $161.7m as onshore activity levels in the US and Canada 
slowed in Q2 2020. As the year progressed, the segment reported 
steadily improving revenue, leading to a broadly break-even trading 
result by the close of the year.

The US segment, which contains the Group’s widest product offering, 
and which services both offshore and onshore drilling markets, 
recorded a 20% decline in segment revenue in the year. Offsetting 
the overall decline, our Subsea businesses have reported good 
year-on-year revenue growth, supported by our recent acquisitions, 
which includes Enpro Subsea that was acquired in February 2020. 

In the year, management decided to close its manufacturing 
operations in Canada, given the historical losses reported and the 
long-term outlook for the region. While the Group still has a presence 
in Canada through Hunting Titan, our OCTG business interests will be 
managed from the US going forward, with local requirements being 
supported by a number of partners who have been provided with 
threading licenses for Hunting’s proprietary connection technologies.

The Group’s EMEA segment started the year with a broadly positive 
outlook. However, from Q2 2020 the speed of project deferrals and 
cancellations accelerated leading to losses being reported in the year.

The Group’s Asia Pacific segment was the first area of the Group’s 
operations to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The segment 
did, however, recover leading to an underlying profit in the year. As the 
year progressed, more project deferrals and cancellations were 
recorded, as continuing market uncertainty led to increased caution 
with client capital expenditures.

The impact of the market downturn and the revenue decline seen 
across most businesses led to a reduction in the Group’s gross margin 
from 28% to 20%, largely due to reduced volumes leading to the 
under absorption of a proportion of costs, and some challenges on 
pricing. Underlying gross profit declined 53% from $266.4m in 2019 to 
$124.8m in 2020.

As a consequence of this performance, the Group reports an 
underlying loss from operations of $16.4m (2019 – $94.3m profit), 
despite c.$86.0m of annualised cost savings being realised in the year. 
The underlying operating margin decreased from 10% in 2019 to -3% 
in 2020.

Group Segment Summary

Business unit
Hunting Titan
US
Canada
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Asia Pacific
Inter-segment elimination
Group segment total

Segment
revenue
$m
161.7 
292.2 
20.0 
78.8 
109.3 
(36.0)
626.0

2020

Underlyingi 
result from 
operations
$m
(5.6)
(1.0)
(2.5)
(12.0)
4.7 
–
(16.4)

Reportedi 
result from 
operations
$m
(126.0)
(47.3)
(14.7)
(33.9)
1.9 
–
(220.0)

Segment
revenue
$m
375.5
363.2
35.7
123.0
146.3
(83.7)
960.0

2019

Underlyingi 
result from 
operations
$m
68.6
26.9
(4.3)
(1.3)
4.4
–
94.3

Reportedi 
result from 
operations
$m
42.1
5.9
(4.3)
(1.3)
4.4
–
46.8

i.  Results for the year, as reported under IFRS, adjusted for amortisation of acquired intangible assets and exceptional items.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements62
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Group Review 

continued

The declines recorded in the Group’s core markets led to a detailed 
review of the carrying values of the Group’s current and non-current 
assets. During the year, the Group recorded the following exceptional 
impairments to assets at the half and full year:

H1 
2020
$m
19.3
2.1
79.8
39.2
33.3
1.2
174.9

H2 
2020
$m
0.1
2.0
–
–
0.9
–
3.0

Full year  

2020
$m
19.4
4.1
79.8
39.2
34.2
1.2
177.9

Exceptional Impairments
Property, plant and equipment1,2
Right-of-use assets2
Goodwill2
Other intangible assets2
Inventories1
Receivables2
Total

Notes: 
1.  Charged to cost of sales. 
2.  Charged to operating expenses.

In the Group’s 2020 Half Year Results, the Group recorded $174.9m 
of impairments to inventory, property, plant and equipment, goodwill, 
other intangible assets, right-of-use assets and receivables. The 
charges reflect a significant reduction to the medium-term trading 
outlook for most of the Group’s businesses, driven by market 
projections published at the low point in global industry activity in 
Q2/Q3 2020.

Given the more stable trading environment seen in the second half of 
the year, albeit at significantly reduced levels from the start of 2020, a 
further $3.0m of net impairments were charged to inventory, property, 
plant and equipment and right-of-use assets, the latter charge being 
the most significant, and reflects a further revision to the carrying 
value of the lease held in Calgary, Canada, given the decision to close 
down operations. 

These impairment charges have been recorded as “middle-column” 
items. Amortisation of acquired intangible assets and other exceptional 
items recorded in the year are also summarised in the table below.

Amortisation and Other 
Exceptional Items
Amortisation of acquired 

intangible assets

Impairments
Restructuring costs
Acquisition costs
Reversal of contingent 
  consideration
Profit on disposal of Canadian 
  assets
Total

H1 
2020
$m

12.3
174.9
3.4
1.2

(2.5)

–
189.3

H2 
2020
$m

Full year  

2020
$m

5.0
3.0
6.9
0.2

–

(0.8)
14.3

17.3
177.9
10.3
1.4

(2.5)

(0.8)
203.6

The charges for the amortisation of acquired intangible assets and 
exceptional items recorded within the Group’s 2020 Half Year Results 
totalled $189.3m. In H2 2020, the Group recorded further net 
impairment charges of $3.0m, restructuring costs of $6.9m, 
amortisation of acquired intangible assets of $5.0m and acquisition 
costs of $0.2m. These charges have been offset by the $0.8m profit 
on the disposal of assets held in Canada, and which relate to the 
winding down of operations in Calgary.

The total charge for amortisation of acquired intangible assets and 
exceptional items was therefore $203.6m in 2020. 

In 2019, the charge in the year for the amortisation of intangible assets 
totalled $28.5m, and impairment charges totalled $19.0m, which was 
wholly related to the Group’s US Drilling Tools business unit.

The reported loss from operations in 2020 was, therefore, $220.0m 
(2019 – $46.8m profit).

The net finance expense during the year was $3.0m (2019 – $1.2m), 
the increase predominantly due to foreign exchange movements, 
leading to an underlying loss before tax of $19.4m (2019 – $93.1m 
profit). After the “middle column” charges noted above, which totalled 
$203.6m (2019 – $47.5m), the reported loss before tax was $223.0m 
(2019 – $45.6m profit).

The Group’s underlying effective tax rate (“ETR”) for 2020 was 5% 
and the reported ETR was -7%, following the “middle-column” items 
charged, which included the reversal of the recognition of deferred 
tax assets held in the US. The 2019 underlying tax rate was 18%, 
while the reported tax rate was 9%. The Group’s ETR is significantly 
different to that which might be expected from prevailing jurisdictional 
rates as it is impacted by a mix of profits and losses in different 
businesses and is distorted when deferred tax is not fully recognised 
in loss making jurisdictions.

The underlying loss after tax was therefore $18.5m (2019 – $76.1m profit) 
and the reported loss after tax was $238.2m (2019 – $41.4m profit).

Underlying diluted loss per share in the year was 10.0 cents 
(2019 – 43.9 cents earnings per share). Reported diluted loss per 
share was 143.2 cents (2019 – 23.5 cents earnings per share).

Cash Flow

Summary Group Cash Flow
Underlying EBITDA (NGM A)
Add: share-based payments

Working capital movements (NGM H)
Net tax paid
Proceeds from business and asset  
  disposals
Gains on business and asset disposals
Lease payments
Restructuring costs
Other (NGM J)
Free cash flow (NGM K)
Capital investment (NGM I)
Intangible asset investments
Acquisition of business
Dividends paid to Hunting PLC  
  shareholders and NCI
Net purchase of treasury shares
Share buyback
Share capital issued
Net cash flow
Foreign exchange
Movement in total cash and bank (note 26)

2020
$m
26.1
9.0
35.1
38.8
(5.0)

3.9
(2.4)
(10.4)
(10.7)
(1.5)
47.8
(14.7)
(4.3)
(34.2)

(9.1)
(9.2)
(5.1)
–
(28.8)
3.5
(25.3)

2019
$m
139.7
9.1
148.8
7.6
(7.7)

8.9
(5.8)
(10.6)
–
(2.4)
138.8
(36.0)
(10.2)
(12.5)

(16.6)
(4.7)
–
0.6
59.4
2.4
61.8

 
63
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Hunting reported an underlying EBITDA of $26.1m (2019 – $139.7m) 
that, when adjusted for non-cash share-based payment charges, 
resulted in a cash inflow of $35.1m. This was substantially lower than 
the $148.8m generated in 2019 reflecting the significantly worse 
trading conditions described above. During the year, there was an 
inflow of working capital totalling $38.8m (2019 – $7.6m). In this weaker 
trading environment, receivables reduced by $67.5m despite an 
increase in receivable days to 92 days from 79 days at December 
2019 (NGM E), as some customers extended terms and COVID-19 
impacted collection activity. Inventory, after adjusting for increased 
provisions in the year, has impacted cash flow favourably by $30.2m. 
In the first half of the year, Hunting honoured material purchase 
commitments made prior to the downturn, but in the second half 
we were able to adjust to the lower activity levels and achieve good 
reductions. Inventory levels are still comparatively high with inventory 
days at 270 days (2019 – 214 days) (NGM D). These benefits were 
offset by the reduction in trade and other payables of $58.9m. 
Although there is an element of seasonality in the Group’s operations, 
the overall impact of this on working capital and liquidity is not 
considered significant.

Net tax paid in the period was $5.0m, compared to $7.7m in 2019.

Proceeds from the disposal of assets and businesses totalled $3.9m 
(2019 – $8.9m). 2019 included the disposal of the Middle East Thru 
Tubing business, which totalled $2.4m, and also the sale of the 
Clear-Run technology for $2.3m. 

During the year, $10.4m (2019 – $10.6m) was paid in relation to the 
Group’s lease arrangements. 

Restructuring costs paid totalled $10.7m in the year, reflecting the 
facility closures noted above and reductions in headcount. 

As a result of the above, free cash flow recorded a net inflow of $47.8m 
(2019 – $138.8m).

Capital investment totalled $14.7m in the year (2019 – $36.0m), 
reflecting the curtailing of expenditure to conserve cash. Investments 
completed in the year were limited to committed projects and included 
Hunting Titan’s detonating cord manufacturing facility at Milford, Texas, 
and investments in property, plant and equipment principally in the US, 
in Asia Pacific and in the Middle East. 

Intangible asset investment was $4.3m (2019 – $10.2m), with $2.3m 
relating to software development and the balance on research and 
development costs of new products and technology. During 2019, 
intangible asset spend largely related to technology and software 
development. 

On 21 February 2020, the Group purchased Enpro Subsea Limited 
(“Enpro”) for a cash consideration of $32.8m, excluding cash acquired 
of $5.5m. Acquisition costs paid in the year were $1.4m.

Dividends paid to Hunting PLC shareholders in the year totalled 
5.0 cents per share (2019 – 10.0 cents), which absorbed $8.2m 
(2019 – $16.6m). A dividend of $0.9m (2019 – $nil) was also paid to 
non-controlling interests in the year. A 2020 Final Dividend totalling 
4.0 cents per share has been proposed by the Board, which will be 
paid on 14 May 2021, subject to approval by shareholders at the 
Company’s Annual General Meeting. 

In 2020, the Company purchased 2.0m Ordinary shares through its 
corporate broker, for a total consideration of $5.1m as part of a share 
buyback programme. These Ordinary shares were subsequently 
cancelled, thus reducing the Company’s issued share capital. 

A further 2.7m Ordinary shares were purchased in the year as treasury 
shares through Hunting’s Employee Benefit Trust for a total consideration 
of $9.4m. These shares will be used to satisfy future awards under the 
Group’s share award programme. 

Overall, in the year, the Group recorded a net cash outflow of $28.8m 
(2019 – $59.4m inflow). 

As a consequence of the above cash flows and $3.5m (2019 – $2.4m) 
foreign exchange movements, total cash and bank (note 26) was 
$101.7m at the year-end (31 December 2019 – $127.0m).

Balance Sheet

Summary Group Balance Sheet
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Working capital (NGM C)
Taxation (current and deferred)
Provisions
Other net assets (NGM F)
Capital employed (NGM G)
 Total cash and bank
 Lease liabilities
 Shareholder loan from NCI
Net cash (note 26)
Net assets
Equity shareholders’ funds
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

2020
$m
307.1
29.8
164.2
42.9
358.3
6.0
(8.9)
19.7
919.1
101.7
(40.3)
(3.9)
57.5
976.6
964.4
12.2
976.6

2019
$m
354.7
36.7
230.2
78.5
433.3
19.8
(8.4)
1.1
1,145.9
127.0
(45.2)
(3.9)
77.9
1,223.8
1,207.9
15.9
1,223.8

Property, plant and equipment was $307.1m at 31 December 2020. 
Additions of $20.6m, which included assets purchased as part of the 
Enpro acquisition of $5.8m, were offset by depreciation of $32.1m, 
impairment charges of $19.4m, disposals of businesses of $14.7m and 
other items of $2.0m. The majority of the impairment occurred in our 
UK Well Intervention and US Drilling Tools businesses, which were 
recorded within the Group’s 2020 Half Year Results. On 15 December 
2020, the Group announced the divestment of the business and 
assets of its US Drilling Tools business to Rival Downhole Tools LC, 
leading to a reduction of $14.7m to PPE.

Right-of-use assets totalled $29.8m at 31 December 2020 compared 
to $36.7m at 31 December 2019. The movement during the year 
included additions of $1.9m as new lease arrangements were entered 
into, a further addition of $0.3m as part of the Enpro acquisition, 
modifications of $1.4m and foreign exchange movements of $0.5m, 
offset by depreciation of $7.5m and net impairment of $3.5m, leading 
to an overall decline of $6.9m being recorded. The impairment and 
modification both largely relate to the proposed closure of the Group’s 
Canada manufacturing facility. 

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements64
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Group Review 

continued

Goodwill reduced by $66.0m to $164.2m at the balance sheet date 
compared to the 2019 year-end position of $230.2m. Additional 
goodwill of $13.4m was recognised following the acquisition of Enpro. 
As part of the accounts preparation at the half year, an asset 
impairment review was completed, with the carrying value of goodwill 
being written down by $79.8m, comprising $65.6m in respect of 
Hunting Titan and $14.2m in respect of other business units. A similar 
exercise was completed as part of the preparation of the 2020 
year-end accounts, with no further impairments to goodwill being 
recorded. $114.9m of goodwill in respect of Hunting Titan remains 
following the impairment exercise. 

Other intangible assets (“OIA”) have reduced by $35.6m to $42.9m 
at 31 December 2020. The amortisation charge for intangible assets 
totalled $20.8m (2019 – $32.3m) and the impairment charge totalled 
$39.2m (2019 – $nil). The impairment charge recorded in the year 
mainly comprises the write-off of customer relationships related to the 
Hunting Titan acquisition, following declines in revenue and profitability, 
and some smaller impairments for internally developed technology 
across the Group’s perforating, OCTG and well intervention production 
lines. The total reduction to OIA was offset by additions of $19.2m that 
were recognised following the acquisition of Enpro, $4.3m on internal 
development of new products and software systems and $0.9m 
foreign exchange movements. 

Working capital (NGM C) reduced by $75.0m, with the balance at 
31 December 2020 being $358.3m (2019 – $433.3m). Reflecting the 
more challenging market conditions, trade and other receivables 
declined by $65.3m, reducing working capital, despite a worsening of 
receivable days from 79 at December 2019 to 92 at the year-end 
(NGM E). Net inventory also reduced by $62.4m mainly due to 
impairments of $36.4m and stock being worked off generating cash 
inflows of $30.2m. Purchases of stock in the year were lower due 
to lower activity levels. Trade and other payables also reduced, 
with the balance falling by $52.7m to $68.0m, thereby increasing 
working capital. 

Current and deferred taxation recorded a net asset of $6.0m compared 
to 2019, which recorded a $19.8m net asset. The reduction was 
mainly due to the de-recognition of US deferred tax assets of $21.5m. 

Provisions increased to $8.9m (2019 – $8.4m) in the year. Other net 
assets increased by $18.6m to $19.7m (2019 – $1.1m) mainly due to 
the $17.4m associate investment in Rival. 

As a result of the above changes, capital employed in the Group 
decreased by $226.8m to $919.1m. The underlying return on average 
capital employed was -2% in 2020 compared to 8% in 2019 (NGM N).

Net cash (note 26) at 31 December 2020 was $57.5m (2019 – $77.9m). 
Total cash and bank balances reduced by $25.3m, as described 
above, to $101.7m. Net cash includes $40.3m of lease liabilities, which 
have decreased by $4.9m during the year. 

Total equity at 31 December 2020 was $976.6m, which, after 
non-controlling interests of $12.2m, resulted in equity shareholders’ 
funds of $964.4m (2019 – $1,207.9m). This is a decrease of $243.5m 
over 31 December 2019 and reflects the reported loss for the year 
attributable to equity shareholders of $234.7m; dividends paid of 
$8.2m; the share buyback of $5.3m; and the net purchase of treasury 
shares of $9.2m being offset by a net $8.3m credit in relation to share 
awards and foreign exchange gains and other credits of $5.6m. 

Financial Capital Management
Hunting ended 2020 with a robust balance sheet and a total cash 
and bank balance of $101.7m (2019 – $127.0m). There has been no 
material movement in the Group’s liquidity position from the year-end 
to the date of signing these accounts.

While the Group maintained a healthy total cash and bank balance 
throughout the year, the Group retained its $160m multi-currency 
revolving credit facility, with the bank covenants and terms remaining 
unchanged. These terms, which exclude the impact of IFRS 16 
adoption for covenant testing purposes, include:

 • The ratio of net debt to consolidated EBITDA permitted under 
the revolving credit facility must not exceed a multiple of three 
times; and

 • Consolidated EBITDA must also cover relevant finance charges 

by a minimum of four times.

There were no drawdowns on the revolving credit facility in the year.

For covenant testing purposes, the Group’s definition of EBITDA is 
adjusted to exclude exceptional items, include the share of associates’ 
post-tax results and exclude the fair value charge for share awards. 
Similarly, net cash/debt and finance expenses are adjusted to accord 
with the definition within the facility agreement and accordingly 
exclude the lease liabilities recognised following the adoption of IFRS 
16. EBITDA, for covenant test purposes, is based on the previous 
12-month period, measured twice yearly at 30 June and 31 December. 
At 31 December 2020, both these covenants were met. 

The Group’s $160m committed revolving credit facility has a maturity 
date of 2022. The facility includes an accordion feature that allows for 
the facility to be increased to $235m, subject to the approval of its 
lending group. The facility also includes a provision to extend the 
maturity date to 2023. The Group’s funding position remains robust, 
with total borrowing facilities of $164.2m in place (2019 – $164.2m), 
of which $160.0m (2019 – $160.0m) is committed.

Further details of the facility, including the terms and conditions, 
are in note 30.

Capital employed is managed in order to ensure an appropriate level 
of financing is available for the Group’s day-to-day operations. The 
balance of debt and 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 and cash 
management, together with the investment of surplus cash. 

65
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

The Group operates in a number of geographic territories and results 
are generated in a number of different currencies. The US dollar is the 
most significant functional currency; however, where this is not the 
case, the Group is subject to the effects of foreign exchange rate 
fluctuations with respect to currency conversions. Individual entities 
are generally required to borrow from the central treasury function in 
their functional currency. The treasury function’s strategy is to manage 
its own currency exposure by using foreign exchange swaps to 
convert US dollars into the different currencies required by the entities. 
Spot and forward foreign exchange contracts are also used to mitigate 
the exposure caused by purchases and sales in non-functional 
currencies. The Group’s liquidity is monitored by the central treasury 
function on a daily basis and a variety of cash forecasts, looking at 
different time horizons, are prepared on a periodic basis. 
Management’s judgement is that the level of headroom available 
under the Group’s total credit facilities provides ongoing flexibility and 
continues to support the business as outlined in this Strategic Report. 
Further detail on financial risks is provided within note 30.

On behalf of the Board

Jim Johnson
Chief Executive

4 March 2021

Bruce Ferguson
Finance Director

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements66
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Segmental Review 

Hunting Titan 

Market Indicators*
US onshore – average rig count
Canada – average rig count

Revenue
Perforating guns and hardware
Energetics
Instruments
Perforating Systems
Other product lines
External revenue
Inter-segment revenue
Segment revenue 

Profitability 
Reported operating (loss) profit
Acquisition amortisation and 
  exceptional items
Underlying operating (loss) profit
Underlying operating margin 

Other Financial Measures
Capital investment 
Property, plant and equipment
Inventory

Operational 
Headcount (year-end)
Headcount (average)
Operating sites
Service and distribution centres
Operational footage

* 

Source – Spears and Associates.

2020

2019

#
#

419
90

920
134

$m
48.8
$m
41.6
$m
60.6
$m 151.0
$m
6.0
$m 157.0
$m
4.7
$m 161.7

116.6
102.2
140.4
359.2
12.0
371.2
4.3
375.5

$m (126.0)

42.1

$m 120.4
$m
(5.6)
%
(3)

26.5
68.6
18

$m
3.9
$m
57.6
$m 105.9

14.3
60.4
123.2

#
#
#
#
Kft2

380
481
4
14
613

702
684
5
17
696

Introduction
Hunting Titan’s business focuses predominantly on the US and 
Canadian onshore drilling and completion markets. The segment 
normally manufactures from five main operating sites, four in the US 
and one in Mexico. In the year, the operating site at Oklahoma City 
was mothballed, due to the downturn in the global oil and gas market, 
with orders being transferred to other sites.

Hunting Titan has a network of distribution centres throughout the US 
and Canada, from which the majority of the business’ sales are derived. 
As the year progressed, a number of centres were closed to align with 
prevailing market conditions, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In more stable market conditions, Hunting Titan utilises the global 
manufacturing footprint of the wider Group to assist in meeting 
customer demand. In the year, this practice was reduced as market 
conditions deteriorated.

Market Overview
As detailed in the Market Review, 2020 commenced with 
management anticipating a slowdown in the North American onshore 
drilling market.

As the impact of COVID-19 was felt across the Group’s operations 
from Q2 2020 this decline in activity accelerated rapidly, leading to a 
significant slowing of onshore drilling operations. Average US onshore 
rig counts reduced from 920 in 2019 to a low point average of 241 
active units in Q3 2020, reflecting the speed of contraction across the 
industry. The average rig count did, however, rise to 294 during Q4 as 
the market stabilised.

In Canada, the average rig count declined by 33% to 90 units from 
134 units in 2019.

Drilling and completion expenditure also declined during the year as 
operators rapidly aligned with the lower oil price, with US onshore 
capital expenditures reducing 56% to $49.4bn, and Canadian drilling 
expenditure reducing 38% to $7.6bn.

These market conditions, which predominantly occurred from Q2 2020, 
led to a material decline in the performance of the business during the 
year. However, management noted that the US onshore market reached 
the low point around mid-year and subsequently recorded increases in 
activity levels through the balance of the year, as rig counts stabilised 
and the number of active frac units returned to growth.

Segment Performance 
Segment revenue decreased 57% to $161.7m (2019 – $375.5m). Given 
this material decline, the business reports an underlying operating loss 
of $5.6m compared to an underlying profit of $68.6m in 2019.

During the year, Hunting Titan’s international sales were $22.2m 
(2019 – $23.6m) reflecting a more resilient performance compared to 
the US market. This performance is due in part to the increase in 
customer interest in the Group’s various product lines in the Middle 
East, Asia Pacific, and in particular, China. 

As noted in the Chief Executive’s Report and Group Review, as part 
of the preparation of the half year and year-end accounts, a review 
of the carrying values of the current and non-current assets was 
completed in the year, leading to a “middle column” charge of $120.4m 
(2019 – $26.5m) being recorded, which includes the amortisation of 
acquired intangible assets. The reported loss from operations was 
therefore $126.0m (2019 – $42.1m profit).

67
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Hunting Titan’s revenue streams are divided into four sub-groups: 
(i) perforating guns and hardware; (ii) energetics; (iii) instruments; and 
(iv) other.

Perforating Guns and Hardware
Sales of perforating guns and hardware reduced in the year from 
$116.6m in 2019 to $48.8m, as the full impact of the coronavirus was 
felt across the US and Canada.

Prior to the pandemic, the business had reported a continuing 
increase in sales of the E-SUB™ Perforating System as customers 
continued to adopt the technology for onshore completions.

During the year, new variations of the E-SUB™, H-1® and H-2™ 
perforating systems were introduced to address customer 
requirements and evolving drilling practices.

The division has also continued to manufacture factory loaded 
perforating guns for clients. While sales dropped in Q2, the business 
has seen a good improvement in orders throughout the remainder of 
the year.

Energetics
Sales of energetics charges and associated products declined from 
$102.2m in 2019 to $41.6m as market conditions declined.

Sales of the EQUAfrac® shaped charge did, however, report good 
year-on-year growth in Q1 2020, prior to the onset of COVID-19.

PowerSet® power charges have also increased in customer 
acceptance during the year, leading to a year-on-year increase 
in sales.

Following the completion of the automated manufacturing cells in 
2019, the manufacture of shaped charges has improved production 
efficiencies and improved competitiveness.

Instruments
Sales of Hunting Titan’s instruments product lines declined in the year 
by 57%, from $140.4m in 2019 to $60.6m in 2020.

Following the successful launch of the T-Set® One setting tool to 
customers in 2019, Hunting has introduced a rental offering for this 
product line which was rolled out to clients from Q3 2020, with tools 
being located at Hunting’s distribution centres in the US.

New Technology
During the year, the Group continued to introduce new technology 
to clients. 

With the completion of the detonating cord manufacturing line at 
Milford, Texas, the Group launched this product line in Q3 2020. 
Hunting Titan can now manufacture up to c.3.0 million feet of cord 
annually, which can be utilised in the segment’s perforating gun 
systems as well as being a standalone product for customers.

In Q2 2020, a V3.0 ControlFire® switch was launched for use in the 
segment’s ‘plug and play’ systems. The switch allows customers to 
verify component connectivity within the system, which allows for 
higher reliability.

In addition, an E-Gun™ product was launched to customers in 
the year. The Efficiency Gun Recomplete System is a prewired 
conventional gun with E-SUB™ architecture designed specifically for 
recompletion perforating applications in unconventional wells, which 
also utilises Hunting’s ControlFire® product lines.

A ControlFire® Exploded Foil Initiator Cartridge.

Manufacturing and Distribution 
As noted above, Hunting Titan has aligned its manufacturing and 
distribution footprint with prevailing market conditions, leading to one 
manufacturing facility being mothballed and three distribution centres 
being closed. 

At the year-end, the business operated from four operating sites and 
14 distribution centres, located in Canada, Indonesia and the US.

Other Financial and Operational Information 
During the year, Hunting Titan recorded capital investment of $3.9m 
(2019 – $14.3m) mainly relating to the completion of the detonating 
cord manufacturing facility.

During H1 2020, inventory levels increased in the business, as 
materials delivery orders were honoured, even though activity levels 
declined rapidly in Q2. Over the year, inventory decreased by 
$17.3m to $105.9m, with $7.1m of the reduction relating to the 
exceptional impairment.

Given the decline in market conditions, and in line with similar 
initiatives across the Group, the headcount decreased by 46% to 380 
at the year-end.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements68
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Segmental Review 

continued

US

Market Indicators*
US onshore – average rig count
US offshore – average rig count
US E&P spend

Revenue
OCTG & Premium Connections 
Advanced Manufacturing 
Subsea
Drilling Tools 
Intervention Tools
Other product lines
External revenue
Inter-segment revenue
Segment revenue 

Profitability
Reported operating (loss) profit 
Acquisition amortisation and 
  exceptional items
Underlying operating (loss) profit 
Underlying operating margin 

Other Financial Measures
Capital investment
Property, plant and equipment
Inventory 

Operational 
Headcount (year-end)
Headcount (average)
Operating sites
Service and distribution centres
Operating footage

*  Source – Spears and Associates.

2020

2019

#
#
$bn

419
16
52.1

920
23
117.8

$m
97.2
$m
71.7
$m
69.8
$m
8.9
$m
6.1
$m
15.0
$m 268.7
$m
23.5
$m 292.2

125.9
99.2
43.6
21.8
11.5
16.7
318.7
44.5
363.2

$m

(47.3)

5.9

$m
$m
%

46.3
(1.0)
0

21.0
26.9
7

$m
8.5
$m 209.9
$m 100.2

19.3
241.5
127.4

#
#
#
#
Kft2

849
1,067
15
1
1,386

1,310
1,262
16
1
1,434

Introduction
Hunting’s US operations are the most diverse in the Group, generating 
revenues from all the Group’s product lines and various industries 
including oil and gas, aerospace, power generation, 
telecommunications and medical.

The main area of focus for most businesses in the segment is the 
domestic US market, which accounts for c.76% of external revenues, 
with the Well Intervention, Subsea and Advanced Manufacturing 
businesses more internationally focused. In addition, the US segment 
manufactures components on behalf of Hunting Titan when required.

In February 2020, Hunting completed the acquisition of Enpro Subsea 
Limited, which is a UK-based business. Enpro now forms part of the 
US operating segment’s enlarged Subsea group.

In December 2020, Hunting announced the divestment of its Drilling 
Tools operating assets to Rival Downhole Tools LC (“Rival”), in 
exchange for a 23.5% equity interest in the expanded Rival business. 
The transaction allows Hunting to retain market share in the important 
US onshore drilling market, but enables the Group to re-allocate 
capital to higher growth opportunities.

Market Overview
As noted previously, the average US onshore rig count declined from 
920 active units to 419 units in the year. Onshore drilling spend 
declined from $113.4bn in 2019 to $49.4bn in 2020, due to the global 
market downturn. 

The US offshore rig count declined from an average of 23 active units 
to 16 units in the year, with offshore drilling spend declining from 
$4.5bn in 2019 to $2.7bn in 2020.

Segment Performance 
Segment revenue decreased 20% from $363.2m in 2019 to $292.2m 
in 2020 as the impact of COVID-19 was felt from Q2 2020.

With the exception of the Subsea group, all business units reported 
a year-on-year decline in revenue, although the segment’s non-oil and 
gas revenue was less impacted and only recorded a small reduction in 
sales compared to the prior year.

The segment’s Subsea group recorded a year-on-year revenue 
increase of 60% from $43.6m to $69.8m, supported by the acquisition 
of Enpro and a number of strong order wins within the Subsea Spring 
business, formerly RTI Energy Systems, which was acquired in August 
2019. This was coupled with good momentum early in the year within 
the Subsea Stafford business.

Underlying operating loss for the segment was $1.0m compared to 
a profit of $26.9m in 2019. Following the charges for the amortisation 
of acquired intangible assets and exceptional items, which totalled 
$46.3m in the year (2019 – $21.0m), the segment recorded a reported 
loss from operations of $47.3m (2019 – $5.9m profit).

OCTG, Premium Connections and Accessories
The Group’s OCTG, Premium Connections and Accessories 
businesses were adversely affected as the impact of COVID-19 led 
to declines in both onshore and offshore drilling completion activity.

During 2020, the Group reported growing interest in its onshore 
focused TEC-LOCK™ semi-premium connection, leading to new 
customers adopting the technology during the year. 

69
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

The Group’s SEAL-LOCK™ and WEDGE-LOCK™ premium 
connections, for use in the deep water segment of the Gulf of Mexico, 
reported only modest reductions in demand in the year, as certain 
clients continued their drilling programmes.

Intervention Tools 
Well intervention tools sales were impacted by the market downturn 
across the year as capital intensive budgets were curtailed.

The Group’s accessories manufacturing business responded to 
the market decline in activity by commencing the closure of the 
Ramsey Road operating site in the year and relocating production 
to other facilities.

Pipe sales also declined significantly as a result of market conditions, 
leading to a restructuring of the business in Q4 2020.

Advanced Manufacturing
Hunting’s Advanced Manufacturing group comprises the Dearborn, 
Electronics and Specialty business units. 

In the year, the Dearborn and Electronics businesses were adversely 
impacted by the downturn in the global oil and gas market, which 
included lower inter-company sales at Electronics to Hunting Titan for 
switch components. 

The Electronics business has, however, pursued a strategy of offering 
full turnkey assemblies to its clients, which is seeing interest within the 
Group’s traditional oil and gas customer base.

Further, the Electronics business successfully secured the ISO13485 
medical certification early in the year and has further developed 
sales into the medical devices sector. The business also received 
the AS9100 aerospace certification allowing it to pursue sales into 
this sector.

Trenchless
The Trenchless business reported reduced revenue in the year, as the 
global energy industry contracted, however, this decline was partially 
offset by revenue generated from the roll out of 5G fibre networks in 
the US.

A Subsea Chemical Injection Metering Valve.

Other Financial and Operational Information 
During the year, the US recorded capital investment of $8.5m 
(2019 – $19.3m), primarily due to critical replacement needs.

The Dearborn business also reports positive momentum in developing 
new sales opportunities outside of its traditional markets, and in the 
year continued to grow aviation-related sales and space revenue, 
including clients such as SpaceX and Blue Origin.

Inventory decreased to $100.2m, partly through the $15.2m of 
exceptional impairment charged, but also through efforts to reduce 
stock and generate cash were increased.

The year-end headcount decreased to 849 (2019 – 1,310), as cost 
reduction measures were implemented within most business units 
and as a result of the separation of the Drilling Tools employees that 
transitioned to Rival.

The Specialty business tracks US onshore activity and therefore saw 
a significant reduction in activity as the rig count and drilling spend 
declined in the year.

Subsea
The segment’s Subsea group saw a strong year-on-year increase in 
revenue as the business benefited from good momentum early in the 
year from ongoing US domestic and international offshore projects.

The Stafford business has reported strong interest in its hydraulic 
valves and couplings for clients in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, South 
America and the US.

The Subsea Spring business has won a number of significant orders 
for its titanium stress joints and associated products with clients 
including Chevron.

Following the acquisition of Enpro, the business has won new orders 
in Egypt and West Africa.

Drilling Tools
In line with the decline in onshore activity during the year, revenue 
within the Drilling Tools business reduced significantly compared to the 
prior year.

As noted above, the business and assets of the Drilling Tools unit were 
divested to Rival Downhole Tools LC, which completed on 15 December 
2020. Hunting now holds a 23.5% equity interest in Rival.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements70
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Segmental Review 

continued

Canada

Market Indicators*
Canada – average rig count
Canada E&P spend

Revenue 
OCTG & Premium Connections
External revenue
Inter-segment revenue
Segment revenue

Profitability
Reported operating loss
Acquisition amortisation and 
  exceptional items
Underlying operating loss
Underlying operating margin

Other Financial Measures
Capital investment
Property, plant and equipment
Inventory 

Operational 
Headcount (year-end)
Headcount (average)
Operating sites
Service and distribution centres
Operating footage

*  Source – Spears and Associates.

2020

2019

90
7.6

134
12.3

14.9
14.9
5.1
20.0

27.1
27.1
8.6
35.7

#
$bn

$m
$m
$m
$m

$m

(14.7)

(4.3)

$m
$m
%

$m
$m
$m

#
#
#
#
Kft2

12.2
(2.5)
(13)

–
(4.3)
(12)

0.1
1.7
4.8

31
83
0
1
17

1.0
2.8
14.3

120
127
1
1
113

Introduction
The Group’s Canadian business has historically comprised an OCTG 
threading and accessories manufacturing facility in Calgary, Alberta, 
and a service facility in Nisku, Alberta.

In August 2020, it was announced that the Calgary facility was to 
close, with OCTG and Premium Connection manufacturing in the 
country to be completed by a number of partners under licence. 
Operations ceased in Calgary in December. Going forward other 
customer manufacturing requirements will be completed by the 
Group’s US operating segment.

Hunting has therefore retained a sales and administration presence in 
Calgary to enable customer engagement and enquiries to be handled.

From 1 January 2021, continuing business activities were incorporated 
into the US operating segment.

Market Overview
The Canadian oil and gas market saw a contraction during 2020, as 
the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated, leading to a 33% decline in the 
average rig count and a 38% decline in drilling expenditure from 
$12.3bn to $7.6bn.

Segment Performance 
As a consequence of the Canadian market environment and the 
announcement to close the Calgary operating site, segment revenue 
declined 44% from $35.7m in 2019 to $20.0m in 2020, leading to an 
underlying operating loss of $2.5m compared to $4.3m in 2019.

Following the charges for amortisation of acquired intangible assets 
and exceptional items, which totalled $12.2m (2019 – $nil), the 
reported operating loss was $14.7m compared to a loss of $4.3m 
in 2019.

Other Operational Information
Further, the year-end headcount declined in the year to 31 from 120 
in 2019 as operations were wound down.

71
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

EMEA 

(Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Market Indicators*
North Sea – average rig count
North Sea – spend
Total Europe – well count
Middle East – spend

Revenue 
OCTG & Premium Connections 
Intervention Tools
Perforating Systems
Other product lines
External revenue
Inter-segment revenue
Segment revenue

Profitability 
Reported operating loss
Acquisition amortisation and 
  exceptional items
Underlying operating loss
Underlying operating margin 

Other Financial Measures
Capital investment
Property, plant and equipment 
Inventory 

Operational 
Headcount (year-end)
Headcount (average)
Operating sites
Operating footage

* 

Source – Spears and Associates.

2020

2019

22
10.2
583
20.4

42.2
24.4
3.5
8.0
78.1
0.7
78.8

33
15.5
787
26.2

72.6
30.8
3.4
9.0
115.8
7.2
123.0

#
$bn
#
$bn

$m
$m
$m
$m
$m
$m
$m

$m

(33.9)

(1.3)

$m
$m
%

$m
$m
$m

#
#
#
Kft2

21.9
(12.0)
(15)

–
(1.3)
(1)

1.0
11.6
59.7

229
279
8
236

0.6
21.8
57.9

299
292
10
264

Introduction
Hunting’s European operations comprise businesses in the UK, 
Netherlands and Norway. These operations provide OCTG (including 
threading, pipe storage and accessories manufacturing) and well 
intervention products in the UK; OCTG and well testing equipment 
manufacture in the Netherlands; and well intervention services and 
distribution in Norway. Hunting’s Middle East manufacturing 
operations are located in Dubai, UAE and Dammam, Saudi Arabia. 
The Group’s operations in Saudi Arabia are through a 65% joint 
venture arrangement with Saja Energy. During the year, the Group 
closed its sales presence in South Africa.

Market Overview
The Group’s EMEA markets declined in 2020, in line with the global 
downturn due to COVID-19. During 2020, the UK portion of the North 
Sea reported a decrease in activity levels as market conditions 
deteriorated, with the average rig count reducing from 15 units in 2019 
to average six units in the reporting period. Across the European 
region, the average rig count declined from 79 to 58 units, although in 
Norway the rig count remained materially unchanged. Drilling spend 
across the region declined from $17.9bn in 2019 to $11.7bn in 2020.

In the Middle East drilling spend also decreased from $26.2bn in 2019 
to $20.4bn in 2020, with the average rig count reducing from 384 to 
317 units.

Segment Performance
The EMEA operating segment reported segment revenue of $78.8m 
in the year compared to $123.0m in the prior year, as activity levels 
declined leading to an underlying operating loss of $12.0m compared 
to a loss of $1.3m in 2019. Following the charges for the amortisation 
of acquired intangible assets and exceptional items, which totalled 
$21.9m (2019 – $nil), the reported operating loss was $33.9m 
compared to a loss of $1.3m in 2019.

OCTG
Prior to the full impact of COVID-19 being felt, the Group’s North Sea 
OCTG business reported stable activity, a good order book and 
positive demand forecasts from customers. From April 2020, clients 
began to defer and cancel drilling operations, leading to a significant 
decline in order flow. While the impact of this was felt, particularly in H2 
2020, management believes that drilling activity will recommence in 
2021, reflected in the market outlook for the North Sea. In Saudi 
Arabia, business momentum increased in the year, with new orders 
being completed, leading to an additional facility being opened to 
support customer demand.

During the year, the business has started to develop a new market in 
the geothermal drilling arena. This market is similar to the oil and gas 
market, requiring tubulars and pipe connections, therefore the Group 
is well placed to service these projects. In the year, the business won 
its first order for a geothermal development in the UK.

Well Intervention and Well Testing
The segment’s well intervention business also started the year 
strongly, with orders completed in Qatar and the North Sea, but as the 
year progressed, project deferrals across most regions led to a weak 
H2 2020.

In Norway, the Group reported a strong increase in revenue as 
Hunting’s presence in the country continued to grow, leading to higher 
demand for intervention and perforating products.

Hunting’s well testing business, which is reported under other product 
lines, operates from the Netherlands, and reported stable revenue 
throughout 2020, with the year starting strongly, offset by a decline in 
momentum in H2. 

TEK-HUB™
The Group’s TEK-HUB™ initiative has made progress in 2020 with 
new technologies being evaluated and developed. In the year, the 
Organic Oil Recovery technology, for which Hunting has an exclusive 
marketing rights in 27 countries, has been trialled by a number of 
international companies to increase production of end-of-life fields, 
leading to positive results being recorded. While COVID-19 led to a 
number of field trials being deferred, a pilot test was completed on the 
Scott field in the North Sea in the year, leading to a material uplift in 
production. The technology is now seeing interest in Bahrain, 
Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and the UK, with laboratory and field trials 
likely to accelerate significantly in 2021. To support this initiative a sales 
office has been established in the Middle East to support enquiries.

Other Financial and Operational Information
During the year, there was limited investment in property, plant and 
equipment, which totalled $1.0m. Inventory remained fairly static, 
increasing by $1.8m in the year to $59.7m. To reduce costs, the 
segment’s headcount was reduced by 23% to 229 by the year-end 
and two small operating sites were closed.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements72
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Segmental Review 

continued

Asia Pacific

Market Overview
Across the Asia Pacific Region the average rig count declined by 
19% from 211 active units to 171 units as the impact of COVID-19 
accelerated. Drilling spend declined 28% from $16.9bn to $12.2bn.

2020

2019

In China, the average rig count was flat at 832 active units, while 
drilling spend declined 5% from $41.5bn to $39.4bn.

Market Indicators*
Far East – average rig count
Far East – spend
Middle East – spend 

Revenue 
OCTG & Premium Connections
Other product lines 
External revenue 
Inter-segment revenue
Segment revenue

Profitability 
Reported operating profit
Acquisition amortisation and 
  exceptional items 
Underlying operating profit
Underlying operating margin 

Other Financial Measures
Capital investment 
Property, plant and equipment
Inventory 

Operational 
Headcount (year-end)
Headcount (average)
Operating sites
Operating footage

*   Source – Spears and Associates.

#
$bn
$bn

171
12.2
20.4

211
16.9
26.2

$m 107.2
$m
0.1
$m 107.3
$m
2.0
$m 109.3

126.8
0.4
127.2
19.1
146.3

$m

$m
$m
%

$m
$m
$m

#
#
#
Kft2

1.9

2.8
4.7
4

1.0
7.9
22.1

364
426
4
545

4.4

–
4.4
3

0.7
9.6
33.0

453
443
4
533

As noted previously, in the Middle East drilling spend decreased from 
$26.2bn in 2019 to $20.4bn in 2020, with the average rig count 
reducing from 384 to 317 units.

Segment Performance 
Segment revenue in the year decreased by 25% to $109.3m, 
compared to $146.3m in the prior year. However, due to a number 
of the countries in the region recovering quickly from the impact of 
government lockdown measures, including Australia, China, Malaysia, 
New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam, orders continued to be 
completed, leading to an underlying operating profit of $4.7m being 
recorded compared to $4.4m in 2019. 

Due to the slowing Middle East market for OCTG and the US onshore 
market for perforating guns, inter-segment sales reduced 90% from 
$19.1m in 2019 to $2.0m in 2020. 

Following the charges for the amortisation of acquired intangible 
assets and exceptional items, which totalled $2.8m (2019 – $nil), the 
reported operating profit was $1.9m compared to $4.4m in 2019.

OCTG
During Q1 2020 operators cancelled or deferred tenders for OCTG 
supply and Premium Connections, as the impact of COVID-19 took 
hold across Asia Pacific and the Middle East. However, as Q2 
progressed, clients began to reinstate drilling programmes, leading to 
an increase in orders for customers in Australia, India, Malaysia and 
Thailand. 

Hunting’s access to the Indian oil and gas market has been greatly 
enhanced following the strategic alliance agreed with JindalSAW in 
2019, which provides the in-country content requirements for many 
tenders. In the year, the Group assisted with a number of orders for 
operators in India, including ONGC and Reliance, supplying OCTG 
and other accessories including Hunting’s proprietary APRS 
product line.

Introduction
Hunting’s Asia Pacific business covers four operating facilities across 
China, Indonesia and Singapore. In China, the Group operates from 
a facility in Wuxi, which has OCTG threading and perforating gun 
manufacturing capabilities. In Indonesia and Singapore, Hunting 
manufactures OCTG premium connections and accessories.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the Group’s Asia Pacific operations 
in Q1 2020, leading to the Wuxi operating site closing for a few days 
early in the year. Local government regulations were implemented as 
the pandemic accelerated, leading to a number of facilities being 
limited to c.25% attendance of the workforce. 

Despite these measures, the Group’s Asia Pacific operating segment 
maintained profitability in the year, as activity levels were sustained 
from Q2 onwards.

The Asia Pacific segment also completed work for clients across the 
Middle East.

New Technology
The Asia Pacific segment has continued to assist in the development 
of a micro-power generation system. Prototypes have been tested in 
Italy and the US during the year, although progress was hampered by 
COVID-19 leading to delays in the testing of the product prototype. 
Further trials are anticipated in 2021.

As noted in the Chief Executive’s Report, the segment also purchased 
a machine to enable face mask production for distribution throughout 
Hunting’s global businesses and into local communities.

Other Financial and Operational Information
Inventory decreased by $10.9m during the year to $22.1m, with $2.6m 
related to exceptional impairment charges and the remainder reflecting 
lower activity levels.

Additions to property, plant and equipment in the year were $1.0m.

The headcount reduced from 453 to 364 in the year, as cost reduction 
measures were implemented.

73
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Case Study 
Organic Oil Recovery

Progressive technology for 
enhancing oil production and 
reducing ecological footprint 

Hunting has an exclusive partnership 
with US-based Titan Oil Recovery Inc 
in the development of game changing, 
cost-effective technology to enhance 
oil recovery from mature fields. 
Traditionally, enhanced recovery 
processes are expensive and require 
significant investment.

Promising results from an 
elegant enhanced oil recovery 
technology that can be 
implemented without a large 
offshore footprint.”
Andy Bostock, CNOOC

Organic Oil Recovery (“OOR”) involves mobilising existing microbes 
present in reservoirs to increase oil production. Hunting’s OOR teams 
in Aberdeen and the Middle East are planning to export the 
technology across 27 countries. 

The team is working closely with several major operators in order 
to extend reservoir production. More than ten projects and around 30 
pilot operations in 24 oil fields are underway, with combined production 
capacity of 140,000 bopd. These projects demonstrate scalability 
to full-field applications in a cost efficient manner, reducing operator 
overheads and simultaneously increasing recoverable reserves. 

The process involves injecting supplemental nutrients in batches in 
order to increase microbial populations. The microbes move to the oil/
water interface, reducing surface tension and releasing significant 
quantities of trapped residual oil. The process has a dual result of 
improving the mobility of oil in tight pore spaces, enhancing recovery 
and addressing the cause of H2S formation by targeting specific 
species of microbes to outcompete Sulphate Reducing Bacteria.

In June 2020, the OOR process was piloted in the mature Scott Field 
located in the UK North Sea and operated by CNOOC. The project 
yielded impressive results: 

 • 1,000%+ return on investment from incremental revenue over 

pilot cost;

 • 25,000+ barrels increase in recoverable oil;
 • 4% drop in water cut; and
 • One week payback.

The OOR well treatment releases trapped oil leading to an increase in production after the procedure.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements74
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Key Performance Indicators 

Our Progress 

A number of key performance 
indicators are used to compare the 
business performance and position 
of the Group. 

These are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain appropriate. For 
details on the movements of these metrics, please refer to the Group 
Review on pages 61 to 65.

Financial performance is measured on an underlying basis from 
operations and, other than revenue, these measures are non-GAAP 
measures (further information on non-GAAP measures (“NGM”) can 
be found on pages 203 to 207).

Our HSE and Quality Assurance performance metrics are 
non-financial KPIs, which support the reputation and standing 
with our customers.

Countries with active 
operations

11

2020

11

2019

No. of recordable  
incidents

16

2020

39

2019

Countries in which Hunting has an active operating site or 
distribution centre.

An incident is recordable if it results in death or serious injury 
resulting in absence from work.

Operating footprint  
(sq ft)

2.8m

2020

3.0m

2019

Incident rate  
(OSHA method)

0.67

2020

1.17

2019

Operation and distribution site square footage at year-end. This 
closely corresponds to “roofline” and includes administrative space 
within operating units.

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) 
incident rate is calculated by multiplying the number of recordable 
incidents by 200,000 and then dividing that number by the number 
of labour hours worked.

Year-end employees

1,923

2020

2,956

2019

CO2 intensity factor  

50.8

2020

37.4

2019

The year-end headcount for employees includes part-time staff 
(see note 8).

Scope 1 and 2 carbon dioxide equivalent metric, reported as 
kilogrammes per $k of revenue.

ISO 9001:2015 (Quality) 
accredited operating sites

71%

2020

72%

2019

Internal manufacturing 
reject rate

0.24%

2020

0.30%

2019

Percentage of operating sites with ISO 9001:2015 accreditation.

Percentage of parts rejected during manufacturing processes.

75
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Revenue
($m)

2020

2019

2018

Capital Investment*
($m)

626.0

2020

960.0

2019

911.4

2018

Revenue is earned from products and services sold to customers from 
the Group’s principal activities (see notes 2 and 3).

Cash spend on tangible non-current assets (see NGM I).

Underlying EBITDA*
($m)

2020

2019

2018

Inventory Days*

26.1

2020

139.7

2019

142.3

2018

14.7

36.0

30.1

270

214

185

Underlying results before share of associates’ post-tax results, interest, 
tax, depreciation, impairment and amortisation (see NGM A). 

Inventory at the year-end divided by underlying cost of sales for the 
last three months of the year multiplied by 92 days (see NGM D). 

Underlying (Loss) Profit from Operations
($m)

Return on Average Capital Employed*
(%)

2020

2019

2018

(16.4)

2020

94.3

2019

104.7

2018

(2)

8

9

Underlying (loss) profit from operations before net finance costs and 
tax (see consolidated income statement and note 2). 

Underlying (loss) profit before interest and tax, adjusted to include the 
share of associates’ post-tax results, as a percentage of average gross 
capital employed (see NGM N). 

Underlying Operating Margin
(%)

Free Cash Flow*
($m)

2020

2019

2018

(3)

2020

10

11

2019

2018

47.8

138.8

80.7

Underlying (loss) profit from operations as a percentage of revenue.

All cash flows before transactions with shareholders and tangible and 
intangible capital investment (see NGM K). 

Underlying Diluted (Loss) Earnings Per Share*
(Cents)

Total Cash and Bank*
($m)

2020

2019

2018

(10.0)

2020

43.9

2019

49.6

2018

101.7

127.0

65.2

Underlying (loss) earnings 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 
(see note 11).

*  Non-GAAP measure (“NGM”) (see pages 203 to 207).

Total cash and bank comprises cash at bank and in hand, short-term 
deposits and money market funds less bank overdrafts (see note 26). 

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements76
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Directors’ Report and 
Compliance Statements 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the 
financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

In the case of each Director in office at the date the Directors’ Report 
is approved:

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements 
for each financial year. Under that law the Directors are required to 
prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union (“EU”) and have also chosen to prepare the parent 
Company financial statements under IFRSs as adopted by the EU. 
Under company law the Directors must not approve the accounts 
unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state 
of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for 
that period. In preparing these financial statements, International 
Accounting Standard 1 requires that Directors:

 • properly select and apply accounting policies;
 • present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that 

provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable 
information; 

 • provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific 

requirements in IFRSs are insufficient to enable users to understand 
the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on 
the entity’s financial position and financial performance; and
 • make an assessment of the Company’s ability to continue as 

a going concern. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the 
financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are 
also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and 
hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection 
of fraud and other irregularities.

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

Responsibility Statement
The Directors consider that the Annual Report and Accounts, taken 
as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s and 
parent Company’s position and performance, business model and 
strategy. Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed 
on pages 82 and 83 confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

 • the financial statements, prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU, give a true 
and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit 
or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole;

 • the Strategic Report includes a fair and balanced review of the 

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

 • the Annual Report and financial statements, taken as a whole, are 
fair, balanced and understandable and provide the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s position and 
performance, business model and strategy.

 • so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information 
of which the Group’s and parent Company’s auditor are unaware; 
and

 • they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a 

Director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the Group’s and parent Company’s 
auditor are aware of that information.

This responsibility statement was approved by the Board of Directors 
at their meeting on 1 March 2021.

Companies Act 2006
Section 415
In compliance with section 415 of the Companies Act 2006, the 
Directors present their report and the audited financial statements 
of Hunting PLC for the year ended 31 December 2020.

The Strategic Report incorporates the Chairman’s Statement, Chief 
Executive’s Statement and Outlook, Market Review, Key Performance 
Indicators, Group Review, Segmental Review, Stakeholder 
Engagement disclosures, Business Model and Strategy and Risk 
Management and is located on pages 4 to 79. As permitted by 
legislation, the Board has chosen to set out, within the Strategic 
Report and Corporate Governance Report, some of the matters 
required to be disclosed in the Directors’ Report, which it considers 
to be complementary to communicating Hunting’s performance and 
position, as follows:

 • changes in the Group and its interests (pages 38 and 39);
 • future developments (pages 38 and 39);
 • risk management, objectives and policies (pages 50 to 54);
 • bribery and corruption (pages 25 to 27 and 125);
 • ethnicity and diversity (pages 26 and 27); and
 • greenhouse gas emissions and environmental matters 

(pages 30 to 32).

On 21 February 2020, the Group announced the completion of the 
acquisition of Enpro Subsea Limited for a cash consideration of 
$32.8m, excluding cash acquired of $5.5m. Further details on this 
transaction can found in note 39. 

Furthermore, the Group’s US Drilling Tools business was divested 
on 15 December 2020 to Rival Downhole Tools LC, in exchange for 
a 23.5% equity interest in the enlarged Rival group. Further details 
on this transaction can found in note 40.

On 4 February 2021, the Group also invested $2.5m in convertible 
financing in Well Data Labs, a well analytics company.

From 1 January 2021, up to the date of signing these accounts, 
the Company has purchased 1,590,281 treasury shares for a total 
consideration of $4.7m. 

In addition, information relating to the Directors’ indemnity provisions 
and dividend waivers, Annual General Meeting, dividends, Directors’ 
powers and interests, share capital, political donations, research and 
development and significant agreements, can be found within the 
Shareholder and Statutory Information section located on pages 209 
to 212.

77
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

The Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018 
As required by The Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 
2018 (the “Regulations”), the Board of Hunting PLC has prepared a 
section 172(1) statement, which can also be found on the Group’s 
website www.huntingplc.com. The Directors’ Stakeholder 
Engagement and decision making disclosures are summarised within 
the Strategic Report on pages 12 to 33, and include cross references 
to the various engagement activities across the Group’s operations. 
Additional disclosures in respect of customers, suppliers and other key 
business relationships can also be found within the Strategic Report.

 •  communicating closely with our suppliers, to ensure that they are 
dealing effectively with COVID-19 and that our supply chain is as 
secure as possible;

 •  interacting and communicating closely with our customers, keeping 
them informed of our COVID-19 arrangements in order to maintain 
confidence in our ability to continue to provide market leading 
products and our commitment towards maintaining high standards 
of service; and

 •  closely monitoring developments and any feedback from 

customers, especially in regard to new products and potential new 
market opportunities.

Section 172(1) Statement
This statement has been prepared in compliance with the Companies 
(Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018.

The Board of Hunting PLC considers that, in complying with its 
statutory duty during 2020 and under section 172 of the Companies 
Act 2006 (the “Act”), the Directors have acted in good faith and in a 
manner which they believe is likely to promote the continued success 
of the Company, for the benefit of its members and stakeholders as a 
whole. The Board also engages with its stakeholders when considering 
major strategic decisions, in the following ways:

 • each year the Board reviews its short- and long-term strategy. 
In recent years these have remained consistent, with a focus 
on maintaining a firm financial foundation, improving facilities 
and investing in the development of new technology and in 
our workforce;

 • the Board aims to ensure that our employees work in a safe 
environment, that they receive appropriate training and are 
sufficiently rewarded for their efforts;

 • over the years we have fostered long-standing relationships with 
our customers, suppliers and our external advisers. We base our 
philosophy on sharing our core values with our key stakeholders 
throughout the supply chain and by keeping in regular contact with 
suppliers and customers advising them of our market strategy and 
product innovation;

 • as a company operating in the oil industry, we regularly monitor the 
impact of our activities on the environment and on the communities 
in which we operate and, in particular, where we maintain active 
manufacturing facilities; and

 • as a Board, we endeavour to operate responsibly and to make 

carefully considered decisions. We encourage high standards of 
business conduct from our employees and try to lead by example.

The impact of COVID-19 has been reported to the Board on a regular 
basis by senior management. The Board reacted quickly to implement 
procedures in response to COVID-19, and to the general market 
downturn, to position the Group for a return to growth in its core 
markets. The action plan included:

 •  engaging closely with employees;
 •  following appropriate consultation, the Group released 35% of its 
workforce and the Board has been very sensitive to this process; 
 •  global Human Resources functions have proactively engaged with 
staff to reassign responsibilities, especially concerning Health and 
Safety and Quality Assurance. Close monitoring of employee 
wellbeing also occurred;

 •  providing protective equipment to employees, implementing social 
distancing protocols and facilitating home working arrangements 
where possible;

 •  increased deep cleaning of facilities;
 •  assessment of how we can protect our key assets;

The following sections and cross references provide a summary of 
where details of key stakeholder and associated engagement and 
decision making is located within the 2020 Annual Report and 
Accounts and also some of the considerations taken by the Board 
in fulfilling their duty under section 172(1) of the Act:

 • shareholders (pages 12 to 14);
 • lenders (page 16);
 • customers (pages 24 and 25); 
 • employees (pages 26 to 28);
 • suppliers (page 29);
 • environment (pages 30 to 32);
 • governments (page 33); and
 • communities (page 33). 

Non-Financial Information Statement
In accordance with section 414CA of the Companies Act 2006, the 
Company is required to provide a non-financial information statement. 
The Company has chosen to present this information throughout the 
Strategic Report as follows:

 • business model (pages 10 to 33);
 • environmental matters, including impact of the Company’s business 

on the environment (pages 30 to 32);

 • employees (pages 26 to 28);
 • respect for human rights (page 26); and
 • anti-corruption and anti-bribery matters (pages 25 to 27 and 125).

Included within these disclosures are details of policies, outcomes, 
risk factors and related key performance indicators.

Viability Statement
Introduction
Hunting has a diverse global customer base underpinned by strong, 
long-term relationships. The Group provides a large range of products 
and services through its manufacturing and distribution facilities, which 
are located in a number of countries across the globe.

In considering the Group’s long-term viability, the Board regularly 
assesses the risks to its business model, strategy, future performance, 
solvency and liquidity. These assessments are supported by the risk 
management processes described on pages 53 and 54 and include a 
review of the Group’s exposure to the oil and gas industry, competitor 
action, customer plans and the robustness of the supply chain.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements78
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Directors’ Report and 
Compliance Statements 

continued

Assessment Period
The Group’s customers are principally involved in the exploration for 
and production of oil and gas. Given the nature of the industry and the 
planning cycles involved, these activities can cover periods of no more 
than several weeks and up to several years from start to end. 
Hunting’s management works closely with its customers, discussing 
their operational plans and related capital expenditure programmes, 
with a natural focus on the earlier years in which projects will be in 
progress, or committed to, and for which requirements for goods or 
services from Hunting will be more certain. The outlook for the Group 
beyond this period is generated from management’s assessment of 
industrial data and projections published by industry commentators 
and analysts, including statistics on exploration and production 
expenditure, footage drilled and rig activity. These macro, longer-term 
forecasts are more subject to significant volatility.

Taking these factors into consideration, the Board believes that a 
three-year forward-looking period, commencing on the date the 
annual accounts are approved by the Board, is the appropriate length 
of time to reasonably assess the Group’s viability. 

Consideration of Principal Risks
The nature of the Group’s operations exposes the business to a variety 
of risks, which are noted on pages 56 to 59. The Board regularly 
reviews the principal risks and assesses the appropriate controls and 
further actions as described on pages 53 and 54, given the Board’s 
appetite for risk as described on pages 51 and 52. The Board has 
further considered their potential impact within the context of the 
Group’s viability.

The Group has a $160m committed revolving credit facility that is due 
to expire in December 2022. The facility includes conditional options to 
be extended by one year and to be increased by $75m, by mutual 
agreement. Despite Group expectations of maintaining a strong 
cash-positive position throughout the viability assessment period, 
management has commenced a dialogue with the lenders with a view 
to refinancing in the near term. Initial responses have been positive 
towards the Group. 

Assumptions
In assessing the long-term viability of the Group, the Board made the 
following assumptions:

 • global exploration and production spend in 2021 is expected to be 
down 15% compared with 2020, followed by a sharp recovery in 
2022 to 2025;

 • demand for energy service products improves in the medium to 

long term, given the global outlook for oil and gas demand, which is 
driven by growth within emerging markets and sustained demand 
from developed markets. These are the fundamental drivers of 
Hunting’s core business of manufacturing, supplying and 
distributing products and services which in turn enable the 
extraction of oil and gas;

 • the Group’s reduced cost base enables the business to remain 

competitive within the weaker sectors of the global energy markets, 
particularly within the offshore and international markets; and

 • the Group will continue to have a medium to low exposure to higher 
risk countries given the proportion of its current revenues and profits 
derived from politically stable regions such as North America, 
Europe and South East Asia.

In addition, a downside case of the financial projections was produced 
to model a meaningful deterioration in market conditions and this 
revealed no concerns regarding viability.

A stress test case was performed, as noted in the going concern 
statement on page 79, to identify the financial conditions required to 
cause a possible breach of the Group’s banking covenants within the 
following twelve month period. As stated in that statement, the Board 
concluded that the likelihood of this occurrence is remote.

COVID-19 Related Factors
The Group’s 2020 financial statements illustrate the adverse impact 
of the COVID-19 pandemic on its financial performance. Revenue, 
results from operations, loss/profit for the year and loss/earnings per 
share all declined in the year. The impact on cash reserves was less 
material, as the Group’s business model enabled Group and local 
management to respond quickly to the turn of events. The principal 
singular factor in the fall in total cash and bank during 2020, by $25.3m 
from $127.0m to $101.7m, was the business acquisition of Enpro 
Subsea Limited, for which $34.2m was paid, including acquisition 
costs, in February/April 2020.

The actions taken by Group and local management, that enabled the 
preservation of cash and the continued resilience of operations, 
include the following:

 • the closure/mothballing of facilities, including the OCTG operation 

in Canada, and relocation of plant and machinery;

 • business disposal;
 • reductions in force;
 • right-sizing of active business units;
 • reduced capital investment;
 • wider limitations on other types of spending;
 • tightening working capital management;
 • reduced dividends to shareholders;
 • closer monitoring of markets and of selected customers’ 

financial condition;
 • widening of markets;
 • adjusting work schedules and business layouts to enable 

workplace social distancing;
 • working from home if possible;
 • applications made for government financial assistance; and
 • purchase of mask-making equipment and distribution of 

disposable masks to the Hunting sites and to the Company’s 
wider communities. 

Conclusion
The Board believes that the Group’s strategy for growth, its diverse 
customer and product base, the resilience of its business model and 
the positive outlook for the oil and gas industry after 2021, in the 
medium term provide Hunting with a strong platform on which to 
continue its business. The Directors therefore have a reasonable 
expectation that Hunting will be able to continue in operation and meet its 
liabilities as they fall due over the three-year period of their assessment.

Conclusion
The Board is satisfied that it has conducted a robust review of the 
Group’s going concern and has a high level of confidence that the 
Group has the necessary liquid resources to meet its liabilities as they 
fall due. Consequently the Board considered it appropriate to adopt 
the going concern basis of accounting in preparing these consolidated 
financial statements.

By order of the Board

Ben Willey
Company Secretary 

4 March 2021

79
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Going Concern Statement
Introduction
The Group’s principal cash outflows include capital investment, labour 
costs, inventory purchases and dividends. The timing and extent of 
these cash flows is controlled by local management and the Board. 
The Group’s principal cash inflows are generated from the sale of its 
products and services, the level of which is dependent on overall 
market conditions, the variety of its products and its ability to retain 
strong customer relationships. Cash inflows are further supported 
by the Group’s credit insurance cover against customer default that, 
at 31 December 2020, covered the majority of its trade receivables, 
subject to certain limits.

Current and forecast cash/debt balances are reported on a weekly 
basis by each of the business units to a centralised treasury function 
that uses the information to manage the Group’s day-to-day liquidity 
and longer-term funding needs.

The Group has access to sufficient financial resources, including 
$160m of secured committed credit facilities (“RCF”), which were 
undrawn throughout the whole of 2020. The Group’s internal financial 
projections indicate that the Group will retain sufficient liquidity to meet 
its funding requirements over the next twelve months.

Review
In conducting its review of the Group’s ability to remain as a going 
concern, the Board assessed the Group’s recent trading performance 
and its latest forecasts and took account of reasonably predictable 
changes in future trading performance. The Board also considered 
the potential financial impact of the estimates, judgements and 
assumptions that were used to prepare these financial statements. 
Management sensitised these forecasts to reflect plausible downside 
scenarios as a result of the COVID-19 impact on global economies. 
These demonstrated that the Group is able to maintain sufficient 
cash resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due over the next 
twelve months.

Management also prepared further stress-test forecasts to identify the 
conditions required to fully consume the Group’s cash reserves by 
December 2022 and cause a breach of the banking covenants, thus 
restricting access to the Group’s currently undrawn RCF in the going 
concern assessment period. The Group modelled a drop in monthly 
revenue from May 2021 to December 2022 reflecting the lowest levels 
experienced during 2020, and consequent modest negative EBITDA 
margins. Working capital days were broadly maintained at the high 
levels occurring at the end of 2020. Even with these factors reflected, 
a further 5.5% decline in EBITDA margin was required to cause a 
breach. To advance the possible breach to June 2022 would require 
a further 2.4% decline in the stressed monthly EBITDA margin. The 
Board assessed the severity of these forecasts and concluded that the 
likelihood of such a combined occurrence over the next twelve months 
is remote. The Board is also satisfied that no material uncertainties 
have been identified.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements80
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Corporate Governance Overview 

Letter from Chairman

The challenges presented during 2020 will be remembered for 
many years to come, given the impact of COVID-19 on global 
economies and the actions by governments to curtail the 
spread of the virus, but also the significant impact the virus 
has had on the global oil and gas industry and the Group’s 
operations in the year.

The Board’s work in the year changed in response to 
COVID-19. In Q2/Q3 2020 the Directors increased the 
frequency of their meetings and met fortnightly to receive 
market, trading and health and safety updates, in addition to 
scrutinising the Group’s finances including cash levels and 
overall liquidity as the downturn impacted our businesses. 
While we have reported losses in the year, which includes 
significant impairments to assets, our year-end net cash and 
healthy balance sheet position us strongly as the global 
market slowly returns to growth.

The work of the Remuneration, Nomination and Audit 
Committees is described in detail throughout the following 
section of the Annual Report. I would like to thank my fellow 
Directors and the Group’s employees for their support and 
commitment which has helped us navigate these 
extraordinary and challenging times.

Introduction
The Group’s governance framework remained unchanged from 
the prior year, following the introduction of the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code on 1 January 2019. Most areas of Hunting’s 
governance procedures have been reviewed during the year, with 
the Board confirming that the Purpose and Culture remains robust, 
despite the downturn in the global energy market and the unfortunate 
reductions in the Group’s headcount which were implemented as 
industry activity levels reduced.

COVID-19
The focus of the Group during the year has been to keep our 
employees safe and healthy, given the challenges presented by 
the pandemic. 

As an essential industry, Hunting’s facilities were allowed to remain 
open, albeit with social distancing and other safety measures being 
put in place. 

The work of the Group’s Health and Safety and Human Resources 
teams in the year have been outstanding as they supported senior 
management, as well as providing advice to employees through 
the year. 

Dividends
The Group has continued to declare dividends during the year, which 
totalled 9.0 cents per share (2019 – 5.0 cents), given the strong cash 
and bank position throughout the year and the healthy balance sheet 
which has been maintained throughout the market downturn. 

The Board considered this area carefully and believes that the policy 
adopted in the year reflects the Board’s confidence in the prospects 
of the Group over the long term and the importance of shareholder 
distributions as part of our long-term investment case.

Workforce and Executive Remuneration
While base salaries have been frozen across the Group in the year, 
certain businesses within Hunting have achieved their budgetary 
targets set for 2020 and will receive bonuses to reflect this 
excellent performance. 

The Board and Remuneration Committee considered carefully its 
approach to its compensation framework and concluded that, given 
the strongly cyclical nature of the oil and gas industry, no changes to 
the operation of the Group’s remuneration framework would be made. 

In the year, the Group has accepted furlough monies across its various 
regions of operation, which totalled $3.6m. These monies were 
passed directly to employees to support them through the challenges 
in the year, with no funds being retained by Group businesses for 
other purposes. 

In light of the quantum of the monies received, compared to other 
capital allocations and with the intention of retaining a consistent and 
fair approach to remuneration, the executive Directors will be paid 
a small annual bonus which reflects the normal operation of the 
executive annual bonus plan and which reflects the full delivery of 
certain strategic goals which were set at the beginning of the year.

81
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Directors’ Remuneration Policy
In line with the requirements of UK legislation, the Board is proposing 
a new Directors’ Remuneration Policy for approval by shareholders. 
During the year, the Remuneration Committee met to discuss its 
approach to this requirement, given the recommendations by UK 
regulators and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Remuneration Committee and Board concluded that the current 
remuneration framework and Policy remains fit for purpose, due to a 
demonstrable track record of alignment between performance and 
executive pay. 

Therefore, the Remuneration Committee recommended that the 
amendments to the current Policy should be limited to those areas 
which better align with the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code as 
compared to a full review of the remuneration framework. 

The Board is recommending changes to the pensions arrangements 
for future executive Director appointments; reducing the maximum 
grant limit under the Hunting Performance Share Plan and introducing 
an executive Director post-employment shareholding policy. 

The new Policy is to be tabled at the Company’s Annual General 
Meeting in April 2021. 

Subject to approval, the Company will be fully compliant with the 2018 
Code, with the exception of one remuneration provision, which is 
noted on page 85. Further details of these proposals can be found 
within the Remuneration Committee Report.

Going Concern and Viability
The Group’s results reflect an unprecedented contraction of the oil 
and gas industry, with the Company reporting losses in the year and 
impairments to the carrying values of assets held on the consolidated 
balance sheet. 

The Board has closely monitored trading projections, projected cash 
generation and liquidity throughout the year, with rigorous review and 
challenge being undertaken by Deloitte, the Group’s external auditor, 
to confirm our disclosures on going concern and viability. 

The work of management to reduce working capital and increase net 
cash balances has been commendable and supports these statements.

Retirement and Appointment of Finance Director
As noted in last year’s Annual Report, Peter Rose gave notice to the 
Company of his intention to retire at the end of 2020, and he stepped 
down from the Board on 15 April 2020 following conclusion of the 
Company’s Annual General Meeting. The Nomination Committee 
met in December 2019 and January 2020, and following discussion 
recommended the appointment of Bruce Ferguson as Hunting’s new 
Finance Director. Bruce was duly appointed by shareholders at the 
AGM, with his base salary set at £275,000. 

John (Jay) F. Glick
Chairman

4 March 2021

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements82
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Board of Directors and Company Secretary 

John (Jay) F. Glick
Non-executive Chairman

Nationality 
American.

Arthur James (Jim) Johnson
Chief Executive

Nationality 
American.

Length of Service
6 years; appointed to the Board as a non-executive Director in 2015 
and is viewed as independent. In 2017, Jay was appointed non-
executive Chairman. In September 2020, Jay was re-appointed for 
a further three-year term. Age 68.

Skills and Experience
Jay 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.

External Appointments
Jay is currently a non-executive director of TETRA Technologies Inc.

Committee Membership
Nomination Committee (Chair) and by invitation.

Length of Service
29 years; appointed to the Board as a Director and Chief Executive in 
2017. Age 60.

Skills and Experience
Jim held senior management positions within Hunting from 1992 up to 
his appointment as Chief Operating Officer of the Group in 2011. In this 
role, he was responsible for all day-to-day operational activities of the 
Company. Jim is a member of, and chairs, the Executive Committee.

External Appointments 
None.

Committee Membership 
By invitation.

Bruce Ferguson
Finance Director

Nationality 
British.

Annell Bay
Non-executive Director

Nationality 
American.

Length of Service
27 years; appointed to the Board as a Director and Finance Director 
in 2020. Age 49.

Skills and Experience
Bruce is a Chartered Management Accountant and has held senior 
financial and operational positions within the Group since 1994. From 
2003 to 2011 Bruce was the financial controller of the Group’s 
European operations. From 2011, Bruce held the position of managing 
director of Hunting’s EMEA operating segment and has been a 
member of the Executive Committee since its formation in 2018. 

External Appointments 
None.

Committee Membership 
By invitation.

Length of Service
6 years; appointed to the Board as a non-executive Director in 2015 
and is viewed as independent. In February 2021, Annell was re-
appointed for a final three-year term. Annell is Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee and is also the Company’s designated 
non-executive Director for employee engagement. Age 65.

Skills and Experience
Annell was formerly a vice-president of global exploration at Marathon 
Oil Corporation and, prior to that, vice-president of Americas 
Exploration at Shell Exploration and Production Company.

External Appointments
Annell is currently a non-executive director of Apache Corporation and 
Verisk Analytics Inc.

Committee Membership 
Nomination Committee. 
Remuneration Committee (Chair).
Audit Committee.

83
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Carol Chesney
Non-executive Director

Nationality 
American and British.

Richard Hunting, CBE
Non-executive Director

Nationality 
British.

Length of Service
3 years; appointed to the Board as a non-executive Director in 2018 
and is viewed as independent. Carol is Chair of the Audit Committee. 
Age 58.

Skills and Experience
Carol is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England 
and Wales. Carol was formerly the Group Financial Controller and, 
latterly, the Company Secretary of Halma plc.

External Appointments
Carol is currently a non-executive director of Renishaw plc, IQE plc 
and Biffa plc.

Committee Membership 
Nomination Committee. 
Remuneration Committee. 
Audit Committee (Chair).

Length of Service
48 years; elected an executive Director in 1989 and was 
Chairman from 1991 to 2017. Richard remains on the Board as a 
non-independent, non-executive Director and was re-appointed for 
a further three-year term in September 2020. Age 74.

Skills and Experience
Richard has previously held a variety of management positions around 
the Hunting Group.

External Appointments 
None.

Committee Membership 
By invitation.

Keith Lough
Senior Independent Non-executive Director

Nationality 
British.

Ben Willey
Company Secretary

Nationality 
British.

Length of Service
3 years; appointed to the Board as a non-executive Director in April 2018 
and appointed Senior Independent Director in August 2018. Age 62.

Length of Service
11 years; joined Hunting in 2010 and was appointed Company 
Secretary in 2013. Age 47.

Skills and Experience
Keith was formerly the non-executive Chairman of Gulf Keystone 
Petroleum plc and previously held a number of executive positions 
within other energy-related companies, including British Energy plc 
and LASMO plc.

External Appointments
Keith is currently the non-executive Chairman of Rockhopper 
Exploration plc and Southern Water and a non-executive director 
of Cairn Energy plc.

Committee Membership 
Nomination Committee. 
Remuneration Committee.
Audit Committee.

Skills and Experience
Ben is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and 
Administrators. He was formerly a partner at Buchanan, a WPP 
company, and, prior to that, worked in investment banking.

External Appointments 
None.

Committee Membership 
Audit Committee (Secretary).
Nomination Committee (Secretary). 
Remuneration Committee (Secretary). 

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements84
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Executive Committee 

Rick Bradley
Chief Operating Officer

Nationality 
American. 

Length of Service
10 years; joined Hunting in 2011 and was appointed Chief Operating 
Officer in 2017. Age 61.

Jason Mai
Managing Director – Hunting Titan

Nationality 
American. 

Length of Service
6 years; joined Hunting in 2015 and was appointed Managing Director 
in 2017. Age 52.

Scott George
Managing Director – US Operations

Nationality 
American. 

Length of Service
11 years; joined Hunting in 2010 and was appointed Managing Director 
in 2011. Age 47.

Stewart Barrie 
Managing Director – Europe, Middle East and Africa Operations 

Nationality 
British. 

Length of Service
9 years; joined Hunting in 2012 and was appointed Managing Director 
in 2020. Age 52.

Daniel Tan
Managing Director – Asia Pacific Operations

Nationality 
Singaporean. 

Length of Service
13 years; joined Hunting in 2008 and was appointed Managing Director 
in 2011. Age 58.

85
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Corporate Governance Report

Compliance
The Board of Hunting PLC has adopted governance principles 
aligned with the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”), 
which can be found at www.frc.org.uk. The Company is reporting its 
Corporate Governance compliance against this Code. 

Governance Framework
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 Hunting PLC Board 
(“the Board”).

The Board has assessed its compliance with the Code and notes the 
following provisions to which it is not compliant:

The pension contribution rates of the Chief Executive currently do not 
align with the workforce as required by provision 38 of the Code. 
Mr Johnson was appointed prior to the implementation of the 2018 
Code. However, in the year, shareholders elected Bruce Ferguson as 
Hunting’s new Finance Director at the Company’s Annual General 
Meeting on 15 April 2020. Mr Ferguson’s cash sum in lieu of a 
Company contribution aligns with the UK workforce, as required by 
the Code, with a contribution rate of 12% of base salary. The Board 
anticipates further alignment with the new Code over time as and 
when new executive Director appointments are made.

The Board is responsible for the management and strategic direction 
of the Company and to ensure its long-term success by generating 
value for its shareholders, while giving due consideration to other 
stakeholders, as prescribed by UK law.

Hunting’s governance framework is driven by its Purpose, Culture 
and Values, which are noted on pages 6 and 8, and are derived from 
engagement with its shareholders and principal stakeholders.

Hunting Governance Framework

Our purpose

Market 
environment and 
other external 
factors

Stakeholder  
engagement

Executive  
Directors

1
Strategic intent

2
Challenge and  
decision making

3
Short/long-term plan

Nomination 
Committee

Risk 
management

Business 
strategy

Execution and 
value creation 
(Business Model)

Strategic and 
financial 
performance

KPIs

Non-executive  
Directors

Audit  
Committee

Remuneration  
Committee

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements86
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Corporate Governance Report

continued 

Introduction
The Board discusses strategic planning and long-term growth 
objectives. A detailed Strategic Plan is prepared biennially, with 
updates to the Plan presented in intervening years. Strategic plans 
consider the future direction of the Group, taking into account 
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) matters. Once the 
Board has agreed on the strategic plans, these are rolled out across 
the Group’s operations and relayed to key stakeholders more 
generally. Embedded within strategic planning is the Group’s appetite 
for risk. The Group’s Risk Management framework (see pages 50 to 
59), and supporting procedures, help the Board refine its decision 
making, as the opportunities and risks for long-term success and 
growth are evaluated against their risk appetite and the risk culture of 
the Group. Following this, the Group’s Business Strategy and Model 
are put into action.

The Board has three subcommittees to which it delegates governance 
and compliance procedures: the Remuneration Committee, whose 
report can be found on pages 93 to 118; the Nomination Committee, 
whose report can be found on pages 119 and 120; and the Audit 
Committee, whose report can be found on pages 121 to 125.

The Board Committees support the Directors in their decision making. 
The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include reviewing the Group’s 
financial results and challenging management, internal audit and 
external audit functions. The Remuneration Committee ensures the 
executive Directors remain motivated and incentivised, as the senior 
leadership team executes the approved strategy on a day-to-day 
basis. The Remuneration Committee ensures that executive pay 
remains aligned with Company performance and the broader 
shareholder experience. The work of the Nomination Committee 
supports the Board’s responsibility for ensuring that a framework of 
recruitment and retention of talent is in place to run the Company 
and that succession is well planned and executed in a timely manner.

The Board and its Committees are further supported by an Executive 
Committee, comprising of executive Directors and managing directors 
of each operating segment of the Group. The Executive Committee 
oversees the implementation of the Group’s growth objectives and 
ensures the risks and opportunities presented are actively managed.

Responsibilities of the Board
The Board of Hunting PLC has clearly defined areas of responsibility, 
which are separate to those of the Chairman, executive Directors and 
the Committees of the Board. The non-executive Directors approve 
the strategic goals and objectives of the Company, as proposed by 
the executive Directors. The Board approves all major acquisitions, 
divestments, dividends, capital investments, annual budgets and 
strategic plans.

The Board has overall leadership of the Company, setting the values 
of the Hunting Group and providing a strong tone from the top, which 
all businesses within the Group and its employees are encouraged 
to adopt. Governance principles of the Company are set by the 
Board and key Group-level policies are reviewed and approved by 
the Directors.

The Directors monitor Hunting’s trading performance, including 
progress against the Annual Budget, reviewing monthly management 
accounts and forecasts, comparing forecasts to market expectations 
and reviewing other financial matters. They review and approve all 
public announcements, including financial results, trading statements 
and set the dividend policy of the Group.

The internal control and risk management framework and associated 
procedures are reviewed by the Board; however, key monitoring 
procedures are delegated to the Audit Committee. Remuneration of 
the executive Directors is set by the Remuneration Committee, who 
also review and monitor the remuneration of the Executive Committee, 
as well as monitoring the remuneration structure of the wider workforce.

The Board approves all key recommendations from the Remuneration, 
Nomination and Audit Committees and approves all appointments to 
these Committees.

Board Activities
Board and Committee materials are circulated in a timely manner 
ahead of each meeting.

At each meeting, the Chief Executive updates the Board on key 
operational developments, provides an overview of the market, reports 
on Health and Safety, and highlights important milestones reached 
towards the delivery of Hunting’s strategic objectives.

The Finance Director provides an update on the Group’s financial 
performance, position, outlook, banking arrangements, legal issues, 
analyst discussions and statutory reporting developments relevant to 
Hunting. These topics lead to discussion, debate and challenge 
among the Directors.

The Group’s governance framework includes the Board and the 
Executive Committee. Medium-term planning initiatives are formalised 
within the Executive Committee, which are then reviewed regularly by 
the Board and are supported by periodic presentations by members 
of the Executive Committee.

In Q2/Q3 2020, the Board met an additional five times as the impact 
of the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent energy market downturn 
significantly reduced trading levels. At these additional meetings, 
reports from the Chief Executive were received, which included the 
short-term market outlook, current trading levels for each major 
business unit and Health and Safety measures being implemented to 
keep our workforce safe and to enable the Group’s facilities to remain 
operational. The Finance Director also presented reports which 
highlighted cash generation and liquidity projections. In addition to 
these meetings, the Board fulfilled its regular calendar where the 
normal items of business were presented.

87
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

2020 Board Meetings and Agenda Items
Standing Items
Chief Executive’s Report
Finance Director’s Report
Operational Reports
Quality Assurance, Health, Safety and Environmental Reports
Shareholder Report
Other Items
Annual/Interim Report and Accounts
Board Evaluation
Risk Review
AGM Preparation
Trading Statement
Strategy
Organisation and Personnel Review, Development and Succession
Annual Budget
Chairman/Senior Independent Director Investor Feedback

25 
Feb

16 
Mar

1 
Apr

15 
Apr

30 
Apr

12 
May

5 
Jun

13 
Jul

24 
Aug

6 
Oct

1 
Dec

•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•

•

•
•
•
•
•

•
•

•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•
•

•

•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•

•
•
•
•
•

•

•
•
•
•
•

•

•
•
•

•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

The Board met 11 times in 2020 (2019 – six times), with a 100% 
attendance record as noted in the table below.

Number of meetings held
Number of meetings attended (actual/possible):
Annell Bay
Carol Chesney
Bruce Ferguson (from 15 April 2020)
John (Jay) Glick
Richard Hunting
Jim Johnson
Keith Lough
Peter Rose (to 15 April 2020)

11

11/11
11/11
8/8
11/11
11/11
11/11
11/11
4/4

In the year, the Directors reviewed the organisational structure of the 
Group, noting its simplicity, with short chains of command to allow for 
rapid business decision making. It was noted that this also allowed all 
levels of the workforce to communicate with the senior management 
team directly. As part of its regular Board meeting schedule, the 
Directors review HSE and Quality Assurance reports from the Group’s 
global operations. 

The Board also monitored the work of the Remuneration Committee 
in respect to decisions on executive remuneration, the Executive 
Committee and the workforce and in the year approved the revised 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy, which is being submitted to 
shareholders at the Company’s AGM on 21 April 2021.

In line with the recommendations of the Code, the Board has 
established procedures to monitor Culture and to ensure the views of 
the workforce are understood by the Directors. In 2019, the Group 
launched a global, all-employee engagement survey. The results of the 
survey were reviewed by the Directors, with appropriate actions being 
undertaken, following a number of areas of feedback that were 
received. It is anticipated that the survey will be repeated in 2021. 
Supporting this initiative has been a process of formalising other 
employee engagement initiatives including management briefings 
and introducing roundtable employee discussion forums.

Shareholder Views
The Chairman and Senior Independent Director met with shareholders 
in January 2020 and January 2021 to discuss governance, strategy 
and other matters.

During the year, the Chief Executive and Finance Director also regularly 
met shareholders to discuss performance and strategy. Investor 
meeting feedback reports are also prepared by the Group’s advisers 
and are circulated to the Directors.

From March 2020, all Board and Committee meetings were held via 
teleconference or video conference, given the travel and social 
distancing restrictions in place in the UK and US.

Board Leadership and Company Purpose (Section 1 of the Code)
Culture and Purpose
The Group has been operating since 1874 and, as such, has a long 
history, with a strong culture, including support for employees across 
all of its global operations. The Culture of the Group extends to 
maintaining high business standards and creating value for investors 
by building strong and lasting relationships with its core stakeholders. 
More information on engagement with, and support to, the Group’s 
key stakeholders can be found on pages 12 to 33.

Our Purpose is to be a deeply trusted innovator and manufacturer 
of technology and products that create sustainable value for our 
stakeholders. Hunting’s core businesses are focused on the 
manufacture of products which deliver oil and gas. The Directors have 
approved Hunting’s continued focus on energy-related markets.

The Group’s disclosures on Purpose and Culture can be found on 
pages 6 to 8 within the Strategic Report. As noted in the disclosures, 
the Culture of the Group is based on:

 • a flat organisational structure;
 • strong HSE and Quality Assurance policies;
 • a highly skilled workforce;
 • providing fair remuneration; and
 • engagement and dialogue with all key stakeholders.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements88
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Corporate Governance Report

continued 

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of the Company is the normal 
mechanism for all shareholders to meet the Directors and to ask 
questions about the strategy and performance of the Group. 

The formal business of the AGM includes receiving the Annual Report 
and Accounts, approving remuneration policies and outcomes, 
re-electing Directors, appointing the auditor and providing the 
Directors with powers to transact company business on behalf of its 
members. The Chief Executive normally provides a presentation of the 
Group’s performance and answers questions from shareholders.

At the Company’s Annual General Meeting in April 2020, and in line 
with UK government guidance in respect of public meetings, 
attendance to the meeting was limited to the quorum of two 
shareholders. All resolutions were passed at the meeting with strong 
majorities, with no resolutions receiving less than 80% of votes in 
favour. Details of the resolutions put to shareholders at the meeting 
can be found within the Notice of Meeting located within the “General 
Meetings” section of the Company’s website www.huntingplc.com.

The Company’s 2021 Annual General Meeting is being planned as a 
closed meeting, given the ongoing risks of COVID-19. The meeting will 
be accessible to shareholders via a webcast, where questions 
submitted ahead of the meeting will be answered by the Board. At the 
meeting, a new Directors’ Remuneration Policy will be submitted for 
shareholder approval, following a consultation process with major 
institutional investors which completed in Q1 2021.

Stakeholder Engagement
Details of engagement activities with all our key stakeholders and the 
Board can be found, within the Strategic Report, on pages 12 to 33.

Speak Up/Whistleblowing Service
An independent and anonymous whistleblowing reporting service has 
been in place for many years, allowing any employee access to the 
Board to raise matters of concern. During the year, there were two 
reports received through the SafeCall service (2019 – nine reports), all 
of which were reviewed by Keith Lough, the Group’s Senior 
Independent Director, who also receives and approves all investigation 
reports and corrective actions. Mr Lough verbally reports these 
activities to the Board during the year.

Conflicts of Interest
Each Director is required to declare any potential conflict of interest 
that exists, or which may arise. These are formally recorded by the 
Company Secretary.

Appropriate decision making, in light of this declaration, is undertaken 
which could include a Director not participating in a Board decision or 
vote. Each Director is required to complete a declaration of known 
conflicts of interest annually.

Division of Responsibilities (Section 2 of the Code)
The Hunting Board comprises the non-executive Chairman, Chief 
Executive, Finance Director, three independent non-executive 
Directors, one of whom is the Senior Independent Director and one 
non-independent, non-executive Director.

The profiles and experience of each Director are found on pages 82 
and 83. In line with the Code’s recommendations, the Notice of Annual 
General Meeting incorporates details of the contribution in the year 
and the Board’s reasons for proposing the re-election of each Director.

There is a clear division of responsibilities between the Chairman and 
Chief Executive, with the Chairman required to lead the Board, while 
the Chief Executive runs the Group’s businesses as shown below:

Responsibilities of the Chairman
 • lead and build an effective and balanced Board;
 • chair meetings of the Board, ensuring the agenda and materials 

are fit for purpose;

 • ensure the Directors are provided with accurate, timely and 

relevant information;

 • encourage good dialogue between all Directors, with strong 

contributions encouraged from all Board members;

 • meet the non-executive Directors without the executive Directors 

present;

 • discuss training and development with the non-executive 

Directors;

 • arrange Director induction programmes;
 • arrange an annual Board evaluation and act on its findings; and
 • ensure shareholders and other stakeholders are communicated 

with effectively.

Responsibilities of the Chief Executive
 • manage the day-to-day activities of the Group;
 • make strategic plan recommendations to the Board and 

implement the agreed Board strategy;

 • identify and execute new business opportunities, acquisitions and 

disposals;

 • ensure appropriate internal controls are in place;
 • report to the Board regularly on the Group’s performance and 

position; and

 • present to the Board an annual budget and operating plan.

Responsibilities of the Non-executive Directors
 • provide independent challenge to executive management on the 

proposed strategy;

 • monitor the execution of the approved strategy and of the 

financial performance of the Company on an ongoing basis;

 • ensure executive management remain motivated and incentivised 

through a responsible remuneration policy; and

 • ensure the integrity of financial information and internal control 
and risk management processes are effective and defensible.

89
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

To ensure an effective relationship between the Chairman and the 
Chief Executive and other members of the Board, the responsibilities 
of the Senior Independent Director are shown below:

Responsibilities of the Senior Independent Director
 • provide a sounding board for the Chairman and serve as an 

intermediary to other Directors when required;

 • be available to shareholders, should the normal channels through 

the Chairman and Chief Executive not be appropriate;

 • chair meetings of the Board, in the absence of the Chairman;
 • lead an annual performance evaluation of the Chairman, 
supported by the other non-executive Directors; and

 • attend meetings with shareholders, to develop a balanced 

understanding of any issues or concerns.

Responsibilities of the Company Secretary
The Company Secretary is appointed by the Board and supports 
the Chairman in providing all materials and information flows 
between the executive and non-executive Directors, specifically on 
matters of governance and regulatory compliance. The Company 
Secretary is also available to the Board and all its Committees for 
advice and ensures that all procedures are followed.

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

Board Independence
As at 31 December 2020, excluding the Chairman, the Board 
comprised 50% independent non-executive Directors. Including the 
Chairman, 57% of the Board comprised independent Directors.

The Board, including the Chairman, has access to professional 
advisers, at the Company’s expense, to fulfil their various Board and 
Committee duties.

Board Independence 
(including Chairman)

1. Independent 57%
2. Non-Independent 43%

1

2

Board Independence 
(excluding Chairman)

1. Independent 50%
2. Non-Independent 50%

1

2

External Appointments
The Group has procedures in place that permit the executive Directors 
to join one other company board. In the year, neither the Chief 
Executive nor the Finance Director held any external board 
appointments.

Executive Committee
The Group has an Executive Committee (“ExCo”) comprising the 
regional managing directors of the Group and the executive Directors. 

As part of the actions to address the COVID-19 pandemic the ExCo 
met fortnightly during Q2/Q3 2020 with the executive Directors to 
enable updates to be presented.

In addition, the ExCo met formally four times, to discuss the quarterly 
performance of each operating segment, strategic initiatives, including 
the progress of capital investment programmes, quality assurance and 
HSE performance, in addition to Human Resources and Risk 
Management reports. 

The Company Secretary and Head of Investor Relations are also 
invited to meetings of the ExCo.

Composition, Succession and Evaluation  
(Section 3 of the Code)
Board Appointments
All appointments to the Board are in accordance with the Company’s 
Articles of Association and the Code and are made on the 
recommendation of the Nomination Committee. Recruitment of new 
Directors follows Group policy, including the formulation of a detailed 
description of the role that gives consideration to the required skills, 
experience and diversity requirements for the process. The Directors 
usually review a list of candidates, prior to a shortlist being 
recommended by the Nomination Committee, ahead of face-to-face 
interviews with each Director.

Bruce Ferguson was appointed as a Director by shareholders at the 
Company’s Annual General Meeting on 15 April 2020. Peter Rose 
retired as an executive Director on the same date. 

Further, in the year, the Nomination Committee completed an 
evaluation and re-appointment process for Jay Glick, Richard Hunting 
and Annell Bay, who were all re-appointed for a further three-year term.

The activities of the Nomination Committee are reported on pages 119 
and 120. 

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements90
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Corporate Governance Report

continued 

Board Skills and Experience
The expertise and competencies of the non-executive Directors are 
noted in the table below, and underpin the balance of skills and 
knowledge of the Board:

Director
Annell Bay

Carol Chesney

Jay Glick

Richard Hunting

Keith Lough

Expertise
Upstream oil and gas, US energy market 
development and US quoted companies.
Accounting, UK corporate governance, 
ethics compliance and UK quoted 
companies.
Oilfield services and manufacturing, 
US energy market development and US 
quoted companies.
UK corporate governance, investor 
relations.
Accounting, upstream oil and gas, UK 
energy regulation and market development 
and UK quoted companies.

On appointment, each non-executive Director is provided with a letter 
of appointment, outlining the time commitments, responsibilities and 
fiduciary duties required under Company Law and, following Company 
policy, appointed for a three-year term. All appointment letters are 
available for inspection at the Company’s AGM or at Hunting’s 
registered office. Due to the small size of the Hunting Board, 
non-executive Directors are paid fees that are above the UK market 
median, reflecting a high level of time commitment required for 
Company matters.

Senior management appointments are reported to the Board by the 
executive Directors. Further, when the succession of the Company 
Chairman is being considered, the Senior Independent Director chairs 
the Nomination Committee.

Annual Re-election
At the 2020 AGM, all Directors proposed were appointed or re-elected 
by shareholders, with Peter Rose retiring as planned. All Directors will 
retire and submit themselves for annual re-election at the 2021 AGM.

The tenure of the Board of Directors, as at 4 March 2021, is noted in 
the chart below.

Board Succession
Succession planning has become an area of increased focus for the 
Company, in line with best practice.

Board Tenure

1. < 3 years 43%
2. 3 to 9 years 43%
3. > 9 years 14%

1

3

2

None of the independent non-executive Directors have been in the role 
for greater than nine years. Jay Glick was appointed to the Board in 
2015 and appointed Chairman in 2017.

For the appointment of executive Directors, the Company enters into 
a Service Contract with the Director, which reflects the terms of 
employment, remuneration and termination, taking into account 
country of residence and local employment laws applicable at the time 
of appointment. For more information on the Service Contracts of the 
current executive Directors, please see the Remuneration Committee 
Report on page 105.

The Group’s Chief HR Officer oversees the succession planning and 
talent development processes of the Executive Committee and senior 
management and presented an update to the Board at its meeting in 
December 2020.

Board Evaluation
The Directors undertake an internal effectiveness evaluation of the 
Board and its Committees annually, which includes completion of a 
detailed questionnaire on the operation and responsibilities in relation 
to the Company’s governance framework. Both the executive and 
non-executive Directors are appraised collectively and individually, with 
the results of the process reported to the Board through the Chairman.

The Board evaluation process was enhanced following the publication 
of the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code and Guidance on Board 
Effectiveness. Following completion of the process and further Board 
discussion, the Chairman and the Board concluded that all Directors, 
all Committees and the Board itself remained effective.

In addition to the internal evaluation, the non-executive Directors, led 
by the Senior Independent Director Keith Lough, completed a 
Chairman’s performance evaluation in December 2020 and concluded 
that Mr Glick was an effective and capable Chair of the Company.

The Board organises an externally facilitated Board effectiveness 
evaluation every three years, the last being completed in 2018 by Clare 
Chalmers Limited. Areas of improvement were identified, with the 
process scheduled to be repeated externally in 2021.

Board Induction and Training
Following new Board appointments, internal briefings are usually 
organised to introduce key finance and operational personnel and to 
present the structure and operation of each major business within the 
Group. Facility visits to the Group’s operations are usually organised 
and key members of the Group’s leadership team give presentations 
on each operating segment. In the year, the Chairman met with the 
non-executive Directors to discuss and agree, among other matters, 
training and development.

91
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Diversity – Gender and Ethnicity 
The Group has enhanced its gender and ethnicity profile in recent 
years, with the Board of Directors now comprising 29% females. 

Further, it is noted that 50% of the Board’s independent non-executive 
Directors comprise females. 

Within the Executive Committee, there is also an ethnic balance which 
reflects the Hunting global workforce. 

For further information on these areas please refer to the Strategic 
Report on pages 26 and 27.

Audit, Risk and Internal Control (Section 4 of the Code)
The Group’s policies, procedures and approach to audit, risk and 
internal control is described within the Risk Management (pages 51 
to 54) and Audit Committee Report (pages 121 to 125) sections of the 
Annual Report and Accounts. 

The Risk Management section includes information on the Group’s 
principal and emerging risks, as required by the Code. 

Fair, Balanced and Understandable Assessment
The Board has delegated the responsibility of reviewing the Fair, 
Balanced and Understandable Assessment to the Audit Committee, 
which reviewed assessments of the half and full year results and made 
recommendations to the Directors in March and August.

Going Concern Basis and Viability Statement
The Audit Committee and Board review the Going Concern Basis 
twice a year and the Group’s Viability Statement annually, in parallel 
with supporting reports from the executive Directors and the Group’s 
central finance function. On 1 March 2021, the Board approved the 
Going Concern Basis and Viability Statement for the 2020 year-end, 
which is detailed on pages 77 to 79.

Risk Management Procedures
The Board acknowledges its responsibility for monitoring the Group’s 
principal and emerging risks and the system of internal control and for 
reviewing its effectiveness as required by the Code, with key 
authorities being delegated to the Audit Committee.

At the Board’s March 2021 meeting, the Directors completed a robust 
assessment and review of the Group’s risk management framework 
and the principal risks facing the Company.

Remuneration (Section 5 of the Code)
The Group’s remuneration principles align with the Code and are clearly linked to the long-term success of the Company.

Clarity and 
Simplicity

The Directors’ Remuneration Policy is based on fixed and variable emoluments. Fixed emoluments are 
benchmarked against other global energy services companies and the UK listed environment, to ensure the 
Company can attract and retain talent. Variable emoluments are based on two structures, an annual bonus and 
long-term incentive plan. Both variable structures are based on the Group’s disclosed key performance indicators, 
including both financial and non-financial measures, and only pay out when performance has been achieved. The 
Chief Executive’s remuneration is benchmarked against global peers, who are mostly headquartered in the US, 
while the Finance Director is benchmarked against UK listed companies of similar size and complexity.

Non-executive Director fees are set at levels that take into account the time commitment and responsibilities of 
each role. The non-executive Directors do not receive cash bonuses or other variable emoluments. The fees are 
benchmarked against other companies of a similar size, profile and profitability and are reviewed annually by the 
executive Directors. The Chairman’s fee is set by the Remuneration Committee.

The pay structures of the senior management team and wider workforce are generally based on the Company’s 
shareholder approved Directors’ Remuneration Policy, and can include pension and healthcare benefits as well as 
an annual bonus and long-term incentives.

Risk, Predictability 
and Proportionality

Shareholder engagement is a key theme of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, with proactive engagement 
occurring whenever major changes to Policy or Committee decision making are contemplated. The Committee 
is satisfied that, over time, shareholder feedback has been reflected in the Directors’ Remuneration Policy.
The Committee believes that the Directors’ Remuneration Policy aligns with the risk profile of the Company, 
encouraging growth in the long term and discouraging excessive risk taking. The Policy is weighted towards 
variable pay on the delivery of long-term growth.

Alignment

As noted on page 92 of the Corporate Governance Report, the remuneration paid over time has aligned well with 
the Group’s performance, with annual bonus and long-term incentives only vesting on outperformance.
The Board and the Remuneration Committee have reviewed the Company’s Purpose, Values and Culture and 
believes that the remuneration framework operated by the Company encourages strong performance, based on 
a culture of honesty and integrity and putting stakeholder needs at the forefront of our strategic priorities.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements92
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Corporate Governance Report

continued 

The current Directors’ Remuneration Policy was approved by 
shareholders on 18 April 2018, with a revised policy due to be tabled 
at the Company’s Annual General Meeting on 21 April 2021. The new 
Policy further aligns Hunting’s remuneration practices with the 2018 
UK Corporate Governance Code, including:

 • Increasing the alignment of the pension arrangements of the 

executive Directors with the workforce; and

 • Introducing a post-employment shareholding policy for the 

executive Directors.

More information on compliance with the provisions of the Code and 
the emoluments paid to the Directors can be found in the 
Remuneration Committee Report on pages 93 to 118.

In respect of the current Directors’ Remuneration Policy and the new 
Code, the Committee notes the following:

 • The Company’s long-term incentive arrangements extend to a 

five-year timeframe, with a three-year vesting period and two-year 
post-vesting holding period;

 • Malus and clawback provisions are in place for all variable 

remuneration, with the triggers amended in the year in line with the 
recommendations of the Code;

 • The Committee has flexibility within the Directors’ Remuneration 

Policy to exercise appropriate discretion; and

 • Pension provisions for new executive Director appointments will 

align with the workforce in the future.

The chart below summarises the components of executive 
remuneration and the key performance indicators that are inputs to the 
remuneration outcomes.

Summary of Remuneration Structure and KPIs 

Fixed

Variable

Base 
Salary

Benefits

Pension
Provision

Annual 
Bonus

Long-Term
Incentive

KPIs

KPIs

Profit before tax
ROCE
Personal 
Objectives

ROCE
TSR
EPS
Safety
Quality Assurance

The Board believes that the remuneration framework aligns with the 
Purpose, Values and Culture of the Group, which is based on fair 
remuneration and reflects performance in the long term. This 
framework is also in place for the senior management of the Group 
with participation in annual bonuses and inclusion in the long-term 
incentive scheme operated by the Company also featuring in 
emolument structures in many levels of the workforce. The 
Remuneration Committee sets executive Director remuneration and 
reviews policies for the senior management and the wider workforce.

John (Jay) F. Glick
Chairman

4 March 2021

Group Profit before Tax ($m) vs Chief Executive Remuneration ($k)

 PBT 

 CEO Pay

150

100

50

0

-50

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

-2,000

-100

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

-4,000

93
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Remuneration Committee Report

For the year ended 31 December 2020 

Letter from the Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee

Hunting’s results for 2020 were significantly impacted by the 
global energy market downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic, 
which gripped global economies from Q1 2020 and continued 
throughout the balance of the year. The resultant economic 
decline, coupled with a price war by key oil producers, 
contributed to a material reduction in industry activity. This 
impacted the Group’s onshore focused businesses in Q2, and 
then weakened Hunting’s offshore businesses as industry 
activity and capital investments were deferred or cancelled. 
The lower revenue and trading losses reported for the full year 
reveal the scale of the industry downturn, and are reflected in 
the reduction to executive remuneration paid during the year.

The focus of the Remuneration Committee in the year has 
been to monitor Group and personal performance, taking 
into account the regulatory announcements made throughout 
the COVID-19 crisis and to make decisions on executive 
remuneration which endeavour to reflect the shareholder 
experience while also recognising the work undertaken by 
the Group’s leadership team as they navigated through highly 
volatile trading conditions.

Base salaries for the executive Directors were frozen in 2020. 
The annual bonuses for executive Directors include financial 
and strategic/personal targets, the latter portion being 
achieved in full in the year, following strong performance and 
reflecting key strategic initiatives completed, despite the 
unprecedented decline in industry activity. This portion of 
the bonus was reduced by 50%, given the nil vesting of the 
financial portion of the bonus leading to an overall vesting 
of 10% of the maximum bonus opportunity. The measurement 
of performance targets, in respect of share awards granted 
in 2018 under the rules of the Hunting Performance Share 
Plan, resulted in a partial vesting of the TSR and Strategic 
Scorecard elements, demonstrating an Above Median 
performance against our peers, in addition to delivery of 
strong operational safety and quality performance throughout 
the vesting period. This performance will lead to a 15.75% 
pay-out in April 2021. 

Overall, the Chief Executive’s and Finance Director’s total 
remuneration declined 50% and 53% respectively during 
2020 compared to the prior period, reflecting good alignment 
between the operation and outcomes of the Remuneration 
Policy and the shareholder experience for the period 
under review.

The Committee has spent the second half of 2020 preparing 
a revised Directors’ Remuneration Policy for shareholder 
approval at the Company’s Annual General Meeting in April 
2021. The proposed amendments better align the Policy with 
the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code and were subject 
to a shareholder consultation process undertaken in the 
last few months of the year. We trust that they will receive 
your support.

Annell Bay
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

Introduction
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Remuneration 
Committee Report to shareholders for the year ended 31 December 
2020. This letter provides a summary of the work completed by the 
Remuneration Committee (the “Committee”) in the year, including 
the major decisions taken and details of how the approved Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy was implemented during the year.

The Committee met three times in the year, compared to four times 
in 2019. However, all usual matters for consideration were covered 
in the year.

Major Decisions Made by the Committee
COVID-19 
As noted above, the impact of COVID-19 and the significant market 
downturn seen across the global oil and gas industry affected the 
Group’s trading results for the year. The Committee discussed the 
impact of the pandemic on the Group’s remuneration framework and 
concluded that no changes to the implementation or recorded 
outcomes of the shareholder approved Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
would be made for the year, given the strongly cyclical nature of the oil 
and gas industry. This has led to small payments of annual bonuses 
and long-term incentives being recorded in the year. The Committee 
strongly believes that the design of the Policy aligns closely with the 
shareholders’ overall experience and only pays out when performance 
has been delivered. The Group’s trading results and executive 
remuneration both declined materially in 2020, demonstrating the 
close alignment between the two. 

As part of its decision making, the Committee considered the Board’s 
consistent approach to capital allocations made in the year, including 
dividend distributions and capital expenditure that have aligned 
with the general market environment. Our leadership teams have 
performed admirably during the year and given that a number of 
businesses in the US and Asia Pacific met or exceeded their 
budgetary targets set at the start of the year, selected workforce 
and management bonuses have been paid to reflect this strong 
performance. This consistent approach to remuneration has been 
reflected at all levels of the Group and supports the bonuses paid 
to the executive Directors, as noted below.

The Committee noted that the Group had received $3.6m in furlough 
and employee support funds, which for the most part was received 
in Canada, and decided not to adjust the pay framework in operation 
at all levels of the Group given the relative levels of allocations made.

Further, the Committee considered the decline in the Company’s 
share price compared to the prior year in their decision making when 
reviewing the remuneration of the executive Directors during the year 
and reduced the quantum of the 2020 award under the HPSP to an 
appropriate level which reflect the shareholder experience in the year. 

Base Salary and Fee Review 
The Committee met in August 2020 to consider adjustments to the 
base salaries of the executive Directors. The Committee noted the 
Group-wide salary freezes in place as a result of the market downturn 
and, following discussion, agreed to leave the base salaries of the 
Chief Executive and Finance Director unchanged. As noted in the 
Corporate Governance Report, shareholders elected Bruce Ferguson 
as Finance Director at the Company’s Annual General Meeting in April 
2020. Mr Ferguson’s base salary was set at £275,000 per annum, 
19% below that of his predecessor and with a reduced pension 
allowance rate of 12% in line with the UK workforce, reflecting the 
recent practice of setting lower salaries for new executive Directors.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements94
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Remuneration Committee Report

continued

Annual Bonus 
The Group did not meet its budgetary targets for 2020, given the 
decline in market conditions, resulting in a nil vesting of the financial 
components of the bonus. 

New Directors’ Remuneration Policy
The Committee met in August 2020 to consider amendments to the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy, which are to be tabled for shareholder 
approval at the AGM of the Company in April 2021.

The Committee met in January 2021 to review the delivery of the 
personal/strategic performance objectives by the executive Directors. 
The Committee noted the bonus payments being made within the 
Group for those businesses which performed well in the year as well 
as the evolution of the Group’s agreed Strategic Plan, despite market 
conditions, and following discussion, agreed to award 10% of the 
maximum bonus opportunity to each executive Director. This reflects 
the full delivery of personal targets, but was halved following the nil 
vesting of the financial targets which is in line with the operation of the 
annual bonus plan. The Committee did not apply discretion to the 
annual bonus outcome.

Further, the Committee noted the Group’s current policy of conserving 
cash and will satisfy the post-tax value of the bonus by delivering 
Ordinary shares in the Company to each executive Director. 100% of 
these shares are to be held for a minimum of one year with 25% of the 
balance to be held for a minimum of two years. 

On this basis, Mr Johnson will receive a bonus of $147k, while 
Mr Ferguson will receive a bonus of $37k and Mr Rose will receive 
a bonus of $65k.

HPSP Awards Granted
The Committee implemented a 20% reduction to the level of HPSP 
awards granted in March 2020 compared to awards granted in 2019. 
In January 2021, the Committee met to discuss the basis of the 2021 
award under the HPSP and have agreed to implement a 22% 
reduction to the award levels across the Group. 

HPSP Awards Vesting 
The 2018 awards under the HPSP are due to vest on 19 April 2021 
and incorporate four performance conditions, being ROCE (35%), 
EPS (25%), TSR (25%) and a Strategic Scorecard (15%). The ROCE 
and EPS performance conditions are based on performance targets 
to be delivered for the financial year ending 31 December 2020. 
The Strategic Scorecard comprises two non-financial sub-measures, 
being the Group’s Safety and Quality performance across the 
performance period.

Following measurement of the financial elements of the award, the 
ROCE and EPS performance conditions recorded a nil vesting. The 
TSR condition, which is measured independently by Mercer/Kepler, 
vested at 8.25% and the Strategic Scorecard recorded a 7.5% vesting, 
leading to a total vesting of 15.75%. The Committee did not apply 
overriding discretion to adjust the vesting of the 2018 HPSP.

In line with the recommendations published by UK regulators, the 
Committee decided to limit these changes to align better with the 
2018 UK Corporate Governance Code.

On this basis, the new Policy includes amendments to the pension 
arrangements for new executive Directors appointed to the Board. 
Further, the Committee has agreed to reduce the maximum grant 
levels under the HPSP to 450% (from 550%) for the Chief Executive 
and 210% (from 450%) for the Finance Director.

In line with the Code, the Committee is also implementing a 
post-employment shareholding Policy for executive Directors. 
The Committee believes these amendments are appropriate for 
the size and profile of the Group.

The Committee consulted with major shareholders on the proposed 
changes to the Policy in Q4 2020 and Q1 2021, with most 
shareholders indicating their support for the changes.

Retirement of Finance Director
Peter Rose gave notice to the Company of his retirement on 
22 January 2020. Mr Rose retired as Finance Director on 15 April 2020 
but continued as a full-time employee until 31 December 2020, in 
order to assist in a smooth transition of his role to Mr Ferguson. In 
accordance with the terms of his service contract Mr Rose was paid 
all elements of his fixed and variable remuneration which totalled 
$670k in the year. The Committee noted that during the year, Mr Rose 
had provided advice in respect to the liquidity and cash generation 
initiatives underway as the market declined, in addition to providing 
input to the asset impairment review work undertaken at the half year. 
Mr Rose therefore will receive an annual bonus in line with his service 
contract and his outstanding awards under the HPSP, which will be 
subject to performance measurement over the next three years, have 
been pro-rated to 31 December 2020.

2020 AGM Result
At the Company’s AGM held on 15 April 2020, the Company received 
93.69% votes in favour of the resolution to approve the 2019 Annual 
Report on Remuneration.

Context of Remuneration Awarded in 2020
The Group’s performance in the year, as noted above, has led to 
a 10% vesting of the maximum annual bonus opportunity and a 
15.75% vesting of the 2018 HPSP award. Both elements of variable 
remuneration are “Below Target” given the industry downturn 
noted above.

On this basis, Mr Johnson will be entitled to receive 45,143 Ordinary 
shares on the vesting date. Mr Rose’s 2018 award was pro-rated to his 
leaving date of 31 December 2020, and he will be entitled to receive 
12,352 Ordinary shares.

The single figure remuneration paid to Jim Johnson was $1.1m in 
2020 and the remuneration paid to Bruce Ferguson, following his 
appointment to the Board on 15 April 2020, was $344k.

Reflecting his prior role below the Board, Mr Ferguson’s 2018 award 
under the HPSP included both performance- and time-based share 
awards, with the latter vesting in full on the basis of his continued 
service to the Group across the performance period. In total Mr 
Ferguson will be entitled to receive 15,788 Ordinary shares on the 
vesting date.

Dividend equivalents accrued during the period totalling 19.0 cents per 
share will be added to the vesting amount. All vested shares will be 
held for a minimum period of two years from the vesting date. 

In 2019, the remuneration paid to the executive Directors reflected an 
“Above Threshold” annual bonus award and an “Above Target” vesting 
of the HPSP.

The Committee is satisfied that total pay outcomes are appropriate 
in the context of Group performance across the periods covered by 
these short- and long-term incentives.

95
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Activities Undertaken by the Remuneration Committee During 2020

Overall Remuneration
Annual base salary review
Review senior management annual emoluments paid
Review total remuneration against benchmarked data
Items Specific to Annual Bonus
Approve annual bonus including delivery of personal/strategic performance targets
Review Annual Bonus Plan rules
Agree personal/strategic performance targets for year ahead
Items Specific to Long-term Incentives
Approve HPSP vesting and new annual grant
Review HPSP performance conditions
Review HPSP grant performance targets
Governance and Other Matters
Approve Annual Report on Remuneration
Review and approve Remuneration Policy (if required)
Review governance voting reports
Review AGM proxy votes received for Annual Statement of Remuneration and Policy
Review Committee effectiveness
Terms of reference

Annell Bay
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

4 March 2021

Feb

Aug

Dec

•
•
•

•
•

•

•

•
•

•
•

•
•

•
•

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements96
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Remuneration at a Glance

Remuneration Policy and 2020 AGM Result
The remuneration framework adopted in the year aligned with the 
Policy approved by shareholders on 18 April 2018. The details of 
this Policy can be found within the 2017 Annual Report and 
Accounts at www.huntingplc.com. 

At the Annual General Meeting of the Company on 15 April 2020, 
the resolution to approve the Annual Report on Remuneration was 
supported by a 93.69% vote in favour.

Company Performance Summary
As noted in the Letter from the Chair of the Remuneration 
Committee, the Group reported lower revenues in the year and an 
underlying loss before tax of $19.4m and ROCE of -1.5%.

The PBT and ROCE portions of the annual bonus did not reach 
the required threshold targets and therefore 80% of the maximum 
bonus opportunity did not vest. Following a review of the delivery 
of the personal/strategic performance objectives for the executive 
Directors in relation to the remaining 20% of annual bonus, a partial 
vesting was recorded and this was further capped to 10% of the 
maximum bonus opportunity, in line with the operation of the plan. 
Performance measurement of the 2018 awards under the HPSP 
recorded a combined 15.75% vesting, resulting from an Above 
Median performance of the TSR, a capped vesting of the Strategic 
Scorecard component and a nil vesting of the EPS and ROCE 
performance elements.

Link to Strategy and KPIs
The Group’s Key Performance Indicators are noted on pages 74 
and 75, and include financial measures including profit before tax, 
return on capital employed and net earnings growth. Non-financial 
measures are incorporated into HPSP awards and include the 
Group’s Quality and Safety performance. Both these metrics 
underpin Hunting’s standing and reputation in the global energy 
industry which, in turn, support the Group’s long-term strategy. 

The Company’s chosen financial and non-financial KPIs are 
therefore central to measuring Hunting’s long-term success and 
are fully integrated into the remuneration framework approved by 
shareholders. The Committee also believes that these KPIs help 
align executive remuneration with the shareholder experience.

2020 Annual Bonus Targets and Outcome
The annual bonus for executive Directors is based on profit before 
tax, return on capital employed and personal/strategic performance 
targets.

Target underlying profit before tax

Target underlying ROCE

Actual underlying (loss) before tax

Actual underlying ROCE

  $64.4m

6.9%

  $(19.4)m

(1.5)%

Base Salaries and Pension
Given the base salary freezes implemented across the Group in 
the year, Jim Johnson’s base salary remained unchanged. Bruce 
Ferguson’s appointment was approved by shareholders at the 
AGM of the Company on 15 April 2020. Mr Ferguson’s base salary 
was set at £275,000, which is 19% below that of his predecessor. 
Benefits paid in 2020 aligned with the current Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy. Mr Ferguson’s pension allowance was set at 12% of base 
salary, in line with the UK workforce, compared to that of his 
predecessor who received a contribution of 25% of base salary.

Annual Bonus
Given that the financial targets of the annual bonus were not 
achieved, the Committee reviewed the delivery of the personal/
strategic performance objectives by the executive Directors. 
Following discussion, it was agreed that the objectives had been 
met in full, leading to a full vesting of this component of the bonus 
award. Under the rules of the plan, this component of the bonus is 
capped at half of the maximum if the financial targets have not 
been met. On this basis, Jim Johnson will receive a bonus of $147k; 
Bruce Ferguson will receive a bonus of $37k and Peter Rose will 
receive a bonus of $65k. In line with the Group’s current policy of 
conserving cash, the whole bonus amount will be delivered in 
shares, with 25% of the post-tax value to be held for two years in 
line with the normal operation of the bonus, while the balance of 
75% will be delivered in shares to be held for one year. 

Chief Executive

Finance Director
(appointed 15 April 2020)

$735,000
Unchanged

£275,000
-19% 
vs predecessor

Chief Executive

Finance Director – Bruce Ferguson 
(appointed 15 April 2020)

Finance Director – Peter Rose  
(retired 15 April 2020)

  $147k

$37k

$65k

 
 
 
 
97
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Hunting Performance Share Plan (“HPSP”)
The Group’s 2018 HPSP grant incorporated EPS, ROCE, relative 
TSR and Strategic Scorecard performance conditions. 

Shareholder Returns
Total shareholder return is measured against a peer group of 
14 companies, all focused on upstream oil and gas services. 

The EPS and ROCE performance conditions were based on the 
financial results delivered for the year ended 31 December 2020, 
while the TSR and Strategic Scorecard were based on three-year 
performance targets. The Strategic Scorecard comprised two 
sub-measures being Safety and Quality performance.

Underlying ROCE
Underlying diluted EPS
Relative TSR
Strategic Scorecard
– Safety
– Quality Assurance

Proportion
35%
25%
25%

Threshold Vesting
6.0%
30.0 cents
Median

7.5%
7.5%

2.0
0.8

2018 HPSP Outcome
The outcomes are presented below:

Underlying ROCE
Underlying diluted LPS
Relative TSR
Strategic Scorecard
– Safety
– Quality Assurance

Performance
(1.5)%
(10.0) cents
Above Median

1.11
0.25

Vesting
Nil
Nil
8.25%

3.75%
3.75%

Under the rules of the plan, vesting of the Strategic Scorecard 
element of the HPSP is capped at 7.5%, being half of the maximum 
of 15%, as the financial targets were not met. The TSR element of 
the award vested at 8.25% of the overall total of 25% of this portion. 
Jim Johnson will therefore be entitled to receive 45,143 Ordinary 
shares and Peter Rose 12,352 Ordinary shares (his award being 
pro-rated to his leaving date of 31 December 2020). Mr Ferguson 
was granted both performance- and time-based awards in 2018. 
On this basis, he will be entitled to receive 15,788 Ordinary shares 
on 19 April 2021, being the vesting date of the 2018 award.

Further, under the HPSP rules, dividend equivalents accrued over 
the vesting period totalling 19.0 cents per vested share will be 
added to this award. All the post-tax shares retained will be held 
for a minimum of two years, in line with the 2018 Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy.

2018 awards under the HPSP vesting in April 2021

Chief Executive

Finance Director – Bruce Ferguson 
(appointed 15 April 2020)

Finance Director – Peter Rose  
(retired 15 April 2020)

45,143
Shares will vest

15,788
Shares will vest

12,352
Shares will vest

For the three years ended 31 December 2020, Hunting had an 
above median ranking resulting in a 33% vesting (8.25% of total) 
of the TSR element of 2018 HPSP awards.

150

125

100

75

50

25

0

31/12/10

31/12/12

31/12/14

31/12/16

31/12/18

31/12/20

Hunting PLC
DJ Stoxx TM Oil Equipment, Services & Distribution

 DJ US Oil Equipment & Services

Pay in the year

Chief Executive

1. Fixed $860k
2. Annual Bonus $147k
3. HPSP $110k
  Total $1,117k

1

3

2

Finance Director

1. Fixed $294k
2. Annual Bonus $37k
3. HPSP $13k
  Total $344k

3

1

2

Note – the total pay to the Finance Director relates to Bruce Ferguson’s single figure pay noted on page 108.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
98
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Directors’ Remuneration Policy

The Policy is designed to comply with the principles of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code and the Companies Act 2006 regarding 
remuneration and to ensure that the Company can attract, retain and 
motivate talented executive Directors to promote and deliver long-term 
success for the Group. The package comprises fixed and variable 
incentives and is structured to link total reward for both corporate and 
individual performance.

The remuneration opportunities of the Chief Executive and Finance 
Director are based on externally benchmarked data aimed at providing 
them with competitive levels of remuneration in the relevant market. 
The Chief Executive’s remuneration is benchmarked to global peers 
who are mostly headquartered, or publicly listed in the US, and who 
are of a similar profile and size to Hunting, while also being reputable 
peers in the oil and gas equipment and services sector. The Finance 
Director is benchmarked to UK listed companies of similar size.

Non-executive Director fees are set at levels that 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 non-
executive Directors do not receive bonuses or other variable 
emoluments. The fees are benchmarked to other companies of a 
similar size, profile and profitability and are reviewed annually by the 
executive Directors. The Chairman’s fee is set by the Remuneration 
Committee. The Remuneration Policy tables which follow provide an 
overview of each element of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy.

The 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code sets out principles against 
which the Committee should determine the Policy for executives. A 
summary of the principles and how the revised Hunting Remuneration 
Policy reflects these is set out earlier in the Corporate Governance 
Report on pages 91 and 92.

Policy Overview
This report outlines the Directors’ Remuneration Policy (the “Policy”), 
which will be applied by the Hunting Board for the executive and 
non-executive Directors of the Company from the date of the 2021 
AGM, subject to shareholder approval. The revised Policy includes 
a small number of changes, all of which are aimed at reflecting the 
evolution in investor thinking on best practice since the Policy was last 
approved. The Committee will keep under consideration whether a 
further review of the Policy is warranted ahead of the normal triennial 
review cycle, once there is greater visibility on Hunting’s chosen 
trading markets. Revisions to the Policy will be tabled for approval by 
shareholders at the Company’s Annual General Meeting on 21 April 
2021. Subject to approval, the new Policy will be published on the 
Company’s website at www.huntingplc.com.

Policy Changes
The Committee is proposing three changes to the former Policy which 
better align with the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code and 
evolving remuneration practices in the UK.

1) Reducing the Maximum Award Limits under the Hunting 
Performance Share Plan (“HPSP”)
The Committee is reducing the maximum award limits under the 
HPSP for the Chief Executive from 550% of base salary to 450%; and 
for the Finance Director from 450% of base salary to 210%. The new 
levels reflect the current award levels to the executive Directors which 
have been used since inception of the HPSP in 2014.

2) Introducing a Post-Employment Shareholding Policy
The Committee is introducing a policy in line with the recommendations 
of the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code. The policy requires 
executive Directors to hold shares equivalent to the lesser of their 
actual ownership at the date of stepping down as an executive 
Director, or 200% of salary for a minimum of 12 months.

3) Revised Pension Arrangement for New Executive Directors
New executive Directors appointed to the Board will be given a 
pension contribution of 12% of base salary, in line with the UK 
workforce. In 2020, the Group appointed a new Finance Director 
in line with this policy. 

The current Chief Executive’s pension arrangements have been left 
unchanged given that his arrangements reflect his long tenure with 
the Group and legacy policies in place for many years.

99
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Executive Director Remuneration Policy Table
Fixed Emoluments

Purpose and link to strategy
Base Salary
 • To attract, retain and 

reward executives with 
the necessary skills to 
effectively deliver the 
Company strategy.

Proposed changes  
to policy from 2021

 • None.

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

 • Individual and Group 
performance are 
taken into account 
when determining 
appropriate salaries.

 • There is no prescribed 

maximum annual 
increase. Increases will 
normally be 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 pay for similar 
roles in comparable 
companies.

 • Aimed at the market 

mid-point.

 • Annual increases take 
into account company 
performance, inflation 
in the UK, US and 
increases across the 
wider workforce.
 • Relocation and tax 

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

Pension
 • To provide normal 
pension schemes 
appropriate to the 
country of residence.

 • The Group currently 

 • Pension contributions 

 • None.

 • Aligned pension 

contributes on behalf of 
the Chief Executive to 
a US 401K deferred 
savings plan and an 
additional deferred 
compensation scheme.

vary based on individual 
circumstances and local 
market practice. Further 
details are set out on 
page 104.

 • Any future executive 

contributions (as % 
of salary) for new 
executive Director 
appointees with a 
maximum of 12% 
of base salary.

 • The Finance Director 
receives an annual 
cash sum in lieu of 
contributions to a 
company pension 
scheme.

Benefits
 • To provide normal 

benefits appropriate 
to the country of 
residence.

 • Each executive Director 

is provided with 
healthcare insurance 
and a company car with 
fuel benefits.

 • Additional benefits may 
be provided to ensure 
the Group remains 
competitive within the 
relevant local market.

Director appointees in 
the UK will receive a 
12% of salary pension 
contribution in line 
with the majority of 
employees. Any future 
executive Director 
appointees in the US 
will have a cap of 12% 
of salary contribution, 
through qualified 
and non-qualified 
savings plans.

 • There is no maximum 
value set on benefits. 
They are set at a level 
that is comparable to 
market practice.

 • None.

 • None.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements100
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Directors’ Remuneration Policy

continued 

Executive Director Remuneration Policy Table
Variable Emoluments

Purpose and link to strategy
Annual Bonus
 • To incentivise annual 

delivery of financial and 
operational targets.

 • To provide a high reward 
potential for exceeding 
demanding targets.

Proposed changes  
to policy from 2021

 • Introduction of an 
additional trigger 
for malus and 
clawback linked 
to protecting 
the Company’s 
reputation.

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

 • The Chief Executive and 
Finance Director have a 
maximum opportunity 
of 200% and 150% of 
salary, respectively.

 • 80% of the Annual 

Bonus will be based on 
financial measures, with 
the remainder based 
on strategic/personal 
performance measures, 
selected annually by the 
Remuneration 
Committee to reflect key 
performance indicators 
for the year ahead.
 • The vesting of the 
strategic/personal 
component is normally 
subject to a financial 
underpin. Should the 
financial targets not be 
met, a 50% vesting cap 
of the personal/strategic 
component would 
normally be 
implemented.

 • Awards are subject to 
the Annual Bonus Plan 
rules adopted by the 
Board in 2010.

 • Bonus begins to accrue 
when 80% of the Annual 
Budget targets are 
achieved and increases 
on a straight-line basis 
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. 
 • 25% of any Annual 
Bonus is normally 
payable in Hunting 
shares. These shares 
are required to be held 
for two years from the 
vesting date.

 • Malus and clawback 

provisions are 
incorporated and allow 
the Committee to 
reduce the bonus, 
potentially down to zero, 
in cases of material 
financial misstatement, 
calculation error, gross 
misconduct or actions 
which cause 
reputational damage 
to the Company. 

101
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Operation

Purpose and link to strategy
Hunting Performance Share Plan (“HPSP”)
 • To align the interests 
of executives with 
shareholders in growing 
the value of the 
business over the 
long term.

 • The HPSP provides 
for annual awards of 
performance shares 
or nil cost options to 
eligible participants.
 • Vesting is based on a 

three-year performance 
period.

 • On vesting, awards are 
subject to an additional 
two-year holding period 
(subject to settlement 
of any tax charges on 
vesting).

 • Awards are subject to 
malus and clawback 
provisions which cover 
cases of material 
financial misstatement, 
calculation error, gross 
misconduct or actions 
which cause 
reputational damage 
to the Company.
 • The Committee has 
the ability to exercise 
discretion to override 
the HPSP outcome in 
circumstances where 
strict application of the 
performance conditions 
would produce a result 
inconsistent with 
the Company’s 
remuneration principles. 
Any upward discretion 
would be subject to prior 
shareholder consultation.

 • In respect of vested 

shares, participants are 
eligible to receive an 
amount equivalent to 
dividends paid by the 
Company during the 
vesting period once the 
final vesting levels have 
been determined, either 
in cash or shares.

Minimum Stock Ownership Requirement
 • To encourage the 
retention of shares 
under award to the 
executive Directors.
 • To align the long-term 

 • Directors have five years 
to achieve the required 
holding level from 
the date of their 
appointment to 
the Board.

interests of the executive 
with shareholders.

 • The Board has 

discretion to extend 
this time period if 
warranted by individual 
circumstances.

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

 • Chief Executive: 450% 

 • Awards will vest on 

of base salary.

 • Finance Director: 210% 

of base salary.
 • Achievement of a 

threshold performance 
target results in a 25% 
vesting for any portion 
of the award.

achievement of financial 
and strategic 
performance measures, 
measured over a 
three-year performance 
period.

 • Financial measures will 

include EPS, ROCE and 
TSR and will receive an 
aggregate weighting of 
85% of each award. A 
fourth measure, in the 
form of a Strategic 
Scorecard, which will 
comprise a number of 
submeasures, will have 
an aggregate weighting 
of 15% of each award.

Proposed changes  
to policy from 2021

 • Removal of higher 
exceptional HPSP 
limits of 550% of 
salary for the Chief 
Executive and 
450% of salary 
for the Finance 
Director.

 • Introduction of an 
additional trigger 
for malus and 
clawback linked 
to protecting 
the Company’s 
reputation.

 • None.

 • None.

 • 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.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements102
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Directors’ Remuneration Policy

continued 

Executive Director Remuneration Policy Table
Variable Emoluments continued

Operation

Purpose and link to strategy
Post-Employment Shareholding Requirement
 • To continue to align the 
long-term interests of 
the executive with 
shareholders for a 
period after they have 
left the Group.

 • Directors are required 
to retain a holding in 
Hunting shares for a 
period after stepping 
down as an executive 
Director.

 • To incentivise good 
succession planning.

 • The Committee will have 
discretion to reduce/
waive the requirement 
in exceptional 
circumstances.

Proposed changes  
to policy from 2021

 • New requirement 

under the proposed 
Policy.

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

 • Executive Directors 

 • None.

must continue to hold 
shares equivalent to the 
lesser of their actual 
ownership at the date 
of stepping down as 
an executive Director 
and 200% of base 
salary, for a minimum 
of 12 months.

 • This requirement will 

apply to shares acquired 
under the deferred 
Annual Bonus and 
HPSP granted after 
the 2021 AGM. 

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

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

Proposed changes  
to policy from 2021

 • Fees paid to the 

 • None.

 • None.

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 aggregate 

maximum fees for all 
non-executive Directors 
within the Company’s 
Articles of Association 
are £750,000.

Purpose and link to strategy
Chairman and Non-executive Director Fees
 • To attract and retain 

Operation

high-calibre 
non-executive Directors 
by offering a market 
competitive fee.

 • Fees for the Chairman 
and non-executive 
Directors are 
determined by the 
Board as a whole, 
following receipt of 
external fee information 
and an assessment of 
the time commitment 
and responsibilities 
involved. 

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

 • The non-executive 
Directors are paid a 
basic fee.

 • Directors may be paid 
an additional fee to 
reflect their 
responsibilities, for 
example Directors who 
chair the Board’s Audit 
and Remuneration 
Committees and the 
Senior Independent 
Director.

 • The non-executive 

Directors and Chairman 
do not participate in 
the Group’s share plans 
and do not receive 
a cash bonus or any 
other benefits.

103
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Purpose and link to strategy
Minimum Stock Ownership Requirements
 • To align the non-

Operation

executive Directors’ 
interests with the 
long-term interests 
of shareholders.

 • Non-executive Directors 
are required to build up 
a holding of shares in 
the Company and have 
five years to achieve 
the required holding 
level from the date of 
their appointment to 
the Board.

Maximum opportunity

Performance metrics

Proposed changes  
to policy from 2021

 • None.

 • None.

 • The target holding for 
the Chairman and 
non-executive Directors 
is equal to 100% of the 
annual fee.

Amendments to the Policy
The oil and gas industry remains a competitive marketplace, therefore recruiting and retaining the right individuals to deliver long-term 
shareholder growth is a key focus of management and the Remuneration Committee. It is anticipated that recruitment and retention will remain 
a challenge for the sector and, therefore, the Committee will continue to keep the approved Policy under review, and will make any necessary 
revisions after appropriate consultation and approval from shareholders has been received.

Relevance to Employee Pay
The Policy tables summarise the remuneration structure that operates for executive Directors within Hunting and which also applies to senior 
executives of the Group. While bonus and pension 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.

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

Performance condition
Underlying Profit before 
Taxation

Variable incentive
Annual Bonus

Rationale
 • 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.

 • ROCE is a management KPI used to measure the longer-term performance 

of the Group.

 • ROCE reflects the value created on funds invested in the short and 

medium term.

Underlying Return on 
Capital Employed

Annual Bonus 
HPSP

Total Shareholder Return

HPSP

 • Reflects the Group’s long-term goal to achieve superior levels 

Underlying Earnings 
Per Share
Strategic/Personal 
Objectives

HPSP

 • To encourage sustained levels of earnings growth over the long term.

of shareholder return.

Annual Bonus 
HPSP

 • To capture and incentivise delivery of key strategic milestones that contribute 

to long-term success.

The HPSP performance conditions and growth targets can be amended by the Remuneration Committee, with the targets set annually when 
each award is granted, following an assessment of the growth prospects of the Group.

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

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements104
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Directors’ Remuneration Policy

continued 

Remuneration Committee Discretion
The Committee has defined areas of discretion within the Directors’ 
Policy framework. Where discretion is applied, the Committee will 
disclose the rationale for the application of discretion. The Committee 
will operate the Annual Bonus plan and HPSP in accordance with the 
relevant plan rules and this Policy. The Committee retains discretion 
as to the operation and administration of these plans as follows:

Annual Bonus 
 • Discretion to adjust the amount of any bonus to reflect any fact or 
circumstance that the Committee considers to be relevant, and to 
ensure that the outcome is a fair reflection of performance.

 • The assessment of part-year performance in the event of the exit of 
a Director, including but not limited to, reviewing forecast financial 
performance of the Group and the outlook of the business in the 
context of wider market conditions. Bonus awards for good leavers 
will generally be pro-rated for the proportion of the performance 
period completed.

 • The Committee may apply discretion to vary the percentage of an 

award settled in cash or shares.

HPSP
 • Selection of the TSR comparator group for the HPSP. The 

Committee reviews the comparator group annually ahead of each 
grant made to the executive Directors under the HPSP. The 
Committee also retains the discretion to make adjustments to the 
comparator group for subsisting awards if it believes that a 
constituent of the comparator group has distorted the vesting 
outcome if, for example, a constituent company has been subject 
to a material corporate action.

 • The Committee may amend the performance conditions applying 
to an award in exceptional circumstances if the new performance 
conditions are considered fair and reasonable, and are neither 
materially more nor materially less challenging than the original 
performance conditions when set. The oil and gas industry is a 
highly cyclical industry, where sentiment is driven by oil and gas 
commodity prices and activity levels across the industry. Given that 
these market conditions are outside management’s control, the 
Committee retains the discretion to partially adjust the performance 
targets of the performance conditions adopted for the HPSP, to 
align with the general market outlook, while continuing to be a 
demanding and stretching incentive. Any upward discretion would 
be subject to prior shareholder consultation.

Other
The Committee reserves the right to make any remuneration 
payments and payments for loss of office (including exercising any 
discretions available to it in connection with such payments) that are 
not in line with the Policy outlined above where the terms of the 
payment were agreed either:

 • before the Policy came into effect; or
 • at a time when the relevant individual was not a Director of the 

Company and, in the opinion of the Committee, the payment was 
not in consideration for the individual becoming a Director of 
the Company.

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.

Base fee increases for the non-executive Directors are based 
on external benchmarking of 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 healthcare 
insurance, life and disability insurance, car and fuel benefits.

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

Jim Johnson currently participates in the Group’s US 401K deferred 
savings plan. In addition, and consistent with similarly long-tenured 
US employees, the Group contributes to a deferred compensation 
scheme. In practice, this compensation scheme is operated on a 
money purchase basis. Annual contributions to Jim Johnson are up 
to an equivalent of 18% of salary.

As a recent appointee, and consistent with both the intention set out 
in last year’s report and the Policy table above, Bruce Ferguson 
receives an annual cash sum equivalent to 12% of salary which is 
aligned with the contribution rate offered to the majority of UK 
employees. A similar approach will be followed for any future 
executive Director appointments.

Annual Bonus
An Annual Bonus plan is in place for the executive Directors, which 
was adopted by the Board in 2010. The plan is designed to provide an 
incentive/reward for performance and reflects the competitive markets 
in which the Group conducts its business.

80% of the Annual Bonus is based on financial measures, with the 
remainder based on personal/strategic performance objectives which 
are set annually by the Remuneration Committee to reflect key 
priorities for the year ahead. 

75% of any Annual Bonus award is paid in cash with the remaining 
25% paid in Hunting shares which are required to be held by the 
executive Director for a period of two years, from the end of the 
relevant financial period. For the 2020 Annual Bonus, the 
Remuneration Committee exercised discretion to award 100% 
in Hunting shares, to be held for a minimum of one year.

HPSP
The HPSP was approved by shareholders in April 2014. Share awards 
granted to the executive Directors under the HPSP in recent years 
have been based on a blend of Total Shareholder Return, Earnings 
per Share, Return on Capital Employed and a Strategic Scorecard. 

105
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

All performance conditions are measured at the end of the relevant 
three-year performance period and awards to the executive Directors 
will be proportional to the total vesting level achieved. Subject to the 
achievement of performance conditions, awards will typically vest on 
the third anniversary of the grant. For awards made in 2018 and 
onwards, vested shares are subject to an additional two-year holding 
period (subject to settlement of any tax charges on vesting).

The maximum face value of the grant to the Chief Executive is 450% of 
base salary and 210% of base salary for the Finance Director. Actual 
award levels are reviewed ahead of each grant to ensure they are 
appropriate, taking into account factors such as share price performance 
and the underlying performance of the Group. An amount equivalent 
to dividends paid by the Company during the vesting period is added 
to the awards once the final vesting levels have been determined.

Stock Ownership Policy
The Company operates a stock ownership policy whereby the 
Directors and senior managers are required to build and maintain 
a minimum shareholding in the Company’s Ordinary shares. For 
executive Directors, the primary mechanism of building the required 
shareholding is retaining vested shares received from the deferred 
element of the Annual Bonus and from long-term incentive schemes 
operated by Hunting. Those subject to this requirement have a period 
of five years from the date of employment by Hunting to comply.

Jim Johnson and Bruce Ferguson entered into Service Agreements 
with the Company on 7 December 2017 and 2 June 2020 respectively. 
Under the terms of these Service Agreements, both the Company and 
the Directors are required to give one year’s notice of termination. 
Messrs Johnson and Ferguson are entitled to receive a Performance 
Bonus on an annual basis, the quantum being determined by the 
Remuneration Committee. Messrs Johnson and Ferguson are also 
entitled to participate in the Hunting Performance Share Plan and any 
other long-term incentive schemes operated by the Company. Under 
the terms of their Service Agreements, benefits may include the 
provision of a company car with fuel, long-term disability and healthcare 
benefits offered by the Company, as well as participation in pension 
schemes operated by the Company. Following a change of control, 
in line with standard UK practice, all stock options and stock-based 
awards granted will be tested for performance and pro-rated for time 
unless the Committee, acting fairly, decides otherwise.

Non-executive Director Letters of Appointment
On appointment, each non-executive Director is provided with a letter 
of appointment that 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.

The Chief Executive is required to maintain a minimum holding of 
shares 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. Certain 
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% and 200% of base salary. 

The value of holdings in shares reported in the Annual Report on 
Remuneration includes Ordinary shares held by the individual and 
also the post-tax value of vested, but unexercised, share awards 
and options. 

From 2021, the Company is adopting a post-employment 
shareholding policy requiring executive Directors to maintain a level of 
share ownership after stepping down from the Board. Both the Chief 
Executive and the Finance Director will be required to continue to hold 
the lesser of their actual ownership at the date of stepping down and 
200% of salary for a minimum of 12 months. This policy will apply to 
shares acquired under the deferred Annual Bonus and HPSP granted 
after the 2021 AGM, and will be subject to the discretion of the 
Committee in exceptional circumstances.

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 
Service Contracts can be reviewed at the Company’s Registered 
Office, on request by a shareholder.

External Board Appointments
The Company may authorise an executive Director to undertake a 
non-executive directorship outside of the Group provided it does not 
interfere with their primary duties. During the year neither executive 
Director held any external positions.

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 an approach consistent with best practice to 
ensure that the Company pays no more than is necessary. 

In line with normal market practice, the policy distinguishes between 
“Good Leavers” and “Bad Leavers”. 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, retirement, 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, taking account of local conditions, 
the Policy normally allows:

 • payment in lieu of notice equal to 12 months’ base salary, pension 

contributions, contractual benefits and any other legal entitlements; 

 • payment of a bonus for the period worked subject to the 
achievement of the relevant performance conditions; and 

 • any unvested long-term incentives vest at the normal time subject 
to the achievement of the relevant performance conditions, and 
pro-rated based on the period of service as a proportion of the 
vesting period.

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.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements106
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Directors’ Remuneration Policy

continued 

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 with 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 proposed policy will enable the Company 
to achieve its recruitment aims.

For executive Director appointments, the fixed component of total 
emoluments will target the market mid-point, subject to geographic 
considerations of the candidate and the specific labour market 
conditions. Where new appointees have initial base salaries set below 
market, any shortfall may be managed with phased increases over a 
period of two to three years, subject to the individual’s development 
and performance in the role. The Service Contracts will be rolling 
one-year agreements with standard provisions. The fixed component 
of the 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 component 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 a new Finance Director and Chief Executive 
respectively. The maximum awards under the HPSP will be up to 
210% and 450% of base salary for a new Finance Director and Chief 
Executive respectively. The Committee anticipates applying UK 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 shareholders. Any such 
payments would take account of remuneration relinquished when 
leaving the former employer and would be structured to 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, the 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
When determining remuneration, the Committee takes into account 
views of leading shareholders and best practice guidelines issued by 
institutional shareholder bodies. 

The revised Policy includes only a small number of changes to 
reflect developments in best practice and the consultation with 
shareholders in Q4 2020. The Committee will keep under 
consideration whether a further review of the Policy is warranted 
ahead of the normal triennial review cycle, once there is greater 
clarity on the future market environment.

The Committee is always available for feedback from shareholders on 
remuneration policy and arrangements, and will undertake a further 
consultation with our largest shareholders in advance of any significant 
future changes to remuneration policy. The Committee will continue to 
monitor trends and developments in corporate governance and 
market practice to ensure the structure of executive remuneration 
remains appropriate. 

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. 
Potential reward opportunities are based on Hunting’s Remuneration 
Policy, applied to annualised 2020 remuneration data.

Chief Executive

 Fixed 

 Annual Bonus 

 HPSP

Maximum Stretch

12%

20%

68%

Maximum

15%

26%

59%

Target

Fixed

26%

23%

51%

100%

Finance Director

 Fixed 

 Annual Bonus 

 HPSP

Maximum Stretch

1

2

3

1  20%

2  26%

3  54%

Maximum

1

2

3

1  24%

2  32%

3  44%

Target

Fixed

1

2

3

1  39%

2  25%

3  36%

1

1  100%

$7,371k

$5,718k

$3,285k

$852k

$2,050k

$1,680k

$1,045k

$410k

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 salary, benefits and normal pension contributions or 

payments in lieu of pension contributions. 

 • Target: fixed remuneration plus half of maximum annual cash bonus 

opportunity plus 50% vesting of awards under the HPSP. 

 • Maximum: fixed remuneration plus maximum annual cash bonus 

opportunity plus 100% vesting of all long-term incentives.

 • Maximum Stretch: including the impact of a hypothetical 50% 

increase in share price on the value of the HPSP in accordance with 
the reporting regulations.

 • The Finance Director is paid in Sterling and the equivalent total 

remuneration scenarios are as follows – fixed £320k; target £815k, 
maximum £1,310k and maximum stretch of £1,599k.

Annell Bay
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

4 March 2021

107
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Annual Report on Remuneration

Introduction
The principles set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Policy (the “Policy”), approved by shareholders in April 2018, have been applied throughout 
the year. The Company has submitted a revised Policy for approval by shareholders at the Company’s Annual General Meeting in April 2021, 
which better aligns the overall remuneration framework operated by Hunting PLC with the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code.

Role
The Committee is responsible for developing and implementing the remuneration policy for the Company and has direct oversight of the 
remuneration of the executive Directors, Company Chair and Company Secretary. The Chair and Chief Executive are consulted on proposals 
relating to the remuneration of the Finance Director and designated senior management. Where appropriate, the Chair and other Directors are 
invited by the Committee to attend meetings, but are not present when their own remuneration is considered. The Committee also reviews 
and monitors the remuneration framework of the Company’s Executive Committee and also monitors base salary increases across the 
Company’s workforce.

The remuneration of the non-executive Directors is agreed by the Board as a whole and follows the Articles of Association of the Company which 
were last approved by shareholders on 18 April 2018.

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.

Membership and Attendance
The Committee consists entirely of independent non-executive Directors. Ms Bay and Mr Lough have relevant sector expertise, while Mrs 
Chesney has relevant financial expertise. Ms Bay was appointed to the Committee on her appointment to the Board on 2 February 2015 and 
was appointed Chair on 30 August 2018. The Committee met three times during the year and attendance details are shown in the table below. 
Normally the Committee meets four times in the year; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one meeting was cancelled. All items of 
business have been completed in the year, in line with the Committee’s Terms of Reference and its annual schedule of work.

Number of meetings held
Number of meetings attended (actual/possible):
Annell Bay (Committee Chair)
Carol Chesney
Bruce Ferguson (from 15 April 2020)
John (Jay) Glick
Richard Hunting
Jim Johnson
Keith Lough
Peter Rose (to 15 April 2020)

Member
3

Invitation

3/3
3/3
–
–
–
–
3/3
–

–
–
2/2
3/3
3/3
3/3
–
1/1

At 31 December 2020 and up to the date of signature of the accounts, the members of the Committee and their unexpired terms of office were:

Director
Annell Bay
Carol Chesney
Keith Lough

Latest appointment date
2 February 2021
23 April 2018
23 April 2018

Unexpired term as at 
4 March 2021
35 months
2 months
2 months

External Advisers
During the year, Mercer | Kepler (“Kepler”) was engaged by the Committee to provide remuneration consultancy services. Kepler’s appointment 
was subject to a formal tender and is regarded as independent, having been appointed by and acting under direction of the Committee. 

The total cost of advice to the Committee during the year to 31 December 2020 was $58,721 (2019 – $58,877) and includes fees paid in respect 
of review work in relation to new Directors’ Remuneration Policy, share plans and remuneration reporting disclosure requirements. Fees are 
charged on a time basis for consultancy services received. Kepler has no other connection to the Company or any Director.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements108
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Annual Report on Remuneration

continued 

Director Remuneration (audited)

2020
Executives
Jim Johnson
Peter Rose (to 15 April 2020)
Bruce Ferguson (from 15 April 2020)
Non-executives
Annell Bay
Carol Chesney
Jay Glick
Richard Hunting
Keith Lough
Total

2019
Executives
Jim Johnson
Peter Rose
Non-executives
Annell Bay
Carol Chesney
Jay Glick
Richard Hunting
Keith Lough
Total

Fixed

Variable

Base salary/
feesi
$000

Benefitsii
$000

Pensioniii
$000

Sub total
$000

Annual 
bonusiv 
$000

HPSP
awardsvi
$000

Sub total
$000

2020
Total 
remuneration
$000

735
124
251

90
90
236
77
90
1,693

72
8
12

–
–
–
–
–
92

53
32
31

–
–
–
–
–
116

860
164
294

90
90
236
77
90
1,901

147
19
37

–
–
–
–
–
203

110
22
13

–
–
–
–
–
145

257
41
50

–
–
–
–
–
348

1,117
205
344

90
90
236
77
90
2,249

Fixed

Variable

Base salary/
feesi
$000

Benefitsii
$000

Pensioniii
$000

Sub total
$000

Annual 
bonusv 
$000

HPSP
awardsvii
$000

Sub total
$000

2019
Total 
remuneration
$000

726
428

89
89
235
77
89
1,733

55
27

–
–
–
–
–
82

78
107

–
–
–
–
–
185

859
562

89
89
235
77
89
2,000

567
250

–
–
–
–
–
817

803
346

–
–
–
–
–
1,149

1,370
596

–
–
–
–
–
1,966

2,229
1,158

89
89
235
77
89
3,966

Notes
i.  Peter Rose retired as a Director on 15 April 2020 and was succeeded on the same date by Bruce Ferguson. Mr Ferguson’s base salary on appointment was set at £275,000 p.a. 

In August 2020, the Committee met to discuss base salary changes and given the prevailing market conditions within the energy industry, coupled with the base salary freezes across 
the Group’s workforce, agreed to leave Messrs Johnson’s and Ferguson’s base salary unchanged at $735,000 p.a. and £275,000 p.a. respectively. The average £:$ exchange rate in 
the year was 1.2824 (2019 – 1.2762).

ii.  Benefits include the provision of healthcare insurance, a company car and fuel benefits.
iii.  Mr Johnson’s single figure pension remuneration represents Company contributions payable to his US pension arrangements. Mr Rose’s pension figure represents a cash sum in lieu 

of a Company pension contribution, which was set at 25% of his annual base salary. Mr Ferguson’s pension figure also represents a cash sum in lieu of Company pension contribution, 
which is set at 12% of his annual base salary. This latter contribution now aligns with Hunting’s UK workforce.

iv.  Given the significant market decline reported within the oil and gas industry in the year, and following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the Group did not meet its 2020 financial 
targets in respect to the annual bonus, leading to a nil vesting of the financial components of the bonus. In January 2021 the Committee reviewed the delivery of the personal/strategic 
performance objectives of the executive Directors and concluded that both Messrs Johnson and Ferguson had completed their objectives in full. On this basis, Mr Johnson’s and 
Mr Ferguson’s annual bonuses vested at 10% of the maximum opportunity, as the annual bonus rules cap the personal objectives component to 50% of the maximum if the financial 
targets have not been met. Mr Rose’s annual bonus was also derived from him successfully completing his personal performance objectives which were based on transition and 
advisory work in respect to Mr Ferguson’s appointment which continued throughout the year. Mr Johnson was therefore awarded a bonus of $147k; Mr Ferguson a bonus of $37k; 
and Mr Rose a bonus of $19k. The 2020 bonus will be satisfied through the delivery of Ordinary shares in the Company, based on the post-tax value of the bonus. 75% of these 
shares are to be held for one year and 25% of these shares are to be held for two years in line with the current operation of the plan.
In 2019, Mr Johnson’s and Mr Rose’s annual bonuses vested at 39% of maximum opportunity with Mr Johnson being awarded a bonus of $567k, and Mr Rose being awarded $250k.

v. 
vi.  The share awards granted in 2018 under the HPSP had a three-year performance period to 31 December 2020. The awards incorporated four performance conditions, following 
approval of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy in April 2018. The awards were measured against the relevant performance conditions, with a nil vesting recorded for the EPS and 
ROCE performance conditions; an 8.25% vesting for the TSR performance condition, following independent measurement by Kepler; and a 7.5% vesting of the Strategic Scorecard 
(after application of the vesting cap on this element). Further details of the vesting calculation are shown on page 112. On this basis, Messrs Johnson’s and Rose’s awards will vest 
at 15.75%, with Mr Johnson entitled to exercise 45,143 Ordinary shares and Mr Rose receiving 9,098 Ordinary shares for the period from the date of grant up to 15 April 2020. 
Mr Ferguson’s 2018 HPSP grant was made when he was managing director of the Group’s EMEA operating segment, a below Board position and which incorporated both 
performance- and time-based share awards. Mr Ferguson will receive 5,316 Ordinary shares for the period from 15 April 2020 up to the date of vesting. For the purposes of the single 
figure calculation, the average mid-market closing price of £1.6961 during Q4 2020 has been applied to the number of vested shares and converted to dollars using the average 
£:$ exchange during Q4 2020, being $1.3210. The share price on the date of grant, being 19 April 2018, was £7.85. Further, a cash payment equalling the dividends paid during the 
vesting period has been added to the single figure calculation, totalling 19.0 cents per vested share. The vesting date of the 2018 award is 19 April 2021, when the final values of the 
awards will be determined.

vii.  The share awards granted in 2017 under the HPSP had a three-year performance period to 31 December 2019 and vested on 3 March 2020. Mr Johnson’s award vested at 66.4% and
he received 148,314 Ordinary shares, while Mr Rose’s award vested at 55.1% and 63,890 Ordinary shares vested. Further, a cash payment equalling the dividends paid during the 
vesting period were added to the single figure calculation, totalling 14.0 cents per vested share.

 
109
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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

2020
Executives
Peter Rose (to 15 April 2020)i
Bruce Ferguson (from 15 April 2020)ii
Non-executives
Annell Bayiii
Carol Chesneyiv
Jay Glickv
Richard Huntingvi
Keith Loughvii

2019
Executives
Peter Rose
Non-executives
Annell Bay
Carol Chesney
Jay Glick
Richard Hunting
Keith Lough

Fixed

Base salary/
fees
£000

Benefits
£000

Pension
£000

Sub total
£000

Variable

Annual 
bonus 
£000

HPSP
awards
£000

2020
Total 
remuneration
£000

Sub total
£000

97
196

70
70
184
60
70

6
9

–
–
–
–
–

25
24

–
–
–
–
–

128
229

70
70
184
60
70

15
29

–
–
–
–
–

17
10

–
–
–
–
–

32
39

–
–
–
–
–

160
268

70
70
184
60
70

Fixed

Variable

Base salary/
fees
£000

Benefits
£000

Pension
£000

Sub total
£000

Annual 
bonus 
£000

HPSP
awards
£000

Sub total
£000

2019
Total 
remuneration
£000

335

70
70
184
60
70

21

84

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

440

70
70
184
60
70

196

268

464

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

904

70
70
184
60
70

Notes:
i.  Peter Rose retired as a Director of the Company on 15 April 2020.
ii.  Bruce Ferguson was elected by shareholders as a Director of the Company on 15 April 2020, with his base salary set at £275,000 p.a.
iii.  Annell Bay is Chair of the Remuneration Committee with an annual fee of £70,000.
iv.  Carol Chesney is Chair of the Audit Committee with an annual fee of £70,000.
v.  Jay Glick is Chair of the Company with an annual fee of £183,750.
vi.  Richard Hunting has an annual fee of £60,000.
vii.  Keith Lough is the Company’s Senior Independent Director with an annual fee of £70,000.

Salary and Fees
Peter Rose retired as a Director of the Company on 15 April 2020, being succeeded by Bruce Ferguson. Mr Ferguson’s base salary was set 
at £275,000, which is 19% lower than that of his predecessor.

On 24 August 2020, the Committee met to discuss base salary adjustments for the executive Directors. The Committee noted the significant 
industry downturn as a result of the coronavirus pandemic which led to base salary freezes being implemented across the whole Group and, 
following discussion, made no changes to the base salaries of Messrs Johnson and Ferguson. 

In December 2019, the Board reviewed the fee levels for non-executive Directors, which resulted in no changes being made for 2020.

Pensions (audited)
Jim Johnson is a member of a deferred compensation scheme in the US, which is anticipated to provide a lump sum on retirement, and also 
contributes to a US 401K match deferred savings plan. Company contributions to the former arrangement were $35,820 (2019 – $60,820) in the 
year. There are no additional benefits provided on early retirement from this arrangement. In the year, the Group contributed to Mr Johnson’s 
401K saving plan, totalling $17,100 (2019 – $16,800). 

For the period up to 15 April 2020 the Company paid a cash sum in lieu of a pension contribution to Peter Rose totalling $31,224/£24,348 
(2019 – $106,976/£83,824) representing 25% of his base salary.

Mr Ferguson receives a cash sum in lieu of pension contribution, representing 12% of his annual base salary. This contribution level aligns with 
the UK workforce, as required by the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code. In the year, Mr Ferguson’s company pension contribution from the 
date of his appointment on 15 April 2020 was $30,261/£23,597.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements110
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Annual Report on Remuneration

continued 

Annual Performance-Linked Bonus Plan (audited)
Following the Company’s Annual General Meeting in April 2018, the executive Director annual performance-linked bonus plan was amended. 
The revised operation of the bonus plan is therefore:

Proportion of award
60%
20%
20%

Performance metric
Underlying Profit before Tax
Underlying Return on Capital Employed
Strategic/Personal Performance Objectives

Delivery of Financial Objectives
The financial performance targets for the 2020 annual bonus were as follows:

Underlying profit (loss) before tax
Underlying return on capital employed

Threshold vesting
$51.5m
5.5%

Target vesting Maximum vesting
$77.3m
8.2%

$64.4m
6.9%

Actual result
$(19.4)m
(1.5)%

% vesting
Nil
Nil

The financial objectives within the annual bonus start to accrue when 80% of the Annual Budget targets are met, increasing on a straight-line 
basis up to 120% of the budget target. The annual bonus targets are normally based on the Annual Budget agreed by the Board in December 
of the prior financial year. The 2020 Annual Budget agreed by the Board contained financial targets of an underlying profit before tax of $64.4m 
and an underlying ROCE of 5.5%, reflecting an anticipated decline in trading given the market outlook at the start of 2020. In February 2020, the 
Committee reviewed the ROCE vesting range in respect of the basis of the 2020 annual bonus calculations and increased the vesting range, with 
a threshold vesting of 5.5%, increasing to 8.2% for a maximum vesting, the latter approximating the Group’s weighted average cost of capital. 
Given the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the significant decline in market activity, the Group did not meet its financial targets in respect 
of the approved 2020 Annual Budget and therefore the financial components of the annual bonus have recorded a nil vesting.

Delivery of Strategic/Personal Performance Objectives
The strategic/personal performance objectives agreed by the Committee with the executive Directors with effect from January 2020 are 
summarised in the table below. Detailed analyses of these outcomes follow this table. 

Jim Johnson 
(Chief Executive)
Strategic Development of the Group (50%)
 • Develop a detailed and robust framework to enable implementation 

Bruce Ferguson/Peter Rose 
(Finance Director)
Strategic Development of the Group (50%)
 • Develop a detailed and robust framework to enable implementation 

of Board approved Strategic Plan. 

of Board approved Strategic Plan. 

 • Lead strategy sessions with internal and external stakeholders to 
understand technologies and synergies required for future growth.
 • Review and enhance collaboration practices and information flows 

within the Group’s businesses.

 • Review and enhance collaboration practices and information flows 

within the Group’s businesses.

Leadership and Organisational Effectiveness (50%)
 • Improvement of HSE and Quality Assurance performance.
 • Enhancement and broadening of HR functions across 

North America.

Leadership and Organisational Effectiveness (35%)
 • Enhancement of global Finance and Compliance functions.
 • Successful strategic planning and talent management, including 

further development of senior leadership team.

 • Successful strategic planning and talent management, including 

 • Execution of an effective IT strategic plan, including further software 

further development of senior leadership team.

roll-out and cyber security targets.

 • Execution of an effective IT strategic plan, including further software 

 • Improved IR programme, which includes new institutional investors.

roll-out and cyber security targets.

 • Lead the business through economic uncertainties caused by 

sector specific factors, and the pandemic, through effective crisis 
management and strategic decision making. 

Financial Effectiveness (15%)
 • Improvements to financial controls and governance framework.
 • Lead quarterly reporting on operational and financial controls and 

effectiveness by region.

During the year, the Committee was updated on the progress of the objectives noted above – and for the year ended 31 December 2020 noted 
the following outcomes:

Strategic Development of the Group
Despite the material decline in the Group’s core energy markets, the executive Directors have continued to execute the Group’s Strategic Plan to 
(1) invest in higher growth sub-sectors of the global oil and gas industry; (2) refocus the Group’s business and product portfolio on those areas 
which deliver the highest returns; and (3) leverage the Group’s expertise into new markets.

111
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

As detailed in the Strategic Report the executive Directors completed the acquisition of Enpro Subsea Limited in February 2020, which aligns 
with the evolution of the global oil and gas industry, and which provides lower capital cost, flexible deep water products for offshore energy 
developments. In December 2020, the Group disposed of its US Drilling Tools business, which will free up capital and allow the Group to focus 
on higher return product lines and businesses. In February 2021, the Group also completed an investment in the high growth well data analytics 
market sub-sector. Hunting has also increased its efforts to diversify into new market areas, leveraging its expertise in precision engineering. 
The Group’s Advanced Manufacturing business group has increased its presence in the medical devices, aviation and space sectors in the year, 
gaining new certifications for these industries. The Chief Executive also introduced technology brainstorming and knowledge sharing sessions 
for the key engineers and leaders of the Group to identify revenue diversification opportunities beyond oil and gas using Hunting’s core strengths 
in precision engineering. These sessions were predominantly held prior to the market downturn in Q2 2020. 

The Committee reviewed these initiatives and concluded that this portion of the bonus had been completed in full, while at the same time 
navigating a significant market decline.

Leadership and Organisation Effectiveness
The Group has been restructured significantly in the year, to drive higher efficiencies and focus activities on long-term growth areas. This has 
required close oversight of Hunting’s HSE and Quality functions to ensure KPIs were maintained with additional training provided as roles were 
reassigned. The Committee noted the strong improvement in the Safety and Quality performance delivered in the year. Hunting has refocused its 
operating model in Canada to align with the medium- to long-term outlook in the country. The Group’s network of distribution centres in the US 
have also been aligned with the short- to medium-term demand outlook. The Group’s Chief HR Officer enhanced the visibility of HR services and 
the effectiveness of functions, by initiating unified alignment of practices and policies globally. The function has also developed its succession 
planning framework and implemented training and talent development programmes for high potential members of the Group’s leadership team. 
In the year the Group has also implemented a new enterprise resource planning system within its Hunting Titan and US Manufacturing business 
units. The Group has also increased its cyber security systems and commenced a programme of rationalisation of its IT infrastructure to increase 
efficiencies and reduce costs. The performance of the Group’s leadership team, including the Safety, Quality, HR and IT functions were also 
noted as the Group addressed the issues surrounding COVID-19 and the performance of the executive Directors through the crisis. In addition, 
the strong Quality and Safety levels, which had been maintained in the year, was noted, in spite of the disruption created by the pandemic and 
had also shown a year-on-year improvement. Further, it was noted that c.$4.0m in annual cost savings had been achieved through the Group’s 
lean manufacturing programme.

The Committee reviewed these initiatives and concluded that this portion of the bonus had been completed in full.

Financial Effectiveness
Under the leadership of the Group’s new Finance Director, a review of the financial reporting and internal controls framework was undertaken. 
Improved information flows to the Board and across the Group were implemented. Improvements to the structure of the finance function were 
also noted, including enhanced compliance and governance responsibilities being put in place in the year. The Group has also increased its 
alignment with the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code, and has introduced new climate reporting initiatives, which are detailed in the 
Strategic Report. Hunting has also engaged closely with new and existing investors in the year, leading to new institutional shareholders entering 
the register. In support of the transition of the Finance Director role, and due to the rapid onset of the pandemic, Mr Rose advised on a number of 
key work processes following his retirement as a Director including the implementation of stringent working capital reduction measures, curtailing 
of capital investments and asset review procedures in preparation for the Group’s results.

The Committee reviewed these initiatives and concluded that this portion of the bonus had been completed in full.

Accordingly, the Committee concluded that all strategic/personal performance objectives had been met in full during the year. In line with the 
Remuneration Policy, vesting of the strategic/personal performance component of the annual bonus is subject to an underpin whereby a 50% 
vesting cap on this element is applied in cases where the financial targets for the year are not met. Based on this outcome, and reflecting this 
cap, the following bonus awards were made to the executive Directors:

Proportion of annual bonus allocated
60%
20%
20%

Performance metric
Underlying profit before tax
Underlying return on capital employed
Strategic/personal performance objectives

Percentage of annual bonus awarded
Nil
Nil
10%

As detailed in the Letter from the Chair of the Remuneration Committee, the post-tax value of the bonus will be delivered in Ordinary shares in 
the Company. 75% of these shares are to be held for one year, with the balance of 25% to be held for two years, in line with the normal operation 
of the annual bonus plan.

Mr Johnson was therefore awarded a bonus for the year of $147k (20% of base salary), and Mr Rose a bonus of $65k (15% of base salary) of 
which $19k is included in the single figure table. Mr Ferguson was awarded a bonus of $38k (15% of base salary) for the period from 15 April 
to 31 December 2020. The Committee reviewed and challenged the input of Mr Rose, following his retirement as a Director, and noted that 
significant dialogue and advice had been given to the executive Directors, as Mr Ferguson transitioned to his new role as Finance Director and 
as the Group navigated the significant market decline from Q2 2020. 

In 2019 the annual bonus awards to the executive Directors were as follows: Mr Johnson – $567k and Mr Rose – $250k. On 26 February 2020, 
Mr Johnson received 22,800 Ordinary shares and Mr Rose 8,882 Ordinary shares, representing 25% of the post-tax value of the bonus, to be 
held for two years from 27 February 2020.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements112
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Annual Report on Remuneration

continued 

2018 HPSP Vesting (audited)
The 2018 awards under the HPSP have been measured against the performance conditions following completion of the three-year performance 
period ended 31 December 2020. In 2018, the grants under the HPSP were amended to incorporate four performance conditions of differing 
proportions – being underlying ROCE (35%); underlying EPS (25%); relative TSR (25%) and a Strategic Scorecard (15%) comprising of two 
sub-measures being the Group’s Safety and the Quality performance. 

The EPS and ROCE performance conditions were absolute targets to be delivered in the third year of the performance period being the financial 
year ended 31 December 2020, while the TSR and Strategic Scorecard are three-year measures. Further, in determining the vesting outcome, 
the measurement of the EPS and ROCE performance conditions has incorporated IAS 17 Leases, which was the basis of the targets and grant 
agreed in 2018.

A summary of the EPS, ROCE and Strategic Scorecard performance is detailed below:

Underlying diluted EPS (LPS)
Underlying ROCE
Strategic Scorecard
– Safety
– Quality

% of award
25%
35%

7.5%
7.5%

Threshold 
vesting target
30 cents
6%

Maximum 
vesting target
50 cents
15%

Recorded 
performance
(10.0) cents
(1.5)%

2.00
0.8

<1.00
0.5

1.11
0.25

% Vesting 
outcome
Nil
Nil

3.75%
3.75%

Similar to the annual bonus, and in line with the Remuneration Policy, vesting of the Strategic Scorecard component of the HPSP is subject to 
an underpin whereby a 50% vesting cap on this element is applied in cases where the financial targets for the year are not met. The vesting 
outcome above reflects the application of this cap. The Total Shareholder Return performance condition was measured by Kepler in January 
2021, following completion of the three-year performance period. Hunting’s TSR performance against the 14 comparator companies was then 
ranked, resulting in an Above Median ranking corresponding to 8.25% vesting of the total 2018 HPSP award (33% of the TSR portion). In total, 
the 2018 HPSP award will record a 15.75% vesting on the vesting date of 19 April 2021.

As executive Directors on the grant date Mr Johnson will receive 45,143 Ordinary shares, while Mr Rose will be entitled to exercise 12,352 
Ordinary shares, reflecting his grant being pro-rated to his leaving date of 31 December 2020. Mr Ferguson’s 2018 HPSP award comprised both 
performance- and time-based awards, the latter vesting in full given his continuing service to the Group throughout the three-year performance 
period. Mr Ferguson will be entitled to exercise 15,788 Ordinary shares on the vesting date.

A cash equivalent of dividends paid by the Company during the vesting period, totalling 19.0 cents per vested share, will be added to the award 
on the vesting date. The 2018 HPSP vesting has been calculated as follows:

Jim Johnson
Peter Rose**/***
Bruce Ferguson***
– performance-based
– time-based

No. of shares 
granted in 2018
286,624
87,085

19,157
12,771

Vesting 
%
15.75
15.75

15.75
100.00

Value of vested 
shares at 
31 December 
2020* 

$
101,143
27,675

Value of dividends 
at 19.0 cents 
per share 
$
8,577
2,347

No. of 
shares vested
45,143
12,352

3,017
12,771

6,760
28,613

573
2,426

Total 
award value 
$
109,720
30,022

7,333
31,039

Pro-rated 

value*** 
$ 
n/a
22,113

2,469
10,451

*   As per the methodology for reporting the values of unvested awards, the average price of a Hunting PLC share during Q4 2020 of £1.70 has been applied and converted to dollars 

at an exchange rate of 1.3210 for the period. The share price on the date of grant was £7.85.

**  Mr Rose’s award was pro-rated to his leaving date of 31 December 2020.
***  For the purposes of the single figure table, Messrs Ferguson’s and Rose’s awards have been pro-rated for their respective tenures as a Director of the Company over the whole 

vesting period.

In accordance with the 2018 Directors’ Remuneration Policy, these vested shares are to be held for two years from the vesting date.

2017 HPSP Vesting (audited)
On 31 December 2019, the 2017 awards under the HPSP were measured against the performance conditions, following completion of the 
three-year performance period, resulting in the following outcome:

Jim Johnson**
Peter Rose

No. of shares 
granted in 2017
223,533
115,889

Vesting 
%
66.4
55.1

No. of 
shares vested
148,314
63,890

Value of vested 
shares at 
31 December 
2019* 

$
782,128
336,921

Value of dividends 
at 14.0 cents 
per share 
$
20,764
8,945

Total 
award value 
$
802,892
345,866

*   As per the methodology for reporting the values of unvested awards, the average price of a Hunting PLC share during Q4 2019 of £4.09 has been applied and converted to dollars 

at an exchange rate of 1.288 for the period. The share price on the date of grant was £5.40.

**   Mr Johnson’s 2017 award, as Chief Operating Officer on the date of grant, was subject to a fourth performance condition which has vested in full, equating to a 100% vesting of this 

element of his award.

113
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

2020 HPSP Grant (audited)
On 3 March 2020, the Committee approved the grant of nil-cost share awards to Jim Johnson and nil-cost options to Peter Rose and Bruce 
Ferguson under the rules of the HPSP. Awards will vest on 3 March 2023, subject to the achievement of the performance metrics, with a 
two-year holding period then applying to the post-tax vested shares. 

The normal award value to the Chief Executive is 450% and for the Finance Director 210% of base salary respectively. Given the decline in the 
share price since the 2019 grant, the Remuneration Committee reduced the award value by 20%, leading to the grant levels noted below.

Details of the grant are as follows:

Director
Jim Johnson
Peter Rose*
Bruce Ferguson

Award as a % of 
base salary
360%
168%
160%

Number of shares 
under grant
653,205
182,532
91,022

Face value of 
award at threshold 
vesting of 25%
$
661,500
184,850
92,178

Face value of 
award at threshold 
vesting of 100%
$
2,646,000
739,400
368,711

*  Mr Rose’s 2020 HPSP award was pro-rated to his leaving date of 31 December 2020, or 50,509 outstanding awards subject to performance measurement.

As in previous years, the Remuneration Committee set absolute EPS and ROCE targets to be delivered by 31 December 2022, three-year TSR 
targets and a Strategic Scorecard for the grants to the executive Directors in 2020. The Strategic Scorecard is subdivided equally between two 
non-financial KPIs, namely Quality and Safety performance metrics published by the Group during the performance period.

The targets for each performance condition are as follows:

Performance conditioni
TSR
EPS
ROCE
Strategic Scorecard
– Safety
– Quality

Proportion of award
25%
25%
35%

7.5%
7.5%

Threshold vesting target
Median
40 cents
8.0%

2.00
0.8

Maximum vesting target
Upper Quartile
60 cents
13.0%

<1.00
0.5

i. 

To be achieved in the three years ending 31 December 2022.

The following quoted businesses comprise the TSR comparator group for the 2020 award:

Akastor
Dril-Quip
Flotek Industries
Forum Energy Technologies
Frank’s International

National Oilwell Varco
Oil States International
Schoeller-Bleckmann
Superior Energy Services
TechnipFMC

Tenaris
Vallourec
Weatherford International
Weir Group

The face value of the 2020 award is based on the five-day average mid-market share price up to 3 March 2020, which was 311.6 pence per share.

Payments to Past Directors (audited)
Peter Rose retired as a Director of the Company on 15 April 2020. Under the terms of his Service Contract, Mr Rose has a one-year notice 
period, which entitles him to all relevant remuneration payable for the period to 22 January 2021. In agreement with the Board, Mr Rose’s 
remuneration in respect of base salary, benefits, pension and annual bonus ceased on 31 December 2020, with all relevant remuneration being 
paid up to this date, with his outstanding awards under the Hunting Performance Share Plan pro-rated to this date as noted in the Directors’ 
Share Interest table.

Mr Rose’s remuneration paid from 16 April 2020, the date of his retirement as a Director, up to 31 December 2020 is as follows:

Peter Rose

Base Salary
$000
309

Benefits
$000
24

Pension
$000
77

Annual Bonus
$000
47

HPSP
$000
8

Total
$000
 465

Dennis Proctor, the Group’s former Chief Executive, retired from the Company on 1 September 2017 and was treated as a good leaver.
With the exception of outstanding HPSP awards, no emoluments were paid to Mr Proctor in 2020. Mr Proctor’s 2017 HPSP grant vested
on 3 March 2020, when he received 47,946 Ordinary shares at a value of $252,841 and a cash equivalent dividend of $6,712.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements114
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Annual Report on Remuneration

continued 

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

Directori
Executives
Jim Johnsoniii
Bruce Ferguson
Peter Roseiii
Non-executives
Annell Bay
Carol Chesney
Jay Glick
Richard Hunting
– as trustee
– as Director of Hunting Investments Limited
Keith Lough

At 
31 December 
2020ii

At 
31 December 
2019ii

367,629
101,835
176,594

205,042
65,424
167,712

13,440
9,000
75,923
468,133
194,960
11,003,487
19,000

11,840
5,000
41,373
468,133
905,783
11,003,487
9,000

i.  Beneficial share interests are those Ordinary shares owned by the Director or spouse, which the Director is free to dispose of.
ii.  Or cessation date.
iii.  Jim Johnson’s total shareholding includes 52,032 Ordinary shares which were awarded under the Group’s Annual Bonus plan and which are restricted from being sold for 

up to a period of two years. Peter Rose’s total shareholding includes 20,699 Ordinary shares which are subject to the same restriction.

There have been no further changes to the Directors’ share interests in the period 31 December 2020 to 4 March 2021.

The Group operates a share ownership policy that requires Directors and certain senior executives within the Group to build up a holding in 
shares equal in value to a certain multiple of their base salary or annual fee. The multiple takes into account the post-tax value of vested but 
unexercised share awards or options. The Committee noted the decline in the Company’s share price in the year, which had impacted the 
compliance levels of the Directors. The required shareholding of each Director and the current shareholding as a multiple of base salary as 
at 31 December 2020 is presented below:

Director
Jim Johnson
Bruce Ferguson
Annell Bay
Carol Chesney
Jay Glick
Richard Hunting
Keith Lough

Required holding expressed as a 
multiple of base salary or fee
5
2
1
1
1
1
1

Requirement met*
N
N
N
N
Y
Y
Y

* 

The value of the holding of the Directors has been determined using the value on purchase of Ordinary shares or the share price at 31 December 2020 of £2.23.

115
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

The interests of the executive Directors over Ordinary shares of the Group under the HPSP are set out below. The vesting of options and awards 
are subject to performance conditions set out within the Policy.

Director
Jim Johnson

Total

Peter Rose

Total

Bruce Ferguson

Total

Bruce Ferguson

Total

Interests at 
1 January 
2020
223,533
286,624
422,507
–
932,664

115,889
87,085
119,201
–
322,175

23,870
19,157
27,008
–
70,035

24,214
12,771
18,005
54,990

Options/
awards 
granted in 
year
–
–
–
653,205
653,205

–
–
–
182,532
182,532

–
–
–
91,022
91,022

–
–
–
–

Options/
awards 
exercised in 
year
(148,314)
–
–
–
(148,314)

Options/
awards 
lapsed in 
year
(75,219)
–
–
–

Interests at 
31 December 
2020
–
286,624
422,507
653,205
(75,219) 1,362,336

–
–
–
–
–

(52,000)
(8,661)
(48,398)
(132,023)
(241,082)

(15,837)
–
–
–
(15,837)

(24,214)
–
–
(24,214)

(8,033)
–
–
–
(8,033)

–
–
–
–

63,889
78,424
70,803
50,509
263,625

–
19,157
27,008
91,022
137,187

–
12,771
18,005
30,776

Exercise 
price 
p
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

Grant date
03.03.17
19.04.18
21.03.19
03.03.20

Date 
exercisable
03.03.20
19.04.21
21.03.22
03.03.23

Expiry date
–
–
–
–

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil
Nil
Nil

03.03.17
19.04.18
21.03.19
03.03.20

03.03.20
19.04.21
21.03.22
03.03.23

03.03.27
19.04.28
21.04.29
03.03.30

03.03.17
19.04.18
21.03.19
03.03.20

03.03.20
19.04.21
21.03.22
03.03.23

03.03.27
19.04.28
21.04.29
03.03.30

03.03.17
19.04.18
21.03.19

03.03.20
19.04.21
21.03.22

03.03.27
19.04.28
21.04.29

Scheme
HPSP^
HPSP^
HPSP^
HPSP^

HPSP~
HPSP~
HPSP~
HPSP~

HPSP~
HPSP~
HPSP~
HPSP~

HRSP*
HRSP*
HRSP*

^   Nil-cost share awards that are not yet vested or exercisable and still subject to the performance conditions being measured in accordance with the HPSP rules.
~   Nil-cost share options that are not yet vested or exercisable and still subject to the performance conditions being measured in accordance with the HPSP rules.
* 

The Group operates a time-based share award programme as part of the shareholder approved Hunting Performance Share Plan for certain non-Board employees, which vest based 
on continued service to the Company throughout the performance period. The HRSP awards to Mr Ferguson noted above reflect historical awards made to him under this programme.

Shareholder Voting at the 2020 AGM
At the Company’s AGM held in April 2020, the resolution to approve the Annual Report on Remuneration received the following votes 
from shareholders:

For
Against
Votes withheldi
Total votes cast

Number of votes cast
125,480,115
8,449,794
331,831
134,261,740

% of votes cast
93.69
6.31
–
100.00

i 

A vote withheld is not a vote in law and is not included in the calculation for votes cast.

The Directors’ Remuneration Policy was last approved by shareholders at the Company’s Annual General Meeting on 18 April 2018, with 98.92% 
voting in favour of the resolution. The new Directors’ Remuneration Policy will next be tabled for shareholder approval at the Company’s Annual 
General Meeting on 21 April 2021.

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 
investment. The choice of performance metrics represents certain operating costs of the Group and the use of operating cash flows in delivering 
long-term shareholder value.

Employee remunerationi
Net tax paidii
Dividends paid to Hunting PLC shareholdersii
Capital investmentii

2020
$m
205.9
5.0
8.2
14.7

2019
$m
260.0
7.7
16.6
36.0

Change
-21%
-35%
-51%
-59%

Includes staff costs for the year (note 8) plus benefits in kind of $33.1m (2019 – $37.1m), which primarily comprises US medical insurance costs.

i. 
ii.  Please refer to page 141.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements116
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Annual Report on Remuneration

continued 

Executive Director Remuneration and the Wider Workforce
The changes to the remuneration of the Chief Executive in 2020 compared to 2019 and those of the total workforce are as follows:

Base salary
Bonus
Benefits

The average salary increase for employees in 2020 was nil%.

Chief Executive Average employee
-2%
-81%
+6%

+1%
-74%
-6%

Changes to Director and Employee Pay
The table below is presented in compliance with the Shareholder Rights Directive II. The changes to the pay of the executive Directors exclude 
pension contributions and share awards. If a Director has not served for the entire year, they are shown as not applicable. The percentage 
change to the emoluments of the global employees in 2020 reflects the movement in their average base salary, cash bonus and benefits in kind.

Jim Johnson
Bruce Ferguson
Annell Bay
Carol Chesney
Jay Glick
Richard Hunting
Keith Lough
Peter Rose
Global employees

2018 to 2019
-37%
n/a
+11%
+46%
+5%
Nil
+56%
-34%
Nil

2019 to 2020
-29%
n/a
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
n/a
-7%

Chief Executive and Workforce Pay Ratio

Year
2019

2020

Method
Option A
Workforce Pay Quartiles
Option A
Workforce Pay Quartiles

25th percentile 
pay ratio
49:1
$45,663
22:1
$51,239

50th percentile 
pay ratio
38:1
$58,603
18:1
$61,329

75th percentile 
pay ratio
22:1
$99,521
10:1
$107,314

The Company has elected to disclose voluntarily the pay ratio of the Group’s Chief Executive and Workforce, in line with The Companies 
(Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018 and has adopted Option A from the regulations as the basis of presenting the pay ratio. 
Option A has been selected by the Committee as it believes this methodology aligns closely with the Chief Executive’s single figure 
remuneration calculation.

The Remuneration Committee believes that the compensation framework in operation across the Group is appropriate, and in addition to 
a base salary and benefits appropriate to the relevant jurisdiction of operation, can include annual bonuses and participation in long-incentive 
programmes. External benchmarking is a regular feature of the Group’s overall pay framework, to ensure Hunting remains competitive in its 
chosen markets.

Hunting’s UK employees averaged 196 in the year (2019 – 207), which represents 8% (2019 – 7%) of the Group’s total average workforce in 
2020. The basis of the workforce calculation is aligned with the basis of preparation of the single figure table on page 108, comprising of fixed 
and variable emoluments and is calculated on a full-time equivalent basis, in line with the requirements of the regulations. Further, the above 
disclosure assumes a maximum company pension contribution of 12% of base salary. However, it is noted that not all UK employees elect to 
receive this level of contribution. This data has been collated for the 12 months ended 31 December 2020.

In the year, base salary freezes were implemented given the market downturn. As a consequence of the downturn, workforce reductions were 
implemented to align with prevailing market conditions. Therefore, the movements in the workforce pay quartiles during 2020 reflects the impact 
of the reduction in force programmes implemented in the year and the reduction in the pay ratios in the year reflects the lower vesting of variable 
pay, including annual bonuses and long-term incentives.

117
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Executive Director Remuneration and Shareholder Returns
The following chart compares the TSR of Hunting PLC between 2010 and 2020 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.

Total Shareholder Return
(Rebased to 100 at 31 December 2010)

180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

31/12/10

31/12/11

31/12/12

31/12/13

31/12/14

31/12/15

31/12/16

31/12/17

31/12/18

31/12/19

31/12/20

Hunting PLC

 DJ US Oil Equipment & Services

DJ Stoxx TM Oil Equipment, Services & Distribution

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

2020 – Jim Johnson
2019 – Jim Johnson
2018 – Jim Johnson
2017 – Jim Johnson (from 1 September)
2017 – Dennis Proctor (to 1 September)
2016 – Dennis Proctor
2015 – Dennis Proctor
2014 – Dennis Proctor
2013 – Dennis Proctor
2012 – Dennis Proctor
2011 – Dennis Proctor

Single figure
remunerationi 
$000
1,117
2,229
3,715
819
3,974
941
1,031
4,808
4,442
5,497
3,261

Annual 
cash bonusii
%
10
39
100
33
67
Nil
Nil
57
42
75
100

ESOP/PSP/
HPSPiii
% vesting
16
66
75
4
13
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
66
Nil

LTIPiv
% award
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Nil
100
100
100
31

i.  Single figure remuneration reflects the aggregate remuneration paid to the Chief Executive as defined within the Directors’ Remuneration Policy.
ii.  Annual cash bonus percentages reflect the bonus received by the Chief Executive each year expressed as a percentage of maximum bonus opportunity.
iii.  Percentage vesting reflects the percentage of the ESOP that vested in the financial year and the percentage of the PSP and HPSP where a substantial portion of the performance 

period was completed at the financial year-end. Messrs Johnson’s and Proctor’s awards have been pro-rated for their period of service as Chief Executive.

iv.  LTIP award percentage reflects the award value expressed as a percentage of maximum award opportunity received each year measured at 31 December. The LTIP expired in 2015 

with no further awards outstanding.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
118
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Annual Report on Remuneration

continued 

Implementation of Policies in 2021
The remuneration policies for 2021 will be applied in line with those detailed on pages 98 to 106, subject to shareholder approval at the 
Company’s Annual General Meeting on 21 April 2021.

Salary and Fees
In December 2020, the Board concluded that there would be no changes made to fees payable to the non-executive Directors for 2021.

The Remuneration Committee will meet in April 2021 to consider base salary changes for the executive Directors. Any changes are likely to align 
with any Group-wide base salary increases.

Pension and Benefits
Jim Johnson will continue to receive contributions towards a US deferred compensation scheme and a US 401K match deferred savings plan, 
in line with previous years. Bruce Ferguson will continue to receive a cash sum in lieu of a pension contribution which will be fixed at 12% of his 
base salary.

No changes are anticipated to the provision of benefits which will continue to include healthcare insurance, a company car and fuel benefits.

Annual Bonus
The annual performance-linked bonus for 2021 will operate in line with the 2021 Directors’ Remuneration Policy. The Committee will disclose 
details of the retrospective performance against the pre-set financial targets and personal/strategic performance objectives, as the Board 
believes that forward disclosure of the financial targets is commercially sensitive. The annual bonus weightings will remain unchanged from 2020, 
being 60% PBT, 20% ROCE and 20% personal/strategic performance.

HPSP
The grants to the executive Directors for 2021 will be made in March 2021. The performance conditions, weightings and targets for the HPSP 
award will generally align with the 2020 HPSP grant. The performance targets will be included in the Stock Exchange announcement to be 
issued on award of the 2021 HPSP grant. It is anticipated that given the share price decline since the last grant under the HPSP, the 
Remuneration Committee will apply a 22% reduction to the normal award levels.

Compliance Statement
The Directors’ Remuneration Policy and 2020 Annual Report on Remuneration reflect the Remuneration Committee’s reporting requirements 
under the amended Companies Act 2006 and the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) 
Regulations 2013, the Shareholder Rights Directive II, as enacted on 10 June 2019 and also the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code which 
became effective for the Company from 1 January 2019.

The 2020 Annual Report on Remuneration, which includes the Letter from the Chair of the Remuneration Committee, details how the approved 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy was applied during 2020. This report was approved by the Remuneration Committee at its meeting on Monday 
1 March 2021.

Annell Bay
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

4 March 2021

119
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Nomination Committee Report

For the year ended 31 December 2020 

The work of the Nomination Committee in the year has 
focused on the succession process for the Group’s Finance 
Director, in addition to considering the evaluation and 
reappointment of two non-executive Directors. In addition, 
a reappointment of the Company Chairman was undertaken, 
led by Keith Lough, the Group’s Senior Independent Director.

In December 2020, the Committee also met to discuss general 
succession matters and Director rotation. It is the intention of 
the Committee and Board to stagger Director retirements and 
following this meeting it has agreed to develop a framework 
for the future, which will also give consideration to diversity 
and ethnicity targets published in the UK.

Composition and Frequency of Meetings
The Committee currently comprises the Company Chairman and the 
independent non-executive Directors of the Company and is chaired 
by John (Jay) Glick.

The Committee meets as required to discuss succession matters and, 
in 2020, met three times throughout the year.

The Committee operates under written terms of reference approved 
by the Board, which are published on the Company’s website at 
www.huntingplc.com.

Attendance at the Nomination Committee meetings during the year 
are detailed in the table below:

John (Jay) F. Glick
Chair of the Nomination Committee

Number of meetings held
Number of meetings attended 
(actual/possible):
Annell Bay
Carol Chesney
Bruce Ferguson (from 15 April 2020)
John (Jay) Glick (Committee Chair)
Richard Hunting
Jim Johnson
Keith Lough
Peter Rose (to 15 April 2020)

Member
3

Invitation

3/3
3/3
–
3/3
–
–
3/3
–

–

2/2
–
3/3
3/3
–
1/1

Employee Engagement
In December 2020, the Committee and Board received a presentation 
on the activities of the Group’s HR function, which included a review of 
key senior management personnel, succession and talent 
management programmes.

The presentation also included an overview of the reduction-in-force 
programmes which occurred during the year, as the Group’s activity 
levels declined.

Senior Management Development and Succession
As part of the new procedures introduced, evaluation of the senior 
leadership team and their direct reports has been undertaken. This 
has led to the Board identifying high-potential candidates, who 
continue to receive formal development and training to enhance the 
pipeline of talent for the most senior roles within the Company, 
including at Executive Committee and Board levels.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements120
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Nomination Committee Report

continued

Change of Finance Director
The Company announced on 23 January 2020 the retirement of Peter 
Rose as Hunting’s Finance Director and he subsequently stepped 
down from the Board at the conclusion of the Company’s Annual 
General Meeting (“AGM”) on 15 April 2020.

Board Evaluation
As noted in the Corporate Governance Report on page 90, the Board 
undertook an internally facilitated Board evaluation in 2020. The 
process concluded that the skills and experience of the Directors were 
strong and appropriate for the size and profile of the Group.

A formal succession plan for all members of Hunting’s leadership team 
has been in place for a number of years. Following discussion at the 
meeting held on 22 January 2020, and the unanimous agreement of 
its members, the Committee were delighted to recommend the 
appointment of Bruce Ferguson as Finance Director, which was 
submitted to shareholders for approval at the AGM.

As part of the succession and appointment process, Heidrick & 
Struggles assisted the Committee in the interview and benchmarking 
process. Apart from this brief, Heidrick and Struggles do not have any 
other connection to the Company. Further, Kepler Associates provided 
benchmarked remuneration data which was reviewed by the 
Remuneration Committee.

Bruce is a qualified Chartered Management Accountant. He joined 
Hunting in 1994 and has held a number of senior finance and 
operational roles within the Group’s European businesses and, until 
April 2020, was managing director of the Group’s EMEA segment.

Board Reappointments
In August 2020, the Committee met to consider the reappointment 
of Richard Hunting as non-independent, non-executive Director and 
also Jay Glick as non-executive Chair of the Company. Following a 
discussion, the Committee unanimously reappointed both Messrs 
Hunting and Glick for a further three-year term, the latter process 
being led by Keith Lough the Group’s Senor Independent Director.

Committee Effectiveness
At its August meeting, the Committee reviewed its terms of reference 
and in December considered its effectiveness, concluding that its 
performance had been satisfactory during the year.

Gender Diversity
Hunting’s gender 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; and

 • a periodic review by the Nomination Committee of its progress 

in complying with best practice recommendations.

Following the appointment of Annell Bay in 2015 and Carol Chesney 
in 2018, Hunting’s Board comprises 29% female Directors, which is 
close to the recommended UK gender target of 33%.

In December 2020, the Committee also met to consider the 
reappointment of Annell Bay for a final three-year term. Following a 
discussion, the Committee unanimously reappointed Ms Bay from 
2 February 2021.

John (Jay) F. Glick
Chair of the Nomination Committee 

4 March 2021

Mr Glick and Ms Bay will reach their nine-year limit for non-executive 
Directors in 2024, and the Committee anticipates an orderly 
succession given the general discussions held in the year. The Board 
continues to consider Mr Glick and Ms Bay as independent given their 
current tenure.

Director Rotation
At its meeting in December 2020, the Committee met to discuss 
general succession matters. Following debate, the Committee 
agreed a framework for succession and Director Rotation for the 
non-executive Directors to ensure an enhanced framework was 
in place.

As part of these discussions, gender and ethnicity targets published 
by regulators in the UK are also being given consideration in this 
planning process, with support to be provided by the Group’s Chief 
HR Officer.

121
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Audit Committee Report

For the year ended 31 December 2020 

Hunting’s core oil and gas markets suffered a major downturn 
during 2020, as a consequence of reduced economic activity 
due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but also prior to this as the US 
onshore drilling market slowed as the year commenced. The 
result of this market environment led to a significant decline in 
revenue for the Group compared to 2019 and operating losses 
being reported during 2020.

The work of the Audit Committee and Board in the year 
therefore focused on the review of the Group’s monthly trading 
results as management aligned the Group’s cost base with this 
lower level of activity, with close monitoring of its cash balances 
and overall liquidity given the challenging trading conditions. 
The healthy year-end cash position demonstrates the ability 
of the Group’s business to successfully manage the rapidly 
changing market environment.

The Committee also reviewed detailed reports on the Group’s 
Going Concern assumption ahead of its half year and full year 
results and in the year received reports on various trading 
scenarios to support the Going Concern and Viability 
Statements which are included within the 2020 Annual Report 
and Accounts. The Audit Committee remains comfortable 
that the disclosures are appropriate and that the Group has 
the necessary resources to continue trading for the periods 
under assessment.

The market downturn necessitated a comprehensive balance 
sheet review to be completed at the half and full year, with 
detailed impairment testing completed on the Group’s 
non-current and current assets.

The Group’s auditor has also performed well, with good levels 
of support and challenge provided to management during 
the half and full year audit processes, again providing comfort 
to the Committee of the Group’s performance and position 
being reported.

Carol Chesney
Chair of the Audit Committee

Composition and Frequency of Meetings
The Committee currently comprises three independent non-executive 
Directors and is chaired by Carol Chesney. Mrs Chesney is a qualified 
Chartered Accountant and is considered to have recent and relevant 
financial experience. Mr Lough and Ms Bay (Chair of the Remuneration 
Committee) have experience of the global energy industry, with 
particular expertise in the UK and US oil and gas markets. Further 
details of the Committee’s experience can be found in the biographical 
summaries set out on pages 82 and 83.

During the year, there were no changes to the composition of 
the Committee.

The Committee usually meets four times a year and operates under 
written terms of reference approved by the Board, which are published 
on the Company’s website at www.huntingplc.com.

In 2020, the Committee met four times, in February, July, August and 
December, and the attendance record of Committee members and 
Board invitees during the year is noted below:

Number of meetings held
Number of meetings attended  
(actual/possible):
Annell Bay 
Carol Chesney (Committee Chair)
Bruce Ferguson (from 15 April 2020)
John (Jay) Glick
Richard Hunting
Jim Johnson
Keith Lough
Peter Rose (to 15 April 2020)

Member
4

Invitation

4/4
4/4

4/4

3/3
4/4
4/4
4/4

1/1

All Directors, internal and external auditors are normally invited to 
attend meetings.

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 the Board with a recommendation regarding the Half Year 
and Annual Report and Accounts, including whether they are fair, 
balanced and understandable;

 • review the Company’s and Group’s Going Concern and 

Viability Statements;

 • monitor, review and assess the Group’s systems of risk 

management and internal control;

 • review reports from the Group’s external and internal auditors, 

including details of the audit programmes and scope;

 • consider and recommend to the Board the appointment or 

reappointment of the external auditor as applicable;

 • agree the scope and fees of the external audit;
 • monitor and approve engagement of the external auditor for the 

provision of non-audit services to the Group;

 • review the external auditor’s independence and effectiveness of the 

audit process;

 • monitor corporate governance and accounting developments;
 • monitor the Group’s Bribery Act compliance procedures;
 • review the procedures to comply with the UK Modern Slavery 

Act; and

 • monitor whistleblowing procedures.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements122
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Audit Committee Report

continued 

Work Undertaken by the Committee During 2020
The Committee discussed, reviewed and made a number of decisions 
on key areas throughout 2020, which are set out below:

Feb

Jul

Aug

Dec

•
•
•

•
•

•
•

•

•

Financial Report
Annual Report and Full Year Results  
  announcement
Going Concern basis
Viability Statement
Interim Report and Interim Results  
  announcement
Review accounting policies
Internal control and risk management
Risk management and internal control  
  report
Key risks and mitigating controls
Effectiveness of internal controls and  

internal audit function

Internal audit report
Internal audit programme and resourcing
Procedures for preventing bribery and  
  corruption
Procedures for complying with the  
  Modern Slavery Act
Sanctions compliance
Whistleblowing summary reports
External auditor
Auditor’s objectives, independence  
  and appointment
Full Year and Half Year report to the  
  Audit Committee
Final Management Letter on internal  
  controls
Auditor’s performance and effectiveness
Proposed Year-End audit plan including  
  scope, fees and engagement letter
Risk of auditor leaving the market
Other business
Whistleblowing and Bribery Policy Review
Committee effectiveness and terms  
  of reference

•

•

•

•

•

•
•
•

•

•

•

•

•

•
•

•

•
•
•

•
•

•

•
•

COVID-19
The Committee’s annual schedule of work was disrupted by the 
COVID-19 pandemic, with the normal meeting in April being delayed 
until early July. All items of normal business have been completed by 
the Committee during the year.

As noted elsewhere in the Annual Report, the Board met fortnightly 
between March and June 2020, where regular management reports 
were received on the current market environment, trading 
performance, mitigating actions and health and safety updates. In 
addition to these operational reports, cash and liquidity reports were 
presented by the Finance Director, which contained three-month 
forward cash projections and bank facility arrangements. Throughout 
this period, the reports showed that the Group’s net cash balances 
would remain healthy and, with the efforts to reduce working capital 
underway from Q2 2020, showed a steady increase throughout the 
balance of year, giving the Committee and the Board confidence of the 
financial stability of the Group and its liquidity.

Management has updated its projected trading expectations twice in 
2020 and has prepared medium-range financial forecasts that extend 
to 2025. Projections were reviewed by the Committee in draft at its 
July 2020 meeting prior to Board approval in August 2020; these also 
supported the impairments recorded with the Group’s half year 
results. The projections were subsequently updated as part of the 
year-end preparations and did not result in any further impairments 
being recorded. The projections were also used in determining the 
Going Concern and Viability Statements.

Acquisition of Enpro Subsea
In February 2020, the Group announced the acquisition of Enpro 
Subsea Limited (“Enpro”) for a cash consideration of $32.8m, 
excluding cash acquired of $5.5m. Enpro provides subsea equipment 
to global exploration and production companies. The main assets 
recognised on the acquisition were property, plant and equipment 
of $5.8m, other intangible assets of $19.2m and goodwill of $13.4m. 
These balances have not been impaired in the year. As part of the 
acquisition agreement, a maximum $3.0m earn-out was agreed, 
subject to achieving a required threshold for an adjusted EBITDA 
measure in the 2020 financial year. The fair value of the earn out was 
determined to be $2.5m at the acquisition date and, given the 
reduction in trading activity in H1 2020, the earn out consideration was 
fully released within the Group’s half year results, as the financial target 
was not expected to be met. At the year-end, the required threshold 
was not met. The business has, however, made good progress since 
acquisition and management considers its results to be excellent, 
given the industry challenges widely reported in the year.

Disposal of Drilling Tools Business
In December 2020, the Group announced the disposal of the US 
segment’s Drilling Tools business unit to Rival Downhole Tools LC 
(“Rival”), in exchange for a 23.5% equity interest in the enlarged Rival 
business. The disposal was achieved through the transfer of the key 
operating assets, such as the rental fleet, and the majority of 
employees to Rival, who also agreed to lease from the Group certain 
facilities occupied by the Drilling Tools business. The accounting for 
the transaction, including the valuation of Hunting’s share of the 
enlarged Rival business, was reviewed by the Committee as part 
of the year-end accounts preparation.

Review of the 2020 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 segments is considered, with key 
judgements, estimates and accounting policies being approved by the 
Committee ahead of a recommendation to the Board. In addition to 
briefings and supporting reports from the central finance team on 
significant issues, the Committee engages in discussion with Deloitte, 
the Group’s external auditor. Significant matters reviewed by the 
Committee in connection with the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts 
were as follows:

Impairment Reviews
As noted in the letter from the Chair of the Committee, the Group’s 
trading results in 2020 were adversely impacted by the significant 
market downturn, leading to reduced revenue and operating losses 
being reported in the year. 

As a consequence of this lower trading environment, impairment 
reviews in respect to the Group’s current and non-current assets were 
completed, leading to impairment charges being recorded during 
the year. 

 
123
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Independent market projections providing an indication of drilling 
investment and activity levels over the medium term are published by 
Spears and Associates, which form a reference for the Group’s 
forecasts. These projections support the impairment modelling 
completed by management. Management can make adjustments to 
these market projections to take into account its expectations for 
specific product lines or other geographic considerations relevant to 
Hunting’s operational footprint. The impairments recorded in the year 
in respect of the Group’s current and non-current assets are therefore:

As at 31 
December  

2019
$m

Exceptional 
impairments
$m

Other  

movements
$m

As at 31 
December  

2020
$m

Property, plant and  
  equipment
Right-of-use assets
Goodwill
Other intangible  
  assets
Inventories
Net trade  

receivables

Total

354.7
36.7
230.2

78.5
350.8

(19.4)
(4.1)
(79.8)

(39.2)
(34.2)

155.5
1,206.4

(1.2)
(177.9)

(28.2)
(2.8)
13.8

3.6
(28.2)

(47.4)
(89.2)

307.1
29.8
164.2

42.9
288.4

106.9
939.3

$174.9m of impairments were charged to exceptional items in the 
Group’s Half Year Results issued in August 2020, with additional net 
charges of $3.0m being recognised as part of the year-end review and 
audit process.

Property, Plant and Equipment (“PPE”)
The year-end balance sheet includes $307.1m (2019 – $354.7m) for 
PPE. This represents approximately 31% of the Group’s net assets 
(2019 – 29%). The movement in PPE reflects $14.8m of additions and 
$5.8m recognised as part of the acquisition of Enpro, offset by 
impairments of $19.4m, the derecognition of the Drilling Tools assets 
of $14.7m, and $34.1m of other movements, including depreciation. 
The majority of the impairments, which were recorded in the half-year 
accounts, were in respect of the Group’s US Drilling Tools and UK well 
intervention businesses, where the future utilisation of these assets 
was expected to be lower, given the medium-term outlook for these 
businesses. The Committee reviewed the PPE impairment tests 
and subsequent charge and, following discussion, was satisfied 
that the assumptions and the disclosures in the year-end accounts 
were appropriate.

Right-of-use Assets
The year-end balance sheet includes right-of-use assets of $29.8m 
(2019 – $36.7m). This represents approximately 3% of the Group’s net 
assets (2019 – 3%). Following the decision in August 2020 to close the 
Group’s Calgary manufacturing in Canada, the Group recorded an 
impairment of $3.9m given the impact of the closure on the terms of 
the lease held. An impairment of $0.2m was also recognised in 
Hunting Titan. The Committee considered and confirmed the 
appropriateness of the assumptions and factors used in the review 
process and were comfortable with the charges, as recorded.

Goodwill
The year-end balance sheet includes $164.2m (2019 – $230.2m) 
of goodwill. This represents approximately 17% of the Group’s net 
assets (2019 – 19%). Given the material decline in global markets, as 
noted in the Market Review section on pages 40 to 44, the carrying 
values for goodwill for each relevant cash generating unit were tested 
for impairment, resulting in a charge of $79.8m being recorded. 

Of this figure, $65.6m is in relation to the Hunting Titan operating 
segment, in addition to impairments within the Dearborn, Specialty 
and European Well Intervention businesses. The Hunting Titan cash 
generating unit retains $114.9m of goodwill following this exercise. 
The Committee considered and challenged the discount rates and the 
factors used in the review process. After discussion, it was satisfied 
that the charges recorded and the disclosures in the year-end 
accounts were appropriate.

Other Intangible Assets
The year-end balance sheet includes other intangible assets of 
$42.9m (2019 – $78.5m). This represents approximately 4% of the 
Group’s net assets (2019 – 6%). The amortisation charge recorded in 
the consolidated income statement was $20.8m (2019 – $32.3m), of 
which $17.3m arose on acquired intangible assets. The impairment 
review work assessed the carrying values held in respect of customer 
relationships held within the Hunting Titan operating segment, in 
addition to the future values of internally generated technology, and, 
given the market decline, recorded impairments of $39.2m. The 
Committee considered and confirmed the appropriateness of the 
assumptions and factors used in the review process and were 
comfortable with the charges, as recorded.

Inventories
At the year-end, the Group held $288.4m (2019 – $350.8m) of 
inventory. This represents approximately 30% of the Group’s net 
assets (2019 – 29%). Inventory levels are lower at the year-end due to 
reduced activity levels and reviews of carrying values carried out 
during the year that led to net impairments of $36.4m being recorded 
(2019 – $5.9m), with $34.2m recognised as exceptional. Given this 
outcome, the Committee concluded that inventory carrying values 
were fairly stated.

Receivables
Given the market decline, the Group reviewed and impaired its 
outstanding receivables by a net $1.8m (2019 – $1.1m) during the year, 
with $1.2m shown as exceptional. As part of the review of the Group’s 
half and full year results, the Committee noted that this work aligned 
with the review of other assets.

Pre-Tax Exceptional Items Charged to the Consolidated Income 
Statement 
The Committee considered the accounting policy definition of 
exceptional items and the items included within the financial 
statements to ensure consistency of treatment and adherence 
to policy. The Group has recorded $177.9m of impairments as 
exceptional, as noted above. In addition to the impairments, 
amortisation of acquired intangible assets and other exceptional 
items have been recognised as follows:

Impairments
Amortisation of acquired  

intangible assets
Restructuring charges
Acquisition costs
Reversal of contingent  
  consideration
Profit on disposal of Canadian  
  assets
Total amortisation and  
  exceptional items

2020
$m
177.9

17.3
10.3
1.4

(2.5)

(0.8)

2019
$m
19.0

28.5
–
–

–

–

203.6

47.5

In 2019, the impairment recorded in respect of the Group’s operations 
for the full year totalled $19.0m and was wholly related to the 
impairment of PPE within the Group’s US Drilling Tools business.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
 
124
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Audit Committee Report

continued 

Taxation
In view of the international spread of operations, the Committee 
monitors tax risk, tax audits and provisions held for taxation. The 
Finance Director briefed the Committee on developments throughout 
the year. In the year, management reviewed the trading outlook for 
the Group’s US operations, and, given the decline in market activity, 
decided to derecognise $21.5m of deferred tax assets, as realisation 
of the tax benefit is not probable within a reasonable time frame. 
The Committee noted this critical judgement and confirmed the 
appropriateness of this item.

Going Concern Basis and Viability Statement
Given the trading losses recorded at the half and full year, the 
Committee considered the Going Concern assumption to be 
disclosed within the 2020 Half Year and Annual Reports.

Detailed modelling of the Group’s trading expectations were 
completed, including the review of base, downside and “breaking 
point” trading scenarios. Key to the Group’s Going Concern 
assumption is its ability to retain a positive total cash and bank position 
and minimise trading losses until wider market conditions improve.

The Committee monitored these assumptions and the disclosures 
around Going Concern at the half and full year, as well as those 
around the Group’s Viability Statement for the full year. 

The Committee concluded that, given the flexibility of the Group’s 
business model, in particular its ability to reduce its cost base to align 
with market conditions, good support for Hunting’s longer-term 
viability exists. Further, the assessment is supported by the year-end 
total cash and bank position of $101.7m (2019 – $127.0m).

These factors supported the Committee’s assessment of the Going 
Concern Statement and the Viability Statement, as detailed on pages 
77 to 79. The statements considered by the Committee were 
supported by reviews of the regular forecast updates provided by 
management and the bank covenant compliance reports.

In the year, Hunting remained fully compliant with its bank covenants. 
The Group’s $160m revolving credit facility expires in December 2022, 
and the Company can increase the facility by a further $75m to $235m 
subject to approval of the lending group and also extend the facility’s 
maturity date to December 2023, based on mutual agreement 
between all parties.

On 1 March 2021, the Audit Committee approved the Viability 
Statement, detailed on pages 77 and 78 of the Strategic Report, 
noting that it presented a reasonable outlook for the Group for the 
next three years.

Fair, Balanced and Understandable Assessment
The Committee has reviewed the financial statements, together with 
the narrative contained within the Strategic Report set out on pages 
61 to 72, and believes that the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts, 
taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable.

In arriving at this conclusion the Committee undertook the following:

 • review and dialogue in respect of the monthly management 
accounts and supporting narrative circulated to the Board;

 • review of early drafts of the Annual Report and Accounts, providing 

relevant feedback to the executive Directors;

 • 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 2020 
Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, was fair, balanced 
and understandable at a Meeting of Directors on 1 March 2021.

Internal Audit
The Committee receives reports from the Internal Audit function. 
The Chair of the Committee also has regular dialogue with the function 
throughout the year. During the year, the activities of the function were 
curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic in Q2 2020, however, activities 
did resume in H2 2020. In 2020, the Group has implemented a new 
ERP system within a number of businesses. To support this initiative, 
the Head of Internal Audit provided consulting services to the Chief IT 
Officer in respect of best practice control procedures and segregation 
of duties.

The Committee 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 and 
approved by the Committee. For 2020, the Committee noted that the 
internal audit focus altered due to the inability to travel to all of the 
planned audit locations. As a result, resources were leveraged towards 
ongoing software implementation programmes ensuring that sufficient 
controls were embedded in these systems and those planned for the 
future. The Committee met with the Head of Internal Audit, without the 
presence of the executive Directors, on three occasions during the year. 
The effectiveness of the Internal Audit function was also considered by 
the Committee at its February/March meeting, which concluded that 
the function remained effective.

External Audit
Deloitte LLP was appointed by the Group’s shareholders as external 
auditor in April 2019 and therefore no tenders have been undertaken 
in the year due to their current tenure. This position also applies to the 
engagement partner attached to the Group’s account.

The external auditor presented reports at the February, July, August 
and December meetings of the Audit Committee during 2020. Further, 
the Chair of the Committee also has had regular dialogue with the 
audit partner throughout the year.

In March 2021, a full year report by Deloitte was considered ahead 
of publication of the Group’s 2020 Annual Report and Accounts. In 
July 2020, Deloitte presented its Management Controls Report, which 
highlighted control improvements that could be made by the Group.

The Committee meets with the external auditor, without executive 
Directors present, at the end of each formal meeting.

During the year, the Company complied with the provisions of the 
Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies Market Investigation 
(Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender Process and Audit Committee 
Responsibilities) Order 2014.

Audit Scope
The Audit Committee considered the audit scope and materiality 
threshold. The audit scope addressed Group-wide risks and local 
statutory reporting, enhanced by desk-top reviews for smaller, low risk 
entities. Approximately 81% of the Group’s reported revenue and over 
81% of absolute loss after tax and 89% of the Group’s net assets were 
audited, covering 21 reporting units, including a number of investment 
holding companies, across seven countries.

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Materiality
The Committee discussed materiality with the auditor regarding both 
accounting errors that will be brought to the Audit Committee’s 
attention and amounts that would need to be adjusted so that the 
financial statements give a true and fair view. Overall, audit materiality 
was set at $3.5m (2019 – $3.8m). This equates to approximately 0.4% 
of the Group’s net assets for 2020. Furthermore, the auditor agreed to 
draw to the Audit Committee’s attention all identified, uncorrected 
misstatements greater than $175,000.

Audit Effectiveness and Independence
The external auditor’s 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 undertaken at the April meeting of the Committee. 
The assessment considers the various matters including:

 • the auditor’s 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 auditor’s response to questions from the Committee, including 

during private meetings without management present;

 • the independence, objectivity and scepticism of the auditors;
 • a report from the Finance Director and the Group Financial 

Controller; and

 • finalisation of the audit work ahead of completion and 
announcement of the Annual Report and Accounts.

Bribery Act
In compliance with the UK Bribery Act, Hunting has procedures in 
place, including the publication of Anti-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 Committee reviews the compliance 
procedures relating to the Bribery Act at its April and December 
meetings, which incorporates risk assessments completed by each 
business unit and gifts and entertainment disclosures 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 Committee, where appropriate.

Modern Slavery Act
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 was enacted in 2016 and requires 
companies to evaluate internal and external risks related to human 
trafficking and modern slavery. Procedures were introduced during 
2016 and continued in 2020, whereby each business unit across 
the Group completed due diligence on its workforce to highlight 
employment risks in relation to trafficking and slavery. All businesses 
within the Group also completed a risk-mapping exercise of their 
known supply chain to evaluate those customers and suppliers to the 
Group who operate in those jurisdictions where trafficking and slavery 
is more prevalent. Hunting published its Modern Slavery Act report 
in March 2020, located at www.huntingplc.com. Since 2018 the 
Group’s “Code of Conduct” training course has been rolled out to all 
employees of the Group, which incorporates information on modern 
slavery and trafficking.

In addition, the Committee reviewed and took account of the reports 
from the Financial Reporting Council on Deloitte LLP, and reviewed a 
transparency report prepared by Deloitte LLP. After considering these 
matters, the Committee was satisfied with the effectiveness of the 
year-end audit process.

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 and is sent to most customers and suppliers.

Non-Audit Services
The Committee closely monitors fees paid to the auditor in respect 
of non-audit services. With the exception of audit-related assurance 
services, which totalled $0.1m (2019 – $0.1m), there were no non-audit 
services fees paid during the year (2019 – $nil). The scope and extent of 
non-audit work undertaken by the external auditor is monitored by, and 
requires prior approval from, the Committee to ensure that the provision 
of such services does not impair their independence or objectivity.

Auditor Reappointment
Following discussion in March 2021, the Committee approved of the 
recommendation to propose the reappointment of Deloitte LLP at the 
Company’s 2021 Annual General Meeting.

Internal Controls
The Group has an established risk management framework and 
internal control environment, which was in operation throughout the 
year. The Committee monitors these arrangements on behalf of the 
Board and these are detailed in the Risk Management section of the 
Strategic Report on pages 51 to 54.

Whistleblowing
The Company’s Senior Independent Director, Keith Lough, is the 
primary point of contact for staff or other key partners 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.

Review of Committee Effectiveness
During the year, the Committee reviewed its effectiveness and the 
Committee Chairman reported these findings to the Board. No issues 
were identified in this review process.

Carol Chesney
Chair of the Audit Committee 

4 March 2021

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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the Members of Hunting PLC

For the year ended 31 December 2020 

Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements
1. Opinion
In our opinion:

 • the financial statements of Hunting PLC (the “parent Company”) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) give a true and fair view of the state of the 

Group’s and of the parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2020 and of the Group’s loss for the year then ended;

 • the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union; 

 • the parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity 

with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006; and

 • the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

We have audited the financial statements which comprise:

 • the consolidated income statement;
 • the consolidated statement of comprehensive income;
 • the consolidated and parent company balance sheets;
 • the consolidated and parent company statements of changes in equity;
 • the consolidated and parent company statement of cash flows; and
 • the related notes 1 to 42 for the consolidated financial statements, and notes C1 to C21 for the parent company financial statements.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the group financial statements is applicable law and international 
accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and as 
issued by the IASB. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the parent company financial statements is 
applicable law and international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

2. Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. 

We are independent of the Group and the parent Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the 
financial statements in the UK, including the Financial Reporting Council’s (the ‘FRC’s’) Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest 
entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We confirm that the non-audit services 
prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the group or the parent company.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

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3. Summary of our Audit Approach

Key audit matters

The key audit matters that we identified in the 
current year were:

Within this report, key audit matters are identified 
as follows:

inventory valuation;

• 
•  goodwill and non-current asset impairment;
•  revenue recognition; and
•  going concern.

  Newly identified 

Increased level of risk 

  Similar level of risk 

Materiality

Scoping

Significant 
changes in our 
approach

The materiality that we used for the Group financial statements was $3.5 million (2019: $3.8 million), which was 
determined on the basis of net assets.
The scope of our Group audit includes a number of reporting units across the Group, whose results taken together 
account for 81% of the Group’s revenue, 81% of the Group’s absolute loss after tax and 89% of the Group’s net 
assets. Our audit work covered Group operations in seven countries, covering 21 reporting units, including a 
number of investment holding companies. 
The benchmark used to determine our materiality threshold has changed from profit before tax in 2019 to a net 
asset metric in 2020, given the relative stability of the Group’s balance sheet despite a significant decline in 
revenue and loss before tax incurred in the year. We consider an asset-based benchmark to be a more relevant 
metric in the current economic environment. 

In light of the uncertain market conditions, we elevated our risk over the appropriateness of the going concern 
assumption and the associated disclosures. This has been identified as a key audit matter for 2020.

Other than those changes identified above, there have been no other significant changes to our approach. 

4. Conclusions Relating to Going Concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the 
financial statements is appropriate.

Our evaluation of the Directors’ assessment of the Group’s and parent Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting is discussed in section 5.4. 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or 
collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s and parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve 
months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

In relation to the reporting on how the Group has applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, we have nothing material to add or draw attention 
to in relation to the Directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether the Directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going 
concern basis of accounting.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
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Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the Members of Hunting PLC

continued 

5. Key Audit Matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the 
current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. These 
matters included those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the 
efforts of the engagement team.

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do 
not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

5.1. Inventory Valuation 

Key audit matter 
description

The Group holds inventory of $288.4 million (2019: $350.8 million), net of a provision of $37.2 million 
(2019: $26.5 million). The cyclical and often challenging trading environment and market conditions continue to 
expose the Group to the risk of inventory being carried at an amount greater than its net realisable value, with 
trading conditions becoming significantly more challenging in the current year. In addition, future market demand 
for both existing and new products will impact future sales, especially given the longevity of some of the Group’s 
products. These factors, together with the level of significant inventory levels carried, could lead to a risk of 
over-valuation of inventories. 

Management’s judgement in assessing the valuation of inventory is primarily based on expectations of future sales 
and inventory utilisation plans, combined with their assessment of the continued technological relevance of the 
Group’s products. 

How the scope 
of our audit 
responded to the 
key audit matter

Refer to page 123 of the Audit Committee report and notes 1, 20 and 41 to the financial statements.
We understood the process for recording inventory and assessed the nature of the Group’s inventory through 
enquiries with management, attending a number of the Group’s sites to perform a physical count and review of the 
utilisation of aged inventory products. Across all components in the Group with a material inventory balance, as 
part of our risk assessment process, we reviewed the basis for the provision recorded across all categories of 
inventory, analysing the consistency of this approach in line with comparable businesses elsewhere in the Group. 

Specifically, we have:

 • obtained an understanding of the relevant controls over the inventory valuation process, including how management 

estimate their inventory reserves;

 • obtained and reviewed the inventory provisioning models used and determined if they remain appropriate 

methodologies with reference to the level of write-offs and evidence of sale of slow-moving stock in the period to 
31 December 2020 and that they appropriately reflect the current market conditions following the recently depressed 
oil price and lower levels of product demand throughout the Group’s key markets;

 • for components that determine inventory reserves based on the date the inventory was last used, performed an 

analysis of movements between ageing categories during the year and tested a sample of items to assess whether 
the inventory categories had been appropriately reserved;

 • based on samples of items selected at a sample size correlated to the level of risk associated with inventory (which 
we assessed separately at each component with material inventory), considered the available support, including 
current sales transactions, used to determine an appropriate net realisable value to confirm that inventory is being 
held at an appropriate amount. Where deemed necessary, we also made direct enquiries of sales and operational 
personnel; 

 • where inventory consists of recently produced and newer products, we independently researched the addressable 

market to assess whether there was contradictory evidence indicating that this inventory will not be sold; and 

 • where appropriate, compared forecast sales against relevant third-party market forecasts as an ultimate stand back 

assessment on the future utilisation of current inventory levels.

Key observations We are satisfied that the judgements taken by management are appropriate in light of the current market 

conditions and expected gradual recovery from 2021 onwards.

 
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5.2. Goodwill and Non-current Asset Impairment 

Key audit matter 
description

The Group balance sheet has a significant level of goodwill and non-current assets. This includes goodwill of 
$164.2 million (2019: $230.2 million), which is tested annually for impairment. Intangible assets of 
$42.9 million (2019: $78.5 million) include customer relationships, unpatented technology and patents and 
trademarks. The property, plant and equipment balance is $307.1 million (2019: $354.7 million) and the right-of-use 
assets amounted to $29.8 million (2019: $36.7 million).

How the scope 
of our audit 
responded to the 
key audit matter

An impairment of $142.5 million was recorded in the period given the worsened market conditions and the decline 
in business activity levels due to the global impact of COVID-19, with the majority of this representing impairment of 
goodwill booked at the half year balance sheet date, which cannot be reversed under IAS 36 Impairment of Assets.

Testing a cash-generating unit (“CGU”) for impairment requires determination of its recoverable amount, which is a 
judgemental assessment that depends on the forecast future financial performance of the CGU and future market 
performance. The oil and gas market in 2020 has seen a significant decline with oil prices falling to as low as a 
negative during the second quarter of the year. Although there have been recent signs of improvement in the 
market, the Group continues to operate in challenging market conditions.

We focused our efforts on the Hunting Titan and Enpro CGUs and related disclosures in the financial statements 
given the sensitivity of the forecast revenue assumption in both CGUs, and subsequent ability to generate the 
forecast level of EBITDA margin required to support their carrying value.

Refer to pages 122 and 123 of the Audit Committee report and notes 1, 16 and 41 to the financial statements.
Across each of the Group’s CGUs we:

 • sensitised each key driver of the cash flow forecasts, by determining what we considered to be a reasonably possible 

change in the assumptions, based on current market data and historical and current business performance; and

 • calculated the degree to which the key assumptions would need to change before an impairment would be triggered. 

In respect of the Hunting Titan and Enpro CGUs, we challenged the following:

 • the forecast revenue and margin growth rate assumptions and how management have incorporated the impact of 

expected changes in levels of product demand, and the reasonableness of the timing and phasing of market recovery 
following depressed conditions principally caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, by comparing them to short- and 
medium-term growth rates with reference to independent specialist third party published reports whilst considering 
the impact already observed within the market and actual trading in the second half of 2020;

 • the terminal growth rates by comparing them to economic and industry forecast; and 
 • the discount rates by comparing the cost of capital assumption for each CGU against comparable organisations and 

independently calculated discount rates with involvement from valuations specialists.

Where an impairment was identified and booked during the period, we assessed the methodology applied, and tested 
the underlying source data.

We also reviewed the sensitivity disclosures included in the financial statements (note 16) to assess the assumptions 
selected to sensitise, and the associated range, was reasonable in light of our understanding of the risks associated with 
the future performance of these assets.

Key observations We are satisfied that the impairment of goodwill recorded during the period is appropriate, in light of the conditions that 

existed at the required testing dates. The sensitivity disclosures in the financial statements appropriately present the 
CGUs (Hunting Titan and Enpro) that are most sensitive to potential future changes in key assumptions.

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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the Members of Hunting PLC

continued 

5.3. Revenue Recognition 

Key audit matter 
description

The revenue recognised by the Group in 2020 is $626.0 million (2019: $960.0 million).

The Group’s revenue recognition policy does not generally require a high level of judgement, however due to the 
quantum of revenue, contractual terms agreed with customers and the volume of sales that occur close to period 
end, there is a cut off risk associated with certain components which has guided the focus of our audit effort. 
We have also placed due consideration on components who recognise revenue over time. 

The key risks in respect of revenue recognition are:

 • the cut-off of sales made close to the period end for point in time revenue recognition, with specific consideration 

of whether control has passed to the customer; and

 • the appropriateness of revenue recognition criteria for revenue that is recognised over time.

Refer to notes 3 and 41 to the financial statements.
We obtained an understanding of the relevant controls over the revenue process. 

For point in time revenue recognition, we evaluated the key contractual terms in place with customers and determined 
an appropriate period for testing sales close to the period end based on the date of invoicing versus the latest date 
control may pass. We evaluated whether the sales had been appropriately recognised based on the contractual terms 
and underlying evidence of when control has passed.

How the scope 
of our audit 
responded to the 
key audit matter

For over time revenue recognition, we identified significant contracts and assessed the appropriateness of the revenue 
recognition model in place, with due consideration of the underlying contractual agreement, challenging how these 
terms have been interpreted under the requirements of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and ensured 
that the revenue recorded was correctly calculated.
Based on the procedures performed, we obtained evidence that the revenue was recognised appropriately and in 
accordance with IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

Key observations

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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

5.4. Going Concern 

Key audit matter 
description

How the scope 
of our audit 
responded to the 
key audit matter

As at 31 December 2020 the Group had $102.9 million of cash at bank and in hand and $1.2 million of bank overdrafts. 
The Group’s $160 million revolving credit facility (“RCF”) due to expire in December 2022, with the associated covenants 
being in respect of the ratio of net debt to EBITDA and the ratio of finance charges to EBITDA. The facility remains 
undrawn at 31 December 2020.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the adverse impact this has had on the Group’s trading results through significant 
reductions in demand for the Group’s products, we identified an increased risk around the Group’s ability to continue as 
a going concern. We have however observed that in the second half of the year, trading declines generally flattened and 
there were signs of gradual recovery in a number of the Group’s businesses towards the end of 2020.

Should the Group generate negative EBITDA over a 12 month rolling covenant test period, and require to draw down 
on the RCF, then this could result in a technical covenant breach, which would be considered an event of default in the 
absence of obtaining any covenant waiver. We have therefore focused our work on challenging the ability of the Group 
to operate within its current cash reserves throughout the going concern period. 

Management has assessed the Group’s recent trading performance and its latest forecasts and took account of 
reasonably predictable changes in future trading performance. Management sensitised these forecasts to reflect 
plausible downside scenarios as a result of the Covid-19 impact on global economies. These forecasts demonstrated 
that the Group is able to maintain sufficient cash reserves, without utilising the RCF, within the going concern period.

Management also prepared further stress-test forecasts to identify the conditions that are required to fully consume the 
Group’s cash reserves by December 2022 (which is beyond the required period over which to assess going concern), 
causing a breach of banking covenants and restricting access to the Group’s currently undrawn RCF in the going 
concern assessment period. Further details of the extent of sensitivity performed are included on page 79. 
Management, and the Board of Directors, concluded that the likelihood of such severe forecasts occurring in 
combination was remote and, therefore, no material uncertainties were identified in relation to the Group’s ability to 
continue as a going concern in the next twelve months.
In assessing the risk associated with going concern, we performed the following procedures:

 • obtained management’s assessment of going concern and viability for the Group, understanding how this 

assessment factors in current market conditions including the expected timing and phasing of recovery as the 
worldwide economy starts to recover. We also considered Hunting’s business model and how this was factored into 
the assessment, including the impact of COVID-19 on the business and financing such as the availability of credit 
facilities and the impact on borrowing facilities;

 • made enquiries as to the process followed by management and obtained an understanding of the respective key 

controls, including the budgets and forecasts covering the foreseeable future, the process for monitoring compliance 
with covenants, the assumptions on which the assessment is based and management’s plans for future action;
 • with respect to the cash flow forecasts that drive the going concern assessment, evaluated the reliability of the 

underlying data and challenged management on the assumptions applied;

 • compared management’s assumptions to external industry data where relevant;
 • challenged the stress test prepared and assessed whether the forecasts have been sufficiently stretched to 

a reasonably unlikely scenario;

 • performed a stand-back assessment and considered all relevant audit evidence obtained, whether corroborative 

or contradictory, for any indicators of possible management bias; and

 • assessed whether management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting for the year end accounts is 

appropriate, and that the disclosures in the financial statements are adequate and sufficiently detailed.

Key observations We are satisfied that the Director’s conclusion that there are no material uncertainties over the Group and parent 

Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is appropriate.

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Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the Members of Hunting PLC

continued 

6. Our Application of Materiality
6.1. Materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions of a 
reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning the scope of our audit work and in 
evaluating the results of our work.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Materiality
Basis for 
determining 
materiality
Rationale for the 
benchmark 
applied

Group financial statements
$3.5 million (2019: $3.8 million)
0.4% of net assets (2019: 6.0% of profit before tax before 
exceptional items).

Given the impact the market and trading environment has 
had on Hunting’s results (including generating a loss 
before tax in the period), an assets-based benchmark is 
considered a more relevant metric than the profit based 
benchmark used in 2019.

Parent Company financial statements
$2.8 million (2019: $2.2 million)
Parent Company materiality equates to 0.3% (2019: 0.2%) 
of net assets, which is capped at 80% (2019: 59%) of 
Group materiality.
Given that the parent Company’s balance sheet is mostly 
made up of investments and intercompany receivables, 
we consider net assets to be the most relevant 
benchmark.

1. Net assets $976.6m
2. Group materiality $3.5m 

Group materiality
$3.5m

1

2

Component materiality range 
$1.1m to $2.8m

Audit Committee reporting threshold 
$0.175m

6.2. Performance Materiality
We set performance materiality at a level lower than materiality to reduce the probability that, in aggregate, uncorrected and undetected 
misstatements exceed the materiality for the financial statements as a whole. 

Performance 
materiality
Basis and 
rationale for 
determining 
performance 
materiality

Group financial statements
65% (2019: 65%) of Group materiality

Parent Company financial statements
65% (2019: 65%) of parent Company materiality 

In determining performance materiality, we considered the following factors:

 • our knowledge from the 2019 audit;
 • our overall assessment of the control environment and likely misstatements and the fact that our audit approach 

does not currently place any significant reliance on the Group’s controls; and

 • the potential impact of remote working caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

6.3. Error Reporting Threshold
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of $175,000 (2019: $190,000) as well 
as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit Committee on 
disclosure matters that we identified when assessing the overall presentation of the financial statements.

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7. An Overview of the Scope of our Audit
7.1. Identification and Scoping of Components
The Group has 58 (2019: 55) reporting units and the financial statements reflect a consolidation of entities covering centralised functions, 
operating units and non-trading legal entities. The systems, processes and controls in place vary across the Group and therefore our audit 
scoping procedures considered each operating unit individually. 

Our scoping consisted of three levels, with audit effort split across each scoping level. We identified 12 (2019: 12) operating units across the 
Group that were subject to full scope reporting on their complete financial information, which included four holding company reporting units. 
Specific audit procedures over certain balances were performed at a further 9 (2019: 10) operating units, including two holding company 
reporting units, to give appropriate coverage on all material balances at the Group level. The remaining operating units and balances not included 
above were subject to analytical review procedures. Together, the reporting units subject to audit procedures accounted for 81% of the Group’s 
revenue, 81% of the Group’s absolute loss after tax and 89% of the Group’s net assets. The range of component materiality levels is $1.1 million 
to $2.8 million.

Revenue

1

Absolute loss 
after tax

3

2

3

2

1

Net assets

1

3

2

1. Full audit scope 70%
2. Specified audit procedures 11%
3. Review at group level 19%

1. Full audit scope 67%
2. Specified audit procedures 14%
3. Review at group level 19%

1. Full audit scope 81%
2. Specified audit procedures 8%
3. Review at group level 11%

We have engaged local, component audit teams to conduct the procedures over the overseas business units in scope. This includes a team 
in the US for the US business (including Titan US), China, Singapore and the UK. We have exercised our oversight of these component 
teams remotely.

7.2. Our Consideration of the Control Environment 
Consistent with our 2019 audit and our 2020 audit plan, we did not adopt a controls reliance approach across any of the key business 
processes. We obtained an understanding of key manual controls within the financial reporting processes, and of those key controls relating to 
our significant risks. In addition, we have obtained an understanding of those key general IT controls (“GITCs”) within Cognos, management’s 
reporting and consolidation software.

A new ERP system (“D365”) has been implemented in the Group’s Titan US and US Manufacturing operating units. We have engaged our IT 
specialists to obtain an understanding of the associated GITCs, in areas such as information security, user access and change management. 
Further, we assessed the data conversion and migration, with focus on inventory compilation such as count and cost at date of migration. 

7.3. Working with Other Auditors
In doing our scoping procedures as described above, our audit work covered Group operations in seven countries, covering 21 reporting units, 
including a number of head office entities.

We directed and supervised our component audit teams through regular discussions and interactions during the planning phase of our audit, 
and throughout the year end procedures. We performed a detailed review of their work over areas such as key judgements and significant 
risks, with the use of technology and remote file access. We also requested a number of reporting documents to be completed by each team 
for our review. 

Further, specific audit procedures over the central functions and areas of significant judgement including taxation, treasury and impairment were 
performed by the Group audit team centrally.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
 
134
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the Members of Hunting PLC

continued 

8. Other Information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our Auditor’s Report 
thereon. The Directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, 
we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the 
financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material 
misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material 
misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

9. Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements 
and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the parent Company’s ability to continue 
as a going concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the 
Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

10. Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but 
is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements 
can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the 
economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC’s website at: 
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditor’s Report.

11. Extent to Which the Audit was Considered Capable of Detecting Irregularities, Including Fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, 
outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable 
of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below. 

11.1. Identifying and Assessing Potential Risks Related to Irregularities
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and 
regulations, we considered the following:

 • the nature of the industry and sector, control environment and business performance including the design of the Group’s remuneration 

policies, key drivers for directors’ remuneration, bonus levels and performance targets;

 • results of our enquiries of management and the audit committee about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities; 
 • any matters we identified having obtained and reviewed the Group’s documentation of their policies and procedures relating to:

 – identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance;
 – detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
 – the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and;

 • the matters discussed among the audit engagement team including significant component audit teams and relevant internal specialists, 

including tax, valuations, IT and financial instruments specialists regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and 
any potential indicators of fraud.

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the 
greatest potential for fraud in revenue recognition. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific 
procedures to respond to the risk of management override of controls.

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the Group operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and 
regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and 
regulations we considered in this context included the UK Companies Act, Listing Rules, patent law, tax legislation and pensions legislation.

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance 
with which may be fundamental to the Group’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. These included employment and minimum wage 
legislation, health, safety and the environment (“HSE”), international trading laws and environmental regulations.

135
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

11.2. Audit Response to Risks Identified
As a result of performing the above, we identified revenue recognition as a key audit matter related to the potential risk of fraud. The key audit 
matters section of our report explains the matter in more detail and also describes the specific procedures we performed in response to that key 
audit matter. 

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

 • reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws 

and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements;

 • enquiring of management, the audit committee and external legal counsel concerning actual and potential litigation and claims;
 • performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due 

to fraud;

 • reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance, reviewing internal audit reports and reviewing correspondence with 

HMRC; and

 • in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; 

assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluating the business 
rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members including internal 
specialists and significant component audit teams, and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations 
throughout the audit.

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements

12. Opinions on Other Matters Prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the part of the Directors’ Annual Report on Remuneration to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

 • the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared 

is consistent with the financial statements; and

 • the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the parent Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, 
we have not identified any material misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Directors’ Report.

13. Corporate Governance Statement
The Listing Rules require us to review the Directors’ statement in relation to going concern, longer-term viability and that part of the Corporate 
Governance Statement relating to the Group’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review.
Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the Corporate Governance 
Statement is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit: 

 • the Directors’ statement with regards to the appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis of accounting and any material uncertainties 

identified set out on page 79;

 • the Directors’ explanation as to its assessment of the Group’s prospects, the period this assessment covers and why the period is appropriate 

set out on pages 77 and 78;

 • the Directors’ statement on fair, balanced and understandable set out on page 76;
 • the Board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks set out on page 53;
 • the section of the annual report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems set out on pages 

53 and 54; and

 • the section describing the work of the audit committee set out on page 122.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements136
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the Members of Hunting PLC

continued 

14. Matters on Which we are Required to Report by Exception
14.1. Adequacy of Explanations Received and Accounting Records
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

 • we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
 • adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from 

branches not visited by us; or

 • the parent Company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

14.2. Directors’ Remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report if in our opinion certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration have not been 
made or the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited is not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

15. Other Matters Which we are Required to Address
15.1. Auditor Tenure
Following the recommendation of the audit committee, we were appointed by the Directors on 17 April 2019 to audit the financial statements for 
the year ended 31 December 2019 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement including previous renewals 
and reappointments of the firm is two years, covering the years ending 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2020.

15.2. Consistency of the Audit Report with the Additional Report to the Audit Committee
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit committee we are required to provide in accordance with ISAs (UK).

16. Use of our Report
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. 
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an 
Auditor’s Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other 
than the Company and the Company’s members as a body for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

William Smith
(Senior statutory auditor)
For and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Statutory Auditor
London, UK
4 March 2021

137
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Consolidated Income Statement

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Notes
3

4
5
7
9
9

10

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit (loss)
Other operating income
Operating expensesii
(Loss) profit from operations
Finance income
Finance expense
(Loss) profit before tax from  
  operations
Taxation
(Loss) profit for the year

(Loss) profit attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

(Loss) earnings per share
Basic
Diluted

11
11

Before 
amortisationi 
and exceptional 
items
$m
626.0
(501.2)
124.8
10.3
(151.5)
(16.4)
1.4
(4.4)

2020

Amortisationi 
and exceptional 
items 
(note 6)
$m
–
(56.7)
(56.7)
0.8
(147.7)
(203.6)
–
–

(203.6)
(16.1)
(219.7)

(218.2)
(1.5)
(219.7)

(19.4)
0.9
(18.5)

(16.5)
(2.0)
(18.5)

cents
(10.0)
(10.0)

Before 
amortisationi 
and exceptional 
items
$m
960.0
(693.6)
266.4
10.8
(182.9)
94.3
4.2
(5.4)

2019

Amortisationi 
and exceptional 
items 
(note 6)
$m
–
(19.0)
(19.0)
–
(28.5)
(47.5)
–
–

(47.5)
12.8
(34.7)

(34.7)
–
(34.7)

93.1
(17.0)
76.1

74.4
1.7
76.1

cents
45.0
43.9

Total
$m
626.0
(557.9)
68.1
11.1
(299.2)
(220.0)
1.4
(4.4)

(223.0)
(15.2)
(238.2)

(234.7)
(3.5)
(238.2)

cents
(143.2)
(143.2)

i.  Relates to amortisation of intangible assets arising on the acquisition of businesses (referred to hereafter as amortisation of acquired intangible assets).
ii. 

Included in operating expenses is the net impairment loss on trade and other receivables recognised in the year of $1.8m (2019 – $1.1m).

The notes on pages 142 to 190 are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

Total
$m
960.0
(712.6)
247.4
10.8
(211.4)
46.8
4.2
(5.4)

45.6
(4.2)
41.4

39.7
1.7
41.4

cents
24.0
23.5

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements138
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Comprehensive income:
(Loss) profit for the year

Components of other comprehensive income (expense) after tax:
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Exchange adjustments
Fair value gains and losses:
– gains (losses) originating on net investment hedges arising during the year

Items that have been reclassified to profit or loss:
Release of foreign exchange on liquidation of subsidiaries

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes
Other comprehensive income after tax
Total comprehensive (expense) income for the year

Total comprehensive (expense) income attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Notes

34

34

35

2020
$m

(238.2)

5.9

0.4
6.3

–

–
6.3
(231.9)

(228.9)
(3.0)
(231.9)

2019
$m

41.4

5.4

(0.7)
4.7

(0.2)

(0.3)
4.2
45.6

43.5
2.1
45.6

Total comprehensive (expense) income attributable to owners of the parent arises from the Group’s continuing operations.

139
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Consolidated Balance Sheet

At 31 December 2020

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Investments
Trade and other receivables
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Current tax assets
Held-for-sale assets
Investments

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Lease liabilities
Borrowings
Provisions
Current tax liabilities

Net current assets

Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Lease liabilities
Borrowings
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities

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

12
13
14
15
17
18
19

20
18
21

17

22
24
25
27

22
24
25
27
19

33
33
34
35

2020
$m

307.1
29.8
164.2
42.9
19.8
2.0
15.3
581.1

288.4
136.3
102.9
3.0
1.8
–
532.4

67.9
10.2
1.2
2.9
2.5
84.7
447.7

2.4
30.1
3.9
6.0
9.8
52.2
976.6

66.5
153.0
52.3
692.6
964.4
12.2
976.6

2019
$m

354.7 
36.7 
230.2 
78.5 
2.3 
2.7 
29.9 
735.0

350.8 
202.0 
128.6
0.2
–
0.5
682.1

121.2 
9.8 
1.6 
3.2
9.5 
145.3
536.8

2.7 
35.4 
3.9 
5.2 
0.8 
48.0
1,223.8

67.3
153.0
56.5
931.1
1,207.9
15.9
1,223.8

The notes on pages 142 to 190 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. The financial statements on pages 137 to 190 
were approved by the Board of Directors on 4 March 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:

Jim Johnson 
Director 

Bruce Ferguson
Director 

Registered number: 0974568

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
140
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

At 1 January 2020

Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income (expense)

Dividends to Hunting PLC shareholders
Dividends to non-controlling interests
Share buyback
Treasury shares
– purchase of treasury shares
– disposal of treasury shares
Share options and awards
– value of employee services
– discharge
– taxation
Acquisition of non-controlling interest
Transfer between reserves
Total transactions with owners

Year ended 31 December 2020

Share
capital
(note 33)
$m
67.3

 Share
premium
(note 33)
$m
153.0

Other 
components 
of equity
(note 34)
$m
56.5

Notes

Retained 
earnings
(note 35)
$m
931.1

Non-
controlling 
interests
$m
15.9

Total
$m
1,207.9

–
–
–

–
–
(0.8)

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
(0.8)

36

38

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
5.8
5.8

–
–
0.6

–
–

9.0
(11.4)
–
–
(8.2)
(10.0)

(234.7)
–
(234.7)

(234.7)
5.8
(228.9)

(8.2)
–
(5.1)

(9.4)
0.2

–
11.2
(0.5)
(0.2)
8.2
(3.8)

(8.2)
–
(5.3)

(9.4)
0.2

9.0
(0.2)
(0.5)
(0.2)
–
(14.6)

(3.5)
0.5
(3.0)

–
(0.9)
–

–
–

–
–
–
0.2
–
(0.7)

Total
equity
$m
1,223.8

(238.2)
6.3
(231.9)

(8.2)
(0.9)
(5.3)

(9.4)
0.2

9.0
(0.2)
(0.5)
–
–
(15.3)

At 31 December 2020

66.5

153.0

52.3

692.6

964.4

12.2

976.6

At 31 December 2018 as previously  
  reported
Adjustment on adoption of IFRS 16
At 1 January 2019 amended

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income (expense)
Total comprehensive income

Dividends to Hunting PLC shareholders
Shares issued
– share option schemes and awards
Treasury shares
– purchase of treasury shares
– disposal of treasury shares
Share options and awards
– value of employee services
– discharge
– taxation
Transfer between reserves
Total transactions with owners

Notes

36

Share
capital
(note 33)
$m

66.7
–
66.7

Share
premium
(note 33)
$m

153.0
–
153.0

–
–
–

–

0.6

–
–

–
–
–
–
0.6

–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

Year ended 31 December 2019

Other 
components
of equity
(note 34)
$m

Retained 
earnings
(note 35)
$m

Non-
controlling 
interests
$m

Total
$m

Total
equity
$m

75.8
–
75.8

–
4.1
4.1

–

–

–
–

9.0
(11.6)
–
(20.8)
(23.4)

881.6
(1.1)
880.5

1,177.1
(1.1)
1,176.0

14.0
(0.2)
13.8

1,191.1
(1.3)
1,189.8

39.7
(0.3)
39.4

39.7
3.8
43.5

(16.6)

(16.6)

–

(5.0)
0.3

–
10.8
0.9
20.8
11.2

0.6

(5.0)
0.3

9.0
(0.8)
0.9
–
(11.6)

1.7
0.4
2.1

–

–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

41.4
4.2
45.6

(16.6)

0.6

(5.0)
0.3

9.0
(0.8)
0.9
–
(11.6)

At 31 December 2019

67.3

153.0

56.5

931.1

1,207.9

15.9

1,223.8

141
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Operating activities
Reported (loss) profit from operations
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets and exceptional items
Depreciation and non-acquisition amortisation (NGM A)
Underlying EBITDA (NGM A)
Share-based payments expense
Decrease (increase) in inventories
Decrease in receivables
Decrease in payables
Decrease in provisions
Net taxation paid
Net gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment held for rental (NGM K)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment held for rental (NGM I)
Gain on disposal of intangible assets
Gain on disposal of business
Restructuring costs shown as exceptional item
Acquisition costs shown as exceptional item
Payment of US pension scheme liabilities
Other non-cash flow items
Net cash inflow from operating activities
Investing activities
Interest received
Net movement on loans to and from associates
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment (NGM K)
Proceeds from disposal of intangible technology (NGM K)
Proceeds from disposal of business (NGM K)
Proceeds from disposal of investments
Purchase of subsidiaries net of cash acquired
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (NGM I)
Purchase of intangible assets
Net cash outflow from investing activities
Financing activities
Interest and bank fees paid
Payment of capitalised lease liabilities
Repayment of borrowings
Dividends paid to Hunting PLC shareholders
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Share buyback
Share capital issued
Purchase of treasury shares
Disposal of treasury shares
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 and cash equivalents included in current assets
Bank overdrafts included in borrowings

Notes

6

37

4
4

39

36

21
25

2020
$m

(220.0)
203.6 
42.5 
26.1
9.0
30.2 
67.5 
(58.9)
(0.2)
(5.0)
(2.4)
1.3
(3.0)
–
–
(10.7)
(1.4)
(0.5)
(1.0)
51.0

0.8
–
2.0
–
0.6
0.5
(32.8)
(11.7)
(4.3)
(44.9)

(1.1)
(10.4)
–
(8.2)
(0.9)
(5.1)
–
(9.4)
0.2
(34.9)

(28.8)
127.0
3.5
101.7

102.9
(1.2)
101.7

2019
$m

46.8
47.5
45.4
139.7
9.1
(0.2)
29.0
(21.2)
(2.4)
(7.7)
(1.5)
2.7
(5.6)
(2.3)
(2.0)
–
–
–
(0.4)
137.2

1.3
0.3
0.9
2.3
3.0
–
(12.5)
(30.4)
(10.2)
(45.3)

(1.2)
(10.6)
(0.9)
(16.6)
–
–
0.6
(5.0)
0.3
(33.4)

58.5
66.1
2.4
127.0

128.6
(1.6)
127.0

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements142
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Basis of Preparation

Hunting PLC is a premium-listed public company limited by shares, with its Ordinary shares quoted on the London Stock Exchange. Hunting 
PLC was incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act and is registered in England and Wales. The address of the Company’s 
registered office is shown on page 209. The principal activities of the Group and the nature of the Group’s operations are set out in note 2 and in 
the Strategic Report on pages 4 to 79. The financial statements consolidate those of Hunting PLC (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (together 
referred to as the “Group”), include the Group’s interests in associates and are presented in US dollars, the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the Group operates. 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 as applicable to companies using IFRS 
and those International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee (“IFRS IC”) 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 the US deferred compensation plan and those financial assets and financial liabilities held at fair value. The Board’s 
consideration of the applicability of the going concern basis is detailed further in the Strategic Report on page 79.

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out in note 41. These policies have been 
consistently applied to all the years presented.

Change in Functional Currency of a Subsidiary
Having considered the aggregate effect of all relevant factors, the functional currency of Hunting Energy Services (UK) Limited changed from 
Sterling to US dollars on 1 January 2020. The change in functional currency follows a review of the main indicators of functional currency for the 
company and the balance of these led to the change from Sterling to US dollars.

Critical Judgements and Key Estimates 
Critical judgements are those that the Directors have made in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies and that have the most 
significant effect on the amounts recognised in the Group’s financial statements. Key assumptions are assumptions concerning future 
expectations, together with other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of the reporting period, that may have a significant risk of 
causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year. Judgements were made regarding 
the recognition of impairment of non-financial assets that impacted the carrying values of: goodwill; other intangible assets; property, plant and 
equipment; right-of-use assets and inventory (see note 16) and estimates were made regarding future cash flows for the purposes of CGU 
impairment testing (see note 16). The Directors also applied their judgement in determining that there are no disclosable material uncertainties 
in relation to the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern as described in the Strategic Report on page 79. 

The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions and significant judgement is required in determining the worldwide provision for 
those taxes, as tax legislation can be complex and open to different interpretation. Deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that it is 
probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised. This is considered by jurisdiction, or 
by entity, dependent on the tax laws of the jurisdiction. At each balance sheet date, the Directors will consider the medium-term forecasts of the 
business and determine whether the generation of taxable income within a reasonable time frame is probable. If actual results differ from the 
forecasts then the impact of not being able to utilise the expected amount of deferred tax assets can have a material impact on the Group’s tax 
charge for the year. The key decision regarding the recognition of deferred tax as at 31 December 2020 related to the recognition of deferred 
taxes in the US. The Directors concluded that the medium-term taxable profit forecasts for the US no longer support the full recognition of the 
US deferred tax asset position going forward. To the extent that the US deferred tax asset is not offset against the deferred tax liability 
recognised relating to goodwill in the US, it has been removed from the consolidated balance sheet and charged to the consolidated income 
statement in the year.

The Directors have considered the potential impact that climate change could have on the financial statements of the Group. The Directors’ view 
is that climate change is an emerging risk that the Group is cognisant of, and will react appropriately to. External long-term forecasts used by the 
Directors, that recognise and incorporate climate change developments, support the view that there will be robust demand for the Group’s oil 
and gas based products for a significant time span and these do not currently identify any concerns regarding the carrying values or expected 
lives of longer-lived assets, including goodwill. The Directors also believe there is significant operational adaptability in the Group’s asset base to 
move into other non–hydrocarbon product lines if required.

The Directors believe that there are no other critical judgements or estimates applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

Adoption of New Standards, Amendments and Interpretations
A number of amendments to IFRS became effective for the financial year beginning on 1 January 2020, however the Group did not have to 
change its accounting policies or make retrospective adjustments as a result of adopting these amendments:

 • Amendment to IFRS 3 Business Combinationsi
 • Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 1 (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7)
 • Amendment to IAS 1 and IAS 8: Definition of Material

143
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

1. Basis of Preparation continued 

Adoption of New Standards, Amendments and Interpretations continued 
The following standards, amendments and interpretations are effective subsequent to the year-end, which have not been early adopted, and are 
being assessed to determine whether there is a significant impact on the Group’s results or financial position:

 • Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2 (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7)ii
 • Amendment to IFRS 3 Business Combinations – Reference to the Conceptual Frameworki/iii
 • Amendments to IAS 16 – Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended Usei/iii
 • Amendment to IAS 37 – Onerous Contracts: Cost of Fulfilling a Contracti/iii
 • Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020 Cyclei/iii
 • IFRS 17 Insurance Contractsi/iv
 • Amendment to IAS 1: Classification of Current and Non-current Liabilitiesi/iv

i.  Not yet endorsed by the European Union.
ii.  Mandatory adoption date and effective date for the Company is 1 January 2021.
iii.  Mandatory adoption date and effective date for the Company is 1 January 2022.
iv.  Mandatory adoption date and effective date for the Company is 1 January 2023.

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform 
The impact of the reform and replacement of benchmark interest rates such as GBP LIBOR and other interbank offered rates (“IBORs”) is being 
assessed and is ongoing. A preliminary assessment indicates that none of the Group’s hedge accounting will be impacted by the reform 
regarding LIBOR, as none of the Group’s hedging relationships have any exposure to interest rate benchmarks that are subject to the proposed 
regulatory reform. However, the Group’s RCF and other bilateral funding arrangements will be impacted by the move away from LIBOR, as 
LIBOR is currently used as the benchmark for the interest rate applied. The Group’s cash at bank of $102.9m and overdrafts of $1.2m at the 
year-end have variable interest rates that are referenced to Central Bank base rates and these will not be affected by the IBOR reforms. The RCF 
commitment fee is calculated as a percentage of the prevailing credit margin that is then applied to the undrawn amount of the facility. The 
commitment fee is not linked to LIBOR and will be unaffected by the proposed regulatory reform.

There is currently uncertainty around the timing and precise nature of these changes. To transition existing contracts and agreements that 
reference LIBOR to SONIA (in respect of GBP denominated contracts) or SOFR (in respect of USD denominated contracts), adjustments for 
term differences and credit differences might need to be applied to SONIA and/or SOFR, to enable the benchmark rates to be economically 
equivalent on transition. The Group’s treasury department is responsible for managing the Group’s LIBOR transition plan.

2. Segmental Reporting

For the year ended 31 December 2020, the Group has been reporting on five operating segments in its internal management reports, which are 
used to make strategic decisions by the Hunting PLC Board, the Group’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”). 

The Group’s operating segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services primarily to international oil and gas 
companies and who undertake exploration and production activities. The Board assesses the performance of the operating segments based 
on revenue and underlying operating results. Underlying operating result is a profit-based measure and excludes the effects of amortisation of 
acquired intangible assets and exceptional items (see note 6). The Directors believe that using the underlying operating result provides a more 
consistent and comparable measure of the operating segment’s performance.

Interest income and expenditure are not allocated to segments, as this type of activity is overseen by the Group’s central treasury function, which 
manages the funding position of the Group.

Inter-segment sales are priced in line with the Group’s transfer pricing policy on an arm’s-length basis. Costs and overheads are apportioned 
to the operating segments on the basis of time attributed to those operations by senior executives.

Further, the Board is also provided revenue information by product group, in order to help with an understanding of the drivers of Group 
performance trends.

Hunting Titan: Hunting Titan manufactures and distributes a broad range of well completion products and accessories. The segment’s products 
include both integrated and conventional gun systems and hardware, a complete portfolio of shaped charges and other energetics products, 
addressable and analogue switch technology and electronic instrumentation for certain measurements required in the oil and gas industry. Key 
products include H-1™ gun systems, ControlFire™ switches, EQUAfrac™ shaped charges, the T-Set™ line of setting tools and the PowerSet 
family of power charges. The business has manufacturing facilities in the US and Mexico, and is supported by strategically-located distribution 
centres across North America. 

US: The US businesses supply premium connections, oil country tubular goods (“OCTG”), drilling tools, subsea equipment, intervention tools, 
electronics and complex deep hole drilling and precision machining services for the US and overseas markets. The segment also manufactures 
perforating system products for Hunting Titan. Although located in the UK, Enpro has been classified as part of this segment, as it falls under the 
management of the Subsea business in the US, as it participates in global offshore projects. The segment also includes the Group’s legacy 
exploration and production activities in the Southern US and offshore Gulf of Mexico.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements144
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

2. Segmental Reporting continued 

Canada: Hunting’s Canadian business manufactured premium connections and accessories for oil and gas operators in Canada, often focused 
on heavy oil plays, which required specialist tubing technologies. Canada also manufactured perforating guns for Hunting Titan. Following a 
review of the medium-term outlook for the business, the Board decided to cease manufacturing operations in Canada and close its facility in 
Calgary, Alberta. Going forward, the business will use licensed third-party contractors. Hunting’s manufacturing operations have been wound 
down during H2 2020. A sales and administration function will remain in Calgary to support the Group’s presence in Canada. From 2021, results 
under the new business model will be reported in the US operating segment.

Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”): Revenue from this segment is generated from the supply of OCTG and well intervention equipment to 
operators in the North Sea as well as the sale and rental of in-field well intervention products across the Middle East region. In the Middle East, 
the operations also act as a sales hub for other products manufactured globally by the Group, including OCTG and Perforating Systems.

Asia Pacific: Revenue from the Asia Pacific segment is primarily from the manufacture of premium connections and OCTG supply. Asia Pacific 
also manufactures perforating guns for sale to Hunting Titan and for sale in its domestic markets.

Due to its size and nature of operations, Hunting Titan’s activities are reported separately. Although the Canada segment does not meet 
the quantitative thresholds required by IFRS 8 for reportable segments, this segment is separately reported as it is separately monitored by 
the Board.

Accounting policies used for segmental reporting reflect those used for the Group.

The UK is the domicile of Hunting PLC. 

The following tables present the results of the operating segments on the same basis as that used for internal reporting purposes to the CODM.

(a) Segment Revenue and Profit

Hunting Titan
US
Canada
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Total from operations

Total 
segment 
revenue 
$m
161.7 
292.2 
20.0 
78.8 
109.3 
662.0

Inter-
segment 
revenue 
$m
(4.7)
(23.5)
(5.1)
(0.7)
(2.0)
(36.0)

Net finance expense
Loss before tax from operations

Amortisation and exceptional items by operating segment:

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Impairments of goodwill
Impairments of other intangible assets
Impairments of property, plant and  
  equipment
Impairments of right-of-use assets
Impairments of inventories
Impairments of receivables
Restructuring costs
Profit on disposal of Canadian assets
Acquisition costs
Remeasurement of contingent  
  consideration on Enpro acquisition

Hunting 
Titan
$m
14.8
65.6
29.5

0.4
0.2
7.1
1.2
1.6
–
–

–
120.4

US
$m
2.5
9.9
5.2

10.1
–
15.2
–
4.5
–
1.4

(2.5)
46.3

2020

Total 
external 
revenue 
$m
157.0 
268.7 
14.9 
78.1 
107.3 
626.0

2020

Canada
$m
–
–
1.9

0.1
3.9
5.0
–
2.1
(0.8)
–

–
12.2

Underlying 
result 
$m
(5.6)
(1.0)
(2.5)
(12.0)
4.7 
(16.4)

Amortisationi
and exceptional 
items 
$m
(120.4)
(46.3)
(12.2)
(21.9)
(2.8)
(203.6)

(3.0)
(19.4)

–
(203.6)

EMEA
$m
–
4.3
2.6

8.8
–
4.3
–
1.9
–
–

–
21.9

Asia Pacific
$m
–
–
–

–
–
2.6
–
0.2
–
–

–
2.8

Reported
result
$m
(126.0)
(47.3)
(14.7)
(33.9)
1.9 
(220.0)

(3.0)
(223.0)

Total
$m
17.3
79.8
39.2

19.4
4.1
34.2
1.2
10.3
(0.8)
1.4

(2.5)
203.6

145
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

2. Segmental Reporting continued

(a) Segment Revenue and Profit continued

Hunting Titan
US
Canada
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Total from operations

Net finance expense
Profit (loss) before tax from operations

i.  Relates to amortisation of acquired intangible assets.

Total 
segment 
revenue 
$m
375.5 
363.2 
35.7 
123.0 
146.3 
1,043.7

Inter-
segment 
revenue 
$m
(4.3)
(44.5)
(8.6)
(7.2)
(19.1)
(83.7)

2019

Total 
external 
revenue 
$m
371.2 
318.7 
27.1 
115.8 
127.2 
960.0 

Underlying 
result 
$m
68.6 
26.9 
(4.3)
(1.3)
4.4 
94.3

(1.2)
93.1

Amortisationi
and exceptional 
items 
$m
(26.5)
(21.0)
– 
– 
– 
(47.5)

–
(47.5)

Reported
result
$m
42.1 
5.9 
(4.3)
(1.3)
4.4 
46.8 

(1.2)
45.6

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets of $26.5m arose in the Hunting Titan segment and $2.0m arose in the US operating segment in 2019. 
The impairment of property, plant and equipment in 2019 of $19.0m arose in the US operating segment.

Revenue from external customers attributable to the UK, the Group’s country of domicile, is $51.0m (2019 – $64.7m).

A breakdown of external revenue by products and services is presented below:

Perforating Systems
OCTG
Advanced Manufacturing
Intervention Toolsi
Subsea
Drilling Tools
Otheri
Total 

Revenue from products is further analysed between:
Oil and gas
Non-oil and gas
Total 

2020
$m
154.5
264.7
74.3
30.7
69.8
9.9
22.1
626.0

586.2
39.8
626.0

Restatedi
2019
$m
363.0 
357.0 
104.5
44.3 
44.5
22.3 
24.4
960.0 

918.7 
41.3
960.0 

i. 

The 2019 numbers have been restated to show $7.4m in relation to well testing products in Other rather than Intervention Tools as this better represents the product groupings.

(b) Other Segment Items

Hunting Titan
US
Canada
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Total 

Depreciationi
$m
7.9 
21.7 
1.2 
4.9 
3.9 
39.6 

2020

Amortisation
$m
16.0 
4.3 
0.1 
0.3 
0.1 
20.8 

Impairmentii
$m
104.4 
42.2 
11.0 
20.5 
2.0 
180.1 

Depreciationi
$m
7.7 
22.8 
1.7 
5.0 
4.4 
41.6 

2019

Amortisation
$m
27.3 
4.1 
0.1 
0.7 
0.1 
32.3 

Impairmentii
$m
1.4 
21.5 
1.0 
1.0 
1.1 
26.0 

i.  Depreciation in 2020 comprises depreciation of property, plant and equipment $32.1m (2019 – $33.7m) and depreciation of right-of-use assets $7.5m (2019 – $7.9m).
ii. 

Impairment comprises impairment of goodwill $79.8m (2019 – $nil), other intangible assets $39.2m (2019 – $nil), property, plant and equipment $19.4m (2019 – $19.0m), right-of-use 
assets $3.5m net (2019 – $nil), trade and other receivables $1.8m net (2019 – $1.1m) and inventories $36.4m net (2019 – $5.9m).

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
146
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

2. Segmental Reporting continued

(c) Geographical Non-current Assets
Information on the physical location of non-current assets is presented below. The allocated non-current assets below exclude deferred 
tax assets.

 Hunting Titan – US
 Hunting Titan – Canada
 Hunting Titan – Other
Hunting Titan
 US – US
 US – Europei
US
Canada
Europei
Middle East
Asia Pacific
Unallocated assets:
Deferred tax assets
Total non-current assets

2020
$m
186.3
2.2
0.9
189.4
309.0
11.3
320.3
3.3
40.1
2.4
10.3

15.3
581.1

2019
$m
298.9 
2.5 
0.8 
302.2 
314.9 
–
314.9
12.2 
61.1 
2.3 
12.4

29.9
735.0

i. 

The value of non-current assets located in the UK, the Group’s country of domicile, is $42.1m (2019 – $45.7m).

(d) Major Customer
The Group received revenue of $64.1m (2019 – $112.6m) from the Halliburton Company Group, which is 10% (2019 – 12%) of the Group’s 
revenue from external customers. All of Hunting’s operating segments have benefited from trading with Halliburton. 

3. Revenue

In the following tables, a breakdown of the Group’s different revenue streams by segment has been given, including the disaggregation 
of revenue from contracts with customers. 

Hunting Titan
US
Canada
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Total 

Hunting Titan
US
Canada
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Total 

Revenue
from 
contracts 
with 
customers
$m 
157.0 
255.7 
14.9 
75.0 
107.3 
609.9 

Revenue
from 
contracts 
with 
customers
$m 
371.2 
292.0 
27.0 
109.1 
127.2 
926.5 

2020

Rental 
revenue
$m 
– 
11.1 
– 
3.1 
– 
14.2 

2019

Rental 
revenue
$m 
– 
24.6 
0.1 
6.7 
– 
31.4 

Other
revenue
$m
– 
1.9 
– 
– 
– 
1.9 

Other
revenue
$m
– 
2.1 
– 
– 
– 
2.1 

Total 
external 
revenue
$m
157.0 
268.7 
14.9 
78.1 
107.3 
626.0 

Total 
external 
revenue
$m
371.2 
318.7 
27.1 
115.8 
127.2 
960.0 

There is no material difference in the timing of revenue recognition between contracts with customers at a point in time and contracts with 
customers over time, as the majority of Hunting’s performance obligations are relatively short. Revenue is typically recognised for products 
when the product is shipped or made available to customers for collection and for services either on completion of the service or, at a minimum, 
monthly for services covering more than one month. The amount of consideration is not adjusted for the effects of a significant financing 
component as, at contract inception, the period between when the entity transfers a promised good or service to a customer and when the 
customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less.

147
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

4. Other Operating Income

Operating lease rental income
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Gain on disposal of intangible technology
Gain on disposal of businesses
Government grants
Foreign exchange gains
Other incomei 
Other operating income before amortisationii and exceptional items
Other operating income included in amortisation and exceptional items (note 6)

Includes fair value gains on derivatives not designated in a hedge of $0.1m (2019 – $0.6m).

i. 
ii.  Relates to amortisation of acquired intangible assets.

2020
$m
1.8
2.8
–
–
3.8
1.4
0.5
10.3
0.8
11.1

2019
$m
1.4 
2.0 
2.3
2.0 
–
0.5 
2.6 
10.8 
– 
10.8 

In 2019, the Clear-Run™ intangible technology was sold for $2.3m, with a gain on disposal of $2.3m. Consideration from the sale of the 
Thru-Tubing business in Dubai was $2.4m, with a gain on disposal of $1.7m, which has been recognised in the gain on disposal of businesses 
of $2.0m.

Government Funding
Hunting PLC has benefited from a number of government schemes to support companies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These 
schemes include the COVID-19 Job Support Scheme and property tax rebate in Singapore, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“CJRS”) 
in the UK, and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy in Canada. The Group received $3.6m relating to COVID-19 support during the year. 
Other types of government assistance were also received during the year, including a Scottish Enterprise grant of $0.1m for Enpro. There are 
no repayment conditions attached to any government grants or assistance.

5. Operating Expenses

Administration expensesi before amortisationii and exceptional items
Distribution and selling costs
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Operating expenses before amortisationii and exceptional items
Operating expenses included in amortisation and exceptional items (note 6)

2020
$m
107.4 
43.7 
0.4
151.5
147.7
299.2

2019
$m
121.3 
61.1 
0.5 
182.9 
28.5 
211.4 

Includes foreign exchange losses of $0.8m (2019 – $2.7m) and a fair value loss on derivatives not designated in a hedge of $0.1m (2019 – $0.2m).

i. 
ii.  Relates to amortisation of acquired intangible assets.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements148
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

6. Amortisation and Exceptional Items

Due to their size and nature, the following items have been disclosed as “middle column” items in the financial statements.

 Impairments of property, plant and equipment 
 Impairments of inventories
 Restructuring costs
Charged to cost of sales
Profit on disposal of Canadian assets – credited to other income
 Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
 Impairments of goodwill
 Impairments of other intangible assets
 Impairments of property, plant and equipment
 Impairments of right-of-use assets
 Impairments of receivables
 Acquisition costs
 Remeasurement of contingent consideration on Enpro acquisition
 Restructuring costs
Charged to operating expenses
Total amortisation and exceptional items charged to (loss) profit from operations
Taxation on amortisation and exceptional items (note 10)

2020
$m
14.8 
34.2 
7.7 
56.7
(0.8)
17.3 
79.8 
39.2 
4.6 
4.1 
1.2 
1.4 
(2.5) 
2.6
147.7
203.6
16.1
219.7

2019
$m
19.0
–
–
19.0
–
28.5
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
28.5
47.5
(12.8)
34.7

Following a carrying value review, given current trading conditions and future expectations, impairments of goodwill, property, plant and 
equipment, right-of-use assets, other intangible assets, inventories and receivables were recognised during the year. Further details are provided 
in note 16 for non-financial assets and note 18 for receivables.

Acquisition-related costs of $1.4m were charged to operating expenses and paid in the year. These costs arose on the acquisition of Enpro.

The contingent consideration recognised on the acquisition of Enpro has a fair value of $nil at 31 December 2020 and so the amount 
recognised at the date of the acquisition (see note 39) has been reversed. 

Management continues to implement cost-base reduction measures at all levels across the Group, resulting in restructuring costs of $10.3m 
being incurred, with $10.7m paid during the year. Restructuring costs have benefited from the release of unused restructuring provisions 
recognised in prior years.

149
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

7. (Loss) Profit from Operations

The following items have been charged (credited) in arriving at (loss) profit from operations:

Staff costs (note 8)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 12)
 Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 
 Non-exceptional amortisation of intangible assets 
Amortisation of intangible assets – reported (included in cost of sales and operating expenses) (note 15) 
Impairments of goodwill – exceptional (included in operating expenses) (note 6)
Impairments of other intangible assets – exceptional (included in operating expenses) (note 6)
Impairments of property, plant and equipment – exceptional (included in operating expenses) (note 6) 
Gain on disposal of intangible technology (note 4)
Gain on disposal of businesses (note 4)
 Net gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment – underlying
 Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment – exceptional items 
Net gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment – reported
 Lease charges included in (loss) profit from operations – underlying (note 24)
 Lease charges included in (loss) profit from operations – exceptional items (note 24)
Lease charges included in (loss) profit from operations (note 24)
Research and development expenditure

Fees payable to the Group’s independent auditor and its associates are for:

The audit of these financial statements
The audit of the financial statements of the Company’s subsidiaries
Total audit
Audit-related assurance services
Total audit and audit-related services

8. Employees

Wages and salaries (including annual cash bonuses)
Social security costs
Share-based payments (note 37)
Other pension costs
– defined contribution schemes (note 32)
– defined benefit schemes (note 32)
Net gains on the US DB scheme’s assets and liabilities included in net finance expense (note 32)
Staff costs for the year 

Staff costs for the year are included in the financial statements as follows:

Total staff costs included in reported (loss) profit from operations (note 7)
Staff costs – net gains on the US DB scheme’s assets and liabilities included in net finance expense
Staff costs capitalised as R&D

The average monthly number of employees by geographical area (including executive Directors) during the year was: 

US
Canada
Europe
Asia Pacific
Middle East, Africa and Mexico

2020
$m
171.9
32.1
17.3
3.5
20.8
79.8
39.2
19.4
–
–
(2.4)
(0.2)
(2.6)
9.4
4.1
13.5
5.0

2020
$m
1.9
0.5
2.4
0.1
2.5

2020
$m
145.1
11.2
9.0

7.4
0.1
–
172.8

2020
$m
171.9
–
0.9
172.8

2020
Number
1,558 
95 
269 
441 
45 
2,408

2019
$m
222.5
33.7
28.5
3.8
32.3
–
–
19.0
(2.3)
(2.0)
(1.5)
–
(1.5)
10.9
–
10.9
4.2

2019
$m
1.7
0.5
2.2
0.1
2.3

2019
$m
190.7
14.5
9.1

8.7
0.1
(0.2)
222.9

2019
$m
222.5
(0.2)
0.6
222.9

2019
Number
1,962
142
265
459
48
2,876

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
150
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

8. Employees continued 

The average monthly number of employees by operating segment (including executive Directors) during the year was:

Hunting Titan
US
Canada
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Central

The actual number of employees at the year-end was 1,923 (2019 – 2,956).

Key management comprises the Board and the Executive Committee. Their aggregate remuneration in the year was:

Salaries, annual cash bonuses and short-term employee benefits
Social security costs
Post-employment benefits
Share-based payments

2020
Number
481 
1,067 
83 
279 
426 
72 
2,408

2020
$m
4.0
0.2
0.2
2.4
6.8

2019
Number
684
1,262
127
292
443
68
2,876

2019
$m
5.7
0.4
0.3
2.1
8.5

Remuneration of the Board, included as part of Key Management compensation, can be found in the Annual Report on Remuneration on pages 
108 to 113. The Annual Report on Remuneration disclosures do not include Executive Committee members who are not part of the Board and 
disclose share scheme remuneration on a vested rather than accruals basis. 

Short-term employee benefits comprise healthcare insurance, company cars and fuel benefits. Post-employment benefits comprise employer 
pension contributions. Share-based payments comprise the charge to the consolidated income statement.

9. Net Finance Expense

Finance income:
Interest on bank balances and deposits
Fair value gains on the listed equities and mutual funds
Foreign exchange gains
Fair value gains on derivative financial instruments
Fair value gains on money market funds
Other finance income

Finance expense:
Interest on lease liabilities
Bank fees and commissions
Foreign exchange losses
Fair value losses on derivative financial instruments
Other finance expense

Net finance expense 

2020
$m

0.3 
–
0.3
0.6
0.1
0.1
1.4

(1.9)
(1.4)
(0.8)
(0.1)
(0.2)
(4.4)
(3.0)

2019
$m

0.4
0.3
2.4
0.5
0.6
–
4.2

(2.2)
(1.3)
(0.8)
(0.7)
(0.4)
(5.4)
(1.2)

 
 
151
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

10. Taxation

Current tax 
– current year charge
– adjustments in respect of prior years

Deferred tax
–  origination and reversal of temporary 

differences

– derecognition of US deferred tax assets
– change in tax rate
– adjustments in respect of prior years

Taxation (credit) charge 

i.  Relates to amortisation of acquired intangible assets.

2020

Before 
amortisationi 
and exceptional 
items
$m

Amortisationi 
and exceptional 
items
$m

5.2 
(3.0)
2.2

(4.3)
–
0.8
0.4
(3.1)
(0.9)

(2.0)
– 
(2.0)

(3.4)
21.5
–
–
18.1
16.1

Before 
amortisationi 
and exceptional 
items
$m

2019

Amortisationi 
and exceptional 
items
$m

10.2 
(3.5)
6.7 

14.1 
– 
–
(3.8)
10.3 
17.0 

– 
– 
– 

(12.8)
– 
– 
– 
(12.8)
(12.8)

Total
$m

3.2 
(3.0)
0.2 

(7.7)
21.5
0.8
0.4
15.0
15.2

Total
$m

10.2 
(3.5)
6.7 

1.3 
– 
–
(3.8)
(2.5) 
4.2 

The effective tax rate applicable to operations before amortisation and exceptional items is 5% (2019 – 18%).

The adjustment in respect of prior years of $3.0m (2019 – $3.5m) for current tax includes the release of provisions for uncertain tax positions that 
are no longer required and normal true-ups.

A tax charge of $16.1m has been included in the consolidated income statement in respect of amortisation of acquired intangible assets and 
exceptional items (2019 – $12.8m credit). This charge largely reflects the reversal of net deferred tax assets of $21.5m no longer recognised for 
the US businesses as realisation of the tax benefit is not probable within a reasonable time frame. This charge has been offset by tax credits 
associated with the amortisation of acquired intangible assets and exceptional items.

The reported tax charge for the year is $15.2m (2019 – $4.2m) and the reported effective tax rate is -7% (2019 – 9%).

The table below reconciles the tax on the Group’s reported profit before tax to a weighted average tax rate for the Group based on the tax rates 
applicable to each entity in the Group. A weighted average applicable rate for the year has been used, as this reflects the applicable rates for the 
countries in which the Group has earned profits. The total tax charge (2019 – charge) for the year is different to the weighted average rate of tax 
of 23% (2019 – 19%) for the following reasons:

Reported (loss) profit before tax
Tax at 23% (2019 – 19%)
Permanent differences including tax credits
Current year losses not recognised
Derecognition of prior year deferred tax in relation to the US businesses
Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred taxes
Change in tax rates
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Taxation 

2020
$m
(223.0)
(51.3)
3.4
48.7
21.5
(5.3)
0.8
(2.6)
15.2

2019
$m
45.6
8.5
3.6
2.7
–
(3.3)
–
(7.3)
4.2

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements152
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

10. Taxation continued

Tax effects relating to each component of other comprehensive income were as follows:

Exchange adjustments
Release of foreign exchange on liquidation 

of subsidiaries

Fair value gains (losses) originating on 
net investment hedge arising during 
the year

Remeasurement of defined benefit 

pension schemes

2020

Tax (charged) 
credited
$m
0.1

Before tax
$m
5.8

After tax
$m
5.9

Before tax
$m
5.5 

2019

Tax (charged) 
credited
$m
(0.1)

After tax
$m
5.4 

–

0.5

–
6.3

–

(0.1)

–
–

–

0.4

–
6.3

(0.3)

(0.8)

(0.2)
4.2 

0.1 

(0.2)

0.1 

(0.1)
– 

(0.7)

(0.3)
4.2 

The tax relating to the components of other comprehensive income comprises $nil current tax (2019 – $0.1m credit) and $nil deferred tax  
(2019 – $0.1m charge).

11. (Loss) Earnings per Share

Basic (loss) earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing the (loss) earnings attributable to Ordinary shareholders by the weighted average 
number of Ordinary shares outstanding during the year. For diluted (loss) earnings per share, the weighted average number of outstanding 
Ordinary shares is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive potential Ordinary shares. Dilution arises through the possible issue of shares 
to satisfy awards made under the Group’s long-term incentive plans.

Reconciliations of the (loss) earnings and weighted average number of Ordinary shares used in the calculations are set out below:

Reported (loss) earnings attributable to Ordinary shareholders
Add: amortisationi and exceptional items after taxation
Underlying (loss) earnings attributable to Ordinary shareholders

Basic weighted average number of Ordinary shares
Long-term incentive plans
Adjusted weighted average number of Ordinary shares

Reported (loss) earnings per share
Basic EPS
Diluted EPSii

Underlying (loss) earnings per share
Basic EPS
Diluted EPSii

2020
$m
(234.7)
218.2
(16.5)

millions
163.9
4.8
168.7

cents

(143.2)
(143.2)

(10.0)
(10.0)

2019
$m
39.7
34.7
74.4

millions
165.2
3.9
169.1

cents

24.0
23.5

45.0
43.9

i.  Relates to amortisation of acquired intangible assets.
ii.  For the year ended 31 December 2020, the effect of dilutive long-term incentive plans was anti-dilutive and, therefore, they have not been used to calculate diluted earnings per share.

153
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

12. Property, Plant and Equipment

Cost:
At 1 January 2020
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Acquisition of subsidiary (note 39)
Disposals
Disposal of business
Reclassification to held-for-sale assets
Reclassification from inventories
Reclassification 
At 31 December 2020

Accumulated depreciation and impairment:
At 1 January 2020
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Impairment of assets (note 16(c))
Disposals
Disposal of business
Reclassification to held-for-sale assets
Reclassification 
At 31 December 2020

Year ended 31 December 2020

Land and 
buildings
$m

Plant, machinery 
and motor 
vehicles
$m

Rental tools
$m

Oil and gas 
exploration and 
developmenti 
$m

267.0 
1.6
4.2
–
(3.2)
–
(3.1)
–
1.2
267.7

52.1
1.2
6.3
9.1
(1.0)
–
(1.3)
0.5
66.9

360.2 
3.0
7.4
2.6
(8.0)
(9.0)
–
–
(1.2)
355.0

247.9 
2.4
23.4
1.2
(7.2)
(8.5)
–
(0.5)
258.7

128.2 
–
0.2
–
(17.5)
–
–
–
–
110.9

126.2 
–
0.4
–
(17.5)
–
–
–
109.1

80.1 
0.6
3.0
3.2
(43.9)
(19.6)
–
0.6
–
24.0

54.6 
0.2
2.0
9.1
(44.7)
(5.4)
–
–
15.8

8.2

Total
$m

835.5 
5.2
14.8
5.8
(72.6)
(28.6)
(3.1)
0.6
–
757.6

480.8 
3.8
32.1
19.4
(70.4)
(13.9)
(1.3)
–
450.5

Net book amount

200.8

96.3

1.8

307.1

i. 

The accumulated cost, depreciation and impairment of those oil and gas exploration and development assets whose licences have expired were disposed of during the year.

Details of the impairment review can be found in note 16(c).

In the first half of 2020, a property in the US operating segment, with a net book value of $1.8m, was reclassified as held-for-sale as it was 
expected to be sold within 12 months of the classification. At 30 June 2020, a $0.5m write-down to the carrying value was recognised as an 
exceptional item in restructuring costs to reflect its expected recoverable amount given the market conditions prevailing at the time. The 
impairment was reversed in the second half of the year following receipt of new information about its market value. The property, which has 
a carrying value of $1.8m, continues to be classified as held-for-sale at the year-end. The property has been sold in early 2021.

Included in the net book amount is expenditure relating to assets in the course of construction of $nil (2019 – $2.6m) for buildings, $4.9m for 
rental tools (2019 – $nil) and $0.5m (2019 – $5.5m) for plant and machinery.

Group capital expenditure committed for the purchase of property, plant and equipment, but not provided for in these financial statements, 
amounted to $0.6m as at 31 December 2020 (2019 – $2.2m).

The net book amount of land and buildings of $200.8m (2019 – $214.9m) comprises freehold land and buildings of $199.1m (2019 – $213.2m) 
and capitalised leasehold improvements of $1.7m (2019 – $1.7m).

The Group sub-lets certain items of property, plant and equipment under operating leases. The net book value of items that are sub-let included 
in the table above is $10.3m at 31 December 2020 for land and buildings. 

In accordance with the requirements of the Group’s committed bank facility, security has been granted over specific properties, plant and 
equipment in the UK and US, which have a carrying value of $200.6m (2019 – $217.2m).

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements154
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

12. Property, Plant and Equipment continued

Cost:
At 1 January 2019
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Acquisition of subsidiary
Disposals
Disposal of business
Reclassification to other intangible assets
Reclassification to inventories
At 31 December 2019

Accumulated depreciation and impairment:
At 1 January 2019
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Impairment of assets (note 16(c))
Disposals
Disposal of business
Reclassification to other intangible assets
Reclassification to inventories
At 31 December 2019

Year ended 31 December 2019

Land and  
buildings
$m

Plant, machinery 
and motor  
vehicles
$m

Rental tools
$m

Oil and gas 
exploration and 
developmenti 
$m

250.0 
1.5 
7.2 
8.3 
– 
– 
–
– 
267.0 

45.5 
0.4 
6.2 
– 
– 
–
–
– 
52.1

341.3 
1.6 
23.2 
4.0 
(8.2)
(0.3)
(1.4)
–
360.2 

231.6 
1.5 
23.7 
– 
(7.7)
(0.3)
(0.9)
–
247.9 

182.3 
–
– 
–
(54.1)
–
–
–
128.2 

179.6 
– 
0.7 
– 
(54.1)
– 
–
– 
126.2 

80.9 
0.5 
5.5 
–
(3.3)
(3.4)
–
(0.1)
80.1 

37.6 
0.4 
3.1 
19.0 
(2.1)
(3.2)
–
(0.2)
54.6 

25.5 

Total
$m

854.5 
3.6 
35.9 
12.3 
(65.6)
(3.7)
(1.4)
(0.1)
835.5 

494.3 
2.3 
33.7 
19.0 
(63.9)
(3.5)
(0.9)
(0.2)
480.8 

Net book amount

214.9 

112.3 

2.0 

354.7 

i. 

The accumulated cost, depreciation and impairment of those oil and gas exploration and development assets whose licences have expired were disposed of during the year.

The net book amount of property, plant and equipment at 1 January 2019 was $360.2m. The net book value of items that are sub-let included in 
the table above is $3.9m at 31 December 2019 for land and buildings.

13. Right-of-use Assets

Cost:
At 1 January 2020
Exchange adjustments
New leases
Acquisition of subsidiary (note 39)
Lease cessations
Modifications
Disposal of business
At 31 December 2020

Accumulated depreciation and impairment:
At 1 January 2020
Exchange adjustments
Depreciation charge for the year
Impairment charge for the year (note 16(d))
Reversal of impairment
Lease cessations
Disposal of business
At 31 December 2020

Net book amount

Year ended 31 December 2020

Land and 
buildings
$m

Plant, machinery
and motor 
vehicles
$m

88.4 
2.1 
0.6 
0.3 
(4.2)
1.4 
– 
88.6

52.2 
1.6 
7.1 
4.0 
(0.6)
(4.2)
–
60.1

28.5 

1.1 
(0.1)
1.3 
– 
(0.3)
– 
(0.1)
1.9 

0.6 
(0.1)
0.4 
0.1 
– 
(0.3) 
(0.1)
0.6 

1.3 

Total
$m

89.5 
2.0 
1.9 
0.3 
(4.5)
1.4 
(0.1)
90.5

52.8 
1.5 
7.5 
4.1 
(0.6)
(4.5)
(0.1)
60.7 

29.8 

The Group sub-lets certain right-of-use assets under operating leases. The net book value of items that are sub-let included in the table above is 
$2.6m for land and buildings.

155
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

13. Right-of-use Assets continued

Cost:
Adoption of IFRS 16 on 1 January 2019
Exchange adjustments
New leases
Lease cessations
Modifications
At 31 December 2019

Accumulated depreciation and impairment:
Adoption of IFRS 16 on 1 January 2019
Exchange adjustments
Depreciation charge for the year
Lease cessations
At 31 December 2019

Net book amount

Year ended 31 December 2019

Land and 
buildings
$m

Plant, machinery
and motor vehicles
$m

84.3 
1.9 
3.3 
(1.9)
0.8 
88.4 

45.1 
1.3 
7.7 
(1.9)
52.2 

36.2

1.0 
– 
0.1 
(0.1)
0.1 
1.1 

0.5 
– 
0.2 
(0.1)
0.6 

0.5 

Total
$m

85.3 
1.9 
3.4 
(2.0)
0.9 
89.5 

45.6 
1.3 
7.9 
(2.0)
52.8 

36.7 

The net book amount of right-of-use assets at 1 January 2019 was $39.7m. The net book value of items that are sub-let included in the table 
above is $2.7m at 31 December 2019 for land and buildings.

14. Goodwill

Cost:
At 1 January
Exchange adjustments
Additions (note 39)
At 31 December

Accumulated impairment:
At 1 January 
Exchange adjustments
Impairment charge for the year (note 16(b))
At 31 December

Net book amount

2020
$m

516.9 
1.7 
13.4 
532.0

286.7
1.3 
79.8 
367.8

164.2

2019
$m

515.1
1.8
–
516.9

285.2
1.5
–
286.7

230.2

The net book amount of goodwill at 1 January 2019 was $229.9m.

Details of the allocation of goodwill by cash-generating unit (“CGU”), identification of the material CGU and impairment sensitivity disclosures are 
given in note 16.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements156
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

15. Other Intangible Assets

Cost:
At 1 January 2020
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Acquisition of subsidiary (note 39)
Disposals
Reclassification
At 31 December 2020

Accumulated amortisation and impairment:
At 1 January 2020
Exchange adjustments
Amortisation charge for the year 
Impairment charge for the year (note 16(e))
Disposals
Reclassification
At 31 December 2020

Net book amount

Cost:
At 1 January 2019
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Disposals
Reclassification from property, plant and equipment
Reclassification
At 31 December 2019

Accumulated amortisation and impairment:
At 1 January 2019
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year (included in operating expenses)
Disposals
Reclassification from property, plant and equipment
Reclassification
At 31 December 2019

Net book amount

Customer 
relationships
$m

Unpatented 
technology
$m

2020

Patents and 
trademarks
$m

211.9 
0.4 
– 
7.6 
–
– 
219.9 

179.4 
0.1 
8.5 
24.6 
– 
– 
212.6 

7.3 

81.8 
0.1 
0.7 
–
–
(2.0)
80.6 

50.6 
0.2 
7.6 
9.9 
– 
(0.1)
68.2 

12.4 

59.4 
0.8 
1.3 
10.5 
–
1.9 
73.9 

50.2 
0.1 
3.2 
4.5 
– 
– 
58.0 

15.9 

Customer 
relationships
$m

Unpatented 
technology
$m

2019

Patents and 
trademarks
$m

246.9 
– 
– 
(35.0)
– 
– 
211.9 

193.6 
–
20.8 
(35.0)
– 
– 
179.4 

32.5

77.9 
0.2 
4.0 
–
– 
(0.3)
81.8 

42.3 
0.1 
8.3 
–
– 
(0.1)
50.6 

31.2 

58.1 
0.1 
1.1 
–
– 
0.1 
59.4 

47.7 
0.1 
2.4 
–
– 
– 
50.2 

9.2 

Other
$m

12.7 
0.2 
2.3 
1.1 
(0.1)
0.1 
16.3 

7.1 
0.2 
1.5 
0.2 
(0.1)
0.1 
9.0 

7.3 

Other
$m

22.0 
0.2 
5.2 
(16.3)
1.4 
0.2 
12.7 

21.5 
0.1 
0.8 
(16.3)
0.9 
0.1 
7.1 

5.6 

Total
$m

365.8 
1.5 
4.3 
19.2 
(0.1)
– 
390.7 

287.3 
0.6 
20.8 
39.2 
(0.1)
– 
347.8 

42.9 

Total
$m

404.9 
0.5 
10.3 
(51.3)
1.4 
– 
365.8 

305.1 
0.3 
32.3 
(51.3)
0.9 
– 
287.3 

78.5 

The net book amount of other intangible assets at 1 January 2019 was $99.8m. All intangible assets are regarded as having a finite life and are 
amortised accordingly. Amortisation charges relating to intangible assets have been charged to cost of sales and operating expenses in the 
consolidated income statement.

Other intangible assets of $7.3m (2019 – $5.6m) include software of $7.1m (2019 – $5.4m).

Internally generated intangible assets have been included within unpatented technology. The carrying value at the beginning of the year was 
$22.1m (2019 – $20.8m). Additions during the year were $0.7m (2019 – $4.0m), the amortisation charge for the year was $2.2m (2019 – $2.9m) 
and the impairment charge was $9.9m (2019 – $nil). Certain technology was patented during the year and $1.9m (2019 – $nil) was reclassified to 
patented technology. After adverse foreign exchange movements of $0.2m (2019 – $0.2m positive), the carrying value at the end of the year was 
$8.6m (2019 – $22.1m).

Internally generated intangible assets have also been included within patents. The carrying value at the beginning of the year was $4.8m  
(2019 – $4.4m). Additions during the year were $1.3m (2019 – $1.0m), patents acquired as part of the Enpro acquisition were $1.4m, amounts 
reclassified from unpatented technology were $1.9m (2019 – $nil), the amortisation charge for the year was $0.7m (2019 – $0.6m) and the 
impairment charge was $3.5m (2019 – $nil). After positive foreign exchange movements of $0.1m (2019 – $nil), the carrying value at the end 
of the year was $5.3m (2019 – $4.8m).

157
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

16. Impairment of Non-financial Assets

(a) Impairment Testing Process
(i) Cash-generating Units (“CGUs”)
As at 31 December 2019, a limited number of cases of an unknown virus had been reported to the World Health Organisation (the “WHO”). 
Following the subsequent spread of the virus, on 11 March 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) outbreak to be a pandemic. 
As a result of COVID-19, we have seen macroeconomic uncertainty with regards to prices and demand for oil and gas, with the largest one-day 
fall in the oil price since 1991 being recorded in March 2020. The effect on the Group of the downturn in the global economy due to COVID-19 
and the impact that this has had on the oil and gas sector began in late Q1 2020. 

In preparing the 2019 year-end Group financial statements, a goodwill impairment review was conducted but did not result in any impairment. 
However, for our European Well Intervention CGU a downside sensitivity was disclosed. During 2020, market conditions were significantly worse, 
business activity levels declined very quickly and more severely than was expected at the 2019 year-end due to the global impact of COVID-19. 
The scale and duration of the adverse impact remains uncertain, and furthermore, the recovery is expected to be a gradual process. Therefore, 
during 2020 management tested goodwill for impairment across all CGUs in preparing the financial statements. Management reacted to the 
downturn, implementing restructuring actions, and revised projections, including projected cost savings, which were used in the calculation 
of recoverable amounts.

The recoverable amount for each CGU was determined using a fair value less costs of disposal (“FVLCD”) method, which represents the value 
of the CGU in a sales transaction on an arm’s-length basis. As there is no active market for the Group’s CGUs, the FVLCD is determined using 
discounted cash flow techniques based on the estimated future cash flows that are expected to be generated by the CGU and discounted at a 
rate that is determined for each CGU in isolation by consideration of their business risk profile. This method allows approved capital projects that 
are in progress to be included. The recoverable amount calculations use discounted pre-tax nominal cash flow projections. The key assumptions 
for the recoverable amount calculations are revenue growth rates, taking into account the impact these have on margins, terminal growth rates 
and the discount rates applied. The FVLCD is a Level 3 measurement as per the fair value hierarchy as defined within IFRS 13 due to 
unobservable inputs used in the valuation.

For 2021, cash flows are based on the latest detailed forecast, as approved by the Board. For 2022 to 2025, management made revenue 
projections using Spears & Associates “Drilling and Production Outlook” independent reports as a default basis, selecting the most appropriate 
geographic markets and drivers (rig count, footage drilled or E&P spend) for each CGU. Management then applied judgemental changes to 
revenue growth expectations, if appropriate, to reflect circumstances specific to the CGU. Having determined the projected revenues, 
management then modelled the expected impact on margins and cash flow from the resulting revenue projections. This process can give a 
diverse range of outcomes depending on market or business specific conditions. Compound annual growth rates (“CAGR”) for revenue for the 
CGUs from 2020 to 2025 vary between 8% and 30% (2019 – CAGR from 2019 to 2024 between 3% and 12%). After 2025, a terminal value was 
calculated assuming growth of 50 basis points above assumed inflation (2019 – 25 basis points), giving nominal growth rates between 0% and 
1% (2019 – between 1% and 2%).

Cash flows were discounted using nominal pre-tax rates between 11% and 13% (2019 – 9% and 10%). The discount rates reflect current market 
assessments of the equity market risk premiums, the volatility of returns, the risks associated with the cash flows, the likely external borrowing 
rate of the CGU and expected levels of leverage. As a result of the significant reduction in the Company’s share price, the “small-cap premium” 
applied in determining discount rates has increased markedly and is the main contributor to the higher rates applied in 2020. Consideration was 
also given to other factors such as currency risk, operational risk and country risk.

(ii) Individual Assets
For individual assets, an impairment test is conducted if there are indicators of impairment. Impairment arises when the carrying value of the 
asset is greater than the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal or its value-in-use. The FVLCD or the value-in-use is a Level 3 measurement 
as per the fair value hierarchy as defined within IFRS 13 due to unobservable inputs used in the valuation. If the cash flows of an asset cannot be 
assessed individually, then the asset or a group of assets are aggregated into a CGU and tested as described above.

(b) Impairment Tests for Goodwill
Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating units (“CGUs”) as follows:

CGU
Hunting Titan
Hunting Stafford “Subsea” 
Enpro
Dearborn
US Manufacturing
Hunting Specialty
European Well Intervention (Welltonic acquisition)
At 31 December

Operating 
segment
Titan
US
US
US
US
US
EMEA

2020
$m
114.9
15.0
14.2
7.6
12.5
–
–
164.2

2019
$m
180.5
15.0
–
12.5
12.5
5.0
4.7
230.2

Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment. Impairment charges of $79.8m (2019 – $nil) were recorded as a result of the goodwill 
impairment reviews carried out in the year. In all CGUs, the impairment arose as a result of reduced mid-term economic expectations following 
the current downturn and increased discount rates as discussed above.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements158
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

16. Impairment of Non-financial Assets continued 

(b) Impairment Tests for Goodwill continued
(i) Hunting Titan
Hunting Titan is the only CGU which is significant in relation to the Group’s total carrying amount of goodwill, representing 70% (2019 – 78%) of 
the balance. The Hunting Titan CGU was considerably impacted by the significant and rapid decline in US onshore activity levels in the first half 
of the year and an impairment of $65.6m (2019 – $nil) was charged in the interim accounts. There has been a steady improvement in performance 
during the second half of the year, and a more positive future outlook for US onshore has emerged since the last impairment test was performed. 
This has resulted in a headroom over carrying value of $64.7m in the year-end test in which cash flows were discounted using a nominal pre-tax 
rate of 11%. A decrease in the expected CAGR between 2020 and 2025 of 5% from the 8% expected would eliminate this headroom.

(ii) Enpro
Goodwill of $13.4m was recognised on the acquisition of Enpro (see note 39). After foreign exchange movements of $0.8m, Enpro’s goodwill 
balance at the year-end is $14.2m. Cash flows were discounted using a nominal pre-tax rate of 13%, with no impairment being recognised 
following the impairment review. Should the forecast revenue CAGR deteriorate between 2020 and 2025 by 7% in actual results or future 
forecasts, this could result in a material impairment charge in the next financial year. Enpro is part of the US operating segment.

(iii) Dearborn
In the first half of 2020 an impairment charge of $4.9m was incurred in respect of the Dearborn CGU (2019 – $nil). In the year-end test performed, 
cash flows were discounted using a nominal pre-tax rate of 12% and no further impairment is required as forecast expectations have improved. 
Should the forecast revenue CAGR deteriorate between 2020 and 2025 by 7% in actual results or future forecasts, this could result in a material 
impairment charge in the next financial year. Dearborn is part of the US operating segment. Dearborn is part of the US operating segment.

(iv) Other CGUs
Goodwill in Hunting Specialty and European Well Intervention was fully impaired, giving rise to a charge of $5.0m in Hunting Specialty and, after 
foreign exchange movements of $0.4m, a charge of $4.3m was reflected in European Well Intervention. Hunting Specialty is part of the US 
operating segment and European Well Intervention is part of the EMEA operating segment.

(c) Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment
A total impairment of $19.4m was recorded against property, plant and equipment in the year. In the US operating segment, $10.1m of 
impairment was charged relating to rental tools and property. In the EMEA operating segment, $8.8m was charged, with $8.0m charged to a 
property in Well Intervention and $0.8m related to equipment that is not expected to be utilised in the Netherlands following the fall in demand, 
as a result of the CGU test referred to above. In Canada, $0.1m was charged as a result of the closure of operations and $0.4m in Hunting Titan 
in relation to obsolete equipment. During 2019, impairment of our drilling tools motor fleet and associated parts of $19.0m was recognised. 

(d) Impairment of Right-of-use Assets
Following the closure of leased properties, impairment charges of $3.9m in Canada and $0.2m in Hunting Titan, totalling $4.1m, were recognised 
in the year (2019 – $nil).

(e) Impairment of Other Intangible Assets
Impairments of other intangible assets in the year gave rise to a charge of $39.2m (2019 – $nil). As a result of the reduced revenue and 
profitability in Hunting Titan, the remaining balance for customer relationships recognised on the acquisition in 2011 was written off, generating 
a charge of $24.6m. The fall in expected future demand led to a $14.4m impairment of self-developed technologies, with $4.9m related to 
perforating products in Hunting Titan, $5.2m for OCTG in the US, $2.6m for well intervention products in EMEA and $1.7m for OCTG arising 
on the closure of Canada. The Canadian closure also resulted in a $0.2m write-off related to IT systems. 

(f) Impairment of Inventory
Certain inventory was written down to its net realisable value due to the reduced movement in inventories, lower oil and gas prices reducing 
demand and inventory selling prices being lowered. A net impairment charge of $36.4m was recognised in the year (2019 – $5.9m), with $34.2m 
of the impairment charge (2019 – $nil) being recognised as an exceptional item (note 6).

17. Investments

Non-current:
Listed equity investments and mutual funds
Investments in associates

Current:
Listed equity investments and mutual funds

2020
$m

1.7
18.1
19.8

–

2019
$m

1.6
0.7 
2.3

0.5 

The listed equity investments and mutual funds are equity instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss. Returns on the listed equity 
investments and mutual funds of $nil (2019 – $0.3m) are included in finance income in note 9. 

 
159
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

17. Investments continued

Movement on investments in associates:

At 1 January 
Additions
At 31 December

2020
$m
0.7
17.4
18.1

2019
$m
0.7
–
0.7

On 15 December 2020, the Group acquired a 23.5% interest in the equity shares of Rival Downhole Tools LC in exchange for the operating 
assets of Hunting Energy Services (Drilling Tools) Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group. See note 40 for further details.

Following the transaction on 15 December 2020, management is carrying out a fair value exercise using the principles of IFRS 3 Business 
Combinations to determine what goodwill and other intangible assets have arisen as a result of the investment in the associate. The fair values 
of the amounts included are provisional as work is continuing in respect of the fair value exercise. Interests in associates for 2019 did not include 
any amounts for goodwill.

The Group’s share of the results of its principal associates, all of which are unlisted, and its aggregated assets and liabilities, are as follows:

Share of balance sheet:
Total assets
Total liabilities
Net assets

2020
$m

21.4
(3.3)
18.1

2019
$m

2.7
(2.0)
0.7

The key investments in associates, including the name, country of incorporation and proportion of ownership interest, are disclosed in note C19.

18. Trade and Other Receivables

Non-current:
Prepayments
Other receivables

Current: 
Contract assets
Trade receivables
Accrued revenue
Gross receivables
Less: provision for impairment
Net receivables
Prepayments
Loan note
Other receivables
Net book amount

2020
$m

1.7
0.3
2.0

2020

Contracts
with
customers
$m

Rental 
receivables
$m

Other 
receivables
$m

9.8 
109.1 
3.0 
121.9 
(4.0)
117.9 
–
–
– 
117.9 

– 
2.0 
0.2 
2.2 
(0.5)
1.7 
– 
–
– 
1.7 

– 
0.3 
– 
0.3
– 
0.3 
13.1 
0.6 
2.7 
16.7

2019
$m

2.0 
0.7 
2.7 

Total
$m

9.8 
111.4 
3.2 
124.4 
(4.5)
119.9 
13.1 
0.6 
2.7 
136.3 

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
160
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

18. Trade and Other Receivables continued 

Current: 
Contract assets
Trade receivables
Accrued revenue
Gross receivables
Less: provision for impairment
Net receivables
Prepayments
Loan note
Other receivables
Net book amount

Contracts
with
customers
$m

8.3
149.0
12.0
169.3
(3.6)
165.7
–
–
–
165.7

2019

Rental
receivables
$m

Other 
receivables
$m

–
10.4
0.3
10.7
(0.3)
10.4
–
–
–
10.4

–
–
–
–
–
–
21.9 
0.7 
3.3 
25.9 

Total
$m

8.3 
159.4 
12.3 
180.0 
(3.9)
176.1 
21.9 
0.7 
3.3 
202.0 

Trade receivables of $111.4m (2019 – $159.4m), accrued revenue of $3.2m (2019 – $12.3m) and the loan note of $0.6m (2019 – $0.7m) are 
financial assets measured at amortised cost and total $115.2m (2019 – $172.4m). Interest income on the loan note is immaterial in 2019 and 
2020. 

Other receivables generally arise from transactions outside the usual operating activities of the Group and comprise receivables from tax 
receivables (VAT, GST, franchise taxes, and sales and use taxes) of $1.6m (2019 – $2.0m), derivative financial assets of $0.1m (2019 – $0.3m) 
and other receivables of $1.3m (2019 – $1.7m), which are financial assets measured at amortised cost. Derivative financial assets of $0.1m 
(2019 – $0.2m) are held for trading measured at fair value through profit or loss and derivative financial assets of $nil (2019 – $0.1m) are 
designated in a hedge measured at fair value.

Apart from personal director guarantees for the $0.6m loan note, the Group does not hold any other collateral as security and no assets have 
been acquired through the exercise of any collateral previously held. 

In accordance with the requirements of the Group’s committed bank facility, security has been granted over certain trade receivables and other 
receivables in the UK, US and Canada, which have a gross value of $84.3m (2019 – $127.3m). For the receivables pledged as security, their 
carrying value approximates their fair value.

Impairment of Trade and Other Receivables
The Group has chosen to apply lifetime expected credit losses (“ECLs”) to trade receivables, accrued revenue and contract assets upon their 
initial recognition. Each entity within the Group uses provision matrices for recognising ECLs on its receivables, which are based on actual credit 
loss experience over the past two years, at a minimum. Receivables are appropriately grouped by geographical region, product type or type 
of customer, and separate calculations produced, if historical or forecast credit loss experience shows significantly different loss patterns for 
different customer segments. Actual credit loss experience is then adjusted to reflect differences in economic conditions over the period the 
historical data was collected, current economic conditions, forward-looking information based on macroeconomic information and the Group’s 
view of economic conditions over the expected lives of the receivables. The contract assets relate to unbilled work in progress and have 
substantially the same risk characteristics as the trade receivables for the same types of contracts. It has, therefore, been concluded that the 
expected loss rates for trade receivables are a reasonable approximation of the loss rates for the contract assets.

At 31 December 2020, the ageing of the Group’s gross financial assets, based on days overdue, is as follows:

Contract assets 
Trade receivables – contracts with customers
Trade receivables – rental receivables
Trade receivables – other
Accrued revenue – contracts with customers
Accrued revenue – rental receivables
Loan note
Other receivables

Not
overdue
$m
9.8 
52.3 
1.0 
0.3
3.0 
0.2 
0.6 
1.3 
68.5 

1 – 30
days
$m
– 
18.0 
0.1 
– 
– 
– 
– 
0.1 
18.2 

31 – 60
days 
$m
– 
18.1 
0.2 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
18.3 

61 – 90
days
$m
– 
4.1 
0.2 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
4.3 

91 – 120
days
$m
–
9.4 
0.1 
–
–
–
–
– 
9.5 

More than
120 days
$m
–
7.2 
0.4 
–
–
–
–
– 
7.6 

Total gross 
financial 
assets
$m
9.8 
109.1 
2.0 
0.3
3.0 
0.2 
0.6 
1.4 
126.4 

161
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

18. Trade and Other Receivables continued 

Impairment of Trade and Other Receivables continued 
At 31 December 2019, the ageing of the Group’s gross financial assets, based on days overdue, is as follows:

Contract assets 
Trade receivables – contracts with customers
Trade receivables – rental receivables
Accrued revenue – contracts with customers
Accrued revenue – rental receivables
Loan note
Other receivables

Not
overdue
$m
8.3 
79.4 
2.7 
12.0 
0.3 
0.7 
1.2 
104.6 

1 – 30
days
$m
– 
28.5 
4.5 
–
– 
– 
– 
33.0 

31 – 60
days 
$m
– 
16.3 
1.2 
– 
– 
– 
– 
17.5 

61 – 90
days
$m
– 
8.6 
0.9 
– 
– 
– 
0.1 
9.6 

91 – 120
days
$m
– 
8.2 
0.4 
– 
– 
– 
– 
8.6 

More than
120 days
$m
– 
8.0 
0.7 
– 
– 
– 
– 
8.7 

Total gross 
financial 
assets
$m
8.3 
149.0 
10.4 
12.0 
0.3 
0.7 
1.3 
182.0 

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 carrying amount of each class of financial assets mentioned above. The carrying value of each class of receivables 
approximates their fair value as described in note 29.

Since the year-end 31 December 2019, there has been a modest increase in the ageing of receivables, with trade receivables not overdue 
at the year-end comprising 48% of gross trade receivables compared to 52% at 31 December 2019. However, total gross trade receivables 
have decreased by $48.0m since 31 December 2019. This increase in ageing is due to a number of different factors, including the increase 
in time taken in resolving any disputes, a culture of slow/late payment in some jurisdictions, delays in payments being made due to social 
distancing requirements and having to work remotely, government moratoriums on payments being made and some debtors experiencing 
cash flow difficulties.

Whilst a proportion, 15% (2019 – 11%), of the Group’s trade receivables are more than 90 days overdue the majority of these have not been 
impaired. Some of these debts have become overdue due to billing issues and others because the customer has just been slow to pay. Where 
there is no history of bad debts and there are no indicators that the debts will not be settled, these have not been impaired. These customers 
are monitored very closely for any indicators of impairment.

During the year, the movements on the provision for impairment were as follows:

At 1 January 2020
Charge to the consolidated income statement – lifetime expected  
  credit losses
Unused provisions released to the consolidated income statement
Utilised against receivables written off
At 31 December 2020

Contracts
with
customers
$m
(3.6)

(2.2)
0.6 
1.2 
(4.0) 

2020

Rental 
receivables
$m
(0.3)

Other 
receivables
$m
– 

(0.3)
0.1 
–
(0.5)

–
–
–
–

Total
$m
(3.9)

(2.5)
0.7 
1.2 
(4.5) 

Of the above net impairment losses charged to the consolidated income statement of $1.8m, $1.2m is presented as an exceptional item 
(see note 6). Following the global economic downturn, the provision for the impairment of trade and other receivables increased by $0.6m to 
$4.5m at the year-end, as debtors face cash flow difficulties and the risk of bad debts in the coming months increases. Financial assets that were 
written off during the year are no longer subject to enforcement activity.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements162
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

18. Trade and Other Receivables continued 

Impairment of Trade and Other Receivables continued 

At 1 January 2019
Charge to the consolidated income statement – lifetime expected  
  credit losses
Unused provisions released to the consolidated income statement
Utilised against receivables written off
At 31 December 2019

Contracts
with
customers
$m
(2.7)

(1.6)
0.4
0.3
(3.6)

2019

Rental
receivables
$m
(0.3)

Other 
receivables
$m
(0.1)

–
–
–
(0.3)

–
0.1
–
–

Total
$m
(3.1)

(1.6)
0.5
0.3
(3.9)

Default on a financial asset is usually considered to have occurred when any contractual payments under the terms of the debt are more than 
90 days overdue. Usually, no further deliveries are made or services provided to customers that are more than 90 days overdue unless there is 
a valid reason to do so, such as billing issues have prevented the customer from settling the invoice. Permission from the local financial controller 
can be obtained to continue trading with customers with debts that are more than 90 days overdue, and the outstanding debts may also be 
rescheduled with the permission of the financial controller.

Receivables are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Indicators that receivables are generally not recoverable include 
the failure of the debtor to engage in a repayment plan, failure to make contractual payments for a period greater than 180 days past due and 
the debtor being placed in administration. Where receivables have been written off, the entity will continue to try and recover the outstanding 
receivable. Impairment losses on receivables are presented net of unused provisions released to the consolidated income statement within 
operating expenses. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against the same line item.

19. Deferred Tax

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are only offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset, 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 asset is as follows:

At 1 January
Adoption of IFRS 16
At 1 January amended
Exchange adjustments
Acquisition of subsidiary (note 39)
 (Charge) credit to the consolidated income statement
 Change in tax rates
Total (charge) credit to the consolidated income statement
Taken direct to equity
Other movements
At 31 December

2020
$m
15.3 
(9.8)
5.5

2020
$m
29.1
–
29.1
0.2 
(4.0)
(14.2)
(0.8)
(15.0)
(0.5)
(4.3)
5.5

2019
$m
29.9
(0.8)
29.1 

2019
$m
24.8
1.7 
26.5 
0.1 
–
2.5
–
2.5
– 
– 
29.1

The change in tax rates relates to the rate at which UK and Canada deferred tax balances are recorded.

Deferred tax assets of $306.5m gross and $80.5m tax (2019 – $95.4m gross and $15.8m tax) have not been recognised as realisation of the 
tax benefit is currently not probable within a reasonable timeframe. This includes $191.4m gross and $49.8m tax (2019 – $89.4m gross and 
$14.8m tax) in respect of trading losses, the majority of which do not have an expiry date. A deferred tax asset of $12.0m (2019 – $24.0m) has 
been recognised in respect of tax losses in various locations on the basis of forecast future taxable profits against which those tax losses could 
be utilised. 

 
163
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

19. Deferred Tax continued

The movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities, prior to taking into consideration the offsetting of balances within the same tax jurisdictions, 
are shown below:

Tax losses
Inventory
Goodwill and  
intangibles
Post-retirement  
  benefits
Asset  
  decommissioning  
  provision
Accumulated tax  
  depreciation
Share-based  
  payments
Other

At 
1 January 
2020
$m
24.0 
7.1 

Exchange 
adjustments
$m
0.3 
–

Acquisition
of 
subsidiary
$m
– 
– 

(Charge) 
credit to 
income 
statement
$m
(7.4)
(6.0)

Change in 
tax rates
$m
(0.6)
(0.1)

Taken direct 
to equity
$m
–
–

Other 
movements
$m
(4.3)
–

7.2 

0.4 

0.9 

(20.9)

3.7 
6.7 
29.1 

(0.2)

(3.4)

(11.4)

–

–

–

–
0.1 
0.2

– 

– 

(0.4)

(0.9)

(0.6)

19.6 

– 
–
(4.0) 

(2.8)
(4.9)
(14.2)

– 

– 

– 

(0.1)

–
–
(0.8)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.5)
–
(0.5)

–
–
(4.3)

At 
1 January 
2019
$m
19.1
6.3
10.0
0.3

1.1
(17.2)
3.9
1.3
24.8

Adoption of 
IFRS 16
$m
– 
– 
– 
– 

Exchange 
adjustments
$m
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
1.7 
1.7 

– 
0.1 
– 
– 
0.1 

Credit 
(charge) to 
income 
statement
$m
0.2 
0.8 
(2.7)
0.2 

(0.2)
(3.8)
(0.3)
8.3 
2.5 

Taken direct 
to equity
$m
0.2 
– 
(0.2)
(0.1)

Other 
movements
$m
4.5 
– 
0.1 
– 

– 
– 
0.1 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
(4.6)
– 

Tax losses
Inventory
Goodwill and intangibles
Post-retirement benefits
Asset decommissioning  
  provision
Accumulated tax depreciation
Share-based payments
Other

20. Inventories

Raw materials
Work in progress
Finished goods
Gross inventories
Less: provisions for losses
Net inventories

At 31 
December
2020 
$m
12.0 
1.0 

(7.8)

– 

– 

(2.0)

0.4 
1.9 
5.5 

At 31 
December 
2019 
$m
24.0 
7.1 
7.2 
0.4 

0.9 
(20.9)
3.7 
6.7 
29.1 

Net

deferred  
tax  

assets
$m
12.0 
1.0 

– 

–

– 

–

0.4 
1.9 
15.3 

Net

deferred  
tax 
assets
$m
24.0 
7.1 
7.4 
0.4 

0.9 
(20.0)
3.7 
6.4 
29.9 

2020
$m
101.6 
50.9 
173.1 
325.6
(37.2)
288.4

Net 
deferred
tax 
liabilities
$m
– 
– 

(7.8)

– 

– 

(2.0)

– 
–
(9.8)

Net 
deferred
tax 
liabilities
$m
– 
– 
(0.2)
– 

– 
(0.9)
– 
0.3 
(0.8)

2019
$m
105.4 
65.4
206.5 
377.3 
(26.5)
350.8 

The Group’s inventory is highly durable and is well maintained. It can, therefore, hold its value well with the passing of time. When volume 
demand falls, or prices are reduced, management has to assess whether the carrying value of inventory can still be achieved. For some markets 
and product lines there may be a limited number, or even no sales, to form a benchmark in the current year. In these cases, management looks 
at historical activity levels and has to form a judgement as to likely future demand in the light of market forecasts and likely competitor activities. 
Management has considered the judgements and estimates made in each of the Group’s businesses and has not identified any individual 
estimates which, in the event of a change, would lead to a material change in the next financial period. 

As a result of such judgements, the net inventory balance comprises $240.6m of inventory carried at cost (2019 – $301.4m) and $47.8m carried 
at net realisable value (“NRV”), which represents 17% of net inventories (2019 – $49.4m at NRV representing 14% of net inventories). 
Provisions for inventories held at NRV are subject to change if expectations change.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
164
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

20. Inventories continued

Gross inventories decreased by $51.7m from $377.3m at 31 December 2019 to $325.6m at 31 December 2020. Additions to inventories 
were $465.7m (2019 – $673.1m), additions from acquisitions of $0.7m (2019 – $0.4m) and foreign exchange movements of $4.8m 
(2019 – $3.0m) were offset by inventories expensed to cost of sales of $505.7m (2019 – $667.5m) and inventories written off of $14.9m 
(2019 – $4.3m) against the inventory provision, inventories transferred to PPE of $0.6m (2019 – $0.1m) and $1.7m in relation to the disposal 
of US Drilling Tools’ assets. 

The inventory provision increased by $10.7m from $26.5m at 31 December 2019 to $37.2m at 31 December 2020, as a result of impairment 
charges included in cost of sales of $37.4m (2019 – $7.5m) and foreign exchange movements of $0.2m (2019 – $0.4m) offset by $14.9m (2019 
– $4.3m) of the provision being utilised in the year against inventories written off and $12.0m (2019 – $1.6m) released to the consolidated income 
statement in cost of sales. The reversal of previous write-downs occurred when inventory was sold for an amount higher than its net realisable 
value and also where older inventories, which had previously been written off, were sold as market conditions improved in the oil and gas sector. 
Overall, Hunting’s provision for inventory losses increased to 11% (2019 – 7%) of gross inventory balances at 31 December 2020 following the 
downturn in the oil and gas sector. Details of the impairment review can be found in note 16.

Inventories of $165.0m are expected to be realised within 12 months of the balance sheet date (2019 – $293.0m) and $123.4m will be realised 
after 12 months (2019 – $57.8m).

In accordance with the requirements of the Group’s committed bank facility, security has been granted over inventories in certain subsidiaries 
in the UK, US and Canada, which have a gross value of $198.2m (2019 – $229.9m). 

21. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand
Money market funds
Short-term deposits of less than three month’s maturity
Cash and cash equivalents

2020
$m
102.9
–
–
102.9

2019
$m
66.6 
26.2 
35.8 
128.6 

Cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits are carried at amortised cost. Money market funds are financial assets carried at fair value 
through profit or loss. The maximum exposure to credit risk is the carrying amount of each class of financial assets mentioned.

As shown in note 26, cash and cash equivalents for cash flow statement purposes also includes bank overdrafts shown in borrowings in 
note 25.

22. Trade and Other Payables

Non-current:
Accruals
Social security and other taxes
US deferred compensation plan obligation (note 32)

Current:
Trade payables
Accruals
Social security and other taxes
Contract liabilities
US deferred compensation plan obligation (note 32)
Other payables

2020
$m

0.4
0.3
1.7
2.4

2020
$m

26.4
29.0
7.2
2.4
–
2.9
67.9

2019
$m

0.5
0.6
1.6
2.7

2019
$m

56.3 
45.3 
7.7 
6.8 
0.5
4.6
121.2

Trade payables of $26.4m (2019 – $56.3m), accruals of $29.4m (2019 – $45.8m) and other payables of $1.5m (2019 – $3.4m) are financial 
liabilities measured at amortised cost and total $57.3m (2019 – $105.5m). Other payables also include derivative financial liabilities of $0.6m  
(2019 – $1.0m) held for trading measured at fair value through profit or loss and derivative financial liabilities designated in a net investment hedge 
measured at fair value of $nil (2019 – $0.2m).

 
 
165
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

23. Contract Assets and Liabilities

The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers.

Contract assets (note 18)
Contract liabilities (note 22)

Trade receivables – contracts with customers (note 18)
Loss allowance (note 18)
Net trade receivables – contracts with customers

2020
$m
9.8
(2.4)

109.1
(4.0)
105.1

2019
$m
8.3
(6.8)

149.0
(3.6)
145.4

2018
$m
11.8
(5.5)

172.1
(2.7)
169.4

(a) Significant Changes in Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities 
Contract assets increased from $8.3m at 31 December 2019 to $9.8m at 31 December 2020 due to the addition of contract assets following 
the acquisition of Enpro and increased levels of bespoke customer work-in-progress in the Subsea Spring business, which were partly offset by 
a reduction in bespoke customer work-in-progress in Dearborn.

Contract liabilities represent deposits received on contracts relating to the purchase of pipe in the Asia Pacific businesses, prior to Hunting 
placing an order with the steel mills, and decreased from $6.8m at 31 December 2019 to $2.4m at 31 December 2020, reflecting the lower 
activity levels in the region.

(b) Revenue Recognised in Relation to Contract Liabilities
The following table shows how much of the revenue recognised in the current reporting period relates to carried-forward contract liabilities and 
how much relates to performance obligations that were satisfied in a prior year.

Revenue recognised that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year
Revenue recognised from performance obligations satisfied (or partially satisfied) in previous years
Total

2020
$m
6.7
–
6.7

2019
$m
5.5
–
5.5

(c) Unsatisfied Performance Obligations
The aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to partially or fully unsatisfied performance obligations as at the year-end on confirmed 
purchase orders received prior to the year-end is $144.4m (2019 – $239.0m). It is expected that 81% or $117.0m (2019 – 95% or $227.4m) will be 
recognised as revenue in the 2021 financial year and the remaining 19% or $27.4m (2019 – 5% or $11.6m) in future years.

24. Leases

The Group leases various offices, warehouses, equipment and vehicles. Rental contracts for offices and warehouses are typically made for fixed 
periods of between three and ten years, but may have extension options as described below. Rental contracts for equipment and vehicles are 
typically made for fixed periods of between three and seven years. The Group also has short-term leases and leases of low-value assets. Lease 
terms are negotiated on an individual basis and contain a wide range of different terms and conditions. The lease agreements do not impose any 
covenants. As at 31 December 2020, the Group did not have any commitments for leases that were due to commence in 2021 or later. There 
were no commitments for leases at the end of 2019.

Extension and break options are included in a number of property and equipment leases across the Group. These terms are used to maximise 
operational flexibility in terms of managing contracts. For extension and break options that are exercisable only by the Group and not by the 
respective lessor, management considers all facts and circumstances that create an economic incentive for the Group to exercise an extension 
option, or not exercise a break option in determining the lease term. The lease term is determined according to management’s expectation of 
exercising any available extension and break options. Extension or termination options are only adjusted in the lease term if the lease option is 
reasonably certain to be exercised. 

(a) Amounts Recognised in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
The analysis of right-of-use assets is presented in note 13.

Lease liabilities
Current
Non-current

2020 
$m

10.2
30.1
40.3

2019 
$m

9.8
35.4
45.2

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
166
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

24. Leases continued 

(b) Amounts Recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement 
The consolidated income statement includes the following amounts relating to leases:

Depreciation of right-of-use assets (note 13)
Reversal of impairment of right-of-use assets (included in operating expenses) (note 13)
Expense relating to short-term leases and leases of low-value assets (included in cost of sales and  
  operating expenses)
Lease charges included in underlying (loss) profit from operations
Impairments of right-of-use assets – exceptional (included in operating expenses) (note 13)
Lease charges included in reported (loss) profit from operations
Interest on lease liabilities (included in finance costs (note 9))
Lease charges included in (loss) profit before tax

(c) Amounts Recognised in the Statement of Cash Flows 

Payments for short-term and low-value leases
Payments for capitalised leases

2020 
$m
7.5
(0.6)

2.5
9.4
4.1
13.5
1.9
15.4

2020 
$m
2.5
10.4
12.9

2019 
$m
7.9
–

3.0
10.9
–
10.9
2.2
13.1

2019 
$m
3.0
10.6
13.6

Payments for short-term leases, payments for leases of low-value assets and variable lease payments that are not included in the measurement 
of the lease liabilities are presented within cash flows from operating activities. Payments for the principal and interest elements of recognised 
lease liabilities are presented within cash flows from financing activities.

The analysis of the contractual, undiscounted cash flows relating to lease liabilities is shown in note 30(d).

(d) The Group as Lessor
A number of the Group’s properties included within property, plant and equipment and capitalised as right-of-use assets are let under operating 
lease agreements. Income from subleasing these assets during the year was $1.8m (2019 – $1.4m) and is included in operating lease rental 
income in note 4. The Group also earns revenue from the rental of rental tools, which are items of property, plant and equipment, as disclosed 
in note 12. Rental revenue earned during the year was $14.2m (2019 – $31.4m) as shown in note 3.

The table below shows the maturity analysis of the undiscounted future lease payments expected to be received in relation to non-cancellable 
operating leases are:

Year one
Year two
Year three
Year four
Year five 
Total lease income receivable

25. Borrowings

Non-current:
Shareholder loan from non-controlling interest
Current:
Bank overdrafts secured

Total borrowings

Property
2020
$m
1.6 
1.3 
0.5 
0.4 
0.1
3.9

2020
$m

3.9

1.2

5.1

Property
2019
$m
1.1
1.0
0.6
–
–
2.7

2019
$m

3.9 

1.6 

5.5 

In accordance with the Group’s committed bank facility, security has been granted over certain property, plant and equipment, receivables and 
inventory. The carrying amounts of the assets pledged as security are disclosed in notes 12, 18 and 20.

The shareholder loan from a non-controlling interest and the bank overdrafts are all denominated in US dollars.

 
167
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

26. Changes in Net Cash (Debt)

Hunting operates a centralised treasury function that manages all cash and loan positions throughout the Group and ensures funds are used 
efficiently through the use of cash concentration account structures and other such measures. Total cash and bank balance is a non-GAAP 
measure and is a key metric for management and for the Group treasury function, which monitors this balance on a daily basis and reviews 
weekly forecasts to ensure the business has sufficient liquidity to meet business requirements and to determine if the Group will need to draw 
down on its RCF. As the Group manages funding on a total cash and bank basis, internal reporting focuses on changes in total cash and bank 
and this is presented in the Strategic Report. The net cash (debt) reconciliation below provides an analysis of the movement in the year for each 
component of net debt split between cash and non-cash items. Net cash (debt) comprises cash and cash equivalents (analysed in note 21) 
less bank overdrafts, total lease liabilities, unsecured bank loans and the shareholder loan from a non-controlling interest.

Cash and cash equivalents (note 21)
Bank overdrafts (note 25)
Cash and cash equivalents – per cash flow statement

Total lease liabilities (note 24)
Shareholder loan from non-controlling interest (note 25)
Liabilities arising from financing activities
Total net cash (debt)

Analysed between:
Total cash and bank
Total lease liabilities
Shareholder loans from non-controlling interests
Total net cash (debt)

At  
1 January  
2020  
$m
128.6
(1.6)
127.0

(45.2)
(3.9)
(49.1)
77.9

127.0
(45.2)
(3.9)
77.9

Cash flow  

$m
(29.2)
0.4
(28.8)

10.4
–
10.4
(18.4)

(28.8)
10.4
–
(18.4)

Non-cash 
movements 
on lease
liabilitiesi
$m
–
–
–

(4.7)
–
(4.7)
(4.7)

–
(4.7)
–
(4.7)

Exchange 
movements  

$m
3.5
–
3.5

(0.8)
–
(0.8)
2.7

3.5
(0.8)
–
2.7

At  
31 December  
2020  
$m
102.9
(1.2)
101.7

(40.3)
(3.9)
(44.2)
57.5

101.7
(40.3)
(3.9)
57.5

i.  Non-cash movements on lease liabilities comprise new leases of $1.9m, interest expense of $1.9m and new leases from the acquisition of Enpro of $0.3m and lease modifications 

of $0.6m.

During the year, $0.5m of loan facility fees were amortised.

Cash and cash equivalents (note 21)
Bank overdrafts (note 25)
Cash and cash equivalents – per cash flow statement

Total lease liabilities (note 24)
Unsecured bank loans (note 25)
Shareholder loan from non-controlling interest (note 25)
Liabilities arising from financing activities
Total net cash (debt)

Analysed between:
Total cash and bank
Total lease liabilities
Shareholder loans from non-controlling interests
Total net cash (debt)

At 
1 January 
2019  
$m
67.9
(1.8)
66.1

–
(0.9)
(3.9)
(4.8)
61.3

65.2
–
(3.9)
61.3

Adoption of 
IFRS 16  

 At 
1 January 
2019 
amended  

Cash flow  

$m
–
–
–

(49.0)
–
–
(49.0)
(49.0)

–
(49.0)
–
(49.0)

$m
67.9
(1.8)
66.1

(49.0)
(0.9)
(3.9)
(53.8)
12.3

65.2
(49.0)
(3.9)
12.3

$m
58.3
0.2
58.5

10.6
0.9
–
11.5
70.0

59.4
10.6
–
70.0

Non-cash 
movements 
on lease
liabilitiesi 
$m
–
–
–

Exchange 
movements 
$m
2.4
–
2.4

At 
31 December 
2019  
$m
128.6
(1.6)
127.0

(5.9)
–
–
(5.9)
(5.9)

–
(5.9)
–
(5.9)

(0.9)
–
–
(0.9)
1.5

2.4
(0.9)
–
1.5

(45.2)
–
(3.9)
(49.1)
77.9

127.0
(45.2)
(3.9)
77.9

i.  Non-cash movements on lease liabilities comprise new leases of $3.4m, interest expense of $2.2m and lease modifications of $0.3m.

During 2019, $0.4m of loan facility fees were paid and $0.4m were amortised.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements168
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

27. Provisions

At 1 January 2020
Exchange adjustments
Charged to the consolidated income statement
Provisions utilised
Unutilised amounts reversed
Unwinding of discount
Remeasurement
At 31 December 2020

Provisions are due as follows:

Current
Non-current

Asset 
decommissioning 
$m
5.1
–
0.1
(0.4)
(0.2)
0.1
0.7
5.4

Other 
$m
3.3
0.1
0.8
(0.1)
(0.6)
–
–
3.5

2020 
$m
2.9
6.0
8.9

Total 
$m
8.4
0.1
0.9
(0.5)
(0.8)
0.1
0.7
8.9

2019 
$m
3.2
5.2
8.4

Asset decommissioning and remediation obligations of $5.4m (2019 – $5.1m) relate to the Group’s obligation to dismantle and remove items of 
property, plant and equipment. The asset decommissioning 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 vast majority of which is estimated to be utilised over a period of 
eight years. Other provisions include provisions for onerous contracts of $0.4m (2019 – $nil), restructuring of $0.6m (2019 – $0.9m), provision for 
a pension fund for officers and ratings in the mercantile marine industry from a legacy subsidiary of $1.0m (2019 – $1.0m), warranties and tax 
indemnities of $0.9m (2019 – $0.9m) and $0.6m (2019 – $0.5m) for various other items.

28. Derivatives and Hedging

(a) Currency Derivatives
The Group uses derivatives for economic hedging purposes and no speculative positions are entered into by the Group. However, where 
derivatives do not meet the hedge accounting criteria, they are classified as “held for trading” for accounting purposes and are accounted for 
at fair value through profit or loss. The Group has used spot and forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge its exposure to exchange rate 
movements during the year. Currency exposure in the Group’s treasury function is managed by using funding swaps to convert US dollars into 
different currencies required by the Group’s entities, when required.

Fair values of outstanding derivative financial instruments:

Forward foreign exchange contracts – in a cash flow hedge
Forward foreign exchange contracts – not in a hedge
Foreign currency swaps – in a net investment hedge
Foreign currency swaps – not in a hedge
Total

2020

2019

Total 
assets
$m
–
–
–
0.1
0.1

Total
liabilities
$m
–
–
–
(0.6)
(0.6)

Total 
assets
$m
0.1
0.2
–
–
0.3

Total 
liabilities
$m
–
(0.1)
(0.2)
(0.9)
(1.2)

Gains on contracts that are not designated in a hedge relationship of $0.5m (2019 – $0.2m) were recognised in the consolidated income 
statement during the year. 

(b) Fair Value Hedge
Forward foreign exchange contracts have also been designated in a fair value hedge to hedge the foreign exchange movement in foreign 
currency trade payables during the year. The value of the forward foreign exchange contract matches the value of the trade payables and they 
move in opposite directions as a result of movements in the CAD/USD exchange rate, being the hedged risk. Immaterial fair value gains have 
been recognised in the consolidated income statement during the year. At the year-end, the fair value of derivatives designated in a fair value 
hedge is immaterial.

 
169
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

28. Derivatives and Hedging continued 

(c) Cash Flow Hedge
The Group has entered into contracts to purchase materials from suppliers in a currency other than the Group’s subsidiary’s functional currency. 
Certain of these highly probable forecast transactions have been designated in a cash flow hedge relationship and hedged using forward foreign 
exchange contracts during the year. The value of the forward foreign exchange contract matches the value of the forecast inventory purchase 
and they move in opposite directions as a result of movements in the CAD/USD and the CNY/USD exchange rates, being the hedged risk. This 
will effectively result in recognising inventory at the fixed foreign currency rate for the hedged purchases. It is anticipated that the materials will be 
sold within 12 months after purchase, at which time the amount deferred in equity will be reclassified to profit or loss as part of the cost of 
inventories sold.

The Group’s cash flow hedge reserve, which is disclosed as part of other components of equity in note 34, relates to the spot component of 
forward foreign exchange contracts. The balance on the cash flow hedge at the year end is <$0.1m and the movements during the year were 
also <$0.1m.

The effects of outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts on the Group’s financial position and performance are as follows:

Carrying amount of the forward foreign exchange contracts – other receivables (note 18)
Notional amount of the forward foreign exchange contracts
Maturity date

Hedge ratioi
Change in value of hedged item used to determine hedge effectiveness

$m
$m

$m

2020
<0.1
0.7
04.03.21

1:1
<(0.1)

2019
0.1
8.5
03.01.20 to
08.05.20
1:1
(0.1)

i. 

The forward foreign exchange contracts are denominated in the same currency as the highly probable forecast transactions to match the exposed currency risk, therefore the hedge 
ratio is 1:1.

Immaterial changes in the forward points, the differential between the forward rate and the market spot rate, have been recognised in the 
consolidated income statement during the year and previous year.

(d) Net Investment Hedge
In order to hedge the translation foreign currency risk arising on Canadian dollar denominated net assets, the Group entered into funding swaps 
that have maturities of up to three months. The fair value of the funding swaps and the value of the Canadian dollar denominated net assets 
move in the opposite direction as a result of movements in the USD/CAD exchange rate, being the hedged risk. There was no ineffectiveness 
in the net investment hedge. During the year, the Canadian dollar denominated net assets were dedesignated from the net investment hedge.

There were no outstanding funding swaps designated in a net investment hedge. The effects of the outstanding funding swap at 31 December 
2019 on the Group’s financial position and performance was as follows:

Carrying amount of the foreign currency swap – other payables (note 22)
Notional amount of the foreign currency swap
Maturity date
Hedge ratioi
Change in carrying amount of net assets as a result of foreign currency movements since  

inception, recognised in OCI

Change in value of hedged item used to determine hedge effectiveness

$m
$m

$m

$m

2020
–
–
–
–
–

–

2019
(0.2)
14.9
31.01.20
1:1
0.2

0.2

i. 

The funding swap is denominated in the same currency as the Canadian dollar denominated net assets to match the exposed currency risk, therefore the hedge ratio is 1:1.

The balance relating to the net investment hedge in the currency translation reserve at the beginning of the year was a $0.1m gain 
(2019 – $0.9m) and the cumulative spot to spot movement of a $0.5m gain (2019 – $0.8m loss) was recognised during the year, resulting in 
a balance relating to the net investment hedge at the end of the year of a $0.6m gain (2019 – $0.1m).

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
170
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

28. Derivatives and Hedging continued 

(e) Hedge Effectiveness
Hedge effectiveness is determined at the inception of the hedge relationship and through periodic prospective effectiveness assessments 
to ensure that an economic hedge relationship exists between the hedged item and the hedging instrument.

For hedges of foreign currency purchases, the Group enters into hedge relationships where the critical terms of the hedging instrument match 
exactly with the terms of the hedged item. The Group, therefore, performs a qualitative assessment of effectiveness. If changes in circumstances 
affect the terms of the hedged item such that the critical terms no longer match exactly with the critical terms of the forward foreign exchange 
contract, then the Group uses the hypothetical derivative method to assess effectiveness. Ineffectiveness may arise if there is a change in the 
timing of the forecast transaction from what was originally estimated or from a change in the US dollar amount charged and invoiced. A possible 
source of ineffectiveness is also a change in credit risk of either party to the derivative; however, any change in credit risk is not expected to 
be material.

For net investment hedges, the Group enters into hedge relationships where the value of the foreign currency swap matches exactly with the 
value of the loan. The Group, therefore, performs a qualitative assessment of effectiveness. Ineffectiveness will arise if the value of the foreign 
currency net assets falls below the value of the foreign currency swap prior to the maturity of the foreign currency swap. There was no 
ineffectiveness during 2019 or 2020.

29. Financial Instruments: Fair Values

Due to their short-term nature, the carrying value of investments, the loan note, contract assets, trade receivables, accrued revenue, other 
receivables, short-term deposits, cash and cash equivalents, trade payables, accruals, contingent consideration and other payables considered 
to be financial liabilities, bank overdrafts and other unsecured loans approximates their fair value. Drawdowns under the revolving credit facility 
are typically 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 Group has lease liabilities of $40.3m (2019 – $45.2m) at the year-end, which are not measured at fair value, in the consolidated balance 
sheet. The fair value of these financial liabilities has not been disclosed as their fair value cannot be measured reliably as there is no active market 
for these financial instruments. 

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.

Equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss
Listed equity investments and mutual funds
Current derivatives held for trading
Derivative financial assets
Derivative financial liabilities

Equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss
Listed equity investments and mutual funds
Debt instruments at fair value through profit or loss
Money market funds
Current derivatives held for trading
Derivative financial assets
Derivative financial liabilities
Current derivatives in a hedge
Derivative financial assets
Derivative financial liabilities

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.

Fair value at 
31 December 
2020
$m

1.7

0.1
(0.6)
1.2

Fair value at 
31 December 
2019
$m

2.1

26.2

0.2
(1.0)

0.1
(0.2)
27.4

Level 1
$m

Level 2
$m

1.7

–
–
1.7

Level 1
$m

2.1

26.2

–
–

–
–
28.3

–

0.1
(0.6)
(0.5)

Level 2
$m

–

–

0.2
(1.0)

0.1
(0.2)
(0.9)

171
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

29. Financial Instruments: Fair Values continued

The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is determined by comparing the cash flows generated by the contract with the coterminous 
cash flows potentially available in the forward exchange market on 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. 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 is categorised in Level 2 of the fair value 
hierarchy. Details of the fair value gains and losses recognised during the year on derivative contracts are given in note 28.

The fair value of money market funds and listed equities and mutual funds is based on their current bid prices in an active market, which is 
considered to be the most representative of fair value, at the balance sheet date. As the fair values are based on quoted market prices, the fair 
value measurements are categorised in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value gains of $0.1m (2019 – $0.6m) recognised on money 
market funds during the year and the gains on the listed equities and mutual funds of $nil (2019 – $0.3m) have been included in finance income 
(note 9).

The contingent consideration recognised on the acquisition of Enpro of $2.5m was estimated by calculating the present value of the future 
expected cash flows using the income approach and appropriate discount rates. The expected cash flows were based on probabilities of 
achieving a required threshold for an adjusted EBITDA measure (as defined in the purchase and sale agreement) in the 2020 financial year. 
The fair value calculated was a Level 3 measurement as per the fair value hierarchy as defined within IFRS 13 due to unobservable inputs used 
in the valuation. At 31 December 2020, the required EBITDA threshold was not achieved and the contingent consideration recognised on the 
acquisition was released. The remeasurement was recognised in the consolidated income statement as an exceptional credit to operating 
expenses (see note 6). 

30. Financial Risk Management

The Group’s activities expose it to certain financial risks, namely market risk (including currency risk, fair value interest rate risk and cash flow 
interest rate 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 and 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.

(a) Market Risk: 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, Canadian dollars, Singapore dollars and Chinese Yuan Renminbi. 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

Singapore dollar

Chinese Yuan

Sterling

Canadian dollar

2020
1.38
1.32

2019
1.36
1.34

2020
6.90
6.54

2019
6.91
6.97

2020
0.78
0.73

2019
0.78
0.75

2020
1.34
1.27

2019
1.33
1.30

(i) Transactional Risk
The exposure to exchange rate movements in significant future transactions and cash flows is hedged by using forward foreign exchange 
contracts. Certain forward foreign exchange contracts have been designated as hedging instruments of highly probable forecast transactions. 
Operating companies prepare quarterly rolling 12-month cash flow forecasts to enable working capital currency exposures to be identified. 
Exposures are also identified and hedged, if necessary, on an ad-hoc basis, such as when a purchase order in a foreign currency is placed. 
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 12-month period are also identified. The currency flows to be hedged are committed foreign currency transactions greater 
than $50,000 equivalent. Exposures of less than $50,000 equivalent will also be hedged but only where the underlying foreign currency cash 
flow is expected to occur 60 days or more from the point of entering into the transaction.

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 consolidated income statement in the following year. The table excludes 
derivatives designated in a cash flow hedge as fair value gains and losses arising on these are recognised in other comprehensive income.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements172
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

30. Financial Risk Management continued

(a) Market Risk: Foreign Exchange Risk continued
(i) Transactional Risk continued

At 31 December 2020
Functional currency of Group’s entities:
Sterling
US dollars
Canadian dollars
Singapore dollars
Euro
Chinese CNY

Sterling
$m 

US dollars
$m 

–
(3.3)
–
–
–
–
(3.3)

0.1
–
(0.6)
2.6
0.5
0.4
3.0

Currency of denomination

AED
$m 

–
(1.4)
–
–
–
–
(1.4)

SGD
$m

–
(0.9)
–
–
–
–
(0.9)

MXN
$m

–
(0.6)
–
–
–
–
(0.6)

Other  

AUD
$m

currencies
$m

–
1.1
–
–
–
–
1.1

–
(1.2)
–
–
–
–
(1.2)

Total
$m

0.1
(6.3)
(0.6)
2.6
0.5
0.4
(3.3)

The Sterling, US dollar, United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) Dirham (“AED”), Singapore dollar (“SGD”), Mexican Peso (“MXN”) and Australian dollar 
(“AUD”) denominated financial instruments consist of cash balances, trade and other receivables, accrued revenue, trade and other payables, 
accrued expenses, finance lease liabilities, provisions and intra-Group balances.

At 31 December 2019
Functional currency of Group’s entities:
Sterling
US dollars
Canadian dollars
Singapore dollars
Euro
Chinese CNY

Sterling
$m 

US dollars
$m 

–
(2.6)
–
–
(0.1)
–
(2.7)

(5.0)
–
(1.2)
2.7
0.8
(0.6)
(3.3)

Currency of denomination

AED
$m 

–
(1.6)
–
–
–
–
(1.6)

Chinese
CNY
$m

–
(1.0)
–
–
–
–
(1.0)

Euro
$m

(0.4)
(0.6)
–
–
–
–
(1.0)

AUD
$m

–
1.3
–
–
–
–
1.3

Other  

currencies
$m

0.2
(1.5)
–
–
–
–
(1.3)

Total
$m

(5.2)
(6.0)
(1.2)
2.7
0.7
(0.6)
(9.6)

The Sterling, US dollar, United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) Dirham (“AED”), Australian dollar (“AUD”) and Chinese Yuan Renminbi (“CNY”) denominated 
financial instruments consist of cash balances, trade and other receivables, accrued revenue, trade and other payables, accrued expenses, 
finance lease liabilities, provisions and intra-Group loans.

(ii) Translational Risk
Foreign exchange risk also arises from financial assets and liabilities not denominated in the functional currency of an entity’s operations and 
forward foreign exchange contracts are used to manage the exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates. Where appropriate, hedge 
accounting is applied to the forward foreign exchange contracts and the hedged item to remove any accounting mismatch. 

Foreign exchange risk also arises from the Group’s investments in foreign operations. During the year, foreign currency swaps have been 
designated in a net investment hedge to hedge the foreign currency translation risk arising on a Canadian dollar denominated investment. 

The foreign exchange exposure arising from the translation of its net investments in foreign operations into the Group’s presentation currency 
of US dollars has also previously been managed by designating any borrowings that are not US dollar denominated 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) Market Risk: Interest Rate Risk
Variable interest rates on cash at bank, short-term deposits, overdrafts and borrowings expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk and fixed 
interest rates on loans and short-term deposits expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. The Group’s 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 cash at bank and in hand, money market funds, short-term deposits, investments, derivative financial 
instruments, the loan note, accrued revenue, outstanding trade receivables and contract assets.

At the year-end, the Group had credit risk exposure 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 whether through exposure to 
individual customers, specific industry sectors and/or regions. 

173
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

30. Financial Risk Management continued 

(c) Credit Risk continued 
Due diligence is carried out prior to the authorisation of a bank or financial institution as an approved counterparty. Hunting PLC’s Board 
approves the treasury policies that determine which counterparties can be used. For banks and financial institutions, exposure limits are set for 
each approved counterparty, as well as the types of transactions that may be entered into. Approved institutions that the Group’s treasury function 
can invest surplus cash with must all have a minimum A2, P2 or F2 short-term rating from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch rating agencies 
respectively and AAAm S&P rating for money market funds. The money market funds aim to have a stable net asset value per share of 1 (this 
means that for every $1 or £1 that is in the fund there will be an asset to cover it) and the funds have overnight liquidity. At the year-end, deposits 
in money market funds totalled $nil (2019 – $26.2m).

At the year-end, cash at bank and in hand totalled $102.9m (2019 – $66.6m), with $85.1m (2019 – $48.4m) deposited with banks with Fitch 
short-term ratings of F1 to F1+. Of the remaining $17.8m (2019 – $18.2m), $13.7m (2019 – $16.6m) was held with two financial institutions within 
mainland China which, given the Group’s operations in this jurisdiction, were deemed necessary. Despite not having formal credit ratings, an 
internal assessment determined that the banks’ credit profiles were appropriate for the amounts held on deposit. There are no formal restrictions 
on this cash as such, however, prior approval would be required from various state authorities in China before any cash could be paid offshore.

Surplus cash is held with banks with Fitch short-term ratings of F1 and F1+. At the year-end, no surplus cash was held in any short-term deposits 
(2019 – $35.8m).

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. Details of the impairment of trade and other receivables can be found in note 18.

The Group 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 as current and non-current investments. Investments at the year-end 
amounted to $1.7m (2019 – $2.1m) and are expected to be fully recovered.

(d) Liquidity Risk
(i) Bank Facilities
The Group’s treasury function needs to ensure that there are sufficient committed facilities available to the Group, with an appropriate maturity 
profile, to provide operational flexibility and to support investment in key Group projects. 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 $164.2m (2019 – $164.2m) 
at the year-end. The facilities comprise $160.0m of secured committed facilities (2019 – $160.0m) and $4.2m secured uncommitted facilities 
(2019 – $4.2m). The Group’s treasury function ensures flexibility in funding by maintaining availability under committed credit facilities. 

The secured committed facilities comprise the Group’s $160m Revolving Credit Facility (“RCF”), which is due to mature in December 2022, with 
provisions to extend for a further one year to December 2023 based on mutual agreement between all parties. The main features of the RCF are 
as follows:

 • The base margin on amounts drawn under the facility is 1.00%.
 • Market standard financial covenants of the facility, as discussed below. 
 • A $75.0m accordion feature, providing Hunting with additional flexibility to increase the size of the bank facility to $235.0m, subject to approval 

of its bank lending group.

Security is granted over certain property, plant and equipment, receivables and inventory. The carrying amounts of the assets pledged as 
security are disclosed in notes 12, 18 and 20.

The covenants at 31 December 2020 include:

 • The ratio of net debt to consolidated EBITDA permitted under the RCF must not exceed a multiple of three times.
 • Consolidated EBITDA must also cover relevant finance charges by a minimum of four times. 

For covenant testing purposes, the Group’s definition of consolidated EBITDA is adjusted to exclude exceptional items, include the share of 
associates’ post-tax results and exclude the fair value charge for share awards. Consolidated EBITDA is also adjusted to reflect it on a pre-IFRS 
16 basis. Similarly, net cash (debt) and finance expenses are adjusted to accord with the definition within the facility agreement. Consolidated 
EBITDA, for covenant test purposes, is based on the previous 12-month period, measured twice yearly at 30 June and 31 December. 
Throughout the year and at 31 December 2020 both these covenants attached to the RCF were met. Management has detailed the wider 
considerations regarding going concern and future covenant compliance in the Going Concern Statement on page 79.

The Group did not make any drawdowns on its RCF during the year and it remains undrawn at the year-end. The Group has undrawn committed 
borrowing facilities available at the year-end totalling $160.0m (2019 – $160.0m), which expire within two years from 31 December 2020.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements174
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

30. Financial Risk Management continued

(d) Liquidity Risk continued
(ii) Management of Cash
The Group needs to ensure that it has sufficient liquid funds available to support its working capital and capital expenditure requirements and 
that adequate liquidity levels are maintained. All subsidiaries submit weekly and bi-monthly cash forecasts to the treasury function to enable it 
to monitor the Group’s requirements. A central cash forecast, produced weekly, is maintained by the Group’s treasury function, which monitors 
the availability of liquidity to meet long- and short-term business requirements and also any unexpected variances. The treasury function also 
ensures that the Group has a pool of cash available to protect the Group in a downturn, given the cyclical nature of the oil and gas sector. 

The treasury function seeks to centralise surplus cash balances to ensure that funds are managed in the best interests of the Group, as detailed 
further below. Short-term cash balances, together with undrawn facilities, enable the treasury function to manage its day-to-day liquidity risk. 
Any short-term surplus is invested in accordance with treasury policy. 

Short-term deposits and investments in money market funds are held for the purpose of meeting short-term cash commitments, minimising 
counterparty concentration risk and improving cash investment returns.

Short-term deposits of surplus cash are made for varying periods of between one day and three months, depending on the immediate cash 
requirements of the Group. These deposits earn interest at the respective short-term deposit rates.

The Group has invested surplus cash with money market funds as they are considered to be highly liquid since cash can be redeemed from 
each fund on a same day basis. The yield on the funds is calculated on the daily performance of the various instruments within a particular fund. 

Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates.

Barclays Composite Accounting System 
Certain UK subsidiaries in the Group are party to a cross-guarantee and set-off arrangement with Barclays Bank UK PLC. Each subsidiary 
that is a party to this arrangement is jointly and severally liable for any gross liability position held by any of the other companies’ party to the 
aforementioned arrangements in the event of default. Any gross liability limit cannot exceed a combined facility limit of $2.3m. As there is no 
legally enforceable right of set-off, there is no set-off in the presentation of cash balances held by the Group in the consolidated financial 
statements. The gross balances in the consolidated balance sheet at the year-end subject to this agreement are gross cash balances of $0.7m 
(2019 – $0.1m) and gross overdraft balances of $nil (2019 – $nil). 

Cash Management Arrangements
Treasury’s cash management objective is to centrally manage and, where possible, to concentrate the Group’s cash and bank balances back to 
the treasury function. This strategy is subject to legislative and regulatory constraints in certain jurisdictions such as exchange control restrictions 
and minimum capital requirements. Where cash concentration cannot be applied, Group treasury approves all local banking arrangements, 
including the opening and closing of bank accounts and the investment of surplus cash via bank deposits. 

In respect of the UK business units and head office companies, the treasury function has arranged a cash concentration structure with 
HSBC Bank UK whereby, at the close of each business day, any surplus balances held in certain subsidiaries’ bank accounts are swept to 
treasury-owned accounts (“pool header” accounts), with a corresponding adjustment to the intercompany loan receivable, or payable, between 
that subsidiary and treasury. Similarly, any end-of-day deficit in the same group of subsidiary accounts is funded by a cash sweep from the 
treasury-owned pool header accounts, and the corresponding intercompany loan is adjusted accordingly. This arrangement enables more 
efficient utilisation of UK-based entities’ surplus cash and at the same time allows the treasury function to meet any short-term funding needs 
of the UK business units in a more coordinated fashion and from one single pool of liquidity.

In addition, a similar cash concentration structure has been organised with Wells Fargo bank in the US, whereby surplus and deficit cash 
balances are swept to and from a single pool header account, held by one central US subsidiary, with a corresponding movement in the 
respective companies’ intercompany loan balance. Treasury has systems in place that allows for same day centralisation of net surplus cash 
balances in the US to the UK, or indeed to fund any net cash deficit in the US cash concentration structure. As above, this arrangement allows 
treasury to efficiently repatriate surplus operational cash from the US to the UK on a daily basis, if deemed cost effective to do so, and the most 
appropriate application of that cash can then be decided upon by treasury. This arrangement also allows treasury to meet any short-term 
funding needs of the Group’s US-based business units from cash resources held in, or borrowing facilities that have been arranged by, treasury 
in the UK.

For other regions, such as Canada and Singapore, while formal sweeping arrangements are not in place, treasury monitors balances on a daily 
basis and periodically transfers surplus cash to the centre using similar intercompany loan arrangements as described above. The Group’s 
interests in China are subject to the most highly regulated environment of all the Group’s active jurisdictions, in regards to cash management 
operations. The free movement of cash both to and from China is a highly restricted activity and, as a consequence, treasury is unable to 
arrange intercompany loans in the same way as it does for the rest of the Group. However, treasury has organised banking arrangements with 
HSBC in China on behalf of the Group’s Chinese business units and, therefore, has visibility of cash balances and transaction data via HSBC’s 
proprietary online banking system.

175
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

30. Financial Risk Management continued

(d) Liquidity Risk continued 
(iii) Future Cash Flows of Financial Liabilities
The following tables analyse the expected timings of cash outflows for each of the Group’s non-derivative financial liabilities. The tables analyse 
the cash outflows 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 disclosed in the tables are the contractual, undiscounted cash flows and include interest cash flows and 
other contractual payments, where applicable, so will not always reconcile with the amounts disclosed in the consolidated balance sheet. The 
carrying values are the amounts in the consolidated balance sheet and 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.

Non-derivative financial liabilities:
Trade payables
Accruals
Other payables
Lease liabilities
Secured bank loans
Shareholder loan from non-controlling interest
Bank overdrafts secured
Total 

Non-derivative financial liabilities:
Trade payables
Accruals
Other payables
Lease liabilities
Secured bank loans
Shareholder loan from non-controlling interest
Bank overdrafts secured
Total 

On demand 
or within 
one year
$m

Between 
one and 
five years
$m 

26.4
29.0
1.5
10.0
0.6
–
1.2
68.7

–
0.4
–
26.8
0.6
–
–
27.8

On demand 
or within 
one year
$m

Between 
one and 
five years
$m 

56.3
45.3
3.4
10.3
0.6
–
1.6
117.5

–
0.4
–
28.1
1.1
–
–
29.6

2020

After 
five years
$m

–
–
–
7.1
–
3.9
–
11.0

2019

After 
five years
$m

–
0.1
–
14.6
–
3.9
–
18.6

Total
$m

26.4
29.4
1.5
43.9
1.2
3.9
1.2
107.5

Total
$m

56.3
45.8
3.4
53.0
1.7
3.9
1.6
165.7

Carrying 
value 
$m

26.4
29.4
1.5
40.3
–
3.9
1.2
102.7

Carrying 
value 
$m

56.3
45.8
3.4
45.2
–
3.9
1.6
156.2

The Group had no net settled financial liabilities at the year-end (2019 – 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

On demand
or within
one year
2020
$m

On demand
or within
one year
2019
$m

68.5
(69.1)

111.8
(112.7)

(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 pages 64 and 65. 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.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements176
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

31. Financial Instruments: Sensitivity Analysis

The following sensitivity analysis is intended to illustrate the sensitivity to changes in market variables on the Group’s financial instruments and 
show the impact on profit or loss and shareholders’ equity. Financial instruments affected by market risk include cash at bank and in hand, 
money market funds, short-term deposits, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables, lease liabilities, borrowings and derivative 
financial instruments. The sensitivity analysis relates to the position as at 31 December 2020. The analysis excludes the impact of movements 
in market variables on the carrying value of pension and other post-retirement obligations, provisions and non-financial assets and liabilities of 
foreign operations.

The following assumptions have been made in calculating the sensitivity analysis:

 • 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; 

 • 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;

 • Fixed-rate financial instruments that are carried at amortised cost are not subject to interest rate risk for the purpose of this analysis; and 
 • 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.

(a) Interest Rate Sensitivity
The sensitivity rate of 0.1% (2019 – 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.

The post-tax impact on the consolidated income statement, with all other variables held constant, at 31 December, for an increase or decrease 
of 0.1% (2019 – 0.25%) in US interest rates, is not material (2019 – not material). There is no impact on other comprehensive income (“OCI”) for 
a change in interest rates.

(b) Foreign Exchange Rate Sensitivity
The sensitivity rates disclosed in the table below represent 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. 

The table below shows the post-tax impact for the year of a reasonably possible change in foreign exchange rates, with all other variables held 
constant, at 31 December.

Sterling exchange rate +10% (2019: +5%)
Sterling exchange rate -10% (2019: -5%)
Singapore dollar exchange rate +5% (2019: +5%)
Singapore dollar exchange rate -5% (2019: -5%)
Chinese Yuan Renminbi exchange rate +5% (2019: +2%)
Chinese Yuan Renminbi exchange rate -5% (2019: -2%)
Canadian dollar exchange rate +5% (2019: +5%)
Canadian dollar exchange rate -5% (2019: -5%)

2020

2019

Income 
statement
$m
(0.2)
0.2
0.1
(0.1)
–
–
(0.1)
0.1

OCI
$m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Income 
statement
$m
(0.3)
0.3
(0.2)
0.2
(0.1)
0.1
0.1
(0.1)

OCI
$m
–
–
–
–
(0.1)
0.1
–
–

The movements in the consolidated income statement mainly arise from cash, intra-Group balances, trade and other receivables, trade and 
other payables, accrued expenses and provisions, where the functional currency of the entity is different to the currency that the monetary items 
are denominated in. The movements in OCI arise from foreign exchange contracts designated in a cash flow hedge. 

The post-tax impact on the consolidated income statement of reasonably possible changes in the Singapore dollar, Euro, Australian dollar, 
UAE Dirham and Mexican Peso exchange rates were considered and were immaterial.

32. Post-employment Benefits 

(a) Defined Contribution Arrangements
A number of defined contribution (“DC”) arrangements, which are open to current employees, are operated across the Group. Employer 
contributions to these arrangements are charged directly to profit and loss and in 2020 these totalled $7.4m (2019 – $8.7m).

(b) Unfunded Defined Benefit Scheme
The Group 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 
Group, which is used to pay benefits due from the arrangement when a member retires. Under IAS 19, the cash balance arrangement is 
accounted for as an unfunded defined benefit scheme. 

177
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

32. Post-employment Benefits continued

(b) Unfunded Defined Benefit Scheme continued
The amounts recognised in the consolidated income statement during the year were $0.1m (2019 – $0.1m) for the employer’s current service 
cost (recognised in operating expenses), $nil (2019 – $0.1m) interest expense on the benefit obligations and $nil (2019 – $0.3m) fair value gains 
on the listed equities and mutual funds (recognised in net finance expense).

Movements in the present value of the obligation for the unfunded defined benefit US deferred compensation plan

Present value of the obligation at the start of the year
Current service cost (equal to the notional contributions)
Interest on benefit obligations
Remeasurement – excess of notional investment returns over interest cost
Benefits paid
Present value of the obligation at the end of the year

2020
$m
2.1
0.1
–
–
(0.5)
1.7

2019
$m
1.7
0.1
0.1
0.2
–
2.1

The obligation is presented in the consolidated balance sheet with $nil (2019 – $0.5m) in current payables and $1.7m (2019 – $1.6m) in 
non-current payables (note 22).

33. Share Capital and Share Premium

The Company’s share capital comprises a single class of Ordinary shares, which are classified as equity.

At 1 January 2020
Share buyback
At 31 December 2020

Ordinary 
shares of 
25p each
Number
166,940,082 
(2,000,000)
164,940,082

2020

Ordinary 
shares of 
25p each
$m
67.3 
(0.8)
66.5

Share 
premium
$m
153.0 
–
153.0

Hunting PLC commenced an on-market share buyback programme on 27 February 2020 to purchase up to 2.0m Ordinary shares of 25p each 
in the Company. Between 27 February and 19 March 2020, the Company purchased 2.0m Ordinary shares of 25p each at an average price of 
228.43p, for a total of $5.1m, including costs of $0.1m. Shares purchased under the programme were cancelled and, as a result, have reduced 
the Company’s issued share capital. A capital redemption reserve of $0.6m has been created following the cancellation of the share capital 
(note 34).

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 211. All of the Ordinary shares in issue are fully paid.

At 31 December 2020, 2,562,281 (2019 – 1,609,150) Ordinary shares were held by an Employee Benefit Trust. Details of the carrying amount are 
set out in note 35.

At 1 January 2019
Shares issued – share option schemes and awards
At 31 December 2019

Ordinary 
shares of 
25p each
Number
165,073,603 
1,866,479 
166,940,082 

2019

Ordinary 
shares of 
25p each
$m
66.7
0.6 
67.3 

Share 
premium
$m
153.0
– 
153.0 

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements178
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

34. Other Components of Equity

At 1 January 2020
Exchange adjustments
Fair value gains and losses
–  gains originating on net investment hedges arising  

during the year net of tax

Share buyback (note 33)
Share options and awards
– value of employee services
– discharge
Transfer between reserves
At 31 December 2020

Merger 
reserve
$m
46.4
–

Share-based 
payments 
reserve
$m
19.7
–

2020

Capital  
redemption 
reserve
$m
0.2
–

Currency 
translation  

reserve
$m
(9.8)
5.4

–
–

–
–
(8.2)
38.2

–
–

9.0
(11.4)
–
17.3

–
0.6

–
–
–
0.8

0.4
–

–
–
–
(4.0)

Total
$m
56.5
5.4

0.4
0.6

9.0
(11.4)
(8.2)
52.3

The merger reserve comprises the proceeds received, net of transaction costs, in excess of the nominal value of the Ordinary shares issued by 
way of the share placing completed on 31 October 2016. In accordance with section 612 of the Companies Act 2006, the premium was credited 
to the merger reserve, instead of to the share premium account, because the share placing was pursuant to the Company securing over 90% of 
another entity. The proceeds were used to pay down the Group’s borrowings at that time. 

The reserve is currently non-distributable and is transferred to distributable retained earnings when the proceeds meet the definition of a 
qualifying consideration. During the year, $8.2m (2019 – $20.8m) was transferred from the merger reserve to retained earnings. This portion of 
the reserve was considered to be realised, as the equivalent amount of the proceeds from the share placing in 2016 have now met the definition 
of qualifying consideration.

At 1 January 2019
Exchange adjustments
Release of foreign exchange on liquidation of subsidiaries  
  net of tax
Fair value gains and losses
–  losses originating on net investment hedges arising 

during the year net of tax
Share options and awards
– value of employee services
– discharge
Transfer between reserves
At 31 December 2019

Share-based 
payments 
reserve
$m
22.3
–

2019

Capital  
redemption 
reserve
$m
0.2
–

–

–

9.0
(11.6)
–
19.7

–

–

–
–
–
0.2

Merger 
reserve
$m
67.2
–

–

–

–
–
(20.8)
46.4

Currency 
translation  
reserve
$m
(13.9)
5.0

(0.2)

(0.7)

–
–
–
(9.8)

Total
$m
75.8
5.0

(0.2)

(0.7)

9.0
(11.6)
(20.8)
56.5

179
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

35. Retained Earnings

At 31 December as previously reported
Adjustment on adoption of IFRS 16 
At 1 January amended
(Loss) profit for the year
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes net of tax
Dividends paid to Hunting PLC shareholders
Share buyback
Treasury shares
– purchase of treasury shares
– disposal of treasury shares
Share options and awards
– discharge
– taxation
Acquisition of non-controlling interest
Transfer between reserves
At 31 December

2020
$m
931.1
–
931.1
(234.7)
–
(8.2)
(5.1)

(9.4)
0.2

11.2
(0.5)
(0.2)
8.2
692.6

2019
$m
881.6
(1.1)
880.5
39.7
(0.3)
(16.6)
–

(5.0)
0.3

10.8
0.9
–
20.8
931.1

The share options and awards taxation charge taken directly to equity of $0.5m (2019 – $0.9m credit) comprises $0.5m deferred tax charge 
(2019 – $0.1m credit) and $nil current tax (2019 – $0.8m credit).

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

2020
$m

(12.8)
(9.4)
11.6
(10.6)

2019
$m

(11.2)
(5.0)
3.4
(12.8)

At 31 December 2020, 2,562,281 Ordinary shares were held by the Employee Benefit Trust (2019 – 1,609,150). The Company purchased 
1,500,000 additional treasury shares in March 2020 for $5.9m and a further 1,242,757 treasury shares in December 2020 for $3.5m. The loss on 
disposal of treasury shares during the year, which is recognised in retained earnings, was $11.4m (2019 – $3.1m).

36. Dividends Paid to Hunting PLC Shareholders

Ordinary dividends:
2020 second interim dividend
2020 first interim dividend (paid in place of the proposed 2019  
  final dividend of 6.0 cents)
2019 interim paid
2018 final paid

2020

Cents 
per share

2.0

3.0
–
–
5.0

$m

3.3

4.9
–
–
8.2

2019

Cents 
per share

–

–
5.0
5.0
10.0

$m

–

–
8.3
8.3
16.6

A final dividend of 4.0 cents per share has been proposed by the Board, amounting to an estimated distribution of $6.5m. The proposed final 
dividend is subject to approval by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 21 April 2021 and has not been provided for in 
these financial statements. If approved, the dividend will be paid in Sterling on 14 May 2021, to shareholders on the register on 23 April 2021, 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. Guidance on the Company’s position on 
declaring and paying future dividends is provided within the Strategic Report on page 13.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements180
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

37. Share-based Payments

(a) 2009 Performance Share Plan (“PSP”)
(i) Performance-based Awards and Options
The Company granted nil-cost performance-based share awards and options under the PSP between 2009 and 2013. Annual conditional 
awards were made to executive Directors and senior employees. Awards were subject to performance conditions during the vesting period. 
The PSP was replaced by the 2014 Hunting Performance Share Plan following shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) 
of the Company on 16 April 2014. The final grant under the PSP occurred in 2013, with the final measurements of the performance conditions 
being completed in 2016. There are no outstanding performance-based awards and the fair value charge to the consolidated income 
statement was $nil (2019 – $nil).

(ii) Time-based Awards and Options
The Company granted nil-cost, time-based share awards and options under the PSP between 2009 and 2013. Annual awards were made to 
employees, subject to continued employment during the vesting period. There were no performance conditions attached. The final grant under 
the PSP occurred in 2013 and vested in 2016 and option holders had seven years in which to exercise their vested awards. Details of the 
time-based share option movements during the year are as follows:

Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Vested and exercised during the year
Lapsed during the year
Outstanding and exercisable at the end of the year

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise during 2020 was nil (2019 – 569.1 pence).

Share awards can only be exercised by the employees to whom they were granted.

Details of the time-based PSP awards and options outstanding at 31 December 2020 are as follows:

Date of grant:
25 February 2011
17 April 2012
20 March 2013
Outstanding and exercisable at the end of the year

2020
Number of 
shares
3,601
–
–
3,601

2019
Number of 
shares
7,004
(1,947)
(1,456)
3,601

2020
Number of 
shares

2019
Number of 
shares

875
1,725
1,001
3,601

875
1,725
1,001
3,601

Normal
vesting date

25.02.14
17.04.15
20.03.16

The fair value charge to the consolidated income statement attributable to the time-based PSP is $nil (2019 – $nil).

(b) 2014 Hunting Performance Share Plan (“HPSP”)
(i) Performance-based Awards
The Company grants performance-based share awards annually to executive Directors and senior employees under the HPSP. Awards are 
granted at nil cost under the HPSP. The performance-based HPSP awards to the executive Directors and senior employees are divided into 
four tranches of differing proportions. Each tranche is subject to a three-year vesting period and Company performance is measured against  
(i) the TSR of a bespoke comparator group, (ii) underlying diluted earnings per share (“EPS”), (iii) underlying Return on Capital Employed 
(“ROCE”), and (iv) a Balanced Scorecard, comprising of non-financial KPIs including Quality and Safety performance. The 2020 award 
weightings are EPS 25%; TSR 25%; ROCE 35% and the Balanced Scorecard 15%. The performance period for the 2020 awards granted 
under the HPSP is 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022. The vesting date of the 2020 award is 3 March 2023. 

Details of the performance-based HPSP awards movements during the year are set out below:

Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Granted during the year to executive Directors
Granted during the year to senior employees
Vested and exercised during the year
Lapsed during the year
Outstanding at the end of the year

2020
Number of 
shares
3,365,222 
835,737 
1,417,204 
(586,869)
(643,799)
4,387,495 

2019
Number of 
shares
3,372,764
541,708
835,464
(977,588)
(407,126)
3,365,222

 
181
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

37. Share-based Payments continued 

(b) 2014 Hunting Performance Share Plan (“HPSP”) continued
(i) Performance-based Awards continued

Details of the performance-based HPSP awards outstanding at 31 December 2020 are as follows:

Date of grant:
11 March 2016
3 March 2017
19 April 2018
21 March 2019
3 March 2020
Outstanding at the end of the year

2020
Number of 
shares

2019
Number of 
shares

36,474 
72,735 
905,620 
1,308,965 
2,063,701 
4,387,495 

36,474
1,027,356
924,220
1,377,172
–
3,365,222

Normal
vesting date

11.03.19
03.03.20
19.04.21
21.03.22
03.03.23

In 2020, a total of 586,869 awards were exercised (2019 – 977,588). The weighted average share price at the date of exercise during 2020 was 
313.7 pence (2019 – 516.9 pence). 

Share awards can only be exercised by the employees to whom they were granted.

(ii) Time-based Awards
The Company also grants time-based share awards annually under the HPSP. Annual awards of shares may be made to employees subject 
to continued employment during the vesting period. There are no performance conditions attached. Awards are granted at nil cost under 
the HPSP.

Details of the time-based HPSP awards movements during the year are set out below:

Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Granted during the year
Vested and exercised during the year
Lapsed during the year
Outstanding at the end of the year

2020
Number of 
shares
2,936,397
1,485,543 
(1,123,781)
(271,562)
3,026,597 

2019
Number of 
shares
3,249,426
1,053,039
(1,246,670)
(119,398)
2,936,397

In 2020, a total of 1,123,781 awards were exercised (2019 – 1,246,670). The weighted average share price at the date of exercise during 2020 
was 302.6 pence (2019 – 521.5 pence). 

Share awards can only be exercised by the employees to whom they were granted.

Details of the time-based HPSP awards outstanding at 31 December 2020 are as follows:

Date of grant:
1 May 2014
28 April 2015
11 March 2016
3 March 2017
19 April 2018
21 March 2019
3 March 2020
Outstanding at the end of the year

2020
Number of 
shares

2019
Number of 
shares

3,482 
8,127 
67,727 
55,203 
640,512 
922,314 
1,329,232 
3,026,597 

4,112
14,630
80,119
1,102,403
714,048
1,021,085
–
2,936,397

Normal
vesting date

01.05.17
28.04.18
11.03.19
03.03.20
19.04.21
21.03.22
03.03.23

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
 
182
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

37. Share-based Payments continued

(b) 2014 Hunting Performance Share Plan (“HPSP”) continued 
(iii) Fair Value of HPSP Awards
The fair value of awards granted under the HPSP is 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

2020
03.03.20
311.6p
nil
nil
39.5%
0.23%
3 years
193.8p

2019
21.03.19
573.5p
nil
nil
39.0%
0.67%
3 years
380.4p

(2)   The fair value of performance-based awards not subject to a market-related performance condition include the EPS and ROCE performance 

targets and the time-based HPSP awards, with the fair value being 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:

2020
03.03.20
311.6p
nil
nil
39.5%
0.23%
3 years
311.6p

2019
21.03.19
573.5p
nil
nil
39.0%
0.67%
3 years
573.5p

 • 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. 

 • 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. 

 • 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. 

 • 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 5% per annum. The subsequent accounting charge includes an adjustment to the initial accounting charge to allow for actual 
lapses rather than estimated lapses. 

The amount charged to the consolidated income statement attributable to the performance-based HPSP awards is $2.4m (2019 – $1.6m) and 
the charge to the consolidated income statement in respect of time-based HPSP awards is $6.6m (2019 – $7.4m). These are recognised in 
operating expenses.

183
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

37. Share-based Payments continued 

(c) Cash Conditional Share Awards
The Company also grants Cash Conditional Awards annually to employees in certain overseas tax jurisdictions. These awards are aligned with 
the rules of the HPSP and are subject to employees continued employment during the vesting period. Awards are granted at nil cost and are 
settled at the closing mid-market price of a Hunting PLC ordinary share on the third anniversary of the date of grant.

(i) Performance-based Awards 
Details of the cash conditional performance-based award movements during the year are set out below:

Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Granted during the year
Outstanding at the end of the year

Details of the cash conditional performance-based awards outstanding at 31 December 2020 are as follows:

Date of grant:
3 March 2020
Outstanding at the end of the year

2020
Number of 
shares

165,243
165,243

2020
Number of 
shares
–
165,243
165,243

2019
Number of 
shares

–
–

2019
Number of 
shares
–
–
–

Normal
vesting date

03.03.23

The charge to the consolidated income statement attributable to the cash conditional awards is <$0.1m (2019 – $nil). 

The fair value of the cash conditional performance-based awards is calculated using the same assumptions and model as the fair value of 
performance-based awards subject to a market-related condition (see 37(b)(iii) above). The fair value of the award at 31 December 2020 was 
223.0 pence (2019 – nil).

(ii) Time-based Awards

Details of the cash conditional time-based award movements during the year are set out below:

Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Granted during the year
Vested and exercised 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 2020 was 206.2 pence (2019 – 447.9 pence).

Details of the cash conditional time-based awards outstanding at 31 December 2020 are as follows:

2020
Number of 
shares
78,380
126,170
(15,435)
(29,195)
159,920

2019
Number of 
shares
10,697
75,981
(745)
(7,553)
78,380

Date of grant:
3 March 2017
19 April 2018
21 March 2019
3 March 2020
Outstanding at the end of the year

2020
Number of 
shares

2019
Number of 
shares

–
6,017
49,460
104,443
159,920

4,575
6,122
67,683
–
78,380

Normal
vesting date

03.03.20
19.04.21
21.03.22
03.03.23

The charge to the consolidated income statement attributable to the cash conditional awards is <$0.1m (2019 – $0.1m). 

The fair value of the cash conditional awards is calculated using the same assumptions and model as the fair value of performance-based 
awards not subject to a market-related performance condition (see 37(b)(iii) above). The fair value of the award at 31 December 2020 was  
223.0 pence (2019 – 417.4 pence).

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
 
184
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

37. Share-based Payments continued

(d) Amounts Included in the Accounts
The charge to the consolidated income statement attributable to the cash conditional share awards is <$0.1m (2019 – $0.1m) and the total 
charge attributable to the equity-settled awards is $9.0m (2019 – $9.0m). The total charge to the consolidated income statement for the year for 
share-based payments is $9.0m (2019 – $9.1m), see note 8. The total liability in relation to the cash-settled awards included in accruals at the 
year-end is $0.1m (2019 – $0.1m), of which $nil (2019 – $nil) related to awards that had vested.

38. Related-party Transactions

The following related-party transactions took place between wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Group and associates during the year:

Net loans to associates repaid
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Year-end balances:
  Shareholder loan from non-controlling interest

2020
$m
–
(0.9)

(3.9)

2019
$m
0.3
–

(3.9)

The outstanding balances at the year-end are unsecured and have no fixed date for repayment. No expense was recognised in the year for bad 
or doubtful debts in respect of amounts owed by associates.

All ownership interests in associates are in the equity shares of those companies. The ownership interests in associates and subsidiaries are set 
out in notes C19 and C20 to the Company financial statements. On 8 March 2020, the Group acquired 5% of the share capital of Hunting Energy 
Saudi Arabia LLC from the non-controlling interest, thereby increasing its shareholding to 65%, for $nil consideration.

The key management of the Group comprises the Hunting PLC Board and members of the Executive Committee. Details of their compensation 
are disclosed in note 8. The Hunting PLC Directors and the members of the Executive Committee had no material transactions other than as 
a result of their service agreements.

Hunting PLC is the parent company of the Hunting PLC Group. The Company is listed on the London Stock Exchange, with none of the 
shareholders owning more than 20% of the issued share capital of the Company (see page 14). Accordingly, the Directors do not consider there 
to be an ultimate controlling party.

39. Acquisitions

Acquisition of Enpro Subsea Limited (“Enpro”)
The Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Enpro Subsea Limited (“Enpro”) for a consideration of $38.3m, excluding costs, with an 
additional maximum earn-out of $3.0m agreed, subject to key financial milestones being met, on 21 February 2020. The total consideration 
of $40.8m comprised $38.0m cash paid in February 2020 (which included an estimate of $5.0m for cash in the business and therefore was 
$33.0m on a cash free/debt free basis), a further payment of $0.3m in April 2020 for adjustments specified in the agreement and $2.5m for 
contingent consideration. The cash consideration paid by the Group was, therefore, $32.8m, excluding cash acquired of $5.5m, as disclosed 
in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

An earn-out in the agreement entitles the former owners of Enpro to additional consideration of up to $3.0m if EBITDA targets are achieved in 
2020. If the EBITDA is below a set value, as set out in the agreement, then no further payment is to be made. If EBITDA is between the lower and 
upper limits, as set out in the agreement, then a payment between $2.4m and $3.0m will be made. If EBITDA is above the upper limit, then the 
maximum payment to be made is $3.0m. Therefore, the potential undiscounted amount of all future payments that the Group could be required 
to make under this arrangement is between $nil and $3.0m. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement of $2.5m was estimated 
by calculating the present value of the future expected cash flows using the income approach and appropriate discount rates. The fair value is 
a Level 3 measurement as per the fair value hierarchy as defined within IFRS 13 due to unobservable inputs used in the valuation.

At 31 December 2020, the required EBITDA threshold was not achieved and the contingent consideration recognised at acquisition was 
released. The remeasurement was recognised in the consolidated income statement as an exceptional credit to operating expenses (see note 6).

Enpro was founded in 2011 and, since this time, has developed leading subsea production technology that has been adopted by offshore 
operators within the global oil and gas industry. Enpro’s products focus on delivering production-enhancing technologies and include Flow
Access Modules, Flow Intervention Services and Decommissioning. These products offer low-cost, flexible, field development solutions to clients 
including production and intervention modules to enhance recovery from oil and gas wells. The business has been classified as part of the 
US segment.

Acquisition-related costs of $1.4m were included in operating expenses as an exceptional item (note 6) in the consolidated income statement.

185
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

39. Acquisitions continued

Details of the acquired net assets, goodwill and consideration are set out below:

Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Other intangible assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Lease liability
Deferred tax liabilities
Current tax assets
Net assets acquired
Goodwill
Consideration

Fair value
$m
5.8
0.3
19.2
5.5
0.7
5.2
(5.4)
(0.3)
(4.0)
0.4
27.4
13.4
40.8

Goodwill on the acquisition of Enpro represents the value of the assembled workforce at the time of acquisition, specific knowledge and 
technical skills that will enhance Hunting’s products and services and the prospective future economic benefits expected to accrue from the 
portfolio of products and services to the Group’s customers and increased exposure to offshore operators. There is an opportunity to bring 
Enpro’s manufacturing in-house and utilise Hunting’s existing global manufacturing platform to commercialise further the technology across all 
of the Group’s key regional operating hubs. In addition, Hunting’s broad customer base offers significant opportunities to extend Enpro’s current 
market reach. The provisional amount of goodwill that is expected to be deductible for tax purposes is $nil.

Other intangible assets recognised on acquisition include the following:

Customer relationships
Patented technology
Other
Other intangible assets

Fair value
$m
7.6
10.5
1.1
19.2

The fair values of the other intangible assets were calculated using the income approach whereby the present values of the future expected cash 
flows were discounted using appropriate discount rates of between 10% and 13%.

The fair value of trade and other receivables is $5.2m and includes trade receivables with a fair value of $4.8m. The gross contractual amount for 
trade receivables due is $4.8m, all of which is expected to be collectable.

The pre-acquisition carrying value of inventories and the fair value at acquisition was $0.7m.

Enpro has contributed the following to the Group’s performance from 21 February 2020 to 31 December 2020:

Revenue
Loss from operations
Loss before tax
Loss for the year

Before 
amortisation 
and exceptional 
items
$m
10.3
(0.2)
–
(0.2)

Amortisation
and exceptional 
items 
$m
–
(2.5)
(2.5)
(2.0)

If Enpro had been acquired on 1 January 2020, the Group’s performance during 2020 would have been as follows:

Revenue
Loss from operations
Loss before tax
Loss for the year

Before 
amortisation 
and exceptional 
items
$m
11.1
(0.2)
(0.1)
(0.3)

Amortisation
and exceptional 
items 
$m
–
(2.5)
(2.5)
(2.0)

Total
$m
10.3
(2.7)
(2.5)
(2.2)

Total
$m
11.1
(2.7)
(2.6)
(2.3)

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements186
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

40. Disposals

On 15 December 2020, Rival Downhole Tools LC (“Rival”) acquired the operating assets of Hunting Energy Services (Drilling Tools) Inc, a 
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group. In exchange for the assets, the Group acquired a 23.5% interest in the equity shares of Rival. The interest 
in Rival is accounted for as an associated company (see note 17). 

The carrying value of the assets disposed of are given in the table below:

Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Trade receivables

41. Principal Accounting Policies

The Group’s principal accounting policies are described below:

Carrying
value
$m
14.7
1.7
1.0
17.4

(a) Consolidation
 • The Group financial statements include the results of the Company and its subsidiaries, together with its share of associates.
 • Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and are de-consolidated from the date 

control ceases.

 • 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.

 • Acquisition-related costs are expensed to the consolidated income statement as incurred.

(b) Revenue
(i) Revenue from Contracts with Customers
 • Revenue from contracts with customers is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the provision of goods 

and services in the ordinary course of business, net of trade discounts, volume rebates, and sales taxes. 

 • Revenue is recognised when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the customer. Consequently revenue for the sale of 

a product is recognised either:
1. Wholly at a single point in time when the entity has completed its performance obligation, which is most commonly indicated by shipment 

of the products or the products are made available to the customer for collection; or

2. Piecemeal over time during the period that control incrementally transfers to the customer while the good is being manufactured or the 

service is being performed.

 • Hunting’s activities that require revenue recognition over time comprise:

1. Work undertaken to enhance customer-owned products – most commonly the lathing of a thread onto the ends of customer-owned 

plain-end pipe;

2. The manufacture of goods that are specifically designed for and restricted to the use of a particular customer, such as the manufacture of 
bespoke specialised circuitry and housing, and for which Hunting is entitled to a measure of recompense that reflects the fair value of the 
stage of production prior to their completion; and

3. The provision of services in which the customer obtains the benefit while the service is being performed – most commonly the storage and 

management services of customer-owned pipe.

 • Hunting’s activities that require revenue recognition at a point in time comprise:

1. The sale of goods that are not specifically designed for use by one particular customer. These products include tubulars acquired by 

Hunting as plain-end pipe on which lathing work has been applied and which are resold as threaded pipe; and

2. The manufacture of goods that are specifically designed for one particular customer but for which Hunting is not entitled to a measure of 

recompense that reflects the fair value of the stage of production prior to completion. 

(ii) Rental Revenue
 • Rental revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the provision of rental equipment in the ordinary 

course of business, net of trade discounts and sales taxes.

 • Revenue from the rental of plant and equipment is recognised as the income is earned.

(c) Other Income: Government Financial Assistance
 • Cash received in respect of the COVID-19 pandemic is recognised in the consolidated income statement when the funded costs are incurred 

and are included in other operating income.

187
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

41. Principal Accounting Policies continued 

(d) Amortisation and Exceptional Items 
 • Exceptional items are items of income or expense that 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 
consolidated income statement. 

 • The tax effect of any transaction considered to be exceptional is also treated as exceptional. 
 • Amortisation expenses for intangible assets arising on the acquisition of businesses 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. The post-acquisition profits of acquired businesses shown in the underlying column do not, 
therefore, reflect these costs.

(e) Interest
 • Interest income and expense is recognised in the consolidated income statement using the effective interest method.

(f) Foreign Currencies
(i) Individual Subsidiaries’ and Associates’ Financial Statements
 • The financial statements for each of the Group’s subsidiaries and associates are denominated in their functional currency. 
 • The functional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. 
 • Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rate 

ruling at the date of the transaction. 

 • Monetary assets and liabilities, except borrowings designated as a hedging instrument in a net investment hedge, denominated in 

non-functional currencies are retranslated at the exchange rate ruling at the balance sheet date and exchange differences are taken to 
the consolidated income statement. 

 • 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 directly to equity.

(ii) Group Consolidated Financial Statements
 • The presentation currency of the Group is US dollars. 
 • 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. 

 • The income statements of subsidiaries and associates are translated into US dollars at the average rates of exchange for the year. 
 • 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. 

 • 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. 

 • 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. 

 • On the disposal of a business, the cumulative exchange differences previously recognised in the CTR relating to that business are transferred 

to the consolidated income statement as part of the gain or loss on disposal. 

(g) Taxation
 • The taxation recognised in the consolidated income statement comprises current tax and deferred tax arising on the current year’s result 

before tax and adjustments to tax arising on prior years’ results. 

 • Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable arising in the current year on the current year’s result before tax, using tax rates enacted 

or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, plus adjustments to tax in respect of prior years’ results. 

 • Deferred tax is the tax that is expected to arise when the assets and liabilities recognised in the Group’s consolidated balance sheet are 

realised, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date that are expected to apply when the asset is realised 
or the liability is settled. 

 • Full provision is made for deferred taxation, using the liability method, on all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets and liabilities 

are recognised separately in the consolidated balance sheet and are reported as non-current assets and liabilities. 

 • 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. 

 • 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. 

 • Tax arising on the discharge of share options and awards is recognised directly in equity. 

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements188
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

41. Principal Accounting Policies continued 

(h) Segmental Reporting
 • Financial information on operating segments that corresponds with information regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker 

(“CODM”) is disclosed in the financial statements. Consequently, the Group’s principal segmental reporting is largely established on 
a geographical basis. However, due to its size and independent management team, Hunting Titan is disclosed as a separate operating 
segment. As Enpro, a UK company forms part of the Subsea group of companies, it is managed by the US, and is included in the US 
operating segment.

 • The geographical information is based on the location of where the sale originated and where the non-current assets are located. 
 • Revenue is also disclosed by product group, which is provided to assist in investor understanding of the underlying performance trends. 

Each product group consists of goods and services that are similar in nature or serve similar markets.

(i) Property, Plant and Equipment
 • Property, plant and equipment is 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. 

 • Land and assets under construction are not depreciated. 
 • With the exception of drilling tools, which are depreciated using the units of production method, and oil and gas exploration and production 

equipment (see (ii) 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%

 • The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.

(j) Leases – Lessees
 • Lessees are required to recognise lease obligations as a liability and a right-of-use asset. The cost of the lease is subsequently recognised 

in the consolidated income statement as interest charged on the liability and as depreciation charged on the right-of-use asset. Hunting has 
adopted the two exemptions that permit lessees to charge the cost of certain leases directly to the consolidated income statement on 
a straight-line basis. The two exemptions apply to: 
i.  leases that have a duration of one year or less; and 
ii.  leases of assets that would have cost $5,000 or less, when new, to acquire if the asset had been purchased rather than leased.

(k) Goodwill
 • 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. 
 • Goodwill is recognised as an asset and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. 
 • 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. 

 • On the disposal of a business, goodwill relating to that business that remains in the consolidated balance sheet at the date of disposal 

is included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal.

(l) Other Intangible Assets
 • Other intangible assets, whether obtained through acquisition or internal development, are capitalised when it is probable that the future 

economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will be generated, provided the cost of the asset can be measured reliably.

 • Capitalisation occurs from the point when technical and commercial feasibility of the asset has been established. Prior to this costs are expensed.
 • For internally generated assets, only costs directly attributable to the development of the asset are capitalised. This typically includes employee 

remuneration and the cost of materials and services, such as testing, consumed in generating the intangible asset.
 • Other intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses where applicable. 
 • 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. 
 • Intangible assets are amortised over the following periods: 

  Customer relationships 
  Patents 
  Unpatented technology 
  Trademarks and domain names 

– eight to ten years
– eight to ten years
– eight to ten years
– one to five years

(m) Impairments
 • The Group assesses at least annually whether there is any indication that an asset is impaired, and undertakes an assessment for an 

impairment if such an indication exists. 

 • In addition, the Group undertakes an annual impairment assessment of goodwill and other intangible assets that have an indefinite life, 

whether or not an indication of impairment actually exists. 

 • For the purposes of impairment testing, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows. 
 • 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 consolidated income statement. 

 • 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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
189
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

41. Principal Accounting Policies continued

(n) Inventories
 • Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
 • 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. 

(o) Cash and Cash Equivalents
 • Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand, short-term deposits with a maturity of less than three months from the date of 

deposit and money market funds.

 • Short-term deposits and money market funds have been classified as cash and cash equivalents as they are short term, highly liquid, are 

readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

 • For cash flow statement purposes, cash and cash equivalents include bank overdrafts. In the consolidated balance sheet, bank overdrafts are 

shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

(p) Financial Assets
 • At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or 

loss (“FVTPL”), transaction costs. Transaction costs of financial assets at FVTPL are expensed immediately to the consolidated income 
statement.

 • Subsequent measurement of debt instruments depends on each Group entity’s business model for managing the asset in order to generate 

cash flows and the cash flow characteristics of the financial asset. The Group’s debt instruments are classified either into amortised cost or fair 
value through profit or loss.

 • Debt instruments that are held for the collection of contractual cash flows, where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and 
interest, are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Interest income from these financial assets is included in finance income 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. Debt instruments held for collection of contractual cash flows include the loan note, contract assets, trade receivables, 
accrued revenue and other receivables.

 • Any other debt instruments, including money market funds, which are subsequently not measured at amortised cost have been measured at 

fair value through profit or loss.

 • The Group’s financial assets that are equity instruments are subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. Changes in the fair 
value of the equity instruments are recognised in other operating income, operating expenses, finance income or finance expense, as 
appropriate. Financial assets that are equity instruments comprise listed equity investments and mutual funds.

 • The Group assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected credit losses (“ECLs”) at each balance sheet date associated with its loan note 
that is carried at amortised cost. The impairment methodology applied, following the adoption of the general model under IFRS 9, will depend 
on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk. Indications of a significant increase in credit risk include events that have a 
negative impact on the estimated future cash flows and if any payments under the terms of the debt are more than 30 days overdue.

 • The Group has chosen to apply lifetime ECLs to trade receivables, accrued revenue, contract assets and lease receivables, both short term 

and long term, upon their initial recognition. 

(q) Financial Liabilities
 • 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.

 • Payables are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year, otherwise they are presented as non-current liabilities.

(r) Derivatives and Hedging
 • Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date the derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair 

value at the end of each reporting period.

 • The full fair value of a derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item is more than 

12 months from the balance sheet date.

 • The accounting for subsequent changes in fair value depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the 

nature of the item being hedged.

 • Where the derivatives are not designated in a hedge and accounted for using hedge accounting, they are classified as “held for trading” and 
are accounted for at fair value through profit or loss, with changes in the fair value recognised immediately within the consolidated income 
statement.

 • The Group designates certain derivatives as:

i.   hedges of the fair value of recognised assets and liabilities; or
ii.  hedges of a particular risk associated with the cash flows of highly probable forecast transactions; or
iii. a hedge of the net investment in a foreign operation.

(i) Fair Value Hedges
 • Fair value gains or losses on derivatives designated in a fair value hedge are recognised immediately in the consolidated income statement 

if the changes in the fair value of the hedged item are taken to the consolidated income statement.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements190
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

continued

41. Principal Accounting Policies continued

(r) Derivatives and Hedging continued
(ii) Cash Flow Hedges
 • When forward foreign exchange contracts are designated in a cash flow hedge of forecast transactions, the Group generally designates only 

the change in fair value of the forward contract relating to the spot component as the hedging instrument. Gains or losses relating to the 
effective portion of the change in the spot component of the forward contracts are recognised in the cash flow hedge reserve within equity. 
The Group has chosen to recognise the change in the forward element of the contract that relates to the hedged item, defined as the forward 
points, within the consolidated income statement immediately rather than in equity. The forward points are discounted, where material.

 • Where the hedged item subsequently results in the recognition of a non-financial asset, such as inventory or property, plant and equipment, 

the deferred hedging gains and losses in equity are included within the initial cost of the asset. The deferred amounts are subsequently 
recognised in profit or loss when the hedged item affects profit or loss (for example through cost of sales or depreciation).

 • When a hedging instrument expires, or is sold or terminated, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any 

cumulative deferred gain or loss in equity at that time remains in equity until the forecast transaction occurs. When the forecast transaction is 
no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss of hedging that was reported in equity is immediately reclassified to the consolidated 
income statement.

(iii) Net Investment Hedges
 • Fair value gains or losses relating to the effective portion on derivatives designated in a net investment hedge are recognised in the other 
comprehensive income and accumulated in equity in the cumulative translation reserve (“CTR”). The gain or loss relating to the ineffective 
portion is recognised immediately in profit or loss. The cumulative gain or loss in the CTR is reclassified to the consolidated income statement 
as part of the gain or loss on disposal when the foreign subsidiary is disposed of or liquidated.

(s) Provisions
 • 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. 

 • The measurement of a provision is based on the most likely amount and timing of the expenditures. Payments that are expected to arise after 
more than one year are discounted to their present value using a risk-free interest rate that is relevant to the region in which the past event 
occurred. The risk-free interest rate is based on the redemption yields of government securities.

(t) Post-employment Benefits
 • Payments to defined contribution retirement schemes are charged to the consolidated income statement when they fall due.

(u) Share-based Payments
 • The Group 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 consolidated 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 components of equity.

(v) Share Capital
 • Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are charged to equity as a deduction from the proceeds, net of tax.

(w) Merger Reserve
 • The merger reserve comprises the proceeds received, net of transaction costs, in excess of the nominal value of the Ordinary shares issued 

by way of the share placing completed on 31 October 2016. In accordance with section 612 of the Companies Act 2006, the premium 
was credited to the merger reserve, instead of to the share premium account, because the share placing was pursuant to the Company 
securing over 90% of another entity. The proceeds were used to pay down the Group’s borrowings at that time. The reserve is currently 
non-distributable and will be transferred to distributable retained earnings when the proceeds meet the definition of a qualifying consideration.

(x) Dividends
 • Dividends to the Group’s shareholders are recognised as liabilities in the Group’s financial statements in the period in which the dividends are 
approved by shareholders. Interim dividends are recognised when paid. All dividends are dealt with in the statement of changes in equity.

(y) Employee Benefit Trust
 • The Hunting PLC Employee Benefit Trust (“EBT”) holds treasury shares, which are shares in Hunting PLC, for the purpose of issuing shares 

to employees of the Group under share-based remuneration schemes. The EBT is consolidated in accordance with 41(a) above.

 • The cost of treasury shares is presented as a deduction from retained earnings in the consolidated balance sheet.
 • The cost of shares issued to employees is recognised on a weighted average cost basis.

42. Events After the Balance Sheet Date

The Company has purchased 1,590,281 treasury shares for $4.7m since 1 January 2021.

In February 2021, the Group entered into a strategic alliance with Well Data Labs, a data analytics business focused on the onshore drilling 
market, through the provision of $2.5m in convertible capital financing.

191
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Company Balance Sheet 

At 31 December 2020

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Investments in subsidiaries
Other receivables

Current assets
Other receivables

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Other payables
Provisions
Current tax liability

Net current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Provisions

Net assets

Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Share capital
Share premium
Other components of equity
Retained earnings
Total equity

Notes

C4
C5

C5

C6

C13
C13
C14
C15

2020
$m

436.8
273.6
710.4

1.7

1.3
0.4
0.2
1.9
0.2

0.6

2019
$m

436.8
284.3
721.1

1.1

6.1
0.4
0.2
6.7
5.6

0.6

709.6

714.9

66.5
153.0
37.1
453.0
709.6

67.3
153.0
47.1
447.5
714.9

The Company has elected to take the exemption under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 from presenting its own income statement and 
statement of comprehensive income. Profit and total comprehensive income for the year of $8.6m (2019 – $7.2m) has been accounted for in the 
financial statements of the Company. 

The notes on pages 194 to 202 are an integral part of these financial statements. The financial statements on pages 191 to 202 were approved 
by the Board of Directors on 4 March 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:

Jim Johnson 
Director 

Bruce Ferguson
Director 

Registered number: 0974568

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
 
 
 
  
192
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Company Statement of Changes in Equity

At 1 January 2020
Profit for the year and total  
  comprehensive income

Dividends paid to equity shareholders
Share buyback
Treasury shares
– purchase of treasury shares
– disposal of treasury shares
Share options and awards
– value of employee services
– discharge
Transfer between reserves
Total transactions with owners

Notes

C16
C13

C14
C14, C15

Share
capital
$m
67.3

–

–
(0.8)

–
–

–
–
–
(0.8)

Year ended 31 December 2020

 Share
premium
$m
153.0

Other 
components 
of equity
$m
47.1

Retained 
earnings
$m
447.5

–

–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–
0.6

–
–

9.0
(11.4)
(8.2)
(10.0)

8.6

(8.2)
(5.1)

(9.4)
0.2

–
11.2
8.2
(3.1)

Total 
equity
$m
714.9

8.6

(8.2)
(5.3)

(9.4)
0.2

9.0
(0.2)
–
(13.9)

At 31 December 2020

66.5

153.0

37.1

453.0

709.6

At 1 January 2019
Profit for the year and total  
  comprehensive income

Dividends paid to equity shareholders
Shares issued
– share option schemes and awards
Treasury shares
– purchase of treasury shares
– disposal of treasury shares
Share options and awards
– value of employee services
– discharge
Transfer between reserves
Total transactions with owners

Notes

C16

C13

C14
C14, C15

Share
capital
$m
66.7

–

–

0.6

–
–

–
–
–
0.6

Year ended 31 December 2019

Share
premium
$m
153.0

Other  

components
of equity
$m
70.5

–

–

–

–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–

9.0
(11.6)
(20.8)
(23.4)

Retained  
earnings
$m
430.0

7.2

Total 
equity
$m
720.2

7.2

(16.6)

(16.6)

–

(5.0)
0.3

–
10.8
20.8
10.3

0.6

(5.0)
0.3

9.0
(0.8)
–
(12.5)

At 31 December 2019

67.3

153.0

47.1

447.5

714.9

193
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Company Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Operating activities
Profit (loss) from operations
Share-based payments expense
Increase in receivables
(Decrease) increase in payables
Decrease in provisions
Net exchange differences
Taxation paid
Net cash inflow from operating activities
Investing activities
Interest received
Loan issued 
Loan issued repaid
Net cash inflow from investing activities
Financing activities
Dividends paid to equity shareholders
Share capital issued
Share buyback
Purchase of treasury shares
Disposal of treasury shares
Loan received repaid
Net cash outflow from financing activities

Net cash inflow (outflow) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

Notes

C16

2020
$m

4.6
9.0
(0.6)
(5.2)
–
–
(0.4)
7.4

4.5
–
10.6
15.1

(8.2)
–
(5.1)
(9.4)
0.2
–
(22.5)

–
–
–

2019
$m

(0.3)
9.1
–
3.7
(0.4)
0.2
(2.0)
10.3

9.5
(19.2)
20.7
11.0

(16.6)
0.6
–
(5.0)
0.3
(0.6)
(21.3)

–
–
–

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements194
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

C1. Basis of Preparation

Hunting PLC is a premium-listed public company limited by shares, with its Ordinary shares listed on the London Stock Exchange. Hunting PLC 
was incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act and is registered in England and Wales. The address of the Company’s 
registered office is shown on page 209. The Company acts as a holding company for the Hunting PLC Group. Details of the Company’s 
associates and subsidiaries are given in notes C19 and C20, respectively. The financial statements of Hunting PLC have been prepared in 
accordance with the Companies Act 2006 as applicable to companies using IFRS and those International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 
and IFRS Interpretations Committee (“IFRS IC”) Interpretations as adopted by the European Union. The financial statements have been prepared 
on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The Board’s consideration of going concern is detailed further in the Strategic 
Report on page 79.

From the perspective of the Company, the principal risks and uncertainties are integrated with the principal risks of the Hunting PLC Group and 
are not managed separately. The principal risks and uncertainties of the Hunting PLC Group, which include those of the Company, are discussed 
on pages 56 to 59 in the Risk Management section of the Annual Report and further detail on financial risks is provided within note C9.

The Company’s principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are the same as those set out in note 41 of 
the Group’s financial statements, except for investments in subsidiaries that are stated at cost, which is the fair value of the consideration paid, 
less provision for impairment. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented. 

(a) Interest Rate Benchmark Reform 
The impact of the reform and replacement of benchmark interest rates such as GBP LIBOR and US LIBOR is being assessed and is ongoing. 
The Company’s inter-company loan agreements with the treasury company will be impacted by the move away from LIBOR, as LIBOR is 
currently used as the base for the interest rate applied. The Company’s interest-bearing loan receivable from the treasury company of $273.5m 
at the year-end has a variable interest rate that is referenced to interbank offered rates (“IBORs”) that will be affected by the IBOR reforms. 

There is currently uncertainty around the timing and precise nature of the changes to benchmark interest rates. To transition existing contracts 
and agreements that reference LIBOR to SONIA (in respect of GBP denominated contracts) or SOFR (in respect of USD denominated contracts), 
adjustments for term differences and credit differences might need to be applied to SONIA and/or SOFR, to enable the two benchmark rates to 
be economically equivalent on transition. Group treasury is responsible for managing the Company’s LIBOR transition plan.

(b) Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements
Critical judgements are those that the Directors have made in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies and that have the most 
significant effect on the amounts recognised in the Company’s financial statements. Key assumptions are those assumptions concerning future 
expectations, together with other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of the reporting period, that may have a significant risk of 
causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year. 

Estimates are continually evaluated, based on experience and reasonable expectations of future events. Accounting estimates are applied in 
determining the carrying value of investments in subsidiaries. 

The estimated future gross cash flows utilise independent market forecasts adjusted to reflect the Directors’ view of the subsidiary’s future 
trading prospects and can include known growth projects and are discounted at a rate that is determined for each business unit in isolation 
by consideration of their business risk profiles. Further details of the impairment review are disclosed in note C4.

Other than estimates regarding future cash flows for the purposes of impairment testing for the Company’s investments in subsidiaries 
(see note C4), management believe that there are no other critical judgements or estimates applied in the preparation of the Company’s 
financial statements.

C2. Employees

The Company had no employees during the current or prior year.

C3. Auditor’s Remuneration

Fees payable to the Company’s independent auditor and its associates are for:

The audit of these financial statements

2020
$m

0.5

2019
$m

0.5

195
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

C4. Investments in Subsidiaries

Cost:
At 1 January and 31 December

Impairment:
At 1 January and 31 December

Net book amount

2020
$m

2019
$m

436.8

436.8

–

–

436.8

436.8

The Company’s subsidiaries are detailed in note C20. Investments in subsidiaries are recorded at cost, which is the fair value of the consideration 
paid, less impairment. 

(a) Impairment Tests 
In respect of the carrying value of the Company’s investment in subsidiaries, assessments are undertaken at least annually to determine whether 
there have been any events or changes in circumstances that indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. An impairment review is carried 
out when such indicators are present by comparing the carrying value of a subsidiary to its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the 
higher of fair value less costs of disposal (“FVLCD”) and value in use (“VIU”). 

The recoverable amount for the investments has been determined using a fair value less costs of disposal (“FVLCD”) method, which represents 
the value of the investment in a sales transaction on an arm’s-length basis. As there is no active market for the Company’s subsidiaries, the 
FVLCD is determined using discounted cash flow techniques based on the estimated future gross cash flows that are expected to be generated 
by each subsidiary and are discounted at a rate that is determined for each subsidiary in isolation by consideration of their business risk profiles. 
This method allows approved capital projects that are in progress to be included. 

The recoverable amount calculations use discounted pre-tax nominal cash flow projections. The value of each subsidiary’s debt has then been 
deducted from the cash flows. The impairment review is carried out using projected cash flows based on what could have reasonably been 
known as at 31 December 2020, the reporting date, of the conditions that existed at that date. The FVLCD is a Level 3 measurement as per the 
fair value hierarchy as defined within IFRS 13 due to unobservable inputs used in the valuation. The key assumptions for the recoverable amount 
calculations are revenue growth rates, taking into account the impact these have on margins, terminal growth rates and the discount rates applied. 

For 2021, cash flows are based on the latest detailed forecast as approved by the Hunting PLC Board. For 2022 to 2025, management has 
made revenue projections using Spears & Associates “Drilling and Production Outlook” independent reports as a default basis, selecting the 
most appropriate geographic market and drivers (rig count, footage drilled or E&P spend) for each subsidiary. Management has then applied 
judgemental changes to revenue growth expectations, if appropriate, to reflect circumstances specific to the subsidiary. Having determined the 
projected revenues, management has then modelled the expected impact on margins and cash flow from the resulting revenue projections. 
This process can give a diverse range of outcomes depending on market or business specific conditions.

Compound annual growth rates (“CAGR”) for revenue for the subsidiaries from 2020 to 2025 vary between 8% and 18% (2019 – CAGR from 
2019 to 2024 between 3% and 12%). After 2025, a terminal value has been calculated assuming growth of 50 basis points above assumed 
inflation (2019 – 25 basis points), giving nominal growth rates between 0% and 1% (2019 – between 1% and 2%). Cash flows have been 
discounted using nominal pre-tax rates between 11% and 13% (2019 – 9% and 10%). The discount rates reflect current market assessments 
of the equity market risk premiums, the volatility of returns, the risks associated with the cash flows, the likely external borrowing rate of the 
subsidiary and expected levels of leverage. Consideration has also been given to other factors such as currency risk, operational risk and 
country risk.

No impairment charges were recognised following the impairment review. In the opinion of the Directors, following the impairment review, 
the value of the investments in the subsidiaries is not less than the aggregate carrying value amount shown in the balance sheet and that the 
carrying value of the investments is supported by their underlying net assets.

(b) Sensitivities
Management has reviewed various downside sensitivities versus the base case assumptions used in the projections. These covered revenue 
growth rates, terminal revenue growth rates, discount rates and foreign exchange rates. Management has concluded that there are no 
reasonably foreseeable changes in key assumptions that would give rise to an impairment charge.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements196
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

continued 

C5. Other Receivables

Non-current:
Loans receivable from a subsidiary – interest-bearing
Prepayments

Current:
Receivables from subsidiaries
Prepayments
Other receivables

2020
$m

273.5
0.1
273.6

1.1
0.6
–
1.7

2019
$m

284.2
0.1
284.3

0.8
0.2
0.1
1.1

The loan receivable from a subsidiary and current receivables from subsidiaries of $274.6m (2019 – $285.0m) are financial assets measured at 
amortised cost. Other receivables relate to VAT balances, which are not financial assets. The interest-bearing loan receivable from a subsidiary is 
unsecured and interest is charged based on a margin over bank lending rates. Receivables from subsidiaries’ current accounts are unsecured, 
interest free and repayable on demand. The Company does not hold any collateral as security and no assets have been acquired through the 
exercise of any collateral previously held. 

(a) Impairment of Receivables
Default on a financial asset is usually considered to have occurred when any contractual payments under the terms of the debt are more than 
90 days overdue. Receivables are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Indicators that receivables are generally not 
recoverable include the failure of the debtor to engage in a repayment plan, failure to make contractual payments for a period greater than 180 
days past due and the debtor being placed in administration. Where receivables have been written off, the entity will continue to try and recover 
the outstanding receivable.

(b) Impairment of Loan Receivable
The Company assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected credit losses (“ECLs”) at each balance sheet date associated with its loan 
receivable from a subsidiary company carried at amortised cost. The impairment methodology applied, following the adoption of the general 
model under IFRS 9, will depend upon whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk. 

To assess whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk, the risk of default occurring as at 31 December 2020 is compared with 
the risk of default occurring at the date of initial recognition. Indications of a significant increase in credit risk include events that have a negative 
impact on the estimated future cash flows and if any payments under the terms of the debt are more than 30 days overdue. Macroeconomic 
information is also considered.

At 31 December 2020, the Company’s loan receivable was not overdue and the Company does not consider it necessary to provide for any 
impairment. The loan receivable is expected to be fully recovered, as there is no recent history of default or any indications that the contractual 
payments will not be made (see note C9(c)). The Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk is the fair value of the loan receivable, as described 
in note C8. 

(c) Impairment of Receivables from Subsidiaries and Other Receivables
None of the Company’s receivables from subsidiaries and other receivables (2019 – none) were overdue at the year-end and the Company does 
not consider it necessary to provide for any impairments as there is no recent history of default or any indications that the contractual payments 
will not be made. The Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk is the fair value of each class of receivable, as described in note C8. 

C6. Other Payables

Current:
Payables to subsidiaries
Accruals
Other payables

2020
$m

0.2
0.6
0.5
1.3

2019
$m

5.3
0.5
0.3
6.1

Payables to subsidiaries, accruals and other payables of $1.3m (2019 – $6.1m) are financial liabilities carried at amortised cost. Current payables 
due to subsidiaries are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand.

 
 
 
197
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

C7. Derivatives and Hedging

The Company has used forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge its exposure to exchange rate movements during the year. 
At 31 December 2020, the Company had no outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts (2019 – $nil). 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 loss (2019 – $0.7m gain) were recognised in the income statement during the year. 

C8. Financial Instruments: Fair Values

Due to their short-term nature, the carrying value of current receivables from subsidiaries, other receivables, payables to subsidiaries, accruals, 
other payables, provisions, borrowings and bank overdrafts approximates their fair value. The carrying value of the loan receivable from a 
subsidiary approximates its fair value as interest is charged based on a margin over current bank lending rates.

C9. Financial Risk Management

The Company’s activities expose it to certain financial risks, namely market risk (including currency risk, cash flow interest rate risk and fair value 
interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. From the perspective of the Company, these financial risks are integrated with the financial risks of 
the Hunting PLC Group and are not managed separately.

(a) Foreign Exchange Risk
The Company is mainly exposed to foreign exchange risk from its financing and operating activities in respect of Sterling. Foreign exchange risks 
arise from future transactions and cash flows and from recognised monetary assets and liabilities that are not denominated in US dollars and, 
where appropriate, forward foreign exchange contracts are used to manage the exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates. The Company 
has Sterling denominated financial assets and financial liabilities.

The carrying amount of the Company’s financial assets included in current receivables from subsidiaries at 31 December on which exchange 
differences would be recognised in the income statement in the following year, is $0.9m (2019 – $0.2m) for Sterling denominated financial assets. 
Loans receivable from a subsidiary of $0.3m (2019 – $0.1m) at the year-end are denominated in Sterling, with exchange differences being 
recognised in the income statement in the following year. 

The carrying amount of the Company’s financial liabilities included in accruals and other payables at 31 December, on which exchange differences 
would be recognised in the income statement in the following year, is $1.1m (2019 – $0.8m) for Sterling denominated financial liabilities.

(b) Interest Rate Risk
The Company is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk from its loans receivable from a subsidiary, which are at variable interest rates.

(c) Credit Risk
The Company’s credit risk arises from its outstanding current receivables and loans receivable from a subsidiary. The Company is exposed 
to credit risk to the extent of non-receipt of its financial assets, however, it has no significant concentrations of credit risk other than from 
related parties. Credit risk is continually monitored and no individual exposure is considered to be significant in the ordinary course of the 
Company’s activities.

The interest-bearing loans receivable due from a subsidiary have not been impaired as no losses are expected from non-performance of this 
counterparty. The credit risk at the time the loans were taken out was deemed to be low and there has not been an increase in the credit risk 
since the time the loans were initially recognised. Therefore, management does not believe that there is a significant increase in credit risk such 
that the loans move from stage 1 to stage 2 of the IFRS 9 general impairment model. There is no history of default and previously all payments 
under the original terms of the loan have been made. The loans are with the Group’s central treasury company, which has sufficient cash, 
short-term deposits and credit facilities, in the form of the RCF, to repay the loan. Management does not have any reason to believe that any 
future payments will not be made in accordance with the terms of the loans. Therefore no provision for 12-month expected credit losses has 
been made under IFRS 9.

The Company’s outstanding receivables due from subsidiaries are current accounts and no losses are expected from non-performance of 
these counterparties. 

(d) Liquidity Risk
(i) Management of Cash 
The Company has sufficient facilities available to satisfy its requirements. The Company submits weekly and bi-monthly cash forecasts to 
Hunting’s treasury function to enable them to monitor the Company’s and the Group’s requirements.

The Group’s treasury function has put in place a cash concentration structure across the Hunting Group’s bank accounts in the UK, such that 
at the end of each day balances in any of their bank accounts are swept to the Group’s central treasury function, with a corresponding increase 
or decrease in the loan receivable balance with fellow group companies. As a result, at the end of the year, cash at bank is $nil.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements198
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

continued 

C9. Financial Risk Management continued

(d) Liquidity Risk continued
(ii) Barclays Composite Accounting System
The Company is party to a cross-guarantee and set-off arrangement with Barclays Bank Plc. There is no set-off in the presentation of cash 
balances held by the Company in the financial statements. Under this arrangement the Company is jointly and severally liable for any gross 
liability position held by any of the companies’ party to the aforementioned arrangements in the event of default. Any gross liability limit cannot 
exceed a combined facility limit of $2.3m.

(iii) Future Cash Flows of Financial Liabilities 
The following table analyses the expected timings of cash outflows for each of the Company’s non-derivative financial liabilities. The table below 
analyses the Company’s cash outflows 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 disclosed in the table are the contractual, undiscounted cash flows and include 
interest cash flows, where applicable, so will not always reconcile with the amounts disclosed in the Company balance sheet. The carrying 
values are the amounts in the Company balance sheet and are the discounted amounts.

Non-derivative financial liabilities:
Payables to subsidiaries
Accruals
Other payables

2020

On demand 
or within 
one year
$m

0.2
0.6
0.5
1.3

Carrying 
value
$m

0.2
0.6
0.5
1.3

2019

On demand 
or within 
one year
$m

5.3
0.5
0.3
6.1

Carrying 
value
$m

5.3
0.5
0.3
6.1

The Company did not have any derivative financial liabilities at the end of 2020 or 2019.

C10. Capital Risk Management 

The Company’s capital consists of equity and net cash. Net cash comprises the loan receivable from a subsidiary and borrowings. It is managed 
with the aim of maintaining an appropriate level of financing available for the Company’s activities, having due regard to interest rate risks and the 
availability of borrowing facilities.

Changes in equity arise from the retention of earnings and from issues of share capital. Net cash is monitored on a periodic basis. At the 
year-end, capital comprised:

Total equity
Net cash:
  Loans receivable from subsidiary (note C5)
Capital employed

2020
$m
709.6

(273.5)
436.1

2019
$m
714.9

(284.2)
430.7

The decrease in total equity during the year is mainly attributable to the profit for the year of $8.6m and the increase in the share-based payments 
reserve of $9.0m being offset by the payment of dividends of $8.2m, the share buyback programme of $5.3m and the net purchase of treasury 
shares of $9.2m. The loans receivable from a subsidiary decreased by $10.7m largely due to dividend income, royalty income and interest 
income received during the year being offset by dividend payments, the share buyback programme and the purchase of treasury shares. There 
have been no significant changes in the Company’s funding policy during the year. The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital 
requirements.

C11. Financial Instruments: Sensitivity Analysis

The following sensitivity analysis is intended to illustrate the sensitivity to changes in market variables on the Company’s financial instruments and 
show the impact on profit or loss and shareholders’ equity. Financial instruments affected by market risk include non-current receivables from 
subsidiaries and borrowings. The sensitivity analysis relates to the position as at 31 December 2020.

The analysis excludes the impact of movements in market variables on the carrying value of provisions and on non-financial assets and liabilities.

The following assumptions have been made in calculating the sensitivity analysis:

 • Foreign exchange rate and interest rate sensitivities have an asymmetric impact on the Company’s results, that is, an increase in rates does 

not result in the same amount of movement as a decrease in rates; 

 • 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; and 

 • The carrying values of financial assets and liabilities carried at amortised cost do not change as interest rates change.

 
199
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

C11. Financial Instruments: Sensitivity Analysis continued

(a) Interest Rate Sensitivity
The post-tax impact on the income statement, with all other variables held constant, at 31 December 2020, for an increase of 0.1% 
(2019 – 0.25%) in US interest rates, is to increase profits by $0.2m (2019 – $0.6m). If the US interest rates were to decrease by 0.1% 
(2019 – 0.25%), then the post-tax impact would be to reduce profits by $0.2m (2019 – $0.6m). The movements arise on US dollar denominated 
intra-Group loans. There is no impact on OCI for a change in interest rates.

(b) Foreign Exchange Rate Sensitivity
The post-tax impact on the income statement, with all other variables held constant, at 31 December 2020, for an increase of 10% (2019 – 5%) 
in the Sterling foreign exchange rate, is to increase profits by $0.1m (2019 – <0.1m). If the Sterling foreign exchange rate was to decrease by 10% 
(2019 – 5%), the post-tax impact would be to reduce profits by $0.1m (2019 – $<0.1m). The movement in the income statement arises from 
Sterling denominated accruals, other payables and borrowings, offset by Sterling loans receivable from subsidiaries. There is no impact on OCI 
for a change in foreign exchange rates.

C12. Post-employment Benefits

The Company has no employees and therefore does not participate in any of the post-employment benefit schemes shown in note 32 of the 
Group’s financial statements, although it does guarantee the contributions due by the participating employers.

C13. Share Capital and Share Premium

Please see note 33 of the Group’s financial statements.

C14. Other Components of Equity

At 1 January 2020
Share buyback (note C13)
Share options and awards
– value of employee services
– discharge
Transfer between reserves
At 31 December 2020

Year ended 31 December 2020

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
$m
0.2
0.6

Share-based 
payments 
reserve
$m
19.7
–

–
–
–
0.8

9.0
(11.4)
–
17.3

Currency 
translation 
reserve
$m
(19.2)
–

–
–
–
(19.2)

Merger 
reserve
$m
46.4
–

–
–
(8.2)
38.2

Total
$m
47.1
0.6

9.0
(11.4)
(8.2)
37.1

The merger reserve comprises the proceeds received, net of transaction costs, in excess of the nominal value of the Ordinary shares issued by 
way of the share placing completed on 31 October 2016. In accordance with section 612 of the Companies Act 2006, the premium was credited 
to the merger reserve, instead of to the share premium account, because the share placing was pursuant to the Company securing over 90% of 
another entity. The proceeds were used to pay down the Group’s borrowings at that time. The reserve is currently non-distributable and will be 
transferred to distributable retained earnings when the proceeds meet the definition of a qualifying consideration.

During the year, $8.2m (2019 – $20.8m) was transferred from the merger reserve to retained earnings. This portion of the reserve is now considered 
to be realised as the equivalent amount of the proceeds from the share placing in 2016 have now met the definition of qualifying consideration.

At 1 January 2019
Share options and awards
– value of employee services
– discharge
Transfer between reserves
At 31 December 2019

Year ended 31 December 2019

Capital
redemption
reserve
$m
0.2

Share-based 
payments 
reserve
$m
22.3

–
–
–
0.2

9.0
(11.6)
–
19.7

Currency 
translation 
reserve
$m
(19.2)

–
–
–
(19.2)

Merger 
reserve
$m
67.2

–
–
(20.8)
46.4

Total
$m
70.5

9.0
(11.6)
(20.8)
47.1

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements200
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

continued 

C15. Retained Earnings

At 1 January
Profit for the year
Dividends paid to equity shareholders (note C16)
Share buyback
Treasury shares
– purchase of treasury shares
– disposal of treasury shares
Share options and awards
– discharge
Transfer between reserves
At 31 December

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

2020
$m
447.5
8.6
(8.2)
(5.1)

(9.4)
0.2

11.2
8.2
453.0

2020
$m

(12.8)
(9.4)
11.6
(10.6)

2019
$m
430.0
7.2
(16.6)
–

(5.0)
0.3

10.8
20.8
447.5

2019
$m

(11.2)
(5.0)
3.4
(12.8)

At 31 December 2020, 2,562,281 Ordinary shares were held by the Employee Benefit Trust (2019 – 1,609,150). The Company purchased  
1,500,000 additional treasury shares in March 2020 for $5.9m and a further 1,242,757 treasury shares in December 2020 for $3.5m. The loss 
on disposal of treasury shares during the year, which is recognised in retained earnings, was $11.4m (2019 – $3.1m).

C16. Dividends Paid to Equity Shareholders

Please see note 36 of the Group’s financial statements.

C17. Share-based Payments

Please see note 37 of the Group’s financial statements.

C18. Related-party Transactions

The following related-party transactions took place between the Company and subsidiaries of the Group during the year:

Transactions:
  Royalties receivable
  Management fees payable
  Recharges of share options and awards and administrative expenses

Loan to subsidiary
Loan from subsidiary repaid
Loans to subsidiary repaid
Interest receivable on inter-company loans

  Dividends received from subsidiaries
Year-end balances:
  Payables to subsidiaries
  Receivables from subsidiaries
Loans owed by subsidiaries

2020
$m

6.5
(6.4)
5.1
–
–
10.6
4.5
6.6

(0.2)
1.1
273.5

2019
$m

11.0
(9.8)
15.0
(19.2)
(0.6)
20.7
9.5
–

(5.3)
0.8
284.2

All balances between the Company and its subsidiaries are unsecured.

The Company serves as the intermediary for certain Group insurances and is also the head of the VAT group for UK central companies. 

The key management of the Company comprises the Hunting PLC Board and members of the Executive Committee. A summary of their 
remuneration is disclosed in note 8 of the Group’s financial statements. The Hunting PLC Board and members of the Executive Committee had 
no material transactions other than as a result of their service agreements.

 
 
 
 
 
201
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

C18. Related-party Transactions continued

Hunting PLC is the parent company of the Hunting PLC Group. The Company is listed on the London Stock Exchange, with none of the 
shareholders owning more than 20% of the issued share capital of the Company (see page 14). Accordingly, the Directors do not consider there 
to be an ultimate controlling party.

C19. Associates

Associatesi
Rival Downhole Tools LC (23.5%)
Tianjin Huaxin Premium Connection Pipe Co Ltd (28.5%) 
Hunting Airtrust Tubulars Pte. Ltd (50%)

Registered address
211 E 7th Street, Suite 620, Austin, Texas, 78701, USA
Jintang Road, Dongli District, Tianjin, 300301, China
19, Keppel Road, 08-05 JIT Poh Building, 089058, Singapore 

Notes:
i 

All interests in associates are in the ordinary equity shares of those companies.

C20. Subsidiaries

All Companies listed below are wholly owned by the Group, except where otherwise indicated.

Subsidiariesi/iii
Operating activities
Hunting Energy Services (Australia) Pty Ltd

Hunting Energy Services (Canada) Ltd
Hunting Energy Services (Wuxi) Co. Ltd (70%)

Hunting Energy Completion Equipment (Wuxi) Co., Ltd

Hunting Energy Services (UK) Limited (60%)
Enpro Subsea Limited 

Enpro Subsea Operations Limited

Enpro Subsea Group Limited

Enpro Subsea, LLC
Enpro Subsea Ghana Ltd (90%)
Enpro Subsea Group Ghana Limited
PT Hunting Energy Asia

Hunting Alpha (EPZ) Limited (60%)v

Hunting Energy de Mexico

Hunting Energy Services B.V. (60%)
Hunting Energy Services (Well Testing) B.V.
Hunting Energy Services (Norway) AS
Hunting Energy Saudi Arabia LLC (65%)

Hunting Energy Services (Well Intervention) Limited

Hunting Welltonic Limitedv

Hunting Energy Services (International) Pte. Ltd

Hunting Energy Services Pte. Ltd

Hunting Energy Services (China) Pte. Ltd (70%)

Hunting Energy Services (Well Intervention) Pte. Ltd
Hunting Energy Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Hunting Energy Services (Thailand) Limited (49%)

National Coupling Company, Inc
Hunting Energy Services, LLC
Premium Finishes, Inc

Registered address

Level 40, Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, 
NSW, 2000, Australia 
5550 Skyline Way NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 7Z7, Canada
No. 17, Xin DongAn Road, Shuo Fang Industrial, New District 
Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, China
No. 17, Xin DongAn Road, Shuo Fang Industrial, New District 
Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, China
5 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HQ, England
Badentoy Avenue, Badentoy Industrial Estate, Portlethen, Aberdeen, 
AB12 4YB, Scotland
Badentoy Avenue, Badentoy Industrial Estate, Portlethen, Aberdeen, 
AB12 4YB, Scotland
Badentoy Avenue, Badentoy Industrial Estate, Portlethen, Aberdeen, 
AB12 4YB, Scotland
16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 600, Houston, Texas, 77060, USA
House No. F676/1, Angola Road, Kuku Hill, Osu, Accra, Ghana
House No. F676/1, Angola Road, Kuku Hill, Osu, Accra, Ghana
Complex Dragon Industrial Park, Block D, Jalan Pattimura, Kabil 
Batam, 29467, Indonesia
Block XLVIII/150, Off Mbaraki Road, P.O. Box 83344-80100 
Mombasa, Kenya
Avenida Los Olmos #105, Parque Industrial El Sabinal, Apodaca, 
Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
Olieweg 10, 1951 NH Velsen-Noord, Netherlands
Olieweg 10, 1951 NH Velsen-Noord, Netherlands 
Arabergveieb 6, 4050 Sola, Norway
Dhahran, Building No: 7612, P.O. Box: 3104, Zip Code: 34521, 
Saudi Arabia
Badentoy Avenue, Badentoy Park, Portlethen, Aberdeen, 
AB12 4YB, Scotland
Badentoy Avenue, Badentoy Park, Portlethen, Aberdeen, 
AB12 4YB, Scotland
2 International Business Park, #04-13/14, The Strategy 609930, 
Singapore
2 International Business Park, #04-13/14, The Strategy 609930, 
Singapore
2 International Business Park, #04-13/14, The Strategy 609930, 
Singapore
15 Scotts Road, #04-01/03, Thong Teck Building, 228218, Singapore
Trident Park 1, 1 Niblick Way, Somerset West, 7130, South Africa
436/27, Moo 2, Thanadee-Klongwong Road, Tambol Phawong, 
Amphur Muong Songkhla, 90100, Thailand
1316 Staffordshire Road, Staffordshire, Texas, 77477, USA
16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 600, Houston, Texas, 77060, USA
16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 600, Houston, Texas, 77060, USA

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements202
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

continued 

C20. Subsidiaries continued

Subsidiariesi/iii
Hunting Dearborn, Inc
Hunting Energy Services (Drilling Tools), Inc
Hunting Innova, Inc

Hunting Specialty, Inc
Hunting Titan, Inc
Hunting Titan ULC
Tenkay Resources, Inc

Corporate activities
Hunting Energy Holdings Limitedii
Hunting Energy Services (International) Limited
Hunting Energy Services Overseas Holdings Limited
Hunting Oil Holdings Limitedii
Hunting Knightsbridge Holdings Limited
Huntaven Properties Limited
Hunting Pension Trust Limitedii/iv
HG Management Services Ltd
Huntfield Trust Limitediv
Stag Line Limitediv
Hunting Aviation Limitediv
Hunting U.S. Holdings, Inc

Registered address
6 Dearborn Drive, Fryeburg, Maine, USA
16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 600, Houston, Texas, 77060, USA 
8383 North Sam Houston Parkway West, Houston, Texas, 
77064, USA
16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 600, Houston, Texas, 77060, USA 
16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 600, Houston, Texas, 77060, USA 
5550 Skyline Way NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 7Z7, Canada
16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 600, Houston, Texas, 77060, USA

5 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HQ, England
5 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HQ, England 
5 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HQ, England
5 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HQ, England
5 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HQ, England
5 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HQ, England
5 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HQ, England 
5 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HQ, England
5 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HQ, England
5 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HQ, England
5 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HQ, England
16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 600, Houston, Texas, 77060, USA 

Notes:
i.  Except where otherwise stated, companies are wholly owned, being incorporated and operating in the countries indicated.
ii. 
iii.  All interests in subsidiaries are in the ordinary equity shares of those companies. The proportion of voting rights is represented by the interest in the ordinary equity shares of those 

Interest in company is held directly by Hunting PLC.

companies.

iv.  Hunting Pension Trust Limited (registered number 01346797), Huntfield Trust Limited (registered number 00372215), Stag Line Limited (registered number 00151320) and Hunting 

Aviation Limited (registered number 00297743) are dormant companies that are exempt from being audited, are exempt from the requirements to prepare individual accounts under 
section 394A of the Companies Act 2006 and are exempt from filing individual accounts under section 448A of the Companies Act 2006.

v.  Company has been placed into voluntary liquidation. 

Changes to the Group
The Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Enpro Subsea Limited (“Enpro”) on 21 February 2020. 

On 8 March 2020, Hunting Energy Holdings Limited acquired 5% of the share capital of Hunting Energy Saudi Arabia LLC from the  
non-controlling interest, thereby increasing its shareholding to 65%, for $nil consideration.

During the year, the members of Hunting Knightsbridge (US) Finance Limited applied for the company to be voluntarily struck off. The company 
was dissolved on 13 October 2020.

On 15 December 2020, Rival Downhole Tools LC (“Rival”) acquired the operating assets of Hunting Energy Services (Drilling Tools) Inc,  
a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group. In exchange for the assets, the Group has acquired a 23.5% interest in the equity shares of Rival. 
The interest in Rival has been accounted for as an associate.

C21. Events After the Balance Sheet Date

The Company has purchased 1,590,281 treasury shares for $4.7m since 1 January 2021.

203
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Non-GAAP Measures 

(unaudited)

The Directors believe it is appropriate to include in the Strategic Report and consolidated financial statements a number of non-GAAP measures 
(“NGMs”) that are commonly used within the business. These measures supplement the information provided in the IFRS “reported” financial 
statements and accompanying notes, providing additional insight to the users of the Annual Report.

This section provides a definition of the non-GAAP measures, the purpose for which the measure is used, and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP 
measure to the reported IFRS numbers. The auditors are required under the Companies Act 2006 to consider whether these non-GAAP 
measures are prepared consistently with the financial statements.

Income Statement Non-GAAP Measures

The Directors have applied the provisions of IAS 1 with regards to exceptional items and have chosen to present these, together with amortisation 
of acquired intangible assets, in a separate column on the face of the consolidated income statement. All profit and loss measures adjusted for 
amortisation of acquired intangible assets and exceptional items are referred to as “underlying”. This is the basis used by the Directors in 
assessing performance and in determining certain components of senior management and executive remuneration.

A. EBITDA
Purpose: This profit measure is used as a simple proxy for pre-tax cash flows from operating activities.

Calculation definition: Underlying results before share of associates’ post-tax results, interest, tax, depreciation, impairment and amortisation.

Reported (loss) profit from operations (consolidated income statement)
 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 12)
 Depreciation of right-of-use assets (note 13)
 Reversal of impairment of right-of-use assets (note 13)
 Non-exceptional amortisation of intangible assets (note 7)
Non-exceptional amortisation and depreciation
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets and exceptional items (note 6)
Underlying EBITDA 

2020
$m
(220.0)
32.1 
7.5 
(0.6) 
3.5
42.5
203.6
26.1

2019
$m
46.8
33.7
7.9
–
3.8
45.4
47.5
139.7

B. Underlying Tax Rate
Purpose: The weighted average tax rate represents the level of tax, both current and deferred, being borne by operations on an underlying basis.

Calculation definition: Taxation on underlying (loss) profit before tax divided by underlying (loss) profit before tax, expressed as a percentage.

Underlying taxation (credit) charge (note 10)
Underlying (loss) profit before tax for the year (consolidated income statement)

Underlying tax rate

Balance Sheet Non-GAAP Measures

2020
$m
(0.9)
(19.4)

5%

2019
$m
17.0
93.1

18%

C. Working Capital
Purpose: Working capital is a measure of the Group’s liquidity identifying whether the Group has sufficient assets to cover liabilities as they 
fall due.

Calculation definition: Trade and other receivables excluding receivables from associates, derivative financial assets and loan notes, plus 
inventories less trade and other payables excluding payables due to associates, derivative financial liabilities, dividend liabilities and retirement 
plan obligations.

Trade and other receivables – non-current (note 18)
Trade and other receivables – current (note 18)
Inventories (note 20)
Trade and other payables – current (note 22)
Trade and other payables – non-current (note 22)
Less: non-working capital loan note (note 18)
Add: non-working capital US deferred compensation plan obligation (note 22)
Add: non-working capital current other receivables and other payables 

2020
$m
2.0
136.3
288.4
(67.9)
(2.4)
–
1.7
0.2
358.3

2019
$m
2.7 
202.0 
350.8 
(121.2)
(2.7)
(0.7)
2.1 
0.3 
433.3 

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
204
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Non-GAAP Measures

(unaudited) continued

Balance Sheet Non-GAAP Measures continued 

D. Inventory Days
Purpose: This is a working capital efficiency ratio that measures inventory balances relative to business activity levels.

Calculation definition: Inventory at the year-end divided by underlying cost of sales for the last three months of the year multiplied by 92 days, 
adjusted for the impact of acquisitions and disposals when applicable.

Inventories (note 20)
Underlying cost of sales for October to December

Inventory days

2020
$m
288.4
98.4

2019
$m
350.8
150.6

270 days

214 days

E. Trade Receivables Days
Purpose: This is a working capital efficiency ratio that measures receivable balances relative to business activity levels.

Calculation definition: Net trade receivables, contract assets and accrued revenue at the year-end divided by revenue for the last three months 
of the year multiplied by 92 days, adjusted for the impact of acquisitions and disposals when applicable.

Net trade receivables (note 18)
Contract assets (note 18)
Accrued revenue (note 18)
Net receivables

Revenue for October to December

Trade receivable days

F. Other Net Assets
Purpose: Provides an analysis of other net assets in the Summary Group Balance Sheet in the Strategic Report.

Investments (note 17)
Held-for-sale asset (note 12)
Non-working capital loan note (NGM C)
Non-working capital US deferred compensation plan obligation (NGM C)
Non-working capital current other receivables and other payables (NGM C)

2020
$m
106.9 
9.8 
3.2 
119.9

119.3

2019
$m
155.5
8.3
12.3
176.1

205.7

92 days

79 days

2020
$m
19.8
1.8
–
(1.7)
(0.2)
19.7

2019
$m
2.8
–
0.7
(2.1)
(0.3)
1.1

G. Capital Employed
Purpose: Used in the calculation of the return on average capital employed (see NGM N).

Calculation definition: Capital employed is the amount of capital that the Group has invested in its business and comprises the historic value 
of total equity plus net (cash) debt at amortised cost.

The Group’s capital comprised:

Total equity (consolidated balance sheet)
Net cash (note 26)

2020
$m
976.6
(57.5)
919.1

2019
$m
1,223.8
(77.9)
1,145.9

 
 
205
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Cash Flow Non-GAAP Measures

H. Cash Flow Working Capital Movements
Purpose: Reconciles the working capital movements in the Summary Group Cash Flow in the Strategic Report.

Working capital – opening balance
Adjustment on adoption of IFRS 16 
Working capital – opening balance amended
Foreign exchange
Exceptional items impacting working capital:

Impairments of inventories (note 6)
Impairments of receivables (note 6)
  Profit on disposal of Canada assets 
Acquisition (note 39)
Disposal of business (note 40)
Adjustments:
  Transfer to property, plant and equipment (note 12)
  Capital investment debtors/creditors cash flows
  Asset disposals debtors/creditors cash flows
  Other non-cash flow movements
  Other cash flow movement
Working capital – closing balance (NGM C)
Cash flow

2020
$m
433.3
–
433.3
–

(34.2)
(1.2)
0.6
0.5
(2.7)

(0.6)
(0.1)
1.7
–
(0.2)
(358.3)
38.8

2019
$m
436.5
2.1
438.6
3.1

–
–
–
0.2
(0.6)

(0.1)
0.1
0.3
(0.1)
(0.6)
(433.3)
7.6

I. Capital Investment
Purpose: Capital investment identifies the cash resources being absorbed organically within the business to maintain or enhance operating 
activity levels. 

Calculation definition: Capital investment is the cash paid on tangible non-current assets to maintain existing levels of operating activity and 
to grow the business from current operating levels and enhance operating activity.

Property, plant and equipment additions (note 12)
Capital investment debtors/creditors cash flows (NGM H)
Cash flow

Per the consolidated statement of cash flows:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment held for rental – operating activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment – investing activities
Cash flow

Hunting Titan
US
Canada
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Central
Cash flow

2020
$m
14.8
(0.1)
14.7

3.0
11.7
14.7

3.9
8.5
0.1
1.0
1.0
0.2
14.7

2019
$m
35.9
0.1
36.0

5.6
30.4
36.0

14.3
19.3
1.0
0.6
0.7
0.1
36.0

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
 
206
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Non-GAAP Measures

(unaudited) continued

Cash Flow Non-GAAP Measures continued

J. Other Operating Cash and Non-Cash Movements
Purpose: Reconciles other operating cash and non-cash movements in the Summary Group Cash Flow in the Strategic Report.

Loans from associates repaid (consolidated statement of cash flows)
Decrease in provisions (consolidated statement of cash flows)
Other non-cash flow items

2020
$m
–
(0.2)
(1.3)
(1.5)

2019
$m
0.3
(2.4)
(0.3)
(2.4)

K. Free Cash Flow
Purpose: Free cash flow is a measure of financial performance and represents the cash that the Group is able to generate. Free cash flow 
represents the amount of cash the Group has available to either retain for investment, whether organic or by way of acquisition, or to return 
to shareholders.

Calculation definition: All cash flows before transactions with shareholders, investment in non-current assets and lease financing costs. 

Underlying EBITDA (NGM A)
Add: share-based payment charge (note 37)

Working capital movements (NGM H)
Net tax paid (consolidated statement of cash flows)
Proceeds from business and asset disposals (consolidated statement of cash flows)
Gains on business and asset disposals
Lease payments
Restructuring costs
Other operating cash and non-cash movements (NGM J)

2020
$m
26.1
9.0
35.1
38.8
(5.0)
3.9
(2.4)
(10.4)
(10.7)
(1.5)
47.8

2019i
$m
139.7
9.1
148.8
7.6
(7.7)
8.9
(5.8)
(10.6)
–
(2.4)
138.8

i. 

Free cash flow for 2019 has been revised to include lease payments of $10.6m as this better represents the cash that the Group had available.

Other Non-GAAP Measures

L. Dividend Per Share Declared
Purpose: Identifies the total amount of dividend declared in respect of a period. This is also used in the calculation of dividend cover 
(see NGM M).

Calculation definition: The amount in cents returned to Ordinary shareholders.

First interim dividend
Second interim dividend
Final dividend

The first interim dividend in 2020 was paid in place of the proposed 2019 final dividend of 6.0c per share.

2020
Cents 
per share
3.0
2.0
4.0
9.0

2019
Cents 
per share
5.0
–
–
5.0

 
 
 
207
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Other Non-GAAP Measures continued

M. Dividend Cover
Purpose: An indication of the Company’s ability to maintain the level of its dividend and indicates the proportion of earnings being retained in the 
business for future investment versus that returned to shareholders.

Calculation definition: Earnings per share attributable to Ordinary shareholders divided by the cash dividend per share to be returned to Ordinary 
shareholders, on an accruals basis.

(Loss) earnings per share
Basic (note 11)
Diluted (note 11)

Dividend (NGM L)

Dividend cover
Basic 
Diluted

2020

2019

Underlying

Reported

Underlying

Reported

(10.0)c
(10.0)c

(143.2)c
(143.2)c

9.0c

9.0c

n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a

45.0c
43.9c

5.0c

9.0x
8.8x

24.0c
23.5c

5.0c

4.8x
4.7x

N. Return on Average Capital Employed
Purpose: Measures the levels of return the Group is generating from its capital employed.

Calculation definition: Underlying profit before interest and tax, adjusted to include the share of associates’ post-tax results, as a percentage of 
average gross capital employed. Average gross capital employed is a monthly average of capital employed based on 13 balance sheets from the 
closing December balance in the prior year to the closing December balance in the current year.

Average monthly gross capital employed (13 point average)

Underlying (loss) profit from operations (consolidated income statement)

Return on average capital employed

2020
$m
1,065.5

(16.4)

(2)%

2019
$m
1,192.0

94.3

8%

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements208
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Financial Recordi 

(unaudited)

Revenue
EBITDA
Depreciation and non-exceptional amortisation  
  and impairment
(Loss) profit from operations
Net finance expense
Share of associates’ post-tax losses
(Loss) profit before tax
Taxation
(Loss) profit for the year

Basic (loss) earnings per share
Diluted (loss) earnings per share

Dividend per shareiii

Balance sheet
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Working capital
Taxation (current and deferred)
Provisions
Other net assets
Capital employed
 Total cash and bank
 Lease liabilities
 Other borrowings
Net cash (debt) (note 26)
Net assets
Non-controlling interests
Equity attributable to owners of the parent

Net assets per share

2020
$m
626.0
26.1

(42.5)
(16.4)
(3.0)
–
(19.4)
0.9
(18.5)

cents
(10.0)
(10.0)

9.0

$m

307.1
29.8
207.1
358.3
6.0
(8.9)
19.7
919.1
101.7
(40.3)
(3.9)
57.5
976.6
(12.2)
964.4

cents
592.2

2019ii
$m
960.0
139.7

(45.4)
94.3
(1.2)
–
93.1
(17.0)
76.1

cents
45.0
43.9

5.0

$m

354.7
36.7
308.7
433.3
19.8
(8.4)
1.1
1,145.9
127.0
(45.2)
(3.9)
77.9
1,223.8
(15.9)
1,207.9

cents
733.3

2018ii
$m
911.4
142.3

(37.6)
104.7
(0.7)
–
104.0
(22.0)
82.0

cents
51.6
49.6

9.0

$m

360.2
–
329.7
436.5
13.7
(14.2)
3.9
1,129.8
65.2
–
(3.9)
61.3
1,191.1
(14.0)
1,177.1

cents
721.4

2017ii
$m
724.9
56.0

(41.7)
14.3
(1.5)
(1.3)
11.5
(1.0)
10.5

cents
8.0
8.0

–

$m

383.3
–
355.7
344.0
(6.0)
(18.0)
22.7
1,081.7
34.3
–
(3.9)
30.4
1,112.1
(18.8)
1,093.3

cents
677.3

2016ii
$m
455.8
(48.9)

(43.3)
(92.2)
(0.7)
(0.3)
(93.2)
19.9
(73.3)

cents
(45.3)
(45.3)

–

$m

419.0
–
380.5
300.2
(3.4)
(15.7)
38.7
1,119.3
2.0
–
(3.9)
(1.9)
1,117.4
(19.3)
1,098.1

cents
682.6

i. 
ii. 

Information is stated before exceptional items and amortisation of acquired intangible assets. 
IFRS 16 Leases was adopted with effect from 1 January 2019. The modified retrospective approach was applied and consequently information for the years 2015 to 2018 has not been 
restated, as permitted under the specific transitional provisions in IFRS 16 Leases. 

iii.  Dividend per share is stated on a declared basis. 

209
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Shareholder and Statutory Information 

(unaudited) 

Registered Office
5 Hanover Square
London 
W1S 1HQ

Company Number: 0974568 (Registered in England and Wales)

Telephone: 
Email:  

+44 (0)20 7321 0123
pr@hunting.plc.uk

Financial Calendar
The Company’s 2021 financial calendar is as follows:

Date 
4 March 2021
4 March 2021
18 March 2021
21 April 2021
21 April 2021
22 April 2021
23 April 2021
14 May 2021
29 June 2021
26 August 2021
26 August 2021
7 October 2021
8 October 2021
28 October 2021
29 October 2021

Event
2020 Full-Year Results Announcement
2020 Final Dividend – Announcement date
Publication of Annual Report and Notice of AGM
Trading Statement
AGM and Proxy Voting Results of AGM
Final Dividend – Ex-dividend date
Final Dividend – Record date
Final Dividend – Payment date
Trading Statement
2021 Half-Year Results Announcement
2021 Interim Dividend Announcement date
Interim Dividend – Ex-dividend date
Interim Dividend – Record date
Trading Statement
Interim Dividend – Payment date

Financial Reports
The Company’s 2020 Annual Report and Accounts is available on the Company’s website from the date of publication. Shareholders may elect 
to receive a copy by contacting the Registrar. Copies of previous financial reports are available at www.huntingplc.com. 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.

Registrar
The Company’s Registrar, Equiniti, offers a range of shareholder information and dealing services at www.shareview.co.uk. The address and 
contact details of Equiniti are as follows:

Equiniti Limited
Aspect House
Spencer Road, Lancing
West Sussex BN99 6DA
Telephone:
UK +44 (0)371 384 2173
Overseas +44 (0)121 415 7047

Equiniti is also the Company’s single alternative inspection location where, with prior appointment, individuals can inspect the register of members.

Analysis of Ordinary Shareholders
At 31 December 2020, the Company had 1,403 Ordinary shareholders (2019 – 1,454) who held 164.9m (2019 – 166.9m) 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

Further information on share capital can be found in note 33.

2020

2019

% of total 
shareholders 

% of total 
shares 

% of total 
shareholders 

% of total 
shares 

73.1
10.8
3.0
7.1
2.4
3.6

0.5
0.8
0.7
5.8
7.1
85.1

73.3
10.5
2.9
6.6
3.0
3.7

0.6
0.8
0.8
5.4
8.3
84.1

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements 
210
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Shareholder and Statutory Information 

(unaudited) continued

Annual General Meeting 2021
The AGM of the Company will take place on Wednesday 21 April 2021 at 5 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HQ, commencing at 2.30p.m. 

Format and Business of Meeting
The 2021 AGM is proposed to be a Closed Meeting, given the ongoing issues in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of our 
shareholders and employees is of primary importance at this time and given the ongoing risks associated with travel, the Directors have decided 
to limit the attendance at the meeting to a quorum of two shareholders, who will comprise a Director and the Company Secretary. 

The formal business of the AGM will involve putting to the meeting a number of ordinary and special resolutions. Details of the resolutions will be 
communicated to shareholders ahead of the meeting in a formal “Notice of AGM”. The Notice will also contain explanatory notes that will provide 
details to shareholders on how to lodge their vote. Those shareholders who have elected to continue to receive hard copy documentation or 
have signed up to receive a notification by e-mail will also receive a proxy form, which will contain details of how to lodge a vote by proxy.

The AGM is to be broadcast via the internet. Details of the weblink will be included in the Notice of AGM. Prior to the formal business of the AGM, 
a presentation will be delivered by the Chief Executive. 

The Directors have made available to shareholders the ability to submit questions ahead of the AGM. These questions will be answered in the 
form of a presentation noted above. Shareholders are therefore asked to submit all questions, in relation to the business to be considered at the 
AGM, by Monday 19 April 2021, to the Company’s Registered Office, for the attention of the Company Secretary. Alternatively, questions can be 
submitted via email at agm@hunting.plc.uk. 

Shareholder voting procedures follow the provisions of the Articles of Association of the Company (the “Articles”) and the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, including a separate resolution on each material item of business, the availability of voting via proxy and the offer of 
a “vote withheld”.

Voting on all resolutions at the AGM will be completed via proxy. Alternatively, shareholders may submit proxy voting instructions via the internet 
at www.sharevote.co.uk or via Equiniti’s online portfolio service, Shareview, if they are 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 2.30p.m. on Monday 
19 April 2021.

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 2020, no Ordinary shares were 
issued pursuant to the Company’s various share plans.

The Company has authority, renewed annually, to purchase up to 14.99% of the issued share capital, equating to 25,024,318 shares. Any shares 
purchased will either be cancelled and the number of Ordinary shares in issue reduced accordingly, held in treasury, sold for cash or (provided 
Listing Rule requirements are met) transferred for the purposes of or pursuant to an employee share scheme. During 2020, 2.0m Ordinary shares 
were purchased by the Company’s corporate broker and cancelled. As noted below, through the Group’s Employee Benefit Trust, 2,742,757 
Ordinary shares were purchased in the year.

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 a renewal for these powers at the 2021 AGM.

A new Directors’ Remuneration Policy (the “Policy”) will be put to shareholders for approval. The Policy is binding which means that after it 
takes effect, all payments to Directors by way of remuneration or for loss of office after that date must be made in accordance with the Policy. 
If approved, the Policy will take effect from the end of the AGM and will replace the Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders in 2018. 
The Policy can be found on pages 98 to 106 of the Company’s 2020 Annual Report and Accounts.

As part of the routine business to be considered at the AGM, all Directors’ will submit themselves for re-appointment, in addition to a resolution 
proposing the re-appointment of Deloitte LLP as auditor to the Company.

Documents on Display
Due to the restrictions in place in respect to COVID-19, the inspection of copies of the executive Directors’ service contracts and letters 
of appointment of non-executive Directors is not possible at present. However, all enquiries in relation to the service contracts and letters 
of appointment can be addressed by writing to the Company Secretary.

Employee Benefit Trust
The Group operates an Employee Benefit Trust (the “Trust”) as a vehicle to satisfy share options and awards granted to employees who 
participate in the Company’s share-based incentive schemes. At 31 December 2020, the Trust held 2,562,281 Ordinary shares in the Company 
(2019 – 1,609,150). The Trust has a policy to purchase shares in the market or subscribe for new shares to partially meet the future requirements 
of these incentive schemes. The Trust has waived all dividends payable by the Company and voting rights in respect of the Ordinary shares 
held by it. 

211
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Share Capital 
Hunting PLC is a premium-listed public company limited by shares, with its Ordinary shares quoted on the London Stock Exchange.

The Company’s issued share capital comprises a single class, which is divided into 164,940,082 Ordinary shares of 25 pence each. All of the 
Company’s issued Ordinary shares are fully paid up and rank equally in all respects. 

Details of the issued share capital of the Company and the number of shares held in treasury as at 31 December 2020 can be found in note 33 
to the financial statements.

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 (as defined in the Articles) may decide. 

Voting Rights and Restrictions on Transfer of Shares
Holders of Ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends (when declared), receive the Company’s Annual Report and Accounts, attend and 
speak at general meetings of the Company, and appoint proxies or exercise voting rights.

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 no later than 48 hours before a general meeting.

A shareholder can lose their 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 Articles.

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.

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.

Interests in Voting Rights
Other than as stated in the table on page 14, 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. 

Market Capitalisation
The market capitalisation of the Company at 31 December 2020 was £0.4bn (2019 – £0.7bn).

Share Price

At 1 January 
At 31 December
High during the year
Low during the year

2020
p
417.4
223.0
426.0
120.1

2019
p
480.0
417.4
657.0
363.8

Dividends
The Company normally pays dividends semi-annually. Details of the Company’s dividend policy is set out on page 13. 

In place of the 2019 Final Dividend, the Company paid an interim dividend of 3.0 cents per share on 15 May 2020, which absorbed $4.9m of 
cash. In addition, the Company paid a second interim dividend of 2.0 cents per share to shareholders on 23 October 2020, which absorbed 
$3.3m of cash. The Board are recommending a Final Dividend for 2020 of 4.0 cents per share, to be paid to shareholders on 14 May 2021, 
subject to approval by shareholders at the Company’s 2021 AGM.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements212
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Shareholder and Statutory Information 

(unaudited) continued

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

Appointment and Replacement of Directors
The rules about the appointment and replacement of Directors are contained in the Articles. On appointment, in accordance with the Articles, 
Directors may be appointed by a resolution of the Board but are then required to be reappointed by ordinary resolution by shareholders at the 
Company’s next AGM.

Directors’ Interests
Details of Directors’ remuneration, service contracts and interests in the Company’s shares and share options are set out in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy and Annual Report on Remuneration, located at www.huntingplc.com. Further information regarding employee long-term 
incentive schemes is given in note 37 of the financial statements.

Directors’ Conflict of Interest
All Directors have a duty under the Companies Act 2006 to avoid a situation in which they have, or could have, a direct or indirect conflict of 
interest with the Company. The duty applies, in particular, to the exploitation of any property, information or opportunity, whether or not the 
Company could take advantage of it. The Articles provide a general power for the Board to authorise such conflicts. 

Directors are not counted in the quorum for the authorisation of their own actual or potential conflicts. Authorisations granted are recorded by 
the Company Secretary in a register and are noted by the Board. On an ongoing basis, the Directors are responsible for informing the Company 
Secretary of any new, actual or potential conflicts that may arise, or if there are any changes in circumstances that may affect an authorisation 
previously given. Even when provided with authorisation, a Director is not absolved from his or her statutory duty to promote the success of the 
Company. If an actual conflict arises post-authorisation, the Board may choose to exclude the Director from receipt of the relevant information 
and participation in the debate, or suspend the Director from the Board, or, as a last resort, require the Director to resign. As at 31 December 
2020, no Director of the Company had any beneficial interest in the shares of Hunting’s subsidiary companies.

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.

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 $5.0m (2019 – $4.2m).

Political Contributions
It is the Group’s policy not to make political donations. Accordingly, there were no political donations made during the year (2019 – $nil).

Significant Agreements
The Company is 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.

Payments to Governments
In accordance with the UK’s Disclosure and Guidance Transparency Rule 4.3A, Hunting PLC is required to report annually on payments made to 
governments with respect to its oil and gas activities. Hunting’s report on “Payments to Governments” for the year ended 31 December 2019 
was published on 30 April 2020 and totalled $310,645.

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 on 
page 210.

213
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Glossary

A

AED
United Arab Emirates Dirham. 

C

c
Cents.

AGM
Annual General Meeting.

CAD
Canadian dollar. 

AMG
Advanced Manufacturing Group – combines 
the precision engineering and manufacturing 
capabilities in Hunting’s US segment for the 
Electronics division (Hunting Innova), Hunting 
Specialty and Hunting Dearborn product 
lines. Hunting is aiming to become a leading 
single source of MWD/LWD tools.

CAGR
Compound annual growth rate.

Capital employed*
See NGM G.

Capital investment – “Capex”*
See NGM I.

API
American Petroleum Institute.

AUD
Australian dollar. 

CGU
Cash-generating unit.

CNY
Chinese Yuan Renminbi.

Average gross capital employed*
See NGM N.

CO2
Carbon dioxide.

B

Basic EPS*
Basic (loss) earnings per share – calculated 
by dividing the (loss) earnings from operations 
before amortisation and exceptional items 
attributable to Ordinary shareholders by the 
weighted average number of Ordinary shares 
in issue during the year.

CO2(e)
Carbon dioxide equivalent.

CO2 intensity factor
Scope 1 and 2 carbon dioxide equivalent 
metric, reported as kilogrammes per $’000 
of revenue.

CPI
Consumer Price Index.

bbl
Barrel of oil – one barrel of oil equals 159 litres 
or 42 US gallons.

CTR
Currency translation reserve.

BOE
Barrel of oil equivalent.

bn
Billion.

bopd
Barrels of oil per day.

D

DEFRA
UK Department for Environment, Food & 
Rural Affairs.

Diluted EPS*
Diluted (loss) earnings per share – calculated 
by dividing (loss) earnings from operations 
before amortisation and exceptional items 
attributable to Ordinary shareholders by the 
weighted average number of Ordinary shares 
in issue during the year, as adjusted to 
assume conversion of all dilutive potential 
Ordinary shares. Dilution arises through the 
possible issue of shares to satisfy awards 
made under the Group’s long-term incentive 
plans. When the effect of dilutive share options 
and long-term incentive plans is anti-dilutive, 
they are not included in the calculation of 
diluted (loss) earnings per share.

Dividend cover*
See NGM M.

Downhole
Downhole refers to something that is located 
within the wellbore.

DPS*
See NGM L.

E

EBITDA*
See NGM A.

EBT
Employee Benefit Trust.

EMEA
Europe, Middle East and Africa.

ESOP
Executive Share Option Plan.

ETR
Effective tax rate.

ExCo
The Hunting Executive Committee.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements214
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Glossary

continued

F

I

L

FCA
Financial Conduct Authority.

FRC
Financial Reporting Council.

Free cash flow*
See NGM K.

FVLCD
Fair value less costs of disposal.

G

GAAP
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

GHG
Greenhouse gas.

GWh
Giga-watt hours.

H

HMRC
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

HPSP
Hunting Performance Share Plan.

HRSP
Hunting Restricted Share Plan.

HSE
Health, Safety and Environment.

IAS
International Accounting Standards.

IFRIC
International Financial Reporting 
Interpretations Committee.

IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards 
as adopted by the European Union.

Incident rate
The US Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration (“OSHA”) Recordable Incident 
Rate (or Incident Rate) is calculated by 
multiplying the number of recordable 
incidents by 200,000 and then dividing 
that number by the number of labour 
hours worked.

Intensity factor
The total controlled Scope 1 and Scope 2 
emissions divided by the total revenue of the 
Group.

Internal manufacturing reject rate
Percentage of parts rejected during the 
manufacturing process.

Inventory days*
See NGM D.

IOC
International Oil Company.

IP
Intellectual Property.

ISO
International Standards Organization.

K

k
Thousand.

kWh
Kilowatt hours.

Lean
A production practice that eliminates wasteful 
processes, thereby reducing production time 
and costs, and improving efficiency.

LIBOR
London Inter-bank Offered Rate.

LNG
Liquefied Natural Gas.

LPG
Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

LTIP
Long-Term Incentive Plan.

M

m
Million.

m3
Cubic metre.

mcf
1,000 cubic feet.

mmBtu
Million British thermal units.

MWD/LWD
Measurement-while-drilling/Logging-
while-drilling.

MXN
Mexican Peso.

N

Net cash/debt
See note 26.

NGM
Non-GAAP measure – see pages 203 to 207.

NOC
National Oil Company.

NRV
Net realisable value.

NYMEX
New York Mercantile Exchange.

215
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

O

R

U

OCI
Other comprehensive income.

RCF
Revolving Credit Facility.

UAE
United Arab Emirates. 

Recordable incidents
An incident is recordable if it results in any 
of the following: death, days away from work, 
restricted work or transfer to another job, 
medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss 
of consciousness. Also included are any 
significant injuries or illnesses diagnosed by 
a physician or other licensed health care 
professional, even if it does not result in 
death, days away from work, restricted work 
or job transfer, medical treatment beyond 
first aid, or loss of consciousness.

Underlying
Results for the year, as reported under IFRS, 
adjusted for amortisation of intangible assets 
arising on the acquisition of businesses 
(“acquired intangible assets”) and exceptional 
items, which is the basis used by the 
Directors in assessing performance.

UKCS
United Kingdom Continental Shelf, the 
portion of the North Sea within the UK’s 
territorial waters.

OCTG
Oil Country Tubular Goods – pipe and tubular 
goods and products used in the oil and gas 
industry, such as drill pipe, pipe casing and 
production pipes.

OECD
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation 
and Development.

OEM
Original equipment manufacturer.

OOR
Organic oil recovery.

OPEC
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting 
Countries.

P

p
Pence.

PCB
Printed circuit board.

PCE
Pressure control equipment.

PDMR
Person discharging managerial 
responsibilities.

PPE
Property, plant and equipment.

ROCE*
See NGM N.

S

Scope 1
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
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.

SID
Senior Independent Director.

SHARP
Safety and Health Achievement Recognition 
Programme.

PSI
Pounds per square inch.

SOFR
Secured Overnight Financing Rate.

PSP
2009 Performance Share Plan.

SONIA
Sterling Overnight Index Average.

Q

T

QMS
Quality Management System.

TCFD 
Task Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures.

Trade Receivable days* 
See NGM E.

TSR*
Total Shareholder Return – the net share 
price change plus the dividends paid during 
that period.

UK
United Kingdom.

UKLA
UK Listing Authority.

US
United States.

USD
US dollar.

W

Wellbore
The wellbore refers to the drilled hole.

Well completion
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
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
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.

Working capital*
See NGM C.

WTI
West Texas Intermediate – the price per barrel 
of Texas light sweet crude oil.

*  Non-GAAP measure.

Purpose and CultureBusiness Model and StakeholdersBusiness Strategy PerformanceGovernanceFinancial Statements216
Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Professional Advisers

Solicitors
CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP

Independent Auditors
Deloitte LLP

Joint Corporate Brokers
Barclays Bank PLC and RBC Capital Markets

Financial Advisers
DC Advisory Limited

Insurance Brokers
Willis Towers Watson

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 +44 (0)371 384 2173
Overseas +44 (0)121 415 7047

Designed and produced by Gather
www.gather.london

Printed by CPI Colour
This product is made of material from well-managed,  
FSC®-certified forests and other controlled sources 

CPI Colour is certified to ISO 14001 Environmental 
Management System and the EU Eco-Management and 
Audit Scheme (EMAS)

www.huntingplc.com

Hunting PLC
5 Hanover Square
London W1S 1HQ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7321 0123
Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 2072