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Hunting

htg · LSE Basic Materials
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Ticker htg
Exchange LSE
Sector Basic Materials
Industry Oil & Gas Equipment & Services
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2023 Annual Report · Hunting
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 PRECISION
 ENGINEERING
 IN A CHANGING
 WORLD

Hunting PLC 
Annual Report and Accounts 2023

We are Hunting
Hunting is a global precision engineering 
group, which provides quality-assured 
products and services for the energy, 
aviation, commercial space, defence, 
medical and power generation sectors.

Highlights

Financial highlights

Revenue

$929.1m

(2022 – $725.8m)

EBITDA*

$103.0m

(2022 – $52.0m) 

Sales order book

$565.2m

(2022 – $473.0m) 

*Non-GAAP Measure see NGM C on page 239

Non-financial highlights

Market highlights

Internal manufacturing reject rate

Average WTI crude oil price

0.20%

(2022 – 0.13%) 

$78bbl

(2022 – $94bbl) 

Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions in tonnes CO2e

Global capital investment

24,042

(2022 – 22,422)

$212.5bn

(2022 – $190.6bn) 

Total recordable incident rate 

Global average rig count 

0.91

(2022 – 0.97)

1,767

(2022 – 1,706)

Our Strategy

Key Performance Indicators

Our Stakeholders

6

12

31

Hunting is a premium-listed Company, quoted 
on the London Stock Exchange and is a 
constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. Our strategy 
is to manufacture products and deliver services 
to our customers, wherever in the world they 
are operating.

Our primary sector of focus is the energy 
industry. Many of Hunting’s products extend 
across the life cycle of an oil and gas well in 
addition to geothermal and carbon capture 
wells. Our performance is, therefore, driven 
by high-value, resilient end-markets.

Our strategy is aimed at creating, distributing 
and sustaining value for our shareholders and 
stakeholders, including employees, customers, 
suppliers, governments and communities. 

Our Product Groups

Our Operating Segments

Corporate Governance

40

50

109

Our five key product lines are:

Perforating Systems; OCTG; Advanced 
Manufacturing; Subsea; and Other 
Manufacturing. 

Non-oil and gas revenue is derived across all of 
these key product lines.

The Group is managed on a geographic basis, 
through five operating segments: 

Hunting Titan; North America; Subsea 
Technologies; Europe, Middle East and Africa; 
and Asia Pacific. 

Our Board’s experience extends from energy, 
to aviation and other non-oil and gas sectors. 
Hunting expects to accelerate the Group’s 
non-oil and gas offering in the coming years 
to diversify our revenue and profit streams, 
thereby reducing the cyclicality of our earnings.

Contents

Strategic Report
At a Glance  
Hunting 2030 Strategy 
Key Performance Indicators 
Company Chair’s Statement 
Hunting 150 Years 
Chief Executive’s Report 
Market Summary 
Business Model 
Product Review 
Operating Segment Review  
Group Financial Review 
ESG and Sustainability  
TCFD  
Risk Management  
Viability Statement 
Going Concern  
S172(1) Statement 

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

1

2
6
12
14
16
18
24
28 
40
50
55
62
82
96
106
107
108

110
112
114
115
126
128 
131
135
137
146
155
160

164
174

Financial Statements
Independent Auditor’s Report to  
the Members of Hunting PLC 
Consolidated Income Statement 
Consolidated Statement of  
175
  Comprehensive Income 
176
Consolidated Balance Sheet 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity  177
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows  
178
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements  179
228
Company Balance Sheet 
229
Company Statement of Changes in Equity 
230
Company Statement of Cash Flows 
231
Notes to the Company Financial Statements 

Other Information
Non-GAAP Measures 
Financial Record  
Shareholder and Statutory Information 
Glossary 
Professional Advisers 

239
245
246
248
252

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
2

Perforating  
Systems

Other  
Manufacturing 

OCTG

Subsea

Advanced 
Manufacturing 

At a Glance

Product groups
In 2023, the Group reported impressive growth in revenue and EBITDA 
across most product lines. Perforating Systems revenue has been 
comparable with 2022 as international sales offset the subdued US 
onshore drilling market. OCTG sales have increased across all regions 
of operation as global oil and gas activity accelerated in the year. 
Revenue within Advanced Manufacturing made good progress as 
oil and gas and non-energy related revenue were pursued, while 
sales of Subsea products have accelerated as offshore activity 
increased momentum.

Revenue  
$m

243.8

78.8

98.6

112.1

Product groups

  Perforating Systems
  OCTG
  Advanced Manufacturing

395.8

EBITDA*  
$m

25.1

6.8

13.7

46.7

10.7

  Subsea
  Other Manufacturing

* Non-GAAP measure see NGM C

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationAt a Glance continued

3

Perforating Systems 
Hunting’s Perforating Systems 
product offering includes integrated 
gun systems, energetics and 
instruments. The Group’s H-2™, 
H-3™ and H-4™ perforating 
systems offer an integrated well 
completion solution to clients, which 
increases safety and efficiency. 
Hunting’s energetics products 
include the EQUAFrac™ suite 
of charges, which improve 
firing accuracy and efficiency. 
Complementing these products, 
Hunting’s instruments, including 
the Perf+ shooting panel, allow for 
in-field integration of systems and 
operations, which lowers the cost 
of development.

OCTG 
Hunting’s OCTG product  
offering includes premium 
connections, accessories and 
tubing. The Group’s proprietary 
connection technologies include 
SEAL-LOCK™, WEDGE-LOCK™ 
and TEC-LOCK™, which address 
most oil and gas resource 
developments. Hunting’s 
connection technology is also 
applicable to the energy transition 
sector, serving geothermal energy 
and carbon capture and storage 
developments. The Group provides 
an independent OCTG supply chain 
to clients, sourcing through either 
distributors or steel mills.

Advanced Manufacturing
Hunting’s Advanced Manufacturing 
product offering includes high-
performance electronics and 
precision engineered products, 
which are utilised in both energy-
related and non-oil and gas 
applications. Our electronics 
business manufactures high 
temperature/high pressure printed 
circuit boards used in downhole 
measurement tools as well as other 
sectors such as medical devices. 
Our precision engineering business 
manufactures MWD/LWD well 
tool housings, periscope tubes, 
aerospace engine shafts, and 
other products used in commercial 
space applications.

Subsea
Hunting’s Subsea product offering 
comprises three sub-groups: 
hydraulic couplings and valves used 
within subsea tree systems; titanium 
stress joints, which are applied to 
floating production, storage and 
offloading facilities; and flow access 
modules used in modular offshore 
field developments. A key theme of 
all these products is the safer and 
quicker delivery of oil and gas and, 
therefore, cash flow from offshore 
developments.

Other Manufacturing 
Hunting’s Other Manufacturing 
products include well intervention 
and testing equipment, which is 
either sold to, or rented by, clients. 
The Group’s trenchless technologies 
business sells into the global 
telecommunications industry 
and forms part of this product 
group given its size and profile.
The organic oil recovery (“OOR”)
process is an enhanced oil recovery 
technology that increases oil 
production in a well, with the CO2 
cost per barrel being very low 
compared to drilling, completing 
and bringing a new well online.

Reported through: 
Hunting Titan
North America
EMEA
Asia Pacific

Reported through: 
Hunting Titan
North America
EMEA 
Asia Pacific

Reported through: 
Hunting Titan
North America

Reported through: 
Subsea Technologies

Reported through: 
North America
EMEA
Asia Pacific

READ MORE ON PAGE 40

READ MORE ON PAGE 42

READ MORE ON PAGE 44

READ MORE ON PAGE 46

READ MORE ON PAGE 48

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationAt a Glance continued

Operating segments
The Hunting Titan operating segment has faced headwinds in the year 
as the US onshore rig count reduced. However, international sales 
have increased by 34% in the year in-line with its strategy for growth. 
The Group’s North America operating segment has reported strong 
growth as global activity, particularly in South America, increased. 
Hunting’s Subsea Technologies operating segment has also reported 
strong growth in the year, as demand for hydraulic valves and 
couplings and titanium stress joints accelerated. Across the EMEA 
operating segment, Europe has been supported by international work 
for Brazil, while well intervention sales into the Middle East have grown 
due to new investment in the region. The Group’s Asia Pacific 
operating segment has seen strong growth, particularly in China and 
the Middle East. In the year, the segment also opened a new facility 
in India, with Hunting’s JV partner Jindal SAW.

EBITDA* 
$m

11.5

1.7

21.9

250.2

13.7

Revenue  
$m

154.3

86.7

98.6

339.3

54.2

Operating segments

  Hunting Titan
  North America
   Subsea Technologies

   EMEA
  Asia Pacific

* Non-GAAP measure see NGM C

4

 Hunting Titan

Operating sites

Distribution centres

Year-end employees

4

(2022 – 5)

14

(2022 – 12)

622

(2022 – 656)

 North America

Operating sites

Distribution centres

Year-end employees

10

(2022 – 10)

2

(2022 – 2)

900

(2022 – 818)

 Subsea Technologies

Operating sites

Distribution centres

Year-end employees

3

(2022 – 3)

0

(2022 – 0)

196

(2022 – 155)

 Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”)

Operating sites

Distribution centres

Year-end employees

7

(2022 – 7)

0

(2022 – 0)

270

(2022 – 247)

 Asia Pacific

Operating sites

Distribution centres

Year-end employees

3

(2022 – 3)

0

(2022 – 0)

346

(2022 – 309)

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information5

Distribution centres

16

Year-end employees (including head office)

2,420

At a Glance continued

Operating sites

27

Hunting global locations

 Hunting Titan

 North America

 Subsea Technologies

 EMEA

 Asia Pacific

 Joint Ventures and Associates

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHunting 2030 Strategy

6

During the year, the Directors and senior leadership team launched a 
resilient, long-term strategy, which is aimed at delivering revenue and 
profit growth, free cash flow generation and sustained returns to 2030, 
while reducing the cyclicality of the business and lowering carbon 
emissions. The strategy, which is underpinned by four strategic pillars, 
will be delivered through Hunting’s current portfolio of businesses as 
well as through targeted bolt-on acquisitions.

Jim Johnson
Chief Executive 

FIND OUT MORE ON HUNTING 2030

Hunting

2030

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information7

Hunting 2030 Strategy continued

Hunting 2030 Strategy 

Hunting has defined four strategic 
pillars to deliver growth in the 
long term:

Operational excellence – 
by delivering strongly assured 
products and premium services.

Strong returns – leveraging our 
technology to increase pricing 
and improve facility utilisation.

ESG and sustainability – 
managing and reducing our 
carbon footprint and impact 
on global climate change.

Growth – through entering 
new markets and developing 
new products.

ESG and 
sustainability
High standards of integrity 
and creating long-lasting 
relationships 
READ MORE ON PAGE 8

Growth
Develop our global 
presence 
READ MORE ON PAGE 9

Strong returns
Resilient profits, 
cash generation and 
returns on capital
READ MORE ON PAGE 8

Operational 
excellence
Precision-engineered, 
quality-assured products
READ MORE ON PAGE 8

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHunting 2030 Strategy continued

Hunting’s strategic pillars 

8

Operational excellence

Strong returns

ESG and sustainability

Growth

Our people are at the heart of our business, and we ensure that 
their health, safety and well-being are a priority. We mainly operate 
in a competitive and cyclical sector, which is high profile and well 
regulated. To be successful, we must deliver reliable products, 
which are quality-assured to the highest industry standards, offer 
improved cost efficiencies, and assist safer processes for our 
customers. We strive to ensure that our working capital is 
managed efficiently to enable timely delivery of our products 
to our customers.

In normal phases of the oil and gas cycle, our business has 
the capability to produce high levels of profitability, strong cash 
generation and solid returns on capital leading to growing 
dividends to shareholders. To reduce the impact of oil and gas 
cyclicality on profitability, the Group is targeting opportunities in 
the energy transition sector and also to grow its revenue from the 
commercial space, defence, medical and power generation sectors. 
There has also been a programme to reduce the fixed cost base 
of the Group to ensure that it is more efficient.

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.

Related KPIs 
Working capital to annualised revenue ratio; total recordable 
incident rate; and internal manufacturing reject rate.

Related risks
Increased competition and market consolidation; geopolitical 
instability; adverse movement in commodity prices; climate 
change and energy transition; cyber security; loss of key 
executives or staff and shortage of key staff; work environment 
issues including health and safety; product quality and reliability; 
our reaction to external and internal forces; third-party risk; and 
changing global rules and regulations.

Progress in the year
The Group continued to deliver new technology to clients in the 
year, such as the H-4 Perforating System™. As activity increased 
across all of the Group’s businesses, our facility utilisation 
improved, without compromising on our quality assurance and 
health, safety and environmental performance. We have continued 
to rollout the D365 ERP system throughout our businesses, which 
will contribute to the enhanced monitoring of production and 
performance over time and the delivery of efficiencies. We have 
also increased our training programmes including a new Code of 
Conduct, cyber security and anti-harassment modules, alongside 
our rigorous quality assurance and health and safety programmes.

Related KPIs 
Revenue; non-oil and gas revenue; EBITDA; adjusted profit before 
tax; adjusted diluted earnings per share; dividend per share 
declared; total shareholder return; free cash flow; working capital 
to annualised revenue ratio; and return on average capital 
employed (“ROCE”).

Related KPIs 
Total recordable incident rate; internal manufacturing reject rate; 
total scope 1 and 2 emissions; CO2 intensity factor; total 
purchased electricity; and renewable energy purchased.

Related risks
Geopolitical instability; loss of key executives or staff and shortage 
of key staff; product quality and reliability; our reaction to external 
and internal forces; third-party risk; acquisition risk; and changing 
global rules and regulations.

Related risks
Geopolitical instability; climate change and energy transition; 
loss of key executives or staff and shortage of key staff; work 
environment issues including health and safety; and changing 
global rules and regulations.

Progress in the year
The Group has delivered a significant increase to EBITDA and 
operating profit margins and increased its ROCE. This has been 
achieved by the increase in revenue and profits as well as through 
improved efficiencies while retaining a strong balance sheet 
throughout the year. As part of a wider programme to drive higher 
operational efficacies and reduce future cash outflows, the closure 
of the Oklahoma City manufacturing facility and the relocation of 
the well testing manufacturing and assembly operations from the 
Netherlands to Dubai were announced, together with the sale of 
legacy E&P assets. The strong returns generated in the year have 
enabled the Board to announce an 11% increase to the total 
dividends declared in the year.

Progress in the year
In the year, we completed a process to independently assure 
our scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions. Further, the 
Group commenced a process to assess its scope 3 inventories, 
which will enable the Directors to develop a Net Zero transition 
plan. In the year, further progress was also made on the rolling 
out of carbon mitigation strategies, and despite an increase 
in the Group’s orders and manufacturing, carbon emissions 
haven’t increased at the same rate as measured by our CO2 
intensity factor.

Our aim is to continue to develop our global presence and 

supply a comprehensive range of products used in the 

wellbore and through expansion into complementary non-oil 

and gas sectors. Our diversified portfolio of products, which 

are offered in strategic global locations, will enable us to 

produce high levels of profitability and free cash flow. Our 

cash generation will facilitate our growth through investment 

in our existing businesses and through acquisition.

Related KPIs 

Revenue; non-oil and gas revenue; EBITDA; adjusted profit 

before tax; adjusted diluted earnings per share; total 

shareholder return; and free cash flow.

Related risks

Increased competition and market consolidation; geopolitical 

instability; adverse movement in commodity prices; climate 

change and energy transition; loss of key executives or staff 

and shortage of key staff; product quality and reliability; our 

reaction to external and internal forces; third-party risk; 

acquisition risk; and changing global rules and regulations.

Progress in the year

During 2023, the Group delivered further revenue increases 

as global oil and gas drilling activity accelerated. Growth in 

regions outside of North America has been a key theme in 

the year, with activity in South America and the Middle East 

as well as Asia Pacific accelerating. In September 2023, 

Hunting opened its joint venture premium threading facility 

in Nashik, India, which is targeted at capturing growth in 

the country. In the year, our Subsea and OCTG accessories 

businesses have reported considerable progress as 

deepwater and ultra-deepwater drilling accelerated.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHunting 2030 Strategy continued

9

Operational excellence

Strong returns

ESG and sustainability

Growth

Our people are at the heart of our business, and we ensure that 

In normal phases of the oil and gas cycle, our business has 

We are committed to acting with high standards of integrity and 

their health, safety and well-being are a priority. We mainly operate 

the capability to produce high levels of profitability, strong cash 

creating positive, long-lasting relationships with our customers, 

in a competitive and cyclical sector, which is high profile and well 

generation and solid returns on capital leading to growing 

suppliers, employees and the wider communities in which 

regulated. To be successful, we must deliver reliable products, 

dividends to shareholders. To reduce the impact of oil and gas 

we operate.

which are quality-assured to the highest industry standards, offer 

cyclicality on profitability, the Group is targeting opportunities in 

improved cost efficiencies, and assist safer processes for our 

the energy transition sector and also to grow its revenue from the 

customers. We strive to ensure that our working capital is 

commercial space, defence, medical and power generation sectors. 

managed efficiently to enable timely delivery of our products 

There has also been a programme to reduce the fixed cost base 

to our customers.

Related KPIs 

of the Group to ensure that it is more efficient.

Related KPIs 

Related KPIs 

Working capital to annualised revenue ratio; total recordable 

Revenue; non-oil and gas revenue; EBITDA; adjusted profit before 

Total recordable incident rate; internal manufacturing reject rate; 

incident rate; and internal manufacturing reject rate.

tax; adjusted diluted earnings per share; dividend per share 

total scope 1 and 2 emissions; CO2 intensity factor; total 

declared; total shareholder return; free cash flow; working capital 

purchased electricity; and renewable energy purchased.

to annualised revenue ratio; and return on average capital 

Related risks

Related risks

Increased competition and market consolidation; geopolitical 

Geopolitical instability; loss of key executives or staff and shortage 

Geopolitical instability; climate change and energy transition; 

instability; adverse movement in commodity prices; climate 

of key staff; product quality and reliability; our reaction to external 

loss of key executives or staff and shortage of key staff; work 

change and energy transition; cyber security; loss of key 

and internal forces; third-party risk; acquisition risk; and changing 

environment issues including health and safety; and changing 

executives or staff and shortage of key staff; work environment 

global rules and regulations.

global rules and regulations.

employed (“ROCE”).

Related risks

issues including health and safety; product quality and reliability; 

our reaction to external and internal forces; third-party risk; and 

changing global rules and regulations.

Progress in the year

Progress in the year

Progress in the year

The Group continued to deliver new technology to clients in the 

The Group has delivered a significant increase to EBITDA and 

In the year, we completed a process to independently assure 

year, such as the H-4 Perforating System™. As activity increased 

operating profit margins and increased its ROCE. This has been 

our scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions. Further, the 

across all of the Group’s businesses, our facility utilisation 

achieved by the increase in revenue and profits as well as through 

Group commenced a process to assess its scope 3 inventories, 

improved, without compromising on our quality assurance and 

improved efficiencies while retaining a strong balance sheet 

which will enable the Directors to develop a Net Zero transition 

health, safety and environmental performance. We have continued 

throughout the year. As part of a wider programme to drive higher 

plan. In the year, further progress was also made on the rolling 

to rollout the D365 ERP system throughout our businesses, which 

operational efficacies and reduce future cash outflows, the closure 

out of carbon mitigation strategies, and despite an increase 

will contribute to the enhanced monitoring of production and 

of the Oklahoma City manufacturing facility and the relocation of 

in the Group’s orders and manufacturing, carbon emissions 

performance over time and the delivery of efficiencies. We have 

the well testing manufacturing and assembly operations from the 

haven’t increased at the same rate as measured by our CO2 

also increased our training programmes including a new Code of 

Netherlands to Dubai were announced, together with the sale of 

intensity factor.

Conduct, cyber security and anti-harassment modules, alongside 

legacy E&P assets. The strong returns generated in the year have 

our rigorous quality assurance and health and safety programmes.

enabled the Board to announce an 11% increase to the total 

dividends declared in the year.

Our aim is to continue to develop our global presence and 
supply a comprehensive range of products used in the 
wellbore and through expansion into complementary non-oil 
and gas sectors. Our diversified portfolio of products, which 
are offered in strategic global locations, will enable us to 
produce high levels of profitability and free cash flow. Our 
cash generation will facilitate our growth through investment 
in our existing businesses and through acquisition.

Related KPIs 
Revenue; non-oil and gas revenue; EBITDA; adjusted profit 
before tax; adjusted diluted earnings per share; total 
shareholder return; and free cash flow.

Related risks
Increased competition and market consolidation; geopolitical 
instability; adverse movement in commodity prices; climate 
change and energy transition; loss of key executives or staff 
and shortage of key staff; product quality and reliability; our 
reaction to external and internal forces; third-party risk; 
acquisition risk; and changing global rules and regulations.

Progress in the year
During 2023, the Group delivered further revenue increases 
as global oil and gas drilling activity accelerated. Growth in 
regions outside of North America has been a key theme in 
the year, with activity in South America and the Middle East 
as well as Asia Pacific accelerating. In September 2023, 
Hunting opened its joint venture premium threading facility 
in Nashik, India, which is targeted at capturing growth in 
the country. In the year, our Subsea and OCTG accessories 
businesses have reported considerable progress as 
deepwater and ultra-deepwater drilling accelerated.

Hunting 2030 operational growth objectives

Retain focus on global oil and gas opportunities, 
specifically growing our subsea and offshore businesses
Crude oil and natural gas are forecast to be two critical primary 
energy sources for many decades to come. As developed and 
emerging economies seek growth and energy security, 
hydrocarbon resources will remain part of the energy landscape 
alongside other renewable and low carbon energy sources. The 
Group will continue to broaden its product offering and introduce 
critical technologies through R&D and targeted M&A. We are 
targeting revenue of c.$1.5 billion p.a. by 2030 from the oil 
and gas sector.

The subsea and offshore sectors of the global oil and gas industry 
provide predictable and sustained hydrocarbon production, which 
has increased in importance for project developers in recent years. 
Through organic and acquisitive growth, Hunting is seeking 
to build its revenue profile from this area of the industry by 
the end of the decade as part of the annual revenue target 
of $1.5 billion.

Increase our position in high-value, non-oil and gas 
industries
Given the cyclicality of the oil and gas industry, a key part of  
our strategy is to build a less volatile revenue and profit profile.  
This will be delivered through organic and acquisitive growth of 
non-oil and gas businesses. We already sell into some of these 
markets, such as the aviation, commercial space, defence, medical, 
and power generation sectors, and will continue to leverage our 
world-class precision engineering and manufacturing know-how 
into these high-quality markets and industries. We are targeting 
c.$250 million revenue p.a. to originate from non-oil and 
gas sources by 2030.

Develop a global position in the energy transition sector
The energy transition sector is an area of significant opportunity for 
Hunting, as global efforts to decarbonise the energy supply chain 
accelerate. The Group sees strong growth in supplying products 
for geothermal as well as carbon capture and storage projects, 
which are increasingly demanding high performance technology 
and materials that are capable of delivering multi-decade benefits 
to the energy industry. The Group will leverage its global 
presence and align its technology portfolio and supply 
chain with the high-growth energy transition market and 
is confident that these projects will deliver c.$250 million 
revenue p.a. by 2030.

Increased focus on the long-term sustainability of the Group
The training, development and retention of our skilled employees 
will ensure that our strong culture remains intact and Hunting’s 
robust health and safety record is maintained. The Group will 
continue to focus on reducing its carbon emissions through 
operational effectiveness and drive efficiencies through continuous 
improvement. We are targeting a reduction in our scope 1 
and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from our 2019 
base-line year and to purchase 50% of our energy from 
renewable sources by the end of the decade.

Underpinned by our portfolio of businesses and targeted bolt-on acquisitions 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information10

Investment proposition 
Hunting PLC’s investment case is 
based on technology, engineering 
core competencies and a deep 
knowledge of the global energy 
industry. This expertise will drive 
long-term growth and leverage 
opportunities into new sectors 
that value these principles.

READ MORE ON PAGE 11

Hunting 2030 Strategy continued

Hunting 2030 financial and investment returns objectives 

We are targeting c.$2.0 billion of annual revenue by 2030
Based on our operational growth strategy, which is supported by 
strong market fundamentals and independent market commentary 
that point to sustained demand for oil and gas and committed 
industry capex, the Group has set a 2030 revenue goal of 
c.$2.0 billion p.a., comprising 75% sourced from oil and gas 
and 25% from non-oil and gas sectors, including the energy 
transition sector.

Increase our EBITDA margin to 15% or greater
Our focus on delivering technology that attracts high margins, 
coupled with a strong focus on containing costs whilst maximising 
the output from our current operating footprint will be the key 
drivers to meet the EBITDA margin target of 14%-16% by 2025 
and exceed this target by 2030.

Deliver ROCE of 15% or greater
The Group is focused on retaining a strong balance sheet and 
maximising its return on capital employed through careful 
management of its working capital, with a working capital to 
annualised revenue ratio of c.35% targeted, to deliver superior 
returns compared to our peers. To achieve this, long-term working 
capital targets of 130 days for inventory, 75 days for receivables 
and 45 days for payables have been set.

Generate c.$750 million of cumulative free cash flow 
With increased revenue and margins, supported by stringent 
management of our balance sheet, we are targeting an EBITDA 
to free cash flow conversion rate of 50% and aiming to deliver 
c.$750 million of cumulative free cash flow through to the end 
of the decade. This target is on a post-capex basis.

Increase dividend distributions by a minimum of 10% per 
annum to 2030
We are seeking to return cash to shareholders, primarily through 
dividend distributions, with the Board targeting a steady increase 
to 2030 of 10% p.a.

Net leverage of less than 1.5x EBITDA through the period 
to 2030
By maintaining a strong balance sheet, liquidity and a prudent 
approach to debt, a long-term net leverage of 1.5x EBITDA 
is targeted.

Underpinned by our portfolio of businesses and targeted bolt-on acquisitions 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information11

Our financial returns 
are gaining momentum

Strong growth profile
Hunting has increased its revenue, profits 
and cash flows as market conditions have 
improved across the year.

Hunting 2030 Strategy continued

Our core competencies

Our strategic differentiators  
position us strongly

Our sectors of  
focus are resilient

Leadership in:
•  Systems, design and precision engineering;
•  Bespoke manufacturing; and
•  Metallurgy and materials.

Investing in our people to provide:
•  Innovation and a competitive edge, 

protected through patents and trademarks;

•  Engineering and technical leadership to 

attract blue chip customers from multiple 
end-markets; and

•  A premium service culture.

Global operating presence in key 
locations and exposure to high-growth 
markets with strong controls over:
•  Quality assurance;
•  Health and safety; and
•  Carbon emissions.

Strong, experienced management  
team to:
•  Pursue growth across complex and 

competitive sectors;

•  Diversify revenue to ensure long-term 

resilience;

•  Navigate through market cycles; and
•  Ensure M&A targets are aligned with our 

long-term strategy.

Diversified portfolio
Hunting has a diversified portfolio of market 
leading technologies, products and services 
that address many areas of the energy and 
non-oil and gas supply chain. The Group 
holds over 500 patents and trademarks 
across key technologies and geographies.

Oil and gas
The global energy industry, particularly oil and 
gas, is a long-term driver of economic growth. 
This is likely to be the case for many years 
to come.

Efficiency
Our precision-engineered products are highly 
reliable and assist in higher safety protocols 
and more efficient procedures for our 
customers, wherever they are deployed.

Energy transition
Energy transition opportunities are 
complementary to our core oil and gas 
markets, which is a further area of long-term 
growth for the Group.

Improved margins
Stronger pricing and higher facility utilisation 
levels have enhanced operating margins 
and earnings, which have led to increased 
cash flows.

Commercial agility
Hunting is able to leverage its world-class 
engineering and manufacturing capabilities 
into the energy transition sector and also into 
high quality non-oil and gas markets and 
industries through its global presence. Our 
commercial agility within the markets we 
serve helps us to remain a technology leader, 
often with a strong market share. 

Our ESG principles
Hunting has a strong culture based on its 
highly skilled and trained workforce, resulting 
in strong quality-assured products and a 
robust HSE record. Our ESG principles help 
us drive growth and internal efficiencies, 
increase safety for both our workforce and 
that of our customers, and lower carbon 
emissions through operational effectiveness 
and technological innovation. 

Other non-oil and gas
Aviation, commercial space, defence, 
medical, and power generation sectors have 
long-term growth prospects. These are 
resilient markets that support economic 
prosperity and use our precision engineering 
expertise, which will reduce cyclicality in 
our earnings.

Improved earnings
Increased earnings have led to higher 
shareholder and capital returns in the form 
of dividend distributions and capital growth.

Cash generation 
Consistently turning profit into free cash 
flow – as demonstrated during Q4 2023.

Strong balance sheet
•  Improving balance sheet efficiency;
•  Financial stability; and
•  Asset Based Lending facility provides liquidity.

Progressive financial returns
•  Revenue and profit growth;
•  Fixed cost reduction strategy, delivering 

a more efficient business platform;
•  Increasing EBITDA to free cash flow 

conversion; and
•  Dividend growth.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationKey Performance Indicators

12

Financial 

Revenue 
$m

2023

2022

2021

Non-oil and gas revenue 
$m

929.1

725.8

2023

2022

2021

521.6

47.6

37.6

EBITDA* 
$m

75.9

2023

2022

2021

3.1

52.0

Sales order book 
$m 

103.0

2023

2022

2021

211.5

565.2

473.0

Revenue is earned from products and services 
sold to customers from the Group’s principal 
activities (see notes 2 and 3).

Revenue earned from products and services sold 
to customers in non-oil and gas sectors  
(see note 2).

Adjusted results before share of associates’ and 
joint ventures results, interest, tax, depreciation, 
impairment and amortisation (see NGM C).

The sales order book comprises the value of all 
unsatisfied orders from customers and is expected 
to be recognised as revenue in future periods. 
The sales order book represents the aggregate 
amount of the transaction price allocated to partially 
or fully unsatisfied performance obligations, as 
defined in IFRS 15 (see note 23). 

Adjusted profit before tax* 
$m 

Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share* 
cents

Dividend per share declared* 
cents 

Total shareholder return* 
%

2023

2022

2021

(40.6)

10.2

50.0

2023

2022

2021

(27.1)

4.7

20.3

2023

2022

2021

10.0

2023

(9)

9.0

2022

8.0

2021

(22)

102

Profit before tax excluding adjusting items  
(see NGM B).

Adjusted earnings (loss) 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 (NGM B). 

The amount in cents returned to Ordinary 
shareholders in relation to the financial year  
(see NGM Q).

Total shareholder return is a measure of the 
Company’s performance over time. It factors in 
share price appreciation and dividends paid to 
show the total return to the shareholder 
expressed as an annualised percentage.

Free cash flow* 
$m

2023

2022

(60.4)

2021

Total cash and bank* 
$m

Working capital to annualised revenue ratio*
%

Return on average capital employed* 
% 

(0.5)

2023

(0.8)

2022

2021

45.1

24.5

2023

2022

2021

114.2

46

44

2023

2022

48

2021

(4)

6

1

All cash flows before transactions with 
shareholders and investments by way of 
acquisition (see NGM P).

* Non-GAAP measure (“NGM”) see pages 239 to 244

Total cash and bank comprises cash at bank and 
in hand, fixed-term funds, money market funds 
and short-term deposits less bank overdrafts and 
bank borrowings (see NGM K).

Working capital as a percentage of annualised 
revenue (see NGM E).

Adjusted profit before interest and tax, amended 
to include the share of associates’ and joint 
ventures’ results, as a percentage of average 
gross capital employed (see NGM S).

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationKey Performance Indicators continued

Market Indicators

13

Non-financial 

Total recordable incident rate (OSHA method) 
#

Internal manufacturing reject rate 
%

Average WTI crude oil price 
$ per barrel

Average Henry Hub natural gas price 
$ per mmBtu

2023

2022

2021

0.91

0.97

0.99

2023

2022

2021

0.13

0.13

0.20

2023

2022

2021

78

94

68

2023

2022

2021

2.66

3.72

6.54

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 for the 
number of labour hours worked.

Percentage of parts rejected during the 
manufacturing process.

The average price recorded in the year for West 
Texas Intermediary crude oil.

The average price recorded in the year for Henry 
Hub natural gas.

Total scope 1 and 2 CO2e emissions 
tonnes 

CO2e intensity factor 
#

Global onshore capital investment
$bn

Global offshore capital investment 
$bn

2023

2022

2021

24,042

22,422

18,859

2023

2022

2021

25.9

30.9

2023

2022

2021

36.2

144.2

137.1

2023

2022

2021

96.4

68.3

53.5

41.8

Scope 1 and 2 carbon dioxide emissions in 
tonnes, reported in-line with the Greenhouse Gas 
Protocol, published by the World Resources 
Institute.

CO2e intensity factor is defined as kilogrammes 
CO2 of scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas 
emissions, divided by $’000 of revenue.

The estimated onshore / land-based drilling and 
production expenditures of the industry as 
reported by Spears & Associates in their 
December 2023 Drilling and Production Outlook.

The estimated offshore drilling and production 
expenditures of the industry as reported by 
Spears & Associates in their December 2023 
Drilling and Production Outlook.

Total purchased electricity 
GWh

Renewable electricity purchased 
GWh

Global onshore average rig count 
#

Global offshore average rig count
#

2023

2022

2021

49.4

43.4

40.5

2023

2022

2021

8.7

6.5

11.4

2023

2022

2021

1,560

1,517

2023

2022

2021

1,158

207

189

165

The Group’s total electricity purchased during the 
year.

The Group’s electricity purchased from 
renewable or sustainable sources during the 
year.

The average onshore global rig count during 
2023 as reported by Baker Hughes Inc.

The average offshore global rig count during 
2023 as reported by Baker Hughes Inc.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationCompany Chair’s Statement

14

The past year was an eventful one in the life of the Company. We saw 
continued growth in our core energy markets, with particular strength 
in the offshore and international segments of the global oil and gas 
sector, coupled with a slight slowdown in the North American onshore 
activity during the second half of the year. 

Hunting hosted a very successful Capital Markets 
Day at the London Stock Exchange in September, 
which was well received by all our stakeholders. 

On the governance front, our board succession 
plan, developed over the past three years, 
continued to be implemented in a thoughtful, 
orderly fashion.

Hunting 150 years
The Company will be celebrating its 150th 
anniversary during 2024. This is a great milestone, 
reflecting the adaptability, culture and resilience 
of the business. As Hunting looks forward, I am 
convinced that these pillars position the Company 
strongly for the future.

Market backdrop
During the year, the macro-economic 
background for energy markets continued to 
improve overall. There is growing recognition that 
the transition to lower emission energy sources 
requires low-cost, innovative technologies, which 
are starting to be introduced. However, oil and 
gas will continue to play a vital role in the energy 
mix for many decades to come.

Furthermore, geopolitical events during the 
past couple of years have demonstrated the 
importance of energy security and energy 
resilience. The refocus on offshore projects that 
drove higher demand for both Hunting’s OCTG 
and Subsea products, reflects improved 
confidence in the longer-term demand for oil 
and gas to power the global economy. 

These projects are capital intensive, with lead 
times of more than five years between project 
launch and first production, but they offer 
significantly higher volumes and more stable 
field production levels than would be typical 
of an unconventional, onshore well. 

Most forecasters agree that offshore and 
international markets will continue to strengthen 
in the coming years, while onshore North 
America will also remain a growth area, but at 
a slightly slower pace. As noted in last year’s 
report, we believe we are still in the early stages 
of a multi-year upcycle for the energy sector.

Financial performance
With continued market strengthening, coupled 
with Hunting’s focus on quality and productivity 
improvements, Hunting has delivered a strong 
increase in revenue and profitability in the year.

Revenue grew 28% from $725.8m in 2022 
to $929.1m in 2023. This increased volume 
improved utilisation of fixed assets. Supply chain 
issues that developed during the pandemic were 
largely resolved. Importantly, Hunting’s technology, 
product quality, and service support provided a 
solid competitive edge as our customers recognised 
the higher value of our products and services.

Hunting also saw its strategy to develop its 
adjacent, non-oil and gas markets rewarded 
during the year. Non-oil and gas revenue grew 
strongly year-on-year to $75.9m (2022 – $47.6m), 
with the percentage of our total sales increasing 
from 7% in 2022 to 8% in 2023. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationCompany Chair’s Statement continued

The organisational focus on these sectors, set 
out in the Capital Markets Day, should ensure a 
sharp focus, which will facilitate ongoing growth. 

We will closely monitor national policy decisions, 
such as the Inflation Reduction Act in the US, that 
will underwrite large capital outlays in support of 
decarbonisation efforts around the globe.

EBITDA nearly doubled in the year from $52.0m 
in 2022 to $103.0m in 2023. With the increase 
in utilisation across the Group, better pricing 
secured on certain products, along with 
broad-based improvements to operating 
efficiencies, our EBITDA margin increased to  
11% from 7% in the prior year.

The Group’s adjusted profit before tax,  
therefore, increased from a profit of $10.2m  
to $50.0m, and on this basis the Board is 
recommending a Final Dividend of 5.0 cents  
per share (2022 – 4.5 cents), which takes total 
declared dividends to 10.0 cents per share for 
the year (2022 – 9.0 cents), or an 11% increase. 
In 2023 the statutory profit before tax was $50.0m, 
compared to a loss before tax of $2.4m in the 
prior year, which in 2022 included adjusting items 
for impairments and legal fees totalling $12.6m.

Hunting 2030 Strategy
During the year, a great deal of time and effort 
was invested in the Company’s maiden Capital 
Markets Day, but the return on that investment 
will pay dividends well into the future. The event 
showcased the scope of our international 
operations, the breadth of our product and 
technology portfolio, and our international 
management team. It provided an opportunity 
for Hunting to articulate its strategy for growth, 
while also laying out performance targets and 
the metrics that will track the successful 
implementation of that strategy. 

Developing the materials for the Capital Markets 
Day involved a significant effort on the part of our 
global management team. Likewise, the Board 
participated in several review stages and offered 
input on both strategic messaging and key 
metrics to drive our investment case. I want to 
recognise the hard work of all those involved in 
making the day a great success.

Board succession and refreshing
I want to close with a few comments about 
governance and stewardship. Three years ago, the 
Nomination Committee developed a succession 
plan with the help of an external consulting firm. 
We began by mapping the talent and expertise 
of our existing Directors to the strategic plan that 
had been developed with management. 

We examined critical gaps that would need to 
be addressed in our succession planning. We 
also developed a profile for future Directors 
that emphasised key market knowledge and 
international experience. Hunting’s operations are 
global, with facilities in North America, EMEA and 
Asia Pacific, led by an international management 
team. In addition, knowledge of key markets 
(both current and future), M&A experience, and 
strategic planning experience, among other 
senior executive skills, were judged to be 
important. From this, a schedule for Director 
succession was established and the Nomination 
Committee launched a well-considered search 
process. Stuart Brightman joined the Board in 
January 2023, as part of this ongoing refreshing, 
bringing vital manufacturing and international 
experience to the Board profile.

In January 2024, Margaret Amos was appointed 
a Director. Margaret brings with her a background 
in aerospace from her career at Rolls-Royce, and 
her experience with a JV start-up in India, brings 
valuable knowledge of adjacent markets and 
geographies specific to the future needs of 
the Board. 

I’m pleased to say that, while the process of 
board succession planning is ongoing, at this 
juncture, we have added tremendous expertise 
and experience to Hunting’s Board. 

As long planned, I will be stepping down from 
my role as Company Chair at the 2024 Annual 
General Meeting in April, having completed my 
nine-year term.

It has been a great honour to serve on the 
Hunting Board, to work with my fellow Directors, 
to assist and challenge a capable management 
team and to be part of a dynamic Company. 

I leave my role with the knowledge that I will 
be succeeded by an even more capable 
Company Chair in Stuart Brightman. Stuart’s 
strong operational and financial background, 
his years of managing global businesses, 
his understanding of the industry and his 
governance experience from serving in both 
executive and non-executive Director roles, 
provide him with the skills and experience to 
wisely lead the Board into a very bright future.

I am grateful to shareholders for their support 
during my tenure. I am also very grateful to 
Richard Hunting, who retired in 2022, for his 
steadfast support and friendship in both the 
transition and during his time on the Board. 

John (Jay) F. Glick
Company Chair

29 February 2024

15

Revenue

$929.1m

(2022 – $725.8m)

Dividend per share declared 

10.0 cents

(2022 – 9.0 cents)

It has been a great honour to 
serve on the Hunting Board, 
to work with my fellow 
Directors, to assist and 
challenge a capable 
management team, and to be 
part of a dynamic Company.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHunting 150 Years

Built on a tradition of teamwork and trust, Hunting has undergone 
a remarkable evolution since founding father Charles Hunting first 
established a ship owning business in 1874. The success of these 
early years fostered a strong philosophy of integrity and personal 
trust in an autonomous, devolved management. A ship could be 
at sea for up to a year without the convenience of modern 
communications, and so honour between the crew and owners 
was of prime importance along with mutual respect and shared 
responsibility for success. 

innovation and 
technology 
development

150years of 

16

1874

Dedicated bulk tankers
THE EARLY YEARS
In 1874, Charles Hunting bought two second-
hand sailing ships for his son Charles Samuel. 
The Sylvia and Genii were designed for dry bulk 
cargo and allowed the family to develop their 
vision of owning and transporting oil. The Joseph 
Ferens was the first steamer purchased by the 
Company, followed by the SS Duffield 13 years 
later, which was a dedicated oil tanker.

1890

Charles Samuel Hunting
THE BEGINNING
When Charles Samuel Hunting entered the oil 
business in the 1890s, he was expanding upon 
an already successful, ship-owning firm set up by 
his father. A global traveller, he journeyed the 
world “to study the oil trade” and in quick pursuit 
of exploration, he prospected in Russia and built 
a first batch oil refinery on the Thames, invested 
in a production venture in Hungary and sought 
trading opportunities in the US.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHunting 150 Years continued

17

1920

RE-BUILDING AND 
DIVERSIFICATION
By the end of the Great War, the Hunting fleet 
which had been one of the largest independent 
operators, needed to be rebuilt. Charles’ two 
sons, Percy and Lindsay, entered the business 
and soon took an interest in aviation, which 
allowed for some diversification, as well as 
entering the US and taking non-operating 
interests in a number of oil prospects.

1960

Sir Percy Hunting
A LASTING IMPRESSION
By the middle of the 20th century, Hunting’s 
business interests were truly world-wide, with Sir 
Percy leaving a leading-edge concern to the next 
generation. Pat Hunting took over the leadership 
of the business, developing further a reputation 
for innovation, technology development and 
adaptability in the fast changing post-war world.

1990

One public company
A NEW ERA
Petroleum retailing, lubricants and specialised 
products were added to the portfolio and, 
increasingly, outside capital was brought in to 
fund expansion. By the late 1980s, there were 
three public companies, and in 1989, under the 
leadership of Clive Hunting, all three companies 
were merged to form Hunting PLC, with Richard 
Hunting, Clive’s nephew, becoming Executive 
Chairman of the combined group.

2020

Research and development
PRECISION ENGINEERING
As the Group approaches its 150th anniversary, 
research and development is ongoing to 
commercialise the next generation of products 
for the global energy sector. With Perforating 
Systems, OCTG, Advanced Manufacturing and 
Subsea expertise, Hunting is positioned for a 
bright future. 

1940

1970
1970

2000

Facing wartime challenges
FURTHER DIVERSIFICATION
Further diversification came during the Second 
World War, with aircraft manufacturing and 
aviation support services added to the 
Company’s interests. In this time, Hunting’s 
businesses faced the risks of international 
sea-bound trade due to the challenges presented 
by the conflict.

Outside capital
CONSOLIDATION
The privately-owned ship management, 
shipbroking and oil distribution business merged 
with two entities to form a new public company, 
Gibson Petroleum. Later in 1978, the Company’s 
oil and gas interests were also consolidated into 
Hunting Petroleum Services and floated as a 
separate entity.

Focus on energy services
A NEW MILLENNIUM
During the 2000s, Hunting transformed again, 
divesting its aviation and defence businesses and 
focusing on the upstream oil and gas equipment 
and services sector. In 2008, the Group divested 
its interests in Gibson Energy and in 2011 
completed the purchase of Titan Specialties, the 
biggest acquisition in the Group’s history.

2030

Leveraging core competencies
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
The Hunting 2030 Strategy was launched in 
September 2023, which will lead the Group into 
the energy transition, aviation, commercial space, 
defence, medical and power generation sectors, 
all built around our culture of technology, 
innovation and adaptability. Hunting will continue 
to focus on those sectors that value precision 
engineered products, no matter what sector.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationChief Executive’s Report

18

The year was one of significant improvement in Hunting’s financial 
results, with the Company delivering a 28% increase in revenue and 
a near doubling of EBITDA to $103.0m. These impressive results 
have been delivered by Hunting’s differentiated product portfolio 
and geographical spread of operations.

The Company’s first Capital Markets Day 
(“CMD”) in September 2023 provided the senior 
leadership team with an opportunity to launch 
our resilient long-term strategy, which is aimed 
at delivering growth and strong returns to 2030 
in a sustainable and responsible way. Key areas 
that were covered included the Company’s 
participation in the energy transition, its capital 
allocation policy and opportunities for growth. 

The CMD enabled Hunting to showcase its 
compelling technology and product offering, 
which covers many critical areas of the global 
energy industry. The Company is also making 
good progress in developing energy transition 
revenue opportunities, particularly in the 
tangential markets of geothermal energy and 
carbon capture and storage. Hunting has a 
number of readily available technologies and 
products to supply this emerging sector including 
OCTG, premium connections, accessories, 
valves, couplings and subsea components to 
support both onshore and offshore projects.

Further, Hunting is driving growth in other non-oil 
and gas markets, such as aviation, commercial 
space, defence, medical and power generation, 
which require quality-assured products, 
supported by high-end manufacturing 
capabilities. These ambitions will deliver growth 
in the performance of the Company, given the 
market fundamentals being reported for energy, 
as well as in other industries that need our skills.

Hunting has a diversified product portfolio and 
strategically located operations, which have 
enabled us to deliver an impressive set of results 
for 2023.

Market overview 
Taken as a whole, activity levels across the oil 
and gas industry increased in 2023 as illustrated 
by the year-on-year increase in industry capital 
expenditures and average rig counts.

North America land activity was more subdued 
than anticipated, with a 21% decline in the US 
land rig count year-on-year. Our Perforating 
Systems product line was most impacted by this 
decline, but still delivered record international 
sales, as onshore activity in Argentina, Saudi 
Arabia and South East Asia grew. 

Despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, 
activity levels continued to increase following the 
exit from the COVID-19 pandemic for many 
countries. There has also been a softening in 
commodity prices during the year as natural gas 
prices receded, with the supply issues driven by 
the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 abating.

In summary, the global industry, while being 
volatile in the year, continued to be an engine for 
growth particularly in offshore and international 
markets, which has driven growth in the Group’s 
revenue and profitability in the year.

FIND OUT MORE FROM CHIEF EXECUTIVE,  
JIM JOHNSON

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationChief Executive’s Report continued

Operational review
Our global OCTG product line has been a 
significant driver of the Company’s growth and 
enhanced profitability in the year. Our North 
American premium connection business had an 
excellent year, as we added new clients and as 
our TEC-LOCKTM semi-premium connection 
reported market growth in key shale basins. 
Our OCTG results in Canada have been strong 
as our strategic move to work with third-party 
threading companies provided an opportunity 
to grow profitability in-country on lower capital 
intensity. Our US Manufacturing accessories 
business has performed well this year, with 
strong well completion business in Guyana 
and Brazil being a key factor in this success. 
Increased opportunities from major oilfield 
service companies continue to provide growth 
opportunities in international markets. 

This year we have also seen an increase in 
activity in our EMEA OCTG businesses, largely  
in relation to the Tubacex order for Brazil. This  
led to the Netherlands facility being close to full 
capacity during the period as this order was 
progressed, with our Aberdeen facilities also 
providing support to this contract. The OCTG 
facility in the Netherlands also completed a 
number of orders for geothermal applications in 
the year as projects accelerated across Europe. 
Our Asia Pacific OCTG businesses have enjoyed 
a significant improvement year-on-year, driven 
by large orders in China and India, and an uptick 
in Middle East activity. Momentum in the Asia 
Pacific region continues to be strong. 

19

Improvements continue in the performance of 
our Advanced Manufacturing group, driven by 
increased opportunities in non-oil and gas 
sectors as well as traditional sales to oilfield 
service OEMs. The Electronics business unit 
reported strong oil and gas sales, underpinned 
by an easing of supply chain constraints relating 
to microchips reported in 2022 and in the early 
part of the current year. The Dearborn business 
unit reported increases in non-oil and gas 
revenue as aviation, commercial space, defence, 
medical and power generation sales accelerated 
in the year. 

Hunting’s presence within the subsea sector 
of the oil and gas industry has been steadily 
growing following the acquisition of RTI Energy 
Systems in August 2019, now called Subsea 
Spring, and the acquisition of Enpro Subsea 
in February 2020. These businesses, together 
with our Subsea Stafford hydraulic valves and 
couplings business, are key growth pillars of the 
Hunting 2030 Strategy. Our Subsea businesses 
continue to benefit from the improved outlook for 
offshore work in international markets driven by 
strong activity in Guyana and, more recently, in 
new frontier areas like the Turkish sector of the 
Black Sea. Confirming this trend is the steady 
momentum we are seeing in Enpro, with the 
backlog for this business now the largest since 
its acquisition with both international and Gulf 
of Mexico opportunities. 

Within our Other Manufacturing product 
group, the well intervention product line has 
shown significant improvement year-on-year 
as client capex needs for pressure control 
equipment, predominantly in international 
markets, have improved. 

The overall picture for 2023 for the Company 
has been one of considerable improvement 
year-on-year. International market activity has 
continued to pick-up as the impact of the 
economic downturn following the COVID-19 
pandemic has receded. This increase in market 
activity is reflected in the Group’s improved 
results for the year and the record sales order 
book seen at the year-end. This order book 
predominantly comprises OCTG, Subsea 
and Advanced Manufacturing orders, which 
underlines the broad-based nature of the 
recovery in the global oil and gas market, but 
also highlights Hunting’s diverse energy and 
non-oil and gas portfolio.

Delivering the Hunting 2030 Strategy
The Group has made advances in the year 
in delivering its Hunting 2030 Strategy, with the 
most significant strategic initiatives detailed 
in the following pages.

EBITDA

$103.0m

(2022 – $52.0m)

EBITDA margin

11%

(2022 – 7%)

I am really proud of the hard 
work and dedication of the 
team during 2023, as their 
performance enabled us to 
deliver a strong set of results 
for the year. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationChief Executive’s Report continued

20

HUNTING 2030 OBJECTIVE
Retain focus on 
global oil and gas 
opportunities, 
specifically growing 
our subsea and 
offshore businesses 

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES DELIVERED IN 2023 
$91m contract award with Cairn Oil and Gas, Vedanta Limited
On 30 May 2023, the Company announced a record contract that management estimates to be worth up to $91m with Cairn Oil and Gas, Vedanta 
Limited, for the supply of Hunting’s SEAL-LOCK XDTM premium connection along with OCTG. The contract is for an estimated 100 wells and is to extend 
up to three years for Cairn’s operations in Rajasthan, India. This order supports management’s belief that international market sentiment remains extremely 
strong as governments and countries address the challenges of energy security, the development of domestic supply and post-COVID economic recovery.

PRODUCT GROUP
OCTG

Launch of new technology
The Group continues to develop and introduce new technology to clients. Research and development initiatives focus on increasing in-field safety, while 
also delivering completion efficiencies and lowering drilling and development costs for clients. With approximately one-quarter of North American 
horizontal wells relying exclusively on oriented perforating techniques, Hunting launched the H-4 Perforating System™ during the year, first to the US 
onshore and then in Q4 2023 to customers in Canada. This cutting-edge system incorporates patented self-orienting tandems, plug-and-play rapid 
arming perforating guns, and a modular RF-Safe switch to improve firing and positioning accuracy during a well completion procedure as well as in-field 
safety. Hunting Titan has also been developing orienting tools for near-vertical holes, which include the north-seeking gyroscope tool. The surface testing 
of the tool was completed in November, with sales commencing in Q1 2024.

Opening of threading facility in India, with joint venture partner Jindal SAW
In Q2 2023, the Company completed the construction and commissioning of its new threading facility at Nashik Province, India, with its joint venture 
partner, Jindal SAW Ltd. The official opening of the facility took place in September 2023. Hunting’s precision engineered premium connection technology 
will be applied to Jindal SAW’s premium seamless casing and tubing. 

Increased revenue and sales order book from Subsea Technologies 
The Subsea Technologies operating segment was formed on 1 January 2023, which was formerly part of the North America operating segment. The 
segment completed a number of significant orders in the year, especially in Guyana, as investment in offshore projects increased. Revenue increased 43% 
to $98.6m, with an EBITDA margin of 14% compared to 5% in 2022. The Spring business had a number of material order wins for its titanium stress joints 
in the year for floating production, storage and offloading vessels in Guyana and the Turkish area of the Black Sea. The segment ended the year with an 
order book of $152.2m, including a strong backlog for Enpro.

Develop a global 
position in the 
energy transition 
sector.

Increase our 
position in high 
value, non-oil and 
gas industries

Ten-year strategic alliance signed with Zhejiang Jiuli Hi-Tech Metals Co. Ltd 
On 5 June 2023, the Company announced a ten-year strategic alliance with Zhejiang Jiuli Hi-Tech Metals Co. Ltd (“Jiuli”), for the supply of corrosion resistant 
alloys (“CRA”) for OCTG, geothermal and carbon capture, usage and storage (“CCUS”) applications. The partnership brings together Hunting’s SEAL-LOCKTM 
premium connection technology with Jiuli’s CRA, such as duplex/super duplex and high nickel-based alloys, for downhole casing and production tubing 
applications, which meet some of the harshest well conditions in the traditional oil and gas industry as well as the emerging CCUS and geothermal markets. 
The partnership also adds to Hunting’s existing OCTG product portfolio and enables the supply of the widest range of premium OCTG for its client base, 
within the international oil and gas and energy transition markets, as projects accelerate in the key areas of North America, Middle East, Africa and Asia 
Pacific. CCUS and geothermal are two end-markets that Hunting is pursuing as part of its strategy to become a key supplier to these sectors by providing 
project developers with critical supply channels and the premium connections required for these increasingly challenging technical projects, which operate 
in demanding sub-surface environments. All these end-markets are expected to show robust demand and growth in the medium and long term.

Perforating Systems

OCTG

Subsea

OCTG

Collaboration agreement with CRA-Tubulars B.V.
On 13 July 2023, Hunting announced a collaboration agreement with CRA-Tubulars B.V., to further develop the Company’s presence in energy transition 
markets. The collaboration provides the Company with access to novel titanium composite tubing technology, which is showing strong potential in CCUS 
project applications. The technology has won awards within the Shell ‘Game Changer’ technology programme, and Hunting is exploring the use of the 
technology alongside its SEAL-LOCKTM premium connection technology. The collaboration agreement includes exclusive marketing, distribution and 
manufacturing rights for oil and gas and carbon capture and storage markets in North America for a period of five years.

OCTG

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationChief Executive’s Report continued

21

HUNTING 2030 OBJECTIVE
Increased focus on 
the long-term 
sustainability of the 
Group

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES DELIVERED IN 2023 
Restructuring and operational efficiency
Hunting is continuing to drive stronger internal operational efficiencies throughout its global footprint, which will lower operating costs and lower the 
Company’s carbon footprint. During the year, Hunting Titan closed its Oklahoma City operating site and transferred the manufacture of perforating 
systems to the Group’s Pampa, Texas, and Monterrey, Mexico, facilities. A distribution centre has been retained in Oklahoma City to continue to service 
clients in the Mid-Continent Region of the US. 

PRODUCT GROUP
Perforating Systems
OCTG
Other Manufacturing

Within the EMEA operating segment, the manufacturing and assembly operations of the Group’s main well testing site are to be transferred from the 
Netherlands to Dubai in 2024, which will lead to the closure of a facility at Velsen-Noord, with activities in the Netherlands to be merged into a single 
location. Sales, engineering and service support functions will be maintained in the Netherlands to support European clients. Hunting is building a new 
larger, higher efficiency facility in the Jebel Ali Freezone, Dubai, UAE. The facility will be purpose-built on a 14,000 square metre plot, which will include 
a 3,700 square metre custom-built warehouse, yard, and office space. This strategic move aims to support the growing manufacturing needs of the well 
testing and process systems business, as well as to reinforce existing regional product lines such as perforating systems, well intervention equipment, 
OCTG, and Organic Oil Recovery. Hunting will be in a position to capitalise on the increasing opportunities and strong market outlook in the Middle East 
and fulfil its growth plans for the region. Hunting will retain a single facility in Velsen-Noord to support oil and gas and energy transition clients across Europe.

In January 2024, further consolidation of our footprint and cost base in the UK continued as the Enpro operations were transferred to the existing 
Badentoy, Aberdeen facility.

Disposal of exploration and production assets
During 2023, the Group has completed a disposal process of all but one of its US onshore and offshore oil and gas producing assets, which are held by 
Hunting’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Tenkay Resources, Inc (“Tenkay”). The assets have been sold on an asset-by-asset basis to a variety of third parties.  
In addition, the Group has negotiated the transfer of the majority of the non-producing assets and respective future plug and abandonment liabilities, 
which have reduced Hunting’s possible exposure to future decommissioning costs. At the year-end, Tenkay retains a working interest in the South 
Timbalier 34 asset, which is expected to complete plug and abandonment early in 2024. 

Other Manufacturing

Scope 1 and 2 reporting assurance and commencement of scope 3 emissions assessment
In the year, we completed a process to independently assure our scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions (“GHG”), and in September 2023, we began 
the process of assessing our scope 3 GHG emission inventories. This process started in Q3 2023 at our Hunting Titan operating segment, which currently 
represents around 23% of the Group’s scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint and is considered to be a major component of our overall footprint.  

All

In 2024, this assessment will be extended to the Group’s Subsea Technologies, EMEA and Asia Pacific operating segments to further improve the 
accuracy of our total GHG footprint. This will enable the Group to develop and publish a credible carbon reduction plan by mid-2025.

Non-oil and gas diversification/increase our position in high value non-oil and gas industries
The Group has ended the year with a strong non-oil and gas sales order book with orders for medical, military and commercial space sectors. 
OCTG orders for geothermal applications into Europe increased, with the Netherlands facility increasing its sales of geothermal connections to $4.2m 
in the year.

Advanced 
Manufacturing
OCTG
Other Manufacturing

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information22

Chief Executive’s Report continued

Group financial summary
Hunting reports a 28% increase in revenue in the 
year as market activity accelerated, with revenue 
for the year increasing to $929.1m, compared to 
$725.8m in 2022. Revenue in H1 2023 was 
$477.8m (H1 2022 – $336.1m) and in H2 2023 
was $451.3m (H2 2022 – $389.7m) as lower oil 
and gas prices, especially in H2, led to more 
subdued North American onshore activity. 
However, there was an increase in international 
offshore activity reported across many regions 
through the year. Non-oil and gas revenue 
increased 59% in the year from $47.6m in 2022 
to $75.9m, driven by sales in our Electronics and 
Dearborn businesses in the medical and defence 
sectors as well as geothermal sales by the 
Netherlands OCTG business.

Group EBITDA was $103.0m in 2023  
(2022 – $52.0m), which reflects the improved 
market conditions seen in the year. With 
increased volumes leading to better facility 
utilisation, and targeted price increases taking 
effect, the Group’s EBITDA margin increased 
from 7% in 2022 to 11% in 2023. The Group’s 
improved efficiency is demonstrated by the 
increase seen in EBITDA per average employee 
from $25k in 2022 to $44k in 2023. EBITDA in  
H2 2023 was $54.3m with a margin of 12% 
compared to $48.7m in H1 2023 with a margin  
of 10%. 

Hunting Titan, which operates a short-cycle 
business, generated revenue of $259.2m,  
which was marginally lower than $266.0m in 
2022, driven by the lower US onshore rig count. 
This was offset by the continued adoption of the 
H-3 Perforating System™ and the adoption of 
the H-4 Perforating System™ introduced later in 
the year; strong demand for its Pre-Loaded Gun 
offering; increased sales of instruments and 
detonating cord; and record international sales. 
EBITDA for the year was $21.9m (2022 – $24.7m).

The North America operating segment has 
reported excellent results in the year as  
demand for premium connections and 
completion accessories accelerated. Revenue 
within the operating segment increased by 33% 
in the year to $374.7m, compared to $280.7m in 
2022, with a significant increase in international 
activity, specifically the supply of well completion 
packages to South America, contributing 
significantly towards this favourable result. 
EBITDA for the year was $54.2m compared to 
$26.7m in 2022, a significant increase of 103%.

The newly formed Subsea Technologies 
operating segment reported an increase of 43% 
in revenue to $98.6m compared to $69.0m in 
2022. A particular area of impressive growth has 
been within the Subsea Spring business unit, 
which won a number of large orders for its steel 
and titanium stress joints (“TSJs”) for offshore 
projects in Guyana and more recently in the 
Turkish area of the Black Sea. EBITDA was 
$13.7m compared to $3.4m in 2022, with an 
EBITDA margin of 14% (2022 – 5%).

The EMEA operating segment reported a 
year-on-year increase in revenue as international 
activity levels continued to improve. Overall 
revenue was $88.2m in the year, compared to 
$71.5m in 2022, a 23% increase. EBITDA was 
$1.7m compared to a $2.1m loss in 2022, due 
to an increase in activity within our OCTG 
businesses in relation to the Tubacex order for 
Brazil. Activity levels across the Middle East 
continued to increase during the year, resulting 
in higher sales of pressure control equipment 
and increased revenue from Hunting Titan 
perforating products.

The increase in international drilling activity  
and the growth in energy markets across  
the Asia Pacific region have been the core  
drivers of growth for the Asia Pacific operating  
segment’s impressive performance in 2023,  
with revenue increasing by 96% to $157.6m  
from $80.4m in 2022. EBITDA was $11.5m 
(2022 – $(0.7)m) with a margin of 7% 
(2022 – (1)%). The significant order secured 
with CNOOC in 2022, for the supply of OCTG 
with Hunting’s SEAL-LOCK XD™ premium 
connection, contributed significantly towards 
the revenue growth seen in the year. 

The Company ended the year with a record  
sales order book of $565.2m compared to 
$473.0m at the end of 2022, which underpins  
our confidence in the future profitability of 
the Company.

Operating profit for the year was $61.0m  
(2022 – $2.0m) and, as there were no adjusting 
items impacting operating profit, adjusted 
operating profit for the year was also $61.0m 
(2022 – $14.6m). 

The Group’s profit before tax for the year was 
$50.0m (2022 – $2.4m loss), with adjusted  
profit before tax unchanged at $50.0m  
(2022 – $10.2m).

Deferred tax assets of $83.1m, related to our  
US businesses were recognised, validating the 
confidence we have in the continued return to 
profitability for these trading entities. This has 
contributed to the large increase in statutory 
profitability and earnings per share.

Diluted earnings per share were, therefore,  
70.0 cents (2022 – 2.8 cents loss per share),  
with adjusted diluted earnings per share  
20.3 cents (2022 – 4.7 cents), an increase 
of 332% in the year.

Working capital has increased to $415.9m 
from $362.8m, with the increase in inventories 
supporting our record sales order book at the 
year-end. 

This, in part, led the Company to reporting 
year-end total cash and bank of $(0.8)m 
compared to a total cash and bank position 
of $24.5m at the end of 2022. 

Hunting is focused on converting profit into cash 
flow and increasing its working capital efficiency 
This focus was reflected in our cash generation 
in H2 2023, which was $50.9m. 

The Group’s net assets at the end of the year 
were $957.1m compared to $846.2m at the end 
of 2022, demonstrating the strengthening of our 
balance sheet, providing financial stability. The 
Group’s return on average capital employed was 
much improved at 6% (2022 – 1%) at the end of 
the year.

The Company paid an Interim Dividend of  
5.0 cents per share in October and the Board are 
recommending a Final Dividend of 5.0 cents per 
share, bringing the Total Dividend for the year to 
10.0 cents per share, an increase of 11% over 
2022 and in-line with the Hunting 2030 Strategy 
to increase dividends annually by at least 10%.

Our employees continue to be our most 
important asset and it was good to receive their 
feedback in the employee engagement survey 
conducted this year. 

As part of the Board’s deliberations, which 
included reviewing the impact of inflation and 
interest rate increases on the cost-of-living, base 
salary increases were implemented across the 
Group in Q1 2024 to assist our workforce. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Offshore market momentum is poised to 
continue to increase in the coming years as 
major development cycles in South America 
and South West Africa continue to accelerate.

Our EMEA OCTG operations will continue to 
support projects in Brazil, while in Asia Pacific, 
larger tenders continue to be announced, which 
should lead to new orders being secured. 

Chief Executive’s Report continued

I am really proud of the hard work and dedication 
of the team during 2023, as their performance 
enabled us to deliver a strong set of results for 
the year. The Company’s overall profitability and 
efficiency improved in 2023 and we are confident 
that it is on an achievable pathway to meet the 
targets set out at the CMD.

ESG and sustainability
We have continued to make good progress 
during 2023 in increasing our disclosed 
sustainability information.

Our safety and quality-assurance performance 
has again delivered excellent outcomes, 
demonstrating our focus and rigour in these 
critical areas.

In the year, we also completed our second 
employee engagement survey, which recorded 
a strong improvement in our scoring. Our people 
remain our most important asset and the Board 
are pleased that our workforce is aligned with 
our long-term strategic goals.

Finally, our published carbon and climate data 
has also improved as new procedures have been 
introduced to contain and reduce our impact on 
the environment.

Outlook
The global outlook for energy in the year ahead 
will be driven by similar themes to those reported 
in 2023.

Geopolitical tensions and potential supply 
disruptions are a continuing threat to the oil and 
gas supply/demand balance, and while 
commodity prices trended lower in the past year, 
it is likely that they will remain in a range that 
supports sustained activity levels during 2024. 

The North American onshore drilling market is 
likely to be stable during 2024, with the US more 
focused on oil production. Additional LNG 
capacity is likely to come onstream later in the 
year, which will support new natural gas drilling in 
the second half. Projected growth in international 
sales should also offset shifts in US onshore 
market dynamics.

The Middle East will also likely show a continuation 
of the activity levels reported in 2023. Despite the 
pause in oil production expansion in Saudi Arabia 
being announced in recent weeks, natural gas 
drilling in-country will continue to grow to meet 
local demand, underpinning steady activity levels 
in the year ahead.

In India, the Group’s facility is shortly to receive its 
API threading licence which will enable premium 
threading activities to accelerate. Management 
sees a positive profit contribution from our joint 
venture in 2024, given the growth momentum 
in-country.

Across Asia Pacific, traditional energy demand 
as well as energy transition initiatives will continue 
to drive growth, with geothermal opportunities 
being captured as market activity increases, 
particularly in the Philippines and Indonesia.

For Hunting, the Group’s OCTG product group 
should deliver another year of growth, as activity 
in South America continues to increase, coupled 
with stable activity in the US and Canada. 

23

Return on average capital employed

6%

(2022 – 1%)

Net assets

$957.1m

(2022 – $846.2m)

Hunting’s Perforating Systems business will 
continue to roll-out its leading technology to 
clients across North America, while continuing 
to grow internationally where markets such as 
Argentina present good opportunities due to 
reduced import tariffs being announced.

Our Subsea Spring and Stafford businesses 
should also deliver a further year of strong 
results as orders for ExxonMobil and other 
major operators across South America continue 
to be progressed. The Enpro business should 
also support this growth profile given the orders 
secured in the second half of 2023.

Hunting will continue to drive its non-oil and 
gas diversification through the Advanced 
Manufacturing businesses. Momentum remains 
strong, with opportunities in aerospace and 
defence being pursued, supporting our 2030 
strategic objectives.

The balance sheet remains 
strong to ensure the 
Company’s financial stability 
and long-term sustainability. 

In summary, the Board sees a further year of 
growth ahead, given our diverse, international 
product offering, with management remaining 
comfortable with current market guidance.

On behalf of the Board

Jim Johnson
Chief Executive

29 February 2024

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationMarket Summary

24

2023 was a year of energy market growth, despite geopolitical and 
other economic volatility. With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and new 
tensions in the Middle East, coupled with an increase to the cost-of-
living, oil and gas markets have shown resilience as multiple factors 
impacted commodity prices. 

Energy security continued to be high on political 
agendas as governments continued to seek to 
secure alternative energy sources and store 
sufficient quantities of natural gas. 

Other short-term solutions included expanding 
oil and coal-fired power generation, and pursuing 
new renewable energy projects. 

The year ended with COP28 where a global 
commitment was reached to transition away 
from fossil fuels over time while tripling renewable 
energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency 
by 2030 to ensure the Paris Agreement 
commitment to limit global temperature increases 
to 1.5°C is met.

In summary, the market environment for energy, 
while it has been volatile, has trended strongly 
towards growth in the year, and the market for 
the energy service industry has been robust, 
which led to a 28% increase in Group revenue 
and a 98% increase in EBITDA.

The performance of the Group during 2023 
has been underpinned by a broad-based 
strengthening of activity within the global oil and 
gas sector, driven by post-pandemic investment 
in many areas of the energy industry following 
many years of insufficient investment. Investment 
in long-term international offshore projects has 
seen strong growth in the year, particularly in 
South America and Asia Pacific, which has led 
to an increase in exploration and production 
drilling and equipment purchasing that has 
benefited a number of the Group’s key product 
lines including OCTG, Subsea and Advanced 
Manufacturing. 

The US onshore drilling market was constrained 
by spending discipline and reported a flat 
year-on-year capital investment profile as gas 
drilling reduced in the year across the US, 
following two years of strong growth. 

While this has led to flat results within our 
Perforating Systems product group, when 
comparing 2023 and 2022 performance, the 
increase in international sales and the delivery 
of new technology to our clients, particularly in 
respect of the launch of the H-4 Perforating 
System™, helped the Hunting Titan operating 
segment significantly outperform the US 
onshore market.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information25

Market Summary continued

Commodity prices

The WTI crude oil price is a material market 
indicator for the Group, as short- to medium-term 
investment decisions of our clients are driven by 
prevailing commodity prices. During 2023, the 
average WTI crude oil price was $78 per barrel, 
which is 17% lower than the $94 per barrel 
reported in 2022. Key inputs to this outcome 
include a normalising of the global supply/demand 
profile following the price shocks seen in 2022 
when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. 
In addition, the global economic outlook became 
increasingly volatile from Q2 2023 onwards as 
higher inflation and global interest rates hampered 
economic growth, following the strong recovery 
seen in 2021 and 2022. The WTI crude oil price 
traded between $94 and $67 per barrel in the 
year as these various factors played out.

The Henry Hub natural gas price reported a 
much more challenging year in 2023, following 
exceptionally strong pricing throughout 2022 as 
natural gas demand from Europe, also driven by 
the conflict in Ukraine, supported activity across 
the US. The average price for natural gas was 
$2.66 per mmBtu in 2023, which compares with 
$6.54 per mmBtu in 2022, or a decline of 59% 
year-on-year.

The combination of the above factors led to 
volatile industry sentiment across the year, as 
companies across all levels of the oil and gas 
supply chain grappled with fast moving 
investment decision making. However, many 
global economies continued to exit from the 
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased 
capital investment in oil and gas exploration and 
production drilling, which in turn supported new 
equipment purchasing across many of the 
Group’s product lines. In 2023, total drilling 
investment increased 11% compared to 2022 
increasing from $190.6bn to $212.5bn in the year.

Offshore drilling investment grew at a faster pace 
than onshore drilling investment. In the year, 
offshore drilling grew 28% from $53.5bn in 2022 
to $68.3bn in 2023, with the majority of this 
increase due to buoyant international markets. 
Onshore drilling investment grew 5% in the year 
from $137.1bn in 2022 to $144.2bn in 2023.

The investment in exploration and production 
drilling, noted above, supported the continued 
strengthening of activity across the global energy 
industry, despite the macro-economic and 
geopolitical headwinds faced by operators. This 
investment has enabled an overall increase in the 
average global rig count to be reported, with 
offshore rigs increasing by 9% in the year, while 
onshore rig counts increased 3%, primarily due 
to the increases reported within international 
markets. The offshore rig count, therefore, 
averaged 207 active units throughout 2023 
compared to 189 units in 2022. The onshore rig 
count averaged 1,560 active units throughout 
2023 compared to 1,517 units in 2022. 

Within North America (being the US and 
Canada), the average onshore rig count declined 
4% to average 845 units, while the offshore rig 
count increased by 4 units to average 20 active 
units. Within international markets, the average 
onshore rig count increased by 77 units to 
average 715 units, while the offshore rig count 
increased by 14 units to average 187 active units.

Commodity prices

WTI crude oil price 
$ per barrel

100

80

60

40

20

Henry Hub natural gas price  
$ per mmBtu

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

0 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

0 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Source: FT.com

Source: FT.com

Drilling capital investment

Global onshore capital investment
$bn

Global offshore capital investment 
$bn

2023

2022

2021

144.2

137.1

2023

2022

2021

96.4

68.3

53.5

41.8

Source: Spears and Associates Drilling and  
Production Outlook – December 2023

Source: Spears and Associates Drilling and  
Production Outlook – December 2023

Rig counts

Global onshore average rig count 
#

Global offshore average rig count 
#

2023

2022

2021

1,560

1,517

2023

2022

2021

1,158

207

189

165

Source: Spears and Associates Drilling and  
Production Outlook – December 2023

Source: Spears and Associates Drilling and  
Production Outlook – December 2023

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationMarket Summary continued

Energy transition

The global energy landscape is experiencing 
a transformation as efforts are made to mitigate 
the effects of climate change and improve energy 
security by shifting towards cleaner, more 
sustainable energy options. COP28 saw a global 
pledge to accelerate climate action, which 
commits all signatory countries to move away 
from carbon energy sources to address the 
worst effects of climate change.

There are strong legislative drivers supporting 
CCUS projects such as the Inflation Reduction 
Act in the US.

CO2 leakage is one of the biggest concerns for 
CCUS wells. This, combined with the need to 
withstand cryogenic temperatures, means that 
the wells require the use of higher chrome 
content and high corrosion resistant alloys. 
OCTG demand for high chrome content is 
expected to double year-on-year to 2026.

Amid this global shift towards sustainable energy 
sources and energy reliability, the role that 
geothermal energy is expected to play in the 
global energy mix will increase as it can be used 
for both power and heat generation and is not 
carbon intensive like oil and gas. In 2023, installed 
geothermal capacity comprised approximately 
15.9 gigawatts (2022 – 14.6 gigawatts). Until 
2030, a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) 
of over 10% is expected for geothermal power, 
with industry expenditures projected to exceed 
$85bn between 2022 and 2030. 

Geothermal energy is also going through a 
technology step change from conventional 
geothermal to high-tech “unconventional 
geothermal” developments as wells are drilled 
deeper. Geothermal wells use traditional energy 
products and services and this provides 
opportunities for Hunting to cross-sell OCTG 
and Perforating Systems products.

Carbon sequestration, the process of capturing 
and storing carbon dioxide, will also form a vital 
part of the global solution to reduce carbon 
emissions and reach Net Zero, and is the primary 
route to decarbonising the oil and gas industry. 

Other non-oil and gas

Defence, medical and commercial space 
markets are seeing impressive growth, 
presenting a number of opportunities for the 
Company to diversify its revenue streams. 

The medical electronics market was estimated  
at $82bn in 2020 and is expected to hit $248bn 
by 2030, poised to grow at a CAGR of 11.8% 
to 2030.

The US Department for Defense Budget for  
2024 totals $842bn, an increase of 9% from  
the 2023 budget of $773bn and the commercial 
space market, which was approximately $280bn 
in 2010, is expected to increase from $474bn in 
2022 to $1.0tn by 2030 according to McKinsey 
& Company.

Hunting expects to benefit from increasing its 
share of these markets as well as benefiting from 
the ongoing expansion in the markets themselves.

26

Projected global geothermal capacity  
MW

35,000

30,000

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

2030

Source: Wood Mackenzie

Planned CCUS capacity additions by year of announced start-up
mmtpa

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

Up to 
2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

2030

2030+

Source: Wood Mackenzie

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationMarket Summary continued 

27

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationBusiness Model

Hunting is a global precision 
engineering group, focused 
on high-value end markets 
that recognise and value our 
manufacturing capabilities and 
strong focus on quality-assured 
products and services. 

Delivering high performance 
technologies, which enables 
an engineering solution to be 
delivered safer, faster and at lower 
cost for our customers are key 
themes in our approach to the 
markets we select. This approach 
is supported by our robust health 
and safety protocols, which are 
aimed at keeping our highly 
trained employees safe.

Our key product groups are  
sold through our five operating 
segments as noted on pages  
50 to 54.

What we do

Energy – oil and gas
Our primary market focus is the global oil  
and gas industry. Affordable and secure  
energy has been the foundation of economic 
growth for many decades, with a technology 
and geographic landscape that constantly 
changes. Global crude oil demand is currently 
c.100 million barrels per day and, as the chart 
below demonstrates, this is likely to remain 
unchanged for decades to come. Our products 
and services are developed to support this 
global need. The oil and gas industry is a 
complex, well-regulated, multi-faceted sector 
with a wide range of technological needs to 
address the extraction of hydrocarbons in a  
safe and responsible manner. Hunting’s 
products are, therefore, aimed at addressing  
the needs of our customers, whether that be 
integrated energy groups, international service 
companies, national or independent oil and  
gas companies. To deliver this daily need for  
oil and gas, the industry needs technology  
and equipment that are high performance 
engineered solutions. Hunting’s major product 
groups are summarised on pages 40 to 49, and 
range from onshore-focused well completion 
solutions produced by our Perforating Systems 
business (Hunting Titan) to equipment used in 
deepwater developments produced by our 
Subsea Technologies businesses. A key market 
indicator for Hunting’s businesses is the annual 
capital expenditures allocated by the industry’s 
stakeholders. In 2023, the global investment 
in crude oil and natural gas production was 
c.$213 billion. This is likely to be stable for many 
years to come as the world maintains its reliance 
on traditional energy solutions.

28

Energy – transition technologies
As western economies increase efforts to 
decarbonise their energy needs, exciting market 
opportunities are opening up to the Group. 
Geothermal energy is a primary energy source 
that is seeing strong growth in the short term, 
to deliver cleaner sources of heat and energy. 
These developments are presenting complex 
engineering challenges to the energy industry. 
Hunting sees high growth opportunities for 
its OCTG product group as our premium 
connections and strategic supply channels offer 
critical solutions to many clients. Carbon capture, 
usage and storage (“CCUS”) is another solution 
being accelerated to reduce atmospheric carbon. 
CCUS projects demand high-end materials and 
engineered solutions that will enable these 
projects to operate for many decades.

IEA projected fossil fuel demand: 1990-2050

Exajoules

Non-oil and gas
Hunting has been manufacturing products and 
technologies to the aviation industry for many 
years. The Group has key defence-related 
accreditations within its Advanced Manufacturing 
businesses, which enable Hunting to participate 
in government contracts including the naval 
and air force segments, supplying engine shafts 
for military aircraft and periscope tubes for 
submarines. In recent years, the Group has also 
manufactured components for the commercial 
space sector, which demands our unique 
precision engineering skills and expertise. 
Hunting manufactures key components for 
the power generation sector, including turbine 
shafts and is also focused on developing 
accessories for the medical sector.

500

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0

1990

2000

2010

2020

2030

2040

2050

0%

 Oil 

 Coal 

 Natural gas 

 Share of fossil fuels in TES (right axis) 

Source: IEA – World Energy Outlook 2022

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationBusiness Model continued

Our pillars for value creation

29

We develop  
proprietary technology

We manufacture close to where our 
clients need us

The development of new technology and 
products is a key element of our business 
model and strategy. This intellectual property 
and know-how is introduced to our blue chip 
customers as the drive for more efficient and 
safer delivery of oil and gas continues as well 
as addressing the challenging environments 
that the geothermal and CCUS sectors 
operate in. 

In 2023, the Group held 538 patents and 
trademarks, covering 153 products.

Related risks 
Increased competition and market 
consolidation; adverse movement in 
commodity prices; climate change and 
energy transition; cyber security; loss of key 
executives or staff and shortage of key staff; 
work environment issues including health and 
safety; product quality and reliability; reaction 
to external and internal forces; and changing 
global rules and regulations.

Hunting has a global operating presence 
in strategic locations to ensure that we are 
close to where our customers are drilling 
and developing any resource type. Our 
established operating footprint ensures that 
we can support our customers in the oil and 
gas industry and can be leveraged to address 
global geothermal and CCUS projects.

At 31 December 2023, we manufactured 
in 11 countries, from 27 operating sites  
(2022 – 28) and had 16 distribution centres 
(2022 – 14). 

Related risks 
Increased competition and market 
consolidation; product quality and reliability; 
third-party risk; and changing global rules 
and regulations.

We leverage our brand and 
reputation through strong quality 
assured products

The Hunting brand is supported by our strong 
reputation for quality assurance and health 
and safety. These credentials drive customer 
loyalty and form the basis of most industry 
tenders, which support our success in 
increasing our market share in key product 
lines and multiple end-markets.

During 2023, the Group manufactured 
23.0m parts (2022 – 16.6m) with an 
internal manufacturing reject rate of  
0.20% (2022 – 0.13%). The reject rate for 
goods shipped was 0.0006% in the year 
(2022 – 0.0013%). These metrics demonstrate 
the impressive quality and reliability of our 
products. This performance strengthens 
Hunting’s standing in its end-markets.

Related risks 
Increased competition and market 
consolidation; cyber security; loss of key 
executives or staff and shortage of key staff; 
work environment issues including health and 
safety; product quality and reliability; reaction 
to external and internal forces; third-party risk; 
and acquisition risk.

We train our employees and 
keep them safe

Our health and safety protocols have been 
developed to keep our employees safe, with 
our safety performance measured using an 
industry-wide performance indicator, which 
is monitored closely. 

In 2023, the Group had 24 recordable 
incidents (2022 – 23) leading to a total 
recordable incident rate of 0.91 (2022 – 0.97) 
compared to the industry standard of 4.0.

Related risks 
Increased competition and market 
consolidation; cyber security; loss of key 
executives or staff and shortage of key staff; 
work environment issues including health and 
safety; reaction to external and internal forces; 
third-party risk; and acquisition risk.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationBusiness Model continued

30

We provide critical supply channels

We target blue-chip customers 
and suppliers

We leverage our expertise  
in materials and engineering

We operate in a responsible  
and sustainable way

Our products are often manufactured using 
critical raw materials, which enable them to 
perform in highly challenging environments. 
We work hard to provide competitive supply 
channels to lower project costs without 
compromising on quality. Hunting is an 
independent provider of premium and 
semi-premium connections and precision 
engineered accessories for all oil and gas 
resource types, providing cost agility for 
our customers. The Group has a number 
of strategic partnerships, including our joint 
venture partner Jindal SAW in India, which 
produces OCTG pipe and tubulars, to which 
Hunting’s premium connections are applied 
for the local Indian energy market. This 
venture meets local content requirements. 
The Group also has strategic supply chain 
partners to support the accelerating energy 
transition sector, including the ten-year 
alliance with Jiuli and the five-year agreement 
with CRA-Tubulars.

Related risks 
Increased competition and market 
consolidation; reaction to external and internal 
forces; and third-party risk.

Hunting is a trusted supplier to some of the 
world’s leading energy companies, including 
integrated energy companies, international 
services groups, independent oil and gas 
producers, as well as leading engineering 
companies who operate in the global aviation, 
commercial space, defence, medical and 
power generation sectors. 

Hunting’s workforce comprises highly skilled 
engineers and machinists who lead the 
development and manufacture of our 
high-performance technology and products. 
Our expertise in mechanical and materials 
engineering and metallurgy, ensures that 
our products will perform in high-pressure, 
high-temperature environments.

We target clients and end-markets who value 
strongly assured products and services, and 
who demand high-performance technology 
and products. We have developed long-
standing relationships with our customers 
through our market-leading reputation for 
health and safety, quality and reliability, 
differentiated technology, availability and 
delivery, and customer service and support.

Related risks 
Increased competition and market 
consolidation; adverse movement in 
commodity prices; cyber security; product 
quality and reliability; third-party risk; and 
acquisition risk.

We are able to leverage this expertise into 
energy transition markets as well as high-
value non-oil and gas markets, such as 
aviation, commercial space, defence and 
medical for diversification opportunities.

Related risks 
Increased competition and market 
consolidation; adverse movement in 
commodity prices; product quality and 
reliability; third-party risk; and acquisition risk.

Hunting’s responsible and sustainable 
approach to its global operations includes the 
monitoring of waste and emissions to ensure 
we have a minimal impact on the environment. 
We have recycled for many years and, more 
recently, have started to monitor our carbon 
and climate impact, with initiatives being 
introduced to reduce this impact. In 2023, 
the Group announced new 2030 emissions 
reduction targets as part of the Board’s drive 
to improve our carbon reduction credentials 
and to assist in the preparation of a Net Zero 
transition plan.

Related risks 
Climate change and energy transition; cyber 
security; loss of key executives or staff and 
shortage of key staff; work environment 
issues including health and safety; product 
quality and reliability; reaction to external and 
internal forces; third-party risk; acquisition risk; 
and changing global rules and regulations.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information31

Business Model continued

Delivering value for our stakeholders

The Group’s stakeholders enable 
the delivery of Hunting’s business 
model and strategy. Stakeholder 
engagement forms a key element 
of our culture and is an area which 
has increased over the past few 
years. Understanding the needs 
of our shareholders, customers, 
suppliers and workforce is 
achieved through regular dialogue.

Shareholders and lenders
Our shareholders and lenders provide equity 
and loan capital to the Group. The Directors 
regularly engage with shareholders and 
lenders to discuss performance, strategy, 
governance and other matters. This feedback 
is used to refine our strategic plans.

Employees
Hunting’s employees deliver our strategic 
plans and are the Group’s most important 
asset. We are committed to training and 
developing our workforce, and keeping them 
safe through the operation of stringent health 
and safety policies. The Board meets regularly 
with management and the workforce through 
site visits and engagement programmes.

Customers and suppliers
Our clients are critical to the financial success 
of the Group. Customer dialogue helps us 
shape our product development strategy and 
provides focus to our service offering. Hunting 
continuously works hard to deliver a secure 
supply chain for our clients and in the year 
signed new strategic agreements.

10.0 cents

2023 dividend per share declared

9 years

Average employee tenure

538

Patents and trademarks 

Environment and climate
The Group is committed to strong 
environmental stewardship. Our operating 
principals are focused on containing and 
reducing our carbon footprint, maximising 
recycling, reducing waste streams and 
increasing our climate change commitments. 

Governments and communities 
The Group continued its engagement 
with local regulators, tax authorities and 
governments in the year. Hunting continues 
to assist communities through a wide range 
of activities, including fund raising events 
and donations. Each region develops their 
own community initiatives to align with local 
cultural practices. 

23%

Electricity from renewable resources

$81k

Charitable donations

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationBusiness Model continued

Shareholders and lenders

Shareholders
Hunting’s shareholders provide a key source 
of capital to enable growth for the longer term. 
The Group has one class of Ordinary shares 
and has a premium listing on the London Stock 
Exchange. At 31 December 2023, the total 
number of Ordinary shares in issue was 164.9m 
(2022 – 164.9m), and the number of shareholders 
on the register was 1,263 (2022 – 1,285). The 
Board is responsible for setting the Company’s 
dividend policy. The Group’s current practice is 
to declare dividends in US dollars, but pay in 
Sterling. Returns achieved by shareholders, by 
holding the Company’s Ordinary shares, are 
measured through total shareholder return 
(“TSR”). TSR forms a large portion of the 
longer-term remuneration paid to the executives 
of the Group, with demanding vesting targets 
measured against our industry peers. In 2023, 
Hunting PLC’s Ordinary shares achieved a TSR 
of (9)% on an annualised basis, due to weaker 
investor sentiment on the US market outlook 
during the year. For the definition of TSR please 
see page 12.

Shareholder engagement
Regular shareholder engagement meetings are 
organised through an annual calendar of work 
arranged through our investor relations function. 
The Chief Executive and Finance Director meet 
with institutional investors directly following the 
publication of the Group’s half- and full-year 
financial results and throughout the year, and 
also attend investor conferences in the UK, 
Europe and the US to meet new shareholders. 
Further, the Company Chair and Senior 
Independent Director meet investors annually 
to discuss governance and other matters. In 
September 2023, the Group held a Capital 
Markets Day, where Hunting’s senior 
management set out the strategy for growth 
to support stronger shareholder distributions 
and returns to 2030.

32

Lenders
The $150m Asset Based Lending (“ABL”) facility 
commenced in February 2022 and is due to 
expire in February 2026. The ABL lending group 
comprises Wells Fargo and HSBC.

102

Given the Group’s return to strong growth in 
the year, the ABL has been utilised and drawn 
down to support the Group’s working capital 
requirements to meet sales orders. The average 
interest rate on the ABL was 7%.

Dividend per share declared
cents

2023

2022

2021

10.0

9.0

8.0

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. 

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

Total shareholder return
%

2023

(9)

2022

2021

(22)

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 
with shareholders that have recently occurred.

The Audit Committee reviews dividend 
proposals as part of its regular programme of 
work and makes a recommendation to the 
Board following a review of the financial 
performance for the relevant reporting period. 
Dividends are announced along with each set 
of Group results and are usually paid in May 
and in October. The Directors are proposing 
a 2023 Final Dividend of 5.0 cents per share, 
which will be subject to approval by 
shareholders at the 2024 AGM.

During the year, an investor perception survey 
was conducted by a third party on behalf of 
the Company, with feedback presented to the 
Board. The survey sought to appreciate major 
investors’ perceptions on strategy, performance, 
executive management and other issues.

During H2 2023, the Directors engaged with 
major institutional investors on a new Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy and Long-Term Incentive 
Plan, which is to be tabled at the 2024 AGM. 
Following discussion and feedback, 
amendments were made to the proposals.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationBusiness Model continued

Employees

33

Hunting’s reputation, which has been built over 
many years, is underpinned by its highly skilled 
employees, who are key to fulfilling the Group’s 
strategic objectives. At 31 December 2023, the 
Group had 2,420 employees (2022 – 2,258) 
across its global operations. 

The Group is committed to training and developing 
all employees, which includes Health and Safety 
training, professional development and general 
career development initiatives. To retain our staff, 
our employees are fairly remunerated with a 
competitive base salary. Given the competitive 
landscape of our industry, our base levels of pay 
are well above minimum wage thresholds. 
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 has a strong reputation for being a 
responsible employer, which is reflected in the 
average tenure of nine years (2022 – nine) and 
voluntary workforce turnover rate of 14% 
(2022 – 13%). This demonstrates Hunting’s 
commitment to its employees and its drive to 
nurture a mutually beneficial relationship between 
the Company and its employees. 

Hunting takes diligent steps to achieve 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. While the Board, through the work of 
the Ethics and Sustainability Committee, 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 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 
(www.huntingplc.com).

Year-end employees 
# 

2023

2022

2021

2,420

2,258

1,949

Training
The Group operates an embedded Health and 
Safety training programme for its employees, with 
an on-boarding programme for new employees. 
The Group also provides ethics training through 
a Code of Conduct 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. During the year, machinists 
and inspectors of the JV in India were trained by 
Hunting to ensure that our quality-assurance 
standards are applied. As cyber security is a 
principal risk, a cyber security training programme 
was rolled out for all relevant employees in the 
year. For further information on employee 
attraction, retention and development, and 
employee engagement, see pages 75 and 76.

Diversity and inclusion
The Company recognises the benefits of having 
a diverse workforce, which include attracting and 
retaining the best people for the job, supporting 
and delivering high performance, and increasing 
the effectiveness of the Company. To this end, 
Hunting aims to build and maintain a working 
culture that is inclusive of all and values diversity. 
Hunting believes that promoting and developing 
diversity is everyone’s responsibility. The 
Company’s aim is to promote equality and good 
relations between employees of a diverse 
background and eliminate discrimination. Hunting 
is also committed to providing a safe working 
environment where staff are treated with respect 
and ensuring that our employees enjoy prejudice-
free decision making, taking into account all 
stakeholder interests and committing Hunting 
to building a working environment in which all 
individuals are able to make best use of their 
skills, free from discrimination, victimisation, 
harassment and/or bullying, and in which all 
appointments are based on merit. Hunting has 
an embedded culture of equal opportunities 
for all employees, regardless of gender, sexual 
orientation, race, colour, nationality, disability, 
neurodiversity, age, religion or belief, marital 
or civil partnership status, pregnancy or on 
maternity or paternity leave. We will ensure that all 
our employees have the opportunity to develop to 
their full potential. For further reporting on diversity 
and inclusion, see page 76.

Hunting’s policies promote gender and ethnicity 
suggestions made in the Hampton Alexander 
Review and the Parker Review, and these are 
taken into consideration as the Board is refreshed 
over the coming years, with the new reporting 
requirements published by the Financial Conduct 
Authority noted on page 118.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationThe HR team and location managers worked 
hard to ensure employees without regular 
computer access participated in the survey. 

•  Implement the UKG-based performance 

review process globally; and

•  Create a strategy to communicate corporate 

Total recordable incident rate  
#

Business Model continued

Human rights
We are committed to respecting and upholding 
the human rights of all our employees and 
training is provided to employees on a regular 
basis. For further reporting on our approach to 
human rights, see page 78. 

Modern slavery
Our Modern Slavery statement can be found 
on our website (www.huntingplc.com).

We were extremely pleased with the participation 
results from the 2023 employee survey. Of the 
2,254 employees eligible to participate in the 
survey, 1,866 responded, which equates to 83% 
of our employees. This is an improvement over 
the 2019 participation rate of 80%.

Whistleblowing
The Board of Hunting has established procedures 
whereby employees can raise concerns, in 
confidence, by contacting the Company Chair 
or Senior Independent Director.

This high level of participation indicates the 
positive level of engagement from our employees 
as it demonstrates that they are invested in their 
work environment and are willing to participate 
in an exercise to improve our workplace. 

The Group also uses an independent 
whistleblowing service operated by SafeCall. 
Contact information for both these lines of 
reporting is published on staff notice boards 
across the Group’s facilities and within the Group’s 
magazine published twice yearly, the “Hunting 
Review”, which is available to all employees.

Employee engagement survey
During H1 2023, Hunting completed its second 
all-employee engagement survey using the 
Gallup Q12 poll. 

Management recognises that strong employee 
engagement benefits the bottom line outcome 
for the Group with the “most engaged” 
organisations enjoying greater financial returns. 
With this understanding, the measurement and 
improvement of employee engagement 
continues to be an objective of our Company’s 
core strategy. 

Details of the results of the survey can be found 
on the following page.

Gallup Q12 employee engagement results 
– average score out of 5

2023

2019

3.88

3.78

Following the results of the survey, the next steps 
for the Company include:

•  Enhance our development programmes to 
include broad based, on-site delivered 
supervisory and leadership training; 

•  Increase employee recognition initiatives, 
leadership training to include a focus on 
developing leaders’ skillsets in coaching and 
providing feedback to employees. In addition, 
review current business unit recognition 
programmes for future opportunities and 
enhancement;

34

0.91

0.97

0.99

direction and initiatives throughout the 
Company. Each division will be asked to hold 
employee town hall meetings twice per year; 
corporate messaging will be provided to 
supplement local updates. 

Health and safety
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. 

In the year, the number of hours worked increased 
by 13% to 5.3m hours (2022 – 4.7m hours) as 
trading increased across the Group’s businesses. 
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, comply with local regulatory 
requirements. 

During the year, there were no fatalities across 
the Group’s operations (2022 – nil), with 24 
recordable incidents (2022 – 23). The total 
recordable incident rate was 0.91 compared to 
0.97 in 2022 and the industry average of 4.0 
(2022 – 4.0), as published by the US Bureau of 
Labor Statistics. This incident rate reflects a 6% 
year-on-year decrease compared to the prior 
year, despite new employees being hired and 
activity increasing throughout the year. 

2023

2022

2021

The total near miss frequency rate was 1.55 in 
2023 (2022 – 2.79) reflecting 41 near misses 
(2022 – 66). The decrease in near misses reflects 
the more stable workforce numbers seen in the 
year, following the recruitment drive in 2022, 
as energy markets returned to growth.

All incidents were investigated, rectification 
processes were implemented, and learnings 
utilised in safety training sessions. The Group’s 
enhanced SASB reporting includes vehicle 
incident data, with nil incidents (2022 – nine) 
reported in the year. 

Total near-miss frequency rate  
#

2023

2022

2021

0.78

1.55

2.79

Please see pages 80 and 81 for more information 
on compliance with the SASB reporting framework. 

For further reporting on Health and Safety, see 
page 75.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationBusiness Model continued

Board engagement and decision making 
– employees
Through the Ethics and Sustainability 
Committee, the Board has formalised the 
reporting of Human Resources and HSE 
matters, with the Group’s Chief HR Officer 
and Director of QAHSE providing reports 
at each meeting. 

These senior managers are also members 
of the Executive Committee. 

The Directors organised an employee 
engagement event at the Group’s OCTG 
facility in Houma, Louisiana, in June 2023 
where employees were able to ask questions 
to the Board. 

The second all-employee engagement survey 
was completed in the year, with the positive 
results noted above.

All reports to the Group’s SafeCall service 
are taken seriously, with care being taken 
to retain confidentiality and anonymity of all 
callers. Each report is investigated thoroughly, 
with the Board receiving briefings from Keith 
Lough, the Company’s Senior Independent 
Director. During the year, the Group received 
six reports to the SafeCall service (2022 – two). 

For further reporting on our approach to 
business ethics, see page 130.

35

Employee engagement survey shows positive results

Hunting completed its second all-employee 
engagement survey during 2023. Listening to 
our employees and responding to their feedback 
is critical to our business. It helps us to 
understand where we are succeeding and where 
we need to focus our efforts.

The most important question the survey asked 
was: “On a five-point scale, how satisfied are you 
with your organisation as a place to work?” We 
were pleased that the score for this question was 
4.07 out of 5 points, which is consistent with our 
2019 score of 4.06. 

Our average score across all 12 questions 
was 3.88 out of 5, a 0.10 increase from 2019. 
This result is statistically significant because 
most companies experienced a downward 
trend between pre- and post-pandemic surveys, 
and we are delighted that we saw a slight 
improvement instead.

We scored especially well in the first few questions 
that define our employees’ basic needs. 

These results demonstrate that we provide our 
employees with the technology and equipment 
to do their work well, and that we create a 
high-quality workplace. 

Companies with high scores in these areas are 
typically more productive, cost effective, creative 
and adaptive. 

We were pleased that 42% of our employees 
were identified as being “engaged”, an increase 
of 6% on our 2019 result of 36%. 

Furthermore, we were happy with the survey’s 
participation rate of 83%, a 3% increase on our 
2019 participation rate. 

This indicates that our employees are interested 
in their work environment, and willing to play their 
part in helping to improve it. 

The survey also offered us insight on areas that 
require our attention. We learned that we need 
to focus our attention on employee recognition 
procedures, offering more detailed feedback, 
and improving communication. 

An action plan has been developed to address 
these issues. It includes broad-based, on-site 
supervisory and leadership training to improve 
employee recognition and feedback, and the 
introduction of a performance review process, 
which will be rolled out in North America and 
EMEA first, and Asia Pacific later this year. New 
communication channels are also being 
implemented.

We found it useful to compare our two surveys, 
and we anticipate repeating the survey in two to 
three years’ time. 

FIND OUT MORE HERE

Question
I know what is expected of me at work
I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right
At work, I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day

2023
4.47
4.12
4.19

2019
4.42
4.11
4.12

Change
+0.05
+0.01
+0.07

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationBusiness Model continued

Customers and suppliers

36

Our customers
As a key participant in 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 of 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 
compromising on quality. 

A major area of the Group’s customer discussions 
in the year was the improving outlook for energy 
demand and the ability of the supply chain to 
meet client needs as and when equipment 
purchasing recommenced in earnest. 

Hunting continues to engage its customer base 
proactively to ensure our clients meet their 
strategic objectives and continue to assist 
customers with technology developments to 
lower production costs or increase in-field safety.

Customer engagement
Customer engagement is key to the Group’s 
understanding of the short- to medium-term 
needs of our various clients. This dialogue helps 
us shape our strategy and focus our product 
research and development programmes. 

In the year, the Group continued to launch 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. 

Customer perception and satisfaction surveys 
undertaken by an independent third-party are 
also employed to provide customer feedback 
to the Company. 

Hunting’s customer-facing sales teams are directly 
supported by the Group’s engineering, quality 
assurance and health, safety and environment 
teams, who all assist in the provision of key 
operational performance information that supports 
global tenders and the overall sales function. 

During the year, the Group’s sales teams 
attended a number of international trade shows, 
including ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi which enables 
engagement with existing, as well as potential, 
customers to take place. 

Anti-bribery and corruption (“ABC”)
The Group has processes and procedures in 
place to monitor and assess the risk of bribery 
and corruption occurring. 

Hunting’s Code of Conduct training course 
includes detailed modules on ABC compliance 
and risk assessment procedures. 

Twice a year, each major business unit 
completes a risk assessment process, detailing 
management’s views on its risk profile against 
16 key ABC considerations, and includes details 
of the mitigating controls in place for each of 
these risks. 

As part of the Group’s Internal Audit function’s 
work programme, a review of these risk registers 
is undertaken where the bribery and corruption 
risk profile is challenged.

Customer-related 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 be 
transparent in our business dealings.

Due diligence on new customers is also 
undertaken to ensure the Group complies with 
international trading and sanctions legislation. 
Where relevant, 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 
approval policies, which support our 
commitment to conduct business with the 
highest ethical standards.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information37

Business Model continued

Our suppliers
Hunting’s supplier base facilitates the Group in 
achieving its purpose of providing highly trusted 
and innovative products for our customers. 

High-performance, corrosion resistant alloys 
(“CRA”) are now viewed as a critical material to 
deliver geothermal energy and carbon capture 
and storage projects. 

The Group ensures that critical materials are not 
sourced from a single supplier, which provides 
assurance to our customers that Hunting will 
always be in a position to deliver. 

Long lead-time material supplies are regularly 
reviewed to ensure market pricing remains 
competitive. Hunting’s management of its supply 
chain includes working with a wide range of 
suppliers with 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. 

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.

During the year, the new facility in Nashik, India 
was opened, which has been set up alongside 
our JV partner Jindal SAW’s steel mill. The 
strategic location of the new facility ensures the 
supply of pipes and tubes in India to which 
Hunting’s premium connections can be applied. 

Hunting signed new strategic partnership 
agreements in the year to further secure its supply 
chain, and to support the accelerating energy 
transition sector. A ten-year strategic alliance 
agreement was signed with Jiuli to ensure the 
supply of OCTG casing to which Hunting’s 
SEAL-LOCK XDTM connection is applied. 

Hunting also signed a five-year collaboration 
agreement with CRA-Tubulars to market its 
technology in the North America market. 
CRA-Tubulars manufactures titanium composite 
tubing, which is a corrosion resistant alternative 
tubular technology. 

The Company is a signatory to the Prompt 
Payment Code and is committed to paying at 
least 95% of its suppliers within the agreed 
payment terms and to promptly advise them if 
there is a dispute to ensure that disruptions to the 
supply chain are kept to a minimum. We report 
on our payment practices and performance 
in-line with the UK Reporting Payment Practices 
and Performance Regulations 2017. The Company 
is looking to put in place early payment facilities 
for suppliers during 2024.

Supplier-related ethics and governance
As with 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 Supplier Code of Conduct is issued 
to its suppliers as well as our Modern Slavery 
policy, which highlights the Group’s ethical 
trading and fair labour policies. 

For further reporting on our approach to 
business ethics, see page 130.

Board engagement and decision making 
– customers and suppliers
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. 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.

The Board, through the work of the Ethics 
and Sustainability Committee, reviews the 
Group’s supply chain risk profile and reviews 
engagement reports on the Group’s dialogue 
with suppliers. This leads to discussion and 
challenge by the Directors.

For further reporting on our approach to 
business ethics, see page 130.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationBusiness Model continued

Environment

38

Carbon and climate matters have become an 
area of close scrutiny in recent years, with the 
Board overseeing the development and 
introduction of strong governance and reporting 
initiatives that will support Hunting’s commitment 
to these issues for the long term. As part of this 
commitment to manage and reduce its carbon 
footprint, the Board announced a new carbon 
reduction ambition in March 2023, whereby 
Hunting will now target a 50% reduction in its 
scope 1 and 2 emissions, from its base-line year 
of 2019, by 2030. The Directors are mindful that 
all commitments made by the Group should 
remain proportionate to the size and profile of our 
operations, but also to protect our earnings and 
shareholder returns, which form the basis of our 
investment case. In 2023, the Group commenced 
work to assess its scope 3 emissions, beginning 
with Hunting Titan. This work will be expanded 
during 2024 to cover the remaining businesses 
in the Group. The Group continues to migrate its 
primary and secondary energy sources to lower 
carbon sources, with the Group targeting the 
purchase of 50% of our energy requirements 
from renewable sources by 2030. For more 
information on the determination of the Group’s 
scope 3 data, please see pages 70 and 71.

Total scope 1 and 2 CO2e emissions  
tonnes

2023

2022

2021

24,042

22,422

18,859

Group climate policy and commitment 
to the Paris Accords
The Board of Hunting has committed to the 
principles published in the 2015 Paris Agreement, 
which aims to limit the increase in global 
temperatures. The Group’s Climate Policy can 
be found at www.huntingplc.com.

Annual greenhouse gas 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 is 
committed to addressing environmental issues 
and embedding a low carbon culture within our 
Company. New facilities take into account 
environmental impact considerations, including 
protection from extreme weather events, such 
as wind storms and flooding. The Company 
discloses the breakdown of its GHG emissions, 
to enable stakeholders to understand the overall 
mix of emissions and the likely areas of emissions 
reduction, as the Group continues to evolve its 
initiatives to contain and reduce its carbon 
footprint. The Company began a process to 
independently assure its carbon data with a view 
to setting science-based targets in the near future.

The Group submits its greenhouse gas data to 
the Carbon Disclosure Project, which is available 
at www.cdp.net. The data reported and the 
carbon dioxide conversion factors used to report 
the Group’s carbon footprint are based on those 
published by BEIS and DEFRA in the UK 
(www.defra.org.uk) and the International 
Energy Agency. 

CO2e intensity factor
#

2023

2022

2021

25.9

30.9

36.2

For further information on Hunting’s climate, ESG 
and wider sustainability efforts, please see pages 
62 to 81.

Board engagement and  
decision making – environment
The Board has continued to oversee the 
development of carbon and climate initiatives, 
which includes the assurance of its scope 1 
and 2 greenhouse gas carbon data, utilising 
the services of S&P Global. 

The Board has also approved the work 
stream to evaluate Hunting’s scope 3 
greenhouse gas inventories, which will be 
expanded further in 2024. Carbon data 
management has been introduced into the 
annual bonus objectives of the executive 
Directors, as noted in the Annual Report 
on Remuneration.

Tonnes CO2e
Scope 1
Fuel consumption, including natural gas
Vehicle fuel consumption
Total scope 1
Scope 2
Electricity consumption
Total scope 1 and 2
Scope 3
Scope 3 (estimated)
Total scope 1, 2 and 3

2023

2022

2019 
(base line year)

2,037
3,575
5,612

18,430
24,042

2,411
3,367
5,778

16,644
22,422

353,346
377,388

277,143
299,565

4,128
2,972
7,100

28,774
35,874

n/a
n/a

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationBusiness Model continued

Governments and communities

39

Governments
Hunting’s global operating footprint extends 
across 11 countries. As a consequence of this, 
the Group interacts with a number of local 
regulators, governments and tax authorities to 
ensure that Hunting retains a good reputation 
and business standing within each region of 
operation and also 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. 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. 
Each business unit retains a close relationship 
with the relevant local tax and legal authorities. 
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 external-facing 
employees trained in the Group’s anti-bribery 
and corruption policies.

Tax strategy
Hunting is committed to acting with integrity 
and transparency in order to pay the right 
amount of tax at the right time. Hunting’s tax 
strategy is to fully comply with the tax laws, 
regulations, and disclosure requirements in the 
countries we operate in. Hunting may engage 
with reputable professional firms on areas of 
significant complexity, uncertainty or materiality 
to support it in complying with its tax strategy. 
Hunting seeks to engage with tax authorities with 
professionalism, honesty and respect. It works 
with all tax authorities in a timely and constructive 
manner to resolve disputes when they arise. 

Hunting has a zero tolerance approach for tax 
evasion and the facilitation of tax evasion. 
Hunting’s Code of Conduct training course 
includes training modules on this area to help 
employees understand the risks and procedures 
in this regard.

Communities
The Board encourages community-focused 
initiatives, with the Executive Committee 
responsible for identifying local activities and 
projects to support. This delegation allows 
regional cultural practices to be taken into 
account.

Board engagement and decision making 
– governments 
The Group’s tax governance is managed as 
follows:

•  The Board reviews Hunting’s tax strategy 
and policies on an ongoing basis, with 
regular updates on the tax position 
provided at each Board Meeting;

•  As part of the work of the Audit Committee, 
tax matters are also monitored. Further 
details can be found in the Audit Committee 
Report on pages 155 to 159;

•  Day-to-day matters are delegated to 

Hunting’s Head of Tax and a small team 
of in-house tax professionals who hold 
a combination of accounting and tax 
qualifications;

•  An annual review of our tax policies form 
part of our internal Group Manual review 
procedures; and 

•  Ongoing monitoring of tax legislation that 

will impact us, including engaging specialist 
advisers when appropriate.

Local community sponsorships or charitable 
donations are encouraged, following approval by 
a member of the Board or Executive Committee. 
Most businesses within the Group host “Open 
House” days at facilities to allow customers, 
suppliers, employees’ families and other members 
of the local community to see our operations.

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

For further reporting on community engagement, 
see pages 76 and 77.

Board engagement and decision making 
– communities
In December 2022, the Board agreed a new 
policy on the use of unclaimed dividends 
which had been returned to the Company. 
On the recommendation of the Ethics and 
Sustainability Committee, the Board has 
agreed to donate to UK charities all 
unclaimed dividends, with a small committee, 
led by the Finance Director, agreeing the 
charitable donations.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationProduct Review

40

   Perforating Systems

Hunting’s Perforating Systems technology platform and manufacturing 
and distribution presence across North America has maintained a 
market-leading position in this region for many years. The development 
of intellectual property has formed a cornerstone of the Group’s 
strategy to maintain this market position and in 2023, Hunting retained 
185 patents over its Perforating Systems technologies.

With the introduction of the H-3™ and H-4™ 
Perforating Systems over the past few years, the 
Group has launched more efficient and higher 
precision perforating technologies for its clients. 

The Group is now seeking to deploy perforating 
systems, energetics charges, detonation cord, 
instruments and other components to international 
markets, with strong growth anticipated in South 
America, the Middle East and China, where 
modern perforating techniques are being adopted 
in unconventional resource developments.

Introduction and market overview
The Group’s Perforating Systems business has 
faced trading headwinds during 2023 as the 
US onshore rig count weakened throughout the 
year. The low point in this rig count was reached 
in November 2023, with 616 active units in 
operation, this being a reduction from 779 units 
at the start of the year, which represents a decline 
of 21% in 2023. 

In Canada the rig count has been more stable 
throughout the year, averaging 175 in the year, 
which is broadly flat compared to 2022.

Group financial performance
Due to these market conditions, revenue from 
this product line decreased by 3% to $243.8m 
in 2023, compared to $251.9m in 2022. Within 
this, international revenue grew by 33% as 
efforts to globalise the Group’s technologies 
accelerated.

EBITDA for the product line was $25.1m 
compared to $27.3m in the prior year, giving an 
EBITDA margin of 10% in 2023 compared to 11% 
in 2022. The introduction of the H-4 Perforating 
System™ occurred later in 2023. It is aimed at a 
higher tiered market, which is expected to benefit 
revenue and profit margins as production ramps 
up in 2024.

The Perforating Systems sales order book at 
the year-end was $12.7m, compared to $18.7m 
at the 2022 year-end. Perforating Systems does 
not carry a large order book as the business 
operates a ‘manufacture to stock’ model and is, 
therefore, a short cycle business overall.

Intellectual property
Intellectual property based on the Group’s 
Perforating Systems product group totalled 185 
patents and 34 trademarks covering 50 products 
and components.

FIND OUT MORE ON HUNTING TITAN

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationInternational
During the year, and as part of the short- to 
medium-term strategy for the Group to increase 
its international sales of perforating products 
globally, Hunting increased component sales into 
Argentina and Mexico, as onshore unconventional 
resources are developed. The Group’s E-SUB™ 
perforating gun saw good demand in Saudi Arabia, 
and is also seeing growth across Asia Pacific. 

Hunting 2030 Strategy
The Group’s strategy for its Perforating 
Systems product lines is twofold: 

(1)  to lead the further integration of perforating 
technologies and firing instrumentation, 
to enable increased safety and cost 
efficiencies to be captured within its core 
North America market; and

(2)  internationally, the Group will pursue a 

strategy of growth, through the sales of 
both systems and components, which 
align with the individual needs of clients.

Product Review continued

Technology 
The Group has continued to rollout the H-3 
Perforating System™ to clients in the year and to 
support the evolving perforating practices in the 
US, the H-4 Perforating System™ was launched 
in H2 2023. The H-4™ is a self-orienting system 
that improves shooting accuracies.

Hunting also launched the Perf+ shooting panel, 
which provides further system integration 
between the gun and associated firing systems. 
The Group sees further technology integration 
in the future as in-field operating efficiencies 
continue to be pursued.

The Group is also planning to introduce a new 
high temperature switch, which can operate at 
400ºF, as more complex unconventional resource 
plays are pursued.

North America
To improve manufacturing margins and increase 
efficiencies, it was announced in August 2023 
that the Oklahoma City operating site would 
be closed, with production transferred to the 
Monterrey and Pampa facilities, following 
investment in new production equipment at 
these locations. The Group has maintained 
a distribution centre in Oklahoma to service 
clients in the area.

In Canada, the Group invested in Pre-Loaded 
Gun manufacturing capacity at the Grand Prairie 
facility and intends to introduce this offering to 
clients in 2024.

Both of these improvements are expected to 
benefit margins in 2024.

41

Perforating Systems – revenue 
$m

North America onshore average rig count
#

2023

2022

2021

243.8

251.9

2023

2022

2021

181.7

845

879

590

Source: Company

Source: Spears and Associates Drilling and 
Production Outlook – December 2023

Perforating Systems – EBITDA 
$m

North America footage drilled 
mft

2023

2022

2021

8.5

25.1

27.3

2023

2022

2021

311.9

316.9

252.2

Source: Company  
Non-GAAP Measure see NGM C

Source: Spears and Associates Drilling and  
Production Outlook – December 2023

Perforating Systems – sales order book
$m

US frac jobs
#

2023

2022

12.7

18.7

2023

2022

2021

12,966

13,033

11,419

Source: Company

Source: Spears and Associates Drilling and  
Production Outlook – December 2023

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationProduct Review continued

42

OCTG

Hunting’s OCTG product group comprises sales from the Group’s 
three major premium and semi-premium connection families:  
SEAL-LOCK™, WEDGE-LOCK™ and TEC-LOCK™ and associated 
accessories. These connections are applied to many oil and gas wells 
and are directly applicable to geothermal and carbon capture projects.

Introduction and market overview
Hunting’s OCTG offering has made strong 
progress during 2023 in all major regions across 
the Group. This has been driven by the 
continuation of the broad-based recovery in 
activity, predominantly led by resurging offshore 
and international drilling and development 
expenditures. During the year, global oil and gas 
capital investment increased by 11% from 
$190.6bn in 2022 to $212.5bn. Global offshore 
oil and gas capital investment has increased 28% 
to $68.3bn in the year, while international capital 
investment has increased 24% to $93.1bn. This 
industry investment has driven the Group’s 
OCTG sales growth in the year.

Group financial performance
Revenue from the Group’s OCTG product lines 
totalled $395.8m in 2023, compared to $258.8m 
in 2022. This has been primarily driven by OCTG 
contract wins within Asia Pacific for CNOOC and 
Cairn Oil and Gas (Vedanta), in addition to well 
completion work for ExxonMobil and 
Schlumberger in South America.

EBITDA for the product line was $46.7m 
compared to $16.2m in the prior year, giving an 
EBITDA margin of 12% in 2023 compared to 6% 
in 2022.

The OCTG sales order book at the year-end 
was $222.0m compared to $196.5m at the 2022 
year-end, which represents an increase of 13% 
in the year. 

North America 
Hunting, including Hunting Titan OCTG, reported 
good activity throughout the US and Canada in 
the year, with revenue increasing by 26% from 
$157.8m in 2022 to $198.5m in 2023. Strong 
sales of the TEC-LOCK™ semi-premium 
connection were reported in the US and robust 
sales of the TKC4040™ connection in Canada. 
The product group continued to work with 
Chevron Gulf of Mexico in the year, utilising 
Hunting’s SEAL-LOCK™ premium connection. 
Sales of the Group’s WEDGE-LOCK™ 
connection also increased in the year, as more 
offshore projects were sanctioned. While there 
was some softening in demand in the second 
half of the year in the US due to the declining 
onshore rig count, the Group reports increased 
revenue in the year across the region, compared 
to 2022. A region of strong growth in the year 
has been South America, where activity in Brazil, 
Guyana and Suriname have provided a range 
of opportunities for OCTG and supporting 
accessories manufacturing. Of note has been 
the success in Guyana, where well completion 
activity for offshore developments accelerated 
in the year. 

Asia Pacific and EMEA
The Group’s Asia Pacific and EMEA OCTG 
product groups reported an increase in revenue 
from $101.0m in 2022 to $197.3m in 2023, an 
increase of 95%. 

FIND OUT MORE ON OCTG

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information43

Product Review continued

Activity in the North Sea has been subdued; 
however, the Group’s EMEA facilities were busy 
providing threading services for Tubacex, for 
offshore projects in Brazil, with this work expected 
to continue for at least the next two years. 

Elsewhere in Europe, energy transition sales, 
totalling $4.2m have been secured in the year, 
for clients in the Netherlands. The Group’s OCTG 
activities across the Middle East comprise sales 
into Kuwait, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. In Saudi 
Arabia, accessories manufacturing, coupled with 
perforating systems sales, have supported 
performance in the year.

In May 2023, the Group announced a $91m 
three-year contract with Cairn Oil and Gas, 
Vedanta Limited, for Hunting’s SEAL-LOCK™ 
premium connections. The contract is in support 
of a 100 well programme in Rajasthan. The 
Group also substantially completed the major 
CNOOC contract in the year, which was awarded 
in August 2022. 

Through the Jindal Hunting Energy Services joint 
venture, the Group commissioned its premium 
threading facility in Nashik province, India, in 
September 2023. The state-of-the-art facility has 
three threading lines and has an annual capacity 
of 60,000 tonnes of OCTG. The facility provides 
the Group with early mover opportunities in the 
country, given the government’s local content 
requirements. In addition, during the year, the 
Group captured work via Jindal SAW, including 
premium threading and accessories 
manufacturing contracts. The Group’s Asia 
Pacific operating segment has also captured 
sales in Africa and South East Asia for OCTG 
and accessories manufacturing.

Supply chain
Hunting has entered into two key partnerships 
in 2023 to secure important raw materials for its 
energy transition growth ambitions. 

The Group has secured a 10-year strategic alliance 
with Jiuli in China to provide corrosion resistant 
alloy (“CRA”) OCTG, which is key to geothermal 
and carbon capture projects. This high-value 
OCTG is rapidly being adopted due to the 
temperature cycling in these projects. The Group 
also entered into an agreement with CRA-
Tubulars to commercialise its novel titanium 
composite tubular technology, which is also seeing 
promise in energy transition projects, given its 
lower weight and novel mechanical properties.

Hunting 2030 Strategy
As a major pillar of the Hunting 2030 Strategy, 
the Group will continue to develop its premium 
connection and OCTG technologies for oil 
and gas and energy transition applications in 
the coming years.

Within the Group’s oil and gas markets, strong 
growth is anticipated in South America as 
developments in Argentina, Brazil and Guyana 
continue to accelerate. 

Across Africa, key growth areas include 
Namibia, Angola, Gabon and Nigeria. In the 
Middle East opportunities in Northern Iraq, 
Kuwait and Oman continue to be pursued.

Energy transition opportunities are most likely 
to be delivered from North America, with the 
US government support providing strong 
incentives for decarbonisation projects to be 
accelerated. 

Short-term opportunities lie with geothermal 
projects, while carbon capture and storage 
projects are more towards the end of the decade. 

Outside of the US, opportunities in Europe 
and Asia Pacific, in particularly Indonesia and 
the Philippines, for geothermal projects are 
accelerating.

OCTG – revenue 
$m

Global drilling capital investment
$bn

2023

2022

2021

258.8

172.5

395.8

2023

2022

2021

212.5

190.6

138.2

Source: Company

OCTG – EBITDA 
$m

2023

2022

2021

(7.4)

16.2

Source: Spears and Associates Drilling and  
Production Outlook – December 2023

Global average rig count
#

46.7

2023

2022

2021

1,767

1,706

1,323

Source: Company  
Non-GAAP Measure see NGM C

Source: Spears and Associates Drilling and  
Production Outlook – December 2023

OCTG – sales order book
$m

Global offshore capital investment
$bn

2023

2022

222.0

196.5

2023

2022

2021

68.3

53.5

41.8

Source: Company

Source: Spears and Associates Drilling and  
Production Outlook – December 2023

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationProduct Review continued

44

Advanced Manufacturing

Hunting’s Advanced Manufacturing product lines serve oil and gas, 
aviation, commercial space, defence, medical and power generation 
markets. Hunting’s expertise is driven by its manufacturing know-how 
and precision engineering skills for high-value, critical applications as 
well as high temperature and pressure electronics applications.

The Electronics and Dearborn business units, 
which comprise the majority of Hunting’s 
Advanced Manufacturing offering, form the 
foundation of the Group’s non-oil and gas sales 
strategy, which is one of the core pillars of the 
Hunting 2030 Strategy. Hunting’s offering of 
complex, high-precision engineered products 
provides clients with components that are used 
in important mission-critical applications. The 
businesses attract blue chip clients, based on 
these skillsets and know-how and this forms the 
basis of our sales diversification strategy.

Introduction and market overview
Hunting’s Advanced Manufacturing offering 
reported good progress within in its core energy 
markets as well as non-oil and gas markets, 
including aviation, medical devices, naval and 
power generation end-markets. The Electronics 
business continued to report a strong oil and gas 
revenue profile, driven by its expertise in MWD / 
LWD downhole tools and printed circuit board 
(“PCB”) assemblies as well as manufacturing 
switches for Hunting Titan throughout the year. 
Non-oil and gas sales have increased as more 
defence-related work was captured with clients 
including Cubic and Textron in the US. 

The Dearborn business unit has also been 
successful in developing its non-oil and gas 
sales, in the sectors noted above, and has 
developed a strong non-oil and gas sales order 
book in the year.

Advanced Manufacturing markets, therefore, 
are based on oil and gas capital investment, 
which continues to be the foundation of both 
the Electronics and Dearborn business units. 
In addition, a further market indicator is the 
overall level of defence spend by North America 
and European governments. Both these 
end-markets are likely to see robust growth 
to the end of the decade.

During the year, global industry capital 
investment increased by 11% from $190.6bn 
in 2022 to $212.5bn. Global offshore capital 
investment has increased 28% to $68.3bn in 
the year, while international capital investment 
has increased 24% to $93.1bn. This industry 
investment has driven the Group’s Advanced 
Manufacturing sales growth in the year, coupled 
with strong defence and medical markets.

Group financial performance
Revenue from the Group’s Advanced 
Manufacturing product lines totalled $112.1m 
in 2023, compared to $75.1m in 2022. $48.1m 
of Electronics revenue related to the oil and gas 
sector, which includes revenue from work for 
Hunting Titan, and $8.3m was related to non-oil 
and gas markets, and were predominantly 
medical and defence-related sales. Dearborn’s 
revenue of $14.0m related to the oil and gas 
sector, while $42.7m related to non-oil and gas 
sectors. Further detail on the performance of 
the business units is noted below.

FIND OUT MORE ON ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationProduct Review continued 

EBITDA for the product group was $10.7m 
compared to $0.9m in the prior year, giving an 
EBITDA margin of 10% in 2023 compared to 
1% in 2022.

The Advanced Manufacturing sales order book 
at the year-end was $161.5m compared to 
$137.6m at the 2022 year-end, which represents 
an increase of 17% in the year. 

Advanced Manufacturing – Electronics
During 2023, the Electronics business unit 
reported a strong ramp up in client orders,  
as activity levels across the oil and gas sector 
increased, with the demand for MWD/LWD tools 
improving throughout the year.

Sales accelerated throughout the year as supply 
chain constraints eased. However, the business 
has spent the year, encouraging clients to place 
orders early, given that certain components 
remain on a 52+ week delivery time scale.
During the year, the business installed new 
equipment, which enabled volumes to be 
accelerated through the facility, but also to enable 
the business to manufacture heavier assemblies 
that had previously been completed by other 
vendors. This new equipment also enables other 
PCB applications to be pursued as part of the 
wider Hunting 2030 Strategy to diversify its total 
revenue streams to other high-value end-markets. 

The Electronics business has seen strong order 
flows from Halliburton, Schlumberger and Baker 
Hughes in the year, as well as Hunting Titan as 
a key internal customer. As noted above, the 
business unit has been successful in progressing 
defence-related sales growth, which is likely to 
grow strongly in the medium term as defence 
budgets are increased by Western governments. 

Progress has also been made in the area of 
medical devices, where sales have reached 
$4.3m in 2023.

Advanced Manufacturing – Dearborn
The performance and productivity within the 
Dearborn business unit has improved 
dramatically from Q2 2023, following the easing 
of some labour issues that impacted production 
in 2022. The business also benefited from large 
increases in facility throughput in the year. In the 
early part of the year, the business commissioned 
new equipment. These factors meant that it 
outperformed management’s expectations 
during the year.

The business continued to complete work for 
clients such as Halliburton and other international 
energy services groups in the year. The real 
success of the business unit in the year has been 
the increase in its non-oil and gas sales, as well as 
its total sales order book, to end-markets such as 
commercial space, defence and power generation.

The business increased work with Solar Turbines 
in the year for turbine shafts, with Pratt and Whitney 
for engine shafts; with Blue Origin for accumulator 
cylinders; as well as SpaceX, where the Group 
manufactures pistons for rocket landing legs.

Hunting 2030 Strategy
The Group’s non-oil and gas sales, including 
the Advanced Manufacturing product group, 
have increased 59% in the year from $47.6m 
in 2022 to $75.9m in 2023. This result 
demonstrates strong progress in the past 
year and keeps Hunting on track to deliver 
a meaningful diversification by 2030.

45

Advanced Manufacturing – revenue 
$m

Global drilling capital investment
$bn

2023

2022

2021

75.1

59.6

112.1

2023

2022

2021

212.5

190.6

138.2

Source: Company

Source: Spears and Associates Drilling and Production  
Outlook – December 2023

Advanced Manufacturing – EBITDA 
$m

Global average rig count
#

2023

2022

2021

0.9

0.7

10.7

2023

2022

2021

1,767

1,706

1,323

Source: Company  
Non-GAAP Measure see NGM C

Source: Spears and Associates Drilling and Production  
Outlook – December 2023

Advanced Manufacturing 
– sales order book 
$m

Non-oil and gas revenue 
(including Advanced Manufacturing) 
$m

2023

2022

161.5

137.6

2023

2022

2021

75.9

47.6

37.6

Source: Company

Source: Company

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationProduct Review continued

46

Subsea

The Group’s Subsea product offering comprises three sub-groups:  
(i) hydraulic valves and couplings, manufactured by the Stafford 
business unit; (ii) titanium and steel stress joints, manufactured by 
the Spring business unit and; (iii) flow access modules and flow 
intervention systems, manufactured by the Enpro business unit.

Offshore drilling and production capital 
investment has grown strongly in the past two 
years, as operators have re-evaluated the 
long-term, stable production and investment 
profiles offered by deepwater developments. 
Further, the offshore segment of the industry has 
shifted to a business model where end-user 
operators are more willing to interact with 
equipment providers further down the supply 
chain, which has provided opportunities for 
Hunting to bring its novel technologies into main 
stream deepwater field developments. This has 
been an area of success for the Group’s titanium 
stress joint offering, where Hunting has engaged 
directly with operators ahead of contracts being 
awarded in South America and the Turkish area 
of the Black Sea.

Introduction and market overview
The Group’s Subsea businesses have reported 
healthy growth during 2023, as new contract 
wins coupled with strong investment in offshore 
projects led to a notable increase in revenue and 
EBITDA in the year.

Momentum within the Stafford business has 
been driven by the demand for subsea trees, 
which is a critical component of deepwater field 
developments and is a useful market indicator 
of the ongoing demand for the Group’s hydraulic 
valves and couplings. 

The Spring business has seen huge success 
in rolling out its titanium stress joint technology 
to Floating Production, Storage and Offloading 
(“FPSOs”) vessels. The investment by clients, 
such as ExxonMobil, in this technology application 
has driven the increase in the Subsea sales 
order book.

The Enpro business started the year slowly, but 
from mid-year has won a number of large orders 
as offshore-focused clients have accelerated 
developments globally.

Global offshore capital investments have 
increased 28% from $53.5m in 2022 to $68.3m 
in 2023, with international growth being a key 
driver in the year.

Group financial performance
Based on this market environment, revenue in 
the year totalled $98.6m in 2023, compared to 
$69.0m in 2022, as strong momentum was 
reported within the Stafford business unit,  
with the Spring business unit continuing to 
progress its larger orders for South America.  
As noted above, the Enpro business had a 
slower H1 2023, but its performance improved  
in the second half of the year, as new orders 
were commenced.

FIND OUT MORE ON SUBSEA TECHNOLOGIES

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationProduct Review continued

EBITDA for the product group was $13.7m 
compared to $3.4m in the prior year, giving an 
EBITDA margin of 14% in 2023 compared to 
5% in 2022.

The order book closed 2023 at a very healthy 
$152.2m, up from $105.1m at the end of 2022, 
principally due to another large order for titanium 
stress joints booked during the year. 

Intellectual property
Intellectual property, patents and trade marks 
totalled 186 in the year, covering 11 product lines 
across the three major business units noted above.

North America
The Stafford and Spring businesses are both 
located in Houston, Texas, but service 
international offshore markets and customers, 
ranging from South America to West Africa as 
well as the Gulf of Mexico. 

The Stafford business has seen strong demand 
for its hydraulic coupling and valves in the year 
from a range of international clients, including 
Baker Hughes, TechnipFMC and ExxonMobil.

The Spring business has also seen the 
development of a strong relationship with 
ExxonMobil in recent years, as the business’s 
titanium stress joints have become the preferred 
technology for application to FPSOs in Guyana. 
The business completed stress joints for vessels 
bound for the YellowTail and Uaru developments, 
with these contracts to be completed during 
2024 and 2025. Work on the Whiptail project 
will continue into 2026 after being awarded 
in Q4 2023. 

In October 2023, the Group also secured an 
order with Subsea7 for titanium stress joints, 
which are to be applied to an FPSO in the Black 
Sea. This is a new client in a new region for 
Hunting and the management team is delighted 
that the Group’s stress joint technology is seeing 
wider adoption.

Europe, Middle East and Africa
Enpro Subsea’s Flow Access Modules have 
seen solid order wins during H2 2023, with clients 
including Shell and LLOG. These contracts are 
for the Gulf of Mexico and West Africa.

Hunting 2030 Strategy
Subsea is a key area for growth for the Group 
to the end of the decade, with the industry 
moving to more modular development plans, 
along with more standardisation of field 
designs. This is to ensure total project costs 
are contained.

The approach of operators to engage with a 
wider number of suppliers within the offshore 
supply chain provides opportunities for the 
Group to leverage its technology and service 
offering into large, turnkey projects, as 
demonstrated with the success with 
ExxonMobil since 2021.

As part of the Hunting 2030 Strategy, the 
Group will invest in new technologies to build 
the scale of Hunting’s subsea product offering, 
and to capitalise on the renewed interest in 
offshore projects. 

Hunting sees acquisition opportunities in this 
sub-segment of the market, to increase the 
scale and products offered by the Group.

47

Subsea – revenue
$m

Global offshore capital investment
$bn

2023

2022

2021

69.0

58.8

98.6

2023

2022

2021

68.3

53.5

41.8

Source: Company

Subsea – EBITDA
$m

2023

2022

2021

3.4

4.7

Source: Spears and Associates Drilling and  
Production Outlook – December 2023

Global offshore average rig count 
#

13.7

2023

2022

2021

207

189

165

Source: Company  
Non-GAAP Measure see NGM C

Source: Spears and Associates Drilling and  
Production Outlook – December 2023

Subsea – sales order book
$m

Global subsea tree demand 
#

2023

2022

152.2

105.1

2023

2022

2021

253

264

160

Source: Company

Source: Rystad Energy

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationProduct Review continued

48

Other Manufacturing

Hunting’s Other Manufacturing product group includes the Group’s 
well intervention and well testing offerings, along with trenchless and 
organic oil recovery businesses.

The well intervention business is serviced from 
the Group’s North America, Europe and Asia 
Pacific operations. 

The Group’s European well testing business is 
also incorporated into this product group, given 
its differing business model and profile to the 
other products groups. This business is more 
focused on European and Middle East markets.

Introduction and market overview
Hunting’s Other Manufacturing revenue is 
predominantly based on oil and gas capital 
investment, which reported good growth in the 
year, supporting the sales growth noted below.

Sales of well testing and well intervention 
equipment have increased in the year, as 
broad-based investment across the industry 
increased.

Hunting’s Trenchless business unit, which sells 
drill stems, connections and drill pipe, is also part 
of the Other Manufacturing product group and 
forms part of the Group’s non-oil and gas sales. 

During the year, global industry capital 
investment increased by 11% from $190.6bn  
in 2022 to $212.5bn. 

The organic oil recovery business is focused 
across EMEA, commercialising a licenced 
technology to optimise reservoir performance 
and recovery rates and extend the life of the well.

Hunting’s Trenchless business units reported 
good sales growth as 5G roll out across the US 
increased demand for its connections, drill stems 
and drill pipe.

The Group’s exploration and production assets 
also formed part of this product group and, as 
noted elsewhere, were disposed of in the year, 
leaving one asset at year-end.

FIND OUT MORE ON EMEA

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationProduct Review continued

Group financial performance
Revenue from the Group’s Other Manufacturing 
product lines totalled $78.8m in 2023, compared 
to $71.0m in 2022. 

EBITDA for the product line was $6.8m compared 
to $4.2m in the prior year, giving an EBITDA 
margin of 9% in 2023 compared to 6% in 2022.

The Other Manufacturing sales order book at  
the year-end was $16.8m, which compares to 
$15.1m at the 2022 year-end, and represents 
an increase of 11% in the year. 

Well intervention
2023 has seen a notable increase in the sale 
and rental of well intervention equipment globally. 
The product line has seen good revenue growth 
across North America and Europe, benefiting the 
US Manufacturing and Aberdeen facilities.

Well testing
In the year, the well testing business delivered 
another year of revenue growth, in-line with the 
increase in capital investment across the industry.

Given the focus on the Middle East for this product 
line, in August 2023 it was announced the two 
facilities in the Netherlands were to be combined 
into a single facility, with well testing assembly to 
be transferred to Dubai, once the new, larger 
manufacturing facility has been completed. 

49

Organic oil recovery
The product continued to make progress in 
2023, with new trials and field pilots being agreed 
or commenced by an increasing number of major 
international energy businesses.

Trenchless
The Trenchless business reported another solid 
year, supported by the ongoing rollout of 5G 
across North America. Sales of connections, drill 
stems and drill pipe have growth compared to 
2022, with the outlook for 2024 also strong.

Exploration and production
As noted above, the Group sold all but one of its 
remaining onshore and offshore assets in the 
year to streamline Hunting’s business profile. The 
assets were disposed of at net book value, with 
Hunting being released from future plug and 
abandonment liabilities.

Other Manufacturing – revenue 
$m

Global drilling capital investment
$bn

2023

2022

2021

78.8

71.0

2023

2022

2021

49.0

212.5

190.6

138.2

Source: Company

Source: Spears and Associates Drilling and  
Production Outlook – December 2023

Other Manufacturing – EBITDA 
$m

Global average rig count
#

2023

2022

2021

(3.4)

6.8

4.2

2023

2022

2021

1,767

1,706

1,323

Source: Company  
Non-GAAP Measure see NGM C

Source: Spears and Associates Drilling and  
Production Outlook – December 2023

Other Manufacturing – sales order book
$m

2023

2022

16.8

15.1

Source: Company

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationOperating Segment Review

50

Hunting Titan

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

Revenue
Perforating
Energetics
Instruments
Perforating Systems
OCTG
Advanced Manufacturing
External revenue
Inter-segment revenue
Segment revenue

Profitability
EBITDA**
EBITDA margin

Operating profit
Adjusting items
Adjusted operating profit** 
Adjusted operating margin

Other financial measures
Inventory
Capital investment**

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

*  Source: Spears & Associates – December 2023 Drilling and Production Report
**  Non-GAAP Measure (see pages 239 to 244)

2023

670
175

93.7
70.0
72.4
236.1
6.1
8.0
250.2
9.0
259.2

21.9
8

12.7
–
12.7
5

2022

705
174

106.1
69.7
70.7
246.5
3.5
7.8
257.8
8.2
266.0

24.7
9

10.3
5.6
15.9
6

140.5
3.1

122.6
3.9

622
647
4
14
659

656
595
5
12
651

#
#

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

$m
%

$m
$m
$m
%

$m
$m

#
#
#
#
kft2

Introduction
The Hunting Titan operating segment focuses 
predominantly on the US and Canadian onshore 
drilling and completion markets, but also services 
international markets from its operating sites in 
the US. 

Operating profit for the year was $12.7m 
(2022 – $10.3m), and given there were no 
adjusting items in the year, the adjusted operating 
profit was $12.7m (2022 – $15.9m). In 2022, the 
adjusting item of $5.6m was in respect of legal fees 
arising on defending a patent infringement claim.

Hunting Titan has a network of distribution 
centres throughout the US and Canada from 
which the majority of the segment’s sales are 
derived. Hunting Titan also utilises the global 
manufacturing footprint of the wider Group to 
assist in meeting customer demand and, during 
the year, the Electronics business unit, which is 
part of the North America operating segment, 
continued to manufacture switches on behalf 
of Hunting Titan. 

Segment performance
Hunting Titan’s revenue streams are divided into 
four sub-groups: (i) perforating; (ii) energetics; 
(iii) instruments; and (iv) advanced manufacturing 
and OCTG. Perforating gun sales decreased by 
$12.4m in the year while energetics sales 
remained flat at $70.0m reflecting the slower US 
market. This was offset by an increase in 
instrument sales of $1.7m compared to 2022. 

Segment revenue was down 3% in 2023 at 
$259.2m (2022 – $266.0m), as the decline in the 
average WTI crude oil price, higher interest rates 
and the lower average US rig count dampened 
activity across North America during the year. 
Offsetting this domestic performance, Hunting 
Titan’s international sales increased from $33.6m 
in 2022 to $45.0m in 2023, as demand for 
perforating products increased within Asia 
Pacific, the Middle East and South America. 

Given the slower US onshore drilling market, 
inventory levels within the segment increased 
from $122.6m in 2022 to $140.5m in 2023.

Hunting Titan recorded capital investment of 
$3.1m (2022 – $3.9m) mainly relating to new 
equipment purchases for the Milford and  
Pampa facilities, including further expansion  
of detonation cord capacity.

The segment capitalised $2.2m (2022 – $1.0m) 
research and development costs in the year. This 
predominantly related to the development of the 
H-4 Perforating System™ and new energetics 
charges launched in the year.

Operating footprint and headcount
During the year, the Oklahoma City operating 
site was closed, following the investment at the 
Pampa and Monterrey operating sites. The 
Group retains a distribution centre in Oklahoma 
City to service clients in the immediate area.

During the year, the Group opened a distribution 
centre in Grande Prairie, Canada to service 
clients in this region with its H-4 Perforating 
System™ and Pre-Loaded Guns.

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

EBITDA for the year was $21.9m (2022 – $24.7m) 
leading to an EBITDA margin of 8% compared to 
9% in 2022.

Headcount within the segment decreased from 
656 in 2022 to 622 in 2023, predominantly due 
to the facility consolidation noted above.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationOperating Segment Review continued

North America

Market indicators*
US onshore – average rig count
US offshore – average rig count
US – total drilling spend
Canada onshore – average rig count
Canada – total drilling spend

Revenue
OCTG
Advanced Manufacturing
Other Manufacturing
External revenue
Inter-segment revenue
Segment revenue

Profitability
EBITDA**
EBITDA margin

Operating profit 
Adjusting items
Adjusted operating profit** 
Adjusted operating margin

Other financial measures
Inventory
Capital investment**

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

*  Source: Spears & Associates – December 2023 Drilling and Production Report
**  Non-GAAP Measure (see pages 239 to 244)

51

2023

2022

#
#
$bn
#
$bn

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

$m
%

$m
$m
$m
%

$m
$m

#
#
#
#
kft2

670
19
102.5
175
16.8

192.4
104.1
42.8
339.3
35.4
374.7

54.2
14

34.1
–
34.1
9

107.8
14.5

900
868
10
2
1,142

705
15
100.8
174
14.8

154.3
67.3
34.5
256.1
24.6
280.7

26.7
10

9.2
–
9.2
3

90.4
6.3

818
760
10
2
1,136

Introduction
Hunting’s North America operating segment 
incorporates the US and Canada OCTG 
businesses, and the Dearborn and Electronics 
businesses which form the majority of the 
Group’s Advanced Manufacturing product lines. 
The segment generates a large proportion of the 
Group’s non-oil and gas sales, which includes 
the Advanced Manufacturing group and the 
Trenchless business unit that services the 
telecommunications sector, which is reported 
under ‘Other Manufacturing’. 

Segment performance
Revenue within the North America operating 
segment is derived from three primary product 
groups being: (i) OCTG, which incorporates 
premium connection and accessories 
manufacturing; (ii) Advanced Manufacturing, 
which incorporates the Electronics and Dearborn 
business units; and (iii) Other Manufacturing, which 
incorporates well intervention and trenchless sales.

The segment’s OCTG revenue has benefited from 
strong well completion sales into Guyana and 
Brazil during the year, as offshore developments 
have accelerated throughout the period. Sales of 
the Group’s TEC-LOCK™; SEAL-LOCK™ and 
TKC4040™ connections have been strong as 
activity in North and South America has 
strengthened in the year, leading to a $38.1m 
increase in revenue in 2023 compared to 2022.

The Electronics business reported good growth, 
as traditional oil and gas sales, as well as medical 
device, other non-oil and sales and inter-company 
sales to Titan continued in the year. The Dearborn 
business reported a strong improvement in 
performance during 2023, as new equipment 
was installed and efforts to increase non-oil and 
gas revenue also were captured. Overall, 
Advanced Manufacturing revenue increased by 
$36.8m in the year compared to 2022.

Other Manufacturing revenue, increased by 
$8.3m, supported by improving well intervention 
sales and a steady performance from the 
trenchless business unit. 

Overall, segment revenue was up by 33% from 
$280.7m in 2022 to $374.7m in 2023.

EBITDA for the segment was $54.2m  
(2022 – $26.7m) as activity increased in all 
product lines. This has led to an EBITDA margin 
of 14% compared to 10% in 2022. Operating 
profit and adjusted operating profit for the year 
were $34.1m (2022 – $9.2m), as there were no 
adjusting items in either year. 

Inventory levels within the segment increased 
from $90.4m in 2022 to $107.8m, as new orders 
were commenced, particularly within the 
Electronics and US Manufacturing businesses.

The North America operating segment recorded 
capital investment of $14.5m (2022 – $6.3m) 
mainly relating to new equipment purchases and 
upgrades at the segment’s Dearborn and US 
Manufacturing businesses.

The segment spent $4.1m (2022 – $4.3m) on 
research and development in the year, including 
spend to support the development and 
qualification of premium connections for 
application to geothermal and carbon capture 
projects.

Operating footprint and headcount
During the year, the operating footprint of the 
segment remained unchanged, with ten 
operating sites and two distribution centres at 
year-end. With the increase in activity reported 
across most product lines, the headcount within 
the segment increased from 818 in 2022 to 900 
in 2023, predominantly within the Dearborn and 
US Manufacturing (OCTG) sites. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationOperating Segment Review continued

Subsea Technologies

Market indicators*
Global offshore – average rig count
Global offshore – total drilling spend

Revenue
Stafford – Couplings and valves
Spring – Stress joints
Enpro – Flow access modules & Flow intervention systems
External revenue
Inter-segment revenue
Segment revenue

Profitability
EBITDA**
EBITDA margin

Operating profit (loss)
Adjusting items
Adjusted operating profit (loss)**
Adjusted operating margin

Other financial measures
Inventory
Capital investment**

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

*  Source: Spears & Associates – December 2023 Drilling and Production Report
**  Non-GAAP Measure (see pages 239 to 244)

2023

207
68.3

42.1
49.1
7.4
98.6
–
98.6

13.7
14

8.0
–
8.0
8

25.4
1.2

196
180
3
188

#
$bn

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

$m
%

$m
$m
$m
%

$m
$m

#
#
#
kft2

52

2022

189
53.5

34.1
25.0
9.9
69.0
–
69.0

3.4
5

(8.1)
7.0
(1.1)
(2)

18.3
0.9

155
149
3
188

Introduction
The Subsea Technologies operating segment was 
formed on 1 January 2023 and comprises three 
business units: (i) Stafford, which manufactures 
hydraulic valves and couplings; (ii) Spring, which 
manufactures titanium and steel stress joints; 
and (iii) Enpro which manufactures flow access 
modules and flow intervention systems.

These businesses occupy different parts of 
the offshore / subsea equipment supply chain, 
with customers ranging from tier one OEMs to 
exploration and production companies.

The segment operates from three facilities, two 
being located in the US and one in Scotland, UK.

Segment performance
With the increase in global offshore drilling spend 
noted on pages 24 and 25, revenue with the 
Subsea Technologies operating segment has 
increased 43% in the year, from $69.0m in 2022 
to $98.6m in 2023.

The Stafford business unit has reported an 
$8.0m increase in revenue in the year, supported 
by new deepwater developments being 
progressed globally. The business reported 
record levels of sales in October and November 
2023, which were similar to revenue reported 
in 2014, supporting the view that offshore 
investment is a key area of development for 
the global energy industry.

The Spring business unit has continued to grow 
its market share in the supply of steel and titanium 
stress joints for application to Floating Production, 
Storage and Offtake vessels and in the year 
revenue nearly doubled from $25.0m in 2022 
to $49.1m in 2023. 

The Enpro business unit reported a slow 2023, 
with revenue decreasing by $2.5m in 2023 
compared to the prior year. However, a number 
of new orders were received in H2 2023, with the 
unit finishing the year with the largest backlog in 
its history.

EBITDA for the segment was $13.7m 
(2022 – $3.4m) as key contracts were  
progressed and operating efficiencies were 
improved on the back of increased volumes  
and stronger pricing. This has led to an EBITDA 
margin of 14% compared to 5% in 2022.

Operating profit for the year was $8.0m  
(2022 – $8.1m loss). The adjusted operating  
profit was $8.0m (2022 – $1.1m loss), with 2022 
including a $7.0m adjustment for impairment of 
goodwill in Enpro.

Inventory levels within the segment increased 
from $18.3m in 2022 to $25.4m, as new orders 
were commenced, particularly within the Spring 
business unit.

During the year, the Subsea Technologies 
operating segment recorded capital investment 
of $1.2m (2022 – $0.9m) mainly relating to new 
equipment purchases at the Stafford facility.

Operating footprint and headcount
During the year, the operating footprint of the 
segment remained unchanged. The segment’s 
Westhill operating site was merged into the 
Group’s Badentoy, Aberdeen facility to save 
overhead costs, in January 2024.

Headcount within the segment increased 
from 155 in 2022 to 196 in 2023, reflecting 
the higher activity levels reported across the 
operating segment.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Operating Segment Review continued

EMEA

Market indicators*
Europe – average rig count
Europe – spend
North Sea – average rig count
North Sea – spend
Middle East – spend

Revenue
OCTG
Perforating Systems
Other Manufacturing
External revenue
Inter-segment revenue
Segment revenue

Profitability
EBITDA**
EBITDA margin

Operating loss
Adjusting items
Adjusted loss**
Adjusted operating margin

Other financial measures
Inventory
Capital investment**

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

*  Source: Spears & Associates – December 2023 Drilling and Production Report
**  Non-GAAP Measure (see pages 239 to 244)

53

2023

96
15.8
30
14.5
21.8

46.5
7.7
32.5
86.7
1.5
88.2

1.7
2

(2.3)
–
(2.3)
(3)

28.1
2.4

270
261
7
279

#
$bn
#
$bn
$bn

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

$m
%

$m
$m
$m
%

$m
$m

#
#
#
kft2

2022

74
14.1
30
13.0
19.0

32.4
5.4
31.5
69.3
2.2
71.5

(2.1)
(3)

(6.0)
–
(6.0)
(8)

23.6
0.7

247
226
7
236

Introduction 
Hunting’s EMEA operating segment comprises 
businesses in the Netherlands, Norway, Saudi 
Arabia, UAE and UK. The segment provides 
OCTG (including threading, storage and 
accessories manufacturing) in the Netherlands, 
Saudi Arabia and the UK. In the UAE the Group 
operates an equipment assembly function for 
well testing and intervention products as well as 
a global sales office for all of the Group’s product 
lines and operates a service and distribution 
function in Norway. The Group’s operations in 
Saudi Arabia are through a 65% joint venture 
arrangement with Saja Energy.

Segment performance
Revenue within the EMEA operating segment is 
derived from three primary product groups being: 
(i) OCTG, incorporating premium connection and 
accessories manufacturing; (ii) Perforating Systems, 
supporting the sales of products on behalf of 
Hunting Titan; and (iii) Other Manufacturing, 
which incorporates well intervention, well testing 
and organic oil recovery sales.

OCTG revenue has benefited strongly from the 
Tubacex contract, which is for an offshore, deep 
water project in Brazil. Within OCTG revenue, 
$4.2m of sales have been derived from energy 
transition / geothermal projects, which were 
completed for clients in the Netherlands. OCTG 
accessories revenue has also increased in Saudi 
Arabia as activity in the country increased 
throughout the year. Overall, OCTG revenue has 
increased by $14.1m in 2023 compared to the 
prior year. 

Sales of Perforating Systems have also increased 
in the year, as demand for Hunting Titan’s 
components increased across the Middle East 
and in Norway. Revenue from this product group 
increased $2.3m in the year. 

Other Manufacturing, which includes well 
intervention sales and rental in addition to well 
testing and organic oil recovery sales have 
increased by $1.0m during the year to $32.5m. 
This includes $1.0m of non-oil and gas revenue 
for the sale of trenchless products.

EBITDA for the segment was $1.7m (2022 – $2.1m 
loss) as the activity noted above increased across 
most product lines. This has led to an EBITDA 
margin of 2% compared to (3)% in 2022.

The operating loss and adjusted operating loss 
narrowed to $2.3m loss (2022 – $6.0m loss). 
There were no adjusting items in either year.

Inventory levels within the segment increased 
from $23.6m in 2022 to $28.1m, as new orders 
were commenced, particularly in respect of the 
Tubacex contract.

During the year, the EMEA operating segment 
recorded capital investment of $2.4m 
(2022 – $0.7m) mainly relating to new equipment 
purchases at the segment’s Badentoy facility.

Operating footprint and headcount
During the year, the operating footprint of the 
segment remained unchanged, with seven 
operating sites at the year-end.

 In August 2023, the Group announced the 
consolidation of facilities in the Netherlands from 
two to one operating sites. Well testing assembly 
is being transferred to the UAE, where a new 
larger facility is currently being built and will be 
opened towards the end of 2024.

The headcount within the segment increased 
from 247 in 2022 to 270 in 2023.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationOperating Segment Review continued

Asia Pacific

Market indicators*
Far East – spend
Middle East – spend

Revenue
OCTG
Other Manufacturing
External revenue
Inter-segment revenue
Segment revenue

Profitability
EBITDA**
EBITDA margin

Operating profit (loss)
Adjusting items
Adjusted operating profit (loss)**
Adjusted operating margin

Other financial measures
Inventory
Capital investment**

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

*  Source: Spears & Associates – December 2023 Drilling and Production Report
**  Non-GAAP Measure (see pages 239 to 244)

FIND OUT MORE ON ASIA PACIFIC 

54

2023

24.8
21.8

150.8
3.5
154.3
3.3
157.6

11.5
7

8.5
–
8.5
5

29.2
2.2

346
324
3
540

$bn
$bn

$m
$m
$m
$m
$m

$m
%

$m
$m
$m
%

$m
$m

#
#
#
kft2

2022

17.5
19.0

68.6
5.0
73.6
6.8
80.4

(0.7)
(1)

(3.4)
–
(3.4)
(4)

19.3
2.6

309
301
3
531

Introduction
Hunting’s Asia Pacific operating segment 
covers three operating facilities across China, 
Indonesia and Singapore and services 
customers predominantly in Africa, Asia Pacific, 
India and the Middle East. 

In Singapore, Hunting manufactures OCTG 
premium connections and accessories and well 
intervention equipment. The Group’s Indonesia 
facility also completes threading and accessories 
work. In China, the Group operates from a facility 
in Wuxi, which has OCTG threading and 
perforating gun manufacturing capabilities.

Segment performance
Revenue within the Asia Pacific operating 
segment is derived from two primary product 
groups being: (i) OCTG, which incorporates 
premium connection and accessories 
manufacturing; and (ii) Other Manufacturing, 
which incorporates well intervention 
manufacturing.

Revenue increased significantly in 2023, growing 
by 96% to $157.6m, from $80.4m in 2022. This is 
primarily due to OCTG product revenue which 
has grown strongly during 2023, following the 
significant CNOOC order win which was secured 
in August 2022, followed by a $91m order from 
Cairn Oil and Gas, Vedanta Limited, which is a 
three-year contract, and was announced in May 
2023. Both contracts utilises China-sourced 
OCTG, with Hunting applying its SEAL-LOCK™ 
premium connection technology to this pipe. 

EBITDA for the segment was $11.5m 
(2022 – $0.7m loss) due to a combination of the 
increased activity, pricing and operating leverage. 
This has led to an EBITDA margin of 7% 
compared to (1)% in 2022.

Operating profit and adjusted operating profit for 
the year was $8.5m (2022 – $3.4m loss), as there 
were no adjusting items in either year.

Inventory levels within the segment increased 
from $19.3m in 2022 to $29.2m, as new orders 
were commenced, particularly in respect to the 
CNOOC and Cairn Oil and Gas contracts.

During the year, the Asia Pacific operating 
segment recorded capital investment of $2.2m 
(2022 – $2.6m) mainly relating to new equipment 
purchases at the segment’s Singapore and 
Wuxi facilities.

Operating footprint and headcount
During the year, the operating footprint of the 
segment remained unchanged, with three 
operating sites at year-end. 

The headcount within the segment increased 
from 309 in 2022 to 346 in 2023, in support of 
the large OCTG orders secured during the year.

India joint venture
The segment has Group oversight of the  
Jindal Hunting Energy Services joint venture  
in India, in which Hunting holds a 49% interest.  
In September 2023, a state-of-the-art premium 
connection threading facility was opened in 
Nashik Province, which has capacity for 60,000 
metric tonnes of OCTG per annum.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Group Financial Review 

55

The Group delivered strong operational performance in 2023 reporting 
growth in revenue, operating profit and earnings, following a return 
to profitability in 2022. This was driven by heightened industry activity 
and was achieved despite more subdued commodity prices during the 
year, demonstrating the robust demand for the Group’s diverse portfolio 
of products.

Financial performance measures

The following are financial key performance indicators as identified on page 12.

Revenue 
EBITDA (NGM C)
EBITDA margini

Adjusted profit before taxii (NGM B)

Adjusted diluted earnings per share – centsii (NGM B)

Free cash flowiii (NGM P)
Total cash and bank (NGM K)

Dividend per share declared – cents (NGM Q)

2023 
$m
929.1
103.0
11%

50.0

20.3c

(0.5)
(0.8)

10.0c

2022
$m
725.8
52.0
7%

10.2

4.7c

(60.4)
24.5

9.0c

Sales order book (note 23)

565.2

473.0

Financial performance measures derived from IFRS

Operating profit
Profit/(loss) before tax
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share – cents
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 

2023 
$m
61.0
50.0
70.0c
49.3

2022 
$m
2.0
(2.4)
(2.8)c
(36.8)

i.  EBITDA as a percentage of revenue.
ii.   Results are presented on a statutory basis as reported under UK adopted International Financial Reporting Standards. Adjusted results 

reflect adjusting items determined by management, which are described in Non-GAAP Measures (“NGM”) on pages 239 to 244.

iii.  Free cash flow in 2022 has been restated to include capital investment and intangible asset investment, see NGM P for further details. 

FIND OUT MORE FROM FINANCE DIRECTOR, 
BRUCE FERGUSON

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationGroup Financial Review continued

Overview

Group revenue increased by 28% in 2023 to 
$929.1m, from $725.8m in 2022, buoyed by 
market momentum, notably in South America 
and Asia Pacific where drilling activity improved. 

All operating segments delivered growth in 
revenue, with the exception of Hunting Titan 
where demand for Perforating Systems was 
impacted by a reduction in the North American 
rig count. There was particularly strong growth 
in the North America and Asia Pacific operating 
segments where demand for the Group’s 
OCTG products accelerated in response to the 
increased activity in these regions. The newly 
formed Subsea Technologies operating segment 
benefited from growth in offshore drilling activity 
and the continued progress in sales of its titanium 
and steel stress joints. Additionally, in North 
America the Group’s Advanced Manufacturing 
businesses reported strong revenue growth 
including the expansion of non-oil and gas sales, 
which now account for 8% of total Group 
revenue, up from 7% in 2022.

Gross margin improved by one percentage point, 
increasing to 25%, primarily from improvements 
in the Advanced Manufacturing and Subsea 
product groups. 

With increased efficiencies and improved operating 
leverage, operating expenses as a percentage of 
revenue improved from 23% to 18%, and EBITDA 
nearly doubled compared to 2022, and at 
$103.0m (2022 – $52.0m) represents an EBITDA 
margin of 11%, up from 7% in 2022. 

The Group’s activities were further streamlined in 
2023 with the disposal of Hunting’s legacy oil and 
gas production assets, together with the closure 
of the Oklahoma manufacturing facility in the US. 
In 2024, further efficiencies will be gained with 
the consolidation of facilities in the Netherlands.

The improvement to EBITDA has driven operating 
profit performance, and also the adjusted diluted 
earnings per share, which at 20.3 cents, compared 
to 4.7 cents in 2022, improved by 332%. 

Cash generation has been a focus as revenue 
growth through 2022 and 2023 has placed 
demands on increased levels of working capital. 
This focus can be seen in the cash performance 
of the Group in the second half of 2023. While 
working capital (NGM E) increased during the 
year from $362.8m in 2022 to $415.9m, it has 
reduced by $30.0m during H2 2023. 

The Company’s definition of free cash flow has 
been revised in 2023 and now includes capital 
investment and intangible asset investment. Free 
cash outflow in 2023 was $0.5m, compared to 
a $60.4m outflow in the prior year. Of note was 
the $59.0m inflow delivered in the second half 
of the year. Total cash and bank finished the year 
at $(0.8)m, following the movements noted above. 
There is more work to do to further improve our 
working capital efficiency and overall cash 
generation, and this is a priority for 2024. 

The balance sheet at the end of 2023 was 
strong. There was an increase in non-current 
assets following continued capital and intangible 
asset investment in the Group of $34.6m 
(2022 – $22.0m) to support the growth outlook. 

As part of the year-end procedures and following 
detailed analysis, the Group has recognised 
$83.1m of previously unrecognised deferred tax 
assets in the US, driven by the increased forecast 
profitability across the US businesses. 

Whilst capital employed was up, profitability grew 
by a greater extent, resulting in an improvement 
in return on average capital employed from 1% 
in 2022 to 6% in 2023 (NGM S). 

Summary Group operating results

Revenue 
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling and distribution costs
Administrative expenses
Net operating income and other expenses
Operating profit
Adjusting itemsi (NGM A)
Adjusted operating profiti (NGM B)

56

2023 
$m
929.1
(701.4)
227.7
(49.3)
(119.8)
2.4
61.0
–
61.0

2022 
$m
725.8
(554.4)
171.4
(46.1)
(124.9)
1.6
2.0
12.6
14.6

EBITDA (NGM C)

103.0

52.0

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share – cents (note 10)

70.0c

(2.8)c

Adjusted diluted earnings per share – centsi (NGM B)

20.3c

4.7c

i. 

 Results are presented on a statutory basis as reported under UK adopted International Financial Reporting Standards. Adjusted results 
reflect adjusting items determined by management, which are described in Non-GAAP Measures (“NGM”) on pages 239 to 244.

Cash returns to shareholders also increased 
during the year to $15.0m (2022 – $13.6m) and, 
following the strong performance of the Group 
in the year, the Board has proposed an increase 
in the full year dividend of 11% to 10.0 cents 
per share. 

Hunting is well positioned for 2024 and beyond, 
with a record sales order book of $565.2m at 
the year-end, compared to $473.0m in 2022, 
following material OCTG and Subsea order wins. 
It is expected that $444.5m of the order book will 
be recognised as revenue in 2024. 

Operating results

Revenue
Revenue for 2023 increased by 28% to $929.1m 
(2022 – $725.8m) reflecting the accelerated 
industry activity during the year, particularly in 
South America, as drilling in Guyana and Brazil 

expanded, and in Asia Pacific, where drilling in 
India and the Middle East gathered momentum. 
Performance was particularly strong within the 
North America, Subsea Technologies and Asia 
Pacific operating segments driven by growth in 
the OCTG, Subsea and Advanced Manufacturing 
product lines, partially offset by some softness in 
Hunting Titan’s perforating systems sales, due 
in part to a reduction in the North American rig 
count. There was also growth in non-oil and gas 
revenue of 59% from $47.6m in 2022 to $75.9m 
in 2023. 

Gross profit
Gross profit for the year increased to $227.7m 
compared to $171.4m in 2022 driven by higher 
revenue and facility utilisation, leading to a better 
absorption of overheads. Gross margin was 
25% in the year (2022 – 24%) as product mix, 
increased pricing and higher utilisation of facilities 
provided a healthier drop through to profit. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationGroup Financial Review continued

Operating profit
Following the charges for selling and distribution, 
administration, and other net operating income 
and expenses totalling $166.7m (2022 – $169.4m), 
operating profit in 2023 was $61.0m compared 
to $2.0m in 2022.

Selling and distribution costs increased by 
$3.2m to $49.3m (2022 – $46.1m) reflecting 
the increased level of activity across the Group. 
Administrative expenses were down from 
$124.9m in 2022 to $119.8m in 2023. 2022 
included $12.6m relating to one-off adjusting 
items, see below. Excluding these items, the 7% 
increase in administrative expenses reflects 
further investment in support functions and 
infrastructure to underpin the growth agenda. 

Profit/(loss) before tax
Net finance expense amounted to $10.4m  
(2022 – $1.7m) with the higher expense reflecting 
the interest paid on the utilisation of the Asset 
Based Lending (“ABL”) facility during the year.

The Group’s share of associates’ and joint 
ventures’ results in the year was a loss of $0.6m, 
reduced from a loss of $2.7m in 2022, reflecting 
an improved performance within Rival Downhole 
Tools. With the mobilisation of the joint venture 
with Jindal SAW during the year, the Group’s 
share of associates’ and joint ventures’ results 
will be presented within operating profit and 
EBITDA from 1 January 2024. 

Following these charges, the Group’s profit 
before tax was $50.0m (2022 – $2.4m loss).

Taxation
The tax credit for the year was $69.0m  
(2022 – $1.3m charge) resulting in an effective 
tax rate (“ETR”) of (138)% compared to (54)% 
in 2022. 

The adjusted ETR provides a more meaningful 
comparison of the year-on-year position, which is 
discussed below. The Group’s ETR is significantly 
different to that which might be expected when 
applying the weighted average tax rate of 23% 
to the profits made by the Group. The main driver 
of this difference relates to an adjusting tax credit 
of $83.1m that arose from the recognition of 
previously unrecognised deferred tax assets in 
the US. Due to the increased profitability in the 
region, the criteria for the recognition of the 
deferred tax assets was met in the period. 

Profit/(loss) for the year
Following the tax, the profit for the year was 
$119.0m (2022 – $3.7m loss), with a profit of 
$117.1m (2022 – $4.6m loss) attributable to 
Hunting’s shareholders. 

Earnings/(loss) per share
Diluted earnings per share were 70.0 cents, up 
from a 2.8 cents loss per share in 2022. There 
were 167.3m (2022 – 170.1m) weighted average 
Ordinary shares in issue, inclusive of all dilutive 
potential Ordinary shares.

Non-GAAP profit measures
The Board continues to monitor the Group’s 
progress using adjusted profitability measures 
and reviews and approves the adjusting items 
proposed by management, as the Group believes 
these adjusted measures aid the comparison of 
the Group’s operating performance from one 
period to the next. The Group’s adjusted trading 
results have been highlighted throughout this 
review, with reconciliations between the statutory 
and adjusted results detailed in NGM B. The 
definition and calculation of a range of other 
NGMs including EBITDA, total cash and bank, 
working capital, free cash flow and ROCE can 
be found on pages 239 to 244.

EBITDA of $103.0m nearly doubled compared 
to $52.0m in 2022, demonstrating the 
increased strength of global energy markets 
and the overall demand for the Group’s diverse 
product portfolio. As a result, EBITDA margin 
improved to 11% (2022 – 7%). The definition 
and calculation of EBITDA is shown in NGM C. 

There were no adjusting items impacting 
operating profit in 2023. Therefore, adjusted 
operating profit and adjusted profit before 
tax were the same as the corresponding 
statutory results. 

In 2022, following the annual review of goodwill, 
an impairment charge of $7.0m was recognised 
in relation to Enpro Subsea. Hunting also 
incurred legal fees of $5.6m defending a claim 
made by a competitor against the Group 
relating to a patent infringement. These 
adjustments, which impacted operating profit, 
totalled $12.6m. For further information, please 
see NGM A.

Adjusted operating profit in 2022 was $14.6m 
after adding back the adjusting items of $12.6m, 
which equated to an adjusted profit before tax 
of $10.2m. Adjusted operating margin in 2023 
was 7% compared to 2% in 2022. 

There was one adjusting item in 2023 relating 
to the tax credit of $83.1m in relation to the 
recognition of US deferred tax assets in the 
year. As detailed in NGM D, the adjusted tax 
charge for the year was, therefore, $14.1m, 
with an adjusted ETR of 28% (2022 – 13%). 

The impact on diluted earnings per share of 
the adjustment to the tax charge was a 
reduction of 49.7 cents per share to 20.3 cents 
(2022 – 4.7 cents) for the year.

57

Revenue

$929.1m

(2022 – $725.8m)

Operating profit

$61.0m

(2022 – $2.0m)

With revenue growth 
combined with increased 
efficiencies and improved 
operating leverage, EBITDA 
nearly doubled to $103.0m. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationGroup Financial Review continued

Operating segment, product 
line financial data and sales 
order book

The Group’s sales order book has increasingly 
become a more meaningful measure for 
shareholders to monitor the Company’s 
trading outlook. 

The Hunting business is organised and managed 
by segment but has a consistent product 
structure that runs across the organisation. 

In order to provide better insight and visibility, 
management has provided additional information 
for revenue and EBITDA by product group, which 
clarifies the relationship between Hunting’s 
operating segments and key product groups. 

Segmental operating results

Management therefore presents below the sales 
order book of the Group, as at 31 December 
2023, by operating segment and product group 
to assist in the outlook for the medium term. 

The sales order book comprises the value 
of all unsatisfied orders from customers and is 
expected to be recognised as revenue in future 
periods. The sales order book represents the 
aggregate amount of the transaction price 
allocated to partially or fully unsatisfied 
performance obligations, as defined in IFRS 15 
Revenue from Contracts with Customers 
(note 23).

Hunting Titan 
North America
Subsea Technologies
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Inter-segment elimination 

2023

2022

Revenue 
$m
259.2
374.7
98.6
88.2
157.6
(49.2)
929.1

EBITDAi 

$m
21.9
54.2
13.7
1.7
11.5
–
103.0

Adjusted 
operating 
resultii 
$m
12.7
34.1
8.0
(2.3)
8.5
–
61.0

Sales 
order 
book 
$m
20.3
298.8
152.2
31.1
142.8
(80.0)
565.2

Revenue 
$m
266.0
280.7
69.0
71.5
80.4
(41.8)
725.8

EBITDAi 

$m
24.7
26.7
3.4
(2.1)
(0.7)
–
52.0

Adjusted 
operating 
resultii 
$m
15.9
9.2
(1.1)
(6.0)
(3.4)
–
14.6

Sales 
order 
book 
$m
33.0
251.7
105.1
35.1
110.4
(62.3)
473.0

i.  EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure, see NGM C.
ii.   Results are presented on a statutory basis as reported under UK adopted International Financial Reporting Standards. Adjusted results reflect adjusting items determined by management, which are described in 

NGM A. 

Results by product group

Perforating Systems 
OCTG
Advanced Manufacturing
Subsea
Other Manufacturingii

i.  EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure, see NGM C.
ii.  Other Manufacturing now includes the previously disclosed Well Intervention product group. 

2023

2022

Revenue 
$m
243.8
395.8
112.1
98.6
78.8
929.1

EBITDAi 

$m
25.1
46.7
10.7
13.7
6.8
103.0

Sales 
order 
book 
$m
12.7
222.0
161.5
152.2
16.8
565.2

Revenue 
$m
251.9
258.8
75.1
69.0
71.0
725.8

EBITDAi 

$m
27.3
16.2
0.9
3.4
4.2
52.0

Sales 
order 
book 
$m
18.7
196.5
137.6
105.1
15.1
473.0

58

The Group sales order book continued to grow 
and was a record $565.2m at 31 December 
2023, up 19% from $473.0m at 31 December 
2022, following several material order wins within 
the Subsea and OCTG product groups. 

The sales order book comprises 2% Perforating 
Systems (2022 – 4%); 39% OCTG (2022 – 42%); 
29% Advanced Manufacturing (2022 – 29%); 
27% Subsea (2022 – 22%) and 3% Other 
Manufacturing (2022 – 3%). 

Of this order book, approximately 79% is 
expected to be recognised as revenue in 2024, 
10% during 2025 and 11% from 2026 onwards, 
underlying the changing profile of Hunting’s 
revenue visibility. 

Detailed commentary on the financial 
performance of each operating segment 
can be found on pages 50 to 54. 

Detailed commentary on the financial 
performance of Hunting’s product groups 
can be found on pages 40 to 49.

Group funding 
The Group’s primary source of funding is through 
the $150.0m Asset Based Lending (“ABL”) facility, 
which is in place until February 2026. 

An accordion feature of up to $50.0m has also 
been agreed and providing there is lender 
support to do so at the appropriate time, this 
feature allows the Company to increase the total 
facility quantum to $200.0m.

The ABL was drawn down during 2023 due to 
investment in working capital to support the 
increased activity. The closing ABL borrowing 
position was $44.9m and, together with bank 
overdrafts of $1.4m, was offset by $45.5m of 
cash held across the Group. Of this cash holding, 
$24.3m is in China. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationGroup Financial Review continued

Sales order book

$565.2m

(2022 – $473.0m)

The Group sales order 
book grew by 19% 
and was a record at 
31 December 2023. 

The collateral reporting cycle for the period 
ending 30 November 2023, which determined 
availability under the ABL facility at 31 December 
2023, delivered applicable asset values amounting 
to $151.1m (2022 – $158.0m). The difference 
between the total facility quantum available to 
the Group under the ABL (i.e. $150.0m) and the 
applicable asset values was $1.1m (2022 – $8.0m). 
This suppressed availability represents the 
amount of over collateralisation provided by the 
Group and means that the entire $150.0m 
remains available for utilisation by the Group. 

It is management’s view that the ABL remains 
resilient and continues to provide a strong 
foundation on which the strategic growth 
aspirations of the Group may be established.

Further details relating to the ABL and the other 
facilities, as well as information on the Group’s 
financial risk management are disclosed in 
note 30.

Consideration of the likelihood that the Group will 
require access to the facilities, or any other sources 
of external funding, to support our existing 
operations in the next 12 months are covered in 
the going concern assessment on page 107.

Cash flow

After adding non-cash share-based payment 
charges back to EBITDA, the resulting cash 
inflow in 2023 was $116.5m (2022 – $61.9m).

The outflow relating to working capital in 2023 
was $55.0m (2022 – $86.6m) reflecting the 
continued growth in activity across the Group. 
Hunting is measuring balance sheet efficiency 
using working capital as a percentage of 
annualised revenue. 

Summary Group cash flow statement

EBITDA (NGM C)
Add: share-based payment expense

Working capital movements (NGM M)
Lease payments
Net interest and bank fees paid 
Net tax paid
Capital investment (NGM N) 
Intangible asset investment 
Proceeds from asset disposals 
Net gains on asset disposals 
Legal fees to defend patent infringement claim 
Other operating and non-cash movements (NGM O)
Free cash flow (NGM P)
Investment in associates and joint ventures
Dividends received from associates
Dividends paid to equity shareholders
Net purchase of treasury shares 
Net cash flow
Foreign exchange
Movement in total cash and bank (note 26)
Opening total cash and bank
Closing total cash and bank (NGM K)

59

2022i 
$m
52.0
9.9
61.9
(86.6)
(8.0)
(2.9)
(3.9)
(16.4)
(5.6)
9.0
(2.8)
(5.6)
0.5
(60.4)
(3.5)
–
(13.6)
(7.7)
(85.2)
(4.5)
(89.7)
114.2
24.5

2023 
$m
103.0
13.5
116.5
(55.0)
(10.4)
(7.3)
(9.1)
(23.7)
(10.9)
1.9
(1.7)
–
(0.8)
(0.5)
(1.6)
0.6
(15.0)
(8.7)
(25.2)
(0.1)
(25.3)
24.5
(0.8)

i.  Free cash flow in 2022 has been restated to include capital investment and intangible asset investment, see NGM P for further details. 

Whilst significant progress was made in the 
second half of 2023, with working capital 
reducing by $30.0m, our closing ratio as a 
percentage of annualised revenue of 46% is 
slightly down on the position at the end of 2022 
of 44% (NGM E). 

Supporting measures of working capital have 
also been a focus. Inventory days moved from 
159 days at 31 December 2022 to 175 days at 
31 December 2023 (NGM F), reflecting inventory 
build in support of both the current order book, 
and in Titan for future orders. Receivables days 
have increased slightly to 89 days compared 
to 84 days at 31 December 2022 (NGM G) 

reflecting the changing product mix, with OCTG 
typically having slightly longer payment terms 
than Perforating Systems. Payables days have 
remained consistent moving from 50 days to 49 
days (NGM H). In addition, Hunting has reduced 
its payments on account to suppliers from 
$23.7m in 2022 to $12.4m at the end of 2023, 
and increased its advances from customers from 
$8.8m in 2022 to $31.0m at the end of 2023.

During the year, the Group’s leasing 
arrangements gave rise to cash payments of 
$10.4m (2022 – $8.0m), with the majority of the 
increase attributable to a one-off payment made 
to exit a lease for a surplus property in Canada.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationGroup Financial Review continued

Net interest and bank fees paid in the period 
were higher at $7.3m (2022 – $2.9m), mainly 
due to interest paid on the borrowings under 
the ABL facility. 2022 included $3.0m relating 
to ABL fees paid, which were capitalised on 
the balance sheet.

Net tax payments of $9.1m were made in 2023 
(2022 – $3.9m), reflecting the Group’s improved 
operating results during the year.

We continued to invest in the business with 
capital investment in the year totalling $23.7m 
(2022 – $16.4m). Hunting Titan spent $3.1m, 
mostly on new plant and machinery; $14.5m 
was in North America, with $6.1m spent by 
Dearborn and $4.5m spent by US Manufacturing 
on new machines and upgrades; $1.2m was 
in Subsea Technologies on new machines; 
$2.4m was in EMEA; $2.2m by Asia Pacific; 
and $0.3m centrally.

Intangible asset investments in the year were 
$10.9m (2022 – $5.6m), with $7.0m incurred on 
software and the continued roll out of the D365 
ERP system, and $2.2m by Hunting Titan on 
internally generated technology.

Proceeds from the disposal of assets totalled 
$1.9m (2022 – $9.0m). In 2022, net proceeds 
comprised a net $5.0m received following the 
sale of a property in Casper, Wyoming and a net 
receipt of $2.4m to exit the leased property at 
Benoi Road in Singapore. 

Gains on asset disposals of $1.7m (2022 – $2.8m) 
relate to gains on the disposal of property, plant 
and equipment including the disposal of legacy 
oil and gas exploration and development assets.

Legal fees of $5.6m were paid in 2022 to 
defend the Group against a patent infringement 
claim made by a competitor. There were no 
corresponding fees in 2023. 

The resulting free cash outflow was $0.5m, 
compared to a free cash outflow in 2022 
of $60.4m.

During the year, the Group made a further 
investment in Cumberland Additive totalling 
$1.6m, following the $1.6m invested in 2022. In 
2022, the Group also invested $1.9m in the joint 
venture with Jindal SAW in India to support the 
development of the new threading facility which 
opened in the second half of 2023. Hunting also 
received a $0.6m distribution from an associate 
during 2023. 

There were increased returns to shareholders 
in 2023 with dividends paid to Hunting PLC 
shareholders amounting to $15.0m (2022 – $13.6m). 

During the year, 2.9m Ordinary shares 
(2022 – 2.1m Ordinary shares) were purchased 
as treasury shares through Hunting’s Employee 
Benefit Trust for a total consideration of $9.0m 
(2022 – $7.9m). These shares will be used to 
satisfy future awards under the Group’s share 
award programme. This was offset by $0.3m 
(2022 – $0.2m) received on the disposal of 
treasury shares.

Overall, the Group recorded a net cash outflow 
of $25.2m (2022 – $85.2m), which was 
predominantly driven by the absorption of cash 
into working capital, as noted above.

As a result of the above cash outflows and 
$0.1m foreign exchange losses (2022 – $4.5m), 
total cash and bank was $(0.8)m (NGM K) at 
the year-end (31 December 2022 – $24.5m).

Summary Group balance sheet

Property, plant and equipment 
Right-of-use assets
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Investments in associates and joint ventures 
Working capital (NGM E) 
Taxation (current and deferred)
Provisions 
Other net assets
Capital employed (NGM J) 
 Total cash and bank (NGM K)
 Lease liabilities
 Shareholder loan from non-controlling interest
Net debt (note 26)
Net assets

60

2022 
$m
256.7
26.0
155.5
35.7
20.1
362.8
4.0
(8.9)
4.3
856.2
24.5
(30.6)
(3.9)
(10.0)
846.2

2023 
$m
254.5
26.2
154.4
40.8
20.5
415.9
82.7
(7.5)
3.0
990.5
(0.8)
(28.7)
(3.9)
(33.4)
957.1

Balance sheet

Property, plant and equipment was $254.5m at 
31 December 2023 (2022 – $256.7m) following 
additions of $23.1m and other items of $2.7m, 
offset by depreciation of $27.2m and disposals 
of $0.8m. Capital investment during the year 
was made to support the growth agenda. 

Right-of-use assets totalled $26.2m at 
31 December 2023 compared to $26.0m at 
31 December 2022. 

Goodwill was largely unchanged at $154.4m 
(2022 – $155.5m) with impairment and foreign 
exchange movements totalling $1.1m.

Investments in associates and joint ventures 
increased by $0.4m, reflecting a further 
investment in Cumberland Additive of $1.6m, 
offset by the Group’s share of associates’ and 
joint ventures’ losses for the period of $0.6m and 
the receipt of a $0.6m distribution. The Group’s 
share of post-tax profit of its material associate, 
Rival Downhole Tools, was $1.4m in 2023 
(2022 – $1.6m loss).

Working capital (NGM E) increased by $53.1m 
to $415.9m, in-line with the growth in activity 
in the business. Inventory levels grew by $58.8m 
to $380.9m but inventory provision levels 
remained broadly flat at $52.5m supported by 
the growth outlook. 

Other intangible assets increased by $5.1m to 
$40.8m at 31 December 2023. Additions of 
$10.9m on internal development of new products 
at Hunting Titan as well as on software and IT 
data centres, and favourable foreign exchange 
movements of $0.8m were offset by amortisation 
charges of $6.6m.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
61

The dividend will be paid in Sterling with the 
Sterling value of the dividend payable per share 
fixed and announced approximately two weeks 
prior to the payment date, based on the average 
spot exchange rate over the three business days 
preceding the announcement date. The dividend 
will be paid to those shareholders on the register 
at the close of business on 12 April 2024, with 
an ex-dividend date of 11 April 2024.

Bruce Ferguson
Finance Director

29 February 2024

Group Financial Review continued

Net tax assets on the balance sheet were 
$82.7m at 31 December 2023 compared to 
$4.0m in the prior year. Net tax assets have 
risen significantly as a result of the recognition 
of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets 
in the US, reflecting improved profit expectations 
in the region.

As a result of the above changes, capital 
employed in the Group increased by $134.3m 
to $990.5m. The return on average capital 
employed was 6% in 2023 compared to 1% 
in 2022 (NGM S). 

Net debt (note 26) at 31 December 2023 
was $33.4m (31 December 2022 – $10.0m), 
a significant improvement on the position 
reported at half year of $82.3m due to strong 
cash generation in the second half. The closing 
position is a result of working capital outflows 
reflecting the strong trading environment and 
increased sales order book, as described above. 
Net debt includes $28.7m of lease liabilities, 
which have decreased by $1.9m during the year 
due to lease payments being made. 

Dividend

A Final Dividend of 5.0 cents per share  
(2022 – 4.5 cents) has been proposed by the 
Board, making the total dividends declared for 
the year ending 31 December 2023 10.0 cents 
per share (2022 – 9.0 cents per share), an 
increase of 11% over 2022. Subject to 
shareholder approval at the 2024 Annual General 
Meeting, the Final Dividend will be paid on 10 
May 2024. This distribution will amount to an 
estimated cash return of $7.9m (2022 – $7.1m). 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information62

ESG and Sustainability

Our approach

Hunting is committed to operating responsibly, ethically and 
sustainably to create long-term value by firmly embedding these 
principles into our strategy and culture. We are committed to 
relevant and transparent disclosures and continue to improve our  
ESG-related reporting procedures, aligning these with current  
and new disclosure regulations and standards and the needs 
of our stakeholders. 

We also highlight our contribution to the UN 
Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”). We 
have identified SDGs 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13 and 
17 as the ones to which we can make the most 
positive contribution.

ESG disclosures
•  We continue to report in line with the SASB 
standards most relevant to our business: 
SASB Oil & Gas – Services and Industrial 
Machinery & Goods standards. Our SASB 
content index may be found on pages 80  
and 81.

•  We have adopted and report against the Task 
Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure 
(“TCFD”) standard. See pages 82 to 95.

•  We make an annual submission to the Carbon 
Disclosure Project, which can be reviewed at 
www.cdp.net. 

•  Our annual Modern Slavery Act Statement, 
which is approved by the Board, is available 
on our website at www.huntingplc.com. 

•  As a publicly-listed company providing 

products and services primarily to the oil  
and gas sector, we annually disclose the 
Payments made to Governments on a  
country-by-country and project-by-project 
basis under the Payments to Government 
Regulation 2015. This is available at 
www.huntingplc.com.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationESG and Sustainability continued

Governance
The Ethics and Sustainability Committee has 
stewardship of the Group’s strategic approach 
to ESG matters. The Committee monitors and 
guides those matters that are both financially 
material to the value of the Group’s businesses 
over time, and those that are important to our 
markets, our employees, other stakeholders and 
the environment. The Committee met on two 
occasions in 2023. For more details see pages 
128 to 130.

The management of ESG matters is led by the 
Chief Executive and the Executive Committee, 
supported by the ESG Steering Committee and 
TCFD Working Group.

63

Material issues 2023 – adopting a ‘double 
materiality’ approach

The environment

People and society

•  Ensuring environmental  

•  Protecting the health and safety 

compliance and good practice; and
•  Pursuing the responsible transition 
to and growth of our business in 
less carbon-intensive sectors.

of our customers;

•  Protecting the health, safety and 
well-being of employees; and

•  Promoting and ensuring employee 

engagement.

Responsible Products

Governance

•  Ensuring the quality and 

consistency of our products;
•  Ensuring customer and market 

responsiveness; and
•  Delivering innovation.

•  Safeguarding cyber-security;
•  Protecting and enhancing our 

reputation;

•  Complying with regulations; 
•  Promoting business ethics, 
anti-bribery and corruption;
•  Assuring due diligence in our 

supply chain; and

•  Promoting Board leadership and 

accountability for ESG. 

Focus on material issues
In 2023, we again undertook a materiality 
assessment to guide our ESG framework and 
disclosures. For the first time we adopted a 
‘double materiality approach’, considering:

•  Impact materiality, that is the actual or 

potential, positive or negative impacts of the 
business on people or our environments over 
the short, medium or long term; and

•  Financial materiality, that is whether an issue 
may be material from a financial perspective, 
and could potentially trigger financial effects on 
Hunting, either as a risk or opportunity, in the 
short, medium or long term.

Our process involved:

•  An assessment of new and impending 

reporting disclosure regulations and standards; 
a review of peer reporting; and an analysis of 
feedback from ratings agencies;

•  Interviews undertaken with senior executives 

across the Group in core disciplines: 
compliance; investor relations; human 
resources; health, safety, environment and 
quality; IT; and customer engagement and 
marketing;

•  We undertook an online survey of key 

executives to determine their assessment of 
the issues through the lenses of impact and 
financial materiality; and

•  The survey resulted in the identification and 
ranking of issues. We have focused on the 
top 14 issues, which were reviewed by the 
Executive Committee prior to their being 
submitted to the Board for consideration 
and approval.

These issues are illustrated on the right in 
alignment with our sustainability framework.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationESG and Sustainability continued

At a glance

64

The environmentPeople and societyResponsible productsGovernanceScope  1 and 2 GHG data assurance completedTo review our assurance report please see www.huntingplc.comSafety remains a priorityZero fatalities (2022 – zero)24 recordable incidents  (2022 – 23)1.55near-miss frequency rate (2022 – 2.79)Improved levels of employee engagement78%of our facilities are compliant with ISO 9001: 2015, a globally recognised standard for quality managementContinued focus on Board accountability for ESGEthics and Sustainability Committee met twice  in 2023 (2022 – twice)The 2023 employee engagement survey recorded an engagement score of 42%, compared to 36% recorded in 2019.Waste and environmental impact: Zero environmental fines or recordable environmental incidents (2022 – zero)Gender diversity improvements44% of the Board are women  (2022 – 37%)25% of workforce are women (2022 – 24%)Our Quality Management System is aligned with ISO 14001 (international standard for designing and implementing an environmental management system)32% of senior management are women (2022 – 28%)Board independence78% of the Board is independentISO 50001(international standard for designing, implementing and maintaining an energy management system)Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationESG and Sustainability continued

Our sustainability framework

We have continued to refine and simplify our ESG 
framework, aligning this with the outcomes of our 
materiality process.

Our overriding ESG ambition is to create 
long-term, sustainable value and this was applied 
in four areas of focus:

•  The environment;
•  People and society;
•  Responsible products; and 
•  Governance.

Our commitments remain unchanged and are 
aligned with each of these focus areas, which 
form the basis of our ongoing disclosure. For 
each focus area, we indicate the relevant 
Sustainable Development Goal (“SDG”).

65

Our commitment 
Sound environmental stewardship and 
a responsible transition to a lower 
carbon economy

Our commitment
Ethical and transparent 
conduct in our business 
and our supply chain

T H E   E N V IRONMEN

T

E
C
N
A
N
R
E

V

O

G

Our ambition

Responsibly creating long-term,
sustainable value

Our commitment
Ensuring the safety and 
health of employees and 
customers, engaging 
with and supporting 
our people and the 
communities around us

P

E

O

P

L

E

A
N
D
S
O
C
I
E
T
Y

Our commitment 
Delivering innovative, high quality 
and reliable products

RESPONSIBLEPRODUCTSHunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
66

ESG and Sustainability continued

Progress against our commitments

AREA

OUR COMMITMENTS

MATERIAL ISSUES ADDRESSED

WHAT WE MEASURE

PERFORMANCE IN 2023

The environment

Managing our environmental performance, 
mitigating our impacts
We protect and minimise our impact on the 
environments in which we operate, and where 
our products are used. We focus on climate 
change – setting and achieving emissions 
reductions and mitigating climate-related risks.

•  Applying integrated risk management 

Environmental incidents 

Zero (2022 – zero)

across the business;

•  Increasing GHG emissions disclosures, 
and developing a credible transition 
pathway to Net Zero; and

•  Ensuring environmental compliance and 
good practice (emissions, water, waste).

CO2e intensity factor

25.9 kg CO2 per $k revenue  
(2022 – 30.9 kg) 

Water consumption

198,000m3 (2022 – 164,000m3)

People and society Operating safely

•  Protecting the safety of our customers 

Internal manufacturing reject rate

0.20% (2022 – 0.13%)

We seek to achieve and maintain the highest 
standards of safety for our employees, 
customers, suppliers and the public.

and users of our products; and
•  Protecting the health, safety and 
well-being of our employees.

Fatalities

Zero (2022 – zero)

Total recordable incident rate

0.91 (2022 – 0.97)

Near-miss frequency rate

1.55 (2022 – 2.79)

Vehicle incidents

Zero (2022 – nine)

Supporting and developing our people
We want to attract and retain a highly skilled 
workforce. We provide training and development 
to our employees to help them sustain and grow 
their careers. We promote diversity and 
workplaces that are free of prejudice.

•  Ensuring fair labour practices and 

Voluntary turnover

14% (2022 – 13%)

optimal human capital management;

•  Promoting diversity and inclusion, 
with the current focus on gender 
diversity; and

Representation of women on 
the Board, in senior management; 
and in the workforce

44% women on the Board (2022 – 37%)
32% women in senior management 
(2022 – 28%)
25% women in workforce (2022 – 24%)

•  Engaging with our employees.

Engagement level

42% engagement score (2019 – 36%)

Supporting communities around us
We make a positive contribution to the 
communities in which we operate.

•  Investing in our communities.

Charitable donations

$81k paid in charitable donations 
(2022 – $85k)

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationESG and Sustainability continued

67

AREA

OUR COMMITMENTS

MATERIAL ISSUES ADDRESSED

WHAT WE MEASURE

PERFORMANCE IN 2023

Responsible 
products

Delivering high quality products and 
services
We meet and pre-empt the needs of our 
customers and the environments we both 
operate in, through innovation, customisation 
and the highest levels of quality control.

•  Ensuring the quality assurance of 

Internal manufacturing reject rate

0.20% (2022 – 0.13%)

our products;

•  Transition to and growth of business 

% of shipped goods returned

0.0006% (2022 – 0.0013%)

in less carbon-intensive sectors;

•  Promoting innovation to develop new 

products and applications; and

•  Being responsive to the needs of our 

% of facilities accredited to 
ISO 9001: 2015 (Quality) 

78% (2022 – 74%)

customers and market.

Non-oil and gas revenue

$75.9m (2022 – $47.6m)

Research and development 
expenditure

$6.9m (2022 – $5.8m)

Whistleblowing reports

Six reports (2022 – two)

Governance

Fostering mutually beneficial partnerships
We foster sound and positive partnerships with 
our customers and suppliers, industry bodies, 
and regulators in the regions in which we 
operate. We respect human rights.

•  Ensuring sound governance, business 
ethics, and anti-bribery and corruption;

•  Due diligence in supply chain;
•  Observance of regulation and custom, 

including local content;

•  Respecting human rights, including 

preventing modern slavery;

•  Maintaining transparency and improving 

ESG disclosure; and

•  Disclosing Board and leadership 

accountability for ESG, and linking this 
to remuneration.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
ESG and Sustainability continued

Our contribution to the SDGs

The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda 
for Sustainable Development 
provides a shared blueprint for 
peace and prosperity for people 
and the planet, now and into the 
future. At its heart are the 17 
SDGs, which are an urgent call 
for action by all countries – 
developed and developing – in a 
global partnership. These goals 
recognise that ending poverty and 
other deprivations must go hand-
in-hand with strategies that 
improve health and education, 
reduce inequality, and spur 
economic growth – all while 
tackling climate change and 
working to preserve our oceans 
and forests.

At Hunting, we believe we can contribute to 
achieving these goals, and that every contribution 
– no matter how small – can have a positive 
impact on society and the environment.

We have identified nine SDGs to which we can 
make a positive contribution.

68

Good health and well-being

Affordable and clean energy

Responsible consumption  
and production

The health and safety of our employees is of the 
utmost importance to us. We are responsible for 
the health and safety of those who use or are 
affected by our services and equipment. We 
believe that we can address employee and 
community health through the systems we have 
in place, the training, support and access to 
healthcare we provide, and through innovation 
and technology – by building and implementing 
safety-enhancing features in the work we do.

Through the technology, products and services 
we provide to the oil and gas sector, we assist in 
the safe, and reliable extraction of resources, 
while minimising environmental impacts. We also 
have a number of readily available technologies 
and products to supply to the tangential 
geothermal and carbon capture and storage 
markets in the emerging energy transition sector. 

As a responsible and efficient operator, we strive 
to limit the consumption of the materials we use, 
and to increase recycling and integration into the 
circular economy. We are conscious of the need 
for the responsible sourcing of materials.

Gender equality

Decent work and economic 
growth

Climate action

Our aim is to ensure that our workplaces and 
decision making processes are free from 
prejudice, and that hiring and promotion is based 
on merit. Not only do we aim to improve gender 
representation in our business, we also seek to 
promote diversity on our Board and among our 
senior leadership team.

We have a skilled and diverse workforce, 
operating in 11 countries across the globe. 
We place a great emphasis on attracting and 
retaining talented employees, ensuring that 
they are engaged and able to develop to their 
full potential. Measures are in place to identify 
and guard against modern slavery and 
human trafficking.

We recognise that climate change is a global 
challenge and a risk to our business, and that we 
can make the most positive contribution towards 
climate change mitigation by improving our 
energy efficiency mix and reducing our 
greenhouse emissions. We also recognise the 
need to understand and plan for climate change 
impacts and transition.

Clean water and sanitation

Industry, innovation and 
infrastructure

Partnership for the goals

We monitor and manage our water usage, 
understanding that water is a valuable and 
constrained resource, especially in some of the 
regions in which we operate. We protect water 
resources, guarding against potentially 
hazardous emissions to water bodies.

We support inclusive and sustainable 
industrialisation. We produce and work with 
innovative technology that is safe and efficient.

We recognise that the achievement of the SDGs 
requires partnership and collaboration. Through 
Hunting’s TEK-HUB™, we seek to attract 
innovative individuals and companies to develop 
technology partnerships. By working in true 
collaboration, we will bring innovations to market 
under licence.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationESG and Sustainability continued

69

The environment

OUR COMMITMENT

We protect and minimise our impact on the 
environment in which we operate, and where our 
products are used. We support the responsible 
transition to a low carbon economy, by setting 
and achieving emissions reductions and 
mitigating climate-related risks, and transitioning 
our business to less carbon intensive sectors.

MATERIAL ISSUES

Ensuring environmental compliance and good 
practice (emissions, water, waste)

Pursuing the transition to and growth of our 
business in less carbon-intensive sectors

SDGs

Our comprehensive and integrated approach 
to quality, safety, health and environmental 
management and compliance is underpinned 
by our sound enterprise risk management 
framework. This supports our aim to ensure 
compliance with all environmental regulation 
in the regions in which we operate. 

We are committed to the efficient use of natural 
resources, such as energy, water and raw 
materials, and to reducing our overall 
environmental footprint. 

The Group’s Quality Management System is 
aligned with the globally recognised ISO 14001 
(environmental) standard and the ISO 50001 
(energy management) standard. In 2023,  
78% (2022 – 74%) of facilities were in compliance 
with ISO 9001: 2015.

Climate change
At Hunting, we support a science-based 
approach to climate change and recognise that 
responsible companies have a role to play in 
mitigating our contribution to climate change and 
its impacts on business and society. The Hunting 
Board has committed to the principles published 
in the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit 
the increase in global warming to below 2°C and 
to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. 
Our Climate Policy was updated in January 2023, 
and is available at www.huntingplc.com. Having 
adopted and progressed our TCFD reporting, 
additional strong governance and reporting 
initiatives have been put in place to further 
support our commitment to addressing and 
mitigating our impact on climate change, as well 
as the impact of climate change on our business 
in the short, medium and long term. Our TCFD 
disclosure is available on pages 82 to 95. 

We seek to manage our climate-related impacts 
by setting and achieving emission reductions, 
and mitigating climate-related risks. While 
Hunting’s businesses have historically operated 
in the oil and gas sector, the Group is deliberately 
seeking to transition to lower carbon products 
and services. We are committed to pursuing 
energy transition opportunities as well as 
diversifying revenue sources to include non-oil 
and gas sales.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
 
70

ESG and Sustainability continued

Measuring our emissions and setting 
targets
Hunting has disclosed its scope 1 and 2 GHG 
emissions since 2013, in accordance with the 
principles of the Kyoto Protocol. The process for 
the reporting of these emissions is integrated into 
our non-financial reporting framework. As our 
scope 1 and 2 emissions are within our control, 
our aim is to reduce them as a priority:

•  In 2022, the Board approved a target to reduce 
our GHG emissions by 50% by 2030, from 
levels reported in 2019, the baseline year. This 
equates to a target of 17,937 tonnes in total 
scope 1 and 2 emissions by the end of the 
decade. The Group continues to drive an 
intensity factor (calculated as total emissions 
divided by revenue) of less than 30; and

•  In late 2022, the Group appointed S&P Global 

to assure our 2022 scope 1 and 2 GHG 
emissions data. This process was completed 
in July 2023, with no material issues being 
identified. 

In September 2023, the Group appointed a 
third-party expert to assist in the evaluation of 
Hunting’s scope 3 GHG emission inventories. 
This process started in late 2023 at our Hunting 
Titan operating segment. Hunting Titan currently 
represents around 23% of the Group’s scope 1 
and 2 carbon footprint and is considered to be 
a major component of our overall footprint. 

In 2024, this assessment will be extended to the 
Group’s Subsea Technologies, EMEA and Asia 
Pacific operating segments to further improve the 
accuracy of our total GHG footprint. This will 
enable the Group to develop and publish a 
credible carbon reduction plan by mid-2025. 

2013
Began scope 1 
and 2 GHG 
emissions 
reporting

2019
Publication of 
maiden carbon 
reduction and 
intensity targets

2021
Initial TCFD 
disclosures 
published

2023
Maiden scope 3 
GHG reporting, 
based on Hunting 
Titan operating 
segment data

2024
Proposed 
expansion of 
scope 3 reporting 
and development 
of Net Zero plan

2025
Proposed 
publication of 
Net Zero plan

2022
Publication of 
enhanced TCFD 
disclosures

Commenced 
carbon assurance 
against AA1000 
standard

Our scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint
To reduce our scope 1 and 2 emissions footprint, 
we aim to improve our energy efficiency and, at 
the same time, increase the contribution of 
renewables to our energy mix. Importantly, we 
aim to introduce a ‘low carbon’ culture within our 
operating facilities and among our employees.

In the US, where most of the Group’s facilities are 
located, wind generation capacity is substantial, 
giving the Board confidence that a large 
proportion of our carbon footprint (predominantly 
scope 2 electricity usage) can be substantially 
eliminated by moving to renewable energy. 

In the UK, the Group’s Aberdeen and London 
operations have secured renewable energy 
supplies. The Group also participates in several 
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.

In 2023, our total electricity usage was  
49.4 GWh (2022 – 43.4 GWh). Of this figure,  
total renewable electricity purchased was  
11.4 GWh, (2022 – 8.7 GWh) or 23% of  
electricity purchased (2022 – 20%).

Total purchased electricity 
GWh

2023

2022

2021

49.4

43.4

40.5

Renewable electricity purchased
GWh

2023

2022

2021

6.5

11.4

8.7

The data reported and the carbon dioxide 
conversion factors used to report the Group’s 
carbon footprint, are based on those published 
by the International Energy Agency and BEIS and 
DEFRA in the UK (www.defra.org.uk).

Total scope 1 and 2 CO2e emissions 
tonnes 
*
2030

17,937

2023

2022

2021

* 2030 Target

24,042

22,422

18,859

The Group’s total scope 1 and 2 emissions  
in 2023 were 24,042 tonnes CO2e  
(2022 – 22,422 tonnes CO2e). In the UK,  
total scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2023 were  
787 tonnes CO2e (2022 – 359 tonnes CO2e). 

Our scope 3 carbon footprint
In 2023, the Group appointed an independent 
third-party expert adviser to assist in the 
determination of Hunting’s scope 3 inventories. 
Following internal discussion, management 
decided to commence this exercise using the 
Hunting Titan operating segment as a proxy for 
the Group’s total scope 3 inventories. Hunting 
Titan has a centralised operating structure, which 
enabled a broad range of emissions data to be 
collected and assessed. In recent years, the 
segment has accounted for c.24% of the Group’s 
total scope 1 and 2 footprint, which management 
believes to be sufficiently material in order to 
extrapolate the data and derive an estimate of 
the Group’s total scope 3 footprint.

Working with the third-party expert, the Group 
has been able to report against eight of the 15 
pillars of scope 3 inventories including: purchased 
goods and services; capital goods; fuel and 
energy related activities; upstream transportation 
and distribution; waste generated from operations; 
business travel; employee commuting; and end 
of life treatment of sold products. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information71

ESG and Sustainability continued

Two pillars will be reported on in the future when 
further analysis has been completed, being use 
of sold products; and downstream leased assets. 

Five pillars were determined not to be relevant  
to the business profile of Hunting Titan, being 
upstream leased assets; downstream 
transportation and distribution; processing of 
sold products; franchises; and investments.

Based on these eight reported pillars, Hunting 
Titan’s 2022 scope 3 inventories were calculated 
to be 94,938 tonnes. In 2022, Hunting Titan’s 
scope 1 and 2 inventories totalled 5,455 tonnes, 
indicating that its scope 3 footprint was c.95%  
of its total scope 1, 2 and 3 footprint. In 2022, 
Hunting Titan, therefore, had an estimated scope 
1, 2 and 3 footprint of c.100,393 tonnes.

Management have used this assessment to 
extrapolate Hunting’s total Group scope 3 
footprint for 2022 and 2023. The method for 
extrapolation had been based on the cost of 
sales of Hunting Titan and that of the wider 
Group over these two years, and reflects 
materials purchasing and employee increases, 
based on the higher levels of activity reported in 
the year. The Group’s scope 3 inventories for 
2023 and 2022 have, therefore, been assessed 
to be 353,346 tonnes and 277,143 tonnes 
respectively. The estimated total Group scope 1, 
2 and 3 emissions for 2023 were, therefore, 
377,388 tonnes (2022 – 299,565 tonnes).

Management will be extending this 
assessment exercise to include the Group’s 
Subsea Technologies, EMEA and Asia Pacific 
operating segments in 2024, with the North 
America operating segment to be assessed in 
2025. In addition, further work is planned to 
broaden the number of reporting pillars of 
scope 3 being assessed.

Carbon intensity factor
Hunting’s CO2e intensity factor is based on total 
carbon dioxide equivalent emissions divided by 
Group revenue. In 2023, this was 25.9 kg/$k of 
revenue (2022 – 30.9 kg/$k of revenue). This is 
based on our scope 1 and 2 CO2e tonnage only. 

CO2e intensity factor  
#

2023

2022

2021

25.9

30.9

36.2

Our latest submission to the Carbon Disclosure 
Project is available at www.cdp.net.

Climate change impact and transition
Hunting is currently transforming its business 
model to pursue opportunities in a lower carbon 
economy in response to, and to mitigate, climate 
change. Currently, around $75.9m or 8%  
(2022 – $47.6m or 7%) of our revenue contribution 
is from non-oil and gas sectors, and this is set to 
steadily increase in the years to come. 

Our efforts to align our business model to take 
into account and pre-empt this transition and the 
opportunities that this potential for diversification 
has for the business, are described in our Climate 
Change statement on page 69.

An integral part of our risk management 
approach ensures that all new facilities take into 
account environmental impact considerations, 
including protection from extreme weather 
events, such as severe storms and flooding.

Water management
We recognise that water is a valuable resource 
and, in some areas in which we operate, it is also 
a scarce resource. Hunting has a number of 
water supplies, some provided by utility networks 
and some from boreholes drilled at certain 
locations. While Hunting is not considered to be a 
significant water user, we are mindful of the need 
to actively reduce our freshwater consumption, 
to reuse/recycle water as far as possible, and to 
ensure that no contaminated water is discharged 
into the original water source. Any water 
contaminated during industrial activities is 
collected and treated or contained as special 
waste. Our intention is to recycle as much as we 
are able to internally or facilitate treatment and 
recycling off site. We are mindful of the potential 
impact on our facilities of extreme weather 
events, and ensure that any run-off from our 
facilities is captured and contained, prior to 
treatment, through secondary containment 
measures. A feature of all new and planned 
facilities is the likely impact of severe storms. 
In 2023, freshwater consumption was 198,000m3 
(2022 – 164,000m3).

All our operations have recycling programmes 
in place and recycling data is collated for metal, 
wood and plastics. Our industrial waste is largely 
in the form of liquid waste streams. We continue 
to explore ways of reusing chemicals and 
materials. For example, we have introduced a 
mechanism to capture and reuse cutting fluids, 
that not only limits this waste stream, but is also 
cost-effective. Where a waste stream is 
unavoidable, we dispose of this responsibly using 
appropriately vetted suppliers. We take the view 
that we are responsible for materials throughout 
their life cycles. An excellent example of our 
approach is Hunting’s joint venture manufacturing 
facility in Nashik, India. The facility produces and 
supplies pipes, tubes and premium connections 
for the OCTG and is aiming to be entirely 
waste-free. See the case study on page 72.

Metal recycling 
tonnes

2023

2022

2021

2,827

2,032

2,199

Water consumption 
‘000 m3

2023

2022

2021

164

69

Plastic recycling 
tonnes

198

2023

2022

2021

10

6

Waste management and recycling
We are mindful of the need to responsibly source 
and consume materials, to increase and optimise 
reuse and recycle, and to responsibly dispose 
of waste. 

Wood recycling 
tonnes

2023

2022

2021

41

33

23

75

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72

Nashik facility in India drives strong waste 
management protocols

After treatment, about 99% of the waste 
water is recycled for utility purposes, and no 
wastewater is discharged into the environment. 

Other forms of waste, including waste oil, 
sludge, chemical fumes and contaminated 
dust, are also ethically disposed of, either 
through the ETP or approved vendors.

Finally, the facility’s phosphate, copper plating, 
pipe stencilling and painting, and blasting 
processes are equipped with scrubber systems 
to remove particulates and contaminants before 
any gases are released into the atmosphere.

Hunting operates a joint venture manufacturing 
facility together with Jindal SAW Ltd in Nashik, 
India, approximately 200km north-east of 
Mumbai. 

The facility, Jindal Hunting Energy Services Ltd, 
produces and supplies pipes, tubes and 
premium connections for the OCTG sector, and 
is poised to reach an annual threading capacity 
of 60,000 metric tonnes of OCTG.

Every day, the manganese phosphate and 
copper plate processes that the facility uses 
produce waste water that contains particles 
and chemical compounds. This water cannot 
be released into the environment and is 
therefore properly treated and recycled through 
the facility’s effluent treatment plant (“ETP”).
“We have built a 15kl ETP to treat all wastewater 
produced during the manganese phosphate 
and copper plate processes,” says Kwek Wee 
Liang, Hunting’s Regional GM for QHSE and 
the facility’s Project Manager. “The ETP 
includes a zero liquid discharge (“ZLD”) plant, 
which is still under construction. Once the ZLD 
plant is complete, it will process approximately 
30% of the waste water, with the remaining 
70% going to external treatment.”

The ZLD system involves a range of advanced 
wastewater treatment technologies to recycle, 
recover and reuse the treated wastewater. It also 
separates sludge in salt form and disposes of it 
through a local government-approved vendor. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationESG and Sustainability continued

Annual energy summary 

Energy type
Natural gas – Group
Natural gas – UK

Vehicle consumption and process emissions – Group
Vehicle consumption and process emissions – UK

Electricity purchased – Group
Electricity purchased – UK

Renewable electricity purchased – Group
Renewable electricity purchased – UK

Greenhouse gas emissions
Scope 1
Scope 2
Total scope 1 and 2
Scope 3
Total

Units

GWh
GWh

tonnes CO2e
tonnes CO2e

GWh
GWh

GWh
GWh

tonnes CO2e
tonnes CO2e
tonnes CO2e
tonnes CO2e
tonnes CO2e

CO2e intensity factor (based on scope 1 and 2 emissions only)

kilogrammes per $k revenue

Water consumption

thousand cubic metres

73

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019
base line year

7.2
0.8

3,575
76

49.4
1.7

11.4
1.7

5,612
18,430
24,042
353,346
377,388

25.9

198

7.9
0.8

3,367
76

43.4
0.5

8.7
0.5

5,778
16,644
22,422
277,143
299,565

30.9

164

8.5
0.9

2,491
28

40.5
1.4

6.5
0.3

4,171
14,688
18,859
n/a
n/a

36.2

69

13.7
2.6

3,338
34

48.6
1.4

5.8
0.4

6,605
18,811
25,416
n/a
n/a

40.6

257

17.8
4.2

2,972
60

55.7
1.6

2.1
0.5

7,100
28,774
35,874
n/a
n/a

37.4

319

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74

People and society

OUR COMMITMENTS

Operating safely
We seek to achieve and maintain the highest 
standards of safety for our employees and 
customers.

Supporting and developing our people
We want to attract and retain a highly skilled 
workforce. We provide training and development 
to our employees to help them sustain and 
grow their careers. We promote diversity and 
workplaces that are free of prejudice.

Supporting communities around us
We make a positive contribution to the 
communities in which we operate.

Our people
People are at the heart of our business, and 
ensuring the safety, health and well-being of 
every person employed by the Company, or 
associated with our business, is a priority.

At 31 December 2023, the Group employed 
2,420 people across our global operations  
(2022 – 2,258 people). Of these, 37% are 
employed in our North America operations,  
26% at Hunting Titan, 14% in Asia Pacific,  
11% in EMEA, 8% at Subsea Technologies,  
and 4% in regional headquarters.

Employees by operating segment
% 

4

14

26

MATERIAL ISSUES

Protecting the safety of our customers and users 
of our products

11

Protecting the health, safety and well-being of 
our employees

8

Engaging with our employees 

37

SDGs

Operating segments
  Hunting Titan
  North America
  Subsea Technologies

  EMEA
  Asia Pacific
  Central

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ESG and Sustainability continued

Health and safety
Our health, safety and environment (“HSE”) goals 
of “No Accidents, No Harm to People”, and “No 
Damage to the Environment” continue to drive 
our HSE agenda and support our pursuit of high 
standards of performance.

We place great emphasis on entrenching HSE 
best practice in our culture and employ rigorous 
health and safety practices. Our HSE policy 
guides the way we work, putting safety first. 
Our approach ensures:

•  Regular audit and maintenance reviews 

of facilities;

•  Appropriate training and education of all staff;
•  Accreditation and alignment of long-standing 

internal programmes with internationally 
recognised standards; and
•  Regular reporting to the Board.

We place a great deal of emphasis on training 
and learning from incidents. We have a rigorous 
safety training curriculum in place, and each 
employee received, on average, around 29  
(2022 – 12) hours of HSE training in the year. 

Total recordable incident rate
#

2023

2022

2021

0.91

0.97

0.99

Our Group Health, Safety and Environmental 
Global Manual is accredited to ISO 14001: 
Environmental Management System and was 
compiled in accordance with the ISO 45001: 
Occupational Health and Safety Management 
System. This manual specifies requirements for 
HSE training, the need for protective equipment, 
and procedures and practices associated with 
high-risk operations. 

Each local business has tailored health and 
safety policies to suit their particular working 
environment. At a minimum, we comply with local 
regulatory requirements.

Our target is to achieve zero recordable incidents. 
While this was not achieved in 2023, our overall 
safety performance, as measured by the total 
recordable incident rate, improved despite a 
significant increase in the number of hours worked 
during the year as trading activities increased.

•  There were no fatalities in the Group  

(2022 – zero);

•  Recordable incidents rose slightly to 24 in 2023 
(2022 – 23), while the total recordable incident 
rate decreased by 6% to 0.91 (2022 – 0.97) as 
the number of hours worked increased from 
4.7m in 2022 to 5.3m in 2023; and

•  There were 41 near-miss incidents in 2023 
(2022 – 66), which translates into a total 
near-miss frequency rate of 1.55 (2022 – 2.79), 
which decreased by 44% as the number of 
hours worked increased. 

75

Total near-miss frequency rate
#

1.55

2023

2022

2021

0.78

Attracting, retaining and developing 
employees
Our ability to successfully deliver on our 
objectives, and the reputation that we have built 
over many years, rests on the values and 
behaviours of our highly skilled and committed 
employees.

2.79

Climate, noise and air quality testing is undertaken 
regularly at our operations to ensure both regulatory 
compliance and the achievement of our own 
internal standards. 

Through our internal HSE Management System, 
OnBase, processes, communication, training 
and reporting are now captured seamlessly 
within one application across the Group, helping 
to ensure that all operations are in compliance 
with local regulatory agencies.

We operate an embedded Health and Safety 
training programme for all employees, with each 
shop-floor member of staff attending weekly 
“Tool Box” sessions, where HSE messaging 
is reinforced.

We take diligent steps to comply with all relevant 
regional laws covering employment and minimum 
wage legislation. 

Recruiting and retention, and training and 
development have been important areas of focus 
during the year. Competition for talent remains 
strong globally. Nonetheless, while finding talent 
may currently take longer than it has previously, 
Hunting continues to find and place good 
candidates. 

Voluntary turnover is a measure we use to 
understand the Company’s retention profile. Over 
the last couple of years, we have experienced an 
uptick in voluntary turnover, which is currently at 
14%. Although this is marginally higher than the 
last few years, it is still relatively low compared to 
industry standards. 

The tenure of our employees is another good 
indicator of a positive work culture and Hunting 
has a reputation for long service of its employees. 
We maintain this success through competitive 
compensation, excellent benefits, and a 
commitment to a safe environment. 

To retain our staff, we ensure that our employees 
are fairly remunerated. Given the competitive 
landscape of our industry, our base levels of pay 
are well above minimum wage thresholds.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information76

Community engagement and support
Hunting continues to engage with and support 
the communities located around our operations 
through a wide range of activities, including fund 
raising events or community donations. Each 
region is encouraged to develop their own 
community engagement initiatives to align with 
local cultural practices as well as Hunting’s 
corporate values. 

An example of this approach is our long-standing 
relationship with three orphanages in Batam, 
the largest city in the province of Riau Islands 
in Indonesia. 

ESG and Sustainability continued

Employees are offered benefits on joining  
the Group, including healthcare cover,  
post-retirement benefits and, in certain  
instances, can include participation in annual 
bonus arrangements that reflects strong 
performances. We also continue to enhance 
the benefits we offer, such as maternity and 
paternity leave.

During the year, some of our employees were 
selected from different business units across 
the globe, to participate in the Energy Workforce 
and Technology Council Executive Leadership 
programmes, which are designed to develop and 
enhance leadership skills as well as engagement 
in networking opportunities within the industry.

An area of focus in the year ahead is leadership 
training. An outcome of the engagement survey 
completed in the year is the need for more 
recognition of employees. One approach that is 
being pursued is to better train managers on how 
to give good feedback and daily recognition. 

Additionally, we are placing our senior managers 
in a programme for executive leadership and our 
mid-level managers in an operations leadership 
programme.

Training in respect of the Code of Conduct, 
anti-harassment and discrimination and 
unconscious bias is also continuing in support of 
our diversity and inclusion efforts. We are further 
committed to uplifting all employees, with training 
and development covering Health and Safety 
training, professional development and general 
career development initiatives.

Diversity and inclusion
Hunting prides itself on being a fair and 
responsible employer. We are committed to 
creating a positive workplace environment for 
all our employees, one that is safe, respectful, 
fair and inclusive, and free of any form of 
harassment, bullying or discrimination. 

More than that, we actively seek to increase the 
diversity of our workforce through recruitment, 
training and development, conditions of work 
and disciplinary procedures. 

The Group’s ethics policies support equal 
employment opportunities across all of Hunting’s 
operations. 

As a responsible employer, Hunting gives full 
and fair consideration to applications from 
disabled persons.

Further, Hunting’s Gender Diversity Policy 
commits us 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 the Board with shortlists 
comprising an appropriate gender 
balance; and

•  a periodic review by the Nomination 

Committee of its progress in complying with 
best practice recommendations.

Employee engagement
Hunting places a great deal of emphasis on 
employee engagement, recognising that high 
levels of engagement are related to bottom line 
outcomes such as job performance, client 
satisfaction and financial returns, while also 
improving employees’ own quality of life.
In 2023, Hunting undertook an all-employee 
Gallup Q12 survey, a following the survey 
completed in 2019.

We were extremely pleased with the participation 
results. A total of 1,866 employees responded to 
the survey, resulting in a participation rate of 83% 
(2019 – 80%). 

Both the engagement score and engagement 
index ratio (which defines engaged workers to 
actively disengaged workers) improved. Since 
2019, we have increased our engagement 
activities through perception surveys and town 
hall meetings. In addition, engagement 
processes have been embedded within all 
business units to enhance transparent two-way 
dialogue between the Board and the Group’s 
employees.

Another important result is the employee 
engagement ratio of engaged workers versus 
actively disengaged workers. Hunting’s 
Engagement Index Ratio was 3.5:1 which means 
there are 3.5 engaged employees for each 
actively disengaged employee. This is again an 
improvement from our 2019 result of 2.25:1. An 
optimal ratio and our goal for future surveys is 
a ratio of 4:1.

Our employees are encouraged to engage in 
dialogue with management to raise issues of 
concern. These procedures are supported by 
an independent reporting service operated by 
SafeCall, where confidential matters can be 
raised with the Board.

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77

Supporting safe and nurturing spaces for orphans in Batam

Hunting believes in providing meaningful and 
constructive support to communities in which 
our operations are located, and encourages 
employees to actively volunteer to good causes.

For some years we have actively supported 
three orphanages in Batam, the largest city in 
the province of Riau Islands in Indonesia. The 
orphanages – Elshaddai Abigail, Manbaul 
Hidayah and Al Kahfi – provide safe and 
nurturing environments for orphans and 
underprivileged children between the ages 
of two and eighteen. They ensure that the 
children’s basic needs are met and that they 
receive a good education.

“We are aware that these orphanages face 
numerous challenges, and are committed to 
meeting their daily needs, providing them with 
sustainable support, and ensuring their children 
receive a good education” says Faris Gateneh, 
Hunting’s HR Manager in Batam. 

Over the last three years, Hunting has focused 
on the following initiatives:

•  Hydroponic gardening: Through our 

hydroponic gardening programme, we help 
the orphanages to grow their own food and 
earn an income through the vegetables they 
sell. We have also helped to improve their 
hydroponics competency;

•  Baking tools: The provision of baking tools 
helps the orphanages to prepare their own 
meals, and nurtures an interest among 
children who are curious about cooking and 
baking. The hope is that this will help some 
children to use these skills to start their own 
businesses in the future;

•  Industrial sewing machines: The provision 
of industrial sewing machines has helped the 
orphanages to make and mend their own 
clothing. This has been a significant cost 
saving and has improved their sewing skills;

•  Chicken coops: Chicken coops give the 

orphanages a fresh supply of eggs, and help 
them to raise money through the eggs they 
sell. It also ensures the children’s daily protein 
needs are met;

•  Cleft surgery: Children who require cleft 
palate surgeries receive excellent care as 
well as emotional support; and

•  Tuition fees: Hunting pays tuition fees 

towards the orphans’ education, which is 
critical in helping them pursue tertiary 
studies and find employment or become 
entrepreneurs.

At its annual charity event, Hunting also 
welcomes voluntary donations from employees 
in support of the orphanages. In 2022, Hunting 
transitioned its fundraising system to the Sonny 
Benevolent Smile Fund, which now processes 
regular contributions. All future support for 
orphanages will use the fund to manage and 
control both donations and expenses.

FIND OUT MORE ON CSR 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationESG and Sustainability continued

78

Governance

Fostering mutually beneficial 
partnerships

OUR COMMITMENT

We ensure honest, ethical and transparent 
conduct in our business and our supply chain. 
We foster sound and positive partnerships with 
our customers and suppliers, industry bodies, 
and regulators in the regions in which we 
operate. We respect human rights.

MATERIAL ISSUES

Ensuring cyber security and protection of data

Protecting and enhancing Hunting’s reputation

Ensuring sound governance, business ethics, 
and anti-bribery and corruption

Undertaking due diligence in our supply chain

Compliance with regulation and custom, 
including local content

Disclosing Board and leadership accountability 
for ESG

SDGs

Business ethics
Hunting’s Code of Conduct (the “Code”) contains 
policies and procedures covering how the Group 
conducts business, internally and externally, and 
maintains its relationships with business partners. 

All employees and business partners are 
provided with a copy of the Code and are 
expected to adhere to it. 

Human rights
We are committed to upholding the human 
rights of all our stakeholders, and achieve this 
by 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; respecting and upholding the 
rights of employees to engage in collective 
bargaining where relevant; and acting with 
honesty, transparency and integrity in all of our 
dealings with our workforce, and anyone else 
who is in contact with and reliant on our 
business. We have a zero tolerance stance on 
slavery and trafficking, and we expect the same 
from our business and trading partners. We 
demonstrate our compliance with corporate 
regulations through our Ethical Employment and 
Trading Policy; our Modern Slavery, Human 
Trafficking Transparency Statement; and our 
Ethics Reporting Procedures.

Cyber security
We recognise that as we are more reliant on 
globally-connected IT infrastructure, our business 
has become more vulnerable to cyber threats. 
To this end, we ensure that we have in place the 
necessary processes and procedures to protect 
our systems and data that could affect the 
functioning of the business, and to protect the 
Company from cyber attacks. We also recognise 
that we are custodians of data, on behalf of our 
employees, customers and suppliers, and that 
we must do all that we can to protect information 
in order to secure and maintain trust. Our 
approach is proactive and precautionary and 
we engage only with Tier 1 suppliers.

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ESG and Sustainability continued

79

Responsible Products

Delivering high quality products 
and services

A critical part of the customer engagement 
strategy is to use our core competencies in 
systems manufacture, precision engineering and 
print-part manufacturing to deliver innovative 
solutions in existing and new markets.

OUR COMMITMENT

We meet and pre-empt the needs of our 
customers and the environment, through 
innovation, customisation and the highest levels 
of quality control.

MATERIAL ISSUES

Ensuring the quality consistency of our products

Transition to and growth of business in less 
carbon-intensive sectors

Promoting innovation to develop new products 
and applications

Being responsive to the needs of our customers 
and market

SDGs

Reliable and sustainable products
Our purpose as a business is to be a highly 
trusted innovator and manufacturer of technology 
and products that create sustainable value for 
our stakeholders. Our customers rely on us to 
meet and even pre-empt their needs, 
consistently, reliably and sustainably. We 
recognise that achieving this requires both 
innovation and trust. Trust in turn is delivered 
through consistent quality delivery.

Focus on quality
Our Quality Management System (“QMS”) 
underpins every aspect of our business. Certain 
minimum requirements are mandated at a Group 
level, with site and product-specific quality 
measures in place across all sites. Our QMS 
encompasses procedure specification, job 
descriptions, and work processes. It states how 
we control every aspect of a product, from risk 
assessment to engineering changes and design 
to new product delivery. Every product is logged 
and tracked, and its journey can be audited.

Technology development
While Hunting has access to a very wide range 
of technologies and products, whose applications 
continue to expand, we know that technology 
development is an important underpin of 
our business.

Hunting’s TEK-HUB™ is an innovative  
company-customer partnership that seeks  
to attract individuals and companies in  
co-developing and accelerating the 
commercialisation of new technologies. By 
collaborating with technology developers, we 
are able to deliver a range of benefits, including 
reducing the timeframes required to deliver 
technologies to market and into the field; and 
avoiding duplication of effort, resulting in 
significant financial, time and opportunity cost 
and energy/CO2 savings, which frees up 
resources to solve new problems.

For developers, the benefits of partnering with 
Hunting are significant, including access to 
capital, an international presence and an 
established and extensive customer base.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
80

ESG and Sustainability continued

Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Information

Oil & Gas – Services

TOPIC
Emissions Reduction Services 
& Fuel Management

Water Management
Services

Chemicals Management

Ecological Impact
Management

Workforce
Health & Safety

ACCOUNTING METRIC
Total fuel consumed, percentage renewable, percentage used in: 
(1) on-road equipment and vehicles; and
(2) off-road equipment.
Discussion of strategy or plans to address air emissions-related risks, 
opportunities, and impacts.

Percentage of engines in service that meet Tier 4 compliance for non-road 
diesel engine emissions.
(1) Total volume of fresh water handled in operations; and
(2) percentage recycled.
Discussion of strategy or plans to address water consumption and disposal-
related risks, opportunities and impacts.
Volume of hydraulic fracturing fluid used, percentage hazardous.
Discussion of strategy or plans to address chemical-related risks, opportunities 
and impacts.
Average disturbed acreage per:
(1) oil; and
(2) gas well site.
Discussion of strategy or plan to address risks and opportunities related to 
ecological impacts from core activities.
(1) Total recordable incident rate;
(2) fatality rate;
(3) near-miss frequency rate;
(4) total vehicle incident rate; and
(5)  average hours of health, safety and emergency response training for:

(a) full-time employees;
(b) contract employees; and
(c) short-service employees.

SASB CODE
EM-SV-110a.1

EM-SV-110a.1

EM-SV-110a.3

EM-SV-140a.1

EM-SV-140a.2

EM-SV-150a.1
EM-SV-150a.2

EM-SV-160a.1

EM-SV-160a.2

EM-SV-320a.1

Business Ethics 
& Payments Transparency

Management of the Legal 
& Regulatory Environment
Critical Incident
Risk Management

Description of management systems used to integrate a culture of safety 
throughout the value chain and project life cycle.
Amount of net revenue in countries that have the 20 lowest rankings in 
Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index.
Description of the management system for prevention of corruption and bribery 
throughout the value chain.
Discussion of corporate positions related to government regulations and/or policy 
proposals that address environmental and social factors affecting the industry.
Description of management systems used to identify and mitigate catastrophic 
and tail-end risks.

EM-SV-320a.2

EM-SV-510a.1

EM-SV-510a.2

EM-SV-530a.1

EM-SV-540a.1

REPORTED 
BY HUNTING
Yes

SECTION 
Environment

PAGE NAVIGATION 
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Yes

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climate-related 
financial disclosures
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Water management

n/a
n/a

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82 to 95

n/a

71

71

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n/a

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Health and safety
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Health and safety
n/a
Health and safety

34 and 75
75
34 and 75
n/a
75

Health and safety

n/a

Anti-bribery and 
corruption (“ABC”)
Business model

n/a

34

n/a

36

31 to 39

n/a

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ESG and Sustainability continued

Oil & Gas – Services: metrics 

ACTIVITY METRIC
Number of active rig sites
Number of active well sites
Total amount of drilling performed
Total number of hours worked by all employees

Industrial Machinery & Equipment

TOPIC
Energy
Management

Employee Health  
& Safety

Fuel Economy &
Emissions in Use-phase

ACCOUNTING METRIC
(1) Total energy consumed;
(2) percentage grid electricity; and
(3) percentage renewable.
(1) Total recordable incident rate;
(2) fatality rate; and
(3) near-miss frequency rate.
Sales-weighted fleet fuel efficiency for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
Sales-weighted fuel efficiency for non-road equipment.
Sales-weighted fuel efficiency for stationary generators.
Sales-weighted emissions of:
(1) nitrogen oxides (NOx); and
(2) particulate matter (PM) for:
(a) marine diesel engines,
(b) locomotive diesel engines,
(c) on-road medium- and heavy-duty engines, and
(d) other non-road diesel engines.

Industrial Machinery & Equipment: metrics 

ACTIVITY METRIC
Number of units produced by product category
Number of employees

81

SASB CODE
EM-SV-000.A
EM-SV-000.B
EM-SV-000.C
EM-SV-000.D

SASB CODE
RT-IG-130a.1

RT-IG-320a.1

RT-IG-410a.1
RT-IG-410a.2
RT-IG-410a.3
RT-IG-410a.4

REPORTED 
BY HUNTING
n/a
n/a
n/a
Yes

REPORTED 
BY HUNTING
Yes

Yes
Yes
Yes
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

SECTION 
n/a
n/a
n/a
Health and safety

PAGE NAVIGATION 
n/a
n/a
n/a
34 and 75

SECTION 
Annual energy 
summary

Health and safety
Health and safety
Health and safety
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

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34 and 75
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34 and 75
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

SASB CODE
RT-IG-000.A
RT-IG-000.B

REPORTED 
BY HUNTING
n/a
Yes

SECTION 
n/a
Employees
Our people

PAGE NAVIGATION 
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33
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82

Task Force on Climate-Related Financial 
Disclosures (“TCFD”)

2023 has seen the further embedding of TCFD reporting across the 
Group’s businesses. We have enhanced our disclosures on climate 
Strategy and Risk Management. As noted elsewhere, during the year 
the Company completed an assurance programme over its scope 1 
and 2 greenhouse gas emissions and in the second half of 2023 
commenced the assessment of the Group’s scope 3 inventories.

Compliance
Under FCA Listing Rule 9.8.6(8)b for premium 
listed companies, Hunting is required to report 
on a ‘comply or explain’ basis against the TCFD 
Recommendations and Recommended 
Disclosures in respect of the financial year ended 
31 December 2023. The climate-related financial 
disclosures, which follow, are consistent with the 
four reporting pillars of:

(i) Governance (page 83); 
(ii) Strategy (pages 84 to 93); 
(iii) Risk Management (pages 93 and 94); and 
(iv)  Metrics and Targets (pages 94 and 95) 

contained within the TCFD Recommended 
Disclosures. 

The Directors believe that Hunting is compliant 
with Listing Rule 9.8.6(8)b, with the following 
two exceptions:

•  Hunting has not quantified detailed financial 

impacts of the various risks and opportunities 
in respect to climate change. Hunting is, 
therefore, not fully compliant with disclosure 
part (b) of Strategy; and

•  Hunting has extrapolated its 2023 scope 3 
emissions data using 2022 collected data 
and modelling processes. Hunting is, therefore, 
not fully compliant with disclosure part (b) of 
Metrics and Targets. 

Further work will be completed in 2024, after 
which the Directors believe the Company will 
become compliant. This work will form the basis 
for a Net Zero transition plan to be published in 
2025, as required by the recommendations 
published by the UK government.

Climate policy
In 2020, the Directors approved a 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 goal to limit global warming 
to 1.5°C in-line with the 2015 Paris Accords and 
commits the Group to assisting in the delivery 
of this ambition through a reduction in its global 
carbon footprint. 

Progress in Hunting 2030 Strategy
During 2023, the Board of Hunting announced 
the Hunting 2030 Strategy, which commits to the 
development of revenue from the energy transition 
sector, including low carbon geothermal and 
carbon capture projects, and non-oil and gas 
end-markets. To increase the Group’s long-term 
sustainability investment profile, Hunting is now 
targeting 25% of total revenue to be derived from 
non-oil and gas sources by 2030. This is targeted 
at reducing the cyclicality of the Group’s revenue 
and profit profile, to ensure Hunting remains an 
investable business through the energy cycle. 
For more information on the Hunting 2030 
Strategy please see pages 6 to 11.

Risk management
In 2022, the Group rolled out a climate change 
risk management survey to all businesses, which 
is updated annually. The survey explores the 
impact of climate change on the long-term outlook 
of each business unit, using the ‘business as usual’ 
and ‘1.5°C’ global warning scenarios. The survey 
captures the risk profile of the proposed pivot to 
lower oil and gas-related sales, in addition to the 
physical risks associated with Hunting’s asset 
base. The risk assessment presented on pages 
85 to 89 incorporates these disclosures and also 
reflects the financial impact of these risk in the 
short, medium and long term. The Group has also 
developed a model which analyses the carrying 
values of the assets held by each business and 
explores the financial impact of each business 
unit based on these climate scenarios.

Metrics and targets
The Directors of Hunting announced new GHG 
emissions reduction targets in March 2023, which 
includes a reduction of scope 1 and 2 emissions 
to 50% of the base-line year of 2019 by 2030.

Carbon data collection and assurance
During 2022, the Group appointed S&P Global to 
provide assurance services against the AA1000 
standard over Hunting’s policies and scope 1 
and 2 GHG emissions data which are being 
externally published. The process concluded in 
July 2023, with no material issues identified in the 
Group’s data collection and processing of its 
carbon data.

Scope 3 emissions reporting
In 2023 management commenced the assessment 
of its scope 3 GHG inventories. To assist Hunting 
in this initiative, an independent third-party expert 
adviser was appointed in September 2023 to 
support the data collection and analysis utilising 
their long-term expertise in carbon data modelling. 

The Group has completed an analysis of the 
scope 3 emissions of the Hunting Titan operating 
segment, which historically accounts for c.24% 
of the Group’s scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint, 
which management believes to be sufficiently 
material to enable an extrapolation of Hunting’s 
total scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions to be 
made. The Company has commenced this 
analysis using Hunting Titan’s 2022 data sets. 
This is believed to be appropriate, given that 
Hunting Titan’s manufacturing business model 
closely aligns with other businesses within 
the Group. Management worked with the 
third-party adviser on the emissions data 
available for assessment and, following 
discussion, agreed that eight of the 15 pillars of 
the TCFD-recommended scope 3 inventories 
could be reported. These are detailed on pages 
70 and 71. Management, therefore, note that 
this analysis of scope 3 inventories is a partial 
emissions assessment. Based on the analysis 
of the Hunting Titan segment, its scope 1, 2 and 3 
greenhouse emissions were analysed to be 
c.100,393 tonnes in 2022, with Hunting Titan’s 
2022 scope 1 and 2 footprint being 5,455 tonnes 
and scope 3 being 94,938 tonnes. Scope 3 
emissions for Hunting Titan, therefore, equate 
to c.95% of the emissions of the operating 
segment. Using this assessment, management 
has extrapolated the Group’s scope 3 
inventories, using Hunting Titan’s and the 
Group’s cost of sales data as the appropriate 
scaling factors to calculate a total scope 3 
data point. Hunting’s scope 1 and 2 emissions 
have been assessed to be 24,042 tonnes 
(2022 – 22,422 tonnes). Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG 
emissions have, therefore, been assessed to 
be 299,565 tonnes for 2022 and 377,388 tonnes 
for 2023. During 2024, the assessment will be 
extended to the Subsea Technologies, EMEA 
and Asia Pacific operating segments. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationTask Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) continued

Governance 

The Board of Hunting has put in place a robust climate-related 
governance framework to oversee and deliver on its objectives going 
forward. This governance framework is summarised below.

Climate Governance Framework

Hunting PLC Board

Audit  
Committee

Ethics and Sustainability  
Committee

Nomination  
Committee

Remuneration  
Committee

Hunting Executive  
Committee

ESG Steering  
Group

TCFD Working 
Group

Disclosure (a) – Board oversight

The Chief Executive has been charged with 
oversight and responsibility for all TCFD matters. 

Since 2020, the Board has been briefed by 
the Group’s central compliance and finance 
functions on TCFD reporting requirements and 
the work streams underway across the Group 
to assess compliance. 

This includes evaluation of the transition 
and physical risks facing the Group and the 
opportunities climate change presents to 
the Company. 

Climate change perspectives and strategic 
initiatives, including the pursuit of energy 
transition opportunities as well as the pivot of 
revenue to more non-oil and gas sales, are 
therefore included in the Board’s strategic 
planning discussions, which include merger and 
acquisition opportunities being considered. 

In 2021, the Company appointed 
WillisTowersWatson (“WTW”) to assist in the 
assessment of the Group’s physical risk profile, 
based on the location of its current and non-
current assets. This exercise will be repeated 
in 2024. 

The Board maintains an Ethics and Sustainability 
Committee to monitor Hunting’s overall 
governance and reporting framework in the area 
of climate change and wider ESG issues. The 
Ethics and Sustainability Committee comprises 
the non-executive Directors of the Company 
(pages 112 and 113). 

The Committee meets twice a year, with carbon, 
climate and TCFD matters being regular agenda 
items. This Committee also monitors, on behalf 
of the Board, Hunting’s progress against its 
current emissions reduction targets. 

All members of the Board attend each meeting 
of the Committee, with its activities and actions 
completed during the year detailed on pages 
128 to 130.

While the Ethics and Sustainability Committee 
reviews these important non-financial matters, 
the Audit Committee retains key oversight of 
Hunting’s public disclosures on these areas, 
including the information contained in its 
Annual Report and other Stock Exchange 
announcements and the evaluation of the risk 
profile of the Group in respect to climate change. 

Further, the Audit Committee reviews the TCFD 
disclosure, which includes the climate-related risk 
assessment prepared by the Group’s central 
finance function.

83

Disclosure (b) – Management’s 
role in assessing climate risks 
and opportunities

Members of the Group’s senior leadership team 
including the Group Company Secretary, Chief 
HR Officer, General Counsel and Director of 
QAHSE are invited to meetings of the Ethics and 
Sustainability Committee. These managers in 
turn are supported by the Hunting Executive 
Committee; a formal ESG internal steering group 
comprising operational and finance staff; and a 
TCFD steering group, the latter being charged 
with developing formal reporting and new 
strategies to curtail the Group’s carbon footprint, 
to reduce its impact on the environment and to 
provide direction on Hunting’s sustainability 
ambitions. The responsibility of managing climate 
risks is vested in the Executive Committee which 
comprises the senior operational leaders of the 
Company. The Group’s central compliance 
function oversees TCFD external reporting and 
compliance matters and works with the 
Executive Committee to develop that Company’s 
climate-related objectives.

Management completed a Group-level and 
business unit-level climate risk register, which is 
detailed on pages 85 to 89. As part of this 
process, strategic opportunities were considered 
by each business unit which formed part of the 
Group’s wider plan to pivot revenue to more 
non-oil and gas revenue and the new market 
opportunities which underpin this strategy.

For more information of the Group’s wider 
governance framework, please refer to the 
Corporate Governance Report on pages 
115 to 125.

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Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) continued

Strategy

Disclosure (a) – Description of 
risks and opportunities over the 
short, medium and long term

Disclosure (b) – The impact 
of climate-related risks and 
opportunities

Hunting has not presented risks and 
opportunities based on the geographic split of 
its global operations or by the various industry 
sectors where it sells products and services, 
as recommended by part (a) of Strategy. 

Hunting is a global energy services group 
focused largely on the oil and gas industry and 
therefore each of its global operating segments 
are faced with the same climate change risks 
and opportunities. 

The opportunity to transition to non-oil and gas 
related sales exists in all operating segments 
across the Group, but notably in the North 
America and EMEA operating segments, which 
currently represent all of the Group’s non-oil and 
gas revenue, and in the segments with high 
proportions of OCTG related revenue. As such, 
the non-oil and gas segment of Hunting’s 
revenue profile is not a separate business unit.

Therefore, the Board believes the geographical / 
sectoral split approach to climate change 
analysis not to be relevant to Hunting.

•  Business as usual scenario (aligned to 2.5°C 
warming) – evolution of current policies and a 
steady advancement of current and nascent 
technologies; 

•  Middle case scenario (aligned to 2.0°C 

warming) – global net zero achieved by 2060, 
which incorporates policy response to the 
current energy crisis as well as 
decarbonisation commitments, but not as 
swift as under the rapid transition scenario; 
and

•  Rapid transition scenario (aligned to 1.5°C 
warming) – global net zero achieved by 2050 
as prescribed by the Paris Agreement. This 
reflects immediate peak energy, rapid 
hydrogen and carbon removal deployment 
and a consumer shift.

In selecting these scenarios, the Group used 
energy demand analysis from Wood Mackenzie 
(see right) which analyses a range of climate 
change scenarios as well as the latest energy 
transition projections and oil and gas demand 
scenarios from the International Energy Agency 
(“IEA”), see graph on page 90, which is assumed 
to be in a Stated Policies Scenario. The IEA 
research included three scenarios: the Stated 
Policies Scenario, the Announced Pledges 
Scenario, and the Net Zero Emissions by 
2050 Scenario. 

Climate scenarios for evaluating physical 
risks and opportunities
WTW has evaluated the longer-range climate risk 
to the Group’s operating locations, applying the 
following two scenarios up to 2050:

Climate scenarios for evaluating transition 
risks and opportunities
The Group uses three scenarios to evaluate 
transition risks and opportunities:

•  Scenario 1 – RCP4.5 (an increase in global 

temperature by 2-3°C by 2050); and

•  Scenario 2 – RCP8.5 (an increase in global 

temperatures by 4°C by 2050). 

Scenarios for oil demand: 2020 to 2050 

millions of bopd

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

2000

2010

2020

2030

2040

2050

Base Case Scenario

Pledges Scenario

Net Zero Scenario

Source: Wood Mackenzie

It can be noted that in climate scenarios 1 and 2 
there is an increase in the frequency and intensity 
of weather events, in respect of:

(i)  tropical cyclones;
(ii) fire stress;
(iii) drought stress; and
(iv) precipitation.

Additionally, all other known risks are evaluated 
by the Board under the Group’s current 
operational risk programme. 

The scenarios have been used to evaluate 
climate-related risks and opportunities over the 
short (0-5 years), medium (5-10 years) and 
long-term (10+ years). The short-term period 
aligns with the Group’s usual business and 
financial planning timeframe, the medium term 

aligns with the business outlook beyond the 
short term, and the long-term period represents 
the timeframe by which the wide range of 
uncertainties surrounding the energy transition 
are widely expected to materialise.

Risks have been categorised as follows:

•  Low – no impact to minor impact on the 
Group’s profitability and ability to achieve 
strategic objectives;

•   Medium – some impact felt to the Group’s 
profitability and ability to achieve strategic 
objectives, requiring some mitigation plans 
and action; and

•   High – significant impact to the Group’s 

profitability and ability to achieve strategic 
objectives, therefore requiring critical and 
urgent mitigation plans and action.

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85

Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) continued

Climate change risk analysis
Transitional risks

CATEGORY 
1. Market
Risk rating:
Medium

Timeframe:
Long term

Financial impact:
Revenue

2. Technology
Risk rating:
Medium

Timeframe:
Long term

Financial impact:
Revenue

DESCRIPTION OF RISK 

MANAGEMENT ACTIONS 

IMPACT

Hunting’s primary revenue streams 
are derived from the oil and gas 
industry.

The drive by many global 
governments and economies to 
reduce emissions may impact 
long-term oil and gas demand, 
which in turn will impact Hunting’s 
long-term revenue profile.

The Board reviews a number of primary energy demand 
scenarios developed by Wood Mackenzie and the IEA, which 
include energy transition projections and oil and gas demand 
scenarios to 2050. The former is presented on page 84 and 
the latter on page 90. The Directors also regularly receive 
reports from the Chief Executive on the short- to medium-term 
outlook for oil and gas demand, given that this is a key revenue 
driver for the Group.

From this analysis, the Directors believe that in the business-
as-usual scenario there is a robust outlook for oil and gas in 
the long term i.e. to 2050 and beyond, which will drive strong 
demand for Hunting’s energy-focused products through this 
timeframe. The Directors will continue to monitor these 
projections and government legislation and will also track its 
customers and suppliers who are also developing compliance 
to this long-range change to the energy industry. 

As noted on pages 6 to 11, the Board is putting initiatives in 
place to diversify its revenue streams, which do not rely on the 
global oil and gas market, to minimise earnings volatility over 
time but also to address this long-term revenue risk profile as 
noted in the Chief Executive’s Statement on pages 18 to 23 
and also on page 100.

As noted in the Market Summary on pages 24 and 25, market indicators 
including rig count and drilling and production spend data, published by 
Spears & Associates, support the Group’s wider financial reporting needs 
in the short term, including impairment reviews. In October 2023, the IEA 
issued its annual energy outlook which provides a perspective on the 
long-term changes to energy demand and its primary energy inputs. This 
shows that the outlook for oil and gas, in a Stated Policies Scenario as 
defined by the IEA, remains robust to 2050 with oil demand remaining flat 
for this timescale, with a small decline in natural gas demand. 

The analysis from Wood Mackenzie provides a high level view of the 
possible changes to global oil and gas demand and therefore to Hunting’s 
revenue profile to 2050, which indicates possible reductions in oil and gas 
revenue of c.50-60% from 2023 in the Middle Case and Rapid Transition 
scenarios. These energy demand scenarios have implications for Hunting’s 
long-term strategy as the Group’s products and services, and overall 
revenue profile, are currently largely driven by oil and gas demand and 
investment in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons, 
notwithstanding the opportunities to pivot to non-oil and gas markets as 
described below. The Board believes that the primary energy mix to 2050 
supports Hunting’s long-term focus on energy, underpinned by the pivot to 
non-oil and gas sales in this timescale, see opportunities below. The split 
of revenue between oil and gas and non-oil and gas sectors, the relevant 
metric for managing the risk, is disclosed in note 2 on page 182.

Hunting’s products and services are 
primarily targeted at the oil and gas 
industry, given its expertise and 
know-how of this sector.

Should the pace of the energy 
transition be more rapid than what 
is currently projected, certain of the 
Group’s product lines and 
technologies will be less adaptable 
to a lower carbon energy world or 
could become obsolete. 

The Directors believe that Hunting’s engineering excellence, 
particularly within the Advanced Manufacturing group, has the 
ability to diversify the long-term revenue streams of the Group. 
As part of the business unit level risk assessment, the 
adaptability to non-oil and gas markets was explored. Most 
businesses across the Group believe that revenues from new 
markets, using Hunting’s core competencies, will enable a 
level of transition to occur and are therefore well placed to 
develop non-oil and gas sales. In 2022, a global Energy 
Transition sales group was formed to pursue carbon capture 
and geothermal revenue.

International commentators believe that climate reduction commitments are 
very challenging, given (a) the pace of global warming and (b) the absence of 
technologies to assist in material carbon mitigation and reduction. The Directors 
of Hunting believe that its strategic ambition to assist its clients in making 
drilling operations safer and more efficient will place Hunting in a valuable part 
of the energy transition narrative, as brownfield developments extract oil and 
gas more efficiently, reducing the need for green field project developments.

Hunting’s current technology offering enables the efficient and safe delivery 
of hydrocarbons. While there is a risk that certain products could become 
obsolete in the long term, the Directors believe that a number of its product 
lines are directly applicable to the energy transition and non-oil and gas 
markets which provides a level of resilience to its long-range revenue profile. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) continued

Climate change risk analysis continued
Transitional risks continued

86

CATEGORY 
3. Labour and expenses
Risk rating:
Medium

Timeframe:
Short to medium term

Financial impact:
Expenditure

4. Insurance and tax
Risk rating:
Low

Timeframe:
Short to medium term

Financial impact:
Expenditure

DESCRIPTION OF RISK 

Historically, the oil and gas sector 
has provided highly competitive 
rates of pay and benefits and, 
therefore, has always been an 
attractive sector to work in.

However, with recent volatility 
across the industry, along with the 
global climate agenda, there has 
been a change in perception of the 
global oil and gas sector, which may 
present a continuing risk of 
attracting and retaining skilled 
talent. The consequence of this risk 
is that employee costs may rise in 
the short- to medium-term to 
ensure Hunting can achieve its 
strategic objectives.

Hunting is faced with the likelihood 
of increased operating costs, 
including insurance and tax costs. It 
is possible that Hunting’s insurance 
costs could rise in the future, given 
its presence in the global energy 
supply chain in addition to the 
location of certain facilities in the 
Gulf of Mexico. Further, it is possible 
that western governments will 
introduce taxation on companies 
based on carbon footprint.

MANAGEMENT ACTIONS 

IMPACT

The Directors have monitored labour risk during 2023 through 
the Remuneration and Ethics and Sustainability Committees 
to ensure possible labour market issues in Hunting’s various 
regions of operation are minimised.

Hunting’s products and services are delivered by a highly skilled workforce 
comprising of engineers, machinists and professional services staff. The 
competition for talent remains a principal risk to the Company as noted on 
page 102, with employment costs likely to increase in the long term, to 
attract and retain employees to the oil and gas industry. 

Hunting’s employee costs are disclosed in note 7 on page 186. 

Energy costs – in 2023 total utilities costs amounted to c.$7m. It is possible 
that as the energy transition progresses, the cost of electricity will increase 
as more expensive primary energy sources are adopted.

It is expected that the impact will increase in each scenario, with the largest 
impact expected in the rapid transition scenario.

The Board has announced a 2030 Strategy which will target 
a material increase in non-oil and gas revenue by the end of 
the decade.

This initiative, in part, is to support a less volatile earnings 
profile, but also to minimise sector-related cost increases such 
as Directors’ & Officers’ liability insurance seen across the 
energy sector. Further, given that the Group has a relatively low 
carbon footprint, compared to other energy companies such 
as exploration and production businesses, any carbon-related 
taxation is likely to be modest, given Hunting’s drive to reduce 
scope 1 and 2 emissions.

Given the modest level of emissions produced by the Group, the Directors 
believe that the potential tax cost to the Group is low. 

The Group maintains a broad-based insurance programme covering many 
risk areas. Property damage and business interruption policies are in place, 
which cover potential losses due to severe weather events. Given the 
location of certain of the Group’s facilities in Texas and Louisiana which are 
subject to wind storms, it is possible that the cost of this insurance cover 
will increase over time as the long-term risk profile of these operations 
increases. However, the Directors believe that given Hunting’s diversified 
operational footprint, the risk of loss of operations is low. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information87

Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) continued

Climate change risk analysis continued
Transitional risks continued

CATEGORY 
5. Financial markets
Risk rating:
High

Timeframe:
Short to long term

Financial impact:
Capital and financing

DESCRIPTION OF RISK 

MANAGEMENT ACTIONS 

IMPACT

With the increased attention climate 
change is being given by financial 
markets, the standing of energy-
related companies has come under 
increased scrutiny in recent years. 
Many investors who wish to invest 
in the oil and gas sector look for 
evidence of a Net Zero plan as part 
of their investment screening. 
Energy transition risk imputed by 
shareholders, lenders and market 
commentators has the potential to 
impact funding support from equity/
debt financial institutions.

The Directors believe that investors and lenders will be more 
demanding in respect of the provision of financing in the 
future. However, this risk is partially mitigated by the Board’s 
Hunting 2030 Strategy and its ongoing access to equity 
capital markets.

The Group relies on equity and debt markets to fund its 
businesses. These stakeholders are increasingly demanding 
strong ESG and long-term sustainability credentials from 
companies, and in the absence of this, is unlikely to fund 
businesses which do not give it attention. The Group has 
access to a $150m Asset Based Lending facility to 2026, with 
discussions already underway with key stakeholders to identify 
key ESG metrics to support future refinancing.

The Hunting 2030 Strategy, Climate policy and ability to diversify revenue 
streams to non-oil and gas are considered to partially mitigate the impact.

Capital investment – it is likely that new investment in facilities will occur 
over time to align with the physical risk to the Group’s facilities noted on 
page 89, which will require funding. However the Directors believe that 
Hunting’s diverse operational footprint will in the short- to medium-term 
mitigate the majority of operational risks as many sites are configured in 
similar ways, minimising the requirement for access to debt in this regard.

Dividends – the Directors note that shareholder distributions are a key 
element to the Group’s investment case and will endeavour to support this 
strategy in the long term. Capital allocations may change over time to 
enable the Group to pivot to non-oil and gas revenue streams, which may 
lead to lower distributions.

Acquisitions – Hunting has a strategy to develop its non-oil and gas 
revenue which, in part, will be funded by internally generated cash flows.

6. Regulatory, legal and compliance 
Risk rating:
Medium

Timeframe:
Short to medium term

Financial impact:
Expenditure
Capital and financing

Regulatory and compliance risk 
with respect to climate has 
increased, including the introduction 
of TCFD reporting requirements and 
the demand for long-term planning 
disclosures to address climate 
change. The Directors of Hunting 
believe that regulatory and 
compliance costs are likely to 
increase over time as companies 
address carbon and climate issues, 
which will likely require additional 
human capital to meet stakeholder 
expectations as well as to develop 
and implement Net Zero strategies.

As noted in the Risk Management section on pages 96 to 105, 
the Directors believe that regulatory compliance with climate 
change legislation could differ substantially given the various 
government and political agendas where Hunting’s 
stakeholders are located.

Management are continuously monitoring regulatory and 
compliance changes across its various jurisdictions.

International policies and legislation in respect to climate change and 
climate action have increased in pace, examples of which include new 
reporting procedures introduced into the UK for publicly-listed companies 
along with the encouragement for all businesses to commit to a Net Zero 
ambition. Further to this, initiatives such as the UK’s Energy Savings 
Opportunities Scheme, which required energy audits of businesses to 
identify carbon-reduction measures, provide an indication of western 
governments’ ambitions to achieve carbon containment.

It is likely that climate-related legislation will increase over time, which will 
lead to higher compliance, legal, operational and administrative costs to 
keep pace with these new regulations.

Climate-related litigation is a further potential cost pressure which may 
materialise over time, as activism increases. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
88

Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) continued

Climate change risk analysis continued
Transitional risks continued

CATEGORY 
7. Reputation
Risk rating:
High

Timeframe:
Short to long term

Financial impact:
Capital and financing

DESCRIPTION OF RISK 

MANAGEMENT ACTIONS 

IMPACT

Many stakeholders have become 
more aware of climate change, 
linking a Company’s response to 
the climate debate to reputation. 
Many companies are beginning to 
respond to this reputational risk by 
addressing stakeholder concerns, 
which range from strong carbon 
reduction commitments to 
publishing energy transition 
strategies.

The Directors believe that a proportionate response to climate 
change planning is being implemented, which protects 
shareholders’ interests, including earnings and capital returns. 
Over time, the Directors will increase the disclosures in this 
area as longer-term plans are agreed.

The Directors monitor the Company’s market capitalisation 
against the value of its net assets which provides an indication 
of how various investors view Hunting’s response to climate 
change.

Management are focused on closer investor relationships and 
more regular interactions, and further transparency on strategy.

Reputation risk is not easily quantified.

Hunting’s association with the oil and gas industry is believed to be a high 
risk in the long term in respect to investor and shareholder perceptions, 
given the negative media attention of traditional primary energy sources. 
The Directors believe that Hunting’s strong relationships with customers 
and suppliers will support its ambition to play a key role in the energy 
transition, which will support the Board’s ambitions to pivot revenue to more 
non-oil and gas sources. Further, the Directors believe that secure energy 
sources from regions such as North America continue to play a key role in 
global economic stability.

Hunting’s reputation and standing in the energy industry is critical to its  
long-term resilience. Participation in the oil and gas industry has a potentially 
negative impact on reputation which may manifest itself in a lower share 
price and market capitalisation of the Company.

However, this is offset by the positive contribution of the Group’s products 
and technology relevant to the energy transition.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
89

Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) continued

Climate change risk analysis continued
Physical risk

CATEGORY 
8. Assets
Risk rating:
Medium

Timeframe:
Long term

Financial impact:
Revenue
Assets and liabilities

DESCRIPTION OF RISK 

MANAGEMENT ACTIONS 

IMPACT

The global operating footprint of the 
Group is potentially exposed to the 
acute and chronic physical risks of 
more volatile and severe weather 
events due to climate change.

These events have the ability to 
damage the Group’s operating 
facilities and property, plant and 
equipment, thus impairing Hunting’s 
ability to generate revenue.

In December 2021, the Board and the Ethics and Sustainability 
Committee reviewed an independent report from Willis Towers 
Watson (“WTW”) that presented the Group’s physical risk 
profile with respect to climate change and which presented 
analysis of Hunting’s operating locations and their respective 
risk profiles against a variety of weather events. The report 
also detailed a longer-range risk analysis incorporating a 
number of climate scenarios and how this could potentially 
impact the Group’s operations. The graph on page 90 
presents the Group’s facility exposures to severe weather 
events based on the two physical risk climate scenarios. 

There is not considered to be a significant difference in weather events 
between the two scenarios in respect of the Group’s exposure to physical 
risks, with only a minor increase in the frequency and intensity of such 
events in scenario 2, other than in relation to heat stress, which intensifies 
further in scenario 2.

The graphs on page 91 present the insured asset values and revenue risk 
of the Group, by location, as a function of the weather event scores 
independently applied by WTW. WTW applied a risk factor to 14 weather 
events of between 0 and 5, with the maximum possible score of 48 for all 
weather events. 

Additionally, in terms of chronic 
physical risks, higher temperatures 
are likely to increase the 
requirement for operational and 
office cooling, but there will likely 
be a minor reduction in requirement 
for space heating in winter.

Given the concentration of facilities in Texas and Louisiana, 
locations that periodically experience tornadoes and wind 
storms, c.80% of the Group’s operating locations are 
considered to be in higher-risk areas. All facilities are built to 
withstand these weather events, which minimises production 
downtimes when these events occur. Recent weather events 
in the US have shown that facilities facing such weather are 
only offline for a few days at a time.

The Directors believe that Hunting’s long-term presence in 
Louisiana and Texas, which periodically suffers from tornadoes 
and other extreme weather events, has given the Group strong 
experience in managing this risk. The Group’s operating sites 
are largely unchanged since 2021. The WTW analysis will be 
refreshed in 2024. 

As considered as part of the Group’s strategic planning, it is 
expected that the majority of products and services offered 
by Hunting can be manufactured in multiple facilities, which 
mitigates the risk of loss of revenue.

The total insured value figure is the value of assets held at each location, 
which are covered by Hunting’s global insurance programme and which 
covers both property damage and business interruption insurances. It can 
be noted that virtually all facilities reported a weather risk score of between 
10 and 30, with only a small number of facilities recording a higher 
concentration of insured assets by value.

The Board believes that the overall asset risk is mitigated across the 
Group’s diversified physical global operations.

The Directors have also received reports detailing where key product lines 
are manufactured and the relative climate risk associated with each of these 
sites. Similar to the asset and weather risk chart, the Directors have 
reviewed the Group’s revenue by operating location as a function of WTW 
weather event scores.

The Board understands which facilities are key revenue generators and the 
risk of loss should a weather event hit a particular facility. It can again be 
noted that a small number of facilities have a higher concentration of 
revenue, however, the overall revenue risk is mitigated across the Group’s 
diversified global operations.

Higher peak and average temperatures are likely to lead to an increase in 
cooling capacity, required for facility cooling, possibly leading to higher 
capital costs to expand or upgrade equipment and also higher operational 
costs. However, the Group’s facilities are located at sites that are not at risk 
of significant increases in heat stress so the impact is expected to be low. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) continued

IEA projected fossil fuel demand: 1990-2050

Exajoules

500

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0

1990

2000

2010

2020

2030

2040

2050

0%

 Oil 

 Coal 

 Natural gas 

 Share of fossil fuels in TES (right axis) 

Source: IEA – World Energy Outlook 2022

Facility exposure to severe weather events based on RCP4.5 and RCP8.5  
climate scenarios to 2050

Percentage of facilities operated by the Group

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

River flood

Tropical cyclone

Fire stress

Drought stress

Precipitation

Heat stress

Coastal flood

 Current – 2023 

 RCP4.5 – 2050 

 RCP8.5 – 2050

Source: Company/WillisTowersWatson

Climate opportunities
Resource efficiency
The Group retains an ongoing lean manufacturing 
programme that is aimed at increasing 
productivity and reducing costs of operation. 

In 2023, the cost saving estimated by this 
programme was $1.4m (2022 – $1.4m). 

Key resource inputs for the Group include the 
availability of power and water.

Energy source
The Group’s carbon emissions footprint is noted 
on pages 94 and 95. 

The Board believes that simple, but meaningful, 
carbon reduction strategies will drive down the 
Group’s emissions and include:

i.   Moving electricity contracts for Group facilities 
to renewable-based energy arrangements;
ii.   Building a zero emission vehicle fleet over time, 
including heavy and light duty vehicles and the 
provision of all-electric cars to relevant staff;
iii.  Installation of solar panels on relevant facilities, 
for a zero emission base load energy feed; and

iv.  Tree and grass planting strategy at Group 

facilities to offset residual carbon emissions.

90

Products and services
The Directors of Hunting have assessed the 
opportunities that climate change presents to the 
Group. These opportunities are considered to 
exist in each scenario but would be expected to 
accelerate and happen more swiftly in the Rapid 
Transition and Middle Case scenarios.

i.  Participation in non-oil and gas primary 

energy development

An area of focus within the global energy industry 
is geothermal energy development. These 
projects present a long-term opportunity for the 
Company to provide Oil Country Tubular Goods 
(“OCTG”) premium and semi-premium 
connections and accessories to operators. 
Hunting has industry-leading products and 
expertise in this area and therefore accessing 
these markets is believed to be relatively low risk. 
The Group has analysed the global market for 
geothermal energy and believes that the Asia 
Pacific and North America regions hold good 
opportunities to develop revenue in this sector 
given the number of projects announced over 
the past two years.

 The Directors also note that a number of the 
Group’s major customers are also commencing 
the climate journey, with energy transition plans 
being announced. Hunting’s relationship with key 
exploration and production companies and 
international energy service groups has been 
established over many years, with Hunting being 
a trusted member of the global energy supply 
chain. The Board therefore believes that Hunting 
can successfully leverage its brand and 
reputation to remain a key participant in the 
energy transition.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationTask Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) continued

91

Total invested value (£m) by facility vs Weather risk score (max = 48)

Hunting’s core competencies – current and target markets

Risk score

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Source: Company/WillisTowersWatson

Revenue ($m) by facility vs Weather risk score (max = 48)

Risk score

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Source: Company/WillisTowersWatson

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Innovation
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ii.  Participation in carbon capture 

iii.  Diversification into other non-oil 

and storage projects

and gas sectors

As noted in the Market Summary, on page 26, 
a large number of carbon capture and storage 
projects are to be completed within the 2025 
to 2030 timeframe, to offset carbon dioxide 
build-up in the atmosphere. 

These projects, which require carbon dioxide 
re-injection into known oil and gas fields, or 
greenfield developments, present a long-term 
opportunity for the Company to provide OCTG, 
premium and semi-premium connections and 
accessories to operators. 

The Group’s Energy Transition sales group is 
exploring stronger participation in this market.

The chart above illustrates the Group’s key 
product lines and core competencies and 
demonstrates that the majority of Hunting’s 
businesses have expertise to diversify into other 
growth sectors, such as medical, space, aviation 
and naval. Hunting has launched a medium-term 
strategy to materially increase non-oil and gas 
sales by 2030, which is supported by this 
analysis and has taken steps to drive new sales, 
particularly within the Group’s Advanced 
Manufacturing group.

These opportunities are explained further as part 
of the Hunting 2030 Strategy on pages 6 to 11. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
 
 
 
 
Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) continued

A small proportion of our products contain 
electronic components which can contain critical 
materials as defined by the National Research 
Council. These are a very small proportion of our 
purchased materials and constitute a low risk to 
the Company. However, for critical materials such 
as tungsten, required for Hunting Titan’s charge 
production, we carry out regular risk assessments 
to identify potential supply chain risks. In addition, 
all other identified critical raw materials and/or 
components are regularly reviewed, forecasted 
for sales, availability, and projected market 
pricing, to create a purchase plan.

At all times, Hunting has existing mitigation 
plans in place should there be a supply chain 
interruption. For example, we maintain, and in 
some circumstances have increased, a safe 
stock, or buffer stock, for critical materials and 
components. We also have a highly diverse range 
of approved suppliers in place as part of our 
supply chain, for example ranging from Chinese 
to domestic US steel mills. In some areas, we 
have expanded our approved supplier list.

Adaption and mitigation
As noted above, the Group is pivoting revenue 
to more non-oil and gas sources, including the 
development of Energy Transition revenue from 
geothermal and carbon capture opportunities.

Investment in research and development for new 
products and technologies is a strategic objective 
to maintain market leadership in its core markets. 
In 2023, research and development expenditure 
totalled $6.9m (2022 – $5.8m).

Supply chain
Our commitment to the delivery of innovative, 
high-quality, and reliable products is of material 
importance to the achievement of our ‘total 
customer satisfaction’ goal, and this is reflected 
in our Quality Policy and our Sustainability 
Framework. 

Hunting’s total commitment to Quality is  
shown through operational excellence, and a 
comprehensive Quality Management System 
(“QMS”) supported by strong management 
oversight, which includes supply chain risk 
management. 

The Group’s supply chain is predominantly 
related to raw material supplies, including the 
responsible resourcing of readily available 
materials such as carbon steel, nickel, and 
chrome-based specialist steel alloys which 
are used in the manufacture of Hunting’s 
various products. 

Traditionally, these materials constitute a very 
low risk in terms of availability and price changes. 
Over the last few years, due to geopolitical 
and market factors, we have seen significant 
supply chain disruptions, including supply chain 
inflation and the extension of lead times of 
critical components. This has resulted in a 
strong surge in demand, price increases and 
uncertain availability.

Measuring and reducing carbon emissions 
across the Company’s supply chain is intricate 
and challenging, but Hunting’s role in this effort 
is driven by products which deliver more efficient 
drilling procedures. The Company is increasing 
its efforts to communicate its carbon reduction 
ambitions to its supplier base, through a Supplier 
Code of Conduct which was introduced in 
Q4 2022.

92

Business unit resilience and adaptability

Number of business units

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

Low

Low/Moderate

Moderate

Moderate/High

High

Level of Adaptability

Source: Company

Acquisitions and divestments
As noted elsewhere, the Group’s ambition to 
develop more non-oil and gas sales will be 
achieved through targeted acquisitions and an 
overall strategic expansion of the Group’s 
portfolio. The Group continues to review and 
monitor opportunities in this area.

Access to capital
The Group maintains a $150m Asset Based 
Lending facility which matures in 2026. The 
Directors believe that Hunting continues to have 
access to both equity and debt markets, given 
the strength of its position in the oil and gas, 
and wider energy industry.

Disclosure (c) – climate 
resilience based on a 1.5°C 
scenario

As part of the TCFD risk assessment process, 
disclosures from each of the Group’s business 
units were requested, which included details of 
the resilience of its operations and business 
model in a 1.5°C climate scenario by 2050. While 
Hunting is currently focused on the oil and gas 
sector, the Group retains diverse manufacturing 
capabilities and participates in sectors as diverse 
as aerospace, medical and space.

A key factor that determines the impact on the 
Group is the adaptability of our businesses to 
transition to different sectors. Until our plans are 
further developed we have taken a conservative 
approach and have considered how adaptable our 
businesses are with minimal capital investment.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationTask Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) continued

Furthermore, for some of our businesses, the 
opportunities to adapt will depend on the 
potential development of new markets such as 
carbon capture and storage, the use of hydrogen 
as an energy source together with the expansion 
of the geothermal market and our ability to 
compete in these areas. The majority of the 
Group’s businesses report that they have a 
moderate or high level of adaptability if energy 
markets change materially.

Given the Group’s focus on the changing oil and 
gas industry and the scrutiny of climate change 
by investors and lenders, the Directors’ view is 
that climate change risk is a principal risk to the 
Group and has been embedded into our Risk 
Management processes to which the Group’s 
senior leadership team can respond in an 
appropriate manner. Further information on 
climate change and energy transition risk can be 
found on page 101 within Risk Management. 

The Group’s central compliance function rolls 
out a specific climate-change risk assessment 
process to be completed by each business unit 
within the Group to enable an integrated risk 
register to be assembled. 

93

Disclosure (a) – climate risk 
identification

Each business unit within the Group completes a 
broad-based risk assessment three times a year. 
The results of the process are consolidated into 
a Group-level risk register, which includes details 
of the risk and the associated mitigating controls. 
This includes financing, reputational, strategic, legal 
and insurance risk as well as other operational 
risks faced by the Company. The Group’s Audit 
Committee reviews the Group-level risk register 
three times during the year as part of its annual 
schedule of work with input from the Group 
Finance Director, Group Financial Controller, 
Group Risk Manager and the Internal Auditor. In 
2023, a Group-level broad-risk assessment was 
also introduced, bringing together responses 
from global heads of functions. 

The Group-level risk assessment was followed by 
a workshop to pressure test responses and gain 
a greater understanding of strategic, legal, financial 
and operational impacts of climate change and 
energy transition on ongoing Hunting strategy. 

In 2022, the Group’s central compliance function 
introduced a climate-specific risk questionnaire 
to all businesses within the Group, which asked 
for key information on transition and physical 
risks related to climate change, as well as 
strategic opportunities as the energy transition 
accelerates. 

The risk assessment framework was based on 
the TCFD guidance as illustrated below. 

We have progressed scenario analysis in 2023 
to allow us to further test the resilience of our 
strategy against the three climate scenarios 
identified above with reference to evaluating 
transition risks and opportunities, one being a 
1.5°C scenario. The scenario analysis leverages 
the Group’s extended forecast out to 2028 and is 
extrapolated to the long term using growth rates 
and assumptions that are consistent with other 
forward-looking financial statement elements. In 
the analysis modelled, the Group is considered 
resilient to climate-related scenarios. The analysis 
will continue to be evolved in 2024.

Risk Management

Hunting’s climate-related Risk Management 
disclosures are detailed on pages 84 to 89. 

As part of Hunting’s TCFD reporting, Hunting’s 
central compliance function prepares an annual 
business unit climate risk assessment, which 
assesses the short, medium, and long-term 
risks and opportunities of climate change. The 
assessment also gives a deeper consideration to 
Hunting’s longer-range risks, including revenue 
and expenditure risks in addition to analysis of 
major cash generating units within the Group in 
respect to the impact of climate change. 

TCFD risk assessment chart

Transition risks

Policy and legal

Technology

Market

Reputation

Physical risks

Acute

Chronic

Revenues

Expenditures

Risks

Opportunities

Strategic planning
Risk management

Financial impact

Opportunities

Resource efficiency

Energy source

Products/services

Markets

Resilience

Income  
Statement

Statement of
Cash Flows

Balance
Sheet

Assets and liabilities

Capital and financing

Source: TCFD – Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures – 2017

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationTask Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) continued

94

The central compliance function oversees the 
Group’s annual insurance renewal for all of 
Hunting’s businesses, working with specialists 
from WTW and in 2021 completed a physical 
climate risk assessment for Hunting’s climate 
exposures which extends to 2050. This is due 
to be updated in 2024. 

Disclosure (c) – integration of 
climate risk identification and 
management

The climate-related governance processes 
highlighted on page 83 have been introduced to 
allow the Board to have direct oversight of the 
risks, opportunities and climate-related strategies 
being considered by the Group’s management.

There is also direct access between the Directors, 
Chief Executive and senior management team to 
enable climate matters to be challenged. 

Further, the senior management team has 
empowered each business unit leader to address 
climate matters on a decentralised basis, to 
enable regional considerations to be integrated 
into the Group’s overall processes. In addition, 
the Board has ensured that financially-orientated 
risks are reviewed by the Audit Committee, 
with the broader strategic and operational risks 
being reviewed by the Ethics and Sustainability 
Committee to ensure broad-based challenge 
is given to management and all levels of the 
workforce on this important area.

The results of the annual process are reviewed 
and consolidated by the Group’s central 
compliance and finance functions and fed into 
the scenario analysis presented on page 92. 

This analysis was reviewed by the Directors at its 
meeting in February 2024 and will be debated 
further at the meeting of the Ethics and 
Sustainability Committee in June 2024. 

Further, this analysis will continue to be 
completed annually as part of the Group’s wider 
risk management procedures. 

To prioritise climate risk, in consideration of the 
principal risks, climate questionnaires feed into 
the Group-level risk matrix. As a result, climate 
change and energy transition risk is fourth from 
the top in the principal annual risk list, with 
further Group-level discussion around 
interdependencies to understand how this 
risk impacts on other principal risks.

Disclosure (b) – climate risk 
management

Following the risk identification process, 
management has been challenged to develop 
processes and procedures to mitigate and 
reduce its climate-related risks and impact. 

This includes the reduction of the carbon footprint 
of each business unit; management of the 
physical risk profile of each business or facility, 
which includes dialogue with the Group’s insurers 
and other business units to develop production 
synergies for Hunting’s product portfolio; and the 
broader efforts to decarbonise the Group’s 
supply chain, whether that be to develop non-oil 
and gas sales such as geothermal or carbon 
capture or to introduce more efficient products 
and services to reduce the environmental impact 
of our customers oil and gas activities.

Metrics and Targets

Disclosure (a) – metrics

To monitor Hunting’s climate-related risks and 
opportunities, the Group has elected to adopt 
a broad set of metrics to enable investors to 
monitor climate-related risks and opportunities. 
These are presented in the accompanying table 
on page 95.

Disclosure (b) – scope 1 and 2 
emissions

The Group currently collects scope 1 and 2 GHG 
emissions data based on the Greenhouse Gas 
Protocol, published by the World Resources 
Institute. The data is consolidated on an 
operational control basis, through the Group’s 
central finance global financial consolidation 
system. Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions 
are calculated using factors published by DEFRA 
in the UK to derive its total scope 1 and 2 
emissions. Scope 1 emissions in 2023 were 
5,612 tonnes (2022 – 5,778 tonnes) and scope 2 
emissions were 18,430 tonnes (2022 – 16,644 
tonnes). Hunting’s total scope 1 and 2 emissions 
have been assessed to be 24,042 tonnes  
(2022 – 22,422 tonnes).

Scope 1 and 2 emissions, when comparing 2023 
outcomes to the prior year indicate a slightly higher 
result. This small increase has been achieved 
despite revenue increasing materially in the year, 
reflecting the attention management is giving to 
containing its carbon footprint.

As noted on pages 70 and 71 the Group has 
analysed the scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions of the 
Hunting Titan operating segment, from which an 
extrapolation of the Group’s scope 3 inventories 
was made. 

Based on this analysis, Hunting Titan’s scope 1, 
2 and 3 greenhouse emissions were analysed to 
be c.100,393 tonnes in 2022, with Titan’s 2022 
scope 1 and 2 footprint being 5,455 tonnes and 
scope 3 being 94,938 tonnes. Scope 3 emissions 
for Titan, therefore, equate to c.95% of the 
emissions of the operating segment.

Using this analysis as a proxy for Hunting’s total 
GHG emissions data, a Group scope 1, 2 and 3 
emissions data set, based on a cost of sales 
method of extrapolation, has been published this 
year. The Group’s total scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG 
emissions have, therefore, been extrapolated to 
be 299,565 tonnes for 2022 and 377,388 tonnes 
for 2023. This is a partial assessment of scope 3 
inventories, given that eight of the 15 pillars have 
been analysed. This use of extrapolation of 2022 
data to deliver a 2023 scope 3 figure, therefore, 
makes Hunting non-compliant with the relevant 
Listing Rule. 

The data collection and modelling exercise 
completed in the year has, however, enabled a 
framework of data collection to be put in place, 
with management confident of being fully 
compliant with the TCFD reporting guidelines in 
2024. Further work is planned in 2024 to increase 
the number of pillars being reported against in 
addition to extending the analysis to the Group’s 
Subsea Technology, EMEA and Asia Pacific 
operating segments.

Disclosure (c) – targets

In March 2023 the Company announced new 
GHG emissions targets, with the Group’s scope 
1 and 2 emissions reduction now targeted at 
50% below the 2019 base-year by 2030. This 
equates to absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions of 
17,937 tonnes by 2030. The Group has also 
committed to a long-term Intensity Factor target 
of less than 30 by 2030. The Group has also set 
a non-oil and gas revenue target of 25% by 2030. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationTask Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) continued

Sector specific and cross-sector metrics and targets

METRIC
Revenue – oil and gas: 
$m
Revenue – non-oil and gas: 
$m
Expenditure – total cost of electricity: 
$m
Expenditure – insurance premiums: 
£m
Expenditure – research and development: 
$m
Assets and Liabilities – capital expenditures: 
$m
Scope 1 GHG emissions: 
tonnes
Scope 2 GHG emissions: 
tonnes
Scope 3 GHG emissions: 
tonnes
Water consumption: 
’000s cubic metres
Lean manufacturing savings: 
$m
Carbon emissions offset cost: 
€m
Market capitalisation: 
$m
Net asset value: 
$m
Renewable electricity purchased: 
GWh
Assets exposed to heat stress risk:
%
Assets exposed to precipitation risk:
%

DESCRIPTION OF METRICS/REASON FOR ADOPTION
Hunting’s core markets are oil and gas related, therefore the long-term monitoring of this measure assists in the 
understanding of the Group’s resilience.
Hunting’s longer-term resilience can, in part, be monitored by the development of non-oil and gas sales as the Group seeks 
to diversify its revenue streams.
The long-term cost of energy, including the purchasing of renewable energy, is a key metric to understanding the financial 
impact of the energy transition.
The cost of insurance, including product liability and property damage/business interruption cover, is a key metric in 
understanding the Group’s financial and asset risk profile.
The long-term diversification to non-oil and gas revenue will require investment in new technology and will form part of the 
Group’s research and development activities.
The investment in non-current assets provides an indication of the long-term viability of the Company’s investment case.

Hunting’s scope 1 carbon footprint provides investors data on the Group’s contribution to climate change.

Hunting’s scope 2 carbon footprint provides investors data on the Group’s contribution to climate change.

Hunting’s scope 3 carbon footprint provides investors data on the Group’s contribution to climate change.

Hunting’s water consumption provides investors with data on this impact on the planet.

The Group’s drive for higher efficiencies in its operations provides an indication of its efforts to lower its environmental impact.

The cost of purchasing carbon credits (scope 1 and 2 emissions only) to become a Net Zero business.

The value of the Group’s equity provides an indication of the future value of the Group’s cash generating assets.

The book value of the Group’s assets, compared to the Company’s market capitalisation, provides an indication of the 
future value investors place on the Group’s assets.
The level of renewable energy purchased provides an indication of the Group’s drive to lower emissions.

The proportion of assets exposed to heat stress risk provides an indication of the physical risk exposure of the Group.

The proportion of assets exposed to precipitation risk provides an indication of the physical risk exposure of the Group.

95

2023

2022

853.2

678.2

75.9

47.6

5.6

4.4

6.9

4.5

4.3

5.8

34.6

22.0

5,612

5,778

18,430

16,644

353,346

277,143

198

1.4

1.4

620.5

957.1

11.4

74

70

164

1.4

2.2

662.4

846.2

8.7

74

70

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationRisk Management

96

Managing risks in a changing world
We operate in a complex global environment which is highly regulated 
and demands high specification products that meet stringent quality 
criteria. Hunting’s risk management and internal control processes are 
designed to appropriately mitigate risks inherent in this sector, while 
allowing the Group to achieve its strategic objectives and deliver value 
to shareholders in a changing world.

Managing our risks
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. 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.

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 or geopolitical 
movements and climate change. 

These factors are regularly assessed by the 
Board and are considered alongside the risk 
management framework operated by the Group. 
We also use insurance as a risk mitigation tool. 

Identifying our risks
Effective risk identification aims to enable 
Hunting to make meaningful and informed 
strategic decisions and deliver long-term 
success. Under Hunting’s decentralised 
philosophy, risk management acts as a 
“challenger” to pressure test business risks 
and mitigation, while local management is 
empowered to manage the risks in their 
respective markets. Effective risk management 
further helps us comply with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code requirements, implement 
relevant controls and pursue new opportunities 
and markets while mitigating risks in a rapidly 
changing industry and external environment. 

We take both a bottom-up and a top-down 
approach to risk management and we continue 
to improve alignment between them. Three times 
a year, local management formally reviews risks 
faced by their business, based on current 
trading, 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. 

These principal local risks are reported to Group 
management, where a Group-level workshop is 
performed to pressure test the risks and their 
controls as well as fill in any gaps. In addition, 
to heighten Group monitoring of the potential for 
fraud, local management reports on local fraud 
risk irrespective of its perceived potential low 
impact on the local business.

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.

To further understand Group-level risks and 
the interdependencies between them, a new 
Group-level risk assessment was introduced 
in 2023, which included input from members 
of the executive team and additionally, their 
direct reports. 

To further pressure test the responses, a senior 
management strategy workshop session was run 
to understand top principal risks and their impact 
on Hunting’s strategy and long-term planning. 

Hunting’s internal control system, which has 
been in place throughout 2023 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 to in the future. Internal 
controls are regularly assessed to ensure they 
remain appropriate and effective.

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.

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 
meeting internal control objectives.

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.

Emerging risks
Alongside the process of identifying the Group’s 
current risks, local and Group-level management 
is challenged to identify and consider emerging 
risks that may impact the Group.

Management monitors emerging risks through 
observing press comment including industry-
specific journals, discussions with shareholders, 
advisers, 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 executives. 

Emerging risks identified were: increasing climate 
regulations, an ageing workforce, and artificial 
intelligence although further developments to 
emerging risk identification are underway. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationRisk Management continued

Overview of risk governance structure 
The Board has set risk management roles and responsibilities as illustrated. 
The diagram below shows a high-level governance structure for risk management. 

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

Ethics and Sustainability Committee
•  Monitors key non-financial matters, 
including human capital, HSE and 
Quality Assurance;

Audit Committee
•  Oversees the Group’s risk management 

processes;

•  Reviews business risks and considers 

•  Reviews the Group’s carbon and climate 

emerging risks; and

data; and

•  Reviews bribery and corruption, modern 

slavery and sanctions procedures.

•  Gains assurance that the risk 

management processes and controls 
are effective.

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.

Group Management
•  Establishes detailed Group policies 

and procedures;

•  Manages centrally-controlled risks; and
•  Reviews segment and business unit risks.

Segment and Business Unit Management
•  Ensures Group policies and procedures 

are applied; and

•  Manages business unit controlled risks.

97

Strengthening our risk framework in 2023
We continue to enhance and develop our risk 
management and mature our risk processes to 
make them more valuable to both the business 
and long-term strategy. Over the course of the 
year, we have:

•  Appointed a stand-alone Group Risk Manager 
role as part of the reorganisation of the central 
finance team. The new role has been tasked 
with developing the existing risk management 
framework, integrating the approach to 
business risk and ESG risk, and improving the 
quality and sophistication with which risk is 
managed and reported; 

•  Introduced a Group-level risk assessment, 
which serves to understand strategic and 
operational principal and emerging risks from 
the Group level;

•  Run a risk workshop in the annual senior 

strategy meeting to supplement the written 
top-down Group-level risk assessment and 
pressure-test business risks; and

•  Developed a long-term timeline for risk 

management to enhance the current risk 
processes and risk framework, and help 
Hunting meet its long-term strategic objectives. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationRisk Management continued

Principal Risks

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.

Key changes to our principal risks
In alignment with the Hunting 2030 Strategy and 
external environments, a review of principal risks 
has been undertaken, resulting in changes to 
several risks as well as an increase in the number 
of principal risks published. The following risks 
have been either evolved, added, escalated, 
or de-escalated due to the evolving strategic 
initiatives, internal and external pressures, 
changes in terminology and enhancements 
to risk identification processes. The following 
changes were observed:

•  Increased competition and market 

consolidation has been changed from 
“increased competition” risk to include the 
current market trends;

•  Climate change and energy transition has 

been renamed from “climate change” to 
include the wider scope of transition risks 
and opportunities; 

•  Third-party risk has been introduced and 

includes a wide spectrum of third party and 
supply chain risks including non-compliance 
of partners and joint ventures, agents, 
and distributors;

•  Acquisition risk has been introduced into 

the principal list and includes a wider range of 
associated acquisition risks. It was previously 
disclosed as “overpayment for acquisitions 
or capital expenditure”;

•  Cyber security is a new principal risk. 

Components of this risk include high-impact 
cyber security attacks, data leakage, and 
server outages;

•  Loss of key executives or staff and 

shortage of skilled labour expands the original 
risk of “loss of key executives” to also include 
the worldwide skilled-labour shortage risk;

•  Increased quantity and complexity of 

changing global rules and regulations is a 
new risk and includes increased tax regulation, 
increasing climate regulatory requirements 
such as TCFD, and ongoing labour regulation 
and associated risks;

•  Our ability to achieve our strategic goals 
depends on how we react to external and 
internal forces has been introduced and 
describes how strategic plans need to be 
executed on, including financial targets for 
profitability and cash generation to sustain 
investor confidence; and

•  Significant adverse changes to shale 

drilling have been removed from the principal 
risk although it continues to be a closely 
monitored risk.

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

98

  Current status
  Prior year status
  New risk

1 

 Increased competition 
and market consolidation

2  Geopolitical instability
 Adverse movement in 
3 
commodity prices
 Climate change and 
energy transition

4 

5  Cyber security
6 

 Loss of key executives 
or staff and shortage of 
skilled staff
 Work environment issues 
including health and safety
 Product quality and 
reliability
 Our ability to achieve our 
strategic goals depends 
on how we react to external 
and internal forces

i

a
c
n
a
n
F

i

7 

8 

9 

4

3

2

1

t
c
a
p
m

i

l

High

10  Third-party risk, including 
joint-venture, distributor 
and agent
11  Acquisition risk
12  Increased quantity and 
complexity of changing 
global rules and 
regulations

2

1

5

  Post-control status
  Pre-control status

4

2

1

t
c
a
p
m

i

l

3

3

10

4

9

6

i

a
c
n
a
n
F

i

Movement in risks (post-control) during the year

7

7

11

9

12

10

8

5

3

6

6

h
g
H

i

w
o
L

Low

Effectiveness of internal controls

Probability

h
g
H

i

7

5

8

7

11

12

6

11

9

12

10

8

w
o
L

Low

Probability

High

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
99

Risk Management continued

1.  
Increased competition and market consolidation 

Risk category
Strategic

Change from last year

Risk owner
Chief Executive, Finance Director, subsidiary 
management 

Link to strategy

Growth 

Operational 
Excellence

Risk description
The provision of goods and services to oil and 
gas drilling companies is highly competitive. 
As the demand for oil and gas services and 
products weakened during the COVID period, 
competitors reduced prices and margins were 
put under pressure. This continues despite 
growing demand in the current market. 
Competitors may also be customers and/or 
suppliers, which can increase the risk of any 
potential impact. Competition to secure raw 
materials and components for the oil and gas 
services industry was strong throughout 2023.

Technological advancements in the oil and gas 
industry continue at pace and failure to keep 
ahead will result in lost revenue and market 
share. Additionally, the oil and gas industry is 
undergoing continuing consolidation that could 
impact our operations and financial results. 

Competition risk also arises in respect of the 
sourcing of supplies such as raw materials 
and labour when markets are tight and supply 
chains are constrained. Looking further ahead, 
advancements in alternative energy sources are 
considered a risk to the oil and gas market in the 
long term, whilst also presenting an opportunity 
in geothermal and carbon capture markets. 

Key mitigations
Management has been working to widen 
the Group’s sources of raw materials; have 
introduced structured training programmes to 
internally develop a higher proficiency of new 
machinists in working on multiple product lines; 
and has increased starting salaries for operators. 
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.

Key changes during 2023
Hunting’s operations are established close to 
their end-markets, which traditionally enables the 
Group to offer reduced lead-times and a focused 
product range appropriate to each region. With 
supply chain issues, including a tight labour 
market, Hunting management continues to work 
closely with customers to place orders with the 
Group earlier than usual and to be more 
consenting of longer lead-times in the short term. 
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 continues to widen its 
product offering beyond the oil and gas market, 
with a focus on strategic partnerships, as 
detailed within the Chief Executive’s Report 
on pages 18 to 23.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationRisk Management continued

100

2.  
Geopolitical instability 

3.  
Adverse movement in commodity prices 

Risk category
Operational

Change from last year

Risk category
Strategic

Change from last year

Risk owner
Chief Executive, Finance Director, subsidiary 
management

Link to strategy

Risk owner
Chief Executive, subsidiary management 

Link to strategy

Growth 

Operational 
Excellence

Strong  
Returns

ESG and 
Sustainability

Growth 

Operational 
Excellence

Strong  
Returns

Risk description
The location of the Group’s markets is 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. Operations 
have been established in key geographic regions 
around the world, including expansion into India, 
recognising the high growth potential these 
territories offer. The Group carefully selects 
which countries to operate from, considering 
the differing economic and geopolitical risks 
associated with each geographic territory.

Key mitigations
Areas exposed to high political risk are noted by 
the Board and are strategically avoided. Global 
sanctions and international disputes 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. In the medium 
term, the Group’s investment in Jindal Hunting 
Energy Services Limited, a new joint venture in 
India, is expected to reduce reliance on Chinese 
mills for export business. The Group’s exposure 
to different geographic regions is described on 
pages 40 to 54.

Key changes during 2023
Geopolitical issues remain a feature of the 
modern world in which Hunting operates. The 
scale and nature of these geopolitical issues, and 
their impact on the Group, actual and potential, 
have increased since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 
and the increased global involvement, real and 
rhetorical, in the conflict. The conflict in Gaza 
further adds to volatility in the region and 
worldwide. In addition, tensions between the US 
and China have also been exacerbated during 
this period, both regions of which are important 
markets for the Group. Consequently this risk 
has remained high over the last twelve months.

Risk description
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 
continued volatility of commodity prices, inclusive 
of both oil and gas and raw materials, cause a 
number of ongoing risks for the business.

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. Falling gas prices, 
leading to oversupply in oil plays, are also leading 
to pricing pressure. 

Key mitigations
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 to plan for and predict 
improvements or declines in activity levels.

The Group is undertaking a measured 
diversification into non-oil and gas markets 
including geothermal and carbon capture which 
helps mitigate this risk. In addition, management 
continues to reduce production costs and 
develop new technologies, including automation 
and robotics that help mitigate the impact of any 
further adverse movement in commodity prices 
in the future.

Key changes during 2023
Hunting’s exposure to this risk was relatively high 
at the start of the year and has remained as such 
during the year. The oil price reflects the volatility 
caused by differences in the supply and demand 
and other influences such as geopolitics. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Risk Management continued

101

4.  
Climate change and energy transition 

Risk category
Strategic

Change from last year

Risk owner
Chief Executive, Finance Director

Link to strategy

Growth 

Operational 
Excellence

Strong  
Returns

ESG and 
Sustainability

Risk description
Failure to adapt to climate change and energy 
transition or to mitigate the Company’s impact on 
the environment has the potential to damage the 
Company’s reputation and cause issues, including:

•  potential destruction of demand for 

hydrocarbons if an aggressive carbon 
reduction policy is adopted;

In addition, climate change has the potential 
to cause the following, beyond the Company’s 
influence:

•  increased incidence and severity of flooding, 
countryside fires and abnormal weather 
patterns causing disruption to the Company 
directly and/or our customers and suppliers;
•  loss of customers or suppliers through their 

•  financial institutions may increase their margins 

own failure to comply with climate regulations;

on borrowings;

•  difficulty in attracting appropriate executives 

and other employees;

•  loss of investors and market analysts; and
•  restrictions in the type of use for leased assets 

•  increased cost and/or incidences of asset 
purchases in order to comply with new 
technological regulations;

•  increased energy costs and liability insurance 

premiums; and

imposed by climate-conscious lessors. 

•  increased taxation on perceived  

non-sustainable industries as governments  
set about using the tax system to pay for their 
net carbon emissions targets.

Key mitigations
The Group takes seriously its commitment to 
environmental compliance and stewardship. 
We have continued to increase and refine our 
climate-related disclosures. In 2023, the 
Company announced new GHG emissions 
targets, with the Group’s scope 1 and 2 
emissions reduction now targeted at 50% below 
the 2019 base-year by 2030. The Group is 
migrating its electricity supplies to renewable 
energy resources and the Company has begun 
a process to assure its carbon data with a view 
to setting science-based targets in the near 
future. In addition, a number of workgroups, 
including an Ethics and Sustainability Committee, 
are monitoring climate-based matters.

The Group’s environmental, climate and TCFD 
disclosures are described in detail on page 38 
and pages 62 to 95.

Key changes during 2023
Climate risk commenced as a principal risk in 
the 2022 financial year as a high risk and has 
remained high throughout 2023. The Hunting 
2030 Strategy outlined key targets for ongoing 
energy transition and long-term investment 
in geothermal and carbon capture. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationRisk Management continued

5.  
Cyber security 

Risk category
Operational

Risk owner
Chief Executive, Finance Director, 
Chief IT Officer

Risk description
Our continued dependence on Information 
Technology systems for our operations mean we 
rely heavily on secure and resilient IT systems. 
Components of this risk range from high-impact 
cyber security attacks, data leakage and server 
outage to the emerging risk of Artificial 
Intelligence and the confidential data storing 
practices in unsecure third-party environments. 
Through increased disaster recovery procedures, 
security awareness training, regular monitoring, 
content filtering, and DNS security solutions, risk 
mitigation has grown significantly over the past 
several years and most components of the risk 
have lowered net risk likelihoods although cyber 
attack remains high.

Key mitigations
Risks associated with cyber security range from 
loss of control or financial data, reputational 
damage and lost client and supplier trust, and 
financial loss. 

Key mitigating actions include regular monitoring, 
back-ups and offsite servers (Cloud), and disaster 
recovery procedures including security awareness 
training, secure mail gateway, content filtering, 
and DNS security solutions. 

New Risk

Link to strategy

Operational 
Excellence

Key changes during 2023
Hunting’s exposure to this risk was relatively 
high due partly to the external factors impacting 
cyber risk. 

In 2023, we have rolled out cyber security 
training, alongside a phishing campaign launched 
in July. Several infrastructure and data centre 
initiatives have been launched, and all 2023 
objectives were tied directly to improving 
business reliability as well as Hunting’s stance 
against the never-ending cyber security threats. 
With the stronger focus on cyber risk and 
ongoing mitigation, cyber risk has been 
escalated into our top principal risk list.

102

6.  
Loss of key executives or staff and shortage of key staff 

Risk category
Operational

Change from last year

Risk owner
Chief Executive, Finance Director, 
Chief HR Officer, Remuneration Committee

Link to strategy

Growth 

Operational 
Excellence

Strong  
Returns

ESG and 
Sustainability

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 131 to 154. 

Key changes during 2023
Executives with tangible skills are capable of 
migrating to other industries with less exposure 
to cyclicality and may consequently move to 
where the prospects of career growth may 
appear to be brighter; the impact of COVID-19 on 
the oil and gas industry highlighted the risk of this 
issue. The risk of losing key executives remained 
at a high level throughout 2023 as does the 
shortage of skilled labour.

Risk description
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. Similarly, 
skilled labourers, especially skilled machinists, 
are critical to operations and their shortage has 
the potential to compromise product quality in 
the near term. Rising inflation in certain regions 
can cause higher resignation rates, therefore 
competition for skilled labour remains high globally. 

Key mitigations
Remuneration packages are regularly reviewed 
to ensure that key executives are remunerated 
in-line with market rates including healthcare and 
pension arrangements. External consultants are 
engaged to provide guidance on best practice.  
In response to the heightened risk of losing key 
employees and skilled labour, base and 
entry-level salaries were raised and a new 
pension scheme was set up for certain US 
employees in order to provide an incentive to 
remain with the Group. A new Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy is to be introduced, and 
closer work with recruitment agents is underway. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Risk Management continued

103

7.  
Work environment issues including health and safety 

8.  
Product quality and reliability 

Risk category
Operational

Change from last year

Risk category
Operational

Change from last year

Risk owner
Chief Executive, subsidiary management

Link to strategy

Risk owner
Chief Executive, subsidiary management

Link to strategy

Operational 
Excellence

ESG and 
Sustainability

Growth 

Operational 
Excellence

Strong  
Returns

Risk description
Due to the broad 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.

Every Group facility is overseen by a Health and 
Safety Officer with the responsibility for ensuring 
compliance with current and newly issued HSE 
standards. Local management is focused on the 
training of new employees in Hunting’s stringent 
safety procedures.

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.

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. 
Additionally, inadequately perceived environmental 
safety can contribute to reputational risk. 

Key mitigations
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.

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

The Group’s HSE performance is detailed on 
pages 34 and 75.

Key changes during 2023
The Group recorded an HSE total recordable 
incident rate of 0.91 in the year, which is 
significantly below the industry average and is a 
decrease from the prior year. This particular risk 
pertaining to HSE incidents, therefore, continues 
to be relatively low, post-controls. Ongoing audits 
and Group reporting have highlighted no material 
weakness or significant deficiencies. 

Risk description
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.

Risk of developing or innovating products or 
differentiating existing products could have an 
adverse effect on responding to customers’ 
needs and could result in a loss of customers, 
as well as adversely affecting future success 
and profitability.

Key mitigations
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. Starting 
salaries for new recruits have been increased in 
order to attract more experienced operators and 
businesses in the Group have established 
structured training programmes that will improve 
the proficiency of their machinists and enable 
them to work on multiple product lines. 

Where appropriate, a formal programme of 
machine maintenance and asset replacement 
has been established in order to mitigate the risk 
of machine breakdowns affecting product quality.

Key changes during 2023
The risk of 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.

The Group’s commitment to product quality 
is detailed on pages 29 and 79.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Risk Management continued

104

9.  
Our ability to achieve our strategic goals depends  
on how we react to external and internal forces

Risk category
Strategic

Risk owner
Chief Executive, Finance Director

New Risk

Link to strategy

10.  
Third-party risk, including joint-venture, distributor, and agent 

Risk Category
Operational

New Risk

Risk Owner
Chief Executive, subsidiary management

Link to strategy

Growth 

Operational 
Excellence

Strong  
Returns

Growth 

Operational 
Excellence

Strong  
Returns

Risk description
Hunting’s ability to achieve its strategic goals 
depends on how we react to external and internal 
forces. This presents itself both as a risk as well 
as an opportunity. Hunting has set out a clear 
strategy with long-term growth objectives to 
investors during its Capital Markets Day and 
those plans need to be executed on, including 
the delivery of financial targets for profitability 
and cash generation. 

Internal and external risks could cause Hunting to 
miss financial targets previously communicated 
to shareholders. This could impact investor 
confidence and, therefore, impact the Hunting 
share price. Additionally, Hunting has a range of 
external stakeholders and shareholders, whose 
interests, and definitions of success are different. 
There is a risk that our definition of success is not 
aligned to the changing external perspective.

Key mitigations
Hunting’s first Capital Markets Day hosted in 
2023 enabled the sharing of strategy and 
long-term goals to inform the market. Increased 
focus on continuously developing investor and 
analyst relations further influenced the ongoing 
collection of market intelligence to enable 
Hunting to address any change in shareholder 
expectations more quickly. 

Key changes during 2023
Facing competition in all aspects of our business 
means that failing to manage our costs and 
operational performance could result in 
inadequate earnings, cash flows and other 
financial performance metrics. This in turn can 
affect Hunting being perceived as an attractive 
proposition for shareholders and lenders. A 
stronger focus on monitoring both internal and 
external environments and stakeholder 
expectations has been a priority for 2023, 
therefore escalating the risk. 

Risk description
Third-party risk has been evolving due to Group’s 
focus on global partnerships and joint ventures. 
Partnerships can expose Hunting to regulatory 
non-compliance as a result of reduced oversight 
of relevant internal controls. Furthermore, failure 
to find an appropriate joint venture partner or 
a failure by a joint venture partner to perform to 
the standards required by the joint venture 
agreement could result in negative financial 
and reputational impact to the Hunting Group. 

Key mitigations
Apart from regular monitoring practices, a  
new Supply Chain Code of Conduct was 
implemented, and bi-annual reports are  
now required from each third party in EMEA  
and Singapore. The Board, Chief Executive  
and Finance Director additionally hold  
post-investment appraisals. 

Key changes during 2023
Ongoing relationship building with joint-venture 
partners has been a focus to ensure compliance 
and the application of our Global principles 
wherever we work. This year, the Hunting Group 
has updated the Supply Chain Code of Conduct, 
which has been sent to all our suppliers and 
customers. Continuous monitoring of practices 
keep this risk high, yet stable.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
 
Risk Management continued

105

11.  
Acquisition risk 

Risk category
Strategic

Risk owner
Chief Executive, Finance Director, subsidiary 
management

New Risk

Link to strategy

12.  
Increased quantity and complexity of changing global rules 
and regulations

Risk category
Legal and Compliance

Risk owner
Chief Executive, Finance Director, subsidiary 
management 

New Risk

Link to strategy

Growth 

Operational 
Excellence

Strong  
Returns

Growth 

Operational 
Excellence

Strong  
Returns

ESG and 
Sustainability

Risk description
Due to the nature of our business, and especially 
a focus on alternative revenue streams such as 
geothermal or carbon capture, acquisitions are 
an integral part of Hunting 2030 Strategy. This 
puts us in a position of managing the inherent 
risks of identifying and integrating businesses 
that we have or may acquire. Furthermore, 
acquisitions and investments may not result in 
anticipated benefits and may present risks not 
originally considered, which could have a material 
adverse effect on our financial condition, results 
of operations and cash flows.

Key mitigations
With a clear long-term strategy mapped out at 
the Group’s Capital Market’s Day, increased 
monitoring of Hunting’s businesses has been 
in place, with increased reporting to the Board. 
Further mitigation includes undertaking additional 
due diligence, and defining investment criteria for 
investment appraisals. Ongoing post-investment 
appraisals and additional Board, Chief Executive 
and Financial Director appraisals are in place. 

Key changes during 2023
Acquisition risk is a new entrant to the Group’s 
annual risks, although its risk rating has remained 
unchanged from its previous rating during the year, 
with no significant issues raised by the Group. 

Key changes during 2023
The risk of increased rules and regulations 
is a new addition to the principal risk list due 
to changing priorities of the UK regulatory 
environment, as well as ongoing evaluation of 
climate-related requirements. It is a risk that is 
continually monitored with no significant issues 
being raised by the Group. 

Risk description
Hunting operates globally in complex regulatory 
environments, and there is an ongoing risk that 
we are not compliant with global rules and 
regulations. Further increasing risks range  
from increased tax regulations, labour regulatory 
risks and their long-term impacts, and increased 
climate regulatory requirements and changing 
international rules and regulations such as  
TCFD. The development of climate change 
regulations also differs globally, influencing varied 
shareholder expectations, especially between 
the US and the UK. 

Key mitigations
Ongoing monitoring and increased resource 
allocation for internal monitoring has helped 
in efforts to continuously track any evolving 
regulatory requirements. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
Viability Statement

106

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 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 
96 and 97 and include a review of the Group’s 
exposure to the oil and gas industry, competitor 
action, customer plans, geopolitics and the 
robustness of the supply chain.

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 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, 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 subject to significant volatility.

Due to the uncertainty in projecting forward any 
meaningful outlook beyond three years, the 
Group’s bank funding facilities are generally 
limited to a similar period. This enables the Group 
to reduce the risk of either being underfunded or 
overfunded, thereby mitigating non-utilisation 
fees, beyond the foreseeable future by being able 
to negotiate new facilities to accommodate 
revised operational and strategic changes 
expected during that additional period. The Asset 
Based Lending facility (“ABL”) is a four-year bank 
borrowing facility that commenced in February 
2022. Financial projections beyond this period 
are too uncertain for the Group to commit to a 
longer facility. The Group’s Treasury department 
generally aims to initiate negotiations for a facility 
renewal approximately twelve months before the 
maturity date and the most recent outlook would 
contribute to those discussions.

Taking these factors into consideration, the 
Board believes that a three-year forward-looking 
period, commencing on the date the financial 
statements are approved, is the appropriate length 
of time to reasonably assess the Group’s viability. 

Assessment
The nature of the Group’s operations exposes 
the business to a variety of risks, which are noted 
on pages 98 to 105. 

The Board regularly reviews the principal risks 
and assesses the appropriate mitigation and 
further actions required as described on page 96 
and pages 98 to 105. The Board has further 
considered their potential impact within the 
context of the Group’s viability assessment. 

In assessing the viability of the Group, the Board 
consider internal financial projections to the end 
of 2027 which made the following assumptions:

•  global exploration and production spend, 

excluding Russia, China and Central Asia, is 
expected to rise by 48% from 2023 to 2027;
•  demand for energy service products improves 
in the medium 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 
enable the extraction of oil and gas;

•  the Group continues to widen its customer 

base beyond the oil and gas industry, including 
into non-oil and gas energy, aerospace, 
military and medical markets;

•  the Group’s cost base is expected to benefit 

from improved efficiency resulting from 
reductions in fixed costs, simplified 
management structures and back office 
services, which together with the improved 
operating leverage, is expected to drive 
EBITDA margins up; and

•  the Group will continue to have a low to 

medium 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.

A downside case of the financial projections was 
also produced to model a severe but plausible 

deterioration in market conditions relevant to 
the Group’s principal risks. The downside case 
models a reduction in revenue of between 10-15% 
per year in 2026 and 2027 and the resulting 
impact on EBITDA and total cash and bank 
assuming a modest reduction in discretionary 
corporate cash outflows such as dividends and 
treasury share purchases. If conditions were 
worse than anticipated in the downside case, 
corporate cash outflows, capital expenditure and 
operating costs would be reassessed resulting 
in additional financial flexibility. In the downside 
scenario, the Group continued to generate 
cash and had significant headroom under its 
committed facilities and financial covenants. 

Liquidity and solvency
The $150m ABL facility is a four-year bank 
borrowing facility and includes an option that 
allows Hunting to increase the facility by a further 
$50m subject to the lenders’ credit approval. The 
ABL facility was partially utilised during 2023 in 
order to fund working capital. At 31 December 
2023, the Group’s total cash and bank position 
was broadly zero (NGM K). The Group’s internal 
financial projections indicate that the Group is 
expected to deliver a cash positive position by 
the end of 2024. 

Conclusion
The Board believes that the Group’s strategy for 
growth, its positive approach towards mitigating its 
impact on climate change, the diverse customer, 
supplier and product base, the resilience of its 
business model against the principal risks, the 
availability of borrowing facilities and the positive 
outlook for the oil and gas industry, 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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information107

Going Concern

Introduction
The Group’s principal cash outflows include capital investment, labour 
costs, inventory purchases and dividends. 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 2023, 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 a $150m secured 
committed Asset Based Lending facility (“ABL”). 
Throughout 2023, the facility was partially utilised 
in order to fund working capital. At 31 December 
2023, the Group had total cash and bank of 
broadly zero (NGM K). The Group’s internal 
financial projections indicate that the Group is 
expected to return to a cash-positive position by 
the end of 2024 and consequently has sufficient 
resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due 
over the next twelve months following the date 
of approval of the financial statements.

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 as well as the availability of 
borrowing facilities. The Board also considered 
the principal risks faced by the Group and the 
potential financial impact of the estimates, 
judgements and assumptions that were used to 
prepare these financial statements. Management 
also sensitised the forecasts to reflect plausible 
downside scenarios and these demonstrated 
that the Group is able to maintain sufficient cash 
resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due 
over the twelve months following the date of 
approval of the financial statements. The Board is 
also satisfied that no material uncertainties have 
been identified.

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 has considered it appropriate to adopt the 
going concern basis of accounting in preparing 
the financial statements.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information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 2023 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 will promote the continued success of the 
Company, for the benefit of its members and stakeholders as a whole.

•  The Group also completed its first carbon 
data assurance project, using S&P Global;
•  The Group commenced the analysis of its 

scope 3 emissions, beginning with the Hunting 
Titan operating segment, which will enable the 
Company to estimate its scope 1, 2 and 3 
greenhouse gas emissions;

•  Hunting’s TEK-HUB™ continues to build 

relationships with innovative individuals and 
organisations that are developing technologies 
that align with our customers’ and wider 
stakeholders’ requirements;

The Board 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 
rewarded for their efforts;

•  Over the years, we have fostered longstanding 
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 and gas 
industry, we regularly monitor the impact of 
our activities on the environment and on the 
communities in which we operate, in particular 
where we maintain active manufacturing 
facilities; and

•  As a Board, we endeavour to operate 

•  The Company held a Capital Markets Day 

during which senior management presented 
the Hunting 2030 Strategy, outlining the 
Company’s ambitions to expand in traditional 
energy, energy transition markets as well as 
non-oil and gas markets such as aviation, 
commercial space, defence, medical and 
power generation; 

•  Teams from Singapore, China and Indonesia 

organised various events to celebrate 
International Women’s Day, which included 
team building exercises, speakers and 
activities. The workshops addressed several 
topics including diversity and equality in regard 
to the workplace;

•  In February 2023, the Society of Petroleum 

Engineers hosted a roundtable discussion led 
by Hunting staff, with the event providing the 
perfect opportunity to showcase how the 
Company is supporting global energy 
transition projects; and

•  The Board continues to monitor senior 

management engagement with customers, 
suppliers and other stakeholders. 

responsibly and to make carefully considered 
decisions. We encourage high standards of 
business conduct from our employees and 
ensure we lead by example.

Following engagement with a wide range of 
stakeholders, the following actions were taken:

•  Our global Human Resources function 

continues to monitor workforce remuneration, 
hiring and retention policies to ensure our 
employees are paid fairly when compared to 
similar companies in our sector;

•  Our second global employee engagement 

survey was launched during the year leading to 
additional training programmes being set up;

•  Updated Code of Conduct training 

programmes were rolled out to all Group 
employees in 2023 as well as cyber security 
training;

•  A Supplier Code of Conduct was rolled out 

during the year;

•  Charitable donations were made in-line with 

the new policy to distribute unclaimed 
dividends to UK-based charities;

•  The Group has continued to expand its carbon 
data and climate reporting. During the year, the 
Company announced its targets to reduce 
carbon emissions, based on its scope 1 and 2 
carbon footprint;

108

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 2023 
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 31 and 32);
•  lenders (pages 31 and 32);
•  employees (pages 31 and 33 to 35);
•  customers (pages 31, 36 and 37);
•  suppliers (pages 31 and 37);
•  environment and climate change  

(pages 31 and 38);

•  governments (pages 31 and 39); and
•  communities (pages 31 and 39).

On behalf of the Board

Jim Johnson 
Chief Executive

Bruce Ferguson 
Finance Director 

29 February 2024

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information109

CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE

Introduction to Corporate Governance 

Board of Directors and Company Secretary 

Executive Committee  

Corporate Governance Report  

Nomination Committee Report  

110

112

114

115

126

Ethics and Sustainability Committee Report   128

Remuneration Committee Report  

– Remuneration at a Glance  

– Directors’ Remuneration Policy 

– Annual Report on Remuneration  

Audit Committee Report  

Directors’ Report 

131

135

137

146

155

160

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationIntroduction to Corporate Governance

110

John (Jay) F. Glick
Company Chair

2023 saw a strong increase in the activity and profitability of the 
Company as global energy markets continued their growth, driven by 
energy security concerns and wider economic progress. The delivery 
of affordable energy supplies is also a key driver for the new activity 
seen in the year, with offshore markets being particularly strong. The 
Board of Hunting believes that energy markets will remain resilient for 
many years to come, with the Company’s strategic ambitions also 
aligned with new, non-oil and gas opportunities.

Around this sector narrative, the Directors of the 
Company continued to implement improvements 
to the strategic and governance frameworks to 
position Hunting for long-term success. A new 
strategy was announced and, in parallel to this, 
the work of the Nomination and Remuneration 
Committees, in particular, reflect the alignment 
of succession and compensation with 
these ambitions.

I am due to retire from the Board in April 2024, 
following completion of nine years’ service to 
shareholders, but I leave the Company in excellent 
shape, positioned well for continued growth, 
supported by strong and experienced Directors.

Hunting 2030 Strategy
In March 2023, the Company announced the 
Hunting 2030 Strategy, which presented the 
growth ambitions of management to the end 
of the decade. 

Details of this strategy were delivered at the 
Company’s first Capital Markets Day on 
13 September 2023, where Hunting’s senior 
leadership team presented the strategic plans, 
growth ambitions and financial targets for the 
medium-term.

Hunting has a compelling technology and 
product offering, which covers many critical 
areas of the global energy industry. The 
Company is also making good progress in 
developing energy transition revenue 
opportunities, particularly in the tangential 
markets of geothermal energy and carbon 
capture and storage. Further, Hunting is driving 
growth through diversification outside of energy 
markets, which require quality-assured products, 
supported by high-end manufacturing 
capabilities. These ambitions will deliver growth 
in the financial performance of the Company, 
given the market fundamentals being reported 
for energy, but also other industries that need 
our skills. I would like to commend Jim Johnson, 
our Chief Executive, for the evolution and delivery 
of this new strategic plan.

Board succession and refreshing
On 3 January 2023, Stuart Brightman was 
appointed as a new, independent, non-executive 
Director of the Company. Stuart brings a wealth 
of manufacturing, energy services and quoted 
company experience to the Hunting Board. 
In-line with the Company’s Articles of 
Association, Stuart automatically retired as a 
Director and was reappointed by shareholders 
at the 2023 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”).

As noted below, the Board are submitting to 
shareholders, for approval at the 2024 AGM, 
a new Directors’ Remuneration Policy and 
Long-Term Incentive Plan. To ensure continuity 
through this process of engagement with 
shareholders, on 5 December 2023 the Board 
agreed to reappoint Annell Bay, the Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee, for up to a further 12 
months, with effect from 2 February 2024. Major 
shareholders were consulted on this decision 
during January 2024, as part of the Board’s 
ongoing governance dialogue.

During H2 2023, the Nomination Committee 
undertook a search process to appoint an 
additional, independent, non-executive Director. 
Following a detailed search and interview 
process, Dr Margaret Amos was appointed as 
a Director on 10 January 2024, joining all of the 
Committees of the Board. Margaret brings new 
sector expertise to the Board, as Hunting seeks 
to pursue non-oil and gas revenue streams, 
in-line with the Hunting 2030 Strategy.

2024 will be a year of change for the profile of the 
Hunting Board as the process of succession and 
rotation continues. On 17 April 2024, I will step 
down as Company Chair at the conclusion of 
the AGM. Following a rigorous process, the 
Nomination Committee, led by Annell Bay, 
proposed Stuart Brightman to succeed me as 
Company Chair to lead Hunting through its next 
phase of development, as the Hunting 2030 
Strategy is executed by executive management. 
I wish Stuart all the best in his new role.

As detailed in our announcement on 10 January 
2024, following Stuart’s appointment as Company 
Chair, Margaret Amos will take over as Chair of 
the Ethics and Sustainability Committee.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationIntroduction to Corporate Governance continued

Hunting’s governance 
framework, along with the 
Board and Committee 
processes and procedures 
have remained robust during 
2023 with progress being 
made on many fronts.

Dividends declared in the year

 10.0 cents

(2022 – 9.0 cents)

Total distributions payable to 
shareholders in respect of the 
financial year

$15.8m

(2022 – $14.3m)

With these changes, the Hunting Board is well 
positioned to pursue a broad range of growth 
opportunities as the energy industry continues 
its growth path.

New Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
Hunting’s Remuneration Committee continued its 
excellent work throughout 2023, and, in the year, 
commenced a review process to ensure the 
Company’s compensation practices aligned with 
the long-term strategic ambitions of the Board, 
as well as ensuring that Hunting’s remuneration 
framework remains competitive in its key 
recruitment markets of the US and the UK. 

As described in more detail in the Remuneration 
Committee report see pages 131 to 154, a 
detailed and balanced benchmarking process 
was completed, which compared the 
remuneration structure of Hunting’s Chief 
Executive to its most relevant and appropriate 
peers who carry the same profile and size to 
our Company. This process resulted in a new 
Director’s Remuneration Policy, which includes 
a proposed hybrid long-term incentive structure, 
with Hunting’s executive Directors being granted 
a mix of performance-based and restricted stock 
awards. The Remuneration Committee and wider 
Board believe this structure to be critical to the 
long-term recruitment and succession planning 
needs of the Company, given the location of the 
majority of Hunting’s most senior executives. 
During H2 2023, a thorough shareholder 
engagement process was undertaken, led by 
Annell Bay, and following some amendments to 
our proposals after receiving feedback from our 
shareholders, the 2024 Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy and new Long-Term Incentive Plan are 
being submitted for approval at the 2024 AGM. 
The Directors believe the new Policy to be key to 
the long-term success of the Company and seek 
shareholder support for these proposals.

Dividends
With the continued improvement in the Company’s 
financial performance in the year, and in-line with 
the dividend ambition announced as part of the 
Hunting 2030 Strategy, the Directors are 
proposing a Final Dividend, with respect to 2023 
of 5.0 cents per share. This distribution is being 
submitted to shareholders for approval at the 
2024 AGM.

An Interim Dividend of 5.0 cents per share was 
paid on 27 October 2023, equating to a cash 
distribution of $7.9 million.

The total distribution for the year to shareholders 
is, therefore 10.0 cents per share, or a 11% 
increase over 2022, which equates to total 
distributions payable of approximately $15.8m 
(2022 – $14.3m). 

ESG and sustainability
As a responsible Company, our efforts to 
increase our ESG and Sustainability 
commitments have continued in the year, with 
Hunting announcing new 2030 carbon emission 
reduction targets in March 2023. A new initiative 
introduced in the year was an independent 
assurance process covering our scope 1 and 2 
emissions, which was completed in July 2023. 
S&P Global was appointed to oversee this 
process, which was successfully concluded 
with no amendments to our published 2022 
emissions data.

As noted elsewhere in this report, the Company 
has commenced a process to determine its 
scope 3 carbon emissions data. This is an 
important milestone for Hunting as it will enable 
management to develop a Net Zero carbon 
reduction plan, which is an area of increased 
focus for investors.

111

During 2023, the Company completed a second 
employee engagement survey, with the results 
being reviewed by the Ethics and Sustainability 
Committee at its June 2023 meeting. The 
Directors noted the improved scoring recorded 
in this process, which underlines their belief that 
Hunting retains a strong culture across all of its 
global operations. 

New UK Corporate Governance Code
The Board is keeping under close review the 
proposals by the UK government to reform audit 
and governance procedures. The Directors of 
Hunting remain committed to close alignment 
with the UK Corporate Governance Code, and 
will implement new practices as and when 
required to remain compliant with the Code.

In summary, the governance framework, along 
with the Board and Committee processes and 
procedures, have remained robust during 2023 
with progress being made on many fronts. As I 
retire from the Company, I believe that Hunting is 
poised for a period of resilient performance in the 
short- to medium-term.

On behalf of the Board

John (Jay) F. Glick
Company Chair

29 February 2024

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationBoard of Directors and  
Company Secretary

Key to committees:

N  Nomination Committee

A  Audit Committee

E  Ethics and Sustainability Committee

I  By invitation

R  Remuneration Committee

 Chair

112

N

E I

I

I

N

E

R A

N

E

R

A

John (Jay) F. Glick
Non-executive Company Chair

Arthur James (Jim) Johnson
Chief Executive

Bruce Ferguson
Finance Director

Margaret Amos
Non-executive Director

Annell Bay 
Non-executive Director

Nationality
American

Nationality
American

Nationality
British 

Nationality
British

Nationality
American

Length of service
9 years; appointed to the Board 
as a non-executive Director in 
2015 and is viewed as independent. 
In 2017, Jay was appointed 
non-executive Company Chair 
and in September 2023, was 
reappointed for a final 8 months. 
Jay currently Chairs the Nomination 
and Ethics and Sustainability 
Committees. Jay will retire from the 
Board at the conclusion of the 2024 
AGM. Age 71.

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 with Cameron 
International Corporation.

External appointments
Jay is currently a non-executive 
director and chairman of TETRA 
Technologies Inc.

Length of service
32 years; appointed to the Board 
as a Director and Chief Executive 
in 2017. Age 63.

Length of service
30 years; appointed to the Board 
as a Director and Finance Director 
in 2020. Age 52.

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.

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.

Length of service
Less than 1 year; appointed to the 
Board as a non-executive Director 
in January 2024 and is viewed as 
independent. Following Jay Glick’s 
retirement in April 2024, Margaret 
will Chair the Ethics and 
Sustainability Committee. Age 54.

Skills and experience
Margaret spent the majority of her 
career at Rolls-Royce plc, where 
she held a number of senior 
positions including Finance Director 
– Engineering, IT and Corporate as 
well as Director of Business Planning.

External appointments
Margaret is currently a non-executive 
director of Tyman plc, Volution 
Group plc and Pod Point Group 
Holdings PLC.

Length of service
9 years; appointed to the Board 
as a non-executive Director in 2015 
and is viewed as independent. 
In February 2024, Annell was 
reappointed for a further 12 months 
to oversee the implementation 
of the new Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy, which will be submitted 
to shareholders at the 2024 AGM. 
Annell is Chair of the Remuneration 
Committee and is also the 
Company’s designated non-executive 
Director for employee engagement. 
Age 68.

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. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationBoard of Directors and  
Company Secretary continued

Key to committees:

N  Nomination Committee

A  Audit Committee

E  Ethics and Sustainability Committee

I  By invitation

R  Remuneration Committee

 Chair

113

N

E

R

A

N

E

R

A

N

E

R

A

N

E

R

A

N

E

R

A

Stuart M. Brightman
Non-executive Director

Carol Chesney
Non-executive Director

Paula Harris 
Non-executive Director 

Keith Lough 
Senior Independent 
Non-executive Director

Ben Willey
Company Secretary

Nationality
American

Nationality
American and British

Nationality
American

Nationality
British

Nationality
British

Length of service
1 year; appointed to the Board as a 
non-executive Director in 2023 and 
is viewed as independent. Age 67.

In January 2024 it was announced 
that following the conclusion of the 
2024 AGM Stuart would succeed 
Jay Glick as Company Chair. 

Skills and experience
Stuart has spent the majority of his 
career at TETRA Technologies Inc. 
(“TETRA”), Dresser Inc. and 
Cameron Iron Works. During his 
time at TETRA, Stuart held the 
position of chief operating officer 
between 2005 and 2009, when 
he was appointed chief executive 
officer, a position he held to 
2019, before his retirement from 
the business.

External appointments
None.

Length of service
6 years; appointed to the Board 
as a non-executive Director in 2018 
and is viewed as independent. 
Carol is Chair of the Audit 
Committee, and in April 2021 was 
reappointed for a further three-year 
term. Age 61.

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 Company Secretary of 
Halma plc.

External appointments
Carol is currently a non-executive 
director of IQE plc and Hill & Smith plc.

Length of service
2 years; appointed to the Board as 
a non-executive Director in April 
2022 and is viewed as independent. 
Age 60.

Skills and experience
Paula has extensive oilfield services 
experience following a 33-year 
career at Schlumberger, the 
international energy services group, 
where latterly she was Director of 
Stewardship.

External appointments
Paula is currently a non-executive 
director of Chart Industries, Inc and 
Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.

Length of service
6 years; appointed to the Board 
as a non-executive Director in 
April 2018 and appointed Senior 
Independent Director in August 
2018. In April 2021, Keith was 
reappointed for a further three-year 
term. Age 65.

Skills and experience
Keith was formerly the 
non-executive Chairman of Gulf 
Keystone Petroleum Limited and 
Rockhopper Exploration plc as well 
as a non-executive director of 
Capricorn Energy plc. He has 
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 
chair of Southern Water.

Length of service
14 years; joined Hunting in 2010 and 
was appointed Company Secretary 
in 2013. Age 50.

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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Executive Committee

114

Stewart Barrie 
Managing Director 
– EMEA 

Nationality 
British 

Liese Borden 
Chief HR Officer

Ryan Elliott
Chief IT Officer

Gregory T. Farmer 
Global Director  
– QAHSE/Compliance 

Nationality 
American 

Nationality 
American

Nationality 
American 

Scott George 
Managing Director 
– North America 

Nationality 
American

Length of service 
12 years; joined Hunting in 2012.
Age 55.

Length of service 
6 years; joined Hunting in 2018. 
Age 62. 

Length of service 
11 years; joined Hunting in 2013.
Age 46.

Length of service 
36 years; joined Hunting in 1993.
Age 57.

Length of service 
14 years; joined Hunting in 2010. 
Age 50. 

Jim Johnson, Bruce Ferguson 
and Ben Willey are also 
members of the Hunting 
Executive Committee.

Jason Mai 
Managing Director  
– Hunting Titan 

Nationality 
American 

Daniel Tan 
Managing Director  
– Asia Pacific 

Nationality 
Singaporean 

Dane Tipton 
Managing Director  
– Subsea Technologies 

Randy Walliser
Managing Director  
– Canada

Nationality 
American 

Nationality 
Canadian 

Length of service 
8 years; joined Hunting in 2016.
Age 55.

Length of service 
16 years; joined Hunting in 2008.
Age 61.

Length of service 
14 years; joined Hunting in 2010.
Age 52.

Length of service
5 years; joined Hunting in 2019.
Age 63. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information115

The Board discusses strategic planning and 
long-term growth objectives. Once the Board has 
agreed on these strategic plans, they 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 96 and 97), 
and supporting procedures, help the Board 
refine its decision making, as the opportunities 
and risks for long-term success and growth are 
evaluated against the risk appetite and culture of 
the Group. Following this, the Group’s Business 
Strategy and Model are put into action.

The Board has four subcommittees to which 
it delegates governance and compliance 
procedures:

•  the Nomination Committee, whose report 

can be found on pages 126 and 127;
•  the Ethics and Sustainability Committee, 
whose report can be found on pages 128 
to 130;

•  the Remuneration Committee, whose report 

can be found on pages 131 to 154; and
•  the Audit Committee, whose report can be 

found on pages 155 to 159.

These Board Committees support the Directors 
in their decision making.

Corporate Governance Report 

Compliance

Governance framework

Introduction
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 is responsible for the management 
and strategic direction of the Company, to ensure 
long-term success by generating value for its 
shareholders, while giving due consideration to 
other stakeholders, as prescribed by UK law.

Hunting governance framework

Our purpose

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. Hunting PLC is 
reporting its corporate governance compliance 
against this Code. The Board notes that it has 
complied with all provisions within the Code 
except for the following from which there has 
been a departure as at 29 February 2024:

The pension contribution rate of the Chief 
Executive (who is resident in the US) currently 
does 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. It should be noted that since his 
appointment to the Board in 2017, the pension 
contribution Jim Johnson received from the 
Company averaged 12% of base salary. Under 
the current Directors’ Remuneration Policy, the 
Board agreed that the pension contribution rates 
for all new executive Director appointments will 
be capped at 12% of base salary, in-line with the 
UK workforce. In 2023, a new deferred savings 
plan was implemented in the US, which fully 
aligns the workforce and management across 
the region. The Remuneration Committee notes 
that this plan will be offered to future US-based 
executive Directors, which will make the 
Company fully compliant with the Code.

Market environment and  
other external factors

Stakeholder engagement

Ethics and 
Sustainability  
Committee

Nomination Committee

Executive  
Directors

1
Strategic intent

2
Challenge and  
decision making

3
Short/long-term plans

Non-executive  
Directors

Risk 
management

Business 
strategy

Execution and 
value creation 
(Business Model)

Strategic and 
financial 
performance

KPIs

Audit  
Committee

Remuneration  
Committee

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationCorporate Governance Report continued

The work of the Nomination Committee supports 
the Board’s responsibility for ensuring that a 
framework for the 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 Ethics and Sustainability Committee 
supports the Group’s environmental, social 
and governance (“ESG”) decision making. 
The Committee also monitors the long-term 
strategies to reduce our impact on the 
environment, improve our sustainability, 
monitor stakeholder engagement procedures 
and oversees our ethics policies. 

The Remuneration Committee ensures that 
executive pay remains aligned with Company 
performance, workforce remuneration and the 
broader shareholder experience. The 
Remuneration Committee ensures the executive 
Directors remain motivated and incentivised, as 
the senior leadership team executes the Board 
approved strategy on a day-to-day basis. 

The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include 
reviewing the Group’s financial results and, 
challenging management and overseeing the 
internal audit and external audit functions. 

Board leadership and 
Company purpose

(Section 1 of the Code)

The Board and its Committees are further 
supported by an Executive Committee, 
comprising senior leaders across the Group. 
The Executive Committee oversees the 
implementation of the Group’s strategy 
and growth objectives and ensures that the 
risks and also 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 Company Chair, 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 exercises 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 their 
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 regular management accounts and 
forecasts, comparing these forecasts to market 
expectations and assessing other financial 
matters. They review and approve all public 
announcements, including financial results and 
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. 
The compensation 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.

116

The Board approves all key recommendations 
from the Nomination, Ethics and Sustainability, 
Remuneration 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 global markets, reports on health 
and safety, and highlights milestones reached 
towards the delivery of Hunting’s strategic 
objectives. The Finance Director provides an 
update on the Group’s financial performance, 
position, trading 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. The Board met nine times 
in 2023 (2022 – eight times), with the attendance 
record noted below:

Number of meetings held
Number of meetings attended  
(actual/possible):
Annell Bay 
Stuart Brightman
Carol Chesney 
Bruce Ferguson
Jay Glick
Paula Harris
Jim Johnson 
Keith Lough 

9

9/9
9/9
9/9
9/9
9/9
9/9
9/9
9/9

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information117

26 Jan

25 Feb

19 Apr

6 Jun

14 Jul

23 Aug

4 Oct

30 Oct

6 Dec

Average tenure of the Board 

Corporate Governance Report continued

2023 Board Meetings and Agenda Items
Standing items
Chief Executive’s Report
Finance Director’s Report
Operational Reports
Quality Assurance, Health, Safety & Environmental Reports
Shareholder Report
Other items
Annual/Interim Report and Accounts
Board Evaluation
Risk Review
AGM Preparation
Trading Statement
Strategy
Organisation and Personnel Review and Succession
Annual Budget
Company Chair/Senior Independent Director Investor Feedback

•
•

•

•

•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•

•

•

•
•

•

•

•

•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•

•
•

•

•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•
•

•

•
•

•

•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

Tenure
The average tenure of the Board, at 29 February 
2024, is five years (2022 – four years). Within the 
non-executive Directors, the average tenure is 
five years (2022 – five years). 

Jay Glick was appointed to the Board in 2015, 
was appointed Company Chair in 2017 and will 
retire as a Director at the conclusion of the AGM 
on 17 April 2024.

As noted in the Nomination Committee Report, 
Annell Bay, Chair of the Remuneration Committee, 
was reappointed for a further 12 months from 2 
February 2024, to oversee the final implementation 
of the new Directors’ Remuneration Policy and 
Long-Term Incentive Plan. Ms Bay will retire no 
later than the tenth anniversary of her appointment, 
being 2 February 2025. The Board continues to 
consider Ms Bay as an objective and independent 
non-executive Director.

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 
the country of residence and local employment 
laws applicable at the time of the appointment.

For more information on the service contracts of 
the current executive Directors, please see the 
Remuneration Committee Report on page 144.

Composition and diversity
As part of the Board’s focus on refreshing its skills 
and expertise as Hunting enters another growth 
phase, Stuart Brightman was appointed as a 
new, independent non-executive Director on 
3 January 2023. Mr Brightman was appointed to 
all Board Committee’s on appointment, and at 
the 2023 AGM automatically retired and offered 
himself for reappointment by shareholders. 
Shareholders duly reappointed Mr Brightman 
at the 2023 AGM.

The Nomination Committee continued its search 
process with a view to appointing a further 
non-executive Director who provides non-oil and 
gas experience as the Company executes the 
Hunting 2030 Strategy. During the second half of 
2023, the Nomination Committee interviewed 
candidates and at its meeting on 8 January 2024, 
proposed the appointment of Dr Margaret Amos. 
Dr Amos was appointed to the Board on 
10 January 2024 and was appointed to all Board 
Committees from this date. Dr Amos will 
automatically retire at the 2024 AGM, and offer 
herself for reappointment by the shareholders.

For further information on the biographical details 
of the Board of Directors, please see pages 112 
and 113.

5 years

at 29 February 2024
(2022 – 4 years)

Average tenure of the non-executive 
Directors 

5 years

at 29 February 2024
(2022 – 5 years)

Board tenure
at 29 February 2024
  Less than 3 years
  3-5 years
  6-9 years

1/3

1/3

1/3

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationCorporate Governance Report continued

Board gender diversity
%

  Male 
  Female

Board of Directors and Executive Committee
At 29 February 2024

Gender

44%

56%

Senior management gender diversity
%

Men
Women
Other categories
Not specified/prefer not to say

  Male 
  Female

32%

Ethnicity

Workforce gender diversity
%

  Male 
  Female

25%

68%

75%

White British or other White (including minority-white groups)
Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups
Asian/Asian British
Black/African/Caribbean/Black British
Other ethnic group, including Arab
Not specified/prefer not to say

118

Number of  

Board Members
5
4
–
–

% of Board
56
44
–
–

Number of  

Board Members
8
–
–
1
–
–

% of Board
89
–
–
11
–
–

Number of  
senior positions 
on the Board  
(CEO, CFO, SID 
and Chair)
4
0
–
–

Number of  
senior positions 
on the Board  
(CEO, CFO, SID 
and Chair)
4
–
–
–
–
–

Number in 
executive 
management
11
1
–
–

% of executive 
management
92
8
–
–

Number in 
executive 
management
10
–
2
–
–
–

% of executive 
management
83
–
17
–
–
–

With this gender balance and current allocation of roles within the composition of the Board, Hunting is compliant with two of the three requirements 
under Listing Rule 9.8.6, with the requirement for at least one senior Board position being held by a women not being met. The Directors anticipate that 
this non-compliance will be resolved in the next few years as further refreshing of the Board continues.

The Board is currently reviewing the Group-wide ethnicity profile and will likely target a diversity profile for the senior management team similar to the whole 
workforce. Further information on this area will be incorporated in the 2024 Annual Report.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationCorporate Governance Report continued

Purpose
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 for themselves, 
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 quality-assured 
to exceed the highest levels of industry 
regulation. Our employees are highly trained to 
ensure our operations are safe and deliver total 
customer satisfaction.

The Directors have approved Hunting’s continued 
focus on energy-related markets, while using the 
earnings generated from that sector to diversify 
into other non-oil and gas sectors that utilise our 
core competencies and offer an attractive return.

119

Our Purpose – to be a highly trusted innovator and manufacturer of technology 
and products that create sustainable value for our stakeholders.

Purpose

Our purpose shapes our strategic decisions  
and drives our business model

Our culture and values are aligned with our purpose

Business Strategy
(page 6)

Risk Management
(page 96)

Business Model
(page 28)

Our culture and values  
underpin our business model

Culture and Values
(page 120)

Creation of sustainable value for our stakeholders

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationCorporate Governance Report continued

120

Culture and values 
Our culture is the shared way that we do things in the Company and is underpinned by our core values of respect, honesty, integrity, innovation and reliability.

The Company has been operating since 1874 and has a long history with a strong culture of excellence. At the heart of Hunting’s culture is our people. 

Our culture is shaped and determined by the way we:

Attract and retain people

Work together

Training and development 
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.

Fair remuneration
To retain our staff, our employees 
are fairly remunerated, which, in 
addition to a competitive base 
salary, can comprise a range of 
benefits. Given the competitive 
landscape of our industry, our base 
levels of pay are well above 
minimum wage thresholds.

Safety
Zero harm to our employees.

Key metrics
•  HSE hours of training per 

employee;

•  Cyber security training; 
•  Voluntary turnover rate; 
•  Salary and benefits;
•  Talent development;
•  Succession planning;
•  Total recordable incident  

rate; and

•  Total near-miss frequency rate. 

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.

Equity and inclusion
Hunting prides itself on being a fair 
and responsible employer. We are 
committed to creating a positive 
workplace environment for all of 
our employees; one that is safe, 
respectful, fair and inclusive, and 
free of any form of harassment, 
bullying or discrimination.

Diversity and inclusion
The Company recognises the 
business benefits of having a 
diverse workforce, including a 
diverse Board, as this supports the 
delivery of high performance and 
increases the effectiveness of the 
Company.

Key metrics
•  Diversity of employees;
•  Diversity at management level;
•  SafeCall reports; and
•  Employee engagement survey. 

Do business in a responsible 
and sustainable way

Strong HSE and quality 
assurance ethic 
We seek to achieve and maintain 
the highest standards of safety 
for our employees, customers, 
suppliers and the public.

Looking after local communities
The Board encourages community-
focused initiatives, with the 
Executive Committee responsible 
for identifying local activities and 
projects to support. This delegation 
allows regional cultural practices to 
be taken into account.

Commitment to minimising our 
impact on the environment 
We protect and minimise our 
impact on the environment in which 
we operate, and where our 
products are used. We focus on 
climate change – setting targets 
for, and achieving, emissions 
reductions and mitigating climate-
related risks.

Key metrics
•  Total recordable incident rate;
•  Total near-miss frequency rate; 
•  Internal manufacturing reject rate;
•  Scope 1 and 2 emissions; and
•  ISO accreditation of facilities.

Make decisions

Flat management structure 
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 Company forward.

Ongoing engagement with our 
shareholders, customers, 
suppliers, and employees 
Stakeholder engagement is a key 
element for our culture as our 
stakeholders enable Hunting to 
deliver its strategy.

Incorporating environmental 
concerns into our business 
decisions 
Our operating principles are 
focused on containing and 
reducing our carbon footprint.

Key metrics
•  Employee engagement survey; 
•  Townhall meetings;
•  NED engagement meetings;
•  Capital Markets Day; and
•  Customer satisfaction surveys.

Maintain high business 
standards

Code of Conduct and Supplier 
Code of Conduct 
Hunting’s Code of Conduct 
underpins all our engagements, 
internally and externally.

Internal and external audit & 
assurance, risk assessment 
Hunting is committed to carrying 
out its business in a responsible 
way and holds itself to high 
standards of honesty and integrity.

Long-term relationships with 
core stakeholders 
Creating positive, long-term 
relationships with our key 
stakeholders ensures that we 
are sustainable.

Key metrics
•  Code of Conduct training;
•  Rolling out Supplier Code 

of Conduct;

•  Prompt payment of suppliers;
•  Total recordable incident 

rate; and 

•  Total near-miss frequency rate.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Corporate Governance Report continued

Board engagement
The Directors have oversight of all stakeholder 
engagement activities and receive reports on 
regional activities throughout the year.

The Board meets shareholders as part of an 
investor relations programme of work which 
includes the Company Chair, Senior Independent 
Director, Chief Executive and Finance Director. 

All the Directors participate in employee 
engagement initiatives. 

Engagement with Customers and Suppliers is 
primarily delegated to the Chief Executive and 
Executive Committee members.

Stakeholder engagement
Details of engagement activities with all our key 
stakeholders and the Board can be found, within 
the Strategic Report, on pages 31 to 39.

Engagement processes have been embedded 
within all business units to enhance transparent 
two-way dialogue between the Board and the 
Group’s employees. During the year, the Board 
met with employees at our Houma, Louisiana 
facility, as part of ongoing engagement 
programmes.

Our employees are also encouraged to engage 
in dialogue with management to raise issues of 
concern. These procedures are supported by 
an independent reporting service operated by 
SafeCall, where confidential matters can be 
raised with the Board.

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.

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 2023, the 
Group completed a second, all-employee 
engagement survey. The results of the survey 
were reviewed by the Directors, with 
improvements in engagement being noted since 
the last survey in 2019. Supporting this initiative 
has been a process of formalising other 
employee engagement initiatives including 
management briefings, and introducing 
roundtable employee discussion forums and 
regular townhall meetings.

During the year, the Company held its first Capital 
Markets Day where the executive Directors and 
senior leadership team launched a resilient 
long-term strategy, which is aimed at delivering 
growth and strong returns to 2030 in a 
sustainable and responsible way.

Shareholder views
The Company Chair and Senior Independent 
Director met with shareholders in January 2023 
and January 2024 to discuss governance, 
remuneration strategy and other matters. 

Between July 2023 and February 2024, Annell 
Bay, as Chair of the Remuneration Committee, 
met with shareholders to discuss the new 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy and Long-Term 
Incentive Plan, with extensive engagement 
beginning in July 2023 up to the date of the 
publication of this Annual Report. Shareholder 
feedback was considered by the Remuneration 
Committee and has been incorporated into the 
policy where appropriate.

During the year, the Chief Executive and Finance 
Director also regularly met shareholders to discuss 
performance and strategy. Investor meeting 
feedback reports are prepared by the Group’s 
advisers and are circulated to the Directors.

During the year, an investor perception survey 
was also initiated, which was conducted by a 
third party on behalf of the Company, with 
feedback presented to the Board. The survey 
sought to appreciate major investors’ perceptions 
on strategy, performance, executive management 
and other issues. 

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of the 
Company is the normal forum 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.

121

At the Company’s AGM in April 2023, an open 
meeting was held where shareholders had the 
opportunity to meet the Directors and to ask 
questions. All resolutions were passed at the 
AGM with good 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 2024 
AGM is again being planned as an open meeting. 
Shareholders will be able to access the AGM via 
a webcast, where questions can be submitted 
ahead of and during the meeting to be answered 
by the Board.

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 six reports received through the 
SafeCall service (2022 – two reports). Reports 
received are reviewed by Keith Lough, the 
Group’s Senior Independent Director, who also 
receives and approves all investigation reports 
and corrective actions.

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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information122

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, for both the parent 
Company and its subsidiaries.

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.

Corporate Governance Report continued

Division of responsibilities

(Section 2 of the Code)

The Hunting Board at 29 February 2024 
comprises the independent non-executive 
Company Chair, Chief Executive, Finance 
Director and six independent non-executive 
Directors, one of whom is the Senior 
Independent Director.

The profiles and experience of each Director 
are found on pages 112 and 113. In-line with the 
Code’s recommendations, the Notice of Annual 
General Meeting incorporates details of the 
contribution in the year by each Director and the 
Board’s reasons for proposing the re-election of 
each Director.

There is a clear division of responsibilities 
between the Company Chair and Chief 
Executive, with the Company Chair required to 
lead the Board, while the Chief Executive runs 
the Group’s businesses as shown on the right.

Responsibilities of the Company Chair
•  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;
•  promote 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 planning 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 remains motivated and incentivised through a responsible 

remuneration policy; and

•  ensure the integrity of financial information and that internal control and risk management 

processes are effective and defensible.

Responsibilities of the Senior Independent Director 
•  provide a sounding board for the Company Chair and serve as an intermediary to other Directors 

when required;

•  be available to shareholders, should the normal channels through the Company Chair and Chief 

Executive not be appropriate;

•  chair meetings of the Board in the absence of the Company Chair;
•  lead an annual performance evaluation of the Company Chair, 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 Company Chair 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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information123

Executive Committee
The Group has an Executive Committee (“ExCo”) 
comprising the senior leaders of the Group and 
the executive Directors. The ExCo meets formally 
four times a year 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, Information Technology 
and Risk Management reports.

For further information on the biographical details 
of the Executive Committee, please see page 114.

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.

As noted above, Stuart Brightman was 
appointed to the Board on 3 January 2023 and 
Margaret Amos was appointed on 10 January 
2024 as new, independent, non-executive 
Directors of the Board, in-line with the succession 
and rotation recommendations tabled by the 
Nomination Committee. On 2 February 2024, 
Annell Bay was appointed for a further 12-month 
period, and will step down as a Director no later 
than of 2 February 2025. 

Jay Glick will step down as a Director at the 
conclusion of the AGM on 17 April 2024.

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:

Expertise
Director
Accounting and finance, aviation markets, UK quoted companies.
Margaret Amos
Annell Bay
Upstream oil and gas, US energy market development and US quoted companies.
Stuart Brightman Oilfield services and manufacturing, investor relations, business transformation and 

Carol Chesney

Jay Glick

Paula Harris

Keith Lough 

US quoted companies.
Accounting and finance, UK corporate governance, ethics compliance and UK 
quoted companies.
Oilfield services and manufacturing, US energy market development and US 
quoted companies.
Oilfield services and manufacturing, US energy market development, investor 
stewardship and ESG.
Accounting and finance, upstream oil and gas, UK energy regulation and market 
development and UK quoted companies.

Corporate Governance Report continued

Board independence
On 5 December 2023, the Nomination 
Committee recommended the appointment of 
Annell Bay for a further 12-month period. The 
Nomination Committee, as part of its rigorous 
evaluation, considered Ms Bay’s independence 
and concluded that, despite exceeding the 
recommended nine-year timescale, Ms Bay 
retained a strongly independent contribution 
to the Board.

With the appointment of Margaret Amos on  
10 January 2024 and at the date of signing these 
accounts, being 29 February 2024, the Board, 
including the Company Chair, comprised 78% 
independent, non-executive Directors. Excluding 
the Company Chair, the Board comprised 75% 
independent, non-executive Directors. 

The Board, including the Chair, has access 
to professional advisers, at the Company’s 
expense, to fulfil their various Board and 
Committee duties.

Board independence  
(including Company  
Chair)
At 29 February 2024

  Independent 
  Non-Independent

Board independence  
(excluding Company  
Chair)
At 29 February 2024

  Independent 
  Non-Independent

22%

25%

78%

75%

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationCorporate Governance Report continued

Audit, risk and internal control

Remuneration

(Section 4 of the Code)

(Section 5 of the Code)

The Group’s policies, procedures and approach 
to audit, risk and internal control is described 
within the Risk Management section (pages 96 to 
105) and the Audit Committee Report (pages 155 
to 159) 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.

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 UK listed companies, 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 Company Chair’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. Shareholder 
engagement is a key theme of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, with proactive engagement 
occurring whenever major changes to the Policy or Committee decision making are contemplated. 
The Committee is satisfied that, over time, shareholder feedback has been reflected in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy.

Risk, predictability and proportionality
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. As noted in the chart on page 
125, the remuneration paid to the Chief Executive over time has aligned well with the Group’s 
performance, with annual bonus and long-term incentives only vesting on performance.

Alignment
The Board and the Remuneration Committee have reviewed the Company’s Purpose, Values and 
Culture and believe 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.

124

The current Directors’ Remuneration Policy was 
approved by shareholders on 21 April 2021. The 
Policy aligns Hunting’s remuneration practices 
with the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code, 
and includes:

•  Increasing the alignment of the pension 

arrangements of executive Directors with the 
workforce; and

•  Introducing a post-employment shareholding 

policy for the executive Directors.

In respect of the 2021 Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy and the 2018 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 additional 
triggers introduced in 2021 to reflect best 
practice;

•  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.

Further, in 2021 the Remuneration Committee 
introduced ESG and carbon-focused deliverables 
into the executive Directors’ personal objectives 
contained in the Annual Bonus Plan. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationCorporate Governance Report continued

The following chart 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

Base Salary

Benefits

Pension Provision

Variable

Annual 
Bonus

Long-Term 
Incentive Plan

KPIs

KPIs

Adjusted profit before tax
ROCE
Personal Objectives

ROCE
TSR
Adjusted diluted EPS
FCF
Safety
Quality Assurance

Adjusted result before tax (USD $m) vs Chief Executive pay (USD $k)

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Chief Executive Pay – $k (left axis)

Adjusted PBT – $m (right axis)

125

New Directors’ Remuneration Policy and 
Long-Term Incentive Plan
The Directors are submitting a new Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy for shareholder approval at 
the 2024 AGM. Details of the new proposals can 
be found on pages 137 to 145. Given the expiry 
of the Hunting Performance Share Plan in 
2023, the Directors are also submitting a new 
Long-Term Incentive Plan for Shareholder approval.

The Board believes that the remuneration 
framework aligns with the Purpose 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.

On behalf of the Board

John (Jay) F. Glick
Company Chair

29 February 2024

125

100

75

50

25

0

-25

-50

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNomination 
Committee Report

John (Jay) F. Glick
Chair of the Nomination Committee

The work of the Nomination 
Committee during 2023 has been 
focused on delivering a seamless 
succession of the Company 
Chair, the appointment of new, 
independent non-executive 
Directors and the delivery of a 
Board profile which aligns with 
best practice governance 
recommendations in the UK.

Number of meetings held

Number of meetings attended  
(actual/possible):
Annell Bay
Stuart Brightman
Carol Chesney
Bruce Ferguson
Jay Glick (Committee Chair)
Paula Harris
Jim Johnson
Keith Lough

Member

Invitation

6

6/6
6/6
6/6
–
6/6
6/6
–
6/6

–
–
–
6/6
–
–
6/6
–

126

On 17 April 2024, I will retire from the Board 
following completion of nine years’ service, and 
I would like to thank my fellow Directors for their 
support since my appointment in 2017. The 
counsel and courage of the Directors and 
Hunting’s senior leadership team through the 
COVID-19 pandemic has been a source of 
inspiration to me as the Board navigated those 
highly challenging times. But as we look to the 
future, I am sure Hunting is poised for a period 
of strong growth, with a refreshed Board profile 
that will deliver this strategic ambition for our 
shareholders and stakeholders.

Composition and frequency of meetings
The Committee comprises the Company Chair 
and the independent non-executive Directors of 
the Company. Jay Glick chairs the Committee. 
The Committee meets as required to discuss 
succession matters at both the Board and 
Executive Committee levels. During 2023, the 
Committee met six times (2022 – four times). 
The Committee operates under written Terms 
of Reference approved by the Board, which 
are published on the Company’s website at  
www.huntingplc.com.

The attendance of the Nomination Committee 
during 2023 is noted in the table on the left.

As we look to the future, I am 
sure Hunting is poised for a 
period of strong growth, with 
a refreshed Board profile.

Terms of reference and Committee 
effectiveness
At its December 2023 meeting, the Committee 
reviewed its terms of reference and considered 
its effectiveness, concluding that its performance 
had been satisfactory during the year.

Company Chair succession
During 2023, the Nomination Committee agreed 
a process to appoint a successor to Mr Glick, 
which included an evaluation of internal 
candidates to be considered in the process. 
Following this preliminary evaluation, Messrs 
Brightman and Lough were short-listed as 
possible successors to Mr Glick. Given Mr 
Lough’s role as Senior Independent Director, 
who would normally lead this process, the Board 
agreed to appoint a wholly independent 
sub-Committee of the Nomination Committee 
comprising Ms Bay, Mrs Chesney and Ms Harris. 
Ms Bay led the sub-committee’s deliberations, 
given her Board tenure. Interviews by the 
sub-Committee were completed during August 
2023 with Messrs Brightman and Lough, with 
the sub-Committee concluding that an external 
search process was not required, given the 
significant experience of these internal candidates.

On Monday 8 January 2024, the Nomination 
Committee met to receive the recommendation 
of the sub-Committee, with Stuart Brightman 
being recommended as the successor to  
Mr Glick. This recommendation was agreed by 
the Nomination Committee and agreed by the 
wider Board at the Meeting of Directors on 
Monday 8 January 2024.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Corporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationStrategic ReportNomination Committee Report continued

Mr Brightman will succeed Mr Glick as Company 
Chair at the conclusion of the 2024 AGM, when 
Mr Glick will retire and step down from the Board.

Appointment of Stuart Brightman
Stuart Brightman was appointed as a new 
independent non-executive Director of the 
Company on 3 January 2023. On appointment, 
Mr Brightman was appointed to all of the Board’s 
Committees. Following the Company’s Articles 
of Association, Mr Brightman automatically 
retired at the 2023 AGM and was reappointed 
by shareholders.

Interviews were held during September and 
October and, following the January 2024 meeting 
of the Committee, a proposal was submitted to 
the Board to appoint Dr Margaret Amos as a 
new, independent, non-executive Director. Dr 
Amos was appointed on 10 January 2024, and 
was appointed to all of the Board’s Committees 
from this date. Following the Company’s Articles 
of Association, Dr Amos will automatically retire 
at the 2024 AGM and will offer herself for 
reappointment by shareholders on 17 April 2024. 
Details of Dr Amos’ skills and expertise are noted 
on page 112.

Heidrick & Struggles assisted the Committee 
in the search process for Mr Brightman.

Heidrick & Struggles assisted the Committee 
in the search process for Dr Amos.

Following a rigorous evaluation process, which 
included an assessment of Ms Bay’s ongoing 
independence, the Committee concluded that 
Ms Bay remained a highly effective, independent, 
non-executive Director. Ms Bay will, therefore, 
remain as a Director up to the latest date of 
2 February 2025, and will be submitted for 
re-election by shareholders at the 2024 AGM, as 
has been the Company’s practice for many years.

Board roles
With the refreshing of the Board noted above, 
the Company has announced that on Mr Glick’s 
retirement from the Board, Ms Amos will take 
over as Chair of the Ethics and Sustainability 
Committee.

Appointment of Margaret Amos
Following the discussions of the Nomination 
Committee across the year, in respect of the 
rotation of Directors and refreshing of the Board, 
the Committee met a number of times in 2023 
to consider new Director candidates. 

The recruitment objectives for the new 
Director included: 

(1)  broadening the Board skills and expertise 

in high-value industries outside of the oil and 
gas sector; 

(2)  retaining an appropriate balance of 

UK Directors given the Company’s London 
listing; and 

(3)  retaining a strong gender balanced profile 
to the Board. The Nomination Committee 
and wider Board agreed that these objectives 
aligned with the long-term success of the 
Company, particularly in light of the strategic 
ambitions announced as part of the Hunting 
2030 Strategy.

Reappointment of Annell Bay
Annell Bay was appointed to the Board on 
2 February 2015 and was appointed Chair of 
the Remuneration Committee in August 2018. 
During 2023, the Remuneration Committee 
developed a new Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
and Long-Term Incentive Plan, which are to be 
submitted to shareholders for approval at the 
2024 AGM. Since H2 2023, the Remuneration 
Committee, led by Ms Bay, has consulted major 
shareholders on the new proposals contained in 
the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, which is an 
ongoing process. To provide continuity to the 
Board and Remuneration Committee, the 
Nomination Committee met on 5 December 
2023 to consider the reappointment of Ms Bay 
for an additional 12-month period, to oversee the 
completion of the discussions with shareholders. 

Mr Brightman will take over as Chair of the 
Nomination Committee, as part of his succession 
to being Company Chair.

Gender and ethnicity balance
With the appointment of Dr Amos and following 
the retirement of Mr Glick on 17 April 2024, the 
Hunting Board will have an equal gender balance, 
which will meet the requirements of UK regulators.

Senior management development 
and succession
During the year, the Nomination Committee 
and wider Board have received reports on the 
development of the Group’s senior management 
team, with Russell Reynolds being appointed in 
H2 2023 to assist executive management with 
this process. 

127

Throughout the year, all managing directors of 
the Group, who lead each operating segment, 
have presented to the Board as part of a 
broader initiative to increase interaction between 
the Directors and the Company’s senior 
leadership team.

The Group’s Chief HR Officer also submitted 
detailed succession plans for key positions 
across the Hunting organisation.

Internal Board evaluation
In December 2023, the Board completed an 
internally facilitated board evaluation, which was 
coordinated by the Company Chair and 
Company Secretary.

The process included the completion of 
a governance and board effectiveness 
questionnaire, the feedback from which was 
reviewed by the Board at its meeting in February 
2024. The Directors noted the observations and 
implemented plans to address the findings.

On behalf of the Board

John (Jay) F. Glick
Chair of the Nomination Committee

29 February 2024

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationEthics and 
Sustainability 
Committee Report

John (Jay) F. Glick
Chair of the Ethics and Sustainability Committee

The work of the Ethics and 
Sustainability Committee has 
continued throughout 2023, with 
the focus on the development 
and reporting of the Group’s 
environmental, social and 
governance (“ESG”) matters. 

Number of meetings held

Number of meetings attended  
(actual/possible):
Annell Bay
Stuart Brightman
Carol Chesney
Bruce Ferguson
Jay Glick (Committee Chair)
Paula Harris
Jim Johnson
Keith Lough

Member

Invitation

2

2/2
2/2
2/2
–
2/2
2/2
–
1/2

–
–
–
2/2
–
–
2/2
–

128

Responsibilities
The principal responsibilities of the Ethics and 
Sustainability Committee are to:

•  Monitor the Group’s scope 1, 2 and 3 

greenhouse emissions and the initiatives to 
contain and reduce its carbon footprint;
•  Monitor public disclosures in respect of the 
Task Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures (“TCFD”) framework;

•  Monitor the risks and opportunities which 
climate change presents to the Group’s 
operations;

•  Monitor the quality assurance and health, 

safety and environmental reports prepared 
by the Executive Committee;

•  Monitor the Group’s employee and human 
capital matters, including engagement with 
Hunting’s workforce;

•  Monitor the Group’s interaction with other key 
stakeholders, including customers, suppliers 
and communities;

•  Monitor the Group’s Modern Slavery Act 

initiatives;

•  Monitor the Group’s policies and procedures 

in respect of sanctioned territories;
•  Monitor the Group’s whistleblowing 

procedures; and

•  Monitor the Group’s anti-bribery and 

corruption initiatives.

Attention continues to be given to improving 
the quality of our carbon and climate data, with 
Hunting completing an assurance programme 
over the Company’s scope 1 and 2 emissions 
during the year. The process confirmed the 
robust processes in place to capture this data. 
The Group also commenced a process to 
determine its scope 3 carbon emission 
inventories. We are pleased to be reporting 
initial scope 3 data in this Annual Report and 
aim to complete this scope of work in 2024.

As part of the Capital Markets Day, the Company 
confirmed its commitment to ensuring long-term 
sustainability and its focus on reducing its carbon 
emissions and increasing the purchase of 
electricity from renewable sources.

In summary, the Ethics and Sustainability 
Committee is encouraged by the Company’s 
progress in these important areas over the past 
two years, and looks forward to reporting further 
progress in the future.

Composition and frequency of meetings
The Committee comprises the Company Chair 
and the independent, non-executive Directors of 
the Company. Jay Glick chairs the Committee. 
The Committee met twice in the year, as 
planned, in June and December 2023. The 
Committee operates under written terms of 
reference approved by the Board, which are 
published on the Company’s website at 
www.huntingplc.com. 

The attendance of the Ethics and Sustainability 
Committee is noted in the table on the left.

As noted elsewhere, Mr Glick is due to retire from 
the Board on 17 April 2024, with Margaret Amos 
to Chair the Committee from this date.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Corporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationStrategic Report129

Employees
The Committee received workforce reports 
from the Group’s Chief HR Officer in the year, 
which included details of employee changes, 
tenure and engagement initiatives undertaken. 
Of note has been the focus on the development 
of talent across the Company, with training 
and development programmes being a key 
area of consideration.

The HR reports also included diversity and 
inclusion planning, which are to be put in place 
in the coming years. 

At its meeting in June 2023, the Committee 
reviewed the results of the Gallup Q12 employee 
engagement survey, which had been completed 
in H1 2023. The Committee noted the improved 
scoring since the last survey in 2019, 
underpinning the Board’s belief that Hunting’s 
culture and engagement with its employees is 
robust. For further information on this process, 
please refer to the Strategic Report.

Ethics and Sustainability Committee Report continued

In 2023, the Group 
completed an assurance 
programme over its scope 
1 and 2 greenhouse gas 
emissions data. S&P Global 
was appointed in H2 2022 
to complete this work, with 
the assurance process 
completing in July 2023.

Terms of reference and Committee 
effectiveness
At its December 2023 meeting, the Committee 
reviewed its terms of reference and considered 
its effectiveness, concluding that its performance 
had been satisfactory during the year.

SASB reporting framework
During the year, the Group reported against the 
SASB reporting standards for Oil & Gas – 
Services and Industrial Equipment & Machinery, 
which are noted on pages 80 and 81.

Work undertaken by the Committee 
during 2023
The Committee discussed, reviewed and made 
a number of decisions on key areas in 2023, 
which are set out below:

Jun

Dec

Carbon
Procedures for measuring and 
  monitoring the Group’s scope 1, 2 
  and 3 GHG emissions
TCFD and CRFD analysis and 
  reporting
Climate scenario reports
Stakeholders
Employee and workforce reports
Code of Conduct training reports
Whistleblowing summary reports
Quality assurance and health and 
  safety reports
Community reports
Ethics
Anti-bribery and corruption reports
Entertainment and hospitality 
  summary
Modern slavery analysis
Customer and supplier risk analysis
Sanctions and export compliance

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Carbon and climate
The Group has reported scope 1 and 2 
emissions in its Annual Reports for a number of 
years. In December 2022, the Committee and 
Board approved new carbon reduction targets, 
which now commit Hunting to reducing its 
carbon footprint (scope 1 and 2 emissions only) 
to 50% of the 2019 level or to a maximum of 
17,937 tonnes CO2e by 2030. These targets 
were announced in March 2023.

In 2023, the Group completed an assurance 
programme over its scope 1 and 2 greenhouse 
gas emissions data. S&P Global was appointed 
in H2 2022 to complete this work, with the 
assurance process completing in July 2023, 
where the accuracy of the Group’s externally 
published data was confirmed.

In Q3 2023, the Company appointed an 
independent, third-party expert adviser to assist 
Hunting with the determination of the Group’s 
scope 3 greenhouse gas inventories. The Group 
has started this assessment with the Hunting 
Titan operating segment, given that the segment 
makes up a material proportion of our scope 1 
and 2 emissions. Following analysis, Hunting is 
reporting against eight of the 15 pillars of scope 3 
inventories. The analysis provides an estimate of 
the scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions for Titan, which 
enabled the Group’s total emissions to be 
extrapolated. For further information, please see 
pages 70, 71 and 94. During 2024, this process 
will be extended to the Group’s Subsea, EMEA 
and Asia Pacific operating segments, to enable 
a more accurate assessment of the Group’s total 
scope 1, 2, and 3 inventories to be calculated. 
The North America operating segment will be 
assessed in 2025.

The Committee also reviewed the work 
completed in the year with respect to the 
Company’s TCFD disclosures, which are 
included on pages 82 to 95. Hunting’s TCFD 
reporting aligns with the four recommended 
pillars of governance, strategy, risk management 
and targets. Further, the TCFD disclosures 
include the 11 recommended areas of narrative 
proposed by the TCFD panel, which was issued 
in 2017 and updated in 2021. 

For further information on the areas of carbon 
and climate, please refer to the Strategic Report.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationEthics and Sustainability Committee Report continued

130

Quality assurance and HSE (“QAHSE”)
As part of its review work, the Committee 
received quality assurance and health and safety 
reports from the Group’s Director for QAHSE. 
For further information on QAHSE performance, 
please refer to the Strategic Report.

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 deals with a broad range 
of issues, including:

•  Preventing corruption, including measures that 
prevent bribery and corruption in our dealings 
with government officials;

•  Personal integrity, including money laundering;
•  Conflicts of interest;
•  Employee share dealing;
•  Human rights;
•  Harassment and equal opportunity;
•  Tax evasion and facilitation of tax evasion; and
•  Our approach to national and international 
trade, including compliance with laws and 
regulations, competition, and export and 
import controls.

The Code of Conduct is available on the Group’s 
website and is distributed to most customers. 

In 2023, a new Code of Conduct training 
programme was rolled out, which reflects new 
procedures introduced by the Company since 
2018, and now includes sustainability 
considerations. 

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.

Communities
The Committee also reviewed a report that 
summarised Community initiatives which were 
undertaken by the Group’s businesses 
throughout the year.

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 reviewed the compliance 
procedures relating to the Bribery Act at its 
December meeting, which incorporates risk 
assessments completed by each business unit 
and gifts and entertainment disclosures made 
during the reporting period.

Supplier Code of Conduct
In the year, the Company also introduced a 
Supplier Code of Conduct, which commits 
businesses within Hunting’s supply chain 
to many of the principles contained in the 
Company’s Code of Conduct.

The Group’s internal audit function reviews local 
compliance with the Bribery Act and reports 
control improvements and recommendations 
to the Committee, where appropriate.

Sanctions and export compliance
The Group sells products to over 70 countries, 
which presents a general risk of export and 
sanctions compliance.

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.

Hunting has detailed procedures in place that 
monitor sales in medium to high risk territories, 
where “End User” disclosures, company 
evaluation and analysis are completed prior to 
a sales order being agreed.

Procedures were introduced during 2016 and 
continued in 2023, 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 jurisdictions where 
trafficking and slavery is more prevalent. Hunting 
published its Modern Slavery Act report in 
March 2023, located at www.huntingplc.com.

The Committee received regular reports on these 
sales and procedures.

On behalf of the Board

John (Jay) F. Glick
Chair of the Ethics and Sustainability 
Committee

The new Code of Conduct training course 
incorporates information on modern slavery 
and trafficking.

29 February 2024

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationRemuneration 
Committee Report

Annell Bay
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

Number of meetings held

Number of meetings attended  
(actual/possible):
Annell Bay (Committee Chair)
Stuart Brightman
Carol Chesney
Bruce Ferguson
Jay Glick
Paula Harris
Jim Johnson
Keith Lough

Member

Invitation

7

7/7
7/7
7/7
–
–
7/7
–
7/7

–
–
–
7/7
7/7
–
7/7
–

On behalf of the Board, I am 
pleased to present the 
Remuneration Committee Report 
to shareholders for the year ended 
31 December 2023. This letter 
provides a summary of the work 
completed by the Remuneration 
Committee (the “Committee”) 
in the year, including the major 
decisions taken, details of how the 
approved Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy was implemented during 
the year, and the proposed new 
Policy being put to shareholders 
at the 2024 AGM. 

Introduction

2023 has been a year of significant revenue and 
profit growth, as Hunting’s core energy markets 
increased activity throughout the year. The 
strength of these markets enabled the Company 
to upgrade profit expectations three times across 
2023, with most product lines within the Group 
seeing strong demand throughout the year. The 
Company also launched its new Hunting 2030 
Strategy in September 2023, which laid out the 
strategic ambition of the Board to the end of the 
decade and included details of the Group’s 
intention to grow its presence across the energy 
supply chain, to increase energy transition 
revenue and to build further non-oil and gas 
sales. The strategy supports a sustainable and 
resilient growth plan for shareholders, which has 
been well received with strongly positive support 
from all stakeholders, including institutional 
investors and our employees.

Remuneration paid to the Company’s executive 
Directors in 2023 was in-line with the 
2021 Directors’ Remuneration Policy, with the 
Committee applying a consistent approach 
to its decision making, in-line with prior years. 
Base salary increases were awarded to the 
executive Directors in December 2022 and 
salaries then remained unchanged during 2023. 

131

2023 annual bonus awards were “Above Target” 
due to the earnings momentum noted above, 
which resulted in performance that exceeded  
the Committee’s expectations. The 2021 grant 
under the Hunting Performance Share Plan 
(“HPSP”) will vest on 4 March 2024, at 34.2%  
of the maximum, reflecting performance against 
the demanding growth targets set by the 
Committee in 2021 as the Company exited  
from the COVID-19 pandemic. This award was 
also subject to a 22% reduction applied at the 
time of the grant to mitigate any potential windfall. 
No discretion was applied to incentive outcomes 
in 2023.

During 2023, the Committee undertook a review 
of executive Director remuneration in order to 
develop a new Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
(the “new Policy”) for approval at the Annual 
General Meeting (“AGM”) on 17 April 2024. At the 
upcoming AGM, the Committee will also submit 
a new Long-Term Incentive Plan for approval, to 
replace the previous Hunting Performance Share 
Plan, which granted the last award in 2023 after 
ten years of use.

During 2023, the Committee 
undertook a review of 
executive Director 
remuneration in order to 
develop a new Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy and 
Long-Term Incentive Plan for 
approval at the 2024 AGM.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationStrategic Report132

Major decisions made 
by the Committee

Base salary and fee review
The base salaries of the executive Directors 
remained unchanged during 2023.

Annual bonus
In December 2022, the Committee reviewed the 
2023 Annual Budget targets, which focused on 
increased profitability and returns, and which 
reflected a further strengthening in the Company’s 
core energy markets. 

As part of the wider considerations for the new 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy to be put to 
shareholders at the 2024 AGM, the Remuneration 
Committee will review the base salaries for the 
Chief Executive and the Finance Director in April 
2024. Full details are noted below.

The Board met in December 2023 to review the 
annual fees of the non-executive Directors and, 
following discussion, it was determined that the 
annual fees of the non-executive Directors should 
remain unchanged at £64,000. From 1 January 
2024, the Board agreed to increase the additional 
fees paid to all the Committee Chairs and Senior 
Independent Director to £11,000 per annum  
in recognition of the added workload and 
responsibilities associated with these roles  
over the past three years.

In addition, the Committee discussed the annual 
fee of Hunting’s non-executive Company Chair 
in December 2023 and, following receipt of 
benchmarked fee data from Mercer, determined 
that the fee for the Company Chair should be 
increased from £205,000 to £225,000 p.a., also 
with effect from 1 January 2024.

In January 2024, the Committee was pleased 
to review the financial outturn for 2023, which 
included marked improvements in pre-tax 
profitability and positive returns on capital 
employed, reflecting the strong performance 
throughout the Group and especially within the 
OCTG, Subsea and Advanced Manufacturing 
product lines. As a result of this performance, 
a vesting of 72.5% of the maximum opportunity 
of 80% for the financial portion of the Annual 
Bonus was recorded.

The Committee met in January and February 
2024 to review the delivery of the executive 
Directors’ strategic/personal performance 
objectives. In-line with the outcome of the 
financial bonus targets, the Committee noted 
the strong delivery of the objectives set at the 
start of the year, including delivery of the Hunting 
2030 Strategy, which was presented to investors 
at a Capital Markets Day held at the London 
Stock Exchange in September 2023. Following 
discussion, the Committee agreed that the 
executive Directors had exceeded most of these 
objectives and, therefore, were awarded a 
vesting of 18% of the maximum of 20% of this 
portion of the Annual Bonus.

The Committee noted that the threshold targets 
set at the start of the year had been exceeded, 
leading to a 90.5% total vesting of the maximum 
annual bonus opportunity for the executive 
Directors. The Committee satisfied itself with the 
overall Annual Bonus outcome, which resulted 
in an Annual Bonus of $1,467k receivable in the 
year for the Chief Executive and $536k receivable 
for the Finance Director. 

The 2023 Annual Bonus will be delivered in 
cash, with 25% of the post-tax cash bonus to 
be utilised to purchase Ordinary shares of the 
Company, which are to be held for two years 
from the vesting date, in-line with the usual 
operation of the Annual Bonus Plan.

HPSP award grant
In March 2023, the Committee granted awards 
under the Hunting Performance Share Plan. As 
part of its discussions, and in-line with the 
shareholder approved Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy, the Committee retained the Free Cash 
Flow performance condition for the 2023 award, 
alongside the Return on Average Capital 
Employed (“ROCE”), adjusted diluted Earnings 
per Share (“EPS”), relative Total Shareholder 
Return (“TSR”), and Strategic Scorecard 
performance conditions. The Committee 
considers that these metrics continue to provide 
a balance of performance targets for the 
executive Directors to achieve. The awards 
encourage a good balance between earnings 
and cash generation growth.

Remuneration Committee Report continued

Hunting’s businesses are mostly based in North 
America. For perspective, over 70% of the 
revenue and EBITDA are attributed to, and over 
70% the workforce, including the majority of the 
senior leadership team are located in the United 
States. We think it is critical that the Company’s 
Chief Executive remains located in the centre of 
activity for the global energy industry in the US 
where the majority of both our peer companies 
and customers are also based. 

As highlighted in my letter last year, recent 
remuneration reviews conducted by the 
Committee have highlighted a significant 
misalignment between Hunting’s current 
approach and the approach to remuneration 
taken by its US competitors for senior talent. 

The new Policy seeks to increase alignment with 
the compensation practices in this important 
region, given that the ability to attract executive 
talent remains a key priority of the Board. The 
Hunting 2030 Strategy included a number of 
ambitious and stretching financial targets, and 
the Remuneration Committee recognises that 
the new Policy needs to fairly reflect the new 
strategic commitments to be delivered by 
management to meet the growth objectives 
of the Company.

In developing the proposals, the Committee 
consulted with all of Hunting’s major shareholders, 
a process which began in July 2023 and which 
progressed throughout the second half of the 
year. The Committee wishes to thank those 
shareholders who have engaged constructively 
and had a significant role in shaping the 
proposals. We look forward to receiving strong 
support for the new Policy at the 2024 AGM.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationRemuneration Committee Report continued

Activities undertaken by the Remuneration Committee during 2023

Jan

Feb

Apr

Jun

Aug

Oct

Dec

Overall remuneration
Annual base salary review
Review senior management annual emoluments
Review total remuneration against benchmarked data
Shareholder and proxy group feedback on new Policy
Items specific to the annual bonus
Approve annual bonus including delivery 
  of personal/strategic performance targets
Review Annual Bonus Plan rules
Agree strategic/personal 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 Report on 
  Remuneration and Policy
Review Committee effectiveness
Review terms of reference

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133

2023 AGM result
At the Company’s AGM held on 19 April 2023, 
the Company received 88% votes in favour of the 
resolution to approve the 2022 Annual Report on 
Remuneration.

Context of remuneration awarded in 2023
The Group’s performance in the year, as noted 
above, has led to a 90.5% vesting of the Annual 
Bonus opportunity and a 34.2% vesting of the 
2021 HPSP grant. The Annual Bonus outcome 
reflects an “Above Target” outcome, reflecting 
strong in-year performance, while the HPSP 
vesting reflects an “Above Threshold” vesting 
given the Company’s financial performance over 
the three-year vesting cycle.

The single figure total remuneration for Jim 
Johnson was, therefore, $3.5m in 2023 and 
$1.2m for Bruce Ferguson.

The 2022 restated single figure total for Jim 
Johnson was $2.7m and for Bruce Ferguson 
was $1.0m, following final determination of the 
2020 HPSP vesting values. 

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.

HPSP awards vesting
The 2021 awards under the HPSP are due to 
vest on 4 March 2024 and incorporate four 
performance conditions, being ROCE (35%), 
adjusted diluted EPS (25%), relative TSR (25%) 
and a Strategic Scorecard (15%). The ROCE and 
EPS performance conditions were based on 
performance targets to be delivered for the 
financial year ending 31 December 2023. The 
Strategic Scorecard comprises two non-financial 
measures, being the Group’s Safety and Quality 
performance. 

Given the low share price in 2021, due to 
a subdued energy market, the Committee 
reduced the face value of the award by 22% 
at the time of grant to mitigate the risk of 
a windfall gain occurring.

Following measurement of the financial elements 
of the award, the ROCE and EPS performance 
conditions for the 2021 awards recorded a 12.7% 
and 6.5% vesting respectively of the maximum 
vesting opportunity.

The TSR performance condition was measured 
independently by Mercer and recorded a “Below 
Median” ranking against the 13 peer group 
comparators. This led to a nil vesting of this 
portion of the 2021 award. 

The Strategic Scorecard recorded a 15% 
vesting in-line with the operation of the Policy, 
and given that the financial targets had been 
met, the Committee approved a full vesting 
of the Scorecard.

The Committee satisfied itself that there were no 
circumstances justifying the application of any 
discretion and therefore the overall vesting of the 
2021 HPSP grant was 34.2% of the maximum 
vesting opportunity.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information134

The Committee and Board welcome the  
support to the new Policy by those shareholders 
consulted since June 2023 and look to the 
support of all stakeholder groups to ensure the 
Company has the right compensation framework 
going forward.

On behalf of the Board

Annell Bay
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

29 February 2024

Remuneration Committee Report continued

2024 Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy

As noted above, the location of Hunting’s Chief 
Executive has been in Houston, Texas since 
2001 and, during this time, the Committee has 
sought to strike an appropriate balance between 
the compensation frameworks adopted by 
Hunting’s closest trading peers within the quoted 
oilfield services sector in the US so as to ensure 
that the Policy is capable of meeting the Board’s 
future recruitment and retention needs, and the 
governance expectations of the Company’s 
mainly UK-based shareholders. 

The Committee’s most recent review highlighted 
that the balance struck by the current Policy was 
no longer sufficiently aligned with practices 
among our peers or with the pay arrangements 
of Hunting’s wider workforce. In particular, the 
overwhelming majority of Hunting’s direct trading 
peers now grant a mix of restricted stock units 
(“RSUs”) and performance stock units (“PSUs”). 
Pay levels amongst our direct trading peers in the 
US are also higher. The Committee believes this 
to be a material recruitment risk to the Group as it 
seeks to implement the Hunting 2030 Strategy. 

Within Hunting, the Chief Executive and Finance 
Director are the only mid-level and senior 
executives who do not currently receive awards 
of RSUs. Therefore, the Committee is also 
seeking to increase consistency within the 
Company’s remuneration framework as part 
of the new Policy. 

The Committee has engaged with its largest 
shareholders extensively since June 2023 on 
proposals to introduce a RSU element. 

The feedback received, which related to the 
quantum, choice and weighting of long-term 
performance metrics and shareholding 
requirements, has materially influenced the final 
proposals, with further amendments being made 
to the proposals following wider shareholder 
engagement throughout Q4 2023 and Q1 2024. 
As part of this engagement, proxy voting groups 
were also consulted, with feedback being 
incorporated into the final proposals, which were 
communicated to shareholders in January 2024, 
to confirm support or otherwise to the 
Committee’s thinking.

The overall impact of these changes will be to 
increase alignment with shareholders through 
the acquisition and holding of shares and 
greater alignment between the remuneration 
arrangements of the executive Directors and their 
relevant labour markets as well as those of the 
workforce. The maximum opportunity of the 
long-term incentive will remain unchanged at the 
levels awarded since 2013, being 450% of base 
salary in aggregate to the Chief Executive and 
210% to the Finance Director, while ensuring 
that target levels of remuneration are positioned 
competitively against our peers.

The majority of shareholders consulted have 
indicated they are supportive of the proposals 
given Hunting’s North America business profile, 
including revenue, profits, people and facilities 
which is fairly unique to the UK listed environment. 

The principal changes to the existing Policy being 
proposed are as follows:

•  the maximum PSU award level will be reduced 
from 450% to 350% of salary for the Chief 
Executive and from 210% to 160% of salary 
for the Finance Director;

•  a new RSU element will be introduced with 
an annual award level of 100% of salary for 
the Chief Executive and 50% of salary for the 
Finance Director. RSU awards will normally 
vest three years after grant subject to an 
underpin based on the Committee’s 
assessment of underlying performance 
against a range of objective factors; and

•  the post-cessation shareholding requirement, 
which currently applies to shares worth up 
to 200% of salary to be held for one year 
following the end of employment, will be 
extended to two years following the adoption 
of the new Policy.

A number of shareholders, as part of the 
feedback received, requested that the balance 
of the performance conditions be increased for 
ROCE and TSR to ensure the executive Directors 
remained focused on delivering growth in the 
Company’s enterprise value. Following this 
feedback, the Committee have approved an 
increase in the weighting attached to these 
measures for 2024.

In addition, the Committee has reviewed the 
salaries of the Chief Executive and the Finance 
Director for 2024 and, subject to the new Policy 
being approved, intends to implement a one-off 
adjustment by awarding base salary increases 
of 3.5% over the average of the workforce (an 
average increase of 5.0% was awarded in 
January 2024 to the workforce). 

This increase is also in-line with increases being 
awarded to other high performing employees at 
Hunting whose remuneration is below the market 
level. Following these one-off adjustments, both 
executive Directors’ remuneration will be 
positioned around median and, therefore, it is 
anticipated that future increases will be no higher 
than the average awarded to the workforce.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationRemuneration Committee Report continued

Remuneration at a glance 

Remuneration paid to the executive Directors in the year was 
consistent with the 2021 Directors’ Remuneration Policy. Base salaries 
were unchanged throughout 2023, given that increases were 
implemented in December 2022. The 2023 Annual Bonus has vested 
at 90.5% of the maximum bonus opportunity, which reflected an 
“Above Target” performance compared to the Annual Budget 
approved by the Directors at the start of 2023. The awards under the 
Hunting Performance Share Plan granted in 2021 are due to vest in 
March 2024, with a vesting outcome of 34.2%, which reflects an 
“Above Threshold” outcome.

135

Total shareholder return 
(rebased to 100 at 31 December 2013)

150

125

100

75

50

25

0

31/12/13

31/12/15

31/12/17

31/12/19

31/12/21

31/12/23

Hunting PLC

DJ US Oil Equipment & Services

Performance metrics

Adjusted profit before tax 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share 

$50.0m

(2022 – $10.2m)

$20.3cents

(2022 – $4.7 cents)

Return on average capital employed

Total shareholder return (1-year)

6.45%

(2022 – 1.45%)

(8.6)%

(2022 – 102%)

Safety (Total recordable incident rate three-
year average) 

Quality assurance (Internal manufacturing 
reject rate three-year average)

0.96

(2022 – 0.88)

0.15%

(2022 – 0.17%)

Remuneration Policy and 2023 AGM result
The remuneration framework operated in the 
year was consistent with the Policy approved by 
shareholders on 21 April 2021, with 92% of votes 
in favour. Details of the Policy can be found within 
the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts at 
www.huntingplc.com. 

At the 2023 Annual General Meeting of the 
Company on 19 April 2023, the resolution  
to approve the 2022 Annual Report on 
Remuneration was supported by a vote of  
88% in favour.

Link to strategy and KPIs
The Group’s Key Performance Indicators (“KPIs”)
are described in detail on pages 12 and 13, and 
incorporate financial measures including adjusted 
profit before tax, return on average capital 
employed (“ROCE”) and adjusted diluted 
earnings per share (“EPS”) targets. Non-financial 
measures are also included in the targets for 
HPSP awards and include measurable objectives 
related to the Group’s Quality and Safety 
performance. Quality and Safety both underpin 
Hunting’s standing and reputation in the global 
energy industry which, in turn, support the 
Group’s long-term strategy. A significant TSR 
element also helps align executive remuneration 
with the shareholder experience. These KPIs are 
central to Hunting’s long-term success and are 
fully integrated into the remuneration framework 
approved by shareholders.

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Remuneration at a glance continued

136

Base Salaries

As noted in the 2022 Annual Report on 
Remuneration, base salary increases were 
implemented across the Group on 1 December 
2022, with no adjustments being made in 2023.

Jim Johnson’s base salary was, therefore, 
$810,338 in the year and Bruce Ferguson’s base 
salary was £317,625. 

Arthur James (Jim) Johnson
Chief Executive

$810,338

(2022 – $774,966)

Bruce Ferguson
Finance Director

£317,625

(2022 – £303,760)

Annual Bonus

In 2023, the financial targets set by the Board 
within the Annual Budget were exceeded, with 
strong increases in pre-tax profit and average 
return on capital employed being recorded. The 
Committee also reviewed the delivery of the 
strategic/personal performance objectives by the 
executive Directors. Overall, a 90.5% vesting of 
the annual bonus opportunity was recorded. 

On this basis, Jim Johnson will receive a bonus 
of $1,467k and Bruce Ferguson will receive a 
bonus of £431k ($536k). 

The annual bonus will be delivered in cash, as 
per the normal operation of the Annual Bonus 
Plan, with 25% of the post-tax bonus to be 
utilised to purchase Ordinary shares, to be 
retained for two years from the vesting date.

$1,467k

(2022 – $1,550k)

£431k

(2022 – £456k)

Hunting 
Performance 
Share Plan

The Group’s 2021 HPSP grant’s performance 
conditions incorporated ROCE and adjusted 
diluted EPS, measured for the year ended 31 
December 2023, and relative TSR and Strategic 
Scorecard, measured over the three financial 
years ending 31 December 2023.

ROCE
Adjusted diluted EPS
Relative TSR 
Balanced Scorecard
– Safety 
– Quality

Recorded  
performance 

Vesting 
6.45% 12.7%
6.5%
nil

20.3 cents
Below median 

0.96

7.5%
0.15% 7.5%

259,144

shares
(2022 – 48,990 shares)

58,893

shares 
(2022 – 6,827 shares)

Following measurement of the above 
performance conditions, the 2021 HPSP grant 
will vest at 34.2%.

Jim Johnson will be entitled to receive 259,144 
Ordinary shares and Bruce Ferguson will be 
entitled to receive 58,893 Ordinary shares on 
the vesting date of 4 March 2024. 

Dividend equivalents accrued over the vesting 
period totalling 26.0 cents per vested share will 
be added to this award. 

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Remuneration at a glance continued

Executive Directors’ single figure remuneration
$k

Jim Johnson – total $3,466k (2022 – $2,710k)

2023

2022

1,019

982

1,467

1,550 178

980

  Fixed
  Annual Bonus 
  HPSP

Bruce Ferguson – total $1,218k (2022 – $1,021k)

2023

2022

  Fixed
  Annual Bonus 
  HPSP

459

435

536

561

25

223

137

Directors’ Remuneration Policy 

Policy overview
This section sets out the new Directors’ Remuneration Policy (the “Policy”) applicable to Hunting’s 
executive and non-executive Directors, which, if approved by shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting (“AGM”) to be held on 17 April 2024, will be applied with effect from 1 January 2024. Updates 
to the Policy have also been made to align it with the rules of the 2024 Hunting Performance Share 
Plan, which is being submitted to shareholders for their approval at the 2024 AGM. The Policy is 
designed to take account of the principles of the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code and the 
Companies Act 2006 regarding remuneration. It has been designed to promote the strategy and 
long-term sustainable success of the Company by ensuring that rewards are competitive within the 
relevant market for talent and comprise fixed and variable incentives that link total reward with 
corporate and individual performance as well as shareholder value creation.

Executive Director pay is overseen by the Remuneration Committee. The Chief Executive’s 
remuneration is benchmarked against global peers, the majority of which are headquartered or 
listed in the US, and who are of a similar profile and size to Hunting. The Finance Director’s 
remuneration is benchmarked against UK listed companies of a similar size. Non-executive Director 
fees are set at levels that take into account the time commitment and responsibilities of each role. 
Given the international scope of the business, each non-executive Director is required to give an  
above average time commitment to Group matters. Non-executive Directors do not receive bonuses 
or other variable emoluments. The fees are benchmarked against other UK companies of a similar 
size, profile and profitability and are reviewed annually by the Board. The Company Chair fee is set by 
the Remuneration Committee. The Remuneration Policy tables that follow provide an overview of each 
element of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy. As no Director is involved in the setting of their own 
pay, this mitigates conflicts of interest as required by the relevant regulations.

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Directors’ Remuneration Policy continued

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.

OPERATION

MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITY

PERFORMANCE METRICS

CHANGES TO POLICY 
PROPOSED

•  Base salaries are set at competitive rates, which 

•  There is no prescribed 

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 and US and 
increases across the wider workforce.

•  Relocation and tax equalisation agreements are 
also in place for employees working across 
multiple geographic jurisdictions.

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.

•  Individual and Group performance are taken into 
account when determining appropriate salaries.

•  None.

401k and tax-deferred saving plans (US-based roles)
•  To provide a tax  

efficient long-term  
savings arrangement for 
US-based Directors.

•  The Group provides matching contributions 
(subject to limitations) to a US qualified 401K 
deferred savings plan and an additional non-
qualified tax-deferred savings plan as allowed 
under US tax laws to US-based executive 
Directors (“EDs”).

•  None.

•  The Company previously 
agreed to grandfather the 
incumbent Chief Executive’s 
original 401k and deferred 
compensation arrangements.
•  Any future executive Director 
appointees in the US will have 
a contribution cap set at the 
same level offered to the 
wider workforce.

•  Maximum company 
contributions into the 
401k and tax-deferred 
compensation 
arrangements of new 
US EDs will be 
capped at the same 
level offered to the 
wider US workforce. 
Previously, new US 
executive Director 
contributions would 
be capped at 12% 
of salary.

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Executive Director Remuneration Policy Table continued
Fixed emoluments continued

OPERATION

PURPOSE AND LINK 
TO STRATEGY
Pension (roles based outside of the US)
•  To provide normal 
pension schemes 
appropriate to the country 
of residence.

cash sum.

•  Company contribution or an annual cash sum in 

lieu of contributions to a company pension scheme.

•  The Finance Director currently elects to receive a 

•  Equivalent arrangements would be offered to any 
future executive Director based outside of the UK 
or US.

Benefits
•  To provide standard 

•  Each executive Director is provided with 

benefits appropriate to the 
country of residence.

healthcare insurance and a company car with fuel 
benefits or allowance in lieu.

•  Additional benefits may be provided to ensure the 
Group remains competitive within the relevant 
local market and/or where these are introduced 
to the wider workforce. 

MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITY

PERFORMANCE METRICS

•  UK executive Directors 

•  None.

receive a company pension 
contribution or cash 
alternative of up to 12% of 
salary, in-line with the rest 
of the UK workforce.

•  There is no maximum value 
set on benefits. They are set 
at a level that is comparable 
to market practice.

•  None.

139

CHANGES TO POLICY 
PROPOSED

•  None.

•  Updated to allow for 
the introduction of 
new benefits provided 
these have also been 
introduced to the 
wider workforce.

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CHANGES TO POLICY 
PROPOSED

•  Removal of the 

requirement for bonus 
threshold and 
maximum targets to 
be at 80% and 120% 
of budget to enable 
greater flexibility in 
target setting and 
ensure appropriate 
degree of stretch.

•  Introduction of the 
HRSP element and 
a reduction in the 
quantum of HPSP 
awards.

Remuneration Committee Report continued
Directors’ Remuneration Policy continued

Executive Director Remuneration Policy Table continued
Variable emoluments

PURPOSE AND LINK 
TO STRATEGY
Annual bonus 
•  To incentivise annual 

delivery of financial and 
operational targets.
•  To provide high reward 
potential for exceeding 
demanding targets.

Long-term incentive plan
•  To align the interests of 

executives with 
shareholders in growing 
the value of the business 
over the long term and 
provide a competitive total 
package that enables the 
Company to compete for 
talent in its key market of 
the US.

OPERATION

MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITY

PERFORMANCE METRICS

•  At least 25% of any after-tax Annual Bonus must 
be used to acquire shares in Hunting. These 
shares are required to be held for two years.
•  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, corporate 
failure, gross misconduct or actions that cause 
reputational damage to the Company.

•  The Chief Executive and 
Finance Director have a 
maximum opportunity of 
200% and 150% of salary, 
respectively.

•  For an on-target performance, 

50% of the maximum 
opportunity will be paid.

•  Awards of performance shares (“HPSP”) or 

•  In respect of any financial year 

of the Company:
 – Chief Executive: HPSP up 
to 350% and HRSP up to 
100% of base salary.

 – Finance Director: HPSP up 
to 160% and HRSP up to 
50% of base salary.

restricted shares (“HRSP”), may be granted in the 
form of nil cost options or conditional awards to 
eligible participants. The performance conditions 
which apply to HPSP awards will normally be 
measured over a period of at least three years.
•  Awards normally vest three years after grant, and 
retained post-tax in shares for up to two years.
•  Vested awards granted from 2024 will normally 

be subject to an additional holding period of two 
years (subject to settlement of any tax charges 
on vesting).

•  Awards are subject to malus and clawback 

provisions, for five years from grant, which cover 
cases of material financial misstatement, 
calculation error, gross misconduct actions that 
cause reputational damage to the Company, or 
corporate insolvency or failure.

•  In respect of vested shares, participants are 
eligible to receive an amount equivalent to 
dividends paid by the Company during the vesting 
period, (and where relevant, the post-vesting 
holding period) once the final vesting levels have 
been determined, either in cash or shares. This 
dividend equivalent payment may assume the 
reinvestment of dividends in shares. 

•  Typically, 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 all 
financial targets not be met, a 50% vesting cap of 
the strategic/personal component would normally 
be implemented.

•  HPSP awards will vest on achievement of financial 
and strategic performance targets, measured over 
a performance period of three years. Financial 
measures for HPSP awards will be aligned with the 
strategy and, for 2024, will include measures such 
as adjusted diluted EPS, FCF, and ROCE. A TSR 
element will also be included. Strategic measures 
may also be included and will not normally account 
for more than 15% of each award.

•  Achievement of threshold performance for HPSP 

targets results in a 25% vesting.

•  In the event that all of the financial measures are not 
met in respect of a HPSP grant, the vesting of the 
Strategic Scorecard will be reduced by 50%.

•  HRSP awards are subject to an underpin based on 
the Committee’s assessment of the underlying 
performance of the business over the performance 
period having regard for a number of factors also 
measured over three financial years. 

•  The Committee has the ability to exercise discretion 

to override the HPSP or HRSP outcome in 
circumstances where strict application of the 
performance conditions or underpin would produce 
a result inconsistent with the Company’s 
remuneration principles. Any upward discretion 
would normally be subject to prior shareholder 
consultation.

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Executive Director Remuneration Policy Table continued
Variable emoluments continued

PURPOSE AND LINK 
TO STRATEGY
Minimum stock ownership requirement
•  To encourage the 

OPERATION

•  Directors have five years to achieve the required 

retention of shares under 
award to the executive 
Directors.

holding level from the date of their appointment to 
the Board.

•  The Board has discretion to extend this time 

•  To align the long-term 

period if warranted by individual circumstances.

interests of the Directors 
with shareholders.

Post-employment shareholding requirement
•  To align the long-term 

•  Directors are required to hold Hunting shares for 
a period after stepping down as an executive 
Director.

•  The Committee will have discretion to reduce/

waive the requirement in exceptional 
circumstances.

interests of the executive 
Directors with 
shareholders for a period 
after they have left the 
Group.

•  To incentivise good 
succession planning.

141

CHANGES TO POLICY 
PROPOSED

•  None.

•  Extension of holding 
period from 12 to 24 
months from the 
date of cessation of 
employment.

MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITY

PERFORMANCE METRICS

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

•  None.

•  Executive Directors must 

•  None.

continue to hold shares equal 
to the lesser of their actual 
holding on stepping down as 
an executive Director and 
200% of base salary, for a 
minimum of 24 months.
•  This requirement applies to 
shares acquired under 
incentives granted after the 
2024 AGM.

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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.

142

PURPOSE AND LINK 
TO STRATEGY
Company Chair and non-executive Director fees
•  To attract and retain 

OPERATION

•  Fees for the Company Chair and non-executive 

MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITY

PERFORMANCE METRICS

•  Fees paid to the non-

•  None.

CHANGES TO POLICY 
PROPOSED

•  None.

high-calibre non-executive 
Directors by offering a 
market competitive fee.

executive Directors are 
benchmarked against other 
UK companies of a similar 
size and profile to the Group.
•  The aggregate maximum fees 
for all non-executive Directors, 
including the Company Chair, 
within the Company’s Articles 
of Association are £750,000.

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 Company Chair 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, Ethics and Sustainability 
and Remuneration Committees and the Senior 
Independent Director.

•  The non-executive Directors and Company Chair 
do not participate in the Group’s share plans and 
do not receive a cash bonus or any other benefits. 
Any travel or hospitality costs (including any tax 
thereon) related to the performance of their duties 
may be reimbursed by the Company.

Minimum stock ownership requirements
•  To align the non-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.

•  The target holding for 

•  None.

•  None.

the Company Chair and 
non-executive Directors 
is equal to 100% of the 
annual fee.

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143

Detailed Policy
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 Policy under review, and will 
make any necessary revisions after appropriate consultation and approval from shareholders has 
been received.

Remuneration Committee discretion
The Committee has defined areas of discretion within the Directors’ Remuneration Policy. Where 
discretion is applied, the Committee will disclose the rationale for the application of discretion. The 
Committee will operate the Annual Bonus Plan, HPSP and HRSP in accordance with the relevant 
plan rules and this Policy. The Committee retains discretion as to the operation and administration 
of these plans in a number of areas, including:

•  selecting the participants in the incentive plans on an annual basis;
•  determining the timing of grants of awards and/or payments;
•  determining the quantum of awards and/or payments (within the limits set out in the Policy table 

on pages 138 to 142);

•  reviewing performance against any performance targets;
•  determining the extent of vesting based on the assessment of performance and to adjust the 

amount of any incentive pay-out 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;

•  making the appropriate adjustments required in certain circumstances, for instance for changes 

in capital structure;

•  determining “Good Leaver” status for incentive plan purposes, including assessing part-year 

performance for bonus awards and applying the appropriate treatment; and

•  undertaking the annual review of weighting of performance measures and setting targets for the 

incentive plans, where applicable, from year-to-year.

If an event occurs that results in the Annual Bonus Plan or LTIP performance conditions and/or targets 
being deemed no longer appropriate (e.g. material change acquisition or divestment), the Committee 
will have the ability to adjust appropriately the measures, peer groups and/or targets and alter 
weightings, provided that the revised conditions are not materially less challenging than the original 
conditions. In addition, 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 honour any remuneration commitments (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 (i) before the Policy came into 
effect; or (ii) 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.

The Committee may also make any payments that it is required to make as a result of its statutory 
obligations or by way of settlement for any claim of breach of a director’s legal entitlements.

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. In 2024, it is intended that 
the performance of the executive Directors in executing this strategy will be evaluated using a number 
of key performance indicators (“KPIs”) shown in the table below, which drive the variable components 
of the executive Directors’ emoluments. The HPSP performance conditions and growth targets can 
be amended by the Remuneration Committee over the life of the Policy, 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.

Performance metrics 
Adjusted profit 
before tax (“PBT”)

Variable incentive 
Annual Bonus

Return on average 
capital employed 
(“ROCE”)
Total shareholder 
return (“TSR”)
Adjusted diluted 
earnings per share 
(“EPS”)
Free cash flow 
(“FCF”)
Strategic/personal 
objectives
Underlying Group 
performance

Annual Bonus/
HPSP

HPSP

HPSP

HPSP

Annual Bonus/
HPSP
HRSP

Rationale
Adjusted PBT is a management KPI used to measure the 
performance of the Group. Adjusted 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 
performance of the Group. ROCE reflects the value 
created on funds invested in the short and medium term.
TSR reflects the Group’s long-term goal to achieve 
superior levels of shareholder return.
To encourage sustained levels of earnings growth over the 
long term.

To encourage sustained levels of cash generation to fund 
growth and shareholder distributions.
To capture and incentivise delivery of key strategic 
milestones that contribute to long-term success.
Ensures that executives are not rewarded where the 
underlying performance of the Company is not satisfactory.

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144

Relevance to employee pay
The Policy table on pages 138 to 142 summarises 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 below the executive Director and senior manager level, with total remuneration 
driven by market comparatives and the individual responsibilities of each role.

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.

Jim Johnson and Bruce Ferguson entered into service contracts with the Company on  
7 December 2017 and 2 June 2020, respectively. Under the terms of these service contracts,  
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 eligible 
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 contracts, benefits may include the 
provision of a company car and fuel benefits or allowance in lieu, 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, which is 
retained by the Company Secretary at Hunting PLC’s registered head office, that sets out the 
responsibilities and time commitments for the role. Additional duties, as requested by the Nomination 
Committee, including chairing a Board Committee, 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.

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 employing company or business ceasing to be part of the 
Group, 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; and

•  payment of a bonus for the period worked taking into account the achievement of the relevant 
performance conditions which may be delivered in such proportions of cash and shares, and 
subject to such deferral arrangements, as the Committee may determine; and any unvested  
long-term incentives that vest at the normal time taking into account the achievement of the relevant 
performance conditions and any other relevant factors, and will, unless the Committee determines 
otherwise, be pro-rated by reference to the performance period applicable to the award which has 
elapsed. If an executive Director dies (or any other exceptional circumstances), awards will vest at 
the time the executive Director ceases to be a Director on the same basis as set out above for other 
“Good Leavers”.

The Company may also provide assistance with any reasonable legal costs and a contribution 
towards outplacement services. If an executive Director departs the Group for any other reason, 
no bonus would be payable and their unvested long-term incentives would lapse immediately on 
cessation of employment.

Corporate events
If there is a change of control of the Company, HPSP and HRSP awards will normally vest early. 
The extent to which awards vest in these circumstances will be determined by the Remuneration 
Committee, taking into account the extent to which the performance conditions have been satisfied, 
the underlying performance of the Company and the participant, any other relevant factors and, 
unless the Remuneration Committee determines otherwise, the proportion of the performance 
period that has elapsed. If other corporate events affect the Company such as a demerger, the 
Remuneration Committee may decide that awards vest on the same basis as for a change of 
control of the Company.

Consideration of employment conditions elsewhere in the Group
The Committee considers the general basic salary increases for the broader workforce 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.

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Directors’ Remuneration Policy continued

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 Committee is always 
available for feedback from shareholders on the remuneration policy and arrangements, and will 
undertake a consultation with our largest shareholders in advance of any significant future changes  
to the 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.

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 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 relevant labour market 
practices. Where new appointees have initial base salaries set below market, any shortfall may be 
managed with phased increases, normally, 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. Fixed pay will comprise base salary, including any appropriate 
relocation or tax equalisation agreements, benefits (including healthcare insurance, pension 
contributions, and car benefits) and any other components deemed necessary to secure an 
appointment. Variable pay will be in-line with the policies above, subject to any future amendments 
to these arrangements being approved by shareholders. Any specific change of control provisions 
within new service contracts would be consistent with UK market norms.

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 take account of 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 against companies of similar size 
and profile to Hunting will be applied.

145

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, based on the proposed 2024 Directors’ Remuneration Policy.

Chief Executive

Finance Director

9,000

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

$1,057k

100%

Fixed

$6,772k

13%

45%

26%

16%

$4,354k

20%

35%

21%

24%

$8,750k

15%

53%

20%

12%

Target

Maximum

Maximum 
Stretch

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

$508k

100%

Fixed

 Total Fixed 

 Annual Bonus 

 HPSP 

 HRSP

Assumptions made for each scenario are as follows:

$2,549k

13%

41%

26%

20%

$2,088k
10%

34%

32%

24%

$1,298k
8%
27%

25%

39%

Target

Maximum

Maximum
Stretch

•  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 plus 100% vesting of awards under the HRSP;

•  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 and HRSP in accordance with the reporting regulations; and

•  The Finance Director is paid in Sterling and the equivalent total remuneration scenarios are as 
follows – fixed £399k; target £1,020k, maximum £1,640k and maximum stretch of £2,002k. 

On behalf of the Board

Annell Bay
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

29 February 2024

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146

Annual Report on Remuneration

Introduction
The principles set out in the 2021 Directors’ Remuneration Policy (the “Policy”) have been applied 
throughout the year.

On 10 January 2024, Margaret Amos was appointed as a new, independent, non-executive Director 
and joined the Committee from this date. Further, the Company announced on 10 January 2024 that 
Stuart Brightman will succeed Jay Glick as Company Chair. Mr Brightman will, therefore, step down 
as a member of the Committee at the 2024 AGM.

Compliance statement
The Directors’ Remuneration Policy and the 2023 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) Regulations 2008 
(as amended), 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 2023 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 2023. This report was approved by the Remuneration Committee at its meeting on Monday 
26 February 2024.

Role
The Committee is responsible for developing and implementing the Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
and has direct oversight, of the remuneration of the executive Directors, Company Chair and 
Company Secretary. The Company Chair and Chief Executive are consulted on proposals relating to 
the remuneration of the Finance Director and designated senior management. Where appropriate, the 
Company 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 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, Ms Harris and 
Messrs Brightman and Lough have relevant energy sector expertise, while Mrs Chesney has relevant 
financial expertise. Dr Amos has non-oil and gas expertise. 

Ms Bay was appointed to the Committee on her appointment to the Board on 2 February 2015  
and was appointed Committee Chair on 30 August 2018. The Nomination Committee has extended 
Ms Bay’s term of appointment to the Company for one additional year to allow for appropriate 
succession plans to be put in place and to oversee the final implementation of a new Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy, to be approved by shareholders at the Company’s 2024 Annual General 
Meeting (“AGM”) on 17 April 2024. Stuart Brightman was appointed by the Board and became 
a member of the Committee on 3 January 2023. 

The Committee met seven times during 2023 and attendance details are shown on page 131. On  
29 February 2024, being the date of signing the accounts, the members of the Committee and their 
unexpired terms of office were:

Director
Margaret Amos
Annell Bay
Stuart Brightman 
Carol Chesney
Paula Harris
Keith Lough 

Latest appointment date
10 January 2024 
2 February 2024
3 January 2023
23 April 2021
20 April 2022
23 April 2021

Unexpired term as at  
29 February 2024
months
34
11
22
2
14
2

External advisers
Mercer and Pearl Meyer are engaged by the Committee to provide remuneration consultancy 
services. Their appointments were subject to formal tenders and both companies are regarded  
as independent, having been appointed by and acting under direction of the Committee. Mercer  
is a signatory to the UK Remuneration Consultants’ Group Code of Conduct and provides UK 
governance advice and compensation benchmarking, while Pearl Meyer provides US remuneration 
data for consideration by the Committee. The total cost of advice to the Committee during the year 
to 31 December 2023 was $300,553 (2022 – $136,613) and includes fees paid in respect of review 
work in salary benchmarking, Policy review, share plans, and remuneration reporting disclosure 
requirements. Fees are charged on a time basis for consultancy services received. Neither Mercer 
nor Pearl Meyer have any other connection to the Company or any Director.

Shareholder voting at the 2023 AGM
At the Company’s AGM held in April 2023, 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
108,770,961
14,855,627
25,707
123,652,295

% of  

votes cast
88.0
12.0
n/a
100.0

i.  A vote withheld is not a vote in law and is not included in the percentage for votes cast.

The 2021 Policy was last approved by shareholders at the AGM on 21 April 2021, receiving 92.0% 
votes in favour. A new Policy is to be approved by shareholders at the 2024 AGM.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information147

Remuneration Committee Report continued
Annual Report on Remuneration continued

Single figure remuneration 

$k
Executive Directors
Jim Johnson
Bruce Ferguson
Non-executive Directors
Annell Bay
Stuart Brightman
Carol Chesney
Jay Glick
Paula Harris (from 20.04.22)
Richard Hunting (to 20.04.22)
Keith Lough
Totals

Base Salaryi

Pension Provisionii

Benefitiii

Sub Totals

Annual Bonus

HPSP Awards

Sub Totals

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023iv

2022v

2023vi

2022 
(restated)vii

2023

2022 
(restated)

2023

2022 
(restated)

Fixed

Variable

Total Remuneration

810
395

775
374

92
80
92
255
80
–
92
1,896

86
–
86
227
52
22
86
1,708

137
47

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
184

139
44

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
183

72
17

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
89

68
17

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
85

1,019
459

92
80
92
255
80
–
92
2,169

982
435

1,467
536

1,550
561

86
–
86
227
52
22
86
1,976

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
2,003

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
2,111

980
223

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,203

178
25

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
203

2,447
759

1,728
586

3,466
1,218

2,710
1,021

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
3,206

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
2,314

92
80
92
255
80
–
92
5,375

86
–
86
227
52
22
86
4,290

The remuneration of the Finance Director and non-executive Directors is determined in UK Sterling

£k
Executive Directors
Bruce Ferguson
Non-executive Directors
Annell Bay
Stuart Brightman
Carol Chesney
Jay Glick
Paula Harris (from 20.04.22)
Richard Hunting (to 20.04.22)
Keith Lough

Base Salaryi

Pension Provisionii

Benefitiii

Sub Totals

Annual Bonus

HPSP Awards

Sub Totals

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023iv

2022v

2023vi

2022 
(restated)vii

2023

2022 
(restated)

2023

2022 
(restated)

Fixed

Variable

Total Remuneration

318

304

38

36

14

13

370

353

431

456

179

20

610

476

980

829

74
64
74
205
64
–
74

70
–
70
184
42
18
70

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

74
64
74
205
64
–
74

70
–
70
184
42
18
70

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

74
64
74
205
64
–
74

70
–
70
184
42
18
70

i. 

 There were no base salary increases awarded to the executive Directors in 2023, given that the last review by the Committee was completed in December 2022, where a 5% increase was implemented. In December 2023, the Committee received workforce salary proposals, to be 
implemented in January 2024. Base salary increases for the executive Directors have been proposed as part of the new Directors’ Remuneration Policy and remain subject to shareholder approval. In January 2023, the base fee for the non-executive Directors was increased to £64,000.

ii.   Mr Johnson’s single figure pension remuneration represents Company contributions payable to his US pension arrangements. Mr Ferguson’s pension figure represents a cash sum in lieu of a Company pension contribution, which is set at 12% of his annual base salary.
iii.   Benefits include the provision of healthcare insurance, subscriptions, and a company car with fuel benefits or allowance in lieu.
iv.   With the Company recording another year of growth, including an increase in adjusted profit before tax (“PBT”) and return on average capital employed (“ROCE”), both of which exceeded the Annual Budget targets set in December 2022, a 90.5% vesting of the maximum opportunity has 
been recorded. On this basis, Mr Johnson will receive a bonus payment of $1,467k, being 181% of his base salary paid in 2023, and Mr Ferguson will receive a bonus payment of £431k ($536k), being 136% of his base salary. The bonuses will be paid in March 2024 and, in-line with the 
usual operation of the Annual Bonus Plan, 25% of the after-tax bonus will be utilised to purchase Ordinary shares in the Company, to be retained for two years.

v.   In 2022, Mr Johnson’s annual bonus was $1,550k and Mr Ferguson’s annual bonus was £456k ($561k). The after-tax bonuses were utilised to purchase 68,813 and 21,004 Ordinary shares respectively in the Company, to be retained for two years.
vi.   The share awards granted in 2021 under the HPSP had a three-year performance period to 31 December 2023 and will vest on 4 March 2024. The 2021 grant comprised the following four performance conditions: ROCE, EPS, TSR, and a Strategic Scorecard. The ROCE and EPS 

targets both recorded a threshold vesting. The TSR performance condition was independently measured by Mercer and recorded a “Below Median” outcome vesting leading to nil vesting of this portion of the 2021 grant. In total, the 2021 grant under the HPSP recorded a 34.2% vesting. 
On this basis, Mr Johnson will receive 259,144 Ordinary shares, plus a cash payment of 26.0 cents per share, equalling the dividends paid during the vesting period. The total value of Mr Johnson’s vested award was $980k. Following measurement, Mr Ferguson will receive 58,893 
Ordinary shares, plus a cash payment of 26.0 cents per share, equalling the dividends paid during the vesting period, with a total value of $223k. For the purposes of the single figure calculation, the average mid-market closing price of £2.8371 during Q4 2023 has been applied to the 
number of vested shares and converted to dollars using the average £:$ exchange during Q4 2023, being £1.2417. Further details of the vesting calculation are shown on page 150.

vii.  The share awards granted in 2020 at £3.12 under the HPSP had a three-year performance period to 31 December 2022 and incorporated four performance conditions. The awards were measured against the relevant performance conditions, with a nil vesting recorded for the ROCE, EPS 
and TSR performance conditions. A 7.5% vesting of the Strategic Scorecard (after application of the vesting cap on this element), was also recorded. On this basis, Messrs Johnson and Ferguson received 48,990 and 6,826 Ordinary shares, respectively. For the purposes of the single figure 
calculation, the average mid-market closing price of £2.82 was applied to the share awards vested on 3 March 2023, with the 2022 single figure table being restated to reflect the actual vested amount.

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148

Salary and fees
There were no changes to the base salaries of the executive Directors during 2023. 

Annual performance-linked bonus plan (audited)
The annual performance-linked bonus plan for 2023 was based on the following metrics:

The Committee met in December 2023 to receive management’s proposals for an average increase  
in base salaries for the wider workforce for 2024. The Committee will deliberate on increases to the 
executive Directors at its meeting in April 2024, subject to approval of the new Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy at the Company’s 2024 AGM. 

Proportion of award
60%
20%
20%

Performance metric
Adjusted profit before tax
Return on average capital employed
Strategic/personal performance objectives

In December 2023, the Board reviewed the fee levels for the non-executive Directors and decided  
to increase the Committee Chair and Senior Independent Director additional fees to £11,000 p.a.  
The base fee for the non-executive Directors was left unchanged at £64,000 p.a. The Committee 
reviewed benchmarked fee data for the Company Chair and, following discussion, decided to  
increase the annual fee to £225,000 from 1 January 2024.

Delivery of financial objectives
The annual bonus targets are normally based on the Annual Budget agreed by the Board in 
December of the prior financial year. The 2023 Annual Budget agreed by the Board in December 2022 
contained financial targets of adjusted profit before tax of $43.4m and ROCE of 5.4%. The financial 
performance targets for the 2023 Annual Bonus were thus set as follows:

Pensions (audited)
In-line with other similarly long-tenured employees in the US, 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 matched deferred savings plan. Company contributions to the former 
arrangement were $116,823 (2022 – $121,194) 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 
matched savings plan, totalling $19,800 (2022 – $18,300). 

Mr Ferguson receives a cash sum in lieu of pension contributions, 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 contribution in lieu of pension 
was $47,385/£38,115 (2022 – $43,902/£35,626).

Adjusted profit before tax 
(“PBT”)
Return on average capital 
employed (“ROCE”)

Threshold 
vesting

Target vesting Maximum vesting

Actual outcome 

% vesting 

$34.7m

$43.4m

$52.1m

$50.0m

52.8%

4.3%

5.4%

6.5%

6.45%

19.7%

As in prior years, the annual bonus starts to accrue when 80% of the Annual Budget targets are met, 
and increases on a straight-line basis up to 120% of the budget (or bonus) target. Given the return to 
growth of the Company’s core markets, the Annual Bonus targets were exceeded, with a 72.5% of 
a possible 80% outcome of this portion of the Annual Bonus award. The Committee awarded a 90% 
outcome of the 20% vesting of the personal performance component of the Annual Bonus award. 
The overall outcome of the Annual Bonus was 90.5%.

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149

Delivery of strategic/personal performance objectives
The strategic/personal performance objectives agreed by the Committee with the executive Directors in early 2023 are summarised in the table below. Detailed analyses of these outcomes follow this table.

OBJECTIVE
Managing 
from crisis to 
success  
(50%)

JIM JOHNSON
(CHIEF EXECUTIVE)
•  Enhance senior executive 

development and training, including 
use of an external facilitator. 

•  Increase operational and 

manufacturing data flows across 
the Group, and increase financial 
performance and accountability 
within the senior leadership team. 
•  Evaluate and present development 
plans for the Company including 
the delivery of a refreshed strategic 
plan focusing on oil and gas, 
non-oil and gas and energy 
transition sectors. 

•  Continue to monitor the reduction 
of the Group’s carbon footprint, 
with increased accountability for 
initiatives flowed to the senior 
leadership team.

BRUCE FERGUSON
(FINANCE DIRECTOR)
•  Align financial reporting 
processes and systems 
to deliver the required 
operational and 
manufacturing data flow 
improvements, with 
particular attention to 
production efficiencies 
and working capital 
management. 

•  Improve board reporting 
format for new data 
requested. 

PERFORMANCE ACHIEVED
•  Further progressed the implementation of the D365 ERP system. Developed new reporting 

formats that highlighted the Group’s external sales order book, product line revenue, EBITDA, 
working capital and other key performance indicators based around a ‘Product Line’ external 
reporting format.

•  Delivered new reports on working capital efficiency and project evaluation metrics to deepen 

the Board’s understanding of the returns of the larger OCTG orders. 

•  These reports enabled members of the Executive Committee to present to the Directors 

OUTCOME
Exceeded 
“Target” 
delivery

during the year. 

•  The Chief Executive implemented a senior leadership development programme, with Russell 

Reynolds being engaged to support this initiative. 

•  Strong progress in identifying and evaluating potential non-oil and gas and energy transition 
opportunities. These teams were expanded as geothermal and carbon capture projects 
accelerated, particularly in the US and Asia Pacific. 

•  Deliver reports that detail 

•  Expanded carbon data collection and continued to drive initiatives to contain and reduce 

scope 1 and 2 emissions. Commenced assessment of scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. 

major project opportunities 
for the Group and the 
targeted returns, to ensure 
rates of return are 
understood.

Revenue 
diversification 
(25%)

Market value 
correction 
(25%)

•  Continued focus on revenue 

•  Continued focus on 

diversification including non-oil and 
gas and energy transition sales.

•  Increase engagement with 

institutional investors to understand 
Hunting’s market valuation and 
discount to net asset value. 
•  Present an informative narrative 

framework at a Capital 
Markets Day.

revenue diversification 
including non-oil and gas 
and energy transition sales.
•  Increase engagement with 
institutional investors to 
understand Hunting’s 
market valuation and 
discount to net asset value. 

•  Present an informative 
narrative framework at 
a Capital Markets Day.

Fully 
achieved

Exceeded 
“Target” 
delivery

•  As noted in the Strategic Report, non-oil and gas revenue increased from $47.6m in 2022 
to $75.9m, with progress being made particularly within the Advanced Manufacturing 
business units.

•  To enable investors to better understand the Group’s opportunities within the global offshore 

energy industry, from 1 January 2023, executive management separated the Subsea 
Technologies businesses from the North America operating segment. This is aimed at 
increasing transparency in this segment of the market. 

•  Increased engagement with institutional investors and wider capital markets in the year, 

including completion of an independent investor perception survey among the Group’s top 
shareholders. 

•  Investor engagement efforts refocused on highlighting the Group’s technology, market 

leadership and strength based around its major product lines, as opposed to the geographic 
segmental reporting format. Profit measures based around product groups have been 
developed during the year, to provide greater granularity on the performance of the Group. 

•  These initiatives combined underpinned successful delivery of executive management’s 
maiden Capital Markets Day, held in London in September 2023 at which a long-term 
strategy and financial ambition to 2030 was delivered to investors, which included detailed 
capital allocations and key strategic growth initiatives.

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150

Annual Bonus outcome
Based on this outcome of a vesting of 90.5%, the following bonus awards were made to the executive 
Directors:

The Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) performance condition was measured by Mercer in January 
2024, following completion of the three-year performance period. Hunting’s TSR performance against 
the 13 comparator companies was then ranked, resulting in a “Below Median” performance 
corresponding to a nil vesting of this portion of the grant. 

Proportion of award
60%
20%
20%

Performance metric
Adjusted profit before tax
Return on average capital employed
Strategic/personal performance objectives

Percentage of annual bonus awarded
52.8%
19.7%
18.0%

Mr Johnson was, therefore, awarded a bonus for the year of $1,467k, and Mr Ferguson was awarded 
a bonus of $536k. In-line with the normal operation of the Annual Bonus, 100% of the bonus will be 
delivered in cash in March 2024, with 25% of the post-tax bonus to be utilised to purchase Ordinary 
shares in the Company, to be retained for two years, in-line with the 2021 Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy.

2021 HPSP vesting (audited)
The 2021 awards under the HPSP have been measured against the performance conditions following 
completion of the three-year performance period ended 31 December 2023. The 2021 awards were 
based on four performance conditions – ROCE (35%); adjusted diluted EPS (25%); relative TSR (25%) 
and a Strategic Scorecard (15%) comprising two sub-measures being the Group’s Safety and Quality 
performance. Performance is measured for the year ended 31 December 2023 for ROCE and 
adjusted diluted EPS and over three financial years ending 31 December 2023 for relative TSR and 
the Strategic Scorecard. A summary of the performance achieved is detailed below:

ROCE
Adjusted diluted EPS
Relative TSR
Strategic Scorecard
– Safety
– Quality

% of award
35%
25%
25%

Threshold vesting 
target
6.0%
20 cents
Median

Maximum  

Recorded 
performance
6.45%
20.3 cents
Upper quartile Below Median

vesting target
9.0%
40 cents

7.5%
7.5%

2.00
0.8%

<1.00
0.5%

0.96
0.15%

% vesting 
outcome
12.7%
6.5%
nil

7.5%
7.5%

The ROCE and EPS components of the 2021 grant under the HPSP have recorded a threshold 
vesting and, based on this outcome, the Strategic Scorecard component of the HPSP grant will vest 
in full.

Overall, the total vesting of the 2021 HPSP award is 34.2%. The vesting date of the 2021 HPSP award 
is 4 March 2024. Mr Johnson will, therefore, receive 259,144 Ordinary shares and Mr Ferguson will 
receive 58,893 Ordinary shares. A cash equivalent of dividends paid by the Company during the 
vesting period, totalling 26.0 cents per vested share, will be added to the award on the vesting date. 
The 2021 HPSP vesting has been calculated as follows:

Number of 
shares 
granted in 
2021
757,732
172,203

Vesting 
%
34.2
34.2

Number of 
shares 
vested
259,144
58,893

Value of vested 
shares at 
31 December 
2023 
$*
912,919
207,469

Value of 
dividends at 
26.0 cents  
per share 
$
67,377
15,312

Value 
attributable to 
share price 
growth 
$
70,180
15,948

Total award 
value 
$
980,296
222,781

Jim Johnson
Bruce Ferguson

* 

 As per the methodology for reporting the values of unvested awards, the average price of a Hunting PLC share during Q4 2023 of £2.8371 
has been applied and converted to US dollars at an exchange rate of £1.2417 for the period. The share price on the date of grant was 
£2.619.

In accordance with the 2021 Directors’ Remuneration Policy, these vested shares (net of tax) are to be 
held for two years from the vesting date.

2020 HPSP vesting (audited)
The 2020 awards under the HPSP were measured against the performance conditions, following 
completion of the three-year performance period, resulting in the following outcome:

Number of 
shares 
granted in 
2020
653,205
91,022

Value of vested  
shares at 
3 March 
2023 
$*
167,896
23,394

Value of 
dividends at 
21.5 cents  
per share 
$
10,104
1,408

Number of 
shares
 vested
48,990
6,826

Value 
attributable to 
share price 
reduction 
$
17,623
2,455

Total award 
value 
$
178,000
24,802

Vesting 
%
7.5
7.5

Jim Johnson*
Bruce Ferguson*

* 

 The value of awards have been restated at the market price of £2.82 per share with an FX rate of $1.2153 on 3 March 2023. Further details 
have been included under the share interests table. 

In accordance with the 2018 Directors’ Remuneration Policy, these vested shares are to be held for 
two years from the vesting date. 

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151

2023 HPSP grant (audited)
On 6 March 2023, the Committee approved the grant of nil-cost share awards to Jim Johnson and 
Bruce Ferguson under the rules of the HPSP. Awards will vest on 6 March 2026, subject to the 
achievement of the performance metrics, with a two-year holding period then applying to the post-tax 
vested shares. The 2023 grant under the HPSP to the executive Directors was at the normal quantum, 
as detailed in the Directors’ Remuneration Policy on pages 137 to 145. 

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 includes base salaries, benefits in kind and bonuses and exclude 
pension contributions and share awards. If a Director has not served for the entire year, they are 
shown as not applicable. 

2018 to 2019

2019 to 2020

2020 to 2021

2021 to 2022

2022 to 2023

Jim Johnson
Bruce Ferguson

Award as a % of 
base salary
450
210

Number of shares 
under grant
994,687
236,529

Face value of 
award at threshold 
vesting of 25% 
$
911,630
216,779

Face value of 
award at  
maximum  
vesting 
$
3,646,521
867,115

The performance conditions and targets encourage strong growth in earnings (EPS), capital efficiency 
(ROCE) and cash generation (FCF), in addition to the important ESG metrics within the Strategic Scorecard, 
namely Quality and Safety performance. A TSR metric is also utilised, to reflect shareholder returns 
over the performance period. The targets for each performance condition are as follows:

Performance condition 
ROCEi
FCFii
Adjusted diluted EPSi 
Relative TSRii
Strategic Scorecardii
– Safety
– Quality

i.  Measured for the year ended 31 December 2025.
ii.  Measured across the three-year vesting period.

Proportion  
of award 
%
25
20
20
20

Threshold  

Maximum  

vesting target
10.5%
$200m
25.0 cents

vesting target
13.0%
$250m
50.0 cents
Median Upper Quartile

7.5
7.5

2.00
0.8%

<1.00
0.5%

The following quoted businesses comprise the TSR comparator group for the 2023 award:

Akastor
Drill-Quip
Expro Group
Flotek Industries
Forum Energy Technologies

National Oilwell Varco
Nine Energy
Oceaneering
Oil States International
Schoeller-Bleckmann

TechnipFMC
Tenaris
Vallourec

The face value of the 2023 award is based on the closing mid-market share price on Friday 3 March 
2023, which was 282.0 pence per share.

n/a
n/a
n/a

+4%
-60%
+8%

Executive Directors
Jim Johnson
Base salary
Annual cash bonus
Benefits
Bruce Fergusoni
Base salary
Annual cash bonus
Benefits
Average global employee
Base salary
Annual cash bonus
Benefits
Non-executive Directors (fees)
Annell Bay
Carol Chesney
Keith Lough
Jay Glick
Paula Harrisii
Stuart Brightmaniii

–
-14%
+8%

+11%
+46%
+56%
+5%
n/a
n/a

+1%
-74%
+31%

n/a
n/a
n/a

-2%
-81%
+7%

–
–
–
–
n/a
n/a

+1%
+5%
-7%

n/a
n/a
n/a

+9%
+9%
+4%

–
–
–
–
n/a
n/a

+4%
+906%
+1%

+8%
+913%
–

+5%
+726%
-3%

–
–
–
–
n/a
n/a

+5%
-5%
+6%

+5%
-5%
+8%

+3%
-21%
+9%

+6%
+6%
+6%
+11%
n/a
n/a

i.  Bruce Ferguson was appointed to the Board on 20 April 2022 and therefore no change prior to 2021-2022 is applicable.
ii.  Paula Harris was appointed to the Board on 20 April 2022 and therefore no change is applicable.
iii.  Stuart Brightman was appointed to the Board on 3 January 2023 and therefore no change is applicable.

The average salary for employees in 2023 reflects a change in the average monthly employee 
headcount compared to the prior year, coupled with base salary increases implemented in December 
2022 to the existing workforce. In addition some businesses exceeded maximum bonus levels while 
other businesses failed to reached set targets, resulting in an overall reduced bonus payout. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationRemuneration Committee Report continued
Annual Report on Remuneration continued

152

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:

There have been no further changes to the Directors’ share interests in the period 31 December 2023 
to 29 February 2024.

Directori
Executive Directors
Jim Johnsoniii
Bruce Fergusoniii
Non-executive Directors
Annell Bay
Stuart Brightman
Carol Chesney
Jay Glick
Paula Harris
Richard Hunting (to 20.04.22)ii
– as trustee 
– as Director of Hunting Investments Limited
Keith Lough 

At 31 December 
2023i

At 31 December 
2022

567,988
215,554

469,463
170,839

21,347
–
24,000
75,923
–
n/a
n/a
n/a
24,000

18,769
–
24,000
75,923
–
468,133
194,960
11,003,487
24,000

i.  Beneficial share interests are those Ordinary shares owned by the Director or spouse, which the Director is free to dispose.
ii.  As at cessation date.
iii.   The shareholdings for Messrs Johnson and Ferguson include shares restricted from sale, in-line with the rules of the Annual Bonus Plan 
and Hunting Performance Share Plan. At 31 December 2023, 125,497 restricted-from-sale Ordinary shares are held by Mr Johnson and 
35,116 are held by Mr Ferguson.

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 required shareholding of each Director and the current shareholding as a 
multiple of base salary or annual fee as at 31 December 2023 is presented below:

Director
Jim Johnson
Bruce Ferguson 
Annell Bay 
Stuart Brightman
Carol Chesney 
Jay Glick 
Paula Harris
Keith Lough 

Required holding 
expressed as a 
multiple of base 
salary or fee
5
2
1
1
1
1
1
1

Requirement met*
N
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
N
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 2023 of £2.955.

The interests of the executive Directors in Hunting PLC Ordinary shares 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
Bruce Ferguson

Total

Interests at 
1 January 
2023
653,205
757,732
1,217,058
–
2,627,995
91,022
172,203
289,408
–
552,633

Options/awards 
granted in year
–
–
–
994,687
994,687
–
–
–
236,529
236,529

Options/awards 
exercised in year
(48,990)
–
–
–
(48,990)
(6,826)
–
–
–
(6,826)

Options/awards 
lapsed in year
(604,215)
–
–
–
(604,215)
(84,196)
–
–
–
(84,196)

Interests at 
31 December 
2023
–
757,732
1,217,058
994,687
2,969,477
–
172,203
289,408
236,529
698,140

Exercise price 
p
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

Grant date
03.03.2020
04.03.2021
04.03.2022
06.03.2023

Date exercisable
03.03.2023
04.03.2024
04.03.2025
06.03.2026

Expiry date
–
–
–
–

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

03.03.2020
04.03.2021
04.03.2022
06.03.2023

03.03.2023
04.03.2024
04.03.2025
06.03.2026

03.03.2030
04.03.2031
04.03.2032
06.03.2033

Scheme
HPSP^
HPSP^
HPSP^
HPSP^

HPSP~
HPSP~
HPSP~
HPSP~

^  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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information153

Chief Executive workforce pay ratio

Year
2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Method
Option A
Workforce Pay Quartiles
Option A
Workforce Pay Quartiles
Option A
Workforce Pay Quartiles
Option A
Workforce Pay Quartiles
Option A
Workforce Pay Quartiles

25th percentage 
pay ratio
49:1
$45,666
22:1
$45,666
21:1
$52,699
55:1
$48,736
70:1
$49,837

50th percentile  

75th percentile  

pay ratio
38:1
$58,603
18:1
$61,329
17:1
$63,329
43:1
$62,108
54:1
$64,467

pay ratio
22:1
$99,521
10:1
$107,314
11:1
$102,807
26:1
$105,704
33:1
$106,492

The Company has elected to voluntarily disclose 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 for presenting the pay ratio. Hunting is not required to 
present this information, given that its UK workforce is below the reporting threshold, as detailed in 
the regulations. 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-term 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 191 in the year (2022 – 158), which represents 
8% (2022 – 8%) of the Group’s total average workforce in 2023. The basis of the workforce pay 
calculations is aligned with the basis of preparation of the single figure table on page 147, comprising 
fixed and variable emoluments and 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 as at 31 December 2023. The changes  
to the Chief Executive pay ratios in the year mainly reflect a higher HPSP vesting percentage of 34.2% 
compared to 7.5% in 2022. 

Remuneration Committee Report continued
Annual Report on Remuneration continued

Executive Director remuneration and shareholder returns
The following chart compares the TSR of Hunting PLC between 2013 and 2023 to the DJ US Oil 
Equipment and Services indices. In the opinion of the Directors, this index is the most appropriate 
against which the shareholder return of the Company’s shares should be compared because it 
comprises other companies in the oil and gas services sector. The accompanying table details 
remuneration of the Chief Executive.

Total shareholder return (rebased to 100 at 31 December 2013)

150

125

100

75

50

25

0

31/12/13

31/12/15

31/12/17

31/12/19

31/12/21

31/12/23

Hunting PLC

DJ US Oil Equipment & Services

2023 – Jim Johnson
2022 – Jim Johnsonv
2021 – Jim Johnson
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

Single figure 
remuneration 
$000i
3,466
2,710
1,165
1,179
2,229
3,715
819
3,972
941
1,031
4,808

Annual cash 
bonus 
%ii
91
100
10
10
39
100
33
67
Nil
Nil
57

HPSP 
% vestingiii
34
8
8
16
66
75
4
13
Nil
Nil
Nil

LTIP 
award %iv
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Nil
100

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 HPSP that vested in the financial year 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 in 2017.

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.

v.  Restated as per single figure table disclosure on page 147.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
154

Remuneration Committee Report continued
Annual Report on Remuneration continued

Relative importance of spend on pay
The table below shows the relative importance of spend on employee remuneration in relation to corporate 
taxation, dividends and capital 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

2023 
$m
254.8
9.1
15.0
23.7

2022 
$m
223.7
3.9
13.6
16.4

Change
14%
141%
10%
34%

i. 

 Includes staff costs for the year (note 7) plus benefits in kind of $35.8m (2022 – $29.2m), which primarily comprises US medical insurance 
costs.

ii.  Please refer to page 59.

Payments to past Directors (audited)
Peter Rose retired as a Director of the Company on 15 April 2020. The emoluments paid during 2023 
to Mr Rose were wholly related to his vested 2020 awards under the HPSP, whereby 3,788 Ordinary 
shares in the Company were delivered to him when exercised on 3 March 2023, with a pro-rated 
value of $13,195. Mr Rose has no outstanding share awards under the HPSP.

Payments for loss of office
There were no payments for loss of office in the year.

Implementation of policy in 2024

The remuneration policy for 2024 will be applied in-line with those detailed on pages 138 to 142. 
Following consultation with a significant number of institutional investors, the Remuneration 
Committee is submitting a new Director’s Remuneration Policy and Long-Term Incentive Plan at the 
Company’s Annual General Meeting on 17 April 2024. Details of the new policy can be found on 
pages 133 and 134.

Salary and fees
Subject to approval of the new Directors’ Remuneration Policy at the Company’s AGM in April 2024, 
the base salaries of the executive Directors will be increased by the average of the workforce plus an 
additional 3.5%. Workforce base salary increases of 5.0% were implemented on 1 January 2024.  
The increases proposed for the executive Directors are in-line with increases awarded to other high 
performing employees of the Group.

As noted earlier, the base fees for the non-executive Directors will remain unchanged for 2024; 
however, the Committee Chair and Senior Independent Director fees were increased to £11,000 p.a. 
from the start of 2024. 

Pension and benefits
Jim Johnson will continue to receive contributions towards a US deferred compensation scheme and 
a US 401k matched 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 that will continue to include healthcare insurance, 
a company car and fuel benefits or allowance in lieu.

Annual Bonus
The annual performance-linked bonus for 2024 will operate in-line with the shareholder approved 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy. The Committee will disclose details of performance against the 
pre-set financial targets and strategic/personal performance objectives after the year-end, as the 
Board believes that forward disclosure of the financial targets is commercially sensitive.

New Long-Term Incentive Plan
In April 2024, an award under a new Long-Term Incentive Plan will be granted to the executive 
Directors and wider members of the Group subject to approval of the new plan at the Company’s 
2024 Annual General Meeting on 17 April 2024. 

Subject to approval, the performance-based awards to the Chief Executive and Finance Director will 
be issued share awards at the quantum of 350% of base salary for Mr Johnson and 160% of base 
salary for Mr Ferguson. The performance conditions to be adopted for these awards are expected to 
include relative TSR (30%); ROCE (25%); adjusted diluted EPS (15%); Free Cash Flow (15%); and the 
Strategic Scorecard (15%). The proposed TSR peer group has been expanded for 2024 in light of 
shareholder feedback to include Hunting’s key competitors for talent and comprises: Akastor, Cactus, 
Core Laboratories, Dril-Quip, Expro Group Holdings, Flotek Industries, Forum Energy Technologies, 
Liberty Energy, Nine Energy Service, NOV, Oceaneering International, Oil States International, 
Patterson-UTI Energy, Petrofac, Schoeller Bleckmann, TechnipFMC, Tenaris, Tetra Technologies and 
Vallourec. Time-based awards will also be granted to the executive Directors, being 100% of base 
salary for the Chief Executive and 50% for the Finance Director, subject to approval by shareholders.

The performance targets will be detailed in the Stock Exchange announcement that accompanies 
the award, which can be located at www.huntingplc.com. 

On behalf of the Board

Annell Bay
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

The Company Chair fee was also increased to £225,000 p.a. from 1 January 2024, following 
deliberations by the Committee and wider Board in December 2023.

29 February 2024

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationDuring 2023, the Company 
continued to build on momentum 
from 2022 and the strengthening 
of its end-markets, and reported a 
significant increase in its revenue 
and profitability over the previous 
year. The focus of the Audit 
Committee’s (the “Committee”) 
work over the year has been 
consideration of the recognition 
of previously unrecognised 
deferred tax assets held by the 
Group’s US businesses, and 
revenue recognition processes 
and procedures.

The Group’s growing order 
book and tender pipeline 
have enabled the business 
units to have greater visibility 
on earnings.

Introduction
As impetus in the international and offshore 
markets continued to improve, the Group’s 
growing order book and tender pipeline have 
enabled the business units to have greater 
visibility on earnings, with the most recent 
forecasts prepared by the business units 
reflecting this. As the forecasts demonstrated 
that the US businesses were to be profitable for 
the foreseeable future, the unrecognised deferred 
tax assets held by the US businesses were 
recognised on the balance sheet at the year-end 
as realisation of the tax benefit within a reasonable 
time frame was probable. Due to the size and 
nature of the deferred tax assets recognised 
in the year, the Committee concurred with 
management’s proposal to disclose these as 
an adjusting item. 

Revenue recognition has remained an area of 
focus for the Committee during the year, given 
the increase in the number of long timescale 
orders received by the Subsea Spring and 
Dearborn business units. Each contract is quite 
complex, unique and has to be assessed for 
‘point in time’ or ‘over time’ revenue recognition, 
which is an area that requires a high level 
of judgement. 

155

As part of the Committee’s half-year and full-year 
procedures, impairment reviews of the Group’s 
current and non-current assets were completed, 
which resulted in a small goodwill impairment 
charge being recorded within the Enpro Subsea 
business unit at the half-year. This impairment 
was triggered as a result of the broad-based 
increase in discount rates, driven by the higher 
interest rates being recorded globally, with a 
consistent approach being adopted in-line with 
impairment reviews completed in recent years. 
Given the improved operating environment for 
the Group, no further goodwill impairment 
charges were recognised at the year-end.

During the year, the Committee monitored 
inventory, together with the inventory provision 
discussed below, and the levels of working 
capital in general. 

The Committee continued to monitor the 
implementation of the inventory valuation model 
that was established in 2022, to ensure that a 
consistent approach was being applied across 
the Group to inventory provisioning. Overall, 
the Committee was satisfied that there was a 
robust control process in place following final 
refinements and that the valuation methodology 
allowed for management’s judgement to be 
applied when appropriate.

The Committee also considered whether there 
were any other significant items that should be 
disclosed as adjusting items for the current year 
and, following discussion with management and 
the external auditor, no additional items were 
identified for separate disclosure.

Audit Committee 
Report

Carol Chesney
Chair of the Audit Committee

Number of meetings held

Number of meetings attended  
(actual/possible):
Annell Bay
Stuart Brightman
Carol Chesney (Committee Chair)
Bruce Ferguson
Jay Glick
Paula Harris
Jim Johnson
Keith Lough

Member

Invitation

5

5/5
5/5
5/5
–
–
5/5
–
4/5

–
–
–
5/5
5/5
–
5/5
–

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Corporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationStrategic ReportAudit Committee Report continued

Composition and frequency of meetings
The Committee currently comprises six 
independent non-executive Directors (at 
29 February 2024) and is chaired by Carol 
Chesney. Following his appointment to the 
Board on 3 January 2023, Stuart Brightman 
joined the Committee. Margaret Amos also 
joined the Committee on her appointment as 
a Director to the Board on 10 January 2024.

Mrs Chesney is a qualified Chartered Accountant 
and is considered to have recent and relevant 
financial experience. Ms Bay (Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee), Ms Harris and 
Messrs Brightman and Lough have experience 
of the global energy industry, with particular 
expertise in the UK and US oil and gas markets. 
Margaret Amos has experience in the aviation 
industry, an area where Hunting seeks to grow 
in the coming years, as well as finance and 
accounting. 

Further details of the Committee’s experience 
can be found in the biographical summaries set 
out on pages 112 and 113. The Committee 
normally 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.

During 2023, the Committee met five times in 
January, February, April, August and December, 
and the attendance record of the Committee 
members and Board invitees is noted in the table 
on the previous page. All Directors and 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;

•  consider and approve any adjusting items 

proposed by management;

•  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 approving the 
proposed audit plans, scope and resourcing; 
review whether the external and internal 
auditors have met their respective audit plans;

•  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 objectivity as 
well as the effectiveness of the external audit 
process; review the external auditor’s 
management letter; and

•  monitor corporate governance and accounting 

developments.

Work undertaken by the Committee during 2023

Financial report
Annual Report and Full Year Results announcement
Going Concern basis
Viability Statement
Half Year Report and Half Year Results announcement
Review accounting policies
Internal controls and risk management
Risk management and internal controls report
Key risks and mitigating controls
Effectiveness of internal controls and internal audit function
Internal audit report
Internal audit plan and resourcing
External auditor
Auditor’s objectivity, 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

156

Jan

Feb

Apr

Aug

Dec

•
•
•

•

•
•
•

•
•

•

•
•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•
•

•

•
•

•

Review of the 2023 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 operating 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 
LLP, the Group’s external auditor.

Significant matters reviewed by the Committee 
in connection with the 2023 Annual Report and 
Accounts were as follows:

Taxation
A major area of focus for the Committee 
during the year related to the recognition of 
the unrecognised deferred tax assets (“DTAs”), 
with a briefing given to the Board by the Group 
Head of Tax at the December 2023 meeting. 
Management assessed the probability of Hunting 
being able to utilise the unrecognised DTAs 
against future taxable profits, and concluded that 
the strong performance by the businesses in the 
year as well as forecast profitability supported 
the recognition of these DTAs. The Committee 
were satisfied with the timing of the recognition 
of the DTAs.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationAudit Committee Report continued

157

The Committee continues to monitor tax risk, tax 
audits and provisions held for taxation in view of 
the international spread of operations.

Revenue recognition
Given the Group’s improving results in 2023 
together with the increase in longer-term 
contracts received by the Subsea Spring and 
Dearborn business units, revenue recognition 
received ongoing focus in the year. Additional 
internal review procedures with respect to 
revenue recognition were introduced in 2022, 
following challenge from the external auditor, and 
their implementation continued to be monitored 
throughout the year. The Internal Audit function 
included a review of Subsea Spring’s revenue 
recognition procedures as part of its audit plan 
for the year. The Committee was satisfied that 
more robust procedures are now in place.

Inventory valuation and provisioning 
procedures
During 2023, inventory valuation and provisioning 
procedures continued to be an area of review for 
the Committee. During 2022, the Group’s central 
finance function developed a common valuation 
methodology to further improve the processes 
and controls around inventory provisioning, with 
particular focus on ensuring these processes and 
controls were consistent throughout the Group’s 
business units. 

The Committee reviewed reports by both 
management and the external auditor on the 
continued refinement of the model and the 
process for embedding it within the Group’s 
business units. The Committee was satisfied 
that the inventory valuation model was being 
used appropriately by management, that the 
judgements being applied were balanced, and, 
therefore, the carrying values of inventories at 
the year-end were appropriate.

Impairment reviews
The Committee also received reports on the 
review of impairment of goodwill and other 
non-current assets held on the consolidated 
balance sheet. A review for impairment triggers 
was undertaken at the half-year, resulting in an 
impairment review of the Enpro Subsea cash 
generating unit and a $1.4m charge being 
recorded due to an increase in the discount rate. 
A review of indefinite life assets was undertaken 
for the full year, with no further impairment 
charges being recognised. The Committee noted 
the business units where headroom for the 
carrying value of goodwill was more limited, with 
these units undertaking detailed modelling as 
part of the year-end process to support the 
values recorded. Management continues to 
utilise independent drilling and production 
projections published by Spears & Associates 
to support its analysis, with summaries presented 
in the Market Summary section of the Strategic 
Report on pages 24 to 26.

Inventories
At the year-end, the Group held $328.4m  
(2022 – $272.1m) of inventory. This represents 
approximately 34% of the Group’s net assets 
(2022 – 32%). Inventory levels have increased as 
activity levels in the Group rose and inventory 
purchases were increased to meet the 
requirements of the sales order book. As noted 
above, the inventory provisioning methodology 
continued to be refined through the year, with the 
Committee satisfied that a robust process was 
now embedded, which encompassed all key 
product lines sold by the Group.

Property, plant and equipment (“PPE”)
The year-end balance sheet includes $254.5m 
(2022 – $256.7m) for PPE. This represents 
approximately 27% of the Group’s net assets 
(2022 – 30%). 

The movement in PPE reflects depreciation of 
$27.2m and disposals of $0.8m offset by 
additions of $23.1m and other items totalling 
$2.7m. The Committee reviewed the PPE 
impairment tests and, following discussion, was 
satisfied that the assumptions and the disclosures 
in the year-end accounts were appropriate.

Goodwill
The year-end balance sheet includes $154.4m 
(2022 – $155.5m) of goodwill. This represents 
approximately 16% of the Group’s net assets 
(2022 – 18%), with Hunting Titan representing 
74% of the year-end balance (2022 – 74%). As 
noted above, a $1.4m impairment to goodwill in 
respect of the Enpro Subsea cash generating 
unit was recorded in the year, which was 
primarily driven by changes to the discount rates 
applied to the impairment model. The Committee 
considered and challenged the discount rates 
and the factors used in the goodwill review 
process. After discussion, it was satisfied that 
the carrying values recorded and the disclosures 
in the year-end accounts were appropriate.

Other intangible assets
The year-end balance sheet includes other 
intangible assets of $40.8m (2022 – $35.7m). This 
represents approximately 4% of the Group’s net 
assets (2022 – 4%). Additions in the year were 
$10.9m (2022 – $5.7m) and the amortisation 
charge recorded in the consolidated income 
statement was $6.6m (2022 – $4.4m). The 
Committee considered and confirmed the 
appropriateness of the assumptions and factors 
used in the review process and were comfortable 
with the carrying values, as recorded.

Right-of-use assets
The year-end balance sheet includes right-of-use 
assets of $26.2m (2022 – $26.0m). This represents 
approximately 3% of the Group’s net assets 
(2022 – 3%). The movement in the year is 
predominantly attributed to depreciation of 
$6.6m (2022 – $6.4m) offset by additions of 
$6.2m (2022 – $5.1m). The Committee reviewed 
the movement in the carrying values of these 
items and confirmed the appropriateness of the 
assumptions and factors used in the review 
process and were comfortable with the items, 
as recorded.

Adjusting items and presentation of 
financial statements
The Committee is responsible for reviewing and 
approving any material adjusting items proposed 
by management.

At the 2023 year-end, the recognition of the US 
DTAs of $83.1m as an adjusting item was 
proposed by management. The Committee 
agreed with this presentation and also considered 
whether there were any other material or 
significant items that should be disclosed as 
adjusting items for the current year and, following 
discussion, agreed that no further items had 
been identified. In 2022, two adjusting items to 
profit before tax totalling $12.6m were recorded.

From 1 January 2023, the Group’s Subsea 
Technologies businesses were reported as 
a standalone operating segment, as these 
businesses had been identified by management 
as an area of growth and focus for the Group. It 
was noted that there was no requirement under 
IFRS to separately disclose Subsea Technologies 
as an operating segment as it did not meet the 
required thresholds. The external auditor 
reviewed and agreed the revised presentation 
of the operating segments. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationAudit Committee Report continued

158

Going concern basis and Viability 
Statement
The Committee monitored assumptions around 
Going Concern at the half and full year, as well as 
those around the Group’s Viability Statement for 
the full year. Driven by the improved profitability 
of the Group, led by the performance of the 
North America, Subsea Technologies and Asia 
Pacific operating segments, the Committee 
concluded that good support for Hunting’s 
longer-term viability exists. 

While the Group reported a year-end small 
negative total cash and bank position compared 
to the positive position at 31 December 2022, the 
Committee noted that Hunting has absorbed 
part of its cash balances in the investment in 
inventory to support the strong order book of the 
Group’s global businesses. Other principal cash 
outflows were for capital investment, labour costs 
and dividends.

The utilisation and availability of the $150 million 
Asset Based Lending (“ABL”) facility has 
supported the Group’s Going Concern 
statement. The ABL facility continues to add 
significant long-term liquidity to the Group, and 
is linked to the secured value of inventories, 
freehold property and receivables held by 
Hunting’s North American businesses. In the 
year, Hunting remained fully compliant with its 
bank covenants.

As part of the Company’s 2023 half-year and 
full-year procedures, management presented 
various trading scenarios to support the Going 
Concern assumption, which were reviewed by 
the Committee and the external auditor. This 
included a downside trading scenario.

As part of Hunting’s Viability Statement 
procedures, management prepared an extended 
forecast that provided trading projections to 
2028. The Board approved this in January 2024 
and used it to support the carrying values of 
assets held on the consolidated balance sheet.

On 26 February 2024, the Committee approved 
the Viability Statement, detailed on page 106 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 reviewed the financial 
statements, together with the narrative contained 
within the Strategic Report set out on pages 2 to 
108, and believes that the 2023 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 2023 Annual Report and 
Accounts, taken as a whole, was fair, balanced 
and understandable at a Meeting of Directors 
on 27 February 2024.

Internal audit
An annual programme of internal audit 
assignments in respect of 2023 was reviewed 
and approved by the Committee in February.

During the year, the Committee received reports 
from the Internal Audit function. The Chair of the 
Committee also had regular dialogue with the 
function throughout the year. During the year, 
eight field audits were completed in-line with the 
2023 Internal Audit Plan. In addition, further work 
on control review procedures was carried out, 
especially in relation to the revenue recognition 
procedures of the Subsea Spring business unit’s 
long-term contracts and the continuing 
implementation of the Group’s new ERP system 
within a number of businesses.

The Committee met with the Head of Internal 
Audit, without the presence of the executive 
Directors, on three occasions during the year. 
The Committee reviews the internal audit process 
and effectiveness as part of the Group’s internal 
control and risk assessment programme. The 
effectiveness of the Internal Audit function was 
considered by the Committee at its February 
meeting, which concluded that the function 
remained effective.

External audit
Deloitte LLP was appointed by the Group’s 
shareholders as external auditor in 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. During the year, the 
second partner on the Group account rotated 
off, with a new second partner appointed. The 
engagement partner is due to rotate off the 
Hunting account following the completion of 
the 2023 audit.

The external auditor presented reports at the 
February, April, August and December meetings 
of the Audit Committee during 2023. Further, the 
Chair of the Committee also had regular dialogue 
with the audit engagement partner throughout 
the year.

In April 2023, Deloitte LLP presented its 
Management Controls Report, which highlighted 
control improvements they recommended be 
made by the Group.

On 26 February 2024, a full-year report by 
Deloitte LLP was considered ahead of 
publication of the Group’s 2023 Annual Report 
and Accounts. 

The Committee normally 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.

Materiality
The Committee discussed materiality with the 
external auditor regarding both accounting errors 
to be brought to the Audit Committee’s attention 
and amounts to be adjusted so that the financial 
statements give a true and fair view. Overall, audit 
materiality was set at $4.5m (2022 – $4.0m). This 
equates to approximately 0.5% (2022 – 0.6%) of 
the Group’s total external revenue reported in 
2023. Furthermore, the auditor agreed to draw 
to the Audit Committee’s attention all identified, 
uncorrected misstatements greater than $0.2m 
and any misstatements below that threshold 
considered to be qualitatively material.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information159

Audit Committee Report continued

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 desktop reviews for 
smaller, low risk entities. Approximately, over 79% 
of the Group’s reported revenue and the Group’s 
net assets were audited, covering 18 reporting 
units, including a number of investment holding 
companies, across five countries.

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. Having taken 
into account these factors, the Committee 
concluded that Deloitte LLP was independent 
from the Group throughout the year and to the 
date of their audit report. 

The effectiveness of the audit process was 
considered throughout the year, with a formal 
review undertaken by the Company at the April 
meeting of the Committee. 

The assessment summarises management 
feedback and considers the performance of the 
external auditor, including:

•  the external auditor’s understanding of the 

Group’s business and industry sector;

•  the planning and execution of the audit plan 
by the external auditor approved by the 
Committee;

•  the communication between the Group 

and audit engagement team;

•  the external auditor’s response to questions 
from the Committee, including during private 
meetings without management present;

•  the independence, objectivity and scepticism 

of the auditors, including management 
challenge on any items within the audit scope; 

•  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.

In addition, the Committee reviewed and took 
account of the reports from the Financial 
Reporting Council on Deloitte LLP, and reviewed 
the Transparency Report prepared by Deloitte 
LLP. After considering these matters, the 
Committee was satisfied with the effectiveness 
of the year-end audit process.

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 $0.2m (2022 – $0.2m), there were 
no non-audit service fees paid during the year 
(2022 – $nil). The scope and extent of non-audit 
work undertaken by the external auditor was 
monitored by, and required prior approval from, 
the Committee to ensure that the provision of 
such services did not impair the external auditor’s 
independence or objectivity.

Auditor reappointment
Following discussion in February 2024, the 
Committee approved the recommendation to 
propose the reappointment of Deloitte LLP at 
the Company’s 2024 Annual General Meeting.

ESEF reporting
The Group is required to produce its annual 
report in XHTML format, an electronic format 
known as a structured report, to comply with the 
European Single Electronic Format (“ESEF”) 
reporting requirements. Digital tags were applied 
to the Group’s consolidated financial statements 
within its 2022 Annual Report and Accounts and 
the structured report was successfully submitted 
to the Financial Conduct Authority’s National 
Storage Mechanism in April 2023. A qualified IT 
provider was involved in the preparation of the 
structured report and Deloitte LLP completed 
a number of assurance procedures on the 
structured report.

Deloitte LLP has again been asked to provide 
an assurance report on the compliance of the 
Group’s tagged 2023 Annual Report and 
Accounts with the ESEF reporting requirements.

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 96 to 105.

As noted above, the inventory valuation 
methodology that was successfully introduced 
in 2022, continued to be refined and embedded 
during 2023. 

Financial Reporting Council (“FRC”) review 
of the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts
As part of its remit, the FRC is authorised to 
review and investigate the Annual Accounts, 
Strategic Reports and Directors’ Reports of 
public and large private companies for 
compliance with relevant reporting requirements. 

Although these reviews are carried out by 
personnel skilled in the relevant legal and 
accounting frameworks, they are based solely on 
published report and accounts and do not benefit 
from a detailed knowledge of the company or the 
underlying transactions entered into. 

The FRC therefore requests companies referring 
to these reviews to make clear the limitations of 
the review process and that the review provides 
no assurance that the report and accounts are 
correct in all material respects. 

As part of its normal operating procedures, 
Hunting’s 2022 Annual Report and Accounts 
were selected for review by the FRC. Based on 
this review, the FRC had no questions or queries 
that it wished to raise and informed the Company 
of this by letter. The letter did note a number 
of areas where the FRC felt disclosures could 
be improved. 

The Audit Committee welcomes the constructive 
feedback from the FRC and, as a result, has 
enhanced disclosures in a number of areas in the 
2023 Annual Report and Accounts.

Review of Committee effectiveness
In December 2023, the Committee reviewed its 
effectiveness and the Committee Chair reported 
these findings to the Board. No issues were 
identified as part of this review process.

On behalf of the Board

Carol Chesney
Chair of the Audit Committee

29 February 2024

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information160

Directors’ Report 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the 
Annual Report and the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare 
financial statements for each financial year. Under 
that law the Directors are required to prepare the 
group financial statements in accordance with 
United Kingdom adopted international 
accounting standards. The Directors have also 
chosen to prepare the parent company financial 
statements under United Kingdom adopted 
international accounting standards. Under 
company law the Directors must not approve the 
financial statements unless they are satisfied that 
they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs 
of the 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 
of the financial reporting framework 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
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

•  the financial statements, prepared in 

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

•  the Strategic Report includes a fair review of 
the development and performance of the 
business and the position of the Company and 
the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole, together with a description 
of the principal risks and uncertainties that they 
face; 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.

This responsibility statement was approved 
by the Board of Directors at their meeting on 
Tuesday 27 February 2024.

Directors
The Directors of the Company, during the year 
and up to the date of signing these accounts, 
are listed on pages 112 and 113.

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.

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.

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.

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 2023, 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 24,724,518 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.

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 2024 AGM.

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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationDirectors’ Report continued

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 
2023, no Director of the Company had any 
beneficial interest in the shares of Hunting’s 
subsidiary companies.

Auditors
A resolution for the reappointment of Deloitte LLP 
as auditor to the Company and a resolution 
which gives the Audit Committee the authority to 
determine the remuneration of the auditor will be 
proposed at the 2024 AGM.

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.

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. 

161

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 2023 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 of Association. Transfers 
of uncertificated shares must be carried out 
using CREST and the Directors can refuse to 
register a transfer of an uncertificated share in 
accordance with the regulations governing the 
operation of CREST. The Directors may decide 
to suspend the registration of transfers, for up 
to 30 days a year, by closing the register of 
shareholders. The Directors cannot suspend 
the registration of transfers of any uncertificated 
shares without obtaining consent from CREST. 
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 162, 
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 2023 was £0.5bn (2022 – £0.5bn).

Share price

At 1 January
At 31 December
High during the year
Low during the year

2023 
p
333.0
295.5
351.5
197.4

2022 
p
169.2
333.0
365.0
169.2

Dividends
The Company normally pays dividends  
semi-annually. Details of the Company’s  
dividend policy is set out on page 10.

The Company paid the 2022 final dividend of  
4.5 cents per share on 12 May 2023, which 
absorbed $7.1m of cash. At the Group’s 2023 
Half Year Results, the Board declared an interim 
dividend of 5.0 cents per share, which was paid 
to shareholders on 27 October 2023, and 
absorbed $7.9m of cash. The Board is 
recommending a final dividend for 2023 of  
5.0 cents per share, to be paid to shareholders 
on 10 May 2024, subject to approval by 
shareholders at the Company’s 2024 AGM.

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 2023, 
the Trust held 6,591,918 Ordinary shares in the 
Company (2022 – 5,370,963). 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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationDirectors’ Report continued

Major shareholders
The Company’s major shareholders, as at 31 December 2023, are listed in the table below.

BlackRock, Inc.
Schroder Investment Management
Hunting Investments Limited
Abrdn
GLG Partners
J P Morgan Asset Management
Hunting Employee Benefit Trust
Slaley Investments Limited
Orbis Investment Management
J Trafford – as trustee
David RL Hunting
– as trustee
– other beneficial
Dimensional Fund Advisers

Notes

1/4/5

5

2/5
1/2/3/4/5

Number of 
Ordinary Shares
12,749,575
11,649,926
11,003,487
10,784,962
9,565,911
8,443,282
6,591,918
6,424,591
5,951,997
5,228,660
194,120
3,157,750
1,875,950
5,076,993

% of ISC
7.73
7.06
6.67
6.54
5.80
5.12
4.00
3.89
3.61
3.17
0.12
1.91
1.14
3.08

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.  David RL Hunting and his children are or could become beneficiaries under the relevant family trusts of which Mr Hunting is also a trustee.
4.  David RL Hunting is a director 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 29 February 2024, the Hunting Family Interests, party to the agreement, totalled 24,170,900 Ordinary shares in the 
Company, representing 14.7% of the total voting rights.

Other information
Significant agreements
The Company is party to the Asset Based 
Lending 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.

Political contributions
It is the Group’s policy not to make political 
donations. Accordingly, there were no political 
donations made during the year (2022 – $nil).

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 
2022 was published on 20 April 2023 and 
totalled $875,964.

Research and development
Group subsidiaries undertake, where appropriate, 
research and development to meet particular 
market and product needs. 

162

The Group’s research and development costs  
in the year totalled $6.9m (2022 – $5.8m),  
with the amount expensed in the year totalling 
$4.7m (2022 – $4.8m).

For further information, please see the 
Shareholder and Statutory Information section 
located on pages 246 and 247.

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 2023.

The Strategic Report incorporates the Hunting 
2030 Strategy, Key Performance Indicators, 
Company Chair’s Statement, Chief Executive’s 
Review and Outlook, Market Summary, Business 
Model and Strategy, Stakeholders and 
Engagement protocols, Product Review, 
Operating Segment Review, Group Review, 
ESG and Sustainability, and Risk Management 
and is located on pages 2 to 108.

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 financial position 
and performance, as follows:

•  changes in the Group and its interests  

(pages 20 and 21);
•  dividends (page 15);
•  future developments (page 23);
•  risk management, objectives and policies 

(pages 96 to 98);

•  bribery and corruption  
(pages 33 to 37 and 78);

•  ethnicity and diversity (pages 33 and 76); 
•  employment of disabled persons  

(pages 33 and 76); and

•  greenhouse gas emissions and environmental 

matters (pages 38, 69 to 73, 82 and 95).

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 be found on page 
108 and also on the Group’s website 
www.huntingplc.com.

The Directors’ Stakeholder Engagement and 
decision making disclosures are summarised 
within the Strategic Report on pages 32 to 39, 
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.

Approval of accounts
The 2023 Annual Report and Accounts were 
approved by the Directors at their meeting on 
Tuesday 27 February 2024.

By order of the Board

Ben Willey
Company Secretary

29 February 2024

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationStrategic Report

Corporate Governance

Financial Statements

Other Information

Hunting PLC  Annual Report and Accounts 2023

163

FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor’s Report to  
  the Members of Hunting PLC 

Consolidated Income Statement 

Consolidated Statement of  
  Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Balance Sheet 

Consolidated Statement  
  of Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows  

Notes to the Consolidated  
  Financial Statements 

Company Balance Sheet 

Company Statement of Changes in Equity 

Company Statement of Cash Flows 

164

174

175

176

177

178

179

228

229

230

Notes to the Company Financial Statements  231

164

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Hunting PLC

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 2023 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

•  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom 

adopted international accounting standards; 

•  the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United 
Kingdom adopted international accounting standards and as applied in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and

•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance 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 
we have not provided any non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard 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.

We have audited the financial statements which comprise:

3. Summary of our audit approach

•  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 statements of cash flows; and
•  the related notes 1 to 40 for the consolidated financial statements, and notes C1 to C20 for the 

Parent Company financial statements.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and 
United Kingdom adopted international accounting standards.

Key audit matters

The key audit matters that we identified in the current year were:
•  inventory valuation in Titan US and pressure control equipment in US 

Manufacturing; and

•  revenue recognition in relation to specific long-term contracts.

Within this report, key audit matters are identified as follows: 

 Increased level of risk

 Similar level of risk

Materiality

Scoping

The materiality that we used for the Group financial statements was  
$4.5 million, which was determined on the basis of revenue.

The scope of our Group audit includes a number of reporting units across the 
Group, whose results taken together account for 79% of the Group’s revenue 
and net assets. Our audit work covered Group operations in five countries 
comprising 18 reporting units, including a number of investment holding 
companies.

Significant 
changes in 
our approach

We no longer consider goodwill and non-current asset impairment as a 
key audit matter, given improved trading conditions across the Group and 
specifically a strong order book supporting the revenue forecasts within 
the Enpro CGU.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceOther Information165

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Hunting PLC continued

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.

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.

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 included:

•  enquiries as to the process followed by management and obtained an understanding of the relevant 
controls, including over: the preparation of budgets and forecasts covering the foreseeable future; 
the assumptions on which the assessment is based; and management’s plans for future actions;
•  evaluating the cash flow forecasts that drive the going concern assessment, including the reliability 
of the underlying data and challenging management on the assumptions applied by comparing to 
external industry data where relevant and considering how these have been sensitised to determine 
reasonable downside scenarios;

•  assessing the terms of the asset-based borrowing facility and whether any amounts had been 

drawn down in order to determine whether covenants in the agreement have been breached and 
therefore could impact the going concern assessment;

•  performing a stand-back assessment and considered all relevant audit evidence obtained, whether 

corroborative or contradictory, for any indicators of possible management bias; and

•  assessing the appropriateness of the disclosures in the financial statements, and that these were 

sufficiently detailed.

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.

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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceOther InformationIndependent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Hunting PLC continued

5.1. Inventory valuation in Titan US and pressure control equipment in US Manufacturing)

166

Key audit matter description

The Group holds inventory of $328.4 million at 31 December 2023 (2022 – $272.1 million), net of a provision of $52.5 million (2022 – $50.0 million). The cyclical and 
current trading environment and market conditions continue to expose the Group to the risk of over-valuation of aged inventory and therefore it is key that the Group has 
an appropriate provisioning model. We identified inventory valuation in Titan US and pressure control equipment in US Manufacturing as a key audit matter given the risk 
that certain inventory lines held may remain technically relevant but demand in the marketplace may be low and therefore there could be excess inventory on hand that 
will never be sold at or above its carrying amount. 

How the scope of our audit 
responded to the key audit 
matter

Management’s judgement in assessing the valuation of inventory is primarily based on expectations of future sales, the forecast turn period and inventory utilisation 
plans, combined with their consideration of historical sales and their assessment of the continued technological relevance of the Group’s products.

Refer to page 157 of the Audit Committee report and notes 1, 20 and 40 to the financial statements for disclosures relating to management’s critical judgements and key 
assumptions, inventory and principal accounting policies respectively.

We performed the following procedures to assess the valuation of management’s inventory reserves:

•  obtained an understanding and tested the design and implementation of the relevant controls over the inventory valuation process, including how management 

estimate their inventory reserves;

•  obtained and assessed the inventory provisioning models (including assessing the mechanical accuracy) and detailed analysis prepared by management, to 

determine whether the Group’s provisioning policy has been applied appropriately and that the approach taken appropriately reflect current market conditions;

•  challenged any key assumptions such as the historical sales period used to drive expected forward turns, the forecast turn period applied and any additional uplifts 
or decreases factored in by management to adjust historical sales run rates to better reflect future trading expectations. This included consideration of historically 
achieved revenue levels, any significant changes in business structure or markets, inventory utilisation plans, third-party industry forecasts, production capacity levels 
and current revenue run rates to demonstrate whether the inferred future revenue levels are reasonable; 

•  where appropriate, evaluated management’s comparison of forecast sales against relevant third-party forecasts as a stand-back assessment on the future utilisation 

of current inventory levels; and

•  evaluated the available support from management, including current sales transactions, used to determine an appropriate net realisable value to assess whether 

inventory is being held at an appropriate amount. Where considered appropriate, we also made direct enquiries of sales and operational personnel.

Key observations

We are satisfied that the judgements taken by management in relation to inventory valuation are appropriate in light of current market conditions.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceOther Information 
167

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Hunting PLC continued

5.2. Revenue recognition in relation to specific long-term contracts 

Key audit matter description

The revenue recognised by the Group in 2023 is $929.1 million (2022 – $725.8 million).

The application of the Group’s revenue recognition policies to the various contractual arrangements in place across the Group can be complex. This complexity arises 
most notably in those contracts where revenue is recognised over time due to the judgement involved in estimating a contract’s costs to complete; and where revenue 
is recognised at a point in time, in the timing of recognition. 

We identified revenue recognition on specific long-term contracts as a key audit matter related to the potential risk of fraud given the impact of these judgements on the 
result for the year and the possibility of manipulation. This risk has increased in the year given the increasing size and complexity of the Group’s contractual 
arrangements with its customers. The key risks we identified in revenue recognition on specific long-term contracts are:

•  the application of IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers in determining the appropriate basis for revenue recognition of five contracts with total contract 
values in excess of $270 million over the term of those contracts. In particular, the assessment of whether revenue should be recognised at a point in time or over 
time, and where revenue should be recognised at a point in time, the timing of that recognition of revenue; and

•  the accuracy of the forecast costs to complete in the over time revenue for Spring and Dearborn. For Spring this specifically related to two contracts where revenue 

should be recognised over time.

Refer to page 157 of the Audit Committee report and notes 3 and 40 to the financial statements.

How the scope of our audit 
responded to the key audit 
matter

We obtained an understanding of the relevant controls over the revenue recognition process relating to these contracts. This included: the preparation and review of 
the accounting papers related to the significant contracts, the estimation processes for contracts where revenue is recognised over time including how those costs to 
complete are reviewed and challenged, and the process for ensuring the revenue recognised aligns to the transfer of control for contracts where revenue is recognised 
at a point in time. 

We performed the following procedures:

•  for those contracts where this risk is around the judgements involved with respect to the application of revenue recognition, we obtained and assessed the related 
contracts and analyses from management over the timing of the revenue recognised and assessed how the terms had been interpreted to determine whether the 
conclusions were appropriate and in accordance with the requirements of IFRS 15. Where the revenue was recognised at a point in time, we evaluated whether the 
point in time determined by management was appropriate and obtained the relevant evidence to confirm the performance obligations had been met and that the 
revenue had been appropriately recognised; and

•  for those contracts where this risk is around the judgement in the ‘over time’ recognition of revenue, we assessed the appropriateness of estimated costs to complete 

as this impacts the extent of revenue recognised. The specific procedures performed included:
 – inspecting the bill of materials to confirm how these were being priced;
 – inspecting the labour cost estimate and confirming this to forecast labour rates;
 – inspecting the overhead estimate and assessing how this had been allocated; and
 – evaluating historical estimating accuracy i.e., comparing forecast and actual profit to verify if adequate risks are considered.

Key observations

We are satisfied that revenue in relation to specific long-term contracts has been recognised appropriately and in accordance with IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceOther Information 
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:

Performance 
materiality

Group  
financial statements
$4.5 million (2022 – $4.0 million)

Parent Company  
financial statements
$4.1 million (2022 – $3.6 million)

Basis and rationale for 
determining 
performance 
materiality

0.5% of revenue (2022 – 0.6%)

Parent Company materiality  
equates to 0.4% (2022 – 0.4%) of 
net assets, which is capped at 90% 
(2022 – 90%) of Group materiality

Consistent with the prior year we 
have used revenue as our primary 
benchmark in determining 
materiality as this is a key metric for 
the users of the financial statements. 

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.

168

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. 

Group  
financial statements
70% (2022 – 70%) of Group 
materiality

Parent Company  
financial statements
70% (2022 – 70%) of Parent 
Company materiality 

In determining performance materiality, we considered the following 
factors: 

•  our knowledge obtained from the previous audits; and
•  our overall assessment of the control environment and the corrected 
and uncorrected misstatements identified in the prior year, including 
the fact that we have placed reliance on the relevant controls over 
revenue within the Titan US, US Manufacturing and US Connections 
reporting units.

6.3. Error reporting threshold
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in 
excess of $225,000 (2022 – $200,000), 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.

Materiality

Basis for 
determining 
materiality

Rationale for the 
benchmark applied

  Revenue
  Group materiality

$929.1m

$4.5m

Group materiality
$4.5m

Component 
materiality range
$1.6m to $4.1m

Audit Committee 
reporting threshold
$0.2m

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceOther InformationIndependent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Hunting PLC continued

7. An overview of the scope of our audit
7.1. Identification and scoping of components
The Group has 56 (2022 – 56) 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 reporting unit individually. 

Our scoping consisted of three levels, with audit effort split across each scoping level. We identified 
eleven (2022 – ten) reporting units across the Group that were subject to full scope reporting on their 
complete financial information, which included three (2022 – three) holding company reporting units. 
Specific audit procedures over certain balances were performed at a further seven (2022 – seven) 
reporting units, to give appropriate coverage on all material balances at the Group level. The remaining 
reporting units and balances not included above were subject to analytical review procedures. 
Together, the reporting units subject to audit procedures accounted for over 79% (2022 – over 78%)  
of the Group’s revenue and net assets. The range of component materiality levels is $1.6 million to 
$4.1 million (2022 – $1.4 million to $3.6 million).

Revenue

  Full audit scope
  Specified audit procedures
  Review at Group level

Net assets

  Full audit scope
  Specified audit procedures
  Review at Group level

21%

5%

21%

7%

74%

72%

169

7.2. Our consideration of the control environment 
The new ERP system (“D365”) continues to be rolled out across the Group, with a number of business 
units having gone live during 2023. Consistent with our audit plan we adopted a controls reliance 
approach across the revenue processes within the business units already live on D365 (Titan US, US 
Manufacturing and US Connections). To enable this, we obtained an understanding of the relevant 
manual controls within those processes and we involved our IT specialists to obtain an understanding 
of the associated general IT controls (“GITCs”), in areas such as information security, user access and 
change management. In addition to the GITCs within D365, we also obtained an understanding of the 
key GITCs within Cognos, management’s reporting and consolidation software.

Further, we assessed certain implementation controls over the data conversion and the data migration 
on business units that went live on D365 during the year, which included business units in the US, 
Singapore and the UK. This included GITCs and manual controls.

Across the Group, we also obtained an understanding of relevant manual controls within the 
financial reporting processes, controls relevant to our significant risks, and any other controls we 
deemed relevant. 

7.3. Our consideration of climate-related risks 
In planning our audit, we have considered the potential impact of climate change on the Group’s 
business and its financial statements.

The Group continues to develop its assessment of the potential impacts of climate change  
with specific transitional and physical climate related risks identified in the Strategic Report on  
pages 85 to 89.

As a part of our audit we obtained management’s climate-related risk assessment and held 
discussions with management to understand the process of identifying climate-related risks, the 
determination of mitigating actions and the impact on the Group’s financial statements. 

As explained in note 1 on page 179, the Directors’ view is that the external long-term forecasts used in 
preparing their forecasts incorporate climate change developments, supporting the view that there will 
be a robust demand for the Group’s oil and gas products over the short and medium term. Estimates 
made using these forecasts do not currently identify any concerns regarding the carrying values or 
expected lives of longer-lived assets.

We performed our own qualitative risk assessment of the potential impact of climate change on the 
Group’s account balances and classes of transaction and did not identify any reasonably possible 
risks of material misstatement. Our procedures were performed with the involvement of our climate 
change specialists and included evaluating whether appropriate climate-related disclosures have been 
made in the financial statements and reading disclosures included in the Strategic Report to consider 
whether they are materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained in 
the audit.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceOther Information170

9. Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibility Statement, the Directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view 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.

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Hunting PLC continued

7.4. Working with other auditors
In carrying out our scoping procedures as described above, our audit work covered Group operations 
in five (2022 – seven) countries, covering 18 (2022 – 17) reporting units, including a number of head 
office entities. Three (2022 – three) reporting units were within the Group team’s scope and residual 15 
(2022 – 14) were covered by the respective component audit teams in the US, the UK, Singapore 
and China.

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 process. We visited each of our 
component teams during the year and performed a detailed review of their work over areas including 
key judgements and significant risks, using technology to access component auditors’ working 
papers remotely where relevant. We also requested that a number of reporting documents be 
completed by each component team for our review. 

Further, specific audit procedures over the central functions and areas of significant judgement 
including taxation, treasury and goodwill and non-current asset impairment were performed by the 
Group audit team centrally.

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.

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Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Hunting PLC continued

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. 

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, pensions 
legislation and tax legislation.

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:

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. This included employment legislation, health, safety and the 
environment (“HSE”) regulations, international trading laws and environmental regulations. 

•  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, internal audit, and the Audit Committee about their own 
identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, including those that are specific to the 
Group’s sector; 

11.2. Audit response to risks identified
As a result of performing the above, we identified revenue recognition in relation to specific long-term 
contracts 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. 

•  any matters we identified having obtained and reviewed the Group’s documentation of their policies 

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

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; and 

•  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 and the Audit Committee concerning actual and potential litigation 

 – the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and 

and claims;

regulations; 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 
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 relation to specific long-term contracts. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also 
required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.

•  performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may 

indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud; and

•  reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance and reviewing internal audit reports; 

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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceOther InformationIndependent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Hunting PLC continued

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’ remuneration report 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 107;

•  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 page 106;

•  the Directors’ statement on fair, balanced and understandable set out on page 160;
•  the Board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal 

risks set out on pages 96 to 98 and 106;

•  the section of the annual report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management and 

internal control systems set out on pages 116, 158 and 159; and

•  the section describing the work of the Audit Committee set out on page 156.

172

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 five years, covering the years ending 31 December 2019 to 
31 December 2023.

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).

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceOther Information173

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Hunting PLC continued

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.

As required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 
(DTR) 4.1.15R – DTR 4.1.18R, these financial statements form part of the Electronic Format Annual 
Financial Report filed on the National Storage Mechanism of the FCA in accordance with DTR 4.1.15R 
– DTR 4.1.18R. This auditor’s report provides no assurance over whether the Electronic Format Annual 
Financial Report has been prepared in compliance with DTR 4.1.15R – DTR 4.1.18R. We have been 
engaged to provide assurance on whether the Electronic Format Annual Financial Report has been 
prepared in compliance with DTR 4.1.15R – DTR 4.1.18R and will publicly report separately to the 
members on this.

William Smith
(Senior statutory auditor)
For and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Statutory Auditor
London, United Kingdom

29 February 2024

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Financial StatementsStrategic ReportCorporate GovernanceOther InformationConsolidated Income Statement

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit 
Selling and distribution costs
Administrative expenses
Net operating income and other expenses
Operating profit
Finance income
Finance expense
Share of associates’ and joint ventures’ results
Profit/(loss) before tax
Taxation
Profit/(loss) for the year

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Earnings/(loss) per share
Basic
Diluted

The notes on pages 179 to 227 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

174

2022
$m
725.8
(554.4)
171.4
(46.1)
(124.9)
1.6
2.0
3.0
(4.7)
(2.7)
(2.4)
(1.3)
(3.7)

(4.6)
0.9
(3.7)

cents
(2.8)
(2.8)

Notes
3

4
6
8
8
16

9

10
10

2023
$m
929.1
(701.4)
227.7
(49.3)
(119.8)
2.4
61.0
0.9
(11.3)
(0.6)
50.0
69.0
119.0

117.1
1.9
119.0

cents
73.8
70.0

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationConsolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Profit/(loss) for the year

Other comprehensive income/(expense), after tax:
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to profit or loss:
Exchange adjustments
Fair value (losses)/gains arising on cash flow hedges during the year
Far value (gains)/losses arising on cash flow hedges reclassified to profit or loss 

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes

Other comprehensive income/(expense), after tax

Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Total comprehensive income/(expense) attributable to owners of the parent arises from the Group’s continuing operations.

175

2022
$m
(3.7)

(9.9)
0.3
0.1

0.1

(9.4)

Notes

32,35

2023
$m
119.0

3.6
(0.3)
(0.2)

–

3.1

122.1

(13.1)

120.4
1.7
122.1

(13.3)
0.2
(13.1)

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationConsolidated Balance Sheet

At 31 December 2023

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Investments in associates and joint ventures
Investments
Trade and other receivables
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Current tax assets

176

Notes

2023
$m

2022
$m

Notes

2023
$m

2022
$m

11
12
13
14
16
17
18
19

20
18
21

254.5
26.2
154.4
40.8
20.5
4.4
1.8
93.1
595.7

328.4
251.4
45.5
1.3
626.6

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

256.7
26.0
155.5
35.7
20.1
4.8
2.8
13.7
515.3

272.1
232.4
29.4
0.1
534.0

Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Share capital
Share premium
Other components of equity
Retained earnings
Total attributable to owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

22
24
25
27

22
24
25
27
19

33
33
34
35

163.4
8.0
46.3
4.8
3.3
225.8
400.8

3.7
20.7
3.9
2.7
8.4
39.4
957.1

66.5
153.0
8.9
725.4
953.8
3.3
957.1

141.8
9.1
4.9
4.6
3.4
163.8
370.2

3.2
21.5
3.9
4.3
6.4
39.3
846.2

66.5
153.0
15.8
609.3
844.6
1.6
846.2

The notes on pages 179 to 227 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. The 
financial statements on pages 174 to 227 were approved by the Board of Directors on 29 February 
2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

Jim Johnson 
Director   

Bruce Ferguson
Director 

Registered number: 00974568

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Year ended 31 December 2023

At 1 January 2023

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Total comprehensive income

Transfer of cash flow hedging losses to the initial carrying value of hedged items

Dividends paid to Hunting PLC shareholders
Treasury shares:
  – purchase of treasury shares
  – disposal of treasury shares
Share options and awards:
  – value of employee services
  – discharge
  – taxation
Transfer between reserves
At 31 December 2023

At 1 January 2022

 (Loss)/profit for the year
 Other comprehensive (expense)/income
Total comprehensive (expense)/income

Transfer of cash flow hedging gains to the initial carrying value of hedged items

Dividends paid to Hunting PLC shareholders
Treasury shares:
  – purchase of treasury shares
  – disposal of treasury shares
Share options and awards:
  – value of employee services
  – discharge
  – taxation
Transfer between reserves
At 31 December 2022

i.  An analysis of other components of equity is provided in note 34.

Notes

36

35

Notes

36

35

–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–
–
–
–
66.5

Share
capital
$m
66.5

–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–
–
–
–
66.5

Share
capital
$m
66.5

 Share
premium
$m
153.0

Other 
components 
of equityi
$m
15.8

Total 
attributable 
to owners of 
the parent
$m
844.6

Non-
controlling 
interests
$m
1.6

Retained 
earnings
$m
609.3

117.1
–
117.1

–

117.1
3.3
120.4

0.3

(15.0)

(15.0)

(9.0)
0.3

–
7.9
0.3
14.5
725.4

(9.0)
0.3

12.3
(0.4)
0.3
–
953.8

–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–
–
–
–
153.0

–
3.3
3.3

0.3

–

–
–

12.3
(8.3)
–
(14.5)
8.9

1.9
(0.2)
1.7

–

–

–
–

–
–
–
–
3.3

Year ended 31 December 2022

 Share
premium
$m
153.0

Other 
components 
of equityi
$m
38.0

–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–
–
–
–
153.0

–
(8.8)
(8.8)

(0.1)

–

–
–

9.4
(9.1)
–
(13.6)
15.8

Retained 
earnings
$m
612.4

(4.6)
0.1
(4.5)

–

(13.6)

(7.9)
0.2

–
8.9
0.2
13.6
609.3

Total
 attributable 
to owners of 
the parent
$m
869.9

Non-
controlling 
interests
$m
1.4

(4.6)
(8.7)
(13.3)

(0.1)

(13.6)

(7.9)
0.2

9.4
(0.2)
0.2
–
844.6

0.9
(0.7)
0.2

–

–

–
–

–
–
–
–
1.6

177

Total
equity
$m
846.2

119.0
3.1
122.1

0.3

(15.0)

(9.0)
0.3

12.3
(0.4)
0.3
–
957.1

Total
equity
$m
871.3

(3.7)
(9.4)
(13.1)

(0.1)

(13.6)

(7.9)
0.2

9.4
(0.2)
0.2
–
846.2

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationConsolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Operating activities
Operating profit
Adjusting items (NGM A)
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment (NGM C)
EBITDA (NGM C)
Share-based payment expense
Increase in inventories
Increase in receivables
Increase in payables
Increase in provisions
Net taxation paid
Net (gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Net gain on curtailment of leases
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment  
  held for rental 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment  
  held for rental (NGM N)
Legal fees to defend patent infringement claim
Other non-cash items
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities
Investing activities
Interest received
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Increase in current investments 
Dividend received from associates
Investment in associates and joint ventures
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (NGM N)
Purchase of intangible assets
Net cash outflow from investing activities

Notes

37

16
16

2023
$m

61.0
–
42.0
103.0
13.5
(56.7)
(19.2)
20.9
0.5
(9.1)
(1.7)
–

–

(0.6)
–
(1.3)
49.3

0.7
1.9
–
0.6
(1.6)
(23.1)
(10.9)
(32.4)

2022
$m

2.0
12.6
37.4
52.0
9.9
(72.3)
(76.2)
61.9
0.2
(3.9)
0.3
(3.1)

0.2

(0.5)
(5.6)
0.3
(36.8)

1.2
6.6
6.7
–
(3.5)
(15.9)
(5.6)
(10.5)

Financing activities
Interest and bank fees paid
Payment of lease liabilities, principal and interest
Net proceeds on disposal of lease liabilities
Increase in bank borrowings
Dividends paid to Hunting PLC shareholders
Purchase of treasury shares
Proceeds on disposal of treasury shares
Net cash outflow from financing activities

Notes

36
35

Net increase/(decrease) 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

21
25

178

2022
$m

(4.1)
(8.0)
2.2
2.9
(13.6)
(7.9)
0.2
(28.3)

(75.6)
107.4
(4.5)
27.3

29.4
(2.1)
27.3

2023
$m

(8.0)
(10.4)
–
42.1
(15.0)
(9.0)
0.3
–

16.9
27.3
(0.1)
44.1

45.5
(1.4)
44.1

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Basis of Preparation

The key estimates used in the preparation of the accounts were:

179

•  The estimates of future cash flows in the budget and extended forecasts considered in the 
impairment test for cash generating units and the recoverable amounts (see note 15); and 

•  Estimates of future turn rates by inventory line item in determining inventory provisions (see note 20).

The Directors believe that there are no other critical judgements or estimates applied in the preparation 
of the consolidated financial statements.

Climate Change
The impact of climate change is presented in the Strategic Report on pages 82 to 95.

The Directors have considered the potential impact that climate change could have on the financial 
statements of the Group and recognise that climate change is a principal risk that the Group will 
monitor and react to appropriately. In the judgement of the Directors, the external mid- and long-term 
forecasts used by the Company incorporate climate change developments, and support the view that 
there will be robust demand for the Group’s oil- and gas-based products for a significant time span. 
The Group utilises mid-term forecasts to consider whether there are any concerns regarding the 
carrying values or expected lives of longer-lived assets, including goodwill. Climate-related risks are 
not expected to have a significant adverse impact on the Group’s revenue or EBITDA in the medium-
term. 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.

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 30 Panton Street, London, SW1Y 4AJ. The principal activities of the Group and the nature of 
the Group’s operations are set out in the Strategic Report on pages 2 to 108. The financial statements 
consolidate those of Hunting PLC (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the 
“Group”), including the Group’s interests in associates and joint ventures 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 United Kingdom 
adopted international accounting standards and in conformity with the requirements of the Companies 
Act 2006. 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 (note 29). The Board’s consideration of the 
applicability of the going concern basis is detailed further in the Strategic Report on page 107.

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out 
in note 40. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented.

Critical Judgements and Key Assumptions
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 those concerning future expectations and other 
key sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of the reporting period and which may have a 
significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within 
the next financial year. 

Critical judgements were made in the following areas:

•  In determining if the contractual terms for various significant Subsea contracts met the requirements 

for over time revenue recognition, as described in note 40; and

•  In considering whether the conditions were appropriate to recognise deferred tax assets 

(see note 9); 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
1. Basis of Preparation continued

New and Amended Standards adopted by the Group
IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts and a number of amended standards became effective for the financial 
year beginning on 1 January 2023; however, the Group did not have to change its accounting policies 
or make retrospective adjustments as a result of adopting these. 

Since IFRS 17 applies to all insurance contracts issued by an entity (with limited scope exclusions), 
its adoption may have an effect on non-insurers such as Hunting PLC. The Group carried out an 
assessment of its contracts and operations and concluded that the adoption of IFRS 17 has had no 
effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Future Standards, Amendments and Interpretations
The following standards, amendments and interpretations are effective subsequent to the year-end, 
and have not been early adopted. The Directors do not expect that the adoption of the standards 
and amendments listed below will have a material impact on the financial statements of the Group 
in future periods.

•  IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Informationi
•  IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosuresi
•  Amendment to IAS 1: Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current Liabilitiesii
•  Amendment to IAS 1: Non-current Liabilities with Covenantsii
•  Amendment to IAS 7 and IFRS 7: Supplier Financing Arrangementsii
•  Amendment to IFRS 16: Lease Liability in a Sale and Leasebackii

i.  Not yet endorsed by the UK as at the date of authorisation of the financial statements.
ii.  Mandatory adoption date and effective date for the Company is 1 January 2024.

180

2. Segmental Reporting

For the year ended 31 December 2023, 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. The Hunting PLC Board examines the Group’s 
performance mainly from a geographic perspective, based on the location of the operating activities, 
as well as by product group, in order to understand the drivers of Group performance and trends. 
Due to their size and/or nature of their operations, Hunting Titan and Subsea Technologies are 
reported separately. 

From 1 January 2023, the Group has reported Subsea Technologies as a separate operating segment 
as management believes this will be a growth area for the Group. Hunting’s presence within the 
subsea segment of the oil and gas industry has been steadily growing since 2019, starting with the 
acquisition of RTI Energy Systems in August 2019, now called Subsea Spring, followed by the 
acquisition of Enpro Subsea in February 2020. Subsea Technologies was previously reported as part 
of the North America operating segment. The segmental results for 2022 have been restated to show 
Subsea Technologies separately from North America. There has been no impact on external revenue, 
total segment revenue or inter-segment revenue following the restatement. 

The Board assesses the performance of the operating segments based on revenue and adjusted 
operating results. Adjusted operating result is reported operating profit excluding adjusting items 
(see NGM A). 

Finance income and finance expense are not allocated to operating 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 transfer pricing policy on an arm’s length basis and are 
eliminated on consolidation. Costs and overheads are apportioned to the operating segments on the 
basis of time attributed to those operations by senior executives.

Accounting policies used for segmental reporting reflect those used for the Group. The domicile of 
Hunting PLC is the UK.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
2. Segmental Reporting continued 

(a) Segment Revenue and Profit

Hunting Titan
North America
Subsea Technologies
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Total

Net finance expense
Share of associates’ and joint ventures’ results
Profit before tax

Hunting Titan
North America
Subsea Technologies
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Total

Net finance expense
Share of associates’ and joint ventures’ results
Profit/(loss) before tax

i.  The segmental results for 2022 have been restated to show Subsea Technologies separate from North America. 

Total 
segment 
revenue 
$m
259.2
374.7
98.6
88.2
157.6
978.3

Total 
segment 
revenue 
$m
266.0
280.7
69.0
71.5
80.4
767.6

Inter-
segment 
revenue 
$m
(9.0)
(35.4)
–
(1.5)
(3.3)
(49.2)

Inter-
segment 
revenue 
$m
(8.2)
(24.6)
–
(2.2)
(6.8)
(41.8)

2023

Total 
external 
revenue 
$m
250.2
339.3
98.6
86.7
154.3
929.1

2022i

Total 
external 
revenue 
$m
257.8
256.1
69.0
69.3
73.6
725.8

Adjusted
operating 
 result
$m
12.7
34.1
8.0
(2.3)
8.5

61.0

(10.4)
(0.6)
50.0

Adjusted
 operating 
 result
$m
15.9
9.2
(1.1)
(6.0)
(3.4)

14.6

(1.7)
(2.7)
10.2

Adjusting
 items 
$m
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

Adjusting
 items 
$m
(5.6)
–
(7.0)
–
–

(12.6)

–
–
(12.6)

181

Reported 
operating
 result
$m
12.7
34.1
8.0
(2.3)
8.5

61.0

(10.4)
(0.6)
50.0

Reported 
operating
 result
$m
10.3
9.2
(8.1)
(6.0)
(3.4)

2.0

(1.7)
(2.7)
(2.4)

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
2. Segmental Reporting continued 

(a) Segment Revenue and Profit continued
Adjusting items by operating segment:

Legal fees
Impairment of goodwill

A breakdown of external revenue by products and services is presented below:

Perforating Systems
OCTG
Advanced Manufacturing
Subsea
Other Manufacturingi
Total 

i.  The Other Manufacturing product group comprises the intervention tools and other product groups that were reported separately in 2022.

Revenue from products is further analysed between:
Oil and gas
Non-oil and gas
Total 

(b) Other Segment Items 

182

Total
$m
(5.6)
(7.0)
(12.6)

2022
$m
251.9
258.8
75.1
69.0
71.0
725.8

678.2
47.6
725.8

Hunting 
Titan
$m
(5.6)
–
(5.6)

2022

Subsea 
Technologies
$m
–
(7.0)
(7.0)

2023
$m
243.8
395.8
112.1
98.6
78.8
929.1

853.2
75.9
929.1

Hunting Titan
North America
Subsea Technologies
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Total 

2023

2022i

Depreciationii
$m
(7.5)
(17.9)
(2.4)
(3.4)
(2.6)
(33.8)

Amortisation
$m
(1.7)
(2.0)
(1.9)
(0.6)
(0.4)
(6.6)

Impairment
 of non-current 
assetsiii

Impairment 
of current 
assetsiv

$m
–
(0.2)
(1.4)
–
–
(1.6)

$m
(2.9)
(1.6)
(0.2)
(0.3)
(1.6)
(6.6)

Depreciationii
$m
(7.5)
(16.5)
(2.7)
(3.6)
(2.7)
(33.0)

Amortisation
$m
(1.3)
(1.0)
(1.8)
(0.3)
–
(4.4)

Impairment
of non-current
assetsiii
$m
–
–
(7.0)
–
–
(7.0)

Impairment
of current
assetsiv
$m
0.1
1.1
0.4
(1.7)
–
(0.1)

i.  The segmental results for 2022 have been restated to show Subsea Technologies separate from North America. 
ii.  Depreciation in 2023 comprises depreciation of property, plant and equipment of $27.2m (2022 – $26.6m) and depreciation of right-of-use assets of $6.6m (2022 – $6.4m).
iii.   Impairment of non-current assets comprises impairment of goodwill of $1.4m (2022 – $7.0m) and impairment of right-of-use assets of $0.2m (2022 – $nil).
iv.   Impairment of current assets comprises the net impairment of inventories of $5.7m (2022 – $0.7m) and the net impairment of trade and other receivables of $0.9m (2022 – $0.6m net reversal).

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
2. Segmental Reporting continued 

(c) Geographical Segment Information
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
 North America – US
 North America – Canada
North America
 Subsea Technologies – US
 Subsea Technologies – UKii
Subsea Technologies
 EMEA – UKii
 EMEA – Rest of Europe
 EMEA – Middle East
EMEA
 Asia Pacific – China
 Asia Pacific – Indonesia
 Asia Pacific – Singapore
Asia Pacific
Unallocated assets:
Deferred tax assets
Total non-current assets

183

2022i
$m
178.8
2.2
1.3
182.3
211.1
0.8
211.9
38.2
23.7
61.9
19.7
5.5
1.5
26.7
10.6
2.9
5.3
18.8

13.7
515.3

2023
$m
177.2
2.4
2.7
182.3
213.4
0.7
214.1
38.0
21.4
59.4
19.6
5.0
4.3
28.9
9.4
2.9
5.6
17.9

93.1
595.7

i.  The segmental results for 2022 have been restated to show Subsea Technologies separate from North America. 
ii.  The value of non-current assets located in the UK, the Group’s country of domicile, is $41.0m (2022 – $43.4m).

Revenue from external customers attributable to the UK, the Group’s country of domicile, included in the Subsea Technologies and EMEA operating segments, is $34.7m (2022 – $34.5m). Revenue 
attributable to foreign countries totalled $894.4m (2022 – $691.3m). Revenue attributable to the US, the Group’s largest individual foreign country where revenue is earned, is $619.8m (2022 – $517.4m), 
which represents 67% (2022 – 71%) of the Group’s revenue from external customers. Revenue attributed to an individual country is based on where the invoice is raised, however, customers can either 
be domestic or international customers. 

(d) Major Customer
Included in external revenue is revenue of $79.8m (2022 – $63.5m) which arose from sales to the Halliburton Company Group (“Halliburton”), the Group’s largest customer. This represents 9% (2022 – 9%) 
of the Group’s revenue from external customers. All of Hunting’s operating segments except for Subsea Technologies have benefited from trading with Halliburton. No single customer contributed more than 
10% of the Group’s external revenue in either 2023 or 2022. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

3. Revenue

4. Net Operating Income and Other Expenses

184

2022
$m
2.1
1.1
3.2
0.3
1.6
1.6
9.9
(1.4)
(1.9)
(4.8)
(0.2)
(8.3)
1.6

2023
$m
2.7
2.2
–
0.2
1.1
1.8
8.0
(0.5)
(0.3)
(4.7)
(0.1)
(5.6)
2.4

Operating income from leasing assets (note 24)
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Gain on curtailment of leases
Government grants
Foreign exchange gainsi 
Other incomeii
Total operating income
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Foreign exchange lossesiii
Research and development costs expensed
Other operating expensesiv
Total other operating expenses
Net operating income and other expenses

 Includes fair value gains on derivatives designated in a cash flow hedge of $0.3m (2022 – $0.1m losses).

i. 
ii.   Includes fair value gains on derivatives not designated in a hedge of $0.1m (2022 – $0.1m).
iii.   Includes fair value gains on derivatives designated in a fair value hedge of $nil (2022 – $0.1m).
iv.   Includes fair value losses on derivatives not designated in a hedge of $0.1m (2022 – $0.1m) and $nil (2022 – $0.1m) loss on curtailment 

of leases.

During 2022, the Group’s Asia Pacific operating segment completed the relocation of its facilities to 
a single site in the Tuas port region of Singapore. As a result of this relocation, the Group disposed of 
the related lease liabilities and right-of-use assets, recording a net gain of $2.4m to exit the lease at 
Benoi Road. This gain together with other lease curtailments resulted in a total gain of $3.2m during 
the year and there was also a $0.1m loss on curtailment of leases. 

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
North America
Subsea Technologies
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Total 

Hunting Titan
North America
Subsea Technologies
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Total 

Revenue
from contracts 
with customers
$m
248.9
336.6
98.6
82.0
154.1
920.2

Revenue
from contracts 
with customers
$m
256.5
248.8
69.0
64.8
73.5
712.6

2023

Rental 
revenue
$m 
1.3
1.7
–
4.7
0.2
7.9

2022

Rental 
revenue
$m 
1.3
2.2
–
4.5
0.1
8.1

Other
revenue
$m
–
1.0
–
–
–
1.0

Other
revenue
$m
–
5.1
–
–
–
5.1

Total 
external 
revenue
$m
250.2
339.3
98.6
86.7
154.3
929.1

Total 
external 
revenue
$m
257.8
256.1
69.0
69.3
73.6
725.8

Revenue is typically recognised for products when the product is shipped or made available to 
customers for collection, or over time as control of the product is transferred to customers, and for 
services either on completion of the service or, at a minimum, monthly for services covering more than 
one month. The majority of the Group’s revenue is recognised at a point in time. The Group’s revenue 
recognised over time is within the North America and Subsea Technologies operating segments. 

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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

5. Adjusting Items

6. Operating Profit

Due to their size and nature, the following items have been disclosed separately, as required by IAS 1.

The following items were (charged)/credited in arriving at operating profit:

Recognition of US deferred tax assets

2023

Gross 
amount
$m
–

Tax
impact
$m
83.1

During the year, previously unrecognised US deferred tax assets of $83.1m were recognised on the 
balance sheet, reflecting the improved profitability in the US which resulted in the criteria for 
recognition being met (note 9). The related tax credit in the income statement has been presented as 
an adjusting item (NGM A).

Legal fees
Impairment of goodwill
Total

2022

Gross 
amount
$m
(5.6)
(7.0)
(12.6)

Tax
impact
$m
–
–
–

During 2022, Hunting incurred legal fees of $5.6m in defending a claim made by a competitor against 
the Group relating to a patent infringement. These costs were included in administrative expenses. 
No tax arose in relation to these legal fees due to the fact deferred tax was not recognised in relation 
to this jurisdiction. Additionally, following the annual review of goodwill, an impairment charge of $7.0m 
was recognised in relation to Enpro Subsea. Further details can be found in note 15. The impairment 
charge was included in administrative expenses. No tax arose because the impairment of this goodwill 
was not a tax deductible expense.

Staff costs (note 7)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 11)
Amortisation of intangible assets (included in cost of sales  
  and administrative expenses) (note 14) 
Impairment of goodwill (included in administrative expenses) (note 13)
Net gain/(loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment (note 4)
Net lease charges included in operating profit (note 24)
Research and development expensed (note 4)

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

185

2023
$m
(218.5)
(27.2)

2022
$m
(194.1)
(26.6)

(6.6)
(1.4)
1.7
(8.6)
(4.7)

2023
$m
(2.8)
(0.5)
(3.3)
(0.2)
(3.5)

(4.4)
(7.0)
(0.3)
(5.1)
(4.8)

2022
$m
(2.8)
(0.6)
(3.4)
(0.2)
(3.6)

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information186

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

7. Employees

Key management comprises the Board and the ten members of the Executive Committee who acted 
during the year (2022 – eleven). Their aggregate remuneration in the year was:

Wages and salaries (including annual cash bonuses)
Social security costs
Share-based payments (note 37)
Pension costs
– defined contribution schemes (note 32)
– unfunded defined benefit schemes – US and Middle East (note 32)
Staff costs for the year

Staff costs for the year included in the financial statements are as follows:

Total staff costs included in operating profit (note 6)
Staff costs capitalised as R&D

2023
$m
(183.4)
(13.6)
(13.5)

(8.2)
(0.3)
(219.0)

2023
$m
(218.5)
(0.5)
(219.0)

2022
$m
(164.4)
(12.7)
(9.9)

(7.2)
(0.3)
(194.5)

2022
$m
(194.1)
(0.4)
(194.5)

Salaries, annual cash bonuses and short-term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Share-based payments

2023
$m
(9.8)
(0.4)
(5.7)
(15.9)

2022
$m
(10.8)
(0.4)
(3.4)
(14.6)

Remuneration of the Board, included as part of key management compensation, can be found in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration on pages 146 to 154. 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 an 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.

The average monthly number of employees by geographical area (including executive Directors) during 
the year was: 

The total amounts for Directors’ remuneration in accordance with Schedule 5 to the Accounting 
Regulations were as follows:

North America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Central America, Middle East and Africa

2023
Number
1,672
261
324
104
2,361

2022
Number
1,486
223
301
92
2,102

The average monthly number of employees by operating segment (including executive Directors) 
during the year was:

Salaries, annual cash bonuses and short-term employee benefits
Gains on exercise of share awards
Post-employment benefits

2023
$m
(4.0)
(1.2)
(0.2)
(5.4)

2022
$m
(3.9)
(0.2)
(0.2)
(4.3)

The Group contributes on behalf of the Chief Executive to a US 401k deferred savings plan and an 
additional deferred compensation scheme. The Finance Director receives an annual cash sum in lieu 
of contributions to a company pension scheme. 

Hunting Titan
North America
Subsea Technologies
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Central

The actual number of employees at the year-end was 2,420 (2022 – 2,258).

2023
Number
647
868
180
261
324
81
2,361

2022
Number
595
760
149
226
301
71
2,102

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

8. Net Finance Expense

Finance income:
Interest received on bank balances and deposits
Foreign exchange gainsi
Fair value gains on non-hedging derivative financial instruments
Other finance income

Finance expense:
Interest on lease liabilities
Bank fees and commissions
Interest on bank borrowings
Foreign exchange losses
Other finance expenseii

Net finance expense 

2023
$m

0.2
0.1
0.4
0.2
0.9

(1.3)
(2.9)
(5.2)
(0.6)
(1.3)
(11.3)

(10.4)

2022
$m

0.4
1.3
0.8
0.5
3.0

(1.2)
(2.1)
–
(1.0)
(0.4)
(4.7)

(1.7)

i.  Foreign exchange gains include gains of $nil (2022 – $0.1m) in relation to lease liabilities.
ii.  Other finance expense includes fair value losses on derivatives not designated in a hedge of $0.2m (2022 – $0.2m) and fair value losses on  
  derivatives designated in a cash flow hedge of $0.1m (2022 – $nil).

9. Taxation 

Current tax: 
Current year charge
Adjustments in respect of prior years

Deferred tax:
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Change in tax rates
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Recognition of US deferred tax assets

Taxation credit/(charge)

2023
$m

(8.4)
0.4
(8.0)

(6.7)
–
0.6
83.1
77.0

69.0

2022
$m

(4.3)
(0.7)
(5.0)

3.5
(0.2)
0.4
–
3.7

(1.3)

187

The tax credit for the year was $69.0m (2022 – $1.3m charge) and the effective tax rate (“ETR”) 
was minus 138% (2022 – minus 54%). The Group’s ETR is significantly different to that which might 
be expected from prevailing jurisdictional rates as the recognition of the US deferred tax assets in 
the year distorts the IFRS reported ETR considerably. In addition, the Group’s ETR is distorted when 
deferred tax is not fully recognised in loss-making jurisdictions, as was the situation in 2022. 

When adjusting items are excluded, the Group’s adjusted ETR is 28% (2022 – 13%). The calculation 
of the adjusted tax charge and adjusted effective tax rate can be found in NGM D.

The adjustments in respect of prior years within both current tax and deferred tax, totalling a credit 
of $1.0m (2022 – $0.3m charge) mainly relate to true-ups of prior year balances.

The UK standard rate of corporation tax increased from 19% to 25% from 1 April 2023 and UK 
deferred tax balances have therefore all been calculated at 25%. 

The table below reconciles the tax on the Group’s profit/(loss) 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 of 23% (2022 – 4%) was used as this reflects the applicable rates for the 
countries applied to their respective profits/losses in the year. The total tax credit/(charge) for the year 
is different to the weighted average rate of tax of 23% (2022 – 4%) for the following reasons:

Profit/(loss) before tax
Tax at 23% (2022 – 4%)
Permanent differences including tax credits
Current year deferred tax not recognised 
Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred taxes
Difference in tax rates
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Taxation credit/(charge)

2023
$m
50.0
(11.5)
(2.7)
(0.6)
83.1
(0.3)
1.0
69.0

2022
$m
(2.4)
0.1
(4.7)
(1.5)
5.3
(0.2)
(0.3)
(1.3)

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
9. Taxation continued

Tax effects relating to each component of other comprehensive income were as follows:

Exchange adjustments
Fair value (losses)/gains arising on cash flow hedges during the year
Fair value (gains)/losses reclassified to profit or loss
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes

Before tax
$m
3.6
(0.3)
(0.3)
–
3.0

2023

Tax credited
$m
–
–
0.1
–
0.1

After tax
$m
3.6
(0.3)
(0.2)
–
3.1

Before tax
$m
(9.9)
0.4
0.1
0.1
(9.3)

2022

Tax charged 
$m
–
(0.1)
–
–
(0.1)

188

After tax
$m
(9.9)
0.3
0.1
0.1
(9.4)

The tax relating to the components of other comprehensive income comprises a deferred tax credit of $0.1m (2022 – $0.1m charge).

Tax-related Judgements 
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. The 
recoverability of deferred tax assets is supported by deferred tax liabilities against which the reversal can be offset as well as the expected level of future profits. This is considered by jurisdiction, or by entity, 
dependent on the tax laws of the jurisdiction. Where there is both a history of loss making and continued loss making in the year, stronger supporting evidence is required to meet recognition policy criteria. 
Supporting evidence reviewed includes: whether actual results, when excluding non-recurring items, meet or exceed budget; the level of taxable profits generated in the base case and downside case of 
longer-term forecasts; and the nature of how the deferred tax assets arose and how this relates to the ongoing activities of the business.

The recognition of deferred tax assets as at 31 December 2023 has been based on the forecast accounting profits in the 2024 and 2025 Budget and the extended forecast period as presented to the Board. 
This is the same forecast that is used to derive cash flows for the impairment testing of non-current assets, per note 15. For periods beyond the extended forecast period, profits have been assumed to grow 
in a manner consistent with the terminal growth rate assumptions used for impairment testing. In addition, a risk factor has been applied to reduce future profits for the extended forecast period and beyond. 
These adjustments are to reflect the potential decrease in reliability of forecasts for future periods beyond the Board-approved budget period. 

Historical tax losses make up the majority of the deductible temporary differences. These losses mainly arose from varying factors including non-recurring events such as losses arising at the start of newly 
formed businesses and losses arising from periods of economic downturn, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, the majority of the deferred tax not recognised in the Group was in relation to 
deferred tax arising in the US. As a result of the recognition of deferred tax in the US in the current year, the level of deferred tax not recognised at 31 December 2023 has significantly reduced. Management 
will continue to monitor the position in those jurisdictions where deferred tax is not recognised. 

The main jurisdiction where there is a change in deferred tax recognition is the US. Previously unrecognised deferred tax assets, in respect of historical tax losses and other deductible temporary differences 
in the US, have been recognised in the period due to taxable profits arising in the year as well as continued forecast improved profitability in future periods. In accordance with IAS 12 and previous years, partial 
recognition of the deferred tax arising on tax losses is supported by the taxable temporary differences arising on goodwill and depreciable fixed assets. Applying IAS 12 recognition criteria, the recognition of 
the remaining deferred tax assets is supported by the forecast profitability in the next four years. Recognition of the US deferred tax asset is dependent on the accuracy of the budget and extended forecast 
period. In assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets a sensitivity analysis is applied to the extended forecast period accounting profits, to consider a plausible downside scenario. Under the sensitivity 
analysis, the recovery period of the previously unrecognised deferred tax assets now recognised in the year, would be extended by two years. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

10. Earnings/(Loss) per Share

Basic earnings/(loss) per share (“EPS/(LPS)”) is calculated by dividing earnings/(loss) attributable to Ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of Ordinary shares outstanding during the year. 

For diluted earnings/(loss) per share, the weighted average number of outstanding Ordinary shares was 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 earnings/(loss) and weighted average number of Ordinary shares used in the calculations are set out below:

189

Basic EPS/(LPS)
Effect of dilutive long-term incentive plans
Diluted EPS/(LPS)i

Earnings attributable 
to Ordinary 
shareholders
$m
117.1
–
117.1

2023

Basic weighted 
average number of 
Ordinary shares
millions
158.6
8.7
167.3

Earnings
 per share
cents
73.8
(3.8)
70.0

Loss attributable 
to Ordinary 
shareholders
$m
(4.6)
–
(4.6)

2022

Basic weighted 
average number of 
Ordinary shares
millions
160.3
9.8
170.1

i.  For the year ended 31 December 2022, the Group reported a loss which meant the effect of dilutive long-term incentive plans was anti-dilutive (i.e. they reduced the loss per share). Therefore, they were disregarded in the calculation of diluted loss per share.

The calculation of adjusted earnings/(loss) per share is presented in NGM B.

11. Property, Plant and Equipment 

Cost:
At 1 January 2023
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Disposals
Reclassification from inventories (note 20)
Reclassifications
At 31 December 2023

Accumulated depreciation and impairment:
At 1 January 2023
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Disposals
Reclassifications
At 31 December 2023

Net book amount

Land and 
buildings
$m

Plant, machinery 
and motor 
vehicles
$m

2023

Rental tools
$m

Oil and gas 
exploration and 
development
$m

255.5
2.0
1.0
(0.1)
–
(0.1)
258.3

(77.9)
(1.3)
(6.3)
–
–
(85.5)

172.8

331.7
1.5
21.4
(9.6)
–
0.3
345.3

(262.9)
(1.3)
(16.7)
9.4
(0.1)
(271.6)

73.7

24.1
0.8
0.6
(0.5)
1.5
(0.2)
26.3

(16.2)
(0.5)
(2.2)
0.5
0.1
(18.3)

8.0

112.3
–
0.1
(112.4)
–
–
–

(109.9)
–
(2.0)
111.9
–
–

–

Loss 
per share
cents
(2.8)
–
(2.8)

Total
$m

723.6
4.3
23.1
(122.6)
1.5
–
629.9

(466.9)
(3.1)
(27.2)
121.8
–
(375.4)

254.5

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
11. Property, Plant and Equipment continued

Cost:
At 1 January 2022
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Disposals
Reclassification from inventories (note 20)
At 31 December 2022

Accumulated depreciation and impairment:
At 1 January 2022
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 December 2022

Net book amount

Land and 
buildings
$m

Plant, machinery 
and motor 
vehicles
$m

2022

Rental tools
$m

Oil and gas 
exploration and 
development
$m

267.3
(4.5)
4.7
(12.0)
–
255.5

(80.2)
3.1
(6.0)
5.2
(77.9)

177.6

338.2
(3.5)
10.9
(13.9)
–
331.7

(261.2)
2.8
(18.2)
13.7
(262.9)

68.8

24.7
(1.5)
0.5
(1.2)
1.6
24.1

(16.4)
0.9
(1.9)
1.2
(16.2)

7.9

111.4
–
0.9
–
–
112.3

(109.4)
–
(0.5)
–
(109.9)

2.4

190

Total
$m

741.6
(9.5)
17.0
(27.1)
1.6
723.6

(467.2)
6.8
(26.6)
20.1
(466.9)

256.7

The net book amount of property, plant and equipment at 1 January 2022 was $274.4m. 

During the year, the Group disposed of oil and gas exploration and development assets with a net book value of $0.5m (2022 – $2.4m). These legacy assets were owned by Tenkay Resources, Inc and 
reported as part of the North America operating segment. 

Included in the net book amount is expenditure relating to assets in the course of construction of $0.2m (2022 – $0.1m) for buildings and $0.7m (2022 – $0.9m) 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 $7.0m as at 31 December 2023 (2022 – $3.7m).

The net book amount of land and buildings of $172.8m (2022 – $177.6m) comprises freehold land and buildings of $169.2m (2022 – $173.7m) and capitalised leasehold improvements of $3.6m (2022 – $3.9m). 
The net book value of land and buildings that are leased out is $4.8m at 31 December 2023 (2022 – $5.4m). 

In accordance with the requirements of the Group’s committed ABL bank facility, security has been granted over specific items of property, plant and equipment that had a carrying value of $137.8m at 
31 December 2023 (31 December 2022 – $141.9m).

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

12. Right-of-use Assets 

The net book amount of right-of-use assets at 1 January 2022 was $24.7m. 

191

Cost:
At 1 January 2023
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Lease cessations
Modifications
At 31 December 2023

Accumulated depreciation and impairment:
At 1 January 2023
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Impairment of assets
Lease cessations
At 31 December 2023

Net book amount

Cost:
At 1 January 2022
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Lease cessations
Modifications
At 31 December 2022

Accumulated depreciation and impairment:
At 1 January 2022
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Lease cessations
At 31 December 2022

Net book amount

2023

Land and 
buildings
$m

Plant, machinery 
and motor 
vehicles
$m

60.7
0.4
5.4
(2.2)
0.7
65.0

(35.8)
(0.4)
(6.1)
(0.2)
2.2
(40.3)

24.7

2.1
0.1
0.8
(0.2)
0.2
3.0

(1.0)
(0.2)
(0.5)
–
0.2
(1.5)

1.5

2022

Land and 
buildings
$m

Plant, machinery 
and motor 
vehicles
$m

63.5
(3.0)
4.8
(8.6)
4.0
60.7

(40.1)
1.8
(6.1)
8.6
(35.8)

24.9

2.2
–
0.3
(0.2)
(0.2)
2.1

(0.9)
–
(0.3)
0.2
(1.0)

1.1

Total
$m

62.8
0.5
6.2
(2.4)
0.9
68.0

(36.8)
(0.6)
(6.6)
(0.2)
2.4
(41.8)

26.2

Total
$m

65.7
(3.0)
5.1
(8.8)
3.8
62.8

(41.0)
1.8
(6.4)
8.8
(36.8)

26.0

The Group sub-leases certain right-of-use assets under operating leases. The net book value of items 
that are sub-leased included in the table above is $2.1m (2022 – $2.1m) for land and buildings. 

Included in land and buildings additions in 2023 was $2.1m for a new lease for Hunting’s Dubai 
operations, $1.6m relating to a new lease in the US and $1.4m for a lease renewal in Saudi Arabia. 

In 2022, land and buildings additions included $4.4m for the Group’s new UK headquarters. In 2022, 
the Group also had lease modifications of $3.8m including a lease extension of $8.6m in Wuxi, China 
partially offset by lease curtailments of $4.7m for the Group’s previous UK headquarters. 

13. Goodwill

Cost:
At 1 January
Exchange adjustments
At 31 December

Accumulated impairment:
At 1 January 
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year (note 15(b))
At 31 December

Net book amount

2023
$m

527.1
2.0
529.1

(371.6)
(1.7)
(1.4)
(374.7)

2022
$m

532.0
(4.9)
527.1

(367.9)
3.3
(7.0)
(371.6)

154.4

155.5

The net book amount of goodwill at 1 January 2022 was $164.1m.

Details of the allocation of goodwill by cash-generating unit (“CGU”), identification of the material CGUs 
and impairment sensitivity disclosures are given in note 15(b).

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

14. Other Intangible Assets

Cost:
At 1 January 2023
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2023

Accumulated amortisation and impairment:
At 1 January 2023
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year 
Disposals
At 31 December 2023

Net book amount

Cost:
At 1 January 2022
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2022

Accumulated amortisation and impairment:
At 1 January 2022
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year 
Disposals
At 31 December 2022

Net book amount

Customer 
relationships
$m

Patented 
technology and 
trademarks
$m

2023

Unpatented 
technology
$m

Software
$m

7.1
0.4
–
–
7.5

(2.0)
(0.2)
(0.7)
–
(2.9)

4.6

73.7
0.7
0.8
–
75.2

(61.7)
(0.2)
(1.7)
–
(63.6)

11.6

82.4
0.2
2.2
–
84.8

(73.3)
(0.2)
(1.5)
–
(75.0)

9.8

Customer 
relationshipsi
$m

Patented 
technology and 
trademarks
$m

2022

Unpatented 
technology
$m

219.8
(0.9)
–
(211.8)
7.1

(213.3)
0.2
(0.7)
211.8
(2.0)

5.1

74.9
(1.4)
0.6
(0.4)
73.7

(60.8)
0.3
(1.6)
0.4
(61.7)

12.0

81.9
(0.5)
1.0
–
82.4

(72.9)
0.6
(1.0)
–
(73.3)

9.1

16.6
0.2
7.0
(0.7)
23.1

(8.8)
(0.3)
(2.3)
0.7
(10.7)

12.4

Software
$m

14.7
(0.2)
2.3
(0.2)
16.6

(8.3)
0.2
(0.9)
0.2
(8.8)

7.8

Other
$m

3.5
0.2
0.9
–
4.6

(1.8)
–
(0.4)
–
(2.2)

2.4

Other
$m

1.9
(0.2)
1.8
–
3.5

(1.7)
0.1
(0.2)
–
(1.8)

1.7

192

Total
$m

183.3
1.7
10.9
(0.7)
195.2

(147.6)
(0.9)
(6.6)
0.7
(154.4)

40.8

Total
$m

393.2
(3.2)
5.7
(212.4)
183.3

(357.0)
1.4
(4.4)
212.4
(147.6)

35.7

i.  The accumulated cost, amortisation and impairment of those customer relationships where the relationship had ended, or where the relationship with the customer had changed from when the business was acquired, were disposed of during the year. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information193

Having determined the projected revenues, management 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 2023 to 2028 vary between 5% and 20% (2022 – CAGR from 
2022 to 2027 between 3% and 22%). The weighted average growth rate for revenue from 2023 to 
2028 was 9% (2022 – from 2022 to 2027 was 8%). After 2028, a terminal value was calculated 
assuming growth of 50 basis points above assumed inflation (2022 – 50 basis points), giving nominal 
growth rates between 2% and 6% (2022 – between 2% and 6%).

Cash flows were discounted using nominal pre-tax rates between 12% and 17% (2022 – 14% and 
18%). The discount rates reflected 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. Consideration was also given to other factors such as a 
small-cap premium, currency risk, operational risk and country risk. Required returns on equity were 
determined using the capital asset pricing model (“CAPM”), which is then incorporated into a weighted 
average cost of capital (“WACC”) calculation. Risk free rates are determined using long-dated 
Government borrowing instruments. 

Management have also considered indicators of impairment in the carrying value of the assets, 
including the excess of the value calculated under the value-in-use methodology described above, 
compared to the Group’s market capitalisation.

(ii) Impairment Tests for 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 either its fair value less costs 
of disposal, or its value-in-use. The fair value less costs of disposal or the value-in-use is a Level 3 
measurement 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. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
14. Other Intangible Assets continued

The net book amount of other intangible assets at 1 January 2022 was $36.2m.

All intangible assets are regarded as having a finite life and are amortised accordingly. Amortisation 
charges relating to intangible assets were charged to cost of sales and administrative expenses in the 
consolidated income statement.

Internally generated intangible assets have been included within patented and unpatented technology 
as shown in the table below: 

Cost:
At 1 January
Exchange adjustments
Additions
At 31 December

Accumulated amortisation  
and impairment:
At 1 January 
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
At 31 December

Net book amount

2023

Internally 
generated 
patented 
technology
$m

Internally 
generated 
unpatented 
technology
$m

2022

Internally  
generated  
patented 
technology
$m

Internally  
generated 
unpatented 
technology
$m

12.1
0.2
0.7
13.0

(6.5)
–
(0.7)
(7.2)

5.8

29.0
0.2
2.2
31.4

(19.9)
(0.2)
(1.5)
(21.6)

9.8

11.8
(0.3)
0.6
12.1

(6.0)
0.1
(0.6)
(6.5)

5.6

28.5
(0.5)
1.0
29.0

(19.5)
0.6
(1.0)
(19.9)

9.1

15. Impairment of Non-current Assets 

(a) Impairment Testing Process 
(i) Cash-generating Units (“CGUs”)
In Hunting, CGUs are generally separate business units. In certain cases, combinations of business 
units that are tightly integrated through inter-company trading, shared management or cost base are 
treated as a CGU. The recoverable amount of each CGU was determined using a value-in-use 
method which uses discounted cash flow projections. The key assumptions for the value-in-use 
calculations are revenue growth rates, taking into account the impact these have on margins, terminal 
growth rates and the discount rates applied. 

For 2024 and 2025, cash flows are based on the latest detailed budget, as approved by the Board. 
For 2026 to 2028, 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 exploration and production spend) for 
each CGU. Management applied judgemental changes to revenue growth expectations, if appropriate, 
to reflect circumstances specific to the CGU.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information194

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
15. Impairment of Non-current Assets continued

(b) Impairment Tests for Goodwill
(i) Allocation 
Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s CGUs as follows:

CGU
Hunting Titan
US Subsea
Enpro
Dearborn
US Manufacturing
At 31 December

Operating
segment
 Hunting Titan
Subsea Technologies
Subsea Technologies
North America
North America

2023
$m
114.9
15.0
4.4
7.6
12.5
154.4

2022
$m
114.9
15.0
5.5
7.6
12.5
155.5

Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment. A charge of $1.4m (note 13) was recognised in the 
first half of 2023 (2022 – $7.0m) in relation to the Enpro CGU, resulting from an increase in the discount 
rate used to discount the cash flow projections, driven by a rise in the risk free rate which was 
determined using long-dated government borrowing instruments. In addition to the impairment 
charge, the Enpro goodwill balance increased by $0.3m due to foreign exchange movements.

(ii) Material CGU
Hunting Titan is the only CGU that is significant in relation to the Group’s total carrying amount of 
goodwill, representing 74% (2022 – 74%) of the balance. Titan reported a slight reduction in revenue 
in 2023 with demand for its Perforating Systems impacted by a reduction in onshore US rig count and 
spending, however, the outlook for US onshore activity looks positive. The recently launched H-3 and 
H-4 Perforating Systems are expected to drive the business forward and the growth in international 
sales in 2023 is expected to continue. 

The projected cash flows for Hunting Titan were discounted using a nominal pre-tax rate of 13% 
(2022 – 15%). Given the level of headroom for this CGU, there are no reasonably possibly changes 
in the assumptions that would result in a material impairment charge in 2023.

(c) CGU Sensitivities
In considering sensitivities of possible changes in key assumptions that could lead to a material 
impairment charge in the year, a materiality level of $4.5m has been used (2022 – $4.0m).

(i) Enpro
The goodwill relating to the Enpro CGU was impaired by $7.0m in 2022 and by a further $1.4m in 2023 
and is therefore identified as being sensitive to possible changes in key assumptions. 

The Enpro business started the year slowly but gained traction in the second half, winning a number 
of large orders as offshore-focused clients have accelerated developments globally. The forecast 
growth in the offshore deepwater market is expected to benefit Enpro throughout the cash flow 
projection period. The impairment in the year was mainly driven by an increase in discount rates in 
the first half, together with a modest reduction in growth assumptions. 

The projected cash flows for Enpro were discounted using a nominal pre-tax rate of 12% 
(2022 – 16%). At 31 December 2023, the Group is carrying $4.4m (2022 – $5.5m) of goodwill and 
$11.2m (2022 – $12.2m) of other intangible assets in respect of the Enpro CGU. The sensitivities of 
possible changes to key assumptions are disclosed below. 

(ii) Dearborn
There was no impairment at Dearborn in either 2023 or 2022 but the CGU remains sensitive to 
possible changes in key assumptions.

Investment into labour and new equipment at Dearborn during the year improved production and 
the CGU delivered strong results, outperforming management’s expectations. The business continues 
to see growth in its non-oil and gas sales, as well as into end markets such as commercial space, 
defence and power generation, and this trend is expected to continue throughout the forecast period. 

The projected cash flows for Dearborn were discounted using a nominal pre-tax rate of 14% (2022 – 15%). 

The following changes to key assumptions would, in isolation, lead to material impairment charges 
in 2023, notwithstanding the impairment at Enpro during the year:

Pre-tax discount rate
Terminal value growth rate
Revenue growth rates (CAGR from 2023 to 2028)

Enpro
increase/
(decrease)
3%
(3%)
(6%)

Dearborn
increase/
(decrease)
2%
(2%)
(3%)

(iii) Other CGUs
For other CGUs that carry goodwill, management has concluded that there are no reasonably 
possible changes in key assumptions that would result in a material impairment charge in 2023.

(d) Impairment of Other Non-Current Assets
In 2023, an impairment charge of $0.2m was made against right-of-use assets in the North America 
operating segment (note 2(b) and note 12). There was no impairment of other non-current assets in 2022.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information195

2022
$m

24.2
17.4
41.6

(2.6)
(6.8)
(9.4)
32.2

39.0
(6.8)
32.2

23.5%
7.5
2.1
2.4
12.0

Rival

2023
$m

26.6
25.4
52.0

(7.1)
(6.0)
(13.1)
38.9

32.2
6.7
38.9

23.0%
8.9
2.1
2.1
13.1

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

16. Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures

Movement on investments in associates and joint ventures:

At 1 January 
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Share of associates’ and joint ventures’ results for the year
Dividends received from associates
At 31 December

2023
$m
20.1
–
1.6
(0.6)
(0.6)
20.5

2022
$m
19.4
(0.1)
3.5
(2.7)
–
20.1

Summarised balance sheet:
Non-current assets
Current assets
Total assets

Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

During 2023, the Group invested a further $1.6m in Cumberland Additive Holdings LLC (“Cumberland”), 
increasing its share of equity to 30.4% (2022 – 29.2%). During 2022, the Group invested $1.9m in its 
Indian joint venture arrangement with Jindal SAW, and a further $1.6m in Cumberland.

The investments in associates and joint ventures, including the name, country of incorporation and 
proportion of ownership interest, are disclosed in note C19. 

Rival Downhole Tools LC (“Rival”) is a provider of drilling and thru tubing tools and motors to the 
upstream oil and gas industry. Cumberland is a contract manufacturer which specialises in metal and 
polymer 3D printing and computer numerical control machining to support the aerospace, defence, 
space and energy markets. The joint venture with Jindal SAW, leaders in pipe manufacturing, is to 
deliver OCTG products in India. 

(a) Material Associates and Joint Ventures
The tables below provide summarised financial information for Rival which is considered to be a 
material associate of the Group. The Group has a 23.0% (2022 – 23.5%) interest in the equity shares 
of Rival. The information disclosed reflects the amounts presented in the financial statements of Rival 
and not Hunting PLC’s share of those amounts. They have been amended to reflect adjustments 
made by Hunting when using the equity method, including fair value adjustments and modifications 
for differences in accounting policy. 

Summarised statement of comprehensive income: 
Revenue
Operating profit/(loss)
Total comprehensive income/(expense)

Rival

2023
$m

53.5
6.7
6.7

2022
$m

39.6
(6.8)
(6.8)

The Group’s share of Rival’s post-tax profit was $1.4m (2022 – $1.6m share of post-tax loss). 
Amortisation of $0.3m (2022 – $0.3m) was charged to the Group’s income statement during the year 
in relation to the intangible assets recognised at the time the investment in Rival was made.

Reconciliation to carrying amounts:
Opening net assets at 1 January
Profit/(loss) for the year
Net assets

Group’s share of equity %
Group’s share of net assets
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Carrying amount at 31 December

(b) Individually Immaterial Associates and Joint Ventures
In addition to the material associates disclosed above, the Group also has interests in a number of 
individually immaterial associates and joint ventures, all of which are unlisted, that are accounted for 
using the equity method. The Group’s share of the results and its aggregated assets and liabilities, 
are as follows:

Aggregate carrying amount of individually immaterial associates 
Aggregate carrying amount of individually immaterial joint ventures
Share of immaterial associates’ and joint ventures’ results for the year

2023
$m
5.7
1.7
(1.7)

2022
$m
6.2
1.9
(0.8)

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

17. Investments

Listed equity investments and mutual funds
Well Data Labs convertible financing

2023
$m
2.2
2.2
4.4

2022
$m
1.9
2.9
4.8

The listed equity investments and mutual funds are held in relation to the US defined benefit scheme 
(note 32).

In February 2021, the Group entered into a strategic alliance with Wells Data Labs, a data analytics 
business focused on the onshore drilling market, through the provision of $2.5m in convertible financing, 
which had a fair value of $2.2m (2022 – $2.9m) at the year-end (note 29(b)).

18. Trade and Other Receivables

Non-current:
Prepayments
Other receivables

Current: 
Trade receivables
Accrued revenue
Contract assets (note 23)
Gross receivables
Less: provisions for impairment
Net receivables
Prepayments
Other receivables

2023
$m

1.8
–
1.8

2023

Contracts with
customers
$m

Rental 
receivables
$m

Other 
receivables
$m

202.7
2.5
17.5
222.7
(3.2)
219.5
–
–
219.5

2.0
–
–
2.0
(0.3)
1.7
–
–
1.7

–
–
–
–
–
–
27.1
3.1
30.2

2022
$m

2.7
0.1
2.8

Total
$m

204.7
2.5
17.5
224.7
(3.5)
221.2
27.1
3.1
251.4

Current: 
Trade receivables
Accrued revenue
Contract assets (note 23)
Gross receivables
Less: provisions for impairment
Net receivables
Prepayments
Other receivables

2022

Contracts with
customers
$m

Rental 
receivables
$m

Other 
receivables
$m

180.1
2.0
8.6
190.7
(3.3)
187.4
–
–
187.4

2.1
0.2
–
2.3
(0.4)
1.9
–
–
1.9

0.9
–
–
0.9
–
0.9
37.9
4.3
43.1

196

Total
$m

183.1
2.2
8.6
193.9
(3.7)
190.2
37.9
4.3
232.4

Current and non-current other receivables generally arise from transactions outside the usual operating 
activities of the Group and comprise receivables from tax (VAT, GST, franchise taxes, and sales and 
use taxes) of $1.0m (2022 – $0.6m), derivative financial assets of $0.5m (2022 – $0.6m) and other 
receivables of $1.6m (2022 – $3.2m), the latter of which are classified as financial assets measured 
at amortised cost.

The Group does not hold any other collateral as security and no assets have been acquired through 
the exercise of any collateral previously held. 

During the year, the Group sold trade receivables amounting to $9.9m to third parties under trade 
receivables purchasing programmes in order to accelerate collections. Upon sale, the receivables 
were derecognised from the balance sheet. 

In accordance with the requirements of the Group’s committed ABL bank facility, security has been 
granted over certain US and Canadian trade and other receivables, which had a carrying value of 
$77.6m at 31 December 2023 (31 December 2022 – $96.3m). For the receivables pledged as security, 
their carrying value approximates their fair value.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
197

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
18. Trade and Other Receivables continued

Impairment of Trade and Other Receivables
The Group applies 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 macro-economic 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 2023, the ageing of the Group’s gross financial assets, based on days overdue, is as follows:

Trade receivables – contracts with customers
Trade receivables – rental receivables
Total trade receivables
Accrued revenue – contracts with customers
Contract assets
Other receivablesi

Not
overdue
$m
111.0
0.7
111.7
2.5
17.5
2.1
133.8

1 – 30
days
$m
40.9
0.1
41.0
–
–
–
41.0

31 – 60
days 
$m
23.9
0.5
24.4
–
–
–
24.4

61 – 90
days
$m
9.7
0.3
10.0
–
–
–
10.0

91 – 120
days
$m
8.5
0.2
8.7
–
–
–
8.7

More than
120 days
$m
8.7
0.2
8.9
–
–
–
8.9

Total gross 
financial assets
$m
202.7
2.0
204.7
2.5
17.5
2.1
226.8

i.  Other receivables excludes $1.0m in relation to receivables from tax as these are not considered financial assets.

Since 31 December 2022, there has been a modest decrease in the ageing of trade receivables despite the increase in trade receivables by $21.6m from $183.1m to $204.7m at 31 December 2023, with trade 
receivables not overdue at the year-end comprising 55% of gross trade receivables compared to 56% at 31 December 2022. Overdue debts arise due to a number of different factors, including the time taken 
in resolving any disputes, a culture of slow/late payment in some jurisdictions and some debtors experiencing cash flow difficulties.

At 31 December 2022, the ageing of the Group’s gross financial assets, based on days overdue, was as follows:

Trade receivables – contracts with customers
Trade receivables – rental receivables
Trade receivables – other
Total trade receivables
Accrued revenue – contracts with customers
Accrued revenue – rental receivables
Contract assets
Other receivablesi

Not
overdue
$m
101.9
0.5 
0.9 
103.3 
2.0 
0.2 
8.6
3.8
117.9

1 – 30
days
$m
36.6 
0.6 
–
37.2 
– 
–
–
–
37.2

31 – 60
days 
$m
17.6 
0.3 
–
17.9 
– 
–
–
–
17.9

61 – 90
days
$m
8.2 
0.5 
–
8.7 
– 
–
–
–
8.7

91 – 120
days
$m
9.5 
0.1 
–
9.6 
– 
–
–
–
9.6

More than
120 days
$m
6.3 
0.1 
–
6.4 
– 
–
–
–
6.4

Total gross 
financial assets
$m
180.1 
2.1 
0.9 
183.1 
2.0 
0.2 
8.6
3.8
197.7

i.  Other receivables excludes $0.6m in relation to receivables from tax as these are not considered financial assets.

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the Group’s wide and unrelated customer base. The maximum exposure to credit risk is the carrying amount of each class of 
financial assets mentioned above. The carrying value of each class of receivable approximates their fair value as described in note 29(b)(iv).

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
18. Trade and Other Receivables continued

Impairment of Trade and Other Receivables continued 
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. 

Whilst a proportion, 9% (2022 – 9%), 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 and other issues or due to general slow payment by the customer. Where there is no history of 
bad debts and there are no indicators that the debts will not be settled, the receivables have not been 
impaired. These customers are monitored very closely for any indicators of impairment.

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 Group 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 administrative expenses. 
Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against the same line item.

Credit risk arises on accrued revenue where goods or services have been provided to a customer but 
the amount is yet to be invoiced. The accrued revenue balance is short-term and relates to customers 
with a strong credit history. Therefore, the expected credit losses on this balance are immaterial and 
no provision for impairment has been recognised.

During the year, the movements on the provisions for impairment were as follows:

198

The provision for the impairment of trade and other receivables has marginally decreased by $0.2m 
to $3.5m at 31 December 2023. Management is of the view that the credit risk is largely unchanged 
during the year. 

At 1 January 2022
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 2022

19. Deferred Tax

Contracts
with
customers
$m
(4.3)

(0.2)

0.9
0.3
(3.3)

2022

Rental 
receivables
$m
(0.3)

(0.1)

–
–
(0.4)

Total
$m
(4.6)

(0.3)

0.9
0.3
(3.7)

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 total deferred tax shown in the balance sheet is as follows:

At 1 January 2023
Charge to the consolidated income statement  
  – lifetime expected credit losses
Utilised against receivables written off
At 31 December 2023

Contracts
with
customers
$m
(3.3)

(0.9)
1.0
(3.2)

2023

Rental 
receivables
$m
(0.4)

–
0.1
(0.3)

Total
$m
(3.7)

(0.9)
1.1
(3.5)

At 1 January
 Credit to the consolidated income statement
 Change in tax rates
Total credit to the consolidated income statement
Taken direct to equity
At 31 December

2023
$m
93.1
(8.4)
84.7

2023
$m
7.3
77.0
–
77.0
0.4
84.7

2022
$m
13.7
(6.4)
7.3

2022
$m
3.5
3.9
(0.2)
3.7
0.1
7.3

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
19. Deferred Tax continued

The change in tax rates in 2022 relates to an increase in the blended State rate applied to the recognised US deferred tax balances. The UK standard rate of corporation tax increased from 19% to 25% from 
1 April 2023. UK deferred tax balances have therefore all been calculated at 25%. 

Deferred tax assets of $57.8m gross and $7.1m tax (2022 – $354.8m gross and $87.1m tax) have not been recognised as the assessment of recoverability at 31 December 2023 is that it is uncertain and 
therefore does not meet the criteria for recognition under IAS 12. This includes $57.5m gross and $7.0m tax (2022 – $216.9m gross and $51.0m tax) in respect of trading losses, the majority of which do not 
have an expiry date. A deferred tax asset of $69.4m (2022 – $24.2m) has been recognised in respect of tax losses in various locations where recognition assessment has provided support that sufficient future 
taxable profits will be available against which the tax losses could be utilised. See note 9 for further details on the recognition assessment performed at each balance sheet date. 

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:

199

Tax losses
Inventory
Goodwill and intangibles
Interest deductible in future periods
Property, plant and equipment
Share-based payments
Other

Tax losses
Inventory
Goodwill and intangibles
Property, plant and equipment
Share-based payments
Other

At 1 January 
2023
$m
24.2
0.8
(19.7)
–
(0.9)
1.0
1.9
7.3

At 1 January 
2022
$m
16.1
1.4
(14.1)
(1.6)
0.4
1.3
3.5

Exchange 
adjustments 
$m
0.3
–
(0.1)
–
–
(0.1)
(0.1)
–

(Charge)/credit to 
income statement 
$m
44.9
13.0
8.3
17.1
(15.0)
3.4
5.3
77.0

Exchange 
adjustments 
$m
(0.4)
(0.1)
0.3
0.2
–
–
–

(Charge)/credit to 
income statement 
$m
8.5
(0.5)
(5.7)
0.5
0.4
0.7
3.9

Change in 
tax rates 
$m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Change in 
tax rates 
$m
–
–
(0.2)
–
–
–
(0.2)

Taken direct 
to equity
$m
–
–
–
–
–
0.3
0.1
0.4

Taken direct 
to equity
$m
–
–
–
–
0.2
(0.1)
0.1

At 31 December 
2023
$m
69.4
13.8
(11.5)
17.1
(15.9)
4.6
7.2
84.7

At 31 December 
2022
$m
24.2
0.8
(19.7)
(0.9)
1.0
1.9
7.3

Net deferred 
tax assets
$m
51.2
13.8
13.8
17.1
(14.6)
4.6
7.2
93.1

Net deferred 
tax assets
$m
10.0
0.8
(0.3)
0.3
1.0
1.9
13.7

Net deferred
tax liabilities
$m
18.2
–
(25.3)
–
(1.3)
–
–
(8.4)

Net deferred
tax liabilities
$m
14.2
–
(19.4)
(1.2)
–
–
(6.4)

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

20. Inventories

Raw materials
Work in progress
Finished goods
Gross inventories
Less: provisions for impairment
Net inventories

Gross inventories:
At 1 January
Exchange adjustments
Additions 
Charged to cost of sales in the consolidated income statement
Reclassification to property, plant and equipment (note 11)
At 31 December

Provisions for impairment:
At 1 January 
Exchange adjustments
Charged to cost of sales in the consolidated income statement
Provisions utilised against inventories written off
Provisions released to the consolidated income statement
At 31 December

2023
$m
150.9
94.0
136.0
380.9
(52.5)
328.4

2023
$m

322.1
1.6
719.1
(660.4)
(1.5)
380.9

(50.0)
(0.4)
(7.5)
3.6
1.8
(52.5)

2022
$m
118.7
82.7
120.7
322.1
(50.0)
272.1

2022
$m

263.9
(3.7)
584.5
(521.0)
(1.6)
322.1

(59.5)
0.9
(6.4)
9.3
5.7
(50.0)

Net inventories

328.4

272.1

The Group’s inventory is highly durable and it can, therefore, hold its value well with the passing of 
time. The nature of our market is that demand for products depends on the technical requirements 
of the projects being developed. For some markets and product lines there may be a limited number 
of sales, or even no sales, to form a benchmark in the current year. Management looks at relevant 
historical activity levels and has to form a judgement as to likely future demand in light of market 
forecasts and likely competitor activities. 

During 2023, inventory provisions increased by $2.5m to $52.5m at 31 December 2023, which 
represents 14% of gross cost balances (2022 – 16%). The broadly unchanged provision in the year 
reflects new charges offsetting utilisation of provisions and the reversal of unutilised provisions 
Management has considered the judgements and estimates made in each of the Group’s businesses 
and, other than PCE, has not identified any individual estimates, which in the event of a change, would 
lead to a material change in the next financial period. Provisions for inventories held at NRV are subject 
to change if expectations change.

200

Inventories of $245.2m are expected to be realised within 12 months of the balance sheet date 
(2022 – $194.5m) and $83.2m after 12 months (2022 – $77.6m).

In accordance with the requirements of the Group’s committed ABL bank facility, security has been 
granted over inventories which had a carrying value of $172.3m at 31 December 2023 (31 December 
2022 – $142.9m) held in certain US and Canadian subsidiaries. 

21. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand 

2023
$m
45.5

2022
$m
29.4

Cash at bank and in hand is carried at amortised cost. The maximum exposure to credit risk is the 
carrying amount. Please see note 30(c)(i) for further disclosures on credit risk.

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:
US deferred compensation plan obligation (note 32(b)(i))
Social security and other taxes
Other payables

Current:
Trade payables
Accruals
Social security and other taxes
Contract liabilities (note 23)
Other payablesi

i.  Other payables include derivative financial liabilities of $0.1m (2022 – $0.1m).

2023
$m

2.2
0.4
1.1
3.7

2023
$m

62.5
50.7
7.4
39.6
3.2
163.4

2022
$m

1.9
0.5
0.8
3.2

2022
$m

66.8
56.9
7.8
8.8
1.5
141.8

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

23. Contract Assets and Liabilities

The following table provides information about receivables, accrued income, contract assets and 
contract liabilities arising from contracts with customers.

(c) Unsatisfied Performance Obligations (sales order book)
The aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to partially or fully unsatisfied performance 
obligations as at the year-end, generally on confirmed purchase orders received, is expected to be 
recognised as revenue in the following periods:

201

Contract assets (note 18)
Contract liabilities (note 22)

Trade receivables – contracts with customers (note 18)
Provisions for impairment (note 18)
Net trade receivables – contracts with customers

2023
$m
17.5
(39.6)

202.7
(3.2)
199.5

2022
$m
8.6
(8.8)

180.1
(3.3)
176.8

2021
$m
9.9
(6.1)

126.5
(4.3)
122.2

Hunting Titan 
North America
Subsea Technologies
EMEA
Asia Pacific

Accrued revenue – contracts with customers (note 18)

2.5

2.0

3.7

(a) Significant Changes in Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities 
Contract assets increased from $8.6m at 31 December 2022 to $17.5m at 31 December 2023 due 
to an increase in bespoke customer work-in-progress in North America.

Contract liabilities represent deposits received from customers on over time contracts and amounts 
invoiced in excess of the value of the work completed to date at the Subsea Technologies operating 
segment, as well as deposits received from customers for the purchase of pipe in the Asia Pacific 
businesses, prior to Hunting placing an order with the steel mills. Contract liabilities increased by 
$30.8m in the year to $39.6m at 31 December 2023 reflecting the improvement in orders, the increase 
in customer deposits and the higher portion of contracts during the year where revenue is recognised 
over time versus at point in time.

(b) Revenue Recognised in Relation to Contract Liabilities
During the year, $8.8m of revenue was recognised in relation to amounts that were included in the 
contract liabilities balance at the beginning of the year (2022 – $6.1m). There was no revenue 
recognised from performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied in previous years (2022 – none).

2023
$m
15.9
252.8
152.2
29.7
114.6
565.2

444.5
120.7
565.2

2022
$m
29.8 
207.4
105.1
28.3 
102.4 
473.0

402.3
70.7
473.0

Expected to be recognised as revenue:
Within 1 year
After 1 year

It is expected that 79% of the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations as of 
31 December 2023 will be recognised as revenue in 2024 (2022 – 85% in 2023) and the remaining 
21% in future years (2022 – 15% after 2023).

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 
2023, the Group did not have any commitments for leases that were due to commence in 2024 or 
later (31 December 2022 – no commitments due to commence in 2023 or later).

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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
24. Leases continued

(a) Amounts Recognised in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
The analysis of right-of-use assets is presented in note 12.

The analysis of the contractual, undiscounted cash flows relating to lease liabilities is shown in  
note 30(d)(iii).

Lease liabilities
Current
Non-current

2023
$m

8.0
20.7
28.7

2022
$m

9.1
21.5
30.6

(d) The Group as Lessor
A number of the Group’s properties included within property, plant and equipment and right-of-use 
assets are leased to third parties under operating lease agreements. Income from leasing these assets 
during the year was $2.7m (2022 – $2.1m) and is included within operating income (note 4). The Group 
also earns revenue from the rental of tools, which are items of property, plant and equipment (note 11). 
Rental revenue during the year was $7.9m (2022 – $8.1m) (note 3).

The decrease during the year is largely due to a one-off payment to exit a lease for a surplus facility in 
North America. 

The table below shows the maturity analysis of the undiscounted future lease payments expected to 
be received in relation to non-cancellable operating leases:

202

(b) Amounts Recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement 

Depreciation of right-of-use assets (note 12)
Net gain on curtailment of leases (note 4)
Expense relating to short-term leases and leases of low-value assets  

(included in cost of sales and administrative expenses)

Impairment of right-of-use assets (note 12)
Lease charges included in operating profit (note 6)
Interest on lease liabilities (included in finance expenses) (note 8)
Foreign exchange gains on lease liabilities (note 8)
Lease charges included in profit/(loss) before tax

2023
$m
(6.6)
–

(1.8)
(0.2)
(8.6)
(1.3)
–
(9.9)

2022
$m
(6.4)
3.1

(1.8)
–
(5.1)
(1.2)
0.1
(6.2)

Year one
Year two
Year three
Year four
Year five
Year six
Total lease income receivable

25. Borrowings

In 2022, following the relocation of a number of the Group’s Asia Pacific facilities to a single site, certain 
lease liabilities were disposed of, recording a net gain of $2.4m. This gain together with other lease 
curtailments in the period resulted in a net gain of $3.1m during the year, which was recognised in net 
operating income and other expenses in note 4.

(c) Amounts Recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

Payments for short-term and low-value leases 
Payment of lease liabilities, principal and interest
Proceeds on disposal of lease liabilities 

2023
$m
(1.8)
(10.4)
–
(12.2)

2022
$m
(1.8)
(8.0)
2.2
(7.6)

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 lease liabilities and proceeds 
on disposal of lease liabilities are presented within cash flows from financing activities.

In 2022, the Group received net receipts of $2.2m largely relating to the exit of the leases in Asia 
Pacific, see above.

Non-current:
Shareholder loan from non-controlling interest
Current:
Bank borrowings unsecured (note 30(d)(i))
Bank borrowings secured (note 30(d)(i))
Bank overdrafts secured

Total borrowings

In accordance with the requirements of the Group’s committed ABL bank facility, security has been 
granted over certain freehold property, receivables and inventories. The carrying amounts of the 
assets pledged as security are disclosed in notes 11, 18 and 20.

All of the borrowings are financial liabilities measured at amortised cost. The shareholder loan, secured 
bank borrowings and bank overdrafts are denominated in US Dollars. The unsecured bank borrowings 
are denominated in Renminbi. The shareholder loan is interest-free and not repayable on demand.

Property
2023
$m
2.5
0.8
0.7
0.7
0.7
–
5.4

2023
$m

3.9

–
44.9
1.4
46.3

50.2

Property
2022
$m
1.9
1.0
0.9
0.7
0.7
0.7
5.9

2022
$m

3.9

2.8
–
2.1
4.9

8.8

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

26. Changes in Net Cash/(Debt)

Hunting operates a centralised treasury function that manages all cash and borrowing positions throughout the Group and ensures funds are used efficiently through the use of cash concentration account 
structures and other such measures. Net cash/(debt) (NGM L) is a non-GAAP measure; however, management and the Group treasury function monitor total cash and bank (NGM K) to ensure there is 
sufficient liquidity to meet business requirements. 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 cash/(debt) split between cash and non-cash items. Net cash/(debt) 
comprises total cash and bank less total lease liabilities and the shareholder loan from a non-controlling interest.

203

Cash and cash equivalents (note 21)
Bank overdrafts secured (note 25)
Cash and cash equivalents – per cash flow statement

Total lease liabilities (note 24)
Shareholder loan from non-controlling interest (note 25)
Bank borrowings (note 25)
Liabilities arising from financing activities

Total net debt

At
1 January
2023
$m
29.4
(2.1)
27.3

(30.6)
(3.9)
(2.8)
(37.3)

(10.0)

Cash flow 
$m
16.2
0.7
16.9

10.4
–
(42.1)
(31.7)

(14.8)

Non-cash 
movements on
lease liabilitiesi
$m
–
–
–

(8.4)
–
–
(8.4)

(8.4)

Exchange 
movements
$m
(0.1)
–
(0.1)

(0.1)
–
–
(0.1)

(0.2)

At
31 December
2023
$m
45.5
(1.4)
44.1

(28.7)
(3.9)
(44.9)
(77.5)

(33.4)

i.  Non-cash movements on lease liabilities comprise new leases of $6.2m, lease modifications of $0.9m and interest expense of $1.3m.

During the year, $1.7m of loan facility fees were amortised (2022 – $1.0m) and $nil were paid in respect of the Asset Based Lending (“ABL”) facility (2022 – $3.0m). The fees for the ABL facility were capitalised 
in prepayments and amortised over the expected useful life of the facility.

Cash and cash equivalents (note 21)
Bank overdrafts secured (note 25)
Cash and cash equivalents – per cash flow statement

Cash deposits with more than 3 months to maturity

Total lease liabilities (note 24)
Shareholder loan from non-controlling interest (note 25)
Bank borrowings (note 25)
Liabilities arising from financing activities

Total net cash/(debt)

i.  Non-cash movements on lease liabilities comprise new leases of $4.6m, lease modifications of $2.6m and interest expense of $1.2m.

At
1 January
2022
$m
108.4
(1.0)
107.4

6.8

(31.8)
(3.9)
–
(35.7)

78.5

Cash flow 
$m
(74.5)
(1.1)
(75.6)

(6.7)

8.0
–
(2.9)
5.1

(77.2)

Non-cash  
movements on 
lease liabilitiesi
$m
–
–
–

Exchange  

movements
$m
(4.5)
–
(4.5)

At
31 December
2022
$m
29.4
(2.1)
27.3

–

(8.4)
–
–
(8.4)

(8.4)

(0.1)

1.6
–
0.1
1.7

(2.9)

–

(30.6)
(3.9)
(2.8)
(37.3)

(10.0)

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

27. Provisions and Contingent Liabilities 

(a) Provisions

At 1 January 2023
Exchange adjustments
Charged to the consolidated income statement
Charged other
Provisions utilised
Unutilised amounts reversed
At 31 December 2023

Provisions are due as follows:

Current
Non-current

Asset
decommissioning
and 
remediation
$m
3.7
–
–
–
(0.2)
(2.0)
1.5

Other
$m
5.2
0.1
0.5
1.4
(1.1)
(0.1)
6.0

2023
$m
4.8
2.7
7.5

Total
$m
8.9
0.1
0.5
1.4
(1.3)
(2.1)
7.5

2022
$m
4.6
4.3
8.9

Asset decommissioning and remediation provisions of $1.5m (2022 – $3.7m) relate to the Group’s 
obligations to restore leased properties. The restoration provisions of $1.5m are expected to be utilised 
at the end of the respective leases, with $0.9m current and $0.6m non-current. Provisions are made 
on a discounted basis; however, the impact of discounting is not material.

Other provisions include provisions for onerous contracts of $0.5m (2022 – $0.7m), restructuring 
provisions of $0.3m (2022 – $0.2m), a provision for a pension fund for officers and ratings in the 
mercantile marine industry from a legacy subsidiary of $0.9m (2022 – $0.9m), warranties and 
tax indemnities of $0.3m (2022 – $1.1m), litigation costs of $2.3m (2022 – $1.8m) and $1.7m 
(2022 – $0.5m) for various other items.

204

(b) Contingent Liabilities 
The Group recognises provisions for liabilities when it is more likely than not a settlement will be 
required and the value of the economic outflow can be estimated reliably. Liabilities that are not 
provided for in the financial position of the Group are disclosed, unless the probability of an economic 
outflow is considered to be remote.

In 2021, a claim against the Group from a competitor relating to a patent infringement was disclosed. 
The legal case was settled in Hunting’s favour in January 2023. During the period, the Group has 
received confirmation that an appeal will not be filed and now considers the case to be closed. 

The Group has entered into a number of guarantee and performance bond arrangements arising in 
the normal course of business which have not been provided for as any significant liability is considered 
to be remote.

28. Derivatives and Hedging

(a) Currency Derivatives
The Group uses derivatives for economic hedging purposes and there are no speculative positions 
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. Foreign exchange outright contracts are used to 
manage exposures, with funding swaps being used to produce required currencies when needed.

The fair values of outstanding derivative financial instruments are set out below:

Forward foreign exchange contracts  
  – cash flow hedges
Forward foreign exchange contracts  
  – fair value hedges
Foreign exchange swaps – not in a hedge

2023

Total 
assets
$m

Total
liabilities
$m

2022

Total 
assets
$m

Total 
liabilities
$m

0.3

–
0.2
0.5

–

–
(0.1)
(0.1)

0.4

0.1
0.1
0.6

–

–
(0.1)
(0.1)

Net fair value gains on contracts that are not designated in a hedge relationship of $0.2m (2022 – $0.6m) 
were recognised in the consolidated income statement during the year, all within net finance expenses 
(note 8).

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
28. Derivatives and Hedging continued

(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 receivables and payables during the year. The 
value of the forward foreign exchange contract matches the value of the trade receivables and payables 
and they move in opposite directions as a result of movements in the GBP/USD or EUR/USD exchange 
rates, being the hedged risk. Fair value gains of $nil (2022 – $0.1m) were recognised in the consolidated 
income statement in net operating income and other expenses (note 4) during the year. At the year-end, 
the fair value of derivative assets designated in a fair value hedge was $nil (2022 – $0.1m).

(c) Cash Flow Hedge 
The Group entered into contracts to purchase materials from suppliers in a currency other than the 
relevant 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, EUR/USD, EUR/GBP, GBP/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 previously deferred in equity and included as part of the cost of inventory, will impact 
profit or loss as part of the cost of inventories sold.

The Group also entered into forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge certain receipts from 
customers and these highly probable forecast transactions have been designated in a cash flow 
hedge relationship. The value of the forward foreign exchange contract matches the value of the 
forecast cash flow and they move in opposite directions as a result of movements in the GBP/USD, 
GBP/NOK, GBP/EUR, EUR/NOK and USD/EUR exchange rates, being the hedged risk. It is 
anticipated that the trade receivables will be collected within 12 months after the invoice is issued, 
at which time the amount previously deferred in equity, will be taken to profit or loss.

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 movements in the 
hedging reserve during the year are shown in note 34.

205

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

2023

0.3

2022

0.4

23.1
2 January 2024 to 
24 June 2024 
1:1

18.5
3 January 2023 to 
21 August 2023
1:1

(0.3)

(0.4)

$m

$m

$m

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) 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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

29. Financial Instruments

Amounts recognised in profit or loss in relation to financial instruments carried at amortised cost were:

This note provides information about the Group’s financial instruments, including an overview of all 
financial instruments held by the Group; specific information about each type of financial instrument; 
and information about determining the fair value of the instruments, including judgements and 
estimation uncertainty involved.

The Group’s exposure to various risks associated with the financial instruments is disclosed in note 30. 
The maximum exposure to credit risk at the end of the reporting period is the carrying amount of each 
class of financial asset. Contract assets are not financial assets; however, they are explicitly included in 
the scope of IFRS 7 for the purpose of the credit risk disclosures in note 30.

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses) included in operating income  
  and other operating expenses (note 4)
Net foreign exchange gains/(losses) included in net finance expense  

(note 8)

Interest received on bank balances and deposits (note 8)
Bank fees and commissions (note 8)
Other finance income (note 8)

2023
$m

0.8

(0.5)
0.2
(2.9)
0.1

2022
$m

(0.3)

0.2
0.4
(2.1)
0.1

(a) Financial Instruments at Amortised Cost
The carrying values of the Group’s financial instruments at amortised cost are as follows:

(b) Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value
(i) Valuation Techniques used to Determine Fair Values 
There have been no changes to the valuation techniques used during the year.

206

Financial assets at amortised cost:
Trade and other receivables (note 18):
  Trade receivables
  Accrued revenue
  Other receivables – non-current
  Other receivables – currenti
  Less: provisions for impairment
Cash and cash equivalents (note 21)

Financial liabilities at amortised cost:
Trade and other payablesii (note 22):
  Trade payables
  Accruals – currentiii
  Other payables – currentiv
Lease liabilities – current and non-current (note 24)
Borrowings (note 25):
  Shareholder loan from non-controlling interest
  Bank borrowings unsecured
  Bank borrowings secured
  Bank overdrafts secured

2023
$m

2022
$m

204.7
2.5
–
1.6
(3.5)
45.5
250.8

(62.5)
(24.2)
(2.8)
(28.7)

(3.9)
–
(44.9)
(1.4)
(168.4)

183.1
2.2
0.1
3.1
(3.7)
29.4
214.2

(66.8)
(29.4)
(1.0)
(30.6)

(3.9)
(2.8)
–
(2.1)
(136.6)

i.   Excludes non-financial assets of $1.0m (2022 – $0.6m) and those financial assets measured at fair value of $0.5m (2022 – $0.6m).
ii.   Excludes non-current payables of $1.1m (2022 – $0.8m) as these are non-financial liabilities.
iii.   Excludes accruals of $26.5m (2022 – $27.5m) recognised under IAS 19 and IFRS 2 that are outside the scope of IFRS 7. 
iv.  Excludes non-financial liabilities of $0.3m (2022 – $0.4m) and financial liabilities measured at fair value of $0.1m (2022 – $0.1m).

The listed equity investments and mutual funds (note 17) are equity instruments measured at fair value 
through profit or loss (“FVTPL”), with the fair value 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. The fair 
value gain for the year was $0.1m on these instruments (2022 – $nil) recognised in other finance 
income (note 8).

The fair value of the convertible financing provided to Wells Data Labs was determined by considering 
the probability weighted average discounted cash flows of the different scenarios using a discount rate 
of 13% (2022 – 12%). The most significant unobservable inputs to the fair value calculation are the 
probabilities of a conversion to equity and change of control assumptions. The fair value at 31 
December 2023 was $2.2m (2022 – $2.9m) (note 17), with a fair value loss of $0.7m (2022 – $0.2m 
gain) recognised in net finance expense during the year (note 8). At 31 December 2023, management 
considers there to be no reasonable changes in unobservable inputs that would result in a significant 
change in fair value.

The following instruments do not qualify for measurement at either amortised cost or at fair value 
through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”). Therefore they are financial instruments that have 
mandatorily been measured at FVTPL: 

•  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 
foreign exchange market on the balance sheet date. Details of the fair value gains and losses 
recognised during the year on derivative contracts are given in note 28.

•  The fair value of foreign currency swaps is determined by calculating the present value of the estimated 

future cash flows in each currency for both legs of the swap based on observable yield curves. 
One leg’s present value is converted into the other currency using the current spot exchange rate. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
29. Financial Instruments continued

(b) Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value continued
(ii) Fair Value Hierarchy
The following tables present the Group’s net financial assets and liabilities that are measured and 
recognised 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 levels during the year.

Equity instruments at FVTPL
Listed equity investments and mutual funds
Debt instruments at FVTPL
Wells Data Labs convertible financing 
Current derivatives in a hedge
Derivative financial assets
Current derivatives held for trading
Derivative financial assets
Derivative financial liabilities

Equity instruments at FVTPL
Listed equity investments and mutual funds
Debt instruments at FVTPL
Well Data Labs convertible financing 
Current derivatives in a hedge
Derivative financial assets
Current derivatives held for trading
Derivative financial assets
Derivative financial liabilities

Fair value at 
31 December 
2023
$m

Level 1
$m

Level 2
$m

Level 3
$m

2.2

2.2

0.3

0.2
(0.1)
4.8

Fair value at 
31 December 
2022
$m

1.9

2.9

0.5

0.1
(0.1)
5.3

2.2

–

–

–
–
2.2

Level 1
$m

1.9

–

–

–
–
1.9

–

–

0.3

0.2
(0.1)
0.4

–

2.2

–

–
–
2.2

Level 2
$m

Level 3
$m

–

–

0.5

0.1
(0.1)
0.5

–

2.9

–

–
–
2.9

The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:
Level 1 – inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability.
Level 3 – unobservable inputs used in the valuation.

207

•  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.

•  The fair value of listed equities and mutual funds are based on quoted market prices and therefore 

the fair value measurements are categorised in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

•  Due to unobservable inputs used in the valuation, the fair value of the Wells Data Labs financial 

asset is a Level 3 measurement as per the fair value hierarchy.

(iii) Amounts Recognised in Profit or Loss
During the year, the following gains and losses were recognised in relation to financial instruments 
measured at FVTPL:

Fair value gains on the listed equity investments and mutual funds (note 8)
Fair value (loss)/gain on Wells Data Labs convertible financing (note 8)
Fair value gains on money market funds (note 8)
Fair value gains on financial instruments mandatorily measured  
  at FVTPL:
  Net fair value gains on derivative financial instruments (note 4)
 Net fair value gains on derivative financial instruments (note 8)

2023
$m
0.1
(0.7)
–

0.3
0.1

2022
$m
–
0.2
0.1

–
0.6

The fair value gains on the listed investments and mutual funds and the Wells Data Labs convertible 
financing are unrealised gains recognised in profit or loss attributable to balances held at the end of 
the reporting period. 

(iv) Fair Values of Other Financial Instruments Carried at Amortised Cost
Due to their short-term nature, the carrying values of trade receivables, accrued revenue, contract 
assets, other receivables considered to be financial assets, cash and cash equivalents, trade payables, 
accruals and other payables considered to be financial liabilities, bank overdrafts and bank borrowings 
approximates their fair value. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
208

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

30. Financial Risk Management 

The Group’s activities expose it to certain financial risks, namely market risk (including foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk), as well as 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 risks established by the Board of Directors, with policies, parameters and procedures covering the specific areas of funding, banking 
relationships, foreign exchange and interest rate exposures and cash management, together with the investment of surplus cash. The Group’s treasury function is responsible for implementing the policies and 
for 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 cooperation 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, Chinese Renminbi, Saudi Arabia Riyal and Canadian 
Dollars. Foreign exchange risks arise from future commercial 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.

Foreign exchange rates that the Group has the largest exposures to are:

Average exchange rate to US Dollars
Year-end exchange rate to US Dollars

Sterling

2023
0.80
0.79

2022
0.81
0.83

Chinese Renminbi

Saudi Arabia Riyal

Canadian Dollars

2023
7.07
7.08

2022
6.73
6.92

2023
3.75
3.75

2022
3.75
3.75

2023
1.35
1.33

2022
1.30
1.35

The aggregate net foreign exchange gains recognised in profit or loss during the year were $0.3m (2022 – $nil).

(i) Transactional Risk
The exposure to exchange rate movements in significant future commercial 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. Treasury engages with business units to help identify transactional exposures. External hedging activity is then 
performed by Treasury on behalf of the business units to ensure that transactional risk is managed appropriately and in accordance with Treasury policy. 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. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
30. Financial Risk Management continued

(a) Market Risk: Foreign Exchange Risk continued 
(i) Transactional Risk continued
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. 

209

At 31 December 2023
Functional currency of Group’s entities:
Sterling
US Dollars
Canadian Dollars
Euro
Chinese Renminbi

At 31 December 2022
Functional currency of Group’s entities:
Sterling
US Dollars
Canadian Dollars
Euro
Chinese Renminbi

Sterling
$m 

–
(2.0)
–
(0.2)
–
(2.2)

Sterling
$m 

–
(2.8)
–
(0.1)
–
(2.9)

US 
Dollars
$m 

(1.0)
–
(0.5)
1.1
(0.5)
(0.9)

US 
Dollars
$m 

(2.2)
–
(1.5)
0.6
(0.1)
(3.2)

Currency of denomination

UAE 
Dirham
$m 

Singapore 
Dollars
$m

Saudi Arabia
Riyal
$m

Chinese 
Renminbi
$m

Other 
currencies
$m

–
(1.7)
–
–
–
(1.7)

UAE 
Dirham
$m 

–
(1.2)
–
–
–
(1.2)

–
(0.6)
–
–
–
(0.6)

–
2.2
–
–
–
2.2

–
(1.6)
–
–
–
(1.6)

–
(0.2)
–
–
–
(0.2)

Currency of denomination

Singapore 
Dollars
$m

Saudi Arabia
Riyal
$m

Chinese 
Renminbi
$m

Other 
currencies
$m

–
(1.3)
–
–
–
(1.3)

–
1.4
–
–
–
1.4

–
2.4
–
–
–
2.4

(0.1)
(0.1)
–
–
–
(0.2)

Total
$m

(1.0)
(3.9)
(0.5)
0.9
(0.5)
(5.0)

Total
$m

(2.3)
(1.6)
(1.5)
0.5
(0.1)
(5.0)

Financial instruments comprise cash balances, trade and other receivables, accrued revenue, trade and other payables, accrued expenses, finance lease liabilities and intra-Group balances. Derivatives 
designated in a cash flow hedge are excluded as fair value gains and losses arising on these are recognised in other comprehensive income.

(ii) Translational Risk
Foreign exchange risk also arises from financial assets and liabilities not denominated in the functional currency of an entity’s operations. 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. This has previously been hedged using foreign exchange swaps that have been designated in a net investment hedge to 
hedge the foreign currency translation risk. 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. The accumulated foreign exchange net post-tax gains included in the currency translation reserve in respect of net investment hedges at the 
beginning and end of the year is $25.0m.

(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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
30. Financial Risk Management continued

(c) Credit Risk
The Group’s credit risk arises from its cash at bank and in hand, investments, derivative financial 
instruments, accrued revenue, outstanding trade receivables, other 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.

(i) Credit Risk: Total Cash and Bank 
Hunting PLC’s Board approves the treasury policies that determine which counterparties can be used. 
Due diligence is carried out prior to the authorisation of a bank or financial institution as an approved 
counterparty. 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. 

At the year-end, cash at bank and in hand totalled $45.5m (2022 – $29.4m), with $31.2m (2022 – 
$19.7m) deposited with banks with Fitch short-term ratings of F1 to F1+. Of the remaining $14.3m 
(2022 – $9.7m), $11.6m (2022 – $6.2m) 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 from any of the ratings agencies mentioned above, 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. This cash balance could be used by 
the Group to service intercompany loans, which total $1.7m at the year-end. In order for the Group to 
access the balance of $9.9m, a dividend would need to be declared.

During the year, the treasury function invested surplus cash in-line with its cash management and 
investment policies in short-term deposits. The use of these deposits enables the treasury function to 
diversify its counterparty concentration risk by depositing funds with various financial institutions and 
improve the yields on a portion of its surplus cash. 

The credit ratings of the financial institutions where the Group’s total cash and bank balances have 
been invested are listed below:

Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand 
Derivative financial assets
Derivative financial assets

Credit rating
Fitch
n/a
Fitch
Fitch

F1 to F1+

AA-(dcr)
A+(dcr)

2023
$m
31.2
14.3
0.5
–

2022
$m
19.7
9.7
0.2
0.4

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. 

210

(ii) Credit Risk: Receivables 
The Group makes sales to a large number of different customers; however a significant proportion of 
sales are made to service companies in the oil and gas sector. The majority of the Group’s customers 
are based in North America. On a quarterly basis, the Group’s entities submit information to the head 
office on individual receivables balances greater than $0.2m, on individual receivable balances that are 
both greater than $32,500 and 60 days overdue, and on quarterly average receivables balances. At 
the year-end, trade receivables of $179.4m (2022 – $158.9m) comprised individual balances greater 
than $0.2m, with no individual customer balance representing more than 9% (2022 – 7%) of the 
year-end receivables balance of $204.7m (2022 – $183.1m).

The risk of customer default for outstanding trade receivables, accrued revenue and contract assets is 
continuously monitored. Credit account limits are set locally by management and are primarily based 
on the credit quality of the customer taking into account past experience through trading relationships 
and the customer’s financial position. The probability that a customer would default has remained 
broadly flat in 2023. The Group used Credit Benchmark software to monitor the creditworthiness and 
changing credit profiles of its customers. Credit Benchmark uses a similar ratings framework to the 
main credit ratings agencies for classifying the credit quality of a business. However, Credit Benchmark 
ratings are based on contributed risk views from leading global financial institutions, including 15 
Global Systemically Important Banks domiciled in the US, Continental Europe, Switzerland, the UK, 
Japan, Canada, Australia and South Africa. The contributions are anonymised, aggregated and 
published twice monthly in the form of Credit Consensus Ratings and Aggregate Analytics. 

Although in most cases the Credit Benchmark consensus rating of a business is based on a number 
of contributing views, there are instances where there is only a single source on which the rating is 
based. During 2023, 38% of sales, which is more than $347m (2022 – 37%/$263m) of the Group’s 
revenue, were made to customers with a Credit Benchmark investment-grade rating of bbb or higher, 
as shown in the table below. This includes customers with a single-source rating, whereby the rating is 
based on only a single source rather than a consensus rating which has been derived from a number 
of contributing views.

Credit Benchmark – Credit Consensus Ratings
aa
a
bbb
bb
b
No rating

% of Revenue

2023
8
22
8
7
–
55

2022
2
16
19
3
3
57

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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
30. Financial Risk Management continued

(c) Credit Risk continued
(iii) Credit Risk: Other Financial Assets 
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. 
Investments at the year-end amounted to $2.2m (2022 – $1.9m) and are expected to be fully 
recovered.

The Group has provided Wells Data Labs with $2.5m in convertible financing, the fair value of which 
was $2.2m at 31 December 2023 (2022 – $2.9m). The investment is considered to have a low credit 
risk, although the credit risk of the debt instrument has increased during the year. This increased risk 
has been reflected in the fair value calculation of the debt instrument.

(d) Liquidity Risk
(i) Bank Facilities 
The Group’s treasury function ensures 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 treasury function ensures flexibility in funding by maintaining availability under committed 
credit facilities. The Group’s credit facilities are provided by a variety of funding sources and total 
$193.8m (2022 – $186.9m) at the year-end.

The Group’s undrawn facilities at the year-end were as follows:

Secured committed facilities
Unsecured uncommitted facilities

2023
$m
103.1
34.4
137.5

2022
$m
155.0
31.9
186.9

Secured Committed Facilities: Asset Based Lending Facility
The ABL facility of $150.0m, arranged with a four-year term, matures on 7 February 2026. An accordion 
feature of up to $50.0m was also agreed during facility negotiations. This feature allows the Group to 
increase the total facility quantum to $200.0m, subject to further credit approval by the ABL lenders.

The Group’s borrowing capacity is linked to secured asset values. The three main asset classes that 
form the “Borrowing Base” against which bank capital is advanced are North American-based trade 
receivables, inventories and freehold property. The Group is required to submit various reports to the 
facility agent each month so that any fluctuation in the carrying values of these assets are communicated 
to the lenders, and so that the borrowing base may be recalibrated based on the most recent asset 
values. Accordingly, availability under the ABL facility will fluctuate to the extent that the underlying 
asset values change over time, either up or down. The carrying amounts of the assets pledged as 
security is discussed in notes 11, 18 and 20. 

211

The ABL financial covenants are only measured under certain conditions, principally once utilisation 
of the facility goes through a predefined threshold i.e. 87.5% of the “Line Cap” (“Line Cap” is defined as 
the lesser of the total facility amount and the Borrowing Base), at which point the Fixed Charge Cover 
Ratio (“FCCR”) is measured and must be complied with. The FCCR is a financial covenant that looks 
back over the trailing 12-month period to assess whether EBITDA (as defined by the ABL facility 
agreement) covers the Group’s Fixed Charges (as defined by the facility agreement) at a ratio of at 
least 1:1. Management has detailed the wider considerations regarding going concern and future 
covenant compliance in the Going Concern Statement on page 107.

During 2023, the Group began drawing down on the ABL to fund its working capital requirements. 
However, utilisation of the facility has not exceeded the threshold of 87.5% of the Line Cap and, 
therefore, formal testing of the FCCR financial covenant has not been required.

In January 2023, one of the banks in the ABL lending group provided a $2.4m letter of credit in favour 
of one of the Group’s major customers, which has an expiration date of February 2026. This amount 
has been permanently carved out of the total facility amount that Hunting is able to utilise under the ABL.

Unsecured Uncommitted Facilities
To support the CNOOC order in China, three local facilities were arranged. One facility is with the 
Bank of Jiangsu for CNY50.0m and another is with ICBC for CNY60.0m, both maturing in the second 
half of 2024. A third facility for CNY165.0m was provided by HSBC China in Suzhou. There is no 
formal termination date on this facility, which means it is available until further bilateral agreement. 
These facilities, totalling CNY275.0m ($38.9m; 31 December 2022 – $34.7m), have all been arranged 
on an uncommitted, unsecured basis and are only available to the Group’s Chinese subsidiary. 
Interest on all three facilities is based on the China Loan Prime Rate, which at 31 December 2023 
stood at 3.45% (31 December 2022 – 3.65%). At 31 December 2023, $9.4m of the facilities were 
utilised (31 December 2022 – $2.8m). 

(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 cash forecasts to the treasury function to enable it to monitor the Group’s requirements. 
A consolidated 12-week forecast, produced weekly, is maintained by the Group’s treasury function, 
which monitors long- and short-term liquidity requirements of the Group and also identifies any 
unexpected variances week-on-week.

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 to ensure that funds are managed 
in the best interests of the Group. 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 Board-approved treasury policy. 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. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information212

Deposits and Investments of Surplus Cash
Short-term deposits 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. 

During the year, the treasury function has invested surplus cash in deposits in-line with its cash 
management and investment policies that would enable a fair return, whilst maintaining the ability 
to access the cash easily. The use of these deposits enables the treasury function to diversify its 
counterparty concentration risk by depositing funds with various financial institutions and improve the 
yields on a portion of its surplus cash. However, as the working capital requirements of the Group 
changed throughout the year, the use of these cash products greatly reduced and by the end of 2023 
there were no balances held in deposits. 

Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates.

(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 dates 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.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
30. Financial Risk Management continued

(d) Liquidity Risk continued
(ii) Management of Cash continued
Cash Management Arrangements
In respect of the UK business units and head office companies, the treasury function has arranged 
a cash concentration structure with HSBC Bank UK and Barclays Bank UK PLC 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, N.A. 
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 allow 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. Treasury has organised banking arrangements with 
HSBC in China on behalf of the Group’s Chinese business units and, therefore, has visibility of any 
cash balances held with HSBC and transaction data for these accounts via HSBC’s proprietary online 
banking system. For balances held at other Chinese banks, treasury has visibility either via its SWIFT 
connection or from information supplied by Hunting’s local entity.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
30. Financial Risk Management continued

(d) Liquidity Risk continued
(iii) Future Cash Flows of Financial Liabilities continued

Non-derivative
  financial liabilities:
Trade payables
Accruals
Other payables
Lease liabilities
Bank borrowings secured
Bank overdrafts secured
Shareholder loan from  
  non-controlling interest
Total 

Non-derivative  
  financial liabilities:
Trade payables
Accruals
Other payables
Lease liabilities
Bank borrowings unsecured
Bank borrowings secured
Bank overdrafts secured
Shareholder loan from  
  non-controlling interest
Total 

On demand 
or within 
one year
$m

Between 
one and 
five years
$m 

2023

After 
five years
$m

62.5
24.2
2.8
8.2
48.6
1.4

–
147.7

–
–
–
16.2
4.1
–

–
20.3

–
–
–
10.3
–
–

3.9
14.2

On demand 
or within 
one year
$m

Between 
one and 
five years
$m 

2022

After 
five years
$m

66.8
29.4
1.0
8.9
2.8
0.7
2.1

–
111.7

–
–
–
16.4
–
1.6
–

–
18.0

–
–
–
9.5
–
–
–

3.9
13.4

Total
$m

62.5
24.2
2.8
34.7
52.7
1.4

3.9
182.2

Total
$m

66.8
29.4
1.0
34.8
2.8
2.3
2.1

3.9
143.1

Carrying 
value 
$m

62.5
24.2
2.8
28.7
44.9
1.4

3.9
168.4

Carrying 
value 
$m

66.8
29.4
1.0
30.6
2.8
–
2.1

3.9
136.6

The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual, undiscounted cash flows.

On demand
or within
one year
$m

2023

Between 
one and 
five years
$m

58.2
(57.9)

–
–

On demand
or within
one year
$m

2022

Between 
one and 
five years
$m

47.5
(47.1)

–
–

Total
$m

58.2
(57.9)

Currency 
derivatives: 
Inflows
  Outflows

213

Total
$m

47.5
(47.1)

(e) Capital Risk Management
The Group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing capital are outlined in the Strategic 
Report within the Group Funding section on pages 58 and 59. 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 
are made together with the parameters for meeting external financial covenants.

31. Financial Instruments: Sensitivity Analysis

The following sensitivity analysis is intended to illustrate the sensitivity to changes in market variables 
on the Group’s 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, 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 2023. 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 

The Group had no net settled financial liabilities at the year-end (2022 – none).

for the purpose of this analysis; and 

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 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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
31. Financial Instruments: Sensitivity Analysis continued

(a) Interest Rate Sensitivity
(i) US Interest Rates 
The sensitivity rate of 2.0% (2022 – 1.0%) 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 impact on the consolidated income statement, with all other variables held constant, in applying 
the sensitivity above results in a $0.6m (2022 – $0.1m) increase or decrease in post-tax profit for an 
increase or decrease in US interest rates. There is no impact on other comprehensive income (“OCI”) 
for a change in US interest rates.

(ii) Other Interest Rates 
For all other interest rates, there is an immaterial impact on post-tax profit or loss for any reasonably 
possible changes in other interest rates, based on historical volatility and a review of analysts’ research 
and banks’ expectations of future interest rates. There is no impact on OCI for a change in other 
interest rates.

(b) Foreign Exchange Rate Sensitivity 
Management has considered the impact of changes to the various foreign exchange rates on the 
exposed financial assets and liabilities disclosed in note 30(a)(i). The sensitivity rates selected range 
between 3-5% and 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. There is an immaterial impact on post-tax profit or loss and on OCI for any reasonably 
possible changes in the foreign exchange rates.

32. Post-employment Benefits

(a) Defined Contribution Arrangements
A number of defined contribution 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 2023 these totalled $8.2m (2022 – $7.2m).

(b) Unfunded Defined Benefit Schemes
(i) US 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. 

The amounts recognised in the consolidated income statement during the year were $0.2m 
(2022 – $0.1m) reflecting the employer’s current service cost (charged to administrative expenses) 
and a net $nil (2022 – $nil) relating to fair value gains and losses on the listed equities and mutual 
funds and interest charged on the benefit obligations. 

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)
Remeasurement – excess of notional investment returns  
  over interest cost
Interest on benefit obligations
Present value of the obligation at the end of the year

2023 
$m
1.9
0.2

–
0.1
2.2

214

2022 
$m
1.9
0.1

(0.1)
–
1.9

The obligation of $2.2m (2022 – $1.9m) is presented in the consolidated balance sheet in non-current 
payables (note 22).

(ii) Middle East Defined Benefit Schemes
The Group operates two unfunded defined benefit pension schemes in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, 
whereby local law requires payment to be made to an employee when they leave their employment 
with the business unit based on their salary and number of years of service. The combined obligation 
at the year-end was $0.8m (2022 – $0.7m), with $0.1m (2022 – $0.2m) recognised in the consolidated 
income statement during the year. The obligation is presented in non-current other 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 31 December 2021, 2022 and 2023

Ordinary 
shares of 
25p each
Number
164,940,082

Ordinary 
shares of 
25p each
$m
66.5

Share 
premium
$m
153.0

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 161. All of the Ordinary shares in issue are fully paid.

At 31 December 2023, 6,591,918 (2022 – 5,370,963) Ordinary shares were held by an Employee 
Benefit Trust. Details of the carrying amount are set out in note 35.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

34. Other Components of Equity

At 1 January 2023
Exchange adjustments
Share options and awards:
 – value of employee services
 – discharge
Fair value gains and losses:
 –  losses originating on cash flow hedges arising during the year
 –  losses transferred to balance sheet on disposal of cash flow hedges
 –  gains reclassified to profit or loss on disposal of cash flow hedges
 – taxation
Transfer between reserves (note 35)
At 31 December 2023

At 1 January 2022
Exchange adjustments
Share options and awards:
 – value of employee services
 – discharge
Fair value gains and losses:
 –  gains originating on cash flow hedges arising during the year
 –  gains transferred to balance sheet on disposal of cash flow hedges
 –  losses reclassified to profit or loss on disposal of cash flow hedges 
 – taxation
Transfer between reserves (note 35)
At 31 December 2022

Merger reserve
$m
11.8
–

Share-based 
payments reserve
$m
15.9
–

Currency 
translation reserve
$m
(13.0)
3.8

Capital 
redemption reserve
$m
0.8
–

Hedge reserve
$m
0.3
–

2023

–
–

–
–
–
–
(11.8)
–

12.3
(8.3)

–
–
–
–
–
19.9

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
0.8

–
–

(0.3)
0.3
(0.3)
0.1
–
0.1

–
–

–
–
–
–
(2.7)
(11.9)

2022

Merger reserve
$m
25.4
–

Share-based 
payments reserve
$m
15.6
–

Currency 
translation reserve
$m
(3.8)
(9.2)

Capital 
redemption reserve
$m
0.8
–

Hedge reserve
$m
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
(13.6)
11.8

9.4
(9.1)

–
–
–
–
–
15.9

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
(13.0)

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
0.8

–
–

0.4
(0.1)
0.1
(0.1)
–
0.3

215

Total
$m
15.8
3.8

12.3
(8.3)

(0.3)
0.3
(0.3)
0.1
(14.5)
8.9

Total
$m
38.0
(9.2)

9.4
(9.1)

0.4
(0.1)
0.1
(0.1)
(13.6)
15.8

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 qualifying consideration. During the year, the remaining balance of $11.8m (2022 – $13.6m) 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.

The share-based payments reserve represents the Group’s obligation to settle share-based awards issued to its employees. When employees exercise their awards, the portion of the share-based payments 
reserve which represents the share-based payment charge for those awards is transferred to retained earnings and the Group discharges its obligation. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information216

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
34. Other Components of Equity continued

The currency translation reserve contains the accumulated foreign exchange differences that arise 
from the translation of the financial statements of the Group’s foreign operations into US Dollars when 
the Group’s entities are consolidated, together with exchange differences arising on foreign currency 
loans used to finance foreign currency net investments. The currency translation reserve also includes 
the accumulated foreign exchange net gains in respect of net investment hedges, which will be 
released to the income statement on the disposal or dissolution of the relevant subsidiary. During the 
year, there was a transfer of $2.7m between the currency translation reserve and retained earnings.

The capital redemption reserve is a statutory, non-distributable reserve into which amounts are 
transferred following the purchase of the Company’s own shares out of distributable profits.

The hedge reserve represents the accumulated fair value gains and losses in relation to the spot 
component of forward foreign exchange contracts designated in a cash flow hedge that were taken 
out to hedge the purchase of an asset, such as property, plant and equipment or inventory, in a 
foreign currency. The fair value gain or loss accumulated in the hedge reserve is transferred to the 
cost of the asset when it is acquired.

35. Retained Earnings

At 1 January 
Profit/(loss) for the year
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes net of tax (note 32)
Dividends paid to Hunting PLC shareholders
Treasury shares:
 – purchase of treasury shares
 – proceeds on disposal of treasury shares
Share options and awards:
 – discharge
 – taxation
Transfer between reserves (note 34)
At 31 December

2023
$m
609.3
117.1
–
(15.0)

(9.0)
0.3

7.9
0.3
14.5
725.4

2022
$m
612.4
(4.6)
0.1
(13.6)

(7.9)
0.2

8.9
0.2
13.6
609.3

The share options and awards taxation credit taken directly to equity of $0.3m (2022 – $0.2m) 
comprised a deferred tax credit.

Retained earnings include the following amounts in respect of the carrying amount of treasury shares:

Cost:
At 1 January
Purchase of treasury shares
Cost of treasury shares disposed
At 31 December

2023
$m

(19.2)
(9.0)
6.0
(22.2)

2022
$m

(15.0)
(7.9)
3.7
(19.2)

At 31 December 2023, 6,591,918 Ordinary shares were held by the Employee Benefit Trust 
(2022 – 5,370,963). The Company purchased 2,935,096 (2022 – 2,130,142) additional treasury shares 
during the year for $9.0m (2022 – $7.9m). The loss on disposal of treasury shares during the year, 
which is recognised in retained earnings, was $5.7m (2022 – $3.5m).

36. Dividends Paid to Hunting PLC Shareholders

Ordinary dividends:
2022 final dividend
2023 interim dividend 
2021 final dividend 
2022 interim dividend

2023

Cents 
per share

4.5
5.0
–
–
9.5

$m

7.1
7.9
–
–
15.0

2022

Cents 
per share

–
–
4.0
4.5
8.5

$m

–
–
6.4
7.2
13.6

A final dividend for 2023 of 5.0 cents per share has been proposed by the Board, amounting to an 
estimated distribution of $7.9m. The proposed final dividend is subject to approval by the shareholders 
at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 17 April 2024 and has not been provided for in these 
financial statements. If approved, the dividend will be paid in Sterling on 10 May 2024, to shareholders 
on the register on 12 April 2024, 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 10.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

37. Share-based Payments 

(a) 2009 Performance Share Plan (“PSP”)
(i) 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. Share awards can only be exercised by the employees to whom they were granted. 
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. 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

2023
Number of
shares
1,001
(1,001)
–
–

2022
Number of
shares
2,726
(866)
(859)
1,001

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise during 2023 was 332.0 pence 
(2022 – 282.0 pence).

Details of the time-based PSP awards and options outstanding at 31 December 2023 are as follows:

217

(i) Performance-based Awards
The performance-based HPSP awards granted to the executive Directors and senior employees are 
divided into five tranches of differing proportions. Each tranche is subject to a three-year vesting 
period and Company performance is measured against various performance metrics, as shown in the 
table below.

The performance period for awards granted on 6 March 2023 under the HPSP is 1 January 2023 to 
31 December 2025. The vesting date of the 2023 award is 6 March 2026. 

The award weightings for the years 2021, 2022 and 2023 are in the table below.

Performance measure
Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”)  
  of a bespoke comparator group
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (“EPS”)
Return on average capital employed (“ROCE”)
Free cash flow (“FCF”)
Balanced strategic scorecard – non-financial KPIs  
  comprising Quality and Safety performance

Award
weighting
2023
%

Award
weighting
2022
%

Award
weighting
2021
%

20
20
25
20

15

25
20
20
20

15

35
25
25
–

15

Details of the performance-based HPSP award movements during the year are set out below:

2023
Number of 
shares

2022
Number of 
shares

Normal
vesting date

Expiry date

Date of grant:
20 March 2013
Outstanding and exercisable 
  at the end of the year

–

–

1,001

20 March 2016

20 March 2023

1,001

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

The fair value charge to the consolidated income statement attributable to the time-based PSP is $nil 
(2022 – $nil).

(b) 2014 Hunting Performance Share Plan (“HPSP”)
The Company grants share awards annually to executive Directors and senior employees under the 
rules of the HPSP, following shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of the 
Company on 16 April 2014. Awards are granted as either performance or time-based options or 
awards at nil cost under the HPSP and can only be exercised by the employees to whom they were 
granted. Share options which are subject to tax on exercise are granted to UK employees. Share 
option holders have seven years in which to exercise their vested awards. Share awards which are 
subject to tax on vesting are granted to employees resident in some other tax jurisdictions.

2023
Number of 
shares
7,641,325
1,231,216
1,263,083
(178,211)
(2,127,921)
7,829,492

2022
Number of 
shares
5,757,230
1,506,466
2,170,275
(95,035)
(1,697,611)
7,641,325

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
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 2023 are as follows:

(ii) Time-based Awards
The Company also grants time-based share awards annually to senior employees under the HPSP, 
which are subject to a three-year vesting period. Annual awards of shares may be made to employees 
subject to continued employment during the vesting period. There are no performance conditions 
attached. 

218

Date of grant:
11 March 2016 – options
19 April 2018 – options
21 March 2019 – options
3 March 2020 – options
3 March 2020 – awards
4 March 2021 – options
4 March 2021 – awards
4 March 2022 – options
4 March 2022 – awards
6 March 2023 – options
6 March 2023 – awards
Outstanding at the end  
  of the year
Exercisable at the end  
  of the year
Weighted average remaining 
  contractual life of options 
  outstanding at the end  
  of the year

2023
Number of 
shares

2022
Number of 
shares

Normal
vesting date

Expiry date

Details of the time-based HPSP award movements during the year are set out below:

–
–
–
1,566
–
365,499
1,838,743
505,420
2,662,151
425,229
2,030,884

22,065
3,485
2,272
303,732
1,722,521
346,282
1,897,447
506,709
2,836,812
–
–

11 March 2019
19 April 2021
21 March 2022
3 March 2023
3 March 2023
4 March 2024
4 March 2024
4 March 2025
4 March 2025
6 March 2026
6 March 2026

11 March 2026
19 April 2028
21 March 2029
3 March 2030
–
4 March 2031
–
4 March 2032
–
6 March 2033
–

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

2023
Number of
shares
5,382,246
2,143,469
(1,434,673)
(392,624)
5,698,418

2022
Number of
shares
3,794,815
2,695,411
(882,875)
(225,105)
5,382,246

In 2023, a total of 1,434,673 awards were exercised (2022 – 882,875). The weighted average share 
price at the date of exercise during 2023 was 251.1 pence (2022 – 324.6 pence). 

7,829,492

7,641,325

1,566

27,822

8.25 years

8.27 years

In 2023, a total of 178,211 awards were exercised (2022 – 95,035). The weighted average share price 
at the date of exercise during 2023 was 230.4 pence (2022 – 327.7 pence). 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
37. Share-based Payments continued

(b) 2014 Hunting Performance Share Plan (“HPSP”) continued
(ii) Time-based Awards continued
Details of the time-based HPSP awards outstanding at 31 December 2023 are as follows:

(iii) Fair Value of HPSP Awards
The fair value of awards granted under the HPSP is calculated using two separate models:

2023
Number of 
shares

2022
Number of 
shares

Normal
vesting date

Expiry date

(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). 

219

Date of grant:
1 May 2014 – options
28 April 2015 – options
11 March 2016 – options
3 March 2017 – options
19 April 2018 – options
21 March 2019 – options
3 March 2020 – options
3 March 2020 – awards
4 March 2021 – options
4 March 2021 – awards
4 March 2022 – options
4 March 2022 – awards
6 March 2023 – options
6 March 2023 – awards
Outstanding at the end  
  of the year
Exercisable at the end  
  of the year
Weighted average remaining 
  contractual life of options 
  outstanding at the end  
  of the year

–
–
1,411
1,859
4,341
13,384
68,328
–
219,433
1,005,865
363,760
1,961,409
356,321
1,702,307

1,568
3,932
39,942
11,737
33,718
57,599
216,863
975,642
289,650
1,129,512
458,869
2,163,214
–
–

1 May 2017
28 April 2018
11 March 2019
3 March 2020
19 April 2021
21 March 2022
3 March 2023
3 March 2023
4 March 2024
4 March 2024
4 March 2025
4 March 2025
6 March 2026
6 March 2026

1 May 2024
28 April 2025
11 March 2026
3 March 2027
19 April 2028
21 March 2029
3 March 2030
–
4 March 2031
–
4 March 2032
–
6 March 2033
–

5,698,418

5,382,246

89,323

148,496

8.14 years

7.98 years

  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
Weighted average fair value at grant

2023
6 March 2023
277.0p
nil
nil
54.8%
3.84%
3 years
156.6p

2022
4 March 2022
226.0p
nil
nil
55.2%
1.04% 
3 years
167.1p

(2)  The fair value of performance-based awards not subject to a market-related performance condition 

include the EPS, ROCE, FCF and balanced strategic scorecard 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
Weighted average fair value at grant

2023
6 March 2023
277.0p
nil
nil
54.8%
3.84%
3 years
277.0p

2022
4 March 2022
226.0p
nil
nil
55.2%
1.04% 
3 years
226.0p

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
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 continued
The methods to calculate the assumptions for both models are:

•  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 zero coupon UK government bond yield 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 $6.3m (2022 – $3.6m) and the charge to the consolidated income statement in 
respect of time-based HPSP awards is $6.0m (2022 – $5.8m). These charges are recognised in 
administrative expenses.

(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.

220

(i) Performance-based Awards 
The performance-based cash conditional awards to 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 various performance measures as shown in the table below. The performance 
period for the 2023 awards is 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2025. 

The award weightings for the years 2021, 2022 and 2023 are in the table below.

Performance measure
TSR of a bespoke comparator group
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (“EPS”)
Return on average capital employed (“ROCE”)
Free cash flow (“FCF”)
Balanced strategic scorecard – non-financial KPIs  
  comprising Quality and Safety performance

Award
weighting
2023
%
20
20
25
20

Award
weighting
2022
%
25
20
20
20

Award
weighting
2021
%
35
25
25
–

15

15

15

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
Vested and exercise during the year
Lapsed during the year
Outstanding at the end of the year

2023
Number of
shares
546,402
158,991
(12,392)
(152,851)
540,150

2022
Number of
shares
342,140
204,262
–
–
546,402

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information221

Details of the cash conditional time-based awards outstanding at 31 December 2023 are as follows:

Date of grant:
3 March 2020
4 March 2021
4 March 2022
6 March 2023
Outstanding at the end of the year

2023
Number of 
shares

–
117,837
325,564
263,421
706,822

2022
Number of 
shares

89,036
117,837
325,564
–
532,437

Normal
vesting date

3 March 2023
4 March 2024
4 March 2025
6 March 2026

The fair value of the cash conditional awards is calculated at the date of grant 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 weighted average fair value of the award at 
31 December 2023 was 295.5 pence (2022 – 333.0 pence).

(d) Amounts Included in the Accounts
The charge to the consolidated income statement attributable to the cash conditional share awards 
is $1.2m (2022 – $0.5m) and the total charge attributable to the equity-settled awards is $12.3m 
(2022 – $9.4m). The total charge to the consolidated income statement for the year for share-based 
payments is $13.5m (2022 – $9.9m), see note 7. The total liability in relation to the cash-settled awards 
included in accruals at the year-end is $1.8m (2022 – $0.9m), of which $nil (2022 – $nil) related to 
awards that had vested.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
37. Share-based Payments continued

(c) Cash Conditional Share Awards continued
(i) Performance-based Awards continued
Details of the cash conditional performance-based awards outstanding at 31 December 2023 are 
as follows:

Date of grant:
3 March 2020
4 March 2021
4 March 2022
6 March 2023
Outstanding at the end of the year

2023
Number of 
shares

–
176,897
204,262
158,991
540,150

2022
Number of 
shares

165,243
176,897
204,262
–
546,402

Normal
vesting date

3 March 2023
4 March 2024
4 March 2025
6 March 2026

The fair value of the cash conditional performance-based awards is calculated at the date of grant 
using the same assumptions and model as the fair value of the performance-based awards not 
subject to a market-related condition (see 37(b)(iii) above). The weighted average fair value of the award 
at 31 December 2023 was 295.5 pence (2022 – 333.0 pence).

(ii) Time-based Awards
The Company also grants time-based cash conditional awards annually, which are subject to a 
three-year vesting period. Annual cash awards may be made to employees subject to continued 
employment during the vesting period. There are no performance conditions attached. 

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

2023
Number of
shares
532,437
265,816
(89,036)
(2,395)
706,822

2022
Number of
shares
247,106
325,564
(40,233)
–
532,437

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise during 2023 was 282.0 pence 
(2022 – 328.0 pence).

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
222

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

38. Related-party Transactions

The following related-party transactions took place between wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Group 
and associates and joint ventures during the year:

40. Principal Accounting Policies

The Group’s principal accounting policies are described below:

Additional investment in Cumberland (note 16)
Investment in Indian joint venture arrangement with Jindal SAW (note 16)
Revenue from sales to joint ventures
Dividends received from Tianjin Huaxin (note 16)
Year-end balances:
  Shareholder loan from non-controlling interest (note 25)

2023
$m
(1.6)
–
0.6
0.6

(3.9)

The outstanding balances at the year-end are unsecured and have no fixed date for repayment. 

2022
$m
(1.6)
(1.9)
0.3
–

(3.9)

(a) Consolidation
•  The Group financial statements include the results of the Company and its subsidiaries, together 

with its share of associates and joint ventures.

•  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 arising on business combinations are expensed to the consolidated 

income statement as incurred.

During the year, revenue of $9.2m (2022 – $12.3m) was generated from sales to BestLink Tube Pte. 
Ltd., the minority interest holder in Hunting Energy Services (China) Pte. Ltd. Additionally, revenue of 
$3.0m (2022 – $4.6m) was recognised from sales to Jindal SAW, the Indian joint venture partner. 

All ownership interests in associates are in the equity shares of those companies. The ownership 
interests in associates, joint ventures and subsidiaries are set out in notes C19 and C20 to the 
Company financial statements. 

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 7. 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 162). Accordingly, the Directors do not consider there to be an ultimate 
controlling party.

39. Events After the Balance Sheet Date

There are no events after the balance sheet date to disclose. 

(b) Revenue
(i) Revenue from Contracts with Customers
•  Revenue is recognised as performance obligations are satisfied when control of promised goods 

or services is transferred to the customer and is measured at the amount that reflects the 
consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.
•  For each performance obligation within a contract, the Group determines whether it recognises 

revenue:
1. Wholly at a single point in time when the Group has completed its performance obligation; 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. The supply of goods that are specifically designed for, and restricted to, the use of a particular 

customer, and for which Hunting has an enforceable right to payment for the work completed to 
date, for example, the design and manufacture of bespoke products such as titanium stress joints;

2. The provision of services in which Hunting creates or enhances an asset that the customer 

controls as the asset is created or enhanced, such as the lathing of a thread onto the ends of 
customer-owned plain-end pipe and assembling or welding components that are owned by the 
customer; and

3. The provision of services in which the customer obtains the benefit while the service is being 
performed, such as the storage and management services of customer-owned products.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information223

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
40. Principal Accounting Policies continued

(b) Revenue continued
(i) Revenue from Contracts with Customers continued
•  In respect of revenue that is recognised over time, Hunting uses an input method for measuring the 
progress towards completion of its performance obligations and consequently for measuring the 
amount of revenue that is recognised. Specifically, revenue is recognised in proportion to the total 
expected consideration that mirrors the costs incurred to date relative to the total expected costs to 
complete the performance obligation. This method is considered to be the most appropriate as the 
inclusion of all costs, being materials, labour and direct overheads, best reflects the activities 
required in performing the promise to the customer.

(c) Interest
•  Interest income and expense is recognised in the consolidated income statement using the effective 

interest method.

(d) Foreign Currencies
(i) Individual Subsidiaries’, Associates’ and Joint Ventures’ Financial Statements
•  The financial statements for each of the Group’s subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are 

denominated in their functional currency.

•  The functional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity 

•  Hunting’s activities that require revenue recognition at a point in time comprise:

operates.

1. The sale of goods that are not specifically designed for use by one particular customer. These 

•  Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the 

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 does not have an enforceable right to payment for the work completed to date. 

•  The events that trigger the recognition of revenue at a point in time are most commonly: (i) delivery 
of the product in accordance with the contractual terms; or (ii) when the product is made available 
to the customer for collection; or (iii) when the customer notifies the Group that they have accepted 
the product following a period of inspection. Hunting utilises the customer acceptance approach 
when the contract with the customer contains a requirement for formal acceptance to be provided, 
that typically is required to be received before the customer is obliged to pay for the products.
•  When revenue from a customer is recognised, the amount is reported on the balance sheet as a 

contract asset if the performance obligation is incomplete as this asset reflects that it is conditional 
upon Hunting completing the work. The revenue is reported on the balance sheet as accrued 
income if the performance obligation has been completed but a sales invoice has not yet been 
issued. The revenue is recognised on the balance sheet as a trade receivable if a sales invoice has 
been issued as this asset reflects that it is unconditional other than the passage of time. The Group 
recognises a contract liability on the balance sheet when amounts received and receivable from the 
customer exceed the value of the work done to date, reflecting that the Group is obligated to 
transfer goods or services in order to settle the prepayment from the customer.

(ii) Rental Revenue
•  Rental revenue from operating leases, being leases in which Hunting does not transfer substantially 
all of the risks and rewards of the leased asset to the customer, is recognised as the income is earned.

•  Revenue from finance leases, being leases in which Hunting, as a manufacturer/dealer-lessor, 

transfers substantially all of the risks and rewards of the leased asset to the customer, is measured 
as the fair value of the underlying asset or if lower the present value of the lease payments. The 
carrying value of the leased asset minus the unguaranteed residual value is charged to cost of sales 
and interest earned during the term of the lease is recognised as finance income.

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, associates and joint ventures are 

translated into US Dollars at the exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date.

•  The income statements of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are translated into US Dollars 

at the average exchange rates 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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
40. Principal Accounting Policies continued

(e) 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.

(f) Property, Plant and Equipment
•  Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment 
losses. 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 oil and gas exploration and development, assets are depreciated using the 

•  Deferred tax is the tax that is expected to arise when the assets and liabilities recognised in the 

straight-line method at the following rates:

224

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 liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred 

tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against 
which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not 
recognised if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition (other than in a business 
combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor 
the accounting profit and at the time of transaction dos not give rise to equal amounts of taxable 
and deductible temporary differences. In addition, a deferred tax liability is not recognised if the 
temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill. 

•  Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in 

subsidiaries and associates, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary 
difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 
Deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary differences associated with such investments 
are only recognised to the extent that it is probable that there will be sufficient taxable profits against 
which to utilise the benefits of the temporary differences and they are expected to reverse in the 
foreseeable future. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date 
and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available 
to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

•  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.

  Freehold buildings 
  Leasehold buildings 
  Plant, machinery and motor vehicles   
  Rental tools 

– 2% to 10%
– life of lease
– 6% to 331⁄3%
– 3% to 25%

•  The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end 

of each reporting period.

(g) Leases
•  Lessees: 

 With regard to lessee contracts, the Group recognises a lease obligation as a liability and a 
right-of-use asset at the inception of the contract, except with regard to the two exemptions noted 
below. In measuring the lease obligation, the Group takes account of all fixed payments and the 
known amount of variable payments. Management also assesses the likelihood of the Group 
exercising extension options, early termination options and purchase options when contractually 
offered, and incorporates the relevant assumed cash flows in the initial measurement. These future 
gross cash flows are then discounted using the incremental borrowing rate (“IBR”) that is relevant to 
each lease. The interest rate implicit in the lease is not used as the Group is unable to access the 
specific financials of the lessor that would be required in order to determine that rate. The IBR is 
determined by reference to: (i) the weighted average period of the lease term; (ii) the risk-free rate of 
the currency of the lease, adjusted for country-specific government bond yields for contracts 
denominated in the Euro; (iii) the market risk premium associated with the currency of denomination 
of the contract; and (iv) a financing spread associated with the financial status and country of 
location of the lessee entity; (v) an asset-specific adjustment associated with the perceived security 
that each type of asset provides to the lessor. The right-of-use asset is usually initially measured as 
equal to the initial measurement of the lease liability plus any contracted remediation work that 
would be required at the end of the lease term as there are usually no initial direct costs or lease 
payments made prior to the inception of the contract.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
225

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
40. Principal Accounting Policies continued

(g) Leases continued
•  Lessees: continued 
   Whenever circumstances change post-inception, for example when the judged likelihood of  
  whether an option will or will not be exercised, or indices relevant to the measurement of variable  
  payments change, or the lease term is extended with regard to a contract that does not offer an  
  extension option, the lease obligation is remeasured and the right-of-use asset is correspondingly    
  amended. Remeasurement of the lease obligation is typically based on a revised IBR as the  
  change in circumstances has most commonly resulted from a change in the lease term.

(i) 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.

  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. Depreciation is  
  charged on a straight-line basis over the lease term; to date the Group has not and is not expected   

•  Other intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and any impairment losses.
•  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.

to exercise a purchase option which would otherwise shorten the depreciation period.

•  Intangible assets are amortised over the following periods:

   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 over the lease term. The two   
  exemptions apply to:

 – leases that have a duration of one year or less; and 
 – leases of assets that would have cost $5,000 or less, when new, to acquire if the asset had been 

  Customer relationships 
  Unpatented technology 
  Patents  
  Trademarks and domain names 
  Software 

– eight to ten years
– eight to ten years
– eight to ten years
– one to five years
– three to eight years

purchased rather than leased.

•  Lessors: 

 Hunting leases equipment to customers in the capacity of a manufacturer/dealer lessor. 
Consequently, the leased asset is derecognised and a finance lease receivable is recognised on 
the balance sheet in respect of the future amounts payable by the customer.

(h) 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 (“CGUs”) for the purpose of impairment testing. The 
allocation is made to the CGUs or groups of CGUs 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.

(j) Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures
•  An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant influence but not control or joint 

control. A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control have rights 
to the net assets of the arrangement.

•  The Group’s interests in these investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. 
•  Upon initial recognition as at the date of acquisition, the interests are recognised in the balance 
sheet at cost plus directly incurred acquisition-related expenses. The excess of cost above the 
share of net assets is ascribed to goodwill and other intangible assets, as appropriate. The 
intangible assets are subsequently amortised and presented in the consolidated income statement 
as part of the post-tax share of the acquiree’s results.

•  Subsequently, the carrying amount of the investment is adjusted to include the Group’s share of the 
net assets after the date of acquisition and is assessed for impairment as a single asset at each 
balance sheet date. The Group recognises its share of the acquiree’s net profit or loss after taxation 
as a separate line in the consolidated income statement. The Group’s share of the acquiree’s net 
assets plus direct acquisition expenses, goodwill and other acquisition-related intangible assets is 
presented in the consolidated balance sheet as investments in associates and joint ventures. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
226

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
40. Principal Accounting Policies continued

(k) Impairments
•  The Group assesses at least annually whether there is any indication that an asset is impaired, 

(n) Financial Assets
•  At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a 

and undertakes an assessment for an impairment if such an indication exists.

•  In addition, the Group undertakes an annual impairment assessment of goodwill, whether or not 

an indication of impairment actually exists.

•  Where assets do not generate their own independent cash flows, they are tested at a CGU level 
and, if impairment is identified, the carrying amount of the CGU is reduced to its recoverable 
amount. For assets that generate independent cash flows, the specific asset is impaired to its 
recoverable amount if an impairment is identified. 

•  Where an impairment exists, an asset or CGU is written down to its recoverable amount being the 
higher of: (a) its fair value less costs to sell; and (b) its value-in-use. Details of how value-in-use is 
determined are given in note 15.

•  Impairments are recognised immediately in the consolidated income statement.
•  An impairment of goodwill is never reversed. When applicable, an impairment of any other asset or 
CGU 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.

(l) 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. 

(m) Cash and Cash Equivalents
•  Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits with a 

maturity of less than three months from the date of deposit.

•  Short-term deposits 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. These instruments are held for the purpose of settling current or potential 
cash commitments in the short term by the treasury function.

•  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.

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 FVTPL.

•  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 contract assets, trade receivables, accrued revenue and other receivables.
•  Any other debt instruments, including the convertible financing, which are subsequently not 

measured at amortised cost have been measured at FVTPL.

•  The Group’s financial assets that are equity instruments, or debt instruments that are convertible 

into equity, are subsequently measured at FVTPL. Changes in the fair value of these 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 convertible debt instrument is currently a loan on which interest is earned prior to 
its potential conversion into equity, the conversion of which is dependent upon events outside of the 
Group’s control.

•  The Group applies lifetime expected credit losses (“ECLs”) to trade receivables, accrued revenue, 
contract assets and lease receivables, both short term and long term, upon their initial recognition.
•  The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from 

the asset expire, or when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of 
ownership of the asset to another entity. If the Group neither transfers nor retains substantially all the 
risks and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred asset, the Group recognises 
its retained interest in the asset and an associated liability for amounts it may have to pay. If the 
Group retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, 
the Group continues to recognise the financial asset and also recognises a collateralised borrowing 
for the proceeds received.

(o) 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 FVTPL, 
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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information227

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
40. Principal Accounting Policies continued

(p) Debt Issue Costs 
•  Transaction costs in relation to the arrangement of the ABL facility are capitalised and subsequently 
amortised on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life of the facility. The charge is recognised 
within finance expense in the income statement. Capitalised costs are presented in the balance 
sheet as a reduction to any drawn down debt with any excess over the drawn amount presented 
as a prepayment for services. 

(t) Share-based Payments
•  The Group issues equity-settled and cash-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; the obligation to settle the cash-settled awards is recognised as a liability.

(q) 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.

(u) Share Capital
•  Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are charged to equity as a deduction 

•  The full fair value of a derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability when the remaining 

from the proceeds, net of tax.

maturity of the derivative 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.

(v) Merger Reserve
•  The merger reserve comprises the proceeds received, net of transaction costs, in excess of the 

•  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.

•  The Group has not disclosed the accounting polices relating to fair value hedges and cash flow 

hedges as the amounts are immaterial to the financial statements. 

(r) 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.

(s) Post-employment Benefits
•  Payments to defined contribution retirement schemes are charged to the consolidated income 

statement when they fall due.

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 non-distributable and is transferred to distributable 
retained earnings when the proceeds meet the definition of a qualifying consideration.

(w) 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.

(x) 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 note 40(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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
 
Company Balance Sheet

At 31 December 2023

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Investments in subsidiaries
Other receivables

Current assets
Other receivables
Current tax asset

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Other payables
Provisions

Net current (liabilities)/assets

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

228

2022
$m

205.3
582.3
787.6

2.4
–
2.4

1.5
0.2
1.7
0.7

0.7

787.6

66.5
153.0
9.3
558.8
787.6

Notes

C4
C5

C5

C6

C13
C13
C14
C15

2023
$m

205.3
599.7
805.0

1.4
0.5
1.9

2.7
0.2
2.9
(1.0)

0.7

803.3

66.5
153.0
1.5
582.3
803.3

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 $27.5m (2022 – $9.5m) has been accounted for in the financial statements of the Company. 

The notes on pages 231 to 237 are an integral part of these financial statements. The financial statements on pages 228 to 237 were approved by the Board of Directors on 29 February 2024 and were signed 
on its behalf by:

Jim Johnson 
Director   

Bruce Ferguson
Director 

Registered number: 00974568

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 December 2023

At 1 January 2023

Profit for the year and total comprehensive income

Dividends paid to Hunting PLC shareholders
Treasury shares:
– purchase of treasury shares
– disposal of treasury shares
Share options and awards:
– value of employee services
– discharge
Transfer between reserves

At 31 December 2023

At 1 January 2022

Profit for the year and total comprehensive income

Dividends paid to Hunting PLC shareholders
Treasury shares:
– purchase of treasury shares
– disposal of treasury shares
Share options and awards:
– value of employee services
– discharge
Transfer between reserves

At 31 December 2022

i.  An analysis of other components of equity is provided in note C14. 

Notes

C16

C15
C15

C14
C14, C15

Notes

C16

C15
C15

C14
C14, C15

Year ended 31 December 2023

Share
capital
$m
66.5

 Share
premium
$m
153.0

Other 
components 
of equityi
$m
9.3

–

–

–
–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–
–
–

66.5

153.0

–

–

–
–

12.3
(8.3)
(11.8)

1.5

Year ended 31 December 2022

Share
capital
$m
66.5

 Share
premium
$m
153.0

Other 
components 
of equityi
$m
22.6

–

–

–
–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–
–
–

66.5

153.0

–

–

–
–

9.4
(9.1)
(13.6)

9.3

229

Total 
equity
$m
787.6

27.5

(15.0)

(9.0)
0.3

12.3
(0.4)
–

Retained 
earnings
$m
558.8

27.5

(15.0)

(9.0)
0.3

–
7.9
11.8

582.3

803.3

Retained 
earnings
$m
548.1

9.5

(13.6)

(7.9)
0.2

–
8.9
13.6

Total 
equity
$m
790.2

9.5

(13.6)

(7.9)
0.2

9.4
(0.2)
–

558.8

787.6

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationCompany Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Operating activities
Operating lossi
Impairment of subsidiaries
Share-based payment receivables
Decrease/(increase) in receivables
Increase/(decrease) in payables
Net exchange differences
Taxation paid
Net cash inflow from operating activities
Investing activities
Interest received
Loan issued 
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities
Financing activities
Interest and bank fees paid
Dividends paid to Hunting PLC shareholders
Purchase of treasury shares
Proceeds on disposal of treasury shares
Net cash outflow from financing activities

Net cash increase/(decrease) 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

230

2022
$m

(2.7)
126.0
9.4
(0.3)
(0.1)
(0.3)
(1.8)
130.2

15.9
(121.3)
(105.4)

(3.5)
(13.6)
(7.9)
0.2
(24.8)

–
–
–

Notes

C4

C16

2023
$m

(2.7)
–
12.3
1.0
1.0
(0.2)
(9.1)
2.3

40.0
(18.2)
21.8

(0.4)
(15.0)
(9.0)
0.3
(24.1)

–
–
–

i.  The operating loss line item is loss before finance income, finance expense and tax. Within operating loss is dividend income of $nil (2022 – $126.2m). Please refer to note C18 for further details. 

Hunting Knightsbridge Holdings Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hunting PLC, acting on behalf of Hunting PLC and other group companies was authorised to settle various liabilities against the relevant 
intercompany account. The Company has disclosed the underlying cash flows as operating, investing or financing according to their nature on the basis that, as the principal, Hunting PLC has the right to the 
cash inflows and/or the obligation to settle liabilities to ensure that the cash costs of the Company have been correctly disclosed. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Company Financial Statements

C1. Basis of Preparation

C2. Employees

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 30 Panton Street, London, SW1Y 4AJ. The Company acts as a holding company for the 
Hunting PLC Group. Details of the Company’s associates and joint ventures are given in note C19 
and details of subsidiaries are given in note C20. 

The financial statements of Hunting PLC have been prepared in accordance with United Kingdom 
adopted international accounting standards and in conformity with the requirements of the Companies 
Act 2006. 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 107. The financial statements are presented in US Dollars, the currency of the primary 
economic environment in which the Company operates.

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

C4. Investments in Subsidiaries

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 
98 to 105 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 40 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. 

Cost:
At 1 January and 31 December

Impairment:
At 1 January
Impairment charge for the year
At 31 December

Net book amount

231

2023
$m

2022
$m

(0.5)

(0.5)

2023
$m

2022
$m

436.8

436.8

(231.5)
–
(231.5)

(105.5)
(126.0)
(231.5)

205.3

205.3

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 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 were made regarding future cash flows for the purposes of impairment 
testing relating to the carrying value of investments in subsidiaries. The estimated future gross cash 
flows utilise independent market forecasts adjusted to reflect the Directors’ view of each subsidiary’s 
future trading prospects, 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 believes that there are no other 
critical judgements or estimates applied in the preparation of the Company’s financial statements.

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 investments 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 for the investments are determined using a value-in-use 
method which uses discounted cash flow projections.

For the investment in Hunting Energy Holdings Limited, the Company has utilised the recoverable 
amounts determined by the Group impairment review. The Group impairment testing process and the 
key assumptions are outlined on page 193. In the opinion of the Directors, following the impairment 
review, the recoverable amount of the investment held in Hunting Energy Holdings Limited is in excess 
of the carry value and, as a result, no impairment charge has been recognised in 2023. There was no 
impairment charge in 2022. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNotes to the Company Financial Statements continued
C4. Investments in Subsidiaries continued

(a) Impairment Tests continued
At 31 December 2023, the value of the investment held in Hunting Oil Holdings Limited was $nil. In 
2022, following the receipt of a $126.2m dividend, the carrying value of the investment was compared 
to the net asset value of the investment and the deficit of $126.0m was recognised as an impairment 
charge in the income statement. 

To assess whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk, the risk of default occurring as 
at 31 December 2023 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. Macro-economic information is also considered.

(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.

At 31 December 2023, 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. 

232

C5. Other Receivables

Non-current:
Loans receivable from a subsidiary – interest-bearing
Prepayments

Current:
Receivables from subsidiaries
Prepayments
Other receivables

2023
$m

599.6
0.1
599.7

0.1
1.2
0.1
1.4

2022
$m

581.2
1.1
582.3

1.1
1.3
–
2.4

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 to 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. 

(c) Impairment of Receivables from Subsidiaries and Other Receivables
None of the Company’s receivables from subsidiaries and other receivables (2022 – 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

2023
$m

1.3
1.1
0.3
2.7

2022
$m

0.2
1.0
0.3
1.5

Current payables due to subsidiaries are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand.

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 2023, the Company had no outstanding forward foreign 
exchange contracts (2022 – none). 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 net loss (2022 – $0.1m gain) 
were recognised in the income statement during the year. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
 
 
233

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued

C8. Financial Instruments

(a) Financial Instruments at Amortised Cost
The loan receivable from a subsidiary and current receivables from subsidiaries of $599.7m (2022 – 
$582.3m) are financial assets measured at amortised cost. The interest-bearing loans receivable from 
a subsidiary are unsecured and interest is charged based on a margin over bank lending rates. During 
the year, the Company received interest of $40.2m (2022 – $16.0m) on the interest-bearing loan.

Loans receivable from a subsidiary of $0.2m (2022 – $0.2m) 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 2023, on which exchange differences would be recognised in the income statement 
in the following year, was $2.3m (2022 – $2.1m) for Sterling denominated financial liabilities.

Payables to subsidiaries, accruals and other payables of $2.7m (2022 – $1.5m) are financial liabilities 
carried at amortised cost.

(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.

Net foreign exchange gains of $nil (2022 – $nil) were recognised in profit or loss during the year in 
relation to financial instruments carried at amortised cost.

(b) Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value
The Company has used forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge its exposure to exchange rate 
movements during the year. These financial instruments do not qualify for measurement at either 
amortised cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”), therefore they are 
financial instruments that have mandatorily been measured at fair value through profit or loss 
(“FVTPL”). 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. Details of the fair value gains and losses recognised 
during the year on derivative contracts are given in note C7. 

(c) Fair Values of Other Financial Instruments Carried at Amortised Cost 
Due to their short-term nature, the carrying value of current receivables from subsidiaries, payables to 
subsidiaries, accruals, other payables and provisions 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 foreign 
exchange risk and interest rate risk), as well as 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.

(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 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 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 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, there was no 
cash at bank held at 31 December 2023 or 31 December 2022. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information234

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued
C9. Financial Risk Management continued

(d) Liquidity Risk continued
(ii) 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 dates 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.

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 2023.

The analysis excludes the impact of movements in market variables on the carrying value of provisions 
and on non-financial assets and liabilities.

Non-derivative financial liabilities:
Payables to subsidiaries
Accruals
Other payables

2023

On demand 
or within 
one year
$m

Carrying 
value
$m

2022

On demand 
or within 
one year
$m

1.3
1.1
0.3
2.7

1.3
1.1
0.3
2.7

0.2
1.0
0.3
1.5

Carrying 
value
$m

0.2
1.0
0.3
1.5

The Company did not have any derivative financial liabilities at the end of 2023 or 2022.

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

2023
$m
803.3
(599.6)
203.7

2022
$m
787.6
(581.2)
206.4

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, meaning 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.

(a) Interest Rate Sensitivity
The sensitivity rate of 2.0% (2022 – 1.0%) 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 impact on the income statement, with all other 
variables held constant, in applying the sensitivity results in a $9.2m (2022 – $4.7m) increase or 
decrease in post-tax profits for an increase or decrease in US interest rates. 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 sensitivity rate of 5.0% (2022 – 5.0%) for Sterling foreign exchange rates represents management’s 
assessment of a reasonably possible change, based on historical volatility and a review of analysts’ 
research and banks’ expectations of future interest rates. The impact on the income statement, with 
all other variables held constant, in applying the sensitivity results in an immaterial increase or 
decrease in post-tax profits for an increase or decrease in Sterling foreign exchange rates. There is 
no impact on OCI for a change in foreign exchange rates.

C12. Post-employment Benefits

The increase in total equity during the year is mainly attributable to the total comprehensive income for 
the year of $27.5m and the increase of $11.9m for the net share-based payment charge being offset 
by the payment of dividends of $15.0m and the net increase in treasury shares of $8.7m.

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.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued

C14. Other Components of Equity

The capital redemption reserve is a statutory, non-distributable reserve into which amounts are 
transferred following the purchase of the Company’s own shares out of distributable profits.

At 1 January 2023
Share options and awards:
– value of employee services
– discharge
Transfer between reserves
At 31 December 2023

At 1 January 2022
Share options and awards:
– value of employee services
– discharge
Transfer between reserves
At 31 December 2022

Merger
reserve
$m
11.8

–
–
(11.8)
–

Merger
reserve
$m
25.4

–
–
(13.6)
11.8

Share-based 
payments 
reserve
$m
15.9

12.3
(8.3)
–
19.9

Share-based 
payments 
reserve
$m
15.6

9.4
(9.1)
–
15.9

2023

Currency 
translation
reserve
$m
(19.2)

– 
– 
–
(19.2)

 2022

Currency 
translation 
reserve
$m
(19.2)

–
–
–
(19.2)

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
$m
0.8

–
–
–
0.8

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
$m
0.8

–
–
–
0.8

Total
$m
9.3

12.3
(8.3)
(11.8)
1.5

Total
$m
22.6

9.4
(9.1)
(13.6)
9.3

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, 
the remaining balance of $11.8m (2022 – $13.6m) 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.

C15. Retained Earnings

At 1 January
Profit for the year
Dividends paid to Hunting PLC shareholders (note C16)
Treasury shares:
– purchase of treasury shares
– proceeds on disposal of treasury shares
Share options and awards:
– discharge
Transfer between reserves
At 31 December

2023
$m
558.8
27.5
(15.0)

(9.0)
0.3

7.9
11.8
582.3

Retained earnings include the following amounts in respect of the carrying amount of treasury shares:

Cost:
At 1 January
Purchase of treasury shares
Cost of treasury shares disposed
At 31 December

2023
$m

(19.2)
(9.0)
6.0
(22.2)

2022
$m

(15.0)
(7.9)
3.7
(19.2)

At 31 December 2023, 6,591,918 Ordinary shares were held by the Employee Benefit Trust 
(2022 – 5,370,963). The Company purchased 2,935,096 (2022 – 2,130,142) additional treasury shares 
during the year for $9.0m (2022 – $7.9m). The loss on disposal of treasury shares during the year, 
which is recognised in retained earnings, was $5.7m (2022 – $3.5m).

C16. Dividends Paid to Hunting PLC Shareholders

Please see note 36 of the Group’s financial statements.

235

2022
$m
548.1
9.5
(13.6)

(7.9)
0.2

8.9
13.6
558.8

The share-based payments reserve represents the Company’s obligation to settle share-based 
awards issued to employees of the Hunting PLC Group. When employees exercise their awards, the 
portion of the share-based payments reserve which represents the share-based payment charge for 
those awards is transferred to retained earnings and the Group discharges its obligation. 

C17. Share-based Payments

Please see note 37 of the Group’s financial statements.

The currency translation reserve contains the accumulated foreign exchange differences arising on 
foreign currency loans used to finance foreign currency net investments and also foreign exchange 
differences arising on the Company’s change in presentational currency from Sterling to US Dollars 
on 1 January 2013. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information236

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued

C18. Related-party Transactions

C19. Associates and Joint Ventures

The following related-party transactions took place between the Company and subsidiaries of the 
Group during the year:

Associates are all entities over which the Group has significant influence but not control or joint control. 
This is generally the case where the Group holds between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Joint 
ventures are entities where the Group has joint control over the entity.

Transactions:
  Royalties receivable
  Management fees payable
  Recharges of share options and awards and administrative expenses
  Loans to subsidiary

Interest receivable on intercompany loans

  Dividends received from subsidiaries
Year-end balances:
  Payables to subsidiaries
  Receivables from subsidiaries
  Loans owed by subsidiaries

All balances between the Company and its subsidiaries are unsecured.

2023
$m

12.6
(11.0)
15.8
(18.2)
40.2
–

(1.3)
0.1
599.6

2022
$m

10.0
(9.7)
10.0
(121.3)
16.0
126.2

(0.2)
1.1
581.2

Changes During the Year

(a) Rival Downhole Tools 
The Group’s effective shareholding in Rival Downhole Tools LC decreased during the year to 23.0%, 
from 23.5% in 2022, as there was a change in the agreement. 

(b) Cumberland Additive 
The Group increased its investment in Cumberland Additive Holdings LLC during the year by $1.6m. 
The Group’s effective shareholding has increased to 30.4% as a result of the additional investment.

(c) Tianjin Huaxin Premium Connection Pipe Co., Ltd.
Tianjin Huaxin Premium Connection Pipe Co., Ltd., in which the Company held a 25.5% interest, 
was dissolved in April 2023.

The Company serves as the intermediary for certain Group insurances and is also the head of the VAT 
group for UK central companies. 

Associates and joint venturesi/ii
Rival Downhole Tools LC (23.0%)

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 7 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.

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 162). Accordingly, the Directors do not consider there to be an ultimate 
controlling party.

Cumberland Additive Holdings LLC (30.4%)

Hunting Airtrust Tubulars Pte. Ltd (50%)iv

Jindal Hunting Energy Services Limited (49%)

Registered addressiii
5535 Brystone Drive, Houston, Texas, 77041-
7013, USA
3813 Helios Way, Suite B200, Pflugerville, Texas, 
78660, USA
19 Keppel Road, 08-05 JIT Poh Building, 
089058, Singapore
A-1, UPSIDC Industrial Area, Nand Gaon Road, 
Kosi Kalan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281403 India

i.  All interests are in the Ordinary equity shares of those companies.
ii.  Interest in company is held indirectly by Hunting PLC.
iii.  Associates and joint ventures are incorporated and operate in the countries indicated.
iv.  Hunting Airtrust Tubulars Pte. Ltd is in liquidation.

C20. Subsidiaries

Changes to the Group

(a) Hunting Aviation Limited
Hunting Aviation Limited was dissolved in August 2023. The company was previously liquidated 
in 2015; however, it was restored to the Register of Companies by court order in 2018.

(b) Hunting Energy Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Hunting Energy Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd was deregistered in February 2023. 

(c) Incorporation of JAFZA Company
Hunting Energy Services FZE was incorporated in July 2023.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued
C20. Subsidiaries continued

All companies listed below are wholly owned by the Group, except where otherwise indicated.

Subsidiariesi/ii
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 
Enpro Subsea Limited 

Enpro Subsea Operations Limited

Enpro Subsea Group Limited

Enpro Subsea Ghana Ltd (83%)

Enpro Subsea Group Ghana Limited

PT Hunting Energy Asia

Hunting Alpha (EPZ) Limited (60%)v

Hunting Energy de Mexico

Hunting Energy Services B.V. 
Hunting Energy Services (Norway) AS
Hunting Energy Saudi Arabia LLC (65%)

Hunting Energy Services Limited

Hunting Energy Services Pte. Ltd
Hunting Energy Services (China) Pte. Ltd. (70%)
Hunting Energy Services (Thailand) Limited (49%)v

Hunting Energy Services India Private Limited 

Hunting Energy Services FZE

Registered address

Level 40, Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer 
Place, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia 
5550 Skyline Way NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 7Z7, 
Canada
Plot 48, Phase 5, Shuofang Industrial Park, Wuxi 
New District, Jiangsu Province, China 214142
Plot 48, Phase 5, Shuofang Industrial Park, Wuxi 
New District, Jiangsu Province, China 214142
30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ, 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
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
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
16E Tuas Avenue 1, #01-61 Singapore 639537 
16E Tuas Avenue 1, #01-61 Singapore 639537
436/27, Moo 2, Thanadee-Klongwong Road, 
Tambol Phawong, Amphur Muong Songkhla, 
90100, Thailand
602, Block A, Naurang House,  
21 KG Marg, Canaught Place, New Delhi,  
Central Delhi 110001, India
S40432, Jebel Ali Freezone, Dubai, UAE

237

Subsidiariesi/ii
National Coupling Company, Inc.

Hunting Energy Services, LLC

Premium Finishes, Inc.

Hunting Dearborn, Inc.
Hunting Energy Services (Drilling Tools), Inc.

Hunting Innova, Inc.

Hunting Specialty Supply, Inc.

Hunting Titan, Inc.

Tenkay Resources, Inc.

Corporate activities
Hunting Energy Holdings Limitediii
Hunting Energy Services (International) Limited
Hunting Energy Services Overseas Holdings 
Limited
Hunting Oil Holdings Limitediii/iv
Hunting Knightsbridge Holdings Limited
Huntaven Properties Limitediv
HG Management Services Ltd
Huntfield Trust Limitediv
Stag Line Limitediv
Hunting U.S. Holdings, Inc.

Registered address
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
6 Dearborn Drive, Fryeburg, Maine, 04037, USA
16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 600, Houston, 
Texas, 77060, USA 
8383 North Sam Houston Parkway West, 
Houston, Texas, 77064, USA
100 E. Wally Wilkerson Parkway, Conroe, Texas, 
77303, USA
16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 600, Houston, 
Texas, 77060, USA 
16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 600, Houston, 
Texas, 77060, USA

30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ, England 
30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ, England 
30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ, England 

30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ, England 
30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ, England 
30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ, England 
30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ, England 
30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ, England 
30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ, England 
16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 600, Houston, 
Texas, 77060, USA 

i. 

 Except where otherwise stated, companies are wholly owned, being incorporated and operating in the countries indicated. All subsidiary 
undertakings have been included in the consolidated financial statements.

ii.   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 companies.

iii.  Interest in company is held directly by Hunting PLC.
iv.   Hunting Oil Holdings Limited (registered number 01103530), Huntaven Properties Limited (registered number 00841865), Huntfield Trust 

Limited (registered number 00372215) and Stag Line Limited (registered number 00151320) 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.  Hunting Alpha (EPZ) Limited and Hunting Energy Services (Thailand) Limited are in liquidation.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHunting PLC  Annual Report and Accounts 2023

238

OTHER
INFORMATION

Non-GAAP Measures 

Financial Record  

Shareholder and Statutory Information 

Glossary 

Professional Advisers 

239

245

246

248

252

Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information239

Non-GAAP Measures

The performance of the Group is assessed by the Directors using a number of measures, which are 
not defined under IFRS, and are therefore considered to be non-GAAP measures (“NGMs”). However, 
the measures used by the Group may not be comparable with similarly described measures 
presented by other businesses. 

B. Adjusted Profitability Measures
Certain reported profit and loss measures are adjusted for the items described in NGM A. This is the 
basis used by the Directors in assessing performance.

The Group presents adjusted profitability measures below, which exclude adjusting items (see NGM A). 
The adjusted results, when considered together with results reported under IFRS, provide investors, 
analysts and other stakeholders with complementary information which aids comparison of the 
Group’s financial performance from one period to the next. These adjusted measures are used by 
management for planning, reporting and performance management purposes. The adjusted 
profitability measures are reconciled to unadjusted IFRS results presented on the face of the income 
statement, with details of the adjusting items provided in NGM A. Adjusted results can be higher or 
lower than the IFRS results as they often exclude significant items and should not be regarded as a 
complete picture of the Group’s financial performance, which is presented by the IFRS results in the 
income statement. 

In addition, the Group’s results and financial position are analysed using certain other measures that 
are not defined under IFRS and are therefore considered to be NGMs. These measures are used by 
management to monitor ongoing business performance. This section provides a definition of each 
NGM presented in this report, the purpose for which the measure is used and a reconciliation of the 
NGM to the reported IFRS numbers.

Operating profit – consolidated income statement
Add back adjusting items (NGM A)
Adjusted operating profit

Profit/(loss) before tax – consolidated income statement
Add back adjusting items (NGM A)
Adjusted profit before tax

Profit/(loss) for the year attributable to owners of the parent 
  – consolidated income statement
(Deduct)/add back adjusting items after tax attributable to owners of the 
parent (NGM A)
Adjusted profit for the year attributable to owners of the parent

The auditors are required under the Companies Act 2006 to consider whether these non-GAAP 
measures are prepared consistently with the financial statements.

Adjusted earnings per share:
Adjusted basic EPS
Adjusted diluted EPS

2023
$m
61.0
–
61.0

50.0
–
50.0

117.1

(83.1)
34.0

2022
$m
2.0
12.6
14.6

(2.4)
12.6
10.2

(4.6)

12.6
8.0

cents

cents

21.4
20.3

5.0
4.7

Income Statement Non-GAAP Measures

A. Adjusting Items
Due to their size and nature, the following items are considered to be adjusting items and have been 
presented separately.

Impairment of goodwill (note 5)
Legal fees (note 5)
Total adjustments to operating profit
Tax impact of adjusting items (note 5)
Adjusting items after tax

Adjusting items after tax attributable to owners of the parent
Adjusting items after tax attributable to non-controlling interests

2023
$m
–
–
–
83.1
83.1

83.1
–
83.1

2022
$m
(7.0)
(5.6)
(12.6)
–
(12.6)

(12.6)
–
(12.6)

C. EBITDA
Purpose: This profit measure is used as a simple proxy for pre-tax cash flows from operating activities. 
EBITDA is frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties.

Calculation definition: Adjusted results before share of associates’ and joint ventures’ results, interest, 
tax, depreciation, impairment of non-current assets and amortisation.

Operating profit – consolidated income statement
Add back adjusting items (NGM A)
Adjusted operating profit (NGM B)
Add back:
 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 11)
 Depreciation of right-of-use assets (note 12)
 Amortisation of other intangible assets (note 14) 
 Impairment of right-of-use assets (note 12)
 Impairment of goodwill (note 13)

EBITDA

2023
$m
61.0
–
61.0

27.2
6.6
6.6
0.2
1.4
42.0
103.0

2022
$m
2.0
12.6
14.6

26.6
6.4
4.4
–
–
37.4
52.0

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNon-GAAP Measures continued
Income Statement Non-GAAP Measures continued

C. EBITDA continued
EBITDA by Operating Segment

Operating profit – condensed consolidated income statement
Add back adjusting items (NGM A)
Adjusted operating profit (NGM B)
Add back:
 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets (note 2)
 Amortisation of other intangible assets (note 2)
 Impairment of non-current assets (note 2)

EBITDA

Operating profit – condensed consolidated income statement
Add back adjusting items (NGM A)
Adjusted operating profit (NGM B)
Add back:
 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets (note 2)
 Amortisation of other intangible assets (note 2)

EBITDA

Hunting 
Titan
$m
12.7
–
12.7

7.5
1.7
–
9.2
21.9

Hunting
 Titan
$m
10.3
5.6
15.9

7.5
1.3
8.8
24.7

2023

North
 America 
$m
34.1
–
34.1

Subsea
 Technologies 
$m
8.0
–
8.0

17.9
2.0
0.2
20.1
54.2

North
America
$m
9.2
–
9.2

16.5
1.0
17.5
26.7

2.4
1.9
1.4
5.7
13.7

2022

Subsea
Technologies
$m
(8.1)
7.0
(1.1)

2.7
1.8
4.5
3.4

EMEA
$m
(2.3)
–
(2.3)

3.4
0.6
–
4.0
1.7

EMEA
$m
(6.0)
–
(6.0)

3.6
0.3
3.9
(2.1)

D. Adjusted Tax Charge and Effective Tax Rate
Purpose: The weighted average effective tax rate represents the level of tax, both current and deferred, being borne by operations on an adjusted basis.

Calculation definition: The adjusted taxation charge divided by adjusted profit before tax, expressed as a percentage.

Taxation credit/(charge) – consolidated income statement
Deduct tax impact of adjusting items (NGM A)
Adjusted taxation charge

Adjusted profit before tax for the year (NGM B)

Adjusted effective tax rate

Adjusting items are taxed on an item-by-item basis as shown in NGM A.

240

Total 
$m
61.0
–
61.0

33.8
6.6
1.6
42.0
103.0

Total
$m
2.0
12.6
14.6

33.0
4.4
37.4
52.0

2022
$m
(1.3)
–
(1.3)

10.2

13%

Asia
 Pacific
$m
8.5
–
8.5

2.6
0.4
–
3.0
11.5

Asia
Pacific
$m
(3.4)
–
(3.4)

2.7
–
2.7
(0.7)

2023
$m
69.0
(83.1)
(14.1)

50.0

28%

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationNon-GAAP Measures continued

Balance Sheet Non-GAAP Measures

E. 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 not in a hedge and deferred bank fees, plus inventories less trade and other payables 
excluding payables due to associates, derivative financial liabilities not in a hedge 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)
Add: non-working capital US deferred compensation plan obligation  

(note 22)

Less: non-working capital current other receivables and other payables 
Working capital

2023
$m
1.8
251.4
328.4
(163.4)
(3.7)

2.2
(0.8)
415.9

2022
$m
2.8
232.4
272.1
(141.8)
(3.2)

1.9
(1.4)
362.8

Revenue for the last three months of the year

228.2

207.1

Working capital as a percentage of annualised revenue

46%

44%

For the purposes of the above calculation, annualised revenue is calculated as revenue for the last 
three months of the year multiplied by four. 

F. 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 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)
Cost of sales for the last three months of the year

Inventory days

2023
$m
328.4
172.7

2022
$m
272.1
157.1

175 days

159 days

241

G. 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, accrued revenue and contract assets at the year-end 
divided by revenue for the last three months of the year multiplied by the number of days in the last 
quarter, adjusted for the impact of acquisitions and disposals when applicable.

Trade receivables 
Accrued revenue
Contract assets 
Less: provisions for impairment 
Net receivables (note 18)

Revenue for the last three months of the year

Trade receivables days

2023
$m
204.7
2.5
17.5
(3.5)
221.2

2022
$m
183.1
2.2
8.6
(3.7)
190.2

228.2

207.1

89 days

84 days

H. Trade Payables Days
Purpose: This is a working capital efficiency ratio that measures payables balances relative to business 
activity levels.

Calculation definition: Trade payables and accrued goods received not invoiced (“accrued GRN”) 
at the year-end divided by purchased materials and cash costs for the last three months of the year 
multiplied by the number of days in the last quarter, adjusted for the impact of acquisitions and 
disposals when applicable.

Trade payables (note 22)
Accrued GRN
Total payables

2023
$m
62.5
6.3
68.8

2022
$m
66.8
8.4
75.2

Purchased materials and cash costs for the last three months of the year

128.5

137.5

Trade payables days

49 days

50 days

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
Non-GAAP Measures continued
Balance Sheet Non-GAAP Measures continued

I. Other Net Assets
Purpose: Provides an analysis of other net assets in the Summary Group Balance Sheet in the 
Strategic Report.

L. Net Cash/(Debt)
Purpose: Net cash/(debt) is a measure of the Group’s liquidity and reflects the Group’s cash and liquid 
assets that would remain if all of its debts were to be immediately paid off. 

242

Non-current investments (note 17)
Non-working capital US deferred compensation plan obligation (NGM E)
Non-working capital current other receivables and other payables (NGM E)

2023
$m
4.4
(2.2)
0.8
3.0

2022
$m
4.8
(1.9)
1.4
4.3

Calculation definition: Net cash/(debt) comprises total cash and bank (NGM K) less total lease liabilities 
and the shareholder loan from a non-controlling interest. 

The Group’s net cash/(debt) comprised:

J. Capital Employed
Purpose: Used in the calculation of the return on average capital employed (see NGM S).

Total cash and bank (NGM K)
Total lease liabilities (note 24)
Shareholder loan from non-controlling interests – non-current borrowings  

Calculation definition: Capital employed is total equity excluding net (cash)/debt as applicable.

(note 25)

2023
$m
(0.8)
(28.7)

(3.9)
(33.4)

2022
$m
24.5
(30.6)

(3.9)
(10.0)

The Group’s capital comprised:

Total equity – consolidated balance sheet
Net debt (note 26)

2023
$m
957.1
33.4
990.5

2022
$m
846.2
10.0
856.2

Cash Flow Non-GAAP Measures

M. Cash Flow Working Capital Movements 
Purpose: Reconciles the working capital movements in the Summary Group Cash Flow in the 
Strategic Report.

K. Total Cash and Bank
Purpose: Total cash and bank 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 there is sufficient 
liquidity to meet business requirements. 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.

Calculation definition: Cash and cash equivalents, comprising cash at bank and in hand and short-term 
deposits of less than three months to maturity from the date of deposit; and short-term deposits of 
more than three months to maturity from the date of deposit; less bank overdrafts and bank borrowings.

Working capital – opening balance
Foreign exchange
Adjustments:
  Transfer to property, plant and equipment (note 11)
  Capital investment receivables/payables cash flows
  Asset disposals receivables/payables cash flows
  Other non-cash flow movements
  Other cash flow movement
Working capital – closing balance (NGM E)
Cash flow

2023
$m
362.8
1.7

(1.5)
0.6
(1.5)
(1.5)
0.3
(415.9)
(55.0)

2022
$m
278.0
0.5

(1.6)
(0.6)
–
0.1
(0.2)
(362.8)
(86.6)

The Group’s total cash and bank comprised:

Cash and cash equivalents (note 21)
Bank overdrafts secured – current borrowings (note 25)
Cash and cash equivalents – consolidated statement of cash flows
Bank borrowings – current borrowings (note 25)

2023
$m
45.5
(1.4)
44.1
(44.9)
(0.8)

2022
$m
29.4
(2.1)
27.3
(2.8)
24.5

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
243

Non-GAAP Measures continued
Cash Flow Non-GAAP Measures continued

N. Capital Investment
Purpose: Capital investment identifies the cash resources being absorbed organically within the 
business to maintain or enhance operating activity levels. 

P. 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, or to return to shareholders and is a KPI used by management. 

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.

Calculation definition: All cash flows before transactions with shareholders and investments by way 
of acquisition. 

Property, plant and equipment additions (note 11)
Capital investment receivables/payables cash flows (NGM M)
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

Capital investment by operating segment:
Hunting Titan
North America
Subsea Technologies
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Central
Cash flow

2023
$m
23.1
0.6
23.7

0.6
23.1
23.7

3.1
14.5
1.2
2.4
2.2
0.3
23.7

2022
$m
17.0
(0.6)
16.4

0.5
15.9
16.4

3.9
6.3
0.9
0.7
2.6
2.0
16.4

O. 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.

Increase in provisions – consolidated statement of cash flows
Other non-cash flow items

2023
$m
0.5
(1.3)
(0.8)

2022
$m
0.2
0.3
0.5

EBITDA (NGM C)
Add: share-based payment charge (note 37)

Working capital movements (NGM M)
Payment of lease liabilities, principal and interest
Net interest and bank fees paid 
Net taxation paid
Proceeds from asset disposals
Net gains on asset disposals
Legal fees to defend patent infringement claim 
Other operating cash and non-cash movements (NGM O)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of property, plant and equipment held for rental 
Purchase of intangible assets
Free cash flow

Reconciliation to the consolidated statement of cash flows:
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities
Net interest and bank fees paid
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Payment of lease liabilities, principal and interest
Net proceeds on disposal of lease liabilities
Free cash flow

2023
$m
103.0
13.5
116.5
(55.0)
(10.4)
(7.3)
(9.1)
1.9
(1.7)
–
(0.8)
(23.1)
(0.6)
(10.9)
(0.5)

49.3
(7.3)
1.9
(23.1)
(10.9)
(10.4)
–
(0.5)

Restatedii
2022
$m
52.0
9.9
61.9
(86.6)
(8.0)
(2.9)
(3.9)
9.0
(2.8)
(5.6)
0.5
(15.9)
(0.5)
(5.6)
(60.4)

(36.8)
(2.9)
6.6
(15.9)
(5.6)
(8.0)
2.2
(60.4)

 All above items appear in the consolidated statement of cash flows, unless stated.

i. 
ii.   2022 has been restated to include purchases of property, plant and equipment and purchases of intangible assets. Additionally, the 
reconciliation to the consolidated statement of cash flows has been restated to start from ‘Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating 
activities’ which is the closest comparable IFRS measure to free cash flow. 

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information 
244

Non-GAAP Measures continued

Other Non-GAAP Measures

Q. 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 R).

Calculation definition: The amount in cents returned to Ordinary shareholders.

S. Return on Average Capital Employed
Purpose: Measures the levels of return the Group is generating from its capital employed.

Calculation definition: Adjusted profit before interest and tax, amended to include the share of 
associates’ and joint ventures’ 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.

Interim dividend
Final dividend

2023
cents 
5.0
5.0
10.0

2022
cents 
4.5
4.5
9.0

Average monthly gross capital employed (13-point average)

Adjusted operating profit (NGM B)
Adjusted share of associates’ and joint ventures’ results (NGM B)

R. 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/(loss) per share attributable to Ordinary shareholders divided by the 
cash dividend per share to be returned to Ordinary shareholders, on an accruals basis.

Return on average capital employed

2023
$m
936.1

61.0
(0.6)
60.4

6%

2022
$m
821.3

14.6
(2.7)
11.9

1%

Earnings/(loss) per share
Basic (NGM B/note 10)
Diluted (NGM B/note 10)

Dividend (NGM Q)

Dividend cover
Basic 
Diluted

2023

2022

Adjusted
cents

Reported
cents

Adjusted
cents

Reported
cents

21.4
20.3

10.0

2.1x
2.0x

73.8
70.0

10.0

7.4x
7.0x

5.0
4.7

9.0

0.6x
0.5x

(2.8)
(2.8)

9.0

n/a
n/a

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationFinancial Record 

Revenue
EBITDA
Depreciation and non-adjusting amortisation and impairment
Operating profit/(loss)
Net finance expense
Share of associates’ and joint ventures’ results
Profit/(loss) before tax
Taxation
Profit/(loss) for the year

Basic earnings/(loss) per share
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

Dividend per shareii

Balance sheet
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Working capital
Associates and joint ventures
Taxation (current and deferred)
Provisions
Other net assets
Capital employed
 Total cash and bank
 Lease liabilities
 Other borrowings
Net (debt)/cash 
Net assets
Non-controlling interests
Equity attributable to owners of the parent

Net assets per share

Income statement is presented after the impact of adjusting items.

i. 
ii.  Dividend per share is stated on a declared basis. 

2023
$m
929.1
103.0
(42.0)
61.0
(10.4)
(0.6)
50.0
(14.1)
35.9

cents
21.4
20.3

10.0

$m

254.5
26.2
195.2
415.9
20.5
82.7
(7.5)
3.0
990.5
(0.8)
(28.7)
(3.9)
(33.4)
957.1
(3.3)
953.8

cents
580.4

2022
$m
725.8
52.0
(37.4)
14.6
(1.7)
(2.7)
10.2
(1.3)
8.9

cents
5.0
4.7

9.0

$m

256.7
26.0
191.2
362.8
20.1
4.0
(8.9)
4.3
856.2
24.5
(30.6)
(3.9)
(10.0)
846.2
(1.6)
844.6

cents
513.2

2021
$m
521.6
3.1
(38.2)
(35.1)
(2.0)
(3.5)
(40.6)
(4.9)
(45.5)

cents
(27.1)
(27.1)

8.0

$m

274.4
24.7
200.3
278.0
19.4
1.4
(8.1)
2.7
792.8
114.2
(31.8)
(3.9)
78.5
871.3
(1.4)
869.9

cents
528.4

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
18.1
6.0
(8.9)
1.6
919.1
101.7
(40.3)
(3.9)
57.5
976.6
(12.2)
964.4

cents
592.2

245

2019
$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
0.7
19.8
(8.4)
0.4
1,145.9
127.0
(45.2)
(3.9)
77.9
1,223.8
(15.9)
1,207.9

cents
733.3

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationShareholder and Statutory Information 

Registered office

30 Panton Street
London
SW1Y 4AJ

Company Number: 00974568 (Registered in England and Wales)

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7321 0123

Email: lon.ir@hunting-intl.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hunting-energy-services/ 

Financial calendar

The Company’s 2024 financial calendar is as follows:

Date
29 February 2024
29 February 2024
14 March 2024
11 April 2024
12 April 2024
17 April 2024
17 April 2024
10 May 2024
8 July 2024
29 August 2024
29 August 2024
3 October 2024
4 October 2024
24 October 2024
25 October 2024

Event
2023 Full Year Results Announcement
2023 Final Dividend – Announcement date
Publication of Annual Report and Notice of AGM
Final Dividend – Ex-dividend date
Final Dividend – Record date
Trading Statement
AGM and Proxy Voting Results of AGM
Final Dividend – Payment date
Trading Statement
2024 Half Year Results Announcement
2024 Interim Dividend – Announcement date
Interim Dividend – Ex-dividend date
Interim Dividend – Record date
Trading Statement
Interim Dividend – Payment date

246

Financial reports

The Company’s 2023 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: +44 (0)371 384 2173

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 2023, the Company had 1,263 Ordinary shareholders (2022 – 1,285) who held 
164.9m (2022 – 164.9m) 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

2023

2022

% of total 
shareholders

% of total 
shares

% of total 
shareholders

% of total 
shares

71.3
10.0
4.2
7.4
2.3
4.8

0.5
0.7
0.9
5.4
5.4
87.1

72.3
10.2
3.4
7.7
2.2
4.2

0.5
0.7
0.8
5.7
5.6
86.7

Further information on share capital can be found in note 33.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationShareholder and Statutory Information continued

Annual General Meeting 2024

The AGM of the Company will take place on Wednesday 17 April 2024 at the Royal Automobile Club, 
89 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HS, commencing at 10.30a.m.

Format and business of meeting
The 2024 AGM is planned to be an open meeting, with shareholders welcome to attend.

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 web-link 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 during the presentation noted above. Shareholders are therefore 
asked to submit all questions, in relation to the business to be considered at the AGM, by Monday 
15 April 2024, to the Company’s registered office, for the attention of the Company Secretary. 
Alternatively, questions can be submitted via email at lon.agm@hunting-intl.com.

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 10.30a.m. on Monday 15 April 2024.

247

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 2021. The Policy can be found on pages 137 to 145 of the Company’s 2023 Annual 
Report and Accounts.

As part of the routine business to be considered at the AGM, all Directors’ will submit themselves for 
reappointment.

Documents on display
Copies of the executive Directors’ service contracts and letters of appointment of non-executive 
Directors will be available for inspection at the Company’s registered office from the date the Notice 
of AGM is issued (being 21 clear days’ notice ahead of the meeting) until the time of the AGM and at 
the Royal Automobile Club, 89 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HS from 15 minutes before the AGM starts 
until it ends.

Non-financial information and sustainability 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 28 to 39);
•  environmental matters, including impact of the Company’s business on the environment  

(pages 38, 69 to 73, and 82 to 95);
•  employees (pages 31, and 33 to 35);
•  respect for human rights (pages 34 and 78); and
•  anti-bribery and corruption matters (pages 33 to 37 and 78).

Included within these disclosures are details of policies, outcomes, risk factors and related key 
performance indicators.

In compliance with The Companies (Strategic Report) (Climate-related Financial Disclosure) 
Regulations 2022, the Company has disclosed information that covers the eight areas required under 
section 414 CB of the Companies Act 2006. These disclosures form part of the Company’s TCFD 
disclosures for 2023, which can be found on pages 82 to 95 of this report. Hunting has reported 
against all four pillars and 11 reporting areas as required by TCFD.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationCGU
Cash-generating unit.

CMD
Capital Markets Day.

CNOOC
Chinese National Offshore Oil Corporation.

CNY
Chinese Yuan Renminbi.

CO2
Carbon dioxide.

CO2e
Carbon dioxide equivalent.

CO2 intensity factor
Scope 1 and 2 carbon dioxide equivalent metric, 
reported as kilogrammes per $’000 of revenue.

CRA
Corrosion Resistant Alloys.

CRFD
Climate-Related Financial Disclosures.

CTR
Currency Translation Reserve.

C

c
Cents.

c.
Circa.

°C
The degree Celsius is a unit commonly used 
to measure temperature. The Celsius scale is 
created by defining 0°C as the freezing point of 
water and 100°C as the boiling point of water.

CAD
Canadian dollar. 

CAGR
Compound Annual Growth Rate.

Capital employed*
See NGM J.

Capital investment – “Capex”*
See NGM N.

CCUS
Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage.

CDP
Carbon Disclosure Project. 

CEO
Chief Executive Officer.

CFO
Chief Financial Officer.

248

D

DEFRA
The UK Government’s Department for 
Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

Diluted EPS / (LPS)*
Diluted earnings / (loss) per share – calculated by 
dividing earnings / (loss) 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 potential 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 
earnings / (loss) per share.

Dividend cover*
See NGM R.

DNS 
Domain Name System security, this refers to the 
technique of defending DNS infrastructure from 
cyber attacks.

Downhole
Downhole refers to something that is located 
within the wellbore.

Dividend Per Share Declared*
See NGM Q.

DTA
Deferred Tax Assets.

Glossary

A

ABC
Anti-Bribery and Corruption. 

ABL
Asset Based Lending. 

Adjusted*
Results for the year, as reported under IFRS, 
adjusted for certain items as determined by 
management, is the basis used by the Directors 
in assessing performance and aids a more 
effective comparison of the Group’s financial 
performance from one period to the next.

AGM
Annual General Meeting.

B

Basic EPS / (LPS)*
Basic earnings / (loss) per share – calculated 
by dividing the earnings / (loss) attributable 
to Ordinary shareholders by the weighted 
average number of Ordinary shares in issue 
during the year.

bbl
Barrel of crude oil – one barrel of oil equals 
159 litres or 42 US gallons.

BEIS
The UK Government’s Department for Business, 
Energy & Industrial Strategy.

bn
Billion.

bopd
Barrels of Oil per Day.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationGlossary continued

E

E&P
Exploration and Production.

EBITDA*
See NGM C.

EBT
Employee Benefit Trust.

ED
Executive Director.

F

FCA
Financial Conduct Authority.

FCCR
Fixed Charge Cover Ratio.

FCF
Free Cash Flow.

G

GAAP
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

GBP
British pound sterling.

GHG
Greenhouse Gas.

FPSO
Floating Production, Storage and Offloading.

GITC
General IT Controls.

EMEA
Europe, Middle East and Africa.

FRC
Financial Reporting Council.

EPS
Earnings Per Share.

Free cash flow*
See NGM P.

FTSE 250
The Financial Times Stock Exchange 250 share 
index is a weighted index of the 250 largest 
companies by free float market capitalisation 
after the top 100.

ERP
Enterprise Resource Planning.

ESEF
European Single Electronic Format.

ESG
Environmental, Social and Governance.

ETP
Effluent Treatment Plant.

ETR
Effective Tax Rate.

EUR
Euro.

Exajoules
A unit used to measure energy. 1 exajoule is 
equivalent to approximately 163.46 million barrels 
of oil equivalent.

ExCo
The Hunting Executive Committee.

GM
General Manager.

GRN
Goods Received Note.

GW
Gigawatts.

GWh
Gigawatt hour – 1 billion watt hours.

H

H1
The first half of the year, comprising the first 
and second quarter.

H2
The second half of the year, comprising the 
third and fourth quarter.

HPSP
Hunting Performance Share Plan.

HR
Human Resources.

249

HRSP
Hunting Restricted Share Plan.

HSE
Health, Safety and Environment.

I

IAS
International Accounting Standards.

ICBC
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.

IEA
International Energy Agency.

IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards 
as adopted by the United Kingdom.

Incident rate
An 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 
manufacturing processes.

Inventory days*
See NGM F.

ISO
International Organization for Standardization.

IT
Information Technology.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationGlossary continued

J

JV
Joint Venture.

K

k
Thousand.

kft2
Thousands of Square Feet.

KPI
Key Performance Indicator.

kl
Kilolitre.

km
Kilometre.

Kyoto Protocol
International agreement between nations 
to mandate country-by-country reductions 
in greenhouse gas emissions. 

L

Lean
A production practice that eliminates wasteful 
processes, thereby reducing production time 
and costs, and improving efficiency.

mft
Millions of Feet.

mmBtu
1 million British Thermal Units.

mmtpa
1 million Tonnes per Annum.

MW
Megawatts.

MWD / LWD
Measurement-While-Drilling / Logging-While-
Drilling.

N

NCI
Non-controlling Interest.

Net Cash/(Debt)*
See NGM L.

NGM
Non-GAAP Measure – see pages 239 to 244.

NMFR
Near-Miss Frequency Rate is calculated by 
multiplying the number of near-miss incidents by 
200,000 and then dividing that number by the 
number of labour hours worked.

LTIP
Long-Term Incentive Plan.

NOK
Norwegian Kroner.

M

m
Million.

m2
Square Metre.

M&A
Mergers and Acquisitions.

Non-GAAP Measure
The performance of the Group is assessed by 
the Directors using a number of measures, which 
are not defined under IFRS, and are therefore 
considered to be non-GAAP measures  
(see pages 239 to 244).

NRV
Net Realisable Value.

250

O

OCI
Other Comprehensive Income.

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.

OEM
Original Equipment Manufacturer.

Q

Q1
The first quarter of the year, comprising January, 
February and March.

Q2
The second quarter of the year, comprising April, 
May and June.

Q3
The third quarter of the year, comprising July, 
August and September.

OIA
Other Intangible Assets.

OOR
Organic Oil Recovery.

OSHA
The US Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration.

Q4
The fourth quarter of the year, comprising 
October, November and December.

QAHSE
Quality Assurance, Health, Safety and 
Environment.

QMS
Quality Management System.

P

p
Pence.

p.a.
Per Annum.

PBT
Profit Before Tax.

PCB
Printed Circuit Board.

PPE
Property, Plant and Equipment.

PSP
Performance Share Plan.

PSU
Performance Stock Unit.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationGlossary continued

R

R&D
Research and Development.

Recordable incidents
An OSHA recordable incident is recorded 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.

ROCE*
See NGM S.

RSU
Restricted Stock Unit.

S

S&P
Standard & Poor’s.

Sales order book
The value of all unsatisfied orders from 
customers and is expected to be recognised 
as revenue in future periods. The sales order 
book represents the aggregate amount of the 
transaction price allocated to partially or fully 
unsatisfied performance obligations as defined 
in IFRS 15. 

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.

Trade payables days* 
See NGM H.

Trade receivables days* 
See NGM G.

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.

251

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.

Scope 3
Scope 3 emissions are all other indirect 
emissions that are not produced by the company 
itself and are not the result of activities from 
assets owned or controlled by them, but by 
those that it’s indirectly responsible for up and 
down its value chain.

SDG
The United Nations Sustainable Development 
Goal.

SID
Senior Independent Director.

T

3D
Three-dimensional.

TCFD 
Task Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures.

TSR*
Total Shareholder Return – the net share price 
change plus the dividends paid during that period.

Working capital*
See NGM E.

WTI
West Texas Intermediate – the price per barrel 
of Texas light sweet crude oil.

WTW
WillisTowersWatson.

X

XHTML
Extensible HyperText Markup Language.

Z

ZLD
Zero Liquid Discharge.

*Non-GAAP measure.

U

UAE
United Arab Emirates. 

UK
United Kingdom.

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.

SASB
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board.

TES
Total Energy Supply.

tn
Trillion.

Total cash and bank*
See NGM K.

Hunting PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2023Strategic ReportCorporate GovernanceFinancial StatementsOther Information252

Professional Advisers

Solicitors

CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP

Independent Auditors

Deloitte LLP

Joint Corporate Brokers

Investec Bank plc and 
RBC Capital Markets

Financial Advisers

DC Advisory Limited

Insurance Brokers

WillisTowersWatson

Pension Advisers and Actuary

Lane Clark & Peacock LLP

Financial Public Relations

Buchanan Communications Limited

Registrars and Transfer Office

Equiniti Limited
Aspect House
Spencer Road, Lancing
West Sussex BN99 6DA

Telephone:
+44 (0)371 384 2173

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Hunting PLC

30 Panton Street
London SW1Y 4AJ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7321 0123
Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 2072

www.huntingplc.com